Alright, then. They want to say they’re serious? Well, so can you. “I grow weary of this foolishness,” you announce, and you bring your hand to your side. The weird growth that was the handle of the blade still sticks out- surprising no one had mentioned it before now- and you yank upwards- pulling it out of yourself, and leaving only a small hole in an area your cloak generally covers. Holding it outwards, you focus your attention on Ruby, and she narrows her eyes as you do yours.

You can smell Shygirl getting closer- likely to try and prevent you from hitting anyone with the business end of the thing before you can even get a chance to try. You have to look around and see just which target to go for first- Crystalline’s armed and ready, but she doesn’t have a lot of room for error with her projectiles. Aquatica’s still a distance away, but she’s still got her water snakes primed and in striking position just a few feet from you, near the wall. Ruby’s to your left, at an angle between you and Ribbit- she and Shygirl are technically on the same side of her.

Alright, time to choos-

“WAIT!” You almost flinched. Almost. But you turn around at Ribbit’s voice- as does everyone. She’s fixing you with a serious stare. “I NEED to tell you something. Before ANYTHING else happens.” Oh?

Everyone’s confused.

And then she takes a deep breath.

...Oh yeah. That slipped your mind for a second. Maybe you really do need to start trying.

The sonic scream still doesn’t hurt that much- but it IS loud and ear-ringing. You can feel your facemask cracking at the point-black scream- and then an energy blast impacts as well, throwing you off-balance, and you spin face down, impacting the cement.

It stung a bit, but that was about it. On the other hand, your mask was cracked in several places, and you’re not sure how much more it could stand up to. It also seems like that got your cloak frazzled as well. You can hear chains rattling as they hurriedly work to get her down.

Yeah, not just yet, kiddos. You swing, and your sword lances out with a magi-blast that throws Ruby back a few solid feet, much to Ribbit’s vocal concern. A second does similar to Crystalline, but she gets up surprisingly quick, with a gash in her armor. The water snakes surge forward, only to be blasted apart easily, and you point your blade at Shygirl, who’s attempting to sneak away under cover of invincibility. “Cease. I can sense where you are.” This causes Crystalline to stop moving as well as Aquatica to still.

As Ruby gets up groaning, moving back into a fighting stance, you can finally smell the grass smells outside beginning to move. “Geez…every time...” Ruby groans as she spits at the ground to clear her mouth. “The hell ARE you?”

>Ignore Ruby, call the outside motion out on it.
>Time to escape. Maybe some parting words?
>As cracked as your mask is? Might as well show them.
>Other

>>735549
>Ignore Ruby, call the outside motion out on it.
"Your reinforcements will not be sufficient. Return my tablet to me."

>>735549
>>As cracked as your mask is? Might as well show them.
"I am Madam Vellusia, and your "client" does not pay you enough to fight me, mercenary."

>>735549
>>Ignore Ruby, call the outside motion out on it.
THis>>735557

>>735549
>As cracked as your mask is? Might as well show them.
>Time to escape. Maybe some parting words?
they'll pause for a bit when they see our face (max intimidation finally coming into play), we use that opening to book it.

>>735549
>>As cracked as your mask is? Might as well show them.

I think we should fight a bit more. Get some figurative Jabs'n'Jukes in.

Blatant copypasta because new thread

>>735549
This >>735557
Plus take of mask

>>735549
>>>735549
>>As cracked as your mask is? Might as well show them.

Was getting the old hearts involved inevitable? I guess we can't be perfect.

It's not exactly a stone gaze, but...

Writing.

>>735549
Time for the face reveal.

>>735549
Well, you suppose it was about time anyway. “Hm. If you wish to know, I will show you.” And just like that you hold the attention of everyone in the room. You hold your hand to your mask- just a second or two for suspense’s sake. And then you let it fall- mask, head covering, and all.

Your antennae pigtails swoop out from behind you as you pull them loose, and you sweep your gaze amongst all present. They, to a girl, have a look of pure fear on their face- Shygirl even flickers back into visibility with her mouth agape, in a crouch low to the ground. Crystalline takes a step back, almost unconsciously. Aquatica quickly shields herself with a water shield. Ribbit is torn between being in awe and being nervous, even as she hangs. Interestingly enough, Ruby herself, although her eyes widen and she grits her teeth, doesn’t change expression too much.

“And so now you know truly...I am Madam Vellusia, and that is all.” The rest of them seem to be frozen, but you know as well as they do that, looking at the small twitches, the eyes flickering back and forth, that they’re batting ideas around in their heads, trying to reconcile the image of your face. “Now...Return my tablet to me." Your voice has the full metallic edge to it now, and it seems to do a number on them, judging by the shivers. “Even your reinforcements will not help.”

“Aw, now, hun, you sure about that?” You look through the door Ruby first burst through. In the doorway is an older woman- in her...forties, maybe? Looking for all the world like she’s a cowgirl- green hat, bandoliers, boots, vest, and two holsters which she seems to be using as pockets of a sort. “I’m of a mind that we might be able to help real nice.”

Suddenly, glass shatters from above, and you see two ribbons swoop out, weaving around your defenses- only a quick jump sidways avoids you getting wrapped up- only to realize that you’re nearly in range of Crystalline- she jumps back a bit, but quickly throws her arms out and fires off a salvo you run from. And that’s when the cowgirl raises her own hands- revealing that no, she had weapons. Two emerald green pistols, and she merely fires twice. The first shot impacts a nearby crate, splashing it with what appears to be green, viscous fluid. The second, which you dodge with a vertical leap- finally forcing you away from Ribbit- seems to harden it.

You land on the second floor balcony, overlooking all of them.

“See what I mean, hun?” She casually walks near Ribbit. “I’d think we helped out real well there! O’course, whatever this tablet thang means to ya must be real big if’n your willin’ to hijack one of ours...which, I s'pose on a level I kin understand. So here's what might end up happenin'." She steps forward, acting like she's in full authority. Which she just might be, barring you.

cont.

Ribbit's suckerpunch was slick as an oiled potato. Good job, Handler.

“Ah, right.” she nods. “The Lovely Hearts were the five girls before. “Emerald Heart, the gemstone gunner. Lovelace, the unbreakable ribbon master. Miss Shimmer, the beautiful diva. Mason, the hard-working construction girl, and Heartsong, the girl right out of a fairytale movie. They were- are- great friends.” she sighs in rememberance. “But, age makes fools of us all.” Her eyes suddenly go wide as she realizes the possible insult. You simply fix her with an even stare. “No offense, I beg your pardon!” You nod and motion to her to continue, and she lets out a breath and agrees. “ Their powers are deteriorating- rapidly in their advanced years. And they can’t move as well as they used to. It’s getting much too dangerous for them.”

“Are they aware of this arrangement? Should we plan for them to interfere?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “No, they...I’ve informed them I have special training planned and they’re not to interfere for the next week or so. I suspect they might if they feel something’s going too far, but I hope it won’t come to that…”

>>735733
"Offin' Jackknife like ya did made ya some enemies- and prolly a couplea friends," she adds under her breath. "N'we ain't fans of it, some more n' others, but...that? Leave that to the suits. They can argue that one. But this here stunt? You keep this up, an' you're gonna start to be a thorn, missy. An' we're not lookin' to abide that."

"The tablet is MINE." you restate.

"Right, right, the lot of us heard ya rantin'," she nods. "S'why I'm giving you the one chance. I've seen jus' about everythin' to see in life-" Oh you HIGHLY doubt that. "-so believe me when I say that you ain't our favorite person, but 'cha could be a lot worse. So we'll make ya a deal."

"Wait, what?" Ruby starts. "A deal? Boss, what are you even-"

"Hush, child!" the lady snaps. Then turns back to you. "Beggin' her pardon, she's still green. Anywho, we might- jus' might- be willing to fork the slab over. If'n yer willin' to step up, plain n' simple, we'll have ourselves a knock-down, last one standin', girl-ta-creepy-alien fight. You versus the Shinin' Heart Squadron. Winner takes the slab."

Yoooou have got to be kidding.

"You've got to be kidding!" All FIVE of the girls say in unison. Wow, that was rarer than you'd think. "You're willing to gamble like this? Really?" Ribbit says even as she's being freed. The lady- who you're pretty sure is Emerald Heart- just shrugs and awaits you for a response. You notice she still has one hand on a gun, and she hasn't even taken her eyes off you for a second.

>This is absurdity. No. You can deal with them right now.
>This is a violation of the contact, isn't it? No. Just leave without saying anything. Lorraine is getting an earful.
>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.
>Other.

I think we should say something along the lines, 'I'm going to have to teach you a lesson.

If they take the hint, then great. If they don't take the hint... Well, guess we can throw in some pro bono work.

>>735764
>>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.
Done and done.

>>735764
>This is a violation of the contact, isn't it? No. Just leave without saying anything. Lorraine is getting an earful.

>>735764
>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.
Oh yes.
We take down the Lovely Hearts, but in the process "expend too much energy" that has "destabilized our projection into this plane", making ourselves weaker and "imperative that the artifacts are recovered to restore coherence", making it a matter of the Shining Hearts keeping the artifacts away from us long enough for us to disappear/they beat us when we've been weakened and force our body to disintegrate.

>>735764
>>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.

>>735770
Can we pull off a diva flounce?

>>735764
>>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.

>>735764
>>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.
but first we need to contact lorraine and ask her about the shining hearts and why they retired. we ain't gonna be their excuse to go out on a blaze of glory or such.

>>735764
>Other

Accept, but only on the condition that you also get to fight the Lovely Hearts in a separate fight;
>"You lot need to be taught a lesson in humility"

This will probably boost the girl's morale fighting us based on :
A. Apparently more even footing having seen us use our "full" abilities in the fight with the Lovely's
B. Us being put into a weakened state on the same dime.

And then we can assess their skills in a predetermined full-on fight situation, which is probably the best opportunity we could ask for; the shining hearts can prepare and put on a good showing for Miranda anyways.

>>735764
>Hm... well, this COULD work out... if you care to risk it.
>"A chance sanctioned by their employer to teach them a lesson AND get my artifact back. Seems fair

Walking on thin ice with this mission, we need to receive payment, and then get ready to pass final judgment (which will ideally be during the fight)on them.

>>735775
I'm thinking of having us get progressively weaker throughout the fight, as though we're on limited time and the only thing keeping us around is the rapier. Slowly start lowering our speed and strength until we're about to lose and then have Sal pull us out.

Tell Lorraine that if we lose the fight, they pass.

>>735764
>Hm...well, this COULD work out...if you care to risk it.

Maybe we want to utterly hand the girls their asses... then hand their mentors their asses too?

Megaphone to suckerpunch, (just like Ribbit) Shock Touch through Aquatica's water, wrap Shy Girl in Light Barriers, put the gag back into Ribbit's mouth.

Sun's Flare, Light Trap, Flux Wave, Great Barrier. We've got a lot of trump cards. (Best to take out the Mirror Master first, our attacks will hit us hard if she can get it done.)

>>735796
Lorraine is probably right next to us, in a pretty costume. Their powers get weaker as they age.

>>735808
>>735767
I really like this. Adding it to my vote, please.

>>735733
>>"Unacceptable"
Sun Flare and split. We are still on contract for a couple days. We shouldn't be having the climactic battle yet.

>>735764
> Other
Flux Wave, kidnap the cowgirl, relocate.
Time to renegotiate. I mean she's the boss apparently.

"This bargain sufficiently favors myself. Agreed."

Writing.

>>735764
You’re pretty sure that technically, they violated the contract. However, penalties only accrue if you choose to formally call them on the situation. As it stands, however...this might be a nice and neat way to keep things stable. “Very well. I agree to this sanctioned fight. It is the most efficient method to get my completed tablet back.” Judging by the faces on the Shining Hearts, they didn’t expect you to actually accept.

Emerald, however, just smiles and nods. “On the morrow, then? High noon sound alright to ya?” You nod- as you experience that lovely feeling of absolute non-surprise at her choice of time. “We’ll have ourselves a place to tussle ready and waitin’. All you need ta do is show up at that big house you intended to ransack the other day, n’ we’ll guide you from there.

“...Agreed.” This was, admittedly, an interesting twist. Ribbit’s at last standing on her own two feet, and is giving you a stare that’s half disdain, half...something else. Doubt? Concern? You’re not sure. Ruby is just baffled on all fronts, Crystalline is utterly gobsmacked, and Aquatica’s just fussing over Shygirl, who’s got a strong grip on her now.

“Then I trust you’ll keep outta trouble until then.” Emerald tips her hat, and then claps twice. “Posse, we’re gone!”

As the gathered begin to leave, you’re left wondering just what this might lead to, or how this whole thing turned out like it did. Did Lorraine know about this? Honestly, at this point, did it really matter? You’re hesitant to say, but…

>Call Lorraine.
>Don’t bother, she’ll call you. Head back to HQ.
>Other

>>735863
>Don’t bother, she’ll call you. Head back to HQ.

>>735863
>>Don’t bother, she’ll call you. Head back to HQ.

>>735863
>Don’t bother, she’ll call you. Head back to HQ.

>>735863
>Don’t bother, she’ll call you. Head back to HQ.

We need to get her to give us the check somehow, since I bet we're being watched.

>>735863
>There's no law against burgling something else, right?

>>735863
>Other
Get to a place where we can be reasonably sure we're safe, then call Lorraine.

She'll get around to it.

Writing.

>>735863
Bah. She’ll call when she feels it apt. For now, you need to get going. Frankly, today was a bit strange. You need a bit of time for reflection.

The commute sucks, though. Although you’re tempted to test that line that Emerald gave about you having made some friends, you know that’d be foolish to try. You have to admit, though, you’re curious about who exactly would be the sorts to decide that you were someone they liked, considering what you’ve done so far.

At this rate, despite the sucking, you’ve gotten used to traveling quickly and in secret. Your mask is all but cracked apart at this point- it’s technically still wearable, but any much more abuse and it’d be nothing but pieces. It’s barely holding together as it is and you’re not doing anything particularly strenuous.

You manage to make it back to the HQ- and you find something on your kitchen table. A check. Huh. This is...not nearly the amount you were promised for completion of the task- oh, right. Jackknife, that’s what that’s for. With a ping back home proper, you see the check glow and vanish. At least you got something for certain. Now you just needed to bring the big one home.

A late dinner is on the cards when you get a call. You’re still waiting for the fish to finish, at least. “Hello?” Yup, it’s Lorraine. “Uhhhhhhhhh...heeeeeyyy. So, I heard that, uhh…” My my, she’s a big cagey today. “I heard that uh...yeah, you did a couple things, so the Shining Hearts did a couple of things and pleasedon’tkillmeI’msorryIdidn’tknow!” she finishes in a rush. Oy.

>You are excused. They challenged me to a battle tomorrow.
>Meh.
>It’s fine. The girls performed admirably in terms of planning and execution to get back their own.
>Other.

>>735963

>You are excused. They challenged me to a battle tomorrow.

>>735963
>>Meh.
>"Would you like me to train the Lovely Hearts too?"

>>735963
>It’s fine. The girls performed admirably in terms of planning and execution to get back their own.
>They challenged me to a battle tomorrow.

>>735963
>It's fine. The girls performed admirably in terms of planning and execution to get back their own.
>Tomorrow will probably be an important test, if they do well enough without assistance my services may not be required.
>Did you want to know what's actually written on the tablet?

Should we tell her what's on the tablet? If tomorrow might be the final fight, now's probably our last chance.

>>735971
Tempting, if only for the chance of "...that was a joke." line coming up afterwards.

>>735963
> You are excuses
I probably won't even kill any of them

>>735963
>>It’s fine. The girls performed admirably in terms of planning and execution to get back their own.
Although we should point out that they are too reliant on Ribbit providing strategy. If it were a serous hostage situation, their bull-rush would have likely gotten someone killed.

>>735963
>It’s fine. The girls performed admirably in terms of planning and execution to get back their own.
>Other:"Your fear of reprisal is misplaced. You are the Client. Unless and until you break the contract, you are the Client. My superiors enforce the terms and I am their bonded agent."

>>735981
"The tablet. Were you curious about its contents?"

>>735995
Ribbit's actually got a lot of potential... it's a shame we won't be able to see her mature into a powerhouse.

>inb4 years down the line Lorraine tells them about her hiring us and they summon us just to get revenge.

It's fine. Writing.

Last one for tonight.

>>736007
If they pay us, and they buy the Binding Narrative, Limited Collateral Damage, and Graceful Defeat riders, would we have a reason to refuse jobbing a fight with them?

>>735963
>other

Explain that we are, in fact, not heathen's who would just kill an employer for a slight breach of contract.

The old guard returning is clearly something Lorraine didn't plan on, but we would like to know more information regarding them anyways. It seems like they might know one way or another that we're here to train the shining hearts.

>>736033
>jobbing the fight

At that point they're basically calling us up for a 1v5 revenge match, they won't want to win because the contract demands it. They'll probably get an arena set up and everything.

>>736037
seconding this

Let's not tell her that they performed admirably.

They did not.

They flew in, guns blazing, during a hostage situation without knowing what was behind the doors, the hostage's situation or the kidnapper's disposition. They honestly had no idea how we would react to this and they KNOW we are fully prepared to kill as they saw with Jackknife.

They put their own teammate's life in danger in their haste to take action, absolutely disgraceful.

“You are fine,” you reassure her. “The girls performed respectably in terms of planning and execution to get back their own.”

“Oh!? They did tell me about that…I was worried when they mentioned they’d brought in the Lovely Hearts...you didn’t hurt them too badly, though, I take it. They said something about a ‘stupid bet’...”

“The lady that I presume to be Emerald Heart challenged me to engage in a battle tomorrow, against the Shining Hearts.” you explain. “Due to the storyline I have given them, it will be a challenge for the tablet. It will likely be a good test of their teamwork and skills learned over the past few days,” you explain.

“Oh...well, that’s good, right? You said they were improving greatly!” Lorraine notes. “So that means they might be skilled enough to give you more of a challenge directly, right? I wonder why they’re not here right now- I’d have loaned them my training area…” Hm.

“You are correct. This will likely be an important test,” you agree. “Should they do well enough without assistance, my services may no longer be required.”

“Really?” she asks. “You think so?”

“It is a distinct possibility.” you admit. “Payment will be rendered due upon completion, if so. I will return here.”

“Uh, alright, I’ll make ABSOLUTELY sure if that’s the case. I hope you don’t mind if I’m a little late getting there after the fight, should you win…” she adds. That reminds you- something you’ve been meaning to mention to her before.

“I should note,” you state, “that your fear of reprisal is misplaced.”

“Huh?” she asks, confused.

“You are the Client.” you explain. “Therefore your word is what I follow. Unless and until you break the contract- and for more than just a slight breach, to clarify- you will remain the Client. It would be the height of foolishness to do anything to negatively affect the client or the contract on my part. It is my superiors whom enforce the terms, and I am their bonded agent." Honestly, you’d be surprised how many people didn’t get that. “Therefore, unless I am willing to forfeit my payment- and I am most CERTAINLY NOT- you have absolutely nothing to fear from me.”

There is silence on the line for a long thirty seconds.

Then. “That...alleviates a lot of my worry.”

You let out a mental sigh. “That was the intention.”

“Although, I, uh...I do have a question.” She sounds timid again. Why now?

“Yes?” you ask, and you can’t help but let slip a small bit of exhaustion into your voice.

“Just...what, exactly, do you mean by SUPERIORS?!” Oh. That.

Well, that’ll be fun to explain. Or not. Yeah, no.

Hanging up works.

>>736077
They knew a bit more about the situation than you might think at first blush. I tried to hint at it and apparently failed horribly.

Also I need to learn how to write action sequences better and learn more about logical sequences. I'm gonna have to beg you for some suspension of disbelief with some of these stories.

Hah, our superiors are only the timeless beings that can erase us from existence with a snap of their fingers, nothing she needs to worry about.

I'm off to bed, we'll resume as soon as possible tomorrow. Eyes on Twitter.

>>736096
Thanks for running.

>>736096
G'night, this has been a really fun sequence.

>>736089
Well it's not like we have to know everything the opponent does, but if it appeared that they just ran in gung ho after getting backup then it's hard to justify telling her that they did well.

Anyway good night man, good run today.

>>736111
Really?
I got the sense that they coordinated their entrance so that they immediately took up positions around us and Ribbit, with each member placing themselves in the most advantageous position:
1. Ruby to grab our attention first
2. Crystalline with a clear field of fire at us
3. Aquatica where there were sources of water for her to use
4. Shygirl using the visible team members as cover to get in close and free Ribbit while the others keep us away from her and in a position to tank a shot aimed at the hostage

>>736111
They pretty solidly stacked up against the different doors, co-ordinated the attack. And likely ascertained whether or not we were aggressive by listening. On top of the heavily co-ordinated moves to keep us on guard constantly, if it was anybody else that probably would have taken them out or at least lost them the hostage.

>>736096
Thanks for running boss

>>736119
>>736121
I stand corrected then, for some reason all I got out of that was that they grouped up and burst through all the entrances with little thought beyond that.

>>736096
Goodnight Boss

>Hey, Lucy?

>Hm? Something wrong?

>Psh, what makes you say that?

>Uhhh...you haven't let go of my arm since...earlier.

>...Oh yeah. Sorry. I just kinda...you know I always wanted to meet an alien in person?

>Well...you did always talk about it...you stopped one day, though.

>Yeah, kinda figured they don't come around often enough to fret about it. And now I see one, and all I wanna do is just run the other way. Ahahah..kinda funny, actually! Talk about a change of heart, right?

>I guess so, yeah...

>But then again, this last week's been crazy. And lookit you, getting right there next to her!

>I, uh...well, I was really worried for Maxine? I...don’t like just being afraid all the time. It's hard sometimes, but...

>Don't worry, that's what ya got me for! Luc, I promise...I'm right here for you, all day, any day. Swear it. I'd fight off a hundred Vullvias or whatever for you.

>...Thank you, Ren.

>Any time. ...say, Luc?

>Hm?

>...you, uh...later...

>...

>...gah, nevermind! You have a good night, Lucy! And don't worry! Tomorrow we'll smash this alien right back to her home planet!

>Ehehehe...yeah. Good night, Ren.

>...

>...

>...

>...UUUUGGhhhgggghgg, what even IS thiiiiiiis? Forget it, I'm getting like, all the cookies tonight. Dad can ground me AFTER I beat up an alien tomorrow.

>>736170
I guess love can bloom during a training session... thank god one of them didn't fall for us somehow.

Mornin', folks.

>>736443
Heya boss.

Will be resuming in about an hour, maybe less. Depends on how breakfast turns out.

>>736457
I'll be having dinner oon, so i guess i'll join in after that.

Oh wow I missed a lot of stuff.
Very interesting.

>>736083

A new day dawns, and you along with it. You’re still somewhat surprised at the result of yesterday’s altercation- you didn’t really think they’d offer to try and settle accounts like this. The more you think about it, though, the more you realize that it could be a solid outcome. You can’t help but wonder why the offer was put forward in the first place, though- especially when they seem to think you might not have the strength to take the Shining Hearts on...Then again, maybe that’s the logic. Bait you into a fight you can’t win by appealing to your pride? Something like that. It’d make sense, at least. There’s also the possibility that you’re simply being led into a gigantic trap...but they didn’t seem to be working that angle just yet. Still, worth the paranoia, you suppose.

Another possibility that you’ve vaguely entertained is the idea that the Lovely Hearts might have figured you out and are facilitating what’s basically a training arena. You know Lorraine gave them a vague warning, but whether they’ve figured it out or not is something you’re unaware of, and you could easily argue both schools of thought.

Well, you’ll worry about it a bit later. They said noon...might as well get a move on while it’s still early.

Due to the morning hours, there’s little traffic just yet, although you’re entirely aware that that’ll change in short order. You decided to put on the cracked mask if only to make sure that no one freaked out at your face...at least until the right time. That trip is a bit easier than most of the others you’ve taken so far, and when you reach the outskirts of the mansion area, you quickly activate your senses. There’s that grass smell again- but not as many of them, only three.

You move silently onto the grounds, and, thinking about it, you leap up onto one of the second story balconies. It’s near the garage where you’re sensing the smells. You can see Ms. Shimmer, Emerald Heart, and a thin, ballerina-looking lady with pale skin, short black hair, in a stylized black and red leotard, with red ribbons wrapped around her arms and legs. Presumably, that’s Lovelace. They’re all standing around and talking quietly. Hm. You wonder if Lorraine’s here. Maybe you could talk to her in private soon.

>Announce yourself.
>Let them talk a bit more.
>Just jump down and surprise them.
>Other.

>>736570
>Other.
Enhance our hearing and eavesdrop.

>>736570
>other
If we can break line of sight easily without getting detected, do so and activate hearing aids.
If not announce our presence.
No wait, just activate hearing either way, but if we are going to announce, we should just walk up as slowly as possilbe to hear the most out of their talking.
Or I might be going bonkers. It's past midnight and I'm groggy.

>>736570
>>736586
This. Time to spy!

>>736570
>Let them talk a bit more.

>>736570
>Let them talk a bit more.

>>736586
This

"...Shut up, Lorelei. 'Hearing aids' isn't funny. It's a vital and important reconnaissance spell."

"Thaaaaat old people can use! Like you!"

"...I'mma smack you now."

"And that's my cue laterrrrr!"

Writing.

>>736570
Well, you’d initially done so in order to avoid any potential traps. Maybe you can take the opportunity to be certain of the face or not.

“...it’s not like we could hold out for very long,” you hear Ms. Shimmer whisper, as you amplify your hearing. “The other day when she...the best way I can describe it was she short circuited, or maybe backfired. I got one of my full walls up, just like old times...but it took a bit out of me.” She shakes her head. “Still, if it comes to it…”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine, just us four.” Emerald says. “Max was talkin’ about how she didn’t seem quite so peppy when they talked. Thinks she’s still burnt from earlier. But that’s good for us. Shame we couldn’t have the whole crew with us again, but…”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Lovelace interjects. “We really should visit Ivy after this if things go well. Poor dear’s been feeling under the weather.”

“Oh, is she sick?” Emerald asks while checking one of her guns.

“A bit- she’s not letting it keep her from her gardening, though,” Lovelace chuckles. “Even if I tell her that might just mess with the crops.”

“Oh, that girl,” Shimmer says good-naturedly, then checks her watch- diamond, of course. “Well, at any rate. Mason should be done and waiting for us by now. The girls should be on their way there as well will the prize. Now all we need is the…ahem, ‘guest of honor’.” She flips open a compact, looking at her face.”

“I’m still not a fan of this,” Lovelace grouses. “Seems too much like letting her win.”

“She ain’t winnin’ a thing,” Emerald states. “By all accounts, the only thing keepin’ them from whuppin’ up on her before was ‘cause they had to check themselves so they didn’t hit Max. That n’ that little pigsticker she pulled out last minute- otherwise I s’pect we wouldn’t been needed.”

“You’re slipping into your drawl again, dear.” Shimmer says. “Save it for the alien.”

“Speaking of, where is she?” Lovelace says. “You called her ‘a real strange dish’, June, and I want to see it properly! Didn’t get a chance last time...”

“Iunno about that…” Emerald says. “See her from a distance, that’ll be good enough.”

Ms. Shimmer simply purses her lips and frowns.

> “If that was meant to be an insult, it was insufficiently harsh.”
> “I consider my visage to be rather normal. You are the garish ones.”
> Say nothing, drop down.
> “Rude.”
> Other

>>736684
>Say nothing, drop down.
Don't let on that we heard anything they said.

>>736684
Drop down and say "Good enough, perhaps, but I find close-ups to be preferable."

>>736684
>Your bizarre alien visages disgusts me! Now where is the tablet.

>>736684
>> Other
Come up behind them stealthily, then announce our presence when we're behind them.

>>736708
>>736714
Combine these, actually.

>>736722
Backing

>>736684
>"I consider my visage to be rather normal. You are the garish ones."

Although I'm not sure garish is the right word for "Madam Vellusia" to use here. Everyone else is a bunch of talking shadows in comparison to her completely normal glowing skin.

>>736684
>Say nothing, drop down.
Keep up the alien mindset.

"I might disagree."

Writing.

>>736743
It might be best to add something of the like of
teaching the younger team "a lesson"

>post vote
>return later
>you mistyped captcha
Dammit

>>736684
>Say nothing, drop down.
Spooky

Be funny if we started making bawdy jokes in a fake Texan accent.

>>736750
>"Studying - I understand your kind enjoys this - is best done from up close. If your children copy your habit of studying from afar, I expect they will find it difficult to learn anything."

>>736783
No bad

>>736789
With progeny instead of children.

>>736819
The jokes are worse.

>>736684
Tch. Talk about judging old crones. Wait, no. They’re not old. You’re not old, so by default they’re not old. Moving on...eh, maybe you could try and have a little fun with it. You hop up, going over the mansion’s corner, around to where there’s a few hedges. You make sure not to actually touch any, of course- for some reason people always hear hedges rustling, no matter what they’re focused on. It was weird.

With a hop, you land up, and over right behind them. To their credit they jump and prime themselves almost instantly as you simply straighten up and stare at them. “Good enough, perhaps, but I find close-ups to be preferable.”

They all stare at you for a couple seconds, before Emerald sighs. “O’course you’da been one to look before ya leap. Jus’ how long were you layin’ there?”

“Only briefly.” you admit.

Lovelace is just staring at you strangely- with the mask on, you suppose you cut more of an odd figure than a scary one. “Well, now...I must say, I honestly thought you’d be taller.” She immediately gets a light slap to the torso courtesy of Shimmer.

Emerald just shakes her head. “We’re gonna be goin’ somewhere a bit outta the way, if you don’t mind. Would be best if you kept with us.”

“As long as the other half of the tablet is present,” you say, keeping up the narrative.

“Oh, it is…” she confirms. “Now, follow us. Hopefully you understand us wantin’ to keep a real close eye on ya.”

cont.

>>736932

Ironically, you’re eventually riding in the same car as before, even driven by Jameson- only this surrounded by ex-heroines who are looking to make sure you don’t move oddly. They all jump once, when you put your hand to your mask to adjust it slightly. The tension in the car is thick, although you’re wondering what Jameson thinks of all this.

Eventually, you’re brought to the outskirts of the east end of the city, past the Metalworks. A few more minutes pass, and you eventually turn into the driveway for some sort of building. As you get out, you can see that it seems like it’s a sort of stadium? “This is the old Valour City Stadium. Used to do a lotta meet and greets here,” Emerald explains. “It’s gotten in on years, so the city decided to shut it down and build another one closer to where folks are. But, she’ll work just well enough for this little smash-up.”

You all get out- the building’s clearly seen better days, but it’s not in too bad shape. Surprisingly clean.

As you enter the main stadium area, they guide you around to one end where the main floor is- largely a thin film of dirt. You can’t help but feel some deja vu here…

Stepping in, you can see all five girls on the other end. A quick sniffing check reveals that, no, there’s no one else in the ring aside from the Shining Hearts you see. Emerald clears her throat and gets your attention. “Now, I understand you likely wanna know if we brought the goods. Ruby?” She turns to the girl in question, who shakes her head, but reaches behind herself into a backpack she has on, and pulls out the half in question. A ribbon snakes out and snatches it up as Lovelace grabs it. “She’ll fork it over if you win this,” Emerald explains. “Like we said, you go at it until either they call it quits or they’re all on the floor, or YOU call it quits or are on the floor. So.” She walks out, and heads up to the bleachers, then raises her gun like a starting pistol. “Whenever yer set, girls!”

They instantly get into fighting positions. You simply remove your mask and cloak- leaving yourself in just the skinsuit.

*bang*

The girls immediately split to surround you.

>Opening tactics?

>>736940
Use our barrier spell on ourself to protect from Crystalline's shards and to see Ruby slam into it face first.

>>736940
Sucker punch + Solar Flare and Megaphone.

>>736940
>Opening tactics?
Focus fire on Crystalline, hopefully provoke her into getting over her fears while letting the others set up to combo us.

>>736940
>Break their formation first and try and blind and deafen them by using the megaphone spell and the solar flare.

>>736940
sun flare, breaking their initial tactic, followed by magi blasts

>>736940
Activate Zone Scanner and dot the arena with 3 low-powered light traps

>>736940
Can we use Zone Scanner or Power Sense to keep tabs on Shygirl? She'll try to set things up if we leave her unattended for too long. Other than that, we can open with the sword while using magi-blasts and magi-waves to keep them guessing. Probing skirmishes, I guess.

>>736940
Keep it normal, with just rapier work, enhanced speed and strength for now.
We can ramp up to light shields and solar flare when it looks like we're becoming more desperate.

Alright so, break formation with Sun's Flare, Then hit zone scanner, and megaphone, maybe, then start slinging? Remember it's not exactly a sonic shout, it's more like giving yourself a microphone/speaker.

>>737004
Yeah but noise above 120DB will cause pain.

>>737022
Yeah, was just clarifying in case some thought something else.

>>737037
Oh okay, I thought that you were saying that it wont go high enough to cause them pain.

I'm actually going for disorientation over pain, but whatevs.

Alright, writing. This can work out (although for the next bits I might do prompts...)

Alright, time to get real. First thing’s first- break their formation. Before they can encircle you properly, you gather your energy, and light up- the bright light of the Sun’s Flare is immediately met with yells and shrieks as they’re stunned by the outburst. Ruby covers her face and braces herself in a low stance, Ribbit immediately hops backwards, eyes shut and trying to shake it off. Shygirl lets out a small ‘Ah! Aqua!’ and Aquatica attempts to stumble back towards the sound as she shades her eyes. Crystalline is caught flat-footed and primes her crystals, but doesn’t fire.

You take this opportunity to prime a Zone Scanner around the perimeter- it’ll at least let you know where one of them are at all times. Aquatica manages to stumble into Shygirl, who grabs onto her as she conjures a shield of water. Ruby takes to throwing two energy blasts that actually land somewhat close to you, and you take a couple of steps back- Crystalline fires at a ground angle- sweeping where she heard the impacts, and a few more steps are taken at the shots get too close for comfort. You fire back at her, and blind as she is she takes the shots flush, stumbling over, but quickly righting herself and aiming again- you can see her squinting as she tries to pick you out from the spots in her vision, her aim unsure.

Three more blasts go out- Ruby has the sense to move from her initial place, and hers misses as well, and the one towards Aquatica and Shygirl...explodes on an invisible, shimmering wall.

You had completely forgotten she could DO that. Wonder if SHE did, too.

Ribbit’s misses entirely- as she’s suddenly a blur, and before you know it she’s in your face and you’re having to fend off a few wild kicks- she’s no martial artist, but you can feel the strength behind them as you dodge two, then catch an ill-advised jumping kick and sling her to the side, impacting the wall. She hits with a loud thud, and right before she gets back up…

You take a deep breath. It’s not quite on her level, but…

“I CAN SHOUT AS WELL!” The loudness causes shouts of alarm, and all in the building cover their ears.

>Rush one of them physically.
>Keep peppering them from a distance- make them close in.
>Other

Current mana: 9199/9999

>>737215
Light trap in front of the Lovely Hearts (no need for O-Ring), then
>Rush one of them physically.

>>737299
The four present Lovely Hearts are spectating in the stands.

>>737215
Rush Ruby

>>737215
Throw a Magi-wave behind us at Aquatica and Shygirl to test their shield capabilities, as we drop a Light Trap in front of Ruby to stun her for long enough for us to rush Crystalline - pop an Energy Channel and test if she's gotten wiser about her reliance on her crystals.

Be ready for interference from Ruby and Ribbit.

>>737215
Sure, why not. Supporting >>737322

Alrighty. Hopefully keep them split. Writing.

>>737215
The first thing you do is swipe your hand- that field of hers needs to at least be tested. The magi-wave harmlessly dissipates against it, but judging by the way Shygirl flinched hard, it may just be a matter of hitting it until it breaks or she loses concentration. But that’ll be later. A quick handwave, and you plant a light trap in front of a charging Ruby- she manages to guess what you might be doing, and jumps to the side, however, forcing you to dodge as she slings energy bolts at you. You’re nearly knocked down by a flying Ribbit, however, and you’re forced to roll to regain your balance.

Ruby manages to close the distance, and starts letting loose with punches as you bob and weave, throwing a couple of your own that manage to impact her side and chest, respectively. She refuses to go down, this time, however, and you can sense an incoming Ribbit yet again, forcing you to launch yourself in a different direction to escape the pressure, straight towards Crystalline.

She lets out a noise of concern and begins firing at an angle, but you slip and dodge as you close in; nearly as soon as you do, however, she begins to backpedal, this time aiming down near your feet in order to keep you moving. You slip around to her left- and feel a watery tendril enwrap one of your legs.It quickly tries to flip you over- you push off with your other leg and turn the tumble into a front flip, launching two magi-blasts at her upside down in your effort to shake her- you can see her break off the attack for the brief moment she’s in your vision.

As you land, you’re suddenly rushed by Crystalline physically this time, dodging a crystal punch to the head as you land- but she’s a lot more controlled, keeping her attacks to close hooks- and you can see between dodges she’s keeping her receding hand near her gut. She’s still not fast enough to not leave openings for you, however.

>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.
>Get some distance. Too many close calls.
>Taunt her again, maybe?
>Other.

>>737494
>>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.

>>737494
>>Taunt her again, maybe?

>>737494
>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.

>>737494
>>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.

>>737494
Can we use that energy channel aura thing so that melee fighters hurt themselves when they hit us?

>>737494
>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.
>Get some distance. Too many close calls.
Just get a quick hit in to shake her; don't get too focused on her, because there's 4 other girls at our back ready to bash our skull in.

Get clear right after, making sure to keep keeping them split (or at least trying to) to hinder their coordination.

No Energy Channel, though? Are we not using it because it's too lethal?

>>737517
You're not using it because I am a dumb and didn't remember to write that part.

>>737494
>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.
The face or (kicking) a leg this time.

>>737494
>Hit her again for not learning her lesson.
Maybe something about "Your fear makes you predictable."

Well, this situation looks familiar.

Writing.

>>737494
You’re vaguely surprised she chose this course of action again- she was doing well enough before. But, if she’s going to keep repeating the same mistakes...you’ll have to drill it into her. She IS more careful than before, but you can still feel her out- and when she makes a wild swing, you again launch a punch to her-

And she actually STEPS IN- she tilts to the side just a bit, and although you can feel the crunching of crystal, the punch somewhat slides off as she moves, and she’s got just enough leverage to reach out a hand amidst the breaking of her armor to try and grasp you, even as you sway back. She over compensates, and tilts forward, but you feel her hands grab around your upper legs as she tugs at you as hard as she can despite the broken armor around her face.

The temporary rooting is all that’s needed, however, as your ribcage is impacted by the speeding bullet known as Ribbit, who dropkicks you free of Crystalline’s grip, causing you to tumble a bit- that one, you felt. Ruby attempts to follow up, getting airtime and again slinging two energy bullets at you, but you manage to dodge them with a quick left-right juke, and as she comes down with a punch, you successfully block it- but the impact forces you back a bit. Her followup strikes are again parried, but she backs off as you try to physically retaliate- dodging a pursuing magi-blast as well. Suddenly, you feel three more individuals in play- you look back at the area, and you notice that Shygirl’s disappeared, with Aquatica once again bringing her water snakes into play, the both of them going wide in opposite directions.

You’re near the wall now, and you have three hidden Shygirls, with the rest of the Hearts surrounding you in a half circle. The three invisible girls are set up where one is center, one is near Aquatica, and the other near Crystalline, who's still trying to get to her feet. Ribbit and Ruby are on their own.

>Magi-wave to try to clear them out.
>Break through one of them. (Which?)
>Flux Wave, once.
>Flux Wave twice- that might well end it even.
>Say something?
>Other

Total Mana: 8199/9999


I think I'm getting faster at this.

>>737768
>flux wave, once
>break to ribbit/aquatica

They certainly are better at teamwork, but we can't let them have it that easily

>>737768
>Flux Wave, once.
I tire of this! I did not expect for me to be forced to use this.

>>737768
>>Flux Wave twice- that might well end it even.
No more games. We're getting ours.

>>737768
Seem to be about to say something.

Sun's Flare midway through.

Assuming they're momentarily stunned again, raise a continuous Shock Touch and Energy Channel to interfere with any melee attacks while we rush Aquatica. With any luck, the 'burning' mana should also evaporate her water whips and allow us to close into melee with her. See how she does when engaged at a disadvantage, and see how the rest react.

Knowing where Shygirl is, we should be able to herd the fight away from her duplicates - if we get herded ourselves instead, disengage.

If some of them manage to avoid getting stunned, break through whichever is most debilitated. If none of them are stunned, flux wave.

>>737831
We dont want to win, necessarily. We also dont want to ACTUALLY cripple ourselves, which doible flux wave will do.

>>737768
>magi-wave to clear them out
Can we channel electricity down aquatica's water tentacles?

>>737768
>>737835
>Sun's Flare midway through
Change this to a Sun's Flare AND Magi-wave simultaneously. The additional Magi-wave will make it far more difficult for them to deal with, and drains none of our resources.

ALSO FUCK I FORGOT TO MENTION THE ENERGY CHANNEL AGAIN.

I, in my head, had her pop it right before she decked Crystalline, Crystalline just bulled through it. That's why she's still down, and that's why her armor got crushed, and it's also why they aren't going in physically right now, aside from Ribbit's missile dropkick. It's just Energy Channel is such a quick thing I mentally glossed over it while writing, so in my head it was like 'okay yeah she does this and THEN etc etc.'

Okay, so...Flux Wave once, then channel Shock Touch and amp up Energy Channel, then attempt to re-engage?

>>737843
You can, but they aren't attached to her.

>>737903
Sure, sounds good to me.

>>737874
you'll learn eventually

So, assuming we don't legitimately get defeated here, what is our ideal resolution to this fight?

Should we aim for a win, take the tablet and leave? Should we fake a loss, and escape to come back another day? Or should we do something else?

And how will we eventually explain our leaving without the tablet, if we don't actually end up getting our hands on it?

>>737768
Hokay. This is impressive for them. You haven’t been going full-tilt, sure, but you can’t say you haven’t been putting in a fair effort. The fact that they’re getting past that means you’re gonna have to dig into your bag of tricks a bit more.

“Utilizing this technique was not anticipated,” you state, and for once it’s kinda true. Especially considering you haven’t quite nailed it down yet...so you’ll have to be careful with it. Before they can respond, you start warping your mana. Normally, it’s a very very stable thing, but if you adjust the frequency rapidly…

The air around you gets warped, and for a second it’s as if around you it’s a strange, clear water, distorting your image- and then you let the mana loose, the flux wave sweeping out from you- and you can instantly see the results as everyone takes a couple of steps back and groans, holding their head like they just got a headache- two of the Shygirls flicker back into visibility, the ones near Aquatica and in the center. The one near Crystalline remains invisible- but Crystalline herself collapses back to a knee after just getting back up.

Perfect. Your vision is swimming slightly as well, but you’ve done it just enough times to be able to compensate. You leap towards the stunned Aquatica, your body surging with both mana and electricity as you channel your shock touch. She has enough sense left in her to throw one of the snakes in your path- you’re able to punch through it now, however, but there is some resistance. The second one tries to intercept you as well as Aquatica tries to run and gain distance, but a punch to the construct’s face dissipates it as well. Aquatica has her teeth grit- but the clone Shygirl intercepts, tackling into your side and throwing you off-balance briefly- you twist with the impact and slam her to the ground, fading her out, and you leap back toward Aquatica, who throws up a shield of water- your mana-charged fist cuts through it easily, smoke trailing from it as your electricity meets the water as well. Two lashes of water meet the same fate, and once you close in she in desperation aims the entire extra large canteen at you.

cont.

>>738018

The pressurized water forces you back a step, but that’s all, and spin out of the stream’s pressure, delivering a sharp front kick to her ribs that takes her off her feet and onto her ground- you can see a bit of her shirt burn. You hardly have time to follow up, however, as a pair of pink energy blasts rock your body and face, and you roll with the impact, backing off from her and getting enough space to take note of the remaining girls. Crystalline is keeled over still; she might be out of it from the way she’s holding her head. The actual Shygirl is moving closer, and Ruby and Ribbit are trying to herd you away from Aquatica, judging by how they’re edging closer to her.

You spare a quick glance to the stands- the Lovely Hearts are holding their heads as well- Lovelace in particular is glaring at you- but they’re otherwise doing nothing, although Miss Shimmer seems to have a close eye on Crystalline. Ruby and Ribbit in particular are starting to pant a bit, or at least they’re breathing harder. You’re not really tired at all, but you WERE playing at being weaker than earlier, and they did get in some okay shots.

Oddly enough, they're staring at you- no, below you. You look down, to see that your bodysuit is slowly burning off. The eye area hasn't been revealed yet- it's going from the extremities in, but it's slowly but surely being burned off by the outward mana expenditure. Ruby and Ribbit both look like they're not sure if they want to say anything or not.

> Ignore the burning. “Surrender. Your improved skills are admirable, but I have defeated two of your number already.”
> "...Mine is an unfortunate circumstance."
> Say nothing, keep at it. Put pressure on one of them to break them up further.
> Other

Total Mana: 5199/9999

>>738024
>> Ignore the burning. “Surrender. Your improved skills are admirable, but I have defeated two of your number already.”

>>738024
>> Ignore the burning. “Surrender. Your improved skills are admirable, but I have defeated two of your number already.”

>>738024
>Other
"Current expenditures were unforeseen, but I still have enough time on this plane to acquire what is mine."
Keep at it, put pressure on them, see if they can pull through to take us down.

>>738024
>Ignore the burning. “Surrender. Your improved skills are admirable, but I have defeated two of your number already.”

>>738024
>Ignore the burning. “Surrender. Your improved skills are admirable, but I have defeated two of your number already.”
Justify nothing, monologue nothing. Simply give them a moment to breathe so they can regain a fighting chance.

How hard will they shit themselves when our hitherto-closed third eye suddenly opens, and the boss they've been fighting enters phase two?

"It's actually not painful at all."

Writing.

>>738024

Kinda funny how they’re shifting between meeting your eyes and staring at the burning. It’ll probably be even more funny once the burning finishes. “Surrender,” you state in an imperious tone. “Your improved skills are admirable, but I have defeated two of your number already.” Ribbit opens her mouth- and then you hear a familiar sound, and leap out of the way- just as a short flurry of crystals impacts your location.

You land further back, and turn to the source- Crystalline, who’s hand is outstretched, while on her knees. “You...you...I’m not done...just yet…” She begins stumbling back to her feet again, and to your surprise, she actually manages to hold herself up, although she is hunched over, and panting hard. You feel another presence suddenly form and dart her way- Shygirl, clearly. Aquatica is slowly being helped to her feet as well. The burning is close to reaching your chest now- the skinsuit’s turned into a one-piece, and that’s fading fast as it is.

As you turn to see the Lovely Hearts almost literally on the edge of their seats, you wonder what’s going on in their heads. How they think we’re doing, how they think the kids are doing...well, hopefully, they’ll end up doing well enough to wrap this up on a high note.

As you feel the burning reach your chest now, feeling your controlled cape flare out now that it’s rid of the cloak, you have to admit that having all that off you is rather freeing. All that’s left is what you came here in- celestial visage, unclear body and all. Ribbit’s jaw drops, and Aquatica, when she lifts her head to look at you, simply shakes it in disbelief. Ruby grits her teeth and backs up a few steps, and Crystalline just...droops slightly, but picks herself back up with a look of resignation. Shygirl has a tear or two in her eye, but it’s quickly wiped away by Aquatica as she steels herself as best she can.

Alright, then. Time for the last act. You snap open the third eye- they ALL take a unified step back, in guarded positions, but in positions nonetheless.

You mentally nod. And you move.

>Crystalline’s the weakest one right now. See if they realize that.
>Pepper them all with magi-blasts, scatter them.
>Play a dodging game. Hit and run if possible.
>Other

>>738325
Uh, they all look pretty miserable right now. Maybe we could take a hit or two to cheer then up?
> play a dodging game

>>738325
>>Pepper them all with magi-blasts, scatter them.

>>738325
>Crystalline’s the weakest one right now. See if they realize that.
Is this where we can loose on purpose?

>>738325
>Crystalline’s the weakest one right now. See if they realize that.
Draw our sword, start using its edge to hurl Magi-waves at them even as we attack with it.

From our other hand, Magi-beams from all five of our fingers, constantly moving, to cut random swathes across the arena, preventing them from moving incautiously.

Once/if we close in to Crystalline, grab her and hurl her onto the Light Trap we set up at the start of the fight, hopefully knocking her out.

No hit and run or diversionary tactics now. We're going full Final Phase Boss Fight now. This is perhaps their final test. Let's see how they cope.

>>738367
You could lose on purpose whenever you felt like it if it got enough votes.

>>738375
Ok, i'll switch my vote to
> play a dodging game
but not delete the old one so people can see what you replied to.

We need to take some more "damage", and play up weakness when we do.

>>738325

Do >>738370

Let's make it look like the Eye powered us up, but make sure to give them opportunity to hit it. Let them hit on purpose if we have to, and make a show of taking heavy damage from it, drive home that it is our weak spot.

Agh, I need to get going. But it's looking like this fight WILL end tonight.

I'll see you all later, hopefully.

>>738415
Uh, as in later tonight. I'll be back in a few hours, ideally.

>>738422
looking forward to it, boss!

>>738367
I want to take the lose on purpose route, by slowly acting weaker once we consider them "passed" (which they seem to be pretty close to doing).

>>738669
Yeah, that sounds good. How is our defeat to be portrayed though? We fail and then fade into mist? Our body becoming less and less corporeal as your energy is spent?
Or just accept we lost and leave?

>>738763
I was thinking, slowly acting weaker until we close the eye again. I'm not sure how to handle giving up, since if we just call Sal to pull us out, we can go out in a nice narrative way, but we miss the opportunity to reveal to Lorraine what was on the tablet. I guess we could give up and just say "I have been weakened enough that if I use any more power I won't be able to maintain this form." and see what happens there, how they deal with an enemy who is no longer a threat might be interesting to see.

I doubt this will end with us using something really showy, and then just going "Well done, you pass..." or throwing the thumbs up as we fade out of existence, on account of being out of character (despite being one of my favourite tropes).

>>738669
I would prefer to win, take the tablet and leave.

One day later, we appear in front of them and return them everything we've stolen 'as a gift' - the artifacts were required; they are not so any longer. Hence, we can leave them as mementos for the Hearts in the hope that they too will one day attain their full potential.

This simply to leave them with the last lesson that not all villains are necessarily malevolent, and once in a blue moon, they might be able to save the day simply by talking things out.

>>738763
I'd go with accepting it, but before we leave, we charge the two girls who impressed us the most with protecting the tablet halves in our stead. If they're finally willing to give it up later for a favor or whatever, we've got a chance to return for another job.

>>738833
That's kind of untrue in that regard though. We busted in to the museum twice, killed Jacknife because he was dealing damage to the city and "might have hurt our precious artifacts", and then when we kidnapped Ribbit we displayed clearly inhuman thought processes (or tried to).

>>738841
Can we create an artificial economy like that? Tell them to protect the tablet halves as well as they can, so they put a lot of money into them increasing their value, so that if they want to see us in the future, in-universe those tablet-halves have value equal (or close to) our hiring cost?

>>738763
We could be on a time limit. In the middle of a fight "No, this too soon, in not done yet!" Then fuck off home.

>>738841
Seems rather out of character to me, given how intent we've proven on getting our hands on it.

>>738856
Our logic has been consistent in that we've been focused on regaining our artifacts to the exclusion of all else. Nothing else has been worth notice.

Until we were repelled with force, we did nothing other than just walk in and take them. Only then did we start attacking threats and obstacles to our goal.

It's quite possible (within the narrative) that, if they hadn't attacked us at the start and instead gone
>"Oh, well, what do you want to do with those artifacts?"
>"Well, that's not too bad, we'll help you out - but we're going to have at least one of us keep an eye on you at all times to make sure you don't destroy the city, and could you please return them when you're done with them?"
then they could have avoided this entire debacle.

>>738906
>then they could have avoided this entire debacle.
That would have gone against the contract and the request to fight the kids in order to get them experience fighting actual threats instead of the weekly mooks.

>>738930
Within the narrative, anon.

If we weren't actually a mercenary paid to fight them, but the actual alien we're taking the role of, it would have been possible.

>>738953
That's like saying "If we weren't a plumber here to install a sink but a carpenter, we could have put this deck together."
Something blatantly obvious and not adding anything to the conversation.

>>738996
Anon, we're supposed to teach them to operate within their own universe. I'm not sure how teaching them that they don't have to fight every villain by playing a villain they could have settled without fighting is rendered invalid by the fact that we're only pretending to be said villain.

>>739004
That's only valid if reasonable villains even exist.
From the research we did, heroes don't talk down the villains, they fight them in this world.
In fact, teaching the kids that talking down villains is a viable option when it doesn't occur would be setting the kids up for failure.
And the stated contract goal was for teamwork in combat and situational awareness.

>>739030
I would assume that at least some villains in-universe do what they do because of personal reasons and circumstances that can potentially be solved through non-violent means.

I concede that this is just an assumption, and it's possible that all villains in this world are, without exception, simply objectively evil for the sake of being objectively evil (though such a universe would make entirely no sense to me).

I suppose what happens in the end will come down to how the vote goes.

That said, teamwork in combat and situational awareness were what we initially stated they were most lacking in, but improving those in specific is not our overall goal, merely our preliminary goal - one that there is no reason we can't move beyond once we've achieved it. We were hired to teach them how to be protectors of the city.

>>739102
This does raise a bit of a question, what say can we have regarding our contracts? Do we have a "you can give out a discount to a customer in hopes of getting a repeat once a year" thing, or is it all just handled by Sal and co.?

>>739140
You can ask Sal to cut them a deal or recommend them as good customers, but you have no pricing authority yourself beyond upselling.

As for how the death thing will work, should you go the route, due to the Willing Defeat rider, you simply admit defeat. Mentally or audibly with intent. Things will be taken care of from there.

Will resume in 30.

>>739830
huzzah!

>>739680
Mentally only, with something about thinking we had more time.

You're certainly not going to go easy on them now, and they seem to realize this as the first thing that happens as you make a beeline for Crystalline is that Ribbit attempts to intercept you with a powerful jump- you hit the brakes, and watch her sail pass you, but that little break is enough for Ruby to catch up, and you slip two punches before catching the third, spinning, and tossing her in a different direction. Crystalline immediately fires a storm of crystal bits, which you manage to dodge, but a mental alarm tells you that Shygirl’s going for broke, splitting up into four individuals- you actually turn to visibly see all four- why they’re not invisible, you’re not sure, but they’re in color as they try to surround you- Aquatica’s got a single water lash going, and a swipe nearly catches it- but the lash splits in two, and they start spinning around you in an attempt at disorientation.

You turn around to see Ribbit darting out from behind Crystalline, going to the left- and then Ruby coming in from the right in a pincer attempt; but that’s enough of that. You extend your finger, and fire a (low-powered) Magi-beam clear at Ruby- who just barely manages to dodge- although you see it clip her hair well enough. You quickly sweep the beam across the entirety of the group, forcing the lot of them to throw themselves to the ground- with the exception of Crystalline. The beam actually refracts off her armor- drilling into the wall, but not her. This forces you to pause before she figures out a way to redirect the thing, and it also gives Ruby a chance to move in. She’s slick with sweat, hair flowing, and her arms are burning with energy, somewhat like yours.

She swings faster now, and you find yourself actually having to put a bit of speed into your defenses. Unlike before, she’s not intentionally giving you any easy grabs; jabbing and trying to lock you in place. Then an impact on your side- it’s just water, but you can tell the pressure’s there for such a small piece. If you weren’t so durable, it might’ve proved injuring. Ruby seems to think that’s the case, and you can see her eyes shift down to your third eye even as she never stops moving- and she quickly aims a jab there. It connects- and while you don’t feel anything, you quickly reel back, doubling over and covering it as if you’re in immense pain, yelping.

“That’s it! Go for the eye!” Of course Ribbit spotted that.

>Keep the offensive effort up.
>Go defensive to really sell it and let them try to smack you around a bit.
>Other

I know what I said, sorry.

>>740181
>Keep the offensive effort up.
lets push them a little further.

>>739680
Does it leave some sort of physical evidence of defeat, or is it like a beaming up?

>>740191
I think it's like in a video game where the boss enemy fades away with lots of particle effects.we might leave behind our mask though.

>>740181
>Keep the offensive effort up.
That's certainly better, but if we can squeeze out a bit more, it might be worth it.
Change the vote if you need a tiebraker though.

>>740181
>>Keep the offensive effort up.
bosses flip their shit when you hit their weak point

>>740181
>>Keep the offensive effort up.

>>740198
P much this. You can kinda mentally 'adjust' the effect before you do it- so if you want something like a massive short circuit with harmless lightning, or a giant light going off, or maybe just the old old school 'buncha explosions for no good reason', but you take what you brought with you unless it's no longer on your person. So yes, you'd be leaving the mask.

>>740181
>Keep the offensive effort up.
Squeeze 'em a bitsy more, makes the juice of victory sweeter. (for them)

To show it had an effect, we might want to destabilize the power of our blasts (some higher, more lower).

>>740181
>Make an offensive attack that's noticably weaker than previously
>go on the defensive.

>>740214
I have so many ideas I want to do for our exit but they're all kind of out of character for Miranda.

>Surrender as we fade away
>Beckon Ribbit over so we can tell her something
>whisper "Want to know what's really written on the tablet? It's actually just an alien love letter"
>fade away.

Or as Handler said, the old school 'buncha explosions for no good reason'.

>>740181
> let them smack you round a bit

Keep fighting. How far...

Writing.

>>740181

Alright, they’re getting the hang of it...you’re going to have to act desperate. Two Shygirls move in on you, and you dodge backwards, letting out a pair of weak blasts- they’re knocked back, but don’t fade away. Ribbit jumps in on you again, and you let her get a couple of kicks in- she clearly aims for the eye, but you keep one hand in front of it while you dodge, and deflect with the other hand; in a flash you stick a leg out and sweep her off her feet- then keep the spin going as Crystalline closes in. The leg impacts, and Crystalline is thrown off her feet, too. You toss another blast at Ruby, who’s charging behind her- only for it to impact the invisible wall of a Shygirl, who reappears as Ruby leaps and sails over her, aiming a punch straight for you- you back up a step, and prepare to launch a kick as a rebuttal, but a sudden splash of water in your face prevents that from happening, and provides Ruby the delay needed to suddenly leap up in your face, delivering a rising blow that connects flush with your chest- and your eye, pushing you backwards and convincing you to let out a yell of pain.

All four Shygirls, of all people, then stream past her, two of them grabbing onto your arms- at first you’re wondering what they’re doing- but then you realize that they’re keeping you moving backwards- and a third pair of hands then grabs you from behind, and falls back as you move with the intended motion. Suddenly, you feel a pair of feet press into you- and with an ‘Going up!’ from Ribbit, you’re launched into the air.

A stream of crystal bits soon follow, the velocity proving impressive as they attempt to dig into your skin- they DO sting a bit, still. As you hit your apex tumbling, however, you suddenly see a pink blur ROCKET up above you towards the ceiling- as Ruby pivots, actually has enough force to reach and tense against one of the girders- oh, you see what’s about to happen here.

cont.

>>740395
“RUBY METEOR!” Oh, hey, that wasn’t a bad-

OW. Her fist drives square into your chest, right into the third eye. With your energy channel aura long lost, you have to admit, she’s doing a very solid impression of a comet right now.

The part that meteors are partially famous for sucks for anyone on the receiving end, though.

Your teeth rattle on impact with the ground as your landing kicks up a massive dust cloud, and you do your absolute best to stop from wheezing. That one...okay. Credit where credit’s due. That one’s gonna leave a bruise for a while. No, yeah, that one hurt.

“Ngggggghhh….geehhh…” Geez. You can tell, she put her all into that one. She’s still her her fist buried in your sternum, and you can tell by how hard she’s panting and shaking that she isn’t keeping it there just to look cool. The rest of them dare not approach- they don’t know whether that did it or what. You can sense them standing stock still, and the dust cloud hasn’t entirely dissipated yet.

>Anything to say?
>Anything to do?
>Are you defeated?

>>740457
I think this is good they came together as a team to best us we should say something suitably hammy down on are knees clutching at our 3rd eye like
>no, I was so close
>chest rattling cough
>not like this
then we fade out or what ever the procedure is

>>740457
we should push them a little bit more. they must always have another plan if their finisher doesn't finishes the enemy.

>>740457
>Make an attempt to get back on our feet.
>"How? You were not supposed to be... this competent."
>Then fall. This seems like a good time to crash.

>>740457
backing this >>740482

>>740457
>We are defeated
We have to say something about the tablet though. Just in case it's ever translated, maybe mention something about a long lost lover?

it sounds bad suggesting it even, but we have to cover Lorraine's ass somehow

>>740457
>Anything to do?
one last powerful strike, a lesson for them to always keep something in reserve if their finisher isn't enough. then
>Are you defeated?
yes

>>740457
>Whisper/pained laugh so only ruby can hear: "All this. Over a terrible love letter... hehe"
>I guess... this is my loss.
>Use the last ounce of strength to push Ruby off us and stand up.
>Once the dust settles fall back, dissipating into motes of light

Can we half-stick around after our "defeat"? I kinda wanna see the reaction of everybody in the stadium.

>>740457
Shakily get up.
"No! I was promised more time!"
Give one last gasp of attacks, our body crackling with feedback energy. When they knock us down, mentally admit defeat and have our body wink out like a tv being turned off.

>>740526
Why would you say something so out of character in the end?

One last gasp.

Writing.

>>740457
I suppose we did tell her that we might bail after this fight.
U like some of the epithet suggestions but I don't want to say something that would make them sympathetic in case it causes then to hold back next time. They are going to think they liked us after all.
"I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!"

Maybe Sal can tell her about the tablet when he collects payment.

>>740526
Yea this would be an interesting way to go but like >>740538 said it really doesn't fit the character we've been playing for them.

>>740546
I think we finished the contract with 1 day to spare. Better to finish early than finish late if we're not being paid by the hour.

>>740538
Partially because that's what the tablet is, partially because I really want SOMEONE to know what's written on the tablet, partially because I don't think it'd get any support but I had been sitting on it for so long that I thought, "maybe people with think it's okay and given we're 'dying' it won't be too weird" and it's better to put the idea forward and have nobody like it (or have someone see it, and re-write it into a more IC one) than to just let it die in my head.

>>740559
You're not. This was lump sum on satisfaction by the client within a reasonable degree.

I dunno if that has a specific name.

As you try to keep your breathing shallow and your eyes closed, the dust clears. And suddenly gasps and cheers as they see Ruby, shakily standing up.

“WOOO! THAT’S MAH GIRL!”

“YOU DID IT, KIDS!”

“STUPENDOUS JOB, LADIES!”

“THAT’S THE WAY!”

Ruby, with effort, steps out of the small crater that was made on impact, and instantly you can hear the girls are around her, helping her, supporting her. All very well and good. Of course…

There’s one last lesson that you can give them. A rather important one, if you say so yourself. You stir; and they don’t hear you. Shame, that.

With a loud gasp, you raise yourself up, and stretch out a hand, and charge.

It’s Shygirl who sees it before anyone else, eyes widening. You let fire-

And the blast- a lot of sound and fury, but little heat- impacts against the giant force field as all of them cloister together instinctively. They all stare at you with astonishment as you make yourself look as shaky as possible. Then you drop to a knee. That was acceptable.

All things done, you consider yourself defeated.

“And to think...I was so close…” you rattle out as you start to ‘dissipate’ into streams and motes of light. Dying well was always hard. “My skills...were...insufficient after all…the tablet…”

You cough, a single, rattling wheeze of a thing. “...how...unfortunate…” And with a flash of light and a burst of pricks of light, you die.

--------------

And then you’re right back in front of Lorraine. She’s at a desk, doing paperwork, and didn’t seem to notice your sudden presence.

Kinda annoying, since she’s the only one that CAN.

> “Ahem.” Say nothing else.
> “They killed me. It was impressive for what they were earlier.”
> “I’m done here. Now as for my payment?”
> Other.

>>740622
>> “I’m done here. Now as for my payment?”

>>740622
>> “They killed me. It was impressive for what they were earlier.”

>>740622
>> “I’m done here. Now as for my payment?”

>>740622
>> “They killed me. It was impressive for what they were earlier.”

>>740622
>"Before I go, do you want to know what's written on the tablet?"

>>740622
>"Before I go, do you want to know what's written on the tablet?"

>>740661
>>740657
changing vote to this

>>740622
>> “They killed me. It was impressive for what they were earlier.”

>>740622
> “They killed me. It was impressive for what they were earlier.”
>"Before I go, do you want to know what's written on the tablet?"

>>740622
>"Before I go, do you want to know what's written on the tablet?"
Might as well explain to her about the alien smut.

>>740622
Changing >>740655 to this >>740657 >>740661

>>740622
>>"Before I go, do you want to know what's written on the tablet?"

Is it too out of character to tell her regardless of her response?

>>740622

So, you wanna hear something sad before I go?

Writing.

>>740622
>“They killed me. It was impressive for what they were earlier.”
Also >>740657

>>740622
Oy. “Hey.”

“WHA!” She nearly jumps out of her skin. “What the-! Oh...ohh….goodness, you nearly gave me a heart attack. How long have you been there?”

“Roughly a minute. They did very well,” you acknowledge. “So I’m here for my final payment.”

“Ah!” she quickly fumbles through her purse. “Right, yes, of course.” Soon, she pulls out a checkbook, and starts scribbling. “I suspect the girls will be back around sooner than later. You’d best be going before they come back. I have to admit, I’m surprised you made it all about that tablet, in the end. Although I suppose it did make perfect sense, when you think about it…”

OH YEAH. That reminds you.

As she quickly rips the check out and hands it towards you, you make the final decision. It might lower the value, but it’s too ridiculous to pass up. “Excuse me.” she looks up when she notices the change in your voice. “Would you like to know what’s ACTUALLY written on that tablet?”

Her eyes light up in amazement. Poor thing. “You mean you can actually read it!? Well- yes, yes, please do tell!”

You’d grin if you had a mouth. “Well, from what I recall…”

…
…

The expression on her face is like a slow-motion movie of ‘Someone going through the seven stages of grief. The way her expression delicately morphs from elated wonder to sheer disbelief to UTTER HORROR as you reveal words and knowledge not known for mortal ears or minds.

When you’re done, she’s staring into space, slack-jawed, and no longer standing. You pluck the check from her still-outstretched hand. “A pleasure doing business with you.” A ping, a confirm, and you’re gone.

Man, you need a long soak.

--------------

JOB COMPLETE

-PRIMARY SERVICE RENDERED- PRIMARY PAY DELIVERED IN FULL

-SECONDARY SERVICE RENDERED - BONUS PAY DELIVERED IN FULL

= TOTAL LOCAL CURRENCY TO MOTE EXCHANGE: ESTIMATED 9 MOTES (LARGE)


TOTAL CURRENT MOTES: 38

>>740807
Hey, we only asked, she's the one who said yes.

>...Hey, Jody?

>Huh? Yeah?

>...So...everything that happened over the week...

>...Yeah?

>We stopped someone from potentially causing a lot of problems, right? From what she was telling me when she kidnapped me...we defended the city...right?

>...Mmmm.

>Jody?

>...I'm just gonna believe we did, Max. Maybe next time...

>What?

>...Max. You ever thought about takin' a full time stab at this whole 'team leader' thing? I'm startin' to think that bein' a good talker and being a good leader are two really different things.

>>740842
Ah man I'm going to miss the little shits that was a fun job

>>740842

>Layla? You've hardly touched your soup.

>Ah, sorry mother. Just...thinking.

>Thinking about what?

>Things.

>Well, of course things, sweetheart. What KINDS of things?

>...Mom?

>Yes?

>Getting hurt sucks.

>I daresay it does, dear. But careful of your language.

>I think...I think I want to know how to stop people from being hurt. Like...is it too early for me to learn medical stuff?

>Oh! Well...perhaps so, if you mean what I think you mean...but I'm certain we could sign you up for CPR training and basic first aid training and the sort...that is, if you're serious about it, dear. Not that you probably don't know a bit already from your training, but...

>Yeah, mom. I'm pretty sure.

I wonder how much mental damage we managed to do to Lorraine by the end of this.

>>740842
>>740869
i just can't shake the feeling that this is like the end credits sequence from a "fast and furious" esque movie. hell, i can even hear wiz khalifa singing in the background.

>So yeah! Y'know, just a me n' you thing! Maybe we could go out to the water park, or hit a show, or something, and I know a bunch of places to eat that are really nice and-

>Uh...okay...?

>Aha, great! Trust me, you'll love it- and I can make up not...y'know, doing real good at what I said I'd do...

>Huh?

>I...y'know, I said I'd protect you- n' then I ran outta water, got kicked in the gut...

>Oh, Ren, please, don't...

>Sorry! I can't help it! I like you too much to not feel bad! ...!

>...Oh...wait, Ren...was...was this supposed to be a...are you a...?

>...uh, lookdon'tworryaboutitI

>NO. Ren, stay HERE.

>Yes.

>...you're really sweet, Ren. I...just...I'm not sure I'm LIKE that.

>...oh...yeah, no, I kinda figured, s'why I didn't just- I-I mean I figured we'd still be friends by the end of it, doesn't matte-

>REN. Please.

>No, no, I'm not gonna start bawling or anything, I knew it wasn't like-

>Ren, SHUT UP.

>...?

>...I said I'm not SURE. You...you're really sweet. Really, really sweet...and I know already you're special to me. So maybe...can you just give me time to figure it out?

>...Yeah, sure thing. I can do that.

>Thank you...ehe~

>...! Did you jus- hey! HEY! Don't disappear on me you- gaaaah. Welp. There go all the chips tonight.

>>740904
ah classic magical girl /u/

>>740904
Straight as rainbows.

>>740807
Heh. I love it.

>...and that's the story. It- the whole thing...was the setup.

>Ngggh...I kinda figgured. Don't much like you puttin' the girls in danger like that, miz.

>Indeed, dear. It was hasty, risky-

>And it worked. Cost me a lot of grey hairs, and I'm pretty sure I lost all sense at one point, but damnit, I feel like I can call myself justified.

>Justified in Jackknife's death, cowgirl? You sum kinda lawwoman now?

>THAT was unexpected, believe me. She got a bit crazy with that, and I DIDN'T sign off on it. Caused me a lot of stress, in fact.

>...Right. I ken believe that, I suppose.

>So then, why are all of us here? I barely did anything, myself. Just missed wrappin' the girl and that was about it.

>I know, right? I just fixed up the arena and sat on my bum.

>I was hoping to get a bit more gardening done today...

>You'll be fine, Ivy. This is just a debrief, right?

>...

>...Right?

>...Ladies, I think I need to show you why I had them go through this.

>...!

>...!

>...!

>...!

>...!

>...No way. He's dead as a doorknob.

>We SAW him perish. Not a visage I'll ever forget, to be certain.

>You're seeing spectres, Lori. Can't be him.

>...Iunno. Bodysize looks right.

>And those shadows are unnatural...when did you get this picture?

>Three weeks ago.

>...Well, dangit. I'd kinda rather you'd just lost your head than this. I don't like it, but that might've just cleared your ledgers. 'Cause if Smiles actually managed to claw his way outta the grave somehow...they're gonna need to grow up real quick-like.

OOO! Can we get a scene where Lorraine gets the tablet back from the kids?!

>Oh, right! Ms. Lorraine, here's the half of the tablet you asked for!

>...ah. Thank you, kids.

>...What's wrong? You seem like you'd rather not be touching it anymore. You found the bottom half, right?

>*sigh*...Yes, we have the full tablet now.

>So...you're not happy about it?

>I'm happy, Maxine, just...disappointed.

>Disappointed? In what?! Us?

>Oh, absolutely not, girls. I...suppose you could say I'm disappointed in LIFE.

>...?

>Just...I'll see you tomorrow, girls. I have to see about getting these parts back into the museum.

>Alright, if you're sure...later!

>...

>...

>...and they're going to go somewhere dull and very, very far out of the way this time.

>So...the new blood has properly stepped up to oppose the old guard...how interesting. I was curious what that thief was up to...shame she interrupted our plans with Jackknife so thoroughly. I was hoping to recruit her.

>Not to worry, boss. We have something else of interest for you?

>...Oh ho! Well, that's interesting...thought he was dead.

>...Orders, Mr. Crenshaw?

>...For now, we wait. If I know my old friend, he'll want to make his return rather...bombastic. I look forward to greeting him when he does. We have a great deal to catch up on...

>>741009
If only we could have told the Shining Hearts about our involvement. I'd have loved to see their faces react to the realization that they were defending smut from a long dead alien.

And thread's done. That's all, folks.

There will be a run tomorrow.

And it will be a bit...different than normal.

Hope you've done your homework!

>>741009
>>740977
Well, at least she's managed to bounce back well enough.

>>741034
Thanks for running boss!

>>741034
Thanks for running boss!

>>741034
thanks for running tons of fun as always

>>741034
later, boss

>>741034
Thanks for running.

Homework?! NO~!

I felt like I struggled harder at times during this one than the first mission. I'm glad everyone had fun, though!

>>741034
Oh boy.

>>741034
Goodnight Boss!

It begins.

IZUMI TIME

>>742179
>>742179
>>742179