A/N: Glad you guys liked the twist of last chapter, got a lot of people commenting again. Although I think there's only one guy on SB and Fanfic each. Oh well.
I am thinking about buying the novels, since I have more money from my job. But I also kinda want to get all the books at once… I don't know, I'm weird. Like it sucks too, because the official manga releases are so damn slow, and I like those better. I don't know. I'll at least get all the EiS novels (can't believe there's only like 5 so far) and at least 1-8 of Mobuseka (to cover through the Alzer Arc)
What sucks about that though is that I think I'd need to order through both Barnes and Noble and Amazon since neither have all. And what's more is that I want physical copies since you don't really own digital stuff. Ugh, why is buying books so hard? This is why I stick to reading manga on my phone.
Not to mention that I want to get the Blu Ray for EiS season two… and that one anime of the live commentary iseka-ish thing. I forget the name. I just remember it being extremely adorable.
Anyway, let's get back to the story.
Leon Fou [now Rapha] Barfort: Renowned adventurer and current crown prince. / previously: Hiro (pre:isekai)—Lea of Bart's Fort (The true founder of Holfort and lover to the Saintess Ann and Mary)—JOU_MOU_ (someone who used to work in Luxion's facility.)
Angelica Rapha Redgrave: Daughter of Duke Redgrave and ex-fiancé to Julius/ Previously: Ann of Bart's Fort (aka Saintess Ann and lover of Lea of Bart's fort). / Also goes by Angie to close friends and loved ones.
Olivia: Commoner from the Kagenou Barony. / previously: Mary lover and companion to Ann and Lea. When they had returned from their adventures in ancient Midgar, all three had been attacked by the founding heirs as they all wanted Ann. To save Lea and Ann from such a fate, she teleported them away, and swapped bodies with Ann. / Is also known as Livia by her close friends and loved ones.
Cid Kagenou: fiancé to several famous elves but just a regular mob you'd find anywhere / previously: Minoru Kagenou boy from Earth that would be transported to the ancient times of the current before dying at the hands of his friends due to becoming demonically possessed out of grief. / Also dons the secret identity of "Lord Shadow." Leader and founder of The Shadow Garden. / Mundane Mann, a pathetic looking sword wielder that disappeared many years ago and has returned for the Bushin festival.
Alice [Kagenou: Cid's personal elf servant, lover, and childhood friend / previously: Beatrice (this is non canon, but all of Shadow Garden had identities before joining so I made a name up for her.) / Dons the secret identity of "Alpha" or "Lady Shade." Co-leader and second founder of The Shadow Garden, first of the Seven Shades. The name "Alpha" is only used by those in Shadow Garden.
Other Shadow Garden Members: All of the seven shades have secret identities. They see their Shadow Garden names as their true names and will use that in their own thoughts. But to everyone not in Shadow Garden that sees them as their secret identities will use those names.
Beta: Natsume Kafka, renowned writer.
Gamma: Luna of Mitsugoshi, owner of said store and many others, richest Woman in the world. Xianyun, Swordmaster of the fareastern kingdoms.
Delta: Sara, certified good girl.
Epsilon: Shiron, amazing musician known internationally.
Zeta: Zetan. Previously known as Lilim, named after the therianthrope hero, Lili.
Eta: Goes by Eta Lloyd Wright, renowned Architect.
Charlie: Known previously as Carla Fou Wayne.
Yankee: Known previously as Stephanie Fou Offrey
Foxtrot: Sherry's mother.
Aurora: Called Violet by Cid, and now camps out in his soul/brain. Known as the Witch of Calamity, and the Demon Diabolos.
Disclaimer: I don't own Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs nor The Eminence in Shadow. The only Beta reader here is the elf.
-Cid/Minoru/Shadow/Mundane-
After my match with Deirdre I decided to just walk around for a little since I had nothing better to do. I don't exactly want to walk back to my dorm since the girls and Beatrix are probably still there, and I think I'd just make things more complicated.
"Gasp, no…" said Violet in the most sarcastic voice I've heard this side of someone who's not Leon.
Yeah, yeah. It's not like there's anything to do right now though, do you have any ideas?
Violet ponders it for a few seconds, before placing her fist into her palm. "Oh, what if we look for that princess?"
Eh, she's probably fine. I'll keep an eye out for her but I'm sure she's got her own plans. Though part of me wonders if she got away safely.
"Is it the part of you that remembers she was your friend?" asked Violet.
I guess? Mostly, I would've loved to hear straight from her why she did something as hardcore as stabbing her hubby-to-be…
I feel Violet wrap her hands around me and pat my head as she says, "You're worried about your friend, Min-"
But as she says that I get distracted by the sound of a piano playing.
"Hm?" I can't help but say as I turn my head in the direction of the music. They're pretty good.
"Oh? You can tell?" asked Violet
Well yeah. Back in my old life, I learned piano as part of my family's education plan. Not gonna lie—I would've rather spent my time training to be an eminence in shadow than waste it on something silly like that.
But then it started to grow on me.
Being good at piano made everyone around me assume I was always busy practicing. And for someone whose ambitions meant keeping his social life to a minimum, this false impression was a very welcome perk.
But most importantly, I simply realized how cool it is to play piano.
"…" Violet doesn't say anything, but I can feel her begin to smile fondly as I ramble on.
I mean, isn't it? Playing piano allows me to show off that I'm not all raw power, that I also have an artistic side, too.
Badass…
Before I knew it, I got pretty serious about piano. Shadow broker prep work was always my top priority mind you. But I just couldn't let go of the image of tickling the ivory to set the mood before a big battle.
"Do you happen to know this song?" Asked Violet as I felt her begin to run her hands through my hair.
Yeah, it's my favorite. Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 "Moonlight."
This seemed to intrigue Violet, with her asking, "Oh? And why does this stand out to you?"
That's because even on a bright summer day, it can conjure up images of the moon shining in the darkness. I love it to the point that I don't think there's any better theme for an Eminence in Shadow.
…
Wait, there's only a handful of people that have learned this song.
I decide to walk in the direction of the music, which seems to be coming from one of the swankiest hotels in the city. It just screams luxury… in the way that only I know… and maybe Leon.
Security is tight, but I'm able to get in since they know my face. A baron/commoner like me wouldn't have been able to get in otherwise. As I waltz inside I hear the performance hit its stride.
The player is my favorite twintailed, elegant, caring, and self-conscious elf. Epsilon the Faithful. As she takes a bow she notices me and invites me backstage.
The Mitsugoshi girls help Epsilon with her hair and offer me some tea as we converse.
"I didn't know you were listening, Cid. I'm a little embarrassed." Said Epsilon as she cutely blushes.
I smile, "That was Moonlight Sonata just now, right?"
Epsilon tries to nod before one of he girls pull on her hair to keep her in place. "Ow—yes. It's my favorite out of all the songs you taught me."
"Is it?" mused Violet, "Or does she just like it because it's your favorite?"
Well I mean, maybe? It's not like I even intended to teach it to her in the first place… but it does make me a little happy to hear when someone says the like the same things I do.
"I mean, it was thanks to your Shadow Wisdom that let me forge connections with influential figures as both a pianist and a composer." Said Epsilon.
Right, I don't think I ever really stopped to ask what she does.
Violet pulls at my cheek, which does nothing in real life but I can feel it still, as she says "That's really mean you know. You've stolen this girl's firsts and yet you don't pay attention to her?"
I pay attention to her, just not her job… wait a second.
I place my tea cup down. Epsilon gulps.
"Er… though of course… I've mostly… used your compositions so far—but—but! I've been working on my own things too! …It's just that none of them have been as popular." Said Epsilon frantically.
I sigh then boop her on the nose. To which she and the Mitsugoshi girls giggle at.
I suppose that since this is part of her trying to blend in with the aristocrats for my shadow broker games, I can't really be mad at her for relying on the stuff that's obviously going to be popular. I mean, otherwise there's nothing more shameless than plagiarizing work.
A/N: Ow.
But this is for a noble cause so I can forgive it.
"…" Violet pulls at both cheeks this time.
Plus she's doing her own stuff on the side, just none of it has been a hit yet.
"I've also been invited to Oriana, Kingdom of the Arts, as a promising composer." Said Epsilon as the Mitsugoshi girls finish with her hair, "As you are well aware, Oriana is currently a very worthwhile place to 'work.'"
"Well, they do love the arts there." I said.
Violet deadpans and pulls at my face again, "Please tell me you notice the emphasis on the word 'work.'"
Epsilon smiles deviously, "Indeed… And I think my 'work' this time will be especially fruitful."
"Minoru, please." Said Violet.
"Well, good luck." I said.
"I will deliver my best 'work' and performances so as to not bring shame upon the incomparable melodies you have blessed me with, Cid." Promised Epsilon.
"Pls." begged Violet.
"Okay, go knock them out." I said with a nod before remembering something, "Oh, that's right. Do you know the whereabouts of Princess Rose of Oriana?"
Epsilon thinks about it, "Princess Rose… I believe Beta is in charge of that case. The only details I have heard… is that she fled into the tunnels beneath the city."
"Underground, huh?" I mused.
"Er, but why are you looking for her?" asked Epsilon as I got up to leave.
I think about it before smiling a little and saying as I exit, "…She's our friend. We should hear her out."
"Oh?" said Epsilon, and Violet, having not expected me to say that.
Not wanting to elaborate further I decided to distract Epsilon with a compliment, "You look as dazzling as ever today, Epsilon."
Although I'm closing the door behind me, I can hear Epsilon blush and fluster her response, "N-N-Not at all…! I still have much room to improve…"
As I walk out of the building, slightly laughing at how my Epsilon still gets so shy around me, I notice the grand piano she had been playing on earlier.
It gleams mysteriously in the sunlight pouring through the bright windows. I gaze at it for a moment, then grin.
"Petty thievery? That doesn't seem very 'cool.'" Chastised Violet.
Is it really thievery if it's in my (read: Gamma's) hotel?
Violet thinks about it, then shrugs.
-Leon-
I adjust my cravat once more as I get ready to meet with yet another king. It had been one thing to meet King Roland by accident way back when I had my adventuring accomplishments acknowledged.
It had been yet another to meet King Klaus of Midgar a couple of days ago. Luckily most of that meeting was very brief, in which he told me to let the people of Fanoss go and do my best not stir up trouble while I was in his kingdom. He honestly couldn't have cared less about Iris being in a relationship with me, at least any further that he could leverage it against me. Luckily Angie was there for that meeting and served the role of my future queen beautifully, not letting him get away with too much.
The Queen was much nicer, since apparently whenever she wrote to Alexia, she only heard good things about me. Though apparently most of those letters were spent talking about Cid so I had managed to spend the night playing wingman for Cid. He's going to probably hate me for it, but Iris appreciated it.
I figured I'd at least be nice and told Luxion to have a drone check up on him if anyone other than his wives visited his dorm room. Just to make sure that no one would try anything.
Now I have to meet King Raphael of Oriana due to the fact that both Iris and I technically run our own private militia, making it necessary for us to say what our intentions are. Even though I don't think that's necessarily true in my case, as Angie and Dierdre explained to me: the fact that I own a lost item that has a very powerful ship and armor that can take on an army makes it so I might as well in the eye of the other kingdoms.
"Did you tie it on too tightly, Leon-kun?" asked Iris.
I shake my head, "Sorry, just a habit I have whenever I wear formal attire. Still not used to it, y'know?"
Iris chuckles as she readjusts my cravat just enough that I don't feel it, "You should also mind your tone of speech. Although Holfort is the kingdom of adventurers, as a future ruler you should be somewhat formal."
I nod at her words, "You're—sorry—you are correct. I will do my best to speak as befitting a man of my station."
Iris smiles gratefully as we get to the doors of the room King of Oriana is staying in, as well as Duke Doem Ketsuhat…
Pfft*
Iris pinches my wrist discreetly as she whispers yells to me, "I know his name is funny to you but try not to laugh too much."
I disguise my shaking shoulders with a fake cough and right myself as the guards nod and announce me and Iris.
"Your Grace, Crown Prince of Holfort Leon Rapha Barfort and Princess Iris of Midgar are now here." Said the guard.
"Let them in" called out a voice from behind the door.
The two of us were soon usured in by the guards. We're greeted by a King…
Well, we are. But I'd be a lot more impressed if the guy didn't look like a zombie. I shoot a side glance to Iris and see her curtsying. I do my best to bow in acknowledgment. However, as Angie, Clarice, and Dierdre told me; I shouldn't let myself be too humble.
Especially to the guy next to him. He seems like a lot of them boys at the academy. Which is to say I don't like him already.
"Ah, your highnesses, welcome." Greets the man before bowing lower than I had and introducing himself, "I am Duke Doem Ketsuhat, I apologize for intruding on this meeting but as the royal chancellor I couldn't set by and let my king meet you by himself while he isn't feeling well."
I looked at King Raphael again. I have to agree that he doesn't look well. Though I can't just say that so instead I said, "Oh? Is that so King Raphael?"
"…It is as Asshat says." Managed the shell of a man.
…
Iris pinches me again. I cough to hide a laugh.
"I see." Iris said as I did some thinking. "Well, if that's the case I suppose I have no issue. Leon?"
I hold Iris' hand, watching the newly named Asshat's response to said action as I answered, "No, if you have no issue then I see no reason I shouldn't either."
"Oh?" said Doem 'Asshat' with a calculating smile disguised as a teasing one, "I didn't realize that you two were so close."
Iris smiles warmly, "Yes, it hasn't been announced to the public, but I am likely to wed prince Leon. I am quite happy with my place at his side."
I see the Asshat's face take a blink-and-you-miss-it calculating look before shifting to something more normal as he congratulated us, "How wonderful. I hope that you could perhaps invite us to the future wedding so that I can further extend my congratulations. Who knows, perhaps at that time I'll be already wed to Princess Rose."
I feel a little bit of disgust with that last statement. But I quickly have to hide laughter with a cough again with the king's next few words.
"Perhaps you would, Perv." Croaked out King Raphael.
As both Iris and I begin to cough, reaching for water from our own canteens as no one's offered us any just yet, I see Mr. Perv Asshat's eye twitch in irritation.
"King Raphael," I said, having gotten an idea of what's going on, "If you're feeling unwell, I could bring some healers around."
"That's unnecessary," said Asshat a little too quickly. "Right your Grace?"
King Raphael takes a second but managed a quick, "…As Asshat said."
At this point it isn't funny anymore.
"Oh? Then I suppose I should look forward to being able to talk to you in the VIP section during the matches, yes?" I said.
Iris rubs her thumb over my hand, realizing what I was doing somewhat and telling me that she was willing to back me up.
"Er, but the King is feeling unwell…" tried the perverted asshat.
However, like any adventurer who found a monster's weakness I exploited it, "Then I insist you allow me to bring the healers. Or if it's just some simple allergies I could bring medicine created by my lost item." I say with a grin befitting a king, as I look to my left and see Iris smiling confidently as well, "As Iris could tell you it's very effective."
"Indeed," confirms Iris, "I would strongly recommend choosing one of those two options."
The perverted asshat's eye twitches. I think I saw King Raphael smile a little as well.
"Well, if we are to talk about going to the VIP room, perhaps you could assure us of our safety? It wouldn't be smart for the King to visit such a dangerous area while he is feeling unwell." Said the perverted asshat, likely trying to find some excuse for us to not help King Raphael.
I then let Iris lead the discussion, in which she was able to show that she was once raised to be the future ruler of her nation. The only reason it went to Alexia was due to the fact that at the time Iris was wholly unprepared for the existence of everything. Alexia was too, but she had more time to adapt to it, compared to Iris who was a bit too stubborn to change at the time.
But that's different now. She's grown, especially over the last few weeks in preparation for the Bushin Festival.
In any case, I tap my fingers, signaling to Luxion and Cleare to do something about this situation. I 'see' them float over to the area where the unserved tea sits.
The perverted asshat sees my gaze and had immediately asked some servants to start serving all of us. When King Raphael drinks I see him… react a little. Like he twitches a bit, mostly in his fingers. It kinda reminds me of those scenes in movies when someone shows they lived at the very end, like after the credits.
…
Maybe I should leave Cleare here like Dierdre mentioned… no that's a little too mean and would ultimately result in nothing good.
In any case I should help look for Rose later.
But for now, I refocus on the conversation as Iris finishes up. Doem smiles but he isn't happy given that Iris shot down any of his attempts to prove how unsafe it was for King Raphael to go anywhere.
"…And thus concludes our security plan for the main portion of the Bushin Festival next week, Lord A—*ahem* Lord Ketsuhat." Said Iris.
With that same forced smile, he responds, "Please, call me P—*ahem* Doem, princess, prince. We've gotten close enough over this time I feel that we should be on good terms."
"If that would please you, Lord Doem Ketsuhat," I said, smiling a bit at my little inside joke, "Just to confirm, you do not wish for any additional guards, correct?"
"Of course. With you and Prince Leon nearby I don't think we should worry. It's not as though some incident that warrants special concern has occurred." Said Doem.
Iris glances at the wall, where a large scratch that was clearly left by a sword lies, "…that certainly does not line up with the reports we have heard."
"It would appear the details have been slightly exaggerated," said Doem as he stood in front of said wall, "I know that you must be on edge considering the recent attack from Fanoss, Prince Leon. But Princess Iris I must say that you all here in Midgar tend to be rather alarmist. A lingering effect of Princess Alexia's kidnapping?"
I parry his attempted dig at our supposed moments of weaknesses, "It's common sense, I'd argue. Once is an incident, twice is an omen. Why, given that they've attacked our kingdoms each one time so far, I'd wager the forces at play are likely going to target yours next."
The perverted asshat twitches at this, looking away as he replied, "…I'll take that into account. Thank you, Prince Leon."
"Would you say you agree, King Raphael?" asked Iris, ignoring the perverted asshat.
"It shall be as Doem commands." Said the man become puppet.
"See," said Doem with an exaggerated bow, "His Grace wishes this as well. You may leave everything in my humble hands. Between your courtly engagements, rebuilding your order, and appearing in the Bushin festival, I can greatly sympathize with your worries."
"Rebuild?" questioned Iris, "Perhaps you mean expand, I have not lost a single soldier yet."
The perverted asshat twitches at this. Someone likely gave him false information. Or he expected something else.
"My mistake," said the poor excuse of a human being, "But please, put your concerns to rest. Our kingdom will not do anything to trouble you, My lord and lady. Is that not so, Your Grace?"
"I shall be as Doem Ketsuhat says," said King Raphael as drool escaped his mouth.
Iris and I grip each other's hands roughly.
However, with that the meeting was over and we left.
When we left the area teeming with enemies, Luxion popped back out.
"Tell me, what did you find?" I asked immediately.
[A drug has been administered to King Raphael.]
(And it's a nasty one too. It's essentially eating away at his brain and forcing him to follow all of Perv Asshat's commands.)
"That monster!" growled Iris in frustration.
"Is there anything we can do?" I asked.
The two orbs move in such a way that makes me think they're staring at me sadly.
(Unfortunately, although we could possibly cure the King, he likely isn't long for this world. Even if I were to experiment on him with some of the elf DNA I have.)
…
"Okay. We'll find Rose and make sure she knows." I said, knowing this is more her business than mine. "Anything else?"
[Prince Julius made his way to the end of the preliminaries.]
"Anything I'd care about?" I asked. I did let the idiots out of the prison when we arrived at Midgar, if only because Mylene asked me to. To their credit they seemed to reflect on themselves, a little, and said they'd behave while in another country.
Marie said she wanted them to do everything they could to win the Bushin festival. Since it is a weapon focused tournament, only Chris, Greg, and Julius entered. Brad and Jilk opted to just protect Marie for the entire time. They look happy together like that, I guess.
…Good for her.
[… the drone you had sent to Cid captured some interesting news once it activated.]
I raised a brow at this, and waited until I was on board Partner again before I watched it.
Then I immediately ran over to find Cid with Claire behind me and forced him, Alice, Luna, and Beatrix into a seiza.
-Cid/Minoru/Shadow/Mundane-
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.
"Oh my, I don't think I've ever heard you curse before." Noted Violet.
Well cussing isn't really cool, unless you're like, 12 and just learned them for the first time. So, I only break them out for when I have no other way of saying what I mean.
I can feel Violet nod at this, "I can't say I've ever been a fan of hearing them either. Especially when the scientists used to say it all the time back…"
You alright there Violet?
"I'm fine, just… still need all the parts." Reassured Violet.
"Cid." Cuts out the voice that I'd been doing my best to ignore.
I look up and see that me and the girls have had our fates decided by the council.
Leon levels a blank stare at me, "Come with me."
I get up and find myself cuffed by a little robot.
"D-don't hurt him!" shouted Alpha with worry, trying to get up only to be forced back down by Princess Iris.
"It's fine, just say what we told Beatrix earlier," I said as I was escorted.
As expected of my other half, she can deliver such a convincing act.
"Minoru, oh my god, I will slap you." Shouted Violet.
I was escorted by Leon into a room that looked a lot like an interrogation room from my old world. In the room is Olivia.
I see… it's time to play good cop bad cop then! Sweet! I never did this before, the last time I was interrogated they just tortured me.
"How can you say that so happily?" asked Violet.
It's not like it was a big deal. Plus, Olivia healed me right after. I'll admit getting my nails ripped off was annoying though.
I feel Violet frown, but I don't get a lot of time to focus on it due to light that is shined in my eyes.
"Cid, none of that right now." Said Leon as he moved the lamp light back to where it was. "This is serious."
Yeah sure.
"Cid…" said Olivia with some concern in her voice, "Was everything you told Beatrix true?"
"Did she rat me out?" I shot back.
Leon rolls his eyes. "I'm asking the questions here. But no."
Huh. Then how did Leon…
I look to my right and see a floating red orb.
Ah.
"Ah, yeah. That would do it." Agreed Violet.
"Cid." Called out Olivia, "With how much you and Alice seem to run into danger we asked Luxion to set up a surveliance system. We never went inside your room but made sure to watch it in case of anything. We just wanted to make sure the two of you would be safe."
I nod at this reluctantly. Under my role as the middling mob of Cid, it would make sense that they'd be worried about me constantly almost dying. Especially since we're friends.
…man, they play their roles so well.
Smack!*
"Did you hear something?" asked Leon as he looked around.
"No," I said while reeling mentally from Violet smacking me from within my head. I can feel her pouting as well.
"Right," said Leon as he sat down on the table, "So, you're going to explain everything to me again. Just to make sure you aren't making anything up."
Well, I mean it's all made up but I get what you mean.
"Oh, forget it, I'm just going to wait for you to figure it out." Grumbled Violet.
Okay?
In any case I went on to explain to Leon the same exact story I gave Beatrix, with less emotion though. Somewhere in between all of that Leon gave me Katsudon. Which tells me for sure that he's reincarnated…
Like he's told me, but this just confirmed it.
"So… you've been in contact with The Shadow Garden this entire time?" finally asked Leon as he gave Olivia some tissues.
I nodded.
"I… *sniff* can't believe you'd go through something like that…" said Olivia.
"Yeah…" said Leon. "I can't believe it."
Shit.
"Why not?" I asked.
"Well, for starters The Shadow Garden is an all-female club save for one male member." Pointed out Leon.
How dare you say things that are completely true.
"Like I said, I'm not an actual member. Nor is most of Mitsugoshi. We're just in contact. They send the possessed our way whenever they don't want to join The Shadow Garden and can't go home." I said.
"How do you explain all the times you just happened to be saved by them?" asked Leon. "Which I'll point out always seemed to happen whenever none of us are there to see it."
"…" I scratch the back of my head.
"He's got you there." Pointed out Violet, "Why would The Shadow Garden save some no-name Baron and his elf-servant all the time?"
"Money." I answered both Leon and Violet. "Mitsugoshi… a lot of the ideas came from Lord Shadow. I think he's… like you. I came up with some too, and so Luna had the idea of making a business whenever she and the other girls left. Lord Shadow had helped us by giving us employees, protection, and ideas. In return he wanted funding for his… activities."
Leon nods at this, given that he can't prove otherwise. Also, it's completely true. Lady Gamma did create Mitsugoshi for Lord Shadow using his ideas. The girls also reported back to me all the time asking for advice, so.
"The best lies have a hint of truth to them, I suppose." Mused Violet, "By the by, aren't you Lord Shadow, Minoru? Why refer to yourself in the third person?"
"I guess Deirdre was right…" mused Olivia. She then snapped to attention, "But why haven't you told any of this? Did you not trust us?"
Man, it's like seeing Beta ask me to tell her a story again. Too bad Beta is way cuter than Olivia could ever be. I'm immune.
"Cid." Said Leon, slamming one leg onto the table and forcing me to pretend to flinch, "Why keep this a secret? Were you told to? Are any of you in danger?"
I shake my head, "No… not really."
"What do you mean 'not really'?" demanded Leon.
Shit. I should watch my words more carefully.
"Well… I mean… I kinda still need to…" uh think, think. What reason should I bring up…?
Suddenly Olivia gasps, "You're still possessed!"
Thank you! Haha!
I nod solemnly, "Men are a lot harder to cure, given how rarely it happens… and in my case, I'm… kinda just treating it?"
Leon takes a concerned look, asking, "What do you mean?"
I shrug, "I'm constantly using my mana to battle the possession. It's why I can't use it too much."
Olivia starts to shed a few tears.
"…Hm, you don't seem to be lying about this." Noticed Violet.
Well yeah, I constantly give and cure myself of magical overload—which everyone calls possession—in order to give me greater strength. Like you said, the best lies have a hint of truth.
"…" Leon sighs and sits down, turning off the lamp and letting the natural light, light up the room. "So, the reason you didn't want Claire to know about this, is because you essentially have magical cancer. Which only Lord Shadow and The Shadow Garden know how to cure in females and haven't fully figured out how to help you."
"Cancer?" asked Olivia.
(A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.)
Olivia and I blinked.
(The little bits that make up his body are making things wrong.)
Olivia gasped.
I nod again, "That's about right. I have to use my mana to fix whatever my body does wrong, and if I don't then… well remember your theory about the slimes coming from people?"
I made a joke, but Leon didn't laugh.
"I wouldn't either. Hell, I want to slap you again for doing that to your body on purpose." Stated Violet.
Leon sighs again. Then he and Olivia get up.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"I'm going to go get your family and tell them." Said Leon.
I admit that I panic a little inside, "Wha-!? Hey! You can't do that! That should be my choice!"
"It'd probably get them to go a little easier on you." Pointed out Leon, "Claire always said she saw potential in you, and if she knows that it'd literally kill you to try and reach it, she'd probably stop pressuring you so much."
I bow immediately, "Please bring them as soon as possible."
Leon and Olivia leave. I guess they need to talk to Alpha and the others too, so I end up being left in the room for a couple of hours.
Eventually I see the door open again, but this time it's not someone I expected.
"Aniki!" shouted Julius as he barged right in the interrogation room, before realizing he wasn't here any more.
I waved to him with my cuffed hands, "Yo."
"Oh… Cid-o right?" Said Julius.
"…wait a second… Cid-o… Cido… Chido… Shadow! Is that where you got your name from!?" realized Violet.
If only you knew what Kagenou meant, lol.
"Cid." I corrected. "What's up?"
"I was looking for Aniki, so that I could ask him about how far he made it into the Bushin Festival. I wanted to know when I could expect to face him." Said Julius.
I tilted my head, "But Leon didn't sign up."
Julius blinks. I blink.
Julius slumps over and gives a sad look that reminds me of a puppy whenever you accidentally step on its tail, "But why?"
I shrug, "Well I'm sure you can ask him yourself later, but could you undue these cuffs for me? I wanted to practice escaping some but it took longer than I thought it was and I need to meet someone right now."
Julius nods, "Oh sure, are these the keys?"
-P2W-
Princess Alexia descends a dark staircase with a magic lamp in hand.
"My sister said she was grateful for the information. She hopes you will continue to cooperate with us." Said Alexia with a flat tone.
"I'm honored" returned Beta with the same tone as she followed after Alexia.
"I think we should assume that Doem Ketsuhat has ties with the Cult." Said Alexia. "Leon-nii-sama said that he was suspicious as all get out when he met him too."
"Agreed. I believe a little digging into his dubious background will confirm it beyond a doubt." Said Beta.
"The only problem is we don't have any proof." Said Alexia.
"Very true. This is an issue involving both government and religion, so normal evidence won't be enough. Even his highness Leon's lost item may be subject to denial." Said Beta.
Alexia nods at this, "I know that. Even my father was unusually forceful about the matter… He said that if we're planning to link the Cult of Diabolos with the Church, then we're going to need an explanation that the citizenry and neighboring nations will find convincing. I know that Leon-nii-sama would agree, so that leaves Holfort and maybe their church covered, but Oriana and Midgar itself would need convincing."
"Being branded as heretics would certainly be an unpleasant outcome. I could only imagine what that'd do to Mitsugoshi too. And if Mitsugoshi were to disappear…" said Beta, leaving the resulting fallout of any change the major source of convenience that the citizens have been enjoying for the past few years to the imagination.
"Yeah," said Alexia as she began to kick a rock down the steps, "and Father is very adamant about not stirring up trouble with the Church…" Alexia kicks the rock so hard it hits the ceiling, "How the hell does he think he's going to resolve all the strife caused by the Cult?"
"Perhaps he intends to leave things as they have been." Offered Beta.
"As they have been…?" mused Alexia.
Beta shakes her head, though Alexia can't see it, "Just an errant conjecture. Please forget I said anything."
Alexia nods, leaving the matter aside for now.
"I'm more concerned about what Leon-nii and Iris-nee-sama said. According to them King Oriana seemed more like a corpse than he did a person, and that we shouldn't drink anything offered by Oriana until further notice." Said Alexia. "Also that he smelled kinda sweet…? Though only Iris noticed that."
Inwardly, Beta gasps. She knows about a certain drug with the same properties.
"…We may already be too late…" said Beta.
"Then we better start moving faster." Said Alexia, "With the Cult always on the move and my father's stance, this land may fall prey to them soon."
The girls continue walking.
…
"By the way," said Beta, "Where do these stairs lead?"
"To one of the entrances to the tunnels beneath the city. But surely you already know that?" said Alexia.
Beta nods, "Yes… You speak of the underground labyrinth beneath the capital, which is said to have been constructed long, long ago as a means of escape for the royal family."
"Labyrinth…" pondered Alexia, "Yeah, that sounds about right. Any maps, keys, or ciphers that existed have all been lost. So, now it's nothing more than a giant maze."
…
"So… why are we headed there now?" questioned Beta.
"So I can murder you." Said Alexia.
…
…
"Just kidding. Though it doesn't look like you were scared in the slightest." Said Alexia.
"Eek, don't kill me…!" said Beta with a flat tone.
"…" Alexia rolled her eyes as they reached the bottom, "It's possible that Rose ran down here. That's why we're going to have a look."
Beta rubs her head in frustration, "Um, please wait a moment."
"What is it?" asked Alexia.
"Have you told anyone else about this?" asked Beta.
Alexia shakes her head, "Why would I? They'd only try to stop us."
Beta drags her hand down her face, "You said that this is a maze. Are you sure we can find our way back out?"
"We'll just go back the way we came." Said Alexia.
Beta tries to turn around, "Um, would you mind not dragging me into every flight of fancy you have?"
"You can leave then." Said Alexia.
Beta considers it, but figures that it wouldn't do to let Alexia die just yet. No matter how much it would please her. So, she tries to tell herself that keeping Alexia safe is part of her job and follows her.
-P2W/Rose-
Rose is in a dark passageway, panting with exhaustion from all the people she's had to evade, cut down, and her lack of rest. Blood seeps from the wounds she had taken on her back while fleeing. Though not overly deep, the cuts are also decidedly not shallow.
Rose is focusing her magic on the injuries, doing the bare minimum to treat them. But as time goes on, the pain spreads and saps her of strength.
Rose's mind has been busy even while keeping one eye out for those after her.
What should I have done back there…!? Thinks Rose, What was right, the best course of action…?
Thinking back to the events of that day, where Rose saw her father and Doem Ketsuhat… or rather where she saw what was left of her father and saw the monster that did that to him. Doem even had the nerve to flash Rose a twisted smirk, telling her all she needed to know.
What's worse is that the servants had laughed at Rose mockingly as well. It was no wonder that in that moment Rose made her decision.
She heard rumors of her home, how they were dealing with the Cult and how her father became a puppet. At the time she dismissed it as heresy. But in that moment Rose knew the truth.
Unfortunately… Rose had failed.
She only grazed Doem and part of the wall, meanwhile all the servants happily declared that she lost her mind. This summoned a crowd of knights that forced Rose to go on the run.
If I had settled things properly back there, all of this could have been dealt with internally as an issue of Orianian security. I thought I had avoided a situation that would spark trouble in other lands… specifically here in Midgar. Thought Rose.
The words that Doem shouted as Rose fled cross her mind as she gets back up again. She recalls how he threatened to have her father kill one of the honored guests if she hadn't surrendered before the Bushin Festival ended.
If King Oriana were to murder a dignitary attending the festival as Doem claimed the king will…
It would mean war.
There had been nothing calm about my decision. I was simply acting out of rage and panic…! Thought Rose, with frustrated tears threatening to burst out of her eyes.
Her father was not a particularly good ruler, and Oriana was not a large kingdom.
Nevertheless…
Rose swore to herself that she would protect them. As she only had one father, one homeland.
Plus, she knew that for all his grandstanding, Doem was nothing more than a disposable pawn for the Cult. In the end killing him would only do so much. Running away solved nothing, and if anything made things worse for her country.
Should she turn herself in? The thought brings her some comfort, given that she knows somewhat what would happen if she did. But at the same time she is hit with pangs of sadness and loss, as if she has lost something dear to her.
Rose pulls out a Tuna King wrapper from her pocket. She had already eaten its contents, but it still smells faintly of bread.
Rose thinks back to when she asked Cid to believe in her, and how he had, in his endless amount of charm, shown it not through words but through gesture. First, he gave her food, then he placed his hand above her heart, and then gave her a hug.
At the time Rose was hoping for a kiss, but she knows that Cid had done something even better. He pledged himself to her as Knights do to their favorite ladies in Oriana.
He had to have known.
Cid has his own relationships, so of course he can't drop them. Rose wouldn't ask him to either, given how much she admires the love between him and Alice. But he made it known that Rose had his own place in his heart, as she does his.
And Cid must know what had happened the other day. That she's currently on the run.
She prays that Cid still believes in her.
Tears begin to pour from her eyes, one after another.
I want to dispose of Doem, bring back my father, and then figure out how to wed Cid and Alice at the same time… Rose can't help but scoff at her own thoughts. If there was such a kind future…
Surely, that is all she could have ever dreamed.
Rose runs her hands over her possession afflicted chest. Although it hasn't ached since Cid had touched it, likely the power of love, she still can't help clutch at it.
But I am possessed… All of my dreams were doomed from the very beginning…
Just then, as Rose feels herself diving into a darkness that she can't escape from, she hears a soft noise.
At first, she assumes it is the footsteps of her pursuers. However, for footsteps, their sound is awfully gentle and pleasing. She strains her ears and realizes what she is hearing is a piano.
"Moonlight Sonata…?" muses Rose, recognizing the song from one of Shiron's performances.
But somehow the current playing is even more profoundly perfect than even Shiron, as if the person at the keys had spent an entire lifetime mastering this one song, living only to play 'Moonlight Sonata.'
Rose walks in the direction of the music, feeling as though a goddess of the moon had walked up to her, helped her up, and walked her to this private concert.
-Leon-
"What do you mean, 'he walked out?'" demanded Claire of Luxion.
[That is not what I said. I said that Cid had Julius assist him out of his restraints, then went on to help Alice and Luna out, before they walked out.]
I have to hold Claire in place as she tried to wack Luxion with her sword.
"Do we at least know they're safe?" I tried.
[Somewhat. They appear to have gone in the direction of the stadium, likely trying to continue on like normal.]
Well at least they're consistent with that. Cid and Alice have always tried to play things off.
Honestly, I'd go as far as to say they're pretending to be normal.
Heh.
As though any of us are.
But I guess with everything they have going on, that's all they can do. With Cid sick, Alice a former victim that lost everything, and the other girls not any better…
Well, them constantly disappearing, sticking to not sticking out, and otherwise trying to gain as much money as possible without anyone knowing. It just made sense.
Of course the connection to Shadow garden is worrying, but if anything now I have a lead. Or rather, I have a head start.
"Claire," I say while forcing her to turn around and face me. I kiss her to calm her down, which works thankfully before continuing, "I think we can trust that Cid's okay for now. We need to focus on making sure your parents are involved and that we don't aggravate him too much."
"I-I know, but…" said Claire.
"If we set him off he'll probably defocus on his mana control. That's probably why he almost always is zoning out and needs Alice to help him all the time. Making him upset is bad. But we shouldn't coddle him either, that's probably why he's going through is rebellious phase right now." I explain, to which Claire nods.
"Okay…" mumbled Claire.
Clarice and Deirdre join us and give Claire a big hug.
"Claire, we're here for you." Said Clarice with a grin, "And that means we're here for Cid too. We just need to let him know that. He's our little brother too now, after all."
Deirdre gives Claire a kiss, to which she returns, before speaking up, "Agreed. The rambunctious lad has grown on me. I consider him a dear friend and won't allow him to suffer alone. But like most men," Deirdre looks at me and I look away, "he has his own pride as well. We should let him continue on as he has, but keep an eye out now."
Claire nods, separates herself from the two and slaps her face, "Right! Right now all we can do is try to support Cid and maybe finding our own cure for the possession."
I nod, "And to do that, we need to see the Bushin Festival to the end."
The girls all give me curious looks at this.
So I explain, "Well, something tells me that Mitsugoshi was sponsoring some of the contestants for a reason."
Luxion has a drone fly over, with a report found about a missing dark knight.
"And that maybe these people have more to them than their appearance." I said as I showed the girls.
-P2W/Rose-
They call these tunnels an underground labyrinth, but they feel more like ruins than a maze.
Rose comes upon a large set of demolished doors.
The music is coming from beyond.
Rose passes through a big hole in the doors, her sword scraping the sides of the crevice as she shimmies through, and finally arrives.
It is a temple illuminated from above by a phantasmal light.
Colorful light pours through the windows, only reflected by countless feathers that are scattered about the room, floating about and moving as though not beholden to gravity, or perhaps dancing to the music.
As Rose approached the center of the room she makes a realization.
Everything in this room—everything—is centered around one man.
The statues, the windows, the feathers, everything!
And Rose can only gasp softly at the sight of him.
"You're…" said Rose, "Shadow…"
He is alone, playing 'Moonlight Sonata' here in this forgotten place of worship. But the way he plays the song is different from all the other renditions Rose had heard before now.
The face of a song can change depending on who performs it.
And Shadow's 'Moonlight Sonata' is darkness… a bright darkness. The deep, deep darkness of night, pierced by but a single ray of light.
Was it the light of the moon, or perhaps…
The song reaches its end before Rose can find the answer to this question.
Rose savors the last of the trailing notes echoing through the chamber, then claps. "That was undoubtedly the best performance of 'Moonlight Sonata' I've ever heard."
"What is it you seek?" said Shadow.
"…" Rose hesitates for a second, jarred at the sudden shift but stands her ground. "I wanted to protect everyone… But… I couldn't."
Shadow's crimson eyes peered from behind his hood, mask, and through the room straight into Rose's soul as he asked, "And is this where I ends…?"
"Huh?" uttered Rose in confusion.
Shadow repeated himself, "Is this where your battle ends…?"
Rose grits her teeth, "I didn't want things to end here like this! I wanted to take hold of the best possible future!"
She wanted to do something, still wants that even now. But she no longer has it in her power to do anything.
Shadow smiles.
"How about some quid pro quo?" he offered, gathering mana in his hands that gave off a bluish-purple light.
"Quid pro quo?" questioned Rose.
"Do something for me. And I'll assist you." Explained Shadow.
"I won't bring any harm to those I love." Said Rose.
Shadow shook his head, "And I wouldn't ask you to… though I would assist you if it came down to it."
Rose laughed sardonically, "Let's hope it doesn't then. What do you want?"
"…I want you to help an old friend of mine." Said Shadow, with a tone of voice that Rose wouldn't expect him to carry.
"A friend? Do I know him?" asked Rose.
"Yes." Answered Shadow.
"Could you tell me who he is?" said Rose.
Shadow shook his head.
"…Could you give me a hint?" asked Rose.
Shadow seemed to ponder on it, before coming to a realization as the fire in his hand grew. "…I've been borrowing his face."
This puzzles Rose.
Then she sees the mana getting brighter.
And she recognizes the feeling in her chest.
"Cid…!" shouted Rose.
"Yes. I have been forced to borrow the boy's body to do what must be done. I ask that you assist him in his games." Said Shadow.
"His games?" questioned Rose.
"To pull at the strings, to gather strength but not have it be known by anyone, to be weak yet at the same time the strongest in the room… to be the Eminence in Shadow. Or as he likes to call it. His Shadow Broker games." Said Shadow.
"And what would I get in return," said Rose, already having agreed to help Cid in her heart.
"I shall grant you the power you lack." Said Shadow. The energy grows even brighter, painting the chamber in its dazzling hues and causing the air to tremble under its weight.
"Will this power allow me to change the future…?" asked Rose desperately.
"That all depends on you two." Said Shadow.
Rose notices herself growing captivated by the bluish-purple glow of the magic. If she had strength like Shadow's…
Fire returns to her eyes.
"There is something I must do as Princess of Oriana! A wish I must safeguard as Rose Oriana!" shouted Rose at the top of her lungs, as though she needed to be heard by the entire world, "And in order to do so, I will need power!"
The bluish-purple magic flows forth.
"This is…" whisper Rose in awe as it begins to surround her.
"Cid had long since cured you of your possession, but this shall do even more than that." Said Shadow as the warm force reawakens the magic within her, making it rampage for not even a nano-second before it calms down again. What had once been too heavy to control is now light and moves as she wishes. Even the black welts and scars that stopped before completely disappear.
"Incredible…" said Rose and she means it with all her heart. "This is your magic. The world as you see it."
"…No. As he sees it." Corrects Shadow. But before Rose can question it, he continues, stating, "Revolt. Prove that you have the will to fight."
The light glows so brightly that Rose cannot see anything, but she feels herself being embraced, not in the physical sense, but by the magic itself.
"Heed these words and do not forget them." Said Shadow, "True strength does not come from power… but from the way you live your life."
Suddenly the light disappears.
Rose looks down on her person to find her clothes take a strange hue, as though they are made of some kind of liquid, before changing back into the uniform she had discarded along the way.
She looks up to thank Shadow but is left with nothing but the promise she made, and the memory of him having been there.
She leaves the chamber, and sees that Shadow had apparently left a trail of bodies for her to follow out.
She would normally balk in terror or disgust, but knowing the markings on their bodies show that they belonged to the Cult… Well, she reckons serving as a trail for her to follow is the first time any of them have made any kind of contribution to society.
-P2W-
Feeling an abrupt buildup of magic, Alexia and Beta run toward its source. As they do they see a corridor filled with blood. But before they can question what caused everything, they see a friend.
"Rose…!" shouts Alexia.
"Alexia…" greets Rose halfheartedly.
Alexia hurries down the steps while Beta stands still.
"You look… completely fine?" questioned Alexia before realizing that wasn't important, "What exactly happened?"
But Rose ignored her and walked past, only saying, "I gained power… and I will follow my convictions."
"Wait? What are you talking about!?" shouted Alexia. "Hey! I need answers! And I came down here to help you!"
But Rose continues on.
"Forgive me… I don't want to get you involved." Said Rose with her back to Alexia. Unable to stare at her friend as she is currently too bright for her to do so.
Alexia growls, "But what about our promise!? We swore that we would no longer be spectators and allow things to get worse! Did you not mean any of it!?"
But Rose continues on.
This angers Alexia further, and she tries a direct approach.
She unsheathes her sword and flings her torch across the room, immediately swinging at Rose in anger.
Rose reacts perfectly, and the speed of their sword strokes are equal. Their skill levels are perfectly matched.
Rose is the best dark knight to come from the academy. One would think she would be on a different level than Alexia. Compared to when she first enrolled, at the very least.
But in an exceptionally short time, Alexia's swordplay has improved to the point that it is almost unrecognizable.
"I'm through being a bystander!" shouted Alexia in rage.
As they two exchange blows, Rose recognizes that Alexia's swordplay resembles his'. Shadow's.
"Haaaaaah!" shouted Alexia, burning bright with magic.
Steel clashes together. A burst of magic lights the area.
Though the two are almost evenly matched, the outcome is obvious. The deciding factor is a sheer difference in magic. If Alexia had possessed the same magic ability… the outcome would not be so clear.
"Alexia…" said Rose as she carried the now unconscious girl, "You've grown so strong…"
She eventually reaches Beta.
"Natsume… I am truly sorry." Apologized Rose, "I must go now."
But Beta smiles in a way that 'Natsume' never would, "I won't stop you. I don't have the right to."
Her expression is unreadable to Rose, who always thought of Natsume as gentle.
"Natsume…?" questioned Rose.
Beta casts a glance at Alexia.
"However, that was slightly unexpected. Even fools have their own concerns, it would seem," said Beta as she took Alexia onto her thighs and lightly petted her hair. "We do not share the same homelands, allegiances, or even beliefs… And yet, I think perhaps we are all aiming for the same thing. If things were different… we may have made for a fairly decent team. I'm certain our paths will cross again before long, but in the meantime, I wish you luck in the battles ahead…"
Rose has many questions she wants to ask.
However, she knows that neither of them feel like speaking any longer.
Once Rose is gone, Beta lets out a sigh.
"Was this your choice…? Did you make it with your full heart…? Were you trying something new…? …Cid?" said Beta to the empty room.
-Gamma-
I was a bit upset at Leon for interrupting us, but I suppose that the false story that Cid fed him and Beatrix would get anyone into a tizzy.
But now I'm able to focus back on to the mission.
Several weeks have passed and currently it's the end of the preliminary matches.
As I recall the ones who made it this far are Myself (as Xianyun). Cid (As Mundane), Annerose, former prince Julius, Princess Iris, Quinton, some other man of no note, and Claire.
Through some new techniques and thanks to the witch of Calamity resting in Cid's hands, we were able to create false slime versions of myself and Cid.
Currently, as Cid and I get ready for our own matches, they are sitting next to Iris (who's match is not for another two hours), Alpha, her aunt Beatrix (who is helping us now, I suppose), and Olivia.
As I understand it, Olivia isn't so much as watching the false versions of us, as she is keeping an eye on the Oriana royalty, who have been doing the best to stay away from her.
"Xianyun." Called out Cid, breaking me out of my reverie.
"Yes, Mundane?" I answered.
Cid then smiled, but in a devious way that let me know to read between his words, "I think that your injuries are flaring up a bit too much. I don't see you going past this round. Maybe if you were still in your prime… but not now."
I see, so Xianyun's role as a participant is coming at an end. It's a little frustrating, but it has been somewhat difficult not killing anyone this entire time. I could only imagine it getting worse if I go past this point.
"I'm afraid you're correct Mundane…" I sighed sadly, "I'll have to entrust everything to you."
Mundane hugs Xianyun kindly, leaving their relationship up in the air to all who were watching us.
As we're hugging a thought crosses my mind that I need answered, so I whisper to Cid, "By the way, what did you need the piano for?"
"Oh, I'll give it back later. I didn't even get to use it because of everything." Said Cid.
Aw, I bought that piano for him. So to know he didn't get to use it breaks my heart a little.
.
.
.
A/N: Stopping here for now. I don't have a lot to say this time around, other than I think the big fight, or rather fights, will happen next chapter, if not the one after. This section was longer than I remember it being, not counting my original stuff I mean. That would also end the arc, followed by some background set up again before the next one.
Oh, but I do want to mention, I'm surprised that no other fanfic had made the connection between possession and cancer. It feels kinda obvious? Oh well, that just means none of you were able to predict how Cid could get out of the hole he dug.
Now on to the comments. Which I gotta say, I try to leave my own on some of the fanfics I read, but never know what to say. So thanks for writing all the time you guys.
QQ-
VATSTeen: You ever see that panel of Barbara Gordan talking to her father about how he figured out she was Bat Girl, to which he answered "How!? I'M A DETECTIVE!" That's basically Leon with his Luxion drones he's had the entire story, lol. So Beatrix didn't fold, but technically her screaming activated the drone.
Cid also got out of this for his lie that technically weren't lies, thereby bulshitting his way out of this in a way that no one suspected. I'll leave that up to everyone if that's bad writing or me being clever.
Someoneani: Oh yeah, there's so many tropes that it's ridiculous. In both worlds too. But in Mobuseka they mostly try to answer what could have set those up, while EiS lets them exist. So yeah, Violet would have some doubts.
Part of me wanted to write that scene in full, but I felt a flashback would do. Plus I'm running out of stuff to include from the chibi manga if I'm being honest.
Beatrix is safe… for now.
I mean if you want to talk about horny stuff and EiS I think the reddit is a good place to go. Most people talk about that. To the point that someone tried to complain about it. My favorite comment under that complaint was someone who apparently is from shadow garden who went "You won't stop us from revering our lord shadow!" lol.
Bladist: Canonically, Claire is also a mom and dad-con. Just not to the degree she is a bro-con. In the game if you talk to her about her 'dark past' she'll say—in tsundere fashion—that she once thought her dad was super cool when he had a full head of hair and loves him a lot. She also made dolls of them to play with Cid.
I mean, maybe. I kinda want to finish something original I've been drawing then I'll draw that.
I always wondered about where to get those battering rams. The internet I suppose.
I feel like that's something Luxion would do, lmao. I'm not done with that bit though, so look forward to it.
The translation mistake was on accident. I was using the Manga for reference at the time, which using Jimina instead of Mundane. I like Mundane better though which is why I used it more.
Ao3-
Wolfpaladin: I think I'm having fun leaving each chapter on cliff hangers now. Keeps you guys' attention.
It wasn't even after the first match lol, if anything it was right before.
I like to think that with Cid more involved they're now used to having these little meetings, this is just the first emergency one they've had.
Yeah it's too soon for Leon to figure that out. I mean, it's half the appeal of this crossover so I can't just do it yet.
Violet's fun to write. I feel that she's OOC but that's just because she's in Cid's head… yup, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Deathfang1920: Thanks!
DivineDemonDragon: I didn't think of it like that, but yeah he totally did discover his inner dad.
I feel like them out bull-shitting each other could be fun, but at this point it's more of a Leon v Shadow than Leon v Cid type thing to do.
Shadowy_Mann: Oh dude I'm sorry to hear that, that must suck.
I kinda want to re-read the WN but don't want to make an account or anything for it… ugh. The pains of reading this series. I completely forgot about Clara too. That mind control thing seems useful though.
Anisomeone: In my defense, a lot of people are asking about that arc, so I would bring it up a lot. But yeah lambda is also underused.
BOY4_GOW: I think you meant "my" and yeah, that's one way that would go.
Glad you noticed it.
Cid panics a lot in the series, he just never lets it show.
I assume you meant didn't see it coming, or I hinted at it at some point and forgot.
That "you will be burned inside the bell" thing is a reference to a fancomic of the game F/GO in which the yandere girl Kiyohime of Japanese folklore, was turned into a little girl for the comic. She then 'adorably' made the protag promise to marry her when she got older otherwise he'd be burned inside the bell. Like she did to the monk in her lore.
Ganbatte Violet… ganbatte
I mean, I don't think this was the moment. It's still a set up for the moment. But you got it right that it was thanks to Luxion.
Gary: Yeah, Raymond and Daniel are good friends throughout the story, just very much products of where they grew up.
Part of me wanted to write Skel and Po as people that showed up to the festival but had all their money taken away and never met Cid… maybe some other time.
Totntotbt: Lmao.
Yeah iris mostly did things on her own and refused to change or grow, that was beaten out of her near the start of the story by Leon and only further by her fellow harem members.
About the slime babies… Well they kinda did something this chapter.-
Guest: Cid's alright(?) lmao. But yeah, all the girls are stacked in Shadow Garden. Eta I feel is built like a pillow, at least compared to the other girls.
SB-
MWKillKenny84: I suppose it depends on if we factor that it only works on busty women.
Whenever I see that word, I am reminded of Candace from Phineas and Ferb.