Part 30: Chapter 6 (Part 1): Feene, Narika, Chloe

~Bonding Focus: Chapter 6 (Part 1): Feene, Narika, Chloe~

We're in the home stretch for bonding now. The following events will set us up for the conclusions of Feene, Narika, and Chloe's routes. At the end of the next set of bonding events, the thread will have to decide on just one of the seven heroines.

So let's enjoy these while they last, shall we? The last few bonding events certainly get... interesting, in various ways.


-Ritual Hall-

*sigh* If I have to return home... This may be the last time I wait for him... The ritual, the club... I'm always waiting for him...



Hey. I'm really sorry. I called you out here and then I ended up making you wait.

I-I-I wasn't waiting! It's more proper for me to wait than to keep you waiting!

You just admitted that you were waiting for me. I'll make it up to you, I promise.

I-In that case, then... Could you hold me during today's ritual? I feel like it would be more effective if I was closer to you... I swear that's the only reason...

Now when you say "hold"... You know what? Never mind. Let's just go for it.

J-Just like that!?



Was that not the answer you wanted? Should I have said "no" instead?

Y-You don't have to do that! P-Please. Hold me tight...

Whoa! Hold on, give me--

*Too late! Classmating!*

*pant* *pant*



I tried my best...

You were definitely giving it your all, I could tell that much.

Y-You're welcome... Um... And thank you, for being gentle with me...

I'm glad that I perform the ritual with you...

Where did that come from? Are you doing okay?



Um... Do you have plans after this?

Not really. I was just going to get some rest.

Th-Then how about we take a stroll down to the river before going home?

I found a place where the most beautiful flowers grow.

Sure, I don't see a problem with that.

Yes. And you can take my picture, as always.



This is not a poorly timed screenshot. Feene's eyes really do have that come-hither look.


-Old Schoolhouse-

Hmm... Yeah, didn't think I would find her here. I'd better look in the usual spots.


-Courtyard-

Stray... It's almost time to say goodbye. You're the first friend I made here. It's so sad that we have to part...



I think you're forgetting someone there Feene. Someone you very recently had a nice friendship moment with. Shameful.

And... him...

If I knew it would hurt this much to say goodbye, I wouldn't have made friends...

So this is where you've been hanging out.

Huh!? Wha... A-Again!? H-How long have you been standing there!?

Pretty sure you know the answer to that. So, you're going home after all?



I'm sorry... I thought about asking you before I decided, but...

So things must be pretty bad over there, then?

No, it seems the Nest is being dealt with properly.

That's a relief.

Yes, there's nothing to worry about.

So you aren't going back home?

No... I'm going.



I was always ready to return... This request just seemed like fate. It's telling me that I should go back.

I see. It's going to be lonely.

Hah... I've learned to handle being lonely.

You're not the only one, you know. I'm going to be pretty lonely too.

Huh...?

I'm going to miss having you around, but I can't hold you back.

Thank you so much... I don't want to make you feel lonely... And yet...



Phew... I feel better after telling you.

...Oh, I know. Would you like to come with me to the beach? The sunset should be beautiful.

I want to see the beach for myself. We can take a picture there.



Do... Do you want to say "no"?

Of course not. I want a picture of us, too.

I agree.

Alright, let's hurry. If we run, we should be able to make it before the sun starts to set.

Holy shit is this overly melodramatic. You're not leaving forever, Feene. Jesus, everyone together cleared out a Nest in like an hour. I'm sure with your Dusk Blaster you could clear it in a weekend.


-Beach-

Wow... It's so beautiful!



I see... I suddenly understand that yearning that people feel towards the ocean.

When everything feels lost, we just want to stare into the vastness and hope.

You're getting awfully philosophical.

Oh... I'm sorry.



It's kind of embarrassing...

You've never seen it? Then grab a picture for your friends back home.

Oh... No. I won't need to send them photos anymore... Once my transfer request is approved, I'll return home.

I won't give them a picture. I'll bring them a story of all this beauty.

I understand. Well, we can at least get a picture of us, right?

Let us take our last photo together... And that will be our final act as the Photography Club. Please, come here. I forgot my tripod, so I'll take the photo by hand.



Hmmmm... We might not fit into the frame... You should squeeze closer to me.

You mean like this?

Y-Yes... Um... Maybe a little closer...?

I'm about as close as I can be without mashing my face into you.

S-Stay right there, please. I'll take it right now... O-Okay, here goes. I-I'm taking it now!



F-Feene!? What are you--

I'm sorry... Please let me stay like this... for a little while longer...

O-Okay...

.....

.....

I apologize about that... I thought it would be easier to remember me that way than with a photo... That way I'd stay in your memories... Please remember me... The friend you took pictures with, even if just for a short time...

I'd never forgot.




-Women's Dorm-

I can walk the rest of the way myself...

It won't be long before I'm transferred, but I'll keep fighting with you.



Hey... Did I ever fulfill my promise?

Huh?

Remember how I promised to capture a side of you that no one knew? Did I ever get a picture like that?

Well... I'll ask my friends when I return home.

I'm sure you did a good job. I have faith in you.



Well let me know if you figure it out.

Yes... I'll send you letters.

Also, u-um... I'm sorry for doing something so unexpected!



S-So, good night...

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. Goddammit on that show! Mom used to watch it all the time and now that opening and song are imprinted in my head forever. Every now and then I'll walk through a waiting room or lounge area and it'll be on, ensuring that it will never fade from memory.

Ugh. Anyway, let's take a break from that overbearing drama and get back to some other kind of overbearing drama. When we last left Narika's plot, Wake foiled a horrific abduction attempt and then struggled with trying to figure out if he was going insane. Narika seems weird to him, yet Chloe doesn't see anything out of sorts.


-Ritual Hall-

Are you okay with some more Classmating? Feeling normal?

I'm glad you asked, Wake.



Lean closer... *whisper*

That's uh... that's certainly out there... even compared to last time.

You don't want to? I thought my research could help...

I didn't mean it like that. I appreciate you guys putting so much effort in to this.

Thank goodness... Well... If you want to start...

*More Classmating. The new teams are being formed*



That got pretty freaky. I mean, more so than Classmating usually is.

It did seem to result in a pretty strong Star Child, though.

It's so cute...

Well, we're getting to be pretty in sync with each other. No surprise that the children are getting better.



It's nice to have somebody in these dark times...

So you're okay doing this again?

Of course. I'll be ready anytime you need me.

(This seems normal. She was pretty normal in the Labyrinth. Maybe it was all in my head.)


-2nd-Year Classroom-

Narika, you feel like heading back together?

Sure.



Sure. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Oh, good... I knew you'd say yes. Well, let's head back together.

Um, would it be all right if I held your hand?

Hm? You say something?

Um... Can I hold your hand...?

You've got to speak up, Narika. I can't hear you when you mumble like that.



Could you wait here? I'll be right back!

*Narika fucking books it*

Wait! Where are you running off to!?

*Narika returns sometime later*

Hey, Wake. I've actually changed my mind.



Well, that's okay with me. Why do you need to go change though?

That... is a secret. *giggle* I'll see you later.


-Downtown-

Where is she? She's taking forever.



Sorry for making you wait. It took a little longer to change than I expected.

Narika... what's with that dress?

I put it on for you, Wake. What do you think?



(Don't be Chlotz... Don't be Chlotz...)

I think it looks great on you. Very... flattering.

*giggle* That's what I thought you'd say. It's why I like you so much, Wake.

Whoa, whoa. Ease up on the hug there.

But I'm so happy! I'm just showing you how happy you make me, that's all.

(Crap... calm down Wake... Think about something not hot... Think of the Training Center guy... Wait, no. He's badass. Think of Takoyaki G--That did it. Better.)

Well, your happiness has been shown. Now, could you maybe let go of me?

Really? Oh, fine...



Anyway, where are we going exactly?

Oh, there's a shop I wanted to visit! Just follow me.

*whispering* What is going on right now....


-Shop-



I assume they meant General Store Clerk. I assure you that the store itself is not speaking to our heroes.

I've been wanting to come to this shop for a long time now.

Hey, Wake, don't you think this brooch looks cute?

Oh, sure. You could definitely pull it off. Do you want it? I could--

Would you? Oh, I'd love that.




[General Store Clerk]: I'm very sorry, but that brooch is not actually for sale.


First the restaurant, then the camera shop, now this place? Do the businesses in this city just not want to make money? Why do you all keep putting shit on display or in the menu if you don't intend to sell it?

*sigh* Come on, Narika. Maybe we can find you something at a shop that actually wants to make a profit.



Take it easy, Narika.

Please... Couldn't you sell it to me?


[General Store Clerk]: I really can't...


Please! I just know it would look great on me!


[General Store Clerk]: Well... all right. If you're that set on it, I suppose I can make an exception.




I cannot remember any time in my life entering a regular store or restaurant and having to twist the staff's damn arm just to buy something. They're not trying to buy the floor model or some shit. These are products that are on display in a store to be sold. This clerk doesn't even give us a reason.


-Downtown-


[General Store Clerk]: Thanks for your business.


Wow. You sure wrung it out of her.

Could you put this brooch on for me?

Oh, yeah. I can do that. Where to?



Couldn't you put it there?

Yes... but I want you to do it.

Well, if you say so...

There. How's that?

Perfect.



Yeah. It looks great.

Oh, good. I'm glad I convinced that shopkeeper to give it to me. I had a great time today, Wake. Can we hold hands on the way back?

...I suppose.



(It's just me. It's just me. Chloe said Narika was normal. None of the other girls have said anything. It's just me. And Sasami. But I still kind of hate Sasami a little, so her opinion doesn't count.)

That was... something. The ladies are coming on to Wake a little strong. They can sense the bonding deadline approaching.

Maybe Chloe will be a little less forward. She has little sick girls to worry about. Not exactly the atmosphere for hard flirting.


-Ritual Hall-



Well, I've been doing a lot of Star Child rebuilding. Is it really that much of a difference though?

I can feel your power just by touching your hand.

*Classmating. Chloe is apparently not very chatty this time*

*pant* *pant*

You doing okay?



Is that how it works? Sorry, I didn't know it was getting more difficult for you guys.

Don't worry, I'm sure all that power is going into our Star Children.

You just do your best, and I'll try to keep up!




-Faculty Office-

Can I talk to you for a moment?



We can't talk here. Just follow me.

Okay.


-Hallway-

Why are we at the Announcement Room?

Come on. Get inside before anyone sees. The broadcast team is getting everything set up.



Let's just say that we're going to be bypassing the establishment and appealing directly to the people.

What do you mean?

Mr. Watts is overstepping his bounds. The only way around him, other than crippling him which you won't let me do, is to overpower him. For that, we need the Disciples riled up.

Good idea. It's worth a try.



Plus, I'm sure there are a lot of injured Disciples who were looking forward to it.

Wow, I thought I was going to have to do more convincing than that. Didn't expect you to jump on board so quick. Well, I'll make sure everything goes as planned. Just focus on your performance.



About time the two of you started swinging back.


-Announcement Room-

And that's why the concert got cancelled. But the patients at the Field Hospital are waiting for our concert.




-Hallway-

What is all this commotion!? Open this door! Stop this immediately!

Kiss my divine ass, Watts! You're staying right there until she's done.

You again? Your arrogance has become pure contempt for the rules. I've been too soft on you!



Please. We both know damn well that's an empty threat.

Ms. Chloe! Disciplinary actions against you are now inevitable as well!



H-How dare you...

*The screen is shaking because a stampede is approaching*

Yeah, she's right!

Wh-What do you brats think you're doing? Move away from the door!


[Female Disciple B]: I won't! Please let Ms. Chloe finish her announcement!


[Male Disciple A]: We, the broadcast team, demand the return of DJ Chloe!





I will make sure that every one of you sees the appropriate punishment for this!


[Male Disciple A]: Try it!


Why you!


[Female Disciple A]: We're not going to move until our demands are met!


Ugh, of all the impertinent, insubordinate...


(What do you know? Her fan club turned out to be really useful.)

That's my sister! Every Disciple admires her.




[Female Disciple D]: Your songs have the power to cheer people up. Just listen to them and you'll know!


What!? Weren't you the choir girl who was hospitalized?




[Female Disciple D]: The doctors couldn't believe it.


WHY!? We have been specifically told that Curaoke releases Star Energy that eases fatigue. How is it so out of the realm of possibility that it has healing properties? Actual straight-up magic exists in this world! Disciples can use it!

Fuck it. We're sticking it to Watts and fighting to save the little sick girl. That's what matters.

I'm so glad you're okay. That's great to hear!

Harumph, what nonsense, that's just...

*Watts gets a call*

Yes sir, I'm already at the announcement room. I will deal with this swiftly and... *gasp* What!?



Ms. Chloe...

Y-Yes...?

The concert... shall be held at the Field Hospital after all.

*gasp* Really!?



Oh! You mean those people who have actual authority in the school? Fancy that. Who wants to bet that Watts has been pulling his power trip shit without informing them?

For reals!?


[All Disciples]: Hoorah!


Alright Sis, it looks like the concert is back on!

Yeah, Chlotz... It sure does look that way...



Pfft. I'd go anywhere to be away from you.

This worked out better than I thought. I was sure I was going to have to break Watts in half by the end of this.

Yay! Everything that Watts has done over the past few updates has been completely reversed! That means we're essentially back at square one again. Good stuff.

Wake's love life is definitely getting complicated. Unfortunately for him, the next part of this bonding set will not make it less complicated.