>>39360752
NORG Here. Reporting for Duty... just don't mind the ninja's behind me. I joined the Lin Kuei

>>39360752
Oh, cool, we're starting a little earlier than normal today. Awesome.

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>Continued

The Green Rider gave you no quarter or prompt before immediately starting to attack, and it's even for a moment... just before one of you goes full Three Stooges and slips on a Helheim Fruit peel, sending it flying at the speed of sound at the Green Rider's face. A moment of respite, before you stand again, with a challenge from him:

>"I'll tell you what," he sighs as he stands up and brushes himself off. "You manage to defeat me, and I'll tell you. If not, so help me god if I catch you here once more, I will not hesitate to actually try to kill you."

>"...now that's a challenge I can take."

>Follow Makoto
>Follow Erina
>Follow another character (write in)

>Majority vote.

>>39360801
>>39360845
Sup dudes.

>>39360858
Not much, Gonna be hunting for images for Possible Drawfriend Requests.

I also did a minor shout out to your quest Sagara-Bro.[/Spoiler]

Capatcha is Melons... TG STO[P MY SIDES CAN ONLY GO SO FAR INTO ORBIT

>>39360858
>>Follow Kaito!

>>39360858
>Follow Erina
Hawk-Tiger has some explaining to do for worrying us so much.

>>39360858
>Follow Makoto
Peachy falling by.

>>39360858
>Follow Erina

Time to ara

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1.53 MB PNG

>>39360944
>>39360924
>>39360921
Ooof, th--
>>39361002
Welp, not a tie anymore. TIME FOR BEST MOM.

>Erina Kinushima

The last thing you remember was delivering Cecile DuMont, the crazed assistant of Naruya, back to the security force that was guarding the Crack. As soon as you re-stepped into the crack, however, it closed right up behind you. Leaving you - for now - stranded and in the rainy jungle with no basis on where to go next.

Takatora Kureshima was still lost in this forest, and Cecile might have gotten him while you had your back turned. You needed to find him, and fast.

The muscles in your leg were starting to burn and protest once more, and you forced more salve from the suit into them - but you knew tha tif you didn't get a rest either, you were going to be in bigger trouble.

However, off in the far distance, above the din of the rain falling on leaves and wood, you hear multiple sounds of metal upon metal.

Fighting.

>Follow the sound to the north. You can see buildings of some kind down there.
>Follow the sound to the west, furhter into the jungle.
>Follow the sound to the east, back into the deciduous forest.
>Sit down and take a load off.

>>39361097
>>Follow the sound to the north. You can see buildings of some kind down there.

Infiltrate Shadow Helheim. Solid Ara-Ara Snake.

>>39361097
That body almost like my pandas, just a little light in the top.

>Follow the sound to the north. You can see buildings of some kind down there.

>>39361097
>Follow the sound to the north. You can see buildings of some kind down there.
Has Erina been in here long enough for the Midnight Lockseed Hunt to start? Oh, poor Erina.

>>39361097
>Follow the sound to the north. You can see buildings of some kind down there.

Business as usual.

>>39361097
>Follow the sound to the north. You can see buildings of some kind down there.
'Sup Sagara.

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>>39361138
>>39361137
>>39361126
>>39361120
>>39361207

You grit your teeth through the pain and start to trek down the hill, towards the valley at the edge of the jungle. The rain doesn't stop, and neither does the thick foliage, as you step into the ruins - in fact, it's like the foliage and flora has permeated and infiltrated into the buildings themselves. Bushes, ferns and even a few trees punch through the cracks in the old cobble streets, ivy surges through windows and doorways.

And yet, the scene and the architecture reminds you of something. It's not incan, that's for sure. Or mayan, or any other culture that would have ruins this overgrown. You rack your brain trying to figure it out...

>Roll 1d20, best of five, DC 15
>1 = Crit Fail
>20 = Crit Success
>Crit fail and crit success cancel each other out.
>More crits of the same type heightens the result.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39361237

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>39361237

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39361237

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>39361237

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39361237

>>39361280
>>39361273
>>39361284
>>39361328
>>39361339

>17 - success

This... isn't right at all.

If the indication by the intricate, smooth stonework is any indication, along with the Christian imagery in windows and on the tops of a couple of the remaining standing buildings are any indication, this appears to be Western European in design. You could swear on it. Maybe even British Isles.

But how could a town of this size, with this amount of stonework and iconography, appear in the forest itself? What kind of Forest was this place, anyways?

Strange chills go up your spine as your mind thinks of the possible ramifications of this, but it's quickly shaken by the sound of more metal clashing further to the north. Whatever is going on, it's fervent and heated. Sounds like fighting, if you had to take a guess.

>Take it slow, try sneaking up on the clash.
>Make your way north normally.
>Explore the ruins around you further.

>>39361471
>Explore the ruins around you further.

>>39361471
>Take it slow, try sneaking up on the clash.
Could be Takatora, in which case he'll need help, but it could be something else entirely. And even if it is Takatora, being able to catch his attacker off guard with reinforcements would be nice.

>>39361471
>Take it slow, try sneaking up on the clash.

We came here to try and find Takatora, that should be a priority. We'll have to search for a crack later anyway.

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>>39361532
>>39361550

The possibilities surge through your mind - what if Cecile had brought backup? Could Takatora be fighting one of her lackeys? Whatever it was, you had to know what was going on at the sounds of clashing, and fast. Even if it wasn't Taka-chan, whoever it was might be in grave danger.

You slowly pick your way across the rubble and ruins, trying to stick to walls and making yourself known as little as possible. The optical camouflage kicks in as soon as you put your back to a wall, rendering you invisible for a while - which helps the sneaking mission immensely. Your footsteps aren't muddled, however - but you have a feeling you won't need to worry so much about it.

Slowly sidling against the wall, you peek out, and...

Well this is kind of interesting. Two Armored Riders, certainly masters of their craft - you're hoping - are duking it out. Neither of them seem to be familiar to you, but one is red and yellow, while the other is green and silver. Somehow you get the feeling that neither of them are Takatora, given how he carries himself with composure and a measure of grace, whereas these two don't seem to have ANY of that.

The red one fights like a warrior, to be sure. And the green one fights with grace and poise... but the way he plays with his opponent? Then again, you've never seen Takatora fight before. It could very well be him.

>Continue watching.
>Intercede in the fight.
>Leave to keep looking.
>Other (write in)

>>39361765
>Continue watching.

Our leg needs the rest. Besides, this is the first opportunity we've had to see other Riders besides Makoto in action.

>>39361765
>Other (write in)
"Excuse me! Have either of you seen a man wandering around here? Mid-thirties, tailored suit, aristocratic facial features, ring any bells? Alternatively, he may have been wearing his Driver, in which case he'd have green and white armor and a shield. Does that sound at all familiar?"

>>39361765
>Continue watching.

>>39361765
>>Continue watching.

>>39361765
>Observe, for now.
>Maybe leave after a bit.

>>39361765
>Continue watching.

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>>39361857
>>39361856
>>39361844
>>39361846
>>39361948
>>39361980

You sit down gently, resting your leg for the first time today, and sigh. If these were new Armored Riders, it would be best to know how other ones fight - until now, the only ones that you knew of were Micchy, Makoto and yourself.

The first thing that's easily apparent is that the red one is not as much of a natural fighter as you had anticipated. He swings wild, he uses a spear like a club, and he rarely, if ever, seems to know how to judge the distance between him and the green one. As a result, the green one is always juuuust out of reach.

The green one, on the other hand, seems to know far more about fighting in general. When to press the attack, what areas to target, where to guard for greatest effectiveness. Soldiery is in this man's steps and movements, hidden behind the guise of dancing and flamboyance.

"You've fought me again and again, Kaito-boy," the green one proclaims, "But every time I try to teach you something new to learn and you REFUSE to learn it! If you're to be a real warrior, you've gotta know when to take hits and learn from them!"

That voice is familiar...

"Oh fuck right off," the red one spits. "I don't need to learn anything from you. You're giving me a headache."

He reaches onto his belt, pulls a red and yellow Lockseed out, and clicks.

>MANGO<

A red orb drops down on him, and unfolds immediately, before he locks the Lockseed in place.

>MANGO ARMS! FIGHT OF HAMMER!<

And soon enough he's left in a spartan-style chestplate and cape, with a massive mace in his hands.

>Speak up to get their attention? (Write in)
>Keep observing.
>Leave.
>Intercede.
>Other (write in)

>>39361995
>Leave.
As much fun as it is to see Kaito get his ass kicked, we do have someone to find. Let's continue the search.

>>39361995
>>Leave.
Deuces

>>39361995
>Get out of there before you're dragged into things.
>Neither of them look or sound like Takatora.

>>39361995
>Leave.

We'll ask Makoto about these two later.

>>39362026
>>39362033
>>39362036
>>39362049

The fighting certainly was interesting, that much was certain. But neither of them sounded like Takatora - and you were sure that they didn't have any kind of voice modulation software.

These weren't the Rider you were looking for. Time to take your leave.

You retreat back the way you came, hoping that you don't slip on any rocks or moss or branches. Thankfully, despite the rain, going back to the jungle is rather uneventful.

Soon enough you're back at the starting point. You still hear fighting to the west and east.

>Go west.
>Go east.
>Go back north.
>Other (Write in)

>>39362159
>Go west.

>>39362159
>Go west, young Rider

>>39362159
>>Go west.
Journey to the West.
Ahaha The Meta

>>39362304
There's meta involved? I just voted west because we came from the east and I didn't want to backtrack. Is the west where Makoto is right now? Do we know that?

>>39362345
For me Yes there's a wee bit of meta involved since for my KR, Quest, one of the riders is based off Son Goku

Capatcha stop trying to make me loose my sides

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>>39362304
>>39362240
>>39362190

The west, deeper into the jungle. Probably the best plan right now. Nothing but Inves in the normal Forest, and right now you haven't seen a lick of any of those monsters in your journeys today.

You venture down hills, across rivulets and rocky slopes. It would all be very beautiful to look at were it not for the fact that the Forest is inherently evil... but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not?

You chuckle as you hop down a couple feet to a river bank. The water rushes across a river that looks pretty deep, but fordable if you need to. The river bank across the way is high up, requiring some climbing, but not insurmountable.

And you're sure that the tiny sounds of effort alog with the metal clashign are Makoto. She's fighting hard, it sounds like. Clash, clang, bang bang bang and all that.

... yet, why were you starting to feel bored with it all? If Takatora was as strong as you knew he was, then he should take care of himself all right, correct? Why do you need to look for him so much - he probably has a way to get home.

The jungle seems to grow colder, as the rain picks up around you.
And you start seeing snowflakes interspersed with the rain.

>Continue on.
>Stay on your guard, remain still.
>Return the way you came.
>Other (write in)

>>39362387
>Continue on.

Fuck that, our baby needs us.

>>39362387
>Continue on.
>Other (write in)
Remember that he may have a way home, but we certainly don't, so even if he can take care of himself we should still look for him. Also, that sounds like Mako, we can't just leave her if she's in a fight. Something's messing with our head if we can't remember that. Joke to our self that this must be a Golgom plot, to get us distracted. Fucking Golgom.

>>39362458
Bumping.
ONORE GOLGOM!

>>39362387
>Continue on.
No use stopping here.

>>39362387
We're already here. Might as well keep going.

>>39362567
>>39362458
>>39362448
>>39362602
>>39362633

You take a deep breath and shake yourself awake. Takatora may have a way home, but without him or any of the other Riders you're still stranded. And not to mention, if that's Makoto in a fight? You can't leave her there to fight alone, no matter how powerful she might be.

The feeling of cold, of lethargy and boredom, seems to melt off of you as you walk into the river and start wading across. Surprisingly, the river itself is nice and warm, in contrast to the rain patting down onto your helmet and visor.

You have no difficulty climbing the river bank - what are you, a weak Shocker Trooper? Hell no - and start advancing in the forest. The sounds of clashing grow, and to your back you can feel the cold on your tail once more. It gives you shivers, but you don't see any snowflakes anymore.

Right ahead appears to be an overgrown European church, or at least the back of it. You can see something spherical set in the back wall of it, along with six hexagonal colored panes of glass set in next to it. They don't resemble anything you've seen in any church before, that's for sure. But you're DAMN sure the clashing is around the area.

>Go stealth.
>Go normally.
>Turn around.
>Other (write in)

>>39362804
>Turn around.

Oh boy...

>>39362804
>Go stealth.

>>39362804
> Go stealth.

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>>39362952
>>39362890
>>39362859

You risk a glance behind you, to see what the entire cold thing is all about.

You see nothing. Not even a shimmer, not even a breeze through the trees. The rain doesn't deform around anything.

Huh.

You push it aside for now, crouching low and beginning to take it slow and steady. Creeping through the bushes and behind trees...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39363114

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39363114
Rolling

>>39363119
This is because we keep calling her "Ara Snake", isn't it? Now she's snapped and thinks she's one of Big Boss' kids.

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>>39363119

>>39363149
>>39363156
>Ara, ara...I have to stop Taka Tora.
>MAKOTOOOOO!

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>39363114

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>>39363119
Still need 3 more rolls, but that's a start if I've ever seen one.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>39363114
I kinda don't wanna roll

>>39363209
...fuck

File: 1398290583148.gif (2 MB, 300x300)

2 MB GIF

>>39363209
Thankfully we have an 18 also in the roster here.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>39363114

>>39363114

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39363114

>>39363326
>>39363250
>>39363209
>>39363181
>>39363149
>>39363119

>20 and 1 cancel each other out
>18 - success

You activate the optical camouflage through a burst of willpower and start crouch-walking as best as you can, sticking to the gravestones for cover. It's not difficult, given that gravestones are not places that people typically hide - and therefore, good places /to/ hide because of that.

However, when you peek over the edge of one of the bigger gravestones, you see something that... you're having a hard time picturing as a situation that would actually have to happen.

You see Makoto, transformed with her magenta and green dragonfruit-based armor and claw, going up against a silver, white, and green rider with a shield.

Makoto's fighting Takatora.
What in tarnation is the reason behind this? Judging by the fury behind each strike, it's even enmity from both sides, but this is killing intent. You're sure of it!

>Stop the fight!
>Watch.
>INterject verbally.
>Other (write in)

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>>39363526
>Stop the fight!

Time to go Full Mom on these children!

>>39363526
Jump in and roundhouse the both of them

>TAKATORA, MAKOTO JUST WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TWO DOING?!

Grab them both by their ears.

>>39363526
>INterject verbally.
"Now, I'm not mad, but I AM disappointed."

>>39363526
>Interject verbally.

If they're seriously going at it, jumping in is probably just going to end in at least 1 casualty.

>>39363526
>get close to them. When they do that dumb thing where they lock blades and try to overpower the other you grab their heads and make them headbutt each other.

>"what exactly are you... children, doing?"

>>39363526
>Stop the Fight
add in >>39363613's suggestion of grabbing them by the ears too. While both are in helmets.

>>39363581
>>39363613
>>39363652
>>39363714
>>39363716
>>39363731

Oh hell the fuck no.

You break camouflage, leaping from cover, and immediately speed towards the two of them. Hands outreached, you grab onto both of their horns once they tie up in a weapon lock, catching their attention.

"What exactly... are you children... doing?"

You bang the two of their heads together, sending them reeling back and clutching his heads in stun. You put both of your hands on your hips, staring at them with motherly disdain.

"Now, I'm not mad," you say, "but I AM disappointed. This is no way to resolve a con--"
"Mom!?"
"Erina?"

They both stare at you with wonder.

>[Free Response]

>>39363731
Good thing their helmets have decorations we can use as handles in place of their ears.

Or we can use our Secret Motherly Techniques to grab their ears regardless oh what headgear they are using.

>>39363834
Ara-Ara Ougi! Motherly Eargrab!

>>39363834
>Well? I'm waiting. Why are the two of you are so eager to kill each other?

>>39363834
"Let me finish! Now, I don't know what's gotten into the both of you, but I know you both are better than this. Petty fighting for who knows whatever reason... it's unbelievable! Now, one of you had better explain what's going on, and make it snappy!"

>>39363834
"Yes, I know, I'm surprised by this too. Now, why don't you two tell me what you think you're doing? I leave you alone for a few hours and when I get back you're fighting to the death. Unbelievable. I expect better of you, Taka-chan, Mako-chi."

>>39363834
Makoto! Just what in the hell are you doing here in the first place?!

And YOU TAKATORA! Don't think your ass is exempt because it's not!

Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put you both into the Erina clutch and make you both Humble!

>>39363834
"Yes, I know, I'm surprised by this too. Now, why don't you two tell me what you think you're doing? I leave you alone for a few hours and when I get back you're fighting to the death. Unbelievable. I expect better of you, Taka-chan, Mako-chi."

>>39363997
>>39364040
Did I double post by accident somehow?

>>39364034
I'm sorry Sagara-Bro but I had to do it.

It's too perfect

>>39363859
>>39363888
>>39363926
>>39363997
>>39364034

"Hey! Let me finish!"
Both people quiet down like a pair of hushed puppies.

"Yes, I know, I'm surprised by this too. Now, why don't you two tell me what you think you're doing? I leave you alone for a few hours and when I get back you're fighting to the death. Unbelievable. I expect better of you, Taka-chan, Mako-chi."

Makoto and Takatora look aside, ashamed. You give a specific glare to Takatora.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put you both in a clutch!"
"OKay, okay!" Makoto starts to protest, and quickly she runs through why there's a fight going on.

You silently turn to Takatora.

"...oi, what?"
"Taka-chan?"
"You're Takatora... Kureshima?" Makoto asked, giving a cautious glare to Takatora. He puts his hands up in a defensive position.

"... Look, all I want is her and her friends out of the Forest. If they remain here, they're at so much of a greater risk. Not to mention, there's much more to this Forest than just Inves."

>Explain.
>Drag Makoto home.
>Drag Takatora home.
>Drag both of them.
>Other (write in)

>>39364248
>Explain.

We let Makoto talk, now it's his turn.

>>39364248
>Why are they at risk? What's your MO?

>Also, why are you putting this on yourself, instead of asking us for help?

>>39364248
>Explain.
>Other (write in)
"And where did you vanish too, these past few hours? You walked into the Crack and just disappeared. I've been worried sick, Takatora."

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>>39364348
>>39364332
>>39364282

>LAST UPDATE BEFORE I NEED TO GO TO WORK

"And what about you, Taka-chan? Where the hell have you been? You walked into the Crack and just disappeared! I've been worried sick, and so has everyone else."

Takatora sighs.

"I've... hm."
"Got a good answer, /Taka-chaaaaan/?" Makoto mockingly questions.

"H-hey, what's with-- why are you calling me Taka-chan?" He says, pointing a finger at Makoto.
"ANSWER THE QUESTION!"

"Alright, alright! Fine!"

He sighs and looks at the Cathedral.

"We at Yggdrasil... have reason to believe that the structures we've found in this Forest..."

"... Are from Earth."

>>39364493
"...what."

File: fuCKYEAH.gif (838 KB, 217x150)

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...Wait I'm dumb. I work at 5.
We've still got time.

>Free Response.

>>39364493
Wow. All of a sudden, this shit just got a whole lot deeper.

>>39364493
Not entirely unexpected, given that the Six visited Earth in the past. I suppose they could have brought some of their worshipers with them to Helheim. On the other hand, K kind of implied she was from the future. And we know blonde Mai is. So maybe it's a time travel thing, and this Helheim is actually our planet in the future instead of the Femushinmu's planet like in canon.

>>39364493
"Alright, while that's kind of unsettling I'd think that was actually a good thing. If humanity came into contact with Helheim and survived it in the past that means we could do it again now. But you seem worried, so I'm guessing there's more. What was discovered in these ruins from Earth that has you so scared?"

>>39364493
>Dramatic statements aren't good explanation for anything Takatora. Explain clearly. Now.

>>39364493
>>39364538
>Free response:

Pick up dropped jaw, then say: "Then... wouldn't that mean this isn't the first time Helheim and Earth have been connected? How long ago do you think it happened?"

>>39364493
"Yes, and? I mean, that's disturbing, but I don't see the danger that poses."

>>39364523
>>39364581
>>39364594
>>39364607

>Y'all can still discuss things OOC if you want during responses. It's fun to see peoples reactions, theories and such.

Both you and Makoto are stunned silent. You can tell that behind the visor, Takatora kind of knew what the reaction was going to be. He sighs, flips closed the Lockseed, and returns to his suited form. He's sporting bruises and small cuts, but somehow you're not surprised. His suit's all in one piece, thankfully. Following his cue, Makoto closes her own Lockseed. You decline, knowing as soon as you would do so, you'd fall right over.

"Then... wouldn't that mean this isn't the first time Helheim and Earth have been connected? How long ago do you think it happened?"

Takatora shakes his head. "I don't know. Carbon dating on the structures we've found varies wildly and really isn't reliable here, it seems. Some read out as being from as recent as the 1800's, others go back far beyond 0 AD. We're trying to figure out what exactly was the deal with this. It all is extremely strange, and just hearsay at this point. "

You sigh, and cross your arms together over your chest. After, of course, pulling a bit on Makoto's ear ("OWOWOWOW--") for emphasis to never do that again,.

"Alright, while that's kind of unsettling I'd think that was actually a good thing. If humanity came into contact with Helheim and survived it in the past that means we could do it again now. But you seem worried, so I'm guessing there's more. What was discovered in these ruins from Earth that has you so scared?"

He points to the Cathedral.

"Whatever is in there is part of it. All the ruins seem to have signs of extended living in them as well. But when we first got here, all we found were Inves."

>Ask more questions (write in)
>Head into the cathedral.
>Other (write in)

>>39364839
"I don't think we're going to have to worry about other Riders being in danger. They're likely more concerned with taking each other on, I spied on a red one and green one duking it out up north. We just need to worry about what we can do in the meantime."

>>39364839
>Ask more questions (write in)
"So the forest has differing periods of activity, then. Sometimes it's safe enough for people to live here, but eventually the infection and Inves wipe them out. I'm not seeing the added danger on the personal time scale, though. Unless...are you saying there's something causing the shift in activity? Some apex predator that can control the forest to lure in prey or some such?"

Alright, OOC time.

Unless Helheim can weather stone immensely, we could be dealing with some sort of time distortion in the ruins. Having cracks open in space, may not be good for the timestream you know? Might cause accelerated aging, so something similar.

>>39365081
Well, there's canon evidence for it. That blonde-haired girl who looks like Mai? It IS Mai, from the future, in a timeline where things go horribly wrong and everyone dies. So yeah, Helheim is entirely capable of warping time as well as space.

File: takatoragif.gif (1.21 MB, 400x225)

1.21 MB GIF

>>39365034
"So the forest has differing periods of activity, then. Sometimes it's safe enough for people to live here, but eventually the infection and Inves wipe them out. I'm not seeing the added danger on the personal time scale, though. Unless...are you saying there's something causing the shift in activity? Some apex predator that can control the forest to lure in prey or some such?" you muse, thinking out loud.

Takatora looks at you and considers the thought. "It's not something I would have come up with, personally. But it's entirely possible. Which would make the danger even more prevalent."

>>39364997

"I don't think we're going to have to worry about other Riders being in danger. They're likely more concerned with taking each other on, I spied on a red one and green one duking it out up north. We just need to worry about what we can do in the meantime."

This gets Makoto's attention. "That's Kaito and the Patissier. Did they just really resort to fighting already?"

"What do you mean, sweetheart?" you ask, giving her a worried glance.

"We came in here because, um. Originally it..."

She starts to speak, but then gives Takatora a wary look.

"I shouldn't say any more."
"You should continue." Both you and Takatora say in unison - an order rather than a consideration.

"We came here to try to have a Beat Rider competition by snagging Lockseeds and making it back but those Shibata fuckers followed the Patissier and us and we ran in here to evade them," she stammers out, scared for her life.

"Did they follow you in?"
"Some of them did, and they had those mass-produced knockoff Drivers. But if I was able to dispatch them so easily, I'm pretty sure everyone else should be fine... right?"

Takatora is trying to restrain himself from speaking out of line... but there's worry in his face.
>Prod Taka for more information.
>Go and try to help the other Riders.
>Go into the Cathedral.
>Other (write in)

>>39365238
>Prod Taka for more information.

Then we'll >Go and try to help the other Riders.

>>39365238
>Go and try to help the other Riders.
>Other (write in)
"Let's just make sure the others are alright, dear. Not everyone is as good at fighting off waves of attackers as you are. Who else is here besides Kaito and Mr. Alphonso?"

And now we get an angry response from Takatora when he hears that Micchy is here. "I specifically told him not to do this. This exact scenario, in fact!"

>>39365301
>>39365335

You look over to Taka, and prod him. Literally.

"What?"
"What's on your mind, Taka-chan."
"I'm... I'm honestly more concerned about the Shibata that ran in here. They don't have skill with fighting Inves like any of the other Armored Riders... and speaking of."

He turns his attention to Makoto.

"Who else is here."
"Me, Kouta-kun, Kaito, Micchy--"
"I fucking knew it."

He curses under his breath and heads into the forest. "I fucking knew it, I told him not to come back here. Specifically with this exact situation, this is unbelievable!"

"Hey, where are you going--" you start calling after him, but he runs off faster than you can manage.

"What the hell...?" Makoto quietly says.

The chill returns, washing over you.

>Go after Takatora.
>Go take Makoto home.
>Explore the Cathedral.
>Other (write in)

>>39365498
>Go after Takatora.

Bring Makoto along, these are her friends we're about to go save. And the Shibata people.

>>39365498
>Other (write in)
"Right, well, now that I know he's fine I'll leave him to his family business. Be rude to interrupt that. Now, Mako, want to go beat up and or rescue some yakuza, depending on the situation we find them in? It'll be fun. But afterwards we really should go home. You've got a Lock Vehicle, right?"

>>39365498
>Go after Takatora.
Goddamn it HawkTiger!

Answers accepted, now prepping for work.
OOC TIME GO

I'm interested to see how Yue's going to affect things. Having someone who was on the inside of the Shibata family could be some help if they try things again, even if he was just a mook.

>>39365979
Same here, Wait. Let's turn him into our Yggdrasil Mole!

>>39365866
Well, I'm wondering what role the Six have in this. Did they bring humans into the forest to worship them, or some such? Should be interesting to see what they have to do with things.

>>39366011
Well, with Mom, we technically have one of those already. She has a good head on her shoulders. But they could probably work together, with Yue as a consultant. That way, he gets to send money to his momma, and Yggdrasil gets info to help take down a threat.

>>39366089
To bring in some life into this thread I wonder? Can the fruit of helheim change into lockseeds while we're using a Genesis driver.

>>39366557
I'm sure it was done in the show at some point, but I can't remember. Regardless, with the Sengoku Driver being the prototype, and the Genesis Driver being the "finalized" version, I'm certain that feature remains. They likely produce regular Lockseeds however, mostly the Sunflower Seed kind, since Energy Lockseeds are artificial.

>>39366627
perhaps Sagara-Bro might have us roll a D20

Crit Fail: Malformed Lockseed
2-4:D/D-
5: D+
6-9:C/C-
10:C+
11-14:B/B-
15:B+
16-18:A-
19:A
20:???

>>39366800
Crit Fail would probably be a decent Lockseed, but another Rider snatches it and beats us up with it.

Crit Success? Maybe Dragon (or, Jormungandr, rather) interferes with the fruit-to-lock conversion process, and we can choose/customize the exact kind we get.

>>39366905
Huh.... interesting... Ooh loads of potential here.

>>39366905
I'm also thinking of working on a Lockseed EXP System. The more you use it, the more powerful said lockseed get's naturally also possibly you can get to "customize" it in a way like elemental traits, unlocking higher levels of attack and so on.

>>39367042
With the beasts, anything's possible, like we saw with Hase's trial, and Erina's Overcharge Mode. That would encourage us to switch regularly too, so nothing becomes too weak or nonviable. Sounds good in theory, it just has to work in practice.

>>39367155
Indeed.

Bump while I'm checking the thread on the can.

Bump.

Bump

>>39367950
What a place to bump from.

>>39368402
EMERGENCY RESCUE BUMP

>>39369209
Alright, screw bumping.

So, right now, we know the identity of two of the Six, Jormungandr and RA. Another is child-like, and another speaks as if they're a mother. Makes me wonder which myths they've inspired, and who the other two may be.

>>39369680
Hera for the Mother? Granted the only one I can see with a Peacock is MIIISTAHHHH DANGEROUS

>>39369735
Well, he could be a more major player in this world than the canon one. Since K recommended Jounouchi as a Anchor candidate, maybe another could be Ratatosk? Fits the acorn theme, but I'm not sure if another Norse figure would be redundant.

>>39369680
We have Dragon and Bird. One of them is likely to be a Lion, and I'd bet on there being a Bull as well.

>>39369940
If Kaito becomes the Lion I swear to fucking God Yoko better be a fucking chameleon!

>>39369879
>Ratatosk
If he shows up then I'm all for hunting him and his anchor ASAP to make sure they can't fuck everyone up, even of his anchor does unintentionally.

The fucker spent all his time running up and down Yggdrasil, getting Niddhogg pissed off at the Eagle that lived atop the Tree so he'd chew on its roots to bring it down so he could get to the eagle.

The little fucker wanted to bring down the foundation of the universe for shits and giggles.

>>39370038
Are you kidding? That's the kind of person we need on our side. When the chips are down, someone who gives as few fucks as that could mean the difference between life and death.

>>39370038
I agree

>>39370088
Let me explain a bit better.

Ratatosk spent all his time, every single second of his life, getting a huge fucking dragon with attitude problems and a huge fucking bird who lived on the highest place possible angry at each other.

He'd make up some shit to make one of them angry, run all the way from the roots of the fucking universe up to ots highest point, and then come all the way down again, doing his best to twist the words of the Dragon and the eagle to be as rage inducing as possible.

What exactly did this accomplish? Why did he do this? Well, he did it mostly for the shits and giggles, literally just to troll the two dumb animals on either end of Yggdrasil. But also, he did that because his rage made Niddhog spend all day gnawing at the roots of the World Tree in an attemp to bring it the Eagle down from his perch, damn the consequences.

And the direct and most important consequence is that his constant gnawing hastened the End of the fucking World.

Ratatosk is not the kind of guy you want around. He's basically the grandfather of all shitposters, role model of all trolls.

And just to make the in-story problem more clear,

>Ratatosk spent all his time, every single second of his life, getting a huge fucking dragon with attitude problems and a huge fucking bird who lived on the highest place possible angry at each other.

In this story, that would probably translate to Makoto and Hase.

>>39370341
Jesus, if that's the case (and Ratatosk is 4chan personified) this quest is about to get a lot more meta.

>>39370516
AHAHA THE META IT BURNS SO GOOOOD

>>39370516
Honestly, a character like that would be great if this were a show. The sweet conflict between friends, the rage and hate, the ultimate moment of catharsis when they discover the deception...

Hell, it can still happen, just have Hase act a bit strangely for a few threads, lock us into the Kinushima's point of view for a while, create a bit of confusion on who exactly is the damned squirrel's Anchor and it works, whether we know it's ecause of Ratatosk or not.
Or maybe have a Meta-plot Twist and reveal there WASN'T a Ratatosk.

Or maybe there is a third option for Sagara to create. Who knows?

>>39370666
>the ultimate moment of catharsis when they discover the deception...
Erm, make that "discover the deception and hunt the bastard down".
Sorry about thay.

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>>39370666

Damn, looks like I missed a cool discussion while I was in class.

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>>39370666
>>39370905
Oh God, you gave him an idea.

Can't wait.

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>>39370905
>>39371057

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>>39369879
I will say that I'm trying to avoid making the themes redundant, but since this is mostly Norse mythology, what with Yggdrasil, Jormungandr and the like, I don't think it would hurt. I'd prefer another trickster god, but Loki's already out and I'm struggling to think of another.

Anyway, I forgot to mention - we still need to design EnryuDJKiba ASAP, as a couple drawfriends have offered to take up the cause should we provide references.

Would you guys like to work on that now so we can get that out of the way?
And so when DragonSlayer Raiment comes, in the near future, we can have art for it?

>>39371197
How about Wisakedjak for the trickster? Algonquin trickster god, a spirit of knowledge who destroyed the world and remade it afterwards. I feel like that could tie in nicely with the Garden of Eden themes that Helheim has.

>>39371197
If you're looking for a trickster:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_%28mythology%29

Just an idea. But it's another culture, and a different creature than we've seen of the Six.

Anyway, what I remember from the previous threads on the DJ Kiba:

>Possibly based on Sol Badguy's weapon.
>Alternatively, that horrible glaive cannon drawing I did.
>Musou Saber compatibility still up in the air
>Maybe jade as a main color, to match Jormungandr

Anything I missed?

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>>39371312
Algonquin gods are very RARELY used, and that whole thing of "destroy everything, rebuild everything" seems to fit pretty well. I liek it.

>>39371197
I would say Pan but he's more of a goat than an eagle. The only Greco-Roman diety's I can see in this quest are Hera, Zeus and Athena... Maybe Heracles?

But Onto the EnryuDJKiba! I still can't believe you took my suggestion Sagarabro. I feel so humbled The Junkyard Dog Mark-3 should serve as the outlying basis of it's form granted it'll be tweaked so it can shift from Sword/Knuckle Basher mode to Gun mode

>>39371197
I was thinking something like Wilt and Blush from RWBY. Only instead of having the stock lengthen when the sword's in the rifle-sheathe, the blade just shrinks down to fit. Here, a link to a gallery of pictures: http://rwby.wikia.com/wiki/Wilt_and_Blush/Image_Gallery

>>39371381
>>39371351
Don't forget Ludvig's Holy Blade as inspiration, as well as JustiRiser weapons.

Here's what I keep seeing in my head:

>A Junkyard Dog-style large scabbard, with an outward edge. Ends in a square tip with a barrel. Reminiscient of Faiz Blaster, Gambol Shroud (RWBY)
>Its own sword, a longer and thinner Fireseal, straight, with a firestarter wheel in the guard. When drawn, strikes fire into the blade. Reminiscient of Fireseal, Red Queen's REV UP
>When Lockseed is put into the weapon while sheathed, outward edge shifts down and reveals a large white blade, forming a guard around the handle.
>Gun Mode is assault-rifle like, with the single sword's handle folding down and the outward edge providing a grip.

Colors I keep seeing are maroon, silver, black, with hints of green, magenta, and yellow.

Can't really draw it right now, but does this make sense? Any improvements or modifications you could see?

>>39371567
I envision Either a BeatBoxer type voice when putting in the Lockseed, Or a Dragonish "GYAO!" sorta like OOO'S Putotyrano's Axe.

>>39371561
I was thinking more like Gambol Shroud mixed with Wilt and Blush (mainly because I'm a massive RWBYfag and not ashamed to admit it I even made an OC for it).

Gun style just resembled, in my head, a P90 or FAMAS in compactness and silhouette. Especially a FAMAS cause that can easily fit itself into a Junkyard Dog shape.

>>39371599
Beatboxer voice sounds great, to be honest. The PuToTyrano Axe is awesome, but not the feel for DragonSlayer arms. DragonSlayer in my head is suppsoed to be the arms of a seasoned, CUHRAZY adventurer protagonist, with the banner-like longcoat and everything.

>>39371670 Sagara-Bro. Truly you are my brother from another mother.

I'm leaning more towards a Famas myself (Ahaha almost typed in Faunus)

>>39371670
>That entire last sentence
YES.

>>39371670
Also for my mental Image of a Crossover Drawfriend request I envision Makoto with an Ifrit like GF-Stand,

>>39371567
>>39371599
>>39371670
Everything about this sounds fantastic

>>39371358
Oh, something I just remembered: In some legends, Wisakedjak's most hated enemy is a snake. Do with that what you will.

>>39371567
>>39371670

Sounds good. Really, really good.

My only real suggestion is to have the tip not be square, but that's mostly because I personally dislike that kind of tip. Also, it would prevent Makoto from using a Stinger style attack.

Overall, the design is great.

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>>39371856
>tip being square preventing Makoto from doing Stingers
Nigga have you SEEN Adam Jensen? Dude has square armblades and he still does Stingers.

Also, one of my close friends is apparently on the case for making the DJ Kiba. This is going to be gewd.

Now onto Dragonslayer Arms itself. Since this is NOT going to be Kachidoki, in that it's less armored and more fabric-y or coat-like.

Anyone got any suggestions? So that it's not a straight rip of Dante, Nero or Vergil's coats? I'm not great at designing clothing yet.

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>>39371956
I'm leaning towards Something like Ichigo's Bankai

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>>39371956
How about something like a samurai's kikko armor? It was used as an undersuit for plate, pretty flexible, and they often made long jackets armored that way. And as a plus side, it looks like scales.

>>39372061
Still needs some armor though. Maybe the chest and shoulders unfold like usual, with fabric attaching itself to the driver, to make the coattails?

>>39372061
>>39372153
>>39372155
Combine all 3 and we got this.

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>>39371956
Well, if you don't want to rip off Dante, you can always rip off Ragna The Bloodedge.

More seriously, how about...
The coat is Dante-style, open in the front, but secured in place with Ragna style straps, golden as well, because I like the contrast.
the pauldrons and armguards go above the coat, to make thw sleeves look like armor. Beneath the coat, I suggest a small Cuirass over the chest and Scale mail covering the rest, kinda like pic related.

>>39372153
Only problem I'm seeing is that I can't find any pictures of people wearing kikko jackets to see how they look on someone.

>>39372276

Where there's a will, there's a way to draw it.

>>39372275
I'm personally liking this idea. It would probably drop down more akin to Kachidoki in that it's a flying set of armor instead of a based fruit.

What should the colors be, then?

>>39372372
Black and Red with Silver Trimmings?

>>39372372
Also, why do I get the feeling that instead of a full-head helmet, she'd have her hair exposed and only her head from the nose down protected? Maybe with goggles or other protective eyewear? Something like Symphogear or something.

Or is that straying too far from Kamen Rider?

>>39372372
My vote is for dark red with gold highlights, or a brighter shade of red with charcoal highlights.

>>39372417
I'd like to see more Green pop up. She has the Jade Dragon after all, and she's following him to burn the forest down.

>>39372439
Give her a face visor ala Gilgamesh.

>>39372454
Green Tron lines!

>>39372372
Jade and Magenta, maybe with some red accents. It would look good with our black undersuit.

>>39372439
Should still be a full helmet. Wouldn't seem right if she were standing next to the rest of the Armored Riders and sticking out like a sore thumb. It would be staying a bit far, unless you want to go full Riderman.

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>>39372372
I'm thinking a bright reddish-orange, like some cultivars of dragonfruit get. Maybe some green piping on the coat to suggest the outline of the segments of a dragonfruit's peel.

>>39372439
Yeah, that's a bit too divergent, I think.

>>39372439
Well, Riderman or however he was called had an exposed mouth.
Maybe have the helmet's faceplate slide open for those dramatic moments where the character needs to show some expressions to impress the audience.

Or make the helmet split open and join the armor, like Mordred's from Fate/Apocrypha, bjt that would be needlessly complicated.

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>>39372462
That's exactly what I was thinking, but also mixing the masks for Sam and Sundowner as well--
WAIT
SAM'S MASK!

>>39372575
YES BROTHER! -Bane Voice-

>>39372575
I thought that was Future Ryouma's thing.

>>39372528
Or better yet, what could work is the helmet coming from the armor a la the suits in Dead Space - as soon as she transforms, she's left helmet-less, but it unfolds above and onto her face.

>>39372600
..You have a point there.

>>39372600
Nah, it'll be fine. Ryoma likes us, he'll be happy we have similar tastes in headgear.

>>39372617
Now THAT I like. Transforming helmets are always fun.

>>39372617
That works too. As long as it covers the head fully, that's Kamen Rider-ish enough for me.

We're really diverging from the usual Gaim-esque designs here, can't wait to see how it all turns out.

>>39372486

>Tron lines
>Green glowing cracks
> more appear as the dragon has more influence

I am so drawing this.

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>>39372671
That's kind of the point. The more this quest goes, the more it strays from Gaim and becomes its own thing. I'm trying to take from Kabuto, Hibiki, and other shows I've enjoyed in my youth and apply them here for you guys, while trying to be coherent.

>>39372674
Phazon Dragonslayer is go.

>>39372617
>as soon as she transforms, she's left helmet-less, but it unfolds above and onto her face.
Huh, I just though of something like that, but inspired by the cyborgs in Revengeance.
Maybe have the helmet store itself behind the head, as if it were a bit of back armor hanging above the greatcoat. Then it unfolds and snaps in place.

>..You have a point there.
Maybe if Ryouma stopped fucking around and turned himself into a cyborg already he would have some claim to that faceplate style.

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>>39372674
YESSSSS

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>>39372718

>Huh, I just though of something like that, but inspired by the cyborgs in Revengeance.
>Maybe have the helmet store itself behind the head, as if it were a bit of back armor hanging above the greatcoat. Then it unfolds and snaps in place.

They also do this in Den-O with the helmet decorations. It works really well, adn that's EXACTLY what I was thinking of doing.

Now I want to see ALL of the cast with their own DragonSlayer-style.
Erina's already got Overcharge, but do you think Ryouji's would resemble Odin from Ryuki after a while?

ALSO a tune I think /krsq/ might enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBNTxw-kLVE

>>39372714
Man, talking about this is making me think of Spartoi's Version of Kachidoki

Granted the only thing coming to mind is Kratos....and oddly tallgeese

>>39372674
Well, I'm once again reminded of Dante's Devil Trigger. He has glowing cracks on his body, most visible on his chest.
Not sure if that's a good thing or not at this point.

Maybe have the lines start black and they slowly turn green until they glow a bright greenish-white.

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ALRIGHT, BACK TO THE STORY.
I'll see if I can get Skaphel or Ramen to weigh in on this, and let's see what we can do.

Where were we?

>Go after Takatora.
>Go take Makoto home.
>Explore the Cathedral.
>Other (write in)

Y'all can continue to discuss as we vote and get back on track, btw. Remember, OOC chat is fine.

>>39372766
Man, I'm hoping Hase doesn't go Odin. That would imply bad things had happened to him.

>>39372854
>Go after Takatora.
Grab some Lockseeds along the way, too, might as well give Mako a leg-up on the race.

>>39372854
>>Go after Takatora.
Grab Makoto by her ear too "Pull this shit again and I WILL MAKE YOU HUMBLE WITH THE ERINA CLUTCH!"

>>39372886 This too

>>39372854
>Go after Takatora.

Speaking seriously, Sagara, I really like how the Dragonslayer Raiment is coming along. So many good ideas, so much potential for awesome.

>>39372895
I agree with all of this.

>>39372929
It's now going off in my head that Erina watched a lot of wrestling while pregnant with Makoto.

>>39372895
But we already pulled on Makoto's ear, I thought. No need to rip it off.

>>39372886
>>39372895
>>39372896

You sigh, and grab onto Makoto's arm as you start hauling off as soon as Takatora makes a run for it. Makoto resists, but you give her a look that could chill blood.

"Pull this shit again without telling anyone, and you're in serious trouble young lady," you mutter quietly to her. She gulps and nods, but then you start to look around.

There's helheim fruit EVERYWHERE around here. Every tree seems to be laden down with the things.

"...you said you were racing for a bunch of lockseeds, yes?" you offer, with a youthful spark in your tone.

"Yeah, we were. But isn't the whole Shibata thing--"

"We'll deal with that later. For now, grab as many Lockseeds as you can handle, and we'll meet up with Taka-chan."

"... But--"

"If we don't find Taka-chan soon, we'll never be able to get out of here in time. Now come on!"

>roll 1d20

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>39373026
Trip is off.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>39373026
Let's go get that idiot.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>39373026

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39373026
AND WE'RE OFF!

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39373026

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39373026

>>39373083
If only you were like 20 seconds earlier.

>>39373036
Please be merciful with our 11 Sagara-san.

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>>39373036
>>39373049
>>39373055
>>39373073
>>39373077

>11 - CLASS B

Makoto nods, but frowns as she looks at her belt. "I don't have much room, Mom. I'll see what I can do that's actually worth it. Don't think Sunflower Lockseeds are worth shit."

You start hauling off, and as you and Makoto run, she tries to snag Helheim Fruit off of the low-hanging branches and trees. Most of them transform into stuff like Sunflower Lockseeds, Bamboo ("Hey, this one looks kinda interesting," "That's literally a bamboo shoot and nothing interesting."), and even some Acorn and Pinecone lockseeds.

Until she manages to snag a really good-looking one - verging on red and maroon, with apparently a nice little flower-shaped silver label on it. There's no LS rating on it, though, as far as you could catch a glimpse.

>Makoto obtained 1x Mangosteen Lockseed!

"Hell yeah! This could be great!" She pockets the Lockseed, and continues to run --

-- Before she stops stone cold. Freezes in her tracks, eyes wide.

"...Makochi?" you call, but she's apparently ignoring you. You look at where she's looking, and there's nothing.

It's not long after that, that you realize... everything has stopped moving.

The rain has stopped mid-fall. Singular drops hang suspended, spheres of water hung like chandelier crystals. No sound from anywhere.

The cold returns.
You can feel a finger upon your spine.
Tracing tiny little circles of tingles upon your shoulder.
And a voice, as quiet as a mountain breeze.
"You stand at the precipice of a choice, human. A choice that will change the fate of all that know your name."

>[Free Response]

>>39373346
"Ooooh, a little to the left."

>>39373346
"Ara ara, how spooky. Not the best way to start this conversation, don't you think? I say we start over. Hi, creepy ghost thing. My name's Erina. What's yours?"

>>39373346
"I'm listening."

>>39373500
this

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39373346
>>39373500
Unflappable Motherly Charisma!

>>39373500
>>39373569
IT IS TIME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6-ZGAGcJrk

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>>39373500
>>39373569
>>39373612

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>>39373500
>>39373447
>>39373560

Instead of freaking out, succumbing to basest fear of the unknown... you pause. This whatever the hell it was hasn't tried to kill you at all, instead opting for the whole "oooooh ghoooost" kind of semi spooky route.

So instead, you turn on the charm.

"Oooh... a little to the left, if you please?" you offer, hoping for a response.
Sure enough, the touch coincides. It drags and trails along your shoulder blade until it hits /just/ the right spot. You let out a little moan of your own, before recomposing yourself.
You could swear you hear a little chuckle, of a wise and quiet female voice.

"Ara ara, how spooky. Not the best way to start this conversation, don't you think? I say we start over. Hi, creepy ghost thing. My name's Erina. What's yours?"

Instead of responding verbally, the touch stops. Instead, however, you feel a strange cold front of air pressure form in front of you. Wind whips past you, and before you know it, snowflakes start to fall so thick as to obscure your vision...

Before a woman makes her way through the snow. Silver of hair, dark eyes, multiple layers of traditional clothing. Her obi is blue, and you could swear wherever she steps, she freezes the ground behind her.

"I am known to many as the goddess of the Underworld, of the process of death and rebirth. In this nation of humans, especially, my name is known." she speaks. Shivers involuntarily go down and up your spine, from your head to your toes as she looks directly into your eyes.

"I am known as Izanami no Okami."

>Free Response.

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>>39373346
This sounds like the work of Roidmudes!

>>39373975
Is it too soon to hope for bad puns about getting the cold shoulder?

"Curiouser and curiouser. I have a feeling you have a lot more to say. If you're willing to talk, I'm willing to listen."

>>39373975
... as in THE Izanami....

>>39373975
"Ah. Well, now I'm glad my mother convinced me not to convert to Buddhism, this conversation would be very uncomfortable if I had. So, what was this choice you mentioned?"

>>39373975
"Wait a minute...In the legends you were confined to the underworld after eating the food of that realm and becoming a monster. Helheim fruit carries the infection and eventually causes conversion into an Inves. And humans evidently have been to this world before in our past. Is the Shinto creation myth some half-remembered allegory warning people away from this world?"

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The playful smile melts off of your face as it dawns on you that maybe, just maybe... this apparition wasn't lying.

>>39374131

"...as in the... THE... Izanami."

A polite, slow nod.

Oh.
"Oh."
"...for a mortal coming face to face with the goddess of Death and Rebirth herself, thou art taking this news... rather easily." she comments.

>>39374314
>>39374102

"Ah. Well, now I'm glad my mother convinced me not to convert to Buddhism, this conversation would be very uncomfortable if I had. Curiouser and curiouser. I have a feeling you have a lot more to say. If you're willing to talk, I'm willing to listen."

The woman... goddess... whoever. Nods again. And begins to speak.

"As thou may be aware, mortal, your daughter has been involved in a combat about the forest itself. This forest, known as Helheim. A power beyond most mortal imaginations, that resides here. And there are other powers at work who seek to... utilize the power."

Something hits you, as she describes the power. If it's the power of the forest, and people are being infected by the power here...

>>39374397
"Wait a minute...In the legends you were confined to the underworld after eating the food of that realm and becoming a monster. Helheim fruit carries the infection and eventually causes conversion into an Inves. And humans evidently have been to this world before in our past. Is the Shinto creation myth some half-remembered allegory warning people away from this world?" You ask.

This catches her off guard, and she puts a finger to her chin in thought. "Clever..." she mutters, before returning her gaze to you once more.

"I suppose fate has had its way with me again. Suffice it to say, well... it is an allegory. This world, if you haven't deduced it yet, is poison. A virus that cannot be fought with any kind of medicine besides fire, blade and preparation. But..."

Her gaze intensifies.

"There might be another way."
>[Free Response]

>>39374527
"Seize the power of the forest before others can, turn it against it?"

>>39374527
"Go on."

>>39374527
Hold it. Why me? Of all of the billions of souls in this world, why me? I mean I'm not exactly heroic material I do have a bum leg and all

-Dramatic pause-

"Is Makoto involved in this?"

>>39374527
"I'm all ears, but perhaps burning it is the best solution?"

>>39374591
>Makoto involved
Already been told.
>"As thou may be aware, mortal, your daughter has been involved in a combat about the forest itself."

>>39374614
Missed that part. "...So... what's this suggestion because burning the forest kinda seems good."

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>>39374591
>>39374569
>>39374567

"...Go on." You are not liking the way this is going. And especially when the world is still frozen in time around you.

"I personally," she begins, "don't think we can purge this virus. Every time a civilization fights the Helheim, without fail, has fallen to it. Whether consumed by the Virus, or falling to its agents. It puts up a fight, then gets consumed. Its inhabitants infected, its warriors reduced to dust - or worse, mindless monsters."

Izanami begins to pace anxiously, tracking snowy footprints on the mossy ground.

"Force can only go so far, before it just regrows. Which is why, in opposition to my... compatriots? Fellows. I have a different plan. A plan that will take longer, may require more sacrifices... but may help far more in the long run. Even if..."

She looks away.

"The price can be negotiated later. However, without help, my time wanes. If I cannot find a partner, then... I cannot bear to think about the repercussions."

Then looks back at you.
You respond.
"So what's the suggestion?"
"Let me partner with you. Be my Anchor - my point to which I can exist in the world once more. I can grant you power to help in your fight, as I can gain more time to formulate the right plan to deal. But time is of the essence, Erina Kinushima. Please, make a decision soon."

Already you can see her form start to waver, revealing... horrible, disgusting facets about her appearance that you should have seen already... from her back, glacial blue, skeletal arms reaching out in all angles. Her face becoming bony, ragged, and her hair falling down limply around her shoulders. The rain drops suspended in air start to ever so slowly fall towards the ground once more.

You must choose, and immediately...

>Reach out a hand for her.
>Remain silent.
>Other (Write in)

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>>39374819
Reach for her.

Since when has shaking hands with an Izanami EVER gone wrong?

>>39374819
>Reach out a hand for her.

"Mako-chi's involved, you said? Then I can't leave her to shoulder this alone."

>>39374819
HELL NO FALL BACK

>>39374819
>Reach out a hand for her
Time to outsmart a fiendish goddess when she requires sacrifices

>>39374819
Ah, there's the corpse-goddess we all know and love. I was worried when she was insufficiently horrific.

>Other (Write in)
"Takatora said there were worse things in the forest than the Inves. Was he talking about you? I'll help you, but only if you're honest me."

>>39374922
>>39374897
>>39374871
>>39374859

You reach out a hand, and with no hesitation the goddess reaches for it. You pull it back quickly, though.

"Takatora said there were worse things in the forest than the Inves. Was he talking about you? Cause I'm willing to help you, don't get me wrong."

SHe remains silent, as you finish your sentence.

"But only if you're honest with me. I don't do well with people who partner with me, and aren't on the level."

She considers this, but you can see the pain wracking her figure. Those cold skeletal arms continue to spring from her back, along with a ridged icy spine. The skin turns cold blue, and her hair almost looks like string rather than actual hair.

Finally, she takes your hand firmly in hers.

Time resumes once more. And all that you have to show for that entire thing is a sufficiently cool feeling along your body... and a throbbing pain in your upper back, right where she had touched you prior.

"Mom? Is everything wrong?" Makoto asked, catching up to you. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

<< Tell her only what she needs to hear, >> Iza's voice reverberates in your head. << The girl has her own priorities, and for her to know the full story would only stall her progress. >>

>Tell her everything.
>Tell her a half-truth.
>Tell her everything's fine.
>Other (Write in)

Write ins appreciated.

>>39375100
Fuck this bitch already running our lives.
>tell her everything

>>39375100
>>Tell her everything.

>>39375100
>Tell her everything.

No RIDER MISUNDERSTANDINGS on my watch.

>>39375100
>Tell her everything
INOUEEEEE, WE WON'T LET YOU HURT US THIS TIME

>>39375100
>Other (Write in)
"You ever run into anything weird in this forest? Something that's not an Inves, but some sort of spirit? Because one of them just asked me for my help."

>>39375200
>>39375185
>>39375121
>>39375132
>>39375152

You open your mouth to speak, to try to communicate what you just saw - but the words get stuck in your mouth. A frustration envelops you, but Izanami's voice reverberates once more.

<< In due time, Erina. Right now, there are other missions to be accomplished. Perhaps it would be better to save this explanation for when you are out of danger, as well as your friends? >>

>Try again, forcing through the mental block.
>Relent for now.
>Curse Izanami.
>Other (write in)

>>39375315
>Try again

>>39375315
>>Try again, forcing through the mental block.
"NO FUCK YOU!"

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>>39375315
>>Try again, forcing through the mental block.
FUCK YOU. WE GONNA TALK.

>>39375315
>>Relent for now.
"Just this once, but I won't lie to my daughter"

>>39375315
>Relent for now.

She's right. We should find Hawktiger and our way out first.

>>39375356
>>39375350
>>39375343

>Roll 1d20

>>39375315
FUCK YOU IZANAGI
>Brute force city bitch

>>39375315
>Call upon Izanagi-No-Ookami
>Force through this mental block and speak, motherfucker.

Thanks for encouraging me to write, DJ. I got some stuff updated for my pastebin.

>>39375315
>Other (write in)
"No, I'm pretty sure I'm fine. Mako and I can handle any of the Shibata goons we run into, Oren's a hardened soldier and is with Kaito, Takatora's a tough customer himself, and he's going to rescue/scold Micchy and Kouta. Pretty sure it's fine. Let me talk to my daughter."

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>39375410

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>39375410
Here comes the snow, I can feel it.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>39375410

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39375410

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>39375410

>>39375437
Phew, that should be a success. Thank anon that we made it.

>>39375437
fuckin saved

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Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>39375410
Is this our chance?

>>39375437
OH SHEIT NIGGA

>>39375437
"For every 1000 of my children you kill, I shall give life to 1500."

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>>39375437
>Last update of the night, it's getting late y'all.

You tense every muscle in your body, gritting your teeth against each other in an effort to focus. Izanami had a point, to be fair. There were far more pressing things on the docket right now than confessing your collusion with the goddess of death and rebirth herself.

But you've got a daughter who you've promised long ago that you wouldn't lie to about any of this.

<< "No, I'm pretty sure I'm fine. Mako and I can handle any of the Shibata goons we run into, Oren's a hardened soldier and is with Kaito, Takatora's a tough customer himself, and he's going to rescue/scold Micchy and Kouta. Pretty sure it's fine. Let me talk to my daughter." >>
you think angrily. A puffy pout that you imagine as her face later, and she relents.

You turn to Makoto and sigh, as she looks up at you worried.

"You ever run into anything weird in this forest? Something that's not an Inves, but some sort of spirit? Because one of them just asked me for my help."
"....What kind of spirit." she says warily.
"The kind that apparently wants to be rid of this Forest. I, uh. Didn't believe it was her ,but apparently it is."
"Who is /her/?"

You whisper the name, then clamp a hand over her mouth.
Her eyes, predictably, go wide.

"How... why. What..." she could only manage.
"Look, I'll explain later. I don't know all the details myself, but if she has a plan, we might as well follow through with it. Now let's go save your friends before it gets too late."

>TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.
>QM Twitter: @DJ_Sagara_TG
>Archive link: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Kamen%20Rider%20Sengoku%20Quest

Thank y'all for sticking around! This was a great thread, and I hope y'all enjoyed it! See you next week!

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>>39375587
And with that, have Eden Arms! I will try to ink and color this in the coming weeks.

>>39375587
Thanks for running Sagara~

>>39375587
Thanks for running, Sagara. This was a really good one. Set up a lot of plot hooks, the plots just going to get more and more interesting from here on out.

>>39375635
Oh, nice. Great job, Lori. So this is Erina without whatever enhanced mode she tapped into last time. Cool.

Right, I've given appreciation for awesome content, now I must fall asleep. Like, right this moment, literally. Night, everyone.

>>39375587
Layer Sagara-Bro!

>>39375850
later...

Did we get any drawfags on the topic of drawing the DJ Kiba yet?

>>39379878
Yep, we have a friend who's gonna work on getting that drawn.

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>>39362458
>>39362567
I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS PICTURE LAST NIGHT TO POST NOW
BUT DAMMIT
AND IT JUST CAME UP NOW.