Part 5: Aries, Taurus, and Gemini
Bonding Update I: Aries, Taurus, and GeminiAlright, so before we can go building our roster of little monster hunters, we need to build our relationships with the Star Maidens. Well also be looking to narrow the field and bench a couple of the ladies, at least until we find out for sure how much main story were working with in between chapters.
For the next few updates, well take a look at the Introduction scene, the first Classmating scene, and the first real (unique) bonding event for each Star Maiden.
Ill be going in the order pictured here, in the database. I had originally organized these in the order that their astrological signs go in from January to December, but the launcher (which I learned can apparently only be launched from the Steam Library, not the desktop or game file folder) and OBS decided that working together wasnt something that either of them cared to do. I got back from an hour and a half of recording to find a video which immediately froze when I went into full screen. Turns out I have to set the launcher to Borderless (which looks identical to Fullscreen) in order for OBS to record it properly.
Ugh, anyway, it was this whole thing. Point is, I had to go back and re-record all of these from the database which kind of irked me, so I just went from top to bottom to get through it as quickly as possible. I also dont want to skip around the recording so were starting with Arie and ending with Yuzuha. Deal with it.
Huh, so there is a regular Church here as well? I guess it makes sense. The Church of Classmating doesnt seem particularly suited to actual worship.
*The screen fades to black for a split second*
Whoa whats happening?... Kind of dizzy
*The screen fades again, quicker this time*
Wh-Whats going on? I Im freaking out
*And our novice hero quickly drops like a rock as the screen goes to black*
Where ? What happened ?
You collapsed in front of the church.
Oh right. I got really dizzy for some reason
It must have been from the heat. You have a slight fever. Please dont overwork yourself.
Sorry I think all of this Gods Gift and world saving stuff just caught up to me all at once. Maybe I should have taken more time to let it all sink in
Here, please just relax. Its best to rest when youre ill. Why did you come to the church anyway?
Oh, right. I wanted to see you.
Thank you for coming here to see me. Haha. Youre quite different from how I thought youd be, Itsuki. Until I saw you at the church, I thought youd be more stout.
Yeah, sorry about that. Im probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think Gods Gift.
No. I was worried youd be a scary person. Im happy you seem to be kind.
Oh, thats what you meant. Thats kind of a relief, then.
Ive introduced myself prior, but allow me to do so again: My name is Arie, and I serve the church.
You said that before. What do you mean by it, though?
I deal with churchgoers, and sometimes I teach classes for the children. Um, how about you? Did I meet your expectations?
Uh well
(What the hell do I say? Think, Itsuki, think Damn, this feels so different than talking with Mahiru. We just say whatever stupid things we want to each other Oh shit, is this what talking to girls is actually like?!)
...Y-Youre really beautiful.
Haha But thank you for the compliment.
(Wow, I didnt think that would work.)
A-Anyway, thanks for looking after me. Sorry I just dropped in front of the church like that.
Not at all. This is by the hand of the Star God. I only became a Star Maiden recently, so there are many things I dont know. But this is my duty given to me by the Star God. Ill do my best to fulfill it. I pray that you also feel the same.
Dont worry. Im still kind of nervous, but I plan on giving this my all.
Speaking of those duties, its time to get used to Classmating. Every Star Maiden gets a scene like this when you go to try and Classmate with them. There are a few more of these as the intimacy gauge rises that shows both the Maiden and Itsuki getting less and less weirded out by the whole Classmating thing, so this wont be the last time we have one of these.
~Church Spirit Chamber~
Okay, lets give this a shot, Arie.
Do you not want to?
Its not that I dont Its rather embarrassing.
Well, I can understand that. I wont force you, you know. If you want to try some other time instead
Itsuki, why do you want to Classmate with me?
Its for the sake of the world, right?
For this world I see. As Gods Gift, your actions will change the fate of this world.
I-I didnt mean it like that! I just
I will prepare myself, Itsuki.
Well, whatever works I guess. As long as youre sure, then lets try making one of those Star Children.
Yes. But may I ask one thing?
Oh, sure. What is it?
This is my first time doing something like this So, um please be gentle
Of course! I totally know how to do that I just have to uhhhh
*And then Classmating happened. Whatever the hell that entails. According to Reone, its not sex. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. Pillow fight, maybe?*
Huff Huff Phew
A-Are you, doing okay?
(I dont think that will ever not be weird )
Y-Yes Im fine.
Okay. Your face is really red, so I just wanted to make sure.
Th-Thats not true. Im only a little dazed. It was my first time doing the ritual. I didnt know it was like that.
Like what? Does it feel different for Star Maidens?
W-Well
Um, Itsuki. May I return for today?
Huh? Oh, sure. I think this went really well. Thanks.
Im glad. Now, if youll excuse me
*And Arie books it*
What the hell am I missing about this Classmating thing? I know the build up is really embarrassing, but its a relief when its done right?
Certainly a mystery for the ages. It makes a lot more sense if we go by the anime adaptions depiction of Classmating, but the anime is also playing things up because they want to cash in on the Highschool DxD market. The vague nature of this whole thing makes it really hard to write Itsuki for me, because how embarrassed or shy official Itsuki gets varies wildly in the bonding events. But then he is usually very well composed in Classmating scenes. He maintains a this is just a job, lets get it done attitude in when Classmating, but well see later that some of the Star Maidens can make him fairly uncomfortable just by leaning in a little close.
Im getting too many mixed signals here, game. Its an M rated game and your anime adaption just throws all subtlety to the wind, so stop gaslighting me. It would really make my writing job easier.
Anyway, some indeterminate time later
♪Hmm hmm hmm.♪ Mmm.♪ Oh? Hello, Itsuki. Did you need something from the church?
Hey, Arie. No, I was just passing by. You seem to be having fun with your cleaning.
Did it appear that way? Though, I do like to clean This is part of my training, so I must take it seriously.
You train by cleaning?
Yes. Cleaning is the best sort of training to cleanse your mind and body. My days at the church always start with cleaning.
Wait, you do this every day? Thats pretty impressive. I definitely couldnt do that.
Its nothing special. This is like a habit for me.
Wish I had that habit. Then again, Im a friendless and loveless loser, so who the hell am I trying to impress? As long as theres nothing biohazardous then Im okay with mess.
Itsuki, how about you try it? Youll get used to it immediately. Serving the church together with the sunrise feels really good.
I dont know. It sounds like a pretty tough thing to keep up, especially every single day.
Ill be honest, Im lost with this next transition. Im just going to let Official Itsuki speak for himself.
The heart of serving That sounds like a difficult concept to grasp.
I have a feeling that something was lost in translation here. Arie just basically said helping others can motivate you. She didnt use any flowery language. Itsuki just busting out The heart of serving sounds really strange.
Its not difficult. It just means you are accomplishing things for others.
Again, very straightforward.
I do so for the Star God. And I serve the people who believe in Him. Itsuki, you go into the labyrinths almost daily. Do you not do so because it is for the sake of someone else?
Hmm I guess its for the sake of people like you.
Yeah. I dont want the people of this world being overrun by monsters.
Oh thats what you meant. I was surprised to hear you say such a thing. Itsuki, you are a wonderful person.
Well, lets get go overboard.
Could I get like a pamphlet or something for this place? The clergy seem miles better than in Earth religions. Then again, Star God seems like kind of a dick in this world.
No, its fine. I think youve given me some better perspective on the heart of serving stuff.
Really? That makes me happy. To understand the heart of service is the first step to serving the church.
Thats great, but I dont think Im ready to go joining a church.
I appreciate that shes not pushy about it. Church people are almost never like Okay, well if you change your mind then just let me know. Theyre more like I see, well how much brow beating will it take for you to give in and just agree?
Organized religion, man. No concept of leave me alone. Anyway, lets get to know Tarua next. That last conversation was confusing and slightly incoherent. Hopefully Tarua will be more straightforward.
~Star God Academy Field~
They told me Tarua was around here, but I dont see her.
Outta the waaay!
Wait, what?! Whoa!
*Tarua comes flying at Itsuki like a bat out of hell and rams into him. So I guess more like a bull out of hell since shes the Taurus star Maiden. Dammit, why couldnt she be Aries so I could make ramming pun?*
Augh augh I hit my head I cant really pump the brakes when I stop running Owie Oh no! The letters! I dropped all the letters! I have to pick em all up!
Ugh well at least the letters didnt get shredded I think you broke a rib What about you? Are you okay?
Augh? Im totally fine! I always bump into stuff!
(Maybe I should go see Reone after this )
They tell me to be careful not to run into stuff, but that doesnt matter!
Actually, I think you should listen to those people more. Youre going to hurt yourself eventually.
Thanks for worrying about me! Huh? Hey, now that I got a better look, youre Itsuki. What are you doing here? Are ya bored?
No, I was just trying to find you so I could say hi.
To me? Why? We already said hi the other time.
Thats what I said! But Mana told me that Gods Gift has to have good manners and all that stuff. I have to Classmate with all of you, after all. So I guess she technically has a point.
Oh, I guess so. You really like following the rules, dont you, Itsuki. Then Ill be like you and say hi to you again! Im Tarua! Nice to meet ya!
You mentioned that before. You run a postal service or something?
Itsuki, if you ever want a letter delivered, just catch me.
Ill keep that in mind, although Im not really sure who I would send letters to in this world. By the way, didnt you drop a bunch of letters?
Augh?! Thats right! I dropped the letters when I bumped into you! Augh augh! The boss will yell at me!
Your boss? So you dont just handle it yourself?
Yeah. I live at the post office where the boss is. Hes real strict, but my goal is to be a great mailman like him!
I see. Probably want to aim a little higher than that, but everyone needs a goal in life I guess.
Boss always says to finish the job I started.
*Tarua takes a second to go and grab all the scattered letters*
All right, finished gathering it all. Ill be going now!
Right, take care then. Try not to destroy anyone elses chest cavity.
Augh! See ya! All right! I gotta make up for lost time!
Going to have to be careful around her. God, my chest still hurts Feels like I got hit by a brick
So weve established that Tarua likes to run around and has a total disregard for bystanders. Also her name is Tarua and shes the Taurus Star Maiden. Way to be creative Spike Chunsoft.
~Church Spirit Chamber~
Okay Tarua, its time to try the Classmating ritual.
Augh So its finally here I guess wed have to do it eventually. I am a Star Maiden after all
Wait, no. Its not like were fighting, right?
No. No we are not. Please dont charge at me like you did yesterday.
Y-Yeah I guess Im just nervous But I dont really hate it, you know? Helping you is my job. Augh augh. Now Im even more nervous
Well, hey, Im nervous too. Its okay.
Augh augh augh! Itsuki, if youre like that, then Ill get worried too.
Right, sorry. Im still kind of bad at this. Listen, its perfectly fine. Ive done this before twice, nothing bad happens.
But Augh
What the hell is that noise? Is this like Ellies Aheheh thing?
No, I shouldnt think about it. Okay! Ill keep my mind blank! Itsuki, Ill do my best! So pat me on the head when were done.
I guess I can do that, if itll help calm you down.
Really? Hooray! Ill do my best!
Good to hear. Now, lets try and make some Star Children.
Augh! Well make tons!
Okay, lets not get too eager.
Augh But I wonder if itll be okay Augh augh! Stop stop stop! I shouldnt get in my head! I have to keep focus here! Okay! Bring it on!
Could you maybe not say it like that? Please?
*Classmating again! Yay!*
Augh Augh augh Ooh
*And then Tarua promptly eats floor*
Hey! Whats wrong?! Did she faint? Ouch. At least when I did it I had grass to cushion the fall. Note to self: Be ready to catch the Star Maidens after the ritual.
*Some time later*
Yeah, its done. You did well.
But I passed out, so I dont know that.
Okay, that part wasnt so great, but everything else was good.
Did I do my job as a Star Maiden well?
I think so. The Star Child looks pretty tough. I think thats thanks to you.
Th-Thanks to me? Hehe Thats great. It was pretty easy with you. Thanks. Well Mm
Why are you leaning in like that ? Ohhhh, yeah, you wanted a pat on the head.
Yeah. You promised me.
Its kind of embarrassing, but I guess I did kind of agree to it. Well, here goes.
Ahhn
Uhh, you okay?
Augh? Did I say something?
You kind of made this little noise.
O-Okay
Oof Mm Oof Augh augh Im melting
(Getting really uncomfortable here )
I feel weird. It never feels this good when other people pat me Itsuki Youre what people call an expert!
Japan, what is with this head patting thing?
Youre making it too weird. Stopping now.
Augh! Thanks, Itsuki! It felt really good! Im glad the ritual turned out fine. Now we can do it all the time! Lets do it again later, Itsuki!
Sure. I I will definitely keep you in mind.
Okay! Well, um If we do Classmate right, will you pat me on the head again?
Uhhh Of course. In the event that we do Classmating again and it goes well, I will look into giving you more pats on the head.
Augh! Hooray! Im going back to work now! See ya later, Itsuki!
*And Tarua trots off*
I hope that was enough conditions to give me an out.
One more Tarua event to go. Some time later
~Star God Academy Field~
Augh! Hi, Itsuki!
Hey, Tarua. Out delivering letters again, huh?
Yup! Been running around since morning till my bag was empty!
It takes you the entire day?
Boss can finish even faster. Im pretty slow with deliveries, so thats why I get a head start.
Hold on. You run around at breakneck speed all the time. How does it Oh, wait. I guess you must carry more letters than him.
Thats not true. I always split them down the middle with Boss. But I always take twice as long as Boss to deliver everything. I run too fast and go right past the delivery address Looks like I still need more training. Augh What can I do to deliver letters more efficiently?
Have you considered maybe not running so fast?
If only it were that easy
It is. It is that easy.
Im always running full force.
It makes me wanna deliver those letters as fast as possible.
Thats an interesting way of looking at it.
Well, Boss taught me all that. Ive been watching Boss work ever since I was small. Hes been a big influence.
So hes like your dad or something?
Augh More like a foster parent. He adopted me when I was small.
Zeus and Europa? Mythology reference! Up top!
I guess he is my dad then
Oh, right. Orphan stuff. Proceed.
Augh? Maybe my grandpa? Hes pretty old. But he gets so mad when I call him that. He really is an old dude though.
Sounds like you really love each other, in your own ways.
Augh When you put it that way, its kinda embarrassing. But Boss gets so mad when I swipe food before dinner. Hes stubborn too.
Aww. Hes a big angry alcoholic sweetheart.
Augh If he heard this, itd just go to his head, so lets stop it here! Augh, look at the time! I better get back to my deliveries!
Didnt you say your bag was empty? You still have more to do?
I only finished half! I have my afternoon deliveries to do next! Augh augh! I used up too much time talking to you!
Sorry, I didnt mean to hold you up like this.
No, its okay, really. I like talking with you.
Augh! See ya later!
*And Tarua takes off*
Man. Starting to feel kind of bad. I thought the Maidens just kind of chilled out at the Palace or something while I was in the Labyrinths, but so far theyve all been making me look like a lazy asshole. I need to put more effort into this hero stuff
Youll get there Itsuki. Once we get you outfitted with a full team then youll be in for some intensive training. Now that I know the enemies have a little bite to them, Ill be playing this like an actual RPG.
But before that, we still have ten more Maidens to get through. On to Lillith!
Am I in the right Nevermind. There you are, Lillith.
Oh my. Hello there. Um You are Mauds Gift or something?
Gods Gift, actually. What even is a Maud?
Oh, thats right. I made a mistake. Hehehe~ What brings you here today?
Im trying to check in with all of the Star Maidens. I need to greet everyone personally, or something like that. Anyway, is this where you do your fortune telling thing?
Thats right. Do you like having your fortune told, Itsuki?
Ive heard some. I wouldnt say Im a fanatic about it or anything.
Oh, I see.
Id prefer to know how the hell you use your hair like a cloak. How is it staying in a solid unbroken sheet like that?
Got it. Ill pass for now, though. I wanted to learn a little more about you um, both of you I mean. I think?
I understand. Please, wait a moment. Um Itsuki is here to see you.
Whats that for?
A memo for Lillie.
Let me go make some tea.
3, 2, 1, aaannd-
Ahhh!
*Theres the sound of glass breaking and the screen shakes a bit*
Hey, Lillith? You okay back there?
Ow I hit my head
And you are Lillie? Right?
Hey, you bastard! Dont go looking at me with those pervert eyes. What are you doing here anyway?
Since when am I a pervert? I mean, an open one. Dont pin Manas crap on me.
*Lillie finally notices the memo*
Hm? Oh, theres a memo. Lets see Itsuki is here to see you? Oh, so thats why. You came to make a move on Lillith, huh?
Why do people keep thinking that about me?
Kekeke! You get to be lewd with 12 girls, dontcha?
Oh god, please. Dont tell me shes another Mana. One is enough.
You sure got the long end of the sick, you perv!
Right. How about we just move on from that. Now that youre here, its a good time for us to talk about you know.
What? You didnt hear from her already? About our split personalities. Bah, such a pain in the ass! Fine I guess Ill tell you. There are two people inside us. One is Lillith, who you met, and the other is me. When we bonk our heads, our personalities flip.
If you see these spooky blue hearts pop up during choices, it means you made the bad choice. Pink hearts indicate the Best choice, and nothing means the choice was neutral. I chose this one mainly because its funny.
Every time you hit your head? Are you all right?
What? You making fun of me?
No. But Mana hit you before, so I figured maybe it was a regular thing.
I dont get my head beat year round, if thats what youre getting at. Manas the only idiot whod dare hit my head all the time. Its not just physical, any sort of shock to our brain can flip us.
Weird. Sounds like a tough spot to be in.
Its nothing once you get used to it. Anyway, nice to meet you and all that. Here, shake my hand.
Oh, sure. Nice to meet you
*Theres a squishy noise*
What the hell is
Kekekeke! I got you, you idiot!
Is this gum?
Its garlic gum! I picked the one that stank the most!
Come on now! Better hurry and wash it off! Kekekeke! See ya later, Itsuki! Hope we get along!
*And Lillie takes off*
Its just garlic. Besides, that means shes got it on her too. Ugh either way, I can tell shes going to be a pain to deal with.
Personally, I propose carrying a whiffle bat or something with you when you go to see her. Whiffle bat always makes me laugh.
Time for Classmating, Lillith.
Oh sure Hmm What should I do ? Now that its time to actually do it, Im getting embarrassed. Are you fine with this, Itsuki?
Eh, not exactly. Im getting used to it, but I can still get embarrassed. My gut is actually in knots just thinking about having to do this with ReYou know what, not important.
Oh, I see. Thats a relief. I was worried I would be the only one to be so embarrassed.
Listen, if its too much then we can always try another time. Just throwing that out there.
No, I will make it through with my willpower. Hip-hip-hooray!
Whatever works I guess. Lets go.
Yes. Ill do my best!
*And then Classmating happened*
*sigh* That was wonderful. It actually wasnt all that bad.
Did you not know how it works?
I did, but my imagination still ran wild. Its a bad habit of mine. I cant help but think of so many different situations.
Yeah, that sounds like an active imagination to me.
Thats right. Im always daydreaming, so I often think about these things. This one time, I thought about how cats evolve to be just the cutest. By the time I realized, a day had already passed.
And did you get anything from that?
In the end, I think theyre cute just the way they are.
Riiiight.
But, to be honest, it wasnt too difficult It was just enough for me. If it werent, Id just get Lillie to do it in my place.
Did I miss something here? What wasnt too difficult?
Speaking of her, is she asleep or whatever?
Yes. We arent aware of each others actions when one is awake. Thats why we write down memos for each other to keep ourselves informed. But in the moment we switch, we can feel each others emotions.
But we cant figure out exactly what the other is thinking at the time.
There are so many ways that could go horribly awry.
I think I understand. Sort of. As much as I can understand magical personality changes.
Wait, what time is it now? Oh Looks like class is about to start. If Im late again Ill surely be scolded I must go now. Farewell.
Her planet needs her. After some class time, Itsuki rolls back in to her fortune telling studio to check on the Wonder Twins again.
~Fortune-Teller Manor~
Lillith? Are you inOops.
Oh my. Please wait a moment, Itsuki. I have a guest over right now.
Sorry, dont mind me.
Now then Hmm
[Female Student A]: What? Really? Isnt that great, Tak?
[Male Student A]: Yeah, Mitchie. But I already know that even without getting our fortunes told.
[Female Student A]: Oh? Really?! You make me so happy, Tak!
Sorry to keep you waiting, Itsuki.
Dont worry about it. Sorry for interfering with your work.
Not at all. I was thinking of taking a break anyway. Ive been telling fortunes since early this morning, so Im pretty tired.
You must be really popular. Are your readings super accurate or something?
Its a bit embarrassing to say myself But my customers do say I get things right all the time.
Thats because theyre asking stupid shit like Are me and my girlfriend in loooove? Also, youre giving bullshit psychic answers that are vague enough to be correct regardless of what happens.
Many of the students come by and ask for readings on love.
[Female Student A]: Everyone says how accurate her readings are. Right, Tak?
[Male Student A]: Oh, Mitchie. Everyone is talking about the genius fortune-teller!
(Huh, maybe I should have gotten her to tell my fortune. Then again, maybe thats not such a good idea considering the monster fighting I have to do )
Aww Now my face is on fire Im going to go wash my face.
Hey, Lillith! Watch out for
Huh? Ahhh!
*And Lillith promptly eats floor*
This probably isnt a good thing
Ugh Damn, that hurt. Did I step on the crystal ball? Clean that crap up, geez
[Female Student A]: Huh? L-Lillith?
What? Whos asking?
The customers.
[Female Student A]: Oh, you already did earlier
You guys might want to leave now. Before the good times end.
What are you talking about? My fortunes are much better. Just you watch. Here goes
(This is going to be a disaster.)
Mmmm And the results are in! Ah That dude is cheating on you.
[Male Student A]: D-Dont be stupid! Wh-Why would you say that?!
[Female Student A]: Why are you panicking? Dont tell me you really are cheating on me!
Hes panicking because your relationship is as weak as a wet napkin and he knows that youre about to completely tear his head off regardless of what he says. Ah, young love.
Oh, I see who the girl is
[Female Student A]: Its Mie! It has to be her! That fits her description!
That sneaky average height/average build tramp!
[Female Student A]: Youre cheating on me I dont believe you, Tak! Were through!
[Male Student A]: Wait, Mitchie! You got it all wrong!
Kekekekeke. Theyre so friggin dumb They really fell for that lie.
You feel like telling me why the fuck you lied to them like that?
What? Because its fun, thats why.
For fun?! You destroyed that couple because its fun?!
Yeah, it is. Got a problem with that? You better not try to lecture me.
You and everyone both sides of you know will die a horrible death without Itsuki. Your continued existence depends on him. Why is that such a difficult concept for people to grasp in this series? If Jesus Christ came to Earth and God burst out of the clouds to go Listen, I sent him here to save everyone. Itll be fine. Would there be people going So youre The Messiah? Pfff, big deal. Dont go getting all high and mighty.
Nobody tells me what to do. Kekekeke
[Male Student B]: Excuse me. I heard the fortune-teller here is really good, so
Run! For the love of god
Youll have bad luck! Its written all over your face!
[Male Student B]: Wh-What?! You can tell just by looking at my face?!
I can totally tell! Youll either have bed bugs, get sick, or die in the next three days!
Would you shut your damn mouth you
Shut up! Dont tell me what to do!
[Male Student B]: Y-Youre lying That cant be true! Noooo!
*Male Student B B-B-Books it*
Hes running away Hey, come back here!
Where do you think youre going?
Keep this in mind for future reference. We learn something about Itsuki in one of these opening bond events that relates to this and I think the game completely forgets about it during bond events like this one.
Im gonna go bully him until he cries! Kekekeke!
*And then Lillie books it*
She needs to be taught a lesson. How the hell does Lillith live with that inside of her?
Even though this is blind, Im keeping commentary to a relative minimum because the thread will be the ultimate arbiters of our path in this game. But Im gonna be frank with all of you here
Move over Mana, PK has a new most hated character!
Next time on The Bachelor: Granvanian Destinies:
Goddammit, Conception Plus! Its not a freaking contest!