Part 27: Chapter 5 (Part 3): Feene, Chloe, Narika

~Focus Bonding: Chapter 5 (Part 3): Feene, Narika, Chloe~

Okay, this time we're going to finish this. I know everyone is looking forward to seeing how badly the cast will fuck up the next dungeon and all the repercussions that entails.

So let's get it over with. Going to be honest with you guys, this won't be a lighthearted series of events overall. Even Feene's is going to end on a tiny bit of a downer.


-Faculty Office-

Hey, you wanted to see me?



Would you come with me?

Oh, sure. I can do that.

(I'm sure this will be nothing but a good time. Not like I can turn her down of course.)

I knew you'd say that. Thank you.

Well, I'm still your manager after all. Can't just let you go on your own.

And what a manager you are.

She's still on your mind, huh?



She was so excited about it, I couldn't bear to tell her the bad news.

I understand. Well, just give me a minute and I'll be good to go.

Sure, I'll wait for my trusty manager to return.


-Field Hospital-

Alright, we should probably hit the reception desk first.



Hold on, I'm going with you.


-Reception-

Excuse me.


[Receptionist]: Yes, may I help you?


We'd like to see Millica.



Why's that? She can't be that sick, can she?


[Receptionist]: I apologize put patient confidentiality prevents me from answering that question.


Yyyeeeah. Probably should have thought about that before we came down here. Makes sense that they wouldn't just let strangers wander in to a little girl's room.



Yes, I'm Chloe.


[Millica's Mother]: I'm Millica's mother.


*gasp* P-Pleased to meet you.


[Millica's Mother]: I can't believe you came all the way here to see my daughter. I'll take you to her.


Thank you very much.

That was some amazing timing.


[Millica's Mother]: Before we go see Millica, there's something I want to mention.





[Millica's Mother]: But she says that all she needs is to hear you sing before going in.


(Oh come on Star God... really? Just going to keep rubbing Chloe's face in it? I thought you were a bro.)


[Millica's Mother]: The concert means everything to her right now. Please don't tell her it's cancelled. Please, can you keep it a secret?


I... Of course I can.


[Millica's Mother]: Thank you for understanding. I'll take you to her room.


-Hospital Room-


[Millica's Mother]: Millica... Look who's here!


Hi, Millica.



Also God's Gift! Yay!

We came all this way to visit you. Look, we even brought you flowers.

For me? Oh, they're so pretty, thank you so much!

I hope you feel better soon.

*giggle* Chloe, when do I get to hear you sing again? Will it be tomorrow? Or the day after tomorrow?



I-I know you will...

*cough*


[Millica's Mother]: Are you okay, Millica? Here, have some water.


We should let her get some rest, Chloe.

R-Right. I'll see you real soon, okay Millica?




[Millica's Mother]: Millica, I'm sure Chloe is very busy. You can see her next time.


Okay, I'll wait. But promise me you'll sing next time! Bye-bye!


-Reception-



She looked so happy, but it felt like it was a real strain on her. We need to throw that concert after all. I want to do whatever I can for her.

That nosy teacher came by again? I told you to send her away.

(Oh, come on...)


[Receptionist]: I apologize. She didn't look like she was here to complain about the concert.


What would she have to complain about? That concert was a mistake.



Hey! We can hear you, asshole!

*gasp* Stop...

Oh, so you pests are still here. Get out of my hospital at once.

So you're the little turd that got the concert cancelled and lodged those complaints?

And why wouldn't I? Your cheap songs have nothing to do with medicine.



We need more soldiers on the battlefield, not cheery patients in the ward.

What kind of hack are you? She's giving patients a little bit of courage and the hope that they might actually live to enjoy the rest of their lives.



The fuck did you just say!?

Are you saying that Disciples are pawns!? Take that back! You know what they've been through, you were a Disciple once!

I was. That's why I'm going to tell the Academy about your behavior. Never come back here again, do you understand me?

*The "Doctor" leaves*



I know how you feel, but we'd better leave. If he shows his face again there is a very real chance that I'll make him into a patient of his own hospital.

Oh man, who else is having a good time? Could you imagine if this game had an Evil route? Half the extended cast would be dead by now.

Again, I want to remind everyone that Curaoke is a system that exists in this world which releases Star Energy through song and relieves fatigue. This guy is a total quack and has no business running a hospital.


-2nd-Year Classroom-

Anyway, we've got another matter to attend to. The little dying girl is going to have to wait a bit longer.

Uh, hey there Narika. How's...uh...how's it going today?



The plan we proposed at the Joint Strategy Council was officially approved!

Oh, that's awesome news. Congratulations.

(Okay, this seems like the normal Narika so far. Maybe I've been exaggerating things. Still, I should probably do some slight probing, just to be safe.)

And I have you to thank, Wake.

Oh come on, Narika. It was you and the other Disciples that pushed it through. I just sat around and jotted notes occasionally.

Listen, not to go changing the subject or anything, but how have you been feeling lately?

How am I feeling...? Um... the same as always. Why do you ask?

I'm just a little worried about you, is all.



If you say so. Just promise me you'll take a break and get some rest if you start to feel sick.

I'm all right. I get ten hours of sleep every night. Sleeping is kind of a hobby of mine.

A girl after my own heart. Sleeping rules. Can't remember the last time I got ten hours of it though.

I like to surround myself in bed with my stuffed dolls...



...I mean...I've got a plush Psyduck and a Mage Chocobo nearby. Those aren't dolls though!

If you don't mind, could I have a moment...? Now that the plan is going forward, I want to do a field survey beforehand.

You mean the park? I should probably tag along with you. If I'm part of this plan then I'd like to scope the place out myself.

Thank you. Let's head on out.


-Downtown-

The park is just ahead of here.

Hm? Someone's coming our way.



Not really any of your business. Move aside.


[Punk A]: Sorry, but nothin' doin'. Isn't that right?


[Punk B]: That's right, bro.


Excuse me, but... what is this about?


[Punk A]: Gotta pay the road fee. It's everything you got, clothes included. Well?




Aaaah!

Hey! Hands off, or I will break every bone in your bodies!


[Punk A]: Hey-ey! Ah... I know you. You're that weirdo they call "God's Gift" or something.


[Punk B]: We're only interested in this girlie here. You can take a hike.




That's it! Time for me to cripple you shitwads for life!


[Punk A]: I wouldn't get any closer if I were you. Don't you see this gun I'm holding?


[Punk B]: Take one step closer and there's gonna be a new hole in this girlie's head.


*sigh*


[Punk A]: That's right. You just stay put there. Alright, let's take the girl and scram.


[Punk B]: Yeah, good call, bro.




Why doesn't anyone ever take my threats seriously? Why is everyone around here so goddamn stupid?


[Punk A]: What did you say?


Narika! Close your eyes!

Solar Flare!

*The screen flashes white*




[Punk A]: Argh... Dammit! He used flash magic!


By the way, Wake can do that now. And just like in Dragonball Z, this incredibly useful ability will be immediately shelved and rarely used. No, he can't use it in battle.

Come on, Narika. Let's make tracks.

Th-Thank you.

*Narika and Wake fucking book it*


[Punk A]: Gah! You're not getting away that easy! Quit messing around and go after them!


[Punk B]: R-Right away!


-Park-

*pant* *pant* *pant*

You doing okay? Did they hurt you?

Yes... I'm all right.

Good to hear.




[Punk B]: On it!


They just won't give up, will they? They are determined to die.

I don't understand... Why are they after me?

Not sure, but I plan to find out. I'll need to make sure you're safe first though. Get behind that tree for a minute.

All right.


-Trees-




[Punk B: Nope. They weren't over here.


[Punk A]: They've gotta be hiding somewhere around here...


[Punk B]: The boss is gonna be pretty mad if we let them get away, bro.


[Punk A]: I know that! Keep searching!


Boss, huh? So someone else is behind all this, then. Interesting.



Ah...! Ow...

What happened?

I think I twisted my ankle...


[Punk B]: Hey, bro! I think I saw that tree over there move!


(They spotted us. I can't attack them with Narika nearby. They might get a lucky shot off.)

Narika, play along.

Huh?



Oh... I get it...



*whispering* Okay, tone it down a little...

Maybe you should be feeling them up close... No, closer... Yeahhh.

Oh my!

Oh, Silvia!




[Punk B]: Shut up!


[Punk A]: What? You find them?


[Punk B]: Nah, it was just some stupid couple.


[Punk A]: Damn. Okay, let's go look over there!


[Punk B]: Wait for me!


Huh... that really does work. What do you know?

That transformation research is paying off in unintentional ways.

Sorry. This is all my fault...

Don't worry about it. More importantly, how's your leg? Can you walk?

I'm sure I'll be able to once I've had a little rest.

Um, Wake... Thanks for saving me. But I'm curious... why do you always come to save me?



Hey, we're a team, aren't we? Of course I'm going to save you. I care about you guys. Even Serina... for some reason.

We're... a team...? Yes, I guess you're right.

Okay, you stay here. I'm going to get some answers.

What? You're going alone? But you should call for help...

It's cute that you're worried about me.



Hell yeah, Wake. Time to finally put the fear of Star God into someone.


-Park-



Hey there, remember me?


[Punk A]: L-Let me go!


I don't think so. You have some information that I want. Why were you two after her? Who's the 'Boss' that put you up to this?


[Punk A]: Hah, like I'll tell you.


I've got a feeling you're going to change your mind.




[Punk B]: I told you, bro! We shouldn't have hit her while she was with this one!


Listen, just answer my questions and I'll consider taking it easy on you.


[Punk B]: Can we just tell him? I don't wanna go to jail!


Actually, jail is what I was referring to when I said I would take it easy.


[Punk A]: Wh-What do ya mean by that!?


Take a minute to think about who your boss sent you after. She's an S-Rank Disciple that goes to the same Academy as God's Gift. She has Star Children everywhere in this city. The only reason you're still alive right now is because I'm here.


-Forest-

So those are the guys that hurt mom?

Yeah. I tracked them here. Take 'em out.

...

What's wrong? They have to pay!

...I can't, dad is in the way.

Then shoot the other guy. He's just standing there.

...

Just shoot!

...I think dad knows we're here.

What? Let me see...

Well?

...He's mad...He's looking this way...He's shaking his head...Yeah, he knows we're here...

Run!


-Park-

Precious little scamps. Absolutely terrifying when you really think about it, but precious nonetheless.

So anyway. You can answer my questions and spend some time in a jail cell, or you can keep quiet and spend your lives on the run from a swarm of tiny assassins. Your call.


[Punk A]: W-We'll talk! We'll talk!


-Faculty Office-



Good to hear. Thanks for following up for me.

Who'd have thought a church official would go so far over something so petty? According to Mattero, the man's been exiled to some distant region.

Kind of feel like he should have been locked up, but exile is probably the better punishment. If the Star Children got wind of this then he'd likely be dead by morning.

How is Narika, by the way? I heard she hurt her leg.

She's doing okay. She just needed to rest it a little. It was nothing serious.

That's good.

Um...Chloe? Could I ask you something?

What is it?

I should have brought this up earlier, but I feel like Narika has been acting really strange lately.



She's completely different from how she used to be. The way she talks and the way she acts, stuff like that.

Really? I haven't noticed anything...

Wait, really?

(Am I really just imagining it? ...Is all this God's Gift stuff finally getting to me? Maybe I need to take a break.)

Mmkay, that went places. That Church Official from the Strategy Conference was such a sore loser that he hired goons to assault Narika. Also, Wake may be starting to go crazy. Going to have to keep an eye on that.

Let's see if Feene's events can ease the tension a little.


-Old Schoolhouse-

When I lay them all out, it really looks like I've taken a lot of photos...



Sorting out the pictures again?

Oh, yes. Please, have a look. Lately I feel I've been taking really good pictures.

Okay, let's see what you've got. Hmm... Starball Team, some Disciples, a LOT of shots of the cat.

Yes, they are all my dear friends.

Um, and... I realized something...

What's the matter? You're doing an awful lot of fidgeting.

You see... I realized there are barely any pictures of you... A-And... Since we do not have school this afternoon...



Amusement Park? You like going to those?

Huh? Oh... W-Well, yes.

I love amusement parks! Um, that's why I'm inviting you... That's my only reason...

Oh... But if you don't want to go, I won't force you.



Slow it down, Feene. Give me a chance to answer. I don't mind going with you. There's a lot of prime picture opportunities there.

*giggle* You sound more like a member of the Photography Club than I do. I mustn't lost to you, so I will take plenty of photos.


-Academic Park-



Really?

I heard this park was built by a group of alumni, striving for peace. So I wanted to see this place for myself.

Now, I suppose the best place to start would be the biggest ride.

You mean the Ferris wheel? I don't think you want to ride that one first.

No?

The Ferris wheel gives a great view of the surrounding area. We should save that for sunset. It'll be prettier that way.

Oh... I see. You're right. Hrm, amusement parks are a little tricky, aren't they?



I haven't the foggiest idea what to do when it comes to amusement parks.

Okay. Well then, I guess we should head to the merry-go-round first. There's a haunted house, but the lighting in there wouldn't be any good for pictures.

That's the ride with the horses, right?



I don't think you'll be needing any of those skills. Anyway, let's just ride everything we see.

Okay. Let's forget about monsters for today and have as much fun as we can!

Ha! Suck on that Aya! You'd be so jealous if you knew.

*Later*

Ng... I feel a bit woozy... The teacups should not be underestimated...



That's because you got way too eager with the spinning... I'm feeling sick too... Urp...

I'm sorry. It was just so mesmerizing... It seems I get too immersed in what I do. People often say I'm stubborn...



No, Feene... come on... Not now...

*Feene snaps a pic*



I'm sure your friends will love it...

Now, let's bring an end to this evening by riding the biggest one.



How did you recover so quickly?


-Ferris Wheel-

Wow... You can see the entire island from here...



*giggle* It's just as you said: sunset is the perfect time to ride it.

Yeah, but you're going to miss that perfect time if you don't take some pictures soon.

Oh... I was so absorbed in the view that I forgot to take a picture... I came all this way to take your picture, but instead I ended up having fun.

Nothing wrong with that. You're always so serious, so it was fun seeing you relax a little and let loose.

I think it's because I'm with you, but...



What's happened to me...?

Probably should have avoided that carnival food.

...!

Yes, that's it. That has to be it. I must be afraid of heights. There's no other explanation for why my heart is beating so fast.

Or it could be that, I guess.

Yes, but now that I know my fear, I can face it.

Phew... It's really nice to know the cause. Everything is alright now. The violent pounding of my heart has stopped.

Now then, please allow me to take your picture with the sunset behind you.

Sure. Should I stay like this?

Yes, a natural pose is best.

I'm taking it now.

.....Huh...? When I look at you through the camera, my heart starts racing... C-Could I have been sorely mistaken...? N-No... But then this feeling could only be... This is a feeling between a man and a woman that have known each other intimately...



Hey... are you going to take my picture? What are you whispering about over there anyway?

Nothing. I'm not saying anything at all!

Well the wheel has almost gone around again. You don't have much time left to get a shot.

Oh! I-I'll take it now. Um... Let me take it right now!


-Women's Dorm-

Phew... We made it in time for the curfew.

Thank you so much for walking me back to my dorm.



What? Of course you're not. I had fun. Other than the motion sickness part, I mean.

Oh... That's a relief. It means so much to hear that from you.

I-I know... I will carry a picture I took today in my Disciple pocketbook.



What are you smiling about?

I-I'm not smiling at all! You're reading too much into this!

Okay, okay. Take it easy.

Anyway, I should get back to my dorm.

O-Okay. I'll see you at school. Please be careful... Good night...

Awww, wasn't that sweet? Too bad the event block doesn't just end on that. Time to wrap this whole thing up with a bow!


-Old Schoolhouse-

*sigh*.... There's no way of knowing the size of the Nest from here... But it seems so close to my home...



What's wrong? You look kinda worried.

Oh... I-It's nothing. My mind is just preoccupied at the moment. I'm sorry... Could we cancel today's activities? I do apologize since you've come all this way...

That's okay with me, but I'd really like to know what's wrong.

I don't know, that's the problem... Everything could be wrong...

But it's nothing concern yourself with. I simply need more time.

Don't pull this Ellie stuff on me. We're friends, Feene. You can talk to me.



Then I'll tell you everything. Please, let me speak.

Man, that was way easier than Ellie. We're still trying to drag shit out of her.

Of course.

I received a request from the regional headquarters of the defense operation. A large Nest has been discovered near my hometown. They want me to return as soon as I have completed my duties here.

So they need you back right away?

No... They wish for me to prioritize my duties here and then transfer back when possible. But there were no details on this Nest in the letter. It's only just been found. I don't think it's been investigated yet.

Are you thinking about going back immediately?

I don't know... I wish to research the situation before making my decision. What if they don't have enough people to suppress the Nest...



Feene, if your home is in danger then just go. We can handle things around here. Not like these Dusk Circles have been especially tough.

Thank you...

I don't know if it will come to that, but I will focus on my current duty. Please, don't hesitate to call on me for the Classmating ritual or the Labyrinths. Don't hesitate... No. Please, call on me. I don't want to abandon the friends I've made here.

I want to help you.

Just relax, Feene. When you find out what's going on back at home then just let me know. I appreciate how determined you are. Thank you.

No, thank you for listening to me. So, with that in mind...

I would like to postpone club activities for the time being.

Sure. We'll do that until things have calmed down a little.



Thank you... Thank you so very much...

And that's all. We're completely caught up now. Not exactly a fun way to end it, but at least it's a little more bright than ending it on Narika or Chloe. At least there was a sweet moment to cap it off.

I suppose I should try and liven things up more than that though. Time for a fashion show!



Fuuko shows off the Flower Brooch, on the right side of her chest. It might be a little hard to see.



Here's Ellie with a very festive Butterfly Ribbon.



This is the Mysterious Plume I mentioned.



Also the Ether Visor. Kind of expected more of a DBZ Scouter design. Oh well. This one is very super-heroine looking.



I showed Chloe with the Demon Wings during Halloween season, so here she is with Angel Wings for Christmas season.



Serina has a crown... I guess? Looks more like a drink coaster in my opinion.



Our aspiring pilot gets to show off the Headset.



And our resident battle princess shows off the Tiara.



We also have the option for Wake to wear his God's Gift student uniform. No swimsuit option for him for whatever reason.



The girls just get their swimsuits as an optional costume. This game misses so many good opportunities for costumes. Why isn't Chloe's idol stage outfit an option? Or hell, why not just her teacher uniform? A regular Disciple uniform? Come on, you guys could have given her some kind of decent alternative to her default battle costume.

Not that I expect anyone to ask, but just in case, the answer is no. I will not be putting any of the heroines in their swimsuits for dungeons. That's just silly.


Anyway, stop by for the next update in which actual story progress is made. Strike Team AngelMarker is going to go into the Labyrinth with Wake and the gang. Alec is on the team, using an experimental and lightly tested new technology, and he constantly chirps to Wake about fighting in the Labyrinth and saving the world and so on. There is absolutely no way that things can go wrong with a setup like that.