We were just about to break into the Nohrian capital, and that seemed like the perfect time to spend a nice, long, relaxing break in our secret castle dimension. After all, it's not like we have an actual plot to progress through or anything. And this means I had plenty of opportunities to practice my Archery with Xerneas.
<Athena> &^%$ yeah! Did you see that???
<Xerneas> Of course I did, I'm standing right here. :U
<Athena> I know, I'm just excited I guess. 10 bullseyes in a row!
<Xerneas> Pfft, 10 is nothing. If you make it to 100, I might cheer a little, and that's still easy compared to hitting a moving target in battle conditions.
<Athena> Yeah, I know, I've got a lot more practice ahead if I hope to actually use a bow in battle, but it's a start.
<Xerneas> And I'll be there to help you along the way. :3
<Athena> Yes, of course, thank you so much for all of the help and advice you've given me.
<Xerneas> You're welcome. Although... there is something else I'd like to talk to you about.
<Athena> Oh?
<Xerneas> Okay, this is probably going to come off as awkward, but... I really like you...
<Athena> That's a big improvement over you hating my guts for sure.
<Xerneas> No, I mean, I LIKE you, as in... I love you.
<Athena> ... oh. o_o;
<Xerneas> I know, I know, it probably seems really weird, and I'm sorry. It's not like I meant for this to happen or anything.
<Athena> But I'm your sister... >_>
<Xerneas> Yes, well, about that... I have something I think you should read. *hands over*
<Athena> This is a letter... from Queen Mikoto?
<Xerneas> Yes. It explains that you're not actually the biological daughter of King Sumeragi, and since Mikoto wasn't my biological mother either...
<Athena> So, we're not actually brother and sister, technically speaking?
<Xerneas> Yes. Mikoto gave me this letter long ago, and told me to read it if I ever had worries about the woman I fell in love with. She must have seen the future and knew that I would eventually fall in love with you.
<Athena> Wow, that's... pretty convenient.
<Xerneas> Yep. Mikoto came to Hoshido with you when you were a baby. Eventually she married Sumeragi after my mom died, and you were raised along with the rest of us. For the first few years anyway.
<Athena> So, since we're not related, I guess I don't have to feel bad about falling in love with you, too.
<Xerneas> Wait, really? o_o;
<Athena> Yep! I mean, I thought you were my brother, so I wasn't going to say anything, but I guess everything works out perfectly. :3
<Xerneas> Yay! <3
<Athena> <3
Xerneas and Athena attained support level S!
Over the course of the next week or so, Xerneas and I spent a lot of time, um, getting to know each other better as a couple. Because mythological fantasy worlds tend to be...
No, you know what? No. I'm not going to waste my time and energy trying to find some way to narratively justify Xerneas and I somehow having two separate children that are magically born and aged and ready to recruit. A wizard did it. That's all. I just don't care anymore. THIS IS MY LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT FATES. UGH. I would rather have PMJ literally tell me to pay her €20 to learn her stupid secrets than put up with this awkward, shoe-horned children mechanic.
Okay, I'm done now. Uhh... let's have some more conversations, shall we? >.> Ohhey, look over there, Palutena finally got Vom to try on the clothes she made, let's go watch them instead.
<Vom> Are you really going to sit there and watch me get fitted?
<Athena> Yes. Just pretend I'm not here.
<Vom> *sigh* Well, Palutena, to be honest... I'm not quite sure what to think. The sleeves are a bit tight and, well, I'm not sure neon pink sakura blossoms is the proper pattern for ninja attire.
<Palutena> ... ... ...
<Vom> ... ... ...
<Palutena> ... *snore*
<Vom> Are you asleep...? o_o; *poke*
<Palutena> Huh! Oh, whoops, sorry, I dozed off for a moment.
<Vom> Oh, geez, honestly. I take time out of my busy ninja schedule to let you get me all fanced up and you fall asleep on me? -_-; I could be patrolling the grounds or helping Lord Jabber instead, you know, and it would certainly be less of a waste of my time.
<Palutena> Oh, Jabber this, Jabber that, all you care about is that stupid Lord Jabber.
<Vom> Well, obvs, he's my liege lord.
<Palutena> But you don't even think or care about how I feel!
<Vom> Of course I do; I'm wearing these dumb clothes you made for me, aren't I?
<Palutena> You must be dumber than you look if you haven't figured out why I wanted to dress you up in the first place, Vom. I'm in love with you! >_<
<Vom> ... ... ... o_o;
<Palutena> But you neevr care about anyone but Jabber. Everytime I try and do anything with you, you rebuff me and run away.
<Vom> No, you're right, I can be pretty blind to people's feelings. But if I'm to be perfectly honest... the reason I agreed to let you dress me up in the first place is because I've developed feelings for you, too.
<Palutena> Hurray! Now we can make narratively-awkward babies too!
<Athena> Nooooo...!!!
<Vom> <3
<Palutena> <3
Vom and Palutena attained support level S!
<Athena> Oh, come on, isn't there anyone around here that's not going to rub this stupid kid mechanic in my face? You, PMJ!
<PMJ> Yes? o.o;
<Athena> Here, come talk to Vom and get him to stop being all googly-eyed for a moment.
<PMJ> Um, okay, sure...
<Vom> ... ... ...
<PMJ> So, um, Vom, thank you for jumping in front of me to protect me from an attack during the last battle. I appreciated it.
<Vom> *shrugs* Protecting you is part of my job. I still don't trust you, you know.
<PMJ> Would you let me tend your wounds at least? I know I saw you take a pretty bad gash on the foot...
<Vom> No need; Skyleaf already rodded me back to full HP.
<PMJ> Well, I can at least put some salve on it... let me grab some from my pouch.
<Vom> Wait a second, what's that scar on your leg there?
<PMJ> Oh, sorry, I usually keep that hidden, since I know it disturbs people.
<Vom> How'd you get it?
<PMJ> I was attacked by some noble children while I lived in Nohr. Just another sign of my broken past.
<Vom> I bet you hate Nohr for how they allowed you to be treated.
<PMJ> It... It's complicated, but I'd be lying if I said I've forgiven them. It's part of the reason I'm so passionate about changing the world.
<Vom> Okay, Athena's gone, so we can stop talking now.
<PMJ> Oh, phew. I need to go talk to Xerneas anyway, so I'll see you later. Have fun with Palutena!
<Vom> ... Thanks. *blushes*
Vom and PMJ attained support level B!
<PMJ> Hey, Xerneas, hold up!
<Xerneas> What do you want?
<PMJ> Your shirt is twisted in the back here a bit, let me fix it for you.
<Xerneas> Thanks mother. *rolls eyes*
<PMJ> Aww, come on, no need to me sarcastic, I'm just, you know, trying to be siblingy.
<Xerneas> Siblingy? Is that even a word?
<PMJ> You know what I mean. -_-;
<Xerneas> You don't need to try so hard you know, PMJ. I don't hate you or anything. We're chill.
<PMJ> Alright, well, thanks.
Xerneas and PMJ attained support level C!
Elsewhere in the castle grounds, Jesi nervous approached Lord Jabber...
<Jesi> My lord, I have an, um, update on the mission you assigned to me.
<Jabber> Oho! So, what is it you would like? :3
<Jesi> Well, I couldn't think of a physical gift you could give me but... perhaps you would allow me to train with you? I believe I could learn a lot from sparring against you.
<Jabber> Oooh, interesting. Sure, that sounds great!
<Jesi> Thank you very much, my lord.
<Jabber> Hah, don't thank me quite yet. I'm quite a difficult opponent, I'll have you know. Come, to the practice field!
Jesi and Jabber attained support level B!
After the practice session, Jesi took a dip in the hot springs to relax, and as she came out, she ran into Robin.
<Robin> Ohhey, Jesi, 'sup?
<Jesi> Greetings, Robin. Can I be of service?
<Robin> I was just wondering... You're a ninja, right?
<Jesi> Yes, indeed.
<Robin> So can I ask you... why do you all dress that way?
<Jesi> *shrugs* It's optimal for both stealth and combat. Why do you ask?
<Robin> Oh, no real reason... what about the scarf?
<Jesi> It's part of the traditional ninja attire, yes.
<Robin> Does it hide weapons? Or, ooh, maybe it's fire-proof?
<Jesi> ... you know, I'm going to leave now. -_-;
<Robin> Awww... but I was having so much fun. :3
Robin and Jesi attained support level C!
Meanwhile, on the other side of the castle, Celever was looking for a comfortable spot among the trees...
<Celever> Oh, yes, this grove here looks like a perfect spot for a nap.
<Skyleaf> ... zzz...
<Celever> And my suspicions are confirmed, it seems.
<Skyleaf> ... *snort* Hmm? Wazzit?
<Celever> Good morning, Skyleaf!
<Skyleaf> Oh dear, I dozed off, didn't I? Oh please promise me you won't tell anyone.
<Celever> Why not? There's nothing wrong with a good nap. o.o;
<Skyleaf> I didn't mean to fall asleep, it's just so embarrassing... ~_~;
<Celever> I know, let's become napping buddies!
<Skyleaf> ... what? o_o;
<Celever> Then we can nap together and you don't have to worry about being caught napping alone. :3 After all, don't they say "Nodding off's not so scary if everyone's dozing together"?
<Skyleaf> I've, um, never heard that before, sorry.
<Celever> Oh, I guess it's just a Kitsune thing then. But no worries! I'll come find you for an excellent nap session sometime. :3
<Skyleaf> Well... okay then, I guess?
Skyleaf and Celever attained support level C!
Later on that day after dinner, Aura ran into Celever wandering around the grounds.
<Aura> Celever? Are you okay? You don't look so hot. :\
<Celever> Too much fat in the meat that was served with dinner tonight. Fat gives me heartburn and it's totally not healthy, so I didn't eat much and now I'm hungry. T_T
<Aura> You're pretty serious about your health, aren't you?
<Celever> I guess so? Gotta stay pretty, after all.
<Aura> Well, let's head back to the mess hall and see if I can find some more meat. I have a special way of cooking it that will melt the fat off and give you a better meal!
<Celever> Ohman, that sounds excellent!
You don't mind?
<Aura> Not at all, I love cooking!
<Celever> I'd feel bad eating by myself, though, so maybe you should join in? :3
<Aura> Sure, that sounds great!
Celever and Aura attained support level C!
Once all the silly support shenanigans were done and over with, I gathered everyone together in the central courtyard of the castle and passed out a bunch of Master Seals to all those who weren't in specialty classes.
A whole bunch of people promoted into cool classes! \o/ I also took the time to pass out a bunch of stat boosts and replenish everyone's weapons.
<Athena> There, now we're ready to continue.
<Robin> So, when exactly will we be moving on with the plot again?
<Athena> ... shut up. >_>