#everyone want to shake siffrin so bad

[mari-lair]

Hello Mari, I am curious about the sidequests.

Which attacks and memories does sif get? Will sif get 4 new attacks and memories or will sif get nothing?

Also for levelling. What happens to Memory of Family? (The one in which the party gains double experience after a battle except for sif).

In the original game Sif had a max level of 99 and the fam had a max of 75.

It's inverted. Siffrin can only reach level 75 max and the fam max is 99.

Mirabelle, Bonnie, Isabeau, and Odile only need to do their friend quest with Siffrin once to keep their OP skills that come with their bonding time.

Memory of Family doesn't happen because in Loop 0 Siffrin calls everyone his 'friends' in their thoughts.

And the dialogue that made him switch to allies, the one where Isabeau go "Aren't we friends? soulmates?" and Odile go "no we are allies at best, oh look you just got dropped to acquaintance" doesn't happen more than once, the family doesn't repeat dialogue, so by the point the friend quests are available Siffrin never gets a "oh so we are friends now? No we aren't. You said we aren't." moment that spiraled into the whole "okay maybe we are not friends, we are... family."

but Siffrin does get the [Memory of Trust] after aiding everyone and the skill [A push in the slice direction!] which greatly boosts everyone's speed and makes everyone deal critical damage for a few turns. It's a very good skill!! You do need to re-make every single family member side quest for it tho, which isn't worth, cause they keep their own op skills.

You can't do Siffrin's quest even after he helps everyone, any attempt to go "do YOU need help with anything?" is met with "nope! happy you're feeling better tho :D" "you SURE?" "Yes? Oh do you need help with anything more?" and it won't lead anywhere

[therenaissancedungeonmaster]

Gonna drop more of my Traveler!Odile based on @anxiousapplepie 's (sorry for all the @ s but i like talking to u about your aus) Roleswap, this time it's Odile's Act 5 babyyyyy. Going to drop a transcription below too:

Odile: Bonifaaace~ Do you want to learn Craft?

Bonnie: Really?

Odile: Yes, of course, Boniface. Come down. Hold your hands like this. You're going to make light.

Bonnie: Dile, your hands are shaking...

Odile: Just close your eyes, Boniface.

Bonnie: Okay.

Odile: Reach into yourself, your gut, with your mind. Think about sources of light. Candles, the sun, the moon.

Bonnie: Dile, you're hurting my hands...

Odile: You're not doing it. You need to need it. Boniface, try harder, keep breathing, you want to help us, right? You can't let us down, Boniface. Are you imagining light? Your mind can't wander. Your home, your sister, what about them. Boniface-

Bonnie: DILE WHY ARE YOU BEING SO MEAN?

Bonnie runs off, and Siffrin catches them, and they talk out of earshot of Odile. Bonnie leaves and Siffrin stays.

Siffrin: Everyone's quite upset at you, Madame.

Odile: They'll get over it eventually.

Siffrin: That's what we all tell ourselves. It's okay to be having a bad day. We all are with the King, but-

Odile: HAH! A bad day! A bad day, a bad week, a bad year, what does it matter? It's all the same! Y'know, it so easy to be all smiley like you when everything's going well in your life. A partner, a purpose, friends, a home, a PAST! So easy to judge others when you've never suffered a day in your life.

Siffrin: You don't know me.

Odile: Oooh but I do. You're Sir Mx. Siffrin form the North Island, blade of the king, gone from home for years because if you go back you'll be EXECUT-

Siffrin pulls a blade on Odile.

Siffrin, smiling fakely: You seem to be having a bad day, Madame Odile. I suggest you stay here a while, do those "meditations" you lie about! Don't come back to the tower until you're quite ready, alright? We don't want any accidents...

Siffrin leaves, sheathing their blade. Odile, left next to the Favor Tree, begins to cry.

[auncyen]

You thought you were great at thinking things through. Before Changing into Isabeau, you were great at overthinking them, even! But once Siffrin shows up at the Clocktower, everything seems to happen too quickly for your brain to catch up.

One moment, Odile is suggesting you all go to the house without Sif, and you get why she's thinking about it, but you can't. But you look at Mira and realize how badly Sif hurt her this afternoon, and. If half the team can't trust Siffrin. Odile's right, isn't she? It's not going to work. Unless you figure out what's wrong with Siffrin and help them fix it so they can apologize--

(Maybe you should still be mad at Siffrin too. They didn't say anything that wasn't true, though, and in a weird way it was …kind of flattering how well Sif had you pegged? Like, Siffrin obviously paid you a lot of attention. Maybe, if they weren't having the wildest post-nap crabs ever, there would have been some nice things said too.)

Then Siffrin shows up, and he's still acting weird, with that miserable fake smile. Then he's mad because he overheard you all talking about leaving him behind, saying you're all going to get yourselves killed. Then he starts talking about time loops, and your brain catches on the realization that oh, no wonder he could nap even the day before you're going to fight the King, he's sick. He's got to be. It's the worst possible timing and they should have told someone before it got this bad, but it's not like they could help the timing and, well, for as easygoing as Siffrin is (most of the time), they have the most stubborn independent streak of anyone you've seen, self-reliant to the occasional fault. You think it's usually a positive. He bounced back from losing an eye better than anyone else expected. But he's hidden being sick once before, because he was the last to get it and Mira was anxious to resume traveling when everyone else had gotten better, of course he'd hide it when tomorrow is the big day. Oh Change if it's contagious, because this time he seems to be the first one sick. You're all fighting the King tomorrow and one of your group is ranting about time loops. Also that you all hate him, which, no??? Where did he get that?

But then you try to catch Odile's eye and pause. You expected pure exasperation, and it's definitely scrawled across her face, but she's also peering at Siffrin in consideration, and you remember what she said about a book Siffrin shouldn't have known about.

And then Siffrin slips off the counter and you stand because the way you see it there are two options: either they're extremely ill, or time loops are actually a thing and that's kind of something everyone needs to know about. Either way, they shouldn't just be running out on you!

"Sif. You need to sit down, and explain EVERYTHING about what you just said." You have to be firm so Sif understands how serious this is. Whatever's going on, he needs to explain so everyone else can help.

But maybe you should have thought more about using that tone, because Sif's breath hitches and his face, already so pale with that dark bag under his eye, seems to lose shade entirely. Then there's barely-chewed samosa on both your shoes, which convinces you. He's sick. Change, if it's contagious, please let everyone get sick the day after tomorrow. You can be as miserable as you want then. Tomorrow, you need everyone.

"Okay, okay, uh," you blurt. Your brain is still trying to figure out what to actually say. It's also fighting both your hands and the urge to check how high a fever Sif's running right now, because you've just realized they're shaking. "Sif, can you just--sit down, I'll clean this, you need to rest--SIF--"

He dodges to your left, ducking around you. You whirl around and grab him, vainly reach for an arm and grasping only cloak fabric, because he needs to stop and calm down--

Normally, you know better than to grab anyone. Especially Sif.

They whirl on their feet with their face twisted in a snarl, one gloved hand reaching up to shove you away with a flat palm--

The scent of stationery reaches your nose, and Paper Craft pushes you off-balance, stumbling back until you hit the counter even as Siffrin snatches his hand back, his good eye wide with horror. You can hear chairs sliding back as both Mirabelle and Odile recognize the Craft sign as well, though Bonnie only sounds confused. Of course they're confused. Siffrin didn't even touch you, and he doesn't know Paper Craft.

Even if they did, they wouldn't use it on you. It didn't hit hard, you think, but maybe you're just too shocked to feel it yet. You stand there, dazed and dumb, until you feel healing Craft being used on you.

It's not Mirabelle healing you.

It's Siffrin, his head lowered but his voice just loud enough for you to make out the words before he sits down, right there in the middle of the kitchen floor. Not moving. Breathing too loud, but so are you.

Since when do they know healing Craft, either?

"Isabeau," Odile says, her voice tightly controlled. "Take Boniface and get the cleaning supplies from the closet, please."

Right. Right, smart, something is very wrong and you need to keep Bonbon safe until you've got a handle on this, so you gesture for Bonnie to come with you and tell them not now when they protest because they're just as confused as you feel, ushering them out of the makeshift kitchen area, and it's not until you're at the supply closet and Bonnie asks if you're okay that you realize Odile wasn't sending only Bonnie out of the room.

Deep breaths, Isabeau. Like Siffrin does!

Change, what is even going on?

"...Did Frin hurt you?" Bonnie asks, looking uneasy. "Nille would have totally flipped you if you grabbed her like that. But they used Craft, didn't they?"

"…They got me, a little, but not too bad," you say slowly, trying to think it through without keeping Bonnie waiting too long. "And obviously they didn't mean to, since they healed me right away!"

And you realize, as you say it, that you really do believe that. The smell of Paper Craft was too strong compared to what actually hit you. You saw Siffrin pull his hand back right before the hit instead of doing a proper follow-through. You tried to grab him without thinking. He reacted without thinking and tried to stop as soon as his brain caught up.

And that's terrifying, because that means they used Craft that's not even their natural type on reflex, because their hand was already moving into a close enough shape. You've known for a while they hate being touched. It wasn't anywhere near that bad before.

What

in the world

is happening?

[vulpixisananimal]

(You gently close the door to Sifs room and lean back on the wall next to it. Change, what a morning.)

(You rub your temple. Alright, alright, analyse and compartmentalise, Siffrin, no, Loop, had told you a lot and you had to relay it to the others. Are they all going to take it well? You couldn't exactly keep it secret.)

(Oh boy. . .)

(You walked down to the where Nille and Odile were sitting for breakfast. Nille waved good morning.) "Hey big guy, how's Siffrin doing?"

"Oh, bad." (You sigh and sit down.) "Where do I even start."

"Never a good sign." (Odile comments from behind her book.)

"W-well, right now they're resting up. They have craft exhaustion and are pretty hungry. I was going to grab them some food."

"I got it!" (Nille stood up and scooped up some of breakfast.) "Not surprised, time crafts s'pposed to be impossible for a reason."

"Even one loop should kill them, really." (Odile adds.)

"Ah, well, about that." (You rub your neck.) "When everyone's back there's a lot to explain."

"Ah."

"Ominous, I'll be quick then." (Nille runs off with the food.)

(You pick at your own breakfast, quesadillas, just like Loop said. You took a bite, tasty!)

(You think while you eat; how many times had they eaten this breakfast? Well, if you had the same thing for breakfast over and over you might go crazy! And it's even made the exact same way every time.)

". . . Isabeau." (Odile starts.) "Did you get to ask?"

"Hrk-" (You choke a little, Crab!! You forgot!!) "N-no, I didn't. T-there was uh, something a bit more important going on."

"It sounded intense." (Back to her book.) "Argument?"

"Not really. . ." (You rub your shoulder.) "I-I'll, I'll ask them out another time! When things have calmed down."

(Nille returns to you and Odile chatting.) "They're out like a stone, don't think I've ever seen someone so sleepy."

"That sounds like Sif!"

"I doubt anything short of the King coming back would wake them up."

"Knock on wood." (Nille replies, nocking on the wood table as she sat down.)

". . . What?" (Odile looks up, confused.)

"Knock on wood! It's an old tradition to stop you from jinxing yourself. And I don't exactly want the King to come back."

"Ah I see." (Book down, researcher mode.) "Where does that tradition come from? Is it Vaugardian?"

"I don't think so," (She thought for a second.) "Actually, I got no idea where I got it from. Maybe I got it from someone in Bambouche."

"Could be one of those 'Sif things.'" (You comment.)

"Ah yes, the 'Sif things'" (Odile continues.) "I would not be surprised if this was another 'Siffrin thing', with how many little traditions seem to be tied to it."

"Like that thing they told Boniface to do? On their birthday?" (Nille asks.)

(Odile nods.) "Exactly so. Now let's pause this conversation before we get headaches, shall we?"

(You nod, right. It was always a pain to talk about 'Sif things' as you all had come to call it. Island talk. Wish craft. Rituals and- ow. Alright message recieved, back to casual non-island conversation.)

"Hmm. . . Is it tradition research?" (Nille asks after a second.)

"No, wrong." (Odile shakes her head, back to the book.)

"Awww."

"You'll get it sometime Nille!" (You say encouragingly.)

"How long did it take you again?"

"It took me a few months, and Sif figured it out durring the loops sooooo. ."

"I'll try and do it quicker then." (She rolls her eyes.)

(At long last Mirabelle and Bonnie joined in from doing their morning routine and took a seat. The casual chatter continued as you all finished breakfast.)

". . . Where's 'Frin?" (Bonnie asks.)

"He's resting up, I guess that loop yesterday really took it outta them." (Nille ruffles Bonbons hair.) "Was too busy saving our lil' scoundril."

"Ah, right, about that." (You clear your throat.) "Former saviors of Vaugarde I, Isabeau, am calling a very serious no jokes meeting into order!"

(Odile let out a half-laugh.) "Good start."

"Oh Madame! That's no way to act durring such a serious meeting!" (Mirabelle replies in a poshy accent.)

"Quite so! For we are only the most serious of serious!" (You continue, before breaking out into a laigh.)

"A real comedy duo you two are." (Nille says, leaning back.) "So, what's the deal big guy?"

"Right!" (Alright, here goes, gotta tell em everything. Now, just like Sif does. You breathe in, and out.) "Well, for one, Siffrin isn't Siffrin right now. Remember the conversation yesterday? Well they're Loop right now, not Sif. Just, as a start."

"Alright. . ?" (Odile responds as if prompting you to continue.)

"But! The, uh, the real issue is that." (Ohboy.) "They've aparently been looping through today, with this being the, 8th or 9th time."

"Again?!?!"

"Oh gems. . ."

"Well that explains the exhaustion."

"Yeah," (You rub your shoulder.) "Last loop was aparently really bad, and they had a whole breakdown- oh Change I forgot to ask for details."

"W-we can ask them later! Once they're up." (Mirabelle looked nervous.) "Did they tell you a-anything though?"

"Oh they did! Uh. . ." (You tap your chin.) "Right, so, an old friend of mine, Ramos, who used to go by a different name I think- A-anyway! They've aparently been using mind craft on people, strong mind craft. It got Mirabelle in trouble for kidnapping Bonnie, and they changed my memory."

"What?"

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

"THAT'S CRABBING STUPID!!!"

"Language!"

"I-I know! I know it sounds bad and uh. . ." (Oooooh boy.) "Aparently last loop they tried confronting Ramos, and they turned into a sadness and we had to fight. Nille got hurt pretty bad, but we won."

". . . But?"

"I, they didn't tell me, but, aparently something bad happened to Ramos."

". . ."

". . ."

". . . What in the world could have been bad enough to go back again?" (Odile muses.)

"I, I don't want to think about it." (You shudder. Oh Ramos. . . You remember them, you would hang out sometimes, train together, and you'd help them out sometimes with exams. They had some troubles, but they were alright! They were a good person!)

"So. . . So what do we do?" (Mira asks.)

"Well. . ." (You think for a moment. Loop seemed so. . . Distressed. Desperate. Sad. All of that. You'd seen it all before when Siffrin walked up to you at the Favor tree, they looked so distant then. . . You couldn't let that happen again.) "We should get training just like we used to!"

"Huh???"

"Ah."

"REALLY?!?"

"Not you Boniface." (Nille replies.) "You're still a kid."

". . . Pétronille, I mean no disrespect, but I'm fairly certain Boniface is a stronger fighter than you are at this point." (Odiele counters.)

"HEY!!! I'm PLENTY tough!!!"

"Haha!! 'Dile called me stronger!!"

"Oh I'll show YOU strong ya lil-"

"A-alright! M-maybe save that or another time since, since we still need to figure out everything a-and-" (Mirabelle tries breaking them up. Her look of worry doing the trick instantly.)

"Ok, ok. But if Boniface is gonna fight I better be there."

"As long as it's on the backlines as well." (You respond.) "Dive in when there's an opening just like we used to do."

"Sounds like a plan."

"I do wonder though, how much, well, how much will it matter?" (Mira was pondering.) "If this isn't the last Loop, then, we would have done all this for nothing, and, w-well."

"I had a theory on that." (Odile adjusted her glasses, oh you loved this part.) "Siffrin said they started each loop waking up from their nap. Yesterday, Siffrin also looped back to waking up from their sleep, and I'm assuming todays loop started with them waking up too." (She tapped her chin.) "There's a good chance taking a proper sleep is linked to making a "checkpoint" of sorts."

"But what about the clock tower? Sif said we always had a sleepover there before going to the house." (You ask.)

"Hmm, good point." (she thought it over, then snapped her fingers.) "Ah! Didn't you plan to tell Siffrin your grand confession durring the sleepover?"

"M-m'dame!" (You hold up your hands deffencievly.) "What does that have to do with this?"

"You chickened out, duh." (Bonnie chimes in, smugly.) "I can already see you trying to talk to 'frin when everyones trying to sleep. Then holding off till after the King."

"O-oh..." (You try to sink into the floor. That, that would be something you do, yeah.)

"As easy to see through as a plane glass window." (Nille shakes her head.)

"L-lets move on-"

"Yes yes, so, my theory is that when Siffrin wakes up it'll be a new point they'll loop back to." (Odile stands up and stretches her back.) "Which means that anything we do before they wake up will do wonders for future loops."

"Oh!!! That's great!!!" (Mirabelle jumps up too, a new spring in her step.) "I'll get my sword! Oh it'll probably be dull by now too, oh! And I need to brush up on my combative crafts!!"

"And don't forget the-"

"I don't think I could ever forget the carrot method."

"CRAB!!" (Bonnie jumps up in a panic.) "I've been using those spare tonics for cooking!!!"

"Language, but a good point. I'll help ya look for more." (Nille gets up too.)

(Phew.) "I'm glad we figured all that out." (You stood up, and strike a big heroic pose.) "Siffrin, Loop, they're gonna get out of today! And we're gonna help them do it!!"

[livesworthlivingau]

Behind the Vale Chapter 34

You know the drill, Spoilers for all of ISAT, etc. CW: Confused Pining? Sparring Scene/Consensual Violence. I SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PINING AND CONSENSUAL VIOLENCE ARE NOT RELATED!!!

"So, how was your little chat with Eclipse last night~?"

"It went well actually," [Blind it!] "how was sharing a tent with Nille for the first time~?" [STARS BLINDING CRAB!!! You immediately feel your face begin to burn.]

"You could at least humor me when I try to tease you, you know!"

"Hah! Not so fun on the other end, is it~?" [You cross your arms and pout. It wasn't fair how difficult they were to fluster now.]

"... Wait... what do you mean it went 'well'?"

"Well... I talked about what I was going to talk about back then... a-and uhh... they weren't... against it." [His face begins to darken instead. Hah! It's working!... Wait what is he talking about?]

"Against, what exactly?"

"Uhm... M-Maybe we shouldn't really talk about this! Th-That was a whole loop ago, it never really happened technically, j-just forget about it!"

"Hah~! I haven't seen you this flustered in a long time~. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were falling for me, Stardust~." [His face burns darker as he falls silent.] "... This is the part where you refute that, Stardust."

"... W-Well... the thing is... uhhh..." [Your own face grows just as dark.]

"... Truce to never speak of this again?"

"Y-Yup! Truce!" [You both stop acknowledging each other as you break off. Stardust heads off towards Eclipse and the Housemaiden, while you head towards Nille, Flare, and, ugh, the Researcher... Fantastic. Nille perks up at your approach.]

"Hey Vay, what were you and Sif talking about?"

"Absolutely nothing~! Next question~!"

"That bad, huh? Alright, I won't pry. Though speaking of, Dile here was hoping to get some info out of you." [Of course she is...]

"Yes, Petronille has informed me that you're a paper type now. I've never heard of someone changing their craft type before, but there's a lot of topics that would apply to in the last few months. I was hoping you might like to spar sometime." [Wonderful, here comes the interro-wait what did she just say?]

"You... want to spar with me?"

"Yes. In Ka Bue, it is believed that there's no better way to understand someone than by the way they Craft. I may not believe in all the sentimentality behind it, but watching someone Craft can make for quite an impression. Perhaps it could even answer some questions you have about yourself."

"... I don't think that would be for the best. I'd rather not hurt any of you."

"I don't doubt your time in the loops has given you an advantage when it comes to experience, but I'm sure I could hold my own long enough to get what I'd need. Besides, Mirabelle can help ensure nothing goes too far." [Your expression does very little to hide your hesitance about the idea.] "So you don't want to prove how different you are from Siffrin now?"

"What?"

"I've seen how Siffrin Crafts for months now, I'd be able to spot it in a moment. So why don't you show me just how different you are now?" [You know exactly what she's trying to do... yet her goading still succeeds in spite of that.]

"Fine, then spar we shall~."

"DILE'S GONNA KICK VALE'S CRABBING BUTT!" [Flare shouts as Nille chuckles with a shake of her head.]

"Can't say I'm not excited to see how this plays out."

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

[You stand at one end of a clearing, the Researcher at the opposite end. Everyone else eagerly gathered into a little group nearby to watch. You perk up as Nille calls out.]

"Go easy on them, Dile! They've only been in a fight or two since the Change!" [Excuse us?!]

"Thanks for the vote of confidence?!"

"Hah! Well it's true!"

"Vale seemed rather worried about hurting me earlier, so I don't intend to hold back. Besides, if they do then this whole research project would be null and void. I need to see you at your best, so don't pull any punches!" [The Researcher calls out in a demanding tone, one similar to a teacher encouraging a student. You're unsure why, but it starts to light a fire within you.]

"Alright." [You draw your whip and hold out a paper sign with your other hand.] "Ready when you are, Researcher!"

"Would you mind counting us down, Boniface?" [Flare jumps to their feet eagerly. A very excited grin across their face.]

"One!" [Wait...]

"Two!" [We just remembered...]

"Three!" [WE DON'T HAVE ANY CRAFT SKILLS OF OUR OWN!]

[You begin to panic as the Researcher starts to rush towards you. You see her hands move in a familiar way, and without thinking to go to copy it. You need every advantage you can get as you both SLOW IV each other with the exact same method. She raises a brow as she realized what happened.]

"Huh. No, no that would make sense. You must have seen me use that craft countless times, of course you'd learn how to emulate it. This still isn't exactly helping this experiment though, show me your craft, Vale!"

"I... don't really have any yet..."

"Then you best come up with something fast!" [She threatens and makes a scissors sign, slicing a streak of SCISSORS III towards you. You barely manage to dive out of the way thanks to that heavy feeling slowing you down, leaving you wide open for the next attack.]

[She swings her open palm down towards you just as a PAPER III blast slams down onto your back.] "GAH!" [It stings, but no where near as much as that earlier strike would have. You shake off the craft weighing you down and quickly get back to your feet. You notice she still has the SLOW on her, you have an opening!]

[You crack your whip a few times, sending waves of Paper Craft towards her. She only manages to block one, taking the full brunt of the other two. She slides back across the dirt and falls to a knee. Despite this, a grin crosses her face as she looks back up at you.]

"Now we're getting somewhere, keep it up Vale. Show me what you're capable of." [She commands yet again, getting back up and flashing another scissors sign. The Craft comes flying at you quickly, slamming into your stomach and causing you to fly back, slamming into a tree.]

"Ugh... Oh you'll pay for that one Researcher!" [You're injured now, but it only strengthens the fire within you. You focus your intent into the tip of your whip before lashing it out, sending an intense wave of pure Creative Craft towards her. Even as she blocks it, it manages to deal a good amount of damage. You don't let up, you snap your whip again and again, sending smaller blasts but trying to overwhelm her. She evades the first few only to stop in her tracks and SLOW IV you yet again, taking a couple hits to do so.]

"You're getting desperate, good! You're showing your true self now!" [You grumble as you feel that same weight again, like your whole body was moving through sludge. You can't take another big hit, you look around to find some sort of advantage... You crack your whip once more, and as she goes to defend, it swings upwards and blasts the tree behind her, sending an explosion of leaves to surround and distract her. You move as quick as you can in this addled state to hide behind a tree until it wears off.]

"Clever. You fight like a cornered animal, yet you still manage to find and use any advantage you can." [Why do we feel like a book being read right now?...] "I haven't had a good fight since Dormont, I appreciate you indulging me with this." [You take a few breaths to help shake the craft off of you.]

"My pleasure, I just can't wait to wipe that grin off of your face~!" [You call out, whip ready as you focus your craft into it again. Just as expected you feel a heavy blast of Craft slam against the tree you hid behind. You tuck and roll back out into the open and prepare to strike!... Wait, where did she go?]

WHACK [You're suddenly smacked upside the head with another PAPER III, knocking you over as you grip your head.] "OW! CHEAP SHOT!"

"You think you're the only one who can use tactics?" [She smirks, stepping out from behind a very different tree than you expected. She holds her free hand in a paper sign.] "Now time to finish this."

[You prepare to defend, you're weak but you could take another hit of PAPER III if you're ready for it... until you notice her hand moving different than usual. You glance over at her hand holding her book, which was hiding the Scissors sign she was actually using to power the craft! By the time you realize her trick, the piercing energy was already heading directly towards you.]

[You panic, without thinking you act, a wave of Craft flowing out of you and into your whip. LION TAMER! You lash out your whip, coiling around the attack itself. You guide it off course, and hold on tightly as it spins around your form, releasing it as it flies directly back at the Researcher. She was too surprised by what you did to even try blocking it, landing a direct hit with her own attack and leaving her K.O.ed across the grass... You blink a few times as you still aren't even sure what you just did.]

"M'dame!" [The Housemaiden quickly hops up and rushes over to her side, starting to pump healing craft into the downed Researcher. Flare is close behind with the pack of tonics in case it's needed. You look down at your hands and whip, still just lost in the shock and adrenaline of what you'd just done. You stumble as a heavy pat hits your back.]

"Holy crab! Where have you been hiding that one, Vay?!"

"I... I have no idea... Is... Is she okay?" [You look back over to her, Flare and the Housemaiden are helping her up to a sitting position. She looks spent but otherwise awake and aware. You hesitate before walking over.] "I-I'm sorry, I didn't realize I could even do that, are you-" [You're interrupted as she raises a hand to stop you.]

"That was exactly what I asked for, thank you for assisting me with this experiment. I think we've both learned a lot from it, Vale." [She has a satisfied smile painted across her face.]

"Yes, that was... certainly an experience, thank you for helping me find myself like this, Comet." [She raises a brow at the end of your statement.] "A nickname, if you don't mind me using it..." [She shares a look with you, understanding the importance you give to these silly nicknames. She smiles and nods.]

"Of course, now go enjoy your victory, I need to rest and gather my thoughts properly." [She says with a huff, trying to play off the feelings much like you do.]

"Of course, rest well~." [You head back to Nille as you hear Flare begin shouting behind you.]

"Diiiile! I can't believe you let Vale beat you! What the crab!"

Huge thank you to @itstheval for inspiring the fight scene and coming up with Craft Skills for Vale!! His fan chapters are wonderful and the skills he came up with are so goooood!

[isatact6]

Movement 1, Scene 1 - The Plot Thickens

(...Ah.)

(You're back here, again.)

(Just as he said you would be.)

(You don't feel fatigued, or hungry... or even upset.)

(It's just... another loop to add to the count.)

(That last thing he said, though... He can't have...?)

(...No. He had to be bluffing. There's no other explanation. Nobody's THAT powerful.)

(...right?)

(It doesn't matter. Back to the stage.)

(...Mirabelle hasn't come to wake you up yet. She's usually here around this time.)

(Pay her a visit, then. This time, do it right.)

(You stand up, stretch your arms and legs, and head into Dormont.)

(As expected, Mira's on the bench.)

(...She looks... distraught. And her bonding papers are nowhere to be seen.)

(...He was just bluffing.)

(You walk up to her.)

("Morning, Mirabelle.")

"Ah-!!" (She flinches a little, startled by your voice, but relaxes quickly.) "Oh... uh... M-morning, Siffrin."

("...Everything alright? You seem... uh... Off, i guess. Sorry if-")

"Ah- no, no!! I just- uh- I had... um... I had a nightmare! Yeah, just a nightmare. Just... just a bad dream..."

(He... he had to be lying, right?)

("Do you... wanna talk about it?")

"No! No, no, it's... I'll shake it off soon, it's fine. Uh- We were gonna discuss plans over dinner in... in the clocktower."

("Sounds good to me. Want me to let everyone else know?")

"No, I can- I'll do it myself. You can still go around and chat with them, though!"

("...Okay, if you're sure.")

(Everything else goes... mostly as expected. Everyone seems awfully tense, though. Odile especially...)

(...Talk to Bonnie! You almost forgot! Loop can wait just a little longer, right?)

(Ah, there they are. You start walking up, but before you can say anything-)

"Frin...?!" (...They run up, jump at you, and hug you. They nearly knocked you over, too!)

("W-woah! Hey, Bonbon... Hi! Okay, I... sheesh... is something wrong?")

"F-frin, I had a really bad dream... Can I talk about it with you?"

(...This is new.)

("S-sure.")

"Well... you were really really mean, and- and then we went through the House without you, because apparently you went first, and then we- we fought the King after unfreezing you, and- and then we froze him somehow!- But then he- he got back up, and- and he-"

(They burst into heaving sobs.)

(...he wasn't lying)

(he wasn't lying he wasn't bluffing he really did force them to remember HE MADE THEM REMEMBER)

(No! No. Just... just calm down. Help Bonnie, first and foremost. There'll be time to panic later.)

("H-hey, Bonbon... it's... it's alright. It was just a bad dream, okay? It can't hurt you now. You'll be alright...")

(You pat them on the back, gently.)

"I... 'm sorry, 'Frin... I just... I ran up and hugged you without asking, I-"

("No, this is fine! You needed it, so... It's fine.")

"Thanks... you big dummy... 'm sorry for being such a crab to you these past few weeks..."

("Don't worry about it... Hey, Mira and the others could use some help with dinner. They're probably over at the clocktower. Why don't you go and-")

"Okay! Thanks for telling me! Byeeee!" (...And away they go. Energetic as ever.)

(...No sense putting it off anymore.)

(You make the hand sign and call Loop.)

"...Stardust?"

("Look, I'm sorry for-")

"What in the name of the blinding stars above was THAT?!"

("I- I was stressed, I thought-")

"Not that! I forgive you! Whatever! I'm talking about that part at the end!! What was the King's DEAL?!"

("...I don't know.")

"That makes both of us, then! Look- Forget the Favor tree, just go to the clocktower, talk to everyone else."

("...Okay?")

(Loop hangs up.)

(You head to the clocktower.)

(At the door, you faintly hear Odile.)

"I have reason to believe it might have been more than just a dream..."

(...Well. Time to rip the bandage off.)

(You open the door.)

(Everyone is staring at you.)

"...Siffrin."

("Odile.")

"We need to talk."

(uh oh)

[looped-140-and-counting]

Mira looks thoughtful.

You notice it, sometime after Isabeau announces that the two of you were bonded and everyone congratulated you two. Mirabelle had asked about earrings, to which you'd had to explain that you exchanged cloaks instead, and then of course Odile had to be informed on what "bonding earrings" are because she'd never been told in the first place.

It was all a little hectic and embarrassing - everyone had insisted on having a feast to celebrate. Bonnie had made a lot of food, even while calling you and Isabeau gross.

Anyway, now Mira looks like she's been thinking about something. Rather deeply, too. It's been kind of hard to get her attention recently, and you're getting a little concerned.

It's not about the papers again, is it?

You know that you messed up last time, but... But if she's worried about dating and romance again, then. Then maybe you can at least hear her out?

You hate the thought of her worrying about this all by herself.

Then again, last time you tried... It didn't go well.

Maybe you should get someone else to help out. Like Isabeau? He loves romance, and he's super thoughtful! But at the same time, since Mira doesn't want romance for herself, he might not be able to sympathize.

Then maybe Odile...? She always says she's not good at feelings talks, but she's very logical. Maybe that's what Mira needs?

...No, you don't think either is a good fit. And Bonnie's out of the question, of course. Bonnie thinks all romance is gross, and would probably deem this as 'adult talk.'

Oh well. If talking to Mirabelle goes poorly, you can always loop - oh, no, you can't.

...You can always apologize.

You make your way to where Mirabelle's wandered off, silently vowing to keep your mouth shut as much as possible. Absolutely no spoilers, and no blinding comments.

She perks up when she sees you. There are no papers in sight.

"Hi Siffrin!" she says, smiling brightly. "Coming by to hang out?"

You hesitate. Where's the papers? Cautiously, you say, "A little. I was... worried?"

"Huh? Worried about what?"

"You just seemed sort of distracted lately," you say, plopping down beside her. "Anything I can help with?" There, that's familiar territory. You're good at helping! Usually.

"Oh!" She raises a hand to her mouth, brows furrowing. "...Ooh, was I that obvious?"

You don't nod, because that feels mean, but she probably sees it on your face. She groans.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to... I was just thinking, that's all!" Mirabelle pauses for a moment, her teeth worrying at her lip. "Um, can I ask you something? About your cloak?"

You feel hollow.

Hesitant, you say, "If I remember!"

"It's nothing bad, I just-! Well, um, you've offered all of us your cloak before, haven't you?" she says, quickly. "During our journey, right?"

Well... yeah. You did. Before you realized none of them wanted anything to do with your cloak.

You shrink into the collar of your cloak - thank the stars that Isabeau sewed one on - and try not to look too embarrassed. "I did," you mumble, hoping desperately that she's not somehow still mad about it.

Mirabelle looks... uneasy?

Then she says, "Does that mean we all unknowingly rejected you before?"

And you nearly nod before you - you realize that something about her tone sounds wrong. She sounds devastated?

"I can't believe you had a crush on Odile," she adds, and.

Oh! No! No no no!

You shake your head furiously. "It's not like that!" you yelp. "It was different! It was a gesture, not a proposal!

Mirabelle blinks. "Ah - a what?"

Oh stars. Oh STARS.

You lurch to your feet, remembering that Mirabelle doesn't want romance. But - Mirabelle thought you had confessed to her. You're so blinding stupid!

"It's like - it's like hugs!" you say, scrambling to explain. "Um, like when you and Isa and Bonbon hug! It's not, it's not a proposal, not in that context! There's a right way to propose, there's a ceremony and everything, you have to make your intentions clear or otherwise nothing happens, you know?"

Mira's eyes are wide. "Oh," she says, blinking rapidly. "Oh, so - huh! So it's, um, something you can do with friends too?"

You nod quickly.

You tell her, "It's kind of a way to comfort each other, or to just... hold each other? Like if, uh, if you handed me your cloak, then I'd know you're offering it to me for a little while, and then it'd be like I'm carrying around a piece of you!"

"Oh!" Mirabelle considers this for a bit. The tensions leaks from her shoulders as she smiles at you. "So cloaks are important in your culture?"

Relief floods you. She gets it now, you think, which means she's not offended anymore. "Yeah, of course," you tell her, grinning. "Without them..."

Something halts your tongue. Isn't this supposed to be a secret?

But this is Mira! You trust her.

So you continue, "We wouldn't be able to shift, right?"

[islandnorthofvaugarde]

I have had scattered thoughts about an isat gem au myself!! Mostly about fusions because I love fusion lol

I think the first time Siffrin fuses with a party member, it is an accident in the heat of a battle. Siffrin and someone else (Mira?) rush in at the same time with the same goal of striking a sadness and fuse. They don't realize their fused while they attack and finish off the sadness. Then there is a few seconds of confusion ("Huh why am I- are you so high up? Wait why do you- I look different? Where's Siffr--ira? !!!!!!!!!!") they unfuse quickly.

I wonder if the rest of the party think Siffrin dislikes fusion the way they believe he dislikes touch? I don't have much elaboration on that one honestly.

Sometimes I think and Isabeau and Siffrin's fusion. I like thinking about them as a fusion seeing the stars and getting a rush of feelings from Siffrin that has them lay down to look up at them. Isabeau finds the memory of that feeling he has fused with Siffrin precious. In that moment he could understand Siffrin's feelings about the stars perfectly. It's hard to do it when separated. Like somethings... blocking it from him? Also I like thinking that as a fusion with someone unfamiliar with the Universe beliefs, Siffrin can see the stars better. Some odd combination of not thinking about the stars and knowing things about the stars combines in a way that makes them much clearer.

I also like thinking that when the Isafrin fusion is stable enough, when he is their own person separate from Isabeau and Siffrin, he knows that Isa and Sif love each other even if Isa and Sif don't quite know. They can feel their love in how they are. It's comfortable.

Also! Thinking about how negative traits can boost each other in a fusion is fun! Isabeau and Siffrin's insecurities feeding each other when their mood is really low. Usually they unfuse if it gets that bad. The love they feel for the other creates a conflict to it that makes the fusion unstable. But they don't unfuse immediately <3

Mirabelle and Siffrin's anxiety boosting each other to the point they get Here Comes A Thought style hallucinations of their fears. Also I like the idea of them talking about it unfused! Feelings Buddies! Actually I also like Isabeau trying to talk with Siffrin about the Insecurity Spiral that led to them unfusing as well but Siffrin doesn't want to talk about it. Eventually they have to though.

I can't think of any other thoughts off the top of my head. Also my thoughts were very vague on "what gems are they is this au more isat or su" etc so not all of them may fit with your au. I wanted to share them anyway though!

SHAKES HANDS WITH YOU. YESSSS FELLOW FUSION ENJOYER

yes yes i do agree with sif fusing with mira first (and reading this has given me an idea for a comic for when i finish refs proper. teehee) and specially because neither of them would be aqquainted with fusion (i'd think that isa has proably done it in work before like same gem fusions in the og show. and odile surely has fused with someone at some point in her life considwring she's the oldest. bonnie would be the only one to not considering they're fully human) so both sure would have an experience!!

also about the touch thing. maybe it's not equal but related to it?? like everyone thinks sif doesn't like being touched and assume that he has a similar case with fusing. but he has fused before at that point so maaaybe they think he only thinks of fusion as a "last ditch effort on a fight" thing and don't think they'd like to fuse just to hang out. maybe the rest of the team does fuse sometimes outside of fighting or whenever they need a fusion only skill to do somwthing but never ask siffrin to join,, he has noticed but doesn't say anything really

and to the sif and isa fusion. yessssssssssss. it would probably happen after the loops but a close call would have been in isa's friend quest before everyone elsw arrived. i think them doing it after the loops would be better so siffrin doesn't feel obligated to do it every single friend quest run. personality wise i think the fusion conciousness would be kinda like bismuth mixed with garnet mayhaps..

and the butterflies!! boy do we love the butterflies. considering human/gem hybrids are thecnically fusions as seen in canon i DO think siffrin would see butterflies by himswlf. but it would sure become harder when fused with mira and if both are not feeling well™. AND THE FEELINGS BUDDIES IDEA YESSSS

^^ as a last thing here's a mspaint sketch of the mira and sif fusion (not a definitive design yet waugh). i think they'd be dark orange tourmaline :]

[vulpixisananimal]

(The plan was simple.)

(You're currently sitting at a table in the small yard outside where you were staying. Carving away, seemingly without a care in the world. Just out of the way so that anyone coming to the front door through the yard wouldn't see you at first. Isabeau was just inside, Mirabelle right behind him. Madame Odile was at one of the windows, Nille and Bonnie were staying back, not wanting to put Bonbon in danger.)

(All the actors were in place, they had their stage direction, and you had yours. You were the star of the show, and you even had a speech ready for the big bad antagonist who was to show up soon.)

(You listened to the surrounding sounds. Some people walking past, chatting, gossip, you heard birds and insects. The hustle and bustle of Jouvente. You hear the unmistakable sound of the gate to the yard being pulled open.)

(You breathe in and out. Lights. . Curtains. . .)

(You held your breath as you saw your adversary walk right past you. They seemed, nervous. They paused at the front door. Rubbing their side and taking a few breaths. You wait, and speak up as they're about to knock on the door.)

"Ramos?"

(Ramos jumps, and turns around.) "Y-yes? Sorry do, do I know you?"

(You smile.) "Nope! But I know you! You're looking for Isabeau right?"

"Y-yeah! Yeah I am! We're old friends, do you know if he's in?"

(You shake your head.) "Not right now, everyone's gone out on their own errands. I'm holding down the fort until they're back."

"Everyone else-? Ooooh!!" (Ramos smiles and walks towards you. Hmm. They look genuinely excited.) "Wait, are you one of the saviors who helped stop The King?"

"Mmhm" (You twirl your knife.) "Siffrin your trusty traveling rogue at your service~"

(Rogue? Really? We are good with traps, but why rogue?)

(I read it in The Cursing of Château Castle, 4th issue, seemed like a fun title to have~)

"Haha! Well, I'm Ramos, but you already seem to know that." (They hold out a hand.)

(You wave back instead of shaking hands.) "Good to meet you finally, and sorry, I'm not good with touch."

"Ah that's alright!" (Ramos puts his hand down. Looking at their face, did they seem suspicious? Hmm, not likely. They take a seat.) "So, how do you know me?"

"Isabeau talked about you." (You talked so casually, expertly carving away with your knife.) "Quite a bit actually."

"Wh-" (Hmm? Ramos looked genuinely shocked. Their eyes were wide open in attention.) "I-I, what'd he- what'd he say?"

"That you two were friends. Helped each other with the Defenders exams." (That was the lie wasn't it? The one Ramos was spreading? Maybe they were surprised you already knew it.)

"I-. . ." (Ramos blinked, then looked away. They looked, ashamed? Confused?) ". . . He, really remembered me? Mentioned me?"

(You nod in response.)

"That's. . ." (They didn't look you in the eye. They were rubbing their shoulder and sinking into their seat.) "That's, not really true, haha."

(You stop carving.) "Oh?"

(They continue.) "Isabeau he. . . Well. . . I always looked up to him. We were friends, sure, but I was always trying my best to be just as strong as him. Brave as him. Really, he was the one helping me with exams."

(What in the stars. . .)

"I felt like an idiot when I didn't go with him in saving the world. 'That's what a true Defender is' was what I thought. I would have done anything to be as strong. . ."

(Now, cue the dramatic lighting.)

"And so you wished that everyone would see you as his equal." (You say, starting to carve again.)

(Ramos glanced at you.) "H-huh? What do you-"

(You slice off a chunk of wood, it makes a loud sound.) "You made a wish to be just like Isabeau. Strong, brave, loved by everyone."

"I, I don't know what you're-"

"And what you got in return is a new little craft trick." (You emphasize by slicing off another piece of wood.) "Mind craft. Correct?"

(You look up into Ramos' eyes finally. They look terrified.) "H-how, how did you. How do you know."

"I have my ways." (You pause for dramatic effect.) "You touch someone and you change their memories. And You're doing that so everyone thinks You're the best~"

(You could see Ramos starting to sweat. To shake. Clearly, they had no plan to be confronted like this. Why would they? They get to change the script in the middle of the play. Too bad for them, you already had the whole thing memorized.)

"I. . . M-maybe. . ."

"There's no maybe about it." (You say harshly. Another chunk of wood gone.) "You wanted to be the best. Was that your plan yesterday, too? Kidnap Bonnie then show up like you found them yourself? Like you're the hero?"

"Now hold on!" (Ramos stood up.) "I, I-I may have messed around with mind craft but I didn't try to kidnap anyone!"

(You look up at them wearing a bored expression.) "Uh-huh, and so it was some other stranger with a wishing star pendant?"

"Some-" (They pause. Putting a hand up to feel around their neck, and then fiddle with the bandage they had.) "Y-you're just trying to get at me!"

(A strange reaction. Continue provoking them.)

"This isn't a joke Ramos." (You stare daggers into them.) "You tried kidnapping Bonnie. And wanted to change my friends memories. That means we're enemies."

"I didn't- look! I promise I didn't try and kidnap Bonnie, whoever that is." (They're getting desperate.) "Just, just, I can, I can make this right, alright? I'm not even doing anything bad! Right?"

"If You're trying to make yourself be a big strong hero You're doing a terrible job~"

"S-shove it! Go eat a crab! I-It doesn't matter if you know about any of this I just! I-I just need to change your memory a-and then, and then-" (They take a step towards you.)

(You stab your knife through the table. It forms a large, visible crack. Ramos stops in their tracks.)

"I'm not stupid like some people are~" (You wave a hand.) "Come on out."

(There's a click from the front door. Isabeau is standing there, Mirabelle beside him. The rest of the party was gathering behind them. Ramos turned to look.)

(Isabeau's face. . . He looked so pained. No, pained and scared. Scared. Mirabelle was ready to fight. Odile, Nille, Bonnie, all of them looked disappointed. You've seen that look before.)

(Slashing, beating, ripping and tearing away at sadness. That wasn't you, pre-se. But it was a memory you had access to, a Memory of Sadness. You already knew what must be going through Ramos' mind.)

("They're afraid of you")

"I-isa--"

"Why." (Isabeau cut them off.) "Ramos you, you didn't need to. . ."

(They didn't respond. They're shaking.)

(Mirabelle stepped forward.) "Why would you do something like that!? Change someone's memories just so they like you? I know it's hard to, well, fit in sometimes, but doing that's just wrong!"

(They stumble back. Covering their face with their hands.)

(. . . They're starting to cry.)

(You are very good at scaring people.)

(Thank you~ it's all in the eye. All I had to do was act like Stardust did at the last loop. You stand up.)

"You can't just wish your problems away, Ramos." (You walk over to them, now for the great redemption.) "You can just talk to him, y'know. Explain everything and-"

"Siffrin!!!" (Odile's voice, she had shoved past the others and had an outstretched hand. A moment later a wave of force, creative craft, blasted you away from Ramos!)

"M'dame!" (You shake your head and where about to curse out your researcher when you noticed it.)

(Tears. Big, thick tears that dripped like molasses.)

"Gems alive. . ."

"Wh, what is. . ."

"Ramos!?!"

"Look out, everyone!"

[auncyen]

You wake up. You're in the meadow.

You don't get up.

You still don't know why this is happening, but it's better you looped back again.

You're not going to manipulate Isa any more. You've learned. You realized how disgusting it was that you kept trying to arrange everything again and again and again just so for him to say he...

You're so selfish. You could make it easy for him by saying it first. But you won't, because you don't know for sure that's how you feel. So saying it would be manipulative, too. But you still want him to say it, to tell you someone cares about you. Selfish. Disgusting.

He has told you someone cares about you, you remember. His strong hands lifting the edge of your cloak's fabric to feel and examine it, telling you about backstitching. Not stylish but comfortable and durable. It's grown with you. Someone wanted you to be warm and protected from the elements for a long time.

Someone cared about you, and you've forgotten them. So you didn't really care about them, did you? You probably manipulated them, too. Selfish. Disgusting--

No, no, it's not your fault you forgot them! Everyone knows your memory's terrible. You can't remember words for everyday things. You forgot Loop told you you're allergic to pineapples. You forgot to press the switch in the hall with the falling rocks. You're stupid, not cruel. Can't even do your job right.

But you can manipulate people. You did manipulate Isa.

Your cloak has always been so comfortable for you. Smooth, durable fabric, temperature regulating. Your skin is itching and burning beneath it now, even as you grab fistfuls of soft fabric in a bid for reassurance. They loved you, whoever it was they loved you, you can't be that bad

You forgot them, you're disgusting, you don't deserve the gift they gave you but you can't take it off, you need it, you need that comfort, just like you needed Isa to say it to love you but you don't deserve that you're disgusting disgusting pathetic and disgusting and he's going to realize it because you're still messing things up! Dozens of loops and you can't do your blinding job right!

Your skin is still itching, and you can't bear to take your cloak off even if you shouldn't have it, and your hands are shaking so you let go of the fabric and grip your arms instead, hard enough to bruise.

"--frin! Siffrin!"

No no no no no why did you let yourself get distracted you know how these loops start THEY ALWAYS START THE SAME WAY act normal

You stand up and try to remember how your face should look.