>>2859733
>Let’s just get the show on the road already.
We've waited too long to no be ready.

>>2859733
>So, what’s up old man? Is Cecily ready?

Welcome back

>>2859733
>Let’s just get the show on the road already.
Welcome back!

>>2859733
>>So, what’s up old man? Is Cecily ready?

>>2859733
>So, what’s up old man? Is Cecily ready?
Welcome back

>>2859733
>>So, what’s up old man? Is Cecily ready?
It's great to see this quest coming back.

File: Training_Gate 2.png (103 KB, 636x329)

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>>2859758
>>2859778
>>2859808

You knit your fingers together behind your head and put on a somewhat disinterested face. Gotta keep up appearances for the crowd.

"So what's up, old man? Cecily already done with her training?" You cut straight to the point.

"We'll soon find out, my dear." Flint replies in his polite, careful voice. It contrasts quite greatly with the slightly dishevelment his appearance has gone through. You are reminded that of the time you've known the old man, he has spent a majority of it stuck in a single spot, unable to move and barely able to defend himself, using much of his energy to make sure you and your friends here are ready for what's to come. For an old man, he must be incredibly tough. A smile crosses your lips as you think back to the short brawl you had with him nearly a week ago now.

The silver door behind him creaks slightly before slamming open with a clatter. A shimmering light bursts out, forcing everyone save for Flint to shield their eyes. As it dissipates, you are show the sight of the two girls that went in.

Silver, the pirate captain, stands proudly with a smirk across her face. Her peg leg gleams in the morning sunshine as her coat flutters softly in the breeze. She looks at you and Ahab and giggles confidently before flashing you a thumbs-up.

"Mission accomplished!" The proudly exclaims. "Now may I introduce you to the new and improved Cecily Ashe!"

Silver steps aside to fully reveal the young girl who lost her parents and closest friends to the Chess on their night of Razing.

Still short, but the young rabbit girl holds herself with more confidence than before. Her arms are folded in front of the pastel pink sundress she wore when she went in. Draped across her shoulders, the thick black coat you found her covered in while checking for survivor just two days ago. You have to remind yourself that, for her, its been two months inside the Training Gate. The crowd stares in silent surprise for a moment before Cecily cracks.

She can't help but burst out into a giggle before rushing you and jumping onto you with a surprisingly tight hug.

"Kana! I got stronger! See? SEE? Now I can join you in the War Games!" She cheers as rubs her cheek childishly against yours.

"WHAT?!" Alan shouts, taken aback at the young girl's claims. "Kana I can understand, but you can't seriously allow this little girl to risk her life?! Flint have you lost your mind?! Danna, talk some sense into these people!"

File: Cecily.jpg (12 KB, 330x440)

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>>2859899
>[Peel yourself out of Cecily's hug]
>[Wait for Cecily to let go]

>"The deal was that she went in to train, we'd see if she has what it takes. Now we see if she's ready."
>"She has just as much reason to be here as anyone! Hell, probably more!"
>"The War Games was an open fucking challenge! You don't like it? Well, tough shit!"
>"For once, I agree with you Alan. I'm not a fan of this plan either."
>"You want to tell her she's not allowed to avenge her parents and friends?"
>[Ignore him and congratulate Cecily on her training]

>>2859905
>[Wait for Cecily to let go]
>"The deal was that she went in to train, we'd see if she has what it takes. Now we see if she's ready."

>>2859905
>>[Wait for Cecily to let go]
>"She has just as much reason to be here as anyone! Hell, probably more!"

>>2859905
>[Wait for Cecily to let go]
>"The deal was that she went in to train, we'd see if she has what it takes. Now we see if she's ready."
>"She has just as much reason to be here as anyone! Hell, probably more!"

>>2859935
This

>>2859935
This

>>2859917
>>2859918
>>2859935
>>2859944

Cecily reluctantly lets go at Alan's words, her self-confidence crumbling under the criticism from Alan, but that's not something you can take lying down. You shoot the Cross Guard's Number Two the dirtiest of glares your years of experience as a delinquent can muster. You can tell from the corners of your vision that both Ahab and Silver are joining in your general opinion on this. Alan looks back for Danna support only to watch him take a large step away and shrug.

"Excuse you?! She has just as much right as anyone to be here. Hell, she probably has more of one with what the Chess took from her!" You stomp forward a few steps, causing the young Alan to step back in surprise at your fury. Fuck, if it wasn't for the War Game about to begin, you'd be all set to launch his ass to the sun for ruining the mood... But there are bigger fish to fry and you manage to calm yourself down somewhat with a few deep breaths.

"The deal was that Cecily would go in to train herself better in the use of her ARMs, and then we'd test her to see if she's ready for what's about to happen in the games." You growl out at the Cross Guard men.

"U-um..." Cecily taps you on your shoulder, making you turn to see what the girl wants. "If its alright with you, Kana, I'd like to see how I stack against you." WHAT?

"WHAT?!" Nearly everyone else shouts your thoughts out for you.

"W-well," the bunny girl fidgets, "You were stronger than Rougarou when we had to stop him from eating those people." Her face reddens slightly as she pauses to gather up her courage to spit out the last of her train of thought. "So, if I can hold my own against you now, maybe I can take him out if he shows up in the Games!" You can tell from the serious look in her eyes, she is rearing to go. Ready to prove her worth to you and probably to herself.

>"You're on, kid!"
>"You're really set on this, aren't you? Well, let's see if I can give you a real fight."
>"That ain't gonna happen. I'd clobber you in an instant. Try Ahab instead."
>"I thought the deal was you were gonna fight Silver? She not tough enough for you?"
>How about you fight Alan instead? He's the one with reservations about you."
>[Other?]

>>2860011
>How about you fight Alan instead? He's the one with reservations about you."

>>2860011
>How about you fight Alan instead? He's the one with reservations about you."

>>2860011
>>How about you fight Alan instead? He's the one with reservations about you."

We don't wanna break the bun

>>2860011
>>How about you fight Alan instead? He's the one with reservations about you."

>>2860011
>"You're on, kid!"

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421 KB JPG

>>2860020
>>2860024
>>2860036

You think about it for a moment. Can you really hold back enough to not seriously injure Cecily? Even with the same kind of training you went through in the Training Gate, it would be incredibly difficult for you to hold back enough to not cause serious bodily harm with your enhanced ability from being from another world. It pains you to say it, but Alan would be a more even fight for her.

"How about you fight Alan instead?" You offer out, at the shock of everyone present. "After all, he's the only one here still doubting you."

"I fought him and I promise you he's at least as tough as Rougarou." You shoot him a mocking glare and conceal a snicker behind your hand in an obvious way, prompting an angry response from Alan.

"I don't fight little girls!" He protests. "It's distasteful."

"Aww... what's the matter, Mister Number Two?" Silver slides in and rests her arms around his shoulders and jabs a finger into his cheek. "Afraid of getting your butt handed to you by 'a little girl?'" She laughs her haughty laugh. Alan rolls his shoulders to get Silver's arm away from him.

"Shut up, you!" He shouts at her. Only prompting Ahab to join in on this pressure.

"Stop pussyfooting around and just accept the fight. She'll join the Games regardless of our approval or not. At least this way we have a good measure of her abilities and where to use them." You're slightly surprised at how pragmatic Ahab is treating this.

"Grr... Fine! I'll do it, but don't think I agree with this." Alan finally caves. Looking back at Danna, the Number Two man glares and shakes his fist angrily. Danna merely shrugs helplessly.

Cecily seems disappointed but the bullying act did help to cheer her up enough to produce a small giggle. The bunny girl takes a deep breath and lightly smacks her cheeks before putting on her game face.

"Okay! Let's do this!" She exclaims with enthusiasm. Extending her hand, she calls out the ARM you expected to see: The Bun Gun.

"Well, well! She's got a weapon ARM." Alan seems amused as he raises his fists. "The rest of you should probably take a step or two back. Go ahead and take your best shot, little girl." His provocation drawing a loud 'HUMPH' from Cecily before she leaps into action, surprising you.

>Cecily runs forwards, firing her Bun Gun, but its a feint!
>Cecily strafes around to Alan's right with a surprising amount of speed!
>Cecily leaps in to the air and impressive distance, firing wildly with the Bun Gun!
>[Write in your own tactic that Cecily uses]

>>2860217
>>Cecily leaps in to the air and impressive distance, firing wildly with the Bun Gun!
Just full-on touhou, bouncing projectiles fucking everywhere.

>>2860217
>Cecily leaps in to the air and impressive distance, firing wildly with the Bun Gun!
I hop this goes well

>>2860217
>>Cecily leaps in to the air and impressive distance, firing wildly with the Bun Gun!
When you literally don't even need to aim to hit your target, volume of fire is the best way to go.

>>2860223
>>2860240
>>2860249


Time for the first rolls of the thread! Roll me 5d10s

Rolled 2, 6, 10, 6, 7 = 31 (5d10)

>>2860291
Here we go

Rolled 8, 3, 8, 6, 8 = 33 (5d10)

>>2860291

Rolled 2, 7, 5, 5, 2 = 21 (5d10)

>>2860291

Rolled 4, 7, 3, 10, 5, 6, 1, 3 = 39 (8d10)

>>2860291
>>2860300

Ignore me.

>>2860300

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV_RxzhJLEU&t=424s

It seems Alan's provocations proved to be enough to convince Cecily to go all out. The small girl crouches down slightly before rocketing high into the air! You eyes go wide as you see her sail above an equally surprised Alan and level her Bun Gun down at the Cross Guard. There's a small glint sparkling off the side of the weapon. It can't be... Is it? A MAGIC STONE?! You're a little upset that Flint held that back from you, but you're far too curious to see what Cecily does with it now to be angry at the old man. He'll get his later.

"Bun Gun Level 2! Cotton Hell!" She shouts. A rapid stream of those slowly growing balls of fluff are shot wildly out of the end of the comical looking weapon and spread out in a wide array. Alan instantly goes into a defensive stance with his Air Hammer ARMs. Just before they hit the ground you hear the descending Cecily shout once more.

"Now Burst!"

Suddenly the cotton balls explode into dozens of smaller bits all aimed in the general direction of Alan. The first of them hit the stunned Cross Guard and stick tightly to his unprotected shins.

"What the?!" He tries to shake them lose, but they hold fast to his boots.

"The Bun Gun shoots strong adhering cotton balls." Silver confidently informs everyone. "And more than that, they home in on the user's intended target. Normally, they start to pick up speed as they ricochet around, but with empty plains like these, that's not much of an option. And being the sucker for an underdog, I decided to help our pretty miss shore up some weaknesses. That's the Bun Gun's new ability! Cotton Hell! Those tinier cotton balls are just as sticky and keep their weight despite the size!" Silver laughs again as Alan starts firing his Air Hammers in all directions hoping to knock the small sphere's out of the air, but still a few manage to slip by and hamper his mobility.

You watch a few of the explode with the air pressure, but still more get through. Cecily in the meantime, has successfully and safely landed behind the Cross Guard and keeps her Bun Gun trained on the man.

You can't help but cheer your friend on with a raucous yell of approval. With just a single move, she's impaired one of the strongest members of the Cross Guard's movement.

"All I gotta do is keep this up, and you won't be able to fight at all!" Cecily shouts to the man.

"Maybe I was taking you for granted." Alan grunts out blasting the last of the free-floating cotton balls out of the air. "I apologize. But we're not done yet!" Despite the cotton stuck to his limbs, he turns and faces the young girl and thrusting out his fist.

You know what that means.

>>2860554
>Cecily fires more cotton balls to parry the blast and surprisingly rushes in.
>Cecily evades to the side, firing more cotton balls to both cover her movement and possibly hamper Alan's movements more!
>Cecily tries to tank the hit and fires a single cotton ball in return
>[Write in your own tactic for Cecily]

>>2860559
>>Cecily evades to the side, firing more cotton balls to both cover her movement and possibly hamper Alan's movements more!

>>2860559
>>Cecily fires more cotton balls to parry the blast and surprisingly rushes in.

>>2860559
>>2860657
Support

>>2860554

>>2860559
>Cecily fires more cotton balls to parry the blast and surprisingly rushes in.

>>2860559
>>Cecily fires more cotton balls to parry the blast and surprisingly rushes in.
We better win this by a hare.

>>2860657
>>2860701
>>2861052
>>2861060

Good morning everyone! Back at it for another day.

Roll me 4d10s

Rolled 9, 6, 2, 10 = 27 (4d10)

>>2861558

Rolled 2, 4, 2, 5 = 13 (4d10)

>>2861558
Dice

Rolled 8, 2, 3, 7 = 20 (4d10)

>>2861558

Rolled 6, 5, 3, 10 = 24 (4d10)

>>2861558

Rolled 1, 4, 6, 9, 9, 1, 6, 9 = 45 (8d10)

>>2861558
Ignore me

>>2861578
>>2861696

You are shocked as Cecily fires her gun and starts closing gap between the two of them. She's incredibly fast, but Cecily's fire rate can't keep up with invisible onslaught coming at her. Between the cloudy remains of the a few of her cotton balls, you watch a blow from Alan's Air Hammers make contact, knocking the small rabbit girl off her feet on onto her back with a high pitched yelp.

You want to run to her and check if the girl is alright, but Silver places a hand on your shoulder. She smiles confidently and wags a finger at you.

"She's a lot sturdier than you think. She managed to survive her wounds after the Razing, a little tap from those ARMs aren't going to stop her." The pirate captain assures you.

You turn back to the action, seeing Cecily dragging her self to her feet, the dark coat fluttering behind her as the smoke starts to dissipate from around her. You hear Alan let out a small chuckle and watch the Number Two man cross his arms.

"Good. You can take a hit. I was worried for a moment. You're tougher than you look, girl." He calls out to her. She mutters something, but you can't make it out. Neither can Alan, it seems, as he speaks again. "What was that? You're a little far away, so you'll have to speak up."

"I said, My name is Cecily! And I'm going to show you what I can do!" She nearly shouts. The bunny girl Leaps forward again, once more spraying cotton balls as she closes in on the Cross Guard.

>Roll me another 4d10

Rolled 9, 7, 2, 4 = 22 (4d10)

>>2861889

Rolled 3, 6, 1, 10 = 20 (4d10)

>>2861889

Rolled 2, 10, 9, 7 = 28 (4d10)

>>2861889

Rolled 2, 2, 2, 7 = 13 (4d10)

>>2861894

Rolled 6, 6, 2, 3, 10 = 27 (5d10)

>>2861889
Its a secret to everybody

>>2861937
>>2861940

It seems the resurgence of determination in the young girl is enough to get her through Alan's barrage of Air Hammers this time. With a short wind up, she swiftly kicks the man right between the legs, halting the battle right there. There is an audible groan from everyone watching as the Number Two man slowly falls to his knees and doubles over.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" Cecily shifts back to her normal tone of voice, nervously hovering over Alan with a panicked expression on her face. "I'm sorry! I got carried away."

Danna is the first one to casually walk up to the two combatant.

"Good kick, Cecily! You really showed Alan a thing or two there, I think." He smiles widely at the girl who still looks worried before turning that same smile down to the crumpled form of Alan, still tending to his injury. "You okay down there, Alan? Ready to admit you were wrong?" All the Cross Guard can do is spare a moment to glare angrily at his friend, whose face doesn't change. Danna merely laughs.

"I think he'll be alright with your decisions. Good luck Cecily! Just remember to keep safe." The Number One man laughs again as he walks away, waving to you. "You, too, Kana! See you at the opening ceremony in a couple hours!"

Right. It isn't long now til the start of the War Games. You can hardly contain your excitement and anxious energy at the though of finally teaching those Chess shit stains what you think of their wanton destruction.

The bunny girl manages calm down as Alan regains his composure and stands back up to face her.

"There's no such thing as a cheap shot in war, and I imagine the Chess won't hesitate to use unexpected tactics as well." He tries to excuse his loss, but you already shooting him a smug look over Cecily's shoulder. He coughs into a close fist and starts walking away. "I'm still not completely convinced, but you seem bent on participating so I'll leave you to it. You're all free to use the Cross Guard camp facilities as you need since we're all on the same side anyway." You make a mental note of how funny he is walking away despite his attempts to look cool. You can't help but laugh now.

"Great job, Cecily." Flint slowly walks up to the girl and places a hand on her head. Her eyes instantly close as she starts beaming with the biggest smile you've seen on her face since you met her. "If you want to participate in the Games, I won't stop you." The girl opens her eyes again and lurches forward, hugging the old man tightly and nearly bowling him over.

"Thank you, Papa Flint." She says cheerfully. "I couldn't have done it without you."

>You have a couple of hours before entries into the Games close. What will you do? (choose one)

>First things first, Let's get Cecily registered!
>I haven't finished mocking Alan, let's go to the Cross Guard camp!
>I'm starving. Let's eat before anything else.
>Check on Flint. The poor bastard's been using ARMs almost nonstop for several days now with very little rest.
>Do something else?

>>2862244
>>First things first, Let's get Cecily registered!
Get this out of the way immediately so we can goof off and relax before it's time to get serious.

>>2862244
>First things first, Let's get Cecily registered!

>>2862244
>>Check on Flint. The poor bastard's been using ARMs almost nonstop for several days now with very little rest.

Gotta make sure Gramps is doing good. We don't want him pulling an Obi-wan!

>>2862244
>>Check on Flint. The poor bastard's been using ARMs almost nonstop for several days now with very little rest.

Really need just one more vote to break the tie.

>>2864525
>>2862251
I'll swap to checking on Flint

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>>2862412
>>2862453
>>2864538

You hang back for a moment while the Silver, Ahab, and Cecily make their way to the castle to register Cecily for the games. You're excited for Cecily, really, but the old man has been rather silent throughout the spar with Alan. He is moving slower than normal, it looks like.

"You're not dying on us already, are you old man?" You match your pace to Flint as he slowly trudges along.

"No, not yet. I've still got a little steam in me." He laughs. You can see the sweat dripping off his brow as he smiles. You frown in irritation. "Now, now. I'm not ready to pack it in yet. I've got more than enough energy to deal with whatever hurdles the Chess will throw at us. It wouldn't do for me to be outdone by a bunch of rookie ARM users."

This doesn't set you at ease about him, but its clear he isn't willing to sit the Games out.

"Whatever." You reply in your patented annoyed delinquent voice and turn to continue forward."Just don't make us have to worry unnecessarily."

You don't have to even look at him to know the smug bastard smirking at you now. Whatever, you have the War Games to get ready for.

>Do one last check of the Cross Guard camp
>Catch up with Cecily and your crew.
>Kill some time before the Opening Ceremonies. You could probably see how high you can chuck a rock. You haven't done that yet.
>Talk with one of your friends. [Silver, Cecily, or Ahab] [Choose a topic]

>>2869071
>Talk with one of your friends. [Silver] [Cecily]
What's Silver actually think of Cecily's chances?

>>2869071

>Kill some time before the Opening Ceremonies. You could probably see how high you can chuck a rock. You haven't done that yet.

>>2869071
>>Talk with one of your friends. [Silver] [Cecily]

>>2869071
>>2869100
Supporting.

>>2869100
>>2869071
agreed

File: Silver.jpg (11 KB, 247x440)

11 KB JPG

>>2869100
>>2869164
>>2870030
>>2874412

Your friends have gotten quite a head start on you, but a light jog is all it takes for you to catch up to them in a matter of seconds. Cecily is excitedly retelling her time in the Training Gate to a captive audience of Ahab. You want to laugh as he awkwardly nods along the young girl narrates her time, occasionally pantomiming shooting with her index finger and thumb while making 'pshew, pshew!' noises.

Silver is leaning against one of the ruined stone pillars free standing on the cracked, slate-tiled courtyard. They probably held up some kind of roof before these rat bastard Chess came and sacked the place. You can feel your temper rise at the though of how this place used to look and how long it must've taken. You let out a disgruntled breath before approaching the first person you met here in this strange fantasy world. You lean on same pillar just to the pirate captain's left.

"So what do you think?" You start the conversation. "What are Cecily's chances in this? No bullshit." You look off at Cecily again as she has started to climb on top of Ahab and play some kind of game with him. What an energetic kid.

"I think it depends on what the Chess do. If they let their Pawns and Rooks hand the first couple of rounds, I think it'll provide her with some good experience. I think she could handle lower end Bishops as well, though they might be a bit tougher." Silver takes off her hat, examining the fine detail of the ribbon sewn into edges of the tricorn hat. You lower your head as you think. Would they just put their strongest out there right away and dash all hope now?

"Shit." You mutter. "Should we hold her back from the first round, then? Wait to see what the Chess are really up to?" You ponder aloud.

"I don't know, Kana." Silver sighs. "I don't think she'd like that at all, but she listens to us, so its a possibility. Regardless, she will have to fight them at some point."

The two of you watch as Cecily continues to have fun, now sitting on the back of Ahab, laying face down in the grass motionless. Seems the two had some kind of wresting contest that the bunny girl won. She's laughing again, patting at the back of the poor sailor's head.

>[Cont.]

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40 KB JPG

>>2875405
The time limit is finally up for registration into the War Games. An announcement from the diminutive, strange looking creature in robes summons all would be dissidents to the Chess to the main courtyard. Of course you, Silver, Ahab, and Cecily have been waiting there after finishing the registration process for the bunny girl.

Before you see them, you hear the thunder of hundreds of footsteps closing in on the courtyard. The Cross Guard have come marching into the ceremony with Danna, Alan and Gaira leading them. Right behind them you see Jake along with some more unique looking members all adorned with the Cross Guard's symbol.

"Ohoho! What a turn out!" The creepy little gremlin comments as the hundreds of armed and armored men and women fill the courtyard. "Now to hand things over to our host for this event!" The representative of the Chess gestures widely to a stone balcony overlooking the stone common.

A young man in fine clothes and a simple, silver crown walks out from castle to overlook the crowd. His eyes are tired and resigned to his current situation, it seems. You hear a few shocked refugees in the audience call out to the boy as the Prince. So he's part of the royal family that lived in Gheilirule Castle... You feel a little sorry for him. These asshole just stormed into his home, killed who knows how many people he's known his whole life, and then told him to host their little blood sport game, probably on pain of death.

"Thank you all for attending these War Games. I pray the Goddess of Fortune smiles upon you in these trying times." He stiffens up briefly and quickly looks behind him. It seems like he's being coached by the Chess. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before opening them again. His expression changes to one of regal poise and steely determination.

"I now proclaim these War Games open." His voice is louder now and holds a commanding tone fitting his role as a royal. "But before they fully begin, we must weed out those who are unworthy of competition."

"What the fuck?! I thought this was an open challenge!" You shout loudly in protest. It seems there are quite a few among the Cross Guard's ranks that feel the same as you and also voice their displeasure. Even though this isn't directed at him, the prince's shoulders droop under the outrage produced by the proclamation. The creepy little gremlin man steps forward with his simple smile to explain.

"Now, now, this Preliminary test is merely to sift through those who are not fit for this kind of thing." He chuckles and turns to address the prince on the balcony. "Please continue, your Eminence." There's something about his tone that pisses you off.

"If you would please," The prince starts back on what is surely a practiced script, "take a single magic stone from the altar in front of you."

The representative of the Chess down in the courtyard activates an ARM, summoning a bizarre, conical statue with hundreds of magic stones affixed to it.

>>2875410

>Take one from the bottom.
>Take one from the middle.
>Take one near the top.
>Take the one at the top of the statue.

>>2875412
>>Take the one at the top of the statue.
I don't know the significance of this, but jumping up in one leap to grab a stone amuses me.

>>2875412
>Take the one at the top of the statue.
Flex on em

>>2875412
>>Take the one at the top of the statue.

>>2875412
>Take one near the top.

File: Pawn.jpg (91 KB, 558x363)

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>>2875451
>>2875481
>>2875812

You strut up confidently to the altar and rip the jewel at the top of the stone structure out of its place. While looking similar to the magical gem you set into your Kanabo, this one doesn't seem to hold that kind of power. You aren't sure exactly how you know that, but you can just sort of... feel it. Magic is weird and you're not going to bother trying to justify it to yourself like some weirdo.

Ahab is the next to approach and pulls one out near the base of the statue. Following him, Cecily and Silver both take an orb from the middle. One by one, the men and women of the Cross Guard take a stone until there are no participants without a magic stone.

"Now that everyone has a stone," The prince begins again, "Let the preliminary test begin." As the final word leaves his mouth, the world around you goes black. For a second you think you might be passing out, but you don't feel faint or anything. What the hell is going around here?!

The hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you turn to see a plain looking white mask with tan markings emerge from the darkness. It appears to be a large, muscular man; shirtless and silver ARMs covering both his arms and silver blades protruding from them above his hands.

A Pawn.

"Really?" You scoff. "The test is a pawn? I guess this really is just a formality." You crack your knuckles and give your neck a quick stretch.

"I guess I could use a warm up." You smirk deviously at the low ranking Chess soldier.

>Burn him alive with your Inferno Fists
>Knock him out of the park with your Earring Kanabo
>Punch his teeth in with your bare hands.
>Have some fun and rip his ARMs off.
>[Write in]

>>2876216
>>Punch his teeth in with your bare hands.
You're not even worth using my ARMs on!

>>2876216
>Have some fun and rip his ARMs off.

Lucky for him, it says ARMs and not arms.

>>2876216
>Have some fun and rip his ARMs off.
DisARM him

>>2876216
>>Punch his teeth in with your bare hands.

>>2876216
>Have some fun and rip his ARMs off.

>>2876216
>Have some fun and rip his ARMs off.

File: failure.jpg (137 KB, 651x363)

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>>2876239
>>2876286
>>2879246
>>2879405

The battle is brief, bloody, and completely one-sided as you rip this Pawn a new one. At the end of it, the world come back to you and the two new ARMs you are bouncing in the palm of your hand.

>You have gained two Blade Gauntlet Weapon ARMs

Looking around, you notice only one other person in the courtyard: Danna. He waves at you enthusiastically. You shoot him an annoyed look and do your best to ignore the grown man. You swear, he acts more like a kid than the father he claims to be. Of course, your father wasn't too much better now that you think about it. Is that just how all dads act?

Suddenly, you watch as your friends and several of the Cross Guard blink back onto the stone common ground. So that's what those stones did. You wonder if the Chess teleported you somewhere in particular of if it was a place between worlds like with the Gate Keeper Clown.

Silver, Ahab, Cecily, and -to your surprise- Flint blink back around you. You didn't see the old man take a stone. When the hell did he even sign up?

Unfortunately there's no time to dwell on it as a hundred more of the Cross Guard return in... various bloody pieces. Other members of the Cross Guard are already springing into action, checking the dead and dying. You see Ahab do similarly, bringing out his Sea Belle and sliding to his knees next to a man hopelessly trying to put his intestines back into place, muttering under through the blood bubbling out of his mouth. Your mind flashes back to the slaughter you returned to in Cecily's home port only a few days ago, wondering this this was the kind of sights the young bunny girl saw that day.

You turn your head suddenly on the realization that she is right next to you. Her eyes are wide in terror, but completely unfocused. She's shaking slightly and you can see a bead of sweat begin slide down the side of her cheek.

Silver has rushed to aid a man in a full suit of armor shouting for help as he attempts to apply pressure to another man's neck with a hand clad in silver steel. Flint is conferring with the number three man, Gaira as they gesture to others Cross Guard. It looks like they're setting up triage and organize medical attention.

You keep looking between your friends, unsure of where you are needed most, when it hits you. The smell. The sickly sweet, metallic smell of blood was starting to waft through the air. Its intensity is overwhelming to your senses and you can feel nausea begin to unsettle your breakfast.

>Distract Cecily from the carnage.
>Assist Ahab with the eviscerated man.
>Help Silver and the Man in Armor with the bleeding man.
>Ask Gaira and Flint for instruction.

>Freeze up

>>2880296
>Freeze up

>>2880296
>>Help Silver and the Man in Armor with the bleeding man.

>>2880296
>>Help Silver and the Man in Armor with the bleeding man.

>>2880296
>Assist Ahab with the eviscerated man.

>>2880296
>Help Silver and the Man in Armor with the bleeding man.

>>2880509
>>2880354
>>2880343

You shake it off and push past the smell of the carnage and run to Man in Armor and Silver.

"What can I do? How can I help?" There's no time for your tough persona as this man is bleeding out fast. Silver looks up at you, the small shred of panic only barely perceptible before she chokes it back to give commands.

"We need bandages and someone with more than a basic understanding of healing. A healing ARM of some kind would be great, too, but Ahab's got his hands full. I've got pressure on the wound, but that won't hold for long. Get me a doctor!" Silver talks fast and with increasing volume. You're almost a little cowed under her commanding presence. Its no wonder she had such a faithful band of pirates under her long enough to become so infamous on the high seas.

You nod and quickly stand and start running towards a large group of Cross Guard.

"Is there a doctor over here? Any bandages?" You shout demands to the men, who look at you in surprise.

"N-no. None that we can spare at the moment."

"SHIT!" You curse and move on. It feels like hours have passed by the time you manage to get your hands on an armful of medical supplies and someone with a modicum of knowledge of the human body. With a grunt and a tap on the shoulder, you alert Silver to your return and the two of you defer to the doctor.

You step back to give the healer some space to work. Fuck. This was more brutal than you were expecting.

I mean, sure, you aren't surprised the Chess would try to kill of those they didn't deem worthy of their time. From the characters you've met out of their upper classes, it fits. The Man in Armor is sitting with his back against a pillar staring at a trembling, blood-covered hand.


"Fufufu..." The gremlin-like representative of the Chess chuckles. "So many already dropping like flies, but what a fine stock of fighters to pit against us. Clearly there is some merit and talent to the Cross Guard." You grit your teeth and clench your fist at the creature's condescending words. There were lives, you fuck! People with feelings... and families! FUCK YOU! FUCK THE CHESS! FUCK THESE 'GAMES!'

You want to scream it at him and punch his face in, but now isn't the time nor the place as another figure drops in behind him. A tall, well dressed man with coattails and an eerie smile on his face... and a silver, horse earring hanging from his left ear.

A Knight.

>>2881001
He laughs for a second before whispering something into the Chess representative's ear.

"Congratulations to you: the successful few to make it into our War Games!" He nearly sings at you. "One of you had the supreme misfortune of choosing the 'instant lose' gem and having a taste of the full power of a Knight." You feel a lump form in the pit of your stomach at that. One of these Cross Guard was hit with such a complete blindside. What a dirty trick! "But with so many who have passed our test, we will now move on."

And with that, the Knight walks away, sparing a glance over his shoulder that you can't help but feel is aimed at you. "Don't disappoint me and lose before you can reach me. I look forward the beautiful chorus of your screams."

"Ahem," The representative grabs the attention of the crowds again. "Now to the thirty or so of you that shall be competing in the main Games, I must clarify some rules. This game will work as follows:

"Two dice shall be rolled prior to a match to decide where and how many shall participate in a round. After all, what is a Game but not a spectacle for all to enjoy? Fufufufu!" His joke makes your frown curl into a violent snarl and light fury in your eyes. These War Games are only a 'game' in name. Its just a excuse for the Chess to justify their slaughter of rebellious types before they take over.

"Anywhere from one to six participants will be chosen to go to one of six arenas pre-chosen by our very own Phantom, leader of the Chess Pieces! How exciting!

"Anyway, the battle will be team matches. If, say, this man here," The representative points at Ahab, "were to lose a battle but his comrades were to win theirs, his team would be declared the winners and, despite being the only loser on the team, he would still be able to participate in other rounds."

"HEY!" Ahab objects loudly to being used as the example of a loser.

"That is... if he's still alive." The sting of that sentence shuts him up, but he continue to stare daggers into the small creature explaining the rules.

"On top of that both teams must choose a Captain to represent them in the Games. For the Chess, we obviously choose the Knight Phantom, our leader. Should the Captain lose their battle, regardless of how many others in that battle win, their team loses and the Games come to a close." The crowd is silent as the stakes are laid out for all to hear.

"You have until tomorrow morning to decide your Captain and then the first round of games shall begin! Sleep well!" With a short bow, the representative for the Chess turns and walks back into the castle.

>>2881004
The rest of the day is consumed by setting up a hospital for the injured and burying the dead. The man you managed to find a doctor for managed to pull through and is resting on a cot in the large tent holding the wounded. The man Ahab attempted to save cannot say the same, however. Despite the mariner's best efforts, the Cross Guard was too far beyond even the Sea Belle's mystic healing.

Cecily is doing her best to try to comfort him, but Ahab doesn't look very responsive to her attention. Silver is over by one of the many large bonfires created by the Cross Guard. A large, noisy commotion can be heard nearby from men celebrating their success along side the memories of their fallen. You see the Man in Armor over there, pouring a tankard of beer through his helmet. It seems odd that he just doesn't remove it.

You don't see Flint anywhere, but you assume he must be somewhere with the Cross Guard's leadership.

>Help Cecily and check on Ahab.
>See Silver and whatever the hubbub the CG are making is about.
>Find Flint and the Leadership to discuss tomorrow and just who will be Captain.
>Seek solitude and think about everything that's happened today.

>>2881009
>Help Cecily and check on Ahab.

>>2881009
>Help Cecily and check on Ahab.

>>2881009
>>Help Cecily and check on Ahab.

>>2881009
>>Help Cecily and check on Ahab.

>>2881037
>>2882847
>>2882880
>>2883716

We're reaching page 10 soon, so I'll be ending the thread now. We'll continue next time, in MAR Quest 7 in a couple of days!