>>27902393

Lie down, relax, and then look around.

>>27902393
Steal panties

>>27902393
Lie down and relax.

>>27902446
>>27902556
>>27902578

You lie back in Iwona's bed and relax, taking in the smells of the room again. Now it's moisturiser and and other personal care products.

The pillow is embroidered 'IWONA <3' (that's quite adorable). At the foot of the bed, however, you see a little red thong just lying there. Huh, and for a while you thought her choice of undergarments was a bit... conservative, seeing what you've seen.

Sitting up a little to look at the desk, you notice something interesting - long strips of cloth, bundled up on the table. And also, a pair of loose-fitting black gloves to one corner.

> Look at the cloths and gloves.
> Look at the thong.
> Look at something else.
> Nod off.
> Other.

>>27902726
>Get a lay of the room, I guess.
>Quip about the thong once she returns... Or hop in the shower, too.

>>27902726
>Look at the cloths and gloves.

>>27902726
Nod off.

>>27902843

Second this. Is she a boxer?

>>27902726
My character development/plot sense is tingling.

Look at the cloth and gloves.

>>27902726
>Pull out phone and play Furious Marsupials, check in to see if Erica got all the details for that acting audition or whatever

>>27902931
>>27902913
>>27902862
>>27902843
>>27902761

The room, as far as student rooms go, is pretty plainly decorated. Also quite clearly divided into halves; Iwona's roommate's half looks rather tidy and clean, while Iwona's side is a little more untidy. The thong isn't the only piece of clothing lying around - just the lewdest one. Lying on your back, you look at it while trying to nod off. Hehe. It'd be nice to see how that looks on Iwona, come think of it.

After a few moments, however, you decide to sit up. The cloths intrigue you, and once you look at it, it becomes clear what they are - wrapping cloths for fists. The gloves, too, are not unlike your own black pair, made for protecting the knuckles and for fighting.

Just as you are considering them, the door suddenly clicks and you wheel around to see - oh, wait a minute, it's not Iwona. She's almost as tall, though, her blonde hair in a short, sprightly ponytail, wearing a tight-fitting black vest.

'Huh,' she says. 'Ore you Iwona's frend?'

Unlike Iwona, that is definitely a strong Polish accent.

> What say, Protagonist?

>>27903020

> Oh, didn't see this. Will text Erica later. Hope she does get it.
> No messages on your phone, so far.
> You don't fucking play Furious Marsupials. You have a life! You have a jo- oh wait a minute.

>>27903107
>"One of them. Who're you?"

>>27903107
Innuendos go! "You could say that..."

>>27903244
>>27903206
>>27903020

'Well, well,' you say. It's... well, given that you haven't had any relief from Iwona, this girl is looking very-

Stop it already! This isn't Casanova Quest!

It is though.

What with the distraction, before you can continue, she's come in and is walking up, muttering an 'excuse me' before walking past you. She's definitely been working out, smelling as she does of sweat and deodorant, and your question is answered when she reaches for the gloves.

'So? You haven't answered my question,' she says, picking up the cloths.

'You could say I'm a friend, I guess. We're... we're acquainted, certainly.' You don't fucking say, mate. 'And you are...?'

'Agnieszka,' she says, offering her hand. Firm and with slightly coarse skin. 'I guess you could say I'm Iwona's friend also. Your hands are pretty rough.'

> What is your course of action or speech?

>>27903468
>"I masturbate a lot. And, when I'm not doing that, I beat the shit out of people."

>>27903468
"Are those gloves yours?"

>>27903468
Try to repeat her name. Fail. Crack a joke about it.

"Agnies-wha? Haha, polish names are insane."

>>27903468
"Yeah, I work with them a lot. Those your gloves?"

>>27903468
'These your gloves, you a fighter? I know a thing or two I could teach ya if you are, you know?'

>>27903732
> I know a thing or two I could teach ya if you are, you know?'

You know this will end with her proving to be an incredible badass and ruining our shit, right?

>>27903766
So? Pain is just weakness leaving the body.

>>27903782
No, pain is your body telling you to knock that shit off.

>>27903782
>>27903766
Wait... we are still attempting to get her and Iwona in the shower with us, right guys?

What is this shit about fighting?

>>27903635
>>27903612
>>27903606
>>27903591

'Agnies- what?'

'Agnieszka!' She seems mildly amused. 'Nevermind. You can call me Anne if you want.'

'Polish names are insane,' you grin, while spotting the opportunity for a set-up joke. 'Well, my hands are rough because I use them all the time.'

'Huh,' Agnieszka says. 'You do woodwork or something?'

... Damn, this really only works on people who've been in the City long enough and know about banter and innuendo. 'Haha, I suppose. Are these your gloves?'

'Yep. Got a little match this evening to prepare for.' Then realisation flits across her face. 'Oh, do you mean working as in, boxing as well?'

'Czesc, Agnieszka!' Both of you turn to see Iwona standing at the door, towelling her hair. 'I'd hug you, but you look sweaty.'

'I am sweaty, and your boyfriend is looking at my gloves.'

Mind, she's got a lot more things you could be looking at. Aren't you just proud of your restraint.

> Do/say/ask anything, Protagonist?

>>27903807
We need to hone our skills, nothing better than a angry polish lesbo.

>>27903819
Ask her if she wants to spar.

>>27903828
>lesbo
Where'd you get that from?

>>27903819
>"When and where?"

>>27903855
Fantasy.

>>27903819
Ask about her match, maybe have some fighting talk.

Make sure not to leave Iwona feeling left out thought.

>>27903828
Fuck restraint and honing, we need some ERP 3x action in the shower.

>>27903881
No rush, sometimes a good boning takes time.

We're still working on Jo after all, and we've known her since thread one.

>>27903819
"Also, we're not dating."

>>27903905
She has plot armour verses our manhood, not a reasonable example.

>>27903935
It will make the eventual dicking all the sweeter though.

The bit afterwards when corporate hitmen murder us will be less fun.

>>27903969
#worth

>>27903819
'Why do not we all shower off, ya? We can talk afterwards.'

>>27903988
Awful. Don't say that.

>>27903905
>>27903931
>>27903935
>>27903969
>>27903828
>>27903850
>>27903855
>>27903857
>>27903862
>>27903871
>>27903881

'He's not my boyfriend,' Iwona says, grinning. 'But he can dream, eh?'

Well, it's an affectionate shoulder punch, perhaps. You turn to Agnies- Agne- Agnieszka. 'You mentioned a match? I didn't know you already had a friend who boxes, Iwona.'

'She does a bit more than boxing, she's also-'

'Yeah, have a match today. This evening, actually. Up in Apricot Hills.'

Well, that's coincidental, given you've got a job up at Apricot Hills as well. Iwona seems a little embarrassed, even though she's the one being cut off, but then she looks at you.

'So... are you hanging out around here today? Because I've actually just got a call. Have a house to clean at like... 3.' It's almost 1 now. 'It's a bit of a distance, so I'll have to go soon...'

Huh. Well, actually, you have work to do as well. Immediately, anyway, you have that thing with Tony the Barber's fish and river weed. Come think of it, if you get $100 from him, and then just pluck some weeds out of the river nearby and plonk them in the tank - surely that would work...?

'So you're headed off soon?' When Iwona nods, you turn to Agni- OH FOR GOD'S SAKE. 'She's abandoning me.'

'She's abandoning *me*,' she says, matter of factly.

'Do you want to spar? And yeah, I do fight.'

Iwona doesn't look that surprised, for some reason. Agnieszka neither; she simply folds her hands before her relatively humble, but shapely chest, and nods. 'Okay.'

> Roll d100 for memory. You have a -20 penalty.
> Where do you want to spar? Gym? Or outdoors?
> Or let's call it off and do something else.

Rolled 99

>>27904060
Take it to the gym.

>>27903988
This.

>>27904007
>life is not a porno!
I'm here to deliver this hot sausage pizza... what do you mean you don't have any money? Well, lets see what we can do.

>>27904060
Lets grease up and fight at the forum, greco-roman style.

>>27904060
>"I meant later! I meant later. I've been getting my shit kicked around for the last few days, daddy needs a day off. I'm going to be up in Apricot Hills tonight working a gig. When's your thing?"

>>27904060
>Gym

>>27903988

Iwona's already showered.

We go to gym!

> Love how no one else sees the need to roll anymore. You're right, of course.
> 99 - 20: Successful!

Iwona imitates Agnieszka's pose, folding her arms, before chuckling and giving her a shoulder punch as well, saying something in Polish. As she does so, though, you look at her and a small realisation that you really ought to have had *before* - even *while* - you were eating her out, comes to you.

Wait, wait, wait. No wonder you thought nothing of going to talk to her earlier at Tony's. You know this girl - you've seen her before, on one of your many soujourns with the Pub Crawl Society. But... but where though?

Bartender? But that's a little disparaging, innit? Or maybe she was one of the people walking into the path of oncoming traffic that you had to pull away?

Anyway. Iwona tosses her loose t-shirt on the bed, and you can't help stealing a glance at her body. Well. Seen before, and perhaps with luck, will see again. Agnieszka smirks. 'And you say you're not dating.'

'Don't mind her,' Iwona says. 'She's from a really conservative part of Poland, and she just got here.'

'Hey, you- let's go to the gym,' Agnieszka cracks her knuckles.

> cont'd.

>>27904408

It's not a particularly long walk to the gym, once you've gotten Iwona's number. 'Have fun scrubbing stuff,' you say.

'Don't get beaten up too badly,' she grins at you. Agnieszka rolls her eyes.

> Iwona's contact: get!

It's a lovely, sunny walk, and Agnieszka goes about it briskly, almost jogging, gesturing for you to follow. You're not particularly in a rush though, what with the glorious weather - sun on your face and arms, water shimmering to one side, girls running past in shorts...

She's definitely a head-turner, this girl, and you can totally understand. 'Are you fighting in those clothes?' She points. 'A bit... not comfortable, no?'

'I'll be fine,' you grin, and she shrugs.

The gym turns out, however, to be quite full. When you walk into the dojo section, generally reserved for sparring, after Agnieszka signs in, there are already three or four clumps of people there. Two are actually boxing; one seems to be kind of just fucking around, and another is using the tatami space to study, laying out laptops in a circle.

'Seriously, why not the library?' Agnieszka mutters.

> Go after the boxers.
> Go after the slackers.
> Go after the studiers.
> Go outside to spar instead (public sparring might not be looked upon kindly, but could be quite popular).
> Other.

>>27904581
>Go after the slackers.

Rolled 95

>>27904581
go after the bloody studies, twats using precious space.

>>27904728
Sounds good to me.

>>27904581
>Go after the studiers.

>>27904617

Well, it's pretty clear who you're going for. Agnieszka makes for the laptop people, but you stop her and head for the slackers instead. 'Oh, wait-'

'Hey, you guys.' Best start by being civil. 'Look, we'd like to do a little sparring here, so how about-'

'How about what, mate?' There are six or seven of them, and they all stand up at the same time, the sound of their previous chatting and laughter cutting off. The guy who speaks - a tall ginger with a bent nose that you really should have noticed was a sign - then spots Agnieszka, and his eyes widen momentarily. 'Oh, it's Agnes!'

'Hello, Frank,' she replies with a tone that appears to be asking for cyanide and a rope at the same time. Frank's buddies, having noticed her, also sigh, though being on his side they make sure to do it a bit more subtly.

'What, are you sparring here? With this guy?' Frank looks at you. 'Look at you picking on a girl. Pick on someone your own gender, eh?'

You try not to laugh as the continued vibes of A Dagger, Please, A Dagger so I can Stab Myself and Die Now float your way from the woman beside you. Then again, maybe Agnieszka is worth impressing?

Who're you kidding, you're the protag, any woman's worth impressing.

> I'll do just that, Frank.
> Well, she said yes. So if you'd clear off...
> Other.

>>27904728
yea fuck that guy

>>27904793
>>27904790
>>27904728

> Argh. Sorry not to see your vote.
> Well, make the best of it I suppose, eh?

>>27904800
"what just you? that's hardly fair, grab a friend

>>27904800
>I'll do just that, Frank.
Blood for the blood god!

>>27904852

Let's do this.

>>27904800
> I'll do just that, Frank.

>>27904852
>>27904885
Let's not do this, impressing her is one thing, being a retard is quite another.

>>27904852
>>27904855
>>27904885
>>27904898

> Well, that's two for masculine aggression, and two for masculine hyperaggression.
> I'll give it a little while more, then. Rage, etc.

>>27904952
We've had two high rolls one after the other - rules of the universe dictate that the next one will be awful.

Let's go with hyperaggression, because at least that way we'll lose 2v1 instead of losing a straight fight.

>>27904852

>>27904952
>RAGE IS MY RESPONSE

>>27905001
>>27904978
>>27904898
>>27904885
>>27904855
>>27904852

> Well, let it never be said that the Protagonist lacks testosterone. Never!

You glance at Agnieszka, who's making a slight sawing motion with her right hand, which is kind of near her hips. Uh... stroke? Um, play around?

Well, maybe that's a promise for what's in store. You look up at Frank, who is also turning back from looking at her. 'Yeah, I think I'll do just that. So I suppose I'll have to take on two of you, then. Come on, grab a friend...'

Your casual statement is beginning to gain attention. The studiers, sensing a proper fight, begin moving, which ironically means they've cleared a space you could use after all. Too fucking late now, you bloody bookworms! Meanwhile the boxing groups have heard you, and some are turning to watch. Wait. Is Frank really well known as a fighter or something?

'Heh, well, you said it,' he breaks into a grin. 'Lawrence?'

Lawrence is short, stout and swarthy. A slight beard, a slightly pudgy face, but you really wouldn't underestimate those fists. Before long a ring is being formed, and Agnieszka reluctantly backs away as well, before rubbing the bridge of her high, elegant nose. Not broken, mind you.

Frank is tall, which means taking him down might be an option. You want to stereotype Lawrence as a slow brawler, but that's possibly unwise. They seem to be waiting for you to attack one of them before coming at you together...

> What do you emphasise in your fighting style? This is kind of your first 'formal' fight.

> One strike, one knockout.
> Hit, and hit repeatedly.
> Dodge and counterstrike.
> Defence is the best offence.

> What do now, you little arrogant brawler?

>>27905147
>Dodge and counterstrike.

>>27905147

> Incidentally, would it be churlish to keep a Conquest List?
> Note that the list would not actually indicate your current relationship with said person. Sleep with someone and then cross her badly, she'll still dislike you.
> Or is the Protag classier than that?

>>27905147
>Hit, and hit repeatedly.
>Dodge and counterstrike.

It's like if a pitching machine made love to a hummingbird. But the pitching machine shoots fists, and the hummingbird is a man who fights and knocks people around.

Gotta go fast.

>>27905175
Only slightly classier.

Jo is the only waifu. Everyone else are girlfriends at best.

>>27905175
Do you mean our protagonist keeping a list, or us having a list?

Is this list a thing that will exist as a physical object in-game?

>>27905225
The List is the source of our true power.

>>27905225

> Up to you, really. It could be either.
> Not sure if you're the sort who would write it down, but I mean, sure.

> Meanwhile, do vote on the fight too if you'd like.

>>27905193
I like it.

>>27905216
Pretty much this. In my mind at least because Jo is awesome.

>>27905193
>>27905173

These.

Also, wait for them to come.

>>27905248
Fuck no, that's always a bad idea. Someone will burn the list and our protagonist's dick will drop off.

>>27902393
>>27902393
I just realized the guy in the OP pic is not asian

>>27905296
Did that ruin the quest for you forever?

>>27905147
Agnieszka was giving us hints. Something to do with the hip - is he prone to being thrown? Also apparently his nose was broken recently. Capitalise on that.

>>27905313
I dunno, I think it might be more about hip and body shots.

Not sure.

>>27905291
But that's why we the get the list inked onto our skin!

>>27905173
>>27905193
>>27905274

> Like that description.

>>27905313

As you engage in a staring contest, trying to do like those Chinese martial arts films where they punch each other mentally while just standing there, you start considering your moves as well. By nature, and by training, you've always loved dodging or diverting an attack and then striking the off-balance enemy.

It might not be as strong as a consciously thrown punch with your entire weight behind it, but then you can always make up for it by punching again. And again, and again. Like those ball-spitting machines that freaked you out as a kid.

Finally, you lose your patience a little. 'Are you waiting for me to walk up to you?' you say, and a giggle runs through the crowd. At the same time, you finally realise what Agnieszka was gesturing to you just now with the hand near the crotch. You were thinking too much about the hip or crotch.

She meant, CUT, IT, OUT.

TOO FUCKING LATE! Frank merely sneers, but Lawrence charges, thundering across the tatami while holding his stance very well. Bloody hell, you recognise the style - it's a southern style, solid and hard-hitting. Sure enough, his first blow looks like it was meant to snap you in half. You sidestep it and swing at his back, but he twists around; your hand bounces off his elbow, and you have just enough time to push his other fist aside while leaping back.

'Come on, then!' He gets in stance, and then comes at you again. His lower stance looks really solid, as he prepares to throw another straight punch. He must know you'll sidestep. Then what next...?

> What do? Write in.
> Also, roll d100.

>>27905311
>>27905311
yes, it no longer amuses me

>>27905248

> Presumably you'll keep it in a box, under an oak, on a stone golem, on a moving island, the boat to which is locked in an egg, guarded by a house, guarded by a castle, the key to which is in a frog, in a well guarded by a dragon.

> Well, I would.

>>27905479
I'm pretty sure our protagonist isn't a figure out of Russian folklore.

...at least not yet.

>>27905459
>he must know you'll sidestep
Then he probably isn't committed to that punch. Rather than sidestep, push it aside with our elbow/forearm while moving forward and striking for his head with the other elbow.

>>27905516

I'll roll for tis one!

>>27905459
undercut knock with your adjacent fist right under the offending arm's wrist, i.e the punching hand's wrist will be struck from beneath the angle of the punch by automatically jarring the blow.

Follow through with a elbow thrust on his chest.

Should wind and disable the strength of his punches from one hand.

Rolled 25

>>27905540
Whoops, yeah. Forgot to roll.

Rolled 28

>>27905459
Don't sidestep it, float it. Grab his arm and mat him.

Rolled 59

>>27905459

Rolled 47

>>27905459
This won't end well.

Rolled 75

>>27905459

>>27905175
It'd be incredible churlish in-character but you could guise it as a cheevo list for the quest, rather.
"Pole Position" - Chatted up and cleaned up nicely with the comely housekeeper Iwona.
"Tree Hugger" - Helped out and got down and dirty with the hippie-esque good girl Bethany.
"Enter the Dragon" - Rocked and knocked boots with the tatted punk beauty Erica.
And so on. Just major achievements might be neat or whatever to keep track of.

Rolled 77

>>27905459

Rolled 20

>>27905459
Push it aside with our forearm, step in for a quick 2 jab to the chest and sternum and follow up with an open palm uppercut to rattle him.

>>27905618
>>27905586
>>27905573
>>27905557
>>27905547
>>27905516
>>27905637

> Okay, you can stop the press, because I have bad news.
> To clarify for anyone who might not be around: I roll opposed rolls behind a screen. Seeing as I have no particular interest in keeping you alive, I hope for your trust.
> 75 vs. 100: Unstoppable Tiger-Subduing Technique.

As Lawrence approaches, you quickly formulate a strategy. You *won't* sidestep. He *knows* you will, so you fucking *won't*. You'll take that feint, and then you'll whack him on the head before the real thing comes - his left arm is tucked under, ready to crack your ribs properly or something.

Lowering your stance a little, to look ready to spring aside again like a bloody matador, in the last moment you instead lean sideways, just away from the punch, while your left hand rises from below in anticipation. You're not going to break his wrist, probably - but it will fucking hurt, and you can lift it out of the way and use your own right-

Wait, what?

Instead of a straight punch, he too twists in the same direction as you, and your left arm rises into thin air a split-moment before his fist - turned so its back is facing you - swings from outside like a fucking hammer. It catches your arm, sweeps it towards your chest - and then it catches your chest, a bar of pain and force which very nearly knocks you off balance.

Your feet shift reflexively to keep yourself standing, while your right hand braces and pushes his arm away from you. Oh wait, oh FUCK!

The next thing you know, you're on the ground, tumbling once before sprawling on the tatami, pretty sure that he's just punched a hole straight into your guts from the side and pulled your intestines out or something. Well, no, he just slugged you with his left arm in the flank.

Whoopdefuckingdoo!

>>27905818

> That was two bad hits! The crowd is cheering Lawrence on, but you're not floored.
> What do? You can see, blurredly, Lawrence grinning as he withdraws his fist. He's put a lot of strength into that - a bit too much strength, really - and he knows it.

> You can hear, a little distortedly, Agnieszka shouting at Lawrence. 'Hey! It's sparring! Why did you do that?'
> That warms your heart. Or maybe your burning guts do.

Rolled 67

>>27905856
Aim for the waist and tackle him. Floor him and don't stop hitting his face until his brains are pouring out of his ears.

Rolled 9

>>27905856
Keep going, I guess.

If that's how he wants to play it, beat him down.

Rolled 3

>>27905871
Whoa, easy there, tiger.
Get up and get back in there, bob, weave and blast him in the guts with a knee while throwing a fake punch.

Rolled 51

>>27905871
Do this, except without the braining. Just a quick "I won" tap on the forehead.

>>27905900
Act like a bitch get treated like a bitch, darling Anon.

Why shouldn't we be out for blood?

Rolled 94

>>27905856

"OK, so warmup's over, right?"

Head for the face. Dodge blow, strike in face. Keep going for the head.

Rolled 30

>>27905921
Good point.
Go for a takedown, blast his ass until he submits, we get thrown off or he's KOd.

>>27905970
>>27905932
>>27905921
>>27905910
>>27905900
>>27905890
>>27905871

> Good news.
> 94 vs. 31: Well, well.

Stars and stripes and tricolours of different sorts are floating before your eyes, but you manage to get on your feet. A deep breath, another, and the pain seems to lessen.

... no it fucking doesn't, but damn if you look like a ninny after laying down a serious challenge. You stare at Lawrence in the eye, and he smirks. Frank steps forward, but then you glance at him - and Agnieszka does too - and he steps back. Well, at least he knows a little honour, eh.

'Right,' you say, after the noise dies down. 'So warm up's over, I take it.'

Lawrence advances again, and this time you sidestep completely, dodging his charge and moving back into the centre of the moving ring. He turns cleanly, still grinning, still knowing he's dented you badly. He's not wrong. But you just want to take a look at his attack pace.

He charges again, tracking forward with arms tucked and braced before him, and again you sidestep. 'What, not attempting Jeet Kune anymore?' he says, to general amusement.

'Well.' Okay. You see it now - you can tell the time when he is most vulnerable to counterattack. 'Yeah, let's try again.'

Obligingly, he charges you, and this time he aims high, leaning and extending his fearsome left fist for your shoulder - a short jab, but one that could be dangerous. You don't fret. Instead you simply tilt, shift your weight on the back foot-

-and stamp sideways with your left foot on his ankle, just as he is leaning forward.

> cont'd.

>>27906128

The moment of surprise is glorious, almost enough to make you forget your pain. Suddenly deprived of balance, he stumbles; to Lawrence's credit he withdraws so quickly that you only manage two jabs to his head, one impacting his cheek, the other aiming for his eye but crunching against his forehead instead. That hurt your knuckles, but it broke his stride.

'Hurrraaaaagh-' his right fist is now in play, and when your third punch bounces off his left arm, it launches directly for your ribcage again. Nope! You dodge it, conveniently slamming your elbow into Lawrence's fat face as you go. Then, spinning around as he tries to clear you with an elbow sweep, you punch him in the brow again before backing off.

He glares at you, red faced, and then charges a fifth time. This time you're completely ready, and his anger is making him careless; before he even can throw a punch you stamp hard on his right shin, eliciting a grunt, and this is your chance. Four, six, eight times your fists rain down on his head as he attempts to fend you off. Eye, cheek, chin, chin, ear, chin-

From the corner of your eye, you see Frank coming in and ready to jump-kick you.

> Dodge that and call off the beatdown on Lawrence. (He's not really down, but that hurt.)
> Other!
> Roll d100!

Rolled 99

>>27906292
Attempt to avoid Frank while continuing to make lawrence our new bitch.

>>27906292
Pull out at the last second and have Frank --

Fuck it, >>27906336

Rolled 2

>>27906292
.
Grab his leg and use the momentum to club the other guy

>>27906336
Yep. This. Nobody else roll.

>>27906336
>>27906346
>>27906347
>>27906350

> Well, 99 is a quasi crit.
> I'll just go with that then!

Frank, as you expected, does the flying kick, though not quite as you expected. Instead of jumping directly, which is really not a very efficient move, he turns around and stretches out one leg before jumping.

Woah! That's clever! As the leg spins, and he shortens its distance - that could *wreck* you. Agnieszka, what the living fuck? As you said, this is *sparring*!

But then in the clear daylight moment of victory, you know exactly what needs doing, and smile gently. Ignoring the burning pain in your flank as you lean to your right, you grab Lawrence's shoulder while he is still trying to protect his face, and straighten your arm to push him upwards before sending one last punch into his pudgy chin. There, that ought to-

SMACK!

Yep, it did.

Frank is visibly gapes as Lawrence catches the full force of his spinning jump-kick on his face, his entire body shaken by the momentum. Since gravity works the same on all people (note this down, people), Frank lands at the same time Lawrence does - except Frank is on his horrified feet, and Lawrence is completely senseless on his back, blood pouring from his nose. All you need to do is go up and lift his head so he doesn't drown in his own blood. That would be very churlish.

The crowd is silent, and Agnieszka is surprised too. She's looking at you with her elegant, bright eyes - what's this look - appraisal, almost? Frank takes over from you, and after a few seconds Lawrence wakes up. 'Urh, Hurrgh, Fuck!' He says, and spits out two teeth.

> What do/say now?
> It seems the appetite for a fight might be a little sated by now... unless you still want to spar with the lovely Polish lady.

>>27906546
Go help Lawrence up. No use being a bad sport now.

Rolled 34

>>27906546
Crack neck
Pinch shoulder blades back, crack those too
"Looks like your kick..."
Put on the sun glasses
"Took a wrong turn."

Now let's beat the shit out of Frank. We're only halfway through.

> Also, regarding that conquest list, so.

> You could keep it as a metagame counter (in the mind of the MC, for him to smirk at).
> You could write it down in disguise.
> You could write it down and pin it on the fucking wall, and put fucking priority markers on it, because it's your life and you do what you want, mate!
> Other.

>>27906605
Put it on the goddamn wall.

>>27906603

Nah, let's end it if Frank will. Help Lawrence up, see if Frank yields too.

Then we spar with the girl.

>>27906546
I think we're done here. It's a shame, but we're still a bit too dizzy to fight Agnieszka right now. Tell her we'll have to do it some other time.

>>27906603
>Now let's beat the shit out of Frank. We're only halfway through.
The fight's over bro.

>>27906605
I'd rather not make it a thing, but if I get outvoted then next-best is to keep it meta.

>>27906581
He's ambulatory. He'll be fine.

Rolled 10

>>27906546
Let's spar with the hot polish boxer

Also help the guy up

>>27906635
Might as well make a show of sportsmanship.

>>27906626
>>27906634
>>27906635
>>27906641
>>27906647

What's that they used to say about sportsmanship? Oh, that it's where all the competitive sailors come from?

Okay never mind.

Frank and you help Lawrence up together, and you step aside once it looks like he's rediscovered his legs. 'Well then, Frank,' you say, cracking your neck and feeling the burn as your chest protests against any straining whatsoever, 'looks like your kick took a wrong turn, eh?'

The ginger's face goes as red as his hair as the crowd laughs and groans in equal measure. 'Well, I welcome you to come to the University's Sparring Club more frequently if you dare,' he says, trying to keep his composure. 'This was an accident. What Lawrence did to you was not.'

Look, you were just going to fucking let it go, all right? And now-

> Let it go. Let it go. You were fighting for Agne to look at, and she's signalled to cut it the fuck out.
> No, no no no no no. You were gracious in victory, and he's being a twat in defeat. Finish the job.

Rolled 50

>>27906881
>> Let it go. Let it go. You were fighting for Agne to look at, and she's signalled to cut it the fuck out.

>>27906881
Let it go, if we don't rise to it, he just looks more like a sore loser anyway.

>>27906881
>No, no no no no no. You were gracious in victory, and he's being a twat in defeat. Finish the job.

You wanted this, Frank and Anon. You could have stopped this and now it's too late. Khorne must be sated.

>>27906881
> Let it go. Let it go. You were fighting for Agne to look at, and she's signalled to cut it the fuck out.

We have better shit to do, and Frank has proven himself not worth it.

>>27906881
Let it go for now. But keep their names in mind. They might be friend of those fuckwads who hasseled Iwona.

>>27907052
>>27906902
>>27906930
>>27906935
>>27906970

Goddamn it, you... you crack your fists, but then pause to think about it. You're here to fight with Agnieszka, not to take on some ginger dude who clearly has a massive crush on her. If you look like you're just defending her honour or whatever, it would look really dumb, and Agnieszka doesn't look like the sort who buys that.

Which is good. You wouldn't like those girls. Calm down.

'Well, maybe I will visit you more,' you say, nodding. 'We'll eliminate any chance of accident and see how it turns out, then.' Then, turning to Agnieszka, 'don't... suppose we'll spar today?'

'What,' she replies as Frank's entourage goes out and everyone resumes normal transmission, 'two punches and it's over for you? Well, we can fight a bit now, gently...'

'Look, if you're taunting me just like that dude-'

You walk up to her, and realise she's actually slightly taller than you. Damn. She smirks, cutely. 'Or maybe I can rub your bruises, apply a bit of medicine and make you feel better? But tonight I have fight, so I can only do a short while.'

Grrrr.

> Insist on sparring!
> Actually, getting rubbed doesn't sound too bad.
> Actually, neither... it's afternoon! You kinda need to go. Things to see. People to do. (You'll get Agnieszka's contact as well.)
> Other.

>>27907204
>Actually, getting rubbed doesn't sound too bad.
>"You still haven't said when."

Rub a dub dub, then off to make some fish happy, then we wallow in agony until Apricot Hills is a go.

Rolled 73, 58, 84, 65, 7 = 287

>>27907204
>> Actually, getting rubbed doesn't sound too bad.

>>27902393
This entire premise is stupid because there is no such thing as "female staleness and sweat".
Most women I know that smell bad smell worse than guys.

File: 1382581094104.jpg-(131 KB, 600x845, zheng gu shui.jpg)

131 KB JPG

>>27907262

> ... But I didn't say it smells *better*. Well, it might, but only because there's more perfume and moisturiser about anyway.

>>27907245
>>27907238

Uh. Lying on your side while getting rubbed by someone like Agnieszka? Well, let's hope she doesn't rub you the wrong way. Or indeed, let's hope you don't rub off on her. The wheels of innuendo creak and shudder, but then they'd probably not work at all with this one, so you turn off the wheels.

'Well,' you say instead, 'let's, uh... let's relax.'

'Fine.' She shrugs and walks out, expecting you to follow. You do, limping after her as your muscles refuse to cooperate with the expected fluency; the fact that you're heading away from Iwona's dorm, uphill, makes it even harder. It turns out that Agnieszka's dorm is one of those gleaming, rather newer-looking ones on the slopes.

She lives in a single room, and it is... woah. A bed, a closet, a desk. A basket for dirty clothes, books on the shelves - 'European History in the 19th Century', 'Cambridge History of Russia: Volume II'. The carpet's a little grotty, but everything else is... neat. Even the bed, with a plain navy blue duvet, looks so neat you don't really want to-

'Go, lie down,' she says as she goes to the closet and reaches for something, stretching out. You lie on your side, trying to do a good Caesar pose as she comes at you with a spray bottle with Chinese characters on it. 'This might be painful. Try to relax.'

OW. OWWWW. OWW. She really doesn't know how to ease it in, does she? (Hurhur.) Your toes curl, and you try not to writhe or scream as she sprays the black liquid on a very ugly bruise and rubs it in circles, firmly.

> Try to say something, Protag? OW. OWWW. OW.
> Just... just... lie down and hope it stops soon.
> What do you do after this treatment? Also, what do you mean 'you haven't said when'?

>>27907546
>> What do you do after this treatment? Also, what do you mean 'you haven't said when'?

Scream internally. Return the favor with one of our massages if we're up for it. And she is.

>>27907546
All she said was Apricot Hills, tonight. That's...a big window. Details, woman!

>Just... just... lie down and hope it stops soon.
>Make a joke about bedside manner
>try not to cry
>To get our money from Tony, then on to the river/pet store

>>27907546
SHE WAS SERIOUS ABOUT GIVING US MEDICINE. FUCKSHITFUCKS WHATEVER WE CAN DEAL WITH IT.

>>27907627
No giving her a massage, she has a fight and she'll say as much.

Rolled 26

>>27907546
"So who...Owww...were those guys anyway?...Goddamn that stings."

Rolled 69

>>27907546
'Just lie down and take it like a big boy.'

>>27907703
>>27907627
>>27907652
>>27907658
>>27907669

After a while of pure agony - the punch by Lawrence wasn't even as bad as this - she finally stops, and your body loses all tension, flopping helplessly on the bed. 'You all right? Am I going too hard?'

'Uh... goddamn, that stings... but I'll bear it like a big boy.'

For some reason, *that* gets to Agnieszka, who sputters and then begins giggling uncontrollably, one hand still on your bruise while the other covers her face. 'B-big boy...' then she sputters again.

'Yeah, yeah, like a big boy,' you say, fuelling the laughter even more. It's a nice laugh, deep and strong and forceful, but also genuinely tickled. A little like Jo's, really. 'So, when exactly is your fight, and who were those dudes?'

She takes a while to recover before rubbing at you again Ow OWW Fuuuuck. You can't really hear what she's saying very clearly, mostly because your brain is going AAAA AAAAAAA into your ears, but you manage to pick up that they are 'just a society that does fighting' and that 'there's many of them', and that 'maybe you can come by one day if you like to fight'.

'And, uh, UHHH, the fight?'

'Oh, it's just... 7 I think, or 8, at a ring somewhere in Apricot Hills. Why? You coming to support?' She leans back. 'Done! Hundred bucks, please!'

Your bruise looks a little smaller now. Oh well.

> Why are you fighting, anyway?
> Well, next fight I'll come round.
> Say something else.

> Leave now; it's almost 3, you need to get ready. Get to Tony's for a start.
> Other.

>>27907878
"Best of luck girly, if you survive we'll have our spout. But sadly I need to head out, put the 100 on the tab, I'll be needing your services some time soon."

>>27907878
"Sorry, not tonight. Maybe next time."

>>27907878

> Why are you fighting, anyway?

Then, we go to Tony's and get the money. Then we go to river to get the grass.

Then we go for evening. Should we buy a gift for Jo?

>>27907878
>>27907878
>> Say something else.
>> Leave now; it's almost 3, you need to get ready. Get to Tony's for a start.

"Thanks a lot, Anne. How's about we call it good with a nice dinner later after you win?"

>>27907878
> Why are you fighting, anyway?
> Well, next fight I'll come round.
> Say something else.
"Only askin' cause I think I'm working security outside for your fight. The guy who hired me said it was for a fight in Apricot Hills and how many of those could there be tonight?"

Then we need to get the fuck outta there.

>>27908000

We're not, though. We're doing open air cinema.

>>27908050

I do believe this anon is correct, unless the bloke that offered us the business deal lied to Jo and ourselves.

>>27908050
Oh, right, that makes sense. I thought it was just an event being held at an open air cinema.

>>27908087
>>27908090
>>27907959
>>27907985
>>27907987
>>27907991
>>27908000
>>27908050

Huh. The timing does overlap with what you were told was the timing for the gig. So maybe...

'So why do you fight, anyway? I mean... is it for money?'

'Uh...' she fidgets a little. 'Yeah, a bit. Sometimes. Other times I fight crime at night. Wear a mask, pretend to be a bat.'

'Batwoman, eh?' you sit up and touch the bruise gingerly. 'Oh man. It does feel better. Well, I'm otherwise engaged, but next time, I'll come support you for sure. Just make sure you win.'

Agnieszka looks at you, narrows her eyes a little, and then nods. 'You're a nice person,' she says out of the blue, 'you are.'

'Nice enough to have dinner with one day?'

'Okay, maybe not so nice now.' She grins. 'Hundred bucks?'

'I'll pay you when I get rich, eh,' you say, and head for the door. The cleanliness and bareness of this place still surprises you a little. really. 'Thanks very much!'

You have a pretty uneventful trip to Tony's, who looks you over and asks where you've been while handing you the $100. You say you were just hanging out and forgot to take the money. 'Thanks, though.'

'Heh, I might have thought you were off making out with the Polish cleaner,' he says. 'She's quite hot, isn't she? College students in summer, they're all out to do work...'

Oh you have no idea, Tony. You get back home - Jo is out - and text Erica, who replies that no, she didn't manage to get the role. Nor another role with lines. Oh man.

Drinking a can of butter bean soup, you ponder. It's about 4 now.

> Timeskip to Apricot Hills?
> Do something else?

> Cash: $895
> Erica's not got her film roles.
> Jo hasn't texted you today. But then she normally wouldn't, anyway.

>>27908228
We are obliged to take Erica out for a good time, then maybe take her back to our place and preform lewd acts, nudge nudge.

>>27908290

Maybe another day, not today? But yeah.

>>27908314
We still have 3 hours, can even bring her along after we have our fun. That is if she wants, be a gent and cheer the lass up.

>>27908290
>>27908314
>>27908403

> Take Erica out

You would, mind you - she has high billing on your conquest list, let's just say - but then she's probably working at Giggenhams or wahtever that shopping mall's called. Poor dear, she works shift after shift...

> Saturday? She might not have work tomorrow, take her out and comfort her?

>>27908431
Absolutely, failing this today there isn't much to accomplish. Voting on timeskip to the job.

>>27908431

Or we can go to the mall and maybe go to the changing room again?

Or heck, just timeskip.

>>27908431
Could be fun, take her out for a nice dinner and get her mind off things.
Y'know, provided we don't have anything else going on.

Also, let's timeskip to Apricot Hills. Maybe bum around the area until time to go to work.

>>27908469
Changing room wouldn't be unfavorable, yet to avoid suspicion we'd have to drop some bills on clothing. Not sure if that would be our best course of action.

>>27908228
>text Jo and see what's up. "wanna hang b4 work 2nite?"

>>27908457
>>27908469

> Timeskip. Erica tomorrow.

You send some texts to Erica to comfort her, and ask if she's free tomorrow. She says she's got nothing on, which sounds a little negative. Oh well.

'Let's go somewhere,' you say. 'I'll come meet you.'

'Sounds good. Maybe lunch?'

Curling up for a nap, you wake up around half 5 and feel your ribs and chest again. Bloody hell, between Agnieszka and that weird Chinese thing, it really works - you don't really hurt anymore, other than a slight tightness when you stretch. Suppose that readies you for security work, then.

Jo's given you directions in a text message while you were napping. The underground to Apricot Hills is as usual, except with quite a lot of high school students making a racket. But from Apricot Hills, you need to take two buses, and then walk into what seems to be a nature reserve, before you can get to the spot itself.

It's a good thing you left early, then, since it's nearly 7 when you finally stumble round a bend and see a spot that would, indeed, make a lovely open-air cinema. A single road leads up to a clearing surrounded by trees, and through the trees you can actually see the sea, blue and serene. By now there is a good gaggle of cars around.

You head down through the vehicles, quietly getting a sense of the place. It seems most of the people here are... couples, a bit hipsterish too. Why would this place need security?

Also... where is Jo? She doesn't reply to any texts...

> Go look for Adrian.
> Go to the management stall.
> Look some more for Jo.
> Other.

>>27908654
>Go to the management stall.
>Dial Jo

>>27908516

True. Oh well, tomorrow's fine.

>>27908654
We should spend a little bit looking for Jo, but we have a job to do. Our reputation depends on this so if the search for Jo fails we must report to Adrian.

>>27908727
>>27908702

You walk around a bit more, keeping an eye out. What was Jo wearing today? A blue tank top, you recall, and fitting trousers. That shouldn't be too hard to spot, but as you walk around and dial her, you don't see her. There are a few others with blue sleeveless tops, of course, but nope.

She's not answering the calls either. Meanwhile, as you walk through the place, you can see signs of other dealings that *might* need security. There's people going around peddling stuff, for example - food, drinks, but also condoms, and- wait, condoms?

... what kind of an open air cinema is this again?

Eventually you give up and go into the management booth, where you quickly see Adrian. 'Hey there!' He beckons.

'Sorry, but have you seen Jo? Like, that girl who shook hands with you that day.'

'Don't... think so,' he frowns. 'Skipped out on the job, did she? Well, that's nothing particularly unusual though, I suppose. But it's good you're here. There's a few more of us, so let's wait for them, and then tell you the patrol plan...'

This is a little weird. Jo's not the sort to skip out on something she shook on. Not to mention, she's not the sort who doesn't answer her calls. Damn girl's glued to her phone.

> Continue with the job.
> Actually, since you seem quite well staffed...
> Other.

>>27908929
>Continue with the job.
>continue to worry about Jo internally

>>27908929
We gave our word, and we are only as good as our word.

Jo where are you!

>>27908929
>Continue with the job.
Keep trying to call Joe periodically.

Are we the security guards at an orgy?
Do orgies have security guards?

>>27908929
>> Actually, since you seem quite well staffed...
find her

>>27908959
>>27908964
>>27908972
>>27908992
>>27908999

> Continue with job, call Jo every now and then

Damnit, Jo, this isn't the kind of thing you do! Distracted by the thought, you don't really pay much attention to the patrol plans. Then again, no one else seems to be anyway - the patrols are really just going from one checkpoint to another, so presumably if someone comes to your checkpoint, that's the cue to fuck off to the next one. Simple.

You're the only person without a partner, though, damnit.

Your first checkpoint is actually at the entrance to the event, where four black-dressed staff are busy checking tickets and greeting any incoming vehicles. As the sun begins to set, a black curtain goes over the screen to darken it a bit more, and you can watch as the projection is cast on the screen, from where you're sitting-

... wait a minute, 'My Days of College'? Isn't that an erotic film?

This is becoming a bit clear now, perhaps. You do notice that the people who aren't couples are either cars full of guys, or full of girls, and that they mostly are forming up along the edges of the formation. What was that in the security briefing that Adrian said? 'Whatever they do is fine, but prostitution is not' or something like that...

'Would you like a coffee? Or tea?' One of the staff asks you.

> Coffee y/n?

> Sit here and slack and fret about Jo.
> Let's go on, uh, prostitution patrol. (You haven't got a partner to watch you after all.)
> Other.

>>27909115
Tea please!

Slack off and day dream about the lovely Jo jo.

>>27909115
>coffee y
>Hooker patrol, I guess

>>27909153

Dude, relax with the waifu-ing. Seriously.

Hooker patrol!

>>27909115
5 minute tea break then back to patrolling. Worry bout Jo

>>27909153
>>27909167
>>27909179
>>27909208

You say anything will do really, drink wise, and the dude nods and goes off. He comes back with a cup of tea that's properly sweet and milky, which is nice.

But as you sip the tea, and absently watch the screen introduce the characters and start getting the sexual tension up, you just... hmm. Wystan did say that some people knew about Jo's identity or something, right? Friendship aside, she is actually a very valuable person, which is quite a contrast to most persons in the whole of the Peninsula.

It would make sense for someone to abduct her.

And maybe that's what's happened.

Finishing your tea, you decide to go on patrol, keeping your eye out for drugs, prostitution, and of course the girls themselves. Well, some of them are quite pretty, to be honest. 7.5, even? Maybe even 8? But might it do harm to your reputation if you flirted with one of them?

Also, huh. Sex scene's starting.

> Finish patrol, head back, sit down. Work's work, mate.
> You're not in a uniform... everything's a bit slapdash... well...
> Other.

>>27909306
>Finish patrol, head back, sit down. Work's work, mate.

We can't just jerk it on the clock. How chav would that be. besides, lil' fellas been worked raw these last days. Why not try Jo again?

>>27909306
Finish patrol, come on, have a little self-restraint. We just had fun with a polish gal early today.

>>27909353
We did? I thought we just made out? and her boxer friend showed up?

>>27909306
Finish your patrol. Hope Jo just forgot to charge her phone or something.

>>27909385
We preformed cunnilingus multiple times before the tech busted into the computer lab.

>>27909306
Finish the patrol and try calling Jo again.

>>27909401
when was this?

>>27909413
Could have sworn it was last thread!

>>27909388
>>27909401
>>27909402
>>27909413
>>27909385
>>27909353
>>27909333

> Let's just say that organs of manipulation and mastication, but not of generation, were involved. On your side.

Well, well. Maybe one day you'll be back here as a visitor, and then ALL THE CHICKS YOU WANT. But work's work. This is why you don't get a regular job!

And maybe it'd teach you a little discipline too. You send off a few girls who actually come up to you asking if you have a lighter, and then go back to your booth and are just about to sit down when the phone begins buzzing, all out phonecall mode. Woah! Ignoring the making out that's beginning to happen around you, you look at the phone.

It's Jo. 'Hey, Jo, what-'

'Is this Jo's housemate?'

You blink. Then the question is repeated, and before you can think you affirm that.

'Well. She'll need you to be at the Stage Room, 4th floor of the Apricot Mall, in about... an hour.'

'What the fu-'

Click.

> Fucking hell. What do?
> It'll take about half an hour to get to the Apricot Mall. You have a little time to prepare yourself with something if you need.

>>27909458
Do we have our gloves, we need our gloves man.

If not, head on over to the mall, not sure if we have anyone we can call for backups.

>>27909497

> Gloves check.
> If nothing else to do, you can tell Adrian and bugger off now. In any case, they're really starting to get it on here and it's bleeding distracting.

>>27909582
Tell Adrian Jo got kidnapped and we need to kick some ass or pay a ransom.

>>27909607
No, tell him our female friend is in a spot of trouble and she needs our help pretty urgently. Do not say she got kidnapped. That is a damn fool thing to say.
Also, is there someone we know nearby we might be able to call for backup? Do we have Wystan's number maybe? What about that Aaron dude from thread one?

>>27909664
>>27909607

Adrian, on hearing about that, blinks. 'Trouble?'

'Well, it could be anything. I mean, her phone rang but it was someone else talking. I probably ought to check on her.'

'Oh, bloody hell,' he says. 'Well, you ought to be going then. Don't worry about it here.'

Well, he's a bro, this guy! Hurrying through the path you took to get here, you manage to catch the bus heading in to Apricot Hills Centre, where you check your gloves. Damn, you could have done with something like Agnieszka's hand bindings...

The shopping mall is very much packed with people, the Friday night crowd of shoppers and diners through which you push and apologise all the way. The fourth floor, on the other hand, is accessible only by elevator, and as the door opens on that floor and you step out, a stark, modern design meets your eye.

It's... this is a cinema or something, perhaps. But then that can't be; the cinema is on the other side of the building. Anyway, you go up to the largest set of doors and see the words STAGE ROOM on top. That's you then.

Pulling on your gloves, you check your phone one last time to see if you have Wystan's number. For some reason it seems inconceivable that Wystan would *not* know if Johanna was kidnapped, though. Surely there's some device that's tracking her...

Anyway. You push open the doors, and immediately are met with... silence, except for the sounds of fighting. Several white lights are shining on a circular stage in the middle, and two people are slugging it out right now - a man and a woman. Just then someone, from the surrounding darkness, asks you to come on in.

> Go on in.
> You are standing right, damn, here.

>>27909759
call the butler?

>>27909759
> You are standing right, damn, here.

Get your eyes adjusted to the dark before going in.

>>27909759

> Damn, forgot to say - you don't have Wystan's number.

>>27909798
Naw, if things're right, this is where Angie's fighting right now so I think we'll get her as back-up if a big fight's gonna break out.
Though maybe text him, if we do have his number, about Jo, that we are checking it out now and if we don't text him back in about 20-25, thing'sve gotten hot.

Also,
> Go on in.

>>27909802

This. Proceed with caution.

>>27909853

We don't have the number.

>>27909802
>>27909853
>>27909896

The temptation to go on in immediately is strong - somehow you can't imagine Jo crying out for help, but this does look like a place to hold someone, if a little incongruously. But you hold your ground for a few moments, adjusting to the darkness.

There aren't many people here, actually. Some of the seats are filled, the people mere silhouettes. But as you walk in, you can see a cluster of people to one side, and the voice beckoning you comes from there.

'Come on over, mate!'

'Where is Jo?'

'Oh, don't you worry about Jo.' It's a pleasant sounding young man. 'Come and have a seat. She's perfectly fine!'

Just as he says that, though, the woman on stage receives a hard hit, and stumbles off the stage, giving a short yelp of fright as she falls onto the hard, tatami mats below with a loud SLAP. Immediately, two or three figures run up to attend to her before shifting her off discreetly.

> What do you do/say, protagonist? This is... uh... weird.

>>27909952
"Why do you have her phone?"

>>27909952
"this better be a dam fine opportunity to make a buck"

>>27909952
"That wasn't the question."

>>27910029
>>27909999
>>27909974

'I didn't ask that question. Answer my question. Where is she?'

'She's in a safe location in this mall. Cooperate with us, just for a little while, and we will show her to you. Or show you to her. I don't mean to sound disturbing.'

'Well, who's got her phone then? Why did someone else call from her phone?'

'We found it! She dropped it.' Yes, of course, that is totally credible. But before you can say anymore, there's a calm, cute 'ding!' like in upmarket shopping malls that you rarely ever go to.

'Next contestants, please!' Someone calls from the stage, and you turn around. Then back at the young man and his gaggle of retainers.

'Well. Here's the time for your cooperation. Please, join the fight. We're already in late stages, this round won't last too long before we bring in the winner from the next stage.'

'Three more fighters, sir.'

'Then it is.'

> What do, protagonist?

>>27910114
join on in

>>27910114
"how much do i get payed?"

>>27910114
this seems like our kind of place

>>27910114
>Beat them all up instead.

>>27910114
You're going to have to do a lot better than that if you don't want to end up face down in the canal.

>>27910269
We don't have his number.

>>27910292
I don't know what post you could possibly be quoting!

I guess we're shit outta luck then. Time to fight for our waifu, I guess...

Ugh. Gonna be sore tomorrow.

>>27910114
"Oh I'll fight."
Then start punching his face until it's the consistency of ground meat.

>>27910292
>>27910310
>>27910269
>>27910156
>>27910164
>>27910211

'Do I get paid for this, then?'

'Ah, the eternal question. Of course you will be generously rewarded.'

'I don't mean with Jo. Jo comes back. *And* I get paid.'

'Oh, just leave it already and get on. Honestly. She's fine.'

You know how if you ask people for assurances, despite knowing they might well lie to you, you then proceed to ask them a few more times as if it's like a coin that might flip the other way? And yet it doesn't, because they decided to assure you and will assure you in any case?

'And what if I decide to put my fist through *your* face instead?'

... that was a slightly dumb question to ask, but also quite clever, because now you know not to do it. The moment you say that, the general silence of the space is suddenly interrupted by crackling as flashes - electric arcs - light up all around you. Ah, the good old 'we'll tase you until you're medium well' routine.

'You really wouldn't like that. And I think Jo wouldn't either, seeing as we know each other on friendly terms.'

Bloody hell. You get up to the platform to see that now, all four fighters are on the stage. This... will get a bit cramped. A, on your left, is a short, stout Hispanic-looking dude. B, facing you, looks rather gentlemanly, except for the huge muscles and square jaw. C is... large, let's put it diplomatically.

'Start in 5, 4...'

> Your guess is 'whoever off the platform loses'. Like a Battle Royale, then.

> Go for A.
> Go for B.
> Go for C.
> Some other Strategy.

>>27910333
Let them fight each other first. If we concentrate on one then we'll be easy pickings for whoever stands back.

>>27910333
>Hope A, B, and C think you're less of a threat than each other
>Try not to get punched

>>27910333
>Go for C.

>>27910362
>>27910367
>>27910368

It does strike you how... relatively typical each of these fighters is. You say the guy is large - he's nowhere near sumo wrestler large, just a little bulky. And the muscles on B are not very huge, though not small.

'Begin!'

Okay, stop looking too much at muscles. A and B charge at each other immediately, while you and C both are content to stand aside, until C turns to look at you. 'Hey, you.'

'Eh?'

'Come on, then,' he says, grinning. He's moving slowly, shifting towards the centre of the stage, and you are too, to be honest.

> All right then, what do, fighter?
> Roll d100.

Rolled 49

>>27910428
>Grumble about how we're too old for this shit as we ring out him.

Rolled 18

>>27910428
Very polite fight, this is. Aim for faces and legs.

Rolled 2

>>27910428

Rolled 49

>>27910428

Aim low, sweep him off balance.

Rolled 27

>>27910428
"So, are you getting paid for this?"

Rolled 4

>>27910428
Flying kick to the face

>>27910473
>>27910437
>>27910459
>>27910441
>>27910457
>>27910478

> 49 is the highest.
> 49 vs. 77: Damn!

'Goddamn, I'm too old for this,' you say. How old is the large man? Maybe his early 20s, you think. Well, it's a good age to be taken down.

You advance to meet him, and this time decide to attack first with a palmstrike that hits him in the face. Damn! Why did you *do* that? It's not like dealing damage will really help, will it?

'Fucking-' he mutters, holding his nose, and then gives you a glare. When he comes at you again, you jump back out of the radius of his swing, and then attempt a low sweep kick which hits his leg - and then stays there. Damnit!

Big man grabs your shoulders and lifts you up, but you manage to swat his arms off - only to have him dodge under a counterpunch and spear you. FUCK YOUR FUCKING FLANK! Your whole world bursts into pain as the force carries you off your feet, landing just two feet or so away from the rim of the stage. Then the big man gets up and grins at you, blood trailing down his nose.

'You little bastard,' he mutters, getting ready to straddle you.

> Roll d100!

Rolled 80

>>27910543

Rolled 65

>>27910543

Rolled 84

>>27910543

Rolled 11

>>27910543
'Hey hey, ladies only, pal!"

>>27910593
>>27910573
>>27910558
>>27910568

> You know, I swear you are the sort of protag who can't fight properly until you get an initial wallop.
> Because 84 vs. 19: Victory!

The guy's little hesitation before he straddles you is all you need, though, since your legs are now open and ready. Before he can move up to sit down on you (which might itself be lethally damaging), you quickly close your legs around his waist as tight as you can, trapping him in the guard position.

'What the-' he says, and presses forward, attempting to clobber you. But since he isn't attempting to get out of the position, you are pretty much in a horizontal boxing match, and you have the advantage. He attempts to slam your head against the stage with a hard punch, but you hook your left arm around his, trapping him so his head is pulled closer to you. Dear god, he smells.

'You little-'

Don't let him finish that! You give him one hook in the jaw, then another, then another. He stares at you enraged, but you just slug him in the eye instead, feeling your fist sink into the flesh and him yowling in anger.

His right arm loosens a little, so now you push back up, both arms raining blows on his hardly protected head. His hands slap against your shoulders and head without dealing much damage, but in a sudden burst of viciousness you aim repeatedly for the soft bits. Crunch goes the nose. The lips split. His eyes are both swollen.

'GRRAAARGHGHRHAHGH!' He yells again, falling back as you hook him in the jaw. Now you get back on your feet.

'No one rides me but a lady, you little dick!'

With a shove, he slams onto the tatami. You turn to see that the Hispanic dude is also out. Fortunately, he seems to have done quite a bit of damage to the gentleman, who's bruised on his chest.

This guy looks like a puncher, you can see.

> Attack? Defend? What do?
> Roll d100.

Rolled 5

>>27910676
>Attack? Defend? What do?
Let him come to us.

Rolled 65

>>27910676
Go for the FATALITY, I guess.

Rolled 29

>>27910676

Tire him a little, jab where possible. Then dodge the big punch and counter.

Rolled 76

>>27910676
Run at him. Slide under his legs as he throws a punch at you. When you get behind him, suplex him!

Rolled 72

>>27910717
See if we can pull off the fabled 'German Suplex', foretold in legend by a great teacher of men.

>>27910742
>>27910717
>>27910712
>>27910709
>>27910707

> 76 vs. 97: You were almost a goner, really.

Someone as top heavy as him... hitting those pecs won't hurt him much, you bet. That was probably the Latino's mistake. Well, there's another plan...

As he advances, you run at him, but as he gets ready to jab you first lean sideways, then dodge. This allow you an opening, though his abs are rock hard even as you slam your fist as hard as possible into them.

His knee rises up, unexpectedly, and catches your chest, setting off all the pain that you thought was relieved by Agnieszka just a while ago, forcing you back several steps. His second kick misses, however, and that allows you to grab him from behind as he overshoots-

-he's a fuckload heavier than you thought! Just as you let go to reconsider, he turns around and swings. The first one misses, but a hook connects with your jaw, and the world goes silent for several moments before sound and colour resume, by which time you've already dodged or received several more blows.

Fuck. You're half a meter from the edge.

> What do?
> Roll d100!

Rolled 80

>>27910811
Get some distance and reassess!

Rolled 88

>>27910811

Rolled 61

>>27910837

This, then deal him a knockout if we can.

Rolled 56

>>27910811
Something that doesn't involve getting your shit kicked!

Rolled 99

>>27910811
Damn it Dudley, what kind of gentleman are you!
Gotta end this fast, we probably aren't gonna last long if we let it keep up.

Circle back around towards the middle of the ring.
Blast him in the temple if we can catch an opening.

Rolled 70

We really can't fight for shit unless we get hit first.

Rolled 63

>>27910811
Grab and lock his arm. Once you do, start falling backwards, bringing him with you. Use your lega to get on his gut then with all your might and the momentum send him flying out of the ring.

Rolled 77

>>27910811
Fake dizzyness and when he tries to hit you counter and throw his ass out of the ring.

>>27910937
>>27910933
>>27910875
>>27910892
>>27910865
>>27910857
>>27910856
>>27910837

> Is our name Rocky or something? Is that why we don't want to be called by name?
> 99 vs. 21

Thankfully, his next punch is a downward one at your head, attempting to put you out of both the stage and your misery, but you somehow retain the strength to pull away from it. Damn it, find your feet! And your fist!

Pulling rightwards out of the brink, you give his abs another left hook, and he replies with a haymaker that would have finished you but for a missed connection. That's it. You need to dodge and counter, dodge and counter. Lean back, then jab his chest. Step sideways, then a shot to his gut.

'Go down, damn you!' His next punch connects, but it's a set-up jab. The hook - you block it with both hands, the impact making your entire body tremble, and then shoot out your fist at his nose, feeling it crack as you then dance out. Your vision's back; your left ear is ringing, but you are in the open. Just one chance.

When it comes, a flurry of attempted blows later, it feels like slow motion - a gap between arms and head as he tries to smash your head again. YOUR TURN, FUCKER!

You must have yelled, or hollered, something, since when you stop people stare at you like someone who swore in a posh restaurant. But all you felt was the speed of your right fist, your whole body twisting so it would hit him properly. Then the impact, shaking your arm.

Then the man stumbles towards the edge, falls to one knee, and you run up and kick him off.

'After you, buddy.'

> Cont'd.

>>27910996

Your little quip - or maybe your performance - is met with polite applause from the people in the stands. 'Very well done! I knew the recommendation was sound! Well, they all were, but yours more than others.'

'Recommend-' your tongue is a bit thick now, unresponsive. 'What bloody recommendations?'

The young man stands up. 'These fights are a bit of... a recruitment programme, you see. We are looking for people who have a good fist, but also some empathy. I think your behaviour regarding Johanna shows the latter quite well. As for the former... well, I think you've acquitted yourself.'

'Nonetheless, we should let the other winner fight him though,' someone says to the young man, who is still maddeningly cloaked in shadow.

'Would you mind another fight, then, good sir? You look pretty bloodied. I must warn you your next opponent... was not particularly bloodied by the experience.'

'Look, just-'

'WE WILL HAND JO BACK TO YOU!' He yells. This seems to be an optional, honour sort of fight... 'It's just, maybe you'd like to be acquainted with a teammate martially.'

> Yeah, go for it.
> No, I can hardly walk. Hand Jo over.
> Other. (Don't try to hit young man. Remember the tasers.)

>>27911101
>Yeah, go for it.
Because why not

>>27911101
> Other.

Not interested in recruitment. Hand Jo over.

>>27911101
>"Where's my money?"
>"Good, now add some more 0s to it."
>Then fight, why the fuck not. Blood for the blood god!

Ask him if we can come back against the winner in a proper match after your both healed. Otherwise
>no, get Jo, ge our cash and get out.

>>27911186
I agree, we're already beaten up from this fight and the one in the morning so no point going any further.

Rolled 60

>>27911101
"Bloodied? Toss off mate, it's a scratch. Lets do this."

>>27911186
Seconding

>>27911237
no point in stopping either. you don't impress shit if you just pussy out

>>27911238
>>27911237
>>27911186
>>27911174
>>27911173
>>27911142

'I'm not interested in your bloody recruitment. And my condition is... wait.' You spit a wad of blood... no, there's more. Fuck, some more. No, now it's snot.

Okay, done. Where were we?

'Your conditions, yes?'

Oh yeah. 'My conditions are the same. Jo, money, out. Especially Jo. But the money too.'

'Oh come on. That is a little disappointing. Will you not even occasionally work with us? And as for your condition, how about if I show you this...'

For a few seconds there's nothing, then suddenly a white rectangle on the screen behind you. Then colours begin resolving, until it darkens slowly. It's... it's a sort of dining room.

And there's a table there, and Jo is with another woman, laughing while a chunk of steak is skewered on her fork. 'She said-' Jo looks up at the camera. 'Wait. What?'

'Jo? Oi, Jo!' You stand straight, strangely anxious.

'Uh... wait, what the hell are you doing- what happened to your face?!' Jo frowns, then puts the steak in her mouth. Trust her to not forget eating. 'I lost my handphone, man!'

'Where were you? I thought you'd been kidnapped!'

'I'm here! Ramsbottom Steakhouse! Oh and this is Claire, by the way.' Huh. Hello Claire.

'See? She's safe. Will you still only seek to get out? You don't have to fight, but if you don't mind being associated with us, however loosely, I can still introduce your teammate to you.'

> Gah. What do/say?

>>27911317
"Heh, Ramsbottom."

>>27911317
no no let's fight. the only way to know someone is to fight them

>>27911317
We can take this pansy.

>>27911317
"This isn't like some sort of cult right? I'm not joining the real life Assassin's Creed or some bullshit like that?

>>27911317
"cool lets fight"

We should learn more about this assosiation first. They have enough money to make 4 men fight in a ring In a part of a mall that isn't well known of and they seem to have muscle and equipment. Some sort of a gang or something?

>>27911317
"Do you know these assholes Jo?"

>>27911368
>>27911367
>>27911365
>>27911350
>>27911343

'Ramsbottom?' You grin, even though that hurts a bit as well. 'Heh. Well, good to know you're safe.'

'And good to know you're battered like a cod fillet,' Jo says. 'What the fuck's been going-'

The screen blanks out. You turn back to the gaggle of people, whom you know are watching you. This isn't the Illuminati or the Knights of the Brown Rose or something, right? Those things don't fucking exist. This is just rich people playing some game for their entertainment.

... Well, so long as they're entertained and this is indeed why they're here...

'Heh. Well, the only way to know someone is to fight them.' You straighten up, and a brief murmur of appreciation courses through the audience. 'So let's go.'

'Excellent. Bring her in!'

Someone jogs up the steps behind you, and just then a moment of dizziness prevents you from turning around too quickly to face her. Rubbing your temple, feeling the little vessel throb, you turn slowly to see a tall, lithe woman with a nose that would be considered a bit too large most places but fits on her just nice. And blonde hair. And long, beautiful legs that-

'Oh for *fuck's* sake,' you mutter, looking Agnieszka over.

'I should be saying that. You really don't fight easy.' Well, at least unlike Iwona she isn't just bringing on the Polish accent.

> What do/say?

>>27911500
What do? Beat the hell outta her, obviously.

We vigilante now, mostly on accident.

>"I'm not joining anything, I just like fighting. I want my cash in used small bills."

>>27911500
the massage you gave me earlier worked but im going to need another one after all this.

>>27911522
THIS

"after this your buying me dinner"
>let's fight.

>>27911547
>>27911537
>>27911522
>>27911520

'So... you're with them?'

'A bit, yeah.'

'And you're fighting me now?'

'Just to see your style. But I've seen your style. You want to not fight?'

That is a question worth considering, to be honest. You're tired... not to mention hit left right and centre... but then, hey, why not? 'Well,' you say, 'I haven't seen *your* style. Will you give me a massage again?'

'From how you look now, at least five hundred dollars.' Then Agnieszka strikes a pose that is... huh? Bending a little, feet shifting, her long limbs move into a starting stance you do recognise from what little training you've had in the past, in drunken fist and so on.

This is the Trackless Fist - deceptive, quick, and seriously not Polish. This is just fucking unfair. You rush forward and attempt to fight her on her terms, darting and swinging and occasionally kicking, but she is *good* at this stance - one moment her arm is attacking, forcing you to withdraw, before withdrawing itself; another moment a little twist turns her outer arm into a barrier against your strikes.

'Drunken Arhat,' she says. 'You punch quite hard...'

> Call off the fight, if payment still comes. You've seen enough.
> Continue! Roll d100! (Severe penalty due to your fatigue and her ability.)

Rolled 51

>>27911631
keep swinging until we can't!

Rolled 61

>>27911631
why come this far just to give up

Rolled 68

>>27911631

> Continue! Roll d100! (Severe penalty due to your fatigue and her ability.)

Rolled 43

>>27911631
We're a man on a mission from God.
.
.
.
Psyche, we're in this for the holla dollas, let's pull back and play this smart.
We're hurt and she's good.
Play it defensive and wear her down.

Rolled 31

>>27911631

We do not yield!

>>27911667
>>27911662
>>27911656
>>27911645
>>27911644

> Aww. Well, it was a good show.
> 68 - 30.

Honestly, it could be a lot worse. You know that with your ability, and were you fresh, you would have been able to match her in terms of speed. But now it simply is quite impossible.

Given all that, it's quite a wonder you manage to last nearly twenty strokes. You launch one last flurry, knowing you have to either catch her out or get worn down, but she dodges or parries them without difficulty, twisting this way and that, and when you try one last straight punch after peeling away her block, your fist brushes gently against her left breast...

And then her foot is stuck on the pit of your stomach.

From there on out, it's all downhill. She lands two kicks that stagger you, pulls away your blocks, and when you attempt to close in she merely forestalls you with a shoulder thrust that sends you just the right distance for her to leap lightly in the air and tap you in the chest with her sneaker.

You stumble back, unable to muster much energy anymore, and then step into nothing. FUCK-

'Woah!' Agnieszka reaches to grab your hand, then pulls you back on the stage. The audience applaud as you slump into a seated position.

'Excellent! Excellent, Agnieszka!'

She bows, squats beside you. 'Told you not to get into a fight earlier.'

> Say anything to her before the encounter ends?
> This was... random.