#and now he's lost Isabeau too

[greatbritishsimchallenge]

Once Isabeau and her family had settled into their rooms, Cassian asked to speak to her alone in the castle's chapel. Isabeau was a little surprised by the location, but agreed.

"So, will you tell me now why you have dragged me and my entire family from our home to yours? Henry said it was urgent but would not provide specifics."

"To be fair, I only dragged you. You're the one who brought the husband and kid," said Cassian, though he shifted his tone to be more serious when he saw Isabeau's warning look. "Sorry. Old habits."

"Thank you. So, what is it then?"

"You follow the faith, don't you?"

"I do."

"I'm not sure I ever did," Cassian confessed. "I went to church and did all the things you're supposed to, but I'm not sure I ever really believed any of it. But... recently... I've started feeling like I'm being punished. And maybe I might be off to a dark, awful place when I die. There's no-one who knows everything that I've done. Different people know different bits. I need someone to know everything and then... tell me if I've got a hope in hell of being saved."

"Cass, if that is what you want then you need a minister of the faith, not your sister," said Isabeau gently.

"No," Cassian replied gravely. "You are the only person who has a chance of understanding. Most people will hear my actions and just think of me as evil. You'll hear them and know there's more to me than that. That I don't mean to hurt people all the time, I just... do."

"You are significantly more complicated than you appear, that I will admit. Alright, if it is me you wish to tell then go ahead. But I do not promise to condone, like or even forgive what you are about to tell me."

Cassian nodded and then began, "You know everything up to when you left for Champ les Sims. Losing you fucked me up more than I realised. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but you were my anchor. You kept me away from the worst of my behaviours and protected me from myself. With you gone, things turned... quickly."

Cassian went on to tell Isabeau about Regina and the attempted assassination; giving up his daughter in exchange for the murder of his wife; travelling to the New World, only to find his lover pregnant and dying; marrying a barkeeper so he could support her financially; thinking he'd fallen in love with the one, only to murder her after discovering her affair.

As she listened, Isabeau's face grew more and more furrowed and grave. Cassian finished by telling her about Lady Catherine.

"She's my punishment, isn't she?" Cassian asked. "Or just my purgatory before the real punishment comes after my death."

Isabeau sat in stunned silence for a while. Cassian watched her, waiting for her reply. She stood and paced the chapel floor.

"Everything you have told me, according to our faith, has you heading for hell. There is no denying it," Isabeau eventually said, her voice weak and faltering. "But I do not think Lady Catherine is your punishment. If anything, she is the closest chance God is giving you to redemption. Take this opportunity and try to be a better person."

Cassian nodded, "Thank you, sis." He reached out to take Isabeau's hand, but she pulled hers away.

"I cannot believe you brought me all the way from Champs Les Sims for that," she said, her voice filled with a pain, sadness and anger that Cassian had never heard before. "You selfish, awful man."

Isabeau stood and walked towards the door.

"Izzy - wait," called Cassian, beginning to cry too. "I needed you. I needed someone who loved me. Please, don't go."

"And so it becomes clear that, despite everything you've said, you have not learned your lesson," replied Isabeau scathingly. "Other people do not exist on this planet to serve you, Cassian."

As Isabeau ran from the room crying, Cassian felt his own sadness overwhelm him. The sobs wracked his body so heavily that he struggled to breathe and he fell to his knees. He reached out a hand to the open doorway, but no-one came. He was alone.

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[sharkylass]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

(It's not belated what are you talking about-) With the spooky day I bring...

---------------------------------------

--------------------------------------- There's A LOT OF ART under the cut, however it's A LOT OF SPOILERS.

ESPECIALLY FOR THE ACT 6 ENCOUNTER/TWO HATS, EVERYTHING IN THIS POST IS DEPENDANT ON THE FACT YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT ENCOUNTER.

(The dandelions are frozen in time) (...) (You envy them, but you think that's sacrilege, so you move on.)

The gif takes forever to load, please bare with me-

ALRIGHT, LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO ROBORO.

Roboro (it/they/he) is cold and calculative. It spent so long trying to get out of the loops, that a lot of their tact and bubbliness gave way to their cynicism and bluntness.

They exhibit more of their younger traits. Extreme smarts and avoidance. However, they still carries themselves tall, and aren't afraid to speak their mind. Most of the time, they simply choose not to.

The decision to make him cold and distant, rather then manic and erratic, actually came from Loop themselves. Loop is very actively trying to be the opposite of Siffrin. They act chatty and cruel because that's how far they've been driven, that's how they choose to hide themselves now.

Roboro is the same, in the sense that it's supposed to appear the very opposite of Isabeau.

"Why is it a Dandelion?"

From what I've seen, most people lean on the space idea for the guides, and I find that super neat-

But as an exercise (before this AU was even an IDEA in my mind-) I tried to design Mira, Odile and Isa as guides.

I tried the space theme, and felt really limited with it.

So instead I decided to design them based of ways to wish

Mira was a fire (candle)

Odile was a coin (throwing a coin in a fountain/well)

And Isabeau WAS in fact a dandelion (blowing on a dandelion)

And I guess that idea just stuck around in my brain until I got to making this au.

Their Dynamic With Isa

The two's dynamic isn't too dissimilar to Sif and Loop. Isa still tries to be his loud positive headstrong self, and Roboro sees past the bullshit, and grinds Isa's gears

(Fun fact for that second one: Roboro knew Isa wanted to be called "good boy" cause it probably would have wanted to hear it too-) As time goes on, the two learn to get along if only a little. Isa starts to appreciate the bluntness of Roboro, together with the helpful tips. Roboro meanwhile, seeing Isa's descent starts to feel a spark of empathy for the guy (which sucks for ACT 5 whoops.)

Silver Coin Equivalent

The equivalent is called "Lucky Pencil". Isa is a pretty superstitious guy, despite knowing better logically. So I thought he'd totally be the type to carry around a lucky charm of sorts!

(You recall.) (Before you lost yourself to time, you tried to become a defender.) (You got so tired of being the lone kid, the one people would not see, or think about.) (You were smart, but you were invisible.) (Sure, you were quiet, but you had good grades! You were getting by!) (Even your own family didn't think much of your solitude.) (And yet, you were so scared to open your mouth, to even answer questions you knew the answers to-) (It was hard. Suffocating even.) (When teachers started giving you good grades without you even having to try-) (Something had to change. You had to change.) (And you did! You became stronger, resilient, reliable. Became the very antithesis of what you used to be.) (Left everything you were behind.) (But it was worth it! You could finally!!! Talk!!! You could bring smiles to people's faces! They'd smile when you entered a room! And each time you felt pride. Pride in who you were.) (You tried talking with your family more, being more open, loud-) (They still didn't see you.) (Smart kids turned away, uble to face you, see their fears embodied. Fears that if they wanted to belong, they had to leave their brains for brawn.) (It was better. You were happier. But you still didn't belong, either.) (In hallways filled with people, you were still just there.) (…) (You tried really hard for you Defender exam. You exercised to near faints. Only really ate and slept cause you knew it would make you stronger.) (Buried your nose in reading and studying to avoid thoughts of doubt. And when they'd reach you anyways, you'd go for a run.) (You know it wasn't the best for you. You're supposed to be stupid, not unwise. "Just until I pass" you told yourself.) (… You were exhausted on your exam day. As your nerves heightened, so did your "coping". You were ready!!! You just, needed a little help.) (So you opened your drawer, filled with old papers and textbooks and notes. You don't like looking in there too much, but you took what you needed.) (A beaten up pencil. Your little lucky charm!!! Sure, you always knew the answers, but it was easier if you believed this pencil was helping you, guiding you.) (It was silly to think it would help, but you weren't taking chances.) (…) (Even after all that time, you couldn't leave that part of yourself behind.) (You still can't.) (You're the only one that can't.)

ACT 6 FIGHT

The ACT 6 encounter would... go about as well as you'd expect. Not only did a version of you win- it's the version of you that pretends to be a meat head, the one that's preoccupied with being nice rather then thinking ahead. How did he get to win when you, you who's changed, you who's given everything you had, everything you wanted to simply get out?

Why does he get to win? Why does this loud mouth, emotional, explosive guy get to win? He's learned nothing!---

I have more stuff to draw for this encounter, including the "I'm sorry/ thank you" pictures. I leave this one off with the knowledge that Isa used to tug on his hair as a stress stim. Guess is stuck around huh.

______________________

Post Loops Roboro

Roboro, once again, Changes! This time to resemble a yellow dandelion, rather then a white one. The family is long gone by the time Roboro wakes up again, and first thing's first- It has to find clothes. It doesn't like the weird looks people give him.

So, he goes to the House, braves the looks and gasps and confusion. It's trauma be damned, it's gonna talk to that Head Housemaiden finally.

He meets up with Euphrasie, and she quickly catches on what must be going on.

She's readily willing to give Roboro one of her old dresses-

Problem being- 1. They are too big on it (he may be Tall, but not EUPHIE level tall-) and 2. It wouldn't be the most comfortable wearing a dress around.

So, they figure they should make some adjustments. Euphrasie is willing to make the adjustments, it would only take her a day or two.

However, Roboro kind of... wants to try to do it themselves. There's no rush, it has nowhere to be. Maybe... maybe learning to re-engage with an old hobby could be good for it...?

Euphie excitedly lets it stay at the House, figure out what it wants to do- to take it's time changing!

Obviously, Roboro has trauma from the House. The walls, the cramped space- it terrifies them. But they also don't want to stay at anyone's home in Dormont, the awkwardness would kill him, if feeling like a nuisance doesn't do it first.

So. Roboro stays at the rooftop.

Roboro does some sewing on a new outfit, at the top of the House. At the very end of everything.

It's a bittersweet reminder that it's over, so it's as good as it could get while staying at Dormont.

I have a whole comic about this in particular, but this is already a massive infodump so I'm gonna stop it there for now-

Roboro travels around a while. It and Isa agreed to meet up eventually, but there was no rush to it.

He went around a while, re-familiarized itself with life, with people, with hobbies, with existing-

Probably made some friendships along the way. Those are probably the people who pushed it into reconnecting with the family.

I'm not gonna go into detail about everyone's dynamics and stuff, this is too long, and I'm still writing that stuff anyway.

I can however leave you with this:

(I might change how Post Loops Isa looks in the future, I haven't quite figured it out yet)

______________________

PHEW

THAT WAS A LOT

IT'S NOT EVEN EVERYTHING I HAVE, I HAVE SO MUCH STUFF AUGH,,,

Anyways, I just wanted to thank you all for the support on the first post, I didn't expect it at ALL Just know I appreciate it :]

[tealgoat]

Writing from @felikatze !!!

The Favor Tree. Not something uniquely Vaugardian, mind you. Plenty of powerful trees are strewn about Ka Bue as well, but this one *is* Vaugardian, and so you'd like to wish on one at least once, for completion's sake.

What to wish for, though? You can wish for Vaugarde to be saved, of course. But, in all likelihood, everyone in Dormont already has, so what will your wish even accomplish, then? The logical part of you wants to make it a test. Something simple to see whether these wishes have any merit to them.

If they don't, you'll save Vaugarde by your own strength. If they do, a little help goes a long way.

Right, something simple it shall be. A coin flip. You'll wish to win your next coin flip.

You clasp your hands together like Mirabelle does, close your eyes, and

"That's not how you wish, Madam!"

"...Siffrin?"

With quick strides, Siffrin catches up to her. Hadn't they meant to go later? Oh, in her dwadling, Isabeau already left.

Siffrin smiles with curiosity next to you, and you untangle your hands. "What'd you wish for?" they ask.

"Nothing yet. After someone so rudely interrupted me." You say it with a sarcastic tilt.

Siffrin mirrors you after a beat. He looks around. "So rude! We gotta find the culprit! Oh, maybe they're hiding up in the tree. It's pretty..."

You know what's coming.

"TREE-mendous, after all!"

Despite yourself, you snort.

"So, my brave hero, if that's not how you wish, how do you do it then?"

"Uh!" Siffrin startles. "Uh!" He bends to the ground and picks up... a leaf?

"Here!" They hold the leaf out to you. You try to grab it, but they snatch it back. "No! First, pick the leaf you like best. That best represents you."

You don't know anything about Siffrin's past. Or where they're from, at all. So if he's sharing this piece of tradition... it won't hurt to humor him.

Your knees seriously don't like bending down like that. Instead of grabbing the first leaf you see, you ponder them for a little bit. Eventually, you decide on one that's a little longer than the others, with an odd bend in its tip.

"This one." You push yourself off the ground. It is. A struggle. Siffrin offers you a hand. You take it without aknowledgement. "What next?"

Siffrin puts a hand on his chin and squints, as he does when forgetting something. What, did they forget in the middle of showing her?

No, Siffrin proceeds by instinct. They bring the leaf up to their mouth and whisper far too softly for Odile's aging ears. Then, he folds the leaf and lets it go.

It drifts on the wind, higher and higher, until it disappears into the trees.

"There. Whisper your wish into it three times, fold it, and let it go."

"I've never seen a Vaugardian do that."

Siffrin seems lost. "It's not... It's..."

You drop the subject. "Why thrice?"

"That's just... the way to do it? You can also do six and nine, I think, and seven and thirteen."

"Multiples of three and prime numbers?"

"Prime numbers?"

"Forget it. Alright."

You hold the leaf to your face, curling it to speak into. A simple, logical wish, to test the Favor Tree. That'd seems rude now, after Siffrin shared part of his culture with you.

Something better. Something... genuine. And that's the hard part, isn't it? You have a reputation to uphold. It's easier that way. Like... like you don't care how much Siffrin's eye sparkles right now, waiting with bated breath.

It'll be easier to leave them again. Bonnie will go to their sister, Isabeau to the Defenders, Mirabelle to the House, and Siffrin...

Siffrin is a traveler too, is he not? Maybe the others won't go with you, but you could show them Ka Bue. Teach them how to pray at shrines, about all the different foods you ache for, all the culture you left to find something new. Despite it all, Ka Bue was your home, and... you'd like to share it with them, if you can.

Ah, you just want to stay with them.

You fold the leaf, and it leaves on the breeze.

"Hah."

"Madame?"

"You're rubbing off on me, Siffrin."

You pat them on the shoulder. Siffrin freezes. Until your hand leaves them again.

"My apologies, Siffrin."

It's quite silly to think they'd go with you after all.

[rose-petal123]

love love LOVE the shells and tides au and all the designs you have been putting out for ittt waahh… definitely it is on my list of things to draw at some point …. :>

in your king post though you mention the au being no time loops. for my own curiosity, IS there a plot you have in mind? or general story? 👀 or anything ur willing to share?? vv interested…

Hello yes! I do kind of have a storyline of sorts! Mostly basic background info on what the au is about etc.

Mirabelle quite literally found Siffrin hiding under a rock! They are extremely unfamiliar with waters outside of where they come from. They don't know surface customs etc, So Mirabelle teaches them the primary language! Though being merfolk they also can communicate with little whistles and clicks etc. Mirabelle teaches Siffrin a lot about what places are safe etc. The two are basically inseparable until Mira is comfortable with Siffrin swimming off on their own and not getting themself into trouble!

Mirabelle and Siffrin live in a sunken ship together! They both like to collect any trinkets and shells they find! Nille and Bonnie are friends of theirs! (They live in a nearby underwater cave)

When Siffrin is in the middle of becoming fluent in vaugardian, they notice a boat above! Mirabelle explains the concept of humans to them and such. Siffrin, being a curious little fella swims up there and discovers Odile, who's a pirate captain, and Isabeau! Along with the rest of their crew. Siffrin, who likes giving gifts like shells to his friends, starts leaving shells for the crew in attempt to make friends with them. Isabeau starts collecting the shells because Ooo pretty!!

One day Isabeau catches Siffrin putting shells on the deck. They make awkward eye contact with each other and then Sif swims off. Isabeau tells Odile about what he saw, and against Odile's warnings about Sirens, Isabeau decides he's going to try to befriend Siffrin! (Which is very successful)

Isabeau definitely helped in Siffrin's ability to speak fluently. They tend to exchange gifts with each other!

I don't want to make this post ridiculously long so that's what I'll give you for now along with these last couple points of info,

Siffrin introduces Mira to Isa, they become friends

Odile finds out about Isa befriending merfolk and hesitantly over time warms up to them as well.

Odile tells Mirabelle and Siffrin lots of stories! She'll read books to Mirabelle

Siffrin lost their eye protecting Bonnie from a smaller sea monster. Nille killed said sea monster

Mirabelle was given a starfish from Siffrin as a sign of their friendship! Sif has one too! Siffrin also made the bracelet Isabeau has ❤️

Nille found Loop, known as Sandy, while gathering sea urchins with Sif and Bonnie! (I plan to make a mini comic page with this.)

Yes that's right. I made Loop a sassy albino sea urchin named Sandy that can talk. They sit on a crate in the sunken ship and make fun of and or give advice to Mira and Sif.

[m4g0hun]

in stars and time x dungeon meshi

(extra thoughts and ideas below!)

closeups!!

so this is more of a isat in dungeon meshi kinda au than the opposite, the idea is that the King is the dungeon lord/mad mage, his desire being to be able to freeze the dungeon and the country in time

The change belief still exists, and Mirabelle is still a housemaiden destined to save the counrty, so she goes to seek out companions who can help her on her journey

Everyone's reasoning to join is still the same as it was in the game

Also this isn't a redesign of them, more like a dungeon meshified version of their clothes + colors so they could fit in better (imo!!)

ok now onto some design notes!

Siffrin

originally he was just gonna be a half-foot, but i realized his wish to be able to stay with everyone would hit harder if he would outlive them, so i made them a half elf- halffoot

i removed his hat purely for aesthetic reasons lol, i think he would stand out too much in the dungeon meshi universe with it, but i suppose its true for ingame too so maybe ill give ut back to him if he behaves well

i also wanted to remove his hat so i could see the top if his beatifiul head

his poncho is a bit different, just a few small details so it would better in universe i think

he lost his eye in one of the previous dungeons they were going through

Mirabelle

she's still part of the change religion

i felt like her being an elf is pretty much perfect, no notes on that

i did have marcille in my mind while designing her outfit, and also theyre kinda similar overall i think?? idk but i love both of them

i gave her braids because its canon in the dungeon meshi universe that taking good care if your hair+unique hairstyles strengthen your magic and also i think its cute

Bonnie - the senshi of the group!!!

i wasn't sure what race i should make them at first because they're a kid so theres no point in chosing a shorter race to show their size i thought, but then i remember how cute gnomes are in the verse with their big ol ears so thats what they are haha

their design is probably my favorite out if anyone as well

i imagined they would join pretty much the same way senshi did

Odile

her race was also pretty much immediately decided

her clothes were the biggest struggle for me, not only figuring out how to make them look a bit more medieval-like but also the colors

i decided a while ago in my head that odiles color palette would be blue but it was still a struggle making her coat not look like a lab coat lol

maybe that was the intention but i really just wanted her to appear like a normal adventurer

Isabeau

as you can see on the page i have the least amount of ideas for him lol

i pretty much just had laios in my head while i was designing him

i do feel a bit bad for taking away his stripes and silly looking belt thingy but i felt its a bit too much for the dunmeshi verse

thats pretty much it i think!! not sure if i will draw more of this au, i just mainly wanted to get it out ot my head cus its been rotating in it since i played the game

[ack-cough]

There he is Everyone's local therapy cat

Random notes cause I'm definitely not writing a whole fic

-In the beginning of his change to be a Smart Jock! (The cat part is unrelated) Pronouns are still He/Him but will occasionally throw in a few She and hers to test the waters.

- The family's big strong kitty man to help them all cope with trauma from saving Vulgarde! Don't worry about his own feelings those aren't important right now

- This is very much the "Isabeau's internal monologue can be fuckin deranged" AUs so no matter how much he tries there's still remnets of that weird shy kid he used to be, especially now since new found cat brain and changing again.

He definitely has moments of trying to remember how to be a person properly. But you will get dialogue like

(You love Mirabelle! She's so cute and brave and nice. Part of you wishes you could put her in one of those little bug jars with the best stick and leaf the world could ever create... Don't say that. That's weird that's off putting)

(Odile, Odiee, Dile! So wise and perspective. Maybe you'll take up Odile-ology, put her under a microscope, open up her skull and sift through her brain.. BAD BAD Isabeau! thinking about that makes you sound like a serial killer, cut it out)

-He does deal with OCD like symptoms and at one point starts avoiding eye contact or straight up hiding in his room due to intrusive thoughts and urges becoming too overwhelming.

-I wanna say at least once he lost track of what he was doing and brought back a dead bird as a gift and it scared the shit out of the others.

[livesworthlivingau]

Behind the Vale Chapter 24

Spoilers for ISAT/Two Hats below the break as always. CW: Some slight mental spiraling but hey that's to be expected at this point.

{You walk along with Bonnie sitting on your shoulders, gently but securely holding their legs to keep them from falling. Mirabelle and Odile joining you through the market as well. You smiled so brightly as Bon went on and on about their journey with the other saviors, listening intently to every word, so happy to have them back and know they were so well taken care of while you were frozen.}

{After a while, Isabeau finally returns, catching up to you all with a big smile.}

"Woah! When did you get so tall Bonnie?!"

"Hah! I'm taller than Za now! I'm unstoppable!!" {Bon proclaims with their fists confidently raised into the air. You can't help but chuckle heavily at that.}

"Thank y'all so much for taking such good care of Bonnie for me..." {You can't hold it in anymore, you're so grateful for everything they did, all the stories you've heard. Isabeau gives a bit of a nervous smile, rubbing the back of his head.}

"Thanks but... Sif's really the one you should be thanking the most." {You perk up at that, glancing at the others curiously. Mirabelle looks away with a shameful look. Odile has her arms crossed and doesn't want to meet your gaze either. You peek up at Bon, who's got a sad, pouting look on their face.}

"Did something happen Bon?..." {They look away as well, not wanting to talk about it, clearly.}

"There was this sadness once..." {Isabeau begins to explain.}

"None of us were close enough, and before we knew it it was about to get Bonnie... Sif's the fastest out of all of us, and suddenly he was there, in between them... He took the hit for them, lost his eye in the process..." {You're shocked at first, looking back up at Bon again, they still don't want to make eye contact. You pat their leg lightly to try and comfort them.}

"Well... I'll just have to thank them with the biggest hug I can manage when I meet them then~!" {You cheer, trying to lighten the mood for everyone. You're used to being an emotional rock for your sibling, it's almost comforting to get the chance again.}

"Y-Yeah! J-just be sure not to sneak up on him!" {Mirabelle chimes in, happy that that didn't ruin the good time you were all enjoying.}

"Heh... Don't want him to suplex you either Nille." {Bon teased with a grin. You roll your eyes a bit with a playful pout.}

"That was one time Bon!... Okay twice but still!" {You two have a little pouting stand off before you both break out into heavy laughter.}

"HAH! Not used to touch either then?"

"Not exactly, more just, easily spooked. Don't like things sneaking up on me, liable to get a hammer to the face that way."

"I'll do my best to stomp around as loud as possible." {Isabeau says with a grin. Bon giggling heavily at that.}

"That's what I had to do!! She even got me in a headlock once when I tried to surprise hug her!!"

"You knew not to sneak up on me Bon! I can't help what my body does when it gets surprised like that!"

"Perhaps it may be best to keep that hammer of yours by the door when we're in a safe place." {Odile chimes in with a light smirk, you're glad to hear she has a sense of humor, chuckling back a bit before responding.}

"Yeah that's usually the rule at home too." {Odile smiles at that, before her face turns more serious... studious maybe?}

"I apologize for the sudden shift in topic but, could we discuss your 'traveling companion'?"

"Hmm? Vale? Oh yeah, uhhh.. Y'all knew them as someone else I guess?" {You noticed they all called them Loop earlier, you don't want to expose too much since you aren't sure what they know versus what Vale told you.}

"Yeah, with a star for a head and everything, they were with Sif during the-" {Isabeau quickly claps a hand over their mouth.}

"Oh, Vale told me about the loops already actually, if that's what you mean."

"Oh!... Uhh... That makes things easier I guess?" {Isabeau looked relieved bit also pretty thrown off by that.}

"Including the new ones?" {Odile chimes in.}

"New ones?"

"I'll take that as a no then. What did Vale tell you about exactly?"

"Well... They kinda got really personal about a lot of stuff, I don't know what I'm allowed to talk about or not, y'know?"

"Yeah, we shouldn't be prying too much behind their back. How about your travels together then? You said they saved you from a sadness?" {Isabeau starts to shift the conversation.}

"Yeah! They must have been walking for a week straight or something, they passed out right after."

"Did they look like they do now, or?..."

"Oh, no, they were the star head you mentioned. My 'knight in shining face' as I called them." {Isabeau lets out a heavy belly laugh at that, you follow it up with a proud little chuckle. Bon even gives a little giggle at that.}

"We stuck around after that since they mentioned knowing y'all. We did some random busy work for coin, and they blew it all on some 'fancy outfits'." {You explain with a little smirk, it was difficult to even pretend to be angry about that, remembering the look on their face after trying on their first one. Isabeau watches your face curiously, smiling a little himself.}

"Heh, sounds like you two got real close already, huh?"

"Huh? Oh yeah I guess, just uhh... had a lot of bonding time together! Went through a lot in these past weeks." {You start to explain, a light blush across your face. Isabeau just gives you a knowing grin. Why does he keep looking at you like that?}

"O-Oh?! I hope your journey wasn't too difficult! What did you go through?" {Mirabelle chimes in nervously.}

"Oh! No no not like that kind of... Again, it was mostly personal stuff, I can't really talk about it much, but I've been helping them deal with some things."

"You mean like... Feelings buddies?!" {Her eyes beam brightly with excitement, you let out another laugh.}

"Yeah! Feelings buddies! That's a good way to put it." {Bon makes a gagging sound above you playfully. You lightly slap their leg before they giggle again.}

{You all continue sharing stories about your separate journeys, catching up while they gather supplies, doing your best to avoid any information that Vale might want to hold close to the chest.}

-------------------------------------------------------------

"So, have you told them anything?" [You ask, breaking the somewhat comfortable silence you both sat in.]

"Huh?" [Stardust perks up, confused by your sudden question.]

"About this go around, about the new loops... about me?"

"N-No! Nothing about you! I promise!" [They shoot up in a panic.]

"This isn't an interrogation, Stardust... I'm just curious where they're all at." [He settles back into his chair after a moment.]

"... I told them it's been 30 years, and some stuff related to that... I think that's it." [He ponders for a moment, trying to remember everything.]

"What have you told Nille?" [Your gaze drifts to the side, letting out a heavy sigh and taking a moment to speak.]

"Damn near everything..."

"Everything?!"

"... She knows I was you, and what I went through, and in turn what you went through. Sorry for telling your secret, it's not exactly easy to only tell my own."

"Th-That's okay!... Wow..." [They look absolutely dumbfounded by this bombshell.]

"I'm just as surprised as you are, I didn't expect to be spilling my guts about that ever, let alone to someone I've only known for such a short time."

"She really is special like that, huh?" [They ask with a bright smile.]

"She really is..."

[There's a knock at the door before it starts to peek open.]

"Hey! Sif, Vale, we're back!" [The Fighter calls in cautiously, taking a moment to open the door as to not interrupt so suddenly. You visibly tense up as they arrive, taking a deep breath or two to try and still your nerves.]

"Ack-Hey!" [He shouts as the Kid squirrels their way between him and the door, rushing up to Stardust.]

"FRIN FRIN FRIN! WE FOUND NILLE! NILLE'S HEEEEEERE! THE STAR WOOORKED!" [They yell at the top of their lungs in excitement, practically jumping on him and trying to tug him towards the door.]

"I heard! Hold on Bonbon!" [They protested in vain while the Kid kept pulling them towards the entrance. The rest of the party spilling inside, along with Nille.]

[Stardust finally gives in, letting themself be dragged along, giving a little wave hello to Nille before she suddenly envelops him in a massive, tight, warm hug... You look away as you feel your face heat up a tad. Please tell me that didn't make us jealous...]

"Thank you so much for what you did for Bonnie!"

"Agh! C-Can't... Breathe!" [You peek back over as she loosens her grip, still holding them close.]

"Sorry! Sorry. Just... Truly, thank you... thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done if anything had happened to them."

"Yeah, of course..." [The look on their face says it all, they'd do it again a thousand times, without any hesitation. But no one wants to say that around the Kid.]

"What was that star anyhow?"

"You can thank our well dressed friend here for that!" [Nille proclaims, gesturing to you. You force a light smile.]

"I made a little wish, a gift from the universe… It seems it's not quite out to get us all the time after all." [The researcher continues to examine you curiously, it's incredibly unnerving. Stardust seems to take notice.]

"Odile, please let Vale relax at least before you interrogate them with your piercing stares." [They comment with a playful chuckle.]

"Ah, my apologies. You have me curious about a great many things, Vale, but that can wait til later." [Why did that feel like a threat? You do your best to shake that off, letting it be a problem for later.]

"Yes, well, I'm sure it's been a long day for all of us. Why don't I go figure out where I'll be staying for the evening and you all can get acquainted properly!"

"You're not staying with us?" [The Housemaiden chimes in.]

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly impose!"

"But we've got plenty of room here! As long as someone doesn't mind taking the couch!" [She continues her insufferable insistence.]

"P-Please, I really couldn't interrupt just a lovely reunion like tha-"

"Vay, you're staying and that's final~." [Nille says plainly, as if it were a simply fact of the universe. You think for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh.]

"Fine… But I'll be taking the couch, I won't let anyone else suffer it for my benefit."

"Deal!" [The Housemaiden finally agrees, why must they all be so insufferably kind… You glance back over at Stardust. He has a bright smile plastered on his face, so glad you'll be staying. You let out another sigh, still so unsure about all of this. At this point, you've made your bed, somewhat literally, and now you must sleep in it.]

-----------------------------------------------

[You lie on the couch, blanket over you, forearm resting over your head, the other over your chest. You stare blankly at the ceiling while sleep eludes you, not that you expected it to come easy this night. With everything going on it would simply be a miracle to get a wink of sleep that night.]

[You perk up as you hear a door open, a stifled cry, and footsteps down the hall. You peek over the couch to find Nille leaving the hallway, wiping the tears from her eyes and heading over to you quickly.]

"Nille?! What's wrong, why are y-" [You begin to ask before you're suddenly enveloped in an incredibly tight hug. You blink in confusion, but slowly bring your arms up to wrap around her as well.]

"Sorry, sorry, just got emotional thinking about Bon and... Thank you so crabbing much for protecting them..."

"What? But... that was Stardust, not me."

"You mean the one who used to be?" [She asked like the point wasn't even worth refuting, slowly bringing a hand up to move the hair out of your face and behind your ear. She then rests it on your cheek, looking into your eyes. Her rough, calloused hands still managing to hold your face so gently.]

"I always wanted to ask about your eyes being different colors... I noticed you were blind in one a while ago but didn't want to bring it up... You lost it for Bonnie, didn't you?"

"... That... That was Stardust, I can't take credit for it..."

"Vale... That happened before your wishes, right? And your eye is still affected. That means it happened, and you saved them. So thank you. Thank you for making sure me and Bon got to see each other again..."

[You look away, you still don't feel deserving of the thanks. Even if it was technically you back then, that's not you anymore. Would we even make the same choice?... Would we be strong enough to do so?]

"Well, I just had to get that out of my system." [She explains, sniffling and wiping her eyes again, trying to get a hold of herself.]

"I better get back before Bon wakes up... Thanks Vay, for everything, and for sticking around." [She says, her touch slowly leaving your form, in spite of your desperate, internal wish that it would stay... No... no we can't trap her, we can't trap anyone ever again... She heads back to her room, closing the door and leaving you to yourself once more. You simply stare at the ceiling again until the sun begins to beam through the window.]

[hezzabeth]

Revati knew, as she walked back to Baker Street, that once again she was on the edge of things.

Revati could barely remember the first edge she encountered, four years old and holding a balloon while drones flew above.

The second edge, seeing her father’s twitching hand under the rubble.

And now, Amma standing in the doorway with Dusk.

Her arms were folded, and she glared when she realized Camilo was with them.

"Hello, Camilo," Amma remarked.

"Sugafanna! I haven’t seen you since…" he began.

"Jay’s last birthday; you drank too much of your honeymede and threw up on the walls," Amma pointed out.

"Ah, yes," Camilo blushed with embarrassment.

"And I suppose you’re here to help Revati with this insanity?" Sugafana asked coldly.

"Is saving the ones we love really that insane?" Camilo asked Sugafana, who sighed, rolling her eyes.

"I’m going to the station now, Amma; where’s Nanni?" Revati asked.

"I’m right here, Dimpy," Nanni said from behind mother.

"Don’t die while I’m gone; you’ve lasted eighty years. You can last a little longer," Revati said firmly.

Nanni pulled her down, kissing her forehead, and then draped something around Revati’s neck.

It was her precious Kasithaali, a gold chain dotted with gold and coral beads.

In the center of the chain, there was a tiny golden idol, its features finely carved.

The Kasithaali was ancient, trailing far back to the first Sheik born on Mars.

The coral beads had been picked from a long-ago dead and abandoned Earth.

"Nanni, you know I can’t take this! Raiders will try to steal it," Revati pointed out.

"Hide it down the front of your clothes! You will need Lakshmi’s protection," Nanni said firmly.

"You will also need this," Amma replied, sliding off one of her bangles.

"Why are you both giving me wedding jewelry? I’m going on a rescue mission; I’m not getting married," Revati asked as Amma slid the bangle onto Revati’s wrist.

Amma tapped the bracelet four times, and it suddenly glowed a faint purple.

"DNA approved user confirmed, current balance nine thousand six hundred and eighty-three credits," the bracelet chimed.

"It’s not a bracelet; it’s my portable bank account! You’re not going to go out into the world with no funds," Amma said as Revati stared at the glowing numbers.

"Is this a lot of money?" She asked curiously.

"It’s enough. Now here’s everything else you asked for... including your sister's hairbrush," Amma asked, handing Revati a bag, and Revati nodded.

"Good, well, I best be off then," Revati said, and Amma nodded.

Revati realized it was probably time to say something else.

"I love you both," she added before reaching forward to embrace Amma.

Revati firmly believed in only hugging on her terms.

Still, Amma deserved it.

It took a moment to realize that Brigadeiro Bun was politely following her and Camilo.

"Why are you trailing behind me?" Revati had to ask.

"He's following you as well, as well as what I suspect is the android wearing a cloak," Brigadeiro pointed out.

"I need Camilo to help me at the train station," Revati replied as they reached the maze's entrance.

"I’m pretty sure I can turn the train on for one ride; I salvaged a power cell from the dragon," Camilo explained.

"Well, I’m following you because you’ll need my tent if you want to survive the elements," Brigadeiro replied.

"You got your tent back, then?" Revati asked as they entered the maze.

In the distance, Revati could hear someone giggle among the leaves.

"Yes, Isabeau found it in the lost property pile," Brigadeiro replied.

"And you’re going to give me your tent?" Revati asked.

"I’m going to share it with you; it’s a two-person tent! My ex and I were supposed to travel together, but we broke up," Brigadeiro said with a small shrug.

"You don’t seem that upset about it," Revati pointed out as they turned a corner.

The giggling was coming from two small children in medical dress fighting with sticks.

"I was; then I went out to find diamond roses for her, and everything else happened," Brigadeiro admitted.

"So you’re going to travel with me for an indefinite amount of time? Finding my sister plus take weeks or months," Revati said as they turned right.

"Or years; when appliances want to hide things, they stay hidden," Camilo pointed out.

"Well, I’ll stay with you until we reach a public teleportation station; then you can keep the tent," Brigadeiro said, and Revati shrugged.

"Fine, that’s a fair exchange for saving your life twice," she admitted.

The maze suddenly opened up onto the grand entrance of Olde Landon.

The ticket booths, in the shape of castle turrets, had long ago been abandoned.

The giant Elizabeth Twin statue was covered in gently glowing fungus.

Revati stared at them briefly.

One of the queens was in a grand solid carved ballgown.

The other in a neat suit and hat.

Both of them had lizard faces.

"We have the exact same statue on the South West Sydney Space station; apparently, the lizard faces allowed the queens to live for centuries," Brigadeiro remarked.

"That was just a myth; come on this way," Camilo replied.

The park bullet train ran from the park to Leeryasoar, the country's capital. Years ago, the station teemed with tourists. Feet would pound over the shiny tiles, the exact same gold and purple as the domed train. Creatrix vending machines were constantly humming next to the benches. Revati remembered Amma punching in several numbers to get Dityaa a bottle of mango lassi. There had been a stand in the center of the platform selling park maps and plastic magic wands. Pink and red roses grew in orderly bushes. Holographic signs floated on the walls, stating that all data cloud technology would stop working inside the park. Revati had dim memories of her father checking the news on his communications bracelet before they went inside. The signs had long ago been smashed to pieces and were now nothing more than broken screens. The Creatrix vending machines had been looted and were now filled with spiders. The roses all grew in wild tangles flowing over the garden beds.

"Wow; these roses have gone feral! They're singing about how much they wish they could prick people with their thorns," Brigadeiro remarked as Camilo approached the abandoned purple shuttle train with his tool belt.

"Are we far enough away from the wall?" Revati asked.

"We should be! All the vending machines were, so they led the attack during the invasion! The only thing that stopped them was the station's power supply getting cut off," Camilo said, gesturing about. Camilo was right; the station was dim and depressing under the grey Martian sunlight. Revati nodded and whisked the cloak off the figure. The maternity droid stared back at her. Camilo had taken the time to repaint its face. Its lips were a deep scarlet, its eyes bright cheerful green. Camilo had also replaced its broken legs with bulky steel ones he had spray-painted blue with cheerful flowers painted down the side. The belly door had been reattached and was now filled with a healthy white light.

"Hello, I am your custom-built Materno 4000 Deluxe prenatal droid! Would you like to grow a new baby or link to your pre-existing infant?" The android chirped in a flat metallic voice.

"Pre-existing infant," Revati said, and the Android's eyes fluttered.

"Your pre-existing infant is 218 months old, is this correct?" The android asked.

"Correct," Revati said, and the android blinked again.

"Your pre-existing infant is currently out of detection range; would you like to create a new infant?" The android asked.

"No! I want to talk to the lady who was using you as a microphone before," Revati said.

"You have to tell it to open maternal communication! I turned the channel off," Camilo said from where he had managed to open the front panel of the train.

"Open maternal communication!" Brigadeiro said eagerly.

The android's eyes fluttered shut once again. There was nothing.

"I don't think we're far enough away from the wall," Revati sighed.

But then the humming began. A faint, child-like humming came from behind the Android's lips.

"Whispers in the motherboard, a haunting tune,

A phantom dancing in the light of a digital moon," Brigadeiro sang along, and Revati shot him a confused look.

"It's humming Circuit whispers! From the hit musical 'The Android of Music,'" Brigadeiro explained.

"I've never heard of it," Revati confessed.

"You've never heard of 'The Android of Music'? Praise group! Once you've rescued your sister, I'll have to take you! Everyone needs to hear 'The Android of Music,'" Brigadeiro said firmly. Before Revati had a chance to reply, the android's eyes snapped open again.

"Thank Krishna! Finally, a decent signal; it's been eighteen years," the android exclaimed in an incredibly annoyed upper-class woman's voice. The Android reached clumsily toward Revati, snatching her bag. Then it reached inside, pulling out Dityaa's hairbrush. The belly door swung open, and the Android shoved the hairbrush inside.

"Did it just do what I think it just did?" Brigadeiro grimaced.

"How else do you expect me to trace my daughter's DNA?" The Android asked, and then her belly glowed green.

"Right, the last recording of her DNA imprint was in New Singapore six hours ago! Let's go find my baby," the android said firmly and cheered as the train burst back into life.

[torchstelechos]

i looove act 3 because the King convos are so. inch resting. especially since Siffrin iirc pretty much just completely ignores the party while talking to the King

imagine being anyone else with Siffrin on this whole journey and then as soon as you meet the King, the big bad evil guy, your bestie Siffrin just. starts talking to him? he doesn't pay attention to you trying to figure out why he's doing that. he's just talking. about what? remember what? all these questions about King? why are they talking like they know each other? why does the King get so sad about Siffrin and why does Siffrin seem to care so much about King?

none of this gets answered for the party because as soon as Siffrin is done suddenly chatting up the King they go in for the kill again like That Didn't Just Happen and then they have more pressing stuff to deal with

like huh. what. what just happened there.

bonus points for the entire "SAY IT BRIGHT ONE...!!!" event. if the timelines continued on without Siffrin i would pay money to be a crab in a fishtank listening in on however the hell the party is freaking out once Siffrin and King mutually KO each other trying to say "it". whatever the hell "it" is.

the party would lose it oh my god, that's like an assisted suicide action. They won but at what cost? The whole country is safe! And they'll never know why they were saved, or how, and neither will the party. The party will always be lost behind Siffrin as Siffrin goes forward in a direction they can't follow, because Siffrin won't let them. The leader who guides but won't let them follow. Do they think it was premeditated on either side? Do they think Siffrin gave them self up on purpose? Do they think the king made him do it somehow through craft? Did they wrestle with the body and pour healing craft after healing craft down his throat and beg for it to work? Did they cradle their body as it lay limp? Asking him why, why, why? Did Odile cry and whisper cold things to the kings corpse? Did Isabeau scream in denial before crying over a cloak that is now stained dark? Did Mirabelle stay frozen, her hands on Siffrin's neck, as she realized she couldn't save him and that is the worst thing she has ever done to him? Did Bonnie cry and cry and cry over the fact Frin did it again? But this time with a cost too high? Did Euphrasie come to check on them only to jerk back and clutch her face, as something is failing, rotting, breaking?

Now for less serious;

Aauuggghhhh, in the loops where it's not the SAY IT BRIGHT ONE I bet Odile is thinking back on that assassin thing and going, hmm maybe they're ex's?? Instead?? And Isabeau who is the other theorycrafter of the party is like MADAME PLS, PLS LET ME HAVE THIS. DO NOT SAY THEY WERE EXS I DONT THINK I CAN HANDLE IT. Mirabelle definitely is like... The backstory!!! The lore!!!! What is going on!!! Are they friends?? Past allies now enemies??? FAMILY???? WHAT AM I MISSING??? Bonnie thinks Siffrin is a crab and doesn't want to think about the king more than they have to. Siffrin is debating whether or not to use the dagger or just talk to Euphrasie. Euphrasie is like, hmmm, same shit as always :)

[basilpaste]

GO MY LOCK FIGHT. TWOHATS SPOILERS.

[1,898 words below.]

(There is no one at the Favor Tree.)

(But… that’s not exactly true, is it?)

(The leaves of the tree rustle just out of sync with the wind, some of the branches dipping just a little bit too low.)

(...)

(. . . . .)

“Lock?”

(Silence.)

“Lock, say something!” (You shout.) “I know you’re here.”

〘“...”〙

(The branches of the tree shift, shooting up and sending a cascade of leaves to the ground.)

(When the scene clears, Lock is here.)

(It doesn’t say anything, it just looks at you. Straight at you. Letting you examine it clearly.)

(You knew, didn’t you? Even if it looks nothing like him, you’d recognize one of your closest friends anyways, wouldn’t you?)

(Isa.)

(It takes one of the lightless charms that hangs from the ring around its face, holding it up to the light.)

(It glints.)

〘“...”〙

〘“Siffrin.”〙

〘“Why are you here?”〙 (It brings the earring down, hands folding on its lap.) 〘“You won, didn’t you?”〙

〘“You did it! You finally actually did it. You’re free. The King is gone, your friends are safe, you made it!”〙

〘“... I’m so happy for you.”〙 (It means it, you can tell. You think that makes it worse.) 〘“You made it out. So… go. Live your new life. You don’t need me anymore.”〙

(You don’t know what to say. So instead you just stay put.)

〘“Go!”〙 (It says again, almost desperate.) 〘“Don’t just stand there! You’re free, Siffrin. Be free.”〙

(You don’t move from your spot.) “I—”

〘“Leave me alone here! I have nothing else to offer you.”〙 

(You want to argue. You can’t get a word in edgewise.) 

〘“Siffrin, I am a tool. Something here to aid you with the loops. And now they’re over! You made it! There’s nothing left for me to do for you.”〙 (Its voice shakes.) 〘“There’s no reason to come back here. To talk to me. No reason at all! You don’t need the shackle around your wrist now that the chain’s been cut. There’s nothing keeping you here.”〙

〘“So you should just go.”〙

(You don’t move.)

〘“What else do you want me to say? What else can I possibly say?”〙 (It bows its head, hands balling into fists.) 〘“You did it, Siffrin! I’m so glad!”〙

“...”

〘“Y’know… you’re smarter than you give yourself credit for. I’m sure you get it. You’ve talked to Isabeau enough times to understand.”〙

〘“I’ve worn so many hats at this point that all I am is the rack that they sit on. When I — when he — met everyone, it was the first time he ever felt like he belonged.”〙

〘“He was a nervous child and a friendly, but distant, adult. The people he met on his journey… they were the closest thing to family he’s ever had.”〙

〘“And — and he didn’t want to lose them. He was too scared!”〙

〘“So he made the exact same kind of mistake that you did. Made a stupid wish, hoping that he could stay with them all! That he’d never have to just be a friendly face again.”〙

〘“He fought his way through the House, tried to fight the King, for so long that he lost track.”〙

〘“And eventually he lost himself, too. And he couldn’t keep going.”〙

〘“He gave up.”〙

〘“But instead of nearly destroying the world, he destroyed himself. Change is… destruction, y’know?”〙

〘“And then he made a new wish.”〙

〘“He wished that he knew what to do.”〙

〘“He wished that something would change.”〙

〘“He wished for someone to help him.”〙

〘“He wished for anyone to help him. So he didn’t have to be strong anymore.”〙

(...)

〘“And someone did help him, right?”〙

〘“For a long time, I thought it was the Change God. On a surface level it fit the bill — right? I was Changed. I became something totally different than what I was before.”〙

〘“But the Change God is a pretty lazy deity.”〙

〘“I realize now that it was the Universe. I made a wish, even if I didn’t know that I was doing it.”〙

〘“And the Universe granted that wish by trapping you in time instead. By making me into a tool to help guide you.”〙

〘“I was horrified.”〙

〘“My stupid, uneducated wish got Siffrin trapped in the loops instead!!!”〙

〘“And all I could do was watch. All I could do was give you as much information as I had and hope you wouldn’t make all of the same mistakes that I did.”〙

〘“Which you didn’t. You got out! You made it through!”〙

〘“...”〙

〘“And now… now you can go.”〙

〘“So please just go.”〙

(You won’t.)

〘“Please, Siffrin.”〙

(You can’t.)

(Lock gets to its feet unsteadily, hands wrapped around itself. Even without eyes, you can tell that it’s looking anywhere but at you.)

〘“Fine.”〙

〘“If you won’t leave on your own, I’ll make you leave.”〙

〘“Being a weapon isn’t that different from being a tool.”〙

〘“... Let’s just get this over with.”〙

[Down 1:] (LOCK cries out.)

〘“I’m not stopping until you give up and go.”〙

〘“Sorry, Siffrin. Did you forget?”〙

〘“I used to be in your shoes, y’know?”〙

〘“[If I die I, can just loop back.]”〙

〘“Hah…”〙

[Down 2:] 〘“The person I used to be never beat the King. Not in a way that mattered.”〙

〘“The only time he ever managed it, it all went back to the start! And he could never do it again. He tried. Not hard enough.”〙

〘“... Isabeau. He sits in front of the Favor Tree for a long time at the start of each loop. Before you get here.”〙

〘“I thought about it sometimes, y’know? How much time there is.”〙

〘“I could take his place before you ever left the meadow! Be a person again. Be him again.”〙

〘“But I’m not a person anymore. I’m just here to help you!”〙

〘“I’m here to help you. And I did that!”〙

〘“So why won’t you just LEAVE?! Learn how to quit, Siffrin! I DON’T WANT TO BE HERE ANYMORE.”〙

〘“Don’t you get that?! Do you have any idea how horrible it is to see these — these knockoffs of people you knew?”〙

〘“It’s awful, Siffrin! It’s terrible!”〙

〘“You don’t understand what it’s like to see the face that used to be yours and not recognize it!!!”〙

〘“I CAN’T REMEMBER MY OWN FACE.”〙

〘“I DON’T RECOGNIZE ANYONE'S FACE ANYMORE. NOT EVEN YOURS.”〙

〘“SO JUST!!!”〙

〘“LEAVE ALREADY!!!!!!”〙

[Down 3, End:] 〘“PLEASE!!!”〙

(Lock hesitates.)

(Seeing the opening, you strike!)

〘“Please.”〙

(Lock        can’t fight anymore.)

(You won.)

(. . .)

〘“Siffrin.”〙

(It sounds more exhausted than you’ve ever heard it.)

〘“I don’t — I know it’s selfish but I don’t want to be here anymore.”〙

〘“It’s not that I want to die, but… I’m tired.”〙

〘“This is the kind of burden you shouldn’t have to face. Not anymore.”〙

〘“Leave. Go be happy.”〙

(You don’t get it.) “... Wasn’t talking about things the whole point of this? Wasn’t it the reason I even broke the loops?”

(Lock               laughs.)

(It’s so weak you barely hear it.)

〘“Stars. That’s true.”〙

〘“I meant it when I said that you’re smarter than you think you are, Siffrin.”〙

(So…) “Why not talk about it, then?”

〘“You have a whole life to live now. People who love you.”〙

〘 “Siffrin I — I don’t.”〙

〘“They’re all… long gone now. And I’m not ever going to get them back.”〙

〘“You have something to strive for.”〙

〘“I don’t want to be the shackle on your wrist anymore.”〙

〘“So just… leave! Go! Live a good long life that’s worth living!!!”〙

〘“Kill me if you have to!”〙

〘“Just don’t stay here!!!”〙

(...)

(You want to do that. Live a good life.)

(You don’t want Lock to suffer like this, though. It hurts to see it so desperate.)

(It’s your friend! Even if it doesn’t let you call it that.)

(You want your friends to be happy. You want Lock to be happy.)

“I’ll leave soon.” (You say slowly, quietly.) “I just… I wanted to say goodbye.”

(Lock presses its lips together.)

〘“Goodbye, Siffrin.”〙

“And!!!” (You add hurriedly) “I wanted to thank you.”

〘“Thank me?”〙 (It echoes.) 〘“For what?”〙

“For everything.”

〘“What?”〙

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Lock!”

〘“I… I don’t—”〙

“Without you, I would’ve given up a long time ago!”

“But you were always here! Giving me advice and guiding me through the worst of it. Even if you didn’t have all the answers, you always did your best to help me out!”

“You gave me company, someone to talk to when I couldn’t talk to anyone else!” (You smile.) “But you were there, and it meant I wasn’t alone.”

〘“Stop.”〙

“It’s thanks to you!”

〘“STOP!!!”〙

(You toss your dagger to the side, into the grass. You’re kneeling over Lock right now, but you dip down and wrap your arms around it.)

〘“Siffrin…”〙

(You feel its arms around you.)

〘“I hate you.”〙

“No.” (You say.) “You don’t.”

���“No. I don’t.”〙(It agrees.) 〘“I hate this.”〙

“Odile told me to thank you, too.”

“Everyone is really thankful.”

〘“Whuh— why?”〙

“You helped everyone, didn’t you? You guided everyone to the King?”

“They couldn’t have done it without you, either!”

“You helped save me. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

〘“Siffrin.”〙

〘“... Sif.”〙

“Thank you for everything, Isa.”

〘“Lock.”〙

〘“I… haven’t been Isabeau in a very long time. I’m okay with Lock. At least for now.”〙

“Thank you, Lock. For everything.”

(Lock doesn’t respond.) 

(You don’t think it can cry, but it hiccups against your shoulder.)

(The two of you sit like that for a long time.)

〘“Siffrin… I’ll be okay.”〙

“Will you?”

〘“I will.”〙

“Will I ever see you again?”

〘“... Yeah. I’m sure we’ll meet again eventually.”〙

(It pulls away from you and grabs the charm it had pulled from its ring earlier.)

(Grabbing your hand gently, it places it into your palm, shutting your fingers around it.)

〘“... Give that back to me the next time we see each other.”〙

(Oh!!!)

(You slip the charm into your pocket.)

(After a moment, you take one of the clips off of your cloak and hand it to Lock.)

“We’ll trade back next time we see each other!”

(It laughs. Bright and warm and lively.) 

〘“Deal.”〙 (It says, cradling your clip in its hand like something precious. 〘“Go live, Siffrin. I’ll… maybe I’ll start living, too.”〙

[vulpixisananimal]

Loop Number 3

(You look awful.)

(No, really, you look absolutely terrible. You're in the bathroom looking at yourself in the mirror. Baggy eye, hair's a mess, You somehow look even paler than normal.)

(You were forced back to front suddenly. You were around that morning chatting with Isa and the others, things got blurry after that. You do remember some things, but not really remember, more just know. You know that you and Odile went to the library again, found some things on wishes, Bonnie ran to them... And then... Then... Then you woke up again!)

(You looped again.)

(Would this make it loop three then? Tee-hee~)

(... Eugh...)

(Either way, looping back a second time had drained you a lot. You had to run to the bathroom to throw up, probably woke everyone up in the process.)

(Oh Stardust where aaaare youuuuu~)

"You alright, Sif?"

(It was Isabeau, that wonderful Defender. Maybe you could have hid your condition if you hadn't been so loud, but no chance about it now. They've all been much more perceptive of you.)

"Never better, Isa!" (You said, your words dripping with sarcasm. You hoped for a chuckle. He didn't.)

"Well, if you need a hand or, or if I need to get you anything, just let me know okay?"

(You breathe in, and out.)

(Eugh...)

(After gathering yourself, you leave the bathroom. Isa was waiting by the door, instantly springing into Isabeau-like action.)

"Sif! Are you sure you're alright?" (He leaned down to your level. You could hear a sizzling from distant cooking. The others were deffinatly up already.) "I was about to get out of bed and I heard you, uh-"

"I'm fine Isabeau" (You said with a smile.) "I'm just a little... I just had a nightmare is all!"

(Stars, you were trying to think of a pun! And you couldn't! Oh you were loosing your touch alright, and now Isabeau was looking at you even MORE concerned.)

"... If you want to talk about it we can."

"Nope!" (You say, almost on instinct.) "Just some loopy stuff, not that bad, I'll meet you for breakfast!"

(Smooth, Loop. You really made him feel reassured. You waved and walked away back to your room to get properly dressed. It took a minute, but you got your old outfit together, hat included. Isabeau was able to make you a replacement after Siffrin lost yours. Not that Siffrin wore it much these days, but you still liked it. It was more yours than his now.)

(You met up with your party for breakfast. Quesadillas, same as last loop. They were pretty good. Good morning, How are you feeling Siffrin, oh I'm feeling great, what's for breakfast? Etc. you could feel yourself zoning out already.)

"You sure you're alright?" (Nille asked, handing you a plate and taking a seat. Alright, maybe things were a bit different this loop) "Can't go investigating when your sick."

"Oh it's nothing." (You say with a smile. Please be convincing.)

"That's not very convincing, Siffrin." (Odile was glaring you from behind her book.)

(You wince, you were out of practice.) "is it convincing enough to eat breakfast first?"

(Nille chuckled at that, Odile huffed. Isabeau chuckled too, but his heart wasn't in it.)

(Ouch...)

(You take a bite out of your quesadilla. Nice and cheesy, as tasty as last time)

(Why ARE we keeping it a secret anyway?)

(Oh good morning to you too stardust~)

(Hey Loop. What happened to us? I only have bits and pieces.)

(Oh quite a bit, but our dear third friend isn't sharing some of the details, tee hee~)

(In the time it took for you to take a bite of your breakfast to putting it back on the plate, you had already told Siffrin as much as you knew happened at the library. One of the advantages of sharing a head, information doesn't need to travel far.)

(So, should we keep this a secret?)

(That's your choice, stardust~)

(... You breath in, and out.)

"Ok! I can talk about it now." (You say with a smile.)

"After one bite?"

"It was a very good bite, tee hee~"

(Another look from Odile. You don't go tee hee, remember? A few moments later, Bonnie came through and sat down as well, having finished whatever was being done in the kitchen, Mirabelle joined soon after. They were all looking at you.)

(How do we do this...)

(We could be a bit cheeky about it.)

(Cheeky?)

(Cheeky. You lean back, trying to look as relaxed as possible.) "We shouldn't bother with the library, it wasn't very useful~"

(Their looks changed from concern to confusion, and very quickly to realization.)

"You looped again!?!?" (Mirabelle exclaimed.)

"Maybe."

"What happened?! Are you hurt? Did you get attacked?!? Or maybe-"

(You reach over and put a finger over Isabeau panicking mouth.) "I'll get to that, Beau~"

"Slip on a fruit peel again?" (Bonny said, smugly. You shouldn't have told them that part. You roll your eyes.)

"I'll look for one of those next time." (You paused for the chorus of "No!!!" From your party before continuing.) "Well, if you must know this is the second time we've done today. Me and Odile went to the library, and you four to the defenders."

(You tried to keep your smile going.) "We didn't find much, and something happened at the defenders, because Bonnie came running to us."

"... And..?" (Odile prompted you to continue.)

(We're, doing better at this and I expected.)

(Oh Stardust please, I'm sick to my stomach right now.)

"... Mirabelle was being framed for trying to kidnap Bonnie. Stars knows why."

"!?!?!?"

"I- I wouldn't do that!!! Why would they-"

"THAT'S CRABBING STUPID!!!"

"Language!"

"There must have been some kind of mistake!"

(You nod) "that's why we're all going there together today."

"Are you sure that's smart?" (Nille looked doubtful.) "If it goes bad then we'll all be in one place to get caught. Or.."

"Then I'll just loop back again, simple!"

(That didn't seem to relax Nille as much as you thought.)

(. . . She'll be fine.)

"As long as you know you can loop back." (Odile commented.) "That might also be why you've been so sick these past two days."

"Oh! That's right!! The Head Housemaiden did say using a lot of crafts can make you sick." (Mirabelle was thinking.) "And if time craft is supposed to be impossible it could be really draining you!"

"Not like I should be able to use it still anyways." (You say, slightly dejected. You were supposed to be DONE with the Universes silly little game.)

"But you can like, control now, right?" (Bonnie chimed in, curious.) "I mean not like forever school, now its like, like being able to take a big test again, but you don't need to keep doing it!"

(You all chuckle at that.) "Yeah, I guess it's like that."

(Even though you shouldn't have any more tests left.)

[auncyen]

what I meant to write: mIrabelle as the one looping having a crying breakdown in the equivalent of act 3 because I thought of it a few days ago and it's been stuck in my head (Panic! at the Dinner Table).

What actually got written: can you imagine how terrible it'd be for another looper to start suspecting Siffrin did something WELL

-

Siffrin has been suspicious for several days.

(Odile might say 'days' is inaccurate, but it's close enough, you think! You start in early afternoon on one day and then, when everything goes well, see Euphrasie in late afternoon of the next day, so it's around a day--sometimes over...many times under. Also, calling them days feels...better. Maybe it's a 'cycle' or 'loop' for everyone else caught up in this, with them always being reset to the same places, the same lines until you start changing things, but you are moving through time. You're Changing.)

(You're changing, aren't you?)

(For the better?)

--Siffrin has been suspicious for several of your days. They still act like their friendly self--they've even gifted you a flower sometimes! (You suppose other times you might have been too abrupt in waking them up. And sometimes you haven't woken them up at all, because you realize they'll come to the Clocktower anyway. They all will, it's where you're staying. You couldn't come up with anything more creative than a sleepover?) But...something's off.

You first realized something was strange about Siffrin--well, a lot of things are strange about Siffrin. You're more worried about his memory than ever now. Whenever you go into that secret room for the stash of tonics, Siffrin starts talking about a time he ran away from home, only to suddenly stop and look confused. You've tried encouraging him to continue by reminding him of everything he said up to that point (Isabeau applauded your thorough recitation with the most lightheartedness he could muster while still looking Siffrin over with his own concern), but it doesn't jog anything. You've tried guiding Siffrin to tell the story a different way with questions, but it seems like he loses the thread even faster that way. Lately you've just...cut him off from telling the story by laughing as soon as he brings it up and mentioning how mad his parents must have been when he returned. Siffrin still looks confused and lost for a terrible moment when you say that, but then he grins and agrees, and surely he's agreeing because that's what actually happened, isn't it? He said he was playing a prank. He played a silly prank for an hour or two, and then he went home, and probably he got a scolding for it but everything was fine.

...You still. Would like to avoid that room in the future. To not see that scared, lost look on Siffrin. Maybe you're strong enough now that you don't need the tonics?

But, but, you need to focus. Siffrin's memory problems are strange and worrying, and you really wished they'd said sooner how bad it is instead of letting you all tease them about it, but what's suspicious is their connection to the King.

You're not entirely sure what it is. When you go to the King, he always singles Siffrin out. "Bright One...do you remember?"

Obviously, with the already-mentioned memory problems, the answer is No. You've tried asking Siffrin if they know the King in any way, but of course he says no? Even if they knew each other once, Siffrin could have forgotten him the same way he can't remember what happened when he went out on the ocean in a boat to prank his parents? You imagined a tragically doomed romance between a villain and a hero with partial amnesia from an injury earned in one of their past scuffles (why is Siffrin's memory that bad???) for all of ten seconds before you realized that if Siffrin could forget the King, he'll surely forget boring, stagnant Mirabelle as soon as he leaves. After that you were too depressed to imagine anything between Siffrin and the King, which was probably for the better. Especially considering...

One time, the King singled out Siffrin in a different way. A terrible way. The first loop--the first day after you defeated the King and got to see Euphrasie for a glimpse of happiness before being sent back--you'd lost your temper a bit. You'd pushed everyone to go through the House faster than any time before, brought back to your senses at the end of the second floor by Odile dryly commenting on her tired feet while giving a pointed look at Bonnie, who was obviously getting worn out. You'd apologized over and over, and chewed your nails off at the second snack break to let them take all the time they needed to recover their energy, and went through the third floor without saying anything to rush Siffrin. You'd kept your temper in check until you saw the King again, and then you'd accused him of being a cheat, an unchanged loser who couldn't accept defeat, and he'd let your venting wash over him with a calm indifference ("I do not know what you speak of, Housemaiden") until you told him exactly what you were speaking of--the time that kept turning back, again and again, the days the loops the returns--

His face is mostly obscured by his long hair, but you could tell by the way his head turned that he'd directed his attention to Siffrin, and you knew it was with a glare by the cold fury in his voice. "What have you done, Bright One. The Universe's will is with me."

And then

the king struck

and Siffrin--

You don't speak to the King anymore. You don't let him talk either. You're pretty sure he told you everything you'd want to know from him. He can use Time Craft, but he isn't the one holding you in these endless days. He thinks Siffrin can use Time Craft, which sounds ridiculous, but since then you've talked with the Change God (you'd wanted reassurance you'd wanted a sign your statue was the only one unbroken in the whole House and you touched its face in reverence and the Change God spoke to you) and they'd told you three things:

you're their favorite!

they're put out by Dormont being stagnant and unchanging, but they're excited to see how exactly you change (maybe being their favorite isn't good. Your favorite characters go through some awful things, after all)

Siffrin isn't not responsible for this???

So it makes sense that Siffrin had a hand in this somehow! After a few more days which let you reach Euphrasie, you realized the time reset at the end only happens while Euphrasie is talking to Siffrin! That's suspicious! And, and, you've tried preventing it by keeping Euphrasie from talking to Siffrin, but she is so insistent she'd like to talk to them, and everyone starts looking at you strangely the more you protest, and you just...can't stop it.

You can't stop Siffrin from ruining things.

You hate that you're even suspicious of him, but he won't admit to using Time Craft when you ask, and surely even with his terrible memory, he'd remember that? He doesn't forget everything! But if he's lying, then...

Then you don't know what that means.

You don't know what to do.

--

...What Siffrin did: show Mirabelle how to wish and be an islander recognized by other islanders and not particularly liked by the Change God

[itstheval]

Vale Vs Siffrin

A @livesworthlivingau Side Story

It was a brisk winter's day, and Siffrin had stabbed Isabeau.

No, that's too late on, let's start earlier.

It was a brisk winter's day, and Siffrin was feeling left out. He'd enjoyed seeing Vale grow, and watching his family fight them had been a personal joy, seeing them close enough to trust each other with their lives. He also knew that it wouldn't be a fair fight if he got involved - not only was he still Level 99, but they'd learned so many new Crafts over their 30 years of life. Even if Vale and Nille stood together, it would be too much. But, they considered to themself, what would it take?

This was how Siffrin wound up challenging the entire family to take him on. "If it's too much", he claimed, "I can ask one of you to sit it out, but I want to try it? I promise, I'm stronger than I look!" had been met with dubious stares, but enough pleading and promising had led Isabeau, Mirabelle, Odile, and yes, Vale and Nille, out to a snowy clearing, at the base of a hillside. The trees of Vaugarde were evergreen but far, but Siffrin estimated with their eyes and smirked.

"Alright! Give it your all, everybody! I know I'm going to!" was met with shared, uncertain glances. One of him, against so many of them?

"[Everything Rocks!]"

Siffrin's new craft banished those looks, as they knelt down and brought a closed fist towards the snowy ground. It was like the ground absorbed the Craft coming from them, and started to answer. A rhythmic, rocking swaying caught everyone off guard, Odile's fall cushioned by the snow and Isabeau stumbling an extra step in surprise, but everyone's footing lost from the shock.

"[And the curtains open…]" "[…Once More!]"

What?!

Vale had shot their fast-blast of paper energy to catch Siffrin off guard, but an open palm from where they were kneeling matched the strike, the two bursts of Craft mingling into nothing in midair! Fortunately, while Vale was staring in surprise, the rest of the group had been busy. Mirabelle's shields wrapped everyone up in warmth like a blanket, and Isabeau's cheering settled in as a balm to the shock of the craft Siffrin had just released. Odile managed to pull herself out of the snow, as Nille defended her and watched in caution, and Siffrin grinned.

"Alright! You believe me now! Let's get this party started!" He announced, to the worry of the crowd - the ground was still shifting under their feet, and they were just getting started?

"[Pat On The Back!]" Their dagger cut twice, one burst of Scissors craft launching its way towards where Isabeau was settling into a different stance, and the other cutting the air in front of them. There was something…Wrong, and then Siffrin stepped through the hole they'd cut in the air, and out the other one, their dagger darting out for a slice on Isabeau.

All hell broke loose.

Isabeau flinched forward, and the unstable ground left him staggering and falling to his hands and knees, but Odile seemed to already come up with a plan. [Slow IV] launched, and thankfully connected, Mirabelle shouted something about piercing through shields and cheating, as she let a [Super Sparkle Heal] wash over the downed Defender. Vale was looking amazed, but recovered for a single uncertain attack of Papercraft, and Nille followed it up with [Rock The House], which seemed to do all the more.

In that it did anything at all.

The strike flinched Siffrin back a step, but for all he was in slow motion it seemed to bring him from 'too fast to react to' to 'the same speed as everyone else'. They recovered in time to pull out their next attack, and Nille cringed at the three bursts of Scissorcraft that shot at her, each one slicing a little deeper until she was knocked out. "[Buy One, Get One Three!]" seemed to still be part of his moves, at least…

As Nille fell back into the snow, eyes unfocused in unconsciousness, Siffrin had only the snow's crunching to warn them of Isabeau's approach. "[SMASH!]" hit him hard enough to nearly knock him down, and Odile's [Rock III] finished the job - and the combined attack seemed to work! The ground stilled its erratic shaking, allowing for everyone to stand normally again.

Mirabelle took the chance to run over to Nille, producing a tonic from among her frills. The fruity taste filled her stomach, and she slowly came to, grunting and confused. Vale was simply guarding, but their eyes narrowed, seeming to see something the others didn't.

"Oh no, we can't have that! [Spread The Love!]" Siffrin called out, and made an all-encompassing gesture with their arms. At first it simply looked like they were hugging air, and t hen a half-circle of Craft squeezed in around them, papercraft knocking into them all and forcing them closer - and taking huge chunks out of Isabeau, Nille falling back to the snow altogether. Even Vale and Odile, who were supposedly strong to it, seemed to wince at the power of the attack, but Odile grinned as she understood. "Mirabelle, try healing us. I think I've figured out his trick." The resulting Super Sour Tonic didn't taste great, but one drink of it seemed to get them all feeling better…Even Siffrin.

"It's like he's part of our party too!" Vale called out in shock, and Odile gave a stern nod. "That's how he's cutting through the shields. They don't protect from party members." Even as Odile was explaining, Isabeau had moved up and started to simply jab at Siffrin, strike after strike going wide until one finally landed true, leaving them grabbing their gut. "Mirabelle, only use the reflection shield!" "I heard you the first time!" She allows, but then gasps.

"[Simply Stabulous] as always, Odile." Siffrin's puns were almost as bad as the sight of their dagger embedded in Isabeau's shoulder, and the blank look in the Defender's eyes as he fell to the cold snow beneath. "But too late, I think. I've gotta say though, it feels GREAT to cut loose again!" They stretched their arms over their head, as though this was simply relaxing and not a terrifying display of force.

"Housemaiden, you're the [Main Character!]" Vale's voice was trembling, but the craft that wrapped her up seemed to draw Siffrin's eyes…and their blade. They nodded in understanding, and watched cautiously, as Odile slowly worked her way around Siffrin, staying out of stab range - as though that meant anything.

"Stalling now? Well, I guess it's my turn again! [Can't Stop The Rock!]" Siffrin's movement returned to its normal, blinding speed, but even as he turned to punch at Odile the Craft was pulled back towards Mirabelle, like a magnet. "Wh-!"

"[Brilliant Reflection Shield!]"

The reflection came up instantly, and Siffrin's eyes went wide as they realized just what was about to happen. Their own attack…! They tried to dodge, but it had all their own speed and impacted, leaving the attempt at a leaping dive turning into being sent ingloriously tumbling through the snow and landing face-down in it. "Blrfh," he opined, emptying his mouth of the snow that had gotten into it to see Isabeau standing tall, and Vale stepping up next to Mirabelle.

"Main Character! Draws your attacks where I want them to. Come on everyone, just one more push!" Vale wasn't sure where this spring of inspiration was coming from, but they weren't about to turn it down, especially not when it got Isabeau moving. "[SMASH!]" came down in a diving attack, but Siffrin's roll through the snow made it miss him.

Most of him.

His cloak got pinned down underneath Isabeau's fist before he could get it free, and Isabeau called out. "NOW! Everyone!" Pinned as he was, Siffrin could only watch as Nille staggered to her feet, and everyone's Craft merged together as it launched forward in a great ball of power.

Jackpot.

The combined strikes blew Siffrin away with their power, sending him flying anew, and Mirabelle gasped as Vale looked uneasy at the motion, but it was Nille who managed to say it. "Maybe that was a little overboard? For just one guy?"

"Not at all!" Siffrin's voice had to shout to reach them, but he seemed to be…fine? Oh, he was staggering slightly, but he'd been blown nearly to the treeline and seemed to suffer less from it than Isabeau had from a single stab! Odile's eyes narrowed, and she read Siffrin's remaining health…Just above half?!

"I yield." "Yeah, me too." Odile first, and then Vale, leaving the rest staring at them in shock. "Well we can't beat them without you?" "Then yield yourself." Mirabelle's worries were answered even more as Siffrin started to run, closing the gap at speeds they found unlikely at best. "…Fine. I Yield." "Yeah…We all do." Isabeau finally answered, and there was a collective sigh.

"Hey!" Siffrin said as they got back to the group, and threw arms around Isabeau and Nille. "That was the best fight I've had in ages! C'mon, let's get back!"

"Siffaroni, has anyone told you you're terrifying?"

"Then why are you blushing~?"

[faislittlewhiteraven]

So seen a few 'What if the ISAT cast were in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon' posts...

And I'm gonna put my hat in the ring because darn it I've been thinking about this for over a week now and I want to infect others with these ideas.

Siffren: Hisuian Zorua - White, adorable AND comes free with a neck ruff to hide their face in, but well, doesn't it fit Siff extremely well lore wise too? Just a cute little guy that's a remnant of a home and life forcefully taken away, Normal enough to be among the living with no issues but also Ghost because there's something missing... Something lost that shapes them, tears at them but they just can't let go... Also they eat a lot, have a good amount of mischief in their nature and use 'illusions' for self protection so like. It's a perfect fit really~ XD (Also the 'red' aspects during the Vs Friends fight makes me wonder if in the PMD version of ISaT Siffrin is evolving so wrong somehow that the universe is breaking and a huge chunk of the fight is the party basically mashing B button in utter terror~ XDDD)

Isabeau: Ditto - No joke, Isabeau had me really stumped for ages because what kind of pokemon species goes from nerd to buff to eventually somewhere in the middle during their evolution line but then I realized 'Wow I'm an idiot. There's a pokemon all about Change that can be any form right over there!' and thus Isa-Ditto was born in my mind. I like to think he's almost always in the form of a Marchoke, Zangoose or Scrafty or something that to the others is big and buff but Isa's warm smiling ditto face always stops him from ever looking intimidating, and back in the 'nerd' days Isa probably stuck to being a Gothita/Gothorita, if only because they're about the only mon I can think of with braids and they do seem like a good form if one wants others to stay away so they can focus on studying and stuff...

Mirabelle: Minccino/Cinccino - Ok, most of my reasoning for this one is because Mira visually reminds me of the Minccino line (those eyes <3 And her ribbon! <3) but like, she IS pretty studious and helpful and probably cleans up after everyone and that's Cinccino as anything to me, plus the sheer way this mon blitzs with Skill Link... IDK I just really feel the line suits her.

Odile: Kanto Persian or Purugly - After realizing Siff, Isa and Mira were all Normal types I decided to make it a thing and since under this logic Odele couldn't be a Kadabra (as was my first instinct), the idea of her being this big old book reading cat affectionately rolling her eyes at everyone else's nonsense just had so much appeal <3 Leaning Persian if only because its design matches her visuals better but the thought of her as a Purugly feeling comfortable enough around the others she doesn't puff up her fur via her tail around them is pretty cute/very 'seems standoff-ish but is secretly affectionate Odile' so I'm still struggling to choose between them.

Bonnie: Zigzagoon - Bonnie was probably the hardest to pick out because there were so many possibilites (Aipom for the mischief? Munchlax for the cooking/food vibes? Oh but what about Meowth for their weird hug face???). But then I realized pokemon of all sorts could do all of those things and what really stands out about Bonbon is their 'NPC somehow on the big adventure and doing their best' vibes so a spunky little Zigzagoon using their 'Gluttony' expertise in food to 'Pick Up' the party's sprits felt really fitting (also they way they dart in and out of combat with their Quick Feet just. It works you know? XD). Not sure which Zigzagoon form would be most fitting for them but currently leaning Galarian if only because Siff being weak to Bonnie fits hilariously well, it matches with Bonnie's 'desire to be edgy despite still being adorable' vibes and the mental thought of them far off in the future, all grown up and protecting their family as a big bad Obstagoon gives me a ton of warm fuzzies so yeah~ <3

Euphrasie: Lopunny - Look, it's just the hair, the affectionate personality and her being really really tall compared to the others alright? Only the party is actually Normal locked to me! X'D (I could see her as an Altaria or a Mega Ampharos as well but Lopunny just feels more 'right' somehow.)

The King: Hisuian Zoroark - . . . In my defence, he's an incarnation of malice born from the loss of his home/life with long long hair who acts as Siffrin's foil, pushes them towards 'discovering the red' and yoyos between tragically lamenting and being a ruthlessly, cruel monster who would hurt a child. There was no other option.

Loop: currently torn but leaning Cosmog/Cosmeom or Mimikyu for most of the game and Necrozma/Ultra Necrozma for the Act 6 secret fight - Finally the one non Normal type! And the fact it's the eldritch feeling Loop is kinda perfect? Helps them stand out more at least, and well you really can't beat Ultra Necrozma for 'star shaped thing that is both terrifying, potentially world ending and in immense amounts of pain'. (...Also its weak to Siff's H!Zorua and Bonnie's potential Dark type so it fits type wise also XD).

Change God: Mew - Do I really gotta explain why? (Legendary, has Transform, cute and sweet but also a little bastard, etc- It ticks all the boxes XD

So... Yeah. Those are my In Stars and Time 'what Pokemon would the main cast be' thoughts.

[pretend-my-art-is-good]

Ignore my shitass font I'm using flipaclip.

Concept for the au under the cut (ISAT OR RW SPOILERS BELOW)

So yeah I'm making this a full au now lol. The plot will mostly follow the Isat plot with some of the rw lore elements. Also if not obvious the time freeze thing has been replaced with the rot, it's also why I didn't give hunter the rot as I wouldn't be able to make it work.

As for the cast!!

Survivor/Siffrin: I'll probably redesign them but blame that mal du plays vision I had that surv is siffrin. As for some lore they had fallen away from their colony during its disappearance/flooding.

Rivulet/Mirabelle: So I had orginally planned to make them Monk but after deciding to make lttm the housemaiden, I had to make them rivulet; also them being immune to rot worked better.

Hunter/Isabeau: it was either him or spearmaster and I felt like spearmaster didn't fit all too well. I like to think that when Rivulet had came nsh had just grab hunter and threw him at rivulet and just went "take that one". Also in this au he lost his eye instead of survivor

Saint/Odile: the only correct choice. Lore wise there's a big chance I might make them actually be blessed by SOS and just refuses to tell anyone. Also instead of a familytale they ask surv to help them with finding an echo.

Artificer/Bonnie: child arti, that's it. Their two younger siblings had been infected.

As for the other characters:

Inv:Loop

The king:Five pebbles

Euphrasie:Looks to the Moon

And the enemies are just rw enemies.

"Where's monk?"

.....who's monk?

[lightgirlification]

In Stars and Time: After Story Chapter 2

CW for slight intrusive thoughts and TwoHats Spoilers! Let's get this next chapter started shall we?

Chapter 2:

Siffrin was eating lunch in bed, kept under the watchful eye of the rest of the group to not wander off again. He wouldn’t though, his fever was down enough to realize that Loop was gone. They promised they’d be back but when would that be; would it even be when Siffrin was still alive? No, don’t think like that. They promised, and Siffrin had to hold onto that. He remained mostly quiet aside from Isabeau, Bonnie, and Mirabelle occasionally coming in to check on him and Odile, the latter of which has been in silence as well. She was currently eating her own meal while reading a book, studying even now.

Siffrin occasionally glances at her, but when she looks back, he startles and returns to his food. Finally, she gives a sigh, closing her book and placing it down next to her on the nightstand,

“Siffrin, we can’t merely sit in silence forever. If anything, it’s ironically giving me a headache.” The rogue jumped a little and clutched their bowl close to themselves,

“I’m sorry.”

“I was joking Siffrin. Well, about the last part anyway.” She paused for a moment, “I understand you may be feeling responsible for what happened, but I would do it again if you-”

“Yes, if it would save me, Isa said that. You would do terrible things to protect any of us. I already know this; you don’t have to repeat yourself.” Siffrin interrupted harshly. It is silent once more between them, and while Siffrin knows Odile never said the last half this time around, he still felt the need to get it out in the open. After all, he’s only heard it several times within the 150  loops he’s gone through. Siffrin simply took a bite of his soup as things remained quiet for a long minute, until Odile spoke again,

“I assume I’ve uttered those words in your previous loops.” Siffrin just continued to eat, but his bites were slowly becoming more intense, “But even if I haven’t said them in this timeline, they still hold truth. You and the others are way too important to me now, Siffrin.” The bright haired rogue grimaced,

“I shouldn’t be…” He uttered, “What happened to you…We don’t know what Time Craft has truly done to you, and you had to use it because of me. What if you aren’t the same, like you can’t walk anymore, or you can’t use your crafts as effectively if at all, or-”

“Siffrin slow down for a moment.” Odile said, but Siffrin turned to her swiftly, soup almost flowing over the edge of the bowl,

“No! You were completely unresponsive for 2 days because of me! If you lost any part of yourself because of my stupid actions-”

“Then it’ll be fine because you’re still here!” Siffrin flinched at Odile’s strict tone, her looking at him with narrowed eyes, “Listen to me, and listen to me right now Siffrin, no matter what kind of mindset you’ve gained from your loops, you need to remember this: you deserve to be alive. If I have consequences for using Time Craft, then so be it. Losing you would be far worse than me having to live different then I have before all of this happened!” Odile’s eyes pierced through Siffrin, but they nor her words were trying to attack him, he knew this much at least, “Do you really think after all this that we’d be better off leaving you to your fate? Would you have preferred that outcome?” Siffrin teared up at this and looked down,

“No…” He whimpered, “No I…I don’t want to be separated from all of you…”

“We all know that very well, and we don’t want that either. So…” Odile expression turned to one of tired sadness, one she didn’t show very often, “Please let us in Siffrin. I know it’ll be hard, as I stated we are both private people, but if you are to start healing you must begin talking to us. I told you, no more ‘keeping your feelings inside until you die’, so I expect you to at least try. Please.” Siffrin’s lips formed a thin line as he looked down, eye tightly shut trying to hold back their tears. Odile was right, she was always right. He couldn’t keep all the negative thoughts and emotions to himself anymore, they had done that long enough and they were tired; so, so tired…

‘You’re going to have to talk to them from now on.’

They promised their family, promised Loop, and they would follow through with it.

“I’m…” Siffrin began, “Scared to talk.” Breathe in…and out…“It’s feels as if something is tugging at my stomach. Like…Like…” Siffrin felt his throat close, the bowl in his lap now shaking in his grasp,

“Like when you looped?” Odile finished for them, and Siffrin shivered, but nodded,

“It makes me think I’ll loop back, even though I won’t. I know I should understand that, but I still can’t wrap my head around being free.” Odile placed her dish next to her book on the nightstand,

“Just because you are free Siffrin doesn’t mean you aren’t still affected by what happened to you during the loops. You felt trapped with no way out, and you had to deal with things on your own when we should have been there for you. You may have had Loop if I am correct, but us repeating the same actions in all your loops, only changing slightly when circumstances were altered, didn’t help your situation.” Siffrin went to say something, but Odile raised her hand to stop him, “Yes, you should have brought it up to us, that much is certain. However, again, you are a private person who tries to tackle your problems on your own. Your mindset is dangerous but considering that we all weren’t open with how we felt about each other, it scared you into thinking we didn’t care.” Odile looked to the side, eyebrows knitting together, “I suppose I am the same in some regard, afraid of what others may think.” Siffrin blinked, then recalled Odile’s past,

“Is it…because you’re half Vaugardian?” Odile’s eyes widened at what Siffrin said, but she simply softly smiled at him,

“I take it I told you my story in a previous loop?” Siffrin nodded, smiling back,

“Even told me there was no research. Don’t worry, I never told Isa.” The older woman laughed,

“Thank goodness, I was worried for a second he would cease his guessing. It’s quiet amusing to see what he comes up with.” Both laughed, but soon Odile held her abdomen in pain, and Siffrin all but tried to stand up, setting aside their bowl in a hurry,

“Odile are you-?!” They couldn’t manage to make it one step without their head spinning, and he fell backwards onto his bed, sitting in a daze. He felt tears in his eye again and Odile spoke again through her pain,

“Siffrin it’s alright, I just need a minute.” Siffrin couldn’t help it, he began crying as he covered his face,

“I’m sorry Odile…I’m so sorry…!” It was quiet between them aside from Siffrin’s sobs. He didn’t care that his head was pounding, he felt it was proper punishment.

It’s not ENOUGH punishment for you.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps and looked up to see Odile making her way over slowly. Siffrin went wide eyed, his heart leaping in fear, and jumped up again,

“No! Odile you shouldn’t be out of bed!” Their head span and their joints ached, they stumbled and bumped into their nightstand, but they didn’t care; ignoring the throbbing pain now in their side. Siffrin ran over to Odile who was propping herself up on Mirabelle’s and Bonnie’s shared bed trying to catch her breath. When Siffrin approached he felt his legs finally give up on him and began to fall, however Odile caught him, slowly lowering them both to the floor safely. Siffrin blinked a few times, eye wide as he never found himself wrapped in Odile’s arms much, but the embrace and her grip told him everything he needed to know.

Odile was strong, she was warm, she was alive. And she still loved Siffrin despite him being a massive idiot. She was still here; everyone was still here.

Siffrin finally broke down completely wrapping his arms weakly around the older woman, who pat his head and rubbed his back in comfort,

“Siffrin.” She said, “You promise me you’ll talk? Even if it’s just a little bit of insight as to how you’re feeling that’d be fine.” Siffrin nodded, whimpering as more tears fell, and Odile chuckled, “You kids…I don’t know what my life would be like without you all, but I don’t want to live in a world where that’s a reality now.” Siffrin sobbed again, he didn’t want that either. He wanted them to be with him forever, in any shape or form.

He would always remember Odile’s arms around him in this moment, proving she still had many more years left in her.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Siffrin was sketching in his book as the others went about their day, Mirabelle and Odile had gone shopping together for supplies and Isabeau was helping Bonnie with something, he couldn't remember what exactly. He hadn’t sketched since the loops had started, but it felt good to pick up again.

Around 4 months had passed since leaving Dormont for Bambouche, and they would all be there the next month, Bonnie receiving a letter from their sister that they would wait but if they didn't hurry she would make her way over to them herself. Bonnie sometimes panicked they weren't moving fast enough, either out of extreme excitement or anxiety of Nille making good on her statement, but Siffrin and the others made sure to calm them down. At least Siffrin's breathing technique came in handy...

Thinking back, Siffrin realized how resilient both his and Odile’s bodies were. Within a week, their symptoms had improved immensely. Siffrin’s fever and body aches were completely gone and was able to help with preparations for the upcoming journey, though everyone made sure he still took it easy despite his reassurances of feeling fine. He pouted a lot but he understood that they were just concerned and looking out for him, especially Isabeau. The man wasn’t trying to be a ‘mother hen’, but he constantly tried to do things for Siffrin before profusely apologizing. Siffrin simply chuckled at him, he knew the rock craft user meant no harm. Meanwhile, Odile still needed some bed rest at that time, but was allowed to move around and provide insight into supplies and the routes they all would be taking. She was slower when walking and using crafts, but Siffrin hoped that would fade with time. If it didn’t…

You permanently changed her, not only would she hate you, but everyone would also. You should be the one with the injury, with the pain.

Siffrin shook off the thoughts. Things were fine, Odile was fine, she was still here; all of them were still here.

“Sif?” Siffrin jumped a little at the touch on his shoulder, but turned to Isabeau, “Everything alright? I tried calling out to you, but you didn’t answer.” Siffrin smiled softly at him,

“I’m okay, just...thinking too much.” Isabeau nodded,

“Well then, may I chase those thoughts away?” Siffrin's smile grew,

“And how will my wonderful boyfriend do that for me?” Isabeau looked up pretending to think,

“Maybe…” He looked back at Siffrin with a big grin of his own, “Give you a big hug?” The rogue placed his sketch book down, holding his arms out,

“I would very much like that.” Isabeau all but scooped Siffrin up and held them in his arms bridal style for a tight embrace. Siffrin giggled and hugged Isabeau back by wrapping their arms around the other’s neck, nuzzling into the nape of it. They soon looked at each other, and Siffrin slowly connected their lips; Isabeau not hesitating to kiss back. Siffrin didn’t mind kissing as much as he thought he would, especially if it was Isabeau. It always felt nice, a way to communicate their emotions and love in a certain way only for them. It also helped they’d practiced quite a bit; practice did make perfect as Isabeau said.

The two separated and Isabeau connected their foreheads, “Anymore bad thoughts?” The bright haired adult shook his head, smile soft and heart fluttering at the man’s tone; so caring and sweet,

“Nope. All clear.” Isabeau nodded and they were quiet for a moment, before both giggled as Isabeau nuzzled their noses together.

“‘Za!” They turned to see Bonnie run over, “Come on! You promised you’d help me reach the fruit trees near here!” Isabeau laughed,

“Sorry Bonbon! Just checking in on my beloved here!” He kissed Siffrin’s temple, the older between them blushing yet smiling shyly. Bonnie stuck their tongue out,

“Ick!” Isabeau chuckled,

“One day Bonbon you will have someone you cherish as much as I do Sif. Trust me.” Siffrin’s blush deepened. He knew how much Isabeau loved him, but it always made their heart beat faster when it was said. Bonnie crossed their arms,

“Nuh-uh! I won’t have time for an icky partner, because I’ll be the best chef in the whole world!!” Siffrin smiled fondly at the preteen,

“I can see that already Bonnie.” The said child seemed to grow embarrassed at how sincere Siffrin was, but in the end, they giggled,

“Hehe, right!” They then walked closer, “So why are you holding ‘Frin like that? Did he have ‘bad thoughts’ again?”

“I did, but they are gone now Bonnie.” Siffrin said, and Bonnie nodded,

“Good. I would’ve whacked them away with my frying pan if they weren’t!” Isabeau tilted his head with an arched eyebrow,

“Wouldn’t you have to hit Sif on the head for that?” Bonnie was quiet for a bit,

“…Yes.” Siffrin gaped at Bonnie and Isabeau let out another laugh, Siffrin then hitting his lover’s shoulder lightly,

“Don’t encourage him!” Bonnie raised their hands in the air,

“I WILL FIGHT THE ‘BAD THOUGHTS’ WITH POTS AND PANS!” Siffrin held onto Isabeau,

“Please no! My head is delicate!”

“Alright you two.” Isabeau set Siffrin down, “How about we go get some of that fruit together?” Bonnie nodded,

“Yeah! Come on ‘Za! You too ‘Frin!” The couple nodded, and the three of them made their way to where Bonnie had found the fruit trees. Siffrin felt a large hand nudge his and he took it in his, it sweaty as ever; not that Siffrin minded. He adored Isabeau’s, well, everything. Mirabelle said that their love was precious, offering to supply some of her favorite stories if Siffrin needed to ‘study’. Siffrin considered taking her up on the offer, but Isabeau slowly showed him that experiencing a relationship was better than trying to study for it. The man took things slow with Siffrin, always asked for permission, and never pressured them into doing anything they didn’t want to. Even when Siffrin admitted the two more than likely could never become intimate, the man didn’t mind.

“Don’t you want to do that…with me?”

“It’s entirely up to you if you want to do that. I do have thoughts about it, I won’t deny that, but it won’t be something I need. Most of all, I just want to cherish and spoil you. I love you Sif, and I will do my best to prove that to you every single day.”

Siffrin smiled at the memory, it was precious to them. He couldn’t thank Isabeau enough for just being himself, for loving them…Siffrin didn’t know how he could repay Isabeau in full yet, but maybe one day, he would be able to.