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>>30727103

HOLLOW SUN: 18.7%

http://pastebin.com/BCn0xVsn

RESEARCH:

[X] ESSENCE ASSIMILATOR
[X] AUDITO ARRAY
[X] VOID ANCHOR

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

UPDATES:

- Updated Equipment FAQ with EMULATOR MODULE.
- Adjustment of the rules for EXEC_POWER TRANSFER.

>>30727143
>HOLLOW SUN: 18.7%
I vote for teleport homer to make the GARM independant of preparation.
Who is with me?

>>30727226
Not me. I want to turn the Hellions into Protoss. Get shield research going.

>>30727143

(Gentlemen, my sincerest apologies for the late start. There was a substantial fire at the upper block of my apartment, and two people apparently died. I'm still working on the IF scene with Yui - Rest assured that I'll post it on my Twitter soon.)

The Salvation Children's Home. A fragment of the old city, frozen in time - Left untouched, somehow, by the dual calamities of six years ago and the long, long mourning that followed. When the city was rebuilt from the inside-out - The aching, stark columns of new buildings, somehow still raw, overlapping and overwhelming the shattered stumps that remained.

Here, it's different. The train station where you alight is the last link to the ugly, squat modernity of fast-assembled apartment blocks; Graffiti, jagged and angry, scars the stucco-and-cinderblock facades of the sharply angular buildings. The colourful murals (Stock photos enlarged into indistinct fuzziness) have been defaced with obscenities, just barely visible through the daubings and smears carved into the broken walls.

There are new symbols amid the chipped plasterwork, among the nonsense words and strange designs.

Those words again:

THE BELL TOLLS, THE WORLD UNFOLDS.

Stranger signs, too - A twisting rune, a face without a mouth, a single black swipe that could be a sword or spear.

And - Here and there, in crimson, in arterial red, scrawled in bold but sloppy arcs - your mark.

Again and again.

(Continued)

>>30727343
I was going to make a joke about the fire, but I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Stay safe yourself.

>>30727343
I hope nobody you knew was hurt

>>30727343
Oh shit, somebody using our emblem?

>>30727403
Players recognizing Red Joker making a move, and warning others with the eyes to see or heralding the changes to come.

You know how the Smilers have a corrupted version of our emblem? Wonder if that's White Joker's version. Don't think it had teeth like the black one.

>>30727451
Maybe the word got out about the raid.

About how Red Joker bought fire and death to dozens of people. That would certainly garner some attention. Maybe the people who hate the Smilers are holding RJ up as some kind of messiah?

Rolled 14

>>30727343

Shit jokerop, its good that you're safe.

Is the building compromised? Will you need to shift out?

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>>30727375

(Fortunately, I wasn't in the building at the time. I did have to wait outside for around an hour.)

It's not a subtle thing. They're the newest of all - In some places, the paint is still glistening, drawn downwards by it's own essential gravity, branching off like a network of veins. A harlequin smile, taunting, confident, enigmatic, mocking; Or just an abstract curve, like a Cheshire cat's grin - A little too wide to be entirely comfortable.

It's a brief walk to the tram, and - from there - a briefer bus ride: The roads are oddly empty here, the buildings on both sides of the streets long-shuttered and foreclosed. But there's something in the air...

-It feels like the calm before the storm, the breathless hush between inhalation and explosive breath.

As the bus rumbles down the road - A road that becomes bumpier, as you cross the sharp divide between the old city and the new - you glimpse a pair of figures (Anonymous, in hooded coats and gloves) slowly and deliberately spraying your mark over the inverted smirk of a Smiler symbol. They vanish into the alley, and are gone before you can do more than glance in their direction.

At last - In no time at all - you're there. The worn, but stately, brownstone building is visible from far away, as it towers above the fenced-off compound; Faded, but in good condition - Like an old man who's led a long, rich life.

This is the second time you're visiting. As you approach the main gate, the low growl of an engine heralds the departure of the black limousine, pulling outwards into the road beyond.

(Continued)

>>30727484
Could be the raid members themselves, but Red Joker's always been a legend. Recent events have hammered home rule number 1: Don't fuck with Red Joker.

>>30727487

Ah hell i need to sleep.

JQOP your timing!

>>30727487

Father Yasuda watches it go.

He looks like he's aged, since the last time you've seen him - That deeply lined face even more careworn than before, with more grey than black in his hair. He has an arm raised, in benediction or in farewell; Letting it fall to his side, as you approach.

He spares a glance to the side - Watching, for an instant, the small gaggle of children playing football on the nearby field, their high, piping shouts and colourful shirts reminding you of a flock of exotic birds. Then, drawing himself up to his full height, he turns to meet you; His pace laboured, yet clearly hurried - There's concern on his worn features, a concern that eclipses all else.

"Welcome, young man." Yasuda smiles, but it's clear that his heart isn't in it; There's a restrained grief in his voice, grief and worry.

"-Have you heard from Megumi?"

[ ] "What?"
[ ] "Did something happen to her?"
[ ] "-I don't know where she is."
[ ] "No, I haven't heard from her."
[ ] "She's gone missing, hasn't she?"
[ ] "I'm looking for a girl named Mio - Is she here?"
[ ] "Is Naoya here?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30727486

(There was surprisingly little damage to the building. It was actually just one apartment. It looks visibly blackened from outside, however.)

>>30727646
>[X] "She's gone missing, hasn't she?"
>[X] "-I don't know where she is. I'm sorry."

>[X] "I'm looking for a girl named Mio - Is she here?"

I'm still bitter about Megumi thinking it was okay to kill the Tri-Stars.

>>30727646
"I was going to ask you the same thing."
>[X] "She's gone missing, hasn't she?"
>[X] "I'm looking for a girl named Mio - Is she here?"
>[X] "Is Naoya here?"

Also, fuck. I had ideas for that meeting.

>>30727672
Who she didn't know and didn't know had any connection with us? Think about how she feels, we probably killed a bunch of people she knew.

>>30727646
>[ ] "Did something happen to her?"
>[ ] "I'm looking for a girl named Mio - Is she here?"


If he doesn't know about Mio:
>[ ] "Is Naoya here?"

>>30727696
Just because she might have been justified doesn't mean I can't be bitter about it.

Shit, man, I love those guys.

>>30727713
All is well as long as you don't use that to justify torturemurder or other retarded stuff.

>>30727723
Nah man, I'm gonna use it to justify being pissed at her.

Goddamn Smilers. I hate them but I can't justify torture. It's usually not an effective method anyway.

>>30727646
"When did you last see her? Who was she with?"

>>30727733
If it helps, if she'd known we were friends she probably would have tried to keep the Tri-Stars out entirely. Probably wouldn't have succeeded, but she'd have tried.

>>30727487
>that building
Knowing where it comes from just makes the SCH more ominous.

>>30727646
>[x] "She's gone missing, hasn't she?"
>[x] "No, I haven't heard from her."

>>30727672
>>[X] "She's gone missing, hasn't she?"
>>[X] "-I don't know where she is. I'm sorry."
>>[X] "I'm looking for a girl named Mio - Is she here?"

seconding this

>>30727226
>>30727265

Imma disagree with both of you:
More Void Anchors(for the tristars to plant), or plan essence miner.

Watashiwa had some good points about research though

we should get another Frame researching, and/or get the REgenerative ARmor - because it may have nice synergy/upgrades unlocked for our Assault Shroud.


>>30727343
>(Gentlemen, my sincerest apologies for the late start. There was a substantial fire at the upper block of my apartment, and two people apparently died. (

Holy fuck JQOP whaaat?

Are you okay?

> [X] "She's gone missing, hasn't she?"

"-Yes." Yasuda's brow furrows - He has his hands folded together, before him, but his knuckles are slowly turning white. He's more agitated that he looks; His concern is a palpable force, a troubled light in his eyes. "She's not the only one, I'm afraid. Several of the children - And Kou - have also gone missing."

His voice lowers, as if thinking aloud. "-All on the same night..."

"If there's anything you know, young man - Anything at all-"

> [X] "-I don't know where she is. I'm sorry."

His shoulders slump, as if the burden on them has redoubled.

"-I see," Yasuda says, heavily. He looks away, for a moment - Not trusting himself to speak. "But thank you, young man. God bless you, all the same."

> [X] "When did you last see her? Who was she with?"

"Almost a week ago," he says. Yasuda gestures, with one hand - Encompassing the surroundings. "There was...No warning. None whatsoever. She returned later than the usual time - But not unduly so."

He looks away, self-reproach flitting across his features.

"I...thought nothing of it."

"The next morning, however - She was gone. With Kou, and several of the older children." There's confusion in his voice, now; "-We've had runaways before, but...*Never* like this. Never so many, and all at once."

"I've made inquiries, but..."

Yasuda's voice trails off, before it can become too bitter.

(Continued)

>>30727846
>More Void Anchors(for the tristars to plant), or plan essence miner.
The teleport homer means that we can call in our tank at any time.
AT ANY TIME.
Do you know what that means?
No more "I wish we would have taken the tank with us".
How the fuck is that not the most important ability right now?

>>30727759
>If it helps, if she'd known we were friends she probably would have tried to keep the Tri-Stars out entirely.
She knew Kouichi was our friend and was going to the theater with us, but didn't really feel all that compelled to stop him from storming off. Red World actions have Real World consequences. Him being there during their operation could easily have gotten him hurt, whether or not he was a player. Her main thing was that she didn't want US to get hurt.

She's kind of stuck between knowing that we're actually a good guy, and that we were kind to her and Kou despite not really having any reason to feel obligated to, while all the while the entire social structure she's wrapped up in is constantly screaming about how we're the antichrist.

It's a shitty situation, but she's at least showed signs that she KNOWS how shitty it is, which is more than we could say for a lot of the other Smilers we've run into.

>>30727793
Naaaaah, everything's gonna be fiiiine. We should probably check any outgoing laundry for Mio, though. Just in case.

>>30727846
>plan essence miner
Last thread we saw Red Comet upgrades that let us fake it, but we can't retrofit it.

There's no regenerating armor, there's the reactive plating. It's good, but not "secondary HP source" good, like the shields.

Where is the namefag anyway? Surprised that one's not on.

>>30727875
Have we ever said that? At all? If we're not attacking a Smiler base here, I don't think we care about it.

Speaking of Smiler bases, lets transfer and grab the Manifold Tower that might be here. At the very least it might ward the place.

>>30727875
agreed. If we had the tank with us from the point where we met the Silencers, I think less allies would've been killed. As for Essence -we seem to be upgraded enough to take anything on. (Although a stronger Sinistral and faster Meter would be nice)

>>30727961
Next level in limiter, then get a level up in Booster (because we have how many things that draw from it now?). Then we go for force 2.5, then guard.

>>30727961
Yeah.
If we then add the AI, we have one step to essence miner, as well as the ability to add to our firepower without needing to sit in the seat and deprive us of essence.

Once the miner is ready, we have a Zord - It runs through the red, fullfilling its business and then gets summoned when it need it.

However, I don't put priority on the miner. I consider the support function far more important.


And I definitely want some more shroud upgrades (I'd guess that extra shroud can only be gained via EXP, unfortunately).

>>30727873

> [X] "Is Naoya here?"

"Not at present. He visits every day, however - He's had no word from her, either."

A tired smile - Faint, but honest - tugs at his lips. "I must admit - I've been touched by his concern. He has, I think, a kind soul; Without his support in these...trying times..."

Father Yasuda sighs. "-I must admit; I find myself sorely tested, these days."

> [X] "I'm looking for a girl named Mio - Is she here?"

He blinks.

"Yes - Of course." With a wince of effort, he nods in the direction of the field. "-We've only known her for a few days, but...She's been unfailingly kind to the children."

Yasuda cants his head to the side - He's curious, now; Curious, and a little surprised.

"I don't mean to pry, but - How is it that you know her?"

[ ] "I'm her boyfriend."
[ ] "I'm a friend."
[ ] "I'm her brother."
[ ] "I'm a classmate."
[ ] "Is she all right?"
[ ] "How long has she been here?"
[ ] "Did Naoya bring her here?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30727875
>"I wish we would have taken the tank with us".

thats never come up before.

>>30727991
>Next level in limiter,
Didn't we decide that we would do that upgrade anymore due to the opportunity costs that kind of came into existence when we decided not to do it during the raid?

>>30728009
>[ ] "I'm a friend."
>[ ] "Is she all right?"
>[ ] "How long has she been here?"
>[ ] "Did Naoya bring her here?"

>>30728009
>[ ] "I'm a friend."

No other choice really.

>>30728009
"I'm a friend. We have been worried about her because she just disappeared."

>>30728009
>[ ] Free

"From the pavilion!"

informative and generic all at once

or

"Oh, I've been to the pavilion every now and then. She's always been fantastic"

Or, since its the father speaking

"Oh, i've been into her job a few times, I know her from there."
Then:
"Did she come in with anyone?"

>>30728009
>"-We've only known her for a few days, but...She's been unfailingly kind to the children."

"hah, yeah. Mio is pretty awesome like that. She has a heart of gold"

>>30728012
anon pls. There are several instances where that was the case. (for example the raid, and during the fight with the Corrector Cyborgs) It WILL also be a issue in upcoming fights, especially if we ever want to take the Tri-stars with us.

>>30728009
"That's... a good question, actually. We're friends. One of the reasons I'm here to find out if we're more than that."

"May I have Kotone's cross back?"

>>30728019
Not that I recall. We said that it made a lot of sense to get it, but we'd put off meter so long that we'd riot if we didn't select it immediately. It's still a good idea.

>>30728067

>"May I have Kotone's cross back?"

Whoah, hang on a moment. We can't ask THAT! They consider it a holy relic!

>>30728062

We were told that bringing it in the raid would all but guarantee its destruction. It's never come up in the raid since we know that.

>>30728062
We never said we wanted the Red Comet during the raid. As soon as the tunnel size became an issue we dropped the idea entirely. We also fought the cyborg Correctors before we had Red Comet, so I don't believe we could have wished for it then.

>>30728074
It's a fond memento, actually. And we said we wanted to return it ourselves.

>>30728009
>[x] "I'm a friend."
>[x] "Heard that she was here and got curious."
I'm expecting her to be brainwashed, so no need to spell the beans now.

>>30728088
Yes and it never came up during other opportunities because we knew that we couldn't summon it retroactively.

However, there were situations like Nara Dreamland where a bitching tank summon would have really helped us. We could have used it to save Hecate, to give an example.

>>30728067
>One of the reasons I'm here to find out if we're more than that.
I'd prefer if we didn't mention something so vague and personal.

>>30728074
>Whoah, hang on a moment. We can't ask THAT! They consider it a holy relic!

We never gave it up, IRRC

>>30728099
>We never said we wanted the Red Comet during the raid.

This. YOur'e fact-bending.

We were warned it would be catastropic explosion and loss of the red comet if things go wrong

>>30728088
Might have been preferable to the Pyrrhic victory we had. Although you have a point: we need to figure out how to repair or produce a new one if the oldone gest smashed.

>>30728117
>Nara Dreamland

You're bringing up a situation before we even came across the hollow sun.

That is not a good comparison. It's not like we could have gotten the tank by then.

>>30728127
We did. We showed it to him when we introduced ourselves and forgot to get it back when we left. Check the cross in the arsenal guide.

>>30728132
So far as I understand it, it's like a very unique Relic. We can't make one at all, though we can maintain it at the Hollow Sun.

>>30728138
Well, yeah, but if it repeats itself I really want to have a tank with us to protect squishy team members.

>>30728117
That makes me wonder, was there any way we could've taken the other armory guardian under our control?

>"-We've only known her for a few days, but...She's been unfailingly kind to the children."
Yeah, certainly sounds like her, at least.

>>30728009
>[X] "I'm a friend."
"She hadn't been answering her phone, and then with everything that's been happening lately, I might've gotten a little worried."
>[X] "How long has she been here?"
>[X] "Did Naoya bring her here?"

>>30728067
>"May I have Kotone's cross back?"
I'd really like to find some way to ask this (especially since I feel like it'd probably be helpful to have a tangible reminder of who she really is to maybe try and draw her to wrest control back from the horrible Black Joker persona if we ever run into her again), but there's not really a tactful way to do so.

Mostly just that we were given the crucifix for safe-keeping and that we'd be embarrassed if we ever had the opportunity to return it only to not have it any longer.

Keep it sentimental.

>>30728165
>We did. We showed it to him when we introduced ourselves and forgot to get it back when we left. Check the cross in the arsenal guide.

thats funny, because I'm the one who made the excuse that we should keep it as a memento, and i was sure we acted on it.

>>30728127
>This. YOur'e fact-bending.
I'll never stoop to 'fact bending.". Didn't say "we all said we wanted to use the Red Comet on the raid". I just mentioned my OWN opinion.

>>30728178
If we'd defended Holophusikon successfully we might have found it afterward. Since it's got a model number there are probably others like it, but who knows if we'd have found one elsewhere.

>>30728191
We forgot to ask for it back.

>>30728237
>We forgot to ask for it back.

Then - we should ask for it like that. "oops, i forgot it last time. type deal"

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>>30728026

> "I'm a friend. We have been worried about her because she just disappeared."

"-I see."

He sounds faintly dubious, but seems content to accept that.

> [X] "How long has she been here?"

"Around four days, I believe." Yasuda seems to consider this, then nods to confirm it. "Yes, four days exactly."

> "Did she come in with anyone?"

"-Naoya brought her in." he says this as a matter of fact, as if it's nothing unusual. "As yet, I know very little of her; Only that she was troubled, and needed a place to stay."

> [X] "Is she all right?"
> [X] "Heard that she was here and got curious."
> "hah, yeah. Mio is pretty awesome like that. She has a heart of gold"

Yasuda's smile is fond, paternal; "Indeed she is," he answers - "The children have taken well to her, I find - Most were distressed by Megumi's disappearance, though most are too young to truly understand it."

He shades his eyes, against the sun - "She should be in the main building, at present; I must admit - Her aid, especially with preparing the children's meals, has been invaluable." That slight smile, again. "I find I'm not as spry as I used to be."

"You may enter, if you wish to speak to her; She might welcome a familiar face."

Father Yasuda's voice is tempered with a modest caution; He's concerned for Mio, too, and you get the sense that he's implacable when roused.

(Continued)

>>30728351

> "May I have Kotone's cross back?"

Yasuda is turning - To lead the way - when he stops in his tracks; His hand touches his throat, lightly, as if in memory.

"Strange," he murmurs. "-I must confess; It has often been on my mind, these days. I had thought," Yasuda goes on, carefully, "...that the cross should be returned to her resting place. It seemed only right, at the time; After all, this was her father's church."

"And yet-"

"And yet, neither of them are with us. Or, I fear, at peace." You hear the doubt shading into his voice - His conviction's been shaken by something, and it shows. "The past few days have been...terrible ones. I cannot help but think..."

He shakes his head, to pull himself from his reverie. Yasuda forces a smile - "-It seems I have become a superstious old man, looking for signs and portents. Be that as it may..."

A chain rustles, as his hand moves. When Father Yasuda turns to face you, Kotone's battered cross is laid on his palm.

"If your need is greater, young man-"

"-If it eases your mind-"

"...I believe that Kotone would want you to have it."

[ ] "-I appreciate it."
[ ] "I think it should stay here."
[ ] "Thank you. It means more than you know."
[ ] "May I speak with Mio?"
[ ] "I should leave. Thank you for everything."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30728471
>[x] "Thank you. It means more than you know."
>[x] "May I speak with Mio?"

Does the cross have any special powers ?

>>30728471
>[ ] "-I appreciate it."
>[ ] "Thank you. It means more than you know."

Unsure if we should see Mio.

I get the feeling she doesnt want to see Joker.

>>30728471
>[x] "Thank you. It means more than you know."
>[x] "May I see Mio?"
I get a feeling that it's best if she doesn't know we're here. Just take look to make sure she's safe and that should be enough.

>>30728471
>[ ] "-I appreciate it."

>>30728471
[X] "Thank you. It means more than you know."
[X] "May I speak with Mio?"

"Father, I know it won't be much, but I'll do what I can for those who left."

>>30728506
Nope.

>>30728576
Shame. Would be nice if the Joker could wear the cross in the Red world.

>>30728471
>[X] "Thank you. It means more than you know."

>[X] "May I speak with Mio?"
"Not to intrude or anything, but could you at least let her know I'm here? If she still wants her privacy, I suppose there's no sense in pushing, but I'd at least like to give her the choice."

>>30728576
>>>30728506
>Nope.

Actually, we were able to access kotone's mind/church red world sanctary when near death while we were wearing it.

It might.

>>30728654
We did that several times after we handed it over. Most recently from our own bed when Black Joker came knocking.

Heck, the first time we went there is when we got the cross.

>>30728506

> Does the cross have any special powers?

(Not that you know of.)

> [X] "-I appreciate it."

He nods, weary but somehow regal. The cross is faintly warm to the touch in your hand.

> [x] "Thank you. It means more than you know."

"I'm afraid it may," Yasuda says - You're not sure if he meant for you to hear him. "-I'm afraid it may."

> "Father, I know it won't be much, but I'll do what I can for those who left."

"I...would appreciate that." His voice thickens, for a moment. "If you see any of them-" Father Yasuda begins - He's silent for a moment, shaping his words with care;
"-Tell them to come home."

> [x] "May I speak with Mio?"

"By all means."

> "Not to intrude or anything, but could you at least let her know I'm here? If she still wants her privacy, I suppose there's no sense in pushing, but I'd at least like to give her the choice."

"It's no trouble at all, young man. Please - Follow me."

He smiles, faintly; "After all - You've come all this way."

(Continued)

>>30728713

The inside of the orphanage - the children's home - is as battle-scarred. It's clean, but old and discreetly shabby; You can see where varnish and paint has been used to cover marks on the floorboards and the legs of the furniture. The drapery has been gathered so as to hide patches of scabbed paint on the walls, vases painted over - or replaced, with equivalents that were just barely beginning to gather dust -to disguise chips.

More, it's too large. It's a place, you can tell, that was meant to hold more people - It's at less than half capacity, now, a mute testament to cataclysm.

The result is oddly oppressive. Even Father Yasuda - Walking with a familiar stride - doesn't seem immune to it; He falls silent, pausing - Just once - to regard a wall lined with faded drawings.

As you walk on, you can smell rice cooking - Hear a kettle, whistling close by, before the wail dies down to nothing. There's the faint humidity that comes with all kitchens, a melange of scents hanging in the air-

And Mio.

Her back's to you, her hands sheathed in oversized gloves; Her honey-blonde hair cascading down the sleek curve of her back, pulled back in a loose ponytail - The faint amethyst gleam of her barette catching the light. She's in a simple white shirt, one that leaves her arms bare - Humming to herself, as she contemplates the tray in the oven, a palpable heat radiating forth.

"Mio," Father Yasuda's voice is low, so as not to startle her - "You have a visitor."

(Continued)

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>>30728896

"Mmmh?" Mio half-turns - Sliding off her padded gloves, slim fingers brushing stray strands of hair back from her cheeks - "Ah, Yasuda-s...?"

"-"

When her gaze settles on you, she gasps - Her hand flying to her mouth, the sound low, muffled - Surprise, then embarrassement, then joy, chasing each other across her face. Joy wins out; "Anon-kun~!" Mio says - The sound parting her lips like a melody, her face lighting up - her long, long legs crossing the distance in a heartbeat.

"Anon-kun..." For a moment, you're sure she's about to hug you - But she glances at Father Yasuda, and colours slightly. Instead, she clasps her hands together, before her; But she can't hide the colour, the animation, that floods her face - Or the sweet smile that curves her lips.

Yasuda nods, as he withdraws - You hear his discreet footfalls, as he excuses him around the corner. Mio's hands come to rest on your arms, as she leans towards you - A little hesitantly, as if unsure whether you're real. She tilts her head back, a slow sigh of delight thrumming from her silky throat.

"Anon-kun...It really *is* you." Her brow furrows, slightly, in pleasant confusion - "But...Why are you here?"

[ ] "I was looking for you."
[ ] "I was worried about you."
[ ] "You've been gone for four days. Are you all right?"
[ ] "I was looking for a friend of mine."
[ ] "-I could ask the same thing, actually."
[ ] "You look great."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30729013

Awwwww. Never change, Mio.

>>30729013
>[ ] "You've been gone for four days. Are you all right?"

>>30729013
>[ ] "You've been gone for four days. Are you all right?"

>>30729013
And there she is. I think we're clear with Father Yasuda.

>[X] "I was worried about you."
>[X] "-I could ask the same thing, actually."
>[X] "You look great."

No burn marks on the arms?

>>30729072

> I think we're clear with Father Yasuda.

I'm surprised that he seems to be a genuinely nice guy. I thought he would secretly be an evil bastard, but he seems oblivious.

>>30729091
Honestly, I'd be kinda disappointed if Father Yasuda was secretly an evil bastard. Mostly due to his priest status.

>>30729013

Give her a hug, now we're in private. She's supposed to be our girlfriend, for crying out loud.

>>30729135
Let's not. We should get on with the plot already.

>>30729135
>She's supposed to be our girlfriend, for crying out loud.
Are you sure, anon?

"Oh, hey, I was worried that you might be fucking that dude behind my back while I'm fucking my moon princess behind your back."

>>30729155

That doubt has all been one-sided. Mio is clearly and touchingly in love with us. She lights up like a lightbulb every time we're around. Can we at least show her some affection?

>>30729013
>[X] "I was worried about you."
"I hadn't heard anything in a few days, and Rena still thought you had been staying with me. And with everything that's been going on lately, I was starting to worry that something had happened."

"It's funny; turning out to have been helping cook meals for orphaned children the entire time doesn't surprise me in the slightest. It just seems so, so much like something you would do."

>[X] "You've been gone for four days. Are you all right?"
"...You know you can still tell me anything, right?"

>>30729107
He might be a Kotomine. He's been on the level though.

Dunno if he's a Player or not, I'm still convinced that everyone Joker meets is directly connected to the Red World, but he hasn't given any signs.

>>30729135
Sure, do it.

>>30729171

That sounds about right.

>>30729171
We can do it with words for now.
I'm just tired of romantic subplots and want to get on with things.

>>30729013
>[ ] Free

Tell her we were worried about her - after she left in a hurry from our place, we felt bad and understand she must be feeling shitty.

and then we heard she was missing, and there was that thing with the red pillar of light in the sky and freaky shit happening(not sure if that was before or after)

Now that the father's gone - give her the hug she almost gave us. Lean in a bit to mirror her leaning-forward-hesitance.

Tell her we wanted to make sure she was alright.


Then segue into what happened/allright/why here, etc

>>30729171
>That doubt has all been one-sided. Mio is clearly and touchingly in love with us. She lights up like a lightbulb every time we're around. Can we at least show her some affection?

If not romantic affection, then give her a hug, dammit!

she nearly threw herselves at us before she saw *the big scary old priest!*. and last we left off, we hugged and nearly kissed. actually did, but not the way you think.

So... follow up a bit. do what feels natural and goes off of previously established things.

Give the lady some reciprocation!

>>30729204
>>30729181
>>30729135
>>30729215
>>30729250

> Give her a hug, now we're in private. She's supposed to be our girlfriend, for crying out loud.

"I - Oh!"

Mio's words dissolve in a gasp, her eyes widening - As you put one hand behind her neck, around her waist, and draw her to you. There's surprise in her eyes, but then - As the moment stretches into full seconds - her slender arms circle you, and hold you tight.

You feel the tension drain from her, as she relaxes into your embrace; A soft sigh teased from the very core of her being, her yielding form moving against yours. There's the faintest scent of cinnamon, as her hair tickles you - Her head against your shoulder, so close you can almost hear her heart beating.

"-I missed you," she murmurs, low and sweet - "I'm so glad you're *here*..."

Mio doesn't let go, content to stay exactly where she is; Her soft breath against your neck, cuddling in close.

> [X] "You've been gone for four days. Are you all right?"

"Mmmmn~!" Mio cants her head upwards, at your words - Looking a little concerned, now. "Did I...make you worry?" Her voice is faintly troubled. "I wasn't meaning to. I just..."

She looks down, at the floor. "-I just...Didn't want to think about anything."

> [X] "-I could ask the same thing, actually."

"Ah-" Mio has the good grace to look contrite - Her smile sweet, but a little embarassed, her fingers stroking your shoulders slightly.

"It's...really silly." Her voice lowers, to a whisper - "After...*that*, I didn't want to go back to school - A, and I didn't want to go back to the dorm either, so..."

Her gaze meets yours. "Naoya-kun said...I could stay here. Just for a while."

A pause - She bites her lip, her cheeks colouring. "A, actually...I wanted - I wanted to stay with you. But I was afraid - If I showed you my w, weak side..."

(Continued)

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>>30729353

Mio's next words are an inaudible mumble. She buries her head against your chest - But you can feel her cheeks burning.

Then - Softer, more tentative.

"...Anon-kun - You're not mad, are you?"

>>30729178

> "It's funny; turning out to have been helping cook meals for orphaned children the entire time doesn't surprise me in the slightest. It just seems so, so much like something you would do."

"-Is it?" Mio's blushing, but she sounds absurdly pleased - "W, when you say it like *that*...It's a little embarrassing." The flush had spread to her ears, now - But then there's the faintest gleam of mischief in her eyes.

> Rena still thought you had been staying with me.

"Well...You *said* I could tell her anything..." she muses aloud, as she draws back at last - Just a little.

> No burn marks on the arms?

Her creamy skin is smooth, unmarred. Mio notices you looking, and her smile slips, just a little: "Everyone's been really nice to me," she says, softly. "They - didn't ask me anything. Father Yasuda, too...He's really nice."

"It's like...I can really take it easy, here..."

> "...You know you can still tell me anything, right?"

She nods. A troubled expression - A faint furrowing of her brow - flickers across her face; Mio's working up to something.

"Ummmm - Anon-kun, it's really silly. I was just wondering..."

Casually, as if it doesn't mean anything to her at all - Though she's sneaking sidelong glances at you -

"...How well do you know Megumi-chan?"

[ ] "Who?"
[ ] "We're friends."
[ ] "She's an acquittance, at best."
[ ] "She helped me find a gift for you."
[ ] "Not very well."
[ ] "She, uh, stole my wallet."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30729353
Aww. That's sweet. Probably for the best that she didn't stay with us, after one night together without Red World shenanigans she'd likely have trouble walking.

>>30729452
>"It's like...I can really take it easy, here..."
Yukkuri shitte itte ne!
>>30729455
You lost me.

>>30729452

"Not very well, why?"
Then, if she's about to say something bad about her "She stole my wallet."

She knows naoya and likely megumi, and may be mad if we don't like them too.

>>30729452
>[ ] "She's an acquittance, at best."
[ ] "She, uh, stole my wallet."
[ ] "and my music player

Side question for the audience: When are we going to break the 'you have powers talk?

Also, i c

>>30729452
>[ ] "She, uh, stole my wallet."

>>30729490
>Also, i c

fuck autopost

i maybe came up with a way to find her inner player - if we see the dragon again, show it the crest symbol since its for its master - and use it to sniff out the owner. It would know/recognize it, and dragons have notoriously good noses.

...this may require stealing the leash/chain and taming the dragon first tho.

Not saying do it, just that its a potential lead

>>30729452
>[x]"The relationship is somewhere between good acquittance and friendship, I guess. We've met a handful of times, and she's helped me out on a few occasions, so there's not much i can really say"

>>30729452
"Naoya's girlfriend? Less well than I thought. She helped me find Fox-chan for you, but when I saw her last she stole my wallet."

"I heard she's gone missing, too. Can I ask why?"

>>30729475
He means they'd fuck, and not just once, but so frequently and passionately that the morning after they'd either be too sore or too tired to walk correctly.

>>30729506

That has the greatest potential for misunderstandings. Just tell her the truth:

> "She stole my wallet."

>>30729452
>"...How well do you know Megumi-chan?"

"ah, you're going somewhere with this.... I had something I wanted to say too, but you first."
Then answer

The thing to bring up is:
"I had a dream about you the other day. There was a big dragon in it, with you (describe megeara some). It made me realize I missed you."

I"m gettin the feeling she's like the librarian, who experiences the red world in dreams - we're just probing for a reaction here, see how much she knows

>>30729452
>"...How well do you know Megumi-chan?"
"She's an aquaintance. We've helped each other out a few times. Recently we caught each other on the wrong footing, though. She stole my wallet, among other things, but she had good reason to do so."

>>30729524

I'd rather not say that for now. Mio is aware she has powers, but she's terrified of her powers. She's consciously repressing them for some reason, and is only comfortable enough to show them around us.

> He means they'd fuck, and not just once, but so frequently and passionately that the morning after they'd either be too sore or too tired to walk correctly.

Mio's probably big on cuddling.

>>30729510

Seconding this one.

>>30729515
I think the "wallet stealing" has a greater chance of creating misunderstandings. Also, we know that she didn't steal it out of malice, but we can't exactly explain that to Mio.

>>30729452
"I'm not mad, Mio. Naoya had a good idea, one I wish I'd come up with myself. But you scared me. People disappearing like you seemed to, with things the way they are right now... I thought I'd lost you, and I've lost enough people I care about."

Change the caring bit to "love" if you want to confess here. I'd like to, to end the romance plot.

>>30729544
She was disappointed that we hadn't done anything when she stayed over. And the one doesn't preclude the other.

> "Naoya's girlfriend? Less well than I thought. She helped me find Fox-chan for you, but when I saw her last she stole my wallet."

"Oh~!" Mio's gasp of surprise is unfeigned; She looks startled, for a moment - But you can tell that she's trying very hard not to smile. "Ah...Anon-kun, that's...*really* unfortunate~" she offers, a lilt to her voice - But then a giggle escapes her lips, before she can smother it.

>>30729543
>>30729481
>>30729490

Your answer seems to put her at ease, somehow - A soft sigh of relief teased from her throat. "Thank goodness..." Mio murmurs, under her breath; You get the feeling that you weren't meant to hear that.

She touches a hand to her chest, her expression soft, melting - "I...saw the two of you together," Mio admits. The flush returns, as she avoids your gaze. "At the mall: You looked *so* happy, a-and she was next to you like..."

Her face heats up, as she fidgets in place - It's clear that this is deeply embarrassing to her, but the words come out in a torrent.

"I was worried that - I thought that...Y-you know."

(Continued)

>>30729557
>I think the "wallet stealing" has a greater chance of creating misunderstandings. Also, we know that she didn't steal it out of malice, but we can't exactly explain that to Mio.

Truth. Which is why i think a lot of longs

>>30729593
>I'd like to, to end the romance plot.
There isn't an end, anon - there's just one story, and the people we touch along it. JQOP's savvy enough to not play into relationship tropes.

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>>30729641
I think we are slowly awakening her inner yandere. Brace for impact.

"But...If she's an inconvenient person like that-"

Her hand goes to her pocket, and returns with your wallet.

"-This is yours, right?" Mio's voice is soft; "I found it in her room. It's...really silly, but I thought..."

She lets her voice trail off. "-Now, it doesn't matter."

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30729641
>"I was worried that - I thought that...Y-you know."
Congratulations, players.

Well, at least we can tell her that there's nothing going on with Megumi.
Let's discount Cybele as imaginary person and pretend that it's only masturbation with a figment of our crazy PTSD mind.

>>30729593
>Change the caring bit to "love" if you want to confess here. I'd like to, to end the romance plot.
It won't end. Joker Quest doesn't have a route lock or anything, so confessing here will just progress things further and that is always a bad sign.

>>30729668
"Did you also find a cassette player nearby?"
Should we ask her *how* she got into Megumi's room to find the wallet in the first place?

>>30729668
>[ ] Free.

"... You are the best. Thank you. You didn't see an old tape player, by chance, did you? I've already got a new card, but that, I can't replace."

"I'm sorry you were worried. No wonder you've been hiding here."

"Are you friends with naoya and megumi? I don't think i've ever been to their place"

>>30729668
I am increasingly becoming more and more disturbed.

>>30729669

Oh shit, now I get it. That's WHY Mio was so happy on her date when we gave her the present, and why she was trying so hard to charm us: She was afraid that Megumi had already sunk her hooks in us. When we kissed her, she KNEW we weren't taken.

Wow. So that's how girls think? I must be going insane.

>>30729668
>"-This is yours, right?" Mio's voice is soft; "I found it in her room. It's...really silly, but I thought..."

Take her hand in both of ours, and thank her for looking out for us

>>30729700
>So that's how girls think?
Are you claiming to never have been insecure and in love?

The difference is that, as a guy, it's unlikely for you to get a present like that.

>>30729682
This. Where's the cassette?

>>30729696
Reminds me of the lyrics of the German Ranma 1/2 opening.
They had a line that amounted to "However you develop, I'll become more and more like you", roughly speaking.

We are transforming Mio into a yandere. I hope no corruption fetishists find our quest.

>>30729700

Mio is surprisingly devious for such an innocent-looking girl.

>>30729711
>for looking out for us
Or, rather, for looting for us.

At least now we can be comfortable that she will be okay if she sees us murdering someone.

>>30729722
She looks innocent to you due to social/biological conditioning. It has no effect on her personality.
Back in high school, all the girls were convinced that I was good at everything and got very confused when I stated that I suck at Maths.

>>30729722
She is innocent-looking not braindead.

>>30729641
Oh fuck she was there. That answers that question.

...Wait, what was she doing at that mall? Let's ask.

>>30729668
And that's a scary buzzword there.

"You know, I didn't actually think I'd get this back.

"Be gentle, Mio. I don't find Megumi inconvenient, I think she's sad. And so afraid."

And then, to take her mind off of that: "Mio, how long were you following me at the mall?"

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>>30729721
Too late, I've been here for the the past 35 threads./spoiler]

We havnt dropped enough girls yet. Too many. Joker is going to die.

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>>30729721
>I hope no corruption fetishists find our quest.
Hi, I've been here from the start, but honestly I don't push for my fetishes, I push for what makes sense in character.

>>30729808
>We are actually not able to die in the Red
>JQOP makes a tally of death flags through our interaction with girls
>If we don't behave properly, one of the girls will kill us
>We can cancel yanderes with other loyal girls

>>30729808
Joker is going to die either way, I think. Kinda expect a Persona 3-esque ending, where he sacrifices himself to seal the Red forever, becoming the lone Player in the destructive world filled only with ruins and Correctors.

>>30729853
That seems pretty out of character, honestly.

>>30729853
I do not advocate any kind of "eternal suffering" ending and WILL bomb the entire board if something like that happens.

However, I would be okay if that led to a happy end of being saved by one of the girls or something.

>>30729863
I'm basing that idea less on RJ's character and more on critical circumstances where he may not have a better choice. I expect Argent's plan to fail horrible, to be honest.

>>30729853
That's pretty much my good end right there. Maybe if he kills all the Correctors he can go home.

>>30729865
Well, Elizabeth is still searching for a way to free Minato without destroying the seal, so we if we save Hecate by then, she could play the roll and try to free us.
>>30729882
That'd be pretty hardcore.

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>>30729689
> "Did you also find a cassette player nearby?"

She shakes her head, puzzled. "No - Nothing like that." Mio falters, for a moment - "Was it important?"

> Should we ask her *how* she got into Megumi's room to find the wallet in the first place?

"Ah-"

There's a long silence, that lingers just long enough to be uncomfortable. "Well...I, ummm-" Mio lowers her voice, to a hushed whisper. "-I had to break the lock."

"-With a knife."

She ducks her head, contritely - Her fingers interlacing, before her. "I - *know* I shouldn't have gone in...But - There wasn't anything *else* inside, and I had to know..."

"Anon-kun...Don't tell Yasuda-san about this, all right?" Mio's eyes are wide, guileless and entirely innocent - Anxiety shading her voice.

> Take her hand in both of ours, and thank her for looking out for us

"...Ah, it's embarrassing..." It doesn't stop her fingers from twining with yours; Her smile sweet, as she holds your gaze for a soft moment - Before she has to look away.

> "Be gentle, Mio. I don't find Megumi inconvenient, I think she's sad. And so afraid."

"-Is that so?" There's an edge to Mio's voice - There, then gone, so quickly you may almost have imagined it. She nods, but there's a dubious note to her words; "...If that's what Anon-kun thinks..." she allows - Slim shoulders lifting in a slight shrug. "But - Someone like that..."

"...she doesn't sound like a very good person."

(Continued)

>>30729882
Given how long that would take he'd probably be better off staying in the Red World.

>>30729914

>"-With a knife."

Good lord.

>>30729914
>"...she doesn't sound like a very good person."
"Nobody is perfect. I know her reasons and while I don't agree, she isn't exactly a bad person. I might be worse."

Wonderful, we've got ourselves a yandere.
Please don't treat her like a clingy pet. That would end badly.
We must take the chance to shape her into someone who can stand on equal terms with us. No, I don't mean murderhobo style.
However, giving her some combat lessons and a tazer might be a good idea.

>>30729919
I don't think you understand the concept of eternity.

>>30729882

Bullshit. We're not thinking grand enough!

>>30729914
>"-With a knife."
"With a knife? You really need to teach me how. It seems like a useful skill.

On that note, maybe I should teach you self-defense."

>>30729940
BOXCUTTERS.

>>30729962
>Joker
>teaching someone self-defense
Do want her to cripple someone for grabbing her shoulder?

>>30729966
Too cliche.
We buy her a nice and proper weapon for civilized combatants.

A dagger. Yanderes don't use daggers. They use household implements. We remove the yandere flag from her by giving her a non-yandere weapon.

>>30729988
The benefits outweigh the costs.
It also allows her to get to knows us on a level that really connects her with us.

>>30729992
>Too cliche.
That's the point. It's classic yandere.

>>30729914
>"-With a knife."

"So that's why you've been here. Mio, no, its not like that at all. If... it makes a difference, you can stay with me until you feel better."

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>>30729966
Remember to give her that on Christmas. Or a butcher knife.

>>30729998
Exactly.
And I want to make her into a respectable person who can stand on her own two feet.
Which starts by giving her a proper weapon.

Hell, a dagger instead of a boxcutter or bat would likely help with the cognitive dissonance that some yanderes have. Because a dagger is a weapon and nothing else.

>>30730012
>Which starts by giving her a proper weapon.

Uh, anon.

Why don't we teach her to ride the dragon?

being a Player is weapon enough, in the real world

>>30729783

Her brow furrows, her gaze going momentarily distant.

"I, I know it's unkind of me. But even so-" Mio looks up. "...I can't stand people who *use* others. Some girls - They just take advantage of people's kindness. That's...the worst thing you can ever do."

"I - absolutely can't forgive liars."

She goes silent - Then blinks, once, as if catching herself.

> "Nobody is perfect. I know her reasons and while I don't agree, she isn't exactly a bad person. I might be worse."

"That's not true!" There's passion in Mio's voice - She flinches, as if she's startled herself, but forges on anyway. "Anon-kun is...You're always kind to me. You never get angry, never think that I'm...silly, or childish, or hateful-"

"Even though-" her voice catches. "...Even though, you know I'm not like - like..."

"-Like...other people. That's why - That's why I lov-"

She bites her lip, and - As abruptly as she'd begun - goes quiet.

> "Mio, how long were you following me at the mall?"

Silence. Mio doesn't meet your gaze, not immediately - Her voice is very small.

"Just...a little," she admits. "-I...saw the two of you together, so - I followed you, for a while. While you were walking around the mall with Megumi-chan...When you went to the gift shop with her...Then the restaurant..."

She stops, as if she's just realized what she's said.

"A, and...That's how it is."

Then, tentatively:

"...Do you think that's strange?"

[ ] "...So the whole time, then."
[ ] "Wow. I'm...a little surprised, actually."
[ ] "No, not at all."
[ ] "Just a little."
[ ] "-You can be scary sometimes, Mio."
[ ] "How long will you be staying here?"
[ ] "Can I see Megumi's room?"
[ ] "What's in the wallet?"
[ ] "I'm just glad you're all right - But I should be going, soon."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30729940
>Please don't treat her like a clingy pet. That would end badly.
It will end badly either way.
>We must take the chance to shape her into someone who can stand on equal terms with us.
We've just found out that she's a lot more out of control than we ever realized. Purposefully shaping her into what we want will be nigh-impossible without some scary consequences.

>>30730027

She's not out of control. This is perfectly normal girl behaviour. My sister stalked the boy she liked for weeks.

>>30730022

Okay, I actually felt a chill run up my spine. Who'd have guessed that Mio has some serious steel to her?

>>30730022
>"I - absolutely can't forgive liars."
Ok, guys, here is the important moments:
We can come clean *now*, have it blow up but be salvageable.
This will also mean that Hecate will not be our girlfriend, even if we find her.

Or we can ignore this and wait for it to blow up in our faces.

This would also require us to tell her about Cybele and the Red.

THIS IS IMPORTANT

>>30730055

The problem is, she doesn't want to know. She really doesn't want to believe it. As long as we're not seen with another girl, it's going to be okay.

I really don't want her to awaken as a player.

>>30730022
"Mio, are you afraid of losing me?"

Let's talk about her insecurities that are obviously the reason for this behaviour.

>>30730027

Meh. it'll be worse if you reject he!

>>30730022
>>30730003


>[ ] "Wow. I'm...a little surprised, actually."
>[ ] "I've met people who like my *looks*. Not a many who *act* on it, if you can believe it."
>[ ]"Its really brave of you."

>[] "Then... i suppose I have a secret to tell you too. At your school, there's a game people play - they whisper about it, pretend its a secret, but they talk about it anyway because its too interesting. Have you heard much about the Red World?"
>>30730053
megeara's grown.

>>30730055
I don't think that we need to come clean with ALL of it - but some of it? Yes. Start with the basics.

>>30730065
lets not force the issue!

>>30730063
And I really want us to stop pissing around.
We finally have to man up and decide for one girl. And right now is our LAST chance to do so in a way that doesn't end with us being killed or one of the girls killing the others.

I, for one, vote to tell her what happened and that we regret it and also that we needed to do it because we thought that it might otherwise lead to our death.
She might accept it if she rationalizes it as a method of us going for material gain in a life or death situation.

>>30730036
>She's not out of control.
That's not what I meant. I was talking about how Mio acts on her own feelings and emotions outside of our perspective and that she can always do something we would've never expected her to be capable of. This inherently makes controlling her mental and emotional growth harder.

>>30730100
But controlling her growth doesn't mean controlling her.
It means giving her avenues for growth. Like, allowing her trust in us to pay off.

>>30730100

>I was talking about how Mio acts on her own feelings and emotions outside of our perspective and that she can always do something we would've never expected her to be capable of.

No kidding.

>>30730055
>>30730096
>>30730092
Let's NOT reveal anything. It's best for both joker and her. She an uncertain factor and we have no proof that bringing her into the game will not blow up in our face horribly.

>>30730096

> I, for one, vote to tell her what happened and that we regret it and also that we needed to do it because we thought that it might otherwise lead to our death.

We've tried. It did not go well.

>>30730096

I don't think we should tell her EVERYTHING

Just cuz you see a reason to cause lots of drama and end up with your girl, doesn't mean its not the best choice.

>>30730022
>"...Do you think that's strange?"

"I think people do strange things for love. You can be scary sometimes, mio"

.[ ] "How long will you be staying here?"
then "If that's what this was about - you're welcome to stay with me until you feel better. " Slight teas: "rest easy, megumi won't get the same offer."
If she says yes, then...
[ ] "... then there's something you should know. *begin red world basics chat"
and
[ ] ... the tape player could hear the red world. Its special, kind of like your butterflies. I could help show it to you, if I could find it again.

>>30730119

Fuck you.

Its time to have the 'you have powers and its time to stop running away from them talk'.

If mio is THIS DESPERATE for us, she's only going to get worse WHEN she finds out, and she's stopping to assert and run away - and might embrace her power on her own - because of us.

>>30730129

You guys are morons. We don't want to upset her or destabilize her further. She came here specifically so she didn't have to deal with any of that shit.

> [ ] "How long will you be staying here?"
> [ ] "Can I see Megumi's room?"
> [ ] "What's in the wallet?"

are the important questions. Go with that for now.

>>30730022
>[x] "No, not at all. I'm just surprised, is all."
>[x] "How long will you be staying here?"
>[x] "I'm just glad you're all right - But I should be going, soon."

>>30730022
>[X] "...So the whole time, then."
>[X] "Wow. I'm...a little surprised, actually."
"How embarrassing. I thought I knew all the sneaking tricks."
>[X] "-You can be scary sometimes, Mio." I think I like it.
>[X] "How long will you be staying here?"

Oh, and we should check our wallet. Wonder what Megumi took from it.

>>30730055
>Cybele
Oh we're right fucked on that front, and not in the fun way. Telling her will hurt her as much as stabbing her in the heart. Not telling her has the potential to explode.

There is no good answer. Being honest will almost certainly kill this relationship, no joke. That's what happened when we tried it with Cybele.

>>30730129
>Red World anything
Hahahaha NO.

>>30730129
>Just cuz you see a reason to cause lots of drama and end up with your girl, doesn't mean its not the best choice.
I'm a Hecate fan.

>>30730147
>You guys are morons.
>>30730150
>>30730147


Look at your options. She just confessed LOVE for us, and you're redirecting and not answering.

THATS going to destablize her, THATS going to send a message.

The only sane way out of this is forward, and holding her hand, helping her be a better person - and maybe making her grow away from us.

>>30730157
>Hahahaha NO.
Yes. Its time. We've 3 days before this stuff comes to a head, and we sought mio out to make sure she wasn't dead
Guess what?
Best way to make sure she doesn't get turned into a smiler pet project?
Awaken The Dragon.

Put your money where your mouth is.

Breach the subject with drreams of dragons and blonds.

>>30730022

A question. Is our perception of Mio compromised, somehow? We see her as beautiful and as a girl being unfairly bullied by her classmates.

But the thing is, this girl is in no way normal. She has powers, and is some kind of Corrector hybrid. Maybe this is what it's like to be the partner of a hyades? You simply can't see your partner's flaws, and always get the warm fuzzies whenever she's around?

>>30730185
>I'm a Hecate fan.

So am I anon. So am I

>>30730157
>Oh we're right fucked on that front, and not in the fun way. Telling her will hurt her as much as stabbing her in the heart. Not telling her has the potential to explode.
>There is no good answer. Being honest will almost certainly kill this relationship, no joke. That's what happened when we tried it with Cybele.
In real life, you should come clean instantly if you want any chance of regaining the trust.
If you wait, you fucked up.

>>30730144
>If mio is THIS DESPERATE for us, she's only going to get worse WHEN she finds out, and she's stopping to assert and run away - and might embrace her power on her own - because of us.
This is not a shonen manga. Bringing in a character who has potential but no real ability or experience will just lead to them being killed off.
We need to be careful with this stuff and not in a nice way. Joker has to lie and hide the truth because being honest is a lot more dangerous.

>>30729992
>It also allows her to get to knows us on a level that really connects her with us.

I'm honestly not sure i want to

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>>30730188
....Goddamn it.

>>30730157
>>Red World anything

There's no harm in seeing what she knows already.

There's MILES of difference between clamming up, talking a little, and full reveal.

>>30730196

We're going to fuck it up more if we tell her. That is a 100% certainty. If we keep our mouth shut, she might be able to live a normal life after this.

I really don't like watching the girls get upset. It's heartbreaking. Asuna and Cybele was enough, and Asuna is STILL NOT TALKING TO US.

>>30730186
I wish we could just tally the votes at this point. But I fully expect samefagging.

It seems like there's at least two people (you and me) in favor of coming clean.
Is the "tell her *most* but not all of it" person a third guy?

>>30730022
>"...Do you think that's strange?"

Lauuugh. "No, no I don't. My strange meter is a little busted, though. This weeks been.... man. You were right to come see me when your...incident happened at school. You're not the only one who's been seeing those kinds of accidents lately"

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>>30730222
>I really don't like watching the girls get upset.
And that's where you are a faggot of the highest magnitude, anon.
You don't want to see the girl upset?
Well, fuck you. If you don't want to see her upset, DON'T DO THINGS THAT WOULD UPSET HER.
If you want to fullfill her wish for love, you need to let her in on the secrets.
If you don't, tell her.
But don't start with the "I don't want to see her cry" bullshit. When she cries, there's an end to the pain. When she doesn't cry, it will be subtly hurting her for a long time due to uncertainties.

Holy shit, 4chan can be full of spineless faggots.

>>30730238
>Lauuugh. "No, no I don't. My strange meter is a little busted, though. "

I like this part

>>30730022
>Free
>YOU HAVE CONTROL

She just confessed really, really deep love for us.

Do what you think is right and fitting in this circumstance, and flows naturally from hugging her back and things already established.

I know you've got words and preferences and branches panned out - my vote is for JQOP to fill in the blanks with what he wants to see.

> [X] "...So the whole time, then."

"-Ummm." Then, very softly; "Y, yes."

> [x] "No, not at all. I'm just surprised, is all."

"Haaaaa..." Mio exhales, a slow sigh of relief; Her smile returning, a little shy now. "-I...knew you'd understand."

> [X] "How long will you be staying here?"

A troubled expression flits over her face. "Just...Another day, I think," Mio offers, by way of answer. For a moment, it seems like she's about to say more, but then; "-I don't want to miss the Culture Festival, after all."

This time, when her gaze meets yours, there's something infinitely soft - infinitely tender - in her eyes, her slim fingers tracing against yours for a moment longer.

"Anon-kun...When that day comes - Please escort me, all right?"

(Continued)

>>30730277
>"Anon-kun...When that day comes - Please escort me, all right?"

Welp. Its official.

>>30730277
>"Anon-kun...When that day comes - Please escort me, all right?"
Let out a sigh. Get teary.
"I have to tell you something. I did something wrong and I don't know how I would even begin to explain the circumstances to you or if you even would want to know those circumstances or what I did."

Here, I packaged condensed controversy into a post. Let's see the reactions.

>>30730317

Lets not do that.

Say yes, enjoy date, enjoy dragon escort. Get ready for shit to hit the fan and people to die tomorrow.

>>30730277
This is somewhat odd behavior for Mio. I don't think we've seen any kind of yandere behavior before. Could we check on Megaera before we go?

>>30730317
Just stop.

>>30730317
Nope, that's stupid.

>>30730329
>Could we check on Megaera before we go?
inb4 naoya stole it

>>30730317
>Let's see the reactions.
and the reaction is "no"

What anime is Joker Quest from?

>>30730277
Hmm... "Mio, would you happen to know how to find one 'Hellebore'?"

>>30730349

It's an original setting. It uses plenty of Tony Taka art to illustrate the characters, though.

>>30730349
Urobutchi

>>30730349
K-On

>>30730317
no

>>30730349
It's original content. Minor visual and written cues to various anime franchises.

>>30730349
Accel World

>>30730349

Boku No Pico

>>30730350
Lel, just ask her if she knows any people we have it out for, while insinuating that each one is a woman who is trying to get with us. All of them will be dead inside a week.

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>>30730349
[C] - The Jewish paradies

>>30730357

Ah, I see. I thought it was based on an anime.

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>>30730393
Hecate, Joker, Kazuya, Natsumi and Mio in one image.

>>30730408
Nah, ain't seeing them.

>>30730430
The fat fuck is Joker, Kazuya is Mr. Suffering on the right and the girl on the right is Natsumi.
That's literally why we paired Natsumi and Kazuya in this quest. Because the players felt sorry about Cyan Pile.

>>30730443

Joker is pretty much the antithesis of Piggy, though. He's fairly good-looking and absolutely lethal. Kazuya is also EXTREMELY competent, and is a really nice guy.

Natsumi is the SUFFERING one.

"I...know you'll be *busy*, with the play and everything, but..." Her pale throat works, as she swallows - Clearly mustering up the courage. "-I want to go with you."

>>30730238

She pouts - Just for a moment, clearly wondering whether you're making fun of her - but then Mio shakes her head, as if dismissing it. "It's been like that for everyone," she says, hushed - Her gaze momentarily distant. "-When I think about it..."

She forces a smile, a laugh - "Ah, I'm just being silly again."

> Oh, and we should check our wallet. Wonder what Megumi took from it.
> [X] "What's in the wallet?"

You turn the wallet over in your hands. The familiar weight of it is somehow reassuring, as you open it - The sheaf of bills is right where it should be. Your cards - All there, except one.

The only thing Megumi's taken - The only thing missing - is your student ID.

The rest...It's all here.

You're about to tuck it away, when paper rustles beneath your fingers - There's a leaflet tucked into the spine, folded again and again. A leaflet, you can't help but note, for Club Naraka - A place you've been to, once before.

There's writing on it, in block letters; An address, and a number. It seems to be...The number of a warehouse? A storage container? Something to do with shipping, certainly: You remember that much.

> [x] "I'm just glad you're all right - But I should be going, soon."

"Ah-" A cloud passes across Mio's face. For a moment, she looks almost disappointed - But then she nods. "Then...I'll see you at the festival, Anon-kun. Please don't for-"

(Continued)

>>30730443
People connected Kazuya to Cyan Pile, but it later turned out that the two couldn't be any different.
Natsumi is the one who took up the suffering.

>>30730455
>He's fairly good-looking and absolutely lethal.
Canonically, Cartman is supposed to be good-looking, but with the typical teenage attitude of "I'm ugly and no one likes me".

And the Natsumi suffering is kind of our fault.

>>30730443
Their characters are way different.

>>30730468

no no no don't you dare cut this off without SOME sort of closure!

>>30730408

That seems oddly coherent.

Looks like it's from a VN.

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>>30730508
Well, you could say that this is the Red Joker's role with Red Joker's personality in his arms...

>>30730468
>"-I want to go with you."

"Would you believe you're the first pretty girl who's asked me?"
"How can I say no, mio?"

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>>30730468

The clomp of heavy boots on the kitchen floor interrupts her, as the door at the far end swings open. There's the distinct smell of char and engine oil, as the new arrival eyes you both, arching a supercilious eyebrow.

"-Everything all right, Mio?" he asks - His voice is rough, gravelly, a smoker's rasp. His red hair is smeared with grease - More of it on his hands, speckling his shirt, as he wipes his fingers on an equally dirty-looking rag.

"...Who's this?"

His voice is hoarse, but not unfriendly - There's a scar across his throat, which might explain the distinctive rasp. There's something cynical, a little knowing, in his gaze as he cocks his head to the side - An insolent gleam in his eye.

"Friend of yours?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30730521
>>30730521
I'm still not sure what this is based on.

>>30730572
I have the urge to test the Red.

>>30730572
Enter the Red World.

>>30730572

> "You could say that. Who might you be?"

>>30730572
Shake his hand.
"I'm Anon, Mio's boyfriend."

>>30730635

Seconding this.

>>30730635
No.

>>30730572
"you... have an older brother? why didnt you tell me! hi, i'm anon kun"

>>30730635
>>30730658
Both of those suggestions are fucking stupid.

>>30730619

There's no need to jump the gun, especially not when Mio's around. If he's evil, we'll find out eventually. Just greet him for now, and don't freak about it.

>>30730620

This looks like the most sane answer.

>>30730658
Full denial mode engage.
We are now becoming yandere for Mio!

>>30730665

come up with a better one then.

i like >>30730658
as its fairly neutral, and baits for more information

>>30730635
No.

>>30730635

nope

>>30730682
A better answer has already been suggested at >>30730620

>>30730684
>>30730692
We already did that once when we saw our dominance challenged. I don't see why we would change that now.

>>30730682
It also makes anon sound like an airheaded idiot.
>>30730620
Voting for this.

>>30730704
Because at that time it was done because a bunch of stupid waifufags started screaming "NTR! NTR!" and needlessly tried to antagonize a character that hasn't done anything yet.
And our dominance hasn't been challenged yet.

>>30730722
Yes, but now I want to see it for consistency and as a funny tick.

>>30730722
>Because at that time it was done because a bunch of stupid waifufags started screaming "NTR! NTR!"

wait, what the fuck? when did this happen?

>>30730735
Then go away. WE don't know yet if that guy is bad or good so it's best to be neutral and friendly, because he is doing the same thing.
>>30730737
First meeting with Naoya. Well, NTR wasn't actually mentioned, but the thought process and how the scene was written made is pretty clear what waifufags are thinking.

>>30730769
>Then go away. WE don't know yet if that guy is bad or good so it's best to be neutral and friendly, because he is doing the same thing.
In other words, you do not want Joker to have some consistent character ticks.

>>30730781
It was never established as a character tick. It was a one-time thing where people got paranoid and voted for stupid things. I could accept if the situation was the same and it was some pimp like Naoya, but this guy doesn't send off any bad signals yet and he isn't hitting on Mio either. There is literally no reason for Joker to be hostile.

>>30730620

> "You could say that. Who might you be?"

"Oh-" Mio hastens to cut in. "Anon-kun, this is Ren-k..."

She stops, when Ren - His curiosity apparently satisfied - turns away, with a shrug. "Well, whatever," he says, in that gravel-laden growl of his. "-Tell Yasuda that the generator's working, now; The belt jammed, that's all."

He tosses the rag onto the counter, making for the refrigerator - Cold vapour rolls out, as he swings the door open, reaching for something inside-

"Ah-" Mio starts, on the verge of saying something-

-Ren stops.

"I know, I know," Ren says. "-I'll wait for dinner."

He shambles past you, smelling of oil and metal - You hear him snort, under his breath, then shake his head; Muttering something, just this side of inaudible. You can't be sure if it's uncomplimentary - With his voice, everything sounds like that.

"Haa~" Mio leans against the counter, looking in the direction he's vanished to - You can hear the *clomp* of his boots as he ascends the steps.

"...He's the same as always," she murmurs, almost to herself.

[ ] "He's always like this?"
[ ] "Who's that?"
[ ] "-Wow, that's hardly friendly."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30730679
Joker is yandere for all of his close friends.

>>30730829
I *really* want to know if he's a player.

>>30730829
>[x]"That's another strange guy in my list now."
>[x]"By the way, is your cooking alright? You had something in the oven for a while now."

>>30730829
>[ ] "Who's that?"

>>30730866
Seconding this one for possible kitchen shenanigans. We can talk while she cooks or we could help out by doing any heavy lifting.

And... quick, do we know any Player with vaguely any neck-related injury? Without being a decapitation.

>>30730866
>You had something in the oven for a while now
Just like Cybele.

>>30730843

Not here. Our main advantage is our anonymity. If he turns out to be a player, and we know this place breeds Smilers, we'll be outing ourselves as well.

>>30730896
Yes, but we can kill all the Smilers in the environment while we are at it.

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>>30730890

Exec_consume.

>>30730980
Well, it's not like we can fall much lower...

> [X] "Who's that?"
> [X] "That's another strange guy in my list now."

"That's Ren - I...don't actually know too much about him," Mio admits. "He does odd jobs around the place, I think - Otherwise, he spends all his time outside." She looks troubled, for a moment - "...He doesn't say much, actually."

> [x]"By the way, is your cooking alright? You had something in the oven for a while now."

"Aaaah-" Mio's eyes widen, in realization - Hurriedly, she retrieves her gloves, as she swings the heavy oven door down; Heat, and some smoke, boils forth.

"Ah, it's burning-" The power clicks off, as Mio waves a hand in front of her face; Coughing a little, fanning the smoke away - Before a sigh of relief pulses from her lips.

The large chicken within is *definently* a little crispy now; Fortunately, it seems to have survived a bit of overcooking entirely intact, except for a few patches of char on the skin.

"Thank goodness..." It's...actually quite cute, to see Mio all flustered like that - She seems at peace here, somehow, more at ease than usual. "Anon-kun...Thanks for reminding me."

Belated realization flickers in her gaze, as she looks around the kitchen; "Ah...Anon-kun, I'm sorry, but - There's still a lot I have to do, before everything's ready. I...don't want to keep you waiting-"

"...Unless - You'll be staying for dinner?"

[ ] "Want my help?"
[ ] "-I have to go, actually."
[ ] "I'd love to."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30730992

Yes we can, and even though I joked about it, I'd rather not do that.

We have to somehow tell Mio about the red world and our relationship with Cybele as something we did so we could ensure our survival, and that we are just using her. Outside the red world of course, Cybele can see us there.

>>30731026
>[ ] "-I have to go, actually."

We still need to meet Haze and Rook. Rook if hes still alive.

>>30731026

> [X] "-I have to go, actually."

Yeah, we've spent enough time here.

>>30731052

Eh. Deal with it if or when we survive.

>>30731026
>"Ah, it's burning-"
"I love the smell of fire in the morning."

Can we even stay for dinner? We have other plans, iirc.

>>30731052
I don't think that the indecisive faction will allow Red Joker to man up.
From now on, we will be suffering through this quest and knowing that we could have avoided many of the things that are about to bite us in the ass.

Bonus points for Mio becoming a Smiler due to not knowing anything about the situation.

>>30731026
"Aaaah-" Mio's eyes widen, in realization - Hurriedly, she retrieves her gloves, as she swings the heavy oven door down; Heat, and some smoke, boils forth.

Kitchen shenanigans, accomplished.

If she was only cooking pastries or cookies, we could have get some as take-out. Too bad then.
Don't know if Haze and Rook would appreciate sweets anyway.

"Sorry, but I've got to do another thing today. But coming here just to make sure you're safe was completely worth it."

*pause*

"Please keep yourself safe. I don't want to sound as if I'm nagging, but... you know how it is nowadays..."

>>30731026
>[x] "-I have to go, actually."
Time to go and bro it up with Kazuya?

>>30731052
>did so we could ensure our survival, and that we are just using her
You do realize that she called liars that use other people's feelings for their own purposes unforgivable?

>>30731148
She's also yandere, meaning that her opinion is skewed in our favor.

>>30731155
Using that to our advantage is bound to worsen her case, you know?

>>30731086

And it's going to fuck us over so hard, it isn't funny. Truly, why would they stay so indecisive like that? There is no other good choice.

>>30731169
So do you want it to explode in our face or do you actually intend to solve the issue?
Yes, using her unstable nature will get messy. But, in contrast to her finding out later on, it can be salvaged.

Remember: This is the first time we met her since we fucked Cybele.

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>>30731053
>>30731062
>>30731123

Outside.

Afternoon has given way to evening, now - The sky has long since gone dark, the air colder, now; The choking smog of the past few days has been banished, and the first stars gleam against the velvet sky above - Your breath smoking in the air as you exhale, turning your collar up against the cold.

At night - Or close to it - this place looks oddly desolate. Only a handful of children remain, kicking the ball to each other; The lights in the distant chapel flickering through stained-glass windows, the ground crunching underfoot as you make your way down the gravel path.

It looks to be a rare night.

You should-

[ ] Visit the hospital.
[ ] Visit the address on the leaflet.
[ ] Call Kazuya.
[ ] Contact Cybele.
[ ] Head to the Cross Counter.
[ ] Go home.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30731219
First things first.

>[ ] Head to the Cross Counter.

>>30731219
Is there time to do anything before the Cross Counter?
Otherwise go there.

>>30731219

Can we visit the last Red Jokers grave? It might be the key to unlock his memories.