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>/qst/ Thread Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Beyond%20the%20Gate
>QM Twitter: twitter.com/SmileytheQM
>General Info (Incomplete): http://pastebin.com/ffH25ciB

"How about this?!" Madelaine says, as she steps forward and thrusts under your guard. At the same time, she fires off a burst of wind at your legs to try and knock them out from under you.

Your feet hold strong though, and you split your blade into a 'Y' to catch hers and force it up. Then you fire a soul bolt at her shoulder.

Madelaine twists away, just barely dodging your spell, before firing back with one of her own. She sweeps her blade in a long arc, leaving an almost visible streak in the air that flies towards you.

You cross slash it as it comes, but that only serves to split the attack into 2... both of which hit you, 1 in the face and 1 in the chest, knocking you over.

"Ow" You say.
"Sorry, that one may have been a bit too much..." Madelaine says.
"I thought I had you with that bolt..." You say, as you sit up.
"You never had me" She replies, poking you in the forehead. "You've gotta learn to weave your spells into your attacks. The way you do it now, you stop attacking, charge up, fire, then keep going and it's SUPER obvious"

You frown. "It's hard focusing on both the spell and the blade" You say.
"Well, get used to that then" Madelaine says, as she offers you a hand to help you to your feet.

After supper was finished, Emi decided that she'd make the initial write-up for what you'll be sending back to Fran and Jade, then you and Madelaine can add anything she might have missed.

Figuring you had sometime to kill while she did that, you and Madelaine decided to practice fighting with both swords and spells simultaneously. The results have... not been in your favour...

>Another round?

>See how Emi's work is coming along

>Where'd Derrick and Cheska go?

>Other
>>
>>1421714
>>Another round?
>>
>>1421714
>>Another round?
train to get stronger
>>
>>1421714
>>Another round?
>>
>>1421714
>>Another round?
>>
>writing
>>
"Another round?" You ask.
"Hey, if you wanna get beat again that's fine with me" She says.
"Har har" You reply. "I whupped you when we weren't using magic..."

"Yeah, well nobody is gonna handicap themselves in real life" She says. "You should get used to fighting against mages. You've been lucky enough not to come across anyone who's really good at this, but that probably won't last"

"Hmm... how did you learn?" You ask.
"Meyu taught me" She says. "You think I'm beating you? You haven't seen anything yet"
"Maybe I'll have to have a go at him sometime" You say.
"He'd probably be happy to whip you up. As he put it-" She says, switching into her best Meyu impression. "There's nothing quite like teaching youngsters the value of experience"

"That was a pretty good impression" You say.
"Well, you spend enough time around someone..." She says. "So, ready?"

"Yeah" You reply.

>Roll 1d100 with focus
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>1421806
and focus
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>1421806
>>
File: 1492666079557.gif (932 KB, 400x265)
932 KB
932 KB GIF
>>1421810
>>
File: Breathing.jpg (30 KB, 500x418)
30 KB
30 KB JPG
>>1421810
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>1421806
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>1421806
>>
File: Very Nice.jpg (290 KB, 1463x920)
290 KB
290 KB JPG
>>1421810
>>
>writing
>>
You get back into position and start over. This time Madelaine leads with a wind blade, and rishes in behind it.

You duck under the blade and stop her charge with a counter, forcing her to back off. She twists like she did before, launching another bladed gust.

...

As you roll to the side to evade, it occurs to you that those blade are kind of a pain... you can't really block them, at least not with what you have. Soul waves just get pierced, and both your blade and soul bolts just split the stupid things in 2.

You need some way to counter these wind blades if you want to beat Madelaine. The question is: how?

>By blocking it

>By copying it

>Other
>>
>>1421864
>>By copying it
>>
>>1421864
>>By copying it
>>
>>1421864
>>By copying it
>>
>writing
>>
You close the disance between the two of you, pushing your weight forward into a quick slash which Madelaine parries.
She then fires off a burst of wind to knock you off balance, but you counter it with your own soul wave, causing a more powerful burst between the two of you that sends you both stumbling back.

You both get your footing back around the same time, and Madelaine tries to capitalize on the distance with by slashing the air to create another wind blade.

This time you do the same, leaving a trail of semi-sharpened soul in your blade's wake and sending it forward.

It smashes into Madelaine's blade, powering through it to slam into her and knock her over.

>New spell learned: Blade Wave

"That was more effective than I thought it would be" You say, as you head over to where Madelaine landed.
"Did you... just do that on the fly?" She asks.
"I figured I could use something to counter those blades you're always shooting, so I copied it" You say. "Well... more or less"

Madelaine sits up, and then stands after you give her a hand.

"More or less... how does it work?" She asks.
"Well it's actually just a piece of my blade, kind of..." You say, as you repeat the motion and shoot another into the sky. "I let the tip trail and leave behind energy in its wake, then sent it forward when it broke off"

"So it's physical, like your blade" She says. "No wonder it busted right through my air blade..."

You smile.

"All right, don't get too cocky" She says. "You caught me off guard that time"

>We'll see about that...

>I wanna go tell the others about this

>Other
>>
>>1421950
>>I wanna go tell the others about this
>>
>>1421950
>>I wanna go tell the others about this
>>
>>1421950
>>We'll see about that...
>>
>>1421950
>>I wanna go tell the others about this
Quit while your ahead!
>>
>writing
>>
"I'd love to take you down again, but I wanna go tell the others about this!" You say, as you wave Coral over to you from where she's been sitting and watching the action.
"No, I get it. You're chicken" She says.
You and Coral both poke your tongue out at her. "You're just mad because those air blades you've been abusing for easy wins don't work anymore" You say.

Madelaine throws out her arms. "Hey, if it gets wins, it gets wins" She says.
"The motto of a true scrub" You say. "Come on, let's go see where Derrick and Cheska went"

"I think they're over by the spring" Madelaine says. "I remember hearing Cheska say something about trying to learn other aspects of fire magic"
"She's talked about that before" You say. "And next to the big pool of water sounds like the safest place to practice burning things"
"One would hope" She says.

>1/2
>>
You come up to the pools to see Derrick and Cheska arguing about something on the far side, while Namaki lounges in a chair nearby with a cup of tea.

"How are they doing?" You ask Namaki.
"Oh, they've been doing very well" She says, as she sips her tea. "I don't believe they've made any progress, but it's been quite entertaining to watch"

"Entertaining how?" You ask.
"Just watch" She says.

You look over, and notice that both of them are wet...

"Alright, try it again. This time do it how I told you to, not how you usually do it" Derrick says.

Cheska grumbles something and holds her arms out. They begin to glow orange, and a ball of fire forms over the spring.

Then it bursts, sending flames in every direction. Namaki is ready with a with a forcefield of light, like the one the First Knight used on you in Mortifas.

When the flame dissipates, Derrick and Cheska are nowhere to be seen... until their head poke out of the water.

"That is NOT how I said to do it" Derrick says.
"It is SO how you said to do it!" Cheska replies.

...

>You should do something about this

>Sit down and watch

>Show off your new spell

>Other
>>
>>1422062
>>You should do something about this
see if we can help
>>
>>1422062
>>Sit down and watch
>>
>>1422062
>>Sit down and watch
>>
>>1422062
>>Show off your new spell
>You should do something about this
>>
>>1422062
>>You should do something about this
thus we
>>Sit down and watch
>>
>writing
>>
"Someone should probably do something about that..." You say.
"You're going to stop them?" Namaki asks.

You shrug and sit down in the lounge chair next to Namaki. "I said someone. Someone doesn't neccessarily mean me" You say.
"Indeed it doesn't" Namaki says. "Tea?"
"Yes please" You reply.

Namaki pours a second cup from the pot on the table beside her, and hands it to you.

"Seriously?" Madelaine asks.
"What?" You ask.
"You're just gonna sit there?" She asks.
"They seem to be making progress" You say.

Namaki holds out her arm to create another light screen, as fire erupts from over the spring.

"Up. UP! You're suppose to shoot it UP" Derrick says.
"I am shooting it up" Cheska says.
"It going up does not count if it's just going everywhere" Derrick says.

Cheska shakes her head, in an attempt to get some of the water out of her hair. When she opens her eyes, she spots you and swims over. Then she gets out and runs up to you.

"Yuuuuuuu" She whines, as she sits with you in the chair and hugs you. "Derrick's being meeeaaann!"

...

>Well now we're both soaked

>He's right though...

>He could be a little gentler...

>Other
>>
>>1422123
>Well now we're both soaked

>He's right though...
>>
>>1422123
>>Well now we're both soaked
>>
>>1422123
>>Well now we're both soaked
>>
>>1422123
>He's right though...
>>
>writing
>>
>>1422123
>>Well now we're both soaked
...
>Suplex her back into the water
>>
"He's right though..." You say. "If what you were doing was trying to shoot it up, you were failing"
"Quite spectacularly, I might add" Namaki says.

"Hey, come on! When a pretty girl comes to you in distress, you're supposed to comfort her, not point out her flaws" Cheska says. says.
"Fine..." You say, patting her head. "There there. Now will you get off? You're getting me all wet..."

Cheska scrunches up her face in anger, then proceeds to rub as much of her body against yours as she can, ensuring that you get even more wet.

"Well, now that we're both thoroughly soaked..." You say, as you pick up the devil and walk over to the spring.
"H-hey, it was a joke. I-"

You cut Cheska off by tossing her back into the spring. She hits the water with a big splash, and you wait for her to come back up.

...

...

You might have a problem...

As you contemplate jumping in after her to make sure she's alright, a hand pops out of the water and grabs your ankle.

Just below the water's murky surface, you can see Cheska giving you her usual mischievious smile... right before she drags you in after her.

>1/2
>>
>>1422208
clever girl
>>
You, Derrick, and Cheska sit at the spring's edge, all thoroughly soaked. While Madelaine and Namaki remain in their seats, to avoid getting dragged in like you just did...

"So what brings you here?" Derrick asks. "I thought you and Madelaine were sparring"
"Well I decided to take a break so I could go for a swim" You say, nudging Cheska with your elbow.

"If you didn't wanna get dragged in, all you had to do was take a step back" Cheska says. "I might be strong, but my arms are kinda short"
"I was worried that you might be in trouble..." You say.
"Aww, that's sweet of you" She says, with a sincere smile, before poking you in the forehead. "Sweet, but naive"

"So?" Derrick asks.
"Oh yeah, I learned how to do a new thing" You say. "I was gonna show you right away, but watching you guys argue seemed like more fun"
"Glad we could be of service..." Cheska says.

"Out of curiousity, why were you guys jumping into the water?" You ask.
"Because it's easier and less mana-intensive than shielding ourselves" Derrick says. "Which we tried, but apparently Cheska can't do that either..."

"I told you, man. I got 1 skill and 1 skill only" Cheska says.

"Anyways-

>Lemme show you the thing

>I should dry off

>You couldn't just stand by Namaki?

>Other
>>
>>1422261
>>Lemme show you the thing
>>
>>1422261
>>Lemme show you the thing
>>
>>1422261
>>>Lemme show you the thing
>>
>writing
>>
-lemme show you the thing!" You say, as you stand up and pull out your mageblade.
"New spell?" Derrick asks.

"Yeah, I came up with it while I was fighting Madelaine" You say, as you activate your blade. You then grip it with 2 hands, and swing it downward. The blade wave forms in its wake, and shoots forward as it breaks off, flying over the surface of the pool and dissipating after a few seconds. "Needed something to counter her air blades..."

"So you copied them" Derrick says. "Interesting... is it sharp?"
"As sharp as my blade, yeah" You reply. "In training it was just a blunt projectile, but in a fight it'll be an actual blade"

"Cool stuff, if only a certain other person could pick up new skills as fast as you..." Derrick says.
"I see the obvious jab at me, and I'm choosing to ignore it" Cheska says.

"Thank you" You say. "If you could continue to ignore it for as long as I'm sitting between you two, I would very much appreciate it"
"Can do... maybe" Cheska says.

>What were you guys trying to do?

>Has Emi come out yet?

>Other
>>
>>1422324
>>Has Emi come out yet?
>>
>>1422324
>>What were you guys trying to do?
>>
>>1422324
>>What were you guys trying to do?
>>
>>1422324
>>What were you guys trying to do?
>>
>>1422324
>>What were you guys trying to do?
>>
>writing
>>
"What were you guys trying to do?" You ask.
"I was teaching Cheska how to control her firebursts a bit..." Derrick says. "Well... trying to, at least"

"Is it really that hard?" You ask.
"I've been doing things my way for a very long time" Cheska says. "Old habits are hard to break"

Derrick sighs. "We'll get there eventually..." He says. "I just kinda wish we had a way to protect ourselves that didn't involve hopping in the spring"
"You can't just stand by Namaki?" You ask. "She seems to be doing fine"

"No, she said not to..." Derrick says. "In fact, we should probably call it quits for now. I'd rather not accidentally set fire to her home"
"Good call, I'm kinda done anyway" Cheska says.

"Has Emi been out yet?" You ask.
"Not yet, but there's a lot for her to write down" Derrick says. "Even the way she writes, it'll take a while"

You tilt your head. "How does she write?" You ask.
"Very quickly" Derrick says.
"Oh..." You say, feeling mildly disappointed. You were kinda hoping there was something special about it...

>See how Emi's doing

>Go change into dry clothes

>Brainstorm ways to improve Cheska's training

>Other
>>
>>1422396
>>Brainstorm ways to improve Cheska's training
>>
>>1422396
>>Go change into dry clothes
>>
>>1422396
>Brainstorm ways to improve Cheska's training
Well for one she needs to improve her focus and willpower.
Mageblade-style training with her fire? Get her to form a ball of fire, and keep it stable for an extended period of time as various degrees of distractions and jostling occurs.
>>
>>1422396
>See how Emi's doing
>>
>>1422396
>>Brainstorm ways to improve Cheska's training
>>
>>1422396
>>Brainstorm ways to improve Cheska's training
>>
>writing
>>
"So, trying to get more control over your fire, huh?" You ask.
"And failing" Cheska says.

"Nonsense, you're just not going about it right" You say.
"So how would you do it?" Derrick asks.

"Well, we can't train her the same way you guys trained me..." You say.
"How'd they train you?" Cheska asks.
"By beating me up, mostly" You say. "Hmmm... Have you tried just focusing?"

"I have been, but it's tough to do..." Cheska says.
"Would it help if you had an actual target?" You ask. "Y'know, something to actually shoot at, instead of just trying to shoot straight at nothing?"

...

Derrick and Cheska both lean forward to look at each other.

"I didn't think of that..." Derrick says.
"Me neither..." Cheska says.

"Is there anything we can use as a target?" You ask.
"I dunno... we could put a pole of some kind in the center of the spring" Derrick says. "It'd give you something to shoot at, and make it easy to put out if it caught fire"

"Alright. Let's go see if there's anything like that laying around" You say.
"Sounds good" Cheska replies.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will likely be Wednesday evening, unless I can find the time tomorrow.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!
>>
>>1422478
Thanks for the thread smiley!
>>
>>1422478
thanks for running
>>
>>1422478
Thanks for running Smiley
>>
>>1422478
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
So I just accidentally archived the current /qtg/ instead of this thread. If you're wondering why there's 2 archives, that's why.

Anyone know how I can get that fuck up fixed?
>>
>>1422521
Kek
>>
Random question but what are the other romantic option besides Stella and Cheska? There is only one more option left but are any of the other characters we know options?
>>
>>1423034
Illica.
>>
>>1423034
The info pastebin has them all listed under the waifu category
>>
>>1423068
Just read the pastebin thank you for pointing that out, also the bit about Gwen being single, ouch smiley low fucking blow, like that wasn't even a below the belt that was straight up a punch to the genitals.
>>
After several attempts and just as many failures, Cheska begins charging up another fireball.

"Remember Cheska, focus on the target" Derrick says.
"I AM focusing!" She says. "It's hard to give it my all against a piece of wood"

"So imagine that it's something other than a piece of wood" You say. "Pretend it's something you really wanna destroy"

Cheska pauses for a moment, smiling at you before turning back to the target and licking her lips. "Now that... that I can do" She says.

The ball of fire in front of her pulses, and the 3 of you make ready to hop back into the spring. But instead of exploding in all directions like the others, it surges towards the wooden pole at the center of the spring.

Within seconds, the parts of the pole that aren't underwater become ash, shortly followed by an explosion of steam.

"Well alright" Cheska says. "That worked..."
"Maybe next time you could lead with the good advice, instead of waiting for the fiftieth try?" Derrick asks.
"Sorry" You say.
"Anyways, that is how you cast Inferno Blast" Derrick says. "Congratulations. Even I had trouble with that one"
"You did?" You ask.
"It's a little ways above what i can reliably use in combat with my mana pool..." Derrick says. "But she just did it like 50 times, and she looks fine. You must have a huge soul, Ches... ka..."

You both turn in time to see Cheska lookng a little woozy, as she stumbles and falls into the pool.

...

>I'm not falling for this again

>Is that normal?

>Dive in

>Other
>>
>>1425254
>>Dive in
>>
>>1425254
>Dive in
>>
>>1425254
"If this is another trick i swear.."
>Dive in
>>
>>1425254
>Is that normal?

>Dive in
>>
>>1425254
>Dive in
>>
>writing
>>
It took sometime but finally Yu is starting to out think people and give suggestions that no one would ever think of but actually work. Be afraid people a smart Yu is a very dangerous thing.
>>
You sigh as you step towards the spring. "If this is another trick, I swear..." You say, as you dive in.

It's difficult, but not impossible to see underneath the murky water's surface. You spot Cheska weakly trying to claw her way back up. So you plant your feet on the bottom and get your arms under her, then lift her back up.

She gasps as you break the surface.

"You okay?" You ask.
"Yeah... just feeling a little odd is all..." She says.

...

"Can you lift your arms right now?" You ask.

Cheska looks over at her right arm, which hangs limply into the water. It kind of moves...

"That's weird..." She says.
"You're mana sick" Derrick says. "Dang it... why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't feel anything until I fell over" Cheska says. "I don't think this has ever happened before... how do I fix it?"
"By resting" Derrick says.

Cheska doesn't look too pleased by that answer. "There's no like... quick fix?" Cheska asks.
"Rest is the quick fix" Derrick says.
"She can't exactly go to bed soaking wet though..." You say.
"Oh dear, somebody is gonna have to strip me down and towel me off" Cheska says with her usual smile, before she starts squinting as though she's putting effort into something. "Dang it... I can't get my tail up"

"Why do you want to get your tail up?" You ask.
"So I can do that thing that I do when I tease you" She says. "Y'know... the tail thing"
"Oh yeah" You say. "I thought something was missing from that comment"
"The... tail thing?" Derrick asks.
"Don't worry about it" You say. "I guess I'll-

>Go find Emi

>Leave this to Madelaine

>Handle this

>... Can't we just blow dry her?

>Other
>>
>>1425388
>>Handle this
>>... Can't we just blow dry her?
>>
>>1425388
>>Go find Emi
I wanna know what she thinks of all this development with other worlds, space and the black god
>>
>>1425410
>Handle this
>... Can't we just blow dry her?
>>
>>1425388
>Handle this
>>
>writing
>>
-handle this, then" You say.

Cheska seems surprised. "Huh, really?" She asks.

You tilt your head. "Is that not normal?" You ask.
Madelaine steps up beside Derrick. "Nope" She says. "Give 'er here, I'll deal with it. I'm sure she'd rather you not see that much of her..."

You shrug, and pass Cheska up to Madelaine. You figured that it's nothing you haven't seen before, but Cheska always seems to get embarrassed when you see her naked...

Once you're unburdened, you step out of the pool and tug on yoru wet shirt. Cheska's not the only one who needs to dry off...

"Aww, I'm not gonna have a big strong man to dry me off?" Cheska asks.

Madelaine turns to you with a raised eyebrow, then she shrugs. "Alright, fine then" She says, as she passes the limp devil back to you. "Less work for me"

Cheska looks conflicted by this turn of events, while Derrick lets out a nervous chuckle.

"Uhh... alright then..." You say, as you head inside.

>1/2
>>
You take Cheska into the smaller bathroom and set her down on the bench.

"All right..." You say. "You sure about this? You've been awfully quiet"
"Y-yeah..." She says. "Can you just do me one favour?"
"I guess, as long as it isn't something weird" You say.

"Take that towel and use it as a blindfold" She says.
"... I'm not sure if that's weird or not..." You say.
"Just do it" She says. You see her tail twitching, and you can tell that if she could move it, she'd be poking you.

You sigh and grab a towel-

"Not that one! That one's too big. You'd never be able to tie it!" She says.
"So which one?" You ask.
"That one" She says, giving no physical indication of which towel she means...

...

"This one?" You ask.
"The one next to that one" She says.
"This one" You say.
"Yes" She replies.
"This isn't really a towel... more like a napkin" You say.
"Just put it on" She says.

You fold the towel up and put it over your eyes, tying it behind your head. To make sure it won't fall.

...

"Now I can't see" You say.
"That's the point" She replies.

>Maybe I should just get someone else...

>This should be interesting...

>Other
>>
>>1425561
>>This should be interesting...
>>
>>1425561
>This should be interesting...
"You can't blame me for the events about to happen."
>>
>>1425561
>This should be interesting...
>>
>>1425577
I'll second this.
This is the future Cheska chose
>>
>>1425561
Oh man
Next time we're in the pool we've gotta play marco polo, it's both fun and it could qualify as "training" to find things without sight
>>
>writing
>>
>>1425589
Thats a fun idea, but you realize probably yu, and definitely the others arent going to know that game right? because they wont know who Marco Polo was?
>>
You take a breath, and walk in the direction that you're pretty sure the bench is in. You stop when you bang your knee against it.

"Ow" You say.
"This is already going well..." She says.
"Just keep in mind that you chose this, and I take no responsibility for anything that is about to happen" You say.
"My stance on that will depend on what happens" She says.

"Okay... so what do I do now?" You ask.
"Well, for starters... You uhh... should probably get me out of these wet clothes..." She says.
"Alright..." You say, holding your hand out as you bend down and feel around for a starting point until your hand comes into contact with Cheska. "Okay, what am I touching?"

"That would be my chest..." She says.
"Really? Not our stomach?" You ask.
"Yes, I know I'm flat. Now will you stop groping me and get moving?" She says.
"Sorry, geez" You say, moving your hands down until you find the hem of her shirt. You pull it up until it hits her arms. "Alright, think you could raise those?"

"We wouldn't be here if I could..." She says.
You sigh, taking your hands away from her shirt to raise her arms above her head... then you realize your mistake.

She clearly doesn't like it when you touch her chest, but you don't remember where the shirt's bottom is...

>This would be much easier if I could see

>Make conversation to distract her

>Other
>>
>>1425674
>This would be much easier if I could see
Go back to her chest/belly then travel down until we reach her pants.
>>
>>1425674
>>This would be much easier if I could see
>>
>>1425674
>>Make conversation to distract her
>>
>>1425674
>Make conversation to distract her
She can still talk(and how). Just have her guide you by voice while you hover hand till you get down low enough.
>>
>>1425668
It's also been called Mermaid on the rocks,
and Alligator
>>
>>1425704
Ive never heard of them, but i'll take your word for it. Id wager the mermaid one would be the one to carry over.
>>
>>1425674

>Make conversation to distract her
>>
>writing
>>
>>1425674
>This would be much easier if I could see
>>
"This would be much easier if I could see" You say.
"Well, too bad" She says.
"Fine..." You say. "Think you can guide me back to where to grab your shirt? I don't remember where it was"
"Higher" She says.
You move your hand up. "Here?" You ask.
"Liiiittle higher... there" She says.

You grab what's directly below your hand, and sure enough, it's her shirt.

"Alright. Teamwork for the win" You say.
"Did I really have to do that for you?" She asks.
"Would you rather I have groped around for it like a blind man?" You ask.
"Point taken" She says.

You pull her shirt the rest of the way off.

"Now, how do I get this next part off?" You ask.
"Well for starters, you'll have to turn me over" She says.

You grab Cheska by the leg and shoulder, and flip her over. Then she walks you through the process of removing a bra. A process that is much more complicated than you feel is neccessary, making you glad you don't have to wear one...

"There" You say. "Now, I think I can do the pants without help..."

The two of you descend into an awkward sort of silence, leaving you searching for something to break it with...

>You've never been mana sick before?

>Ask what she imagined the target was

>Other
>>
>>1425806
>You've never been mana sick before?
I'm very interested in this. Do demons naturally have larger reserves than normal humans? Or are they using mana more 'efficiently' thanks to their altered heart?
>>
>>1425806

>Ask what she imagined the target was
>>
>>1425806
>>You've never been mana sick before?
>>Ask what she imagined the target was
>>
>>1425806
>>Ask what she imagined the target was
>>
>>1425806
>>You've never been mana sick before?
>>
>>1425806
>>You've never been mana sick before?
>>Ask what she imagined the target was
>>
>>1425806
>You've never been mana sick before?
>>
>writing
>>
The wet pants are a little harder to work down that you expected, so you have to kinda tug at the a bit...

"So what did you imagine the target was?" You ask.
"I put a whole bunch of people there, for maximum burnage" She says.
"Like who?" You ask.
"Well right up front was that Lupid bitch that hamstrung me" She says. "I know it worked out in the end, but the next time I see that bitch I am going to turn her to ash"

Okay, these things aren't coming off. You feel your way up her leg to the waist band to find out what's stopping it.

"I know you're trying to help, but it kinda feels like you're just touching my butt back there" She says.
"I'm trying to figure out why your pants aren't coming off..." You say.
"You've gotta get the tail out first" She says.
"That makes sense" You say, as you work her tail out of its hole, then go back to tugging her pants down... "So who else?"

"Only a few other people... that one lust demon that I already killed but it was so satisfying that I imagined doing it again, my parents, a guardsman that beat me one time, and..." She trails off.
"And?" You ask.
"Ahh... not important" She says.

>You haven't had it easy, have you?

>Why'd you kill the lust demon?

>You're not getting off that easy

>Other
>>
>>1425922
>>You haven't had it easy, have you?
>>
>>1425922
>Why'd you kill the lust demon?

>You're not getting off that easy
>>
>>1425806
>>You haven't had it easy, have you?

>>You're not getting off that easy
>>
>>1425922
>>You haven't had it easy, have you?

>>You're not getting off that easy
>>
>>1425922
Do you reckon a demon could satisfy their need to kill if they had a powerful enough imagination (or delusion, I guess you could call it)?
>>
>>1425922
>You haven't had it easy, have you?

>Why'd you kill the lust demon?
>>
>writing
>>
>>1425951
It's only blood demons that need to kill, and probably not as the one guy who locked himself up so he wouldn't kill anyone ended up killing himself, so actual life has to be taken other wise they end themselves .
>>
>>1425980
Possibly
But maybe he just wasn't delusional enough?
>>
"You're not getting of with that" You say. "Come on, who was the last person?"
"... you really wanna know?" She asks.
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't" You say.

"It was... me..." She says. "I can blame it on my parents, or how this stupid world works all I want... but in the end, what I am... it's my fault"

You frown, turning her back over and lifting her torso towards you to pull her into a hug.

"You haven't had it easy, have you?" You ask.
"Not even a little" She says. "I tried everything... and it always failed. Everyone who's ever tried to help me gave up..."
"I won't" You say.
"Thanks..." She says. "And I never thought I'd be saying this, but could you stop comforting me and get my pants off? Wet pants always feel weird..."
"Can do... maybe" You say, as you lay her back down. "This is harder than I thought it would be"

"Alright, fine..." She says. "You can take the stupid blindfold off, on one condition"
"What's that?" You ask.
"You don't get all weird, and you don't stare" She says.

>That's 2 conditions...

>I think I can handle that

>Guess it's staying on then...

>Other
>>
>>1426012
>That's 2 conditions...
"Pick one and only one"
>>
>>1426012
>That's 2 conditions...
>I think I can handle that
>>
>>1426012
>>That's 2 conditions...
>>I think I can handle that
>>
>>1426012
>That's 2 conditions...
>I think I can handle that
>>
>>1426020
Seconding
>>
>>1426012
>>That's 2 conditions...
>>I think I can handle that
>>
>>1426012
>>That's 2 conditions...
>>I think I can handle that
>>
>>1426012
>>That's 2 conditions...
>>I think I can handle that
Also I think I found a good battle theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKTPhuJpcVs
>>
>>1426012
>But people say I'm always weird, so how can I stop?
>>
>>1426045
Add this.
>>
>>1426012
>>That's 2 conditions...
>>
>writing
>>
"That's 2 conditions" You say.
"So?" She asks.
"You can pick one, and only one" She says.
"Fine... just don't get weird" She says. "And it'll be weird if you stare too much, so there"

...

"Okay, you got me there" You say. "I think I can handle that"
"Shake on it" She says.

...

"Where's your hand?" You ask.
"Just take the stupid blindfold off" She says.

You reach up and untie the blindfold, letting it slip off and fall to the floor. When you open your eyes, you see that Cheska is squeezing hers shut.

"Just because I can see doesn't mean you have to close your eyes" You say.
"We're not trading places, this is... it's kind of embarrassing" She says.
"Why?" You ask. "It's not like I haven't seen it before, and you don't exactly look all that bad..."

"Just hurry up!" She says.

You go back to tugging her pants off. "Alright, alright" You say. "It's almost like you don't want me to have any fun with this..."
"You shouldn't be having fun" She says.
"But why not?" You ask. "After all, you're really cute when you're flustered"
"If I could punch you, you'd be a bloody mess on the floor right now..." She says.
"I'm aware, which is why I'm taking this moment to get as much of this in as I can, before I inevitably pay for it once you can move again" You say.

"Ahh... well, so long as you're aware of where you stand" She says.

>Keep teasing

>Focus on work

>Other
>>
>>1426129
>Keep teasing
>>
>>1426129
>>Keep teasing
>>
>>1426129
>Focus on work
>>
>>1426129
>>Focus on work
>>
>>1426129
>>Focus on work
>>
>>1426129
>Focus on work
>>
>>1426129
>>Focus on work
Smiley can we please see Emi after this.
>>
>writing
>>
With some work, you get herpants the rest of the way off. Then, while being VERY CAREFUL not to look, you get her panties off and go grab a towel.

"So... listen..." Cheska says.
"What's up?" You ask.
"Thanks..." She says. "For this... I know it's kind of a weird thing to have to do with someone..."
"You're absolutely right, and I would very much like it if I never had to do this again" You say.

Cheska chuckles. "Yeah, I'll try to avoid overdoing it like that" She says. "It's weird, I've never felt like that before. You're supposed to feel something when your reserves get low, but for me I was fine one moment, and the next I was a wet noodle sinking in a pool... and thanks for jumping in too..."

"That happened to me too... one time when I was trying to use my mageblade" You say. "One moment I was fine, and then I passed right out"
"Could be a demon thing" Cheska says.
"I'll go with that, until we know more" You say. "Just promise I won't ever have to do this again"

"I will do my best to make sure you don't" She says. "I make no promises though"
"Works for me" You say, as you finish toweling off her arm. "There... did I miss any spots?"
"Hard to say" She says. "Doesn't feel like you missed anything big"

"Cool" You say, as you wrap the towel around her and pick her up. "Let's go. This has taken long enough already"
"Agreed" She says.

You head out of the washroom and walk over to Cheska's room, where you let her down on her bed.

As you pull the covers up over her, you chuckle.

"What's so funny?" She asks.
"You know, sometimes I feel more like a parent or a babysitter to you than a friend" You say.
"How so?" She asks.

"Keeping a constant eye on you, helping you bathe, getting you clothes, tucking you in to bed..." You say.
"Stop, stop... you're making it weird" She says.
"Just sayin'" You say.

>Anything else?
>>
Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>1426222
rolling for tucking skills
a proper tuck will mean it's downright impossible to escape from bed without outside help
at least that's what i remember from being a kid
>>
>>1426222
>so what's your plan after we take those cuffs off your wrists?
>>
>writing
>>
>>1426222
First day with your heart back: what would it be like? What would you do?
>>
You keep tucking, making sure she's good and snug, and that she'll have a hard time getting out of this tomorrow morning. You know her revenge will come, but this will delay it somewhat...

"So, any idea what you'll do when we take the brace off?" You ask.
She snorts. "If you take the brace off" She says. "You forget that everyone else doesn't like me as much as I do"

"Well, they haven't seen as much of you as I have" You say.
"So what... I show them my butt, and they'll all like me?" She asks.
"Not what I meant, but it could work" You say. "You do have a cute butt..."

"Forgetting you said that and moving on..." She says. "I dunno. I'm not really the kinda gal that plans very far ahead"
"How far ahead have you planned?" You ask.
"Well... I'll probably eat breakfast tomorrow morning" She says.

You chuckle, and ruffle her hair. "Sleep well" You say.
"Here's hoping I can move in the morning" She says.
"If you can't, I'm not dressing you" You say.

Cheska grins. "You gonna parade me around on the Rook naked then?" She asks.
"If I have to" You reply, as you head for the door. "See you in the morning"
"S-see you" She replies.

You shut the door behind you, and take a breath.

"Well that was... something" You say.

>Head back to the spring

>See what's taking Emi so long

>Other
>>
>>1426297
>>See what's taking Emi so long
>>
>>1426297
>>Head back to the spring
>>
>>1426297
>>See what's taking Emi so long
>>
>>1426297
>>See what's taking Emi so long
>>
>>1426297
>See what's taking Emi so long
>>
>writing
>>
File: 1493747416112.jpg (291 KB, 559x710)
291 KB
291 KB JPG
Why is cheska so good lads?
>>
You quickly head to your room and grab a change of clothes, then head to the washroom, dry yourself off, and get dressed.

After that, you leave yours and Cheska's clothes somewhere they'll dry, and go to Emi's room.

"Well that explains what's taking her so long..." You say.

Emi is hunched over on the desk, fast asleep...

You walk over to take a look at how her work was coming along, and see 3 pages covered in writing. One of which she has her face on.

Remembering a story Hella once told you about Stella doing the same thing, you figre this will probably leave an ink mark is you let it be too long...

>Remove the page, leave Emi be

>Wake the Snake

>Put her to bed too

>Other
>>
>>1426342
>Wake the Snake
I'm not sure that we could carry her to bed...
>>
>>1426342
>Put the snek in bed
>>
>>1426342
>Wake the Snake
>>
>>1426342
>>Wake the Snake
>>
>>1426342
>>Wake the Snake
>>
>>1426342
>>Wake the Snake
>>
>>1426345
You were able to drag the minotaur with no problems. Yuu stronk.
>>
"Emi, wake up" You say, as you gently shake her shoulder. "If you sleep here, you'll get ink all over your face... err... nevermind"

Emi lifts her head, and you see that it's far too late to be worrying about ink.

"I wuzzn sleepn" She says. "Was just restn my eyes"
"Sure... you know you're allowed to take naps" You say. "It's not like I'm gonna scold you or make fun of you for being tired..."

If you did things like that, you'd have had a field day with Cheska just now...

"I guess so... Ah, dang" She says. "I was feeling tired, so I wanted to get these done before resting a bit..."
"They're not done?" You ask. "That's a lot of writing for something that isn't done..."
"It's a lot of information" She says, as she straightens out and stretches her arms. "I think I was just putting the finishing touches on the last... page..."

"Something wrong?" You ask.
"It's all smudged..." She says.
"Well you were sleeping on it" You say.

Emi sighs. "It's all over my face, isn't it..." She says.
"Not all over. Just the one side" You say.

Emi groans. "Ink is so hard to get off..." She says.
"It does come off though, right?" You ask.
"Eventually" She says. "It'll take some scrubbing"

>Want me to finish up the notes?

>I'll leave you to that

>Other
>>
>>1426342
>Put her to bed too
and hope she doesnt coil us in her sleep
>>
>>1426466
>
DAMN!
>>
>>1426462
>>Want me to finish up the notes?
Help the snake so she won't have to wake later.
>>
>>1426462

>Want me to finish up the notes?
>>
>>1426462
Offer to help her get the ink off
It's hard to do it yourself desu
>>
>writing
>>
"Want me to help?" You ask. "I can finish up the notes, or help get the ink off your face"

Emi blinks a few times, obviously still very tired.

"I can finish up the notes tomorrow when we leave. Plenty of time for writing on the cart" She says. "I guess you could help with the ink... I'm still a little groggy..."
"You do look a little groggy" You say.

Emi puffs out her cheeks. Should you not have said that?

"Don't worry. It's a cute kind of groggy" You say, trying to cover your mistake.

It does get a smile, so it must have worked. Note to self: don't tell girls they look groggy.

"Here" She says, as she picks up a cloth and wets it with magic, then she hands it to you. "Use this. I was gonna head to the washroom to use the mirror, but if you're doing it I can just stay here... and go straight to bed after..."

"That tired?" You ask, as you start washing the ink off. It's stubborn stuff, but you make slow progress.
"I didn't sleep very well in the Stronghold..." She says. "Something about resting in the enemy's territory just... well, it kept me up"
"Makes sense" You say. "Not to mention that the place was infested with those things"

"Don't even mention them... I think I'm gonna be having nightmares" She says.

>What are nightmares like?

>You know where to find me if you're scared

>Well this place should be safe

>Other
>>
>>1426587
>What are nightmares like?
>>
>>1426587
>>What are nightmares like?
>>
>>1426587
>>You know where to find me if you're scared
ora ora ora ora
>>
>>1426587
>>What are nightmares like?
>>You know where to find me if you're scared
>>
>>1426587
>What are nightmares like?
>You know where to find me if you're scared
>>
>>1426587
>What are nightmares like?

>You know where to find me if you're scared
>>
>writing
>>
>>1426640
Is there such as a thing as socks for Snake girls? It'd probably help with the colder climate and also look adorable.
>>
>>1426665
sure, just slide a sleeping bag over them
>>
>>1426665
I'm now imagining Emi in a onesie, which would be as adorable as it is impractical.

As for your question, she probably could wear something on her lower half, it would just make getting around a little harder.
>>
>>1426682
It's hood has snake eyes above her face and their is a cute little forked tongue on one side near the opening of the hood
>>
"What are nightmares like?" You ask.
"I guess you haven't had any yet..." She says. "They're a bit weird. Like dreams, but they leave you with a feeling dread"

"What's that like?" You ask.
"Hmm... I can tell you my experience, if you promise to keep it a secret" She says.
"I can do that" You say. "Why does it need to be a secret?"
"Because it's a teeensy bit embarrassing..." She says. "See, when I was little I had this weird nightmare... At the start I was in the lower floor of my childhood home, playing with my favourite dolls..."

"You remember what you were playing with?" You ask. "I usually don't remember anything from my dreams..."
"This kinda stood out, 'cause I played with those dolls pretty much every chance I got" She says. "I almost brought them with me when I left, too..."
"Good thing you didn't, otherwise the Inquisition would have them" You say.

Emi smiles, and continues. "Anyway, I got bored of that and decided to go upstairs, but when I passed the door to the cellar a big hairy monster jumped out and pinned me down!" She says. "And then... it started singing..."
"It... sang?" You ask.
"Well more like humming" She says. "It was a fun little tune, that went something like... mmm, mmm, mm mm m mmm mmm"

You laugh. "What happened then?"
"I woke up" She says.
"That's it?" You ask. "That doesn't sound very scary..."

Emi puffs her cheeks out. "It was then... I wouldn't go down there alone for years" She says. "Which sucked, because all my toys were down there, and if nobody wanted to go with me I'd have nothing to play with..."

You laugh harder, causing Emi to pout more.

"Well, I don't think we'll be running into any big, hairy, singing monsters... but if you're scared you always know where to find me" You say.
"I think I'm big enough to handle the hairy singing monsters myself" She says. "But thanks anyways"

You smile, as the last of the ink comes off her face.

"There" You say.
"And thank you again" She says. "That was awfully quick"
"Time flies when you're having fun" You say.

>Anything else?
>>
>>1426748
Tuck the snek in.
>>
>>1426762
tuck the snek in, i agree
>>
>writing
>>
"But you want to sleep, so let's get you to bed" You say.
"I can do that on my own..." She says.
"Oh yeah" You say.

"How did you forget that I'm still capable when I'm tired?" She asks, as she lifts herself out of her chair.
"Well, it could be the fact that Cheska went down due to mana sickness" You say.
"Is she alright?" Emi asks.

"Yeah, she's in bed now" You say. "Took a lot of work, and a lot of snark to get her there, though..."
Emi giggles. "Well I think I'll be fine" She says. "Let the others know that the letters are almost done, and I'll finish them up tomorrow"
"Kay" You reply.

Emi stops before slithering over to the bed. Then she turns to you, putting a hand on your left cheek, while she kisses you on the right.

"Good night, Yuu" She says.
You smile. "Sweet dreams" You say.
Emi laughs and waves you off.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will be either tomorrow or Friday

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!
>>
>>1426822
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
>>1426822
Great stuff, as always. Thanks for running, Smiley.
>>
>>1426814
>Then she turns to you, putting a hand on your left cheek, while she kisses you on the right.
Emi, pls. You're suppose to be Sister Snek, not Waifu Snek.
>>
>>1426860
Why not both?
>>
You leave Emi's room and head back to the spring, where you left everyone.

When you get outside, you see that the sun has set. Namaki is the only one here, sitting in the same chair she was in earlier.

"Where'd everybody go?" You ask.
Namaki's head perks, and she turns to you with a pleasant smile. "The night air gets a bit of a chill here" Namaki says. "They went inside"
"Why are you still out here then?" You ask.
"I like it" She says. "Normally I'd have a fire, and sit here until I grew tired. But I'm afraid all that splashing and steam from your training session with the demon has soaked my wood-pile..."

"Why keep it so close to the spring?" You ask.
"Well normally I don't have youngsters splashing water everywhere..." She says. "It's fine though. One night without a fire won't kill me"

You smile. "We can only hope" You say.

>Care for some company?

>Go inside

>Other
>>
>>1430825
>Care for some company?
>>
>>1430825
>Care for some company?
Hello Smiley
>>
>writing

I'm also currently working on a summary for this quest. I have it done up to around chapter 23, and It should be finished in time to include it in the next OP
>>
>>1430825
>>>Care for some company?
>>
>>1430825
Even if this song is about final fantasy i feel like some of the lyrics relate to this quest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8USrsGAnq0
>>
"Care for some company?" You ask.
"I would love some" Namaki says.

You walk over to the chair next to hers and sit down.

"Sorry about all the fire earlier..." You say.
"Nota problem. If I couldn't cast a simple light screen I wouldn't very well be able to protect an entire town now would I?" She asks. "That Cheska is not the quickest learner in the world, though I must say"
"She just has a different way of doing things" You say. "I feel like she actually picked it up very quickly, given the right motivation"

"If that's how you want to put it... what I saw was that it took her so many tries that she got mana sickness" Namaki says.
"That too" You say. "Well, at least she got it in the end..."

"I suppose we can't all pick up new abilities on the fly" Namaki says. "It took me years before I could cast a proper illusion"
"What did you do before then?" You ask.

"Practice" She says, holding her hands out. "Illusory fires like this are easy to create, and can cause just as much panic as a real-... you can't actually see what I'm doing, can you?"
"Nope" You reply.

Namaki puts her arms back on the armrests of her chair. "Pity... Some of the things I can create are quite beautiful" She says.

>Maybe there's a way to turn off my eyes...

>Ask her about your "sin"

>Other
>>
>>1430943
>Ask her about your "sin"
>>
>>1430943
>>Maybe there's a way to turn off my eyes...
>>
>>1430943
>Ask her about your "sin"
>>
>>1430943
>>Ask her about your "sin"
>>
>>1430943
>Ask her about your "sin"
I want to know why sacrifice is considered a sin.
>>
>writing
>>
You sit in silence and wonder if there might be a way to see Namaki's illusions, but you figure it'd be fairly complex...

"Speak your mind, child" Namaki says. "I am aware that there has been something on it"
"I guess there has..." You say. "I've been thinking a bit about what you said earlier... about my 'sin'"

"Sacrifice" She says. "I've not met any demons, aside from you, that do not fall under the 3 sins. For those are the only things that can create a demon on their own"

"So how did I become this way?" You ask.
"You'll need to speak to someone who knows more on the actual process for the details, but I suppose there are many things that can cause a demon to be born..." She says. "The greater sins are the only ones that will destroy the heart, but if one were to commit one of these lesser sins and have their heart removed..."

"Like mine was..." You say.
"It is an impressive scar" Namaki says, as she reaches over to touch your chest. "It says much of the skill of the one who made it, as well as the anger and sorrow that went into it..."

"How can you tell that?" You ask.
"Wounds are like open books to me" She says. "To leave one on another, is to leave a shard of the emotion that went into it..."
You frown. "I get why there would be anger... but sorrow?" You ask.

"I believe the one who took your heart had no desire to do so..." She says.
"So why..."
"Sacrifice, dear" Namaki says. "You gave your life for another. A heroic act, to be sure. But most heroes share one thing in common"
"What's that?" You ask.
"The past tense" Namaki says. "He was a hero, or they were very brave... seldom do heroes live long lives"

"Not a very comforting notion..." You say.
"You ask questions that have discomforting answers" She says. "Though, if you'd like something comforting you could always brush my tails for me"

>How is that comforting?

>That soungs good

>No thanks

>Other
>>
File: 1483213047555.png (41 KB, 152x254)
41 KB
41 KB PNG
>>1431038
>>That soungs good
yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
>>
>>1431038
>That soungs good
>>
>writing
>>
Smiley question, what can we expect to happen if we start getting good at using soul magic, what types of spells can we expect to see?
>>
"That sounds good" You say.
"Excellent!" She says, as she gets out of her chair and pulls up a stool in front of you. She then hands you a brush and sits down with her back to you.

"Why did you already have the brush?" You ask.
"Well I was planning on doing this myself, when you showed up" She says. "You seemed to show an appreciation for how soft my tails are. I figured you might want to help me keep them that way"

You shrug, and gently straighten out one of her tails so you can brush it. "Sound logic" You say, as you get started, putting the brush down at the base of her tail and working it up.

"Little gentler, dear" She says.
"Like this?" You ask, easing up on the pressure a bit.
"Perfect..." She says. "I should have guests over more often, if they're always this appreciative. First the massage from Emi, and now this"
"I don't think everyone will be as accomodating as us..." You say.

"Well, you did say you'd return" She says.
"And I plan to" You reply.

As you continue brushing, Coral starts to float around Namaki's tails curiously.

>Ask her about Coral's fortune

>Ask her more about that 'eternal winter' bit

>Ask how she gets this done without help

>Other
>>
>>1431097
>Ask her more about that 'eternal winter' bit
>>
>>1431097
>>Ask her more about that 'eternal winter' bit

>>Ask how she gets this done without help
>>
>>1431097
>1431097

>Ask her about Coral's fortune

>Ask her more about that 'eternal winter' bit

Coral out lives us all, I wonder how
>>
>>1431097
>>Ask her about Coral's fortune
Obvious hook is obvious.
>>
>>1431097
>Ask her about Coral's fortune
>>
>writing

>>1431066
Anything from spammable laser beams to fuckhuge soul bombs. It'll be up to you guys and how you choose to advance.
>>
>>1431141
Could we cast tons of miniature soul bombs and make like a mine field?
Also I have boon looking at Yu's stats, how powerful would you say Yu is compared to the average hunter
>>
>>1431149
meant Been, damn different time areas and this quest running like 2 am for me
>>
>>1431097
>Other
Give coral a tiny brush while we dual wield brushes for extreme simultaneous brushing of multiple tails at once.
>>
"What did you mean when you said that Coral would outlive us all?" You ask.
"I meant it exactly as I said it" She says. "She will not share the shorter lifespans of her mana-based kin. When you are gone, those close to you will find other ways to feed her until she eventually finds another like you"

"Another chaotic?" You ask, as you brush her tail aside and begin working on another.
"I believe so" Namaki says. "It is a strange thing to me... normally the future is never quite so veiled"
"What does that mean?" You ask.
"It's like peering at something through a back lit curtain... you think you know what it is, but you can never truly know" You say.

"I get that" You say. "Like it could be someone taking something out of a backpack, but on the other side it looks like they're pulling things out of someone's butt"

Namaki turns and raises an eyebrow. "Why was that the first thing that came to your head?" She asks.
"I dunno" You say. "Sounds like it'd be pretty fun to watch though"
"Suuure..." She says.

"Another thing I wanted to ask about, because I really don't feel like we talked enough about it" You say. "That whole eternal winter deal..."
"Ah, the weapons of the north" She says. "From what I've seen it is a massive generator that stands at the center of their capital. It looks a bit like a huge mana crystal with 3 rings around it"

"What are the rings for?" You ask.
"They're probably massive mana devices, to alter the weather and bring winter" She says. "Left alone it could probably blanket this place in snow for a good long while..."

>Why don't they use it on the Legion?

>Maybe I should go ask their leaders not to do that...

>That's oddly specific for a vision...

>Other
>>
>>1431187
>>>Why don't they use it on the Legion?
>>
>>1431187
>>That's oddly specific for a vision...
>>
>>1431187
>Why don't they use it on the Legion?
>Can you tell what Coral will end up doing with all that time?
>>
>>1431187
>That's oddly specific for a vision...
>>
>>1431187
>>Why don't they use it on the Legion?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-wiTLx0Qdk
>>
>>1431187
>>Why don't they use it on the Legion?
>>
>writing

>>1431218
That was pretty much the scene I was thinking of, but I was too lazy to look it up.
>>
>>1431207
these get my vote
>>
"Why don't they use it on the Legion?" You ask.
"Because bad weather and cold will only slow them down" Namaki says. "They're all demons, remember?"

"So the cold doesn't effect us?" You ask. "Neat, I thought I just couldn't feel it"
"It will still effect you, you're just more resilient" She says. "I wouldn't go out into a winter storm in naught but your pajamas, but you won't need to bundle up as much as a normal person"

"Good" You say. "What's a winter storm like anyway?"
"Well it's cold" She says. "Usually windy, and there's a lot of snow"
"What does snow look like?" You ask.

Namaki chuckles. "How strange that you remember details about the sky, but not what snow looks like" She says. "I'd love to show you, but I'm afraid I can't. You'll have to wait until winter"

"When does that start?" You ask.
"Give it a few months" She says. "The first frost should come soon, and the snows will follow shortly after"
"Neat" You say. "I hope Emi finds some way to keep warm..."
"She's a resourceful girl" Namaki says. "I'm certain she'll manage"

"And back to Coral... any idea what she'll be doing with all that time?" You ask.
"She will continue as she has" Namaki says. "Happily flitting about, helping out when asked, and spending the rest of her time playing or resting"

"Sounds nice" You say.
"It is a fortune I would wish only on the best of people" Namaki says.

>Anything else you want to talk with her about?
>>
>>1431264
Just finish brushing her tails then go to bed.
>>
>>1431264
>Why are your tails so unique while it seems like serpids and rabbit girls and so on are all the same within their group?
>>
>>1431264
this>>1431275
>>
>>1431264
>>Why are your tails so unique while it seems like serpids and rabbit girls and so on are all the same within their group?
Also, are you hinting at nuclear winter there Smiley? Mana crystal with three rings my butt...
>>
>writing
>>
"So how come your tails are unique, when every other kind of girl seems to only have one?" You ask.
"You mean, how do I have so many?" She asks.
"Something like that..." you say.

"All Vulpids are like this" She says. "Do you know any others?"
"Well... there's Layla" You say. "I guess she does have 3 tails"
"She must be quite capable then" Namaki says. "Most don't make it past 2. A Vulpid's tails are a measure of their power, and the size of their soul"

"I thought you were a Kitsune" You say
"A Kitsune is just a special kind of Vulpid" Namaki says.
"Are there others like you?" You ask. "Is there a special Serpid, or Felid?"

"I've heard that Red Devils are actually quite rare, though I haven't quite experienced this given that I've met one Devil in the last hundred years, and she is red" Namaki says. "Aside from that... Split tailed Felids are a thing, and they're supposedly a bit like Kitsune... there's also white Serpids, black dragons, all kinds"

"What's so special about them?" You ask.
"Much like how Kitsune have a natural affinity for illusions, those others have their own affinities" Namaki says. "Not that I know much more... I'm certain there's a book on them somewhere out there"
"I may look into it" You say.

You keep talking with Namaki for a while, mostly just about mundane things, as well as her adventures when she was younger.

All the while, you keep up the brushing. It takes longer than you anticipated to finish all 9 tails, and by the time the job is done you feel your eyelids getting heavy.

"Tired?" She asks.
"A little" You say.
"I am as well" She says. "Why don't we both go to bed. We can talk more in the morning"

>Anything else?
>>
>>1431356
Nope
>>
>>1431356
Not anything more I can think of offhand right this second.
>>
>writing
>>
"Alright" You say, as you stand up.

Namaki stands up and shakes her tails about, unintentionally brushing them all over you.

"Hey, that tickles" You say, backing off a bit.
"Sorry, I sometimes forget how long they are" She says. "They were much shorter last time I had company..."

The two of you start heading inside.

"How many centuries ago was that?" You ask.
"At least 2" She says.
"You're still growing after all this time?"
"Only in the tail area, apparently" She says. "I don't grow upwards anymore, and I work very hard to ensure I don't grow sideways"

"Sideways...?" You ask.
"I try to keep my figure" She says. "I've kept my looks for almost 350 years, I'll be damned if I go out looking anything but gorgeous"

>Well you're doing a fine job

>Will I have to worry about growing sideways?

>You'd think someone your age wouldn't care about looks...

>Other
>>
>>1431429
>Well you're doing a fine job
And this is from the guy who can't see illusions.
>>
>>1431429
>Well you're doing a fine job
>Being brushed is as fun as the brushing
>>1431434
This too.
>>
>>1431429
this >>1431434
>>
>writing
>>
"Well you're doing a fine job" You say, with a wink and a thumbs up. "And that's coming from the guy who can't see Illusions"

Namaki smiles and ruffles your hair. "Oh, you're adorable..." She says. "But I wouldn't bother with illusions. After all, I'd know what's underneath, and I'm the only one who sees me most days"
"That makes sense" You say. "But if nobody ever sees you..."

"I'm allowed to look good for my own sake" She says. "Besides, it gives me something to do"
"Do you have any hobbies?" You ask.
"I've had several over the years, but that's a subject for another time" She says, giving your hair one last rub. "Good night, Yuu"

"Good night" You reply.

The two of you go to your rooms. You step in and close the door behind you, before changing into your pajamas and hopping into bed.

Once you lay down, Coral settles onto your chest.

"This was an interesting trip, wasn't it?" You say.

Coral nods.

You smile and lay your head into your pillow. You find some comfort in what Namaki said about Coral. In spite all of the bad things she saw in your futures, it'll never be so bad that it'll break Coral's boundless cheer.

With that knowledge, you think you can rest easy.

>1/2
>>
"Wake up, Yuu"

You gasp and sit up like a shot, looking around with wide eyes as your brain slowly turns on...

"Mwake" You say, as you turn to your waker. "Wuzzup?"
Madelaine looks weirded out by the suddenness of your awakening. "They sent me to get you for breakfast" She says.
"Oh, cool" You say, as you look down in your lap to see Coral struggling to right herself. You reach down and give her a hand. "Sorry Coral, did I scare you?"

Once Coral is seated, she puffs out her cheeks and wags her finger at you.

"Yeah, I know, I'm sorry" You say, scratching the sprite's head as you get out of bed. "Is everyone else already up?"
"Yep" She says.

...

You can't get dressed with her standing there...

>I'll be there in a minute

>You gonna watch me change?

>How's Cheska doing?

>Other
>>
>>1431517
>>I'll be there in a minute
>>
>>1431517
>I'll be there in a minute
>>
>>1431517
>>You gonna watch me change?
>>
>>1431517
>You gonna watch me change?
Make sure you wiggle your butt.
>>
>>1431517
>>You gonna watch me change?
>>
>>1431525
Seconded.
>>
>>1431517
>You gonna watch me change?
>>
>writing
>>
...

"So uhh... I've never had to change clothes with an audience before" You say, as you start to take off your shirt. "I hope you enjoy my first performance"

Madelaine's cheeks turn bright red. "Ah, yes- err, uhh no!" She says. "I'll just uhh... see you out there"

You wave her off, as she stiffly marches out of your bedroom and closes the door behind her.

After chuckling at her departure, you start getting changed. Figuring that you only wore them for a little while, you put on the same stuff you were wearing last night.

"Ready to go, Coral?" You ask.

Coral nods and lands on your shoulder, then you head out.

>1/2
>>
>>1431584
I am waiting for madie to come back and say something like what the fuck you can make those types of jokes now
>>
You walk into the dining room, where everyone is already eating breakfast. Including Cheska, though she's not doing a very good job...

"Good morning" You say.
"Hey" Derrick says. "Sleep well?"
"Very" You reply, as you sit down and turn to Cheska. "Feeling alright?"

"My arms feel like noodles..." She says, giving them a little wiggle for emphasis. "But other than that, I'm good"
"You're getting better awfully fast" Emi says.
"It's a demon thing, I think" You say. "I got better just as quickly that one time it happened to me, too"

Emi sighs. "Must be nice. I was down for a long time after handling that stupid spear..." She says.
"It has its perks, yeah" Cheska says. "And handling the BG's boons is never a good idea. Unless you're either their owner, or Yuu"
"Are we shortening the name of the horror from beyond the stars now?" Namaki asks.

"It sounds less threatening this way" Cheska says.
"It does" You say. "Maybe we should give nicknames like that to all our enemies... maybe call Mahron Mary, or something"

Cheska laughs. "Mary's a good one" She says.

You turn your attention to the bowl of... stuff in front of you. It looks like some kind of slop, so you tentatively spoon some into your mouth and find that it's good, despite its appearance.

>Ask what it is

>Continue where you left off last night with Namaki

>What should we call the king then?

>Other
>>
>>1431627
>>Ask what it is
>>What should we call the king then?
>>
>>1431627
>Continue where you left off last night with Namaki

I think it might be a bit too far to go off on king with Derrick right here.
>>
>writing
>>
"What is this?" You ask, as you take another spoonful.
"Oatmeal" Namaki says. "I spice it with apples and cinnamon, because it tastes like a-... because it tastes terrible otherwise"
"No shit" Cheska says. "I used to eat this shit all the time when I was younger, 'cause I was usually broke as hell and it was cheap. Who knew you could actually make it taste good..."

"Well, oats make up most of what they grow in Otuna, so I get a fairly large amount of it as offerings" Namaki says. "Same with the apples... the cinnamon I have to buy myself, usually through Miranda. Though I suppose I will have to make my own way down if I want it soon..."

"Where do you get money up here?" Derrick asks.
"I amassed a small fortune in my adventuring days" Namaki says. "Enough to see me through the last few centuries, with some to spare to give to relatives and leave as an inheritance to the next Kitsune"
"Wow" Cheska says. "Is adventuring usually that lucrative?"

"Not always" She says. "It all depends on where you go, who you work for and what you find"
"Neat" You say. "Any pointers?"

"Just one" She says. "Never do something for free if you can find someone who is willing to pay for it. I went many places and did many things only to find that other people were getting payed to do the same stuff I was doing for free..."

"Noted" You say.

>1/2
>>
You spend the rest of your breakfast time talking about where you left off last night, with Namaki's hobbies.

If there's one thing you took from that conversation, it's that Namaki has had a lot of time on her hands. She tends all the gardens, she made all of the dishes and utensils you're using, she's done several repairs on the temple, learning carpentry by trial and error in the process because she didn't feel like calling a carpenter...

She also sculpted the various statues around the temple, keeps all the weird little potted trees trimmed, did all the stonework around the spring and the walkway to the front entrance... the list goes on.

"Wow..." Madelaine says.
"I know" Namaki says. "But honestly, spending a few months learning to blow glass, or cut stone is a great way to kill time"
"Where did you get the kiln for the glass blowing?" Derrick asks.
"Oh, I made it myself. Of course" She says. "It took me 3 attempts... the first of which was the reason why I took up carpentry"

"Why?" You ask.
"Well... because I didn't do it right, and it burned out part of the east wing of the temple" She says. "I had a hell of a time getting good timbers brought up..."

Namaki stops herself before going off on a tirade, and smiles. "But that, I believe, is a story for next time" She says.
"Why?" You ask.
"You young people have places to be" She says. "I believe you've indulged me long enough"
"It's the least we could do" You say.
"But yeah, we do have to go" Derrick says. "Things in Sherton may go smoothly, but the Commanders never liked being kept waiting..."

"Ah yes, the Lady of the Skies... she is more understanding than you give her credit for, dear prince" Namaki says. "But for now you are right. The lady may be fine with waiting, but the war will not"
"Right" Derrick says. "We should send Coral to let the others know we're heading out, and then get going"
"Okay" You say.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread should be tomorrow, unless something comes up. Pre-thread notice will be up around noon EST.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!
>>
>>1431776
Why isn't 300 year old kitsune an extraordinary waifu?
>>
>>1431776
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
>>1431776
Thanks for running Smiley
>>
>>1431790
The waifus on the list are just the most likely candidates.
For all I care you guys could go after any non-married female in the story. Layla, Namaki, Tian, Jade, Altea, The Pale Queen, Sophia, whoever. If you so desire, Yuu's adorably clueless enough to bumble his way through wooing said lady.
Just remember that there can only be one.
>>
>>1431812
The only, and objectively correct choice, is of course Coral.
You'd better have a romance subplot ready, because we're taking her route.
>>
Damn, I missed this one

Smiley, could you do a pastebin with the physical description of all characters? It could be of use if a drawfag wants to... Well, draw them
>>
After sending Coral off to let the others know you're getting ready to leave, you set about packing your things.
Once that's done, you all head out to the front entrance to say your goodbyes.

"Well it was certainly nice having you all over" Namaki says. "Be sure to come back and visit some day... especially you, Emi. At my age I get more knots than a fisherman's net..."
"That sounds nice" Emi says.
"Yeah, we'll have to come back once everything is settled" You say.

"Now, you kids take care" She says, as she hugs each of you in turn. Including Cheska, which catches the devil by surprise.
"We will" Derrick says.

With that, you wave goodbye and head down the stairs.

About halfway down Coral zips back to you and salutes, signalling that her job is done.

"Cool" You say. "How long do you think it'll be before they head to the carts?"
"A couple minutes, hopefully" Derrick says. "Though we could always just go around and pick them all up. Coral can show us where they all are"

>Let's do that

>I'm good with waiting

>Other
>>
>>1432991
>Let's do that
>>
>>1432991
>>Let's do that
We have to waifu Namaki. Go for the Ara ara~
>>
>>1432991
>>Let's do that
>>
>>1432413
That sounds like a good thing to have. I'll get to work on that when the summary is finished.

>writing
>>
"Let's do that" You say. "This is a nice town, but the sooner we put it behind us, the sooner we get to Sherton"
"Alright" Derrick says, as he turns to Coral. "Can you lead us to the others?"

Coral's head perks up, and she floats off your shoulder. After looking around for a few seconds, she points out to a spot in the town with a big smile.

"Cool... I didn't mean right now, but it's good that she can do it" Derrick says.
"Yeah, you have to be specific sometimes" You say, as you pat the sprite's head.

When you reach the carts, you see that Meyu is already here...

"Uhh... hey" You say. "Didn't expect you here so early"
"I was already headed over here when your sprite showed up" Meyu says. "I like to get an early start... most days. How'd it go up there?"

"Come on" Madelaine says. "We're gonna drive around and pick everyone up. I'll ride with you and fill you in on the way"
"Is there that much to tell?" Meyu asks.
"You have no idea..." Madelaine says.

Meyu gets into his Betsy, while the rest of you toss your things into the storage compartment. After that, you and Cheska mount up while everyone gets settled.

Once everyone's ready, you get your direction from Coral and get moving...

>1/2
>>
When you reach the inn where everyone else spent the night, you all hop out.

"350 years old..." Meyu says. "And here I thought I was ancient"
"I had trouble believing it at first too" Madelaine says. "And that isn't all... we've got a whole bunch of stuff that Emi is writing up and sending back to the scholars in Locke"
"Why? You guys find something important?" Meyu asks.

"Just stuff about other worlds, the Black God, and stuff like that" You say.

Meyu gives you a blank look.

"That's one for the trip to Sherton, though. It'd probably take the whole thing just to get it all out" Madelaine says.''

Meyu grumbles something as he heads inside to get the others. You decide to lean on the Rook while you wait for them to come out.

"So... hey" Cheska says.
"What's up?" You ask.
"I was thinking, since Emi is sending all tat stuff back to Fran and all..." She says. "Do you think it would be possible for me to ride in the other cart, so I can send something to her too?"

>I'd have to give someone else the shackle for a while

>I'll stick close to the carts

>I'd rather you ride with me...

>Other
>>
>>1433103
>I'll stick close to the carts
>>
>>1433103
>I'll stick close to the carts
>>
>writing
>>
You reach over and ruffle her hair. "I'll stick close to the carts, maybe spend the trip talking to Derrick or something..." You say. "Just remember to tell her I said hi"
"I will..." She says, smiling for a second before swatting away your hand. "Stop that!"

"Oh, fine" You say. "So why the sudden interest in letters?"
"I figured I should stay in touch" Cheska says. "I didn't get to spend all that much time with her before we had to leave..."
"I know..." You say. "But you'll have all the time in the world once this is all over"

Cheska frowns for a moment, but only for a moment. It's quickly relaced by a smile. "Yeah, I guess so" She says.

Before you can say anything, the others emerge from the inn.

"We all set?" Derrick asks. "Hang on. Where's Gerard?"
"Still with his lady, I assume" Madelaine says with a sigh. "Honestly..."
"We'll have to go grab him, maybe dumb some cold water on his head too" Meyu says. "Get on in, guys. Sooner we get this over with the sooner we're on the road"

>1/2
>>
You pull up to what you can only assume is Eve's house, and Meyu heads up to the front door.

He knocks more gently than you'd expect, given his obviously sour mood at having to drag his companion out of bed...

After waiting for a second, he knocks again. He seems like he's getting pretty impatient, so you head up with him to make sure he doesn't try to break the door down...

A few seconds pass, and just as Meyu goes to knock again, the door opens to reveal Eve.

"Ah, Hello" She says. "You're here for Gerard?"
"Yeah, is he err... out of bed?" Meyu asks.
"He has been for a while, he-" Eve stops when she spots you. "Hello again"
"Hey" You reply.

"Sorry, he was packing his things, but the little ones-"
"Someone there?" You hear Gerard ask. He steps into view. He's got about 4 little kids of various ages trying to climb him... "Hey guys. Is it time to go already?"

You tilt your head.

>That looks like fun

>Never took you for a kid person

>Yeah

>Other
>>
>>1433255
>Never took you for a kid person
>>
>>1433255
>Never took you for a kid person

>Yeah
>>
>>1433255
>>Never took you for a kid person
>>
>writing
>>
"Never took you for a kid person..." You say.
"I'm usually not" Gerard says, as he picks the smallest child off his shoulders. It's a little girl with floppy ears and a tail like her mother's. "But look at this little one. How could you not love something so sweet?"

You take the Canid pup from Gerard and hold it in front of your face. She stares at you for a moment, and then licks your nose.

You then turn to Eve. "I'm keeping her" You say.

Eve looks shocked. "Heh? B-but she's... she's-"
"Relax, he's kidding" Meyu says. "Set to go, Gerard?"
"Yeah, just give me a second..." He says, as he starts plucking the children off of him and handing them to Eve.

"You're leaving?" One of the boys asks.
"For now, yeah" Gerard says. "We've got some bad guys to deal with in Leon. Once that's done I'll come right back"
"Promise?" One of the girls asks.
Gerard smiles and ruffles her hair. "Of course" He says.

After handing the last of them off to Eve, he takes he littlest one from you and hands her off to Eve as well. After that, he gives Eve a kiss, whispers something to her, and heads out.

Once you're nearing the carts, Meyu turns to Gerard. "You really plannin' on coming back here?" He asks. "You shouldn't get their hopes up if-"
"I actually am..." Gerard says. "I've never tried going steady with someone before... and Eve's actually really sweet"
"Just don't cock it up, alright?" Meyu asks. "According to Madelaine, the lady of this place is very protective of her people, and not the kind of person you'd wanna mess with"
"Ah, how bad could she be?" Gerard asks.

>1/2
>>
"Cheska's riding with us?" Derrick asks.
"Yeah, she wants to write a letter back to Fran" You say. "That's okay, right?"
"Might be a little cramped..." Derrick says. "Ah, someone can always go on the roof"

"So which way is it?" You ask.
"We're going further south" Derrick says. "The road splits down there, going either to the the southern port or back up north"

"That doesn't seem very efficient" Yous say. "Why not go back north?"
"Commander said to take the south road" Derrick says. "It's probably not the safest path right now, so keep your eyes open"

"Think we'll run into any raiders?" You ask.
"Always a possibility" He says. "We're a pretty large, well armed group though, so I doubt they'll trouble us too much"
"Always good to keep a look out" You say.

Once everyone is in their carts, you start moving.

>Talk to Derrick about what he thinks is happening in Sherton

>Talk to Derrick about Contique

>Focus on the road

>Other
>>
>>1433393
>>Focus on the road
>>
>>1433393
>>Talk to Derrick about what he thinks is happening in Sherton
>>
>writing
>>
Once you're away from Otuna's border fence, you try to keep pace next to Derrick. It's difficult at first to control the throttle and keep the constant, slower pace, but you get used to it.

It helps quite a bit that Derrick keeps the same speed at all times, making it easier to match yours.

"So? What should we expect when we get to Sherton?" You ask.
"Like Namaki said, the battle will be long done by the time we arrive" He says. "She was just confirming something I already suspected though..."

"What's that?" You ask.
"The king-... my father's strategy" He says. "As a roadblock, Sherton isn't all that effective. Its walls were meant to keep out bandits, not armies. So they probably moved most of their forces out of there to reinforce Contique"

"Why?" You ask.
"Sturdier walls, roomier ramparts, better magic defenses. Contique is an all around better place to try and outlast a siege" He says. "It's likely that we'll be facing the majority of the loyalist's army there"
"Not in Leon?" You ask.

Derrick shakes his head. "Leon's defenses are made up mostly of automatons" He says. "There's little need for defensive forces there, save for the areas outside Leon proper..."

>Auto-what now?

>Does Altea know this?

>You're pretty good at this stuff

>Other
>>
>>1433491
>Auto-what now?
>>
>>1433491
>Auto-what now?
>>
File: 1de.gif (940 KB, 627x502)
940 KB
940 KB GIF
>>1433491
>Auto-what now?

Do they run on mana? It seems that sort of defense would be remarkably bad at keeping out demons (who have been shown to have sappers and mana-draining boons.)
>>
>>1433491
>>Auto-what now?
>>
>writing
>>
"Auto-what now?" You ask.
"Automatons" Derrick says. "I guess you wouldn't know what they are... They're like... hmm..."

Derrick thinks for a moment. "They're machines powered by the city's generator, that look like really big guys in armor"
"How big?" You ask.
"The smallest around around 7 feet tall, while the largest is... I think 12" He says. "They all have a weapon in one hand, and a mana device in the other that lets them sort of cast spells"

"How do they work?" You ask.
"They work a bit like sprites do" Derrick says. "They stay inactive while they're not needed, so as to preserve mana. They only become active when their directive comes into play"
"Directive?" You ask.
"Keep out invaders" Derrick says. "That'll be us, by the way"

"Sounds like I should've brought one of those flesh weapons along..." You say.
"I don't think that would work" Derrick says. "They're linked directly to the city's generator. You could stick that spear into one of them and leave it there for days and it wouldn't do much"

"How do we beat them?" You ask.
"Same as anything else" He says. "They're tough, but they do have weak spots. Most of them can be disarmed, and... hmm..."

"What?" You ask.
"There is a master control for them all in the generator..." Derrick says. "I'll have to talk to Altea about it, but we may not need to fight them at all"

>There aren't any guarding the generator?

>I think I'd prefer that...

>We can take 'em!

>Other
>>
>>1433628
>There aren't any guarding the generator?
>>
>>1433628

>There aren't any guarding the generator?
>>
>writing
>>
>>1433628
>>There aren't any guarding the generator?
>>
"There aren't any guarding the generator?" You ask.

Derrick's eyes widen, and he slaps his forehead. "Ah! Shit... I forgot, that's where they keep the biggest ones" He says.

"They can't be that bad..." You say. "I'd rather face a few big ones than a thousand little ones"
"But 2 that guard the generator are big for a reason" He says. "They each have 4 arms, with one weapon in each, as well as multiple chest-mounted devices that let them use just about every kind of magic..."

"You sure know a lot about them" You say.
"I worked on Leon's generator, remember?" He asks.
"Maybe they won't see you as an invader then" You say.
"Oh, they will" Derrick says. "I'm sure someone there has seen to that..."

"I'd still rather take on 2 than a thousand, but I guess we'll figure that out later" You say.

>Do they have any weaknesses?

>Anything else I should know about Leon's defenses?

>Other
>>
File: Loader_Bot.png (449 KB, 500x500)
449 KB
449 KB PNG
Soul powered automaton, you say?
>>
>>1433743
>Do they have any weaknesses?

>Anything else I should know about Leon's defenses?
>>
>>1433743
>Do they have any weaknesses?

>Anything else I should know about Leon's defenses?
>>
>writing
>>
>>1433816
Unfortunately slow today
>>
>>1433832
Possibly due to the fact that I forgot to put this thread's start up on twitter until a friend reminded me.

But slow is fine. As long as there's at least 1 voter, the quest will continue.
>>
>>1433851
Sweet
>>
"Do they have any weaknesses?" You ask.
"Aside from the device that connects them to the generator? No" Derrick says.
"Where is that? Is it like a big glowy weak-point on their armor?" You ask.
"No... it's inside the armor" Derrick says. "Why would they put the weak-point on the outside?"

"To make the fight challenging, but fair" You say.

Derrick gives you a weird look, then turns his attention back to the road.

"Anything else I should know about Leon's defenses?" You ask.
"The hardest part, I think, will be crossing the bridge to the Dragon's gate" He says. "It'll still be difficult after that, but that's the biggest choke point, and likely where we'll meet the most resistance"

"You're pretty good at this whole strategy thing" You say.
"Well, I did learn from the best" He says. "Altea and my father are a pretty even match, if I had to say. The only difference between them being my father's tendency to be passive and Altea's love of grand offensives..."

"Who do you think will win this war?" You ask.
"It all depends on who's got the best men, between them" Derrick says.
"So... us?" You ask.

Derrick chuckles. "We can only hope"

>Anything else?
>>
>>1433905
What happens when you confront your father?
>>
>>1433905
>Think I could make a Soul Powered Automaton?
>>
>>1433935
This is a pretty interesting idea
>>
>>1433905
>>1433935
>Maybe we could run it like our current vehicle.
>>
>writing
>>
"Think I could make a soul powered automaton?" You ask.
"You'd need a big power source" Derrick says. "More than just the little engine you have in the Rook... but probably smaller than the one at Mortifas. Unfortunately that means it won't be very mobile"

"Dang..." You say.
"Plus you'd need to build the chaos engine first, and I think you'd have some trouble finding people willing to build a chaos engine for one automaton..." He says. "Not to mention the cost of something like that..."

"I get it, I get it" You say. "Maybe some day..."
"Yeah, who knows?" Derrick asks.

You turn back to the road, as something occurs to you. All this talk of Leon, and you've yet to ask...

"So... when we get to Leon, like... the palace..." You say. "What do you think will happen when you confront the king?"
Derrick sighs. "I honestly don't know" He says. "I'd love it if he said that it was all a lie, and that he never meant to send me off to die but... I feel like that's being a little too optimistic"

"If he apologized, would you forgive him?" You ask.
"Maybe..." He says. "I dunno... it all kinda depends. I can't know what I'll do or what he'll do... and it'll all kinda depend on whether Daria is there or not..."

>Why does her being there change things?

>Would it help if I punched him?

>Ask him about his sister

>Other
>>
>>1434039
>>Would it help if I punched him?
>>Ask him about his sister
>>
>>1434039
>Ask him about his sister
>>
>>1434039
>Would it help if I punched him?

>Ask him about his sister
>>
>writing
>>
"Would it help if I punched him?" You ask.
"Probably not, but it couldn't hurt to try..." He says.
"Well it would hurt" You say.
"True" Derrick says.

"So what about your sister?" You ask. "You mentioned her before, but I don't think you said much"

"Daria?" He asks. "Well she's... a lot like you, actually. Keeps a bright outlook, very brave, sometimes she's a little naive..."

"She sounds nice" You say.
"She is, but... well..." Derrick says. "I'm not quite sure how to explain her... I guess you'll have to wait and see for yourself"

"If she's anything like you, I'm sure we'll get along fine" You say.
"That's the hope" He says.

>Anything else?
>>
>>1434199
I think we are good
>>
>>1434208
Actually
>ask how things are with Madelaine
>>
>writing
>>
"How are things with Madelaine?" You ask. "I notice you guys spent a lot of time together last night..."

Derrick's cheeks flush. "Well... we were just talking" He says. "She was pretty excited about all the stuff we figured out"
"I thought she would be" You say. "Does she think any of it has to do with the ruins?"

"She was certain of it" Derrick says. "Even though there's nothing really connecting any of this to the ruins, she seemed pretty confident"
"I guess we'll find out when we go" You say.
"I guess so..." Derrick says. "That'll be soon, won't it?"

"I'd like to go as soon as we can" You say. "It'd add a big piece of the puzzle to this whole thing if we do learn something there"
"Madelaine will be pleased, no doubt" He says.

You smile. "I'll let you be the one to tell her" You say.
Derrick chuckles. "Ah... gimme a break man" He says. "Here I thought I could get away from this if Ilica wasn't here"
"I have to do her share" You say.

Both of you share a laugh.

>1/2
>>
You pass the next several miles in silence, until you reach the fork in the road.

"Which way?" You ask.
"Take the left" Derrick says. "Going straight takes you south to the port"
"Kay" You say, tucking that bit of navigational info into your head for later...

After that, it's a few hours more until Derrick turns to you.

"Sounds like we're stopping for lunch" Derrick says.
"Cool, I've been getting hungry" You say.

The carts pull over to the side of the road, and you stop in front of them.

One by one everyone piles out and Derrick pulls out the box you've been keeping your rations in, then starts handing them out.

Once you've got your food, you-

>Ask Cheska how the letter's coming along

>Ask Emi if the report is finished

>Other
>>
>>1434404
>>Ask Emi if the report is finished
>>
>>1434404
>Ask Emi if the report is finished
>>
>>1434404
>>Ask Emi if the report is finished
>>
>>1434404

>Ask Emi if the report is finished
>>
>>1434404
>>Ask Emi if the report is finished
>>
>writing
>>
You walk over to where Emi is, resting on her coiled up tail.

"How's the report coming along?" You ask.
"It's done" Emi says. "I'll send it off once we reach Sherton"
"Why not now?" You ask.

"Because Cheska wants to send her letter with it, and at the rate she's going..." Emi says.
"Slow?" You ask.
"Very" Emi says. "It's not like she's a slow writer or anything. It looks like she's just stressing too much over what to say"

"Well... give her some encouragement from me" You say. "Tell her that Fran will probably like whatever she sends, no matter how dumb it might seem"

"Uhh... in those exact words?" She asks.
"Probably not those exact words..." You say. "Copy the spirit, not the letter"
"I'll try" Emi says. "She'd probably want to hear it from you though..."
"I'm busy" You say, looking over at Cheska.

She's currently talking with Madelaine. About what, you can't tell. But they seem to be getting along.

>Go bug her

>Let them be

>Other
>>
>>1434556
>Let them be
>Go practice your magic
>>
>>1434571
Seconding
>>
>>1434556
>>1434571
Maybe we could try and work on a spell that might do armor-piercing on an automata.
>>
>writing
>>
"Busy with what?" Emi asks.
"Busy thinking of new spells" You say. "Derrick told me that all the guards in Leon are machines, so I wanna come up with something that might help break their armor"

"Maybe I can help" Emi says.
"I was hoping you might" You say. "I don't have much to work with as far as other spells go, but I made some progress towards sharpening my usual soul bolts when I was fighting the Grand Inquisitor"

"I remember Derrick mentioning that you pierced the First Knight's Light Screen when you were in Mortifas" Emi says. "Couldn't you do something like that?"

"I'm not actually sure if I could do that again..." You say. "See, my eyes were doing that thing when I did that. So I don't know if it's something I could pull off reliably"
Emi smiles. "That's what practice is for" She says.

>I'll work on that, then

>I'm gonna keep trying to sharpen my bolts

>I'll try to think of something else (specify)

>Other
>>
>>1434662
>I'll work on that, then
Maybe when we get good enough with a mageblade we can turn it into a drill for even more piercing power.
>>
>>1434662
>>I'll work on that, then
>>
>>1434662
>I'll work on that, then
>>
>>1434662
>>I'll work on that, then
Is it time to pierce the heavens?
>>
>>1434662
>I'll work on that, then
>>
>writing
>>
>>1434705
I mean, we are fighting the power.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

"I'll put some work into that then, I guess" You say, as you pull your mageblade out.
"I'll watch what you do, and see if I can give you any pointers" Emi says, as she gets some distance.

"Why are you going so far away?" You ask.
"Just a precaution" She says. "Go ahead"

You turn away from Emi to focus on your blade. You've noticed that activating it at it's usual sharpness has become second nature to you now... maybe you should try and bump that up a bit when you get the chance.

From what you remember, you focused all the energy into the point, and then released it at once. It felt a lot like the usual sharpening, so hopefully it'll be a little easier now than it was then...

You take a breath, and focus...

>Roll 1d100 with focus
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>1434785
Check out this nat 100
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>1434785
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>1434785
>>
>>1434800
adda boy anon
>>
>writing
>>
You let your breath out, and focus your mageblade into the tip. Ideally, you would do this either just before or just after sticking it into something...

The energy pools up, making it difficult to maintain, but you grit your teeth and keep at it.

When you can't hold it anymore, you hold your blade away from you and let it go. The energy stored in the tip explodes outward with enough force to blow away the rest of the blade. The 'recoil' of it forces you to take a step back and swing your arm away.

It's difficult to control, but you can definitely do it. You quickly activate your blade and give it another go.

...

Once again the energy pools up to the breaking point, and you release it in another explosion.

"Alright!" You say. "It works"

>Skill learned: Blade Burst

You look around to see that the blasts have drawn some attention. So you smile.

"What's all the ruckus over here?" Meyu asks.
"I learned a thing" You say.

Derrick walks over to you. "That looked kinda familiar" He says. "Was that the same technique you used to break Frederick's light screen?"
"Yes" You say.
"So you can do it on command now? That's pretty nice" He says.
"I thought it would come in handy" You say.

Looking around again, it seems like everyone's packing things back into the carts.

>Anything before you go?
>>
>>1434915
>ask Cheska how the letter is going
>>
>>1434915
>Let's just get moving.
>>
>>1434915
>ask Cheska how the letter is going
>>
>writing
>>
You walk over to Cheska, who is stretching her legs before heading back into the cart.

"Yo" You say, as you put a hand on her shoulder.

Cheska jumps and turns to you. "Oh, it's you" She says.
"Who else could it have been?" You ask.
"I dunno. I wasn't expecting anyone to bug me" She says. "What's up?"

"I was wondering how the letter's going" You say.
"None of your business" She says, poking her tongue out at you.
"That good, huh?" You ask.

Cheska's expression drops.

"How much do you have done?" You ask.
"Well I... have the first bit..." She says.
"You mean 'Dear Fran'?" You ask.
"Alright, it's not going well" She says.

You squeeze her shoulder in a comforting way. "Just keep at it, okay?" You ask. "Emi said she'd try to help as much as she could"
"Alright... thanks" She says.

With that, Cheska hops into the cart, and you head over to the Rook.

>1/2
>>
The rest of the trip to Sherton passes in relative silence...

"You've been quiet" Derrick says. "Usually you'd've asked me if we were there yet a couple dozen times by now"
"Oh, I don't need to ask" You say. "I can see the towers. We're close"

Derrick looks forward and squints. "Damn. What I wouldn't give to have your eyes... I can't see a thing" He says.
"If it makes you feel any better, I'm apparently completely incapable of seeing Namaki's illusions" You say.
"You make that sound like a bad thing..." He says.

"It can be" You say. "Last night she was trying to show me what snow looks like, but I couldn't see it"
"I guess you've never seen snow before, huh?" He says. "Don't worry, winter will be here soon, and you'll see more snow than you'll ever want to"

"I look forward to it" You say.

>Ask Derrick if he likes snow

>Talk about what you'll do in Sherton

>Other
>>
>>1435091
>Talk about what you'll do in Sherton
>>
>>1435091
>>Ask Derrick if he likes snow
>>
>>1435091
>>Ask Derrick if he likes snow
>>
>>1435091
>Ask Derrick if he likes snow
>>
>>1435091
>>Talk about what you'll do in Sherton
>>
>>1435091
>Talk about what you'll do in Sherton
>>
>writing
>>
"Do you like snow?" You ask.
"When I was younger, I did" He says. "Altea used to give the knights and I a day or two off when the snow startedpiling up, so we'd spend it building forts and having snowball fights in the courtyard"
"That sounds like fun" You say.

"It was... until you got hit by one of Rhea's snowballs" He says. "She couldn't aim to save her life, but man when she hit, she hit. And even hiding behind your fort wouldn't save you, unless you made it extra thick..."

As Derrick talks about his time with the knights, you notice that he's smiling. So you decide to just let him talk.

"... but then Pip would always get up behind me... she'd never throw a single snowball. She would always just dump a handful down your back..." He says. "But that was then, and these days snow's become kind of a pain in the ass"

"How so?" You ask.
"It makes everything difficult" He says. "Clogs up the roads, gets in your room if you forget to close the window..."
"Have you done that?" You ask.
"Once... maaaybe twice" He says. "I liked to keep my room cool, but I've always been a little forgetful..."

You start laughing.

"Hey, come on! It's not that funny" Derrick says.

>1/2
>>
"So what will we do when we get to Sherton?" You ask.
"Us two will have to go see the Commander, and give her some more details on our meeting with Namaki" Derrick says. "After that, I don't know..."

"Stella wanted me to go to her house and send some stuff to her" You say.
"What stuff?" He asks.
"She has this giant stuffed animal that she wants back" You say.
"Sounds a bit big for a sprite to carry" Derrick says.
"I figured, but it's worth a look" You say. "Maybe we can find some way"

"I'll also want to talk with the Commander a bit more about Contique, if you're interested in joining that conversation" He says.
"I could probably just leave that to you guys..." You say. "But if you want me there, I'll stick around"
"We'll have to see" Derrick says.

The rest of the trip passes quickly, and before you know it you're back in Sherton.

"Hard to believe it's only been about a week since we were last here..." Derrick says.
"Feels like forever" You say.

The guards recognize you, and let you know that they've been expecting you. You're through the gates in moments, and on your way to the town's garrison.

When you arrive there, you're greeted by Marybell and Pip.

>Stop to chat for a bit

>Head inside

>Other
>>
>>1435264
>Head inside
>>
>>1435264
>Head inside after saying hello to them
>>
>>1435264
>>Stop to chat for a bit
How goes the war?
>>
>>1435264
>>Head inside
>>
>>1435264
>>Stop to chat for a bit
>>
>>1435264
>>Head inside
>>
>>1435264
>Head inside
>>
>>1435264
>Head inside
>Say hi briefly, but we should go right in once we arrive.
>>
>>1435277
This
>>
>writing
>>
"Hello" You say, as you pull the Rook up and dismount.
"Welcome back, Yuusky" Pip says. "Bring me a souvenir?"

You look to Derrick. "Was I supposed to?" You ask.
"No" He says.
"Then no" You say.

"Aww, soo meeeaaan" Pip whines.

Marybell chops Pip on the head. "It's good to see you're well. I hear things didn't go according to plan at the Stronghold" She says.
"Not even a little" You say. "I don't think the giant flesh monstrosities were a part of anyone's plan"

Pip grimaces. "Yeah, I peeked on it when they were offloading it from the Crow's airship" She says. "Disgusting thing"
"I agree" You say. "Is the Commander in?"
"Yep" Pip says. "She's been expecting you. Go straight in, to the door at the end of the hall. Can't miss it"
"Thanks" You say.

You look back to see that Cheska is with you, so you head inside.

>1/2
>>
Down the hall, door at the end. Wow, Pip was right. You really can't miss it.

It's a long hallway, but you can definitely see the door.

"Nice place" Cheska says. "Very simple"
"Maybe too simple" You say. "I like a bit of danger whenever I go into a building"
"Danger of... what, getting lost?" She asks.
"Yes" You say.
"Has that happened?" She asks.
"A few times back at the castle in Locke" You say. "But in my defense, it is a very big castle..."
"I can't say anything to that. I had you guiding me around" She says. "I probably would've gotten lost too"

You reach the door and give it a quick couple of knocks.

"Enter" Altea says.

You open the door and step inside.

"How'd you know it was me?" You ask.
Altea smiles. "I didn't, but anyone knocking on that door usually has important business" She says. "So things went well in Otuna"
"They did" You say. "The lady there was very nice"
"And she agreed not to attack our backs while they're turned?" Altea asks.
"She did" You say.

>Did you know who she was?

>How are things here?

>How much would it cost to build a chaos engine?

>Other
>>
>>1435395
>>Did you know who she was?

>>How are things here?
>>
>>1435395
>>Did you know who she was?
>>How are things here?
>>How much would it cost to build a chaos engine?
>>
>>1435395
>How are things here?
>>
>>1435402
This

Also
>It's good to see you again mom
>>
>writing
>>
>>1435395
>She had the most fluffy tails I have ever seen so far.
>Can I have a chaos-powered giant automata?
>>
>>1435395
>>>1435402
>This
>Also
>>It's good to see you again mom
>>
"Did you know who she was when you sent us there?" You ask.
"Only things that I'd heard" She says. "Otuna is a fairly reclusive place, so I only knew that she's old, and a Vulpid"

"Vulpid's not technically true" Derrick says. "She's a Kitsune, with 9 tails"
"And, might I add, they're the fluffiest tails I've ever seen" You say.
"Is that relevant?" Altea asks.
"No, I just thought I'd bring it up" You say.

"Do I want to know how you know what her tails feel like?" Altea asks.
"She let me brush them" You say.
Altea lets out a sigh, and smiles. "I'll take it that she's friendly then" She says.
"She is" Derrick says. "And I think old is an understatement... how old did she say she was?"

"348" You say.
Altea raises an eyebrow. "Understatement indeed..." She says. "But we'll go into that another time"
"Good idea" You say. "How are things here?"

"About as good as I expected" She says. "We took the city with almost no resistance, as I'd expected"
"So they did give up Sherton to take the more advantageous fight" Derrick says.

"What does that mean?" Cheska asks.
"It means that Contique will be a hard fight..." Derrick says.
"That it will" Altea says. "But for now, I'm glad you all mad it back safe, after that mess at the stronghold"

You nod. "Yeah, it's good to see you again mom" You say.
Altea smiles. "Likewise" She says. "I'll let you all get to your business soon. For now I'd like to know what happened, and what you learned"

You and Derrick exchange a glance. "That might take a while..." You say.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will most likely be on Tuesday.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!
>>
>>1435501
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
>>1435501
Thanks For Running Smiley
>>
>>1435501
Thanks for running Smiley
>>
>>1435501
If someone asks if fluffy tails are relevant, the answer is always "absolutely!"
>>
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216 KB PNG
Namaki is best girl?
>>
>>1435864
Incorrect
>>
>>1435864

Best girl has to be decided between cat, snek and perhaps devil
>>
>>1437573
What about bunny?
>>
>>1437573
>>1437622
Best girl is Coral. This is objective fact.

You may debate amongst yourselves who is second best girl.
>>
>>1437644
Can't argue that
>>1437622
Bunnies are easy mode




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