Beatrice (and so on) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
boxupallthebutterflies) wrote2011-07-23 05:50 am
boxupallthebutterflies) wrote2011-07-23 05:50 am
Memory 18 - Significant Neutral
I might have occasionally mixed up whether Zepar or Furfur was talking at any given time because the script doesn't always specify. this is how much I care!!
THE MEMORY:
[Setting: Something like a western smoking room in the metaworld. The furnishings are stylish and expensive. Preparations for black tea are set on the table, as well as a chessboard, seemingly halfway through a game--not quite chess, but similar. It is silent; the storm is inaudible. Jessica and George timidly open their eyes, confused, but Shannon and Kanon are calm.]
JESSICA: ...J... Just where... is this place...?
GEORGE: ...Jessica-chan and Kanon-kun... And Shannon? Where's Shannon...?!
SHANNON: I'm right here, George-sama.
KANON: And I am here. ...Milady, George-sama. We apologize for bringing you to a place like this.
GEORGE: ...What on Earth is going on? ...Just when Shannon took out something that looked like a butterfly wing and it started shining...
JESSICA: Th-The same thing happened to me...! Kanon-kun took out this golden butterfly brooch thing, it started to sparkle, and...
KANON: Milady, George-san, first off, please allow us to apologize. And please stay calm. ...Something strange is about to happen. That strange thing will probably test us.
GEORGE: Test us...? ...Do you mean... that trial you were just talking about... that we had to overcome if we wanted to be together? ...Is that it?
JESSICA: A... A trial?
KANON: ...I haven't explained it to you yet, Milady. My apologies. ...But please... if your words just a second ago were the truth... please lend me your strength. I will give it everything I've got, so please...
JESSICA: ...I... I don't understand a thing that's been happening... Do you know something, George nii-san?
GEORGE: A bit. ...I'm just as surprised as you about what's happening now. But if they say that this is an unavoidable trial and that we are essential for it, I intend to take on whatever may come.
JESSICA: ...A trial...?
SHANNON: Kanon-kun. The brooch.
KANON: Yeah...
[They bring the halves of the broken golden butterfly brooch together. As they grow closer, their radiance increases.]
GEORGE: ...Jessica-chan, I want you to prepare your heart as well. I am already prepared.
JESSICA: Wh-What do you mean...?! I don't have a clue! What the hell's going on...?!
GEORGE: It's a trial. A test for a pair of lovers.
JESSICA: H... Huuh...?!
[Jessica can't help but turn red, but George is so serious his expression is almost grim. Shanon and Kanon are just as serious, bringing the butterfly wings together as if taking part in a sacred duel. The brooch reforms into a single object and regains its magical power. An even more intense light fills the room, and the scene is burned into the retinas of all present as the brooch shatters, and two shining things fly out of it.]
ZEPAR: People live for the sake of love! Yes, this world is love itself!
FURFUR: Oh, how great is the power of love...! Love is everything!!
[George and Jessica nervously open their eyes to see the two demons that have appeared from the brooch.]
ZEPAR: Ooh, that's weird, Furfur...!! Why are we in a place like this?!
FURFUR: It really is strange, Zepar...!! There's no one but humans and furniture! Where is the witch? Where is the witch capable of summoning us?!
ZEPAR: Yes, we remember the name of the witch of the contract really well, don't we? Let's try calling it out, Furfur!
FURFUR: Yes, you're right, Zepar!! We know the name of the witch of the contract, the Golden Witch!
ZEPAR: Then let's try calling her!
BOTH: Beatriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!
[They act and speak in an exaggerated, theatrical manner. A cyclone of golden butterflies picks up throughout the room, taking the form of two Golden Witches.]
FURFUR: Ooh, there are two Beatrices...!
ZEPAR: Well, there are two of us as well. Why shouldn't there be two Beatrices every now and then?
ONEESAMA: This is my double and my little sister. We two are the same and as a single person.
BEATO: P... Pleased to meet you.
SHANNON: It has been a long time, Beatrice-sama...
KANON: ...
JESSICA: A... Am I dreaming...?
GEORGE: ...I feel the same. Still, it's too early to get dumbfounded.
[Shannon has already told George what will happen next, so unlike Jessica, he is able to maintain his composure.]
ONEESAMA: Demons of the contract, it has been too long...! Zepar. And you too, Furfur.
ZEPAR: Ah, long time no see! You seem to be in high spirits as always!
FURFUR: But look at your cute little sister here! Those juicy eyes must have the taste of white peaches when they grow teary...!
BEATO: Uh... ah... well, I wonder...
[Zepar and Furfur latch onto Beato from either side, wearing strange smiles. Each movement they make is exaggerated yet polished, as if acting out a play.]
ONEESAMA: Leave it at that for now, demons of the contract. To think that tonight will be the last time we see that mischievous spirit. It will be dearly missed.
BEATO: The last time...?
FURFUR: The brooch, our vessel, has already been destroyed!
ZEPAR: Eheheheheh, in other words, our role is finished after this! Ah, yes, it has been fun, Beatrice!
FURFUR: However, it was decided when the contract was made. It was decided that we must lend our power one more time before our final farewell.
ZEPAR: So, this is truly the final miracle!
FURFUR: Once is enough for the miracle of love! After all, eternal love will never be needed a second time!
ONEESAMA: ...There you have it. Lovers! Those gathered here are ones cursed to have unsuccessful love unless a miracle occurs. The power of the golden butterfly brooch, which can grant this miracle, is your last chance, and like it or not, this chance is limited to this evening! This miracle can be given only to a single pair!
SHANNON: ...
KANON: ...I won't lose.
SHANNON: Yeah. ...Let's both give it our all.
[Shannon and Kanon exchange a serious gaze. They have both already prepared themselves to fight for the sake of their love's success.]
JESSICA: I-I don't really get it... but I don't wanna borrow the power of some strange demon...! Let me be clear: this is none of your business! Kanon and I can handle our relationship by ourselves. I'm not obligated to put myself in the debt of some bizarre demons!
KANON: ...Milady, please listen. ...If we don't overcome this trial... we cannot be together...
ONEESAMA: Jessica. Accept it. This is the only trial that can be imposed on upstart furniture wishing to be joined with a human.
JESSICA: More of this stuff about furniture and humans! Don't butt in... This has nothing to do with us!!
SHANNON: You still haven't told Milady...?
KANON: ...I didn't know... how I should explain it.
JESSICA: Kanon-kun, Shannon, and you, George nii-san! Why are you listening to these creeps?! No one can stand in the way of a person's love! Why do we have to please these demons?! It's none of their business!!
ONEESAMA: Well, it seems we have quite a troublesome blockhead among us. ...We could begin the game like this, but that would hardly be fair.
BEATO: C... Couldn't you explain it for her? ...I don't understand that well myself. Is there some kind of problem with the love between Jessica-san and Kanon-san...?
ZEPAR: Oh my! It seems you understand nothing at all!
FURFUR: With our blessing, the pair can cultivate their love at their leisure! No need to worry about suspicious demons!
ZEPAR: However, without our blessing, your love will vanish, disappear, wither and decay.
JESSICA: How the hell're you so sure?!!
BOTH: Because it is fate!! You may choose not to accept it, you may choose not to resist it!
BEATO: ...Oh, what happens if you choose not to resist it...?
ONEESAMA: That love will end. ...Well, an abstract explanation isn't so convincing. Well now, how could one explain the dead end fate you're in...
ZEPAR: Ushiromiya Jessica, the future you two share is far more grim than you realize.
FURFUR: If you don't gain the miracle of magic, disaster will most certainly befall you.
ONEESAMA: Then it will cover you, fester within, and split the two of you apart. ...Even I will not be so boorish as to describe the details of that process. However, if you will not believe, Jessica, I will tell you how it ends. ...Kanon will stop being a servant and will leave the island. For all eternity.
ZEPAR: You will probably leave the island yourself in search of the one you love, but such a venture will doubtless be in vain!
FURFUR: Yes, and then you will mourn and hate!
ZEPAR: Hate who?!
FURFUR: You!!
ZEPAR: Me?!
BOTH: No, the "you" of this moment!! [pointing at Jessica with a dramatic gesture]
JESSICA: Wh... What the hell are you... saying...
FURFUR: When you have lost the one you love, you will realize. You will realize how much you hate the person you were when you ran away from the trial to complete that love!
ZEPAR: Yes, we're messengers from the "you" of the future! Please, at this very moment, take your love seriously and fight!
FURFUR: And if you don't listen to the message of the "you" from the future?!
ZEPAR: The foolish snake eating its own tail will keep on gulping!
ONEESAMA: The endless cycle of suffering will swallow you up... and you will simply vanish.
JESSICA: What the... hell are you talking about...?!! [confusion showing on her face like anger] Kanon... kun...
KANON: ...
ONEESAMA: If you give up on the miracle of magic and leave it to Shannon and George... they will be joined and leave the island. ...After that, Kanon will leave the island as well. That is an unavoidable fate.
BEATO: Th... Then what if they can obtain the miracle of magic...?
ONEESAMA: Of course, Kanon will remain on the island, by Jessica's side for all time. ...He will probably start learning music with Jessica as she wished for. ...How their relationship will progress afterwards is a matter for the two lovers. They may deepen their relationship slowly all by themselves, as Jessica wanted...
SHANNON: ...However... if that happens, George-san and I will not be joined.
KANON: ...We must fight this fate by betting our futures and our happiness.
JESSICA: A... Are you kidding me...?! What the hell...?! So if we are joined, the other pair will split apart?! What kind of demon's game is this?!!
ONEESAMA: Don't be mistaken. You will not be taking something from each other. ...Without the power of the golden butterfly brooch, neither love is fated to bear fruit.
JESSICA: A-And who the hell decided that?!!
ONEESAMA: It is due to your sin of falling in love with furniture, which is not allowed to love. ...Didn't Kanon clearly reject you, saying that furniture was not qualified to love?! Knowing that, you chose Kanon as the one you loved. I won't let you get away with saying you didn't know...!
JESSICA: ...
GEORGE: [speaking in a soft, soothing tone, though his expression is still ruthlessly serious] ...Jessica-chan, can't you think of it this way?
JESSICA: Think of it... what way...?
GEORGE: I love Shannon. I am prepared to overcome any and all trials and obstacles that stand in the way of us being together. ...What about you?
JESSICA: W-Well... I'm not so weak that I'd lose heart over most things...
GEORGE: Yes. That's it exactly. Right now, we are being tested. Tested to see who can display the strength of our feelings more strongly.
JESSICA: ...Are you actually... satisfied with this insanity...?
GEORGE: There's no need to be satisfied. ...When I gave Shannon that engagement ring, I swore to fight all trials and barriers that stand in my way. ...No matter how unreasonable or incomprehensible these trials might be... I cannot choose to avoid them. [speaking clearly, regarding Jessica with a cold gaze] ...Nothing would make me happier than to see you step out of this trial. ...That way, I wouldn't have to fight you. And that would show the limits of your feelings for Kanon-kun.
JESSICA: Nn... gah...
GEORGE: ...We must fight openly for that single miracle. ...Even if I lose at the end... I'll be able to accept it if we both gave it our all. And because of that, I will be able to cheer on the victors from the bottom of my heart.
ONEESAMA: ...Hmph. ...George's determination is quite impressive.
ZEPAR: After hearing that--
FURFUR: Are you still going to run away?
[The two demons giggle, challenging. George does not laugh, but also keeps a cold gaze on Jessica.]
JESSICA: ...And Shannon...?
SHANNON: [serious and solemn] ...Please forgive me, Milady. ...I am determined not to flinch in my resolve. ...Even if I know... that sticking to my feelings... means ending your loving relationship, Milady.
JESSICA: Kanon-kun...
KANON: [doing all he can to restrain himself] I... want to start a new life with you, Milady. ...Even if that life... means crushing Nee-san's happiness... I will not falter...
[Jessica clenches her fists and hangs her head, shaking, biting her lower lip. The two demons do not violate this silence. Love brings about conflict, and this conflict gives rise to determination. As the demons of love, they can understand more fully than any others how noble that determination is.]
BEATO: ...Jessica-san...
ONEESAMA: Furthermore... this magical miracle is something that can be received by you as well.
BEATO: By me too...? Wh-What... do you mean...? [surprised]
ONEESAMA: With the miracle of the golden butterfly brooch... even your wish... your wish that your affection for Battler will be acknowledged, can be granted easily. ...And without a miracle... you also can never be bound to him.
BEATO: ...
ZEPAR: It means you're no outsider to this either.
FURFUR: To cut across the marshes of love! That is your wish, is it not?!
ZEPAR: We will not make light of your wish!
ONEESAMA: ...Even your relationship with Battler will eventually fester and rot. ...No matter how much of a positive outlook you take, you know that this fate will eventually come to pass, barring some kind of miracle.
BEATO: ...Well...
[The younger Beatrice hangs her head sadly. She hadn't wanted to lose heart from the cookie incident, but it would be a massive lie to say that it hadn't hurt her. The more she tries to get close to Battler, the more she hurts him, but she was born in order to get close to him. She feels like a hedgehog freezing in the cold and bunching together for warmth. She approached him because of love, and had been hurt for it...]
ONEESAMA: If you understand that much, entrusting your fate to a miracle may prove to be of some interest. As they say, an un-bought lottery ticket earns you nothing. Zepar, Furfur! Let my little sister join in too.
ZEPAR: Oh, of course!
FURFUR: Welcome, second Beatrice...! We were planning on including you from the very beginning!
BOTH: After all, we are Zepar and Furfur! The demons of love!!
BEATO: ...M... May I... join in as well...?
GEORGE: If you want to, I don't see a problem. I won't prevent anyone from entering. We'll win against all hindrances and make everyone celebrate our union. ...Of course, it's the same the other way around. If you succeed in love by defeating us at our best, then both Shannon and I promise to sincerely support the pair that wins. Right, Shannon?
SHANNON: Yes. We will not lose. And even if we did, we would cheer you on from the bottom of our hearts.
KANON: ...I feel the same. I will not lose.
JESSICA: ...Well, if there's no way out of this fight... let's show 'em what we've got. ...No matter what! Kanon-kun and I don't plan on losing.
ONEESAMA: You feel the same, do you not?
BEATO: Y... Yes... If there is even a small chance that Father... ah... no... that Battler-san will acknowledge me, I'm willing to put myself on the line.
ONEESAMA: Well said. Good going, little sister. Zepar, Furfur! The actors have gathered!
ZEPAR: Then let's begin, Furfur!
FURFUR: Yes, let us begin, Zepar!
BOTH: Let's begin this trial of lovers, the fight over a single miracle of magic...!!
SUMMARY:
- NEW FACES/NAMES! Zepar/Furfur :3c well I guess she already knew their names from. demonology.
- this is the direct successor to the memories of Shannon/Kanon deciding that they will fight for their love at the expense of each other, and Kanon showing Jessica the butterfly brooch! she has like half of EP6 back by now and she has a pretty solid understanding of this particular plot thread...
- Beatrice the Elder only appeared really briefly before now, though! She seems to act closer to how Beato normally acts in canon and in Aather :|a IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE TWO OF HER NOW FOR SOME REASON AND THAT IS BASICALLY ALL THE EXPLANATION THIS MEMORY GIVES. WELL, OK. at least this one is less embarrassing and seems to remember stuff
- had a contract with Zepar and Furfur through the butterfly brooch!
- "Those juicy eyes must have the taste of white peaches when they grow teary...!" I see they are not at all creepers
- it doesn't really say what the contract covers beyond this final trial! if they're lending their power "one more time," obviously they lent their power in the past :|a
- more of this stuff about furniture and humans, indeed. by now Aather-Beato has enough clues to piece together why this makes sense, I think.
- I need a real miracle to succeed at love aahhhhh :x otherwise my love is DOOMED TO FAIL FOREVER AND EVER AND DESTROY ME FROM INSIDE these are exactly the feelings she needed reinforced yes
- HOWEVER: "When you have lost the one you love, you will realize. You will realize how much you hate the person you were when you ran away from the trial to complete that love!" :xa...........
- George is very easily a ruthless bastard. Jessica is very easily confused.
- no clue what the trials actually are yet but. well. no point in NOT assuming the worst.
THE MEMORY:
[Setting: Something like a western smoking room in the metaworld. The furnishings are stylish and expensive. Preparations for black tea are set on the table, as well as a chessboard, seemingly halfway through a game--not quite chess, but similar. It is silent; the storm is inaudible. Jessica and George timidly open their eyes, confused, but Shannon and Kanon are calm.]
JESSICA: ...J... Just where... is this place...?
GEORGE: ...Jessica-chan and Kanon-kun... And Shannon? Where's Shannon...?!
SHANNON: I'm right here, George-sama.
KANON: And I am here. ...Milady, George-sama. We apologize for bringing you to a place like this.
GEORGE: ...What on Earth is going on? ...Just when Shannon took out something that looked like a butterfly wing and it started shining...
JESSICA: Th-The same thing happened to me...! Kanon-kun took out this golden butterfly brooch thing, it started to sparkle, and...
KANON: Milady, George-san, first off, please allow us to apologize. And please stay calm. ...Something strange is about to happen. That strange thing will probably test us.
GEORGE: Test us...? ...Do you mean... that trial you were just talking about... that we had to overcome if we wanted to be together? ...Is that it?
JESSICA: A... A trial?
KANON: ...I haven't explained it to you yet, Milady. My apologies. ...But please... if your words just a second ago were the truth... please lend me your strength. I will give it everything I've got, so please...
JESSICA: ...I... I don't understand a thing that's been happening... Do you know something, George nii-san?
GEORGE: A bit. ...I'm just as surprised as you about what's happening now. But if they say that this is an unavoidable trial and that we are essential for it, I intend to take on whatever may come.
JESSICA: ...A trial...?
SHANNON: Kanon-kun. The brooch.
KANON: Yeah...
[They bring the halves of the broken golden butterfly brooch together. As they grow closer, their radiance increases.]
GEORGE: ...Jessica-chan, I want you to prepare your heart as well. I am already prepared.
JESSICA: Wh-What do you mean...?! I don't have a clue! What the hell's going on...?!
GEORGE: It's a trial. A test for a pair of lovers.
JESSICA: H... Huuh...?!
[Jessica can't help but turn red, but George is so serious his expression is almost grim. Shanon and Kanon are just as serious, bringing the butterfly wings together as if taking part in a sacred duel. The brooch reforms into a single object and regains its magical power. An even more intense light fills the room, and the scene is burned into the retinas of all present as the brooch shatters, and two shining things fly out of it.]
ZEPAR: People live for the sake of love! Yes, this world is love itself!
FURFUR: Oh, how great is the power of love...! Love is everything!!
[George and Jessica nervously open their eyes to see the two demons that have appeared from the brooch.]
ZEPAR: Ooh, that's weird, Furfur...!! Why are we in a place like this?!
FURFUR: It really is strange, Zepar...!! There's no one but humans and furniture! Where is the witch? Where is the witch capable of summoning us?!
ZEPAR: Yes, we remember the name of the witch of the contract really well, don't we? Let's try calling it out, Furfur!
FURFUR: Yes, you're right, Zepar!! We know the name of the witch of the contract, the Golden Witch!
ZEPAR: Then let's try calling her!
BOTH: Beatriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!
[They act and speak in an exaggerated, theatrical manner. A cyclone of golden butterflies picks up throughout the room, taking the form of two Golden Witches.]
FURFUR: Ooh, there are two Beatrices...!
ZEPAR: Well, there are two of us as well. Why shouldn't there be two Beatrices every now and then?
ONEESAMA: This is my double and my little sister. We two are the same and as a single person.
BEATO: P... Pleased to meet you.
SHANNON: It has been a long time, Beatrice-sama...
KANON: ...
JESSICA: A... Am I dreaming...?
GEORGE: ...I feel the same. Still, it's too early to get dumbfounded.
[Shannon has already told George what will happen next, so unlike Jessica, he is able to maintain his composure.]
ONEESAMA: Demons of the contract, it has been too long...! Zepar. And you too, Furfur.
ZEPAR: Ah, long time no see! You seem to be in high spirits as always!
FURFUR: But look at your cute little sister here! Those juicy eyes must have the taste of white peaches when they grow teary...!
BEATO: Uh... ah... well, I wonder...
[Zepar and Furfur latch onto Beato from either side, wearing strange smiles. Each movement they make is exaggerated yet polished, as if acting out a play.]
ONEESAMA: Leave it at that for now, demons of the contract. To think that tonight will be the last time we see that mischievous spirit. It will be dearly missed.
BEATO: The last time...?
FURFUR: The brooch, our vessel, has already been destroyed!
ZEPAR: Eheheheheh, in other words, our role is finished after this! Ah, yes, it has been fun, Beatrice!
FURFUR: However, it was decided when the contract was made. It was decided that we must lend our power one more time before our final farewell.
ZEPAR: So, this is truly the final miracle!
FURFUR: Once is enough for the miracle of love! After all, eternal love will never be needed a second time!
ONEESAMA: ...There you have it. Lovers! Those gathered here are ones cursed to have unsuccessful love unless a miracle occurs. The power of the golden butterfly brooch, which can grant this miracle, is your last chance, and like it or not, this chance is limited to this evening! This miracle can be given only to a single pair!
SHANNON: ...
KANON: ...I won't lose.
SHANNON: Yeah. ...Let's both give it our all.
[Shannon and Kanon exchange a serious gaze. They have both already prepared themselves to fight for the sake of their love's success.]
JESSICA: I-I don't really get it... but I don't wanna borrow the power of some strange demon...! Let me be clear: this is none of your business! Kanon and I can handle our relationship by ourselves. I'm not obligated to put myself in the debt of some bizarre demons!
KANON: ...Milady, please listen. ...If we don't overcome this trial... we cannot be together...
ONEESAMA: Jessica. Accept it. This is the only trial that can be imposed on upstart furniture wishing to be joined with a human.
JESSICA: More of this stuff about furniture and humans! Don't butt in... This has nothing to do with us!!
SHANNON: You still haven't told Milady...?
KANON: ...I didn't know... how I should explain it.
JESSICA: Kanon-kun, Shannon, and you, George nii-san! Why are you listening to these creeps?! No one can stand in the way of a person's love! Why do we have to please these demons?! It's none of their business!!
ONEESAMA: Well, it seems we have quite a troublesome blockhead among us. ...We could begin the game like this, but that would hardly be fair.
BEATO: C... Couldn't you explain it for her? ...I don't understand that well myself. Is there some kind of problem with the love between Jessica-san and Kanon-san...?
ZEPAR: Oh my! It seems you understand nothing at all!
FURFUR: With our blessing, the pair can cultivate their love at their leisure! No need to worry about suspicious demons!
ZEPAR: However, without our blessing, your love will vanish, disappear, wither and decay.
JESSICA: How the hell're you so sure?!!
BOTH: Because it is fate!! You may choose not to accept it, you may choose not to resist it!
BEATO: ...Oh, what happens if you choose not to resist it...?
ONEESAMA: That love will end. ...Well, an abstract explanation isn't so convincing. Well now, how could one explain the dead end fate you're in...
ZEPAR: Ushiromiya Jessica, the future you two share is far more grim than you realize.
FURFUR: If you don't gain the miracle of magic, disaster will most certainly befall you.
ONEESAMA: Then it will cover you, fester within, and split the two of you apart. ...Even I will not be so boorish as to describe the details of that process. However, if you will not believe, Jessica, I will tell you how it ends. ...Kanon will stop being a servant and will leave the island. For all eternity.
ZEPAR: You will probably leave the island yourself in search of the one you love, but such a venture will doubtless be in vain!
FURFUR: Yes, and then you will mourn and hate!
ZEPAR: Hate who?!
FURFUR: You!!
ZEPAR: Me?!
BOTH: No, the "you" of this moment!! [pointing at Jessica with a dramatic gesture]
JESSICA: Wh... What the hell are you... saying...
FURFUR: When you have lost the one you love, you will realize. You will realize how much you hate the person you were when you ran away from the trial to complete that love!
ZEPAR: Yes, we're messengers from the "you" of the future! Please, at this very moment, take your love seriously and fight!
FURFUR: And if you don't listen to the message of the "you" from the future?!
ZEPAR: The foolish snake eating its own tail will keep on gulping!
ONEESAMA: The endless cycle of suffering will swallow you up... and you will simply vanish.
JESSICA: What the... hell are you talking about...?!! [confusion showing on her face like anger] Kanon... kun...
KANON: ...
ONEESAMA: If you give up on the miracle of magic and leave it to Shannon and George... they will be joined and leave the island. ...After that, Kanon will leave the island as well. That is an unavoidable fate.
BEATO: Th... Then what if they can obtain the miracle of magic...?
ONEESAMA: Of course, Kanon will remain on the island, by Jessica's side for all time. ...He will probably start learning music with Jessica as she wished for. ...How their relationship will progress afterwards is a matter for the two lovers. They may deepen their relationship slowly all by themselves, as Jessica wanted...
SHANNON: ...However... if that happens, George-san and I will not be joined.
KANON: ...We must fight this fate by betting our futures and our happiness.
JESSICA: A... Are you kidding me...?! What the hell...?! So if we are joined, the other pair will split apart?! What kind of demon's game is this?!!
ONEESAMA: Don't be mistaken. You will not be taking something from each other. ...Without the power of the golden butterfly brooch, neither love is fated to bear fruit.
JESSICA: A-And who the hell decided that?!!
ONEESAMA: It is due to your sin of falling in love with furniture, which is not allowed to love. ...Didn't Kanon clearly reject you, saying that furniture was not qualified to love?! Knowing that, you chose Kanon as the one you loved. I won't let you get away with saying you didn't know...!
JESSICA: ...
GEORGE: [speaking in a soft, soothing tone, though his expression is still ruthlessly serious] ...Jessica-chan, can't you think of it this way?
JESSICA: Think of it... what way...?
GEORGE: I love Shannon. I am prepared to overcome any and all trials and obstacles that stand in the way of us being together. ...What about you?
JESSICA: W-Well... I'm not so weak that I'd lose heart over most things...
GEORGE: Yes. That's it exactly. Right now, we are being tested. Tested to see who can display the strength of our feelings more strongly.
JESSICA: ...Are you actually... satisfied with this insanity...?
GEORGE: There's no need to be satisfied. ...When I gave Shannon that engagement ring, I swore to fight all trials and barriers that stand in my way. ...No matter how unreasonable or incomprehensible these trials might be... I cannot choose to avoid them. [speaking clearly, regarding Jessica with a cold gaze] ...Nothing would make me happier than to see you step out of this trial. ...That way, I wouldn't have to fight you. And that would show the limits of your feelings for Kanon-kun.
JESSICA: Nn... gah...
GEORGE: ...We must fight openly for that single miracle. ...Even if I lose at the end... I'll be able to accept it if we both gave it our all. And because of that, I will be able to cheer on the victors from the bottom of my heart.
ONEESAMA: ...Hmph. ...George's determination is quite impressive.
ZEPAR: After hearing that--
FURFUR: Are you still going to run away?
[The two demons giggle, challenging. George does not laugh, but also keeps a cold gaze on Jessica.]
JESSICA: ...And Shannon...?
SHANNON: [serious and solemn] ...Please forgive me, Milady. ...I am determined not to flinch in my resolve. ...Even if I know... that sticking to my feelings... means ending your loving relationship, Milady.
JESSICA: Kanon-kun...
KANON: [doing all he can to restrain himself] I... want to start a new life with you, Milady. ...Even if that life... means crushing Nee-san's happiness... I will not falter...
[Jessica clenches her fists and hangs her head, shaking, biting her lower lip. The two demons do not violate this silence. Love brings about conflict, and this conflict gives rise to determination. As the demons of love, they can understand more fully than any others how noble that determination is.]
BEATO: ...Jessica-san...
ONEESAMA: Furthermore... this magical miracle is something that can be received by you as well.
BEATO: By me too...? Wh-What... do you mean...? [surprised]
ONEESAMA: With the miracle of the golden butterfly brooch... even your wish... your wish that your affection for Battler will be acknowledged, can be granted easily. ...And without a miracle... you also can never be bound to him.
BEATO: ...
ZEPAR: It means you're no outsider to this either.
FURFUR: To cut across the marshes of love! That is your wish, is it not?!
ZEPAR: We will not make light of your wish!
ONEESAMA: ...Even your relationship with Battler will eventually fester and rot. ...No matter how much of a positive outlook you take, you know that this fate will eventually come to pass, barring some kind of miracle.
BEATO: ...Well...
[The younger Beatrice hangs her head sadly. She hadn't wanted to lose heart from the cookie incident, but it would be a massive lie to say that it hadn't hurt her. The more she tries to get close to Battler, the more she hurts him, but she was born in order to get close to him. She feels like a hedgehog freezing in the cold and bunching together for warmth. She approached him because of love, and had been hurt for it...]
ONEESAMA: If you understand that much, entrusting your fate to a miracle may prove to be of some interest. As they say, an un-bought lottery ticket earns you nothing. Zepar, Furfur! Let my little sister join in too.
ZEPAR: Oh, of course!
FURFUR: Welcome, second Beatrice...! We were planning on including you from the very beginning!
BOTH: After all, we are Zepar and Furfur! The demons of love!!
BEATO: ...M... May I... join in as well...?
GEORGE: If you want to, I don't see a problem. I won't prevent anyone from entering. We'll win against all hindrances and make everyone celebrate our union. ...Of course, it's the same the other way around. If you succeed in love by defeating us at our best, then both Shannon and I promise to sincerely support the pair that wins. Right, Shannon?
SHANNON: Yes. We will not lose. And even if we did, we would cheer you on from the bottom of our hearts.
KANON: ...I feel the same. I will not lose.
JESSICA: ...Well, if there's no way out of this fight... let's show 'em what we've got. ...No matter what! Kanon-kun and I don't plan on losing.
ONEESAMA: You feel the same, do you not?
BEATO: Y... Yes... If there is even a small chance that Father... ah... no... that Battler-san will acknowledge me, I'm willing to put myself on the line.
ONEESAMA: Well said. Good going, little sister. Zepar, Furfur! The actors have gathered!
ZEPAR: Then let's begin, Furfur!
FURFUR: Yes, let us begin, Zepar!
BOTH: Let's begin this trial of lovers, the fight over a single miracle of magic...!!
SUMMARY:
- NEW FACES/NAMES! Zepar/Furfur :3c well I guess she already knew their names from. demonology.
- this is the direct successor to the memories of Shannon/Kanon deciding that they will fight for their love at the expense of each other, and Kanon showing Jessica the butterfly brooch! she has like half of EP6 back by now and she has a pretty solid understanding of this particular plot thread...
- Beatrice the Elder only appeared really briefly before now, though! She seems to act closer to how Beato normally acts in canon and in Aather :|a IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE TWO OF HER NOW FOR SOME REASON AND THAT IS BASICALLY ALL THE EXPLANATION THIS MEMORY GIVES. WELL, OK. at least this one is less embarrassing and seems to remember stuff
- had a contract with Zepar and Furfur through the butterfly brooch!
- "Those juicy eyes must have the taste of white peaches when they grow teary...!" I see they are not at all creepers
- it doesn't really say what the contract covers beyond this final trial! if they're lending their power "one more time," obviously they lent their power in the past :|a
- more of this stuff about furniture and humans, indeed. by now Aather-Beato has enough clues to piece together why this makes sense, I think.
- I need a real miracle to succeed at love aahhhhh :x otherwise my love is DOOMED TO FAIL FOREVER AND EVER AND DESTROY ME FROM INSIDE these are exactly the feelings she needed reinforced yes
- HOWEVER: "When you have lost the one you love, you will realize. You will realize how much you hate the person you were when you ran away from the trial to complete that love!" :xa...........
- George is very easily a ruthless bastard. Jessica is very easily confused.
- no clue what the trials actually are yet but. well. no point in NOT assuming the worst.