#I want to live in Figaro castle

[thephoenixcave]

FF6 Artober Day 20: Remembrance

“Hmm… castle hasn’t changed much. And yet, it’s all different. Mom and Dad are gone. Everyone’s gone… since that day…”

It’s hard to say which scene in the game is my favorite, but this one is up there. So much emotion packed into these sprites and their very limited range! But it comes to life in my mind; I imagine it just like this.

FFVI Artober Prompts by @artandsomethingcreated

[mirikitakato]

[Translation] Anan 12/2024 Issue: Mahoyaku Interview with Tsushimi Bunta and Kazuma Kowo

This is the short Interview with Tsushimi Bunta (Main Screenwriter) and Kazuma Kowo (Worldbuilding Supervision), released to celebrate the 5th Anniversary.

Interviewer: Congratulations on the 5th anniversary of "Mahoyaku". As you continued writing, have your messages you wanted to convey through Mahoyaku changed?

Tsushimi & Kazuma: The fundamental message hasn't changed, but we feel that the way it's conveyed to people around the world has. For example, from a youthful, hopeful message of listening to everyone's voices, like Arthur, and a world that is tolerant and positive towards others, it's shifted towards a more fatigued Figaro-like feeling where there's an overload of such messages that people are tired of being considerate and tolerant. We're feeling a sense of "For Myself" like Mithra or Owen. The message Mahoyaku sends doesn't change, but we need to change the way we address Arthur compared to Figaro or Mithra.

Interviewer: As the story progressed, were there any wizards whose character changed or exceeded your expectations? Also, Arthur and Murr have graced the cover of the special edition. Are there any wizards who would be interested in a magazine like "Anan"?

Tsushimi & Kazuma: We have never talked about this, but if we continued to portray scary characters like Oz, Mithra, Owen, and Bradley as scary, it might disrupt the balance with other characters or invite hate, so we needed to reveal their cute sides early on. If there was only one main character, we could have revealed it slowly, but to depict the cohabitation of two main characters, we needed to reveal each character's gap early on, and I think the gap was established faster compared to the normal narrative speed. I think Chloe would probably like "Anan"!

Interviewer: In Mahoyaku, there are many attractive sub-characters besides the wizards and the player. Are there any sub-characters that left an impression on you or are your favorites?

Tsushimi: Personally, I like Olivia, also Eva-sama and Sophie from the main story part 2. I'm looking forward to the day when the Mahoyaku illustration team draws them. Also, Colin's cuteness and quietness in the Etude of Frog made me feel sad but not empty. I think he swayed my preferences a bit. Also, I was happy that Dianne, who appeared as a mysterious and problematic castle lord in the 4th anniversary event, was eventually accepted with empathy and a watchful eye.

Kazuma: Who impressed me, huh...I am undecided on the names until the very end, so I will choose all the five witches in part 1.5, who are memorable. My favorites are the previous Sage, Aureolin and Scarlett from part 1.5, Zara-sama and Gill who appeared from part 2, and Eva-sama.

Interviewer: Arthur and Murr appeared in this illustration. What kind of relationship do they have?

Tsushimi & Kazuma: They are the faces of the story. Both have curiosity, a spirit of adventure, and intelligence, and they are positive about things they want to know, interesting things, and journeys, as well as having an overarching view of the masses and unwavering devotion and loyalty to those they live with. Seeing those commonalities, I think they might eventually become a pair who get along very well and might cause a lot of trouble. I think they have respect and care for each other, but also keep a moderate distance between themselves.

Interviewer: Finally, what would you like to say to the wizards and the Sage who have been working hard to walk through the story filled with various events?

Tsushimi: Sage, wizards, and all the other characters are always working hard, either to solve problems or to protect their own identities, and I'm very grateful for that. Thank you! It's still too early to say “thank you for your hard work”, so I hope you can continue to support everyone!

Kazuma: To Sage - Even coming to an unfamiliar world, I respect your positivity in taking a positive view of your environment and life, and your compassion and communication skills that allow you to step into the wizards’ minds. To wizards - You're really cool when you're battling, so I hope you'll continue to train your mind and body and wait for your turn to shine. I hope you will continue to do your best even though there may be difficult times.

[wsancho]

On Twins Day I spam about the Figaro twins 😌

Today Internet says:

February 5 is a twins day in Japan. The twins are Futago in Japanese. In Japanese 2 is Futatsu, 5 is Go so Futago twins.

That’s all I need 😌

For storytelling purposes, twins represent duality. I particularly love that the Figaro bros don’t follow the tropes of petty brothers fighting over the throne or two exact copies with no individuality (they follow other tropes, but not those 😁). They’re the proverbial two sides of the same coin.

The coin metaphor is one of many polarities represented in FFVI. As expected from any epic tale, it has many symbolic opposites: fire/ice, control/surrender, grandiosity/modesty, expression/repression, etc. It’s all over, but my self-indulgent ass fixates exclusively on the Figaro twins because reasons 😌

I like to think of duality in terms of Yin and Yang. Opposite extremes of a spectrum that complement each other and do not inherently indicate moral stance. Polar opposites are distilled representations of what was meant to be one and the same thing.

In my experience, one can only know something after having experienced it’s full spectrum. Staying in the middle or on one side while refusing the other, is half-knowing; or to paraphrase Roberto Benigni, you must have laughter and tears in life, otherwise you’re half-living.

I see the Figaro twins representing polarities that, in my opinion, were meant to be reconciled: the journey of one is the other’s opposite journey. Edgar started where Sabin ends, and vice-versa.

Prodigy/Underdog

From childhood Edgar was energetic, self-assured and naturally attuned to diplomacy; the feedback he got was that he’s right on track. Sabin was weak, shy, naive and transparent; the feedback he got was that he’s not enough. Then the rite of passage they did at age 14 set them on the path to become the adults we know. Edgar was comfortable with getting his way, but after pushing Sabin to meet his standards, Sabin got extremely sick.

Edgar didn’t like his own behavior, and I think this is when he started getting negative feedback for his natural impulses, causing him to start pulling back because he’s too much.

Sabin didn’t like how he performed, which led him to push himself harder to stop relying on his brother. He still had a long way to go, but at this age he decided to become more.

Thinker/Doer

At age 16 Edgar gets scolded by an older girl for how he treats women, which motivated him to learn the art of chivalry. This was another bit of negative feedback for following his natural impulses, and he seems to be able to get away with anything, but that’s not the kind of man he wants to be. There are also a couple of scenes where he says too much. If he relaxes and acts and speaks freely, he can hurt people. He doesn’t have analysis-paralysis, but he’d rather think about things for as long as he can afford, and watch things unfold before taking action.

At age 17 the boys’ father was poisoned to death, which motivated Sabin to pursue martial arts more seriously. Sabin’s natural impulses make him say what is and to do what’s needed, and even if he cannot pin down what to do in a situation, he doesn’t want to sit and watch injustice unfold. He might make mistakes, and then he’ll correct along the way, the only thing he’ll lament is not doing something.

We also see Sabin settling down a bit after he learns that Cyan just lost his wife and son. Before that, he had been teasing the poor man the whole time 😩 But he doesn’t beat himself up for taking the wrong type of action, he adjusts and moves on, knowing that he’ll do better next time 😌

Hypersexual/Celibate

Edgar is a horny one, but the skirt-chasing has a purpose; as does Sabin’s celibacy. Edgar has earned such bad reputation that the girls in his own castle won’t take him seriously, maybe to the point of turning himself into an incel… Or is it voluntary? He seems to overthink many things, but the flirting is not one of them. He thought things through, took action, saw the consequences and corrected nothing (I guess he can still get foreign ass 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Sabin turned celibate as part of his training, to gain better control of his impulses (if he ever had those impulses). Ironically, his training also turned him into a walking thirst trap. He could get all the ass he wanted, if he wanted.

Lively/Sickly

This is how they were as children. Later as an adult, Sabin is off-the-charts. This boy went to work and turned the weakness into a freaking superpower. From being borderline disabled, he worked his ass off to become the guy who suplexes a train like it’s nobody’s business, and he can even heal other party members with his blitzes. Way to turn the table! 💪🏼😤

Edgar always was and still is pretty sturdy, but there’s a big portion of the fandom putting him in vulnerable situations. Many of us compensate his lack of a character arc by breaking him in some way: illness, exhaustion, depression. He’s not going through any of those in the main story, but given his great resilience, he could inadvertently abuse his own capacity. Sabin was born weak so he learned to build up his strength and push his limits very slowly and patiently. Edgar was never limited in any way, but he’s getting close to that age when the body passes the bill 🥲

Of course, there are many other qualities that are easy to notice, like Stoic/Emotional, Repressed/Expressive, Deceptive/Sincere, etc. What I find fascinating is how their distinct journeys come full circle, always bringing them to a place of unity.

Here are also some references that I found interesting because I see Figaro everywhere 🙃

Divine Twins. Recently I found out about this myth, and this bit made me smile in Figaroan:

The two brothers are generally depicted as healers and helpers, traveling in miraculous vehicles to save shipwrecked mortals. They are often differentiated: one is represented as a physically strong and aggressive warrior, while the other is seen as a healer who rather gives attention to domestic duties, agrarian pursuits, or romantic adventures.

King/Monk. Reading about the Buddah, there was a prophecy after he was born, saying that he’d become either a great king or a holy man. We know how that turned out, but what stuck with me is that the capacity to fulfill either role was always within him. I look at the Figaro twins and I support every individual decision they’ve made, but I can still see them swapping places and becoming just as good. It’d be a painful journey, but they’re perfectly equipped for it.

Artisan/Warrior. I also found an interesting bit in The Book of Five Rings, where Miyamoto Musashi talks about four occupations: warrior, farmer, artisan and merchant. He draws parallels between Warrior and Artisan: the mentoring required in order to acquire the knowledge and skills, the need for constant practice striving for precision, the vital role of leadership in both roles.

The Figaro twins are different in superficial ways, but they share the same values and the same core capacities; they’ve just chosen different ways of obtaining results ☺️

Head❤️Hands. The famous phrase from the movie Metropolis makes me think of Edgar as the head and Sabin as the hands.

These boys have one shared heart. Edgar hides it away while Sabin lays it bare, but is one and the same ❤️

[cryptid-killjoy]

Frank and Delta's Ball

Feral was open.

Invite Only. Sure. But it unprecedented that Feral let people in that didn't live there. This was first since Feral became... well... Feral.

Delta Castle was decked out. She finally decided I have a ballroom. I'm going to fucking used it and have a god damn ball. Why the fuck not?

People were busy. Friends were vacationing. It was spooky season. Voodooists had feast after feast and celebrations no one could keep up with. Witches, alchemists, magic users of all kinds knew the veil was thin and were in high demand. Busy bees all from necromancers to fortune tellers, mediums, to paranormal investigators. Still, even the Laveaus knew how special the invite was. They were going to take the time to come to Delta's home. Her home. Not just feral. What a thought really. The very idea she was allowing people to bring plus ones was really something else. Though Valerie suspected if anything went wrong Delta would have the last laugh considering at that point whoever fucked with her at that point could never leave. So it was a pretty trusting giving situation all things considering.

Valerie was dressed like a daughter of October, her hair all flouncy She didn't have many chances to truly wear big extravagant dresses aside from the theater, but it really depended on the show. Most everyone would come in through Figaro's bus except Valerie and Thomas. They'd be the only one's who didn't. They'd get a personal escort from Tree. He'd show up for them and give them a ride in his branches up the mountainside to the castle, an Ent-Walk if you will, the VIP service. The best part would be Valerie noticing Tree had a bow tie on down around his lower trunk. He dressed for the occasion.

"Looking handsome, my friend. Looking good. I missed you."

Going through the doors of the castle everyone would be given a gift bag with party favors. There'd be a keychain inside that said Stay Feral. It was starting to be Delta's little catch phrase when she showed face on tv or podcasts. She didn't do a lot of PR as she wasn't much into that sort of thing, but it did happen. She and Frank did go out sometimes and they'd get approached.

The place would be packed too. Valerie hadn't expected it to be quite so populated considering what she heard of Feral, but Delta invited a large amount of fae from the other realm. They all came in from the hidden tree door in her childhood bedroom. The portal had always been there and it was getting more use now than ever before. She was slowly getting to know her homeland even when she wasn't there just by Diablo's shared mind with Maleficent. Then when she did make visits the puzzle pieces would mold together so much faster. She could learn at advanced speeds.

By the time anyone from the outside got there the fae were dancing and it would look like a full party. Where was the music coming from? That's what Delta wanted to know.

The DJ booth was empty. How long could it play on it's own? She should have known better than to hire a cat. Where the Hell was that cat now? At the buffet again. Of course. Right next Zero. "Cheshire. What are you doing?"

Chess pointed at Zero. "He wanted a bone. So I had to eat until I found the right one to throw to him. He's very patient. A very good dog."

There was a whole plate full of eaten meat with just the bones left piled up high at least a foot on it next to him. She glared at the plate.

"These are soup bones. Not throwing bones."

"Mhm. That's nonsense."

"I know. I can't believe there's not been one good throwing bone in all this buffet yet. You should really talk to the chef and get a refund."

"I. Am. The. Chef." Delta said through gritted teeth.

"I see. My. My. Well, now we know why Daddy went out of business, don't we?"

"Get back in the booth, CHESS!"

"Touchy. Touchy." Then she really just laughed as she disappeared into curls and swirled herself back into the DJ booth.

Delta looked at the plate and there was Zero staring at her. Delta rolled her eyes and threw them all right at him. Bones scattered all over the floor. At least Chess was good for rave effects all wrapped up in a furball. But, she really did need her to stay at the booth, at least until after the dance with her girls. She needed her to be ready in case she signaled because there wasn't a set time for it. She was going to wait till everyone was ready. Plus, no one in weird costumes or big dresses was dancing in that shit. They had to do a quick change up for it first. She needed the DJ to pay attention. After she could slack.

Funny enough Zero wasn't the "dog" there. Willem had brought Slippery with them so there was a real dog that was pretty happy about that pile of thrown ribs.

Then in the most random thought Delta tilted inspired by the bones. She walked up to the DJ booth and requested, "Bone Thrower by Revolution Smile." It was exactly ball room music, but this was her ball. What did people expect? Knowing the lyrics by heart as outsiders started to pour in it almost felt fitting. It wasn't an ode to the outsiders she invited. But, it sure was an ode to the outside world right now. Fuck everyone but the people she allowed here. Her weird ass quirky misfits and monsters, even the annoying ones like Chess.

The rocker in Valerie's heart walked in during this with Thomas smiling, like fuck yeah. The lights were all over the place. This place was kick ass. She didn't even know Chess was going to be here. Her smile widened when she noticed her at the DJ booth. "Look love. It's Chess."

Then there was Bas and Maddy. They lived right downstairs and would arrive right after their vacay just in time. So, they didn't have far to get here. All they had to do was come up their lighted steps.

Bastien would have taken some of the good stuff tonight and the lights were tripping him out. Everything was messing with his senses and he was lost in a world of his own and that included the bass and his wife's skin and perfume in the middle of the dance floor.

For those than can see he gargoyles they'd be all three be sitting on their rears in chairs with their arms over the ledges glasses on, or half cocked and crooked on their heads giving people nods and peace signs who walked by. Even his voices were high.

Then there's going to be Kuzco. The man has no shame. Ball? Were they supposed to get dressed up? Shrugs. All he knew was there was music and costumes allowed. This guy never wore anything normal. He shows up in ALF costume, but not just any Alf costume. It was a plastic horrid 80's kid's costume with the wretched masks that cut your face and no one could ever breathe in.

He managed to get a hold of the largest size possible, but it still didn't fit him even though he was a pretty small guy. Almost but no cigar. So he cut the legs and wore it like a poncho over his clothes. He'd say, "Here kitty kitty to Chess" way too many times all night since Alf liked to eat cats and not in the sexy way.

Willem and Nutmeg were in a circle of fae dressed as fauns comparing their fake horns to people with real horns having loads of fun with it. Everyone was hamming it up loving sharing the concept with each other. Imitation was flattery. They did feel flattered.

While all this was going on Figaro was getting a round of passengers to haul up. Koda and Elsa being in the round coming up. Koda invited his uncle to come along but he passed on the situation this time. Maybe next time if Delta let people in again. If this went well who knew? Dale and Scout were also in this batch and if GoGo was accepted an invitation to come with Scout she would too. The triplets and the Savanne kids were being babysat by Caim's people this time. Jules had a bunch of kids despite the exterior lack of responsibility. Tray assured them no he could handle it. If the halfling could handle a coven of vampires, and survive Hell as half human, he could handle a few pups and a couple zombies. They were going to be alright with Unkie Jules and Tray. Scout was a little disappointed her buddy Tray wouldn't be with her this round, but he insisted she go since Feral was going to be full of all her old friends. She needed this.

Babyface, Black Arts, Ellie, and Nebby on this ride in too. The bus was getting pretty stoked to go on up to the castle. Dale couldn't sit down with his Barbie Box on so he put it in the seat next to him. So, he'd be sitting there with his hair nice and gelled and his crop top on when he noticed Ellie and Babyface loading the bus and talking to whoever they were with. He assumed that was the fam he kept talking about but his brain didn't go that far yet too excited with, "ELLIE!" He stood up and went running down the aisle.

First hug.

Second smile.

"God damn. Fuck you for staying away so long. Fuck you both."

Scout waved from behind him a seat over.

"He means that in the most loving way possible."

[pilferingapples]

   ah that bit in every Romanticist bio where we gotta get the who's who as the author sees it (all this is from the Fourth Musketeer)

At the Café de Paris, on the boulevard, Alexander breathed the air of the great world. There the celebrities of journalism, literature, and dandyism met.

...this gets long

That man with the warlike hat and blinking eyes' is Nestor Roqueplan who has now left his garret, his washbasin-clock and his pistols-candelabra for the comfortable offices of the Figaro.

OK was this before/after/during its time as an anti-Romanticist paper??

Next him is Jules Janin, who looks comfortably rotund but thinks only of snapping at his neighbor, and who will later fight a duel with Dumas about a wretched question of dramatic criticism.

JULES JANIN DUELED ALEX DUMAS?? ...JULES JANIN DUELES ALEX DUMAS AND LIVED?!?

That fellow by way of being a gentleman, dressed with the correctness of an English lord in a blue coat with gold buttons, a yellow waistcoat, and pearl-gray trousers, is the husband of Marie Dorval, Merle, one of the legitimist party, an epicure and an authority on gastronomy.

..wait, isn't that outfit a Werther cosplay? Am I getting the colors wrong?

. . Over at the long table, orating in a high voice, with his face awkwardly swathed in an enormous neckcloth to hide certain unpleasant scars, is Veron, nicknamed the Prince of Wales, actually the manager of the Revue de Paris, who pays Dumas royally, at least for the time being. With his high color, his greedy lips that look as if they were smeared with jam, and his gluttonous eyes, he seems at once an abbot of former times and a comedy valet.

This guy is way more important than you'd guess by how little he shows up in histories! Also he got his start in patent medicine, which is really jumping out at me post-Blue Castle read!

     That tall, thin, dark man, with hair cut brush-shaped and a prominent nose, wearing a velvet caftan and a cap lined with martin fur, is Adolphe de Leuven, librettist of the Postillon de Lonjumeau, who launched Alexander. By his side, flaunting a magnificent kidskin waistcoat and whirling his rhinoceros cane, is handsome Roger de Beauvoir, with a mop of curly black hair, the only one of Alexander's friends who is an aristocrat of wealth-Beauvoir who entertains six hundred people at the Hôtel de Pimodan, and who has just challenged Balzac for accusing him of being named neither Roger nor Beauvoir. Although Balzac took the trouble to send him "forty pages of excuses," the dandy will listen to nothing and proclaims: "I scorn M. de Balzac's prose, I want only his skin!"

holy shit Balzac you messed up??

     Here is Eugène Sue, very smart in his sea-green coat, with a rather vulgar turn of the nose that detracts from his good looks. Last, simpler and jollier than the rest, is that good fellow Méry who passes for a librarian at Marseilles, but who is always off on a lark to Paris; an amazing improviser who can compose correctly an act of a classical tragedy within two hours, and in the drawing-rooms describe the tortures of hell so vividly that the ladies beg for mercy.

Fun new party game: Describe the tortures of hell!

     Near these gentlemen, but on a lower plane, the madmen appear. "He who was Gannot" and has made himself God under the name Mapah, is a fop and a billiard player now fallen on evil days who sends out manifestos signed "By Our Apostolic Ruin."

The Mahpah is one of the wildest ...visionaries? religious ...somethings? movement leaders? of the time, love seeing him get mentioned (Wiki) (Nonbinary wiki)

Jean Journet, called the Apostle, goes about dressed as a begging friar and sells his verses unfailingly entitled "Songs" or "Cries."

...I have no idea who this is . Sounds like he's coping with poverty very artistishly.

Poor Petrus Borel imagines himself to be a wolf; at his house Alexander has eaten cream from a skull. . . .

excuse you he never said he was a wolf he said he was a werewolf and no one actually disagreed also man,you serve ice cream in skulls ONE time...

         ...you might see (Dumas) in the rue Grange-Batelière, in the salon of the dancer Marie Taglioni, "the sylph of sylphs," or at Delphine de Girardin's on the days when she recited her poems. But Alexander always grew sentimental near "the Muse" and asked her to receive him in private. "I love you," he said, "with an affection too selfish to share you with the world." Then, when they were alone together, she would interrupt him with questions about dramatic art. "Do tell me how one writes for the theater?" Dumas laughed at what he called "the naïveté of genius."      He was attractive to women, there was no doubt of that, even to the most distrustful of them. When Sainte-Beuve, who was fond of playing the rôle of intermediary, proposed to introduce Alfred de Musset to George Sand, she answered: "I don't want you to bring Alfred de Musset. He's too much of a dandy, we should never get along together. . . . Instead of him, do bring Alexander Dumas, in whose art I have found a soul, exclusive of his talent." Alexander came and Sand took a great liking to him.

Wow, imagine if George Sand had ever hung out with Musset What a disaster that would have been huh in that alternate world ><

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 6

Previous Chapter

In front of me, Shylock was smiling, and I kept my eyes on him.

Akira: Please live for a very long time…

Shylock: Oh my, Master Sage. Despite my looks, I've already lived for quite a long time, you know. We shall keep both you and the children separate from the investigation, so please put it from your mind.

Akira: But…

Shylock: Don't you fret. Just leave everything to us. If anything should happen, we'll let you know. I know. Mithra seemed bored, so why don't you look after him for a while?

Akira: Alright. And thank you.

And so, Mithra, Rutile, Mitile, Riquet, and I went around the island together.

✦✧☾✧✦

Dianne: …

Riquet: Dianne.

Dianne: …Are you talking to me?

Riquet: Your name is Dianne, isn't it?

Dianne: Though it is, to dispense with an honorific is… Ahh, of course. You're a wizard, after all. Are you actually a hundred years old?

Riquet: I am sixteen years old. But far more importantly, I heard that you're amicable towards wizards, Dianne.

Dianne: I am.

Riquet: I gave my name earlier, but let me introduce myself again. I am the Central wizard, Riquet. I am both a wizard and a disciple of God.

Dianne: …A disciple of God?

Riquet: Yes. My duty is to use this strange power I have to help people and lead them down the right path. I'm very happy to hear that you accept wizards with open arms. If you ever find yourself needing aid, please feel free to tell me. I will guide you.

Dianne: Perhaps I'm simply repeating your own words back to you, but I am the lord of this land. I must guide those living in this castle, as well as those living on the island. Such is my duty.

Riquet: …

Dianne: I am grateful for your kindness. Please, give the Sage my regards.

Riquet: … Alright… …

Mitile: Riquet! Do you want to go try that whatever-cocoa cake? …Riquet?

Riquet: Mitile. What does "amicable" mean?

Mitile: Um, it means that you're friendly with someone…I think…

Riquet: I thought so…

Mitile: Is something wrong?

Riquet: No, it's nothing. Let's go. (Master Sage and Lord Arthur always look me in the eye when we're talking, but…) (Dianne didn't meet my eyes even once. Is that still being friendly with someone…?)

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Then we'll leave everything to you.

Figaro: Yep. Take care, Master Sage. Mithra, look after everyone.

Mithra: Hah.

Rutile: You sure ate a lot at lunch, Mithra.

Mithra: Everyone gave me theirs. Oh, hold on, Master Sage. Please leave that thing behind.

Akira: You mean Saku-chan?

Mithra: You don't need it with me around. It feels icky, like the twins are lurking next to me.

Akira: But…

Figaro: I'll look after it, Master Sage. Just like he says, there's no need for the twins' familiar with him around.

Mithra: Heh. Exactly.

Akira: Alright. Saku-chan, I'm leaving you here, ok?

Mitile: Alright! We'll be going now, Dr. Figaro!

Riquet: If we find any good gifts, we'll get enough for everyone!

Figaro: Thank you. Take care, now. … The sea's so dazzling…

Faust: Figaro.

Figaro: Faust, Nero.

Faust: I was just talking to Nero about this as well, but we have several reasons to suspect Borda Castle.

Figaro: I've been thinking the same thing. I think Arthur's noticed, too. Something about the whole atmosphere here is just off.

Nero: Right. The lady of the castle and her people should be the ones investigatin' this.

Figaro: Can I leave this to you Eastern wizards?

Faust: Yes. The two of us, plus Shino and Heath, are going to investigate the castle.

Nero: What about the Sage? You've got their sacrificium. Are they somewhere safe?

Figaro: They're with Mithra.

Nero: With Mithra, huh… That's pretty much the safest place there is…

Faust: Or the most dangerous…

Figaro: Well, you're not wrong about that… Mithra might be a capricious, fickle, and barbarous man, but he is the next strongest after Oz. Mithra was pretty stunned by Nova's attack on Oz, too. …Because of <the Great Calamity>, during the night when he can't use magic, Oz can't protect himself, much less the Sage. I think he's finally realized that.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: What was it called again? To…to…toretta…

Akira: Torta di cocco.

Mithra: Yes, that.

Mitile: I wonder what kind of sweet it is!

Riquet: Owen seemed very happy with it, so it has to be delicious enough for his tastes!

Akira: (Riquet… You're so harsh on Owen when he's acting up, but do you consider him to be like a sweets friend…?)

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: Step right up, step right up! You lot, take a look at this! It's a portrait of our one and only Sage!

Akira: Huh?!

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: We've got portraits of the Sage's wizards who offered our young and beautiful queen their protection, too!

Mithra: How interesting.

Rutile: Let's go check it out!

Akira: Wah, how pretty…! Who's this supposed to be?

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: The Sage, of course.

Akira: Huh… Huhhhh?!

Mithra: Not very similar, is it?

Mitile: The eyes look right! But the hair seems a little long…

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: Have you people seen the Sage before?

Mithra: This is them.

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: Huh… Huhhhh?!

Akira: N…Nice to meet you…

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: No, no, how could I have been so rude! Now that I'm getting a proper look, you're definitely the Sage. What a blessing to see your face! May it make my shop a profitable one.

Akira: (Is he praying to my face…?)

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: Master Sage, here! Could you leave a handprint for my shop right here?

Akira: A handprint?

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: Yeah. So that when Borda Island sinks, we'll be remembered in song. Oh, maybe that was a little superstitious! But, I mean, you've heard the stories, right? About the prince of Adams Island?

Akira: The prince of Adams Island…?

I asked him that while spreading red paint on my palm. If I remembered right, Adams Island had sunk to the bottom of the sea alongside the Northern wizard Balthazar.

Akira: Adams Island had a prince?

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: No clue, but that's what the traveling bards' songs claim. Their stories are always kinda overblown, though. But it sure makes 'em fun to listen to, though. Anyways, I'm pretty sure he wasn't Adams Island royalty, but the prince of a fallen kingdom. Right, right, it was like… The prince still roams, without his home~ A bracelet glitters and shines again~

The singing shopkeeper suddenly leaned towards me and peered into my face.

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: The song says that come 'round dusk, there's someone who looks just like that fallen prince roaming around on the shore. Y'know how <the Great Calamity's> influence is making weird incidents happen all over? They say it brought back that prince too, even though he died ages ago.

Akira: …So the prince died and was resurrected?

Mitile: That can't be right. Mithra, didn't you say the dead can't be brought back to life?

Mithra: Yes. Neither wizards nor humans can be brought back. Though both humans and beasts can have their remains used for various things. Making the bones of a big monster move around is fun.

At first glance, Mithra seemed to be a creepy and shameless person, but he had parts of him that were as innocent as a little kid who loves dinosaurs, too. He can be fickle, so I'm sure if I asked him if he likes them he'd deny it, but he really does seem to like that kind of megafauna.

Akira: (Still, what an odd story… The resurrected prince of a fallen kingdom…)

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: Ahh, so sorry for talking about something like that with you, Master Sage… I hope I didn't frighten you.

Akira: Oh, no, you're just fine. I mean, it's not like I've ever seen corpses or skeletons walking around myself.

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: You look so delicate, but you're pretty strong on the inside. Good to hear. If I upset you, the new lord would get after me.

Akira: Miss Dianne would?

Borda Island Souvenir Shop Owner: …Ah, no, no! Don't mind me. Please, let me offer you this portrait! It's a painting of the Sage and all of the Sage's wizards! It'll be a nice memento!

I accepted the painting and held it up. With myself at the center and my wizards around me, we were drifting in the ocean's waters. There was a sunken city with mermaids and sea monsters painted in the darkness of the bottom of the sea, along with… A huge silver dragon.

✦✧☾✧✦

Wizard Shopkeeper: Step right up, step right up! We've got weird magic tools galore! Even humans can use these!

Human Shopkeeper: Come right in, take a look at this! We've got tools made by upright and proper craftsmen! No strange curses on these!

Wizard Shopkeeper: Anything made by spiteful humans is going to come with that spite still attached and give you bad luck! You can purify it with this magic salt!

Human Shopkeeper: If you use tools with magic in 'em, your face'll turn into a fish! Even your friends' wives might turn into fish…

Wizard Shopkeeper: Woah, that's a lie! We've got a liar on your hands! No one wants to buy from a liar's shop, you know!

Human Shopkeeper: And everything you wizards sell is fake! If you buy it, it'll be nothing but salt by the next day! This here's a nice, safe human shop! Everything's made by this craftsman right here! Buy from a shop where you can see their face!

Wizard Shopkeeper: You brat…!

Human Shopkeeper: Oh, you wanna go?!

Wizard Shopkeeper: Y…….?! Wha…?!

Human Shopkeeper: What'd you suddenly go all pale for…

Wizard Shopkeeper: …Shop's closed now, we're closing up! There's some terrifying presence coming closer…! I'm gonna hide and get away clean!

Oz: …

Cain: Half the shops are closing up when you walk past, Oz.

Arthur: This must be the wizard bazaar. There's more human shops than I remember.

Cain: Yeah, sure seems like it… Even though that's the opposite of what we just heard at that shop.

Arthur: The opposite?

Cain: They said that Lady Dianne has permitted the wizards' summer bazaar to be held on a more regular basis.

Arthur: So they can keep their shops open year-round instead of for just a small portion of time once a year, then.

Cain: Yep. The ones opposed to the decision are from the Borda Island Merchants Guild. Look, you can see their flag here and there.

Arthur: You're right. There's a bunch of flags with a gemstone and wave design hanging all over the market. Having this many guild banners displayed when there's not a convention or festival is a bit odd. It used to be you could only see them to mark where the entrance to the guild itself was.

Cain: It's probably an intimidation tactic so that the wizards' bazaar doesn't get any larger than it already is. Arthur. You had a weird look on your face while we were in Borda Castle.

Arthur: Oh, you saw that.

Cain: Yeah, you were frowning the whole time.

Arthur: Sorry about that. I hope I didn't upset the people in the castle.

Cain: I don't think that's the kind of thing a teenage boy should be worrying about.

Arthur: I might be a teenager, but I'm still a prince. Besides, you should already know why I was making that face. Don't you?

Cain: Yeah… The castle servants' faces were all stiff and upset. Even though the Western people are usually bright and cheery. There was something wrong during lunch, too.

Arthur: Yeah. Lady Dianne was the only person smiling. No one else in the castle had anything even close to a genuine smile on their face. Maybe it's because she's only just become lord here so she's trying a bit too hard… I wonder if that ascension was poorly arranged. I'm a bit worried, to be honest.

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: Um… Could I have a moment…

Cain: Huh? …Wah.

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: Oh, I'm sorry.

Cain: Oh, no, you're fine. I was just a little startled when you suddenly grabbed my arm. What's up?

Cain: (Ah… She's got a Merchants Guild armband on.) (I guess she's one of the Borda Island merchants.)

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: Is it true that the Sage's wizards are investigating the recent incidents on the island…? …I need this to be kept secret, but if you'll help me avenge my husband, I want to help you…

Cain: Avenge? What are you talking about? Haven't the incidents been disappearances?

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: Disappearances… It's true that we've had those too, but… Do you not know…? Headless corpses are washing up on the beach. Three of them so far, and they're all strong, fit men… …I can give you more details…

Cain: (Woah, she's clinging onto me.)

Arthur: (Her shoulders are trembling, and she's crying…)

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: These things are happening to her people…to my husband…but the new lord only cares about wizards… But I've heard the Sage's wizards will help more than just other wizards. You offered your protection to Queen Liliana and the Western people, and to all the people of the world…

Cain: (Word has really spread about us since the Western queen's coronation ceremony…)

Arthur: (Cain… You manage to properly hug women in return at times like this…) (I'd be too embarrassed, so I can't do this sort of thing properly… But you really are a true knight.)

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: …I'm sorry, I lost my composure… My name is Natalie. Could I ask for your names as well?

Cain: I'm Cain.

Arthur: I'm Arthur.

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: And this would be…?

Oz: … Oz.

Arthur: Natalie. Would you be willing to give us more information on these headless bodies? Not now, as we're already in the middle of a different investigation, but soon. Is there someplace we can meet to talk about this?

Slender Dark-Haired Woman: Please ask for me at the merchants' guild. Please come see me soon.

Arthur: Of course. Thank you.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Why didn't we listen what she had to say immediately? What are we doing right now that's more important than that?

Arthur: She said three bodies.

Cain: Huh?

Arthur: She said three of them, all strong, fit men. Even though the man she loves washed up on that beach, would she really refer to his corpse like that?

Cain: You've got a point…

Arthur: Listening to what she has to say while we're doubting her grief would be unbecoming. I'd like to hear from at least one other person, first.

Cain: Gotcha. But it really makes me wonder why Lady Dianne didn't tell us about the headless bodies washing up. This is the kind of thing that can devastate a populace. I won't believe that news of it hasn't reached the castle.

Arthur: You're right… Lord Oz. It seems that something very strange is happening on Borda Island.

Oz: …

Arthur: Lord Oz?

Oz: …I will be separating from you for a short time. I will return before sunset. Be careful, Arthur.

Arthur: Of course. You take care too, Lord Oz.

Oz: Cain. Look after Arthur.

Cain: Of course. Not gonna tell us where you're going?

Oz: … Into the sea.

Next Chapter

[sunsetzer]

As I was drinking coffee this morning I started thinking about what the returners' drink preferences were and this came out of my head (under a cut because it's a bit long):

Terra is very sweet so I imagine she likes sweet coffee drinks, something like a vanilla cappuccino. She doesn't enjoy it if it's not sweetened enough but isn't going to complain if someone brings her coffee that isn't quite to her liking.

Locke is the kind of guy to show up to a meeting 10 minutes late with starbucks (that Edgar probably paid for). What he drinks could barely qualify as coffee and is more along the lines of "very wet cake". One sip would probably send Gau into orbit.

As a guy who lives in the desert, I imagine Edgar would rather drink iced coffee than hot, with a little cream and sugar in it. Even if the party is staying in a snowy place like Narshe, he's just in the habit of liking a cold drink. I also picture him as someone who only has coffee in the morning, and enjoys iced herbal teas through the day. His favourites aren't the expensive imported teas he is gifted by noblemen and politicians looking to get on the king's good side, but rather those that are made with the leaves and petals of plants endemic to the Figaro desert-- they remind him of home. (Where do they get ice? He's probably personally responsible for the creation of the ice box in their world.)

Sabin doesn't particularly like coffee, but he loves tea. Since he doesn't live in the desert 24/7 like his brother, he drinks it hot. After a hard day's work training he relaxes with a pot of his favourite herbal tea (similarly to Edgar, his favourite is a tea from Figaro for the same reason) in a peaceful manner that would surprise anyone but his brother.

Setzer has expensive taste in coffee, and prefers dark roasts with stronger flavour. He doesn't drink it black, though; he adds a splash of liqueur or an alcoholic cream (like putting bailey's in your coffee except way more ridiculously expensive). He swears it's only for the flavour, but there are maybe some of his worse days where that's not entirely true. He also drinks several cups of the stuff in a day, because the man is perpetually tired. He's possibly built up a tolerance to caffeine at this point like one does for alcohol (which I imagine he also has a high tolerance for).

Celes says she only enjoys coffee with a splash of cream, but she actually does like the same sweet drinks as Terra occasionally. She'll never admit it to anyone but Terra.

Resident feral child Gau had a sip of coffee one (1) time and has since been banned from all caffeine. He tore through the Falcon faster than any human person should be able to run and knocked over many things, including but not limited to a very disgruntled Setzer, who taught him a new curse word in response. Gau then hopped around shouting this new word for everyone to hear. Locke thought it was hilarious.

Shadow prefers his coffee black, but isn't picky if someone offers him a drink with something added to it. He strikes me as someone who likes it almost hot enough to burn.

Strago wants to drink coffee but Relm manages to sneak decaf into his mug more often than not. The man's 71 years old, too much caffeine might send him into cardiac arrest.

Relm herself thinks coffee is gross and adults are weird for enjoying it. She sneaked a sip of Shadow's black coffee once and was turned off of the stuff forever, despite being told that there are sugary drinks that aren't as bitter.

Cyan doesn't drink coffee, but occasionally drinks tea. Specifically, he drinks a traditional calming Doman herbal tea that reminds him of peaceful nights spent with his lost family, on nights when his mind wanders to his darkest memories. If he closes his eyes in the quiet, he can almost feel as though he is back in that castle, before the kingdom fell. It doesn't make him sad, though; it's cathartic.

Mog doesn't drink much coffee or tea, but he does like hot cocoa. Relm thinks he's the only sane one because adult drinks are weird and gross.

Absolutely under no circumstances should Umaro be given coffee. The consequences are very much the same as with Gau, but with much more devastating results. A caffeinated yeti managed to storm his way into the Falcon's engine room once and proceeded to knock several things out of place, causing the airship to make a crash landing. Edgar and Setzer spent three days repairing the damage.

Nobody knows what Gogo's coffee preferences are, mostly because nobody knows what Gogo exactly is. They have revealed nothing and will continue to be an enigma.

[agirlattea]

Sincerely, a Rainbow of stories for you: 

Please Tell Me the Story of the Rainbow: Part 9

(Location: Exhibition at an Old Castle, Central Kingdom, Day Time)

Owen: Wait, didn’t I tell you to open a door back to the Manor? 

Mithra: That was my intention, but this person here doesn’t seem to listen even when I tell them that, so it seems my plans have been averted. 

Why don’t you go around with someone as well? I thought I saw Cain upstairs… 

Owen: Why Sir Knight? And in any case, I saw Oz with him. I wouldn’t go on pain of death. 

Mithra: Then should I kill you? 

Owen: Ha? 

Mithra: Shall we test to see if you really don’t want to, even if you're dead? 

Owen: …You’re the one who can’t understand the things people say… 

Figaro: Wow, this goblet is beautiful. It looks like a vintage piece. 

Snow: Indeed, I sense depth from the many years it’s passed through. 

White: Old things tend to have a noble quality and dignity. 

Snow: This was created sometime, somewhere, by someone who poured their whole heart and soul into bringing about its existence. 

White: I feel as though I can sense a part of the creator’s life through this goblet. 

Figaro: Human lifespans are certainly much shorter than ours, but this is well crafted. 

Since their lives are so short, they hurry to leave behind something of value… sounds like a stressful sort of life. 

Still, I don’t think my own way of life is necessarily bad… I’d like to look a little better though. 

Snow: Oh no, Figgie. 

White: Are you feeling emotional? 

Figaro: Hahaha, not at all. I merely thought this goblet was good at conveying the weight of history. 

Murr: Heyhey! You’ve been saying it looks old for a while, but this goblet looks completely young! 

The three of you are much older- of course I am too! 

Snow & White & Figaro: …

Figaro: What an outrageous thing to say to a young person like me. 

Snow: That’s right! 

White: What's so old about these pretty twins? 

Murr: Everything!!! 

Snow & White: Murrie, be quiet! 

Shylock: I must apologize, has my cat gone and done something rude again? 

Figaro: Not at all, just the usual. In any case, “my cat” is quite the expression. I'd like to hear it again. 

Murr: I think so too! Does Figaro also want to be treated like a cat?

Shylock: Oh my, will someone of your size be kept by me? 

Figaro: I’m a little different from Murr though… anyways, are there any benefits to becoming a pet cat? 

Shylock: Let me see... You can enjoy exciting dawns, sensual middays, passionate dusk, and sensational nights. 

Snow: That’s a rather extreme lineup. 

White: The children shouldn’t hear it. 

Figaro: It’s an interesting offer if true, but wouldn’t it be a bit difficult? 

Shylock: May I ask why? 

Figaro: You don’t enjoy the things you don’t want. 

You’re generally one of the tamer Western Wizards, but you’re still quite fickle. 

Shylock: Haha… how observant, but isn’t that up to you? 

Figaro: Oh, don’t say that. 

Murr: Then I’ll tell you a fickle story too! Shylock, you also think this goblet is old right? 

Shylock: It certainly appears to have stood the test of time… 

Murr: Exactly! But you yourself are definitely much older than this goblet! 

Shylock: … 

Figaro: … Oh, I was actually planning on taking a look upstairs. 

Snow: What a coincidence, we were too! 

White: Right, let’s go! 

Murr: Everyone’s leaving? But the fun is about to begin! 

Shylock: Haha… Murr… would you repeat what you said just now? 

Cain and I followed the sound of clanking armpit and found the suit walking around on its own. 

Cain: This is the suit of armor that was walking around on the first day. Did you go off on your own again? 

The armor stopped its course and bowed respectfully to me. 

Akira: Umm… it’s nice to meet you. 

Cain: It’s quite a gentlemanly suit of armor. 

The armor turns and bows to Cain. 

Cain saluted in return. The shadow of a soldier overlapped with his dignified profile.

Akira: As expected, you look really cool! 

Owen: Praising him just for saluting… Master Sage, don’t you think you’re spoiling him too much? 

Akira: Owen. 

Cain: Weren’t you leaving? 

Owen: The door that was supposed to open remained closed, so now I’m stuck here. How annoying… 

Suddenly, the armor made a clanging noise and knelt down to Owen who was complaining. 

Owen: …? What is this? 

Akira: It seems to like you. 

Cain: The armor seems to respond differently depending on the person it’s faced with.  What’s the criteria…? 

Oh right, we’re supposed to return this armor to the exhibition hall. Hey, would you mind helping us out? 

Owen: No way, I was just passing by. Good luck with that. 

Cain: Hey look, it’s staring at you like it’s waiting for instructions. Wanna try saying something?

Owen: How should I know? I’m not its master. 

With that, Owen turned on his heel and left, however the sound of armored footsteps trailed behind him, noisily. 

Owen: Shut up! At least walk quietly. 

Akira: That… is the direction of the armor exhibition hall. 

Cain: I’ll go ahead and keep an eye on them. It’d be bad if that guy’s mood changed and he destroyed the suit of armor. 

Akira: Then I’ll take a look at the exhibits around here. 

Cain: Understood. Hey, wait for me! 

I watched Cain leave before looking up at the crafts lined up on the walls. 

Then, I heard a soft and gentle voice call out to me.  

Aslan: Master Sage. 

When I turned around, I was met with a pair of straight amber eyes. Aslan smiled gently, put his hand on his chest, and bowed gracefully. 

Akira: Mr. Aslan 

Aslan: I apologize for approaching you while you are occupied. The other day I failed to even introduce myself properly… 

In addition, I heard that the Sages Wizards are personally overseeing the safety of the venue. How can I express my gratitude? 

Akira: Please don’t worry, there’s no need for that at all! 

I’m pretty sure that everyone is still enjoying the event, even while on patrol. Of course, I am as well. 

Aslan: Oh, I’m relieved to hear that. That’s what I thought as well, everything here is quite a marvelous sight isn’t it? 

Akira: Yes, definitely. There are still many areas I have yet to visit, though. Is Luka here with you today?

Aslan: She’s probably somewhere in the venue. That girl is quite absent minded and fickle. 

Just when you think she’s disappeared, she appears again suddenly. That’s why you can’t really leave her alone… 

Akira: (That kind of sounds like everyone back at the manor. They are Wizards, after all…) 

Aslan: She’s kind of like… a cat. 

Akira: Yes. 

Aslan: Oh, sorry for the weird example. 

Akira: Not at all! Actually, I thought the same. 

Aslan: Is that so? 

Akira: Yes! 

Involuntarily, my face breaks into a smile. Though we’d only known each other for a short while, our similar thoughts made me feel close to him. 

Akira: Wizards are blithe and free. Honestly, sometimes I feel jealous of that. Because they are people who value their hearts…

Aslan: I know what you mean! Sometimes, I wish that I could live like that too. 

Ah, honestly, it’s a little strange to be able to share my feelings with you like this. 

Aslan, who seemed a little excited, let out a sigh to compose himself. 

Aslan: Umm… do you ever have a hard time being with the wizards? 

Akira: …Well… I can’t really say it out loud but… sometimes���

I answered shyly, scratching my cheek. 

Aslan gave me a mischievous smile in return. 

Aslan: We’re the same, then. * 

His amber eyes narrowed, making him look younger. 

At first, I had been a little nervous speaking to him because he was the son of a noble family, but his friendly smile made him seem like an ordinary young man, just like Cain and the others. 

Akira: (I can’t believe I’m able to share such a secret story with someone who also shares their days with wizards.) 

But… Luka is really amazing, being able to create a world like that despite being so young. 

Even the long-lived wizards were surprised. Of course, Luka’s painting skills are remarkable, but the subjects of the paintings themselves are all very rare. 

Did she research the spirits and phantom beasts for her picture books from literature? 

When I asked my question, Aslan’s eyes widened a little. However, he immediately smiled kindly and shook his head. 

Aslan: No, actually… it’s the world she sees.

Akira: ? 

Translator’s notes: 

*同士 can also mean “companion”, “comrade”, “friend”.  An argument could be made for an alternative translation. The original sentence is “同士、ですね。” 

As always, I hope you enjoyed reading, and please let me know if you spot any mistakes! 

Back to event Masterlist

[collectorcookie]

Oughfgshfh thinking of oz and figaro's development as characters. (Spoilers for uuuhh everything ozfi until ms2 i guess)

The way oz gets better while figaro gets worse. Figaro is the one who grew up with humans, he's supposed to have this having-emotions-and-morals thing down but he doesn't. His village dehumanized him for being a wizard. Yeah, he might have been revered as a god but that's also dehumanization. Serving others is the only way he knows how to love. Being needed is the only way for him to feel loved. And oz needed him. He needed him BAD.

The twins loved and cherished figaro because he was their first true connection to the outside world, outside of themselves, but they protected and taught figaro, they never needed him. So he never felt loved. But oz? Oz was a very high maintenance child, i imagine. And the twins were not really the best at raising people, figaro knows this from first hand experince. It's like the twins are the traumatised parents generation who pass that trauma onto their kids (except they are the first generation ever and the trauma is the cruel and endless world in face of semi immortality), figaro is like the eldest daughter who has to raise their sibling because the parents don't know shit, and oz is the high maintenance child everyone needs to pay attention to. And just. The way that it was figaro of all people who wanted oz dead because "but what if he becomes evil and try to conquer the world" but then when oz wanted exactly that, figaro was like "Do you need me to help you conquer the world? Can i help? Pls let me help" like i need to squash this dude like a bug.

And then. Arthur became a thing in their vaguely-family-shaped small community via oz finding arthur dying in a snow field. Originally, oz wanted to kill and eat arthur but then fifi was like "how about no. Keep him for a while. See how it feels" and that's because, unlike oz, fifi and the twins actually still lived in close proximity to humans, so fifi knows a thing or two about raising children. And fifi had to constantly look over oz so that oz doesn't accidentally kill arthur. Lo and behold, after tremendous effort and guidance from fifi and the twins, arthur grows up under oz! Oz develops emotions! For the first time in his 2000 years of life, oz can now have feelings!

Except arthur was taken back to the castle. And, as depressed as oz is about this, he doesn't try to bring arthur back, or even visit him. He knows arthur is a whole ass prince and that he loves humans and that humans need him, and there's nothing in this world humans are more terrified of than oz, so he just lets arthur go, much to his heartbreak.

AND FIFI. UGH. THE TALK BETWEEN OZ AND FIFI IN ANNIVERSAY 2 STORY. Where fifi asks him "why tf did you just let him go??? You liked him???" and oz retorts with "well why did you let faust go? Wasn't he your student? You liked him too?" and figaro is like "Don't even bring that up, you wouldn't understand, we might have both lived 2000 years on this earth but YOU have only had emotions for the last decade. You wouldn't understand" and oz just had to be like "....ok". IT HURTS IT LITERALLY HURTS SO BAD. FIFI CAN YOU STOP PUSHING OTHERS AWAY. OPEN UP TO PEOPLE SOMETIME DAMN. ALSO WHY JAB AT OZ LIKE THAT.

And then. God. Main story 2. The one where oz finally tells EVERONE that arthur is going to die. Where he, once cold and uncaring to the world, is experiencing fear for the first time in his life. Begging others for help, shaking. And most importantly he is opening up about his emotions to others about it too, like damn. All the other wizards like shylock and faust were like "oh wow that must be mad hard to talk about, thank you for trusting us. We will try our hardest to prevent arthur from dying". And that reminded faust of something. And guess what happens after that. Fucking faust drags figaro out of the room to ask figaro "did you actually ever tell anyone that you, too, are literally dying as of now?" and figaro answered "Lol. Lmao. No."

After that whole ass fucking speech in anniversary 2 where he's shaming oz, GUESS WHO SUCKS AT EMOTIONS NOW???? NONE OTHER THAN FIGARO FUKCNIGN GARCIA FOLKS.

And he goes on and on about how "i don't want my loved ones to look down on me" and "pity is the worst form of scorn there is" and he literally has zero consideration for his loved ones if he suddenly dies out of the blue. He has SUCH a stereotypical northern way of thinking where his pride is above all, even in death, and it makes me SICK, because he hated north country and he hated north culture and he literally migrated south because of that. BUT THEN HE GOES AND SAYS THE MOST STEREOTYPICAL NORTHERN ATTITUDE BULLSHIT LIKE OKAY MAN.

It hurts because oz is usually described as personification of the north but now he's loving, caring, scared, vulnerable, open.

And figaro is the one who is responsible for oz becoming like that but he himself never managed to develop human morals and emotions.

And also WHAT DO YOU MEAN ONLY FAUST KNOWS FIGARO IS DYING. THE HELL KINDA BURDEN IS THAT. THAT'S SO CRUEL.

Aughfhsj. Directly after this is a scene where akira asks oz "have you noticed that figaro is getting weaker?" And oz answers "well he is pretending to be a southern wizard, he is merely concealing his powers" LIKE NO ONE WILL KNOW HE IS DYING BECAUSE THEY ALL THINK HE IS HIDING HIS POWERS, NOT THAT HIS POWER IS ACTUALLY DECLINING. WORKING OUT PERFECTLY FOR YOUR LYING ASS, DOESN'T IT, MR. GARCIA.

Narrative of figaro is actively getting worse while oz is getting better hurts so bad, man.

[eway]

So I have another Omori AU idea called the Omori Fairy Tale AU

In this AU, it is the same story as the main game of Omori, only this time Faraway Town is in the form of a fairy tale/fable type of world known as Faraway Land, a Wonderland if you would, with each Omori Cast Member coming from a different fairy tale. The story is a retelling of the main games story in the form of different fairy tales mixed in, alongside with some elements from the Brothers Grimm Versions.

Sunny/Omori - Pinocchio

Mari - Snow White

Kel - Jack and the Beanstalk

Hero - Beauty and the Beast

Aubrey - Hansel and Gretel

Basil - Little Red Riding Hood

- Sunny/Omori is the puppet Pinocchio in this AU, but Sunny is meant to be the human side while Omori is the puppets side, while also serving the role as Gemini Cricket. Meow serves as Figaro, with Sunny’s Mother being Geppetto, the one who created Omori the puppet, as her true son Sunny died to an illness. The Mother was able to extract Sunny’s Soul and put it into a puppet. Sunny wants to become a real boy, with Omori seeing if Sunny has what it takes to prove if he can become one, like a guide.

- Mari is the princess Snow White in this AU, with her friends symbolizing the Dwarves, while still remaining as their respective roles from their respective fairy tale. She would find herself being targets by Something, poisoning her and leaving her in a slumber.

- Kel is Jack in this AU, having to have discovered the beanstalk outside his family palace. He went to climb it only to discover the giant, taking the place of Captain SpaceBoy, and chasing him out, with Kel chopping down the beanstalk before things got hasty.

- Hero is the Prince in this AU, who lived in his family castle with Kel. One day, Sweetheart, disguised as a beggar, asked Hero to stay in the palace. Hero knew Sweethearts intentions and told her to leave. Just like the fairy tale, Hero was turned into a beast until he could find true love.

- Aubrey is both Hansel and Gretel in this AU, her mother being the witch. Aubrey was neglected by her mother, before she would eventually be attacked by her mother to be cooked. Aubrey retaliated by shoving her mother into the oven, just like the tale.

- Basil is Little Red Riding Hood in this Tale, Something being the wolf, who stalks Basil through the woods, leaving Basil paranoid. Polly is present, but it’s Basil’s Grandmother that still serves the role as the grandmother of the tale.

Ooooooo

[thephoenixcave]

“Uhh can I HELP you?”

“Yes you certainly can, my lady” ❤️

I'm gonna call this one "Edgar Wants Attention" haha

Find out what happens next in the sequel "Edgar Steals a Book" (link)

More comics ’n’ stuff here (link)

[ultramori]

So I have another Omori AU idea called the Omori Fairy Tale AU

In this AU, it is the same story as the main game of Omori, only this time Faraway Town is in the form of a fairy tale/fable type of world known as Faraway Land, a Wonderland if you would, with each Omori Cast Member coming from a different fairy tale. The story is a retelling of the main games story in the form of different fairy tales mixed in, alongside with some elements from the Brothers Grimm Versions.

Sunny/Omori - Pinocchio

Mari - Snow White

Kel - Jack and the Beanstalk

Hero - Beauty and the Beast

Aubrey - Hansel and Gretel

Basil - Little Red Riding Hood

- Sunny/Omori is the puppet Pinocchio in this AU, but Sunny is meant to be the human side while Omori is the puppets side, while also serving the role as Gemini Cricket. Meow serves as Figaro, with Sunny’s Mother being Geppetto, the one who created Omori the puppet, as her true son Sunny died to an illness. The Mother was able to extract Sunny’s Soul and put it into a puppet. Sunny wants to become a real boy, with Omori seeing if Sunny has what it takes to prove if he can become one, like a guide.

- Mari is the princess Snow White in this AU, with her friends symbolizing the Dwarves, while still remaining as their respective roles from their respective fairy tale. She would find herself being targets by Something, poisoning her and leaving her in a slumber.

- Kel is Jack in this AU, having to have discovered the beanstalk outside his family palace. He went to climb it only to discover the giant, taking the place of Captain SpaceBoy, and chasing him out, with Kel chopping down the beanstalk before things got hasty.

- Hero is the Prince in this AU, who lived in his family castle with Kel. One day, Sweetheart, disguised as a beggar, asked Hero to stay in the palace. Hero knew Sweethearts intentions and told her to leave. Just like the fairy tale, Hero was turned into a beast until he could find true love.

- Aubrey is both Hansel and Gretel in this AU, her mother being the witch. Aubrey was neglected by her mother, before she would eventually be attacked by her mother to be cooked. Aubrey retaliated by shoving her mother into the oven, just like the tale.

- Basil is Little Red Riding Hood in this Tale, Something being the wolf, who stalks Basil through the woods, leaving Basil paranoid. Polly is present, but it’s Basil’s Grandmother that still serves the role as the grandmother of the tale.

Snow White Mari is such a W though

[valiantseeker]

🕯️ @ultimateutopia Gogo and Kefka for the funny

Send me 🕯️to hear my character’s inner thoughts about your character | Accepting | @ultimateutopia

GOGO

Who's... What's this person we just found ? They agreed to help us without hesitation. They want to fight Kefka, so of course that's great. But I'd still like to know who they are.

How long have they been hidden like this ? Were they even hidden ? Or were they just living underground ? All of this is so confusing. Maybe I'll try to talk with them later, but I honestly don't know if it'll change anything.

KEFKA

Kefka showed up at Figaro Castle, but of course, Edgar was ready to leave and to protect his people. I hate this clown so much. I think he's much more dangerous than the Emperor himself.

We're officially at war now. Of course it was unavoidable, but I hope we can kick Kefka's ass really soon. To make sure he doesn't hurt any more people.

[starofgold]

The one who couldn’t sleep and the ones who wouldn’t sleep 1

Let’s turn back the time. Just as Nero thought, Mithra had been hugging his crescent moon pillow and roaming around the Magic Manor.

Because of the Curious Affliction he sustained from the fight with the Great Calamity, he had become unable to sleep. With the Sage from the other world around him, sometimes he could sleep, but there were also times he couldn’t.

At such times, Mithra would become grumpy, and the Sage would be at a loss. Then Mithra would complain, threaten, or shake the Sage upside down. He would try to encourage them too. However, nothing worked. He would even be moved to beg, but the Sage made the saddest face. Mithra’s mood would get even fouler as he gave up trying to chase his slumber.

Then he put the Sage to sleep with magic and turned into a warrior of the night.

“Arthim”

The destination of Mithra’s door in the air was the inside of Oz’ room. The owner of that room wasn’t sleeping either. Sitting in his chair with his fingers laced together, Oz looked up at Mithra with annoyance.

Mithra’s crystal magic focus glowed like a declaration of war to Oz.

“Good evening, Oz. Today I come to settle our quarrel.”

If Oz had been his old self who dwelled in his Northern castle, he would have raised his staff without a word. However, the Oz of the present would have to be more cautious. His curious affliction was that he couldn’t use magic only at night and would fall asleep if he tried to force it. Being in a slumber in the presence of the strongest assassin in the world that was Mithra would be more than unwise.

One time, Oz summoned Figaro – his long-time companion - with magic. Figaro didn’t have the power to vanquish Mithra, but his magic was more than enough to be a hindrance. However, Oz recalled that Figaro had told him off when he was brought over that time. Something something about Oz always picking the worst timing to drag people into a mess.

Being lectured by Figaro on top of having Mithra crash in his room in the middle of the night would be a pain. Frowning, Oz decided to handle the problem by himself.  

“Leave.”

“I’ll have to refuse.”

That attempt to handle the situation by himself of Oz was a failure.

Oz stood up with a sigh. He had his staff at the ready while he still couldn’t decide what to do. Taking it as a move to fight, Mithra got even more irritated.

“What are you thinking? Do you think you can win against me even without magic?”

“What? It’s you who said you wanted to settle our quarrel. Don’t come here in the middle of the night then.”

If Oz had been Owen, he would have fired back with something like that. However, being clumsy with words, he only glowered sullenly. If this had been daytime, he would have been able to burn the other side to a crisp with thunder magic. That wasn’t an option in the present, so he would have to come up with another solution.

At that moment, Oz had a closer look at the corners of Mithra’s eyes. The Mithra in Oz’ memory was more youthful, lively, and healthy. Mithra had always given off an aura of menacing fickleness, but in the present, his pallor only made him seem strangely gloomy.

Oz knew what it was like to have sleepless nights too. He also had an idea about what might help for such nights.  

“Shylock’s bar is opening.”

“What?”

“The one downstairs.”

“What does Shylock’s bar have to do with you and I settling our quarrel?”

“A nightcap would work.”

“For you?”

“For you.”

Oz stopped himself as he was about to cast his spell to summon what he wanted from the shelf. He took a handful of coins that he had been saving from the glass tray and gave them to Mithra.

“Here. Take this.”

“What?”

“Shylock charges money. He told me that a mana stone was too much.”

“I have never paid anyone though.”

“Neither do I. However, I’m aware that Arthur does.”

“Why don’t you just let him pay for you then?”

Oz stayed silent. He grabbed Mithra’s hand. Startled, Mithra avoided him out of reflex, but Oz nonchalantly pressed the coins on him.

“Give Shylock these and tell him you want a nightcap.”

“What about our quarrel?”

“Later.”

“Fine then.”

Mithra obediently left Oz’ room. He had seldom used coins before, so he stared at them in wonder as he walked down the stairs.  

[forsettaomeiuvat]

Card Translation - Seeing the World of Cherry Blossoms in your Eyes

*Note: as the card story takes place in a Japanese setting, I've decided to retain the Japanese honorifics

Card Story: The Tengu's Delivery Destination

Part 1

*door opens*

Castle Dragon: Figaro-sama. As per your orders, the delivery tengu has been led through to here.

Lennox: ...My apologies for disturbing you. It's Lennox.

Figaro: No need to be so polite. Come, raise your head. Sorry to have called you all the way in to the castle.

Lennox: No, it's of no concern.

Figaro: I've been looking forward to this delivery for a while. That's why I wished to receive it firsthand.

How is your work after this? I do hope you're not in a rush.

Lennox: This delivery is the last for today, so there's no problem. ...So then, this is what you were waiting for.

The new drink from the liquor store, freshly extracted. Various seasonal side dishes from the restaurant. And the kawaraban published today. That's correct, isn't it?

Figaro: Yes, that's perfect. Thank you. ...Ah, here it is! I wanted to see this kawaraban as soon as possible.

Huh, those wandering performers are in town. Do you know of them?

Lennox: I do. Someone from the same tenement house was having fun talking about them.

...I'm a bit surprised. So even those in positions like yours read these kinds of things.

Figaro: Ahaha, indeed we do. Knowing the goings on in town is useful, and interesting to read about, too.

Though, well, the main reason is that I want to know what's happening on the street in advance, as someone who's supervising the town.

Putting that aside, right now there's something I want to know no matter what, so do you mind if I ask you a quick question?

Lennox: ......?

Part 2

Lennox: What is it you want to ask?

Figaro: It's about those packages. You said you were done with work for the day, but the truth is that you're just being polite and still have deliveries to make, correct?

Lennox: Aah... Thank you for your concern. However, these packages are my own.

They contain sweet bean jelly and carrots, so it's nothing dangerous, either.

Figaro: Huh, sweet bean jelly? Carrots?

Lennox: I received the sweet bean jelly as thanks for helping a young kitsune who was injured.

The carrots are from an older bakedanuki. They said their baggage was too heavy for them to move, so I carried both them and their baggage, and received these as thanks.

Figaro: ...I see. I suppose you're the type who can't leave a struggling person alone.

On top of that, I've seen you end up taking on most anything that's asked of you. Well? Am I wrong?

Lennox: ...As expected of you, Figaro-sama. Are dragons good at seeing through to the natures of those before them?

Figaro: No, you don't have to be a dragon to understand this.

But in that case, I myself have a request to make of you.

Lennox: (A request from a dragon... What sort of important matter could it possibly be?)

Figaro: Would you care to open the liquor you delivered with me?

Lennox: The liquor...? Is that alright?

Figaro: Yes. I've grown tired of drinking alone. And I'd be happy if you'd tell me in detail about stories in town that I don't know.

How about it? Lennox. I wonder if you can live up to this request.

Lennox: Yes, I'd be glad to. I'm used to fulfilling requests, after all.

Card Episode: Where His Mind Goes

Lennox: So, everyone turned into creatures called "youkai" in your dream the other day, Master Sage?

Akira: Yep. Loads of different ones, too. You'd turned into a youkai called a "tengu".

Lennox: A tengu... I wonder how it's different from us wizards.

Akira: Uum, the biggest difference would probably be the wings on their back? And since their wings are used for flying through the sky, they're really big.

And they can do stuff like manipulating the wind, and have other mysterious powers...

Lennox: ...I see. If so, you'd have to mind your back.

Akira: ...? Why? Because the wings are heavy, or something?

Lennox: Because if they were grabbed during a fight, your movement would be stopped.

Akira: Ah, that's...!?

Lennox: Though, they wouldn't just be a burden. In a pinch, it seems like they could be used as a shield...

Akira: (Of course an amazing fighter would come up with that. Though, these assumptions are...)

L-Lennox. Hand-to-hand combat is cool, but you'd also be able to control the wind...!

Lennox: ......!

My apologies, I wasn't thinking. Even though Sir Faust is always telling me to use magic...

Akira: (Wizard or youkai, I suppose Lennox is Lennox...)

Homepage Line:

In your dream, I turned into a creature with mysterious powers called a "tengu"? I had wings, and looked a bit unique... I see. Even if it was a dream, I hope I didn't scare you, Master Sage...

[flovverworks]

disjointed (akira) pt2 ch1-8 thoughts. srry ch9&10 but....i cant stay away from alchstar main story update any longer....

the fact akira tears up like 3 times in 8 chs vs djgr who tears up like once (in the manga!!!!!! not even ingame!!!!!) after leaving zinkenstill cuz the sky is pretty makes me. explode. in my head akira cried that first night too cuz lord thats a lot happening for one tiny heart. anyway the fact most? of the main story times akira cries are because of the relief once somethings stressfuls over & the like makes me....@_@ akira........

akira is SO normal.....SO SO normal..........i love that about them.....struggling to find the words to respond to vincent......their feelings towards living in society.....this lonely room.......(but also the concept of akira only finding the room lonely After theyve gotten sacri because they will now always know what its like to have a companion in there at all times......pet owners do u get me). anyway ive called akira normal plenty of times (and its important to me<3 the more normie i can make akira the happier i am) but everytime they add to it i get sooOOoOOoOoo i rly do love it. akiras just a little dude. who doesnt always know what to say. who wishes they knew what to say. who likes people. who doesnt like people. who wants to be together. who wants to be alone. (billionth speech about akira and the feeling of belonging & being depended on). akira whos just an average person who suddenly got pushed into a leader role, ‘my wizards’ 1.5 my beloved, and working more and more on becoming more leaderlike i................

im so sad they dont draw official art of the akiras like All The Time cuz akira is SO much of a character (which makes it hellish for me cuz the more a character speaks the more i struggle with writing them), but akira is everything and STILL. WHERES MY OFFICIAL ART. I AM ON MY KNEES. MY AKIRAS....

but really i feel akira learns so much from the wizards. bradleys speech? about leadership? give us worth..... i think that along with the feelings about trust..... i dont know how to put it into words but its an entire feeling of “believe in ur friends”. theres just something with akira growing as a person by meeting the wizards.

child wizards.........please....that entire thing is still so funny to me LOLT_T i wanna write that. figaro realizing akira&co r outside the door. akira being SO proud of the eastern wizards. nero. faust. akira checking the western wizards first before letting vincent in,,,,,,good job akira. akiras feelings on chloe summarizes mine too, thats exactly how i talk about chloe. ‘i like him:]’. akira doing their UTMOST to praise the northern wizards lord, the fact all of them PAUSED before going >:] im...... (bradley always using ppl as arm chairs is so funny too i rly love that). akira trying to avoid power matters n northern wizards just going its ok lets make a ranking and then starting betting..u guys....i def think theres something funny how the top of the rankings didnt even get addressed (snow&white...). but also mithra cheering on lennox so much vs ‘yeah figaros losing power:/’ instead of trying to hype up figaro regardless cuz he also is with rutile&mitile a lot means so much to me. theres something about it. but also mithras whole ‘rutile n mitile should be right below me in the rankings’ u r SO much. mitiles prophecy in relation to mithras promise makes me dizzy still.

thinking about the end of that night like. arthur going to the castle like ‘:] today went well:] oz even scolded me:]’ while chloe & oz are both miserable is funny (coping). but honestly i love oz so much.............hes so cool..........central wizard oz...........waiting for arthur to return to the castle first...T_T guhhhh

but also thats why in the scenarios in my head akira cries cuz that entire vincent exchange. along w everything during the rankings (owens talk about arthur....mithras wording about figaro.......), getting to know about arthur........its ssooooooooooooo much

the amount of times the wizards called akira by name alrdy made me dizzy by this part (seeing akira as a friend..........ppl using names instead of titles alrdy Gets Me in fancontent with things like this, so it being used INGAME.....IN THIS KIND OF WAY......), and then tying it into akira not wanting to name the sacri cuz ‘its a substitute for me. i dont want to get attached to something thatll disappear’ into murr @_@............................... the mithra the part after is so unreal theyre so funny. anyway are ALL of them gonna call akira by name before pt2 is over........i kinda wanna take notes at what part which ppl uses it but......thats energy. (thinks about bradleys speech again). haugh. (BUT ALSO with vincent? ‘if we become friends, let me call u by name’. lays on the floor

both shylock & murr having provoked oz is SO funny tho. especially considering how shylock acts when murr does it. i lov shylock. u go shylock. im on ur side

all of them being so ‘yes lets do this’ about protecting arthur...T_T (especially figaro since..MITILE.) oz is so cool (pt2)

sakunantokachan,,,,,,,i didnt think it was gonna have more than 1 pose LOOLT_T my surprise when i went to check what akira calls it in jp. its so cute. so funny. i want the entire ‘protect akira’ plan to backfire and turn into ‘akira protects sacrichan’ and then has to be scolded. thats all i want. i am begging

akiras kawawawa............URE the cute one...