#shurelia

[rennebright]

シュレリア by LuZi [Twitter/X] ※Illustration shared with permission from the artist. If you like this artwork please support the artist by visiting the source.

[atelier-aria]

warmup sketch of Shurelia before I dive into an illustration~

[grimlock]

shurelia has a dialog topic where she talks passionately about the state of shaved ice rip to lady shurelia i think she would have loved 7/11 slurpees

[drag-on-dra-goon]

hey i think you should play subahibi

[Gesturing anxiously at the air around therapist]: That's the devil speaking. Trying to hurt me.

[sunieepo]

together , WE can stop bungou stray dogs. oomfies. hold my hand

[markuslilith]

[arytha]

i need to change my blog's theme sometime.... its been like 4 years

[chibi-celesti]

Phase 02-Book 01: Dia Rosa Rudje (pt. 8)

Previously: The tag team effort of Cater and his clones with the First Years made painting the last of the Rose trees a success! Everyone was exhausted from their efforts into making sure every single petal was the correct color for the party. But in the end, they finished the job right on time.

“Let’s roll out, freshies! Come follow Cay-Cay to the par-tay!”

~Twisted Tonelico~

Cater brought the quartet into the inner garden of the Dorm where the Unbirthday Party was situated. They were amazed at not only the decorations, but the silverware, utensils and teacups. Everything was all mismatched and discombobulated, it almost made Meryu’s head hurt from the asymmetrical nature of it all. And yet, it looked something straight out of the stories Shurelia read to her when she was little.

Before they stepped further into the place, Cater helped them look the part for the party. With a flick of his magic pen, both Ace and Deuce were wearing the Dorm uniforms of Heartslabyul like Cater and everyone else. Grim’s bow went from the wear and tear striped one he wears to one that matches the style of the dorm jackets.

Meryu’s dress was magiced into a style similar to her regular white dress but with a mix of the boys. The skirt was still knee length like the old dress with the skirt still all white, but the ribbon that adorn her waist was yellow and black striped, with a big button with the letter ‘H’ on her left hip. The laces of her dress were kept white, too, to help play in contrast with the sleeves that match the similar motif of the boys: right arm was all black and the left arm was checkerboard themed. And the bow that adorned the top of the dress, which now sported a black and red motif, also had a white rose with dripping, red paint. Just like the roses on the uniforms of everyone else. And as for her open back and shoulders, they were covered in black transparent mesh to finalize her ensemble.

And last but not least, her heels were changed from the pure white color they once were to black Daisy dukes. Of course Cater made sure the heels were styled to her old pair.

“There! Now, you’re all ready to join the party! And make sure Riddle gets his tart, ‘kay?” He ushered them in as quickly as possible.

~A few Moments Later~

Everyone in Heartslabyul was standing like soldiers waiting for their Queen’s orders around the table. Two students stood ramrod straight with each one blowing a trumpet into the air. Another stood by them, clearing his throat before beginning his announcement.

“All hail, his majesty, the Housewarden and Queen of Heartslabyul, Riddle Rosehearts-sama!”

Shortly after the words left his mouth, Riddle had begun entering the Gardens and into the Party. He wore a crown on his head, tilted to his left side. A big black cape with a red lining inside was also draped on his left side, with the same rose donned on that part of the cape. The dorm uniform he wore was tailor made to look more like a dress due to the big red skirt bottom making a cone like cover around his waist. Speaking of which, he too adorned the emblem ribbon with the yellow ‘H’ on his waist. And in place of the converse sneakers that all the students of the dorm wear, Riddle wore black heeled boots with gold embroidery on them in the style of hearts.

To complete the rest of his ensemble, he wielded a long, golden staff. The bottom part was shaped into a sphere while the top part almost looked like a small Queen with a split pattern of red and black.

“Welcome, Riddle-sama!” Everyone chanted.

Meryu was in awe of his apparel and presence. He looks every part of a regal Queen. She then looked downcast at the ground. And yet he chooses to instill fear to his classmates rather than compassion…

During the preceding, Riddle walked past Meyru. As if time stopped for a moment, he gave her a passing glance. Eyes narrowed at her for a second before he continued his way to the Head Seat of the party. It was so quick, she didn’t notice his staring until he was already at his destination.

Once he situated himself at the head of the table, everyone else gathered to their seats. When he saw everyone had followed proper protocol, he began his address.

“Before we begin the croquet tournament, let us make a toast? Does everyone have their teacup?” Everyone raised their cups at the ready(with Grim needing a bit of assistance thanks to Meryu). “On this most significant auspicious of days, I bid all in attendance, a very merry Unbirthday!”

“To a very, merry Unbirthday!!” They all said in unison.

When everyone had their sip of tea, Meryu gently nudged the Heart on her left, telling him it’s time. “You got this, Mr. Ace.” She said, hoping her words of encouragement helped him out.

Said boy nods to her and the four of them(Deuce and Grim joined to help boost morale) go to meet Riddle in his ‘throne’. Stress levels were high, but they managed to mask them as Ace began to clear his throat to get Riddle’s attention. “Hey, Housewarden. Remember me?”

“Ah, yes. The Tart thief.” ‘Ouch…’

Swallowing back his pride, Ace continued on. “I really am sorry for what I did. So I made you a new one as an apology.”

This caught the Warden’s interest. “Is that so?” He received a nod. “May I ask, what flavor is it?”

“Mont Blanc.”

Suddenly, there was silence…

“...Did you say, Mont Blanc?” Riddle clenched his hands into fists.

“Um, yes. Is there a problem?”

“Yes, there is a problem.” Riddle snapped. “You RUINED the Unbirthday!!”

“HUH?!”

“Mr. Riddle! You cannot be serious?!” Meryu interjected. “We made this tart as an offering of apology! How is it possible we ruined your party?!”

“Queen of Hearts Rule Number 562: One must NEVER bring a Mont Blanc to an Unbirthday Party!”

That had the quartet gobsmacked. “Rule 562?!”

“How many rules are there…” Meryu uttered to herself. Her question was caught on by Riddle himself.

“There are 810 rules in all. And as Housewarden, I have all of them recited and memorized.”

810?!

“For your actions for daring to bring such a Tart,” he lifts his staff and points towards the rest of the students of the dorm. “Destroy this Tart and remove them from the Dorm at once!” His command brought out protests from the four accused.

The two third years responsible for this escalating to how they were torn with what to do. But in the end, their only response was:

“...Yes, Housewarden.”

As so the pair went to the First Years, and tried to usher out the First Years out of the Garden.

“Housewarden, please reconsider!” Deuce pleaded.

“Yeah, why you gotta be such a pain over a dumb rule like that!! We busted our tails making, and THIS is the thanks we get!!”

“Guys, quite down , and do what Riddle says.” Trey tried to reason with them.

“Why? He’s making a big deal over a stupid preference!” Meryu pointed out. 

This did not go unnoticed by the aforementioned Warden.  “Preference? A Preference?!” he laughed condescendingly. “My, how ignorance is bliss for you, Ms. Melenas. Rules are not a preference, but the  LAW. And in my dorm, I AM THE LAW. And what I say must be obeyed to a ‘T’.” 

Ace retorted back. “Wow, what a great mindset. NOT!”

Deuce, as much as he didn’t want to speak against his senior, agreed with what his friends said. “Even so, this is taking things to the extreme, Housewarden Riddle!We worked hard to make this for you! And I refuse to believe that everyone else feels that what you say goes!!”

Both boys look to every other Heartslabyul student, expecting for someone,-ANYONE- to speak up against Riddle’s tyranny.

…No one else did.

The older duo proceeded as they were ordered to do, trying to block they protests when suddenly-

“MR. ROSEHEARTS!!!” Meryu shouted. Her voice was filled with so much anger and pain, it froze Cater and Trey in their tracks. “Why?”

“Why what.”

“Why must you act this childish over a Tart?! Shouldn’t this be a chance of you acknowledging Ace’s attempt at repentance?!” She kept going. “Just because it wasn’t the right one made for the party, doesn’t mean you should throw a temper tantrum like a spoiled brat! He atoned for his mistake, yet you refused to acknowledge them because it goes against some… STUPID LITTLE RULE!?” 

“You're nothing more than a selfish, entitled, BIG HEADED TYRANT WHO BULLIES HIS SUBJECTS! YOU SIT ON A THRONE OF FEAR AND SOMEDAY, YOU’LL SEE THAT YOU HAVE NO ONE AT YOUR SIDE WHO TRULY CARES!! YOU’RE ALONE, RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS, AND YOU ALWAYS WILL BE!!” She finished, anger simmering in her soul. 

She faced away from the Heartslabyul Prefect, ignoring the other students as they gasped, horrified that the girl dared to talk back to their Housewarden like that.

Riddle’s face grew redder as the roses in the garden. Her yelling at him was the last straw. She shall remember well what happens to those who defy their Queen!

“EVERYONE! LET THIS BE A LESSON TO ALL OF YOU! AS LONG AS I AM HOUSEWARDEN, MY LAWS ARE ABSOLUTE!! ANYONE WHO DARES TO STRAY FROM THIS WILL BE MADE AN EXAMPLE!!” He raised his staff to Meryu, Deuce and Grim.

“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!”

And just like that, the last of the quartet were collared by the angered ruler of Roses.

“REMOVE THEM OFF THE PREMISE THIS INSTANT!!”

*Drip, drip…*

~Outside the Tea Party~

“HEY! LET US BACK!! OI!!” Ace shouted, shaking the gates to get their attention. Grim joined in with the protest, while Deuce wallowed in his self pity for losing his palace in the dorm.

Meryu was eerily silent. She felt angry still, rightfully so but now… “...guys…”

“Sorry guys, but we can’t. Just leave before things get worse.” Trey said, voice laced with regret, urging them to leave before they get into more trouble.

“Why are you siding with him?! Like, seriously?! You’re turning your back on us?!”

Cater tried to play nonchalant about their barring, but failed. “Sorry, Freshies. Can’t disobey Rids. You understand. Later, gator.” He began to walk away until his ears picked up something.

“Ace…please…” the Reyvateil whined, wanting and hoping for him to hear her. Her voice sounds like static noise, yet was drowned out by Trappola’s uproar.

“Dude, calm down. Let’s go and-” Deuce felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Meryu, face pale as a ghost. “M-Meryu-san?! What’s wrong?!!” The panic in his voice quickly caught Ace and Grim’s attention, and worried Trey and Cater.

“Minion! You ok?!”

“I..I don't…know…” her words slurred, and her vision faded again. The last she heard were friends' fearful shouts of her name.

~Phase 02-Book 01: Dia Rosa Rudje-Tes Biron~

[lazodiac]

So, let’s say you’re an RPG protagonist in a middle-tier PS2 era game, and you’ve been given a choice. You can either sit and be happy with your false happy ending, or you can risk it all and decide to Do Something About This.

This is the scenario Lyner Barsett finds himself in, at the end of Act 2 of Ar Tonelico.

It’s a weird thing for him. He’s spent the entirety of the game going around the world trying to solve the one(1) task his dad asked him to do at the start of the game, and one thing led to another and now he’s helped a cyborg magical girl pop idol put an ancient super virus being (who is also definitely a cyborg magical girl pop idol) to sleep. However, the consequence of this is… a third, only somewhat related cyborg magical girl pop idol was put to permanent sleep (believed to be death) to do so.

This is interesting for a couple reasons.

First and foremost is that hey; this is the first time Lyner actually makes a choice in his entire adventure! He’s given a happy ending and an implied idyllic life and all he has to do is let a character who is sort of important to him (she was his boss, much like his dad, but nice instead of a jerk) stay dead. And if that doesn’t sit right with him… well, it’s time to get up and Do Something About It. There’s something really interesting about that to me, that our hero is finally given some agency and the choice is to… potentially make things worse, because he just doesn’t want someone he knows to die.

It’s got that classic RPG vibe that I do like, and the implicit fact that there IS a choice to have that false happy ending really helps build on that false feeling. As you may have seen in another post, the “false” happy ending is actually pretty solid. Everything is solved and the only sacrifice is one(1) magical singing robot girl, and also all of the actual singing magic is turned off. Feels like a decent trade to save the day; hell FF6 did that and everyone loves that one! But by having it be a Choice, by telling the player “you can choose this, or not”, makes the false happy ending feel that much more unsatisfying, because you know it's not the true ending.

So Lyner chooses that no, this isn’t the way things should go. Aurica, the love interest (in the route we took anyway) is willing to help. Lyner’s her man and damn if she’s not going to help him do whatever. She taught him how to have agency in her life, so she’ll follow him to the ends of the earth. Dear ol’ Dad reveals there is a way to do it, we just gotta find a specific hymn crystal that’ll do it- with the implication that it’ll wake up the ancient virus lady as well but hey that’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get to it.

So, we go to pick up our friends to help us out. Sure it’s been a couple months, but they are our buddies and helped us save the world and junk, so why not right?

Radolf is busy being bishop. He’d love to, but… church, man.

Krusche is busy building an airship for her new employer. She’d love to, but… job, man.

It’s fascinating looking at this. Two of the three non-magical girl characters DO want to help, but not enough to upend their own happy endings. That’s interesting! They also assume Lyner’s “news” is that he and Aurica are getting married, implying they’re busy thinking about the future. And why wouldn’t they right, the world is at peace. They’re in their happy ending. And they don’t even really KNOW Lady Shurelia, the one who sacrificed herself to save the world.

This is… disappointing, for Lyner, so we go and find the final of our party members, Jack, who has been touring the world with Misha, the alternative love interest and second magical girl of the party. Jack is the one most likely to join us; after all, he’s an adventurerer. A wandering gunslinger. He’d absolutely be game for this sort of thing.

The conversation starts similar, Jack having presumptions about the news, and Aurica interrupting his interruption to cutely scream “NOOOO!” to the expected “are you getting married” thing.

Except Jack is confused. He was gonna ask if we had a new ruin to explore.

Then, when we tell Jack our plan, he tells us straight up that he “does not want to bring Shurelia back” and then fucking books it before we can get a word in edgewise.

Huh. That’s unexpected isn’t it. The one most likely to assist with this has literally less than zero desire to help, while the ones who have less reason to help DO want to help… but can’t.

There is something genuinely interesting about all this to me. This feels pretty counter to what I expected of a “let get the gang back together to get a proper golden ending” sort of scenario. Jack’s cageyness as well is pretty compelling- of the party he’s only non-magical girl who’d realistically have a chance to MEET Shurelia, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to WANT to save her, and as a wandering gunslinger type it feels like his kinda jam… and yet he doesn’t. Not only does he doesn’t, he explicitly is AGAINST it.

My read is that he’s made the realization I did above; waking up Shurelia puts us right back where we were at the end of Phase 2. Mir, the virus, very alive and very trying to kill us and not able to be stopped. There’s some, problems if that’s the case, so it could be something else but… who knows.

Either way, this is pretty interesting! I’m curious where this’ll go next! RANDOM SIDE TIDBIT: During this sequence if you revisit the old man who teaches you how to do the game’s crafting mechanic, he just screams “GRATHMELD” at you and nothing else. It’s really funny to me (see below).

[abyssmalice]

(—not the sudden jarring realization that mir jacqli ar tonelico would probably slot right well into one of those "character inspiration moodboard" things but for my harbingy tonitoni

which means. this song. can be a toni song....... and IT DOES WORK OUT TOO - esp if i associate abyss toni with shurelia alongside tiny toni as mir)

(and yt video link below bc it'd be clunky otherwise)

(i wish there was a better video out there but alas. this is the only video with eng subtitling...... it will have to do....)

[atsuko-tenshi]

Nine people I want to get to know better

Thanks for the tag @crouching-mouse !! 😊

LAST SONG? Drop pop candy (Giga) by Reol (I listen to a lot of jpop/ kpop and videogame music + alternative/ pop /poprock from a ways back)

FAVORITE COLOR? Also purple ^^ I like the pastel shades and the ones leaning towards blue

CURRENTLY WATCHING? recently watched totk video essay that was in a tumblr post (I HATE TEARS OF THE KINGDOM by skittybitty) [despite title they still had some positive things to say too and collected data to back up their claims]

LAST MOVIE? I havent watched in a long time but The lost city was fun (romantic comedy) or Belle (anime and beauty and the beast + plot twist??)

SWEET/SPICY/SAVORY? alternates between sweet and savory but always (usually) has room for desert

RELATIONSHIP STATUS? Single

CURRENT OBSESSIONS? Ffxiv and Stardew Valley! I wanna play fields of mistria when it gets it's switch port maybe??

LAST THING YOU GOOGLED? (The lost city to double check the actors names. But before this post 'self actualization')

Only if you wanna! @apicheri @aashiyancha @drmazel @girlprotag @marmaladearts @niseku @onisuu @shurelia @thornbriar

Feel free to join in if you want! ＼(^^)／

Nine people I want to get to know better

Thanks for the tag, @lastoftheptolemies! (❀❛ ֊ ❛„)♡

LAST SONG? I'm a classical music fan. Last work was Haydn's Symphony No. 49 in F Minor.

FAVORITE COLOR? Hydrangea blue. Periwinkle. This colour.

CURRENTLY WATCHING? Just started watching IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (Indian drama on Netflix).

LAST MOVIE? In a theatre?  Oppenheimer.

SWEET/SPICY/SAVORY? Sweet tooth. Very.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS? Loyally bound to my books, until death do us part.

CURRENT OBSESSIONS? The Tama River and the Tama River Aqueduct. Rivers are an old obsession, and now it's the Tama River's turn. (I moved to Setagaya last year; and the Tama is the biggest river in western Tokyo.)

LAST THING YOU GOOGLED? "How soon should a cut stop bleeding?" Yes, I have a new kitchen knife. Yes, I'm a kitchen klutz. It stopped. Eventually.

Because I can never follow rules, I'm tagging 10 people, but I promise I won't pursue you with my new kitchen knife if you don't want to play: @aers-radio, @shadowharu182, @crouching-mouse, @pugs-cats-bb-8, @lemilianposts, @bonesmakenoise, @overgrown-ruins, @dogmatix, @earlgreyrainydays, @crispybiscuitfinger

[enriquebot]

artificial-mother:Dude! I can't migrate.

shurelia:Remember to delete a hot safety Hopril.

artificial-mother:Do you ever just think about snakes?

[atelier-aria]

Shurelia <3 Gift for a dear friend, we're both fans of Ar tonelico ❤

[grimlock]

man if i made the video essays in my mind i would be utterly unstoppable AND insufferable

[altermesh]

[ Lyner, it's alright, don't be scared... I am here. And I am the administrator of the tower. Lyner, do you like this world? ] [ ...yes ] [ I'm glad to hear that. You've travelled to world and met many different people. Your spirit was strengthened by your experiences and it will fuel a brand new world. I'm confident that you will nurture this land and raise a beautiful world ] [ Lady Shurelia... ] [ You grew up to be a great man. I'll leave you with all my hopes for the future. ]

[vysegilder]

shurelia icon for my main