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Chapter Text

Guys, I think my CS series is buggy
r/Falcom

u/LuckyClover said:

Hello, I'm a newcomer to the series. So after finishing Sky trilogy and pirating Zero/Ao (because there's no official translation, what the heck) I finally dived into the Cold Steel series. I didn't notice anything as I played CS I and II (Finishing both in one week). However, when I'm playing CS III, I noticed something weird. To make it short, I deleted all my save on accident, and in frustration, I turned to youtube to know what happened after Saint Arkh is attacked in the first field exercise. But when I watched the playthrough video, there's nothing like that? I was like, 'what the heck?!'

I watched the playthrough from the start but apparently Jessica isn't a member of the New Class VII? She's a New Class VII member in my Cold Steel games. I think my CS series is buggy. Or is it some special edition? I bought it from the Steam page and there's nothing indicating it is a special edition. Does anybody have any experience like this?

Edit: after so much comments and encouragement, I think I shall do a stream from CS I after I buy a streaming set. Also, I can't believe you guys don't know much about Jessica. She's my best girl since we get to know her closer in CS II. I'm still unhappy we can't romance her in II and is hoping we can do that in III now that we're her teacher.

 

1k upvotes. 789 replies. 20 awards

"Hello, guys, u/LuckyClover here, using another handle name because it's already taken by someone else. As promised, I'll do a streaming from Cold Steel I in my 'Buggy CS' series. Sorry if I'm not engaging you too much, as this is my first time streaming a game with an audience. But finally, here it is! Let's select the new game!"

"By the way, I didn't watch the real Cold Steel I playthrough, so I don't know what's different here. Let's just play normally, and you guys can tell me if it's the same or not."

"In Heimdallr, we first meet the best girl!"

"Right, sorry I ended the stream last night. Too tired to continue. So now that we're in Heimdallr, we're not gonna skip the dialogue. I just want to confirm that so far, there's nothing different in what we've played, right?

"Don't worry, guys. Brace yourself!"

"Right. Here we are, about to meet Princess Alfin. Let's turn off the Turbo Mode and enjoy the scene."

[*gasp]

[I-I knew it!] 

[Welcome, ladies and gentlemen of Class VII. My name is Alfin. Alfin Reise Arnor. It's a pleasure to meet all of you. This one beside me here is Jessica, my trusted aide and personal bodyguard.]

[Good Evening to all of you. My name is Jessica Schleiden]

"Alright now, chat. You're scaring me now with how fast you move. I'm just gonna keep pushing X so you can watch."

[First I lost Angelica to Thors, then you, too... Perhaps I should just transfer there next year myself.]

[Y-Your Highness?!]

[What am I saying? I still have Jessica here with me.] 

[Princess Alfin... Please act in a manner befitting of your station.]

[Aww, okay, Elder Sister. *wink]

[*sigh, Princess...]

"Also eff you, chat. ReanXJessica is the one true pairing! You'll see later on!"

"Degenerates, you AlfinXJessica shipper. I normally like yuri pairing, but AlfinXJessica pales in comparison to ReanXJessica!"

"Eff you, chat! I'm gonna skip the dialogue!"

BuggyCSPlaythrough discussion chat
r/Falcom

u/Kiseki4ever said:

Right. So u/LuckyClover has started a series of playthroughs for his version of CS I, which he claims are buggy here. This thread is made in order for the r/Falcom members to discuss the buggy CS differences in stories. Please feel free to discuss anything, but remember that rules still apply.

u/MambaBlack said:

Should we even call this Buggy CS? It's a different version, an enhanced edition if you will.

u/Thundergroan said:

u/LuckyClover named it first. Since he owns the buggy cs he decides to name it.

u/wildcatmajor said:

It's not an enhanced edition if the minutiae differences significantly impact CS III. Remember the first thread? OP said Jessica became a prominent party member. She even joined Rean's New Class VII, something that does not happen in the normal CS III. 'Buggy' might not cut it, but enhanced edition doesn't fit as well.

u/quackdusky said:

Agree. I'll just call it Alt!CS

u/rationalThought said:

You know that none of this would matter if OP didn't change his twitch handle name, right?

u/admiredslender said:

So far, there's not much difference aside from Jessica's early introduction in Heimdallr. Seeing an NPC we know in CS III being Alfin's bodyguard is a weird feeling, but I welcome it.

u/rationalThought said:

Rather than marveling at why the NPC is at Alfin's side, I want to know how she is there. What happened in their past to make Alfin like her so much she's appointed as the bodyguard? Also, I assume Jessica's position is how Mueller is to Olivert.

u/Thundergroan said:

There's not much we can extrapolate since the playthrough only just covered up to the end of the meeting with Olivert. I assume she would be involved in the kidnapping by the Imperial Liberation Front, considering u/LuckyClover highlights her importance.

u/humburgerchart said:

Lol, I still can't believe the chat made OP so salty he skipped the rest of the conversation and ended the stream.

u/rationalThought said:

I really hate trollish behavior like that. u/LuckyClover, I hope you can replay the conversation from the start again because I want to observe more of Jessica's first interaction with Class VII.

u/admiredslender said:

Right. I guess we'll just have to wait for the next stream.

u/LuckyClover said:

IIRC it's kind of revealed in CS II. But rather than spoiling it, I think I'll just continue streaming. Also, fuck you, trolls. But since this thread is nice, I'm going to replay the dinner scene again without skipping this time. Sorry.

u/admiredslender said:

Seeing Jessica in St. Astraia uniform awaken something inside me.

u/LuckyClover said:

I KNOW RIGHT?!

u/humburgerchart said:

Still want to see Laura in one, but Jessica ain't bad either. She rocks that dress.

u/admiredslender said:

Laura kind of disappoints me in the end. I want to see why OP loves ReanxJessica so much that he abandoned ReanxLaura ships. So far, Jessica looks like Laura's expy. What makes her better?

u/LuckyClover said:

There's so much you don't know yet that I fear giving you the best part of the buggy CS series that made me love ReanxJessica will overwhelm you.

AN. I PLAYED CS I JUST TO WRITE THIS! I'm still in Garellia Fortress (the middle of the game, not the prologue) and I looked at the informational again and 'hey, I can write this now' so I did. I won't play CS II before Azure release though. I forced myself to play CS I now because I asked my friend and they said it won't spoil Azure's main plot too much. Anyway, this is the continuation of my last reddit omake where our guy, u/LuckyClover, found himself playing Xanadu!CS containing Jessica instead of the normal CS after he bought from a normal Steam page. I probably won't continue this before I played CS II so just enjoy this.

Chapter Text

"Hello guys. We're back here again, eff you trolls. I'm gonna load from the dinner again for the nice guys who asked me in reddit. Let's go!"

"Hmm, it seems like we have much more viewers than before. Is it because best girl finally made her appearance?"

"Hmph, I can't wait for all of you to jump on the bandwagon after we reach CS II and III. Anyway, here it is, the dinner with Alfin and Olivert."

[Ah yes, I almost forgot. Rean, I have a small favor to ask of you.]

[Of me?]

[Y-Your Highness?]

[I was rather hoping that you would join me as my dance partner, Rean.]

[?!]

[...I understand. It was rude of me to trouble you with a petition like this on such short notice. And besides, I don't suppose you would have much interest in dancing with a little girl like me...]

[Nonono! That's not what I mean, Your Highness!]

[*whistle* That's my sister, all right. She really knows how to twist the knife.]

[Y-Your Highness, please! You, too, Prince Olivert! Jessica, please do something!]

[...If Prince Olivert is involved, my hands are tied. Please direct all your complaints to Mueller first. Although, knowing the Princess... no, nothing.]

[...Ah, I see now. How could it not have crossed my mind? Perhaps the truth is that you already have your heart set on someone else? Or is there someone you're already courting?]

[?!]

[Princess Alfin, I think that's enough messing with Elise's brother. ...and Elise in extension.]

[Aww, very well, then. I shall relent this time.]

[Huh?]

[...Ah... Thank you, Jessica.]

[However, next year I'll be sixteen, just like your sister. That's when I'll be making my debut into high society, so...I'd be very happy if you'd give my invitation some thought.]

"Right, that's it for the dinner scene. How do you think, chat?"

"Slow down, chat. You're gonna see more as we play."

[Heehee. It's quite nice to be out and about like this once in a while. ...Though it would've been even nicer if you two had gotten dolled up. Just think! We would look so adorable making our debut together at the garden party, wouldn't we?]

[*sigh* I wish you'd think a little more before you say something like that... We may be friends, but I'm still just a baron's daughter. I can't very well go around equating my appearance at the party with that of the Imperial princess, debut or otherwise.]

[Agreed, I am your bodyguard first and foremost. Rather than adorable, I would prefer looking sharp.]

[Oh, you're so old-fashioned, Elise! Both the national and local governments are headed by commoners now. And you too, Jessica. Who says a bodyguard can't be adorable? Times have changed! ...Or is it that you're still annoyed that I asked your brother to the dance, Elise? Teehee. Maybe I really should invite him to be my dance partner next year.]

[Y-Your Highness, please! That's enough!]

[Alfin...]

[Oh, come, come. I'm sorry, Elise. It seems there's still a ray of hope for you. After all, it doesn't look like he has a girlfriend at the moment.]

[...!]

[Teehee... Still, surrounded by that many lovely ladies, I doubt that'll remain true for long.]

[That's true. The blonde girl, Alisa, if I remember, looked the most startled when Alfin asked him if he was seeing someone. The blue-haired ponytail, Laura, tried to hide her surprise, but I saw it. The glasses girl, Emma, didn't really react that much, but her eyes told otherwise. The most mysterious was the white-haired girl, Fie. I couldn't read her at all. But she did indeed turn her attention at your brother, Elise.]

[Wow, you observed them that much, Jessica? Scoping for competition? Oh! I can imagine you holding back your feelings because you don't want to hinder Elise or me...]

[Cease your delusion. I was observing them for- ...never mind. Whatever my answer is, you're just going to use it against me.]

[Tehee~ you know me so well, Jessica.]

[And this is how you shut the Princess up, Elise.]

"Right. And now for the kidnapping scene..."

[Haha... Good day, Your Excellency. I do hope you'll forgive me for showing up to this party without an invitation.]

[Ugh... You...]

[Truth be told, I have no real qualms with you personally. However, you are a willing collaborator with the man we loathe, so I'm afraid that makes you guilty by association.]

[I figured that's what you were after...]

[Let Princess Alfin go.]

[Indeed. Shameful of you to treat the Princess and Lady Elise like that.]

[Heh. I'm afraid we just can't do that. After all, they've yet to play their biggest part--that of your faction's most shameful failure. Oh, but fear not! I have no intention of taking their lives.]

[It doesn't matter. Kidnapping the Princess is still treason.]

[That's how it is, girl. Brandishing your weapon like that, I think it's better if you point it at something else.]

[Go, my beasts! Strip them to the bone.]

[Hyaaah!]

[Haaaaah]

"Huh? What do you all mean?"

"Ooookay, so the original Cold Steel has the party fight the two Sharkodiles?"

[Jessica! Patrick!]

[Dad!]

[Class VII...]

[Elise's brother and the others...]

[What happened here?]

[Princess Alfin and Elise are taken by the terrorist... Khh]

[Elliot! Heal them!]

[Right!]

[We fought the beast, but they got away while we were occupied. Damn it!]

[After you finish healing them, let's pursue the terrorist!]

[W-Wait. Please take me with you... Princes Alfin... as her bodyguard, I have to save her!]

[I'm sorry, Jessica. But you just fought and got hurt. I can't in my conscience let you follow us.]

[Indeed. Please rest and help the army evacuate the civilians.]

[Patrick, please help keep my father safe.]

[...I've done that, fool. Khh! What makes you think I'm going to abandon him now?]

[...Thank you.]

[But-]

[Please forgive my harsh words, but you're just going to burden us. You are not ready yet.]

[...]

[You don't have ARCUS, so you can't form a combat link. I'm sorry, Jessica. But we can't jeopardize our formation with the addition of you. Let's go, everyone!]

[Yes!]

"Me, too, chat. Me, too. I lament the fact that we can't get Jessica as a guest party member now. But considering- whoops, spoiler."

BuggyCSPlaythrough - Thread 2
r/Falcom

kiseki4ever said:

New thread for the BuggyCSPlaythrough. You can watch it here. Whew, what can I say? There are a lot of things to unpack. Jessica's addition to the interactions between the St. Astraia girls. Her being Alfin's Mueller. And then the skipped fight. You can start your discussion now.

admiredslender said:

I really did not expect that at all. Props to u/LuckyClover for showing us this game.

rationalThought said:

That was intense. We got a full cutscene of Jessica and Patrick's fight. Why did Patrick bring a sword here and not in OG? What makes him different here?

wildcatmajor said:

Jessica also brings her spear. But she's Alfin's bodyguard, so I can understand. On the other hand, getting a full cutscene of the fight and rejecting her offer to join them was bold of the dev.

admiredslender said:

Yeah, honestly, I was rooting for Jessica to join, with how much u/LuckyClover hype her.

LuckyClover said:

I wasn't as disappointed as others because I played it blind the first time. After I started my CS III though... I am really disappointed that Jessica can't join us since CS I.

humburgerchart said:

Yup. I'm disappointed. But on the other hand, we got to see Patrick's development earlier than the OG.

admiredslender said:

It's interesting to guess what divergence will happen next, and the ramification of the current divergence. What will Jessica and Patrick fight there influence in the future?

quackdusky said:

So what do we call the St. Astraia girls here? St. Astraia trio? Doesn't seem to roll off the tongue that well. And too complicated to write.

LuckyClover said:

I myself call them the Little Sister Trio.

quackdusky said:

Nice, I like it.

rationalThought said:

But Jessica is called Elder Sister by Alfin?

LuckyClover said:

Jessica is actually younger than Alfin. I remember her CS II profile. She was just teasing Jessica's uptight and serious nature. The Mueller to Alfin's Olivert, as the chat said.

Thundergroan said:

Remember that she was looking at the girls and nodded at Alfin's bombshell of a question? I wonder what was that about? Remember CS I always use camera angles that show essential things. If they aren't necessary, they won't be shown on camera.

rationalThought said:

That is exactly my thought. I also wondered why the camera angle moved and showed Jessica's reaction as the girls' dialogue box progressed.

Thundergroan said:

She's also weirdly focused on Rean even before Alfin's invitation prank. People joked about her scoping the competition, but I don't think so. u/LuckyClover wdyt? Is this 'falling in love at first sight?' You are the biggest ReanXJessica shipper here.

LuckyClover said:

I actually don't know. Remember my saves are lost in early CS III? Yeah that question hasn't been answered up to my last save.

wildcatmajor said:

She also backed down twice. She wanted to say something but held herself back. What do you think she's going to say?

humburgerchart said:

Jessica was about to blurt why she observed them before she realized her conversation partner was Alfin. I think she's observing them to see who's gonna react to Alfin's teasing.

quackdusky said:

For what purpose?

rationalThought said:

That is the million-dollar question.

wildcatmajor said:

*Million-mira

quackdusky said:

Fuck you, don't remind me about Campanella's quiz!

rationalThought said:

I think the chats said it. In the dinner scene, she predicted that Alfin would tease Rean again and let her do it. The question now becomes, 'why did she let Alfin tease Class VII?' This relates to the car scene, so technically, even if she backed down twice, her reason was only one.

cobramullein said:

I'm gonna make a wild prediction and say that Jessica observes the girls to see who is closest to Rean. Not to scope the competition but to help Elise.

rationalThought said:

Make sense. While we're shown that Jessica was Alfin's bodyguard, her relationship with Elise also looks like they're good friends.

Yeah! I finished it! For clarification, Jessica was observing Class VII members to see who's the main character. Once Alfin teased Rean and she saw the girls' reaction, it was clear to her who was the harem protagonist in this JRPG world, hence her nod. And then in the car as she accompanied Alfin with Elise, Alfin teased her friend and Jessica followed up on the teasing only for Alfin to change her target. After that, as OP said, Jessica and Patrick battled against the Sharkodiles. I did take some liberties for the reason Class VII rejecting Jessica's joining them, that is to make her struggle against the Sharkodiles and wounded to add to Jessica being not ready to face terrorists. Enjoy. I'm not going to continue until Azure's release and I played CS II, so April at the fastest. However, if other more experienced players would do their own takes of our world guy streaming Xanadu!CS and their reactions I would love to read them. Or the reverse, Xanadu players streaming OG CS.

Chapter Text

"Thanks for sticking with me, guys. So apparently there's no more differences since the Heimdallr chapter. Thanks for pointing it out to me every time, chat."

"Anyway, here we go, the Festival day 2. Enjoy Jessica."

[Sorry for keeping you waiting.]

[Oh, Rean...]

[Tehee. The two of you really are the portrait of sibling affection.]

[Wha...]

[I'd know that voice anywhere...]

[Y-Your Highness...! And Jessica too!]

[And Prince Olivert and Prince Cedric, too... Good afternoon, Your Highnesses.]

"Hahaha, I know your pain, guys, but it's all going to be soooo worth it later."

[It's a shame that Kurt cannot join us.]

[Yes.]

[Ahahaha. It truly is a shame the two Vanders cannot join us. But do not worry, Alfin, Cedric. I'm sure Jessica is enough for the both of you.]

[What? Olivert!]

[Hehe, you're so cute, Cedric!]

[Please cease your teasing, Your Highness. And, of course, you too, Princess Alfin.]

[Anyway, Alfin and Jessica would probably be happy to escort Elise around while you're indisposed. They're schoolmates, after all.]

[Yes! Let's go explore the festival stalls, Elise!]

[Slow down, Your Highness. Prince Cedric, would you like to join us?]

[Come on, Cedric.]

[Thank you, Your Highness. I'd really appreciate it.]

"Right. After this is the concert. I believe nothing of importance about Jessica happens there."

"Hahahaa! Alright, alright. Let's just enjoy the performance. Man, hearing 'I swear' again makes me want to replay Sky again."

[Alfin, I am drawn to the party before us like a moth to a flame. Like a starving man to a banquet! Like beauty to ME.]

[What say you we grace the dancers with the gift of our company?]

[Heehee. It's as though you read my mind.]

[Come, now! Don't waste your time watching--it's time to dance!]

[Heehee. No need to worry about formalities tonight. Let's all relax, enjoy ourselves, and maybe let a few secrets slip.]

[U-Um, Jessica. Would you do the honor...?]

[With pleasure, Prince Cedric.]

[...He's such an idiot...]

[*sigh* Oh, Elise...]

[Your Highness... Jessica...?]

[The generally accepted strategy here would be to keep his eyes on you, not push him toward another girl's tender embrace.]

[If you were to only gather the courage to ask him, I'm certain that he would be...MORE than accommodating.]

[It's fine! I'm fine, honestly...!]

[Don't bother Elise too much, Alfin. Her brother is simply too charming. Even YOU love to tease him like you do his sister.]

[Teehee, does that mean you're also charmed, Jessica?]

[Unfortunately for you, we're simply acquaintanced.]

first mention of ReanxJessica!

"No, guys. I've tried to choose none once, but sadly Jessica doesn't even get a mention. Only Alfin and Elise. I was super disappointed too."

Op pls answer why you choose Laura?

"It's simple, guys. Laura is the closest we have to Jessica in CS1."

lmao did you mean Jessica is a copy of Laura?

"I take no offense because I thought like you at first. In my first playthrough, I chose Emma for the sake of Hayamin. But once I played CS 2, my eyes were opened. And I'm sure you guys' will too."

BuggyCSPlaythrough - Thread 5
r/Falcom

kiseki4ever said:

u/LuckyClover just streamed the latest part of his Buggy CS series. It really is buggy.

weaponchicken said:

I didn't expect Cedric's appearance

admiredslender said:

Right? and why didn't he appear in the real CS, anyway?

wildcatmajor said:

always chalk it up to engine limitation

Thundergroan said:

Forget about Cedric. Did they just mentioned Kurt Vander from CS3?

admiredslender said:

Right! That was surprising too!

LuckyClover said:

You mean Kurt just magically appears in OG CS3? He's been mentioned since Sky, I believe.

weaponchicken said:

Oh boy, prepare for the replies.

see more replies

frogwhisper said:

Jessica ended up doing nothing again...

rationalThought said:

wdym she's dancing with Cedric

weaponchicken said:

I was afraid u/LuckyClover going to be mad again but thankfully he's not.

frogwhisper said:

Chat is being troll as usual. I'm thankful OP develops thick skin.

admiredslender said:

at this point I'm just watching his CS1 to see the interesting differences, like Cedric's appearance and now Kurt's mention. I've accepted that Jessica is just a passenger in CS1.

LuckyClover said:

Don't worry, bro. You're going to love her as the game goes on. I think at the start of CS3, she's the closest girl to Rean, even if you don't choose her final bond in CS2.

frogwhisper said:

Wait, what do you mean? CS3 Don't carry over saves from CS2.

LuckyClover said:

...They don't?
see more replies

cobramullein said:

Thank you, u/LuckyClover. I think I'm starting to see why you like Jessica. From the snippets of her interaction with Alfin and Elise, and even Cedric and Olivert, she's the no-nonsense serious type, right? That's my kind of girl.

LuckyClover said:

Welcome to the church of Jessica. Please take a seat because the ride will be very wild!

Thundergroan said:

One member is converted. Will the next be us?

wildcatmajor said:

I probably won't like her until CS2, if what u/LuckyClover said about her having a final bond event is true. I'm the type of guy who likes to see my girl developed nicely.

LuckyClover said:

You're lucky because 'development' is Jessica's middle name. Get ready for CS2!

LuckyClover said:

Right, thanks for the enthusiasm. Should I jump straight to CS2 or finish the last battle, guys? Because I don't remember anything involving Jessica in the rest of CS1.
see more replies

I consulted OP and he said Jessica appeared on the festival in CS1 as mentioned in Chapter 23. I asked if I can insert Kurt and Cedric but then OP said Kurt is mentioned before CS3, and I remember the reddit omake about that, so I decided for one reason or another, Kurt is not with them in the festival and is only namedropped there.

Wait until u/LuckyClover offhandedly mentioned Juna to the chat and they decided to replay the Crossbell games.

Chapter Text

"Alright, guys! And gals! Time for CS2!"

"Come on, guys. Let's enjoy the ride."

[See ya later! Cross Crusade!]

[*pant*...*pant*... Are we...safe...?]

[Who did that...?]

[Rean!]

[Rean!]

[There you are.]

[Good to see you're still in one piece!]

[I'm so glad we hurried... I don't want to even imagine what could have happened if we weren't in time! You aren't hurt, are you?]

[Thank Aidios. Elise, go. I think he's straining himself.]

[Your Highness? And Toval... and...]

[Rean! Stay right there!]

"Hahaha, you're all excited, aren't you? Let's not waste any more time and continue."

[Teehee! I see our two little lovebirds are as twitterpated as ever. ♪]

[P-Pardon...?]

[Good morning, Rean. And to you as well, Elise.]

[Hey there. Just swingin' by to see how you're holding up.]

[Good Morning, Rean, Elise.]

[You're here, too, Your Highness? I'm really not dreaming, then.]

[Oh, you're so silly, Rean. I would have thought the warmth of your dear sister pressed against your chest was proof enough of that.]

[Y-Your Highness, please!]

[It's still too early for your usual behavior, Alfin. Please refrain from doing so until breakfast, at the least.]

[Haha...]

"Slow down, chat. As I said before, wait for it. Definitely wait for it."

[What about the students and our instructors?]

[Honestly, I wish I had more I could tell you. There're rumors that they resisted being occupied as long as they could, but not much more than that.]

[...]

[If they are as resilient as you, Rean, they will be okay.]

[Jessica is correct. Try not to let concern get the best of you.]

[Word has it that a number of students and staff are unaccounted for. And the Noble Alliance is still trying to find them.]

[Then that means...]

[Have some of them managed to escape?!]

[As expected of the... Class VII of Thors Military Academy.]

[I couldn't tell you where she is right now... ...but Emma's still alive. That's guaranteed.]

[You can tell?]

[I'm her familiar, so we've got a link of some kind between us. If anything were to happen to her, trust me--I'd know about it. All I know is that she's alive, though. Nothing else.]

[How peculiar...]

[Is it a two-way connection?]

[Huh? What do you mean, Jessica?]

[Does Emma also know that you're alive? The situation right now is that Rean's classmate is separated from him. I am sure they're gonna worry about you, Rean. If the link between Celine and Emma is a two-way connection, Emma will also know that Celine is alive, and the fact that she didn't choose to come back to her for the past month is an indicator for them that maybe Rean is safe.]

[Yes, it is a two-way link, I believe. Emma knows I am alive, that's for sure.]

[Then Emma might have contacted everyone about you and Rean. Unless Emma couldn't get ahold of everyone, all of them should know about your status, Rean.]

[Thank you for the assurance, Jessica.]

[It's nothing.]

"There! Don't you see?! She's amazing, isn't she?"

"And now the first interaction with Jessica!"

[Good day to you, Rean.]

[Jessica. Thanks for this morning. How are you?]

[I'm fine. Thank you for asking. My family is in Valdrand, and I'm not sure Father will be thrilled with what the Noble Faction is doing, but he can take care of himself. The one who clearly needs some encouragement is...]

[Princess Alfin, huh?]

[Yes. If it's not a trouble, can you please talk to her? She's in the Septian Church, I believe. She prays there every morning.]

[I can do that.]

[Thank you, you are as kind as Elise says.]

[Haha...]

"Yes. Just a slight variation where Rean says he has done that, and the rest are the same."

"And now for the second and third dialogue."

[If it's not a trouble, can you please talk to Princess Alfin? She's in the Septian Church, I believe.]

[You really care about her, huh, Jessica?]

[Of course. Princess Alfin chose me to become her guard. I will do as my duty calls.]

[That's amazing...]

[It's nothing more than my duty.]

[Princess Alfin chose me to become her guard. I will do as my duty calls.]

"And that's it for Jessica's first interaction with Rean! How do you think?"

"And of course, since this is Trails, let's talk with Alfin next!"

"That's right! There's an additional dialogue if you talk to Alfin after you talk to Jessica. The reverse doesn't apply. Makes you wonder if the dev prioritizes Jessica, huh?"

[...But in the meantime, there's no need to force yourself to seem like being apart from them isn't bothering you. Royalty or not, no one would blame you for being worried or upset. And every single one of us here wants to do what we can to help you.]

[I...*sniffle*... ...Heehee. Thank you.]

[I only know from Jessica. You can thank her instead.]

[No. Jessica always has my back, so I can thank her whenever possible. But for you, Rean, I can't do it just anytime, can't I? So please accept my gratitude.]

[Haha... I suppose.]

"Pretty much. The context for Alfin and Jessica's relationship loses a little exposition if you go to Alfin first. Amazing, dev."

BuggyCSPlaythrough - Thread 7
r/Falcom

kiseki4ever said:

u/LuckyClover begins the CS2 streams, promising us more Jessica. So far, he delivers.

admiredslender said:

the stream starts to get fun. We have so much content about Jessica just from the prologue. Can't wait to see more differences in the buggy cs.

frogwhisper said:

I should've expect Jessica to be with Alfin in Ymir.

rationalThought said:

to be honest it also slipped my mind so you're forgiven

cobramullein said:

Jessica shows why I like her. Thank God u/LuckyClover is lucky and streams us this buggy CS.

admiredslender said:

Right? While I'm still ambivalent towards her, I am actually interested in the differences, so seeing how early it is in the game and there's been such a lot of differences is just... mesmerizing

LuckyClover said:

You'll fall deeper into the Jessica hole soon! I won't spoil anything but there's a reason why I ship her with Rean and it's executed brilliantly.

Thundergroan said:

So to recap, she's a kuudere, an unflappable one. She's also observant, as has been shown in the first game but we all thought it was just an exposition of the girls for the players. She also takes care of other people close to her, as we can see with her concern for Alfin.

I can see why u/LuckyClover like her. I'm still holding for more, though, before I even consider her best girl like he did.

wildcatmajor said:

Agreed. What has been shown so far is interesting, but nothing ticks the 'best girl' list so far.

hedgehogskis said:

Excuse me? Setting up flags for Alfin just ticks one from my list! That shit is Tomoda-level of best girlness. I hope she keeps doing this for a long time!

wildcatmajor said:

Tomo-who?

hedgehogskis said:

this guy

frogwhisper said:

There's also that one time she hesitated on the breakfast talk. Sounds like she wanted to say something else before. u/LuckyClover you know about this?

admiredslender said:

Probably nothing.

LuckyClover said:

I dunno, but I remember another instance of her doing that. I won't spoil more than that.

weaponchicken said:

Jessica's observation is interesting. I just checked the OG CS2, and without her there, the conversation moved along a similar vibe, but Toval levels the field with 'they're as worried about you as you are about them' but Jessica outright dispels Rean's worry with the whole 'two-way connection' talk

cobramullein said:

big sign of best girl already.

weaponchicken said:

And more importantly, establish her as a character. Now we know how she is like in Thundergroan's post

admiredslender said:

huh, you're right. Toval didn't say anything about that after Jessica pointed out the Emma-Celine connection.

weaponchicken said:

Right? what Toval did is make Rean aware that the other are concerned about him too, so he shouldn't be too concerned about them because like him, they can take care of themselves. But Jessica is just, 'Emma knows. If she knows, the others might also know. Don't worry.' Amazing

cobramullein said:

And she brushes it off like it was nothing, too! Girl, it's not nothing when you consider how Rean personality is.

frogwhisper said:

I wonder why the OG CS1 didn't mention this at all at this point?

rationalThought said:

Might this have a big consequence later in the game?

 Right! I just finished the prologue of CS2 so here it is! The first part of the prologue. Also, while this might not be canon, it is author-approved! I have to admit I'm biased. Jessica is such a fun character to imagine and build and I want to tease the chat but I have to hold it off from being too blatant. So this is the result. We get to see the first instance of Jessica using her knowledge of tropes. 'I know if Emma is alive' -> a connection -> one way or two way? -> if two way then Emma also know Celine is alive -> Emma might tell the others -> No need to worry, Rean.

Chapter Text

"What's up guys? Sorry to cut the stream short last time. Welcome back to the Buggy CS series, now with clear best girl. I'm here again to continue CS2 with our favorite blue-haired noble martial artist. ...No, it's not Laura. Sorry, Laura fans."

"Alright. Without further ado, let's go and continue to the next scene!"

[Should I go into the bath now?]

[Still, I'm really thankful to have you in my life. I might not be the most dependable brother in the world...but I'd appreciate it if you kept looking out for me. And while it might be a ways away, I'll keep striving to be an older brother you can be proud of.]

[I'm always proud of you, you know... ...and of course I will! Heehee...]

[Teehee. I see all's well that ends well. ♪]

"Fufu..."

[Y-Your Highness?]

[And you've brought Celine, too.]

[*sigh* Hope you don't mind us barging in.]

"Hahahahaha! Finally! Finally you all feel the same thing as I! Though I wasn't taken by her at the time, I was also disappointed that I missed seeing her 3D figures in the hot spring with Elise and Alfin."

[Come, now, Rean. This is the bath! Ranks are stripped once our clothes are, as far as I'm concerned. That being said, may I join Elise in washing your back as well? This would make the perfect chance for us to finally strengthen our bond as honorary siblings, wouldn't you agree? ♪]

[Y-Your Highness, please!]

[It is such a shame that Jessica refused to join me.]

[(Haha...) (Jessica is in the right here. Thank you for not joining in.)]

"I dunno if it's a flag or not, but I'm just happy that Rean is starting to see her charm too. Now, I didn't think much of it before, but you might be right, chat. ReanxJessica train cannot be stopped! And it. Starts. Here!"

[You're certain, then? That this 'Magic Knight' something or other is coming here.]

[I'm certain. I can sense its mana moving toward us. It's still a fair distance away for now, but it's getting closer by the minute. It's coming from the direction of the valley behind the village.]

[Bah... I thought I'd finished it off, but I should've made sure. I didn't think anything could survive that fall, but if anything COULD, it'd be one of those things.]

[No. You did what you could. You shouldn't blame yourself. Hmm, Jessica? You don't look surprised.]

[I believe I am quite good at looking stoic, yes? I am surprised, too, honestly.]

[Jessica is always like that, Rean.]

[I see. Still, why would it be coming here...?]

"Jessica is always like that. It's why I love her, guys. You're looking for something that isn't there."

[Let me come with. I doubt I could compare to Sara, but I ain't too shabby in a fight.]

[Really? Thank you... I'd feel a lot better having you around, honestly. Okay. So, Toval, Celine? You guys almost ready to head ou--]

[Actually, if you don't mind, Rean... ...I would like to come with you.]

[You...would?]

[Elise...?!]

"I still stand by my statement."

"I can't help it! My PC was reinstalled! Come on, chat! Fuck you!"

[Argh... Fine! You can come, too, Elise. But don't even think of doing anything that will put you any further in harm's way than you need to be! Promise, okay?]

[I promise!]

[Teehee, look at the showing of sibling's affection. Do you want to join them, Jessica? I know you're at least as strong as Elise, if not stronger.]

[No. My place is beside you, Your Highness. And besides... *shakes* nothing.]

[If I request nicely that you join them? I'm worried about Elise and with you there, you two can watch each other's back.]

[...Fine. If it is your request, then I shall join them.]

[All right. Let's start getting ready, then. If either of you need to do anything last minute, get it done now. After that, we'll make our way for Ymir's back entrance.]

[Oh. Hello, everyone...]

[Something wrong, Your Highness?]

[Truthfully, I really want to accompany you all. I may not be skilled in hand-to-hand combat, but I do think I'm on par with Elise when it comes to handling an ARCUS.]

[You're a pretty skilled arts user, no doubts there. But even then...]

[I can't in my conscience let you go with us, Princess Alfin.]

[Jessica is correct. I might consider it if we were mowing down regular monsters, but Magic Knights are in an entirely different league. You said it yourself. We can't just expose someone with no combat abilities outside of arts casting to something this dangerous.]

[I knew it... Still, it was worth putting it out there and seeing how you and Jessica would respond.]

[I'm sorry, Your Highness.]

[Rest assured, Your Highness... I promise you we'll return safely.]

[...Thank you, Rean. I'll look forward to your return here. And you'd better make good on that promise!]

[I'll wait for your return here. Once you're back, we can all take a sensuous dip in the hot springs together, too.]

[Y-Your Highness...?]

[Please stop falling for her teasing, Elise...]

[Haha.]

[I swear, you're the boldest princess I've ever met.]

[All right. The search is on. The Magic Knight's somewhere in this direction, right?]

[That's right. It's very slowly coming this way. So as long as we keep following this path, we should find ourselves face to face with it at some point.]

[Well, the farther away it is, the better. We're gonna need to finish it off before it reaches the town, or we're in trouble. You two have been up here a fair few times, right?]

[Yeah. I went up this way with the rest of Class VII just a couple months ago, even. I wasn't really planning to, but we didn't have much choice thanks to Bleublanc and his antics.]

[Bleublanc, huh? Yeah, sounds like his thing. Once he's latched on to you, it's a one-way trip to Crazy Town. But it sounds like it's a little late to be saying that to you. I don't get the feeling he's involved in any of this, though.]

[Bleublanc...I did remember hearing from Prince Olivert about him a bit. He was also involved in the Liberl incident, wasn't he?]

[Yes. The Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon in Liberl early last year.]

[I see.]

[The weather is much milder now than it was then, so we shouldn't have quite as much trouble climbing, thankfully. That doesn't mean it won't be dangerous, however. Watch your step!]

"Alright. Remember that Jessica is a guest party member like Elise and Toval, so we can't equip her with anything. Not that I have anything else except for Rean."

"What cheese?"

"I see, well, thanks for the info, but I think I won't use it. This isn't a perfect run or anything, after all. Well, most of them. If it's about Jessica it has to be perfect!"

"Anyway, here is Jessica's setup. She starts at level 38, one level above Elise."

"She has no accessory and uses spears as her weapon."

"What sidequest? Anyway, this is her Arcus setting. Murakumo as the Master Quartz, and her locked-in slot element is Mirage and Water."

"Her default quartz is Luminous Ray and Tear."

"She's focused on physical, although her magic attack is also isn't bad later in the game. I think she looks bad on orbal arts because we can't modify her now. Check her status."

"If you use accessories that boost ATS you can make her an arts specialist!"

[Well done, Elise, and Jessica. You two performed admirably.]

[Heehee. Thank you, Rean.]

[I'm grateful for the praise, but I still have a long way to go.]

[Haha... a humble one, aren't you?]

[Cool. Now that we've covered the basics, let's get back to searching.]

[Whew... We're finally at the halfway point. How're you feeling, Elise, Jessica?]

[Very well, thank you. There's no need to worry. You've been through so much, Rean, especially in recent months, and yet you've managed to overcome it all. Climbing a mountain as small as this can hardly hope to compare.]

[Indeed. My physical fitness is enough to carry me so far. You don't need to constantly fuss over us, Rean.]

[Well, if you insist. But if you need to take a break, there's no shame in saying so.]

"Isn't she? That's my best girl!"

[But just so we're perfectly clear: you DO know you don't stand a chance against it with just the four of you, don't you?]

[Sure do, kitten. It wouldn't be my first time going up against something that huge, but size isn't the only issue here. How do I put this...? It's like there was some kinda strange power inside of it that was helpin' it move.]

[It's probably some ancient magic.]

[Does that mean we'll have to find a way to deal with that first?]

[And I think I know just the way to do it. Celine, can we go back to Valimar? I'd like to ask for his help.]

"Time for the boss battle. Let's go, guys!"

[Here it comes!]

[How could it be perfectly fine after falling off a damn CLIFF?!]

[Ancient legends mentioned that they had the power to regenerate, but I didn't think it held that much merit!]

[You should have told us from the start, Celine.]

[We have to stop it from reaching Ymir! Don't do anything that'll put yourself in unnecessary danger, Elise! Jessica!]

[I won't!]

[I'm prepared!]

[Right. Let's give it our best shot!]

"Finally! God that takes age."

"Fuck off"

[*pant*...*pant*...]

[Think that did it?]

[Not yet!]

[It appears we are not quite done yet with this Magic Knight. A second phase of this battle, you could say.]

[How can it grow more arms...?]

[You can't be serious...]

"I think that's just an easter egg from the dev."

"Probably. I don't know."

[Elise! Jessica! Toval! Stay back!]

[Why...?]

[What for?]

[Heed my call... Valimar, the Ashen Knight!]

[So this is the Ashen Knight? I'd heard about it fighting against the alliance forces trying to take over Trista, but wow, this is something else.]

[...]

[Are you really moving that, Rean?]

[Elise! Jessica! Toval! I'll take care of this! Stay back!]

[Haha. Roger that!]

[Understood.]

"Thanks chat. Yes, my headcanon now is that Jessica thinks Rean looks dashing."

[Rean...!]

[Hey there. You did great, champ.]

[Thank you for your hard work, Rean.]

[Thanks. You didn't get hurt at all, did you, Elise?]

"Jessica sure is best girl, thanking Rean for killing the boss and even acknowledging his hard work."

[Haha. You're sounding a lot more sure of yourself now.]

[Does that mean you're feeling better?]

[Yeah. Never better. If I want to reunite with the others, I need to keep moving forward. Sorry... I've got a feeling I'm just going to be causing you a lot more grief in the future.]

[Teehee. I wouldn't be so sure about that.]

[That can't be...]

[Oh, not now...! Grianos!]

[It's the bird I saw in the capital!]

[Hello there, darling. Miss me? It's so lovely to see you again, Rean.]

[Another familiar? Does that mean...]

[That sounded like... That sounded like gunfire!]

[Princess Alfin!]

[Uh-oh. I wasn't expecting them to arrive so soon. It sounds like the jaegers hired by Duke Albarea are here. I'm guessing it's only a matter of time now before Princess Alfin is taken into their custody.]

[Jaegers?! In Ymir?!]

[Damn it!]

[I can assure you that I have nothing to do with what's happening over there. Heehee. I think you're going to want to hurry, though. Perhaps if you run fast enough, you might be able to get back in time.]

"I actually do agree that Jessica shouldn't join us and should've been with Alfin. But well, either is fine. And besides, this will lead to- oops, spoiler."

[I guess now's as good a time as any to ask. Just who is Misty--I mean, Vita Clotilde-- anyway? I know that Misty the radio show host and Clotilde the opera singer were both just acts.]

[She's a member of the Hexen Clan, too. She's known as the Witch of the Abyss, and she vanished after breaking a taboo seven years ago. Think of her as like a sister to Emma. And that blue bird who's usually with her, Grianos, is a familiar like me.]

[A witch? A familiar...?]

[I see]

[Welp, I'm lost. But in short, she's related to you and Emma, right?]

[...Wait a second. Misty spent a fair amount of time in Trista, going to and from the radio station building. She was popular among the students, too. And yet all that time, all those months, you never once realized her true identity? Something's off about that.]

[A spell?]

[Not quite. Vita likely used some form of curse to keep us from finding out. Witches are capable of interfering with the laws of causality and the cognitive abilities of others. She probably made it so no information regarding her or her whereabouts would ever reach us.]

[That sounds so frightening...]

"Prepare yourselves, chat. This is going to be amazing!"

[O-Oh, heavens...]

[Your Highness, please hurry back inside the mansion and hide. Whatever may come to pass, we won't allow them to touch you.]

[B-But...!]

[There you are.]

[A-Auntie Lucia...?!]

[Out of the way, woman.]

[I ask you to leave this village at once. The Schwarzer family has historical connections with the Imperial family... ...so as long as I live, you will not lay a hand on Her Highness!]

[Hmph. You've got guts if nothing else. But I'm not going to repeat myself again. Our orders are that the lives of all other than Princess Alfin are of no consequence. Am I making myself clear?]

[Don't you dare lay a hand on them!]

"Let's gooooooo!"

[Damn it! Looks like we're up against some pretty high-ranking jaegers here.]

[Alfin!]

[Your Highne-- !!! F-Father?! Nooooo!]

[Graaaaaaaaaaaaah!]

[Th-The hell...?!]

[Rean! No...]

[Haaaa!]

[Rean! Jessica! Let me go!]

[Elise, you need to calm down.]

[But Rean—]

[I'm not saying you shouldn't go to his side, but he's clearly not in the right state of mind. You cannot just rush in there.]

[Let me go! Let me go! I need to—]

[L..et…Elise go!]

[Jessica!]

[Rean! Stop!]

[H-hold on! ARCUS Activate!]

[Damn it! She's losing too much blood!]

[Toval, what should I do?]

[Hold down on her wound! Apply pressure, we have to stop the bleeding!]

[No, no! I—what did I—]

[Rean! Help me stop the bleeding!]

[I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorryI'm sorryI'msorry!]

[Not…your fault]

[Congelo, sanguis / Freeze, Blood.]

[Vita! You...!]

[I had some concerns about how things were over here, so I decided to come and have a look. I didn't expect to see such a scene.]

[What do you want with us this time? Jessica is in critical condition!]

[Which is why I'm stopping the blood loss. You can treat her better that way, right? Incidentally, I also did the same for Baron Schwarzer over there.]

[She's right. The blood stops.]

[Duke Albarea's really gone and done it this time. It's obvious that he really wants to get ahead of Duke Cayenne, but this isn't the most prudent way to do it. Not to mention it's almost giving birth to a tragedy, isn't that right?]

[I'm sorry, Jessica! I'm sorry! I'm sorryI'm sorryI'msorry!]

[It's no good. Rean is still in shock over what he did.]

[I can't undo what's already happened, but if it will help, I can at least clear up his mess for you.]

[Unbelievable... So this is what you witches are capable of, is it?]

[It's the least I could do after all the trouble you've been through. Duke Albarea's unlikely to doubt what they tell him, so this village shouldn't be targeted again for a while. Although, I'm guessing a gesture like this pales in comparison to what I would have to do to earn your forgiveness..., especially for Rean and that blue-haired girl.]

[Don't be taken in by her sweet talk! She doesn't do things like this out of kindness!]

[Targets in sight.]

[What...?]

[Aaah!]

[...Huh?]

[Shit. Was she here the whole time?!]

[Ugh...!]

[P-Please, let me go!]

[Targets apprehended successfully. Targets identified as Objective 1, Objective 2, and Objective 3. Mission complete.]

[Oh my, it seems that Rean is still in shock. To think that he didn't even react to Black Rabbit's appearance...]

[Lady Clotilde, please give the order to retreat. There is no need to remain here any longer.]

[Teehee... Yes, I suppose you're right. Let's be going.]

[Rean! Get ahold of yourself!]

[...]

[You disappoint me, Rean Schwarzer. If it's any consolation, I won't let the blue-haired girl die.]

[...I'll save them both. You can count on it. And then I'll ask Jessica for atonement.]

[Rean...]

"There you go chat. Jessica is truly best girl, isn't she? And even then, she's also the best girl for Rean, for real for real."

BuggyCSPlaythrough - Thread 8
r/Falcom

kiseki4ever said:

I can't say anything. I'm still too speechless by what I saw

weaponchicken said:

What did I just see?

wildcatmajor said:

perfection

rationalThought said:

a new take in the CS. A better one if I can say

admiredslender said:

Yeah I'm digging this storyline of Ogre Mode hurting someone he cares. This is the thing that's missing from OG CS in my opinion.

weaponchicken said:

agreed. We're teased that Rean feared losing control and hurt the people he cherished the most but it didn't happen in OG CS1 and 2.

amiablesheet said:

totally. u/LuckyClover didn't tell us anything aside from 'Jessica best girl' and suddenly this drops.

rationalThought said:

chat was correct. Jessica will live rent-free in Rean's head. Suddenly the chance of other girl winning plummets to zero.

cobramullein said:

Thankfully CS is a choose your own waifu. if this is a linear light novel, I'm not sure any other girl can compete

cobramullein said:

APPRECIATION POST FOR ONE JESSICA SCHELEIDEN! REANS NUMBER ONE GIRL

rationalThought said:

I really didn't expect this kind of development at all. How is it that one girl creates such a big divergence?

admiredslender said:

Jessica's main trait is that she's cool under pressure. Where Elise was overcome by emotion in OG CS, she is held back because there's someone with enough rational thought in this buggy timeline. And Jessica is actually correct. Elise shouldn't approach Ogre Mode Rean carelessly. I wonder what Toval is thinking in OG CS. He's a bracer for god's sake.

LuckyClover said:

*Schleiden

cobramullein said:

Right, sorry, senpai. I'm still an apprentice.

LuckyClover said:

don't worry. Soon you'll be able to rise into a true Jessica fan.

Thundergroan said:

I like her and her involvement in the story. It feels like this is going somewhere instead of Jessica being a plus one to the Alfin-Elise duo.

vanillazebra said:

Anybody has room for one more convert?

cobramullein said:

welcome brother

wildcatmajor said:

Interesting to see how snarky she is. It's not even a demeaning snark. She's just there observing and then blurting out things.

bunchbadger said:

Right I also wonder about that. She also nods a lot.

rationalThought said:

lmao, I remember that guy raging in the chat about her nod

amiablesheet said:

in hindsight, he's right. We don't know why Jessica loves nodding.

vanillazebra said:

I'm convinced there's something about her.

LuckyClover said:

that's probably just more characterization for her. Remember that she's also observant in the Heimdallr chapter in CS1. And also later -whoops, spoiler.

vanillazebra said:

Damn you u/LuckyClover! Don't make me excited!

hornedhorror said:

be honest, guys. If you don't know OP have said that Jessica have a final bond event and join NC7 in CS3, do you think she'd survive?

cobramullein said:

probably no. For maximum Rean suffering

bunchbadger said:

lol. Being Rean is suffering

frogwhisper said:

Yes. Because you can count a named character that dies in Trails.

admiredslender said:

This argument again?

wildcatmajor said:

honestly, while I feared Jessica wouldn't survive, I know that she will. It's just so Falcom to do it.

vanillazebra said:

agreed

Thundergroan said:

Can we talk about Jessica not entering the hot spring?

eveningcabbage said:

Hahaha! chat is mad

Thundergroan said:

Not just chat! Me too!

cobramullein said:

Yeah! I want to see Jessica!

silkplan said:

FANSERVICE! FANSERVICE! FANSERVICE! FANSERVICE!

bunchbadger said:

never change, guys

And so we're finally here! At the biggest differences between the original and the Xanadu!CS! As you can see, the chat lost their mind over ogre mode attacking Jessica. By the way, I'm still on Act 1 in Legram in CS2 so again, probably this won't continue until later after I finished the game. Also, Randomguy , with this I hereby ask you to reveal to us the whole Jessica's bonding events! Even some throwaway lines are okay, I really really want to know. If this sounds like too much work then it's fine to not reveal it. I just want a framework for the future. I know that the (??) omake says Jessica's 2nd and 3rd bonding events are about her overcoming her fear of Rean's ogre mode by asking the other Class VII members (I assume she talked with Rean after that for the BE) and spying on his training. But to be honest, I want to know more! I assume I'm not the only one in this thread having this opinion. Thank you and enjoy!