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“Where did you find her?”

“Near the edge of town, master...” the maid bows. “She had stopped by the market to buy some bread.”

Your father looks expectant at you as you look to the floor in embarrassment. “I was hungry...”

“Thank you for this Misa,” your father nods towards the maid. “Wait upstairs. We'll discuss your... raise in my chambers.”

“Yes, master...” the smiling maid bows again, before taking off. Your father looks at you with a sigh and a forlorn look in his eye.

“Chihiro, darling...” your father begins. “Why were you running away from home?”

You shuffle your feet, hesitating to answer. “I'm so sorry, papa... I didn't mean to make you upset. I just... well...”

Your father places his hand on your shoulder with a comforting smile. “Don't be afraid.”

“I... wanted to meet my mother!” you exclaim. You can see the sadness behind your father's eyes. He's blaming himself.

“Oh? And how did you expect an eight year old to get around?” he asks.

“I studied the train lines,” you reply. “You said mama was from Kingudoro, so...”

Your father sighs. “Your mother hasn't lived there in years, though. Last I even heard of her, she had moved to France.”

“France...” you ponder to yourself. “Paris, the city of love... how glamorous!”

Your father shakes his head, as he picks you up into a hug. “I'm so sorry, my little darling. I wasn't good enough to your mother... I wasn't willing to marry her, or remain faithful... I know how much it hurts you without a mother.”

“W-why don't you marry Misa?” you suggest. “She's nice!”

“I've never been interested in marriage...” your father sighs. “I know... it's horribly selfish of me. But forcing myself into a loveless relationship would just end in more heartbreak... as much as I wish I could give you a mother.”

You frown. “Then why don't we visit granny? I've never met her!”

“I can... try to arrange a visit,” your father explains. “But my mother is... difficult. She doesn't like me very much.”

You pout. “Is there any woman that likes you?”

Your father lets out a small chuckle. “Well, hopefully my baby girl does!”

“Of course, papa... I didn't mean to make you upset.”

“It's okay, Chihiro... it's okay.”

>>2214870
Oshit it's a Chihiro episode.

Nice.

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>10 years later

“Thank you so much for spending the night with me, onee-san,” you smile and bow towards Kanako, who is sitting on the bed, searching through her cellphone.

Kanako stares at you in reply, before turning back to her phone. “I was surprised by the request.”

“Well...” you admit, “To be perfectly honest... I'm not comfortable sleeping alone.”

“The city is big and scary,” Kanako notes. “Let me guess, you grew up having to share with your sisters?”

You shake your head. “No. No siblings. After rooming with my friend Sayeka, I've simply never been able to go back to sleeping alone in a room.”

“Interesting...” Kanako mutters, continuing to stare at her phone. She may not be listening to you.

“Of course,” you continue with a smile. “I would have loved for a sibling. A little sister or brother I could dress up like my own personal mannequin... but it was never meant to be. C'est la vie!”

“Why do you do that?” Kanako asks, lowering her phone and glaring at you.

“Do what?”

“The French,” Kanako explains. “You keep slipping into all these french phrases. You've been doing it all day.”

You smirk and run your hands through your hair, cutting a glamorous pose as you do. “Well, it's only second nature to me! My mother lives in Paris. The city of love, don't you know?”

“I think I heard,” Kanako mutters, unimpressed. “Tell me... what does your mother think about you and that academy?”

You pause. “Well, uhh... she...”

“Spit it out.”

“... I never met my mother,” you reply.

Kanako looks over to you, her eyes softening a little. Just a little, as she bites her lower lip as she formulates her next sentence. “Consider yourself lucky. Mothers... they're more trouble than they're worth.”

“Oh...” you mumble. “Are you and your mother-”

“Don't bother asking,” Kanako grimaces. “It's a long dead subject to me... are you going to bed or not?”

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You nod, and slide in under the blankets as you let out a yawn. It's been quite the luxurious day. Meeting with models, photographers, showering with fancy shampoo... it's just how you imagined the life. Kanako slides into bed, keeping her distance on the far end of the matress. You decide to change that as you nuzzle ever closer towards your idol.

“What do you think you're doing?” Kanako snarls.

“Oh, I just...” you mutter.

“You just what?”

“I thought that we could... well... snuggle. I can't sleep unless I'm snuggling into someone or something.”

“Is that so?” Kanako asks, before letting out a sigh. “Okay... go ahead.”

You smile and nestle into Kanako, letting out a yawn before hugging into her tight. “Mmm... you're really soft...”

“I'll need to work on that,” Kanako sighs... before reluctantly hugging back. And in that moment, everything just feels... right. You feel warm, you feel welcome, you feel... wanted. You get a sounder sleep than you ever could have wanted that night.

The next morning, you're enjoying a rather glamorous hotel breakfast alongside Kanako. She pours a cup of tea and slides it over to you as she crosses her legs and speaks. “So, Chihiro...”

“Yes, onee-san?”

“Why are you here?” Kanako asks. “I searched your family name. You're certainly not some lowly peon desperate for money... so why on earth are you hungry to become a model? What could you possibly expect to get out of this?”

>Nothing. I just think it's fun!
>The fame, the spotlight... it's always been appealing to me.
>I... I want people to love me.

>>2214876
>Nothing. I just think it's fun!
>I... I want people to love me.

God, I really hope Chihiro makes it out of this one okay.

>>2214876
>>I... I want people to love me.

>>2214876
>>I... I want people to love me.

>>2214876
>I... I want people to love me.

>>2214876
>>I... I want people to love me.

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Reminder that Kanako is the Vanity and will cover the world in vines if we don't kill her.

Calling for
>I... I want people to love me.

Writing now.

File: Kanako_Iwatani12.jpg (51 KB, 561x518)

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>I... I want people to love me.

Kanako perks her head up at your comment. You can't surprise her for being surprised. All your bountiful confidence, and that's the reply you give? She must be shocked, stunned, baffled beyond repair! This must be the single most outrageous thing she's ever heard!

"I see..." Kanako mutters. "I suppose we have plenty in common then."

What? That... wasn't the answer you were expecting. "Excuse me?"

"Did you go deaf?" Kanako asks. "I refuse to ever repeat myself. I'm far above that. But know this... I will take care of you."

There it is. You knew it. That cold, harsh exterior... it was a face of confidence. A show of strength hiding the kindness and gentleness within.

"See that producer over there?" Kanako points to a rotund man munching away on a sandwich a few tables over. "He's a pig. Swine, the lowest of the low. If he ever dares give you trouble... tell me. I will sort him out for you."

"T-thank you!"

Kanako takes a last sip of her tea before standing up from the table. She is handed her jacket by one of her many following servants, who bows to her. She of course ignores him, and keeps her eyes focused on you. "Now, busy day ahead. Finish your breakfast, then meet me at the agency."

Kanako makes her way past, stopping to rest her hand gently atop your head. She runs her fingers through your hair gently and even gives a small, fleeting smile, before carrying on with her day.

"Croissant..." you muse over your breakfast, holding the pastry dish up. You pause and clear your throat before trying again. "Croissant!" you exclaim in your best french accent. People start to stare though, so you quiet down and bite into the bread.

You realise that with Kanako gone you have some free time to call one of your closest companions. They must still be in the city, they would have informed you if the demon matter had been sorted. Oh well...

>Call Sayeka
>Call Ryoji
>Call Makoto
>No time to call anyone. You can't wait to rejoin Kanako at the agency.

>>2214905
>>Call Makoto

>>2214905
Try to
>Call Makoto
Then chicken out and
>>Call Sayeka

>>2214905
>No time to call anyone. You can't wait to rejoin Kanako at the agency.
Work work work. Models don't have time for friends.

>>2214905
>Call Makoto

>>2214907
Supporting.

>>2214905
>Call Sayeka

>>2214905
>No time to call anyone. You can't wait to rejoin Kanako at the agency

>>2214915
I'll change my vote to
>Call Sayeka

Calling for
>Call Sayeka

Writing now.

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>Call Sayeka

You look at your phone, briefly considering who to call. First to come to mind is Ryoji, of course. The closest thing to a brother you've ever had... your confidant, perhaps the most trusted person in your life. Then of course, you could always call up cute Makoto... perhaps apologise for what happened yesterday...

But of course, there could only be one option. Your best friend in the world, the one and only lovely lady Sayeka.

As you call, the phone only allows for one ring before Sayeka picks up. She's that eager to speak to you, is she?

"Hello?" Sayeka's voice speaks on the other end.

"Ah, if it isn't my dear Sayeka?" you laugh.

"Chihiro..." Sayeka mutters.

"You must be wondering how-"

"Chihiro, we need to talk," Sayeka interrupts. "Where are you? Are you at the modelling agency?"

"Hm?" you raise an eyebrow. The tone in her voice... something serious must have happened. "I'm on my way there now, as a matter of fact."

"Okay, we're on our way..." Sayeka explains. "Be safe, Chihiro. Please."

The phone clicks as Sayeka hangs up. Okay...? That was odd. Something that happened yesterday must have left her shaken. You certainly hope she's okay.

Nevertheless, you make your way to the modelling agency as arranged. As you enter the lobby, you're greeted by a pair of saddened faces.

"Chihiro..." Sayeka mutters, Makoto standing by her side.

You smile brightly as you see them. "Ah, it appears you've arrived before me!" you exclaim. "Oh, joyous day! Now, what can I do to help my two dear-"

"We need to talk," Makoto interrupts. "About Kanako. She... she may be a demon."

You stare at Makoto, then let out a sigh. "This again... didn't you conclude that she wasn't just yesterday?"

"Yes, but things might have changed," Sayeka tries to explain.

"Might have changed?" you raise an eyebrow. "What is this? The both of you? This... paranoia."

"We're not paranoid-"

"No," you interrupt. "Perhaps you're jealous. Jealous that a beautiful and famous model has taken me under her wing. Jealous that my time is being taken up... I'll always have time for my friends. Why are you trying to take this away from-"

Sayeka shakes her head in protest. "Chihiro, please. I'm not trying to take anything from you, I'm happy for you, but-"

"Why don't you confirm it?" you point out. "Look to the future and tell me for certain."

"I.... I can't," Sayeka admits in an upset tone.

"Why not?"

"Because..." Sayeka meekly replies. "You asked me not to."

"Well, that's just foolish," you state. "Sayeka, on a matter this serious, it's not worth risking lives simply to spare my feel-"

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You hear the clicking of a heel atop the stairs in the lobby, as Kanako immediately makes her presence known. "What's this about? Why are they here?"

"Well-" Makoto begins, but Kanako is quick to interrupt.

"No matter..." Kanako announces. "Chihiro, I have made my decision. You will be my protege, and I will raise you to my level. I see not only potential in you... but spirit. And drive. And all the qualities I admire."

"T-thank you!" you bow in respect.

Kanako shakes her head. "But first... there is something you must do."

She tosses you her signature whip, which you catch in your hands. You look to the whip before looking to her, confused. "What is...?"

"Chihiro, I was once like you are now," Kanako explains. "Lonely, doting... craving for love from others. I want you to know that the solution is not what you think it is. No matter what you do, people will never love you. Love... it's a fallacy, a comfortable lie spread amongst worthless peons. You are more than a peon, Chihiro... you must rise above. You must cast aside your craving for approval, for love from these mindless pigs who will never care for you."

"So... what do I do?" you ask.

"Chihiro..." Sayeka mutters, the concern in her voice running high.

"A peon stands before you," Kanako explains, pointing to Makoto. "A male pig with lustful thoughts for you. This is the poison you must drain from your life. Show him your power, strike fear into his heart. Take that whip and remind him of what a worthless ant he is compared to a Goddess like yourself!"

"I..." you mutter, looking at the whip, then back to Makoto, his soft eyes staring at you with a forlorn smile. "I..."

"Go ahead," Makoto smiles. "If... if this is the life you want... if this is what you need to do, Chihiro... I won't stand in your way."

It... it wasn't supposed to be this hard. It was supposed to be simple, and fun, and glamorous. Why... why this? Your hands tremble as you grasp the whip.

>Strike Makoto
>Refuse

>>2214957
>>Refuse

>>2214957
>Refuse

>>2214957
>Refuse
I-I can't!

>>2214957
>Strike Makoto
Do it impress your beloved idol

>>2214957
>Strike Makoto
If they can get over this event then their relationship will be rock solid.

>>2214957
>Refuse

>>2214965
https://youtu.be/j_QLzthSkfM

>>2214957
>Refuse

None of what she said makes sense.

Calling for
>Refuse

Writing now.

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>Refuse

You stare at Makoto with the whip in hand, then back at Kanako.

"Go ahead," Kanako nods, standing at the top of the stairs, her shadow casting over you like a long knife.

You look to Makoto, then to Sayeka, before shaking your head.

"Not on my life," you reply. "I could never hurt them. They mean far too much to me."

"They mean nothing," Kanako spits, as she makes her way down the stairs towards you. "Who do you think you are, disobeying my commands? Haven't you always wanted to be like me?"

"No," you state. "I have always wanted to be like me. And I know in my heart that this isn't right."

Kanako snarls as her speed picks up towards you. "Listen here. I saw something in you, I'm offering you the world, a chance to rise about these pathetic pissants, and this is how you answer to me? Maybe a good slap will teach you a lesson-"

As she approaches you, you act in reflex. You never thought you'd strike out towards her, but as she charged headfirst in your direction, and with the whip in your hand, you let loose, slicing just across her upper right cheek.

"Aaaagh!" Kanako screams in shock. "My face! You just cut my face! Am I bleeding?"

"... Yes," you reply. "You are. Black."

Kanako pauses, her look turning to an angry glare. "I took you in... I was going to take care of-"

"Sayeka, call the others," you interrupt. "Now!"

Sayeka takes out her phone, but is soon swarmed by Kanako's manservants, grappling her and pulling the phone from her grasps. You're not sure if she managed to even send out a message in time.

"Stop it!" Makoto yells at the peons. "Can't you see she's a demon?"

"Of course they can, are you stupid?" Kanako asks. "But they'll listen to anything I say."

"Are they really so submissive that they'd obey you like this?" he asks.

Kanako lets out a laugh. "Fufufufu... no, but pheromones are a powerful thing! Surely you feel them too, boy?"

"Makoto, darling?" you ask in concern as Makoto strains his eyes and shakes his head.

"I think being awakened makes me resistant," he points out. "But... whatever she's releasing... makes it hard to focus."

This... this has all gone downhill so fast. One moment you were eating a classy breakfast, the other you were defending your friends... and now... you never expected this insanity. You never expected Kanako... she wasn't the perfect woman. You knew that. But you never saw her as the kind to give into this... this darkness. No matter, it might be too late for Kanako, but you need to fight now. For yourself, and for the sake of your friends.

>Makoto! Let's attack from both sides if you can focus!
>Attack Kanako head-on, keep her focus on you.
>Use your speed to misdirect Kanako.

>>2214999
>>Use your speed to misdirect Kanako.

>>2214999
>>Use your speed to misdirect Kanako.
Can we get Makoto to help Sayeka?

>>2214999
>Use your speed to misdirect Kanako.
>Look for an opening to rescue Sakeya and fall back and regroup

>>2214999
>Attack Kanako head-on, keep her focus on you.

BLADE STORM BLADE STORM BLADE STORM

>>2215009
Yeeeeeep

Calling for
>Use your speed to misdirect Kanako.

ROLL 1D100, BO3

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>2215021

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>2215021

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>2215021

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>2215021

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>71+4

"Makoto, be a dear and help Sayeka!" you exclaim as you summon your knives.

Makoto nods and makes his way to assist Sayeka, pulling the mindless peons aside and pulling Sayeka to safety. He has to work to be careful, those men aren't summoned by the demon. They aren't demons themselves. They're slaves, victims. He can't hurt them.

"You'll lash out against me?" What once was Kanako asks. "Do you hate me?"

"I don't believe in hate!" you explain. "I believe in love!"

With that you charge at Kanako at full speed. She prepares herself, before you shift to the side. You've always been one of the fastest in the school this side of Rei, and you're going to use that speed to your advantage. You misdirect Kanako and attack from the side with a kick to the face. She catches your foot and tosses you back... but you quickly use that momentum to bounce up and slash across her other cheek. Her reflexes and physical abilities have improved greatly, but Kanako was never a fighter.

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

You land on your feet on the other side of the room as Kanako grimaces, clutching her face.

"You say no to me... you slash my beautiful face..." she growls. "You betray me... they all betray me! Every time! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

With that scream, Kanako falls to her knees... letting out a ton of energy as she does. And then... her skin begins to bloom. The demon, The Vanity... is here.

When she rises to her feet, Kanako's visage is no more, replaced by a plant-like creature, standing tall and elegant, her beauty only matched by her threat.

"This world is so ugly... pain, hurt, betrayal... no more," The Vanity speaks. "I am the empress of the future... and this world shall begin anew, in my image."

This isn't good. The others need to get here fast. You can't handle a demon alone, even with Makoto. You're not enough.

>Makoto, hit her with fire magic! I'll hold off the men!
>Makoto, keep Sayeka safe! I'll hold her off myself!

>>2215059
>>Makoto, keep Sayeka safe! I'll hold her off myself!

>>2215059
>Makoto, keep Sayeka safe! I'll hold her off myself!

>>2215059
>Makoto, keep Sayeka safe! I'll hold her off myself!

>>2215059
>Makoto, hit her with fire magic! I'll hold off the men!

Calling for
>Makoto, keep Sayeka safe! I'll hold her off myself!

ROLL 1D100, BO3

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2215076

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>2215076

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2215076
It's time to show her the power of sincerity.

>>2215085
Mimi would be proud.

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>90+2

Makoto is incredibly useful in a fight, top of his class, but you still have a responsibility as a senpai.

Makoto falls back, guiding Sayeka. "Did you get the message out to the others?"

"I... I did," Sayeka nods. "Chihiro! Be careful! The others are on their way!"

You nod. You'll just have to hold her off until then. Well, hold her off may not be the right phrasing... you alone can do nothing against the might of an Archdemon. Your job is to distract her and survive.

You lunge at The Vanity, but it quickly shoots up with one of it's vines, catching you by the ankle and swinging you across the room.

You land on your feet, turning your head back to Kanako... or rather, The Vanity. She's not even moving... the Vines around her are flailing like crazy, spreading out across the room, but she herself didn't move an inch in response to your attack. Why should she? Others are doing all the work for her.

You kick aside on of the men who tries to grab you as you launch yourself towards The Vanity again at top speed. Again, you're caught and flung towards the roof. You turn in mid-air, pushing your feet off the ceiling and bouncing back down, hoping to drill right in The Vanity... but you're swatted aside yet again. This is ridiculous... she's just tossing you aside, not even bothering to hold on and do some real damage when she catches you. Could it be a remnant of Kanako... a part that's reluctant to kill still lying within her? Or is The Vanity simply just playing with you. Regardless, you can't give up.

You run towards The Vanity, daggers in hand as you run circles around the demon before launching yourself towards the centre of the room, the centre of attention. All the vines reach out and grab you at once... you were hoping on that. As they wrap around you, you toss one of the daggers straight for The Vanity's face-slicing it across the cheek. You're starting to like doing that.

"My face..." The Vanity mutters. "MY FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!"

You feel the vines tightening around you as The Vanity pulls you in close. "You would make me ugly? I'll crush your ribs!"

"Nah, you won't."

A voice you're all to happy hear calls out, as your good friend Akio flies across your field of vision, slashing through the vines and setting you free. You fall to the floor as the source of the voice steps up behind you.

"Looks like we found our culprit," Ryoji nods with a slight smirk.

>Ah, the cavalry! I was doing quite well for myself, but it's good to see you!
>Ryoji! Ah... I'm sorry for my actions of late.
>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!

>>2215119
>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!

>>2215119
>Ah, the cavalry! I was doing quite well for myself, but it's good to see you!
>Ryoji! Ah... I'm sorry for my actions of late.
>You boys be careful! She has pheromones!

All 3 are very Chihiro.

>>2215119
>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!

>>2215119
>>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!

>>2215119
>>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!

>>2215119
>>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!
Finally made it to a thread after a long time.

Calling for
>You boys stay back! She has pheromones!

ROLL 1D100, BO3

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>2215147
odds on Akio not understanding what pheromones are and charging head first into this and getting fucked up?

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>2215147

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>2215147
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>2215147
That smells.

>>2215148
High.

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>46+3

"Pheromones?" Ryoji asks.

"Explains the mindless zombie people we had to push through outside," Saki points out.

Her reach has reached that far already? This isn't good...

"I'm not sensing anything," Ryoji points out.

"Well," The Vanity blows a kiss in Ryoji's direction. "I could never expect to ensnare a fellow Archdemon, but perhaps you will join my beautiful world willingly, Stranger? We could rule together, with I as the empress of beauty, and you as my loyal concubine."

"You'll have to ask Stranger that question," Ryoji mutters. "Cause I ain't him."

"Ugh... a human," The Vanity shakes her head. "Hideous. Bring out your inner demon, allow me to see your true beauty."

"Couldn't if I wanted to."

"Hmph!" The Vanity huffs, before turning to Akio. "What of you? Are you ensnared yet?"

"Watch out Akio!" Hikaru yells. "She's dangerous!"

"Don't worry babe!" Akio assures her. "It's not like I'm gonna be stopped just because she smells nice! Here I go!"

Akio charges at The Vanity... but his speed drops the closer he gets to her. His movement comes to a standstill as he's in front of her, but he's still holding up his spear. Despite the strain on his face, his attempts to fight it off, the bulging vein on his red forehead, just about ready to burst... he drops the spear to his side as The Vanity steals a kiss. This isn't good... Akio's too strong to be taken out of this fight... or worse, turned against you.

"Dammit, you idiot..." Hikaru sighs, her eyes watering and her voice cracking as she speaks.

"It's okay, we just need to knock the sense back into him, right?" Mio suggests.

"See, this is why you're my second favourite kouhai," Ryoji nods.

Akio turns to the group, spear in hand, as The Vanity's vines tear through the ceiling and lift her to and upper floor. "Now, to the roof!" she exclaims, "It's time to unveil my beauty to the world!"

Akio readies his spear, as Saki readies her shield. "I'll take care of Akio."

>No Saki, you and your dragon need to stop The Vanity outside. We'll take care of Akio.
>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.

>>2215193
>>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.

>>2215193
>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.

>>2215193
>>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.
AKIO PLZ

>>2215193
>>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.
Dammit Akio

Calling for
>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.

Writing Now.

>>2215213
Akio is sleeping in the dog house tonight

>>2215233
He may as well take up permanent residence in there.

>>2215235
At least SeishyBro will keep him wam at night R-right?

File: Sayeka14.jpg (387 KB, 800x1000)

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>Thank you, Saki. The rest of us need to chase The Vanity.

Ryoji nods, and shares a quick kiss with Saki. "Knock some sense into our dumbest friend, then meet us up on the roof to take care of this thing."

"Hopefully I'll be able to bring out The Young Dragon if need be..." Saki points out. "We'll need it against an Archdemon."

Akio charges with his spear, as Saki deflects with her shield, before tackling him into a wall. "You've been waiting on this fight for a while, Akio. Too bad you aren't really conscious for it..."

You and the others hurry to make your way up the stairs, climbing to the roof of the agency building.

"Look at this!" Mio points out the walls. "Vines everywhere! And... people are wrapped up in them, like cocoons."

"That's Yaoyorozu!" you exclaim, pointing out one of the bodies ensnared in the vines. "Is she still alive?"

"Still breathing," Hikaru notes. "But these vines are only going to get tighter. We don't have much time."

"Then let's move!" you twirl your daggers. "And let us have the most glamorous victory over this scandalous beast!"

Ryoji smirks as the two of you move side-by-side. "Good to see Chihiro back."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" you stick your tongue out.

"Come on, you know what it means," he replies. "You haven't been yourself lately. It's good to have my friend back."

"Ryoji..."

"We don't have time for hugs, but I owe you one for later."

You smile and nod, before turning your attention back to a certain pair. "Makoto, Sayeka..."

"It's okay," Makoto smiles. "You did the right thing."

"You're not angry?"

"I could never be angry with you," Sayeka replies.

You briefly wipe a tear from your eye and sniffle. Now's not the time to be getting emotional. You have a job to finish.

You arrive at the rooftop to encounter The Vanity... the entire roof covered in intertwined vines... and a massive bud by her side.

"I don't like the look of that..." Mio mutters.

"Explain, demon!" Makoto demands.

"Soon, this flower shall bloom!" Vanity explains. "And unleash a spore of my very own, one that will bring the people together, celebrating my world of depraved beauty in the only appropriate way!"

"And orgy?" Mio asks, causing you all to double-take.

"What?!" Hikaru lectures her kouhai. "Get your head out of the gutter! It's not a... actually, it might be. Sayeka?"

"None of the options are good," Sayeka states.

>You won't do that. We're going to stop you.
>Is this really what you want, Kanako? Is this the world you really want to see?

>>2215249
>>Is this really what you want, Kanako? Is this the world you really want to see?

>>2215249
>You won't do that. We're going to stop you.

>>2215249
>Is this really what you want, Kanako? Is this the world you really want to see?

>>2215249
>>You won't do that. We're going to stop you.

>>2215249
>>You won't do that. We're going to stop you.

Calling for
>You won't do that. We're going to stop you.

Writing now.

>>2215249
>Is this really what you want, Kanako? Is this the world you really want to see?
“I know you are in there somewhere” time.

>>2215268
That feeling when you miss the vote...well maybe there will be more attempts to talk the monster down. Probably going to need to do both to make it work.

>>2215275
Same

File: Chihiro19.jpg (169 KB, 850x1336)

169 KB JPG

>You won't do that. We're going to stop you.

"So spirited... so wilful..." Vanity speaks. "I can see why she had cared for you."

"And you just had to spoil it, didn't you?" you reply. "How uncivilised of you."

"Too bad, there's nothing you can do."

The Vanity never moves. However, the vines do. Wrapping around each of your ankles, you try to move but are caught within the overgrowth.

"Dammit..." Ryoji grimaces, as vines pull back his arms. He struggles against their might, but they restrain him with ease. You as well, and the others fare little chance against them either. This is her rooftop, her world.

"Sit there and watch!" Vanity exclaims. "As my beautiful flower blooms!"

The bud begins to break apart, as you see hints of red, a flower about to show it's petals.

From beneath you, a figure breaks through the floor and lands feet first atop the roof, another carried over his shoulder. No way... Akio was able to beat Saki.

"Sak!" Ryoji screams, still fighting against the vines like they were quicksand. "Akio, you stupid son of a bitch! If you hurt her!"

Akio tosses Saki aside, as her limp lifeless body is thrown between you and Ryoji.

Hikaru lets out an angry yell. "Akio, please! Listen to my voice! You're an egomaniacal dumbass... but you can't fall for this! You're my egomaniacal dumbass!"

You let out a defeated sigh as you look to Saki... who flashes you a wink. How odd.

File: The Vanity02.jpg (232 KB, 850x1370)

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Akio approaches The Vanity, taking one knee before her.

"Good work," Vanity notes. "You may be a pathetic peon... but you're not a useless worm. Now, kill them for your Empress-HNG!"

Vanity isn't able to complete her sentence, as Akio rams his spear through her body. "W-WHY?!" she exclaims.

"You think I would betray my friends?!" Akio yells. "You think I would betray my girl?! I'm Akio freakin' Naito, dammit!"

You're released from the vines, as they go on an all-out assault upon Akio. He's caught in them, but Saki springs into action, the two of them fighting back against the appendages of The Vanity.

"IT'S TOO LATE!" Vanity yells. "MY FLOWER IS IN BLOOM! BEHOLD, MY GREATEST BEAUTY!"

The bud blooms into a red-petalled rose, a beautiful... wait, is that a face? And teeth? The centre of that flower... it's anything but beautiful. The roots of the flower release it from the rooftop as it uses the long thick roots as legs, allowing to stomp throughout the city like a monster from a b-movie.

"That is... so stupid," Hikaru notes.

"It's heading towards that skyscraper," Ryoji points out. "That thing is going to the highest point in the city before releasing it's spores... if that's happens... Akio! Sak! That thing's the real focus!"

"What about Vanity?" Saki asks.

"She's weakened," Hikaru points out. "We can handle her from here."

Saki nods. "Okay, good luck. Come on, Akio!"

"You got it, boss!"

As your two heaviest hitters chase after the Rose, you're faced down with a very upset Vanity. "You mock me?" she asks. "You tell them I'm not important? I'm the most important creature in this universe or the next!"

>Ryoji, Makoto, she's a plant. Fire will work, right?
>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.

>>2215318
>>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.

>>2215318
>>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.

>>2215318
>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.
>Ryoji, Makoto, she's a plant. Fire will work, right?

Together!

>>2215318
>>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.
1v1 me.

>>2215318
>>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.
>is that a face? And teeth? The centre of that flower... it's anything but beautiful. The roots of the flower release it from the rooftop as it uses the long thick roots as legs, allowing to stomp throughout the city like a monster from a b-movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlagb9hwM0

>>2215330
SCRUB

Calling for
>You and me, Kanako. Let's go.

ROLL 1D100, BO3

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2215350

Rolled 38 (1d100)

I feel this theme is appropriate for anyone who's played the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGGVWGJ0ZiM

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2215350
Cmon!

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2215350

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>2215350

>>2215352
>>2215356
>>2215357
Not a good start. Memories of the Reiscue arc...

>>2215362
These are some Nina tier rolls

>>2215371
Yeah, not even the pretty ladies bonuses push her over 50. I think we are at 45. Maybe 46.

File: The Vanity06.jpg (796 KB, 721x1502)

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>42+6

You ready your daggers. You weren't able to take The Vanity down on your own before, but your friends have given you a great assist. You move at Kanako, fast enough to create afterimages of yourself, more than enough to confuse The Vanity... but her vines just swing and hit every version of you. The real you goes almost flying off the roof... luckily Makoto is able to grab you by the hand and pull you back in. You're fighting in a precarious position, this building is pretty high up. You'd likely survive a fall, but you wouldn't recover in time to keep up the fight, not by a long shot.

You charge back into battle, as one of the vines fires at you. It's knocked aside by a burst of water from Hikaru's jet blade as she comes running at Vanity alongside Mio... but the two are easily caught and tossed full force into the neighbouring office building. They smash through the walls in a broken heap... no, two of your friends have already been taken out.

"You can't fight me, Chihiro..." Vanity speaks out... in Kanako's voice. "You never could. Nothing has changed. You're still the same sad, lonely little girl I met. Still scared. You threw away any chance to change that. To become a part of my beautiful world. It's too late for you now."

"Shut the hell up," Ryoji mutters, firing into Vanity's face with fireworks. "Stop filling her head with that garbage. Chihiro's better than you ever could be."

"Is that so?" Vanity asks. "If that's the case, she'll be able to save you from this!"

A vine shoots out... and you're unable to stop it in time. It slices through Ryoji's right leg, removing it from his body and causing him to fall face first. Another vine wraps around his left ankle and flings him off the roof.

"RYOJIIIIIIIIII!" you scream in fear. You could have stopped that. You know you could have... you weren't fast enough, you weren't good enough..."

"Chihiro, keep focused!" Makoto yells, as he slices through one of the vines headed in your direction... only for another to wrap around his neck and holding him up, strangling him. You cry out a go to move, but are easily swatted aside, force to just watch on your knees as Makoto is tortured.

"Oh, and if it isn't your love-bird!" Vanity exclaims. "As punishment for your actions... you'll watch him die. How about that?"

"N-no!" You scream, tears filling your eyes as you look away. This is your fault... if you had listened to them sooner, if you hadn't trusted Kanako... this is why you're so alone. This is why you're unloved. You ruined it all for everyone... some glamorous host you are... "Just kill me and be done with it!"

"You won't watch?" Vanity mutters. "Then I can grant your request."

File: Sayeka15.jpg (725 KB, 799x1051)

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A vine shoots out towards you, aimed for you head... but someone blocks the path. It would have been a swift death, and end to the shame, but... someone stopped it.

You look back, opening your eyes to see Sayeka standing before you. No... did she take the blow? Did she sacrifice herself for you? No... she didn't.

Rather, there's a sword in her hand.

"I thought you were blind," Vanity speaks. "How did you..."

"You're predictable," Sayeka taunts. "Even I could have blocked that attack."

"Sayeka, why are you-"

"Chihiro, don't you dare give up!" Sayeka yells, a passion in your voice you've never heard from the lady. "You never let me give up... so why should I let you? This isn't your fault, Chihiro. You're not scared, you're the most confident person I've met. You're not ugly, you're simply beautiful. And you certainly aren't alone. I don't have to tell you why."

"Sayeka, you..."

"Who are you?" Sayeka asks, gripping her blade tight. "WHO ARE YOU?"

>I'm nobody... I'm not good enough.
>I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

>>2215407
>>I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

>>2215407
>>I'm....I'm.....I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

>>2215407
>I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

Leeeeeets goooooooooo!

>>2215407
>I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

Calling for
>I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

ROLL 1D100, BO3.

>>2215407
>I'm....I'm.....I'm Chihiro Toriyama.

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>2215443

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>2215443

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2215443

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>2215443

>>2215448
WELP guess it's time for meme angel mode

>>2215448
Cue the music Johnny!

File: The Vanity07.jpg (142 KB, 850x1251)

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>94+1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUf1NoPK-8Q

You rise to your feet.

Sayeka... she's always been there for you. And you, her. Through thick and thin, through everything. She's taken care of you even more than you have of her. It's about time you were the gracious host and repayed her?

All your life you've been filled with doubt. Your mother, your father, your grandmother, your great aunt... so much distance. But it never made you lesser. You remained kind, you remained caring... and before you knew it, you were smothered in love. Love you never truly noticed until now.

"Thank you, darling..." you mutter. "For everything."

There was never any need for the act. For the pretence. All the love you ever could have asked for was standing in front of you this entire time. A group of friends who would do anything to protect you. Sayeka... Ryoji... Saki... Makoto... Hoshi... Alice... Ken... the list goes on and on.

"I really have been blinder than you, haven't I?" you laugh.

Sayeka smiles. "It seems so."

"What is this?" Vanity demands to know. "Why has the air changed? Why the laughter? You're still doomed to die here."

You cut a dynamic pose and let out your signature laugh. "OHOHOHO! Not at all, my dear Kanako! You see, you're going to release the adorable Makoto before you hurt the poor boy... and then I'm going to destroy you."

Vanity snarls as she shoots out another vine. "Enough! I'll end you!"

The vine flies towards your head, but you pay it no bother. You leave your arms outstretched and smile, embracing the impact. The vine never strikes, instead being deflected by... a white bird? Yes, of course...

"As a child, I always thought myself quite the ugly duckling..." you smile. "But I had it all wrong."

"This energy..." Sayeka smiles. "I knew you could do it..."

"What are you?" Vanity asks.

"I am Chihiro Toryama..." you answer. "The Dove."

File: Chihiro_(The Dove).jpg (175 KB, 850x850)

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You look down, and you see your body covered in what appears to be a white dress... but it's not a dress at all.

"That flying rat came from your body!" Vanity points out. "What was that?"

You smirk, and place your hand out. A flight of Doves jet towards Makoto, slicing the vine holding him hostage. He falls, but is caught softly, like landing in a cloud, and pulled back by your side.

"It can do more than just protect..." Vanity notes.

You nod, as you place a hand on sweet, gentle Makoto. The birds surround, and soon his marks and wounds begin to heal over.

"Chihiro..." Makoto mutters. "Wow... you're an angel..."

"Oh, what a lovely compliment!" you laugh. "Now, if you can handle the vines... I'm happy to finish off our lonely friend here."

Makoto nods and gets to work, as you fly through the air targeting Vanity. Vanity lashes out, but the birds that cover your body and carry you through the air shield you from her attacks. This new ability... it grants you the same strategy that the Vanity has been implementing as an option... but you're a lot more forward than her. You tackle Vanity and pull her from the rooftop, separating her from her vines and her mindless zombies. You toss her through the sky onto another rooftop, covering her in doves upon her landing.

Vanity lets out a scream, unable to handle the offence. They're manifested as spirit-like doves... but it seems the attack is essentially a blast of purity, burning and searing away at any demon's corruption... and The Vanity is full of corruption.

>This is for my friends, Vanity.
>I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Kanako. Au Revoir...

>>2215515
>>I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Kanako. Au Revoir...

>>2215515
>I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Kanako. Au Revoir...

>>2215515
>I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Kanako. Au Revoir...

The Dove is such an awesome archangel name!

>>2215515
>>I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Kanako. Au Revoir...

File: Kanako_Iwatani17.jpg (511 KB, 850x1292)

511 KB JPG

>I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Kanako. Au Revoir...

The Vanity lets out a scream. She's hurt, her face is burned up from the blast. She refuses to give up, however, and charges at you yet again, unleashing a new web of vines, hoping to trap you within.

"Glamour beam!" you exclaim, hitting her with another wave of the spirit Doves that launches her, sending her flying into her own vines.

You know you should end this quick, that she's still dangerous... but you can't shake the feeling that just the tiniest amount of Kanako is still in there... and you can't quite bring yourself to kill her.

Despite her precarious position within the vines, The Vanity begins to move. Launching herself at you as best she can, her hands trying to grasp and reach you as she struggles against her own creations. In this moment, she's anything but elegant.

"My face is ruined!" She screams. "I... I'll take yours! Your beautiful face will be mine! And then... and then they'll love me! They'll all love me!"

"Kanako, stop!" you cry, as you notice in her position she's pressing against the vines wrapped around her neck. She doesn't care... she just keeps reaching for you as the vines strangle her, screaming and yelling as she runs out of air... before her face goes red, and she mouths something that looks like "I'm sorry"... or maybe you just hoped it was. One last communication from the tragic woman you could have been.

The vines dissipate once Vanity strangles herself... and even the body returns to that of Kanako. You return to your normal form as well, as you check on the woman.

She's gone.

You hold the lifeless Kanako in your arms and cry for her. She was never a nice person... in fact, years of tragedy had left her cold and bitter... but she deserved a better fate than this. It wasn't too late for her. Still... you take a hopeful comfort knowing that someone she cared for was there in her final moments. She didn't go alone... and you'll be sure to have a proper funeral for her too.

Saki was able to vanquish the giant rose alongside Akio, and the city was saved by Dark Gate Academy. Becoming a rather nice habit.

"You have your leg back," you smile as you approach Ryoji in the aftermath, shortly before the press arrive.

"Yeah..." he mutters, before quickly pulling you in for a hug. No other words, he doesn't even look at you as he pulls you in from the side. Ohoho... Ryoji doesn't want to look mushy.

You return the hug tenfold as Ryoji speaks. "You did it, huh? I saw you... you got that angel form, right?"

>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.
>Yes, I am quite the amazing woman, aren't I?

>>2215597
>>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.
FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP

>>2215597
>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.

>>2215597
>>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.

>>2215597
>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.

>>2215597
>Yes, I am quite the amazing woman, aren't I?
>Fufufu
>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.

RIP Kanako. You were a villian, but a tragic one.

>>2215638
Supportin'.

File: Sayeka20.png (999 KB, 900x941)

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>It was all thanks to Sayeka... all of you, really.

"Give yourself some credit," Ryoji replies with a smirk. "You couldn't have done it without your own strength as well. I'm proud of you, Chihiro."

You smile and look around to see Hikaru walking up to Akio and planting a kiss on his cheek. "You did good, dummy."

"Thanks babe," Akio smiles as he pulls her close. "Did you see me and the boss fight that big plant? It was amazing! She summoned that big dragon of hers and I fought alongside it!"

"I saw the dragon..." Hikaru admits. "But sorry, I didn't catch you."

"Makes sense," Akio points out. "The plant was really big. The dragon was huge... I'm sure one of the cameras caught me, though."

"Sure..."

"Something tells me the next chapter of our tea club will be an interesting one..." Saki jokes, looking incredibly exhausted. "Ah... that angel form takes a lot out of you... I couldn't hold it for long..."

"Time and practice makes perfect!" you smile. "And it seems I'm now member of a rather exclusive club!"

"Do you want to share a club with Isamu?" Ryoji asks.

You laugh. "Why not? I'm sure he'd be on his best behaviour! Why I..."

Your sentence trails off, as you make your way over to the blonde standing before you. You leap into her arms with a hug, and squeeze as tight as you can. "Sayeka, my dearest of dears, light of my life!"

"Chihiro..." Sayeka smiles. "I'm glad to see you're okay... and back to your old self."

"Even better than my old self!" you laugh. "Sayeka... thank you."

"No... thank you," Sayeka replies. "I would have been useless without you... you're my best friend, Chihiro."

"And you're mine! Oh... where's dear sweet Makoto?"

"Somewhere over there," Sayeka points, as you see Makoto resting by the sidewalk, his exhausted and injured classmate beside him. You look over and meet his eye. You see Mio smirk and walk off, as Makoto looks to you and blushes slightly. He even lets out a small nervous laugh, just from looking at you. Sweet, precious Makoto...

>Ask him out
>Save it for now. It's been a tiring day already.

>>2215652
>>Ask him out
But not lightly, be serious about it this time.

>>2215652
>Ask him out

>>2215652
>Save it for now. It's been a tiring day already.

Time to be the losing vote

>>2215652
>>Ask him out
Now, do it now and kiss him, you fool..

>>2215652
>Ask him out

A part of me wants to add a peck on the cheek and a "You should meet my dad" but I don't want to scare the poor boy yet.

>>2215652
>Save it for now. It's been a tiring day already.

>>2215652
>Save it for now. It's been a tiring day already.

>>2215652
>Ask him out

DOOOOOO IT

>>2215652
>Save it for now. It's been a tiring day already.

Calling for
>Ask him out

Writing now.

>>2215694
You are now imagining Amaya's reaction upon their return...

It is hillarious...

File: Chihiro17.jpg (182 KB, 850x1133)

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>Ask him out

You walk up to Makoto, slightly shuffling your feet in hesitation as you do. You've never actually seriously done this before... but there's a first time for everything.

"Makoto..."

"Yes," Makoto nods.

You nervously scratch your arm. "Well... I was wondering if you might be interested in-"

"Chihiro," Makoto smiles "I already said yes."

"E-excuse me?"

"You were asking me out," Makoto points out. "Of course."

"Oh..." you giggle. "That was a lot easier than I thought. I had a speech prepared..."

"I didn't need a speech," Makoto laughs. "Chihiro... you're wonderful, and bright, and kind. And... I really like you."

You smile, as you lean in close... granting Makoto a small peck on the lips. You pull away before winking and posing. "Ohohoho! And how was your second kiss?"

"Much better than the first," he smiles.

You make your way back to Sayeka with a wide grin on your now bright-red face.

Sure, life wasn't quite as glamorous as you had imagined it'd be. Your father cared for you but was often distracted, you never did meet your real mother, your grandmother is still uneasy with you in her last days, your idol was a disappointment. Is there a lot you would have changed? Yes. Of course. You'd be lying to think otherwise.

But there's so much more that you wouldn't change for the world.

C'est la vie.

END OF EPISODE 9

File: Chihiro&Kanako.png (341 KB, 708x638)

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSTdqvea_K8

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing folks! And we've hit the end of this arc! We'll be returning to the academy fresh very soon, as early as this weekend most likely.

>Player Question
With The Vanity behind us, what are your predictions for the next arc?

>>2215720
>PQ someone dies

>>2215720

PQ: Bit of a break, maybe a hint of a recurring enemy.

Ohhh man this was my first live thread, I just caught up. Thanks Booker Man!

Chihiro best girl!

>>2215720
Next arc has to be a Class 1 one. Just makes sense. Maybe its time for more murder mystery stuff...that or Anri's past stuff. Just a guess.

This thread was awesome. The dice continue to know exactlt when the rolls are needed!

>>2215754
You...I like you!