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You growl something particularly unpleasant underneath your breath, before grabbing the showerhead and rinsing yourself off of the lather that Midori had spent quite a good while working up. It's just...it's just TYPICAL of Kharn to call right when things are going good. Sure, your memory isn't very good when it concerns the months you've spent being in the Betrayer's retinue, but somehow you know that this is something she just DOES, deliberately or otherwise.

And you know that she gets a fucking huge kick out of it.

Wrapping a towel around your own still-wet, still-naked form, you stagger out of your bathroom, push past an apologetic Midori, and then plant your bare ass down on the chair behind your desk in a wet squelch. The monitor of your laptop comes alive with a tap of its keys, and the grinning face of your predecessor fills the screen. Sunless eyes and razor-toothed grin and everything.

"Ah, Murderface!" She crows at the sight of you, with all the motherly warmth of a thrown knife. "Dearest of all my frie--"

"Kharn," You cut her off with another growl, one that wouldn't have shamed a Sixth Officio berserker. "I swear I will find and SHAVE the heads of all the blondes in Siberia if this isn't worth my fucking time."
>>
>>36157492

The Betrayer blinks her scarlet-pinned black eyes for a moment, seemingly genuinely taken aback by your greeting - before breaking out into chuckling, and then flashing you another wide and cheerful grin. "Murderface, Murderface! That is no way to be talking to your your former Warmaster and best friend!" She fans her long, cruel claws over her expansive, blouse-clad chest.

"And more than that, an expectant mother! The little ones inside, they may hear such foul language and come out with skewed personalities, you know! In these times, a mother must take care of what she sees and hears, not just what she consumes!" She shakes her head, clicking her tongue in mock annoyance.

You snort here. As if you can say anything to twist Kharn's future kids any more than their own mother. In fact, you're a bit terrified of what the buggers will be like after they're born. Would they be just as bad as your predecessor, as hungry and ravenous for both blood and flesh when she was still at her prime, or - God forbid - be even worse?

You blink away the vision of a horde of black-eyed, black-clawed preschool children swarming over Mami, cackling as they tear her clothes off, and ask your former boss just what she's calling you for again.

"Ah, this is how it is, is it? No time to chat! No time to catch up and even, ah, shoot the shit?" Kharn shakes her head mournfully, before cackling again as she sees you glaring at her. "Fine, fine. I will cut right to the quick, yes?"

She nods, and it's here that all humor and warmth in her face vanishes underneath a mask of...disquieting focus. No one can call it professionalism, not by a long shot, but the way Kharn is staring at you right now, from the screen, it's...you're being reminded just why she's known the way she is, even without the Betrayer epithet.

[1/2]
>>
>>36157499

A killing intent. That was it. A killing intent, palpable even over the hundreds of miles between you and her, even over the Internet connection that made your conversation possible. A stare filled with so much raw, predatory force that you could feel the pricking of her claws against the back of your neck right before she rips your spine out. Or the hot bite of her chainsword's teeth as it chews into your side, right before it tears you in half.

Even if you still feel warm from your bath - and Midori's special, intimate way of scrubbing your back - you still felt the chill knifing through your spine from that stare.

...Well, what about Ahriman, then? You ask Kharn as you force yourself to remain focused, here - as focused as you can be with only a towel around you for modesty, and your Callidus watching on beside you pretty much in the same kind of state.

"I know how you think, Murderface, I have not been blind to your...more admirable ways, even if it seems like I cared nothing more than my conquest." Kharn grins, and it's a sly, knowing thing of curled lips and barely-concealed teeth. "You will want to save this Prophet, and that in itself is worth all the medals that Kyuubey will never give you. But I am here to tell you that it is better for you, for this Prophet, and everyone else involved - that you kill her. Go directly for her throat and end this nasty business."

...Well. Can't say you didn't expect that.

There's something strange about her tone, though. ...It seems like she's hiding something from you, or something she wants to say but doesn't quite know how to say it.

How do you react?

[]I can't, Kharn. I made a promise. Tell me how I can save her instead.
[]I was thinking about that myself. It seems like a neater way to finish things. Have any idea how tough it's going to be?
[]Other.
>>
>>36157506
>[x]Other.

Ask if she's hiding something. You want to try to save Oriko, but if Kharn has anything that can give you an edge, you'll take it.

You'll decide if you can save her when that time comes.
>>
>>36157506
[X] Kharn, what it is you truly want to say?
>>
>>36157506
[X]Other.
"Why would I want to changes my plans right before the mission? What are you not telling me?"
>>
>>36157506
>[X] I can't, Kharn. I made a promise. Tell me how I can save her instead.
>[x] Ask Kharn why it would be better to kill her. Maybe she knows something we don't.
>>
>>36157506
>[X]I can't, Kharn. I made a promise. Tell me how I can save her instead.

If we play stubborn on purpose, she'll spill whatever she has trouble saying.

I might be able to make one more voting period before my meeting starts, maybe...
>>
>>36157530
Seconding.
Also
>Akemi Homura
>Akuma Homura
WAKE UP SHEEPLE
>>
>>36157506
>[]I can't, Kharn. I made a promise. Tell me how I can save her instead.
>[]Other

You're playing coy with me, Kharn. What is it that you're not telling me?
>>
>>36157506
>[]I was thinking about that myself. It seems like a neater way to finish things. Have any idea how tough it's going to be?
>>
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>>36157506
>[X]I can't, Kharn. I made a promise. Tell me how I can save her instead.
>>
>>36157557

Does that mean she can teach us the secrets of the Gou Hadou?
>>
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>>36157492
>"Ah, Murderface!" She crows at the sight of you, with all the motherly warmth of a thrown knife. "Dearest of all my frie--"
>Dearest of all my friends
>>
>>36157506
>[x]Other.
>Ask her what the demerits of saving the Prophet
>Ask her why killing the prophet is the best option
>>
>>36157557
Where did you see Akuma? Huh?
>>
>>36157506
>[X]I can't, Kharn. I made a promise. Tell me how I can save her instead.
>[X]Why do you sound like you're holding something back?

I am imagining the Kharnlings flying around in little koopa clown cars.
>>
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>>36157594
holy shit thats horrifying.
>MFW
>>
>>36157506
>[X] Kharn, what it is you truly want to say?
Kharn what the hell is going on this time?
>>
>>36157607
End suffering?
>>
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>>36157626
>end
>suffering

Oriko might be pretty much gone already though. Look what happened with Kilgore, and Yuu isn't even a bitch like Ahriman.
>>
>>36157506
I thiiiink voting period is over.
>>
>>36157506
>[x]Why?
>>
>>36157685
I think Kharn's periods are pretty much over now, too.
>>
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>>36157730
>>
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>>36157776
So close.
>>
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>>36157776
>>
>>36157799
But who is the father?
>>
Hello
Would you like a Tiny Pete?
>>
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>>36157730
>>
>>36157834
Madoka
>>
>>36157834
Pinky of course.
>>
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>>36157834
>>
>>36157851
Noice
>>
>>36157834
Pinky.
>>
>>36157854
>>36157855
B-but girls can't love girls! Much less impregnate them...
>>
>>36157834
Cavefish
>>36157883
Why do you think they're called 'Incubators'?
>>
>>36157883
There's a doujin called Candy Girls
Read it. Love it. Live it.
>>
Poor Souji.
>>
All I imagine is aunt misaka building them a fleet of Medium Petes to go bear hunting on their fourth birthday
>>
>>36157930
Poor souji's lower back, pelvis and hips.
>>
>>36157954
>Kharn putting them in a skull crib
>Kharn feeding them a spoonful of food and saying "here comes the flesh of fallen angels"
>Kharn sleeping with their blonde kindergarten teacher
>>
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NYAA~HOHOHOHOHOHOHO~ MIDORI HANEGAWA PLEASES OLD MEN FOR MONEY!
>>
>>36158007
Kharn teaching them how to fight with a chainsword twice their size

>And what do we tell Death?
>NOT TODAY
>>
>>36158007
>kids' first words are 'bwud gawd'
>>
>>36158007
>>Kharn sleeping with their blonde kindergarten teacher
hot
>>
>>36158020

Neco a jealous because she'll nyever find true rabu.
>>
>>36157529 >>36157530 >>36157544

You frown at Kharn, and her carefully-concealed unease that you would easily have missed if you didn't know her at all. It's not like your predecessor to mince words like this - sure, she wasn't at all that forthcoming back when you asked her about the procedure you underwent, but for everything else, she shared what she knew willingly. ...Well, besides some other things you had to find out for yourself, anyway.

You shake your head and tell Kharn no. No, you're not going into this with the aim of killing Oriko. Not after you made a promise to try everything in your power to save her first. If she called you up simply to try and make you take the easiest, cleanest way out of this mess, then she's wasting her time - and yours, too.

If not, then she should at least tell you how to save Oriko.

For a wonder, the Betrayer is silent throughout your half-irritated, half-annoyed response - and she only speaks after you start drumming your fingers impatiently on the keyboard.

"Ah...so I see. You made a promise, eh?" Kharn chuckles again, the sound made almost seductive with her smooth, gun oil-slick voice, even with her harsh accent. "Well, that explains it." She lets out a sigh, before looking back up at you, a wistful smile on her lips.

"You should be a bit more careful with the promises you makes, Murderface, yes? Unsavory and uncouth individuals like me, well, we can ignore and betray our oaths without care, for we only value the ones we make for our own benefit, and cast them aside easily when they have outlived their usefulness."

Another chuckle, and it's here that you see her look down at her stomach, one brutally-clawed hand resting gently on the visible bump there. "

[1/2]
>>
>>36158153

"While the shining ideals of humanity like you and Tomoe Mami, well, your promises mean everything. They mean the world, a sacred trust, both to you and the one you made the promise to. Breaking your promise to them is to rape everything they love in front of them, and tear them apart in the afterglow."

You narrow your eyes at Kharn. You, a shining ideal of humanity? For fuck's sake, it's been barely a month ago that you were throwing up all over yourself from a failed attempt at murdering your liver with Kong. How the fuck did you suddenly get to be uttered in the same breath as Mami?

Christ, is this what pregnancy does to Magical Girls? Turns them fucking insane?

"Motherhood is a beautiful thing, Murderface, do not say otherwise!" Kharn snaps at you, suddenly irate. "It fills you with a youthful bloom of health and vigor, as it prepares you to bring forth the crystallization of love into the world!" She sighs happily, contentedly, making you blink again. "Ah, if only you could be here to see me, Murderface. Souji says that I am the most beautiful mother-to-be that he has ever seen. More beautiful than the ones he sees on the internet."

...What?

"Oh, do not worry, I hit him hard enough for him to learn not to make another comment like that." Kharn laughs. "But, ah, anyway. I say that you are like Mami, because you are Warmaster now."

She grins at you. "But not like how I was Warmaster. I made my throne with skulls, Murderface - you are building your own with the trust of your colleagues and your subordinates as a foundation. Already I am hearing that many are impressed by the way you are conducting yourself, including those contracted by other Incubators."

[2/3]
>>
>>36158168

Kharn grins wider at your shocked expression. "Oh, do not look so surprised, Murderface. Even in disgraced exile, Valnikov Kharn has her own contacts, limited as they are. I am told enough, and the rest I can infer easily enough. For everything else, there is always the Internet, and a thieving little cat I can rely on for information."

Hah. Well, that you didn't expect. But she was saying something about you and being a fucking paragon of humanity...?

"Oh, yes, that." The raven-haired Betrayer chuckles. "Yes, well. You are part of that elite echelon because people trust you and respect you in equal measure. Your promises are ironclad, worth their weight in gold, because of your reputation, your rank, and your...stubbornness in upholding them." The pause in her words is filled with a meaningful silence, one that she spent staring pointedly in your eyes. "But promises are sometimes broken, Murderface, and--"

You shake your head. No. You're not going to break your promise. Not unless there's nothing else that can be done to save Oriko. Then, maybe, you'll consider it.

"But--"

You slam your hand, open-palmed, down on your table. The resultant noise loud enough and sudden enough that it makes the green-haired Callidus beside you flinch in surprise, and the former Warmaster in your screen blink in startled amazement.

"I said no, Kharn." You growl at her this time. "Now just tell me what you're hiding and stop stalling."

Silence. Stunned, shocked silence from your former Warmaster and friend.

Another moment later, and she lets out a bark of a laugh, harsh and sinister. Wagging a black fleshmetal claw at you, cackling all the while.

"This is why! This is why I chose you for my retinue, Murderface! This is why I saved you from execution, way back then!" Kharn chuckles. "You do not miss anything, do you? Nothing at all! Ah, how I wish I could be there, to see you blossoming into the role you were born for!"

[3/4]
>>
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>>36158020

I can taste the salty.
>>
>>36158177
>Your promises are ironclad, worth their weight in gold
Y-Yeah..
>>
>>36158177

You growl her name again, trying to get her back on track, but you can't help but feel just a bit embarrassed at her words all of a sudden. Kharn was a soul who handed out compliments sparingly, and despite your current ire at her, to get her actual feedback on how you've been doing is...well, galvanizing, at least. That you're not doing anything wrong.

"Alright, alright. I suppose I should make the most out of this call, and tell you just what I've been told." Kharn nods slowly, one clawed hand going back to her belly again. "There...is a way to save this Oriko, Murderface. One that you will be able to do yourself. But..." Her black, iris-less eyes - save for the small dots of crimson at the very centers - flicker with clear uncertainty. "...It requires a sacrifice that you yourself will have to make."

How do you react?

[]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again? That's easy. I'll just kill everyone under Oriko's command, that should be enough.
[]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
[]I don't care what I have to do. Just tell me what it is.
>>
>>36158205
>[x]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again?
>[x]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
>>
>>36158205
>[]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
>>
>>36158205
>[x]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again? That's easy. I'll just kill everyone under Oriko's command, that should be enough.
>>
>>36158205
>>[x]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again?
>>[x]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
>>
>>36158205
>[X]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?

Quit stalling and get. To. The. Point.
>>
>>36158205
>[x] Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?

This is bad news.

>>36158203
heh
>>
>>36158205
[X]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
>>
>>36158205
>[]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again? That's easy. I'll just kill everyone under Oriko's command, that should be enough.
>>
>>36158205
>[x]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
not like there could be much of anything we'd not regret sacrificing, seeing how we don't ahve all that much to give
>>
>>36158205
>[x]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again? That's easy. I'll just kill everyone under Oriko's command, that should be enough.

Just like old times.
>>
>>36158205
[X]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?

I don't like where this is going.
>>
>>36158205
>[]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
>>
>>36158205
>[X]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?

Rip Kyouko.
>>
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>>36158205
[x]What kind of sacrifice? One hundred magical girls again?
[x]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?

Goddamnit Kharn, get to the point or we will send over Midori to bitchslap you again.
>>
>>36158316
Chiaki shows how many fingers she slips in Midori
>>
>>36158316
meanwhile_in_opposite_land.jpg
>>
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>>36158316
Maybe she's lonely?
>>
>>36158313
Sayaka maybe, but we do not sacrifice our best bro.


can we add red to the watermelon end?
>>
>>36158205
[X]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
>>
>>36158316

>Murdoriface and Chiaki Matsudawawa

I... I kinda want to see how this would work out.
>>
>>36158350
Kyouko has death flag written all over her.
>>
>>36158316
Who is that on the right?
>>
>>36158205
>[x]Is this the kind of sacrifice that I'll regret making, or what?
Was the promise to try everything within reason, or that we will do everything we can?

Because I sort of remember telling Kirika we'll try but we can't make guarantees if Oriko's not willing to let herself be saved.
>>
>>36158178
Not even mad doe. Just smug.
Flight was delayed by a half hour again. I hate O'Hare
>>
>>36158205
[X] Is this the kind of sacrifice I'm gonna regret?
[X] Tell me anyway.

If the sacrifice is just numbers, then shit's easy. If it has to be someone we're close to, it's not worth it. But we need to know going in what it has to be.
>>
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>>36158205
Here, have Hat's newest banner.
>>
>>36158384
If I had to guess, I'd say it would be Midori but with Murderface's work history and upbringing.
>>
>>36158415
FOR YUU
>>
>>36158415
Best imouto
>>
>>36158332
>implying slutdori can't take four
>>
>>36158442
Dem's fighting words, bub.
>>
>>36158451
>implying Chiaki doesn't take all 5 from green green

Callidus magic is a wonderous thing.
>>
>>36158384

It was from a Decu draw thread. Someone requested Chiaki and Midori with flipped personalities. I think it's pretty great.

Still need to see if we can get Midori to agree to try out the body-jacking feature in our Soul Gem link sometime.
>>
>>36158432
SHE'S A SMALL GAL
>>
>>36158485
If we're in Midori's body and masturbate, is it masturbation or fingering?
If we finger ourselves in her body, is that fingering or mastubration?
>>
>>36158485
>so this is what having big boobs feels like
>>
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>>36158384
A badly disguised Chiakipus Infiltrator.
>>
>>36158513

Mostly, I'm curious if it works as a switch or if Midori is pushed to the passenger's seat so to speak and Chiaki is left without a driver since the wording way back when was kinda vague.

Also, it would be funny to see "Midori" stumbling about, unused to her center of gravity.
>>
>>36158593
>Also, it would be funny to see "Midori" stumbling about, unused to her center of gravity.

I like you.
>>
>>36158593
Both possibilities would be pretty cool.

[x] Lick the unconscious Chiaki's soul gem while operating Midori's body
>>
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>>36158073
Neco already has her one true love.
Herself.
>>
>>36158749

What hideous mutant is that??! Holy shit man
>>
>>36158749
>she never got noticed by Malal so she bolsters her own ego

Tragic.
>>
>>36158758
>>36158749
A worm slut obviously.
>>
>>36158749
>ohboymyveryownclone
>>
>>36158628
>>36158661

I'm kinda tempted to draw "Midori" stumbling about, but, eh, context. At any rate, it's a cute and funny mental image but I'm not certain if a switch is funnier or not. I think it would be adorable for Midori to finally have the smaller and shorter body she idealizes in a rather roundabout way.
>>
>>36158799
I think the Sayaka bitching would have been worth it if we gave Neco some .50 AE.

At least we're getting some useful information after being Kharnblocked.
>>
>>36158791
>>36158791
What's the relationship between NECO and Malal? Wendy's writeups and ask questions are scattered all over the place
>>
>>36158880
Ai yo.
>>
>>36158880

"I love you, Madoka"
"I don't have time for bitches. I need to save the world"

And then Malal dies.
>>
>>36158909
HERE LIES MALAL
SHE KINDA SCORED
>>
>>36158909
Neco confirmed this timeline's Homura.
>>
>>36158922
Maybe she's in magical girl hell getting molested by Homucifer.
>>
>>36158224 >>36158233 >>36158246 >>36158259

A sacrifice? You narrow your eyes here. What kind of sacrifice? And is this the kind of sacrifice that you'll regret making, or what?

Kharn spreads her brutally-clawed hands wide in front of her, the gesture bringing to mind an unwelcome vision of black blades being drawn in the dark to commit murder. When she speaks, it's with with the same shameful helplessness tainting her gaze and curdling her smile.

"I...I cannot say for certain, Murderface, I apologize. I do not know what you will need to sacrifice in order to save the Prophet." Kharn shakes her head at your frown of obvious disappointment, but presses on.

"Please, Murderface...Chiaki, listen." Her voice catches as she calls you by your real name. "I have only been told that you will know what you need to sacrifice when you are there, in the place where gods and mortals meet, where angels die at the whims of daemons. And while you will regret the sacrifice itself - to your very core - you will make it anyway, because that is what she sees you will do if you keep to this path."

...She? Who told her? Who's this 'she'?

"I made a promise," Kharn whispers now, looking back down at her belly once more. "One I do not wish to break, for the consequences....may not be something I can live with."

You blink at her, unbelievingly, before reaching up with one hand to pinch the bridge of your nose. Is...is everyone in on this entire thing? Is this one whole big joke, to keep you in the dark about IMPORTANT SHIT LIKE THIS, so that everyone can laugh when you inevitably fuck up afterward?

How do you react?

[]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
[]Well, if you don't know, you can guess, right? Come on, Kharn, work with me here. What will I regret giving up? ...Is it pancakes?
[] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>>
>>36158966
>[x]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?

It better not be fucking pancakes
>>
>>36158966
[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>>
>>36158966
>[]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?

>Kharn namefagging
What qualifies if we can namefag or not, for real
>>
>>36158966
>[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>>
>>36158966
>[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.

Fuck. Everything.
>>
>>36158966
>[x]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>>
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>>36158925
I WARNED YOU. I WARNED ALL OF YOU.

>>36158966
[] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.

Might as well vote while I wait. My flight out of here keeps getting delayed.
>>
>>36158966
>[x]Well, if you don't know, you can guess, right? Come on, Kharn, work with me here. What will I regret giving up? ...Is it pancakes?
N-no...
>>
>>36158966
>[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>[x] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.

I want to answer pancakes but this is serious!
>>
>>36158966
>[]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>[] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>>
>>36159005
incredible vote
>>
>>36158966
[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
[X]Well, if you don't know, you can guess, right? Come on, Kharn, work with me here. What will I regret giving up? ...Is it pancakes?
[X]Ask the Three Stooges if they are listening (they might have some idea)
>>
>>36158966
>"Look, I know it's Malal, she's been fucking with me ever since she died. If it's not Mami's pancakes, and it's not Midori, I can probably tank it. Will it be one of those?"
>>
>>36158966
>[x]Well, if you don't know, you can guess, right? Come on, Kharn, work with me here. What will I regret giving up? ...Is it pancakes?
A sacrifice not worth making
>>
>>36158966
>[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>[X]Ask the Three Stooges if they are listening (they might have some idea)
>>
>>36158966
[]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
[] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>>
Fuck fate.

We can plan around this.
>>
>36158966
>[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>[X]Ask the Three Stooges for advice
>>
>>36158966
>[x]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>>
>>36158966
>>[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>>[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>>
>>36158966
>>[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>>[X] It's Kyoko, isn't it? You're telling me I'm going to have to kill my best friend in order to save someone who doesn't deserve it.
>>
>>36158966
>[X] Well, if you don't know, you can guess, right? Come on, Kharn, work with me here. What will I regret giving up? ...Is it pancakes?

Also we should make sure to confer with everybody and inform them that our highest priority will be getting all of us out alive. We'll try to save Oriko, yes. We promised that. But we have also promised to protect the girls in our Officio, and if it comes down to a choice between Oriko and one of them, we can't choose the one who's been murdering our people.

Pancakes, however, dear, are a sacrifice we may have to make for the greater good. Here's hoping we don't contract a wheat allergy while we're there.
>>
>>36158909
Which write up/thread was this?
>>
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>>36159015
Adding
>[x] Ask the three stooges
to my vote
>>
>>36159096
>[X]...Who told you, Kharn? Who made you promise? It's Malal, isn't it? Malal put you up to this?
>>
>>36159086

Right after the failed interrogation NECO gave Chiaki an "I loved her" speech to which Chiaki was less than sympathetic. Other than that, just the NECO write-ups and general comments from Wendy's ask.fm and talking to her.
>>
>>36159096
T-The syrup's flowing to her honeypot..
>>
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>>36158966
>you're gonna carry that weight
>>
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At any rate, sacrificing Chiaki's flatbro is completely out of the question IMO.

Out of the question.
>>
>>36159162
FUCK.

And now it's raining inside class.
>>
>>36159207
>tell her and Sayaka Kyouko is fated to die there
>Midori switches places with her for safety
>turns out it meant whorver was closest to Chiaki would be sacrificed
>Midori dies
>Kyouko goes guilt ridden, Chiaki goes back to drinking, painkillers and despair
>>
>>36159207
Chiaki does not sacrifice bros.

Besides, we'd have to deal with Sayaka immediately going fish mode.
>>
>>36159153
There is an ask.fm for this?
>>
>>36159230
>Wendy is there to comfort her
sounds like a plan.
>>
>>36159265
>>36159279
guys
remember
kyouko IS the red culexus
>>
>>36159270
Wendy, Decu, Attarou, Archival, Twiceborn, Malal, Dimunsis and possibly others have 'em. Not all by those names. You want the names?
>>
>>36159290
Yes please.
>>
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>>36159230

Having to choose between saving Midori or saving Kyouko? The answer is: both.

>>36159270

Not officially? But several people contributing to MGNQ have set up their own.
>>
>>36159305
Skeyerage, Deculture, Zweihart, FarlakawsChosen (Udonge), WendyCooldown, Ghostbikewizard (Malal), Attarou, Archivalfag, Twiceborn, IAmZio (Hat). My bad if I missed anyone!

Oh, and those are the URLs, so just type it after "ask.fm/".
>>
>>36159334
You forgot Nezujin(Ratmie)
>>
>>36159334
If you find one, you'll surely find the rest via the questions received and the favorited answers.
>>
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>>36159286
She didn't even set Midori on fire!

>>36159332
If it's to save Kyoko and Midori, we'll use our golden deagle on Oriko's stupid bucket head.
>>
>>36159230

Or Oriko's soul is saved. But in the process, Kyouko ends up hating Chiaki's guts forever and begins a downward spiral that she may never recover from.
>>
>>36159334
>>36159354
And Dimunsis, who I think is just Dimunsis
>>
>>36159334
>Forgetting Midori
top kek
>>
>>36159367
>>36159354

Doi. Knew I missed a few. Sorry!
>>
>>36159384
Midedori
>>
>>36159384

Goddammit I am the worst.

That'd be HanegawaMidori. So, so sorry.

I'll quit flooding the thread now.
>>
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The sacrifice will be the Golden Katana and we'll be forever locked out of katana pimp timeline.
>>
>>36159053
You fool

This is how fate gets you
>>
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>>36159334
Actually mine's at dmsakutarou.
>>
>>36159425
We got our waifu with the deagle, and the chainaxes + hat are probably the best bet for lewds anyway.
>>
>>36159334
Just for reference, skeyerage is better known as Steph
>>
>>36159384

Midori rarely updates her ask.fm as it is. I know that I've fallen nearly a month behind on asks myself... Last I checked I had a queue of over 100 questions and she told me that she's had way more than that so she probably just gave up
>>
>>36159437
worked out for Cao Cao pretty well.
>>
>>36159489
>I'm a callidus you can't see me
hnnnng
>>
>>36158993 >>36159002 >>36158995

It's Malal, isn't it? You snarl the accusation at Kharn, making Midori flinch at your side - and you feel her soft, warm hand rest on your bare shoulder.

"Chiaki, I--" Kharn starts, looking absolutely wretched - but you cut her off with another growl.

Malal told Kharn. You know it's her. The Culexus put her up to this - making your former Warmaster as just another part of her convoluted, all-encompassing plan that you can't make heads or tails out of, and frankly it's getting on your fucking nerves.

What kind of plan involves jerking someone with amnesia around with cryptic, half-complete information, supplied piecemeal at every fucking turn? Information that not only involves the aforementioned amnesia-afflicted dildo, but the safety of the people she cares about?

Why can't you just get a fucking straight answer just FOR FUCKING ONCE?

"Sempai..." Midori murmurs, giving your shoulder a gentle squeeze. For a moment, a hot flush of anger tempts you to brush her hand off - but you resist against it, instead nodding and taking a deep breath. Taking your time to exhale, forcing yourself to calm down.

Kharn, to her credit, waits for you to speak again, the shark-eyed former Warmaster seemingly cowed into silence just like any rattled novice in front of an irate superior officer. You'd have enjoyed the moment, if it weren't for the fact that what you're about to consider next is something that tears at your very core.

"It's Kyoko, isn't it?" You finally manage to say, the words sounding and tasting like the most disgusting, most putrid poison. "You're saying I have to kill my best friend to save someone who doesn't deserve it."

[1/2]
>>
>>36159527

Silence. One long enough, and strained enough, that it's an answer all in itself.

You close your eyes as you suddenly feel angry enough to kill someone. The hot rush of it riding in your blood, coursing through your veins, filling your heart and mind with the lava-heat of absolute killing fury. Briefly tainting your vision a bloody red.
How do you respond?

[]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.
[]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
>>
>>36159527
>"It's Kyoko, isn't it?" You finally manage to say, the words sounding and tasting like the most disgusting, most putrid poison. "You're saying I have to kill my best friend to save someone who doesn't deserve it."
oh FUCK no.

We are NOT killing second-best girl.
Best Girl is misaka
>>
>>36159552
>[]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
>>
>>36159552
>[X]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
>>
>>36159552
>[X]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.
>>
>>36159552
[X]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.
>>
>>36159552
>[x] Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
>>
>>36159552
>[x]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
Killing Kyouko ain't an option
Considering killing Kyouko ain't an option
Considering considering killing Kyouko ain't an option
>>
>>36159552
>[X]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.

Looks like Oriko's gonna die.
>>
>>36159552
>[x]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.

>>36159489
a lot of those are probably the "daily question" which pops up new ones 5 or 6 times a day.
>>
>>36159552
>[X] Not happening. I'm going to do everything I can to save Oriko, but you're right - if it comes down to a choice between her and Kyoko, Kyoko wins, no question. As does everybody else I'm taking with me. But I'm not going to walk into this planning to break my promises.

Also, very important - we tell EVERYONE that this is how our priorities are structured, BEFORE we teleport in.
>>
>>36159552
>[]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
KYOUKO CONFIRMED FOR RED CULEXUS
>>
>>36159552
[X]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.

The other option seems a bit odd. Kharn is specifically saying we should kill Oriko and NOT sacrifice Kyoko. Or am I confused?
>>
>>36159552
>[]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.
>>
>>36159208
the pool upstairs must've sprung a leak.

Also, a pre-emptive [X]keep kyoko over saving oriko. We've split up one lovey dovey couple, let's not make it two.
>>
>>36159552
[x]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.

We are not sacrificing our best friend and turning Sayaka into a witch.
>>
>>36159552
>[x]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
because we are NOT hurting best meguca
>>
>>36159597

The conversation had been kind of unnecessarily convoluted and I'm only half paying attention because of work but: Kharn calls saying it's something important, Chiaki asks what is it, Kharn starts talking about Oriko and praises Chiaki keeping her promises, Chiaki replies that she'll try and to get to the chase, Kharn implies that Chiaki will have to sacrifice something to keep that promise, Chiaki surmises that she's talking about Kyouko, Kharn shuts the fuck up and now we're here.

Given the flow of the conversation, I think we should keep the pressure up and call out Kharn on her silence rather than letting up at this point. There's more that she isn't telling.
>>
>>36159552
[X]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
>>
>>36159552
>[x]...Is there any other way? Kharn, I don't care who told you. Just tell me if there's something else I can do.
>>
>>36159552
>[]Wrong answer, Kharn. Try again. While I'm still in this fucking chair and not teleporting over to strangle you for suggesting I kill my best friend.
>>
>All these "pick kyoko and be a liar and oath breaker"

Its like we want to be untrustworthy and nnever use the Katana again
>>
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>>36159705
Being a watch-wearing dildo won't keep Kyoko safe.
>>
>>36159722
Exactly. I'd rather have kyoko bite it than us be an oath breaker.
>>
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>>36159527
Gonna need two deagles for this.
>>
>>36159705

I don't remember the exact wording, maybe someone else could look it up, but I'm fairly certain we were more careful with that promise telling Kirika that we would "try" and, to be fair, we're trying. She went be pleased by us picking Kyouko, who she dislikes, over Oriko, but we'll try.

And, more to the point, from a completely functional and cynical point of view, we already know that Kirika is quickly losing her memories since she started inhabiting the katana.

Realistically, we don't even have to try. We can just wait for her to wait for Oriko.
>>
>>36159705
I'm perfectly okay with that.
>>
>>36159737
Die in your ideals and die, anon
>>
>>36159737

I'd pick Kyouko. The only one who even knows about the promise is Kirika. Everyone else only knows that were going out of out way to try and save Oriko, nothing else. If we hold up our end of the bargain by trying then it's all good, but if we fail and she Kyouko only then the only one burned is Kirika... Who's rapidly losing her memory.

It's a bit mercenary, but weighing both options, Kyouko's life a d Sayaka's sanity trumps Kirika
>>
If Kyoko gets killed, Sayaka will probably kill Chiaki or herself.
>>
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Why don't we just save everyone?
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>>36159792
That's what I want to do.
>>
>>36159792
TIMEMAIDENMAN
FIGHTING TO SAVE THE WOOOOOOOOOORLD
>>
>>36159789
Yeah, things will snowball if Kyouko dies.
>>
>>36159780
Of course. Ultimately, I'm in agreement with you guys: better our Flat bro and our Bluberry Bitch than Kirika's degrading sanity.

...but just once, I'd like to see a protag for whom her promises (and more importantly, breaking thereof), means more than just a cost-benefit analysis.
>>
>>36159789
Sayaka might kill Oriko too, making the whole attempt pointless.

>>36159792
We're not Madokami.
>>
>>36159792
We're gonna fucking try. Because fuck fate and fuck the world telling us what to do.
>>
>>36159828
For Chiaki herself, the reasoning is purely sentimental, not on a cost-benefit basis.
>>
>>36159828
Sadly, we don't have that option.

We never did.
>>
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>>36159828
Homura has quite the excellent track record when it comes to trying to keep her promises.

I mean, just look at Madoka.
>>
>Homus
>Making promises
When will they learn?
>>
>>36159843
This

We need to cut the Gordian knot, even if that means tying Kyouko up in the silent room for her own good.
>>
>>36159792
It's called "Fall of Chiaki Matsuda" for a reason.

>>36159863
Homura's promises only get warped and hurt people in the end. It's best if we break them.
>>
>>36159746
Checked back in Thread 189.

Kirika nods at this. "What about Oriko, then?"

Standard hostage recovery pattern, you reply just as quickly. Because that's what she is, isn't she? A hostage. Whether on her own doing or by Ahriman controlling her, it doesn't matter. You'll do your best to rescue her from the shit she'd dived headfirst into, and let the cards fall where they may after that.

"..." The former Eversor Rank Leader falls silent again, before speaking up. "Bring me with you, when you go to purge those under her command. Let me assume control when you face her, Murderface." She swallows here, hard, audibly, as if each word is scorching her throat, as if it's that painful to say. "I'll do my best to get through to her at that moment. If there's nothing that can be done, then I'll kill her myself."

...Can she do something like that?

"No, I can't." Kirika shakes her head, and it's here that you see that her hands are trembling. Dislodging a few paper cranes from her lap. "But someone else may get it wrong. That's why I have to do it."

"The chances of Oriko being saved are laughably slim. I know what a Golden Weapon can do to someone with an established contract." She nods at you. "And you know what they can do to a civilian."

"Slim as they are, the fact that there's still a chance warrants an attempt. As many attempts as it takes." Kirika offers you a hand - and you blink once at it, before taking it and allowing her to pull you up back to your feet. "Even if I will forget her eventually - even if I do turn into a stark-raving bitch ghost inside a pretty knife - I can go to that hell without the regret of not doing everything I can for her." She shrugs again. "Hopefully, she will forgive me in the afterlife."

...Well, she doesn't have to worry about that.

You shake your head. You won't give her all the control. You'll be facing Oriko together. If it comes to that - if she really can't be saved - then you'll be the one to kill Oriko.
>>
>>36159888
At least we weren't squeezing Kirika's butt when we made it.
>>
>>36159914

Thanks.

So we did promise to try and request Oriko and made it perfectly clear that her life was forfeit if things went south.

Good to know we're all on the same page, then.
>>
One point.

Kharn did NOT verify that it was Kyoko.

That was an assumption on our part.
>>
>>36159931

Rescue, not request. Dammit, autocorrect. Stop making stupid mistakes when I'm in a hurry
>>
>>36159933

Her silence implies that Chiaki's assumption was correct and that she correctly surmised the message that Malal wanted to transmit and that Kharn was waffling over
>>
inb4 mami dies
>>
>>36159933
>>36159969
we already know that kyouko is the red culexus
>>
>>36159780
We also promised Kyoko to try and save Oriko, as well.
>>
>>36160025
Mami is up to something, and Risa might be right about her.
>>
>>36160037
>we already know
Post proof or retract, motherfucker. And not this shadowrun conspiracy bullshit - show me some fucking proof and I'll believe you. Until then, plsgo and stay go.
>>
>>36160075
TRY is the operative word here
>>
>>36159969
An implication isn't assent either. I'm just saying it's foolish to work under an assumption that specific when it will hamper us in the middle of an op.

Part of predestination and precognition is pushing things the way you want them to go, and while Kharn might not be hedging....that doesn't mean Malal wasn't making Kharn her patsy bu hinting without telling.

Because Malal will go to any lengths to get this done, it's been proven.
>>
>>36160090
Absolutely.

Again, our course should be TRY to save Oriko, but PRIORITIZE our squadmates, and INFORM our squad that this is what we're doing, and their orders are to do the same.
>>
Oriko and her group did nothing wrong.
just like Yuma did nothing wrong.
they are both innocent!
>>
>>36160102
So could Malal be lying about Kyouko in order to ensure certain events happen?
>>
>>36160102

Fair point, but if we tried to second guess every plot hook we'd be here all day. Some things you just need to take at face value and let the narrative play out. Everything so far points towards Chiaki correctly guessing the message and stunning Kharn into silence. If no hints are given to the contrary, I'd be inclined to go with it and work with what we're given instead of dragging g out the pre-mission prep any longer
>>
>>36159560 >>36159563 >>36159566

No. No, you can't lose control now. Yes, you're pissed off. Yes, you're angry. But this is no time to let your emotions get the better of you. Kharn's made some stupid decisions, sure, but she's suffered for them - and she's trying to help you now, even in this stunted, stilted way. Even if she's clearly muzzled from telling you everything, somehow.

You close your eyes, take another deep breath, and then open your eyes again at your slow exhalation. Willing your entire body to remain still, to drive away the temptation of succumbing to the cathartic release of anger.

And when you speak, it's with a tightly-controlled voice, one with calm forced into it.

"Kharn?" You call your former Warmaster, and she looks up at you with tears welling up around her sharklike orbs, looking dangerously close to breaking down. "There's another way, right? I don't care who told you. That doesn't matter. Just...tell me if there's something else I can do." You pause here, swallowing hard. "Please."

For a long moment of silence, Kharn looks down at her belly, again, at that small but obvious bump bulging from her blouse - her two brutally-clawed hands curled over it in unconscious protectiveness - before she looks up again. A tearful smile now curling her lips.

"You have always been eager to kill, Murderface," She says, her tone wistful, distant. "I am not lying when I say this. Sure, you loved to drown yourself in the bottle too much, and you are incorrigible when you are assigned to a squad leader who is not Mami, which is often, but..." Kharn turns to the side for a moment, her gaze locking onto something offscreen - and you see her nod, slowly, before turning back to you. "...you have always been the first to arrive in any combat zone, and always the last to leave. First in, last out. Always, whenever there is killing to be made."

...First in, last out? What does have to do with--

[1/2]
>>
>>36160221

"First in, last out." Kharn repeats, as if in a trance. Her eyes locked at yours but looking at something else. Something beyond you.

+ It's a clue, Nameless One. + Dildoes' voice is a silken hiss in your mind. + The Betrayer is saying that to save Oriko, you have to do it on your own. With the rest of your party - Kyoko especially - out of the Akashic Realm. +

That's...that's it?

That's all you have to do? To make sure Kyoko and the others are out of there before you attempt it?

+ It's the likeliest explanation. I'd stake my reputation upon it. + Dildoes replies firmly. + And probably all we're going to get out of her. Whoever swore her into silence doesn't seem to be playing around.+

How do you react?

[]Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?
[]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
[]Other.
>>
>>36160244
>[]Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?
We're already balls deep. Might as well squeeze out everything we can right now.
>>
>>36160244
[x] Thanks Kharn.

Ask her if the kids will take after her, Souji, or Their aunt.
>>
>>36160244
>[x]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
>[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?

We should show some concern for her own life after she's taken the time to help us out, yes.
>>
>>36160244
>[X]Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?
>[x]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
>[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
[X]Thank you. Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?
>>
>>36160244
>[x]Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?
like anything she might not have mentioned about Ahriman's fighting skills, seeing how we'd go against just that if things go bad
>>
>>36160244
>[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?

Sure, why not
>>
>>36160244
[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
>[x]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
>[x]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How should I lewd Midori?
>>
>>36160293
Last time went badly even with perfect timestop.
>>
>>36160244
>[x]Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?

Once she has answered -->

[x]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?

Can Souji walk yet, or is he still in traction from babymaking?
>>
>>36160244
>[]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
>[x]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
Does it seem like she's being threatened by someone?
>>
>>36160244
>[X]Is there anything else you can tell me, Kharn?
>[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160244
>[X]Other.
Tell me your secrets. You have interrupted a very important moment, and I need to know how to make sure a certain person won't leave this room without remembering me forever.

Totally deadpan for maximum effect.
>>
>>36160358
A wee bit. Could be Oriko.
>>
>>36160314

To be fair, Girl A's modus operandi was to kill/incapacitate the body and then go after the Soul Gem. While we didn't get the details of her encounter with Ahriman, the narration said there were gunshots followed by Ahriman's scream. Shooting the Soul Gem doesn't give anyone a chance to scream so it's safe to assume that Girl A underestimated Ahriman because of perfect time stop; incapacitating the body first and then getting fried by magic when she went after the Soul Gem.

We should endeavor not to repeat that mistake
>>
>>36160221
>You call your former Warmaster, and she looks up at you with tears welling up around her sharklike orbs, looking dangerously close to breaking down.
>Kharn being cute
I'm not sure how to feel about this.
>>
>>36160244
[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?

The person/thing off-screen is suspicious as fuck. How did she find out about our coming adventure so quickly anyway?
>>
>>36160244
[]Other. "Did you receive the package I sent you?"
>>
>>36160392
This.
>>
>>36160244
>[]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>36160392

Theses
>>
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>>36160381
>I'm not sure how to feel about this.
Well, I do.
>>
>>36160358
I can't imagine Kharn being threatened by anyone and not adding their skull to her skull throne. It seems more like promises made to Malal are serious business.

>>36160378
We do know that in character right? From when Kharn was telling us over bear steaks, I think.

>>36160392
Seconded.
>>
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>>36160244
>>
>>36160392
Now is the time.
seconding this.
>>
>>36160244
[X]Thank you. That's all I needed. ...How are the babies?
>>
>>36160392
Yep.
>>
>>36160428

Kharn was narrating that flashback to Chiaki so we do know this in character. Mind you, that particular scene was vague, there are some assumptions there, but it fits the pattern of Girl A's behaviour during the incident that started the entire fiasco and during the fight that broke out at the Third.
>>
>>36160446
>>36160453
Goddammit
>>
>>36160551
That ffashback brings back a lot of memories.
Still sad Erebus had to die.
>>
>>36160392
>emotional moments of expectant mother
>"Well, about the pantsu..."
Anons - no sense for tact or proper timing.
>>
>>36160576
Erebus was a good girl who had to try her best.

>>36160580
Chiaki is about as tactful as a house fire.

Even with those teeth, I'd still kiss Pinkie.
>>
>>36160580

At this point sarcastic quips like that have pretty much become part of Chiaki's characterization, although I'm hoping that this particular one got thrown around late enough not to make the cut.

Why?

Because if the package hasn't arrived yet we'll be ruining the surprise.
>>
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>>36160614
Get in line, nigga.
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>>36160640
Best girl!
>>
>>36160640
>>36160717
When are we gonna lick her soul gem/grief seed?
>>
>>36160740
When we Homusatan.
>>
>>36160740
You guys can lick that while I lick other places~
>>
>>36160627
Isn't the 9th sending supplies to siberia via personal courier?
If I remember correctly, we had the package prepared in the last minute. It'd be weird if Kharn hasn't received it yet.
>>
>>36160244
>With the rest of your party - Kyoko especially - out of the Akashic Realm
Worst trap ever.
>>
>>36160783

I don't remember? I assume that since it's an official R&D base it gets sent out with the regular postings of the day to day work. I don't remember if we marked it as priority or if it was done via personal courier or what.

I'm just assuming it hasn't arrived since she hasn't brought it up herself
>>
>>36160847
And yet we're definitely going to jump right into it.
>>
>>36160850
"Package sent directly from the Warmaster" probably defaults to class A triple-prime priority.
>>
>>36160850
We didn't exactly give her much time to talk about things that weren't strictly business.

>>36160847
And we're gonna fall for it.
>>
>>36160783
>>36160876

The perception of time is a little wonky in this quest.
>>
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>>36160918
>tfw the flow of time is convoluted
>>
>>36160850
Bringing something up completely unrelated to work and lewd is our specialty.
>>
>>36160967
That reminds me. We know Kharn fucked Wendy and everyone else basically. Did she fuck Chiaki too? Did her and Chiaki tag team Wendy?
>>
>>36160967
Just like our first visit to Siberia...
Sup? I got you chocolate, booze and porn.
>>
>>36161006
>and everyone else basically
Only blondes.
>>
>>36161023
Wendy ain't no blonde.
>>
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>>36160960
As expected of a magical girl with time powers.

I'm thinking the Akashic Realm being created is entirely our fault.

>>36161006
Chiaki turned her down.
>>
>>36161006
> Did her and Chiaki tag team Wendy?
Dimunsis, lewdfic when?
>>
>>36161006
Probably not Chiaki, her stance was "But that's forbidden love!"

she was still Girl A, though
>>
>>36161006
No, Chiaki explicitly told her that would be forbidden love. We even have drawfaggotry of the scene (courtesy of Hat-chan).
>>
>>36160273 >>36160276 >>36160287 >>36160392

You thank Kharn after a long moment of silence. She's...it's only now that you realize just how much she wanted to tell you something, but had somehow been rendered unable to do so. You're not sure just how, but you have your own suspicions. Fear is one but....you don't see Kharn as someone who actually feared anything OR anyone. That, then, leaves the fear that would reduce someone like the Betrayer to tears, a familiar fear that you'd been wrestling with ever since you started on this path to dildodom: the fear of something horrific happening to people you care about. The fear of something happening to them that you will be hopeless to prevent or mitigate.

In response, Kharn giggles - no longer her predatory chuckle, but an actual breathless giggle, one seemingly born of fatigued gratitude and relief. Gratitude that you didn't push the matter, and relief that she can now speak of other, lighter matters. "It...it is okay, Murderface. Do not mention it. I know that I have much to atone for, and I am trying. Truth to be told, Souji did not wish for me to make this call, but...I wanted to. And so we are here."

She holds up a clawed hand as you frown. "He does not know all the details. I have spared him from the more important details that concern you and me and our...condition. His desire was a result of lamentable ignorance, but one I have inflicted upon him, and so it is forgivable." Another giggle. "But yes, I could not let you go there without telling you. As...much as I am able to."

You nod. That's all you needed, anyway. Well, besides anything she can tell you about how Ahriman usually fights.

[1/2]
>>
>>36161126

Kharn waves a clawed hand. "Ahriman is a sorcerer. Magic spells are her forte. Granted, I do not know how she will make her will manifest in the Akashic Realm, and through this Prophet - but it is a safe bet, I think, to expect all manner of trickery from her. Unfair tricks, like summoned monsters and daemons. Fire and brimstone launched at you from afar. Nothing like how we fight." Her old grin comes to the surface, just as she delicately takes a handkerchief from her blouse pocket and dabs at her eyes with it.

...Right. Well. How are the babies, then...?

At this particular question, Kharn brightens up, her black sharklike eyes glittering. "Ahaha! Well, I, ah, they are doing very well, Murderface! Kyuubey, he flies over a Venenum every week or so to check and conduct ultrasounds, and they are healthy from what I am understanding! Ten fingers, ten toes, perfect brain and organ formation!" Her bosom swells with pride as she pats her swollen stomach.

"Strong children, Murderface, born to continue the Valnikov bloodline! Fraternal twins, a boy and a girl!" She grins at you, the oppressive black mood from earlier gone and clearly forgetten now. "Souji is being a dildo about it as usual, but I am decided to make you godmother once they are born!"

God...godmother? You blink, here, feeling your cheeks burn at the unexpected surprise. But...isn't that for relatives, or something? Surely there's someone who should be better qualified--

"All dead!" Kharn shakes her head happily. "But, ah, I am picking you, there is no argument!"

Your cheeks burn hotter at this, before you nod. Well, if she's sure, then...yeah, why not. You've always wanted to find out what it's like to be one.

"I'll have the paperwork sent over once they are born, then!" Kharn claps both clawed hands in approval, clearly pleased at this turn of events. "If Souji calls you and tries to offer you money to turn it down, just say no!"

[2/3]
>>
>>36161039
After I get the MidorixStrauss one done.
>>
>>36161148

Hah. Alright. ...Oh, yeah. Did she get the package you sent her?

"Oh, yes, it did arrive, very quickly in fact!" Kharn nods. "Sent here on Warmaster Priority, along with my old skull throne! They will come in handy when we are to make the childrens' quarters, the throne especially."

W-what? How? You blink here. The...skull throne, maybe, but the panties--

"Wallpaper, Murderface!" The Betrayer giggles. "It will make their room's walls colorful and exciting to look at! Ah, and the skull throne, I've already taken apart to make into their crib! It is very fetching, and very comfortable, too!"

...A baby crib made out of skulls?

Metal, you decide inwardly. That's very metal.

"I am sure you are jealous, now, huh?" Kharn is smiling again, this time a sly smile. "Well? When are you getting your own, Murderface? Or is Hanegawa the one to be the mother?"

It's here that you feel the hand on your shoulder suddenly clamp down hard, almost to the point of pain - and you look up to see Midori, shaking, her face completely red.

"If...s-sempai, if you want, I--" Is all you can get from her, before her words quickly turn into unintelligible murmurings.

How do you respond?

[]That's...not on the table yet, Kharn. Sorry to disappoint you.
[]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
[]I don't know. What's it like, anyway?
[]Wish her well, and say your goodbyes. No need to stay on the call for longer than necessary.
>>
>>36161184
>[]Hanegawa will be the mother
"As soon as humanly possible, Kharn."
>>
>>36161184
>[x]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
>>
>>36161184
>[x]Wish her well, and say your goodbyes. No need to stay on the call for longer than necessary.

Oh for fucks sake, Kharn
>>
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>>36160967
>Bringing something up completely unrelated to work and lewd is our specialty.

Seems like Midori's behavior is rubbing off on Chiaki.

Snrk
>>
>>36161184
"We're both girls, you dumbass!"
>>
>>36161184
>[X]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
>[X]Wish her well, and say your goodbyes. No need to stay on the call for longer than necessary.
>>
>>36161184
>[]That's...not on the table yet, Kharn. Sorry to disappoint you.
>[]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits.
>>
>>36161184
>[x]That's...not on the table yet, Kharn. Sorry to disappoint you.

Why not get each other pregnant?
>>
>>36161184
[X]That's...not on the table yet, Kharn. Sorry to disappoint you.
>>
>>36161184
>[x]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
>[x]I was working on it with Midori when you called
>>
>>36161184
>[X]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.

Yes, let's embarrass Midorin further~
>>
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>>36161219
When have we ever let the impossible stand in our way? Kick reason to the curb and do the impossible! That's the Chiaki way!
>>
>>36161184
[x]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
[x]I don't know. What's it like, anyway?
Can we have both?
>>
>>36161184
>...A baby crib made out of skulls?
>Metal, you decide inwardly. That's very metal.
Kharn best mom.
>>
>>36161184
[x]If you hadn't called, I might just have.
>>
>>36161184
[X]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
[X]Wish her well, and say your goodbyes. No need to stay on the call for longer than necessary.

Hehehe.
>>
>>36161184
>[X]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
also
>>36161219
this
>>
>>36161253
We can probably get Madaraki to graft a fully functional dick on Chiaki
>>
>>36161184
[x]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
[x]I don't know. What's it like, anyway?
>>
>>36161184
>[x]If I wanted to throw up every morning, I'd go back to my old habits. But we'll see.
>[x]I don't know. What's it like, anyway?
>>
>>36161283
If Madaraki does it, it will come with a mind of its own and the ability to take over our body. Next thing we know, we'll be sleep impregnating half the Officio
>>
>>36161184
>[X]Wish her well, and say your goodbyes. No need to stay on the call for longer than necessary.
Great timing, this is an excuse to get back to that shower.
>Might get pregnant? I'm gonna MAKE you pregnant!
>>
>>36161184
[x] I don't know what's it like?

Chaika and Midori should be mothers together.
>>
>>36161283
It's been done before. There's a doujin, you know.
>>
>>36161358
>Chaika
Pregnant. Yes. Many babies.
>>
>>36161237
this
>>
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>>36161230
>Why not get each other pregnant?
>>
>>36161308
>we'll be sleep impregnating half the Officio
You say that as if half the Officio won't be begging us for it.
>>
>>36161237
I also like this
>>
>>36161358
>>36161376
Chaikas are not for lewds!
>>
>>36161184
[X]I don't know. What's it like, anyway?
>>
>>36161283
>Madaraki
>not Fabulous Billie

pls
>>
>>36161237
This
>>
>>36161401
Chaika is for motherhood.
>>
>>36161237
This, then hang up and get back to work.
>>
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>>36161184
>>
As Godmother don't we get to name one of them?
>>
>>36161478
>inb4 Kharn names them Gorefather and Gorechild
>>
>>36161478
Not in any of the ones I've known. Maybe in some traditions.
>>
>>36161507
But what if they were boring kids? Then they'd be Borefather and Borechild.
>>
>>36161521
As long as they're not narcoleptic. Then they'd be Snorefather and Snorechild.
>>
>>36161548
We could keep them on their feet.
Chorefather and chorechild.
>>
>>36161521
>>36161548
>>36161556
I'm going to state for the record that this wasn't my fault.
>>
>>36161556
If they took after their mother, they'd be Whorefather and Whorechild
>>
>>36161572
But Kharn's the mother, not Midori.
>>
>>36161572
Well let's hope she doesn't sleep around with other guys. Then there'd be Morefather and Morechild.
>>
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>>36161583
#shotsFired
>>
>>36161572
Hey, Kharn's not a slut Kharnon.
They'd be following the story!

Lorefather and Lorechild
>>
>>36161588
Perhaps the bloodthirsty genes wont turn up and they end up being Moefather and Moechild.
>>
>>36161569
I still chose to blame you for this. You started it.
>>
>>36161572

Perhaps they'll find a more peaceful profession, like guiding visitors around the land. Tourfather and tourchild.
>>
>>36161633
When they're naughty and get spankings, they'll be Sorefather and Sorechild.
>>
>>36161659

Then they might shape up and grow up to be joint CEOs of a mining company. Orefather and Orechild.
>>
This is all Attarou's fault.
>>
>>36161569
Don't lie to us, you cotton for brains

We know it was you
>>
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>>36161475

Alright, we're pausing early for now! Thread to continue tomorrow night!

Thank you for everyone's participation, feedback is always great! We have a few writeups for tonight, so questions answered after them!
>>
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this is dildoes you guys
>>
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Magical Juggernaut Heather Crunch versus Magical Ascetic Valentina Tenko II: The Shoutening

For the first time since I’ve arrived here, the rays of the sun wake me. A light STRICTLY INFERIOR to the INFERNO that BURNS within me, however! For now that Heather Crunch has opened her eyes, the RADIANCE of my SOUL ITSELF shall OUTSHINE said sun’s light!

I stretch a few times before LEAPING out of bed. And then… I POSE against the backdrop of the rising sun!

Hold it…

Hold iiiiiit…

YES! I AM GREAT! I AM READY! I AM...

I am just not feeling it this morning. Ugh, it’s too damn quiet! I’m actually starting to -miss- those noisy maids.

NO! NO I'M NOT, DAMMIT! BANISH SUCH THOUGHTS FROM YOUR MIND!

Were it only so simple to do so, and yet I am POISONED with thoughts about HER. The faint, fruity fragrance of her shampoo; the gentle sounds of her breathing; the curve of her back as I held her… How could such a slight, slender body feel so warm and soft? Was it her? Was it the silky fabrics she wore? Or was it how her arms draped around me, before slowly caressing my back and wrapping me in a tight embrace?

…Dammit, it’s worse than I’d thought. I hope that some breakfast will give my thoughts focus towards IMPORTANT matters.

I move along to the kitchen and seat myself. And then unseat myself when I realize I have to make my own breakfast once again. Which is ABSOLUTELY fine, since they didn’t do it right anyway.

That means the usual spread: meat, pancakes, meat, hash browns, meat, orange slices, meat, baked beans, meat, eggs, meat, milk, meat, sausage, and meat! A feast that is ALMOST WORTHY of me! If I could just get the hash browns and pancakes to stop tasting so floury, then TRULY it would be the Heather Crunch of breakfasts! As it stands, however, it is SORELY LACKING in that regard!

Nakajima did good hash browns and pancakes. I should ask- No, no, NO! I am NOT thinking about this again!

----

[1/8]
>>
As it turns out, breakfast is NOT enough to alleviate oneself of unwanted thoughts. Nor is a comprehensive workout. Or a shower – the latter actually WORSENED things because of the lingering smell of Nakajima’s shampoo.

But I will NOT allow myself to fail the Soul Temperer’s trials again! Once is one time too many as it is! And to PROVE to her that I am taking her lessons to heart, I shall undergo her tutelage WITHOUT invoking my transformation! I may have failed the meditation, but I shall still… Whatever it is she said!

Even though it means wearing the only outfit the Nakajimas prepared. And now, standing in front of the bathroom’s full-length mirror, I can see the costume in its entirety.

There are the polished black leather dress shoes, with a little black bow done up near the tongue. The inside of them was actually quilted; I’m amazed they were able to make shoes like this in the time allotted. The pure white socks are NOT as glamorous as my favorite stockings, but they fit like a glove.

The black dress itself is… black. Except for the collar, which is white. Its sleeves are short and puffy, only reaching up to the elbows, and the skirt is knee-length. The apron frills at the shoulder belts and at the bottom. It was somewhat of a challenge to tie the waist belts, but the perfect ribbon they form resting on my hips is testament to my skill! I didn’t even –need- your help with THAT, NAKAJIMA!

Speaking of bows, the blue ribbon over my chest looks like it’s missing something. On a whim, I brush my fingers across my soul gem, causing it to jump in a spark of light onto the ribbon, and reform as a gilded brooch. HA! I HAVE IMPROVED UPON YOUR ORIGINAL ENSEMBLE, NAKAJIMA!

And of course, the little frilled hair band to complete the look.

I twirl, do a curtsey, and pose for the mirror, concluding that I ROCK the maid outfit. WEEP AT YOUR FORSAKEN OPPORTUNITY TO GAZE UPON MY SPLENDOR, NAKAJIMA!

NOT THAT I CARE!

----

[2/8]
>>
Kicking down the sliding door, I announce to the room at large, "SOUL TEMPERER! I HAVE ARRIVED!" For NOW Heather Crunch graces this humblest of halls with her MAJESTIC MAGNIFICENCE!

Standing with her back to me, Soul Temperer Valentina Tenko muses aloud, "the Seeker of Wisdom returns to pursue atonement.” She glances over her shoulder to address me directly, inquiring, “and yet, are you really here at-" The Soul Temperer trails off, facing me directly with her eyes wide and her jaw dropped.

I stare at her with bemusement."What?" I KNOW I'm a sight to behold, but your reaction is SEVERELY delayed, Soul Temperer. You should have shown such reverence LAST TIME!

Tenko brings her hand up to her cheek, her face flush and a trail of drool leaking from her mouth. That's... Not the reaction I was hoping for. I wanted AWE, not this. "I see the leopard has changed its shorts!" she exclaims, lips twitching into a smile that make me feel VERY, VERY UNCOMFORTABLE! AND I REALLY DON'T THINK THAT'S HOW THE EXPRESSION GOES!

"Yyyyes," I cautiously reply, though I remain UNDAUNTED! "I TOLD you I was serious about... you know..." I push up my sleeves, then shout, "CLEANING UP MY ACT!" while wearing the cheekiest grin I can manage.

This brings the Soul Temperer to her senses, and she is INCREDULOUS. "Perhaps you are, perhaps you are not," she muses, arms behind her back as she walks towards me. "It remains to be seen, and talk itself is cheap." Her eerie leering returns when she gets close enough. "Also the clothes are displeasingly conservative," she observes, causing me to pull the skirt down lower. "The neckline and hem are too high. Could you-"

"NO!" I adamantly refuse! "FOCUS!" Admiration is fine, but your slimy stare is sending sickening shivers down my spine and making my skin crawl! SO STOP IT!

FINALLY the Soul Temperer seems to be taking things SERIOUSLY again. "Very well, then," she announces with a brief cough. "On to the task at hand."

[3/8]
>>
Now that the Soul Temperer has focused on her duties once more, there will be NO FURTHER DISTRACTIONS from my goal! THAT’S RIGHT, NAKAJIMA! YOUR STRANGLEHOLD ON MY THOUGHTS ENDS HERE! WAIL AND GNASH YOUR TEETH ALL YOU LIKE, IT WILL DO YOU –NO GOOD WHATSOEVER-! YOU CAN LOOK AS PITIFUL AND HELPLESS AS YOU LIKE… AS, AS FRAIL AND DEFENSELESS AS A PUPPY SOMEBODY JUST KICKED… SHE’S the one who told me to keep holding her, dammit, it wasn’t –my- fault things were so awkward!

"Are you clear on your objective for today?" The Soul Temperer abruptly asks of me. Was… Was she talking to me just now? I didn’t hear a thing she said.

"It was something about peaches, wasn't it?" I hazard. The Soul Temperer frowns and shakes her head.

"That was merely one strand of the caterpillar's cocoon," she... explains? Does that mean that I was partially right? "Were you not listening?"

"I was in contemplation of things!" I tell her - it's not exactly a lie - then hastily shout, "VERY IMPORTANT THINGS!"

"And still you seem unsatisfied," she observes, her stare stern and concerned.

"I, uh, haven't reached an answer yet," I say, but then BOLDLY PROCLAIM, "But I will! I SWEAR it!" I EMPHASIZE THIS by POUNDING my chest with my arm - which unfortunately draws her lurid gaze again.

"-Now- you're showing the fire I knew you had inside you!" she says to my bosom, and then gives me the eye contact she should have made from the beginning, her eyes burning with zeal. "Come, Seeker of Truth, shed your cocoon and emerge as the radiant butterfly once more!"

"I SAID I'M NOT GETTING NAKED FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT!" I SHOUT, STAMPING MY FOOT IN FRUSTRATION AT THE HEDONISTIC COMPANY I'VE ENDURED SINCE MY ARRIVAL!

The Soul Temperer smiles sadly. "That is truly a pity, but not what I asked you to do,” she insists. She reaches to her side and unsheathes her blade, a gout of flame erupting from the scabbard. “As before, Seeker of Enlightenment - show me your heart!"

[4/8]
>>
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HA! GLADLY!" I bellow with great enthusiasm! A clash again an equal! Like I could turn down such an opportunity!

"While I did specify that you should not engage your powers, it is necessary to do so now,” the Soul Temperer explains, looking sadly at me – or my body. I can’t tell. "You are wound up too tight and liable to break.” Walking away from me and motioning for me to follow, she makes a grandiose gesture towards the sky. “Until we cross this fjord in the river of your life, Truth-Seeker, we shall also cross blades!"

Her metaphor doesn’t work, but it doesn’t matter! "BRING IT ON, SOUL TEMPERERRRR!" I roar, hand clasped over my shining red soul gem! An EXPLOSION of light engulfs me, as I am clothed in my mighty garments once more! I CHASE after the Soul Temperer, jacket BILLOWING, ribbons TRAILING, mind and body FILLED WITH PURPOSE! Yes, truly THIS is what I am GRATEFUL for, Miss Marigold! THIS is what my roses symbolize! A chance for ATONEMENT and BETTERMENT of myself, and NOT some chance meeting with a red-haired rival with KISSABLE LIPS and GREAT LEGS-

…You know, I don’t –need- the ribbon and roses to emphasize my greatness! Thus, I remove the offending object and stick it in my inventory, before catching up with the Soul Temperer. She seems curious about the lack of flowers, but tactfully says nothing for once, leading me outside to a small clearing.

Driving her blade into the ground, the Soul Temperer instructs me to stand close. Immediately, the earth surrounding us breaks away from the ground as it begins to float, carrying us with it. “I need to assess your spirit as we fly, Seeker of Truth,” she says with complete seriousness, her hand suddenly squeezing my ass.

…I’m not convinced, and smack her hand away.

“Please, Truth-Seeker, this is important,” she insists. I GLARE at her in response, and she returns my glare with equal intensity. Then, slowly, she reaches around and squeezes again.

----

[5/8]
>>
>>36161713
If Chiaka and Midori got pregnant at the same time, does that count as twins?
>>
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“Welcome, Seeker of Enlightenment, to the Valley of Eight Million Gods!”

The Soul Temperer proclaims this after we set down in a large clearing. I take a few steps away from her, finally afforded the opportunity to do so. ‘Spirit assessment’; what nonsense!

“I see no gods,” I point out to her. Indeed, nothing here resembles any sort of god. There are scars of battle, such as scorch marks, dead clumps of plants, craters, and broken, rusted weapons scattered here and there. I can almost SMELL the blood and sweat shed through countless skirmishes. Nevertheless, there are no gods here.

The Soul Temperer grins at me, blade removed from the ground. Pointing it at me, she inquires, “Have you seen the face that looks back at you from the water’s edge?”

I cannot help but smile at that. “HA! Flattery won’t save you, you know!” I warn her! At LEAST she acknowledges that my GREATNESS is COMPARABLE to divinity!

“I wasn’t counting on it!” she assures me! “Do not fall upon me like a light shower, Seeker of Wisdom, but come at me with the force of a mighty typhoon!” Even I can understand that!

“TO ME, EVERSWORD!” I cry out, my voice ECHOING through this desolate place! WILLING my MIGHTY WEAPON into existence, my Eversword pieces itself together in my hand as I feel its handle in my grip!

NOW POSE!

"Your blade shines a gold more brilliant than the sun, Truth-Seeker!" lauds the Soul Temperer, already poised for battle! Sure enough, the Eversword glows a deep yellow today! Not blue, nor red, but GOLD! Or perhaps more of an amber color-

GODDAMMIT, NAKAJIMA! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

"IT'S WHATEVER COLOR I WANT IT TO BE!" I assert!

“Then come, Seeker of Truth!” the Soul Temperer reminds me, bringing my focus back to IMPORTANT things! “Prove that the fire inside you is not merely a transient, flickering ember!”

Letting loose a howl WORTHY of the Sixth Officio, I grip my blade and charge her!

[6/8]
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The Soul Temperer of the Seventh manages to BLOCK my attack with her own blade, the FORCE of the blow kicking up dust and dirt. I quickly spin about and hit her with ANOTHER slash, but AGAIN she parries the strike. However, I am DRIVING her back with the strength and ferocity of my attacks, and have YET to show any opening for her to use her weapon to attack! She seems to sense this as well, and disengages from me, leaping back a few feet. Before I can make another strike, she mightily stomps the ground, and a pillar of earth ERUPTS beneath my feet, LAUNCHING me further back!

After I come to a stop, a BARRAGE of BOULDERS ASSAILS me from what USED to be that earthen pillar! BUT THIS WILL NOT EVEN SLOW THE CRUNCH TRAIN! I POWER THROUGH AND CHARGE DOWN THE SOUL TEMPERER, POISED TO STRIKE! She has RAISED a GREAT WALL OF STONE between us, BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH! “STONE-CLEAVING STRIKE!” I SHOUT, AND DEMOLISH THE WALL WITH A SLASH FROM MY BLADE! Pressing onward towards my opponent, SPRINTING over the ruined remnants of rock, I fail to find her.

A SPIKE of STONE STABS at me from below, DETACHING from the ground as it HURLS me back! The Soul Temperer now occupies my previous position, and is poised to prepare another powerful assault! I can SEE her sword starting to simmer as FIRES fan forth from it!

I REMAIN UNDAUNTED! I rush in, sword at the ready, as it GROWS BIGGER AND BIGGER! The Soul Temperer sends a TIDAL WAVE of FIRE at me, but NOT EVEN THE FIRES OF THE DEEPEST HELLS BURN HOTTER THAN MY WINNING SPIRT! Compared to that, these blazing flames are LUKEWARM AT BEST! WHIRLING around, I make a GREAT SWEEPING ATTACK with my blade! Through the flames, I see the hazy outline of the Soul Temperer STRUCK by my giant Eversword, UNABLE to erect any defense in time! It sends her TUMBLING over the ground for a CONSIDERABLE distance before braking herself with her blade. Standing up and dusting herself off, she seems mostly unharmed. TRULY A WORTHY OPPONENT!

[7/8]
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“Truth-Seeker!” she calls out to me, her voice reverberating across this barren battlefield! “I am certain that I told you to not toy with me! Is that the best you can do?”

“HA!” I proclaim, thumping my chest, “I have not yet BEGUN to fight!” Indeed, THAT was merely a WARM-UP! A PRELUDE to a PROPER CONFRONTATION!

Pointing my blade at her, I exclaim, “Enough with the banter! NOW we clash for REAL!” and rush back into the fray!

THERE WILL BE NO STOPPING THE CRUNCH TRAIN! NOT WHEN IT’S CRUNCH TIME! I CAN EASILY LAST THIS ENTIRE FIGHT! I could go for DAYS! –THAT- IS HOW GREAT MY ZEAL AND DETERMINATION IS!

You’re exaggerating, an annoying voice in the back of my head states. THAT VOICE SHOULD SHUT UP!

Hah! Nakajima is really missing out -- Stop thinking about that!

[8/8]
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Trials of the Thrice-Cursed

Chapter 3-1: Cold Homes

I used to work for the Ninth, it was a time of thrills and dangers I'll never forget. I thought it was lost when my world was broken down, but I was able to feel it again. Alongside other things I would have preferred not to remember. Well, that's only half-true.

I would have preferred to forget the time when I was having difficulty controlling my abilities, but it's coming back to me now; as if I needed to prove my worth all over again. On the flip side, there's no way I would ever want to forget those two girls who gave me everything when I had nothing but myself. No, I'm not talking about the duo from the Third, as pleasant company as they may be.

We were just so compatible; they were outcasts like me - in a relative sense - who loved havoc and bloodshed, but they were different. They had something I never did; each others. Oh don't take me wrong, they weren't in love or anything. It was more some sort of... profound kinship, something above just being friends, and yet... I was entranced by one and liked to relax with the other. The three of us together were a force that could take down anything, or so I liked to believe. It wasn't just about raw power no, that can only get you so far... It was about bonds. Bonds forged in fire and war.

Truth be told I've been wanting to look for them since the very first day - and I actually did when I first checked this "version" of the Officio, but I don't have the resources or the contacts right now. It's painful. It already was, but now that I've tasted pleasure again it only makes me bitter that I'm no longer able to share it with them. I'll never give up on them, I just need to get myself set back up... find ways to earn enough money to--
[1/8]
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Omake: Prepare Yourself

"Hi, Marina! Wasn't expecting to see you around the Officio."

"Eleanor... your lunch doesn't have any meat?"

"I don't really like meat."

"May want to keep that to yourself... some people here won't like hearing you say that."

"Dunno how anybody can stand it. 's really not got any taste."

"Consider giving it another try. You may simply have cooked it wrong."

"I'll think about it. You didn't come all this way just to criticize my lunch, right?"

"One other thing... get ready tonight."

"Ready for what?"

"For staying up late, and for live fire training."

"What, like... being set on fire?"

"Shot at. With guns."

"WHAT?"

"Shh."

"But... but... but... -how-?"

"..."

"How can I possibly be ready for fu- for being shot at? I just... how? It's... fuck... er, sorry. I'm just... that just really scares me."

"...I can give you some tips."

"There are tips?"

"Mhmm?"

"...Are they even going to do any good?"

"Mhmm."

"...You sure?"

"Mhmm."

"...Please tell me, then."

"One condition."

"..."

"I'd like half of your dessert."

"...Hehehe... okay, it's a deal."
>>
"I believe we were waiting for the rest." Suzume's voice snapped me back to reality with a demanding sharpness as she tapped her fingertips quietly on the armrest of her chair.

"Y-yeah, sorry." I apologized a bit begrudgingly, having trailed off to the dark corners of my mind in the middle of my explanation-slash-debriefing. "That's about it as far as what we found anyway, I can hand over one of the Grief Seeds for you to study if you want."

The tall Calidus nodded lightly, still sounding uncompromising, but yet not cold. "Yes, I would appreciate that. " A small pause, she shifted her weight ever so slightly. "But let us come back to the most.. delicate part, the one you told Silke you would mention later, which would be now."

I sighed heavily. I was uncomfortable with the topic but had little choice in the matter. "Alright... 8 years ago is when I joined Witch Cults, I was in those for a little less than five years, then I quit. I only contracted a few months after that."

"And why did you quit? Surely one does not simply 'up and leave' from this kind of... 'secret societies'." Suzume observed me with an unnervingly scrutinizing look. I felt like she could see through any lie with that gaze, but that was probably just the shame in me speaking.

"Two reasons." I raised two skeletal fingers in emphasis. "One, I had gotten what I always wanted" I then pointed them towards my tar-like eyes. "I had already became dangerous back then. Nothing like now of course, but enough for normal humans to not want to fuck with me." I paused to take a long gulp of Vodka. "Two, I... met people. People who put me back on the right track. They saved me from my foolishness I guess, though I'm not exactly out for atonement either."
[2/8]
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That's all for now!

Thanks to Deculture for letting me write and for allllll these pictures. Seriously
Thanks to Cooldown for letting me bounce ideas off her, letting me use Tenko, and pointing out something incredible that I'm gonna run with
Thanks to Minty for looking things over

Spirit is concentrated in the butt. It's true.

Still wasn't my fault.
>>
"I see... I'll leave that part alone for now. However, your abilities... would I be wrong to say it sounds like they were... tainted by your time with the Cults?" I couldn't help but wonder if The Calidus' calm was real or just a mask. No matter what I said or did she barely looked affected.

"I'd... actually, yeah, no point in trying to fuck around the bush on that one." I let out a short sigh and leaned back into my seat, trying to relax at least a little. "I don't know if it would have been any different if I had lived differently, but that's how it is now. Every time I use my magic it's not flowers and sunshine it's sulfur and withering."

Suzume nodded lightly, stealing a glance towards Silke; probably to make sure she was still listening and doing fine. "I see, that explains a lot of things. I've never heard of similar cases before, but it would be believable to me that extended contact with Barriers can still affect your soul, whether it has been made physical or not by an Incubator yet, and that it would carry those scars later."

I honestly didn't know what to say at this point. Although Silke had been deathly silent since the beginning of the discussion, Suzume seemed to be taking this rather easily. I wasn't entirely surprised, but it made me realize one thing; I wasn't so much amazed at her self-control anymore than I was starting to suspect she was just scarred in her own ways. Whatever the case might have been... it felt good not being judged.

"While I have you both here though, I have another important new to share." I raised an eyebrow at the Calidus' sudden shift in topics but didn't mind all too much. The little German on the other hand seemed to finally spring back to life.
[3/8]
>>
The purple-haired Callidus nodded to the Culexus, as if answering a silent question that hadn't been spoken yet. Silke let out a small relieved sigh and relaxed a little more then she usually did. Well, as much "usually" as I've been given to see in my limited time with them.

"Thanks goodness, they've been gone for a long time now..." the Culexus said in a matching tone that earned her another small nod of approbation from the much taller girl. I didn't really know what was going on, but I assumed they had more... colleagues coming back from... somewhere, which was about it.

"Mind letting me know what you're talking about." I tilted my head slightly and asked with a level tone.

"Why, but it's so much more fun to keep you in the dark..." Suzume gave a slightly wry smile and somehow managed to not sound horrendously smug while saying so. It didn't really help because I still wanted to punch her.

"Yes, yes, very cute. If you're going to be like this I'm just going to go for a walk." I leaned to my side onto the armrest and rested my cheek on the palm of one of my hands.

"You take walks?" the Callidus seemed genuinely surprised. "I thought you just messed around all the time doing nothing."

"Very enthusiastic walks."

"I can't help but feel like you're trying to tell me something here."

"That's no good Tatsuki." Silke stepped in with a little bit of a scolding voice. "D...don't say that." What. How the fuck did -she- of all people get it? Suzume seemed to share my confusion for a moment, but for different reasons. "A-anyways, I'll explain." The little Culexus cleared her throat.
[4/8]
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>>36161883
This is all your fault, Attarou.
>>
"Two friends of ours have been overseas for an extended period of time for a job in South America. " she recomposed herself quickly as she explained. "We've been waiting for them to return for a while now because their job ended up taking longer than originally planned..." her voice trailed off, probably with concern but her vox-caster was doing its thing again so I couldn't really tell for sure.

"Irina and Roza Tsukanov." Suzume completed calmly. "Both are Vindicares from Russia."

"Sisters eh?" I leaned back. I usually liked everything Russia-flavored, especially their Magical Girls, so it sounded like a duo I'd like to... meet, yeah, that's what I meant, meet...

Suzume however laughed slightly at my comment and I raised an eyebrow. "Don't let their similar appearance fool you" she continued. "They have nothing in common except their blood and their pride."

"All the more fun to discover" I smirked lightly and reached for my inventory for a refreshment.

Suzume simply shrugged. "-Do- try not to get in the way of their rivalry. It's never pretty when people do." I raised an eyebrow once more. I was used to pseudo-cryptic shit from the Callidus, but what was with that?

"What do you mean?" I asked with a demanding tone.

Silke seemed like she wanted to respond for a moment, leaning forwards slightly and perhaps searching for her words, but she didn't make it in time and Suzume responded before she could place a word. "The Tsukanov sisters have been in competition for as long as I've known them and longer still before that. It's a Vindicare thing I suppose, but they've been arguing over who's weapon and style is the most efficient and have never managed to settle the quarrel."
[5/8]
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>>36161936
Don't blame me when you're messing with forces beyond your puntrol.
>>
I nodded lightly and took another gulp of vodka. For a split second she eyed my bottle and took a sip of the cup of wine she had been neglecting for a while, as if seeing me drink suddenly reminded her that thirst was a thing that existed. She then continued: "It gets pretty bad at times and if you take one's side then the other will take it personal. It's what forced them to leave their Officio; one too many 'incident'. The rest you'll have to ask them yourself I'm afraid."

I nodded lightly, taking in the information. "So, besides that little landmine, how -are- they actually like?"

"Irina is the elder." Suzume shifted her position lightly and crossed her legs, giving a shameless display of her stockings. "She uses a bow and is usually composed, a little bit like me actually, but not as quick on her feet~" Silke coughed slightly, looked like she wasn't all that in agreement.

"Irina just doesn't like to let her emotions show, unlike you." Silke spoke up, giving the Callidus a scolding tone she usually reserved for me. "Besides, taking time to consider the situation is a good thing too..."

Suzume gave her a small but warm smile and for once I felt like it wasn't a facade." Sorry~sorry, I got a little carried away~" she spoke in a melodic voice different than her usual measured, nigh-calculating one. The Culexus just nodded, giving a small "as long as you understand". Cute.

Without giving her time to continue, Silke spoke up and took the relay. "Roza is the younger sister, she uses all sorts of guns and firearms and is a little more.. brash.. a little like -you- I suppose." I raised an eyebrow at that comment. Was that supposed to mean something specific? I just shrugged off the last part.
[6/8]
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>>36161956
Your
Fault
>>
I gave a small nod, that seemed to be good enough information to at least just tell them apart. Didn't need to be all creepy and stalker-like by asking a ton of stuff. Besides I did believe in what I said earlier about the fun of finding things out first-hand, so this was just fine. I remained quiet for a moment longer, just contemplating in silence when a glance at the Callidus gave me an idea. A terrible idea.

"So, I've been thinking for a while..." not really, but it opens conversations well. "Those disguises things you Callidae do." I looked to Suzume in emphasis. "Is that something you actually train like us Eversors do or is it an innate thing from your contract like for Culexi?"

Suzume joined her hands over her lap and gave me another of those scrutinizing looks like she was observing me very carefully without letting too much of it show. Silke tilted her head slightly, seeming a little confused, but the Callidus remained neutral as always. "Technically, yes, technically. But why would you want to know that I wonder?"

I shrugged lightly, trying to keep an equally neutral expression. For once I wasn't failing; being indifferent towards things was something I was pretty good at so I didn't need to fake much "Eh just wondering." I stretched my arms and shoulders lightly. "I mean besides the obvious it sounds like picking up a trick or two could be pretty useful."

"Ooh?" Suzume's smile widened and her eyes lit up with a small light that I recognized well; it was a predatorian one. "And what kind of tricks do -you- think would be useful?" she teased.

"Well, I'm pretty sure you can -see- a few" I smirked, deciding to enter her little mind game for now. I was of course referring to my unnatural eyes and hands that could use being hidden sometimes

"I do believe I can" she brought a lone finger to her lips. "But it would break my heart to see such things abused for pointless or selfish reasons."
[7/8]
>>
Abusing for selfish reasons? I was under the impression she was doing that -all the time- so it was pretty hypocritical of her to say something like that, but I didn't speak up my mind. This was a game after all, or so I believed we decided, so I remained level and smiled back. Silke herself seemed hopelessly confused, glancing between the two of us in succession.

"Oh that's alright, we're having a strictly professional talk between reasonable people aren't we?" I allowed my own neutral expression to form a small smile.

"Of course we are, and in that kind of professional talk there's no place for any ulterior motives now would there be?" this time I wasn't sure what to make of Suzume's tone and expression. I enjoyed being able to figure people out as a hobby, but it wasn't something I actually trained at.

"No, no, no place for that indeed." I chuckled softly and had to suppress the urge to laugh when the German Culexus threw her hands in the air in what I can only imagine to be either frustration or surrender before flopping down onto the couch on her front. "I wouldn't have any such things."

"You're lyin' outta your ass." The Callidus' eyes narrowed as she replied with an uncharacteristically rough demeanor.

"Oh bullshit" I finally exclaimed with some degree of exasperation myself. "Like -you- aren't all the time." I then slumped against the armrest and reached for my neglected Vodka to freshen my lips.

"I totally am." Wait what? "You pass." Wait -what-?
[8/9]
>>
The purple-haired Callidus took a sip of her wine as well and her expression softened. "Callidus business is all about deceit and manipulation. If you want to have -any- hopes at it you -have- to be an at least decent liar." Well, that made sense I guess. "It's been a long time since I've taught anyone though. I used to be an Instructor and the Rank Leader's aide in the Third." Well if that wasn't a lie then it meant she at least knew what she was talking about. Where did the lies stop or begin anyway with her? I was starting to regret my decision already; these things are harder than Eversor training.

"Well, sounds good to me." I shrugged lightly. "Just let me know when you have some time."

Suzume simply nodded. She was hiding it of course, but my guts told me the smile she wore right now was a genuinely pleased one. My mind wandered for a little; did she do this kind of things a lot back in the Third? did she miss it? Ultimately all those questions only left me realizing just how little I really knew about these girls beyond our... "professional relationship".
[9/9]

===
Apologies for the slight confusion on post counts, my post break was a little inaccurate on 2/8 so it messed up everything afterwards
>>
>forget name
>posting out of order

Fuck me. I'm done for the night, sorry! Running on no sleep.
>>
Mercy Killing 3: Daybreak

The hunt had begun. A Vanus, an Eversor and a Callidus, assembled by midnight, not by choice but forced by circumstance. True, they were fortunate in that the River had produced a vision of her entering this barrier. A mixed blessing at best; it would mean that they had no choice but to assume the vision was both correct and current, and enter immediately, lest they give her a chance to escape.

The dead of night. Hardly an ideal time to search for a hidden enemy, much less in a witch's barrier.

Izuho took point ahead of the Katayamas, examining the witch's sigil through the filter of an ill-fitting pair of night vision goggles. There was no disguising the reason for her presence here, as clear to her as it was to the others. That, then, would explain the sheer concern Harumi had shown when she relayed the mission to them. It was unnecessary, of course. This was the logical choice.

She stood head and shoulders above the Katayamas and appeared a good deal more threatening; it was a safe assumption that she would take a good few more shots than the others if it came to that. In combat, too, she would dispose of familiars more quickly than they could hope to, and with her soul gem hidden within her ever-regenerating body, few could think to threaten her. She was here to protect, then, and to be riddled with claws and bolts in the service of those more valuable than herself. Little more than a human shield.

And that was as well. It would not do if either of the two were hurt.

[1/11]
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>>36162154

"I believe we were meant to meet at midnight. Yumishita is running late," Mitsuko quips behind her, prompting a little chuckle from her sister. More than welcome distractions from trying to make sense of this sigil, standing out in the cold night air. A pair of gates, wide open, with a path of thorns both behind and ahead of it. Ringed with words that she could not decipher, that Mitsuko refused to examine for more than a moment. Words radiating a sense of profound anger and disappointment, directed not at herself, but at... at what? The witch herself? Fear, too. Fear without direction, all-pervading, until the witch had created this barrier to shut herself away from the merciless barbs of the world.

It hardly mattered, and they could waste no more time. There was work to be done. Izuho rises to her feet, metal clanking and cloth rustling as the moonlight shines on the patches of scales and reflective carapace that had recently grown around the scars on her arms. A temporary chance like so many others, it would pass in time. Motioning for the others to follow, she steps through the portal and into the barrier, with the two joining her a moment later.

The goggles, as it turns out, are entirely unnecessary, even blinding. They stagger dizzily, swaying back and forth in the bright light of the sun that greeted them. Blue skies and shining daylight all around, as far as the eye can see, with not a cloud above. The only blemish, then, is the sun itself. While it graces the world with its gentle warmth, it shows itself as a swollen mass of orange and red, an overgrown flame that bleeds dripping blackened ichor onto the world below. Great droplets of the strange substance, almost reminiscent of crude oil in appearance, slip away from the star's countless gashes and cuts, only to hurtle down and splash against the ground. At least they were nowhere near this... bizarre material.

[2/11]
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>>36162173

Memories. Somehow, they all knew, almost instinctively. Collecting little by little on the barrier's ground as they were bled away by... what, exactly?

The answer comes from their surroundings, the same half-idyllic landscape that turns, under further scrutiny, into the face of a nightmare. They stand in the midst of a series of rice paddies with only ankle-length water, while ahead of them, colossal books form a tunnel of sorts, open wide with their spines facing the sky. Houses new and old propped up the gargantuan pages; small apartments of concrete and steel, sprawling thatched-roof farmhouses and stocky brick cottages stand side by side with their doors wide open. They knew better than to even consider entering, of course.

Ahead, towering skyscrapers - not, at a glance, entirely unlike QB Heavy's office buildings, if distorted by heat haze - grasp at the heavens, spires that would have pierced the clouds, had there been any. Somehow, they held the air of a dream too distant to reach, and a dangerous trap all at once.

They were not alone in the barrier. Far from it. They had known that when entering, naturally, but there was more to this place than a witch and a renegade. Every stalk of rice, every rustling page and sturdy brick, every clod of earth underfoot, and the featureless humanoid shadows that flitted to and fro. Each and every one screamed abuse at the heavens, their words daggers of condemnation, with hatred and guilt as the poisons of their choice. At times they were physical words, in that strange and baffling script peculiar to witches. Other times, the fury and loathing was given voice, equally inscrutable, leaving the air riddled with words and the ears filled with an angry din. Each one cut into the witch as it reached her, drawing some of what passed for her blood now.

[3/11]
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>>36162133
Take it easy, Dimu.

don't metapost
>>
>>36162185

Most importantly, standing here in the open, they were exposed. The nigh-immediate crossbow bolt landing in one of Izuho's shoulders was proof enough of that, only moments after they had taken in the scene. It didn't hurt, not more than countless other wounds had before it. Practice made perfect, and where that was not true, it at least had the courtesy to create numbness.

"Get under the books!" She shouted, an unusually assertive call to action that rallied the Katayamas immediately. Shadows wrapped around them in defiance of the sun's glare, almost solid, bolts slowing within them as though it were water. Hands of animated mud and earth rise from the ground to meet the Eversor's pleas for their help, otherwise lost to the din, and crumble as they grasp shots only to find themselves unequal to the task.

A harrowing sprint led them below the comforting shelter of bewitched paper. The familiars watch them impassively for now, as though they are mere curiosities that have no place here, a momentary distraction. They were not the objects of the creatures' rage, and so they passed without incident in that regard. Still, curiously, they found themselves weakening, as if withering in the barrier's thin air, taking it in in ragged gasps as they ran. Was this part of Yumishita's powers as well? If so, then it seemed to abate ever so slightly as they found shade under the arcade of books.

[4/11]
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>>36162208

"...Don't look," Mizuki cautioned, as her elder sister glanced up towards the pages. That way lay madness. Witches were strange, inhuman creatures, though Harumi - when pressed - had once told them all that they were capable of transforming ordinary, unwitting humans into one of their ranks. How fortunate, then, that they were exempt and needed only to fear a more direct sort of harm. A barrier's words, regardless, were not to be trusted, and no good could come of trying to understand the beasts.

It was their duty to destroy these monsters that could only bring harm to the world. This, the sisters had known since their first days at the Third, and even before then.

The bolt flying through the book, heralded only by the agonised scream of the familiar it pierced, comes as a rude awakening to them all. The Eversor is the first to act, interposing herself between the shot and Mitsuko before grasping it in one hand. She flashes a triumphant smile at the Callidus even through the pain, still managing to take some amount of pride in her work. That shot would not have struck her soul gem, no, but it was the principle of the matter. Her pride is short-lived, however, as she notes the grey-green sphere affixed to the crossbow bolt, and the sharp ticking.

"...Stay back, please." A clenched fist and gritted teeth. Those, alongside the sight of her squadmates scattering from her, are the only courtesies, the only comfort she receives before the end of the countdown.

[5/11]
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>>36162226

A second later, the bloody firework consumes her entire right arm, held out from her. The conflagration reduces flesh and bone alike to a mess of gore and smoke. Flecks of white, red and black spattered across the ground, carried by a nauseating stench and lingering embers. The agony was overwhelming, and even she was left bent double from the shock, but only for a moment. She had learned to use her soul gem's power to dull the pain long ago, though she used it sparingly, with how many grief seeds she needed at the best of times. A moment later, her eyes catch sight of Mizuki, looking as though she was about to either vomit or cry, her costume coated with blood and pieces of what had once been Izuho's right arm.

Somehow, her first reaction had been to mumble an apology. An apology for inconveniencing her squadmate with the detonated remnants of her own arm. At least it made the Callidus laugh. That was good enough.

"Can you hide us?" She asked.

"I'm trying already, she shouldn't be able to-"

"She already HAS, obviously," the Vanus snapped. "The roof can't stop her and neither can you. We need to move. Taniguchi, you can walk, right?"

Of course she could. Now running, that would be far more difficult, but when had that stopped her? ...At least her arm was already coming back. As she knew it would. The sickening sounds of regrown, reknitted meat and bone twisting into new shapes was one she could never grow used to, but then, this was never the time to be picky. No time was. It was still raw, the skin left unformed for the moment, and oddly stiff. Was that a tooth she saw on the back of her wrist? ...It would have to do, as long as the arm worked. She had grown used to the constant mutations long ago, overzealous indulgences of a shell housing more life than one body was ever meant to contain.

[6/11]
>>
>>36162246

The cover of shadows does nothing to stem the merciless barrage from above, raining down with uncanny accuracy, some of them resembling steel rebar or a siege engine's payload more than any ordinary crossbow bolt. Even an Eversor's reflexes are not perfect, and eventually the Katayamas sustain some wounds, quickly sealed at the cost of Izuho's own overflowing life, cuts and sores appearing along her skin as she heals them. Fortunately, nothing had struck their soul gems yet, shrunk down to a ring on Mizuki and a necklace for Mitsuko.

"Hold your ground," the Vanus suddenly announces to perplexed stares. "We don't know where she is. I can change that, but I need time. I need to be able to focus. Can you keep me alive for long enough?" A pair of nods meet the demand. What else could they say?

The darkness bubbles up from the ground, joined my mud and stone, creating a dome around them. It might have been a wall, but somehow, despite the constant assault, they could never seem to trace their attacker. Could a Vindicare become invisible as some among the Callidus rank could? There is no time to ponder the question, now. Instead, the barrier creaks and shakes, crumbling little by little with each thunderous, inexplicably jackhammer-like shot that impacts against its shell. Life to protect life, a soothing gloom to shield the innocent from what they need neither see nor feel.

"I have it," the Vanus announces eventually, amidst the ruins of their shelter. A beam of the sun's own light, in accordance with her own affinity, called down to reveal the traitor's position. Standing atop the books, with a scoped crossbow at the ready. Had she been there a moment ago? How could they be so blind, when the sniper hid in plain sight? Still, she was not far away. They would only need to-

[7/11]
>>
>>36162269

Any further thoughts are cut off by one bloodcurdling shriek, then another, hateful wails across the barrier as the familiars that inhabit and compose it see the beam of redirected and channeled sunlight, screaming in absolute fury. Their quarry, the object of their loathing had been found, tainted, corrupted by the touch of those who had not yet lost themselves. This would not stand. They had not yet crushed the sun and bled it dry, not yet made it weep its last tears of pitch for its sins. These outsiders would not be allowed to steal their prisoner away.

Somewhere, Mitsuko had said something, coughing up tar-like liquid and staring with bloodshot eyes as if she had seen the unspeakable. Her words are lost in the din, one cry among many that do not reach the Eversor, as she pulls out the remnants of a rusted broadsword from her own leg, a handle of bone and bleeding skin forming where the blade ended. In the same motion, she hurls it at the distant Vindicare, looking for only long enough to confirm that she has hit her mark, just barely. A dodge, in a technical sense, but a scrap of cloth had fallen to the ground. That was all they would need to scry on her later. Already, Yumishita was departing, but that was not their concern.

With another barked order - her usual timidity, she knew, had no place here when leading a pair relatively unaccustomed to the front lines - she sends the Katayamas scrambling to retrieve the scrap, while Mizuki's illusions obscure them from the horde of familiars. She could feel the heat growing, the same draining sensation that sapped her energy growing ever stronger, almost crippling as she struggles to avoid falling to her knees. The familiars surge in from every direction, looking as though the entire barrier is collapsing to strike her down.

[8/11]
>>
>>36162292

With a gasp of effort, she extends the weapons buried within her - the souvenirs of countless past battles - from her own skin, in an excruciating bladed carapace that cut her foes simply by striding through them, a monstrosity of misshapen flesh and old steel.

How many had she killed?

How many times had she been struck down, her body torn limb from limb only to grow back?

How much of her strength had left her, in gasps and whimpers, as broken iron and spirit proved too weak to hold off the hordes?

How many bodies did she stand atop, by the end, and how many more circled her as her squadmates made their reluctant escape?

It didn't matter. None of it seemed to matter at all, by then. In the end, she welcomed the witch, and took her hand willingly, floating up into the air.

The sun. Of course. It was so obvious, now; the radiance that had siphoned away their strength throughout their stay in the barrier. Was that a face she could make out in the flame's lacerated, bleeding depths? It had to be real, like the hand of magic and smoldering gas that gripped her own, terribly weak one. They floated higher and higher, but it must have been nothing. Breathing seemed a distant, pointless luxury now. Surely she would make do without. The witch wished only for company, someone who would stand by her side against the ruthless familiars. Who was she to deny that?

[9/11]
>>
>>36162305

The witch was darkening, at long last. Shrinking, as the soft eyes within the inferno - the same grip that burned her skin away and turned her to ash, ever so slowly and gently - dimmed to nothing. ...A sun could only take so much before buckling. Collapsing under the weight it had shouldered, becoming crushed by those who would heap intolerably heavy condemnations upon it. Even a witch - a monster that knew hunger in the place of remorse and cruelty in the place of compassion - could not shoulder this blame. It could only survive by becoming something else. Darker, smaller, gathering the entire world around itself in the hope that even one part of it could cling to her and provide some small measure of comfort.

So this was how it ended, then. The invulnerable juggernaut of the Third, embraced by the heart of the sun that would soon be reduced to a single black point.

"What's your name?"

It must have been human, once. She almost felt as though she had seen the face, once upon a time. Who was she? What was her life like? The world would never know, now. A story fated to end in a place set apart from the world of all that was right and good. A tale spun to its last in a nightmare beside reality. She could not read the sigils, but she heard the witch's murmur, the whisper of a desperate furnace, and she smiled.

"...It's a good name."

[10/11]
>>
>>36162322

Little by little, she burned away. It didn't matter, the body could be replaced. Instead, she grips the miniature sun in both arms, and stares into the molten eyes.

"...Don't worry, it's going to be okay. This won't hurt for much longer."

She reached in, through excruciating heat that could not hope to pierce the dream-like haze she found herself in. The baying of the familiars below seemed so distant and quiet now, so terribly meaningless. Flames wrap around her, and eventually, her hand of seared bone finds purchase on... something, deep within the sun. Was it a heart? It must be. As close as such a broken, pitiful beast could come to having one. And to think she had always been taught that witches were heartless. She squeezed, of course, as hard as her broken, skeletal claw of a hand could. Crushed it between her fingers. What else could she have done? The fires dimmed, the world drained of colour, and the face faded away with her vision.

"I'm sorry."

When they found her in the morning, collapsed in the street beside the grief seed she had refused to use, she would only say that the witch had thanked her, and refuse to speak further of that day.

So ended the hunt.

[11/11]
>>
Five Red Petals
Chapter One - Promise of Reunion

Garry was the first one I met.

Called him last week. Turned out he was actually going to be in town for a while, so I decided to arrange a friendly little meet. After what happened at the art gallery, I happened to run into him again only just a few years ago. He was even carrying around my old handkerchief, all clean and my name somehow not faded away. Since then, we’ve been keeping in touch.

Last time we met was… two, three months ago? Can’t remember off the top of my head. He’s gotten much older, but still has that messy purple hair over his left eye, and a bit less pale than he used to be, too, I think. Or maybe he was still the same?

A minute past noon, he walked in, and I waved him over. Gave me a wave before buying himself some coffee. His hair was a bit straighter than I last remembered, but he still wore a blue coat. Wasn’t the same rugged coat from back then, but it was still blue. He also wore glasses now, chrome half-rims. If I didn’t know him, I’d think he was the biggest hipster, especially since he was in his early 20s.

“Hey, Eve.” He took a light sip from his drink, and I gave him a smile.

“Been a while.”

“Mmm. What’ve you been up to?”

“Nothing much, really. The usual. You?”

Garry shrugged, swallowing another mouthful of his drink. “I’m down here for a job. I’m supposed to help the nearby college with some project, so depending on how that goes, I might end up moving down here.” He gave me a warm smile.

That’s nice, I guess. Source of income and everything. Though I wasn’t too sure how I felt about the possibility of seeing him more often now, even if we were already kind of close from what happened like… four years ago.

[1/???]
>>
He chuckled. “So what about you? How’s the whole magical girl deal going?” I was already contracted by the time I met him for the first time after the art gallery. Though he didn’t exactly approve, he trusted me enough to take care of myself. Said something about being a brave little girl, which I visually punched him for.

“Mm… same stuff, different day.” I’ve only been a magical girl for two years, but things are starting to get more or less routine. Girls come and go, but it’s still… pretty much the same. Not that I don’t miss some of the people that’ve gone.

“Don’t you ever think about how young you are for something like that, though?” He had a point. Everyone I was around was like… in the sixteen to nineteen range, and I was just about starting my teen years, ordering older recruits around, getting funny looks. Wendy was only two years older than me, though, so I wasn’t entirely alone.

“I mean… it’s not like I’m bad at my job. Besides, I’m going on a mission where I’m pretty sure I won’t be in command.”

“Hm? Where’re you going?” Ah… this couldn’t end well. He took another drink, keeping eye contact.

“Somewhere in… um… the Northeast. Not really allowed to say.”

“Somewhere?” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s awfully vague. Then, why are you going?” It was actually hard to tell what face he was doing, what, with only half his face showing.

Asking all the hard questions, huh. Well, if he guessed anything correctly, I wasn’t going to lie to him. No point. I was kind of half hoping he’d be able to know exactly where I was going, actually. Especially since Varrigan City was a legendary shithole of sorts.

“Reasons.” I swallowed another mouthful of tea. English breakfast was great.

[2/???]
>>
>>36162339

And that's a wrap for this thread. Next time, back to Human Resources! Thank you all for reading, and to TwiceBorn, Deculture and Dimunsis for critiquing this beforehand.
>>
>>36162369
“Well…” Garry’s gaze wandered, as if the answer would be written on the wall behind me. “At least you’re not going to Varrigan, right?”

Ahaha, shit. Was that a wild guess? Maybe he was just really good at reading me. Like a book. With semi-legible handwriting.

“Haha… funny that you mention that, actually…” I let my voice die into my cup. Water looks really weird sometimes.

He set down his cup, looking around to see if anyone heard.

“W-What? Are you… you’re… you’re not going to commit a huge crime or anything, are you?”

“Well… well, no.” My cup was quickly draining. “There’s the occasional authorized incursion for anyone who wants to try surviving. A proof of courage, or something like that.” His frown dropped even deeper.

“So, why’re you going?”

“I want to try it again.”

“…What?”

“I want to try it again.

Garry stared blankly at me. Took him a bit to realize what I was talking about.

“‘It’… the art gallery?”

I nodded. “Self test of iron will.”

“Eve,” he chuckled to himself here, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “you’ve already done that back… 4 years ago now?”

“Yeah, but you were there to protect me. Not that I’m ungrateful, I just want to prove to myself that I can do it alone.” Hopefully he’s not taking offense. I’d sip at my tea again, but I might look a bit smug doing that. That’d be bad.

He sighed. “I mean, I can’t stop you, but… I… I can’t help but worry. You know, with the way it is. Only really, really bad criminals get thrown in maximum security prisons. And you’re thirteen, Eve.”

“I know, but I’m going with a few people,” I wasn’t actually sure how many people would be coming along, “and I’m a, well, you know. I’ll be fine. Just wanted to let you know in case, well, something does happen and you can’t contact me. I promise to be alive, at least, though.”

[3/???]
>>
>>36162407
“That sounds an awful lot like someone’s last words.” Garry stared at his cup, trying to take it all in with another gulp of cappuccino. Took a few big gulps.

“Well,” I finally gave myself the liberty of finishing my drink, “at least… I’ll be alive at the end.”

God, I was awful at lines like that.

= = =

I eventually saw him off. Garry had work to get to, but said we could talk after I came back. He still wasn’t happy about me going, but decided that if I could make it through the art gallery without being a magical girl, then being would be just as good as his protection.

Not sure how I felt about that, but I guess it’s the thought that counts.

Soul gems are certainly more sturdy than roses, at least. I think.

Even though I made a note to tell Wendy I was going to Varrigan, too, I ended up in my room, hugging a pillow at my desk, lost in my own little world of soft beats and smooth rhythm. Though she wasn’t in the room too often, my roommate was… insufferable. Loud, inconsiderate… quietness in my room was something to treasure.

Ended up doing nothing for the better part of an hour. I should really be packing… emailing important people…

Three sharp knocks at my door.

…Yeah, I think I’ll get on that now. Starting with the emails.

I pushed my chair over to the door, quickly flipping the knob to let the door open for anyone to let themself in, then slid back to my desk. Is that even a word, themself?

Email client… compose email…

“…Eve.” …That wasn’t my roommate’s voice. I quickly turned around…
>>
>Ib
Dayum.
someone using Viola from Witch's House?
>>
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>>36162428
…and looked up just as fast. There stood Wendy, hiding her face behind her scarf.

“Oh, uh. Hi. Sorry.” I hate when that happened. Always makes it looks like the guest isn’t welcome or something.

“Hey. Here.” She reached into her inventory an stuffed what looked like a sketchbook of sorts into my hands. It even had a cute rose engraved on the front.

I began flipping through the pages. Weird drawings of sorts - a bunch of patterned eggs, people with eyes for heads, birdladies, and a… thing with too many arms. I guess they look kind of like what Wendy’s told me about sometimes, when we’d just be together doing nothing. I had my guesses as to what this was supposed to be for, but I just wanted to make sure.

“Um…”

“If, uh,” she started “If you’re in trouble, just. Just let me know, and I’ll make sure you’re out of there, stat. Alright?”

I gave her a nod. Not sure how I’d do that, but again, I guess it’s the thought that counts.

How did she hear that I was going, anyways? I hadn’t told her anything at all, even though I’d been meaning to. Not that I didn’t want her to know or anything.

“Everyone who goes turns into a mini-celebrity for however long.” Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense, since the whole Varrigan City expeditions thing were still kind of new.

“I…” I looked to the right. I scooted around and sat on my bed behind her, and Wendy turned around. “How do you feel about me going?”

“Just stay safe. I trust you, but if you need help, use the book or call me. Probably both. Hopefully let me know first.” Her voice faded as she ended her sentence, as if she was suddenly deciding on saying something. Was there something secret about the book? How am I supposed to let her know, anyways? Not like there’s any phones in-

Wendy’s hand ruffled my hair, and she quickly left the room.



Huh.



I should probably finish up those emails.

[6/6]

===

Thanks to Archival, Wendy, Malal, and too many people for me to remember off the top of my head, really~sry
>>
>>36162447

Y-yes? She's even called Viola.
>>
>>36162447
Viola and Eve were included in Wendy's writeup "witch"

I know this because I have a good memory for ungood reasons
But maybe that's a lie
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>>36162375

I think I know your writing. You done any quests on here, Mal?
>>
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..:: AUREA VENEN || PART 1 || THE GREEN ROAD ::..

<Why....? Why did you run away?> The girl in front of me seemed to utter, as if in a trance. <You could have saved us... It didn't have to end like this...>

The young brunette girl stood like a statue, a dark stain on the front of her costume blossoming along the surface of the fabric. She went on to repeat the same thing, in the haunting manner she had been speaking in many times already. It wasn't the first time this had played out before me, and it probably wouldn't be the last, but I've already lost count of the occurrences. Yet, I found it funny. I didn't really have it in me to laugh, nor could I understand what exactly was funny about it. All I knew, was that she wasn't real. There's no way she could be real, after all.

<I--> The blood started to trickle from the corners of her mouth, and then as if a recording had been rewound, it started over again. 'It's okay', I told myself, over and over. It's okay, because she isn't real, don't worry. I tore my gaze away from her, looking out towards the cityscape which appeared to be clipped straight out of a picture book.

The stars in the night sky seemed to fade in and out, appearing as various different colors each time they regained visibility. Looking down, the pathway I had been following was made out of thin and obscenely green wooden planks. While their incessant creaking and groaning was extremely loud to my ears, they still felt solid enough underfoot to traverse. It was the only guidance this black void gave me, though it was never enough to distance myself from the girl's phantom. Where was this path leading me? Away? From--

I winced at the sudden sharp pain, the hand I instinctively brought up to my temple brushing black hair out of its way. My head felt dull, my memory nothing but a dark haze akin to the one that enveloped my surroundings. I can't remember what happened. I can't remember why I can't remember.

[1/2]
>>
>>36162503

<Why did you run away?> I can't even remember the name of the brunette girl, even though she had been my partner for years. That was where it stopped being funny, and where I lost the desire to laugh at all. This was serious, this entire goddamn mission was--

Wait, mission? We were sent here to this...shithole of a city, but why? To find what? It certainly wasn't this green pathway. <It didn't have to end like this...> Why was it so green? No seriously, wood planks aren't supposed to be this green, even if you painted them. It doesn't even LOOK like wood! Alright, calm down, it's not a big deal. Deep breath, try to remember....what was the mission? Why did we come here?

<I--> I glanced back over at the broken record that was my 'partner', blood oozing out of the corners of her eyes, and in the same instance resetting again. What do you want from me? Why are you appearing here, saying the same thing over and over!?

Dying in front of me...over and OVER like this, I can't-- It was then that I noticed something was different about her, and stopped in my tracks. She was holding a small, creepy looking doll in her hands. It looked very fancy, possibly made from porcelain, with bright red marble eyes and a well kempt head of blond hair. Not just fancy or expensive though, it looked...real. It seemed...familiar, but...where the hell did it come from? Where have I seen it before? I'm one hundred percent sure this was the first time I've EVER seen it, yet at the same time I felt like I've seen it so many times before.

"Ufufufu~" The doll's eyes blink, its mouth twisting into a gut wrenching smirk as it begins to clap its hands together and giggle. Each time her hands came together, it made a metal clang that seemed to echo around me, ringing in my head like a bell. I know I've seen this doll before, or at least, the person that it resembles.

[2/3]
>>
>>36162499

Ah, I mention it on the ask.fm page, but yes, I used to run Crown of Bones elsewhere, back in the day. Not even on these boards, though, so it's probably a coincidence?
>>
>>36162527

I know I've heard this sound before. I KNOW that I know. Pain once more wells up in my head, causing me to whimper softly. Think, damnit, remember! The clanging grows louder, and I reopen my eyes to see my 'partner' slowly walking towards me, the doll still in tow.

<Why did you run away?> I had to run, I had no choice. <You could have saved us...> There's no way I could have saved you, I couldn't save even one person, let alone everyone else in the squad. <It didn't have to end like this...> I know... God damn it, I know!

The girl ceased her approach directly in front of me, the entire front of her orange costume stained a dark crimson. The doll's eyes bore holes into mine, her freakish grin never wavering for a second. I know... I know what you're going to say. You don't have to remind me, it's the one thing I could never forget after all.

<I loved you.> Yet despite knowing what she would say, my eyes still widened. It was then that she shoved me back, my foot unable to shift to stop myself from falling. What was once a continuation of the green path behind me was now empty air, and I fell.

I could only look up at her from below, and even though she already was so distant, I could still make out the tears of red that she shed once again. Then she was gone, as if a light had been flipped off where she had stood. They told us it was an easy mission, that we'd go in and make it back in time for dinner. All we had to do was find the girl and get rid of her, then we'd get paid and be done with it. They lied. They knew. They knew and yet they still SENT US.

"Look who I found!" A sweet voice called out from the darkness below me, extremely crisp and clear unlike the phantom's. As if my back had hit the ground with a sickening crunch, a large metal pole impaled itself through my chest. I couldn't really feel it, but I knew it hurt like a bitch. I knew I was screaming, but I couldn't even hear that.

[3/4]
>>
>>36162468
>>36162484
shit. someday I'm gonna read through every write-up.
Even Attarou's.

jk, nobody reads Attarou's
>>
>>36162559

"You know, you're reallllyy bad at this whole hide and seek thing. You're not supposed to walk around out in the open, silly." They lied to us, there's no way this was a mission our amateur squad could handle. There's no way they didn't know this. Everyone else....she...

"Don't worry though! You were the last one to be found, you know what that means right?" It's then that her hands, metal and inhuman in appearance, uncovered my eyes and moved to rest on my shoulders. My eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light from the street lamp, as she stepped in front of me, her appearance a near perfect match to the doll I had seen earlier.

My entire body was frozen, I wanted to run....to hide. I had to get away from her, she was the one. "You get the special prize~" She whispered, before she forcibly pressed her lips against mine, a tingling sensation running through my body.

The soft and warm sensation lingered for a moment, and was instantly wiped out from the wrenching pain in my chest as the metal blade was violently removed from my body, the resulting scream muffled into the kiss. IT HURTS! OH GOD, IT HURTS SO MUCH!! WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH!?

It was only a moment longer before she pulled away, letting out a familiar giggle. "Oh dear, that's right, I gave that same prize to your cute brown haired girlfriend already. Ah~! Speaking of her, I know just the thing to make your prize unique after all."

A feeling of dread washed over me amidst my writhing, blood beginning to leak from the corner of my mouth as I could only slowly shake my head. It hurt too much to even breath, let alone give voice to my fears. The girl fumbled with her hand for a moment, before removing a ring from one of her devilish fingers.

[4/5]
>>
>>36161184
>"I am sure you are jealous, now, huh?"
Yes. Yes, I am. I can't speak for Chiaki, though.
>>
>>36162576

My heart stopped as it morphed into the egg-shaped jewel I'd seen so many times before, the once bright orange color almost completely consumed by a shade of black inside it. The golden haired girl dropped it into my shaky hands, stepping back from me, her equally devilish metal legs noisily clanging against the pavement.

"I sorta used her a bit too much and broke her, sorry about that~!" She giggled again, giving a small curtsy. "I just can't help myself sometimes. You know how it is. But anyways, I'll leave you two to your touching reunion. It won't be much longer now."

Even before she wandered off, I had already long stopped listening, entirely focused on the soul gem in my hands. I'm sorry... I collapsed to my knees, soaked in my own blood, murmuring my apology. I couldn't even feel its weight anymore. Actually, I couldn't really feel much of anything anymore, not even the tears running down my cheeks. I could only repeat my apologies to it -- to her, as the soul gem collapsed in on itself.
>>
>>36162612

And that's it for the first chapter of Aurea Venen! Thank you for reading!
>>
>>36162553
Holy shit, Grumps lives.

>>36162572
I read them! You should too. And the Eighth is, like, the last writeup anyone should miss out on.

>>36162612
Creepy, confusing. If that was what you were going for, you nailed it.
>>
>>36161713
Thanks for running!

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

Thread has been archived, including (disturbing) writeups!

Heather has turned into love!
Soul temperer pretty great.
>>
Thanks to all the writers!

I have to admit though, 3+ lengthy write-ups every single thread like the past weeks (months?) doesn't seem very conducive to getting anons actually reading them. It looks like one huge wall of text that blends together and isn't very inviting to read, and stifles discussion of the actual quest to boot since they take a lot of space and a while to post.
>>
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>>36162572
You keep telling yourself that.
>>36162702
Tenko is love.
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>>36162711

I'll back off for a while, then. Sorry for the inconvenience.
>>
>>36162711
This. I don't want to say "Just post it to pastebin and link it after the thread," but that might be a better solution.

Then again, I don't really read a lot of the writeups in the first place..
>>
>>36162711
Yeah, we might want to start limiting it to 2 or 3 per thread.

>>36162734
i will fly to japan and hit you
>>
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>>36162734
Don't you dare.
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>>36162771

Oh, that's a good idea. I'll see about that versus backing out for a bit, then. See what works better.

>>36162780

You'd do that anyway, though.
>>
I kinda like the 'write-ups between updates' idea when Decu has a lot to write or distractions or whatever and takes a long time. Thread is either dead or shitposting at those times anyway.
>>
>>36162711
>>36162771

I suppose you have a point! I'll make sure to think about limiting it to just 2 or 3 full writeups per thread, and the rest will be on pastebins!
>>
>>36162843

Ew, no.

I don't keep up with write-ups at all anymore, there's just too many, but that's just no. I'm a huge detractor of making noise for the sake of noise in between posts and I despise random shit posting, but write-ups in between posts would be even worse.

No
>>
>>36162862
I dunno what that solves though, will more anons read the write-ups if they're pastebinned? Will 'only' 2 or 3 really increase discussion or make them less of a discussion-hampering thing? Seems like the only thing this does is make people feel bad when nobody looks at their pastebins.
>>
Decu, given the choice between a tiny box or a big one, which would you take?

Also, yellow or brown?
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>>36162894
upside of the pastebin is that all the work by that writefag is there.
>>
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>>36162894

Well, the pastebin posts will also feature the first part of their writeup (as much as the character limit for one post will allow) and the pastebin link itself, so anyone who gets their curiosity piqued by the preview can follow the link for more!

It's the same as posting your writeup here, except just in one post! I think it'll be an improvement!
>>
>>36162925
That' true but they can link their pastes anyway.

Basically since it's all at the end, limiting how many doesn't really do too much to prevent thread clutter since usually there are approximately zero posts after the write-ups are posted anyway.

And for actually making the write-ups inviting, both the current 'masht hem all together into a wall of text after people have just finished reading a long thread already' and relegating them to the awful reading experience that is pastebin (in addition to the natural barrier of effort a link provides) are both terrible ways to do it, but I can't think of much better ones.
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>>36162961
>implying Chiaki wouldn't join in

She has before~
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>>36162921

A big box! And brown!
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>Twins.
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>>36162986
Excellent choice.
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>>36162894
The problem with writeups is a tricky one. I doubt keeping them to pastebins will solve it, and I'm the one who suggested it. But what the other anon said about the wall of text is definitely true, and that means there IS a problem that needs to be addressed.

Another part of the problem is that there isn't a particularly effective archive of all of the writeups on their own. I know there's a list on the MGNQ wiki, but that's not particularly well-advertised in the threads or on anybody's twitter, and it's still a bit of a wall of text.
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>>36162984
That should be easy with the lewd devil dress.
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>>36163018
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>>36163025

Wait! What was that choice for?!
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>>36163099
Hahaha!
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>>36163099
something that I'll regret doing.

Good night, Decu
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>mfw there should have been seven but I've accidentally'd mine and have to redo breaks and fixes

Anyway, I like the rotation thing. Link to pastebin sounds like nobody will read it.
>>
Pastebink links also mean no artfagging to go with them.
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Welp, that whole ordeal killed my motivation. Hopefully I get it back at some point.
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>>36163370
You're absolutely right, and that's another part of the reason I wasn't particularly happy with my own suggestion.

But in the end, there are just too many writefags for the thread, and we need some alternate solution to just posting five writeups after every thread.
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>>36163370
Pastebin's out then. I like the pics.

Though I would like to see pastebin links for the writefags somewhere, perhaps at the end of each chapter.
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>>36163503
Yeah, there are lots of writefags and they all produce content faster than Decu's threadmaking speed can handle, that's really all there is to it.
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>>36163510
Yeah, the pastebin link is a good idea and I think it's just something we forget to do.

Setting up a rotation might be the way to go, but honestly I think a lot of this is just a ton of new writers showing up with a ton of content, and I think they'll inevitably slow down a touch once the first burst is through the door. Seems to be happening somewhat already.

That failing, setting up a schedule/rotation or just saying 'Hey, you're gonna have to post next thread instead, sorry' could work.
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>>36163510
also there's the wiki
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>>36163579
Feels like not enough people know about the wiki. Considering how much Hat and the others worked on it, it makes me sad.

http://wiki.magicalgirlnoir.com/index.php/Main_Page



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