Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Being crushed to death by a rock isn’t something you want to experience ever again.

It was fast, yes, but not instantaneous. There was still time, however brief, where your brain had to catch up with the fact it was dying before it was dead. Very, very unpleasant.

You breathe, and take comfort in breathing. You’re fine. This can be a learning experience for next time.

Next time…

…

Back to work, Siffrin. You have a country to save.

You‘ll always remember this. This Looping. It pools like radiance in your hands, and you can almost touch its glittering surface as if it’s a crystal orb made of beautiful black and white sand. Manifested for none but you to behold.

[Memories are a type of item you can equip. Each Memory is specific to one character, and gives them special abilities.

For example, the Memory you just got can only be equipped by you. When Memory of Looping is equipped, it’ll boost your MaxHP by +5 per loop.

You can equip Memories by opening your menu and going to the Equip section!]

You look around, giving pause as you sit up. It just happened again. What is that voice you’ve been hearing…?

It was there while in Dormont, giving you reminders, telling you about the statue of the Change God, and then in the House it was muttering about everyone’s abilities while they went over strategy. And about those strange little lights that could heal everyone and act as a checkpoint. Then after you died it whispered to remind you of your demise right before you woke up again.

Now it was talking about statistics and nonsense.

Who’s there?

…No answer. Frustrated, you try to “equip” the memory, whatever the crab that’s supposed to mean. The light shines unhelpfully in your hands, docile and completely useless. You glare at the sky with a growl.

“I said, who’s there?!”

[…]

[Haha, you’re silly! It’s just me!]

You freeze. That actually worked?

[You can hear me, right? I wasn’t sure if you could, because you’ve been super hush-hush about it ever since I got here.

Like, you didn’t even acknowledge me in the House! Rude~

But if you can actually communicate with me, that makes my job easier!]

“Who…” You take a handful of arbitrary steps that bring you nowhere, as you scour your surroundings again. There’s no one in sight. “How are you doing that? You- you know about the loops?”

[Yupperoo, sure do! Gosh, I’m so happy you can hear me!

Let’s talk about this later- you should do your rounds with your party. Head to the Favor Tree when you’re done, and I’ll tell you more!

Don’t forget to pretend you’re normal and that you totally didn’t die in the House!]

“What?! Wait, come back!”

Of course, nothing happens. With a visceral groan, you kick up the grass and dirt.

Ugh…I guess I should go talk with Mira, then…

It’s so strange to go through the conversations for a second time. You manage to keep your cool, but you wonder if anyone has caught on to your discomfort. But admittedly, fixing the mistake you made last time (when you upset Mirabelle) feels good.

Nothing really changes, aside from Isabeau mentioning that the Favor Tree feels strange. When you ask why, he says, quote, “I dunno, it feels…stronger somehow.”

“Look at you, Mister Helpful,” you tease.

“Ah.” He has the decency to appear guilty, and struggles to elaborate. “Okay, so, like…have you ever walked into a campsite, and even though the fireplace is out, you can tell it was used recently? There’s some heat and you can smell smoke…”

This catches your attention. “Yes?”

“It’s like that, except there’s no heat or smoke.”

Seeing your bewildered expression, he hurriedly backtracks. “I mean that it’s more like- there’s this pressure! It’s hard to explain. Like a presence that was there, but then left.”

“…so the presence can be likened to the fire that’s been put out?“

“Yes! Exactly!” He gasps, “Oooh, maybe it’s resonating with our wishes to save Vaguarde!”

You laugh, but you do remember the voice’s words. Surely it’s not a coincidence. “Maybe I’ll check it out.”

He nods. “Um…I’m gonna go soon so you can do your thing with the tree, but do you wanna talk before I go?”

[You don’t need to talk to your allies about things you’ve already talked about, but the option is still here just in case you need a refresher!]

It takes everything in you not to flinch or twitch. You tip your head downwards, touching your hat in an effort to hide your face. “Um, I think that’s all. See you, Isa.”

Once the conversation is over and he’s run off to the clock tower, you stalk to the foot of the tree and send a withering look into its canopy. “Okay, what the crab was that about?!”

[Teehee~ hello again!]

“I know you never left! You said you’d tell me more, right?”

[Haha, I did say that. Ahem~]

Just like the memory, light gathers in front of the tree. It forms until…it’s a star. A bright, pretty star made of ever-shifting beams. It hovers in front of your face, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

“Nice to meet you, stranger!” It chirps, a little more real and grounded, no longer coming from the depths of your brain. The voice is light yet warped, layered with bending sound.

A…star?

There’s an instinct stirring within you, from a past that you no longer have. You can do nothing but stare in wide-eyed awe at what is before you. Reverence and wonder had been emblazoned into your life in regards to the universe- that was all you were able to salvage from the empty void that was your memories.

“…” With a chuckle, the star pivots forth to bop your nose before pulling away again playfully. “My, struck speechless at the sight of me, are you?

The contact is like cool moonlight briefly cast upon your face. Surprisingly, you only flinch because it startled you, not because of the way it feels.

“Awww,” coos the star. “You’re just the cutest thing, stardust!”

You grimace. “Stardust?”

“So lost and confused and wondering, wow, did I just go back in time? Your face is adorable when you look at me like that, though!“

“This is new,” you justify lamely.

“I suppose it is!” The star twirls around, full of barely-bridled energy. “Everything’s new, isn’t it? Especially dying. Poor stardust!”

“Don’t call me-”

“What, stardust? It’s what you are.”

“That-”

“What else should I call you? Lovely host? Director?”

“That’s not my name.”

A huff. “Technically, neither is Siffrin.”

That strikes a chord. You close your mouth. The star goes very still, then ventures forth to press itself against your cheek. “…o-oh, I said that out loud. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

Cool moonlight. You breathe, in and out. The star clearly didn’t have any bad intentions. “I-it’s fine. Why ‘stardust,’ though?”

“Because everyone’s got a bit of a star in them, don’t they?” Perking up, the star circles you enthusiastically. “Everyone means you, too, stardust!”

You frown. “So, what exactly are you?”

“I’m a star!”

“Obviously. I mean, how do you know me and how were you talking in my head?”

It comes to a stop in front of you again. “The universe sent me!”

“The universe?”

“Yup! I’m here to help and guide you through these turbulent looping times! Whenever you die, you’ll get sent back to the beginning and have to do it all over again. Unlike your party members, I’ll remember with you. It’s easier if you got someone on your side!”

Wow. That was…a lot. But it sounds like a really useful power. Your brow furrows. “…I never asked for your help, though?”

“Tough luck, stardust!!! I’m helping you anyways!!! I kinda have to, since I’m stuck in your body.”

Woah woah woah back up, back up. “You are what.”

“You, me, one!”

“You’re lying.”

“You asked me how it is that I’m talking in your head. This is the reason.” The star flutters its light like heavenly wings. “The universe sent me to be your helper, and to do that, I was implanted in your head. I’m a part of you! Like your conscience!”

“No way you’re my conscience.” Your head throbs painfully. “Why would the universe…?”

“I dunno, that’s just how it is.”

You cross your arms. “What do you mean you don’t know? If you were sent here, you gotta know something.”

The star falters. “I…know that my mission given to me by the universe is to help you through the loops. I know that I’m being hosted by you. I know that I can only manifest like this next to the Favor Tree, because anywhere else I’ll be reduced to a voice in your head.

“I know about the loops, about secret mechanics that I’m supposed to teach you- like equipping Memories. And I have these little inklings I can’t quite grasp. That’s it, I think.”

Sounds familiar. “That’s it?”

“Yeah. Oh, I also know stuff about you because I was rummaging around in your memories!”

“Hey-!”

“But I don’t know anything about myself, really.”

The argument dies on your tongue. You sigh and rub your head. You feel bad now- it’s a story far too close to your own.

…You just found out that you have the ability to infinitely retry until your journey to defeat the King succeeds. You can help your friends as much as you can, and they don’t even need to know or stress about it! Your mistakes can be remedied…but maybe the star is right. Having someone to aid you and remember with you wouldn’t be too bad.

The biggest issue is that it’s in your body. But nothing can be done about that, you suppose. And the star is friendly enough. You pity it, if anything.

“Okay,” you say. “That’s fine.”

“Yay! Then, before you head off to the clock tower, do you have any questions for me?”

“Yeah, here’s one. What do I call you?”

The star flickers. “Oh. Um. I…don’t remember…”

Whoops. You’re an idiot.

“B-but!! You can refer to me as whatever, stardust!! I don’t care!”

“You should have a name, at least.” You thoughtfully adjust your hat. “If I’m stardust, what does that make you?”

“Star,” it says as if that’s the answer to everything.

You tut. “You should have something a little more original. I didn’t outright use the name of the play I watched, did I?”

“Hmm…I guess you’re right.”

With a shrug, you turn to face the path leading back to town. “You can think about it. Don’t rush.”

“Aww~ look at you, such a sweetheart! Gonna steal our heart away with those charms!”

“Don’t make it weird.”

“Teehee!” It suddenly rushes back into you, disappearing. You feel as if that moonlight has been swallowed by your heart.

[By the way,] it adds, back in your head. [Forget the menu stuff. Just tell me what Memory you want equipped, and I can get it done for you!]

“Oh. Thank you. Then…the one I just got, please.”

[Memory of Looping equipped!]

You feel a little better.

[And you don’t have to talk out loud. I can hear your thoughts just fine, stardust~!]

“Stay out of my head,” you say in mock spite.

[Teehee, no can do!]

You head back down the path, resolve strengthened and spirits higher than before. This is going to be fine. This is going to be great!

You can do this. You can! And you’ll have a little buddy to help you all the while.

On the way back, the star relays some more useful information. You’ll retain your experiences and important equipment, but your party members won’t. Even so, you can still equip Memories to them. You can also “zone out” so you don’t have to pay attention to the same things. You’re warned that it’s possible for things to change, so using the ability is completely up to you- but if it’s really important, then you’ll stop zoning out.

You practice. It feels like a gentle, calming hand over your eye and ears.

Right before you cross the bridge to the clock tower, the star speaks up.

[Heya, host!]

Your steps hitch, and you slow down. Yes?

[I got a good one!!]

A good what?

[Name! A name! You can call me Loop!]

Loop?

[Teehee, that’s me! For now. Just a simple, on-the-nose, memorable name.]

A smile tugs at your lips. Sounds great, Loop.

You can feel the way the star’s pride warms your heart.

…it really is a part of you, huh?

You continue on.

Chapter Text

You feel around the pillar, and what do you know? There’s a lever that you completely missed! This feels like cheating.

Upon pulling it, the boulder crashes down, making everyone jump; Mirabelle screams in shock. Bonnie is less than a couple inches away from the affected area, and as Odile tugs them back, you feel a stab of guilt for not making sure everyone was safe first.

But admittedly, it’s kinda funny to see their reactions. You doubt it was anywhere near as funny the first time.

Yeah, yeah… You turn away. “Let’s go, everyone.”

“N-not even phased, huh?” Isabeau laughs nervously. “So cool, Sif!”

[Yay.] 

Loop’s tone is deadpan with a tinge of faux enthusiasm. Your lips twitch, and you’re grateful that you’re facing away from the others as you lead them out of the corridor. You almost made me laugh.

[All I did was cheer for you making it out alive this time!]

Oh, hush, you.

A disembodied giggle is what you get in response. 

The next room is spacious, containing a large and noticeable gate that bars the only way to the second floor. It’s locked, of course, and the keyhole is shaped like an egg broken in half.

With nothing else that can be done about it for now, you head back down the platform.

This room has a pair of Sadnesses, which your team takes down easily. However, the second one you fight survives what you’d initially hoped would be the fatal blow from Mirabelle. It lives, but is practically a crushed puddle on the ground from how close it is to death.

Awfully familiar.

“AW!!!” cries Bonnie, “We almost got it!!”

“It’s very weak…” Mirabelle adjusts her hold on her rapier, a tad remorsefully. “A slightly stronger blow would’ve done it!”

“Well, if it’s weak…” Isabeau shoots the party a good-natured grin. “Wanna deal the final blow, Bonnie?”

The kid’s eyes light up like a sky full of stars. “CAN I??”

Odile’s arms are crossed as she looks down her nose at the expiring Sadness. Despite it being a tap away from death, she still glances between it and Bonnie analytically. “It IS pretty weak, so…” With a smirk, she concedes. “Sure. Knock yourself out.”

“O-OKAY!!! HERE I GO!!!”

Bonnie rushes in with a frying pan and gives the Sadness a good whack. It gurgles pathetically and evaporates.

Victory!

Ecstatic, Bonnie throws their hands in the air. “YEAHHHHHHHH!!!”

You clap, smiling.

Isabeau pats the kid’s head. “Great job, Bonbon!”

“You did good.” Odile agrees.

Mirabelle clasps her hands together. “What would we have done without you!”

Bonnie lets out a loud “HMF!” of pride.

[If an enemy is close to death, your little kiddo might deal the final blow! Look at how proud! Like a chick flying for the first time!]

You aren’t yet used to the star suddenly chiming in, but you manage not to jump. Uh, good to know. Did we just…create a habit?

[Yup!!]

The hallways are littered with more Sadnesses. Even after you defeat them, upon going into a dead-ended room and returning, it’s as if they reanimated. You don’t have to use any items yet, but the seemingly infinite enemy army makes it so you’re very tempted. At some point you backtrack near Death Corridor to make use of the healing checkpoint lights.

In the right hallway, you find a room with a table, chairs, and cupboard. In the cupboard you find an array of board games.

“Checkers!” exclaims Isabeau, turning to the others enthusiastically. “We should play Team Checkers again! Sif and I will kick your butts!!”

Mirabelle purses her lips. “Hm…I think I’ll pass…”

Odile arches an eyebrow, unimpressed. “The last time we played, Siffrin cheated the whole time and you didn’t even notice.”

Isabeau is not deterred. “My obliviousness makes me a wonderful teammate!”

[Host!] gasps Loop as it pretends to be shocked. [You naughty cheater, you!]

It was hilarious.

[No, yeah, it sounds pretty funny, actually.]

You snicker and check the vials on the table, briefly removing the corks to inspect the contents. Most are empty, but you do find two that smell like brine and bouillon. You hand them off to Bonnie for safekeeping.

[Ooooo, Salty Broth!! That stuff’s useful!]

Your jaw twitches, but for the most part you reign in your reaction. Is it?

[Drinking one in battle will lower all of someone’s Craft cooldowns by 6!]

Huh, that DOES sound useful.

[Just make sure you use them wisely! Also, be sure to have water on hand. Makes you thirsty.]

You hum thoughtfully, exiting the room. You haven’t taken two steps down the hall when you see something new that makes you pause. You wave to get the others’ attention. “There’s something over there.”

It’s a rivulet of translucent liquid, suspended in midair. They shine in a way that’s simultaneously benign and suspicious. It reminds you of the manifested Memory, just on the duller side. You and your party approach.

“Oh yeah!“ Isabeau peers at it. “Some weird water?”

Bonnie runs over. “I’ve heard about it from people in Dormont! They call them ‘Tears’! If you touch one you’ll be frozen in time, that’s what they told me. There were a few outside the village too…”

Tears, huh…there might be a lot of those around the House.

You stare into its misty depths.

Loop?

[Hi!]

I know that dying of natural causes will bring me back, but…what about being frozen in time? Is it different? Would it stop me from looping?

Silence.

…

Your hand twitches, tempted to experiment.

[W-wait!]

You stop.

[Please- you shouldn’t. Th-there’s no need to.]

The tininess of Loop’s voice unearths remorse in your chest. Sorry. You’re right, we should just move on…

“Okay we get it, let's stop looking at it!” Bonnie impatiently tries to maneuver around the others. “Can we go already?!”

The kid accidentally gets too close, brushing against your side. For normal people, this wouldn’t be an issue, but contact without warning always startles you- every time, it almost feels like lightning being trapped under your skin, but you don’t hate it- you’re just not used to it.

You jump backwards in surprise. Solid water catches you, like a cushion of ice that instantly dashes through your body. There’s a singular moment, like a freeze-frame, where it’s just you looking at the various expressions of your allies. 

(Bonnie is confused, mouth agape and forming an “ah”. Mirabelle has gone very pale as her hands cover her mouth. Isabeau is already reacting, reaching towards you; Odile holds him back but she stares at you in rigid disbelief and something else you can’t yet place.)

Oh.

“SIF!!!” cries Isabeau.

That’s the last thing you process. The Tears do their work swiftly, enclosing you in a dark and chilly grasp.

You feel a tug on your stomach.

You are suspended in the void for a while. It’s comforting, in a way- like being caught between waking and dreaming. After a while, you’re half-roused and see lines forming a topography below. There’s Dormont and the House.

What…? Can I…choose where to loop to…?

You reach out towards the House, and in a whirlwind of screaming time, you-

wake up

are making use of the checkpoint. Your hand, now trembling, hovers over the lights.

It’s not that bad. You feel a bit disoriented, as if you’d been shaken awake from a deep sleep. That’s all the Tears really felt like. Coldness, then slumber.

You hear something that sounds like tinkling bells.

Wait. Loop?!

Loop is crying. It sounds like chimes on a stormy day.

Oh my stars! Loop! You turn away sharply from the checkpoint, pacing out of the room in numb panic. You barely hear Bonnie’s complaint that you’re walking too fast. Loop, you-

[You’re awake!] It wails. [You’re awake, you’re alright! Oh, stardust! Stardust! Siffrin! I didn’t know what to do!]

It didn’t hurt- did it hurt you?

[No.] Loop sniffles. [It didn’t.]

Are you okay…?

You hear Loop take in shuddering, damp gasps. [Hic…!! Ooh…stardust…]

Hey, it’s okay…

Its emotions are clogging up your lungs, hindering your own judgment. A-at least we found out that it works, right? And it’s painless.

[Stardust…] Loop sounds like a helpless, broken child. [I was scared…]

The vulnerability of the statement makes you want to tuck the star in your cloak and whisk it under the Favor Tree so you can hug and protect it forever. I’m sorry…

[…

You can use the Tears to loop back if you need to. It’s quick, easy, and painless. No one gets hurt. Just…

Maybe, please…ask your friends to look away before you do.]

Loop isn’t telling you something, you recognize. But you’re too worried to care about a secret.

Okay. Are you sure I should use the Tears?

[Yes. Absolutely.] The star sounds calmer now. [If you get stuck somewhere, they’re your best bet. And I’d rather not have you be killed in a battle just so you can loop.

I…didn’t mean to panic like that. I’m sorry. It just…caught me off guard.]

Me too. You think, hopefully in a reassuring way. You’re absolutely POSITIVE it’s okay to use them? I don’t want to upset you like that again.

A weak laugh. [1000%, stardust. I promise.]

Well, if it’s a promise…

[It is.]

You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you’d been holding.

[Thank you for caring, stardust…]

Thank you, too, Loop.

Chapter Text

“Siffrin? Are you okay?”

You’re jarred out of your thousand-yard stare by the tentativeness of Mirabelle’s voice. You look back, realizing you’ve been silent and walking way too fast. You swallow before answering. “I’m fine!”

It’s the first actual words out of your mouth since using the Tear. You plaster on a carefree smile.

No one buys it.

“You’re acting weird!” exclaims Bonnie. “You ran outta that room and you weren’t listening to any of us.”

You falter. “Oh! Th-that was…sorry, I think I’m…a little on edge.”

They exchange glances, seemingly trying to appraise the truth in your response.

Isabeau looks concerned. “You can tell us if something’s bothering you, Sif.”

“I will! Really, it’s nothing.”

[You died, that seems kinda bothersome.]

Shush!

You clear your throat. “Come on, let’s go.”

They let it go.

When you pass by the Tear this time, you ignore everyone’s confused stares and plow onwards. You’re sure to go as far around it as efficiently as possible. Several steps later, just beyond that previous death point, is a door without a lock.

Isabeau explains it’s a special Vaguardian lock that uses an “openphrase”, or spoken words, as the key. Mirabelle reveals that the shopkeeper probably knew what it was, but they hadn’t asked, so there was nothing that could be done about opening the door.

You hum and file away the information for later.

[Next time.]

Hopefully we won’t need a next time, but yes.

And then in the southern corridor Isabeau nearly kills himself by accident.

“I am DEFINITELY not looking around me and I’m admiring the view instead so tell me if I’m about to run into something dangerouuuuus-!”

[EEEEEEEEEEEK!!!]

WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH!

You barely fling your hands out in time to stop him from running straight into the wall of life-ending Tears. Loop’s shriek is so loud that a frightened hiss escapes your lips, but thankfully Isabeau’s yell drowns you out.

“WAH! Wh-what? What is it??” He rights himself. “Is it the water? Should I…not touch the weird floating water?”

“The same weird water as before…” Odile mutters.

Bonnie recognizes the Tears again and recounts the information regarding them. You’d nearly forgotten that they haven’t talked about it yet.

Loop, why did you scream??

[WHY SHOULDN’T I?!?!?] The star sounds very indignant.

Yeah, but- okay, never mind, you have a point. You just scared me.

[My poor cosmic heart is racing!! He could’ve died!]

“Also, also!” Bonnie’s exclamation pulls you out of the exchange, not that you had anything else to add. “I also heard that being frozen makes you go to sleep, and gives you a super good dream!”

Huh, I didn’t dream…but it WAS like being asleep.

“Oh…” Odile says, “Did you hear this from the people in Dormont, too?”

Bonnie’s face falls slightly. “Um…a nice lady told me that when she heard my sister got frozen…”

There’s a collective “OH!” moment in the group.

“I-I know it’s not true!! I’m not stupid!!” They look away. “Just…it would be nice…if that was true…” After trailing off and taking another breath, Bonnie turns back to the others with a slight smirk. “So you should touch the weird frozen water and be frozen and let me know how it goes!”

“Pass,” coughs Isabeau.

It went fine, thanks, it was pretty nice.

[HA! Nothing’s stopping you from telling them, you know.]

That’d be a talk I’d rather not have.

“We might still need to go that way.” Mirabelle frowns at the Tears. “Let’s see if there’s a way to make them disappear.”

The other room contains nothing but a weird Sadness that gives you a little more trouble than you would’ve liked. Loop expresses concern over your injuries, but you wave it off. You’re not dead yet, and there’s no need to use any items.

[You say that, and then you’re gonna get jumped by a Tristesse and find out what battle-loops feel like.]

What the crab’s a Tristesse? And I’m fine. You insist, then notice that there’s something glittering in place of the Sadness’s dissolved remains. Intrigued, you pick it up.

[Oh! Oh! I know this!!] Loop becomes energetic, completely ignoring your previous question. [ It’s called a Star Crest!]

You take note of the teardrop engraved on the crest’s surface before pocketing it. Everyone else seems to find it intriguing as well.

This might be stupid, but…could we use this on the Tears, possibly? They seem related. It has that engraving.

[Wowzer-oonies!! Another fabulous idea, Host!!]

You snort quietly and head back to the southern hallway. Please never say that abomination of an exclamation again. Anyways, if it ends up doing nothing and I look stupid, I’ll just throw myself into the Tears to loop back!! And not look stupid anymore!!

[…]

Ah. After telling them to turn around first, of course!

Loop sighs in relief.

You remove the crest from your pocket and toss it into the Tear-barrier. With a bright flash, both the crest and the Tears are banished, clearing the hallway. Isabeau and Mirabelle cheer.

PHEW.

The Tears were blocking the way into a small kitchen. You try to go around the counter, but with it in your blind spot you end up misjudging the distance and-

Ow!

Your side bumps against it. This time, there’s no one to cover up the embarrassing noise you make.

Isabeau strangles a snicker in his throat. “OH?”

Odile hangs on one hip with a hand akimbo, smirking as she looks down at you. “Siffrin,” she says in the tone of a mother who’s just caught her child doing something perfect for ridicule. “Did you really hit the counter and say ‘nya’.”

You rub your side, turning on your heel so they don’t need to see the darker tint making its way onto your face. “No.”

“Okay, nya.”

Mirabelle is so taken aback that she gives a start. “MADAME?!”

“HEY, I SEE SOMETHING!” You exclaim, “What’s over there?”

Their attention is successfully diverted to the pot on the stove.

Loop makes a high-pitched squeal. [Starduuuust…!!!]

What?!

[The researcher teased you! She teased you!!]

THAT’S what you’re hung up on???

[I’m getting flushed just thinking about it!!!]

Then forget already! Your head is swimming in self-conscious shame.

The room yields a super sour tonic and a key with an egg charm dangling off of it. There’s also the crab meat that was in the pot, which really upset the three Vaguardians in the room, for confusing reasons that neither you nor Odile (nor Loop) really get.

You leave the kitchen and head to the opposite side of the house, where a previously locked door accepts the egg key. The following halls bombard you with even more Sadnesses, which lead to you reluctantly accepting a tonic from Bonnie thanks to Isabeau’s (and Loop’s) insistence. At the end of it all are two rooms- you enter the right one first. It’s an art room, and to your delight the first drawer you check has the broken egg key.

[Memory of Keys!]

…Pardon?

[If you equip this, you’ll get a sense of where the corresponding key is when looking at a locked door! And if you’ve already found the key in a previous loop, you’ll recall the directions to its location.

Useful for the forgetful types like you and I!]

Hey, I’m pretty sure I can remember where some silly little keys are-

“-weird place for a key,” Odile is saying.

Oh, there’s a conversation happening, whoops.

“Definitely not a very king-like place, huh!” cackles Bonnie, “That's pretty stupid of him!”

Loop had hesitated at first but apparently can’t pass up the opportunity to quip at your prior thought. [Yeah, both inside and outside your head.]

Pay attention!!

“-means they’re harder to find since it’s not a very expected place…” Isabeau is pointing out, and he looks at you with a proud grin. “But thankfully we have our good ol’ Sif to help us find them!”

“Thank you, Siffrin!” sings Mirabelle, “Good job, Siffrin!”

“Yaay, good jooooob.” Odile claps sarcastically, prompting the others to override her with enthusiastic applause.

You laugh and take a bow, then swish past them to check the closet. There’s some cards, so you draw one for fun and get the Six of Swords, which you tuck away safely. Loop does not comment.

After leaving the atelier, you go to the other area, which is apparently a candlemaking room. You find a pair of opaque glasses that Odile decides to take despite initially expressing disdain.

[She can use that as armor if you want. It has its ups and downs. The same applies to some weapons and such that you may find later.]

You withhold a frown as you pluck a pair of sour tonics off a table and hand them to Bonnie. Are you okay, Loop?

[…]

I don’t think ‘upset’ is the right word, but you sound upset. Curt, maybe.

[I’m okay.]

You want me to believe you?

A hitched inhale. [I-it’s just- no, it’s nothing!]

C’mon, I can’t pay you back for helping me if you won’t tell me what’s wrong.

[…those nicknames are cute.]

You lead the party out of the room and furrow your brow. It’s a brief statement, one that manages to convey petulant envy.

[I took a gander at your memories. Isabeau’s the only one who calls you Sif, and Bonnie’s the only one who calls you Frin.]

Uh…yeah, that’s true.

[What else can I call you, then?]

You’ve called me plenty of things! Host and stardust, for example.

[I want something more fun!! Spice it up a little!]

Okay, what do you have in mind?

[Hmmmmmm….

Fifi.]

Abso-blinding-lutely not. You narrowly avoid getting jumped by a Sadness. 

[Phooey. Back to the drawing board…maybe something similar to Host…]

Maybe think less about me, more about yourself?

[Ugh, don’t remind me! I should’ve chosen a name more nickname-worthy than Loop!!]

Lulu.

[Abso-blinding-lutely not.]

You stifle a laugh right as you come up on the gate. There’s a starry checkpoint waiting in front of it now. Loop perks up and explains that you have the ability to loop both to Dormont and the first floor of the House, and additionally, your party’s new Craft skills and experience will be saved to that specific location for easier progression.

Pleased with the information, you use the checkpoint to heal up before heading to the gate. You insert the key, and the entrance gives way.

Once the threshold has been crossed, it seals shut behind you. There’s no going back- you don’t have time to worry about it because there’s a bigger problem that’s just taken notice of your party: a particularly huge Sadness that seems to carry more power just in the way it holds itself.

Loop stays silent, so you are woefully unprepared for how blinding annoying this monster ends up being.

It is ridiculously high on health, keeps switching Craft types, and regardless of that- every single blow it deals constantly knocks the wind out of you! It hurts!! 

Isabeau gets knocked out at some point, and of course he’s revived after a minute, but in that minute your team is deprived of a valuable fighter. You internally curse out the Sadness in your head as you fumble to drink a sour tonic.

When this thing is finally, finally dead, everyone cheers. Rightfully so.

Despite being achy and tired, you trudge through the winding corridors until you reach a room that “feels different” from the others, AKA it’s safe to rest in. It takes some persuasion and a reminder of her hunger for Mirabelle to concede to a break. As “Snack Leader”, Bonnie ecstatically goes to prepare some food, leaving the adults to banter.

When Bonnie is finished and you’re presented with plantain chips, cookies, or onigiri, you choose the onigiri since it isn’t something you’ve had as much as the other two.

You’re chewing on a large bite of the rice ball when Loop shouts after nearly twenty minutes of silence. 

[LANDLORD!!!!]

You nearly choke, almost spit it out. You don’t, and forcibly swallow it before coughing. The others look up in concern and you give them a thumbs-up to indicate you’re fine.

What the CRAB, Loop?!?! That was so uncalled for!!

[Landlord!!] The star coos again.

You’re calling me WHAT?! And why??

[I’m living in your body, which you control! I’m the tenant, you’re the landlord!! Aren’t I so good at nicknames?? Aren’t I, aren’t I????]

I don’t know if I’d prefer ‘stardust’ over ‘Landlord’ of all things. And you didn’t think yelling after being quiet for so long would catch me off guard?!

[I had a…a what’s-it! A revelation!!]

That’s why you were quiet?! Because you were trying to make a new nickname?!

  […yes? Is it not good?]

It’s seriously like dealing with a child. But you’re a sucker, so you sigh. No, no, it’s good. Call me whatever you want. As long as it’s not blinding Fifi.

[YAY!!!]

You polish off the rice ball and see there’s another checkpoint that’s appeared. You use it to save your progress.

[Landlord~ stardust~ Host~!]

Loop is singing, far too pleased with itself.

That’s fine, you suppose.

Chapter Text

For days you’ve been feeling that strange pressure from the King’s curse, but on this floor there’s something more unsettling about it. In one hallway, you’re about to round the corner when intuition throbs in your chest, and you halt, recognizing it from years of experience.

“…There’s someone over there.”

“Someone?” Mirabelle’s head shoots up. “Please, let’s go!”

You all turn the corner and see what’s in the corridor. The someone is a woman, frozen in time. You can almost mistake her for a statue carved from perfect obsidian. She’s mid-pace, wide-eyed and frightened. Her hair swishes around her face, the wind captured in the casing of icelike crystal.

Mirabelle lets out a cry and surges forth. She stops just short of the woman, hand partially outstretched towards her. “Ahh!! No…!”

Tension somewhat broken, you all approach. Odile casts a pitiful look their way. “You know her, Mirabelle?”

“Y-yes…one of the Housemaidens…”

Mirabelle becomes nostalgic, speaking fondly of the woman and her caring nature. You continue to stare at that frozen face. Sympathy stirs in your gut.

[Poor Mira.] Loop murmurs, [This must be so hard for her. I wonder what this Housemaiden’s name is.]

Is it appropriate to ask?

[Probably not.]

You listen to the rest of Mirabelle’s story. Odile remarks on the increasing strength of the Sadnesses, which you admit disturbs you. They radiate that static, glacial energy you’ve been detecting. Mirabelle says she’s still working on a spell to help keep the curse at bay for people who’ve been recently frozen. She’s almost there- just a little more refinement and it’ll come in handy.

The conversation provides the perfect opportunity for Loop to chime in, but you don’t hear anything. Hiding a frown, you move away from the frozen woman and continue to walk.

You suddenly give a violent shudder, feeling as if your heart has been dunked in ice and impaled by a spike. It’s enough to stop you in your tracks. You clutch the folds of your cloak. What in the-?!

“Sif? Are you cold?” Isabeau comes up next to you, brow furrowed. “Woah, are you okay, buddy?”

“I-I’m fine.” You reply, hesitantly letting go. It still hurts, but a little less now.

“You don’t look fine…”

“Are you hiding injuries again?!” Bonnie rummages around in the backpack for a tonic.

“N-no! I’m not hurt!” You shake your head frantically. “I promise, I just…felt weird.”

“Is it the curse?” frets Mirabelle.

“It’s just me. I’m fine.”

They don’t really seem to be assured, but since you’re already turning and moving on…

[-lord! Stardust! Stardust!!!]

You grit your teeth, trying not to flinch. Loop. What happened?

[I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I felt it! That hurt you!!]

What WAS that?

[My fault!! My fault!! I was just trying something out and I didn’t think it’d work-]

Try WHAT out?

[I could reach into her mind!!!]

You swallow thickly. Everything is slowly returning to normal. It doesn’t hurt anymore. Whose? The frozen Housemaiden?

[Y-yes…and it…hurt you…]

You can’t deny that. But it’s an interesting ability. Not really one you think will need to be used, but still- Loop sure is full of surprises. Though perhaps that is to be expected from a proxy of the universe. Maybe this will help the star recover some memories? Regardless…

Did you learn anything?

You feel the star’s slight relief. [Her name is Orchid. Pretty.]

Very pretty, you agree.

[I won’t use it again.]

That’s your choice. If you change your mind, just warn me. I can take it.

[…

Oh, wait!! I forgot to mention!!

Your researcher said the Sadnesses are getting stronger. That’s true! Some of them will be able to freeze you in time during a battle!

You won’t die, but you won’t be able to act, either! Mira is the only one who’s immune. So be careful. If everyone’s frozen and Mira’s knocked out, it’s game over.

Maybe you should help her perfect that spell she’s been working on!! Some more experience should do!]

For once you are almost grateful for the Sadnesses that clog up the halls. You get Mirabelle up to speed in no time, and she’s more than happy with herself once “Lovely Moving Cure” is perfected. With Loop’s prompting, you equip the Memory of it to her so she can keep using it even if you end up looping.

There are times before that point, however, when someone gets timefrozen. You yourself don’t experience it, and when the Sadness is defeated everyone goes back to normal, but you wonder if the experience is like touching a Tear. No one says anything about it, (aside from the initial comment of “I didn’t know they could do that” or “that was so weird!”) so you don’t bring it up.

Anyways the greenhouse is VERY cramped. Whoever designed the room needs to get their pay cut or something.

You can’t get anywhere without having to squeeze yourself between the tables, the wall, and your allies who are closely following you. How on earth were entire classes held here? Were the students all packed together like sardines? It sounds like a stuffy-aired nightmare.

At least you find a couple tonics, plus a pair of gardening scissors.

[Those are hard to wield.] Loop comments. 

Might come in handy. You admire the tool’s pristine edges. Wow, they’re sharp. I bet they make slicing a breeze.

[Please don’t cut yourself.]

Well, that’s a little silly, you think. I’m not THAT clumsy.

[I don’t mean it like…

…

Agh, no, never mind. I lost my train of thought. I don’t know why I said that.]

It rings a warning bell in your mind, and you frown, but you aren’t sure what exactly the alternate meaning could be. You put away the scissors and decide not to use them for now.

Beyond the greenhouse, you find a nice office that’s been kept in decent order, aside from the Change God statues that have been defaced. Mirabelle recognizes it as the Head Housemaiden’s office, and since it’s owned by someone important, you figure there’s got to be an item of interest in here. Bonnie hopes for keys and snacks. Odile would prefer information over the latter.

Your intuition tells you to scour the desk drawer while Mirabelle talks highly of the Head Housemaiden. It’s nice to hear her perk up for a time, even if she eventually wilts as she recalls the current situation. She isn’t even sure if the Head Housemaiden is alive.

The drawer is stuffed with what most people would call important administrative papers, but you just call it junk. You don’t find anything inside, which is a little irking because you feel like there’s more to it than that.

With the rest of the room yielding no fruit, everyone leaves. You haven’t taken ten steps out when a boulder crashes behind you, effectively blocking the way back in.

You all flinch. Bonnie in particular jumps backward, since they’re at the back of the line and were the closest to its fall. You really need to make sure the kid doesn’t lag behind and get hurt by a trap; you’d never forgive yourself.

After staring at the rock in silence, Isabeau clears his throat. “There was nothing important in there, right? So this is fine?”

“What a waste of time.” Odile clicks her tongue, glancing at Bonnie. “At least we didn’t get squashed, though…”

“Sadness incoming!” shouts Mirabelle.

You whip out your dagger and land a hit on the creature before shouting instructions to the others. Everyone cycles through their usual attacks or actions until the Sadness casts a spell that stops you dead in your tracks.

Literally.

This is when you learn that being timefrozen isn’t nearly as pleasant as touching a Tear.

The Tear was fast. You felt cold to the point of numbness before peacefully falling asleep. But for this, you are wide awake and absolutely cognizant of what is happening around you. You feel as if you’ve been dunked in ice water and then held there by immovable needles that pin your limbs in the positions they were caught in.

The others keep fighting and coordinating without you, aiming to take down the Sadness before it can cast another spell.

You’re freezing, not numb. You’re conscious, not dreaming. Your body is screaming and writhing and begging for release, and the cold smolders furiously in your chest. It’s fighting, resisting, and that makes it agony. You can’t move, can’t stop hurting, can’t blink or turn or breathe because your lungs are stopped and you’re choking suffocating asphyxiating someone is screaming-

Isabeau uses Rock Craft to ram the Sadness into the ground. It dissolves.

You’re free.

You immediately fall forwards onto the ground, coughing and gasping harshly like you’d been drowning. You can’t hear the gasps and cries of your allies. The screaming in your head cuts off.

It still hurts terribly- your legs, arms, eye, chest, head- and you shiver without cease. You’ve never felt such torturous pressure. This can’t be what the others went through?!

Your lungs don’t want to work. They’re not working. It’s just

not working not working not WORKING not WORKING not WORKING oh STARS oh STARS oh STARS oh stars above HELP ME-

“-space. Siffrin. Siffrin, look at me, please. Breathe slowly.”

Instinct compels you to look up. Odile is crouching in front of you, the corners of her face taut with focused disquietude. “Breathe slowly. Look at me. I’m right here. Breathe.”

You shake your head weakly, still heaving for air, and attempt to turn your gaze back to the ground. You want to curl in on yourself, like Mirabelle’s dying plant.

Odile tuts, gently. She waves, then turns the palm to face herself. “Focus on me, Siffrin. I’m right here. In…” She brings her hand upwards. “…and out…” She moves it down.

With enough rhythm and encouragement, you follow her lead. Your breaths are unstable and closer to wheezes, but she encourages you to keep going.

Somehow, your breathing evens out. The pain is just a dull ache. Tired and defeated, you nearly fall forward, but Isabeau runs over and catches you in time. You still can’t help but flinch at the sudden contact, and he apologizes with haste but continues to hold you steady. Mirabelle and Bonnie are the next gather around, the former of whom heals your external wounds.

…

Did that just happen?

What was that?

You squeeze your eye shut. Your breaths are even but ragged.

“Siffrin.” Odile says, unexpectedly soft.

You give a nearly-indiscernible head movement to show you’re listening.

“You’re going to be okay. We’re right here. Do you feel any better?”

You swallow, and your words come out creaky. “Better.”

“Good…did it hurt you?”

The answer can’t bring itself to be said. She doesn’t probe directly. “When I was timefrozen, it felt like numb paralysis, but it wasn’t necessarily painful.”

You cough. “It was like…icicles. I couldn’t…breathe…”

Would you have died? The thought makes you ill. It shouldn’t, because you’ve already died before, but…

“I see.” When you open your eyes, you see Odile is standing up. “I’m sorry to hear that. Are you able to stand?”

With Isabeau’s support, you do.

“I’m not sure why, but maybe that magic affects you differently.” She frowns, “It seemed to be an extremely adverse reaction. Either way, just rest for now. Isabeau, can you take care of them?”

“Sure can, M’dame.”

“Thank you.”

You hate that this happened. You hate it so much. How could you have panicked so badly? Unbelievable. 

Isabeau takes you to the nearest wall for you to rest. You lean against it and glare halfheartedly at the ceiling, then remember that someone had been screaming while you were timefrozen. Thinking harder, you realize that someone was Loop.

Loop…? Please be okay…

[I'm here, Host.] The star’s voice is tiny and wavering.

Thank the universe…did you feel that?

[It was the most horrible thing…I’m so sorry…]

Sorry for what?

[It was my fault. I tried to stave off the spell’s effectiveness, but I just made it hurt even more…]

My body was fighting tooth and nail to resist it. You’re saying that was you?

[I could feel your pain. I’m sorry.]

… It’s okay. I think. Just…try not to do it again?

[I won’t. I know now.]

You hear some banging. The only door to a new area is locked tight.

“I just remembered!“ Mirabelle cries, “The key is in the Head Housemaiden’s office! How could I have forgotten that?!”

[Oh universe no.]

You give the timefrozen boulder a dirty look. Is that a dead end?

[I think so.]

Stupendous. How did I miss the key?! I searched that dumb drawer!

The helpless shrug is practically audible.

Well…I can loop back to before the trap activated. And they won’t remember this incident. Not about to dishonor your promise to Loop, you get to your feet and walk over to the banter. “Hey, guys.”

They all stop and turn to you. You swallow, sighting the Tear in the corner of your vision. “I have an idea.“

“You should be resting,” chides Odile. “You still look pale.”

“I’m okay, really. Thanks to you.”

She blinks in slight surprise.

Mirabelle chews her lip. “What’s your idea?”

[Tell them to turn around for…hmm, uh…fifteen seconds, exactly.]

A strange request, but you hear it out. You clear your throat. “Trust me on this. Turn around and count to 15. Exactly. When I say go.”

“Is this a joke setup?” deadpans Bonnie.

“No. Please?”

They’re still ruffled, but they turn around anyways. You silently go to the Tear and reach out, hand hovering over it. You take a moment to stop, smile, and breathe.

“Start counting now.“

Your hand clasps around the hyaline substance.

The chilly dark rushes to overtake you. It’s so, so peaceful.

You‘re floating in the void again. Soon, you see the map of Dormont and the House, and in addition there are clusters of sandy stars orbiting you. You’re not sure what it means, but upon seeing the option to loop back to the second floor, you recall having used a checkpoint at the snack break. You select it.

Time howls, and you’re back. Your hands feel somewhat sticky from handling the onigiri.

A yawn worms its way past your mouth. Breathing is nice. The serene darkness of the Tear seems to have reset the panic you’d felt in the loop prior. You’re grateful.

You take a moment to appreciate the peace. There’s no sound except for the House’s distant groaning, and the breathing of your allies. It’s quiet.

It’s…quiet.

You frown. You’re not used to the quiet. There’s been activity in your head for long enough where you notice when it’s missing.

Loop? Are you there?

A hitched gasp emits from your brain. [H-hey.]

You’re relieved. Hey. Are you alright?

[Yeah.]

Good.

[…]

You lick your lips. Tastes like rice and fruit. I’m relieved they won’t remember what happened.

[Me too.] Loop whispers, [I’m so…relieved…]

Are you sure you’re alright?

[I will be. I’m just thinking.]

You decide not to push it. Ready to go?

[Yeah.]

Chapter Text

You try not to listen to Mirabelle’s upset state over Orchid. She repeats the same lines again, and you zone out for it all until everyone is ready to move on.

You fight the Sadnesses in the area with great caution. Thankfully, Mirabelle retains knowledge on how to do her “Lovely Moving Cure”, which shows when she uses it on Isabeau during battle. She’s surprised at herself, but delighted.

The next time you’re timefrozen, you find that it’s almost exactly as Odile had described. You become numb and paralyzed. You’re still aware of what’s happening around you, but this time, your lungs are accepting of the lack of oxygen. Your body does not resist, and it isn’t painful, though the sensation is uncanny. Loop is silent the entire time.

You don’t freak out when you’re unfrozen. Because you’re fine.

There are those two tonics in the greenhouse, so you decide to stop by and pick them up. But on the way out, your allies are clogging the path again. 

You realize they’re trying not to touch you any more than necessary.

You’re not sure why, but…there’s gotta be a reason for it. You still end up brushing against them slightly. The contact makes your skin prickle.

Your head pulses, sharp and painful. On instinct your hand goes to your temples. What…?

[Agh!!]

Startled, you nearly yell for Loop out loud, but you manage to hold your tongue. Loop!!! Are you-

[Ow ow ow ow ow!! Ohhh…!!!!]

What? Are you alright???

[…

Ow…]

You duck out of the greenhouse, heart pounding. The headache fades, and you wait for elaboration.

[I-I…remembered something…

Yes, I did…I got a…memory back…]

Your perk up. Oh! Really? What kind of memory?

[L-let me think…

I was…myself, as a little boy.]

You were human?

[I think so? Don’t ask me how- I have no clue how I became a star.

In the memory, I was…building something out of twigs and leaves- it looked like a boat. Someone calls for me, and I can’t see who it is, but their hand is reaching out, and…]

There’s a faint throbbing in the folds of your brain. You don’t know why. And…?

[Hic…and it stops, right before it can…touch me…]

Your steps slow down. Oh…

[I-I’m sorry. Let’s not- let’s not talk about this anymore.]

Congratulations on the memory. You say.

[Ah…thank you.] Loop replies hesitantly.

You can’t place a finger on why it feels off. Regardless, you try to cheer the star up with a light jab. I bet you were funny-looking as a kid!

[Hey!! I’ll have you know that I think I was an adorable little boy!!]

If you say so!

[Heehee…it’s nice to have that memory to hold on to, though…

It feels like I got a bit closer to my identity. I like it.]

You smile at his slightly-more-optimistic tone.

I’m glad.

This time, while the others talk about the Head Housemaiden again, you inspect every inch of the drawer. The key had to be in here, Mirabelle said it was, and you don’t know how you could’ve missed-

It’s taped under the drawer.

Taped. UNDER. The. Drawer.

…

[Woah, Landlord, you’re gonna give yourself an aneurysm.]

I am calm. You’re about to frustratedly stuff the key in your pocket, but you don’t, and instead get your allies’ attention to show it to them. A fisted hand charm is attached to it.

“Oh!” Mirabelle’s eyes widen. “The key! I forgot it was here!”

She sure did forget, but hey, you fixed it and that’s why you’re here. “It was taped beneath the desk.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have thought to check there! Thank you for finding it, Siffrin!“

You smile, a little more bashfully than you intend to. Feels nice. Sure, it took a failed try to get here, but still…

You leave the office, and the boulder blocks the way again. Dumb rock. Who set that trap anyways, and what activates it? Would that not be a hazard for the Housemaidens? While the others react, you resist the urge to stick out your tongue at it.

[Pbbbbbbbttttt!!!]

Loop blows a raspberry for you. You nearly snicker.

You use the rock key on the locked door. Beyond it is another hallway containing a frozen person. Mirabelle doesn’t really know this one, and the topic of bonding earrings is brought up since the person is wearing a pair: one transparent and the other dark. Mirabelle and Isabeau linger on it for a while, gushing over romantic fantasies, while Odile and Bonnie try to rain on their parade.

You don’t really understand. It sounds important, but…

[I guess that’s nice, huh…having a symbol of someone’s love for you, and vice versa.]

Yeah. When you put it like that…

[Can we have friendship bonding earrings?] Loop gasps, [You should get some for your friends!!!]

What?! No, that’d be weird!

[Not if it’s for friendship, silly!]

Implications, Loop! Implications!!

[The implication is friendship-bonding!! Is that not a thing???]

How should I know???

[Ask!!]

I am NOT asking that!! Like I said, it’s weird!

[Boooooo…]

You use your knuckles to wipe your mouth, taking a deep breath.

[…I want mine to be a flower.]

You cough roughly into your hand, caught off guard. Huh???

[If there’s someone out there who cares about me, I want them to give me a flower friendship-bond earring.]

That’s…I mean, sure, it’s not a bad idea…

[I probably wouldn’t be able to wear it, huh…]

It’s the thought that counts.

[Haha, true. What would you want yours to- OH CRAB LOOK OUT!!!]

The warning comes right as a heavyset Sadness lumbers into view. You end up having to focus on eliminating it. A task more annoying than anything- the creature hits hard and isn’t easily moved by your attacks.

When your efforts pay off and the Sadness dies, everyone's a little worse for wear. You have to use up a few healing items to get back to normal.

You click your tongue, discarding the empty vial. Were you saying something earlier, Loop?

[Huh??]

Before the Sadness fight.

[Oh, I guess I was.

…

I’ll figure it out, one minute.]

At the end of the winding hallway, there’s a small library. The librarian has been turned into a crystal statue, and Mirabelle becomes upset again. Isabeau successfully steers her towards more positive thinking, and they start to talk about her favorite book series. 

You’re grateful to discover two sweet tonics on the counter. Perfect to start replacing what you used up.

You skim the library until a shimmer at the end of the bookcases catches your eye. There’s a few volumes in that vicinity, but you take in your hands one particular title with a sturdy leather binding. The pages are soft and smooth, and you flip them with silent ease until a key abruptly falls out.

You catch it, making no more than a rustle and a muffled clink. You right yourself quickly, checking the item. It has the Paper symbol. You then look at the others. No one has noticed your success, since Mirabelle has drawn their attention as she passionately argues the quality of “The Cursing of Chateau Castle”. Amused, you hold onto the key and listen. It’s nice to just hear the people you care about talk.

[Aha, I remember!!] Loop chimes in suddenly. [I was wondering what you’d want your friendship-bond earring to look like!!]

You suppress a snort. That’s a deep question. I’m not sure. Maybe something relating to the stars…

[Aww, you’d put up a portrait of me in your earring~?]

Hah! Your words, not mine.

[Oh, the others are finishing their conversation.]

You tune back in, and after a moment, you turn to them fully and lift up the key. “Hey, look what I found!”

They see it, and a smatter of applause goes around.

“Where was it?” asks Mirabelle.

Proudly, you show them the book. Isabeau laughs; Odile gives a vexed sigh. The title is “Effort: The Key to Meaningful Change”.

This librarian should get a raise, you think.

You backtrack to heal up and save with the checkpoint. Moving eastward, you find a classroom with nothing of particular note, but you do learn a few more details about Vaguardian culture and bonding earrings.

Once you leave and keep going, you come across some kind of storage room with another “weird” Sadness inside. After killing it, you obtain the Star Crest and go on to the next hallway.

Of course, there’s a fork in the road, both paths crowded with Tears. And of course, your friends decide to force you to be the tiebreaker. Odile and Bonnie have chosen the north, while Mirabelle and Isabeau are sticking by the south.

[I mean…] Loop says, [If you get it wrong, you can restart…]

That’s the only good thing about this. You chew your lip. But I still feel terrible.

“Choose a side!” cheers Mirabelle.

“OUR side!” Bonnie exclaims.

This does nothing to calm your nerves. You try to give an easy smile, but it’s probably a little more strained than you were going for. “But I love both sides equally!”

“Aww, Sif!” Isabeau laughs. “You still gotta choose! For the sake of the world!!”

[Wanna go with the Beauty Alliance or the Age Alliance?]

I mean, they both have their merits. I wasn’t lying when I said I love them equally.

[Just saying, the “manly man’s intuition” also spurred him to try walking headfirst into the sweet embrace of cryosleep.]

Well, “smart kid’s intuition” ended up pushing me into the Tears.

[Because you leapt back further than a frightened rabbit.]

Fair enough.

You sigh deeply, and decide to just choose and get it over with. “…Age Alliance.”

“YES!!!”

“Good choice.”

“Sif, how could you?” Isabeau mopes.

“I thought we were friends, Siffrin…” Mirabelle follows his lead.

“Betrayer!!! Traitor!!!”

“Let them eat a thousand needles!!!”

Hey, someone was going to end up unhappy either way…!

Isabeau closes his mouth, walking away from the south barrier. “Okay, let’s stop. Siffrin looks very distraught.”

Mirabelle giggles, “You’re so cute, Siffrin! We didn’t mean it, promise!”

You hide under the brim of your hat. Loop’s adoring squeals don’t help.

Odile shakes her head. “Let’s use this Crest then, shall we?”

Obediently, you toss the Star Crest into the frozen patch and watch as the way ahead is cleared.

The room you are led to is some kind of infirmary. It has a sleeping person and a few vials. The only meaningful item you find is a singular earring, which ends up being a piece of slightly speed-boosting equipment that Isabeau happily takes. You go back outside and try to inspect the walls for a miracle.

And…that’s it.

[Dead end.] Loop confirms reluctantly.

Looping time, then. There are some leftover tears right outside the door, and you subtly get close enough so you can touch them at a moment’s notice.

[Hm…]

The others seem worried that no one is finding any sort of key or clue. Wanting to allay their fears despite the fact that it won’t matter in a few seconds, you grin. “Hey, guys, I have an idea! Can you do me a favor?”

They turn to you, running out of ideas. “A…favor?” Mirabelle inquires.

“A favor,” you confirm. “I promise it’s gonna work. But you gotta trust me and turn around.”

“Why?” asks Bonnie.

You wink. They glare at you, unsatisfied.

Isabeau shrugs. “You heard him, guys! Turn around!”

[Can you tell them to count to 20?]

This again? You can’t help but wonder. Even so, once their backs are to you, you follow along. “When I say go, count to 20.”

[Thank you.]

“This feels like hide-and-seek!” Bonnie declares.

“Think of it like that. Starting…now!” The last word is barely out of your mouth when your hands make contact with the tear, and you’re swallowed up not soon after.

Fortunately you had saved your progress only several minutes earlier, so it doesn’t take much effort to get back to the fork in the road. This time, you choose the “Beauty Alliance”, drawing Odile and Bonnie’s teasing jabs, and though you try to mask your expression, you can’t keep yourself from looking hurt again.

You’re doing this all for them, aren’t you?

They stop, and you head down. This room contains a frozen man who Mirabelle recognizes as a scholar in the House. She acts odd enough where everyone quickly picks up on the fact that she doesn’t really seem to like him, and when she’s pressed for information she feels bad and tries to deflect it. Eventually she reveals that her priceless copy of “The Cursing of Chateau Castle” went missing right after he had come to her room to ask her about something.

You search the guy’s pockets and find the book.

Odile watches with a tinge of amusement. “Well, what do we have here…”

Mirabelle gasps, angrily taking back the book and stuffing it in her pockets. “I KNEW it! This…! Horrible book thief!!!” She seethes, then takes a deep breath and apparently regrets her outburst. “I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be badmouthing him while he’s frozen. I shouldn’t speak badly about him while he’s frozen. He’s a good scholar, really…”

“You should show us your ruthless side more often,” says Odile.

“N-no!! I didn’t-!”

You laugh at the exchange, then check the adjacent counter. Lo and behold, the key is sitting there; it boasts a scissors symbol. You pick it up and show it to the others. “So…rock, paper, scissors.”

“Makes sense,” says Isabeau.

You peruse the room for a little longer, and what you find is a small stack of papers that detail the House’s traps. You notice the one from “Death Corridor”, which caused your very first death, and out of curiosity you read the label.

…it only activates when you feel safe…?

……

You are so utterly disgusted that you turn on your heel and signal to the others that it’s time to leave. You got what you came here for, after all.

While maneuvering through the lengthy hallways and swerving around Sadnesses whenever possible, you notice the noiselessness in your mind and decide to try something out. You imagine a person in your head, and give their clothes a firm mental tug.

[WAH!!! What???]

You cough to cover up a laugh. Didn’t know that would work, sorry! You haven’t said a word since we looped back. Everything okay?

[Y-yeah, I’ve only been thinking…]

You sure do love getting thoughtful after every loop.

[O-oh…]

Not unkindly, you probe, Are you ever going to tell me what’s bothering you?

[...

I will. Promise. Not now, though…]

You accept the answer and let the issue go for now, right as you come up on the gate. For the first time you notice a note stuck to its surface.

“The key is in the Trap Building room.” Bonnie reads, then snickers. “The King is leaving notes for us?? That’s kinda dumb of him! Wait, but why didn’t we see this earlier?”

“No idea, but we have the key.” Odile states. “It doesn’t really matter now. What’s done is done.”

You feel very foolish, still, as you unlock the gate at last. Would that little note have helped you whatsoever? You’re not sure.

Similar to the last floor, beyond the gate is a pair of particularly strong Sadnesses that you and your team struggle against. The two Sadnesses are working jointly, with one that heals while the other attacks, and they both have a vigorous constitution. Loop narrates a little bit and helps you understand their attacks, which you’re grateful for. The team uses up quite a few of their items, and Mirabelle has to almost constantly reapply her Restoration and Healing Craft.

Aside from being timefrozen, you actually get knocked out once or twice. You are roused almost straight away, thanks to Bonnie forcing a Crafted Water down your throat, but it’s a little embarrassing. Aren’t you technically the strongest out of everyone?

You forget all about embarrassment when the short-haired Sadness kills its counterpart.

You’d been battling for a while, so it’s no surprise that they were low on health, but the action is so cold that it catches you by surprise. Odile notices that the Sadness has healed itself thanks to the other one’s downfall.

When it happens, Loop lets out a strangled gasp, then goes eerily still, no longer narrating the fight.

You are able to beat the Sadness, barely, and you lead the others forward through quiet corridors. You enter a room that is devoid of the pressure that’s started to weigh down on you all.

The decision to take a break is well-deserved and welcomed. Bonnie frolics off to the corner to work on preparing the food while everyone else sits down.

You’re troubled.

Loop…?

[H-hi.]

You almost don’t want to ask. You feel like you’ve been asking a lot.

Loop sighs, sensing your debate. [I think it…rattled me, a bit.]

That fight was pretty messed up, huh. I know Sadnesses are incapable of strategy or intelligent thought on our level, but it was still cold.

[We thought they were working together. Thought they were friends. They even looked so similar. But the moment one was weak and the other was backed into a corner…]

The weak one was killed. I don’t think that thing could have expected it to happen, either.

[Yeah…]

The star’s emotions swirl uneasily in your gut. You frown, and the puzzle clicks into completion in your head. Hey, Loop.

[Eek! Yes???]

You know I’d never do that to you.

He doesn’t respond. You don’t really need to hear one; because you know for a fact that you’d never be able to kill the star that’s acted as your good-natured, happy-go-lucky guide. One who remembers the loops with you, gives you advice, and- like it or not- understands you on a deeper level. Not just by searching the memories you have, but in the sense that both of you don’t know where you came from. There’s a hole that your head contains, and you’ve found that, somehow, Loop is the one filling it.

By the universe’s will, you’re a part of each other. You’re not really used to it yet, but you’ll get there one day.

You know that, at the very least, there’s something special about him and the relationship that’s been formed between you.

The star settles down, melting across your thoughts like a waterfall of sunshine being poured out through your hat. He’s happy.

It feels good.

Chapter Text

With Bonnie apparently out of earshot, Isabeau starts a conversation about funeral rites. It’s jarring, but he means well, and wants to know what you all would prefer according to your beliefs. You listen curiously as the others talk about it: Odile mentions the Ka Buan process of turning ashes into a diamond, but knows it won’t be easily feasible, so she says she’s fine with her body being donated to any House in Vaguarde, since if you all succeed in your mission then a House would probably have use for the body of a savior.

Mirabelle says that it’s common for followers of Change to be buried next to a tree in order to be a part of the cycle. As for Isabeau, he says he doesn’t really care about what comes after since he’ll be dead anyways.

When the question is posed to you, you mull it over in your head. It probably won’t apply to you, really, because every time you die, time restarts anyways. But…

“Throw my ashes to the sky,” you say.

“Oh!” Mirabelle looks intrigued. “Is that, perhaps, common where you are from?”

Hah, as if you’d know. It feels right, but just out of understandable reach. So you give her a carefree wink. Bonnie interrupts right around then, offering a few delightful choices: madeleines, pineapple slices with sugar, and a fish head. You give each choice a curious look.

I don’t think I’ve ever had pineapple?

Loop hums in your head, sounding uncertain.

Now’s as good a time as any, I guess.

“I’ll try the pineapple.”

Bonnie gasps, “Wait, you like pineapples too?? Pineapples are one of my three favorite foods! Sounds like you have good taste sometimes, Frin!!”

They’re happy to hand a slice over to you, and no sooner have your teeth taken out a sizable chunk of it does Loop inhale sharply and scream:

[WAIT WAIT WAIT NO DON’T-!!!]

It tastes spicy, and you hurriedly finish chewing. Brows knitted and secrecy forgotten, you try to swallow so you can talk.

All that comes out is a cough. Then another, and another, and there goes your lungs. Your mouth is on fire, your chest is constricting, your vision spins with fading monochrome, your friends are grabbing you and yelling and it just feels like even more fire.

Your vision blacks out. As you’re suspended in death, a tug on your formerly ruined stomach forces you-

awake again

to cough and try to breathe again, as normally as possible.

“Frin? Helloooooooo??? What snack do you want?”

Still in shock, you force the reply of: “M…madeleines, please?”

“Here you go!!”

The snack is shoved into your hands.

…

…WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED.

[AAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!]

LOOP!?!?!?

[STARDUST!!!!] Loop sounds like he’s pulling out his celestial hair in agony. [ WE’RE BLINDING ALLERGIC TO PINEAPPLES!!!!!!!]

WE’RE WHAT?!?!

[I DIDN’T KNOW!!! I DIDN’T KNOW UNTIL I- UNTIL YOU- OH UNIVERSE I AM SO SO SO SORRY-!!!]

IT’S FINE. It is FINE. We are COMPLETELY FINE!!!!!

In a vain attempt to calm your frayed nerves, you pull your knees up to your chest and nibble rapidly on the madeleine. You don’t even taste it.

Completely fine…

You’ve finished the cake-cookie a few seconds later. The panic settles. It’s not that bad. You’re not aflame, and you can breathe. The suddenness of the whole situation is…getting to you. It works its way onto your face in the form of the corners of your mouth being tempted to twitch upwards.

…

[…]

That pineapple was pretty good, though.

[Yeah it was.]

It’s kinda funny.

[It’s actually hilarious if you don’t mind dying.]

I’d eat it again.

[Hahaha!!!]

You snicker into your sleeves.

Chapter Text

This floor feels like a fetch quest.

You think, an hour after you’ve scoured the area in search of something that will cut the vine-like threads that block the gate. There are a few locked doors and even more Tear-clogged passageways; at some point you see a gate locked by an unknown openphrase. There’s an inscription on its frame that hurts your head to look at.

You come across other people who Mirabelle recognizes. You even find her room, where you learn that her roommate was probably trying to make a Craft bomb. You take the “short gizmo-gadget” and hope the knowledge will come in handy later.

The nicest thing to come out of this so far is the picture-taking mirror, which produces both the smiling mask key and a Memory that Loop equips to Isabeau.

You’ve been entrusted with the picture, which you observe closer.

[Haha, look at how cute and surprised you are.]

I’m only going to acknowledge the first thing you said. You peer at yourself, noticing a peculiar glare just behind your hat. Oh.

[…?]

You angle it so the cluster of light suspended in the picture is a little clearer. Is this you?

[Oh…! Oh, it is! I’m visible!!!]

You’re a part of the memory. You smile.

[I am! I am!]

You are.

Loop is so very pleased with this development. You tuck the picture back in your pocket. Returning to the door with the animal lock, you open it and find a Sadness that everyone recognizes as the one that drops Crests. Bonnie calls it the “weird-smelly Sadness”.

It’s also a little tougher than the others, managing to knock Isabeau out cold for a second.

Aside from that, you defeat it without much incident and obtain the Crest. You rub your finger on the item’s surface. It’s the only one you have right now, and you don’t know if you’ll find any more.

“Alright, Boniface.” Odile dusts off her jacket. “What do you mean by ‘weird-smelly’?”

“It smells, like, really really sugary!!”

“That’s it?” She sighs. “Regardless, we should be careful with how we use this one.”

You inspect the room for a little longer, and Odile smirks as she gestures to the wall. “And what does this wall smell like, Boniface?”

“Like a crabbing WALL!!!!” The kid yells back indignantly.

Chuckling, you head out. “Where do you all think we should use it? I think there were three different paths we could take.”

“I-I’m not sure.” Mirabelle chews her lip. “Um…where was each path again?”

“The first one I remember was up by the mirror!” chirps Isabeau.

“There was also one near the pottery classroom, and another I believe due southwest.” Odile adds.

“We remembered the mirror first! How’s that sound?”

“That’s not- ugh, well, I suppose we don’t have any way of telling.”

You shrug. “It’s also the closest right now, so…”

She concedes.

You lead everyone up there and toss the Crest into the tears. When the path is clear, you go on ahead into a quaint room that you quickly realize has no value or use.

There’s no key or Crest or item that will help you progress here. You can tell.

You bite your tongue and hide your unease, checking the many papers scattered on the counters. There’s a note reading “openphrase123”, which is sort of useful since it probably is the password to one of the locked doors. There’s also a bunch of half-finished poetry that the others start reading and joking about.

While they talk, you check the drawer. There’s nothing except some junk and…

Oh, a stopwatch. Curious, you pick it up. It’s a little different from the standard. The clock itself is on the side, and the front has a display that shows in number form how many seconds have passed. As expected, it’s unactivated and set to 0:00.00 right now.

You try to click it. But like everything else, it’s frozen in time, and the mechanical parts refuse to budge. You think about putting it back since you don’t really need it.

[Host?]

Hm? Yeah?

[Can you keep messing with it?]

Well, if he’s asking…

You inspect the clock every which way, tapping the glass and casing.

[Focus on it…I’m gonna try something.]

You peer at it, keeping a firm grip. You feel something warm run through your veins, pouring into the stopwatch. Loop is speaking with a hushed rhythm. Something among the lines of work again, work again, work again. The ice seems to be slowly pushed back, and away, and out.

The sensation stops after a minute. You feel a little drowsy. Your eyelids droop.

[Did it…work?]

Snapped back to reality, you hastily click the button. The stopwatch begins counting.

Oh my stars! How did you-?!

[I-I used Craft!! It worked!! YES!!!

Urghhhhh that was tiring, though…hrmmmfff…]

You turn the souvenir over in your hand. I felt that. You did good. Probably can’t manage it for a whole person, though…

[Definitely not.]

Still impressive.

[Thanks!]

The others have finished the poetry and are anxiously doing a second check around the room. You sigh. We should reset now, huh?

[…we should.]

“Guys, follow me.” You announce, already halfway out the door.

Mirabelle squeaks and hurries after you with the rest in tow. “B-but!! We didn’t find-!”

There’s a tear right outside. You get close to it, but not enough to be obvious. “I found this cool thing.” You hold up the stopwatch.

“Um…yay?” She says hesitantly.

“That’s useless.” Bonnie states.

You insist, “It’s not!”

Isabeau gives you an inquisitive look. “What are we supposed to do with it?”

“Wait,” Odile realizes. “Is it not frozen?”

“Yup!” You chirp, resetting the timer to prove it.

“How?”

“Good question.” You wink, and she answers the gesture with narrowed eyes.

“What do we do now?” frets Mirabelle.

Isabeau glances around. “Maybe we can double-check the rooms and see what we missed…?”

[Can you do something for me, stardust?]

You tilt your head slightly. What is it?

[Give Odile the stopwatch.]

Huh?? Why?

[I wanna try something, and I think she’s the most reliable to do this. Just…say what I tell you to say, and I swear I’ll explain once we restart.]

You frown, but you’re so curious, and you suppose it doesn’t hurt to indulge…

“Hey, Odile. Can you do me a favor?”

She turns to you. “What is it?”

You hold out the stopwatch. “Take this. I wanna try something out.”

Arching a brow, she slowly accepts the item. All eyes are on you. You clear your throat. “And everyone, turn around.”

“Why?”

“It’s a surprise! No peeking!”

[Follow my lead.]

Hesitantly, your allies turn around. You parrot Loop’s next words as if they’re your own.

“Hold it up so I can see it from here. When I say go, turn on the stopwatch. Only stop it when I say stop.”

“What exactly is this for?” Odile asks, but nonetheless she follows your instructions.

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise! Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

Mirabelle shifts uncomfortably. “H-how long is this going to take?”

“Not long. I’ll need everyone to be quiet while I do it, though. Trust me.”

“O-okay…”

“Alright. In that case…” You reach behind you. “Go.”

You touch the Tear right as you see the stopwatch click, and soon after, you’re gone.

…

You’re back at the snack break.

Eyes heavy, you blink and yawn, stretching like a lazy cat. How serene. You wait for a little bit, eventually regaining full consciousness. You glance around casually.

[Hey…]

Loop is the one to initiate conversation this time. You’re somewhat relieved.

Hey. What’s up?

[…

So…

It takes exactly 3 seconds for a Tear to encase you.]

Your hand goes into your pockets. The stopwatch sits in there, and you caress its surface. Huh. That’s what this was all about?

[S-sorta…]

That hesitance again, caught in self-debate. You can be patient; you have nothing but time, after all.

[………]

You keep waiting.

[Ahaha…

They’re lovely people. Good at following instructions. They didn’t turn around.]

There’s something off about his tone. It was only 3 seconds, though?

[Siffrin.]

He’s serious.

[It doesn’t take long. It’s only for a little bit, but…]

You feel like you’re being cradled in the wings of the sky.

[The world keeps going after you freeze.]

Chapter Text

Bonnie was confused, mouth agape and forming an “ah”. Mirabelle had gone very pale as her hands covered her mouth. Isabeau was already reacting, reaching towards Siffrin; Odile held him back but she stared at them in rigid disbelief and something else that was difficult to place.

Loop heard Siffrin’s last thought:

Oh.

“SIF!!!” cried Isabeau.

The Tears did their work swiftly, enclosing the host in a dark and chilly grasp.

Something tugged, and then broke.

…

Loop couldn’t feel its host anymore. They couldn’t move. Was this death? It felt awful. They were reduced to a crystalline statue, but the star was still alive.

“No!!” Isabeau wrenched himself out of Odile’s grasp, grabbing Siffrin’s partially-outstretched hands. “Oh Change…!”

Mirabelle ran forth, trying to apply her healing Craft to push away the ice, but it was like trying to move a mountain with a rope.

They’re grieving.

Loop wanted to move.

[This can’t be happening. No- does it not work?! Am I just stuck?!]

Odile turned to Bonnie, taking the child’s hands in her own. “Boniface. Look at me.”

They were trembling in place, unable to tear their gaze away from Siffrin.

[Bonnie…!]

“Look at me,” said Odile again.

Bonnie did, with great effort.

“You’re okay. It’s going to be fine. Alright?”

“B-but…but I…and- and Frin…”

“It’s okay.” She tried to soothe, “No one is mad.”

[I can’t watch this. Why?! Why can’t I close these celestial eyes?!]

If the star could hyperventilate, it would. 

[HOST! STARDUST! SIFFRIN!

ANYBODY?!?!

LET ME OUT, PLEASE!]

They’re crying.

[I CAN’T!!!]

It was stuck in its own mind, wailing and screaming.

[LET ME OUT LET ME OUT LET ME OUT LET ME OUT LET ME OUT LET ME-

Time screamed. A thread reversed, reconnected, strengthened. Loop cut itself off, so distressed that it could only sob.

[Hic…oooohhh…]

The string tugged, and-

…

Loop could feel its host again.

Loop couldn’t stop crying despite the relief that Tears would eventually reset time.

But why were the other deaths not like that? Because Tears weren’t truly death? Why did it take so long?

The star still didn’t know.

Loop estimated the amount of time they had spent frozen.

[Tell them to turn around for…hmm, uh…fifteen seconds, exactly.]

Siffrin was suspicious, but still went along with it. “Trust me on this. Turn around and count to 15. Exactly. When I say go.”

“Is this a joke setup?” deadpanned Bonnie.

“No. Please?”

They’re still ruffled, but they turned around anyway. 

“Start counting now.“

His hand clasped around the hyaline substance.

The same thing happened again. The break in consciousness, and the continuation of the world…

Loop was a little more ready, but when the party reached 15 and they looked back, there was still the guilt that wracked the star as their eyes landed on Siffrin. It took a moment, but then they gasped and yelled and tried to run forth.

Tug.

…

Back again.

Counting to 20 was a little better. It barely took a couple seconds after the team turned around for the string to pull Loop back. He had to take into account how long it took for the Tear to do its job. He was certain that the length of time was the same for each freeze.

The stopwatch was the most accurate he was going to get to figuring it out: both freezing and returning.

Siffrin followed along, under the condition that an explanation be given. Loop agreed, since that was only fair.

The timer started. Loop focused as intensely as possible.

It read 3 seconds when Siffrin was cut off from him.

Loop steeled himself. He couldn’t blink. That made it easier to stare at the stopwatch.

At 16 seconds, the others became uneasy. Loop prayed they wouldn’t turn around.

“Should we say something?” whispered Isabeau.

“Ohh…I want to, but what if we interrupt them?” Mirabelle murmured back.

“I guess you’re-”

The stopwatch read 00:21.40 seconds.

Tug.

…

[3 seconds exactly for you to freeze.

18.4 seconds before the world finally ends.]

Chapter Text

You’ve moved to lean against the wall. You feel ill.

[Siffrin…?]

Loop sounds nervous. He’s anticipating something.

I’m sorry. That you went through that.

[It’s okay, really. They don’t remember.]

You massage your temples. Maybe I shouldn’t use the tears anymore…

[You might get stuck, still. They should stay there as an option. I think they’re the best way out…you just have to tread carefully since Mira might be able to combat it with her Craft.]

I’m still sorry.

You really are. On Loop’s behalf, you feel awful for the poor star. You’ve been slumbering carelessly while he had to witness the way your allies grieved. You monster. Under the cloak, you grip your weapon tightly, your gloved hands digging into the edges.

[Please, stardust!] Loop beseeches, [Don't think like that. Please. Stop. Let go of the scissors.]

You stop. One slip-up after the other. You can’t do anything right.

Sorry. You apologize for the umpteenth time. When will your words lose meaning? I guess what matters is that we’re both aware of it…so I need to keep my head in the game.

[Yeah.] Loop takes a shaky breath. [I feel better now that I’ve told you…]

But it's only tears that extend the world’s time?

[Yes. It hasn’t happened with anything else.]

Good to know. You get to your feet, breathing in and out. I’m fine. We’re fine.

[Completely fine…]

Stars, I wish I could hug you.

The thought crosses your mind before you can stop it.

[!!!!]

Whoops- is that uncomfortable? I didn’t-

[N-no, I…I’d…like a hug…

I don’t remember the last time I was hugged…]

The guilt squirms in your chest again.

…Me neither.

[Maybe we could both use one?]

You don’t want to think about it. The vulnerability of it all makes your skin prickle.

You cycle through the floor far quicker this time, since you know where the points of interest are and how to get there. Once you’ve killed the Crest Sadness again, the same conversation begins.

You wait for your turn as you walk out the door. “There were three different paths we could take.”

“I-I’m not sure.” Mirabelle says, “Um…where was each path again?”

“The first one I remember was up by the mirror!” chirps Isabeau.

“There was also one near the pottery classroom, and another I believe due southwest.” Odile adds.

“We remembered the mirror first! How’s that sound?”

“That’s not- ugh, well, I suppose we don’t have any way of telling.”

You change your lines. “How about we try…the one near the pottery classroom?

Isabeau turns to you. “Isn’t the mirror the closest?” 

“Yeah, but I dunno. We already found something over that way, didn’t we?”

“Hmm, I guess…” He shrugs airily, “You’re the boss, Sif! Take us away!”

Grateful, you do.

Past this barrier is a spacious area, almost like an office, with the wall facing you being spanned by pristine glass. A few tears float near the ends of the room. You can see the clouds drifting by, and the stars that glimmer ever-distantly in the dark sky.

You’re startled by the sight, but fall silent at its beauty. Loop, too, has nothing to say.

This reminds you of something.

The others aren’t anywhere near as reverent as you are, but maybe that’s to be expected. After all, this is a result of the King’s influence- it was morning when you left Dormont, and apparently he has the ability to turn his immediate surroundings into nighttime.

You skim the books on the table; you can’t read them, and trying to do so gives you a headache, so you give it up. The only title that is interpretable is Ka Buan, which Odile translates to “Colors Through Time”. It’s about color theory, not that you know what that is, nor do you care much.

You look through all the drawers and the desk, while the others observe the globe and the telescope.

You’d love to just stay here for hours. Admiring the stars, connecting their invisible lines, recalling the stories they had tucked away in the hollow of space…

But there’s nothing here. It’s another dead end.

You sigh deeply. The room tastes like burnt sugar and leather. The more you see and feel, the more you want to stay. You go over to the window and place a hand against it. You lean so close that your breath collects on the glass, and soon your forehead has pressed against the window. It’s smooth and cold. You feel so much closer to Loop like this. The height makes it look like you’re suspended in the air, and if you concentrate, then you can imagine that there are no walls boxing you in. Just free, unfurled space.

It’s a beautiful view. Your heart says it isn’t as beautiful as home. 

You wish you could fall into the sky.

“Pretty, huh?” says a voice right beside you.

You give a start, and now jolted out of your thoughts, you turn to the speaker. It’s Isabeau. He and the others are lined up along the window, side-by-side, looking at you.

You’ve been quiet for too long, and now they’re worried. You clear your throat awkwardly. “Y-yeah, really pretty…”

He stares at you, and concern flits across his expression before he hides it with a smile. “You know stuff about stars?”

Haha… Your lips twitch upwards. “Not as much as I’d like to know.”

“It’s peaceful here,” he remarks. “It’s a nice…office.”

“Observatory,” you correct.

“Ah, that’s what it’s called?”

“It is. And you’re right, this is a nice place.” You gaze into the horizon. “I liked the view from my house better, though.”

“Your house?”

You blink. “What?”

Mirabelle frowns. “You said…you like the view from your house better…?”

You try to remember and are met with a wave of pain. Wincing, you touch your head. “I-I don’t…”

“Ah!! Nevermind! S-sorry! You don’t need to answer that!”

“Bad memory,” quips Bonnie.

Odile crosses her arms. “We don’t have time for this…”

Oh, but you do. You do. She has no idea, but you do. You have all the time you need. If you waste it, all you have to do is hug a tear. Or throw yourself out the window. Wouldn’t that be something?

“Stardust…?”

You taste sugar and click your tongue, pulling away from the window. Loop’s voice is delicate yet loud.

The others have swiveled abruptly and are staring at something in the center of the room. You notice their expressions. Confused, you check, too.

There’s a star before you all. A very familiar, bright, and pretty star made of beams that shift like a kaleidoscope. It hovers there, a little smaller than your head.

You aren’t sure if what you’re feeling is just shock, or if it’s bordering on horror.

Bonnie gasps. “Is that a star??”

Odile takes a step so she’s partially in front of the kid. “What in gems…?”

“Oh…! They…you can see me. This is- oh, so wonderful!” Loop floats a bit closer. “H-hello! Gosh, when we came in here, I knew it felt a little different- like being next to the Favor Tree but I didn’t think I could actually manifest and now I’m actually TALKING to you guys and this is so awesome!!!! Wait, you can hear everything I say now. Whoops!!”

He’s so excited. Your mouth feels dry.

“What… are you?” Mirabelle asks.

“I’m a star!!!”

“I…guess you are…”

Isabeau takes a step closer, eyes wide with unconcealed fascination. Loop giggles and darts past him, brushing his cheek in the process, before stopping in front of you. “Stardust, this is so amazing!!! Isn’t this amazing??? Aren’t you amazed?????”

You are amazed.

And, honestly, also a little scared.

You don’t want to rain on Loop’s parade. He’s absolutely ecstatic, and once you reset, it’s not going to matter that the others have seen the little star. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tread carefully, right?

…maybe this will be good for him, though?

“I-it’s great.” You stammer out, blinking rapidly to reorient yourself. “G-good for you.”

Loop can sense your partial unease, and you see how he falters slightly- now he’s worried about you and a little more self-conscious- before bopping you on the nose and flying around the observatory with cheerful enthusiasm. “A-anyways!! I’m happy to talk to all of you guys, finally! So sweet, so kind, so heroic! It reminds me of something about myself, but I’m not sure what. Very familiar…hmm.”

Odile stares at the star, then turns to you with a slight scowl. “Explain.”

You squawk, “Wh-what??? Explain what???”

“How are you connected to this.”

“What makes you think I’m-”

“It’s obvious.”

Isabeau blinks. “Is it?”

She doesn’t hear him.

You look at Loop in a desperate bid for aid. The star hovers over your shoulder, now, watching. You can tell it’s anxious.

You gulp. “He’s been…um…here. Since yesterday…”

Everyone’s looking at you. You don’t like this. Do you have to talk about it? There’s a tear right there, barely a few steps away- maybe now would be a good time to restart, but then there’s still the 18.4 seconds after you freeze where Mirabelle might still be able to save you…

Loop adds cheerily, “Siffrin and I are kindred amnesiacs, teehee!!! He’s a great Host!”

“Host?”

“I’m a part of him! The Universe put me here! We talk in our head!”

You feel yourself flushing, and you urgently whisper at the star, “You’re saying too much, you’re saying too much…”

“What??” Loop whispers back, bouncing on pins and needles. “What am I SUPPOSED to say???”

“Not that much! Minimal information!!!”

“Ughhhhh but why???”

“I- arrrggghhh.” You bury your face in your cloak. “Forget it, forget it, forget it.”

“What, it’s not like it matters! This is a dead end anyways, you can’t progress anymore!”

You say nothing, side-glaring the star. The others fall silent.

“…dead end?” Mirabelle echoes quietly.

“U-um!! Yes!” Loop flounders, “BUUUUUUT IT’S FINE!!!! That’s why I’m here!! By the will of the Universe! Landlord and I can fix the dead ends!!!”

“You can???”

Odile furrows her brow. “Who the crab is Landlo-”

“OKAY!” You exclaim, clapping abruptly, “That’s the end of that. Loop, I think we should get to work. Time to… fix it.”

The star visibly wilts as he sighs, lamenting the fact. “Okayyyyy…”

“Could you guys turn around for a bit? We need zero interference or peeking for this part.”

Your allies are dubious, as usual, but perhaps because of the shock, they still comply.

“Great,” you say as you walk over to the nearest Tear. Loop mutters a farewell as he zips back into your head, melding with your mind again. “When I say you can look, you can look.”

Knowing you aren’t ever going to come back to this timeline, you let the cryosleep swallow you up.

…

The topography manifests. You warp to the third snack break. Waking up makes you feel woozy. You cough and rub your eyes, ignoring the looks the others send you.

…They don’t remember. Thank the stars. Now for your main concern.

Loop? Hello?

Silence. You feel a flash of panic. Did you hurt his feelings?

Loop, please talk to me. I’m sorry. Did you want to talk with them a little longer? We can go back if you want-

[Landlord.]

You take a quick and shaky breath.

I’m here…

[I ran my mouth a little bit back there. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.]

He’s sorry.

Universe, you wish you could hug this adorable little star.

…

Loop laughs weakly. You're deeply intertwined with one another, you recognize. With enough time, he might be able to know you more than the others do.

Maybe more than you yourself do.

That wouldn’t be so bad, would it…? At first you were averse to the idea, but having a constant companion (who can’t leave you) is somewhat reassuring.

You get to your feet.

After going around the House and collecting the keys and Crest for the third time, you backtrack to save at the checkpoint. Then you walk towards the observatory. Loop doesn’t catch on to what you’re doing until you toss the Star Crest into the tears that block your way.

[HUH???????]

You keep walking.

[SIFFRIN!?!?!?!]

You head inside and hang back slightly as your allies spread out to investigate.

[WHAT THE UNIVERSE ARE YOU-?! Oh, for STARS’ sake!!!]

The star manifests before you with a swift flicker, almost touching your nose. No one’s noticed yet, and he growls quietly to keep that from changing. “What are you doing?! We already-”

You cup your hands together. This is as much for you as it is for him.

Loop’s luminous form angles downwards, as if he’s staring at the gesture. He’s surprised. You wait, becoming a little nervous. This isn’t something you can rewind, after all, since he’ll remember anyway.

After a second, he lowers himself into your hands, shivering once he’s settled. It’s like holding liquid earthshine.

You pull the little star to your chest and hug him as gently yet firmly as you can. It’s a little awkward- he’s tiny, and you haven’t hugged anyone in a long time, but it’s working.

Loop melts into the embrace and breathes heavily. It doesn’t matter if the others see you or not. There are plenty of tears around.

Loop deserves some comfort, vulnerability condemned.

You've been through a lot in just a few loops. You hug as tight as you can, resting your chin on the star’s surface.

And by the Universe, does it feel perfect.

Chapter Text

With the loop restarted, you head to the final possible place you can go: the southwest Tear barrier. You clear the path with the Crest and keep walking.

There’s another frozen person. Mirabelle recognizes who it is- one of her friends. She ventures a little closer, expression heartbroken as she stares at the statue. After a moment of silence, she speaks. “…He pushed me away, so the Curse wouldn’t get me, and it hit him instead.” Her breath hitches. “He saved me.”

You blink and look at the person again. He does seem to be mid-action, with his legs apart and arms partly raised and outstretched. His pupils are constricted, gazing in fearful anger at a threat that’s no longer there. His lip is curled, and maybe he was trying to yell right before he was frozen. All things considered, you can imagine the scene: this person shoving Mirabelle to safety before being struck and turned into an effigy.

Loop…I’d like to know his name. But I think Mira will be sad if I ask.

[Are you asking me to…?]

If you can.

[…as long as you’re willing to take it.]

You nod subtly. A moment later, that deep-seated chill pierces your head. You clench your jaw and wait. It doesn’t take more than a couple seconds for the pain to stop.

[Hey.]

That wasn’t too bad. How was it for you?

You can almost hear Loop smile. [Jesse. One of the first friends Mira made in the House when she was younger.]

Jesse, you commit it to memory, and look at the visage.

Thank you, Jesse. For saving Mirabelle. We’ll save you, too. And everyone. No matter how many retries it takes.

You think it like a prayer, and though you doubt he can hear you, it’s somewhat reassuring for you to project the idea anyways. Loop’s sympathetic approval washes over you.

Isabeau hugs Mirabelle to his side to comfort her. “…Let’s keep going, yeah?”

She whimpers softly in response. You lead the others away. The door is not too far. Finally, something that isn’t a dead end…

You try the knob and find it to be locked.

The symbol over the keyhole is shaped like a crying mask.

Mirabelle tilts her head, wiping her eyes. “We don’t have the key for this one yet, do we?”

It has to be the right one. This has to be the way you’re supposed to go. There’s no way it isn’t.

A note is stuck to the door.

“We closed as many doors as we could, but if SOMEHOW you need the key to this one…I hid the key in room 403, in little Marc’s notebook.”

Isabeau looks at it inquisitively. “Room 403? Rooms have numbers now?”

“The classrooms do!” says Mirabelle, “We’ve only seen a couple, but the House has way more. Room 403 though…I’m pretty sure we at least passed it, it’s where…” Her eyes widen. “Ah!!”

“Ah?” echoes Odile.

“I-it’s, um…” She gulps. “It’s currently on the second floor…”

You stare into the door, wishing it could melt.

“The second floor???” Bonnie exclaims, “But…we can’t go to previous floors, can we? The big doors close behind us, don’t they?”

Everyone looks at each other.

“Well that’s not good,” says Isabeau weakly.

It’s going to be a long way back and forth. You send a smoldering glare into the wall. Stars, you can’t believe yourself. You’re far more upset than you want to admit.

Loop says nothing.

Better get going…

You lift your head, thankful that your back is still facing them. You take a deep breath. “Everyone?”

“Huh?”

Turning around, you plaster on an easygoing smile. “Stay here for a minute. I have a plan, but I need you guys to stay here while I do it.”

Glances are exchanged, but they don’t know what to do, so they agree.

You hasten out of the room and back to the previous hallway, and there are plenty of tears at your disposal.

You stalk through the second floor again until you reach the classroom, where you disrespectfully flip open “Marc’s Super Duper Cool Notebook”. And keep flipping.

…oh thank the stars it’s here.

You pluck it out of the notebook.

“A key!” Bonnie exclaims. “Here???”

“A mask, huh…” Odile peers at it. “This feels out of place. I was expecting a keychain shaped like scissors or something.”

You stare at the key in your hand.

“…Sif?” Isabeau tries to get your attention hesitantly.

You aren’t very good at your job, are you? This key is proof of that. The Head Housemaiden’s office is proof of that. Your wrong choices with the Star Crests are proof of that. Death Corridor is proof of that. The fact that you’d died at all is proof of that.

It’s only by this power, by looping, that you’ve made progress at all. Your friends would all be distressed or most likely dead if it weren’t for the Universe’s help.

Isn’t that pathetic? Aren’t you pathetic?

You can’t help but sigh.

…Someone pokes your side. It’s Bonnie. You manage not to flinch.

“Hey.” The kid says, holding up a snack. “Have a peach.”

Without thinking, you take the fruit and nibble on it in silence.

Everyone’s staring at you. You realize you’ve made things awkward by being quiet.

“Th-thank you, Bonnie!” You chirp.

The kid frowns. “You-”

“You’re a peach.”

Isabeau laughs. Bonnie scowls. “Ew.”

Odile rolls her eyes and Mirabelle shakes her head. Of course Isabeau is the only one who finds this hilarious.

“I don’t even know why I worry about you sometimes,” grumbles Bonnie.

That statement confuses you slightly, but you brush past it. You have the key now. You should probably hurry back to the third floor.

[You have the ability to loop forwards in exchange for some memories.]

Your eye widens. What?

[Not important memories. Just of your dull battles against Sadnesses. They’re called Memories of Skirmish!

Have you seen their essence swirling around you after you die? That’s what it is.]

Oh! I HAVE seen that! I didn’t realize I could use them.

[Teehee, you can! You’ll figure it out and get the hang of it eventually.

Did you want to hang around on this floor to get stronger first?]

I think it’s fine if we go on ahead, right?

[Whatever you think is best!]

You round a corner and sight a few Tears you can utilize.

[You know, Landlord…]

You listen.

[Aren’t you at least curious about how they’d feel about the time loops…?]

I’m not telling them. You reply. Mira is stressed enough, and Odile always says that we don’t have time. Why should we worry them about this?

[…I guess.

I just…I’m concerned. Because I’m the only one aside from you who knows.]

Why are you concerned? You’re doing a great job. A crab of a lot better than I am.

Loop falls into uneasy silence.

This power has been a blessing. YOU have been a blessing. If I can help our allies like this, then I will. No matter how many crabbing loops it takes. I’m perfectly fine with how we have it right now.

Your feelings are hard to put into words. The idea of telling others about your failures is sickening.

[… our allies?]

You blink. Yeah. You’re a part of me, right?

[Y-yeah…]

He seems to have calmed. You decide to try the forward-looping. You pull the usual stunt of “trust me and turn around until I say so” and then make contact with the tear.

Loop’s previous words cause you to put your full attention on the starry dust that surrounds your spectral form. On the map, you firmly select the third floor, and you see the way a portion of the dust funnels into the topography to disappear forever.

In a blink, you’re back. The taste of madeleines is prevalent in your mouth. You stand and check your pockets. The crying mask key is there. Good.

Time to use it.

Past Jesse is the door, and your allies are surprised that the key you seemingly came across by chance has now saved you from becoming stuck. You brush it off by acting like you just got lucky.

Which you kinda did, all things considered.

The atmosphere is getting heavier. You can feel it- the King is near. The thought of that alone washes away any bitterness towards the previous loops, because you’ve been learning from your mistakes and you’re so close.

The next corridor has a bathroom. Most of you vote for a break so everyone can use it. You yourself don’t have to, but you enter a stall and lock it anyway.

You need a minute.

Hey, Loop.

The star seems to be roused from dormancy. [Hm? Stardust…?]

You take a deep breath, and a grin splits your face. There’s no doubt you look like a complete idiot right now, standing in a bathroom stall while you beam at the wall. You clasp your hands together, then move them into fists. Loop, we’re almost at the King!!!

[Huh?] You can feel him do a double take at your surroundings. [OH! Oh, we are!!! You’re right!!]

You try not to laugh. Did you fall ASLEEP?!

[Y-yes I did!! So what?? You’re the one napping the day before!]

You’re the one napping the HOUR before!

[W-well!!! I’m glad we’re so close!]

You whisper under your breath, bouncing on your heels and pumping your fists in the air. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes…!”

[Yes yes yes yes yes!!!]

Thank the gods for this power. You don’t care who it was- Change, Expressions, the Universe, or some other deity- thank them all for preserving your lives.

And even for giving Loop to you as a helper.

Vaguarde can be saved. Everyone will be saved. If all it took was some trial and error on your part, what does it matter??? A little pain, a splash of shame, dead ends or being set aflame- in the long run, it’s meaningless! You’re practically immortal!

Today is the day the King will be defeated.

Even if you die, you’ll be able to come back to yesterday, which will bring you to today.

And today is the day the King will be defeated.

That’s the point of a loop, isn’t it?

You jump a few more times, then shake yourself in an attempt to get rid of the excess energy. Then you breathe, in and out.

[Hooooo…I'm just gonna be spectating, and I’m still nervous!]

You giggle as silently as you can, then breathe again and school your expression.

You’re so close.

At the end of the halls…is just a room with a statue of the Change God. Interestingly enough, it’s the only statue you’ve seen that isn’t destroyed. The others take the opportunity to stop and pray.

You’re a little uncertain…but you decide to try it out? You close your eye.

Thank you for your blessing. If you’re the one who did this, then I swear we’ll take advantage of it so the King can be brought down…

The others are sending their wishes.

I wish for victory.

There’s a sound, and a flicker of light. You feel an item suddenly take form in your hands, and you jump slightly in shock. You look down and see you’re now holding a blade that resembles a key in shape.

Since when???

“S-Siffrin?” Mirabelle looks at you. “Wh-what are you holding there?”

You don’t know???

“A KNIFE!!!!” Bonnie yells with vibrant enthusiasm.

Isabeau stares at it in disbelief. “Did- did the Change God give it to us??”

Everyone’s confused voices start overlapping as they try to figure it out, but this doesn’t last more than a second before you’re all bathed in light.

“WAH!!!” cries Mirabelle.

You feel like you’re being tugged on weightlessly- not quite in the way that looping does to you. This is closer to how it feels when someone yanks on your clothes when you’re falling behind. When the light fades, you’re standing back in the main hall. The thread-blocked gate is in clear sight.

All of you spin in circles, disoriented as you recognize your surroundings.

“What the-”

“That’s…Floor 3’s entrance???”

Bonnie gasps loudly, “The Change God beamed us there!!!”

Mouths open and close, but is there really anything that anyone can say to shoot that down?

Isabeau clears his throat. “Well, at least we don’t have to backtrack. I’m not gonna ask questions.”

The three Vaguardians happily send their gratitude to the Change God. You and Odile look at each other, and shrug. She mutters thanks to “whichever deity gave us this knife.”

You cough, beginning to walk up the stairs to the gate. “Thank you…?”

[That felt weird. That felt SO WEIRD.]

Do you know what it was??

[Not really?? I think it was the Change God??? You were at the statue, but I don’t think I can tell the differences between the presences of deities!]

You find a checkpoint nearby and use it before turning to the gate.

Before you can start, Bonnie points out that even though the main gates and tears were placed by the King, the locked doors…

They hesitate to finish the sentence, so Odile does it for them: it was most likely locked by the House’s residents.

You’d been so focused on fetching keys that the realization didn’t really hit you, but Isabeau’s explanation makes it all click. No one knew what the King’s powers were when the House was attacked, so they must have thought that locking him in would be enough to stop him. But they couldn’t stop the slow spread of the Curse that would freeze Vaguarde.

That’s…

Mirabelle stands close to the gate, hands clasped together tightly while her eyes are shut. “So…people in the House…were trying to save Vaguarde, at the risk of their own lives…” Her knuckles are white. “But it was all for nothing!”

“It did get in our way more than anything else.” Odile murmurs, “But there’s no way they could’ve known…”

Mirabelle struggles to take a breath. You can see it all over her face- she’s thinking of Orchid, of Jesse, of the teachers and other innocents whose frozen forms you’d come across. “They tried, and yet the King- this, this once-changed King!!! I’ll- I’ll…!”

Bonnie wrings their hands. “Belle…”

“We should get going.” Odile tries to give her a small smirk. “I’m predicting there will be a strong Sadness in the next room for you to cut to ribbons, Mirabelle.”

Mirabelle’s lip quivers. “…okay.”

Taking that as your cue, you slice the static threads as efficiently as you can. The KeyKnife breaks on impact, but the threads give way and disappear, freeing up the gate.

Odile’s prediction couldn’t have been more accurate. Mirabelle is able to let off some steam as you all fight this Sadness. It’s a bit of a long fight, but no longer than most of the other battles you’ve been through.

You’re mostly focused on how furious her attacks are. Scary.

Mirabelle’s a great person. She really does need this. When the time comes, you stand back and let her deal the final blow. Even after that, she keeps her momentum, and strides onwards with minimal warning to the others. Everyone allows her to do so.

A minute passes as you walk through the next corridors. Mirabelle’s shoes clack loudly, and her teardrop brooches clink in tandem with it. The pressure is getting stronger. You see another person up ahead and stop before them. Mirabelle halts, her hands flying to her mouth as she nearly chokes on her own sharp inhale.

Odile eyes the person analytically. “Someone, this far inside the House? Who-”

“CLAUDE!!!” She runs over, holding the statue’s shoulders. “No, no, no, no…”

You wince. Of course this is someone she knows.

Isabeau takes a couple careful steps closer. “Is this…?”

“That’s my roommate, Claude…!” She confirms grimly. “Oh, no, how could this happen…”

There’s a moment of silence. You can hear the House creaking.

“I…” She shudders, trying to maintain composure. “I hate my roommate, she’s annoying and always bothers me for stupid reasons, but…but…I used to think she should’ve become a Defender, because she was always helping people, and trying out weird experiments to solve their problems…and she would always, ALWAYS help the Head Housemaiden with hers.

“Always trying new ways to organize her desk…to help her finish tasks…to make sure she’d get some free time…” Mirabelle looks into Claude’s crystallized eyes. “She’d do it with a smug smile, saying it wasn’t that big of a deal, that she’d do it for anyone, but…if she knew that the Head Housemaiden was in danger…she would’ve ran anywhere, everywhere, so she could help her.

“Not only because the Head Housemaiden would’ve solved anything, would’ve beaten the King if she could, but because…because…”

Her voice cracks. “If Claude is this far into the House, she must’ve…tried to stop the King herself, so he wouldn’t get to the Head Housemaiden. And so…if she’s like this…he must’ve…!”

You tip your head downwards, closing your eyes as Mirabelle screams in grief. Maybe that’s her catharsis.

The others are silent. What are you supposed to say in a situation like this?

Loop curls in on himself, leaning against the wall of your mind. [She’s probably been holding all of that in…]

Probably…

This is why the King has to die.

Mirabelle finally gets herself together again, and she gently wipes the dust from her roommate’s face. “Claude…if you can hear me…I’ll be back for you soon…I promise.”

She pulls away, expression taut. “…let’s go.”

In the next room, the pressure is gone. You recognize it as safe. Mirabelle wants to press on, and when Isabeau tries to tell her to slow down, she cries that she can’t, because she can feel the Head Housemaiden and she’s close.

You understand, sort of. You could feel the King’s ominous power all around you, getting closer and closer. Is that sort of what she is experiencing?

You want to help, but you’re not very good at this…

Thankfully Isabeau is here. He goes over. “Mira.”

She’s listening, shaky but not unreceptive.

“Do it with me, okay?” He smiles. “Just like Sif does!”

You’re confused, but then he takes a deep breath. In and out. And in, and out. Mirabelle follows a beat after.

Right, that is something you do. Yes.

She’s calmer now, but still wants to go ahead. She really cares about the Head Housemaiden.

“Everyone…everyone was being frozen in time around me…” Tears begin to leak out of her eyes. “And the Head Housemaiden made sure I could escape! Made sure I lived!! She gave me her blessing…!!!”

Bonnie furrows their brows. “Her blessing…?”

“Do you mean…” Odile frowns. “The power to survive the King’s curse? But wasn’t that…”

Mirabelle shakes her head. “It wasn’t the Change God…the Change God pushes us to greater heights, but rarely does anything to help us personally. That KeyKnife…it was the first time I felt that help…”

Stars, this is a lot.

[…]

Mirabelle tries to wipe her eyes. She doesn’t know why the Head Housemaiden went and gave that Crafted blessing to her. She doesn’t know why she was chosen to save Vaguarde. Why didn’t the Head Housemaiden just use it on herself?

You summon your courage. “Do you think she was wrong? To make sure you’d survive?”

Mirabelle doesn’t answer.

“I’m glad you’re here, Mira.” Isabeau says genuinely, “I’m glad you’re here with us!”

“Yeah!” Bonnie exclaims, “Don’t leave us behind! We’re here! We want to help you! Don’t be stupid and run off ahead…”

“I…” She sniffles. “Everyone, I…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run off ahead…”

Isabeau, seeing this progress, attempts to coerce Odile into making an emotional speech.

You know this is important, but you’re having a hard time paying attention. Your head hurts.

Loop…?

[Stardust…I feel sick.]

Why?

[I…I don’t know. We’re nearly at the end. And I’m so, so excited for everyone, but…

There’s something about it that makes me feel so sick. Like a…familiar…

Urgh…I don’t know.]

It’s like a hand was torn away from your eye, and now you’re paying attention again.

“-THEN ALL OF YOU SIT THE CRAB DOWN!!!” Bonnie is practically bouncing up and down.

[Sorry, I distracted you. They’re all taking a snack break now.]

You nod absently and sit with everyone else, just in time so as to not look suspicious. Bonnie presents some burnt samosas leftover from last night, then a few palmiers, and…

The smell hits your nose. You can hear Loop perk up.

[Oh!!!]

“MALANGA FRITTERS?!”

The others jump at your enthusiasm. Bonnie cheerily confirms your suspicions, and talks about what the fritters are when the others don’t seem to recognize it. You can’t focus on anything except the food, to the point where you’re openly salivating. It reminds you of a place that was cozy and warm.

“So, which one do you guys-”

You lean forward eagerly. “MALANGA FRITTERS, PLEASE!!”

Bonnie giggles, handing one over. “Here you go!!”

These are your FAVORITE food.

[Pace yourself, pace yourself…]

You know you have to, so you resist the urge to swallow it whole. You take a bite.

STARS above, it’s so good and delicious and heavenly!

[Haha!! These are amazing, huh?]

The others are amused at your reaction. You don’t even care if you’re lacking in manners.

It reminds you of

of home, of that one time when Mother was making them and you tried to sneak one but burnt yourself on the stove and you were crying and she treated your hand and gave you a fresh fritter to make you feel better before she kissed you on the head and ruffled your hair with that bright-eyed smile

what?

Your head hurts. Ignoring the pain, you keep eating, savoring every bite. It’s so tasty!

Loop inhales sharply. You don’t notice.

It’s finally time to face the King.

The pressure is immense, but you can scarcely feel it. You’re focused solely on this moment. The King is enormous, towering over you all. His plated armor is dark like the sky, and as you follow the span of his hair with your gaze, you realize that it is the frozen yarn that spools beyond the room in unbelievable length like white tapestries.

His hands are fisted, covering his face. He speaks with a large gap between most of his words, with a voice that is simultaneously tremulous and booming; raw from unceasing sobs. It is enough to make a shiver pinch your nape.

At first he talks to Mirabelle, trying to convince her that his wish is a form of Change, but it’s a weak argument that she shoots down passionately. He at least recognizes her stance, but then he shifts his unseen eyes.

“Wait.” He rasps, “You. Traveler.”

Odile looks at you, to which you shrug. You two are the only foreign ones here, so is he referring to her or you?

“Bright one.”

Oh, alright, it’s you who he’s addressing. Warily you give him your attention.

The King leans forward slightly. His words permeate the air in front of you, and you can almost feel his arctic suspiration. “...Do you remember?”

You hold back a flinch. “Remember what?”

“Oh…oh, oh…!” He bemoans, “It seems you do not.”

What is he talking about?

Loop’s response is cold, colder than the air. [Don’t talk to him. You have nothing to say.]

You grit your teeth and muster a glare at the King. He is silent, before rumbling like a thunderstorm in your ears. “We shall fight…AND WE SHALL SEE WHICH SIDE THE UNIVERSE FAVORS!!!”

Spurred by the initiation of battle, everyone gets out their weapons. The King shifts slightly, staying in place. His armor sounds like hailstones grating against each other. He sighs again, ever heavy. “Despite what you may think…I am…a merciful King. I will give you some time to come to terms with your end…”

You make sure Bonnie is far enough away as the King continues droning.

“A most beautiful end…an eternal end…”

Your allies are less than pleased at his dismissiveness, you included, but with strong resolve they refuse to back down. You start by utilizing Craft to get everyone ready to strike; they follow your lead by avoiding offense, preparing to take a blow before unleashing stronger shots when ready.

The King waits until you have finished your enhancements before he takes his turn. The thunder is closer.

“It is time, saviors.”

With his voice comes a thick wave of Craft- an inescapable spell that crashes over everyone like a boiling tsunami.

You feel like you’re being torn apart, like you’re being shredded while skin is peeled from your bones and your lungs become clogged with ice. A shrill note plays in your head- Loop is in agony. You can’t even scream because there is no air for you to use.

No no no no no.

You see a vision of a terrible future.

It’s dark. It’s torture. It siphons every last bit of vigor from you. Eternal, neverending death. The past is the future, and the present is all three at once. The nature of a loop is that there’s no escape. You’re dead, everyone’s dead, and it’s your blinding fault because you can’t stop failing no matter how many tries you get.

The wave passes, the vision ends, but the damage is done. You collapse, curling up on the ground as you gasp and blood coats your mouth. Your sight is blurring; getting so very dark, but you can notice that the others aren’t faring any better. The pain gives way to numbness. You can’t feel anymore.

Your limbs refuse to move. You don’t have the strength to go on.

It’s like being frozen by a Tear.

…

One hit.

One hit.

One hit was all it took.

You almost want to laugh. But even if you tried, you couldn’t. Are you truly so weak, so powerless?

You hear the others. They’re struggling; someone tells Bonnie, the only one left, to run. You hear the footsteps retreating, and that’s about as much as you can be thankful for right now.

Mirabelle pleads weakly with the King, to leave Bonnie alone. He replies that he’ll deal with you all first, before giving the kid “a wonderful rest”.

You want to cry.

This can’t be happening. Not to your allies- if this is anyone’s fault, it’s yours. If there should be anyone to die, it must be you. Because they don’t have your hope or power. They don’t know that you can rewind. They think that the end is truly the end. They think that this life is their only chance.

They think that today is the day they die.

And they will die like this.

Perhaps your “future” is already being fulfilled. How is that vision any different from how you feel right now? You’ve failed.

The King strikes. To say it hurts would not even begin to describe the unadulterated agony of the experience. You don’t even know if you’re screaming, or if it’s your allies, or if it’s a cacophony of both swirling together.

IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS

[STARDUST!!!]

Loop’s voice blares in your head, and it sounds as if his vocal chords are being torn apart.

it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts…it…hurts…

“NO-!”

Tug.

Time roars.

The sun shines. Grass and soil tickles your skin. It presses warmly against your prone form.

You’re back.

…

Today is yesterday.

You came back to yesterday, which will bring you to tomorrow, which was once today.

And that today is the day the King will be defeated.

Whether it’s then, or a thousand demises and a hundred todays after.

You want to throw up.

Chapter Text

Your body is fine. Your brain just has to catch up with that fact. You feel Loop in your head; it sounds like he’s still recovering from what just occurred. You breathe in, and out, and again, and again. You’re still shaking. You can’t help but laugh breathlessly.

Because HAHAHA. HA. That was AWFUL! Everyone died! Painfully!!! HOW is the King so strong?! And how can you survive it next time?!

You swallow and sit up. This is the first time you’ve gone back to Dormont since…well, since your very first death, you think? You remember the script as you go to meet Mirabelle. The same conversation happens, so you hasten through it. 

She’s the healer of the party. Is it possible that she can come up with a way to protect you all? But if she had a readymade spell before, she would have told you all.

Should you talk to her about it? Should you look into it first before you talk to her? Does it even matter either way? Is there information that you could find in Dormont’s library, or the House’s? 

You’re chewing your gloves.

Coughing, you force the fabric out of your mouth. Stupid habit.

[St…stardust?]

You blink.

Loop. Hey. I thought you were resting.

[I…was.]

Feel better?

You can sense his nausea. [Not really.]

…sorry.

[Don’t.] His tone falters. [Just…don’t.]

Okay. You sit down on a patch of grass, breathing deeply. In, out, in, out, and yet again. Finally the adrenaline starts to fade.

[You have a Memory of Defeat now. You’ll get more Memories of Skirmishes from fighting Sadnesses if you equip it.]

I’ll pass, thanks. You chew your lip. So…did time continue after I got killed?

The star’s silence is answer enough. You try not to feel cold. You can only imagine what that looked like.

18.4 seconds?

[I couldn’t count properly, but…I think so.]

Must not have been a pretty sight.

He sniffles. [It wasn’t.]

I know you said not to apologize, but I’m sorry you had to go through that.

[Oh. Thank you.

…

That attack was so strong…it nearly ripped me out of your body.]

Your heart skips a beat.

[Not all the way. But it forced me to manifest.] Loop chuckles bitterly. [The King was very confused. He thought I was…

…Ugh.

Nevermind. I don’t wanna think about it. Stars, I hate him.]

Did he try to attack you…?

[Haha! I think he was considering it. But there was no time.]

We’ll figure it out, you promise. How to beat him.

[…okay.]

With your breathing steady again, you start to make your way towards where Mirabelle is sitting.

[A-and stardust?]

You pause. Yes?

[You said you’d never…hurt me…]

Of course I wouldn’t. Your brow furrows. Loop, we’re a team, right?

[…

Yeah. We are.]

Check my memories all you want, and you’ll see that I mean it when I say I…care about you. I know that’s cheesy, but…

[I’m just some person that was sent to help you, and by all means I’m a parasite in your body.]

What brought this on??? You’re not!! You bite the inside of your cheek. What happened to ‘one’s the landlord, the other’s the tenant’?

[Oh- ahaha, I guess I…I did say that.

But still…why do you care about me?]

You open and close your mouth. Why? Well, he’s been with you from the start of the loops. He’s told you how to loop forwards, and he’s equipped and described useful Memories for you. He’s the only one who remembers the loops with you, and you bear similarities in that you’re both amnesiacs. You can banter and bounce ideas off of one another and

he’s so good-natured and cheerful and caring and it reminds you of all the adventures you went on as a child when you led your baby cousin through the marketplace and teased him and played hero and sidekick until both your parents said it was time to go home and you didn’t want to so they chased you all over the plaza yelling and scolding and laughing

he seems like a good person.

[…!]

You rub your head. It’s aching all of a sudden. There’s plenty of reasons.

He’s quiet for a while.

[…I suppose so.

For what it’s worth…

I care about you, too.]

You smile hesitantly.

Thanks. I think if we were fighting, that would make things harder, wouldn’t it?

[…]

Loop draws a shaky breath.

[I suppose so.] He says again, then recedes. 

You decide to let it go.

The question you pose to Mirabelle is if there are any spells to protect the party from the King, just in case. She doesn’t seem to be certain, but recommends you check out the library. Which doesn’t seem to provide anything that you’re looking for.

You ask the librarian, who confirms they don’t have books like that, but the “secret library” in the House should.

…

Which is how you’ve ended up here now.

Secret, secret, secret… You drum your fingers against the wall. It’s gotta be here…

Your hands stop. They hover over a tiny lever that you would never have noticed before.

Ah.

You pull it, and the wall gives way to a passage. The others almost jump back in shock- even Mirabelle didn’t seem to expect it to be there. You lead them through the corridor, and the librarian was right: there’s the secret library! It’s pretty cramped, and the books are old, but maybe you can find what you’re looking for?

You skim the volumes, trying to find the right one. It’s a tad difficult to be quick and efficient with a single eye, though.

Odile notices your attentive search. “Siffrin? Are you looking for something in particular?”

There’s no harm in telling them, since they’ll need to know anyway, so…

You nod. “How do you craft shields?”

“Ohh, you mean in battle?” Isabeau taps his chin thoughtfully. “That would be useful, wouldn’t it? We have skills to boost our defense, but a shield would be cool.”

“I-I was thinking about learning!” exclaims Mirabelle. “And I feel like I’m close to getting it!! But…I’m not there yet. Sorry…”

Bonnie plucks a book off the shelf that was on your blind side. “What about this one? It’s just called ‘Shields’ and it’s super dusty. Dusty books are good, right?”

Mirabelle hesitantly takes the book and flips through a few pages. “That’s…wait…” She stops on one page, reading it. Her eyes become like saucers and she yells so loud that you jump. “THAT’S ALL?!?! THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT?!?!”

“Oh, this sounds fun.” Isabeau snickers.

Mirabelle proceeds to mutter rapidly under her breath for a while, her hands occasionally clasping together or twitching into certain signs. Everyone waits, not wanting to disrupt her flow.

[She sure does seem inspired.] Loop remarks.

Sounds like she’s on the right track. You smirk. It’s kinda funny how she mumbles like that.

[Haha, it’s pretty cute, huh?]

Eventually she looks up, and straight at you. “Okay. Siffrin. Do NOT move. I’m going to use a Craft skill that’s possibly very volatile because I’ve never used it before!”

…is that supposed to be reassuring???

Well, if you die the loop will restart, so it doesn’t matter, you suppose. You hold still and look away.

You feel Craft quickly wash over you. You tentatively open your eye again when no one screams and there’s no tug on your stomach.

It’s like being covered by a warm blanket…surprisingly pleasant! You almost want to sleep.

Bonnie suddenly punches you in the stomach. Or at least, tries to. The kid pulls away, nursing their fist. “…ow.”

“Did you feel that hit?” Mirabelle asks as if the entire world is hinging on your reply.

You shake your head. You hadn’t felt a thing.

She squeals and cheers, practically bouncing on her heels.

[Oh! I have some new information, Landlord!]

Do tell.

[That spell is called “Adorable Moving Shield”! Not only does it boost your defense, but it’ll protect you from being timestopped or affected by speed debuffs! Very useful. Be sure to use it against the King.]

THAT’S all we were missing? Just this spell? We don’t even need to refine it anymore or whatnot???

[Uh…I don’t think so.]

Huh.

When you try to ask what made it click for her, Mirabelle just bombards you with technical terms that make zero sense to anyone in the room. But then Isabeau brings up something called the CARROT method, which all except you and Bonnie know of. He’s met with cheerful agreement from Mirabelle. It makes you feel stupid since they don’t seem to intend on saying what exactly it is, but…

You clear your throat. “So, hypothetically, would someone reminding you of the CARROT method make this click for you?”

“Yes!!!”

Well, there you have it.

You check the library for any other information. You find a book with a sparkly tree on the cover, but you can’t read it, like the ones in the observatory.

Can you read this?

Loop says nothing, but you’re pretty sure he’s shaking his starry head.

With nothing else to do, you suppose it’s time to keep going. You notice Odile is scanning a list of checked-out books, so before you leave you look over it as well, but don’t really find anything interesting.

[I’ll keep it in mind.] 

Thank you.

You continue on.

You get to the end of this floor and fail to remember that your party isn’t as experienced as they were last time. You’ve been avoiding almost all of the Sadnesses.

So of course they’re going to struggle. Of course some of them don’t know how to do one or two specific skills because you didn’t equip those respective memories. And of course you forgot to pick up the healing items scattered throughout the House because your tunnel vision makes you a blinding fool.

You’re frozen the moment the Sadness gets a chance, by some unfortunate coincidence.

[WAH!!! Not good not good not good not good!!!]

A fire threatens to fight a losing battle with the ice. You try not to panic.

LOOP!!! Don’t!!

[!!!!]

The fire abates.

[I…! I’m sorry…]

It’s fine, you’re fine…

You can do nothing but watch as Isabeau is knocked out cold by an attack.

[IT’S NOT FINE!!!]

Yeah, this could be going way better than it is right now.

Bonnie and Mirabelle are kept terribly busy as they try to heal everyone. You’re getting more uncomfortable and scared by the second.

You know they won’t be winning this. You wish you didn’t have to watch this ending.

Loop.

[H-huh?]

Do you think I’d die if you tried to push back the spell?

[What?? Why are you…asking…

that……

. . . ]

Odile readies another spell. “Mirabelle, how’s your cooldown?”

“A-almost up…”

If you could move, you’d be shifting in worry. Loop, answer me.

[I am NOT killing you, stardust.]

That’s- I mean, technically it’s the after-effects, not you.

He sounds upset. [I won’t do it! Don’t tell me to! I won’t!! I’m not gonna kill you, I don’t care if it’s the easy way out of all of this, I am NOT going to do it!!!]

The Sadnesses are roaring, winding back for an attack. You want so badly to close your eyes.

But they’re going to die, aren’t they?!?!

Loop’s breath hitches. Your body really wants to move. Twitch, leap, run into the fray and take care of this for them-

They get knocked clean back, out of your vision’s range. Even as a statue, you’re affected by the strike and it hurts. Your heart twists painfully and you feel your panic spike. 

Let me out let me out let me out let me out

The Sadnesses are looming over them all.

Stop it stop it stop it stop it STOP STOP STOP

The fire refuses to ignite. Even through the ice, a sweet sensation spreads across your tongue.

DON’T TOUCH THEM DON’T TOUCH THEM DON’T TOUCH THEM DON’T TOUCH THEM THEY’LL DIE-

You feel a tug on your stomach.

…

What?

Did you die? Did that attack even hit you? You’re disoriented- it’s hard to judge. You didn’t think you’d been killed. Are you more forgetful than you believed, so much so that you can’t even recall how you died just a few seconds ago?

Regardless…

Suspended in the void, with pale scrawls forming the world below, you curl in on yourself and scream.

You’re an idiot, you’re an idiot, you’re an idiot.

Get with the program already! It shouldn’t be this hard to remember!! You have to check and double-check and keep preparing yourself for things like this, because they aren’t looping with you.

The least you can do is spend your memories and loop forwards. Make use of the progress you’ve saved from before. So you never make a mistake as dumb as this again.

Stars, you are so dumb.

Forget it.

You don’t feel like going back to Dormont, so instead you loop forwards to the third floor. If Mirabelle doesn’t remember the shield spell, you can always remind her.

You’re deposited at your destination with a shudder. The one good thing about this entire situation is that you can still taste the malanga fritter you ate for this break. You draw up your knees and lay your head on them, closing your eyes.

You’re here, right. You say, less as a question, more as a statement.

[…I am.]

Are you okay?

[Erm. Yes? Are you?]

Frustrated.

[At yourself, huh.]

I can’t believe myself.

[Well…at least you learned something.]

And that is?

[You didn’t die. That loop was triggered by you.]

You frown. Was it?

[It was.]

How? I thought death was the only way.

[I'm not sure. Maybe just because of your emotions? That could’ve been an outlier…]

I don’t want to think about it right now. I’m still upset.

[Yeah, I get it. I don’t want you to die, either, but…being a perfectionist about it won’t help.]

…You sigh deeply through your nose.

I guess you’re right.

Loop melts against your mind, in imitation of a hug. It’s like an ember has been folded around your brain.

You feel marginally better.

Chapter Text

Going into the fight with Mirabelle knowing how to apply her shield gives you a measure of confidence. You ignore the King’s monologue and focus on strategy.

You have Mirabelle cast the shield immediately while the King waits, and when he attacks you feel a dull fraction of the pain from before. The others need a second to catch their breaths, but they’re alive and ready to continue.

But you can’t underestimate his power. If he could get you in one hit the first time, he has the potential to do it at any other given moment.

You try to be wary and have decent foresight, but even with your best efforts, strongest strategy, and consistent buffing- it’s a struggle, to say the least. Loop gives reminders or warnings when possible, but lets you handle most of everything.

The King just cries and cries and cries. As if he’s a victim, and he didn’t slaughter all of you in a different version of today. It’s starting to get on your nerves, and you’re even more annoyed when you see Tears are swirling protectively around him like your memories in the void. 

“Why…Why won’t you understand…!!”

At least you’re not the only one who’s getting sick of the nonstop sobs.

Isabeau gives the newly-formed tears a disgusted look. “Crying still, huh? Glad you’re expressing your emotions and everything, very healthy, but learn to read the room.”

You’d laugh, but it wasn’t really a joke.

Bonnie’s hands turn into fists. “Stop crying…JUST STOP CRYING!!! YOU CAN’T!!! You hurt so many people! People who won’t ever move again unless we beat you!!! Vaugarde, my village, m-my sister…they’re all frozen in time, because of you!” They want to rush into the fray, but stay put as tears also begin to well up in their eyes. “YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRY!!!”

You mutter a few more coordination orders to the others, glancing between the kid and the King.

…

The King does not answer.

Should you have expected him to?

…You’re bleeding. You should’ve kept a closer eye on your health, or asked for a healing item. Your hand comes away from your side, stained darkly.

The next wail the King emits is too much.

You pass out. Whatever happens next, you’re left unaware.

But it ends up not mattering anyways. When you are roused, you can barely see, and moving is agony. You hear your allies’ struggles adjacent to you.

Ah, you think glumly. Messed it up.

Coughing out something wet, you force yourself to speak. “Bonnie…”

You hear the kid inhale sharply.

“Run away…”

There’s a brief silence before the footsteps begin and then fade. Good.

Breathing hurts. I’m sorry, Loop.

[We tried.] The star soothes you. [Better luck next time, right?]

Right…and…don’t let him hurt you.

[I won’t.

Worry about yourself, Landlord. I’ll see you shortly.

That’s a promise.]

The King strikes.

Tug.

Back at the snack break.

You wipe your mouth and hug your sides as surreptitiously as you can. No disfigurements. No injuries. No blood. Just how you want it.

[Heya, Landlord.]

Heya, tenant.

Loop starts giggling. [Awww!!]

You smile, but it fades within moments. Did anything happen?

[…

Nothing major. Or even different. It was almost identical to last time.

I counted. Pretty sure it’s 18.4 seconds.] He pauses. [But if you want to try precision, feel free to whip out the stopwatch right before you die!!]

You snort softly. I’m glad you’re alright, at least. It didn’t hurt as bad as last time, I think.

[What’d I tell you? I wouldn’t let that stupid King hurt me! Not in a million loops!! Teehee!]

You massage your temples. I need to manage items a little more efficiently, don’t I?

[…How about we go over our weaponry and armor stock? See if there’s anything we should change. We can also manage memory equipment.]

I think you’re better at planning than I am.

[You would’ve thought of it eventually. I just said it first, hehe!]

You nod slightly. Let’s do that, then, buddy.

The fight plays out again, as does the conversation. It seems to be going faster thanks to your focused Paper-type Jackpot Attacks. Additionally, you make sure that you balance everyone’s healing and item usage. It does nobody any good if even one person is knocked out, including yourself.

With a huff, you snap your fingers briskly to apply speed-enhancement to your allies. “Hang in there, everyone. We’re getting closer, I can feel it.”

They seem to be a bit inspired by your words. You’re able to smile. Isn’t it nice to be helpful?

The wail comes again. You take it, and don’t buckle. You’re improving, after all.

At some point, as you keep cycling through each turn with difficulty, you notice that the King’s armor is getting duller. It’s starting to become fraught with nicks and cracks and grooves. You see darkness trickling between the lines, ready to flow out.

The King adjusts his weight, possibly trying to staunch the spillage while keeping his hands free. “Ohhh…!! Please…please, all of you, tell me…” He wheezes, “Why are you all fighting against me?”

Odile throws a disappointed face his way. “Really?”

Mirabelle finishes her healing spell, her eyes smoldering. “HOW DARE YOU ASK THAT QUESTION!”

You double back to stay by her side.

“But don’t you see it? Don’t you want it? This perfect ending?” He leans forward, almost earnestly. “You are fighting a being close to divinity- the Universe Itself follows my will. And yet…you all are facing me, without fear. You are all so powerful…and so united…and…I can see it.

“You’re all so stunningly…so wholeheartedly… happy.”

Your grip on your dagger tightens. What in blinding-

Isabeau and Bonnie react with similar bewilderment, though the latter’s “WHAT?!” could certainly reach the heavens with ease.

Mirabelle is mortified. “What are you-”

Odile readies another Paper attack. “What kind of stupid-!”

Loop is grumbling furiously. [This egotistical maniac…! Again with the Universe-follows-me talk- that is so not true!!!]

The King presses, “Look at you all!! You managed to get this far! Don’t you want to be immortalized right now? As winners?!”

His voice booms.

“DON’T YOU WANT IT ALL TO END LIKE THIS?!?!”

Silence follows. No one can muster a response aside from preparing more Craft.

The King…just laughs, weakly.

You don’t

remember the time when your parents scolded you for doing the rituals so casually and incorrectly because you needed to keep in mind that the Universe will always be higher and impossible to understand and it is deigning to listen so it can put the tools in your hand but never will it bend over backwards for your sake

understand.

[Agh! No!!]

You twitch. What, what happened??

[J-just! Just keep fighting! You can do it, stardust! He’s so close to defeat- don’t listen to him!]

Don’t need to tell me twice.

You reapply your speed-enhancement and stay near your allies. Maybe it’s just you, but it feels like the King’s attacks are hitting a smidge harder. You can see it in the way his shoulders heave and the dark pools beneath him: he’s tired. Perhaps he’s realized that it’s time to panic and see that his end is nigh.

Odile sends out a particularly strong Paper spell, buffed by the efforts of your fellow allies. The King cries out, reeling backwards. His armor creaks and grates as if he’s a rusted statue being bowled over. “Ah….!!! N-no, this can’t-”

Mirabelle sheathes her rapier, focusing on her Craft signs. “King…I do not want time to stop now. I don’t want eternity. I don’t want to be stuck here, in what you deem a ‘perfect moment’!”

“Ooohhh, but…do you truly think your life will get any more extraordinary than this? Do you truly think you’ll become more powerful, more fulfilled than you are right now? Fighting me?”

“…Do I think something will fulfill me more than fighting you to save my country?” She fixes him with a defiant glare. “YES! OF COURSE IT WILL!!!”

Odile snorts in approval, and Isabeau looks proud. Bonnie listens, a little hopefully. You feel your heart starting to pulse with anticipation.

“‘Life will never get better than this, so you should just give up now’?! GIVE ME A BREAK!” Her Craft glows like hundreds of tiny stars in her palms. “The eternity you wish for…I want no part of it! WE WANT NO PART OF IT! Your eternity means the end of change, and I believe in change- in a life that goes on!! Things CANNOT stay the same! They won’t, or we as humans cannot change for the better! So I will NEVER let you have your way!”

The others chime in with their resolute agreement.

“Yeah, what she said! Nice try, trying to manipulate us into being frozen! This isn’t the end of our story, not by a long shot!”

“How egocentric to think fighting you is the highlight of our lives.”

“You’re the worst, King! You’re nothing, you’re no one!!”

[And we need this as much as the world does.]

You smirk, dagger drawn to your chest. “Sounds like there’s nothing else for me to add, huh? So all you need to do right now is disappear.”

“No- no, no, NO!!!”

Your allies are side-by-side with you, nearly touching as they wind up their final attack- one last push.

(And you really do feel happy.)

…

The light is blinding.

You can’t see, you can only hear, as the King’s armor clinks and starts to disintegrate. He lets out a guttural groan.

“I still…can’t……say it………”

You feel his presence.

It…disappears.

The light gives way to floors and walls and a doorway before you. The House is a beautiful pale shade, perhaps of porcelain. The Curse has receded, taking with it the voidlike ice that had encased every inch of Vaugarde.

You all stand there a moment.

Oh, you realize giddily. We won.

The others seem to realize it around the same time as you do.

“The King isn’t here anymore…” Bonnie says.

“So…” Isabeau’s eyes go wide. “WE WON?!?! Everyone, we did it!!! The King is gone!!!”

They start to move from their places, tension quickly departing.

“THAT WAS SCARY!!” cheers Bonnie.

Odile starts laughing- it’s the first time you’ve seen her do so in such genuine relief. “Oh, it was close for a second there!”

Mirabelle seems dizzy. “Is it…over?”

You smile at her widely. There’s a fulsome well bubbling in your chest. “We did it, Mirabelle!”

“We…!” She starts to squeal. “WE DID IT!!!”

You all scream with her in victorious celebration.

[YES! He’s dead, Landlord! We killed him!!]

Thank the stars! Gosh- that was exhilarating!

[Cathartic??]

Haha, yeah! It is!!

[WOOHOO!!! I…! I’m so glad!!]

Mirabelle suddenly gasps. “WAIT! I can…I can feel the people around us, all over Vaugarde, coming back to normal!”

Bonnie jumps. “Really?!”

“Ah! Yes! I can feel the Head Housemaiden- oh, she’s okay, she’s okay!!” Mirabelle pivots and makes a break for the doorway. She doesn’t wait for any of you. “She’s just ahead, come on!!! We have to tell her everything’s okay!!”

Isabeau chuckles. “And there she goes.”

You laugh, and lead the way forward. It’s almost impossible to stop smiling.

[New memory, Landlord! Memory of Victory!]

Well! Isn’t that fitting?

[Sure is! Everyone will receive an attack boost at the start of a battle!]

Going through the doorway, you find yourself in a wide-open space that showcases the clouds drifting below. It’s an unbelievable elevation; has the House always been this tall?

“WOAH!” Odile takes a step back. You position yourself in front of her and hope that your hat can block most of the view.

Bonnie stares in awe at their surroundings. “Clouds!!”

“So high!” Isabeau says, “M’dame, you okay?”

Odile clears her throat, calmer. “I-I’m fine…Siffrin protected me from the worst of it…”

In response, you stand on your tiptoes. Isabeau cheerily offers his hand and encourages her to only look at the ground.

[It’s beautiful.] Loop murmurs, [I’m sure it’s even better at night…]

Probably, you agree.

Mirabelle is up ahead. She turns around, jittery and impatient. “Come on, everyone!! The Head Housemaiden is just up ahead!”

“Belle, wait up!”

“One step at a time, m’dame!” Isabeau chirps, “Let’s go!”

“Let’s go!” cheers Bonnie.

Odile mutters her consent, and you keep going. You can’t help but gaze at the clouds in wonder. The air is brisk and pleasant up here.

I could really fall into the sky…

[Would you?]

You wonder how far the ground is. No, I wouldn’t. Unless I could fly.

[I would. I'd love to fly…

Imagine how free I’d be, like a bird. I wonder if I can manifest here?]

You could try.

[Hm…not right now.]

You shrug and make your way up the stairs, which opens up into a balcony-esque room. Mirabelle is there, crying and being consoled by a living, breathing Head Housemaiden.

“That’s her??” Isabeau whispers.

“She’s so tall,” muses Odile. “She might have three heads on you, Isabeau.”

“She’s so pretty!” says Bonnie.

You think the same. She commands a charming regality, yet her bright eyes and welcoming smile make her approachable. Her white hair is puffy and billowing, as if she’d plucked a cloud from around the House and fastened it to her head.

She greets everyone warmly and expresses her gratitude for your efforts in defeating the King. She speaks openly and genuinely- main example, her candid remark about the Change God’s laziness- and it really pulls together her super-important-but-really-nice look. She isn’t uptight, and her kindness isn’t a facade at all. Mirabelle had described her as such, you recall, but seeing it in person solidifies your perception.

[Do you think she’d like me?] Loop asks shyly, [I wish I could talk to her, too. But she might just think I’m weird.]

You’re amused. I’m sure she’d love you. She seems the type to be open to the idea of talking to stars, doesn’t she?

[Oh! Hehe! I suppose!]

“And you, Mirabelle’s companions…” She turns to the group. “Thank you for helping her get this far. You have my gratitude, and the entire country of Vaugarde’s!”

The others receive her praise with humble deflection. You can’t help but blush and hide your face under your hat. It feels good.

The Head Housemaiden laughs, then stares down at everyone fondly. “…Soon, you’ll be able to go back to your normal lives. Away from battle and strife. Finally, you’ll all be able to go home!”

…home, huh…

“If there’s anything the House of Dormont can do to thank you…please do not hesitate. But for now…bask in the feeling of a job well done!”

They thank her, and spread out around the area- some to rest, some to admire the view. You take a few paces back, as if you are walking away, but you’re really just thinking.

Our journey is about to end…

[…]

You wring your hands. What’s going to happen to you, Loop…?

[I…

I don’t know. That’s up to the Universe, I think.]

Can’t you choose?

[We’ll see!! Hahaha!! You know, I live to serve, Landlord!]

When this is all over, I hope you’ll be able to live for yourself, too.

Loop gives pause. You feel his surprise rattle your ribcage like lightning.

You wait.

[…me too.]

You smile softly. Ready to talk to the others?

[Not really.]

Me neither.

[Maybe we’ll become ready partway through.]

Only one way to find out.

Odile seems intent on continuing her research, which she still doesn’t disclose to you. Or maybe she’ll go back to Ka Bue. She says you’re “a little strange, but you’re a good kid” and smiles at you gently, and you return it.

Bonnie is anxious to see their sister, and you reassure them that she’ll be moving again. If she isn’t, they can find you and punch you for it. But that’s unlikely to happen because you all already beat the King!

Isabeau is happy that it’s been wrapped up, and looks forward to going back to his job. He tells you to stop by Jouvente and say hi when you’re near.

And last but most certainly not least…

You approach Mirabelle, who sits on a bench. The fact that the King is gone is hitting her, and she cries and trembles, realizing her long journey is over.

For a moment you stand there awkwardly because you’re terrible at this sort of stuff, but you manage to get her attention. “U-um, breathe with me?”

She sniffles. “O-okay…”

You both breathe, in and out. Slow, steady, calm. Loop does it, too. It sounds almost musical..

Mirabelle isn’t crying anymore, thankfully. Then she lets out a small, genuine laugh. You can’t keep your surprise from showing, and she shakes her head. “Oh, I’m just thinking…” She’s gazing at you, almost searchingly, but also affectionately. “...you can be so nice, Siffrin.”

You feel your cheeks burn.

[Awwww!!!!!]

“Oh, you’re blushing!! Siffrin!!”

Now there’s two people squealing at you. How embarrassing.

Mirabelle tucks a stray curl behind her ear. “But really, um…! Um!! I-I know we haven’t known each other for that long, b-but I hope you know I really treasure your company! I do, I really really do! And so…thank you! Thank you for accompanying me on this journey!”

Stars above, does it feel amazing. Your face is starting to hurt thanks to your stupid dopey grin. She says these wonderful things so easily, and you wish you could find a way to pay it back. You’ve never been good at that- at telling anyone how much you care.

Being treasured is an addictive craving.

“I’m sure you’re excited to go back to traveling on your own.” Mirabelle clasps her hands together tightly, and that strange wistfulness blooms on her face again. “...but don’t forget me, okay? Come see me at Dormont anytime! I’d love to hang out! Promise!!”

You swallow back the thickness in your throat and promise. Then you walk away to stare into the horizon for a little longer.

This is it. They’re going to all go home.

Everything will return to the way it was before.

…

[So about those friendship-bond earrings!!]

A half-choked snicker escapes your throat. You’re fortunately far enough away so that no one really notices. WHAT??? LOOP!!!!!

[Seriously!! Think about it!! Symbols of your care and your journey together!!!]

Yeah, I’ll fantasize all I want- but don’t you think asking or suggesting it will be weird?! It’s a cultural tradition or trend or whatever that I know nothing about!!]

[Eh. Just saying. But…

We really do love them, don’t we?]

You take a deep breath and try not to respond directly. But your emotions and memories, you’re sure, are enough of an answer.

[Teehee.]

Someone’s gonna get the wrong idea, you know.

[Teehee!]

And are you proposing that Bonnie gets included, too?! They’re WAY too young for that!!

[Tee- actually wait no you have a point.

Ewwwwww I can see all the icky looks that’d get.]

You smile against your will. Besides, I doubt Odile would be into any of that. Allies at best, remember?

[Tsk. I guess.] Loop becomes serious, attention diverted. [Careful of the edge.]

You blink, startled, then realize you’d been putting your weight on the railing. The clouds are so close that you can see yourself scooping them up. Oh. Hey, it’s okay, there’s a railing.

[You were gonna conk out and plummet right to your death!]

I…huh. Sorry.

[It’s fine.] Loop hums. [So…is that it? We wrap things up with the Head Housemaiden, and go on our merry way?]

Seems so. Your gut twists anxiously. Ready?

[Haha!! Never!]

You snort. Here we go, then…

The Head Housemaiden sees you approach and faces you with an amiable smile. “Traveling one!” She greets, “Are you done talking with your companions? Yes, wonderful, wonderful!”

You nod a bit. It’s a little strange, having to stay a few steps back so she doesn’t have to bend down to make eye contact and you don’t have to break your neck trying to look up at her.

She intertwines her fingers over her abdomen. “I’d like to thank you for accompanying young Mirabelle this far. I’m very grateful. Siffrin, yes? If there’s anything I can do to thank you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!”

Oh, that’s nice of her, you muse. Loop shimmers and hums from his place in your mind, so vividly that you almost feel like he’s going to manifest beside you.

“I know you will go back on your travels soon, but I do hope you’ll keep in touch.” She says, “If only for young Mirabelle…”

[Stardust?]

What?

[S-something’s wrong.]

You feel nausea bubble in your chest. Why…?

“But no matter what, know that Dormont will always be open to you! Please come back…” The Head Housemaiden’s smile is fading, and it seems as if the sun, too, is forgetting how to shine. “Any…time…”

You hear a grating sound. Suddenly her hand flies to her mouth, and her eyes go so wide as she physically recoils. “Oh…oh no. Oh no, no, no, no, no…”

What? There’s a burning sensation. In yourself, in the air.

“Oh…Siffrin…!” Those gaping eyes overflow with tears that spill and fall freely. “I’m so sorry! There’s no way we can stop it now…!”

It’s starting to hurt. You want to run, but you’re frozen in fear.

“I’m sorry!” The Head Housemaiden stoops down, greatly distressed. “You’ll be going back! Back to when everything started!”

…!

You taste burnt sugar in the back of your throat.

[No no no!! Stop! This can’t- why-?!]

“What do you mean?” You force out the words, starting to quiver. “What’s happening?!”

“I know you thought your quest was over, but it can’t be!” She wails, “Something’s broken, something's failing, rotting! I can’t fix it on my own, not before it all ends…if only I had noticed sooner! I should’ve seen it, prevented it!”

You feel a tug on your stomach.

No no no no no

Suddenly Loop manifests in a whirlwind of brilliance- so, he can do that after all?- and a comet’s tail winds around your neck tightly. “HOST! NO! I DON’T WANT THIS!”

The Head Housemaiden doesn’t even react. All she does is cry and cry and cry and it’s far too familiar. “It’s my fault you have to suffer like this.” She sobs, “I just hope that one day…”

You flinch, instinctively bringing up your hands to clutch Loop’s starry form as tightly as you can.

“You might learn to forgive-”

TUG.

Time screams.

The sun shines. Grass and soil tickles your skin. It presses warmly against your prone form. Loop is crying.

You’re back.

…

. . . . . .

“-frin! Siffrin!” Mirabelle’s voice comes into earshot, and she leans over you cheerfully. “Good morning! Well, more like, good afternoon, I guess…”

this can’t be happening

Loop takes in shuddering breaths, as if hyperventilating. [St-stardust…!]

“Were you taking a nap? That’s just like……” Her expression furrows into worry. “Siffrin? What’s wrong?”

You can’t breathe.

It was done. You had won. Today had been the day of the King’s defeat, but now you’re in yesterday again.

No one had died. Everyone was free.

“Siffrin, answer me, what’s wrong?”

WHY ARE YOU BACK?! You can’t, you don’t know why! It feels like the Universe is taunting you, closing in, and you’re trying to breathe but you just can’t because it was over the journey was over the fight was over and now you’re doing it OVER AGAIN-

“SIFFRIN!!!”

[Hic…!!!]

AH! You hold back a cough, but still you sound rattled, because frankly you are. “M-Mira…”

“Oh, Siffrin, finally you answered!” She kneels on the grass. “What’s wrong, what happened? You weren’t answering me…and you’re so pale…!”

Slowly, gently, she touches your cheek.

You still flinch.

“Ah, sorry! I’m sorry…” She recoils, but her lips purse tightly. She’s so worried, and it shows from her body language to the intonation of her words. “Did you…have a nightmare?”

I’m stuck in a nightmare.

“…yes, that’s exactly it.”

“Oh no…it must have been a horrible nightmare. But you’re awake now…” She tilts her head. “Do you want to talk about it?”

And say what? That you went through all of today and tomorrow, then succeeded, but still you are stuck and no one will ever remember it?

[Ooohhh…!! Siffrin!!! I thought we…]

You fight to keep track of who’s talking, and simultaneously you don’t know what to say.

Think of something, think of something, come on.

Is now the time to be vulnerable? Mirabelle had no qualms with telling you she treasured you.

Ah…

You angle your head slightly so your hat shades your face. “I…I was crying…”

“Crying…? Why?”

…but this isn’t the Mirabelle you defeated the King with, is it? Does she feel any different right now than she did in the future today?

“Because…” With a barely discernible breath, you look up with the cheekiest smile you can muster. “I was making onion quiche.”

She’s very confused. “Onion quiche? Why would-”

“I was cutting a lot of onions!”

“Wh- SIFFRIN!!! YOU CRAB!!!” She gets to her feet immediately. “I CAN’T BELIEVE I WAS WORRIED!!!”

You laugh in a very convincing way.

“HMF! I’m glad at least your nightmare wasn’t that bad, but…hmf!” She huffs again, then seems to get over her anger as she turns and leaves the field. “Okay…I’ll be waiting in the village, alright? Come talk to me later!”

Once you know she’s gone, you drop the smile.

Going over this again, are we?

It doesn’t make any sense. If it was over, why are we here again?

[Host…]

You sit up slowly. Your bones feel like crumbling, creaking wood.

Loop…we’re gonna be okay.

[I-I…I’m sorry. I should’ve known about this…but my memories…]

Don’t worry about it. You hug your sides, still able to feel the way the star had burrowed into you. That’s the Universe’s fault, really.

[…maybe.]

The Head Housemaiden said something about the world rotting. What did it mean? Was she referring to the loops? Are the loops broken? Maybe you were meant to be free, but something was messed up and now you’re stuck. And what about the King? He can freeze people in time, and you can rewind time. There’s got to be some sort of connection there…

[…]

Your head hurts.

[Siffrin.]

You twitch. Yes?

He snickers, then laughs, and keeps laughing. [We’re bad at talking about feelings.]  

… ???

[We should tell the truth.]

You shake your head and stand. I’m going to try and figure this out first.

Loop says nothing. There’s an odd sensation muddying your heart. You imagine reaching out your hand to the unseen figure in your head.

There’s silence, there’s nothing. And then they accept the gesture, squeezing you affectionately.

…

Neither of you comment.

He’s right. Both of you are bad at talking about feelings.

Chapter Text

Mirabelle meets you in the village as she’d done before, but she’s worried, despite your attempts to brush off the issue. You remind her of the CARROT method just because you can, then tell her you‘re busy and have things to do. She asks that you speak to her later when you are ready, which is definitely a new event, but you say you will.

You go north for a time, where it’s slightly more secluded. You have things to do, paths to explore, doors to open- as long as there’s something new to find, you can cope with this…

So, the Head Housemaiden has to know something. I should try talking to her again.

[That’s the course of action I’m in favor of.]

Compared to investigating the King’s powers, you mean?

[Well…I’ve never heard of anyone who could control time. Not that I have many memories to search.]

Me neither.

[It’s not a bad idea. The question is, how will you go about it?]

… I could ask?

[WHO, THE KING????]

You nod to the empty air.

[No, absolutely not. He’s a giant stupid manipulative egomaniac who’s as rotten as whatever’s making the Head Housemaiden freak out!!!]

Wow, you can’t help but think. I didn’t realize you had such a wide vocabulary.

[!!!!!

HEY!!! I’M SMART, YOU KNOW!!!]

He’s pretending to be angry, but you can hear him start laughing. You laugh, too, then try to be serious again. Anyways, it’s just an idea. I’ll focus on talking to the Head Housemaiden. On the way there, I can explore the lower floors to see what areas I missed. Oh, while we’re here in Dormont, I also have to check what’s up with Mira.

[Hah!! I think she’s just worried about you, Landlord! You were being very worry-able.]

I rescind your wide vocabulary certificate.

[SHUSH!!!!! I’M BEING SERIOUS!!!]

You smother a chuckle. Sorry, sorry, go on.

[You were acting weird. Obviously. Your little onion quiche joke- that was actually hilarious, by the way- hasn’t completely put her fears to rest.

My guess is that she wants to make sure you’re alright.]

I am.

[Stardust…I know you said you don’t want to tell your friends about the loops, but…I really believe it’ll be a good idea.

Maybe not now, but if we can’t solve things on our own, then some insight would be helpful, wouldn’t it?]

We have each other.

[Siffrin. We’re amnesiacs.

Neither of us really know what we’re doing.

It’s like if I tried to cover your blind spot when I can’t see anything myself.] 

…weird analogy, but the point is clear. You sigh. I’ll think about it.

[That’s good enough for me. Wanna look around Dormont a little more before we talk to Mira? We haven’t asked the shopkeeper what the openphrase for the storage room is, have we?]

Great idea. You turn and head back to the plaza. See? We’re doing great on our own.

[Pffffft.]

You find the next component for Claude’s bomb. It was in the blind one’s house, enclosed in an envelope. You choose not to question why or how it got there.

You also get the openphrase to the storage room from the shopkeeper. It’s a stupid phrase, but who are you to complain?

Now you’re walking to the house that smells most strongly like flowers.

Loop is still snickering.

Will you stop??? 

[Hehe!! I can’t wait to see you use the openphrase!!]

Oh my Universe, it is NOT that funny!

[‘Stostorage Roomoom’…!! Pffffffft!!!!]

You rub your head. Move on, PLEASE.

Loop quiets down, but audibly strangles his amusement.

The gardener perks up upon seeing you enter, tilting up the watering can so the plants don’t get inundated. “Ah…aren't you one of the saviors traveling with Mirabelle?”

You nod politely.

“You're doing so much for us. I wish I could help you in some way.” The gardener hums, then claps. “I know! I grow flowers…Beautiful flowers that could make someone you like happy! Here, have one! You could keep it, or gift it to someone special.“

A bright flower is promptly placed in your hand. You look down at it in surprise. It looks delicate but healthy. The petals are pale in color, and the texture reminds you of velvet.

The gardener gives you an encouraging smile. “Good luck tomorrow!”

“Uh, thank you.” You duck your head gratefully and leave the house, flower in hand.

[It’s so pretty…]

Yeah, it is, huh?

[You should give it to one of your friends!]

Haha, I should. Carefully you tuck it in your pockets. First things first, I ought to talk to Mira.

[Ahhhh, right!!]

You head back to the main square, where Mirabelle is sitting on the bench as she always is. She’s looking through that stack of papers, but stops when she sees you approach. “Oh! Siffrin…hey.”

You wave, coming to a stop in front of her.

“I’m sorry to bother you while you’re busy,” she says. “But I REALLY wanted to make sure you’re okay…”

Oh, so Loop was right.

She hesitates. “You…you’d tell me if anything was wrong, right?”

You smile, and you don’t need Loop to be a part of you to know that he disapproves of your acting. “Of course I’d tell you!”

“Siffrin, I…” Mirabelle’s face smooths into a stern expression. “I’m…not sure you’re telling me the truth here.”

[Told you.]

You try to ignore him.

Mirabelle continues, “I don’t want to force you to do anything, but you have to know I want you to be happy.”

You envy her kindhearted honesty.

“And I know this is a stressful moment for all of us, but the only way we can get through this is if we talk to each other! If we share our worries!”

It’s so easy for her.

Stars, why can’t you be like that? As caring? Whenever you try to do so, it’s like there are cobwebs in your throat that stop the words from getting out, and it always feels so gross. It’s hard to be vulnerable, especially after so long of having nothing to hold on to- the walls are raised for a reason.

Mirabelle starts to get nervous. “S-so, um, I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you need help with anything- I-I’m here for you!”

Your brow furrows against your will.

[She wants you to tell her what’s wrong, stardust.] Loop states with no intonation.

You don’t want to. After a moment, you tilt your head innocently. “Okay…well, do YOU need help with anything, Mira?”

You can hear Loop groan, and it sounds like he’s frustratedly slamming his head (or body, considering how small he is) against the ever-raised walls of your mind.

Your response upsets Mirabelle, and she huffs and calls you oblivious before declining your offer of help. You look at the mounds of documents in her possession. Obviously there’s something wrong with them, given how she’s had them each loop in Dormont. “Not even with those?”

“With- huh?” She looks at you, then follows your gaze and immediately starts freaking out. “WAH! No!! I don’t need help, especially not with these! Don’t look at them!! I SEE YOU LOOKING AT THEM, STOPPIT!!!”

You arch an eyebrow and smirk. She sighs. “I just- okay, yes, these are bothering me and I hate them- but they’re not that important. There’s tons more in my room. I’m just trying to worry about something other than tomorrow, because at least these won’t kill me…”

You try not to be bothered by her wording (it’s true she doesn’t remember, but the King has killed all of you, and your heart still skips a beat).

“So, no, I don’t need help with them.” She grumbles.

“If you say so…”

“…and there’s nothing I can help you with, Siffrin?”

You shake your head. She yields, returning to her papers, but you do feel a little guilty. You turn over the bright flower in your pockets.

Loop is holding his breath.

Deciding to go out on a limb, you offer it to her. Words are caught by the tangles on your tongue, so you stay quiet while doing so. Mirabelle looks up, her eyes widening slightly. Then that soft, happy sparkle sets her face aglow. “O-oh…! For me?”

You extend it closer. She receives it gently, gazing into the four petals with warm sentiment. She giggles. “Thank you, Siffrin! This is a nice gift…I’ll make sure to press it in a book so I can keep it forever!”

She looks happy. Maybe she forgives you for being a liar?

You nod dizzily and meander away. How is stuff like this so easy for others? All you did was awkwardly hand her a flower- you didn’t even say a word- and still you can’t help but feel a bit sheepish. Did you just communicate (silently) that she’s special to you?

Stars, you wonder how your other allies would react to receiving such a gift.

…you do feel nice and fuzzy, though.

[Good job.] Loop says genuinely. [I think that made her day!]

Yeah…

[Awwww, you’re so cute when you’re flustered!!]

Hey!!

[This is why you get teased, Landlord!! Because you’re too adorable!!]

Ew ew ew ew ew. You pull the brim of your hat down, feeling your face get hotter. (You refuse to admit how wonderful it is, to know you’re treasured and being able to show you harbor the same feelings.)

[Teehee~

In any case, you might be able to find out more regarding Mira’s papers across loops! That’s something else you can do.

You could even ask the others if they need help with anything!]

You like being helpful.

Alright. Sounds like a good place to start.

Chapter Text

Turns out your friends do need help…they just don’t want to tell you what.

Isabeau says he’d rather you help all the others first, and since he’s a brick wall, you can’t insist otherwise.

Bonnie adamantly denies you on the basis that you don’t know them at all(?), and their unexpected interrogation of what their favorite foods are throws you for a loop. (Pun unintended.)

And you already talked to Mirabelle. So. That went well.

Odile’s the only person who actually tells you what’s bugging her. She’s looking for a “familytale”, a type of Vaugardian book passed down through generations. She’s always wanted to read one, but apparently the only way she can obtain one is by checking it out of a House’s collection. You and Loop recall she’d been looking at that list of checked-out books in the secret library.

Overall, there’s nothing you can do today.

You suppose it’s best to scout ahead and explore first, before looping back to Dormont to help the others if necessary.

Is it necessary? Or should you try to talk to the Head Housemaiden instead?

…On the off chance that you actually solve the issue first try and break the loops, you won’t get a chance to aid your allies like this. So maybe it’d be fine to drag your feet a little?

For the sake of being helpful.

The first thing you investigate is the storage room.

Odile is equally unimpressed by the openphrase, but doesn’t make much comment as everyone looks around. You first find some salty broths, a ginger juice, and a sweet tonic. Then you look at a shelf lined with worn and frankly uninteresting volumes-

One of them is giving you a headache.

You grumble. Again. I don’t understand a lick of those words. Any chance that you do?

Loop is speechless for a beat too long.

You do?

[N-no. It’s familiar, but…] Astral wind tickles your brain. [I can’t read it.]

A tad disappointed, you turn away from the shelves, and your body is far too eager to do so. Instead you check the table, where a Poterian-Vaugardian translation dictionary is open to a page of Vaugardian words starting with T.

Bonnie points out “taciturn”, not knowing what it means, and Odile defines it as a person who doesn’t speak up very often.

Like you, Bonnie says. Odile agrees.

You send them a baffled look. “I speak up, sometimes!”

Isabeau cocks an eyebrow. “Not really, Sif.”

“My teacher always says we should speak up more.” Bonnie sulks. “You’re an adult, so why don’t you speak up more, stupid?”

Well, most of the time you can’t really add to the discussion, or you don’t feel like it. It’s easier to let other people talk. And lately, you’ve been preoccupied both with the conversations in your head and the time loops that trap you here.

“I just don’t have much to say.” You state.

Odile looks doubtful, so you truthfully add, “And it’s nice to hear you all talk.”

“Oh.”

“Awww!!!”

“That’s cute.”

“That’s a lovely thing to say, Siffrin!”

Everyone starts to coo at you. You’re taken aback.

Mirabelle beams. “It feels like we tamed a wild animal, doesn’t it?”

“Perfect analogy,” replies Odile smugly. “Maybe soon we’ll even be able to pet them.”

“Oh crab, stop, just imagining it makes me emotional!” Isabeau exclaims.

Are they-

[PFFFFFFFF!!!! THEY’RE SO MAKING FUN OF YOU!!!!]

You hide your face under your hat. Why???

[Haven't I said it?? You’re too easy to tease!!]

Odile gestures at you. “See, now he went back to a shy, skittish animal.”

Isabeau dramatically brings the back of his hand to his forehead. “All this hard work…wasted…”

Face warm, you walk away, and they come after you laughing.

[Awwwww~~~

See how much they love you, Siffrin?]

It’s so hot.

I see it well enough, thanks.

[Really, though, you have no shortage of opinions when you talk to me.]

Hey, that’s unavoidable. You’re in my head 24/7. I can’t avoid you.

[So you’re avoiding them?]

Your hands twitch, coming off the brim of your hat. Not what I said.

[Maybe we can practice your conversation skills, Landlord! Try pretending your party members are like me!]

What, you mean psychically connected and able to probe into my deepest memories?

[I-I…! I respect your privacy!! I don’t probe that much!! I stay on your surface-level thoughts!!

And, well, in general, I mean you should be a little more honest with them.

You love them, they love you…but a little affirmation never hurt anyone.

I know it helps me.]

You fall silent, both inward and outward. There’s…not much you can say to that. Except that he sort of has a point.

[…it’s fine. You show it through things like giving Mira that flower.

I just…feel bad that we’re lying.]

You nod.

You’re here to fetch the key from the kitchen, but for the first time since the start of the loops, the papers on the counter happen to catch your attention. There’s no reason that they should, because they never had in the past, but perhaps it’s due to the fact that you’re getting used to what you’ve investigated before and thus the mundane options seem more appealing.

That aside, you brush away a few of the sheets before noticing the one at the bottom was handwritten in ink. You peer at it curiously.

‘Hey, Jesse! Thanks for agreeing to take my shifts while I’m gone, you’re the best. Just thought I’d leave a note.

The kitchen is in fine shape, but I was thinking of calling in an architect to be safe. You know someone like that, right? There’s a strange brick on the lower part of the wall behind where I usually put the step stool.

I moved it around and I feel like the area behind it is hollow, but I couldn’t figure out how to slide the brick out of the wall. I also was scared it would make the whole place fall down on me.

So, please call someone to do a maintenance check when you have time to!

Thank you in advance, stay safe,

~ Karin

P.S. Don sneaks in here at night to practice cooking and it smells divine. Since he always cleans up after himself, I pretend not to notice, so play along if you can help it!’

[Huh, that’s new.]

You arch your brow. A strange brick with a secret compartment behind it? Sounds right up your alley!

“What’s that?” Bonnie peeks over your shoulder obnoxiously.

“A note.” You reply. Jesse is the only name you recognize. “Hey, Mira, did you know about this?”

She tilts her head, then goes over to skim the contents. Her eyes widen. “O-oh! Ms. Karin!”

“You know her?” asks Odile. “A fellow Housemaiden, perhaps?”

“Yes! She is! Ms. Karin is so kind, always on her feet, working to keep the House tidy. I talked with her and helped her a lot when I first came here.” Mirabelle’s face falls. “She should be safe from the Curse right now, in Mwudu…”

“Mwudu?” Isabeau echoes.

“That’s far,” you comment, surreptitiously approaching the indicated location of the strange brick.

“Yes…she took vacation time to visit some family there, I believe. My…my friend Jesse took over her kitchen duties.” Mirabelle nods at the paper. “I didn’t know about the brick, though…or about Don.”

Odile has approached the pot on the stove. “Is this his doing, then?”

She poses the question innocuously, and you try not to laugh as the others go over and realize that it is crab that’s being cooked.

While they’re distracted, you feel around and locate the brick in no time. It’s slightly ajar, shifted on its axis so the right-side corners are sticking out diagonally. You poke and prod and push it a little, but it doesn’t want to turn much in either direction. Almost sounds like it’s hinged in something…

You nudge it into a normal position, so it looks like it’s the same as every other part of the wall. Then you push it inwards, and it slides right out of the slot, revealing the hollow space behind.

Hah! Easy.

[Wow, how did the housemaiden not figure that out?]

You check the compartment, which contains an array of bottles, cans, and containers. I think the positioning is a red herring to make you think it’s supposed to turn sideways instead of being pushed right in.

Loop snorts. [This is all cooking supplies and drinks. I bet it was that sneaky cook-person.]

You shrug, extracting several different juices and a salty broth. Useful!

[What's that bottle there?]

Loop gives you a mental nudge. Your eyes land on an opaque bottle. Curiosity seizes you, and you take it out of the compartment, popping off the cork so you can use your superior sense of smell.

Stars, it is divine!

It’s as if someone threw the best scents in the world and mixed them in a cauldron of perfection! You’re drooling just thinking about it!

[Oh my universe, that smells delicious!!!]

You swallow your saliva. It does…

[Dare you to drink some!!!! Do it!!!]

Great excuse. You don’t have to be asked twice. You take a generous swig of the contents. It tastes how it smells: absolutely delectable!

The taste is really strong, and there’s a hint of bitterness behind it, but somehow you don’t want to stop- you want to keep drinking like you’re parched.

Stars, it’s delicious…but you convince yourself to put it down after stealing one more greedy sip.

What even is this stuff?

[…

I’m starting to think that’s what we should’ve asked before anything else.]

You blink, feeling heavy, and give a wide yawn. The bottle nearly slips out of your grip, so you try to hold on to it tightly.

Mmm…I bet the others would like it.

[Uhhh…shoot, this was probably a bad idea. Landlord?]

Yeah…?

[Are you- um, are you…cognizant?]

Cog…wha?

Sounds like Loop is facepalming.

You don’t really get it. But you feel strangely hot and thirsty. You kinda want to drink more.

[No! Please don’t!!]

The others have turned around and are now staring at you. Bonnie is saying something; you don’t quite catch what it is. You smile easily, but your tongue feels like a cotton swab. Words slip through your lips.

“Ahhh…” You look at them. “You…say…what?”

Loop is muttering apology after apology under his breath.

Chapter Text

It’s Bonnie who draws everyone’s attention away from the crab pot.

“Frin? What are you doing?”

Along with the others, Isabeau turns to see Siffrin standing next to the kitchen doorway, a bottle clenched in his hands.

“Ahhh….” He’s swaying on his feet and staring at them with bleary eyes. “You…say…what?”

Odile looks genuinely stumped. “Why are you…” Her gaze lands on the bottle. “…What. What is that.”

“Mmmnnn.”

“Did you drink that?”

He hiccups. “Taste…test…tasty…”

“Taste test?” She echoes in disbelief.

Isabeau is worried that Siffrin is going to topple right into the wall, so he hastens over to support them. “Woah, buddy…where’d you even get that?”

Siffrin gestures lamely to the doorway. A brick is missing, revealing a hollow space behind it. Isabeau is surprised. Siffrin must have investigated the note’s contents when everyone was focused on the stove.

Odile, Bonnie and Mirabelle follow close behind, though the latter’s face in particular is creased with worry. She glances between the compartment and the bottle, and her brow furrows. She carefully pries the glass out of Siffrin’s hands with little resistance, and after giving a hesitant and wary pause, she brings it to her nose for a sniff. The others watch and await her judgment.

Mirabelle’s eyes become as wide as saucers. “D…!” Suddenly angry, she turns and slams the bottle on the counter away from them. “DON HIGGINS, WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!!!!”

Woah. Isabeau takes a step back, making sure Siffrin doesn’t fall.

“FIRST THE CRAB POT, AND NOW THIS?!?! ARE YOU CRABBING SERIOUS?!?!?!?!”

“What???” Bonnie whines, “What happened???”

Isabeau frowns. “Yeah, what’s in that bottle?”

Mirabelle is flushed. “THAT is a type of EXTREMELY potent alcohol that’s strong enough to be an INSTANT SEDATIVE!!!”

“WHAT???? Why does this person-”

“S-some experienced chefs use it in fancy meals, because if you cook it a certain way then the effects wear off and you get the flavor!” She shrieks at Siffrin, who has a lopsided smile on his face. “It is NOT for drinking!!!”

Odile whirls on Siffrin. “You drank an unknown substance?!”

He hiccups helpfully.

As horrified as Isabeau is, he can’t help but smother a snicker. “Okay, okay, um…that’s fine, this is fine. Hey, Sif, Sifarooni, buddy- how many fingers am I holding up?” He makes a peace sign.

Siffrin’s one-eyed gaze travels lazily from Odile to Isabeau’s hand. “…hiiiiiii.”

Now Isabeau really can’t help but laugh. “Hey, buddy.”

Bonnie pokes them in the stomach.

“Oww.” Siffrin states.

“Boniface,” says Odile chidingly.

“This is kinda funny!” Bonnie grins.

“We don’t have time for this.” Odile snaps.

Siffrin groans, and suddenly his knees buckle. Thankfully Isabeau catches him, throwing one arm over his shoulder for support. Odile sends the exchange a somewhat concerned but mostly exasperated look. “Mirabelle,” she says, “Is there any way to make it wear off quicker?”

“I-I, um-!” Mirabelle gulps. “N-not really. You kinda have to wait it out…but as long as he didn’t drink too much, it shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes to wear off…”

“Argh, that’s too long.”

Bonnie looks at him eagerly. “How much did you drink, Frin?”

“Mmmmmnnnnnnnnnnn.”

“Sif?” Isabeau asks gently. “Do you know how much you drank?”

Siffrin smacks his lips. “Mmmmm….one.”

“One sip?”

“Mhm.”

There’s a confused pause.

“Ohhhhh, and one…ssssssswig.”

Mirabelle buries her face in her hands.

Fifteen minutes and advancing to the next floor later, Siffrin is still a “drunk deadweight”, as Odile oh-so kindly put it. Isabeau thanks Change that everyone’s in favor of taking a break in the safe room that was just past the Craft-shifting Sadness.

Isabeau continues to be on Sifarooni-Duty, even as snacks get handed out. The traveler is awake now, but his state hasn’t changed in the regard that he is drowsy and all smiles. Isabeau makes sure they lean against him so there’s no falling over that takes place.

Siffrin manages to eat a cookie, and that’s about it. He sits there idly as everyone else holds a conversation. Odile eventually goes over with Mirabelle to check on his condition; the latter kneels in front of him and checks his face and eye.

“Miraaaaa~” 

“He’s still wasted,” grumbles Odile.

“Hiiiii~ Miiiiii~raaaaa~~~~”

Isabeau snickers. “I think he’s happy.”

Mirabelle looks caught between choosing amusement or worry as the proper reaction. “Um…hi, Siffrin…”

“I’m here, too.” Isabeau jokes.

Siffrin’s movements are slow and almost exaggerated as he turns to look at him. “Isa~!”

“Awwww.” Seeing a perfect opportunity, Isabeau looks at the others, grinning. “Don’t forget M’dame Odile and Bonbon!”

“No, feel free to forget about me.”

“Hi, Frin!!!”

“Odile~ and~ Bonbon~”

At this point, everyone’s crowded around them. Mirabelle massages her forehead. “Oh, Change…I don’t think he’s sobering up for at least another ten minutes.”

“No time, no time.” Odile mutters.

“Plenty time!” chirps Siffrin, a little louder than necessary.

She glares. “Siffrin, believe it or not, we’re supposed to be saving the world from eternal freezing. We can’t mess around like this just because you thought it was a passable idea to guzzle down a bottle of someone else’s liquor.”

“Smells good.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Madame,” says Mirabelle delicately. “You can’t argue with him in this state. He probably won’t even remember it.”

Siffrin cackles. “I remember! Lots! Of! Things! Youuuuuu guys!!! Are the ones!!! Who don’t!!!”

Bonnie huffs. “Oh yeah??? What don’t we remember, huh?!”

“Winning!!”

“Winning what?”

Siffrin sniffles, clumsily rubbing his nose. “King is strong, need CARROT shield…”

“What.”

“…Loop says I shouldn’t lie aaaand~~~ yeahhhhh he’s right…….” 

Isabeau throws Mirabelle a confused look. She shrugs, just as bewildered.

“Clouds high, smells like sugar…ask her why….”

“Hopeless,” Odile deems them.

“Takes 3 seconds for Tears to freeze…”

Bonnie’s eyes bulge out of their sockets.

“W-what?” Mirabelle hedges. “3 seconds…?”

Siffrin lifts up a stopwatch (when did that get there???). “Yaaaaa…”

Odile shakes her head, but she’s frowning in a different manner now. “Siffrin, what are you talking about?”

“Hhhnnnnn…” He slumps against Isabeau again.

“Oh for the love of gems.”

“Loop…”

Isabeau nudges him gently. “What loop?”

“Which one?”

Isabeau blinks. “…okay, um…maybe we should just let him sleep some more?”

Odile turns away. “Five minutes. Then we get going.”

…

You wake up.

The last thing you remember is being in the kitchen. Now you’re…

You look around. Isn’t this the greenhouse on the second floor??? Did you loop forwards without realizing it? Wait, but you’re sitting on the ground against the wall. The others are having a conversation next to the plants.

What in the…

[SIFFRIN!!! YOU’RE AWAKE!!!!]

You flinch. “Agh, what-?”

[Oh my stars oh my stars oh my STARS I am SO SORRY!!!!]

The others turn around, looking at you in surprise.

“Frin!” chirps Bonnie. “Hi!”

“Uh…hi?”

Mirabelle hurries over and looks you up and down. “Oh thank Change. I think he’s all sobered up now!”

“Sober?” You echo. “What happened?”

A wave of memories hits you, courtesy of Loop.

…

You feel yourself turning very, very dark.

“Siffrin,” Odile greets you coolly. “How are you feeling?”

“I- I, uh…!”

You have to loop back you have to loop back you have to go as soon as you possibly blinding can!!!! WHY were you SO loose-lipped?!?!

[St-stardust, hey, be reasonable…]

Isabeau helps you stand. “That bottle you found was insane! Mira says it’s like an instant sedative. You were acting all sleepy, kinda like you were drunk.”

Yeah, you remember now!! You are a blinding idiot!! There’s a Tear just outside the greenhouse, right??? Stars, you want to die so badly right now and just fix it.

[STARDUST! Come on!!! Stop!! It’s not that big a deal! I-I’m sorry I encouraged you to drink it, but th-this isn’t so bad!]

What are you talking about?!?! I can’t let this continue!!

[Why not?!]

“-ffrin? I think he’s still out of it.”

You shudder and force yourself to stand by yourself. “I’m fine. I…can I have a minute outside?”

“Sure, can we come-”

“Alone,” you clarify. “Just- just a minute. I-I just…”

The others exchange glances. Odile narrows her eyes suspiciously, then sighs. “Fine. One minute.”

You thank her quietly and then walk out the door in a definitely-not-fast way.

[Siffrin, why…?]

Why? Because I can’t stand to see this go on for any longer! I look like an idiot, and I said too much!

[But…you…

…]

You stride to the nearest Tear.

Loop growls. [Siffrin.]

The hostility makes you pause.

[I need some time. You’re on your own for the next few loops.]

You hesitate. Really, really let that sink in.

He‘s really angry. You feel it bubbling dangerously in your ribcage. You don’t like the idea of being alone, but…

…Alright.

[I’ll talk to you when I’m ready.]

You don’t want to think about it anymore, so you go.

Chapter Text

Stars, you hate the silence.

You can barely even feel Loop now. You try not to go searching in your mind for them, for fear of causing further vexation.

You go through the conversation with Mirabelle, reminding her of the CARROT method as usual. Then you stop by the gardener’s house before spreading the news of the sleepover to your allies. You wonder how they would react to receiving a flower, save for Mirabelle, who you’ve already given one to.

You approach Isabeau and, as awkwardly as ever, you hold it out to him.

He looks at it and his eyes widen. “Oh! This- is this for me?”

You laugh. “There’s no one else here but you, Isa.”

“Ah!! R-right!” He takes the flower and cradles it in his hands, beaming. “…This is really nice. Thank you, Sif. I’ll treasure it forever!”