[PP-F11] Conflicting Hearts in the Hall of Countenance

[Krysta 0]

                     Yona chose to disruptively insert herself into the discussion, but the moderator, Khavius, despite appearing to be disgruntled, allowed Yona's entry, and gave her a chance to speak. She made a point of the cluster of grapes example, claiming that it was impossible for a bunch of grapes to be equivalent to one instance of family due to the limits of one mother's potential. 

   Well, if Yona believed that she could simply jump into a discussion like this, she must be ready to have her stance challenged.

"Objection!"

                       "There was a couple who had about nineteen children." Krysta pointed out. A smirk appeared on Yona's expression. It would seem that she was ready, for the current situation, at least. "Grapes grow in clusters of fifteen to three hundred. My point stands." She remarked.
             There had to be another example...perhaps a larger fruit-bearing plant would be more helpful, Krysta was not in the mood to lose to Yona on a subject like this... "What about other bunches, such as bananas?" She asked. Unfortunately, Yona's laughter seemed to suggest that Krysta may have made a very poor choice in this moment. "Twelve to three hundred." Yona answered, between laughs. Clearly that attempt had also failed, thus, onto the next fruit. "Blast… Perhaps Grapefruits?" Krysta asked. Surely, that had to be a significantly smaller bunch. Yona took a few seconds to settle down, and once she had done so, she gave her answer. "Eh, no solid number’s been determined, but their size and shape isn’t exactly optimal for hundreds per bunch…but even getting close to one hundred is still a nigh impossible task in terms of family count of two plus one woman’s childbirth count." She explained.

 

         Alanin sighed, rested his elbow on the stand's surface, and then rested his forehead upon his closed fist. "Perhaps it’s best to stop comparing metaphoric fruit to literal fruit." He pointed out. Krysta nodded in agreement. "And even then, there are instances of an only child, and many kinds of fruit do not bear their fruit in bunches at all." She added. 
                  Shulko shrugged, whilst shaking his head. "I don’t think those fruits count in that metaphor, there’s not even two in such cases." He remarked before taking a sip of his energy drink. Koharu nodded. "Yeah, he’s right on that one." She claimed. Shulko seemed to be in thought for a moment. "So, if you two will humor me, I’ve got a question for ya."  He began. He took a large sip of his energy drink before continuing. "Say you fall in love with one person and marry them, and somewhere along the line, they die. Would you remarry if you ever fell in love again?" He asked.
      What kind of question was that?
  "Of course." Alanin answered. "I currently fail to see why not." Krysta remarked.
          Shulko laughed, then he slammed down his drink onto the stand. "You just contradicted yourselves."
     Krysta and Alanin were both confused. They blinked, looked to each other, then looked back to Shulko. With a chuckle, Shulko would explain. "You both claim that you’re monogamous, which means one lover only. If both you and your lovers past and present were heaven-bound, then you’d be committing polygamy in the realm of Eternity!" He called out.

*Take That!*

            Alanin and Krysta were stupefied. Shulko continued. "There are animals out there that mate for life. Sure, we’re not animals, but the devotion that those species have to their single, only lovers…it’s more commitment to the rule of one than monogamous humans seem to have, based on the answers you both just gave!"
            Krysta couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I beg your pardon?!?!?"
     Shulko smirked. "Pardon granted. Need anything else, Princess?"

Edited May 27 by Krysta

[Yona 0]

               Shulko asked The two players on the opposition a question, and their answers would be pointed out to contradict their stance on the assumption that heaven was real. Yona couldn't keep herself from laughing when she saw those priceless looks on their faces. "Damn, he’s got you both. Should heaven and hell exist, you would be committing Polygamy in Heaven if you and both the people you married were all going there." She remarked. Well, there was nothing left on that little point, so onto the next branch of the topic, right? "Seeing that little detail noted, let’s get back to the present, “mortal” world that we all suffer in. Maybe what we can discuss now is whether or not it is possible to have a polygamous relationship that is healthy, as well as the differences between how monogamy and polygamy function as relationships." She offered.

          Time to really put this debate to the test. Time to get serious and really dig into it.

[Krysta 0]

             Krysta looked Yona in the eye, wondering... "What is she playing at...?" Her thoughts aside, she needed to get back on track and onto the discussion. "I still fail to see how polygamy can be healthy, but I shall humor you for the sake of our discussion." She stated. Khavius nodded, the players seemed to have the conversation flowing smoothly right now...and he could only hope it does not collapse. Koharu would get this part of the debate rolling. "As I mentioned earlier, polygamy might work if everyone involved was willing to get along and play their parts fairly and equally. The loved and the lovers simply need to keep each other happy, and whichever side that has more than one, even on the very rare occasion that it is both, should have equality rather than hierarchy, and be able to befriend one another." She explained.

      As the conversation was becoming active earlier, another player entered to witness the debate. Unfortunately, she was dissatisfied with the state of the discussion. "They're fools..." She muttered to herself. When Koharu made her latest point, This player could take no more.

"Hold it!"

           The player would exit the spectator seating that was on Krysta and Alanin's side. Similar to Yona, she took her own stand to position herself, but was on Krysta and Alanin's side. Krysta recognized this player. "Ellyria...?"

Spoiler

           Indeed, it was Ellyria. Still bearing that hardened expression, and wearing that metallic Half-Mask on her face. Krysta hardly understood this woman. On top of that, She remembered the time when she crossed blades with her in a duel during her assault on the Bardiche. The time that mask broke, Krysta could have sworn she saw the hair turn blue and the eyes turn yellow, but she then disappeared before Krysta could get a good look at her at that point, leaving Krysta to wonder what even happened, not that it mattered, as Ellyria showed up just like she did before the color change and mask breakage to chase down Krysta as the assault was reaching its end.
              What Krysta failed to understand this time was, why was she helping Krysta?

  Ellyria would look directly to Koharu. "“I’ve been around people long enough to know that’s nearly impossible. Thanks to my allies and subordinates, I’ve managed to collect some audio-based examples of why polygamy is nothing but trouble. A list of stereotypes, if you will.” She stated, before pulling a small collection of recording crystals. "Among the lovers, we have four common subtypes. First, we have The Chosen."

    The crystal activated, releasing its audio. "I’m the one who was chosen above all others. No other affection will reach my beloved as long as I have anything to say about it! I will make sure that all who dare approach are at the sidelines, awkwardly positioned, their love unrequited!”
      Ellyria moved onto the next Crystal. "Second, The Unrequited."
  The crystal activated, revealing its contents. "I am in love with my crush, but we’ll never get together. Whether it be an obstacle, another woman, or even just him/her being so absolutely dense, everything keeps me from having a romantic relationship with him/her, leaving me on the sidelines in a totally awkward position in what’s not considered, although technically a harem… Please, just notice me…”
      Then came the next Crystal. "Thirdly, we have The Jealous."
   "Why is one or more of the other lovers more loved than me? I should be the one receiving more love! Does my beloved even love me at all? Give me more, dammit!” was what could be heard from this crystal.
         Ellyria positioned the next crystal. "And Fourth, we have The False Oblivious."
     Ellyria activated the crystal, releasing another stereotype quote that might as well be satirical at this rate, as the others seemed to be. "I love my crush, but I’ll never openly admit it. I would prefer that he notice me and pick up my hints, and I’ll deny anyone else’s attempt to get me to admit my feelings. I’m sure he/she will come around, I just know it.”
          Krysta thought about this one. "That sounds familiar..." She thought aloud. Yona did not seem to appreciate this thought, however. "This isn’t the time to be picking on me, you priss." She retorted.
     Krysta blinked, innocently enough. "I wasn’t talking about you.  ...But now you’ve revealed that you’re in this category. Worry not, I'm aware it shan't be nearly as excessive as the record seems to suggest." She noted with a smile. Yona's mood did not appear to improve. "...Oh, shove off." She grumbled.

             Ellyria was not done yet, however... "With that out of the way, let us move on to the beloved, in which we have three. Firstly, we have The Dense Master." She continued.
      The recording crystal activated, letting its captured quote be heard. "I have no idea why I’m being followed by all these people. They seem to be really nice and are always looking to do things with me. I guess I’ll make the most of it?”
               Ellyria pulled out the next crystal. "Secondly, The Emperor."
      The expression on Ellyria's face showed much disgust and distain as she activated the crystal. "I run this shit, be it socially or literally, and I’m not afraid to admit it. I am loved by all and hated only by those I mutually hate, and no one can take my harem from me! Hehehehahahahahaaaa!!”
      What a dreadful take... Ellyria pulled out another crystal. "Thirdly, we have The Master Sub."
   The recording crystal activated, releasing the quote stored within. "The people who love me are more important than my own well-being, and I will go to great lengths to keep them all happy, as their happiness will bring happiness to me. …but I’m tired, I don’t know how much longer I can last. I love them back, but…”
        Ellyria had one Crystal left. "Not necessarily involved in either of the two categories, but relevant nonetheless, we have here: The Envious Friend."
                          With the last crystal active, the last unheard, alleged stereotype would be revealed. "Damn it all, why is it that my friend gets all the boys/girls? Why can’t I have someone for a change? My life is a joke and all my efforts are in vain, am I cursed? I don’t want to hate my friend, but for crying out loud!!!”

       Ellyria would finally close out on her opening claims. "As you can see, there is nothing but devastation within polygamy. There will always be at least one of these unhealthy stereotypes within. There is no escape from it." She claimed.

[Yona 0]

                A masked woman called out, which at this point meant that she wanted in on the conversation. Oddly enough, Yona didn't like the look on her face...it was way too aggressive.

               Khavius looked to the player, then looked to the actively debating players. Perhaps letting it be a three on three would be a better option than two on three. "I'll allow it." He stated.

   Krysta seemed to recognize this player, addressing her as Ellyria. Despite Krysta's confusion, the player took her side of the debate. She then proceeded to prepare a nine-part opening statement, a claim followed by eight stereotypes to serve as "evidence" for the claim.

      Yona had thoughts on the first crystal. "Ha! That sounds like Krysta’s take on the situation!" She remarked. Koharu didn't look very encouraged...

      Krysta made a remark with the fourth crystal's quote. "Uh, excuse you." Yona thought. "This isn’t the time to be picking on me, you priss." She retorted. Krysta blinked. Was she feigning innocence? That didn't seem like Krysta to do such a thing... "I wasn’t talking about you.  ...But now you’ve revealed that you’re in this category. Worry not, I'm aware it shan't be nearly as excessive as the record seems to suggest." She remarked with a smile. Yona didn't like being called out like this. "...Oh, shove off." She grumbled.

    The crystal quotes continued, all the way through. Yona slowly shook her head as she crossed her arms. When Ellyria was finally done, Shulko chuckled. "…Yeah uh, let me level here with ya, lady. I’m pretty sure you just pulled those out of fiction and exaggerated them to the power of satire. Kinda leaves your claims to be awfully weak, don't you think?" He pointed out.
       Ellyria was unfazed. "Art imitates life, your argument is invalid." She shot back.
   Yona's arms remained crossed, she was not getting the best of vibes from this Ellyria character... "Oh please, like that'll help you..." She remarked.

[Krysta 0]

          Alanin shook his head. "No no, she does have a point. Plenty who make fiction make from more than what’s simply drawn by one’s fantasies, some inspiration comes from history or one’s real life experiences. So as satirical and exaggerated as it may seem, there is some relevance here."  He pointed out. Krysta nodded her head. While these takes on the subject that Ellyria had were rather horrendous, there were some potential facts that could be gleaned from them by applying common sense and a level head. "I have already mentioned that Polygamy isn’t love, but lust. Even if love appears to be the focus, there will be something wrong at its core." She commented.
             Ellyria snapped her fingers. "Exactly. Polygamy is nothing more than a hedonistic pursuit of pleasure and desire, and it will never last." She declared. 
       Shulko shook his head. "Not necessarily. Pleasure and desire are only small aspects of the equation. They are physical and flesh-driven aspects, I can’t deny that, but love also contains commitment, emotional connection and a respect for all partners involved." He commented.
         Ellyria crossed her arms. "As if a man can actually support many wives." She shot back.
    Shulko shrugged. "Well obviously there are going to be limits, we can both agree that a single guy can’t have a huge squad, let alone a whole army’s worth of women. Clearly you won’t find a guy or girl walking around with 69,420 lovers. What we seem to disagree on, by the looks of it, is whether or not it’s possible to have a relationship with multiple partners that actually works out." He remarked.
       Ellyria scoffed, Shulko's response was not enough to deter her or make her reconsider the aggression of her stance. "Polygamy promotes competitive and jealous behavior by default. There will always be a favorite, and it only makes the rest envious, like they aren’t good enough, or that they may be left behind for someone else. It is likely to be even worse if two sets of the beloved combine their relationships, leading to even more competition among the lovers." She stated.
                     Krysta thought for a moment. "Admittedly, scenarios like this can also occur within monogamy. People are dumped, left behind, and cheated on because 'they weren’t good enough'. It is a heartbreaking truth, and it is more likely to occur within polygamy and polyamory…not because of the amount of people involved only, but it is that factor alongside the risks of jealousy and envy that will exist within every such relationship." She commented. Just because something sounds possible or easy, does not mean that it would be so simple in practice.

[Yona 0]

                           Yona wasn't liking this. Not at all. 
       The opposing side had practically returned to the beginning of the discussion as Krysta repeated her opening, and Ellyria took to the aggressive method pretty quickly. Shulko made points to diffuse the situation and weaken Ellyria's attempt. He, of course, made some excellent points with particular lines.
     "Clearly you won’t find a guy or girl walking around with 69,420 lovers."
 Yona smirked and nodded her head. "Nice."
             Ellyria would continue the aggression, and Krysta would comment on the issues that existed on both sides of the discussion. It still ended up looking bad for the side Yona was on, unfortunately...

"Hold it!"

           "Are you two suggesting that Polygamy is inherently toxic??" Koharu asked, confused as to why such a claim would be made, and hoping to clarify the situation. Ellyria nodded her head. "Yes. It is more than that, actually. In fact, it is unchecked desire that is multiplied by the factor of addiction." She claimed.
     Uh, what? Yona blinked, with disgust on her face. "Um...excuse me?" She remarked.
   Alanin seemed to be in thought for a quick second. "This is a valid potential take on the situation. One of you, would you explain what you believe love is?" He asked.
           Yona raised her hand. "I'll take that question." She began. "From any other standpoint, it’s a wonderful thing. Love is an experience unlike any other, one that, in an ideal relationship, lasts for all our lives. If we’re going into that territory, then… Love is a combination of helpful neurochemicals. Sweet, sweet serotonin, wondrous, rare oxytocin, and 'yes, yes, oh, yes' dopamine." She explained. Unfortunately, she should have saved that remark for a different point in the discussion, based on Ellyria's reaction. "Pfff,"
       Ellyria then pointed to Yona. "Which proves my point, as those who crave love are usually lonely, and lack those three neurochemicals to the degree that they become addicted to the mixture in a desperate search to fill that mental hole they claim lies within their heart or soul. They are more likely to see Polygamy or polyamory as a satisfactory answer if they are addicted, though anyone sensible will know to drink from only one cistern. Even then, there are difficulties all around." She claimed. Yona nearly slammed her arm down onto her stand's deck, a scowl on her face.

[Krysta 0]

                             The tension in the debate was starting to get out of hand. Koharu questioned if Krysta and Ellyria were suggesting that Polygamy was inherently toxic. "Er, I would not necessarily say tha-"
          Ellyria answered the question, and Krysta was uncertain why this player even showed up to the debate in the first place. The aggressive stance she was taking, it was uncalled for, and it was a bit much, to boot. "Alanin, should we do something about our unexpected 'ally'?" Krysta whispered, wondering if he shared the concern. Alanin looked to Ellyria, then to Khavius, who was now keeping a close and attentive eye on the conversation. "That would be the moderator's job. Best that we do not interfere." He whispered back. It was a fair point. Alanin listened to Ellyria's next point, in which he'd create an opportunity to try equalizing the field instead of letting one issue make the two sides look morally black and white in complete contrast, by asking for the definition of love.
       Yona tried, and she failed, as Ellyria used it to try and press her view even further. Krysta shook her head, this was getting nowhere fast. Best to just be in the discussion and let the moderator handle anything that goes too far.
                         Koharu blinked, looking unsure of what to say next. After some seconds of silence, Koharu chose to speak up instead of back down. "…And? There’s a problem with one person having many hearts while their lovers are content with their one beloved?" She questioned.
                      Ellyria nodded her head. "That’s still technically Polyamory to the lovers with only one beloved, because on the other side of the relationship, is one with many. Not to mention, there are forms of Polyamory where everyone around is in love with everyone else involved." She commented.
              Koharu shook her head while her expression seemed to show confusion. "But that wasn’t the point…"
       Shulko took a swig of his energy drink. "So you really think monogamy is the way to go because it’s otherwise just hedonism? That can happen with monogamy too, you know. The only thing that changes is the lover count, as long as the commitment's there, and the necessary communication as well, what's the hurt?" He commented.

"Objection!"

         "Stupid boy, there’s only one real reason why you’d choose polyamory. You simply want to satisfy your addiction twenty-four seven." Ellyria remarked.

*Take That!*

           Shulko's eyes widened, Krysta's jaw dropped, Alanin wasn't certain what to think, and Koharu hastily wrapped both her arms around Shulko. "That was uncalled for!" Koharu shot back.
               Koharu's response was sound. Krysta believed that if Shulko was Vigilon's best friend, he'd be far more trustworthy than Ellyria seemed to think.

[Yona 0]

          Unbelievable how this masked player would turn out to be the biggest ass in the room. All she's ever done in this debate is take up the aggressive stance. Each point made is a deliberate attack or proclamation of personal belief. Ugh, she needed to get a grip.

            The moment Ellyria made a direct verbal attack on Shulko in response to his comment, Yona would react with words. "Whoa there, that’s a excessively aggressive and assumptive stance you’ve got right now! Tone it down!" She called out. Koharu pointed out that Ellyria's jab was uncalled for, which was an understatement. Koharu didn't let go of Shulko just yet, but it seemed that, by the looks of the two, their relationship appeared to be platonic. Nothing wrong with friends coming together to defend each other.
    Koharu continued. "Just because we’re defending polygamy doesn’t mean we’re strictly polyamorous, you know." She pointed out. Shulko scratched the back of his head. "Take me, for example. I really don’t have a preference, I just work with whatever makes me and my partner, or partners, happy." He revealed.
                Ellyria wasn't fazed in the slightest. "Happiness, or short-term satisfaction?" She questioned. 
    Yona already had enough.

"Hold it!"

         "Listen here you, this is a debate meant for sharing and comparing ideologies. Sure, there’s a few remarks in which we speak against the other’s ideology or point out a flaw, but that personal attack you just made?" Yona slammed both her free hand, and her coffee mug, onto the deck of her stand. Oddly enough, the mug didn't break. "Detestable!" She called out.
                 Ellyria looked like she might have been deadpanning, but that didn't stop Yona.
       "And quit trying to drill your 'I am superior and you are all lowly worms for not having the same ideology as me' BS onto us! It’s ridiculous!" Yona added.
               Ellyria rolled her eyes while shaking her head. She looked back to Yona. "Putting words in my mouth will get you nowhere. The three of you talk pretty big in defending your wants as though you could do whatever you wanted, without consequence. Should I start speaking as though you were children?" She remarked.

          Three times. Khavius sighed. He looked to the item near him on the deck of his stand. He usually saved usage of it for the considerably rare trials, but he needed to get Ellyria's attention.

           "I will intervene here." Khavius began. "Ellyria, I will ask that you stop at once. I will not tolerate such constant and blatant verbal assaults in here. Understand?" He said to Ellyria. 
         Ellyria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She nodded her head.

   Alanin had a comment to add. "The point of a debate is not to force another into joining your side and condemning them if they don’t." He noted.
                         Ellyria looked to Alanin, then closed her eyes. "People who act carelessly are bound to find only pain, suffering and misfortune. Such is life, and one of humanity’s many flaws if they are left unchecked." She claimed. 
           Was she still keeping this up?? Yona drained her coffee mug and slid it off the deck, it shattered upon impact with the floor. "You’re really getting on my nerves here. What do you hope to gain from all this?" She questioned. "Well? Out with it."

[Krysta 0]

                    Ellyria continued to press her view and poke at the opposition. They may be on the opposing side, but they were not enemies. Krysta failed to understand why she did not take that into consideration.
      With Ellyria's third verbal stab, Khavius intervened, telling her to stop doing so blatantly. Ellyria seemed reluctant, but why?
                                  Krysta watched as the players had their back-and-forths. Ellyria continued to push her views, but it seemed as though she was trying not to deliver another verbal attack, as she was warned not to. Yona would demand to know what Ellyria hoped to gain from her involvement in this debate. "There is wisdom and there is folly. There is ideology, and there is reality. It would do you good to wake up, your dreams are merely what they are: Dreams, unattainable fantasies." She replied to Yona. Krysta deadpanned, this was not a proper answer to the question.

"Hold it!"

       Koharu seemed determined to get this settled. "Do you even know what this is about, how this debate even started?" She asked. Ellyria looked to Koharu. "This is a discussion of Monogamy versus Polygamy, no? If context is necessary, do enlighten me…if you believe it will actually help." She replied.
                               Koharu nodded. "Krysta and I both like Vigilon. Vigilon is currently in a relationship with Krysta, but he didn’t encounter me after all these years until I reunited with him in-game, after he’d met and entered a relationship with Krysta. I still like Vigilon, and I don’t see a reason why we can’t both have him. Krysta disagreed, so we took this to a debate." She explained.
              Krysta nodded. "She speaks the truth. This debate may potentially affect personal lives. Whether it will affect Koharu only, or all three of us, has yet to be seen." She added.
      Shulko gave a thumbs-up. "Sakura and Princess both like Red Eyes, it’s true. He’s my best friend, and I know he isn’t the sort to break the hearts of good people, he cares and he loves. He’s probably decided to leave it to Princess as to whether or not Sakura can join in because he’s realized that he might actually like Sakura as well." He noted.
                            Ellyria looked to the each of the three players that spoke, then looked to Koharu. "The answer for this is simple. Don’t try to date him. It is likely that he simply feels pressured, and is caving because he hates saying no. I personally doubt you are ready for a relationship if you believe that your given solution will actually solve the problem. In fact, I’d say none of you three are capable of a healthy relationship to begin with." She stated. "This Vigilon character, if he is willing to cave in such a manner just because the person wanting in his love life 'has a good heart', suggests to me that his position is not a healthy one. he should not be dated at all." She added.
        Krysta didn't like that addition. "How would you know?" She questioned. "You've never met him. You don't know what he's really like. Aside from Alanin, everyone else among us who are in this discussion has known him to some degree." She noted.

[Yona 0]

               Ah, so Ellyria was one of those people...wonderful, just wonderful...

   Koharu questioned Ellyria, and the situation that sparked the debate would be explained for all present to hear. So it was true, this was about Vigilon...
     Ellyria proceeded to claim that Vigilon shouldn't be dated at all and that all three in the opposing side of the debate were not healthy. Yona blinked, just what kind of condescending ass says stuff like that?

           Alanin took a deep breath. "…Are all of your claims, points and stances going to be aggressive ones?" He asked. Ellyria looked to Alanin, then closed her eyes as she turned to face the opposing side once again. "Healthy relationships are rare, so in most cases, it is better to not date, let alone marry." She claimed. Yona would not stand for this. She slammed her hands on the deck of her stand. "Are you seriously saying people would be better off dying alone then finding someone they can share happiness with?" She questioned. Ellyria seemed unfazed. She looked to Yona, as though evaluating her based on all that she'd spoken so far. Then she would move on to answering Yona's question. "That 'happiness' is subjective. 'Love' has become the most addictive set of neurochemicals due to apparent depravity. Sadly, this will inevitably result in millions of people who are unfit to date anyone, let alone more than one individual." She claimed.

"Hold it!"

               "Let me ask you something…are you willing to date anyone? Why or why not?" Shulko asked, hoping that getting Ellyria's opinion on this might clear up any confusion and reveal the reasons for the aggressive stance she'd taken. "A fair question." Ellyria remarked. "I don’t want to date anyone. My reasoning is that I cannot trust anyone well enough for a healthy commitment, and there’s only one thing on potential partners’ minds…" She stated. Shulko gave a mild chuckle, and took another sip of his energy drink. "Love and relationships aren’t just casual bedroom games. It’s about being committed to one another and being a permanent part of each others’ lives." He pointed out. Ellyria appeared to be somewhat relieved...but only somewhat. "At least that’s one thing we can agree on, and for a moment I’d thought you’d be the sort to be in the other direction." She commented. "Never judge a book by its cover. Personally, that claim you made earlier wasn’t necessary." Shulko added.

       Yona had a bad feeling about this. She didn't exactly appreciate where Ellyria seemed to be standing...

[Krysta 0]

               Ellyria's aggression continued, but she kept it to tolerable levels. She seemed to be on the belief that a truly wholesome relationship was so shockingly rare that it was better to give up entirely. What could have possibly happened that would have caused her to think in such a manner?

   When Shulko questioned her reasoning, Ellyria brought up her distrust with all potential partners. Shulko brought up the importance of commitment and of the relationship itself, that relationships were more than simply a particular course of action.

   Krysta nodded her head. "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch, they say." She remarked. To Ellyria she would say, "Even if you wish to remain cautious, I am certain you may potentially still find hope if there is someone out there whom you grow to befriend and trust, who also trusts you in return." 
     Ellyria took a deep breath, accepting that Krysta meant well, but ultimately she remained unwavering in her position, if her unchanging stance was anything to go off of.
         Krysta would then look to Shulko. "Shulko, I understand that you, despite your flaws, have proven yourself to be a respectable individual in terms of relationship qualities. However, I find myself with need to ask that we can agree to disagree. I find a potential flaw in the core of your ideology. Even if you believe the relationship is serious, how can you be certain that all of your partners, or those who look upon you, will not simply see it as a casual fling, or set of flings? How do you know that it is truly a deep connection, and not merely a friendship circle with extra, unnecessary steps? How do you avoid muddling the two?" She questioned.

    Shulko nodded. "That's a fair question, Princess. In the end, I'd have to say it's all a matter of perspective." He noted. Koharu appeared to be wracking her mind for something to point out. "I'd argue on the given question's points, but I can't seem to come up with a counter to it." She admitted.

[Yona 0]

                 Krysta would make some points to Ellyria and Shulko. Shulko stated his opinion on the questions, that in the end it was all a matter of perspective. Koharu wasn't able to come up with anything to say that could counter the given points effectively, so Yona took a sip of her coffee and verbally stepped in. "But I can. What’s seen as casual for one person may be serious to another. It’s all a matter of perspective and culture. The relationships he seeks may seem like dumb flings to you, but to him, they just might mean the world to him. Some cultures accept or tolerate polyamory, but others don’t. While that’s kind of how it is, things are changing, as are the times. You might wanna get used to it." She explained. "It's like what Shulko said, to be honest. It's all a matter of perspective."

     Alanin nodded his head. "It’s true that we live in a day and age where more and more is becoming acceptable." He began. "However, some of it is being used by people as excuses for what is merely a search for freedom, and/or control in their life. They want something new to define them, and they want to achieve their dreams. We and our generation are still young, and thus we still have much to learn in terms of reality. Some of us know more reality than others do, but it is likely that many of our fellow youths, as well as those even younger than us, will continue to chase fantasy, before reality either puts a wall in front of them, or ends them." He explained.
           Ellyria pulled out a small pointer and tapped her stand with it. "These fantasies lead to delusions of entitlement. Those who walk the path of polyamory are likely doing so because they believe they have the 'freedom' and 'entitlement' to sate their addictions and desires as much as they please, whenever, wherever." She claimed.
                             Koharu didn't like where Ellyria was going, and neither did Yona, to be honest. "People will still learn things from experience, as well as trial and error. Nobody’s perfect, but it’s not like the majority of people are Karens or 'Nice Guys'." She pointed out.
      "Understandable, but it is better for people to learn from history and the mistakes of others, rather than their own. If they could just be kept in line, they would know that." Ellyria countered.

"Hold it!"

           "The hell did you just imply?" Yona questioned angrily.

[Krysta 0]

           Perspective...that was a rather insightful point that Shulko had made. In fact, it made sense, and Yona would give her thoughts to support the claim. "I appreciate this point. Regardless of which side of the debate's argument one is on, we cannot simply overlook the factor that is perspective." Krysta agreed.

         Alanin would make his point regarding the modern flaws of a changing society, and the pitfalls they can run into. Ellyria would make her own remarks, which carried the scent of her drive to make an attempt against the playerbase that Krysta stopped via the destruction of The Bardiche. Yona, of course, was not amused by this, and her aggressively active body language, alongside her question, caused Khavius to slowly facepalm out of concern for where this may potentially be going.

     Shulko shook his head. "I think what’s going on is that the other side is confusing Polyamory with an Open Relationship. I might be in support of poly, but surprise, surprise, I don't see Open Relationship as a good idea. Open relationships come across to me as just casually messing around to no foreseeable end, but Polygamy is more like monogamy, but with extra partners. Open relationships appear as endless flings to me, while I see Polygamy as more exclusive and actually has commitments. Clearly the two have been blurred together by what others have seen, from what I know." He claimed.

"Objection!"

           "I personally see no difference between the two, it’s an excuse to say one doesn’t really commit." Ellyria shot back.
      Alanin appeared to be in thought. "Actually, I think he does have a point. Multiple partners or no, Polygamy has commitments to the lovers involved, even though it’s not a solid, true union between two. Otherwise, the term is being used to defend one’s poor capabilities to keep or hold a relationship when they can’t." He added.

"Not so Fast!"

           "However, the issue remains the same. The matters at hand with love, regardless of partner count, happen to be of Fantasy, Ideology, and Reality. Media panders to fantasy, which then affects ideology, removing it from reality. If Ideology and Reality do not connect, there is no hope for the person in question to be in a healthy, committed, or stable relationship of any kind. Almost no one is in touch with reality as of present, so it is better for people to not date as they are now, and believing that their partner, or partners, will 'fix them' is an even worse fantasy that exists at present. If you have to date anyone at all, Monogamy offers a better chance at stability, not that it’s achievable at all for most. People chase after partners, fantasies and neurochemicals, to the point where it’s just not even worth it. Their ideologies have become fantasy, and reality is nowhere to be found. People will harm each other, physically, emotionally or mentally over their cravings and desires that they refuse to even put on a leash. At the rate things are going, humanity is doomed to endless mistakes that will make all life crumble. I say it is better not to date. Not dating will reduce the surplus population and give you, if not others as well, a chance to separate fantasy from reality, and choose the latter over the former. But alas, it would seem that humanity has set a course for itself, one of self-destruction from a lack of self-control." Ellyria claimed. What a long explanation that came out to be...

      Koharu's expression appeared to show both confusion and sympathy. "...Who hurt you?" She asked.

   Ellyria didn't seem to like that reaction. "My point is sound." She responded.

[Yona 0]

                Shulko would claim that there was a lack of understanding, and then make attempts to tell the differences between Polygamy and Open Relationship in hopes of preventing further aggression...unfortunately, Ellyria didn't listen.

     Alanin's attempt to accept Shulko's point while holding his side of the argument failed to calm Ellyria down, who had a whole damn rant to give.
                      Yona deadpanned as the rant went on. The bias was so noticeable, it could be seen from beyond Aincrad, maybe even space. "It's becoming very clear to me now that this woman puts herself on a high pedestal while throwing everyone else to the swine pens. Unbelievable..." She thought. "Ye with little faith in humanity, how doth thy know the roles are not reversed?" She silently mocked within her mind. While Yona was aware there was plenty of evil among the human population, she didn't think they were too far gone, unlike this idiot here.

      Koharu asked who hurt Ellyria, who tried to deflect the blow by claiming her point was sound. "No it ain't." Yona shot back.

[Krysta 0]

                       Khavius looked at the current situation and where it was going. Shulko would do the same. "…Aren’t we getting a little off track here?" He asked.

       Krysta would take a moment to think after hearing Ellyria's alleged rant, then would give her thoughts on it. "Despite Ellyria’s claims, she does have some points. While there have been some forms of media that tugged on my heartstrings, I am aware of the differences. Not everyone seems willing to see the difference, and thus the lines between Fantasy, Ideology, and Reality become muddled. I shan’t judge whether or not someone should date, yet the amount of people seeking fantasies that do not exist is increasing rapidly. Oddly enough, this issue’s effects are not equal to the two genders, depending on culture." She explained.

   Shulko chuckled. "We really do need true gender equality, don't we?" He remarked. "Agreed." Koharu added with a smile.
            Ellyria's eyes were closed, her stance still rigid as ever as the pointer she'd pulled out was tapping her free hand. "Equality sounds nice, on the surface. Equity sounds like a better option, however." She stated. Krysta blinked, Alanin appeared to be unsure what to think, Shulko and Koharu seemed a bit worried, and Krysta could have sworn she heard Yona groan and proceed to faceplant on the deck of her stand. Terms that had differing meanings on different perspectives would surely be lost in the thoughts of division. The subject needed to be changed, and quickly!

   Alanin brought the conversation back to the topic at hand. "I believe Monogamy is far more selective than Polygamy will ever be. There is less commitment in Polygamy than there is in Monogamy." He stated. Shulko shook his head. "Nah, you can be just as selective, and just as committed. Personally, I think it’ll work out if everyone involved can help each other out, count on each other, and keep each other happy. Even Polygamy has limits though, otherwise it’s just open relationship." He noted. Alanin tilted his head slightly, then straightened up and made his response. "I understand where you are coming from, but there is a point where I must disagree. A beloved cannot feasibly handle more than a handful of lovers, if we’re placing realistic limits on it. However, it’s usually a major risk, which makes Monogamy a more practical, safer option. 'Make sure to have just one wife. Any more and you’ll destroy your life.'" He then waited for the next person to speak.
        Krysta would take a deep breath before adding her next contribution. "Numerous cultures have had their reasons to do some things and avoid others. While different people in the same culture can have different beliefs, it doesn't mean they can't have good points to support their causes. Speaking of different cultures, here is a phrase spoken as a proverb of the native american people: 'Chase two rabbits, and you will lose them both.'” She added.

[Yona 0]

             Buzzwords ruin everything when in certain contexts, because in certain contexts, such buzzwords are nothing more than words of slander used by the two big philosophies to verbally stab each other with. Equity sounds nice on the surface, but in the wrong context, it's just another ideological buzzword beloved by one side and despised by the other. Hurt people hurt people. The world moves on, but for some reason the people don't.

          When Ellyria threw the buzzword into the conversation, it would go south unless the people involved kept their heads on straight. Yona let out a highly audible groan, and faceplant onto the stand of her deck, then slam her fist down repeatedly. "I understand you're probably thinking of the greater good, but let's not divide the house, ok?" She said despite still being within a faceplant, muffling her words slightly.

      Thankfully, everyone seemed to be keeping their heads intact instead of being triggered. Wonderful, there were some people with critical thinking skills in the room. What a relief...
    Alanin and Shulko exchanged thoughts and opinions on limitation between the two sides of the current debate, then Krysta would add some thoughts of her own. Unfortunately, Yona found a major flaw in the cultural quote she'd given.

"Objection!"

     "Chasing rabbits? That’s hunting, which can be attributed to stalking or something worse. In an actual relationship, both sides are actively seeking each other out, without destroying either side." Yona pointed out. "You might want to be careful and remember context when picking out quotes to support your side of an argument, just saying." She advised with a smile and a wink.

            Shulko scratched the back of his head and took another swig of his energy drink. "Anyways… Alanin, the caution aspect you mentioned is a surprisingly valid reason to choose monogamy over polyamory, but if we’re being honest, caution can turn into fear if taken to its own extreme." He began, while taking out another energy drink from his inventory. "If two girls were to approach me and confess, and I liked both of them back, I just need to see proof that the two can get along and I’d have no doubts that the three of us would be happy together. Otherwise, there’s bound to be a broken heart." He pointed out. Taking another sip of the energy drink, he'd continue. "Being Polygamous yet committed is an entirely different scenario than what most think of someone who isn’t monogamous. Monogamous people have a 'one and only' ideology, in which no one else can interfere. This actually limits the amount of people that those who aren’t strictly monogamous can date. If anything, though, one potential positive of polygamy would be that less people would find themselves dying alone." He explained.
             "And if some people deserved to die alone?" Ellyria asked.
        "…Oh, shove off." Shulko retorted.

    With a nervous smile, Koharu would try to lighten up the conversation. "There really isn’t a need to be all doom and gloom here." She noted.

[Krysta 0]

                    "..."

   The debate continued, though Krysta was finding herself with less and less to say as the debate went on. The voices and activity she was putting in became more and more mental than verbal. Despite this, the debate continued as there was more to be said by, honestly, all six participants.

   Ellyria continued tapping her free hand with her pointer as she continued the discussion. "Relationships as a whole have become high risk for toxic interaction. Look how many people have even failed to keep a stable monogamous relationship, and see that Polygamy, Polyamory and Open Relationships are far worse in comparison. If it’s more than one, it’s hedonism, and in this day and age, for love in general? I don’t recommend it." She claimed.
       Koharu sighed. "Polyamory has held a bad rap, mainly due to some individual people who use the term as a front for their open relationships…which is basically their excuse for just constant cheating, especially if the person in question intends to only settle with one…it’s not right, and they give little to no effort. Real relationships, be it Monogamy or Polygamy, takes effort and commitment. If someone’s not willing to commit, then there’s a problem." She counterpointed.

        Krysta nodded her head. "I actually agree with you in that a real relationship takes effort and commitment. It would appear almost as though nothing was serious in culture anymore, it is all…casual, short lived, never lasting, and many have even come close to giving up… It disgusts me that people would turn to hedonism, out of desperation for an imagined paradise they will never have." She added.
         Shulko took another sip from his energy drink. "If anything, it’s good that Princess and Sakura started this debate. They’re willing to talk it out and exchange ideas. We set our stances, show what we know and what we believe…and in a case like this, it will mean that whatever becomes of Red Eyes’ love life, everyone will have agreed and consented to it." He noted. "Gotta love civil courses of action." Ellyria was silent for the time being, but it appeared that she was coming up with words, and gears were turning in her head. Alanin nodded his head. "It’s true, though, it is a healthy course of action taken towards the relationship. We can’t let whatever pain we’ve been through blind us." He added.

"Objection!"

            "'Healthy' as your actions may be, how are we to know that Vigilon is handling this properly as well? I’d mentioned earlier that chances are, he can’t say no. This is not a healthy trait. He’ll need to make up his mind, of his own accord. He needs to solidify what it is that he believes in, and act upon it. Otherwise, he’ll be harming himself, and possibly the both of you as a result." Ellyria pointed out.

    ...Say, aren't objections supposed to be reserved for responding to the opposing side of the argument? This was rather unusual.

     Koharu crossed her arms. "Who are you to tell us how to live our lives? Have you ever had feelings for a guy, one who’s sweet, gentle, and willing to help you out or protect you because you’re important, and he’s able to count on you to help out in return?" She responded.
          "No.", came Ellyria's answer.
      "Oh...ok then..." Koharu spoke.

                      Shulko let out a sigh. "Look, I trust Red Eyes can make his own decision. I get the feeling that you’ve got a bias, be it one of pain and trauma, or maybe some complex of superiority, I dunno. But…you don’t really like us, do you?" He asked. Ellyria's angered expression spoke for her.
            Koharu continued the conversation. "As was noted before, Polyamory isn’t just 'Sleep around with fifty-plus lovers without any  consequences', that’s an unrealistic fantasy that people with no self-control have. It’s possible to be committed to more than one partner and still have self-control." She stated. "Fantasies that are far from reality, that I can’t deny, but not all of what people call Polygamy or Polyamory fits that. It’s possible to have a healthy, committed, consensual relationship with multiple partners. I’m not doing this debate just because I wanna win or anything, I just want to exchange sides of the story so that the issue can be resolved peacefully, regardless of what the result ends up being." She explained.

"Objection!"

      Twice in a row...this could not be good.

           "Most of Man have failed humanity. Whether one is superior or not depends on the individual." Ellyria said to Shulko. To the discussion in general, she would continue... "Many in this day and age are selfish and undeserving, and there are many who would ignore the truth and openly despise those who would speak it. I have grown a distaste for many in general, because of what they have done, and because they believe they can rule others as well as themselves. What they need is a sensible figure above who can keep them in line, and society as a whole will benefit. Polyamory may not be the 'Open relationships' that even you are disgusted by, but it is still a form of hedonistic greed and lust, even if it is at a mild, 'tolerable' level. People who are 'Nice' tend to be so for the sake of either acceptance from the community, or to win someone over into whatever fantasies they have. If you are to date anyone at all, choose Monogamy, otherwise you’ll be falling into the fantasized, unattainable ideologies like the rest of the common rabble." She declared.

*Take That!*

     Koharu was shocked by the aggression in Ellyria's statement, Khavius had his forehead resting in his palm as he tapped the deck of his stand with the gavel he pulled out earlier, most likely a nonverbal notice that Ellyria might be on her way to a second intervention and warning.

    Shulko appeared to be highly disgruntled. "…Jeez, lady, lighten up, would ya?" He asked.

[Yona 0]

                  That was the last straw. Ellyria was going to pay for this.
       Yona's blood boiled as Ellyria spoke her latest two Objections, in a row. When the opportunity rose, Yona decided to take a stand.

"Objection!"

                "Listen here you thick-skulled, self-serving, people-judging tower of pride who’s clearly 'subtly' slipping in the victim card into all her arguments, you have no right to force us to believe what you want us to! The world won’t come to an end if you don’t get your way, so stop trying. Lots of people who think they know what’s what end up failing at a lot of stuff, that’s just a given in life. Now get off your damn pretentious high horse and get back down to earth, ‘cause I’m not done yet." Yona began. She slammed both her hands onto the deck of her stand. "People demand unrealistic expectations out of other people, that’s true, but it doesn’t mean that the majority of people out there are evil or stupid, they might just be as broken as the rest of us and probably need therapy, rather than whatever BS you prefer. Some people may have been influenced by the media, yes, but this would mainly be the media’s fault for indoctrinating consumerism. If you think you can achieve any form of 'perfection' or 'purity', give it up, it ain’t gonna happen, you’ll only make people hate you." She pointed out. "There are definitely people who are genuinely nice, and if they expect kindness in return then it’s either become normal for people to be nice to them and they get caught up in it, or the person believes in karma. As for your 'common rabble' remark, based on everything else you’ve said, you must think you’re better than everyone else, and because of that you should have the right to reign over them." She then clenched her hands into fists and pounded them both on the deck of her stand. It was enough force to make <<Immortal Object>> appear in front of the deck. "Well, you f***ing don’t and that’s just how it is. People can be free, people can make choices, no matter how good or stupid, and people can band together to stand against people who make bad choices, as well as people who get too big for their own skin and think they can have supremacy over life and their own kind. If you think this means little to you because you are 'superior', well, too bad, the truth hurts and I doubt you’ll ever really understand."

*Take That!*

          Ellyria was now bending her pointer close to the breaking point. Yona's counter-rant had clearly ticked her off. Khavius looked to Yona and tapped the deck of his stand with his gavel, not that it made Yona feel any less justified about her current course of action.
        Shulko chuckled. "Is this gonna become an evisceration session? Well, anyway, pretty sure we can be friends with many good people and date a few of them. If it works out, it works out, no need to get worked up over it." He remarked.

"Objection!"

     Again? Seriously?

      "'He who is friends with everyone is friends with no one.' 'Whoever enters a polyamorous relationship sets themselves up for failure.' These words were spoken by philosophers." Ellyria claimed.
      "Any other cherry picked quotes you feel like using?" Yona asked.
   "'Consider the average intelligence of the common man, then realize fifty percent are even stupider.'" Ellyria answered, and quoted. Shulko had something to add based on the latest given quote. "I am not unaware that there are plenty of dudes out there who are dum-dum stupid. Plenty of them wreak all kinds of havoc and make the rest of my own gender look bad…but you wanna know something really stupid? Thinking that the actions of one makes the whole bad, and not even actual good deeds from another individual will change your mind." He pointed out.

Edited July 2 by Yona

[Krysta 0]

                      Ellyria's latest "Objection!" had left Yona feeling considerably peeved. In fact, Yona was peeved to the point of speaking out a rant against Ellyria's alleged point of view. Ellyria was bending her pointer close to the breaking point, and had clearly been angered. The situation was now becoming concerning, and it would not be out of the question if Yona and Ellyria were to become enemies at this rate.
     Shulko chuckled, and tried to make light of the situation, whilst bringing the conversation back on topic. Ellyria then proceeded to speak some quotations she'd claimed to have heard from philosophers. Shulko would give his response, then Alanin would take a turn to speak.

"Objection!"

            "It’s not stupid, it’s natural. There’s a reason why 'a bad apple spoils the whole bunch' is a phrase." He pointed out.
     Krysta thought for a moment, then she had something to add. "Honestly, the only times Polygamy have ever seemed to work were all within fiction. It’s easy to fabricate a healthy relationship that works out because in that case you are the one in control. Real human beings are far more susceptible to certain issues such as jealousy, envy, or toxicity. If you can prove to me that it’s possible in reality, however, I invite you to try." She stated.
       Alanin nodded. "Unfortunately, it is commonly known that Open Relationships fall into the category of Polyamory, so it’s no wonder that it would muddle its name or term, assuming it even had a good name to begin with." He added. Krysta had a question to ask the opposing side of the debate. "…Tell me, what is the current success rate for Polygamy? Do you know?" She wondered if they would have an answer for this.

     Oddly enough, they did not. Koharu's eyes were wide, Shulko appeared to be sweating nervously, and Yona seemed to be unamused. Ellyria noticed this silence, and seemed to take it as a success for her side of the argument. "You don’t have an answer for that, do you?" She asked.

[Yona 0]

              Well, Krysta had a good question, that, Yona had to admit. Ellyria took the silence that followed the question as though it were a score for her side. "We...come to think of it, I never thought of that question myself..." Koharu remarked, seeing the flaw in her side of the argument, or at least, the fact that their knowledge on the subject wasn't perfect, something Yona could never blame anyone for. Perfection does not exist.

     Of course, Yona wasn't going to let Ellyria get to have her little "victory." "The current success rate for monogamy isn’t looking too hot either, even if it’s currently doing better than poly. I wouldn’t mind having just one partner, but it would be nice to have multiple. If I was just being used for flings, however, that wouldn’t exactly be healthy, now would it? I’d know better, and choose different partners with a better sense of loyalty." She noted.

"Objection!"

             "Polygamous and Polyamorous people don’t know the meaning of loyalty, even if they pretend to know. You can see from their life choices that they’re far too hedonistic to be practical." Ellyria shot back. Yona's scowl was enough of a response. "Ugh, always back to the same stupid point and selfish stance..." Yona thought. "She's never gonna see past that, is she?"
         Ellyria continued. "Polygamy knows no reality, it is selfish and irresponsible. We aren’t adults surrounded by peers, we’re a select few surrounded by children and immatures." She added, once again tapping her free hand with her pointer.

     Koharu blinked. "You’ve been pretty harsh since you got here…more so than Alanin and Krysta have so far. Can’t you just, I dunno, be a little nicer?" She asked.
          Ellyria slowly shook her head. "I understand that you'd prefer a softer blow. However, unfortunately for you, truth carries pain, especially for those unwilling to admit it." She stated.

      Nuh-uh, Yona wasn't gonna have this.

"Objection!"

           "That’s just an excuse to decide that you’re right without taking anyone else’s thoughts into consideration." Yona shot back.
              Ellyria blinked, unamused. "Sometimes I just don’t know how to respond to you." She said plainly.

   Yona smirked, took a swig of her coffee, and slammed the mug down on the deck of her stand. "Good, then you can shut up and listen." She remarked. "All relationships require communication and consent. Otherwise there’s something you’re doing wrong. You may think Polygamy is just cheating under guise of multiple partners, but that’s just not how it is. Besides, those examples you gave with those recording crystals seemed to suggest it’s always the guy who’s a singular beloved with a bunch of lovers. While that’s common, in both history and fiction, it’s become a stereotype that’s been frowned upon by people seeking perfection, and perfectionism has been spreading as much as religion itself, in many various ways. It’s impossible to be perfect, no matter how hard you try. I know my parents did. I don’t see anything wrong with me having multiple partners, as long as they’re fine with each other and don’t try to do anything stupid, as equality and cooperation is what’ll keep the relationship afloat, regardless of partner count." She explained. "Now, does that little truth sting to you?" She asked, her smirk unflinching.

          Ellyria appeared to be unfazed. "As if you could find that many trustworthy men." She retorted.
   "Would you have a problem if there was a girl or two among them?" Yona questioned curiously.
            Ellyria blinked. "...What kind of question is that? I only believe you shouldn’t date unless they’re among the practical few, and stick with only one." She answered.
       Yona nodded. "…Ah…So you just distrust the guys." She remarked.
  Ellyria didn't look comfortable about this, not that Yona cared. "Stop trying to figure me out like you’re some kind of psychologist." She shot back. Yona, of course, was enjoying this. "Heheheheh."

Edited June 30 by Yona