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/tg/ - Traditional Games


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You look up at the worried Callidus in front of you and and flash her one of your rare, sincere smiles. The sort that you've been practicing in front of a mirror, so that it would resemble something of an actual positive facial expression rather than a brief and unnatural stretching of the lips.

If you don't come back, you tell her, then she's free to remarry.

Midori blinks at you for several long moments of stunned silence, before going completely and utterly red. Her jaw working up and down, trying to give voice to words that just wouldn't come out. Behind you, Kyoko's sniggering and Wendy sighing is barely audible, but you hear them all the same.

"Re...remarry? I...s-sempai, I mean, um..." Your taller girlfriend begins to stammer here, in that curiously cute way whenever she gets too overwhelmed about something - but before she can really get into it, something seems to happen inside her that makes her stop in her tracks.

Something that makes her suddenly reach forward and grip you by your shoulders, with a strength you've never have believed existed in the soft Callidus if it wasn't about to shake your glasses of your face right now.
>>
>>35870773

"No! Sempai, please, I know what you're doing right now, too!" Your eyes go wide as she bodily shakes you, not hard enough to cause any pain or knock your glasses askew, but it does wipe the smile from your face some - making you realize that right here, right now, Midori was doing her best to be firm. To be strong. Not just at the premise that you're about to step into hell to kill a False Prophet, but to you, too.

"You're...you're trying to make me feel better, and it's not going to work! I know what you're about to go into and I'm not letting you go without that promise!"

"Oi, Midori!" Sayaka's call is a sharp bark, but one more of surprise rather than of threat. "That's the Warmaster you're talking to--"

You hold up a hand to silence your Equerry - something she does quickly enough - before placing that hand on top of one of Midori's own. Giving her fingers a squeeze, as here and now, in the austere coldness of your Incubator's office, you temporarily trade roles with Midori as the one calling for calm. The irony of that isn't lost upon you at all, nor the irony of you making another promise that you may not be able to fulfill at all.

"I promise." You tell her, as firmly as you can. "I promise I'll come back."

Midori's reply is to glare back down at you for a few more moments, as if scrutinizing your eyes, your face for any sort of tell that would give away that particular lie - before finally pressing you into a close, warm embrace that made it feel as if you'd suddenly been sandwiched between two warm clouds. She lets go after a moment, one hand reaching up to wipe at her eyes, but the smile on her lips is a relieved one.

[1/2]
>>
>>35870782

"...Thank you, sempai. I know what that means, too - that means that you're going to do your best to come back no matter what happens." She sniffs here, wiping at her eyes again, before looking towards Kyuubey as she fishes out a handkerchief from a costume pocket. "Kyuu...Kyuubey-san, is there some way I can still help Semp--I mean, the Warmaster? A more active role than simply just waiting here for her to return?"

The room is deathly silent as all of you see a side of Midori you haven't quite seen before. Even Kyuubey seems to be surprised, his crimson eyes blinking once, twice in silent astonishment. "Er...well, I would appreciate a hand in relaying information to the Kill-Team once they're in the Akashic Realm, Hanegawa. You can assist me with mission control if you wish."

Midori nods. "I"ll do that, then. When can I start?"

Silence again, an awkward one, before Kyuubey replies. "As...as I have been made aware, it will be a few hours still before Chitose Yuma can perform her duties, so this operation won't be starting until then. In the meantime, I can instruct you on the use of the new communications system we'll be using - one that will work with the turbulent tides of the Akashic Realm and not simply be drowned out by all the magical interference." A moment, before Kyuubey blinks again, still obviously wrongfooted by the entire thing. "Is this...acceptable to you, Hanegawa?"

"Yes, very much. Thank you, Kyuubey-san." The smile on Midori's face is - well, there's no other word for it - professional. One that reminded you very much of the soft half-smile that a certain blonde goddess of victory would use to get her point across, either during a corporate board meeting or a strategic huddle between squad leaders.

Professional, just like Tomoe Mami was and had always been.

[2/3]
>>
>>35870794

It's...you don't know exactly how to feel about it. It's a new side of Midori, one completely at odds to her stuttering, easily-embarrassed self, but...it's certainly not a bad one as far as you're concerned.

"Very well." Kyuubey speaks again, bringing you back into reality as he addresses you directly. "Matsuda, I would suggest that you and the chosen members of your Kill-Team take this time to prepare yourselves as well. If we are to eliminate the threat of the Prophet once and for all, then time is of the essence."

...Yeah, that's right. You have a bunch of stuff to do before the op itself. You'll have to pick up the Golden Katana from your personal vault, for one. You also have to go and see if Tiny Pete's already fixed - your terminator buddy's gotten you and the people important to you out of trouble more than enough times, and you want him with you if every it comes to a point that you needed to call upon him again.

And besides, you have something in mind on what to do with him, if he's good to go for this op.

What do you do?

[]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
[]There's something you need to ask about first.
>>
>>35870801
>[X]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
LEZ DO DIS
>>
>>35870801
>[X]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
LezDoDis!
>>
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Happy Halloween, noirfags!
>>
>>35870828
kek
>>
>>35870801
>[X]There's something you need to ask about first.
Ask how close the enemy base is to the 2nd's entrance - might be handy to know just in case the teleporters don't work for some reason getting out
>>
>>35870828
Hahaha!
>>35870801
>[X]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
>>
>>35870801
>[X]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
didn't expect Midori do this but
>Professional, just like Tomoe Mami was and had always been.
this phrase make me worry a little

oh and happy Halloween dood
>>
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>>35870801
[x]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.

Also
[MIDORI INTENSIFIES]
>>
>>35870801
>[x]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
>>
>>35870801
>[]There's something you need to ask about first.
How fucked are we if the time dilation is different
>>
>>35870801
I second this question:>>35870844
>>
NOTE: We should practise with Sayaka using the Katana atleast once before we leave!

Suggest we do it as soon as possible.
>>
>>35870801
[X]There's something you need to ask about first.
Ask how close the enemy base is to the 2nd's entrance - might be handy to know just in case the teleporters don't work for some reason getting out
>>
>>35870964
Oh, and we should test how using two GWs at once works. Can we tap into the skills and knowledge of the three stooges while using the katana.
>>
>>35870801
another vote for
>>35870844

>Midori picking up Mami's tricks.
Oh god no.
>>
>>35870975
[c]Adjourn the meeting and get ready


>>35870964
I don't know if we have time but I support this if we do.

I thought we got offscreen sparring with the golden katana tho.
>>
>>35870801
>[]There's something you need to ask about first.
The Second Officio has a portal open to the Realm; where is it, what does it look like, and can we use that as a secondary exfiltration point?
>>
>>35871014
And make sure to yell Golden GUNSWORD when you do it. It might be our last words before our sanity is ripped to shreds. Better make them cool ones.
>>
>>35870801
[X]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
Preperatioooooon!
>>
>>35871015
> Implying these tricks and mannerisms aren't hereditary to all HEALTHY magical girls
>>
>>35871029
>We try to extract.
>everyone makes it.
>Chiaki exits at the second.
>>
>>35871033
It might not be that bad since Decu has said that the corruption caused by our own GW (DEagle) is lesser compared to the others.

And in any case, I am more concerned with things like Stooges trying to protect our mind against mental attacks from Orikos Culexus. Offering skill and advice if we run into Homucifer or his dolls or Pinky. Braids helping pull stuff out of our shield. Telekinesis. And so on.
>>
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>>35870801
[X] Adjourn and GET PSYCHED
>>
>>35870801

Yeah. Extraction plan B would be good to have>>35870844
>>
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>>35870868
[INTENSIFYING INTENSIFIES]
>>
>>35871072
For having the three stooges with us, isn't it enough to just keep the desert eagle holstered?
>>
>>35870801
[X]Adjourn the meeting and get ready.
>>
>>35871095
Pretty sure that qualifies as having the GW with us. So having a holstered DEagle close to our body and carrying a katana will essentially mean we are using two GWs. The gun perhaps not to its fullest extent, but its there.

Though a test of how difficult it is to use both actively would be worth it too (for example, use deagle to shoot dummy targets and then engage in a swordfight with Sayaka). See if its difficult to keep control.

Better to learn if something like that is dangerous in controlled conditions, with say Kyoko and perhaps others watching so we can be stopped if we lose it.
>>
>>35871148
>a test of how difficult it is to use both actively would be worth it too
I'd say impossible, since both are 2-hand weapons.
>>
> Operator Midori
Does this mean we get a codec Midori too?

Also friendly reminder that Malalquest anniversary is in 13 days.
>>
>>35871161
The katana and deagle can feasibly be one-handed.

Katana especially, theres a basis of using a Katana and lighter sidearm together (nitoryu etc).

Homura, and by extension Chiaki has been fully capable of making accurate one-handed shots with weaponry far more cubersome than a deagle.

Not saying it's not entirely optimal compared to using them on their own, but it can be made to work.
>>
>>35871162
Yuma did nothing wrong
>>
>>35870964
We don't have to fight Oriko using the Golden Katana.
We just have to find a way for Kirika to tap into Oriko's subconcious, most probably via physical connection.
>>
>>35871315
>via physical connection
A stab to the chest, so they can talk heart-to-heart!
>>
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>>35871348
Godfuckingdammit
>>
>>35870805 >>35870844

YOu make to adjourn the meeting, but before you do, you couldn't help but ask just one last question. Namely, is there any hope of getting out of the Akashic Realm through another Akashic Point, in case the teleportation fucks up somehow? The Second's guarding one the biggest and most stable one, right? The...Ocularis Terrible Bus or something like that? So, on the off-chance that anyone gets left behind, can they make their way out by heading towards that particular Akashic Point?

"Ocularis Terribus, Matsuda. You can call it the Eye of Terror if Latin is proving too much for you." Your Incubator replies, before tilting his head to the side in thought. "And...well, I suppose it's not impossible, to exit the Akashic Realm from a different Point than where you entered it into. However, I must stress that attempts to map the Realm itself has proven to be an impossible undertaking. The landscape is always in flux and always shifting to its own whims, making any hope of navigation a forlorn one at best."

...So he's saying it can't work, then.

"I'm not saying it can't work, Matsuda." Kyuubey makes a noise of annoyed indulgence here, something that you haven't heard from him for quite a while now. "All I'm saying is that whoever attempts the feat itself will need quite a lot of luck to succeed. Luck to find the Eye of Terror itself, and luck to survive the many Witches infesting the Realm itself. And they are always hungry for prey."

Sounds like a fucking picnic, then. One that's starting to feel like a bad idea. But then again, if you were all about good ideas, then you wouldn't be here, would you?

Kyuubey blinks up at you. "Well, I'm not blind to your concern, Matsuda, nor am I without imagination. I'll see what I can do about a contingency, worry not."

"Aw, don't worry, Murderface!" Kyoko pipes up. "Yuma-chan's not gonna let us down, she'll get us out of there the moment we tell her to and not a moment longer! Believe it!"

[1/2]
>>
>>35871384

...Yeah. Sure. Why not.

"That's the spirit!"

You adjourn the meeting here, with Midori being asked to stay in Kyuubey's Office - most likely to get started on getting her acquainted with the communications array or whatever it is. You leave after Sayaka and Kyoko, with Wendy murmuring something as she passes you by:

"At least your new girlfriend's growing a pair of balls, Kong."

Cute. You'd made to snap something back, but Mami had ushered Wendy away, chastising her all the while.

Well. Anyway.

Where do you go first?

[]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
[]Tiny Pete's repair bay. Gotta check up on our robot buddy.
>>
If we lick a golden weapon, what happens?
>>
>>35871396
>Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up
>>
>>35871396
>[]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
Get her first, then we can go check on Tiny Pete.
>>
>>35871396
>[x]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
followed by
>[x]Tiny Pete's repair bay. Gotta check up on our robot buddy.

>>35871398
It would be extremely lewd
>>
>>35871398

We cut our tongue in twine and become Kharn reborn
>>
>>35871396
>[X]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
TIME TO PICK UP DEAD CHICKS
>>
>>35871396
[X] tiny pete
>>
>>35871396
>[X]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
Let's get Stabby first.
>>
>>35871396
thought choice but I think I will go with
>[X]Tiny Pete's repair bay. Gotta check up on our robot buddy.
them we can pick Kirika
>>
>>35871396
>>[X]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
>>
>>35871396
>[x]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
>>
>>35871396
[x]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
>>
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>>35871396
[x] Kirika
>>
>>35871396
[X]Tiny Pete's repair bay. Gotta check up on our robot buddy.

My callidus senses are tingling.
>>
>>35871396
Vault, our brobot can wait a little longer
>>
>>35871419
>It would be extremely lewd
for you~ <3
>>
>>35871396
>[x]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.

We're gonna need to hash some things out with her, that's for sure.
>>
I don't have any banners saved on my phone, but voting period's over.
>>
>>35871396
>[]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.
Make kirika kill oriko
>>
>>35871396
[X]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.

Will give the soul inside time to adjust.
>>
>>35871396

[x]Your personal vault. Kirika needs picking up.

We do have to think of ourselves first.
>>
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>>35871628
Looks like I should've posted this after all.
>>
>>35871764
Best banner right here.
>>
>>35871802
I would have to agree.
>>
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Gonna leave this here for Hat while I'm thinking about it, nya~

Happy Halloween from all of us here at that thing you poor bastards have read like 250 threads of!
>>
>>35871849
>toes peeking out
Cute!
>>
>>35871409 >>35871412 >>35871419 >>35871428

You decide to go to your personal vault first. Might as well - after all, your entire plan to save Oriko hinges on Kirika being able to talk some sense into the girl before you're forced to put her down for good.

...How Kirika'll manage that, seeing as she's currently a ghost trapped inside a fucking Golden Weapon, you're not too sure about - but if your last meeting with the former Eversor Rank Leader was any indication, it seemed like she had a plan. A plan that she didn't exactly elaborate on, but one that she looked and sounded sure about. A plan that you decided to gamble everything on, now that you think back on it.

...Well, whatever. So long as there's a chance for it to work, you'll try it, even if it seems like it's got fuck-all of a chance. At the very least, you'd have tried everything, and Kirika wouldn't be able to say you didn't.

The familiar chill of your vault turns your breath into a visible mist as the thick metal doors slam shut behind you - leaving you alone in the space where you stored the weapons made from a crazed goddess' broken soul.

You glance of them each in turn. The XI Golden Weapons - the gauntlets that contained Kotarou Yuu, shining brightly from their inset from where you'd placed them yesterday.

The XV Golden Weapons - the brutally-oversized chainaxes that contained Risa, former Warmaster of the Sixth. Still in their rack, just as you'd left them. They look normal, or as normal as giant metal axes with motorized chainteeth could be.

The VII Golden Weapon - your personal Desert Eagle, sleeping inside your shoulder holster, as always. You don't even leave it in the vault anymore. It's with you nearly all the time, and you feel strangely hollow and naked without its cold, comfortable weight against your side.

[1/2]
>>
>>35871883

Finally, the XX Golden Weapon. Muramasa. The katana containing Kirika Kure, former Eversor Rank Leader of the Ninth, and all-around bitch psychopath. Tried to kill you a handful of times, and had very nearly succeeded that one time until a sniper you installed from a neighboring skyscraper reduced her to hamburger in one shot. But not after you yourself stunned her long enough to keep still long enough for the shot to take, and that was with a combat knife shoved right into her spine.

Out of all the Golden Weapons currently in your collection, it's always been the menacing one, even more than the chainaxes. Even if it was simply on its rack, the blade concealed inside its gilded ebony sheath, the katana never failed to exhude a killing intent that dwarfed even Gorefather and Gorechild's obvious, ravenous hunger.

Christ. Even in death, Kirika is still such a bitch.

What do you do now?

[]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
[]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
[]Other.
>>
>>35871890
>[x]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
>>
>>35871890
>[x]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
Yuu should be for lewds
>>
>>35871890
[X]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.

I see nothing wrong with a quick check. But lets not waste too much time.
>>
>>35871890
>[X]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
>>
>>35871890
>[]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
Maybe they'll know something about the Akashic Realm that'll help?
>>
>>35871890
>[x]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
>Other: Try to establish communication with both of them at the same time
>>
>>35871890
>[]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
We made a promise to her for a duel with Sayakakakakaka
>>
>>35871890
[X]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.

Yuma is still recovering so we have a little bit of time.
>>
>>35871890
>[X]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
>>
>>35871890
>[X]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
>>
>>35871553
Goddammit /tv/!
>>
>>35871890
>[x]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
as much as I like them, I think we have other things to worry about
>>
>>35871890
>[]Check up on Risa and Yuu before you go.
We have a couple minutes.
And as much as I'd like to bring them as contingencies, we can't have too much Corruption with us until our resistance gets higher.
>>
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>>35871890
[x] Get Kirika and go
>>
>>35871890
[x]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
>>
[X] Check on Yuu and Risa
[X] Pick up Kirika and go
>>
>>35871890
[x] Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.

GET ON WITH IT
>>
>>35871890
[X]check on risa and yuu
Time for imouto and fluffy tails
>>
>>35872009
>The breasts talk!
>As expected of breasts!

This is great!
>>
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>>35871890
>>
>>35871890
Get the bitchsword and keep going
>>
>>35871968
Who is the father? Unless Kyouko got her fire pregnant again.
>>
Threadly reminder that the updated eBook can be found at http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb
link to the Fanart gallery: http://wiki.magicalgirlnoir.com/index.php/Fanart
link to the journal pastebin: http://pastebin.com/SZkxPycM
>>
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>>35872105
What,
>>
>>35871890
>[]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
[]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
>>
>>35872348
Well you see, when two magical girls love each other very much, they set each other on fire, and nine months later a baby comes out of one or both of them.
>>
>>35872350
[x]Pick Kirika up and leave. No time to waste here.
>>
>>35871902 >>35871913 >>35871915

You narrow your eyes at Muramasa, before carefully reaching up and taking it off its rack. Carefully holding the weapon by the lovingly-carved ebony sheath it slept in. ...Surprisingly, instead of the flood of bloodthirsty anger that you were expecting to wash over you the moment you touched the blade, all you felt was calm. A resigned, accepting calm, as if Kirika herself was exerting effort to be on her best behavior. To appear harmless and actually viable for use, even to your own sharply-suspicious self.

...Well, she does have a reason for doing so, at least, so it's not THAT suspicious. But at the same time, you can't help but feel that even if the Eversor has something to gain by cooperating, she'll be looking for a chance to get back at you still. Some habits died hard, and for Kirika, holding grudges wasn't just a habit, it was a fucking hobby.

You rest the sheathed katana over your shoulder and make to leave your vault, but something stops you. Namely, the two Golden Weapons you're about to leave behind. You haven't been able to talk to the spirits inside them lately, so this would be a nice opportunity to just check up on them before you go. So you take the time to.

Yuu was her usual cheerful self, the Golden Bracelets immediately warming up as you brushed your fingers over their polished surfaces. Her voice blossoming breathlessly in your mind, she quickly told you that she'd been practicing all this time, trying to get better as well as remember a few of her especially-nasty punching techniques - and how she couldn't wait to show you at the earliest possible time.

You detected a hint of jealousy as she asked about the Golden Weapon you were carrying - namely, Muramasa - but it seemed that the young girl understood perfectly why you were bringing Kirika along instead of her, sounding completely sanguine about the entire thing when you tried to explain.

[1/2]
>>
>>35872566

"It's fine, Chiaki-san. We are weapons made to be used, after all. I'm already happy with this much, and I can't ask for anything more." She grins brightly up at you. "But, please don't hesitate to call on me if you ever need to pulverize your enemies to dust!"

Risa seemed less accepting of that, however. She woke up amicably enough, greeting you with a sleepy, slurred salutation - one that turned into a nigh-unintelligible curse when you told her where you were going, and which Weapon you're taking with you.'

"Alright, alright, fine, I get if ya wanna bring yer pistol along. It's you, yeah? Bang bang, pew pew, makes ya think of yer dad's dick, I get all that." Her manifestation's permanent skull-grin is completely at odds with the expression of complete and utter confusion contorting her features. "But bringin' that slag with ya? That's just askin' for trouble, mate! Bring me along instead!"

The chainaxes begin to shake and rattle in their racks, seemingly in sympathy to the tantrum Risa is throwing. "I tore that biddy apart, up in that ruined tower! My teeth what chewed her neck right through in one fuckin' chop, not that silly little butterknife! Ya need me to win!"

How do you respond?

[]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
[]If I bring you along, can you promise to behave at least? No more jokes?
[]Other.
>>
>>35872579
>[]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along when I can afford to kill everyone.
>>
>>35872579
>[X]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.

I wouldn't risk bringing three golden weapons. Something tells me that's a Bad Idea.
>>
>>35872579
>[]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
A Risa that has betrayed her Jager is no Risa.
>>
>>35872579
[x] other

"I'm hoping that we don't have to tear her apart, so it wouldn't be fun for you anyway."
>>
>>35872579
[x]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
>>
>>35872579
[X]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.

Also we're trying to separate Oriko from the staff, not her head from her neck.
>>
>>35872579
>[]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
>[]This is as much kirika's fight as it is mine, i'm sure you can understand the sanctity of that
>>
>>35872579
>[x]Other.
Trying to save the host from that crazy bitch in the staff, not kill her.

>[x]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
>>
>>35872579
>>[]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along when I can afford to kill everyone.
>>
>>35872579
[X]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
>>
>>35872579
>[X]I promised, Risa. I'll take you along next time someone else needs to die.
>[X]Other: Besides, we're trying to save the host of the winged bitch, not slice her into jerky.
>>
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>>35872579
>>
>>35872836
Whatever, not like I wanted to vote anyway.
>>
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Only 110 posts in and we have 4 decu posts.

This is amazing. I want this thread to never end.
>>
>>35872931
To be fair banners don't tend to stop OTHER people from voting. It just doesn't count.
>>
>>35872975
In that case
>[x] Golden Weapon Voltron
>>
>>35872992
[X]Golden Dakimakura
>>
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>>35872992
You know I bet if we kill Midori we can get her in a golden weapon, too, and take her with us forever.
>>
>>35873016
>Golden Dildo
>>
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>>35873016
Wow. Yandere much?

Let's try to have a normal, healthy relationship for once.
>>
>>35873041
Golden vibrator.
And never take it out.
>>
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>>35873041
Don't you fucking dare
>>
>>35873016
Quit being logical, NECO. You know full well this is the land of Shadowruns. If we do this, it will turn out it was her plan all along, as part of some scheme to absorb Pinky's soul into herself or something, and with no further need for us she'll leave us to die.
>>
>>35873093
Hey, it's not like she'd lose any of her functionality.
Actually she might be more useful that way.
>>
>>35873146
Midori is not Malal.
>>
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>>35873016
>>35873157
Please no
>>
>>35873300
do you even love your waifu anon

it doesn't sound like you even love your waifu
>>
>>35873300
Don't worry, I'm sure Midori would jump at the chance to be in her Sempai 24/7. She's got nothing to lose!
>>
>>35873344
I want to swap skeletons with my waifu. Is that love?
>>
>>35872601 >>35872603 >>35872605 >>35872633

You shake your head. You promised Kirika, you tell the wolf-eared phantasm. And besides, you're looking to bring Oriko back in one piece.

"But she'll still be in one--" Risa tries, holding up a finger for emphasis. You shake your head again.

In one piece, you repeat. That means with her head still attached to the rest of her body.

Silence, before the white-haired girl finally throws up her hands in frustration. "Fine. FINE! Go ahead and kill yourself divin' into the world's arsehole with nothing but a pretty gun an' a knife that looks more fit to be used parin' apples. See if I care!"

Risa then turns away from you here, her arms crossing over her chest, huffing petulantly. "More eyeballs in yer head than sense! And t'think I was gonna give ya a points multiplier for takin' me along, hah, see if I'll ever be that generous ever again, ya tosser!"

...You'll take her with you the next time someone - or everyone - needs to die, you tell her, trying not to smile too much at the interesting way her own brutal accent mangled angry Japanese. And what's a points multiplier? Is it something like what you see in videogames, or...?

"Yeah, just like that," Risa nods grudgingly. "See, we're not exactly accruin' points as fast as I'd like, so I thought special occasions like this could allow for multipliers and all. Incentive, that kinda thing."

Well. You'll keep it mind next time. It's just important that--

"--That everyone includin' the bint that started all this gets back home safe an' sound. Ya don't need to justify your decision to me twice, hero complex." Risa shakes her head. "Just...ya know. You're always wantin' to save everyone, and you know one time or another that it's gonna be impossible, right? You can't save everyone no matter what ya do. Someone else always gotta die no matter what you do." She points one clawed finger at you. "And it's gonna bite you back in the ass hard when you forget that.

[1/2]
>>
>>35873377
No, it's foolishness. The skeletons will just run away once they're out. You can't trust skeletons anon, not even in matters of love.
>>
>>35873377
There are easier ways to bone her you know.
>>
>>35873381

...

"Good luck on the op, an' don't talk to any strange birds." Risa's wolf-ears twitch once before she disappears altogether, fading in the chilly air. Leaving you completely alone in your vault, and in your thoughts.

Can't save everyone, huh?

You shake your own head as you leave your vault, the spirit's words echoing inside your skull and Muramasa resting against your shoulder. ...You'd stuff the sword in your inventory, sure, but at the moment it feels comfortable to just carry it like this. As if you were meant to hold it this way all along.

Maybe you can ask Sayaka for a belt harness for this, or something. Something that'll let you carry this on your hip, or on your back. Or maybe even a sheath like hers, the one with the AR-15 welded to it. You're probably going to rip your arm off trying to use something like that properly, but hell, it'll be worth it.

With Muramasa now in your possession, you drop by Tiny Pete's repair bay next. It's another grueling walk, and when you do get there, you can hear what seems to be a heated argument between two kids. Entering the bay itself, you realize that it had only been Rea and Misaka, the two smeared from head to toe with grease and engine oil, brandishing tools at each other as well as indecipherable technobabble. Tiny Pete is on his rack, still in the middle of repairs - but he looks much better than how you've last seen him, at least, no longer looking like the half-melted demon stomping forward to take your soul.

It's also here that you see someone else working on Tiny Pete, her form crouched in front of the towering behemoth as she worked a tool on his skull-encrusted knee-armor. She looks normal enough from the looks of it, but there's something off about her that you can't pinpoint.

...You want to say it's her futuristic-looking costume, a sort of skirt-and vest number with glowing bits here and there, but somehow it wasn't even that. It was in the way she moved...

[2/3]
>>
>>35873396

"MURDERFACE!" Misaka's shriek of joy as you step forward into the repair bay proper fills the entire room - and the little russian would've made a direct beeline to you had Rea not pulled her back in time.

"U-uwah! Hey, let go! Misaka needs to greet Big Sister Murderface!"

"You're filthy," Rea says in her usual monotone. "Both of us are. You'll mess her costume up."

"...N-nnh...Misaka...Misaka guesses so..." The Russian glares at Rea for a moment, a glare that your Vindicare Rank Leader is all too happy to return - before she turns back to you, eyes wet. "U-um, well, Misaka can give greeting hug anytime! Why is Big Sister Murderface here?"

How do you react?

[]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
[]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
[]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
[]Other.
>>
>>35873410
>[]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
>>
>>35873344
But Wendy's mai MGNQ waifu.
>>
>>35873451
Acquire golden mask
Kill Wendy, stuff in mask
>>
>>35873410
First things first
[X] Head pats
>>
>>35873410
>[]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
>>
>>35873394
How about swapping bodies? Permanently?
>>
>>35873410
>[X]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
>[X]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
>>
>>35873461
Now this I approve of.
Dying twice is easy enough.
>>
>>35873451
Eh, Burgerbutt seems more like a Golden Strap-on type anyway.
>>
>>35873410
>[]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
[]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
>>
>>35873410
>[x]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
Robotgril time?
>>
>>35873410
>[x]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[x]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
>>
>>35873410
>[x]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
>[x]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[x]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.

All writing and no play makes Decu something something.
>>
>>35873381
>points multiplier

QUAD DAMAGE
>>
>>35873461
Excellent plan!
>>
>>35873410
[X]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
[X]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.

I don't think we should take Pete on a mission while he's not 100%
>>
>>35873016
>Not wanting the Golden Mami Musket
plebian
>>
>>35873410

>>35873601
Why choose?
>>
>>35873410
>[]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
yar har har
>>
>>35873410
>[X]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
>[X]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
>>
>>35873410
[X]I wanted to ask if Tiny Pete is good to join your Kill-team for an op today.
[X]Pat Misaka on the head, ask her how Tiny Pete's repairs are going.
[X]Who's the new girl? Gesture towards the stranger.
>>
>>35873451
That reminds me, I can't even remember the last time the question of "who's your MGNQ waifu" was posted in this thread.

By which I mean who do you guys waifu?
>>
>>35873643
Deculture
>>
>>35873643
Nooo

Noooooo

I'll still answer though
>>
Guys I figured out why Kyouko can pulse
>Kyuubey
>Kyouko
It's all in the name. Or, you know, her wish being based in mind control.
>>
>>35873643
Deculture
>>
>>35873643
Wendy
>you will never experience the magic of burgerbutt.
>>
>>35873676
>>35873663
That's cheating, isn't it?
>>
>>35873643
Strauss.
>>
>>35873694
Oh alright. Archival
>>
>>35873643
And thus the 200th Waifu War began.

Wendy
>>
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>>35873643
There is only one correct answer.
>>
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>>35873699
D-doushio...
>>
>>35873694
Fine, Hat-chan
>>
>>35873736
Spiderbutt a cute
>>
>>35873643
Sayaka+Kyoko
>>
>>35873643
Eleanor
>>
>>35873643
Attarou
>>
>>35873643
Wendy (The writefag)
>>
>>35873643
I don't do waifus, but if I did, I'd go with Barbara
>>
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>>35873770
You... You're just saying that because you want ALL the Australians.
>>
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>>35873643
>>
>>35873814
No, just you.
Dai~su~ki~
>>
>>35873814
Attarou, the Aussies have Korbo, Recette and Risa.
They'd be mad if they didn't want all of them.
>>
>>35873643
Hat-chan a best

Falling that, Enishi is fine too.
>>
>>35873827
inb4 midori writes a wendy expy into her mangas and the entire fanbase starts threesome-shipping them
>>
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>>35873842
I don't know how to deal with this.
>>
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>>35873671
Actually I want to amend mine to include Jade too.

>>35873859
You mean Wonder Willow
>>
>>35873827

Hat-chan, naturally. So reliable!

>>35873827

Huh. I've always pegged Deculture for a "flat is justice" kinda bloke.
>>
>>35873848
As long as Crunch stays way the hell over there. Worstguca.
>>
>>35873827
I'm not the only one worried that Wendy is gonna go full FLESH OF FALLEN ANGELS once we cross over, right?
>>
>>35873875
>"flat is justice" kinda bloke
Laughingwhores.jpg
>>
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>>35873742
Oh darn, I just posted without thinking.
Guess I gotta take responsibility now, huh...
>>
>>35873643
Wendy

Mind fuckery and stabbing are two of my favorite things.
>>
>>35873918
shit idol

shit pairing

shit waifu
>>
>>35873903

He left his justice far in the past. There is only HUGE in his heart now.
>>
>>35873902

Wendy took "I promise; Re: Midori" really well, I'm surprised.
>>
>>35873875
Have you SEEN how he draws Wendy?
>>
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>>35873875
>"flat is justice" kinda bloke.
Nailed it.
>>
>>35873930
No, no, me on the left. archival on the right
>>
>>35873875
Healthy Wendy is and always has been Decu's waifu
>>
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>>35873875
>Decu
>Flat is justice

I recall that my first conversation with him was when I was drawing Kharn. His opinion, "make her rack bigger. Much bigger."
>>
>>35873643
Just to spite them, Zweihart
>>
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>>35873848
Fair point.
>>
>>35873848
What

Recette's also a MG?
>>
>>35873939
Decu has acquired powers of the Dark Gainz with the help of SQUATZ AND OATZ
>>
>>35873945
Oh, I didn't even mean in reaction to that, I'm just meaning how she's actually a straight-up Pinky cultist (who doesn't deny it like Chiaki) who's had a taste for meguca flesh for a long time now and is about to go into what may either be Pinky's barrier or her mortal foe's barrier.
>>
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>>35873950
>I can't be held by Makoto
fuck this, I'm out
>>
>>35873643
Just to spite them Halley Comet
>>
>>35873964
I'm more of a DFC man, but I can respect that level if dedication.
>>
>>35873968
>>35873991
Just to spite them, Everyone in the IRC that hasn't been mentioned yet.
>>
>>35873643
Rea.

>Not tenderly loving your imouto in more ways than one
>>
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>>35873979
Yes she is.
>>
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>>35873991
>Liking Halley
>Ever

What kind of faggot does that?

NECO isn't even my waifu. She's just a lot of fun to draw. Wendy or Kharn takes that title.
>>
>>35874033
Wow.

I might actually read your write-ups now.
jk lel
>>
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>>35874055
F-fine. I didn't want you reading it anyway. Jerk.
>>
>>35873643

For you folks at home keeping score, we're at 2 for 2 with Hat-chan, Deculture and Wendy (the character) in the lead, with 1 each for each writefags!

Also one each for Crunch, Strauss, Red&Blue duo, Elaenor, Barbara, Hisui(Jade[MindbreakDetective]) and Rea!

Remarkably, Mai Angel!Midorin and Malal have the conspicuous of zilch!
>>
>>35874108
Malal is 2pure to waifu
>>
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>>35874108
I also voted for Ruri, votesman.

Count mai sadistic angel.
>>
>>35874133
Nyo.
>>
>>35874108

Wait, no, Deculture is at Zero score and Wendy's at 3! Ruri's at 1!

>>35874129
>>35874133
Amended!
>>
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>>35874108
0 for Demetrious as well
0 for the channel slut, Inquis/Arwen-chan if we're counting IRCfags
>>
>>35874108
>Midorin and Malal have the conspicuous of zilch
Midori and Malal fags are probably still asleep.
>>
>>35874108
I'm honestly surprised we've had no-one say Yuma yet.

...then again, I guess Magical Hanako really isn't waifu material.
>>
>>35874150
>Demetrious
>Inquis/Arwen-chan

I have no idea who these are.
I would also like to join the IRC sometime.
>>
>>35874150
Literally who?
>>
>>35874108
am I the only one wondering why nobody mentioned Pinky? Like, at all?
Not waifu-ing her, just wondering.
>>
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>>35873643
>>35873643
>>35873643

There is only one correct answer to this.
>>
>>35874207
Because apparently writefags are best girls.
>>
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>>35874213
I don't know what you're talking about.
>>
>>35874213
does a waifu have to be a best girl? Because then I'd have to cast a vote for Kyoko, but she's better off as a bro. Then again, I don't really get the waifu thing myself.
>>
>>35874207
Wait no I like Pinky.
>>
>>35874210
I wish to fug the Chiakipus.
Right in the chiakipus.
>>
>>35874210
I want her to have my puggles
>>
>>35874254
Yeah personally I don't really waifu people either, I prefer comrades and people who have your back and such. Voted for Wendy. Kyouko and Sayaka fit too I suppose.
>>
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>>
Actually speaking of Malal was she in her hardsuit or her costume when Kharn found her corpse?
>>
>>35874190
>>35874184
Demetrious == planefag
Arwen == some slut
>>
>>35874399
Thanks but "some slut" doesn't really narrow it down. She's related to SWQ somehow?
>>
With as many posts as we have, I was expecting more Decu posts, but all I got was waifu discussion. Civil waifu discussion, but waifu discussion.

>>35873643
Mami, her glorious mamis, and the whole "gentle dominatrix" thing she has going on.
>>
>>35874432
Just a random fag from the SWQ IRC.
>>
>>35873989
W-wait, I can pretend to be Makoto for you.
>>
>>35874434
You will never go for a lovely walk around town with Mami, her smile radiant and her ribbon cinched nice and snug around your neck
>>
>>35874480
>around your neck.

Yeah, let's go with that.
>>
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>>35874184
You must simply bring us a shrubbery!
>>
>>35874480
I'm not actually that big on pet play, shame play, or exhibitionism. I'd much rather go for a walk as a couple. Holding hands.
>>
>>35874480
Don't crush my dream, you jerk
>>
>>35874526
>Not wanting to be led around on a leash
Like, no shit there's a whole world of lewd you can get up to with that magic
>>
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>>35874543
>>
>>35874543
You're missing out on a world of imagination.
>>
>>35874480
If it makes you feel any better, you will also never be dragged around town with Heather, her laughter deafening and her tape squeezed tightly around your neck.
>>
>>35874592
That doesn't make ME feel better...
>>
>>35873450

Before you answer your arms dealer's question, you give her a pat on the head first - one that seems to immediately eradicate any and all trace of her black mood from earlier.

She beams up at you with a face stained with soot, engine oil and grease - the effect only adding to the Russian's bright and sunny smile instead of taking away from it. Making you wonder once more just what are you doing right to warrant someone like Misaka to look at you like you're Santa Claus, instead of...well, anything else, just not this. You're much used to being glared at, or being looked down upon.

You shake your head at this phenomenon, somehow managing to miss the look of utter jealousy that Rea herself shoots at your arms dealer - and it's here that you ask the two of them about Tiny Pete's repairs. How is it going?

"Tiny Pete is 99% functional!" Misaka punches the air with both fists in prideful triumph. "Misaka was having to nearly replace all major servos and all false muscle cabling, but with hard work, dedication and being best everywhere forever, Misaka has fixed Tiny Pete!" Rea clears her throat at this, obviously annoyed, but Misaka continues as if she hadn't heard. "Only finishing superficial repairs and rearmament now, and then Tiny Pete will walk again!"

You give Misaka one of your smiles, and pat her head again, thanking her for her hard work. Making the arms dealer squeal in the untold pleasure of validation - as well as make your Vindicare Rank Leader quietly seethe.

"Of course, Misaka leaves out the fact that the representative of the Fourth helped contributed immensely to Tiny Pete's repairs," Rea murmurs, looking up at you pointedly, as well as ignoring the Russian's now hate-filled glare aimed at her. The bespectacled Vindicare then gestures towards the strange girl still hurriedly working on Tiny Pete's knee armor - the girl you were just going to ask them about, too.

So...she's from the Fourth, then?

[1/2]
>>
>>35874477
Yes... Good...
>>
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>>35874584
>imagination
>>
>>35874584
Mami's one of those characters that can flip my switch from dom to sub. I can save the imagination for when it flips back.
>>
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>>35873643
But only because Veronica didn't get any screen time.
>>
>>35874480
>>35874592
you guys really know how to make people sad
>>
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>>35874614

Rea nods. "I apologize for her behalf if she hasn't broken away to salute you, Warmaster. Magical Girls from the Fourth Officio are...different from us." She salutes you a moment later, as if just now remembering it. You smile at her dryly, before returning it in short order.

Well, you can certainly understand it if she's from an Officio with a completely different culture, but...you had the impression that saluting to a Warmaster was really a general kind of thing.

"It is a general thing, Warmaster, but...well." Rea seems to hesitate here, before something hardens in her eyes and she turns towards the girl. "Miss Barbara?"

Rea didn't even need to shout - her murmured call echoed across the otherwise empty and cavernous repair bay - but it seemed that 'Barbara' heard it just fine, the girl quickly rising to her feet and walking towards you. Immediately you spot her eyes from underneath her fringe of severely-cut black hair - and you're struck by how they seemed to glow brightly from within, in soft pulsing waves. So strikingly similar to how Kirishima Ruri's own eyes glowed, back in the dimly-lit darkness of the hotel room.

As she came closer, it's also here that you realize just why she looked strange, even from a distance.

She's a robot. An honest-to-goodness robot Magical Girl.

Covered from head to toe in metal, with certain parts of her body obscured by what looked to be armored plates or protrusions, such as her chest, head, shoulders, and hips. The ensemble forming metal imitations of a long, straight hairstyle and a blouse-and-skirt combination. The plates and protrusions were painted a soft baby blue, while the rest of her was a bright alabaster.

And her face...well. Her face, like the rest of her body, was metal, consisted of a pair of blue eye-lenses and barely-defined features resembling that of a blank fashion mannequin. Lines where the joints of her body lay were stark against the slim, clearly-feminine white alloy body.

[2/3]
>>
>>35874654
Gavril a lewdest and a best
>>
>>35874662

Covered from head to toe in metal, with certain parts of her body obscured by what looked to be armored plates or protrusions, such as her chest, head, shoulders, and hips. The ensemble forming metal imitations of a low ponytail and a blouse-and-skirt combination. The plates and protrusions were painted a soft baby blue, while the rest of her was a bright alabaster.

And her face...well. Her face, like the rest of her body, was metal, consisted of a pair of blue eye-lenses and barely-defined features resembling that of a blank fashion mannequin. Lines where the joints of her body lay were stark against the slim, clearly-feminine white alloy body.

"Greetings, Warmaster Chiaki Matsuda." She smiles at you, the expression much more genuine, much more real than your practiced one would ever be. Her voice full and warm and human, and oddly comforting. "I am Barbara Falko, of the Fourth Officio Assassinorum. Please allow me to congratulate you on your recent Ratification."

She bows here, bending at the waist, deep and crisp and graceful. Not even a single whirr of servos, just silence.

You can't help but look in awe. Rea and Misaka on the other hand, can't seem to help frowning at the display.

You return the bow yourself, feeling your own lower back twinge at the unfamiliar movement - and it's here that Barbara continues. "Forgive my appearance, Warmaster Matsuda. I was assisting with repairs to the Indomitus prototype, and I have not had the opportunity to...freshen up for this unexpected pleasure."

...The Indomitus prototype?

Misaka rolls her eyes, more at Barbara's insistence at the term rather than at your confusion. "She means Tiny Pete, Big Sister Murderface," she adds helpfully.

[3/4]
>>
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>>35874655
You have -no- idea~
>>
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KATANA?!?!??!
>>
>>35874662
eh..so it really was robotgril.
>>
>>35874683

Ah. Well. That's...yeah.

How do you react?

[]So you're a real robot? It isn't just armor, you're metal through and through? Isn't that...painful?
[]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
[]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>>
>>35874705
>[]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>>
>>35874480
>We think we can win back the Wendy
>She's utterly lost to Mami
>>35874705
>[]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
>>
>>35874705
>[x]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
>[x]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>>
>>35874705
>[X]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?


>[X]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>>
>>35874705
>[]So you're a real robot? It isn't just armor, you're metal through and through? Isn't that...painful?
>[]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
>>
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>>35874150
Eh, I am resigned to my fate. You bastard.

>>35874184
>>35874190
Nobody of importance in my case. Just got caught in the crossfire, really.
>>
>>35874705
>[]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>[]Then ask if she is a robot anyway
>>
>>35874705
[x]Ask her about her circumstance

>You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
kek
>>
>>35874705
>[x]Refer to her exclusively as Toaster-chan.
>>
>>35874705
>[x]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>>
>>35874705
[X]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?

How much for 100 ... squads? No delivery necessary, we'll pick them up personally.
>>
>>35874705
>[]So you're a real robot? It isn't just armor, you're metal through and through? Isn't that...painful?
>[]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
>[]Say something to Rea to keep her from getting jealous
>>
>>35874705
[X]Indomitable Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
>>
>>35874683
Hee!
>>35874705
[]So you're a real robot? It isn't just armor, you're metal through and through? Isn't that...painful?
>>
>>35874683
[x]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
[x]Get on with it
>>
>>35874719
>heart shaped pupils
>>
>>35874705
[X]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises.
[X]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?

Maybe ask her how the girl who we sent out so she could learn from them is doing?
>>
>>35874705
>[x]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
>>
>>35874705
[X]So you're a real robot? It isn't just armor, you're metal through and through? Isn't that...painful?

Don't be negative about it though. I mean really? Lich? Robot? Whats the difference.
>>
>>35874705
>[]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?
HERP
>>
>>35874705
[X]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?

>Get to work
>See MGNQ
>FUCK IT WAS UP AND I MISSED IT
>Still going
>FUCK YEAH


Recently finished reading through the archives. My only comment.
TURN IT DOWN YOU PARANOID FUCKS!
>>
>>35874883
It hasn't even begun
>>
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>>35874883
Welcome, newblood!
>>
>>35874883
>TURN IT DOWN YOU PARANOID FUCKS!
NEVER!
>>
>>35874705
>[x]Refer to her exclusively as Toaster-chan.
>[X]Formally thank her for her assistance, and assure her that the Ninth will also aid the Fourth whenever the opportunity arises. You don't just ask people if they're robots, dammit.
>[X]Then ask if she is a robot anyway
>[X]Indomitus Prototype? So...wait, there are others like Tiny Pete?

MAXIMUM HERP
>>
>>35874883
You mean turn it up.
>>
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>>35874705
I wish I had a Dorothy banner at VERY least. Oh well.

I'd say turn it up, because hee hee nevermind, nevermind.
>>
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>>35874903
I swear searching through the threads for any relevant information is sifting through 20% waifuwars and 70% paranoia holy shit.

>>35874909
I lost too much sleep going through the archives.

>midnight
>Just a couple more threads. Still in the middle of Magical Midori's mindfuck mission
>Finally finish. Check clock
>4am
>FUCK!
>>
>>35874883
We can't turn it down, we must be ready for poisoned pancakes and sugar pills instead of painkillers, alongside the Kong being replaced with Jack Daniels.

Chiaki's already lost the simple pleasure of being able to kneecap whenever she wants - it's up to us and shadowrunning to ensure that she gets to keep her other pleasures.
>>
>>35874883
>TURN IT DOWN YOU PARANOID FUCKS!
>You must be at least this paranoid to enter this thread.jpg
>>
>>35874883
Welcome to the party. Grab a gun, you'll need it. There is no such thing as being too paranoid.

>>35874980
dear gods, not the Kong! Panic!
>>
>>35874978
At least you could read through it, skipping the arguing and such if you wanted to. Actually being there for the shitstorms is something else.
>>
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>>35875044
Try being there for the shitstorms of PGQ.
>>
>>35874978
Here' something that will make you feel better.
there's an eBook you could download and read that eliminates the paranoid chatter.
Oh, and we're not being too paranoid, we're just paranoid about the all the wrong things.
Fuck if I know what the right things are.
>>
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>>35874662
I have no idea what her body looks like.
>>
>>35875078
I was there.

>>35875098
Waifu material right here.
>>
>>35875098
>we're just paranoid about the all the wrong things
Mami and Midori are 100% loyal. The REAL inevitable traitor is Kyouko.
>>
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>>35874689
We were right!
>>
>>35875127
This just made me think...

'Would a gynoid Cupcake have some kind of autoselfie camera attached?'
>>
>>35875158
Not only does it have autoselfie function, but its default facial expression is =3=
>>
>>35875158
Just a GoPro strapped to her cakebutt.
>>
>>35875127
Ha ha ha! Thanks very much, Dan!
>>
>>35875144
>Kyouko
>Not our best bro to the end
Die, monster
>>
>>35875138
>Waifu material right here.
D-Doushio?
Link is http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb by the way.
>>
>>35875192
That's what I'm getting at.

We trust her COMPLETELY.
>>
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>>35875144
>Questioning Kyoubro
>>
>>35874883
>TURN IT DOWN
Wait, turn what down? Our gun? Is it coming from below!? OH SHIT THEY'RE COMING FROM THE GROUND!!!
>>
>>35875228
Is that you, Gnomon?
>>
>>35874980
>the Kong being replaced with Jack Daniels
What manner of monstrous hell is this?
>>
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>>35875144
>>35875204
>>
>>35875300
>>
>>35875318
There's no proof that that's Chiaki OR that she'll do it again.
>>
>>35875300
I'm saying we need to be MORE paranoid. Not just of the people we're suspicious of, but also of the people we trust.

DENY THE OBVIOUS, UPHOLD THE INANE
>>
>>35875249
No, it's me Dio!
>>
>>35875334
The only person we can trust is Lori, because she's so far removed from anything relevant that she can't possibly be part of a conspiracy.
>>
>>35875361
>trusting and idol
>ever
>>
>>35875318
ohmygodimonfiresomebodyputmeoutforcryingoutlod!
>>
>>35875361
You say that as if Lori isn't actually Homucifer in disguise...
>>
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"WHACHAHECK ARE YA FEEDIN THESE?!"

"Huh?! So you like 'em big?! Is that what you like?! FFF"

>>35875189
np!
>>
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>>35875326
>>35875377
You may get girl out of the fire, but you can't get fire out of the the girl.
>>
>>35875393
>Lori
Fuck that, I don't even care anymore...
>>
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Alright, pausing for now! Thread to continue tomorrow night and I MEAN TOMORROW NIGHT! Thank you for everyone's participation, feedback is always great!

We have four writeups tonight, so please enjoy them! And ask questions and stuff after!
>>
>>35875579

Happy Halloween, Decu!
>>
Human Resources 5: The Rabbit And The Snake

It was about midnight – I had some loose ends to tie up, and nothing in particular to do at home – when I came back into the office and found him there. Sitting on the windowsill, an opening to something that seems halfway real rather than the strange room around us, staring off into the distance. Well, no, not quite the distance, nothing so vague. He was staring at the QB Heavy offices like his eyes were glued to it. Wish I could say there was some kind of look or the other on his face, but there never is; he's about the only one here that I can't read.

I wouldn't pay much attention to this ordinarily, especially when I'm just reporting in before I head home, but he was there six hours ago, too. I couldn't quite tell if he moved.

“Something bothering you, Petey?” Sure, he had enough reasons, but he never seemed to mind. It was weird, seeing him acting like this.

“I am well, Miss Ryouno. Please go about your business. You are dismissed for today.” Well, that was pretty wooden even for him. ...Don't know why I stuck around. Curiosity at that point, I guess.

“Is that why you've been staring at a tower for the last six hours?” That got him a bit, I think. Little flick of the ear, and he just sort of... sagged a little, like any sort of breath or effort went right out of him.

“...Would you care to hear a story, Ryouno?”

“A story? I didn't know you told those. What's it about, then?”

“The parable of the rabbit and the snake. Have you heard it before?”

“...No, not that I remember. Go on.” So there I was, taking a seat next to an incubator in the middle of the night so he can tell me a story. At least it got him off the windowsill, even if he did sneak a glance at the tower now and then.

[1/6]
>>
There were once two snakes, who found themselves hungry. Food had become scarce, and the land barren. Without a new source to feed upon, not only would they starve, but countless others might as well. This would not do, and so they set out in search of greener pastures. One – we will refer to him, for simplicity, as the Scaleless – stumbled, or slithered, upon the discovery that would one day save him. It had been a long journey from his home, but one that had been worth the arduous travel.

For you see, the Scaleless had found a rabbit burrow.

He would need to exercise caution, of course, lest he deplete their numbers. He would need to employ a disguise, lest he frighten the rabbits. So it was that he lived among them, always at the mouth of the burrow, mixing sweet gifts and bitter poison in his daily offerings to them. The rabbits prospered and, at times, dwindled for the sake of the serpent they carried within their ranks. Their lives had gone on to save those of others, and the Scaleless thought that this was well.

Years passed, and the snake went unknown through their numbers all this time. Perhaps they had never noticed that he was not a rabbit, or they simply did not care. Could the Scaleless himself remember that he was a snake, when the only reminder came from the venom that leaked from his fangs ever so rarely?

Happily, he was not left alone with their kind forever.

When the Earth had spun around the sun one time too many, the second snake arrived at long last, finding by chance the very same burrow. The Scaleless was elated, finally finding one of his kind to join him in this curious, almost maddening isolation, solitude among a crowd. The one who had shed his scales for a coat of fur was only too happy to help, to the newcomer's surprise and bewilderment. Why? Was it for their mutual mission, perhaps, or some sort of agenda? No, no, nothing of the sort.

[2/6]
>>
>>35875608

You see, helping him to find his place brought the Scaleless joy in itself, because the snake was his brother, from the very same burrow. Why, it must have seemed very strange indeed to the snake back then – those that slither know neither family nor friends, after all – but he did not show this, for a snake can neither smile nor frown, only stare and watch. How curious and mad the Scaleless must have sounded then, lurking at the edge of the burrow and playing the part of his own prey.

In time, the newcomer had learned to adjust, and was even thankful for the help he had been given. For a while, the two serpents were happy in each other's company, brothers that were never meant to be. The Scaleless heard his brother's voice from before him, at first, baffled by the role he had chosen for himself. Happily, one day, they came to an understanding, and began to speak side by side. Perhaps the Scaleless had already poisoned his brother then? Or had the rabbits done so themselves, however unkowingly? He would never learn the answer.

One day, he heard the voice from behind himself instead. He thought nothing of it for one day, then another, until finally he thought to look around; he might have done so sooner, but he already had an inkling of what he might find, and dared not turn his head.

[3/6]
>>
>>35875127
http://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/1234800?tags=lisa_%28pso2%29

She's Lisa from PSO2.
>>
>>35875624

Behind him sat his brother, but not as he once was. Where the Scaleless had only ever lain at the door of the burrow, his brother was within the burrow, further below: A snake no longer, but a rabbit in full. Had he even noticed the change, this poor, maddened creature? No, perhaps not, as even the Scaleless had not seen it himself. They traded glances then, the Scaleless and the rabbit. The rabbit did not know that anything was amiss, for it is in a rabbit's nature to know nothing that would discomfit it. The once-snake saw his brother's eyes, then, and knew that they had gone mad. They could never return home again; the scaleless serpent could only do his best to hang onto a few scraps of memory for both their sakes.

Today, the rabbit, prosperous beyond measure, looks at the snake and sees a brother. The snake watches the rabbit, hoping to find someone he can remember, and sees only his own future in those beady red eyes.

And that is the end of their tale.

[4/6]
>>
>>35875638
“The moral of the story is...” he stops then, not quite sure how to finish. I'm not used to seeing him hesitate. “Is... no. I am still an incubator, Ryouno, or so I wish to believe. We are skilled in neither parables nor morals.”

It's funny, in a way, how long you can know someone for and still learn something new out of nowhere. Maybe that's what he was thinking, too. ...Wasn't all that subtle even when he tried this hard, though.

“So that's how-” he cuts me off before I can say anything. Sounds the same as ever, even through this.

“...Purely allegorical. A story I heard once in the past. It is, as they say, a tale. Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” If that's what he wants to think, I'm not about to stop him. I won't get it until he gives the green light.

“I've heard it before, you know. The way you go on about the 'corruption' in other incubators. Is that what happened to Kyubey?” He's quiet for a while; either he's trying to think, or he doesn't want to say anything. I can never tell.

“He is still my dear brother,” the rabbit answers eventually – or is that the snake again, by now? “I would trust him with my life, and those of each and every person in this Officio.” ...Yeah, I guess that's how it goes. We choose some funny company, when we think it might give us someone to talk to. Someone to trust.

“What will you do when you retire?” Huh. I wasn't... I didn't quite see that coming, got to hand it to him. It's not a hard question, though. I always planned to get out of this eventually, buy my way into film or something. Maybe theatre, that's got a nice, classy sort of edge to it. It was always the plan, even if I'm less than sure that it'll work out, some days. Made me wonder, somehow, if he's worried about the day I walk out.

[5/6]
>>
>>35875579
What do you mean TOMORROW NIGHT? Why was that capitalised? Does that mean the time has went beyond 0:00 where you live, and you were actually saying not tomorrow but the day after that?

In how many hours, will the next thread be?
>>
>>35875656

“You? I mean... if you ever let yourself take a break.” It was a bit of a stupid question, one of those 'you too' moments. Not like he was ever going to do anything else. He took it pretty seriously, though, like he did with everything else. Maybe that's what made him the sane incubator, or one of the last to snap, as far as they're concerned.

“I'm afraid I can't imagine the alternatives. I will have to answer some other time.”

Caught him staring out the window again. Have to say, I was impressed, in a way. Didn't expect him to make up a story on the spot, even if that's... probably a bad sign for him, huh. He tried his best, though; maybe in too many directions at once. Not that I could really understand. How can I? It's hard enough wrapping my head around how he thinks at the best of times, never mind when he starts worrying about turning as crazy as the rest of us. About losing his brother – one he never had in the first place - to us.

I notice myself wondering, after a bit, about what he's going to do now. Takes me a little too long, thinking back, to piece it together. He'd look for someone like him, I guess. Someone who can... sort of meet him halfway, even if neither quite gets the other. A good match for a half-snapped incubator, not quite as normal as they come, but not as far gone as the others. And there's only one other incubator in Mitakihara. You'd think nothing could replace that.

...Guess that explains a thing or two. Not sure how I feel about that. Maybe I should be flattered, or worried.

“Sanbey?”

Nothing. I put a hand on one of the rabbit's ears - or the snake, I'll figure that out when he makes up his mind - in case that gets his attention.

“Hey, Peter?”

“Yes?”

“You mind if I stay here a little longer?”

“Please.”

...Done stranger things, for stranger people.

[6/6]
>>
>>35875660
I think he means there won't be any bullshit that'll force him to postpone, or that even if there is he'll run anyway.
>>
"Serina Hunter, Vindicare of the 8th Officio's Eastern Division. If you're listening to this, future me, then that means the FAMINE protocol has been activated. Take a day off; this will take a while. This is an audio record of everything significant that has happened since our contracting to the 8th in accordance with the Forget Me Not contingency plan. Begin encryption."

---

The radio blares with a periodic mind drilling tone triggering my snooze button reflex. Six o'clock, time to begin another day in hell.

Exactly seven minutes later, I slap the snooze button again, and again seven minutes after that. Twenty-one minutes after six, I give up wishing the sun would do the courtesy of exploding and decide to turn off the alarm proper.

I blindly grope for the light switch almost knocking the lamp off the night stand in the process. The lamp clicks twice, and after a delay, the fluorescent bulb floods the room with light. I struggle against my grogginess pulling myself out of bed, and meander out of my bedroom into the shower for a quick rinse.

I step out after a couple minutes and begin drying my hair. It's a chore to maintain. I only haven't cut it all off because I like the way it shines. Black, smooth and shoulder length, I'm proud of it, which I think is a bit odd considering I put almost no effort into how I look. I rub the crust from my emerald eyes and give myself a quick spot check. My skin is a darker tint of brown than I like; I've been spending more time outside in the sun burning to a crisp. At least it's smooth and soft; the bruises and lacerations are all but fully healed.

[1/12]
>>
>>35875673

And that's a wrap for mine. Thank you for reading! And as always, thanks to TwiceBorn, Wendy, Deculture and others for checking it beforehand.

Next time, I'll be switching tracks to one of the other storylines. HR is far from over, though; this is just a temporary stopping point.
>>
I grumble an inaudible greeting to myself and amble across the hall into the hallway closet for some clothes. It takes me all of three seconds to pluck a random selection of thrift store salvage to carry back to my room. Blue jeans bearing a few holes here and there and a black t-shirt with only the word "Berlin" on the front, no accessories. I stand in front of my mirror lazily changing clothes and combing my hair going over today's todo list.

Callidus exam. A makeup for failing the first two times. I'm not especially bad at the task itself, but the problem lies in my handicap. It's not so hard for everyone else, but just me thanks to my unusually low magic capacity.

At two o-clock, I have an appointment with the rank leader. No doubt about my less than exemplary performance, or claiming an excessive amount of sick days. Not looking forward to that; all the more reason to give it my all for the exam, might make a good impression for when I need to grovel later. I grab a stale week old doughnut and a bottle of orange juice and head out for the Officio headquarters in downtown Morpork after donning my gray jacket.

Morpork, Virginia, economic hub at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay where land and rail meet the bulk of the ocean and ship trade for the eastern half of the country. Home of the world's largest naval base. When I contracted to the Eighth, I got the rundown of how things worked while being told the cover story about my sudden permanent change of residence that should be conveyed to my parents.

I've been scouted and hired by Lockseed Martian to work as a technology researcher to help protect our freedoms or some bull. Free room and board plus scholarship. Sure, whatever.

[2/12]
>>
Lockseed is a subsidiary of the Eighth, just one of many used to exert a startlingly well covered up influence on the government and global trade. Sometimes I daydream about what it would be like to actually work there, researching unique innovative ways to make 120 million dollar titanium flying dildos into 150 million dollar titanium flying dildos. It helps stave off the thoughts of suicide at least.

I slip into the MacAaron Parking Garage, the largest car park in the city, in the heart of the shopping district. It's surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, outlets and the MacAaron Shopping Mall filled with more of the same. Inside is mostly quiet and empty save for a single car starting its engine on the floor above. The ground is spotless with fresh clean painted lines, the signage is kept new and free of vandalism, and the interior is well lit. Not a single light bulb is burnt out and the pavement is free of blemishes; the lanes are clearly marked, and the garage is large enough to warrant its own traffic lights on the inside.

I walk into the nearest elevator, press my ID card against an unmarked section of smooth metal plate near the buttons and wait for the panel to blink once. I then press the G button and the elevator closes its doors and greets me in a crystal clear female voice with a British accent harmonized with a tune played by an orchestra. It's played through several hidden speakers mounted in every direction, above and below, all subtly changing their phase to make it sound like the center of the sound is constantly moving around my head. It's almost therapeutic in a way, but also completely overkill for a freaking elevator.

[3/12]
>>
The elevator doors open to a vestibule furnished with Persian carpet, sofas, and coffee tables stacked with Magical Girl Weekly, Teen Rogue, Timeline, Popular Magic and other magazines I see girls reading at times. Maybe I'll actually get around to skimming through one someday. I can see through the glass panes opposite the elevators that the corridors are populated by only a few girls going about their business. I pace down the clean white tile hallway stepping carefully with my worn sneakers to reduce the noise I make. Mostly out of long standing habit, I tread while making the smallest noise possible, avoiding eye contact with others lest I attract unnecessary attention.

Following the route to the C terminal tram, I keep up the effort to remain inconspicuous throughout my trip, the habit reinforced thanks to previous run-ins with some of the more...special magical girls. It's not uncommon to bump into a girl who's an entire dump truck of fries short of a happy meal but has the raw power to cleave a battleship in two. I'd like to not have a repeat of the last few times I became the stress ball for an eversor's frustrations. Some of the venenums in the medical ward are on a first name basis with me.

Walking through the Officio puts me on edge; I think they can smell my weakness in the air. Must flip a switch somewhere in their mind, igniting their assassin instincts or something. Luckily, the few girls in the building at this hour are minding their own business, and make it to the tram without incident, it's just as peaceful in the tram as it was in the hallways. The automatic doors shut, and I ease into a seat letting go of my tension. The tram jerks forward starting its journey as I slouch down into my seat with a long sigh, like letting the air out of an inflatable mascot.

[4/12]
>>
I pull out my soul gem as the sound system in the tram plays back a greeting on the same level of unneeded over the top luxuriance as in the elevator. The gem shines weakly with a pale blue light emanating from the center like a cell phone at the bottom of a deep murky pool. Removing from my inventory the same grief seed I've been using this past week, I tap it to my soul gem. I can't tell, but I think it looks less drab and dreary, the light shining a little brighter than before.

Where did it all go wrong? How did I go from ordinary middle schooler with no friends and a minor bullying problem to barely magical girl with no friends and a periodically lethal bullying problem? What happened to that grand master plan, the "perfect wish"? I just had to get arrogant, had to be a big shot, had to fall for 8ball's shit hook line and sinker. My head rests on the back of my seat while I reflect.

I plan ahead for everything: every event, every twist and turn a situation can take, and every chance happening down to the nitty gritty details. I'm prepared for anything, no matter how outlandish or improbable, and I've worked out the appropriate action to take ensuring I come out on top and ahead of the game, or so I like to think.

On that day that the mutant cat-weasel-rabbit approached me, in my head, I believed I had solved the "one wish" proposition eons ago; without even having to resort to loop holing wordplay that amounts to asking for more wishes. It was literally child's play. Spending most of my childhood avoiding all human contact to be alone in my little world gives me a lot of time to think about these things.

[5/12]
>>
The perfect wish was supposed to give me everything I wanted out of the universe, and - and I thought I was sooo clever and wise beyond my years here - conveniently and automatically leave out the things I only thought I wanted but didn't, and give me the things I didn't know I wanted or would want in the future. Could have lifted the Hindenburg with all of the smug I was releasing.

I'm still not completely sure what 8ball thought as I recited my wish. For all his boisterousness and rather rude mannerisms and painful stereotyping, he sure fell silent when I uttered the words that would enslave my soul:

"I wish to be able to wish for nothing." This, very quickly followed by what I can only guess was about 40 minutes of unbroken speech detailing what amounted to my Terms and Conditions, an amalgamation of my best constructed and memorized legalese, was my wish. Plugging every loophole, contradicting every alternative interpretation, breaking down every word with an improvised Socratic method, I covered and filled the philosophical nooks and crannies. I assumed that I was making a contract with the devil (about the only thing I did right), and I wasn't going to leave any room to get screwed over.

I was rewarded with -this-. I roll the gem around in my hand, my mind silent for a moment or two before I re-materialized the gem as a ring on my finger. The tram cruises along transitioning from underground to an elevated above ground section of rail that joins with the main loop. Sunlight peeks over the horizon illuminating the eastern half of the cloudless sky.

[6/12]
>>
It took a while to fully sink in initially. The depth of what I had done to myself, the hell that was to become my every day life, and the complete lack of power I had in more ways than one. It probably hit me finally when I died for the first time. Bright idea at the time thinking that if I stood up for myself for once in my life, I'd earn respect and never have to deal with bullying again. Bright idea as a callidus with an abnormally limited magic capacity to think she could stand up to an eversor.

I remember dying slowly and painfully, then waking up in the medical bed brought back to life but all the pain still there. I remember crying myself to sleep then; I can't remember the last time I cried before that if I ever did. I'll always remember that day that I died, cried, and, also for the first time I can ever remember, just wanting a friend to talk to.

The tram comes to a stop at the ever so creatively named Commercial Office District station. I exit the station, and head across the street toward the business park. Unlike the shopping district, the office district isn't stuffed with billboards, flashy signs, and casually dressed people carrying shopping bags and wielding smart phones like they would die if they didn't keep hammering at the screen with their thumbs a hundred times a second. Even off duty magical girls hold their electronic narcotics closer to them and care for them more than their own soul gems.

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Here, there's altogether less visual clutter; just plain office buildings with the accompanying logos and sidewalks lined with dogwood trees in between LED streetlights. The people, while also glued to their thousand dollar watch replacements, are dressed professionally in suits and ties, mostly middle aged men with fewer women and even fewer young interns, and talk rather loudly when on the phone. Fooling only themselves, they want to convince the word that they are important and necessary, and the best way to do that is to talk business loudly in public. They make mundane every day conversations about recent transactions sound like industry changing fortune 500 business deals, and it hinges on their word. Then they end the call conveniently in front of their favorite bar and drink themselves into a stupor in time just before the crushing truth has a chance to swoop in.

Then again, it might not be too far from the truth. The buildings surrounding the one in the center are owned by puppet corps of the 8th. At least they get to be part of the fun when we pull on the strings.

The center building, surrounded in a glass curtain wall, is the main center of operations for the callidus. There isn't that much to be said about the place; it's mainly offices where paper work and data entry get done. Below the surface is a data center, and below that are silent rooms, vaults, and other things I can imagine but don't have the access to know for sure.

I proceed through the main entrance where I'm immediately greeted by Alyssa Lockhart, callidus rank leader. She's wearing a button up short sleeve white shirt, red tie, and blue skirt that comes down to her knees. She flips her long light-purple hair that makes her ample bosom non-verbally and confidently announce its presence, and grabs a tablet off the front desk.

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"Serina Hunter," she addresses me in a calm, business-like voice. I return the greeting with a stiff salute. "Good morning. You're early, as expected." She taps a few times on the tablet before handing a manila folder to the front desk secretary. "Grab my bags for me and follow me. I'll be driving you to the exam as I have a few special things I need to talk with you about before you begin." I picked up the bags sitting beside the front desk next to her, one a large purse, and the other a normal beige bag baring the numerals VIII in large golden stitching.

Normally, for the exam, we just show up at the starting point at the specified time, but I had written orders to come to the office in person. What she has to tell me must be so important that she couldn't wait to tell me at our scheduled meeting later today. My pay has already been sequestered down to the minimum allowed by Officio policy for my many sick days and medical resource usage. I idly wonder what else can be taken away before stopping myself from thinking into it any further. No point in worrying.

I place her bags in the back seat of one of the generic white company sedans. It's some late model something something with a license plate that reads CURVIII. I hop into the passenger seat as Alyssa starts the car and we pull out of the lot. The car soon fills with the pleasant scent of her fruity shampoo. Before I can enjoy it too much, she breaks the silence as soon as we are on the road.

"Did you eat anything for breakfast?" Her question caught me a bit off guard, I'd expected her to drill into me straight away. I guess she's not as straight to business as I thought.

"Doughnut." I reply in a tone as stale and colorless as the nearly rock hard confectionery that was my breakfast.

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"Look in my bag and grab the pink box on top," she offers in a softer warm voice. I reach back and pull out the box from the bag and into my lap. It's a pastry from Sweet Treats, a popular family run bakery in the shopping district. Opening the box revealed a surprise that made me forget whatever it was I was worried about just a minute ago. Two fresh sweet potato jacks in all their golden glory. The pastry of the gods. I stare at it in stunned silence before murmuring a thanks and taking a bite.

Alyssa says something about me needing to eat a proper breakfast that I can't hear over the harps played by angels. The soft exterior mixes with the warm smooth sweet potato filling and gracing my tongue with the divine blessing of righteous sweetness. Soon, every square centimeter of my mouth is covered in starchy goodness and every swallow brings with it a soothing and satisfying essence of revitalization that slides down into my stomach warming my body with the love and care that I know the baker put into it. I don't even notice the tears streaming don my face until it's pointed out to me.

The callidus rank leader is at a loss for words when she hands me a handkerchief. I finish off the last of the jacks and dab my tears slightly embarrassed of myself. I haven't had a sweet potato jack in years, and those were too perfect; it takes a moment for me to compose myself, resuming my usual deadpan expression. I make a mental note to go compliment the baker and maybe buy another one some day when I have more than twelve cents in pennies picked up off the ground in my inventory.

I clean up and awkwardly thank Alyssa a couple more times. She lets me enjoy the afterglow for a beat before bringing me crashing down from cloud nine back to reality.

[10/12]
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"I've made some modifications to your exam. You will be taking this one alone this time and the difficulty has been increased to play to your strengths." She informs me back in her usual business groove. "The time limit has been reduced to four hours, and conditions have been added for passing and failing." I listen intently as she explains the changes to the exam relieved that this wasn't going to be a pre-haranguing.

The callidus exam consists of two major parts: clerical and field work. Clerical is easy enough, just don't have mush for brains cougheversorscough and anyone can pass. Field work is much more exciting: three parts with three to five callidus-in-training taking the exam at the same time, teamwork optional, against a squad of newly inducted vindicare and whoever else wants to volunteer to kick around some fresh meat, teamwork mandatory.

Despite my persistent failures, I'm actually looking forward to taking the exam. It's probably the only thing I've done that's actually been fun since contracting. Not only do I get to stretch my legs a little and get away from the constant threat of having my bones broken, but the exam is the only time I feel I have some control which I haven't felt in over a month. The rules are very straight forward and nonrestrictive allowing quite the freedom of approach. I think if I can just pass the damn thing and get real missions like these, I might just turn out to enjoy some part of my life again.

Alyssa asks me if I have any questions, which I don't; I never ask questions for fear they're going to figure out what I'm planning and plug that loophole. Then she fills the silence that would be the rest of the trip by plugging loopholes I've exploited in the past and trying to anticipate new ones with more stupid rules.

[11/12]
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We pull up to a nondescript area off the beaten path which was off the highway in the middle of a forest. She takes my grief seed since they aren't permitted during the exam and offers a choice of firearms which I quickly refuse. My proficiency lies in stealth and having an over sized firecracker isn't my style; it won't help me at the truly difficult portion either.

"Your exam begins when you cross the red tape; good luck," she states. We exchange salutes, and she smirks a devilish smirk with a suspicious wink that is all too out of place for her normal formal front. A chill runs up my spine, and I wonder if I should take that as a sign that this isn't going to be an ordinary newbie exam or if she's just trying to get into my head.

I try to shake the feeling and forget the gesture while trodding through to the deeper part of the forest. My hands, either from the chill in the air or from anticipation, begin trembling; I clench them hard. I have to be quick to put some ideas into action, quicker still for the contingency plans to save my butt should I encounter some nasty surprises. I might...I thin- no, this may be my last chance to prove I'm worth something to the Officio. There's no room for failure, I CAN and WILL do this. I've planned for this.

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>>35875579

It's already over in this of the world, but Happy Halloween MGNQ !
>>
Trials of the Thrice-Cursed

Chapter 1-3: Wildcards

I used to work for the Ninth, but now Fate apparently decided it would be funny to make it so I'd end up with their old enemy from the Third. It had been about a week now since the world went insane on me, but I've managed to adapt. Honestly? the ease I've had in doing so actually bothers me. I shouldn't be taking this so lightly. Everything I strived for, everyone I enjoyed and would die for. Even my loyal partner. Everything's been stripped away from me.

And I'm just calmly chilling with strangers who picked me off the streets. What the bloody fuck is wrong with me.

"So.. that's about it."Silke finished her explanation with a small confirming nod in emphasis. The two of us were sitting across the 'living room' part of the lounging area. She was sitting properly, if a little nervously, while I was lazily laying down on one of the couches, hands joined under my head as I listened.

"That's pretty interesting, actually." I found myself replying. " Explains a lot of things about how the Officio used to work and how their layout is designed." I hid a small yawn by turning my head away towards the seat of the couch for a few seconds; hadn't really slept in the past few days.

"Y-yes, it... got a little difficult at times.." I raised an eyebrow at her comment before letting out a small chuckle.

"Hey, no need to be all modest. We all have to deal with crap one way or another and I'm pretty sure I'd feel like shit if I was in your situation." The Culexus remained silent and looked away slightly.

She eventually managed to mutter a small "thank you" I could have missed if my senses weren't sharpened to high levels by the magic flowing through my blood. I just smiled and teased her a little.

"No coming too close though, I can only tolerate so many headaches in a day."
==[1/8]
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Somewhat Magical Strategist Serina Hunter - The Perfect Wish

And that's my pilot for my writefag debut! Thanks for reading.
>>
Silke let out a small 'hmf' and I just chuckled again.

"I can't help but wonder though.." The little Culexus picked up in a more confident tone than usual, it almost felt like she was just thinking out loud rather than addressing me directly. "Why are you affected this much."

"Hm?"

"No one else gets sick when my suit is set to maximum like this, but you still feel the effects, I wonder why."

I slowly picked myself up from my lazy laying down position and shifted up to a leisurely sitting position, resting my cheek on cold fleshmetal fingers in thought. It was a bit strange like she said. I never really spent time with Culexi back at the Ninth, so the question never really came up. It did mean I had to be even more careful if I was especially vulnerable to their attacks like she was implying. Already my mind started to race thinking of ways of how I could try to deal with this kind of situations.

"Actually, if you don't mind.." Silke perked up lightly at my words. "I'd appreciate if we could schedule some training at some point." she tilted her head slightly, even with the visor on I could tell she must have been looking at me like I was crazy - which is a perfectly valid thing to do, but that's beside the point. "Don't give me that, I'm serious."

There was a few seconds of silence followed by a small sigh. "..If you insist, then I'll see what I can do to help." Her vox-caster concealed the tone of her voice, but from the body language and pace, I could tell she wasn't all that happy with it.

There was an awkward moment for a while longer. She was clearly a bit uncomfortable, but for what reason I couldn't tell for sure. Could be bad previous experiences trying to do the same for all I knew. Either way I decided to drop the topic for the time being and stood up, heading to the kitchen section while stretching my arms a little.
==[2/8]
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"What are you up to?" she leaned forward from her seat as I started rummaging through the fridge and counters. I caught a glance of her fidgeting from the side of my eye. "Trying to pull my weight" I responded evenly as I kept searching.

The Culexus soon enough hopped down from her big chair and headed over, taking care to remain at least two meters off to my side. Still gave me a slight headache, but it was small enough for me not to care. "What are you looking for?" she asked simply, looking as if she wanted to help. "Alcohols. I used to work at a bar so I know all kinds of mixes."

Silke seemed to stiffen a little, I almost felt like she was going to try to sermon me or something - she looked young enough for that - but she didn't. "Suzume only buys wines." I stopped my search and leaned back slightly. That was a problem, I didn't know much of any recipe with those things. "It's not like you have to anyway... it's.. it's unhealthy you know..." Ah, there was a sermon after all, but she didn't look all that convinced by her own words.

"It helps relax. It's kind of like smoking cigarettes except instead of blowing the smoke into everyone's faces it's something you can keep to yourself."

Silke swayed a little on her tiptoes before giving another feeble-sounding rebuttal. "W-well, both are bad..."

I just shrugged and leaned against the counter. "Look, I can understand trying to be as good as you can be, but we all have to cope with a lot of stress and bullshit. Except if we let things fester instead of just having a small mental breakdown we turn into screeching monsters." A small gasp escaped her mouth, I soothed my own voice, trying to be comforting. "So it's all right. We can have a few vices to indulge in, it helps keeping us sane and functioning. 'Don't have to try to shoulder the whole world. "
==[3/8]
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>>35875948
Awesome!
Happy Hallowe'en!
>>
The little Culexus sighed lightly and remained silent for a second or two before taking a few steps and reaching up to give me a pat on the head. I froze in place for a moment, completely at a loss as to how to react to something like that.

I knew shit was going to get awkward.

"You try to act all spooky and tough, but you're really a good girl inside." At this point I felt a little bit of red creep up to my cheeks; and it wasn't blood for once.

"The hell I am!" I finally growled out as she took a few steps back. "I don't "act" or any of that bullshit, I'm always me."

"I know." she simply answered, taking another step back to avoid a punch that never came. "I can tell."

I sighed deeply, trying to contain my exasperation. What the fuck was up with her all of a sudden? I grumbled lightly and took my bottle of vodka from my inventory, setting it down on the counter with a loud 'thud', which got a small tilting of the head out of her. "You're going to drink and you're going to like it."

"Hum, Tatsuki--"

"No buts, it's the price for making fun of me just now." I immediately cut her and she slumped slightly, probably resigned. "Now now, don't make that face, it's really good stuff I'm sharing with you here."

"What face?" she quickly protested a bit louder than her usual tone. "You can't even see my face behind this!"

I just shrugged as I started to pour two glasses of pure Russian goodness. "Relax." I let out calmly before picking up my own and sampling a small sip. All hail the Drink of Kings. "I'm not really going to force you." she sighed lightly and tiptoed again, hazarded a glance to the glass, then to me, then back to the glass.
==[4/8]
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>>35875960
The Eighth is just full of bullies, isn't it?
>>
When she finally decided to lift her visor, my headache exploded a few levels. I grit my teeth at the sudden pain but bore with it. I emptied the rest of my own glass in a quick gulp to help with it then reported my attention back on her.

Her face really did look innocent, no matter how much I looked. She had short blue hair and gentle green eyes. It's when I saw those eyes that I knew for sure; she wasn't meant to be a Magical Girl. They were eyes that made you feel like you wanted to protect them from all the horrors we can't run away from. But at the same time, they weren't completely naive. She had seen her share already; I could feel that much.

Silke cautiously took the glass I had offered her and gave it a look as if it was some sort of dangerous poison or radioactive material before slowly bringing it closer and eventually to her lips. It was kinda cute actually, especially with that face of hers. She took a tiny sip and blinked before shivering. "..warm.. it's cold, but then warm.." She looked down with a curious expression and took another, longer sip. She coughed lightly and tried to cover her mouth with a gloved hand.

"TATSUKI" another now-familiar voice suddenly roared behind me loud enough for me to turn around and take a stance. "What do you think you're doing with my little German!" Suzume was standing barely half a meter away from me, most likely having snuck in with one of her Callidus Tricks while I wasn't looking.

I let out a small chuckle and shrugged, trying to put on an innocent look of my own. I was probably failing badly though. There's no way I can ever be considered that anymore anyway.
==[5/8]
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>>35871384
>making any hope of navigation a forlorn one at best.
Friendly reminder that that we have at least one external point of reference to navigate by.
>>
The Callidus' expression softened a little and she put a hand on my shoulder. "Just teasing." she then leaned in closer and narrowed her eyes before adding in a whisper. "But if you try to get her drunk to take advantage of her I'll put you in a Barrier that'll make you beg it was a Witch's.~" I remained silent and blinked once with a neutral expression.

Silke blushed slightly as she stepped in "J-jeez Suzume I can take care of myself!" Yes she can, now if only she could avoid coming this close with her visor open I would appreciate. I get the feeling this stabbing pain in my gut is going to become nasty any moment now. I let out a small grunt and she seemed to realize, taking a step back and slamming her visor shut. A glance at her glass made me realize she had already downed it all. What?

"Well, I digress." Suzume leaned against the counter as well and brought a hand to her hair, adjusting it carefully like she seemed to always do. "I just met with one of my contacts and found us a little job." I gave her a small look. This time she wore a pretty regal cocktail dress of midnight blue with small purple styling and details. Looked about right for meeting with a client.

"So what's it going to be?" I crossed my arms and titled my head slightly in wonder.
"Escort duty." she responded with a hint of tease.
"Oh come on!" I objected with a roll of the eyes.
"For a cargo ship." she smirked and specified, leaving my interest renewed:
"Go on."

Suzume nodded and moved away from the counter, heading for her usual throne-like chair in the lounge."Long story short, a museum burned down and all the salvaged works are being transferred to a new exposition site. There's for entire billions' worth of art pieces in that ship on the black market."

"Classic, so they think pirates are going to try to intercept?" I headed over as well with Silke in tow before getting a seat myself.
==[6/8]
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"That's a bit of an understatement actually. The sponsors received an ultimatum by an unknown source that says unless the cargo surrender at a specific location and time, the entire crew is going to die and that no amount of security will be able to prevent that." Suzume explained calmly as she joined her hands.

"Now you're talking my language." I couldn't help but smirk. After all the crap I've went through lately I really needed an opportunity like this to unwind. "So we're expecting Officio opposition? Sounds like something the Tenth would do."

The ice-eyed Callidus nodded lightly. "No doubt, their ultimatum was very arrogantly written. They must have something they believe to be a trump card of sorts. That is why I'll be sending the two of you." she made eye contact with the both of us for emphasis. "Tatsuki, I trust you will be able to take on and defend against whatever they will be throwing at the client. You will be acting as lure while Silke finds and shuts down whatever it is they have up their sleeves."

"That sounds right up my alley." my smirk widened at the prospect of a last stand with unknown forces crashing down. For the first time in a week, I felt excitement again. "I'll show them why they used to call me the Phoenix of the Ninth." Suzume tilted her head with a small amount of confusion, most likely having never heard of any such title. It stung, hard, but I just put on a token smile and waved it off. "Nevermind."

"The data?" Silke asked flatly as she stood back up, soon answered by another nod from the Callidus. "I already added it in." The Culexus looked back to me and made a motion to tell me to come over as she walked to a side-room that held a lot of electronic material; surveillance equipment mostly.
==[7/8]
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I was honestly a little surprised when I saw just how well the little German handled all this equipment. When it comes to combat, it's not uncommon to hear people speak of how they see their weapons as extensions of themselves. That was roughly the feeling I was getting when I watched her. In no time flat she pulled up the exact location the ultimatum asked for, the sea charts for the vicinity, the weather conditions for the specified time, the itinerary of the cargo and its blueprints and specifications.

"Here, please review this." I blinked lightly at the Culexus and gave her a look. "It's all you'll need to know so.. please memorize it well!" I couldn't help but nod at the enthusiasm in her outburst. What a strange girl. I took a seat in front of all the monitors and started to check everything. I doubted I'd actually make use of all that intel, but there was time to spare.

Time that couldn't make me more eager for it to pass quickly.
==[8/8]
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Treasure Hunter Elaine

Chapter 3: Hedonism HQ

----------

It was a long flight, but now I'm finally back in Rome, and on my way to the 14th. The sooner I get there, the sooner I can drop the sarcophagus off to Pius and contemplate ways to obsessively wash out my inventory. I don't care that's she in a sarcophagus, having a dead body in your inventory is gross as hell.

Tearing my thoughts away from what's in my inventory, I'm again floored by just how massive the building of the 14th Officio is. It's at least 400 feet tall, and it extends who knows how far underground. The building is about 600 feet in diameter at the surface, easily taking up four city blocks here in Rome. It's almost five times the size of the standard American unit of area: the football field.

From the outside the circular building has three levels visible, each level having a dozen small towers rising up a couple dozen feet. The entrance to the Officio is also massive, being at least 150 feet tall and looking like the front of a Roman cathedral. The entire Officio looked like it was cut from a single, absolutely massive block of stone. The outside was decorated with carvings, statues, and emblems made out of brass. Surrounding the Officio were 300 foot pillars of stone with brass statues of magical girls standing on top of them. The doors—

…You know what? Just take my word on it. The entire office building and everything on it is fucking massive and gaudier than the tomb I just got back from, and that was filled with gold and jewels. I'd even say the pyramid was subtle compared to the 14th. Point is, everything is shiny and impressive, and if I were to try and describe every detail of the building, I'd be here all day. The effort and energy needed to make this place is just mindboggling, I don't know how Pius made it and did it without anyone noticing, other than with some half-assed explanation like "Callidus hid it" or "alien space magic."

[1/11]
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>>35876063
I open the doors and walk inside the Officio. I'll try to keep the descriptions brief this time.

The inside of the Officio is just as gaudy as the inside, but replace half of the bronze sculptures and carvings with gold, the other half with marble, and throw valuable paintings of the Blessed Lady on almost every wall. The hardwood floors are polished to the point of having a permanent sheen, and red velvet carpets and tapestries cover the floors and parts of the walls respectively. No, I don't know how the velvet remains in its perfect pristine state week after week of use, or how you never slip and fall on your ass with the velvet on polished hardwood floors, but that's the 14th for you.

Oh, hold on. I missed one rather important aspect of the fourteenth.

Most of the statues, paintings, and other artwork on the inside of the Officio that doesn't involve the Blessed Lady in some way are all of naked women. Whenever I walk by them I try not to pay attention to the statues, the lewd positions some of them are in, or how others look suspiciously similar to the Warmaster.

Yeah… it's… a fairly lewd Officio, and many of the girls in it are just about as lewd. At least they keep the worst statues inside the Officio and not display them on every available space on the outside of the Officio. Granted, Pius had to step in and enforce that himself.

Enough of that though. I think I should stop by Pius's office for now and drop off the crazy magical girl in my inventory.

----------

Several lewd statues later, I find myself in front of Pius's office. Compared to the rest of the Officio, it's rather tame. It's just a door about twice my height, made of solid oak, and stained to look a deep, dark brown. Other than a few carvings of the Blessed Lady and a few words inscribed on the surface, "GAUDE PUELLA MAGI ", there are no other decorations on it to speak of.

Without hesitating I open the door to the incubator's office and walk inside.

[2/11]
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And this concludes the (first) introductory phase for TTC. The next Chapter will kick off the action
>>
WELL GEE, it would be nice to remember to post images.
>>35876084
Pius's office looked like the inside of a Christian church, except instead of in the shape of a cross the room was rectangular with a rounded wall opposite the door. The room itself did not have much light to speak of, only relying on the glow of several screens to give it a faint blue light. The room also lacked any pews, and instead just had a red carpet lead up to the altar, which Pius used as his desk. The altar cum desk was the same color as the door, but with certain parts gilded with the Officio's logo. Instead of murals and stained glass of Christ, the Saints, or any other holy figures you might find in a Christian church, there were about twenty electronic screens that currently had images of The Blessed Lady on them. That was Pius's screensaver so to speak. It flipped through a number of images of the Blessed Lady when he wasn't using the screens or his computer to contact his brothers.

Pius himself looked like most of his brothers. White fur, opposable ears, fluffy tail, the works. He's slightly taller than the other incubators, but not by all that much. What sets him apart from his brothers though is the miniature red gown that he wears, along with the large and rather silly pope hat sitting on his head. As far as I know, not one of the girls has ever seen him without the hat on. The few times that he's been killed he came back with a new pope hat already on his head.

When Pius herd the door open, he stopped what he was doing and looked up at me immediately. "Hoh? It's unusual to see you here. You've never accepted my invitations to meet me after your trips. I take it this means something happened in the tomb, Elaine." He says in his deep voice. Yes, a deep voice. Unlike the other incubators his voice isn't some sickeningly sweet high pitched noise, it's a deep, oily voice.

[3/11]
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>>35876103
As for Pius himself, he often acts like a priest whenever he can, sans sermons. It's part of the reason why he doesn't mind if one of his girls barges right into his office like I just did. He'll drop everything to listen to our problems and try to offer solutions. Problem is, he's still an alien cat with the barest understanding of how humans work, so his help isn't all that useful or wanted most of the time. Often his help is even detrimental to us, to the point of needing a grief seed after seeing him.

From what little I know of the guy, when he came to earth God knows when, he was fascinated by the human concept of "religion" and wanted to spread one of his own. He never got a chance to spread his own, but he saw how many magical girls already worshiped the "Blessed Lady" and he set out to help spread the religion to magical girls worldwide along with his brother in the 2nd. He likes to see himself as the "pope" of the religion, even though there isn't a recognized pope for the Blessed Lady, and if he ever made any decrees about the religion no one ever listened to him. Girls often end up calling him a fake pope or fake priest behind his back because of that.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand about the girl in the tomb.

"Hey Pius, I hit a bit of a snag over in the pyramid in Egypt that I thought you should see." I tell him as I pull the sarcophagus out of my inventory and stand it up.

"Oh? Very well. This is the first time you've sought my assistance."

I pull the lid off and the girl from the pyramid falls out onto the floor.

"I found her in the tomb, and she claimed to be Cleopatra," I answered. "Or at least she sincerely believed she was Cleopatra."

Pius tilts his head bewildered, as if he was a confused puppy or something. I spend the next few moments filling him in on everything that happened in the tomb.

[4/11]
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>>35876122
"I see… This is serious, indeed," Pius says as he hops down from his desk and starts examining the girl. "May I see her soul gem?"

I pull the sapphire soul gem out of my pocket. It's no longer crystal clear, but some darkness has begun to form in the gem. Probably because I kept her body and her soul apart for so long. I hand the soul gem over to Pius to examine. He probably would have easily caught it had I tossed it, but throwing souls is typically frowned upon. If anyone in the 14th can solve the mystery of where this girl came from and what she was doing in Egypt, it would be Pius.

"Hoh? Interesting." Pius mutters as he examines the soul gem with his… ears? Arms? Earms? Anyway, after a few moments he sets the soul gem down and looks up to me. "I am unable to determine when exactly she was contracted, or who the incubator that contracted her was, Elaine."

See? I told you he'd be able to—wait what?

"Nothing?" I ask surprised. "You don't have any idea who she is? No idea at all?"

"All I can tell about her contract from examining the soul gem is that she could have been contracted at any point in time between a million years ago and about a week ago." Pius continues. "I can tell you that she would be an Eversor, and she has a large amount of magic available to her, but I do not know the details of her powers or what her wish could have been."

"So what, are you trying to tell me that she could in fact be Cleopatra?" I asked incredulously.

"Of course not." Pius answers. "It's impossible that Cleopatra could have lived for two thousand years without us knowing about it. She would have fallen long before now had she actually been in the pyramid that long without a grief seed. What possessed you to think that she actually was Cleopatra?"

For the record, "falling" is the Pius's way of saying "turn into a witch." His rationale behind it is that us turning into witches parallels the "fall from grace" featured in many religions.

[5/11]
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>>35876144
Anyway, I ignore his attempt at being condescending and continue on. "Well good, she's not Cleopatra. At least now we know who she's not." To be honest I'm more curious now at how he could not know a damn thing about who she is with the soul gem right in his…ears. "Isn't it your job to make and fiddle with soul gems? How is it that you cannot know where she's from?"

"There are a number of reasons why this could be unknown to me Elaine." Pius answers me patiently. "Most of them are classified however, and the rest are so unlikely they're not even worth mentioning."

I let out a frustrated sigh. So the answer is beyond my pay grade. That's nice. And here I though Pius could answer all of my questions about this girl. Silly me for assuming he'd tell me jack shit. Oh, and silly me for thinking that the alien cat that makes soul gems with the contracts would know anything about them.

"If it's any consolation, if something has affected her soul gem enough that I cannot learn much from it, her mind would be equally affected," Pius states. "More likely than not this girl was being sincere when you met her, so you shouldn't have to worry her trying to kill you in your sleep."

No, it wasn't any consolation, as now none of my questions about how she got in the tomb can be answered. "So what do we do with our insane girl, then?" I ask instead of voicing my frustration any more than I might have already.

"If she means no harm and if I am unable to learn her Officio of origin, I can talk to her and try to convince her to work with us in the 14th." Pius states, with his tail starting to swish back and forth. "She would be a very powerful Eversor, and I would never say no to having another Eversor under my employ."

Somehow I knew he'd go there. 90% of the whole Officio is already made up of Eversors, and he still went there.

[6/11]
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>>35876166
"Good luck convincing her." I tell Pius. "For some reason I don't think she'll take working under someone very well. She's more likely to be insulted by working under someone than thrilled by the idea."

"I will keep your advice in mind, Elaine," Pius says as he grabs the soul gem again to wake the girl up.

Almost immediately the girl jolts upright, gasping for air. She looks around wildly until she spots me. "Loyal Peasant! Where am I?" she demands.

"You're in the Fourteenth Officio in Rome." Pius answers for me. "Elaine, your loyal peasant, works for me and she saw fit to inform me of your return to our world, Lady Cleopatra."

Wait, what? Lady Cleopatra? What is the cat doing? Why is he encouraging her delusion?

The girl's eyes widen as she spots Pius. "A talking cat! Ah, the wonders this age has." The girl then turns to me. "You must have been lucky to be able to serve a cat such as this before meeting me."

Oh, that's right. Cats were sacred to Egyptians, mostly because they killed vermin and cobras.

And she thinks I'm lucky to be working for one. Someone kill me.

…Then again, it could be worse. I could be in the 10th… or the 8th… or the 9th for that matter.

"Indeed she is, Lady Cleopatra," Pius continues. "But for the moment, I must speak with you about your plans now that you've returned."

"My plans? I wish to have the world recognize me as its leader once more and to rule over it, just as it should be!" The fake proclaims. "But first, I require knowledge of this world so I may rule over it with as few problems as possible after my ascent."

"Indeed, which is part of the reason why Elaine brought you to me," Pius says as he starts walking in circles around us. He has a bad habit of doing that when he has things to say. "You have been given an opportunity to learn of the world in secret and get your bearings without worrying about anyone attempting to take your right to rule away from you before you are ready."

[7/11]
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>>35876182
I just stand there stunned, wondering if I'm actually hearing Pius help the girl plot world domination or if some Callidus with way too much time and magic on their hands is trying to prank me. It might not be a Callidus, though. I could just be drugged for all I know.

"You see, in this day and age you are what we call a magical girl. I will go over the details of what that entails later, but what you need to know at this point is that in this time all magical girls work for Incubators such as myself, and those who don't tend to not last very long." Pius explains. "Obviously someone like you would not work for someone else, lest it imply anyone had power over you. However, if you were to just pretend to work for me, you would have an opportunity to learn of the world with little trouble.

"What an interesting idea…" comments the tan girl. "The best way for me to stay hidden would be to hide in plain sight. That cover shall do nicely until I've learned of this world. What else do I need to know to keep this cover and not have the others suspect me?"

"To make sure no one looking too closely discovers this deception, you will have to do a few jobs for me to keep up appearances." Pius mentions. "You will be paid for them like anyone else, and the extra funds should help you gather the resources you need for your goal."

"Yes, true. Even in my time not everyone would do things for free for royalty. Even our slaves had to be paid a minimal amount to keep them working." She says. "That is acceptable. What else do I need to know for my cover that I should know about?"

Did she not even realize she was just roped into working for the cat?

[8/11]
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>>35876197
"Outside of explaining what I can of the modern world and what it takes to be a magical girl, there is not much to tell," Pius says. "Elaine shall be your guide as you travel around the world. Heed her advice, as she will tell you of the people of the world and their needs, wants, and beliefs. They are things that you will need to know in your attempt to rule over them in this age."

"Good, it would be wrong to have my loyal servant separated from me for too long." The girl says.

If I wasn't dumbfounded at Pius getting this girl to work for him, I'd be more annoyed at being demoted to servant in this girl's eyes, and irritated that I'd have to put up with her even longer now.

Pius finally stops circling around us and jumps onto his desk to face us. "Good. In a moment, I shall try to tell you as much as I can of this world so you will not be too lost and bewildered by this world's wonders on your travels. At the moment though, I suspect that Elaine has something she wishes to speak to me about in private."

Oh, you bet I do furball.

"That is fine, I shall wait for you to finish." The girl says. "The world has waited over two thousand years for me, a few moments more will not be much longer for it to wait."

As the girl wanders away from Pius, I walk over, glaring at the cat. "What the hell are you doing?" I hiss. "I thought you were just going to get her to join the Officio, not encourage her delusions!"

Pius just looks at me. "You were the one who told me that she wouldn't take working under me very well, so I decided to convince her that it was in her best interest to do so."

"You flat out fucking lied to her." I snarl. "I thought you were above that."

"I did not once lie to her." Pius replies. "She said that she wanted to rule and needed to learn of the world, and I offered her a method to do so."

"You called her 'Lady Cleopatra.' You were encouraging her insanity."

[9/11]
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>>35876214
"She answers to Cleopatra, and things would naturally go smoother if added a suitable title. To my knowledge, none of my brothers have had any success with contracting young males, meaning she must be female and making 'Lady' is a suitable title." The cat states. "As for her insanity, I saw no need to make things more complicated by attempting to cure her of it."

"What about that part about people after her? Who the hell would even be after her? The only ones that know of her are in this room!" I continue.

"I'm sure those in power won't sit quietly if she has any sort of success in taking power away from them. Someone will sooner or later want her gone," He answers.

Tilting his head, Pius asks me a question in return. "Why are you so upset over the matter anyway? This is the easiest solution that doesn't require killing her, is it not? I know how you dislike killing; after all, it's why I decided to make you a Callidus instead of an Eversor in the first place," Pius states. "Think about it, Elaine. This way we don't have to shatter her worldview and risk her falling when she learns that everything she knows is a lie. While she's being paranoid of enemies watching her and waiting for her to reveal her plans, she'll be more likely to behave like a normal, if a bit egotistical, magical girl. If anything, the extra paranoia will be good for her and help her survive longer as an Eversor."

[10/11]
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>>35876237
The worst part is that he's right. I can't even try to tell her of this now without making things worse. "It's just wrong to lead her on like that." The whole thing just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. This is why no one goes to the cat for help. He pulls shit like this and occasionally makes comments about "the good old days."

"Your opinion on the matter has been noted."

"I'm not calling her Cleopatra, though." I say, giving up on arguing my point.

"I will convince her to use another name while she's here," Pius says as I walk away. "Lady Cleopatra, it seems Elaine and I have finished. It may take some time for me to explain what being a magical girl entails, so you might want to get comfortable." Pius hops down from his desk again, no doubt getting ready to start circling the girl once he starts monologuing. "Elaine has many things she needs to do before she's ready to go, including heading to the Warmaster. Do not worry though; Elaine will be back in a few hours."

Taking my cue, I leave Pius's office and head towards the Warmaster's office. Anything to keep my mind off of what just happened.

[11/11]
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>>35876254
And that's it!
Thanks to Deculture for letting me write, Malal, Minty, and Halaxis for reading through it, and once again Larro for letting me use Queenie!
And now I'm being drafted to help decorate for Halloween!
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>>35876274
Thank you!
>>
>>35875579
Thanks for running!

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20Noir%20Quest

Thread has been archived and updated as always.

>>35875960
I am eager to read more of it!
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>>35876274
>And now I'm being drafted to help decorate for Halloween!
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If you can find the IRC channel, would it be okay to join?
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>>35875948
Cool!
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>>35876442
Yeah. Don't think anyone would be mad if you found it.

Search around the old threads, or google. I think it's on magicalgirlnoir.com somewhere too.
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>>35876442
Yes.
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>>35873643
Wendy.



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