Story Reader / Festival Event Story / The Destined Surprise / Story
Hey, bring us another bottle here!
The red-haired Construct raises a bottle and clinks it with the human.
We're here tonight to celebrate your birthday! Cheers!
Now, the two sit in a corner of a newly opened restaurant on the commercial street, enjoying a bubbling pot of spicy hot oil.
Noctis apparently books this place well in advance. He dragged you here as soon as work had ended today.
Where's the menu? Let's order a few more things. Two of these, and one of...
C'mon, it's your birthday today. You gotta eat 'til you drop since you barely ever have time to eat.
At the mention of the word "birthday," a service mechanoid nearby suddenly turns its head and makes a creaking sound.
This one's done. Hurry and scoop it up.
Noctis puts down the bottle and starts piling food into your bowl. Before you know it, you already have a heap of food sitting in your bowl.
Don't you skip 'em veggies...
With the alcohol in his system, Noctis has grown more talkative. Your eyes, however, are drawn to your surroundings. Your hunch tells you that something is cooking.
The service mechanoid from earlier is now nowhere to be seen. At the same time, some of the other nearby mechanoids turn their heads this way, the flashing green light on their heads indicating that they are "in communication."
...You need more meat, eggs, and milk. It'll make you stronger and tougher on the battlefield.
Hmm? We got company? I'm not feeling anything.
Noctis gently pushes the bowl at you.
Hey, don't you worry. I won't let anyone lay a finger on you. Eat up now before the food gets cold.
Thinking it's probably all just in your head, you're about to dig into the food when you suddenly notice a group of mechanoids emerging from the kitchen nearby.
With speakers and horns in their hands, the mechanoids dressed in uniforms clap as they approach.
Hmm? Oh! Here, here! Yeah, right here!
Noctis looks at the strange group of mechanoids, seemingly unsurprised as he waves them over this way.
What do you think, genius? It's your birthday today! Come on, let's get the show on the road!
The mechanoids start moving in sync when Noctis snaps his fingers. The huge speakers set up in front of you start blasting "Happy Birthday".
It's your birthday today, hey! Happy Birthday to you, hey!
Sounding genuine, Noctis joins in the singing, his voice so loud it nearly drowns out the mechanoids' chorus.
How do you like it? I worked with WGAA to have this Golden Age rock version made just for your birthday!
The rest of the restaurant is drawn to the commotion in the corner, some even tapping along with the beat as they wish you happiness and joy.
As the song reaches its final line, the mechanoids suddenly pull out two banners and unfurl them with a flourish.
Your heart skips a beat as Noctis draws a deep breath and, pointing a finger at you, reads the following aloud.
Through the frost and mist in the clouds we break, with courage as we soar to the sky!
Face the torrent with bare hands as we leave a voice of awe that shakes the sea!
Don't look away. Let me show you what I've got up my sleeve.
You turn your gaze at Noctis' arm, still in awe of his little display of culture just now.
With it, Noctis's mechanical arm detaches and rockets into his arms. From the hollow shoulder joint shoots out a bright red banner that reads...
Annnnd... ain't no one got nothing on you!
I had an expert write it. Impressive, right? Bet you never saw that coming, did you?
You can't help but burst out laughing seeing Noctis all excited.
Ain't no one gets drunk on alcohol-flavored electrolytes!
I got this all planned out for you well in advance. No way I'm gonna get drunk on your birthday.
Anyway... making you happy is my top priority today.
So? Did you like it? If you did, let's share another drink. Here, Happy Birthday!
