A/N: Have you seen the Christmas outfit for Epsilon in Master of Garden? If I had a girlfriend that wore an outfit like that, I'd have to take responsibility for everything I'd do to her. I've always thought Epsilon had the best poses (which is in character) ever since the start of the game. Not to mention the shooting minigame animations in her swimsuit… *Cough*
Anyway, this chapter should be the main part of the Fanoss war arc. However, this chapter is going to focus on characters aside from the usual ones. I figure that if there was ever a time to focus on the side characters it'd be now.
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. / Kageno of Mitsugoshi, after an argument with his parents, Cid decides to go by Kageno for a while.
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, real name Lukreia.
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.
-P2W-
Leon Rapha Barfort is someone who constantly challenges what people know to be true.
He proved that it was true to become an adventurer in the modern day.
He had disproven the history of the kingdom.
He had disproven the idea that the five heirs were untouchable.
The list could go on.
But for Daniel Fou Dalant and Raymond Fou Arkin, they really just cared that through Leon and Deirdre, the idea that love was beyond their grasp was also disproven.
That's why, despite everything in their bodies screaming at them to leave. Everything in their noble upbringing telling them to just switch sides. Their own desire to live happily with their new lovers telling them to get on a ship and run away.
They choose to stay and fight.
"Mister Daniel… are you sure? I don't believe his highness would mind if we left."
"Raymond… I… I'm not strong enough to follow you into battle… won't you stay with me?"
Elouise Fou Lupton and Hermoine Fou Farraday, Daniel and Raymond's fiancés respectively, had been rather hesitant to allow their beloved to go to war.
Leon had never really paid attention to Elouise and Hermoine, except for one time. That time being the day after Deirdre had offered to make introductions between her ladies-in-waiting and Leon's friends… following Daniel and Raymond desperately begging.
According to the documents that Deirdre provided Leon, Elouise and Hermoine were the daughters of families descended from knights that swore themselves to the Roseblades during the era of Lea and the other founders.
Elouise was an introverted bespectacled girl with medium length black hair kept in a simple low bun. Meanwhile Hermoine was a spunky young lady, her skin tanned from days spent under the sun.
Yes, Leon and Cid had both noticed Daniel and Raymond's fiancés bearing a strange resemblance to each Daniel and Raymond. But some things are best left unsaid given how slim the options were.
In any case, grateful for everything they now have, Daniel and Raymond found themselves hugging their respective fiancé.
"Elly…" said Daniel as he hugged her close, her face burrowing into his chest. "I can't. You know that."
Taking Hermoine's hands, Raymond echoes the sentiment. "If this were before the days I met you, then I would've run like the coward I was. But I can't. Not anymore."
The girls nodded. They hated it, but they could only agree.
They weren't any different truth be told.
They loved their land and their Lady. But they weren't by any means attached to Holfort itself.
But over the course of the past few months they've started to transition from the children they were raised as into the adults they wanted to be.
The adults they needed.
The adults that would actually be able to change the state of the kingdom.
Adults that sadly needed to start that process by fighting a war.
"You better come back!" ordered Elouise through her tears that she fiercely fought back.
Hermoine, despite her usual countenance suggesting her to be the stronger of the two girls, just hugs her fiancé as strongly as she possibly can.
However, with the shadow of the main fleet approaching, Hermoine and Elouise leave to join Lady Deirdre.
The boys still can't help themselves from watching them from the window until they can no longer see them. The girls don't stop waving the boys away until the ship moves beyond the horizon.
-Balcus-
As I ready the ship I took to see Leon before his trial after hearing about it, now expecting war thanks to the broadcast, I do my best thanks to reflect on everything that brought me to this point.
I was born the son of a baron who didn't want to be a baron into the life of nobility who all hated being nobility but couldn't stop being nobility lest we suffer the ire of the wives we were forced to take.
I never really considered myself happy, nor did I truly consider myself the opposite on account of my real wife and the kids I had with her.
Nicks is every bit my son and then some. He got my strength and his mother's charm and wit.
Jenna has gone from a precocious young girl to a somewhat spoiled if generally well meaning young woman. I'm not too sure about Miauler, but given what I've seen from the both of them, they're on the right track to become better.
Leon.
Finely is a cute young girl that I can't help but dote on. Unlike Jenna I seemed to have managed to not spoil her rotten as she seems to have taken more after mother in terms of level-headedness. Although her temperament is much like that of a cat, with being cold at times and expecting endless praise despite it.
Colin is my darling little boy. He's every bit as excitable and curious as a little puppy and I can't help but want to keep like that for as long as possible.
And my wife Luce… I don't have enough words to describe just how much I love her. If there's one good thing I have to say I love about her, it's how she really does serve as my own light. My entire life I feel like I've been cast into the sea below the islands in the middle of the night, constantly having to swim with all my strength just to keep my head afloat. But Luce… she's what keeps me from swimming aimlessly.
Though she can only do so much. If Luce is like a lighthouse for me to follow, Zola is some kind of monster constantly swimming after me.
sigh*
It's not as though I always hated Zola. I may have married her because I was desperate, but it's not as though I hadn't tried to be friendly with her, if not at the very least civil.
I mean, unlike some of the other women in the academy she didn't have any lovers at the time. It wasn't until a couple of months after we got married that she took her elven lovers.
I hated it, of course I would, but there was no real heat behind that. I was just sad.
Though apparently my sad pathetic state was what attracted Luce to me again. She had been previously enamored with me, a one-sided crush from childhood that met a tragic end due to me going to the academy and returning with a wife. But when she saw me drinking in her father's tavern, she saw an in she couldn't help but take.
Heh, I wonder if Leon gets his conniving nature from Luce.
But that's besides the point.
If I'm going to talk about children, it's only right that I talk about Rutart and Merce as well.
Rutart… He was once my pride and joy. I thought of him as my first son, not really knowing any better at the time, and I loved him. I remember the time he first called me "papa" fondly. I remember how angry that made Zola just as vividly.
The older Rutart got, the less time I spent with him, and then the more he hated me whenever we saw each other. It broke my heart to see him become the entitled man child he is now. He took after Zola in every worst way.
Merce, originally she was becoming the second coming of Zola. But then there was that day that Leon got sick. Some part of me was worried over what it was he had, as all the symptoms mirrored that of something like possession. I wanted to go help him, I tried even. But Zola kept threatening us with whatever it is she could do in the capital, making our lives harder.
In any case, once Zola got bored and started to depart. As always she forced us all to say goodbye to her. But when we did Leon opened his big mouth and pointed out that Rutart and Merce had ears that were just a little sharper in shape than the rest of us.
I'll admit, part of me always suspected something similar. But as far as I knew such a thing was literally impossible.
There was that business, Mitsugoshi, who had created something called a 'blood test' that was useful for testing such issues. However, as it hadn't been approved by the crown at the time I decided that I wouldn't risk the massive cost forcing Zola and her kids to take would cost me.
Never did I expect for Merce to one day send me half of a kit attached to a letter she sent in secret thanks to her friends. Namely, the Atlees. I nearly had a heart attack then, can't begin to recount how I felt when Leon was marrying into the family.
In any case once I opened the letter in front of the Atlee servant, I read what Merce wrote.
Dear Father Mister Balcus
I am writing this letter attached to a Mitsugoshi "blood" test that I have done roughly half of myself. I hope that you can take the other half so that we can definitevly prove Mother's infidelity. If you are concerned for me, don't be. I have become a much different person over the years thanks to my new friends. Leon wouldn't know this, as I've done my best to avoid him and the others. Not able to face them after all that my mother has done to them.
But my relationship with Princess Rose of Oriana, Lady Deirdre Fou Roseblade, and Miss Clarice Fia Atlee… they've all shown me my place. Not like Mother would. Not like most of my peers would. But by simply being amazing. I've done my best all my life to show off the difference in status between me and those I saw as lesser in an effort to always be above them. I thought that it was merely the circumstances of one's birth that could possibly determine them to be better than myself. But now I see it is what one does with their life that truly matters.
Despite sharing several features of their appearance, most predominantly our hair color and style, I know that by simply choosing to be better people Lady Roseblade and Princess Oriana will always remain above me. That's not even covering everything Lady Atlee has done for me once she realized that I was on good terms with Leon.
In short, I am choosing to be better starting today. I am choosing to cut off those who would only drag me down.
I hope…
I hope you can forgive me for how I've acted all this time when all you've wanted is to be my father.
I hope you would still welcome me into your home as your daughter.
-Merce
I admit I cried a bit when I read her letter.
Luce and I both agreed that even though the contents of the test would definitely show her to be not my child by blood, she would be my child, our child by choice.
Which brings me to now.
"Leon." I greeted my trouble making child at the docks. "Are you sure about this?"
We were surrounded by many members of nobility doing their best to flee. There are far less than I expected, meaning that for as nosy that it is no one is trampling over one another. Although some people are still abandoning one another the cries of "W-Wait bring me together with you too please!" from a noble woman that reminds me of the ones I saw during my days at the academy. She's answered by a man about her age, "Don't turn on me after this late! You were the one who was completely ignoring me!"
Other such similar cries of women asking to join the men who are evacuating fill the air. However, again, it's not nearly the number of them we expected.
In any case Leon, who had to disguise himself with a cloak, shakes his head. Telling me not to bother trying to convince him otherwise. Somehow it feels like I'm the younger of us two, at least given the look of determination I could never mimic myself that I see in his eyes.
Truth be told, given everything he's accomplished it's hard not to feel a bit lesser. Even the ship I'm using now was something he gave us.
"The training of the crew is over, so once we get everyone home you can use it as you wish." I said to my son. "But… are you sure about this? Are you ready for this? Mentally speaking, I mean."
Like the man he's become, Leon nods with a smile. "Of course."
I sigh. My trouble making child… I should know that once he makes a decision he'll stick to it, even if he'll whine about it the entire way.
"Father!" shouted Nicks, drawing my attention to him. "Zola and her friends are outside the ship demanding you let them on. She's got a huge group of people with her."
I couldn't help but sigh as I started towards the exit. On the way I look at the 'photo' that one of those devices had taken of my family back home. It was Jenna and Miauler wearing my and Luce's old wedding attire. They were going to elope to Midgar last I heard. The outfits fit them terribly but they… we were all so happy. The only thing that made Jenna upset that day was Leon being unable to attend thanks to his imprisonment.
As I walk down with renewed determination, and perhaps what pride I had wanting to still look reliable in front of my son, I feel the usual drowning feeling I get when facing Zola missing.
When I see her I don't miss a step. "We're going to war. Rutart you'll be taking part. It'll be your first battle."
"D-don't give me orders, you backwoods barbarian!" shouted the man-child hiding behind his mother's skirt despite his age.
"Balcus, how dare you!" Zola snapped, not able to notice she wasn't the one in charge anymore. "Do you realize what you owe me for all those years of peace—"
I can't even bother to scoff. "Hand over Rutart. We're going to war."
Zola stomped like a child. "Backwater scum! Arrogant fool! Rutart is my beloved boy! There isn't even a drop of your filthy blood in his veins. If you want to go to war so badly, send your own useless child!"
…
Heh, I didn't even need to throw the results of the Mitsugoshi test in her face.
"I figured as much. Well, that's a relief. Goodbye, Zola." I said with a smile on my face and a weight off my back. Or perhaps it'd be more accurate to say that I'm free from a ball and chain.
"W-wait!" Zola cried. "I didn't mean it. Balcus! If you really want an heir, I can always have one for you now! Just help me escape!"
"Sorry, I'm busy." I sighed and signaled to my crew. A squad of the recently trained Knights of our household came rushing down the dock. "Escort Zola out of the harbor…" I trail off as I stare at the other blonde child. "Merce, are you coming home with us?"
I see my daughter's eyes well up with tears as she roughly pushes Rutart and Zola aside and dives in for a hug that I welcome. The old hag screams something but I can't bring myself to pretend I care anymore.
"You're really cool today dad."
I look at Leon.
"I hope you can keep it up. As the person who gave me most of my training, there's almost no one I trust more than you to help with the war efforts." Said Leon. I'm sure that's a lie given how good of a fighter I've heard he's become.
But it feels nice to see he still relies on me.
"All right. Then you can count on my support. Do things your way. Not that you would listen to me even if I opposed you. Honestly, you're always full of surprises."
Leon smiles gratefully and ruffles Merce's hair, despite her being older than him, before he leaves.
-Lambda-
I find myself accompanied by Kai (No. 111) and Omega (No. 122). I stand before them as I always have, the person in charge of training the recruits at Shadow Garden. It's just this time I stand in front of them as specifically "Mitsugoshi's" military service.
Thanks to all of us being in disguise, we wear outfits that are somewhat similar to our Shadow Garden attire. The main difference being that rather than black with gold accents our outfits were largely navy blue with black accents.
We had just finished with the recruitment line, having sorted most of the nobles as Prince Leon had suggested to Lord Shadow. We're now on our way to witness something I never thought would come to existence in either army I have served over the years.
I was a formidable soldier in my own right during my time as 'Zinaida' as I fought for Velgata's army, but even I had my limits as an elf. I had thought that I would never be able to command a ship, nor ever pilot an armor. Yet thanks to Lord Shadow's wisdom and the technology brought forth by Prince Leon then replicated by Lady Eta, we now have what was thought to be impossible.
Armors that can be piloted by demi-humans…
I still can't believe it.
Nor can I believe that I'd have to learn faster than anyone how to pilot them myself and then teach everyone else. Not to mention the acting lessons Lord Shadow had given everyone for his plans during the war.
Thankfully, we had some guidance in the form of—surprisingly—The Crimson Knights led by Princess Iris. Although Princess Iris was stuck in Midgar thanks to a number of reasons, she sent her knights to support her husband-to-be.
Unfortunately…
"ASDUJGHAIKDSJGHAIKSDJFHADA!"
I cover my ears as Nu screams at the top of her lungs upon seeing Sir Marco's armor. I suppose I can't blame her.
"Are you okay miss!?" Sir Marco shouted in concern.
"She's… fine." Answered Omega, "She was just shrieking over the… *snrrk*beautiful design you have on your armor there."
Yes, upon the back of Marco's armor was a depiction of Nu. Or rather, a younger Nu. She was dressed in a white dress with angel wings sprouting from her back. The art was painted such that she appeared to be leaning against the back of the armor with a soft smile and a light blush against her face.
"Ah…" Marco bashfully rubbed the back of his head. "Yes, rather stunning, isn't it? I had it commissioned shortly after it was given to me by His Highness. See, this is my late fiancé, Nicoletta. We were never particular close, thanks to my knight and noble training getting in the way, and honestly we only shared a couple of meals, letters, and dances. But… I did really want to get to know her…"
Marco trails off as he stares at the painting.
We do our best to hold back Nu as subtly as possible. I can feel the rage and disgust radiating off of her.
"And you know? Somehow I feel like she's always been watching over me." Said Marco.
"Oh?" said Omega, enjoying how much this conversation was antagonizing Nu.
Marco nodded with a smile that I suppose could be considered wistful. "You see, I had been in the attack of the noble's academy. I was tasked with guarding a young girl. We had gotten separated and in my attempt to find and save her I had nearly lost my life. But… while I was unconscious I heard her. She must've saved my life."
As I recall Nu had attempted to end his life and was only stopped by Lord Shadow and Lady Shade showing up on time.
Nu even goes so far as to tap I should've killed him then! In the secret The Shadow Garden version of morse code.
"Is that woman's leg okay?" asked the other Crimson Knight present, Glen or something.
"She's fine, just antsy with the war coming up, y'know?" lied Kai.
"Is that girl's family okay with you doing that to her?" asked Nu through gritted teeth.
Thankfully, the knights didn't seem to notice.
Marco smiled, "Oh yes! In fact, her parents provided me with every portrait they had of her to help me with my commission… well they hadn't contacted me directly, some men that lived there gave them to me. But they had their seal, so I figured they were speaking on their behalf."
Ah that's right. When investigating her family, we had found even though they had sold her once she contracted possession, they were killed off to handle loose ends. We had let it be, given that the destruction of a house would've cast suspicions on potential third parties and potentially exposing The Shadow Garden before we were ready. I suppose there are still people there pretending they didn't get rid of the Marquez family.
Nu only grows angrier.
Thankfully the chime of a bell interrupts her thoughts. Or it could be the tail the bell is attached to wrapping around her that distracted her.
"Hey-hey! Bossman said no freaking out!" scolded Lady Delta as she snuggled against Nu. Nu began to soften in Delta's embrace.
How envious, everyone wants to be able to pet Lady Delta.
"Oh? Bossman?" questioned Glen.
"Hubby. His name is Cid. But I call him bossman because he's the leader of our pack." Clarified Lady Delta.
Marco and Glen chuckle at this, likely thinking of Lady Delta as a fool or something… which isn't necessarily wrong but isn't appreciated.
"Anyway, is Lammy here?" asked Lady Delta. She then turned to me. "Ah, Lam-Lam! Bossman wanted to see you."
I straightened at this.
"Of course. Did he say why?" I asked so that I may be ready for whatever it is my lord may need.
Lady Delta smiled in a way I've only seen Lady Zeta and other cat therianthrope members smile. "Bossman said he wanted to reward you for your work on training everyone with the armors."
…
"Oh look," whispered Marco to Glen, "their ears do wiggle when they're happy!"
-Dan-
My lovely wife Nanna and I walk behind our angel lady Clarice. We both had agreed that we'd follow her anywhere, even hell itself. And since we know that Leon is the one that picked this fight, a man who never does something he doesn't think he can win, we are pretty sure of our chances.
Lady Clarice was currently accompanying Leon's familiar Luxion.
"So what was it that you needed to ask me about?" asked Clarice, "You said something about an airbike?"
[Correct. I have been working on a model for Leon that I have named Schwert. Unfortunately, Leon hasn't been able to practice with Schwert. As the woman whose family had made the original bike and is most familiar with their application in times of war, I wanted to have you help me get a few test runs in before we would use it properly.]
Lady Clarice nods. "I getcha. If it's for honeybuns then I'll do my best… or should I mess up a little since he's not had a lot of practice?"
[Do not fret, I had Kagenou test it out earlier. I have many examples of failure. For now, I would like data of a successful driver.]
"My lady, Luxion," I interjected, "Perhaps it'd be best if I volunteered instead? Although Lady Clarice is very talented in this area, wouldn't it be best to have the data from a male driver? The technique of steering differs slightly based on gender due to builds."
Nanna nods, "No offense Lady Clarice, but His Highness Leon is closer to Dan in build than you. He has grown rather muscular in these past few months, hasn't he?"
"Hell yeah he has." Replied Lady Clarice without thinking. As soon as she realizes what she said she begins to blush a bit before pressing on. "Well, Luxion said the more data the better, and we want Leon to be as ready as possible. So how about all of us pitch in."
[Thank you. Please, let's get started. The controls on Schwert are about the same as a normal air bike.]
From there we all took Schwert for a test drive.
I'll admit, for the first time I felt jealous of Leon. It was such a damn upgrade to what we had.
"Damn, Luxion what would it cost to get me one of these?" I called out after we finished testing.
[I have no incentive to provide you any such thing.]
"Oh?" noted Nanna. I enjoy the sight of my wife's black bob cut covering her shoulders as she adorably tilts her head in confusion. "But haven't you been providing armors and ships to the entire army based on Arroganz and The Partner? What's the issue with bikes based upon Schwert?"
[Yes, they are based upon my designs. They are by no means actually up to what Master and his wives have access too. I just improved the travesty of technology that Holfort and the rest of you inferior New Humans called 'state-of-the-art']
"I was wondering about that, especially since some of Mitsugoshi's designs look a lot like Arroganz." Said Clarice.
Luxion bobs his little orb body as if to nod.
[The elf… Eta Lloyd Wright, has a keen eye for architecture and engineering. She has been able to follow my instructions almost as though she were an advanced AI herself, even implementing a few improvements based upon what she believes the armors to be capable of based upon what Kagenou has told her of what Arroganz used to be able to do.]
I couldn't help but whistle at that. "Being able to improve armors based upon what you think they should do… wow, Cid's really good at finding talented people."
Nanna nodded, "Alice the super maid, Luna the riches woman in the world, Natsume the most popular writer ever, Shiron the best musician to date, and now Eta… that's not even mentioning all the royalty he knows let alone Prince Leon."
"Hey-hey, Lux-kun. If you had to make a comparison, how much stronger is honeybuns' stuff to all the things we gave the army?" asked Lady Clarice.
[Hm… an interesting query. If I were to make a comparison in power… perhaps likening them to the dark knights we know would be best?]
Luxion then displayed what looked to be a list with pictures next to each of them. From top to bottom it was:
Lord Shadow Tier
Seven Shades Tier
Leon Tier
The Shadow Garden Tier
Prodigy Tier
Rank and File Tier
Common Tier
[Master's armor would be comparable to Lord Shadow, something that almost no one can hope to match by my calculations. Although I do have several things I believe I can improve, so perhaps The Seven Shadow Tier would be more accurate. Perhaps we could say that It is Master and me that have the armor go to the Lord Shadow Tier.]
We nodded at this. An armor is only as good as its pilot at the end of the day, and a good pilot with a good armor is untouchable in most cases.
[For a baseline, let's say what I would consider to be the Common Tier. That would be the… things that adventurers and knights have access to.]
"The wooden ships and franken armors?" asked Lady Clarice.
Ah yes, the 'franken armors' as coined once Natsume's Frankenstein had been released. It describes the patched together armors that commoners create from salvaging destroyed ones. Rare, but still seen.
[Precisely. Now the rank-and-file tier is just that, it describes the armors that regular soldiers and military had access too before we began to create ours.]
Makes sense. Those armors were by no means weak, but they also were mass produced easily. It's why I was even able to train with them despite my family being nothing special compared to who I serve.
[Prodigy Tier would then describe those in high positions such as The Five Heirs of Holfort. I believe that Princess Iris also had an armor of similar strength, but due to armors usually being piloted by men she hardly used it. One of her Knights is using it now, Glen I believe.]
"They are custom made after all, it would make sense for them to be better than the normal ones." I noted. "I heard it's taken months on end to create them, while a normal mass-produced armor can take a month give or take."
[Yes. However, now the armors we have been mass producing are of about that same tier. Even the ones given to high ranking Mitsugoshi members and you are merely the top of that tier.]
"Eh?! But Dan and I are trusted friends of Leon!" shouted Nanna.
[Which is why I made yours first, and even customized it to be a mostly speed and defense build. As to better guard those you care about. But I do not believe that any of Master's subordinates should have something the same strength as his gear. Even Mistress Olivia and Angelica.]
"Wow!" shouted Lady Clarice in astonishment. "Even them?"
[…I'll admit that I do have some tolerance for those two, if at least for how much of a good thing they are for his mental health, hence me making them priority two and three when it comes to making things. However, Master and the preservation of Old Humanity is my top priority. Hence, I shall strive to make sure he has the best of everything so that nothing can overcome him. Think of it like this, given that recruiting is going so well right now only due to spite, if I were to arm everyone with armor matching Master's some people may get the idea to stage a mutiny.]
I couldn't help but agree with the logic. I'd follow Leon into battle mostly due to my devotion to Lady Clarice, who had been there for all of us less fortunate. After all my family is part of the lowest rank of nobility, without that rank I wouldn't have been the heir to anything.
Even so, Lady Clarice was kind to me and even sponsored me when she found out I had skills in air biking. Thanks to her I could get a job in the field after I graduate.
To all of us followers, she was our inspiration. We heard lots of complaints and rumors of cruelty from other girls' followers, and it made us glad to be with our lady. It's because of her that I even met Nanna, someone that I never would've been able to approach thanks to my scary appearance.
But Leon… well he's cool and all, but if Lady Clarice ordered me to attack him, I'd do so. Although I may question it at this point.
But if it was because he cheated even after all the girls he already has, then yeah he's dead.
[In any case, I believe this means that all of our preparations are done for the day. All that's left is to finally depart tomorrow.]
…
I squeeze Nanna's hand.
I hope you know what you're doing Leon.
-P2W-
Although Luxion had said that to Clarice and her followers, there was actually one last thing that needed to be done. It was just kept behind closed doors just in case it didn't work.
Leon, Angelica, Olivia, Mylene, Roland, Marie, Kyle, the five idiots, Cid, and Alice (Alpha) were all heading for a storage area deep below the royal palace. A beautiful white airship lay hidden there, its streamlined shape resembling Luxion's main body, though its design was far more intricate.
"It's enormous." Marveled Leon.
[Four hundred meters. Which makes it smaller than The Partner.]
"That might be, but you have to admit it looks pretty strong at least." Pointed out Cid.
[It's nothing compared to The Partner.]
As Leon and Cid paused Alpha chimed in "Its design is nice."
[It certainly ignores efficiency and maintenance concerns in favor of extravagance. And it certainly can't beat the simple and beautiful functionality of The Partner.]
The three looked to each other, shrugging. They figured that it wasn't really worth it to try and say anything else given Luxion's current competitive feelings.
Aside from the 14 gathered, there were a few mechanics responsible for servicing the royal family's ship, though they stood to one side.
Roland and Mylene, the king and queen, of course had to be here to give permission to pilot the ship and explain how. The five idiots and Marie awkwardly lurked near them, only here because Leon had suggested that they may also be able to use it. Angelica and Olivia were of course there due to the ship being necessary to amp the Saintess' and Olivia's power.
Cid and Alpha asked Leon nicely if they could come along. Leon figured why not, wanting to see if perhaps they could pilot the ship if all else failed. He was worried about Alpha given she was pregnant, but she said that given Mitsugoshi was currently flooded with people trying to buy things before leaving on top of those being recruited, being with all of them was probably safer for her.
"Your familiar seems to enjoy bragging about your ship," Roland said, his tone barbed.
Leon shrugged, "He's a bit of a sore loser, I guess. Anyway! Why don't we go inside? He can make any repairs we need, and we should be able to get the ship in the air."
"That won't be possible."
"Huh?"
Roland pointed to a device in front of the ship. A sheet draped over the apparatus, but at the king's order, the mechanics yanked it away. Beneath was a heart shaped stage surrounded by a heart-shaped background. It looked entirely out of place.
"When two people who truly love each other stand on the stage, the ship will recognize them as its owner. Only then can its power be wielded. If the ship recognizes no one, the door won't open."
Huh. Though Leon, that wasn't in the game. As far as I knew, the protagonist and her love interest came searching for the ship and it automatically reacted to them.
Roland's voice filled with emotion. "Here we stand, the royal Holfort line, its branch family, Marmoria House, as well as Field House, Arclight House, Seberg House and even the long-lost line of King Julian's brother… and his companions. It must be fate that you're all here."
Ah, most of that was in the game. Thought Leon and Marie.
Even if Julian's recording had said that it wasn't right, as the legend goes: All five of the love interests had heroic ancestors who had formed an adventuring party prior to the kingdom's founding. That was why these five, thanks to their bloodlines, were qualified to access the royal family's ship. There had, however, been a sixth person in Holfort's recollection of events. Her name was lost to time, but it was Olivia's ancestor… or perhaps Angelica's given the weird soul swap shenanigans.
If it weren't for Lea, Ann, and Mary revealing everything to Leon, Cid, and their group they likely wouldn't have known any of the story's deeper lore given that Leon and Marie basically skipped over all of it. It's regrettable, but it wasn't like Leon or Marie knew they'd eventually reincarnate into that world.
"The royal family's ship only recognizes the royal family and the heroic descendants," the king declared proudly before side-eyeing Leon, "Which includes you I guess."
"Does he have something against me?" Leon asked Cid.
Cid began counting on his fingers, "Beat up his kid, seduced his wife…"
[Master, shall I begin destroying the door?]
Everyone was alarmed at this, but Leon just waved it off. "Do your best to see if you can just hack it open or something first. I don't think we should destroy anything before at least trying to open it the normal way."
Luxion then floated towards the apparatus and everyone followed. As they did Leon, Cid, and Marie couldn't help but notice how the thing looked downright gauche, as though it was something to be used in a tacky gameshow.
Queen Mylene then looked to everyone, her expression resigned as though she was getting ready to step over a puddle. "Are you ready? This is a disastrous device." Beside her the king suddenly went quiet. "Well, my king? We should go first to show them how to use it."
He bobbed his head. "Uh, yeah. I'm sure we'll be able to move it this time!" He shrank when Mylene rolled her eyes at him.
The two mounted the stage, coming to stand on either side of a heart with a line running through it's middle. The stage began to light up, blue where the king was, and pink where the queen stood. Both were glowing.
A voice called out, "For the man, twenty-five points! For the woman 40 points… wait no, 39, 38, 37, 36…"
We all looked at Mylene who coldly stared at her husband as the number given for her slowly counts down to zero.
"I recall that you once said we'd be able to fly this ship together, and yet you could only spare a miserly twenty-five. I suppose I was nothing more than an acquaintance to you." Mylene's voice could freeze a raging volcano.
"Sh-shut up!" sputtered Roland, absolutely pathetic. "What about you! Your score just reached zero! It's not like you love me either! You know what, fine! Okay? I don't see you as a woman anymore! What's wrong with that?!"
As the two squabble, Marie gives Julius a hug, and Kyle even pats him on the arm.
However, through the interaction also realizes how the machine works.
"So it measures your feeling for each other and reports them?" questioned Cid.
Luxion's eyeball moved up and down, nodding.
[Seems almost like a prank device. I managed to gain remote access, and it appears a wealthy couple made it on a whim, though the ship itself was constructed quite some time before my main body. From what I gather, they used it once on a honeymoon before storing it away here.]
Thankfully no one but Leon, Cid, and Alpha were paying attention to Luxion. Angelica and Olivia had shooed off Roland before comforting Mylene while the five were comforting Julius, who really wasn't surprised and just felt worse due to the pity.
Leon struggled to respond, so Alpha had decided to speak up.
"I can't help but wonder how the device was used in ancient times then. Especially since the story goes that they used it to save and found the kingdom." Noted Alpha.
"Hm… well assuming that it was meant for a honeymoon, perhaps the amplification effect that Leon was speaking about was meant to have the honeymoon phase last longer, but ultimately didn't due to them using it the one time. Our ancestors must've seen it and just thought it was an impressive ship, but still used whatever it's effect actually is or something." Mused Cid.
[It will be effective if you can get it up in the air, that much is clear. It's equipped with multiple armaments, and it's far more powerful than the airships the public has access to. Though it will require some repairs.]
The exterior looked pristine, but no one had ever been able to get inside, so the interior apparently warranted a fair bit of tuning up. It was like a car that had been left sitting for years. Although it was essentially air-tight so it wasn't like anything really decayed. So, nothing that would delay tomorrow's planned departure.
Leon sighed, "If we can't find anyone that fits the bill, we'll destroy the door and go inside, I guess."
[Very well, I'll send for some repair bots. They will arrive in about ten minutes.]
Leon briefly considered trying out the machine, but grew worried over how his score would compare to the others and decided to not speak up.
"Marie, come!"
"Huh? What?!"
Julius snatched Marie's hand and yanked her onto the stage. As Mylene and Roland had stepped off earlier there was no one to stop him.
Once again, the apparatus powered up and began its measurements. At last, it blurted out the same phrases with new data. "For the man, ninety points! For the woman, 50 points! You'll get her yet, or fail horribly!"
"I'm starting to see why it was only used once." Remarked Alpha.
"I suppose not every AI could be sophisticated as Luxion." Added Cid.
Marie stared down at her feet blushing slightly. Julius was beaming.
"So my feelings have been reaching you…" he said as he turned to her, "It may not match mine, but I accept it. Marie allow me to proclaim here and now—one day, I will make you fall in love with me."
"51!"
"It takes more than a few nice words to win someone over in real life." Remarked Cid. Leon, defending Angelica, smacked him over the head. Angelica herself was wrinkling her nose in disgust at Julius and Marie.
Julius then stepped off, leaving Marie behind. Before she could follow, Jilk moved forward to take his place.
"For the man, eighty-nine points! For the woman, 40 points! Are you even trying dude?"
"Even I think that last bit wasn't necessary." Said Leon with a shake of his head.
Marie's face contorted with discomfort.
"It's aggravating that I lost to Julius in terms of both my affection and yours," Jilk said gently, "But I won't give up either. Miss Marie, I swear I will make you fall for me."
"Jilk…"
"42!"
Greg was the next one on the platform. "Move outta the way. It's my turn. Marie, now I'm gonna show you how I feel!"
"For the man, ninety-one points! For the woman, 32 points! It's a one-sided love, I'd give up if I were you."
"Knock it off with the commentary," shouted Kyle, "You're not helping!"
Greg smiled helplessly. "That's rough. But I kinda feel relieved. Marie, you get how I feel about you, right? I'm not gonna quit here."
"Greg, um, you know…" she started to say.
"35!"
"I'm next." Brad proudly waltzed up and took Greg's place as he hopped off.
"For the man, ninety-eight points! For the woman, 19 points. It's almost incredible how mismatched your feelings are."
Leon could barely bring himself to watch as his stomach began to hurt from trying to hold in his laughter. Cid was in a similar position, but he was better at hiding it.
"That was the lowest, wasn't it?" Brad sighed.
"I—I'm sorry, really. But I—"
"That just means the real work starts now. I'm going to aim to be your number one, Marie. We realized, you know. You were just trying to push us away before."
Marie's face began to tear up, but whether that was due to embarrassment or adoration was unclear… for a few seconds.
"25! Don't get a big head though!"
After switching places with Brad, Chris added, "I admit, we haven't been very reliable, but… you're all we have, Marie."
Uh, no, seriously. There's a bunch of other girls who want to be with you dummies. Apologize to our peers in the academy. Thought Leon.
"For the man, eighty-seven points. For the woman 60 points! Are you into needy men?"
Marie burst into tears. "Ugh! This is so embarrassing! Bubby, you come up next!"
Leon began to nervously sweat, but Cid just pat him on the shoulder.
"Let's just break the door now." Said Cid with a thumbs up.
"You're not getting out of this mister!" said Violet (Aurora) to Cid within his mind. Suddenly Cid felt himself moving against his will, as Violet took command of the slime on his person. It helped that Alpha was pushing him with a look of absolute determination.
Leon, Angelica, and Olivia looked with interest. Luxion even began to record.
As Cid stood on his part, forced there due to the fact he couldn't exert too much strength in his mob persona, he did his best not to look at anyone, afraid at what was going to happen. This made Alpha a little nervous as well, touching her stomach where the baby was growing to reassure herself.
"Oh wow! For the woman it's a resounding 200! For the man it's a 100! Wait no 101…" Everyone watched as Cid slowly slunk to the ground with a body turning scarlet as his number went up to match Alpha's. "200! Not even death could do you part! But you're a damn dirty elf so get off my ship!"
If Alpha noticed the racist ship's comment, she didn't show it. As her ears began to wiggle so fast it looked like she may give flight. She then shamelessly tackled Cid off the platform and began to do her best to cover him in kisses.
"You good there?" asked Leon as Cid landed roughly. Cid gave back a single thumbs up before indulging in Alpha's affection.
Mylene sighed, "Must be nice… Roland couldn't even get the number past 40 when we first met… what'd I expect." Mylene then poignantly yelled off the side of the ship, "He's such a lying twat that always puts on an act! All he wants it to be the star of the show and soak up all the attention! You're nothing but a big phony!"
Roland, who hadn't left yet, chooses now to just book it up the steps.
Angelica and Olivia took the opportunity to grab both of Leon's arms and begin dragging him towards the platform.
"Wait! Please, seriously wait! I don't wanna. I don't wanna get up on that corny stage!" Leon shook his head and struggled.
"Leon, please just get up there!"
"You always tease us so much, well now we'll be the ones lording something over you forever!"
"Wow Angie, you're starting to sound like Leon."
"I know! I love him so much!"
"No! This kinda thing is only fun when you're watching. I definitely don't want to participate! I don't have the mental strength! I'm delicate. If the results are bad, I won't be able to take it!" cried Leon.
As Leon protests due to worrying that the girls and his scores wouldn't match, others begin to help push him on.
"Your turn Bubby!" taunted Marie.
"Come on, you guys, measuring love with numbers is just weird. It's wrong!"
Luxion watched, clearly amused.
[So it was fine when other people did it, but you don't want to? Makes me question your humanity.]
"I don't get why he's so afraid. You two had such a big difference at the start but you're both clearly happy." Noted Violet, but Cid wasn't listening as Alpha started using her tongue.
"Stop! Seriously, I won't be able to handle it! And I won't be able to laugh at the other guys anymore! I just wanted to mock everyone else's misery without tasting it myself!"
As Leon begged Olivia got an idea and let go. She then summoned her staff and summoned chains from it, grabbing Leon and forcing him onto the platform. She and Angelica then raced to get on the platform first.
"Are there multiple girls? Whatever. For whoever's on the left it's a score of 500! For the man, it's also 500! What's wrong with you! Apologize to single people everywhere! You're so in love you can't only have been in love in this life! Congratulations!"
Marie and the five, and Kyle, all look like the bit into a sour lemon as the doors to the Royal Airship swung open.
Cid and Alpha clapped politely before Alpha forced him back to kissing as they had held off from anything vigorous given her pregnancy.
Angelica and Olivia stared at Leon with a look that had him equal parts nervous and happy. He looked to Luxion not sure what to do.
[They both have scores of 500 if you're curious. The machine was measuring them both but didn't total it. It also maxes at 500, so for all we know it could go higher. Congratulations by the way. I look forward to the new descendants of Old Humanity that will likely be conceived in the next few seconds.]
"Seconds?" asked Leon before he was dragged by Olivia's chains once again. Angelica manages to gain a brief memory from Ann and summons a portal of light, their bedroom on The Partner appearing on the other side.
[Seconds.]
-Leon-
I nursed my aching hips, something thankfully not necessary to pilot an armor, as I watched the rising sun from the palace rooftop. The cool breeze washed over me and woke me up. Airships had come and gone from the capital throughout the night, continuing to evacuate citizens. Thanks to Mitsugoshi, almost everyone was gone.
[Master, The Partner's preparations are complete.]
"And that means I'm ready." The city was quiet, populated by a few people too stubborn to leave. "I hope things go the way we've planned."
[As the Giant monsters near, the disruption of our communication network will continue to worsen. Once my main body makes it beneath the continent to target the Giant of the sea, I will be able to provide only the bare minimum of support as what I have left will be focusing on helping the army. Are you certain you wish to do this?]
Right, Luxion and Cleare's "babies" are still just that "babies." And they aren't the type of AI that really learn too well, as I had told Luxion he couldn't train them to genocide New Humanity. Even if he insisted it might be needed just in case. The AI's really just moved things as needed and directed, subbing the need for crews that ships of those sizes would really need.
Basically, as soon as we get close to the enemy. I'll be on my own.
Some part of me thought of maybe taking Cid with me so I'd have someone to bounce off of still, but he and Alice had evacuated to Midgar last night. I couldn't blame him considering she's pregnant. Although he did say something to the effect that as soon as she was in his home he'd come back to fight. I don't get how, that's a pretty long trip on anything that isn't The Partner.
"Well, all that's left is to get the girls to blast the monster with the power of love." I said. "Since they can also pilot the ship, that leaves me to fight in Arroganz Mk 2, or whatever you called it."
[Stolz. But I have a question, if Love was all it took to win this battle, then why does the rest of the world continue to suffer despite the prevalence of the emotion?]
I shrugged. "Heck if I know, we can worry about that after we win."
[Very well. My systems show the girls are getting ready for the day, I believe we should as well. Perhaps you should send them off so they can heal your hips?]
"Not to send them off with a kiss?"
[Your emotions are running so high that you'll neglect your need for rest again.]
I could only laugh.
-Lea-
I looked at my wives. They looked back at me.
"He forgot didn't he?" said Mary with a sharp look.
I scratched the back of my head. "I wouldn't say he forgot…"
"*sigh* He probably got distracted by something he thinks is fun again." Said Ann.
"I told you we need to attack him. But no…" pouted Mary.
As she puffed up her cheeks both Ann and I immediately poke them, causing her to blow out air like her cheeks were being deflated.
"Well, I can feel the ship we stole activating again, so whatever it is it's probably important." I said, "We can just teleport the helmet if need be."
"I guess… jeez, why does Minoru have to make things as difficult as possible." Mary moped and slid beneath the table.
"Father has a bad habit of running away."
I nodded at the boy's words. "Yeah, but it's always just from emotional stuff. Maybe he got overwhelmed from what he saw last time and wanted to revisit the trials later. Maybe you and your siblings can visit him again?"
"Taking over the slim suits isn't that easy though…"
I just shrugged. Nothing to do but wait for Cid to come back so he can complete the other two rooms.
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.
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A/N: Okay, ending here. The battle with the soldiers and Vandel should be next chapter. For the record, I wasn't showing off the non-main characters this time to set up death flags, I just wanted to explore some other characters.
I expect about two more chapters for this arc.
Also, if you're curious. Yes, Lambda got laid. I did try to make her a little more appealing but the thing is most of her lines revolve around other people so I don't have a whole lot to work with.
Oh, and how funny is it that Cid's canonical answer to someone asking if he'd want to date Alexia is "Ew, no, ewwww. I'd rather die."
Anyway, let's answer those comments.
Haseo55: Yes it was an alternate route. I think you are thinking of Kaleidoscope's story, which I agree is really good.
Guest: Yeah I only have so much to work with. Honestly I might end at the earth arc then revisit if EiS gets a lot more stuff.
So because it was an alternate route I don't consider it NTR. Nu and Cid weren't dating in that route. I did plan on changing some other pairings, like Clarice falling for Cid.
Obviously though I would keep Olivia, Angelica, and Mylene with Leon and the Seven Shades with Cid. That's non-negotiable.
Mario Hernandez III: I'll probably do Co-op as a sort of short afterword thing for now, but might do it after this fic. I do also have a Genshin story in mind with an OC, so we'll see then.
SB
MWKillKenny84: Spanners? But yeah Angie and Livia are awesome.
It wouldn't be Leon if he wasn't spiteful.
Nor if he didn't reflect back on his words and cringe.
I thought it was funny that Leon's smooth by accident, the kabedon on the queen was in canon too.
Yes in Co-op they are working together the entire time on purpose rather than coincidentally.
Oh and thanks for commenting all the time, it makes me happy to see.
Someoneani: I had a lot of free time since it was thanksgiving.
I wanted to write it, but I don't want to risk anything.
I mean considering how Cid views Alexia in canon, that's kinda the only way she could realistically join.
Zeta's never really been fond of Alpha being the main wife. It also doesn't help that she's essentially a rebellious teenager with Alpha being the mom.
Zackman2k12: I understand your complaint, but as I pointed out I only added it to that chapter because someone asked nicely for me to. And my A/N's being added in the middle of the chapter keep the spirit of EiS alive, given all the times the author will interrupt to say "this is our protagonist."
It could be worse, I could be like those 2010's authors going
(Line break)
Author: Squee this is the best part~!
Leon: What is wrong with you?
Author: Shut up or I'll trip more flags.
(Line break)
Or worse.
Bladist: Happy thanksgiving.
I wouldn't count it as a coup, more like a revolution… which I guess is the same thing from different perspectives.
Someone ani: Yes I was referring to Shadow Chronicles. Although with my idea I would take a much different approach. Basically, that the girls are really playing roles and have different personalities, or rather that they're all mixed up. Like Alpha is more like Beta given she sets everything up and Eta is actually the dumb one, which is why she pauses in her speech so much.
Ao3
Anisomeone: I am also biased, hence why Alpha takes up so much screen time.
It's been at least 5 chapters since we've seen him I think.
All Hail King Leon! Especially with the shit he's going to get into during the war. I'll give you a hint, Kingdom Hearts 1 final boss, followed by a long due fight.
Hutakata: Thank you! Hope I can deliver somewhat. As for the Requiem event, technically after the war considering what I have planned for the second part of Lea's trials.
Wolfpaladin: Yup! Bold but on track with Leon I feel.
Yup, that 99% slime body came in clutch.
I think it's precisely because of Shadow's warning that she goes through with it, because it was less a warning and more a challenge.
Lol yeah, but that will come after the war since Erica wouldn't be nearby for too long.
Yup, something some people may forget is that Alpha is also a yandere. So if anyone is going to be linked to Cid's mind it should be her.
Sorry that I had one last set up chapter. I'm going a little out of order for Mobuseka's stuff so I forgot what goes where. Next chapter is going to be basically all fighting though.
BOY4_GOW:
Yeah, they wanted to be Mobs but ended up standing out more than anyone, even in canon.
Lol.
I feel like that's just Leon's M.O. to say yes to all of the above or brute force his way through things.
Oh for sure, no idea if I'll be able to do the idea justice though.
If I were to give a rough estimate, probably about half the people planning on fleeing joined up.
As I revealed in this chapter, she's getting there but not quite yet. Science takes time, especially for something she's going to pick up on the fly. Even though it's Eta, she doesn't have someone explaining everything to her like Cid would here.
Omake comments-
Cid was unnerving him on purpose, but you're right he doesn't know how much.
Lmao.
Yup. I feel like maybe Chi or Omega would also work.
I wanted Plan F to be a reoccurring gag, like "Plan C" in The Pet Girl of Sakuraso or whatever it was.
When Olivia isn't freaking out she is usually the voice of reason.
Yeah, especially considering how many of them are demi-human and the connotation that would have for Cid.
Lmao. I definitely could've extended the bit with that.
I mean, no one (except Marie mentally) was hurt though.
If I recall the ending of Mobuseka's WN had revealed that Alto Liebe basically spanned as much as Final Fantasy, so Minato wouldn't be out of consideration.
In the future, or if I get bored.
Totntotbt: The link was temporary, but I might revisit the idea later.
The purging has yet to come, but Merce has a better life now.
I have a lot of plans with Erica given how her backstory is that she lived till about 80.
Shadowy_Mann: I mean, technically yeah. But as I recall that song has a lot of romantic connotations… lmao that give me an idea.
That's a neat idea, but I have a bunch I want to do myself. You might give it a good though, you seem to have a good idea of how it would go.
Yeah, there were a handful of fics from both fandoms that I really liked that just never continued. Mobuseka's Getter Rays (can't remember the full title), and EiS's The Eminence of Alexia for example. So I'll definitely finish this fic to a level I'm happy with before moving on.
Dynamic_Kalidoscope_sensei: I'll probably revisit it at some point, most likely in the short story way. Like if I was including the Marie-route bonus chapters I guess lol.
Also I think I missed your comment on the Ace Attorney Angelica chapter. Regarding that… thanks? I think? I'll take it as a compliment.
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A/N: You're still here? Cool! Here's a what-if:
-A Disastrous Device-
"No! This kinda thing is only fun when you're watching. I definitely don't want to participate! I don't have the mental strength! I'm delicate. If the results are bad, I won't be able to take it!" cried Leon.
As Leon protests due to worrying that the girls and his scores wouldn't match, others begin to help push him on.
"Your turn Bubby!" taunted Marie.
"Come on, you guys, measuring love with numbers is just weird. It's wrong!"
Luxion watched, clearly amused.
[So it was fine when other people did it, but you don't want to? Makes me question your humanity.]
Cid would then sigh and push Alpha off of him. He then charged back up to the platform much to her bemusement.
"If I have to go through with it, so do you!" he shouted as he began secretly channeling his Lord Shadow strength and tugged at Leon hard.
This would cause the both of them to trip and fall before sliding a bit.
"For gentleman number 1 we have a resounding 70 points! For gentleman number 2 we have a resounding 75 points! You both are on the same wavelength, I expect you to share sake cups soon! Because we all know there's more than a broma-"
*BLAM* *CRAKOOM!*
Leon lowers his gun and Cid lowers his fingers.
They stare at each other, unsure of what to say. Both blushing a little.
"Uh-" starts Leon, attempting to say something like you're basically a little brother to me, so…
"Er…" starts Cid, attempting to say you're basically my only guy friend and we've known each other for years…
However.
"""NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"""
Alpha, Angelica, and Olivia all scream at the top of their lungs as they separate the two men.
"Leon! Here, boobs, you like boobs right! Say it! Say you love women's breasts at the top of your lungs!" shouted Olivia as she forced Leon to grab her chest.
Meanwhile Angelica got in close and forced Leon to grab her derrière as she sobbed on his chest. "You're not going to abandon me right? *Sob* You love me right? You'd get a higher score on the device with me right? Why aren't you saying anything? *sob*"
Alpha grabs Cid and rushes back up the stairs so fast that everyone else assumes that she teleported out.
"We're meeting the rest of the Shadow Garden." Said Alpha in a tone that left no space for objections. "Clearly you need to be reminded of how much the female form has to offer. Using all 666 iterations we have at our disposal. Perhaps I should even ask Alexia to participate…"
As Cid and Leon try to calm their lovers down, they can only think one thing.
This truly was a disastrous device…