Manticore is from a species of monsters with lion bodies, scorpion tails, and human heads. Sometimes they also have bat wings, donkey hair, and other random ass differences. Why? Because their bodies got rearranged.
Manticore (narrating): ME, LIKE HOOMAN. TALK, PLAY, FUN! BUT, HOOMAN FEAR ME. BUT WHY? ME, ASK AGISYMBA ALPHA.
Onyankopon: Okay, surgery done! I moved your death far away.
Manticore paid for this surgery with random gemstones lying around to look the way he is now.
Onyankopon: I transplanted new body parts into you and now you look human! But FYI I only tossed out your Death By Humans and now you're more likely to get Death By Your Own Fault.
Manticore (narrating): Now that I look mostly human, I decided to go hang out with them. But then I started losing sight of myself. And then I started blowing up. What was I anymore?
Onyankopon: Hello, it's my turn to talk from the Narration Zone! I bet you're wondering what manner of sorcery I did to Manticore in his operation. Well, let's pretend there's a surgery that makes you forget that you like someone. Now let's pretend you signed up for it because you and them wasn't going to happen. That's like killing your old self, right? Or what if your old self wasn't real and just a myth?
Manticore (narrating): It fucking SUCKS to not gel with humans, but I still liked the hell out of them. And then I realized I was alone. Damn, I really AM a Threat to Humanity. Is this mental chaos what they call being unbalanced? I gotta get my shit together! I wanna be a perfect human who can socialize with them!
Present
Manticore: So, Agisymba's faith Frankenstein'd me out of human and animal parts.
MC: But can't you already get along here in Tokyo? / You don't look the part. / (nod along)
---
(A) Manticore: I know, right!? I figured I could be accepted here at least!
(BC) Oniwaka: So? We got robots and animal people here too.
Manticore: Yeah I thought things would work out when I came here!
---
Manticore: But fuck ME apparently! Apparently I never qUaLiFiEd to be up front and center with everyone here! What does that even mean? What do I even want anymore!? Me trying NOT to go apeshit is getting in the way! I know I'mma monster, but I wanna be human dammit!
Shamash: I think that's a very human reaction to be afraid of what you don't know or understand. Just like how everyone gets afraid of all the yelling and screaming you do after school.
Ixbalanque: Isn't that their fault and not our problem?
Differing viewpoints! Manticore is confused.
MC: Never mind other people. Manticore, are you just one person? / oof, that's a stumper
(AB) Manticore: The fuck does THAT mean!?
(C) Manticore: Gee thanks, Captain Obvious!
Inari: Hiii, rough time? I could hear from the kitchen, so I wanted to give you guys a little something nice.
Inari places something on the table.
Inari: It's a Japanese dish called shiraae. AKA mashed tofu salad.
MC: Wow thanks! / (let someone else get some first)
---
(C) Ixbalanque: Thanks, cook man. Wow that is totally a thing I'd never see back home in Fantasy South America.
---
Inari: Did you know that the wa in washoku the term for Japanese cooking has many meanings? For one, blended harmony. Like this mashed salad. It's like you, in all your human/animal fusion. Someone out there likes you for who you are, back home or elsewhere.
Manticore: Huh...
The part of Manticore wishing to be human is the part of him that isn't human.
Oniwaka: God, finally you shut up. Anyways, that ain't a bad thought.
Oniwaka: So Manticore, being a human ain't all it's cracked up to be. There's someone I always liked who ain't very human. And I heard in class once that humans suffer so long as they care about things in the here and now. Also, looks can be deceiving about how people feel about things. Sound familiar?
Manticore stares at his reflection in a teacup as he thinks about all the advice he got.
Manticore: ...s-so I should give up on becoming human?
Oniwaka: No you dumb bitch, I'm sayin' everyone has more than one side to them! The old man at Houzouin temple said that once and you can eat a dick for making me remember!
Manticore: (stares)
Manticore seems calmer now.
Oniwaka: It's you who decides how you see yourself. Figure out what you're cool with and call it a day.
Shamash: ...wow, very persuasive. I assume more so for our guild member with a soul twin.
Manticore: ...thank you.
Manticore seems to relax for once.
Inari: Oh hey guys, we got a flyer for some Japanese event. Take a look.
Inari passes out fliers.
MC: A festival thingy! Thanks!
Ixbalanque: Hmm. Should be a good cultural experience.
Shamash: I agree. Do you want to go, Manticore?
Manticore: Me? I don't think I should--
Ixbalanque: Do you want to go or not, jackass?
Manticore: HELL YEAH I WANNA GO, DIPSHIT!
Shamash: Well that didn't last long.
Ixbalanque: Welp! You coming too, Senpai?
MC: Yep! / might as well see this out / Well if Oniwaka goes...
---
(AB) Ixbalanque: Figures. You too, Oni-whatsyourface? You're worried about MC, right?
Oniwaka: What, you pyschic or something? I'm just gonna go as MC's bodyguard.
(C) Oniwaka: You don't gotta ask, of course I'll go as your bodyguard!
Ixbalanque: (Preeeetty sure Senpai didn't mean it like that.)
---
Ixbalanque: Anyways, see you guys this weekend.
And so everyone goes home for the day.
Later
It's the festival day and MC is there very early as they go looking for someone.
MC: (look for Manticore) / (look for Shamash) / (look for Ixbalanque) / (go see Oniwaka)
[Manticore's Section]
Manticore: Oh MC, you're early. Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm a little surprised you asked to see me before everyone else, but thank you. Why though? It'd be safer with everyone else...not that I'm trying to threaten you, excuse me.
MC: I wanted to know you better / Testing to see if you can keep calm and human / What, don't want us to be alone?
---
(A) Manticore: Oh! Well thank you!
(B) Manticore: Ah, I understand.
(C) Manticore: Oh nothing like that! I actually--never mind.
---
Manticore: Shall we go then?
Manticore seems nervous for other reasons, then he and MC go looking around.
Manticore: Hmm, very interesting.
MC: First time? / Whatcha looking at? / Nice Japanese outfit.
---
(B) Manticore: Those Transients over there with the clothes on. It's...elegant is the word?
(C) Manticore: I-it's nothing so grand! ...but thank you. It seemed appropriate for a festival.
---
Manticore: I've been interested in festivals, but I never attended one before. Didn't want to let my freak out in public, thinking I shouldn't be in crowds until I could be perfectly human. But I'm glad you and Ixbalanque encouraged me to come.
Manticore: !!
Manticore: That in itself is fine...
Manticore seems relaxed until he quickly looks away upon meeting MC's eyes.
MC: You okay? You look red.
Manticore: I-it's nothing! Look, the festival!
MC: Pretty sure something's wrong...
Manticore: ...grk! MC!
Manticore seems to flip at the concern and drags MC somewhere out of sight!
Manticore: GODDAMMIT I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE
MC: WHAT / was it something I did? / (too shocked to speak)
Manticore: I wanna eat you so bad!
Ragged breaths. Shining eyes.
Manticore: Things are blowin' up inside when with all your consideration! The better things go, the more my monster side rocks up until it comes out and wants a taste of humans!
Manticore ALMOST bites out MC's throat but stops himself!
Manticore: You better not get closer to me or else...
MC: Aww thanks for worrying about me / it's cool I can beat your ass down / so what do you eat first?
(A) Manticore: N-no I'm not!
(B) Manticore: Whoa, you ain't scared!? Okay come at me, bro!
(C) Manticore: WHAT? T-this ain't a joke, brah.
Manticore figured MC would totally be pissing themselves by now and played up the monster bit, but now he's looking at MC like maybe they aren't human.
Manticore: Are you really human if you ain't scared of having a Threat to Humanity in your face?
MC: I've been watching you this entire time. You being like this means you actually like me, right?
Manticore: !!
MC: So I'll stick around / You're freaky, but be nice. / Time to assert dominance!
---
(A) Manticore: Oh... wait, how'd we get to this point!? It ain't my fault of you get eaten!
(B) Manticore: I KNEW IT! Well chillax, I ain't wanna eat you that much...maybe a nibble though.
(C) Manticore: I ain't no damn pet!
---
Manticore (narrating): I'm their enemy...but this is fine. Hell I'm surprised MC's standing in front of me to begin with. They probably ain't human.
Manticore: I feel like I just did all of jack shit! Meh, I'm cool now so let's hang out until everyone else gets here. Cuz like...I really do wanna see stuff with everyone.
[Shamash's Section]
Shamash: Hello MC, were you waiting long? Rather bold of you to ask me to see you early.
MC: I wanted to talk to you / I couldn't think of anything! / not like it's illegal or anything
---
(A) Shamash: Oh okay.
(B) Shamash: Haha, just felt like it? Well it's nice.
(C) Shamash: I guess, but that doesn't mean our socializing necessarily will be good.
---
Shamash: Well, let's take a walk around until everyone else gets here.
Shamash and MC talk about their school social lives. Shamash somehow doesn't bring up exams even with them so close by.
Shamash: Thanks again for helping with Manticore. It's good he's getting this cultural experience.
MC: Glad to help. / Anything for you / test help plz
(B) Shamash: You don't say? What should I ask for next time? ...kidding.
(C) Shamash: Of course.
Shamash: So, I can relate to Manticore's experience. Being foreign enemies and stuff, but we can socialize still at this distance. But trying to avoid death? I knew a man who thought like that. He went off looking for something he'd never have to give to other people after unfairly losing someone important to him.
MC: What happened to him? / Have you mentioned this before? / (nod along)
---
(A) Shamash: I don't know. I came to Tokyo before I ever found out.
(B) Shamash: Hmm, have I? I think about him a lot.
---
Shamash: It's sad saying goodbye, enough to forget there's more than that. Makes you wish your time with them could last forever. Probably why we always try to avoid death.
Shamash thinks about an old student as he stares at some light pillar.
Shamash: ...is there someone you'd want to be with no matter what?
MC: Hell yeah / Everyone does / Dunno. Maybe.
---
(A) Shamash: Oh, already huh?
(B) Shamash: Yes, how very human.
(C) Shamash: Yes, it's a hard question.
---
Shamash thinks about how he wasn't able to stop his student.
Shamash: Maybe I haven't gotten over parting with my old student.
Maybe this is his own unfair parting.
MC: Shamash? / So you have regrets too? / Was it a graduation sorta thing?
(AB) Shamash: (slightly smiles) Sorry, this is supposed to be a fun time. I'll buy you just one thing to make up for it, but don't tell the others.
(C) Shamash is surprised at the comparison and considers he's just sad it happened.
Shamash: ...well that's a weird feeling. Please don't tell anyone else about this conversation.
[Ixbalanque's Section]
Ixbalanque: Huh, you're here first? Something the matter?
MC: It just happened. / I'm excited! / Nothing's wrong. Slowpoke~.
---
(A) Ixbalanque: This is usually the part where you say you were excited for today.
(B) Ixbalanque: Nice. I'll be a good boy and hang out with you then.
(C) Ixbalanque: Could you just not? Otherwise I might need to flex on you later.
---
Ixbalanque: Well anyways, let's go check things out. Better not waste our alone time, right?
MC: Not asking why I asked you to be early? / I guess... / Well that too, yeah
(A) Ixbalanque: Uh, I'll listen if you wanna talk about it but I don't particularly care? It's just you and me here, and that's good enough for me.
(B) Ixbalanque: Cool, let's go already.
(C) Ixbalanque: Awesome. Now's your only chance to have me to yourself.
Ixbalanque messes with MC as they look around. He doesn't seem to be thinking about the other guys, but he does take note of a couple of stalls before eventually sitting on some bench and looking respectful.
Ixbalanque: Hey Senpai, thanks for helping with Manticore.
MC: Is that why you said yes to coming early? / Oh my god are you sick!?
---
(AB) Ixbalanque: Nah, asking you on a fest date was always the plan but I wanted to thank you anyways.
(C) Ixbalanque: I'm trying to be serious here, geez.
---
Ixbalanque: So like, I bet you can imagine what Manticore's been like, but I wanted to help since I know that's not all there is to him. He's trying, and it reminds me of my brother. And I'm kinda the same, what with me bugging you all the time.
MC: What do you mean? / So you like talented people? / Are you into older people or something?
(A) Ixbalanque: You'll see soon. Promise you won't tell?
(B) Ixbalanque: Heh, you finally notice?
(C) Ixbalanque: Could you not already?
Ixbalanque: Manticore's surprising in how off he is from my home world's faith. Self-sacrifice above all to help the sun move, be one with the world. Might be why I find partings sad.
Ixbalanque looks to the sky. Such bright, passionate eyes.
Ixbalanque: ...Senpai, would you be sad if we could no longer see each other?
MC: Yes / Hmm... / Do you want me to say yes?
---
(A) Ixbalanque: Heh, no surprise there. You better thank me for hanging out with you then....what, my tail's shaking? You're seeing things.
He looks calm and doesn't say having a big tail's a pain.
(B) Ixbalanque: So you have to think about it? It's cool, I can't leave you be. What do I mean? Just think about it.
Ixbalanque stays cool as he dominates the conversation.
(C) Ixbalanque: Nah, not if you don't want to. But I see how you are, so if you tell me so I'll come see you...why are you smirking? Dammit, this is what I get for asking.
Ixbalanque regrets losing control of the conversation, but he has fun fighting for control.
---
Ixbalanque: FYI Senpai, I'd be sad if you were gone. Yeah it's not what I said earlier. You're special to me. Let's promise we'll never forget each other... huh, I know I'm being weird but I wanted to say that. Who knows what rabbit hole you'll fall into next? Anyways, we better get back before the others find out we had our own one-on-one date.
[Oniwaka's Section]
Oniwaka: Hey Master, wanna drink? Also why are we here so early?
MC: I wanted to spend time with just you.
Oniwaka: You were plotting something!? You coulda just--wait, I wouldn't have automatically agreed. We're supposed to be master and servant, not equals!
MC: What if you weren't a servant for just now? / Mkay, I'll go it alone. / Are you disobeying me?
---
(A) Oniwaka: Uggggh, fine I'll just say you ordered me to.
(B) Oniwaka: NO WAIT STOP! Geez, I'll go with you as an equal already so stop acting like that.
(C) Oniwaka: Uggggh, so now you wanna be Master. But fiiiine, I'll do as you say. So, what? We gonna look around for now?
---
And so Oniwaka follows along grumbling as MC cheerfully ignores his insistence on master/servant decorum.
Oniwaka stays on guard as he and MC look around. High alert all the time! Then MC breaks his focus.
MC: Thanks for helping with Manticore, I'm glad you spoke up. / Good job, Mr. Bodyguard!
---
(AB) Oniwaka: Hm? Eh, it's cool.
(C) Oniwaka: What? I didn't do nothing special.
---
Oniwaka: I don't like humans, but I do like you. We may have met by coincidence but I choose to stick with you, so I can't just sit by and say nothing. But damn, I never thought something I heard and ignored way back would be helpful now.
Oniwaka scratches his head as he thinks about what Manticore said about other world faiths and avoiding death fates.
Oniwaka: So this ain't that important but sometimes I dream of traveling around with you in Wa no Kuni or something.
MC: Sounds fun / You wanna do that? / is this a ghost story
Oniwaka: Just hear me out. It's happened a buncha times and sounds like something out of a book. We always go Somewhere in Wa no Kuni, and then I die meatshielding for you. Probably not a sign, but I never felt like that wasn't what I wanted in the dream. Sounds like a nightmare, but I wake up feeling good. Haven't had the dream much since, but I wanted to tell you about it.
Sounds real. Maybe uncomfortably real.
Oniwaka: ...what would you do if that went down here in Tokyo? A last stand with just the two of us.
MC: I'd want you to live on / Figure out how we can both survive / Can't imagine that happening
---
(A) Oniwaka seems to have figured as much.
Oniwaka: Piss off with that... heh, guess we'll figure it out if a what-if pisses me off like that.
(B) Oniwaka: Heh, figures. You could bumble your way in and out of anything.
(C) Oniwaka: Yeah, you only ever fight through the App. And if we can't imagine it, whatever.
---
Oniwaka: Alright Master, we oughta head back and wait for everyone else.
And so Oniwaka pushes MC on.
[Branch Convergance]
Later
Here, various Transients from different worlds have come together to help make one wish come true. They sought help, they discussed things, and they went to see a festival. Miracles upon miracles brought together by fate move Tokyo on.
The next day, at Some School, there is no weird monster screaming from the archery club. Manticore focuses on his target.
Rando A: Damn, he's probably gonna hit if he's that close.
Rando B: Yeah, he's calmer now. I'mma try talking to him!
The club captain carefully approaches Manticore!
Rando B: Uhh Manticore, you seem to have gotten better. Who taught you?
Manticore: Thank you. I was introduced to an archery expert and others who gave me advice, so I figured I'd try starting over at a beginner's level. I'm sorry I didn't ask anyone in the club for help first.
Rando B: No it's cool! Sorry we couldn't help. I can give advice now, I admire how hard you've been trying.
Manticore: Oh! I'm honored, Captain. How about we talk over a tea break?
Manticore pulls out some thermos.
Rando B: (What the hell is that smell!?)
Rando B: Um, what kinda tea is that?
Manticore: Something I've tried brewing at home. Not something to master overnight, but maybe it's presentable enough? I made it with health in mind.
Manticore doesn't quite grasp what Rando B's issue with the tea is but tries to relax him by chugging some first.
Manticore: BLARGH
Rando B: Uh...huh. Manticore are you okay!?
Manticore: WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT!? How can something glow in ten colors and come out like horse piss!? Who made--oh right it was me. WELP, you just escaped with your motherfucking life Captain, haha!
Rando B: Oh my god chill!
Ixbalanque: Oh. So that's what's happening. Welp. Sorry it came to this when you came over, MC-senpai.
Shamash: He's changed a little though. Maybe he'll figure it out in due time.
MC: Well I'm glad he's doing good. Guess he's studying tea now? Maybe that toxic mix can be used for something.
Another fun day as the seasons pass over in Tokyo.
The End
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