(For the record I am splitting the difference on what I’m calling this event because I don’t want to write out Nyanto or Meowza)
We begin with a narrative flashback, and we are told of a story that happened on a certain full moon night in a certain other world. The wind carries some cheerful music in the breeze, and narration focuses on a certain town by a castle. At the entrance, singing accompanies the music. A cat minstrel sings about how pretty and bright the full moon, accompanied by back up chorus singers.
Underneath the full moon, the people are celebrating. There's singing, dancing, cooking, and everyone is in high spirits. The minstrel continues singing about how tonight is a special night, and people are more cheerful than usual. This is the one night in centuries when the the spots on the moon form a cat's paw. That marks today as the day a new king is coronated, which all the peasant cats celebrate. Here and there all the cats bless this day, for this is a nation where only cats live.
The story then focuses on the castle, which is similarly filled with cheer. It is a bustle of activity between making all the cat food and preparing for the coronation ceremony. Some cat servant tells the successor that they are the next king in line, so they mustn't forget to do their brushing. Another servant asks them about how they want their outfit to look, bringing up Western clothes, collars, and capes. Cait Sith sits there and brushes himself without saying anything, and the current king King Grimalkin walks in. Grimalkin is stated to use grand Magic, which he's used to bring wealth to the country. He's also used it to ward off disasters, save the citizens, and establish trade with the kingdoms of other races. His exploits led to the happiness of many in the nation, including the next king-to-be...up until he was chosen to be so at least.
The cat servants talk about how great the current king is, that his use of grand magic led to the great governing of the land. They also tell Cait Sith that he'll be as good a king too, which the people are hoping and celebrating for. Neither Cait Sith nor Grimalkin say anything, and a servant laughs and asks if Grimalkin is nervous. The other one assures him that Cait Sith is sure to be as good as him, but then the first one notices that Cait Sith has run away. This sends them into a tizzy wondering what happened to him, meowing as they basically spin in place. Grimalkin can see Cait Sith from where he is running away, though he keeps quiet and slowly closes his eyes.
Camera switches focus to Cait Sith as he pants and runs, saying he can't possibly become king as he is yet. He, the former successor, runs off making excuses to himself. He says he's still inexperienced, unable to do handstands and somersaults still. He asks aloud what he should do, how can he be better than the current king. He runs on ahead, holding his head in his hands and not looking at where he's going. He doesn't notice that his surroundings are changing. The rainbow bridge of light brighter than the moon spans forward, and Cait Sith runs across it lost in his worries. And so he leaves behind Tir na Nog, the world filled with many races and multitudes of fairies.
Title card pops up, and the prologue is just called Prologue.
The story then tunes to the present as the evening sun shines on Shinjuku, and the end of school bell is ringing. Students scramble to clean up for the day and leave, and the teachers call out after them. Girls A and B take the time to say bye to Mononobe, and he tells them to be careful on their way home. He smiles as he sees students off before moving to the next classroom, and the next one he gets to is your homeroom. He says it's time to get going so he can lock the doors. You either take notice of Mononobe being here or be shocked it's already time for the school day to end.
Ryouta is also here with you as he panics for a sec, apologizing and saying he's cleaning up. Mononobe says it's okay as he also has a ton of work to get to after this. He also comments on feeling happy that you guys are still here so late. Ryouta rushes to grab some stuff, then asks you to hand him a notebook. You say okay and talk about it being his accomplishments for the day. When you go grab the open notebook (which the game draws attention to for some reason), Mononobe takes an interest in it.
Mononobe asks to take a look at the notebook and is surprised by what's written in it. He reads aloud a list that includes: the beach, the mountains, the river, a pool, an amusement park, a haunted house, a leisure resort, and a hot springs inn. He says he thought he was going to see some homework done in it, but it looks to him like an idea list for where to go spend some time. Ryouta laughs and says he's correct, explaining that he's been thinking about where to stay at over the next long break. He hasn't really narrowed it down much though, since it's a vacation and all and he doesn't want to toss out any choices. Mononobe laughs and says he figured Ryouta would have picked somewhere with a ton of good food. Ryouta says that's the problem since he likes the food in all the places.
Mononobe hands Ryouta his notebook back, and Ryouta flips through it for a bit before sighing. He talks about how there's a limit to how long a student's school life lasts, and he wants to make even more memories with his friends. Having that hang over his head has made it even harder for him to decide, he complains to Mononobe. Mononobe laughs at how much effort Ryouta is putting into this and suggests it'd be nice if he put some of it into his homework too. There's still time until vacation starts, so he suggests taking your time to look. You decide to ask Mononobe what he does on vacations and where he goes.
Mononobe is surprised at the question, but he gives it a little thought and says he'd probably go to a festival. You are a little surprised by this and ask if he means like the ones in Kabukicho or Asakusa, or you get excited and bring up things like fundoshi, happi coats, and carrying the mikoshi shrine. Ryouta thinks a festival sounds nice too as he starts thinking about it in terms of food like cotton candy, shaved ice, beef kabobs, and hot dogs. He also says it's not quite what he's thinking of as a trip since festivals being in the city means it should still be possible to catch the last train of the night.
Mononobe suggests that making it a trip and staying at some hotel isn't that important. You can just go to the festival at night and do other stuff during the day. There's going to be homework over the break too, so maybe you guys could get together and work on that together. Ryouta turns away and pretends to not hear that as he says Mononobe keeps turning to that subject. Mononobe points out that this is his job, so he can't go around telling students to slack off on their studies.
Jinn and Triton barge in scolding you guys that it's time to go home already, and as much as they love you as students they can't let you break the rules. Jinn is in the middle of saying he'll use some tough love if need be when they notice that Mononobe is here. He apologizes, saying he was taking questions from you two. Jinn immediately takes back his complaints and thanks Mononobe for all his work. Triton says your class is the only one left, asking Mononobe to lock up as he excuses himself. Ryouta says he'll go back to the dorm and decides to think about going to a festival. Mononobe tells him to be careful on the way back and reminds you guys to lock the doors since he'll be out late. You obediently say yes, comment that he has it tough, or thank him for everything.
Mononobe muses sadly to himself on the idea of making memories and calls out your name. You stop and ask him what's up, but he decides to back off from what he was going to say and tells you he'll see you tomorrow. After you and Ryouta leave, Mononobe talks to himself and admits he hasn't been to a festival in a while. It's been so long that he doesn't remember when it was, and he comments that all of his old memories are wearing out. He shuts the door behind himself as he leaves too, humming softly to himself.
Camera then follows you and Ryouta as he comments that festivals are around no matter the season. Also some cat is apparently following you around meowing. Time skips a moment for the gang to regroup, and Shirou has just been filled in on Ryouta's idea of a group trip with a festival as the main activity. He thinks it's a good idea, and if you guys find lodgings close by, then that can save some money for other things. Plus this means there will be time to study on the trip for sure, and Shirou wants to be sure everyone isn't failing class. You are either surprised at him going that way with things, nod and say Shirou is that kinda guy, or silently no comment your way through.
Ryouta goes oh no at there also being someone who stresses studying over here too. Kengo protests that the next vacation period is going to be time for a guild training camp, so he's mad at the idea of having to study when there isn't any school stuff going on then. Shirou insists that students have to study, which is a principle he sticks with as class rep. Kengo argues it's impossible to carry a mikoshi one handed while having a book in the other and calls him a nerd. You either comment that it's happening again, say they're such good friends, or step in and ask them to calm down.
Moritaka says Ryouta's idea to have everyone go on a trip to go to a festival is a good one. Ryouta laughs and says he'll need to thank Mononobe later. There isn't enough time in one day trip to see everything there, so if it is an extended trip out you guys can play there until you've had enough. Kengo teases that if someone ate too much to move anymore it wouldn't be as big a problem to leave. Shirou then brings up if it's even possible to find lodgings at this point since other people will have the same idea. Ryouta says they'll just have to do what they can since it's not often that Kengo and Touji don't already have plans for their vacations set up. He then cheers about doing his best to find a reservation until it's dinnertime when he gets back. Random cat meows.
Time skips, and of course Ryouta has had no luck in finding a place. No vacancies anywhere! He dramatically falls to the floor, but still stuffs something into his mouth. You casually remark on him falling over and tell him that's a minor thing, though you are surprised he's still eating while down there. Kengo tries to cheer him up saying he's giving up too quickly and saying he still has other places to check. Ryouta sits back up and says that's true, but the next festival coming up is a big famous one. All places are filled out. You might luck out for a single night, but it's asking a lot for an extended stay. Ryouta then starts assembling a bunch of side dishes together while still looking bothered.
Shirou mentions that festival nowadays are popular with Transients too, and lots of people reserve hotel rooms so they can join in carrying the mikoshi. Ryouta says he's heard about that too, and that the news said recently the population of Transients has exploded. Kengo adds that it's the same in Kabukicho, with every day of the festival has the place filled with Transients he's never seen before. Ryouta starts to freak out about having underestimated things and wonders what he'll do now. Kengo shrugs saying if it doesn't work out then oh well. They can just make it a day trip to the festival instead. Shirou agrees and adds that you guys can stay in the safehouse in that case.
Moritaka points out that Ryouta getting depressed is making the Evil worry about him too, and said Evil walks up to Ryouta to give him one of its side dishes. Ryouta laughs at that and thanks it for giving it to him. You tell Ryouta there's still time left, so you'll help him look. Ryouta cheers up and agrees that there are still places he hasn't checked yet. He fires himself up to get back to searching after dinner, and he asks you for more rice.
Time skips again to some cat meowing, and Ryouta is starting to consider making the festival plans a day trip since a lot of other people are planning to meet up to go. He pitches the idea of putting up a tent somewhere where there's space, but then he takes it back on the grounds that the police will get involved. You suggest continuing the search as you look up something on your phone.
Ryouta decides to take a picture of you at that moment, and when you notice you either ask him to send it to you, tell him he shouldn't take pictures without permission, or ask him to send it to the office. A has Ryouta say he just felt like doing it and apologizes for how sudden it was. He's glad you aren't mad about it and says he'll send it to you. B and C has Ryouta apologize and remember that's basic manners. He then asks to take another one and snaps a pic again. When that's done he comments it came out great and says he'll send it to you. Either way Shirou comes over and suggests calling it a day since it's almost time for lights out. Plus you guys haven't taken a bath yet. Ryouta thanks him for doing his job and agrees to the point.
You guys move to the hallway, and Shirou offers to help make calls after school tomorrow. Ryouta is thrilled to hear this, and Kengo and Moritaka pop in from wherever to offer to help. Kengo is doing so for any excuse to avoid homework while Moritaka believes it'll work out if everyone pitches in. Kengo then says it's time to get to the baths or else it'll be crowded. He, Moritaka, and the Evil all run off, causing Shirou to yell after them to not run and be exasperated the latter two are doing so too. Ryouta laughs at how high spirited everyone is, then suggests you go to the baths too. When you ask about him, he says he wants to make a few last minute attempts before rushing to the bath. You either comment on how much he's trying on this, say you're looking forward to the trip, or ask if he likes festivals that much.
Ryouta says it's great fun to go on trips and visit a festival. And besides that there's something he really really wants to do. You ask him what that is, and he's surprised you'd ask him that now. He goes quiet for a second before he answers that he wants to make lots of memories with you. You either go oh okay and agree, call him greedy, or shrug and laugh. Ryouta ends the conversation there by saying good night, and you hear him trot off down the hallway.
Solomon assures you it should all work out because fate tends to bend itself over for you and throw someone at you with circumstances relating to what's happening. He gets the feeling you'll run into some hidden gem, which he swears upon his Rank 3 Divination certification. So if anything happens he asks you to take him along. You either thank Solomon and say you'll leave it to luck, or you decide it's petting time. A and B has Solomon brag about being a competent familiar and doing his best to support you. C has you go ahead and pet him. Solomon sighs and comments if you don't pet him he can't sleep.
Random cat meowing crops up again, and you note that you've been hearing it all day. Narration says it's still a while before the next full moon, and you hear the meowing even more loudly as the thin moonlight casts the shadow of something at your window. You wonder if there's a cat out in the veranda, but when you open the window nothing is there. Solomon mumbles in his sleep about going to a festival with you before sneezing. You hope it can happen as you tuck Solomon in.
Cait Sith starts dramatically talking about how he was making a detour running on roofs because he felt like it, and now he's come across a random Tokyo citizen in trouble. He refers to himself as the next king of cats who is renting a place in Tokyo, and as someone looking for a way to make the people happy he can't turn a blind eye to this. He then reveals himself with a meow as he stands in your still open window. You either take note and ask if he called himself a king or comment that he doesn't seem like a king. A and B has Cait Sith puff up and laugh, saying his authority as king shines brighter than the moon C has Cait Sith protest in shock and even corrects himself to sound more like a noble.
Anyways Cait Sith wraps his cape around himself as he draws himself up and points at you, declaring he's going to where you are right now and counts off with a cat pun thrown in for good measure. He poofs from sight, and Cait Sith tells you he's right next to you. He laughs and asks if you're surprised by a portion of the great magic the king of cats can use, which he says he came up with himself and is called Magic Magic. (Technically this is literally accurate, though for clarity he's using it as a reading for illusion magic or sleight of hand magic.)
Cait Sith disappears again and you try to ask about the king of cats bit or the magic magic bit. Cait Sith brags about it being the great magic of the king of cats as his voice rings out in your room. And then he shows himself again...right on top of Solomon. He promptly slips off, though Solomon doesn't notice and talks in his sleep about getting pets from you as he grabs onto Cait Sith. Cait Sith asks who the goat butler grabbing him is and pleads for you to help him. You finally put together that Cait Sith is a Transient, and you also take note that he can touch Solomon as you go to pull him out.
After the two are separated, Cait Sith sighs about what just happened and thanks you for getting him out. His earlier dignity is gone as he bows deeply to you, and you find the way he looks now funny as you laugh a little. You cut yourself off from laughing too much as you ask if he's okay.
Cait Sith scratches his head, embarrassed. It wasn't how he was planning for things to go, but if you're laughing then that's good enough in the end. He proceeds to bring the subject back to what he was first talking about, and he comments on it being a kind of fate that he met you. He asks if you'll tell him what you were worrying about earlier. After you tell him, Cait Sith decides to take it upon himself to help you. He doesn't have any ideas on how to do that, but he's sure it'll work out. You either thank him or try to argue against it.
Cait Sith makes a point to tell you he's not the king of cats yet; he's the successor. He's surprised when you ask why he's so cheerful about that, so he says that a king wants to see his people smile the way you're trying so hard for your friends. He tells you you should get to bed since you shouldn't be up so late. He says bye as he leaves for the night, his laughs melting away as if disappearing into the moonlight. Soon after, sleep comes for you as the first section ends.
Good to know that Lil Sal is aware that some kind of deus-ex alweys happens with the protag in every single event XD
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