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tyran-the-tyranical · 2 days

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I’m currently writing a fic and writing for Raphael is a little infuriating if I’m being honest.

Mostly because he has such a way about him, and unlike the other characters where there’s some room for deviation, he’s quite rigid in his mannerisms. So I’ve literally been scraping through his dialogue and analysing his behaviour, and this is what I’ve ‘boggled’ it down to.

It’s obvious that Raphael, with all his charms and suave behaviour, clearly has a darkness or ulterior notice beneath it all. He constantly gives out subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) threats to our protagonists, reminding them of becoming an illithid, all in the pursuit of pressuring them to make a deal ofc.

“Come now, why playing hard to get when you're in deep over your tadpole head all those pretty little symptoms sundering skin dissolving guts they haven't manifested yet have they?"

I also think it’s funny because at the same time he also tries to portray himself as a saviour while he’s also just threatening us (it’s not a direct threat, ofc, he keeps it subtle mostly) and at times he just ends up being so contradictory.

[I forgot the quote but it’s when he says ‘he strides among the needy giving comfort where he can, also he literally calls himself a saviour too’]

Another thing, he’s so goddamn performative, and I mean to the extent that he sometimes borders on narrator territory. He has his little monologues as he talks about us as though we’re characters in a story and he’s just recounting our actions to some unseen audience.

[His speech before the Yurgir encounter is a good example of this]

"The Shadows grow long and the hour is late" - also wherever this quote is from works well too

Additionally, he’s just condescending/patronising. I think even in one of his dialogues, the devs noted he should come across that way. This also goes along with his more not so subtle threats, and also goes into his performative persona, he constantly wants to portray this cool and confident personality, that he’s accounted for every possible outcome (and in a lot of ways he has) and that even if he doesn’t get what he wants, it doesn’t faze him, and in fact he’ll try make it seem like either way it benefits him, and sure in some ways it might, but I do believe he’s just saying that to mask his failure to achieve his goal. (Also, he’s generally just snobbish at times, or at least comes across as such)

This goes into a main trait of his too, that being his constant longing to be seen as something a kin to a True or Full Devil (or arch devil). Since he is a cambion he is restricted a lot by his mortal half. He is held back by his human needs like sleep and presumably food too. I think he tries to cover for this through excess, as if you go to the HoH in act 3, you can see the food on the table is just filled to the brim of rotten food, basically all of it wasted. Also there are loads of scattered areas that have fruit or wine throughout his house. I believe he does this on purpose to try come across as though food is nothing but a pleasurable activity he indulges in now and again rather than a necessity.

At every opportunity he possibly can, he attempts to convey this facade of being omnipotent and powerful, as close as he can to an arch devil, as that’s what he strives to become, and to be seen as. And tbh he does it really well. At times he even comes across as this unbeatable force, that we can’t ever truly defeat. What I mean by that is, even though we can literally basically kill him, if we look in his logbook of previous visitors, it hints at him trying to find a way to cheat death through transferring his soul into a clone or something.

Now whether he ever managed to accomplish this by the time we attack him is uncertain, (though there is a non canon / cut content line where he begs for his fathers help as we fight him, kinda insinuating he never fully realised his backup plan in time and he’s actually afraid he’ll die, but that’s also not in game so who can say for sure)

Now another thing I find a little funny is another example of him losing but he’s still trying to play it off.

"My, the double counter Gambit. Vicious. Exactly what I would have done"

Of course, perhaps he lost on purpose, that could be a possibility, but id like to believe that even Raphael is fallible and can fail at times. Yet he still tries to play it off, oh yea that’s totally what I would’ve done, then why didn’t you stop her 😭. Like I said, he could’ve just let her win, he is a control freak after all.

Anyway, that moves me on to my other point (a very obvious one) that Raphael is a straight up narcissist. Now, not every narcissist is the same, there are many shared traits of course, there has to be, but not very narcissist operates the same way. Though it’s clear that Raphael is at least somewhat of a control freak, especially when it comes to us and the crown. Also on another quick note, he totally has a special interest (obsession) in karsus, like him seeing karsus accidentally kill thousands of people in the netherese cities became a core memory for him, one that he’s never let go, even now.

Back on track, he has Korilla literally stalk us throughout the game, he also knows personal facts about our companions (he’s done his homework), he’s literally planned and orchestrated events in the plot to help lean towards us giving him the crown in the end (it’s implied he helped vlaakith chain Orpheus or idk some other devil did with infernal chains, and he’s the one who help wipe Ketherics lil army to just one justiciar) he’s had a lot of time to plan and plan he has. He’s constantly aware of your movements since he picks very specific points to appear to you.

"[Laughter] The good thing is though there's only one little voice you really should listen to, Mine" - Total control freak behaviour

I’m gonna circle back specifically to his dialogue for a moment, because I love hearing it, but trying to emulate it, pain. He’s like an English teacher, he loves his little similes and metaphors, and just talking in a verbose manner, and it’s not just word vomit, nonono, he makes it sound interesting, he is performing for us after all. For me personally tho, it’s difficult to replicate, unlike other characters or companions where you can defiate their dialogue, like hearing astarion say ‘fuck you’ to Cazador, I don’t think you could get away with that for Raphael.

Now, he’s not entirely that restrictive, in his notes about his employees he literally calls one of them a little shit, soooo, but then again, those can be considered private thoughts, and he would never actually break the facade he’s crafted for us, unless, he’s enraged. Example being, if we break into his house. I find it very easy to write angry Raphael because it’s not as confining as when he’s ‘masking’ or being performative. He’s allowed to break his little charade and I can simplify his language, it’s honestly a nice reprieve, since he’s really is so complicated to write for.

As I said before he’s a total control freak, and that’s clearly fuelled (if not caused) by his narcissism and we can see that even outside of our protags. Look at Haarlep for instance, (there’s so much to dissect with these two) but Raphael strictly has Haarlep made to look like himself, and is the only form he’ll sleep with. There isn’t just one answer to why he’d do that, firstly, it just boils down to him being a narcissist sure, but on the other hand a point can be made that he’s doing it strategically.

Haarlep was sent to distract him, and presumably to spy and report back as well and presumably Raphael is clever enough to realise that. So why would he reveal anything about himself in such a vulnerable way, so why not just make the incubus be in one form and one form only. It also serves as a lil bit of a punishment I suppose, since Haarlep can be 1000 different people but is forced to stay as one. There’s also another angle to this, that narcissists generally find intimacy difficult, and being vulnerable with other people. So why be vulnerable when you can stick to the devil you know?

He’s knows himself better than anyone, so why would he bother with anyone else? It’s a bit of a defense mechanism, he’s not willing to be vulnerable or let his guard down (and to be fair, for good reason) so it’d be better for him to stick to what he knows, what he’s comfortable with. I’m just going to throw this out here but he comes across as a total hedgehog dilemma sorta guy, gives off real shinji Ikari vibes tbh.

Raphael has this bloated sense of self importance, I think he mostly gets this from who he is in relation to his father, since he’s not just some cambion who was fathered by some incubus or whatever, No, his father is an arch devil, and not just any arch devil but Mephistopheles, who sits just under power of Asmodeus. This fact is probably why he has such an inflated ego, but at the same time, he’s not wrong. Unlike Mizora, he seems to have it quite good, as tbh I kinda initially thought he was his own free agent, and didn’t even have to serve under Zariel (but he does) he just has it really good, or at least better than most from what it seems.

It’s unclear if this was actually because of who he is, or through his own actions. Either way, he’s managed to accomplish a lot more than most cambions. Another thing I’ve read about cambions is their sense of entitlement, especially over mortals, and well Raphael certainly fits the bill. Which might contribute to why he wants what he wants. I mean, why does Raphael want to take over the hells? To end the blood war? Sure, almost all devils want to rise the ranks but Raphael’s goals are a lot more lofty than that, and why is that? Is it solely his ego? To be seen as something a kin to a god like Asmodeus, or is it to best and humiliate his father? Perhaps both, or perhaps neither, it’s somewhat unclear, but perhaps he just feels entitled to something greater.

A final point, is since he’s a narcissist, he’s obsessed with his image, yea I know, very obvious. And it’s been mentioned a few times that this is probably why him and Haarlep look so different, it’s either insecurity or a want to come across as something more mature, why he’d look older than Haarlep when they should be an exact copy. It’s the whole reason he’s being performing, curating this image to us, one that he barely even allows himself to break at home unless he’s enraged. If you look at it for what it is, it’s just insecurity and almost desperation. A desperate desire to be seen as something greater, something a kin to his father (daddy issues are making their appearance) and it honestly comes across as erratic, and extreme.

He’s so obsessed with his image that he either curates it in a way to come across as older and therefore more mature to seem a certain way, or he makes his incubus come across a certain way. Perhaps when Haarlep said they’re a perfect copy of Raphael they didn’t mean as an exact copy, they meant they’re are literally a perfect version of Raphael, a better version, most likely a result of insecurities. Who can say for sure what the reason is to why they look so different if they’re supposed to be mirrors of each other.

Like I know I said, this is what I’ve boggled it down to and well, it’s not very boggled, but that’s what I mean! There’s so much going on with this little guy, it’s almost hard to keep up with, you gotta write him as suave and mysterious but also somewhat threatening and intimidating, he has to be articulate and persuasive as well as theatrical, while also keeping in mind his manipulative and narcissistic tendencies, which doesn’t come easy to write for.

This isn’t a slight by any means either, he’s a complicated character and that’s why I like him, but my sorry ass struggles to replicate it 🥲 though I hope this post will be a good reference to circle back to when writing for him.

#bg3 raphael #bg3 #raphael bg3 #baldurs gate raphael #baldurs gate 3 raphael #baldur's gate raphael #raphael the cambion

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sunshine-overload · 2 days

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[BSTS] Main Story S5Ch8 'Long Night' - Part 2

part 1

Chapter 2

-rehearsal room-

akira: .......

takami: What's wrong, Akira?

akira: Nothing. Was just thinking that Saki-chan hasn't visited for a few days now.

takami: That's true, maybe she's been busy. Does it discourage you that she's not here?

akira: Obviously. I want her to see how hard I'm working. Have there been any updates on Sin? You ran into Unei on the way here didn't you?

takami: I didn't speak with him directly but it appears Sin has been discharged from the hospital.

akira: Oh? And what about Kokuyou?

taiga: I still haven't been able to get in contact with him. Feels like he's ghosting me.

takami: It's possible he's shut his phone off for personal reasons.

akira: Personal huh...

-sin walks in-

sin: Can you hear the footsteps in the night?

taiga: Woah!? Sin is here!

akira: You sure got here quick. I heard you got caught up in a car accident?

sin: ...I'm fine. I just took a little knock to the head.

taiga: That doesn't sound like nothing.

sin: There were no problems found when they examined me.

akira: .......

takami: You sure got caught up in an unlucky situation. Have you spoken with the person who injured you?

sin: The shadow does not possess a name.

takami: I see, so you don't know who it was...

taiga: So it was a hit and run? You seriously need to be more careful.

akira: Well, what matters is that he's ok. Now it's just Kokuyou we need to worry about... Where the heck is he?

sin: All that can be found inside the empty box is dusk. Before night falls you must block out the light.

akira: I have no idea what you're saying man.

taiga: I feel so restless, a Starless without Kokuyou in it is so weird.

takami: True... On the off chance he doesn't show up I think we should prepare a back up plan. Akira, do you have any ideas?

akira: Without our leader I'm the highest in command yeah? I know that already. We'll proceed with a version of the show with me as the centre. Find someone to fill up our missing spot.

takami: I've already asked Kasumi to help us. Mokuren gave their consent as well.

akira: Then we're already all set? You're so capable it's almost annoying y'know.

—-end

Chapter 2 extra

-starless hallway-

takami: Kei, have you heard that we haven't been able to contact Kokuyou?

kei: I have. If W has a missing man do you intend to borrow a substitute from another team?

takami: Worry not, we've already asked someone. Kasumi will be filling in if Kokuyou does not show up in time.

kei: Then why are you speaking to me?

takami: I was just wondering if you're also in a bit of a pinch. Your mind is elsewhere isn't it?

kei: It is none of your concern. You should focus on your own performance.

-starless office-

akira: How mean can a person be? How did Mokuren even eat that many?

takami: What happened?

yakou: It seems that Akira bought some protein bars but Mokuren ate every single one of them.

mokuren: Obviously. Think of it as payment for me letting you borrow Kasumi.

akira: Aren't those completely unrelated matters?

takami: We're thankful for Kasumi's help though. This way we don't need to delay and can proceed with rehearsals.

yakou: Still, it's pretty unusual that Kokuyou hasn't shown up or contacted us yet.

takami: Indeed. We can't get a hold of him at all.

mokuren: It can't be helped, want me to replace him instead of Kasumi?

takami: Someone like you wouldn't be able to sub in for Kokuyou. It's true that you used to be a W member too but you're in a league of your own.

mokuren: It's not like you to try and flatter me, Takami. You owe me one.

takami: It's not flattery, I'm being serious. And I understand that we're in your debt.

yakou: 'Abandon the Dawn' is the name of your new show huh. I think Kasumi will be able to blend right in.

mokuren: Hopefully it interferes with his C lessons. That way he'll require make-up training.

yakou: You shouldn't be saying that, Mokuren. Kokuyou isn't here so please cooperate.

mokuren: You think I care? I've done my part in helping them already.

yakou: So, if Kokuyou does return, will you have him take Kasumi's place?

akira: Eeeh, nah. We'll just have Kasumi perform the whole run.

yakou: Well, I have no complaints as long as everything goes well. It looks like it will be a success at least.

mokuren: You're lucky this is happening while the owner isn't here. He'd be making a fuss about disbanding their team right now.

yakou: I can't deny that... Still, I wonder what happened to Kokuyou. Is he sick? Has anyone checked his apartment?

takami: No, I haven't been to check. Could anyone lend me his address?

akira: Don't worry, I'll go check on him. I'll leave it to you to teach Kasumi the choreo, Takami.

—end

Chapter 2 SideA

-starless balcony, evening-

kei: ....... (sigh)

takami: Kei, if you're looking for something then I think I could help you.

kei: No need.

takami: Stealing back what's been stolen is just a simple game of cat and mouse.

kei: And so what if it is? I am just doing what I must.

takami: It's just like you to be persistent . Then, how about you utilise my help?

kei: Why would I do that?

takami: Because I can prepare what it is that you need. For example, I could prepare a perfect replica, that would be useful to you, would it not?

kei: I refuse. I have no intentions of being used by you.

takami: I'm doing no such thing. All I want from you is information. About the Miki-san's and Iwami-san, and various other things.

kei: You really think I'll agree to that?

takami: I'm up for further negotiations whenever. Kasumi interrupted us last time after all.*

kei: You mean back during W's 'BLACKSTAR' performance? It's too late for that now.

takami: Not for us it isn't. I'd like to avoid any unnecessary confusion.

kei: So you're trying to gain my gratitude?

takami: Who knows... It's just, because of the rumours spreading about the owner's absence, the power balance of this area is in danger.

kei: So you're saying continuing this farce of a play is your keeper's wish?

takami: —So, what will you do?

kei: It's obvious what my highest priority is. For now I shall dance to your tune.

takami: I wasn't expecting you to agree. In that case, negotiations are complete. I'll let you know when things have been prepared.

-takami leaves-

kei: ...He's annoying to deal with. I'd rather not associate with him, but I have no choice.

-kei's phone rings-

kei (on phone): It's me. What is it?

I'm not happy about it, but not knowing Kokuyou's location is the only way to protect her. It's only for a few days, I can put up with leaving Saki to him for that long.

What? But that place is close to... Why would he go there, of all places…

kei (on phone): No, for now it is still safer than her being here. Understood, I'm grateful for the update.

-kei hangs up-

kei: Birds are suited to the freedom of the sky... Will I allow it to be swallowed up by the shadow of fate?

—end

*Takami is referencing the talk in S2Ch6 - SideB 2 extra

Chapter 2 SideA extra

-behind starless, day-

hinata (on phone): Hello~ It's me. Yeah, that's right, I went and checked a locker at the train station for him. He's a real slave driver~ Not to mention when I finally found the right locker it was empty! Like, why did he send me there if nothing was inside? It doesn't make any sense~ Also the other day he randomly told me to go and search for Sin and—

-kei appears-

hinata (on phone): Oh, sorry, I gotta go. Someone that's hard to deal with just showed up.

kei: Chatting away on the phone during your work hours, you truly are taking your obligations lightly.

hinata: I'm on my break! I'll head right back so don't get on my case about it. And so? You got business with me or something? I'm not in the mood for a lecture.

kei: You were the first to discover Sin after he was injured, weren't you, Hinata?

hinata: What? You want to talk to me about Sin? I was told by Iwa-san to look for him... It was awful, he was bleeding everywhere and I had to call an ambulance.

kei: I see. So there were no other witnesses and you were the one who claimed he'd been in an 'accident'. There's no way to prove that is the truth.

hinata: What do you mean by that?

kei: Oh I wonder. You above all should know best what I'm insinuating. I'm just wondering if the theory that the first person on the scene is the most suspicious holds any weight.

hinata: W-wait a minute, what are you saying? You don't think I did something do you? Go ask Sin yourself, he'll tell you the same thing! It's the truth!

kei: Indeed, I have already asked him. He told me that you saved him.

hinata: Then... You suspecting me was just a bluff? Tch, don't piss me off, you're messed up in the head, you know that?

kei: I simply wanted to hear your understanding of the situation. Return to your work.

hinata: Oh shut up, you idiot! You're so freakin' annoying!

-hinata leaves-

kei: Setting him up as the first one on the scene and sending him to pick something up at the train station lockers... I wonder if Hinata himself even realises the extent in which he is being used.

—end

Chapter 2 SideB

-old messy house, night-

kokuyou: ...It reeks of mould.

saki: This place is...

kokuyou: Relatives of mine own this house. When I was a kid they looked after me for a period of time. After my grandparents died my relatives moved away and no one has lived here since. Being here again is nostalgic but this place is a complete mess. Come on in, there's still space to move around.

saki: Please excuse me.

kokuyou: Sorry about the mess. If anything gets in your way just push it aside. It's still dark out, what time is it— Right, we left our phones behind. I can't even check the time.

saki: We can't check the news or anything either.

kokuyou: I wonder if there's anything in my jacket pocket... My lighter and... This isn't gonna be useful.

saki: What is that?

kokuyou: It's an mp3 player. I put our new show's song on it.

-koku starts playing 'abandon the dawn' instrumental-

saki: (This song...)

kokuyou: .......

saki: Um, Kokuyou-san, I really am sorry for getting you involved in this.

kokuyou: There's no need for you to apologise. This isn't anything new and it's not like I could just leave you be.

saki: But your show is starting in a few days... I know, why don't you let me stay here for a while? You can head back to Starless and prepare for your show.

kokuyou: You want me to leave you on your own? Don't be ridiculous, we’re past the point of going back now.

saki: I don't want to cause you any more trouble than this.

kokuyou: Sin told me to hide you away for a week. So that's exactly what I'm gonna do. A week means I should make it back in time for the opening show. Things should calm down by then. Team W has Akira and Takami, they can handle themselves.

saki: But you need to rehearse too, Kokuyou-san. Otherwise you won't be able to synchronise with the others.

kokuyou: Don't tell me you're worried about me messing up. I don't need any advice on that front. So long as the Starless stage exists, I'll be there.

Feel free to use the house however you like. Don't mind me. You're probably still on edge but try and get some rest. You're tired, so don't go overthinking things. I'm gonna go check something out back, don't go outside.

—end

Chapter 2 SideB extra

-kokuyou's relatives house, evening-

saki: Nn...? I fell asleep…

saki: (What time is it...? Looks like it's evening... I wonder where Kokuyou-san is.)

kokuyou: You awake? I didn't think you'd crash right here, I even cleaned up a room further in the house for you.

saki: Sorry, it wasn't intentional...

kokuyou: It's fine, you must've been really tired.

saki: Did you sleep too, Kokuyou-san?

kokuyou: Yeah, just a bit. I checked out the area too. There's a small strip of shops nearby, so if you're hungry we can grab something to eat. There's a public bathhouse there too. The shrine behind the house hasn't changed either. This place really is just as it was in the past.

saki: Oh right, you said this was your relative's place didn't you? Did you come here to play when you were little?

kokuyou: Yeah, something like that. Since I haven't been here for a while I figured we'd be safe coming this far. It doesn't seem like we've been followed but don't go wandering off on your own just in case.

saki: .......

saki: Is there nothing that you want to ask me?

kokuyou: If I did, would you even have any answers?

saki: That's...

kokuyou: I know that you don't know what's going on either. So asking anything would be pointless and only trouble you, am I right?

saki: Sorry...

kokuyou: There's nothing you need to apologise for. I've told you this already. Even if you had answers, you're not the only one who wouldn't talk about it.

saki: What do you mean?

kokuyou: Those at Starless are all the same way. If you ask them anything they're not the type to give you an honest answer. So, don't worry about it.

saki: ...Thank you.

kokuyou: Anyways, did you want to step out for a bit? We can go buy something to eat.

saki: —Um, Kokuyou-san.

kokuyou: What is it?

choice: I want you to get back in time for the performance / thank you for helping me

>thank you for helping me

saki: Thank you so much for helping me.

kokuyou: Don't sweat it. As if I could just leave you be in that situation. Now go and get yourself ready to go out. Your bedhead is pretty impressive.

saki: Uwah, I need a mirror! I'm borrowing the bathroom!

-saki runs off-

kokuyou: ...I'll have to do something about this.

—end

>I want you to get back in time for the performance

saki: I want you to make it back in time for your performance.

kokuyou: You... —Understood, thanks. Now go and get yourself ready to go out. Your bedhead is pretty impressive.

Chapter 3

-rehearsal room-

akira: Aaand we're all done. As always you're quick on the uptake huh, Kasumi?

kasumi: Ahaha, I'm glad you think so. Maybe it's thanks to the fact you're the centre.

takami: We've gotten used to the new centre as well. The show has taken shape.

taiga: As expected Akira's version of Tristan is way too flashy. I could never~

akira: I'm always giving it my all y'know. Man~ I wish Saki-chan was here, I wanted to sing my words of love to her.

taiga: She hasn't been visiting recently. I guess she must be busy.

takami: I heard she hasn't been feeling well. Kei was worried about her.

akira: Wha, I hadn't heard that. Is she ok?

takami: I don't know the details, but I hope she feels better soon and is well enough to come visit again.

kasumi: Same~ I'd love for her to come and see the new show. And if possible, I hope it can be performed by the whole of W. So... Any updates on Kokuyou?

taiga: Nope. I think his phone battery is dead.

takami: Didn't you go check his apartment, Akira?

akira: I did, but his motorbike wasn't there and I couldn't find him anywhere either.

sin: If the evening is destined to become darkness then the curtain of the night becomes meaningless. Furthermore, a dull blade cannot cut through the stars. That is all there is to it.

takami: It's not easy to be optimistic in a situation like this.

akira: Don't overthink it. We just gotta do what we gotta do.

taiga: A performance without Kokuyou huh... I never even considered it being a possibility. Has W ever put on a show without him before?

akira: Nope. Not that I know of at least.

taiga: I see, I'm a little worried what the audience's reaction will be like.

akira: I told you, we just gotta do it. Quit your mumbling.

taiga: Huh? Ah... Got it, sorry.

kasumi: Ahaha, Mokuren always says that if you're worried then it means you haven't practised enough, Taiga~ Let me help you with a Team C style intensive training course.

taiga: What? Hold up, since when were you this sort of character? No way!

kasumi: Can we start over from the top, Akira?

akira: ...Yeah, sure. The overall level of our performance is fine but if you're concerned about Taiga then let's focus on him.

taiga: Give me a break here!

sin: The diffused reflection of the light produces a false image. All we can do is follow the winding spiral as it disappears down into the void.

takami: No matter what happens, I just hope this is put an end to quickly.

—end

Chapter 3 extra

-starless restaurant area-

heath: Gui, you're acting differently from usual.

gui: ...Am I?

heath: The colour of your aura is wavering. Did something happen?

gui: ...No.

heath: It wavered again. Is this about Saki? It is, isn't it? I haven't seen her here in a few days now and she always visits a lot, especially before a show starts. If you know something then tell me. Don't lie.

gui: I can't tell you.

heath: Oh you ‘can't’? I see what's going on here. Fine, I'll go and ask Kei then.

-heath leaves-

gui: Me too... I want to know what's going on as well.

-gui leaves-

-starless backrooms-

heath: Hold it, Kei. Have you put her in danger again? Where is Saki? Tell me where she is this instant.

kei: Calm down, Heath. I am aware that you currently do not trust me.

heath: (coughing fit)

gui: Heath...! Heath, breathe. Slowly, in, out, in, out...

kei: Are you here to question me too, Gui?

heath: (coughing) ...Sorry, I'm fine, Gui.

kei: I understand your concerns fully. However, there is no need to worry as currently she is safe. In order for her to avoid any further danger, she has left the immediate vicinity.

heath: ........

heath: Is she truly safe?

kei: Yes. There is someone with her to protect her. And that is neither you nor I.

heath: And can you trust this person?

kei: ...Somewhat.

heath: Why... why can't it be me? Why the fuck are you standing around here instead of helping her?

kei: Because I must be here in order to protect her. Doing so is the very reason for my existence. Gui, look after Heath. Search within yourselves for your own reasons to be.

gui: Ok.

-kei leaves-

heath: ...Godammit. Why am I always so powerless?

—end

Chapter 3 SideA

-break room-

akira: Thanks, Kasumi. You've really saved our asses this time around.

kasumi: Oh no, it's no problem. I'm just happy to be useful. But... Don't go overdoing it, Akira.

akira: Hm? What's this? Are you looking out for me? If so I'd rather it be a cute girl that's fawning over me.

kasumi: Ahaha, noted~ Well, I'll see you in our next rehearsal then.

-kasumi leaves-

akira: .......

-nekome appears-

nekome: That was one one big sigh. You must've been working hard, you alright?

akira: Well I'm not alright anymore. I'm not in the mood to talk to you right now.

nekome: Looks like I caught you at a bad time~ Though that's to be expected, your team was suddenly thrown for a loop after all.

akira: Thrown for a loop huh... Funny hearing you of all people say that. By the way, Nekome, you wouldn't happen to know anything would you?

nekome: About what?

akira: Like why someone would suddenly disappear, or where they would go if they decided to. You have experience in those areas after all, could you give me some advice?

nekome: Hahah, that's a tough question. Kokuyou and I are completely different too.

akira: Completely different? What do you mean by that?

nekome: I mean that we value and prioritise different things. The things that we can't abandon.

akira: I don't get what you're trying to say.

nekome: Hey, Akira, do you have any spare change on you?

akira: Don't extort me, you haven't even answered my question.

-nekome buys something from the vending machine-

nekome: Hahaha, sorry. To be honest though, Akira, I don't know either. So, I'm sorry for all the trouble I must’ve caused~ It even bothered you, right?

-nekome leaves-

akira: Look at that, he had plenty of change on him. Why is he like this...

—end

Chapter 3 SideA extra

-police station-

kei: The person who assaulted you has been arrested. However he was merely a thug working under someone else's orders. By the way, Hinata mentioned that he was told by Iwami to go and look for you... He didn't appear to have any intention to hide that fact either.

sin: He is using his pawns to his convenience. Those who know nothing are easier to control. Anything else?

kei: The item that was stolen from you had already been passed off to a different courier. However the ghost is not on the move. Before long, the one in possession of the card shall also be arrested.

sin: Meaning it has not reached that man's hands yet?

kei: Those who already work for money are easily convinced by more money.

sin: I see. So you're just waiting for them to fall into your trap. Alas, it is clear who is pulling the strings behind this. We should prepare our next move.

kei: I made a deal with a faithful dog. His keeper is preparing to go on the hunt.

sin: You made a surprisingly bold choice.

kei: It was necessary to assure the bird's freedom.

sin: So you're willing to get your hands dirty if it's for her sake. That is just like you.

kei: It's still not enough. The shady groups around here are already looking for new positions.

sin: Hm, it's bothersome. Has news of Haseyama's absence gotten around?

kei: The cover up has reached its limit.

sin: The pests infecting the nearby area should have been exterminated though.

kei: It's still not enough. That is why I must immediately change my approach.

sin: Meaning that taking back her card is the top priority?

kei: Exactly that.

—end

Chapter 3 SideB

-kokuyou's relative's house, day-

saki: (Today marks the end of the week Sin-san told us to run for... Tomorrow will be the opening show of Team W's performance. I wonder if Kokuyou-san could get there in time if he went alone on his bike? I could take the train...)

saki: ...Hm? Where is Kokuyou-san actually? Maybe he went outside.

-time pass, roadside path, day-

saki: ...He's not here either. I wonder where he went.

-screen glitches-

saki: (W-what was that? For some reason... this path feels familiar—)

kokuyou: What are you doing out here, Saki? I told you not to wander around by yourself.

saki: I'm sorry. I just wanted to check how you were.

kokuyou: I was visiting the shrine out back... Sorry for leaving you on your own.

saki: No, it's fine. I also— Huh?

-screen shakes-

saki: (Ngh... My head hurts... Why...?)

kokuyou: ...We've had a conversation like this once before, haven't we?

saki: Once before... With me?

kokuyou: I don't know. I just remember when I was a kid, I was waiting for somebody here. Tch, I can't recall anything else.

saki: (Huh...? This has... Happened before...)

kokuyou: Anyways, let's head back. You look pale.

saki: I'm fine, more importantly, Kokuyou-san— Back then, why did you come here?

kokuyou: Back then? What are you talking about?

saki: (Why did I ask that... What ‘back then’ am I even talking about?)

-screen glitches-

saki: Sorry I... I don't feel so good after all...

kokuyou: You ok? You look awful, c'mon let's head back.

saki: But... Your show...

kokuyou: That's not important right now. We're heading back for now, you can say your piece later.

-quick flashback appears-

saki: (My head hurts so bad... It's no use, I can't even think straight anymore...)

kokuyou: Don't overdo it, here, lean on me, let's go.

saki: Ok... Sorry for the trouble.

kokuyou: I told you already, we’re past the point of going back now. Just stop thinking about it.

saki: (Stop thinking...)

-saki closes her eyes-

—end

Chapter 3 SideB extra

-kokuyou's relative's house, evening-

saki: Nn… Hm...? I'm...?

saki: (This is... Kokuyou's relative's place...?)

kokuyou: You awake? Feeling any better?

saki: Kokuyou-san... What time is— The sun's already setting!?

kokuyou: Yeah.

saki: (If it's evening then... No but, if he leaves right now he could still make it.)

saki: Kokuyou-san, if you leave now you'll be able to make it back in time for tomorrow's opening show.

kokuyou: And leave you all alone after you just collapsed on me? If I felt like leaving you I would have done so already.

saki: ...I'm sorry... I really am...

kokuyou: Quit worrying yourself over it, I can afford to miss one show.

saki: Kokuyou-san...

kokuyou: Team W isn't just me. The rest of my team can manage. Akira's got his voice, Takami can organise... Recently Taiga has even been proving himself. And lastly there's Sin. He's surprisingly good at creating that trademark W atmosphere. He may have been injured but that won't stop him. That's just the kind of guy he is.

saki: ...You have a lot of faith in them all, don't you?

kokuyou: I wouldn't say that... It's more that I just know how those on my team think. So don't look so down, none of this is your fault.

kokuyou: —Five years ago, when I first met you, you looked like any other regular woman just living her life. Even now, I still just see you as a normal woman. Except, you've been targeted by some suspicious group that I don't know and you've even been kidnapped before. Do you really think I'm heartless enough to just leave someone like you to handle all that on your own?

saki: Kokuyou-san...

kokuyou: It's fine, get some more rest. You still look pale.

saki: This is all my fault... I'm so sorry...

-saki falls back asleep-

kokuyou: ...What to do.

-flashback-

saki: This is all my fault... I'm so sorry...

girl: This is all my fault... I'm so sorry…