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 BGM: Town  07/21 (SAT), Morning Saturday morning. My original plan was to open the store, but that won't be happening now. Mainly because we need to show Dianna around “modern-day” Tokyo. Lethe's still recuperating on a cushion and I've made sure it has plenty of water and food nearby. I'd rather not leave it alone, but it seems more concerned with us and Dianna than itself. It's not the first time that we've had to show someone who doesn't know much about the world around.  It helped that Sofiya had a number of places in mind when we showed her around. Is there anywhere specific you want to go, Na- Dianna? The subway may tickle my fancy. Er... Just the regular old subway? Oh, right. It wasn't until 1927 that the Ginza line became available. Even then, it ran only between Asakusa and Ueno.According to the diary, Dianna died somewhere around 1910. It makes sense that she'd find mystique in things we take for granted. She seemed pretty amazed by everything when we met up here, now that I think about it. The automatic gates, vending machines, the number of trains, and even the building itself. Her ability to buy tickets and make her way around town must be due to being in Naomi's body.  May as well head to Asakusa if we're using the subway. There's plenty of new stuff there, like the Skytree. Tokyo Tower may be better in that case. Both have observatories and were built after her time, but Tokyo Tower is probably the ideal way to get a look at modern Tokyo. Well... You're not wrong, I guess.I don't have particularly fond memories of that place thanks to what happened last month. Not like Yu's attack on it even happened in this world. Maybe I'm just overthinking things. I appreciate this. I'll leave the decision to the both of you. I must admit, the very notion of walking around in an era after my time is exciting in and of itself.She flashes us a lovely, carefree smile. She's in Naomi's body, but I'm reminded more of Parca. I'm sure she'd be able to smile like this as well if you erased that malicious side of her. …... BGM: The Memory Remains  07/22 (SAT), Noon After we wrap up the Asakusa tour, we make our way to Tokyo Tower. Both areas are packed, of course. The Skytree and Sensoji Temple were our main destinations in Asakusa. We stopped by a local market to grab some melon bread, too. I'm reminded of the fact that they built the arc here during my younger days.Her statement strikes me as odd at first. The Kaminarimon was built in the Heian period, from what I remember. I looked into it later, though. Turns out it burned down in 1865 and then they spent some time after that building a new one. Miharu wasn't aware of this either, but then Dianna surprises us even more by telling us the arc was built toward the end of the Russo-Japanese war. I dunno if Naomi knows all this or not, but it feels like something worth telling her when she's back.  The height certainly lacks something in comparison to the Skytree.Dianna makes her opinion clear while looking down at the city from the observatory. While I agree that doing things in the reverse order would've been better, I'm not sure how to feel about being told that after paying the hefty entrance fee.   There's a certain scene you should remember, though. That of Tokyo after being bombed during World War II. I've only seen pictures myself, but... I'm sure there's meaning behind the construction of a massive red tower in the middle of all the devastation. Hmm... The events of previous Divine Selections are unknown to me, but I must assume that countless were held during that time. Though anyone who survived them wouldn't last much longer after doing so. The only thing fate has in store for soldiers on the battlefield is death, after all...Dianna's eyes narrow as she stares out the window. We're currently participating in the twelfth Divine Selection. The fact that we've reached that number despite it being only a hundred-ish years since Dianna's death isn't normal. That'd make one Divine Selection every ten years. Discomforting as it is, it'd make sense if what she said is true. People must never become accustomed to sights such as that. What we see now is the result of countles people's efforts.Cities aren't born out of thin air. Dianna's soft tone reminds us of that. …... BGM: Bonds  07/21 (SAT), Evening Our final destination for the day is the national park in Shinjuku.  The final destination, in more ways than one. It's also where everything began for me. Likewise. Naomi seems to have no memories of that, so allow me to pretend that I heard nothing.I tilt my head in confusion, to which Dianna responds with a sigh. This place opened in 1906, if I remember. Did you ever come here before? Alas, common citizens such as myself weren't permitted entry at the time. Having this opportunity to enter has me rather giddy. Traditional Japanese gardens offer quite a different experience from the style seen in English and French ones. In an ideal world, I would have the opportunity to witness how this place changes with the seasons.Saying that, she attempts to flip her hair out into the wind. She quickly realizes that Naomi's hair isn't long enough, leading her to place her hand behind her ear instead. Oh goodness. I shouldn't even exist in this time period, yet here I am thinking of this as my own body.I take a moment to come up with a good response. I'd say it's fate that you're here at this moment.Neither say anything in turn. Can't blame them. No one can say that with certainty. The same might even apply for Lethe and Parca. We spend a while walking around the park until closing time after that. …... BGM: Rinka's Room  07/21 (SAT), Night My body makes sure to remind me just how much I've walked today when I get back to my room. It was a pretty busy day, all things considered. We took practically the same route as we did with Sonya, but that didn't make it any easier. Especially with so many people around. Miharu's working tomorrow, which means I'll be taking Dianna over there. Obviously. I've been there with Naomi before, but never with Dianna. Seems like she's taken an interest in the... eccentric side of modern Japan's culture. I'd rather stay as far from there as possible, but I've got little choice now that she wants to go. No point in staying up any longer, so I set my alarm and get ready to sleep. As for Lethe, it still doesn't look good. …... BGM: Welcome Back, my Master E  07/22 (SUN), Noon Having met up with Dianna at Akihabara station, we make our way to the maid cafe. It's kind of amazing that someone from a hundred years ago can even find their way to the station. The streets are as busy as expected. This used to be a pretty big pedestrian zone back in the day, but that ended after a certain tragic accident. Each and every person we pass has their own lives. Their own stories. Dianna reminds me of this fact, one that's easy to forget, on our way.  Welcome home, milady. I don't need to remind you which menu item is ABSOLUTELY off-limits, do I, Rinka? Oh? My curiosity is piqued. No, we really shouldn't. Just... watch the other maids instead. That should suffice. Well, if you say so...There will be no repeats of what happened when I was here with Sonya. Never again will I subject myself to such an awkward situation. Well, I mean, what Miharu was doing was really cute. But everything afterwards was too much. I order a coffee for myself and some hot chocolate for Dianna. Maid cafes are, of course, all about the maids. And when you think of proper maids, England comes to mind. That leads me to ask Dianna about something.  Did you have maids in your house back then? We did indeed. My father was rather wealthy, so we lived in a western-style house. Some came to Japan along with my parents, while others were hired after our arrival. Their outfits weren't quite as... bold as Miharu's however. A number of them passed away before my own death, alas. Ahh...I nod in silent response. There's no need to apologize for it, so instead I change the subject. Oh yeah, I meant to ask. How was it at Naomi's place? What with you speaking nothing like her and all. Worry not. I make every effort to imitate her whilst at home.Her response is so out of left field that I'm left staring at her in surprise. She seems to have been hoping for as much, judging by her mischievous giggle. Doing so is rather exhasuting, though. So please, allow me to be myself for now. Sure, whatever.I'd rather she do that. I can only imagine how weird it'd be to hear her talk like Naomi despite the huge personality gap. I mean, it's weird enough already.  One coffee and one hot chocolate.Miharu, clearly in work mode, brings us our order. After thanking her, we stick around until her shift's over.
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Mar 4, 2022 17:31
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I think I missed a few steps between "my friend is possessed by my ancestor" and "we need to hang out"
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Mar 4, 2022 17:38
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Dianna's doing the same thing Sofiya did and only giving up her information if she gets the tour of Tokyo.
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Mar 4, 2022 17:50
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Feliday Melody posted:This story should have wrapped up somewhere around the original good/bad endings. This is so silly. Lethe, play Despacito.
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Mar 5, 2022 04:41
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 BGM: Town  07/22 (SUN), Night Phew. I think it's safe to say I had a splendid time.Dianna breathes a sigh of joy once back at the station. We make our way to Ueno once Miharu gets off work. Mainly to go to the zoo and national museum there. The only issue is that we start in the afternoon, which means we have to rush. Dianna seems satisfied, though. At the same time, this is likely to be her final experience in the modern day. We have time for one more place if we get moving right away. Worry not. This will do. There's only so much happiness I can wish for when taking my situation into consideration. More importantly, do heed a selfish wish from a selfless lady and escort Naomi to places elsewhere when you can. We will. Let's head back to Lion House, then.Silence ensues as we wait for the train to arrive. ….. BGM: Silence  Sunday night finally rears its head. Tonight marks the end of the final round of Divine Selection. Myself, Miharu, and Dianna are all at Lion House. We're sitting at the usual table. BGM: Lion House Cafe  First and foremost, allow me the pleasure of thanking you both. I had such a wonderful time these past few days. You're welcome. I'm sure Naomi will be happy to know you enjoyed yourself. You said you're different from the Dianna we know as Parca, but I honestly think I'd struggle to tell the difference. Oh? That's news to me.She giggles at first and holds a smile. The time has come. Allow me to hand the final piece of the puzzle to you. Wait a minute.I notice a certain cat limping toward us, looking much thinner than usual. It must have realized what's about to happen. I make my way over to it and pick it up, placing it under the table. Yep, it's the ideal spot for Lethe to sit. We have a curious cat among us, I see.Dianna leans down and pets it. A certain tenderness coats her expression as she does so. One Naomi has never shown before. I can only imagine that Dianna would pet Leo like this when she were alive.  Now then. Let us discuss my regret.And thus commenced the curtain call on my fate. …... BGM: Bonds  Midnight is mere moments away. Miharu and Dianna agreed to stay with me tonight. Lethe gets to join us too, of course. All so we can see each other again in the morning. It's a shame that Naomi cannot emerge from me at this point. She can tomorrow at least. Right? Indeed. While I may have my regret, I have no attachment to life itself. My fate came to a close long ago. Meeting a descendant of Linda has been something of a relief, though. Now I know that she was able to live a happy life despite being my first vessel. ...She did.She makes the same tender expression from before. We didn't spend much time together, but I've grown incredibly fond of her. Perhaps because she's in Naomi's body. Parting ways hurts, but I'll never forget her. I never anticipated a night like this would come to pass back when Divine Selection began. At first, I was focused on my own survival, but my priority shifted after seeing you in the Court of Fate. Let me be honest. I was planning on letting you elect me had you given me a proper response to my confession. Regardless of what it was. I figured as much. That's not the case anymore, though. And not just because I want to hear your response. I've come to understand the inherent value that comes with wishing for my own survival.Miharu's statement makes me see her in a whole different light. I give her a tiny nod after basking in the radiance of her smile for a moment.  I've come to learn a lot during all this, too. I've been entrusted with plenty. There was a time when you two, Mao, and my gran were the only people that mattered to me. I had no interest in anything other than Lion House and school. The things I cherish now are things I never would've considered back then. I better understand how much the world has to offer. Even if only a little. Most importantly, though... I've come to understand and accept who I am.I see myself as something of an unstable existence. To the point where I'm worried I might just disappear altogether if I'm not with someone. But... even so... I want to live. I know I'm not alone. That's why I want to live. I want to keep on living. Keep on experiencing precious moments in my daily life, together with those I know.   Meow...Lethe lets out a meek groan. It's stretching its front legs in the air despite its current state. Thanks, Lethe. That is certainly one way to bolster morale. We should do something, too. Let's hold hands, then.Miharu grabs my hand before I can answer. I grab Naomi's in turn, and she in turn grabs Miharu's.  One body, yet two individual wills are contained within it. Makes sense.We lie down and form a circle before closing our eyes. See you both tomorrow.We don't need to do anything fancy or cool. All we have to do is believe. Sleep eventually takes us, our hands still joined. [END OF WEEK TWELVE (PART A): A CLEAR-CUT WISH]
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Mar 5, 2022 18:58
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Like, I get that the writers want to show off their cute characters doing cute things, but replaying the Sofiya thing does really drain all the tension. Is it bad that right now I'm just worried about Lethe? I know he's been alive for like a century at this point and almost certainly won't survive this, but I have a soft spot for kitties 
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Mar 5, 2022 21:50
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Yeah, just redoing Sofiya is boring and anticlimactic.
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Mar 5, 2022 22:01
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mycelia posted:Is it bad that right now I'm just worried about Lethe? I know he's been alive for like a century at this point and almost certainly won't survive this, but I have a soft spot for kitties  i don't want the cat to die 
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Mar 5, 2022 22:15
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 BGM: The Sacred Large Hall  07/22 (SUN), Midnight I glance around the Court of Fate. This marks the twelfth time I've come here. The sight that greets me is one that I've become accustomed to. A number of gears float amidst an infinite darkness. I gaze up and notice a faint ray of light piercing said darkness. The circular platform I'm on is about three meters in diameter. A witness stand, like one you'd see in court, is attached. This is just one of twelve platforms, all of which are arranged within a larger circular pattern, like a clock's face. In the center of three concentric circles are massive clock hands, slowly ticking away. There was a time when twelve of us were gathered here together. But now there are only two of us. Miharu and myself. I turn to face Miharu in the endless darkness.  The time's finally come. Indeed.Needless to say, Naomi and Lethe aren't here with us. The Court of Fate is a place reserved solely for participants. They may have a special power of their own, but it's irrelevant to this place. It wouldn't matter if it was. We're the ones who need to settle things with Parca, not them.   Good evening, my lovely little slaves to fate.The girl in question wastes no time in entering the scene, accompanied by her usual haughty tone. The goddess is all smiles, like always.  Pardon me. Perhaps there's no need to make such a grand entrance when only two of you remain. Oh, if only you knew how much it pains me to part ways with one of you tonight. Do allow me the pleasure of bearing witness to the conclusion you have reached. Mind if I ask something first? What might that be?BGM: Do You Understand?  Can you see what fate has in store for us beyond this point? If it's all predetermined, then what was the point in all this? A fine question. Very well, if it's answers you seek, then answers I shall provide. The way in which I see and understand fate differs greatly from you. I observe a number of potential outcomes simultaneously. Let us say, for example, that all twelve of you were still present. In that case, I would see individual futures where each of you arrived at the final destination. You'd be seeing right now. Indeed. One where Numeral I reaches her final destination, and one where you do. One of those outcomes will separate itself from the primary flow upon your elimination.Here we go again with the primary flow talk. Fortunately, I understand the implications thanks to her explanation last time. The world as it is right now is in a state of disorder. Only by removing one more potential future can it return to normal.  Thanks. You've helped me confirm that there are outcomes even you can't see. Oh? I hesitate to ask, but do you even have a brain? Or are you being dense on purpose? Your or Numeral II's elimination. Those are the only two possibilities that exist here. Even should you choose not to settle things yourselves, that just ensures Numeral I's position as the final survivor.She doesn't believe for a second that she's wrong. I shake my head at her before responding. Forget all that, then. This is the final election. Let's get it over with. Agreed. Revolve, O'Clock of Fate!The Court of Fate rumbles, prompting the clock hand to move. Will there be an election on your part, Numeral I?She stares me down while posing her question. Her eyes are crystal clear. This is probably how Dianna looked when she was still alive. It suits her high-class image rather well. And it helps reaffirm that Parca really is nothing more than a girl. A girl who wished to live. A girl whose wish resonated with something in our world. A girl estranged from the concept of fate, yet inextricably bound by it. How will you respond?She urges me to answer once more. My answer is obvious. After a brief moment of reflection, I state my intentions.  There will be. Let's end it here.Not just this round of Divine Selection. Not just Divine Selection as a whole. But the suffering you've had to endure by the hand of fate itself.  Goddess of Fate, Parca- Dianna Harrison. I elect you.My eyes remain locked on hers as I announce my election. What? You idiot. Elect me? Come now, that isn't an option. Besides, I am Parca, Goddess of Fate. Not this Dianna Harrison you refer to.Her usual smile has been wiped right off her face for once. It's not...? Ah, so you were in on this shenanigan as well? This entire situation has blasphemy written all over it, my dears.Parca being unfazed in the face of this leads to further panic on my part. We have all her cards. All that's left is to elect her. Lethe said that he took Dianna's memories from Parca. Is that why? Wait, no. He's never too clear about what he says, but he always makes sure to leave a hint in there. Much like he did while restoring my memories.  Credit where credit is due, of course. You had a clear and concise plan, and tried to carry it out without hesitation. Might I assume that you caught on to my true objective?I give Parca a nod. Shaken as I am in the face of this, I can't show any fear now. Miharu's showing no signs of concern herself. I'm very keen on taking your body as my own. You and I seem to share the same essence. The affinity I feel toward you is unlike what I've experienced from other participants. Your existence is one warped by fate, much like my own. In other words, you were born with the same power as I, albeit a tiny amount. Most of all, however, is that brilliant heart of yours. One truly worthy of being the final survivor. What say you, Numeral II? Will you elect her? Not even you could fish up a world where I say yes to that. Hee-hee... That leaves us with no one capable of carrying out an election.Parca's voice echoes throughout the Court of Fate. The grin on her face is one of pure evil. As stated before, Numeral I will remain as the sole survivor by default.Saying that, she stops the clock and makes her way to the center of the Court of Fate. Once there, she pinches her skirt and curtsies.  I hereby declare Divine Selection to be ov-???: Oh? You naughty child, weren't you taught to follow proper protocol when elected? A voice ever so similar to Parca's, yet inherently different, makes its presence known. BGM: The Girl's Song (New track alert- also, this song also plays during the credits for the Bad Endings  )  Good evening, my elegant and haughty self.I assume it's obvious, but her VA is the same as Parca's. In front of Parca appears none other than Dianna. I didn't even notice her arrival. Two girls with identical faces, although Dianna's expression is much more stern.  What...?The tone of her voice says it all. She's shaken. This is the first time she's ever shown this side of herself. Who are you...? Why are you in my Court of Fate? A little birdy told me that this place was never really mine to begin with. In fact, the Court of Fate was given to me as a means to carry out the system known as Divine Selection. You speak nonsense... Even if another goddess were to exist, this domain remains mine. No one may enter without my permission. Oh, you're quite right. That's why I gave myself permission.Parca stares at Dianna in disbelief. She probably can't begin to fathom what's going on right now due to her lack of memories. What's more, she has to be feeling a strange sense of familiarity with Dianna. Much more than the one she feels with me. Am I to take it that we are one in the same? Indeed. I am thou- thou art I. Born at different times, but equal nonetheless. Equal? You would do your best to not forget your place, child. A kind and compassionate goddess, I am not. Take your leave, or else.Parca reaches out toward Dianna, who simply shakes her head. There's no smile on her face. If anything, it looks like she feels pity for her.  Worry not. I carry every intention of doing so. However, I'm afraid you will be joining me. Neither of us have any right to exist in this world any longer.Dianna extends her own hand. The palms of their hands make contact. What are you-? Let us return to being one. We must accept what is to come.Their fate. A bright light envelops them both...  Good evening. I've come to face my true fate....Parca emerges from it. The change wasn't worth all the theatrics, really. In an instant, Parca's forgotten memories of Dianna flowed back into her. She's still very much Parca on the outside, but there's something different about her. That's... not the Parca we know, is it? Dianna said they'd return to being one, so she must have given Parca all her memories. It's strange. I never realized just how painful memories could be until now.I don't know what she's referring to. All I can say is that she looks upset over whatever she remembers. A moment of silence follows as she closes her eyes, almost as if to control her emotions. What she's thinking is anyone's guess. She takes a deep breath once done and then proceeds with her announcement.  Numeral I and myself... Allow me to begin the election procedure.My platform begins to move in response, just like in previous elections. Time for me to settle things. Yes. I have something to say to Parca- or rather, Dianna- before you do, though. We've been together ever since I can remember. We never became close, let alone friends, but I'm sure you were necessary to me. Things never would have ended up the way they did for me without you. I doubt we'll ever meet again, but allow me to say this nonetheless. Think of it as my own magic phrase. See you next time. Thank you. Farewell for now.We've already begun moving by the time Miharu finishes saying her piece. …... BGM: The Sacred Large Hall  Kinda hard to believe that we've reached this stage, huh?We arrive at the upper stratum of the Court of Fate. I'm the only one standing on a platform this time. Parca's standing on nothing at all, as always. She's even taking a big stretch. It comes as quite the shock for me. Who knew I had so many memories! I always thought I was a mere system put in place to ensure my own survival. That wasn't quite the case, though. A system with no emotions would never attempt to take your body for its own. Perhaps I should have realized my human nature the moment such a desire sprouted within me. I have a question. What'll happen to us after your elimination? I see Leo skipped over that part of his explanation. Both yourself and Numeral II will remain upon my elimination. That being said, the world will attempt to ensure that only you survive following that. Do not fret, though. You have the power to cause a single miracle. Fragments of what people have felt and experienced are gathered in the Court of Fate as a form of energy. Had things proceeded as normal, I would have used the energy provided by the eleven eliminated participants to turn the sole survivor into a vessel for me. My elimination assures that won't come to fruition, of course. Thus leaving all that energy unused. Instead, I would like you to make use of it. Make it so that this world, one where Numeral II's death has been undone, becomes part of the primary flow. Use that energy to alter fate. While it may be impossible to bring back a world that has split from the primary flow, that has yet to occur tonight. A power that allows me to exist within the real world should have no trouble merging two intersecting worlds into one primary flow. Of course, we can't forget the role that perception plays in the world's existence. Myself and Leo, not to mention Naomi and Mao, are thinking of a future where both of you are still alive. You aren't alone in that regard. A simple push is all that's needed to alter fate. Though the idea of 'pushing' a concept may sound odd. Hehe. So I just need to... wish for it? Indeed. You will become the closest thing to a goddess in this realm upon my erasure. When all is said and done, this place remains a facet of your dreams. Your perception can easily change the world. So please, wish for the future that you desire most. Now seems like a good time to continue with your election. Parting ways may become too difficult if we talk any longer.I nod at her and open up my card book. This is probably the last time I'll see this book. All the cards I've acquired thus far float out from within it. It's been a long road. So very, very long... BGM: Fated Selection  Your name is Dianna Harrison. Yes. I may have become Parca, but that name still feels the most appropriate for me. It is the name given to me by my father. One I treasure deeply. Poison was your cause of death. It pains me even to think back on those events. Linda must have been heartbroken over her inability to save me. I never once resented her for it. Even in those final moments, I wished for naught but her happiness.Both their mother and Linda had no option but to abandon Dianna. Their own flesh and blood. I can't begin to imagine how much of a relief it would be for them to hear her say that.  Your regret... comes from a desire to re-do your life. Quite so.Dianna herself made this known to us. The desire is fueled by her thoughts toward those who had passed away. Dianna was a special girl. She told us about how she felt personally responsible for the deaths of those eleven people. Her desire to live was what caused them to face the fate originally intended for her. A time came when she was unable to escape it any longer, though. Still, she was able to live on through twisting that same inescapable fate. I had one desire during my final moments. To re-do my life and accept what fate had in store for me at the time. Lethe may have taken your memories, but that one desire remained within you. That's why you wanted to take my body and live your life. Correct you are. While I wished for my own survival, I never wanted others to die. A selfish slave to fate- that is Dianna Harrison. My cards make their way between myself and Parca, emitting light along the way. Allow me to apologize for everything before I go. There's no need for you, Dianna, to apologize. Oh...? You may not have realized it, but you've long since been forgiven. Are you sure about that? I've made countless people suffer under the false pretense of hope given to them as Parca. I can't speak for the others, but you're no different from me. You just wanted to live.That's been my wish all along. A wish so simple. So obvious. No matter who you may be.  Leo was who asked you to save me, wasn't he? How bold of him. Regardless, I never anticipated hearing that from you right at the very end. Would that I could cry tears of joy. Liar. You're not supposed to say that until you actually cry. Goodness, there's that threatening side of you. Do try to keep it an appearances-only trait.Light begins to engulf the Court of Fate. I'm sure this is the right thing to do. Saving someone is far beyond my capabilities. What I can do is come to know them and give them all I can. Thank you for everything.I'm the one who chose to part ways with you, but you're thanking me. You have no idea how much of a relief that is. …... BGM: Fall Into...  I find myself in a sea of flames once more. A scene I've witnessed countless times by now. Ironically enough, this is where it all started for me. Dianna... Parca...They're no longer around to hear me mutter their names. I can only assume they've returned to their original fate and faced their death from long ago. They were never inhabitants of the real world, so nothing should've been altered following their elimination. Part of me considered the possibility of Parca's actions all being undone, but I don't see that being the case. Seems like I was right. Divine Selection itself would have been undone if things played out like that. But I'm still here in the Court of Fate, which proves my point. That's good. My relationship with Miharu, Naomi, and Mao would have changed in that case. I should go. My platform begins to descend in accordance with my thoughts. I still have one last thing to do. …... BGM: Silence Everything was supposed to go well after this. I'd return to the lower stratum after seeing Parca off and then use the energy there to alter fate. Just as she told me to. That's how it was supposed to go. BGM: WARNING   What... the hell...?Fate doesn't have the capacity to be kind, though. Black flames besiege the lower stratum upon my return.
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Mar 6, 2022 18:24
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End of the line! Everybody out!
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Mar 7, 2022 01:22
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Lethe coloured fire! What did you do kitty!
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Mar 7, 2022 05:54
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fuckin' cat knocked a candle off the shelf
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Mar 7, 2022 05:58
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The Court, the Court, the Court of Fate is on fire...!
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Mar 7, 2022 07:00
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hahaha okay, fair play. Everything was going so smoothly I genuinely didn't expect that.
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Mar 7, 2022 13:11
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You know, if you die in the Court of Fate, you die in real life!!!!
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Mar 7, 2022 14:40
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 BGM: WARNING  Miharu!Miharu seems to have stayed put while I was gone. Rather, she had no choice but to do so. We have no freedom of movement here. It doesn't apply to my current state, though. I take a page out of Parca's book and run across the abyss toward Miharu's platform.  Rin...ka...She's been at the mercy of the black flames. The damage isn't to her body, but her soul. I'm able to tell Miharu's condition despite the lack of physical damage. It proves Parca's claim that I've become the closest thing to a goddess here upon her elimination.  Over... there...Sounding ever so weak, she points toward the center of the Court of Fate. That's where the source of the flames seems to be.   Wahhh...There sits a girl, wailing in pain. She's holding her head while sobbing, her throat roasted beyond repair. What's going on...?Parca's still here. There's no doubt that I eliminated her. I saw her final moments with my own eyes. She would've told me if there were any special exceptions due to her status as a goddess. I don't understand... The flames came out of nowhere, and... sorry... It's fine. Don't force yourself to talk.Her condition is similar to when someone inhales too much smoke during a fire. It sounds like her lungs are giving her trouble. These flames are bad news. That's the one thing clear to me in this situation. Meanwhile, Parca sits at the center of it.  I need to save her.My body moves before I can think. Running on absolutely nothing is frightening, but I make my way to the center regardless. Parca's small enough that I should be able to carry her on my back. I need to get her away from there, first and foremost. I'll take her over to Miharu's platform. There's no heat to the flames, so I should be able to make contact with them if it's brief. I need to do this as fast as possible, leading me to get as close to her as I can. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!Parca continues to cower and wail. Seeing her pain, I hug her. BGM: Sinking in Flames  It's okay! You're gonna be fine!She really does resemble a girl stuck in an actual fire. It's like Dianna's death. The situation closely resembles it if you ignore the place and color of the flames. I have no intention of abandoning her, though. I'll do everything I can to save her. Parca seems completely unaware of my voice, though. She continues to cower in fear, refusing to budge. Ugh...  You seem to be in a spot of trouble. Lethe! Why are you here?This is the first time I've been able to speak with the human Lethe. That doesn't matter right now. I've come to view my own disappearance, I'm afraid. Using my connection to Parca and her erasure is the only way to accomplish this. I'll do everything I can to assist you before that, though.Lethe knows far more about the dream world than I do, so his timing is perfect. There's no one I can rely on more than him right now.  First things first... You should get away from her.He speaks in a calm and composed demeanor. She is indeed the source of the black flames consuming this place. But you have every intention of saving her, don't you? I can only assume you think she's the same Dianna you've come to know. Get to the point! Apologies. She may indeed be Dianna, but one you're entirely unfamiliar with. I told you once before about how I took most of Parca's memories. Well, 'most' is the key word. I left the bare minimum of memories there in order for her to remain as Dianna. In other words, you can think of her as a representation of the memories I left with her. Parca continually gave people false hope and used their lives as a stepping stone for her own sake through Divine Selection. Those memories left within her created a personality that grew sick of those actions. A personality that split off from Parca herself and remained hidden all this time. This is mere conjecture, but I assume this side of her somehow remained separate even after Parca regained the memories I had taken. Thus, the girl you now hold in your arms is an entirely unique existence. But how? I'm surprised you need to ask. It's only natural to wish for one's survival, regardless of what happened before. Dianna's attachment to life was so great that it transformed her into Parca upon her death. These black flames represent her mental state. It's her desire to live- the greatest desire of all humanity. Her continued wish for survival never faltered, even knowing what awaited her. She's trying to recreate the scenario that led her to become Parca in the first place, in order to achieve the same result. It just so happens that the feelings of eleven others have gathered here, too. One of which happens to be the same essence as her own, to boot. Wow, unbelievable! To think she was this attached to her own survival! Simply astounding...! Lethe...? Do excuse me for that outburst. Things have taken a turn for the worse, though.I'm on the right train of thought, then. This situation is eerily similar to the scene of Dianna's death. Dianna! Calm down! Ahhh! Ahhhhhh! There's little point to that. Then what should I do?! ...I don't know, honestly.Lethe, of all people, says he doesn't know what to do! How am I supposed to figure anything out, then?! No, I can't give up here. Lethe did all he could to help us. To the point that he became nothing but a frail little cat. Besides, he already told me once. I need to handle things on my own now.  I need you to take Miharu back to the real world for me. Can you do that? Already been taken care of.I glance over to Numeral II's platform. Miharu is nowhere to be seen. Naomi still has a sliver of my power remaining within her. Enough to remain connected to this place. Much like how I was able to use my connection to Parca to come here, she must have sensed what was going on and dragged Miharu back to the real world. My will remains connected to hers, which is what made that possible.Even as he says this, the panic on his expression remains. Let me be blunt. My existence won't last much longer. As I said, myself and Parca are connected. Her erasure entails my own. This was my true goal all along and the only means I had of accomplishing it. I apologize for keeping it from you. Why are you telling me this now...? My desire to help you was no facade. Secret though my intentions were, I made sure that my actions would never burden you. Don't worry. I trust you. Time isn't on our side. I don't have the ability to help you much more. You can return to the real world while I remain connected to Naomi. This is your only chance to do so. What will happen to Dianna if I do?I can hear her groaning, even now. The black flames continue to wash over the Court of Fate.  She will become a goddess once more and seek out twelve people connected through the junction of causality. She will continue to carry out Divine Selection. Electing her will be impossible now that the Dianna and Parca you know have been erased. She will exist forever, with survival as her sole purpose.That means one thing... She'll be doomed to suffer forever... I never should have told you. You would have had no issue with returning to the real world. Never have I regretted something this much.He probably saw the expression on my face as he explained things. One glance was probably enough for him to understand what I'mt hinking after having spent so much time with my family. You know me too well, don't you? Sorry. My time seems to be up.Lethe's body begins to shine. It's similar to when our cards would light up during an election. Thanks, Lethe. If anyone should be expressing their thanks, it's me. There's still-Lethe disappears mid-sentence. He's returned to his original fate. Death, in much less flowery terms. I'm sure he's happy if he's able to be with Dianna, though. I'm willing to bet that was his wish all along. The issue I face now is the Dianna before me. BGM: Rinka  Ah... Ahh...The flames continue to spread, dyeing the Court of Fate jet black. This is a reenactment of Dianna's death. Not just the events themselves, but the fear she experienced during it. I take a brief, yet definitive look at her. Lethe understood my intentions. Yes- my desire to save her. I have an idea about how to do it. Parca herself told me. She holds no resentment toward her mother and Linda for abandoning her... Is it possible for a person to hold no resentment whatsoever, though? Is it possible for someone who's been abandoned to hold zero animosity toward those responsible? It was Dianna who split from Parca. Not the other way around. Animosity is sure to have built up within her, slow but sure. The cause came down to one thing. Her grief and hatred born during her dying moments. In that case, there's one simple way to ensure that this scene ends differently from when she died.  Don't worry. I'm right here with you.I just need to stay by her side. I hold her close and offer up a single prayer. Please save her. Set her free.One wish. BGM: Sinking in Flames I am consumed by black flames. My body is charred. Smolder fills my lungs. They burn away my very existence. That seems like the most accurate description of what's happening to me. I'm being erased in my entirety. Not just from the world, but from fate itself. But despite that... My soul refuses to pass on. I persevere with my earnest wish in my heart. I wish for the salvation of a girl once abandoned by those she held dear. This is the only way I know how to do things. It's just who I am. BGM: All For You And then a voice calls out to me.   Can't say I know much about you, but hey, keep it up! You're doing great!It's a voice I've heard before, now that I think about it. Did I meet this woman at some point...?   I must admit, the idea of saving Parca had never occurred to me.Another voice I've heard once before. While we never had a conversation, our paths crossed here.   Standing tall, even within those flames... You really do live up to the name your mother gave you.Now this is a voice I could never forget. My will lived on thanks to you. Well, that's how I choose to see it, anyway. I don't know what name my son was given in the end, but everything you did helped me to accept my fate.I want her to know that her son has been named Haruki, just as she wanted. The thought never turns into words, though. No matter how hard I try.   Rinka!A cheerful young girl's voice calls my name next.  Thank you so very much for making my wish come true!Yeah, that's right. Sonya believed that we could both survive right until the very end.   Oh-ho? As soft as ever, I see. A time might come when you regret it, but that certainly isn't now. You might want to try saying something nicer...Next up is that unmistakeable duo. Judging by Yu's attitude toward Shigetsugu, they're back to their previous relationship.  You accepted me as not just a tool, but as a person. That's why you tried to save me till the very end. You've overcome a lot since then, but I'm glad you haven't changed. You're still the Rinka I knew. You're fibbing if you honestly think she hasn't changed at all. Yeah, you're right... You've learned how to move forward in life, no matter what.Their voices suddenly grow distant. What am I hearing now...? Dianna's attempting to turn into Parca once more. There's no doubt I'll be used as energy to accomplish that. I'll become cinder and disappear from the world, with my last memories serving as nothing but fuel. And yet...   C'mon, kid. You ain't gonna kick the bucket after squaring up against me of all people, are ya? ...Or so I'd like to say, but I guess there ain't no need. You ain't nowhere close to giving in. Heh. Good. That's what I like to see.Something tells me that I won't disappear, even in these circumstances. I'd say it feels like I'm being shielded with something, but it's more than that. It's almost like I'm recovering from the effects of the fire.   I have nothing in my heart for you but hatred. Just watching you make your stand right now freaks me out. If hearing that bothers you, then you'd better stick to your guns. There'd be no point in using my life as a stepping stone if you end up just like me in the end.Amazingly enough, even Scale's voice reaches me. I can feel my body return to normal each time this happens. I'm not imagining things.   I'm pretty grateful to you, squirt. You gave me the opportunity to finally come out on top of that rear end in a top hat. And, hey... Props for making an impression on Odette. That proves you're stronger than you look. Welp, that's enough from me. Tell Miharu I said hey.My existence is a fragile one. How others perceive me is what's helped to maintain it so far. I lack the means to prove who I am on my own. There may be countless versions of me existing in all the worlds out there, but they may as well not exist without that. In the same vein that possibilities can be nothing but unattainable dreams.   Your disposition to help others and never give up borders on ludicrous at this point. I can't say for certain that Amrita would make the same decision as you. There's little else for me to say to you at this point. If anything, though... I advise that you prioritize your friends. Hmph. Everything will be for naught if they lose you, correct?Now that I think about it... yeah. There's bound to be people who can accept their own existence based on my perception of them. That's not a big stretch to believe. Miharu, Naomi, Mao, and even my gran... They all have sides to them that only I know. What would happen if I disappeared? Would they follow suit?  Good evening, my dear. Reckless as ever, I see. I must apologize for causing issues at even this stage. Have you been questioning the nature of those voices you hear? The energy gathered within this space comprises fragments that contain the residual feelings and experiences of those eliminated. The fragments hold no sentience of their own. However... You are aware that one's perception of others is what allows them to exist at all. Thus, your perception of these fragments bestows them with a fleeting sentience. Brief though it may be, you granted it to them in their final moments. But enough with the overly obtuse explanations. In layman's terms, they are all cheering on your efforts to save me. With all the energy gathered here, you should be able to make use of their support. So, please. Wish for a miracle.I can't do that. I've already made my decision to stay here with her. I can prevent her death from being recreated by doing so. She'll be able to fade away while remaining human if I do that, right? If that's all I need to do to save her, then I'm more than willing. Yes, you are correct. However... My death can no longer be reproduced. You see, one miracle has already taken place.Her voice vanishes when she finishes her sentence. And in its place, my vision returns.  I see a girl cowering amidst a sea of flames. A black cat braves the fire and approaches her. It reaches its paw out and touches her cheek. Noticing the cat, she raises her head. Her distraught expression melts into a calm smile. And the black flames soon engulf them both. BGM: Moment of Fate It's amazing how much of an effect something that insignificant can have. That's all I can think as my consciousness begins to fade once more. Then again, it's not right to call it insignificant. Knowing for sure that you're not alone is a miracle in and of itself. None of us are alone. Although, it's not quite that simple. The fact that you're not alone is something, ironically, you must believe all on your own. That's why- I think I'm just talking in circles. There's no point in thinking about it right now. There's only one choice left for me.  I want to live.I voice my deepest desire. One that is simple and held by everyone. …... ….. …. … .. .
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Mar 7, 2022 19:06
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I admit I put on the Undertale ending music for that last bit.
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Mar 7, 2022 19:29
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 content warning: animal death BGM: Good Night (20XX 07 23)  07/23 (MON), Morning The brilliant summer sunshine burns its way through my curtains. As soon as I wake up, I can tell I'm drenched in sweat. Even the mornings are unbearably hot this time of year. I throw open my window and bask in the sudden influx of fresh air.  Morning. Good morning. G-Good morning to you both! Ah, it's classic Naomi. Yes. It's been a while! Good to see you faring better. T-Thank you...! The three of us are able to exchange simple greetings. My eyes drag themselves toward my clock. It's Monday, July 23rd. The day after Divine Selection's final round. We did it. Both Miharu and I were able to survive. My excitement over that is soon interrupted as I take a good look around my room. Yeah... Makes sense. We never really expected a big happy ending.  Thank you for everything, Lethe...I express my thanks to the small corpse curled up on my bed. I'm not quite sure how things ended. But it's certain that this cat's fate is now sealed. After over one-hundred years of caring for its owner, it was finally able to pass away. Its peaceful expression in death says it all. This is the first death I've witnessed that can't be undone. Now I understand just how determined you were.Miharu drops to her knees in order to pet it. I didn't know that this was his plan...Naomi sits down, tears welling up in her eyes. Soon enough, the tears begin to stream down her face. Do you not remember anything that happened? I... I... hic... waah. You two can head downstairs first. We'll talk about what happened there. I offer up a silent prayer for Lethe after they're gone. I cry, too. It's been with me ever since I was a kid. The memories flood back, causing my tears to follow. After my tears run out, I wrap it in a blanket. I need to explain things to Miharu and Naomi. …... BGM: Lion House Cafe  I brew some coffee and explain the events that took place in the dream world while we all sip away at our drinks. The discussion isn't a fun one. No one likes talking about goodbyes. I can vaguely remember what happened while Dianna was inhabiting my body, but nothing about the events during the twelfth election... How do you feel? Are your memories fine? They are, yes. I probably don't know much about the current world's state as a result, though. All I remember is the time I spent with you. Ahaha, sounds fine to me. We're all in the same boat, so we can rely on Mao if anything comes up. How much do you remember, Miharu? Everything till those black flames appeared. It feels weird to say that I blacked out within my own dream, but... that's what happened. I was here with you two when I woke up. I see. I'm a bit hazy on what happened at the very end, truth be told. But I'll do my best to recount everything that happened up until this morning.And thus begins a long, long story. It would've been shorter if I didn't have to struggle with so many fuzzy memories. Not much time has passed, but it's so hard to remember everything, considering just how much has happened. Once done, we make our way to a certain place, as instructed. That is... … BGM: Bonds  07/23 (MON), Noon Our final destination. We came here on Saturday as well, but this time it's for a different reason. I make sure to inform my gran about Lethe before we leave. That prompts her to say that she'll leave tonight to come home for a bit. Makes sense. She's spent even more time with it than me. I'm sure she wants to say her goodbyes. I've made a place for it to rest using a basket and some blankets. It's a bit simple, but it's the best I can manage for now. Ideally, I would've brought it along with us, but that wouldn't be appropriate. I couldn't stay behind, either. We have no choice but to come here today. That's our fate, it seems. The weather's quite lovely today.She's right. There isn't a cloud in the sky. The sun is as bright as ever thanks to that. Just keeping my eyes open is a struggle. But I'm fine with that, too. It's kind of like a sign that we've won. I'm not sure how far fate's role extends across the world as a whole, but at the very least, we can say we prevailed over the deaths it had planned for us. One could say that our being alive now is fate. I think that feels like a positive spin on things. Yeah... We stand together. Surrounded by a sea of green.  So many people worked to save me over the course of all this. I never once expected that I would die during it. You're the same as us, then. We must live with the memory of our own deaths. That's... rather frightening, haha... Doesn't matter now. It's all in the past. What does matter, though...I extend one hand in front of me, reaching nowhere in particular. There's no deep meaning to it. It's just a simple gesture. A number of people have entrusted their feelings and desires to me. More than I ever could have anticipated. I'm here right now. And it's all thanks to them. ...Thank you.The only things that lay beyond me are the sun and blue sky. If anything, this all feels a bit underwhelming as the ultimate reward for living through those twelve turbulent weeks. But I don't mind.  So who's up for taking a look around since we're here? Me! Yes, that sounds nice.I'll gladly accept whatever's in store for me in its place. [END WEEK TWELVE (PART B): TO THE FUTURE...] … BGM: Glass Thread                         
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Mar 8, 2022 18:05
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BGM: Lion House Cafe 08/11 (SAT), Noon  It's finally time, baby!Mao's the first to show up. We're smack dab in the middle of summer vacation. We've made plans to go see the fireworks display. Sure is hard to plan things out when you're busy with the store, Miharu's busy with work, and Naomi's busy with cram school. This might just be the first time we've all gotten together since your birthday. Huh. I think you're right.The last time we were all together was July 27th. I'd completely forgotten about my own birthday, so I opened the store like it was any other day. The three of them came around as a surprise once I closed up. Funnily enough, Mao was convinced that I would forget. Miharu made dinner for us and Naomi brought a cake she baked at home. Miharu was worried because she didn't know what kind of food I liked best, causing her to make a number of Italian dishes. I never really bring up my favorite foods, now that I think about it. The puttanesca she made was good, though. Nice and red. Naomi, remembering that I'm not too big on sweets, made a chiffon cake. It was decorated with cream, but one that wasn't too sweet. Gotta say, it was some impressive work. The flavor was tea-based, which led me to think she may have been influenced by Dianna somewhat. Well, maybe I was just overthinking things. What's more, all three of them got me individual presents, as well. Miharu gave me a rich bouquet of red flowers. Red's my favorite color, so the store felt even more “Rinka-esque” after putting them in a vase and using it as part of the décor. Naomi got me a book- a hardcover version of a foreign novel that Naomi loved. While simple to read, it also posed some philosophical questions. It even had a nice cover illustration. Mao gave me an assortment of hand lotions and stuff. I spend a lot of time washing tableware here, so it's perfect for keeping my hands nice and smooth. She even made sure to pick out scentless ones so they won't stink up the store. Seeing how much thought they put into their gifts made me happy. My gran even gave me a call that night, so suffice it to say it was a great day.  Oh, yeah. Naorin said she's gonna borrow a yukata from home, so she'll meet us there. That means we're waiting on just one more.... Sorry for the wait, you two.Miharu appears ten minutes after Mao. Any idea when Naomi will arrive? Oh, we're just gonna meet her there. So, uh... What order should we do this in?We all agreed to wear yukata. If there's one appropriate time to wear them, it's during the fireworks display. I'm borrowing one of my gran's old ones, while Miharu and Mao are getting theirs from a place Miharu knows. And on the cheap, thanks to an acquaintance of hers from work.  You should change first, Rinka. Then you can come and help us pick ours out. A solid plan. Might be a bit annoying to walk around in, but hey, take one for the team. Okay. Mind coming to my room to help me put it on, Miharu? Why, no. Not at all.They apparently had a yukata uniform day or something at her work, so she claims to have gotten used to helping others put them on. You come too, Mao. You have the crucial task of getting some pictures of her while she's freshly dressed. Huh? Me, too? Rare for you to say that.I still haven't given Miharu my response to her confession. She hasn't rushed me for one, but sometimes she does shoot me with puppy dog eyes. I think I'm pretty sure about my answer, though. All that's left is to find both the right timing and the courage to overcome the slight awkwardness of bringing it up. Funny how I don't have the courage to respond to one single confession after everything I've gone through during Divine Selection. I just chuckle at myself as we make our way up to my room. …... BGM: Silence     W-Wow! Amazing! It's so pretty. Yeah... I was entranced for a moment there. I'm glad we came.BGM: A Time of Healing The display is packed, as expected. We aren't able to find a spot to sit and watch because we start looking too late into the evening, but we do find a place with a decent view. You'd think we would be the only ones there since it's a bit out of the way, but nope. Plenty of others have flocked to the same area. The display itself is enough to make us forget about everyone around us, though. I've been looking forward to this. It hasn't been on my mind every day or anything, but the realization that I've made it to this day has left me speechless.  We probably could've sat down somewhere if Miharu didn't take forever picking out her yukata. Wait just a minute. Don't throw accusations at me when you took even longer. Sorry, my short-term memory loss is at it again. Haha... I don't think I've been out and about in a yukata since elementary school. I remember not being too fond of the idea back then, which led to me being forced into it. Then again, I might've thought they looked pretty back then, too... How far in are we?Mao's yukata has a pretty flashy design. The kind you'd expect for people our age. Only about halfway. I'm sure they're getting the rest ready right now! The next batch should be even more amazing than the last!Meanwhile, Naomi looks more mature than usual. I think it's because she borrowed her mom's yukata, which has that adult charm to it. I figured she'd trip at some point and break the illusion, but miraculously enough, that's yet to happen. My little girl's come so far... ...is what I'd say if I was her mom.  Apparently they use around 15,000 fireworks in this display, so that means we've already seen 7,500. How about it, Mao? Up for counting them all to see if I'm right?Miharu's yukata has a nice harmony between design and color. It goes with her usual looks, making her seem a lot older than she is. Most people would be surprised to hear that we're the same age. Pass. Maybe next year. Ahaha. Yeah, next year...Maybe that's why her rare smile every now and then makes her look younger. We'll definitely come back. U-Umm... but won't you have entrance exams to worry about...? Uh... Ain't a problem! We'll have the time to come if we keep our heads in the books. Yeah! Agreed. I'll start thinking about that once our summer holiday is over, so please... spare me... Ahaha.... Naomi lets out a forced laugh. And then the crowd around us starts to get noisy again. The second half's probably about to start. Whoa...! Amazing!The second half manages to be even flashier than the first. The display doesn't let us look away for even a moment. Waugh?! Oh, boy...I hear Naomi and Mao's utterances between the pop of fireworks. It's then that I notice they are trying to distance themselves from us. Mao's face contorts into an indescribable expression when I make eye contact with her, but then she sticks her tongue out at me. You can't fool me, kid. I know exactly what you're trying to do. Aw, man... I couldn't even create the ideal scenario without Mao's aid. I look up to Miharu while still feeling sorry for myself. She definitely noticed them sneaking off too, but her eyes are glued to the trails of smoke left behind by the fireworks. Most of the time, that is. She sneaks in a quick glance at me every now and then, her face beet red. She's far more aware of these sorts of things than I am. It's no secret that she knows what's going on. I turn my head away for a moment out of embarrassment. I see Mao and Naomi come into view when I do. They make no effort to remain hidden and they're practically biting their nails.   Haah...I inhale as I try to organize my thoughts. Miharu already took the plunge back when she confessed, so now it's my turn.   ...Miharu.I turn to face her and then call out her name.   Hmm?She turns to answer, although it's obvious she's trying to act oblivious. There's no doubt in my mind about it anymore. I...  I love you too, Miharu.The loudest firework of the night just HAS to go off at that very moment.  ...I know.Maybe this is down to fate, as well. [TRUE ENDING: FUTURE] 
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Mar 8, 2022 18:05
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And we’re done. That was a pretty cool game.
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Mar 8, 2022 18:45
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oh no is Miharu going to end up frozen in carbonite in any potential sequel
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Mar 8, 2022 18:56
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C'mon Rinka, Naomi is right there.
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Mar 8, 2022 19:00
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Naomi's been Rinka's great-etc.-grandmother, it'd be weird
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Mar 8, 2022 19:03
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Hwurmp posted:Naomi's been Rinka's great-etc.-grandmother, it'd be weird miharu has had Rinka's great-etc.-grandmother witch personality with her her entire life, I'm not sure if that's any better
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Mar 8, 2022 19:10
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Obviously Mao is the best choice then.
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Mar 8, 2022 19:11
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That was a fun game but man it had some issues with the last act. Thanks for the lp!
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Mar 8, 2022 19:36
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Thank you for the LP, it’s been a fun read. While overall I enjoyed the game, there were some glaring issues that the story had in my opinion. The first I’ve already mentioned, in that the relationship between Rinka and Miharu doesn’t really feel like it is deserved. For 90% of the story the only movement on it is Miharu being obsessive and Rinka being completely dense, so there is very little room for anything that feels healthy develop. On top of that is my issue that the choices force the couple together, as any decision that leads away from Miharu leads towards a Bad End. Considering the games theme of Fate, that almost makes it feel like they are being forced by destiny (or Doylistically, the writer) to get together. The other is related to that, in just how passive of a protagonist Rinka is. The cutaways to Federico and co are almost a necessity to make it feel like we’re following someone with agency. For the first half of the game, we have participants wandering up to Rinka and spilling their life stories, then a brief moment where it looks like Rinka is stepping up to her role as protagonist in dealing with the Yu situation, but then in the latter half it is right back to passiveness culminating in two of the three clues needed to elect Parca being handed over by Lethe and Dianna herself getting to possess an unrelated person. There was the perfect setup for a climax where Rinka proactively learned about her ancestor by digging through the diary (throw in some memory magic from Lethe to let her flashback to the past or something) and working out the cause of death and regret while characterising Dianna/Parca. Instead we got a repeated tour of Tokyo. So ultimately both Rinka’s romantic and narrative successes don’t feel earned. I had also predicted that everyone would be back with their memories intact in the True End, so it’s a bit of a surprise to me that 10/12 participants remain dead. Sucks for the ones who hadn’t made their peace with it, I guess. Sybot fucked around with this message at 23:57 on Mar 8, 2022 |
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Mar 8, 2022 19:49
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That was great and I actually liked the last act. Sure, it had some cringy parts, but they did serve a purpose.
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Mar 8, 2022 19:50
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Thanks for LPing this. My feelings about the ending come from a slightly different point of view in that there really wasn't a lot to keep me interested in the true end. I didn't really care too much about Parca or Lethe so I wasn't really looking for any resolution there and what we got was pretty plain. Well, I guess we did find out why Parca/Rinka died in that one bad end.
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Mar 8, 2022 23:15
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I'm genuinely shocked the others didn't come back, and I'm honestly a little glad Scale was still a piece of poo poo from beyond the grave. It was a fine game - exactly the kind I'm glad to read an LP of rather than actually play. Thanks for LPing it!Sybot posted:There was the perfect setup for a climax where Rinka proactively learned about her ancestor by digging through the diary (throw in some memory magic from Lethe to let her flashback to the past or something) and working out the cause of death and regret while characterising Dianna/Parca. Yeah that's my main issue with the game. Rinka is a side character. Thing is, we had an arc for a side character becoming their own protagonist after suffering a loss - Federico! If Rinka could've had that and maintained that after the bit with Yu, that would've been great, and really supported that part where Alan decides to help depending on whether or not you take his call, and could've served as a tempering of that independent protagonist idea as, "hey, even though you're being more active, you can still lean on others". The last arc was fine, it just wasn't set up well enough IMO. If more of the stuff about the book was actually mentioned during the main body of the story, it would've been much better.
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Mar 8, 2022 23:38
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Hey remember when Rinka didn't respond to Miharu's phone call so Miharu murdered her?
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Mar 8, 2022 23:40
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Explosions posted:Hey remember when Rinka didn't respond to Miharu's phone call so Miharu murdered her? Because Scale got to her and gaslit the gently caress out of her while she was in a vulnerable state, because Scale is a Bastard.
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Mar 8, 2022 23:47
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Explosions posted:Hey remember when Rinka didn't respond to Miharu's phone call so Miharu murdered her? she got better
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Mar 8, 2022 23:50
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that was a cool read but yeah true end stuff kinda lost me, thanks for the lp! Miharu did nothing wrong.
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Mar 10, 2022 12:33
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I've kind of been avoiding this thread because I didn't want to emit spoilers all over it, but congrats on the LP! It's a cool game full of interesting characters. Odette is the best, of course. Incidentally, aiueoKompany is still around and working on yuri VNs but has rebranded itself as LYCORIS, if anyone wants to keep tabs on their future works.
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Mar 10, 2022 14:41
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I've officially sent off for the LP to be archived, so that's basically a wrap here  I already know what game I want to LP next (aside from the other one I'm currently doing), and it also has a kind of amusing narrative throughline of sorts, but it's going to be a little bit before that one starts because I'm having to learn to record video for this one!
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Mar 10, 2022 19:43
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Have you ever asked God for help? Do you believe in God's existence? If one day your fate has changed, do you wonder if God heard your call for help...? There was an urban legend. Write your troubles down on a note. Hold it in your hand at midnight, and pray. “God, please help me...” Then God will hear your plea, and change your fate.  (the original game i planned to LP ended up having a lot more technical issues than I was expecting so we're going with the other option first lol)
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Apr 12, 2022 22:26
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It's a shame I didn't see this thread sooner. I actually worked on this game! It was a lot of fun, though I only had a role in the localization of the game.
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Apr 15, 2022 08:45
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Kchama posted:It's a shame I didn't see this thread sooner. I actually worked on this game! It was a lot of fun, though I only had a role in the localization of the game. Thank you for your work!
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Apr 15, 2022 21:03
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Leraika posted:Thank you for your work! Aw, it was my pleasure. I had very fond feelings about this game. I think it was the best VN I worked on for Sekai.
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Apr 16, 2022 05:54
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