Part 16: Chapter 3 (Part 1): Ellie, Narika, Chloe

~Bonding Focus: Chapter 3 (Part 1): Ellie, Narika, Chloe~

We've caught up with Torri, but that's as far as we're going with her route for now. You'll get the chance to decide on her as Focus Heroine at the end of the next chapter, after Feene has completed the group.

In the mean time, we should stay on top of the three routes we are currently focusing on. These are a bit lighter than the others, so I should be able to fit them all into one post. Then we can get back to the story for a little bit.


-Ritual Hall-

To start with, we need to trigger another Classmating Scene.



I'll always be happy to perform the ritual with you.

Oh... I guess saying things like that is a bit uncouth. The ritual is sacred business. I should be more respectful.

Well, at least you're having fun with it.

There's no way I could hate this! I'm going to think about how you saved me in the past while we do the ritual today... I'd like it if that helped, too...

If you think it will help. Not really sure how things work from your guys perspective.

W-Well, then, let's do this!

*Then classmating happens. No new classes to show off yet*

*gasp* *gasp*

Um... Did we create a strong Star Child?

It's fine Ellie, don't be so worried.

I'm glad to hear that. It's probably because you remembered who I am...



That is how all of this works.

Wake... Thank you so much for remembering me... I'll continue to do my best during the rituals.

The Classmating Scenes aren't as involved this time around. Not much I can really add to them. Also, anything Ellie related is just really hard to write for.

So let's do more!


-School Gate-



I have to hurry home and fix the leak in the roof!

Hey, Ellie. On your way home?

Oh, yes. I have to fix a leak in my roof before it starts raining.

*sigh* I wonder why that apartment's so shabby...

Wait, you live in an apartment?

That's right. Gracia is renting it to make it easier for me to do my work for the Church.

About that... aren't you supposed to be keeping that a secret?



Message received. I won't press you on it.

(I've got Zorro doing that for me...)

Anyway, do you need help fixing that leak?

Oh no, I can't trouble you!

It's fine. Just let me help out. If both of us work on it then we can get it done before it starts raining. Come on.

Ah... You're going the wrong way! It's this way!

Oh, right. Sorry.



Hey, I've got a lot going on in my life, okay?

Hm... All right. I'll accept your help.


-Apartment-

So this is where you live, huh?

I-I'm sorry it's such a dump...



This place doesn't stand out? Ellie, it's got huge decorative archways and a grand staircase lined in red carpet. This place is cool.

Y-You think?

Yeah. Now let's get to the leak so we can keep it that way. Where is it?

Aheheh... Everywhere, actually.

Excuse me?

But for now, it'll be okay if we fix the one in the bedroom. I'm the only one who lives here, after all.

You're the only one here? In this place?

(What a waste. I have to scope this place out while I have the chance. Come back once this whole Dusk Circle thing dies down, fix it up a little maybe, and flip the shit out of it.)

Um, I've already bought a tarp, so all we need to do is go put it in the attic. Let's set up the tarp there.

Can do. Where is your room?

Oh... R-Right... You'll need to go into my room.



Something wrong?

N-Not really, no...

Hmmmmm... If I refuse now, he'll suspect that I'm hiding something there... I guess it would be better to show him how it is than for him to think that...

You want to stop muttering to yourself? If there's no problem, then let's get a move on. Rain isn't going to wait.

Waaah! P-Please, wait a second! A-At least give me some time! I need to mentally prepare myself!


-Ellie's Room-

Huh, so this is where you hang out.

I-I'll go make some tea.

Nah, that can wait. We need to take care of the leak first.

R-Right... You can get up into the attic from above the bed.

Alright, I should be able to get up there. You want to grab the tarp for me?

U-Um... I'm sorry my room's like this! This is nothing like a girl's room should be...



You'd want a girl more like that... right?

I think it fits you pretty well as is, actually.

I see... So this is what you'd always thought my room would be like... I get it...

Well, yeah. You're a member of the Church. Isn't there like, a vow of perpetual poverty or something? I help out collecting money for orphans with Narika. No offence, but I'd be pretty pissed if I walked in here and found out that money was being blown so you could live in luxury.

But hey, if it bothers you that much, then why don't we go shopping sometime?

Huh? With you...?



I lived in a room like this the entire time I was at Gracia... I've never really been around things that are cute.

Good thing you didn't go with me into the Drowning Sea Labyrinth then.

Hm? Why not?

Uhh... no reason. Anyway, I'd be happy to let you experience it if that's what you want.

It'd make me happy if you helped me choose some.

Sure, although I think you might end up regretting that once I start picking stuff out.

First things first, though. Tarp time.

Yes! Thank you! Let's patch this up quickly, before it starts raining.

*Tim Allen grunt*


-Ellie's Apartment-

Thank you for helping me today. The leak in my room's been dealt with now.

We just did a quick patch job. I'll swing by another day and fix it properly.

Oh, no, I can't cause you any more trouble. I'll fix everything myself when I have the time. I'll be okay.

...Ah, that reminds me. I tried making candied Num-Num Nuts... Would you like to try one?

Oh yeah, you said you were going to try that. Sure, I could go for a snack.

I did make you a promise, after all. Wait right here. I'll go get them.

*Ellie runs off, then returns shortly after with treats*

Whew. Sorry about the wait.

Um... I don't know if these are any good, since I can't taste them. Still, I really want you to eat it, so... Um...

Hey, I said I'd try one. Let me have it.

Open your mouth, then. Your hands are all dirty from working in the attic...



Uh... Sure, I guess. Like this?

Y-Yes...

Here you go.

H-How does it taste?

It's incredibly sweet.

I'm sorry! I must've used too much sugar... I'll try making it less sweet next time!

Nah, it's fine like this. I like it. Thanks, Ellie.

Aww... I'll keep doing my best!

Everything from searching the Labyrinths to making Star Children... I want you to be able to depend on me!

That goes for you too, you know. Seriously, if you need help fixing the other leaks, let me know.



Any time is okay with me, so let's go whenever you want...

Sure thing. See you later.

Mmhmmm! Good-bye. Oh... Do you have an umbrella? It's already raining outside.

No, I didn't bring one. It'll be fine. A little rain won't hurt.

Heehee, you shouldn't worry so much about other people's leaks. My umbrella's by the door, so please take it with you. You can give it back to me whenever.

Alright, that takes care of Ellie. Wake got to play the handyman, and we got to check out the minimalist Church life that Ellie lives. Makes me wonder why they don't just have her in the Dorms though. The church is specifically stated to give out specialty assignments to Disciples from time to time. Sure, she may not be able to talk about her work, but surely Mattero would be aware of it and she would have special permission to come and go from the Dorms as she pleases.

Then again, I'm not quite sure where the Dorms and Ellie's apartment are located in relation to each other. Maybe they want the Disciples they have on assignment to stay somewhere closer to transit hubs or something. Those dorms do look a bit secluded from the city.


-Ritual Hall-

Time to start the cycle of bonding anew, this time with Narika.

So? Feeling a little more comfortable with this now?

I think so. At least a little bit.



Good to hear. I was starting to think I was being really intimidating or something.

N-Not at all. It's all in my head...

The Classmating ritual comes from the joining of two people's emotions... We need to be closer to get better at the ritual.

I'll... try not to be as nervous. I promise I'll try harder...

That's the spirit. Trying your best is all I'm asking for from you guys.

*Classmating happens. Still not showing any new classes*

*pant* Whew...

So how did it go this time?

I still tense up.



There's no need to rush it. Not sure if you've noticed, but the Star Children have been handling the Labyrinths pretty well so far.

Yes, of course.

And that's it. Let's move on to the good stuff, and by that I mean a Narika event that does not contain Sasami.


-2nd-Year Classroom

Wake...?

Hm? Oh, hey Narika. Something on your mind?



Would it be all right if you came with me around the city today?

Well, I don't mind. What brought this on?

Remember how I asked everyone in class for ideas for the Strategy Conference?

Unfortunately. One guy suggested a beauty pageant at the Field Hospital to raise morale. I'm sure a bunch of busted up and bed ridden Disciples would have loved that. Don't get me started on the one that suggested hiring professional chefs to improve the food. Not exactly a prime selection of ideas.

It seems that the classes present new plans for each Conference. I really thought it sounded like there were three rounds of debate on one plan, which would eventually be chosen to represent the school in the big Conference with the Government and everything. Oh well.

No, they weren't. I'm trying to think of a good idea myself, but...

I haven't been having any luck. So I thought a change of pace might help.

Sounds like a plan. Sometimes all you need is a change in environment.

I knew you'd agree.

What do you have in mind? Curaoke, maybe?

I didn't really want to address this whole 'Curaoke' thing, but I might have to. Characters mention it more than I thought they would. Although it's a popular activity, so I guess that would be obvious.

I'll see if I can fit it in at the end of this update. Some of the NPC's describe it.

I'm actually not very good at Curaoke.



Not exactly my forte, either, if I'm being honest.

What I was thinking of instead was taking a walk through the city. Maybe I'll find some inspiration that would spark an idea.

Works for me. I wouldn't mind taking a stroll. Let's go.


-Downtown-



There aren't many people here, either. It feels lonely...

Looks like some monster damage to the buildings.

So yeah, remember that really weird Disciple-turned-monster attack? The game is now going to pretend like monster attacks happen all the damn time, despite the fact that Ruby explicitly told us at the start of the game that Monster Nests rarely reach this island from the continent. Monsters just routinely appear in the downtown now, apparently, and AngelMarker/Government/Church is kind of lax on actually preventing it.

There's three ways to take this at the present moment. Either the game is trying to desperately justify Sasami's Peace Patrol plan, Sasami has fucking precognition, or her plan really did suck ass and isn't working at all. I mean, it sure sounded like they planned on implementing her idea, but if they did then shouldn't the monster attacks be under better control? I refuse to believe that this has been on ongoing thing that we just didn't find out about until now. If this was already happening, then why hasn't any one of the three fucking authority groups on the island done anything about it? This is Fort City. There HAS to be some kind of security considering it's immense importance.

Sasami still sucks is what I'm saying, regardless of what the game tries to do to cover its ass.

That stand looks like it's still open. Why don't we try asking him?

Hey there! What'll it be?

I actually wondered if I could ask you a couple of questions...

You one of the Academy's Disciples? Sure! Ask me anything!

We're working on a plan for anti-monster measures. Do you have any suggestions?

Suggestions? Well... only the obvious one, really. Just look around you. Whenever monsters show up, everything goes to hell.

(Why does Fort City not have guards?)

Most of the others have left already. This place is getting to be a ghost town...

I'm sorry...

What're you apologizing for?

We're not strong enough. And that's making life difficult for all of you.

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Don't think it's your fault, little lady. You Disciples fight monsters for us!



(...I can't believe what I'm hearing right now.)

Thank you...

But if I could ask one favor, it would be to keep the monsters off us, even a little. I mean, if they keep hitting us like this, we'll fold before too long.

I understand. I'll try asking the others in this city for their opinions, too.

We'd really owe you.

Dude, if you keep this up, I will personally come down here and bodyguard your shop. You are awesome.

Remember to eat takoyaki!

Riiight. I'll keep that in mind.

Please god, please let this string of actually nice NPC's continue. This has been like getting a cool breeze on a hot day. You rule, takoyaki guy.


-Park-

After talking to all those people, I think I have an idea of what to do.



So for the next time, I want to put forward a plan focused on protecting the people.

Sounds like you found a little inspiration. That should help you get started on coming up with a solid plan. Feel like heading back?

Um, not just yet. Never seen that store before... It looks like it sells cute accessories. Is it all right if I browse a while?

Huh... I don't recall there being a store here before either. It stands out, so I definitely would have remembered it.

Maybe they just opened?

I guess... Seems like a weird choice to set up all the way out here though.

Well, whatever. You go ahead and take your time. I'll hang out here. I already have more accessories than I know what to do with.

Don't worry, I won't be gone long.

*Narika leaves to go window shopping*

(Competition is in town, huh? Man, my Star Child running the Gift Shop is gonna be piiissed.)

*Some time later*

*huff* *puff* Sorry to keep you waiting. That took longer than I thought.

Don't worry about it. I've always got stuff on my mind to think about while I wait. Looks like you decided to get something. What is it?

A necklace.



Glad you found something you liked. Maybe it'll help you feel a bit more confident. You know, dress for success and all that.

Yes. I think coming out to the city turned out to be an excellent idea.

Happy to hear it. Well, it's starting to get late. Let's head back.

By all means...

Once again, Narika seems to be handling her personal shit just fine. Wake has just been kind of tagging along and giving the occasional thumbs up. Well, other than stepping in during the first Strategy Conference anyway.

We'll find out in Part 2 whether or not that train wreck is destined to repeat itself, but for now it seems like Narika is pulling herself together just fine.

That leaves us with Chloe. Chloe most certainly will require Wake's help, considering she's doubling her base of rabid fans with every passing week.


-Ritual Hall-

I'm ready to get started Chloe.



Something wrong? You still nervous?

No, not that. Um...

Then why do you look...so....serious....

...Oh crap. This isn't...

Mattero!? Mattero! They can't get actually pregnant from this ritual, can they!? I mean, for real pregnant!

*Distant* Not that we are aware of! Granted, we do not fully understand all of the inner workings of the Holy Rite!

Would you please knock that off! It's nothing like that!

Honestly...

Oh, sorry. That's a relief though. So then what is this about?

I would like to lead this time. I feel like I should have been leading from the start...

Oh. Well, I mean I don't have any problem with that. Not really sure that it will make any sort of difference to be honest, but sure, go for it.

Alright, touch my hand.

Now, gently hold it.

Okay.



*Classmating happens again. No! Not showing new classes!*

*phew* We managed to finish it.

You doing alright? You seem a little short of breath.

I'm fine. How did I do?

I think it went fine. She's looking pretty sturdy.

I'm so happy to hear that! I'm looking forward to next time!

Things are going much more smoothly it seems. Good to know. Moving on.


-Faculty Office-

*There's a rumbling happening with the screen from the horde of Disciples looking for a piece of Chloe*


[Female Disciple A]: Hey! I was in line first, no cutting!


[Male Disciple A]: You're the one who cut in! I skipped lunch just to wait in line!


[Female Disciple B]: Don't push me! And whose hand is that!?


What the hell is going on in here?



They're all in a frenzy and they won't listen to reason!

Yeah, that figures. *sigh*

Everyone shut the hell up!


[Male Disciple A]: Huh!?


One at a time. Why are each of you here to talk to her?


[Male Disciple A]: I'm gonna get Ms. Chloe's autograph, and I'm gonna wear it as a good-luck charm!


That's creepy. Next!


[Female Disciple A]: I may die tomorrow. I want to at least have a picture together with Ms. Chloe!


Rethink your priorities in life. Next!


[Female Disciple B]: I told you not to push me! This is so uncool!


Enough of this, you impertinent brats! This woman is your teacher!



Shoot! And now he's going to tell me off. What should I do?

He's distracted. Make a run for it. Come on!

*Wake and Chloe fucking book it*


[Male Disciple A]: Ms. Chloe is running away with God's Gift!


[Female Disciple A]: Chloe, wait! Everyone, we have to catch her!


I never understood this trope. If you're fighting people to try and get a chance to meet some famous person, and you see them slip away while everyone is distracted, why the fuck would you tip off the crowd to that? You're completely blowing your opportunity to beat the mob.


-Hallway-



Oh, I'm sorry. Why don't we go back to the Faculty Office and you can lecture me?

What was even going on back there, anyway?

This all started when they asked me to DJ. Since then, everyone wants a piece of me. It's happened to me every day now. I keep asking them not to, but they won't listen. This has gotten so out of hand, I just don't know what to do. I really don't see what's so special about getting my autograph.

I don't really see eye to eye on it, but I do understand that an autograph can be very special to people.

R-Really? But... my handwriting is terrible.

I feel you, Chloe. University/College will do that. I've been reduced to a child-like scrawl at best.

It's not about that. You've got a way of putting people at ease. Having an autograph helps some people carry that feeling into stressful situations.

Wow... With everything so uncertain, I guess any small peace of mind means a lot. I never really thought about it that way. Thank you.

I have my moments.

Hey, can I ask for your help on something?

Of course. Ask away, teach.

I'm happy that everyone appreciates me so much, but this can't go on.

Yeah, you can't exactly have chaos like that going on every day. Watts' patience is going to break eventually.




Why tell people that!? You could have just rushed over to her by yourself!


[Male Disciple A]: Ms. Chloe, if an autograph is too much to ask for, then at least shake my hand!


Oh dear, they found us...

That's it. I'm putting an end to this.

That's enough!


[Male Disciple A]: Wh-What do you want?


From this point on, if anyone wants to see her, they have to go through me first.


[Female Disciple A]: What's that supposed to mean? Are you some sort of bodyguard now?


It means I'm her personal manager, now.

Wha? HUH!?


[Male Disciple A]: Th-That's a load of crap!


You going to do something about it tough guy? I can fight Alec to a draw. I also kill things four times your size, and half as ugly, every day. So? Are you going to get up in the face of God's Gift? Or are you going to schedule a damn appointment?





That's what I thought.


[Female Disciple A]: *sigh* I waited so long to get my picture taken with Ms. Chloe...


Oh, thank goodness! They left without a fuss.

I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for your quick thinking.

Well, I know that it got me a job as a Talent Manager. Super excited about that.

Come on, let me make you a hot drink. How's that sound?

That sounds good, actually. I could use a drink.

No, the game isn't suddenly going to turn into IdolMaster or something. Don't get your hopes (or fears) up.


-Guidance Room-

Whew... We're finally alone.

What was that?



I meant that we finally escaped from that crowd.

Oh, never mind. Sit tight while I go make some coffee.

There's something I've been meaning to tell you: you are a wonderful Disciple. I think I might start relying on you a little more now.

Always glad to hear someone thinks of me that way.

And, just for you, here's Chloe's special blend.

Smells, good. Thanks.

Do you remember when I told you to come to me with any problems you may have? It looks like I'm coming to you now...

Don't worry about it. We're sort of in this together, now.



That wraps up Part 1 of our Bonding Focus. We'll go over the second half in a different update. I think the next Story Dungeon gets interrupted part way through, just like the last one, but I'm not positive. If I am able to blitz the entire dungeon in one run, then I'll finish up the Bonding Focus in the next update, then do the story.

But if there's a break halfway through the next dungeon, then maybe I'll do that part next instead, just to give us a little break. We'll see.



Before we go, there are a few small things I want to add in.

First of all, it's been a while since we checked in with the random NPC's at the Academy. Let's see if they have any gems.


[Elite Disciple]: I saw Ellie earlier, walking in the city by herself. She was looking around. I thought she was trying to find something. I asked if she needed help... But she said "Oh, don't worry about me." Then she ran away. *sigh* Did I say something wrong to her?


Don't beat yourself up over it. That just sounds like a standard Ellie thing to me.


[Male Disciple]: A Standard Disciple in the city turned into a monster... I still can't believe it. What if that had happened during class? It gives me chills just thinking about it. Well, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed against the worst.


If it happened during class then there would have been a room full of Disciples to stop it. What, do you guys just not train to fight monsters at all?


[Female Disciple]: The Curative Orchestra System... Or Curaoke, for short. It's very popular with Disciples. See, Curaoke releases Star Energy through songs to heal people! Doesn't that sound like a perfect pastime for Disciples? ...Um, G.G...




Oh...well, um... I mean I'm not a great singer, but if you're asking...


[Female Disciple]: Uh... Th-That was a joke, haha. Forget I asked!


Hey! Wait!

You could have at least waited to let me finish. I wasn't going to say no or anything...

Good job, Wake. Way to utterly blow it. I'm seemingly some kind of savant when it comes to dealing with the S Ranked girls, so why did I bite it just now?

(Good thing I didn't make that whole 'God's Gift to Women' crack I was thinking of saying to Chlotz earlier. He would have never let me live that down if he found out about this.

Missed your chance, Wake. Anyway, that's what Curaoke is. I debated it, but the characters, both main and side, mention it multiple times throughout the story (especially in the generic events). So I felt I really should explain what the hell it is.


[Elite Female Disciple]: Boy, I really stank it up at the Rank Exam... I have to try harder next time to make it to a higher Rank. A higher Rank means a brighter future, right? Lucky you, G.G... Your future is guaranteed from the start. It's decided, then! I'll work hard to make my dream reality!


Oh yeah, I'm so lucky. I've got such a bright future ahead of me! You know, assuming I manage to live through all the death Labyrinths and insanely dangerous risks that my support team puts me through. Fighting my way through monster infested mazes with no hope for backup if things go wrong, sealing away unkillable eldritch abominations, and other little stuff like that. No big deal.

It's okay, Wake. At least we're finding out that there are people in this damn City that truly appreciate what you do and think highly of your duty as God's Gift.

That brings this update to an end. I leave you now with a few accessory pictures of the Heroines. I gave out some gifts just to show a few of them off.



Ellie is showcasing some Thin Glasses.



Narika is showcasing some Silver Earrings. I actually gave Ellie a pair of these as well, but her hair style makes them impossible to see.



Chloe has a Military Beret which.... honestly, I was expecting more. Kind of just looks like seaweed in her hair.



So I gave her Elegant Earrings instead.

I won't hold an official vote, but if you guys want to suggest any accessory for any of the heroines, even the ones that aren't focused on, then let me know. They'll only show up on 3D models though, so the non-focus heroines might not get much screen time with them.