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>>42975438

“Hey boss,” Undine's tentative voice – unusually tentative for the normally plucky demon – brings you out of your thoughts, “Um, I'm behind you all the way, you know that right?”

...You never doubted that – at least, not until now. You've dealt with disobedience before, Pixie being strangely reluctant to guide you to the Mask of the Heartless during the night of the full moon for one thing, but you never expected it from Undine.

“Boss, you cut out a guy's eye,” Undine pauses, “I'm just, you know, looking for a little reassurance. Juts tell me you're not going to start running around collecting ears or something.”

So that's what this is about. Undine saw your little operation and mistook it for an act of sadism, some torture devised for your own amusement. A pretty easy mistake to make, you will admit, especially considering your current company – Heartless is a damn good fighter, but the idea of “quick and painless” doesn't really occur to him. You explain the situation rather hastily, making sure that Undine understands the greater good. The relief that passes over her childish face is comically obvious.

“Jeez boss, why didn't you say that earlier?” Undine laughs, “You got me worried for nothing! In that case, what are we waiting for? Let's go practice medicine!”

Well, that was a rather abrupt change in attitude – not that you're complaining. Now that everyone is on the same page, all that's left to do is get Petra over to the hospital and see what happens. Or rather, not “see” but, eh...

Maybe you should just... go.

>>42975445

Petra is still in your old room when you return to the fairy kingdom, sitting up and facing straight ahead. Seeing her, you're struck by just how much you depend on your eyes – not just for fighting and striving for victory, but for the everyday tasks and trials. When you were stuck in bed, you were at least able to read some of the books from the archive – not a luxury that Petra has.

Perhaps that boredom is the reason that, when you ask again if Petra was willing to go through with the operation, she agreed immediately. Before you could leave, though, she insisted that you helped her into her armour and strapped her weapons to the appropriate places. It's strange, seeing Petra in full regalia – when she was in bed, she looked vulnerable, scared almost, but now she looks as ferocious as ever. The impact, however, is spoiled somewhat as she walks straight into a low table and hisses in pain. From there, you have to lead her by the arm.

Outside, you summon Eligor and help Petra onto the back of his horse. This is twice now that you've used him as a beast of burden, rather than the proud warrior he should be but the demon bears it with impressive stoicism. As you walk together, you send a quick message to Cassandra's phone – when she's not busy, you'd like her to meet you at the hospital. Plans are in motion. The rest of the journey is silent, and you start to think of things to talk about. When you were dressing Petra, you saw her strange gauntlet – a mess of tangled wires and computer parts with a single touchscreen. A summoning device, but a rather DIY job.

>Tell her about your plans to ambush Michael
>Ask her a personal question – what does she miss most about the old world?
>Ask about her summoning device
>Other

>>42975460
>Ask about her summoning device

Then
>Ask her a personal question – what does she miss most about the old world?

Then
>Tell her about your plans to ambush Michael

Unfortunately, she wouldn't remember the answer to the second question, but I don't think we know how extreme her memory loss is yet.

>>42975460
>>Tell her about your plans to ambush Michael
>>Ask her a personal question – what does she miss most about the old world?
>>Ask about her summoning device

In this >>42975524 order

>>42975460
>>42975524
This

>>42975524
>>42975662
>>42975715

Seeing Petra's home made summoning device just makes you realise how little you know about them. Carnby's tried to explain some of the mechanics behind them – blending ancient ritual magic with cutting edge technology – but the whole lecture went straight over your head. If Petra was able to build one from scratch, she must know how they work, right?

“The knowledge came from another,” she tells you when you ask, “I made a pact with... with a demon of great and terrible power. I sold my memories for the knowledge to bind and command demons of all kinds. I couldn't explain how I built this – I did it on instinct, following the commands I was given. It works, but it is crude. Inefficient.”

Oh. Maybe you could see about getting her one that works better. Your father was partially responsible for designing the technology in the first place, so he might be able to knock something together. Although, you add after a moment's thought, you're a little curious – what did she mean by “selling her memories”? She mentioned that her memory was bad...

“My... patron will often delve into my memories and feast on them,” Petra explains, in a sombre voice, “The good one, usually. Most of my memories from before the world fell into ruin. Not all of them, though – I treasure the ones I have left.”

Oh yeah? Out of all the things she remembers, what does she miss most from the old world? It's a pretty personal question – personal enough that you expect a curse or an insult for an answer – but you're curious. You know so little about Petra and her previous life, but perhaps she doesn't know much either?

She is silent for a long time, so long that you're about to move onto a less difficult subject, but then she finally answers.

>>42975869

“Pizza,” she says simply, “I would often eat pizza. Dripping with grease and piled high with all kinds of meat. Delicious. I tried to make one myself, in the early days, but it wasn't the same.” After a moment's thought she adds, embarrassed, “I am not much of a cook.”

Huh. Of all the things you thought she might say, that was pretty far down the list. You were expecting... actually, you're not sure what you were expecting. Fighting, maybe, or causing trouble. It could be that you're projecting some of your own nostalgia onto her. So, if the old world returned tomorrow, the first thing she'd do would be...

“Get some pizza to eat, yes,” a smile creases her lips, “Is that so odd? What would you do, then?”

You? Hell, you'd probably just be glad to see your mother again - your real mother, not something that wore her face like a cheap disguise. The thought of the Outsider's treachery lights a fire in your stomach, reminding you of your mission. The Archangel Michael – you've set your sights on him next, and you mean to take him out.

“I will help,” Petra states boldly, “When this operation is successful, I shall lend you my aid. What's your plan?”

Plan? Well, you were going to take him by surprise and just... Okay, that was pretty much your plan. Take him by surprise and kill him. The simple plans are the best, right? No sense in planning every little step in intricate detail when things might go wrong on stage one, after all. Petra is silent for a while as she processes your meagre information.

“Guns,” she announces, “You'll need guns. Take the angel by surprise and shoot down on him from both sides. A classic ambush. I know of a number of weapons – something I kept for a special occasion. Bring them, with some demons, to the witch and we'll have some REAL weapons.”

Sounds like she thought of everything. Speaking of the witch... you look up at the hospital. You've arrived.

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>>42975969

“So, this is your blind friend,” Scathach purrs as she sees you arrive, “Greeting, Deathseeker. You must have fallen on hard times since we last met. I never thought I'd see you needing help from another.” A low, seductive laugh creeps out from behind Scathach's mask, “And you, cursed one. I didn't take you for the charitable type. I wondered if you were really planning on going through with this little... science project.”

Well, you tell her, you're fighting for humanity. It wouldn't make sense for you to claim such a lofty goal and then abandon the first human who actually needs your help, would it?

“Hmm, well said,” Scathach muses, “Do you have a specimen for me? Some little morsel of tissue for me to play with?”

You don't know about playing with it, but you brought an eye. A pretty good one, if you do say so yourself. It's intact and everything. Then you hand the metal cylinder to the witch, who takes it with an eager hand.

“An angel, I believe, of the order Dominion. The right eye, as well, although that matters little. Is this really the eye you want, Deathseeker?” Scathach turns to Petra, whose head tracks the sound of the witch's voice, “There may be side effects. You might never see the world in the same way again...”

“I'll do it,” Petra replies immediately, with the belligerent stubbornness you've come to expect from her, “As soon as possible.”

“We can do it now,” Scathach announces, “It may take some time, however. You're welcome to wait here, of course, but I would advise against wasting your time. This world might not have much time left.”

More cryptic warnings. Still, Scathach has a point. You've got plenty you could be getting on with. Finding some demons for Petra's guns, for one thing.

>Just wait here for now
>Take a walk and search for some new demons
>Visit someone else (Write in)

>>42976028
>Take a walk and search for some new demons

How many do we need?

>>42976044
Two maybe? One for Cass and one for Petra. Also:

>Moloch mentioning Nyarly on twitter
>Panic.gif

>>42976101
Petra already has Dragoon.

>Arm: Dragoon - Handgun capable of inflicting fire damage

But yeah 2 or 3. One for Cass and ourselves, and one more if Petra wants to upgrade or something.

>>42976028
>>Take a walk and search for some new demons

>>42976122
Isn't Michael aligned with fire? Petra's gun might not work on him.

>>42976274
You are correct.

Actually both her demons are weak to Michael.

Chernobog is weak to Fire
Cerberus is weak to Holy

>>42976044
>>42976028
Also during the hunt for infusion fodder can we keep an eye out for a phone store? Petra needs an summoning device upgrade.

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>>42976044
>>42976138

Right, no sense in waiting around doing nothing when you could be out preparing for the next fight. Now, if you're going to be on the ground waiting for Michael, you'll want Cassandra and Petra waiting in the hospital itself with their guns trained. You've seen Petra's gun – some dragon-mouthed monster that looks big enough to snap your wrist from the recoil alone – but she might something with a longer range. Something to snipe with.

So that's two guns – two demons, in other words. You'll have to prowl the streets until you find some suitable candidates and then “persuade” them to “volunteer”. Or, to put it bluntly, have Heartless chop pieces off of them until they see sense and join your cause. It's okay – demons are easy to heal, after all.

You're walking through an unfamiliar stretch of deserted streets when you hear a terrible wailing sound coming from down an alleyway. That sounds like trouble – so you immediately set off towards the riotous noise. The scene you come across is not what you were expecting – which, if the noise was any indication, was a savage murder. Instead, you see a little red devil floating in mid air, his tail curled lewdly between his legs. No, wait – that's no tail.

“Baby please!” the devil pleads, “I didn't mean it, babe, I didn't! C'mon, you know I hate it when you cry like that...” His voice trails off, but picks up with renewed enthusiasm when he spots you, “Hey there hot stuff! You wanna help a dashing guy out?”

Sure, if he lets you know there's a dashing guy around. You certainly don't see one.

“Ouch,” the devil winces, “Shot down twice in one day. Look, here's the deal – if you help me, I'll help you. Serve you, right?” he says this with such a suggestive wink that you almost turn him down. You DO need demons, but... him?

>Hear him out
>Find someone else

>>42976444
>Hear him out
I suppose as long as he is for the gun. I think he is Darkness?

>>42976444
>Hear him out
This'll be...something.

>>42976480
>>42976552

“Alright, so look,” the devil begins, “I've been stepping out with this one girl, right? A real screamer. But, thing is, she MIGHT have heard that I was giving it to another girl on the side. Uh, another couple of girls, I mean. Rumours and hearsay, right?”

Oh sure, rumours. You nod charitably, but they're all true, correct?

“Hey, come on, look at this thing!” the devil points at the... protrusion between his legs, “It is fair to keep that to one girl alone? Is that RIGHT? I'm not a selfish guy, so I share the love. Then, she freaks out – I mean, what the hell, right?”

Unbelievable, you reply flatly, what kind of twisted woman would object to that? Sarcasm, of course, but it seems to fly right over the devil's head. Grinning at your apparent agreement, he nods wildly, the motion causing... other things to sway up and down. This entire encounter is disgusting and demeaning – you'd rather be gouging out eyes.

“So, look, you're a girl, right? She'll listen to you. Just stroll on in there,” the devil points towards a particularly seedy looking building, “And tell her what's what. I'm real sorry and all, blah blah blah, and can we get back together? We belong together!”

Well, it sounds simple enough. Stupid as hell, but simple enough. Shrugging, you make your way into the building, flinching against a new rush of violent wailing. Just what the hell was that devil going out with? It feels like your head is about to explode, reduced to a trembling pulp by that awful, endless screaming. Still, you force yourself to march further into the building until you see her. A thin, pallid woman with her face hidden behind long sheets of hair. She screams, sobbing and howling, for a moment longer until you clear your throat – the tiny noise somehow reaching her ears.

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>>42976768

“What do YOU want?” the woman, her face still hidden, spits, “Are you one of his floozies? Just another tart looking to steal him away from me? Oh no...” Those last words are drawn out into a long, awful moan, threatening to break out into another round of wailing.

No, no! You're quick to state, hoping to delay the inevitable. You've just met her... uh, boyfriend? Anyway, you've just met him, but he asked you to talk to her. Calm her down a little. He wants to get back together with her, you tell the weeping woman. They belong together, he claims.

“Men,” the woman sobs, “are pigs. Awful, they're all awful...”

Well, you'd have to disagree with that. You've met some wonderful men recently, like... uh... You suppose Joseph could have killed you, but he didn't – that's something, right? Anyway, this isn't about you, it's about getting London's number one couple back together. What's it going to take?

“I'm never going back to him! Never!” the crying demon's voice grows ragged as she sobs, gradually getting louder and louder. You sigh – this is about as stupid as you were expecting. There's got to be some way of ending this quickly.

>Come with me, we'll eat ice cream and complain about men
>Don't start crying again. Please
>How about we go and beat him up together?
>Other

>>42976941
>>Come with me, we'll eat ice cream and complain about men
>>Don't start crying again. Please

>>42976941
>Don't start crying again. Please
>Come with me, we'll eat ice cream and complain about men

Just a thought, but maybe we can both of these two be our demons and our pair of sniper rifles.

For Banshee, she is paired as a gun along with Incubus, kind of in a together forever kinda way.

For Incubus he gets to be a gun that's going to be used by an assortment of young human girls.

>>42976941
>>Don't start crying again. Please
Somebody summon Jerry Springer in here or something. Damn

>>42976985
>>42977016
>>42977026

Hey come on, you plead, how about she comes with you? You can eat ice cream together and, uh, complain about men! That's tempting, right? You'll do anything, really, just... don't start crying again. Please.

The demon stops wailing for a moment and looks up at you, the faintest impression of her astonished face visible through the curtain of hair that covers it. She's quiet, at least, but perhaps that isn't a good sign. For a moment, you're certain that she's about to screech something about insulting stereotypes and try to claw your eyes out, but then she lets out a trembling laugh. “You...” she murmurs, “You really mean that?”

Sure, you mean that. You had a sleepover not so long ago, so you're feeling pretty good on the whole “female bonding” thing. Finding some ice cream in a wasteland like this might not be so easy, but you really don't plan on taking things that far. You just need to reunite this pair of creeps long enough to jam their souls into an appropriate pair of weapons and be done with it.

“Fine,” the weeping demon sobs softly, “Oh, he's awful, he really is, but...”

But?

“But I want him back!” she wails, “I want him all to myself, so he can never stray again!”

Funny she should say that, you remark, because you were about to suggest something like that. If she comes with you, you can arrange things to he never looks at another woman again.

“Oh you're a wonderful friend,” the woman groans, “I don't have any way to thank you, but how about we spend some more time together? I'll travel with you.”

Excellent. That's one down, and one to go.

>>42977341

When you return to the devil, he's floating on the spot and engaged in a one-sided conversation. Talking to someone else, you assume, over some kind of arcane communication channel. The Amala Network, perhaps?

“Hey baby, have I ever told you that we should make things official? Make thing serious?” his snide voice is hushed, conspiratorial, “Heh, you know I love it when you talk like that...” He cuts that flirtatious comment short suddenly as he notices you arriving, “Uh babe, can I call you back? Yeah, something just... came up, if you get my drift. Heh, I know baby, we'll talk real soon.”

Smooth.

“So yeah, if it isn't my favourite human honey? What's the story, sweet thing?” the devil leers at you, “Had any luck with, uh, my good friend?”

As it happens, yes. She wants him back, to keep him all to herself. You've got her in storage right now, just waiting for him to join her.

“All to herself? Damn...” he wipes a thin sheen of sweat off his forehead, “Clingy or what, right? Maybe I'd be better off on my own...”

Well, you've got an alternative solution. If he plays nice for just a little while, a few hours at the most, you can arrange things so he'll be used by your young, attractive friends. Hell, they'll use him until he's firing blanks. You didn't think that... thing between his legs could get any larger, but you were wrong. Oh, how you were wrong.

“Lady, you've got yourself a deal!” the devil grins wildly at you, “Oh man, is one of your friends a redhead? I love a redhead, myself!”

Actually, you DO know a redhead – one who can't wait to get her hands on a powerful weapon, in fact. You'll even make the introductions.

“This is my lucky day,” the lustful devil gloats.

>>42977518

With the two demons in your possession – probably bickering and throwing stuff at each other right this moment, within the prison of your phone – you make your way back to the hospital. On the way, you stop off at a phone shop and rifle through the disorganised aisles. The place looks like a hurricane blew through it and most of the phones you find are strangely melted, like they were held in a fire for a few moments, but you eventually find an intact smartphone. You even find the appropriate cables, just in case Carnby needs those as well. Tucking your find away in a pocket, you turn your attentions back to the journey.

Waiting for you outside the hospital is Cassandra, accompanied by Cu Chulainn. The two were talking in a hushed voice, occasionally laughing amongst themselves, but fall silent when you approach. Looking up at you, they both laugh nervously and exchange glances. Honestly.

“Ah, hello Amelia!” Cassandra sounds revoltingly cheerful, as is her habit these days. Well, good for her. She deserves some happiness every now and again. “I was just inside, it looks like the operation was a success!”

Really? You hurry down to the hospital basement and see Petra bent over a bulging duffel bag. Rifle barrels prod menacingly out at random, threatening the ceiling with their blank, empty stares. That's... certainly a lot of guns.

“Amelia,” Petra says bluntly, by way of introduction, “I...”

What, you ask as she stares at you with her new, luminous green eye, what is it?

“Nothing. I'm seeing strange things,” Petra shakes her head, “I brought the weapons. My secret stash. Do you have the demons?”

>Sure. A charming couple
>What are you seeing?
>I found a new phone for you
>Other

>>42977715
>Sure. A charming couple

But seriously
>What are you seeing?
"I can't imagine what having an angel's eye is like."

Also
>I found a new phone for you

>>42977749
>>42977715
This

>>42977715
>>42977749
Thirding

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>>42977715

>>42977749

>>42977821
Welp I'm fucking late.

>>42977749
>>42977794
>>42977794
>>42977816

Demons? Sure, you found them – a charming couple of demons, perfect for getting rid of as quickly as possible. First though, you've got to ask. What exactly is she seeing? You can't imagine what having an angel's eye would be like. Does everything look radiant?

“I see...” Petra frowns, her mouth twisting in distaste, “No, it's not seeing. Things look normal, but when I look at you, I know things. I hear the Great Will, whispering all of your sins to me.” There is a worrying pause here, before Petra smirks, “I'd list them, but I don't think we've got enough time. Would you like to hear some of them?”

Oh sure, this should be good for a laugh. You gesture for her to continue as Cassandra descends the staircase to stand beside you.

“Hmm,” Petra squints, “Violence, for one thing – lots of it. Disobedience towards your parents. Casual blasphemy. Murder of the Lord's favourite sons, and conspiring to murder even more. Impure thoughts. Collaborating with devils and heretics. Do I need to continue?”

No, you reply in dazed amazement, that's enough. Then, as a wicked thought occurs to you, you nod towards Cassandra. What about HER sins, huh?

Petra looks hard at Cassandra, who squirms under the sudden attention. Then, slowly, a wide grin spreads across Petra's face. “Really?” she asks slyly, “Before marriage?”

“That's enough of that!” Cassandra yelps, “I, uh, I think your eye must be faulty! That's it, you must have put it in the wrong socket or... something. A-anyway, who cares about that stuff? Nobody, that's who!”

Okay, okay. You shake your head in amused exasperation and pull out the new phone, handing it over to Petra. You found this – it's for her.

>>42978114

“You're too good to me,” Petra offers you a genuine smile, for once not twisted with bitterness or contempt, “This man you know, he can turn this into a summoning device?”

You think so. He might even be able to port over the demons she currently has. Assuming, of course, she wants to keep all of them. Perhaps there are some she'd rather not associate with?

“Never mind that,” Petra says quickly, “You said you have demons. Well, I have guns – shall we?”

You're no expert, but you're pretty sure she just tried to dodge that subject. Well, so be it – you'll let it lie for now. Petra takes a pair of rifles out of the back, black polymer things with polished metal bolts sticking rigidly out, and hands one to you. It's heavy, and you don't particularly like the way it sits in your hand. So what else is new?

Holding the rifle like someone might hold a poisonous viper, you follow Petra through to Scathach's lair and place the guns down on the rim of her altar. The fire is burning as bright as ever, and Scathach looks strangely pleased at the offering.

“Yes, the Deathseeker told me you were coming. Two rifles, infused with demonic power. This will be over quickly,” she purrs, placing one hand atop each of the rifles, “Bow your heads, humans, and close your eyes.”

Used to the process by now, both you and Petra obey. The air crackles with magical energy for a moment, and the deed is done.

>Incubus has been forged into Penetrator – pierces all physical resistance
>Banshee has been forged into Wail Jezail – gunshot have a stunning sound

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>>42978208
>>Incubus has been forged into Penetrator

>>42978114
>“Really?” she asks slyly, “Before marriage?”
Well well, what have we here?

>>42978293
They did the deed while we were shittalking angels in clubs.

>>42978208

“What,” Petra begins as she lifts Penetrator and looks at the unusually shaped barrel, “What monstrosity created this?”

Now she mentions it, the entire rifle looks pretty, uh, suggestive. Maybe some small part of the devil's lust remains within the gun? The other weapon – the Wail Jezail – looks more normal, a skeletal version of the original rifle with bleached, washed out colours. Well, they're both guns, and they'll put a hole in whatever they hit. That's good enough for you.

“Fine,” Petra sighs, “I'll take this one. It's heavy, too heavy for your friend there I'd wager.” Resting Penetrator over one shoulder, the redhead takes the Wail Jezail and hands it to Cassandra. Even though it looks lighter, Cassandra still buckles a little under the weight of the rifle. “What time is this ambush taking place?”

Tomorrow, you tell her, at noon. High noon, so to speak. Though, now you think about it, you're not exactly sure what “noon” means these days. There's no sun, and every clock you've ever seen has told a different time, if they work at all. Normally, you just guess times based off how hungry or tired you are.

“Doesn't matter,” Petra shrugs, “We want to be here early, to make sure we get the drop on him. Still, there's plenty of time for last minute preparation.”

That's right, but you're a little irritated by how quickly Petra has taken charge of this situation. True, she seems to know what she's talking about, but considering she was blind – and almost entirely dependent on you – until recently, she didn't waste any time. Petty jealousy, that's all it is.

>Who put you in charge, anyway?
>I've got some things to take care of first
>Lets go back and get some rest
>Other

>>42978445
>>Lets go back and get some rest
"When we get back though lets see about switching your summoning app out. Being able to summon three demons at once is a pretty big deal."

>>42978445
>>42978507
This

>>42978507
>>42978445
This

As for the in charge thing, that wasn't really commanding as it was her just stating facts. Not something to worry about unless the suggestions are stupid or counterproductive to our goals.

>>42978445
>>Who put you in charge, anyway?

>>42978593
Yeah but this is how it starts. We've got to put our foot down now before she gets any funny ideas

>>42978683
Except you don't have much to work with.

"Hey how dare you say something correct and imply that we should do it without deferring to me even though I said work WITH us and not FOR me."

Right now it makes us come off as petty. Wait until she really starts getting it into her head before you come down on her.

>>42978507
>>42978562
>>42978593

You'll let it slide, mainly because – judging by the look on Petra's face, at least – she's having all kinds of fun in planning this ambush. All the time she spent blinded, she had been waiting for this moment, the moment she can get her revenge on the entire supernatural world. Misplaced revenge? Maybe, but you won't be the one to risk souring her good mood to tell her that. Besides, it's strangely endearing, in the same way that seeing Cassandra's happiness made you feel better yourself.

You suggest returning to the fairy kingdom, to rest and to see about getting Petra's new phone prepared. You want to get some sleep – lots and lots of sleep – before fighting Michael tomorrow. Now you think about it, when was the last time you got a decent night's sleep? When Joseph drugged you, you realise after a moment's thought. So that's what it takes to get you to take a nap.

“I agree,” Cassandra chips in, “I mean, we don't want to risk an injury or anything before tomorrow. We should just take it easy for now.”

“Then we're all in agreement,” Petra nods, “I would like to speak with this father of yours. He helped to create the summoning programs, you say?”

That's what he's told you, at least, and you've got no reason to doubt him. Well, you've got several reasons to doubt him – in the past, Carnby's been evasive and awkward – but this time, you believe him. Suffice to say, you keep your doubts about Carnby to yourself – Petra doesn't need to get involved in your various family dramas.

As you leave the hospital, Cu Chulainn – who had been waiting outside the whole time, perhaps sensing some air of “humans only” - puts a hand on your shoulder, causing you to lag behind the others.

“I'd like to talk,” he murmurs, “Let those two keep each other busy for now.”

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>>42978912

You watch their backs for a moment, growing further and further away as you stroll slowly along with the fairy. You have time to talk, certainly, but what's the deal with the secrecy? This better not be something he needs to say behind Cassandra's back – you've already dealt with one womaniser today.

“It concerns Cassandra,” he admits, “Don't give me that look. I'm trying to tell you that I want to take care of her. Travel with her and, when I need to, protect her.”

Right? You're not really sure what he's doing telling you this when he should be telling this to Cassandra herself. Is he getting cold feet or something?

“You must understand,” he says softly, “This means abandoning my oaths to my queen and my kingdom. I would be abandoning my people, to protect one single person. This is a serious issue, and I came to you for advice. Please, treat this matter seriously.”

Huh, that does sound like a pretty serious matter. He's asking, what, for your opinion? You think it's a great idea, and you've always said he was welcome to join you. Hell, you're the one who suggested it in the first place, remember?

“I realise that,” Cu Chulainn's voice is strained, torn between his duty and – what, his feelings for Cassandra? “You've committed everything to your cause. What I'm asking is this – would you abandon your cause for love?”

That's... not an easy question to answer. You've wondered, over and over, what you were willing to sacrifice for your little crusade, but you've never wondered what it would take for you to abandon your struggle. If someone threatened your father, would that be enough? You've already been warned that you'd lose everything, that you'd put the world itself in danger, and it wasn't enough. You're even willing to throw down your life for your grudge against the Outsider – could there be a higher cause than that?

>>42979185

“I shouldn't have asked,” Cu Chulainn says eventually, noticing your expression, “This is my issue, and my issue alone. When we return to the court, I'll take my request to the queen. Perhaps she will release me from my duties and allow me to pursue this... folly.” He laughs a little, “To think, a few days ago I had considered myself a candidate for the throne. I could be king.”

Really? That makes you raise an eyebrow.

“Yes, I saw it as an extension of my duties,” the fairy sighs, looking wistfully at Cassandra's back, “Without me, Cernunnos would surely take the throne. Perhaps this time he would be a good ruler, but... his past record is unfavourable.”

Well. You never realised the hero had so many choices facing him. Stay in the court and make a claim for the throne, or elope with Cassandra – what would you do, if you were in his position? Well, assuming the genders were reversed, of course – although that hasn't seemed to bother Titania before, and...

You're getting distracted.

Cu Chulainn lapses into silence and he lets go of your arm, his questions left unanswered. Do you even have an answer to give him?

>Your duty lies in the court
>Cassandra needs you
>Walk away without giving an answer
>Other

>>42979250
>Cassandra needs you
"There is going to be times where I won't be there to help her. Knowing you are watching out for her would make me breathe easier."

>>42979250
>Cassandra needs you

OOC the world outside the tower might be going up in flames soon. Cass with Cu might have a chance to rally the fairies and get them to the Tower before shit blows up.

>>42979250
Once the final cornerstone is claimed, it's all going to crash down anyways.

>>42979423
It certain is with that attitude

>>42979297
>>42979378

It's a difficult choice – and, quite frankly, not one that you're comfortable making. Still, in the end you've got to go with your heart. There will be times, in the days ahead, where Cassandra will need his help. Knowing that he'll be looking out for her will put your mind at ease. He's got your blessing, not that he needed it, and your support in convincing Titania. He might need that, you add, hoping to make a joke out of the sombre topic.

“Yes, that might be right,” Cu Chulainn admits, “I suppose it won't matter much, though, in the days to come. There are whispers at court, rumours that this world is almost done for.”

You've certainly heard those particular rumours, you reply quickly, but you never expected Cu Chulainn to sound so calm about things. You're both talking about the same end of the world, right? Uh, the second end of the world, you mean.

“This world is one of transition,” the fairy explains slowly, “It was never meant to be permanent. When your world and ours came into contact, it was always going to be a fleeting connection. When this world ends, ours will drift away and remain, as it always has.”

You stop in your tracks, struck by what he just said – the fairy world will be safe from the end?

“That's right,” Cu Chulainn nods, “Safe, but any human within our realm will never be able to return to their own world. Not,” he admits, “that there will be a world to return to, if the rumours are true.”

That's good information, valuable information, and something to remember in the days to come. One final chance at sanctuary – even if it means retreating from the human world entirely. No, you won't abandon your self-appointed duty, but... the option is there, at least.

“We should catch up,” your fairy companion nods towards Cassandra and Petra, some distance away now, “They'll start to talk.”

Well thats an option for Dad if he wants it, considering he loves it there.

>>42979815

When you catch up with Petra and Cassandra, you find them discussing – rather vigorously – one of the only pieces of common ground they share. Fast food. Petra is making a strong case for pizza, as you were expecting, while Cassandra passionately defends Chinese takeaway. It's one of the most pointless, stupid arguments you've heard in a long time, but it's so ridiculously human that you can't help but smile. For a moment, you could be three classmates returning from school and bickering about where to eat.

You continue the pointless debate – you weigh in on the side of the traditional fish and chips – until you reach the border to the fairy kingdom. Entering into the inhuman world seems to change something, to break the flow of your ordinary conversation by reminding you of the real world you live in. A pleasant delusion, to forget about everything, but one that could never last. Sooner or later, you had to face up to the circumstances you lived under.

“Very impressive, this place,” Petra remarks as you walk through the halls. Her voice is slightly strained, as though she was dealing with a constant pain. “Pagan,” she adds, noticing your look, “The Great Will is raging within me. This whole place, the entire realm, exists without His consent – it's entire nature is a sin. Perhaps I will adjust to this, eventually.”

This Great Will thing bothers you. Mastema used the same archaic title to refer to God, and he was hardly the most stable of types. Petra's not going to flip out and start purging sinners or anything, is she?

“I think not,” she replies curtly, although you do detect a vague hint of unease in her voice.

>Take Petra to see Carnby
>Go with Cu Chulainn to see the queen
>Just get an early bed
>Other

>>42980124
>>Take Petra to see Carnby

>>42980124
>Take Petra to see Carnby

>>42980023
So at least we know that if everything gets totally fucked up we can run away and live here. That's good, right?

>>42980196
Well no...I assume once the final cornerstone is taken we'll have to choose. Continue with the mission to the Tower or find sanctuary in the Fairy Court as it gets transported off somewhere.

We'll go to the Tower for sure, but if Dad wants to stay I won't begrudge him for that.

File: No Need to Panic.png (341 KB, 565x272)

341 KB PNG

>Petra is starting to get influenced by the Great Will
Sure, this is fine. Nothing wrong here

>>42980163
>>42980180

You excuse yourself from Cassandra and Cu Chulainn – they probably want some “private time” anyway – and take Petra to see Carnby. You brought her that new phone, after all, so you might as well get some use out of it. You don't know what that DIY contraption is capable of, but it's almost certainly worse than the real deal.

First you go to the archives, only to find nobody there. Carnby's desk is abandoned, left in the same kind of mess it always is. A brief panic grips you for a moment before you remember telling – ordering, really – Carnby to get some fresh air and have fun for once. That means he could be any number of places, and that's assuming he's still in the palace. A pretty safe assumption – Carnby is the kind of guy who'd die in a matter of hours if he was ever stranded in the wilderness – but an assumption nonetheless. With a weary apology to Petra, you start to work your way through the palace in an aimless search.

Luckily, you don't have to search long. After a quick look around the dining hall – Carnby, thankfully, is tall enough that he stands head and shoulder above everyone else there – you spot him over by a window. It seems that he took your instructions to get some fresh air literally, as he's practically hanging out of the damn thing. Your father is probably the smartest human you know – so why does he have to be so stupid?

“Amelia!” he announces loudly, swaying slightly as he spins around to greet you, “You were right, having some time off was a great idea!”

Wonderful – he's pissed out of his bloody skull. Then again, fairy wine IS pretty strong...

>>42980621

In the end, you force a flagon of cold water down Carnby's throat and march him back to his room, trading exasperated looks with Petra as she assists you. Again, you're struck by how strange your life is – you're often the responsible one in this relationship, making sure that Carnby doesn't do anything stupid. Now you're sober and having to drag his drunken backside around like a sack of potatoes.

“Is he in any condition to help?” Petra asks quietly as you drop Carnby into his computer chair and wait.

“Fine now, fine,” your father straightens up, rubbing his face for a moment. His voice, at least, sounds clearer now. “Oh,” he remarks in surprise when he notices Petra, “You're... ah, wait, didn't you have bandages around your head when I saw you? That must have healed quickly. Wait, did I introduce myself? I suppose I should, if you're going to be my daughter's...”

You clear your throat loudly.

“Her friend, yes,” Carnby brushes a hand through his tangled hair, “Oh boy, those pixies can really drink, let me tell you. Ah, anyway, what can I do for you?”

Petra unbuckles her scrappy summoning device from her arm and places it carefully on Carnby's desk, while you put the phone next to it. Can he create a new summoning device, you ask, with the data from this thing?

“Should be, uh, possible,” Carnby mutters as he boots up his computers and starts to fiddle with tangled cables, “It might take some time though. Don't worry about me,” he flaps his hand vaguely at you, “I'll be fine.”

>Go and find Cu Chulainn
>Stay with Carnby and Petra
>Other

>>42980817
>>Stay with Carnby and Petra
Didn't He cause Petra's dad to get Minotaur'd?

>>42980845
Petra and Marco's daughter are different people.

>>42980817
>Stay with Carnby and Petra
Ask Petra if she has tried using the Deathstone yet and...if she gave any thought to ending the pact thats fucking with her head.

>>42980817
>>Stay with Carnby and Petra
Though I hope this doesn't mean that CuCu can't join Cass. He pretty much implied that we might need to ask Titania for him

>>42980845
>>42980895
>>42980949

You really don't trust Carnby and Petra to talk on their own without the conversation straying into awkward territory, so you decide to stay. Besides, you're a little curious as to what they do end up talking about. You had a couple of things you'd like to talk to Petra about anyway.

“So, what's your name?” Carnby asks casually, as he hits keys more or less at random – at least, as far as you can tell. You hold your tongue here, wondering vaguely if she's really going to introduce herself as “Deathseeker”.

“Petra,” she says, in a surprisingly humble tone of voice, “Just Petra, please.”

Well there you go. Maybe she just doesn't want to risk irritate the guy programming her newest weapon. With the introductions kind of out of the way, you take Petra by the arm and take her a few paces away. Then, as Carnby clicks away at the keyboard in the background, you ask if she's experimented with the Deathstone at all.

“I've been busy,” she comments, smirking a little and touching a finger to the skin under her eye – the skin itself is the colour of old scar tissue. “But no, I've not. I will, though.”

When she does, you tell her, you know where you might find a Fiend. She should be able to command it, with the stone in her possession. You're about to move onto the next questions when Carnby speaks up.

“You've got something here,” he calls, “A demon. Dangerous. Not something I'd like to mess around with. Hold on, let me pronounce this, Chernobog? Is that it?”

“That's right,” Petra says, suddenly miserable at the sound of the name, “It's my secret weapon. Very powerful, you see, but... side effects.”

So that explains her memory, and that aura of sickliness she wears around her. It's well hidden, covered up by a kind of bravado, but obvious once you know how to look for it. She needs to get rid of it, you realise suddenly, or it'll kill her.

>>42981353

“Well?” Carnby asks, “I could release it here. It would be gone, and you'd be released from whatever pact you made with it. Uh, that's a good thing, if you ask me.”

You can only agree. You remember the dreadful pact you sealed with Black Frost, and the terrible chill that had clung to your entire body for the duration of it. That had been bad, but to trade away your health AND your memories?

“I knew what I was doing!” Petra snaps suddenly, glaring at you with her one violently green eye, “Don't pity me, damn it, I did what I had to do to survive. That's all.”

As you swap vicious looks, you realise that you see something of yourself in Petra – some version of yourself stripped of everything but the bloody-minded desire to survive whatever the world could through at you, even if there was no higher purpose than to see the next day. For Petra, losing that demon would be like losing a part of herself, like throwing away her will to survive. Yet, she doesn't need a cruel overlord of a demon to keep her alive now – she has you and Cassandra. She has... friends.

Carnby watches the dispute from the sidelines, not willing to speak. Not out of fear, you realise as you notice his curious eyes, but to see what you'll both do next. He's studying you, almost.

>Petra, give it up. You don't need it
>Keep it then. You'll be more powerful this way
>Do what you want
>Other

>>42981547
>Petra, give it up. You don't need it

>>42981547
>Do what you want
Remember though, you bargained with it for power. The summoning device it gave you is outdated and unnecessary, and do you really need it in combat now that you have allies AND the Deathstone, which can command fiends at his level or higher? What does he give you in exchange for weakening you and stripping you of all that you are, and is it worth it?

>>42981547
>Petra, give it up. You don't need it
"You have allies now and the Deathstone besides. You have a someone who knows the summoning device better than the demon you made a pact with. I know you had to do what you had to to survive when this all started but you aren't alone anymore."

>>42981547
>>Keep it then. You'll be more powerful this way
I know I'm going to be alone here but I'd rather keep Petra as dangerous as possible. Besides she has one other demon. She's pretty useless without it

>>42981671
Cerberus ain't not slouch and I think she'll be going through a Fiend recruitment drive soon. I hope.

>>42981750
I eagerly await the moment Trumpeter comes down and blasts us all to oblivion because we attacked on the wrong turn

>>42981547
>Petra, give it up. You don't need it
Chernobog was a pact born out of desperation, but it won't be desperation that will see us through The End. When we make a stand, it needs to be a deliberate, conscious choice, rather than reactionary elimination of threats.

I'm going to start looking at what other fiends there are, Fiend recruitment drive sounds awesome.

>>42981599
>>42981601
>>42981629
>>42982091

You look at Petra for a long time, trying to read the emotion in her lone eye. It's surprisingly difficult – something about that inhuman orb is particularly impenetrable – but you take a guess anyway. She has allies now, you tell her slowly. Friends, in fact, and the power to command Fiends. What has Chernobog ever offered her? Flawed knowledge, and the promise of a slow and lingering death?

What she has here is real. Real allies, and real knowledge. You know what she had to do to survive – you've all done things you never thought you'd be forced to do – but she can let go now. She isn't alone any longer.

You won't tell her what to do. You want her to give it up, to realise that she doesn't need the demon any longer, but you won't order her to do anything. The final choice is hers – she can do whatever she wants.

Petra grimaces, turning way from you and looking long and hard at the scrappy, pieced together device that she made. What must she have gone through to piece that thing together? Salvaging components and piling them onto one another in a wild fever dream, only to command a demon that was slowly eating her from the inside?

“Delete it,” she says eventually, in a hollow voice, “Destroy it, release it, do whatever it is you do.”

“You're sure?” Carnby asks. Wordlessly, Petra nods and watches as he presses a few keys. A moment later – a long moment, one that stretches out painfully long – and he speaks up again. “It's done. Gone. Do you feel any... different?”

>>42982134

“Better,” Petra sighs, in that same defeated tone, “Healthier, at least.”

So... what's the problem? Shouldn't everything be fine now?

“I don't remember anything,” the girl's shoulders slump with something even worse than the erosion of her memories – the sudden demolition of her hopes. “The memories he took – still gone. Destroyed, along with him.”

Neither you nor Carnby can say anything for a long time, merely trading guilty looks. All the while she had been suffering under Chernobog's punishment, there had been that faint hope of getting rid of him and taking back her memories. Now, at your encouragement, that hope has been ripped away from her. Wordlessly, you both watch as Petra crosses over to the bed and sits down heavily. You almost find yourself wishing for tears, if only because that lifeless look on Petra's face is worse than any sadness you've ever seen.

Just what are you supposed to say at a time like this? Apologise? Offer your sympathies?

“This is fine,” Petra says eventually, “I knew I'd die in battle, without my past. Nothing has changed. I'm fine.” She stands up abruptly and takes her new summoning device from Carnby's desk, speaking without looking at you. “Tomorrow, we wake early for the attack. Get some rest, Amelia.” Then, still without looking your way, she marches out of the room.

Oh hell. Just what have you gone and done?

>Leave her. She needs time
>Chase after her. You've got to do something!
>Other

>>42982282
Ah hell, I'm conflicted.

>Chase after her. You've got to do something!
I suppose we did say she isn't alone anymore.

>>42982282
>Chase after her. You've got to do something!
We don't have a lot of time to grab daisoujou, so either way....

>>42982282
>>Chase after her. You've got to do something!
We fucked up. We should at least make sure she doesn't do anything stupid

>>42982282
>Chase after her. You've got to do something!

>>42982282
>Chase after her. You've got to do something!
>Prevent her from living up to Scathach's nickname for her

>>42982336
>>42982360
>>42982400
>>42982487
>>42982488

You can only spare the time to shoot Carnby a single desperate glance before hurrying off after Petra, chasing after the girl with all your might. She's quick, with long athletic legs and the kind of frantic energy that comes from running without a care for health or safety. At least you can track her easily enough, following the various pixies and other fairies that have been knocked aside or barged out of the way. You follow her trail out into the forests surrounding the palace, where you hear the heavy clunk sound of a blade striking wood.

Slowing your pace, you find her standing before a great tree, hacking away at the thick trunk with her machete. She swings the blade with wild abandon, wrenching it out of the wood only to smash it back down in a spray of wood chips. At the sound of your approach, you notice her shoulders tensing, and she stops her brutal attack. Instead, her hands hang limply at her sides and, as you get close enough to touch her shoulders, the weapon drops from a numb hand.

“I've lost my parents,” she whispers, “My friends. My home. I've lost everything I once treasured.” Then, like a puppet whose strings have been cut, she collapses forwards until her forehead is pressed to the mutilated tree, her body weak and without strength.

You realise, with a certain bitter fascination, that you passed through this same moment of agony once. When you first learned about the Outsider's betrayal, you had gone to pieces. You spent the rest of the night fighting, waging war upon anything that crossed your path, until you were finally able to think clearly again. Your entire world view had been shattered, and you were left to create something new from the pieces. Petra is the same, forced to find a new reason for being.

>>42982117
wow.....there's a lot more fiends than I was expecting.

Cu may have won the Cassbowl, but it looks like we still have a shot at a /u/ ending.

>>42982874
Really? Seems more like we're a mom now.

>>42982866
I guess I'll just list them in case this saves Moloch a bit of time.
>Pale Rider
>Hell Biker
Although this seems more apt for the delinquent Amelia
>Matador
But that's a little too overplayed
>Jeanne D'Arc
For Cass maybe?
>Yoshitsune
I think we have too many physicals
>Trumpeter
>Mother Harlot
>Tokisada
>Masakado
>Chemtrail/Plasma
>Binbou-gami
>Yakubyou-gami
>Innsmouth

>>42982933
There is also Red, White, and Black Riders

Sometimes Alice too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhhhsvS9CeU

>>42982961
I didn't include Alice because he's already here, but the other Riders?

Maaaaybe a bit theme-redundant, unless we turn them all into equipment.

>>42982988
Still would be cool to have all 4 of them out at the same time.

>>42982988
*she

>>42982814

Slowly, as you stand here with one hand still resting upon her shoulder, you feel a trace of strength returning to Petra's body. Slowly, painfully, she straightens up and turns to you. Her lone eye is still barren, free from tears, but her mouth is set in a hard line, her lips pressed together until they look like a slash in a leather sheet.

“I can look at you,” she says softly, “And see every one of your sins. Trying to help, is not one of them. You didn't know this would happen – how could you? I hold no grudge against you.”

That's... good to hear, you tell her awkwardly. You know you can't make it up to her, but you'll do the best you can from now on. You'll have her back, as long as she's willing to work with you. If the day comes when she wants to go off on her own, you'll wish her well and wave her goodbye. That's all you can really offer her.

“A goodbye? That's what you have to offer?” Petra laughs suddenly, and some of the tension seems to bleed away, “You won't get rid of me that easily. Trouble follows you about, Amelia, and that means I'll follow you as well.”

Oh, well, that's... Your voice trails off as you realise just how close you and Petra are standing to each other, your faces mere inches apart. Laughing nervously, you take a few steps back and look at the tree Petra ruined. She really went to town on it, huh?

“Yes,” Petra examines the deep gouges, “Do you think it's... sacred? It looks important, maybe.”

Sacred? Maybe, in a kind of “nature worship” kind of way. There are some charms dangling from the lowest branches, like someone hung them there for good luck. Maybe she DID just ruin something ancient and important.

“I think,” Petra says slowly, “We should leave.”

>I think I'll end things here for tonight. Next thread on Sunday, and I can stay a while in case of questions.
>Sorry for some slow posts - I lost some of my notes earlier!

>>42983076
Thanks for the run boss. Fighting Michael on Sunday?

>>42983104

That's the plan, yes.

>>42983104
>>42983138
How appropriate.

>>42983076
Petra done fucked up now.

>>42983138
Is their time for a Fiend Recruitment Drive before the last cornerstone?

>>42983214

Well, fighting Michael now will take a lot of the pressure off in terms of getting the last cornerstone, so there will be time to tie up loose ends. Not an unlimited amount of time though

>>42983175

Ah, it's just a tree. When do fairies ever get angry about trees?

>>42983275
Uh oh. What if dat was Yggdrassil and Odin comes out to bonk us on the head?

So Cu won the Cassbowl, huh?

...out of curiosity, how fair is the plain of her noble yoke?