Code Realize: Lupin Chapters 1-10
Jan. 28th, 2019 12:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alias_sqbrMasterlist of Code Realize posts
TIME FOR THE FINAL BOY
I'm really enjoying it so far! Since Lupin's route only unlocks after you've completed the others, there's references to the other plots, which makes for some nicely layered worldbuilding.
Instead of massively rejigging the game, looks like it's the same base plot for the common route, just with some extra "choose Lupin" options.
And so...we're sneaking into London with Lupin!
(Lupin, I do actually agree that you're a better man than Impey but saying it to his face is kinda mean)
Lupin: You just have to tell the guards what we practiced earlier.
SEE, IMPEY. THIS IS HOW YOU GET PEOPLE TO PLAY ALONG WITH YOUR COVER STORY.
Lupin: I am Baron Gilford Dudley and this is my wife, Jane. How dare you make us wait!
Cardia, possibly lying for the first time in her entire life: Y-yes dear, that's right! How dare...you...um...
Guard: You seem very nervous, Miss. Do you two have any papers?
Lupin: How dare you doubt us?! As you can see, I have this dagger with the ancient Dudley family crest on it, that I absolutely did not steal!!
Guard: Right! Very good, Baron Dudley, sir!!
Afterwards Cardia's still feeling freaked out that they could have gotten caught, so Lupin reassures her that he never fails, and always has backup plans. He gets a kick out of showing her the city's sights, since she finds it all very new and exciting.
And then somehow they get separated and she meets Victor etc.
With Lupin at the casino! He cheerfully sets things up so she wins big at blackjack with an adoring, clapping crowd.
Cardia: Wow! Did you cheat?
Lupin: Hey, don't be rude. I don't cheat, I count!
Me: That is generally considered cheating, Lupin.
Van Helsing shows up, threatening to kill Lupin. And for the first time, I have the chance to ATTACK! HELLS YES.
Cardia doesn't have any combat skills yet so she runs at him with a rock. Van Helsing easily knocks it out of her hand but Lupin appreciates the attempt.
TIME FOR LESSONS WITH LUPIN :D
It feels a bit arbitrary that Lupin wasn't an option before and is now, since nothing seems to have changed and he seems entirely happy for Cardia to hang with him. Maybe I've just been spoiled by Nameless which had a reason for these things built into the worldbuilding.
Aw just when I was wondering if Victor genuinely dislikes Impey he asks if it's ok for everyone to always make fun of the guy.
Lupin: The trick to running away is timing, and the key to timing is cowardice! A coward is always sensitive to danger. There is a famous book from Asia called "The thirty six stratagems"...
I love how well informed these 19th century Western Europeans are about Asia.
He sets up an obstacle course for her to run every day.
Lupin: You learn quickly and never tire...You'll be a master thief in no time!
Cardia: I don't want to be a thief :/
Haha I forgot how prissy she is about thievery.
For the next lesson they...play tag/chasey. She thinks she's tricked him with her backtracking/hiding etc but he easily finds her and as she runs off as fast she can he offers critique on where she went wrong.
Lupin: I'm about to catch up to you :D
Crdia: You're not the only one who taught me things! *throws flashbomb from Victor*
Lupin, putting on a pair of sunglasses: Nice try B)
Cardia, internally: I can't beat him using techniques he taught me, so....
She grabs him and throws him into the air using Van Helsing's combat techniques. He is quite surprised :D
While he's somersaulting back to the ground, she runs...and trips over the trip-wire he was leading her towards. But as he helps her up, he's impressed at how well she did.
By the end of the day, she's puffed and he isn't? She has an INFINITE ENERGY STONE in her chest. He says it's less about stamina than skills, which I GUESS makes SOME sense but is also what a like...immortal alien would say. (Hey, Saint-Germain wasn't an alien but maybe Lupin is. Or a robot!)
They hang out before the train heist. Aw, she denies that she's nervous and he says he was SUPER nervous before his first heist. I love that while he can be a little chivalrous he mainly just treats her as an apprentice thief.
Cardia: Did you have a...thief teacher too?
Lupin: Something like that :/
Cardia: Were they like what you are to me? (Why does asking that make me suddenly very embarrassed? How DOES Lupin feel about me??)
Lupin: I don't know, I can't tell what's going on in your head. ANYWAY LET'S TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE.
Lupin: One final thing to put your mind at ease: Mistakes always happen. But I've planned for every possible thing that can go wrong.
Me, knowing this heist goes wrong in ways that totally blindside Lupin: Mmm.
As they wait for the train, Cardia watches Lupin working painstakingly on his detailed plan. She wonder if it was like this before he kidnapped her.
In the underground bunker with Lupin!
Cardia: Why do you do so much for me, and to prevent this terrorist attack? Even though your kindness towards me makes me very happy, it troubles me.
Lupin: You don't understand why I would risk myself in a fight for someone else?
Cardia: Yes. And how did you, a French thief, learn so much about a secret British conspiracy?
Lupin: I never explained, did I? You see, someone once...saved me, and...
Impey: Hey, time to meet back up!
DAMMIT IMPEY >:(
Even Finis refers to Lupin as "the hero". Are they going somewhere with this theme?
Apparently Lupin bugged Cardia, so they could track her if she got lost??
Lupin: I was surprised to find out she's not human, but she's still the same Cardia. And this gentleman thief isn't about to let someone steal a prize from under his nose.
Finis just laughs, and takes out the pendant that turns her into a superweapon. But then he gets stabbed!
Nobody stops Cardia when she decides to run away.
Cardia: I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you find father, Lupin, And...thank you for everything.
Chapter 9: Someday’s Forgiveness
Cardia is in the Welsh forest, walking towards her old mansion. She thinks back sadly to Elaine's death, and how she could never show her face to any of those villagers again, especially Elaine's daughter Etty.
"Why am I even here? No matter what I find out, nothing will change that I killed a woman, and am a monster."
The mansion looks exactly the same. It's only been a few months, but feels like years, and she is reluctant to leave the sun-kissed world and return inside. But she's not the girl she was then, and plans to leave once she's found what she needs.
Walking the familiar, silent, ruined halls she feels more lonely than she ever did before. Being with Lupin and the others changed her. Which is why she had to leave: if they rejected her for being a monster it would tear her heart in two.
Finally, she returns to her old room. It used to be comforting, but now feels like a prison. Though she stayed here for two years and knows it all well, she has a new way of seeing now, and finds a hidden keyhole inside a stuffed animal.
Just as she unpicks the lock and finds a letter, she hears a loud noise outside. It can't be Twilight, they wouldn't be so clumsy.
Me: Lupin?
But no, it's an angry mob of villagers D: They blame her for Elaine's death, and diseases and droughts. Cardia is paralysed by fear and trauma, but as they barge through the doors she runs, so terrified she's clumsy and loses a glove. She ignores all of Lupin's teaching to just run heedlessly, and finds herself surrounded. Dizzy and unable to think, she collapses and weakly begs for mercy. They throw a rock at her head D:
Priest: Filthy creature, wasn't Elaine's sacrifice enough for you? Have you come for more?
Me: WOW FUCK YOU BUDDY
riest: Look how plants have withered under it's touch...we must kill it to recieve God's bounty! This is a test from-*thump*
Lupin: This beautiful gem is too valuable for you atrocious people.
He gives her a hug and says he's glad she's safe, and she is overcome by emotions she can't put a name to.
Lupin: If you want to see a monster, look in the mirror! I usually consider violence barbaric but if you call her that one more time...I'll kill you.
Villager: But the priest said...
Lupin: If you follow him blindly that's not faith, it's superstition. Stop listening to some man with a fancy collar and start using your own brains!
And then he throws a smoke bomb and leaps above the trees with the help of some wires he'd set up in advance, jumping from tree to tree until the reach a camp he'd set up. He hands her back her glove. Apparently they've all been looking for her in all sorts of places. She's very grateful, but says she need to leave again, and won't say why.
Lupin: You're afraid I'll think you're a monster, aren't you? As a thief it's my job to understand how people think. Lies and silences won't work on me. Especially when it comes to you.
Cardia: ...
Lupin: Monsters exist, but all I see when I look at you is a girl. A girl who wants to touch someone so badly, but doesn't want to hurt anyone or be hurt, so she hides in loneliness.
He puts his hand over her gloved hand and she almost cries.
Lupin: So what if you have poison? That's just a unique trait. Not being able to enjoy even a kiss is troublesome, but I swore I'd fix that, remember?
Cardia: But I'm man-made :(
Lupin: I was made by another person too ;) Look, I'll be honest, when I first read about you, I did think of you as a monster. But from the first moment I actually saw you...I've never seen you as a monster. I wanted to steal you to learn more about Isaac, but the reason I had to steal you at any cost...was because you turned your beautiful, sad eyes on me. And every time you smile I'm glad I did. The beauty in your smile transcends labels like "monster" or "human".
*SHIPS IT*
And then Etty shows up, carrying the herbal book Cardia returned to her.
Etty: I still...can't forgive you. But I don't think it's right for you to be killed like that. Mama wrote so much in here, about how lonely you must have been...but there's not a single thing that says you're a monster. I want to believe Mama. So...you're not a monster. That's all. Thank you for the book.
And then she runs away. Cardia feels like something frozen inside her has melted, just a little. Lupin sits with her as she cries and cries. Eventually she calms down, and talks about Elaine, which leads to her remembering the letter.
It turns out to be in code, but after staring at it for a while Lupin decodes it as being about..."an organisation known as Idea". OoooOOooh.
And then there's a part addressed to Cardia.
"My dearest daughter: if you are reading this I have failed. I loved God. I wanted to reveal the truths of the world in his name. But God did not love me. God betrayed the world and its people, and continues to betray me. That is why I am going to wage war against him. You and I will lead humanity into forbidden territory. You are my precious princess."
Cardia suddenly remembers hearing these words while she was asleep.
"It is only fitting that I make my preparations to rebel against God beneath Saint Paul's Cathedral. All the answers to your questions, and eternal peace, await you there. Let us walk into a new future. --Code: Realize."
When she hears those words a shock runs through her body. She has heard these words before, while asleep, or perhaps in a glass filled tube. And Lupin says that's the name of the terrorist plot he's chasing.
Because it seems likely from the other paths that the plot involves Cardia killing a whole bunch of people, and from the sound of things dying herself. "Eternal peace" my ass, Isaac >:(
Lupin is excited to have a clue but Cardia has a bad feeling about all this.
Finis POV. That night, somewhere unknown, Finis wakes from his slumber of death. As always, his new body doesn't function very well, and he falls over a few times on his way through subterranean tunnels to the outer walls of London. He admires the view of the city his Father created, then looks up the the sky.
Finis: Sister is taking longer than expected to show understanding of our plan. I'll get hold of her, I'm an obedient son. But hopefully you'll forgive a few changes to the plan, Father.
"It's unclear what answer he hears in the wind, but he smiles"
Finis: Now, let's begin the creation of a new world.
Multiple explosions can be heard from the city below. Finis laughs.
Chapter 10: The Fires of Battle
On the train back to London, Lupin gives Cardia the option of not coming with them to St Paul's since it will be dangerous, but is generally supportive of her investigating herself, to make up her own mind. She stares at him, thinking about how good he is at quieting her doubts, and aware of the heat where their shoulders are touching.
Lupin: Not that it's bad to be stared at so passionately, but it's a bit distracting when I'm trying to sleep.
Cardia: Passionately?
Lupin: Uh...never mind.
Cardia: The way you said it...what did you mean?
Lupin: It's a secret ;) *immediately falls asleep to avoid further questions*
She falls asleep too, and wakes to find out that the train has stopped outside London: A military rebellion broke out, so martial law has been declared and all trains are being rerouted.
The rebels are based in St Paul's Cathedral and seem to be being led by Twilight. They set off explosives across the city before taking over/neutralising the police and army, and currently have the palace surrounded.
Lupin tells Cardia to stay behind here where it's safe while he gathers the others. My choices are "I'm going to help, too" and "I want to stay with you" and the first one is the correct choice! Interesting!
Lupin: I'll just be in and out, there's nothing you can do to help.
Cardia: Don't lie. I know you, and you want to stop the terrorists and save London.
Awww just when I was a little worried it would all be him being the cleverly empathetic one :D
At first he claims to be but a simple thief, helpless against such large events, but she persists, and he says the pupil has learned to read the teacher's mind :D
There's what looks like a flicker of TWILIGHT KILLED MY DOG etc angst but he hides it quickly.
His plan is to rescue Queen Victoria so she can summon her forces to attack the cathedral, and use this as an opportunity to get beneath it safely.
Lupin asks a passing deserter from the army for information by pretending to be a sad polite young man worried about his mother.
Cardia: That man abandoned London :/
Lupin: You never know if you're willing to die for duty until you face it. There's more to life than dying honourably.
Soldiers are trying to keep people out of the city, but the gate is in such chaos it's easy to sneak in. There is the glow of fire from central London, and a military airship passes ominously over head. Lupin changes into his Thief Tuxedo: it's important to dress the part!
As they head towards the palace they pass bombed, burning buildings and then have to run from a small aircraft. Is it targeting them specifically, or just attacking civilians in general? Cardia gets scared and Lupin confidently says he'll protect her. She takes his hand and nods confidently.
The palace is surrounded by troops, being commanded by Twilight soldiers, so they take the sewers.
Lupin, pulling her to him: It's dark, so we should stay close.
Cardia, suddenly blushing and looking away: R-right...
Lupin: Why so shy? I suppose I can't blame you for being nervous about the insanely handsome Monsieur Lupin holding you tight.
Cardia: It's not that!
Lupin: Oh really ;D But I should leave off the teasing until after this is all done. Anyway, cheer up. You have Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief, at your side. I always get what I want, without fail.
Cardia: Haha. But you did fail to kidnap Finis, and Sholmes got the better of you a few times...
Lupin: We escaped safely! And I never lost to him, exactly >.>
When they emerge they see soldiers shooting at each other, with rebels within the palace itself. They follow the sound of Leonhardt loudly calling for Victoria and rescue him from Twilight soldiers. Lupin says he'll be a decoy then demonstrates his perfect Victoria impression (because it's her voice actor, lol)
Lupin puts his hand on Cardia's shoulder: This old man will be your bodyguard, but I can't stay by your side. Can you handle things?
Cardia: Of course, I'm the gentleman thief's star pupil :) You're the one in the most danger, be careful.
Leondhardt says he's always thought of ladies as needing protection but is impressed by the relationship between Cardia and Lupin. She, in turn, is impressed by his fighting ability.
Ha, if nothing else, Cardia helps Leonhardt's search by telling him to stop revealing his location by yelling. When they find Victoria her eyes soften when she sees Leonhardt, but just for a moment. He clears a safe path to the meeting place with Lupin.
But Lupin's not there yet. Instead there's a bunch of rebel soldiers and...Finis!
Victoria: I suspected you were behind this. What's your plan?
Finis: I don't recall giving you permission to speak. *gestures*
And then one of the soldiers shoots her in the leg!
Leonhardt: FINIS D:<
Finis: Be quiet, I have something to discuss with my sister. What a happy accident that we meet just as I complete the first step in the plan...or perhaps it's all part of Father's amazing design ^_^ For the last time: will you help me with his plan?
Cardia: What is the plan?
Finis: Code Realise is a plan for the creation of a new God for this world.
Cardia: Uh?!
Finis: Have you ever wondered what creates scientific progress? The answer is war ^_^ Since their origin as beasts, humans have always fought, knowing instinctively that battle is the key to their survival. Father realised the way for civilisation to advance to a new level was an eternal war, spanning all nations, overseen by an absolute power. That is the only way for all of humanity to approach the realm of God.
o.O
I was thinking "So who is this being? Cardia? A fusion of her and Finis?" when...
Finis: I'm helping him. Until the day father rises to rule above humanity with complete and utter control.
Cardia: That's ridiculous!
Finis: All advancement stems from a ridiculous dream. And now all we need to complete the final step is you! He needs my spirit vessel and your heart, it's the reason we exist. We are monsters, and dolls with no emotions or souls, separate parts that will give Father a new form!
AMAZING. I LOVE IT.
ALSO CONGRATULATIONS ISAAC YOU WIN AT WORST DAD
Finis speaks with joy, but the words themselves seem steeped in despair.
Finis: All our emotions are fake. But when we fulfil father's dream, we will be loved. We will achieve happiness. You understand, don't you, Sister? It's the only way to overcome this emptiness and despair.
Cardia is overcome by trauma and despair. She reaches her hand towards Finis...
Victoria: Stop! While much of this is beyond our understanding, I can say this much: Finis, you are insane. And you, if you take his hand, you'll never be able to come back.
Cardia realises this is wrong. This isn't the hand drew her into the light, the hand she yearns to hold. She puts aside her existential angst and focusses on thoughts of Lupin. If she can just stall for time, she is sure he will come and save them.
Cardia: Finis, this is all so confusing...can you explain it to me again, so I can understand how to help?
Finis: You'll help?! I'm so glad! But all you have to do is sleep. We'll transform your gem into the Philosopher's stone, and once it's removed your duty is complete ^_^
Cardia: But what should I do after that?
Finis: ...die? ^_^
Cardia: ...ah. Um. You're part of the process too, what will happen to you?
Finis: Well, I'll- wait. YOU WERE GETTING ME TO MANSPLAIN TO STALL FOR TIME >:( Guess it's time to murder these two and leave.
But then! Everything goes dark as an airship appears overhead and starts firing! But it never seems to hit anyone...
And there, at the prow, is Lupin. He always comes just in time to sweep her off her feet.
Lupin: My precious lady. If you, o precious gem, are faced with countless dangers, I will be there to steal you away over and over again. For your heart belongs to me alone.
Normally I like a bit more self doubt in my LIs, but this is pretty darn romantic.
Lupin: Finis! Stand there like a fool while I snatch away the lady and the others before your eyes!
Finis: Sister! Why won't you help grant Father's wish? He gave you everything he kept from me! We are both monsters, no-one will love us!
But she jumps for the ship with no doubts.
Lupin: I'm so glad you're safe, Cardia! Oh, and you guys too.
Leonhardt. HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT
Victoria: Chill, Leonhardt. So, what do you want us to do?
Lupin: Nothing much. Just defeat the rebels and take back the city :)
(SEE. NO CLIFFHANGER THIS TIME)
TIME FOR THE FINAL BOY
I'm really enjoying it so far! Since Lupin's route only unlocks after you've completed the others, there's references to the other plots, which makes for some nicely layered worldbuilding.
Instead of massively rejigging the game, looks like it's the same base plot for the common route, just with some extra "choose Lupin" options.
And so...we're sneaking into London with Lupin!
(Lupin, I do actually agree that you're a better man than Impey but saying it to his face is kinda mean)
Lupin: You just have to tell the guards what we practiced earlier.
SEE, IMPEY. THIS IS HOW YOU GET PEOPLE TO PLAY ALONG WITH YOUR COVER STORY.
Lupin: I am Baron Gilford Dudley and this is my wife, Jane. How dare you make us wait!
Cardia, possibly lying for the first time in her entire life: Y-yes dear, that's right! How dare...you...um...
Guard: You seem very nervous, Miss. Do you two have any papers?
Lupin: How dare you doubt us?! As you can see, I have this dagger with the ancient Dudley family crest on it, that I absolutely did not steal!!
Guard: Right! Very good, Baron Dudley, sir!!
Afterwards Cardia's still feeling freaked out that they could have gotten caught, so Lupin reassures her that he never fails, and always has backup plans. He gets a kick out of showing her the city's sights, since she finds it all very new and exciting.
And then somehow they get separated and she meets Victor etc.
With Lupin at the casino! He cheerfully sets things up so she wins big at blackjack with an adoring, clapping crowd.
Cardia: Wow! Did you cheat?
Lupin: Hey, don't be rude. I don't cheat, I count!
Me: That is generally considered cheating, Lupin.
Van Helsing shows up, threatening to kill Lupin. And for the first time, I have the chance to ATTACK! HELLS YES.
Cardia doesn't have any combat skills yet so she runs at him with a rock. Van Helsing easily knocks it out of her hand but Lupin appreciates the attempt.
TIME FOR LESSONS WITH LUPIN :D
It feels a bit arbitrary that Lupin wasn't an option before and is now, since nothing seems to have changed and he seems entirely happy for Cardia to hang with him. Maybe I've just been spoiled by Nameless which had a reason for these things built into the worldbuilding.
Aw just when I was wondering if Victor genuinely dislikes Impey he asks if it's ok for everyone to always make fun of the guy.
Lupin: The trick to running away is timing, and the key to timing is cowardice! A coward is always sensitive to danger. There is a famous book from Asia called "The thirty six stratagems"...
I love how well informed these 19th century Western Europeans are about Asia.
He sets up an obstacle course for her to run every day.
Lupin: You learn quickly and never tire...You'll be a master thief in no time!
Cardia: I don't want to be a thief :/
Haha I forgot how prissy she is about thievery.
For the next lesson they...play tag/chasey. She thinks she's tricked him with her backtracking/hiding etc but he easily finds her and as she runs off as fast she can he offers critique on where she went wrong.
Lupin: I'm about to catch up to you :D
Crdia: You're not the only one who taught me things! *throws flashbomb from Victor*
Lupin, putting on a pair of sunglasses: Nice try B)
Cardia, internally: I can't beat him using techniques he taught me, so....
She grabs him and throws him into the air using Van Helsing's combat techniques. He is quite surprised :D
While he's somersaulting back to the ground, she runs...and trips over the trip-wire he was leading her towards. But as he helps her up, he's impressed at how well she did.
By the end of the day, she's puffed and he isn't? She has an INFINITE ENERGY STONE in her chest. He says it's less about stamina than skills, which I GUESS makes SOME sense but is also what a like...immortal alien would say. (Hey, Saint-Germain wasn't an alien but maybe Lupin is. Or a robot!)
They hang out before the train heist. Aw, she denies that she's nervous and he says he was SUPER nervous before his first heist. I love that while he can be a little chivalrous he mainly just treats her as an apprentice thief.
Cardia: Did you have a...thief teacher too?
Lupin: Something like that :/
Cardia: Were they like what you are to me? (Why does asking that make me suddenly very embarrassed? How DOES Lupin feel about me??)
Lupin: I don't know, I can't tell what's going on in your head. ANYWAY LET'S TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE.
Lupin: One final thing to put your mind at ease: Mistakes always happen. But I've planned for every possible thing that can go wrong.
Me, knowing this heist goes wrong in ways that totally blindside Lupin: Mmm.
As they wait for the train, Cardia watches Lupin working painstakingly on his detailed plan. She wonder if it was like this before he kidnapped her.
In the underground bunker with Lupin!
Cardia: Why do you do so much for me, and to prevent this terrorist attack? Even though your kindness towards me makes me very happy, it troubles me.
Lupin: You don't understand why I would risk myself in a fight for someone else?
Cardia: Yes. And how did you, a French thief, learn so much about a secret British conspiracy?
Lupin: I never explained, did I? You see, someone once...saved me, and...
Impey: Hey, time to meet back up!
DAMMIT IMPEY >:(
Even Finis refers to Lupin as "the hero". Are they going somewhere with this theme?
Apparently Lupin bugged Cardia, so they could track her if she got lost??
Lupin: I was surprised to find out she's not human, but she's still the same Cardia. And this gentleman thief isn't about to let someone steal a prize from under his nose.
Finis just laughs, and takes out the pendant that turns her into a superweapon. But then he gets stabbed!
Nobody stops Cardia when she decides to run away.
Cardia: I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you find father, Lupin, And...thank you for everything.
Chapter 9: Someday’s Forgiveness
Cardia is in the Welsh forest, walking towards her old mansion. She thinks back sadly to Elaine's death, and how she could never show her face to any of those villagers again, especially Elaine's daughter Etty.
"Why am I even here? No matter what I find out, nothing will change that I killed a woman, and am a monster."
The mansion looks exactly the same. It's only been a few months, but feels like years, and she is reluctant to leave the sun-kissed world and return inside. But she's not the girl she was then, and plans to leave once she's found what she needs.
Walking the familiar, silent, ruined halls she feels more lonely than she ever did before. Being with Lupin and the others changed her. Which is why she had to leave: if they rejected her for being a monster it would tear her heart in two.
Finally, she returns to her old room. It used to be comforting, but now feels like a prison. Though she stayed here for two years and knows it all well, she has a new way of seeing now, and finds a hidden keyhole inside a stuffed animal.
Just as she unpicks the lock and finds a letter, she hears a loud noise outside. It can't be Twilight, they wouldn't be so clumsy.
Me: Lupin?
But no, it's an angry mob of villagers D: They blame her for Elaine's death, and diseases and droughts. Cardia is paralysed by fear and trauma, but as they barge through the doors she runs, so terrified she's clumsy and loses a glove. She ignores all of Lupin's teaching to just run heedlessly, and finds herself surrounded. Dizzy and unable to think, she collapses and weakly begs for mercy. They throw a rock at her head D:
Priest: Filthy creature, wasn't Elaine's sacrifice enough for you? Have you come for more?
Me: WOW FUCK YOU BUDDY
riest: Look how plants have withered under it's touch...we must kill it to recieve God's bounty! This is a test from-*thump*
Lupin: This beautiful gem is too valuable for you atrocious people.
He gives her a hug and says he's glad she's safe, and she is overcome by emotions she can't put a name to.
Lupin: If you want to see a monster, look in the mirror! I usually consider violence barbaric but if you call her that one more time...I'll kill you.
Villager: But the priest said...
Lupin: If you follow him blindly that's not faith, it's superstition. Stop listening to some man with a fancy collar and start using your own brains!
And then he throws a smoke bomb and leaps above the trees with the help of some wires he'd set up in advance, jumping from tree to tree until the reach a camp he'd set up. He hands her back her glove. Apparently they've all been looking for her in all sorts of places. She's very grateful, but says she need to leave again, and won't say why.
Lupin: You're afraid I'll think you're a monster, aren't you? As a thief it's my job to understand how people think. Lies and silences won't work on me. Especially when it comes to you.
Cardia: ...
Lupin: Monsters exist, but all I see when I look at you is a girl. A girl who wants to touch someone so badly, but doesn't want to hurt anyone or be hurt, so she hides in loneliness.
He puts his hand over her gloved hand and she almost cries.
Lupin: So what if you have poison? That's just a unique trait. Not being able to enjoy even a kiss is troublesome, but I swore I'd fix that, remember?
Cardia: But I'm man-made :(
Lupin: I was made by another person too ;) Look, I'll be honest, when I first read about you, I did think of you as a monster. But from the first moment I actually saw you...I've never seen you as a monster. I wanted to steal you to learn more about Isaac, but the reason I had to steal you at any cost...was because you turned your beautiful, sad eyes on me. And every time you smile I'm glad I did. The beauty in your smile transcends labels like "monster" or "human".
*SHIPS IT*
And then Etty shows up, carrying the herbal book Cardia returned to her.
Etty: I still...can't forgive you. But I don't think it's right for you to be killed like that. Mama wrote so much in here, about how lonely you must have been...but there's not a single thing that says you're a monster. I want to believe Mama. So...you're not a monster. That's all. Thank you for the book.
And then she runs away. Cardia feels like something frozen inside her has melted, just a little. Lupin sits with her as she cries and cries. Eventually she calms down, and talks about Elaine, which leads to her remembering the letter.
It turns out to be in code, but after staring at it for a while Lupin decodes it as being about..."an organisation known as Idea". OoooOOooh.
And then there's a part addressed to Cardia.
"My dearest daughter: if you are reading this I have failed. I loved God. I wanted to reveal the truths of the world in his name. But God did not love me. God betrayed the world and its people, and continues to betray me. That is why I am going to wage war against him. You and I will lead humanity into forbidden territory. You are my precious princess."
Cardia suddenly remembers hearing these words while she was asleep.
"It is only fitting that I make my preparations to rebel against God beneath Saint Paul's Cathedral. All the answers to your questions, and eternal peace, await you there. Let us walk into a new future. --Code: Realize."
When she hears those words a shock runs through her body. She has heard these words before, while asleep, or perhaps in a glass filled tube. And Lupin says that's the name of the terrorist plot he's chasing.
Because it seems likely from the other paths that the plot involves Cardia killing a whole bunch of people, and from the sound of things dying herself. "Eternal peace" my ass, Isaac >:(
Lupin is excited to have a clue but Cardia has a bad feeling about all this.
Finis POV. That night, somewhere unknown, Finis wakes from his slumber of death. As always, his new body doesn't function very well, and he falls over a few times on his way through subterranean tunnels to the outer walls of London. He admires the view of the city his Father created, then looks up the the sky.
Finis: Sister is taking longer than expected to show understanding of our plan. I'll get hold of her, I'm an obedient son. But hopefully you'll forgive a few changes to the plan, Father.
"It's unclear what answer he hears in the wind, but he smiles"
Finis: Now, let's begin the creation of a new world.
Multiple explosions can be heard from the city below. Finis laughs.
Chapter 10: The Fires of Battle
On the train back to London, Lupin gives Cardia the option of not coming with them to St Paul's since it will be dangerous, but is generally supportive of her investigating herself, to make up her own mind. She stares at him, thinking about how good he is at quieting her doubts, and aware of the heat where their shoulders are touching.
Lupin: Not that it's bad to be stared at so passionately, but it's a bit distracting when I'm trying to sleep.
Cardia: Passionately?
Lupin: Uh...never mind.
Cardia: The way you said it...what did you mean?
Lupin: It's a secret ;) *immediately falls asleep to avoid further questions*
She falls asleep too, and wakes to find out that the train has stopped outside London: A military rebellion broke out, so martial law has been declared and all trains are being rerouted.
The rebels are based in St Paul's Cathedral and seem to be being led by Twilight. They set off explosives across the city before taking over/neutralising the police and army, and currently have the palace surrounded.
Lupin tells Cardia to stay behind here where it's safe while he gathers the others. My choices are "I'm going to help, too" and "I want to stay with you" and the first one is the correct choice! Interesting!
Lupin: I'll just be in and out, there's nothing you can do to help.
Cardia: Don't lie. I know you, and you want to stop the terrorists and save London.
Awww just when I was a little worried it would all be him being the cleverly empathetic one :D
At first he claims to be but a simple thief, helpless against such large events, but she persists, and he says the pupil has learned to read the teacher's mind :D
There's what looks like a flicker of TWILIGHT KILLED MY DOG etc angst but he hides it quickly.
His plan is to rescue Queen Victoria so she can summon her forces to attack the cathedral, and use this as an opportunity to get beneath it safely.
Lupin asks a passing deserter from the army for information by pretending to be a sad polite young man worried about his mother.
Cardia: That man abandoned London :/
Lupin: You never know if you're willing to die for duty until you face it. There's more to life than dying honourably.
Soldiers are trying to keep people out of the city, but the gate is in such chaos it's easy to sneak in. There is the glow of fire from central London, and a military airship passes ominously over head. Lupin changes into his Thief Tuxedo: it's important to dress the part!
As they head towards the palace they pass bombed, burning buildings and then have to run from a small aircraft. Is it targeting them specifically, or just attacking civilians in general? Cardia gets scared and Lupin confidently says he'll protect her. She takes his hand and nods confidently.
The palace is surrounded by troops, being commanded by Twilight soldiers, so they take the sewers.
Lupin, pulling her to him: It's dark, so we should stay close.
Cardia, suddenly blushing and looking away: R-right...
Lupin: Why so shy? I suppose I can't blame you for being nervous about the insanely handsome Monsieur Lupin holding you tight.
Cardia: It's not that!
Lupin: Oh really ;D But I should leave off the teasing until after this is all done. Anyway, cheer up. You have Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief, at your side. I always get what I want, without fail.
Cardia: Haha. But you did fail to kidnap Finis, and Sholmes got the better of you a few times...
Lupin: We escaped safely! And I never lost to him, exactly >.>
When they emerge they see soldiers shooting at each other, with rebels within the palace itself. They follow the sound of Leonhardt loudly calling for Victoria and rescue him from Twilight soldiers. Lupin says he'll be a decoy then demonstrates his perfect Victoria impression (because it's her voice actor, lol)
Lupin puts his hand on Cardia's shoulder: This old man will be your bodyguard, but I can't stay by your side. Can you handle things?
Cardia: Of course, I'm the gentleman thief's star pupil :) You're the one in the most danger, be careful.
Leondhardt says he's always thought of ladies as needing protection but is impressed by the relationship between Cardia and Lupin. She, in turn, is impressed by his fighting ability.
Ha, if nothing else, Cardia helps Leonhardt's search by telling him to stop revealing his location by yelling. When they find Victoria her eyes soften when she sees Leonhardt, but just for a moment. He clears a safe path to the meeting place with Lupin.
But Lupin's not there yet. Instead there's a bunch of rebel soldiers and...Finis!
Victoria: I suspected you were behind this. What's your plan?
Finis: I don't recall giving you permission to speak. *gestures*
And then one of the soldiers shoots her in the leg!
Leonhardt: FINIS D:<
Finis: Be quiet, I have something to discuss with my sister. What a happy accident that we meet just as I complete the first step in the plan...or perhaps it's all part of Father's amazing design ^_^ For the last time: will you help me with his plan?
Cardia: What is the plan?
Finis: Code Realise is a plan for the creation of a new God for this world.
Cardia: Uh?!
Finis: Have you ever wondered what creates scientific progress? The answer is war ^_^ Since their origin as beasts, humans have always fought, knowing instinctively that battle is the key to their survival. Father realised the way for civilisation to advance to a new level was an eternal war, spanning all nations, overseen by an absolute power. That is the only way for all of humanity to approach the realm of God.
o.O
I was thinking "So who is this being? Cardia? A fusion of her and Finis?" when...
Finis: I'm helping him. Until the day father rises to rule above humanity with complete and utter control.
Cardia: That's ridiculous!
Finis: All advancement stems from a ridiculous dream. And now all we need to complete the final step is you! He needs my spirit vessel and your heart, it's the reason we exist. We are monsters, and dolls with no emotions or souls, separate parts that will give Father a new form!
AMAZING. I LOVE IT.
ALSO CONGRATULATIONS ISAAC YOU WIN AT WORST DAD
Finis speaks with joy, but the words themselves seem steeped in despair.
Finis: All our emotions are fake. But when we fulfil father's dream, we will be loved. We will achieve happiness. You understand, don't you, Sister? It's the only way to overcome this emptiness and despair.
Cardia is overcome by trauma and despair. She reaches her hand towards Finis...
Victoria: Stop! While much of this is beyond our understanding, I can say this much: Finis, you are insane. And you, if you take his hand, you'll never be able to come back.
Cardia realises this is wrong. This isn't the hand drew her into the light, the hand she yearns to hold. She puts aside her existential angst and focusses on thoughts of Lupin. If she can just stall for time, she is sure he will come and save them.
Cardia: Finis, this is all so confusing...can you explain it to me again, so I can understand how to help?
Finis: You'll help?! I'm so glad! But all you have to do is sleep. We'll transform your gem into the Philosopher's stone, and once it's removed your duty is complete ^_^
Cardia: But what should I do after that?
Finis: ...die? ^_^
Cardia: ...ah. Um. You're part of the process too, what will happen to you?
Finis: Well, I'll- wait. YOU WERE GETTING ME TO MANSPLAIN TO STALL FOR TIME >:( Guess it's time to murder these two and leave.
But then! Everything goes dark as an airship appears overhead and starts firing! But it never seems to hit anyone...
And there, at the prow, is Lupin. He always comes just in time to sweep her off her feet.
Lupin: My precious lady. If you, o precious gem, are faced with countless dangers, I will be there to steal you away over and over again. For your heart belongs to me alone.
Normally I like a bit more self doubt in my LIs, but this is pretty darn romantic.
Lupin: Finis! Stand there like a fool while I snatch away the lady and the others before your eyes!
Finis: Sister! Why won't you help grant Father's wish? He gave you everything he kept from me! We are both monsters, no-one will love us!
But she jumps for the ship with no doubts.
Lupin: I'm so glad you're safe, Cardia! Oh, and you guys too.
Leonhardt. HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT
Victoria: Chill, Leonhardt. So, what do you want us to do?
Lupin: Nothing much. Just defeat the rebels and take back the city :)
(SEE. NO CLIFFHANGER THIS TIME)
