Apologies for the bare post opening. Caught me by surprise. Give me a moment while I prepare. Sorry again.

>>1360494
[MIRANDA]

Alright, then. So far, so good. The lady was good as her word and status, and you’d had a careful defensive perimeter set up around the stage area. After seeing just how many people there were, you’d not wanted to risk planting a massive Light Trap in the ‘open’ area, considering the massive amount of people that might try something stupid, so you’d decided to make due with just being visually alert. It wasn’t your preferred course of action, but you’d deal.

Me-Gan was under guard; that Leftennant you’d met earlier had gotten wind of the situation- you and Purps had quickly discussed things with her- she hadn’t been entirely pleased at the occurrence, but she’d agreed to let it go so long as responsibility for anything in the future came out of your hides, and had even agreed to guard the girl herself- outside of the door, of course.

Right now the one girl- Jaqeline? She’s onstage. She’s got a rather impressive voice, although her instrument of choice- the harp- isn’t one of your favorites. Makes you fall asleep, no matter what they try with it. You do your best to tune it out as you make certain to focus…

>On the crowd. A place like this, they could be hiding in plain sight, or want a bloody entrance.
>Around the back, where there’s less people. They’re sneaky getting in and out, so why not stick to what ‘worked’?
>On the high walls in the square, surrounding the buildings. If they’re going to make a play, they’ll be trying to deal with the guards up there first…
>Other

>>1360521

> Try acquiring some means to not get affected by the sound.
Purps screwed with their eardrum, but we could POTENTIALLY find some better alternative.

>>1360521
>>On the high walls in the square, surrounding the buildings. If they’re going to make a play, they’ll be trying to deal with the guards up there first…

OK, so...
I got a few questions.

Directed at you, Anon.

Who do you think the Phantom is?
How can we prevent them from appearing?
And how do we stop them once they DID appear?

>>1360521

>Around the back, where there’s less people. They’re sneaky getting in and out, so why not stick to what ‘worked’?

I mean we can just make some ear plugs.
Yhet sing its to be heard just stuff your ears so you can hear them

>>1360521
>On the high walls in the square, surrounding the buildings. If they’re going to make a play, they’ll be trying to deal with the guards up there first…
If I wanted to make an entrance, I would be sneaking past the guards to drop down from up high.

>>1360524
Wonder if Miranda is capable of simply inverting the effect of her Hearing Boost so it impairs her hearing instead?

30 minute period due to start of thread. 5 minutes left!

>>1360521
>On the high walls in the square, surrounding the buildings. If they’re going to make a play, they’ll be trying to deal with the guards up there first…

>>1360538

Welp...
Since apparently nobody is willing to engage into my questions...
Let me elaborate.

I've done quite a bit, checking past threads...
And I came to one conclusion.

It's the sirens.
Or rather, one of them.

For you see... their singing causes reality to be warped. No illusions.
They sing shit into existence.

Now let me check the time we encountered the Phantom ourselves.
After their head blew off, the sirens kept going.
The phantom meanwhile just turned into smoke.


So obviously, they was no phantom. Ever. Which makes sense, regarding the fact that nobody could POSSIBLY enter the village because of the wards protecting it.

Now while I do suspect someone in particular, I'd rather stay away from pointing my finger at people... for now.

Instead, let's be practical.
If it's one of the sirens, what does that mean for us?
For one, it doesn't matter what we do to secure out surroundings. They will appear somewhere, and we cannot stop them.

For another thing, the phantom is not the thread. Well... until it starts to stab shit on its own accord.
But the rope moved by itself.

So what we HAVE to focus on is the SIRENS.
It is one of them, and Purps is the living example of the power of a siren. For one, during the play, for another when they were assaulted by Me-gan.


If anyone of you guys could doubt me, critizide me or just generally ask me why I think so, go ahead.

And... really, we are a professional.
>>1360542
So there is no need to hear the singing. That's just distracting us. It might even endanger our mission if we don't do so.

We locked, we writing. On the walls we remain.

>>1360521
>>1360531
>>1360553
>>1360562
The walls are guarded in five spots; all the soldiers are equally distant around the area in a pentagram formation. At the moment, you’re at the entrance; the lower-left, looking down and to your immediate right would be the street to the main square- some of the public are still filtering in, late as they may be. Some groups, some poor, some rich…

At any rate, you keep an eye on the guardsmen above the performance- Jaqeline’s is ending soon, hopefully. They’re going to make their move, it would probably be right before the climax. You can see the guards occasionally give the ‘all clear’ hand signals to each other- you do the same before hopping over the entryway gap and continuing, ignoring some surprised gasps from below you on the street.

As you circle the area, you can see Purps is below as well; she’s talking with one of the other girls- you hate to admit it but you can’t remember her name right now for the life of you. You hope she’s still on the lookout as well. Might be, but lately she’s been...off. Hopefully this knocks her out of it, pulls her head in the game.

>Stay up here, keep overwatch. Stay vigilant.
>Head street-side, at least to wake up Purps a bit.
>Other

>>1360594
>>Head street-side, at least to wake up Purps a bit.

>>1360594
>Stay up here, keep overwatch. Stay vigilant.
We each have our jobs.

>>1360594
>Stay up here, keep overwatch. Stay vigilant.

>>1360594
>Stay up here, keep overwatch. Stay vigilant.
Because we have a goddamn job to do.

3 minutes to go.

>>1360567
So we just make all the Sirens stay in the same place back stage?

Locked, incidentally.

>>1360644

Here is the thing.
While there might be danger of other people, it's not what we have to protect them from.

They already ARE backstage, and chances are the phantom will manifest while the person behind them is on stage. Maybe even backstage.

The only thing we should watch out for is sirens not following the protocoll of the show.


What good is watching for a non-existant threat? The cityguard can take care of any non-phantoms.
But us...?
We should keep an eye primarily on the sirens.

THAT is our job, after all.

File: Spoiler Image (88 KB, 751x1063)

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[PURPS]

“Okay, I know you don’t need you vocal chords, but I don’t have any cigarettes on me.” You deadpan, concerned that exposure to high grade tobacco has turned Lita from an occasional smoker to a tobacco fiend.

“Look, don’t give me that. I know you’re holding out me.” She snaps as you both lurk in what passes as backstage - it’s more sidestage behind the carriage, but who’s checking? She grabs your wrist- and you turn the full power of your dead stare on her.

“Do NOT touch me.” She immediately retracts the hand, allowing you to continue. “I am keeping an eye on the others. I am also disguised as one of you, which means as per Switchwick’s rule, I cannot smoke. So I have no tobacco on me.”

The girl visibly deflates while Velth and Pina are getting ready to emerge for a duet. Apparently it’s some kind of romantic number that Velth keeps protesting is meant platonically. You aren’t exactly the leading world expert on relationships, romance, or emotions despite what Lex seems to think, but you think she may fancy her chances with the redheaded golden clad siren who cares for her every day.

You think so anyway.

It's just by chance you glance to the side and see a dark skinned girl clutch her head, and fall off a nearby rooftop in what can only be described as a nose dive. You’re already moving by the time she’s fallen five feet, your saw extending into it’s polearm form; you activate your enigma and run on the wall to bypass the whooping, ecstatic crowd.

But when you arrive, Verde is already dusting herself off on one knee, looking both angry and unusually panicked. She clutches her head with one hand as she looks you in the eye; the look she has in her own eyes is something just short of ‘wild’.

She gets two words out. “She’s dead.”

“Who’s dead?” Is all you ask.

“Me-Gan. Boss...is NOT happy.” She shakes her head trying to clear it- unsuccessfully, it seems as she winces. “Normally...not one to yell like that.” she strains out. “So I guess this IS special.” She grunts again as she blinks hard, rubbing her eyes. “Damnit!” Her teeth are grinding, and you’re sure she’s not feeling proud of herself.

“Look. Don’t tell anyone yet. Find out what happened. I’ll be ready to kill. No panic, and we might catch the fucker by surprise.” Your hand clenches; you feel a bit [ASHAMED] that this happened under your watch, but… well, you won’t be mourning Me-Gan anytime soon. For now, you need to ensure the rest of them don’t follow her through the door.

> [CURIOSITY] When you get back grill Pina about why she was worried about Me-Gan
> [PRIDE] Fuck your costume’s accuracy, saws are staying on and handy forever.

> [WORRY] Ask Verde if she can continue.

> Write-In

>>1360678
> [CURIOSITY] When you get back grill Pina about why she was worried about Me-Gan

>>1360678
> [CURIOSITY] When you get back grill Pina about why she was worried about Me-Gan

5 minutes left. Anyone else got any reaction or response to the latest murder?

>>1360678
>> [WORRY] Ask Verde if she can continue.

>>1360678
Locked and loaded.

>>1360678
>>1360682
>>1360693
(MIRANDA)

Son of a FUCK, that hurt.

Sal hadn’t gone on a tear like that since your early days, honestly. Damnit...you really screwed the pooch on this one. But at least he left it at that and a slight pay dock. Go figure that the one job he PERSONALLY assigns you goes screwball some way. You take a few deep breaths as your head clears; you had to stop this, and soon. Sal had cut you a break by even telling you what was up- you wonder how he managed to slip his overseers (or if he didn’t and maybe just found a loophole, which was more likely) but you’ll worry about that later. He’d tipped you off, even in his anger, and for that you were grateful.

Hopefully Purps could keep to her word...in the meantime, you leap off, to the crowd’s amazement. No time to worry about that now. You need to get across town.

-------

The barracks are still relatively quiet when you approach- you don’t see anything amiss from the outside. In fact, it all seems incredibly calm. You don’t waste any time as you race up the steps to Me-Gan’s room; the Leftennant is still there, calmly standing guard as if nothing’s happened. She looks to you in curiosity, and slight alarm as she takes in your body language. “Something wrong? Do you-”

“Move.” She starts with an offended air, but fortunately she seems to recognize the gravity of your words and nods, stepping aside as you throw open the door.

There’s no one there. Me-Gan’s body isn’t even present. The only thing you immediately notice is, tucked in where the siren should be, is a small cloth doll. Upon closer inspection, it seems to be a replicate of Me-Gan herself- down to the smallest detail. The head lolls oddly, leaning and hanging down a bit too far, as if the stitching wasn’t quite as tight on it as the other joints were.

You can see the Leftennant staring inside in shock. “What on earth...I was here the entire time, I swear it!” She then turns, immediately shouting down the hall for a guardsman, ordering for a sweep of the area.

You, on the other hand...

>Get back to the stage NOW. If it’s still at large, then.
>Interrogate the Leftennant. There had to be something she missed.
>Go over the entire area as carefully as possible. Clean or not... (Will require Roll 1d20)
>Other

>>1360771
>Go over the entire area as carefully as possible. Clean or not... (Will require Roll 1d20)
I want to hear what an angry Sal sounds like.

>>1360771
>>Go over the entire area as carefully as possible. Clean or not... (Will require Roll 1d20)

>>1360791
He stops stretching his words, for one. There's also more extremely short sentences. Aside from that, Sal IS an Eldritch Abomination with all the power that implies, even if he has 'rules' he abides by.

What do you THINK might happen if one of those got cheesed off at you?

>>1360771
>Go over the entire area as carefully as possible. Clean or not... (Will require Roll 1d20)

File: Surprise.jpg (117 KB, 900x867)

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5 more minutes

PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR INTERROGATION! FEEL FREE TO POST QUESTIONS NOW!

- Star

>>1360801
Wrapped in neutronium chains and pushed into a bottomless pit? Thrown beyond the event horizon of a supermassive black hole? Trapped in all the reflective surfaces in a universe? Frozen in time?

>>1360822
Did the leftenant see or hear anything?

Where is Me-gan's body; is the doll a voodoo doll with a sympathetic link to her body, was it used as a body double, or did the killer just decide to be cheeky by leaving behind a marker?

Any traces of magic? Miranda doesn't have enough utility spells, this is why she needs scanners.

>>1360822
You forget we still need a roll.

So, folks!

1d20's all of you. Best of 3!

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1360830

>>1360822

What was the third incident about? Who was the siren involved?
What was Billie like?
What about Me-gan... aside from the obvious, that is.

And can sirens be affected by other sirens?
Somebody (was it Alice?) hinted at the fact that Me-gan had... their ways with the other sirens too.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>1360830

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1360830

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1360830

LOCKED

Hold While we ponder how to write this.

- Star

File: Pina.jpg (139 KB, 730x1095)

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[PURPS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk8fTFbH248

For once, the blankness of your face is playing to your advantage when you return, the other girls just assuming you are you. Pulling Pina aside gently, you lead her a little ways away from the others.

“Pina, I’ve been wondering some things. You don’t mind helping me out, do you?” You ask, hoping to take advantage of the girl’s apparent soft nature.

“Of course, Purps. I have…” She looks concerned, “A short while before my duet. What do you need to know?”

“Well, when we first met with Switchwick and you all. She said there had been two incidents, right?” You lead in, acting like you’d only just considered this, “But then when Alice spoke up - The professor hadn’t known about that one.”

“That makes sense. I think.” She looks puzzled and crosses her arms. “I don’t know if you could call it an incident, though….” You notice her glancing to Velth.

“It was Velth then? What happened?” Sensing a lead you step forward, hoping a little pressure will get her to open up.

“Purps, please understand. I wasn’t there personally- I was....” She looks at you pleadingly.

Oh. Oh.

“But Velth was writing a number; when I’m not around to keep her active she just writes and sings and sings some more.” Pina smiles affectionately. “Music is her life, and welll…”

The pause is deafening as Jaqeline’s second song is reaching the climax; she’s playing the song you heard on that rooftop.

“That night, she told me she made a friend.” Pina says; there’s no warmth in the voice, and for the first time she looks upset. “Someone who sang with her, wrote with her, made changes that she liked.” She stresses the word as if it’s alarming, “A man.”

[CONT]

File: Velth.png (462 KB, 894x894)

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“And when you reported it to Switchwick?”

“She thought Velth was dreaming.” Pina admits. “This was just after Alice had been gossiping about the incident she wanted kept from The Professor... and well; we thought maybe a part of Velth was jealous.”

“So you brushed off the idea there was a stalker in the camp that had followed two of you?” You frown, and Pina blanches, clearly thinking you suspect foul play.

“No. No! I would never. But the concerning thing is, despite spending hours together - when Velth wanted to feel his face… he got enraged and fled.” Pina at this point has hands balled into fists under her black formal gloves; “It was the worst panic attack she’s had, and I wasn’t there for her.”

You see a tear on her cheek which Pina quickly brushes away and turns her dazzling smile on you, “Was that helpful?”

“Very.” You deadpan, “What was Billie like?” Smooth Purps.

“We didn’t spend much time together. I thought she might grow closer to Velth with her love of reading… but she seemed afraid of us.” Pina looks thoughtful, “I wonder if she knew of sirens from folk tales or elsewhere.”

“And well... Aside from the obvious, why were you worried about Me-Gan?” You change tack, hoping for something more useful.

“Her blood took over. I know how scary that is; accidentally turning on those you care about?” She shudders, “People hate us for a reason. I hoped to make sure you could look past that.”

Fat chance of that. “And what is Me-Gan like?”

“Normally? Mischievous. She sneaks off and comes back dirty; her and Trish are devilish in their pranking of Alice sometimes.” She smiles at the happy memories, “I think if Alice didn’t boast of her prodigious abilities so much they’d be thick as thieves.”

Jealousy, Pranking, sneaking out. Weirdness to look at there, and with Trish also pranking Alice, those two might know something.

“Is Me-Gan fucking any of you?” You ask bluntly- to which the girl goes as red as her hair. She begins to stutter and protest as you continue. “One of you hinted that…”

“Look. Some of us have sought company.” She stresses. “We’re women with healthy adolescent sexual drives and are locked away. Do not judge them.”

Them. So Pina is an innocent little demonblood. “One more thing. Can Sirens affect other sirens?”

“If you’d asked me before this, I would have said no.” Pina admits. “But this phantom reminded me of a time when Alice made Loti faint.” She clicks her fingers nervously, “At the time we thought she’d been skipping meals, but the timing…”

“That’s all very interesting, Pina. If-”

“Pinaaaa! We’re on.” Velth groans from closer to the stage, cutting you off.

“Coming!” Pina trills, hiking up the skirt on the costume she sang on prior to your arrival in order to elegantly sprint away.

Very interesting indeed.

[CONT WITH OPTIONS]

File: Purps 1.jpg (90 KB, 642x472)

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But Now What?

> Question Switchwick

> Question Alice

>Question Trisha

> Watch the Duet

> Write-In

>>1360922
>Question Trisha
If they were the closest, Trisha has the most to gain from helping us.

>>1360922

> Duet!

>>1360938
Gotta keep tabs on the stage.
This is where the murders happen.

>>1360937
Second.

9 minutes.

- Star

>>1360922
> Question Alice
What was that about sirens affecting sirens?

>>1360922


>Question Trisha

LOCKED

Ask Questions for Trisha.

I will say 15 minutes for sherlock questions.

- Star

>>1360999
Which Sirens got along with Me-Gan the least?

Writing.

File: Trisha.png (2.89 MB, 990x720)

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Walking after Pina you find Trisha buzzing around Alice, “I can’t wait for your next number. Are you really going to do it?” She asks as she hovers above the ground on sparking feet, you’re gifted a half wave by Mono as you pass.

“Of course I am Trish. You know who you’re talking to?” Alice says, closing her eyes and putting her hands behind her head, “Alice, Queen of the sirens that’s who!” She booms laughing haughtily, “Ohohoho”

“Hey Trisha, mind if I speak to you?” You interject firmly, bold despite being in your underwear.

“Huh, sure!” She buzzes over and you grab her ankle, pulling her to where you interviewed Pina like some kind of human shaped kite, the whole time she bitches, “Come on! Let me fly, I just wanna fly and have fun an-” With a tug she is thrown to the ground. A little harsher than intended but whatever -

“Look. I need to know some stuff.” You begin-

“Sure, what’s up? Let me know how I can help ya Purps is it-”

“Just. Answer. The. Questions.” You say, punctuating each pause with a flick on the forehead.

“Ugh fine.” She huffs, putting her hands in her pockets and leaning against the carriage like a hoodlum.

“Do any of the sirens dislike Me-Gan?” You state simply.

“Eh?” She says taken aback, “No. I mean, we bicker and argue because - a dozen girls living together y’know but.” She sighs and closes her eyes thinking deeply, one hand comes to her temple, “Mono and her butted heads a lot. Seductress vs Wolfgirl, but the two of them covered each other in their sneaking out to the woods… Alice sometimes hates our pranks. Loti…” She’s ticking off a finger and now she’s mumbling to herself.

You try to be patient, “Take your time Trisha.”

“Gun to my head; Loti avoids her. She’s too forward for her and it makes her nervous…” She pauses and frowns…

“But?” You prompt.

“I’m 90% sure they fucked at one point.” She admits blushing as she does,”Like a year ago, I remember Me-Gan getting all pent up. Then when she had a bruise in showers after, she implied it was Loti.”

“You don’t say.” Is your only reply.

“Oh man I shouldn’t have told ya that, Me-Gan’s gonna be pissed.” Trish pouts, before rapidly wincing.

> Your number is coming up, better Prepare. [Pray]

> Question Alice

> Question Someone Else [Who?]

> Write-In

>>1361101
> Your number is coming up, better Prepare. [Pray]
Not doing it is just asking for us to roll like shit.

>>1361101

Pray!

>>1361101
> Your number is coming up, better Prepare. [Pray]

>>1361101
>> Your number is coming up, better Prepare. [Pray]

LOCKED and Writing

This will be last post from me tonight.

Don't want to write the performance when I'm this tired.

File: Mono without wolf head.png (1.74 MB, 1920x1080)

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You take a deep breathe as you feel magic tingling across you - the sensation slightly different to the other sirens’ abilities as you are dressed in a costume not a lot less revealing than the underwear that came before. Mono’s singing feels like tumbling in a pile of fall leaves, but as you shut your eyes and clasp your hands.

Minerva, Lady of Light. Forgive me for not mourning Me-Gan’s passing, please don’t let me make an ass of myself and help me get that Siren’s revenge. Amen.

As you stand you see Mono in… wow, she’s a very attractive woman.

“Eyes front, Purps.” She growls.

“Just you and me?” You say cracking your neck, really not sure how you’re going to do on this one.

“Ye; fuckin’ twins gettin’ moved to finale. Hate Jazz.” She spits as Switchwick is giving indications of one more minute to Velth and Pina… well to Pina anyway.

“I’m quite fond of Jazz. Not so much this costume.” You admit.

“You should see the full production. Me-Gan always pushes for these numbers.” She spits.

The Duet before yours finishes and Mono clasps your hand as Switchwick goes on to announce you two. “Don’t get any ideas. It’s a nerves thing.” She says simply.

“Don’t worry. We got this.” You boast, Hopefully your own nerves don’t stop you lying through your teeth effectively.

[ROLL 1d20 Best of 3 Critfails disabled]
[BO4 if someone guesses the number]

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1361300
14

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1361300
the number Did i get it right?

File: Sick of your shit.gif (267 KB, 400x310)

267 KB GIF

>>1361311

- Star

Good roll tho.

Purps idol career confirmed.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1361300
20

>>1361311
time for some jazz hands

File: Damn.gif (1.97 MB, 350x176)

1.97 MB GIF

I had to get out of bed as I just realized.

>>1361452
>>1361311
>>1361307

I mean guess the musical number you fucks.

<3

- Sleeping Star

>>1360567
Decent theory, Lita was complaining about being locked up all the time drove people crazy. Maybe one of them went schizo. The problem is that none of them have shown that power level. We could ask boss lady about the possibility but I doubt we would get anything useful out of her.

File: Leftennant Hiruga.png (750 KB, 808x1023)

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>>1361300
[MIRANDA]

>20

Alright, time to piece the clues together. At least, as much as you were able to find. You were correct in assume the lack of evidence didn’t mean nothing happened- as it happens, there was a good deal that you could surmise from the simple scene, barring the likely cause of death, which, if the doll was any message, was likely a broken neck.

One: The kidnapping was recent. EXTREMELY recent. The sheets were replaced somehow. They’re impeccably clean. No ruffles, dandruff, or anything else. The body heat, because of that, is gone. However, they didn’t take the *pillowcases*. And those still had heat on them, as well as a strand or two of hair. This means that she had to have been taken...within the last hour or so, you’d presume. You’re unsure about the specifics, but you’re pretty sure residual heat doesn’t last THAT long.

Two: Hiruga swears up and down that no one went in or out of the room last night. Which is odd. Me-Gan was bound and gagged (a decision you’re questioning severely now), but the room isn’t soundproof- it shouldn’t have prevented her from making some kind of ruckus, even bound as she was. The inner walls aren’t exactly thick. Judging from last night, you could hear several people from further down just talking. And speaking of walls…

Three: There was a crack in the wall, right in between two bricks on the back wall; it’s tiny - but there. The window in the back shows the room looks down onto the street outside, which has another barracks opposite it, identical to yours, it seems. Considering the phantom’s last method of escape, it’s plausible it could have entered and exited from there.

That leaves you with several questions, however. The obvious one being ‘why’? The others being ‘how did it know where she was’, ‘how did it seem to escape notice’, and ‘what happened to the body and the sheets?’

Hiruga marches up to you as she notices the pensive look on your face. “Come up with something? You said something about this smoking intruder, but I didn’t see anything of that nature; found anything else here?”

> “Nothing important.” This angle is a dead end. You need to get back to the concert.
> “Perhaps.” Ask Hiruga a couple more questions, just to be certain.
> “I have a working theory of the criminal, I think.” (Explain your theory!)
> Other

>>1363093
> “Perhaps.” Ask Hiruga a couple more questions, just to be certain.

>>1363093
> “Perhaps.” Ask Hiruga a couple more questions, just to be certain.
Who else was in the building? Who knew she was being held there?

>>1363093
>> “Perhaps.” Ask Hiruga a couple more questions, just to be certain.

>>1363097

I do wonder...
Did they hear ANYTHING at all?
If the room doesn't have tick walls, then someone entering and... doing pretty much anything would make a sound.
If not... what about hearing NOTHING at all? Like, a complete absence of noise from within the room.

Normally I'd give it the full 30 minutes, but it seems relatively one sided, so I'll stick with 20 for this once.

>>1363093
>>1363097
>>1363104
>>1363105

“Well...perhaps.” You’re still missing some points, but there’s something coming together, at least. “I’d like to ask you a couple more questions, if you don’t mind.”

Hiruga looks behind her, a considering look on her face, then nods. “Alright, but I don’t have a lot of time. Keep them brief.”

You nod. “Fair. Firstly, who else was in the building?”

“Well, this IS a barracks. This may be an empty floor, but we still have soldiers coming and going fairly often,” she responds. “If you have to know, I suppose I can get you the papers…”

“That might not be necessary. Who knew she was up here?” you ask.

She shrugs. “Not too many, actually. Myself, the Captain, the Commander, and Squad Three, who were tasked with general security. Otherwise, we proceeded with the utmost privacy in regards to housing them.”

“Then, did you hear ANYTHING? Anything at all last night? Or perhaps you heard absolutely nothing; an absence of sound?” Hopefully you could get something from this…

She pauses briefly as she thinks. “Hmmm...nothing too particularly out of the ordinary or anything. I didn’t hear any distress or muffled screaming; our gags I don’t think were quite that tight. Nothing like a zone of silence, either- the normal building settling noises, perhaps, the water running…” and here she pauses. “Wait...water running! I heard a sound like running water last night- I discarded it because it was so faint- I’d thought perhaps it was something being washed, perhaps, at the showers nearby, but, no- I don’t think it WOULD carry this far, would it?”

You shake your head. No, you don’t think it would, either. So at least there might be some type of tell...

“Damnit! I’ll have to let the soldiers know. Is there anything else? If no, then I MUST be off.” She seems rather impatient now after learning this- you might be able to get one more question in edgewise before she leaves.

> “One last question…” (And only one.)
> “No, nothing.” Time to get out of here, and back to the concert.
> Other

>>1363141
>> “No, nothing.” Time to get out of here, and back to the concert.

>>1363141
> “No, nothing.” Time to get out of here, and back to the concert.

>>1363141
> “No, nothing.” Time to get out of here, and back to the concert.

>>1363141
Then we're writing/posting!

File: All that jazz gif.gif (419 KB, 498x254)

419 KB GIF

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

>19

Mono sings a little, and the stage is covered in the smoke from a late night party; the only sound a lone saxophone.

Five, Six, Seven, Eight!” You sing, and the music gets into full swing.

Speaking of swing, the two of you come on stage in a hurry; feet moving quickly in step as you dance in sync, kicking out wide between beats before stepping back or forward together. Somehow, you resist the urge to use jazz hands as you spin Mono and hold her wrist to drag her back under you; you toss her into the air with aplomb, and the crowd whoops in delight as you both show your athleticism with the quick, snappy dancing.

And then the two of you place your left hands on hips, just as the piano begins to dominate in deliberate steps. You both cock your hips in time with the music; Mono taking the first line. “Come on, baby, let’s paint the town…. And all that jazz!” She walks ahead and turns with a wink at the title name, leaving you to take over.

You seductively walk forward to centre stage. “I’m gonna rouge my knees, and roll my stockings down... and all that jazz! You shake your breasts a little in time with the namedrop, biting your lip for effect, as you see Honamurei practically drooling in the audience.

“Start the car; I know a whoopee spot!” Mono purrs suggestively running her hand over your waist and pursing her lips; huge and red in your face “Where the gin is cold, but the piano's hot!” She sing-yells and you can’t help but send a smoldering smile out to the crowd as the two of your twist around each other, the soldiers’ jaws dropping.

“It’s just a noisy hall, where there’s a nightly brawl…” You compliment her line and interlock your fingers with hers. “...and all...that...jaaaazz…!” You both sing the title together as backing singers appear on stage during the instrumental.

[CONT]

File: Purps flirty.jpg (8 KB, 172x293)

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>>1363190

[Footsoldier 34]

You wish the song would go on forever; Yoriko had been giving you stick about your crush on the new siren. But even SHE was wolf whistling along with the rest of your squad when Purps and Mono got into it. Even now, watching her kicking the air slowly while laying back and singing on that grand piano, you’re wishing you were on top of her and -

“Alllllllllllllll...thaaaaattttt...jaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzz!” The two finish, sitting on top of the piano with spread arms, and a loud long clear note that sets your long hair swaying, and makes your teeth chatter.

You lead of the roar of appreciation and cheers, the wolf whistles and suggestions levelled at stage while the two bow deafening you for a moment. Coins are thrown and you notice Mono catch one in her teeth while Purps just begins leading the other girl away by the hand. The wolf girl lets out a howl as she departs.

Yoriko is one of the many howling back, but you can’t take your eyes of the red eyed siren. “Who in Octavius’ name IS she?” you wonder aloud.

*Perspective Switch Imminent*

>>1363141
>>1363142
>>1363143
>>1363163

[MIRANDA]

As you reach the square again, you can hear the sounds of clapping; seems like one of them just got done with another piece. You can’t help but be worried that even with this recent death, the Phantom might just try for double their money. You’ve gotten some clues as to what might’ve caused it, but there are still some questions remaining. That said, you might well have enough to justify an accusation as of now.

The question is, are you willing to do it? If you’re correct, or even just capable of arguing successfully for your point, that might help the matter immensely. If not, then...well, you’re already on somewhat thin ice with Sal. That might break it entirely. You know Purps has some information, but considering the Phantom likes to attack while singing...it may or may not be worth the time to wait if they decide to push their luck and strike again.

>Demand an intermission; you’ve got a case to solve. Make this quick.
>Let the show go for now while you reconnect with Purps. Be thorough.
>Keep things to yourself until you’ve got more clues. And just stay vigilant.
>Other

>>1363201
>Keep things to yourself until you’ve got more clues. And just stay vigilant.
We can catch up after the show, we need to make sure nothing else happens first.

>>1363201
>>Let the show go for now while you reconnect with Purps. Be thorough.

>>1363201
> check on the "backstage"
We could conduct some investigations regarding the sirens ourselves.

>>1363201
>Let the show go for now while you reconnect with Purps. Be thorough.

5 minute warning!

This post required a lot of looking back and triple checking stuff.

But we're almost good to go.

- Star

>>1363201
>>1363214
>>1363216
No, no. No use in risking it. You have to be positive about this, and you have to be thorough. And being thorough means that you have to synchronize information with your partner...who seems to be just now getting off the stage, judging by her flushed face and the wolf girl talking with her. Huh. Guess that was her earlier everyone was going wild for.

But then Switchwick enters, standing in the middle of the stage, she keeps her face curiously blank as she introduces the next act; “And now, performing Aridanne’s Melancholy.” She pauses, “Alice.” The crowd politely applauds, but the silence is palpable. There is anticipation, bordering on tension as the young woman moves to centre stage.

She’s in a toga-like outfit; a robe draped over one shoulder, pinned with a golden clasp. Reminds you of some kind of nobility, or maybe a...well, they ARE called Sirens. Makes sense enough. She seems oddly subdued; almost like she’s not actually looking out at the crowd, but beyond them.

She opens her mouth, and almost as soon as the first note leaves her mouth, the square is encased in curved, lightweight wood, and a slow drumbeat and violin begin. The sky darkens and seems to spit out a thunderstorm; rain- to the point you’re unsure whether it’s the real deal or no- lashing down, and wind racing through the air, causing a light, yet eerie howl to cut through the stunned populace as she begins a lamenting tale.

[b]‘The sky grows dark, the wind is chill…’

‘A Grim display of coming ill…’

‘Dismay, dismay, that stops the breath…’

And growing still, the stench of Death…’[/b]

Waves threaten to lash over and flood the square, but the foam doesn’t reach the wall to those on guard duty, the water never quite lands on any of the audience, and whilst the rain has all the images of lancing right through the spectators’ clothing, none of them, yourself included, get any more than slightly damp. That does answer the earlier question, at least.

Her tale describes a bunch of children, all sent to die and challenge a monster inside it’s own twisted lair. How they each know their death awaits them at their destination... it’s a sorrowful-sounding tale, and her voice is reaching peaks and valleys you’d probably blow your throat trying to hit. The diva seems to have the talent to back her attitude, as more than a few hardened men have wet cheeks. Hell, you’re kinda interested yourself. But, there’s no time for that.

cont.

>>1363294
Pushing through the crowd, you eventually make your way off to the side where the rest of the Sirens are at a nod from one of them; Purps sees you coming not long after and meets you halfway.

“Gotta admit, this is pretty impressive,” you offer. “But we’ve got problems.” You quickly relay your findings to her- style of death, timeframe, and general suspicions. “I’m still left wondering what or who would be able to pull something like that off, and the list isn’t growing or shrinking.”

“Judging from what I found out, nobody had any particular grudges beyond a bunch of young women living together. Some people were sleeping together, but nothing anyone treated as scandalous.” Purps says, before going further in depth with what everyone told her.

“So...hm.” You’re wracking your head for anything that sticks out in particular, anything that might give you something like a hint. Nothing immediately comes to you, however, and you shake your head in frustration. “That’s just great. I almost feel like we’re hitting a dead end, but at the same time, that there’s something I’m overlooking…”

There’s a brief period where there’s nothing either of you say as you both think back. It’s you who speaks first. “The first occurrence of this was back when they were still in the village, right? And that was warded to hell and back. So to me, that says...” nothing good.

“It’s either a siren, or whatever this is has always been in the village.” Purps finishes, scratching her palm. “Switchwick wouldn’t be hiding or harbouring some ancient evil or sealed beast or something would she?” She deadpans- wait.

Did she just make a joke? You briefly jerk your eyes towards hers in surprise. She just shrugs.

>I think we need to keep a closer eye on the Sirens…
>We might want to talk to Switchwick about the village’s history.
>Do you think your boss might know anything?
>Other

>>1363296
>I think we need to keep a closer eye on the Sirens…

>>1363296
>We might want to talk to Switchwick about the village’s history.
Purps stays back to keep an eye on the girls, Miranda chats with Switchwick. We're not getting anywhere so might as well explore a new angle

>>1363296
5 minute warning. A bit late, but we got caught up, so this is some extra time.

>>1363357
I'll change to >>1363314
it basically is my vote anyways.

File: Alice.jpg (137 KB, 913x874)

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[PURPS]

“Stick with the girls, will you? I need to speak with Switchwick.” Verde asks, looking honestly a bit tired. Didn’t she say she doesn’t need sleep or whatever? She walks away with green hair bobbing behind her- maybe Alice is making her sleepy? Hell, being this close to the song is making you feel emotional, to the point where you’re half remembering things.

Looking out into the crowd, your gaze is drawn to one woman, seated to your extreme left two rows from the back. Her face is covered by a shawl, but long grey white hair and a small miniscule hat sits on her head. She at first doesn’t seem suspicious, but...no.

It CANNOT be her. There is no way that it is the woman who purged House Lupus; but in the section reserved for non base personnel she sits - surrounded by similarly extravagantly dressed children. The shawls make you imagine some kind of Octavian female priesthood, but they would be draped in red instead of black, wouldn’t they?

It’s this tragic song, Alice’s siren magic. Making you see tragedy wherever you look; even covering your ears doesn’t keep her out of your head.

Queen of the sirens indeed.

Got to keep distracted, keep distracted, need to do something.

> [PRIDE] Pray, even though you’re not on again tonight. Anything to keep your head on straight.

> [CURIOSITY] Try to discreetly check on the veiled woman. If she’s here, that can’t be good.

> [WORRY] Get a vantage point on the crowd in case of attack. You’ve got a bad feeling.

> Write-In

>>1363400

> [WORRY] Get a vantage point on the crowd in case of attack. You’ve got a bad feeling.

>>1363400
> [PRIDE] Pray, even though you’re not on again tonight. Anything to keep your head on straight.

>>1363400
>> [WORRY] Get a vantage point on the crowd in case of attack. You’ve got a bad feeling.

>>1363400
> [WORRY] Get a vantage point on the crowd in case of attack. You’ve got a bad feeling.

Also

>says she can normally go for days without sleep

>looks tired

This is concerning.

LOCKED and Writing.

File: Purps 12.jpg (177 KB, 850x850)

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Stepping off backstage and jumping from behind the carriage to the nearest roof, the guard there looks at you, and is about to comment on your lack of proper clothing. Your dead eyes are quite adept at making people look away or shut up, however. Hopping around from building to building, only one other guard notices your passing when you position yourself. You stand so you can see the stage and the crowd; just shy of ninety degrees to stage right, you perch on the edge of the roof like a gargoyle just as Alice finishes.

With a curtsey, Alice is retreating now; keeping the character’s face as a mask as she exits. It takes a word from Switchwick as they pass each other to cause her to break into a proud smile.

Before Alice’s number the show had been so very upbeat, cheering, hooting, whistling - the songs were all comedic, respectful or outright lewd. Jaqeline’s number was about the many who died to build the republic, and even that was slightly upbeat, respectful of the dead and the lives they lead...

But Alice’s stormy requiem has absolutely tanked the high.

Even Switchwick seems solemn as she speaks: “And now ladies and gentlemen; to finish our evening. One of our longest patrons, Captain Barragan presents to you a tale older than the republic: The Seven Shields, by Grey Armanon!”

Polite applause rings out as Velth, Lita, Loti and Trisha take to the stage. Each sports white face paint, colourful robelike dresses, hair back in buns with sticks piercing them. You heard this song in rehearsal, despite Velth’s distaste for it - it was quite enjoyable.

When they sing, however, it is not the Seven Shields. It’s not that song at all.

[CONT]

>>1363580
There goes our paycheck.

>>1363580
My money's on Velth being the Siren behind it all.

And dammit, Miranda is going to be so fucking pissed; she hasn't had Sal be mad at her in decades for screwing up a contract.

>>1363611
>implying it is just 1 siren

File: Seer's Shade Boss Area.jpg (231 KB, 964x667)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxb2-eRhka8

This is different.

A mechanical sort of mish mash of all the instruments used today begin smashing in out in discordant unison- hectic, fast paced and unsettlingly so. Looking out over the crowd you expect to see the crowd reacting and Barragan enraged by the lack of adherence to his request; but the crowd aren’t there.

Where once stood ranks on ranks of onlookers, now there is only columns of interlocking metal rising to the sky; a roof rapidly growing from thin air on top of them. The stage begins to transform from wood to metal, the raggedy and worn down planks now becoming rusted interlaced sheet metal.

Hooks descend from the ceiling and an animal’s crying seems to sound from impossibly far away. The sirens begin to sing, providing a choir that sits behind the music whiles you are forced from your vantage point as it and the barracks are about to be excised from this new area.

A slaughterhouse.

The sirens have created a slaughterhouse.

Boss Fight: Seer’s Shade

You hear footsteps, the sound somehow eclipsing the music as you put your back to one of the columns of metal and holding your saw ready to throw. Your sparse clothing has been replaced with what you can only describe as a butcher’s apron.

Looking around, the automated pulleys, machinery, hooks, strange flashing squares and chains all clatter out and provide excellent hiding spots for a phantom or other assailant. But no matter how calamitous their volume, no matter how hard your heart beats in your chest or how loud the sirens sing; you hear footsteps splashing in liquid.

> [DETERMINATION] Stand in front of the stage- nobody will get past you.

> [CURIOSITY] Get high and try to keep your eye on every approach.

> [FEAR] Find Verde, there's safety in numbers.

> Write-In

>>1363641
> [CURIOSITY] Get high and try to keep your eye on every approach.

>>1363641


> [DETERMINATION] Stand in front of the stage- nobody will get past you.

>>1363611
Wait how is this her fault?

>>1363641
>> [CURIOSITY] Get high and try to keep your eye on every approach.

>>1363641
Also
> [FEAR] Find Verde, there's safety in numbers.

Miranda has more defensive options than we do.

LOCKED

Purps 420 Blazing.

File: Purps 18.jpg (22 KB, 290x400)

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Hopping on a moving belt, you use it to hop onto a metal box, and use that to put a foot on a hook as it rises above the metallic jungle through unseen means. You bite your lip and try to focus as your eyes pierce the smoke being belched forth from the horrible machinery.

Verde has emerged, gauntlets attached to her forearms as she glares out into the strange slaughterhouse. Her head is moving every which way the same as yours; looking to the right you see a shambling figure through the smoke, average height but not much more can be made out. It’s close to the wall and with every second step looks as if it is about to fall.

A shout from Verde drags your attention to in front of the stage, as a much more graceful form hops over a belt and strides towards the stage with purpose. It’s taller, and you make out black clothing with blood stains trailing behind; some kind of cloak maybe?

Whipping between figures rapidly, you try to make a plan.

PURPS

> Retreat and let them come to you.

> Ambush a figure from up high (Close or Far)

> Drop down and charge close figure.

> Write-In

MIRANDA

> Approach the strange, stumbling figure. It may need help.

> Try to play hit and run with this overconfident thing. Whatever this figure is, you can at least distract it for now until Purps comes out of hiding.

>Keep out of it's way for now. You may be able to surprise it.

>Other

>>1363775
>> Drop down and charge close figure.
PURPS
MIRANDA
> Try to play hit and run with this overconfident thing. Whatever this figure is, you can at least distract it for now until Purps comes out of hiding.

>>1363775
>Drop down and charge close figure.

>Other: Orbital Ring both figures, starting with the overconfident one. Then start beating the shit out of them.

>>1363775
> Drop down and charge close figure.

> Try to play hit and run with this overconfident thing. Whatever this figure is, you can at least distract it for now until Purps comes out of hiding.

Sorry guy in pain, but either your a trap, or you're just not who we're paid to give a crap about.

5 minutes.

>>1363775
>Ambush a figure from up high (Far)
Do we really want to let an unknown entity do as it pleases?

>Try to play hit and run with this overconfident thing. Whatever this figure is, you can at least distract it for now until Purps comes out of hiding.
Though I have to wonder if we can't just knock all the sirens out with a Flux Wave again, if it comes to it.

>>1363862
>>1363830
>>1363815
>>1363796


Purps is charging the shambler while Randa hit and runs.

Let's do this.

File: Spoiler Image (494 KB, 830x1167)

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Dropping down and landing in a crouch, you let your saws come into gauntlet form and dash through the smoke at the shambling creature. Blistering in your pace, you jump to the wall in order to avoid breaking stride, planting both your feet on the wall and launching yourself at it. Pulling back, you deliver a revving blow to the stomach which caves beneath the punch; a sound like crushed ice before the tearing of your gauntlet sends blood spilling on the slaughterhouse floor as you follow through.

Preparing a left uppercut, you take in the figure for the first time, the enemy flying back through the air with her head at an unnatural angle. It’s practically lolling from the neck as she careens back from the force of your first blow. You hesitate, taking in the form of batwinged hair, to wings, to slender legs and green hair.

It’s Me-Gan.

Her eyes are lifeless; she smiles at you despite the blood dried on her lips; her dead gaze unbroken even as her hands go up to affix her head to a more stable axis. The music seems to go silent as she sits up and stands like a puppet being lifted by it’s puppeteer; you only notice as she draws a thin needle like blade from mid-air - a white mask covers the area around her eyes.

The noise of Verde’s own engagement ceases as you concentrate on Me-Gan as she comes. Every step forward you mirror with a step back, but you don’t have long until that conveyer belt forces you to decide on something.

> [CRUELTY] This will be cathartic. Kill.

> [WORRY] Retreat to the stage.

> [CURIOSITY] Talk?

> Write-In

*Perspective Switch Incoming*

>>1363954
>Write-In
Disarm and restrain her?

Capturing her for interrogation/examination after this particular mess is over will hopefully shed some light on the situation.

>>1363978
She dead my man. Phantom (probably Velth at this time I agree) rezzed her and Billie

>>1363954
>[WORRY] Retreat to the stage.
She's just a distraction, isn't she?

>>1363983
Least thats my guess.

>>1363954
>> [CRUELTY] This will be cathartic. Kill.
going to eenjoy this
what you get from trying to sex the purps

>>1363983
We would at least be able to examine the corpse in that case.

Also Miranda is gonna be ripshit pissed. According to Handler Necromancy is her one big no.

2 minutes.

>>1364012
>Necromancy is her one big no.
No, it's soul binding and anything that damages or destroys souls.
Since souls exist, torture and killing of the physical body doesn't matter to her, only the sanctity of the soul.

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The strange swagger that masked thing had affected didn't last for very long once you started giving it a bad case of hot foot via magiblasts. At the very least, it'd stopped moving like it was above everything and actually started to pay attention to you. Which, to be fair, is exactly what you wanted. As you get closer, you realize that the mask it's wearing is familiar.

Too familiar. It's a damned spitting image of Billie, the first girl murdered.

Already your pulse quickens and strengthens. If this is more than just a reanimated body...someone WILL have hell to pay.

You can hear Purps diving into combat as you quickly duck behind a pillar, the phantom thing having surprisingly good agility and flexibility. It had managed to duck and swing around several of your blasts as it chased you, almost flowing like water. Her weapon, a strange wavy sword- flamberg, you think it's called- seems to have some kind of enchantment on it, as she's used it to bat away at least three shots that otherwise would have been dead on.

Your own chase results in you moving like a pinball as you work to stay ahead of the masked villain, bouncing from pillar to pillar, and eventually you slip out from behind one- to see the thing in the complete other direction. Perfect.

You launch yourself out of cover; it turns around in that classic way just in time to have its face make pleasantries with your fist. You can hear the cracking of bone- and possibly something else- as it flies back, slamming its head against a steel wall with authority, and it slumps over, nary a sound coming from it as it's mask cracks, and falls on the floor with a tinkling sound.

You start to breathe out, trying to consider what to do in this situation- but then the entire thing gives a shudder that wouldn't be out of place on a seizure victim, lifting itself up-

- and you stare into the cold, dead, unseeing eyes of a siren. Her mouth is stuck in a rictus grin, but it shows no teeth, merely stretching from ear-to-ear. Her nose, pushed in and clearly broken, fails to bleed.

She casually places her hand on the back of her head and rolls her neck around- you can see now that it's blue, and has clear markings of strangulation on it. She calmly gets back up, still holding the sword, and now you are having to think about what to do from here.

> Try to restrain her. Maybe there's something that can done or gleaned from her...or it. And you don't like risking someone's soul.

> No matter what, the dead should remain dead. Destroy the body. If there is a soul still in there, then hopefully this will free it.

> Nothing comes back on its own. Find whoever or whatever it was the cause of this- hopefully they're still around. Maybe you can bait it out?

>Other

>>1364119
>> Nothing comes back on its own. Find whoever or whatever it was the cause of this- hopefully they're still around. Maybe you can bait it out?

>>1364119
>Nothing comes back on its own. Find whoever or whatever it was the cause of this- hopefully they're still around. Maybe you can bait it out?
>Other: Orbital Ring the body to immobilize it.

>>1364119
>Nothing comes back on its own. Find whoever or whatever it was the cause of this- hopefully they're still around. Maybe you can bait it out?
Wonder what would happen if we dropped a Great Barrier around her, directed inwards? Nothing gets in or out, right? Would that include whatever is being used to control her?

Hey, back! I'll be writing, but as a heads up, may not be active for a couple of days due to Easter vacation stuff after this entry- we'll both be back on Tuesday!

>>1364172
Seconding this, it's worth a shot

>>1364147
>>1364172
I can support this, be it orbital ring or reverse shield dome idea