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>>2369221
“See what you’re up against?” The girl from earlier crows from the sidelines as your expression darkens a bit. Miyumi Aiba, heiress to Aiba Corporation- which just so happens to be a major thorn in your employer’s side. And now she might be a thorn in yours. “This is no place for rank amateurs. No one will blame you if you forfeit early. Although…” and here there’s a predatory grin on her face. “I suppose one of your stature might be open to some...help?”

“Help?” you can’t help but ask. “Like what?” In response, she merely waves you out of the break room, away from prying eyes.

“As I said, I am a rather influential person,” she says quietly, that grin never leaving her face. “However, I am not entirely so heartless as to crush a young girl’s dreams so quickly...so perhaps I might be willing to...convince some of our fellow competitors to go easy on you...were you to do the same for me, that is.”

“...Wait, you’re asking me to...to take a dive?” you ask cooly.

“Such a harsh word. I simply want to reaffirm our positions in society,” she answers not-so-innocently. “You would certainly be rewarded at the end of our little...bout.”

Hm...well, on the one hand...she’s really annoying. On the other hand, this could play into your hand easily…but on the third hand, there’s something about this she’s not telling you. You’re no spring chicken to a collusion and hustle, and this one’s setting off some alarms. The question is, is it something you can’t or don’t want to risk handling…?

> “...Well, I...maybe. Sure.” Play the sudden nerves angle up. She’ll be doing what you want, anyway.
> “No way! I can’t betray myself like that!” You can’t con a con-woman, and this is too risky.
> "But why do you need me to take a dive, then? Aren't you supposed to be super good?" You can squeeze her for a bit of info, maybe...
> Other


(Not a run, just posting early for tomorrow.)

IT'S TIME FOR ROBO-BATTLE!!!

Also man i want that Junpei girl as a minion. All elite goons need to have underlings.

>(Not a run, just posting early for tomorrow.)

Way to kill my boner handler. God dammit.

>>2369227
> “No way! I can’t betray myself like that!” You can’t con a con-woman, and this is too risky.

Stick to our character.

>>2369227
>> "But why do you need me to take a dive, then? Aren't you supposed to be super good?" You can squeeze her for a bit of info, maybe...

>>2369227
> “No way! I can’t betray myself like that!” You can’t con a con-woman, and this is too risky.

>>2369227
>> "But why do you need me to take a dive, then? Aren't you supposed to be super good?" You can squeeze her for a bit of info, maybe...
> "I would guess because your Dad or Grandpa thinks you'd be unable to lead your company because you haven't "Proven your worth to the business", or because they'd prefer you to marry you off to a suitor, or because your long lost childhood friend-slash-crush is here in the audience and you want him to see you but are too shy to actually tell him that you like-like him, or..."

Either this is going to piss her off to the point where she'll make poor decisions in her fights, or one of them might actually be the case.

>>2369227
>> "But why do you need me to take a dive, then? Aren't you supposed to be super good?" You can squeeze her for a bit of info, maybe...

>>2369486
Seconding this

>or because your long lost childhood friend-slash-crush is here in the audience and you want him to see you but are too shy to actually tell him that you like-like him

Oh god drill rich girl having a crush on the MC. Because his grampa used to work with her family or something and they used to play together.

Man... I think we should mention that we are not even an amature, but a bloody rookie.
That might cause fun.

>>2369243
You mean Juri? Junpei is her opponent that won, and that's a guy.

>>2369670
Nah it will be even more fun when they find out we are actualy a elite goon.

>>2369688
I want the person using the medusa bot?

>>2369227
>> "But why do you need me to take a dive, then? Aren't you supposed to be super good?" You can squeeze her for a bit of info, maybe...

>>2369227
> "But why do you need me to take a dive, then? Aren't you supposed to be super good?" You can squeeze her for a bit of info, maybe...

>>2369486
Supporting this.

>>2369227
Supporting >>2369486

Phew, late, but I can do a late night run if anyone's here.

>>2371090
I'm here, ready and waiting.

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>>2371090
I never lefted

>>2371090
´ello

>>2371090
Just got here.

Writing!

>>2369227
>>2369276
>>2369486
>>2369633
>>2369578
>>2369887
>>2369895
>>2370808
You're still unsure just what to choose, but...something sticks out at you. "Wait, wait, question!”

She cocks an eyebrow. “And that would be?”

“Why do you need me to take a dive, then?” you ask with a tilt of your head. “Aren't you supposed to be super good?" at least, that was the implication that she was giving off. if she was as good as she likes to put herself up ass then she shouldn't really need someone to lay down for her; after all, it might just look better for her to beat her opponents square, right? Unless…

“Oh, simpleton. Clearly new to battling, aren’t you? It's not like you get a lot of repair time in between matches. You have to keep your bot fresh as possible for maximum effect- which means knowing how to mitigate damage. And Artesia is quite expensive to maintain- quite certainly worth it, but it's smarter to save money, don't you think?”

“Ohhhhh.” You nod your head in seeming understanding. “I would’ve guessed it was because your Dad or Grandpa thinks you'd be unable to lead your company because you haven't "proven your worth to the business", or-”

“I-I beg your pardon!?!” Her feet stomp twice in quick succession, giving little clacks on the hard floor.

“-maybe you were worried you weren’t good enough because all the pressure,” you just continue on. “Or maybe because they'd prefer you to marry you off to a suitor…” More stomping, almost rhythmic in how the clacking starts reverberating as you can see her ball her fists in anger.

It’s too fun! “...ooooooooooor because your long lost childhood friend-slash-crush is here in the audience and you want him to see you, but are too shy to actually tell him that you like-like him, or..."

CLACKITY-CLACKITY “Enough, ENOUGH!” CLACK CLACK CLACK. “I can see I was a fool to give you a chance to save your own pride, and consider my offer RE-SCIN-DED!” More clackity-clackity-clackity- wait, is she…?

One last clack, and she stops. “I will see you on the field of battle, and expect NO MERCY!” with an angry and purposeful march, she turns right around on her heel and stomp-clacks back into the room.

‘AND NOW, THE NEXT THRILLING MATCH! WE HAVE HIMAWARI AND CAPTAIN JAGO, VERSUS…’

>Roll 1d13, best of 3. Lower is better.

Rolled 11 (1d13)

>>2371280

Rolled 2 (1d13)

>>2371280
Uh oh.

Rolled 11 (1d13)

>>2371280
Well, good luck to us

Rolled 7 (1d13)

>>2371334
Oh Fug
I'm sorry guys

>>2371340
Too late, it's best of 3. Better luck next time?

11, huh? Well...it's not 12 or 13, so.


Writing!

>>2371401
Hold on, you said the best of three, right? Since we want to roll low, shouldn't the 2 be our best roll?

Or did you mean to say "Highest roll gets selected, roll low".

>>2371417
The latter, I apologize for the confusion. Like, if 3,7,5 were picked, 7 would get picked.

>>2371455
Oh.

Well, here's hoping we get the Minibot equivalent of Glass Joe next round.

>>2371280
>>2371289
>>2371325
>>2371334

“...RAIDA AND SOTTO!” You have no clue who either of those two are, but hopefully they aren’t going to cause you too much trouble…

As you walk out to the cheering crowd, you can't help but do a little twirl as you wave to the crowd, starting to feel in your old element again...the waving, the adulation, the fame…

But, as you step up to your little enclosed ‘command area’ with Jago, the feeling empties all too soon as you recall what you’re here for.

Across from you is a young man who's a bit on the short side and clearly fairly thin- he doesn't quite look malnourished, but he definitely looks as though he's been living on the streets for a while, or maybe just dresses bad. His dark green eyes stare across the way at you, piercing in their intensity, and his curly, dusty red hair just adds to the fiery look. “Let’s get ‘im, Sotto!” he yells as he points, and your opponent quite literally rolls in.

It unfurles itself, however, to show a curvy body that seems to be some sort of pangolin type bot. Its hunched back is full of layered scale-like armor, and he clearly has some sort of headset on his large, light orange optics that looks like MASSIVE set of binoculars. One of his arms has a wicked trio of claws, but the other arm seems to be some sort of sniper rifle. He just flicks his ‘goggles’ in a sort of salute, and readies his rifle arm.

No points for guessing what this bot is good at. “Think you got this, Cap?” you find yourself asking your bot.

“Just keep an eye our fer me in case thar’s any surprises, yeah?” He says in a low, rumbling voice before he heads into the ring, letting his hook scrape the ground for intimidation.

There is a pregnant silence as the two bots square off. “COMPETITORS READY!?” the announcer yells.

You both nod.

“ROBATTLE, START!”

Almost immediately, to your surprise, the armored bot curls up again...then suddenly REVS, his whole body spinning like a wheel before racing forward at massive speed!

>Sotto Is -Armored- (+10 to Engage DC, Damage Reduced)
>Jago Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification)

>Engage: DC = 85
>Defend: DC = 70

>Special Abilities

>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 80)
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 75)
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 95)

>>2371556
>Defend

>>2371556
>Defend
See if Jago can jump out of the way just before he gets hit.

>>2371556
>Defend: DC = 70

>>2371598
Then we grapple the fucker!

>>2371585
>>2371598
>>2371631
Righto, roll time!

1d100, best of 3!

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>2371734

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>2371734
Here goes...

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2371734
DODGE!!!

>>2371756
Heck yeah.

>>2371756
Yup. That'll do it. Pretty darn well, too.

Writing!

>>2371773
Yay!

>More clackity-clackity-clackity- wait, is she…?


Is she what!? Don't tell me that the Ojou is actualy just a robot girl!

>>2371800
No she was stomping her foot.

>>2371808
Such an amount of stomping can't be good for her foot.

>>2371556
>>2371745
>>2371756
>>2371757

“Wait for it!” you yell, and he barely has any time to acknowledge it by the time the pango-bot is bearing down on him. “Now- move!!”

Jago pivots, moving to the side only slightly, and the spinning dervish sails past him; you can hear a metallic screeching as he tries to turn too late, only to smash into the protective wall.

He bounces. You weren’t expecting THAT.

Unfurling in midair, he lands on his feet, arm sniper still prepped, but you can see he stumbles for a few moments...

>Sotto Is -STUNNED- (-25 to engage, Defense Auto-Successful)
>Jago Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification)

>Engage: DC = 55
>Defend: DC = Successful

>Special Abilities

>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 50)
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 35)
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 70)

>>2371851
>Engage +Shark Dive

Git him!

>>2371851
>>Engage
Shark Dive directly onto his gun barrel. Hopefully, the barrel will bend and force Sotto to go for melee.

>>2371851
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 35)

>>2371851
>>2371857
>>2371873
>>2371912
Alright, let's see if you get another killer roll.

You know the drill. 1d100.

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2371949
Time to walk the plank matey!

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>2371949
Romper Stomper

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2371949

Hell yeah we passed the DC!

Yup, that happened. Writing!

>>2371949
>>2371958
>>2371968
>>2371969
“Dive him!” You yell quickly, and a shout of ‘GET MOVING!’ from your opponent is all that gets out before Jago roars mightly as he takes to the air.

Sotto barely has time to get his footing and turns around, only to not see his opponent where he should be- the precious second that it takes for him to realize and look up is all that's needed as Jago comes crashing down on him, head first and hook second.

The impact has Sotto wedged harshly between Jago and the wall; and you can't help but feel like this is a bit of deja vu as Jago gives him a vicious punch to the gut! The crowd roars at the mashing metal, and you feel a bubbling smile on your face.

But before you or he can get too comfortable, there’s a sudden scrape, and Jago flinches hard as something strikes him in the back.

Dangit, the tail! You'd actually completely forgotten about the thing, and now…

“Nice!” Raida yells as Jago is forced off. “Set him up, don’t let him touch you!!” he yells, and Sotto quickly ducks down, scuttling away from Jago’s possible grip- a leap to clear space has him pivoting quickly, and his tail lashes out; several small needle-like projectiles whipping out from the tip, each nearly as long and thin as a pencil.

You almost shout to him- but that’s when you notice they aren’t even aimed at him. They’re aimed at the ground for some reason, the lot of them quickly forming a half circle around the Captain, who seems equally confused, if not moreso, as the needles light up...

It’s when he starts to bring his gun arm to bear that you understand you need to make a move, and fast.

>Sotto Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification) -Light Damage-
>Jago Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification)

>Engage: DC = 75
>Defend: DC = 65
>Custom Action: DC = Variable

>Special Abilities

>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 70)
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 65)
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 85)

>>2372197
>Shark Dive should be 55, my bad.
>Crunch should also be 95, sorry.

>I also added a 'Custom Action' in there as an option for anyone feeling creative.

>>2372201
Wait, no, I'm stupid. Crunch should be 90.
I think I need to get to bed for tonight!

>>2372197
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 65)

>>2372207
Have some sleep then Handler. And start earlier tomorrow!

>>2372197
>Custom Action: DC = Variable

I imagine that this would be a high roll, but what would the DC be to fire our Storm Grapple into Sotto, then pull him towards us where we can put our Shark Dive jets into his face and fire them?

>>2372197
>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 70)

>>2372254
Gonna call that 80 due to engaging from distance but needing to pull off a quick combo.

I'm going to bed now, yeah.

>>2372197
>Storm Grapple a wall to get out of the half circle.

>>2372481
>>2372197

Wait. I like this idea. Use the grapple to dodge.

>>2372197
changing to this:>>2372481

>>2372197
supporting: >>2372254

>>2372254
Sure, supporting.

>>2372197
Backing
>>2372481

>>2372197
Going to go with this >>2372481 over my GET OVER HERE Shark Dive jet-to-face plan. It seems more like a finishing move to pull out at the end.

Running in about 30.

>>2372481
>>2372592
>>2372624
>>2372723
>>2372755
>>2372756
>>2372904
That's gonna be active defense, of a sort.

>DC: 70. Best of three, folks!

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>2373480

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>2373480

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2373480

>>2373480
Ooh, neat. Writing!

>>2373480
>>2373495
>>2373499
>>2373505
It takes you hardly a split-second to come up with an idea. He needs to move fast and just running wouldn't be quick enough. “Hook the wall!”

By ‘hook’, he already had it up, and by the time you finish the sentence he was already launching the thing. A massive shot rings out as Sotto fires, and a thin stream of what you can guess to be superheated heated plasma (or at least something like it) pulses out- but it misses by a fair distance as Jago hookshots out of the way, flashing briefly before it hits the ground not far from you.

For a second, Sotto tilts his head, as though he surprised that he missed. And neither you nor your partner miss the momentary lapse in concentration. “Again!” you yell, and again the hook shoots out, this time slinging him across and behind the sniper’s back- the gunner barely has time to look behind himself before he finds the good Captain nought but a couple of feet away.

>Sotto Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification) -Light Damage-
>Jago Is -SURPRISED- (+10 to Engage, +10 to Defend)

>Engage: DC = 65
>Defend: DC = 55
>Custom Action: DC = Variable

>Special Abilities

>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 60)
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 55)
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 80)

(Good rolls, good things.)

>>2373640
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 55)

Goomba stomp his head, then activate the Shark Dive jets while we're on him. Hopefully the jets will scorch him for some damage.

>>2373640
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 55)
Close the distance even further, so we get a good chance to Crunch.

>>2373640
>>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 80)

>>2373654
That would be a custom action. And probably rate about 75.

>>2373640
>>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 55)

5 minutes until call!

>>2373640
Dive, dive! Again.

Rolls! 1d100. DC is 55, so.

(Also remember the dive itself isn't really an attack unless you roll high, it's something to help close distance.)

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>2373722

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>2373722

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>2373722

That's a pass! Writing!

>>2373722
>>2373732
>>2373735
>>2373741
“There you go!” You cheer at the same time as Raida shouts a warning- but it’s already too late. A burst of speed thanks to Jago’s jump jets has him diving for the enemy yet again, and as before, he closes the distance before his opponent can react in time, a shot going wide as Jago bats his gun arm away. There’s a second as Sotto rears back, his tail lashing out again, but it deflects off Jago’s armor, and the captain closes in just as the tail retreats- only to be replaced by the gun raising again. Jago just barely has enough time to bat the weapon away once more, the shot just grazing him.

He's by no means disarmed, however, and the scaled bot isn’t so new to cobmat as to not take advantage- there’s a sudden lurch forward as the claws on his other arm rise, and try to come down on Jago’s head. Before the blow can be struck, however, there’s a loud ringing of metal on metal as Jago’s hook manages to interfere, clashing with the cutting claws! Soon, the cheers and yells of the crowd echo as the two of them struggle, as Jago works to keep the sniper arm off him, while the claws and hook above their heads strain against each other.

>Sotto Is -Pressured- (-5 to Defend) -Light Damage-
>Jago Is -Pressured- (+5 to Defend)

>Engage: DC = 75
>Defend: DC = 65
>Custom Action: DC = Variable

>Special Abilities

>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 70) UNAVAILABLE
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 65)
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 85)

>>2374082
I think we're going to have to use Crunch Grip on that sniper arm.

>>2374082
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 85)
I'll take the risk.

>>2374092
>>2374082
Actually, I just saw the -15 to engage. Change it to Shark Dive, and activate the jets into Sotto's face

>>2374092
i think the Dc is to high still need to wait a little bit more.

i Say we take advantage that we are locked and pin him down against a wall so we can then use the crunsh grip.

>>2374082
Engage: Shark Dive make the guy be pressure against the father wall then use Crunch grip on the sniper arm.

>>2374082
> Regular Engage

Let's get in close and do some actual damage.

>>2374082
>>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 85)

>>2374082
>>Engage: DC = 75

3 way tie between Standard Engage, Crunch Grip, and Shark Dive. 10 more minutes for tiebreak, then I'll roll for it.

>>2374187
>>2374167
Question why not use shark dive to pin the enemy against a wall so we can use crunch grip next turn?

>>2374233
Diving doesn't do much damage and has a 2(?) round cooldown. We should keep it in our pocket for evading ranged shots or disengaging if we blow this grapple.

>>2374200
Going with regular engage, so we can cause some damage and keep the quest moving. Ignore my previous votes >>2374122 >>2374092.

>>2374200
Standard engage

Standard it is!

Roll the bones! 1d100.

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>2374306

>>2374200
Changing mine to regular engage to.

>>2374267
Ah i was thinking in using shark dive to keep the pressure on the Shotto and try to pin him down. But i guess we can go with a nornal attack

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>2374306

>>2374306
>>2374313
Man I was so close to voting for Crunch Grip earlier too.

I feel relieved I didn't with that roll.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2374306

Let's go!

>>2374313
Eh. Poor bastard, i'm gonna be kinda surprised if this guy isn't a amauter like us.

>>2374318
Doing the same thing over and over seems like a recipe to get hard countered.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>2374306

>>2374324
How about now?

Bringing the pain!

Writing.

>>2374324
What ypu think about this >>2374331
roll then. Also don't be we need to make sure to use the crunch as a ace in.

>>2374349
Pretty sure the -15 to our roll would have made us fail the DC.

>>2374361
It was already applied. That DC85 was a DC85. I can understand feeling it was still too high to risk though.

>>2374361
It was already applied anon.

>*Creeeak* Miranda...? Miraaaanda? Are you...well...are you conscious, again?

>...

>...Miranda? Oh, geez, that must have taken it out of her. I'll just leave her a note about Interdiction leaving...

>...why are you in my apartment?

>Oh! Oh, geez, Miranda, you scared me a bit. Glad to see you're...well, healing.

>Mhm.

>On the plus side, you DID get rave reviews from the kids! And you managed to do something with those moves you were working on, right? I mean, there was, what, Twenty-five, thirty people in there and you knocked out how many?

>...Nineteen.

>So there you go! Silver lining!

>Mm. 'Zumi?

>Oh, do you want anything? Juice, help with a bath? I mean, since I got back from the demon job, I've had a bit of time...

>...

>...Randaaaa...

>...fine. It hurts to walk anyway.

>Then you get back in bed and I'll be right there with...uh...

>..Just was getting some apple juice.

>It'll be a big glass.

>Thanks.

>Not a problem. And for what it's worth...you did a very lovely thing, from what I heard. I'm proud of you.

>...heh.

>>2374383
I mean. I thought it was a long shot (ha) but possibly worth the risk at this point.

But I'd rather set it up a bit more first.

>>2374414
Dawww. Also i'm kinda glad Randa didn't stom the other outgoers.But then again thanks to that those will have so many stories to tell once they get back i have a feelling we will get more little brats comming for a visit.

>>2374414
>...Nineteen.
That's pretty impressive considering who she was fighting. I'm a little surprised the people in the gym took that kid's bait though; surely they should have known better. Still, good job.

>>...Randaaaa...
Bored Izumi a cute.

>>2374414
Man, I kinda wish we could have played that...

Maybe Sal could arrange a field trip to another reality? That might be fun.

>>2374491
i find it more impressive if she managed to do it in a row. Without to much time for break in between the matches.

Still no runes Randa gave those kids quite the show

>>2374491
Most of them knew exactly what was going on, but Outgoers tend to be a swarthy bunch and don't mind flimsy excuses for a fight.

>>2374532
Also figthing another outgoer is kinda like trainning.

>>2374082
>>2374313
>>2374321
>>2374331
>>2374336

“Don’t let up!” you cheer on!

“You can take ‘im!” Raida says in response. The struggle continues as to both of them try to jockey for position, but sooner than later it's clear that Jago has the advantage, when he starts to shove the bot back little by little. Suddenly, you notice something about to come from the pango-bot’s rifle barrel- some kind of charge that’s going down his entire arm. You don't know what it is, but you don't want him to risk getting touched by it.

“Get him off you! Watch his gun!” you yell, and Jago’s quick to comply, a swift kick to the midsection damaging the undercarriage of his opponent further- then another for good measure, the massive boot causing Sotto to grunt in robotic pain as he’s forced away- not that Jago is content with that. Sotto bot just barely manages to get away from a wicked slice by Jago’s hook- though a tearing sound through the metal tells you there was still a very palpable hit! When Sotto turns a bit, a notable gash in the claw arm tells you that Jago might’ve messed up any future attempts to really put much force in it.

As for the gun itself, it winds down instead of doing… whatever it was supposed to, itself smoking as though almost overheating.

“SOTTO! What’s going on!?” Raida yells worriedly, but Sotto just grunts as an answer, trying to back off ASAP, though clearly not moving as well as he was not too long ago.


>Sotto Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification) -Moderate Damage-
>Jago Is -Alert- (No Roll Modification)

>Engage: DC = 65
>Defend: DC = 60
>Custom Action: DC = Variable

>Special Abilities

>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 60)
>Shark Dive: +10 to Engage (DC = 55)
>Crunch Grip: -15 to Engage, Inflicts -Crippled- (DC = 80)

>>2374694
>>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 60)
Good damage! Let's wrap him up in prep for a Crunch Grip

>>2374694
>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 60)

This is such a obvious trap...or i'm just paranoid.

>>2374694
>>Storm Grapple: +5 to Engage (DC = 60)

>>2374694
>>2374750
>>2374763
>>2374794
Alrighty, then!

Roll for Grapple: DC 60.

90+ will...well, it won't be pretty for Sotto if that happens.

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2374845
HOOK AND LINE HIM CAP!

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2374845

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>2374845

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>>2374859
OH SNAP!

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>>2374859
I guess Sitto is officialy bait now.

>>2374859
Chum.

Writing!

>>2374694
>>2374859
>>2374860
>>2374866

“Don’t let him get away!” you yell, and if Jago had a movable mouthplate, you guess that he'd be grinning right about now.

“Not too fast there, mate!” he yells as he cocks his arm back. Sotto... Well, you can't see his front from this angle, but the way he flinches tells you that he knows full well what about to happen, and he immediately starts to move to the side in an effort to avoid it. But, as you saw already...he’s far too slow now.

The hook shoots out, and Sotto just isn’t quick enough to avoid it as it gouges a hole in his shoulder- the same arm that’s already been gouged once. This time though, the hook stays, embedding itself harshly into his body. What a mighty yank, Jago heaves back- and the bot is lifted off of his feet into the air. “CATCH O’ THA DAY!” He roars as the Pangolin bot is brought flying towards him, and lands at a crash at his feet, his arm nearly ripped out of its socket.

He’s easy prey- but a glance upward at Raida shows him looking absolutely shocked- and you don’t think the situation’s hit him just yet, amidst the roaring crowd.

>Give Sotto and the option of surrendering- you’re a nice girl.
>Finish him! Stylishly~

>>2375125
>Give Sotto and the option of surrendering- you’re a nice girl.

Need to keep our disguise as a nice girl.

>>23751250
>>Give Sotto and the option of surrendering- you’re a nice girl.

>>2375125
>Give Sotto and the option of surrendering- you’re a nice girl.

>>2375125
>Give Sotto and the option of surrendering- you’re a nice girl.
Don't forget the whole "good game" handshake thing

>>2375125
>>Give Sotto and the option of surrendering- you’re a nice girl.
As befitting our persona.

>>2375125

Writing!

I guess if we keeping being that good people will start to suspect us.

>>2375125
>>2375156
>>2375159
>>2375177
>>2375182
>>2375220
It’s clear where things are going to go from here if it keeps up. Even if he tried anything sneaky, he's just not in good enough shape to get anything major out of it before Jago would retaliate. You’d love to have a little fun with him... But alas, you do have a something of a role to play, and Himawari wouldn’t be quite so vicious.

Which is why you fix him with a small, sincere-looking-on-the-outside-smile. “So, do you want to maybe call it here? I wouldn't want to hurt him more than he already is.”

Raida just gives you a glare, before he looks down at his bot- and how Jago has a claw to his face. His gun isn’t in a good state, one of his arms is nearly torn off, and with a single movement he could probably be dismantled easily.

It’s not exactly a surprise when he turns to the referee. “Alright...I quit.”

“COMPETITOR RAIDA HAS CONCEDED THE MATCH! THIS BATTLE’S WINNER IS...HIMAWARI!”

The crowd goes wild, and you allow yourself a light wave in thanks. Even if you do kind of want to dance.

To your surprise, as you step out of the command center- making sure that Jago doesn't look too worse for wear- you’re surprised to see Tooru with Moxer, as well as Kyo and Nia approach you. “Hey there, my student!” Student? Since when did… “Good work on that match! You did pretty well- though I guess my sparring with you gave you a lot of practice with shooter bots, huh?” He puffs himself up a bit as his two friends just sigh in bemusement behind him. Kyo’s quick to step up to you, however.

“Ignoring that…” he playfully jabs to his friend before turning to you. “That was pretty good battling, back there!”

“Oho, please! I just tried my best,” you demure. “Wasn’t anything special.”

Kyo shakes his head good naturedly. “Nah, you shouldn't undersell yourself!” he says with a grin. “I’d love to fight you later! We’re on the same side of the bracket, so who knows!” Oh, huh. That’s interesting. “I bet Zero and your bot would like to talk to each other, too.” Then he blinks, as though remembering something. “Saaay...where IS Zero?”

“And Sparkwing…?” Nia adds. “Ugh those two troublemakers! What if one of us was up next!”

“Looks like we’ll have to go find them…” Kyo huffs. “Great!”

Hmmm...this could be useful to you, you think. Considering that Prima is on the outskirts in her new, sleeker blue shell...then again, you should be checking in with her regardless. She's been assigned to casually walk around, keeping an eye on things- but you did give her a rendezvous point for after matches.

>Offer to help find them. Teamwork, and all that! And by teamwork that includes Prima.
>Offer to search by yourself. You’re not going to be fighting again soon, but they are!
>Implore them to not worry about it- they’re probably responsible enough to get back in time.
>Other

>>2375616
>>Offer to help find them. Teamwork, and all that! And by teamwork that includes Prima.

>>2375616
>Offer to help find them. Teamwork, and all that! And by teamwork that includes Prima.

Let's check on our little Prima.

>>2375616
>>Offer to help find them. Teamwork, and all that! And by teamwork that includes Prima.

>>2375616
>Offer to search by yourself. You’re not going to be fighting again soon, but they are!
Even with a new paint job, associating Prima with our public persona seems like a bad idea.

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>Prima is on the outskirts in her new, sleeker blue shell.
>sleeker blue shell.

I hope that Zeri hasn't recinized or spotted Prima.

>>2375616
>>Offer to help find them. Teamwork, and all that! And by teamwork that includes Prima.

We've got extra help! (That they won't know about.) Writing!

>>2375748
Prima is cute......cuuuuuuuuuuute

>inb4 we bump into Zero courting Prima

>>2375902
I wonder if we take her with us she will count as a single person and if she will be forced to take jobs to pay for her keep in the intersection.

After all as Randa said EVERYONE needs to contribute in the intersection.

>>2375616
>>2375636
>>2375682
>>2375694
>>2375765
“Well, shoot!” you say, putting your hands on your hips. “I’ll help you find them! What do they look like?” Not that you don't know what one of them look like, but you're going to need to make sure what the other looks like for Prima.

“Well, Zero kinda looks like a...he’s yellow and black, and has a bee-ish head. Big legs, and yeah, goes by Zero,” Kyo responds. “Sparkwing kinda looks like an upright dragonfly, long tail, green and silver. She’s...well, dunno how she’ll take to you, but you should notice them well enough!” Nia gives him a flat look at that one, but you just log the information away in your memory for later.

To that end, you give them a small, silly salute. “Don’t worry, we’re on it! We'll meet back here in ten minutes?”

He nods. "Right!" And so you all split up.

5 minutes later, you're riiight outside the arena, casually walking away... And after checking to make sure that nobody is nearby, you swing around to the side, where nobody is there- except a certain point blue bot seems to jump a bit when she sees you and then bows deeply. “It is excellent to see you in good spirits, Miss.” She looks over to Jago, and you could swear her eyes narrow just a touch, and her voice gains a slightly deeper pitch. “Mister Ja-”

Jago balls a fist as he sets optics on the nursebot. “CAPTAIN, lass!”

“Shhhhh!” the both of you counter, and his optics widen slightly, before he slumps a bit. “Win a propa scrap an’ lookit how I’m treated’, huh?”

“Your silence would be far more conductive to the current operation, please!” Prima quickly snips, before turning to you. “I have conducted preliminary surveillance of the area, along with identifying general locations of security forces and patrol patterns, as requested! I am to presume your battle went well?”

“Yup,” you say easily. “Jago did a bang up job...well, banging up the competition. Still gonna have to fight some, but aside from that, I want you to keep a look out for that bot that we...encountered the other night.” You’d expected her have some sort of reaction to that, but she simply nods slightly. “Him and another bot are around here. Dragonfly-looking, they said. Called Sparkwing. Apparently they both ran off somewhere.”

“I see,” she confirms. “And what shall I do should I identify them?”

> “Distract them for as long as possible. Doesn’t matter how.” If you can get the kids DQed, that’d be great.
> “Tell them some rich girl has been messing with their humans, apparently.” If you could get them after Aiba, who knows?
> “Tell them they’re being looked for.” Just get them back so that Kyo and his group will stop their roaming- and not risk running into you at a bad time.
>Other

Exhausted. Will continue run tomorrow! As usual, any questions, feel free!

>>2376130
>> “Tell them they’re being looked for.” Just get them back so that Kyo and his group will stop their roaming- and not risk running into you at a bad time.
distract is asking for trouble, and i dunno what they'd do to rich girl besides kick up a fuss.

>>2376134
Thanks for running!

>>2376130
>Other: I want you to find then but don't engage the two you will use your scanner to discern any weakness in then. We failed to do that last time and i know i will be figthing the boy who controls the bubblebea bot. Can you link up with my communicator? *show of the clock that Mr. King gave us* link up with it and once you find then give me a signal with their location since we better not risk you being reconized. Then i will go see and talk with then.

>>2376134
Take care and i know it's kinda to soin but what does the audience thing of us? And is this prix has live? Is Mr.King watching us?

>>2376134
From zero to infinity how aiba rustled her jimmies

>>2376223

-Most think you're cute, but are wondering why you have such a gruff looking bot as your partner. Some particular individuals think you've got a lot of potential.

-Yup, this is all on live TV! Your employer is indeed watching you.

>>2376236
From 0 to infinity, enough to do a tap dancing routine in anger.

Yes, that's what that was.

>>2376246
>Most think you're cute, but are wondering why you have such a gruff looking bot as your partner. Some particular individuals think you've got a lot of potential.

He's not gruff~
Besides we need to balance the cuteness with his gruffyness.

>-Yup, this is all on live TV! Your employer is indeed watching you.

Is he wondering what we are doing or just happy to see we aren't a shit battler? Also if he's watching we need to scruff that Aiba lady really good so he can enjoy the show.

>From 0 to infinity, enough to do a tap dancing routine in anger.

Wait so she is a battle dancer? Shit she IS Lori's rival!

>>2376246
Three questions.

1: What's the standard procedure for hiring prospective employees who are more technological in nature? Are they considered company property or full employees?

2: Since you said that Aiba was, er, Tap-Dancing in anger, were we pretty close to guessing her motivation to have us take a fall?

3: On a scale from 1 to 10, how would Captain Jago rate both Prima and Artesia.

>>2376292
I want to have a dance battle between Prima and Artesia.

>>2376258
He's happy to see that you're at least competent in battle- though he IS wondering what you're doing, he presumes (correctly) that you're putting on a front.

>>2376274
It was an anger management thing. Now she tap dances when she gets pissed off. She doesn't realize she's doing half the time.

>>2376292
1: -If they have demonstrable self-awareness and the ability to obtain knowledge entirely unrelated to their function, and make decisions utilizing said information- or, if that explains it badly, if they have human-like AI enough that they are demonstrably free-willed, then they're treated no differently than other Outgoers. Robots or androids that fail this test of judgement are property of the Outgoer or unit that picked them up, usually.

2: -That plus the sheer fact that it sounded very mocking to her. You came waaaaaay too close for her comfort. But considering how many worlds you've been to, it's to be expect, no?

3: Prima- 7. Foine chassis, tha' sheila, but she needs ta add a lil 'play' in 'er work, yeah? Bit snippy.

Artesia- 9. Bloody work a' art, mate. Real spunky. Would give 'er a can any day. Wanna know what she's about, though, yeah?

>>2376324
Prima would be willing. Artesia only if Mayumi was threatened otherwise.

>>2376402
>Now she tap dances when she gets pissed off.

To adorable.

>He's happy to see that you're at least competent in battle- though he IS wondering what you're doing, he presumes (correctly) that you're putting on a front.

Well now~ If we ever meet Aiba during the tournament we should give her a very hard time just to make the boss happy with ber public humilation.

>>2376402
>You came waaaaaay too close for her comfort.

Anyone want to make bets on who her childhood friend is?

I'm putting my money on the Brock stand-in, Tooru.

>>2376440
Nah man it's the MC Kyo was it? He has a grampa who had a rare arm i wouldn't be surprised if Kyo's grampa knows Mayiumi's grampa.

>>2376258
Honestly probably better to lose soon so we don't draw too much attention & have more freedom to search.

We aren't here for the competition.

>>2376916
I know but if we manage to do BOTH thing would be awesome. But now i remember the part is going to be showed before the eliminations.

>>2376130
>> “Tell them some rich girl has been messing with their humans, apparently.” If you could get them after Aiba, who knows?

Rolled 2 (1d3)

I'm back, but...

>>2376174
>>2376206
>>2377285

We're tied, so I'm rolling.

1: Give them a heads up.
2: Scan from a distance then we meet up again.
3: Point them in Mayumi's direction.

>>2376130
>>2377725
It takes you a second to come up with a plan of action, but when you do, the more you mull it over in your head, the more you're confident in it. It's going to be a step-by-step process, though… “I want you to find ‘em, but don't engage. Use your scanner to figure out any weaknesses in them.”

“Ah, in case of a future confrontation?” Prima clarifies.

“Yeah,” you confirm. “We didn’t do that last time and paid for it. That, and I just KNOW that sooner or later I’m gonnal be fighting the boy who controls Bumble-bot.”

Jago narrows his optics in consideration. “Oh, tha’s a good one. Gonna ‘ave ta remember that.”

“Thanks, so did I. Can you link up with my communicator?” You quickly show off the smartwatch.

She gives it a brief look over, but then nods. “It should be within my parameters...I was built with wireless interface functionality, after all…”

“Great. Link up with it, and once you find them, give me a signal with their location since we really shouldn’t risk you being recognized. I’ll go see and talk with them myself.” She quickly takes your wrist, staring at the wristwatch for a few moments- and in a matter of seconds a small holo-message pops up. ‘KingPrimaM1045 wishes to connect to the network. Permit?’ A quick confirm, and Prima’s optics flicker. “There we go!”

“I’ll alert you as soon as I locate them, Miss!” Prima says with a salute. “I won’t disappoint you!” what's that, she heads off at a fast walk.

Jago just watches her go for a minute before he growls and slight frustration. “So, we’re jus’ gonna let the lass handle it? What’re we doin’ in tha meantime?”

Hm. Good question. “Well, after we meet back up and let them know we ‘sadly’ haven’t seen them, we’re…”

>Going to go maybe talk to that Aiba kid again.
>Going to try to get a closer look at some of those VIPs.
>Going to keep quiet and watch the matches until Prima responds.
>Other

>>2377790
>>Going to try to get a closer look at some of those VIPs.

>>2377790
>Going to try to get a closer look at some of those VIPs.

Maybe we get a chance and can find a way closer to the part

>>2377790
>Going to try to get a closer look at some of those VIPs.

>>2377790
>>Going to try to get a closer look at some of those VIPs.

Pretty one-sided. Alrighty, writing!

>>2377790
>>2377813
>>2377820
>>2377826
>>2377856
“..going to try and get a closer look at some of those VIPs,” you respond. “Might be a good idea in case one of them might try to get in our way, or maybe one of them can be helpful somehow.”

Jago just shrugs. “As ye like.” Seems like he doesn't have any particular concern either way for that one.

The meeting with the kids again is as short as you expected. “Sorry, I haven’t seen them yet.”

“Us neither,” Kyo responds with a pout. “We REALLY need to find them...our match wasn’t next, at least, but that still doesn't leave us with a whole lot of time…”

“It’s fine,” you insist. “I'll still keep an eye out.” They don't really have much else to say to that, but they simply nod, and you split up again. So, now it's time for you to see just what kind of VIPs are interested in this competition…

The whole VIP area kind reminds you of a dugout of sorts... If that dugout was lavishly furnished with fine seating, and even had its own drink bar. Girls from now on, from the looks of their ages and outfits, not to mention the bots next to them, are likely professional battlers of some stripe. There’s one in particular that seems to have a long, black cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, somewhat similar to the cowboy looking guy that you met earlier. His bot matches him and color coordination, a jet black model that seems surprisingly thin, but otherwise reminds you of Kyo’s own bot, with more horns. They both have their arms folded and don't seem to be doing anything other than blankly staring at everything.

Another is a nerdy looking girl- thick glasses, and a blue beanie, as well as what appears to be a fairly thick sweater. She’s busy writing in a small notebook, looking up and down between that and the match, clearly taking extensive notes. Next to her is a quadrupedal, crab looking bot with both rather large claws, and a cannon of sorts on its back that seems to be sleeping.

The other two seem to be more businessmen. It's hard to really discern between the two, but one of them seems to have glasses and be of a thicker build and slightly darker complexion, and the other is far thinner, pale and has a pinstripe suit on. He seems to be smiling at everyone, even giving the crowd a number of waves, while the larger individual seems to just be watching everything carefully. Then again, he's got shades on, so you can’t tell where he’s looking.

As a competitor, you might be able to get one of their attention, after all...

>Try to approach the dark-dressed boy. He’s probably incredibly skilled.
>Approach the nerdy girl. Maybe you can build a rapport?
>Approach the cheerful businessman. Why’s he so happy?
>Approach the solemn businessman. What’s his deal?
>Other

>>2378074
>>Approach the cheerful businessman. Why’s he so happy?
Happy people are more likely to have loose lips.

>>2378074
>Approach the nerdy girl. Maybe you can build a rapport?
Seems like the kind of person that knows things.
And dark-dressed boy is so the rival/personal antagonist to our hero Kyo.

5 until close. Anyone else?

>>2378074
>Approach the nerdy girl. Maybe you can build a rapport?
Sure, why not?

>>2378074
>>Approach the nerdy girl. Maybe you can build a rapport?

>>2378099
>>2378101
>>2378145
>>2378146

Nerdgirl it is.

Also, need a 1d20 roll, best of 3.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2378185

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2378185

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2378185
rollin

Prima is very much on a mission.

Writing.

>>2378074
>>2378192
>>2378197
>>2378204


Well, the nerdy girl might be the best option for you at the moment. Maybe you could convince her that you're just a rookie battler who got lucky and is looking for some extra advice!

Which isn't even really all that far from the mark. Fortunately, you just have to get the attention of the guard in front of the VIP area and mention your intentions. It takes a bit of mulling over, but eventually he nods and heads inside in order to tell the girl that someone wants to see her.

She looks rather startled when the man whispers in her ear, but she looks over when he points you out, and you give a wave. She blinks a little bit, but then she gives a smile and waves you in. The others don't seem to be particularly interested, but they at least give you a bit of space. “Hello there! Not often that someone isn't so intimidated by me these days...as much as I try.”

Aww. Shame. However, before you can respond to that, you notice a quick beeping on your smartwatch. Not very hard to guess what that is. You're just surprised that she seemed to have found them so quickly...but you can't exactly just walk out immediately. You can spare a moment or two...

> “Well, I just noticed that you were writing some stuff down and I was interested in what!”
> “Aw, that’s a shame. You seem so nice! How could anyone be intimidated?”
> “Well...that might be because I don’t exactly know who you are, ha!”
> Other

>>2378423
> “Aw, that’s a shame. You seem so nice! How could anyone be intimidated? You shouldn't judge people by just their looks. After all, I'm cute but real fierce in the ring! I just won my first match!”

Act super bubbly.

>>2378423
>> “Aw, that’s a shame. You seem so nice! How could anyone be intimidated?”

>>2378423
>> “Aw, that’s a shame. You seem so nice! How could anyone be intimidated?”

>>2378423
> “Well, I just noticed that you were writing some stuff down and I was interested in what!”

>>2378423
> “Aw, that’s a shame. You seem so nice! How could anyone be intimidated?”

The question here is, how does a girl that dress like Winter Velma get a rep as intimidating?

Writing.

>>2378514
So we are talking with Mei from Overwatch?

>>2378517

Kinda sorta? Not Chinese.

>>2378531
Of course she isn't chinese Handler. There isn't a China in this scifi world.

>>2378423
>>2378445
>>2378450
>>2378455
>>2378461
“Aw, that’s a shame. You seem so nice! How could anyone be intimidated?” You have to admit, you don't really see how someone like that could be considered intimidating, at least at first blush- she's got to have some sort of crazy reputation.

The way she looks at you- something shocked, and disbelieving, along with maybe a little bit of hope- makes you think that whatever reputation she has, she’s rather exhausted of it. “Oh, uh...you...haven’t heard the ‘June the Disassembler’ nicknames? Really?”

“Uhh...no.” ‘Disassembler’? That sounds pretty hardcore.

“Oh!” And suddenly she smiles like it's the best day ever. “Well, don’t worry about it, it's just a stupid thing that people use because of my battling style, but I don't like how vicious it makes me sound! I-I won’t dwell on it, and I’ll just say I’m glad to meet you…”

“Himawari,” you finish for her.

“Himawari, right! So, I have to say, i kind of noticed you earlier, now that I'm thinking about it. Against the boy with the Arma-shell bot, right?” She moves her head to the side to look behind you to take a good look at your bot, who's just standing there looking somewhat uncomfortable, if his optics are anything to go by. “I have to say, that was pretty impressive on-the-fly strategy, although I think it was clear you were kinda flying by the seat of your pants. It’s a good thing he didn't seem all that experienced, either! I’m glad you won!” Suddenly, there’s a crash, and the referee is quick to announce a victor- by knockout, no less. A minotaur-esque minibot seemed to have the luck to face a smaller, cat-like one that bears a resemblance to Thundercat. “Oof,” she says, looking at the carnage. “Glad that didn’t happen in your match, too. I hate it when wins have to be taken by elimination. It’s always so...wasteful. Glad you gave the opportunity to let him surrender nicely.”

“Oh, it was nothing…” you demure...but now you have to figure out just where to go from here. Not that you have very long.

>Ask about her battle history. Why’s she a VIP?
>Ask about her personal life.
>Ask what she thinks about the next fight coming up.
>Other

>>2378700
>>Ask what she thinks about the next fight coming up.

>>2378700
>Ask what she thinks about the next fight coming up.

>Other:"Ask her about any tips involving Jago and his gear i guess? I know that his hook wasn't part of him when i first met him ask her if there is some kind of part that could benefit Jago crush grip (Like some kind of clawed arm with rotating saws inside it!)

>>2378700
>>Ask what she thinks about the next fight coming up.
I suspect she won't want to talk about her history.

>>2378700
>Ask about her personal life.
>Other:"Ask her about any tips involving Jago and his gear i guess? I know that his hook wasn't part of him when i first met him ask her if there is some kind of part that could benefit Jago crush grip (Like some kind of clawed arm with rotating saws inside it!)

File: unnamed (2).gif (2.21 MB, 387x263)

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>>2378741
Ops forgot the picture

Thoughts on the next match?

>>2378813
Oh, uh, Writing.

>>2378818
Ah no tips about parts? Shame~

>>2378700
>>2378724
>>2378741
>>2378742
Best to stick to the simple stuff. “So, what do you think about the next fight? Who do you think is gonna win?”

“Oh? Well, from what I saw of the brackets, it...well, to be honest... I’ve seen one of them fight before.”

“Really? Who are they?” Someone she has history with, maybe? You didn't get a chance to look at the brackets, considering your last minute entry. Had sounded like Kyo didn’t get a chance to, either.

“Well, she’s...skilled, but there's a few glaring weaknesses in her combat style. IF the opponent can take advantage of that, then he stands a good chance. But she’s got a certain...strategy, that he needs to avoid. If not…” she lets the sentence hang, but it's pretty obvious where she was going from there.

‘AND NOW, OUR NEXT MATCH! TOORU AND MOXER VERSUS... MARISE AND MARIPOSA!’

As the familiar boy heads out to the arena, an unusually determined expression on his face, he looks around, and seeing someone in particular in the crowd apparently, he smiles and gives a quick wave.

And then his opponent comes out.

And she’s, you’re not ashamed to admit it, DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS. Tall, tan, and with beach blonde hair, her eyes sparkle in the spotlight. Her cute pink crop top and form fitting pants, along with her purple, clearly designer jacket, not to mention her cute low heeled shoes, emanates the very essence of a magazine model as she cocks her hips just so, hands in her pockets as she gives a small, sultry smirk across the arena to the boy, who’s jaw is well and resting on the ground.

Her bot, Mariposa, is no less stylish, with a multi color palette that evokes images of a beautiful monarch butterfly, with two wing-like plates coming out of her back even, and her long, thin legs that widen out to very high heeled shoes, completing the image.

Blowing a quick bubble- even bubblegum?- and snapping it back, you can hear her mouth something to the boy, which you can’t catch over the roaring and whistles of the crowd- but clearly he’s affected, shaking his head and making some motion with his arms.

“CONTESTANTS READY?” they both nod. “ROBATTLE...START!”

You can guess what strategy Marisol has...wonder how effective it is, though?

>Roll 2d20, Best of 3. First is Moxer, second is Marisol.

>>2379028
>Meant Marise, sorry.

Rolled 9, 17 = 26 (2d20)

>>2379028
this ought to be interesting.

Rolled 18, 17 = 35 (2d20)

>>2379028

Rolled 6, 11 = 17 (2d20)

>>2379028

Rolled 10, 15 = 25 (2d20)

>>2379028

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>evokes images of a beautiful monarch butterfly

i want to befriend her.

Wow. Against all odd he squeaks it. Writing!

>>2379116
If only he had done that well against us. But i guess we caugth him by surprise.

Also now we get to corrupt her to our side~

>>2379028
>>2379041
>>2379044
>>2379082
>>2379097
The fight is... Surprisingly close. From what you had seen of him first, you presumed that he was the sort that was all bark, no bite. But astonishingly, he actually manages to put up a pretty good fight, despite Marise’s constant attempts at winking and flirting at him- no doubt just to throw him off his game.

That's not to say he wasn't affected at all of course; you must have seen him get at least two different nose bleeds, especially when she leaned over just so…

But that didn't change the fact that Moxer was a Shooter class, while Mariposa, it seemed, needed to get in clothes in order to do her dirty work. And you also saw what the wings were actually for- blinding, as well as a sort of shield that she could swing in front of her in order to deflect fire. The two traded a good deal of blows whenever she closed in, and Moxer consistently peppered her when she was far away. At the end of the day though, Moxer managed to squeeze off one critical webbing shot, despite being nearly overloaded in his optics and blind to the onrushing Mariposa- gumming up her legs when she least expected it , and sending her crashing to the ground, where thanks to a quick order by Tooru, a flurry of bolts laid into her, quickly causing Marise to surrender.

“THIS BATTLE’S WINNER IS...TOORU!”

And the crowd goes wild, with June clapping politely at his victory. You do as well, if only because you hadn't expected that kind of performance out of him. Maybe you just caught him by surprise, and he wasn't kidding when he said he underestimated you? That’s actually a bit worrisome.

Marise, for her part, seems...put out, to say the least. she stomps on her heel, and the face the makes for all of two seconds...the image evokes nothing more than someone getting told ‘no’, when they weren't used to it.

“Well, that was pretty interesting!” June says cheerily. “I almost didn’t think he had the willpower…”

Neither did you.

...Wait, were you forgetting somethi- SHIT PRIMA. You check your watch. There’s 3 more messages. Sonofa...

The speed you fly out of your seat surprises June, as well as the others, but you barely have time to blurt out an apology before you race off, dragging Jago along who can do nothing but yelp in surprise. You'll have time for the others later, but right now...

>Roll 1d20. Best of 3.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2379241
Protect Prima smile!

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>2379241

>>2379259
Smile status: Protected

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2379241
>>2379271
Wait for me to ruin it before you say that, anon.

>>2379287
Close call! But the smile keeps being protected!

>>2379271
>>2379287
>>2379307
Smile: Protected
Mission Success!

Quite. Prima's not looking to mess up today, it seems.

Writing!

>>2379334
I guess being a good owner(boss?) does that.

>>2379370
We really need to kidnap Prima to our boss....she is precious

>>2379392
Should we ask her what'd she think about joining us in the Intersection?

Also, I hope that doesn't mean we're leaving the Captain behind instead...

If we don't have room in our apartment, we could gift him to Miranda...

>>2379409
Technically Lori doesn't have that kind of authority, and it'd max out of remaining slots. However, the pair of them would fill the more combat-oriented roles it's always nice to have more of.

Though I dunno how well they'd be able to support themselves; they're used to being ordered around by their owners.

>>2379241
>>2379256
>>2379259
>>2379287
As you jog to the rendezvous point, trying to make certain that you don't look too worried, you do your best to sneak a peek at the smartwatch’s messages without bringing them up on the holographic feed. The text is incredibly small, but you can just make it out.

‘Targets verified, sending coordinates now. Beginning target scans.’

‘Target scans complete, was not identified. Will return to rendezvous.’

‘You weren’t here, miss. Growing concerned. Was seen by target Sparkwing. We are...talking about her human. Unprompted. No witnesses nearby. Please advise further!’

‘Miss, please assist! I cannot escape her! Sending coordinates!’

...Oh boy. Fortunately, as you approach the second set of coordinates, which seem to be a bit away from your rendezvous point, you can hear a voice; high pitched, a bit buzzing, and very, VERY fast. “So the next time I told her that ‘you really needed to get a bit more bold and maybe try something new with the kid’ and she thought I was being silly but the next time they talked she did it anyway which makes me think that she just needs more of a push so that's kind of my thing for now but it’s pelican trying to play matchmaker I just think she needs to get a bit more of a spine which it's kind of funny because-”

“MISS!” Prima’s voice is loud yet wavering, as though you were an angel sent to deliver her from evil. Or at least annoyance. “Terribly sorry,” she says to the green-colored, giant-eyed insectoid bot. You’re pretty sure she doesn't mean it. “But this is my user and I must be going now, it was a pleasure to meet you, I will probably never see you again in such a social situation, goodbye!”

As she trots- nearly skips- over back to you, you feel an old stirring in your bones start up again…

>Embrace the bully. “Aaand who’s your new friend? I’d like to meet her!” Besides, it’d be good for a bit more intel, right?
>Let your old urges go. “Yeah, yeah. Glad I found you. Let’s get going!” Besides, if she got a good look at you…
>Well, you are alone. You COULD take a bit of a risk, maybe? One or two shots through the cortex couldn’t hurt, huh? "What she said."
>Other

>>2379392
Agreed maybe do a side favor so we can have her as a bonus say we were impressed and everything. Maybe if we do a good job he will do it? I mean Prima is just one bot after all.

>>2379409
We definetly should. Well i mean we could always bring the cap but then we would occupy all the slots in our vacancy for new employers...Although i would bet that as a pirate the captain would just love to 'sail' across different worlds and battling strange things.

And if we do it i think we need some parts althoug encripting runes along their chassis and frame would give then a powerfull boost

>>2379463
>Let your old urges go. “Yeah, yeah. Glad I found you. Let’s get going!” Besides, if she got a good look at you…

Sheet. Well at least we got the scan.

>>2379463
>>Let your old urges go. “Yeah, yeah. Glad I found you. Let’s get going!” Besides, if she got a good look at you…

Also, headpat the Prima. Headpat her like her battery is charged by them.

>>2379463
>>Let your old urges go. “Yeah, yeah. Glad I found you. Let’s get going!” Besides, if she got a good look at you…
It's so very tempting, but we can't be recognized.

File: desperado.png (234 KB, 1024x563)

234 KB PNG

Why i'm thinking of this scene as the same from El Mariachi. With a coveniebt shadow covering our face or maybe a little bit more.

JUST LIKE A MYSTERIOUS ANIME VILLAN!

We're not who we were- let's get out of here!

Writing.

>>2379463
It's tempting to do something, but it's too big of a risk, as much as you hate to say it. Instead, you just settle for patting Prima on the head as you turn away. “Yeah, yeah. Glad I found you. Let’s get going!”

“Awww he's going to leave me like that well I guess it doesn't matter we all have places to be so maybe I'll see you around even if you don't think we will!” You don't bother coming around to see if she's waving or not, but you and Prima walk just a little bit faster. Jago, who hung behind briefly, joins the both of you before long.

“Thank you so very much, Miss,” Prima says as you get a little ways into the parking lot, trying to keep out of sight. “She was...potentially overloading my audio chip.”

“Can’t take a lil’ gabbin’, sheila?” Jago ribs, but the glare she gives him silences him quickly enough.

“Yeah, I noticed,” you say primly. “So, what’s the news on her?”

“Very fast, but there seem to be structural tension issues in her center area. Dangerous for her. Fortuitous for us. She also does not seem to entirely listen to her user’s suggested commands, if what I could discern within her stories are accurate.”

Iiinteresting. “What about Zero?”

She pauses, and you imagine she’s running a particular memory through her mind. When she speaks, her voice dips a shade lower. “There is an area in his left heel area that seems to not quite be up to spec- the metal is of lesser grade than normal. There is also an area on both of his arms that seems to indicate that his combat attachments are not well-secured. A proper impact to the right location could disable them easier than normal.” Yeah, it’s pretty clear now. She’s got a grudge. Oddly adorable, though.

“Thanks a ton. Keep an eye on things out there for a bit longer, okay?” you ask.

“Certainly. However, I must ask, when will our attempt take place?” she wonders.

That’s a good question. They’re going to be showing the parts off after the semi-finals, so…

>Now. They won’t be expecting a move so early.
>After the second round, when everyone is getting focused on the matches. The people will be caught off guard.
>After the third round, when everyone should be a bit exhausted.
>After the quarterfinals, to lull everyone into a false sense of security.
>Other

>>2379658
>Other

> "I'm going to throw the match in the second round and pretend to need some time away to think things over."

Wish we could put up a hologram or something if ourselves. Or loop a security camera.

>>2379658
>>After the third round, when everyone should be a bit exhausted.

Should we ask her if she'd like to come back with us?

>>2379658
>After the quarterfinals, to lull everyone into a false sense of security.
Give ourselves a little more time to scope out the area.

>>2379658
>After the second round, when everyone is getting focused on the matches. The people will be caught off guard.

>>2379711
We already scoped enough of it.

Agh, I'm about to pass out. Going to call it here, but I'll try to at least end the thread within the week.

Later!

>>2379739
Thanks for running. Settling into your new job?

>Should we ask her if she'd like to come back with us?

Yes we should.

>>2379750
Mostly. I miss being able to run on weekdays, though.

>>2379752
But would we have to? Even though she's sapient, she's property, both by the local reckoning and by how she thinks of herself.
Wouldn't taking her and Jago be like bringing back locally looted weapons and equipment?

>>2379778
Conversely, would we want to take them as property? Assuming they're willing, we'd be responsible for them, which would include things like maintenance. Mechanicals are a thing in the intersection, but they need more than electricity; lubricants and worn/damaged parts would need replacing, and would have be custom made. Not cheap.

>>2380044
>Conversely, would we want to take them as property?

yeah. Things might not be as cheap in the intersection than on their world, but on the intersection we have our own mad scientist that might want to experiment on them, and several vendors that could sell self repairing nanobots or similar. We can also avoid taking them out on missions and just leave them in the intersection; they don't seem to have an upkeep cost unless they get damaged.

>>2379658
>>After the second round, when everyone is getting focused on the matches. The people will be caught off guard.

it also gives us a little bit more time to finish polishing some extra details we might have passed over.

>>2379658
>>After the second round, when everyone is getting focused on the matches. The people will be caught off guard.

>>2379658
>After the second round, when everyone is getting focused on the matches. The people will be caught off guard.

New reader here, can someone give me the link to the discord? The ones in previous threads have expired.

>>2385018
Unless I'm very mistaken, this quest doesn't have a discord

So, something I feel like I should probably say sooner rather than later. Mind you, it's nothing necessarily bad. But it's more about future MGFH plans.

Basically, I got into this mostly to just try and make something cool. And part of what I think is cool, as one or two of you might have guessed by now, is crossovers. And kind of one of my big things with how I made this Quest was, create a setting where I could easily cross over into other works without too much fuss. Obviously, something that would stand on its own normally, but if I ever got the urge, I could basically go nuts.

Now, I've been trying to keep myself from doing too many crossover things at once because of how often I ran. I felt like it would get old quick for the players, if not myself. But with my new job situation, I'm not going to be able to run nearly as much as I'd like. And in that way, it's annoying because I do want to do more original world stuff. But at the same time, the fact that I'm not going to be able to run nearly as often as usual, I feel gives me an opportunity to do a bit of what I had kind of originally wanted to do- that being a lot of quest crossovers. Especially because, if I'm being quite honest, the way my schedule is looking right now, and knowing my own tendencies, it's going to take a heck of a long time for me to get through the types of job arcs that I generally tend to write, truncated writing or no.

So, in order to keep Miranda and company in people's heads, and still get to have a bit of fun, I'm going to be trying to arrange crossover events, primarily hosted by other QMs for a bit until I can really settle down. Like, I haven't moved yet (the job I have isn't THE JOB, that won't happen until a couple months, right now I have something to help save up money) and that's lurking in the wings, and that will be an out and out hiatus in and of itself.

And, well, I know it's not really necessary, but like I said I don't really like the idea of just leaving something be for so long, especially when I know of a way to keep things rolling even in my own absence.

If you have to, think of it as a bit of a group of filler arcs. Although I personally won't be considering them filler or non-canon. So after this job with Lorelei is done, you can expect that to start up. I'll mention on Twitter whenever such a crossover arises, but yeah. You can also expect smaller 'days of' one-shot runs over weekends after this is done as well- I can imagine at least a couple of folks are interested in the core three's backstories...

So, yeah. That's the state of things. Cheers!

>>2385018
>>2385061

There's no Discord for this quest, but due to the aforementioned issues, I was waffling on whether or not to make one.

>>2385147
>more crossover
>now i'm imagining MGFH in the XCOMM or in the Black Company universe.

Eh that does sounds fun.

>>2385147
Although I like the idea of more content, I'm always weary of crossovers. Not that I hate or like it, but I'm speaking of how people react to it(like last time when some people didn't like it and disrupted the flow of the quest with meta arguements).

>>2385361
I'm in the same boat, though I wasn't a fan of the last crossover due to the clash in PC personalities. Miranda is very business-focused on the job, which rather sharply limits what she's willing to put up with.