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And the thread begins! But a little preamble before I start posting, I'm going to be ending the episode way earlier than I usually do.

This is because, (even though it's a weekend) my life doesn't seem to get any less busy and I'll be doing stuff through out the night, so unfortunately I can only run till 5:00PM EST today.

I hope you all don't mind and if anything take this as me trying not to blast you with walls of dialogue non-stop for a whole day.

Because even by my standards, this episode is fucking long one.

Also, since it's me we're talking about I'm sure it's self-explanatory, but be ready for me to dip out in case something interrupts me.

And now with that out of the way, let us begin in earnest!

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Time: January 15, 1984, 12:22, Noon.

Location: Bergosse, A mile off from Ranzoff City, travelling down Vivinen Road.

Rustle, shake, Rustle Bounced the wheels of the springy trucks as they ran along the dirt road, haphazardly paved to replace the torn-apart, dangerous high-way nearby.

Flanked on two sides by jungle biomes, it was impossible to tell what lurked in the bushes nearby.

The only thing one could discern was the sounds of howling animals, the periodic ringing of gunfire, signaling the end of life for some unfortunate soul and the crackling of small fires that had broken out from catching burning ashes in the wind.

From where did these burning plumes originate? Why nowhere else then the nearby city of Ranzoff, or rather, the ruins formerly known as Ranzoff, once a major population center, home to nearly 2 million inhabitants, now just one more active warzone to add to the growing list.

Fortunately, The large, military trucks rolling their way down the dirt road were far enough away from the ruins to avoid any danger posed by stray gunfire or mis-fired explosives, which made the journey for the vehicles so far relatively perilous.

However, the same cannot be said of the people riding the truck.

“Hack!Cough!Hack…Miss...My throat hurts again...I need more medicine…” a child pleaded in a breathy voice.

It’s then that you see a woman, her mouth gleams a kind smile but her eyes stay long and forlorn, speaks to the child.

“I’m so sorry, but the other children need medicine as well and it’s not safe for you body to give you another dosage so soon. I ask that you endure it a little longer.” She explains.

“Cough! Cough!But Miss!Cough! it hurts...It hurts so much...My throat…” The child said, hacking in agony.

The woman produces a sick mask and pulls it over the child’s mouth, “Keep this on and try breathing slowly for the rest of the ride. Endure the pain, it will go away shortly, you’re a strong boy, I know you can do it.” She encourages.

“Okay Miss...Thank you…” This placates the pained child as he closes his eyes and focus breathing properly.

Even if the trucks were safe from gunfire or explosives, the toxic fumes, formed of torched asphalt, loose chemicals and god knows what else, wafted it’s way from the nearby ruins and created a smog thick enough to blanket the area in fog.

“Cough!Hack!Cough!” Lurched another child as they too had their lungs attacked by the smog.

“Hey Mrs.Sherry! One more Child for you to handle over here!” Shouted a man adorned in military garb, rifle slung over his shoulder.

“Right, just a moment! I’m finishing things up here!” Sherry Carlton answered all calls for help with a beaming smile and an energetic constitution that bellied how overworked she was.

In this dark, smog-covered hell, she was a single ray of light beaming through and showed not all hope was lost, not yet.

“...Hahaha...hm…”That beam of light was your Mother and watching her help people put a smile on your face and pulled a good laugh from you, which is nice, smiling and laughing isn’t something you do much anymore.

Your name is Vanilla Clayton, age 12 years old and a long way from home and only going further.

You sit in the back of a large military, transport truck along with 30 or so other people. You feel like a tuna in a tin stuffed between sickly children and wary adults.

You’re currently in a convoy with 2 other trucks with a similar set-up, heading to the western border in an attempt to sneak in and find your way to the nearest airport or harbor with a way out of the country.

Your Father tells you that doing this is the sure-fire way to escape, or rather, the only way to escape, since all the airports and harbors to the east have been bombed.

Mom on the other hand thinks this plan is risky and stupid, but sees no other way out of the situation.

“Haahhh…” You sigh.

(I wonder if this will really work? Can we really just run away from all this? We’ve been trying to get away for years and...well...) you contemplate.

Ever since the war broke out in Bergerosse, life has been like this for you. A long marathon to escape death, but no matter how far or fast you run, it feels just as close today as it did yesterday and the day before.

And you just know one day you won’t have the energy to run away anymore.

“Now what’s that sigh for? Feeling down Vanny?” It’s then you feel a large hand come from above and land softly atop your head.

“Hm? Oh Daddy, I...” you look up to see Rigen Clayton, or rather, your dad, giving you a bright smile as he pats your head, his large, strong hand comforts you as it rests on your head.

He laughs and smiles, “If you’re feeling down, you just need to look at the bright and beautiful things in life, for example-” He looks over to Mom.

“Look at your Mother, she’s the epitome of bright and easily the most beautiful woman here! Being everyone’s angel today again huh?” He fawns over mom without a hint of shame.

Mom blushes and turns away with a smile, “Oh dear, I’m no angel, helping around like this is the least I can do, I have to contribute somehow…”

Dad grins from ear to ear, “Always so modest, even though we all know we wouldn’t last a day without you around.” He compliments.

A small girl, her clothes ragged and old, but her smile fresh nods, “That’s right Mrs.Sherry! If you weren’t around, I’d be so lonely!”

A man nods with his child held close in his arms, “You’ve saved us more times then we can count, you’re the only reason my son’s sitting here with me today, thank you Mrs.Sherry.”

The child with the mask speaks as he coughs, “You’re always caring for all of us on your own...You’re the coolest Mrs.Sherry.”

The once quiet truck becomes uproarious with the compliments from the grateful people, “Oh my...I’m just doing my best, but thank you all! I’m so glad to help!” Sherry is overwhelmed but happy for the praise.

“Mrs.Sherry, one day I’m gonna marry you!” One boy, brave and blushing shouts.

“Oh my! How brave!” Sherry laughs and blushes a little.

“And foolish! Try your luck next time boy! She’s mine! All mine!” That’s when Dad rushes in and hugs Mom tight.

“Oh honey you can be so childish sometimes! You need to grow up!” Mom complains, but still returns his hug.

He laughs, “Well if I’m such a kid, why don’t you help me grow up? While we’re at it, let’s show all these kids how grown-ups love each other!” He then puckers his lips and inches closer to Mom.

The other soldiers on the truck look on with looks of annoyance, “Christ man really? Do you have to do this now?”

“This isn’t your love nest bastards, take the flirting someplace else…!” One man grumbles.

“Keep up this lovey-dovey bullshit and I’ll let you play with the front end of my rifle!” One man shouts.

“Okay, okay! That’s enough! At least have the decency not to do such things in front of the children! I swear sometimes you’re a complete degenerate!” She says as she pushes him off, giving all the children a good laugh.

Dad holds his chest in faux-pain, “Oh baby! You’re words cut deeper than any knife! You’re so cold sometimes...but I still love my angel, even if she’s cold as ice.” Dad compliments.

Mom rolls her eyes, “Shouldn’t you be looking out right now? You have a job to do so stop slacking!”

Dad then comes back over to where he was sitting on the edge of the truck, “Fine, fine, we can save the flirting for later, focus on the kids for now.”

Mom looks annoyed, “How do you not feel disgusted with yourself when you say such things? Have you lost your sense of shame? Did it rot away along with your brains? ”

He then lurches back as if he’s been shot, “OOF! You’re such a cruel woman honey! All I’m trying to do is show you how much I love you and yet you abuse me like this…!”

“Well there’s a proper place and time for such things and this clearly isn’t one of them!” She points out.

“Oh so it’s not that you don’t wanna give Daddy some extra wet lip service, you just have something against doing it in public? Now, I see…” Dad nods understandably.

“Wha-! How could you say something like that in public you freak!?” Mom pulls back at Dad’s perverse joke.

“What? All I said was that you’re a good kisser, I could’ve told them something wayyyyy worse. Like how good you are at Lubricating the man-snake, now that would be embarrassing!”

“Mommy? What’s Lubricating the man-snake? Do boys have snakes attached to them? Why does Mrs.Sherry lube them up?” A little girl asks.

Her Mother then covers her ears and turns her away, “Now, now don’t listen to the degenerates, you’ll destroy your innocence.”

“Oh will you stop before I have to put my foot down!? We have important work to be doing and here you are wasting time again!” Mom has clearly had enough of this.

“Oh no, I’m getting chewed out by a beautiful woman...I kinda like it.” But Dad just eats it right up.

“Why you rotten…!” Though still clearly angry, Mom can’t hide her smile and blush from the compliment.

Mom and Dad go back and forth like this, even as they continue to work, you’re still giggling a little from watching them, “Man, your Mom and Dad sure are close, huh Vanny…”

It’s then you see, sitting across from you, a young boy, right around your age with bushy hair and freckles.

His name was Jerry, he’s a close friend of yours you grew up with from your old neighbourhood, before it became a smoldering pile of ash anyway.

You talk to him in a quiet voice, “Ah...well, I mean they are married, so of course they’re close Jerry.” you state.

“You don’t need to point that out to me, people who smile and flirt like that, even while fighting are madly in love, I doubt they’ve ever had a real fight.” he nods.

You smile, “Well, they’re not known as the neighbourhoods most annoying pair of lovebirds for nothing.”

“Annoying? I find it pretty cute, being able to have fun with each other like that.” Jerry counters.

You faux-dry heave, “Are you kidding me? If you think this cute, you should see them without an audience! They get all clingy with each and kiss and stuff and it’s just...Eugh!”

Jerry laughs, “My Dad told me that just means they have a healthy relationship! Good to see not everyone is so down in the dumps, it can get real depressing without those two.”

You laugh at that, But then your smile turns to a frown, “Yeah, well...sometimes, things aren’t so bright with them…”

“What do you mean?” Jerry asks, noticing the seriousness of in your voice.

“With all this talk about how we're going to survive the war and if everything is going to be okay… it’s been, well...let’s say when they fight about that, Dad sleeps in a different room then Mom.” you explain.

Jerry turns forlorn as well, “Survive the War huh...Do you think we’ll all make it?”

What will you say?

>Yeah, I think we will…

>I don’t think we are...

>>3969511
>>Yeah, I think we will…

>>3969511
>Yeah, I think we will…

>>3969555
>>3969577

>We're gonna make it...probably...

>Writing...

Cough! Cough! Hack! COUGH! Another child has a coughing fit, prompting my Mom to rush over to see he’s coughing up blood.

“Oh no...you’ve breathed in far too many pollutants...take this medicine and try to sleep a while okay? Breathe slowly and rest…” She advises

You look over at the child, hurt but so used to see scenes like this that it doesn’t make you cry anymore.

“We're going to make it...I'm sure of it... We can't give up here..." You say in a mantra, trying more to convince yourself than Jerry.

"Mom and Dad say that crossing the border to the west will make us safe, My parents have never been wrong about these kinds of things...” You affirm.

Jerry looks at you sadly, “I want to believe that's true...but it feels like no matter how far we run this war will follow us forever...I don’t think most of us are going to make it…”

“....” You can’t bring yourself to say anything more.

“Er...Vanilla.” Jerry speaks in a serious tone.

“Huh?” you perk up.

“Just so you know Vanilla...I-I’d do anything if it meant protecting you, because I...I really care about you.” Jerry boldly states.

“Jerry…” you smile at that.

“So even if nobody else here makes it out alive, I’ll make sure we will, no matter what, because...because Vanilla I-”

“Hey, hey kiddo! Who do you think you are, flirting with my daughter!?” Dad shouts from the edge of the truck.

“Flir-!”You both break out in a blush.

“I’m just over here, you got some real guts to push your luck like that kid!” he berates.

He waves his arms, “Wait! No,no,no! I didn’t mean it like that! I was, uh-”

He laughs, “Now don’t get so worked up! I can get why you’ve fallen for my daughter, she’s a real angel! Takes after her mother in both looks and personality, so I get it, I really do.”

“Fallen!? I-Well I-I wouldn’t go that far Sir, I was saying I really care is all-”

Then Dad wags his finger at him, “But don’t let that make you get ahead of yourself boy! You’re 20 years too early to hit on my little girl! Get some chest hair before you try again spotty!”

“Spotty!?” Jerry grabs at his freckled face.

“Dad! Jerry was just being nice! Don’t be so mean to him!” You complain.

He laughs, “Oh no! I’ve made my little girl mad! I’m so sorry dear!” he apologize.

“Say sorry to Jerry! Not me!” you scold.

“Right, sorry ride your back so hard spotty, my little girl is an enchantress so I know it can be hard to resist, forgive me bushbrains!” he states.

“Bushbrains!?” Jerry says as he grabs his bushy hair.

You get fed up, “Don’t insult him while saying your sorry that ruins the point! Stop being so mean Dad!”

He scratches the back of his head, “Okay, sorry for real this time, kid. I know you’re good people, so I don’t mind you getting close to Vanilla, but don’t overstep your boundaries okay, you’ll end up getting burned.”

“R-Right, I understand!” Jerry nods with a smile.

“Good kid! Now Vanilla my dear, could you come sit in Daddy’s lap?” he asks.

You blush, “Dad! I’m 12 years old now, I stopped doing that years ago!”

“Oh come on now! Humor an old man, Daddy’s lonely~” he whimpers.

“Seriously...fine...” You hear the other children laughing in the back as you approach.

“Yeah that’s right my summer angel! Come take a ride with Daddy!” he says as he helps you work your way unto his knee.

As you sit on your Father’s lap, the laughter and sound from inside the truck disappears, overwritten by the roaring of the truck behind you as well as the bumping of the truck you’re sitting on.

You see the dirt that the truck kicks up as it moves down the road, the sky is dark with smog, but a faint amount of light is piercing through, enough to tell you that the sun is still there.

Out here is like a world unto it’s own, the thing you can hear is yourself and your Father.

“See? Not so bad in Daddy’s lap when he holds you tight right?” he asks as he hugs you and pats your head.

“...You’re the worst sometimes Daddy.” You hate to admit how comforting this is at your age.

“Haha...I see you get your coldness from your Mom, that’s so cute, you can never admit when you like something.” he comments.

“Is that kind of thing cute? Isn’t getting the cold shoulder from Mom annoying?” you ask.

“Women who are cold on the outside but lovey-dovey on the inside are the best. Most men won’t admit it, but cold ladies are the best.” He answers.

“Really? That sounds kinda stupid.” you comment.

“You’ll get what I mean when you’re older. Or heck, you should get it right now, you already got Jerry all over you.” he says.

You blush, “All over me...what does that mean?” you ask.

He giggles, “I think you know what I mean. How do you feel about Jerry? Do you like him back?”

What will you say?

>I think I do…

>Well, he’s nice, but not really…

>I don’t really know…

>>3969615
>>I think I do…
Gotta really hit the tragedy home

>>3969615
>I think I do…

>>3969652
>>3969673

>Maybe...I do...

>Writing...

When you think about Jerry, you think of a boy who you've known for years, a boy you've always had fun and love to be around and above all else...

You think of a boy you can truly put your trust in.

When you think about it like that, you can't help but say, "I think I do...Jerry is...someone precious to me." you admit.

Your Father whistles, "My girl's only 12 years old and she's more mature and honest than my wife! You'll be a great woman when you grow up."

"Shut up, that's not praise coming from you...Why do ask?” you question.

“Jerry truly does care about you, enough that he’d do anything to protect you I’m sure. But let it be known that me and your mother are the same.” Dad states.

“Huh?” you hum.

“Earlier, you were talking to him about whether you’d all make it through this or not right?” he asks.

“Oh, you heard that…” you look down.

“Vanilla...I...We know what we’re doing right now seems hopeless.” he admits.

“We’re running from our home, heading into enemy territory, hoping these fake I.Ds and passports will give a chance at a new life...But I know, I know you have doubts.” He says.

“Yeah...Is the Union really gonna accept us, they...They won’t kill us right?” you ask.

“...” Your Father dares not answer.

“Dad…”

“Your Mother thought this was stupid too, all the soldiers who are following us did as well. But you know how I convinced them?” he asks of you.

“How?” you ask back.

“I asked them which they’d rather do, spend the rest of their lives waiting for death to come to them? Or stand up and fight for a chance to see better days? A chance to survive.” he answers.

“A chance to survive…”

“Yes Vanilla, to live is to fight to see better days. So never give up, even if that means making stupid choices....hard choices or stupidly hard choices." he declares.

“....” you listen intently.

He frowns deeply, “Even if that means abandoning those who you care about, always choose to survive, because if they really cared about you, they’d want you to do that.”

“What...But...but that means I’d have to abandon you, or Mom, or Jerry...I can’t, I couldn’t-”

“But you have to, if it means living you have to do it. Promise me Vanilla.”

“Promise?”

He looks straight into your eyes, the most serious and stern look your Father has ever given you.

“Promise me that if, should a time come that you have to choose between yourself and those you love, you will always choose yourself. Can you do that?”

To this promise, you answered…

>I will, I promise you I will

>....

>>3969714
>>I will, I promise you I will

>>3969736

>Do what you must if it means living.

>Writing.

>>3969714
>>I will, I promise you I will

As much as it hurts you, you nod.

"I will, even if it means...abandoning you...I'll live, I'll live no matter what!" you agree.

Your Father shows you a wry smile, "Now that's my girl, smart and decisive. Now I know for sure you'll grow up to be a great woman." He says as he reaches into his jacket.

He then pulls a knife from his jacket and puts it in your hands.

“This is...one of your throwing knives right, what are you…” you ask.

“Should the worst come to fruition, you can use it to save yourself. Don’t hesitate alright? Take it.” He answers.

“....” you can’t quite describe the feeling you have in your heart as you hid the knife away in your clothes.

“Now get back inside the truck, it’s just a few more hours before we reach the border.” he takes you off his lap as you clamber back inside the truck.

As you head back to your seat, the indescribable feeling grows stronger, it makes your heart race and your head feels funny.

As you wander back to your seat, you slip the knife into the side of your shoe, a trick you learned from watching your Dad.

You sit with Jerry as he speaks to you “You were sitting with your Dad an awful long time, did you talk about anything?” Jerry asks.

“...No, nothing really.” It claws at your heart in a way you can’t ignore, getting stronger and stronger.

Jerry looks a bit confused, “Really, if you say so.”

“....” What is this? What is this feeling you can’t help but wonder? Why won’t it go away.

Pop! Pop!SCREEEEEEEH!

And it is as the tires come to a halt that the feeling grows 10x stronger, making you breathe a little heavy.

Everyone on the truck is confused, “Wha-What’s happening? Why have we stopped?” One man asks.

“Have we already reached the border? That can’t be…” Another wonders.

“Uh..Mrs.Sherry? What’s happening?” A sickly child asks.

“I’m...I’m not sure…”She answers.

One of the armed soldiers gets up from his seat and walks over to the window leading to the driver's seat, “Hey, why have we stopped? We’re still hours away from the border.”

“I don’t know, the truck at the front just stopped all of a sudden, I’m wondering what’s going on.” he answers.

“What? The hell is happening?” he asks as he turns to the other armed men and points a finger.

“Men, head out! we need to check what’s going on!” He orders.

With that order the armed men file out of the truck and onto the dirt road, rifles at the ready as move to the front truck.

“What’s going on? Are...Are we being attacked?” A woman asks.

“No, we went the long way around to avoid any Union soldiers, there’s no way...right?” A man questions.

“Mom...Mommy I’m scared what’s happening?” a child asks, clinging to his mother.

“I don’t know...Maybe we should flee?” The mom answers.

Panic and fear is quickly spreading all over the truck, “Hey! Now calm down!” that’s when Dad steps up and shouts.

“We are not under attack, something strange is happening with the front truck and that’s stopped us momentarily! Don’t do anything rash!” he commands.

Though loud, his words do bring some level of ease to the passengers, he shows a smile.

“Hopefully those idiots there have just run out of gas and need a refill before we keep going. We’re almost there people, now stay calm while we check!” He orders as he too climbs out of the truck.

The people do their best to collect themselves and stay still as Dad and the men gather up outside.

“Angel…” Dad shoots a glance over to Mom before heading out of sight.

“Honey…” She returns his look with a nod.

He smiles, “Hmph, I’m truly a blessed man.” he says as he rounds the corner and heads out of sight.

“....” The whole time you watch this go on, the feeling recedes and returns stronger and stronger still, like waves against the shore just before a tsunami.

“Vanilla...We’re going to be okay...I’m sure of it.” before you realize it, Jerry had gotten close enough to take a tight grip of your hand.

“....” You want to speak but you cannot find your voice, it is lost to the feeling within.

All you can do is feel the warmth of his hand and grip right back.

While this is all happening, your Father and his team of 12 or so men walk up slowly to the stopped truck,

“So, you really think they just ran out of gas Reigen?” One man asks.

“More than likely, we took the long way round to stay out of danger. There’s no way Union soldiers are this far from the frontlines.” He answers.

“You sure? Before the truck stopped, I could’ve sworn I heard a popping sound, sounded kinda like a sub-sonic round-”

“That was probably the sound of their tires popping, maybe that’s why they stopped? Let’s just check it out alright…” he reasons.

“...” So he said, but even so, as they walked they had gotten into combat formation, moving to their open flanks and forgoing their trigger discipline with fingers pressed against the triggers.

As the neared the truck in question, the first thing they notice is the tires are in fact popped, “Oh, what do you know, Reigen was right, their tires are just fucked.”

“Well that’s not surprised, this road has got sharp rocks all over, we’re lucky it didn’t happen earlier.” a man nods.

One man sighs in relief, “Well shit, I got up in arms about nothing then, good…”

“Wait. isn’t it too quiet?” Reigen points out as he stops the men by putting a hand up.

“Quiet?” As Reigen points it out, the rest of the men notice that it is very, very quiet, it’s almost deafening if they don’t speak.

“Weird, you’d think the on-board passengers would be making an uproar, they don’t shut up even when we’re driving let alone when we stop…”

“Forget that, isn’t even weirder that the drivers haven’t come out to fix anything or talk to us yet?” A man notes.

“Yeah...Where the hell are the drivers?” It’s with those words that the men all suddenly get tense.

Scanning the truck more closely, they noticed a tarp has been thrown over the back of the truck where the passengers are located and that the drivers door has been left slightly ajar.

“Something’s wrong here…”

“Hey Reigen, are you sure these are just popped tires?” a man asks.

“....” Reigen doesn’t answer as he notices something disturbing.

Where the drivers door is ajar, though faint, one can see a film of red liquid running down the edge of the truck.

It was from that moment.

“...Men, prepare for combat.” he orders.

“Huh?” one of them blurts out.

FLAP It was from that moment that Reigen knew he had lost the race against death.

Leaping from behind the tarp, a squad of armed men, guns already leveled at Reigen and his squad emerge and don’t hesitate to open fire.

“TAKE COVER!” Reigen shouts, but it’s too late, before the command even reaches them, half his squad is gunned down, bullets tearing into their skulls, sending them careening unceremoniously to the ground.

“What!? Shit-” The other half the squad that weren’t shot didn’t realize they too were doomed, when from the nearby bushes emerge another band of men, that fire merciless at the remaining men from their blindspot.

SHING! Rang the sound of a knife soaring through the air and into one of the firing soldiers brains.

“Damn!” The only one not to get caught in the ambush was Reigen, his agility and quick reflexes allowing him to avoid direct gun-fire and even counter-attack.

But even so, the number of assailants was too much for him to handle, he knew this as they surrounded him.

SHING! SHING! But even if it was hopeless, he refused to go down without a fight, throwing knives with pin-point accuracy, he took out two more men before ducking into cover.

“Fuck! If I was gonna die, I would’ve liked to die from my wife giving me the cold shoulder! Dying with a bunch of random assholes like you is just the worst!” even In a situation like this, Reigen found time to joke.

“You call us assholes, but you’re the real assholes for stealing supplies and running off with our men!” one attacker shouted.

“What!?” it’s then that Reigen peeks out and examines his assailants more closely, that’s when he notices the tag reading B.F.F on their shoulders.

He laughs as he notices, “Oh man, I figured you guys would be pissed after we stormed off on your thug asses, but not this pissed! How the fuck did you find us anyway!?”

One of the men laughs, “How’d we find you? Good fucking question! Why don’t you try thinking on while we blow your brains out!?” He says as he fires at him.

PopPopPop-! Reigen ducks deeper into cover and pulls out even more knives as he speaks.

“Well, If I had to guess, since there’s no way a collection of brainless grunts like could figure out what we were doing or where we were without someone telling you-”

SHING! rings the knife as it glides through the bullets and finds it’s way into the man’s neck.

“Holy shit!” One of the grunts shouts in horror of Reigens terrifying accuracy.

He peeps out of cover with a smile on his face, “-Someone must’ve talked.” he finishes.

“....” For a moment there’s no sound, no gunfire, the single man inspired enough fear to quiet the battle.

“Well? Am i right? Please tell me I’m not, this is one time I’d hate to be right.” he asks.

Those words snap the men back to reality as they re-open fire, Regien ducks back into cover, “Hey! At least answer before you shoot!”

“What does it matter!? You’re gonna be dead in a few minutes, being right or wrong won’t matter to you then!” A grunt exclaims.

“That answer is basically an extra-roundabout way of saying yes-” Reigen returns fire with a series of knives that going flying out, killing at least 5 men in a single volley.

That pauses the firing of the men for a moment, allowing Reigen to gather more knives and speak, “But did you really have to go to this much trouble just to track down a couple of civilians and soldiers!? We may have ran, but we’re still on the same side!”

“Yeah right! Like we’d let traitors like you cross the border alive, we need to make an example out of you!” A soldier answers.

“Traitors? The guys you just popped a second ago were your own men!” Reigen points out.

“They were traitors too! Can’t trust a turncoat, so we put’em down quick and painless!”

“How nice of you to be so considerate when you murder people who just want to survive!” he counters.

“If you want to survive, you should’ve just stayed at camp, we were protecting you weren’t we!? This is how you pay back your saviors!?”

“Saviors!? The only thing you trash saved me from was having to think whether or not I’d stay in that shithole you call a camp, the answer’s no by the way! I can think a 1000 better ways to live in peace, this is just 1 of them!”

POP! They fire at him, “Well wiseguy, I guess we’ll just save the trouble of picking and show you the quick way. I hear you get lots of peace and quiet 6 ft under!”

“Really? Why don’t you go on ahead of me and test the waters!?”

SHING! With that he tosses a knife that lands square in the man’s chest, piercing his body armor and cutting into his lung.

That angers the rest of the squad, which then open fire fully on him, hammering him with so much gunfire even he can’t toss a knife to retaliate.

He laughs a wry laugh, “Well shit, least no can say I didn’t go down cool…”

Back on truck, you hear the sounds of this resounding gunfire, along with all the other passengers who are no longer calm.

“Oh god, is that gunfire!? Has the Union found us!?”

“Shit, I knew getting on this convoy was a bad idea!”

“Mommy! Mommy what’s happening!? What’s happening!?”

Mom is trying her best to keep everyone settled, “Everyone please calm down, we don’t know the situation yet-”

“Don’t know the situation my ass! That’s clearly gunfire! We’re getting attacked!”

“Well if that’s true, then we need to stay here! If you rush out, you could be caught in the line of fire-”

“Say here and wait to get gunned down? Fuck that! I’m taking my kid and running!” The man says as he grabs his child and rushes for the exit.

“Y-Yeah, he’s right, let’s get out of here!” Others then quickly follow his lead, running out of the truck then scattering.

“No! No, people it’s dangerous-Wait!” Mom’s voice was already panicked, but her horror then was nothing compared to the face she made when she saw you among the fleeing crowd.

“Vanilla! VANILLA! WHERE ARE YOU GOING!?” She shouts.

“Dad...Dad went out there and...Dad, no Daddy…!” You knew it was stupid, but perhaps your mind wasn’t all there from the trip, or you were just going dumb from panic.

Or maybe it’s because deep down, you knew what you were going to see and you had to confirm it with your own eyes.

“Vanilla! No! You can’t-” Mom attempted to reach out and grab you, but she was held back by the flood of fleeing people.

“Vanny! Where are you going!? It isn’t safe out there!” Jerry also tried to stop you.

“I need to see, if Dad made it out alive...Once I confirm..I’ll be right back!!” you shout as you hop from the truck.

“Vanilla! NO!” Your mother’s screams disappeared among the cacophony of screams, leaving you with only your thoughts and the sights before you.

And what a sight you had beheld.

As you escaped the fleeing crowd and rounded the corner Dad had taken, you ran down the way your Father took.

(Please! Please be alright Dad! You said things would be alright!) you thought as you dashed.

But it was not a few seconds after, did you realize that your Father’s words were a lie.

What you see as you close in to where you Dad was leaves you breathless and motionless.

Before you laid a field of bodies, a mix of friendly soldiers and enemy alike, numbering somewhere in the 20s, some with gunshot wounds and many more with knife wounds.

Standing among these bodies, is a group of B.F.F soldiers, one of which had a knife driven into someone’s stomach as the rest aimed and watched as this man is stabbed repeatedly.

“Why won’t you die already you fuck!?” The man with the knife shouted.

“Hah...Hah...Probably because your stabs are weak as hell, my wife’s verbal abuse hurts more than this…!” That man who would wisecrack even on death’s doorstep was your Father.

He was bloody all over, gunshots wounds riddled his body and now there was a knife in his gut, it didn’t take a doctor to realize the wounds were fatal.

“ah...ah...Ah…” you can’t form words as you look upon the gruesome scene.

One of the surviving men looks around at the bodies on the ground, “Jesus Christ, this bastard is a beast, he took out over 15 men with nothing but knives, good thing we took him out before he reached the enemy’s side.”

Another man nods, “You got that fucking right, I remember HQ telling us that we would need at least 30 guys to catch you, but I didn’t think they meant that literally.”

Reigen laughs as he looks over to the grunt, “That just means...HQ knows you worthless thugs are just sheep to the slaughter when it...comes right...down...to...it…”

Your father’s words trail off as he sees you, “Vanilla...you….”

“What? A kid saw us? Shit, it’s not your lucky day brat!” One B.F.F soldier shouts as he levels his rifle at you.

“Ah!” you can’t even scream or dodge, the fear holds you firmly in place.

“hrgh-HRGH!” This gives your Father a sudden breath of life as he pushes off the man who was stabbing him, pulls out a knife and tosses it.

The throw itself is sloppily, but the aim isn’t, the throw slams into the back of the man’s head, killing before he can fire a single round.

The ensuing splatter of blood lands on you, coating you with an iron smell.

“Oh…” you don’t even register what’s just happening, its far too shocking.

“YOU GODDAMN IDIOT! WHY THE HELL DID YOU STEP OUTSIDE!?” Your Father shouts.

“Wha-I uh-” This the most livid you’ve ever seen him.

“Shit, he’s still fighting, put him down!” The other soldiers level their guns at him, to which he grabs one of the bodies off the ground and uses it as a shield as they fire.

“Ah fuck it! Run! Run Vanilla!” He orders.

Those words bring you back to your senses, “Huh!? No, Dad I came to save you, I can’t leave you!?”

“You can’t save me! You can’t save anyone! The only person you can save is yourself! Didn’t I teach you that!?” He shouts as he tosses his knives, but his throws are getting really bad now, most of them are whiffing, while his shield his wearing down.

“but-But!”

“Stop talking and RUN! RUN AND DON’T LOOK BACK! DO IT NOW!” He shouts at the top of his lungs.

“I-I’M SORRY!” You cry, bawl your eyes, but follow his command as you dash off into the nearby forest, running as fast your legs can take you.

“Shit! That bitch is getting away! After her-” The man doesn’t even get to finish his sentence before a knife ends up being thrown into the back of his leg.

“YOU’LL HAVE TO GET THROUGH ME IF YOU WANT HER!” He shouts.

“Fine then fucker! You’re a dead man!”

“YOU AND ME BOTH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” He screams as he throws away his shield and rushes forward tossing knives and stabbing people as he’s torn apart by gunfire.

That’s when you realize it, as you are chased into the forest, your Father’s dying shouts reaching your ears and death once again on your heel, what the feeling, now so clear and dear is.

This feeling is that of disaster and it’s one you learn later in life, that it’s one that will follow you wherever you go and strike you when you least expect it.

And the only way to survive that disaster is to run away.

Run and Don’t look back.

https://youtu.be/rPFGWVKXxm0

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Oh dear lord above...If your wondering why it took me this long to post, my power had gone out for 30 minutes robbing me of internet and when it came back it was already time for me to start my evening business.

Well at the very least I can leave the thread off on a good note, truly sorry to disappear this early friends, but worry not, I will make up for this tomorrow.

For now, I wish you all a good rest of the day!

>>3969970
Thanks for running

>>3970874
Thanks for reading!

Thread restarts in 30 minutes, I hope you all enjoyed that little intro cause now we're getting into the meat of the thread!

>Preparing...

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“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-” you scream as you wake with a start as a magazine comes flying off your face and into the air.

That start causes you to stand up too quickly, bumping your ankle into a low hanging table in front of you and trip over it,

"Jesus Fucking-!”

CRASH! You don’t even have the chance to scream as you go careening face-first into the, thankfully, carpeted floor giving you a full taste of the soft and slightly dirty material.

You don't go down alone though, as your table is flipped onto its face, along with plates and glassware that were on it.

CLINK! CRASSSH! you can do naught but sigh and turn over on your back as all your precious, expensive dinnerware shatters around you.

Thicwk You half expect one of the falling plates to hit you as it falls, but instead you just get a face-full of fashion and romance article of the magazine you were reading before bed as it floats down.

The sound of shattering plates and glass finally comes to an end after another moment as you speak.

“...Christ”

Your name is still Vanilla Clayton and you are clearly in for one amazing morning.

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Location: Aboard the BMFS Firestarter, Captain’s Quarters.

Time:February 2nd, 2000, 10:12 AM, Morning.

As you lie on the floor, you feel the gentle rocking of your boat as it sails leisurely across the ocean.

The searing beams of light pouring through your porthole windows, reminding you that at sea, the sun is only half as unforgiving as the waves.

Knowing you’re well past your time to wake up and smell the posies, you rise from the floor, much more peacefully this time.

You sit up, kick the table from your legs and let the magazine droop off your face.

Before it falls to the ground, you pick up the booklet, you look at the page and try to read the article therein.

However, that proves to be a struggle since the print is covered by this god-awful hot pink monotone that burns the eyes.

“Who the hell thought this color scheme was a good thing? Pisses me off just having to read the damn thing…” you intone.

Dink!Dink!Dink!-SLAM As you read the article, you hear someone running towards your room and they promptly and violently, let themselves in.

“What happened!? Vanny are you alright-! Oh…” In comes Etheline, barging her way in with a look of concern that quickly becomes a look of bafflement as she looks upon the mess you’ve made.

You greet her with a smile, “Hey Pinky, how are you doing this fine morning?”

“Uhhhh, pretty good, maybe a little seasick?” Etheline answers as she steps further inside the cabin.

“Yeah? Well I’m feeling pretty lifesick right now. Be careful where you step by the way, the place is a bit of a minefield.” You say as you flick a piece of glass away.

“If you’re feeling sick of your life, maybe you should try switching things up? That usually fixes things.” After Etheline, follows Derrick a happy smile on his face as he sees you.

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It pisses you off, “Good morning, Sunny-D. And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well first of all, you could try and speak with a little less vitriol and maybe life would be nicer to you?” he answers.

You scoff, “What’s nicer then giving some prick the business? Life doesn’t get much better than pissing people off!”

Derrick looks bewildered, “You seriously say stuff like that and wonder why your karma is so terrible?”

“Karma’s only a bitch to you when you attack people who don’t deserve it, everyone I attack was asking for it...most of the time.” you smile.

Etheline shakes her head, “No,no Vanny! You can’t think like that! You have to be nice first or else people won’t know to be nice back to you!”

Derrick nods, “Yeah! Right on! See that, why can’t you be more like Etheline?”

You cock your mouth in disgust, “If we had another girl that sickly sweet on the planet, W.H.O would have their hands full with a diabetes epidemic.” you say as you continue to read this garbage magazine in your hand.

Derrick points to it, “Hey, what are you reading there?” he asks.

“Pussy Page Magazine.[/ i]” You answer.

Both Derrick and Etheline blink rapidly, “Excuse me...what?” Derrick asks.

“It’s one of those kinds of garbage, borderline tabloid, trash mags that only women well into their 40s and well past their primes read. It’s one of Peachnia’s favorites and she lent it to me.” You explain.

“Peachnia reads beauty magazines? What for?” Etheline questions.

“She says they have some great advice for getting yourself a man.” You answer.

“Isn’t she single?” Derrick questions.

“And she forever will be, as long as she reads this trash.” You answer.

“Seriously, listen to some of these articles, let’s see…” you trail off as you turn a few pages.

“Top 10 give-aways you’ve had plastic surgery and how to hide them…Bim Bordashian’s favorite doctor for butt implants...You won’t believe these 10 crazy kissing techniques that are sure to drive him wild? What the fuck is all this?” You read in confusion.

Derrick looks disturbed, “It sounds like if you follow these guides you’ll end up looking more like an overpainted blow-up doll...Do women really go to all that trouble just to look pretty?”

“Some might, but I sure as shit don’t. Why dress myself in a layer of lies if I want a man to love me for me? Sounds like horseshit.” you comment.

Etheline looks confused, “uhhhh, what does it by 10 crazy kissing techniques?”

You look back into the magazine as you answer, “Looks like they cataloged a bunch of different ways to steal some poor fools lips. They’ve got techniques like The Saliva Salvo…The hook-line and licker..The Virgn-killer…Whoa, some of this stuff really is crazy.”

Etheline is taken aback, “The Virgin Killer? What’s that? Sounds kinda scary...”

“Oh it’s more then kinda scary, listen to this description, ahem The virgin killer is a sensual technique that is sure to have any young, strapping stud go weak in the knees at your skill.” You read in your best sexy voice.

“It allows you to take a more proactive role in loving your man, first you take him strongly and firmly by the chin, hold his head upwards and look into his eyes to show him you mean business and that he can no longer resist your burning passion…” you read.

“This is sounding like a how to book on sexual assault right now.” Derrick interjects.

You laugh, “ You’re telling me! It even says Best done spontaneously and when your man least expects it, don’t worry about consent, if you do it right, he’ll be begging you for more!”

Derrick is disgusted, “Jesus christ this sounds like something Landon would read.”

“Funny enough, Peachy got this book at his recommendation, says it’s a good way to rope in a partner”

“Sad thing is he probably meant that literally.” Derrick shakes his head.

Etheline cuts in, “Forget that! Finish the description! I want to hear the rest!”

You’re taken aback, “Huh? What are you so eager for?”

Etheline suddenly remembers herself and calms down, “O-Oh um, well, It’s just that, you can’t leave things like this unfinished. How’s the saying go again? Reading half a story is like losing half a tongue?” She quotes.

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“I’m pretty sure no one has ever said that...ever.” You reason.

She shakes her head, “Look! The point is that you need to finish! You haven’t got to kissing part yet!”

Both you and Derrick are blown away by this burst of energy, “W-Well, speaking of tongue, that’s the next part of non-consensual saliva stew.” you start.

“Hm!” Etheline listens intently.

You clear your throat and speak, “Once you have the lover boy nicely in your grasp, don’t hesitate, dive right into that sweet mouth tongue first. Start by slipping past his teeth and gripping his tongue like a snake with your own.” you read.

“Slip past teeth...go for his tongue…” She repeats as she takes notes.

(Where’d she get the notepad?) you wonder as you continue.

“After you’ve sufficiently whetted his tongue with your loving embrace, pull back a little, lick around his mouth, tease his teeth as they’re sensitive and wet his gums, make him really want for your love…”

“This is getting intense…” Derrick comments.

She nods, “Yeah...This is amazing, maybe with this I can…”

You cut in, “ you know Pinky, you seem way more interested in this than I thought you’d be.” You state.

“Huh!?” Etheline blushes as she’s called out.

“Don’t tell me...is there a man you’re hoping to seduce with this kind of stuff?” you realize.

“What!? No! I’m not interested in that stuff!” She shouts as she reflexively looks over to Derrick.

You don’t miss that quick glance, it’s then you realize it, (No way...Pinky wants to get with Derrick!)

(I can’t believe...Or actually, I totally can, they hang out almost everyday, Derrick has saved her ass multiple times, he has a real way with words, never breaks his promises and while I hate to admit it, is quite the looker…)

You nod your head in understanding, (Go figure she’d be head over heels for him, she’s probably felt this for him since the end of the Exam, no, even before that…)

(To think that blonde bastard would snatch up Pinky’s heart...that’s so…)

How does that make you feel?

>Strangely annoyed

>Like you’re going to laugh your ass off.

>>3971765
>Strangely annoyed
Seems cuter

>>3971810

>It gets on your nerves...but why...?

>Writing...

You feel a weird anger inside, (I don’t know why, but the thought of Pinky going after him is...annoying.)

(Who does she think she is? Trying to woo him like that?) you question.

(He may be an asshole, but he's one of the first men to try understand and get closer despite me...being myself.) you think.

(For her to just come and steal him from me like that-Wait, steal?)

(Wait a minute, am I feeling Jeal-No! Nope! No way! I feel nothing for that annoying blonde asshole!) you think.

(I must just be pissed that a complete cherry girl like Pinky thinks she can get herself a man by shooting him a kiss or two! Yeah, that has to be it!) you realize.

With that in mind you think a devious little trick (Well if she’s going to try and snag herself a man, maybe I should her how far a woman’s gotta go…)

“Hey you stopped again! There has to be more than that!” Etheline gets impatient.

You smile, “Oh yeah, well, it’s just that for the next part of the description, they actually provided a visual example.”

“Visual example?” Both Derrick and Etheline ask at the same time.

You then flip around the magazine to show them the contents there in.

“Wha- That’s-!/ Oh Jesus Christ…” Etheline and Derrick react respectively.

Below every description is a picture of the technique being practiced, you give the two of them a face-full of raw, lewd and very intense make-out sessions.

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Etheline goes red to her ears as Derrick shakes his head, “So-So that’s what they meant by using your tongue, Oh my gosh...Oh my gosh! That’s so…”

“Amazing, gets you excited right?” you ask

“Yeah...Wait no! What are you making me say!?” Etheline snaps back to reality.

You laugh, “I’m not making you say a thing! You’re the one who wants to get all kissy-kissy aren’t you?”

“Nope! Nope! Nope! Not me! that’s lewd! Super duper lewd!” She shouts.

“Yeah...but something tells me you like it Super-duper lewd, Pinky, don’t tell me you actually want-”

“Okay that’s enough!” Before you’re allowed to continue bullying Etheline, Derrick quickly covers her eyes and ears.

“Please stop violating Etheline’s virgin eyes and ears, she’s too pure for your perverse ways.” He dismisses.

“Ah damn, you fucking buzzkill, I was just trying to have fun!” you say as you toss the magazine away and get up.

Derrick sighs as he frees Etheline, “I feel like we’ve gone massively off-topic. We were originally coming up here to collect you because Linda told us we’re about an hour off from porting in Kakin.”

You brush the dust off you as you whistle, “Oh, is it time already? I must’ve really slept in...Wait, didn’t I tell you guys to tell me when we were 3 hours off from port? Why are you so late?”

Etheline sighs “Well, when we decided to check if it was time or not, we went to ask your agent and she...well…”

“Made us do a bunch of bullshit odd jobs.” Derrick finishes.

You scratch your head, “Ah shit, don’t tell me she pushed her work off on people again?”

Etheline nods, “Yeah… she promised to tell us after we scrubbed the floors for her but after we did that, she split us off in groups, Watts went to clean the cannons, Derrick had to rip the barnacles off the side of the ship…”

You laugh, “Oh shit, you got barnacle duty? Fucking sucks for you.”

A glare forms at his eyes, “Yeah, but having to scarp off the water scabs is only half as terrible as having to do with a fucking rusty shiv!” Derrick complains.

“You’re lucky they gave you a tool at all, for punishments, sometimes we have people scrap’em off with their fingers, you got off easy.”

Derrick shakes his head, “What the fuck is wrong with this ship? Well at least I didn’t get it as bad as Ethe did…”

“Huh? What did Pinky have to do?” you ask.

“Bathroom duty.” He answers.

“Oh god…” Even you can’t laugh at that.

“What I saw in there was a brown battlefield, it was everywhere, literally everywhere, the bowels were filled to the brim so it started getting on the floor and…Oh god…” Etheline struggles to hold back her lunch.

“That’s what happens when you’ve got 1 bathroom, 100 men and no one with any water or the decency to clean up after themselves. Shit like that, literally, is why I have my own personal bathroom. ” You explain.

“And after she ran out of jobs to waste our time on, she just told us to get her drinks and food from the pantry!” Derrick complains.

“Which we didn’t even know where the Pantry was and she wouldn’t tell us, so that took awhile…” Etheline adds.

“Damn, she really hazed you two, normally she isn’t that much of bitch to people she’s just met.” you state.

“Does she just hate our guts in particular? As we speak, Watts is still washing soot and gunpowder out of the cannon barrels.” he asks.

“No that just means I like you three that much, you all do great work.” It’s then a buxom woman dressed in tight-fitting business dress with long flowing blonde hair steps into the doorway while sipping a glass of coke.

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“Speak of the devil, it’s the slave driver herself, come to whip us all into line.” you pantomime a whip.

She pulls back, looking hurt, “Now isn’t that a little harsh Vanny? I’m no slave driver!”

“No, you’re worse than a slave driver, at least a slave driver has the decency to tell you when they’re going to work you to the bone, a sadist like you just does it whenever.” you counter.

“Me? A sadist? You must be joking Vanny! I’m as a woman as gentle as the summer breeze, anybody that’s met me knows that.”

“Really? I’m pretty sure Sunny and Pinky here have more than a little to say to that.” You counter.

“Heyyyy, that’s not true! You may be mean to me Vanny, but Der-bear and Ethey love me don’t they? They spent the last 2 hours helping me.”

“You know damn well that’s because you dragged us all over the ship and wasted our time!” Derrick says, his annoyance rising with the waves.

“Wait Der-bear? You didn’t like hanging out with me? That makes me sad~ I thought we were becoming quick friends too…”

“If you treat all your friends like a bunch of gofers, then that’s one friendship I can do without!” he denies.

“Ehhhhhh!?Is that how you see it!? All I wanted was to become friends! Ethey! Say it ain’t so!” She pleads.

Etheline shakes her head, “I’m sorry Linda, but after the Horrors I witnessed cleaning that bathroom for you, gah I don’t think I can just laugh that off…”

“You bunch are breaking my heart into a million little pieces…” She groans as she sobs quietly.

“Careful, cry all those crocodile tears and you might make a swamp outta my floor.” you shut down.

“Jeez~ you could play along a little!” She quickly drops the act.

“My god if this woman gets any flakier you’ll be able to fit her in a cereal box…” Derrick comments.

“Oh come on! I came all this way to tell you all something important but you keep making fun of me! Hmph! Maybe I should just leave!” She gets fed up.

“Please do.” You all say in unison.

“At least pretend like you want me to stay!!” She says throw her hands angrily in the air.

“If you came here for something, can you just get on with it, I’d like to sleep a little more before we port.” You explain.

She wags her fingers, “Ah, ah! It’s nearly noon. No more sleep for you, you have some business to attend to.”

“Business?” you question.

“Follow me to find out.” She says as she heads down the hallway.

“Oh god damn it, this woman…” You complain under your breath as everyone follows her down the hall.

That woman is Linda Dutiful, or at least that’s what she calls herself, you don’t know her real name and it seems no one else on the planet does either.

She’s one of your oldest business partners, something like your agent, or rather contracter, she’s a master at sniffing out business opportunities and picking jobs from every corner of the world, namely, the war-torn ones.

There probably isn’t a warzone or conflict in world she hasn’t dipped her dainty, evil little fingers in.

Her background, nationality and family ties are all unknown, you met her about a year after you started working with the Union and the only things she ever gave you back then was a greeting, her name and a job selling guns to nearest warzone.

She’s greedy, manipulative, secretive, a borderline sociopath and one of the only business partners you’ve ever been able to have something approaching friendship with.

You’re all heading from your quarters to the deck below as you speak.

“So what are you dragging me out of bed for? What is this business I have to tend to?” you ask.

“Oh come on now Vanny, you should already know the answer to that question.” She answers.

You sigh, “Yes, but I’m desperately hoping to be wrong, so for the love of god say it isn’t him.”

“Well sorry to say Vanny, but yes, it’s him.” She answers.

“Can you two stop playing the pronoun game? Who’s him?” Derrick asks.

Linda looks back at him, “I believe you two have already met, his name is-”

“-Karver Crimson.” You cut-in.

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Linda looks annoyed, “You just had to steal my dramatic reveal huh?”

“Karver? Oh you mean that guy from the engineering division?” Derrick remembers.

“Just the same, Etheline, you know him too right?”

“Yes, 2nd in command Karver Crimson, though he’s more like the head of the division since the actual head is never around, You’re meeting with him? Why?” Etheline asks.

“Because of this whole Hunter thing you guys have going on, Vanny’s been slacking off on making guns, which means Before we port in Kakin, we first need to pick up a shipment from him so we can make the order.” She explains.

“And there wasn’t anyone else, literally anyone else you could’ve asked to make this deal?” You ask.

“Literally anyone else couldn’t procure quality weapons like yours. He’s the only one who has guns that can match your own, anyone else would’ve given us lack-luster guns and that would just piss our customers off. You don’t want that, do you?”

“No...But still, god damn it, why does it have to be him…” You complain.

“You really hate this guy don’t you?” Derrick asks.

“Yes, even more than I despise you and that’s saying something.” You answer.

“But why? I mean, I’ve barely see him, but from what I can tell, he seems rather nice and friendly and he’s very smart, his blueprints show as much.” Etheline shares.

You laugh, “Pinky, of all the things you just called him, smart is the only true one, that bastard is smartass alright, of the worst kind.”

Linda laughs, “Now that’s not true Vanny, Sure Karver isn’t the greatest person, but I think you focus too much on his faults and not enough on his good points.”

“And what exactly would be his good points?” you ask.

“Well, he makes lots of money...andddddd….” Linda starts.

“....” You all go silent as you anticipate the follow up.

“Annnndddddd….He’s kinda hot I guess?” She answers.

“Say no more you damn bimbo, if that’s all you can say after taking the better part of a minute to think, it means there’s nothing more to say.” You declare.

Linda shrugs, “Well what can I say, he makes good money, which makes him a good man in my book.”

“Yeah, that’s all you two care about, fucking money.” you light up a cigarette to calm your nerves.

“More than decency, more than honor, more than people’s lives. Money is all that matters right? That’s how trash like you and him think.” You declare.

“Vanny, you know that’s not true.” Linda takes genuine offense at that, her voice grows serious.

“We both know the reason I keep working with you isn’t for the money, we both have a bigger goal than this right? Don’t say bullshit like all I care about is money.” She counters.

That reminder calms you down, “You’re right...Sorry, it’s just...Meeting with Crimson is really getting on my nerves.”

“Why is it that you hate him so much? What did he do?” Derrick asks.

Linda looks over at you, “Vanny? You haven’t told them the story yet?”

“Of fucking course not, you know I hate talking about personal shit like that.”

“Story? What story?” Etheline asks.

“....” you don’t speak.

“Vanilla.” Derrick calls for you attention.

“....”

“We have a promise don’t we?” He asks.

“....” This is the part of him that you just hate the most.

“That I would try and understand you and you me. And to do that, we have to talk about these sorts of things.” He reminds you.

“....” This part of him that just sees right through you.

“Vanilla, won’t you tell me-no-us what’s wrong? We’re your friends aren’t we?” Both he and Etheline look at you with those words.

To their concern for you, you said…

>Fuck off, We aren’t friends.

>I’ll...Tell you later…

>>3971875
>>I’ll...Tell you later…
A promise is a promise

>>3971875
>I’ll...Tell you later…
I'm finally here

>>3971888
I welcome you!

>>3971888

>I'll give you the story later...

>Writing...

File: Derrick Holums47.gif (839 KB, 500x281)

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You sigh, “Well...it’s a long and boring story...We went to an active warzone, may have cut a bad deal or two...may have stabbed him in the gut once or twice…”

“That story sounds anything but boring.” Derrick interjects.

“Look...I’ll tell you later alright? We don’t have the time and I’m not in a good enough mood to tell the story, okay?”

He nods, “That’s alright, we can wait, right Ethe?”

“Of course Derrick. We’re here for Vanny, always.” Etheline smiles.

“....”

>Their concern for you touches your heart, furthering your relationship! (+100 Bond points)

>Relationship with Derrick Holums has advanced to Rank 2!

>When in combat, fighting alongside him confers a 15% to all stats!

Linda smiles, “What’s this~ The infamous anti-social Vanny actually has friends?”

You growl, “Shut your mouth now, before I show you just how anti-social I can get.”

She laughs, “Don’t worry Vanny, I’m not making fun of you.”

“Those are some...very good friends you have there.” For a moment, her eyes soften and she speaks from the heart.

“Anyhoo, just let it be known that me and that fucker Crimson do not get along. Even if Linda isn’t a complete money-grubbing whore, that fucker is.” You declare.

“Vanny, you keep ragging on him and me because we love money, but aren’t you the same? Don’t you value money above everything else?” Linda questions.

You give a wry laugh, “You got me there. You two are fucking trash, but that’s okay.”

“Cause I’m fucking trash too.” You declare as you all reach the deck.

File: Firestarter.jpg (581 KB, 3646x2446)

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The long length of the main deck makes itself clear to you as you walk down a flight of stairs.

As you reach the bottom, you can’t help but admire the beautiful ship. It’s 16” inch cannon pointed proudly at the waves, the heavy, sturdy steel plating adorning it, the 100s of crewman doing their daily duties and manning it.

It’s all..so… “Beautiful…” You can’t help but whisper out.

You hold your arms out and take a deep breath, sucking in the rancid, god-awful and absolutely lovely stink of the ocean as you smile.

“The Sea and the Ship are beautiful as always! The B.M.F.S Firestater is in tip-top fashion!”

“You know I’ve been meaning to ask, what does that B.M.F.S stand for? Balanced Action Mother Flagship?” Derrick asks.

“Nope, it stands for Badass Mother-Fucking Ship” You answer.

“That’s the kind of naming sense I’d expect from Bradford…” He states.

“Well I guess me and him share a love for giving our favorite toys good names.” You smile.

Etheline looks around amazed, “You know, I still can’t believe you actually own a battleship, where’d you even find one that was serviceable?”

“She didn’t find it, I did.” Linda corrects.

“I got this ship for Vanny as a gift to commemorate 3 years of successful partnership. I bought it from Yourbian government for a couple million jenny, a real steal, I know!” She explains.

“Paying a couple million is a steal?” Derrick questions.

“For a legendary masterwork like this, a couple million is chump change, you can’t go wrong!” You exclaim.

File: Derrick's Motorcycle.jpg (188 KB, 2048x1364)

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“Legendary masterwork? More like Ancient artifact. How old is this thing?” Derrick asks.

“It went through about 25 years of service before decommissioning about 40 years ago, so around 60 years old.” Linda explains.

He shakes his head, “Getting up in arms about a 60 year old hunk of metal...These ships went obsolete with the advent of the cruise missile, complete waste of money if you ask me.”

As he says this, one of your crewmen, a man with an eyepatch and a baseball cap to hide his bald head, approaches, pulling a motorbike alongside him.

“Hey Derrick! We’re done lubricating and re-fueling your bike!” He announces as he hands the heavy, old machine back to him.

Derrick gets as giddy as a school girl as he receives it, “Ohhhh! Thanks man! You guys cleaned her up nicely!”

“She’s an oldie so lubing up her more hidden crevices was a chore, but she’s a beauty so it was worth it!” He explains.

“I’m glad you can understand her greatness, the captain may be a bitch but the crewmen are men of real substance!” He compliments.

“Thanks for the kind words, but you better not expect kind words to be payment enough for the service…”

“Don’t worry man, you’ll have the money wired to you by the end of the day, I’ll even throw in a tip, good work deserves good pay.” He answers as he happily admires the bike.

“Keep talking like that and you and me will be best friends by the end of the day!” The crewman grins and waves as he walks away.

You watch as Derrick fawns over his bike, “Hey Sunny, what’s with that bike?” you ask.

“Oh her? She’s a beauty I bought with my Hunter license, was hard as hell to find but I love her to death!” He answers.

“And how old is this, beauty?” Linda asks.

“Served in some of Yourbia’s oldest wars about 60 years ago! Yet she still rides with the best of them! Aged like fine wine hasn’t she- oh wait.” He then realizes it.

“Bringg,Bringgg Hey pot, kettle’s calling. He wants to know why you called him black.” You insult.

While you’re giving shit to Derrick for his hypocrisy, Etheline looks at the absconding crewman with stars in her eyes, “Linda, that guy looked so cool...who was he?”

“Huh? Him, his name is Branegin Sive I think…”

“That eyepatch was the coolest! In fact, all the people on this ship look super-cool, where did you get these people? Where are they from?” She asks.

The men that make up your crew are…

>A band of pirates and reformed convicts (+10% attack, +5% defense and +15% evasion)

>A small force of mercenaries and war veterans (+15% attack, +10% defense and +5% evasion)

>A collection of sailors and former Navy men (+10% attack, +10% defense and +10% evasion)

>>3971952
>A small force of mercenaries and war veterans (+15% attack, +10% defense and +5% evasion)

>>3971952
>>A small force of mercenaries and war veterans (+15% attack, +10% defense and +5% evasion)

>>3971955
>>3971970

Damn, I was hoping one of you would catch the reference I dropped earlier, or maybe you noticed but didn't care to comment?

Well either way...

>Mercenaries and war vets.

>Writing...

File: Etheline Brooks34.jpg (168 KB, 1047x1094)

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The men walking across your deck could only be described as a rough and grungy bunch.

They were tall and thick with muscle and facial hair and one look in their eyes told the story of 100s of battles fought, most of which they barely survived.

"They're a collection of Mercs and war vets I collected from various corners of the world." you answer.

"You collect War vets for your ship? How the hell?" Derrick questions.

"Most of these men were either underpaid infantrymen or mercenaries looking for a new line of work." Linda explains.

"We just happened to appear in their times of need with offers of adventure, excitement and steady employment. Naturally the power Charisma of our won them right over!" Linda declares.

"More like the power of your bank accounts, how much are you paying these guys?" Derrick asks.

"Not nearly enough!" One man shouts as he passes by, carrying a heavy box.

"I guess not very well." He comments.

"No, no, no, that's just a bit of banter we share with the crew, we're real jokesters, we like to have fun here!" Linda explains.

"Yeah and for our next joke, let's get practical and cut that assholes pay check in half for talking back to us!" You shout.

"My bosses are so cruel..." Another man whimpers.

"I feel terrible for these guys..." Derrick looks on with sadness.

"Eh, don't feel too much for them they were dishonorable discharged from the army, they're just paying for their sins." you explain.

"Dishonorable Discharged? Are you sure you should be working with war criminals?" Etheline questions.

You smile, "That's precisely why I work with them, I could've never bring in a couple of boy scouts on this ship. With the kind of work we do, if you haven't committed a war crime or two you won't cut it."

"Yeah, I'd imagine this place is just a cruise liner for crimes against humanity." Derrick states.

"Shut it boy scout." You shut down.

“Yeah, but I wonder what the story behind Branegin’s eyepatch is.” Etheline says behind eyes of wonder.

“Maybe he lost in the middle of an intense fight against enemy ship, or it was taken by a sneaky assassins come to take his life, or maybe he sacrificed it taking an attack meant for one of his friends!” Etheline theorizes.

“Sorry to say, none of that is true. Hey Branegin!” You call for him.

He comes running over, “What’s up boss?”

“Mind telling my friend here the story behind your patch?” You ask.

“What really!? You’ll tell me!?” Etheline looks excited.

He frowns, “Ah boss, you really gonna make me tell again? You’ll never let me live it down!”

“Just tell her, I’ll give you a 1000 Jenny if you do.” You order.

He shakes his head, “What I do for a 1000 bucks...is a lot actually, fine.”

File: Karver Crimson03.jpg (11 KB, 236x382)

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“So what’s the story? What sort of high-stakes, high-seas epic journey, filled with peril and wonder did you go on to tragically lose your eyes? I know this may take hours to tell me and it will be painful for you, but I am willing to-!”

“I got shanked in a bar fight.” he answers, cutting her off.

“What.” Etheline is stunned.

He sighs, “Me and my mates were at a bar one night, saw our favorite teams playing, made a 10,000 Jenny bet on who would win, I lost. Picked a fight with the guy next to me and he poked my eye out for it.”

“That’s...it?” She asks.

“Sorry to disappoint kid, every scar has a story, but not every story is an epic.” He says as you hand him the 1000 Jenny and he walks off.

“Satisfied?” you ask of her.

“No...but I know better than to ask for more…” She accepts.

“Good.” Your frown quickly turns into a smile.

“Hey Vanny, look who’s coming over.” Linda taps you on the shoulder and points you in the direction of a quickly approaching Karver.

“Not good.” Your smile quickly turns into a frown.

“Hey now, you don’t see too happy to see me.” He says as he gets close.

“Not even slightly, I was hoping we could pull this trade off without me having hurt my eyes and ears dealing with your ass.”

“Your eye and ears Vanny.” he corrects.

You take a deep breath to still the rage growing inside you, “Really feeling prickly today aren’t you?”

“Sorry, you gave me a prick in stomach that still hurts from time to time, thanks for that.” He says, miming a knife stab at you.

“Oh did that little poke hurt that much? Sorry about that, how about I make it up to you by showing you my knife-throwing ability? I’ve gotten really sharp with it.” You ask, clearly fed up his bullshit.

“I’ve already had a taste of how sharp your knife is, so I think I’m good.”He laughs, happy to know he can still get on your nerves before looking around.

“Well if these aren’t a couple of new faces, expect you Linda, hey baby.” he greets.

She waves back at him, “Hey Crim, you look healthy.”

“I’m as healthy as I am green Linda, And I’m plenty green.” He says pinching his fingers and rubbing them.

“Oh no That doesn’t sound healthy at all...You should see a doctor about that.” Etheline says, genuinely concerned.

"...." Karver frowns.

You smile, “Yeah Pinky’s right, you really should see a doctor, maybe they would see how much of a plague you are and do us all a favor and cleanse you.”

Karver laughs in a wry voice, “Lots about you has changed Vanny, but I see that viper-tongue of yours is the same, still spitting poison every which way.”

You grit your teeth angrily, “don’t call me Vanny, you piece of shit. Only my friends get to call me that and you are no friend of mine.”

“Oh? And I presume these folks are?” He asks as he looks to Derrick and Etheline.

He then squints, “Now that I look closely, haven’t we met before? I believe it was...when all those newbies came checking out the divisions?”

They nod, “You guys Vanny’s new friends? Her new partners?” He asks.

“I wouldn’t call us partners, but I like to think of myself as her friend.” Derrick answers, Etheline nods along.

He then looks back to you, “Woah, you sure replaced me fast, and here I thought we had something special…”

“We never had anything you asshole, any relationship we had was just some delusion your narcissistic ass made up.” You counter.

He gives you a smug look, the extra-punchable kind, “Really? Back in the day I could’ve sworn we were kindred spirits, we both knew getting money was all that mattered, it didn’t matter how we got it...where we got it...off which body we robbed it…”

“We were just two opportunists who took any chance we got to get ahead in life, I don’t think much has changed about us since then, other than you seem to be in denial about it.” he declares.

You sigh, “Look, did you come over here just to chat arm-chair philosophy? Or do you have a reason to waste my time like this?”

“I guess you’re really not in the mood to chat.” He says as he puts his hands behind his back to grab something.

“What gave you that idea.” You say, deadpan.

He then pulls out a clipboard with some papers on it, “I came over cause I need your signature for payment, even if we’re ex-partners, my services don’t come cheap.”

“Who cares, I’d pay double whatever your asking price if it meant getting you the hell off my ship faster.” You say as you reach for the papers.

But before you grab it, he pulls them back, you look up at him, extremely annoyed, “What is it? For once in your life, you don’t want money?”

He huffs at that, “Of course I want money, but I also want to have fun from time to time.”

“What do you mean?” you question.

“I’ve got an offer for you Vanny. Let’s team up.”

“Fucking excuse me?” You say with clear disgust in your voice.

“Thing is, I’ve also got a deal to cut in Kakin, one I could do on my own, but I think it’d be way more beneficial and way more fun if you and me teamed up, helped each other out.” He explains.

“Where the hell is this coming from?” You ask.

“I miss the days we worked together, they were some of the best days of my life, profits were high and my delight even higher. I want to experience that just one more time.” He answers.

“And what exactly does teaming up mean?” you question.

“Nothing much, we just...exchange info. I’ll give you my phone number, me yours and we’ll chat and talk about good business opportunities.” He answers.

“The last fucking thing I want from you, is to talk.” you counter.

“Okay, then we just call each other when we need help, either way, we can help each other out here, I’m sure of it. I’ll even give you a 20% discount on the shipment if you agree.” He explains.

“And if I tell you to fuck right off?” you ask.

“Then nothing. We won’t work together, you pay full price on the shipment and I get out of your hair for the rest of the trip.” He answers.

You smile, “That has to be first good deal you’ve offered me so far.”

“Yeah, yeah, are you agreeing or not?” He asks.

To his offer for help, you said…

>Fine, we’ll keep in touch.

>Fuck right off.

>>3972041
>Fine, we’ll keep in touch.

File: [Illegal Lolis].png (820 KB, 1365x622)

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>>3972047
Sorry to make you wait anon, but this is pretty major choice, so I'm going to leave the vote open for a little while longer.

>>3972083
Ignore this, I'm retarded

>>3972041
>>Fine, we’ll keep in touch.

>>3972047
>>3972101

I was expecting this choice to be more contentious, I guess Karver appears more trustworthy than I thought.

Well, choice made.

>Fine, let's keep in touch.

>Writing...

File: Vanilla Clayton 16.jpg (6 KB, 210x240)

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(Working with this fucker again is the last thing I want to do. He only cares for himself and his own interests, I'm sure he's going to find some chance to screw me over along the way...) you realize.

(But at the same time, Getting as much help as I can is going to be necessary, after all this is Kakin, go in half-prepared and they'll roast your ass over the spit and eat you alive.) You mull over it for a bit.

"So deal? Or no deal? We don't have all day." He pressures.

"...Fine, if all we're doing is sharing info, then sure. I can agree to that." You agree.

he smiles, "Great. I'm glad to see you've got your priorities straight, of all the things you've lost over the years, clearly your business sense ain't one of them." he brandishes his phone.

You do the same, "Don't go getting a big head, or thinking this means I want to get friendly with you. This is strictly business." you explain as you exchange numbers.

"if I hear a peep of useless info or catch the slightest wind of you trying to betray me, I'll hang up on yer ass and end this deal faster than you can say Well shit." you state.

"No need to worry about that, I always hold up my end of a deal, and If memory serves right, you were the one who betrayed me, so I don't get where you get off giving me shit for it." He counters.

"Just get the fuck off my boat already." You turn away.

"Hahhhh...Well shit." He throws his hands surrender and walks away.

"Goddamn prick..." You light up a cigarette to calm the growing ache in your nerves.

"You were not kidding when you said you hated him, I could cut the tension in the air with a knife." Derrick states.

"Don't talking about cutting and knives right now. You'll tempt me to call that shit head back here so I can finish the job." You state.

"Duly noted." He understands.

"Vanny? Are you okay?" Etheline questions.

"Yes Pinky." You answer.

"Really? Are you really okay?" She asks again.

"Yes, Pinky, I'm fine."

"Are you really,really, sure you're okay? If want, I can get you a drink or a find you a place to sit or-"

You put your hands up, "Or you can shut up and leave me alone for a bit." you say as you walk off.

"Call me when we reach the port..." You puff out a cloud of smoke as you tread away.

"Vanny..." Etheline looks hurt.

Linda puts a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, she's not mad at you. You should listen and just leave her alone."

"Linda...What really happened between those two? Was it that bad?" She asks.

She shakes her head, "Not my place to answer...What I can tell you though is that Vanilla has had...a very hard life."

"...." Etheline goes quiet.

"But I think that hanging out with you two has really made her much happier. So don't think too much about it and just keep being her friend, okay?" She asks.

That brings a smile to her face, "Of course! Vanny's one of my best friends!"

Linda smiles back, "Great to hear! Now how about I treat you two to a meal while we wait? On me of course." She says as she leads the two of them towards the mess hall.

"Don't act like you're doing us a favor after the hell you put us through, you practically owe us this." Derrick complains.

"Don't be a spoilsport and just take the meal okay? Sunny." Linda asks.

A glare forms on his face, "You better not start calling me that if you value your life."

"Duly noted..." She says with a look of fear.

File: Watts Urnameagani07.jpg (44 KB, 736x736)

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2 hours later

Time: 12: 32 PM, High Noon

Location: Kakin Port of Entry, Border and Customs

It takes you an hour to maroon into the Kakin port, which was hard to miss, with it’s classical-era design which likely hasn’t changed in the last millennium, with it’s large archways that marked docking ports, small sailing boats that were likely used for fishing and ancient symbols that have likely been there since the Kingdom’s founding.

However, despite of how ancient the port is, it still serves modern purposes as Kakin’s primary port of entry where you and your boat and it’s goods are to be screened and checked before being permitted entrance.

In addition to that, it also has modern appliances, as you enter the port proper you feel the gentle brush of an A/C breeze hit you and see various scanning machines and guards armed with pistols and rifles watching them.

It didn’t take more than an hour to get off your boat and into Customs, thankfully you got a permit from the government before entering to haul all your guns into the country in wooden boxes labeled as Fireworks and other pyrotechnics.

But even if your guns can get through without trouble, the same cannot be said for you, for proof of how modern this port really is, it also suffers from modern problems, such as very, very stubborn customs officers, which Watts know has to persuade.

好了只要告诉我你的护照,你通过清除 Says the customs officer.

谢谢你的朋友,在这里你去。Watts says as he gives the man your passports.

Watts shakes his head, 当然不是,这是我的名字,你叫我的名字是一个笑话??

你的名字是英语,最后一个日语,你的注册是半亚洲人,半高加索人,但你显然只是亚洲人,更不用说这个名字显然是一个你编造的笑话,而不是一个好的。The guard points out.

首先你侮辱我的名字,现在你告诉我我是什么种族? 我认为这是一个进步的国家! 我应该报告你公然的歧视和迫害! 我一定会把我的博客了! Watts rants and raves.

哦,上帝。..不是这个.. The guard groans in frustration.

File: [Fell for the meme].jpg (82 KB, 1280x720)

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Sorry for the pause friends, I already have the next post ready, but I am taking a moment to cook and eat so I shall return in about an hour.

In the meanwhile, why don't one of you try and translate the above text, i'd say it's pretty worth the effort!

You all watch their exchange from the distance, “What do think they’re talking about over there?” Etheline asks.

“Well he should be getting our passports cleared and transport papers signed.” You explain.

“Is everything alright? they seem to be getting rather heated.” Linda points out.

“We have no choice but to trust him, he’s the only one who can understand that chicken scratch.” you state.

Etheline gives her a scolding look, “Vanny, that’s really offensive, you should be more mindful of people’s feelings-”

“Oh shut up, if I put a dollar in the I said an edgy word jar, will you give me a break?” you ask.

She pulls the jar out and opens the lid, “Well pony up then.”

You drop a 100 Jenny dollar in while grumbling, “I swear, it’s every few minutes with you…”

While you and your friends are chatting, Watts finishes talking with the customs officer,

在这里,沃茨先生,你可以走了,现在请不要举报我,如果你这样做,他们会拿我的工作,然后我的妻子,然后我的生活。The officer says handing back the passports and papers to Watts.

谢谢你,不用担心,他们会杀了我,如果我反正举报。he says as he receives them

The customs officer then gives him a scrutinizing look, 你看起来很眼熟,我们以前见过??

Watts panics a little, 哦,嗯,也许你看过我的boobtube视频? 我是一个着名的视频博客在互联网上,虽然我有点地下。

Boobtube在这里被禁止。The officer counters.

这里不是一切都被禁止了Isn?你一定是在想别人,我的朋友,再见! Watts escapes from the officer in a hurry as he returns the group.

“You had a pretty intense conversation there? What about?” Derrick asks.

“A bunch of stuff, he was pressing me on my identity, which I kinda expected, trying for the half-white schtick with my yellow ass was a dumb move I know.” he explains.

“He also thought my name was fake, which admittedly it is, but I was surprised he could tell.” Watts adds.

“Wait, your name’s a fake?” you ask.

“What? Of course it is. You didn’t think someone parents would name somebody Watts Urnameagaini right? That’s prime for bullying. That was just a joke name I came up with to put on my passport. You didn’t think that was actual name this whole time did you?” He explains.

File: Zheng Nanwang04.jpg (19 KB, 210x240)

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“....” All of you remain silent.

“What? Seriously?” The look of bafflement on his face is palpable.

“Then what’s your real name?” Etheline questions.

“Zheng Nanwang.” Watts, real name Zheng, answers.

“So Watts was just a joke name after-all...I’m glad, now I know your parents weren’t totally assholes with a bad sense of humor.” Derrick quips.

“My parents are-er- were great actually, I love them very much thank you.” He states.

“Were…?” Etheline whispers under her breath.

“Hey wait, if your name is fake, how much else about your story is fake? Was the stuff about being half japponese bull too?” You ask.

“No that’s true...Though being honest, the whole pit fighter story is only half-true though. That’s not the whole story.” He confesses.

“Why use that cover then?” Derrick questions.

“If I said I had a background in fighting then no one would wonder why I’m so good right? That’s the only reason.” he explains.

“And why are you so good at fighting? What did you do before becoming a Hunter?” You ask.

He looks away, “Well...That’s a long story, way too long to tell here. Learning my real name is a big enough twist for today so let’s leave at that.”

“So what does your name even mean anyway?” You ask.

“Literally translated it means, Man who makes memories or Unforgettable man, perfect for me right?” He says with a confident smile.

“.....” You all go silent again.

He gets annoyed, “Hey now, are you seriously shit on me here when I’m being honest with you?” he asks.

“We’re not shitting on you, it’s just that...well…” Derrick trails off.

“We barely ever remember you exist, hell, I forgot you were even on the ship till I remembered I brought you along as a translator.” you explain.

“You have to be joking…” He says with a depressed tinge to his voice.

“Sorry to say man, You have like, zero presence.” you explain.

“Hey, whether that’s true or not, is that any way to treat me after I cleaned up your dirty cannons and scrubbed your floors and talked up that customs officer for you?” He asks.

You point to Linda, “She tricked you into doing that, all I asked of you was to be my translator. Thanks for that by the way.”

He sighs, “I’m beginning to wonder why I agreed to that. I’m wanted for underground fighting and speaking ill of the government, they execute you for that stuff you know?”

“Doesn’t the Kakin government execute people for literally any reason? Sometimes no reason?” Derrick questions.

“All the more proof I’m risking my neck here showing my face back there. I Migrated to Yourbia to escape this place.”

“Wait a minute. How did you get into Yourbia with a criminal background and a fake name? You should’ve been turned away at the gate?” Derrick points out.

“Well...perhaps my entry into the country wasn’t exactly a…legal affair…” He admits.

Derrick pinches the bridge of his nose, “Oh god damn it you’re a fucking illegal...”

Etheline shoots an angry look his way, “Hey! I expect that kind of language from Vanilla, but I didn’t expect that edgyness from you Derrick!”

“Oh shit, I’ve been hanging out with Bradford too much…” He says as he pulls out a 100 Jenny bill.

“Let this be a lesson.” She says as she collects the cash.

“Still, an illegal huh? I always kinda suspected as much for you, but seriously?” You ask.

He shrugs his shoulders, “I may not have gotten in the best way, but I’ve never been on welfare and I considered myself a red-blooded, Proud Yourbia.” He says with a salute.

“Oh yeah, what are you Proud of Yourbia for?” Derrick asks.

“Not being Kakin.” He answers.

“Well...better reasons than most Yourbians.” he nods.

“Hey now, now people. He may be an illegal, but we’re all guilty of something here aren’t we? We’re all barred from entry due to crimes against humanity somewhere.” Linda points out.

Derrick growls, “Errrr, I want to point how ridiculous that statement is, but It’s true…” he admits, remembering the rampage in Kukan’yu that got all of you on the most wanted list there.

“See what I mean? So now that we’re cleared for entry, how about we get going.” Linda advises.

Everyone prepares to head out, till you put your hand up, “Ah wait, one thing before that.”

Everyone stops as you turn back and beckon to your group of crewmates behind you who are still getting their passports cleared.

“Hey boys, I’m pretty sure this deal is going to go well, but just in case anything goes wrong, I want you guys to stick close and See for me alright?”

“Oh...Of course boss!” The men all are suddenly wearing evil grins as they continue to get cleared.

“Okay let’s go.” You agree.

“What was that about?” Derrick asks.

“Nothing special, just me getting insurance in case anything happens.” You explain.

He gives you a confused look, but shrugs realizing you’re not going to explain, “I’m surprised you even need us for bodyguards when you’ve got all that manpower.”

“The fact that I think all those guys won’t be enough should tell you how FUBAR a situation we might be stepping into.” you explain.

Etheline raises her hand, “Uh, just so you guys know, M.U.M.A is still undergoing maintenance back home for the next 2 weeks, so I can’t really fight…”

You pat her back as you walk on ahead, “Don’t worry Pinky, you can still help, even if you can’t fight."

"Vanny..." She smiles.

You then walk on ahead as you speak, "If nothing else, all that fat you’ve got stored in tits and ass will make for a good bulletshield.”

Etheline puffs her cheeks in anger as she follows, “How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not fat! I’m healthily plump!”

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Time: 1:32 PM, Early Afternoon

Loaction: Kakin, Danghai City, greater Rybowl area

Kakin is a massive country with an equally massive terrain, the landscape is mountainous and hilly, sometimes to an inhospitable extent, but to a Kakinese person, the words You can’t settle there is less an explanation and more of a challenge.

Despite being sat upon a series of rolling hills, surrounded by mountainous forests that stretch to the entire city limits, the place is still more urban than even the biggest Yourbian city.

Every building you pass by is either a massive office building that borders on being a skyscaper, or just a skyscaper. Even the hotels where people live are 100s of stories high, housing 1000s of people in the same space where they all live their day to day lives.

However, one amazing thing about Kakin is, as urban and modern the place is, just like the port, the architecture of the buildings looks like it hasn’t changed since the days people only counted 3 digits on their yearly calendars.

With massive Pagodas with lanterns hanging off them, building with walls of paper and people still dressed in traditional clothing walking the street.

The mix of modern and ancient design is truly a sight to behold as you watch a lady in a Dim sum walking with a leather purse in hand walk down a stone road with smog from all the factories in the air, it’s really something.

Another amazing thing about Kakin is how high the population count is, it’s ridiculous.

So ridiculous in fact that what would usually be called a traffic jam anywhere else in the world is called Tuesday in Kakin.

And right now, you and your crew are stuck on a tuesday.

HONK! HONK! Roar people’s horns all around you as men and women alike shout obscenities and curses in Kakinese at one another in the barely moving traffic.

After leaving the port, you and everyone else decided to drive to your contract’s place, Derrick riding his old motorcycle with Etheline riding on the back, Zheng (You are not gonna get used to calling him that…) rides his own more modern motorcycle behind them, with all your men driving their cars alongside you.

Leaving you and Linda being chaperoned to your destination by a private driver.

“...But that plan’s gone the fuck awry in this mess.” You say as you realize you haven’t moved in over 10 minutes.

“I’m sorry ladies, traffic around this area is very dense, once we’re clear though it will be smooth sailing.” The driver, his English good, but his accent thick assures.

“And how long do you believe that will take?” Linda asks.

“Uhhh...Probably another 30 minutes…” he states.

“Give. Me. A. Fucking. Break. Today is not my day…” you complain.

“Well look on the bright side, at least we get a chance to discuss exactly what it is we’re going to be doing and relax a little.” Linda explains.

“What is there to discuss? We’re just gonna go there, sign some contracts and leave right?” you ask.

“Not quite. You see, we actually got two requests from two different factions.” She explains.

“What the- This is the first I’m hearing of this.”

“Well it’s a good thing I get the chance to explain. Now you know about the Kakin Civil conflict right?” She asks.

“Yeah, a group of separatists rebels from the Kakin government decided they were tired of the oppressive government started a coup and are trying to overthrow them right?” you summarize.

“Correct, well we ended getting requests from both the government and the separatist group.”

“You cannot be serious.” you frown.

“Unfortunately I am.”

“what is the Kakin government doing buying guns from an arms dealer? Aren’t they going to get shit internationally for that?” you ask.

“Well, To be more specific, we aren’t selling to the government, but rather a contracted PMC of the government to fight the conflict for them.” She explains.

“They hired a PMC to fight the war for them? I’m pretty sure that’s still pretty bad…”

“Well it’s not like Kakin particular cares about keeping good foreign relations. They just want the separatist thorns out of their sides.” She explains.

“Who we are also going to be cutting deals with?” you question.

“That’s for you to decide. I didn’t want to pick a side for you and tell you to deal with it.” She explains.

“Isn’t deciding this stuff your job?” you point out.

“Yes, but If you’re the one making the choice, then you can’t blame me later down the line if it goes terribly wrong.” She explains.

You laugh wryly, “My god aren’t you being considerate today?”

She smiles, “Just looking out for a friend, you know me, always the angel. Too nice for my own good really.”

“Yeah so very nice, you serve me shit on a plate and gave me the knife and fork to eat it with too!” You complain.

“The choice whether to eat it or not depends on who choose. I’m just being considerate enough to let you pick your path.” She counters.

“If you’re going to be that considerate, you should’ve never brought these deals to me in the first place.” You shake your head and light up a cigarette.

“And make us miss out on good money? Not a chance!” She counters.

“Well your good chance for cash is also a good chance we all end up dead. Which one do you think we should side with?” you ask.

“Not often you ask for my opinion.” she comments.

“Usually because it’s your opinion that gets us in these messes, I’m hoping it can also get us out.”

“Well, Personally I’d go with the PMC, I hear they’re real professionals, well trained, well organized and always do the job they’re given and they never skimp on payment.” She says.

“That last part is the only one you really care about. What about the rebels? Why not them? They don’t pay as much?” you ask.

“No...If anything they’re paying more than the PMC is offering.” She answers.

“What? Why the hell don’t you want to go with them then?” you ask.

She gives a slightly fearful expression, “Well...It’s just that I hear while the Rebels are very determined and always hold to their promise, I’ve also heard they’re very…extreme in they’re methods.”

File: Vanilla Clayton08.gif (1.15 MB, 500x281)

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“Extreme? How extreme we talking?”

“Like, suicide bomber and Behead anyone they deem to be going against their cause, extreme.”

“Oh, so normal levels of extreme then, nothing new.” You comment.

“Still, I don’t want to cut any deals with them if we can…”

“Since when have you feared being beheaded? I thought you had bigger balls then that.”

“First off, I don’t have any balls thank you very much. Secondly, Unlike you, I very much value my life.”

“In that case I have to ask, which one of them is more likely to stab us in the back when things start going south?” you ask.

“Now that I can’t answer…”

“So both of them are roughly on par then? Give me a break…” You lean back in your chair.

“Look, it’s best we just do what we have to do and just get out of the country, alive and well.”

“Whoa, whoa! Getting out alive is one, but well? Now you’re really getting greedy.” you joke.

“A little less snark please and a little more decisiveness.” She says as she brandishes a pen and prepares to write.

“Now, which of the two will we be siding with?” She asks.

When presented the choice between the Rebels and the Government, you choose...

>The PMC

>The seperationist rebels

>Play both sides of the team

>>3972534
>>Play both sides of the team

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>>3972618

This is a rather massive choice to be made by one anon, I would like to wait for two more voters to appear, but at the same time, holding up the thread will only slowly kill it.

So for that reason, I'm going to take this vote and hope that not too much salt flows later.

For the choice has been made.

>Play both sides of the team.

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You shoot a glance over at Linda, "Those two are our only buyers right?"

She gives you a confused look, "Even I'm not so terrible to set up more buyers then not tell you about them. Why do you ask?"

You lean back in your seat, puffing out a cloud of smoke as you grin, "Welllll...I was just thinking that picking one way or the other, that's a little too...boring isn't it?"

"Vanny..." Her look of confusion turns to one of worry.

"Linda, How many years have you known me?" you ask as you pull out your phone.

"Enough to know you aren't one to make stupid choices, I hope it's the same this time." she answers.

"Exactly, so you know what I'm about to do is actually smart and will help us in the long run right?" You state as you call the most recent entry in your contact list.

"Vannyyyyy....Vanny no. No. Please no. Please don't tell me you're about to-"

"Oh but I am Linda. It's already decided." you say as you press the phone against your ear.

"-Well hello. I never expected you to call me first. Did you suddenly get the urge to have a nice chat?" Karver asks in his smug voice.

"Of fucking course not you jerk-off. I said I'd only ever call for business and I'm doing just that." you answer.

"Oh? You need my assistance already? Whatever for?" He asks.

"I want to add an additional term to our contract. What do you say we divvy up some cash?" you ask.

"I hate sharing, but I do love money, so let's hear it, what do you want me to do?" he asks.

"Simple, you're here to sell weapons to right? Why don't you sell them to the rebels while I sell them to the government and split the money we make?" you ask.

"Ohhhh? Well isn't that perfect deal, It just so happens to be my contract was always with the rebels, so that actually works great." He answers.

"Oh is that so? That quickens things then, I'm going to deal with government and once I collect the cash from them, you settle business with the rebels and we maximize our profits?" You ask.

He laughs, "You want to pull a fast one on the Kakin government? You see, shit like that is precisely why I wanted to work with you Vanny This feels like old times!"

You clench your teeth in rage, "How many times do I have to tell you, don't fucking call me that. Don't get it wrong prick, I'm asking you for help because I have no other real choice. Under any other circumstances, this would never happen."

"Right, right. I haven't forgotten, well whether you're my good friend or not, you're certainly my great business partner! You've got a deal, I'll call you after I'm done dealing with them." He says as he hangs up.

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Linda looks at you with fear and a bit anger, "Vanny, you want to play both sides? You can't be serious..."

"I am always serious Linda." You state.

She sighs, "There is nothing the Kakinese hate more than a traitor and a two-timer. Don't expect me to come crying to your funeral if this backfires..."

You wave her off, "Don't worry about that, cause I mean, if this does backfire..." you look to the others following you, Etheline, Derrick and Zheng.

They have smiles on their faces, even stuck in the middle of traffic, while they chat and grow closer with each passing moment.

You smile as you watch them, "Then none of us will be going to my funeral, cause all of us will be too busy attending our own funerals." you say as you hash out a cloud of smoke.

"Oh god have mercy on us, I hope that's not true..." Linda groans.

>an hour later.

Time: 2:32 PM, Afternoon

Loaction: Kakin, Danghai City, greater Rybowl area, PMC headquaters.

It takes you a hot minute, but eventually you arrive.

Before you stands a grand pagoda, one stacking several layers, almost reaching high enough heights to be called a castle.

The grounds are wide and covered with armed, well-trained guards, who screen and glare at you as you pass by and head into the building itself.

As you ascend the floors of the building and walk the long hallways with just as long windows viewing the grounds below, the guards demand you leave the rest of your men on the ground floor for safety reasons.

They only allowed you, Linda as aid, Zheng as a translator and your two bodyguards Derrick and Etheline to accompany you, unarmed of course.

(Which in reality is just a ploy to separate us and keep us from fighting in case shit goes down? Well this is to be expected.) you think as you walk.

"Is it just me, or are we kinda unwelcome here? Weren't we invited to this place?" Etheline notices.

Zheng just smiles, "That just how it is in Kakin. No one is really welcome anywhere. No matter where you go, you'll find several people that have a problem with you, especially when you're a foreigner."

"Still, do have to give us all these dirty looks? While we may not be the most upstanding guys here, we're still here to help them aren't we?" Derrick questions.

"Ignore them, They're just acting tough. Guys like these always try and intimidate people they cut deals with so they can exploit them, if you give them too much attention, they let it get to their heads." You state.

"More importantly, we almost arrived at the negotiation room, so everyone sack up! This is the moment of truth!" Linda cheers as you reach a large pair of gate-like doors, leading into the large room on the top floor.

"Is it just me, or are these guys extra-rich for a PMC? This base feels like a royal palace." Derrick points out.

"That's because it is. The Kakinese government has to keep up appearances, these guys are technically part of the Kakin Royal Guard, so they get nice house to play the part." Linda explains.

"More like a nice paint job to hide the dirty marks. So like Kakin to hide their crimes in plain sight, this place hasn't changed a bit..." Zheng sighs.

"You can feel homesick later Yellow, for now-" You step forward and ring a nearby bell signalling for the massive doors to crack open.

"-We have business to do." you say as you enter the room.

The main negotiation looks more like a royal court than a dealing table. The most heavily armed and best trained guards line the walls, standing vigilant like statues, yet they lock their eyes on you and follow you with them like hawks.

At the center of this line of men, sits one man, adorned in a royal attire, fanciful, silk garment that shows he is clearly the ruling class of this land.

He sits on his knees and observes you calmly as you enter and when you get close enough, he speaks,

"You have finally arrived, you are 30 minutes late." he complains.

You're taken aback, (He speaks great English, I can barely hear the accent...Also, we just meet and the first thing he has for me is a compliant? I can tell this is going to go great...)

He brandishes a fan and covers his mouth with it as he speaks, "Well it matters not, sit. let us discuss the terms of our agreement."

What will you do?

>Sit as ordered

>Remain standing

>>3972857
>>Remain standing
I think everyone's asleep at this point

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>>3972896

Right you are anon, this is the beginning of the more exciting part of the episode, so it's best if I leave this vote open for the rest of the night.

We resume the same time tomorrow (Assuming nothing happens) We've had a very slow start, but I'm quite sure that's going to change soon.

For now though, goodnight all.

The sun rises and with it, my desire to write rises with it!

>Stay on your feet.

>Writing...

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Everyone around starts to lower themselves to take a seat, but then you quickly put up a hand to stop them.

"Hey, on your feet guys, you don't need to sit." You state.

the nobleman perks an eyebrow, "Oh? We see you choose to stand, are our accommodations not to your liking?"

"It's not that Sir, this is an excellent room, it is just that we hope for this to be a quick arrangement, so we'd prefer to stay on our feet." You give him a kind smile as you answer.

He relaxes his eyes, "We see, true, we would also like this deal to go by with the swiftness, so we shall allow it."

You bow with grace, "I thank you for your consideration."

[Whoza, is it me, or is Vanny talking funny?] Etheline whispers to Derrick.

[Yep, seems like she's the kind of girl to show a whole new face to her business partners. Probably because her regular personality isn't too friendly.] he responds.

[I see...Still, is it weird that I actually prefer her rude side? This act she's putting on feels...really fake.] Etheline states.

[You can just ask her to spout a slur or two for you after this is over, for now, put up with it.] Derrick explains.

“I see...So you are the infamous Arms dealer of the Eastern Seas, I’ve heard much of you and your exploits.” He states.

“I am happy to know I have become famous enough for my name to reach the ears of even the noble classes of the far east." You state.

"If I may have the pleasure, could you let me learn your name?” you ask.

“Our name is Ling Shao, first son of the Shao Clan and you shan't soon forget it." he introduces.

(Shao Clan...I believe that's one Kakin's ruling noble families, Damn, Quite the big-shot I'm talking to, I wonder what he's doing at a place like this...) you think.

He continues, "When our ears catch wind of your name, it is usually told spoken of in awe and terror. In admiration and disgust, with great respect, but also with great apprehension.” He explains.

“Sounds as if the rumors around my name have been mixed in with a little fearmongering. But worry not, I assure you I am no one to be feared.” You smile,

He laughs, “We would hope so, though whether you were to be feared or not is not what matters."

"We have been informed by many, including your assistant there that when it came to matters of warfare, there was no better person to call upon but you.”

Linda bows, “Yes, please know that we very much value our reputation, so of course we will prove ourselves again in this matter.”

“Hmmm...yes.” He closes his fan, revealing a smile veiled therein.

“We see this is not your first time at the negotiation table. You handle yourselves with grace, speak clearly and know how to show confidence without appearing arrogant.” He compliments.

You both bow your heads, “We thank you very much.”

Shit, sorry for being late but I would've voted for standing anyway

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He then looks over and stares at Zheng, “We also see that you are quite considerate, you brought with you a translator.”

“Ah…” Zheng tenses up a little as he’s pointed out, but otherwise stays quiet.

Ling waves his fan at him, “Now then young man, you shan’t stand so tensely in our presence. We are not accusing or criticizing you.”

“I humbly apologize, thank you for your consideration.” He bows with a practiced grace you never expected of him.

He laughs, “Think nothing of it. By the way, may we have your name?”

His eyes open a little as he answers, “...Watts. Watts Urnameagaini.”

“...Ah...We understand.” His smile widens.

“Thank you Watts. You may relax.” he comforts.

“...” But Zheng doesn’t relax in the slightest, if anything he’s even tenser than before.

“Apologies if this comes off as rude Sir. But going back to our talks…” Linda interrupts.

“Yes, of course. We apologize for that tangent.” He bows.

“Yes, back to the topic at hand. We have already agreed to a deal regarding payment so the matter at hand is exactly what is the nature of the weapons you deign as worthy for this army.” he states.

“Yes, regarding that, we have brought-”

Ling puts his hand up, “But before that, We wish to discuss something else.” He states.

“Something else?” You question.

“Nay, rather, We wish to ask of you a few questions. It is not often that a legend such as yourself appears, so We wish to sate our curiosity.” he asks.

(So what, we were called here to relieve your boredom? Give me a fucking break...Well, whatever gets me paid.)

“What do you wish to know?” you ask.

“We have for you 3 inquires. Firstly-” He points a fan at one of his guards and they bring something forward.

It’s a collection gun pieces that on closer inspection you realize to be your special weapon Lir.

“-When we had stripped you of weapons, we found this one to be most peculiar. It appears to be a jigsaw puzzle in the form a firearm, each little piece fits perfectly, yet we cannot discern precisely what gun it is.” he explains.

(That’s because you’re not supposed to be able to tell you retard. I designed Lir to be a gun that can switch between being pistols, an assault rifle, a shotgun and a sniper rifle. Being unpredictable is exactly what makes it great.) you think.

“We ask you, what is this weapon? Who made it?” he questions.

You tense up a little, “Not to be rude Sir. But do you really need this information?”

“Perhaps we wish to purchase these strange firearms. In which case, knowing our arms dealer has them on hand would give us further reason to give unto you our coffers, is that not what you wish?” he asks.

You bite down on your lip a little, (Our Arms dealer he says, Ah, this is why I hate dealing with the Kakinese, they always want more, more, more. There’s never an end to it, they’ll bleed me dry and throw me away like a used rag, I just know it.)

(Answering him honestly would be wise, I don’t want him getting a reason to mistrust me, but at the same time, if I reveal a weapon as complex and strong as Lir to them and that I made it, they’re going to ask for more and when I say I can’t make for them…) you think.

(What should I do? Should I just be honest?) you wonder.

What do you say?

>It’s just a collection of weapons parts, nothing special (Lie)

>It’s a special weapon called Lir, I’m not sure who made it… (Half-truth)

>It’s a weapon called Lir and I made it (Full truth)

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>>3973726
You are forgiven, late as you may be, you can make up for your tardiness by voting wisely for this next choice.

>>3973732
>It’s a special weapon called Lir, I’m not sure who made it… (Half-truth)

>>3973732
>>It’s a special weapon called Lir, I’m not sure who made it… (Half-truth)

>>3973750
>>3973759

>A glass half full, a truth half empty.

>Writing...

"It's just a collection of weapons parts, nothing else...Would sound blatantly false now wouldn't it?" you ask.

He laughs a little, "Oh yes it would. So much so that we were afraid that you might think us fool enough to fall for it."

"We are not well versed in the ways of such barbaric things as firearms, but we are knowledgeable enough to know one such as yourself wouldn't be carrying weapon parts on her person for no reason." He explains.

"Yes I thought as, so in truth, yes, that weapon is more than meets the eye. It's a weapon by the name of Lir." You explain.

"Ah, We believe you are referencing Chloinne Lir, after the God of the Sea yes? Interesting naming sense I must say..." He giggles.

(Shit! I made that gun and came up with that name while I was still in that cringey teenage phase where you think everything is cooler if you name it in Latin or after some God! Having to talk about makes me wanna die, fuck...) You hold back the urge to blush in embarrassment.

"Now what sort of gun is it and who made it?" he asks.

"Well, it's less of a gun and more of a weapon's platform..." You spend a few minutes explaining the gun's basic functions to him.

"We see, so it is in essence a collection of guns in the form of a single weapon, changing to suit the situation. We must say, that is a very interesting weapon indeed..." he compliments.

"Yes, it has proved very useful to me over the year." you bow.

"Now, say we wanted to procure a few of these Lirs ourselves..." He asks.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't help you on that front. This weapon is one of a kind. I got as a gift during one of my business trips and the person who gave it to me said it was the only one in existence." You make up.

"Truly? You know not the gunsmith? Not even a name?" He asks.

"Unfortunately not, I am not the type to look a gift horse in the mouth after-all." you state.

"We see..." He narrows his eyes.

(Hm? Was the gift story pushing it? He's looking at me as if I'm spouting a load of bull, which I am, so I can't blame him, but still...) You think.

"Well it matters not, we thank you for your honesty." He states.

(Well convinced or not, seems like he's satisfied with that answer.) you resist the urge to sigh in relief.

"Now our next question." He points his fan at Derrick and Etheline.

The two stand at attention, a little worried, "Who might those two be?" He asks.

"Excuse me? They're my bodyguards." you answer.

"We know that, but you have plenty of armed men downstairs do you not? Yet you choose these two in particular to stay at your side, there must be a reason, yes?" He asks.

"...."

What will you say?

>They're just my bodyguards, nobody special.

>They're my friends.

>>3973797
>>They're my friends.

>>3973797
>They're my friends.
Damn right

>>3973808
>>3973824

>They're people special to me...

>Writing...

You look back at them, they've tensed up, not quite sure what to do, however the looks in their eyes tell you they fully trust that whatever you say will be in their best interests.

The sight of that trust in their eyes, you can't help but smile as you answer, "They are...My friends. I trust them greatly, so I thought I would be safest with them at my side."

They're a little surprised, but you also see the tenseness leave their shoulders and you see a thank you forming in their eyes.

>it's becoming harder and harder to deny the distance between you all is closing...

>150 Bond points (250 to go!)

"We see...your friends is it?" Ling gives you a hard to read smile before covering his mouth with the fan again.

"Okay, our final question then." he then points his finger at you, or specifically, at your eye-patch.

"What is the story behind your eye?" He asks.

Your eye twitches a little at the question, Linda doesn't miss that, "Uh, Sir Ling, if you would allow me to interrupt, but must you ask such a question?"

He thinks for a moment, "No, we needn't ask. But as we said previously, it is not everyday one gets to meet a living legend."

"you can say this question is nothing more than us wanting to sate our curiosity, you are free not to answer." He explains.

"But since we'd very much like you to tell us. We offer you this, answer us this question honestly and we shall answer of you one question. A fair deal correct?" he asks.

(1 question after I've had to answer 3 of yours? That's anything but fucking fair. but then I could just tell him no and move on.) you think.

(But at the same time, I do want to ask him why someone as important as himself is out here, working with a PMC, I doubt it's anything too major, but at the same time...)

When asked for the truth of your past, you...

>Told him the story.

>Refused and moved on.

>>3973861
>Told him the story.

>>3973871

>One truth for another.

>Writing...

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You empty your lungs with a sigh, "...Alright, I'll tell you, I warn you though, it's far from a pleasant story and I'm going to omit a few details for personal reasons."

Ling nods, "That is more than fine, you are basically doing us a favor by telling us anything at all, we are grateful to hear."

"Okay, well then..." You grab at your eyepatch, the memories come rushing back at you, clear as day, dark as they may be.

Location: Bergerosse, a few miles away from the detention site.

Time: Feburary 12th, mere moments from the explosion

https://youtu.be/YFD2PPAqNbw

"Damn...Can shit get any worse...?" Was the dumbass question I asked as I groaned in pain, one of my eyes blackened from some attack or another.

I had just been caught in an ambush while walking through a forest, this whole thing happened a little after I switched sides, but that whole affair is too long and boring for me to talk about so don't think about it.

What is important though, is that I had already gotten my shit rocked once that god-awful day. I came in with a team of 10 guards on me and by the end of the fight, I was the only left.

"Fuck...how much longer before the next FOB..." I was dragging myself, a limp in my right foot, looking for even the first sign of safety.

PHEWWWWWWWWWWW- But then suddenly, oh so suddenly, it happened, all in the span of a single breath.

"Huh...?" A bright light had flashed in the corner of my open eye and couldn't help but look at it and so for a moment, I had seen it.

For one second, you see a light so bright you think you were being whisked away to heaven.

but the next, I learned it was really the first sign of the real hell I was about to go through.

I had looked for literally just a second and when I blinked my eye, I realized I couldn't see out of it anymore it was that bright of light, that powerful of a blast.

ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

When I realized I had lost sight, I didn't even have the time or leisure to scream about it, as the ground had begun to rumble, a sound so loud it deafened me reached my ears and just as quickly, my mind had crumbled from the pressure and shock and I passed out.

>A few minutes later..

"Ah...Ah..." It didn't take long for me to awaken again, but goddamn did I wish I stayed knocked out.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was that only one of them was working, my blackened eye could see, if only barely when opened but my other only saw darkness.

"Ahhhhh...Ahhhhhh-!" I tried to scream in agony, but then I realized I couldn't hear myself, all I heard was a ringing in my ears that consumed everything.

Not that hearing would have made my situation much better, in the time I was asleep, the fires from the blast had spread, consuming the forest in an unstoppable blaze.

"Cough! Cough! COUGH" The air was thick with smoke and soot, making breathing a challenge.

File: Bergerosse in flames.jpg (237 KB, 1920x1018)

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Even in my dazed state I could tell lying there would result in my death, so weak as I was, I got up to my legs and I walked.

Where was I walking? No goddamn clue. Thinking about, if a nuke went off, any FOBs or operation centers I could've reached were all turned to piles of ash.

But of course, thinking straight would be asking a little much of a woman who just crawled away from a nuclear blast.

"Hah...Hah..." So all I did was wander, hoping at some point I'd catch wind of something that wasn't on fire or blown away, which means I was walking for a long damn time.

"Fuck, fuckkkkk! Anybody! Anybody out there!?" I shouted for any living soul to hear.

"...." The deafening silence was my answer.

"Goddamn it...GODDAMN IT!" My lungs were hoarse, but I still managed to shout in rage, cursing every god that would that thought such a fate was what I deserved.

And as if answering my curses, the Gods let loose a rain. One black and dark that smelled of tar, it was easy to tell it was some kind of acid rain and it was pelting against my skin.

"Anyone...Anyone...?" By that point though, my body was numb, I couldn't even feel then pain as my skin was being slowly melted, I did scratch at the growing rashes which peeled off quite a bit of skin.

"Oh..." Sooner or later, couldn't tell you when, I found myself a rural village, that was only half as on fire as everything else, this to me told me that maybe there was some kind of life inside.

So I then wandered in and found...Oh god...

Sorry, i had found bodies, many, many bodies. The bodies of the elderly, the bodies of women, the bodies of...children.

Some of them burnt from getting caught in the fire others looked as if they died from radiation poisoning, their skin a disgusting shade of meaty pink.

"...." It was a sight straight from hell, even with all the horrible things I've witnessed, nothing could compare to what I had seen then.

The true casualties of war, what it looked like when countries decided civilians getting caught in the cross-fire was a Necessary Sacrifice.

"Ah...." The day I saw that, it was burned into my one working retina, the looks on the faces of each dead body, I wandered the lifeless village for a bit, hoping for even one person to have lived.

But no, not even one person remained.

It was then I realized I was truly alone, my only friend was the silence that followed destruction, I embraced that silence, desperate for anything to latch unto...

And then, I collapsed to the ground. And joined that pile of bodies.

File: Vanilla's other eye.png (272 KB, 600x342)

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Ling nods along with the story, "We see...We were informed you are no stranger to war. But we know see that you have seen far too much of it in-fact."

You let go of your eye-patch and sigh, "You might be right. It wasn't long after that a recuse squad of Union soldiers came to the village to search for survivors and found me and carried me to safety."

You look up with solemn eyes, "But even so, I can't help but feel...That day, I really did die. I died and joined that pile of bodies."

You feel at your chest, "at least, some part of me not physical, died."

"My body moves, my head thinks, but my heart...I feel it doesn't beat the same way anymore." you declare.

Ling closes his eyes in thought, "We see...Sorry to make you recall such painful memories."

"Think nothing of it...However, I am permitted to ask a question back now, right?" you ask.

"Go ahead, a simple question in exchange for a tale such as that, you ask of us too little." He states.

"Could you please tell me why it is someone as great as yourself is here? Commanding a PMC?" you ask.

His eyebrows perk, "...We had expected such a question, but still we are surprised you are bold enough to ask."

You smile, "Some say my boldness is one of my redeeming traits!", (If I have any of those anyway...) you think.

He covers his mouth with his fan, "Well a promise is a promise. The reason is simple, the government does not trust the our kind friends here to operate in good faith alone."

"Oh? Is that all?" you ask, scrutinizing him with your eyes.

"Well yes, that and I may have been tasked in tracking down certain individuals who we obtained info would be entering the country soon." He adds.

"Oh? Who would that be? Can I help in anyway?" You ask.

He shakes his fan at you, "Now, now. We told of you that you would get one question. We are not obligated to answer that."

"I see...alright." You back off.

He then smiles, "Though, in regards to your offer to help, you needn't worry. You have already helped us in that endeavor."

"Hm?" You don't quite get what he means.

"Now then, let's get to the business at hand shall we?" he moves on.

"Oh course." You move on as well.

"Now we have already agreed to payment, but now can you tell us precisely what resides in all those boxes downstairs?" he asks.

"Well that would be..."

What kind of weapons are you giving them?

>Crates filled with small arms (Like rifles and shotguns)

>Crates filled with heavy arms (Like LMG's and sniper rifles)

>Crates filled with explosives (Like Grenade launchers and RPGs)

>>3974014
>Crates filled with explosives (Like Grenade launchers and RPGs)
Gotta love explosives

>>3974014
>>Crates filled with explosives (Like Grenade launchers and RPGs)

>>3974053
>>3974054

>Got really put some BOOM in to make it a BANG with the customer.

>Writing...

"My personal specialty. Explosives." you answer.

"Oh? Do go on." Ling gives you an intrigued look.

"If there is anything we're famous for Sir. it's how much power of our bombs pack, you see, we happen to have something of a secret recipe when it comes to pyrotechnical work..." Linda takes the reins from here.

He laughs, "You make it sound as if we will be cooking our enemies a fine meal when all we shall give them is death! Though We are happy to hear you're giving us your best work,"

"Of course, we of East Armaments take pride in 100% customer satisfaction. Now getting precise, the type and number of weapons are..." Linda then gets into the technicalities of the deal.

(This right here is Linda's real talent. She may be a flaky bitch on the surface, but she when it comes to talking people up and crunching numbers, it's mind-blowing how good she is...) you admire.

"...And that sums up the contents of this shipment!" She finishes with a touch of fanfare.

"We are usually not one to employ such brutal means combat. We are not a fan of blowing our enemies apart into gorey pieces, but if one must destroy, then it should be absolute, yes?" He reasons.

"Wise words Sir Ling. Of course, we have more on the way to be delivered over the course of the next few days, is that agreeable to you?" She asks.

"Of course, We find no fault with this dealing." he agrees.

Linda then steps closer to him, "Perfect, then if you would be so kind as to sign here and here-"

"Yes, yes, we know of the process." he grabs the clipboard and signs the contract, sealing the deal.

"Thank you very much! We look forward to dealing with you again!" Linda shows him a beaming smile.

You hide the wry grin on your face (Yeah right you fucking fancy pants, If I ever see this place again it would be too damn soon, after I sell these guns we're getting right the fuck outta here.) you think.

"We are happy to do business with professionals such as you, you may depart." he allows.

"Same to you Sir Ling." You say as you give one last bow and everyone prepares to leave the room.

Ringgggg! Ringggg! But just before you leave, your phone which was set to vibrate before entering goes off.

"Huh?" You're caught off-guard since you weren't expecting any calls anytime soon.

"...." Everyone else in the group stops as well, seeing you stunted.

"Oh? A call? it seems Fortune shines on you that it didn't ring during the meeting yes?" Ling states.

"Yes..." You agree as you pull out the phone and panic a little when you read the caller ID.

Karver Crimson

"Well? Are you not going to answer? Surely it is an important call yes?" Ling asks.

"Oh! Yes, of course, just a moment..." You answer and turn away as you speak in a whisper.

File: Karver Crimson11.jpg (543 KB, 1920x1080)

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You fucking idiot! Why are you calling me now? I'm still in the meeting room with the other client! You state.

Oh is that right? Sorry about. I've just finished up on my end and I'm currently heading to my hotel to sleep. He explains.

Yeah, I was hoping to do the same, so could you please wait till i call you back? you ask.

Yeah sure...Is what I'd say if this was a normal call he counters.

Excuse me?

Well my precious Vanny, being honest, you are in some deep shit right about now.

Will you stop being vague then and state what the fuck is happening?

What's happening is that, right after I sold off all my guns to the Rebels, their leader got up in arms about how this was the perfect time to strike at the government show them their strength

Wait...you don't mean... you then realize.

Oh but I do Vanny.

BOOOOOOOOOOOM! With those words you hear the roar of an explosion, the building shakes and so does everyone in the room.

Seems they've already arrived. Karver notes.

发生了什么!? 这是地震Is!one guard shouts.

不! 那声音是一个火箭弹爆炸! 我们受到攻击!Another guard clarifies.

我们该怎么办!? 我们从哪里被攻击!? One guard questions.

闭上你们的嘴你们这些杂种 你忘了你的刺在哪里!? 如果是这样,我应该从你的背上rip裂它们来提醒你!? Ling shouts furiously.

"..." Whatever he shouted, it quickly brings all the panicking men back into line.

He then gets up from his seat and walks his way over to the windows.

Peering down, he sees a small army of men, numbering well into the 100s charging the castle, busting their way in through the gates and skirmishing with guards on the ground.

One look at the battlefield however tells you the fight is clearly in favor of the invaders, though many are dying in the charge, the men that follow them in do not waver or route.

They pour inside like a wave, killing the men and quickly making their way towards the castle where you reside.

"What's happening out there!? Are we being attacked!?" Derrick questions.

"It would seem so. The filthy rebel mongrels have invaded our compound." Ling looks frustrated, but otherwise remains calm.

"We're being attacked!? Oh no, no, no! I don't have any of my equipment on me!" Etheline starts to panic.

"Fret not! If it is your weapons, We have them close on hand, as well as droves armed men to assist you!" Ling assures.

Zheng walks up to the window next to Ling, "Yes, but will all of us in here be enough?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Ling asks.

Zheng then points to a small squad of rebels diverting from the rest of the group, "See those men? They aren't attacking the main compound, they're planning something. Where does that route lead?"

"To our underground arsenal...愿狗有他们腐烂的身体!, I see now!" He curses.

"They aren't just attacking us, they plan to destroy our weapons and rob us any ability to counter-attack. This is no simple raid, this is a seek and destroy operation." Zheng realizes.

"We see...We praise your keen insight. So it seems our defense is stacked two-fold is it?" Ling understands.

"And given the size of their forces, most of our defenders will have to be devoted to dealing with the attackers at our front. Meaning only a small squad of men can be sent to deal with the other one." Zheng explains.

"I can give you any number of men needed to defend this place, the problem comes to who will lead which squad..." They begin to mull and think.

Meanwhile, your call is still ongoing, This is me holding up my end of the deal and informing you vital info. Aren't I nice? I expect repayment later.

Like hell! This info is coming way too goddamn late! You'll be lucky if I don't repay you with my foot up your ass!

He laughs, I guess you got me there! Fine, this one is on the house then. Their forces are armed mainly with smalls arms, but there a few explosives like RPGs mixed in, careful of that. He explains.

Their main strategy is to overwhelm the place with numbers, so dwindle them down enough and they should retreat...probably. he informs.

Well at least that's slightly useful.. You agree.

Hey, better that completely useless right? If you survive the encounter, be sure to call me back and feed me some info too. He asks.

Wasn't this on the house?

It's on the house, but someone's gotta pay for the mortgage. He says as he hangs up.

"Fucking prick..." You groan as you pick up the pieces of Lir laid out on the floor.

"Vanny! done with your call?" Linda notices.

"Thankful yes." you nod.

"About time! Ling is asking us to aid in defending this place. He wants us to pick a couple people to defend the front and help stop a few extra guys breaking in through the back." She explains.

"Oh really? He better be prepared to pony up extra-pay for that shit." you complain.

"Of course I already asked and got him to pay 20% extra!" She states.

"Just 20%? should've made him pay 30% for something like this!" You counter.

File: Derrick Holums27.jpg (1.02 MB, 1500x1676)

1.02 MB JPG

"Whatever! He's already asked Etheline and Watts to help deal with the guys at the front along with his own men, so he's asking you to gather up your men and circle them around to deal with the ones sneaking into the arsenal." She explains.

"And what is Derrick doing?" You ask.

"Also defending the front." The man himself answer as he walks up to you, his bow brandished and his combat gloves equipped.

"Though I think we might be front-loading too many people for the defending force, so I'm willing to join you in dealing with those sneaky bastards if you want. What do you say?" He asks.

What will you do?

>Take your squad and Go with Derrick to deal with the other forces.

>Take your squad but leave Derrick behind to deal with the main army.

>Switch roles, have Derrick lead your squad while you defend from the main army.

File: [Hopeful].png (188 KB, 430x484)

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And while this is being decided, I am going to take a moment to eat, I shall return in 30 minutes, good luck friends!

>Eating

>>3974183
>Take your squad and Go with Derrick to deal with the other forces.

>>3974183
>>Take your squad and Go with Derrick to deal with the other forces.

>>3974200
>>3974237

And so it is that I return! Rejoice!

>Going with Derrick to take out some sneaky scum!

>Writing...

You nod, "Sure, I could use an extra help-hand! You better not slow me down Sunny!" as you rush off to gather your men.

He smiles, "I'm just doing my job as your bodyguard, right? Cyclops?" He says as he chases after you.

"Be careful you don't end up a Cyclops yourself buddy!" You threaten as you exit the room.

"Well now, when you guys act so eager, you ignite my challenger's spirit! I'm not losing! Not this time!" Zheng pulls out his long blade and hangs it from his shoulder as he rushes off into the battle.

Ling laughs, "We see also that you all are quite used to combat situations! We truly couldn't have chosen better business partners this day."

"He says that, but I don't have M.U.M.A, so I'm totally useless aren't I..." Etheline feels a crushing loneliness as she's left behind.

"Don't you say that. Pick yourself up girl! Hold that head high!" Linda comes pat her on the back.

"Linda..." Etheline looks up to her.

"There are things only we support-type girls can pull off! You know your way around a gun right?" She asks.

"Only how to put them together and pull them apart, violence isn't my strong suit..." She answers.

"That's all you really need! Don't worry, just follow me. I've got the perfect job for you." She hauls her up to her feet and guides her outside the room.

嘿,伙计,看,粉红色头发的牛已经去战斗了。said one of the guards.

你肯定吗? 多么勇敢的女人为了战斗与所有这胖真令人钦佩 The other guard compliments.

你们这些该死的小丑! 你也必须战斗!Ling shouts angrily.

是,长官! 对不起!They shout as they run off.

我的上帝,当他改变他的舌头时,他没有表现出怜悯。.. one of them whispers.

Which battle will you see first?

>Zheng, Etheline and Linda

>Derrick and Vanilla

>>3974261
>>Zheng, Etheline and Linda

>>3974261
>Zheng, Etheline and Linda

>>3974290
>>3974301

Just a warning before we really get into the battle, I'm going to to have to sign off in an hour due to business reasons, so this likely the last posts for tonight.

Well let's see how far we get in that time.

>Writing...

>A few minutes later...

You along with the two fine ladies of the group, Etheline and Linda, rush down to the 2nd floor of the Pagoda to find the battle already underway.

A line of men are pressed against the cracked open and windows of the hallway and firing down at the men below in the courtyard.

The ringing of gunfire is constant, as is the sound of bodies hitting the floor, "Hot damn! Didn't even take 5 minutes for this place to become a warzone!"

"I could've sworn we were walking these halls, taking in the peace and admiring the sights a few minutes ago, how did it come to this?" Etheline says with sadness grabbing her heart.

Linda pats her on the back, "We call this Occupational hazards in our line of work! Never get too attached to one place cause you can never tell when it will get filled with holes!"

As you're examining the situation one of the men fighting approaches you, 嘿,你们是增援的权利!? 我们需要帮助![Hey, you guys are our reinforcements right!?] he asks.

你打赌我们是! 骑兵已经到了![You bet we are! No need to fear, the cavalry has arrived!]

The other guards then look over at you and hope leaves their eyes, 我们的帮助是一头牛,一个荡妇和一只黄色的猴子? 我们完蛋了 [Our help is a cow, a slut and a yellow monkey? We're screwed!] One of them shouts.

谁他妈的你叫黄色!? 这是你如何对待你的帮助!? [Who the fuck called You yellow!? This is how you treat your help!?]

"What are you guys talking about? You seem you're getting a little angry, what did they say?" Etheline asks.

"Oh nothing major, they just thanked us for coming and said you two look like great help." You lie.

"Really? I don't know much Kakinese, but I could've sworn one of them called me a slut-"

"You're hearing things! This is just how friendly discussion sound in this country! Trust me, have I ever lied to you?" You ask.

"Well you lying about your name up until now." Etheline counters.

"Okay, you got me there, but anything else?" You ask.

"Welllll..." Etheline readies herself to list.

"Oh nevermind! Just know we have to help! You two, what are you going to do!?" you ask.

"We have an ample supply of good weapons to break down this crowd downstairs, they're disassembled at the moment, but me and her are going to fix that!" Linda explains.

"But to do that, we'll need time to reach the bottom floor and gather the weapons." Etheline explains.

"So need a diversion right? Got it." You point to one of the soldiers.

嘿,你! 裂开眼睛! 打开窗户![Hey you! Slit-eyes! Open the window!]

你在给谁打电话 你的脸基本上是一个外阴! [Who the fuck are you calling slit-eyes!? Your face is 30% Vulva you fucker!] He shouts, yet still opens the windows for you.

如果你继续说话,你的脸会看起来像一个二手的外阴! [If you keep talking, your face will look like a used vulva!]With that you rush at the open window and prepare for combat.

>Roll1d100+30 (+5 from Martial Artist, +5 from Guerrilla Fighter, +5 Battle tactician and +15 from support from squad)

>DC: 75

Rolled 91 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3974401

Rolled 4 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3974404
Sweet

File: [Excessive force doesn't (...).jpg (115 KB, 683x768)

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>>3974404
>>3974414

The duality of the dice gods, they lust for victory and failure.

I must be off for the rest of the night since it looks like the 3rd roll isn't coming for now, we shall pick back up on a very exciting note tomorrow!

For now, goodnight!

Rolled 25 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3974401
Sorry i can't participate more

>>3975215

>Sorry i can't participate more

It's perfectly alright, my posts are long and I get it's hard to interject or shitpost in-between adsorbing it and having to read them, as long as people are reading and enjoying, I am happy.

>>3974404
>>3974414

>Rolled 121

>From the skies, the dragon descends.

>Writing...

File: Zheng Nanwang03.jpg (409 KB, 1440x900)

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Feeling the wind at your feet and a storm of violence in your finger-tips, you leap from the open 2nd-floor window and soar above the battlefield.

嘿! 那是什么!? 一只鸟? 飞机?[Hey! What is that!? A bird? A plane?] One of the rebels asks as he sees you above

不! 是只猴子谁认为自己是一只鸟! 把他射下来[No! It's a dumbass Monkey who thinks he's a bird! Shoot him down!] Another shouts as the change targets and open at you.

为什么大家都叫我猴子?[Why does everyone keep calling me a monkey...?] You wonder as you pirouette and spin the air, weave your way through the hail of bullets.

我们的机会就在这里! 打他们![Our chance is here! Strike them!] The men in the pagoda shout as much of the fire that was pinning them down is turned towards you.

They then pop up from behind cover and hail bullets upon the enemies, taking down a good 15 of them while their attention is diverted.

妈的! 那只猴子只是一个分心! 不要失去焦点的人! 还击 [Shit! That monkey is just a distraction! Do not lose focus people! Return fire!] A man who sounds like their leader shouts, redirecting the men to shoot back at the men in the pagoda and ignore you who is dropping from the air.

(Well looks like I found the one leading them. Since our aim is to route these bastards, not beat them-) You reach into your jacket with both hands and pull out the steel Kunai you have hidden within.

(That means I should take his head first!) You think as you flare up with excitement.

SHINNNNNNNGGG! Your Kunai fall from above like rain, dotting the heavens above as a crowd of 8 men around the leader have their throats and heads impaled.

什么![What-!] The leader gasps as his bodyguard drops like flies around him.

嘿,将军,我能接受你的头?[Hey general, mind if I take your head?] You ask as you land like a cat and face the man with your Dadao.

等一下,那张脸! 你就是- [Wait a minute! That face! You are-]

Your eyes open in surprise, 哦? 你知道我是谁?[Oh? Do you know who I am?]

He growls and looks at you with a mix of surprise and rage, 郑南王 你还活着!? 你这个叛徒 你怎么敢-! [Zheng Nanwang!? You're alive!? You traitor! How are dare you-!]

You shoot a glare at him as you rush forward,一个死人不该跑他的嘴 [A dead man shouldn't be running his mouth!]

File: Etheline Brooks31.png (507 KB, 811x964)

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>Meanwhile on the Pagoda, 1st floor...

"Okay boys! We don't have all day hurry up and carry those boxes!" Linda orders.

真不敢相信我们被一个随便的荡妇推来推去...[I can't believe we're being pushed around by some random bimbo...This is hell...] Complains one of the men from a small group of men she brought with her to help carry boxes to the 2nd floor.

别管那个荡妇! 她是他妈的奴隶司机! 我们可以在这里建立一个联盟![Forget being a Bimbo! She's a slave driver! We could start a union over this kind of treatment!] Another man complains as he lifts the nearly 200 KG box while dodging stray bullets.

看来,Kakin需要另一个联盟。.[As if Kakin needs another Union...] One dismisses.

"Hey now! Are you looking to get shot!? If not, run your legs, not your mouths!" Linda demands as they carry the boxes up the stairs.

"You can do this guys! Believe in yourselves! Do this and we'll make out of here alive!" Etheline cheers, jumping up and down to spur the men on.

至少牛是好的,和她的话抚慰我的灵魂...[At least the cow is nice, her kind words really keep me going...] One man states.

对我来说,牛的乳房让我走了![Really? For me, it's the cow's udders that get me going!] Another says, ogling her the other bouncing parts of.

真的是时候了Is? 虽然是的,他们是相当不错的。.. [Is it really the time for that? Although yes, they are quite good...] The other man nods.

Etheline smiles innocently, "Hey Linda, I think my cheering is working, they seem really motivated!"

"Yeah, Maybe a little too motivated." Linda gives a wry grin.

"You can never be too motivated! If excitement will save our lives, then I'm going it 110%! Yeah!!" She shouts as she jumps around even faster.

伙计们,我收回,这不是地狱,这个天堂。[Guys, I take it back, this isn't hell, this heaven.] The man says with a determined look.

兄弟们,我们走! 我们不能停下来! 我们必须保护你的微笑 [Let's go brothers! We can't stop now! We must protect that smile!] Another chants as he re-doubles his efforts.

我想在那笑容下保护一切![I want to protect everything under that smile!] Another man whoops.

"See Linda, it's totally working!" Etheline chants, giddy and bouncy as a school girl.

"Well...Whatever works I guess, just get moving!" Linda takes what she can get.

>Back outside...

在我眼皮底下不行! [Not on my watch!] the leader shouts as he pulls out a machete from behind his back.

CLANG! With deadly swiftness and sharp reflexes, the leader brings down his blade and deflects your own, sparing him a quick death.

该死的! 我看到他们没有推翻领导职位![Damn! I see you're not leader for nothing!] You say as you put a little distance between yourselves and circle each other.

而且我看到岁月流逝,技能变得迟钝了! 叛徒![And I see the years away from the country have dulled your skills! Traitor!] he counters.

你一直在骂我,但是在我眼里,你才是真正的叛徒![You keep calling me that, but in my eyes, you're the real traitors!] You laugh with dry wry as you move in to strike again.

CLANG! DING! SHING! ring the sound of your blade clashing with the general's combat machete.

You each don't let each other have an inch, for every instant you think you worm around his defense and go for his throat, he counters and attempts to disembowel you.

Your agility allows you to keep the initiative, but you simply can't push past that final line of defense between you and his head.

我对你那毫无价值的攻击叛徒感到厌烦! 让我们不再浪费时间![I grow weary of your worthless attacks traitorous dog! Let's not waste anymore time!] Soon though the tide turns as he throws his hand up, signaling to the nearby gunmen to turn their attentions toward you.

(Oh shit-!) You panic as you realize you're about to be filled with holes.

>Roll1d100+10(+5 from Guerilla Fighter, +5 from Warrior's spirit)

>DC: 60

Rolled 52 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>3975598
I know I'm also late but where the fuck is everybody?

Rolled 7 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>3975598

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>>3975706

Wha-Oh! The rolls came in! I didn't fall asleep or anything, no way!

>>3975683

>I know I'm also late but where the fuck is everybody?

A good question, perhaps at work? Perhaps gone to hang with friends and family over the holidays?

No matter the answer, it's clear maybe I'm running too early? maybe it would be best to start at 2:00PM or later?

Well either way, since almost 3 hours have passed and it doesn't look like I'm getting that 3rd roll, best I take what I can get right?

>Rolled 62

>Writing...

>>3975737
Not sure about everyone else but 2:00 would work much better for me

DAKADAKADAKADAKADAKA- rifle fire assaults you from all ends, the ground at your feet is torn from the ground by the hail of bullets, covering the area in dust and sending chips of concrete all over.

"Hmph!" you grunt as you use your practiced acrobatics to dodge and weave away from the bullets, the dust cloud being kicked up actually working to your advantage as their shots get more and more inaccurate.

[Okay! Cease firing! Cease firing!] The leader calls out, bring the gunfire to and end.

As the firing stops, the dust cloud begins to clear, revealing you, crouched with your blades and kunai at the ready as you look over to leader who has gathered a new squad of bodyguards to protect him.

He stands behind the crowd of armed men and smirks as he speaks to you, [Well would you look at this men? Seems we've caught ourselves a rare species of dragon.]

[It is none other than the dancing dragon himself, though we had been sure he had gone extinct, it seems miracles such as men rising from the dead are real.] He laughs.

"...." You say nothing in return and turn your eyes to examine the men in the pagoda above.

You notice they aren't firing anymore, though you're sure that's because Linda and Etheline have carried all their equipment up and are getting ready.

(I guess that means I still need to buy a little more time...) you realize.

[Hey! Eyes forward Zheng! You look away from the enemy at risk of your life!] he catches your attention.

(Though doesn't look like that will be hard, considering my enemy is stupid enough to strike up a conversation with me instead of kill me...)

[Before I turn you into a honeycomb, answer me this Zheng? Why have you returned? We had thought you dead.] The leader asks.

(Might as well play along.) [A good question, I'm wondering myself now why I chose to return to this shithole when I was living a leisurely life in the land of free.] You retort.

He glares at you, [So you had fled to Yourbia did you? First you abandon the cause of the revolution, than you join with the fat cows of the west? How the great have fallen, dancing dragon of Kakin.] He taunts.

You glare back at him, [That name is mine no longer. I've come clean, nowadays people call me Watts Urnameagaini.]

[Now what sort of name is that? That's clearly a bad joke.] He laughs.

[So I told them, but it appears the people of West lack the ability to tell jest from truth, many believed me without a hint of doubt.] you explain.

[Well the people of the West are far too trusting then, a snake like you is never to be trusted, not in name, not in truth. You are a liar, plain and simple.] He counters.

[As I said before, from where I'm standing, the only liars I see stand before. You call yourselves rebels, but all you lust for is power is it not?] You counter.

>>3975739

I started running at 12:00 to ensure I get as much time to run as possible, but if everyone else is like this anon, then i'll try and run from 2:00 or later from now on.

Anyway...

>Still writing

[We need power to win the war, to overthrow the corrupt, oppressive government! We stand in the right! We stand on the side of justice! Unlike you who would work with the same men you used to hate with all your heart!] he counters.

[I'm not working for the government, I'm working for my friends.] You counter.

[What? What nonsense do you speak?] He asks.

[You call it nonsense because you would never understand. I learned a long time ago that conflicts like these are utterly pointless.] You counter.

[To replace one group of power-hungry madmen with another power-hungry madmen with a just cause is like trying to cure viper's poison by overpowering it with a cobra's. In the end, the country will still simply rot and die.] You counter.

[Then you would simply allow the corrupt and evil to fester openly in this country? That is a tenant of nihilism, the poison of the mind.] He counters.

[That is not quite it, I'm not saying nothing should be done, all I'm saying is that...] You look over to the pagoda.

Though barely, through the window you see Etheline and Linda throwing orders and cheers, trying their best to fight, to stack up against the odds and to help you.

[...Just that I've realized that change starts with the hearts of the people, rather than the destruction of those ruling them. Changing a country through radical means and forgetting to care for the people who bring about that change...what else can that be called but the pathway to a dictatorship?] You explain.

He laughs [You fool! The people's hearts cannot be changed without the people controlling them first falling! The monsters at the top must die before this country can be fixed! Death to the oppressors!] he shouts.

[DEATH TO THE OPPRESSORS! DEATH TO THE OPPRESSORS!] The men around him chant as well.

You can't help but laugh, [Ah that fanaticism...There's no reasoning with you people. This is why I prefer the land of the free, at least there when someone tries to speak their minds, their answer won't be a bullet to the mouth...most of the time.]

[If you prefer the land of the free so much, why don't we send your corpse there to rest!] He shouts as the men ready their rifles at you.

[Shit...] you groan as you get ready to dash, (Are they still not ready? Even with my speed I won't be able to dodge that many bullets shot at me...)

The leader holds his hand up, [It was nice talking to a legend like yourself, far as you've fallen. Farewell.]

(Damn, is there nothing I can do...?) You think as you see his hand start to fall, signalling your death.

BOOOOOOM! It's then a blast roars out, a fearsome explosion that takes out several of the men firing on the building and stops the men aiming at you dead in their tracks.

File: Kakinese Tank.jpg (882 KB, 1920x1080)

882 KB JPG

"Huh!?" You then look over to see the source of that saving blast.

It's then you a beast coated in a sheet of metal, it's paws in the form of tracks, it's massive size on paralleled by the length of its massive cannon.

A tank has rolled it's way unto the battlefield, firing a non-stop spray of bullets while shooting HE rounds at the more bunched up groups of enemies, making a glorious entrance to the field.

[What the-!? Who is that!? More Government forces, impossible! Our secondary team should have destroyed the arsenal!] He shouts as his men fire at the tank in a panic.

It's then that the opening hatch of the tank opens up and a person springs out, viewing the battle around them, it's then you come to understand.

Vanilla pops out and surveys the battle, "Well now, things sure went to shit while we were away, huh, Sunny?" she asks of Derrick who's manning the gunner's seat below.

"That's because you spent all that extra-time reading the manual from how to control because you just had to take the Tank. Chirst, you're not Bradford!" He counters.

"Of course I'm not, he wouldn't even spend time reading the manual, he would've just rushed in like a retard." She counters.

"That barely changes anything! Did you have to take the tank!? Couldn't we have just gotten here on foot!?" He asks.

"And miss out a chance to ride around in a Tank? Man you have no sense of adventure Sunny. A beauty like this is my dream ride!" She counters.

"This is what I get for working with an explosion manic...God have mercy on all the poor fools who get in our way."

"Yeah, cause no one is getting out of here alive-! Hm? Wait..." Vanilla then looks closely then notices you on your knees.

You laugh and throw her a wave, "Oh shit, we got friendlies on the field! Be careful where you aim boys!" She signals to the men manning the main cannon.

"Careful where we aim? Who shouldn't we aim at?" Says one of the men who can speak English, though with a thick accent.

"Just look out for the Yellow one with the slit-eyes!" She orders.

"Uhhhh, you're going to be need to be more precise! they kind of look the same!" He asks.

"And Pinky calls me the edgy one. Just don't hit the one that looks like a monkey!" She orders.

"Oh Him! We've got it!" He then relays that order to the other men as they continue their attack.

(I can't really make out what they're saying, but did I just get insulted again?) you wonder, however not for long as you look over to the leader again.

[Gather up men! Defensive positions! The Government forces have rallied!] He shouts as men gather around him to shield him.

[Not quite right General! They're not a part of the government, they're no one that special!] You shout as you take advantage of his distraction and charge in.

[Shit! I take my eyes off you for a second-] The leader points at you so the gunmen shift their attention towards you.

[-They're just my friends.] But it's too late.

>Roll1d100+30 (+5 from Martial Artist, +5 from Guerrilla Fighter, +5 Battle tactician and +15 from support from squad)

Rolled 46 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3975783
That works for me

Rolled 58 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3975843
What's the DC?

>>3975846
Good to know, also, whoops! I forgot to add the actual DC!

>DC: 70

Rolled 47 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3975843

>>3975846
>>3975850
>>3975858

>Rolled 88

>Bring it to a close.

>Writing...

File: Zheng Nanwang 05.jpg (78 KB, 500x417)

78 KB JPG

https://youtu.be/lHGUdWjoS44

Rushing forward as fast as these dashing legs will carry you, you close the distance between you and the squad of men in less than a second.

DAKAKAKAKAKAKAKA- As you get within slashing distance of the men, they open fire, leaving you but a hair's breadth to avoid being filled with holes.

But that's more than enough, you duck and weave around the bullets in such a way that appears as if you're dancing, all the while, you swing your blade, cleaving through the crowd of men in front of you.

[My God! Keep firing! KEEP FIRING! WE NEED MORE MEN!] The leader begins to panic as you strike fear into him with your blade dance, calling for the other men to join in protecting him.

BOOOOOM! But such calls prove futile, as the tank which has entered the field keeps the rest of the army occupied, it's HE rounds tearing through their ranks like wet towel paper.

[You God damn fools! Bring forth the RPGs! Blast that tank in it's flanks-] He orders.

[Avert your eyes at the risk of your own life! Weren't those your words General!?] You shout as you leap and spring off the dead body of one of the men you stabbed with a kunai, shooting you over the rest of the crowd and right at the him.

[What-!? Shit-!?] he reaches down to pull up his machete to clash with you.

[Too slow!] But his efforts prove futile as you swing down with your sword, aiming for his neck.

SHINGGGGGG! Your blade slices first through the air, then through flesh as it meets it's mark, lopping the man's head clean from his shoulders and sending it careening into the air for the rest of the army to see.

[The general is dead!] One man shouts in horror as he sees the man's head go flying.

[We are without hope! We must retreat!] Another shouts as the group around you disperses and prepares to escape.

[No you fool! General or not, we still outnumber them! Use the RPGs on the tank and keep firing on the enemies in the building!] However, as one leader falls, another seems to take his place.

And at his request, the men with the RPGs appear and fire their rockets at the Tank.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three rockets are fired, two of them miss, but one manages to make it's mark, smashing into the Tank's flank.

"Damn! That was a solid hit! A couple more of those and we won't last!" One of the men in the tank chants.

"Oh give me a break, we pound these bastards like a common whore and they still keep fighting!?" Vanilla shouts.

"That's just how insane they are!" He answers.

"Well let's how them how crazy we are then! turn cannon to 5o'clock! Return fire!" She orders.

"Understood!" The man complies as he swivels the cannon and the men load the next round.

BOOOOOOM! once loaded, they return fire at the men with the RPGs, taking out quite a few of them in a single blast.

[Death to the oppressors! DEATH TO THE OPPRESSORS!] But in true fanatical nature, as one group of men dies, a new one, twice the last one's size, rush over and pick up the scattered RPGs and keep on attacking.

"Jesus Christ! These fuckers are like coked up lemmings! Pull back, out of the line of fire!" Vanilla orders as the tank retreats before being blasted again.

You watch this mess of explosions as you dash around the field, taking out any unsuspecting men, however this too proves futile owing to the sheer number of men on the field.

(I cut and cut and cut and feels like I'm barely making a dent! We can't going like this, we need something, just a little more...) you realize.

"Alright men! I think it's about time we helped out a little right!" It's then Linda's voice echoes across the battlefield, catching everyone's attention.

You look up to see her, along with a line of 50 men, all armed with RPGs and grenade launchers, posed and ready to fire down at the crowd below.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting, putting together that many disassembled parts takes time!" Etheline springs up.

"But no need to fear anymore, the cavalry has arrived!" Linda declares.

[By the heavens!? When did the government aquire such weapons!?] A confused rebel cries.

[We must regroup and re-focus on them! Hurry!] Another orders.

[We can't, we are focused on dealing with the Tank and the monkey!] The effects of losing their leader begin to show as chaos erupts among the ranks, with so many enemies to deal with, they can no longer properly deal with any of them.

"Oh! I've been waiting for this!" You shout as you dash across the field, taking advantage of confused state of the battle to jump your way back up to the 2nd floor of the pagoda.

"Watts!" Etheline exclaims, happy for your return.

"Oh! welcome back, I'm happy to see you didn't die. A good worker like you is hard to replace." Linda greets as you re-enter the building.

"Don't you mean good slave? Well whatever, hand me one of those grenade launchers!" You demand.

"What are you going to do?" She asks as she grabs one and hands it to you.

"I'm going to demonstrate to you all that I've cut ties with Kakin and that I'm a true Yourbian patriot now!" you shout as you stand along with the rest of the firing line.

[Alright guys! Let's give them hell!] You shout as you all prepared to end this battle.

>Roll1d100 (No bonus)

>No DC, the higher the roll, the more patriotic the result.

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>3975973

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>3975973

>>3975982
>>3975994

>Rolled 66

>Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light...

>Writing...

File: Zheng Nanwang02.png (995 KB, 1280x720)

995 KB PNG

"Alright you goddamn orientals! It's about time someone taught you fucking slit-eyed, buck-teethed, fast-talking, bad-driving, smartass chinks! What freedom sounds like!" You shout for everyone to hear.

"It goes something like this!" you pull the trigger and let loose the first drop of rain.

KABOOOOOOOOOOM!BOOMBOOM BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM- And that rain just as quickly becomes a storm.

Missile after missile, grenade after grenade, Tank shell after Tank shell, they rain down without pause, littering every inch of the battlefield, showing upon your enemies, giving them not even time to scream as they are blown to bits.

"Goddamn! This place is getting lit up harder than a willow tree on Christmas Night! Sweet Jesus! Not that you know who Jesus is you fucking chinks!" you shout, though you can barely hear yourself over the blasts.

"Whoa man! Think you can fit another stereotype or slur in there!?" Linda asks.

"I dunno! Let me Try!" You answer.

"Cross this border you fucking illegals! Goddamn Gooks! Kukes! Darkies! Fucking Yellow Monkeys-!"

"Ahhhhh! Stop! Stop! There isn't enough room in the jar to fit all that edge!" Etheline shouts.


BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The bombing continues for what feels like hours, a the force that poured into the compound must've numbered nearly 500.

But after you were done, that number dwindled to 400, then 300, then 200, then less than 100.

Soon enough the bombing stops, the roar of blasts calms and the rebels, fanatic as they are, decide they can take it no longer and what little of them remain route right off the field.

[Okay guys! They've run! You can halt fire now!] You shout as you see a few men still firing at the fleeing men.

"Oh man...I think I've gone deaf in my left ear..." Etheline groans.

"Only one ear? That must not have been patriotic enough." You realize.

"What about that was patriotic? You just grabbed a gun and fired down at an unsuspecting crowd of people while shouting slurs." She states.

"What? Isn't that the definition of patriotism?" You ask.

"I think you might have a slightly warped view of Yourbia...Well whatever, seems like we've won, so it's all good." Linda nods.

"For you guys it might be all good, but it's been hell for us." From further down the hall, Vanilla and Derrick emerge, walking towards you all.

"Vanny! Derrick! You're okay!" Etheline cheers.

"Yeah, if only barely." Derrick sighs.

"Of course we're okay! no way am I dying before a weakling like you." She answers.

"I'd prefer it if neither of us died but okay! I'm just happy to see you two again!" She answers.

"Thanks for your help with the tank, where you'd find that by the way?" You ask.

"You wanna know? Oh have I got a story to tell you..." She starts.

What will you do?

>Turn back time and see what Vanilla and Derrick did?

>Move on and continue from here.

>>3976096
>>Turn back time and see what Vanilla and Derrick did?

>>3976096
>Turn back time and see what Vanilla and Derrick did?
It's only natural

>>3976124
>>3976139

>Back to the past jack.

>Writing...

>35 minutes prior...

[Oh shit! Here it comes get down!] One of the band of men you were tasked with shouts something in Kakinese as he and everyone else hits the floor.

BOOOOOOOM! The ground shakes and the a part of the Pagoda behind you nearly comes crumbling down on top of you as you rush to the nearest piece of cover.

"Fucking hell, is this some kind of bad joke!?" You ask as you find a low wall housing some shrubbery.

"Where the hell did they get a Tank!?" Derrick asks as he attempts to return fire with his bow.

Dink! Ping! Of course such an action only proves to show how dire your situation is, as the arrows fly and bounce off the monstrous Tank's thick armor, falling flimsy to the floor.

BOOOOM! DAKAKAKAKAKA! The tank then returns fire, shattering a piece courtyard nearby and nearly sending you flying into the river below as a hail of bullets from the rebels surrounding the Tank pepper the area full of holes.

"Oh hell...What did I do to deserve this shit?" Your name is Vanilla Clayton and you're pretty fucked.

You, Derrick and a squad of men given to you by Ling stand on the other end of a bridge that separates you from the arsenal on the other side.

You were tasked with dealing with the men that went off to destroy the place, but it seems they came prepared, they had set up a defensive line along the bridge which separates the two buildings.

Needless to say, you're having a hard time getting past this line of defense, "Fucking hell, First I have that god-awful dream, then I get stuck in traffic for over an hour, now I have to fight a fucking tank? What's next?" you complain.

"Asking that question in Kakin is bound for trouble Ms.Vanilla. Careful with what you say." One of the men in Ling's squad states.

"Like a couple of words can make this any worse! Also who the hell are you?" you ask.

"I'm the captain of this unit and the only one who can speak English, if you're going to give us orders, you'll have to relay them through me." He explains.

"Okay, well first I have to ask, is there any through that doesn't involve fighting the Tank?" You question.

He shakes his head, "Unfortunately not, this bridge is the only way in and out of the arsenal, we cannot avoid conflict."

BOOM! One of the rebels beside the Tank stands up and fires off a rocket while the Tank reloads, it explodes a few meters away, sending some small bits of shrapnel your way.

You block your face with your hand as you answer, "Of course there's no easy around this bullshit..."

"Sorry no, but it does also mean the rebel scum are trapped behind that line, they have nowhere to retreat!" He states.

"Kinda pointless to say that when they beat us in fire and man power. This is pretty hopeless..." you have to admit.

"Don't get pessimistic on me Cyclops! The fight has barely begun!" Derrick chants from nearby.

"And I don't suppose you know a way to win Sunny?" you ask.

"Actually I do." He says with a smirk as he jocks back an arrow, electric energy flowing from his clenched gloves.

"After a bit of weapons training, I've learned a new trick, one that might take out that Tank. But first someone's got to punch a hole in it's armor for me to pierce." He explains.

"Bring down a Tank with a Bow and arrow? Are you trying to pop an elephant with a needle?" you ask.

"Don't give me snark, give me trust! Just find a way to break that shell, I'll have my arrow ready for that moment!" He states.

"Easier said then done, though I see a few ways out of this mess, let's see..." you begin to plan.

What will you do?

>Pull out your explosive knives and aim to hit the Tank while your squad suppress the enemy.

>Use Lir to shoot that guy who's firing the rockets then blow up his supply

>Have your squad suppress the enemy while you ready a bomb.

>>3976254
>Pull out your explosive knives and aim to hit the Tank while your squad suppress the enemy.
Trust

>>3976254
>>Pull out your explosive knives and aim to hit the Tank while your squad suppress the enemy.

>>3976262
>>3976290

>Roll1d100+25 (+5 from Special Arms specialist, +5 from Guerilla fighter, +15 from Rank 2 Bond.)

>DC:65

Rolled 80 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>3976316

File: [Laughs in Autism].png (551 KB, 691x495)

551 KB PNG

>>3976337

This right here is a great starting roll, but since it's getting late, I'll be stopping here for the night!

I hope all of you reading, players and Lurkers both, are enjoying the action and the dialogue so far, this entire episode is mostly going to be from Vanilla's perspective, so I've tried to change the narrative structure a little, so it's taken a bit of getting used to.

Anyway, we start again, this time at 2:00PM EST (That just means 2 hours later than usual if you don't want to convert time.)

See you all then.

Rolled 19 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>3976316

Rolled 18 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>3976360
Do you want people to roll like say a minimum of at least two rolls per roll need?
>>3976316
roll

>>3976373

The rule is actually best of 3 rolls, but considering my threads are quite slow a lot of the time, I'll take 2 rolls if it takes longer than 10 minutes for the 3rd roll to come.

>>3976380
It's funny cause I was mostly just thinking I would roll a 1. And counteract an 80.
I can only imagine it works as usual. 1's or 100's always take precedence.

File: [I wouldn't be surprised].jpg (74 KB, 500x365)

74 KB JPG

>>3976414

Whether 1's counteract high-rolls is a bit of a touchy subject.

If you're not one of the people that has been around since the 1st season, I used to make it a rule that if anything under 5 was counted as a crit-failure and anything above 95 a critical.

This was fine for a while until we realized the quest is a little cursed when it comes to rolling.

We have a tendency for 1's to rear their heads when it's most inconvenient for everyone and lots and lots of salt flows.

So for the sake of maximum enjoyment, I try my best to call crit-failures when the roll is so god-awful there's no way I can just ignore it.

File: [You Ready for This].png (127 KB, 1059x316)

127 KB PNG

>>3976337
>>3976368
>>3976373

Alright my dearest anons! Let's get right back to it!

>Rolled 105

>Faith well-placed.

>Writing...

File: Derrick Holums46.jpg (286 KB, 708x1000)

286 KB JPG

You reach into your boot and pull a knife from therein, You look over to Derrick, "Hey Sunny, you're absolutely sure you can take that beast down with a single shot?"

"I'd bet my life on it." He pulls back the arrow to ready himself.

You smile, "Forget betting, this doesn't work both are asses are grass. Hey captain!"

"Yes Ms.Vanilla, have you come up with a plan?" He asks.

"Less a plan, more a gamble. You think you can get your men to open fire to distract all those bastards?" You ask.

"Certainly, but that will leave many of my men to be slaughtered if it doesn't work. Is this gamble truly worth it?" he asks.

You put a finger to your lip in wonder, "I dunno actually. But I trust that it will be."

"That is not what I wish to hear, but we have no other options, yes?" He nods, albeit with clear reluctance.

[Men! On my count you shall rise and fire! We shall tear down these rebel scum here! For the Glory of Kakin!] The captain shouts.

[Aye Sir!] The his men chant back.

[3! 2! 1! Go!] As his count reaches it's end, the men spring up from behind their covers and return fire.

DAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAK-BOOM!-DAKAK- From there absolute chaos breaks out, a never-ending wave of bullets and tank shells fire from both sides.

Several men fall in the crossfire, some from your side, but many more from theirs. But the number of casualties isn't what's important.

"Wait for the right moment...There!" It was finding this opening that truly mattered.

When you see that the rebels soldiers and tanks focus has been shifted on the squad, you find the chance to pop up from cover and let loose your knife.

SHING! The lone knife flies across the bridge, it zooms past the hail of gunfire with gallant and true.

BOOOM! It then hits it's target cleanly, blasting the front end of the Tank with a heavy explosive charge that leaves a dark black mark where it went off.

(These knives only have as much power as a single C-4 charge, so not enough to outright destroy a war machine like that, however...) you notice that the armor is chipped and charred where you've attacked.

"Here's my chance!" Derrick realizes without you even signalling to him.

Standing up from cover and aiming down the tank with with the eyes of a sniper, he pulls back his arrow even harder while closing his hands extra-tight.

ZAP! BZZZT! ZAP! As he does so, electric charge begins to flow from them, energy discharging from his gloves comes off in arcing bolts around his hands that flow into the arrow.

SNAP! The moment he releases the arrow, it snaps and cracks through the air like a lighting bolt, leaving a trail of electricity behind it that covers the area in a blue hue.

DINK! That arrow then sinks into the cracked spot on the Tank's armor, piercing beneath and sticking it's way inside

BZZZZZZT!the electric load it was carrying is transferred into the Tank, lighting it up with a blue wave of energy so strong it even beams out and shocks anyone who was standing near the machine.

You can all hear the screams of the men inside the metal coffin as they are cooked inside by the sudden jolt of power.

When the energy finally subsides, Anyone in or near the Tank has been charred to death and the Tank itself goes silent as the electronics inside it get fried as well.

[Damn! They got our Tank! Fall back! Fall back!] One of the men on the bridge orders as they retreat and fire at you, heading back to the arsenal.

[Don't let those brigands get away! Chase them down!] The captain orders as his men rush across the bridge and press the advantage.

"Oh, are they moving up? Say something beforehand!" You complain as you lag behind a moment due to the language barrier.

CRACK! However, that single second of lag makes the difference between life and death, as terrible cracking sound rings out, one of the soldiers running across the bridge topples to the ground.

[Shit! Sniper! Find cover!] The captain realizes as men duck down and move even faster across the bridge.

"Was that a sniper shot!? Get behind the Tank!" Derrick realizes it as well as the both you rush up to the Tank you just incapacitated for cover.

CRACK! CRACK! One more man gets hit and falls while the 2nd bullet whizzes near your head as you take cover.

"A sniper!? They managed to set-up a sniper in case the Tank fell!?" you ask.

"The rebels came well-equipped this time! Is someone supplying them with weapons!?" The Captain asks.

"Hell if I know!" (Though I do...) You feel a little bad knowing this is a kinda your fault.

[Captain, Look there!] One of the soldiers points down to the entrance of the underground arsenal, which is a large gate, done up with a classical design much like the rest of the place, covered in reinforced steel.

"What!?" looking down towards it, you see the rebels you chased away before planting explosive charges all around the gate.

"Those scum! They plan to cave the entrance to the arsenal in, to seal us off! We must pursue them and finish them off, we have the numbers advantage now!" The Captain states.

CRACK! A sniper round bounces off the side of the Tank as you nearly get hit again.

"Easier said then done with that sniper shooting at us, where even is the bastard?" you ask.

[You there! Use your rifle scope to spot that blasted sniper!] The Captain points at one of his men.

[Yes sir!] The man then scans around the field, peeking his head from cover a smidge.

[I'm not seeing anything...Oh!] He then sees upwards, in a tower watching over the underground arsenal, a faint light flickering at the top.

[He's there! In the tower! The sniper is-]

CRACK!

[AHHHHHH-!] The man scanning for the sniper then has a shot blasted through his scope and then into his eye.

[Medic! Medic!] The captain calls to crawl over to him as he writhes in agony, his right eye gouged out with a deadly accurate bullet.

"Damn, this sniper is trained, one misstep and your head's gonna pop." You realize.

"We have to advance on the enemies below, but we cannot do so while sniper watches over us! What should we do!?" he asks.

"What do you think we should do Cap'?" you ask.

"I believe it would be most prudent for me to charge my force in while you and the Yourbian suppress and attempt to take down the sniper! We will surely lose men in the attack, but it ensures victory!" He states.

"That plan sounds more than a bit suicidal, aren't you being too heated?" you ask.

"When it comes to defending my homeland from rebel scum like them, heat and rage is all I can feel! You on the otherhand, Ms.Vanilla, seem a little too calm!" He counters.

"I'm calm? Hmmmm, maybe? I think I'm more just used to this kinda stuff." You say as you light up a cigarette to help you ignore the sounds of the man screaming over his lost eye beside you.

"Well it matters not, there is my plan, will you enact it?" He asks.

"Sunny, what do you think we should do?" you ask.

"I'd rather we avoid a charging the enemy dick-first while hoping not too many of us die. We have the numbers advantage right? Why don't we split the squad in half, one half suppresses and kills the sniper, then the other charges down to deal with the leftovers." He explains.

"And who will make that shot? That sniper is pretty nasty." you ask

"I may not be remembering right, but aren't you a crackshot yourself? Why don't you do it?" he asks.

"I don't think you've ever seen my snipe before, you think I can do it?" you ask.

"You trusted me to pull off the impossible, so of course I trust you. You can do it." He answers.

You blush a little, "H-Huh, is that so? Thanks I guess...Don't blame me if I just can a shit plan like that though."

"Oh? And I guess that means you've got your own plan?" He asks.

"Well..." you trail off.


What will you do?

>Go with the captain's plan

>Go with Derrick's plan.

>Come up with your own plan (Write-in)