Nameless: Red (Good end)
Dec. 11th, 2018 08:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Time for the warrior of justice, Red!
Who is an absolute sweetie but this route was QUITE STRESSFUL. In one section Eri's having memory problems and hiding it and screwing things up and I found it quite upsetting. But overall it was really good and emotionally affecting and I REALLY WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
So on the one hand, Red is an adorable golden retriever puppy. On the other hand, ALL NARRATIVE SIGNS POINT TO INCREASING CREEPY HORROR.
Time for the last part of the heart. It is, as expected, red.
Chapter: Forgotten Toy's Room
Grandpa: A diary is a bowl that holds your memories. And on the day I leave you behind, you'll be able to meet me by opening the diary.
Child me: You're leaving me? Don't say that!
Grandpa: Okay. But you can write what you want to say to your mom and Dad, and show them when they're here.
Child me: I'll write every day! I want to be with you forever, and I have a lot of things I want to say to Mom and Dad.
Child me: This is called a diary. I'm going to write about the adventures we had today. Even if I forget you, I can remember by reading my diary.
A new background we haven't seen before: A dusty room, filled with old dolls, with safety tape on the padlocked door. All dolls fear this place. The two ways to leave are to forget the owner and go to the dumpster, or for the owner to remember the doll's name. Owners change and discard their younger selves, choosing other humans over dolls.
Nameless: That's what she promised me. I want to see that diary. You feed off memories in return for granting wishes, aren't you interested?
And then we see the Wizard!
He asks Nameless to explicitly state his wish: is it to leave this place?
Nameless: I just wish to see her again. She doesn't have to remember my name. She just has to fall into my hands.
Wizard: Why are you so determined to see her, if you don't even get to leave?
Nameless: Do you see these scars? She gave them to me. But what matters is the tear filled face she wore when she gave them. Her grandfather gave me to her, and told me not to leave her lonely. We made so many memories...too many. It's been ten years and I can't get them out of my head.
He describes the INCREDIBLY CREEPY things he wants to to Eri, involving merry-go-rounds, boiling tea, and the sensation of having your face ripped off by a puppy D: "She wasn't careful, but she was nice. Maybe we can be friends again."
The wizard looks at Nameless's memories and says he doesn't want to eat them: his head is already full of longing and obsession. But the strength of Namelesss's wish means they can see each other, and it's unpleasantly like looking at a mirror.
The wizard looked into Eri's house and saw the dolls, and that they have pure pieces of a human mind inside them, like the pure form of a wish, or the minds of children. He thinks Eri unconsciously collected dolls with these pieces.
Lance: Self worth, respect for myself
Yeonho: Faith in others, believing in others
Yuri: True love, a genuine form of love
Tei: Honesty, being true (Haaaa not sure he achieved that >.>)
Red: Pure identity, the special self
If Eri earns the dolls hearts, and collects all of the pieces, she will change back to her younger self, and remember Nameless. But earning a heart requires mutual love, and interaction.
The wizard says he will turn the dolls human for free, just to watch what happens. And because, in the end, he can always take the diary, the link between the two worlds. Nameless can watch what happens through the diary and even change her memory through it.
Through the diary he will blow the feather of dreams that lets dolls come to life.
Chapter: Feather
I stop and check the diary and WHAT. THE. HELL. It looks like it did near the end of the Tei path. Ok, I am writing this all down.
29/8: I miss grandpa.
(torn pages)
Second half of a post made just after the dolls become human.
25/9: Red burned the toast
(torn pages)
4/10: Preparing for the festival! Red hasn't said what his play is about.
(torn pages)
4/11: EXAMS. Red asked if they were a sort of food.
Eri wakes up in the middle of the night, hearing a noise. She sees luminous feathers coming from her diary and floating over the dolls.
AND THEN SHE WAKES UP. WITH RED IN HER BED.
...is he...having a dream about being dub-conned by Eri?? She tries shaking him but he just, uh, incorporates it into the dream.
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THE FIRST SEX NOISES IN THIS GAME TO BE AT THE START OF THE RED ROUTE. Though I can just imagine Cheritz persuading the Korean classification board that the end to the sentence "Don't touch me there, I'll...ahh!" is "Die! Because of your sword! In this fight we are having!"
Eri: Will he wake up if I strangle him?
Me: *waggles eyebrows*
Tei comes in and drags Red up by his ear. Ah, Red was just supposed to wake her up. Red apologises but said he was watching her sleep and her bed smelled really good. Oh god he is a confusedly horny puppy.
Tei: HURRY UP AND EAT YOUR BREAKFAST KIDS ^_^
Eri feels dizzy, and her head feels vacant, like she lost something. Did she tire herself out yesterday? What did she even DO yesterday??? She can't remember the date, and is disturbed to find out exams are soon.
I am so tense /o\ I thought maybe Red would turn out to be bad and maybe he will but I'm tense enough just from Eri's situation. It probably doesn't help that I am feeling especially woozy today.
Aw Lance is being a concerned sweetie about how dazed Eri is.
Red asks Eri to join the play! She's mostly sure she has no commitments for the festival (the existence of which she'd half forgotten) and says yes. I hope memory issues + memorising lines isn't too painful /o\
Eri is buoyed by Red's smile but doesn't think of him as handsome which I find interesting: personally I think his sprite is much cuter than Yuri or Tei's. The narrative seems to think Lance/Tei/Yuri > Yeonho/Red, but I think Lance/Red> Yeonho > Tei/Yuri. Though Tei would be cute if he had better hair and personality. ANYWAY.
Eri doesn't even know they have a car D: She thinks about it very hard.
Eri: Oh! The limousine!
Dolls: Uh? You ok?
Nameless: Now hurry up and remember, it's not all gone yet.
His voice is familiar and she wonders if it's from a dream, and whether this is a dream too.
She pretends to be fine, not wanting anyone to worry, but it's like playing Amnesia: I'm offered choices for what seems "natural". Except I know that...wait the walkthrough is saying to do the opposite of what I know she "usually" does? OK THEN WALKTHROUGH.
Tei: haha if you do that you'll die ;)
Is the aim to have people notice her brain loss before she DIES?? Fun times.
Awww Red's little worried voice is very sweet.
I'm glad I am using a walkthrough the game is very OH NO I MADE THE WRONG DECISION
Eri trips, and everyone looks at her.
Eri: Oh no people can see me bleeding!
Is this a cultural thing or an Eri thing...
Red FREAKS OUT and puts her on his back which does NOT help with the "people are staring at me" thing. Red runs at top speed but very gently puts her down in the infirmary.
"I wasn't comforted by his kindness because...this was the infirmary". Fair.
Mr Yujin looks at Eri with an irritated expression then says "It's just a scratch. Rub it with a white thing and put on a red thing." Red glares at him and Eri eventually gets up and treats her own wound. Not sure if this is better or worse than Tei treating it then getting all Christian Grey.
Mr Yujin barely remembers who Eri is but is enraptured by Red's bone structure.
Eri: SO LET'S LEAVE THE CREEPY BONE MAN BEFORE HE DISSECTS YOU
"he was like an obedient puppy the way he came to me and helped me up" ;) ;)
I am very happily on board the Red train, he is SO refreshingly sincere and nice after Tei. And cuter! And obedient :D
Did she just think that being around Red makes her simpleminded "too". She ponders that he is innocent and has a straightforward mind that puts thoughts directly into action.
Soi's mum came to visit and made her and Shinbi a lunch box! So Eri braves the cafeteria alone and Red shows up saying they can go to the hospital later if she needs it, then gives her some chocolate cherry biscuits and enters the fray to get her bread with a cheery salute.
He has a cheery way of saying "Alright" (it sounds like "arah-so") that is endearingly different to Tei, who said it all the time in the context of "So we'll do what I want, alright?".
Tei shows up tutting at Red for the carrying thing and for giving Eri biscuits he got as a gift from a girl.
Red: Here's one of every type of bread!
Eri: What?? Will you help me eat it?
Red: Nah I gotta eat with my soccer buddies.
Eri: Then why are you even in the cafeteria?
Red: Ehehe...OK GOTTA GO. But think about the play, you'd be amazing :)
Eri: ...When did he learn to give such a nice smile? And why did he come to the cafeteria?
Me: Aw, Eri, you dumbass
Eri: WAS IT A BRIBE TO DO THE PLAY?
Me: ERI. YOU DUMBASS.
Aw but then she thinks about how he's too honest for that and how it makes him seem dumb but is actually pretty cute.
On the way home Lance mutters that Eri smells like Red and complains about how thoughtless "that red monkey" was making a spectacle of her like that. Eri ponders why they always argue and has a flashback from the Lance path.
That night she can't sleep, and finds Red and Yeonho watching Red's favourite animated superhero show.
Red-on-TV, who sounds like Red-the-doll: Blue, how could you betray me?
Blue, who sounds like Lance: Uptight people like you will never win.
Red-on-TV: It's not too late! Yellow, Pink, White, Black and I all believe in you! AAAHHHHH!
??? who sounds like Yujin: He has finally realised his special powers. The experiment was a success.
ARE THE DOLLS. THE POWER RANGERS??
Red: :D :D See, honesty gives you super powers! Anything can happen if you believe!
Yeonho: Um... only on TV.
Red: Pfft. You just don't have enough training yet. Right, heroine?
And the walkthrough says to go along with it so sure. I mean in a world where dolls have souls and become humans WHO KNOWS.
She says "maybe" but wonders if this is the right thing to do. Red's awesome without special powers, but will he be disappointed when he realises he doesn't have any?
I find it interesting how even on other routes Yeonho and Eri unselfconsciously snuggle.
Chapter: Are You My Hero?
*ripping sound*
Wizard: Aren't you playing with that diary too much?
Nameless: She already forgot me. It won't hurt her to forget a bit more.
Wizard: Braindead girls don't get boyfriends
Nameless: FINE
I got anxious and looked ahead in the walkthrough, there's like three "Save me Red!" choices, hmm.
Banjul is crowded and Zion bashfully explains he's giving a harp concert. Soi gets very excited and Zion blushes. I didn't notice before but they always seem to get along in all paths.
Sio: You and Zion seem to get along well!
Eri: Huh, yeah, we do. (Are we friends and I forgot?? /o\)
Soi recruits Eri to help her attract Tei by finding out what sorts of girls he likes.
Shinbi: If you get your heart broken I'll buy you cake.
On her way out Eri buys a cookie then goes home and sees Yeonho and Red eating the cherry chocolate biscuits from Biscuit Girl, whose name Red apparently can't remember even though she gives them to him every day. Eri suggests the girl might have a crush on him and Red looks surprised.
Eri thinks of "action hero shows" of the sort they're watching as for kids which makes me wonder if it's something more like Super Sentai shows. Eri wonders if Red likes them so much because of his concept, or because he never had a childhood. He says it's because the Red character has hidden powers- just like him!
Eri: (He's 100% certain. Should I tell him that's...not a thing?)
Red: If you're ever in danger call me and my hidden powers will activate and I'll save you!
Eri: Ahaha...yeah >.>
The next choice is "Save me Red!" so WE'LL SEE HOW THAT GOES, HUH.
Eri: So, Tei, you're pretty popular...
Yeonho: Right! Half our class has a crush on him! Like the class presi-MMMPH
Eri, covering Yeonho's mouth: Do any of those girls stand out?
Tei: Not really, why?
Eri: No reason! So um, how about girls who...(what's a positive trait of Soi's...) have big boobs? (nailed it!)
Yuri, Lance, Red: o.O
Tei: ...uh...
Yuri: My honey is so bold! But just so you know, I like all sizes of bosoms ;) Although yours aren't that big, it's not good to feel jealous.
Me: Lol Yeonho isn't saying anything, I guess she still has her hand on his...
Yeonho: M-master, I like small breasts too!
o.O
Lance: WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS
Red: What's...going...on?
Eri: Tei, you still haven't answered me
Me: ERI.
Yuri: Yeah, Tei, answer her :D :D
Red, slowly going red: So. Uh. Breasts...???
Tei : Why do you ask :/
Red (in a small voice): Do you...like the commander?
Eri: WHAT?? NO??
Eri suddenly realises all the dolls were thinking about her breasts and is embarrassed and confused. SORRY ERI BUT THEY ALL SECRETLY THINK ABOUT YOUR BREASTS A LOT. Especially Lance and Tei, for all that they did the best at pretending otherwise.
Red and Eri have some cute moments of mutual embarrassment and he is clearly a bit sad at the idea she might have a thing for Tei.
And then a bunch of girls corner Eri as she arrives at school and hit her in the head so hard she passes out. They interrogate her in an alley about the limo, Red carrying her etc, and Biscuit Girl accuses her of eating the biscuits she gave Red. Eri feels scared an resentful and doesn't know how to give answers that will satisfy them.
Eri calls out for Red's help them feels like an idiot: it's pointless and will just make the girls angry.
Flashback: Child Eri is sad that her parents didn't visit when they said they would.
"There is no Santa Claus. My parents never keep their promises. And the warrior doesn't come just because you want him to"
And then, just when one of the bullies is about to hit her, comes...
SOI AND SHINBI :D
Shinbi: I called the police. And I know some lawyers, want to meet them?
The bullies run away. Soi's normally confident eyes shake with worry as she checks on Eri ;_;
They saw Eri being dragged away and told the whole class so there's missed calls from Shinbi, Yeonho and "even Lance". HEY, HE CARES.
Eri feels a bit disappointed Red didn't come but reality doesn't work that way.
Aww Lance and Yeonho are so worried about her. They and she agree she shouldn't take the limo any more.
Once again she avoids going home, despite feeling very shaky and traumatised, because she can't stand being home alone. And she asks Lance and Yeonho not to tell the other dolls so they don't worry. But she's so anxious she can barely walk. Lance finds her frozen in the hallway and drags her to the roof. He's using his anxious vulnerable voice, instead of his usual monotone, aw. I wonder if he's going to be a little love triangley on the route like Red was on his. Eventually she decides he can be trusted not to tell anyone else and explains.
He looks at her with a frown and then gives a deep sigh.
Lance: ...there's a way to get to school safely but I don't recommend it.
Me: Catch the bus with you, causing Red to get jealous?
Lance: Join Red's play and go to every rehearsal :/
Yeonho walks her home but feels bad that jealousy about the HOT5 makes her life harder. And then she gets a phonecall from Red freaking out...about the play.
Red: Lance was so annoyed. Just like my heroine to beat that silver haired jerk!
At home Yuri demands to know why Eri isn't taking the limo any more. Lance explains in rather more detail than Eri would have preferred and tells her she'll be leaving early for school with him. Everyone is VERY CONCERNED, and Red runs outside. Eri goes to cheer him up with the cookie.
He softly apologises for not being able to save her, and says Lance did a better job of actually protecting her than he did. Eri feels sad, but knew he'd hit depressing reality eventually.
Eri: You're not a perfect hero yet. But you have the innocent heart it takes to become one. Your honesty and the way you care for your team is just like "Red" from TV.
She gives him a big Red-like smile and his ears turn red. He thanks her really sweetly. Eri wishes he could realise he's an awesome guy without special powers.
Afterward we see Red mutter to himself "Heroine, do you smile like that to everyone? Do the other boys get these butterflies?"
The next morning, just as Lance is grumpily pushing a dozy Eri out the door Red runs out and says he's realised the only way he can protect Eri is to always be by her side.
Lance: But I'm here. Why are you-
Red: The first step to becoming a hero is...running away from Lance! :D *drags Eri away at speed*
LANCE IS JUST TRYING TO HELP. Aw and Lance Diary 3 just unlocked. WHY ARE ALL THE LANCE DIARIES ABOUT HIM FEELING SAD AND LEFT BEHIND.
Eri looks at Red and his smile is like the sun, and she feels her heart jump.
Chapter: Misunderstanding
Flashback: 'Crobidoll' discusses Red with the designer, saying they'll just make a single prototype to test him out first.
Crobidoll: Also, we've put all the kinds of hearts we can in previously released dolls. It'll be good to put it in something special this time. It'll make him believe he can get special powers.
Designer: A tricky request, but I'll try. And if I succeed...
They're like frigging Disney villains.
...did Red and Eri run the whole 40 minute walk to school?? And then he walks her to class.
Soi: Red, why are you here?
Red: I'm guarding her because she got hurt!
Soi: :/ *radiates "SHE GOT HURT BECAUSE GIRLS WERE JEALOUS OF YOU PAYING ATTENTION TO HER YOU DUMBASS"*
Red, cheerfully oblivious: Also she's in the play with me!
Soi, speaking loudly: I see! This is a PLAY REHEARSAL. Which you have NO! CHOICE! ABOUT!
Red: What? But I never-
Soi: YEP. PLAY REHEARSAL. It's not because you LIKE her or anything, right?
Red: :O
Soi: Welp, time for class, bye!
Soi <3
The drama club president comes to welcome Eri and tell her about rehearsals every day after school. Soi pouts that this means Eri can't come to Banjul and help her hit on Tei. So she gives Eri a bag (full of colourful candies! MYSTERY SOLVED) to give to Tei. And asks to keep it anonymous OH NO HELLO CHAPTER TITLE.
Rehearsal goes well and Red is happy to get to hang out with Eri on the way home. He offers her some of the cherry biscuits and she flinches, thinking of Biscuit Girl.
Red: Oh, in your bag...is that a gift? Did...someone give it to you?
Eri: Oh no it's Tei's ^_^
Red: ...oh. The Commander's a nice person ;_;
siiiiigh
Aw, at home Yeonho pretends to be excited about Red's tv show to cheer him up.
Tei "looks like he's been hit in the face" as she gives him the candies from Soi. GO BACK TO A LOVE TRIANGLE WITH LANCE HE WON'T MURDER ANYONE
Yuri uses his magic love powers to tell that Red picked at his meal because he has a crush on a girl.
RED: No! I...I still like the Commander! And...be happy! ;_; *leaves*
Everyone: o.O
Red, you adorable dumbass, you and Eri are perfect for each other.
Eri says Tei should go talk to Red and seems pretty comfortable with the idea of them together but Tei laughs awkwardly and says it must be some misunderstanding. Yuri thinks Red is straight but having some teen sexual confusion and Lance just wants everyone to stop talking about Red's sexuality oh god.
The topic of where Eri would like to go on the weekend comes up and she says the amusement park, talking about going there with her grandpa.
Nameless: It wasn't just you and your grandpa. Think back very carefully.
Eri tries to hide her reaction to his voice when she sees everyone's worried faces.
Tei smoothly asks Eri to the amusement park and even Yuri thinks something is going on between them. Haha and oh god Tei seems to realise Red has a thing for Eri and says he'll "take care of Red".
Eri looks at her old diaries lined up on the shelf and wonders why her memory has been so bad lately before deciding to just not worry about it.
Oh my god? So I decided to look at Lance Diary 3 and it's not him pining after Eri. It's him stumbling into RED'S PORN COLLECTION on their shared computer. "Hmm, is 'Not just Asian, Caucasian! All fantasy!" some sort of folktale collection? Is "Sneaky private tutoring session with teacher MUST WATCH" some sort of online course?"
So. Uh. I guess Red does know what sex is after all. And is more of a secret perv than Lance.
ANYWAY. Red says some very sweet things about supporting Eri and staying by her side whatever she chooses. URGH but at school Soi insists that Eri come to Banjul. YAY Eri says no.
IN CLASS Yuri asks Eri to give "the opinion of someone in love" on a love song they're studying. BAD YURI. And then tries to get Eri to go to the amusement park with him "for an assignment". VERY BAD YURI.
URGH ROMANTIC MISUNDERSTANDINGS AT BANJUL. Soi's attempt to hit on Tei continue to make Red and Tei thinks Eri likes Tei URRGH.
OK SO. Eri buys a cookie for Red from Tei and he figures out she was giving the candy for someone else. ONE BOY DOWN ONE TO GO.
Red has been waiting outside Banjul to walk her home and she mentally compares him to both a knight and a pet dog. He asks about her grandpa, remembering Eri talking about him back when Red was a doll and resentful that Lance knows more than him. She tries to get Red to tell her why he's been so down.
Red: I'm sorry I'm not brave enough to tell you. But I want to stay by your side forever, whatever you choose. You're my one and only owner, and my only...heroine.
And then he says that she got stuck with the play because of him and Lance, and she can quit if she wants. She reassures him that she really wants to do the play.
At home Tei brings her ZZZ and then asks her who gave the candies. IS IT DRUGGED WITH TRUTH SERUM THIS TIME. Eri refuses but he makes it clear she should pass on that he is Not Interested to whoever gave them, and won't accept any more gifts.
Eri asks Tei why Red is so sad and Tei is passive aggressively coy as it becomes more clear to him what's going on.
Tei: It's possible the unconfident Red is his true self. If you really want to know more about Red, you should spend more time with him.
haha and my options are "I want to know more" and "I like you Tei". WELL UNLIKE TEI AND RED I KNOW WHAT PATH I'M ON, SO.
Tei gives a sad smile and says he'll be the gloomy one from now on: he let himself hope and got ahead of himself. And then he hands Eri two season passes to the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL.
Eri: Were you going to take the person who gave you the candies??
Tei: How are you...so very very slow...
Chapter: Theme Park
Flashback to Eri feeling sad her parents didn't come even though they promised and she wrote in her diary every day. Don't they care about her? Her Grandad explains that they have multiple things they care about, just like she has multiple toys she loves.
Red is endearingly excited by everything at the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL but lets Eri choose where to go first. Nameless is happy that she chooses the merry-go-round and she is freaked out by his voice but pretends to be fine.
And then everything goes purple. All she can hear is Nameless's voice from inside her head, asking her to remember who she was with the first time she went on this ride.
Flashback: Child Eri says the merry-go-round is too scary to go on without her doll and her grandpa persuades the ticket seller to let her bring him.
Eri wakes up to Red shouting her name, and can't remember anything past getting on the ride. Apparently she fainted the moment the music started and he barely caught her. She persuades a worried Red that she just needs a rest and he helps her stand on shaky legs...only for a passing girl to slam into her and then run off.
Red: Was that...no, I must be seeing wrong.
Red looks at all the couples around him and mutters that it's just like Yuri said. God knows what advice Yuri gave him lol. Then Red self consciously asks Eri if she's ok coming here with him when she has feelings for Tei. THANK FUCKING GOD.
Eventually she persuades him she was never into Tei, and he stares at her in wonder. He still has trouble getting his head around her wanting to spend time with him.
They are interrupted by the sound of a little girl crying. Red cheers her up and Eri tries to get her mom's number, but the girl says her mum cares more about work than her and won't even notice she's gone. Red tries to persuades her that her mum is a justice warrior like him, working to make her daughter happy. It reminds Eri of her grandpa trying to cheer her up as a child.
Eri: Try to love what your mommy loves, and understand she's loving you in her own way. Love doesn't mean always being beside someone, it means everyone trying their best. You want to see her again, don't you?
The girl nods and cries for her mum so Red lifts her up on his shoulders, which is very cute until I remember his shoulders have spikes on. MAYBE THEY ARE SOFT SPIKES. There is some cute "I think you'd make a good mom/dad" etc.
Child: Is she a justice warrior too?
Eri: No I'm just a normal...
Red: She's the heroine I protect!
Child: So she's as important as the Earth?
Red: Absolutely!
The girl's mother finds them and tearfully thanks them.
Child: The justice warrior Red saved me!
Red: :D :D
Watching the mother and child apologise to each other and hug makes Eri miss her own parents.
On the way home Red says he is determined to help more people, and Eri wonders if he'll ever realise he's awesome enough already.
Chapter: Come and Save Me!
Flashback: Crobidoll: Red, are you curious to meet your owner?
Red: Why I am alone? The dollmaker said it's because I'm special...
Eri is explaining to everyone that no, she is not in love with Tei.
Tei: You know it hurts my feelings a little to hear you repeat how much you're not into me hahaha ^_^
Yuri: So you can go on a date with me then :D
Yeonho: If you go on a date with me I'll give you the cookies I hid!
Lance: *deep sigh*
Soi mentions that there have been stories about a ghost at the school.
Eri is walking down the hallway enjoying the sense of safety Red gives her, even though she's knows it a bit irrational. But then she sees him talking to Biscuit Girl.
Eri feels dizzy and backs away but finds herself surrounded by the other bullies. She gets pissed off and tells them Red will never like bullies. Just as they're about to hit her Red shows up but the girls leave and Eri doesn't explain.
Eri leaves the rehearsal while Red's busy to grab something for the director. Nnng I am enjoying the romance parts of this route but the rest makes me SO ANXIOUS. The bullies grab her and lock her in a storage room. Eri shouts for help and then tries not to let herself be consumed by the darkness.
Flashback to Eri begging her grandpa not to leave her.
I have the choice of giving into despair or calling for Red to save her.
Eri: Red, you said you'd protect me, don't leave me...
And at last, he finds her and bashes down the door. She throws herself into his arms, crying, and they hug as he apologises for not finding her sooner. He gently wipes away her tears and says all the other dolls were looking for her too.
As he's texting them she sees something dark move behind him. Eri remembers the ghost but isn't too freaked out.
HAHA but Red FREAKS OUT COMPLETELY because he turns out to be terrified of ghosts
Footsteps approach.
Red: EEEEK *squeezes Eri's hands in fear*
Lance: *deep sigh*
Lance says he saw the dark shape too and will chase it down and prove it's not a ghost, causing Red to say he will too in a shaking voice. And of course it's just Mr Yujin taking Beatrice for a stroll.
Eri explains to the dolls about being locked up out of jealousy over Red, and that it was Biscuit Girl. Tei's eyes narrow. Sucks to be you, Biscuit Girl.
Red quietly leaves for his room. He's blaming himself for not being powerful enough to keep her safe, and she tries to persuade him that he's enough even if he never has special powers.
Red: But if I don't have special powers, why was I born? I feel like if I'm just an ordinary doll, nobody will like me and I'll disappear.
He laughs bitterly and says he's always known it was all a game, and that Tei and Yeonho were just playing along. "This loneliness I feel...I wanted it to be because I was special."
Eri talks about all the things he's achieved as the person he is. He thanks her and wonders if her voice calms him because she's his owner. Their eyes meet and she feels like he is filling her with light.
Nameless: I've rested too long, she's happy >:( I don't want this last piece to be too easy for her.
*ripping sounds*
Chapter: You're Still My Heroine
18/11: Diary still looks fine. For now.
Tei tells Red he'll keep an eye on the girls in their class, and notices Red doesn't call him "Commander" any more.
Red: I feel like the world I dreamed of is becoming pointless.
Tei: Red without a dream...the doll-maker would laugh. But you'll still be able to make her happier than me. I'm fairly confident she has feelings for you, and you'll protect her no matter what.
Red: But do I deserve to?
Tei: More than me. And I feel like...you can fill the piece that's missing in her heart, and make her perfect.
Eri has become confident about the play and is looking forward to performing...except for the exams in between. And it turns out Red hasn't studied at ALL.
(Tei put cheese inside soft boiled eggs? SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF BROKEN)
Eri and Yeonho: Lance can we look at your maths notes ;_;
Lance: ...fine. If you remove the obscene parts of the play.
Red: You're obscene. IT'S INNOCENT AND BEAUTIFUL.
Eri: ...I probably should have read the script to the end, huh. What happens?
Red: UHHHHHHHHHH >.>
haha, Lance tried to get it changed officially, but Soi blocked him, saying it was romantic.
Red demurs when Eri asks why he stopped calling Tei "commander" and invites her to Banjul the next day.
Haaa the bullies have vanished I wonder if Tei murdered them. They're never mentioned again...
Soi, having heard about the park date, says Eri has strange taste in men: Red is hot, but somehow aloof, trapped in his own world like Mr Yujin.
Mr Yujin ignores Eri's complaints about her grades and makes her sit and watch a chemical flask while he whispers sweet nothings to Beatrice. She asks him how he feels about being seen as strange.
Yujin: It's because others can't see what I see. And in turn I try to understand others: for example, I don't turn violent when people don't appreciate the beauty of bones. My high intelligence lets me behave like a normal person. Not like that red headed student. His world is going to shatter.
And then the colour changes and he gives Eri some in a small bottle, saying it'll strengthen her bones...and dissolve fabric. She decides not to drink it.
Soi gives Eri another gift for Tei, along with a letter, both labelled "To Tei". Eri doesn't have the heart to tell her he'll reject them.
Everyone is impressed by Red's passionate performance as his justice warrior character. Eri asks if the script is final and it turns out they were thinking of changing it anyway.
Red and Eri hang out on the roof after rehearsal. Eri says he should consider pursuing acting, and asks why he still calls her "heroine" when he calls Tei and Yeonho by their names.
Red: If you're not my heroine, I feel like the reason I was born will disappear. You're my last hope that my life isn't empty.
Eri: Regardless of who you are or why you were born, I have fun being around you.
He talks about how peaceful how feels around her, despite his usual anxiety, and closes his eyes. She looks at his kind, handsome face and feels butterflies. He opens his eyes and they stare at each other. He starts to say something then gets embarrassed.
Red: I'll talk to you tomorrow at Banjul. Don't forget!
She puts the bottle from Yujin on her desk, and decides she'll deal with it, and the present and letter from Soi, later.
In Red's TV show the hero has been caught by the villain "Bruce Wane" after trying to protect his teammates.
Yeonho, quietly: Noone saves you from villains in real life. And you feel more betrayed when what you believed in turns out to be a lie. ANYWAY GOOD NIGHT MASTER SLEEP WELL ^_^
*sounds of tearing*
Wizard: You are tearing too much.
Nameless: It's fine. She'll come to me either way.
And now everything after the amusement park (16/11) is gone, as are chunks before that.
Chapter: Lost Memories
Eri wakes, feeling hazy, and looks with confusion at the "small boy with blonde hair that looks like my doll Yeonho" in front of her.
Nameless: The dolls became human.
Eri: Right!
AHHHH
She slowly remembers most things but it feels like her memories are under a pile of sand. Shinbi, Lance and Tei all suspect something is wrong.
Red ends up seeing Soi's gift for Tei inside Eri's bag, and is stood up because Eri forgot they had a date. He is sad and resigned and gives the gift to Tei.
At home, Red says he was stupid for misunderstanding her, and Eri has no idea why he's so sad.
Chapter: Torn Pages
*rip*
Nameless: Can you feel all your relationships turning into ruin?
Again, all diary entries after the amusement park are gone.
Red ran away from home?? A week passes with no sign.
Eri's memory is getting worse, the only thing that brings anything back is the creepy voice only she can hear. Hearing Nameless remind her of who people are is CREEPY AS HELL. He hasn't lied yet...
A girl from the drama club sadly says she still feels like Red will show up any day now, but they're probably going to have to cancel the play.
Haaa I got A+ on the exams first go, which seems kind of out of character right now...
And Red's diary 1 unlocked ;_; It has what looks like Power Rangers/Super Sentai on the cover.
Eri sees Soi's letter to Tei, still in her bag, and remembers Red putting himself down for "misunderstanding" her interest. Everything goes black. We hear Lance crying out in alarm as Eri finds herself facing the merry-go-round in sepia tones. She remembers holding something fuzzy and soft and precious.
My choices are "stay still" and "escape the merry go round" HMMM LET ME THINK
Tei and Lance agree Eri has been having memory problems and trying to hide them, and Tei mutters about Red breaking his promise to stay by her side.
Eri wakes and once again the date on her phone seems wrong. I get the first of what looks like a bunch of chances for Eri to (partly) remember what's going on, I assume the bad end if I pick the forgetful choices is very depressing D:
UGH and Nameless gives me a condescending "Correct~!" SHUT UP NAMELESS
I'm given the choice "Red left the house" and "Red was never here"??? GAME THIS IS PAINFUL ENOUGH
Soi invites Eri to Banjul "to increase her blood sugar, since she fainted". Zion is pouting about Soi and so many other girls asking about Tei.
Eri: Oh hey this letter says "To Tei" better give it to him ^_^
Soi: AAHHHHHH *attempts to strangle Eri*
Tei: Ah :/
Tei asks Soi to talk to him alone. And then Eri buys a cookie for Red though she can barely remember his name ;_; Tei just smiles sadly and asks if she needs help going home. She says no but starts to worry about what would happen if she got lost, and decides it's better for everyone if she tells them about her memory problems when she gets home.
*waits for her to get waylaid on the way home*
She wanders into an alley and has a vague but overwhelming flashback to being bullied. She feels confused and scared and angry and screams for Red to save her.
But she hears only silence in reply, and she wonders if losing her memory means she'll lose her future as well.
Eri: Why is this happening to me?
Nameless: Because you don't remember.
Eri: Who are you?
Yuri: There you are! Are ok?
Eri: Who are you?
Yuri: D: ...first let's get you home :(
She slowly remembers who he is on the way home. She closes her eyes and then wakes up in her room, and wonders how long it's been: hours? Days?
We cut to the department store, where two children are playing at being "justice warriors" with special powers.
Red: Those things don't exist >:(
Red have you just been hanging around the department store crushing children's dreams...
Haa and then he gets drawn into their game and shows them the RIGHT way to draw Excalibur.
Eri comes downstairs for some water and sees Yeonho watching Red's TV show (that she doesn't recognise) ;_; She's happy to find out it's still the same day...and then does recognise the tv show and asks where Red is /o\
When she finds out he's gone she freaks out, and is horrified at herself for forgetting. Tei sends her to rest, then explains about her memory loss to Yeonho and Yuri. He and Lance think it's too strange to be a normal illness, and that finding Red might help her at least feel better.
Chapter: Come Back Home
Nameless: Stop sleeping, it's boring. Go find your final piece, no matter how tragic the final outcome may be.
Red: Why is there only one of me, am I a failed model? You made me, and gave me a soul- take responsibility! Give me special powers...please ;_;
Eri thinks back on happy memories with Red and wonders where he is, and what will happen with the play.
Nameless: Get up!
Eri wakes up: 3am on the same day. Just as she's feeling depressed at how hopeless everything is, she hears Nameless saying "This way". She stands up as if possessed and grabs the cookie and her coat.
Nameless leads her to the main street and then goes silent. She thinks she must be going crazy and tries to go home but ends up walking in circles.
Nameless: Don't worry, you'll see it soon.
She hears footsteps approach...but it's not Red.
Man: You're cute. Maybe I'll take you home ;)
Two large men back her into a corner. I have the option of "Run away" and "Red- save me!" and don't think I want to know what happens if I pick option one :/
Red appears! He coldly tells the men that if they touch her they won't leave with their limbs intact.
The men run away and Red and Eri stare at each other. Red asks if she's ok and she runs crying into his arms, wailing about her memory loss and the strange voice and how she's sorry and scared.
He whispers "Let's go home. I'm sorry I'm late" and carries her on his back. Eri reaches into her pocket.
Eri: I bought this cookie for you without realising you were gone, isn't that funny?
She talks about how glad she is to see him again and feels him shake a little. He asks how she's been and she feels confident that he's back for good.
At home, everyone is glad to see Eri but Tei is quietly furious at Red. Red finds out that Eri kept calling for him. Tei and Lance ponder the connection between Eri's memory loss and Red leaving and then being found again....and the other unexplained thing in their lives: them becoming human.
Lance: I'm pissed off. Someone is messing with us.
Red gets angry that the others let her suffer this much and Tei tells him to stop being pathetic and actually help her.
Chapter: Remember Me?
We're in the room of forgotten toys.
I check the diary and everything after her skipping the rehearsal to go to Banjul (12/11) is gone.
Eri: Where am I?
Nameless: Welcome to my house. Do you remember me?
But she can't see anyone. What she does find is her diary, lying on the ground, with pages ripped out and scattered on the ground beneath her feet.
Nameless: When I tear it, your memories get lost ^_^
She's more sad than angry, feeling helpless as she looks at her scattered memories.
Eri: Who are you? Why are you doing this?
Nameless: Unfortunately it's not time to answer those question yet. It's time for you to wake up, and forget this conversation ever happened :)
And when she wakes, there is "a boy with red hair" dozing by her side. She wakes him carefully and he smiles, but looks sad when he realises she doesn't know who he is. Then he smiles gently and explains who he is, and that's she's lost her memory. Seeing his smile, she feels a familiar sense of happiness. He points to reminder notes in large letters on a corkboard near her bed. As she reads them, things start to come back.
Red: I don't know if you remember the last few days, but...I'm sorry. I misunderstood some things and wasn't there for you.
Eri: ...I remember everything.
Red: Good. And there's one more thing you must remember: I will always protect you.
Red explains he was sleeping next to her to make sure she didn't go wandering looking for him again, and she apologies for him sleeping "so uncomfortably". I DON'T THINK HE MINDS, ERI.
Red is really sweet and gentle and not at all condescending, reminding her of things and checking what she knows and oh god my heart. He obviously feels really bad for leaving her. When they get to school he reminds her to treat him more formally in front of other people.
Someone from the drama club sees Red and grumps at him for vanishing but is clearly very happy he's back. Red apologises seriously and takes Eri to class...and then just sits outside "like a puppy guarding".
Girls: Were you kidnapped by a villain?
Red: Villains don't exist :/
Girls: Red lost his dream ;_;
Eri: But why aren't you in class?
Red: You might need me. You're more important than class.
Girls: :O
Soi: HAHA RED KEEP YOUR PLAY PRACTICE TO REHEARSALS *drags Eri away*
Yeonho and Lance mutter about Red and Eri worries but does feel safer knowing he's there.
Principal: You're causing a disruption
Red: Expel me or suspend me if you must! ...oh but please let me stay in the play >.>
When the Principal finds out Red is protecting a sick Eri he says Red can stay until the festival, but if things get too hard he should ask adults for help.
At rehearsal, Red apologises to everyone for disappearing and asks for another chance. Everyone greets him back with applause and trust and he is overwhelmed with gratitude.
Red and Eri practice a "heroine believing in the warrior" scene at home but Eri is overcome with worry that she'll just forget these lines tomorrow. Red reassures her that he'll just practice with her again, and she feels confident that she can do anything with him at her side, no matter how often she forgets. She decides to express her feelings while she remembers them.
Eri: Red...my heart pounds at seeing you.
Red: ...me too :)
She hopes she can remember this happiness tomorrow.
But she doesn't.
We see a sequence of Red smiling gently as he asks Eri how much she can remember and explains things to her, including to be careful about Soi's feelings because she was dumped by Tei.
Red: I'll be right by your bed. It's fine if you forget me again, as long as I'm the first one you remember.
Aw is he sleeping on the floor?? ;_;
Nameless: Damn that boy, acting like the warrior until the end! I don't like it.
And then we see more days pass, just the same. Everyone is described as a "boy" except Yuri, who is a "man". Eri has to figure out from context that her grandpa is dead :(
Red takes Eri out to the amusement park, and gets embarrassed when Yuri calls it a date. He talks about how he felt useless, but now he's decided he was created to stay by her side and watch over her.
Her heart pounds and she feels deeply touched and tries to remember what Red means to her. She has a scrap of memory.
Eri: You are never useless. I was so happy the day you came into my life.
Rd is overjoyed that she remembers that day and cheerfully suggests they go on the merry-go-round.
Flashback: Eri riding with Nameless as a child and saying "Isn't it fun?"
Nameless: Yes, it was fun.
Flashback: Red excited to ride with Eri, and then helping the lost kid.
Nameless: This is strange...the diary...WIZARD WHAT'S HAPPENING
Eri's memories start to come back more and more.
Eri: I remember everything. Thanks to you, Red.
He hugs her and says that he's still going to stay by her side. She's made him realise that even without special powers, he's enough.
Nameless: The diary is rewriting itself! What did Red do???
Chapter: I Believe In You
Eri is trying to practice her lines but Red keeps laughing.
Red: Sorry, you're just too cute!
Eri: IF YOU LAUGH ON STAGE I WILL PUNCH YOU
Red quietly mutters that he hopes she remembers all this tomorrow.
The next morning, Eri sees him dozing next to her bed.
Eri: Wake up, Red!
Red: Good morning, Eri. Do you remember who I am?
Eri: Of course :)
Her memory is much better than it was. But she still can't remember everything. Like: What is that bottle on her desk? And how long has she been feeling butterflies around Red?
The day of the festival! Eri stands ready to enter the stage for the final scene, reassuring herself it will be fine.
The diary I can see doesn't have any of the torn pages back, but does have entries for the last two days.
Nameless: I'm going to tear more!!
Red and Eri are acting out a heartfelt scene where "heroine" believes in "warrior" when suddenly she forgets her line.
Nameless: Disappear! Your happy memories, your valuable memories, everything! If all the memories between you and me disappear, maybe....maybe you'll remember me...
Eri stares at Red, mind blank. She can't even remember why she's on the stage.
Red: Heroine. It's ok if you can't remember.
"The man sweetly comforting me is...Red. The one person I can never forget. The person who protects me"
Nameless: *tears* WHY IS IT REWRITING ITSELF
Eri: Red, you told me you didn't have special powers, but...you have the power to make the people around you smile. You have proven that you are strong by staying by my side. From the day I got you until now I've never regretted once. You are the one and only special Red. You are so special and precious to me.
Red: Eri...I like you...
There is a sparkly noise and everything goes white.
Wizard: The final piece!
Me: LET THEM KISS DAMMIT
We go back to the play.
Eri: I like you too. I don't care if I forget. Just remind me every time I open my eyes.
And then they kiss :)
Nameless: I got the final piece. She...can come to me now, right?
Chapter: Pure Identity
Crobidoll: Red's powers aren't for show, but start from the desire to protect someone precious. Wouldn't it be nice if that was your owner? Find a good owner and beloved, Red.
Well who else would an INANIMATE OBJECT find precious?? Is she expecting him to go out and make friends on the internet? Also I think Crobidoll=The Doll-maker, but the dialogue incorrectly genders her as male.
Eri looks up at the sky and tells her grandpa she's happy, and that he will always live on in her heart. She wonders if he sent the dolls to her.
Christmas in the snow at the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL! This time all of them came.
Yuri: This park is full of couples but I feel like I'm on a family trip :/
Eri says she wants to go on the merry-go-round and Yeonho is about to join her when Yuri drags him to get cotton candy, saying she's taken.
Tei: Right, he did get her memories back.
Lance: It might have been a coincidence!
Red and Eri smile at each other.
Red: I'm glad you're my owner.
Eri: I'm glad you're my doll. I'll always love you.
Red turns completely red.
Yuri flirts a passing woman into taking a cute group photo and the closing credits start! ...and I accidentally click through them, oops.
Nameless: Finally. Welcome...to my world.
THE END
Awwwww that was really good. I didn't like some parts but overall I had a lot of feels. It was a teeny bit inconsistent with it's "love doesn't mean obsessively staying next to the other person at all times" message haha. Also how was Red supporting himself???
Red's voice actor sounds deeper and older. Mr Yujin's sounds THE SAME and it's WEIRD.
Red diary 1: What the hell, someone rearranged my folders. Education/Education_1_(White teacher), Education_PE/Cheerleader...WAIT THESE ARE MY SPECIAL VIDEOS. The order's all messed up! LANCE. How do I avenge him...ha, I'll rearrange his pens! BUT WAIT DOES THIS MEAN HE SAW THEM
Red diary 3: Just some cute feels about Eri.
There's one Red CG left and 4 scenes. I'm guessing Mr Yujin's formula comes up in a bad end, maybe Red drinks it to "get stronger". But I am so moving on to see what happens next.
Next: Red Route (Bad ends)
or (like me) skip ahead to
Secret 1
Time for the warrior of justice, Red!
Who is an absolute sweetie but this route was QUITE STRESSFUL. In one section Eri's having memory problems and hiding it and screwing things up and I found it quite upsetting. But overall it was really good and emotionally affecting and I REALLY WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
So on the one hand, Red is an adorable golden retriever puppy. On the other hand, ALL NARRATIVE SIGNS POINT TO INCREASING CREEPY HORROR.
Time for the last part of the heart. It is, as expected, red.
Chapter: Forgotten Toy's Room
Grandpa: A diary is a bowl that holds your memories. And on the day I leave you behind, you'll be able to meet me by opening the diary.
Child me: You're leaving me? Don't say that!
Grandpa: Okay. But you can write what you want to say to your mom and Dad, and show them when they're here.
Child me: I'll write every day! I want to be with you forever, and I have a lot of things I want to say to Mom and Dad.
Child me: This is called a diary. I'm going to write about the adventures we had today. Even if I forget you, I can remember by reading my diary.
A new background we haven't seen before: A dusty room, filled with old dolls, with safety tape on the padlocked door. All dolls fear this place. The two ways to leave are to forget the owner and go to the dumpster, or for the owner to remember the doll's name. Owners change and discard their younger selves, choosing other humans over dolls.
Nameless: That's what she promised me. I want to see that diary. You feed off memories in return for granting wishes, aren't you interested?
And then we see the Wizard!
He asks Nameless to explicitly state his wish: is it to leave this place?
Nameless: I just wish to see her again. She doesn't have to remember my name. She just has to fall into my hands.
Wizard: Why are you so determined to see her, if you don't even get to leave?
Nameless: Do you see these scars? She gave them to me. But what matters is the tear filled face she wore when she gave them. Her grandfather gave me to her, and told me not to leave her lonely. We made so many memories...too many. It's been ten years and I can't get them out of my head.
He describes the INCREDIBLY CREEPY things he wants to to Eri, involving merry-go-rounds, boiling tea, and the sensation of having your face ripped off by a puppy D: "She wasn't careful, but she was nice. Maybe we can be friends again."
The wizard looks at Nameless's memories and says he doesn't want to eat them: his head is already full of longing and obsession. But the strength of Namelesss's wish means they can see each other, and it's unpleasantly like looking at a mirror.
The wizard looked into Eri's house and saw the dolls, and that they have pure pieces of a human mind inside them, like the pure form of a wish, or the minds of children. He thinks Eri unconsciously collected dolls with these pieces.
Lance: Self worth, respect for myself
Yeonho: Faith in others, believing in others
Yuri: True love, a genuine form of love
Tei: Honesty, being true (Haaaa not sure he achieved that >.>)
Red: Pure identity, the special self
If Eri earns the dolls hearts, and collects all of the pieces, she will change back to her younger self, and remember Nameless. But earning a heart requires mutual love, and interaction.
The wizard says he will turn the dolls human for free, just to watch what happens. And because, in the end, he can always take the diary, the link between the two worlds. Nameless can watch what happens through the diary and even change her memory through it.
Through the diary he will blow the feather of dreams that lets dolls come to life.
Chapter: Feather
I stop and check the diary and WHAT. THE. HELL. It looks like it did near the end of the Tei path. Ok, I am writing this all down.
29/8: I miss grandpa.
(torn pages)
Second half of a post made just after the dolls become human.
25/9: Red burned the toast
(torn pages)
4/10: Preparing for the festival! Red hasn't said what his play is about.
(torn pages)
4/11: EXAMS. Red asked if they were a sort of food.
Eri wakes up in the middle of the night, hearing a noise. She sees luminous feathers coming from her diary and floating over the dolls.
AND THEN SHE WAKES UP. WITH RED IN HER BED.
...is he...having a dream about being dub-conned by Eri?? She tries shaking him but he just, uh, incorporates it into the dream.
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THE FIRST SEX NOISES IN THIS GAME TO BE AT THE START OF THE RED ROUTE. Though I can just imagine Cheritz persuading the Korean classification board that the end to the sentence "Don't touch me there, I'll...ahh!" is "Die! Because of your sword! In this fight we are having!"
Eri: Will he wake up if I strangle him?
Me: *waggles eyebrows*
Tei comes in and drags Red up by his ear. Ah, Red was just supposed to wake her up. Red apologises but said he was watching her sleep and her bed smelled really good. Oh god he is a confusedly horny puppy.
Tei: HURRY UP AND EAT YOUR BREAKFAST KIDS ^_^
Eri feels dizzy, and her head feels vacant, like she lost something. Did she tire herself out yesterday? What did she even DO yesterday??? She can't remember the date, and is disturbed to find out exams are soon.
I am so tense /o\ I thought maybe Red would turn out to be bad and maybe he will but I'm tense enough just from Eri's situation. It probably doesn't help that I am feeling especially woozy today.
Aw Lance is being a concerned sweetie about how dazed Eri is.
Red asks Eri to join the play! She's mostly sure she has no commitments for the festival (the existence of which she'd half forgotten) and says yes. I hope memory issues + memorising lines isn't too painful /o\
Eri is buoyed by Red's smile but doesn't think of him as handsome which I find interesting: personally I think his sprite is much cuter than Yuri or Tei's. The narrative seems to think Lance/Tei/Yuri > Yeonho/Red, but I think Lance/Red> Yeonho > Tei/Yuri. Though Tei would be cute if he had better hair and personality. ANYWAY.
Eri doesn't even know they have a car D: She thinks about it very hard.
Eri: Oh! The limousine!
Dolls: Uh? You ok?
Nameless: Now hurry up and remember, it's not all gone yet.
His voice is familiar and she wonders if it's from a dream, and whether this is a dream too.
She pretends to be fine, not wanting anyone to worry, but it's like playing Amnesia: I'm offered choices for what seems "natural". Except I know that...wait the walkthrough is saying to do the opposite of what I know she "usually" does? OK THEN WALKTHROUGH.
Tei: haha if you do that you'll die ;)
Is the aim to have people notice her brain loss before she DIES?? Fun times.
Awww Red's little worried voice is very sweet.
I'm glad I am using a walkthrough the game is very OH NO I MADE THE WRONG DECISION
Eri trips, and everyone looks at her.
Eri: Oh no people can see me bleeding!
Is this a cultural thing or an Eri thing...
Red FREAKS OUT and puts her on his back which does NOT help with the "people are staring at me" thing. Red runs at top speed but very gently puts her down in the infirmary.
"I wasn't comforted by his kindness because...this was the infirmary". Fair.
Mr Yujin looks at Eri with an irritated expression then says "It's just a scratch. Rub it with a white thing and put on a red thing." Red glares at him and Eri eventually gets up and treats her own wound. Not sure if this is better or worse than Tei treating it then getting all Christian Grey.
Mr Yujin barely remembers who Eri is but is enraptured by Red's bone structure.
Eri: SO LET'S LEAVE THE CREEPY BONE MAN BEFORE HE DISSECTS YOU
"he was like an obedient puppy the way he came to me and helped me up" ;) ;)
I am very happily on board the Red train, he is SO refreshingly sincere and nice after Tei. And cuter! And obedient :D
Did she just think that being around Red makes her simpleminded "too". She ponders that he is innocent and has a straightforward mind that puts thoughts directly into action.
Soi's mum came to visit and made her and Shinbi a lunch box! So Eri braves the cafeteria alone and Red shows up saying they can go to the hospital later if she needs it, then gives her some chocolate cherry biscuits and enters the fray to get her bread with a cheery salute.
He has a cheery way of saying "Alright" (it sounds like "arah-so") that is endearingly different to Tei, who said it all the time in the context of "So we'll do what I want, alright?".
Tei shows up tutting at Red for the carrying thing and for giving Eri biscuits he got as a gift from a girl.
Red: Here's one of every type of bread!
Eri: What?? Will you help me eat it?
Red: Nah I gotta eat with my soccer buddies.
Eri: Then why are you even in the cafeteria?
Red: Ehehe...OK GOTTA GO. But think about the play, you'd be amazing :)
Eri: ...When did he learn to give such a nice smile? And why did he come to the cafeteria?
Me: Aw, Eri, you dumbass
Eri: WAS IT A BRIBE TO DO THE PLAY?
Me: ERI. YOU DUMBASS.
Aw but then she thinks about how he's too honest for that and how it makes him seem dumb but is actually pretty cute.
On the way home Lance mutters that Eri smells like Red and complains about how thoughtless "that red monkey" was making a spectacle of her like that. Eri ponders why they always argue and has a flashback from the Lance path.
That night she can't sleep, and finds Red and Yeonho watching Red's favourite animated superhero show.
Red-on-TV, who sounds like Red-the-doll: Blue, how could you betray me?
Blue, who sounds like Lance: Uptight people like you will never win.
Red-on-TV: It's not too late! Yellow, Pink, White, Black and I all believe in you! AAAHHHHH!
??? who sounds like Yujin: He has finally realised his special powers. The experiment was a success.
ARE THE DOLLS. THE POWER RANGERS??
Red: :D :D See, honesty gives you super powers! Anything can happen if you believe!
Yeonho: Um... only on TV.
Red: Pfft. You just don't have enough training yet. Right, heroine?
And the walkthrough says to go along with it so sure. I mean in a world where dolls have souls and become humans WHO KNOWS.
She says "maybe" but wonders if this is the right thing to do. Red's awesome without special powers, but will he be disappointed when he realises he doesn't have any?
I find it interesting how even on other routes Yeonho and Eri unselfconsciously snuggle.
Chapter: Are You My Hero?
*ripping sound*
Wizard: Aren't you playing with that diary too much?
Nameless: She already forgot me. It won't hurt her to forget a bit more.
Wizard: Braindead girls don't get boyfriends
Nameless: FINE
I got anxious and looked ahead in the walkthrough, there's like three "Save me Red!" choices, hmm.
Banjul is crowded and Zion bashfully explains he's giving a harp concert. Soi gets very excited and Zion blushes. I didn't notice before but they always seem to get along in all paths.
Sio: You and Zion seem to get along well!
Eri: Huh, yeah, we do. (Are we friends and I forgot?? /o\)
Soi recruits Eri to help her attract Tei by finding out what sorts of girls he likes.
Shinbi: If you get your heart broken I'll buy you cake.
On her way out Eri buys a cookie then goes home and sees Yeonho and Red eating the cherry chocolate biscuits from Biscuit Girl, whose name Red apparently can't remember even though she gives them to him every day. Eri suggests the girl might have a crush on him and Red looks surprised.
Eri thinks of "action hero shows" of the sort they're watching as for kids which makes me wonder if it's something more like Super Sentai shows. Eri wonders if Red likes them so much because of his concept, or because he never had a childhood. He says it's because the Red character has hidden powers- just like him!
Eri: (He's 100% certain. Should I tell him that's...not a thing?)
Red: If you're ever in danger call me and my hidden powers will activate and I'll save you!
Eri: Ahaha...yeah >.>
The next choice is "Save me Red!" so WE'LL SEE HOW THAT GOES, HUH.
Eri: So, Tei, you're pretty popular...
Yeonho: Right! Half our class has a crush on him! Like the class presi-MMMPH
Eri, covering Yeonho's mouth: Do any of those girls stand out?
Tei: Not really, why?
Eri: No reason! So um, how about girls who...(what's a positive trait of Soi's...) have big boobs? (nailed it!)
Yuri, Lance, Red: o.O
Tei: ...uh...
Yuri: My honey is so bold! But just so you know, I like all sizes of bosoms ;) Although yours aren't that big, it's not good to feel jealous.
Me: Lol Yeonho isn't saying anything, I guess she still has her hand on his...
Yeonho: M-master, I like small breasts too!
o.O
Lance: WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS
Red: What's...going...on?
Eri: Tei, you still haven't answered me
Me: ERI.
Yuri: Yeah, Tei, answer her :D :D
Red, slowly going red: So. Uh. Breasts...???
Tei : Why do you ask :/
Red (in a small voice): Do you...like the commander?
Eri: WHAT?? NO??
Eri suddenly realises all the dolls were thinking about her breasts and is embarrassed and confused. SORRY ERI BUT THEY ALL SECRETLY THINK ABOUT YOUR BREASTS A LOT. Especially Lance and Tei, for all that they did the best at pretending otherwise.
Red and Eri have some cute moments of mutual embarrassment and he is clearly a bit sad at the idea she might have a thing for Tei.
And then a bunch of girls corner Eri as she arrives at school and hit her in the head so hard she passes out. They interrogate her in an alley about the limo, Red carrying her etc, and Biscuit Girl accuses her of eating the biscuits she gave Red. Eri feels scared an resentful and doesn't know how to give answers that will satisfy them.
Eri calls out for Red's help them feels like an idiot: it's pointless and will just make the girls angry.
Flashback: Child Eri is sad that her parents didn't visit when they said they would.
"There is no Santa Claus. My parents never keep their promises. And the warrior doesn't come just because you want him to"
And then, just when one of the bullies is about to hit her, comes...
SOI AND SHINBI :D
Shinbi: I called the police. And I know some lawyers, want to meet them?
The bullies run away. Soi's normally confident eyes shake with worry as she checks on Eri ;_;
They saw Eri being dragged away and told the whole class so there's missed calls from Shinbi, Yeonho and "even Lance". HEY, HE CARES.
Eri feels a bit disappointed Red didn't come but reality doesn't work that way.
Aww Lance and Yeonho are so worried about her. They and she agree she shouldn't take the limo any more.
Once again she avoids going home, despite feeling very shaky and traumatised, because she can't stand being home alone. And she asks Lance and Yeonho not to tell the other dolls so they don't worry. But she's so anxious she can barely walk. Lance finds her frozen in the hallway and drags her to the roof. He's using his anxious vulnerable voice, instead of his usual monotone, aw. I wonder if he's going to be a little love triangley on the route like Red was on his. Eventually she decides he can be trusted not to tell anyone else and explains.
He looks at her with a frown and then gives a deep sigh.
Lance: ...there's a way to get to school safely but I don't recommend it.
Me: Catch the bus with you, causing Red to get jealous?
Lance: Join Red's play and go to every rehearsal :/
Yeonho walks her home but feels bad that jealousy about the HOT5 makes her life harder. And then she gets a phonecall from Red freaking out...about the play.
Red: Lance was so annoyed. Just like my heroine to beat that silver haired jerk!
At home Yuri demands to know why Eri isn't taking the limo any more. Lance explains in rather more detail than Eri would have preferred and tells her she'll be leaving early for school with him. Everyone is VERY CONCERNED, and Red runs outside. Eri goes to cheer him up with the cookie.
He softly apologises for not being able to save her, and says Lance did a better job of actually protecting her than he did. Eri feels sad, but knew he'd hit depressing reality eventually.
Eri: You're not a perfect hero yet. But you have the innocent heart it takes to become one. Your honesty and the way you care for your team is just like "Red" from TV.
She gives him a big Red-like smile and his ears turn red. He thanks her really sweetly. Eri wishes he could realise he's an awesome guy without special powers.
Afterward we see Red mutter to himself "Heroine, do you smile like that to everyone? Do the other boys get these butterflies?"
The next morning, just as Lance is grumpily pushing a dozy Eri out the door Red runs out and says he's realised the only way he can protect Eri is to always be by her side.
Lance: But I'm here. Why are you-
Red: The first step to becoming a hero is...running away from Lance! :D *drags Eri away at speed*
LANCE IS JUST TRYING TO HELP. Aw and Lance Diary 3 just unlocked. WHY ARE ALL THE LANCE DIARIES ABOUT HIM FEELING SAD AND LEFT BEHIND.
Eri looks at Red and his smile is like the sun, and she feels her heart jump.
Chapter: Misunderstanding
Flashback: 'Crobidoll' discusses Red with the designer, saying they'll just make a single prototype to test him out first.
Crobidoll: Also, we've put all the kinds of hearts we can in previously released dolls. It'll be good to put it in something special this time. It'll make him believe he can get special powers.
Designer: A tricky request, but I'll try. And if I succeed...
They're like frigging Disney villains.
...did Red and Eri run the whole 40 minute walk to school?? And then he walks her to class.
Soi: Red, why are you here?
Red: I'm guarding her because she got hurt!
Soi: :/ *radiates "SHE GOT HURT BECAUSE GIRLS WERE JEALOUS OF YOU PAYING ATTENTION TO HER YOU DUMBASS"*
Red, cheerfully oblivious: Also she's in the play with me!
Soi, speaking loudly: I see! This is a PLAY REHEARSAL. Which you have NO! CHOICE! ABOUT!
Red: What? But I never-
Soi: YEP. PLAY REHEARSAL. It's not because you LIKE her or anything, right?
Red: :O
Soi: Welp, time for class, bye!
Soi <3
The drama club president comes to welcome Eri and tell her about rehearsals every day after school. Soi pouts that this means Eri can't come to Banjul and help her hit on Tei. So she gives Eri a bag (full of colourful candies! MYSTERY SOLVED) to give to Tei. And asks to keep it anonymous OH NO HELLO CHAPTER TITLE.
Rehearsal goes well and Red is happy to get to hang out with Eri on the way home. He offers her some of the cherry biscuits and she flinches, thinking of Biscuit Girl.
Red: Oh, in your bag...is that a gift? Did...someone give it to you?
Eri: Oh no it's Tei's ^_^
Red: ...oh. The Commander's a nice person ;_;
siiiiigh
Aw, at home Yeonho pretends to be excited about Red's tv show to cheer him up.
Tei "looks like he's been hit in the face" as she gives him the candies from Soi. GO BACK TO A LOVE TRIANGLE WITH LANCE HE WON'T MURDER ANYONE
Yuri uses his magic love powers to tell that Red picked at his meal because he has a crush on a girl.
RED: No! I...I still like the Commander! And...be happy! ;_; *leaves*
Everyone: o.O
Red, you adorable dumbass, you and Eri are perfect for each other.
Eri says Tei should go talk to Red and seems pretty comfortable with the idea of them together but Tei laughs awkwardly and says it must be some misunderstanding. Yuri thinks Red is straight but having some teen sexual confusion and Lance just wants everyone to stop talking about Red's sexuality oh god.
The topic of where Eri would like to go on the weekend comes up and she says the amusement park, talking about going there with her grandpa.
Nameless: It wasn't just you and your grandpa. Think back very carefully.
Eri tries to hide her reaction to his voice when she sees everyone's worried faces.
Tei smoothly asks Eri to the amusement park and even Yuri thinks something is going on between them. Haha and oh god Tei seems to realise Red has a thing for Eri and says he'll "take care of Red".
Eri looks at her old diaries lined up on the shelf and wonders why her memory has been so bad lately before deciding to just not worry about it.
Oh my god? So I decided to look at Lance Diary 3 and it's not him pining after Eri. It's him stumbling into RED'S PORN COLLECTION on their shared computer. "Hmm, is 'Not just Asian, Caucasian! All fantasy!" some sort of folktale collection? Is "Sneaky private tutoring session with teacher MUST WATCH" some sort of online course?"
So. Uh. I guess Red does know what sex is after all. And is more of a secret perv than Lance.
ANYWAY. Red says some very sweet things about supporting Eri and staying by her side whatever she chooses. URGH but at school Soi insists that Eri come to Banjul. YAY Eri says no.
IN CLASS Yuri asks Eri to give "the opinion of someone in love" on a love song they're studying. BAD YURI. And then tries to get Eri to go to the amusement park with him "for an assignment". VERY BAD YURI.
URGH ROMANTIC MISUNDERSTANDINGS AT BANJUL. Soi's attempt to hit on Tei continue to make Red and Tei thinks Eri likes Tei URRGH.
OK SO. Eri buys a cookie for Red from Tei and he figures out she was giving the candy for someone else. ONE BOY DOWN ONE TO GO.
Red has been waiting outside Banjul to walk her home and she mentally compares him to both a knight and a pet dog. He asks about her grandpa, remembering Eri talking about him back when Red was a doll and resentful that Lance knows more than him. She tries to get Red to tell her why he's been so down.
Red: I'm sorry I'm not brave enough to tell you. But I want to stay by your side forever, whatever you choose. You're my one and only owner, and my only...heroine.
And then he says that she got stuck with the play because of him and Lance, and she can quit if she wants. She reassures him that she really wants to do the play.
At home Tei brings her ZZZ and then asks her who gave the candies. IS IT DRUGGED WITH TRUTH SERUM THIS TIME. Eri refuses but he makes it clear she should pass on that he is Not Interested to whoever gave them, and won't accept any more gifts.
Eri asks Tei why Red is so sad and Tei is passive aggressively coy as it becomes more clear to him what's going on.
Tei: It's possible the unconfident Red is his true self. If you really want to know more about Red, you should spend more time with him.
haha and my options are "I want to know more" and "I like you Tei". WELL UNLIKE TEI AND RED I KNOW WHAT PATH I'M ON, SO.
Tei gives a sad smile and says he'll be the gloomy one from now on: he let himself hope and got ahead of himself. And then he hands Eri two season passes to the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL.
Eri: Were you going to take the person who gave you the candies??
Tei: How are you...so very very slow...
Chapter: Theme Park
Flashback to Eri feeling sad her parents didn't come even though they promised and she wrote in her diary every day. Don't they care about her? Her Grandad explains that they have multiple things they care about, just like she has multiple toys she loves.
Red is endearingly excited by everything at the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL but lets Eri choose where to go first. Nameless is happy that she chooses the merry-go-round and she is freaked out by his voice but pretends to be fine.
And then everything goes purple. All she can hear is Nameless's voice from inside her head, asking her to remember who she was with the first time she went on this ride.
Flashback: Child Eri says the merry-go-round is too scary to go on without her doll and her grandpa persuades the ticket seller to let her bring him.
Eri wakes up to Red shouting her name, and can't remember anything past getting on the ride. Apparently she fainted the moment the music started and he barely caught her. She persuades a worried Red that she just needs a rest and he helps her stand on shaky legs...only for a passing girl to slam into her and then run off.
Red: Was that...no, I must be seeing wrong.
Red looks at all the couples around him and mutters that it's just like Yuri said. God knows what advice Yuri gave him lol. Then Red self consciously asks Eri if she's ok coming here with him when she has feelings for Tei. THANK FUCKING GOD.
Eventually she persuades him she was never into Tei, and he stares at her in wonder. He still has trouble getting his head around her wanting to spend time with him.
They are interrupted by the sound of a little girl crying. Red cheers her up and Eri tries to get her mom's number, but the girl says her mum cares more about work than her and won't even notice she's gone. Red tries to persuades her that her mum is a justice warrior like him, working to make her daughter happy. It reminds Eri of her grandpa trying to cheer her up as a child.
Eri: Try to love what your mommy loves, and understand she's loving you in her own way. Love doesn't mean always being beside someone, it means everyone trying their best. You want to see her again, don't you?
The girl nods and cries for her mum so Red lifts her up on his shoulders, which is very cute until I remember his shoulders have spikes on. MAYBE THEY ARE SOFT SPIKES. There is some cute "I think you'd make a good mom/dad" etc.
Child: Is she a justice warrior too?
Eri: No I'm just a normal...
Red: She's the heroine I protect!
Child: So she's as important as the Earth?
Red: Absolutely!
The girl's mother finds them and tearfully thanks them.
Child: The justice warrior Red saved me!
Red: :D :D
Watching the mother and child apologise to each other and hug makes Eri miss her own parents.
On the way home Red says he is determined to help more people, and Eri wonders if he'll ever realise he's awesome enough already.
Chapter: Come and Save Me!
Flashback: Crobidoll: Red, are you curious to meet your owner?
Red: Why I am alone? The dollmaker said it's because I'm special...
Eri is explaining to everyone that no, she is not in love with Tei.
Tei: You know it hurts my feelings a little to hear you repeat how much you're not into me hahaha ^_^
Yuri: So you can go on a date with me then :D
Yeonho: If you go on a date with me I'll give you the cookies I hid!
Lance: *deep sigh*
Soi mentions that there have been stories about a ghost at the school.
Eri is walking down the hallway enjoying the sense of safety Red gives her, even though she's knows it a bit irrational. But then she sees him talking to Biscuit Girl.
Eri feels dizzy and backs away but finds herself surrounded by the other bullies. She gets pissed off and tells them Red will never like bullies. Just as they're about to hit her Red shows up but the girls leave and Eri doesn't explain.
Eri leaves the rehearsal while Red's busy to grab something for the director. Nnng I am enjoying the romance parts of this route but the rest makes me SO ANXIOUS. The bullies grab her and lock her in a storage room. Eri shouts for help and then tries not to let herself be consumed by the darkness.
Flashback to Eri begging her grandpa not to leave her.
I have the choice of giving into despair or calling for Red to save her.
Eri: Red, you said you'd protect me, don't leave me...
And at last, he finds her and bashes down the door. She throws herself into his arms, crying, and they hug as he apologises for not finding her sooner. He gently wipes away her tears and says all the other dolls were looking for her too.
As he's texting them she sees something dark move behind him. Eri remembers the ghost but isn't too freaked out.
HAHA but Red FREAKS OUT COMPLETELY because he turns out to be terrified of ghosts
Footsteps approach.
Red: EEEEK *squeezes Eri's hands in fear*
Lance: *deep sigh*
Lance says he saw the dark shape too and will chase it down and prove it's not a ghost, causing Red to say he will too in a shaking voice. And of course it's just Mr Yujin taking Beatrice for a stroll.
Eri explains to the dolls about being locked up out of jealousy over Red, and that it was Biscuit Girl. Tei's eyes narrow. Sucks to be you, Biscuit Girl.
Red quietly leaves for his room. He's blaming himself for not being powerful enough to keep her safe, and she tries to persuade him that he's enough even if he never has special powers.
Red: But if I don't have special powers, why was I born? I feel like if I'm just an ordinary doll, nobody will like me and I'll disappear.
He laughs bitterly and says he's always known it was all a game, and that Tei and Yeonho were just playing along. "This loneliness I feel...I wanted it to be because I was special."
Eri talks about all the things he's achieved as the person he is. He thanks her and wonders if her voice calms him because she's his owner. Their eyes meet and she feels like he is filling her with light.
Nameless: I've rested too long, she's happy >:( I don't want this last piece to be too easy for her.
*ripping sounds*
Chapter: You're Still My Heroine
18/11: Diary still looks fine. For now.
Tei tells Red he'll keep an eye on the girls in their class, and notices Red doesn't call him "Commander" any more.
Red: I feel like the world I dreamed of is becoming pointless.
Tei: Red without a dream...the doll-maker would laugh. But you'll still be able to make her happier than me. I'm fairly confident she has feelings for you, and you'll protect her no matter what.
Red: But do I deserve to?
Tei: More than me. And I feel like...you can fill the piece that's missing in her heart, and make her perfect.
Eri has become confident about the play and is looking forward to performing...except for the exams in between. And it turns out Red hasn't studied at ALL.
(Tei put cheese inside soft boiled eggs? SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF BROKEN)
Eri and Yeonho: Lance can we look at your maths notes ;_;
Lance: ...fine. If you remove the obscene parts of the play.
Red: You're obscene. IT'S INNOCENT AND BEAUTIFUL.
Eri: ...I probably should have read the script to the end, huh. What happens?
Red: UHHHHHHHHHH >.>
haha, Lance tried to get it changed officially, but Soi blocked him, saying it was romantic.
Red demurs when Eri asks why he stopped calling Tei "commander" and invites her to Banjul the next day.
Haaa the bullies have vanished I wonder if Tei murdered them. They're never mentioned again...
Soi, having heard about the park date, says Eri has strange taste in men: Red is hot, but somehow aloof, trapped in his own world like Mr Yujin.
Mr Yujin ignores Eri's complaints about her grades and makes her sit and watch a chemical flask while he whispers sweet nothings to Beatrice. She asks him how he feels about being seen as strange.
Yujin: It's because others can't see what I see. And in turn I try to understand others: for example, I don't turn violent when people don't appreciate the beauty of bones. My high intelligence lets me behave like a normal person. Not like that red headed student. His world is going to shatter.
And then the colour changes and he gives Eri some in a small bottle, saying it'll strengthen her bones...and dissolve fabric. She decides not to drink it.
Soi gives Eri another gift for Tei, along with a letter, both labelled "To Tei". Eri doesn't have the heart to tell her he'll reject them.
Everyone is impressed by Red's passionate performance as his justice warrior character. Eri asks if the script is final and it turns out they were thinking of changing it anyway.
Red and Eri hang out on the roof after rehearsal. Eri says he should consider pursuing acting, and asks why he still calls her "heroine" when he calls Tei and Yeonho by their names.
Red: If you're not my heroine, I feel like the reason I was born will disappear. You're my last hope that my life isn't empty.
Eri: Regardless of who you are or why you were born, I have fun being around you.
He talks about how peaceful how feels around her, despite his usual anxiety, and closes his eyes. She looks at his kind, handsome face and feels butterflies. He opens his eyes and they stare at each other. He starts to say something then gets embarrassed.
Red: I'll talk to you tomorrow at Banjul. Don't forget!
She puts the bottle from Yujin on her desk, and decides she'll deal with it, and the present and letter from Soi, later.
In Red's TV show the hero has been caught by the villain "Bruce Wane" after trying to protect his teammates.
Yeonho, quietly: Noone saves you from villains in real life. And you feel more betrayed when what you believed in turns out to be a lie. ANYWAY GOOD NIGHT MASTER SLEEP WELL ^_^
*sounds of tearing*
Wizard: You are tearing too much.
Nameless: It's fine. She'll come to me either way.
And now everything after the amusement park (16/11) is gone, as are chunks before that.
Chapter: Lost Memories
Eri wakes, feeling hazy, and looks with confusion at the "small boy with blonde hair that looks like my doll Yeonho" in front of her.
Nameless: The dolls became human.
Eri: Right!
AHHHH
She slowly remembers most things but it feels like her memories are under a pile of sand. Shinbi, Lance and Tei all suspect something is wrong.
Red ends up seeing Soi's gift for Tei inside Eri's bag, and is stood up because Eri forgot they had a date. He is sad and resigned and gives the gift to Tei.
At home, Red says he was stupid for misunderstanding her, and Eri has no idea why he's so sad.
Chapter: Torn Pages
*rip*
Nameless: Can you feel all your relationships turning into ruin?
Again, all diary entries after the amusement park are gone.
Red ran away from home?? A week passes with no sign.
Eri's memory is getting worse, the only thing that brings anything back is the creepy voice only she can hear. Hearing Nameless remind her of who people are is CREEPY AS HELL. He hasn't lied yet...
A girl from the drama club sadly says she still feels like Red will show up any day now, but they're probably going to have to cancel the play.
Haaa I got A+ on the exams first go, which seems kind of out of character right now...
And Red's diary 1 unlocked ;_; It has what looks like Power Rangers/Super Sentai on the cover.
Eri sees Soi's letter to Tei, still in her bag, and remembers Red putting himself down for "misunderstanding" her interest. Everything goes black. We hear Lance crying out in alarm as Eri finds herself facing the merry-go-round in sepia tones. She remembers holding something fuzzy and soft and precious.
My choices are "stay still" and "escape the merry go round" HMMM LET ME THINK
Tei and Lance agree Eri has been having memory problems and trying to hide them, and Tei mutters about Red breaking his promise to stay by her side.
Eri wakes and once again the date on her phone seems wrong. I get the first of what looks like a bunch of chances for Eri to (partly) remember what's going on, I assume the bad end if I pick the forgetful choices is very depressing D:
UGH and Nameless gives me a condescending "Correct~!" SHUT UP NAMELESS
I'm given the choice "Red left the house" and "Red was never here"??? GAME THIS IS PAINFUL ENOUGH
Soi invites Eri to Banjul "to increase her blood sugar, since she fainted". Zion is pouting about Soi and so many other girls asking about Tei.
Eri: Oh hey this letter says "To Tei" better give it to him ^_^
Soi: AAHHHHHH *attempts to strangle Eri*
Tei: Ah :/
Tei asks Soi to talk to him alone. And then Eri buys a cookie for Red though she can barely remember his name ;_; Tei just smiles sadly and asks if she needs help going home. She says no but starts to worry about what would happen if she got lost, and decides it's better for everyone if she tells them about her memory problems when she gets home.
*waits for her to get waylaid on the way home*
She wanders into an alley and has a vague but overwhelming flashback to being bullied. She feels confused and scared and angry and screams for Red to save her.
But she hears only silence in reply, and she wonders if losing her memory means she'll lose her future as well.
Eri: Why is this happening to me?
Nameless: Because you don't remember.
Eri: Who are you?
Yuri: There you are! Are ok?
Eri: Who are you?
Yuri: D: ...first let's get you home :(
She slowly remembers who he is on the way home. She closes her eyes and then wakes up in her room, and wonders how long it's been: hours? Days?
We cut to the department store, where two children are playing at being "justice warriors" with special powers.
Red: Those things don't exist >:(
Red have you just been hanging around the department store crushing children's dreams...
Haa and then he gets drawn into their game and shows them the RIGHT way to draw Excalibur.
Eri comes downstairs for some water and sees Yeonho watching Red's TV show (that she doesn't recognise) ;_; She's happy to find out it's still the same day...and then does recognise the tv show and asks where Red is /o\
When she finds out he's gone she freaks out, and is horrified at herself for forgetting. Tei sends her to rest, then explains about her memory loss to Yeonho and Yuri. He and Lance think it's too strange to be a normal illness, and that finding Red might help her at least feel better.
Chapter: Come Back Home
Nameless: Stop sleeping, it's boring. Go find your final piece, no matter how tragic the final outcome may be.
Red: Why is there only one of me, am I a failed model? You made me, and gave me a soul- take responsibility! Give me special powers...please ;_;
Eri thinks back on happy memories with Red and wonders where he is, and what will happen with the play.
Nameless: Get up!
Eri wakes up: 3am on the same day. Just as she's feeling depressed at how hopeless everything is, she hears Nameless saying "This way". She stands up as if possessed and grabs the cookie and her coat.
Nameless leads her to the main street and then goes silent. She thinks she must be going crazy and tries to go home but ends up walking in circles.
Nameless: Don't worry, you'll see it soon.
She hears footsteps approach...but it's not Red.
Man: You're cute. Maybe I'll take you home ;)
Two large men back her into a corner. I have the option of "Run away" and "Red- save me!" and don't think I want to know what happens if I pick option one :/
Red appears! He coldly tells the men that if they touch her they won't leave with their limbs intact.
The men run away and Red and Eri stare at each other. Red asks if she's ok and she runs crying into his arms, wailing about her memory loss and the strange voice and how she's sorry and scared.
He whispers "Let's go home. I'm sorry I'm late" and carries her on his back. Eri reaches into her pocket.
Eri: I bought this cookie for you without realising you were gone, isn't that funny?
She talks about how glad she is to see him again and feels him shake a little. He asks how she's been and she feels confident that he's back for good.
At home, everyone is glad to see Eri but Tei is quietly furious at Red. Red finds out that Eri kept calling for him. Tei and Lance ponder the connection between Eri's memory loss and Red leaving and then being found again....and the other unexplained thing in their lives: them becoming human.
Lance: I'm pissed off. Someone is messing with us.
Red gets angry that the others let her suffer this much and Tei tells him to stop being pathetic and actually help her.
Chapter: Remember Me?
We're in the room of forgotten toys.
I check the diary and everything after her skipping the rehearsal to go to Banjul (12/11) is gone.
Eri: Where am I?
Nameless: Welcome to my house. Do you remember me?
But she can't see anyone. What she does find is her diary, lying on the ground, with pages ripped out and scattered on the ground beneath her feet.
Nameless: When I tear it, your memories get lost ^_^
She's more sad than angry, feeling helpless as she looks at her scattered memories.
Eri: Who are you? Why are you doing this?
Nameless: Unfortunately it's not time to answer those question yet. It's time for you to wake up, and forget this conversation ever happened :)
And when she wakes, there is "a boy with red hair" dozing by her side. She wakes him carefully and he smiles, but looks sad when he realises she doesn't know who he is. Then he smiles gently and explains who he is, and that's she's lost her memory. Seeing his smile, she feels a familiar sense of happiness. He points to reminder notes in large letters on a corkboard near her bed. As she reads them, things start to come back.
Red: I don't know if you remember the last few days, but...I'm sorry. I misunderstood some things and wasn't there for you.
Eri: ...I remember everything.
Red: Good. And there's one more thing you must remember: I will always protect you.
Red explains he was sleeping next to her to make sure she didn't go wandering looking for him again, and she apologies for him sleeping "so uncomfortably". I DON'T THINK HE MINDS, ERI.
Red is really sweet and gentle and not at all condescending, reminding her of things and checking what she knows and oh god my heart. He obviously feels really bad for leaving her. When they get to school he reminds her to treat him more formally in front of other people.
Someone from the drama club sees Red and grumps at him for vanishing but is clearly very happy he's back. Red apologises seriously and takes Eri to class...and then just sits outside "like a puppy guarding".
Girls: Were you kidnapped by a villain?
Red: Villains don't exist :/
Girls: Red lost his dream ;_;
Eri: But why aren't you in class?
Red: You might need me. You're more important than class.
Girls: :O
Soi: HAHA RED KEEP YOUR PLAY PRACTICE TO REHEARSALS *drags Eri away*
Yeonho and Lance mutter about Red and Eri worries but does feel safer knowing he's there.
Principal: You're causing a disruption
Red: Expel me or suspend me if you must! ...oh but please let me stay in the play >.>
When the Principal finds out Red is protecting a sick Eri he says Red can stay until the festival, but if things get too hard he should ask adults for help.
At rehearsal, Red apologises to everyone for disappearing and asks for another chance. Everyone greets him back with applause and trust and he is overwhelmed with gratitude.
Red and Eri practice a "heroine believing in the warrior" scene at home but Eri is overcome with worry that she'll just forget these lines tomorrow. Red reassures her that he'll just practice with her again, and she feels confident that she can do anything with him at her side, no matter how often she forgets. She decides to express her feelings while she remembers them.
Eri: Red...my heart pounds at seeing you.
Red: ...me too :)
She hopes she can remember this happiness tomorrow.
But she doesn't.
We see a sequence of Red smiling gently as he asks Eri how much she can remember and explains things to her, including to be careful about Soi's feelings because she was dumped by Tei.
Red: I'll be right by your bed. It's fine if you forget me again, as long as I'm the first one you remember.
Aw is he sleeping on the floor?? ;_;
Nameless: Damn that boy, acting like the warrior until the end! I don't like it.
And then we see more days pass, just the same. Everyone is described as a "boy" except Yuri, who is a "man". Eri has to figure out from context that her grandpa is dead :(
Red takes Eri out to the amusement park, and gets embarrassed when Yuri calls it a date. He talks about how he felt useless, but now he's decided he was created to stay by her side and watch over her.
Her heart pounds and she feels deeply touched and tries to remember what Red means to her. She has a scrap of memory.
Eri: You are never useless. I was so happy the day you came into my life.
Rd is overjoyed that she remembers that day and cheerfully suggests they go on the merry-go-round.
Flashback: Eri riding with Nameless as a child and saying "Isn't it fun?"
Nameless: Yes, it was fun.
Flashback: Red excited to ride with Eri, and then helping the lost kid.
Nameless: This is strange...the diary...WIZARD WHAT'S HAPPENING
Eri's memories start to come back more and more.
Eri: I remember everything. Thanks to you, Red.
He hugs her and says that he's still going to stay by her side. She's made him realise that even without special powers, he's enough.
Nameless: The diary is rewriting itself! What did Red do???
Chapter: I Believe In You
Eri is trying to practice her lines but Red keeps laughing.
Red: Sorry, you're just too cute!
Eri: IF YOU LAUGH ON STAGE I WILL PUNCH YOU
Red quietly mutters that he hopes she remembers all this tomorrow.
The next morning, Eri sees him dozing next to her bed.
Eri: Wake up, Red!
Red: Good morning, Eri. Do you remember who I am?
Eri: Of course :)
Her memory is much better than it was. But she still can't remember everything. Like: What is that bottle on her desk? And how long has she been feeling butterflies around Red?
The day of the festival! Eri stands ready to enter the stage for the final scene, reassuring herself it will be fine.
The diary I can see doesn't have any of the torn pages back, but does have entries for the last two days.
Nameless: I'm going to tear more!!
Red and Eri are acting out a heartfelt scene where "heroine" believes in "warrior" when suddenly she forgets her line.
Nameless: Disappear! Your happy memories, your valuable memories, everything! If all the memories between you and me disappear, maybe....maybe you'll remember me...
Eri stares at Red, mind blank. She can't even remember why she's on the stage.
Red: Heroine. It's ok if you can't remember.
"The man sweetly comforting me is...Red. The one person I can never forget. The person who protects me"
Nameless: *tears* WHY IS IT REWRITING ITSELF
Eri: Red, you told me you didn't have special powers, but...you have the power to make the people around you smile. You have proven that you are strong by staying by my side. From the day I got you until now I've never regretted once. You are the one and only special Red. You are so special and precious to me.
Red: Eri...I like you...
There is a sparkly noise and everything goes white.
Wizard: The final piece!
Me: LET THEM KISS DAMMIT
We go back to the play.
Eri: I like you too. I don't care if I forget. Just remind me every time I open my eyes.
And then they kiss :)
Nameless: I got the final piece. She...can come to me now, right?
Chapter: Pure Identity
Crobidoll: Red's powers aren't for show, but start from the desire to protect someone precious. Wouldn't it be nice if that was your owner? Find a good owner and beloved, Red.
Well who else would an INANIMATE OBJECT find precious?? Is she expecting him to go out and make friends on the internet? Also I think Crobidoll=The Doll-maker, but the dialogue incorrectly genders her as male.
Eri looks up at the sky and tells her grandpa she's happy, and that he will always live on in her heart. She wonders if he sent the dolls to her.
Christmas in the snow at the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL! This time all of them came.
Yuri: This park is full of couples but I feel like I'm on a family trip :/
Eri says she wants to go on the merry-go-round and Yeonho is about to join her when Yuri drags him to get cotton candy, saying she's taken.
Tei: Right, he did get her memories back.
Lance: It might have been a coincidence!
Red and Eri smile at each other.
Red: I'm glad you're my owner.
Eri: I'm glad you're my doll. I'll always love you.
Red turns completely red.
Yuri flirts a passing woman into taking a cute group photo and the closing credits start! ...and I accidentally click through them, oops.
Nameless: Finally. Welcome...to my world.
THE END
Awwwww that was really good. I didn't like some parts but overall I had a lot of feels. It was a teeny bit inconsistent with it's "love doesn't mean obsessively staying next to the other person at all times" message haha. Also how was Red supporting himself???
Red's voice actor sounds deeper and older. Mr Yujin's sounds THE SAME and it's WEIRD.
Red diary 1: What the hell, someone rearranged my folders. Education/Education_1_(White teacher), Education_PE/Cheerleader...WAIT THESE ARE MY SPECIAL VIDEOS. The order's all messed up! LANCE. How do I avenge him...ha, I'll rearrange his pens! BUT WAIT DOES THIS MEAN HE SAW THEM
Red diary 3: Just some cute feels about Eri.
There's one Red CG left and 4 scenes. I'm guessing Mr Yujin's formula comes up in a bad end, maybe Red drinks it to "get stronger". But I am so moving on to see what happens next.
Next: Red Route (Bad ends)
or (like me) skip ahead to
Secret 1
no subject
Date: 2018-12-12 08:14 am (UTC)Red demonstrates some special powers in the next route but I'm still not sure how much he was directly responsible for Eri's memories returning, or how that all worked.
I'm still figuring out how I feel about the next part, including Eri's part in it, and curious to see how it all ends myself!