Fontaine's EPIC: The Musical

Open Arms

POLITES: You can relax, my friend
ODYSSEUS: Huh?
Curious looks as to why Polites suddenly said that. Most people didn't notice how Odysseus looked slightly uncomfortable, with his hand gripping tightly around the hilt of his sword. Though some more observant people do. One of them includes Freminet, who can already tell that the dude has some serious issues, which is honestly very logical considering the fact that Odysseus has been at war for who knows how long.

P: I can tell you're getting nervous. So do yourself a service and try to relax my friend.
“Him being able to see that Odysseus is anxious really shows their friendship.” Someone comments.
Others exchange looks because even if they didn't know Odysseus well, they can tell that he's anxious by how tense his body is.

O: I'm fine, Polites.
“Are you though?” Some doubtful looks.

P: Think of all that we have been through
We'll survive what we get into.
“That's some real positive thinking.”
Some people like that. Others think it's going to get them killed or injured badly because that's just life for you!

P: I know that you're tired of the war and bloodshed. Tell me, is this how we're supposed to live?
The Fontanians think about the prophecy and how they had lived with that for a long time, about how hard it was to figure out what would happen to them next and how much they had suffered from it. They had lost people they loved, watched as the water levels rise, and everything they knew sank... until suddenly and unexpectedly, it started to return back to normal. They had Monsieur Neuvillette to thank for that.

P: You could show a person that you trust them. When you stop and lower your guard.
People close to Furina realize just a little how similar Polites are to Furina, both being this upbeat and pure soul. They smile, curious about Polites’ past and what made him so positive. Was he always like this?

P: This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms. Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart.
Those feelings increase upon hearing Polites' words and beliefs. It matches quite well with what they assume were Furina’s own beliefs and thoughts.

P: No matter the place, we can light up the world, here's how to start. Greet the world with open arms.
People smile, liking Polites for being so cheerful and light-hearted. Neuvillette recalls Furina and himself, their first few meetings where Furina would try her best to get him to better understand and trust humanity. He finds himself missing those moments of peace and quiet, where they spent quite much quality time together as she taught him about humans and how they acted, when he was awfully curious and confused of humanity due to not being one himself. He was the Hydro Dragon afterall, what would he have known about mortals?

LOTUS EATERS: Welcome.
O: Stay back!
Most people freeze at the tone drop, startling when they see Odysseus raising his sword, shocked, and panicked. They wonder what is going on. What are those… creatures? They didn't look like any melusine, that's for sure. But they were so fluffy and... just what are they?

P: My friend, greet the world with open arms...
Chuckles around the room at Polites deadpan expression and words. People who know Furina think that she would be a good cast for Polites while those who have already seen this musical are sad and chuckling in their seats at the others' reactions, waiting for angst and pain with evil smiles.

O: We're only here for food
LOTUS EATERS: Food
“Awww why are they actually kind of cute?”
“You say that, but what if they suddenly chew off his face?”
“Where is that imagination coming from-”

O: Six hundred friends are waiting for us to show our faces!
LOTUS EATERS: Food
“Are they asking for food?”
“Maybe they're about to eat them both.”
More glaring ensues.

O: Stay back, I'm warning you. If we don't get back safely, my men will turn this place into blazes.
A few people gawk after realizing that he was serious. This was so unlike Furina. They could never imagine her doing something like this. But Odysseus... apparently, he could and would without much hesitation. They supposed it really shows how much Odysseus went through with dealing with the war and stuff. Furina still had a bit of childlike innocence and views that Odysseus had long lost.

LOTUS EATERS: Here you go.
P: See?
Laughter fills the room at the flabbergasted look of Odysseus and Polites' raised eyebrow and slightly exasperated expression. The tension in the room previously quickly eases, and most people are now smiling warmly at the Lotus eaters.
"Do they sell plushies? I want to get one."

P: This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms. Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart!
“It's quite the philosophy in life.”
Some think that it's a good one that will keep you going when things get tough. Others think it's a dumb one that would get you killed. "Who even thinks that."

P: No matter the place, we can light up the world, here's how to start: Greet the world with open arms, greet the world with open arms.
More vibing.
Apart from the suspicious ones who don't trust this happy moment at all and are ready for the tone drop.

O: My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree.
“Oop, what happened.”
People sit up in their seats and pay closer attention.

O: But look at the way this fruit is glowing and filled with glowing seeds.
“Is it poisonous?” Navia wonders, and most people are thinking the same thing.

O: It took me a while to notice what kind of fruit they eat. It's a lotus, it controls your mind and never lets you free. That's what we'd get with open arms…
Gasps fill the air at this revelation, and some are staring with horror. What the heck kind of magic is that?! Nahida leans back in her seat with a thoughtful expression. A fruit that controls people's minds... Tighnari shudders at the thought of such a plant existing. It would make his duties ten times harder if it existed in Teyvat because surely some people would stumble upon it and eat it without a second thought.

P: Lotus eaters, I'd like to show my friend that kindness is brave. Could you tell me where there's other food to eat?
“He still trusts them after that…?”
“How could he not? They're soooo cute!”
The duality of man, everyone.

LOTUS EATERS: The cave.
P:A cave! You're saying there's a cave where we could feast? And where do we sail to find this fruit-filled cave?
LOTUS EATERS: East.
P: Thank you!
LOTUS EATERS: Welcome.
Some people start to coo over the Lotus Eaters, or the Winions, as they just sound and look adorable. Plus, the manners?! They're better than some humans…

P: This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms. I see in your face, there is so much guilt inside your heart. So why not replace it and light up the world, here's how to start.
People listen attentively and focus on Polites' words of wisdom. There were those who knew Furina, who were currently staring at her intensely, knowing that it was something Furina struggles with. Cue Furina sweatdropping.

O: Greet the world with open arms…
P: You can relax, my friend.
People smile at the two's friendship that makes them feel warm inside. Others wonder if Odysseus would listen to Polites in the future or ignore it. They hope he listens to his words of wisdom, as they don’t want to see him suffering mentally. Atferall, sometimes one needs to let loose and trust the other.

"He's going to die."
Someone with a large hat mutters.
The person beside him doesn't say anything.