>>38255064
As you lie in bed, trying to get to sleep, you calm your mind by resetting your priorities.
There's dealing with Hazama/Terumi, waifuing Noel, finding out more about who you are and what you can do, trying to deal with Tsubaki before the inevitable conflict, or perhaps even preparing to fight Ragna the Bloodedge when he inevitably rises from the grave.
Sighing, you feel as though you're going to have to start prioritizing things.
You're Ben Herald. You know that for sure. But who else are you, and what do you want?
First and foremost...
>I need to find out who I am.
>I need to protect Noel.
>I need to score with Noel.
>I need to get stronger.
>I need to kill Terumi/Hazama/whatever that bastard's name is.
>I need to get ready to fight Tsubaki.
>I need to get ready to kill Ragna the Bloodedge.
>I don't want to think about this right now.
>Write-In/Other

>>38255261
>I need to get stronger.
Cause I am SO far out of league. If I can fight well, and protect my mind from inevitable time loopy craziness, the rest will work itself out with a modicum of thought.

>>38255261
>I need to get stronger.
I gotta agree with >>38255295 here

>>38255295
>>38255399

>Getting stronger is my priority right now.
Rachel said you had some sort of power- you were designed to destroy the Azure Grimoire. Now, form what you've heard, the Azure Grimoire is pretty powerful.
Maybe if you can tap into whatever it is that is designed to destroy the Grimoire, you might be able to boost your fighting abilities.
This might get dangerous, though. You'll need to find some way to hone your skills so that when the time comes, you'll be able to control that power.
Noel said she was good at Ars Magus, and agreed to train you.
But what kind of Ars do you want to try to focus on?
>Strength-Boosting Ars
>Shield Ars
>Speed/Movement Ars
>Sonic/Sound Ars (You trained that before, right? Maybe it can be used in cool ways.)
>Elemental force (ice, fire, earth, wind) Ars
>Write-In/Something else

>>38255479
>>Sonic/Sound Ars (You trained that before, right? Maybe it can be used in cool ways.)
Our last name is Herald.

>>38255479
>Sonic/Sound Ars (You trained that before, right? Maybe it can be used in cool ways.)
Yes. Just yes.

>>38255551
>>38255596
>Sonic Ars
Sound manipulation seems like an underused ability- and it may be abusable with the right training and quick thinking.
For some reason, the words 'Big Blast Sonic' ring out in your head.
You're just tired, though, right?
Satisfied that you have set a goal for yourself, you fall asleep.
The next day, you wake up drearily. Looking outside, it's dull and somewhat cold. Probably how high up you are in altitude.
Whatever. Time to...
>Check up on Noel
>Make sure you look your best
>Go down for breakfast
>Go back to sleep just a little more
>Practice some quick Ars by yourself (Risky)
>Write-In

>>38255662
>>Make sure you look your best
then
>Check up on Noel
then
>Go down for breakfast
then
Ask Noel's help in practicing Ars.

Keep to this until we run into shit, then adapt.

>>38255662
>Check up on Noel

>>38255692
>>38255836
>Make sure you look your best
As you put on your uniform, you make sure it looks spiffy. You put the beret on right over your slightly-combed, short brown hair.
>Check up on Noel
Existing your room with what little you came with, you throw your bag over your shoulder and walk over to Noel's room and knock.
A couple of mumbles from inside occur as she stumbles awake.
"I'll be out in a minute..." She mutters.
>Go down for breakfast
"I'll be at breakfast. I think they serve it here."
And indeed they do.
Nothing special, just some bare essentials. It's a Western-stlye mini-buffet breakfast, with eggs and milk and muffins and a waffle maker.
You sit down with whatever you're eating and wait for Noel to stumble downstairs.
She manages to look cute even while grumbling about how early it is, taking a single muffin and beginning to eat it.
>You sure that's enough?
>You look more beat than me, that's for sure.
>You okay? You don't look so good.
>You told me that you were willing to train me?
>Write-In

>>38255885
>>You sure that's enough?
>You okay? You don't look so good.
if she is
>You told me that you were willing to train me?
if not
>ask what's wrong and how we can help/.

>>38255931
I guess this.
Where the fuck is everybody?

>>38255931
>>38255967
>You sure that's enough?
"Just a muffin?"
She slumps again in her usual style. "Well, um... I... I'm going to get more to eat... Stop worrying about me so much... It's embarrassing."
>You okay? You don't look so good.
"You sure? Yesterday was as bad on you as it was on me, if not worse."
"I...I said I'm fine... I... Don't want to be a burden on anyone anymore. I want to get stronger, like you said."
>You told me that you were willing to train me?
"Well, if that's the case, you want to train after breakfast?"
She perks up some.
"Sure. Sparring or Ars Magus?"
>Definitely Ars Magus.
>Let's make sure we're ready for combat. Sparring.
>Write-In

>>38255967
Dropped out or lurking, probably.
Apparently that plot twist screwed a lot of people's opinions.
The archive rating was the worst it's wver been.

>>38256061
>>Let's make sure we're ready for combat. Sparring.
Hand to hand, no guns. We can do Ars afterwards.(hope this helps her confidence) I fully expect you to kick my ass, Imperator knows you're a better fighter.

>>38256143
>Let's make sure we're ready for combat. Sparring.
"I think we should spar, followed by Ars training. You should be able to beat me in hand-to-hand combat. You've been to Military Academy, and I haven't."
Noel nods, a bit hesitantly. You get the feeling she's intimidated by you being larger than her.
"Well, um... Sure. But... I think we need to get back to base before that can happen. And that means we have to talk to Tsubaki. She's not going to be happy."
Crap, that's right.
>We can talk her down.
>Get ready to fight her to a standstill if she loses her temper.
>Just tell her the truth.
>Do you want to talk to her alone?
>Do you want me to talk to her about the arrest?
>Write-In

>>38256271
>>Just tell her the truth.
>We can talk her down.
If worse comes to worse you can place the blame on me and I can run. I've gotten very good at running.

>>38256316
>Just tell her the truth.
>We can talk her down.
"I think we should be able to tell her the truth calmly and slowly and she won't snap on us. If worst comes to worst, however, you can place the blame on me and I can run. I've gotten very good at running."
"It won't be easy to run from Tsubaki. She's part of the Zero Squadron, which means that she's an excellent spy."
"Yeah, well, it's the only shot we've got."
Once you've finished breakfast, do you want to
>Go directly to the port so you can return to headquarters
>Not yet, I've got something else to do
>Write-In

>>38256428
>>Go directly to the port so you can return to headquarters
Watch out for crazies and Terumi. Especially Terumi.

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>>38256481
Walking though Kagutsuchi, you get a low feeling in your stomach, as if several people were watching you.
As you arrive at the port, you see a figure in a strange set of garb. It's cream-colored and has this weird, white mask on it.
Is this someone in disguise?
Noel blinks for a few seconds and temporarily squeaks in terror as the figure removes their mask.
Behind the mask, there is a young-looking, redheaded girl.
"Oh my gosh, Tsubaki, you scared me!" Noel yells.
"My apologies, Noel. I just came as soon as I hear about Jin being arrested."
"Um... ABout that, well, there were a couple of problems with..."
Her eyes narrow. "I'd be correctly willing to hear the report later, but... who is he?"
She looks at you with a deconstructive glare, trying to find flaws with every turn of the eye.
>I'm Ben Herald, her inferior officer.
>I'm Ben Herald. I was charged with hunting down Ragna the Bloodedge, and succeeded.
>I'm Ben Herald. Noel told me about you and Makoto.
>I'm Banjo the Clown.
>I'm Warrant Officer Ben Herald, the Lieutenant's inferior. It's nice to meet you.
>Write-in.

>>38256659
>>I'm Warrant Officer Ben Herald. I was charged with hunting down Ragna the Bloodedge, and succeeded.

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>>38256750
>I'm Ben Herald. I was charged with hunting down Ragna the Bloodedge, and succeeded.
(Way to go for the badass boast first, dude.)
She looks at you with a gaze that lies somewhere between disbelief and offense.
"Excuse me if I don't believe you. Ragna the Bloodedge is an SS-class criminal, capable of slaughtering entire cities if given the opportunity. Are you sure that you did not simply take the credit for Jin ifghting him?"
Noel jumps to explain. "Well, Ragna fought Jin and nearly killed him! While he was trying to go further inside, Ben cut an elevator shaft and Ragna fell hundreds of meters! Thre's no way he could have survived a fall that far!"
This seems to anger Tsubaki rather than appease her.
"Of course. Noel, I'd like to talk to Officer Herald myself."
"W-What? But I..."
"I was given direct orders from the Imperator to investigate this case. I'm sorry, but we can talk later."
Noel looks somewhat torn, and sad at seeing ehr friend act so harsh.
>What is it you need to tell me that Noel can't hear? She helped defeat Ragna, too.
>I'm telling the truth.
>Noel, it'll be okay. Just listen to her for now.
>Say nothing to Noel
>Say nothing, period.
>So this is what I get for helping stop a world-class criminal?
>Let me see those Imperator's orders.
>Write-In

>>38256969
>>Noel, it'll be okay. Just listen to her for now.
>May I please see the order?
>Also What Noel said was true, I used my brains, and stealth to beat him. I'm clearly no match for him in a straight fight. I'm just thankful The elevator design was fourth rate and he wasn't paying attention after his fight with the major.

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>>38257090
You smile.
"Noel, it'll be okay. Just listen to her for now."
Noel timidly steps off to the side and onto one of the airships, going inside. When she's gone, Tsubaki turns to you with a cold glare.
"Now, you may explain yourself."
"May I please see the order?" You hold out your hand. "Also, what Noel said was true, I used my brains and stealth to-"
"Silence. You will see no order and you will remain silent."
She sheds her exterior cloak to reveal a suit similar to Noel's, except far less revealing and colored cream like the other one. The weird eye-hat thing doesn't help either.
"I, Lieutenant Tsubaki Yayoi, hereby arrest you for conspiring with known terrorist Ragna the Bloodedge!"
Your jaw almost hits the floor as you hear her say this, but even then it takes a few seconds for you to realize she's being serious.
>Okay, what? Please explain.
>Are you serious?
>Did you send Noel in because she couldn't hear this, or that you didn't want to scare her?
>I have had it up to here with people picking fights with me. Explain YOURSELF, now.
>Fuck this. (Combat stance)
>Hazama put you to this, didn't he? You can't trust him!
>Screw this, I'm outta here.(Run)
>Write-in.

>>38257330
>this is for arresting your boy toy, isn't it?

>>38257330
>>Are you serious?
>Let me guess Captain Hazama talked to you, and led you to believe I am a traitor. You do realize he was the one to take your boyfriend into custody proper right?
>Prep a loud and disorienting sound attack if she doesn't buy it.

>>38257465
>>38257604
"Are you serious...?"
"Completely!" Tsubaki takes a fighting stance, holding the red blade she carries ready to strike with.
After a few seconds, your face sinks into amusement.
"Oh my God... You're actually charging me with conspiracy because I arrested your boy-toy? Come on, woman! Whatever Ragna's presence does, it makes him go crazy."
"BOY-TOY?" If possible, she becomes MORE angry. "You think that I treat Jin-nee-sama as if he's merely an object?"
"Hazama probably put you up to this, didn't he?"
Tsubaki seems surprised. "What? How do you know that?"
"Hazama's been trying to peg me for something one way or another. He also happens to be the one that took Jin into custody. Maybe you should have your chat with him instead."
This stuns her for a bit.
"But that deosn't make any sense..."
>Nee-sama? Noel said you two were close, but...
>Yeah, can we just not? I'm sure Jin will feel better once he recovers. Hazama is planning on waiving the charges to save face any way.
>Look, this isn't the right way to go about this.
>Please, calm down.
>Write-In

>>38257694
>>Yeah, can we just not? I'm sure Jin will feel better once he recovers. Hazama is planning on waiving the charges to save face any way.
He said as much, and Jin losing Hero status would upset a lot of people including his family.
Of course given he said I'd be given a hero's reward too. You might want to find Jin incase he was lying. As for me I'm a NOL officer I won't be running, and Since you're squad zero you'd find my anyways.

>>38257873
Even if we got arrested, it'd be on false charges, and Noel could testify for us. We can talk this out, Tsubaki is the smart one.

>>38257968
Yeah. So any amendments you want to add in to my stuff?

>>38257873
>>38257968
>>38257996
"Yeah, can we just not? I'm sure Jin will feel better once he recovers. Hazama is planning on waiving the charges to save face any way."
"He-he did?" Tusbaki's voice became eager for a second. "Are you sure?"
"He said as much, and Jin losing Hero status would upset a lot of people, including his family. Of course, he said I'd be given a hero's reward too. Considering he gave you orders to assassinate me, you might want to find Jin in case he was lying."
You continue. "As for me- I'm a NOL officer, so I have pride enough not to run, and you're Squad Zero- you'd find me anyways."
Suddenly, slow clapping appears behind you.
It's Hazama, shit-eating grin and all. "Well done, Lieutenant Yayoi. You've succeeded in a secret test of character. You passed with flying colors, by the way. Jin is safe in custody with me, and all of the things he did will be attributed to his heroic courage to pursue Ragna the Bloodedge- doing the right thing against orders."
"Captain Hazama!" Tsubaki smiles. "I'm so glad to hear that. Are there any other orders you have for me?"
"Just returning to base, for now. I'm proud of you, I really am. We might even place you under the Major once he's healed."
Tsubaki nods. "Thank you."
"Oh, by the way, Ben, I have a few words to pass on to you. Secret, you know."
>Go to hell, Hazama.
>Go on the defense but hear him out.
>Call for Tsubaki to get backup.
>Just attack him.
>Write-In

>>38258038
>>Go on the defense but hear him out.
I'm all ears Captain, though given what just happened I am understandably on edge.
>Charge up a sound charge to stun for if/when he attacks.

>>38258090
"I'm all ears, Captain, though given what just happened I am understandably on edge."
You get in a defensive stance.
Sonic energy crackles at your fingertips. It's more natural than you remember.
"So the replacement goldfish got his Drive, did he? Interesting. Maybe that vampire did a better job on you than I thought."
"Just say it, Hazama. Whatever it is you wanted to tell me."
"Oh, Ben. You're no more than a week old and already you're talking shit. It's bad manners, you know."
He steps up to you.
"You're god-damn lucky I can't hurt you right now. Too much interference and all that. But let me tell you just one thing for your nightmares."
He looks at you with piercing yellow eyes and states clearly, "Ragna the Bloodedge is alive."
Then he returns to his usual dopey look and steps inside the aircraft. "Have fun with Noel for me, will you?"
>Flip him the bird
>Attack him
>Follow him inside.
>Ponder his statement.
>Write-In

>>38258252
>>Flip him the bird
>Ponder his statement.
Fuck it make too much sense, Ragna was bulletproof and used seithr in his attacks, stands to reason he'd be resistant or immune. Which means as soon as he come back I am in the shit.

>>38258311
>Flip him the bird
"Aw, don't be like that! You're lucky I'm such a nice superior."
>Ponder his statement.
You virtually facepalm. "Fuck. I should have seen that coming. Ragna was bulletproof and used seithr in his attacks, stands to reason he'd be resistant or immune. Which means as soon as he comes back I am in some deep shit."
Well time to dig yourself out. The ship is going to Iwasu, apparently where Hazama's office is.
You can train there, or at another Heirarchical City. There is still NOL presence here, but it's incredibly weak after what just happened.
>Go on the ship
>Take a different ship
>Stay in Kagutsuchi
>Write-In

>>38258462
Where will Noel be heading? Rachel said to stick with her.

>>38258519
She's going to Iwasu with Tsubaki.

>>38258536
To Iwasu it is. Try to stay out of Hazama's way. And try to make peace with Tsubaki.

Anyone else play Phantom Genesis here too?

>>38258604
>To Iwasu it is.
You step aboard the ship. It's a little cramped for living quarters, but it's still decent. You finally get a change of clothes and casual NOL garb.
After setting up your somewhat sparse room, you decide to
>Look around the ship
>Talk to Tsubaki
>talk to Noel
>Talk to Hazama
>Write-In
>>38258677
Not really.
And >>38258604, that's gonna take a little time.
Next branch should allow for more choices.

>>38258742
>>Look around the ship
Need to know where everything is.
then
>talk to Noel

>>38258800

>Look around the ship
There's the general quarters, the pilot's quarters, the engineer's quarters a general study, a small kitchen, laundry, and even a small recreation room with a small television and couch with end table. These ships seem very large and fancy. But I guess with magic you can deal with that.
The maintenance room is locked off, as is the cockpit. Tsubaki is in the study, while Noel is nowhere to be found. You assume she's in her room.
Do you still want to talk to her? That last bit kinda shook her up, and she's been kind of weary recently.
>Yeah
>Maybe I should talk to Tsubaki
>Maybe I should cook. I'm famished.
>Write-In

>>38258911
>>Maybe I should cook. I'm famished.
and bring her some food.

>>38258939
As you begin to cook, you notice that the pantry comes naturally, almost intuitively, to you.
You put together a basic dish of fried rice within about five minutes, and the pan begins to sizzle.
That seems strange to you.
Less than a week old and I know how to cook like this?
>Replacement goldfish
>Crafted after Ragna the Bloodedge
A thought occurs to you.
>Maybe I'm not based off of Ragna.
>Maybe I'm older than I think.
>Maybe Ragna used to be with the NOL.
>Maybe Rachel gave me all the memories I needed to work within the NOL?
>Maybe I should stop philosophizing and get back to the fried rice.
>Write-In

>>38258939
To clarify use Tupperware and leave what we want to give her in it so she can eat it whenever.

>>38259065
Okay, MOM

>>38259080
Sorry just trying not to wake a sleeping Noel. Almost as bad as fighting Ragna.

>>38259054
>Maybe I'm older than I think.
or
>Maybe Rachel gave me all the memories I needed to work within the NOL?
or
>Maybe I should stop philosophizing and get back to the fried rice.

>>38259113
>Sorry just trying not to wake a sleeping Noel. Almost as bad as fighting Ragna.
Just kidding, of course. I was laughing more at the fact that this hardboiled soldier's first thought is, "Let's put this meal in Tupperware."
>Maybe I'm older than I think.
How long are these time loops, anyways? I seem to recall Rachel recognized me from before.
>Maybe Rachel gave me all the memories I needed to work within the NOL?
That might be it. It'd be bad if I stuck out like a sore thumb.
>Maybe I should stop philosophizing and get back to the fried rice.
Shaking away the paranoia, you focus on your dish. After a few minutes, it's done, and the aroma brings out Noel, who looks much happier than before.
"Oh, wow! I didn't know you could cook!" She beams at you. "I know! You know how you wanted me to train you in Ars Magus? Can you train me how to cook like that? I only know how to cook a few things."
Tsubaki steps in. "Train you in Ars Magus? You mean you don't know how?"
>No, more like I'm not very good at it. I never went to Academy.
>Um, sure, Noel.
>I don't really know how to cook that much either.
>Hey, Hazama. Food's ready.
>Write-In

>>38255064
>Things have just gone from crazy to FUBAR, as the resident Plot Explainer has just given you a half-assed description of what's going on but never really explains anything.
There are people who know what the hell is going on in BlazBlue?

>>38259262
>>No, more like I'm not very good at it. I never went to Academy.
I can do a few Tricks with sound, Ironic considering my name no?
>Um, sure, Noel.
But
>I don't really know how to cook that much either.
Just know a few stock dishes, and maybe one or two other things.

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>>38259305
Of course. They're called 'People who don't exist'.
>>38259313
"No, more like I'm not very good at it. I never went to Academy."
Tsubaki looks confused until you say, "Drafted." She nods silently.
"I can do a few tricks with sound, though. Ironic, considering my name, no?"
"SO... about that cooking?"
She looks at you with gleaming eyes, and you just can't refuse her.
"Um, sure, Noel, but... I don't really know how to cook that much either."
"Huh? Really? You looked like a pro there!"
You shrug. "Just know a few stock dishes, and maybe one or two other things."
"You could still learn a lot from him, Noel."
"Tsubaki!" Noel grumbles.
>You all continue travelling to Iwasu after eating the meal together. Your heart aches somehow, as if this has happened somewhere before.

-DEAD SPIKE!
Right, I'm gonna have to end the quest here tonight. Any more questions or anything else?

>>38259413
Thanks for running. How badly have we derailed you? Does Tsubaki still dislike us? Does she suspect Terumi at all? Why was Noel feeling bad?

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>>38259540
You haven't derailed anything but Terumi's plans. He's That DM. I'm just watching to see how far you can fuck up/fix the Blazblue Universe.
Noel was feeling bad because she still feels like she needs to be protected- it's a major character flaw of hers to feel that she's powerless-can't do anything.
Tsubaki is considering Ben a meh character. Though trying to hit on her best friend seems like it could earn a stern talking-to about responsibility and shit.
She doesn't suspect Terumi. After all, he just magicked away all her worries in one fell swoop.

Shit I Missed it!