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“So... are you going to use it?”

Ken's question burns into the back of you mind. A question you don't have a complete answer for yet. As you stare at the stone in your hands, you let out a sigh. “Hell if I know... if I have to, maybe. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I just don't know how much I can trust The Stranger...”

“Well, we've got these others backing his word up,” Ken shrugs. “I'm not saying they're any more trustworthy, but they definitely have less reason to lie to you, right?”

“I guess.”

The rest of the Demon Slayers have returned to the land of the living, as it were. The tattoo guy, the blond, the doctor, the mute... you should really start learning their names better. Either way, it's good to know that you've got the heavy hitters needed to take down Yami once and for all.

“I feel it's best that the weaker amongst you return to whence you came,” Miyoko explains. “You regular humans will prove no match against Yami, and it's best you moved to a safe place.”

“Not a chance,” Kazuma mutters. “There's no way I'm going to take a step back after coming this far.”

“Maybe she's got a point,” the merchant girl, Io, replies. “I don't think we could do much to Yami, even if we tried. Maybe it's best to leave this to the big guns.”

Kazuma shakes his head. “Io, I'm not going to let myself get shown up by them. I'm going, and I'm going to help take Yami down... you should go, though. Stay safe with the others.”

Io lets out a sigh. “If you think so...” she reaches out and places her hand gently on Kazuma's arm. “Good luck. Don't be late for that dinner, okay?”

She smiles and winks as she skips back towards the exit with the others.

“Get a room already,” you snark, causing Kazuma to frantically shake his head.

“Are you going to say that crap for every girl I talk to?” he fires back. “We're just friends.”

“Ah, I remember saying that one a lot,” you chuckle. “So, any of my class planning to be dumb and try to fight Yami? I'm looking at you two.”

As you glance over at Akio and Rei, as Akio lets out a chuckle. “Heh, you know me too well, Ryoji... but I'm still not that dumb. Using the Deep Impact took a lot out of me, and I'm not going to be ready enough to fight Yami.”

“Same goes for me...” Rei sighs. “I'm exhausted.”

“Never stopped you before,” you remark.

Rei nods. “Yeah, but when I left I promised Isamu I wouldn't push myself beyond my limits... I plan on keeping that promise.”

You nod. “Good to know my friends have more sense than Kazuma he-”

“I'm going,” Ken states.

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You pause. “What? Why?”

Ken shakes his head. “Why else, Ryoji? I'm still ready to go, and I... I need to see this Yami be brought to justice. Besides, I promised Saki that I'd bring you back to her safely. It would be wrong of me to walk away at the finish line.”

“Ken, come on,” you sigh. “Don't be stupid. Think about Nanami, how would she feel if something bad happened to you?”

Ken sighs. “I'm doing this for her as well. I have to stop Yami. I want Nanami, you, everyone to be safe from people like him.”

“Ken, think this through-”

“Sorry pal,” Ken smiles. “Like it or not, I'm with you until the end.”

Ken places his hand on you shoulder and smiles, causing you to let out a sigh. “Dammit... you're lucky you're my best friend, otherwise I'd kick your ass for being such a dumbass.”

“Well then, it's settled!” Miyoko smiles. “Together with The Stranger and the two angels, we shall defeat The Darkness!”

As you begin to walk down the dark hallway, the final march towards Yami, Kazuma turns to the mute girl Omitsu.

“I have to say, you were pretty impressive,” he notes. “That blast was so insanely powerful.”

Omitsu doesn't answer, but instead nervously looks down as she shuffles along.

“She's embarrassed, but flattered,” the tattoo guy, Soshu, answers. “Not like she can perform an attack like that whenever she wants. It drains all the energy from her and renders her unconscious.”

“Your powers aren't anything to scoff at, either,” Kazuma replies. “Summoning beast, creating walls...”

“And I have more talent with a sword than you do, I'm sure,” Soshu replies.

“What about me?” the cheerful blonde asks. “I can whack at the bad guys with my scythe pretty well! I can be a little clumsy, but I can also fling this thing from range and have it come back to me!”

“Like a boomerang?” Kazuma asks.

“Yeah!” Nishi replies. “Whatever that is!”

“Let me guess,” you say to Nari, the one in the lab coat. “You're a healer?”

“I have no idea how you could come to such a conclusion,” Nari replies in a bored tone, “But yes, I am.”

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“You're a mystery, though...” Kazuma says to Miyoko.

“Oh, thank you very much!” Miyoko replies. “I certainly try to keep a certain air of-”

“Wasn't a compliment,” Kazuma sighs. “More an invitation for you to tell me what it is you do.”

“I'm a thinker,” Miyoko simply replies. “As such, I am capable of developing strategies that benefit the others. I can also defend with shields of energy, and do battle with blast of energy, though neither are quite so elegant as a game of wits, wouldn't you agree?”

“Yeah, I'm sure Yami will turn himself in if we beat him at chess,” you sigh.

As your group makes it to the end of the hallway, you are met with two paths, labelled with two signs pointing in each direction. One labelled “Life”, the other labelled “Death”.

“What the hell is this?” you ask.

“The place is formed from Yami's mind,” Ken replies. “So who knows? In case you haven't noticed, Yami's kind of a messed up guy.”

“Life sounds like the least threatening,” Kazuma mutters. “Which makes me think it could be a trap. Let's take the 'Death' route.”

“Are you so certain that it is a trick?” Miyoko asks. “After all, this place is bred from Yami's own thoughts. If there is any place where you can expect to find complete honesty, it's within the mind. Your own deepest thoughts are not designed to trick you. I feel we should trust the signs for what they say and take the other route.”

Seems there's some discussion here, as you'd expect from a group made up of three people who are used to leading. With Miyoko and Kazuma at a disagreement, it likely falls to you to break the tie between them.

>Life
>Death

>>845934
>Life

Death will be full of all the people yam-man killed, I'm not eager to see that.

>>845934
>Life
Hoo boy. This will be a trip and a half. I am inclined to expect no trap in the life section. Based on the little evidence from Yami's monsters. I figure he's more scared of death.

Also damn it Ken. Your justice senses are way too strong. But hearing Miyoko suggest that you are an angel gives me some hope.

>>845934
>Life

>>845934
>>Death
What could possibly go wrong? When has Kaz ever been wrong?

>>845934
>>Life
If for no other reason then to fuck with Kaz

>>845934
>Life
Lets trust in the judgement of the smartest person around.

>>845934
>Death
Death seems like a much more interesting and philosophical path to take. Also life is a trap. But, if death involves killing monsters, at least we get some sweet EXP.

Also, reminder that Nishi controls death. Or, at least, the Reaper, which is close enough.

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>Life

"Let's take the life route," you reply. "Might be a trap, might not. But we're not going to get anywhere if we spend all day debating about it."

Kazuma sighs. "I guess you've got a point. Alright then..."

You lead the group forward down the life path, which brings you out into what appears to be a small meadow.

"Where the hell are we now?" you ask.

As you do, you catch the sight of a small black-haired boy running along with a brown shaggy dog. The boy is laughing as he tosses a stick for the dog to catch and bring back to him, hunkering down to scratch the dogs ears as he does. "Good boy, Basuta!" the kid laughs, as the dog licks his face.

"It seems we're inside another one of Yami's memories," Miyoko replies.

"No way," Kazuma mutters. "This place in nowhere near distorted or freaky or dangerous enough."

Miyoko smiles. "Perhaps Yami isn't consciously creating these areas himself. After all, he has went through a great deal of effort to hold us back so far... perhaps his thoughts have begun to spiral out of control, perhaps the Darkness is eating away at him further, and in his panicking state, has allowed all of his most prominent memories to come to the forefront. Nothing here can hurt us, they are simply his wild imaginings coming to life, giving us a glimpse into who Yami truly is... as far as obstacles go, this is more a simple fence than the chasms of lava he has presented us with before."

"So you're saying Yami is weaker now?" you ask.

Miyoko shakes her head. "Not necessarily. His creations, the projections of his mind have become weaker, but this may mean that when we encounter him at the end of this winding tunnel, he may be even stronger than we thought. I feel that Yami is beginning to struggle as the host of The Darkness."

The kid continues to scratch the dog behind the ears, before hugging it. "Ah, you're the best buddy a kid could ask for. I mean... when dad first got you, after the whole Chari incident... I didn't think you could replace him. Chari was a pretty good mutt, but you're great too! And don't worry, I only wanted to see what was inside Chari, you know? What made him alive... I didn't know that if I took that stuff out... anyway, I know what made him tick now, so I don't have to do it to you! Let's play some more!"

The boy, assumedly Yami, tosses the stick for the dog to chase once more. As he does, he places a finger to his chin. "Then again... you and Chari are different breeds... maybe it works different in there?"

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The memory begins to fade away, as Ken scratches the back of his head. "Geez... he couldn't have been older than seven there..."

"Some psychopaths get an early start," Soshu mutters. "In fact, most do."

"Still..." Ken sighs. "Poor guy started out messed up... and it all went downhill from there, huh?"

"Let's not focus on Yami's childhood," you reply. "Let's just focus on the now, and keep moving. We'll have time to feel bad for the violent murdering psychopath later."

A door appears in the centre of the field, which you open up to reveal another tunnel. Pressing on, Kazuma turns his head towards Miyoko. "So... about that whole angel thing..."

"Yes?"

"You mentioned the angels had titles, right?" Kazuma asks. "I was thinking... I've read some vague prophecies, heard some others, and the names in them sound almost like titles... hell, when we first met, you asked me something about an... avatar of Artemis? Is that was this is about?"

Miyoko nods. "Indeed, I'm sure you've heard the names float around... after all, the titles are a part of each and every one of your destinies. The Avatar of Artemis, The Young Dragon, The Shadow of a Shadow, The Spirit of Justice-"

"The spirit of what?" Ken asks, spinning his head back.

"Oh, apologies!" Miyoko chuckles. "Had you not heard that one before?"

"No, it's just..." Ken mutters. "That one sounds... right..."

As Ken thinks to himself, you come to the end of yet another hallway branching off. One direction labelled "Mother", the other "Harpy".

"Different facets of Yami's mind," Miyoko explains. "A glimpse into Yami's perspective."

You let out a sigh. It's usually easier when you know as little as possible about the bad guy. You like it better that way.

>Mother
>Harpy

>>846017
>>Mother
Again, lets go with the one that sounds less dangerous.

Also, calm your justice boner Ken, you are pitching a tent.

>>846017
>>Harpy
I will not back down here.

>>846017
>>Mother

>>846017
I imagine this is his mother and his step-mother
>mother

>>846017
>Mother
We have seen the harpy, somewhat. Lets see what happens here.

>>846029
You may be on to something here.

>>846017
>Mother
If this path shows him ripping open his mum to see how females work, then I will rage.

>>846034

It could be just some innocent incest/guro/NTR scene

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>Mother

Kazuma nods. "Yeah, I think that one's for the better. I fought the Harpy thing he made before... wouldn't recommend it."

"I heavily doubt we'll have to fight anything," Miyoko explains. "But it seems that we could get a glimpse into the aspect of Yami's mind that lead to his creation of the Harpy creature. No matter, we shall take the 'mother' route as The Stranger suggests. It will likely be a happier memory."

"Don't call me that," you mutter, as you press down the path regardless. The group comes out on the other end of a rather large living room, with the young Yami sitting on the couch, playing a video-game. Soon, a brown haired lady in a blue dress steps into the room.

"You be good to the babysitter, okay?" the woman smiles.

Yami pauses the game and turns to his mother. "Babysitter? Wait, where are you going?"

"I'm just going out for the night with your father," the woman explains. "Don't worry sweetie, I'll be back before your bedtime to tuck you in!"

"But mom, I hate the babysitter!" Yami protests. "She's ugly and fat! Please, let me come too!"

"I'm sorry Yami, this is a parent's night out."

In a flash, Yami rushes over and clings to his mother's leg. "No! Please don't go! I want you to stay!"

"Oh Yami, you know your father and I only get one night of a-"

"I don't care!" Yami yells. "You're here for me! You have to stay for me!"

The woman playfully ruffles the crying Yami's hair as she motions towards the door. "It's okay Yami... I'll be back soon. Promise."

Before long, the memory fades away and is soon replaced by a graveyard... many are gathered, with Yami standing up front with a man covered in bandages.

"She didn't keep her promise..." the little boy mutters. "She said she'd..."

"Don't cry son," the man mutters. "She wouldn't want you to cry."

"Who cares what she wants?" Yami cries. "Couldn't even keep her promise... it's her own fault..."

The young Yami tries fruitlessly to wipe away his streaming tears as the memory fades once more and another tunnel is revealed.

"Damn..." Ken mutters. "That's rough to watch."

"I know, right?" Utako replies. "Dammit... kid's crying is the one thing that sets me off!"

"In a weird way, that reminds me..." Ken says as he turns his attention to you. "How was meeting your parents? There hasn't really been a good time to ask..."

>It was amazing. Saki and I had a great time.
>It was weird. I was very uncomfortable for most of it.
>I'll tell you all about it later.

>>846086
>I'll tell you all about it later.
>Brofist Ken
damn it Ken now is not the time for this

>>846086
>>I'll tell you all about it later.
Ken please don't try to set up more death flags for us.

>>846095
Voting for this, lets test Ken's plot armor against a couple of death flags.

>>846086
>It was weird. But in the end, we had a great time. I'll tell you more about it later.

>>846086
>>846095
>>846099
This

>>846086
>It was some mixture of amazing and weird, but I'll tell you all about it later.

>>846095
Yep this one

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>I'll tell you all about it later.
>Brofist Ken

You smile as you bump fists with Ken.

"Okay, I'll take that as a good thing," Ken laughs. "I can learn more when we're in a more appropriate setting."

"Interesting..." Miyoko mutters. "May you show me that technique of yours?"

"Our what now?" you ask, raising an eyebrow.

"The technique you just performed," Miyoko explains. "Was that some sort of friendship ritual?"

"You mean bumping fists?" Kazuma asks. "That's all they did... and I guess you can call it a friendship ritual."

"I see... can you show it to me?" Miyoko asks.

"Now isn't a good time," Kazuma explains.

Utako shrugs. "You'll have to forgive her, she's old."

"Aren't you old too?" you ask.

"Nowhere near as close!" Utako snaps. "I'll have you know I'm the third youngest here, and Miyoko is ancient!"

"Whatever, let's just move on..." you sigh, as the group continue down the tunnel.

Ken sighs. "You know, I don't like learning this stuff about Yami... it makes him feel more... human. A messed up human sure... but I liked it better when he was just a mindless monster. But I guess that would be letting myself be blinded with hate for the guy..."

You reach the end of the tunnel to discover the next cross-roads, the signs on this one reading "Lover" and "Succubus".

"Another one of his creations..." Ken mutters. "Remember, right before Kosuke and Rini's wedding?"

"How could I forget?" you ask. "That thing gave me some horrible vision I'll never forget..."

"So... which one are we taking this time?" Kazuma asks.

"Glad to see you've recognised your senpai as leader," you smirk.

"I wasn't asking you!" Kazuma yells. "It was just... a general question!"

>Lover
>Succubus

>>846141
>>Succubus

>>846141
>Lover

>>846141
>>Succubus
Where do you think we are?

>>846141
>>Lover

>>846141
>>Lover
I aint in the mood for casual fucking, also i want to see yami suffer in the past again

>>846141
>Lover
MORE HUMANITY, MORE HUMAN EMOTIONS

>>846141
>>Succubus

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>Lover

"I think we're better off sticking to the left side," you explain. "The positive memories are messed up enough, I really don't want to see the negative ones."

"Agreed," Ken replies, as you make your way down the corridor. As you do, you find yourself in what appears to be a cramped and messy apartment, containing a single bed, with two people lying under the covers.

"Heh, I like where this one is going!" Utako chuckles.

Miyoko wags a finger in front of Utako's face. "Calm down, there really is no need to be so perverted!"

Utako smirks. "Eh, you're just saying that 'cause you've never tried it! After this is done, you should find yourself some quiet time with one of these guys and really go at it!"

Miyoko smiles charmingly as she shakes her head. "Why would I ever do something like that? What could I possibly learn?"

"Heh, you have no idea!" Utako chuckles. "I'm sure Kazuma here's got some tricks up his sleeve!"

"I really don't," Kazuma mutters. "Now shut up."

The bed covers stir, as a young woman rises out of them, throwing a shirt over herself before addressing her sleeping companion. "Hey, rise and shine, sleepyhead."

You hear a groan from beneath the covers as Yami pops his head up. "Ugh... already? Come on, just five more minutes."

The girl smiles as she drags him into a seated position. "Come on, you promised to meet my friends for coffee."

"Dammit, I hate your hippie friends..."

"Hey, I'm one of those hippies!" the girl laughs. "Come on, you promised..."

"Alright, alright..." Yami sighs. "Once again, I prove to be the most amazing and caring boyfriend on the planet. Can't wait to hear them drone on about politics and world leaders and nod my head along like a give a crap about that stuff..."

"That's the spirit!" the girl smiles.

"I'm just so damn tired..."

"But you got a good night's sleep, right?" the girl asks. "I made sure you were in bed by eight... and after some fooling around, you were asleep by ten!"

"I kept waking up..." Yami mutters. "The nightmares again... I didn't want to wake you this time just so you could comfort me..."

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The girl's eyes dart down, as she sits back on the edge of the bed, beginning to stroke Yami's hair. "Oh... it's okay, baby... we don't have to go if you don't want to..."

"Thanks..."

"And..." she begins. "If you ever feel like... telling me what your nightmares are..."

"No..." Yami shuts her down. "I... I've done some terrible things..."

The girl nods as she rests Yami's head on her chest, holding him close until the memory fades away.

"Wow..." Ken mutters. "I wonder what happened to her."

"Something tells me the other path would have answered that question," Soshu explains. "You probably wouldn't have wanted to see it."

"He was lucky to have someone like that in his life..." Ken mutters. "When we get back... I'm gonna take Nanami out for a nice night."

"Ditto for me and Sak," you reply. "Now, let's get moving."

The group continues down the now opened pathway, arriving at the new crossroads... "Father" and "Orc" emblazoned on the signs respectively.

"Which one this time?" Ken asks.

>Father
>Orc

>>846229
>Orc

I just have a hunch.

>>846229
>>Father
LEFT SIDE BEST SIDE

>>846229
>>Orc
He had a waifu, how could his life be so shit?

>>846229
>>Father
Fucking seriously Ken?
Just grab a knife and slit your own throat to makie it easier.

>>846229
>>Father

There's always a tradeoff, guys. I'm worried that by avoiding fights or the negative issues now, the fight with Yami will be made that much harder.

>>846229
>Orc

>>846229
>Father
Let's go best pop. Reminder that he only ever wanted his son to be a good man.

>>846229
>Orc

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>846236
>>846240
>>846258
>>846272
>Orc

>>846238
>>846241
>>846245
>>846259
>Father

Rolling to break the tie

So I guess no more happy memories.

>>846283
Well I wouldn't say what we've seen so far could exactly be considered happy memories, except maybe Yami enjoying disemboweling dogs. Maybe the happiest days of his life have been playtime with orcs?

>>846289
I mean he was obviously a psycopath since his early years but all of the past memories showed people he cared about, the other side is probably the same except when everything went wrong and caused him to hate them and spawn the monster we fought before.
I doubt we are going to be fighting on this side.

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>Orc

"You're gonna take a chance on this one?" Kazuma asks.

You shrug. "Yeah, I mean we've been playing it safe so far... I want to see what lies on the other side."

Kaz nods as the group make their way down the right path of the corridor. As you walk down, you find yourself standing on a street corner, as you see Yami pushing around an older man confined to a wheelchair.

"Take this way," the man mutters in a raspy voice, as Yami crosses the street with him. "Hey, not that way you clod! Dammit Yami, do you even listen sometimes?"

"No... dad..." Yami answers, his eyes lifeless with bags under them.

His father huffs. "No wonder that girl left you. You have to learn to listen son. Not just caught up in your own world..."

"Whatever..." Yami sighs. "There's a sushi place near here. We can eat there."

"Sushi?" the man mumbles. "You idiot, you know I can't eat that! Doesn't go down my throat right!"

"Sorry..."

"You should be! I swear Yami, you never learned anything in those schools we sent you to! Not even your mother could talk some common sense into your thick skull."

"Don't talk about her..." Yami mutters.

"Or what?" his father asks. "She was my wife, I can bring her name up all I like!"

"You re-married..."

"So?" his father continues. "I swear, I'll never understand you, Yami. You've always been a pain in my... oh for god's sake, where have you taken me now! You're lost aren't you!"

Yami appears to have wheeled his father into a dark alley with a dead end. "I'm not lost at all."

His father turns his head back to him and grunts. "Oh, of course not. You're never wrong, are you son? Freakin' idiot. Even when you're helping, you're no good. I don't even know why I invited you back-"

Before you know it, Yami is dipping the chair over, causing his father to fall out face first onto the hard floor. Nishi lets out an audible gasp as she sees it.

"What the hell?!" his father yells, but Yami doesn't reply. Instead, he angrily smashes the wheelchair with carious stomps.

"Right..." his father sighs. "You're just gonna leave me here, right? Come on, you don't have the guts to-"

"You wouldn't be the first," Yami replies coldly.

Yami's father's eyes widen. "Son... you can't. I'll... I'll die..."

"Good."

Yami turns away and abandons his father, destined to freeze to death in the dead of night, as the memory fades away.

"Damn..." Kazuma mutters. "Yami was..."

>He was a monster
>He was very troubled
>It doesn't matter what he was. Right now, he's a demon.

>>846323
>Whatever he was he's beyond help now

>>846323
>>He was very troubled
>>but, Right now, he's a demon.

>>846323
>He was very troubled

>>846323
>He was very troubled
;~; why booker

>>846323
>It doesn't matter what he was. Right now, he's a demon.

>>846323
>>It doesn't matter what he was. Right now, he's a demon.

>>846323
>>He was very troubled

We could have had some father-bonding scenes but instead we had this. So yeah, no exp until the mid-boss or final boss fight.

>>846323
>>It doesn't matter what he was. Right now, he's a demon.
he was fucked up from both sides

>>846323
>He was very troubled

Alright.
So, I guess the negative corridors will show how Yami killed off the various people that became components for his monsters. As for Death in the first split, I assume that would show /how/ Yami 'died'.

>>846350
;~; b-but anon...

>>846361
Now that sounds like I would have been intersting.

>>846363
no buts
im sure even without a achdemon helping him im sure he would have just become a killer anyways
there wasnt realy any way to save this kid

It's a tie, so combining the answers. Calling for

>He was very troubled, but that doesn't matter. Right now, he's a demon.

There'll be about a 20 minute delay on the next update.

Back. Writing now.

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>He was very troubled, but that doesn't matter. Right now, he's a demon.

Ken nods. "I suppose you're right... after all, this stuff we're seeing is all from his past, before he accepted The Darkness... none of this matters anymore. We aren't even fighting the Yami we see here, this guy's just the host for an Archdemon. That's our enemy."

Omitsu nods in agreement, and charges ahead of the group to your surprise.

"What's up her ass?" you ask.

"She cares even less for demons than the rest of us do," Miyoko explains. "I have no idea why. It's quite easy to be secretive when you are unable to speak."

The rest of you press on down the now present corridor at the end of the alleyway. You continue to walk down it, and it's soon that you realise there is no crossroads at the end of this one. It's all one big path... as you look to your side, you see two signs on opposite ends of the walls, yet pointing in the same direction... the only direction. They read "Angel" and "Demon", and you know Yami lies at the end of this path.

You press on, and find the corridor ending in a wide open room... a very red room at that. Maybe a little more pink than red, but between the roof, the floor, the curtains... there's certainly one prevailing colour.

"It's reminiscent of the womb..." Nari mumbles. "Very interesting..."

In the centre of the room lies Yami... not at all as you expected him. Shivering, cowering in the centre, his face planted into the earth... the cocky and smug demeanour of the man is gone.

"They were so good to me..." Yami mutters. "All of them."

You take a step closer as Yami continues to whine. "That dog was nice... all of them were nice... but I was just a kid. I couldn't understand... my mother loved me so much... my stepmother couldn't hold a candle, but she tried... she really tried her best to love me. Etsuko... she was my everything. I loved her so much, and she loved me back... but I couldn't see that. I was so focused on seeing the worst, thinking the worst of others... I didn't kill her. She was the only person I couldn't. She's still alive somewhere... I hope. And I certainly hope she never meets me again. My father... he did his best. Even when he was rude, impatient... the whole time he was trying to bring out the best in me. And I killed him. I killed the one last person in my life who still held any love for me... I really am a monster."

"You can fight The Darkness within you," Miyoko explains. "It's never to late to change yourself. We were all monsters too once... we've developed a method..."

"None of that shit matters," Yami groans. "There's no hope for me."

>Yes there is.
>Then kill yourself.
>Then turn yourself in.

>>846494
>There is if you try

>>846494
>>Yes there is.
Warm the dice for some Charisma rolls lads, we negotiate now.

>>846494
>>Then kill yourself.
Fuck this guy.

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Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>846494
>Yes there is.
Fuck it, warming up the 1's.

>>846494
>Yes there is.
Get ready for some fun.

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>846508
Rolling for nat 1

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>846494
>Yes there is.
>>846512
wew lad step up that game

>>846494
>>Then kill yourself.

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>846512
Almost there, just a bit more.

>>846526
>>846512
huh, impressive

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>846512
>>846526
You call that a Nat 1?
THIS is a Nat 1.

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>846534
Now we're going places Anon. Nat 100 to steal all the good luck now.

Calling for
>Yes there is
Roll 1D100 please, Best of 3.

>>846534
there goes the roll that could have saved Ken.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>846538
Okay.

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>846538

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>846538

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>846538

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>846538
Oh shit
>>846541
Lewd diplomacy
>>846544
New party member The Darkness

Probably wont pass now just rolling for fun

File: Yami07.jpg (251 KB, 780x688)

251 KB JPG

>Rolled 97

"There.. is?" Yami asks. "No... no, that's stupid..."

"It's true," you reply. "There's a chance for everyone. There's no excusing what you've done in the past, but that doesn't mean you have to let yourself sink even further in the future."

"Come on, there's no chance... you saw all the shit I did, right?"

You shake your head. "What would your father say if he could see you like this? What would Etsuko say?"

"I..." Yami mutters, his eyes widening. "You're right... I shouldn't fight... I should face justice for my crimes and..."

"Good..." Ken smiles. "You're doing the right thing-"

"-But The Darkness doesn't want that," Yami mutters. "And... I can't fight it... GAH!"

Yami begins to scream, as he finds his body being covered in dark goo, enveloping him. Soon, he grabs the chainsaw blade lying by his side, as the dark energy overtakes it as well, lengthening it and transforming it into a corrupted and jagged blade. The demon stands up, as even with the darkness enveloping, you see the cocky smirk return to his face. "Glad I could push all those whiny thoughts back..." The Darkness chuckles. "And here I thought my host was a stone cold killer! I guess even the best of you humans still can't help but feel all that pathetic regret. Well... here I am, in my best form imaginable!"

"You're The Darkness, huh?" you ask.

"Damn straight!" Yami's now distorted voice calls out. "About time we had a proper face-to-face! My host was co-operating well until the end there, but nothing beats the personal touch!"

Kaz steps forward and calls out to The Darkness. "So you're one of those twelve demons, right? What are the others-"

"Who said you could ask questions?" The Darkness laughs. "I'm the one asking questions here! And I've got one hell of a question for you kids... are you ready to die?"

You ready your gauntlet. Yami may have begun to feel regret, but you'll still have to fight your way through his Archdemon to get him back to that place.

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 57/57
>Ken: 48/48
>Kazuma: 75/75
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 102/102
>Nishi: 90/90
>Nari: 100/100
>Soshu: 98/98
>Omitsu: 87/87

>[SELECT AN ACTION FOR EACH CHARACTER]
>Ryoji
>Ken
>Kazuma
>Miyoko
>Utako
>Nishi
>Nari
>Soshu
>Omitsu

>[BASIC SAMPLE PLANS]
>All Out-Attack
>Stronger characters attack, others defend

>>846637
>And I've got one hell of a question for you kids... are you ready to die?"
This guy is cool can we keep him?

>All Out-Attack

>>846637
>Ryoji
Wait for the others to strike, then sucker punch The Darkness while he's distracted
>Ken
Flank The Darkness' left
>Kazuma
Flank the Darkness' right
>Miyoko
Try to formulate a plan of attack.
>Utako
Take the lead and tank, slicing at him with your cutlass
>Nishi
Boomerang Sycthe
>Nari
Stand at the back and prepare to heal, take a shot at The Darkness if there is a ranged attack possible.
>Soshu
Summon ink blot monsters to help with the attack
>Omitsu
Use you mental power to try and crush the darkness/pin him.

>>846637

OK new characters and we just know the bare minimun about their skills so lets see.

>Ryoji
No Saki to feed turns so for now try to shoot rockets and give openings to the rest of the group
>Ken
He is the most vulnerable but his +15 shouldnt be wasted so frontlines it is, try to disarm him or make him loose balance with your staff, aim for the legs and arms
>Kazuma
You are alright, frontlines and atttack
>Miyoko
Provide shields to the frontlines, if she can't multitarget then just to Utako for now
>Utako
You are the tank go face and stay face, make him focus you-
>Nishi
Frontlines and attack, help Ken to keep the boss unbalanced
>Nari
Standby and defend for now
>Soshu
Try to use your ink to bind him and limit his movements
>Omitsu
Frontlines attack.

>>846637
>Ryoji
Firework in the face, try to blind him.
>Ken
Attack any limbs to slow him down.
>Kazuma
Attack directly with Omitsu.
>Miyoko
Stay back and see if he has any weaknesses to exploit.
>Utako
Hang back and cannonball him.
>Nishi
Use her boomerang attack from range.
>Nari
Stay back and prepare to heal.
>Soshu
Make an ink tiger to distract him.
>Omitsu
Attack directly with Kazuma.

>>846666
Gonna change my vote for this. I didn't think about Omitsu Psychic attacks and Soshu sounds better doing summoning things.

Calling for
>>Ryoji
>Wait for the others to strike, then sucker punch The Darkness while he's distracted
>>Ken
>Flank The Darkness' left
>>Kazuma
>Flank the Darkness' right
>>Miyoko
>Try to formulate a plan of attack.
>>Utako
>Take the lead and tank, slicing at him with your cutlass
>>Nishi
>Boomerang Sycthe
>>Nari
>Stand at the back and prepare to heal, take a shot at The Darkness if there is a ranged attack possible.
>>Soshu
>Summon ink blot monsters to help with the attack
>>Omitsu
>Use you mental power to try and crush the darkness/pin him.

Roll 7D100, Best of 3

Rolled 41, 73, 21, 80, 4, 20, 81 = 320 (7d100)

>>846730
Here we go boys and girls.

Rolled 15, 15, 55, 65, 81, 26, 30 = 287 (7d100)

>>846730
DICE GODS BLESS MY ROLL

Rolled 45, 64, 46, 19, 54, 60, 29 = 317 (7d100)

>>846730

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>846730
Roll dices roll

Rolled 33, 100, 52, 100, 88, 65, 77 = 515 (7d100)

>>846730
hrlp

>>846741
Disregard I suck dicks
>>846742
FUUUUUU

>>846733
>>846735
>>846739

>Ryoji 45
>Ken 73
>Kazuma 55
>Utako 80
>Nishi 81
>Soshu 60
>Omitsu 81

Well, lets see what bonuses will do for our heroes. There are a lot of them.

>>846742
That is tragic...

File: Soshu14.png (1.13 MB, 850x850)

1.13 MB PNG

>Ryoji: 45 +19
>Ken: 73 +23
>Kazuma: 55 +18
>Utako: 80 +12
>Nishi: 81 +11
>Nari: 60 +12
>Omitsu: 81 +11

"Interesting..." Miyoko mutters.

"What?" you ask.

"His entire body seems to be surrounded in that dark energy, but is seems to be dripping off of him," she explain. "As such, it's incredibly likely that we would be able to remove the coating with sheer force, causing him to become more vulnerable."

"So what you're saying is the best plan would be to beat the crap out of him and not stop beating the crap out of him until he gives?"

"Easier said than done," Miyoko adds. "After all, he is incredibly powerful and dexterous. Landing a single attack on him would require tremendous effort... but yes, that is essentially the plan."

"Sounds like my kind of plan," you smirk as you move into action.

Ken and Kazuma rush ahead, always eager to fight demons. Ken attacks from the left, coming in hard with a strike from his rod into the side of Yami. It connects perfectly, but Ken doesn't seem to have done much damage to the guy at all... it'll take a lot of whittling away before you begin to see any kind of effect. Kaz comes in from the right hand side with a slash, but The Darkness is easily able to move out of the way.

Utako charges forward, attacking The Darkness head-on with her cutlass, slashing along the chest of The Darkness before taking a quick leap back before Yami can counter-attack. The Darkness is soon also hit by a spinning scythe from Nishi, as the long weapon makes its way back to her hand as she stands at a safe distance away from Yami.

In the back of the group, the doctor Nari pulls out a bunch of syringes from her lap coat, which she fires at Yami like throwing knives, but to no avail, as Yami deftly dodges each one... however, he is soon blasted by some psychic energy from Omitsu, sending him flying back.

"I see..." Darkness chuckles. "It's The Light... my old counterpart... or at least, the host. You're going to regret removing your demon, young lady! I'll show you how big a mistake that was!"

Soshi holds out his arm and summons three ink tigers. "They'll attack him no matter what," Soshu explains, "So don't bother barking orders at them. They aren't very strong, but they can keep him busy."

Darkness cracks his knuckles as he readies his attack, springing forward with his sword towards the person in his immediate sights... Utako.

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 57/57
>Ken: 48/48
>Kazuma: 75/75
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 102/102
>Nishi: 90/90
>Nari: 100/100
>Soshu: 98/98
>Ink Tigers: 30/30 (10hp each)
>Omitsu: 87/87

>[DEFENSIVE ROLL. ROLL 1D100, BO3]

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>846827
TANK!

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>846827

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>846827
DOOOOODGEEE

>>846834
>>846848
>>846855

87, looks like she's dodged that one.

File: Utako09.png (420 KB, 850x566)

420 KB PNG

>Rolled 87 +6

The Darkness leaps forward with his blade and gives a mighty swing, but Utako is quick to duck under it. Darkness slashes downwards again, as Utako leaps to the side, dodging once more. Darkness continues his onslaught of attacks, with Utako narrowly moving out of the way with every swipe, both figures moving at incredible speeds.

"Impressive work from the former Dread," Darkness remarks. "Looks like you made the best of it when you poisoned yourself."

"Damn, you talk too much," Utako grumbles. "If you wanna fight, fight! Don't talk my ear off!"

"Good point," Darkness replies. "I will fight!"

As Kazuma comes running towards Darkness with his katana drawn, Darkness spins around once more, holding the palm of his hand out as a dark stream of energy makes it's way towards Kazuma.

Dammit... he moves fast, fast enough that he could target another person for an attack before you even had time to do anything. If he keeps this up, you'll be in trouble soon.

>[DEFENSIVE ROLL. ROLL 1D100, BO3]

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>846887
Oh dear.

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>846887
Time to impress Senpai Kazuma.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>846887

>>846889
>>846891
>>846895
Kaz says..."Nah man."

>>846889
>Senpai status: Not impressed [ ] Impressed [X]

File: Kazuma11.jpg (113 KB, 850x667)

113 KB JPG

>Rolled 97 +4

The stream of energy makes its way towards Kazuma, hurtling at tremendous speed, but Kazuma is quick to react, leaping high over the beam, and trying to take a slash at Darkness as he somersaults over him. Yami is able to dodge out of the way of Kazuma's attack, but still... colour you impressed.

"You're a slippery bunch, aren't you?" Darkness laughs. "No matter, I've got all the time in the world. Soon, you'll be broken and on your knees before me, especially you Light."

Darkness points a finger towards Omitsu. "You may only be the remaining husk, but that makes me even angrier. The Light was my nemesis, and this stupid tongueless human robbed me of my right to a decisive battle. You're gonna pay for that one."

Omitsu stares angrily at The Darkness, before simply shaking her head. She's not going to give up so easily, and neither are any of you. He can talk all he wants. You're gonna fight.

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 57/57
>Ken: 48/48
>Kazuma: 75/75
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 102/102
>Nishi: 90/90
>Nari: 100/100
>Soshu: 98/98
>Ink Tigers: 30/30 (10hp each)
>Omitsu: 87/87

>[SELECT AN ACTION FOR EACH CHARACTER]
>Ryoji
>Ken
>Kazuma
>Miyoko
>Utako
>Nishi
>Nari
>Soshu
>Omitsu

>[BASIC SAMPLE PLANS]
>All-Out Attack
>Stronger characters attack, others defend
>All-Out Attack, Miyoko plans

>>846938
>>846938
>>Ryoji
Find a way to fight dirty. Punch his joints/sucker punch him. Whatever works.
>>Ken
Keep hammering on his left
>>Kazuma
Keep hammering on his right
>>Miyoko
Generate a shield on Ken to protect him.
>>Utako
Fire a cannon barage into the Darkness/tank as always
>>Nishi
Boomerang again
>>Nari
Fire another salvo of syringes
>>Soshu
Try to use your ink to bind the Darkness' legs/slow him down
>>Omitsu
Another mental salvo

And I'm sure the dogs will take some pot shots as well with some side swipes.

>>846938
>All-Out Attack, Miyoko plans
Pretty much a reroll of last time, see if she can glean anything more helpful, and in the meantime just keep hitting him.

>>846963
Voting for this

>>846963
il vote forr this

>>846963
I'll back it.

Calling for
>>Ryoji
>Find a way to fight dirty. Punch his joints/sucker punch him. Whatever works.
>>Ken
>Keep hammering on his left
>>Kazuma
>Keep hammering on his right
>>Miyoko
>Generate a shield on Ken to protect him.
>>Utako
>Fire a cannon barage into the Darkness/tank as always
>>Nishi
>Boomerang again
>>Nari
>Fire another salvo of syringes
>>Soshu
>Try to use your ink to bind the Darkness' legs/slow him down
>>Omitsu
>Another mental salvo

Roll 8D100, Best of 3

Rolled 31, 92, 29, 74, 87, 85, 92, 60 = 550 (8d100)

>>847006

Rolled 10, 76, 47, 50, 82, 87, 2, 34 = 388 (8d100)

>>847006
AWAY!

Rolled 43, 81, 27, 42, 80, 65, 18, 5 = 361 (8d100)

>>847006

Rolled 17, 3, 34, 25, 29, 31, 18, 27 = 184 (8d100)

>>847006

>>847012
Glad that you were so slow.

>>847007
>>847009
>>847011

>Ryoji 43
>Ken 92
>Kazuma 47
>Utako 74
>Nishi 87
>Nari 87
>Soshu 92
>Omitsu 60

Ryoji and Kaz are not doing so great. Omitsu not as successful. But damn if Ken's justice boner isn't serving him well here.

File: Soshu17.jpg (107 KB, 908x612)

107 KB JPG

>Ryoji: 43 +14
>Ken: 92 +18
>Kazuma: 47 +13
>Utako: 74 +7
>Nishi: 87 +6
>Nari: 87 +7
>Soshu: 92 +5
>Omitsu: 60 +6

You move first, prepared to sucker punch him from behind with your gauntlet fist. You leap forward, ready to strike, but Darkness easily outmanoeuvres you, moving out of the way. Luckily, the ink tigers created by Soshu leap forward as he does, successfully biting into him. He tosses them away, as Kaz and Ken come marching forward with their weapons ready. Kaz swings, but Darkness dodges, while Ken is able to land a blow on the Archdemon. Once Ken finishes, he finds himself unable to move due to a shield of energy being wrapped around him.

"Hey, what's this?" he asks.

"I have to protect the most vulnerable in battle, don't I?" Miyoko smiles. "If he were to target you or Kazuma, you would be in serious trouble. Alas, I can only protect one at a time, and after seeing Kazuma's abilities, I am certain he can handle himself."

"I can handle myself too!" Ken protests. "But I won't fight it... thanks."

Utako readies her cannon turrets, as she lets loose on Darkness. The attacks almost land, but Darkness is too quick and moves at the last second, dodging and slicing every piece of cannon fire that comes his way. However, he neglects to dodge another boomerang scythe from Nishi, who easily hits him.

Omitsu goes for another psychic attack, but Darkness has his eye open for the tricks of his old nemesis, dodging with ease... only to be bound by the legs by Soshu's ink attack. That ought to slow him down a little.

"You're really starting to get on my nerves..." he mutters. "Oh well, time to kill."

Darkness raises his blade high and slashes it, letting out a long wave of sharp, dark energy flying through the air. It slices through two of the ink tigers as it continues in the direction of yourself, Utako and Kazuma.

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 57/57
>Ken: 48/48
>Kazuma: 75/75
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 102/102
>Nishi: 90/90
>Nari: 100/100
>Soshu: 98/98
>Ink Tigers: 10/30 (10hp each)
>Omitsu: 87/87

>[DEFENSIVE ROLL. ROLL 3D100, BO3]

Rolled 86, 78, 48 = 212 (3d100)

>>847080

Rolled 22, 36, 98 = 156 (3d100)

>>847080
Defense if you please.

Rolled 3, 22, 78 = 103 (3d100)

>>847080
We already have pretty good rolls but what the hell.

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>847080

>>847085
>>847087
>>847092

>Ryoji 86
>Kaz 78
>Utako 98

Minimal damage expected for Kaz, but Utako and Ryoji should be relatively safe.

Rolled 75, 17 = 92 (2d100)

>>847101

File: Utako10.jpg (801 KB, 877x1000)

801 KB JPG

>Ryoji: 86
>Kaz: 78 +4
>Utako: 98 +6

The wave comes steadily moving towards the three of you as you make efforts to move out of the way. Thankfully, Yami was slowed down, requiring less effort to get out of the way. You and Utako make it out of the danger area safely, and Kaz only suffers a small amount of damage, as the edge of the wave barely skims along his lower leg as he leaps out of the way.

You breathe a sigh of relief as Darkness lets out a chuckle. "Oh, you've been impressing me so far! You're all very tenacious! But it's time to stop playing around, don't you think?"

Darkness raises his blade high, as the room becomes enveloped in some thick, dark fog... soon, you're almost in complete darkness, your vision obstructed. Attacking Yami is going to prove even more difficult, nigh impossible until you can find a way to make the fog clear.

You hear the sound of Yami pulling back his sword, the powerful swish in the air as he lets loose with another blast of energy that cuts through the last of the ink tigers, though this one sounds like it's heading in the direction of Nishi, Soshu and Omitsu.

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 57/57
>Ken: 48/48
>Kazuma: 70/75
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 102/102
>Nishi: 90/90
>Nari: 100/100
>Soshu: 98/98
>Omitsu: 87/87

>[DEFENSIVE ROLL. ROLL 3D100, BO3]

Rolled 6, 11, 6 = 23 (3d100)

>>847133

Rolled 5, 11, 16 = 32 (3d100)

>>847133

Rolled 24, 39, 36 = 99 (3d100)

>>847133

Rolled 93, 14, 37 = 144 (3d100)

>>847133
This is easy... too easy

Rolled 62, 55, 90 = 207 (3d100)

>>847133
HELP

>>847135
>>847136
>>847137


>Nishi 24
>Soshu 39
>Omitsu 36

Well that was a bit of a wet fart of a defense. Gives Nari something to do, I suppose.

Rolled 67, 52, 86 = 205 (3d100)

>>847133

File: Omitsu22.jpg (354 KB, 459x650)

354 KB JPG

>Nishi: 24 +8
>Soshu: 39 +8
>Omitsu: 36 +9

The beam of energy lets loose, hitting all three of the demon slayers as the struggle to see in the dark, slashing through them to deal some rather hefty damage. Omitsu crumples over in pain from the attack, as Darkness lets out a chuckle. "Oh, that felt so good! Are you feeling it, Light! Feeling the pain? Feeling the sting of the dark? You were always too positive for an Archdemon. I'm sure even your pathetic host shares some of your hopeful sentimentality. It sickens me."

"Dammit!" Utako yells. "Nishi, you okay?"

"Y-yeah..." Nishi groans. "Just... hurting a little..."

You turn your head toward the vague area you think Nari is in. "Hey, how good are you at patching people up?"

Nari's voice calls back, close to where you had imagined her in the dark. "I can heal many at once, or a single target for faster, immediate effects."

"Damn, it's good to have a lot of Archdemon power on our side," you remark. "Without it, we wouldn't stand a chance."

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 57/57
>Ken: 48/48
>Kazuma: 70/75
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 102/102
>Nishi: 50/90
>Nari: 100/100
>Soshu: 63/98
>Omitsu: 52/87

>[SELECT AN ACTION FOR EACH CHARACTER]
>Ryoji
>Ken
>Kazuma
>Miyoko
>Utako
>Nishi
>Nari
>Soshu
>Omitsu

>[BASIC SAMPLE PLANS]
>All-Out Attack
>Stronger characters attack, others defend
>All-Out Attack, Miyoko plans
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals all
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Nishi
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Soshu
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Omitsu

>>847186
>>All-Out Attack, Nari heals all
They won't be dying unless they roll nat 1s. Even Ken and Ryoji should be alright to take a hit.

>>847186
>Ryoji
Use fireworks to light up the area
>Ken
Keep attacking
>Kazuma
Keep attacking
>Miyoko
Plans now
>>Utako
Canon fire tanking up front
>>Nishi
Another boomerang
>>Nari
Heal them all, we need to try and bring all of them back up to a better place
>Soshu
Bolts of hardened ink.
>Omitsu
Light beams towards the darkness/the room to fight back against this fog

>>847202
sure y not

>>847186
>Ryoji
Fire some fireworks into the air, light up the darkness so everyone can see.
>Ken
Attack his limbs with Kazuma.
>Kazuma
Attack his limbs with Ken.
>Miyoko
Use her shields to contain Yami.
>Utako
Attack Yami directly with her cutlass.
>Nishi
Boomerang attack.
>Nari
Heal everyone.
>Soshu
Summon more tigers to distract Yami.
>Omitsu
Use her light powers to try to dispell the fog.

>>847221
I'm willing to change Soshu's directive to this.

Calling for
>>Ryoji
>Use fireworks to light up the area
>>Ken
>Keep attacking
>>Kazuma
>Keep attacking
>>Miyoko
>Plans now
>>>Utako
>Canon fire tanking up front
>>>Nishi
>Another boomerang
>>>Nari
>Heal them all, we need to try and bring all of them back up to a better place
>>Soshu
>Bolts of hardened ink.
>>Omitsu
>Light beams towards the darkness/the room to fight back against this fog

Roll 5D100, BO3

Rolled 93, 46, 22, 20, 43 = 224 (5d100)

>>847235
ROLLAN

Rolled 83, 57, 27, 43, 12 = 222 (5d100)

>>847235
The fact that we're rolling less dice in a boss fight scares me. But well, here we are.

Rolled 65, 76, 72, 22, 84 = 319 (5d100)

>>847235

Tactical thoughts- try and herd him? It seems like he's the sort to enjoy attacking from a distance. Maybe try not to actually hit him, but fake it? Throw out feints, make him (ironically) jump at shadows. Decoy attacks, that sort of thing by our own long rangers in order to get him closer to our melee specialists and heavy hitters.

Rolled 33, 59, 50, 16, 20 = 178 (5d100)

>>847235

>>847238
>>847241
>>847242

>Ken 93
>Kaz 76
>Utako 72
>Nishi 42
>Omitsu 84

Geez...Well, Ken and Omitsu have a shot.

>>847252
ken is the one whos bring justis to all eivl

File: Omitsu14.jpg (75 KB, 850x658)

75 KB JPG

>Ken: 93 +23
>Kazuma: 76 +18
>Utako: 72 +12
>Nishi: 43 +11
>Soshu: 84 +10

You need to do something to illuminate the way in this dark fog, or else none of your attacks stand a chance at landing. Trying to think, you decide to let loose with some fireworks from your gauntlet, in the hopes of lighting up the room. They shoot out, and allow for a little light, but not much. Just enough for a silhouette of Yami to be made clear. Nishi jumps the gun on attacking him by letting loose with her boomerang scythe, and the blow is easily dodged by The Darkness.

Nishi lets out a sigh as Miyoko simply turns her head to face Omitsu. "If you could be so kind..." she calmly mutters. Omitsu nods and holds her hand high, as rays of light easily cut through the fog without any issue. In a matter of seconds, the fog is cleared, with The Darkness appearing clear as day. What's better, you can see that his legs are still bound, making him an easier target.

Nari begins to heal up the members of the team who were hurt by Yami's last attack as the rest of you spring into action. Ken launches forward and whacks Yami with his rod once more, and you can tell from the look on his face that he felt that one. Kazuma slashes as well, and cuts along the torso of The Darkness, before he is made a target for Utako's canon fire. In his slowed state, Utako's barrage rains down on him with great fury, and he has to brace himself from the attacks.

Once he's healed up, Soshu fires a bolt of hardened ink at The Darkness, which manages to pierce through the Archdemons shoulder. You got him pretty badly there, and you can tell by the weary and somewhat panicked look on his face, that you're constant attacks have really begun to take their toll. There's still a ways to go yet, but you have him on the ropes.

The Darkness shakes his head and smirks. "Real impressive... you all fight like you've got something to lose. I don't see why... life is pointless. It's all a constant stream of misery and anguish. You think my host is any different to any of you? You all know you've been kicked around enough by life, and you should just give up. Embrace the dark and sink into the sweet release of death..."

"Shut up, that's not true!" Ken yells. "Life isn't like that! You have your struggles, but life is kind, life is precious... it all depends on what you do with it! I don't intend on throwing my life of the lives of my friends away! You can't talk your way out of this! I'm going to see to it that you feel the power of justice for your crimes!"

"Fine then, don't listen to me..." Yami smirks. "I'll just have to unleash the big guns."

Yami leaps back, raising his sword up high. With a determined look, he yells; "ANNIHILATION WAVE!"

With that, a massive wave of dark energy comes rushing towards the entire group, filling up the entire room. The energy coming from it is unbelievable.

"Brace yourselves!" Kazuma yells. "That thing could take any one of us out!"

>[DEFENSIVE ROLL. ROLL 9D100, BO3]

Rolled 91, 42, 52, 89, 62, 6, 93, 29, 17 = 481 (9d100)

>>847347

Rolled 8, 58, 48, 47, 36, 49, 77, 42, 95 = 460 (9d100)

>>847347

Rolled 75, 74, 23, 100, 20, 2, 90, 90, 79 = 553 (9d100)

>>847347
lets not fail this one

Rolled 71, 32, 31, 48, 78, 10, 37, 90, 92 = 489 (9d100)

>>847347

>>847352
>>847358
>>847365

>Ryoji 91
>Ken 74
>Kaz 52
>Miyoko 100
>Utako 62
>Nishi 49
>Nari 90
>Soshu 90
>Omitsu 95

Geez. That last roll saved half the cast. Nishi and Kaz going down. Nari will have to try and revive some fools.

File: Ken03.jpg (88 KB, 850x972)

88 KB JPG

>Ryoji: 91
>Ken: 74
>Kazuma: 52
>Miyoko: 100
>Utako: 62
>Nishi: 49
>Nari: 93
>Soshu: 90
>Omitsu: 95

The wave comes lashing out at the entire group, and you're quick to realise there's absolutely no way to avoid this one. Nothing you can do to prevent it, move out of the way or even fully tank the hit... only to brace yourself and hope nobody dies.

The wave burst out towards you, and your entire body trembles as it approaches. It envelopes you, burning away at your skin as it makes contact.

"Ahahaha!" The Darkness chuckles maniacally. "Soon the whole world will embrace the dark!"

You're able to take the blow head on and embrace yourself, but even then you feel a great deal of pain. Noticing the others, you see Kazuma being taken down and rendered unconscious by the blast, as well as seeing Nishi collapse from the pain as well. Utako takes a ton of damage as well, only barely managing to stay on her feet. The only two that you can see aren't taking any damage are Miyoko and Omitsu. Miyoko seems to have prepared herself well for the attack, while Omitsu seems to have some kind of resistance towards the attack altogether. But the one person you're most worried about is Ken, who appears to be getting torn apart by the wave of energy.

"Ha! Where's your talk now?" Darkness taunts Ken as he falls to one knee, barely clinging on to life as he is damaged by the wave. No... Ken...

"I... can't... Ryoji..." Ken mutters in pain, gasping as he does.

"Nobody can save you!" Darkness chuckles maniacally as Ken continues to be torn apart.

No... you told him not to come here. You told him to go back with the others... but his sense of justice was too great. He had to stand by you, he had to live up to his word... and now you're watching your best friend die before your very eyes. You want to do something, anything, but the wave is too powerful and preventing your movement. You can't get to him. This can't happen... this can't be happening. Come on Ken, you have to make it... think of all the fishing trips, the late night talks, the brotherhood. Think of Nanami, find that will to keep going... please...

"No... I won't fall!" Ken screams at the top of his lungs, against all odds beginning to push back against the wave. "I won't lose here... not to a monster like you! Your crimes are unforgivable, and you will face... justice!"

Your eyes must be playing tricks on you, but it looks like Ken is coated in some kind of white light, as he presses his palms up to the wave and fights back, pushing it back and dispelling it, removing its hold over the rest of the group. As he does, Ken collapses to one knee again as the white aura fades, as he begins to gasp and struggle for air.

File: The_Stranger.png (358 KB, 850x566)

358 KB PNG

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 47/57
>Ken: 1/48
>Kazuma: 0/75 [UNCONSCIOUS]
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 32/102
>Nishi: 0/90 [UNCONSIOUS]
>Nari: 90/100
>Soshu: 73/98
>Omitsu: 72/87

"Ken, what was that?" you ask.

Miyoko smiles. "What does it look like? That was his angel powers beginning to seep through. Your friend has a tremendous heart... but it would appear he's not quite there yet. Some remaining doubts and fears is preventing him from reaching his full awakening."

As impressive as that was, Yami appears to be readying himself for yet another annihilation wave. Dammit... if he lets loose with that one, you'll be in even more trouble.

"Ryoji, it's time."

The Strangers voice rings out in your head, as you pull the stone from your pocket. "I've been sitting back for all of this... but it's time."

"I still don't trust you," you mutter.

"I know..." Stranger replies. "But this time you're gonna have to. I can stop that wave before it hits if you use the power gem. After that, he's hurt enough that me taking him down will be a cakewalk. But if The Darkness is able to let loose with another one of those, there's no chance Ken will survive. Please..."

>Use the stone.
>Take your chances.

>>847526
>>Use the stone.
I DONT LIKE IT BUT I LIKE LOSING FRIENDS EVEN LESS

>>847526
>>Use the stone.
time to rock out with cocks out

>>847526
>>Use the stone.
What could possibly go wrong? Can't let Ken show off with his angle powers, we can bring our own math to this!

>>847526
>Use the stone.

>>847526
>>Use the stone.

>>847526
>Use the stone.
Its time. Holy shit.

>>847526
>Use the stone.
Thus we find out just how badly Stranger has set us up.

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>847569
Rolling for Stranger to fuck us over. Nat 100 is super fucked, nat 1 is Stranger is best bro.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>847573
somewhat played like a fiddle.
Unless its a BO3 with crits enabled

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>847577
That roll is closer to the extreme so what does that say? Stranger best bro

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>847526
>Take your chances.
Am I the only one that remembers the Season 1 finale?

>>847573
>>847577
>>847588
Check out my fiddle skills.

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>847573
>>847577
Rolling for nat 1 even though apparently we're already pretty much BFF

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>847593

File: The_Stranger03.jpg (150 KB, 850x1043)

150 KB JPG

>Use the stone.

Nothing like having your hand forced to make a difficult decision that bit less difficult. You don't know how much you can trust Stranger on the effects of this stone, but you can't allow Yami to let out another attack like that. You won't be able to forgive yourself if you were to lose Ken...

You hold the stone in your palm, close your eyes, and close your hand over it, pressing as hard as you can. You hear a crack, and soon you are enveloped by some very familiar energy. The same energy from the last time you let The Stranger free... but this time, there's something different. The energy feels a lot more... calm... controlled. You've got much more command over it than you did before. You're fully in control here. What's else... it feels so, so much more powerful.

"The world will sink into darkness and despair!" Yami yells as he lets loose once again with his attack. As the hood and cloak of The Stranger forms around you, you shake your head.

"No, Yami. The only one sinking here is you."

The wave comes rushing towards the group, but you're not afraid. You simply place your hand out, and push the wave back with little effort. The power in your hands... it's incredible... and it didn't cost anything. For once, The Stranger was telling the truth. Of course you can't go crazy with this kind of power. Like Stranger said, the stone will take a full month to recharge and repair itself between uses.

You push the wave back, as it continues into the direction of Yami. "What the-HOW ARE YOU-"

Before he can finish, he has to brace himself as he is hit by his own annihilation wave. He gasp for air as you crack your knuckles. "Time to finish this, Darkness."

>Party Status
>Ryoji: 500/500 (Stranger Form)
>Ken: 1/48
>Kazuma: 0/75 [UNCONSCIOUS]
>Miyoko: 130/130
>Utako: 32/102
>Nishi: 0/90 [UNCONSIOUS]
>Nari: 90/100
>Soshu: 73/98
>Omitsu: 72/87

>[SELECT AN ACTION FOR EACH CHARACTER]
>Ryoji (Stranger Form)
>Ken
>Miyoko
>Utako
>Nari
>Soshu
>Omitsu

>[BASIC SAMPLE PLANS]
>All-Out Attack
>Stronger characters attack, others defend
>All-Out Attack, Miyoko plans
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals all
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Ken
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Utako
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Soshu
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Omitsu

>>847607
>>All-Out Attack, Nari heals all, Miyoko plans.
Start Operation Kickass

>>847620
Wait is
>Nari heals Ken
My bad.

>>847607
>>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Ken
Ryoji needs to punch Darness in the face.

>>847607
larrozs

>>847607
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Ken, Miyoko plans
Fuck it, finger blast Yami to death.

>>847607
>Ryoji (Stranger Form)
Wreck shit. Beams, daggers, punches. Whatever works.
>Ken
Retreat to the back lines to heal
>Miyoko
Plans
>Utako
Cutlass strikes
>Nari
Heal Ken for the love of god.
>Soshu
Beams of ink
>Omitsu
Take Ken's spot and attack Darkness with your Katana.

Calling for
>All-Out Attack, Nari heals Ken, Miyoko plans.

Roll 4D100, Best of 3.

Rolled 73, 10, 55, 92 = 230 (4d100)

>>847696

Rolled 69, 59, 81, 74 = 283 (4d100)

>>847696

Rolled 95, 18, 10, 96 = 219 (4d100)

>>847696
Time to finish this.

Rolled 40, 85, 53, 10 = 188 (4d100)

>>847696
TAKE THIS, MY ROCK, MY JOB, AND ALL MY MEME

Doesn't anyone think
>Nari heal Ken, Kazuma and Nishi
might be a good idea? Because at present we're leaving 2 characters on the floor to die if we fumble attack rolls and end up taking another AoE.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>847705
They ded, leave them there. We can fix them up after battle. All we gotta do is not fudge the rolls. Rolling for staying dead.

>>847705
I mean I think we just beat him but yeah, for future battles might be wise to use an order to drag them away from the battlefield and try to guard them from any super deathly dark painful edgy AOE attack.

>>847721
Indeed I think that 95 should see Darkness pretty much crippled if not taken out altogether by SuperRyoji, just seemed like everyone was "OMG Ken!" while ignoring that depending on how Booker wanted to play it things could have ended up pretty badly even if we saved Ken.

File: The_Stranger02.jpg (95 KB, 750x837)

95 KB JPG

>Ryoji (Stranger Form): 95 +35
>Utako: 59 +12
>Soshu: 81 +10
>Omitsu: 96 +11

Nari pulls the barely conscious Ken away from danger in order to patch him up, while Miyoko places a finger to her chin. "The Darkness has been softened up considerably. I feel it's best that you others distract him with minor attacks in order to allow The Strange the ability to finish him off with something much more powerful."

Utako pumps her fist. "Leave it to me! I'm gonna teach that piece of crap for hurting Nishi!"

Utako lets loose with a barrage of cannon fire, but Darkness is still quick as hell even in his weakened condition, bobbing and weaving in order to avoid her attacks. He isn't able to dodge a slash to the back from Soshu's katana however, as he find himself recoiling with pain in mid-air. You see your opening, and hold you finger out like a gun. "Bang," you mutter to yourself with a smirk, as you let loose with a never-ending barrage of energy blasts from the tips of your fingers, tearing apart at the Darkness surrounding Yami's body as he remains trapped in the air, with an unholy barrage of energy raining down upon him. He's not able to defend from the attack at all, and you find yourself letting up, just long enough for Omitsu to get a blow of her own in to finish off her supposed nemesis. Leaping up, Omitsu's blade is covered in the psychic aura as she draws it from its scabbard, slashing straight through The Darkness, almost cutting his body in half. Instead, it dispells the dark energy surrounding him, as the demon retreats within its host, and Yami falls to the floor, broken and bloody.

File: Yami02.jpg (133 KB, 473x723)

133 KB JPG

You approach Yami as he lays crumpled on the floor, and he begins to laugh maniacally. "Oho... you got me good! You got me real good! So Stranger... you going to finish the job or what?"

"What?"

Yami smirks, before manically tearing his shirt open. "Come on! Do I need to draw a target on my chest or something? If there's any hope for me redeeming myself in any way, it's letting you kill me right here, right now, and killing The Darkness along with me! You said it yourself! There's hope for me, and this is it!"

You hesitate, as Yami continues to yell. "C'mon! I'm pretty much begging you to finish it here! It's not like I don't deserve it!"

"He does deserve justice for his crimes..." Ken groans, still reeling with pain. "But justice doesn't necessarily mean death. We can take him in, lock him up, get the answers we need from him. That could be punishment enough for now..."

"And then what?" Soshu asks. "You wait for him to recover? To break out and kill more? You should strike him down now, or he'll be a problem again in the future."

"He's got a point..." Ken sighs. "I can't deny that... but I can't help but think he can serve more of a purpose to us. We kill him here... then what?"

"He'll no longer be an issue," Soshu replies.

"True... but we'll also be right back where we started. The only person who can give us anything on the remaining Archdemons is him... and as much as I hate to say it... we need that. I want nothing more than for him to see Justice, but I don't want to jump the gun either."

"Don't listen to him!" Yami yells. "Listen to me! I'm much smarter! Kill me now! C'mon!"

>Kill him
>Take him in for questioning

>>847822
>>Take him in for questioning
>Then we feed him the demon killing water

>>847822
>You can do the whole archdemon removing schtick to him sooner or alter yeah?
>Take him in for questioning

>>847822
>>Kill him

>>847822
>Take him in for questioning
We need to figure out things.

>>847822
>Break his kneecaps
>Take him in for questioning

>>847822
>Take him in for questioning

>>847822
>>Take him in for questioning
We can kill the Darkness with the pool after getting the answers and then turn in Yami to the agents.

>>847822
>Take him in for questioning
Time for some solid persuasion rolls until Yami becomes another member of the Archdemon-removing swimming club.

>>847822
>>Kill him

>>847822
>Take him in for questioning

guys you know we can ask him like a qustion beofr killing him right, we dont need to play babysiter

>>847964
But we need all the answers, not just a vague hint of an answer.

File: Omitsu10.jpg (202 KB, 850x1270)

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>Take him in for questioning

"Ken's right, we need to get answers out of him," you explain. "The Darkness is far from the only Archdemon threatening our world, and we need as much information as we can for when they arrive... without it, we're screwed."

"That is true," Miyoko smiles. "And let's not forget, as soon as we have gathered the information we need, our friend Ryoji can send him our way, and we can remove The Darkness from his body so that he's not an immediate threat to us."

"He'll still retain the powers," Soshu mutters. "Even without the Darkness, he's still a dangerous psychopath."

"Well, that may be," Miyoko wags her finger. "But he's one we've proven we can handle, is it not? For now, Ryoji can take him in, and your superiors can pump him full of whatever sedatives are needed to keep him docile for interrogation. I feel it works in all our favours."

"Except mine!" Yami yells. "You're a bunch of idiots if you don't want to kill me right now! Whatever... just take me in already."

With a shake of the head, Omitsu graps Yami by the arm and pulls him to his feet. "Holy crap, you're gorgeous," he smirks, before taking a chop to the back of the neck from Omitsu, rendering him unconscious.

Soon, the other members of the group find themselves back on their feet, as Kaz looks over to you, still in your Stranger form, with Yami down and defeated. "So... you were right all along."

"Don't beat yourself up about it, Kouhai..." you chuckle, as the cloak and hood fade, returning you to your normal self, The Strange abiding by your commands for once. "I had my doubts too."

As Yami is rendered unconscious, you find the Darkworld around you fading away as you appear back into the regular world... on the train tracks. Thankfully, there's no train on it's way... but man, that could have been awkward. Most of you would likely be able to take the force of a train with your powers, but the people inside would have been out of luck.

File: Nishi12.png (1.18 MB, 1000x1300)

1.18 MB PNG

"Well, I believe this is where we part ways..." Miyoko replies. "It's for the best that we don't appear on the grounds of your school."

"But if you need to get into contact with us, we're just a phone-call away!" Nishi smiles as she hands Ken a number. "You'll get to talk to me, since I'm the only one who knows how to work a cellphone!"

Ken pull out his own cell-phone... wait, he has a cell-phone? Since when? Whatever... he takes out the phone and saves the number on it, before the Demon Slayers bid their farewells... except Omitsu, who just stares at Yami as they take off.

"Huh... I have a voicemail on here," Ken notes. "Give me a sec..."

Ken presses a button on his phone as Nanami's voice begins to blare out the speakers. "Ahoy Ken! It's me, your favourite captain/girlfriend! I was out studying with Nariko and when I got back, I heard you were going on an important mission? Oh, I really wish I didn't miss the call to action! I hope you're doing okay... I know this message won't reach you while you're in there, but... let me know when you get out and it'll all be smooth sailing. Okay... bye... I love you... oh crap! I didn't mean to say that! Nariko, how do you delete one of these thin-"

The message cuts off there, as Ken's smile widens. "Come on... let's get back to the academy."

It's a long journey home, but you're happy to arrive at the gates. Saki is waiting for you, of course, and despite having her arm and leg in a cast, she's still fit to hobble over to you and embrace you. "Oh, I'm so glad you're safe!" Saki yells.

>Hey, you can never keep a good delinquent down!
>I'm glad this Yami business is finally over.
>How long are you in those casts for?

>>848034
>>I'm glad this Yami business is finally over.
Wait we need to buy Ryoji a cellphone.
Also Nanami is adorable

>>848022
>"Holy crap, you're gorgeous,"
Good taste but don't you dare cuck Chuichi again.

>>848034
>>Hey, you can never keep a good delinquent down!
>How long are you in those casts for?

>>848034
>>Hey, you can never keep a good delinquent down!
>>How long are you in those casts for?

>>848055
But we cuck Chuichi every other thread.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>848066
And I hate it. Rolling for Chuichi to be fucking happy for once.

>>848034
>Hey, you can never keep a good delinquent down!
>How long are you in those casts for?

>>848034
>Hey, you can never keep a good delinquent down!
>How long are you in those casts for?
Guess its time to be the nibblekisser instead. I am sure she'll melt/approve.

File: Saki03.png (1.45 MB, 1050x1485)

1.45 MB PNG

>Hey, you can never keep a good delinquent down!
>How long are you in those casts for?

"Only about a day, two at the tops," Saki beams with pride. "You know me, I'm scrappy! I'm great at recovering! I'll be back in cuddling condition before you know it, jellybean."

As Ken walks by the gate, he is met by an excited Nanami. To her surprise, Ken is the one to rush towards her, hugging her tight and spinning her around while he wraps his arms around her waist. Nanami has to hold onto her hat to prevent it from falling off. "Whoa! You're excited!" she chuckles in surprise.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you," Ken smiles, pressing his lips against hers tenderly. "For a while back there... I was worried I wouldn't see you again."

"You were..." Nanami mutters in a concerned tone. "What... what happened?"

"I'll explain more soon," Ken smiles. "For now, just know that I'm here, and I love you."

"Well, it's good to-wait, you do?!" Nanami's eyes widen.

"Yeah, I do," Ken smiles, before the two kiss again.

As Kaz carries Yami's unconscious body to the gate, he is met by his club, and a pair of agents. Kaz hands Yami over to the agents, before being mobbed by his friends. "Kaz, you maniac!" Kiriko yells. "You could have gotten yourself killed fighting that guy, geez!"

"I'm glad you made it out okay..." Io smiles. "I've got that dinner all lined up for you! I'm gonna light candles and everything, it's gonna be amazing!"

"I look forward to it," Kazuma smiles, before turning to you. "Hey, can we talk for a sec?"

You nod and begin to walk alongside Kazuma towards the main building.

"...You were right about the stone," Kaz sighs.

"Yeah, I guess so..." you reply.

"And you using it probably saved my life..." Kaz mutters again. "Crap... I hate being wrong."

"Yeah, I figured," you snark, crossing your arms. "So... what's your point to all this?"

"No point, really..." Kazuma sighs. "Just... admitting it. That rock... that stupid rock... it tore me apart. Turned me into an awful, ugly person... it made me turn against my friends... and I'm only now recovering. To know that I was that horrible... for nothing... it stings. But... I think I've learned my lesson. I still hate your guts-"

"-I know-"

"-But from now on, we're gonna have to work together to take down whatever lies ahead of us."

You nod. "You know something, kouhai? You're actually making sense for once. What do you say? Partners?"

"Not partners," Kazuma shakes his head. "But, yeah... allies."

You and Kazuma shake hands, before you let out a small chuckle. "You know... if you ignore the pressing threat of Archdemons, the Darkworld, and the feeling of inevitable doom... the future's looking pretty bright."

END OF EPISODE 20

File: Omitsu24.jpg (600 KB, 850x1202)

600 KB JPG

>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onVjiCfi0wQ

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Thanks for playing! I'll be incredibly busy in the coming week, so next thread likely won't be until next Saturday, possibly later, so consider this to be a sort of mid-season break, as it were. I'll still be active on Twitter and in the Discord during that time, though. Stay tuned for any further developments!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
Any predictions for the latter half of Season 2?

>>848234
Thanks for running Booker
>>Player Question
I expect a couple of breather episodes with no combat, perhaps it will focus on the academy situation with the agents.

>>848234
Wait were only half way through.

What the fuck booker.

>>848234
H O T S P R I N G
S
P
R
I
N
G

>>848234
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
We beat the big bad so now we have the rest of the season to build those social links with Kaz and Ryoji can deal with the plot behind the scene to give his kouhai that free time.

>>848234
Man, that was a great thread. Ken's moment to shine was parallel to Isamu's moment in season 1. I kind like the idea that he channeled his angel when Settan lasered him.

>PQ
As others have said. Its time for some breathers to get to know the cast more and some light hijinks for everyone. Though we will also be searching for that other darkworlder. They are out there somewhere.

Tournament when?