File: 1354426645307.jpg-(86 KB, 577x451, inoxfang.jpg)

>>21820989

Your finger tightens on the trigger - The blunt ingot of the Plasma Caster levelled squarely between Inox Fang's eyes. Heat rises from the charging coils; It's blistering hot, enough for you to feel the actinic buzz of ozone, the acrid tang of coalescing energy.

Inox makes a choked-off, strangled sound. The Player's helm is dented, light bleeding from the rents in his armor - The tips of his clawed gauntlets struggle to close around the twin sabers...Until you kick them aside, out of reach, the blades turning like the spinners in a child's game as they come to a stop.

There's a silence. It's total, and complete. You can feel the eyes watching you: Chrome Cypher, pressed almost flat against the barrier - The black, sharply scrawled figure, like a photo-negative, watching through the slits in his kabuto helm. His posture doesn't change, but there's an unwholesome twist to the atmosphere...As if everything is balanced on this moment.

You reach down, and grip the corner of Inox's war-mask; Setting your feet, you *pull*. You hear metal groan - It feels like it's fixed there, riveted into place - Inox struggles weakly, with soundless fury as your fingers dig in...Setting your feet as the metal begins to crumple, the myomer muscles in your arms bunching. With one last effort, you *wrench*...

-And his face comes off.

His *face* comes off. It happens so suddenly, you stumble a step back, momentarily unbalanced - You hear an audible surrusation, the shadowy figures breathing out as one in a sharp exhalation of breath...

Beneath, Inox has *no face*.

(Continued.)

File: 1354426764704.jpg-(102 KB, 1280x720, jokerfacenightmare.jpg)

You're holding a chromed warmask in your hand - A scream of ultimate agony wrenched forth from Inox's throat - The sound raw, unfiltered, clawed fingers clutched to his face as he doubles over; Through the gaps, you can make out-

...You've always wondered - What's beneath your armor? You don't bleed, as the Red Joker; You hemorrhage light, not blood. You don't feel the exhaustion that would come with flesh - Even the pain-response is dulled. You can be shot, you can be slashed, and the pain is merely agony, suffering that you can endure.

There's...A light. A *kind* of light, the fiery red of Inox's eyes - Still holding the shape, somehow, as if the armor was just a shell holding his boiling essence in. With a lurch, you realize - This *is* what you look like, within. The fluctuating illumination, the azoic spark...

-That is the shape of his soul.

The light that bleeds away from him *shatters*, into a swirl of green particles - sucked into the vents of your armor, which greedily inhales the swirling pixels.

"I'll *find* you-" Inox seethes...And it's a *girl's* voice, distorted with hate, yet still recognizable, tormented beyond all belief. "I'll *find* you, and I'll *kill* you! I'll kill you, Joker!"

His - *Her* - body is beginning to lose cohesion, to disintegrate; Breaking down into competent particles, fuming away like fine sand, eroding little by little. The warmask in your hand melts away, unmade in one breath as you take a slow step back - On her knees, head down, Inox's voice is choked off into a fitful buzzing, buzzing, like the rasp of insect wings...

-Though she has no eyes, she's glaring hate at you.

You have a little time, before Inox Fang disintegrates completely - Time enough to reconsider. In the galleries above, you can hear a low, circulating murmur, as the audience stirs - Their shadowy shapes riling, agitated, as they watch the final act play out below.

(Continued.)

But is that their approval you hear...Or their hunger for death? You can't be sure, not even as Chrome Cypher claws against the invisible barrier - Your Plasma Caster levelling in an unwavering hand, the servoes of your battered armor whining softly as it autocorrects.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21846405
Let Inox go. Anon's a killer but he's had enough of being a murderer.

>>21846440

Y'know, she did just swear undying vengeance on us. And it'd probably come back to haunt us later, but...

Fuck it. Let her go. Maybe we can convert her with our noodly appendage, later.

>>21846405
No... Kill her,she's started this, we'll finish it... We're the red joker for a god damned reason. It's time to let people know why we have the title for so long.

As much as it pains me, I say let her go but only to show Chrome Cypher we aren't complete monsters. I get the feeling that killing the player will burn our bridge with natsumi.

>>21846405

God damn. I'd kill the bitch dead, but we can't do it in front of Natsumi. That's just messed up. Okay, we let it slide just this once.

Just this once, /tg/.

>>21846402
>>21846405
Like I suggested in the last thread: "You'll only get one second chance. If you want to throw your life away like you threw away the life of your counterpart, you know how to find me."

>>21846405
KILL HER... KILL HER NOW!

>>21846576
Kinda want to shove the nihl into all that glowy.

>>21846576
Don't forget to punch her in the face.

>>21846405
This person knows our movement patterns, and had the gall to attack us during the play... As much as I like to be the merciful man. We have a reputation to uphold. Blast her.

>>21846405
We are far past the point of complete monster, and besides. What of Hecate? Kill this bitch.

You tense, the emerald light of your mono-optics flickering...

And - slowly, very, very slowly - your finger uncurls from the trigger-grip. Inox's slow-motion disintegration completes itself, at last - Like a candle flame being snuffed out, the last pixels swirling away like streamers of smoke.

It may be a trick of your imagination, but you're sure - Chillingly so - that Inox's fixed stare never wavered...Stripped of everything except the hate, the way a smile slowly fades. Your myomer muscles sting with strength, as you turn, abruptly - Bringing the Plasma Caster up, triggering it once, twice.

BOOOOOOOOOMMMM

You fire it into the wall of the Court, the recoil kicking in your hand, the loud bark echoing in your ears.

BOOOOOOOOOMMMM

Another blast erupts in the half-light, scorching a molten furrow into the pristine walls, shards rattling off your armor. A flick of your wrist, and the Caster shimmers away - Reduced to schematics, collapsing upon itself like a holographic projection - as your remaining Vulcan spins into life, vomiting forth a dizzying hail of plasma bolts.

The searing green blasts scorch your molten symbol - The grinning, crimson harlequin - into the far wall. Backlit by it, you turn back, looking up: The silence seeming to ripple for a moment, with the afterimages of your fiery wrath.

(Continued.)

>>21846624
>had the gall to attack us during the play.

Are you kidding me? When do they not attack us in the middle of a social engagement? It's practically a tradition. I can just imagine Xmas with Anon: Everyone
s sitting around the table after a big dinner with friends and Anon say "This was really great, but I can't help but feel like something's been left out." Then the world dissolves into Red and Anon's all "Nevermind"

>>21846671
I didn't see a smiley, don't think Inox has anything to do with Hecate.

>>21846703
So... the bitch dead?

>>21846799
No, forcibly logged out.

Also, find and punch whoever said "Hamlet" in a theater during a performance, they're responsible for all of this.

>>21846799
I don't think so, we didn't shoot her more, she kinda just dissipated. So this is going to come back and bite us in the ass, because for some reason people thought it was a good idea to let someone with nothing but hate and a burning vengeance boner for us live to make Natsumi feel better about us.

File: 1354428452144.jpg-(560 KB, 1920x1080, jokerfloor.jpg)

The world's beginning to waver, to fade out - The tesselated hexagons of your Assault Shroud beginning to break down, as the fight ends. But then you hear the low chime of a confirmation tone, as you turn your palm upwards...

-A heavy steel emblem rests in your hand, polished to a mirror-sheen. Fashioned in the shape of a bifurcated wolf's skull - Backlit by the full moon - it's heavy enough to turn your wrist...The sigil cracked cleanly in half, the edges jagged, as if to remind you of a fight left unfinished - Or mercy rewarded.

You can feel the potential locked within it - A low, humming pulse - as you lift it to your shoulder. There's a metallic *clank* as it maglocks itself to the pauldron: Raw steel, against your crimson armor.

> CONVERSION COMPLETE
> 'ORTHRUS CREST' OBTAINED
> UPDATING DATABASE...

The information that scrolls across your visor is garbled, incomplete - You shake your head to clear it, as reality snaps back into place...

-And you hear a shuddering *gasp*, as Natsumi exhales, sharply. She's panting, the color drained from her face; As if she's had a bucket of cold water suddenly and unaccountably upturned over her head.

You look down...And relief surges through you. Your left hand is still there. Still *whole.*

"Thank goodness..." Her voice is low, but relieved; The lines of exhaustion stark on Natsumi's face.

[ ] "...Why did you stop me?"
[ ] "-Are you all right? You don't look so good."
[ ] "She's gone, at least."
[ ] "I didn't know it could end *that* way..."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21846866
I wonder if her doppelganger was a person or if she actually had two avatars and just switched between them?

>>21846901
>[X ] "...Why did you stop me?"

>>21846901
Act like nothing is amiss, this sort of thing is a regular occurrence, we're used to it.

"So, you were about to ask me a question before we were so rudely interrupted."

>>21846923

The current theory is that it's twin sisters. We mostly likely killed one, and let the other go.

>>21846901
[X] Free
"You know, people are going to be wondering why the Red Joker listened to you. Speaking of which, isn't there supposed to be a barrier of some kind that prevents spectators from interacting with combatants?"

>>21846901
"So strange. I didn't know two Players could have the same identity. Or was she one Player in two bodies? ...Natsumi, you okay? You look unwell."

>Just checked OP's twitter account; for those who didn't we're at a rehearsal at our school, not Seisin.

>>21847011
whoops. my mistake

>>21846948

"'Why'?" Natsumi echoes - Sounding surprised, even appalled. She straightens, catching her breath; "-It's because...Because I couldn't just let you *kill* someone!" Her voice rises, alarmingly - But thankfully, the noises from the rehearsal are drowning it out.

She turns to face you, her brown eyes pleading - "So that's why - That's why I called out. I just - I couldn't *watch* it happen..."

>>21847005
>>21847011

She bites her lip, agitation flitting across her face - It's clear she wasn't thinking about that. "There is," Natsumi says, hushed. "-When I tried...When you heard my voice..." Her cheeks go paler, still, as she cradles her arm to herself - You notice that her lips are blue.

"...It hurt me." There's an odd edge to her words, something that's equal parts surprise and dread. "It was so *cold*...I didn't think anything could be that cold. I could see *everything* - But if you hadn't stopped..."

Natsumi shakes her head, visibly calming herself: "-I'll be fine, in a bit. I'm just surprised, that's all." She smiles, a wan little smile. "...I wasn't sure you'd listen to me, after all...But I'm glad you did. I'm *glad*."

>>21846950

"-It doesn't matter, now," she says, faintly - Her voice soft, now, warm. "...I have my answer."

She meets your gaze, for a moment longer - Approval in her eyes. The wordless, companionable silence lingers, until...

-There's a *buzzing* at your side, droning and insistent. For a moment, you wonder if it's the Nihl Sphere...But no, it's your handphone, you realize, as your hand drops to your side.

(Continued.)

"...Aren't you going to get that?" Natsumi asks; She sounds like herself again, idly smoothening down the slight creases in her costume - Before glancing away, back to the stage, with something that's almost relief.

[ ] "Ah, yes."
[ ] "I'll put it on hold; It can wait."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21847283
[X] "Ah, yes."

Get the phone.

>>21847283
[X] "Ah, yes."

Wait. WAIT. Anons, look at the scene where we had Inon down on the ground. We got experience--for a NON-LETHAL TAKEDOWN. We can win experience without needing to kill!

>>21847283
[x] Check caller ID. Someone we know? Text that we'll call after the play. Unknown number? Take the call.

If Inox was two people then someone's dead. We need to find out who died in the last 5 min.

>>21847335
But do we get as much? More importantly, there are quite a few people who really need to die.

>>21847476
From what OP had written, i think it's at least implied that you have a better chance of looting Relics with nonlethal takedowns.

File: 1354430609782.jpg-(28 KB, 640x450, 27-P4-00136.jpg)

>>21847476
The first isn't a reason to kill, the second... well, I prefer answers to vengeance. Pic related.

>>21847359
The relic we got suggests she might not have been. Orthus was a two headed dog (yes, he was related to Cerberus) owned by Geryon in Greek mythology. He's best known for being killed by Heracles when the hero went to steal his cows.

> "Ah, yes."

A ringing phone begs to be answered, after all - And you'd better do it quick, before Yui hears. You take a few prudent steps away, withdrawing further into the wings; The luminous green glow of the screen illuminating you, casting odd shadows on your face as you cup it to your ear.

>>21847359

...And at the same time, you're waiting for the other shoe to drop - But you don't hear any screams, the uproar that would come with an 'accident'. From experience, however - You know that doesn't mean it's not happening, somewhere.

> "Joker-kun, o-h-a-yo~!!! Guess who~?"

The voice on the other end is feminine, giggly and *very* familiar - you hear a few notes of cheery music on the other end of the line, then the rustle of white noise as the speaker takes a deep breath. For a moment, you think it's Mio, but...

-No, it's Mio's excitable friend...What was her name again?

[ ] Ritsuko?
[ ] Rin?
[ ] Rena?
[ ] Ruriko?

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21847536

No, wait. We got that Relic from KILLING Inox Fang. That's why that relic is cracked in half and incomplete, isn't it?

So we still only got that item by killing her.

>>21847559
[X] Rena?

I think it was Rena, I could go back and check.

>>21847559
Was it Rin or Rena? Crap.

>>21847559
"Hello Rena, you're obviously in a good mood. Stole Mio's phone, did you?"

>>21847611
TO THE ARCHIVES!

File: 1354431473343.jpg-(585 KB, 1024x768, jokerrena.jpg)

> [X] Rena?
> "Hello Rena, you're obviously in a good mood.

> "Hehe~ Bingo! Ah, you remembered - No wonder Joker-kun's so popular..."

...Yep, that's Rena all right.

> Stole Mio's phone, did you?"

> "Hau, that's harsh. I'm just concerned about Eri...I mean, Mio-chan, after all."

You can almost *hear* her pouting, on the other side - That girl really has *way* too much energy. It's...quite endearing, and a little annoying at the same time.

Rena sighs, contemplatively - Clearly enjoying the build-up - as her voice grows serious:

> "...Sorry to spring this on you, all of a sudden, *but*..."
> "-Do you like Mio-chan?"

A pause. Behind you, the play goes on.

> "I want to know; How does Joker-kun feel?"
> "Are you serious about her...Anon-kun?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21847776
I do like her, but recently I've been hurt rather badly when my last girlfriend left so I'm going to take a while before I'm ready to open myself to that chance again.

>>21847776

Awww, shit. First kotone, now her. Awwww.

>>21847776

> [X] Free

"Of course I do. She's my best friend."

>>21847821

NO, SHUT UP BEFORE OP GETS IDEAS.

We already friendzoned Natsumi. And I'm actually interested in Mio.

Can I post now? Resorting to fucking Tor because all of the proxys are CP link spammed.

Fuck this adult content filter on CAS Cable.

>>21847821
Natsumi's more in that role.

>>21847809
TMI

>>21847776
[X] Free.

Hmm, I know her well enough to say I like her, but not so well that I'm sure we're really compatible. I really should spend more time with her.

>>21847776
"That is a very difficult question you just asked.

My life is a long series of overlapping clusterfucks and complications, so I can't promise I'll always be there for her or that overflow from my life will never hurt her.

I care for her, I care for her very deeply, but I recently lost someone quite dear to me so I don't consider myself ready for a serious relationship, and any relationship with Mio would be a serious one.

So I can't answer your question right now, all I can say is that I will never willingly hurt her or let her come to harm. I hope that's good enough because it's all I can do."

>>21847776
Do I like her? Yes. Do I want to go out with her? I... Rena, I know I shouldn't spring this on you, but a girl that I liked was with me at Nara Dreamland the day that... the day of the attack. She disappeared. The police don't know anything, her friends haven't seen her and there isn't a bo--*swallow* Any sign of her. I like Mio, and any other time I'd go out with her in a heartbeat but I'm not ready. Not until I know for sure one way or another."

*awkward pause*

"God that was morbid. I doubt that was anything like what you expected when you called. Rena, does Mio know you're interfering with her love life?"

>>21847898
>TMI
You're going to hate what I wrote in...

>>21847776

This is a complex question. We need to answer in a way that ensures maximum drama, down the line.

> "Yes, I like her. She's the nicest girl I've met."

>>21847927
>>21847906
Of for the love

Has it occurred to either of you that Mio could be listening on the line?

>>21847979
itsatrap.jpg

"Of course I do. She's my best friend."

This is such a trap question, it's not even funny.

Also, no friendzoning. Make it clear that there's the possibility for a romantic relationship, but you've been dealing with a horribly stressful personal situation lately and you don't want to drag her into it. There, you've answered her question and provided a (semi-) good reason for not committing just yet.

>>21847979
Even better. You know what would be worse than hurting her feelings? Leading her on and breaking her heart, which is what would happen if it turned out that Hecate were alive. Letting her know that we're interested but cannot at this point commit to her has the best chance of not hurting her or making us scum. As far as relationships with the fair sex are concerned, it's a bit late on the heartless killer thing.

I'd rather not answer right now, my life is a bit stressful at the moment and explaining the situation is complicated.

>>21847809
>>21847906
>>21847927

There's a pause.

It's a *lonnnggg* one - So long, in fact, that you're left wondering if the line has gone dead. You can literally hear the gears turn in Rena's head, as she works it out for herself.

> "That's...a very *complex* answer, Joker-kun."

she says, at last - Slowly, sounding faintly puzzled...As if she really wants to ask: "...So is that a 'Yes'?"

>>21847898
>>21847928

You hear a faint drumming - Like fingers on a tabletop, as Rena ponders this out.

> "...Rena, does Mio know you're interfering with her love life?"

> "I, I'm just looking out for her,"

Rena says, a trifle too quickly - Then, almost to herself...

> "That's right...After all - I'm Mio's best friend. I just...I want her to be *happy*; She's always smiling when she's around you, Joker-kun, so..."
> "...I'll never forgive you, if you do anything to make her sad."

She exhales, softly - Seemingly coming to a decision, but clearly wondering if it's the *right* thing to do...You get the feeling this isn't going quite the way she intended.

> "-I just called to say...Mio's birthday is three days from now, Joker-kun. So, I was thinking...I thought you'd want to know...?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21848084
"Thanks for letting me know. Does she have any plans? And do you have any 'best friend' suggestions for gifts?"

>>21848084

We really need to give Mio a hug. Just...Give her a platonic cuddle, and touch them fluffy tail and ears.

>>21848084
"I didn't know. Are you planning a party for her? More importantly apart from tennis and cosplay, which i really don't know much about, what does she like?"

>>21848084
...OP, you cad. You want us to ruin her birthday by killing someone in front of her? And oh, I swear to god if you reveal on that date hints that Hecate may be alive and give us a choice of staying with Mio or following up I will hunt you down and eat your soul.

[x} Free
"Her birthday? Thanks Rena. I'd have hated to not know. Er, what do you buy a girl as a present? I never know what to get any of my friends."

We get Mio two presents: something Rena suggests, and something from Anon.

>>21848202
Never did ask how she make them move so naturally like that.

>>21848120

> "Ah, well, about that..."

Rena's voice trails off:

> "-She hasn't said anything, actually...I found out by accident. It doesn't seem like she has anything in mind; And it's on a school day, so it makes a party a bit hard to plan for..."

She sounds genuinely apologetic...Even a little embarassed, at that.

>>21848219
>>21848214

> "...What she likes, huh? Erm..."

There's another pause.

> "-I know Mio-chan likes cute things, in general; But...I think what she'd really want is something from you. It...It doesn't have to be very big, you know?"

...she adds hastily, as if aware of the limits of your funds.

> "That's right...So she'll know that you care. T, that is - If you do, is what I'm saying. I...I don't want to *force* you, Joker-kun; That won't be good."

Rena trails off, as if running out of steam - Still, she waits with bated breath, as if wondering...

> "...S-so...What are you going to do?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>21848084

Y'know, this game hits a bit too close to home, sometimes. The very first thing I felt was stomach-churning panic.

>>21848317
Well now I have to get her a present now don't I? If it's on a school day I can't promise that I'll be there as something may come up but I will try. At the very least she'll be getting a belated birthday gift from me.

>>21848317

> [X] Free.
> "I'll ask her out on a date, of course."

>>21848317
"I'm not sure. Getting the right gift will be hard. It always is. I suppose I should take her for lunch and surprise her with the fact I know when her birthday is.

>>21848393
No, no, no, no. NO.

>>21848317
"I'll see what I can do to make it a nice birthday, she deserves one. Do you have your own phone so I can call you if I need any help arranging something for her?"

>>21848317
"Find the cutest thing I can and have it gift wrapped. If I dropped it off at the restaurant could I leave it with your manager?"

Do I detect that Rena has a crush? That's adorable. Pity that we got there first, but we do have a history of setting our friends up. We might consider also getting something for Eri in Rena's name. Plush dolls are cute, maybe some Ghibli? Neko-bus/Totoro and a book; either Accel World or Sword Art Online, for maximum irony.

>>21848424
Offering to buy her dinner might not be wholly untoward if we frame it right.

>>21848465
True, we can get her dinner, get her gifts, but saying outright that we're taking her on a date after what we said earlier seems a bit iffy.

>>21848465
>Do I detect that Rena has a crush? That's adorable.

Notice that she called us IMMEDIATELY AFTER we defeated Inox Fang and absorbed her sweet green essence. It's that pure swag the Red World is feeding us doing its work.

>>21848398

Guys. GUYS.

I have a suggestion.

I think we should give her Kotone's pendant. The silver crucifix thing. That seems like an appropriate gift. Hopefully, it'd protect Mio, too.

>>21848465

She actually seems a bit exasperated, under that cheerful exterior.

>>21848537
Uhhh, no. Giving female friends stuff other female friends have given us has BAD IDEA written all over it.

>>21848537
Regifting things is the epitome of tackiness and a lack of class and refinement, it's rude. Not to mention that Kotone gave it to us and probably for a damn good reason that we don't understand.

>>21848520
I was actually suggesting that she has a crush on Mio. Your point about our love life getting lucky as we win still holds though.

>>21848537
While classy, that was her gift to us. If it's not plot relevant somehow I'll eat my book of tropes.

Also, re: my book suggestions, getting Mio some of the Guin Saga would probably go over better, but AW and SAO are more relevant to us.

>>21848353
>>21848398
>>21848465
>>21848514

> "Ah...*That's* a relief, then."

Rena says, somewhat tartly - Then her voice softens, ever-so-slightly.

> "-I'll be counting on you...Joker-kun."

>>21848424

> "Mmmnn. It's..."

She rattles off the numbers, as you make a mental note; You'll have to keep that in mind, if you're planning anything elaborat-

CRASH.

You're half-expecting it, but even so - The splintery *sound* makes ice run through your veins. It's coming from the stage: A *gasp* arises from the spread-out audience, a breathless, hushed murmur...Even as you snap your phone shut, taking a few hurried steps out to see what's happened.

To your surprise - It's actually not that bad.

"I'm all right - I'm all right," Kouichi is saying, dusting himself off as he stands, helped up by Kazuya: The image of the shark-mascot offering a fin in support is so ludricious, it draws a few nervous-but-relieved giggles.

There's a jagged hole in part of the plywood backdrop - A prop, but still-solid sword lying on the floor, the blade snapped in two. Kouichi looks dazed - And embarassed - but unhurt, though his costume's in disarray: A hand to her mouth, Asuna's standing to the side, looking on - Her expression distinctly alarmed.

In the wings, you can see Yui gesturing for them to lower the curtain - The drapes falling rapidly - at the unexpected technical difficulties...Even as Natsumi brushes past you, her lips drawn in a taut line - Pacing forward as she looks up, tension literally radiating off her.

[ ] "Kazuya - Are you all right, man?"
[ ] "Natsumi, what happened?"
[ ] "Kouichi, you okay?"
[ ] "-Asuna, are you all right?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21848650

[ ] "Natsumi, what happened?"

This is the quickest set of answers we're likely to get, and probably the most pertinent.

>>21848587

> I was actually suggesting that she has a crush on Mio.

Can you imagine the two of them in bed, together? Not that it's going to happen, but I bet Rena fucks like a tiger.

>>21848650
[x]What happened? Is everybody all right?

Paranoia is going into overdrive. Maybe Kouichi was the twin we dusted, but he didn't actually die because we didn't kill the other half?

>>21848691

> Not that it's going to happen, but I bet Rena fucks like a tiger.

What does that EVEN MEAN? But yeah, she's cute. Too bad she's not a heroine.

Come to think of it, Yui is cute, too.

>>21848650
[X] Free
There's a hole? what's behind the backdrop?

>>21848650
Since Kaz is clearly OK
[X] "-Asuna, are you all right?"

>>21848650
"Natsumi, what happened?"

(quietly) "Natsumi, were any girls hurt? Inox's voice was female, this probably rebounded to hit her."

>>21848684
>>21848780

> "Natsumi, were any girls hurt? Inox's voice was female, this probably rebounded to hit her."

"-He missed a swing," she says - Her eyes narrowed, for a moment longer...Before, very slightly, Natsumi shakes her head. She relaxes, slightly - You notice something rather self-conscious in the gesture, as she drops her hand away from the prop sword.

That's something, at least: Natsumi doesn't seem to believe that you're in any immediate danger.

> [X] "-Asuna, are you all right?"

"It's...I'm all right," she says, a little unsteadily - "It just...caught me by surprise, that's all." Rather gingerly, Asuna brushes stray splinters of wood from her almost-skirts.

> There's a hole? what's behind the backdrop?

The backdrops are pretty much just plywood facades; They have stands to support them, so they don't scratch the far wall - You're not sure how conditions will be, at Seisin...But there's been a unanimous decision to err on the side of the caution.

>>21848703

"-It's my bad, that's all," Kouichi chips in - He has a crooked smile on his lips, as he sways to his feet with a rueful shake of his head. "I got a little carried away, that's all; Being on stage's quite something, I have to say."

As it turns out, this verse calls for a scene where the hero has to fend off attacking shark...men? (Or just a shark-man. You sense rewrites ahead.) It seems he clipped the scenery on the backswing, and it was rather more fragile than he'd expected...

-Though given how the blunt edges of the metal sword have smashed a hole *right* through it, it seems pretty careless of him.

(Continued)

"At least *you're* all right," Yui says, softly - Unnoticed, she's approached the backdrop, her gaze slightly unfocused as she stares at the damage. "-We should probably stop here for the day...Until we can fix it, at least. I wouldn't want to push our luck too far..."

"Finally," Kazuya mutters, his voice muffled - Not *quite* loud enough for her to hear, fortunately. Then again, given how Yui's looking at Kouichi - There's real worry in her gaze, buttoned-down though it is - it's just as well.

Just beyond the filmy wall of the curtain, you can hear the white noise of the audience filtering out - There's a zzipppp-pop as Kazuya hauls the shark's-head off, tugging at his collar - Natsumi hurrying to his side - the good-natured complaints from the others at how it was a 'close one'...

...Though you can't help but notice - Given the unofficial conclusion for the day - that some of the less-important cast is taking the chance to steal off. You can't really blame them - This has been going on for *hours* now, and there doesn't look to be an end in sight; At the very least, the clean-up's going to be a laborious process.

You'd probably be here until evening, if you hung around - But you're fairly certain you could make it out, in the confusion.

[ ] Slip away.
[ ] Stay and help.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>21848987
[x] Stay and help.

We gotta try and figure out who Inox Fang is. Biggest culprit so far might be Kouchi/Yui.

...have we ever gotten Yui's last name?

>>21848987
[X] Stay and help.

Skipping out would be rather impolite, and it's not like we have a life to interrupt.

>>21848987
>>21848906
So there was no chance someone was behind the backdrop and took a surprise metal club to the head?

Not sue what to do. I'd like to have more interaction with Asuna, but this could be a good opportunity to get other stuff done. We aren't even sure if Inox was two people and even if she was she could just as easily be on another floor or outside.

(Apologies for the delay - Internet cut out.)

>>21849022
>>21849073
>>21849093

Just as you'd expected: Taking everything down, cleaning up - It takes a *while*. Fortunately, the damage done to the backdrop wasn't *that* substantial - The cracks can be painted over, and the hole patched; From a distance, especially under well-timed lighting, it's *really* hard to make it out, anyway.

...Or that's what you tell yourself, as you help manhandle it into position - Even without the full dress rehearsal, the staff has split off into small knots of people; You can see Natsumi helping Kazuya shrug off his mascot costume, their heads close together as they talk in low voices.

At the other end, Yui - It's Nanase Yui, isn't it? - is chatting with Kouichi...She looks earnest, her hands perched on her hips as she says something - But not annoyed, for once, which is quite a change. For his part, he seems to be laughing her off...Until, seemingly exasperated, she draws away.

Asuna is...Right, *there* she is. You're not sure where Akira went, but Asuna is wandering around - Holding a green leather bag in both hands, looking this way and that as if searching for someone...

[ ] Check on Kazuya and Natsumi.
[ ] Talk to Kouichi.
[ ] Talk to Yui.
[ ] Talk to Asuna.
[ ] Just focus on finishing up.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21849220
[x] Talk to Asuna.

"What's the matter? You look lost."

As much as I want to investigate Yui and Kouichi, we can't just let Asuna hanging like that.

>>21849269
Nothing to add, seconding this.

>>21849220
[ ] Talk to Asuna.

You know it's really too bad OP is so good at writing characters; getting to know the new guys is so much less interesting (and rewarding for that matter) than working on the old hands. Ah well, it's always better to max your S Links than than start new ones in the mid game.

>>21849269
>>21849288
>>21849290

"Oh..." Asuna looks up, as you approach - She's still in full costume, though she's shucked the witch's hat and the prop broomstick...Managing a little smile as she turns to face you, lifting the bag - It seems rather heavy - with both hands.

> "What's the matter? You look lost."

"Ah, well-" she blinks, as if suddenly self-conscious; "...Actually, I was looking for Akira-kun. He left his camera bag - And all his things! - here...Now, I don't know where he is." Asuna seems worried by that, her brow slightly furrowed...Though she manages a little giggle, all the same.

"Ummm ~ Thanks for asking about me, earlier," she says, a trifle shyly - Her fingers clasped together, her leaf-green costume rustling in time with the slight motion. "...I wasn't hurt, but - That was nice of you."

[ ] "Don't mention it."
[ ] "I was worried."
[ ] "I could help you with the bag, if you like."
[ ] "How are you finding the play, so far?"
[ ] "See, the costume's not so bad, is it?"
[ ] "You were great, out there."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21849428
[X] "You were great, out there."
[X] "I could help you with the bag, if you like."

[X] "How are you finding the play, so far?"
"Do you think it's close to what you had in mind when you wrote it?"

>>21849428
[x] "I could help you with the bag, if you like."

We can always try calling Akira.

>>21849428
"Were the sharks in the original? I never really thought that it was true they could kill you no matter where you were. Except for that time in the hospital. That was terrible. You're doing well by the way; I could hardly recognize you in that outfit.

"I'm glad you were okay. Really though, how hard was Kouichi swinging that bat? I thought he had better sense. Was anyone hurt? Natsumi didn't think so but I couldn't tell."

> [X] "You were great, out there."

"Ah~ W, well, I did my best, after all..." Asuna hedges - Though a pleased flush blooms in her cheeks. "-I'm still working on it, but...I'm going to do try my *very* hardest!"

She actually *beams* at you, with an expression so earnest it's hard not to chuckle...All-in-all, she seems to be rather more confident about it, now - After her initial jitters, of course.

> [X] "How are you finding the play, so far?"
> "Do you think it's close to what you had in mind when you wrote it?"

"It's...rather more exciting than I intended," she confesses - But then adds, hurriedly... "N, not that there's anything wrong with *that*."

> "Do you think it's close to what you had in mind when you wrote it?"

"Ummm, well...It's still *quite* close," Asuna allows. "-The others have been *really* nice, and Natsumi's helping me a lot, too..." Is that a note of mischief, in her voice? "...She's the one who suggested the shark, though."

> [X] "I could help you with the bag, if you like."

"You would? Really?" It's rather *heavier* than you expected, as Asuna relinquishes it to you; You're surprised that she's managed to hold it up.

"-I tried calling Akira-kun, but he's not answering his phone...I think he had to leave suddenly; He just left, all of a sudden..." Asuna's voice trails off, her gaze going distant. "...I wonder what happened to him?"

(Continued)

"You would? Really?" It's rather *heavier* than you expected, as Asuna relinquishes it to you; You're surprised that she's managed to hold it up.

"-I tried calling Akira-kun, but he's not answering his phone...I think he had to leave suddenly; He just left, all of a sudden..." Asuna's voice trails off, her gaze going distant. "...I wonder what happened to him?"

Behind you, a shout: "It's done!" someone calls, and a ragged cheer goes up - The various actors and students loitering around the area are beginning to head for the exists. It seems like the rehearsal, today - At long last - is finally and *definently* over.

[ ] "I'll drop it off at the Photography club."
[ ] "-I'll leave it at his house; That way, he's sure to get it."
[ ] "I'll take care of it - I could walk you home, if you'd like."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21849664
[x] "-I'll leave it at his house; That way, he's sure to get it."

I'm tempted to see if we can find anything more about Akira. That guy has always been mysterious as fuck. Also, if Asuna happens to live in the same direction:

[x] "I'll take care of it - I could walk you home, if you'd like."

Akira didn't have a sister did he?

>>21849664
[X] "I'll take care of it - I could walk you home, if you'd like."

>>21849742
We actually don't know a whole lot about Akira. He's just a guy we sorta hang out with and seems to know way more than he really should.

>>21849664
>>21849740

> [x] "-I'll leave it at his house; That way, he's sure to get it."

>>21849664
"Given my history I suppose I can't complain about people up and disappearing, but you shouldn't have been left to hold Akira's things. Do you know when he left? Someone might know where he's gone. Either way, I'll take care of it. Would you like me to walk you home?"

>>21849762
He's never seemed to actually have much knowledge that we can get, but he has been instrumental in getting us hints on how to proceed. Though I don't believe we ever got around to exploring that arcade...

>>21849797
Though I do remember he's been a lead contender for being the Thief.

>>21849740
>>21849761
>>21849775
>>21849797

> [X] "I'll take care of it - I could walk you home, if you'd like."

It's worth it just to see Asuna's response - She looks pleased, then embarassed, then rather surprised...All at once. "N, no! That - It's okay!" She must've spoken a bit *too* loudly, because the sound turns heads; Natsumi glances over at the two of you, and she seems to sigh...Though Kazuya gives you a sympathetic, if rather *too* knowing, grin.

...You're hoping they're not misunderstanding it.

"-It's not that I don't want you to," Asuna clarifies, a little more softly - "It's just that...My parents are at home, and - It'll be a bit difficult to explain it to them..."

Her voice dies off into a mumble, as she looks up at you, almost pleadingly - "...M, maybe next time?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>21849859
"I could always just drop you off once we reach the block, or something. It's not like your parents have eyes on the whole block.... right?"

"Plus I gotta get this stuff back to Akira eventually anyways, so I might as well give you an escort, especially with all those accidents happening recently."

>>21849859
"I understand, next time it is.

Though couldn't I just walk you most of the way home, it's getting late and I'd rather you not walk home alone."

>>21849823
Everyone short of Pazuzu has been a Thief contender at one point or another. But I concede that this is a good excuse to investigate.

>>21849859
(exasperatedly) "I'll walk you to your block then, no need for your parents to see their precious daughter with a man and ask why he hasn't asked father for you."

After that we go to Akira's since him vanishing is a bit odd.

File: 1354441381067.png-(281 KB, 547x308, jokerhouse2.png)

>>21849907
>>21849920
>>21849927

She considers this, for a shade longer than necessary:

"A-all right," Asuna says, at last - A tentative smile touching her lips, her slim shoulders lifting in a slight shrug.

-And that's how you find yourself walking with Asuna; It's still in the general school district, and fairly close to your house - Just a few tram stops away. She's quiet, for most of the trip...Seemingly deep in thought, though it's a companionable silence - You sense that Asuna feels slightly reassured by your presence, though there's an odd tension...

It's not long before you get to the intersection just before her block; It's a nice neighborhood, with a green belt as compared to the brushed-steel and cinderblock exteriors that most of the city consists of.

"-This is far enough," Asuna says - She waves goodbye, with a gentle: "See you tomorrow, Anon-kun." as she makes her way down the path, with an ease borne of long familiarity - More than once, you see her turn back...As if rather distracted by the novelty of being escorted home.

What comes next, though, isn't *quite* as pleasant.

(Continued.)

File: 1354441666789.png-(209 KB, 547x308, jokerhouse5.png)

Akira lives in...

-After the disaster six years ago, a massive rebuilding effort followed. Your modest flat, in fact, is one of the new-style housing...Slightly higher-end, but by no means spectacular.

There are some places, however, where the rebuilding effort never touched. Most of the *really* badly hit areas were quarantined off, awaiting future renovation and repairs...Those that weren't, and were servicable enough to live in, are the second-line of pre-used housing, the kind the previous inhabitants never came back to.

They're low-cost, but...As they say, you get what you pay for.

...Because, seriously, what a dump.

Even from outside, the tall building's pitted exterior is disturbingly unwelcoming - You're not sure if it's even half-full (Let alone a quarter), though the occasional light winks within the cyclopean windows.

Some of the windows are missing glass.

(Continued.)

>>21850037
...But you have no face.

Oh.

>>21850074
...Akira is this quest's Ayanami. That's a twist.

File: 1354442101728.png-(219 KB, 547x308, jokerhouse7.png)

There *is* electricity, and all the modern amenities - But the paint is peeling, the walls scarred with cracks and graffiti...Most of the corridor lights have blown out, and - Well, it's depressing, really.

Akira mentioned where he lived in passing; It occurs to you that you've never visited him before. If he *lives* here, you have a pretty good idea why.

The lift rumbles to a stop, as you heft the camera bag in one hand - It's really, really unlike him to abandon his expensive equipment, *especially* when it's photography-club property. The halls are empty, as you walk through them...Looking down at your scribbled note, to be sure you're going the right place.

There's nothing to distinguish Akira's flat from the other, raddled apartments - Just the numbers above the door, stained nicotine-brown. An empty mailbox sprawls open, waiting to receive something; From the dust that's gathered, it hasn't been touched in years.

You knock, but there's no response. No doorbell, either - Though there's a chipped slot where there was one, before it was apparently prised off. You do note, however, that there's a rather expensive-looking keycard scanner, off to one side...Maybe it's not quite as dilapated as it looks.

[ ] Leave the bag, and head off.
[ ] Try the door.
[ ] Wait for Akira.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>21850074
Wow, I didn't realize he lived in such a dump.

Of course we shouldn't say that when he's around...

>>21850095
And apparently no post, either.

>>21850153
Having seen Evangelion there's obviously only one thing to do and try the door.

Just checking, but Akira does have an adam's apple, right? Have we seen any pictures of him?

>>21850153
[x] Try the door.
We might as well. Can't just leave expensive camera equipment laying around in a place like this.

Also, my inner demon is telling me to take a peek on the camera to see what Akira's been snapping pictures of.

>>21850153
[X] Try the door.

Knock first of course.

>>21850170
I thought the foreboding was referring to something about Asuna, but I turned out to be wrong.

>>21850189
I realize that, but thought my comments were funny. I wouldn't have brought it up otherwise. Thinking I am humorous is a tragic flaw.

>>21850170
Well, while it hasn't been confirmed explicitly, I think we would notice. We hang out a fair bit. Considering some of his actions in the past I think Akira's into girls.

So the two possibilities are a man, or an extremely convincing reverse trap.

>>21850209
I mean extremely convincing reverse trap lesbian. Forgot that bit.

At least I'm pretty sure he's into girls, there's been indications that it's so.

>>21850170

We need to fall on him and check that he has boobs.

>>21850209
>So the two possibilities are a man, or an extremely convincing reverse trap.

If the latter is the case, Akira has a guaranteed spot in our harem.

>>21850214
I have every expectation that he's male, but this is just too reminiscent of that scene in Evangelion.

>>21850226
Precisely. After trying on daddy's glasses, amirite?

You knock again - No answer. He's probably not in. Since it can't hurt - Hey, what the hell - you reach out, and you try the door..

The knob turns, and the door swings open - So *suddenly*, you stagger forward, alarmed...

-And the *smell* hits you, first. It's vile - Fried bacon and human waste, a sickly-sweet *charred* smell that bites into the back of your throat; It's choking, gagging, and unmistakeable... The stench of roasted flesh.

The smell of death.

Inside -

Inside, it's pandemonium. The place is *dark*, but it looks like a cyclone went through it; There's all kind of *stuff* strewn around the area, papers littering the ground - Most of them half-dissolved. Your feet splash in water, as you take a step forward; Overhead, sprinklers dribble down the last few drops of water.

The only light in the chamber comes - Rather fitfully - from the doorway, and what seems to be no less than six monitor screens, bare wires showing, sparks flickering across cracked glass.

(Continued.)

>>21850252
Well, uh, that was not what I was expecting.

>>21850252
....WELL SHIT.

Also this is screaming "end of session".

>>21850252
Well shit, this has all the hallmarks of a Red World-related "accident".

File: 1354443122874.jpg-(23 KB, 500x363, 1346128123467.jpg)

>>21850252
Did we kill Akira?

All sorts of warped curios are scattered around the place. It looks like some demented horder stashed it full of, of...Junk, to put it simply. You kick aside something like a conch shell, and nearly trip over the soggy piles of books, of journals, of *writing* now rendered indecipherable by the deluge.

-The reek of burning, however, is stronger than ever. There's an odd tang to the air - Gas, you'd say, except it's all burnt out...The air unpleasantly warm, as it gusts out into the passage beyond.

The camera bag thumps to the ground, forgotten.

You take in the steel shutters rolled down over the windows, locked in place; The way chairs have been overturned, as if in a frenzy...

-The other room is black.

Not dark, but charred *black*. Soot clings to every surface; It looks like it was...A bedroom? A library? A computer room? Either way, the fires that *raged* were so fierce, so all-encompassing, that it's literally reduced everything to slag. It reminds you of the aftermath of a gas explosion, except...

You can't help but feel that there was something purposeful about it. The destruction is so complete, so total, it seems as if it was set up for *maximum* damage.

There's a shape, curled in a fetal position - Wizened by heat, shrinking inwards upon itself. Irregular bands of color band it's flesh; As if it's clothes have been *scorched* into it. As your gaze tracks back and forth, you take in the sight - The fire started in *that* room, and the shape's flailing, burning progress...The sprinklers raining down...has created the ruin you've seen here.

(Continued.)

>>21850303
Of course, if he was the Thief he might have been caught in our super plasma explosion of death...

>>21850303
Slightly more likely by OP's next post that Akira set up some kind of booby trap to activate if an intruder entered his place. Would explain why he left. Still no idea what's going on.

>>21846291
I'm a hundred replies late, but I'd just like to say that it's ok to end for personal emergencies. /tg/ is an understanding bunch of neckbeards, and we appreciate the fact that you're putting in the effort. Onward, teegee soldier!

(I might be drunk and trying to stay relevant since my quest ended)

>>21850318
If he was the Thief, and if the explosion we caused killed him he would've died from it a few days ago, he was at the rehearsal earlier taking pictures, we killed? Rusty a few days ago.

Now Akira might still be the Thief, he might be the corpse, he might be both, or neither could be true.

The body - And it *is* a body - is too badly burnt for you to make out it's features, or even it's gender...You can see bone through charred flesh, deep lines in the cinderblock floor where clawing nailed scraped desperate furrows.

The *one* thing that remains...

The *one* thing that you can make out...

-Is the mask on the corpse's face.

It's cheap, but melted into place by the fury of the flames; Distorting heat-warped features into a grotesque clown's visage. Though the damage is complete, nearly total, you *know* - You just know - that it once depicted a leering and lightless Smile.

You're still staring door, in something between horror and sick fascination and disbelief...

-As, in the distance, in the hall outside, on the stairs below...

...You hear the very first footsteps.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 29.5

TO BE CONTINUED

>>21850358
But if you die in the Red World, you die pretty much the instant you return to the real world. It couldn't have been Akira since he was just with us at the play. More likely, Akira has might be involved with Inox Fang, since the timing matches up us killing one of the clones.

>>21850373

(Alas, it's getting late for me - And this looks like a natural breakpoint. Apologies for the delay: It was a substantial chunk of text to type out, and my poor connection isn't helping.

Once again, you've been a great audience: Good night, and God bless. Looking forward to next time!)

Off by one, but called it!

...And just in time to get some sleep before Shadowrun, so I'll leave the reactions and freakouts to everyone else. Keep in mind that there's an even chance that this is Akira coming up the stairs.

>>21850373
So one of the Smiley fuckers died. Good. And it's entirely possible that we're going to get to reenact our wholesale slaughter of half a dozen Smilers who think teamwork is enough.

File: 1354443832248.gif-(566 KB, 360x359, 1290996972517.gif)

DUN
DUN
DUUUUUUUUUUUN

File: 1354443924885.jpg-(36 KB, 625x351, trap.jpg)

>>21850252
>>21850306
>>21850373

> I fell on something soft...
> Akira-kun? Y-you're a girl?
> KYAAA ECCHI SLAP


> NO FUCK THAT
> HAVE FIRE AND DEATH AND HORROR

Holy shit, Op. Just...Holy shit.

Every time I think Joker quest can't get any more horrifying, it does.

File: 1354444041843.png-(195 KB, 625x351, ischarles.png)

>>21850417

Here's a superior picture.

>>21850417
I really shouldn't have laughed at that.

If the guy coming in really is Akira, the only fitting thing we could do is give him a witty, dry one liner.

"Your place doesn't look so hot, Akira."

>>21850463
Or "I think you left the oven on when you went to school."