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I mostly really liked this route, but it starts out as fluffy slice of life (which I enjoy in romance but find boring as a plot) and turned into high fantasy melodrama (which I enjoy as a plot but find alienating as a romantic dynamic)
So, romance-wise, I know they can interact as just two people who really like each other, but all I really saw at the end was a Knight Protecting his Lady without enough grounding in...idk, realism or something to quite click for me.
On the other hand, plotwise, the fantasy melodrama was pretty great. Lots of angst and moral ambiguity and death! If you have trouble sympathising with well intentioned murderers being woobified because murder makes them sad you probably shouldn't play any Otomate games, but you will especially not enjoy this route. I mostly rolled with it, at least it didn't involve any Fantasy Racist genocide this time.
Also: An Attempt Was Made to have fairyland be gender neutral with all fairies basically non-binary, but the writers were super lazy and inconsistent about it, and Canus in particular was very much written as a straight cis man. But he is technically implied to be non-binary, and I'll take it.
Finally: I was curious how they would handle kissing when he has no head(*), and the answer was THERE IS NO KISSING. I don't know about the other routes but this was all super chaste. Which I didn't mind, it suited the characters and the fact that he, you know, doesn't have a head. But just a, uh, heads-up for anyone who finds that off-putting.
(*)ok, it's a little more complicated that that. But he definitely can't do regular makeouts.
Content note: Death! I accidentally ship incest again!
Chapter 1:
Canus kills tiny fairies, who scream for mercy as they dissolve into nothingness D:
Afterwards he looks at his hands, knowing it was the only way to resolve 'this tragedy', and that the white hand of death comes for everyone.
But he thinks it's for the best that he has no face, so that noone will see his tears.
He wakes from the dream-memory to find Kotone staring at him, trying to figure out if he's asleep. He wants to tell her he's awake but is too embarrassed with her so close, so just sits there while she stares at him from all angles.
Ahaha and now it's Kotone's POV and my choices are "try waking him up" and "try poking his cheeks".
I mean. I'm only human.
But all she feels is warm air and her hand passes right through where his head should be. I wonder how that feels for him! (EDIT: This question is never answered :/)
So she grabs him by the shoulders just as Kariya walks in.
Kariya: Uh. Can you guys save the flirting for when the store closes?
Kotone, jumping away: I wasn't FLIRTING!! It's just that he won't wake up!
Kariya: But he's already awake?
Canus: URK D:
Haa and now the others are acting like he's on trial for being a creeper.
Canus: This is all a misunderstanding I am not a degenerate D:
Too embarassed to deal with any of that, Kotone asks Kagiya how he knew Canus was awake, and he says he can percieve the rough details of Canus's face, like someone 30m away.
Canus says this means he and Kariya are "compatible", whatever that means (FAIRY MPREG??) and most fairies can't see anythign that clear: Titania sees only black while Venir sees a vague haze.
Kotone asks Kariya to draw what he sees. And thus, we finally see Canus's face:
Heehee. So I guess...he has short hair which is plausibly dark? I'm imagining purple curls.
Canus and Kotone earnestly apologise to each other, and then she asks him why he didn't say anything. He awkwardly admits he was enjoying looking at her face as she smiled at him and wanted the moment to continue. He asks why she wants to see his face and she says she likes to know how her customers are feeling. And what if he was distressed and she didn't notice?
Remembering his dream, Canus promises he will always tell her how he's feeling from now on.
He escorts Kariya and Kotone to Medio then leaves "as usual, on personal business", saying he'll pick them up at sundown. Hmm.
Localisation team, I am SURE their name used to be Venir, now it's Vennia? I like the symettry of TitaNIA and VenNIA, but also wonder if it was meant to be VeNEER.
Titania: Nia, look at these fashion magazines Kotone brought, aren't the clothes lovely.
Vennia: Yes, especially these floral designs :)
Suddenly I ship it? Let's just gloss over Titania looking 11.
Kariya: Doesn't Venn sound awfully nice when they're talking to Titania?
SEE IT'S NOT JUST ME.
Titania: I'd like to visit the human world one day. I hope we can go together, Nia.
Vennia: Sister, that's...
DAMN IT, OTOMATE, YOU GOT ME SHIPPING INCEST AGAIN.
Ah, fairies don't reproduce like humans, so they're not biological siblings exactly, but they came into existence at the exact same place at the exact same time, and decided to see each other as siblings.
Since they're discussing personal matters Kotone takes the chance to ask Vennia what gender they identify as.
Me: *tenses*
Vennia: Well, fairies don't reproduce.
:D :D ALL FAIRIES ARE FAEGENDER CONFIRMED
YES I AM CLAIMING CANUS AS A NON BINARY MAN NOW AND NOONE CAN STOP ME
(except canon, at any moment)
And then my own big burly non binary man said he wanted to go to bed which meant I had to stop playing (or play with the sound off and I like the voice acting too much) So I shall enjoy this moment and see where things are going tomorrow.
*wakes up and impatiently waits for Cam to get out of bed so I can keep playing while also tense for transphobia*
Kotone: Oh, interesting! Well then, I guess based on Vennia's demeanor I'll consider him male.
I GUESS. IF YOU MUST, KOTONE. And their personal pronoun, "boku", is generally masculine, and it's better than Kotone deciding based on Vennia's body (tall and flat chested) or voice (pretty sure that's a female voice actor). I shall continue to use they/them :P
I hope, but do not expect, that they keep having Canus use they/them for Vennia.
Anyway. Titania and Vennia are shocked to hear about the massive wormhole full of skeletons, and sympathetic to all the casualties that must have died. They are thus shocked again to hear there were none (WHAT ABOUT THE POOR DEAD KYUUREY) and Titania seems very intrigued by how powerful 'the regulars' must be to have handled it so successfully.
The next day Vennia arrives at the cafe, saying they have no interest in it themself but Titania is curious. "I am willing to banter with a bunch of lousy clowns if it makes her majesty happy".
SIGH nope everyone is using he/him now HOW DOES IGNIS KNOW ahhh oh well. I wonder if it's as cut and dried in Japanese, I know it doesn't use he/she as much.
Titania had no idea and is delighted, especially since it means Vennia may make friends. Vennia gets a little quietly intense siscon in a way that feels like foreshadowing HMM.
Aw Canus wants Vennia to have friends too and tries to draw his grumpy auncle into talking more.
Huh! I have the choice to talk to them about Il and Misyr or Ignis and Rindo. I have no idea which is "better" from a Canus route POV but the first two are more interesting.
Vennia: So, Misyr, I hear your magic can do just about anything.
Misyr: Well, I specialise in destruction, so...OH NO A GIANT FALLING METAL BEAM FOR NO REASON!
Il takes care of it and Vennia watches in awe.
Seeing Canus and Kotone being cute (she can now tell when he's blushing) Vennia is charmed to see Canus so relaxed and says it would be impossible to grow tired of this place.
Canus said he can't remember the last time he saw Vennia smile like that.
Il visits Titania and explains the joys of otome. Afterwards Kotone asks if it might be possible to separate Titania from the world tree Yggdrasil and Il says sure, in theory, but if it was safe to do so Canus would have already done it.
A bunch of little fairies ask to play with Il's fluffy hair and feathers while another tells Kotone Queen Titania is 'Yggdrasil's most beloved out of all the past World Tree Brides" Is this some Utena bullshit we're dealing with here.
Only the Fairy Queen/World Tree Bride can be loved and borrow the power of Yggdrasil.
They see Canus in the distance and Il picks her up to fly over and greet him. But then they realise he's with another little fairy. Oh godddd.
Fairy: Please, I haven't done anything wrong, I've lived a happy life. Why?? D:
Canus: As long as I foresee your death...you can never escape it.
And then he kills the fairy, and walks away as if nothing happened.
I wonder if this is a population control thing, organised by Yggdrasil.
Chapter 2:
Il and Kotone haven't talked to Canus about it and life continues as usual on the surface. But Kotone can't concentrate, reliving the memory. She's asked Il not to tell anyone for now.
When Canus arrives she acts so strange that he asks if something is wrong. But the best she can manage is "Did you do anything...weird lately? Something...bad?" and he has no idea what she could be talking about.
Canus: Why would you ask me such a thing? It's okay if you can't go into details. But if it's possible, I would like for you to keep smiling, and welcome me in. I want this cafe to be my safe haven.
It feels to Kotone that he's trying to put a wall around his true feelings.
She asks fairies in Medio about Canus but they say "Canus Espada? The fairy of death? I don't know anything about him." and fly away.
I mean, him being called the fairy of death sure tells you something. Also I poked google translate and it looks like Canus is Latin for "aging" and Espada is Spanish for "sword". So I definitely think he's the sword that kills anyone who's too old, since fairies are otherwise immortal. I wonder if Titania's time is coming.
Lacking the courage to talk to Canus or even Titania, Kotone asks Rindo if he knows anything about Medio. When he asks why she doesn't just ask Canus she explains and he is surprised, but then says other worlds have their own ideas about right and wrong, eg Bestia is all about murder. So he's sure there's some reason, but again: she'll have to ask Canus.
She says she can't reconcile the kind Canus she knows with the murderer she saw. Rindo, who I'm sure has his own skeletons in his closet, says she needs to accept it and try to understand him as he actually is.
Mikado: I HAVE MADE A GREAT DISCOVERY THAT WILL PUT MY NAME IN THE HISTORY BOOKS!!
Rindo: Hey, Mr Assistant. Just to double check, I told Mikado I'd have a guest at this time, right?
Assistant: Correct. However you could have easily seen this coming. Therefore I deem this your failure.
And yes, they call him Mr Assistant. Does that sound less suss in Japanese because uh. Meanwhile I am pretty sure Mr Assistant refers to Mikado as "it" and "that thing".
The DNA of Medio plants resembles pre-historic plant life on Earth. But if Yggdrasil was an Earth plant where did it get the energy and nutrition to grow so huge?? (Sunlight and the dirt? Why would being one large tree have any more trouble than similarly sized earth forests? ANYWAY)
Meanwhile Kariya's examination says he's stable and controlling his powers, so Rindo wants to take them out for a nice meal. Kariya says he wants to explain his true nature to his parents, so they can stop worrying, and maybe tell him about the fairy ancestors he must have. He wants to understand himself, and decide on his future. Awww. Kariya's arc is like this whole YA fantasy novel going on in the background.
Kotone says she never had that much maturity in middle school, or even now, but Kariya and Rindo remind her she chose to be where she is now, helping people.
She thinks about what it means to be the owner of Enchante, believing in openness and trust, and supporting her guests. So before she can chicken out she asks Canus to take her on a tour of Medio.
They talk about how different each other's worlds seemed at first. Without Medio's four seasons in one day, at first he found it hard to keep track of time in the human world. Kotone thanks him for saving her from those fairies, saying she's now friends with them.
Canus: But they nearly killed you...no, that is in the past. Many of the older fairies have grown bored over the years. I hope you continue to be their friend.
He says Kotone's friendship has given Titania a breath of new life, when she used to be repressed by her responsibilities. Walking with Kotone in his home world makes him feel sentimental, especially since her grandpa refused to visit other worlds.
Kotone: Am I an owner he could be proud of?
Canus: Yes. You carry on his legacy admirably.
She finally gets up the courage to ask him about the whole murder thing. He is initially shocked and silent, then quietly explains that it's his duty since birth, to protect Medio from overpopulation and...an "imminent threat" he says she shouldn't worry about. HMM.
Canus: You should not be concerned about it. In the human world, killing is a sin. But in the Fairy World...it is a necessity. What you saw was merely...daily life.
Kotone: Then...why are you in so much pain?
Canus: ....doing what I must does not hurt me. It is just your imagination. Besides, I have never asked of you, a human, to understand such a thing. Do not forget, I am from a world you do not understand.
COLD, CANUS. But more interesting and in character than if he just broke down and was honest.
Canus: At the end of the day you and I have only one connection: Enchante. Please do not interfere any further. Souan's Enchante warmly welcomed customers but didn't interfere with people's personal matters. That is the Enchante we desire.
Kotone sadly thinks that it's ironic that she asked him to speak his mind, but once he did it hurt her feelings. She'd thought it would bring them closer, and able to understand each other. She starts crying and he turns and walks away.
Canus POV. He silently thinks about how never wanted Kotone to have to see this side of him. Vennia says they saw the conversation and brings him to tell Titania. They're both standing there in sad silence when Vennia says bitterly "Brooding won't change the world. It won't stop you having to kill or set my sister free."
Canus: If I don't do this job, the fairy world will...
Vennia: And how much of yourself will you devote to this world? By you killing your brethren...what has the World Tree given you in return? Only pain.
Canus: I do what I must...
Vennia: Do you intend to keep visiting Enchante as if nothing is wrong, with blood on your hands?
Titania: Nia! D:
Vennia: Do you both remember what I proposed a hundred years ago?
Titania: Do you not remember thew atrocity when Canus's predecessor thought as you do??
Canus: What she tried to do can never be forgiven!
OH LOOK. IT'S WELL MEANING WAR CRIMES TIME.
Vennia: Canus is not strong enough to do it alone, but with the help of Enchante's regulars...
Canus: Is that the real reason you started visiting?! I do know how strong they are...but the threat of this World Tree may very well exceed their powers or imagination.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S HAPPENING AND I LOVE IT. IS IT TIME TO KILL GOD? I LOVE WHEN IT'S TIME TO KILL GOD :D
Canus: As long as there is a risk of failure, and inflicting casualities, I cannot and will not accept your proposal!
Vennia: Ahahaha. WHAT OF IT?! YOU ARE THE VICTIMS! STRANGLED BY THIS AGGRAVATING WORLD!! Why do you not try to escape this tragedy?! Why must you stick to the status quo?! This could be our best, and possibly last, chance to change the world!!
Me: Aw, Vennia, you're the best.
Vennia: BEINGS THAT EXIST AT MY SISTER'S EXPENSE ARE DISPOSABLE!!
Me: Um.
Canus: I cannot...take more lives than I already do.
Titania: Please, stop! Of course you are special to me, but all the fairies in this world are special to me too! I could never step on them for my own freedom.
Vannia: Canus. This is my fault for counting on you. You call yourself a knight who protects...but I can't stand to look at you.
Canus: I'm sorry :(
He leaves, thinking that Kotone is probably just as disappointed in him.
And then Vennia and Titania are shocked by an earthquake, and hear that near the base of Yggdrasil...is a giant wormhole!
Titania cries out in pain and then collapses. Vennia is clearly shocked and horrified, but calmly tells the fairy messenger to tell everyone that everything is ok. But then she angrily mutters that Yggdrasil is her enemy.
It's days later and Canus hasn't shown up at the cafe. Kotone is so spaced out at work that even Dromi notices, while Kariya uncomplainingly picks up the slack (Kariya <3)
Ignis: Hey, Kotone, you probably got stuff going on, so we were just ignoring it, but it's been five days now. So. Is something going on with you and Canus?
Kotone: ...... ;_;
Misyr: Do you want to talk about it? We're here to support you. Your problem is Enchante's problem. Enchante's problem is our problem.
So she explains. The others say they don't really understand Medio well enough to be much help understanding.
Aww once Kariya told his adopted parents about his fairy ancestry they contacted his shitty biological parents for him and helped research his family tree. He spoke to his great uncle, who described his mother, Kariya's great grandmother. She would say "I've lived for 300 years now, because I stay out here in the countryside." and described a land where a giant tree protected it's residents...until the day it started assaulting them. So the residents offered a bride to their god, to tend to it's needs.
Ohh this is some Omelas thing. I wonder how they're going to resolve it. It looks like "just walk away" is not going to work, from how Vennia is being set up to be a well meaning villain.
Kariya wonders if Canus pushed Kotone away to protect her.
Misyr: Like Canus said, it's not your job to get involved in the private lives of guests. It's not bad to simply focus on welcoming them. But what do you want?
Canus looks out at Yggdrasil, which grows out to the distant horizon, and tells himself her made the right decision. If Kotone knew how much he was suffering, she would want to help, and might get into danger. But it hurts so much, and though he's decided to never go to Enchante again he years to see Kotone, to know that she's looking after herself, and not sad.
After the earthquake, the tree grows a strange...triffidy looking thing which swallows a fairy whole before merging back into the tree??
Canus: The necessary killings have been completed! Why do you require more sustenance, Yggdrasil??
Chapter 3:
Titania is still recovering. Vennia says the world tree tried to heal itself using her body as sustenance, and will not believe that the wormhole was random. Instead, like 500 years ago, it will think it was an attack.
Titania: What worries me is what happens next. Best case scenario I am the only one injured...
Vennia: >:(
Canus: Unfortunately not.
Vennia: Then either we wait until Yggdrasil is satisfied, or...
Or Canus kills fairies in advance, as an offering.
Vennia: Is it the wormhole, or Yggdrasil we should fear? Or the fate that caused these events? But what is done cannot be undone. Disaster is imminent. Please take care of my sister while I survey the damage.
Titania: Hahaha :( No matter how much I sacrifice...no matter the weight of the murder you carry...one misfortune can move the World Tree to chaos.
Canus: If the World Tree requires sustenance...there is only thing that I must do.
He tells Titania and himself that he is FINE as he goes to kill fairy after fairy. He tells himself not to think of Kotone. Once this is all over, he can decide if he has the right to see her with so much blood on his hands.
Mikado tells Kariya that Yggdrasil is related to the Sigillaria, which left sigil like fossils. But it should not be able to sustain itself at this size, like the theory that dinosaurs and other now extinct megafauna died out because it's hard to sustain anything that large.
(I am quite sure that sort of thing doesn't apply to plants but sure, let's say it does, this is a fantasy story)
So it must be feeding on the other life on the planet (...I was going to say that doesn't work but I'm actually not sure where fairies get their energy, maybe they have some separate energy source Yggdrasil can't access directly) and Kariya should be careful not to get eaten.
Meanwhile MC is thinking about everything, including how much trouble she has admitting she wants things and going for them. She decides she wants to see Canus, even though it's hard. Vennia finds her in the flower gardne, and is surprised to find out it's Canus's work. When they are surprised, Kotone says Canus is more gentle and delicate than he looks.
Vennia: ...you know him better than my sister and I, though we have known him for centuries.
Kotone: That's not true. The only Canus I know is the one who frequent this cafe. Whateve he's going through is something I'm not allowed to get involved with.
Vennia: His rejection is really getting to you isn't it? There was probably a nicer way he could have said it. You're too earnest. If you have business with Canus, you should ignore every word he says. In order to get something done you must act.
Yeah I still love Vennia. And I mean, they aren't responsible for any mass deaths yet.
Kotone: But to act without thinking...
Vennia: You, Canus, my sister...your fear of change keeps you frozen in place waiting for the courage, and before you can realize it, it's too late.
Kotone: But if Canus doesn't want that I can't just ignore it.
Vennia: Why not? He made a decision of his own accord, why can't you? That's what I would do.
Kotone: Even if the other person doesn't want it?
Vennia: Even if they end up hating me I will find a way to change their mind. I would want my significant other to be happy.
...I assume the translator was going for "most important person"...
And now I have to decide if I agree and it's the first time all game I've actually had to seriously struggle with a choice!
...I am weak and going to look up a walkthrough. My gut is saying agree but idkkkk
That's the right choice! Yeah, I was overthinking, it's not saying I agree with Vennia about EVERYTHING, just about talking to Canus.
Kotone: I want to talk to him, not as the owner of Enchante, but as myself!
Vennia: It's like a confession of love. Next time, please say that to Canus :)
Before she can change her mind, Vennia takes her to Medio, and gives little pieces of advice on the journey. Kotone is charmed and Vennia is all "It's not like we're friends or anything I just don't want you getting lost".
Just as Kotone is noticing that it's quiet, there is a rumbling sound and she sees a terrified fairy get eaten by a bulging tentacle branch.
Kotone: Vennia???
Vennia: ...that brings back bad memories.
Kotone: What?
Vennia: ...try not to get separated. I apologise for bringing you here without warning you of the danger. But right now this world needs you as a reason for Canus to fight.
Kotone: Hello, Titania and Canus! :)
Titania and Canus: WHY ARE YOU HERE D:
Vennia: Obviously I brought her.
Canus, grabbing Vennia: WHY??
Vennia: I may not be the best fighter, but I can tell you aren't in the best headspace. You cannot protect Medio in your current state. *pushing Kotone towards Canus* We need Canus's strength but he's being a real wimp. I brought you here to snap him out of it.
Canus and Kotone stare at each other in awkward, intense silence. Vennia pushes them to a secluded spot and tells Canus to work things out, then leaves.
Canus: I was so intent on pushing you away, yet you still came back. I assume Vennia told you something was wrong with me. I apologise, and he will be punished...
Kotone: You're wrong. He said a lot of things, but it was my decision to come here. Because I want to talk to you.
Canus: ..........I have nothing to say to you. You are a human. You and I are different. You are not supposed to be here.
Kotone: But I have so much to tell you. So many feelings.
Even though she can't see his face, and his words tell her to go away, his body language says he wants her to be here. Turns out this is the closest we get to a direct love confession from Kotone, so, let's read it as one, and his reaction similarly.
Canus: ...if I someday can return to Enchante, will it be too late to wait until then? Medio is under threat...
Kotone explains what she already knows about Yggdrasil, and Canus says right now Titania lacks the strength to tame Yggdrasil, so he must take responsibility by killing fairies as an offering.
Yggdrasiul came to Medio many years ago as a single seed. But it was so compatible with the world it grew to cover everything, consuming all the other plants into itself. And then it began to consume the fairies. They had never encountered death, and were terrified, until they came up with the idea of a sacrifice, one powerful fairy who would slowly sacrifice her soul until it was consumed and another took her place.
Some argued against this, but they were silenced. It was only one sacrifice...
Until the previous Fairy of Death, Banshee. Vennia and Titania's other sister, who challenged the tree on her own when Titania took the throne.
(She has a head! But I guess this is her POV, and there's no guarantee she looked anything like Canus just because they had the same job)
Kotone: What happened to her?
Canus: The fact that I stand here today is your answer. After a war lasting three days she was defeated, and consumed.
As a result of her attack, the tree was weakened, and the throne became less effective. Canus was born to the screams of fairies being eaten, and the first thing he ever saw was their faces of despair. And then, driven by the partial memories of his predecessors, not even understanding why or having had a chance to develop a sense of self, he instinctively swung down and killed them. His memories pleaded not to fight Yggdrasil. And if he kills the fairies himself more energy is released than if they are eaten, meaning less have to die.
He killed and killed until the tree became silent, and only a tenth of the population remained. And since then he has needed to keep killing at a lower but steady rate to keep the tree dormant.
Canus: Do you understand, Kotone? This is the price we pay for Banshee's reckless actions. The tragedy resulting from fighting fate. Her kind desire to save her sister is no consolation.
Kotone: :(
Canus: There is no need to pity me. All living beings have a purpose. It just happens that this is mine. I may not have chosen to be born, but I have chosen my own path.
Kotone: ;_;
Canus: I did not intend to say so much...but I told you out of respect for coming all this way for me.
He wipes her eyes and said he never wanted her to look at him with eyes full of such sorrow.
Canus: You are my beacon of comfort. I never wanted you to feel this way. I wanted you to greet me with a gentle smile...but now that you know the truth, that may never happen again. Kotone. Why have you not chosen to wait for me at the cafe? Why...why must you know?
She puts her hand on his, and thinks about how hard it was to accept that the kind Canus she knew did such things.
Kotone: Because I wanted to know more about you.
Canus: But now you and I are in pain!
Kotone: You are a valued customer. Nothing has changed. My feelings...are the same. The way you care for flowers and the way you mourn ther fairies you've slain... All of it...is Canus. That's why I'm glad to know a new you.
Canus: All I desire from you...is for you to wait for me at Enchante, with that smile.
Kotone: Isn't that...what you want from Enchante?
She pulls of his helmet and throws it to the ground, then puts her hands to his cheeks.
Kotone <3
Kotone: You told me to accept the difference between us. Human and non-human. Customer and Owner. So I've been thinking about it. so hard that I caused everyone else trouble. And I chose to come here and see you. So please...look at me too. I am not my grandfather. Look at me, Awaki Kotone.
Canus: Awaki... Kotone...are you telling me to face reality? As the fairy killer feared and shunned by the occupants of Medio...that the sanctuyary I have fially reached...no longer exists?
Kotone: Yes, grandfather's cafe no longer exists. I need you to accept me, and my cafe.
She places her cheek against his chest.
Kotone: I want you to come back, not to a place where you have to hide, but a place where you can be yourself. I want to be with you where you belong.
Canus stares her in the eyes. He laughs gently at himself, for taking so long to realise how different she is to her grandfather. Souan was a steady tree, while she is a gentle flower. She is much more methodical about pricing.
Canus: And because of the difference in gender, there is a clear difference in your beauty.
Torn between LALA CAN'T HEAR YOU ALL FAIRIES ARE PANSEXUAL and "At some point Canus realised he has a kink for human girls".
Canus: Compared to Lord Souan, Kotone is much more slender and soft, and everything you do is loveable. You are adorable.
Kotone, blushing: Is that really neccesary right now?
Canus: You are one who told me to see your differences clearly.
Kotone: Could you stop staring at me it's embarassing...
Canus. I refuse. Your adorable features. Your compassion and conviction. How did I not notice? There was a gentleness about Souan's Enchante that felt like an embrace. Kotone...your Enchante has an intimacy...that makes us care for each other. I...love your cafe. I want to protect it. I do not know what will happen to Medio...but I will return to your cafe, I promise.
She feels a gentle warmth, as if he is placing his cheek against hers.
He talks about how much he loves the coffee, the sound of her greeting him etc, ending with "And of course, I love you."
Kotone: o.O
Canus: No! I...meant...uh...LET'S TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER
Adorable. She feels her heart beating, and knows he feels the same warmth in his chest that she feels in hers.
Vennia: Are you done?
Kotone: HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE??
Vennia: The answer will only bring you grief :) But I have never seen Canus like this. As a friend...I am a little happy.
Canus: I never expected to hear such words from you.
Vennia: Hmmph. Just as you tried to change yourself, so did I. Kotone...I am glad that you are here. I am glad that you are Enchante's owner.
Then Vennia goes to check on the hole in the tree and I am QUITE SURE they are making it worse on purpose.
Titania: I didn't tell you about the deaths of fairies because I didn't think you needed to know...but I'm sorry, especially since it seems to have caused a falling out between you and Canus.
Vennia: Considering the outcome I think you should be thanked ;)
Kotone: SO ANYWAY CAN WE AT ENCHANTE HELP WITH THE WHOLE PEOPLE BEING EATEN THING??
Titania and Kotone cheerfully sagree that surely the powerful regulars can come up with something, but Vennia bitterly says that they need something stronger than vague possibility.
Vennia: Kotone, I ask you again: will you save this world? Will you save my sister? Even though it may be a treacherous path. A path of sacrifice.
Kotone: Yes. I believe in Canus and the people of Enchante.
Vennia: ...I see. Your endlessly soft hearted nature is just like Canus, and suits you well.
Kotone...I don't think you know what you're agreeing to...
Vennia reaches out their hand and Kotone takes it. They say "I'm sorry"...and then PULL TITANIA FROM THE THRONE AND PUT KOTONE IN HER PLACE AHHHHH
The sound of shock I made was so loud Cam came in from a few rooms away to make sure I was ok.
AHHH???
AHHHHH!!!
OF COURSE. I WONDERED WHY VENNIA WANTED CANUS TO BE STRONGER WHEN HE WAS JUST FEEDING YGGDRASIL. THEY WANT HIM TO BE STRONG FOR NOW SO HE'S MOTIVATED TO DESTROY YGGDRASIL.
Well played, Vennia. I love this not just on an in-story level (Everyone else loves Kotone way more than Titania! They will be more motivated to save her!) but a meta level, switching the player suddenly from "Oh this situation is so sad for this this secondary character I like but wouldn't be THAT upset to see die, and I sympathise with her sibling wanting to save her" to "WAIT THEY MADE ME THE SACRIFICE??". I mean it's a terrible thing to do but just on that knife edge of sympathetic villain where I'm going "I mean...maybe this will actually fix everything??".
Horrible painful tentacles attach themselves to Kotone, and she screams while Titania stares in shock.
Titania: But a human can't sustain...OH NO.
Vennia: He will surely come save you, will he not? No, they will, even if it's them against the world. Scream to your heart's content so that it will reach Canus, and Enchante >:)
GOD I'm so tense. I mean Kotone will be fine, but will Vennia?? I hope so, I mean queen Victoria got a happier ending in Code Realise and she was WAY worse.
(I suspect other players may have reacted differently to these events than me haha)
Also like...on all the other paths will Titania just be quietly being eaten in the background and nothing will be done about it? D:
Canus is observing the damage from the wormhole. It's negligible compared to the size of Yggdrasil, but large enough to have been interpreted as a threat. To his confusion, there's also a scattering of white ash.
Yggdrasil roars and Canus thinks he needs to send Kotone home. Uh, yeah, about that, buddy...
AND THEN.
WTF IS THAT WEIRD FAIRY LOOKING TENTACLE THING???
THE REANIMATED GHOST OF BANSHEE???
NO
CANUS RECOGNISES 'HIM' AS 'THE ONE WHO ATE HIS PREDECESSOR'
IT'S SOUL EATER. THE EMBODIMENT OF ALL THE PAST WORLD TREE BRIDES???
He fights it off, protecting some fairies, but more appear. At the time I was confused as to why he was saving fairies all of a sudden, but looking back Kotone inspired him to be more of a protector even if it's the "wrong" decision. And even though, right now, it's keeping him from Kotone.
And then flowers fall from the sky, speaking in Vennia's voice.
Canus: Vennia! Thank goodness! Yggdrasil is about to awaken!
Vennia: I know :)
Chapter 4:
"It was a long time ago, back when I was living with my two older sisters..."
Ah, Banshee knew she was The Fairy of Death from birth, but Titania didn't know she would be Queen until the old queen was about to die. Only Banshee understood why this wasn't a cause for celebration, but instead of telling Titania she just asked Vennia to help persuade Titania to refuse withoiut explaining why, and when this didn't work started her doomed war and left Titania and Vennia doomed and miserable. Good job, Banshee.
And now, to avoid losing anyone else she loves, Vennia will do anything, even sacrifice someone she considers a friend.
Vennia: Kotone, you have every right to hate me...but please, help me save my sister.
Titania: Reckless!! You thought being released like this would make me happy?!
Vennia: No. As your younger brother...I know you better than anyone else
Sigh, Vennia definitely said ototo/younger brother in Japanese. BUT THEY SAID THEY LIKE ANY PRONOUNS SO I'M STICKING WITH THEY.
Titania slaps them and then cries that she had been so happy Vennia had finally thought about their own happiness and made a friend.
Vennia: It is simply a matter of priorities. The same the way we prioritised older fairies when we chose who Canus should kill.
Canus is still protecting fairies from the Soul Eaters, aware of the irony. The fairies ask him where they should run to, and he says nowhere within the World Tree is safe so they must fly beyond it, not stopping if anyone gets eaten on the way.
But then one of the fairies says they've heard of a safe, beautiful place where anyone is welcome: Cafe Enchante.
The fairy flies towards the gate, but the way is blocked by soul eaters and it looks like she won't make it...
And then the soul eaters explode!
Misyr: Hi, hi, looks like you have some sort of war happening?
Ignis, setting more of them on fire: Hey, I thought this place was supposed to be nice >:/
Rindo directs the fairies through the gate, where they are welcomed and calmed by Kariya.
Apparently they're here because Kotone left a note saying she was going to Medio, and they'd heard how dangerous it could be from Mikado.
Which is quite the convenient coincidental timing, but apparently they also "had a bad feeling" which, sure.
For a combination of humane reasons, wanting to weaken Yggdrasil, and because Kotone would want it, Il and Rindo split off to round up and rescue as many fairies as possible, while Misyr and Ignis do...something to the tree? But first Rindo passes out some special GPM communicators.
And Canus is going to rescue Kotone. Not because of fate, or the role he was born into. But because of his own will.
Titania tries to rally Kotone's flagging consciousness and shouts at Vennia to let her go. But Vennia is waiting with bitter voice and sorrowful eyes for Canus, who they expect to strike down the threats to Kotone: Yggdrasil, and themself.
Vennia holds up a flower transmitter to capture Kotone's screams, but KOtone manages to softly say "I believe in you, Canus".
Vennia cries "Come legendary warriors of the universe! If you are as capable of destroying worlds as the legends speak...then let's see you destroy this screwed up world and leave nothing behind!!"
And then Soul Eaters appear in the throne room for the first time ever. Since all the fairies have been evacuated, the only food left in Medio is the two siblings. As Vennia tries to shield Titania, despite having no combat skills, the tentacles suddenly stop and retreat, obeying the will...of Kotone, who painfully whispers "stop".
Vennia: You're protecting us?
Titania: Don't! The queen's powers will drain you of life even faster!
Kotone: But you...my friend...have been liberated. You can use your own feet...to visit Enchante. I refuse to let you become the World Tree Bride again!
Titania: Nia! Let her go! Isn't this enough?!
Vennia: I...at this point I would replace her with myself, if I could! But it took me hundreds of years to modify the throne to release you. I cannot do it again now.
The Soul Eaters slowly approach, and when Kotone pushes them back the tree responds by violently entangling her further. Vennia and Titania are entangled, and Kotone's consciousness and memories drift away, until all she can remember is Canus's name...
And then he arrives and slices the hell out of everything!
Canus: I am her ptotector and partner and you will not harm her! Kotone, who looked into my empty eyes and gave light...to live up to your faith in me I swear to weild my sword to save lives! I will protect you always.
Vennia: Why did you spare me?
Canus: Do I need a reason? If I see someone suffering in front of me, especially if that person is a dear friend, I will never hesitate to reach out to help. If it's punishment you want, you must wait.
The world tree shakes, vicious in it's starvation, likely to turn into a giant soul eater and destroy the world.
Venni: We may not have been able to kill Yggdrasil but we were asble to destroy this twisted world. Canus, I know this may be disgraceful, but please...evacuate Sister and the others to Enchante!
Canus: Believe in me. I have saved Kotone, and you. And now I will save even Yggdrasil, in my role as the Fairy of Death. For I am the knight that protects this world.
Titania: Even you cannot do this alone.
Canus: I am not alone :)
Over the radio, Misyr, Ignis, and Il express enthsuiasm for destruction, and Canus says "These are your final moments, Yggdrasil". Ah, he meant that kind of 'save'. He directs all of his power into a single powerful strike at what remains of the throne, and Yggdrasil is dead.
The soul of Banshee apologises for causing so much pain, as she and all the fairies swallowed by Yggdrasil are now finally free.
Everyone else has gone back home, but Canus asked Kotone to stay and talk to him alone. Lights float up into the sky, all the souls eaten by Yggdrasil, and Kotone feels her own life energy return to her. Yggdrasil will wither and die, but new life will form, and Medio will live again.
They have a very sweet conversation I have 100% forgotten and the closing credits play.
Kotone apparently gained a little fairy-ness thanks to being connected to Yggdrasil and I thought they might be implying that she would thus be able to see Canus's face...but no!
After the credits we get a little scene where child!Kotone says she wants to be a "grandpa" and Souan says girls can't be grandpas. YES THEY CAN. Anyway, it's otherwise very cute, he says she will grow up and choose her own path, hopefully with someone else by her side.
(You know...it occurs to me that there was presumably a grandma at some point, but we never hear about her)
Titania is now a twice-daily visitor to the cafe, inspiring Kotone to add her favorite red tea to the menu. Vennia grumpily comes along to check on her: though they felt they should be executed, the punishment Canus gave them was to stay by Titania's side and support her as queen.
Meanwhile Canus has been teaching the fairies of Medio to garden, as they raise the new buds of life, and he is no longer hated or feared.
Canus gets self conscious and Vennia whispers to Titania, before the two of them leave, smiling. He invites Kotone to Medio, so she can see the newly grown field of flowers. He is now the Fairy of Life. He kneels down and tells Kotone he loves her, and asks her to marry him. Fairies don't have a concept of marriage but he read about it and though they will face trouble, he wants to be with her from now on, and vows to always protect her.
She is a little overcome, but says yes, saying she wants to always be by his side. He kisses her hand, and she feels a soft warmth, proof of his oath and his love.
THE END
...did she ever...say she loved him, explicitly? Even in her own head??
I mean, it was implied, and that was very sweet! But as a romance dynamic idk it wan't quite right for me. Still I'm sure they'll be very happy.
And then the screen fills with static
Prologue 2:
Solitude. Is. Lonely.
OK THEN.
Bad End 1:
Canus is too late to save Kotone. But her sacrifice is enough to make Yggdrasil quiet again. Noone visits the cafe any more, and the GPM have taken over. Kariya says when he graduates high-school he's going to join the GPM and take over the cafe, and wants everyone to come back. Canus simply looks at him, knowing Kariya can see his expression, and walks away.
He goes to visit Kotone's comotose shell of a body, still in the throne, and tells her Kariya has grown. That the real job of the fairy of death is to offer a painless death to those who have tired of existing.
She has become Yggdrasil's heart. If he kills her, Yggdrasil will die. If he doesn't it will continue to eat at her soul, and may one day wake again.
She is surrounded by flowers, brought by Vennia and Titania and other fairies. He kneels and murmurs "I will protect you". And though he knows she would hate it, he returns to his daily routine, killing fairies to feed the World Tree and save what is left of her soul. And even he doesn't know what expression he wears on his face.
Bad End 2:
In Chapter 2, Kotone tells Misyr she's ok keeping out of Canus's personal business if that's what he wants.
So he NEVER COMES BACK TO THE CAFE AGAIN. THE END.
And that's that! I think I need a little break but will definitely be playing Il next. I know his route has kissing, even, since I inadvertently saw a CG. VERY curious to learn about alien robot angel logic magic.
I mostly really liked this route, but it starts out as fluffy slice of life (which I enjoy in romance but find boring as a plot) and turned into high fantasy melodrama (which I enjoy as a plot but find alienating as a romantic dynamic)
So, romance-wise, I know they can interact as just two people who really like each other, but all I really saw at the end was a Knight Protecting his Lady without enough grounding in...idk, realism or something to quite click for me.
On the other hand, plotwise, the fantasy melodrama was pretty great. Lots of angst and moral ambiguity and death! If you have trouble sympathising with well intentioned murderers being woobified because murder makes them sad you probably shouldn't play any Otomate games, but you will especially not enjoy this route. I mostly rolled with it, at least it didn't involve any Fantasy Racist genocide this time.
Also: An Attempt Was Made to have fairyland be gender neutral with all fairies basically non-binary, but the writers were super lazy and inconsistent about it, and Canus in particular was very much written as a straight cis man. But he is technically implied to be non-binary, and I'll take it.
Finally: I was curious how they would handle kissing when he has no head(*), and the answer was THERE IS NO KISSING. I don't know about the other routes but this was all super chaste. Which I didn't mind, it suited the characters and the fact that he, you know, doesn't have a head. But just a, uh, heads-up for anyone who finds that off-putting.
(*)ok, it's a little more complicated that that. But he definitely can't do regular makeouts.
Content note: Death! I accidentally ship incest again!
Chapter 1:
Canus kills tiny fairies, who scream for mercy as they dissolve into nothingness D:
Afterwards he looks at his hands, knowing it was the only way to resolve 'this tragedy', and that the white hand of death comes for everyone.
But he thinks it's for the best that he has no face, so that noone will see his tears.
He wakes from the dream-memory to find Kotone staring at him, trying to figure out if he's asleep. He wants to tell her he's awake but is too embarrassed with her so close, so just sits there while she stares at him from all angles.
Ahaha and now it's Kotone's POV and my choices are "try waking him up" and "try poking his cheeks".
I mean. I'm only human.
But all she feels is warm air and her hand passes right through where his head should be. I wonder how that feels for him! (EDIT: This question is never answered :/)
So she grabs him by the shoulders just as Kariya walks in.
Kariya: Uh. Can you guys save the flirting for when the store closes?
Kotone, jumping away: I wasn't FLIRTING!! It's just that he won't wake up!
Kariya: But he's already awake?
Canus: URK D:
Haa and now the others are acting like he's on trial for being a creeper.
Canus: This is all a misunderstanding I am not a degenerate D:
Too embarassed to deal with any of that, Kotone asks Kagiya how he knew Canus was awake, and he says he can percieve the rough details of Canus's face, like someone 30m away.
Canus says this means he and Kariya are "compatible", whatever that means (FAIRY MPREG??) and most fairies can't see anythign that clear: Titania sees only black while Venir sees a vague haze.
Kotone asks Kariya to draw what he sees. And thus, we finally see Canus's face:
Heehee. So I guess...he has short hair which is plausibly dark? I'm imagining purple curls.
Canus and Kotone earnestly apologise to each other, and then she asks him why he didn't say anything. He awkwardly admits he was enjoying looking at her face as she smiled at him and wanted the moment to continue. He asks why she wants to see his face and she says she likes to know how her customers are feeling. And what if he was distressed and she didn't notice?
Remembering his dream, Canus promises he will always tell her how he's feeling from now on.
He escorts Kariya and Kotone to Medio then leaves "as usual, on personal business", saying he'll pick them up at sundown. Hmm.
Localisation team, I am SURE their name used to be Venir, now it's Vennia? I like the symettry of TitaNIA and VenNIA, but also wonder if it was meant to be VeNEER.
Titania: Nia, look at these fashion magazines Kotone brought, aren't the clothes lovely.
Vennia: Yes, especially these floral designs :)
Suddenly I ship it? Let's just gloss over Titania looking 11.
Kariya: Doesn't Venn sound awfully nice when they're talking to Titania?
SEE IT'S NOT JUST ME.
Titania: I'd like to visit the human world one day. I hope we can go together, Nia.
Vennia: Sister, that's...
DAMN IT, OTOMATE, YOU GOT ME SHIPPING INCEST AGAIN.
Ah, fairies don't reproduce like humans, so they're not biological siblings exactly, but they came into existence at the exact same place at the exact same time, and decided to see each other as siblings.
Since they're discussing personal matters Kotone takes the chance to ask Vennia what gender they identify as.
Me: *tenses*
Vennia: Well, fairies don't reproduce.
:D :D ALL FAIRIES ARE FAEGENDER CONFIRMED
YES I AM CLAIMING CANUS AS A NON BINARY MAN NOW AND NOONE CAN STOP ME
(except canon, at any moment)
And then my own big burly non binary man said he wanted to go to bed which meant I had to stop playing (or play with the sound off and I like the voice acting too much) So I shall enjoy this moment and see where things are going tomorrow.
*wakes up and impatiently waits for Cam to get out of bed so I can keep playing while also tense for transphobia*
Kotone: Oh, interesting! Well then, I guess based on Vennia's demeanor I'll consider him male.
I GUESS. IF YOU MUST, KOTONE. And their personal pronoun, "boku", is generally masculine, and it's better than Kotone deciding based on Vennia's body (tall and flat chested) or voice (pretty sure that's a female voice actor). I shall continue to use they/them :P
I hope, but do not expect, that they keep having Canus use they/them for Vennia.
Anyway. Titania and Vennia are shocked to hear about the massive wormhole full of skeletons, and sympathetic to all the casualties that must have died. They are thus shocked again to hear there were none (WHAT ABOUT THE POOR DEAD KYUUREY) and Titania seems very intrigued by how powerful 'the regulars' must be to have handled it so successfully.
The next day Vennia arrives at the cafe, saying they have no interest in it themself but Titania is curious. "I am willing to banter with a bunch of lousy clowns if it makes her majesty happy".
SIGH nope everyone is using he/him now HOW DOES IGNIS KNOW ahhh oh well. I wonder if it's as cut and dried in Japanese, I know it doesn't use he/she as much.
Titania had no idea and is delighted, especially since it means Vennia may make friends. Vennia gets a little quietly intense siscon in a way that feels like foreshadowing HMM.
Aw Canus wants Vennia to have friends too and tries to draw his grumpy auncle into talking more.
Huh! I have the choice to talk to them about Il and Misyr or Ignis and Rindo. I have no idea which is "better" from a Canus route POV but the first two are more interesting.
Vennia: So, Misyr, I hear your magic can do just about anything.
Misyr: Well, I specialise in destruction, so...OH NO A GIANT FALLING METAL BEAM FOR NO REASON!
Il takes care of it and Vennia watches in awe.
Seeing Canus and Kotone being cute (she can now tell when he's blushing) Vennia is charmed to see Canus so relaxed and says it would be impossible to grow tired of this place.
Canus said he can't remember the last time he saw Vennia smile like that.
Il visits Titania and explains the joys of otome. Afterwards Kotone asks if it might be possible to separate Titania from the world tree Yggdrasil and Il says sure, in theory, but if it was safe to do so Canus would have already done it.
A bunch of little fairies ask to play with Il's fluffy hair and feathers while another tells Kotone Queen Titania is 'Yggdrasil's most beloved out of all the past World Tree Brides" Is this some Utena bullshit we're dealing with here.
Only the Fairy Queen/World Tree Bride can be loved and borrow the power of Yggdrasil.
They see Canus in the distance and Il picks her up to fly over and greet him. But then they realise he's with another little fairy. Oh godddd.
Fairy: Please, I haven't done anything wrong, I've lived a happy life. Why?? D:
Canus: As long as I foresee your death...you can never escape it.
And then he kills the fairy, and walks away as if nothing happened.
I wonder if this is a population control thing, organised by Yggdrasil.
Chapter 2:
Il and Kotone haven't talked to Canus about it and life continues as usual on the surface. But Kotone can't concentrate, reliving the memory. She's asked Il not to tell anyone for now.
When Canus arrives she acts so strange that he asks if something is wrong. But the best she can manage is "Did you do anything...weird lately? Something...bad?" and he has no idea what she could be talking about.
Canus: Why would you ask me such a thing? It's okay if you can't go into details. But if it's possible, I would like for you to keep smiling, and welcome me in. I want this cafe to be my safe haven.
It feels to Kotone that he's trying to put a wall around his true feelings.
She asks fairies in Medio about Canus but they say "Canus Espada? The fairy of death? I don't know anything about him." and fly away.
I mean, him being called the fairy of death sure tells you something. Also I poked google translate and it looks like Canus is Latin for "aging" and Espada is Spanish for "sword". So I definitely think he's the sword that kills anyone who's too old, since fairies are otherwise immortal. I wonder if Titania's time is coming.
Lacking the courage to talk to Canus or even Titania, Kotone asks Rindo if he knows anything about Medio. When he asks why she doesn't just ask Canus she explains and he is surprised, but then says other worlds have their own ideas about right and wrong, eg Bestia is all about murder. So he's sure there's some reason, but again: she'll have to ask Canus.
She says she can't reconcile the kind Canus she knows with the murderer she saw. Rindo, who I'm sure has his own skeletons in his closet, says she needs to accept it and try to understand him as he actually is.
Mikado: I HAVE MADE A GREAT DISCOVERY THAT WILL PUT MY NAME IN THE HISTORY BOOKS!!
Rindo: Hey, Mr Assistant. Just to double check, I told Mikado I'd have a guest at this time, right?
Assistant: Correct. However you could have easily seen this coming. Therefore I deem this your failure.
And yes, they call him Mr Assistant. Does that sound less suss in Japanese because uh. Meanwhile I am pretty sure Mr Assistant refers to Mikado as "it" and "that thing".
The DNA of Medio plants resembles pre-historic plant life on Earth. But if Yggdrasil was an Earth plant where did it get the energy and nutrition to grow so huge?? (Sunlight and the dirt? Why would being one large tree have any more trouble than similarly sized earth forests? ANYWAY)
Meanwhile Kariya's examination says he's stable and controlling his powers, so Rindo wants to take them out for a nice meal. Kariya says he wants to explain his true nature to his parents, so they can stop worrying, and maybe tell him about the fairy ancestors he must have. He wants to understand himself, and decide on his future. Awww. Kariya's arc is like this whole YA fantasy novel going on in the background.
Kotone says she never had that much maturity in middle school, or even now, but Kariya and Rindo remind her she chose to be where she is now, helping people.
She thinks about what it means to be the owner of Enchante, believing in openness and trust, and supporting her guests. So before she can chicken out she asks Canus to take her on a tour of Medio.
They talk about how different each other's worlds seemed at first. Without Medio's four seasons in one day, at first he found it hard to keep track of time in the human world. Kotone thanks him for saving her from those fairies, saying she's now friends with them.
Canus: But they nearly killed you...no, that is in the past. Many of the older fairies have grown bored over the years. I hope you continue to be their friend.
He says Kotone's friendship has given Titania a breath of new life, when she used to be repressed by her responsibilities. Walking with Kotone in his home world makes him feel sentimental, especially since her grandpa refused to visit other worlds.
Kotone: Am I an owner he could be proud of?
Canus: Yes. You carry on his legacy admirably.
She finally gets up the courage to ask him about the whole murder thing. He is initially shocked and silent, then quietly explains that it's his duty since birth, to protect Medio from overpopulation and...an "imminent threat" he says she shouldn't worry about. HMM.
Canus: You should not be concerned about it. In the human world, killing is a sin. But in the Fairy World...it is a necessity. What you saw was merely...daily life.
Kotone: Then...why are you in so much pain?
Canus: ....doing what I must does not hurt me. It is just your imagination. Besides, I have never asked of you, a human, to understand such a thing. Do not forget, I am from a world you do not understand.
COLD, CANUS. But more interesting and in character than if he just broke down and was honest.
Canus: At the end of the day you and I have only one connection: Enchante. Please do not interfere any further. Souan's Enchante warmly welcomed customers but didn't interfere with people's personal matters. That is the Enchante we desire.
Kotone sadly thinks that it's ironic that she asked him to speak his mind, but once he did it hurt her feelings. She'd thought it would bring them closer, and able to understand each other. She starts crying and he turns and walks away.
Canus POV. He silently thinks about how never wanted Kotone to have to see this side of him. Vennia says they saw the conversation and brings him to tell Titania. They're both standing there in sad silence when Vennia says bitterly "Brooding won't change the world. It won't stop you having to kill or set my sister free."
Canus: If I don't do this job, the fairy world will...
Vennia: And how much of yourself will you devote to this world? By you killing your brethren...what has the World Tree given you in return? Only pain.
Canus: I do what I must...
Vennia: Do you intend to keep visiting Enchante as if nothing is wrong, with blood on your hands?
Titania: Nia! D:
Vennia: Do you both remember what I proposed a hundred years ago?
Titania: Do you not remember thew atrocity when Canus's predecessor thought as you do??
Canus: What she tried to do can never be forgiven!
OH LOOK. IT'S WELL MEANING WAR CRIMES TIME.
Vennia: Canus is not strong enough to do it alone, but with the help of Enchante's regulars...
Canus: Is that the real reason you started visiting?! I do know how strong they are...but the threat of this World Tree may very well exceed their powers or imagination.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S HAPPENING AND I LOVE IT. IS IT TIME TO KILL GOD? I LOVE WHEN IT'S TIME TO KILL GOD :D
Canus: As long as there is a risk of failure, and inflicting casualities, I cannot and will not accept your proposal!
Vennia: Ahahaha. WHAT OF IT?! YOU ARE THE VICTIMS! STRANGLED BY THIS AGGRAVATING WORLD!! Why do you not try to escape this tragedy?! Why must you stick to the status quo?! This could be our best, and possibly last, chance to change the world!!
Me: Aw, Vennia, you're the best.
Vennia: BEINGS THAT EXIST AT MY SISTER'S EXPENSE ARE DISPOSABLE!!
Me: Um.
Canus: I cannot...take more lives than I already do.
Titania: Please, stop! Of course you are special to me, but all the fairies in this world are special to me too! I could never step on them for my own freedom.
Vannia: Canus. This is my fault for counting on you. You call yourself a knight who protects...but I can't stand to look at you.
Canus: I'm sorry :(
He leaves, thinking that Kotone is probably just as disappointed in him.
And then Vennia and Titania are shocked by an earthquake, and hear that near the base of Yggdrasil...is a giant wormhole!
Titania cries out in pain and then collapses. Vennia is clearly shocked and horrified, but calmly tells the fairy messenger to tell everyone that everything is ok. But then she angrily mutters that Yggdrasil is her enemy.
It's days later and Canus hasn't shown up at the cafe. Kotone is so spaced out at work that even Dromi notices, while Kariya uncomplainingly picks up the slack (Kariya <3)
Ignis: Hey, Kotone, you probably got stuff going on, so we were just ignoring it, but it's been five days now. So. Is something going on with you and Canus?
Kotone: ...... ;_;
Misyr: Do you want to talk about it? We're here to support you. Your problem is Enchante's problem. Enchante's problem is our problem.
So she explains. The others say they don't really understand Medio well enough to be much help understanding.
Aww once Kariya told his adopted parents about his fairy ancestry they contacted his shitty biological parents for him and helped research his family tree. He spoke to his great uncle, who described his mother, Kariya's great grandmother. She would say "I've lived for 300 years now, because I stay out here in the countryside." and described a land where a giant tree protected it's residents...until the day it started assaulting them. So the residents offered a bride to their god, to tend to it's needs.
Ohh this is some Omelas thing. I wonder how they're going to resolve it. It looks like "just walk away" is not going to work, from how Vennia is being set up to be a well meaning villain.
Kariya wonders if Canus pushed Kotone away to protect her.
Misyr: Like Canus said, it's not your job to get involved in the private lives of guests. It's not bad to simply focus on welcoming them. But what do you want?
Canus looks out at Yggdrasil, which grows out to the distant horizon, and tells himself her made the right decision. If Kotone knew how much he was suffering, she would want to help, and might get into danger. But it hurts so much, and though he's decided to never go to Enchante again he years to see Kotone, to know that she's looking after herself, and not sad.
After the earthquake, the tree grows a strange...triffidy looking thing which swallows a fairy whole before merging back into the tree??
Canus: The necessary killings have been completed! Why do you require more sustenance, Yggdrasil??
Chapter 3:
Titania is still recovering. Vennia says the world tree tried to heal itself using her body as sustenance, and will not believe that the wormhole was random. Instead, like 500 years ago, it will think it was an attack.
Titania: What worries me is what happens next. Best case scenario I am the only one injured...
Vennia: >:(
Canus: Unfortunately not.
Vennia: Then either we wait until Yggdrasil is satisfied, or...
Or Canus kills fairies in advance, as an offering.
Vennia: Is it the wormhole, or Yggdrasil we should fear? Or the fate that caused these events? But what is done cannot be undone. Disaster is imminent. Please take care of my sister while I survey the damage.
Titania: Hahaha :( No matter how much I sacrifice...no matter the weight of the murder you carry...one misfortune can move the World Tree to chaos.
Canus: If the World Tree requires sustenance...there is only thing that I must do.
He tells Titania and himself that he is FINE as he goes to kill fairy after fairy. He tells himself not to think of Kotone. Once this is all over, he can decide if he has the right to see her with so much blood on his hands.
Mikado tells Kariya that Yggdrasil is related to the Sigillaria, which left sigil like fossils. But it should not be able to sustain itself at this size, like the theory that dinosaurs and other now extinct megafauna died out because it's hard to sustain anything that large.
(I am quite sure that sort of thing doesn't apply to plants but sure, let's say it does, this is a fantasy story)
So it must be feeding on the other life on the planet (...I was going to say that doesn't work but I'm actually not sure where fairies get their energy, maybe they have some separate energy source Yggdrasil can't access directly) and Kariya should be careful not to get eaten.
Meanwhile MC is thinking about everything, including how much trouble she has admitting she wants things and going for them. She decides she wants to see Canus, even though it's hard. Vennia finds her in the flower gardne, and is surprised to find out it's Canus's work. When they are surprised, Kotone says Canus is more gentle and delicate than he looks.
Vennia: ...you know him better than my sister and I, though we have known him for centuries.
Kotone: That's not true. The only Canus I know is the one who frequent this cafe. Whateve he's going through is something I'm not allowed to get involved with.
Vennia: His rejection is really getting to you isn't it? There was probably a nicer way he could have said it. You're too earnest. If you have business with Canus, you should ignore every word he says. In order to get something done you must act.
Yeah I still love Vennia. And I mean, they aren't responsible for any mass deaths yet.
Kotone: But to act without thinking...
Vennia: You, Canus, my sister...your fear of change keeps you frozen in place waiting for the courage, and before you can realize it, it's too late.
Kotone: But if Canus doesn't want that I can't just ignore it.
Vennia: Why not? He made a decision of his own accord, why can't you? That's what I would do.
Kotone: Even if the other person doesn't want it?
Vennia: Even if they end up hating me I will find a way to change their mind. I would want my significant other to be happy.
...I assume the translator was going for "most important person"...
And now I have to decide if I agree and it's the first time all game I've actually had to seriously struggle with a choice!
...I am weak and going to look up a walkthrough. My gut is saying agree but idkkkk
That's the right choice! Yeah, I was overthinking, it's not saying I agree with Vennia about EVERYTHING, just about talking to Canus.
Kotone: I want to talk to him, not as the owner of Enchante, but as myself!
Vennia: It's like a confession of love. Next time, please say that to Canus :)
Before she can change her mind, Vennia takes her to Medio, and gives little pieces of advice on the journey. Kotone is charmed and Vennia is all "It's not like we're friends or anything I just don't want you getting lost".
Just as Kotone is noticing that it's quiet, there is a rumbling sound and she sees a terrified fairy get eaten by a bulging tentacle branch.
Kotone: Vennia???
Vennia: ...that brings back bad memories.
Kotone: What?
Vennia: ...try not to get separated. I apologise for bringing you here without warning you of the danger. But right now this world needs you as a reason for Canus to fight.
Kotone: Hello, Titania and Canus! :)
Titania and Canus: WHY ARE YOU HERE D:
Vennia: Obviously I brought her.
Canus, grabbing Vennia: WHY??
Vennia: I may not be the best fighter, but I can tell you aren't in the best headspace. You cannot protect Medio in your current state. *pushing Kotone towards Canus* We need Canus's strength but he's being a real wimp. I brought you here to snap him out of it.
Canus and Kotone stare at each other in awkward, intense silence. Vennia pushes them to a secluded spot and tells Canus to work things out, then leaves.
Canus: I was so intent on pushing you away, yet you still came back. I assume Vennia told you something was wrong with me. I apologise, and he will be punished...
Kotone: You're wrong. He said a lot of things, but it was my decision to come here. Because I want to talk to you.
Canus: ..........I have nothing to say to you. You are a human. You and I are different. You are not supposed to be here.
Kotone: But I have so much to tell you. So many feelings.
Even though she can't see his face, and his words tell her to go away, his body language says he wants her to be here. Turns out this is the closest we get to a direct love confession from Kotone, so, let's read it as one, and his reaction similarly.
Canus: ...if I someday can return to Enchante, will it be too late to wait until then? Medio is under threat...
Kotone explains what she already knows about Yggdrasil, and Canus says right now Titania lacks the strength to tame Yggdrasil, so he must take responsibility by killing fairies as an offering.
Yggdrasiul came to Medio many years ago as a single seed. But it was so compatible with the world it grew to cover everything, consuming all the other plants into itself. And then it began to consume the fairies. They had never encountered death, and were terrified, until they came up with the idea of a sacrifice, one powerful fairy who would slowly sacrifice her soul until it was consumed and another took her place.
Some argued against this, but they were silenced. It was only one sacrifice...
Until the previous Fairy of Death, Banshee. Vennia and Titania's other sister, who challenged the tree on her own when Titania took the throne.
(She has a head! But I guess this is her POV, and there's no guarantee she looked anything like Canus just because they had the same job)
Kotone: What happened to her?
Canus: The fact that I stand here today is your answer. After a war lasting three days she was defeated, and consumed.
As a result of her attack, the tree was weakened, and the throne became less effective. Canus was born to the screams of fairies being eaten, and the first thing he ever saw was their faces of despair. And then, driven by the partial memories of his predecessors, not even understanding why or having had a chance to develop a sense of self, he instinctively swung down and killed them. His memories pleaded not to fight Yggdrasil. And if he kills the fairies himself more energy is released than if they are eaten, meaning less have to die.
He killed and killed until the tree became silent, and only a tenth of the population remained. And since then he has needed to keep killing at a lower but steady rate to keep the tree dormant.
Canus: Do you understand, Kotone? This is the price we pay for Banshee's reckless actions. The tragedy resulting from fighting fate. Her kind desire to save her sister is no consolation.
Kotone: :(
Canus: There is no need to pity me. All living beings have a purpose. It just happens that this is mine. I may not have chosen to be born, but I have chosen my own path.
Kotone: ;_;
Canus: I did not intend to say so much...but I told you out of respect for coming all this way for me.
He wipes her eyes and said he never wanted her to look at him with eyes full of such sorrow.
Canus: You are my beacon of comfort. I never wanted you to feel this way. I wanted you to greet me with a gentle smile...but now that you know the truth, that may never happen again. Kotone. Why have you not chosen to wait for me at the cafe? Why...why must you know?
She puts her hand on his, and thinks about how hard it was to accept that the kind Canus she knew did such things.
Kotone: Because I wanted to know more about you.
Canus: But now you and I are in pain!
Kotone: You are a valued customer. Nothing has changed. My feelings...are the same. The way you care for flowers and the way you mourn ther fairies you've slain... All of it...is Canus. That's why I'm glad to know a new you.
Canus: All I desire from you...is for you to wait for me at Enchante, with that smile.
Kotone: Isn't that...what you want from Enchante?
She pulls of his helmet and throws it to the ground, then puts her hands to his cheeks.
Kotone <3
Kotone: You told me to accept the difference between us. Human and non-human. Customer and Owner. So I've been thinking about it. so hard that I caused everyone else trouble. And I chose to come here and see you. So please...look at me too. I am not my grandfather. Look at me, Awaki Kotone.
Canus: Awaki... Kotone...are you telling me to face reality? As the fairy killer feared and shunned by the occupants of Medio...that the sanctuyary I have fially reached...no longer exists?
Kotone: Yes, grandfather's cafe no longer exists. I need you to accept me, and my cafe.
She places her cheek against his chest.
Kotone: I want you to come back, not to a place where you have to hide, but a place where you can be yourself. I want to be with you where you belong.
Canus stares her in the eyes. He laughs gently at himself, for taking so long to realise how different she is to her grandfather. Souan was a steady tree, while she is a gentle flower. She is much more methodical about pricing.
Canus: And because of the difference in gender, there is a clear difference in your beauty.
Torn between LALA CAN'T HEAR YOU ALL FAIRIES ARE PANSEXUAL and "At some point Canus realised he has a kink for human girls".
Canus: Compared to Lord Souan, Kotone is much more slender and soft, and everything you do is loveable. You are adorable.
Kotone, blushing: Is that really neccesary right now?
Canus: You are one who told me to see your differences clearly.
Kotone: Could you stop staring at me it's embarassing...
Canus. I refuse. Your adorable features. Your compassion and conviction. How did I not notice? There was a gentleness about Souan's Enchante that felt like an embrace. Kotone...your Enchante has an intimacy...that makes us care for each other. I...love your cafe. I want to protect it. I do not know what will happen to Medio...but I will return to your cafe, I promise.
She feels a gentle warmth, as if he is placing his cheek against hers.
He talks about how much he loves the coffee, the sound of her greeting him etc, ending with "And of course, I love you."
Kotone: o.O
Canus: No! I...meant...uh...LET'S TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER
Adorable. She feels her heart beating, and knows he feels the same warmth in his chest that she feels in hers.
Vennia: Are you done?
Kotone: HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE??
Vennia: The answer will only bring you grief :) But I have never seen Canus like this. As a friend...I am a little happy.
Canus: I never expected to hear such words from you.
Vennia: Hmmph. Just as you tried to change yourself, so did I. Kotone...I am glad that you are here. I am glad that you are Enchante's owner.
Then Vennia goes to check on the hole in the tree and I am QUITE SURE they are making it worse on purpose.
Titania: I didn't tell you about the deaths of fairies because I didn't think you needed to know...but I'm sorry, especially since it seems to have caused a falling out between you and Canus.
Vennia: Considering the outcome I think you should be thanked ;)
Kotone: SO ANYWAY CAN WE AT ENCHANTE HELP WITH THE WHOLE PEOPLE BEING EATEN THING??
Titania and Kotone cheerfully sagree that surely the powerful regulars can come up with something, but Vennia bitterly says that they need something stronger than vague possibility.
Vennia: Kotone, I ask you again: will you save this world? Will you save my sister? Even though it may be a treacherous path. A path of sacrifice.
Kotone: Yes. I believe in Canus and the people of Enchante.
Vennia: ...I see. Your endlessly soft hearted nature is just like Canus, and suits you well.
Kotone...I don't think you know what you're agreeing to...
Vennia reaches out their hand and Kotone takes it. They say "I'm sorry"...and then PULL TITANIA FROM THE THRONE AND PUT KOTONE IN HER PLACE AHHHHH
The sound of shock I made was so loud Cam came in from a few rooms away to make sure I was ok.
AHHH???
AHHHHH!!!
OF COURSE. I WONDERED WHY VENNIA WANTED CANUS TO BE STRONGER WHEN HE WAS JUST FEEDING YGGDRASIL. THEY WANT HIM TO BE STRONG FOR NOW SO HE'S MOTIVATED TO DESTROY YGGDRASIL.
Well played, Vennia. I love this not just on an in-story level (Everyone else loves Kotone way more than Titania! They will be more motivated to save her!) but a meta level, switching the player suddenly from "Oh this situation is so sad for this this secondary character I like but wouldn't be THAT upset to see die, and I sympathise with her sibling wanting to save her" to "WAIT THEY MADE ME THE SACRIFICE??". I mean it's a terrible thing to do but just on that knife edge of sympathetic villain where I'm going "I mean...maybe this will actually fix everything??".
Horrible painful tentacles attach themselves to Kotone, and she screams while Titania stares in shock.
Titania: But a human can't sustain...OH NO.
Vennia: He will surely come save you, will he not? No, they will, even if it's them against the world. Scream to your heart's content so that it will reach Canus, and Enchante >:)
GOD I'm so tense. I mean Kotone will be fine, but will Vennia?? I hope so, I mean queen Victoria got a happier ending in Code Realise and she was WAY worse.
(I suspect other players may have reacted differently to these events than me haha)
Also like...on all the other paths will Titania just be quietly being eaten in the background and nothing will be done about it? D:
Canus is observing the damage from the wormhole. It's negligible compared to the size of Yggdrasil, but large enough to have been interpreted as a threat. To his confusion, there's also a scattering of white ash.
Yggdrasil roars and Canus thinks he needs to send Kotone home. Uh, yeah, about that, buddy...
AND THEN.
WTF IS THAT WEIRD FAIRY LOOKING TENTACLE THING???
THE REANIMATED GHOST OF BANSHEE???
NO
CANUS RECOGNISES 'HIM' AS 'THE ONE WHO ATE HIS PREDECESSOR'
IT'S SOUL EATER. THE EMBODIMENT OF ALL THE PAST WORLD TREE BRIDES???
He fights it off, protecting some fairies, but more appear. At the time I was confused as to why he was saving fairies all of a sudden, but looking back Kotone inspired him to be more of a protector even if it's the "wrong" decision. And even though, right now, it's keeping him from Kotone.
And then flowers fall from the sky, speaking in Vennia's voice.
Canus: Vennia! Thank goodness! Yggdrasil is about to awaken!
Vennia: I know :)
Chapter 4:
"It was a long time ago, back when I was living with my two older sisters..."
Ah, Banshee knew she was The Fairy of Death from birth, but Titania didn't know she would be Queen until the old queen was about to die. Only Banshee understood why this wasn't a cause for celebration, but instead of telling Titania she just asked Vennia to help persuade Titania to refuse withoiut explaining why, and when this didn't work started her doomed war and left Titania and Vennia doomed and miserable. Good job, Banshee.
And now, to avoid losing anyone else she loves, Vennia will do anything, even sacrifice someone she considers a friend.
Vennia: Kotone, you have every right to hate me...but please, help me save my sister.
Titania: Reckless!! You thought being released like this would make me happy?!
Vennia: No. As your younger brother...I know you better than anyone else
Sigh, Vennia definitely said ototo/younger brother in Japanese. BUT THEY SAID THEY LIKE ANY PRONOUNS SO I'M STICKING WITH THEY.
Titania slaps them and then cries that she had been so happy Vennia had finally thought about their own happiness and made a friend.
Vennia: It is simply a matter of priorities. The same the way we prioritised older fairies when we chose who Canus should kill.
Canus is still protecting fairies from the Soul Eaters, aware of the irony. The fairies ask him where they should run to, and he says nowhere within the World Tree is safe so they must fly beyond it, not stopping if anyone gets eaten on the way.
But then one of the fairies says they've heard of a safe, beautiful place where anyone is welcome: Cafe Enchante.
The fairy flies towards the gate, but the way is blocked by soul eaters and it looks like she won't make it...
And then the soul eaters explode!
Misyr: Hi, hi, looks like you have some sort of war happening?
Ignis, setting more of them on fire: Hey, I thought this place was supposed to be nice >:/
Rindo directs the fairies through the gate, where they are welcomed and calmed by Kariya.
Apparently they're here because Kotone left a note saying she was going to Medio, and they'd heard how dangerous it could be from Mikado.
Which is quite the convenient coincidental timing, but apparently they also "had a bad feeling" which, sure.
For a combination of humane reasons, wanting to weaken Yggdrasil, and because Kotone would want it, Il and Rindo split off to round up and rescue as many fairies as possible, while Misyr and Ignis do...something to the tree? But first Rindo passes out some special GPM communicators.
And Canus is going to rescue Kotone. Not because of fate, or the role he was born into. But because of his own will.
Titania tries to rally Kotone's flagging consciousness and shouts at Vennia to let her go. But Vennia is waiting with bitter voice and sorrowful eyes for Canus, who they expect to strike down the threats to Kotone: Yggdrasil, and themself.
Vennia holds up a flower transmitter to capture Kotone's screams, but KOtone manages to softly say "I believe in you, Canus".
Vennia cries "Come legendary warriors of the universe! If you are as capable of destroying worlds as the legends speak...then let's see you destroy this screwed up world and leave nothing behind!!"
And then Soul Eaters appear in the throne room for the first time ever. Since all the fairies have been evacuated, the only food left in Medio is the two siblings. As Vennia tries to shield Titania, despite having no combat skills, the tentacles suddenly stop and retreat, obeying the will...of Kotone, who painfully whispers "stop".
Vennia: You're protecting us?
Titania: Don't! The queen's powers will drain you of life even faster!
Kotone: But you...my friend...have been liberated. You can use your own feet...to visit Enchante. I refuse to let you become the World Tree Bride again!
Titania: Nia! Let her go! Isn't this enough?!
Vennia: I...at this point I would replace her with myself, if I could! But it took me hundreds of years to modify the throne to release you. I cannot do it again now.
The Soul Eaters slowly approach, and when Kotone pushes them back the tree responds by violently entangling her further. Vennia and Titania are entangled, and Kotone's consciousness and memories drift away, until all she can remember is Canus's name...
And then he arrives and slices the hell out of everything!
Canus: I am her ptotector and partner and you will not harm her! Kotone, who looked into my empty eyes and gave light...to live up to your faith in me I swear to weild my sword to save lives! I will protect you always.
Vennia: Why did you spare me?
Canus: Do I need a reason? If I see someone suffering in front of me, especially if that person is a dear friend, I will never hesitate to reach out to help. If it's punishment you want, you must wait.
The world tree shakes, vicious in it's starvation, likely to turn into a giant soul eater and destroy the world.
Venni: We may not have been able to kill Yggdrasil but we were asble to destroy this twisted world. Canus, I know this may be disgraceful, but please...evacuate Sister and the others to Enchante!
Canus: Believe in me. I have saved Kotone, and you. And now I will save even Yggdrasil, in my role as the Fairy of Death. For I am the knight that protects this world.
Titania: Even you cannot do this alone.
Canus: I am not alone :)
Over the radio, Misyr, Ignis, and Il express enthsuiasm for destruction, and Canus says "These are your final moments, Yggdrasil". Ah, he meant that kind of 'save'. He directs all of his power into a single powerful strike at what remains of the throne, and Yggdrasil is dead.
The soul of Banshee apologises for causing so much pain, as she and all the fairies swallowed by Yggdrasil are now finally free.
Everyone else has gone back home, but Canus asked Kotone to stay and talk to him alone. Lights float up into the sky, all the souls eaten by Yggdrasil, and Kotone feels her own life energy return to her. Yggdrasil will wither and die, but new life will form, and Medio will live again.
They have a very sweet conversation I have 100% forgotten and the closing credits play.
Kotone apparently gained a little fairy-ness thanks to being connected to Yggdrasil and I thought they might be implying that she would thus be able to see Canus's face...but no!
After the credits we get a little scene where child!Kotone says she wants to be a "grandpa" and Souan says girls can't be grandpas. YES THEY CAN. Anyway, it's otherwise very cute, he says she will grow up and choose her own path, hopefully with someone else by her side.
(You know...it occurs to me that there was presumably a grandma at some point, but we never hear about her)
Titania is now a twice-daily visitor to the cafe, inspiring Kotone to add her favorite red tea to the menu. Vennia grumpily comes along to check on her: though they felt they should be executed, the punishment Canus gave them was to stay by Titania's side and support her as queen.
Meanwhile Canus has been teaching the fairies of Medio to garden, as they raise the new buds of life, and he is no longer hated or feared.
Canus gets self conscious and Vennia whispers to Titania, before the two of them leave, smiling. He invites Kotone to Medio, so she can see the newly grown field of flowers. He is now the Fairy of Life. He kneels down and tells Kotone he loves her, and asks her to marry him. Fairies don't have a concept of marriage but he read about it and though they will face trouble, he wants to be with her from now on, and vows to always protect her.
She is a little overcome, but says yes, saying she wants to always be by his side. He kisses her hand, and she feels a soft warmth, proof of his oath and his love.
THE END
...did she ever...say she loved him, explicitly? Even in her own head??
I mean, it was implied, and that was very sweet! But as a romance dynamic idk it wan't quite right for me. Still I'm sure they'll be very happy.
And then the screen fills with static
Prologue 2:
Solitude. Is. Lonely.
OK THEN.
Bad End 1:
Canus is too late to save Kotone. But her sacrifice is enough to make Yggdrasil quiet again. Noone visits the cafe any more, and the GPM have taken over. Kariya says when he graduates high-school he's going to join the GPM and take over the cafe, and wants everyone to come back. Canus simply looks at him, knowing Kariya can see his expression, and walks away.
He goes to visit Kotone's comotose shell of a body, still in the throne, and tells her Kariya has grown. That the real job of the fairy of death is to offer a painless death to those who have tired of existing.
She has become Yggdrasil's heart. If he kills her, Yggdrasil will die. If he doesn't it will continue to eat at her soul, and may one day wake again.
She is surrounded by flowers, brought by Vennia and Titania and other fairies. He kneels and murmurs "I will protect you". And though he knows she would hate it, he returns to his daily routine, killing fairies to feed the World Tree and save what is left of her soul. And even he doesn't know what expression he wears on his face.
Bad End 2:
In Chapter 2, Kotone tells Misyr she's ok keeping out of Canus's personal business if that's what he wants.
So he NEVER COMES BACK TO THE CAFE AGAIN. THE END.
And that's that! I think I need a little break but will definitely be playing Il next. I know his route has kissing, even, since I inadvertently saw a CG. VERY curious to learn about alien robot angel logic magic.
no subject
Date: 2020-11-29 04:56 pm (UTC)This sounds like a lot of really fun worldbuilding and plottiness (and invasive plants!!)
Lots of angst and moral ambiguity and death! If you have trouble sympathising with well intentioned murderers being woobified because murder makes them sad you probably shouldn't play any Otomate games, but you will especially not enjoy this route.
I laughed.
She has become Yggdrasil's heart. If he kills her, Yggdrasil will die. If he doesn't it will continue to eat at her soul, and may one day wake again.
The...first bad end sounds really interesting, actually, with the relationship between Kariya and Canus.
And O.o I'm...actually really intrigued by this ending where she becomes a world tree. *writes fanfic in my head where she is a tree but also herself*
So he NEVER COMES BACK TO THE CAFE AGAIN. THE END.
AMAZING.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-02 02:46 pm (UTC)The...first bad end sounds really interesting, actually, with the relationship between Kariya and Canus.
And O.o I'm...actually really intrigued by this ending where she becomes a world tree. writes fanfic in my head where she is a tree but also herself
Yeah it was pretty cool! Sad, but cool, I like when bad ends aren't just "AND THEN X TURNED EVIL/HAD RANDOM KINKY SEX/DIED THE END" but actually explore an alternate, sadder way the story could have gone in a thoughtful way.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-09 10:38 pm (UTC)If you have trouble sympathising with well intentioned murderers being woobified because murder makes them sad you probably shouldn't play any Otomate games...
I think this is too true especially for Otomate games. Quite often there are characters who are problematic murders but are actually good, decent human beings if it had not for said circumstances and/or reasons, lol.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-12 06:38 am (UTC)For some reason, I imagined he only had a few strands of hair, haha.
That is certainly a valid reading but I like to imagine him having more hair because that's my personal taste haha.
I think this is too true especially for Otomate games. Quite often there are characters who are problematic murders but are actually good, decent human beings if it had not for said circumstances and/or reasons, lol.
Yes it is SUCH a thing. I think it's been in every Otomate game I've played. It's probably not in like...the mundane highschool AU version of Hakuoki but WHO KNOWS.