"Ready?" Seiichi asks the audience, after they calm down from the excitement of the previous episodes.

All of them nod, Rose still on Minoru's lap (And while Rose likes it, it is something to worry about- a 16 year old on a 13 year old's lap)

Aethra grins and slams her fist on the Play Button.


We open to [Cid] on the {Clock Tower}, exulting about the fact that the {Bushin Festival} is occurring now. In celebration, he decides that he must do one thing, and one thing only- enter as the DARK HORSE of the tournament! All this on an infodump of the tournament itself. Cue Opening with the final scene being the Arena for the tournament.


"Wait, is there an actual point to you doing that, Cid?" Claire asks, baffled. She can't fathom being underestimated. Ironic, since Minoru understands the benefit of being underestimated, even if he doesn't need said benefit.

Minoru simply sighs and rolls his eyes at her. He is the one who has a hard time fathoming not doing so. He does need a disguise, though.

Beatrix looks up, feeling a slight twitch to participate.


Cut to [Gamma] entering the {Throne Room} to meet [Cid], with her klutz moment. Then he asks her, while sitting on said throne, for a disguise to enter the tournament… refusing to state a reason. Turns out, [Eta], who's present, had been responsible for the creation of a type of slime which can be sculpted to form a mask of sorts. [Kai] powers the machine that is used to form the rough outline of his chosen face- one [Jimina Seinen/Mundane Mann]- that uses electricity using a cycling machine? Anyway, [Nu] is in charge of disguises, being a mistress at it, and she sculpts the details and uses makeup to solidify it, before the machine is used to cure the slime. After that, he just needs an outfit to match. Cheap and second-hand of course- no need to stand out here.


Minoru states out loud, "For the record, going in underestimated means I can get a measure of how strong the people are on average in the world- or it can give you a good idea of the same." 'Aside from being fun, of course' he adds mentally to SG (who rolls their eyes).

Alexia nods along, understanding that point. Iris frowns, she'd want to fight anyway, but does admit it's a useful method.

Claire still doesn't agree, but concedes while Sherry once again wonders if she should make a measuring artefact…


As [Jimina] walks over to register, he is stopped by none other than [Annerose Fushianas/Nichtsehen], who advises him to withdraw. [Jimina]'s response is to not judge a book by its cover. Appropriate. While she's a bit irritated by the response, she won't stop him from experiencing damage. Clearly, she prefers words. [Quinton], an interloper and eavesdropper, is not as calm, and so beats him up- to where SHE has to step in to end it. She, however, notes later that Jimina didn't seem to have a single scratch from the beating-up he took, while apologising for letting it happen. Then again, we know that [Jimina] had multiple chances to counterattack and end the arrogant idiot- he just chose not to. Gigachad move. They introduce themselves, and then they go on to register.


"Calm yourselves!" Minoru was forced to use a bit of his aura to calm SG down at the sight of Quinton beating him up.

Well, he used a bit- that bit was enough to flood the weaker ones (Klaus, Alexia, Iris and Sherry) with fear, and the rest (Rose and Claire) with mild discomfort. SG calmed themselves under that bit of aura, thankfully.

Now, the fun!

"Also, I want Annerose in Shadow Garden," he announces.

This startles the rest, Alpha expressing her confusion. "Why would you want her?"

"She's the perfect Vegalta mole!" He clarifies when Gamma blinks, "It's a perfect infiltration since nobody would suspect a thing and she's travelling because she's searching for strong opponents. So, someone like Epsilon," who's the more social of them, "can win her over after a quick battle. Besides, I'm thinking Vegalta is compromised." Minoru drops the bomb.

There are murmurs of agreement (and a bit of alarm) at this, seeing the point.

"Even so, why is a former Seven Blades the one to enter, and not one of the Seven Blades?" Beta asks, baffled. Epsilon shares it while Zeta wonders if she should visit Vegalta.

Seiichi answers, understanding the incredulousness. "One of the Blades was Chi- formerly Karen von Herzog- just so you know. She was a Named Child of the Cult." … By dropping yet another bomb.

Rose blinks at that while Alexia eyes widen, Klaus already making plans to check up the kingdom.


Scene shifts to {Magronald's}, where [Cid] and [Hyoro] are talking and eating. While [Cid]'s worried about his performance (read showmanship), [Hyoro]'s more concerned with the betting… and so he keeps asking for funds from [Cid], who's gathering info from him to dodge that topic. After ordering 3 sandwiches for takeout, [Cid] walks in the dusk and is poked in the back by [Rose]. They talk, and [Rose] mentions that she had visited {Magronald's} with [Natsume], who she gets along with and [Alexia], who she's certain will be a friend in the future… Though given her view of [Alexia] as a nice girl, he rightfully doubts the latter. Now then, [Rose] mentions that her father arranged her marriage to [Doem], and thus has resolved to do the best for her kingdom. She asks him for his support in this. He lightly agrees and tosses her one of his sandos.


"Not remotely likely…" Minoru scoffs at the screen.

"Minoru-sama?" Rose asks, confused.

"Context clues- look at this as one of your fave novels- what does this storyline say?" Minoru asks in return, he read one or six novels about this one, so he has some idea, but needs a bit more context (mostly to make sure he and Rose are having the same thought trail).

The answer she comes up with makes her go paler than usual, so he's probably right (and questioning Rose's taste in novels).

"Something happened to my father, didn't it?" She turns around, and stares into his eyes, desperately hoping for a "no"- coincidentally light jealous stares dig into her from the harem (mostly for his genuine attention at that), but no one argues with the fact that something is wrong here.

He nods, remarking, "He's most likely compromised and probably a puppet. And I'd suspect his royal tester, since any poison or drug would have to enter that way, since he takes no meds." Although, there's something nagging him at him, but he can't remember the specific trope. What was it again?

While he frowned, deep in contemplation, Rose does it for him, "Is it possible that m-mother may be in league with the Cult?" She asks in horror as he inwardly does a "That's the one!".

Then he coughs, noticing her distress and hugs her to calm Rose down.

Alpha squeezes her shoulder in comfort as Aurora reluctantly unpauses the screen.


Another scene shift- to the prelims. [Cid] finds that [Jaga] is farming at his hometown from [Hyoro], who's noting data on the fighters and explaining his gambling plans- cue shameless request for funds. They're butted in by a very flamboyantly dressed, and cringely nicknamed [Goldoh Kinmekki/Goldy Gilded], who explains his nicknames (Unbeaten Legend and Ever-Victorious Dragon) are due to his battle data gathering skills. Take for example the first of the two fighters of the soon-to-begin [Gonzales Macchom]- his body, equipment, and other tangibles all converge to what [Goldoh] calls Battle Points- [Gonzales] is at 1364. [Gonzlaes]'opponent, [Jimina], stands at… [33]? What a weakling! Anyway, [Gonzales] trips and falls, knocking himself out at the beginning of the match, throwing the prediction off and giving [Jimina] his third win… or so we think.


"Not bad, not bad…" Minoru comments. "Goldoh is rather good as an analyst… Not sure he should be fighting though." He's posing like the Thinker as he does so.

"HUH!? How can anyone think this is a good measuring stick!?" Claire yells, showing her muscle-headedness (Iris admittedly nodded at that).

"Goldoh's right, actually. In fact, he's managed to replicate what I was talking about in the Goddess' Trials with cold analysis. You, by the way, are at 35307, sis," she looks surprised at that. "And I can rank everyone here except for Seiichi and Aethra by that measure if you want…" He offers and Sherry abruptly stops taking notes. When did she even start?

They all decline for now, Eta specifically shaking her head.

"His only weakness in this case is that I can hide my level so effectively that you saw what he said."

Beta nods, adding it to her Shadow Chronicles.


In fact, [Annerose] is the only one who sees [Jimina] punch [Gonzales] in the jaw once or maybe twice? Anyway, [Goldoh] tries bluffing his way out by saying there are no absolutes in battle- BS, [Shadow]'s victory is one absolute- and then leaves. [Hyoro] tries swindling a [Cid] who returned from 'taking a dump', who declines scene shifts to the next day, where [Cid] is rudely awakened to the news of [Rose] stabbing [Doem] and fleeing.


"Ya know, that perverted masochist of an asshat really should be killed where he stands for that name," Seiichi comments. Minoru wonders why, then remembers his Japanese and now can't stop laughing.

(Beta absolutely does NOT imitate the tactic from the bit of Japanese she managed to yank from Seiichi)

The word "killed" breaks the shock of Rose's on-screen actions. Then everyone starts bombarding her with advice on how NOT to become a criminal.

Sherry especially looks a step away from crying despite Rose's reassurances and Delta's calm cuddles.

After that action (and Alexia making Rose promise she will discuss further stabbing with her beforehand), the scene continues.


Cut to [Alexia] and [Natsume] discussing the situation. Oriana has declared this to be an internal matter. [Klaus Midgar], the King of Midgar has taken the fencesitter option. Either way, [Alexia] hates it and suspects that she'll get a harsh punishment- though being royalty would mean she keeps her life. We then fade to [Rose] running through the sewers. Cut back to [Alexia] and [Natsume] arguing over what they should do. [Beta]'s bad acting is highlighting, along with her unintentional size difference in the bust to [Alexia]. As the princess storms off to do something, [Beta] orders the feeding of more info to her, to make her think more.


Sad faces all over. Rose in particular because she had to do it. Even if she's still unaware of what exactly happened.

Klaus is even more worried that he isn't moving for his friend's sake. 'Am I really that indecisive?'

Minoru's blunt "yes" and the SG (and his youngest) unimpressed stare was his answer, Iris awkwardly patting his back.


Cut again to the {Bushin Festival}, as [Cid] discusses if he should move or not in response to [Rose] stabbing [Doem], and decides to move, ignoring [Hyoro]'s attempts to drag him into gambling. As he leaves, he passes by a cloaked elf, who smells elf on him. Is [Alpha] secretly marking him as well? Cue interrogation about a certain elf. He asks her to take her hood off, and we see an elf resembling [Alpha]. Naturally, he lies his ass off. She slices him and in Bionic time, he decides to respond like an NPC and falls on his ass. As she apologizes and helps him up, she comments on his strength and they introduce themselves. [Beatrix], as she is known as, also says that he'll become strong, since he has a good arm. She be 'pretty strong' to him though.


"... Now I know better than to slice strangers… but can I join your crusade…?" Beatrix asks smilingly, also a bit happy to finally know when she appeared.

Minoru gives her an easy grin while Alpha seems a bit touched at the attempt.

On the other hand, by now, Iris knew better than to voice her thoughts- her worldview ever changing. Nevertheless… "I'm aware this isn't exactly my place, but…" Alpha raises an eyebrow, "would I be allowed as well?"

She considers it, then shakes her head.


Cut to [Annerose] and [Quinton] discussing [Jimina]. It's revealed that even she couldn't see what [Jimina] did in that match- at least not completely. She only saw his right hand move. She also reveals that [Goldoh] earned his nicknames because he never fought those with higher BP than him. Case in point, whenever he matched up with her, he always forfeited. Wonder what he makes of [Jimina]?. Coincidentally, the next match is [Jimina] vs [Goldoh]. Match begins. [Goldoh] embarrassingly misses his first swing- [Jimina] dodged by a hair's breadth, then slowly draws his sword. Apparently, [Jimina] chose to crack his neck at that time, thus allowing him to dodge. According to [Annerose], though [Quinton] is disbelieving.


Beta frowns, "But it's true, you did crack it!"

Gamma nods fervently while Epsilon glares at Quinton, her master's technique was flawless!

Alexia doesn't agree, staring incredulously at a shrugging Minoru while Aurora tries cracking her neck with Delta. Zeta gives up after a try while Sherry's head hurts at the mere thought.

Beatrix and Alpha simply shake their heads while Seiichi deadpans after a snort.


[Goldoh] berates [Jimina] for letting a winning chance go, unaware of the true identity of his opponent. Naturally, since he's ignored, [Goldoh], power level 4330, unleashes his finisher- the {Jashin Byosatsu: Kinryūken/ Demon God Fatality: Gold Dragon Blade}- only to be defeated by… a sneeze!? From a BP 17!? Yeah, even if [Annerose] saw it, people will say she capped, just as [Quinton] did. She proceeds to embarrass herself by overanalysis.


Alpha grins awkwardly, feeling something akin to sympathy for the poor girl while Eta ponders her talent as a lab assistant.

"Did Minoru-sama actually sneeze?" Rose asks curiously while Claire frowns, finding it baffling.

Aethra gives them a so-so sign as Iris despairs, the mental calculations for it not following. She's still trying to find some semblance of normality okay!


We now see [Iris] discussing Security with [Lord Ketsuhatto], or as he prefers, [Doem]. [Lord Doem] feels that increased security is unnecessary, given that he thinks nothing great occurred (apart from being stabbed, that is). Injury reports were exaggerated it seems. [King Raphael Oriana], who seems rather unwell, tells her to do as [Doem] says. And so, [Iris] is forced to concede… as [Jimina] continues to make his rise known as a Dark Horse. [Hyoro] tries making [Jaga] send in money through a letter… We all know what happens here.


Quinton being off-screened is sad, really. Minoru cries for him. Rose followed suit for absolutely no reason.

Klaus once again grimaces at Iris' diplomatic skills as the girl steals a page from Beta's notes, sadly writing, "PLEASE be more assertive, future me!" Sherry does the same as well.

Alexia is doubly baffled at the idiot that Hyoro is. "You really can't gamble worth shit!" Gamma shakes her head, worrying for the boy's future (before promptly frowning at her own thoughts).

"Well, we can always see if Jaga's potato skills are good at least," Nu muses half-heartedly.


[Jimina] and {Annerose] talk after Quinton was off-screened. She's impressed. He's nonchalant. She demos his moves as a taunt. He drops his heavy gauntlets- heavy as in crack-the-ground heavy. And drops his catchphrase- "Playtime is over". He then leaves her shocked self to ponder the consequences. Meanwhile, [Rose] fights off a pursuer, being non-lethal. They chase her as she runs off with determination in her eye.


"If I had to guess, Rose on-screen also figured out what I said. Maybe not as far as her mother's betrayal, but the fact that he's a puppet? Definitely." Minoru exclaims. He is not as worried as he should be.

Rose nods, not happy her on screen had to live something like that, but knowing she can (probably) stop it.

Alexia also agrees then pauses, suddenly dead serious, "Is it just me or Annerose looks a bit too invested in those cracks in the grounds?"

Alpha blinks once, then twice and promptly…

The SG had the sense of deja vu and everyone groaned while Minoru blinked obliviously.

"What?"


That scene crumbles like dirt to a scene of [Jimina] talking to his next opponent about his power levels… Candela is for luminous intensity by the way, and gauss is for electric field intensity. Then we cut to [Cid] jolting up as he breaks outta his image training and thinking about how to sound cool… just in time for [Hyoro] to interrupt rather badly and try to drag him into hunting [Rose], with the intention of taking all the reward money for himself. While he ponders a way to refute him, [Cid] spots a wild [Claire] approaching the dorm. Which is why he changes in a jiffy and drags Stooge#2 as he jumps out the window. [Claire] the Muscle-headed hears it but pays no heed as she ring's the bell.


"10000000 zeni alive!? 500000 for info!? What is she, a Duchess!? She's a fucking Princess!" Alexia rages, wondering why the bounty's so low. Rose is torn between agreeing and being embarrassed, she never meant to get one (also flushed by Eta scrutinising the thing and claiming she could do better).

Klaus sighs, the whole thing giving him a headache.

Meanwhile, we have Claire rolling on the ground as she despairs of her own stupidity, Sherry giving her sympathy looks not helping.

Minoru frowns, now starting to really think over his (potential) friendship with Hyoro and Jaga. While he won't deny they're (somewhat) useful, this is a bit too much, even for him.

Gamma glares, infuriated at their callousness for one they call friend, she's gonna RUIN them… with her future position anyway. She can't now, but oh, when she can? The shade was already formulating plans upon plans of having the two of them charged around 5000000 zeni per box of the cheapest chocolate offered at Mitsugoshi and then loaning that amount to them at a compounded interest rate of 25%... yes, Gamma was salivating already…

Delta blinks away while Epsilon flinches at Gamma's aura leaking, "Hey, Beta, why is Gamma having a crazed look on her eyes?" And cackling madly?

Beta sweats heavily, "I-It's a business woman thing, d-don't worry about i-it."

Zeta nods fervently while Iris silently and shakily promises to herself never to piss Gamma off.


As scenes pass by, we end up at [Cid] walking around, wondering about [Rose]'s actions. That is… until he hears the piano- which is what prompts the learning of exactly WHY he's good with the piano. Basically, it's cool. Anyway, he recalls {Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14- Moonlight} as it plays, and so walks towards it. Slight problem: it's not supposed to exist in this world. Solution: [Epsilon]'s the one playing it. He comments on her slimed-up figure. With a disgusted expression at her blatant plagiarism. Later, as she expresses her never-ending gratitude to him for the plagiarized works she used to become a famous pianist and composer under the pseudonym of [Shiron], and after he apologizes to the great composers of the past, he asks her about [Rose]... and finds that while [Beta] is in charge of that particular issue, she knows that the Sunshine Princess is underground. As such, he leaves, while complimenting her use of slime in a roundabout way. Though he eyes the piano rather… greedily.


Cue Epsilon and Beta both rolling on the ground as they despair- Beta for her failure in not reporting to her master and love, Epsilon in embarrassment.

Rose is also rather despondent, as she wonders how she didn't recognize Shiron after Beta was revealed to be Natsume… but Alexia is now convulsing for some reason.

Claire though just blinks, "Why am I only now learning you play the piano?" She asks, not angry, just genuinely baffled.

Minoru tilts his head in contemplation. "Yeah, it just never came up…"

In the background, Aurora hums the melody, quite liking it while Beatrix wonders what "plagiarism" is.


Meanwhile, said [Beta], currently in her [Natsume] guise, is conversing with [Alexia] about the situation- [Klaus] be scared of being a heretic. Since the Divine Teachings are sacred. [Raphael]'s disposition is seen to be as unsavable, since he smelt sweet, according to [Iris]. They're entering the underground labyrinth to find [Rose]. We ignore [Beta]'s lack of acting chops as she berates her for not having ANY sense- who enters a literal LABYRINTH without any help or way to not get lost!? She continues with her 'babysitting', as she appropriately calls it


Is it any wonder that Alexia was rolling on the ground in embarrassment now? Nu wonders if she was supposed to console her over it…

"To be fair, most people don't expect to find danger that easily," Epsilon shrugs. She herself got lost once or twice.

As Delta nods, Beta continues to wince. Minoru-sama was lecturing her over her lack of acting chops, even proclaiming he's going to teach her how to actually ACT if this was how she does without guidance.

Lady Alpha was shaking her head all the while, making Beta feel even worse.

Meanwhile, Klaus… squat on the ground, sulking as he muttered, "but… safety… Why me? Why does conspiracy exist in this world?" Iris patted him on the back, not really sure what else to do or say.

Sherry could only nod, they handle WAY too many conspiracies.


As [Rose] runs, she recalls what happened. Which was exactly what our audience thought happened. Though the threat of having [Raphael] start a fucking war by killing guests at the {Bushin Festival} did add tension. She reflects that she acted emotionally, though her deductions are right. And since her situation is worth despairing over, she suddenly is interrupted by the sound of {Moonlight}. Following the music leads to [Shadow] and a suspiciously familiar piano. Feathers make the scene beautiful. And she praises the performance as the best she has ever heard… leading to this dialogue, initiated by [Shadow].

"What will you accomplish?"

"Though I wish to, I couldn't protect everyone…"

"And that's the end? Does your fight end there?"

"You think I don't wish to fight another day!? I want the best future for us!"

"Should you have the slightest desire to fight, then I shall give you power."

"I… I have things to protect as the princes of the Oriana Kingdom! Feats to achieve as Rose Oriana! And I want the power for that!"

Naturally, he cures and empowers her and then, as she marvels over his magic…

"Then rise! And give me proof of your will to fight for the future. Never forget that true strength lies not in your power, but in your way of living."

And then {Cult} executioners are killed by her after he leaves. As she leaves the scene, she is met with, and fights [Alexia] and [Natsume]... except [Rose] easily defeats the silver-haired protege and leaves, as [Natsume] watches over her, having recognized her master's signature. She does spout rhetoric about this being for the best as she gives [Alexia] a lap-pillow.


Needless to say, while that scene was cool and all, we now have Alexia and Beta fighting over the rights their future selves lost- given what rights they were, Alpha swiftly ends the fight, and glares them into submission. 13-year-old Alpha can be scary, lemme tell you.

"That… was… COOL!" Minoru was too busy celebrating that moment and the perfect execution to stop the fight. Naturally, Seiichi joined in, and gave him some advice on how to make it sound and look cooler, to Aethra's exasperation.

Rose looked awed at the scene, she definitely needs that power.


As we see the investigation into the stolen piano, [Cid]'s monologue can be heard, since he's returning to the dorm… where a wild [Claire] was waiting. Cue ending featuring [Gamma] and two copies of [Epsilon]


While Aethra glares at Minoru in a delayed reaction over the stolen piano and Claire's face tinted red from rage, Alpha pursues her lips, "Rose-san, I don't think there's a need to remind you, but power alone isn't enough."

If it was someone like Minoru, it might, but she can see Rose shares her thoughts, looking deeply regretful, "Yes… I am aware. I'm fully planning on cooperating this time," it was just by sheer luck her on-screen self survived, heck, what if Minoru-san hadn't found her?

"And being neutral won't help either," Klaus lowers his head in shame, "I promise you, Oriana-hime. The moment we're out of here, I'll do everything in my power to help."

He owes her that much, much to Rose's relief.

"That being said…" they turn to Minoru, who clicked his tongue, "Whatever the heck is Doem even doing in the festival?!"

That… Actually made them pause, "Maybe he's just checking to see if there's any anomalies?" Iris proposes, he was awfully intent on clearing her out.

They all collectively nod, thinking that sounds fair.


AN: AAAANNNNDDDD we're back! I did originally say 3 episodes, but I'm condensing it to two episodes. Next chapter will end the characters reacting to season 1. Then we have one more chapter of characters training before they return to wreak havoc and cause chaos in their world. After that, I'll take a break and update my ongoing fics (another update to Decades of Evolution upcoming tho) before I return the characters to the VOID OF REACTION for Season 2. THE END IS NEAR!

Till the next chapter, Seiichi and Neutral are Bonkers at the Races! (unless Neutral herself/himself/themself- I'm not really sure of the pronoun to be used- has something to add to this.)