>>23935995

STAGE: YOMI

You stand beneath a bruise-colored sky, on a stony pathway. Gravel crunches underfoot, as you stride forward: Coils of shadow lapping against the rock on either side, like the lapping of waves against the surf.

On either side, witchfire-green torches burn with smokeless flame, shedding sparks - Like fireflies, the emerald motes drift skyward, fading out as they drift. The straight road leads you, inexorably, towards the onyx pavilion at the end, the skeletal frame stark against the ruddy sky.

-It's hard to believe where you actually are. In one world, this place echoed with the sharp *clack* of shinai and the faint *squeak* of the varnished floor - With the faint, everpresent smell of sandalwood hanging in the air.

Here, though: Here, it's different.

Bishamon is already there - Where else would he be? - his straight sword hissing and carving through the air, as he cycles through the forms; Strike, parry, riposte, smoke venting from his joints each time he completes a move-

...Until he sees you, of course.

(Continued)

>>23935995
>Kraken
>responsible for the slaughter at NARA DREAMLAND
He dies. We squeeze everything we can out of him, and he dies.

But first birthday parties and dates.

Any bets that something horrible happens at the date?

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>>23936271

"-dah!"

An odd, choked little grunt - Like the CLUNK of your loaders cycling - echoes in the air, as Bishamon stiffens; The vanes on his helmet twitching, as he notices you at last.

"J - Joker!" his voice sounds distinctly startled - "I didn't - Damn, I didn't even *hear* you!" A dull *clang* echoes in the air, as he taps his fist against his cuirass - "...Scared me for a moment there, you know?"

...It's hard to believe Kouichi's supposed to be legendarily strict - A perfectionist - in the real world. Especially given how...Well, how Bishamon *is*.

He gestures to you, accidentally brandishing his sword - Before he had the good sense to sheath it, maglocks clamping it in place. "Right after class, too - Earlier than I thought." Bishamon mutters, making as if to pat his (non-existent) pockets down, "Right, I'm supposed to hand over *that*..."

[ ] "You seem a little high-strung."
[ ] "You're practicing *here*? Doesn't that...Well, defeat the purpose of the Club?"
[ ] "Relax; There's no need to rush."
[ ] "Yes, I have places to be today."
[ ] "Well, you seem to have fully recovered, at least..."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23936415

Wow, kou is kind of cool, isn't he? Why does he keep spilling all his fucking spaghetti in the netherrealm?

>>23936415
[X] "You seem a little high-strung."

>>23936285

Everyone dies. Some folks just dig an earlier grave.

>>23936415

"Yeah, that. I simply love carrying around a piece of some sword that almost guarantees The Thief will be gunning for me next. Warms my heart. Been meaning to have a chat with 'em anyway. This'll just speed up the process.

"I figured the other two would be here with you. How they holding up after our last gig?"

>>23936447

I wonder why he gets all rectal ravaged whenever we called him Spaghetti-san.

>>23936415

"Say, uh. Not to come off sounding like an ass, but.. why DO you dislike being called Spaghetti-san?"

>>23936415
"Out of curiosity, how did you realize who I was? I'm guessing it was mentioning Akira. At this rate the Red Joker's true identity really will the biggest open secret of the game. Try not to help it get there faster than it will naturally.

"And yeah, sorry, but I probably do need the shard. Does it give you some kind of attack boost to swords?"

>>23936503

"You just startled me, that's all," Bishamon explains - His footfalls clanking against the stone, as he strides over to you, the cables at his back riling in constant motion. "...Don't actually get many visitors here, after all..."

His voice trails off, as he looks around the pavilion, speculatively...Before heaving a crackling sigh. "-Guess that's just as well, though. Safe is good."

>>23936520

> I simply love carrying around a piece of some sword that almost guarantees The Thief will be gunning for me next.

Bishamon coughs, lightly, into a balled fist. "-Actually, uh, not *just* the Thief. Anyone who wants to be somebody...Well, they'd take a shot at you for it."

He shrugs. "...But I guess you know that better than I do."

> "I figured the other two would be here with you. How they holding up after our last gig?"

"Well enough. They're happy with their new toys, but...I think it'd be a while before we try something like *that* again. It got a little *too* close there..."

>>23936600

If a kabuto-helmed mechanical warrior could roll his eyes - Bishamon would be doing that. Instead, the vanes of his helmet snap open and shut over his head Vulcans, in an equivalent of a blink.

"-I don't like nicknames in general. The other boys used to...Ah, I don't want to get into that, not now." He looks away. "All water under the bridge, anyway."

(Continued)

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>>23936685

"-I didn't, actually. The whole 'Lost & Found' thing, after Inox Fang...I was hoping you'd pick up on that. And you did. I just had to ask whether we had any visitor during the right time...And, you know, process of elimination."

He'd be making a face, if he could make a face.

> "Try not to help it get there faster than it will naturally."

"-Hah! If I did, you'd kill me first." It's meant to be a joke, but he can't keep the uneasy, edgy note from his voice - Filtered and distorted as it is.

> "And yeah, sorry, but I probably do need the shard. Does it give you some kind of attack boost to swords?"

"-It's more than that," Bishamon say - He turns his palm upwards, tiny motes of light coming together; Suspended in the air, a fragment of black steel hovers, turning about its own axis.

The resulting shard seems almost to blur and merge with its surroundings, though you can - Vaguely - make out the great, thorny rows of script and inscription gleaming on the surface...Writing itself, fading away, returning in new and strange symbols.

"It does...It does all that, and more. Even now, I don't..."

Bishamon shakes his head, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

"...How much do you actually know, anyway? About Phantom Edge?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23936846

> "Other than you having his body chained up in your headquarters? Not much."

>>23936846

"It actually does boost your skills? This.. this changes things. How many people besides the three of us know about the shard? Thief doesn't, thus far, or your head would be on a pike. I.. would prefer not to take something that is obviously providing one hell of a boost from an ally if I can help it. Especially if that something will do me jack."

"Phantom Edge? I know the general stuff... care to enlighten me?"

>>23936846
>"...How much do you actually know, anyway? About Phantom Edge?"
Not enough. I know that he was a finalist, and Argent Prominence says he and Black Cardinal killed each other. I'd not believe that unreservedly were I you. I also know that the Thief thinks that just having the sword will guarantee him a finalist's spot, if not be his winning card. No specifics though."

>>23936907

"...I, uh, don't actually know anything about that. We don't know *why* he was there, or who did it - It's just..." Bishamon waves a hand, as if brushing the question off. "-It's just one of those *things*."

>>23936978
>>23937004

"Right," Bishamon nods, warming to his subject. "-Right, that's what everyone knows, too." He cocks his head to the side: "...Not the part about the Black Cardinal, though. That's new."

Servoes whine, as he lifts his arm a little higher.

"See - There's this rumor. God knows where it came from, but it goes: Being the last man standing *isn't* the only way to see things through. Stands to reason, right? There's...Well, there's *you*, and everyone knows about the Red Joker."

"But-" And he hesitates, for a moment. "...There's more than one Suit in a deck. Maybe, if you could put all the pieces of the Fatal Abyss together...It'd be your ticket to the finals. Maybe more, considering what each one does."

He looks over at you. "I didn't believe it, not at first. Now, I'm not so sure."

> "It actually does boost your skills?"

"-At the very least." Bishamon's fingers curl upwards, forming a claw. "But only for *some* Players - Players like, well, me. When Tyrian and Regios had a turn...Nothing."

There's a contemplative note to his voice, now. "I don't know *why* it works that way; It just does. Maybe they're ... incompatible, somehow? Who knows?"

(Continued)

>>23937127
>"...There's more than one Suit in a deck."
>"But only for *some* Players - Players like, well, me. When Tyrian and Regios had a turn...Nothing."
"Huh. Argent Prominence was looking for someone to take his place. An heir. I doubt I have to tell you that I wasn't the Red Joker when the last game ended. I know a girl who Totenaz was convinced was the heir to the Chalice Queen. And I know for a fact that there's a Black Joker--and that the one that gatecrashed the endgame last time wasn't the same person.

"Now, what if there were six winning slots, each with specific requirements? You'd recognize a heir because they met those requirements. Killing and becoming the Red Joker's one. I'm willing to bet that mastering the Fatal Abyss is another. You're HIS heir, Kou. And no wonder Akira cut off his hand, he isn't. But if he holds the sword in Phantom Edge's hand..."

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>>23937127

"You saw me cut Hellions apart, didn't you? That's what it gave me; A sword that could cut through anything. I've heard of stranger things, odder powers, but..."

He shakes his head.

"That's what everyone's willing to kill for. Not even a rumor - A rumor *of* a rumor. But then - You hear the stories, and you think...

'What if'?"

> "Phantom Edge? I know the general stuff... care to enlighten me?"

"There isn't actually much more than that. They say he was an invincible monster - They say that he couldn't die, that he could slice through time *and* space with his sword. But if he really *was* like that...Who broke the Fatal Abyss? And - Why are we picking up the pieces?"

Bishamon goes silent, for a moment, as the shard continues to revolve. "-I'm just glad I'm out of it," he mutters, "It's too competitive for me."

(Continued)

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>>23937376
Fuck damn, I was actually proud of that one. Here's what I always think Red Joker looks like to hide the fact that I'm just claiming my post.

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>>23937376

"-Even if I am...I'm not sure if I *want* to be."

Bishamon sounds almost planitive, now. "...I never wanted to be a Player. If I had the choice - If I *could* choose...I don't think I'd want to know. Not with...All *this*."

He gestures, and the sweep of his arm seems to go beyond the pavilion, beyond the level - To encompass all of the Red World.

"...I'm not actually *there* most of the time." From the tone of his voice it's clear he means the Kendo club. "I don't know why I'm team captain. I don't know what I'm *doing* - I don't know where I'm going, or...Or the kind of person I'm supposed to be."

He inhales, a crackling breath.

"I'm never 'me' for more than a few hours at a time," Bishamon says, his voice dull, leaden. "-I just wait here, and let it take care of itself. 'I' seem to do a better job when I'm not handling things, anyway."

The red lights in his eyes flicker.

"I don't want to *die*, Joker. That's all there is. I don't want to go out looking like...Like a box of smashed tomatoes."

He pushes his hand out towards you, the shard floating above it. "-It's yours. Take it."

[ ] "That's just running away."
[ ] "-If you want to live, you're going to have to fight. 'Just good enough' isn't going to cut it."
[ ] "I didn't have a choice, either."
[ ] "...I understand."
[ ] "Are you planning to wait things out?"
[ ] "How long have you been doing this?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23937584

I don't know why, but this is the most appalling this I've ever read. He's been living his entire life on AUTOPILOT?

What the fuck. What the FUCK.

>>23937584
[x] "That's just running away, you coward."

I mean holy fuck are you that paranoid of assassination or whatever that you'll just have your body get autopiloted nearly forever? You seriously need to dial down the spineless/paranoid loco.

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>>23937584

"Are you just going to keep running away?"

>>23937688

That actually begs a very interesting question: Our body doesn't just spaz out, it keeps going. So who's controlling it? When we're in the red world, we're the red joker, but Anon is still up and about.

Kouichi is kind of a pussy here, but he's a total badass in the real world. Does that mean he's never really grown up?

We've had plenty of hints that we're subjectively a hundred years old, for instance.

>>23937584

Take the shard first, then
>>23937753
>>23937777

>>23937584
Like you said before, there's more than one suit in a deck- and I believe you've got more options than you think. You don't need this thing to decide your future, you shouldn't let it control you like that.

>>23937794

The shard is cold and very sharp, for the brief instant you close your fingers around it -

...But it feels *different*, somehow. The pommelstone of the Fatal Abyss was like a pearl of concentrated malevolence - As bitter as a scorpion's sting, enough to make your armored fingers tingle with a growing numbness if you held it for two long.

This one - It's only the vaguest feeling of discomfort, a nauseous sensation that only lingers if you turn your attention to it. It's still a genuine relief to put it away, folding it into whatever space everything else goes into.

>>23937826

"-I don't know that. And neither do you."

"What if - This *is* all there is? If this is all we *get*, Joker? I can't...I can't risk that. Not unless I'm *sure*."

>>23937753
>>23937777

"Maybe," Bishamon allows. He doesn't look at you when he says it. "Maybe."

The leaden sound hangs in the air, for a long moment, as he does the armored equivalent of shuffling his feet: You're beginning to wonder if he's about to say anything else, when...

-When the red world begins to blur around the edges, fading out.

...And everything comes back with a CLACK of bamboo swords, the stamp of feet. You're standing outside the Kendo Club, watching them practice - Twelve club members echoing their Captain's smooth sequence of passes, blocks and ripostes, in perfect unison. The matching precision is impressive to watch, especially Kouichi's fluid grace...

But then he looks up, and in your direction - Then away, after barking out a brisk but unheard order. Someone else takes over for him, as he walks out of sight...And you honestly can't tell whether it's truly him who's doing it.

(Continued.)

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Behind you, the school bell sounds out the time - Oddly tinny as always, as you glance down at your watch. It's about an hour after school, now; Shading into the late, late afternoon. Time to be going.

[ ] Find Natsumi.
[ ] Visit Asuna.
[ ] Go to the Papillion, and meet Mio.
[ ] Call Mio, and meet her at La Tombala.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23937688

The whole thing just strikes me as really depressing. He can only be awesome when living vicariously through himself.

We ought to text Kou later--point out that he wound up becoming kendo captain literally without thinking about it. Inform him that the sword probably chooses its wielder, and while it sure as hell hates us, it thinks he's got what it takes to be one of the finalists. He's got some serious self-confidence issues, but everything we've seen suggests his problem is that he doesn't do what comes naturally anymore. He thinks too much, needs to feel more. I prescribe a Bruce Lee marathon followed by TTGL and any other shonen anime with similar themes /tg/ can toss up.

>>23938026
Not going to ruin this one by being crass. Let's text Mio, ask if she wants to meet at the restaurant or at her work. Either way, we should at least clean up and pick up the present.

>>23938063
Hecate lived her entire life on the other side. And Argent... sounds like he did the exact same thing, except he explored the Red World while Kou just trains. We should bring this up, not naming names.

>>23938096

Kou makes me think of Saitama from One Punch Man. I don't know how I came to this conclusion.

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>>23938151
After his performance against the Hellions earlier... yeah. I can see it.

>>23938096

The strange thing is, Hecate seemed to be very much a sensualist, if that's the word. She clearly enjoyed the real world a lot.

>>23938026

I suggest we call Mio first, and see what she wants.

>>23938184
Only after she met us. She mentioned when we first started dating her that she spent most of her time in the Red. Hell, she really looked down on "NPCs" and was surprised we even thought the real world mattered.

Hecate was, ah, a bit obsessed.

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>>23938096
>>23938231

You type out a text message, and send it off - Shortly afterward, your phone begins to ring, the electronic sound echoing hollowly off the concrete walls.

> "Hello...?"

There's a bit of background noise on the other side, but that's definently Mio.

> "Aaah, it's Anon-kun~! Haaah - I was worried you'd forgotten...But it *is* you, after all..."

...Yep, definently her. She sounds cheery as always, though her voice is a little hushed - She's probably ducked into a corner to make the call.

> Let's text Mio, ask if she wants to meet at the restaurant or at her work.

> "...My shift is over soon, sooooo - Let's meet at the restaurant in about two hours, all right? Mmmn, see you then!"

Well, that's settled, then. That gives you plenty of time to freshen up, and retrieve her present, with a sizeable margin. The familiar transit home is uneventful, the steady bleat of hot water on the shower tiles fading into the white noise that comes with the end of each day...

(Continued)

You're reaching for the present - Fancy wrapping and all - when your outstretched hand encounters...*something*. The faint metallic sound echoes in your ears, as your bring your hand back; Your fingers curled around the oddly-melted grip of a narrow, needle-pointed dagger.

The Misericorde.

The splendid late-afternoon sun shines in through the window, but - All of a sudden - you feel cold, as you weigh the blade in your hands.

It's not a Relic, not really. Just a sharp piece of metal - A dagger with a single property: To be utterly inimical to the Red Joker. And, by extension, absolutely lethal to you.

But now...You have to wonder, remembering the endless night and the long, long mourning that followed. You remember locking it away in a lead-lined box, leaving it to be forgotten. So why is it...?

The first answer that occurs to you is strange, and unnerving.

Perhaps it wanted to be found.

[ ] Take the knife.
[ ] Leave it.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23938462
>[x] Take the knife.

Didn't we always carry it on our person? Plus I'd think keeping it with us would be safer than leaving it somewhere we can't keep an eye on it.

>>23938484
But what if it get stolen from us and used to jam into our ribcage or other fleshy parts?

[x] Take the knife.

>>23938484

I question the wisdom of carrying a weapon that was made to kill you on our body. You're kind of damned both ways.

>>23938462
Better on us than on anyone else. We're only in trouble if someone finds it and realizes what it does.

>>23938496
Good point. Let's wrap it in duct tape.

>>23938462
Take it. All of this is for a reason.

>>23938502
>Good point. Let's wrap it in duct tape.
Several inches of duct tape.

>>23938508
Wrap it twice. Enough to dull the edge and hide the fact that it's a knife. If it wanted to be found it'll want to be used, but at least this way we'll have warning.

Cross your fingers people, and hope tonight we're not meeting the Black Joker.

captcha: svigho sword
....Well shit.

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> [X] Take the knife.
>>23938539
> Good point. Let's wrap it in duct tape.

It takes you a few moments, to make your preparations; You note, uneasily, how the dull, grey blade retains its edge. It hasn't even gathered dust. Once you've secured the dagger - A stiletto, really - you tuck the blade away, constantly aware of the slight way it pulls at you.

Such a small thing. A world-changing thing.

Outside, it's beginning to snow - Just a little, enough to give the air a cold kiss. Across the city, the first lights of evening are beginning to come out, tiny snowflakes freighting the air, caught in the glow of the streetlamps; Drifting like random thoughts, or disconnected clues.

The impression lingers, as you reach La Tombala - The place looks gilded, in garlands of light - high windows lit by yellow globes, casting a warm, heady illumination...

"Anon-kun~!" You hear Mio before you see her; The cheery note to her voice, her pale hand waving to you from across the street - The cool breeze caressing her blonde hair, her smile a bright flash. The wind plucks at her white blouse, but she doesn't seem to notice the cold at all - Even though her breath makes small puffs of white cloud in the air.

(Continued)

"Haaa, you're *slow*~!" she begins, affecting a pout...But then Mio giggles, favoring you with a smile. "-Just kidding. I'm the one that's early, after all."

Her eyes go soft, warm, as she clasps her hands behind her back: "...It's good to see you, Anon-kun."

[ ] "Aren't you cold?"
[ ] "You were...waiting for me?"
[ ] "It's good to see you, too."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23938621

Every time I see Mio, I just want to give her a hug. Is that normal?

It's good to see you too, how have you been?

>>23938735

Mio seems to be the innocent girl to Hecate's whole temptress persona. I wonder if they're connected somehow.

>>23938703
"Feels like it's been a long time. You can't be warm enough out here, no matter how warm your greetings are. Think the staff will make us wait if we're early?"

>>23938735

Nope, perfectly natural.

> [X] "Aren't you cold?"
> [X] "You were...waiting for me?"

We should get her in, too.

>>23938841

> [X] "Aren't you cold?"

"Ah..." Mio blinks - She seems only now aware of the crisp note to the air, the way her cheeks are slightly flushed. "A little," she allows, rather sheepishly.

> [X] "You were...waiting for me?"

"Mmmmn." It's a low, wordless sound; "I was really excited about it, so..." Her voice trails off, her expression growing just a shade more embarrassed - "...I didn't want to miss you, after all."

>>23938742
>>23938780

> [X] It's good to see you too, how have you been?
> [X] Think the staff will make us wait if we're early?

"-I don't know~" Mio muses aloud - But then she laughs, her eyes bright with excitement. "...Let's find out, shall we~?"

Her hand slips into yours - The contact lingering, just for a moment, before her fingers clasp your wrist. A little tug draws you towards the front of the restaurant - A pleasant wave of warm air rolling out towards you, as the doors swing open...

(Continued)

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You've been here before, but you hear Mio's soft gasp of wonderment - Her eyes taking in the red-and-white checkered tablecloths, the warm lights, the careful recreation of stucco and brick walls...All part of an artfully-crafted rustic aesthetic - One that comes across as welcoming but classy at once.

"Wow," she murmurs, looking around - "...I've never been *inside* a place like this before..."

A brass bell tinkles, the glass doors swinging shut behind you; You hear the patient click of the Maitre'd stride, as he greets you with a polite nod. The same man as your last visit: He shows no sign of recognizing you, of course.

"Good evening, Sir - Ma'am. How may I help you?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23939015
"We have a reservation, under Anon. We /are/ a bit early. Will that be a problem?"

>>23939035

"Of course not, Sir." His voice is crisp, but not unkind - The type you get after a life spent in the food industry. He considers the heavy ledger for a moment - Then nods. "Ah, indeed. Please, follow me: It's right this way."

You have to admit, you're getting your money's worth on this. Still, you can't help but feel a slight sense of deja vu, as he ushers you in - At this time, the place is rather more crowded than usual, as he leads you onward...Towards a very familiar table, one overlooking the street outside.

As he bows and retreats, you realize - You're seated in the exact same place as before; Right when the car came smashing through the window, the world dissolving in a flurry of glass and noise-

"...Anon-kun? Is something wrong?" Mio asks; Leaning towards you, slightly, as she settles into her seat - Her expression curious, at your hesitation.

[ ] "It's nothing."
[ ] "-I just had...a bad experience...last time."
[ ] "Just remembering something."
[ ] "...We should probably get another table."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23939169
"You're probably going to laugh, but...Last time I was here there was a car accident and the person sitting here was injured. While I doubt it could happen again I'm feeling just a little nervous... Do you mind if we switch tables?"

Also, are OP and I the only ones here? Might be best to try running again later if I'm the only one playing.

>>23939232

(You're probably right. I've wait a bit - If it's still slow, I'll break here and pick up next time.)

>>23939169
It might just be me but /tg/s population seems down lately.
[X] "Just remembering something."

>>23939169
[x] "Just remembering something, don't worry."

And reassure her with a smile. I hardly think we're going to get hit again, or even attempted to get hit.

>>23939381
>>23939455

> [x] "Just remembering something, don't worry."

Mio nods - She doesn't understand, but it's probably better that way. You're amazed by how thoroughly the window has been replaced - It's almost as if it was never broken, from the looks of it...As if none of it actually happened.

Still, it's hard to think of that, now, as Mio turns the laminated pages of the menu: You've already settled the order, but the novelty of it seems to have quite charmed her.

"...Thank you." she says, so softly you almost miss it - Then, slightly louder: "For bringing me here, I mean." Her smile grows faintly distant, as she looks out of the window, resting her chin on her palm - Her expression pensive, reflected in the glass.

"This is - It's the nicest thing anyone has done for me. Ever." Her voice catches, just for a moment - But it may have just been your imagination. "...I'm not sure how you knew, but...It makes me really happy."

Her eyes widen, slightly, as if struck by a sudden thought, an anxious note to Mio's voice: "Anon-kun, this isn't...Inconvenient for you, is it? All this - It's pretty expensive, right?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23939547
"Actually, you're helping spend bribe money. Trust me, you're doing me a favor."

>>23939547

"You're worth it." But then laugh it off, and say "Actually, a friend of mine is handling everything. Just relax, and enjoy yourself."

Come to think about it, we don't actually know that much about mio.

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>>23939584

That seems to reassure her, as Mio relaxes - The slight tension to her slim shoulders draining away. "A favor~?" she echoes, as if she's not *quite* sure if you're joking - "Well, if you put it that way..."

>>23939617

> "You're worth it."

Mio flushes, just a little - Looking embarassed, but not displeased, as she lowers her eyes...Making a show of spreading the napkin on her lap, until she recovers.

> "Actually, a friend of mine is handling everything. Just relax, and enjoy yourself."

There's a soft chime, as Mio runs a finger over the rim of her glass: "Anon-kun *does* have plenty of friends," Mio agrees - Her gaze just this side of mischievous, now - Before it turns reflective, thoughtful. "You have so many people who care about you - That makes me a little envious."

Somewhere in the background, soft music plays; The snow continuing to fall outside, sifting down in powdery flakes. "It's pretty..." Mio marvels - And indeed, it is. It's like looking into a snow globe; Or being inside a well-lit, warm house, with a hearty fire in the hearth.

When Mio turns back to you, it's almost startling; There's a quiet happiness to her, a radiance that informs her slightest gesture. It's innocent, almost childlike - A girl enjoying her first Christmas.

"P-please don't look at me like that," Mio says, suddenly - The blush returning, as she clasps her hands to her cheeks. "Anon-kun, please say something...Or, or I'll feel really embarrassed..."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23939739
>"Anon-kun, please say something...Or, or I'll feel really embarrassed..."
"Happy birthday."

Present present.

>>23939739

Oh, Mio. Never change.

>>23939739

D'awwww. She really likes us, doesn't she? I'm still not certain on whether she's the one or not, until the whole thing with hecate is resolved, but it's hard not to want to be nice to her.

>>23939760

Seconding this.

>>23939760
>>23939801

"F - for me?" Mio stammers, utterly surprised; Wrapping paper crinkling as she unfurls your present - Handling it with a delicate care, as if she's never seen one before. You can see her fingers trembling minutely, as she undoes the lacy ribbon...And lifts from within-

"Oh." It's a soft, hushed little sound, as she cradles the fox plushie in her arms - Holding it with the tender care reserved for a puppy, or a kitten. The adorable mascot's fur almost glows in the light - Her touch trailing delicately over it, her eyes shining as she just holds it, for a moment.

"It's - He's so *soft*..." Mio's eyes close, as she presses her face against the furry belly, the fluffy tail tickling her chin; There's a whisper of sound, her smooth skin against softer fur as she cuddles your present...

-And then Mio's voice catches, a choked little sound. She sniffs, her slim shoulders trembling, and the sound becomes a sob; Her eyes going moist, as she rubs at them...

Then the dam bursts, and she begins to cry.

(Continued)

>>23939933

Oh shit, we've done it now.

>>23939933

I think we broke her!

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A perfectly round drop edges down her cheek, falling onto the checkered tablecloth - She tries to hold herself, but she can't stop.

"I - *annnnh* - W, why am I...?" Mio manages, between sobs; The plushie clutched to her chest, as she dabs - rather futilely - at her eyes with the napkin. "I'm not sad, but then *why*..."

Her voice trails off, as her throat tightens - But she's smiling through a haze of tears, a melange of embarassement, joy, surprise...All jumbled together, mingling with her racking sobs.

"I'm, I'm *sorry*...I can't - I'm really *hopeless* like this..."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23939995
"Sorry, I didn't want you to cry. You like it I hope?"

>>23939933

Ouch, right in the feels.

> [X] There, there.

>>23939995
Now I wish we'd waited till after dinner. This would have been an excellent excuse to hug her if she wasn't across the table.

>>23940030

She can't speak, but she nods - Between sobs, struggling to wipe away her tears. She's holding your present as if she never wants to let it go - Bent forward, her tears staining the softness, until her low, constant crying slows.

>>23940056

You reach out to soothe her - It's a little awkward, across the table, but Mio manages a teary smile; "-It's all right," she murmurs, faintly - "Anon-kun, I'm - I'm okay now..." But then her eyes well up again, and she sways to her feet, a trifle unsteadily.

"-S, sorry..." she says - "I just need - I have to..."

Her voice is apologetic, choked, as she excuses herself - Taking the path to the washroom...But not before she looks back, her gaze meltingly soft - Her honey-blonde hair fluttering in her wake. An instant later, you hear the door creak shut; The low murmur of conversation resuming at last, with only a few curious glances in your direction...

(Continued)

oh right. It's a popular restaurant too. Totally should have waited.

>>23940193
Are you joking, this screams "FIGHT INCOMING".

"...Aaah, you made her cry."

The voice is soft, familiar, from the other side of the table - But the *impossibility* of it sends a cold shiver up your spine, as you turn...

-And look right into Kotone's eyes.

She's right there, in Mio's seat, unquestionably real - Pale tresses framing pale features, a stark contrast to her faded black cassock ... Now ever-so-slightly more threadbare than before.

Her gaze slides away from you, her expression patient and ever-so-slightly quizzical - But then it softens, as a wan little smile touches her lips.

"She really *is* very beautiful, Anon-kun." Kotone muses, in that same sweet, faintly sad tone; Her fingertips resting just over her heart, her fathomless gaze as enigmatic as always. "I wish..."

[ ] "Wha-"
[ ] "When did you - *How* are you here?"
[ ] "Am I...dreaming?"
[ ] "Don't hurt her."
[ ] "Where have you been, all this time?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23940223
[x] "When did you - *How* are you here?"
[x] "Where have you been, all this time?"

I'm picking these two, as much as I'd like to ask if she wants to get all murder-happy with Mio, I don't think Kotone want to kill her.

>>23940242

> [x] "When did you - *How* are you here?"

"-It's easier for me, now," she says...With the faintest hesitation, a slight narrowing of her eyes - As if dwelling on something she'd rather not discuss.

In full light, for the first time - The sight of her makes your breath catch. Kotone looks-

...Tired. Frayed, and unspeakably weary.

"...I think I'm growing stronger - Or maybe, you are." She shakes her head, slowly; "-Either. Both. I'm not...I'm not sure there's a difference."

> [x] "Where have you been, all this time?"

"Away." Even her voice sounds haunted. "I've been *away* more and more...Away, but always near. Always close to you." Perhaps she realizes how alarming that statement is, because she makes herself smile.

"I've been - It's been so *lonely*, Joker-kun. Lonely, and cold. I wanted to talk to you...And - And I wish I could *remember*..."

Kotone's voice trails off. "It feels...It feels like I'm *unraveling*. I don't know what day it is, or where I am anymore...Have you ever felt like that?"

[ ] "But...Why are you here?"
[ ] "-I still have your cross."
[ ] "Are you all right?"
[ ] "...I don't understand."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23940287

Oh geez. She's really losing it, isn't she? I wonder how much time she has left before she brings down the apocalypse or something equally horrible.

>>23940287
>I don't know what day it is, or where I am anymore...Have you ever felt like that?

That'll probably bring memories of the time spent fighting through the corrector hive after we became the Red Joker.

I think we should reach out and take her hand, we have the cross on us? We could take her hand with the cross wrapped around our hand?

But I'm not sure what to say

>>23940357

You do. You've tried to forget, every night for six years - But you remember. You remember how it felt to be down, down in the endless dark, beneath the inverted city - Fighting, moving, fighting again...

-All of it, just to survive. Like an animal: Feral, hunted, focused - Tested to destruction. Sometimes, you've wondered - Did you ever truly escape? Or are you still *there*, lying on black glass sand besides a lake of fire, as Correctors chew on your flesh?

A nightmare that can never be forgotten: That has become her reality.

The silver cross clinks, softly, as you unfasten it from your neck - The chain looped around your fingers, as you reach for Kotone's hand. She stiffens, but doesn't draw away - Her skin is dry, and very cool; Like a doll's.

Or a puppet's.

Her breath comes in a taut little sigh, as she shakes her head.

"-I can't feel it," Kotone confesses. "I can't feel - anything - any more..." Her fingers slip through your, as she turns her wrist. "...He's under my skin, now. Moving-"

Her voice catches, and she goes silent.

"You won't forget, will you?" There's a plea in her eyes, as frost blisters the half-empty glass next to her; Spidering across it, like slow-spreading cracks. "You won't forget who I was, right?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23940425

Well. This took a turn for a depressing, all of a sudden.

>>23940425
"Never."

Saying anything else would be kind of dicks.
>>23940441
Can't even have a normal date with a cute chick.

>>23940450

I doubt Mio is normal either, actually. There's too much that doesn't add up.

>>23940425

"I won't forget you. I promise."

>>23940425
"How could I?"

Try to smile

>>23940425

Is she like the egg from which the Black Joker will hatch? I don't even want to know what she'd look like then.

We have humans who become players. If the black joker exists, maybe he's an intelligence from the red world that possesses a human?

>>23940472
>I doubt Mio is normal either, actually. There's too much that doesn't add up.
Well, I meant relatively. She's normal when compared to the rest of our merry and not so merry cast.

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>>23940450
>>23940474
>>23940472

You say:

> "Nev-"

"Anon-kun?" a soft hand rests on your shoulder - The voice close by, warm. You turn, involuntarily, as Mio draws back - Concern writ large on her face, her eyes edged with red; The only sign that she's been crying.

"-Who were you talking to?"

You look back...And, of course, Kotone's gone. You can feel the slim silver chain of her crucifix, around your throat - Your fingertips still tingling, a dull, aching stiffness lingering in your hand...

-At some point, your food must have arrived. The table's laden, wisps of warm air coiling upwards - The fragrant smell of spices and olive oil lingering like incense, cutlery clinking together as your hand brushes over it.

There's a gentle scrape, as Mio eases her chair back - Lowering herself into it, her composure restored.

"Anon-kun, I - I'm sorry for just now," she offers, her voice still faintly embarrassed - "...I'm not sure...I don't know what came over me..."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23940540
Smile, say it is fine, and get eating I guess.

Last thing we want to do is distress her again, and we can address the Kotone issue at-length a bit later, if necessary.

>>23940540

Did Kotone tamper with her mind? I'm wondering if the two things were related.

>>23940560

The food is - As you'd expect - excellent. Especially since you didn't get a chance to even taste it, the last time; Mio seems especially eager to move past her outburst - To focus her attention on the food.

The companionable silence lingers, as each course is put away and cleared with an easy precision; It seems like it's been no time at all, when you look up from the Tiramisu dessert...Noticing, only now, that late afternoon and evening have shaded into true night.

It's still snowing, outside, by the time you're done: The gentle, drifting flakes turning into a blizzard of light, in the glow of the streetlamps.

"-Ah, it's over already..." Mio muses to herself, as the bell chimes behind you - The cold air making her breath smoke, as she turns her hand up to cup the sifting snowflakes. With a soft laugh, she takes poised, casual graceful steps along the sidewalk - Her arms spread for balance, like a tightrope walker.

The cold, and the late hour, have driven other people inside; The streets have emptied out, now, the tranquility broken only by the occasional drone of a passing car.

(Continued)

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>>23940731

Walking slightly ahead of you, Mio turns; Luminous in the glow, limned by the festive illumination of the lights.

"This-" she says, gathering your present close to her; The straps drawn taut against her slim wrist, as the bag rustles softly. "...I'll treasure it. Always."

The flush to her cheeks isn't just the cold, now - The happiness that fills her almost a tangible force. "-Thank you, Anon-kun. For *everything*."

There's a mysterious side to her smile, now, as she waits for you to catch up - "...Anon-kun - Do you really have to go?" Mio asks, her voice soft, oddly tentative; "-It's selfish of me, but...I want you to stay. For a little while longer..."

[ ] "Isn't it past your curfew?"
[ ] "C'mon - I'll walk you home."
[ ] "Will you be all right?"
[ ] "I'll see you again, very soon."
[ ] "I'll call a taxi."
[ ] "As long as you want."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23940738
[x] "As long as you want."
Hnnnng.

>>23940738
[ ] "C'mon - I'll walk you home."
Can talk on the way, maybe stay longer as needed.

>>23940745
Down boy

It's so late. Damn good thing I have the day off tomorrow.

>>23940738
[X] Free
"Alright." Did she even bring a coat? Wait did we? I guess we should give it to her. Offer her our arm as we walk? Or put an arm around her shoulders?

>>23940745
Well, it is her birthday after all.

Wish Wata could have stuck around.

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>>23940808
>Down boy

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>>23940842

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>>23940852

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>>23940877

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>>23940738

"Mmmmmn~" Mio makes a wordless sound of affirmation - But there's no hiding the momentary joy in her eyes, the way she draws a little closer...Not *quite* touching, but enough that her hand, her body nearly grazes yours; The slight tremble to her form-

>>23940811

She starts, her eyes widening - Just a little - as you shrug off your coat; It's a bit too large for her, hanging down to her knees as she looks up at you -

"Anon-kun, won't you be," Mio begins...Only to *gasp*, the sound soft, muffled, as you put your arm around her shoulders. It's a breathless, heady "Oh~!" as she goes quiet again...The flush in her cheeks going redder still, as she ducks her head - She's really close to you now, her lissome form drawn taut, radiating heat, the soft surrusation of her breath an oddly comforting sound.

There's a slight rigidity to her...A tension, a pleasant discomfort, as you walk on in silence for a little while longer...

You're not sure where you're going - Not entirely, the path slightly meandering - but Mio seems to know where to go.

(Continued)

>>23940808

There's a contemplative air to her; It feels like Mio's steeling herself for something, resisting the urge to lean into you, her hands clasping the bag between them.

At some point, your steps have taken you from the streets, to a park - It's warmer, here, though the first frosts have kissed the crisp bushes and hedges; Arrayed in a starburst formation, as you draw, inevitably, closer to your destination.

It's quiet, away from the murmur of the city - Peaceful, and eerily beautiful; Almost ethereal, the moon casting its foxfire illumination over the earth below, dappling the leaves with silver.

"...This is far enough," Mio murmurs, almost to herself; Gently, she slips away from you, standing under the solitary light that illuminates the silent heart of the park - Her heels making soft, patient tics against the mosaic underfoot, as she turns a full circle...Your coat sliding from her shoulders at last, her eyes bright with a strange mix of trepidation and anticipation.

Overhead, the solitary lamp makes the falling snowflakes glow, like a blizzard over fireflies.

"Anon-kun..." Mio begins - Her sleek throat works, as she swallows - Her words unsteady, wavering:

"Anon-kun, I...I just - C, can you do one more thing for me?"

Mio's voice is soft, now, as gentle as a whisper.

"-Just for a moment...Close your eyes..."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23941017
Shit, she's onto us. We're going to get knifed.

>>23941017

Oh. Oh, damn. I know what she's going to do, but how do say...

> "I really like you, but I want to stay friends."

>>23941025

I think she's going to kiss us, actually. God damn, my nutbladder is not ready for this.

>>23941039
Don't do it, man. Don't shatter another poor girl's heart.
>>23941017
I say we close our eyes. The worst that happens is >>23941025.

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>>23941064

>>23941017

We're going to feel really, really bad for this later, but...

>>23941064

CLOSE THOSE EYES, DAMNIT!

I wonder what arena overlaps this location?

You close your eyes.

For a long moment, the only sound is Mio's soft breathing, the low moan of the wind - The light is bright against your eyelids, as you stand there, waiting...

-But then, something changes. The air feels charged, excited somehow; A faint *hum* at the very edge of perception, lingering like the memory of a song-

"Anon-kun..."

Her voice is unsteady, but focused - As Mio draws a deep, shivery breath, exhaling softly.

"...You can open them now."

When you open your eyes - Above, the light is fading. Going yellow, towards orange...Even though the lamp still shines white when you look right into it. Even though it's impossible, the flickering shadows of the small grove deep, solidifying, drawing themselves in around you like the arms of light...

-And you when look ahead, you see where the light has gone, at last.

It's between Mio's hands.

(Continued)

>>23941187
Oh hell no.

A foggy, rainbow-edge glow pulses between her palms - The glow gathering itself from a shaft into an elongated ovoid, the curves detaching...Twisting itself into a translucent ball, a shimmering sphere of light hanging in the shrouded night.

Impossible.

"-Can you see it?" Mio's hands shiver, as the light squirms and pulses and coils itself into a shape; Not just a glow - Something's there. Something is *really* there, a tiny figure shining between blossoming wings of light...

"You see it, don't you? Tell me you see it..."

There's exhilaration, and effort, in her voice now - As the wings begin to curl and flex - Color cascading along them, dripping from their edges in a dewfall of rainbow.

It's a butterfly. A butterfly of light.

She spreads her fingers, and it takes flight; Circling you, trailing motes of illumination, silent wingbeats carrying it onward...And then it settles on your shoulder, insubstantial as a whisper, glowing with an internal luminescence.

(Continue)

>>23941238

There's a soft look of joy on Mio's face - Her brow's furrowed in concentration, sheened with sweat despite the cold...But in this moment, she's as happy as a child.

"Well?" she whispers - With bated breath, her expression gentle as she paces towards you...One slow step at a time, her hands open and empty at her sides - As if afraid you're about to bolt.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23941238

Oh my god.

What the hell IS she?

>>23941283
I don't know! I thought you knew!

>>23941238
>>23941269
"Yes, but... how did you even do this?"

>>23941269
"You know, this is actually fairly tame compared to what I usually get surprised with. It's pretty."

With a smile and a shrug >>23941328 then >>23941295

>>23941345
Fair enough, can't let em see us freak out.

>>23941352
Oh please, Kotone and (awesome as she was) Hecate were way weirder

>>23941382
True, but my point was directed at
>>23941283
and still...weird.

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>>23941295
>>23941328
>>23941345

"-Ever since I was little," Mio says - There's nostaglia in her voice, as the butterfly takes wing again; Shedding more of itself, by the moment, as it lights on her - Balancing on her finger, even as it begins to fade.

The edges of it blur, as small rents began to appear; Shredding like smoke in the wind. The dancing motes linger on the breeze a heartbeat longer, like a spiral of tame fireflies - Before they too are gone. "Every time I was sad, or afraid, of unhappy...I'd tell myself I could do this - No matter what, I could make something beautiful."

The moment passes. Slowly, the glow of the lamp returns - And Mio sighs, as if a great weight has lifted from her shoulders. "Anon-kun...I wanted you to know. My only secret - It's something I could never tell, never share...Not with anyone else."

Her footsteps are the only sound in the stillness - Stray strands of honey-blonde hair caressing her cheeks, a warm flush spreading beneath her skin. She's right in front of you, now - Close enough that you can feel her warmth, her eyes sliding shut as she tilts her head back...

"-I...After everything I've told you..." she begins; Her lips parting ever-so-slightly, the faintest tremor coursing through her...Mio's expression drawn taut, as she trembles, caught on the crux of the moment, her face upturned towards yours:

"...Will you - accept me?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>23941481

D'awwwwwww. Just, d'awwwwwww.

> [X] Kiss her.

>>23941481

Oh jesus, that face. Gah! I don't know guys, I think we went too far. Full speed ahead, damn the consequences? Or emergency abort?

>>23941541
We've come too far to turn back now man. She shared her secret with us, if we wanted out we should have gotten out at closing our eyes.

Kiss da girl.

>>23941238

Thinking about it: We have a girl who is linked to the Black Joker, a girl who can see bits of our past...And a girl who controls light? I'm seeing a pattern here.

>>23941541

FULL SPEED AHEAD

>>23941481
NO

NO

NO

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ABOUT HECATE YOU UNFAITHFUL WHORES?

NO

[x] Sorry.

You can hear her heart pounding - The way Mio tenses and relaxes at once, as your hand comes up to cup her chin; Her skin softer than silk, her blonde hair whispering against you in feather-light touches. She feels infinitely delicate to the touch, her lips trembling as they part *just* a little more, a wordless, gentle sound teased from her throat...

-And when you kiss her, you feel her *melt*. Her small hands ball against your chest, tugging lightly on the fabric; Leaning into you, the soft, sweet warmth of her lips moving against yours.

A little gasp - Coaxed from the very core of Mio's being - echoes in your ears; Her eyes going moist with glad tears, as a sweet shudder sweeps through every fibre of her being...You're the only thing keeping her standing, now, as a tremor works its way through her lissome legs - An echo of the slow shiver that courses up the sleek curve of her spine.

Her back arches, ever-so-slightly, as Mio holds you in place; Sustaining the dizzying connection for just an instant longer, as it merges into a breathless, eternal moment...

When Mio draws away, at last - When she has to come up for air, clinging to you as if she'd never go - her eyes are shining. Her slim fingers come up to trace her lips, curved in an enigmatic smile; Momentarily breathless, her chest heaving - Her blush only now beginning to fade.

"-This is enough," Mio murmurs, as she presses her hand to her heart - Holding it there, as if capturing something infinitely precious. It's only then that she meets your gaze...For an instant, bowing her head.

"Anon-kun...Thank you."

She takes a slow step back; Then another, until her hazy silhouette merges back into the gloom-

...And behind you, like the sun rising, all the lights of the city come on at once.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 39

TO BE CONTINUED

>>23941953
FUCK

NOW THERE'LL BE SOME SORT OF DRAMA BULLSHIT BETWEEN HECATE AND MIO

ALL BECAUSE YOU FAGGOTS COULDN'T KEEP YOUR DICKS IN YOUR PANTS

Now I really wish Wata had been here to write something amazing.

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>>23941953

(Apologies for the abrupt ending, gentlemen...But this feels like a natural breakpoint. Wow, this was a marathon session...But I feel we covered a lot of ground, with plenty of interesting occurrences.

You've been an wonderful audience, as always: I can't wait to see how things play out.

As always: Good night, and god bless - I look forward to seeing you again soon.)

Also, if anyone can tell me when would be a better time to run the game, feel free to leave a message on the Twitter account.

>>23941953

Now, that. THAT was a kiss.

>>23941976
Don't forget Asuna. We told her we'd take her to that art exhibition.

>>23941953

Oh jesus, jesus christ. There's going to be a shitstorm because of this, isn't there?

>>23941976

We can salvage this, if we explain everything in a calm and rational manner...Oh, who am I kidding?

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>>23941953

Did this give anyone else a boner? I'm just saying, that was incredibly erotic for some reason.

[hide]And LEWD.[/hide]

>>23942116

You're not the only one.
I didn't find it lewd though. Guess... my body is telling me it likes these lovey-dovey feelings.

>>23941995

Sleep well, OP. I'm actually happy with the way this went, but I have a feeling it's going to be more trouble down the road.

Oh well, one thing at a time.

>>23941953

This was, without a doubt, the dumbest act in the entire quest so far. Dumber than charging Bardiel with the adjudicator and a fistful of Meter, dumber than blowing up the entire spire in an attempt to kill Rust Kaiser.

It was also d'awwwww worthy, so i guess it events out.

>>23942057

Harem route!

I don't actually think that's a viable THING, honestly. We're in deep shit if we end up in a tug-of-war between mio and hecate.

Normally I would be kinda pissed at "cheating" on Hecate (besides the 90% chance she's dead). But holy shit did these recent parts win me over to Mio.

Let's just hope we don't get Kirk'd and let her die to some stupid fuckup.

>>23942583

Yeah, I'm actually quite surprised at that. I always felt Mio was trying too hard to be cute, but she's surprisingly nuanced.

>>23942556

Mio is notably more powerful than Hecate. We have no indication whatsoever that she's a player, and yet she can create effects.

In the REAL WORLD.

Hecate seemed to imply she was basically using the Nihl Sphere for everything, and was very weak. The Armory Guardian and Bardiel messed up her pretty badly.

You guys are all forgetting that as far as both we and Anon know, Hecate is DEAD, tragic as it may be.

>>23943189

I'm beginning to think that might be for good. My question is, what happened to her real body? Did she even have one?

>>23943122
>mfw Mio is somehow connected to Hollow Sun

>>23943122

Yeah, pretty butterflies of light aren't exactly a world-ending weapon.

>>23943420
No, but the ability to manipulate and give form to LIGHT can be. She could possibly create an army of hardlight constructs if her power is developed further.

>>23943471

Damn, that's Green Lantern-level power we're talking about. Still, it seems like a pretty big jump from 'glowing butterflies' to 'hard light'.

>>23943608
Well, we really don't know the full extent of her power yet, but it might be related to how Asuna can see into the Red World.

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So at about 4 in the morning I pass out, completely missing Black Joker showing up like I thought she would. Going over the archives I think, "Okay, that could have gone MUCH worse", and figure that was the highlight of the night.

Ahaha. Hahaha. Oh my god what. I have no idea what just happened, except to say that my pet theory that everyone we meet, even the non-Players, is involved somehow is turning out to be correct.

Now I'm wondering what she's doing fading into the shadows the way she did. That's generally not what you do when your proto-boyfriend kisses you at last. We can argue about the ramifications of betraying Hecate later/

>>23944057

I still can't believe we kissed Mio.

MIO.

I mean, damn. It was incredibly sweet, but could have picked a girl who'd be MORE crushed when we have to let her down?

>>23944057

> Now I'm wondering what she's doing fading into the shadows the way she did.

She probably just scampered off. Mio can barely do the butterfly thing, my guess is that it's artistic license.

>>23944057
I don't get the big deal.

She died, and there was an entire character arc about moving on. Has everybody just forgotten the whole rampage of revenge thing MC had going on for a while?

>>23944400
>tfw people sre still in denial over Hecate

Shed your chains to the past, for they will only weigh you down.