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alias_sqbrMasterlist
This was great! It had thematic similarities to Canus and Il's routes, and was still Very Otomate, but the plot was a bit more different.
Kotone and Rindo made for a much more cute and believable couple than I was expecting. The dynamic was more interesting than generic Gentlemanly Older Man/Sweet Ingenue, and way more sweet than sleazy. Also the fantasy melodrama was DELIGHTFULLY full of body horror :D (YMMV if you, for some reason, do not find body horror delightful)
There were some horror tropes with a secondary female character that may bother some people.
Content note: mild horror, suicide
So on Canus's route I chose to have Kotone tell the girls who think they're dating that she's his friend. But it turns out the correct choice is to say she's an "Owner/Master".
Girls: Master? Is that some thing you two do? ;)
Canus: You misunderstand. She is the master of a cafe.
Girls: At her age? Impressive!
Canus: Right? She possesses decisiveness and strong will. I hold her in high regard.
Rindo may have a more kissable face but I suspect he's not going to offer such fine femdommy vibes.
But let's see!
(The translation always describes her as an "owner" but the characters always say the English word "Master" and I am 100% here for it)
A pro-Rindo choice I didn't see before which, aw, has him say she's clever and that while he hopes she trusts him she shouldn't force herself.
"Get blood samples from the demon lord and fallen angel? Are you saying in a roundabout way that you want me to die?" HMM I wonder who he's talking to on the phone??
Rindo: Eavesdropping, Kotone?
Kotone: I'm sorry! I was just wondering what you were doing!
Rindo: Oh? Would I be remiss in saying you were thinking about me? ;)
Kotone: Huh?!
Rindo: Haha, I'm only kidding. Kotone, your reactions are very cute. I understand why Misyr loves to tease you.
YEAH I'm not holding out much hope for femdom on this route. At least he's unlikely to be very dubconny given the established tone of the game.
Kotone assumes Rindo is friends with the person he was talking to and Rindo gets flustered at the idea. Am I going to end up shipping Rindo/Mikado oh no.
Time for a date with Rindo!
Rindo: This is a little embarrassing given my age, but...My adorable cafe owner. If you'd allow this gentleman the pleasure, would you allow me to take you out today?
"Kawaii Master-san" is much more respectful than "Kotone-chan". Use that more please, Rindo.
He takes her out for an intimidatingly glitzy high-end meal of...borscht. Sure.
Kotone feels underdressed and nervously asks if she's going to horribly offend people by eating wrong. He laughs and says that while it's fancy, it's not the kind of stuffy place that has a dress code or specific eating expectations, and as someone who works in the service industry herself she knows that all the staff care about is whether a customer enjoys the food.
The food is really good, and it's clear he brought her here because he knows she's a foody, not to impress her. I've read so many asshole rich older guy romances lately I forgot what it's like when they're considerate! Not that Rindo is super rich anyway afaict, just moderately well off, and Kotone isn't actually poor any more herself, just still adjusting to her changed circumstances. It's not clear how much money her parents have, but she's implied to have not been super well off growing up.
He says she shouldn't feel responsible for what happened on Bestia, and is here to support her. "Let me let you in on an old man's secret. The older you get, the uglier you get when you cry. Don't make an old man cry, ok?"
Ah, once again I hit the cycle of "Rindo, you are a year older than me, you're not an Old Man. Though I guess it's pretty old to be into a 19 year old. God, 19 is very young...Ew. Ok, maybe you are an old man D:"
On the plus side right now it feels like he's not into her, or not trying to come across that way, just light-heartedly playing at flirtation with the unstated assumption that they both know it doesn't mean anything, and they would never be genuinely into each other because of the age gap.
I had older guys do that with me when I was around Kotone's age and had mixed feelings about it but I know some people are into it. I guess. I find the idea of even jokingly flirting with anyone much younger than me HORRIFYING but (a) I am not Rindo and (b) this is fiction. *takes a breath and works through the squick*
...Il is so pretty...
Rindo and Kotone have an interesting and pretty shippy conversation with an unspoken subtext they're both aware of: on the surface, he says "I'm glad you're safe" and she says "I'll be careful in future". But underneath, he's saying "Are you sure you want to stay at Enchante when it's so dangerous?" and she's saying "Yes". He accepts this with a wry smile. After Il and Canus it is nice having an adult from her own culture she can properly communicate with.
Rindo Path Chapter 1:
Flashback: Rindo has been visiting the cafe for five years, under orders from GPM. He knows he's not really seen as a true customer here, and feels listless at work. Life is just blindly doing whatever he's ordered.
Souan: I wish I could do something about that bored face of yours while I'm still around...but I want to ask you for a favour. I want you to come here in five days, for my granddaughter.
And during those five days, Souan died.
I bet Rindo still met her as a kid somehow, when he was...27 to her 4 /o\ EDIT: Nope! Amazing!
Also: Kotone's hometown, and the island Awasaki with the skeletons, are apparently in the Tohoku region. That's where Chizuru from Hakuoki is from! I think! Geography is not my strong point.
Canus: I haven't seen Rindo in a while.
Kotone: Yes he's been swamped with work. Look how tired he is in this selfie he sent me!
Canus: Yes, I have seen zombies with more energy. But...since when have you two been so close?
Kotone: Oh, well...haha...after the incident on the island he asked me to send him updates on how I'm going every day, to make sure I'm safe. But that gets boring so I send him all sorts of pictures, and he started sending me things back.
Canus: Haha, how endearing.
Mikado turns up wanting Kotone's help...figuring out what to get his girlfriend for her birthday as a "petty girlish commoner".
Is he dating Rindo's sister. I bet he's dating Rindo's sister.
Canus: ...ah. You mean a two dimensional kind of girl. I've heard of that from Il before.
Ignis: It's that "waifu" thing, right?
I'm pretty sure he didn't actually say "waifu". I wonder what the Japanese for waifu is.
Mikado: Rude! I have a real life girlfriend! Mind you, I'm 29 years old, I'm thinking of marriage!
Kotone: o.O
He tells Kotone the date and time to meet and leaves before she can respond.
Il comes along as her bodyguard and because he's sure that after so many otome games he understands girls even better than Kotone. When Il cheerfully tells Mikado he's here to protect Kotone from the GPM, Kotone is all DON'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD but Mikado's not offended. He's just here to find the perfect give for his love! Kotone still isn't sure this girlfriend really exists but likes his enthusiasm and affection.
Il and Mikado are both cheerfully excited about shopping but tend to suggest things like otome merch and test tubes. Kotone thinks most girls wouldn't like these but doesn't think to ask what this particular girl is into. Not all girls are generic otome heroines, Kotone ;P
Kotone: I don't have time for that sort of thing right now...but it would be nice if a special someone went to so much trouble for me, one day.
Rindo: If you want a gift, I have one for you, my dear ;)
Aw and then he gives her a can of juice. But he's in casual clothes and she has trouble believing it's him.
You're definitely trying for cool, Rindo, but...eh, for all I know that is what's considered cool for 40 something Japanese civil servants.
Kotone: Did you know Mikado has a girlfriend? He keeps talking about how petite and cute she is :)
Rindo: A piece of advice: don't get involved >:(
Kotone wonders if the girlfriend is some scam artist taking advantage of Mikado. I'm wondering if she's like...a changeling or bunnygirl.
Ha ok the translator gave up and explained via a tooltip that Mikado greets Rindo using a term for someone trying to look younger than they really are, which 'should never be used towards women'.
Rindo: What's wrong with trying to look young >:/
Il has brought 12 crepes "to thank Kotone"...and because each came with a unique coaster. Rindo smiles around Mikado as if nothing is wrong and Kotone thinks about how good he is at hiding his true feelings.
Two girls whisper how odd a "cool/dandy looking middle-aged man, cutie in a white coat, and foreign prince" are as a group.
Oh god I just remembered the word they're using for "middle aged man", "oji-san", literally means uncle.
Kotone finds herself irritated by other women thinking Rindo is hot. Sure, he's tall, handsome and charming, but...
Kotone: Are you popular with women? I...heard some girls saying you're cool >.>
Rindo: I suppose. I take it you don't see me in the same light? That's a shame. I guess I can't be that cool.
Kotone: Oh no I...I guess I can't imagine what kind of life you lead.
Ha he basically accused her of negging him, and then just says she needs more human friends, and asks when the last time was she spoke to any humans other than him and Mikado.
Kotone: Yesterday I spoke to the man at the grocery store >.>
Rindo: I know it can be hard to go out and make friends...so until then I guess you can talk to me as a 'human'. I know I'm being a busybody but I'm worried you're being swayed by the non-humans around you.
Kotone: What about you? You work long hours and spend your free time at Enchantge.
Rindo: ...you may have a point. But I spend my free time doing what I like. For example, going to this little cafe with a cute owner ;)
Kotone: That's still work >:(
Rindo POV. One reason for his long hours is having to tweak the data to hide quite how powerful Misyr is, to protect the regulars and "our dear girl". In his twenty years at GPM he's never been as close to anyone else. "They're not bad for non-humans".
Mikado shows up, as a reminder he looks like this: (I took this screenshot later in the route when I realised I didn't have one)
WAIT.
WAIT, IS MIKADO'S GIRLFRIEND HIS FOX DOLL. I didn't notice but she's been missing all route until now. As if...he didn't want her to hear about her present...
NO WONDER RINDO MADE A FACE
And I guess she is three dimensional /o\
Haaa yep. Kotone is initially flattered to be invited to meet the girlfriend but then a shiver goes down her spine watching Mikado talk to the doll, Kuu, as if she's responding to his affectionate conversation.
I mean maybe she is! Weirder things have happened in this game!
AND THEN KUU'S EYES MOVE.
HE SAYS SHE'S HUNGRY, ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVE TO EXPOSE A SCARRED ARM, AND KUU...
BITES. INTO. HIS. FLESH.
Me and Kotone: D: D: D:
Rindo, quietly coming into the room: Mikado...do you mind if I borrow Kotone for a second?
Mikado, Kuu's fangs still sunk deep into his arm: Of course, I was planning on spending this special day with Kuu anyway :) Oh, or we could have a double date!
Rindo: Maybe next time ^_^
When they get outside, Rindo is silent, looking defeated and ashamed.
KOtone: WHAT. WAS. THAT.
Rindo: That...is Mikado's girlfriend. It used to be human, now a class 2 non-human. And...my younger sister.
FUCK
Chapter 2:
Misyr: Um...Kotone, you've been grinding that coffee for an hour now?
Kotone left without asking any questions because Rindo looked so miserable, but keeps reliving the memory of what she saw. And Rindo's been avoiding her ever since. The other regulars are concerned but she doesn't want to violate Rindo's trust. She settles for asking if they know if humans can become non-humans.
Canus, Il, and Ignis say they're only familiar with mixed heritage people like Kariya. Misyr is quiet for a while then says he's never heard of it happening but it could be possible. HMM.
Misyr: Let me ask you: What is the difference between humans and non-humans?
Kotone: Your appearance. And you have magic and special powers.
Misyr: Not all of us look so different. And that smartphone you're holding has impressive powers too!
Kotone: Hmm.
Misyr: Kotone...if you want to understand Rindo, you'll have to dig deeper. He may act like he trusts you, but I'm sure he's still cautious, trying to act like a mature adult.
Kotone realises Misyr is right: Rindo is never vulnerable in front of her, probably afraid of being hurt. She's thought of them as close, but does he ultimately see her as a stranger? Just a kid he can't trust?
Misyr: You need to get up close and personal, or he'll keep pulling away.
Kotone: Isn't that a bit much?
Misyr: I've known him a long time, he won't mind. Though he's a lot more conservative than it looks so it won't be easy.
Just what is he suggesting o.O He cheerfully mutters about being a softie when it comes to helping out his rivals.
Kotone and Ignis see Rindo subdue and kill a demon lion, softly muttering "I'm sorry" as he shoots it. Ignis jumps up from their hiding spot to admire Rindo's moves and offer tips, but Kotone is quiet.
Rindo explains that the lion had lived here for 30 years as a woman's pet. But after she died, it went wild, and when tranquillisers failed there was no other choice.
Ignis leaves the two to talk. Rindo talks calmly about non-humans who accidentally killed friends or lovers with well intentioned expressions of affection. It's nobody's fault, but what's normal to non-humans isn't normal to humans.
Kotone asks if this is what happened to his sister, and grabs onto his arm when he looks like he's going to try to leave. They're so close she can see his eyes shaking.
Kotone: Please, I want to know what non-humans and humans mean to you.
He mutters that he'll visit the cafe that night.
Aw Kariya has been working on an ice coffee float that looks like the little demon seal Kororo. Misyr made the coffee and Kariya made (and froze) the icecream. Kotone is sure Ignis told them she was down and Kariya gets all blushy when she thanks him.
But seeing Kororo affectionately headbutt Kariya, Kotone wonders what would happen if Kororo got really big, or had to be parted from Kariya and Ignis.
When Rindo arrives he and Kotone cheerfully banter, and she asks if his conversations with Souan were similar. He says yes and avoids the question of whether he flirted with Souan the same way haha. Souan used to lecture Rindo to spend more time with humans, and enjoy life, but also helped him get to know the non-humans.
She gets the sense Rindo feels he doesn't deserve to openly mourn Souan, since he was here for the GPM. But Rindo says he'd still keep coming here even if he didn't work for them, because he likes everyone. Including Kotone.
Kotone: Are you going to leave your job?
Rindo: I can't. Sure, I thought about it, especially when Shizuku became non-human...
She was the opposite of Rindo, straightforward and honest, though with a lot of secrets (?). She was the last of Rindo's family, though they weren't always close because of the age gap (what with her only being eight years older than Kotone lol) She worked in R&D with Mikado.
Seven years ago:
Shizuku: Remember to eat and not just work!
Rindo: Same to you.
Shizuku: Oh, I'm going out to dinner with Akira ;)
Rindo: Wait- AKIRA MIKADO? ARE YOU TWO-
Shizuku: Surely I don't need to explain. Bye ^_^
But Rindo actually thought Mikado was a decent guy and enjoyed hanging out with the two of them.
And then Shizuku took an experiment to use non-human energy for healing too far, and was transformed. She became mindlessly violent, sucking her coworkers of blood. Rindo stared at her, bleeding out, gun shaking, and whispered "I'm sorry", and then... Mikado jumped in front of Shizuku before Rindo could fire his gun.
Mikado: I have a treatment that represses non-human cells...it should bring her back to us, or at least control her from going wild. And...she would make for an invaluable sample! So please...don't kill Shizuku!!
And so she was classified as a "sample" and put into a comatose state, except for when she needs to feed.
THAT'S SOME MESSED UP WOMEN AS OBJECTS SHIT OTOMATE
Rindo gives his usual gentle smile, and Kotone wonders how much pain it hides.
Rindo: I'm sure seeing her feed on Mikado scared you. But that's just normal for her, she's living the best way she can.
Kotone feels out of her depth, but thanks Rindo for telling her, and says she realises why he's been warning her about the dangers of humans being around non-humans.
He talks about how human and non-human relationships almost always end in tragedy, which makes me wonder if he is or will become non-human by the end of the path. Oh, or if Kotone is/will!
He leans over the counter, so their faces are close, and for a moment Kotone is lost in how beautiful his eyes are.
Rindo: Do you like me?
Kotone: (....DOES HE MEAN...AS A HUMAN???....) ...well, I appreciate the-
Rindo: Yes or no.
Kotone: I-I guess you can say...it's a 'yes'...
Rindo: Glad to hear it. Now...who do you like more out of Misyr and Canus?
Kotone: WHY ALL THE WEIRD QUESTIONS >:(
Rindo: Just seeing if I'm your first pick :)
She grumpily thinks that she doesn't like comparing her loyal patrons. Though Rindo and Misyr are oddly similar, both treating her like a kid who needs protecting.
Rindo: Kotone...
Kotone: What? It better not be another weird question.
Rindo: Want to go on a date?
Yeah... I'm not sure he sees you as a kid, Kotone.
Just as she's closing up shop, blushing at the idea of going on a proper date with Rindo and wondering what's up with him, Mikado shows up. With Kuu /o\
He gives her a weird little alien doll as a thankyou, saying "Kuu was very appreciative of her present. Isn't that right, Kuu?"
Kotone can't hide her discomfort and eventually says she knows the truth. Mikado goes blank for a moment, then smiles and says that Shizuku is still Shizuku to him, and he's just happy she's still alive.
Mikado: I know people at the GPM think our relationship is strange. Do you?
Me: YES
The walkthrough: Not at all!
Kotone: What brings you love and gives you joy...can be whatever you want them to be.
Mikado: That's the first time someone has said that :)
Me: How about some non-het love then Otomate >:/
Mikado POV as he walks back home with Kuu, reminiscing to her about her needing lots of sugar in her coffee for all that brain work, and apologising that it's taking so long to bring her back to human form.
Assistant: Are you truly satisfied with this situation, as long as she's alive?
Mikado: No eavesdropping on my conversation with Kuu!
Assistant: That wasn't a conversation.
Mikado: ...haha. Of course I'm not satisfied. I want to talk to her. I want to see her smile. I want her to live...yet I'm taking away her freedom, injecting her with suppressant to keep her quiet. Sometimes I wonder if it would be be better to just let her go on a rampage.
But she had a strong sense of justice. As it is, she would want to repent for her experiment causing so many deaths.
Assistant/Solitus gasps slightly at the idea of not wanting the person you love to have blood on their hands. But then he tells Mikado he's been offered a promotion, and knowing it may give him more funds for research, Mikado takes it. All that matters is helping Shizuku.
Chapter 3:
Kotone's on her date with Rindo, sitting in his car feeling VERY self conscious. Maybe dates aren't a big deal to HIM but they are to her! He tells her to relax and just enjoy herself.
Rindo: You look cute...did any of your 'Guardians' interrogate why you were dressed up?
She thinks back to Misyr offering her a magic alarm to summon him if Rindo needs beating down while Il and Ignis offered to just kill him in advance to save time. Canus offered to come along on the date as a compromise.
Kotone: So they did let me out but they treated me like a kid >:(
Rindo: I think they're worried because you're not a kid >.>
He takes her to...his apartment, a large luxury apartment with a great view, clean and unused looking, and so minimalist it's almost empty, with no signs of Rindo's personality. She has trouble imagining what he does here when he's alone and has free time.
Kotone is very embarrassed to be alone in a guy's home, though Rindo tries to put her at ease and says he just thought this would be more cosy. Then she hears a high pitched voice from another room.
Kotone: WAIT DOES HE HAVE A GIRLFRIEND???!!
Kuurey, the tiny little clay dude from Chapter 8: Hello Lady Kotone!
Kotone: Who is he...she...is she your wife?!
Kuurey: You are correct. I have done an excellent job of caring for this home.
Rindo: HEY >:(
Aw, the little dude is helping the GPM with their investigation and had nowhere else to stay. He's the one who asked Rindo to bring her here.
Rindo: I did want this to be a real date...but I figured it wasn't a good idea to bring you here alone.
Kotone: You could have just explained!
Rindo: I wanted to see your reaction ;)
Kuurey don't use names, and the GPM uses codenames, so Kotone turns "Code ten" in Japanese to the name "Ten" in English. Ten likes it.
Haaa Kotone offers to help in the kitchen and thinks it's BREATHTAKING but sadly empty. She finds the idea of knowing how to cook but relying on eating out and energy drinks incomprehensible, especially from a grownup. So he takes her out to buy supplies to cook lunch, cheerfully going along with the shopkeeper assuming they're a couple.
Is he planning to propose or something. I can see him jumping to that.
Embarrassed, and frustrated that Rindo isn't embarrassed, Kotone looks at the two of them in a mirror. He doesn't look like her brother or father. She can see how they look like a couple. But does he see her as a younger sister? What is this sharp feeling in her chest...
Haaa he says that while he doesn't like to look back on that time, he learned how to cook because he thought it would get girls.
They have a lovely time. As Rindo puts the now drunk Ten to bed (Guess he was drowning his sorrows at not being Rindo's wife), Kotone mutters to herself "I wonder if Mr Rindo has a girlfriend".
Rindo: I don't have a girlfriend. I've been too busy...like with Shizuku.
Kotone: (Ohh that's why this place is so empty) :(
Rindo: But I wouldn't mind if you were my girlfriend.
Kotone: (Now he's trying to change subject and cheer me up)
Rindo: How about it, want to be this old man's girlfriend? ;)
Kotone: What would you do if I said yes? >:(
Rindo: ... o.O
Kotone: (WHY DID I SAY THAT) ...
Rindo: UH. UM. Good...to...hear?
Kotone: ...
Rindo: SO WE SURE BOUGHT A LOT OF KITCHEN STUFF HUH?
Kotone: WE SURE DID!
Ok this is adorable.
He says he'll have to get more supplies "in case she stops by again", then shows her a letter he got from Souan before he died, telling Rindo to take better care of himself, and take care of Kotone if she takes over the shop, or of the gate if she doesn't.
Rindo says Souan was like a second father to him, and talked about Kotone a lot, wanting her to live a normal life even if she took over the cafe. Rindo says she seems happy with things as they are, but if she ever wants a normal happy life he'll help her get it.
Kotone: What is a normal happy life to you? Your life is full of non-humans too.
He pulls her close.
Rindo: If you live alongside non-humans, eventually time will catch up with you and you'll find out humans and non-humans are not alike. Don't ever forget that a normal happy life is within your reach.
Kotone: Please don't forget what it means to have a normal happy life yourself. And that goes for your home life, your environment, and your live life. You always put others before yourself.
He leans closer and whispers "Maybe we should find out what happiness means together" She feels his breath on her lips...
...and then his phone rings and they pull apart.
Misyr: Hello, this is the Hell Police. We sensed you were about to do something evil to a girl ^_^
Kotone: WERE THEY WATCHING D: Though of course...he was just...lecturing me...
Rindo: You think I'd do something like that? But I'll take her home so you can stop worrying.
Afterwards, Rindo looks at his empty apartment, even emptier without her. He'd been trying to remind her that spending time with humans is fun...only for her to point out he was even more cut off from humanity than she was, and avoiding his own happiness. And though she's much younger than him, she blinds him with her light.
Rindo sends Kotone a text saying Ten wants her to visit again to give her a gift. Kotone realises she's really excited by the idea of hanging out with Rindo again. Is this a normal happy life? Does she have feelings for him...? BUT NO SURELY NOT IT COULD NEVER WORK. Though compared to, like, Misyr, the age gap is barely anything...
The gift is a little mini Kuurey idol that brings fortune and increases business. Then a GPM courier comes to take Ten home to his island, clearly seeing Ten as a package and weirded out by Kotone treating him like a person.
Afterwards Rindo says GPM employees cover the range from guys like that who distrust non-humans to people like Mikado super into non-humans, with Rindo in the middle. That guy is one of the many who joined after a non-human killed someone close to him.
Rindo meanwhile joined out of curiosity, and only became cautious after what happened to Shizuku. Worried about him "as a regular of Enchante" Kotone asks him to tell her more about Shizuku: not her tragedy, but her as a person.
He's quietly grateful, saying he has no one else to talk to about her.
He was 15 years older, so very protective, especially after their parents died. As he talks about her his eyes are gentle, but sad.
Rindo: Well, it's getting late, I should take you back before the others jump me.
Kotone: Um. Can I stay a bit longer? I don't want you to be alone.
Rindo, covering his eyes and sighing: Don't pamper an old man like me.
Kotone: Everyone likes to be pampered sometimes, right? (ah, that probably sounds childish)
Rindo: ...ah...you're making he remember what I once gave up...
He touches her cheek, and her heart speeds up as...his phone rings.
But it's Mikado. He hoarsely whispers "Rindo..I'm sorry" and then the call ends. Then one of Rindo's subordinates calls, screams for help, and is cut off.
Rindo wants to drop Kotone somewhere safe but she insists she go straight to the GPM while she calls Enchante. Inside, he sees a bodies drained of blood, and then a dark clawed figure...calls his name in his sister's voice...
Shizuku's voice now sounds like a cross between a crow and an emptying drain.
Kotone, waiting in the car, sees Il flying out of the building with a comatose Rindo. He's been hexed.
Back at Enchante Rindo writhes in pain, unconscious and splotched with black, and nothing Misyr or Il tries seems to help. The next day the GPM acts like nothing happened, and Mikado still isn't answering his phone. Kotone has to be pushed to sleep instead of staying by Rindo's side.
Ignis is delighted when Rindo wakes 3 days later, thanks to Misyr and "that closeted game freak". Um.
Rindo: I hate that I made you so worried when I promised Souan I'd look after you.
Kotone: Just let me be worried, got it? I'll take responsibility for getting you back in tiptop shape.
Kotone cheerfully thanks Misyr and Il...who have to tell her that they didn't cure him. The hex is sucking his life force, and he only has two days to live. They promise to keep trying, but there's no hope in their eyes. Misyr sadly says he's never saved anyone: he's a demon king, and can only create destruction.
Kotone: But he woke up! He was smiling, and only in a little bit of pain!
Il: Not 'a little bit' :(
Kotone lies in bed unable to accept it, thinking of her memories of Rindo. And then she gets a call from Mikado, saying it's a matter of life or death for Rindo, and she should come to the park alone.
The walkthrough says to make a separate save file then choose to go, I can only imagine what happens if you don't :( She didn't tell anyone which seems UNWISE but hopefully their stalking tendencies will come in handy for once.
Mikado says he called her because she's the only person who approved of him and Shizuku ohhh this is not going to end well.
Mikado: I consider Rindo my friend, and want to save him, whatever it takes. What about you? If you have the means to save him, but it isn't something he wants....
Kotone: I...
Mikado: I made a similar choice once, with horrible results.
And then he hands her a vial of "pure evil" created by the GPM: Metaplasia, which turns humans into non-humans.
Mikado: This will save Rindo's life. But only you can save his soul. You didn't laugh at me and Shizuku. So I'm sure you can save him.
Kotone: Mikado! What happened to Shizuku?
Mikado: Shizuku and I have something we need to take care of. Only tragedy awaits, but once it's over, you and Rindo...
And then he walks away.
Oh wow. I was kinda expecting Rindo to become non-human, but not like this. And what's going on with Shizuku??
Also: WHAT KIND OF NON HUMAN? A cute little fairy or a bloodthirsty beast or what? This is important information!
Naturally Canus was following her, and they go back to the cafe.
Misyr: Humans turning into non-humans is no different from being born again. It means they are forgoing everything they lived for as a mortal.
Canus: Whatever choice you make, you must accept his fate.
Il: One of the most beautiful aspects of being human is free will. Going against his wishes, wouldn't we have technically killed him?
Ignis: Just use the damn thing. Worrying about human versus non-human is a luxury in comparison to him dying.
Kariya: I'm just a kid, so this is a bit beyond me...but I know what it's like to 'turn into' a non-human. I want to live as a human, but I can't, and at first I thought it would be better to be dead. But...I'm happy right now. And it's all thanks to Mr Rindo. I want him to live, so I can thank him for telling me to live!
Another save file, and I have her choose to give Rindo the metaplasia.
She thinks about everything he said about humans and non-humans and knows that this will mean the end of the normal life he was trying to build for himself. The end of the relationship they were starting to build together. He spits up the medicine and she forces it down his throat with a kiss, knowing that when he wakes he may hate her. But all that matters is that he lives.
Rindo wakes (with no sprite), and sees Kotone leaning against the bed beside him, asleep. He reaches out to pat her head but there is the sound of static and he is wracked with pain.
He stumbles downstairs and though it's the middle of the night finds Misyr at the counter.
Misyr: Finally awake? You're looking pretty good :( Sit down and I'll make you a coffee and explain everything.
Rindo: This is my responsibility for not doing what I should have done seven years ago. I'll end this myself...
Misyr: Like that?
Misyr pokes Rindo lightly and he collapses in pain. The sound has Kotone awake and running down the stairs...
Oh no he's not hot :(
I mean base Rindo is moderately cute and I like the inky swirls but his hand looks silly and I am really not into exposed jaws.
Kotone stares at him and he looks away.
At the GPM an old man runs for his life, but eventually falls and is half-eaten by something with dark claws.
Man: Why is this happening to me??
Mikado: Are you stupid? You know damn well why this is happening, Deputy Commissioner.
Man: You ingrate! I promoted you!
Mikado: I do appreciate that, truly. It's what led me to the truth. Come here, Shizuku.
Man: You....monster!
Mikado: Did he mean that as an insult? He is the true monster.
Interspecies power couple:
Like, this is still super messed up, but it's more interestingly messed up than her as a passive object.
After she eats the man, Shizuku rasps out Mikado's name, and he wonders how many more it will take until she is human again. She shakes, and even Mikado can't tell if she's happy or sad.
Kotone goes to talk to Rindo, consumed with guilt, he tries to cheer her up and she wishes he'd just curse at her.
Rindo: You saved my life, so feel free to smile. Your smile is like medicine to me.
He pats the top of her head, and though his hand feels different now, she does her best to smile,.
She overhears Canus asking Rindo how he's doing, and he's all "Being a non-human isn't so bad, I seem to be stronger now". Canus gently but doggedly tells Rindo there's no way he's that ok with it so quickly, and he shouldn't bottle up all his negative emotions (NOT LIKE YOU, CANUS), offering a shoulder to cry on.
At first Rindo is all "No really I'm fine" but eventually he quietly talks about how, before, even though it was way too early he'd found himself thinking about the kind of future he might have with Kotone: meeting her parents, buying matching rings... But he saw what things were like for Mikado, who put on a smile but was clearly miserable. How could he do that to Kotone? He breaks down and cries that he didn't choose this.
Kotone is completely consumed with guilt.
This is legitimately sad, but I also think Rindo should be allowed to have a little selfish sadness about the parts of his life not about Kotone. And Canus himself is proof that visibly non-human people can interact with the human world a moderate amount, the main problem for Mikado was that Shizuku became a NON SENTIENT KILLING MACHINE. Rindo could pass as a high budget cosplayer.
Also there's still been no discussion of what species he (kinda) is! Maybe they don't know, but still, when "mindless killing machine" is on the table I think they should at least bring up the question.
Anyway.
The next day the other guys are going to investigate GPM but tell Rindo he shouldn't come: he's weird enough to be captured as a test subject, but not strong enough to defend himself. He understands, but feel useless. And then Kotone storms up to him from the kitchen and says "Let's go on a date".
They go to an amusement park, Rindo borrowed a hoodie from Ignis but is still obviously worried about being seen. Still, they mostly have a nice time.
Rindo: Thank you for taking me out today. After all, I doubt we'll be able to go out very often now that-
Kotone: That's not true! Sure, things won't be the same but...we're still here dating, aren't we? Though I know I don't have the right to tell you being a non-human doesn't matter when I'm the one who did this to you :(
He says he agrees now with Misyr that humans and non-humans aren't so different. He kisses her cheek, like you would a child.
Rindo: My motivations are the same as before. I just wants you to be happy. So if you don't mind me as I am...I wouldn't mind if you asked me out again.
Kotone: You're...going to forgive me?
Rindo: There's nothing to forgive.
Yet she feels like he'll leave her the moment he decides she's stopped feeling guilty. She wants 'some way to shackle him to her without him knowing'? Wow, ok then Kotone.
Kotoner: Mr Rindo...will you be my boyfriend?
Rindo: o.O What? You... don't have to feel obligated because-
Kotone: I love you. It doesn't matter if you're human or not. I love you because of who you are.
Rindo: ...I can't make you happy. I could bring harm to you without knowing. So many things could go wrong...
He's trying to distance himself, and she isn't going to take it any more. There is a cute CG of him looking totally surprised as she leans up to kiss him.
GO KOTONE
Kotone points out that some of the changes might be good, like his longer life span making up for the age gap. She asks him not to put distance between them because of things they don't know, especially when her 'normal' isn't 'normal' anyway. He pulls her into a hug.
Back at Enchante, bad news: the GPM building is covered in a strange, slimy, red-black "shadow" that sucks out non-humans life force and curses humans with the same sort of hex Rindo had. Mikado's voice comes out of it telling the others to stay out of the way, but inviting Rindo and Kotone to "chat".
A path opens in the shadow, and Mikado says "I promise I won't hurt them. They are my good friends after all." Kotone persuades Rindo to let her come.
They climb the empty, slime covered steps, trying not to think about how many people would have been working here today who are now just...gone.
Mikado tells them a story: When he got promoted to the new division, the very first thing he saw was a human-turned-non-human 'volunteer' violently freaking out. This is the secret lab for experiments even the rest of the GPM balks at, trying to give humans beneficial non-human traits 'for the good of humanity'.
*imagines this is set in the same Universe as Hakuoki, and the Shinsengumi were given their orders by a government department that eventually became the GPM*
The "volunteers" are terminally ill or criminals. But alas so far they have all ended up non-sentient and violent. They're looking forward to seeing what Mikado can do, as a genius willing to do all sorts of weird things in the name of research.
And at first, even though he thought it immoral, he was willing to go along with it. But then Kuu started to twitch when he passed a particular shelf of documents. It's histories of various 'failed experiments': how they got coerced into 'volunteering', the fact they failed, and how they were killed.
And then he finds Case 92:
Subject: R&D R. Tried to expose No.2's inhumane practices. See video. Currently under Akira Mikado's care. Under strict surveillance. No particular results yet.
The video shows Shizuku being given painful injections that slowly turned her non-human. Akira freaks out, and decides humans are the true monsters.
Oh wow Mikado tells Rindo he's glad Rindo didn't turn into a murder monster, implying he had no reason to believe that wouldn't happen?? Oh, ok, he did alter it (with Shizuku's blood!), he just wasn't sure. Also, the process allows primal emotions to take hold, but for Rindo his hope for survival was stronger than his fear of death. Kotone really did save his soul.
Rindo: I'm here to stop you, no matter what.
Mikado: What if there was a way to change you and Shizuku back to human form? Every time she absorbs someone's life force she regains her sanity! Isn't that right, Shizuku?
Shizuku: Ak...i...ra...
Mikado: :D
Kotone and Rindo: D:
Mikado: She can be the person she was before...and at the expense of the organisation that killed her!
As he rants with hatred, the shadow around Shizuku grows.
Kotone: Even if Shiozuku came back...how many more innocent lives would it take? She wouldn't want-
Mikado: I know. But I'll carry these sins with her. Didn't you want to save Rindo even though it would weigh on your conscience? Help us! Help yourself and Rindo! We can all return to normal life as humans together!
HMMM SHOULD I AGREE TO HELP??
From all the save points the walkthrough is encouraging me to make, this route has hella bad ends. But for now, I say no.
Rindo: Shizuku wouldn't be happy. And it's not absolute that humans and non-humans can't get along. I'm not going to be controlled by a fear of the unknown. Don't underestimate what we call normal!
Kotone, knowing he's basically quoting her: :D
Mikado, furious, extends his hand and Shizuku attacks. I wonder how much of this is him projecting his feelings through her. Rindo says he'll stop them as Shizuku's brother and Mikado's friend.
The two siblings fight using their inhuman claws, defending the small squishy humans they love. But first Shizuku bows and says "Kao...ru". Something about the way they're fighting feels like they're communicating.
Mikado: There's nothing you and I can do now but cheer them on. But will our persistence prevail? Or your sense of hope? Despite loving a non-human, what made us go our separate ways...
I think...the murder? It was probably the murder.
Mikado: Rindo, just stop. Kaoru doesn't want to kill you.
AND WHO'S MAKING HER??
Though she says 'Protect...Akira..." so at least some of this is her own will.
Just as she's about the make the final blow...Ignis and Canus appear, having taken the long way through GPM's gate to Bestia. Il and Misyr wave from the sky where they're doing some sort of spell to fight the shadow.
Canus: This goes against my mantra of fighting fairly...
Canus, most of your 'fights' are against unarmed fairies the size of your hand.
But then Shizuku's shadow swallows them. Kotone feels her strength falling away, and can't tell if she's being consumed or embraced. Everyone falls...except Rindo, who was turned with Shizuku's blood, and so is immune to her. He shouts that Mikado and Shizuku are good people, too precious to him for him to ever give up on them.
Rindo prevails, and is about to strike the final blow, his eyes full of sorrow. Once again Mikado runs to block the blow, grovelling for forgiveness, saying they will atone.
But now that Kotone (and other humans) has been inflicted with Shizuku's hex, the only way to lift it is for Shizuku to die.
Shizuku roars with what's left of her strength, but Mikado embraces her saying it's the end...and she runs him through, before crumbling away.
Mikado: Why the long face? Now...you don't have to kill your friend...My body was on it's way out anyway. Shizuku's experiments required...samples.
He sobs to what's left of her, as if to an animate object, saying there was another way, if he hadn't decided the only way they could be happy was as humans. And he drinks a vial of metaplasia: too late to save himself, but so they will be non-humans together in death.
Credits
Rindo: Life isn't actually so bad, especially with a cute owner by my side ;) *pulls Kotone towards him*
Misyr: Ahaha! Such a cute couple I might burn Rindo to a crisp :)
And then Rindo helps her with chores. I ship this way more than I expected.
Misyr and Il cleaned up the hexed GPM building and burned the research on turning humans into non humans. Rindo took a leave of absence from the GPM and has been staying at Enchante.
Kotone: You've gotten pretty good at helping me out :)
Rindo: It's just what I know from living alone...though my arm isn't much help.
KOtone: :(
Rindo: It's just the truth!
Kotone: I just worry about you. I know the GPM want you back, but remember to put yourself first.
Rindo: Then how about you hire me here full time ;) People like the Shizuku and Mikado coffee blends I created.
Then he says he's been thinking about the future, and finally feels able to respond to the heartfelt words she said before. He kisses her.
Rindo: I'm still not sure what to expect with this body. There may be times I feel regret. But whatever my anxieties...my love for you will always be stronger. Will you still hold my hand?
Kotone: Unbelievable! You should have done this sooner!
Rindo: I was worried you'd say no and laugh at me! But I take it you wouldn't mind if I made another move?
This time they kiss each other, expressing all the feelings in their hearts.
THE END
Awww! The whole...Little Sister Issues thing was certainly Something (like, they never directly equate Kotone and Shizuku, but there's an obvious parallel, and then he kills one to save the other) But overall I liked that a lot. And while it wasn't femdom exactly it was way more complex and interesting a dynamic than I was expecting.
Though she never actually uses his given name! Maybe that'll be in a DLC.
Also, I hope all these energy draining plots are leading to some overall theme and aren't just lazy writing.
Prologue 4:
Background: the gate, at a strange angle.
"Betrayed. I stared where he was supposed to be in anger and despair. He is no longer bound to this place. How? Why? He and I were supposed to be equals. He was supposed to be with me. Why was he the only one who was saved? What was the difference between me and him? A fierce rage pierces my heart at my friend's betrayal. Disappointment. Despair. Envy. Longing. Feelings that should have dissolved long ago."
Well! One more route until we meet Misyr's ex boyfriend, I guess!
The title cards for the prologues have the latin "tu fui ego eris" which is a graveyard inscription meaning "I was you; you will be me".
Bad End 1:
Let's just not meet with Mikado, assuming it's a trap. There must be a better way!
There isn't! Rindo dies.
Bad End 2:
Consumed with indecision, Kotone drops the vial before she can turn Rindo non-human. He dies.
Bad End 3:
Kotone agrees to help Mikado, and before Rindo can object Shizuku wraps them up in shadow. A wave of shadow rolls out to consume the surrounding city and Kotone wonders how many will be left alive by the time Rindo and Shizuku become human.
(And then they all live happily ever after, I'm sure)
Bad Ending (alternate final chapter): ...actually, that's enough death for the moment, maybe later.
Next up, Ignis, who I was more enthused about before seeing what an ASS he was to Il, but hopefully there won't be too much of that on his own route.
This was great! It had thematic similarities to Canus and Il's routes, and was still Very Otomate, but the plot was a bit more different.
Kotone and Rindo made for a much more cute and believable couple than I was expecting. The dynamic was more interesting than generic Gentlemanly Older Man/Sweet Ingenue, and way more sweet than sleazy. Also the fantasy melodrama was DELIGHTFULLY full of body horror :D (YMMV if you, for some reason, do not find body horror delightful)
There were some horror tropes with a secondary female character that may bother some people.
Content note: mild horror, suicide
So on Canus's route I chose to have Kotone tell the girls who think they're dating that she's his friend. But it turns out the correct choice is to say she's an "Owner/Master".
Girls: Master? Is that some thing you two do? ;)
Canus: You misunderstand. She is the master of a cafe.
Girls: At her age? Impressive!
Canus: Right? She possesses decisiveness and strong will. I hold her in high regard.
Rindo may have a more kissable face but I suspect he's not going to offer such fine femdommy vibes.
But let's see!
(The translation always describes her as an "owner" but the characters always say the English word "Master" and I am 100% here for it)
A pro-Rindo choice I didn't see before which, aw, has him say she's clever and that while he hopes she trusts him she shouldn't force herself.
"Get blood samples from the demon lord and fallen angel? Are you saying in a roundabout way that you want me to die?" HMM I wonder who he's talking to on the phone??
Rindo: Eavesdropping, Kotone?
Kotone: I'm sorry! I was just wondering what you were doing!
Rindo: Oh? Would I be remiss in saying you were thinking about me? ;)
Kotone: Huh?!
Rindo: Haha, I'm only kidding. Kotone, your reactions are very cute. I understand why Misyr loves to tease you.
YEAH I'm not holding out much hope for femdom on this route. At least he's unlikely to be very dubconny given the established tone of the game.
Kotone assumes Rindo is friends with the person he was talking to and Rindo gets flustered at the idea. Am I going to end up shipping Rindo/Mikado oh no.
Time for a date with Rindo!
Rindo: This is a little embarrassing given my age, but...My adorable cafe owner. If you'd allow this gentleman the pleasure, would you allow me to take you out today?
"Kawaii Master-san" is much more respectful than "Kotone-chan". Use that more please, Rindo.
He takes her out for an intimidatingly glitzy high-end meal of...borscht. Sure.
Kotone feels underdressed and nervously asks if she's going to horribly offend people by eating wrong. He laughs and says that while it's fancy, it's not the kind of stuffy place that has a dress code or specific eating expectations, and as someone who works in the service industry herself she knows that all the staff care about is whether a customer enjoys the food.
The food is really good, and it's clear he brought her here because he knows she's a foody, not to impress her. I've read so many asshole rich older guy romances lately I forgot what it's like when they're considerate! Not that Rindo is super rich anyway afaict, just moderately well off, and Kotone isn't actually poor any more herself, just still adjusting to her changed circumstances. It's not clear how much money her parents have, but she's implied to have not been super well off growing up.
He says she shouldn't feel responsible for what happened on Bestia, and is here to support her. "Let me let you in on an old man's secret. The older you get, the uglier you get when you cry. Don't make an old man cry, ok?"
Ah, once again I hit the cycle of "Rindo, you are a year older than me, you're not an Old Man. Though I guess it's pretty old to be into a 19 year old. God, 19 is very young...Ew. Ok, maybe you are an old man D:"
On the plus side right now it feels like he's not into her, or not trying to come across that way, just light-heartedly playing at flirtation with the unstated assumption that they both know it doesn't mean anything, and they would never be genuinely into each other because of the age gap.
I had older guys do that with me when I was around Kotone's age and had mixed feelings about it but I know some people are into it. I guess. I find the idea of even jokingly flirting with anyone much younger than me HORRIFYING but (a) I am not Rindo and (b) this is fiction. *takes a breath and works through the squick*
...Il is so pretty...
Rindo and Kotone have an interesting and pretty shippy conversation with an unspoken subtext they're both aware of: on the surface, he says "I'm glad you're safe" and she says "I'll be careful in future". But underneath, he's saying "Are you sure you want to stay at Enchante when it's so dangerous?" and she's saying "Yes". He accepts this with a wry smile. After Il and Canus it is nice having an adult from her own culture she can properly communicate with.
Rindo Path Chapter 1:
Flashback: Rindo has been visiting the cafe for five years, under orders from GPM. He knows he's not really seen as a true customer here, and feels listless at work. Life is just blindly doing whatever he's ordered.
Souan: I wish I could do something about that bored face of yours while I'm still around...but I want to ask you for a favour. I want you to come here in five days, for my granddaughter.
And during those five days, Souan died.
I bet Rindo still met her as a kid somehow, when he was...27 to her 4 /o\ EDIT: Nope! Amazing!
Also: Kotone's hometown, and the island Awasaki with the skeletons, are apparently in the Tohoku region. That's where Chizuru from Hakuoki is from! I think! Geography is not my strong point.
Canus: I haven't seen Rindo in a while.
Kotone: Yes he's been swamped with work. Look how tired he is in this selfie he sent me!
Canus: Yes, I have seen zombies with more energy. But...since when have you two been so close?
Kotone: Oh, well...haha...after the incident on the island he asked me to send him updates on how I'm going every day, to make sure I'm safe. But that gets boring so I send him all sorts of pictures, and he started sending me things back.
Canus: Haha, how endearing.
Mikado turns up wanting Kotone's help...figuring out what to get his girlfriend for her birthday as a "petty girlish commoner".
Is he dating Rindo's sister. I bet he's dating Rindo's sister.
Canus: ...ah. You mean a two dimensional kind of girl. I've heard of that from Il before.
Ignis: It's that "waifu" thing, right?
I'm pretty sure he didn't actually say "waifu". I wonder what the Japanese for waifu is.
Mikado: Rude! I have a real life girlfriend! Mind you, I'm 29 years old, I'm thinking of marriage!
Kotone: o.O
He tells Kotone the date and time to meet and leaves before she can respond.
Il comes along as her bodyguard and because he's sure that after so many otome games he understands girls even better than Kotone. When Il cheerfully tells Mikado he's here to protect Kotone from the GPM, Kotone is all DON'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD but Mikado's not offended. He's just here to find the perfect give for his love! Kotone still isn't sure this girlfriend really exists but likes his enthusiasm and affection.
Il and Mikado are both cheerfully excited about shopping but tend to suggest things like otome merch and test tubes. Kotone thinks most girls wouldn't like these but doesn't think to ask what this particular girl is into. Not all girls are generic otome heroines, Kotone ;P
Kotone: I don't have time for that sort of thing right now...but it would be nice if a special someone went to so much trouble for me, one day.
Rindo: If you want a gift, I have one for you, my dear ;)
Aw and then he gives her a can of juice. But he's in casual clothes and she has trouble believing it's him.
You're definitely trying for cool, Rindo, but...eh, for all I know that is what's considered cool for 40 something Japanese civil servants.
Kotone: Did you know Mikado has a girlfriend? He keeps talking about how petite and cute she is :)
Rindo: A piece of advice: don't get involved >:(
Kotone wonders if the girlfriend is some scam artist taking advantage of Mikado. I'm wondering if she's like...a changeling or bunnygirl.
Ha ok the translator gave up and explained via a tooltip that Mikado greets Rindo using a term for someone trying to look younger than they really are, which 'should never be used towards women'.
Rindo: What's wrong with trying to look young >:/
Il has brought 12 crepes "to thank Kotone"...and because each came with a unique coaster. Rindo smiles around Mikado as if nothing is wrong and Kotone thinks about how good he is at hiding his true feelings.
Two girls whisper how odd a "cool/dandy looking middle-aged man, cutie in a white coat, and foreign prince" are as a group.
Oh god I just remembered the word they're using for "middle aged man", "oji-san", literally means uncle.
Kotone finds herself irritated by other women thinking Rindo is hot. Sure, he's tall, handsome and charming, but...
Kotone: Are you popular with women? I...heard some girls saying you're cool >.>
Rindo: I suppose. I take it you don't see me in the same light? That's a shame. I guess I can't be that cool.
Kotone: Oh no I...I guess I can't imagine what kind of life you lead.
Ha he basically accused her of negging him, and then just says she needs more human friends, and asks when the last time was she spoke to any humans other than him and Mikado.
Kotone: Yesterday I spoke to the man at the grocery store >.>
Rindo: I know it can be hard to go out and make friends...so until then I guess you can talk to me as a 'human'. I know I'm being a busybody but I'm worried you're being swayed by the non-humans around you.
Kotone: What about you? You work long hours and spend your free time at Enchantge.
Rindo: ...you may have a point. But I spend my free time doing what I like. For example, going to this little cafe with a cute owner ;)
Kotone: That's still work >:(
Rindo POV. One reason for his long hours is having to tweak the data to hide quite how powerful Misyr is, to protect the regulars and "our dear girl". In his twenty years at GPM he's never been as close to anyone else. "They're not bad for non-humans".
Mikado shows up, as a reminder he looks like this: (I took this screenshot later in the route when I realised I didn't have one)
WAIT.
WAIT, IS MIKADO'S GIRLFRIEND HIS FOX DOLL. I didn't notice but she's been missing all route until now. As if...he didn't want her to hear about her present...
NO WONDER RINDO MADE A FACE
And I guess she is three dimensional /o\
Haaa yep. Kotone is initially flattered to be invited to meet the girlfriend but then a shiver goes down her spine watching Mikado talk to the doll, Kuu, as if she's responding to his affectionate conversation.
I mean maybe she is! Weirder things have happened in this game!
AND THEN KUU'S EYES MOVE.
HE SAYS SHE'S HUNGRY, ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVE TO EXPOSE A SCARRED ARM, AND KUU...
BITES. INTO. HIS. FLESH.
Me and Kotone: D: D: D:
Rindo, quietly coming into the room: Mikado...do you mind if I borrow Kotone for a second?
Mikado, Kuu's fangs still sunk deep into his arm: Of course, I was planning on spending this special day with Kuu anyway :) Oh, or we could have a double date!
Rindo: Maybe next time ^_^
When they get outside, Rindo is silent, looking defeated and ashamed.
KOtone: WHAT. WAS. THAT.
Rindo: That...is Mikado's girlfriend. It used to be human, now a class 2 non-human. And...my younger sister.
FUCK
Chapter 2:
Misyr: Um...Kotone, you've been grinding that coffee for an hour now?
Kotone left without asking any questions because Rindo looked so miserable, but keeps reliving the memory of what she saw. And Rindo's been avoiding her ever since. The other regulars are concerned but she doesn't want to violate Rindo's trust. She settles for asking if they know if humans can become non-humans.
Canus, Il, and Ignis say they're only familiar with mixed heritage people like Kariya. Misyr is quiet for a while then says he's never heard of it happening but it could be possible. HMM.
Misyr: Let me ask you: What is the difference between humans and non-humans?
Kotone: Your appearance. And you have magic and special powers.
Misyr: Not all of us look so different. And that smartphone you're holding has impressive powers too!
Kotone: Hmm.
Misyr: Kotone...if you want to understand Rindo, you'll have to dig deeper. He may act like he trusts you, but I'm sure he's still cautious, trying to act like a mature adult.
Kotone realises Misyr is right: Rindo is never vulnerable in front of her, probably afraid of being hurt. She's thought of them as close, but does he ultimately see her as a stranger? Just a kid he can't trust?
Misyr: You need to get up close and personal, or he'll keep pulling away.
Kotone: Isn't that a bit much?
Misyr: I've known him a long time, he won't mind. Though he's a lot more conservative than it looks so it won't be easy.
Just what is he suggesting o.O He cheerfully mutters about being a softie when it comes to helping out his rivals.
Kotone and Ignis see Rindo subdue and kill a demon lion, softly muttering "I'm sorry" as he shoots it. Ignis jumps up from their hiding spot to admire Rindo's moves and offer tips, but Kotone is quiet.
Rindo explains that the lion had lived here for 30 years as a woman's pet. But after she died, it went wild, and when tranquillisers failed there was no other choice.
Ignis leaves the two to talk. Rindo talks calmly about non-humans who accidentally killed friends or lovers with well intentioned expressions of affection. It's nobody's fault, but what's normal to non-humans isn't normal to humans.
Kotone asks if this is what happened to his sister, and grabs onto his arm when he looks like he's going to try to leave. They're so close she can see his eyes shaking.
Kotone: Please, I want to know what non-humans and humans mean to you.
He mutters that he'll visit the cafe that night.
Aw Kariya has been working on an ice coffee float that looks like the little demon seal Kororo. Misyr made the coffee and Kariya made (and froze) the icecream. Kotone is sure Ignis told them she was down and Kariya gets all blushy when she thanks him.
But seeing Kororo affectionately headbutt Kariya, Kotone wonders what would happen if Kororo got really big, or had to be parted from Kariya and Ignis.
When Rindo arrives he and Kotone cheerfully banter, and she asks if his conversations with Souan were similar. He says yes and avoids the question of whether he flirted with Souan the same way haha. Souan used to lecture Rindo to spend more time with humans, and enjoy life, but also helped him get to know the non-humans.
She gets the sense Rindo feels he doesn't deserve to openly mourn Souan, since he was here for the GPM. But Rindo says he'd still keep coming here even if he didn't work for them, because he likes everyone. Including Kotone.
Kotone: Are you going to leave your job?
Rindo: I can't. Sure, I thought about it, especially when Shizuku became non-human...
She was the opposite of Rindo, straightforward and honest, though with a lot of secrets (?). She was the last of Rindo's family, though they weren't always close because of the age gap (what with her only being eight years older than Kotone lol) She worked in R&D with Mikado.
Seven years ago:
Shizuku: Remember to eat and not just work!
Rindo: Same to you.
Shizuku: Oh, I'm going out to dinner with Akira ;)
Rindo: Wait- AKIRA MIKADO? ARE YOU TWO-
Shizuku: Surely I don't need to explain. Bye ^_^
But Rindo actually thought Mikado was a decent guy and enjoyed hanging out with the two of them.
And then Shizuku took an experiment to use non-human energy for healing too far, and was transformed. She became mindlessly violent, sucking her coworkers of blood. Rindo stared at her, bleeding out, gun shaking, and whispered "I'm sorry", and then... Mikado jumped in front of Shizuku before Rindo could fire his gun.
Mikado: I have a treatment that represses non-human cells...it should bring her back to us, or at least control her from going wild. And...she would make for an invaluable sample! So please...don't kill Shizuku!!
And so she was classified as a "sample" and put into a comatose state, except for when she needs to feed.
THAT'S SOME MESSED UP WOMEN AS OBJECTS SHIT OTOMATE
Rindo gives his usual gentle smile, and Kotone wonders how much pain it hides.
Rindo: I'm sure seeing her feed on Mikado scared you. But that's just normal for her, she's living the best way she can.
Kotone feels out of her depth, but thanks Rindo for telling her, and says she realises why he's been warning her about the dangers of humans being around non-humans.
He talks about how human and non-human relationships almost always end in tragedy, which makes me wonder if he is or will become non-human by the end of the path. Oh, or if Kotone is/will!
He leans over the counter, so their faces are close, and for a moment Kotone is lost in how beautiful his eyes are.
Rindo: Do you like me?
Kotone: (....DOES HE MEAN...AS A HUMAN???....) ...well, I appreciate the-
Rindo: Yes or no.
Kotone: I-I guess you can say...it's a 'yes'...
Rindo: Glad to hear it. Now...who do you like more out of Misyr and Canus?
Kotone: WHY ALL THE WEIRD QUESTIONS >:(
Rindo: Just seeing if I'm your first pick :)
She grumpily thinks that she doesn't like comparing her loyal patrons. Though Rindo and Misyr are oddly similar, both treating her like a kid who needs protecting.
Rindo: Kotone...
Kotone: What? It better not be another weird question.
Rindo: Want to go on a date?
Yeah... I'm not sure he sees you as a kid, Kotone.
Just as she's closing up shop, blushing at the idea of going on a proper date with Rindo and wondering what's up with him, Mikado shows up. With Kuu /o\
He gives her a weird little alien doll as a thankyou, saying "Kuu was very appreciative of her present. Isn't that right, Kuu?"
Kotone can't hide her discomfort and eventually says she knows the truth. Mikado goes blank for a moment, then smiles and says that Shizuku is still Shizuku to him, and he's just happy she's still alive.
Mikado: I know people at the GPM think our relationship is strange. Do you?
Me: YES
The walkthrough: Not at all!
Kotone: What brings you love and gives you joy...can be whatever you want them to be.
Mikado: That's the first time someone has said that :)
Me: How about some non-het love then Otomate >:/
Mikado POV as he walks back home with Kuu, reminiscing to her about her needing lots of sugar in her coffee for all that brain work, and apologising that it's taking so long to bring her back to human form.
Assistant: Are you truly satisfied with this situation, as long as she's alive?
Mikado: No eavesdropping on my conversation with Kuu!
Assistant: That wasn't a conversation.
Mikado: ...haha. Of course I'm not satisfied. I want to talk to her. I want to see her smile. I want her to live...yet I'm taking away her freedom, injecting her with suppressant to keep her quiet. Sometimes I wonder if it would be be better to just let her go on a rampage.
But she had a strong sense of justice. As it is, she would want to repent for her experiment causing so many deaths.
Assistant/Solitus gasps slightly at the idea of not wanting the person you love to have blood on their hands. But then he tells Mikado he's been offered a promotion, and knowing it may give him more funds for research, Mikado takes it. All that matters is helping Shizuku.
Chapter 3:
Kotone's on her date with Rindo, sitting in his car feeling VERY self conscious. Maybe dates aren't a big deal to HIM but they are to her! He tells her to relax and just enjoy herself.
Rindo: You look cute...did any of your 'Guardians' interrogate why you were dressed up?
She thinks back to Misyr offering her a magic alarm to summon him if Rindo needs beating down while Il and Ignis offered to just kill him in advance to save time. Canus offered to come along on the date as a compromise.
Kotone: So they did let me out but they treated me like a kid >:(
Rindo: I think they're worried because you're not a kid >.>
He takes her to...his apartment, a large luxury apartment with a great view, clean and unused looking, and so minimalist it's almost empty, with no signs of Rindo's personality. She has trouble imagining what he does here when he's alone and has free time.
Kotone is very embarrassed to be alone in a guy's home, though Rindo tries to put her at ease and says he just thought this would be more cosy. Then she hears a high pitched voice from another room.
Kotone: WAIT DOES HE HAVE A GIRLFRIEND???!!
Kuurey, the tiny little clay dude from Chapter 8: Hello Lady Kotone!
Kotone: Who is he...she...is she your wife?!
Kuurey: You are correct. I have done an excellent job of caring for this home.
Rindo: HEY >:(
Aw, the little dude is helping the GPM with their investigation and had nowhere else to stay. He's the one who asked Rindo to bring her here.
Rindo: I did want this to be a real date...but I figured it wasn't a good idea to bring you here alone.
Kotone: You could have just explained!
Rindo: I wanted to see your reaction ;)
Kuurey don't use names, and the GPM uses codenames, so Kotone turns "Code ten" in Japanese to the name "Ten" in English. Ten likes it.
Haaa Kotone offers to help in the kitchen and thinks it's BREATHTAKING but sadly empty. She finds the idea of knowing how to cook but relying on eating out and energy drinks incomprehensible, especially from a grownup. So he takes her out to buy supplies to cook lunch, cheerfully going along with the shopkeeper assuming they're a couple.
Is he planning to propose or something. I can see him jumping to that.
Embarrassed, and frustrated that Rindo isn't embarrassed, Kotone looks at the two of them in a mirror. He doesn't look like her brother or father. She can see how they look like a couple. But does he see her as a younger sister? What is this sharp feeling in her chest...
Haaa he says that while he doesn't like to look back on that time, he learned how to cook because he thought it would get girls.
They have a lovely time. As Rindo puts the now drunk Ten to bed (Guess he was drowning his sorrows at not being Rindo's wife), Kotone mutters to herself "I wonder if Mr Rindo has a girlfriend".
Rindo: I don't have a girlfriend. I've been too busy...like with Shizuku.
Kotone: (Ohh that's why this place is so empty) :(
Rindo: But I wouldn't mind if you were my girlfriend.
Kotone: (Now he's trying to change subject and cheer me up)
Rindo: How about it, want to be this old man's girlfriend? ;)
Kotone: What would you do if I said yes? >:(
Rindo: ... o.O
Kotone: (WHY DID I SAY THAT) ...
Rindo: UH. UM. Good...to...hear?
Kotone: ...
Rindo: SO WE SURE BOUGHT A LOT OF KITCHEN STUFF HUH?
Kotone: WE SURE DID!
Ok this is adorable.
He says he'll have to get more supplies "in case she stops by again", then shows her a letter he got from Souan before he died, telling Rindo to take better care of himself, and take care of Kotone if she takes over the shop, or of the gate if she doesn't.
Rindo says Souan was like a second father to him, and talked about Kotone a lot, wanting her to live a normal life even if she took over the cafe. Rindo says she seems happy with things as they are, but if she ever wants a normal happy life he'll help her get it.
Kotone: What is a normal happy life to you? Your life is full of non-humans too.
He pulls her close.
Rindo: If you live alongside non-humans, eventually time will catch up with you and you'll find out humans and non-humans are not alike. Don't ever forget that a normal happy life is within your reach.
Kotone: Please don't forget what it means to have a normal happy life yourself. And that goes for your home life, your environment, and your live life. You always put others before yourself.
He leans closer and whispers "Maybe we should find out what happiness means together" She feels his breath on her lips...
...and then his phone rings and they pull apart.
Misyr: Hello, this is the Hell Police. We sensed you were about to do something evil to a girl ^_^
Kotone: WERE THEY WATCHING D: Though of course...he was just...lecturing me...
Rindo: You think I'd do something like that? But I'll take her home so you can stop worrying.
Afterwards, Rindo looks at his empty apartment, even emptier without her. He'd been trying to remind her that spending time with humans is fun...only for her to point out he was even more cut off from humanity than she was, and avoiding his own happiness. And though she's much younger than him, she blinds him with her light.
Rindo sends Kotone a text saying Ten wants her to visit again to give her a gift. Kotone realises she's really excited by the idea of hanging out with Rindo again. Is this a normal happy life? Does she have feelings for him...? BUT NO SURELY NOT IT COULD NEVER WORK. Though compared to, like, Misyr, the age gap is barely anything...
The gift is a little mini Kuurey idol that brings fortune and increases business. Then a GPM courier comes to take Ten home to his island, clearly seeing Ten as a package and weirded out by Kotone treating him like a person.
Afterwards Rindo says GPM employees cover the range from guys like that who distrust non-humans to people like Mikado super into non-humans, with Rindo in the middle. That guy is one of the many who joined after a non-human killed someone close to him.
Rindo meanwhile joined out of curiosity, and only became cautious after what happened to Shizuku. Worried about him "as a regular of Enchante" Kotone asks him to tell her more about Shizuku: not her tragedy, but her as a person.
He's quietly grateful, saying he has no one else to talk to about her.
He was 15 years older, so very protective, especially after their parents died. As he talks about her his eyes are gentle, but sad.
Rindo: Well, it's getting late, I should take you back before the others jump me.
Kotone: Um. Can I stay a bit longer? I don't want you to be alone.
Rindo, covering his eyes and sighing: Don't pamper an old man like me.
Kotone: Everyone likes to be pampered sometimes, right? (ah, that probably sounds childish)
Rindo: ...ah...you're making he remember what I once gave up...
He touches her cheek, and her heart speeds up as...his phone rings.
But it's Mikado. He hoarsely whispers "Rindo..I'm sorry" and then the call ends. Then one of Rindo's subordinates calls, screams for help, and is cut off.
Rindo wants to drop Kotone somewhere safe but she insists she go straight to the GPM while she calls Enchante. Inside, he sees a bodies drained of blood, and then a dark clawed figure...calls his name in his sister's voice...
Shizuku's voice now sounds like a cross between a crow and an emptying drain.
Kotone, waiting in the car, sees Il flying out of the building with a comatose Rindo. He's been hexed.
Back at Enchante Rindo writhes in pain, unconscious and splotched with black, and nothing Misyr or Il tries seems to help. The next day the GPM acts like nothing happened, and Mikado still isn't answering his phone. Kotone has to be pushed to sleep instead of staying by Rindo's side.
Ignis is delighted when Rindo wakes 3 days later, thanks to Misyr and "that closeted game freak". Um.
Rindo: I hate that I made you so worried when I promised Souan I'd look after you.
Kotone: Just let me be worried, got it? I'll take responsibility for getting you back in tiptop shape.
Kotone cheerfully thanks Misyr and Il...who have to tell her that they didn't cure him. The hex is sucking his life force, and he only has two days to live. They promise to keep trying, but there's no hope in their eyes. Misyr sadly says he's never saved anyone: he's a demon king, and can only create destruction.
Kotone: But he woke up! He was smiling, and only in a little bit of pain!
Il: Not 'a little bit' :(
Kotone lies in bed unable to accept it, thinking of her memories of Rindo. And then she gets a call from Mikado, saying it's a matter of life or death for Rindo, and she should come to the park alone.
The walkthrough says to make a separate save file then choose to go, I can only imagine what happens if you don't :( She didn't tell anyone which seems UNWISE but hopefully their stalking tendencies will come in handy for once.
Mikado says he called her because she's the only person who approved of him and Shizuku ohhh this is not going to end well.
Mikado: I consider Rindo my friend, and want to save him, whatever it takes. What about you? If you have the means to save him, but it isn't something he wants....
Kotone: I...
Mikado: I made a similar choice once, with horrible results.
And then he hands her a vial of "pure evil" created by the GPM: Metaplasia, which turns humans into non-humans.
Mikado: This will save Rindo's life. But only you can save his soul. You didn't laugh at me and Shizuku. So I'm sure you can save him.
Kotone: Mikado! What happened to Shizuku?
Mikado: Shizuku and I have something we need to take care of. Only tragedy awaits, but once it's over, you and Rindo...
And then he walks away.
Oh wow. I was kinda expecting Rindo to become non-human, but not like this. And what's going on with Shizuku??
Also: WHAT KIND OF NON HUMAN? A cute little fairy or a bloodthirsty beast or what? This is important information!
Naturally Canus was following her, and they go back to the cafe.
Misyr: Humans turning into non-humans is no different from being born again. It means they are forgoing everything they lived for as a mortal.
Canus: Whatever choice you make, you must accept his fate.
Il: One of the most beautiful aspects of being human is free will. Going against his wishes, wouldn't we have technically killed him?
Ignis: Just use the damn thing. Worrying about human versus non-human is a luxury in comparison to him dying.
Kariya: I'm just a kid, so this is a bit beyond me...but I know what it's like to 'turn into' a non-human. I want to live as a human, but I can't, and at first I thought it would be better to be dead. But...I'm happy right now. And it's all thanks to Mr Rindo. I want him to live, so I can thank him for telling me to live!
Another save file, and I have her choose to give Rindo the metaplasia.
She thinks about everything he said about humans and non-humans and knows that this will mean the end of the normal life he was trying to build for himself. The end of the relationship they were starting to build together. He spits up the medicine and she forces it down his throat with a kiss, knowing that when he wakes he may hate her. But all that matters is that he lives.
Rindo wakes (with no sprite), and sees Kotone leaning against the bed beside him, asleep. He reaches out to pat her head but there is the sound of static and he is wracked with pain.
He stumbles downstairs and though it's the middle of the night finds Misyr at the counter.
Misyr: Finally awake? You're looking pretty good :( Sit down and I'll make you a coffee and explain everything.
Rindo: This is my responsibility for not doing what I should have done seven years ago. I'll end this myself...
Misyr: Like that?
Misyr pokes Rindo lightly and he collapses in pain. The sound has Kotone awake and running down the stairs...
Oh no he's not hot :(
I mean base Rindo is moderately cute and I like the inky swirls but his hand looks silly and I am really not into exposed jaws.
Kotone stares at him and he looks away.
At the GPM an old man runs for his life, but eventually falls and is half-eaten by something with dark claws.
Man: Why is this happening to me??
Mikado: Are you stupid? You know damn well why this is happening, Deputy Commissioner.
Man: You ingrate! I promoted you!
Mikado: I do appreciate that, truly. It's what led me to the truth. Come here, Shizuku.
Man: You....monster!
Mikado: Did he mean that as an insult? He is the true monster.
Interspecies power couple:
Like, this is still super messed up, but it's more interestingly messed up than her as a passive object.
After she eats the man, Shizuku rasps out Mikado's name, and he wonders how many more it will take until she is human again. She shakes, and even Mikado can't tell if she's happy or sad.
Kotone goes to talk to Rindo, consumed with guilt, he tries to cheer her up and she wishes he'd just curse at her.
Rindo: You saved my life, so feel free to smile. Your smile is like medicine to me.
He pats the top of her head, and though his hand feels different now, she does her best to smile,.
She overhears Canus asking Rindo how he's doing, and he's all "Being a non-human isn't so bad, I seem to be stronger now". Canus gently but doggedly tells Rindo there's no way he's that ok with it so quickly, and he shouldn't bottle up all his negative emotions (NOT LIKE YOU, CANUS), offering a shoulder to cry on.
At first Rindo is all "No really I'm fine" but eventually he quietly talks about how, before, even though it was way too early he'd found himself thinking about the kind of future he might have with Kotone: meeting her parents, buying matching rings... But he saw what things were like for Mikado, who put on a smile but was clearly miserable. How could he do that to Kotone? He breaks down and cries that he didn't choose this.
Kotone is completely consumed with guilt.
This is legitimately sad, but I also think Rindo should be allowed to have a little selfish sadness about the parts of his life not about Kotone. And Canus himself is proof that visibly non-human people can interact with the human world a moderate amount, the main problem for Mikado was that Shizuku became a NON SENTIENT KILLING MACHINE. Rindo could pass as a high budget cosplayer.
Also there's still been no discussion of what species he (kinda) is! Maybe they don't know, but still, when "mindless killing machine" is on the table I think they should at least bring up the question.
Anyway.
The next day the other guys are going to investigate GPM but tell Rindo he shouldn't come: he's weird enough to be captured as a test subject, but not strong enough to defend himself. He understands, but feel useless. And then Kotone storms up to him from the kitchen and says "Let's go on a date".
They go to an amusement park, Rindo borrowed a hoodie from Ignis but is still obviously worried about being seen. Still, they mostly have a nice time.
Rindo: Thank you for taking me out today. After all, I doubt we'll be able to go out very often now that-
Kotone: That's not true! Sure, things won't be the same but...we're still here dating, aren't we? Though I know I don't have the right to tell you being a non-human doesn't matter when I'm the one who did this to you :(
He says he agrees now with Misyr that humans and non-humans aren't so different. He kisses her cheek, like you would a child.
Rindo: My motivations are the same as before. I just wants you to be happy. So if you don't mind me as I am...I wouldn't mind if you asked me out again.
Kotone: You're...going to forgive me?
Rindo: There's nothing to forgive.
Yet she feels like he'll leave her the moment he decides she's stopped feeling guilty. She wants 'some way to shackle him to her without him knowing'? Wow, ok then Kotone.
Kotoner: Mr Rindo...will you be my boyfriend?
Rindo: o.O What? You... don't have to feel obligated because-
Kotone: I love you. It doesn't matter if you're human or not. I love you because of who you are.
Rindo: ...I can't make you happy. I could bring harm to you without knowing. So many things could go wrong...
He's trying to distance himself, and she isn't going to take it any more. There is a cute CG of him looking totally surprised as she leans up to kiss him.
GO KOTONE
Kotone points out that some of the changes might be good, like his longer life span making up for the age gap. She asks him not to put distance between them because of things they don't know, especially when her 'normal' isn't 'normal' anyway. He pulls her into a hug.
Back at Enchante, bad news: the GPM building is covered in a strange, slimy, red-black "shadow" that sucks out non-humans life force and curses humans with the same sort of hex Rindo had. Mikado's voice comes out of it telling the others to stay out of the way, but inviting Rindo and Kotone to "chat".
A path opens in the shadow, and Mikado says "I promise I won't hurt them. They are my good friends after all." Kotone persuades Rindo to let her come.
They climb the empty, slime covered steps, trying not to think about how many people would have been working here today who are now just...gone.
Mikado tells them a story: When he got promoted to the new division, the very first thing he saw was a human-turned-non-human 'volunteer' violently freaking out. This is the secret lab for experiments even the rest of the GPM balks at, trying to give humans beneficial non-human traits 'for the good of humanity'.
*imagines this is set in the same Universe as Hakuoki, and the Shinsengumi were given their orders by a government department that eventually became the GPM*
The "volunteers" are terminally ill or criminals. But alas so far they have all ended up non-sentient and violent. They're looking forward to seeing what Mikado can do, as a genius willing to do all sorts of weird things in the name of research.
And at first, even though he thought it immoral, he was willing to go along with it. But then Kuu started to twitch when he passed a particular shelf of documents. It's histories of various 'failed experiments': how they got coerced into 'volunteering', the fact they failed, and how they were killed.
And then he finds Case 92:
Subject: R&D R. Tried to expose No.2's inhumane practices. See video. Currently under Akira Mikado's care. Under strict surveillance. No particular results yet.
The video shows Shizuku being given painful injections that slowly turned her non-human. Akira freaks out, and decides humans are the true monsters.
Oh wow Mikado tells Rindo he's glad Rindo didn't turn into a murder monster, implying he had no reason to believe that wouldn't happen?? Oh, ok, he did alter it (with Shizuku's blood!), he just wasn't sure. Also, the process allows primal emotions to take hold, but for Rindo his hope for survival was stronger than his fear of death. Kotone really did save his soul.
Rindo: I'm here to stop you, no matter what.
Mikado: What if there was a way to change you and Shizuku back to human form? Every time she absorbs someone's life force she regains her sanity! Isn't that right, Shizuku?
Shizuku: Ak...i...ra...
Mikado: :D
Kotone and Rindo: D:
Mikado: She can be the person she was before...and at the expense of the organisation that killed her!
As he rants with hatred, the shadow around Shizuku grows.
Kotone: Even if Shiozuku came back...how many more innocent lives would it take? She wouldn't want-
Mikado: I know. But I'll carry these sins with her. Didn't you want to save Rindo even though it would weigh on your conscience? Help us! Help yourself and Rindo! We can all return to normal life as humans together!
HMMM SHOULD I AGREE TO HELP??
From all the save points the walkthrough is encouraging me to make, this route has hella bad ends. But for now, I say no.
Rindo: Shizuku wouldn't be happy. And it's not absolute that humans and non-humans can't get along. I'm not going to be controlled by a fear of the unknown. Don't underestimate what we call normal!
Kotone, knowing he's basically quoting her: :D
Mikado, furious, extends his hand and Shizuku attacks. I wonder how much of this is him projecting his feelings through her. Rindo says he'll stop them as Shizuku's brother and Mikado's friend.
The two siblings fight using their inhuman claws, defending the small squishy humans they love. But first Shizuku bows and says "Kao...ru". Something about the way they're fighting feels like they're communicating.
Mikado: There's nothing you and I can do now but cheer them on. But will our persistence prevail? Or your sense of hope? Despite loving a non-human, what made us go our separate ways...
I think...the murder? It was probably the murder.
Mikado: Rindo, just stop. Kaoru doesn't want to kill you.
AND WHO'S MAKING HER??
Though she says 'Protect...Akira..." so at least some of this is her own will.
Just as she's about the make the final blow...Ignis and Canus appear, having taken the long way through GPM's gate to Bestia. Il and Misyr wave from the sky where they're doing some sort of spell to fight the shadow.
Canus: This goes against my mantra of fighting fairly...
Canus, most of your 'fights' are against unarmed fairies the size of your hand.
But then Shizuku's shadow swallows them. Kotone feels her strength falling away, and can't tell if she's being consumed or embraced. Everyone falls...except Rindo, who was turned with Shizuku's blood, and so is immune to her. He shouts that Mikado and Shizuku are good people, too precious to him for him to ever give up on them.
Rindo prevails, and is about to strike the final blow, his eyes full of sorrow. Once again Mikado runs to block the blow, grovelling for forgiveness, saying they will atone.
But now that Kotone (and other humans) has been inflicted with Shizuku's hex, the only way to lift it is for Shizuku to die.
Shizuku roars with what's left of her strength, but Mikado embraces her saying it's the end...and she runs him through, before crumbling away.
Mikado: Why the long face? Now...you don't have to kill your friend...My body was on it's way out anyway. Shizuku's experiments required...samples.
He sobs to what's left of her, as if to an animate object, saying there was another way, if he hadn't decided the only way they could be happy was as humans. And he drinks a vial of metaplasia: too late to save himself, but so they will be non-humans together in death.
Credits
Rindo: Life isn't actually so bad, especially with a cute owner by my side ;) *pulls Kotone towards him*
Misyr: Ahaha! Such a cute couple I might burn Rindo to a crisp :)
And then Rindo helps her with chores. I ship this way more than I expected.
Misyr and Il cleaned up the hexed GPM building and burned the research on turning humans into non humans. Rindo took a leave of absence from the GPM and has been staying at Enchante.
Kotone: You've gotten pretty good at helping me out :)
Rindo: It's just what I know from living alone...though my arm isn't much help.
KOtone: :(
Rindo: It's just the truth!
Kotone: I just worry about you. I know the GPM want you back, but remember to put yourself first.
Rindo: Then how about you hire me here full time ;) People like the Shizuku and Mikado coffee blends I created.
Then he says he's been thinking about the future, and finally feels able to respond to the heartfelt words she said before. He kisses her.
Rindo: I'm still not sure what to expect with this body. There may be times I feel regret. But whatever my anxieties...my love for you will always be stronger. Will you still hold my hand?
Kotone: Unbelievable! You should have done this sooner!
Rindo: I was worried you'd say no and laugh at me! But I take it you wouldn't mind if I made another move?
This time they kiss each other, expressing all the feelings in their hearts.
THE END
Awww! The whole...Little Sister Issues thing was certainly Something (like, they never directly equate Kotone and Shizuku, but there's an obvious parallel, and then he kills one to save the other) But overall I liked that a lot. And while it wasn't femdom exactly it was way more complex and interesting a dynamic than I was expecting.
Though she never actually uses his given name! Maybe that'll be in a DLC.
Also, I hope all these energy draining plots are leading to some overall theme and aren't just lazy writing.
Prologue 4:
Background: the gate, at a strange angle.
"Betrayed. I stared where he was supposed to be in anger and despair. He is no longer bound to this place. How? Why? He and I were supposed to be equals. He was supposed to be with me. Why was he the only one who was saved? What was the difference between me and him? A fierce rage pierces my heart at my friend's betrayal. Disappointment. Despair. Envy. Longing. Feelings that should have dissolved long ago."
Well! One more route until we meet Misyr's ex boyfriend, I guess!
The title cards for the prologues have the latin "tu fui ego eris" which is a graveyard inscription meaning "I was you; you will be me".
Bad End 1:
Let's just not meet with Mikado, assuming it's a trap. There must be a better way!
There isn't! Rindo dies.
Bad End 2:
Consumed with indecision, Kotone drops the vial before she can turn Rindo non-human. He dies.
Bad End 3:
Kotone agrees to help Mikado, and before Rindo can object Shizuku wraps them up in shadow. A wave of shadow rolls out to consume the surrounding city and Kotone wonders how many will be left alive by the time Rindo and Shizuku become human.
(And then they all live happily ever after, I'm sure)
Bad Ending (alternate final chapter): ...actually, that's enough death for the moment, maybe later.
Next up, Ignis, who I was more enthused about before seeing what an ASS he was to Il, but hopefully there won't be too much of that on his own route.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-28 07:13 pm (UTC)Haha, so the sister reveal was WTF to me, but I suspected pretty early he was dating the doll.
Had our powers combined, we would have figured out the plot. ;)
Kotone thinks most girls wouldn't like these but doesn't think to ask what this particular girl is into. Not all girls are generic otome heroines, Kotone ;P
:PPP
I feel like Shizuku would actually like test tubes!!
Assistant/Solitus gasps slightly at the idea of not wanting the person you love to have blood on their hands
I laughed out loud. :P Humans are weird that way, Solitus!
Like, this is still super messed up, but it's more interestingly messed up than her as a passive object.This is legitimately sad, but I also think Rindo should be allowed to have a little selfish sadness about the parts of his life not about Kotone.
I could see him being sad about his job! I think one reading may be that he's...using Kotone as a focus for talking about his emotions (because he's so not used to thinking about himself, and he needs to...find a way to relate his feelings to someone else to do that), and because she genuinely brought a sense of potential and possibility to his life.
And maybe part of it is that he's more comfortable talking about romance than the other human bits or GPM bits to Canus, too. I think that might fit with his Very Selective Show of Vulnerability.
But...that just gets even sadder.
Rindo could pass as a high budget cosplayer.
HA. And surely it's better to pass as a high budget one than a low budget one.
Maybe they don't know, but still, when "mindless killing machine" is on the table I think they should at least bring up the question.
I was SO surprised Kotone just fell asleep next to him after administrating the metaplasia! "mindless killing machine" was very much on the table then!
She wants 'some way to shackle him to her without him knowing'? Wow, ok then Kotone.
...yeah, still wtf.
*imagines this is set in the same Universe as Hakuoki, and the Shinsengumi were given their orders by a government department that eventually became the GPM*
OOOOH.
Well! One more route until we meet Misyr's ex boyfriend, I guess!
So many potentially murderous ex boyfriends in this route!
I think...the murder? It was probably the murder.
Hahahahaha. That seems like a good guess! Are you sure, though? Maybe it was the theme park.
I could not bring myself do to bad end #3, so thank you for the summary.
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