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>>26575208

The heavens are at war.

Overhead, the crimson sky is tempest-tossed, winged Corrector flocks boiling forth from the great wound in the earth - Like black clouds of damnation, or pus from an infected wound. It's a suppurating wave, held at bay by a thin silver line...Each one a gleaming silver point of focus, the flash-flicker of blades and guns and weirder energies stitching across the shrinking distance.

It's a battle that's rapidly becoming point-blank, as electromagnetic swords clash against cleaving claws, white armour against chitin and bone and scales - A battle that's eerily silent, to your eyes, momentary glimpses of distant violence...A highlight reel in real-time.

A shimmering green lattice - A neon web - spans the circumference of the nascent Hive. Each time a Corrector is killed, motes of Essence flash skyward in a twisting spiral - Sucked away to fuel the intricate network that flares overhead, like reverse rain, growing brighter by the moment...

...Chrome Cypher plunges down, lance-first, driving his crackling halberd through the throat of something with too many faces...

...Palladium Rook swings, and pellucid blue flame scythes through the milling horde before him...

-And that's all you can make out, because you're not there.

(Continued)

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Oh, hello OP. Good to see you again. Enjoy your week?

And hello Anon. You lot ready to ruin lives and be awesome?

>>26575494

Of course

Going to bed here in a bit. Being employed is suffering. ;_;

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>>26575400

Around that staticky splinter of sky, all is calm. A cool breeze gusts through the eternal autumn of Cybele's paradise, her feet making no sound at all on the sandalwood floor of the pavilion. Her hands are folded on the railing, as she gazes pensively at the view...Not with any particular interest, as if it's something she's seen many times before.

"...There's *really* a lot of them," she muses aloud - Glancing over her shoulder at you, the breeze rustling the hem of her kimono, caressing her hair. If not the faint track of your mono-optic sensors - The slight whirr of each one of your footfalls, the subtle presence of your armour - This place could almost be real.

*Almost*.

There's an arch little lift to Cybele's chin, as she leans against the railing; Hands resting lightly on the gleaming wood, turning back towards you.

"-Do you know any of them, Joker-kun~?" she asks, in that same lilting voice - With a kind of casual, disinterested curiosity.

[ ] "...Not really."
[ ] "One or two."
[ ] "Is that what's happening, *right now*?"
[ ] "What did you mean by 'make you Chalice Queen'?"
[ ] "That field effect...I've never seen it before."
[ ] "How are you doing this?"
[ ] "...I should be there."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26575555
They're acquaintances.
[ ] "What did you mean by 'make you Chalice Queen'?"
[ ] "That field effect...I've never seen it before

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>mfw I'll never see a Joker Quest Mange or Anime

>>26575555

"Well, yeah. Argent's there. I had intended to go and watch the show and play Hero again encase another Super Cthulhu came through the rift, but I was sidetracked and met you instead...."

Suitably vague enough while also referencing the fact we know Argent via name/proxy.

>>26575555
A few. Knowing and being known comes with the reputation.
>[x] "What did you mean by 'make you Chalice Queen'?"

>>26575555
"Seen them around. Fought with them a couple of times. You called this a 'system call', yes? That would be a request to an operating system to execute a pre-established function? And it's under your name? That seems foolhardy... unless the kernel has been programmed to only recognize certain users as having access?"

>>26575650
Would kill for that.
Actually had a dream some time ago where I was working on developing a JQ MMO.

> [X] "They're acquaintances."
>>26575714

"-I see." She doesn't seem to be especially interested, either way. You can feel her eyes on you, all the time; Cybele seems oddly fascinated by your appearance, up close - Her gaze darting to the sides, following the lines of Tempest Scrander and Sinistral and Plasma Vulcans...It's not an entirely comfortable feeling, because there's something calculating in her appraisal...

-It reminds you, strangely, of a scientist examining a specimen through a microscope. Or a particularly interesting species of animal - Out of the cage and up close.

> [X] "That field effect...I've never seen it before."

"Oh." Cybele waves, vaguely, at the tiles that make up the artifical sky. "...That's how *he* builds things. That construct...It feeds on Essence to fully manifest, you see?"

Her eyes flick down to your left arm. "...It's not that different from the way you do things, actually. You *do* have the same ability, after all..." Her slim shoulders lift in a little shrug. "Building an iron city over a Maw...It's almost funny."

There's a little twitch to her lips, as she smiles - A dreamy, slightly off-center smile of secret amusement.

>>26575907

"*Now* you're beginning to understand~" she brings her hands together, with a silvery little laugh. "...Maybe this wouldn't be so hard, after all~!"

> [X] "What did you mean by 'make you Chalice Queen'?"

"-Well." Some of the distance fades from her brown eyes, and Cybele blinks - As if momentarily wrong-footed. "...Aaah, I wasn't sure if I'd *said* that - Until you reminded me, that is." A soft giggle parts her lips, as she draws a deep breath - That contemplative light in her eyes again.

"What should I do..." she murmurs, almost to herself - Unaware that her internal narration is audible. There's a unselfconsciousness to it that would make your skin crawl.

If you had any skin, that is.

"...Now that I'm actually *with* him, it's embarrassing to ask..."

(Continue)

>>26575965

Perfect teeth work briefly against her lower lip, as she seems to come to a decision - Before she gestures away from herself, at you - with a casual flick of her wrist.

"Joker-kun, what do you know about this world?" It's a very broad question, and she knows it - Her brow furrowing slightly, as she narrows it down. "-I meant...What's most important to you?"

"-What makes *you* special?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26575965

What is wrong with this chick? She's giving off really crazy vibes.

>>26576037

She IS pretty unstable. As in, out of touch with reality and disturbingly desensitized to violence.

>>26575983
I'm alive. I know i exist. That's pretty special in my book. But I don't know anything about this. No-one I've met does. Apart from you, I assume

>>26575983
Actually, I doubt that *I*'m special. The role of the Red Joker is what's special, correct?

>>26575983

"I'm me. And no one can take my charming personality. And I'll be damn sure to put up a fight if someone attempts to take this armor. Too many people would be sad if I kicked the bucket this early."

"What makes you, tick, deary? Surely inviting random strangers into your Voyeur Cave isn't one of your past times..?"

>>26575983
"The finalist system selects the five strongest... no, the five most significant Players. Were they to fight to the death the survivor would be the Red Joker. That suggests that the entire game is a Kodoku experiment, designed to select and empower Players through a form natural selection of which the Red Joker is the ultimate expression of. I know that some part of this involves the transfer of Essence, most of which goes to improve the armor worn by Players, but some of which serves to augment the person inside, particularly their luck. Incidentally, that explains the inevitable deaths that result after a victory on this side, the loser's luck runs out.

"As for myself? What makes me special is that I've survived. Call it luck or strength but I've defeated those who have challenged me and devoured them in turn. And what do value? Well, I've said enough, how about you tell me what you value?"

Wonder how many Yosuga points this wins us.

>>26576313

>look up kodoku experiment

Another mango to add to the backlog.. damnit. Still need to read Arpeggio and Coppelion..

>>26576192

"Not just me," Cybele says, softly - She doesn't look *too* impressed by that answer.

>>26576226

"Close," she agrees, stepping closer - Your targeting cursor sweeps over her, and comes back with no return. One pale arm extends; Her hand resting lightly against your cuirass, just over your Cobalt Booster - You can feel the feather-light pressure of her touch, as her tongue traces slowly over her lips.

"-It's the *armour* that makes you special. And...It's not the only one."

>>26576256

Cybele laughs - Chuckles really, a winsome expression on her elegant features; "...That's what I wanted to hear, Joker-kun."

> "What makes you, tick, deary? Surely inviting random strangers into your Voyeur Cave isn't one of your past times..?"

Her face turns slightly quizzical: "...I didn't invite you here, Joker-kun. If you came here - It means that your System Access is high enough to reach this place."

"Although..." She seems about to say more, then just shakes her head.

>>26576313

"Perfect~!" She claps her hands together. "-The five 'most significant' Players. But, Joker-kun...You're not *wrong*. It's *both* the 'strongest' and the 'most significant'..."

Cybele draws a slow, thoughtful breath. "...You see, you *don't* have to be the strongest. Just having the Red Joker's armour alone...That's enough to reach the end. But your armour isn't the only special one out there..."

Something gleams in her brown eyes, a husky note to her voice - Greed, perhaps. Or lust.

"-That's what we're looking for, you see. The Fatal Abyss, the Armour of Midas, the Crux...As long as you have *one* of them, it doesn't matter how powerful you are. You're *safe*."

'Unless someone takes it from you,' she doesn't say.

(Continued)

>>26576431

>high enough system access

...

Wait. Does this mean what I think it means? We're a sysadmin? Time to deface the World with more dicks than Second Life server.

>>26576431

"But-" And she lowers her eyes. "...The last one - We know where it is, but we...*I* can't reach it. It isn't time yet..."

Cybele looks up. "...But it'll be time *soon*." There's a hunger in her voice...Anticipation, trepidation, and a kind of dark amusement. "-We can't reach it alone...None of us can. Only a *Player* like you can do that."

Her pale hand fastens on yours, her eyes imploring.

"...Joker-kun, you'll help me, won't you?" She leans into you - Her free hand resting lightly on your chest, body this close to touching. "-Please fight for me...I don't *want* to be killed!"

[ ] "-What are you looking for?"
[ ] "How will you know when 'it's time'?"
[ ] "*Fight* for you?"
[ ] "And if I say no?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26576479
Probably has to do with the acces we gained thanks to the Hollow Sun.

>>26576544
Fight for you?
And what if I say no?

Am I the only person thinking that we should help Side Bell here and then backstab her later?

>>26576544

"Hang on a minute. Where are we, exactly? What's this place?"

>>26576544
>"...The last one - We know where it is, but we...*I* can't reach it. It isn't time yet..."
The Black Joker...
>[x] "*Fight* for you?"
And why would should it be *me*? After all, it seems like any of the "five" could fill in this position... no, any candidate.
>[x] "And if I say no?"

>>26576352
Good manga, yeah. Kodoku is an actual thing though, a Japanese cursing ritual where you put a bunch of poisonous insects into a bowl for a while, and come back when they've killed each other off. The survivor is so full of poison and ill-intentions that when its fluids are drained just a bit of it can curse someone, even to death.

If you want more good sci-fi manga the guy behind Kodoku Experiment is doing a manga adaption of Inherit the Stars, the scifi book. I'd also recommend recommend 20th Century Boys, Parasyte and Hotel. Last one's a one-shot, so read it between quest updates.

>>26576544
"You want me to play kingmaker for you? Please. Even Totenaz knew to offer in trade something of equal value to me. And how will you know it's time?"

>>26576544
[X] Free.
"But what makes you worth fighting for?"

>>26576544

Reminder from last thread - Use this lady's cameras to find hecate.

Like, play it off as 'highlighting our best fights' - since she already showed us recordings of us, since she's a Red Joker Fanboy.
We can use those same fight reels to see what happened to hecate! and where she is now.

Just be a smooth playah about it!

>>26576544

If we turn her down she's going to sic her Workshop & Bounded Field against us. We're in a really shitty position to negotiate...

Take a moment to mull it over.

"I've worked as a mercenary before.. still do if the moment strikes my fancy... as it stands I'd be happy to help you. For a price, of course."

>>26576668

Isn't the Hotel the one where humanity goes extinct do to global warming and they house DNA of the countless species on Earth in a massive tower run by an AI? And 20th Century Boys was really good. Didn't know about Inherit the Stars, though.

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>>26576618

The world unfolds.

Your question catches in your throat - Voiced, but unspoken.

The false sky disassembles itself, a little at a time - Indiviual hexagonal tiles splintering away, like dominoes falling. Giving way to...

Outside, all is dark. It's pitch-black, like the deepest ocean, or the dead center of the earth. The infinite dark is startling: The sensation is like drifting in space. Cybele's autumn paradise, you see at last, is a perfect sphere - One of *many*, part of an impossibly intricate network - Like an orrery of worlds, connected by impossibly slender silver filaments.

The scale - The scope of it - it takes your breath away. The architecture is alien, complex belong belief; Is every last one of those globes a private demense? A personal heaven?

But then you look down, and you see - Far, far below - the crimson sphere of the planet below, your viewpoint shifting slowly...

No. Not shifting. *Orbiting*.

For a moment, it beggars belief. For a moment, the sensation is dizzying...

-Until something clicks.

Until you realize -

> I'm on the Moon.

(Continued)

>>26576774
>Ataraxia
How fitting.

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>>26576695
Ah, but we want her dead. She's clearly not a Player, though whether she's one of the Hyades or something like them/worse she's very much in the same vein as Alura. Hell, she's named after a goddess who castrated her lover (he died), and she's coming on to the Joker. If that weren't enough she's more interested in the havoc Joker causes than anything about him as a person. That+mental instability=NOPE.

>>26576768
Yeah, and they fucking play Ray Charles at the end. Waterworks. Inherit the Stars is newish and doesn't have a group actively working on it, but I love the book. Alive The Final Evolution might be good too, but it's less overtly science fiction.

>>26576774
>I'm on the Moon.
...The fuck.

>>26576858
>>I'm on the Moon.
>...The fuck.

Well, we have the hollow SUN.

There may just be a hollow moon too!

>>26576858
>that+mental instability=nope

She's infatuated with us, that's for sure. All we need to do is push her in the right direction and we can have her tying up Pazzie's resources. Maybe he'll even kill her in the process so we don't haft to.. Anon/Joker seems too always leave panties soiled in his wake. Making it easier to manipulate them.

>Ray Charles

Fuck don't remind me. I had bitch tears by the end of it. Stop recommending me mango. I'll never finish my backlog at this point. Still need to catch up on the Destroyermen and The Lost Fleet series too..

>>26576894

Well, on another note. The Hollow Sun did sort of disappear into the core of the Red World to recharge. I'd hate to step outside and instead of seeing a lush field of magma and rock, our front door is inundated under a see of plasma, hydrogen and helium.

>>26576964

>see

Sea. Fucking sea autocorrect.

>>26576964
>She's infatuated with us, that's for sure. All we need to do is push her in the right direction and we can have her tying up Pazzie's resources. Maybe he'll even kill her in the process so we don't haft to.. Anon/Joker seems too always leave panties soiled in his wake. Making it easier to manipulate them.

>>26576691
>Reminder from last thread - Use this lady's cameras to find hecate.

if we combine both those plans, we actually stand a chance at a rescue operation.

Below you - Or rather, *behind* you - a featureless black orb, like a miniature sun, glowers. Half the size of the great city-sphere of the Red World...The gravitational pull holding the celestial orrery in place.

There's movement in the void. Every now and then - Like an optical illusion - you can make out twists of green light, drawn unerringly skywards...Spreading neon threads across the infinite blackness, like a tenuous link between worlds.

Something flickers to life on your HUD.

CONVERGENCE:

There's a number. It's very, very long. And it's counting *up*.

The first digit is already a 9.

> "Fight for you?"

She nods.

"-For me," Cybele says - Whispers, really, the eerie glow of the dark sun in her eyes. "The others..." A hesitation, just for a moment. "...They've already found Players to bear their Emblems. Alura has Kra-"

She shakes her head, and says no more.

> And why would should it be *me*? After all, it seems like any of the "five" could fill in this position... no, any candidate.

"...You're the only who's powerful enough." Her hand comes up to cup your cheek, and you're not sure if you should flinch away. "Joker-kun, I trust *you*. I *trust* you." There's a quiet desperation to her words, now - Her gaze going past you.

"If you win...You'll be able to travel down *there* - And help me find my *armour*..."

>>26576695
>>26576668
>>26576675

A pause.

Cybele cants her head to the side...

Her gaze is distant again, but piercing, somehow - As if she looks right into you. Her lips move - The violet gems on her bracelet dimming...

...And warmth spreads through you. You take a step back, as slow tendrils of light sink into your armour...Bringing with it a sense of - Wholeness. Well-being. At the back of your mind, you feel-

(Continued)

>>26577084
>Alura has Kra-"
>She shakes her head, and says no more.

Alura has kraken....

.... which means the red world is really a shake up between godlike entities?

>>26577084
>Her lips move - The violet gems on her bracelet dimming...

.... Purple tech. Nihl related.

"Actually, I'm looking for a ship that can cross between worlds. I'd heard I'll need for something"

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>>26577084

"...Because I can heal." she says, softly - Her hand lifting away from you, at last, fingertips touched to her skin. "-That's what I can give you, Joker-kun." Cybele holds her hand up, as if to let you see the wavy coronia of light that dances across her fingers. "Fight for me...And you'll never be hurt again."

Then, more softly -

"If I become Chalice Queen..."

"-You never have to die."

> [x] "And if I say no?"

Cybele's brow furrows - For a moment, she looks upset...Her big brown eyes going moist, as she looks away.

"...I can't *make* you say yes, Joker-kun." Her breath catches in her throat - "...We'll be out of range very soon - You won't be able to stay in phase with this Zone. You'll wake up, and..."

She shrugs, eloquently.

"-There isn't much time left," Cybele says; "-We may not meet again, after this."

Somewhere, a cold wind picks up. It rustles her kimono, draws her midnight hair back in long swaying streamers.

"But...I really wanted to ask you *first*."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26577143

"That's the thing, becoming the chalice queen ensures your death. Don't you see, it doesn't matter who reaches the endgame or who remains standing after. The game is a cycle that has no end or escape. What you wish to become is nothing more than a glorified slave.

The entire idea of succession is proof that the game is impossible to win. Other players will come for you, seeking your death no matter what. It would be far kinder to kill you where you stand, at least you'd know where it was coming from. I beg you, for your own peace of mind throw this aspiration away. You will only find yourself alone atop a tower of corpses. Just as I have.

>>26577113
>>26576691

(My apologies - I would have addressed these, but it's already a big chunk of text; I didn't want to make the posts too long.)

>>26577143

Holy shi-

She can HEAL.

That means that if Hecate is around, somewhere, she might be able to heal her.

>>26577143

So torn. She'll be our first true Yandere if we agree... gah, plus then we'd have access to HER resources on top of Argent's AND our Joker Cave.. but damnit.

>>26577143

Hang on, does that mean that other girls might be able to make a better offer?

>>26577253

She can *Heal*. Do you realize how invaluable that is? That is insanely fucking overpowered in a setting where there is slim to no way to regain HP. We haven't even come across the humble HEALTH POT. But as I've stated, I'm so torn

>>26577143

Okay, so if I'm getting this right:

The Chalice-class players don't actually frequent the red world. Instead, they're stuck on the MOON, which is a floating battlestation. Each one of these girls has their own little domain where they can do stuff, but they're isolated in their owon little bubble.

So they need people to be a cat's paw for them.

Don't you see? This IS the ship that sails the stars. We're standing right on top of it!

>>26577198
>implying Cybele will heal a potential rival for our attention.

She's pretty crazy, so I doubt that would end well.

Either way, I don't think it's worth it. Cybele is shady as fuck, and we're already pretty in deep with powerful people with questionable motives (Argent).

>>26577331

It's an incredibly tempting offer, but I think we should vote...

Okay, I have no idea which way we should vote. Yes, or No?

Ugh. As much as I'm going to regret this down the road, that offer is.. WAIT WAIT

SHE CAN HEAL? ASK HER IF SHE CAN HEAL MEMORIES. IF SHE CAN HEAL MEMORIES JUMP ON THAT.

>>26577361
Even if she could I doubt it would help us get the Red Joker's Memory back because they technically aren't OURS.

>>26577143
"Kraken had Alura? Oh dear, he's going to be upset with me. Unless your forms down there are manifestations of yours up here, in which case he'll be upset for an entirely different reason.

"Cybele, do you really think that becoming the queen will make you safe? Every living thing has a weapon against which it has no defense. Time. Iron. Disease. Guilt.* Should you wish it, I would help you find your armor, but the place of Chalice Queen I think belongs to another. Unless... wait, the armor is what bestows the position?"

>>26577296
Nice catch.

>>26577348
She seems useful but ultimately unstable. It comes down to personal preference and I think Anon-kun's done enough damage with his dick-thinking.

*With apologies to Black Isle.

>>26577418

It's worth a shot. Never hurts to ask.

Rolled 1

1.Yes. We agree to serve as her willing pawn in the remainder of the game
2.No. We choose not to serve as a pawn in the remainder of the game.

We can all agree on /tg/ dice for once, right?

>>26577143
"This is an interesting situation we have here.

If I don't say yes you'll pick someone else, due to the way my life works I'll end up involved in this situation anyways, and most likely end up fighting whoever you choose.

You've been honest with me so far and from what I can tell you aren't an objectionable candidate for Chalice Queen. I'll help you.

Now, a few more questions, tell me about the Nihl Sphere and other related objects made of that violet material. How do they work? What do you know about Pazuzu and ships that cross between worlds?"

>>26577556

> "Actually, I'm looking for a ship that can cross between worlds.

A little laugh parts Cybele's lips - Her smile sweet, but a little condescending at once.

"Joker-kun," she says, as if you're a little slow - "...What do you think this *is*?"

>>26576691

She shakes her head - A little reluctant, now. "It...Doesn't work that way," Cybele admits, her long hair framing solemn features. "-This place...It shows us what's happening, *now*. I - I'm not sure if I could..."

Cybele bites her lip, looking oddly embarassed.

>>26577361

There's a pause. It's a long pause, that seems to last forever.

"...Maybe," she says, at last - Her expression troubled, now. She doesn't look at you when she says it. "-I've never had reason to try before...And there wasn't anyone I could use it on."

Her expression seems to firm, as she draws a slow breath. "...But when I'm Chalice Queen - I'll do everything I *can*. I promise."

Cybele presses a hand to her chest, to make it a heart-truth.

Around you, the wind moans. The artifical sky has returned, but it seems...Tainted, somehow. Attenuated. And, above all, grey.

>>26577170

"If only you knew..." Cybele murmurs, so softly you might almost have imagined it. There's that strange smile again...

>>26577454

> "Unless... wait, the armor is what bestows the position?"

She hesitates.

Then she nods.

"...Yes," she says, but her voice isn't entirely certain. Then, more firmly. "Yes. It...*has* to." There's a momentary vulnerability to her eyes - Something fragile and wounded, gone in a flash.

"-If it doesn't..." Cybele seems to consider that, and shivers...Looking, for a moment, very afraid. Afraid and uncertain. "...No, it's nothing."

Leaves drift down, fading before they touch the ground. Autumn, turning to winter. The world flickers, faintly...Alien symbols crawling up and over at the corners of your vision.

"Joker-kun...Will you help me?"

[ ] Yes.
[ ] No.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26577556

(My apologies, I missed that one. I'll address it in the next segment.)

>>26577179
(My apologies - I would have addressed these, but it's already a big chunk of text; I didn't want to make the posts too long.)

Any chance you can address them next update, instead?

>>26577631

(Already done.)

>>26577556
>>26577296

Every time the ship the crosses worlds is mentioned I'm reminded of Star Driver.

And I've already made my case. The healing is insanely broken in this setting. Her resources on top of our own resources would make us an unstoppable juggernaut. But what the other players decide is totally out of my control.

>>26577621

I'm all for jumping on this.. but is everyone else?

>>26577653
>I'm all for jumping on this.. but is everyone else?

No, i need to catch up.

WE CAN HAVE HER FIX KOTONE. SHE CAN FIX THE BLACK JOKER. HOLY SHIT.

>>26577608
[X] Yes.

I'm >>26577556 by the way.

In all likelihood we're going to get involved in this clusterfuck somehow, either it'll come to us or we'll go to it. We already got involved with Kraken and Alura, and set both of them on fire because they're jerks, and will probably have to deal with the other candidates as well, who are also likely to be jerks.

I admit that Cybele is a bit off her rocker, but she doesn't seem malicious or evil, at least towards us, she's willing to work with us and Heal us, and if we use Alura as a yardstick for these ladies then I'd guess that the other candidates for Chalice Queen are going to be vicious and nasty. I doubt we'll find a better candidate for Chalice Queen than her and letting that power get in the hands of someone else means we'll eventually have to fight a fully powered Chalice Queen.

One of them is going to become Chalice Queen and I'd rather it be Cybele than an unknown factor who does not have our best interests in mind.

>>26577530
>1
Cosgrove isn't even on and the dice bear his taint.

>>26577608
"Hesitation. Uncertainty. You aren't sure, but all of you Hyades--and hah, I figured it out, you're a star cluster--are acting on the assumption that it is true. Is it hope? Or desperation? Two sides of the same coin, but both little more than wishful thinking.

"I will reject your offer. I suspect that I will be drawn in to this conflict regardless, and I will not bind myself blindly to any faction, regardless of how alluring the entreaty. When we meet again, if you prove worthiest of the title I will gladly add my strength to your suit. Be well Cybele, and I hope you prove worthy."

Rolled 1

>>26577608

Fuck. This is a pretty tough decision.

On one hand, I don't trust her an inch. She's highly unstable, at the very least, and possibly insane. On the other, her ability to heal is an incredibly potent one.

I'll let the dice decide.

1 = Yes
2= No

>>26577773

>Cosgrove

Please. No. This is a breath of sanity in a sea of KUBO.

>>26577823

Hahahaha

>>26577653
>>26577675

Alright, done. Hmn.

Don't count this as actual conversation yet, i want to hear the threads thoughts on it before it goes live to to speak, but here's what i'm feeling.


[x] Free: "The red joker is the wild card of this game. I've been hunted for my head and suit as long as i can remember."
"Anyone willing to talk instead of fight is a welcome relief."
"And, apparently I need your help to rescue a friend."

"You're big on promises - if I had enough power, when I'm the chalice queen, I don't know if I can do that... - but you don't trust me enough to just help. That makes me suspicious. Are you trying to trick me into committing into your service?"
"I think I'll help you, against your rivals, with your quest. But I don't think its right I wear your emblem. "

>>26577842
>think I'll help you, against your rivals, with your quest. But I don't think its right I wear your emblem. "

sorry, wanted to get this posted before an update was written. Left some stuff off, dropped text.

That last bit was supposed to be to judge her reaction to a rejection, a refusal to commit. And, if necessary, a reminder:
"You can't cash a promise at the bank."

>>26577773
I like watashiwa's way of putting it there better.

>>26577725
Speculation. We "feel" better, and placebo effects are easy. Kotone's issues are wholly different, having more to do with a fragile mental state and possession by the mental equivalent of the Red Joker.

>>26577733
>if we use Alura as a yardstick for these ladies then I'd guess that the other candidates for Chalice Queen are going to be vicious and nasty
Cybele is tripping the same flags as Alura. Affectionate towards the Joker, pretty and hinting at knowledge we want, but the second we started disagreeing with her she stopped being so pretty or helpful or nice.

Plus by allying with her now we lose the ability to make our own decisions later. Why should we just serve her when we can play kingmaker for real? If she turns out to not be crazy we can give it to her anyway.

>>26577960

You know we can just ask her for her number and call her in the real world.

>>26578007
You're assuming that she exists in the Real World like we do.

>>26578027

Whats-her-face did.. the C'hauliflower.. although, her having access and knowing how to use a phone are entirely different matters.

>>26577725
I wonder. The Black Joker is a walking death flag and massive curse generator. I feel like "healing" her would have the same effect as healing an undead.

>>26577608
>"Joker-kun...Will you help me?"

>>26577924
>>26577842
rewording these to be smoother since i'm tired.

"You can't cash promises at the bank, cybele - and I don't know enough about the red world, let alone to swear my service to just one person forever "
"But chances are I'm going to need your talents at healing, and if I'm right - well I'm already wrapped up in the road to the end game, and I'll going to come across your armor sooner or later. "
"At the end of the day, I help people who help me back instead of talk a bit talk. Your willingness to talk instead of shoot means I like you a bit more than some other people I've met. Lets start off with something smaller than the armor, and see how well we get along, hm?"

>>26578049
>" and I don't know enough about the red world, let alone you

typoes.

additionally. "Also, I see what you're doing. You're trying to win me over before any of your sisters do. Which means you're afraid of what they might offer."
"If you want to sway me, give me something I can *use*. "

>>26577556

"The...Nihl Sphere?" Cybele has some trouble pronouncing the word - She shakes her head. "-I've never heard of it, Joker-kun." There's a frown on her lips. "But..." Her fingers clasp the bracelet at her wrist - "...You mean, the Oblivion Shards?"

There's something protective in her gesture, as her hand traces over the linked segments - It seems out of place against her kimono's finery, somehow.

"I don't know too much about them - Not really," she admits, twisting it with a soft *scrape* of skin. "...I know they're from - Well, down *there*."

A nod, towards the black sphere underfoot.

"That's what it's made of, you see? They're fragments *from* it. Just shards - I don't know how they're charged, but...When they're used - At the right time..."

And her voice becomes softer, dreamy.

"-You can step *through*. Into the *Real*, I mean. Where there's *other* people, and places you don't have to imagine, and..."

Cybele cuts herself off, looking almost embarassed - A flush in her cheeks, as if she's divined your meaning.

"Joker-kun...That's *very* daring of you." She looks delighted, obscurely - Her smile heartfelt, but a little sly, as she clasps her hands behind her back. "...If you wanted me to *meet* you - You just had to *say* so..."

You get the feeling she might be misunderstanding something - As she runs her slim fingers through her dark hair. "-Aaah, I didn't think you'd be so forward...But if you *really* want, I could try..."

(Continued)

>>26578007
I thought the implication was that she was one of the coma patients? Those tubes that they're in sure look space-age.

>>26578095

Well then. Scratch getting her number. No wonder she's insane. She's been stuck here for so long with nothing but hand puppets and her own mind to keep the loneliness away.

Let's take her out and show her she doesn't need to be the insane yandere clinging to us.

>>26578095

Oh snap.

so THAT's what happened. That's why hecate didn't have a body.

She's not a coma patient. She doesn't have a body at ALL.

She's a, for lack of a better world, starchild that busted out of the ship with the sphere.

THATS why she means by the sphere opens doors.

And if they're made of the same material.... the nihl sphere is a larger chunk if it, and would this be able to exert more of an influence than mere shards.

>>26578147

Her words are cut off - Or rather, muffled. Time flows out of synch, her lips moving silently for a long, long moment...Until reality catches up with itself, again. Flickering tears appear at the corner of your vision - A horizontal gash of fizzing code, that seals itself up as quickly as it appears.

Cybele glances over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing. It's a quick, worried look; There isn't much time left.

>>26578090

She bites her lip, as she holds her hand towards you - Palm outwards, streamers of code coalescing into a shimmering symbol. Like a holographic projection, lit by the green glow of Essence motes...A prism of cohered light.

"...Now, right *now* - There's not much I *can* do for you, Joker-kun," she admits - An urgency to her voice. "-I don't even know *when* I'll see you again...Only that it'd be *soon*."

Her voice goes soft, almost embarassed...A flush of maidenly reserve touching her cheeks.

"Joker-kun...You're in pain, aren't you?" Her gaze is searching, a soft hiss of breath. "-Your hand..."

She looks up, into your mono-optic sensor. "-If you want, I can heal you *right now*."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26578214
Nuh fucking uh. Joker-kun I'll heal your hand here, Joker-kun I love you so much there and pretty soon she'll be sticking her hand up our ass and dangling a tree full of sticks and one lonely carrot at the top while she puppets us. She can keep her healing.

>>26578214

(At present, if I'm counting correctly - It's 2 'Yes' and 2 'No'. Once there's a tiebreaker, I'll follow up with the appropriate responses for the decision.)

>>26578214
>She looks up, into your mono-optic sensor. "-If you want, I can heal you *right now*."

Eyes open in understanding. We grin and Take her hand with our wounded one "This doesn't mean I agree, but you deserve to see the real world with your OWN eyes. There's not much time, so... I'll MAKE time."

Nigh sphere OUT, portal opening powers ON, drag her with us on the way out.
Throw a hollow sun portal to bridge the rest of the "distance" if we must.

>>26578234
Think you had it at >>26578231.

>>26578264

(Unfortunately, it's still a stalemate:

>>26578257 means it's 3-3.)

>>26578214
"Sorry, but this wound has a certain meaning to me. I'll bear the pain. After all, it helps me remember that I still have many goals I have to complete by myself"
Actually a half-lie, since I feel like giving her any chance right now could lead to a future disaster.

>>26578214
NOPE. At least Argent is sane and therefore somewhat predictable. Cybele is way too unstable to fully trust.

Like, I'm willing to let her heal our hand to see if it works, but I don't really want to agree to be her "champion".

>>26578257

>>26578271

I'd be willing to change my vote to No Healing,
but I think we should still try to drag her with us to the Real World.

She practically told us how Hecate managed to do it, and if anything, as we're about to be yanked back is the Right Time to open a chance to step through

>>26578214

Give a chuckle.

"Call me. If you need me. I'll still be a free agent."

>>26578257

Would that even work? I'm not one to jump onto the retard wagon, but she needs to get out and to stop being a hikikomori.

Damnit I have work in three hours. Need sleep, but I don't want to leave...eedomEd left

>>26578257

This. We have plenty of nihl Sphere energies accumulated, so let's do this, crazy as it might be. It can't hurt to try.

I don't trust Cybele at all, I say we just cut and run.

>>26578257

I sort of want to do this, but it doesn't seem to be a good idea. Cybele is hot, but we already have a shitload of problems with women.

>>26578295
>Would that even work? I'm not one to jump onto the retard wagon, but she needs to get out and to stop being a hikikomori.

We are severely lacking in knowledge about the endgame we're headed towards. If anything, we NEED to understand the goals and motivations of what's at stake here for later on - anything from moratoriums to oblivion shards, everybody else just seems to know MORE about the game than we do.

I don't trust cybele, but we need to pump her for information - especially in a setting where she's likely to be talkative

File: 1376301669960.jpg-(17 KB, 299x518, The proper response.jpg)

17 KB JPG

>>26578271
That seems less like a "Yes" and more like "Fuq da police".

Regardless, looks like it's shifted.

>>26578333
>Regardless, looks like it's shifted.

Maybe.

I think we need to get the hand healed, though.

We've had long-term curses before (the black joker's death mark), and we do NOT want the other venus-man-trap using it to track us and wreck our day at the worst possible moment.

They're seriously bad business, and we should take the chance to get rid of it as soon as we can.

>>26578257

Let's do it. It's abrupt, crazy, but we should at least give her a chance to prove herself. I don't trust her at all, but she does seem terribly infatuated with us.

>>26578328
>I sort of want to do this, but it doesn't seem to be a good idea. Cybele is hot, but we already have a shitload of problems with women.

Pardon - thinking with our dick isn't what i had in mind.

We just need TIME to talk longer.

The red joker is all about doing crazy shit and the unexpected, and the problems we have now are that we don't really know what's going on in the wider game plan of things.
She does.

and if we can take her out into the real world for a bit, and gain an Understanding instead of a black-and-white yes or no choice, and some time to talk about the red world and how it works?
Then we've come out way, way, way ahead.

The thing we're not considering - how are we going to get her back? We sure as hell can't FedEx her back to 266 Red World Drive.

>>26578360

(Gentlemen: If I'm reading this correctly, the votes seem to be in favour of turning down her offer of healing, in addition to

>>26578257

I'll close voting in five minutes.)

>>26578349
The curse was "actually having a knife rammed through your hand". Excruciatingly painful and debilitating in the real world, but nothing six months won't fix. And that's if we don't heal fast.

>>26578383
Geh. I just want out. Remember Alura's deal? Cybele is of a kind with her. I feel terrible for her situation, but if she's any kind of Corrector/human hybrid then we're giving her a body. We'd be unleashing another Alura into the real world.

>>26578370

If we can get our hand fixed, and her help locating hecate, in exchange for a night out on the town instead of Eternal Life and Love With me, then we're fucking set.

If we can gain meta-knowledge like.... how some locations seem to be power conduits in the real/red world - like nara dreamland, and use it to empower the hollow sun?
Other tidbits like where the last piece of the Fatal Abyss is?
Even backstory, like "hey, is the red joker from the hyades? everyone from there seems to love us" would be amazing to know.

>>26578383
>(Gentlemen: If I'm reading this correctly, the votes seem to be in favour of turning down her offer of healing, in addition to

I think the general feeling is we can accept healing at a later date while getting more information about the game plan.

However, I should remind the thread that we've been getting a LOT of red world injury/real world injury cross over lately - the flu from poison, etc. A long term poison/disability that infected our armor to grow shit is NOT something we want in our body or red world avatar long term.
Its probably going to manifest as cancer or something.

This is something we want to take care of asap, and since we want to gun for pazuzu we want to do it at full strength.
Also consider that she'll do it herself, without prompting anyway during the trip since we'll be holding hands, or that its not possible in the Real.

I think we should take the healing, but tell her this doesn't mean we're saying yes - and use it as a lead-in to "I want to show you something!" *Drag-to-real world*

>>26578419
>Geh. I just want out. Remember Alura's deal? Cybele is of a kind with her. I feel terrible for her situation, but if she's any kind of Corrector/human hybrid then we're giving her a body. We'd be unleashing another Alura into the real world.

I think we should trust the phrophecy/vision. We're on a ship between worlds, and we need it - which means we're gonna need to go back there.
She may be a corrector type player, but she's sympathetic. We can use her, might even need her.

We shouldn't refuse fate - this is a chance to steer the ship back after the... (i forget her name) lady writing the play changed its course.

Dont' spurn fate, right the ship.

And if we need to, well, we can always use the hollow sun's portals and our system access to hijack the ship.

>>26578419
>The curse was "actually having a knife rammed through your hand". Excruciatingly painful and debilitating in the real world, but nothing six months won't fix. And that's if we don't heal fast.

I'm referring more towards the poisoned hair pin that kotone pulled out, and the chauliflower's taunt of "I'll find you!"

ever since we've been carrying the nihl sphere, there's been more crossover injuries. Shit be linked, yo. There's no WAY it isn't.

> [X] No.

Cybele's shoulders slump - For a moment, she looks almost...hurt, her eyes clouding over; "You...don't trust me?" she says, in a small voice...

>>26578257

-And then *gasps*, as your hands close on hers, the Helix Gauntlet's shutters irising open...The violet glow of the Nihl Sphere filling the air. Shafts of surreal light fan out - "Wha..." she stammers, utter surprise on her features - "Joker-kun, what are you..."

Blink.

An impossible distance, vast and all-engulfing.

Blink.

Cold blue light, eons old.

Blink.

The moon, frost-kissed, perfect, hanging low in the skies.

You're standing on the roof of the hospital. Powdery flakes of white snow sift down from the skies, as your breath steams in the air. It's cold...Just a shade before bitter, but windless - The city stretching out before you...

In your right hand, the Nihl Sphere glows. You can feel it *pulsing*, dark mist swirling within the shimmering orb - When you open your hand, you can see wisps of violet light coiling skywards, towards the silver moon...Half-visible, like incense.

Your left hand...*Aches*. You can see red spots against the bandages wrapped around your palm.

The hairs lift on the back of your neck, as a sense of deja vu assails you...

-This is where you killed Bardiel.

(Continued)

>>26578471
Not poisoned. Purple crystals though, which means that the effect carries over to the real world. Alura's last words there were half in response to my telling her before we killed her "to come find us in her next life". It only later occurred to me this session that her physical form might be an avatar of her self locked up on the station, so her next life would be her next avatar.

And the last is due to the nature of the threats OP has had us fighting. Serial escalation. The Correctors bring misfortune to the real world, and high level Players can effect the real world from the Red. We've been getting hurt over here because we're fighting enemies who can harm the Joker's real body.

>>26578474
>you can see wisps of violet light coiling skywards
Augh. Going to take forever to recharge it again. We're going to force Cybele to tell us where they're mining the purple crystals, and then we're going to drain every last one vein in the mine.

>>26578474

And then-

"Joker...kun~?"

Cybele's voice is soft, thready with awe. She's standing before you, her face lifted to the sky; Her hands cupped together, marvelling at the tiny miracle of the snowflakes caressing her palms.

"It's cold," she says, her brown eyes big and round - "...It's actually *cold*..."

There's something almost ethereally beautiful about her, at this moment - Her lissome form silhouetted against the light of the full moon, her lips parted - She shivers, then looks startled; Turning towards you, slowly...

-Her fingers press against her mouth, and she makes a startled little sound - A breathless "Oh~", self-conscious and disbelieving at once.

"You're...Joker-kun, aren't yo-" Cybele begins, taking a slow step towards you - But the roof is slippery, and she stumbles; A squeak teased from her lips, as she goes down on her hands and knees - Her shoulders shaking, her hair momentary covering her eyes.

"It...*hurts*~" she says - Her voice shaky, sounding on the edge of tears - "Aaah, I'd almost forgotten...H-how it feels..."

[ ] "Are you all right?"
[ ] Say nothing.
[ ] "-It's winter, Cybele."
[ ] "Did you miss it?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26578523
>Augh. Going to take forever to recharge it again.

In case you've forgotten, there's a giant stream of correctors pouring out of the hive. The one that goes all the way down.

We can charge it there. In fact, if we bring a healer there? We can turn the tide. We can stem it and crush it and recharge all at once.

It's still happening NOW.

>>26578523
Honestly chances are all we have to do is help AP end his new corrector problem (well, we should do that anyway, who knows what Kraken might decide given potential access to that many correctors). They get the crystal from the hive and we now have "easy" access.

>>26578538
"Welcome home. It's cold, hard and unfair, but it's real."

>>26578553
Can she even transfer? Though, I suppose that's a question for OP later.

>>26578474
>Cybele's shoulders slump - For a moment, she looks almost...hurt, her eyes clouding over; "You...don't trust me?" she says, in a small voice...
>>26578538

"Its not to do with trust. I was told a monster stole my heart once, it's hard to remember who i was before the joker - but since then, I find it's hard to give it away again. That's why it's hard for me to decide. But something you said struck me - about being trapped, alone? I couldn't let that stand. "
"And yes, -I- am the red joker. "
"Its winter. Let's get you a coat. But if you need a moment.... how does it feel?"

>>26578538
"How long has it been?"

Also, help her up, and if we're wearing a coat take it off and put it on her. It's the polite thing to do.

>>26578538
[X] Free
Be charming, help her up, and be ready to help her stay standing. Do we have our jacket with us? Might want to wrap that around her if she's cold.

"Sorry I'm not as impressive on this side. Well, usually I look a bit better, but a couple injuries from the last battle carried over."

>>26578563
>Honestly chances are all we have to do is help AP end his new corrector problem (well, we should do that anyway, who knows what Kraken might decide given potential access to that many correctors). They get the crystal from the hive and we now have "easy" access.

We caused that problem, we should take some hand in fixing it.
If we don't, we may lose friends and allies, and let misfortune and curses into the world.

Also, i find it funny how we find the starlady of healing connected to a hospital. the red world works in strange ways.

>>26578538
>[x] "-It's winter, Cybele."
Help her up and check for any injuries.
"Welcome to the Real World, Cybele. Welcome to the place farthest from the Heavens and closest to *me*."

>>26578538
Wait, wasn't she at Kraken's table at club Naraka in the Real? What's up with that?

>>26578579
>"Welcome home. It's cold, hard and unfair, but it's real."
>>26578603
>"Sorry I'm not as impressive on this side. Well, usually I look a bit better, but a couple injuries from the last battle carried over."
>>26578580
>But something you said struck me - about being trapped, alone? I couldn't let that stand. "

I like all of these

>>26578639
I'm pretty sure that was Alura, the one we set on fire afterwards. Or a different one of the Hyades, but I think it was Alura.

>>26578538
"So, you told me to call you Cybele, but what was your name before that? The one you almost said?

>>26578669
No, check the archive, it's her pic, Alura showed in the Red.

>>26578679
The Hyades have all used the same set of photos.

>>26578679

Wait, wait. Both of them were there.

Separately. Alura was at that boy's table. We only saw Cybele, if it was Cybele, in the Red.

>>26578639

(My apologies: Both girls were present. However, >>26578713 is right - You first saw Cybele when the fight with Helix Gygas started (That is, in the Red World.) Alura Une was at the table.)

>>26578616
>>26578579

>"Welcome home. It's cold, hard and unfair, but it's real."

As you move to help her up - She's shaking, having skinned her knees and maybe her palms - you glimpse the expression on her face; She's laughing, silently laughing, laughing so hard she might be about to cry.

> Help her up and check for any injuries.

Her hands grip your sleeve, then your shoulder, as she draws herself up - Her expression dissolving into a sweet smile. "Joker-kun..." Cybele says, softly - Her voice warm as honey, caressing, leaning *into* you; Tilting her head back, her deep brown eyes drinking in your features.

She smells like sandalwood, like sweet incense. She doesn't seem in a hurry to let go.

>>26578587

> "How long has it been?"

"*Too* long." She nestles closer - There's a possessive look in her eyes - as the folds of your coat settle around her. Her slim fingers rest lightly against your chest, curling slowly...

"-Sometimes...Sometimes, when we were in phase, I could *almost* pretend I was there, but..."

Cybele smiles, her liquid brown eyes demurely downcast. "...It's never quite the same..."

(Continued)

>>26578738

If she tries to kiss us, we should prooobably turn the cheek before she gets ideas

I'm getting the feeling Mio is about to walk in on Cybele being all close and chummy with us.

>>26578580

She laughs, softly - There's a silvery thrill to her laugh. The way she's touching you - It's a little distracting, to be honest, as is the soft press of her softer skin against your own.

> "Sorry I'm not as impressive on this side."

"Mmmm-hmmm." It's a low sound, husky and non-committal...Almost a purr. You get the feeling Cybele isn't really paying attention - Just savoring the moment, her eyes half-closed as a slow sigh thrums from her silky throat.

>>26578671

For a long moment, she doesn't answer - Her pale hands resting lightly on your shoulders, now. There's a gentle whisper of fabric, as her pose - Leaning forward, against you - makes the brief hem of her kimono ride up, with a rustle of white lace...

"-Saori." It's almost a whisper. "My name wa-" Cybele catches herself, and smiles again. "...My name - My real name - is 'Saori'..."

Cybele doesn't seemed inclined to say much more - But the Nihl Sphere continues to pulse in your right hand, violet contrails of half-glimpsed light twisting away from you, like smoke.

She giggles, softly - Her eyes shining, now. "Joker-kun...You really do talk too much..."

The words linger in the air.

"-But I'm okay with that."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26578817

Uh-oh. She's literally all over us, guys. AND she's draining our Essence every moment she's around.

Did that sound a little dirty to anyone else?

>>26578817
Gentlemen, I believe we just tripped ALL THE FLAGS.
>>26578802
Our good luck should prevent that... right?

>>26578817
Be aspy if need be, tell her that, as the red joker, it is our responsibility to protect the world from deevestation.

>>26578817
"Before an odd trick of the Red brought us together I was on my way to the cafeteria and since we're on the roof I'll assume I never made it there. Are you hungry?"

>>26578881

TOO ASPY

>>26578844

Yes. Yes it did.

>>26578844
>Uh-oh. She's literally all over us, guys. AND she's draining our Essence every moment she's around.
Shit

>>26578817
"Was the original red joker from the Hyades? Everyone I've met there seems to give me a warm welcome." (jokingly)
"I don't think I can keep you here much longer, but it was worth it to see you smile. "

Rolled 81

>>26578817

>>26578817
>the Nihl Sphere continues to pulse in your right hand, violet contrails of half-glimpsed light twisting away from you, like smoke.
Check to see if it's broken.

Actually, what does its light show us about Saori/Cybele?

>>26578964
Oh boy.

>>26578817
Talk slowly, as if enjoying the moment, but being unable to stop thin

"If I'm going to help, I need to know about the armor. What it looks like, who has it. And if I'm going to take it, I'll need my strength. The battle with the correctors - I should probably go help, while I can. Even though it's nice here."

"If you feel like helping, there are things I need to know. I'm looking for another player Hecate - she saved my life, and I OWE her a favor, I just don't know where she is.. and I'm worried she's trapped in the red. .... and the last piece of phantom edge. I think your system access could help me with that - if you're willing."

>>26578969
>Actually, what does its light show us about Saori/Cybele?

Good point.

>>26578997
We should probably cut the link after this.

We were warned we needed BOTH spheres to make this work.
A glimpse, though, is enough to inspire.

>>26578969

You glance down at the Nihl Sphere, the cold throb bringing life to your stiffening fingers - And you notice that energy bleeding from the sphere coils around Cybele, like iron filings drawn to a magnet...Before beginning the slow ascent into the sky, a splash of colour against the moon.

When the light caresses her - The glow falls *into* her, as if she's her own personal event horizon. Drawing it in, and never letting it go.

It's the only thing keeping her here; Somehow, you've forged a tenuous connection, one that lingers...With tenacity, if not with skill. The power output, to span the vast black gulf, to breach the walls of the Red World - It must be enormous.

>>26578883

"Mmmpph~!" It's a wordless sound - A voiceless affirmation, Cybele's smile flitting over her elegant features...But then-

...There's - a noise. Not *quite* a noise, not truly...Something that's just on the edge of perception. Cybele...*Flickers*. The edges of her form blur, slightly, in perfect harmony with her sharp hiss of indrawn breath...Her expression clouding over.

>>26578900

> "I don't think I can keep you here much longer, but it was worth it to see you smile. "

"You're right," she says, softly - Looking down, drawing a shivery breath. She looks deeply reluctant, almost troubled, at the thought of going back...But there's a little flush to her cheeks, at your words - Her pose betraying her mingled embarrassment and delight.

"...I can't stay, but - I'll always remember this, Joker-kun."

And, sweetly - So sweetly that it's hard not to feel warm inside - "-Even if it's only for a little while...Thank you."

>>26578997

Cybele nods, slowly, listening - But not comprehending...Not at first. Maybe it's something in your voice, or perhaps just intuition, but - You feel her back stiffen, slightly...As she takes a step back from you, your coat draped over her shoulders.

(Continued)

>>26579093

"The...Moratorium girl?" she asks lightly, but with the faintest edge to her voice - Her eyes narrowing minutely, with an odd note creeping into her voice; "...And what *does* she mean to you, Joker-kun~?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26579096

Well, balls.

>>26579120
i got this hold your horses

>>26579096

Geeze, we really need to read the mood better. I'm guessing that a romantic rendezvous isn't the best time to bring up work.

>>26579096

"I don't know what that world means - you use it like its a bad thing. I won't deny she's special to me - all my friends are - but She saved my life. That alone should be enough, but she did it twice. I -owe- this. "
Muse for a second.
"...it was also one of her ideas that inspired me to bring you here. So, in a way... you owe her a little too, maybe? If you want to come back, for longer - I think she knows how to do it. "

>>26579190
>world

derp derp. That should be word, not world.

>>26578997
"Think on your years of interaction with phantoms created to deal with your isolation. Remove the faintest hope of something better, replace it with the certainty that no matter what might come you are damned for your sins and alone in the Red.

"Compare that knowledge with what you felt when you realized I was no illusion created by the Biosphere. With the shock of stepping back into the real, with feeling real pain for the first time in years. That was Hecate. The warmth, and the pain."

>>26579250

Can we not tell her that? Like, don't let her know we were romantically involved with Hecate? It's very clear that this girl is jealous.

>>26579250
I'm kinda afraid this might awaken the "yan" in her "dere".

>>26579190

Hold our hand out - the left one. Squeeze gently, and let go.

Transform.
Check in on the hollow sun via portal - swap for the rocket launcher and the calamari-frying maser guns, since we've yet to check them out.
Portal out to the Corrector Hole Party Bash.

Its time to get *serious*.
The red world clearly increases our *presence* and charisma - especially when it comes to the laaadiees. Lets put to the test.
Take charge of that battle, cover for our friends, and make sure nobody dies today.

>>26579265
>Can we not tell her that? Like, don't let her know we were romantically involved with Hecate? It's very clear that this girl is jealous.
that's the angle i was going for with my line up above. >>26579190
I wanted to make it clear we care for her, but avoid jealousy and even make her want to help hecate a bit.

>>26579294
>let go.
>Transform.

Sorry. Pause between those. Not transform NOW, but once she's gone.

Rolled 38

>>26579190

>>26579321

Man. At least let us roll :(

>>26579321

I hope that's good enough, considering how well we just touched her heart and then were kind of rough with it :(

>>26579343

(It's her Sense Motive.)

>>26579190

There's a pause - One of those uncertain moments where things could go either way...

-But then the suspicion on Cybele's features fades, and she says: "...All right." Her expression softens, somewhat...Perhaps not *entirely* trusting, but appeased by your explanation...For now.

Calculation flickers briefly in her eyes, as she nods - Slowly, as if talking herself into it. "All right," she says, again - Louder this time. "...But - Only because you're asking, Joker-kun."

She steps away, almost to the edge of the roof - Her breath fuming in the air, her back to you...Turning, as a gust of wind stirs the folds of your coat, fanning it out across her shoulders like a cape.

"...Only for you," Cybele says - And there's a soft lilt to her voice, now, a warmth to her brown eyes...Even as she draws a slow breath.

"-I'm ready to go now," she says...Though there's something almost expectant in her pose, from the way she tilts her head back - Her hands folded demurely before her.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26579321

>>26579381
>"-I'm ready to go now," she says...Though there's something almost expectant in her pose, from the way she tilts her head back - Her hands folded demurely before her.
>[ ] Free

"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

Step up, take her hands for a brief moment, and then raise her up to the moon as we Cut the sphere link keeping her here.

If that doesn't work.... transform? I guess if she can't return of our own power, its up to us to send her back the way she came.

Hopefully we actually know how to end this.

Red Joker is probably the most suave motherfucker in any quest ever.
I love how we actually do this by being creative and not by following a pre-determined path.

Also, we should REALLY check out the coma ward. Now there's TWO girls sitting in there.

>>26579423

hahaha actually that may look like we're trying to throw her from the roof.

Don't do that.

Say something touching and send her away, though.

File: 1376309866405.jpg-(227 KB, 1920x1200, jokermoon.jpg)

227 KB JPG

>>26579423

She holds her hands out to you - Warm, despite the cold, despite the puffs of white cloud that linger in the air. The Nihl Sphere's glow has shaded to grey, violet contrails of light spiralling lazily heavenward...

> Cut the sphere link keeping her here.

You fumble for the trigger point in your mind - Not really knowing what you doing. But you reach, you focus, you *feel*...

-And Cybele gasps, a soft, breathless "Ah~". Motes of light lift from her form...Fading into the air, shimmering away, falling upwards. Her hands linger on yours, as your coat flaps in the wind...Even as she dissolves, a little at a time, sheathed in shimmering raiments of light.

It's like she's receding into the distance, further and further away by the moment...

But just before she vanishes entirely, her eyes close, and she leans forward, her lips parted...

>>26578802

Some instinct - Almost a reflex action - makes you turn your head to the side, instead. Cybele's lips brush your cheek, in a kiss that fades slowly like a Cheshire cat's smile...Soft and fleeting as a butterfly's wings.

You see brief surprise flit over her features...But then she giggles, a soft, silvery laugh.

"Next time, Joker-kun," she says, softly...

And your coat flutters down to the frost-streaked surface.

The night is clear, and very, very cold.

For a moment, you glimpse motes of gold on the wind; Before they dance skywards, too, drawn towards the pale, serene sphere of the Moon.

>>26579451

You breathe out, slowly, taking stock. Your left hand hurts, throbbing relentlessly - Your ribs twinge when you inhale, and you're fairly certain your nose has frozen solid. But you can still feel the warmth of Cybele's kiss on your cheek, as you begin the careful descent down the steps...

And away from the silver night.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 55

TO BE CONTINUED

(Gentlemen: It's extremely late for me. I'd love to continue, but I have a long day ahead, and I'm utterly exhausted. This was an interesting session, and it unfolded significantly different from the way I'd expected...Not that it's a bad thing!

This looks like a natural breakpoint for the mini-arc. While I'm unable to address

>>26579451

or

>>26579294

at present, I'll be sure to keep it in mind when the next chapter begins.

You've been a wonderful audience: As always, good night and God bless...And I hope to see you again next time.)

>>26579585
>(Gentlemen: It's extremely late for me. I'd love to continue, but I have a long day ahead, and I'm utterly exhausted. This was an interesting session, and it unfolded significantly different from the way I'd expected...Not that it's a bad thing!

Good night sir!

Also, man, damn you for keeping me up so late on a work day!

How WERE you expecting it to go?

Us to gank the monsterlady and hijack the ship, paint it red, burn the joker symbol into it, and crash it into the corrector hive?

I feel like I owe an apology to Watashiwa. You're our foremost wordbro, and I feel like I upstaged you a bit today. Gomenasai :(

>>26579585
You're a wonderful man or woman. We all love you

>>26579550

Wow, that girl works fast.

>>26579550

That's our second kiss, right? At least it's on the cheek, but damn...The girls we're not supposed to be attracted to are the ones who keeping mackin' on us.

Ok, guys, now we have a problem:
We have a stalker who will watch our every move. If we are lucky, she can't see the real world. But the comment about almost being able to pretend that she's in the real world when it's in phase sounds a lot like she can actually see the real world at certain times.
This will make the Mio situation even more fucked up. And meeting Hecate in the Red World... ouch.

This is probably unrelated to what we are talking at the moment but we really should start making some of those different hellion types the next time we go to hollow sun.

>>26579869

Yeah, I'm just itchin' to create some of 'em.

Is anyone going to archive this?

>>26579743

You know what they say about temptations. I just can't help but think, sometimes, how easy it would all be if we just gave up on hecate.

>>26580294

It really depends on how cynical things are. Let's hope that true love will triumph in the end!

If not, Mio is a great consolation prize, terrible as that sounds.

>>26580412
If Hecate doesn't work out, we just go with Cybele and Mio and become an evil chucklefuck.
Maybe we can also reel Natsumi in.

Wonderful.
Someone archived with Arabic numerals.
Fuck you.

>>26580429
Or we can throw everything away and go on wacky mindfuck adventures with Kotone.
The possibilities are endless!

>>26580550
Either way, I vote for a mental breakdown if Hecate doesn't work out.

Why hasn't this quest just renamed itself into Mahou Shonen Quest: Accel World Ver?

>>26580648
Ignore the troll.

>>26580561

This was a incredibly crazy episode, I have to say.

In short order, we found out:

1.) What the Chalice players are after.
2.) The ship that sails the stars. (HINT: IT'S THE MOON.)
3.) Where the violet crystals come from.

We got all this, ALL THIS, from chatting up cybele. That's how you do exposition, god damn it.

>>26580749

You forgot to mention that the chalice girls are quite possibly insane.

>>26576431

> Fatal Abyss
> Armour of Midas
> Crux
> Red Joker
> Chalice (?)

Crux means 'cross', and it sounds like the staff Pazuzu has? We already know about the fatal abyss.

The chalice armor is on the moon, and I bet it's Hellebore.

So what's the armor of midas?

>>26580928
Armor of Midas sounds like something that would fit the thief a lot more.

...But isn't the Crux the cross that we got from Kotone?

>>26580964

Oh shit, I never even thought about that! You might actually be right.

No mention of the Nihl spheres on that list, though. But you know what I think?

I think the Midas armor has something to do with argent prominence. Midas is a king famous for a GOLDEN touch, and argent is a man made of SILVER.

>>26580983
>No mention of the Nihl spheres on that list, though.
The Nihl sphere is the eye of the clown fucker. Hecate stole it.

>>26581014

We're up against pretty bad odds, if you think about it. Taking into account the players who are clearly evil-aligned, we have:

1.) Pazuzu, ringleader and wizard.
2.) Rust Kaiser, nearly invincible.
3.) Enfer, almost as much firepower as us, loves using bombs.
4.) Kraken. Total asshole, commands an army of correctors.

He has one guy for each caste. That's like his own private adventuring party.

>>26580983
Doesn't he control mercury? Your thought is still correct, seeing as mercury is called quicksilver and "hydrargyrum" basically means "liquid silver"

>>26581051

Among other things. I wonder if everyone starts out equal, with balanced abilities, or if some powers are inherently more broken that others.

>>26581209

It's not fair from the start. The Red Joker starts with guns, while most people have melee weapons. There's just a massive gap in quality in what can be done.

I think, given enough time, anyone can build up to an invincible uber-build, though.

>>26581209
If it's like Accel World, everyone starts with their own kind of broken character. You just have to be the best at abusing your status as special snowflake of brokenness.
If it's like [C], you trade in your future as collateral when the game starts. If your future was brighter or had a bigger impact on the world (i.e. you were destined to be the next Hitler or something), you get better perks because your future was worth more.
Then again, our armor isn't even really ours.

>>26581388
Guns aren't an inherent advantage in this game.
We are agile and long-ranged. But we are by our nature badly armored and our attacks aren't all that powerful without Meter.
Melee characters can have more defense, stronger basic attacks, confusion abilities, etc.
Having a ranged weapon probably causes a trade-off with your overall power level.

Is anybody else thinking that Mio might be connected to Cybele and the Moon People somehow? They seem very similar in some respects.

>>26581209

The ones with weak abilities probably died off right away. Celebi talked about the players who didn't even get armour, and were basically all butchered in short order.

>>26581536

It's about a 50-50 chance. I'm guessing that Asuna is somehow related to the whole mess, too.

>>26581536

Y'know, what really amazes me is how the whole thing has tied together so far. It's all consistent, and there aren't any dangling plot threads.

>>26581798


Except for the couple of things retconned, it has.

>>26580983
>>26580928
Actually I think we have the Armour of Midas or at least something like it. When we hit the Hollow Sun I recall there being mentions of a 'golden figure' inside of its core. Maybe our Joker Cave is hiding one of the keys?

>>26586267
It's scary when you consider that our base might backstab us at some point in time because we know nothing of its secrets.

>>26586372

Wouldn't be the first time we've pulled a David versus Goliath montage.

>>26586267
If the golden figure was a Player, he's long since left. If it was just the armor in the core then I have no idea what happened to it. Sent away to keep it from falling into enemy hands? Put into storage until someone who doesn't have one of the other golden tickets claims the Hollow Sun? Hell, it might have been a ghost in the machine, a manifestation of the last person who controlled the place.

We can check for it the next time we visit the Hollow Sun.

>>26581536
I think so. She reacted to the name Red Joker, and Cybele generated light when she used her power. We have to track down Hellebore before the Convergence and the race for the Chalice Queen's armor.