Part 43: Final Bonding Events Capricorn and Libra + Summaries of #8-13 (Part 1)
Bonding Update XIX: Final Bonding Events Capricorn and Libra + Summaries of #8-13 (Part 1)
Two more to go. I wonder how much more freaking out Farun is going to do in her final few events.
~Church Spirit Chamber~

.jpg)




.jpg)
Ive been thinking about how weird a direction Faruns route took. I never thought shed end up being the giddy schoolgirl in love character. Was sort of expecting a more emotional route revolving around her leaving her hometown to spend life as a wanderer and that thing about her keeping radio silence with her parents for some reason.



.jpg)
Yeah. Hard to believe its been slightly over 2 months.
Im bad at keeping deadlines. In the opposite way than people normally expect. Remember me saying that Id stick to 1 update a week? HA! Ahh memories.




.jpg)

You know, you all say shit like that, but I dont think theres been any indication that Itsuki is even capable of being rough. Femiruna basically had to force him into it.


*Classmating!*




.jpg)


I dont know. I think this is pretty typical of Farun. At least, her recent self.






Well, the Ophiuchus Labyrinth has been jutting out of the countryside for the past couple of months. Thats probably an issue that needs immediate attention. Also Itsuki needs to start planning his final Star Child teams since the thread doesnt seem to be interested in coming up with anything themselves.

*Farun then leans in for a kiss*






What?


Im letting official dialogue happen right now because Im a little unclear how this conversation is transitioning.








*Itsuki then leaves, I think. Im assuming based on this next line*


~Tavern~













Jesus. What the hell prompted that outburst?

Youre not going to tell us are you?








Moments like these are always weird when youre in a route where the two characters are kissing openly and easily. Maybe I just dont get it because Ive never been in a relationship.

Man, Itsuki just cannot restrain his rabid need to pry.













*Farun then leans in and just stares*







For gods sake Farun, what do you want from him? To start nailing you on the counter of a public bar? People get drunk here! Show some respect and cool those booty shorts.


Barf.













Oh well, at least we get to find out what kind of juicy Itsuki details Farun was giving to her parents.

One more to go.
~Church Spirit Chamber~






There are some things science just cant explain like love or how Itsuki thinks.

*




It happens during games like these. You get used to it.

















We have with everyone else. Might as well complete the set.









Not sure why you phrased that as a question. That was a statement. Oh well, proceed.





All right. Date time with Mirei, here we go. What are we doing? Hot springs again? Science exhibit?
~Star God Academy St.~

*The screen shakes a little*








Ah, the whole heightened senses thing again. You know, you could have just tucked your glasses into your pocket when you were approaching Itsuki. You didnt have to come the whole way here without them.





~Outskirts Lake~

Yay! The Bob Ross lake again! I like this place.

Honestly, I wish we could have heard part of that. Id be interested to know how the hell star energy actually works.






*Mirei then leans in or falls forward, its hard to tell*












That was obvious. To everyone but Itsuki, I mean.




Eh, I still think glasses Mirei is better.








[Old Man]: Oh, is that you, Mirei?
Oooh! Cockblocked by the Old Man! Wait a second what the fuck is he doing out here?

[Old Man]: You are Mirei, arent you? The palace mage


[Old Man]: I was the one who thanked you for fixing the magic transmission device Was I interrupting something?
Yes, you old fart! You were young once, dont you know how to read the room?





We could complete destroy the mood here by saying Im no one special or Im her research specimen, but lets choose the best answer since these are the final bonding events. Never know who is going to end up being the canon choice after all.


[Old Man]: Oh, is that so? What a joyous thing.








[Old Man]: Anyway, Mirei I hope youll continue developing new magical tools.
Youre getting on my last nerve, Old Man. You got what you wanted from her, so leave her the fuck alone. Did you follow her out here just to nag for more inventions?
[Old Man]: Everyone in town is supporting you. Farewell for now.
Everyone in town can go choke on the corpses of their deceased loved ones.







Plucky young JRPG protagonists will corrupt you eventually. Its sort of impossible to avoid.







Well, that was sweet. Too bad that doddering old idiot had to show up out of nowhere and ruin the mood.
~Bottom 7 Summaries: Pisces, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Gemini, and Taurus~
#8.

Yuzuhas Classmating event has her talking about how she belongs to Itsuki now and that she hopes hell take care of her. Yuzuha still gets embarrassed by the ritual. It should be noted that despite her last event where she talks about no longer being the little sister and instead being Itsukis Star Maiden, she still refers to Itsuki as Big Brother.

Anyway, Classmating happens and the event ends shortly after. Most of Yuzuhas Classmating event is just her talking about being embarrassed or nervous. Actually, now that I think back on it, most of her Classmating events are basically just that.
Yuzuhas main event is something a little different. Its not going to be a fun time, Ill tell you that right now. Itsuki visits her at her house and finds that Yuzuha is looking really dizzy and out of it. She says that she figures she hasnt been sleeping well, then collapses on the floor. Some time passes and when the screen fades back in we find Reone standing in the room. She says that Yuzuha is fine for the time being and that shes currently sleeping. Reone then comes clean about something that both her and Yuzuha have been hiding from Itsuki:

Reone says that Yuzuha spends most of the day trying to fight off a strong drowsiness. Its not quite as simple as narcolepsy though. Reone says that the Sleeping Spell illness is dangerous in a different way. Specifically, Yuzuhas life is shortened by the amount of time she sleeps. People afflicted with this illness apparently never live past the age of 20. Itsuki asks if theres any way to cure it, but Reone says that there is currently no way to do so. She says that theres nothing even close to being able to treat it yet. The only positive thing about the illness is that Reone says it isnt painful. People afflicted with it simply die in their sleep when their time comes. Although, Reone does admit that she wonders what it feels like to go to sleep not knowing if youll ever wake up again. She also asks Itsuki why he thinks Yuzuha sleeps in a coffin. She immediately answers that question by saying that Yuzuha does it so that she wont cause trouble for anyone when she does finally die. Its also why she avoids interacting with others.

Itsuki is understandably upset by this. Reone gives him the medicine that Yuzuha wanted (its a stimulant to keep her awake longer). She says that Yuzuha hasnt given up on life just yet and that Itsuki should support her. Whats more, the medicine that Yuzuha wanted Reone to make will keep her awake, but it does that by continually dealing out pain in order to fight off the drowsiness. Reone has reservations about prescribing something like that, but she also points out to Itsuki just how far Yuzuha is willing to go in order to keep living. Reone then takes her leave. Itsuki goes to check on Yuzuha and she wakes up and apologizes for losing consciousness. She also figures that Itsuki heard everything from Reone. Yuzuha then makes Itsuki promise her to treat her the same as always and not as though she was sick. He makes that promise. Itsuki gets ready to head out and Yuzuha tells him not to worry about her. She also says that she doesnt use the medicine that Reone gives her all the time, since she doesnt like pain very much. The event then wraps up there.

#9.

After that uplifting moment, we follow up with Reone herself. Reone is down for the Classmating ritual right off the bat, telling Itsuki that they can get started the moment their eyes meet. Itsuki says that he kind of needs to prepare himself and Reone mentions that talking to him like this before the ritual makes her heart beat faster. Itsuki is a bit surprised that Reone would get nervous about this, but she says that all Star Maidens feel that way before the ritual (mostly).

Reone reveals that apparently one of the big causes of nervousness for the Star Maidens is that Itsuki might eventually cross the line with them (I assume shes talking about going full-on sex, which would make more sense in the Animes depiction but is kind of confusing if we look at this from an emotional/mental context. Stop waffling on this topic, game. Come right out and tell us what happens during this ritual thing). Anyway, Reone says that just because she would let him doesnt mean he should go all the way. Itsuki says that hell be more considerate of the Star Maidens feelings in that regard. Classmating then happens. Afterward, Reone says that apparently Itsuki was hovering on that line (which what? What does that mean?). Itsuki points out that Reone is the one that took the lead this time and she asks if he is trying to say it was her fault. After that bit of playful back and forth, the event wraps up with a bit of Im sure the Star Child will be powerful and Its thanks to our deep bond and all that typical stuff.
In Reones first event, Itsuki finds her in a good mood and asks what happened, only for Reone to reveal that apparently Shang found out about her little stunt with the hospital since, you know, there was a big-ass explosion in the middle of the fucking city.

Despite telling her off, Shang agrees that a hospital in the slums is something that the nation should support (its almost as if Reone should have just fucking asked for the governments support in the first place). In the end, she was let off with a scolding instead of any kind of punishment. She figures her being a Star Maiden and Itsuki being involved are probably why she got off so lightly. To help thank him for saving her, Reone takes Itsuki along for a walk to the park as part of a date.
In the park, the couples from Mahirus event are apparently still littering the area. Reone asks if Itsuki has gone on dates like this with the other Star Maidens, but Itsuki sticks to a gentleman never kisses and tells, which Reone thinks is admirable. Reone then goes on to mention that the hospital in the slums will be built soon and that her role as palace physician will probably be over at that point. Itsuki asks why she plans on quitting, but Reone says she wont quit while hes around. As for what she plans to do once Itsukis job is done, she isnt sure. She thinks that maybe she can open a clinic in the countryside and just take things easy, or possibly research treatments that havent been discovered yet. She says that it would be perfect if Itsuki were by her side, which causes him to apologize, but Reone tells him not to since hes working so hard for his own sake (to get back to his world).

Reone thinks Gods Gift can be so cruel because they go around making strong bonds with Star Maidens only to eventually leave them. She says that he should do his best to make good memories while he can and suggests that he start by stealing a kiss from all of the Maidens, starting with her. Itsuki is a little hesitant, because he feels he cant do something like that with someone he wont get to see again (but I guess Farun is totally fine?). Reone goes in for the kiss herself since Itsuki chickened out and then she asks to walk back home holding hands, since she wants to enjoy being lovers until the very end.

#9.

For Sues Classmating, Itsuki wonders why Sue still wants to do Classmating since she figured out what the nostalgic feeling was and why it was causing a prickly sensation (memories of her parents holding her). Sue asks if Itsuki doesnt want to do it with her, but he says that he does. Sue says that she wants to as well because she likes him, even if her heart still feels a little prickly during the ritual. Classmating then happens.

Afterward, Sue says that her heart feels warm and also a little prickly, but that that sensation goes away whenever she thinks about Itsuki. She then says that she loves him and wants to be by his side. The event ends there.
In Sues event, Itsuki finds her doing some spring cleaning of the animal hut. Itsuki offers to help and lifts up some heavy equipment to get it out of the way. Sue is impressed by how light he makes it look and how strong he is.

After Itsuki explains that hes not quite strong enough to carry a freaking horse, the two of them proceed to cleaning. A short time skip happens. Once its done, Itsuki tells her that he can always help her out again, but Sue gets a little sad about that and says that she cant rely on him like that all the time. If she did, she feels like she wouldnt be able to live by herself anymore. She also says that she feels weaker now because of all the help shes been getting and that she feels useless when Itsuki spoils her.

Itsuki asks if thats really such a bad thing, but Sue says that shell only cause trouble during the times when hes not there. Itsuki convinces her that its okay for her to depend on him and Sue asks him to be by her side. Itsuki agrees and Sue then asks him to not go to the labyrinths anymore, but Itsuki tells her thats not possible.

Sue tells him not to forget that him going to the labyrinths makes her afraid and the event ends there.
#11.

Collettes Classmating event opens with her asking if she can go take a bath first. Itsuki says that if shes going to do that, then he might as well do it too, which causes Collette to do her Are you trying to say that you want to bathe with me? thing that she always does to make Itsuki sound like a perv. Collette says that shell just wait and have the bath after the ritual.

She eventually says that because shes doing this for him without having washed first, shell do something special. She makes him kneel down so that they are both at eye-level, then has him close his eyes. Itsuki wonders what the soft sensation against his lips was, but Collette says that its a secret (she kissed you, Itsuki. Dont be that dense). Classmating then eventually happens.
A little more back and forth happens with Itsuki denying that he was teasing her and Collette trying to find out what he said and all that stuff. She then says its time for a bath and offers to wash Itsukis back, which causes him to question if they are going to bathe together. Collette says Why not? since they are close enough to do that ritual all the time. Itsuki then quickly makes up an excuse and fucking books it.

For Collettes event, she gets Itsuki to run out and buy her a bag of sugar from the store. During his shopping run, he runs into Mahiru and decides to ask her if she knows where he can get a four-leafed clover. Mahiru says that she carries one in her wallet (she put it in there just before they wound up in this world for some reason ). Itsuki head back to the bakery and shows Collette the clover, which nearly brings her to tears (I should mention that Itsuki doesnt say anything about Mahiru giving it to him. Douche). Collette says that she needs to close up shop and get to baking that bread right away, but that she wants him to stay with her the whole time.

Yup, thats a triple comma in place of a question mark. SC gonna SC.
Collette is happy that Itsuki remembered what she hopes her grandfather will say, then asks him to hold her hand during the baking since she wants to build up happiness to put into the bread. After some time has passed, Collette thanks Itsuki for staying with her and says that shell take the bread to her grandfather right away. The event wraps up around that time.

#12.

Lillith is on board for Classmating, although she says that Lillie would hate it if Itsuki disliked her (Itsuki assures her that he doesnt). Lillith then wants to apologize for the Golden Apple incident, even though its kind of late for that.

Itsuki says that its because of what she did that he was saved, which makes Lillith happy. Classmating then happens. After that, Itsuki mentions that he was noticing how much Lillith has changed and that shes a lot more assertive now. Lillith talks about how shes never felt this way and that her heart is so full of worries (okay, that part is a little different compared to how these usually go). Lillith starts talking about how its a bad habit of hers to worry like that and that shes happy when shes with Itsuki, but is afraid of not being with him. Itsuki says that he understands how she feels and reassures her, which makes Lillith happy, but she admits that the bad thoughts still cross her mind. When Itsuki leaves, Lillith mumbles something about still being worried about what might happen between them in the future.

For the event, Itsuki walks in to find Lillith giving a fortune reading, although its quickly revealed that this is actually Lillie impersonating Lillith again. However, Lillie isnt doing this for the sake of a prank this time. She says that she hasnt been able to switch with Lillith since yesterday and shes not sure why. Lillie says that apparently Lillith read a fortune about something (Lillie found Lilliths fortune telling stuff in front of her when she flipped. She could also feel some residual emotional shock) and ever since Lillie has been stuck in control. Itsuki asks if its even possible for that to happen and Lillie says that theres no other way to explain it. Shes been bashing her head repeatedly to try and change back, but it hasnt been happening. Itsuki gets her to calm down and Lillie says that shes just worried about Lillith. She says that maybe something equally shocking as what Lillith saw would be enough to force a personality switch again, then says that theres only one thing left that she can think of: kissing.

Ive always liked the term snogging. Its a funny word.
After some back and forth where Itsuki tries to go through with the kiss but Lillie is being really shy about it and doing things like turning her face away, they finally manage to kiss.

Lillie says that shell bite his tongue off if he sticks it inside. Barf.
The kiss does the trick and Lillith is brought back out. Itsuki tries to find out what was so shocking that Lillith wouldnt come out anymore, but she says that it was so bad that her memory of it is gone. Itsuki is still concerned about it, but lets it go since Lillith says she cant remember what it was. When Itsuki leaves, Lillith mumbles Itsuki I and looks kind of upset. The event ends there.
#13.

Tarua is embarrassed about doing the ritual but she wants to be useful to Itsuki, then Classmating happens. Im not really skipping much, it really does happen that quickly. Afterward, Itsuki offers to pat her on the head, but Tarua declines and says that theres something else she wants instead. She wants him to hold her up instead, because being patted on the head makes her feel weird.

Huh, she does have that snaggle-tooth. I guess the anime didnt make that up.
Tarua is having fun, but then Itsuki pats her on the head as well and Tarua starts melting like butter. Itsuki eventually has to put her down since his knees are going numb (wimp) and then Tarua starts asking about whether or not Itsuki finds her cute. Shes apparently worried that Itsuki doesnt see her as a girl, since he doesnt seem to get nervous around her. Itsuki reassures her that shes cute, but Tarua says that she still wants to be more feminine since she wants to make Itsukis heart race like other girls do. Tarua tries to figure out what causes that, whether its hugging or kissing or while being on a date, then locks into the date thing and says that she wants to do that with him. Itsuki agrees and Tarua is determined to make his heart race and be more like a girl.
In Taruas event, the date happens. Tarua is stocked about it, but she isnt sure what you actually do on a date and never really thought of anything to do. She asks Itsuki what to do and he suggests (in the best choice) that they walk arm in arm.

Tarua says that up until now, she loved running more than anything in the world, but she admits that slowly walking around with Itsuki like this is really fun too. Itsuki also buys her some sweets that she spies and Tarua seems to be loving the date (Itsuki actually says that it feels more like hes taking care of a cousin than going on a date. Tarua doesnt catch that comment though). After the date, Tarua says that it was a lot of fun but that its different from the ones she knows of. Specifically, she says that the ones she knows of are when a man and a woman make out and are lovey-dovey and stuff. Also that the man carries the woman and they kiss. Tarua starts freaking out a bit about that since the thought makes her really nervous, but Itsuki tells her not to rush things so much.

Itsuki says that she already made his heart race, but Tarua isnt buying it since her face goes red and her mind goes blank when it happens to her. Itsuki points out that not everyone reacts in the same way. Tarua still wants to make Itsuki more nervous like he does to her, so they promise to go on lots of dates.
There, that takes care of that. Now all thats left is everyones final event, where it all comes together and permanent deep relationships are formed and we can all pretend for a few more labyrinths that everything is great until the inevitable time comes for me to pit the 13 Maidens against each other and force the thread to select just 1 of them for the canon ending. Fun stuff.
Also I guess well find out if Alfie and Yuzuha are going to die in the next few years or if some magic anime bullshit will save them at the last minute (even though they are Star Maidens and are supposed to be permanently youthful for the next 120 years. Which is honestly something I think the writers may have forgotten about).