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>>2635707

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=do+your+best+quest (Rough Grammar ‘till half of the 9th Thread)
Complete Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-nIx_dvaNCPQ7zLg2BK_ucCyGNM741kAANxqXj7hdDs/edit?usp=sharing


Votes:

Votes are counted until 20 minutes have passed. This rule doesn't apply to the last reply of the day.
Votes that require a dice roll are counted until 10 minutes have passed.

Dice Mechanic

We always roll 1d100!
I use the average (the mean) of the 4 best rolls and success will be determined by the difficulty I specify for the action or prompt. If there are less than 4 rolls I’ll do the math with the ones I have.
Above 45 is a success on a normal roll. Above 55 is a success on a hard roll. The hardest rolls I won’t specify because I find it more fun if I don’t.
Rolling over a 95 is a critical strike and ignores the other rolls!
We will roll after the voting is done.

>>2635707
>Someone completely unexpected!
ando's dad

>>2635707
>>Johnny’s landlord, Craig!

>>2635707
>Someone completely unexpected!

>>2635707
>>Someone completely unexpected!

>>2635707
>Someone completely unexpected!

>>2635707
>>Johnny’s landlord, Craig!

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“Come in.” You tell whoever is outside.
And someone completely unexpected comes opens the door!

“Sup’ boss! Finally found the time to come visit ya.” Its none other than Henry, your new teammate that you barely know anything about, other than his name! Shouldn’t he be in detention right now?! This is extremely underwhelming! By 'completely unexpected', you expected some more unexpected… Whatever that means!
“Hey, man. How are you?” Henry seems in high spirits, like he’s proud of something he just did. For some reason, he's not wearing his uniform.
“I’m doing well. Seems like you are too.” Henry looks relieved as he points to your lack of bandages. Right, Nurse Calamity helped get rid of some of them since the most superficial wounds healed extremely rapidly. Must have been the powerup you got from the ghost marshmallows. “You’re one tough dude, boss. Well, speaking from experience, nobody that's kicked my ass is a softy.” Does that happen often?
“Yeah, I suppose.” You aren’t sure how to handle him.

What do you do?

>“So you skipped detention right?” Address the elephant in the room. Maybe he changed at home before coming here, or something else?
>“How is school going?” What else could you ask, really? You've been out of commission for a few days, did things happen at school?
>“Dude, could you do me a favor?” Maybe he can help you go home? You have no idea what his entity power is, but maybe he can do something?
>"I barely know anything about you, dude. Wanna talk?" You have plenty of time here in the Clinic to talk, plus its not too late in the day.
>Write In.

>>2635841
>"I barely know anything about you, dude. Wanna talk?" You have plenty of time here in the Clinic to talk, plus its not too late in the day.

>>2635841
>"I barely know anything about you, dude. Wanna talk?" You have plenty of time here in the Clinic to talk, plus it's not too late in the day.
>"Did you also see the state trent is in?"

>>2635841
>"I barely know anything about you, dude. Wanna talk?" You have plenty of time here in the Clinic to talk, plus it's not too late in the day.
>"Did you also see the state Trent is in?"

>>2635841
>>"I barely know anything about you, dude. Wanna talk?" You have plenty of time here in the Clinic to talk, plus its not too late in the day.

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“I barely know anything about you, dude. Wanna talk?”
“Of course! Lemme get a chair first.” He goes for a chair and sits next to your bed.
“So care to explain what Henry is all about?”
"What you see is what I am, pretty much. Just a regular dude with cool superpowers.” He grins at this.
“That… doesn’t tell me much.” Or anything at all.
“I have some questions piled up I wanted to ask you. Even if Ms. Uccelli told me ‘everything I needed to know’, or whatever that means, I’m still lost.” Henry scratches the back of his head.

“I don’t think I look mysterious or anything shady like that.” You say, but it comes out in a standoffish tone.
“Boss, have you ever seen yourself in a mirror? I can’t see your eyes half the time.”
“What the hell does that even mean?”
“Don’t know how to explain it, really.” He says awkwardly. “Hey, boss, what happened to ya? I know you got into a fight with a pretty big dude and got your ass handed to ya, and I know you get into fights randomly, but there must be more to you than that.” He changes the subject with a good question!
“I had to protect Yu Yan and Constance. That guy was bad news, take my word for it.” That Flint is way too tough to just be someone’s minion!
Henry sighs, then rubs his forehead. “I guess your lil’ sis was right.” Henry seems disappointed.

“Also what’s up with your sister and bears?”
You just shrug. “She likes bears.” Doesn’t go further than that. Your mom gave her a little teddy bear when she was little, and it was love at first sight.
“That I can tell, but why? I swear she's shown me her teeth and growled at me like she was one.” Henry closes his eyes and remembers the moment, but while smiling?! “I mean she’s all cute, but man, I don’t think that's all she wants to accomplish in life.”
“I blame her partner.” Saraswati the bear has only caused trouble for Amelia, from what you have been seeing.
“I guess I don’t really understand what type of influence our partners have on us, exactly…” He touches his ear, the flame on its tip flickers at this.

[1/2]

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>>2636275

“Did you also see the state Trent is in?” You change topics just as quickly as he did.
“Motherfucker deserved it.” Henry shows his bias, clenching his fist. “What’s the deal with that dude anyway? How'd you even meet him?”
“It’s a long tale, full of twists and turns…” Get it? Because that loser 'Twist' is in there somewhere… And so you tell Henry about the Megane Killer Arc.

“Woah, woah, woah… You were the guy who killed Blake Wilkinson?!”
“…” It wasn’t like that. You didn't mean for it to happen that way, but it did. You didn't think too much of it at the time, but looking back on it…
“Shit, I didn’t mean it that way!" Blake looks guilty, seeing whatever expression you had on. "But that just makes it worse; why befriend Blake Wilkinson’s friend? That guy Blake was fucked in the head. I knew a whole school gang went after him, and got destroyed. He once threw the Student Council President through an arcade machine, just because he looked at him funny. Just remembering him brings me bad memories.” Oh yeah, you remember Blake throwing the guy through the glass at the Arcade, right in front of you! That feels ages ago…
“You knew Blake?” You’re ignoring his original question because you don’t have a really good answer for that…
Henry stares at you. “Everyone knew him, what are you talking about? Did you really go to our school, or what?” Henry is looking more and more concerned with each passing question…

Well, better change the subject than to admit up-front that you were just an awkward kid…

What do you want to ask Henry?

>“Do you know a guy named Howie Dewitt?”
>“Can you explain the whole 'masked man fiasco' to me?”
>“Shouldn’t you be in detention?”
>“What’s your relationship with Uccelli?”
>“Don’t get near Amelia.” Wait, this isn’t a question!
>Write In.

[2/2]

>>2636278
>“Don’t get near Amelia.” Wait, this isn’t a question!

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“Don’t get near Amelia.” You say for some odd reason.
“I wasn’t planning to. That I find her cute doesn’t mean I love her.” Henry responds without missing a beat. He seems serious, that’s good – you think. “So you’re that kind of brother. Heh, maybe I found a way to push your buttons.” He smirks at you with no regard at all!
“You do that, and I’m going to beat you again.” You try to look serious instead.
“Sheesh, it was a joke. Chill, no like, seriously chill. It wasn't fun that time.” Henry backs off, but can't help smiling sheepishly. That was a pretty good fight. “Well boss, my time is up. I should get back to work.”

“Work?”
“Yeah, I have a part-time job as a delivery man for an antique shop. Remember my mask? I got it from one of my packets. Ended up losing two months' worth of salary thanks to that… I don't know who this 'El Macho' supposed to be, but a simple mask can't be this expensive.” He seems rather mad at himself. “Next time let’s go eat something. I’ll invite. One thing; don’t tell anybody I came to visit, alright?” Henry waves. He leave as quickly as he came to visit. You never thought that a troublemaker would be this boring. At least he's reliable.

You still have the feeling someone is coming to visit! But who will be this time?!

>Osgood!
>Matilda!
>Craig!
>Write In.

>>2636529
>Matilda!

>>2636529
>>Craig!

>>2636529
>Matilda!

>>2636529
>Matilda

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Eventually, after minutes of you grinding on one of your terrible mobile gachas, you hear someone knocking on the door.

“Come in…” You hope this time fate brings you someone entertaining.

“Hey Johnny.” It’s Matilda, and she has a strange bag with her. She’s in her civilian clothes. You cannot help but to stare at her after hearing her grandfather’s story. “Something wrong…?”
“Hey Matilda.” You reply blandly.
“…Your clumsiness is worrisome, no wonder you got beaten.” She says without chill.
“I’m fine, thanks.” You reply sarcastically.
“You’re already trying to be witty, so it’s not hard to guess.”
“You’re awfully unsympathetic today, you know?”
“…” She looks rather mad at that.
“What?”
“You worried everyone. Do not do that again; remember I can work as bodyguard too.”
“Even you?”

“…I have a job to do today, and you’re part of it.” She outright ignored you. “Well, more than one. Here.” She takes something from her bag and hands it to you. It’s a small framed painting.
“What’s this?” It’s a nice abstract drawing. ‘Nice’ in colors, but the hell do you know about fine arts to really rate it with authority?
“Terrance paid me to deliver it to you. He also says he apologizes again for not being able to visit you in your peril.” Matilda says it like an android would.
“I see. Did he make it?” You barely know anything about Terry either, except for his deal with Scarlet.
“I… didn’t ask.” Matilda responds as she shrugs without a care in the world.

“What? So that’s it?”
“For that mission, yes. Now on to the next one.” She hands you her bag. “Inside there are spare clothes for you. We’re going to your apartment right now.”
“We're doing what now?” Wait, right now right now?
“I’m taking you home. If you don’t feel good enough to walk, I have a wheelchair outside. I already asked Doctor Calamity for permission.”
“Wait, is he awake?”
“No. The other Doctor Calamity: Katastrophe Calamity. The other one remains unconscious.”
“Oh…” Man, what a letdown.
“Let’s get going, please.” Matilda urges you to move.
“Woah, and who exactly paid you for this?”
“Can’t tell you, he or she said: ‘to leave as a surprise.’ So respect his or her wishes please.”

What do you do?

>“I’m not going anywhere; I like my stinky clinic room and my television and my white walls.”
>Accept and go in the wheelchair.
>Accept and just walk like a man.
>Write In.

(Last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow. Sorry for the short session today.)

>>2636942
>Accept and just walk like a man.

>>2636942
>Accept and go in the wheelchair.

>>2636942
>>Accept and just walk like a man.

>>2636942
>Accept and just walk like a man.

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“Alright, I’ll go. But I’m walking, so no need for the wheelchair.”
“Good. Change clothes.” Matilda stares at you.
“Ehm…”
“What is it now?” Great, now she's irritated again.
“Could you please leave while I change?”
“Just get it over with.”
“I’m serious, at least turn around – don’t peek.”
“Right, right…” She turns around.

You search inside the bag for clothes, but a rather amusing looking outfit is inside… Something extremely flashy, almost some type of dress too...

“What is this?” You couldn’t keep yourself quiet.
“What is what?” Matilda turns around without hesitation.
“I told you not to peek.” You tell her without one ounce of surprise.
“…?!” She rapidly gets near you, pulls the dress out of your hands and hides it under your bed sheets. “You saw nothing.” She says without losing her cool.
“Was that…?” Some type of cosplay dress? You stop yourself from saying this aloud though. You remember asking her about being paid for cosplay a while back, around the first time you met her, but you never thought you'd see actual evidence of it at a time like this!
“Just put your clothes on.” Matilda ignores you again.
“Okay. Then turn around.” Did she forget this quickly!?

After finally changing into your plain clothes, the two of you leave the clinic. You aren’t sure what street you're on, but Amelia mentioned you’re close home, and you know you're close to the old Calamity clinic somewhere. It’s Matilda’s job to bring you home safe, and you have Philonune to defend yourself with in case of mugging, so you aren’t too worried. Also, at some point, she went back for the dress while you were outside. The summer afternoon heat is still going strong, making you almost miss the air-conditioned clinic you just left.

“You sure you don’t need help?” Matilda seems slightly worried.
“I feel good as new. Don’t worry.”
“Mhm… Please follow me.” She takes the lead.

Well, you don’t know how long the trip is going to be. Maybe you could start a conversation with your ‘friend’?

>>2640347

What do you do?

>“So you weren’t very happy about me getting beat by Flint, right? Why?” Does she really care about anything other than her family or money…?
>“I talked to your grandfather just now. And I need to tell you something important.” Like her whole quest is dangerous. You will tell her all you know, because she doesn't know how bad things really are…
>“We’re friends, right? I told someone we were, and I wanted to make sure…” This sounds awkward, but it’s an honest question. Maybe you're just her 'most valued customer', the closest to a friend?
>“So who are you playing dress up for? And how much are they paying you? I will pay you 5 Gor$ to tell me right now.” Money talks, and thanks to Ka-Shing you have plenty of it for her!
>Stay silent and enjoy the walk home. If she wants to talk, she'll have to start the conversation herself. In the meantime, figuring out how to get back here might come in handy later…
>Stay silent and talk to Philonune about recent events. What's the deal with him and Richard's entity? What's his take on the whole situation with T.T. Neko, Ka-Shing, and the Crystals?
>Write In.

>>2640355
>“So you weren’t very happy about me getting beat by Flint, right? Why?” Does she really care about anything other than her family or money…?

>>2640355
>“So who are you playing dress up for? And how much are they paying you? I will pay you 5 Gor$ to tell me right now.” Money talks, and thanks to Ka-Shing you have plenty of it for her!
>“I talked to your grandfather just now. And I need to tell you something important.” Like her whole quest is dangerous. You will tell her all you know, because she doesn't know how bad things really are…

>>2640347
>“So you weren’t very happy about me getting beat by Flint, right? Why?” Does she really care about anything other than her family or money…?

>>2640347
>“So you weren’t very happy about me getting beat by Flint, right? Why?” Does she really care about anything other than her family or money…?

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“So you weren’t very happy about me getting beat by Flint, right? Why?” You ask Matilda, who upon hearing you, stops dead in her tracks. Then she shakes her head and keeps moving. You keep following her.
“He’s my enemy.” She said it the most casual way imaginable… for her standards at least.
“Enemy…?” What in the world did this girl get herself into? “Did he not pay you or what?”
“I’m always paid upfront.” The stoic Matilda responds promptly.
“So then… care to elaborate?”

“He made a mockery of me, my family, and the people I care about. A brute with no sense of honor or taste.” There is venom in those words. What is taste supposed to do with anything?! “I apologize for not telling you about his flame in time, I didn’t have the chance to make sure he had one. Everything you went through could’ve been avoided if I didn’t take him lightly. I will not make this mistake again.” One of her hands is shaking in suppressed fury. She's trying to keep it still but you can still see it.
“It’s alright. I’m alive, aren't I?” You didn’t think it was this serious for her!

“How strong was he?” Matilda asks out loud as you two continue walking. “You’re the most experienced fighter in your group; I want to hear your opinion.”
“He was tough like a gorilla…” Your brain couldn’t come up with a better example. “But I don’t think he had a great understanding of how to use his partner to his advantage. Their bond wasn’t strong enough.”
“I see, so there is still a chance… But their bond was strong enough to beat you after only a day of being together. I don’t think you and your partner are tough enough for what you are trying to accomplish.”
“It could have gone either way.”
“Then don’t gamble your life away like that. It’s a bet you cannot afford to lose.” Matilda is acting all high and mighty.
“Hey, I had to fi—”

She stops and turns, glaring right at you. “Keep your excuses to yourself. You understand what you did right and what you did wrong. That fight wasn’t supposed to happen then and there, but I thought you were smart enough to understand your limits after what happened with Trent.” You continue staring back at her eyes, seeing the sun reflected in them like fire. Fire that's not quite directed at you, thankfully.
“Like I was trying to say, I had to fight. I needed to protect those inside the clinic, or Flint would walk right in and take them. Even if I was just buying time, it could have been all they needed.”
“Protect…?” She closes her eyes, thinking deeply before opening them. “Johnny, I need a favor from you.” Matilda finds her resolution!

[1/2]

>>2640971

“That’s a big shift in this conversation, but what is it?”
“There is a weapon I can’t wield, a discipline I can’t fight in – I’m humbly asking you to beat Flint Masterson 1v1 in my family’s name.” Matilda wants to vouch, but you stop her before she can make a scene in the middle of the street.
“Why me? Didn’t Osgood actually beat him? I lost to him, didn’t I?” She could bet on a winning horse! She must have tried gambling like betting on horse races before going with the 'service for money' thing.
“…Is that supposed to a no? I thought you were better than that.” Something in Matilda's stoic expression almost looks like disgust, before she turns away from you and continues walking after verbally slapping you in the face.

How do you respond? Is your current courage enough to say yes?! Either way, this feels like yet another important decision!

>“Yeah, that's a no.” No. Just no.
>“I have to decline; I have bigger things to deal with.” No. There's other fish out there.
>“You could shoot a bullet through my forehead if you want me dead so badly…” Big no.
>“1v1?! Isn’t that a bit much?” What is she thinking?!
>Write In.

>>2640975
>"I want to do it, though I can't do it alone. I won't ask how much this is worth to youthough would you be willing to spend time training with me if I accept?" She seem serious, let's not let her down.

>>2640975
>"You just said to know my limits and now you want me to beat the guy who wasn't even scratch by me or my partner at full power."

>>2640975
Backing >>2641029, but also promise payment.

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“Two seconds ago you told me to know my limits, and now you want me to beat the guy.” You follow behind Matilda.
“This is where you are wrong. I have a plan.” Matilda continues to walk forward.
“Which is…?”
“You already cowered from the fight.” Matilda is having none of it.
“I want to do it, though I can’t do it alone…” Wait! You got it! “But… I won't ask how much this is worth to you though, but would you be willing to spend time training with me if I accept? I can pay you.”
“Now you finally get it.” Matilda smiles. “We will burn down the house my grandfather built with his grit, sweat, and blood.” The sweet smile turns to a cruel grin.
“I-I thought you liked your grandfather?!” W-what’s going on?!
“The old generation knows no record will remain unchallenged forever. What better tribute is there than beating your heroes’ accomplishments? And to delete those ingrates too… It’s going to be marvelous." Her eyes are sparkling. You don't know whether to be excited, or very very afraid right now.

"But…" She hesitates…
“But?” What now?!
“Not every man is shaped to become a legend, Johnny Ando.” Matilda stops walking all of a sudden. She points to her left, right at an abandoned house. Faded paint, moss growing near the ground on all sides, lights out, windows and front door open. “I want to test you.”
You look at her and try giving her your best 'are you fucking kidding me right now?' expression. “I just got out of the hospital Matilda.”
“You're free to use your partner. The only thing you need to do is throw me to the ground once. Unlike everyone else, I’ve never seen you fight.” What about the time you punched Twist?!
“I’m still a wounded man…” You point at your head and what few wounds you still have all over your body.

Matilda refuses to give in. “I want to see your fighting spirit for myself. I’m ready to do anything for you if you accept, but are you willing to do the same?” There's an innuendo in there somewhere, but you're not going to point it out. She’s getting too excited about this right now. You understand how she feels, but she should really be more patient.
“I almost got killed trying to protect people, isn’t that good enough? Besides, what happened to 'knowing your limits' again?”
“Are you even trying your best right now?” Matilda says callously, the words cutting straight through you in a low blow. You've been doing your best since the start of this whole war!

>>2641217

What do you do?

>Be cheeky and trip her with Philonune right now in the middle of the sidewalk, and use him to pin her to the ground. Lean in, smirk, and say "You were saying?"
>Propose another less violent activity to decide your worth. Perhaps playing a videogame? You're pretty good at vidya.
>Prove your worth, by paying your worth! You have all that money from Ka-Shing, and 100 Gor$ should be a good starting point for a bargain.
>Accept and prepare to break your bones all over again. Test modern medicine’s bounds by using yourself as a willing test subject!
>Propose to do it another day. No need to kill yourself right now when you just left the clinic. You can pay her to postpone if she still insists.
>Write In.

>>2641222
Nice trips
>Be cheeky and trip her with Philonune right now in the middle of the sidewalk, and use him to pin her to the ground. Lean in, smirk, and say "You were saying?"

>>2641222
Forgot to add this is the last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow in a longer session.

>>2641217
>Accept and prepare to break your bones all over again. Test modern medicine’s bounds by using yourself as a willing test subject!

>>2641222
>Not trying our best
>NO U

>>2641222
>Accept and prepare to break your bones all over again. Test modern medicine’s bounds by using yourself as a willing test subject!

>>2641222
>Accept and prepare to break your bones all over again. Test modern medicine’s bounds by using yourself as a willing test subject!
Fuck it, merge with our literal fighting spirit and throw her ass to the ground in the most efficient way possible..

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With all the sanity left in your mind, you somehow were able to restrain yourself of saying ‘No u’ to Matilda. How dare she to think you aren’t doing your best?! You’ll show her! You’ll show everybody!

“…Bring it.” You walk towards the abandoned house. The closer you get the less you feel creeped out by the place.
“Good.” Matilda follows you.

It wasn’t that big of a deal to get inside the house. It’s in pretty bad shape, but it isn’t exactly the end of world. You wonder why no squatters or other homeless are in this place; the inside is dry and roomy and not as dirty as you expected, so it should be taken by now… Weird. The living room is big enough for you two to duke it out, even though the floor looks in bad shape, holes and pieces of floorboards sticking out here and there. You can't see the basement from up here…

“So I only need to throw you down?” You ask Matilda the rules as you start doing some stretches.
“Indeed, you have 5 minutes. Don’t disappoint me.” Matilda puts a timer on her phone. She looks excited even though the only sign of this is her miniscule grin.
“You're completely sure I can use my partner?” You ask Matilda once again, this time looking at Philonune – who unlike most times, doesn’t look one bit hyped. Sure the constant grin is still glued to his face, but you can feel him treating this as just something to do. Something boring.
“I can tell you I was planning on taking Masterson without your help… So take a guess.” What a cocky little lady. “The timer is on. Fight.” She changes her stance to a judo one as her eyes close! Her grandfather talked about judo being thought in their family for generations. Being around yakuza and professional athletes-in-training must have taught her much more than that. Who knows where she'll go from a basic judo stance?

Are you really capable of taking on the heir of the Spice Dragon Dojo…?! Well, it’s not like the dojo is a thing anymore, but the legacy speaks for itself!

How are you going to approach this?!

>Invoke Philonune and end this quickly. Those two didn’t sacrifice themselves for you to play around. Let's see how strong you are now! (Easy Roll)
>There's a lot of holes and loose boards around. Maybe you can take advantage of Philonune being invisible to your advantage? (Hard Roll)
>Maybe you can take Matilda head on without ghost shenanigans! You should be wary about your injuries though, plus the holes in the floor… (Very Hard Roll)
>Combine with Philonune, he will teach her a lesson. Besides it’s the best of both worlds. This still counts as her fighting 'you'. (Normal Roll)
>Write In.

>>2642866
>Throw the closest thing near you

>>2642866
>Combine with Philonune, he will teach her a lesson. Besides it’s the best of both worlds. This still counts as her fighting 'you'. (Normal Roll)

>>2642866
>>Write In.
Have Philoune hold us up while we stand on a weakened part of the floor. We must ensure that it looks normal, we then taunt Matilda so she rushes us, where the weakened floor slows her down enough that we can pin/trip her.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>2642874
1 (Hard Roll)
>>2642900
2
>>2642947
3 (Hard Roll)

Dice number decides. Please roll now too!

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>2642962
mat's turn to job

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2642962

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>2642962

>>2642976
Nice

>>2642976
Hot damn we did good against dojo girl.

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It seems Matilda is playing defensively, as she's just looking in your general direction with her eyes still closed. While you circle around her, watching your step and footing, you think the best strategy right now is just to join forces with Philonune.

“That would be overkill, don’t you think?” Philonune says to you. He sounds unexpectedly reserved, maybe because this is a person with no entity and this isn't a real fight.
“It’s the closest to a fair fight.” You respond to his concern. He nods and the two of you join forces together, him merging into you. Time to fight.

You move forward towards the young human girl, heedless of the noise you make on the dilapidated area. She notices and tries to grab him by your mundane T-shirt – but with the added speed that your ability grants him, you’re quickly able to move backward and evade her grasp. While she didn’t seem like she lost her balance, he thought it was a good move to sweep her legs, and you agreed – the only real objective here is to make her fall.
Because of the position you’re in right after the dodge, he's easily able to perform the leg sweep, then kick her in the side for added momentum. As easily as this fight started, it ended… Matilda fell down face-first onto the aged wood floor, without being able to back her words. He kicked her way harder than he thought you were going to. This is the first time you have to restrain your strength, on top of it being right after the sacrificial powerup, so its not surprising you went a little overboard.

[1/2]

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>>2643215

She stays face down without moving an inch, like she’s literally tasting defeat off the floor. You sit down next to her waiting for her to react. Your partner detaches from you and sits on the floor with you, not smiling.

“You okay…?” It was so easy and simple you don’t feel like celebrating. Whatever bad taste she's getting, you taste the same from this conclusion.
“…So unfair.” You can feel her frustration, even though she said it as soft and calm as she usually does. She finally starts standing up, but not without staring at the floor she just kissed for a few seconds. She’s being unreasonably hard with herself, you think. Matilda ended up sitting on the floor next to you two. Without looking at you, and while staring in the same direction she has been doing during her defeat, she extends her fist out to you.

“A deal is a deal.” You can feel the salt and resignation emanating from her. Does she want a fist bump?

What do you do?

>Fist bump back! Feels like the manly way to do it… even though you are with a girl, but both of you are fighters…
>Go for a hug! It’s going to be funny! You can always pay her a few Gor$ as an apology after, if she doesn't like it.
>Go for a handshake! That’s the REAL sign of trust! With how professional she is, she might like this more!
>Tell her to forget about training you. As much as you appreciate her accepting the offer, you feel you might be ready for Flint soon…
>Write In.

>>2643219
>Fist bump back! Feels like the manly way to do it… even though you are with a girl, but both of you are fighters…
>Then pull her in for a hug and tell her to do better by training us to be better
>Explain what we did to win, as bullshit as it is.

>>2643219
>Headpat

>>2643219
>Fist bump back! Feels like the manly way to do it… even though you are with a girl, but both of you are fighters…

>>2643219
>>Go for a handshake! That’s the REAL sign of trust! With how professional she is, she might like this more!
A fistbump if fine too

>>2643219
Backing >>2643232

>>2643219
>>Fist bump back! Feels like the manly way to do it… even though you are with a girl, but both of you are fighters…
Such is the way to show respect.

>>2643232
backing

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“Yep.” You fist pump her back. She now stands up, and slaps both of her cheeks gently.
“Let’s go.” Matilda leaves the old house, you following.
“Want to know what I did to beat you?”
“…Later.” Matilda says. “Getting your training schedule together is our priority.”

During the walk to your apartment, you two discussed the possible schedule for your training. Already sounds way better than Trent’s idea of training, buts she says you have two days to recover, ‘cause Monday shit is going to get rough. You have until Friday to get yourself in good shape for Sunday’s mayhem. On June 4th, the end times is coming.

“So who paid you to bring me here?” You are just outside of your apartment.
“You’re just seconds away from finding out.” She takes your apartment keys out of her pocket.
“Is it Craig? Because if it’s him, I’m going to be mildly disappointed.”

Matilda opens the door and… there is absolutely no one inside, what the hell?!

“Guess no surprise party for me.”
“Were you seriously expecting a party?”
“No...?” The true answer is yes.
“I’m going to call our mysterious benefactor. Here.” She hands you your keys. “They are yours anyway.”
“Why do you have them…?” That almost escaped you.
“Busy.” She points to her phone and goes to the kitchen to talk. Why is she acting like she owns the place? “He or she are coming in a few minutes. He or she are busy right now.”
“I mean whoever it is, they were busy enough to hire you for something like this.”
“Indeed.” She nods. “How are you feeling? Need some rest? Water? A massage maybe?” She does a creepy hand motion.
“I’m fine…” Is she weird on purpose or what?
“It is free of charge.”
“Still a no.”
Matilda just shrugs. “Your loss.”
Eventually someone finally knocks on the door. Matilda raises an eyebrow and looks at you.

“Ready?” She smirks as she moves to open the door…
“…”

Finally Matilda opens the apartment door and… It’s Craig! What a mild disappointment. Wait, he’s not alone! He’s with Sewel!? What is going on?

“Hey kid, sorry about not being able to visit you.” Craig says as he steps inside.
“S’up kid?” Sewel just stays on the doorframe. Seems they are in somewhat of a hurry.
“Mmm?” Matilda raises an eyebrow. “He wasn’t the one who hired me.” Matilda tells you.
“We kinda did. But first, we need to talk.” Craig says as the tension in the room starts going up.

>>2643410

Guess reality caught up to you. What do you say?

>“I can kick out Yu Yan, but Nariko must stay.” Bargain already! Yu Yan probably can fend for herself on the streets. She's still good with knives, right?
>“What do you need me for?” No need to say something stupid yet. Maybe they're here for something completely unrelated to your twin hobos!
>“Sorry for causing you trouble.” He was involved with the cat-astrophe, right? The least you could do is to apologize right now.
>Write In.

>>2643413
>>Write In.
Tell them the truth, about the flames and everything.

>>2643413
>"Is it the fact Flint absolutely bodied me?"

>>2643413
>“What do you need me for?” No need to say something stupid yet. Maybe they're here for something completely unrelated to your twin hobos!
>>2643415
this too. Even though my write in got the most votes.

>>2643413
>“What do you need me for?” No need to say something stupid yet. Maybe they're here for something completely unrelated to your twin hobos!

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“What do you need me for?” You feign surprise.
“Before we start, are you okay with her staying?” Craig says, looking at Matilda.
“…?” Matilda raises an eyebrow.
“Yeah, I don’t mind.” Matilda is a good girl, as long as you pay her.
“Sewel, close the door. This is going to take a while.”
“Alright… I usually do these type of businesses quickly.” Sewel closes the door behind him. Okay, this is starting to sound sketchy.

“Is it the fact Flint absolutely bodied me?” The tension in your body made you say something stupid.
“Flint…? Like in Flint Masterson?” Craig's eyes narrow.
“The one and only.” Matilda intervenes.
“Oh damn, that explains some things.” Craig scratches the back of his head. “But don’t worry about that stuff yet, both Bradford and Osgood explained to me everything, Sewel is the only one who doesn’t understand shit.”
“Hey! Fuck you!” Sewel laughs. Craig laughs back.
“It’s not like they didn’t have any choice, after the weird shit that happened the other day. But I didn’t come to talk about this first… There is another issue. I knew you probably were hiding that strange hobo, but I never thought you were as sneaky as your old man! TWO girls?! You have to tell me you aren’t doing any weird shit. Because backing up a pimp ain’t my style, got it? And if you are slave trader that’s way worse… Or are you a womanizer?”

Pimp? Slave trader?! The fuck is he talking about? Is he high?! Matilda looks at you with a ‘what the fuck is wrong with him’ type of look. Craig looks deadly serious, but Sewel looks like he’s about to explode in laughter.

Well this is one misunderstanding that can go badly if left unclear. How do you respond?

>“The fuck are you talking about?” You’re so dumbfounded you're not going to bother responding to these accusations.
>“That’s not what's happening at all!” Explain everything from Nariko's amnesia to Yu Yan's freedom!
>“You’re joking, right?” No, seriously. What the actual FUCK?!
>“Hey, I’m not like my dad.” Not like he was a slave trader or anything, but he was a dick in his own way.
>Write In.

>>2643522
>“Hey, I’m not like my dad.” Not like he was a slave trader or anything, but he was a dick in his own way.
>“That’s not what's happening at all!” Explain everything from Nariko's amnesia to Yu Yan's freedom!

>>2643522
>“Hey, I’m not like my dad.” Not like he was a slave trader or anything, but he was a dick in his own way.

Or was he?

>>2643522
>“Hey, I’m not like my dad.” Not like he was a slave trader or anything, but he was a dick in his own way.
>“That’s not what's happening at all!” Explain everything from Nariko's amnesia to Yu Yan's freedom!

>>2643522
>>“Hey, I’m not like my dad.” Not like he was a slave trader or anything, but he was a dick in his own way.

>>2643522
>>“That’s not what's happening at all!” Explain everything from Nariko's amnesia to Yu Yan's freedom!
>>“Hey, I’m not like my dad.” Not like he was a slave trader or anything, but he was a dick in his own way.

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“Hey I’m not like my dad! And that’s not what’s happening at all! And I… Why are you laughing?!” You interrupt yourself as Craig explodes into laughter like an absolute madman. Sewel jus tries to hide his own.
“We know, we know! Of course the others told us about them…! Didn’t I tell you to chill on the phone?!” Craig is almost crying.
“…” Matilda isn’t amused, neither are you. Being compared to your father at all is an insult, but at least you’re fine.
“Fuck that. You’re probably fuckin’ ‘em every day you can.” Sewel has no chill at all!

Craig's laughing slows a bit. “But seriously, don’t hide that shit from me. If you keep it to yourself, I don’t have a problem. Unless that outlandish shit I said was true all along.” Craig says in between his laughter. “Oh my god, this is the fucking best…”
“Like when we kicked your asses at pool?” Matilda chimes in. It’s not a competition Matilda, it’s a joke. They still need to be snapped out of that, though.
“That shit wasn’t funny then, and it sure ain't funny now.” Sewel responds to your trainer curtly, smile wiped off his face. Is he still salty about it?

“How much did they explain to you? I can give you all the details if they left out any.”
“Alright, I’m all ears. I know those two have some type of amnesia – but you know Osgood, he’s always so busy…”

You briefly explain Nariko and Yu Yan’s backstories as well as you can.

Craig is all business now. “I see… If the police find them, I’m not going to back you up, alright? There is a limit on how much I can cover for you.”
“Yeah, I understand.” Gotta be humble at times like this.
“Also we have a bit of a surprise. Well, not really – your teacher wanted us to look into this. Well, mainly Sewel, since he’s the sketchy one.”
“Tch… Don’t say it like that.” Sewel gets closer to you. “Here. I have no idea where Osgood got the cash to pay for this, but he wanted you to have it for later.” He gives you a letter.
“What’s this?” You look at it, but there's nothing on the outsite to tell you what it is.

“The other girl that lives with you, Yu Yan, she has no papers. Probably a foreigner, or a bunch of weird shit happened to her that made her disappear from the country’s database. In there is her new ID card, passport and everything else she needs to safely live here.” Sewel explains, talking as if from experience.
“Wait, what?!” Yu Yan’s what...?!
“For all I know, the girl wanted to go to school or some lame shit. These papers are 100% legit; I have a friend inside the government that owed me a favor. So believe me, you don’t need to worry about ‘em. Just keep your trap shut, okay?”
“Where the hell did this come from?” You can't help but wonder aloud. Even Matilda is surprised, though she keeps her mouth shut unlike you.

>>2643659

Sewel puts his hand on his forehead in mild annoyance. “Do I have to explain this again?”
“T-thank you.” You don’t know what else to say!
“Don’t thank me, you guys paid for this crap.” Sewel is now completely annoyed. Good going!

“Hehe… Now onto the real issue here. Remember the deal you and your dad had about this apartment? My pal Rufus and I were talking the other day, and I made a huuuuuge mistake. I mean, if I ignored the girls' stuff, I’m sure you can easily forgive me about this.”
You have no idea where this is going, but you try to keep calm. “What is it?”
“Well, supposedly, your father is paying the rent for this place, so every week I was getting money from Hogg. I thought it was Stan’s money to pay the rent, but in reality, it was Hogg’s money for your food. Big mistake. Now, I did think it was suspiciously very little money, but I let it pass ‘cause I know Stan was a bit of cheapskate." Craig takes a deep breath, preparing himself to say the real truth.

"The reality is, kid… that Stan hasn’t sent you any money, and Hogg hasn’t been able to contact him. He's just gone.”

“…” You remain silent.
“Now, the solution would be for you to go and live with Hogg, but we have these girls in the mix now. So I have an idea: you can stay here and all, but one of these days I'll need you to do some jobs for me. Little errands here and that. How does that sound?”

There's nothing you can do about the truth, as much as you expected your father to pull a dick move like this. How do you respond?

>“I have a lot of money, so I can keep paying the rent myself.” Tell what you did with Ka-Shing!
>“Yeah, I don’t mind moving in with Rufus.” You have no idea if there'll be enough room, but it's an option!
>Write In.

>>2643665
>“I have a lot of money, so I can keep paying the rent myself.” Tell what you did with Ka-Shing!

"I was going to use it for Yu and Nariko to get into a school anyway. Might as well start dipping into it."

>>2643665
>"I figured that old man would do me in like this."

>>2643665
>“I have a lot of money, so I can keep paying the rent myself.” Tell what you did with Ka-Shing!

>>2643659
>"I figured that old man would do me in like this."
>“I have a lot of money, so I can keep paying the rent myself.” Tell what you did with Ka-Shing!

>>2643665
Forgot to say it's the last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow.

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“I figured that old man would do me in like this…” You say, as you remember the stupid ass grin on his face, curse him. He didn't give a single shit about anyone who wasn't him, not even your mother… “But I have a lot of money, so I can keep paying the rent myself.”

You explain to the three of them about what happened with Ka-Shing.

“Holy G, kid. Do me a solid and give me his number, I’m going to play his shitty ass card game if he pays me.” Sewel smells money.
“Sorry, but Johnny is going to send me his number. Riiiiight?” Matilda’s eyes are shining with a joy you never thought she could feel. In the process of feeling this joy, Matilda gets uncomfortably close to you. Sewel notices this. “Hey girl, have some dignity and move away from the kid.”
“Old man, you’re the one begging for money. I’m just asking for a favor.” Matilda retorts without turning away.
“You two stop, its obvious he only wanted to lure them out. The game itself was an excuse.” Craig calms the greedy duo, but they're still thinking about the sweet sweet Gor$.

“Ehem, anyway, we shouldn’t worry Hogg, or else he could find out about the girls – and I have no idea what could happen then. He’s the goody two-shoes type, and might turn them in to the cops. Better if we pretend Stan is sending you money, and you use your spare cash to buy food and whatever you need. With the little cash he’s sending me, its just enough, and the new neighbors are actually paying me this time around…”
As much as Matilda loves money, it seems she loves information too. “New neighbors? Explain.” Yeah, what’s up with that? You never really paid too much attention to the other people living in the same apartment building as you – but then again, who does?
“Yeah, I kicked out some of the spineless cowards. A lot of people from the rest of the city want to move in here at the west side, where its more peaceful. With the terrorists’ incidents, the weird cult and all – I can’t blame 'em.” Craig briefly explains.
“Good.” Matilda says it like she understands the whole situation, and isn't out of her depth.
“Kicking them was a hassle, though." Well, that explains why Sewel is here too.

“But really kid, don’t worry about the rent stuff. Think about the future, like college or something. You also have 2 more mouths to feed.” Craig dismisses all of your worries.
“3.” Matilda says as she opens her mouth, pointing at it. Oh right, the payment for her services…
“…Do you consider the things you say for more than one second?” Sewel shoots Matilda a knowing grin, making the innuendo obvious.
“You’re a perverted old man.” Matilda refuses the bait! Sewel just glares daggers at her.

“It’s not like there's much of a future left.” Saying this bring the mood down, but you can't forget it. It's the reason you've come this far, isn't it?

[1/?]

>>2645098

Sewel turns and spits into the corridor. “Bah, your fault for believing in what those damn ghosts say.” So he does understand the situation, even though he supposedly doesn’t care.
Craig just stares at him. “You’re just echoing what I said before...” Sewel was totally faking it just now, and has no real idea what is going on. The way he turned away made it obvious.
Craig focuses back on you. “Look, I don’t know if you have more info than what the rest of your group told us., but by the looks of it, you only have to defend the judges and beat those cultists. Which I have to say, ain’t a minor task.”
“Why is that?” Its like they figured out something important on their own.

“The way the monsters are wording everything is incredibly sketchy. The winner is going to be the strongest demon thing in their world, right? Which means that power doesn’t translate here. I mean, none of these monsters are as strong as in their world. That’s what Osgood, Bradford and your teacher said, at least.” Craig explains, scratching his beard. “The referees or whatever are here to ensure this world doesn’t get destroyed either, so whatever these guys can do, they can contain it. I mean, I’m obviously doing a lot of wishful thinking here – thinking those guys can’t possibly be that overpowered… But hey, it’s no crazy talk either.”

“I mean, I’ve become stronger thanks to my partner. The power does translate into this world.” You tell Craig, noticing Philonune paying attention to the discussion.
“That’s something your teacher said. But there is something sketchy going on here, like there's a step missing about how the process works.” Craig retorts. Somehow it feels like it would be something Osgood would say, if he were here.

“I got it.” Matilda finally puzzled everything together! “Isn’t the access from that world to this one too convoluted to even attempt to carry out this battle here? The one entity that is controlling the Judges is the true key to this problem. Would he just let the world that he’s protecting be destroyed, because the others want to decide its leader? And if deciding its leader becomes the reason the world would be destroyed, why would he let it happen?”

“Maybe he hates his job?” Sewel chimes in. Everyone stares at him in silence. “Hey, I would too if I was in his place."
Craig shakes his head. “There is missing information, that’s all. Don’t take the world being doomed and shit seriously.” Craig tries to be optimistic.
Matilda nods her head. “Or maybe everyone’s fate is sealed, and there's nothing you can do to change it but die.” Matilda tries to be pessimistic.
“So basically life as always, yeah?” Sewel concludes, smiling to himself. Ow the edge.
“Not if we decide to take over.” Matilda grins, elbowing you.

[2/?]

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>>2645102

“Weren’t you pessimistic two seconds ago?” Sewel is confused.
“I was merely being realistic. There is a difference.” Matilda's as impassive as ever.

“So basically, you guys learned nothing. Great, and I was getting my hopes up too.” You chuckle in spite of yourself.
“Welp, tough luck, kid.” Sewel shrugs.
“I’ll try to help in any way I can, but I have my limits. Wait. Shit, it’s late! Me and Sewel need to go! I’ll catch up with you later. It’s kind of embarrassing to say this out loud, but we believe in you, kid.” Craig fist pumps in the air. You fist pump the air too! Then the two of them leave your apartment.

“…Everyone is awfully calm about this.” You remark to Matilda. This comment includes her too.
“Those two didn’t look calm when they received the news though. You missed out a lot being unconscious.”
“Yeah, my bad…”
“I already told you it’s too late for being sorry.”

Finally you hear someone knocking at the door. Who is it this time?

“It’s finally time.” Matilda goes to the door, opens it up and… It’s Amelia!

“Hi Johnny, Matilda! Sorry for taking so long, dad was giving me problems…” Amelia says as she takes her bag off, falling on your couch.
Matilda is having none of this late business. “Took you long enough.” Amelia just giggles.
“Amelia? Why keep it a secret then?” What has your sister been scheming while you were out!?
“Oh, I just know how much you like surprises! That's all!” Amelia adjusts her glasses. Instinctively, you do the same. “Besides I have a present for you.” Amelia gives you small box. Inside, there is a watch and… a Sparks of Luck booster pack! You'll open it later when you have time alone.
“This was incredibly unnecessary, just so you know.” I mean telling you you were going to get a present would’ve been enough!
“You did look excited though.” Matilda says.
“T-that’s not true.” It’s true though. Guess stuff being underwhelming is part of your life.

Amelia looks at you with suspicion. “How are you feeling? You look way better than I remember…”
“Of course I do. I'm not covered in blood and scars all over, am I?” You try to make light of what you went though, but this just makes Amelia look more worried. “But yeah, I feel fine. I have to take it easy though, that’s what Kata said.”
“Mhm… Did you receive Osgood’s message?” You don’t know what she’s talking about. What message?
“Hmm?” Matilda stares directly at you. She’s as badly informed about this as you are.
“No… I didn’t.” You check your phone. There is a message from ex-officer Jackson, but it’s not the time to read it.

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>>2645106

“Weird. But we’re having a team meeting in an hour.” Amelia explains; why she didn’t bring Bradford then? “It’s about the weird man who gave you a lot of money. Osgood received an offer from him.” She straightens in her seat.
“…?” You decide to keep silent and let them do the explaining.
“We’re going to discuss that later. Basically he’s asking for our help in defending his super crystal… He hired a long list of other people to help him.” Amelia says. “And…” Amelia now stares at Matilda.
“There is an awfully large number of policemen in the city now. It seems everyone is finally getting ready for your fight.” Matilda says, crossing her arms. Meanwhile, Amelia turns the TV on.
“And that’s not all…” Amelia points to the TV. Just like in movies, they are showing exactly what you need to see for some reason!

Obviously, the TV is on the news channel. The headline says something about the leader of the cultists talking about recruiting people for the cult’s pilgrimage, starting on June 4th. It also talks about further inter-government tensions between Lloydington's party and Don Gordon Jr.'s dictatorship, and a bunch of random people being interviewed about it.

“Your policeman friend said to come June 4th, and that we should expect a curfew for the whole city too…” Amelia's probably explaining information the ex-cop sent you in the text. She turns the TV off, then looks at you. “What are we going to do, Johnny?” She looks afraid, all the happy-go-lucky energy drained out of her. The pressure is finally starting to set in, on not just your group, but everyone in the city…

Things are going to start getting heated soon… But that’s all that we have for this week’s thread! Thanks for playing!

>>2645110
Thanks for running.

>>2645110
Thanks for running dude, looking forward to the next one