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>15 years ago

“General, I suggest you get back.”

Masahiro Aoki stands amongst the flames and rubble, the smoke rising around him and upwards into a darkened sky. He ignores the warnings of his subordinate and steps through what little wreckage remained of what was once a humble apartment building. A target of some Rubi insurrection.

“Sir, you're standing on burning charcoal. Isn't the pain excruciating?”

Masahiro looks back to his armed subordinate. “Pain alone should never stop one from marching forward... right here...”

Masahiro felt something. A presence among the decay. He doesn't quite know why, and perhaps her never will, but Masahiro knew to pull aside a piece of wreckage.

“Well, look at you...”

“Sir? What is it?”

In the wreckage, Masahiro sees a child. A mere baby. Cradled in a woman's charred corpse... surrounded by flames and pinned under rubble... and yet, the child bears no burns, no cuts, no bruises, no signs or markings of any harm having come to her. What's more, the child was completely silent. No crying, no screaming... not even a single tear. It's as if all the death and destruction surrounding her, simply didn't exist.

Masahiro reaches down and picks up the child, kicking away the corpse to set it free. He presents it to his subordinate, who looks at him in a state of confusion. “A baby? My god... how on earth did-”

“Allow me to tell you something,” Masahiro Aoki states. “When I was but a child, I was incredibly sickly. I suffered greatly from a severe case of rickets due to my malnourishment. My legs were deformed, and I could not walk without the assistance of a crutch. My stepfather had no care for tending to child in my condition, and he would beat me regularly to relieve his stress. He would knock me to the ground and places his boot on my knee, revelling as I would cry out in pain with every bit of pressure he applied.”

File: Risa (The Steel Soldier).jpg (944 KB, 850x1328)

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“Sir, I don't understand what this has to do with-”

“Then after a point... I stopped crying out in pain. I refused to give that man the satisfaction of seeing me squirm. And then one night, without a word, without a sound, without a second thought, I sneaked into his room as he slept, carrying myself with a crutch in one hand, and in the other hand a rock. I awoke my stepfather first. Though groggy, I wanted him to look me in the eyes as I cracked his skull open. As his body twitched and bits of brain stem oozed from the rock, I knew I had awakened something within myself. I dropped my crutch, and walked out the door without issue. My ailment cured on the spot, as I had discovered the true strength of man.”

Masahiro Aoki steps forward, walking through the flames with the child in hand to approach the soldier. But are completely unharmed in doing so. “Since that day, I've only had respect for the strongest of creatures. Those with the will to carry on in the face of adversity. And today... I have just discovered the strongest creature of all. This child has my utmost respect. A miracle, one in a million chance... no, it was purely by design.”

Aoki reaches out and the baby grasps his finger, staring up at him. “I'll name you Risa. That was my sister's name. Wear it proudly, my child.”

>Present Day

“Risa! Risa!”

Where are you?

Who are you?

Risa? What is that? Right... that's you. Was you.

And that creature ahead of you... that's your father. Was your father.

And you're going to kill him.

“Risa, are you still in there?! Talk to us, this is a pretty bad situation!”

Voices you vaguely recognise calling out, calling your name, but you don't care for the source. You see your target ahead of you, and he's charging.

“I WILL SHOW YOU TRUE POWER!” The Crusader exclaims, the massive hunk of metal charges at you. But you're massive and made of metal too. You catch his spear and hip toss him, sending him flying into one of the derelict buildings.

This red sky is familiar... You can't possibly be here, can you?

From the corner of your eye, you see a creature approach. A large lizard demon, slithering around the buildings, as the small figures on the ground speak out.

“Oh crap... uhh, Risa? If you can hear us, you mind squishing this thing?”

You turn your head back to The Crusader, who is rising from the wreckage.

>Help the small ones.
>Pursue The Crusader.

>>3461619
>>Help the small ones.
Crush shitty lizard with mech

>>3461619
>>Help the small ones.

>>3461619
>Pursue The Crusader.
Ignore side objectives focus on main threat.

>>3461619

>>3461619
>>3461635 was supposed to be

>>Help the small ones.

Calling for
>Help the small ones.

Roll 1d100, Best of 3.

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>3461655
Squish.

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>3461655

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>3461655
Death to lizards

File: The Crusader02.jpg (262 KB, 900x1266)

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>63

You don't know why but your find yourself moving from the target of your ire and towards the lesser threat. The small figure at the front, a familiar young blonde woman stands before the lizard. Does she expect to take on the monster several times her size alone?

You drive your lance deep into the skull of the creature and twist it, killing the beast instantly. You look down to the small figure, as she looks up to you. "Risa..." she speaks with a small smile forming on her face, before her expressions twists into shock. "Look out!"

You spin around, before being caught by the charging Crusader, who kicks you back through a few buildings. You fall back and see him leaping from above, crushing his boot down on your chest. You feel your insides churn and creak as he applies pressure to your plating. "Risa... you are not in control of yourself, are you?" he speaks. "All this power, all this strength... yet you have no control. How disappointing. You're stronger than that. Observe, I am in complete control of this power given to me, I am in charge of my own actions, and I push ahead with my own determination!"

The Crusader kicks out back as you roll along the wreckage. You pick yourself up and deflect a fist from him, blocking it with your lance. Moving on instinct, you leap back to grant yourself a reprieve, as The Crusader stares at you with his fist clenched.

>Charge with the lance.
>Blast at him from a distance.

>>3461679
>Charge with the lance.

>>3461679
>>Charge with the lance.

>>3461679
>>Charge with the lance.
Has attacking from afar ever worked

>>3461679
>Blast at him from a distance.
>>3461685
It worked for Kaz and Risa’s main star is ranged anyway.

>>3461679
>Blast at him from a distance.

Make him come to you, and make sure he knows what the business end of your spear looks like when he tries to. Don't play his game, make him play yours.

Calling for
>Charge with the lance.

Roll 1d100, Best of 3.

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3461718
RULES OF NATURE

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>3461718
CHARGE!

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3461718
blah. Well, here's hoping.

File: The Crusader03.jpg (139 KB, 1024x1024)

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>78

You charge at The Crusader, with rocket boosters behind you giving you an added thrust of motion. You stab with your lance, but The Crusader holds out a large shield to block.

"It's useless," he speaks. "Without control, without focus... you can't possibly channel your strength."

That voice, it makes you angry. Everything about it sends a feeling of rage throughout your body. You don't know what's happening... you don't know who you are, or what this body is, and yet... you keep feeling flashes of emotion, as fuzzy images play out in your head.

"Always so pushy... you know, when I look at you now... you're not really that plain at all... you're actually kinda beautiful. Risa..."

“I guess my whole Vegas idea is pretty far-fetched anyway. Probably sounds stupid.”

“Don't get so full of yourself Princess, come on.”

Kats.

Suddenly, your body feels charged up, as your lance pushes further in The Crusader's shield, first causing a crack, which spreads out into a fissure, and finally shattering the shield outright and sending The Crusader flying back. You ram him with your shoulder before piercing him proper with your shield, causing him to kick up and push his feet off your chest to send himself flying back to a safe distance. You continue with your uncontrollable flurry of attacks,with him ducking back at every opportunity, staying on the ropes the whole time.

"Your rage fuels you," he speaks. "It's the source of all this energy. But like I said, it's useless. Raw strength is one thing, willpower is another. And without that will that control, you'll never be able to make decisions of your own. Like this."

The Crusader diverts his attention from you, and shifts his arm into a cannon... targeted for the figures beneath you. He fires his shot, and there's no hope of those figures escaping...

... And so you leap in the path, taking the blast in your shoulder. You hunker down, feeling a deep pain coursing throughout your body, as you find yourself face to face with that young woman again.

"Risa..." she speaks. "I know you can hear me. Talk to me."

>Turn around and fight back against The Crusader
>Amaya...

>>3461750
>>Amaya...

>>3461750
>Amaya...

>>3461750
>>Amaya...

>>3461750
>Turn around and fight back against The Crusader

>>3461750
>Turn around and fight back against The Crusader
Still busy.

Calling for
>Amaya...

Writing now

>>3461750

>Turn around and fight back against The Crusader

File: Risa (The Steel Soldier)03.jpg (89 KB, 850x599)

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>Amaya...

“Well we kinda just all silently agreed on it as soon as you were taken. We didn't really have to give it a second thought.”

“All alone in a tower when suddenly a gallant rogue climbs through your window and brings you to safety... it's like something out of a storybook! Something I've always dreamed of!”

"You're my roommate? Amaya Shibata, pleasure to meet you! Anyway, here are my list of rules; no loud noises after 9pm, no moderate noises after 10pm, absolutely no swearing..."

You look to her, as she gives you a small smile.

And you open your eyes.

"Amaya..." you mutter, as it all comes flooding back. All of it.

"Stop talking like you're alone in this. You've got all of us backing you up."

"AMAYA SHIBATA! And Kazuma Asai! And Gado Nemoto! And Kiriko Maita! And Ninsei Marufuji! And Sae Urai! And Mio Tanaka! And... Katsuyori. And countless other good people. That's who I owe everything to!"

You look to Amaya, then to the group of friends around you. "You guys... what the hell just happened to me?"

"You're an angel!" Amaya exclaims, her excitement booming.

"Angel?" you mutter. "Because I feel like a robot... and like I'm dying after that attack."

"No..." Amaya reaches out, placing her hand in your face plate as you hunker down. "You're an angel, Risa. We've got your back."

You smile and turn around to your father, himself now a massive hunk of metal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzDhYru2SSE

You stand tall, casting aside the damaged plating on your body. It'll only slow you down. "Come at me, if you think you're strong enough."

The man you once called a fighter clenches his fist, gripping his own lance tight. "So this is it. Either I stirke, or you surpass me."

"I'm not doing a single thing for you," you point out, before gearing for action.

>He's got a lance, I've got a lance. Time to joust, baby.
>He's showing a lot of aggression, I need to stone wall his attacks and find an opening when he makes one.

>>3461833
>>He's got a lance, I've got a lance. Time to joust, baby.

File: Gundam Build Fighters - 2(...).jpg (70 KB, 1280x720)

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>>3461833
>>He's got a lance, I've got a lance. Time to joust, baby.
LET'S DANCE

>>3461833
>He's got a lance, I've got a lance. Time to joust, baby

>>3461833
>>He's got a lance, I've got a lance. Time to joust, baby.
If only we had a giant mecha horse

>>3461861
Someone borrow Fuunsaiki or the Aussenseiter for a bit

Calling for
>He's got a lance, I've got a lance. Time to joust, baby.

Roll 1d100, BO3

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>3461867
Come on stabbies

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>3461867

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3461867
CHARGE

File: The Crusader01.png (1.36 MB, 1000x1414)

1.36 MB PNG

>67

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zICQJqA7ZTI

You and Masahiro Aoki step forward at the same time, your movements in sync. You remember he first taught you how to shoot a gun. He taught you Akido to protect yourself with. Your movements are one and the same. You press forward with your lance, and so does he.

And you both connect.

Your lance pierces through the shell of his armour. And his lance pierces through yours. You both drive deeper, keeping your footing grounded. You struggle for control, trying to push the other back, but you realise quickly has the advantage... as soon as large pools of red drip from your torso to the ground.

"You still bleed," Aoki points out. "Though your holy armour is strong, it is just armour. Ultimately, your form is human... and mortal. Mine however, is not. My power is drawn from a greater source."

It's true, you got the greater shot with your lance, driving it straight through his torso, but there's no blood in the wound. Just an empty hole.

"Risa, you okay?!" Kaz calls out in fear as he notices your wound.

"Just... peachy..." you grunt, not used to your amplified voice in this form.

Gado shakes his head. "Dammit... here I am just standing here... it's how I felt that day... when Wolf... completely helpless before this power..."

"She's fighting for us..." Ninsei mutters. "Just like Katsuyori did. Just like Sora did..."

"You're in great pain," Aoki notes. "Your form may be different, but I can still recognise that look in your eyes. And yet you keep pushing forward. If you do not seek the ultimate power, then what is it? What is that drives you, that motivates you. What pushes you forward?"

>MYSELF!
>THEY DO!
>MY DESIRE TO KICK YOUR ASS!

>>3461900
>>MY DESIRE TO MAKE YOU PAY FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE!

>>3461900
>MY DESIRE TO KICK YOUR ASS

>>3461900
>>MY DESIRE TO KICK YOUR ASS!

>>3461900
>>MY DESIRE TO KICK YOUR ASS!

Calling for
>MY DESIRE TO KICK YOUR ASS!

Writing now.

File: Gado05.jpg (333 KB, 850x1202)

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>MY DESIRE TO KICK YOUR ASS!

You release your grip on the lance embedded through his torso, and grab Aoki by the shoulder and trip up his leg in a takedown which brings his massive frame crashing down onto the ground. With that, you stomp on the lance, pinning it into the earth through his torso. You pull out the lance and hold it up, ready to drive it into his head and kill him... but he's quicker on the draw. Decades of experience, Masahiro Aoki would never go down so easy. He blasts you through the chest with his gun arm, as you go falling back onto the ground.

That got you good... it went straight through. You're lucky you don't have a physical heart to target in this form. Or if you do, he at least missed it. You crawl along the ground, trying to pick yourself using one of the wrecked building as a support, but they crumble under your weight. Aoki then blasts you again as you stand up, this time through your leg. You cry out in pain as he then rams his lance through your knee, and your screams of pain grow louder.

His usual cold gaze was apparent even in this form through the look in his eyes, but now you're seeing something wholly different from Masahiro Aoki. His usual cold, collected expression has given way to something much more sadistic in nature. He pulls the lance from your knee, then stomps on it with his oversized foot. You cry out as he continues to put pressure on the knee, staring at you as you struggle and squirm. Everyone around you helpless to assist you against this behemoth.

But Gado tries anyway, unloading his gun onto Aoki. The bullets simply ping and pang off his armour... and cause him to turn his attention to the smaller Gado. The former merc stands his ground as the massive Aoki approaches him. Still firing away, Gado looks death in the face as Aoki's fist comes barrelling towards him, ready to crush him like an insect... until the fist is held back by a web of tight strings.

"NOW! GO GO GO!" Chuichi screams.

And with that, the others spring into action. Kaz and Roka both start leaping around the mecha, slashing at him and diverting his attention, as Makoto does the same with the odd blast of magic fireball added in.

Alice floats up to eye level with The Crusader and starts to blast at him with her own energy attacks, alongside Omitsu. The two archdemon heavy hitters look for structural weaknesses in The Crusader while the others keep him unable to focus.

File: Kuin05.png (536 KB, 850x850)

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"There!" Ninsei announces. "Omitsu knocked off some plating behind his knee! Tami!"

"Already focused!" Tami exclaims. "Time for a bullseye!"

Tami fires her arrows, which catch the now exposed back of the knee of the Crusader, causing him to hunker down and lose his balance.

They're fighting back... but it's impossible. Even you in this form has proven not powerful enough to take him down. All the can do is delay the inevitable, as you can't even get up... it's hopeless...

"Risa? Can you hear me?"

"Amaya?" you ask, wondering the source of your friend's strangely echoed voice. "Where are you?"

Amaya's voice speaks out again. "Uhh... this sounds weird, but... I'm inside you?"

"What?!"

"Well, you've got this mecha form!" Amaya explains. "I figured there might be a port for a person, and there is. I just... uhh, found your control panel."

"I HAVE A WHAT?!"

Amaya sighs. "Controlling this form yourself... I knew it was too jarring for you alone. But with this, we..."

"Wait, you're going to control me?!" you ask.

Amaya chuckles. "Oh dear, no. Not me. I think there's some way more qualified to handle this..."

"Then who-"

"IT'S NOT A TANK!" Kuin's voice rings out from inside you, "BUT IT'LL DO!"

You smile. "Very well..."

>Thrusters on, launch yourself like a rocket at Aoki.
>While they've got him pinned down, I'll bring death down from above!

>>3462027
>>Thrusters on, launch yourself like a rocket at Aoki.

>>3462027
>Thrusters on, launch yourself like a rocket at Aoki.

>Mecha pilot Kuin
Best episode ever

>>3462027
>While they've got him pinned down, I'll bring death down from above!

>>3462027
>>Thrusters on, launch yourself like a rocket at Aoki.
it's the greatest weapon ever fucking made
This better not fucking end with a SUPERMAN

Calling for
>Thrusters on, launch yourself like a rocket at Aoki.

Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>3462066
Go go.

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>3462066
Mech battle GOOOOO

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3462066

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>68

https://youtu.be/Vf_DOLHQyAM

"Okay, let's do this."

Kuin nods. "Okey doke! Just got to figure out what controls are where and-"

Kuin pulls a switch in your control panel, and suddenly the thrusters in your back activate, sending you flying like a torpedo. "... Oops."

"Steady me!" you yell. "Put me back on course!"

"Okay, just let me find out how to steer, and... there! HAHA!" Kuin laughs proudly as she changes your trajectory, sending you flying toward Aoki. You collide head first with him, which turns into a tackle which drags him through the air and into a nearby rock.

Aoki is pinned against the rock, leaving a massive crevice in the stone, as he stares at you. "Valiant of you to still fight. There's that strength I saw, when I found you as a child. Did I ever tell you I named you for my sister? You have her same rebellious-"

You interrupt him telling the same goddamn story for the 300th time by headbutting him relentlessly in the face. "I'm still fighting because others are fighting for me!" you point out. "That's what we've been doing this whole time! Fighting for each-other! We don't aim to be stronger than everyone else, we aim to help and protect those around us!"

"We put our faith in each-other..." Amaya mutters. "That is why we fight as one!"

"Fine speech," Aoki responds, before targeting your knee with another stomp that causes your leg to give out, before kicking you back. You fall to your back, and Aoki comes ready to stab down with his lance, when-

"Got it!" Kuin exclaims. Suddenly, your own lance is pulled back to your hands, drawn in like a magnet, allowing you to block the attack.

Kuin lets out a squeal of excitement. "This is so fuuuuun!"

"We're still on our backs here!" you point out. "Maybe some other function to get us out of this situation?"

"That depends..." Kuin points out. "Do you prefer using drills or missiles?"

>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!
>Rockets sound good. They always sound good.

>>3462142
>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!
Wouldn’t be a mecha fight without drills.

>>3462142
>>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!
GIGA DRILL!
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

>>3462142
>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!
Insert drill breaka here

>>3462142
>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!
OUR IS THE DRILL THAT SHALL PIERCE THIS ASSHAT!

>>3462142
>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!
It's the tried and true method.

Calling for
>Drills? I've got a drill built in?!

Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>3462188
LET'S GET BURNING

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>3462188

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>3462188

Let's try less shonen, more practical.

>>3462218
No, go more shonen

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>3462188
God you guys have had shit rolls. Lemme show you how it's done

File: Gado04.jpg (99 KB, 850x649)

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>39

Kuin smirks. "Oh yeah, you have a drill. Check this out."

As Aoki has you pinned to the ground, your chest opens up, and from it expels a drill, twisting and catching him in his own chest. He backs off, as you rise back to your feet and grab your lance. You charge towards him , launching the drill from your chest. He pushes back to deflect it with spear, but leaves himself open to an attack from your lance. You push it into his shoulder... which detaches at the point of contact, causing you to stab away and lunge through nothing.

Aoki reconnects his arm to himself as you both spin around and charge with your weapons. You slash across each-other, unsure of who hit who.

"Everything okay?"

"We got him, right?" Amaya asks.

"Yeah, I think we..." Kuin trails off. "Oh no... oh no..."

As you stand, your feel a searing pain in your joint... before your arms fall off your body, a spurting fountain of blood from each side following.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" you scream in pain before collapsing to the ground.

"RISA!" Amaya screams, as Aoki stands tall and undamaged.

"Don't stop... piloting..." you mutter, trying to pick yourself up again.

"Your knee... your arms..." Kuin mutters.

"WE CAN STILL FIGHT!" you exclaim. "Let's not waste time!"

"It's too late," Aoki mutters, as he readies his lance, approaching you. "You failed in surpassing me, and-"

"HEY!" Gado exclaims, standing down the mecha yet again. He fires a round into the eye of Aoki, blinding him. "Thought so, those eyes are still gooey and human. That one's for Weasel!"

Gado shoots again into the eyes of Aoki, unloading into him. "And that ones for Pony! And that one's for Snake! And that one's for Bear! And that one's for Wolf! And that one's for Saya! AND THIS ONE IS FOR KATS!"

As Aoki is distracted, you pull yourself up... in time to see Aoki readying a blast from his arm to fire at Gado.

>Remove his arm to help Gado.
>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!

>>3462234
>>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!
JUST FUCKING TEAR THEM OUT BAYBEE

>>3462234
>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!

>>3462234
>>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!
Don't tell me Gado is going to get Akira'd if we fail next roll.

>>3462234
>>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!
This is also helpful

>>3462234
>>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!

Calling for
>The eyes are the target, keep going for the eyes!

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>3462268
Here we go boys

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>3462268

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>3462268

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3462268
Roll for Gado to survive with both his arm attached.

>>3462277
Surprise twist Gado loses a Leg instead of an arm

File: Risa (The Steel Soldier)02.jpg (372 KB, 988x1402)

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>87

You crawl towards Aoki as he readies his blast at Gado. You leap up and dig your metal teeth into the eyes of Aoki. Without arms to fight, this is all you can do to stop him.

"You persist!" Aoki yells, before blasting straight through your torso and slamming you back into the ground. "You truly are the strongest creature I've ever met... but you just weren't ready. What a shame... it's time to end you."

Aoki raises his boot to stomp on your head, as you close your eyes, embracing the inevitable. "See you soon, Kats..."

But, just as you think all hope is lost, another echoed voice calls out.

Kaz.

"Hey... so there's a control panel thingy in your arms too."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N3BViqaqZo

And with a press of a button, your right arm comes pulled back to you, just like the magnetic lance from before. It's soon followed by your left arm, as Anri's voice calls out. "Seems you're back in control."

You raise your arms up and grab Aoki's foot, before standing back on your feet, and tearing it off at the knee, and bashing him across the head with it. "Here we go!" you exclaim.

You unleash the rockets from your body, aimed directly for his eyes. Blinded, Aoki takes a step back, before falling back entirely. "My entire time growing up..." you note. "I felt trapped. Everything I was, everything I could be, locked away in a tower, like a caged bird... but now I can let loose. Well, 'father'? You wanted power? You've got it! Take every last piece of power I have!"

You break off a large hunk of one of the environment's rocks and pin Aoki down... before unloading, smashing the rock into his metal skull. Breaking through the armour and the casing, exposing the hollow inside of the head, you keep smashing and smashing, until there's no head left to smash. He's done.

You sit back, and close your eyes. Suddenly you feel the others being ejected from your body, as steam emits from you, and you feel yourself shrinking in size, and returning to a much more natural, fleshy form. You open your eyes and sigh. "Tell me this isn't an incredible Hulk think when I turn back. Tell me I'm still wearing clothes."

"You're good," Kaz assures you, before offering your hand. "You did it, Risa..."

You give a weak smile, as you turn back to the group. "Yeah, but... Kats..."

"Yeah..." Makoto mutters with a forlorn look.

>We were supposed to go to Vegas...
>Risa Katsuyori... I'm taking that name from now on.
>I never told him how I felt...

>>3462358
>>We were supposed to go to Vegas...
Now all class 1 will have to go to Las Vegas and lose a bunch of money to honor his memory.

>>3462358
>>I never told him how I felt...
They can not smash...

>>3462358
>>We were supposed to go to Vegas...

>>3462358
>We were supposed to go to Vegas

>>3462358
>We were supposed to go to Vegas...

Calling for
>We were supposed to go to Vegas...

Writing now.

File: Gado34.png (643 KB, 480x800)

643 KB PNG

>We were supposed to go to Vegas...

Thinking upon the promise you'll now never be able to keep bears a heavy weight on your heart. Kats... he was a truly good man, a true friend and ally... and you wish you could spend more time with him. You think back on your time together, and shed a tear that you'll never have new moments like that.

Amaya embraces you in an emotional hug, and you hold her tightly. "I'm so sorry..." Amaya sobs under her breath.

"He's finally gone..." Gado mutters to himself. "I can't believe it. The man who haunted my nightmares for years... he's finally gone."

"And it's thanks to you," Kaz points out. "I have to say, only you're crazy enough to face down a monster that size and just keep shooting, but it worked."

Gado nods. "Yeah, I... wait, where did the body go?"

You look around, confused. The massive monstrous body just... disappeared. Does that mean that...

Before you can raise your concerns, a shot through the dark confirms your fears. A blast from the distance... piercing right through Gado's chest and sending him flying back.

"GADOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Kuin screams in fear, as you look to the distance. There he is, bloody and battered but still standing and approaching... Masahiro Aoki.

"True strength..." Masahiro Aoki states. "Is strength of will. The resolve to continue despite all obstacles. Through fire, through ash, through rubble... I can never be stopped! I will carry onwards, to show the world the strength that lies within-"

A bang.

File: Ninsei08.png (196 KB, 500x722)

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Blood running down his forehead.

A bullet hole in Masahiro's skull.

Despite this, the man you once called your father still takes a few steps forward, before ultimately collapsing, dead.

You look to Ninsei, holding a smoking shooter. "Kats had one bullet left," he notes, before rushing to Gado's side, along with you and the others.

"G-gado?" Kuin mutters, her eyes filled with tears and her voice fearful. "C-come on... get up! Y-you can't be dead... you're... you're my loyal guard! You're my... my best friend... gado..."

"No..." Anri gasps, covering her mouth with her hands. "No... it can't..."

Amaya meanwhile rushes to activate her healing. "NO!" she adamantly declares. "NO! We won't lose another! We won't lose YOU! Nobody else dies today! I... I can save you!"

Amaya hold her hands over his chest, pumping her magic into him... but he doesn't stirr. "Come on, you stupid heart, beat! BEAT!" she screams. "BEAT, GOD DAMN YOU!"

With Amaya distraught, Kaz puts a hand on her shoulder. "Amaya... you know how your magic works. When it's too late, all you can do is dull the pain."

"No..." Amaya bites her lip, her tear-stained eyes falling on Gado's shoulder as he lays back, completely unmoving. He looks... almost serene with his eyes closed. Your friend, the man who suffered so much at the hands of Aoki... to leave the mortal plane with him... you shake your head, fighting back tears. This can't be true...

"Gado..." Kuin sniffles.

And Gado takes a breath.

He sits up with a groan, to the shock of all, and adjusts his eyes. "Agh... so of a bitch..."

"You... you're alive!" Anri exclaims with a rare joy.

"You think I'd let him kill me?" Gado chuckles, before wincing in pain from the laughter. "Nah... fuck him."

>That was a real close one, buddy. I'm glad you're okay.
>Dammit, Gado... don't scare us like that, again.
>Hug him.

>>3462499
>>Dammit, Gado... don't scare us like that, again.

>>3462499
>>Dammit, Gado... don't scare us like that, again.
Wew. Dat tripple switcheroo, first I thougt Kats was alive then I thought that Gado got cutscene killed and now everything is ok.

Reminder that everything went according to Kats calculation he only needed 6 bullets, he never said who was the one who was going to make the last shot.

>>3462499
>Dammit, Gado... don't scare us like that, again

Flashbacks to Gado getting wasted during the Stranger Fight in S2

>>3462499
>Hug him.
Oh thank fuck and also fuck yeah Ninsei

>>3462499
>That was a real close one, buddy. I'm glad you're okay.

Calling for
>Dammit, Gado... don't scare us like that, again

Writing now.

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>Dammit, Gado... don't scare us like that, again

"Scare you?" Gado gives a small laugh. "I terrified myself... who killed him?"

"I did..." Ninsei mutters.

Gado looks to him and beams with pride. "Come here, buddy."

The two friend share a strong hug. Their respective pasts... Katsuyori and Sora are now gone... those two are the only ones who can truly understand all they've been through. That camaraderie...

"You're crushing me," Ninsei points out in Gado embrace of a hug.

Still in the darkworld, you and the group wait around while Makoto and Roka track and hunt down the guardian of the area. Once they slay it, the ground beneath your feet gives way and you find yourself back in the mansion. You look to Katsuyori, his body propped against a pillar, a serene smile on his face.

Saddened that you can't carry his body all the way back to the academy, you give him a proper burial in the mansion grounds, near a flowerbed you kept by your tower.

"Rest well..." you mutter at the grave. "I hope you're in a better place, probably scamming some idiots with dice as usual. And maybe in another world, we can meet again. You were my man in motion..."

"What?" Kaz asks.

You smile. "Inside joke... here lies Katsuyori, the unluckiest man who ever lived. I'll never forget you."

With that, the ordeal is over. You return to the others, and there is much embracing from the rest of class 1 when they hear of Katsuyori. Mio in particular is quick to embrace you. Strange to think how you despised each-other not long ago... now Mio is well and truly one of your most trusted friends.

Mayu isn't one to show emotion, but learning of the two deaths has clearly taken a toll on her. Her usual calm demeanour has given way to shaking hands, and an unsteady bow of condolences to you. "I am so sorry, Risa... I should have been there, I could have helped further-"

>You were hurt, and had to fall back. Don't blame yourself.
>You alone couldn't have changed anything even if you were there. This isn't on you.

>>3462592
>>You alone couldn't have changed anything even if you were there. This isn't on you.
Clearly this is Mio's fault, her stupid oveprowered natural remedy potion could have fixed kats

>>3462592
>You alone couldn't have changed anything even if you were there. This isn't on you.

>>3462592
>You alone couldn't have changed anything even if you were there. This isn't on you

>>3462592
>>You were hurt, and had to fall back. Don't blame yourself.

Calling for
>You alone couldn't have changed anything even if you were there. This isn't on you.

Writing now.

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>You alone couldn't have changed anything even if you were there. This isn't on you.

Mayu keeps her head low. It seems you words were no comfort to her, only a further bruise to her warriors pride.

She shuffles back, checking on Kazuma. You look to Gado, who gives you a nod. You then look to Ninsei, who nods to you as well.

You look forward, and prepare your return to the academy.


>PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: KAZUMA

The journey back to Dakugeto was long, quiet and solemn. There was very little, if any conversation. Just leaning on the shoulder of your friends, a comfort in a dark time. The mission was a success, but the cost was also great. You all may never be the same after that experience.

Word was sent back to the academy about the conditions of that other Dark Gate. It seems that rift is much more controllable than yours, as evidenced from the notes you all found in Aoki's office. Appearing once a month, it seems the academy's goal is to send the Elite team lead by Maro to handle that rift each month, even after they graduate very soon. There's no rest for the awakened, it seems.

You return to the academy, where many are awaiting your arrival. Ryoji-senpai and Saki-senpai are at the head of the group to welcome you back. "It's been a few days..." Saki notes. "The news has long since reported the death of General Aoki, but the media currently do not know the details. I take this to mean your rescue mission was a success."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-sqsBi3-mk

Risa steps to the front as Chihiro addresses her friend, trying to stay strong. "Yes, but... but..."

Chihiro doesn't need to explain, as Ryoji instantly steps forward, scanning the group and realising what's wrong with the scene.

"... Where's Sora?"

"Sora..." Nariko mutters, as Saki's eyes widen. She looks back to Ryoji, then back to the group.

"Where's Sora?" Ryoji repeats his question. "Where's Sora, Chihiro?"

"He..."

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Ryoji grabs a chair and lobs it through the a window of the school in anger. He knows the answer, but he can't help but speak the question more, in a desperate plea, hoping to receive a different answer to what his expects.

"WHERE'S SORA? WHERE'S SORA, DAMMIT?"

"He's gone."

... The funeral that evening is tough to relive. Nariko sobbed throughout, clinging desperately to Hiro for support.

"Dammit, man..." Akio mutters, choking on his words as he holds his hat over his face to hide his expression. But the tears that run down his face are visible. "To think I never got off your case for being so passive..."

Without a body, a shrine is erected for Sora instead, with candles lit from his schoolmates.

"You were a good man, and an even better friend," Hiro states, himself holding tight to Nariko for comfort.

"Gonna miss sitting with you by a tree on lazy days," Kosuke speaks to the shrine.

"Every morning when I'd go for a run, I'd see him there, meditating by a tree when I finish..." Rei points out. "He'd give me an assured nod, and I'd smile."

"You were my brother..." Ninsei speaks, your hand on his shoulder. "I never treated you like it, but... I'll always love you. You're with me in my heart."

After the funeral, you spot Ryoji, his head hung low, speaking to Maro in hushed tones.

"What do you want, kouhai?" Ryoji asks.

>I... wanted to see how you were holding up.
>Sora... he took time to say his farewells before he passed. He died at peace.

>>3462714
>>Sora... he took time to say his farewells before he passed. He died at peace.
Fucking ughhhh this is painful

>>3462714
>I... wanted to see how you were holding up

>>3462714
>I... wanted to see how you were holding up.

>>3462714
>I... wanted to see how you were holding up.
Maybe don't send just 3 of your class to fight a guy with a robot army next time Ryoji.

Calling for
>I... wanted to see how you were holding up.

Writing now.

File: Ryo_Gif06.gif (891 KB, 500x281)

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>I... wanted to see how you were holding up.

"Not great, to be honest..." Ryoji responds with a sigh. He runs his hand through his hair with a dismayed look. His eyes are red and raw. "We had gone so long without losing anyone... I was getting cocky. Started to think we were invicible..."

He paces back and forth before motioning towards Maro. "I should have known better. You know the drill. This isn't the first time we've had to say goodbye to a friend... dammit, look at me talk..." Ryoji shakes his head an curses under his breath. He's upset and frantic. "Not our first... like we should be experienced in this... we're just kids, dammit. I didn't even get to say goodbye... we're cursed. Death follows us, and I... I can't handle this shit."

Ryoji opens up his pack of cigarettes, desperate for a smoke, but it's empty. He already went through it. He tosses the pack away and waves you off. "I'll... deal with this in my own time. Thanks for worrying about me, kouhai... you want to grab lunch tomorrow?"

"Yeah..." you give a small, reassuring smile. "I'd like that, Ryoji."

"Yeah, I could use it..." Ryoji mutters. "Head back to your dorm. You've had a rough few days. You deserve a rest."

You return back to the dorms. The same silence runs throughout that has for the trip back.

You sit with Mayu in the kitchen. There's clearly a lot on her mind, but she isn't talking.

"You look like you've been thinking," you point out, keeping things open.

Mayu nods. "Yes, I have. These Archdemons... they fall in the hands of these evil people. People who use their powers do commit horrible deeds. And yet... we have seen from Aoki... from Takaaki Yamada... from Alice, from Ryoji-senpai. It is possible to have full control over these demons..."

"And you're saying?" you raise an eyebrow.

Mayu hesitates. "Do you... do you think that someone like you or I could prevent them from falling in the hands of the greedy, the vain, the murderous... if we tried to control them ourselves? If we could, we would be able to use their powers to help, not harm."

>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.
>I think the risk of being corrupted is too great to try something like that.

>>3462792
>>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.
Risky fucking question but... I mean she's not wrong, if it was impossible then we wouldn't have some of our strongest fighters.

>>3462792
>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.

>>3462792
>I think the risk of being corrupted is too great to try something like that.
>Ryoji's control over his came at the cost of unleashing 12 more Archdemons into the world...

>>3462792
>>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.
This sounds incredible stupid, but also super interesting so lets see what happens

>>3462792
>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.
Man if unleashing Yami and letting him slaughter hundreds of innocent people is helping I'd love to see what Mayu's idea of harming is.

>>3462792
>>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.
Archdemons for everyone!

Calling for
>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.

Writing now.

File: Mayu15.jpg (83 KB, 885x1007)

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>I don't know... it's possible, I guess.

Mayu pauses in thought. "Perhaps. And perhaps these are questions best left unanswered. Perhaps I am simply tired and speaking nonsense."

"Get some rest," you smile, as you lean in an kiss her cheek. "We'll talk more in the morning."

Mayu heads to bed, but you don't. You won't be able to sleep. You pull out your music player and throw your headphones, and sit outside on the cold night, sitting on the porch and listening to music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gho77Y7TcL4

It's not long before you're joined by another.

"Ah, so that's where you are..." Chuichi smiles as he stands behind you. "Mind if I sit?"

"Go ahead, man."

Chuichi smiles and sits on the porch next to you. "Not getting any sleep, huh?"

"Nah."

"Me neither," Chuichi notes. "Lost in thought."

You look to him. "Is Kaiya back?"

"She's still asleep..." Chuichi mutters. "I hope reviving again doesn't mess her brain up further. I hope she remembers us, y'know?"

"Yeah..." you mutter. "I still can't process all that's happened."

Chuichi shakes his head. "My parents were killed by this place when I was just a kid. I knew what I was signing up for, but... do you ever get scared?"

You nod. "I'm always scared."

Chuichi chuckles to himself. "You and me both, pal. You and me both. At least we're scared together?"

Yeah... at least you're scared together.

File: Tori_Taguchi06.png (199 KB, 670x993)

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>Meanwhile

"Another great show, Mr. Yamada."

Takaaki Yamada steps into the hall after another recording of his live show. He loosens his tie and lets out a sigh. "Those lights are hot."

"Not as hot as your ratings!" the cameraman jokes. "Good idea to switch to supporting Dakugeto! That's where the popular wave is!"

Yamada shakes his head. "I'm not doing this for ratings. My son went to that school. It's a good place."

"Sure, sure..."

Yamada walks out to the parking lot, pulling the keys for his car out of his pocket. He drops them, and hunkers to pick them up... but someone else has already grabbed them for him. Yamada is shocked, he didn't hear anyone else around, and the man who hands him his keys with a smile is... odd, to say the least.

Starkly white hair, a feathered robe and high-heeled boots in the middle of the city, the man cuts a striking an imposing figure. But underneath the high-class beauty is an air of intimidation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHXKRNAFE48

"Here you are, Mr. Yamada," he smiles. "It's not every day one meets a celebrity, you know. I'm sure you hear that every day."

"Who are you?" Yamada asks.

The man chuckles. "Nobody special... my name is Tori Taguchi. You may have heard of my brother, Settan Taguchi? I'm not sure if the news has covered his story-"

"No," Yamada speaks, clenching his fist. "Who are you, really? My ability... The Truthseeker sees all, and you're just like me, aren't you."

Tori gives Yamada a polite clap. "Ooh, astute observation! I like that... you don't know my brother then? Oh, no matter. The poor fool's long dead now anyway. But you... I'll give you an extra day."

"What?"

Tori chuckles. "Come on, surely your fancy all-seeing eye can tell you that there's no hope left for you."

With that, Tori Taguchi pokes his finger into Yamada's chest. Shocked, Yamada steps back, before looking up to see it. A timer above his head in black writing, counting down by the second from seventy-two hours.

"What is this?!" He asks. "What the hell?"

"It's the time you have left," Tori smiles slyly. "Use it well. I would appreciate if you told everyone about me before you croak."

"You bastard-" Yamada throws a punch, but the mystery man simply vanishes. But the counter is still above his head, reflected in his car mirrors. Yamada looks around, clutching his chest in panic. Even with his Truthseeker, he is so confused to what occurred... other than one thing.

He was just visited by the Grim Reaper... and a reckoning is on the horizon.

END OF EPISODE 29

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN24W_psMpE

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

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

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! The Aoki arc is finally at an end and holy crap, up next is the 100th episode of DGA! It's gonna be a special "The Movie" type episode looking back into the history of Wei! That'll take a little while to prepare, but it won't be too long. Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Questions
And so, a 5-part arc comes to an end. What were your favourite parts of this arc, and what do you expect going forward after episode 100?

>>3462927
Thanks for Running Booker
>the 100th episode of DGA! It's gonna be a special "The Movie" type episode looking back into the history of Wei!
Oof
Rip Ryoji, not even the star of his own series 100ep special

>>3462937
Ryoji will actually be heavily involved. I was torn on actually mentioning if the plot was "Wei Flashbacks" or the technically true plot of "Ryoji and Wei go on a fishing trip."

>>3462919
SETTANS FUCKING BROTHER AND HE HAS A DEATH COUNTER POWER YOOOOOOO
>Player Questions
Kats was the fucking star as expected, but damn was that literal mecha battle hype as all hell. And of course we can't forget the rad as hell but sad passing of Sora...