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Welcome Back To Magical Girl For Hire

http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
General Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
MGFH Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit#gid=0
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2
FAQ: http://pastebin.com/8unLWUjF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/Q5Q1MR92

----------------------------

The night was quiet, fortunately; Zipper had come back shortly afterwards, but she was in no mood to talk much more, though you could see a blush on her face after looking at you. Part of you wanted to needle her a bit, but you decided against it, for the most part. Izumi had retired for the night after looking over the music box again, and wondering a bit more over the knife. You’re not certain if the kid needs sleep, and you wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t. All you know is that it was awake when you woke up. Although frankly, so was Zipper.

It was clear Zipper was getting more ‘loose’ with you, considering her slight shift in personality; you wouldn’t have expected a ‘Okay, chucklefucks, sun’s up, gun’s up!’ from her when you first met her, as she’d said upon all of you present and accounted for. Izumi’d popped her for that one.

“Where’d the eager yet fairly polite young lady we started this mission went go?” Izumi asked in probably-only-half-faked-despair as you all climbed into the car.

Zipper snorts, and as you think about it, you realize you can see a strong blue aura around her. “Left when Little Lady Nightmare there decided to pry into my personal life. All you get now is Raw an’ Uncut Holly Fuckin’ Berg,” she snipes back, glancing at you- and for a moment you feel incredible self-loathing wash over you.. “The dumbass swears like a fuckin’ sailor, can’t trust her ass to literally save her own fuckin’ life, shit talks everyone in a five mile radius, and no one likes her because all of the above, but you’re fuckin’ stuck with her now. Too bad, pleasure to meet ya.”

…not what you were expecting, really. She hates who she is. What she’s done. But she refuses to stop now.

> “...I didn’t think you were that polite in the first place.”
> “...should I be apologizing now?”
> “...what do you mean ‘can’t trust you to save your own life’?”
> (Insight) “You’re an Outgoer. By default that puts you among allies, if not friends. We’ve got your back.”
> (Empathy) “I wouldn’t call that a bad thing. Not like you’ve been bad company. Happy to meet you, too.”
> Say nothing.
> Other
>>
Also this was supposed to be the thread picture but I couldn't find it.

Of course I got it after I posted.
>>
>>5160214
>“You’re an Outgoer. By default that puts you among allies, if not friends. We’ve got your back; Not like you’ve been bad company. Happy to meet you, too.”
>>
>>5160214
>“You’re an Outgoer. By default that puts you among allies, if not friends. We’ve got your back.”
>"...funny, I was somewhat like you at the moment in my younger years."
>"What happened earlier were just some friendly jabs between colleagues. I happen to like watching crappy movies too you know?"
Honestly prefer the other Zipper.
>>
>>5160214
>>5160242
>>
Just a heads up to clarify, I'll run tomorrow, but I just wanted this up tonight.
>>
How does one even begin reading a quest that's been running for 114 threads? What's a new player even do here?
>>
>>5160270
personally i'd read the first thread and finish the first mission to understand who is miranda and whats going on, then jump to the point this mission started; that'd be http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5075063/ post 5101452.
then its just a matter of reading the middle part at your own leisure, but its not THAT important overall; we have a pastebin for most things, or at least the ones that are relevant
>>
>>5160214
>>5160242
Supporting this

>>5160270
Enjoy the archives. Getting to read a bunch of it in one go is more enjoyable than waiting for a new post. And it makes it easier to judge whether you like the quest or not.
And keep in mind that one of the earlier threads is missing from the archives linked in the OP but some anon links to it in the next archived thread.
>>
>>5160270
Hmmm...well, the quest is oriented around missions (mostly). This one has started only two threads ago, so you can take a look at the first two threads of the quest to get a general idea who we are and what we're supposed to do, skip until the start of this mission (thread 112), check pastebin and spreadsheet links in the OP and you'd be good to go for the most part.
>>
>>5160302
>>5160270
Yeah, thread #7.5 got archived as Starborn Quest #14 and thread #52 is missing some tags - so these two aren't showing in archive link in OP.
>>
>>5160310
>>5160302
has anyone tried to contact suptg's owner to get that fixed? it should be something easy to do
>>
>>5160214
>>5160222
Damn gurl calm down and put on a dress or sumfin'.
>>5160270
Archiiive. Be in mind that this thing's been going for 4+ years so there are highs and lows. Skip the lows, absolutely skip Starborn imo, or hell any of the crossovers aside from mabbe Artificier.
>>
>>5160324
Hey, Artificer was cool. We've kinda stole the show since the other quest's MC was knocked out for the most part of his crossover section. And he built some cool toys for us too - like the automatic Clockwork Turret that we have with us right now.
>>
>>5160214
>“You’re an Outgoer. By default that puts you among allies, if not friends. We’ve got your back.”
>“I wouldn’t call that a bad thing. Not like you’ve been bad company. Happy to meet you, too.”
>"I figured at the time I liked watching cheesy and so-bad-they're-good movies so much, why not act in one and get a kick out of it at movie night with the girls."
>After that, talk about some memorable ones we've seen recently, like "Master of Poisoned Spears", or perhaps "ShockerBots". Someone come up with better B-movie names, I beg you...
>>
>>5160329
Yeah it was cool dats why I opted it out. The turret can be upgrade right? We do that when we come home.
>>
>>5160270
>>5160324
>absolutely skip Starborn
I didn't remember this when giving my earlier reply. Anon is right, Starborn crossover wasn't very good so I skipped it.
>>
>>5160270
personally, don't skip the magical girl revenge crossover. its neat and we actually get to kill the mc from another quest
>>
>>5160368
It was kinda neat, except two anons were metagaming and posting links spreadsheets of their characters when we were supposed to know nothing of them and conduct an investigation. Had no idea what was going on, couldn't estimate our progress and honestly felt like it was a bit too fast paced since the actual investigation got dropped.
We've accepted the mission because Izumi asked for help, saying she's not confident that she could kill magical girls herself. We've switched to her and tried to do a paladin run, then switched to Miranda and tried to spare the secondary targets by sending them to prison -BAM! Izumi murders them all by herself and calmly sits there sipping tea. It seemed so out of character that one anon thought she has faked their deaths and the obvious bloody bodybags on the floor aren't their corpses.
But yeah, the final boss was cool, even if her cronies were a bunch of edgy jobbers that went down in one turn.
>bullied the rest of town's magical girls into following them, have a bunch of shadow monster minions and a corrupt politician who could hire some thugs or bribe cops
>instead of overwhelming us with their numbers and using low ranking MGs as meat shields her lieutenants attack us one at a time with obvious results
Also
>Arc MVP
>>
>>5160398
>*her lieutenants PERSONALLY attack us one at a time, with almost no back up
>>
>>5160398
to be fair, the fight was biased from the start. 3-4 Magical girls that have dark powers and a cumulative 5 years of experience can't beat 300+ that miranda and company had. or the high caliber anti materiel rifle we bought before the mission
>>
>>5160412
>3-4 girls
That was only her lieutenants, they had even more girls strongarmed into doing stuff for them. Had a full protection detail around the corrupt politician, had some people recruiting folks at school, etc.
>or the high caliber anti materiel rifle we bought before the mission
We've never actually used that rifle. The fight got easier thanks to Arc's crit rolls on debuffs.
>>
>>5160421
>We've never actually used that rifle. The fight got easier thanks to Arc's crit rolls on debuffs.
really? i swore we opened the fight with it. oh well.
>>
>>5160368
huh, the only crossover I remember was the one with the annoying kid where we got out clockwork turret
which thread was the revenge crossover at?
>>
>>5160946
i think it starts on #84
http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2019/3872501/
probably on the lower end of the thread
>>
>>5160950
thanks bruv
>>
Writing shortly!
>>
>>5160214
>>5160222
>>5160242
>>5160331
You don’t know what’s going on with her, but you at the least should make an effort towards adjusting her understanding. “Wasn’t any offense meant. Figured it was just some friendly jabs between colleagues.” She gives off a light huff, like she doesn’t believe you. “Seriously. And for the record, I happen to like watching crappy movies too, y’know?"

“Clearly enough to be in one,” she fires back- and you notice a partial flinch, like she mentally reprimanded herself.

But, no reason to not follow that up. “Yeah, actually. I figured at the time I liked watching cheesy and so-bad-they're-good movies so much, why not act in one and get a kick out of it at movie night with the girls? Surprise, surprise, it turned out pretty decent."

“So you say,” she says as she starts the car, and pulls out of the area into the morning gloom. At least it’s got less heat behind it. “Either way, we’re on our way, so you don’t have to worry about keeping conversation much.”

For a few moments, there’s silence. It lasts until you’re all back on the open road, headed for the next town of Taxson.

“Hey.” you really should have her realize this. “You’re an Outgoer. By default that puts you among allies, if not friends. We’ve got your back.”

She pauses, briefly, not answering, and barely moving the steering wheel; it’s fortunate you’re on a straight road. “Yeah, I guess. Kinda have to, don’tcha?”

Ugh. This almost hits too close to home. Which is why the next words out of your mouth are what they are. "...funny, I was somewhat like you at the moment in my younger years. Attitude wise, anyway."

“Psh. Sure,” she says with a half grin, but doesn’t press the topic. Izumi just looks between you two in concern, but seems to be unwilling to interject at the moment. Might be because of the half-dead child in her lap. Seems to have taken to the magazine, at least.

>Roll 1d20.

>Any topics of conversation?
>None.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5161517
Now would be a good time to ask her about that Gran guy.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5161517
Might as well ask about Torbo, and what he’s been up to at Jiro’s new restaurant. Also, could she help us fix this music box with her reality warping by believing really hard?
>>
>>5161517
>Any topics of conversation?
Think we can give Zipper some room to mull on this, no need to push it in a span of one day - we've got a whole week ahead. Time to address the elephant in the room.
>Take off our mask and face Izumi. Ask what was she actually thinking when she picked up the kid. What's the plan?
Not trying to offend her, but has she actually thought through what we can do to help the kid? Just keeping a sick child around while traveling through dangerous places seems irresponsible if she doesn't have any idea what to do with her.
>>
>>5161517
>>5161521
Oh, might as well talk to the kid a little, too. Maybe some verbal interaction would help her get a bit more vocal… ask if she liked that magazine?
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5161517
>>5161518
>>5161521
>>
>>5161528
Aw drats should've begged for high rolls, worked well in the past.
>>
>>5161525
The kid is also creeping Zipper out if not triggering something.
>>
>>5161518
>>5161521
Are you just going to ask about Torbo out of the blue? That's super sus, what the heck? You gotta lead the conversation there first.
>>
>>5161534
That’s what I figured the roll was for.
>>
>>5161534
It's a viable tactic, changing topics to the ones you want that the others don't expect. We lead the conversation then and leave them blindsided - usually they just come along. Yes it actually works when things are shaky like this.
>>
>>5161541
or they clamp down because a stranger is asking them about other people.
>>
>>5161517
>>5161539
>>5161541
I think the roll is for the trip and is in no way related to conversation topic. This tactic is not subtle at all and might ruin whatever we were attempting earlier. Are you guys telling her we're friends just use her in order to pull out info or do you actually care?
I still think we should give her some room and address the child. How are we going to actually help it? We're not just playing mom with a sick kid, right?
>>
Ah, no. Forgot to clarify- the roll was just for possible encounter. It's about what and what anyway, considering.

Welp, writing.
>>
>>5161546
>How are we going to actually help it? We're not just playing mom with a sick kid, right?
that is a great point. unless izumi tries to pull the kid to the intersection(that will be ironic if she manages to do it), she probably will be left with the researchers at whatsitsname city
>>
>>5161543
Right? This is retarded, and it's Izumi who's investigating Gran, not us. Why-
>>5161547
oh fuck
>>
>>5161534
well, now you got your clarification>>5161547
>>5161548
then why aren't you voting?

we've got enchanted gear that lets us gaze into other people's mood and have insight, all of it allows us understand all nuances - and then waste the opportunity by being blunt as brick
>>
>>5161548
I feel she's going to become a full-blown spellcaster or Young One, we'll find out near the end when we approach the city.
We'll ask her then. It will be quite an experience if she manages to scout a star god when she hasn't pulled anyone before.
>>
>>5161557
>then why aren't you voting?
because that's not really something we can deal with right now? and i don't really care what izumi does with the kid

>>5161559
that would be oh so fun. and for some reason i feel that'd make izumi's year or something like that
>>
>>5161557
We could've signaled Izumi to start the conversation and lead it towards learning about Gran if you don't know how to do it yourself. She's a pro, we can leave this to her.
>>5161559
>I feel she's going to become a full-blown spellcaster or Young One
Too early to say anything yet. We've got no evidence of anything like that so far, it's purely a baseless conjecture at this point.
>>
>>5161551
We’re doing it because she’s our friend and coworker and we’re trying to be a better friend like Miranda’s dialogue said back when we switched perspective to her, and because it probably ties back to the whole intersection shakeup thing.

As for the kid, I’m pro taking her. I like the times when we’re teaching our interns how to be Outgoers.
>>
>>5161564
If she proves to be a spell caster then you can laugh in my face and mock me, but we've yet to see it. Or hear Izumi's actual plan - we 'assume' she wants to take the kid to the Hospital but she hasn't said so.
>>5161569
I'm not saying this just because I want to be an ass and keep Miranda edgy and friendless. I just want a clear picture of what Izumi intends to do so we could have a better idea how to help her. I'm not suggesting that we should ditch the kid, just want to be 100% sure we won't fail this time like with the fairy kid.
>>
>>5161573
I was taking a hiatus when the fairy kid happened, but I thought it was less that anons abandoned him, and more anons didn’t realize that they had accidentally crossed the point of no return while he wasn’t with Miranda?
>>
>>5161578
Yep, no one knew that leaving the kid behind meant that we were abandoning him - part of the decision to leave him was because of the fear of him being mind-controlled I believe?
The manner of things were supposed to be: we touch the last stone and get out with bat-friend and fey kid while dark king covers us. I didn't expect being TPed right out, in fact I'm sure no one expected that.
>>
>>5161517
>>5161518
>>5161521
>>5161525
>>5161528
You’re quiet for a while. After a little under an hour’s worth of travel (and a quick pit stop to clear out what looked to be a group of Wracked at some sort of small outdoor festival) you find yourself bored and huffing, looking over Izumi again, as she coddles the child. Even you notice she seems to be much more active than she was when you first ‘met’. She’s still slow to react, and her movements aren’t anywhere near quick as a child should be, but she does seem to be more perceptive in general, as well as more constantly moving. That plus the occasional murmur makes you wonder. “So, what are you even gonna do with her?” you find yourself asking. “What’s even the plan there?”

Izumi puts on a somewhat surprised expression, at that- not quite what you’d expected. It soon flattens out into a pensive one, however. “Well, I’m hoping that, should this cure prove just that, this little one can be cured and perhaps go on to have a better life. However, considering her diagnosis…” She sighs. “I’m trying to think very quickly, relative to how long we have for this.”

Ah. So she hadn’t thought about bringing her along…huh.

“Honestly, my biggest question is ‘why did she survive the transformation, even only somewhat, when no one else has?’ I noticed nothing in her room that was particularly curious, but that just makes the question more pertinent.” Huh. Well, you can’t say you’ve got any idea about it, yourself…

“Well, if you come up with anything, lemme know,” you concede. You’re still working on the other thing- although thinking about it, yeah. “Hey, Zipper. Question.”

“Answer.” Ha, ha.

“The name ‘Torbo Gran’ strike you as familiar?” you air out. Might as well. Izumi swivels to you so fast you swear her neck cracks.

“Hell you bring up that asshole’s name for?” is the immediate response. Her aura shifts to a dark purple, all of a sudden. Suspicious, maybe? Untrusting? “If I didn’t know better, and I’m a dumbass so I don’t, I’d say you’re trying to get insider information.”

…well, she’s not wrong.

> Whoop. “Eh, just a name I heard. He was the guy who got us onto this job.”
> “Well, I’ve heard some things about him, that’s all.” You don’t have to specify what.
> “Would you believe me if I said we saw him talking to someone that might have something going on with Interdiction?”
> Other
>>
>>5161578
>anons didn’t realize that they had accidentally crossed the point of no return while he wasn’t with Miranda?
Correct, I didn't expect an evil overlord to actually teleport us to safety. I mean, he wanted his stones as soon as possible and he was able to teleport an undead dragon into fairy realm, but I didn't think he could actually teleport us OUT. But desu the fairy kid was for the most part neglected - and we had enough proof to know he's a powerful spellcaster and temple priests even thought he's some kind of Chosen One. One of the kids we're mentoring is a fairy, so maybe he could've translated her for us. If he (or we) had no interest in becoming our student/becoming an Outgoer then we knew a place he could've stayed - our dwarf blacksmith is friend with some ex-princess who's obsessed with fairies and we even bought a nanotech suit for Mewla from her. He could've become her apprentice or smth. And as if to rub salt on the wound, we've met another person who could perform permanence treatment for cheap - who turned out to be a fairy. So many lost opportunities.
>>
>>5161578
yeah, plus in all the other missions we have had time to collect the stuff that we left behind; we thought the same would happen here.
>>
>>5161586
> Whoop. “Eh, just a name I heard. He was the guy who got us onto this job.”
>"It's simple curiousity. There is a high chance of us getting another contract with Flashpoint again, so I just want to know more about one of their, handlers? At least the one who organized this."
Shaky roads we walked in (I apologies). But we can drive through this one.
My suggestion feels incomplete though, do we have something more suitable?
>>
>>5161594
And the birb liked him, so each time we're showing it off I'm reminded of this fuckup.
>>
>>5161600
My suggestion about the angles we can play : we're an aspiring outgoer looking to go big, that means more connections are needed - she might think we're going to try to butter him up, but that's better than other conclusions. Can also link to our acting.
>>
>>5161586
Hmm. Yeah, I’ll admit bringing up Gran wasn’t too great of an idea, now… that plot point was just too damn juicy to pass up. My bad.

> Whoop. “Eh, just a name I heard. He was the guy who got us onto this job.”
> “…and if you must know, I heard he’d been looking at smaller outgoer companies like us for collaboration missions. Chances are we’ll have to talk to him after this mission, and I’m not as familiar with him as I’d like, so…”
>>5161600
This too.
>>
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>>5161586
>>5161600
>>5161609
Alright, I'll lend a hand
>Link to our acting. The studio had some sort of deal with Jiro's Divine Palace and we heard his name there.
now we have to tell Izumi about this fuckup. we're sus, Izumi would have to try getting more info herself. perhaps we shouldn't even try prying into this topic for the rest of this mission.
>>
>>5161617
>> “…and if you must know, I heard he’d been looking at smaller outgoer companies like us for collaboration missions. Chances are we’ll have to talk to him after this mission, and I’m not as familiar with him as I’d like, so…”
don't. that just sounds like you want to steal outgoers from other companies
>>
>>5161617
>>5161619
yeah, probably should drop this
>>
>>5161586
Can try saying a straight yes to that insider info ques. Fucking dumb right? No one doing espionage can be this blunt and truthful. Ik this won't win but it will be funny.
>>
>>5161619>>5161621
Not sure how it sounds like we’re poaching talent, but I already boned up once. Fine…
>>
Tired. Will continue tomorrow, thanks for sticking around!
>>
>>5161586
>If I didn’t know better, and I’m a dumbass so I don’t
Yeah, yet another thing she has in common with younger 'Randa. She's a knucklehead who knows nothing about subtlety.
>>5161622
stop. this should be funny enough already:
>Izumi swivels to you so fast you swear her neck cracks.
wonder what she's thinking of our disservice right now
>>
>>5161629
Night, boss. I’ll just be here, losing sleep, over the choices I made.
>>
Good thing that the mask is covering our entire face, including eyes and mouth >>5160219. Perfect for a situation like this.
>>
>>5161645
Yeah that's why I'm not that worried. Miranda has a great poker face still, but she can't catch us that way.
>>
>>5161647
Bear in mind, yes I do think that was a wrong move.
But it goes to show that Miranda's still as brick-like as ever when it comes to stuffs like this so that's also a minor plus in my book.
>>
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"...クソ."
>>
>>5161634
Aight but we can make it even better by switching viewpoint to zumi
>>
>>5161659
we have enchanted gear that lets us read mood and gain insight. that should be enough
>>
Writing shortly! I have macarons. Very tasty.
>>
>>5162658
Who made them? Could always have more food and recipes on /qst/.
>>
>>5161586
>>5161600
>>5161617
>>5161618
Considering that Izumi’s trying to stare a hole into your head (and now the kid’s doing it, though you doubt it’s for the same reason), you can only surmise that you might have possibly asked the wrong thing. Time to backtrack. “Eh, just a name I heard. He was the guy who got us onto this job. Figured it might be an idea to know him if we get more subcontracts, that’s all. No big.”

There’s a brief silence. The aura around her grows lighter purple, then suddenly deeper, to a near black that has you holding back a flinch at what that might imply, before receding once more into general purple. “Eh, you don’t wanna know him, unless you’re like 5’10 with a heart shaped ass.” She grumbles something about ‘fucking Team Eight’ under her breath. Oh yeah, Kane HAD mentioned that. “You know the funny thing? You want to get to know someone, try Ms. Tootsybell. And no shit, that’s her name- or at least the name she picked for herself.”

“...wha?” You have a hard time believing that one. That’s…

Zipper barks out a laugh. “Weird, right? It’s wild.” Her aura shifts to something more gently yellow. “I dunno what to make of it, but she’s like the only person who can be around me-as-Holly for very long. I owe her big. The only problem…” Her aura shifts again, this time to something more…Yellow pink? Peach? “...nicest fucking lady ever, but constantly dresses like she’s headed to the Hot Block. I dunno WHAT she does off-hours, but I’m not lookin’ to find out.”

Both you and Izumi blanch. You don’t talk about the Hot Block. Lorelei doesn’t talk about the Hot Block. (Though you suspect she goes now and again.)

You choose to ignore that last statement. For your own sanity.

>You’re gonna focus back on the kid for now…
> “What’s the daily life in Flashpoint like for you, then?”
> “What about that Rip guy? He’s not a friend?”
> Other

>>5162743
Oh, no just bought them from a place that just opened.
>>
>>5162921
>>You’re gonna focus back on the kid for now…
better leave the investigation to Izumi
>>
>>5162926
don't push it, or the statement we've made just two posts ago about being "among friends if not allies" will ring hollow. you folks weren't actually trying to use her, right?
>>
>>5162941
*among allies, if not friends>>5161517
>>
>>5162921
>>You’re gonna focus back on the kid for now…

>Both you and Izumi blanch. You don’t talk about the Hot Block. Lorelei doesn’t talk about the Hot Block
it can't be thaaaat bad, can it? although given how different the biologies in the intersection are, im pretty sure things get weird
>>
>>5162921
>You’re gonna focus back on the kid for now…
>>
>>5162921
>You’re gonna focus back on the kid for now…
It's like looking at a damn mirror. Wonder when we'll have a face-to-face talk with her.
>>
>>5162921
>You’re gonna focus back on the kid for now…
>Try not to think about Jago going over there to enjoy himself… fail miserably.
>>
>>5162953
>>5162921
...would Nura go to Hot Block?
>>
Writing! Let's leave that alone for now.

>>5163001
Yes.
>>
>>5163010
im willing to bet that miranda has gone at least once, but, has izumi gone to the hot block?
>>
>>5163021
>>5163010
...she was talking about weird places she had to visit on a job back then, right?
>>
>>5162921
>>5162926
>>5162953
>>5162974
>>5162997
>>5163000
You’re…just gonna leave that alone for a while. Better to focus on the kid. Sure, yeah.

She’s looking at you again. Then in your lap. Then in her lap, where she’s petting Pecker, sitting on top of the magazine.

You don’t THINK she can see through your mask, but nonetheless she seems to be staring right at you. Wordlessly, she hands out Pecker back to you.

Huh.

You take it back, and for a few moments as it snuggles into your lap, she looks almost forlorn at it-

-wait. Huh. You wonder…staring at her and focusing, you can…almost…there! There’s a flicker of- some color, you think it’s blue- coming off of her. It’s exceedingly faint, but it’s there. Yeah, actually. A faint sadness, but…something else you can’t tag.

“...mmmss prrr…ee” Hm? Izumi also seems to notice, and holds her carefully.

“Dear? Pardon me?” She’s careful to not phrase it like a demand.”

“...ssss purrrree…” That, admittedly, surprises you. Though she’s 10, she’s lacked the mentality of one- this is the closest you’ve gotten to hearing her speak. And this was what, after a day? Curious.

“My goodness,” Izumi says with a breath. “I wonder if the condenser’s been helping her somehow…”

> Roll 1d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5163143
Next thing we know, she'll grow a shoulderful of hair.
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>5163143
Her name, maybe?
>>
>>5163146
or Pecker gets a perma Eldritch-flavoured upgrade.
>>
>>5163143
Need sumfin higher
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>5163143
>>5163166
fack
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>5163143
>>
wow, the dice gods are really mediocre tonight
>>
Meh. There's a spark of something there, but that's all for now.

Writing.
>>
>>5163185
Every spark needs kindling. We just need to get enough of it for it to actually become a flame.
>>
>>5163143
>>5163146
>>5163157
>>5163168
There’s a few more minutes of trying to get words out of her, but after some attempts of getting her name out, or anything else, it’s clear that you’ve hit about the limit for what she can manage. There’s something there that wasn’t before, however- a spark of honest recognition and comprehension that was lacking yesterday. Considering the situation, you decide to rescan her.

What you get is a bit surprising after some time letting it do its thing. Most of the same, but a couple things have changed or been added now that it has a bit of prior information to work with:

>Organism Identified: Symbiotic Lifeform (Human/Other)
>Female, Estimated Age: 10 Years Standard (Human-based)
>Mana Signature Detected (Type:
>Low Blood Pressure
>Muscular Atrophy Detected (Age 10 Human Average)
>Notice: Mental Synaptic Response Lower Than Human Average (Age 10) - Estimated Age Range: 4-7
>Notice: Blood Pressure Low- Suggested Dietary Improvements
>Notice: Mana circulation currently sustaining musculature stability. Minor Tissue/Musculature Regeneration Active. Synthetic Muscle Surgery and/or Expert+ Level Physical Regeneration recommended to improve natural stability.

The ‘Mana Traces’ has changed to a flat ‘signature’, and there’s an extra bit about there being some regeneration. It still says the synaptic response is lower than average for her age, but you wonder if this might change…

“That’s…very interesting,” Izumi notes. “So just the additional presence of mana in her circulation is causing a regenerative effect? That seems…unusual. Why would that affect her differently as opposed to just about any other being?”

“Good question,” you admit. “I’m not sure how to answer it.”

“Not even any ideas?” Izumi implores.

“Don’t ask me,” Zipper chimes up. “I dunno any of that biology shit.”

> You’ll just leave it be for now, then.
> You’ve got something of an idea, actually. (What?)
> Other
>>
Running late tonight.
>>
>>5163362
>> You’ve got something of an idea, actually. (What?)
>"Remember that technique you did on me back when we were working with Dynamic Methods? What we did when we had to take down The Relay? Think you could do that on a much, much smaller level, or maybe teach me how you did it?"
>>
>>5163375
>"If you're not comfortable with that, we could try making kid doses of synth seither pills, if we have any..."
>>
>>5163375
>>"Remember that technique you did on me back when we were working with Dynamic Methods?
what was the technique?
>>5163377
also, i don't think giving the kid magical meth is a good idea; we have no idea how she'd react to it.
>>
>>5163362
>>5163375
Does it work that way? Might as well try.
>>5163381
I think it's this one in the spreadsheet. She used it to boost a Buster.
It's the ONLY event that we got a permanent manapool increase for as far as I know.
>>
>>5163362
> You’ve got something of an idea, actually.
No idea how to fix muscles or improve mana circulation, but I think we can at least do something about low blood pressure
>Suggested Dietary Improvements
we bought a camping kit during the last mission >>5155617, and with stuff we've looted from bandits we can cook up some warm food that she could digest. I'm sure Miranda could prepare a soup out of dried meat and veggies and whatever else we've got in our stash of rations.
>>
File: Ki Union.jpg (23 KB, 1113x64)
23 KB
23 KB JPG
>>5163375
>>5163381
>>5163392
I don't think it works the way you think - it boosts spells, not general performance.
>>
>>5163393
>>5163362
also a good meal might fix Izumi's and Zipper's mood after the earlier fuckup. Miranda's the best cook in SES, right?
>>
>>5163398
Is it noon already? We just got up.
>>
>>5163381
We still give out methamphetamines today as prescriptions for ADHD, just in way, way smaller doses then the average meth head takes. Admittedly, she doesn't seem to be very distracted or hyper, just slow on the uptake. We could try to take it our synth-seither pills to a pharmacist for testing and a recommended dosage, but then we'd have to commit to bringing the kid home with us.

On the positive side, though, we could get pretty rich by going into pharmaceuticals...
>>
>>5163397
knowing this, i don't think that the ki union will do anything for her. giving her a seither pill would yield better results, but again, giving magical meth to a kid that has unknown powers is a huge nono
>>
>>5163401
i know that in theory giving her an upper should boost her up, the problem is that we don't know what is the correct dosage for a kid, or how addictive it will be to her, or how it will react with her barely existent mana pool. for all we know it could burn her from the inside out.
and the kid is slowly recovering, she'll probably be "ok" by tonight or tomorrow morning
>>
>>5163362
I don't want to bring Starborn up, but remember the trick that Miranda used when Purps got downed? I don't myself, but it was related to mana. Someone wants to check it out.
>>
Interesting suggestions...

But I can't tell a consensus. Seems like >>5163375 has one backer, but several other people are saying nah. Again, could just pass on it.

Will give 10 more minutes as I fix myself something to eat.
>>
>>5163407
Basically I think she needs a kick-start, like an engine.
>>
>>5163400
we've been driving for hours
>>5163401
anon, Seither was used as a weapon and is extremely toxic to humans (and aliens), even 'Randa can't handle more than a few huffs of seither, we don't even have synith-pills with us
>>
>>5163409
>> You’ll just leave it be for now, then.

lets just have the kid recover by herself. she's probably gonna be OK by tomorrow
>>
>>5163407
wasn't it just Healing Hands?
>>5163362
>Low Blood Pressure
>Muscular Atrophy Detected (Age 10 Human Average)
>Notice: Mental Synaptic Response Lower Than Human Average (Age 10) - Estimated Age Range: 4-7
>Notice: Blood Pressure Low- Suggested Dietary Improvements
it's right there! just give the kid some proper food, not dry rations.>>5163397
>>
>>5163421
>>5163362
linked wrong post>>5163393
>>
>>5163409
>>5163381
>>5163392
>>5163397
Well, we could ask Izumi if her Ki Union thing could be used as a mana dripfeed for the kid, just as a theoretical concept, and if she could teach us the ability as well. Would that be acceptable for everyone?
>>
It was never mentioned that she ate anything at all when Izumi found her or if we fed her during the trip at all. She's clearly malnourished. You're paying too much attention to her mana and nothing else.
>>
>>5163362
Oi mates why don't we just give her a mana crystal or sth? We've a ton of those
>>
>>5163434
...Yeah, could try that, too.
>>
>>5163362
we can do these >>5163434 >>5163430
and I'm dead serious about preparing a meal >>5163393, the scan suggested dietary improvements
>>
>>5163442
i think that's a given? but we could definitely give her a better meal next time we stop to eat
>>
Alright, seems like it's at least 'try and give her a mana crystal'. Writing for that.
>>
>>5163362
>>5163442
Sure.
Does Miranda have a spice kit with her all the time?
>>5163444
>>5163442
Boss it's this one.
>>
>>5163443
it's not a given if you don't actually vote. we got the note of low blood pressure before >>5138906, yet still haven't fed her
>>
>>5163444
It's >>5163442, boss.
>>
So it is. Well, still writing.
>>
>>5163450
yeah, but on that note 99% of the time handler doesn't write about miranda or the other girls eating in the middle of the missions. its just a minor thing that gets done in the background
>>
>>5163446
>Does Miranda have a spice kit with her all the time?
I forgot, did we loot the sleep-inducing spice from the bandits we've met in Wild West job? The ones who had the gravity manastone. Sleep is important but it seems like she's skipping it.
>>5160214
>You’re not certain if the kid needs sleep, and you wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t. All you know is that it was awake when you woke up.
We also bought some sleeping cap (and other) mushrooms during the last job as well, but I'm not sure if we've donated everything we had.

>>5163453
Do we have any of the mushrooms from the last job with us right now?
>>
>>5163462
It's probably a bad idea to spike the whole batch with sleeping spices/shrooms since we're feeding everyone, not just the kid. Could just add some of it to kid's bowl and let her have some rest.
>>
>>5163462
Nope, they either went to Mewla, the Lab, or the Guild of Shadows. Might want to check with them to see how the cultivation efforts went afterwards, though. It gives us the excuse to bring the kid over to Susie to figure out a cure.
>>
>>5163457
he does mention meals pretty often, just not always.
>had a meal every time we've stopped at taverns in the first mission
>made some gourmet sandwiches in the 'evil lair' our client provided us with when we were training magical girls
>shared a meal with bandits in wild west
>had to send Lori to grab some instant ramen for the rest of the team during super hero hunt mission
>during Mono's solo mission Miranda was observing while cultist were serving her gourmet meals and even swore to murder their cook when she complained about steak
>summoner kid was trying to feed us in school cafeteria
>hard tack was mentioned several times during shadow war mission - like right before she split from the army in order to hunt down a drider general. then we forced some drider cooks switch sides.
>we've spared a corporate spook just because his sister was a bartender or smth like that, they went on to establish their own bar
>spent some time in flying school's cafeteria
>had to buy rations and share some of them with big bat friend during the last mission
and I haven't even mentioned Intersection stuff.
>>
>>5163518
intersection doesn't count, because eating is part of the experience of being in there. also, like half of your examples are tangentially related to food, not miranda eating; those happen like once every mission at best
>>
>>5163518
>>5163527
uuuh, she was eating during every example. and the point was that Handler *does* write about Miranda eating in the middle of the mission
>>
>>5163534
and my point is that is not important enough to write about every time she or the other girls eat; the kid has been fed or being tried to be fed in the background
>>
>>5163537
>the kid has been fed or being tried to be fed in the background
do you have any proof?
>>
>>5163541
there's no proof of her not being fed either, and consider this: do you think that izumi, the lawful good character of our group, our big softie, the one that is incapable of taking evil missions and the same that saved the kid would let her go hungry?
specially in the state that the kid is right now?

come on man.
>>
>>5163362
It takes you a few minutes to consider. “Mmmm…question. Remember when we were on the skyland mission? The one we got O and C from?”

Izumi at least seems curious. “Yes? What about it?”

“Well, remember the thing you did to help me shatter the relay? What about trying that, but like, VERY toned down?” You’re still not certain how that works entirely, but maybe she could ‘link’ them together for a while until she managed to get her own circulation going better? “Just a hypothetical. I figure if it’s possible, you could even teach me later on.”

“Hmmm…well, my ability to unite Ki isn’t quite such a thing. It amplifies, yes, but I’m not so certain it can permanently bolster like that.”

“It did for me,” you mention. “Ever since then I felt like I had a bigger reservoir.”

“...huh.” The way she looks at you tells you that’s news to her. “Well then. Iiiiii…still would feel uncomfortable risking it, with her physical stability so low. It might tear something even worse,” she states. “It IS something to think about, however…”

“Fair enough,” you decide. “In the meantime, maybe something lighter? She’s got some circulation going, so what would a crystal do for her?”

“Ah. That…might serve the situation better, though I don’t think she has any instinctual capacity to absorb it…still. Should do no harm,” she decides. “I’ll use one of my own.”

“Go for it,” you say as she pulls one out- a small one, probably a smart move. She holds it in front of the child, who seems surprised by it… or at least takes a moment to register it before her eyes slowly widen. She gently, slowly grasps for it, and holds it close, like a valuable. Suppose it might be to her. She almost seems entranced by it, the way she’s looking at it; Izumi has to gently pull it away from her face.

“I wonder how she’ll be tomorrow…” you think out loud.

“I’m hoping for some positive improvements,” you admit.

“I’m hoping for no more bullshit,” Zipper contributes.

An half-hour or so later, you can see some buildings in the distance; the town of Taxson coming up as you cross a bridge with several Wracked around the edges.

To your surprise, it looks…well, it WOULD look normal, but as you drive through… it’s clear the town is all but a ghost town. Few Wracked permeate the streets you can see, though it’s also clear a massive number of buildings are burned or bombed out, or just plain unsafe to stay in- at least two are actively crumbling as you pass. “...yikes. Wonder what happened here.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5163551
“Maybe a mass evacuation?” Izumi considers. “No people, no Wracked?”

“Maybe,” Zipper admits. “Might be a decent place to stop for lunch, honestly. Need to fill up anyway.”

You’re not sure whether or not to agree with that as a…something you’d possibly call a cat with several more eyes than necessary scurries beneath an old house.

“Yo, what the…?” Zipper starts, and you see that there’s something ahead-

> A set of well used and makeshift in a parking lot; there seems to be people here, somehow! Not that they look in the best of health…you can see several nurses walking among them, and most of the people have tattered clothes or otherwise look frail.

>An effigy of some sort, made of discarded metal and paper and various other trash. It…vaguely looks like a massive eye with a spinal cord and bat wings…or something else. You honestly cannot tell for the life of you- it’s the people surrounding it that concern you.

>A single guitarist, sitting in front of what looks like an old-fashioned bed and breakfast. He seems…oddly healthy, dressed well enough, and is playing a simple tune on his acoustic. Why is he so calm?
>>
>>5163554
>A single guitarist, sitting in front of what looks like an old-fashioned bed and breakfast. He seems…oddly healthy, dressed well enough, and is playing a simple tune on his acoustic. Why is he so calm?


oooh, intriguing.
>>
>>5163554
>A single guitarist, sitting in front of what looks like an old-fashioned bed and breakfast.
It'd give us an excuse to finally fix up the music box with Zipper's help, especially if he knows the song it plays.
>>
>>5163554
> A set of well used and makeshift in a parking lot;

tents. It's supposed to be 'A set of well used and makeshift tents in a parking lot;' just to be thorough.
>>
>>5163558
Last vote of the day or you good enough for one more?
>>
>>5163554
>> A set of well used and makeshift in a parking lot; there seems to be people here, somehow! Not that they look in the best of health…you can see several nurses walking among them, and most of the people have tattered clothes or otherwise look frail.
going with this, although it's not clear: 'A set of well used and makeshift' what?
>>
>>5163560
One more after this.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5163554
Let's have the dice decide then.
1-tents
2-guitarist
>>
>>5163561
See >>5163558
>>
i know that all the options will bite us in the ass anyways, i just hope the guitarist isn't this world equivalent of satan. not that the other options are any better
>>
>>5163554
> A set of well used and makeshift in a parking lot; there seems to be people here, somehow! Not that they look in the best of health…you can see several nurses walking among them, and most of the people have tattered clothes or otherwise look frail.
The otha one gives me heebie jeebies
>>
>>5163557
isn't Zipper's ability temporary? wouldn't she then have to play the music box herself
it'd probably be better to ask that guy to fix the music box himself instead of bothering Zipper - she's getting fed up with our bullshit.
>>
>>5163566
It's either cosmic Satan on day 2 of the job, a bunch of useless civs or a cult.
It's a good life.
>>
>>5163554
I almost forgot to ask: how much mana did that night of rest give us?
>>
>>5163554
>An effigy of some sort, made of discarded metal and paper and various other trash. It…vaguely looks like a massive eye with a spinal cord and bat wings…or something else. You honestly cannot tell for the life of you- it’s the people surrounding it that concern you.
Some sort of doomsday cult? I love doomsday cults.
>>
>>5163569
>a bunch of useless civs
worse, its prime izumi bait. a bunch of useless civs that need healing? you can bet that izumi will dump a decent chunk of her mana into healing them.
also funny enough, the three options in the sequence they are paint a story. first the useless civs turn into a cult and then summon cosmic satan
>>
>>5163550
I'm raving on about food because the notifications about kid's poor diet popped up several times and is not going away. seems important enough to directly address it instead of ignoring or assuming it's going to fix itself automatically.
>>
>>5163573
1000. You (Miranda) are not happy about it.
>>
>>5163568
Yes, it's probably temporary. However, the gauntlets are not. Whatever's been repaired, stays repaired. So thus, if she believes the music box will be fixed from our magic gauntlets, it'll likely remain fixed.
>>
>>5163576
>>5163569
>useless civs
I know that this option would cost us more time, mana, food and water - but I'd trust their info more than a sketchy loner or a cult.
>>
The strange stranger takes it.

Writing.
>>
>>5163585
>their info
like where army remnants, bandit hideouts and other refugee/medical camps or wracked hordes could be along the road and if the Fog has already rendered some paths impassable.
>>
>>5163588
thats a fair train of thought. mine was that the guitarist would be easier to deal with(either just talking of fighting if need to be), unlike the civs and the cult who'd probably summon a horde that we'd have to fight
>>
File: 1613953488551.gif (3.04 MB, 320x131)
3.04 MB
3.04 MB GIF
a shame that Endomagic books had nothing useful for the kid. at least we've got a reminder about Eel's Grace >>5139056
>“Eel’s Grace, I believe,” she answers. “It’s a small, subtle spell that makes people more flexible; not out of the realm of normal contortion possibilities, but just enough that you’re seen as far more flexible than normal.”

>“And you could detect that?” you ask, impressed.

>That gets you a small smile of pride. “It’s just a matter of what to look for. Eel’s Grace has the side effect of heating up your body, causing heavy perspiration in beings that can sweat, and a lot of blood rushing to various parts of the body. It can be masked a bit by claiming exertion, but inflamed hands, feet, and ears are usually dead giveaways. It also reduces pain response.”
>>
>>5163554
>>5163556
>>5163557
>>5163564
The guitarist is wholly out of place; his wardrobe isn’t spotless, but it’s surprisingly well kept, in beige slacks with suspenders, a well fitting black shirt, and an overcoat that doesn’t quite fit the somewhat elderly man’s countenance- the weather is crisp, but you’d hesitate to call it cold. And yet he’s just sitting on the steps, next to a moderately sized driveway for more than one vehicle just off the road. His face is placidly calm, eyes closed, with a small smile on it as he sways his head to his repeated tune.

Immediately your hackles raise. There’s no reason someone should be so calm about that…but you pass him on by, and-

Suddenly, something clacks; and the vehicle shudders once before starting to slow down, maybe a few yards past the place.

“What the fuck?” Zipper says, looking down. She stamps on the pedal, and a look of frustration crosses her face. “No fucking way." She squints, remaining quiet for a moment. Then attempts to restart the vehicle. It sputters, it shudders...and then falls silent again.

Her head hits the wheel, and you can't see her face. "That- ugh. Piece of fucking junk.” She frowns, pursing her lips, then turns her head back, looking past you both towards the old man, who, from what you can tell, seems to not notice, in at least you hear no movement; rather he’s continuing to play on the steps. “...fucking- ugh. How much you wanna bet…” She quickly grabs both her pistols, shifting one to be obviously places, and the second under her coat. “Cover me while I do my mechanic shit. Plug the geezer if…Iunno, fuck, maybe I’m just paranoid.”

She hops out, and you notice Izumi checks her own armaments quickly.

A kick has her open up the hood, and Izumi looks tense. You don’t blame her.

“Alright, let’s see what fucked up…” Zipper mutters to herself.

About five minutes later, amidst some muttering and occasional cursing, you hear a voice. Deep, but with age behind it, and a faint accent you can’t quite place, though if you had to throw a label on it, it’d be Nordic of some sort. “Engine trouble, I’m guessin’?” It's got an amused lilt to it.

Right. None of you speak.

Not that the man seems to take offense. "Well, answer or no, up to ya. The eyes ain't great, but the other senses be quite fine. If you're of a mind to, this here's the last safe spot for some ways comin' or goin'. I'd welcome the company ta stay for a time."

(Continued tomorrow because I hate ending runs on rolls.)
>>
>>5163604
Yeah, nah, he can fuck off. If power sense tags him as dangerous - we're blasting this bastard.
Thanks for running!
>>
>>5163608
Slow your roll, anon. Let's at least talk to the guy, first, and figure out where he's coming from. He might have some advice about fixing the kid up.
>>
>>5164005
it's pretty obvious he's responsible for the problem in the first place.
>>
>>5164038
I'm not disagreeing with that, but since it was voted on, we might as well interact with the plot point, rather than just ignore it or immediately attack it.
>>
>>5164057
I'm pretty sure it's not worth it, better cut our losses and either blast him... or tow the car far enough so he'd lose interest. This 'plot point' is not related to our actual job - delivering the cure component on time. He's probably going to send us on a bullshit sidequest where we'd have to risk our car (with the cargo) AND the kid for his own selfish goals.
>>
>>5164073
That's an assumption, and I'd like to see what the plot point is, especially since I voted for it. The civilians would have been another mana drain, just like with the cultists. All that would have differed is whether we were healing or fighting. Meanwhile guitaroo man here at least looks like he'd be willing to trade passage for a story or as many canned beans as we'd be willing to give for his bean stew, plus a night in his B&B, rather than in a loud refugee camp or a reeking cultist den.
>>
>>5164132
Sorry, that should be, "plus lunch in his B&B".
>>
>>5163608
nah, attacking first is a bad idea. for all we know he might actually be an old man and somehow found a way to repel or even befriend the monsters
>>
>>5163604
Already you’re wondering just what his deal is. He’s unlikely to just be an innocent man in all of this- he’s far, far too casual, too laid back.

It’s a few more moments before Zipper slams the hood down. “It’s fine, I fixed it!” She yells. “So thanks, but no thanks!”

“Wait, you fixed it already?” Izumi asks. You’re still not sure if talking would be safe, bad eyesight or not.

“Yeah, it was just a plug what came loose and jarred the camshaft. I found it and shoved it back and shit. Should be fine now, so we won’t NEED to stay anywhere, a-thank you.” She’s all faux politeness and sweetness as she sits back behind the driver’s seat. “And now we get the fuck outta here,” she says lowly as she turns the key.

The engine sputters- revs up. “Ha! Alright, let’s-”

And it’s then that a clacking sound reverberates again- and then a pop. Zipper’s eyes go wide for a moment, then narrow. “...fuck you.” You’re not sure who she’s talking to.

The man just starts up his guitar playing again. Izumi side eyes you. “I don’t like this.”

“No shit,” Zipper says again. “I KNOW I fixed it! I’ll bet you money that old fuck is fucking with us. Hold on.” She gets out again.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5164338
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5164338
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5164338
Come on, let’s go talk to the other reality bender to see what the deal is.
>>
Well, it's not the worst thing ever.

Writing.
>>
>>5164340
Eh, it’s on the ‘okay’ area of the dice. Good save, anon.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5164338
Ngl i don't like the sudden turn of Zipper's character, feels similar to those cheap forced-drama moments in tv shows and anime. Not everyone has to be a edgy hardass
>>
>>5164338
>>5164340
>>5164346
>>5164347
“Fucking hell, this is some bullshit…” Zipper mutters from under the hood again. There’s a few more quiet moments, before she pokes her head from behind it, and waves you over silently.

You’re careful to get out, and step lightly. You’re not a great mechanic, but you can tell some things are…off. Just a vibe you get.

Nonetheless, she whispers to you. “Okay, so we got a lot of shit that came loose and one of the rods went pop. Like, I can’t even see the damn thing anymore. Can your repair trick help with that?”

You blink, though she doesn’t see it. “Maaaybe? I usually need to touch whatever’s damaged. If there’s nothing to touch, I doubt I can fix it.” You weren’t exactly looking at the engine when you fixed the car’s frame the last time, after all. And ‘damaged is different from ‘jarred loose’, so you’re not positive on THAT front, either. “Where is it?”

She points down into a tiny gap. “There. Just on the side of the piston block and down and right of the steam chest. Yeah, see that container looking thing? That’s the generator, and the bolts down there? There should be something else there connecting them. Some stiff wires. But see? Nada.” You think you see (or not) what she’s referring to. However, regardless of what it is, you immediately see a problem. You look from your gauntleted hands, to the engine, to her face.

Then you wave your gauntleted hands, with their thick fingers. “And how am I supposed to squeeze through to touch it?”

“...fuck.” Aye. “In that case I might have to fucking scavenge. No clue how long that’ll take, but at least any halfway intact car should have SOMETHING I can rig up.”

>You’ll keep an eye on the weird guy then. Her and Izumi can go looking. They’ll know what they’re looking for.
>You’ll help go do that, then. The few Wracked that ARE around shouldn’t harass you, and you can keep away from the weird guy.
>Other
>>
>>5164369
I guess the guitarist is blind?
>The eyes ain't great, but the other senses be quite fine.

Anyway
>You’ll keep an eye on the weird guy then. Her and Izumi can go looking. They’ll know what they’re looking for.
Delicious plot points.
>>
>>5164369
>You’ll keep an eye on the weird guy then. Her and Izumi can go looking. They’ll know what they’re looking for.
Bring over the music box. I'm getting a vibe that whatever this is, it relates to that.
>>
the old guy is giving me "demon at a crossroads" vibe, I say we scan the fucker from afar
>>
>>5164352
our emotional reader things has shown us that she has some sort of a fragile ego, so she's probably overcompensating

>>5164369
>You’ll keep an eye on the weird guy then. Her and Izumi can go looking. They’ll know what they’re looking for.
p l o t
>>
>>5164369
>You’ll keep an eye on the weird guy then. Her and Izumi can go looking. They’ll know what they’re looking for.
>>5164383
I wanna call her out soon cause' having a bomb like this around will never do anyone good
>>
The guy is actively sabotaging our mission and raising so many red flags you coild throw a communist party. This isn't 'plot', this is bullshit. He's screwing with the car, why do you think would he fix the music box? Why are we playing along?
>>
>>5164369
>>5164377
>>5164381
>>5164383
>>5164389
“You and her should go looking then,” you whisper. I’ll stick around here and keep an eye on him- you two probably know what you’re looking for better, anyway.”

“Fair enough,” she whispers back. “Hopefully we can get back before any bullshit happens.” She turns to look at Izumi, who seems surprised, but comes when motioned over. “Yo. Think you’re up for a scavenger hunt?”

Before long, the two of them are gone, and it’s just you and the kid, who seems to be trying to mess with Pecker, who still doesn’t seem to mind her efforts. He just flits around a bit as she tries to…feed him the crystal or something. You’re not sure, but Pecker’s not really having it, at least.

It’s only a few more minutes before you realize that the music’s stopped.

“So? Any thoughts? Had plenty of time to learn how ta play.” The old man speaks again. Great. He knows you’re here, then. "Not been much else to do since everythin' went sideways an' folks started leavin'. Was awful 'round here for a while, but it's calmed a good ways down since. Music soothes the soul, it does."

> Don’t respond.
> “It’s fine. If repetitive.” Might as well play along for now.
> “Did you really need to capture an audience that way?” Might as well call him out.
> Ask about his experiences there. Could wring something out of him.
> Other
>>
>>5164441
> “It’s fine. If repetitive.” Might as well play along for now.
> Ask about his experiences there. Could wring something out of him.
>>
>>5164441
>Sniff him with Power Sense and try to get a read on his mood.
> “Did you really need to capture an audience that way?” Might as well call him out.
Fuck this guy. This is an act of sabotage yet you all are gleefully playing along with it.
>>
>>5164441
>Sniff him with Power Sense and try to get a read on his mood.
> “It’s fine. If repetitive.” Might as well play along for now.
> Ask about his experiences there. Could wring something out of him.
Don't jump the gun just yet.
>>
>>5164441
> “It’s fine. If repetitive.” Might as well play along for now.
> Ask about his experiences there. Could wring something out of him.

>>5164435
Because this was the situation that was voted on. I'm sorry you're not interested in what's going on, but I'm genuinely curious about this, and I'd like to talk to this guy without the constant refrain of 'HE GONNA FUKIN KILL US", okay?
>>
>>5164447
>Fuck this guy. This is an act of sabotage yet you all are gleefully playing along with it.
yeah, we all know that. and its not like the other options would have been drastically different; its just that in here we have a higher chance of just losing time instead of time and mana. plus who knows, this might just be an old man
>>
>>5164441
>>5164448
This one
>>5164447
let people enjoy things
>>
>>5164352
>>5164383
>>5164389
Maybe you should've let her mull on stuff we said about being friends and thought just a little bit longer before asking suspicious stuff.
>“Hell you bring up that asshole’s name for?” is the immediate response. Her aura shifts to a dark purple, all of a sudden. Suspicious, maybe? Untrusting?
>There’s a brief silence. The aura around her grows lighter purple, then suddenly deeper, to a near black that has you holding back a flinch at what that might imply, before receding once more into general purple.
You're messing with her brain, of course she's pissed. This is similar to what Interdiction twins pulled on us: "oh little girl with green hair, your spells are so cool - we invite you to a friendly game of poker where we'll subtly wring out all the juicy insider info you have."
>>
>>5164447
>>5164441
oh crap, almost forgot
>Cast Mental Barrier
don't think it has manacost
>>
>>5164441
>>5164447
This
>>
>>5164441
>> “Did you really need to capture an audience that way?” Might as well call him out.
>>
Writing.
>>
That's a lot of last-minute votes
>>
>>5164501
the heck is that supposed to mean?
>>
>>5164501
yeah, its kinda sus
>>
>>5164512
Right when a guy's in vitriol too
Eh nothing to worry about
>>
>>5164441
>>5164444
>>5164448
>>5164451
>>5164453

Damnit. In for a penny, you suppose. “It’s fine. If repetitive.” You might as well play along for now. Heck, might be able to wring something out of him about it all.

“Heeey, there’s a voice.” He sounds pleased to have gotten some sort of reaction. “Sounds like you’ve a mask on, eh? Rather eerie tone, if you ask me, but! Needs must. Needs must. Kept hearin’ about the fog out there what changes folks, so it makes sense, it does. And repetition helps, lass. It makes ya feel normal. Standard. Repetition, habit, normality. Feels nice, in chaotic days, it does.”

“So how have you managed to survive all of this?” you ask, eyes flicking to the kid. She looks at you briefly, before handing you back Pecker. You’ll refuse him for now- she can keep playing with him.

“Ohh…s’pose it’d be a bit gauche to say the music helped. Hohohoho. But it did! There were a lot of bombs, and explosions, and screamin’, and I suppose I just kept playing. I did keep playing. Weren’t nothin’ for no one, so no reason to go all to pieces. It’s nature, this is. Fella like me can figure that out well ‘nough. Nature spoke back to us an’ she weren’t pleased, so we went to tha’ wayside, a lot of us. Spring’s Cleanin’, after a fashion!” He laughs again, deep and rough. You’re already wondering how long it’s gonna take those two. “But. I suppose it liked my music and playing well enough. I’m still here. I’m sure some others are, too. It’s a shame for many, but the few that make it’ll be all the better for it. Lookit me, eh? Music called to me. Playing instruments, an’ just about any. Not a ton else to do, barring keeping this place fixed up. I fix up the nicknacks, I fix up the pipes, anything I can, ah, get my hands on. Need the hands, I do. Very important. It’s like that. I’m sure most will be better, coming out.”

You…strongly doubt that, but whatever. This jabbering guy is beyond suspect. Just to be safe, you decide on a brief sniff of him- to see if there’s anything off. And…

He doesn’t smell THAT bad. More…slightly rancid milk than anything else. Huh. So there’s SOMETHING about him, but whatever it is…it’s at least not directly hurtful. But your sense isn’t perfect, so it’d still be wise to be on guard.

>Keep silent. You’ve gotten as much information as you care to.
>Ask him if he’s capable of fixing a music box.
>Ask him why’d he stop you all, then? Be direct about it.
>Ask him about resting in the bed and breakfast. He seems…handle-able, at least.
>Other
>>
>>5164528
>ask him about what kind of music he plays

so music can quell the wracked. interesting
>>
>>5164528
>Ask him if he’s capable of fixing a music box.
>Ask him why’d he stop you all, then? Be direct about it.
Hah! Knew this one's a hook.
>>
>>5164528
>>5164540
This too.
>>
>>5164528
>Ask him if he’s capable of fixing a music box.
>Ask if he knows what the song it plays is called, and the meaning behind it.
>Ask him why’d he stop you all, then? Be direct about it.

>>5164540 too.
>>
>>5164528
>Ask him if he’s capable of fixing a music box.
>Ask him about resting in the bed and breakfast. He seems…handle-able, at least.
Okay, let's go along with it.
>>
>>5164528
>>5164540
Good call
>>
>>5164545
>>5164528
Y'know what, I'll drop asking him why he stopped us.

So the revised list is...
>Ask him if he’s capable of fixing a music box.
>Ask if he knows what the song it plays is called, and the meaning behind it.
>ask him about what kind of music he plays
>>
Okay, seems like the only two questions with backing are

>Ask if he knows what the song it plays is called, and the meaning behind it.
and
>Ask him if he’s capable of fixing a music box.

I'll be writing for those.
>>
>>5164528
>>5164540
>>5164544
>>5164564
>>5164545
“Yeah?” you fish. “Can fix things, huh?”

“Oh yeah, yes I can. Many things. Not too much, not like cars and whatnot. But some things. Many things, I can.” He strums a few notes. “Instruments need a lot of care. You learn a lot about it, keeping them well to work.”

“Yeah? What instruments? You play a lot of different types of music?” you fish. If this is something that could be used to placate the Wracked, then it’s worth investigation.

“Oh, a few things. Just a few. Tend to prefer things slower. Repetition is the key, it is. Gets you into a groove. A good ballad, for example. A good ballad’s awful sweet to the ears, it really is. It’s not a place for all that fast an’ wild nonsense. Had plenty of that already for a lifetime, we have.”

Well. That’s…interesting. “What about a music box?” you hazard. “You think you could fix that?”

“Hmmm…a music box, you say?” comes the response. “Perhaps, perhaps. Bring it here, if you have one, and I’ll see what I can do, I will.” Ah, right. He’ll have to see you, finally. You’re feeling more than a bit cautious about the idea, really…but. You suppose you’ll have to see somehow.

The kid stares at you as you get up, and you don’t look back.

>Roll 2d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 5, 18 = 23 (2d20)

>>5164664
>>
Rolled 19, 2 = 21 (2d20)

>>5164664
Here goes...
>>
Rolled 11, 8 = 19 (2d20)

>>5164664
Hole in one
>>
Rolled 20, 16 = 36 (2d20)

>>5164664
>>
He's as good as his word. And a bit besides.

Writing.
>>
Rolled 12, 14 = 26 (2d20)

>>5164664
>>
>“Oh, a few things. Just a few. Tend to prefer things slower. Repetition is the key, it is. Gets you into a groove. A good ballad, for example. A good ballad’s awful sweet to the ears, it really is. It’s not a place for all that fast an’ wild nonsense. Had plenty of that already for a lifetime, we have.”

and this is exactly why you don't go blasting the people that look threatening without talking to them.
>>
>>5164682
You can mock me for being paranoid, that's fair. I already said something like that before>>5161573 - if you actually have proof that I'm in the wrong then I'll admit that I was wrong.
But accusing me of samefagging is a whole different thing. Fuck you.
>>
>>5164686
>But accusing me of samefagging is a whole different thing.
wait, you're still salty about that?? lmao. first im not even considering anyone in particular -even less you, random anon- when i post stuff like that; i just pointed out that just because someone looks scary we shouldn't kill them on the spot. and second, >>5164501 this literal casual observation aimed at no one, but then you took it as an insult at your person because i suppose you're just that egocentric or something along those lines.

TL;DR: you aren't the center of the world. chill.
>>
>>5164706
>this literal casual observation aimed at no one
>>5164514
>Right when a guy's in vitriol too
You really want to start a drama, huh? And you still keep making baseless assumptions with no proof at all.
>>
>>5164706
how can I chill when you go talking shit like
>i suppose you're just that egocentric or something along those lines.
>>
>>5164707
Dude chill you're being an ass. If you're not samefagging then it's just a harmless passing yeh? You're being a dramaqueen while everyone else's having a grand time
>>
>>5164707
>You really want to start a drama, huh? And you still keep making baseless assumptions with no proof at all.
im not that guy, you idiot. at least try to direct your slights against the right person
>>
>>5164664
>>5164667
>>5164669
>>5164670
You’re not sure what you expected his reaction to be as you make your way up to him; his eyes are bad, and squinted, borderline closed, but you don’t know if he’s outright blind or what. You keep yourself ready for any nonsense he might try to pull, just in case, as you hold out the music box towards him. “Here.”

Without seemingly any problem, however, he calmly takes the box from you, and begins to splay his fingers all over it. “Ooooh. This is a prime little box, it is. Old make, very old. Yes, I can feel the grooves in it. Seems like there’s a buncha old things comin’ back now, ain’t it?”

“Are there?” you hazard. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Oh, well.” He doesn’t seem too bothered as he begins to move his fingers with more purpose- finding the underside and popping open the latch with his guitar pick. “Mebbe not so much for the folks not big on history. Used ta be said that the world had wondrous things, it did. Simply wondrous. Like this here box. It’s old, and here it is. Of course, there's older. A touch older. Civilizations an’ all that, I’m sure you’re aware of that much. Said they were to be something amazing, they were. Simply astounding.” You can hear the clacking of parts fitting together as he winds and snaps a few things together. “Vanished for whatever reason. Said they used to be able to do MAGIC. Magic, it is! Impossible to possible, so I hear. But that’s not been such for ages. Longer than mine, or my fathers, or anyone’s father fathers, what can still speak. Used to be part of nature, they said it was. But humans’ll grow, and change, and in time the ways was said lost. ‘Cept for those real curious sorts, you know the type. Going on at all hours and whatnot, jumpin’ at every little oddity.”

“So…how does this relate?” you follow up. That was VERY interesting, but you’re wondering why that topic?

“Oh, cause people went ‘round for a while. Talkin’ about strangenesses and oddities, and I suppose I thought to m’self: ‘well, that’s what magic used to be, hm?’ Mebbe it’s tired of not gettin’ used, maybe it’s forcin’ itself up and through and into an’ around. Me, I always thought was magic in the air in a way or another.” He grins. “Music, in particular. Keeps me right. Consistent. Regular. A regular tune’ll do wonders.”

“Right, you mentioned that…” you mutter. He DID seem rather repetitive by nature.

(cont.)
>>
>>5164711
>>5164710
Alright, I'll chill.
>>
>>5164718

“So I figure, well, we make it through this, probably be a good thing, yeah? A real good thing. Folk’ll be more used to the magic again, if that’s what this is, and I think it is. Nature coming back, evening the scales. Folks’ll be born afterwards, and they’ll be used to it. Things’ll move on, one way or another.” And with that, he gives the music box a quick, small shake, holding it to his ear as a couple things make a rattle. “Quite nice, should be able to play a lovely melody. Just about finished, though. The disk ‘ere…mmm, yes. Still feels in good condition. You’ll have a nice little thing here, if I can fix her up all the way. And I think I can.” He smiles, as though having been given a precious gift. “I think I can…I’ll need to go inside, though. Get my tools. Haveta get those, can’t fix it all up without tools, I can’t. Just a moment. Y’can follow me inside or no; won’t take long to get my tools. But I rather like the inside- gives off a proper feeling of home, I think it does. Rare to have these days.”

You look back towards the car. Kid’s still in there. Rather not leave them alone.

> “I’ll be fine out here, thanks.” Rather not take the risk, really.
> “...hold on a second.” Might as well bring the kid to be safe. For a given definition.
> Other
>>
>>5164721
> “...hold on a second.” Might as well bring the kid to be safe. For a given definition.
>Set up turret, leave note on car for the others
>"You ever think you felt it before? Magic, I mean." Guy might not know he's magic. Could even be this world's version of reality benders.
>>
>>5164721
>“I’ll be fine out here, thanks.” Rather not take the risk, really.
mmmm nah. sorry magic grandpa, we still have to guard the car and izumi's zombie kid
>>
>>5164721
>“I’ll be fine out here, thanks.” Rather not take the risk, really.
I'm curious but I'd rather not risk the kid.
>>
>>5164721
>“I’ll be fine out here, thanks.” Rather not take the risk, really.
>"You ever think you felt it before? Magic, I mean."
>"What do you think of this plague going around?"
Should we show him the ceremonial dagger?
>>
>>5164721
>> “I’ll be fine out here, thanks.” Rather not take the risk, really.
He doesn't strike me as 'expert physician' or 'surgeon', so I don't think he can help the kid. I mean, having dexterous fingers is a good thing in those fields but he's almost blind. We can continue our chat once he's outside - can tend to the kid in the meantime.
>>
>>5164726
If we do stick outside, should we try to sing to the kid and see how she reacts? Also, if we do sing, what song?

I'm thinking Moving Right Along might get something out of her.
>>
>>5164732
i don't think he means fixing the kid, but finishing fixing the box.
>>5164731
maybe? perhaps he has some mystical insight on it
>>5164736
im more partial to house of the rising sun desu
>>
>>5164736
Voting for My Way by Frank Sinatra
>>5164721
Maybe when he came back out we can show him the dagger in a jiffy?
>>
>>5164736
Can Miranda even sing?
Part of me wants to check if FutureSight has some vidya preinstalled or if we've recorded anything fun (we've recorded history books from magical worlds with summoners, lizardmen and fairy elders), but lettings a child mess with such valuable tool sounds like a terrible idea. Maybe we could just read them for her out loud.
>>
>>5164740
>>5164732
Just saying if anyone has ideas about letting him take a look at the kid.
>>
>>5164721
Although you inwardly admit you’re curious, you’d rather not risk it. “I’ll be fine out here, thanks.”

“Suit yourself, suit yourself.” At least he doesn’t seem offended. “I’ll be just a moment. You’ll have no need to worry. The house is a good one.” He trails off a bit as he disappears inside, closing the door behind him.

You take the opportunity to head back to the kid- though when you turn your head, you see that she’s poking her head over the seat, staring. It’s a bit of an odd image since she’s still got the condenser on, but it’s still something that surprises you. More that you didn’t expect she’d take that initiative than anything else.

When you get back close, she looks down at her lap- there’s a flicker of something in her aura when you focus, but…it’s hard to tell, it’s so faint. Nothing you can identify out of hand, but you're fairly certain she's feeling something. Just dunno what for sure.

>...maybe she’s hungry? You’ve got lunch prepped. Well, what Izumi prepped. Kid likely hasn’t eaten in ages.
>...maybe she misses the music? You dunno, you’re not a good singer but. Eh, maybe hum something?
>...maybe she’s gotten bored of Pecker? She did try to hand him back. What else could interest her?
>Other
>>
>>5164745
i know she has sung drunk in the intersection, for some reason i feel she has an harmonica stored somewhere. although i might be confusing quests
>>5164747
fair enough
>>
>>5164745
Oh she's a softy, so I imagine her knowing some hums here and there. Hell even nursery rhymes
My headcannon is she actually having a stern but soft/light tone
>>
>>5164750
>all of the above
>>
>>5164750
SING WHILE PREPPING OUR LUNCH
>>
>>5164750
>>...maybe she’s hungry? You’ve got lunch prepped. Well, what Izumi prepped. Kid likely hasn’t eaten in ages.
>...maybe she’s gotten bored of Pecker? She did try to hand him back. What else could interest her?
We could read her some interesting bits from story books from other worlds that we've scanned. They're basically fairy tales: history of elves, summons, lizardfolk, actual fairies, etc.
>>
>>5164750
>>5164752
>>5164755
>>5164756
NURSERY RHYMES
Wait
and holy shit we are spoiling this kid too much
>>
>>5164751
>i know she has sung drunk in the intersection
Huh, I don't remember anything like that. I know we've visited a karaoke bar when Miranda and Lori were spying on Izumi's date, but Miranda got drunk listening to the singing competition - she wasn't taking part in it.
>>
>>5164750
>...maybe she’s hungry? You’ve got lunch prepped. Well, what Izumi prepped. Kid likely hasn’t eaten in ages.
My guess is that she's at last recovered enough to be scared of Miranda
>>
>>5164750
>...maybe she’s hungry? You’ve got lunch prepped. Well, what Izumi prepped. Kid likely hasn’t eaten in ages.
>...maybe she misses the music? You dunno, you’re not a good singer but. Eh, maybe hum something?
Tell Pecker to get in on the song too, that'll perk them both up. Need to get him to learn how to start singing, anyways.
>>
>>5164769
Man imagine the faces on Zippy and Izumi when they come back.
>>
>>5164763
Well, there's nothing else to do at the moment. Can't train because the world barely has any ambient mana, can't explore because we have to keep our cargo safe (and the kid too). We can start reading summoning manual and figure out how to reward or improve Gartoum, but every time we try we get interrupted so I kinda gave up on that.
>>
>>5164751
>>5164764
>harmonica
yeah, nah, you're confusing quests now
>>
>>5164750
>>5164756
>>5164755
>>5164765
>>5164769
Well, maybe she’s hungry? You’re not sure, but that’s a good default, right? You’ve dealt with kids before by now…though usually they can emote and generally say things towards what they want.

Well, you’ll just go with that for now, and considering you’re hungry, too, hey. Two birds, one stone. Let’s see…she said something about sandwiches, so it’s not great fare, but hey, might as well…

…huh. This…well, it IS a sandwich. Also a mini charcuterie board if you had to describe the variety of meats and cheeses in the little bags. Did she clean them out without realizing it? Hope not. Maybe she had some stuff stowed away herself from elsewhere? Whatever, you’re not going to bother asking. “Here,” you say to the kid, handing her the sandwich + carrots bowl. “Enjoy.”

She just stares at it for a moment. Looks at you.

“...what? Did you forget how to eat?” you ask redundantly. You take a bite of your own- less in example, more just hunger, but hey, two birds again.

It takes a moment for her to get it, but she does. Bite. Eat. Swallow. It’s a slow process for her, but she does manage it.

And then she kinda just…sits there. One bite, and looking off into space. “Uhhh…kid? You all there? Helloooo-”

In the next five seconds, the sandwich is gone, her throat bulging as she tries to swallow it all at once and (relatively) quickly devouring the carrots by handfuls. That is EASILY the fastest you've seen her move yet.

Welp.

Found where her hunger went. Good thing Izumi packed extra…

(Done for the night! Will post one tomorrow.)
>>
>>5164824
>You take a bite of your own

...But the mask?..
>>
File: thread #8.jpg (47 KB, 1578x141)
47 KB
47 KB JPG
>>5165152
not the first time we've dressed up as a celestial horror with no visible mouth. hopefully not the last, the reactions never stop to amuse me. kinda worrying that this madman hasn't shown any, and we got no read on him with our enchanted mask and other gear.
>>
>>5165190
The dude is mostly -if not comoletely- blind. Thats why he didnt react
>>
>>5165152
the mental image of an elder horror disintegrating a sandwitch by shoving it into her costimic mask
and the kid correctly interpreting it as "oh so *thats* how you eat!" is, well hilarious
>>
>>5165190
It’s probably just me, but even if we’re technically replacing them with our Care House kids, I still miss doing teaching missions.

Wonder how the Shining Hearts are doing…
>>
>>5165757
we should take the kids on a super easy milk run. rookie shenanigans are the best kind of shenanigans


>Wonder how the Shining Hearts are doing…
yeah, same
>>
>>5165757
Why would we replace them? We're treating this little ghoul similarly how we treat Care House kids. This happened pretty often before, we might get to teach some kids from other worlds as well. I wouldn't call either group of kids a 'replacement'.
>>
>>5164824
You’re not entirely sure what’s happening with the kid, but this is almost going a bit beyond a healthy appetite, and after her fourth, you think it’s probably a good idea to cut her off.

Well, maybe it would’ve been a good idea to cut her off before then, but the fact that she’s eating and eating quickly just kinda blindsided you. “Alright, kid, that’s enough for now,” you mutter as your own meal is finished.

Unsurprisingly, she looks around, as though almost hunting for more- before you find yourself having to ward the kid off as she tries to struggle to find more, even leaning towards your bag, which you make sure to keep out of grabbing range of her. It’s not hard keeping her blue-grey carcass off of you, and she still moves at a pace you’d called ‘lethargic’, but it’s still new that you have to even DO it at all. She’s for sure more energized now.

“Hey, that’s enough, kid. Glad you’re on the mend, but we need to save some of these, alright?” Not that you expected her to understand you, really, but it’s still important to put vocals to it, you think.

Seriously, you hope those two get back sooner than later. You’re stuck with a weird old man and a half-zombie kid. Feels like the setup to a bad joke’s punchline.

>Roll 1d20+2.
>>
>>5166049
Dropped my everything.
>>
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5166049
>>
Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5166049
>>
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5166049
>>
>>5166049
>>5166053
>>5166055
>>5166079
Aaaand speak of the devil (hopefully not literally), here’s the old man. Plus side, he seems to be happy enough. The box almost looks good as new. You’re barely halfway to meeting him when he presents it to you- the kid’s still trying to find something to eat. “Ah, here you are, right here. It’s a beautiful piece, it is. Very soothing. Brings back memories, it does. Good ones. You’ll be set right with this. If’n you find any music to play, I doubt they’ll be as good as this one. Might still be worth it, though,” he rambles on. “Good music’s hard to find. Harder to make.”

“I suppose,” you allow as you take it back from his chilly hands. At the very least you can appreciate help when it’s given. “Thanks for this.”

“Oh, no need for thanks, none at all. Tis nice to work with the hands. It’s real nice. I play with my hands, I work with my hands. All regular. All comes back to repetition. Keeping steady on. You’ll enjoy it.”

“Heyo!” Oh, thank goodness. You sigh as you hear the familiar voice of Zipper coming closer. “Guess who found some good shit? We’ll be back on the road in no time!”

Finally.

“Oh, you’re goin’?” He asks casually. “No plans to stay for the night?”

“Fuck no!” Zipper says with all too much enjoyment. “We’re passin’ through,” she says as she proceeds to get to work. “We gotta fix up, an’ fill up, and we’re fuckin’ OUTTA here.”

“Well, that’s all your business, all yours. I won’t deny I’m worried for you lasses out on the road, but it’s good to meet ya. How long might ya be here, then?”

Zipper grumbles, but she takes care to look it all over. “I’d saaaaay…Iunno. Half hour? Maybe a bit more?”

“Ah? Hm. I see, I understand that…” the man seems to have his head in thought. “Then perhaps you might do me a kindness, considering? It shouldn’t take so long.”

“And that would be?” you hazard.

“Just a bit of helping with a little problem, it is. Need eyes for it, but mine aren’t great. They aren’t. Noticed while I was fixing your box, and now that it’s fixed, I realized something of mine went missin’ during it. It’s an old valuable of mine. A very nice cup. Just need a set of eyes to look for it, since mine aren’t so good.”

> “…fine. I guess we owe you that much.”
> “And what for it? Earlier wasn’t a trade.”
> “I don’t think we’ll have time to search everywhere.”
> Other

(Run tomorrow, just to let people know.)
>>
>>5171148
Terribly sorry, but no.
> “I don’t think we’ll have time to search everywhere.”
Kettle sets were mentioned when we looted the bandits - did we take one by any chance? Could give him one of those.
Also he's finally told us the reason why he stopped us. I guarantee there's something sketchy about the cup.
>>
>>5171155
The reason why I got mad earlier was because of the fuck up at the start of the thread, caused by some anons who couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn the 'juicy bits'. Now Zipper is acting weird and Izumi definitely didn't appreciate this 'favor'.
And when this weirdo stopped our car it looked like we're about to repeat the same mistake in a span of few days. I'm getting a feeling like the guy himself is lampshading this >>5164718
> ‘Cept for those real curious sorts, you know the type. Going on at all hours and whatnot, jumpin’ at every little oddity.”
Even if it's a Courier mission it's still ranked as B+. He's stopped us for a selfish reason, so I don't get why anons put their guard down. Our job is to get the cure component to the hospital, there'll be more interesting events along the road.
>>
>>5171148
>> “I don’t think we’ll have time to search everywhere.”
I don't trust this dude at all.
>>
>>5171148
>> “I don’t think we’ll have time to search everywhere.”
>>
>>5171148
> “…fine. I guess I owe you that much.”
>>
>>5171148
> “…fine. I guess we owe you that much.”
We have half an hour to fool around and I don't know what we are supposed to do in that time to be honest. We can just scan the cup if it looks weird, the Futuresight has never failed us before. Any longer though and we're going.
>>
>>5171405
We could scan the music box to check if he's somehow tampered with it (maybe he can weave spells into music - he was playing a guitar when our car broke)
Or check the walkie-talkie (is it working? is anyone transmitting anything around here?)
Or read the books we've collected (we wanted to reward/improve Gartoum but have no idea how - I bet there should be something useful in the summoning books we've brought from his world. And maybe the one we got from the Shadow King could help as well)
>>
>>5171148
>…fine. I guess we owe you that much.
Plot! plot! plot! plot!
>>
>>5171148
> “…fine. I guess I owe you that much.”
as long as it doesn't take too long
>>
Seems like we're searching. Run begins in 15 minutes.
>>
>>5171148
>>5171392
>>5171405
>>5171505
>>5171667
You’re not a fan of whatever this guy is selling, but…well, he’s been relatively benign so far. You’re still wary about him, but it might be a pleasant subversion of the usual expectations if this keeps up. “...fine. I guess we owe you that much.”

“Oh perhaps, maybe. But it doesn’t mean you need to, no.” Right. Sure. Oy. “That’s fine though, that you’d help a fella out. Speaks well of you, it does. Says you’re right-minded. Fair sort.” He nods, as though confirming something only he’d been privy to. “It’s well appreciated, to be sure. If you’d follow me? Won’t be very long, that I can promise ya.”

Oy. You feel like you’re walking into a trap, but…blah. You look back towards Izumi, who seems a bit concerned; clearly caught in between backing you up or keeping an eye on Zipper and the kid out there. Seems like this is an issue that’s constantly cropping up.

“Right in here, then. Think you’ll like the place.” At least he doesn’t seem to notice.

>Motion for Izumi to follow you. You might want a second set of eyes- and maybe hands if you need to throw any.
>She can stay there and keep an eye on Zipper. You’ll rather just blow the place up than risk anything.
>Other
>>
>>5172193
>Other
Back off a bit and use futuresight to scan the old man. Set up our mana tinfoil hat too
ok lads I want some plot too but this just smells, have to agree with the other guy ere. If he wants to hand out some sidegigs he can do it right where we stand
>>
>>5172193
>>5172210
Thank you.
>Scan the music box as well.
>>
>>5172193
>>5172214
Alright, let's give this a time out. This reminds me of that time we walked into that temple the last job.
>>
>>5172193
>Motion for Izumi to follow you. You might want a second set of eyes- and maybe hands if you need to throw any.
Might as well bring up Gartoum as well.

>>5172214
>>5172210
…Just stick it in the bottomless bag, anons. That way it’ll look normal to any ambushers, and whatever happened to it won’t work on us since it’s in a separate pocket reality.
>>
>>5172257
Things don't work inside the bag.
And if you insist on bringing someone with us then you can grab Pecker instead of Izumi - our awesome anti-magic birb helped us get through illusions in the fairy forest, so it might see through whatever tricks might be prepared here. And I'm pretty sure Gartoum is always with us.
>>
>>5172265
> Things don't work inside the bag.
That’s the exact reason why I want to put it in the bag. It’s like an infinite EOD box for magic items.

I’d rather have Izumi with us, personally, but I’m fine with Pecker coming along. Regardless, whoever doesn’t get picked should help out Zipper.
>>
>>5172265
>>5172257
*things inside the bag can't interact with whatever is outside of it and vice-versa. Only the owner can use the bag of holding the intended way. Also Futuresight has camouflage - it turnedinto books, tablets, stones and other normal looking things.
>>
>>5172278
>>5172257
in short - it won't scan if we put it inside the bag. and we want it to scan him.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5172284
... he was talking about putting the music box inside the bag if it does anything funny.
>>
>>5172276
Pecker can't really help Zipper, that's why I suggested taking him instead. If this guy has an accomplice then we can trust Izumi to protect the car, cargo, Zipper and the kid by herself.
>>
>>5172284
I’m perfectly fine with not scanning it immediately, especially if it’s been sabotaged like you think it was. Putting it in the bag means it won’t explode in our face, and we’ll be able to take it out in the Intersection later, where the people who made it explosive can’t activate it.

>>5172293
I’m referring to Gartoum, who can. Dude’s liquid shadow, he can probably get into those hard to maneuver spots in the engine block.
>>
>>5172289
Oh? My bad. This post >>5172257 referred to everything as 'it', the music box didn't change its shape or anything so it should look 'normal' and one of the post anon linked didn't mention the box at all. So I assumed he was talking only about the scanner.
>>5172300
Sure, we can scan the box later. But scanning the old man comes first, should've done it long ago.
>he can probably get into those hard to maneuver spots in the engine block.
Huh, didn't think of that.
>>
Found something interesting - 'Mana Knuckles' sound a lot like Izumi's 'Palms of Succor':
>Palms of Succor:
>Izumi infuses her hands with mana, and near solidifies it. She can then swipe the air with to create small, extremely slow moving energy waves that act as point barriers to any incoming attacks. They nonetheless hit with the full force of a blunted magi-wave on impact. The energy around her hands also, of course, augments her hand-to-hand techniques.
Handler added estimated manacost of Izumi's techniques in the spreadsheet and this one's is listed as 'negligible' - meaning 'Palms of Succor' cost as much as manablasts. No idea how much Miranda's 'knuckles' cost but they sound like a cheap alternative to 'Light Barrier' - might come in handy since we're trying to avoid spending more mana than necessary.
>>
>>5172193
>>5172210
>>5172214
>>5172249
>>5172257
…a few moments before you take a step, you think about it again…and honestly, too many alarm bells are going off to ignore now. It’d be stupid, and frankly, downright unprofessional to just let that lie.

But how…ah. As he heads up the stairs, you reach into your pocket. Your Futuresight here is very much a retrofuturistic aesthetic, with a lot of knobs and buttons- most of them being for style since it’s via touch, largely. You don’t have the opportunity to give a deep scan, but maybe something quick at least…

“You go ahead, I’ll be right inside. Just need to tell the others a few things,” you insist.

“Sure, sure,” he nods, without looking back. “You agreed, and I’ll trust your word, hm? Trust is in short supply these days, but I’ve no need to be stingy. You won’t be long in here, I’m sure. Not at all. Be right inside.”

Great. Well, let’s see what you can get out of a 30 second scan…you’d much prefer to scan the man himself, but it’d be the height of suspicion to just ask him to sit still for that long. Maybe
“You sure that’s safe?” Izumi asks, coming next to you.

“Probably not,” you whisper back. “I want to see what’s going on with this guy…”

Shortly, you do manage to come back with something, at least:

>Notice: Interplanar tear detected. Deeper scan required for further analysis.
>Notice: Estimated expected volume of scanned building incongruent with calculated spatial measurements. Dimensional Transcendence is likely.
>Notice: (1) Non-baseline human entity identified within primary targeted facility. Warning: Due to prior scan results, this estimate may not be accurate.

And that’s all. So. Portal to another dimension, huh? Kinda figured. "Well. That's not entirely off base from what I was expecting," Izumi admits as well.

The question now is, what to do with that info? You can’t just bail, sadly. Not judging by how Zipper’s muttering to herself as she works.

And if this guy is some weird out there alien whatever? Well, you know beings like this, they're liable to get pissed if you go back on your word. "Think you can back me up?"

"Of course," she says with a nod. You stow the music box in your bag.

>Bring Pecker.
>Bring Gartoum.
>Bring Both.
>Other
>>
>>5172395
Well, since Izumi is coming anyway
>Bring Pecker
>Set up the Clockwork Turret to protect the car and Zipper
>Tell Gartoum to help Zipper with the car and keep an eye on the kid.
Don't want her to wander off looking for more food while everyone's busy. I hate that trope.
>>
>>5172395
uuuuuh are we sure we wanna do this
Because I member that M said the gals can't handle cthulhus in the last q&a
>>
>>5172395
>Bring Pecker.
Sorry, Gartoum. Babysitting and car repair for you, again. Just let us know if you want something for this favor.

>Dimensional Transcendence is likely.
Are we talking to a newly minted god or urban legend? What kind of souvenir would someone even get from that?
>>
>>5172404
I honestly don't want to do this, but we're split 50/50 on ditching this guy and going for the juicy plot. It's too late to back down now since the vote to agree to help him won and we're stuck here until Zipper fixes the car.
>>
>>5172395
>>5172403
Woo! Bonus boss right on the 2nd day of the job.
>>
>>5172403
>Don't want her to wander off looking for more food while everyone's busy.
Give Gart a few sausages and tell him to use them to distract her if she starts to wander off, he’ll find it hilarious.
>>
>>5172395
>>5172419
Oh yes
>>
>>5172404
>>5172410
*between ditching this guy or going along for the juicy plot
I've been ranting and whining like a no-fun asshole about it since the last weekend. Didn't we have enough shenanigans, light adventures and other distractions during our months long stay in the Intersection? We're on a dangerous job now, this is unprofessional.
>>
>>5172419
Taking tard wrangling to a new level, i see
>>
>>5172453
>Didn't we have enough shenanigans, light adventures and other distractions during our months long stay in the Intersection? We're on a dangerous job now, this is unprofessional.
True, but consider this: if we leave without helping the old man, it could bit us on the ass, but if deal with the issue right here and now(either by fighting if its a trap, or finding the cup) we wont have to even remember him after we leave the place. Its a win win
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5172465
I know that it is already too late to bail. All I can do now is help with mitigating the damage.
>>
>>5172496
IF there's any damage. maybe we'll be able to find his cup with no problem
>>
>>5172457
It’ll make for some good memories for her to be pissed at us over when she’s all grown up.

>”Damnit, Aunt Randa, I’m sixteen years old! I don’t need Gartoum to babysit me anymore!”
>”But you used to love it when he played Sausage-Fishing with you, didn’t you?”
>”AAAAGH, SHUT UP MY FRIENDS ARE HERE”

>>5172496
For moot’s sake, if you know you’ve been “ranting and whining like a no-fun asshole” about something that you’re worried about, the solution isn’t continuing to rant and whine about it. It’s to take a step back, take a fifteen to twenty minute break to calm down, then come back and let whatever happened pass like water under the bridge.
>>
>>5172513
>It’ll make for some good memories for her to be pissed at us over when she’s all grown up.
worst of all, what if the trick still works?

>AUNT RANDA, STOP EMB-
>*miranda throws a sausage to the side*
>"*kid immediately focuses on the sausage*
>"whu-what? AAAARG, STOP IT"
>>
>>5172513
We had a chance to bail yesterday, that's why I continued. I'll let it pass once we're done here.
>>
>>5172395
>>5172403
>>5172409
>>5172416
“Right, then.” you mutter. “Gartoum, sorry, but you’re stuck on babysitting duty again. Although any help you can give Zipper would be great,” you add on.

A long, droning sigh is your response. “Never have I felt more of a simple servant than now,” he laments. “This could be interesting, but it’s rather utterly droll. You’re taking all the fun bits!”

“Sorry again,” you mention as you head to the car to pick up Pecker. She makes grabby hands at it a bit, but doesn’t seem to fight it much- though you suspect that’s part of her just being unable to. “I’ll owe you one after this job.”

“That sooo? Fine, I’ll keep that in mind, but do be quick about it,” he says as he materializes. “I’m afraid that little one isn’t the greatest company.”

“If she starts getting peckish, I’m pretty sure we’ve got a few snacks we can toss her way,” you mention as you dig through your bag. “Lesse…ah, here. Some baby carrots, we got a sausage link or two…hopefully we won’t be long.” You toss them at Gartoum, who catches them with a nonplussed expression.

“Wonderful,” he says, his tone desert dry. “See you soon.”

“If you two get too fucked up I’m gonna be pissed having to come in after you,” Zipper says. Suppose that’s her way of saying she has your back.

With that, you both step in…

…and once you cross the threshold, you realize that your instincts weren’t misleading you. In front of you is something you never thought you’d ever see again.

Something you weren’t sure if you ever WANTED to see again.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5172546
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5172546
ooooh
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5172546
Oh, he's one of those who tinkers with people's memories, isn't he?

And boss, are you forgetting about the Mental Barrier?
>>
>>5172546
>>5172553
yeah, the vote we were supporting suggested to cast Mental Barrier>>5172210
>>
>>5172555
>>5172553
Crap, I didn't, but that was supposed to be a +3 to that roll to account for it. Still good either way.
>>
>>5172546
>>5172549
>>5172551
>>5172553
This alleyway…honestly? For all the years you’ve lived, you don’t think you’ll ever forget this exact alleyway. And…yup. This exact time, too.

Hoo boy. Memories. You’re not even sure how to feel about what’s obviously going on, as you find yourself back in a certain frilly skirt, frilly bow, half-jacket, and bike pants you never thought you’d be back in ever again. Though you feel a tugging in the back of your head to run forwards, you ignore it easily enough- probably thanks to your mental barrier. Why? Well….

The big alien bipedal frog creature that’s going to end up stomping through the streets any second now.

*thump* *thump* *thump* Yup. Right on cue. Baker Street’s 31st monster attack. Damn, but living close to the ocean AND swamp gave a lot of options to shitters that wanted to magically mutate animals. Or just do cracked-out shit for the fun and spite of it. And now the-

*ROOOOOOOOAAAARRR!* Classic.

This is…something else. Part of you wants to smile, but you don’t know if it’s in derision or appreciation or what.

The first time this happened…you were a cocky young shit of a girl, barely used to her powers, who thought she could solo a 3 story slime spewing abomination with maybe some grit and a lot of punching.

You’d gotten wall-cratered in the first 15 seconds. Damn, memories.

Whoop, there goes that old chocolate store you used to like again. Covered in mucus. You think they ended up moving after that.

>...wonder if you could take it now, though, with better strategy, but keeping to the old skills. You remember that slap hurting, but it'd be an interesting exercise.
>You for SURE could smash it solo now. Absolutely. Fast, even. Just lay into it and boom. Wouldn’t even have to bother them. Like what you'd hoped for the first time.
>Maybe you should just hang out and wait for the big moment before jumping in. Save yourself the pain this time.
>Damn, this is a lot to remember. Wonder what would happen if you just…didn’t show, this time. Let them do their usual thing.
>...maybe...just play it out. Like before. All of it. The times were worth it, right?
>Other
>>
Now THIS is different
>>
>>5172714
>...maybe...just play it out. Like before. All of it. The times were worth it, right?
i wanna see young randa doing young randa stuff
>>
Stopping for tonight. Hopefully for obvious reasons.

I'm exceedingly curious what you'll pick. This one has been brewing for a bit. Maybe not in this exactly manner, obviously, but I've had the general idea for a hot minute. Figured this was a good opportunity to break it out.

Running tomorrow as well. Ideally around 4 PST.

Won't lie. I got a new game and I'm playing a lot of that.
>>
>>5172735
night, boss!
>>
>>5172714
>...maybe...just play it out. Like before. All of it. The times were worth it, right?
>>
>>5172735
Whatcha playing? Horizon: Forbidden West?

Regardless, g’night, boss! Enjoy your game!
>>
>>5172714
>...maybe...just play it out. Like before. All of it. The times were worth it, right?
We're not one of those people who is afraid of their past. I mean, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to relive them.

I bet Izumi's going through the same stuff.
>>
>>5172752
I wonder if we’ll be able to cross over to Izumi’s memories when we’re done with ours…
>>
>>5172714
>>...maybe...just play it out. Like before. All of it. The times were worth it, right?
Gotta see why exactly she became friends with Galactica Girls
>>
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1.48 MB
1.48 MB GIF
>>5172752
>meanwhile izumu
>pic related
>>
>>5172754
That'd be dope
>>
Writing now!
>>
>>5172714
>>5172728
>>5172746
>>5172752
>>5172756
Honestly…part of you wants nothing to do with this. This was the start of something…well. It was something you really don’t think you regret, but it’s hard to recall, emotionally. Not to mention, this might be some sort of trap, some kind of horrible manipulation to cause some kind of chaos outside.

…But another part of you, long buried, and locked up, kinda just wants to reminisce, now that it’s in front of you.

It’s that part that’s already got you darting out, just like you did before. Skid to a halt right in front of it, just like you did before, all cool and confident and... “Hey, ugly! No one ever told you to wash up before you hit the streets?!”

The lame ass hell one-lines. You have to hold back from laughing out loud at yourself. You were SO damn cheesy back then, you’d go good on a cracker. But it did its ‘job’ back then, just like it does now. Certainly makes it notice, aaaand- there’s the palm. Damn, it’s actually a bit uglier than you remember. And you were fine with punching this thing with nothing but glowing fists? You didn’t even have gloves on at the time! Not that punching its WRISTS does anything, dumbass. Except get you a fist full of mucus.

Eh, you were always a messy kid, you suppose. You at least remember that- whoop, there’s the other palm, duck like before, aaaand…

“BUSTER KICK!” Hahaha. It was just an amped up roundhouse kick. You named half your moves back then, you recall. It DID hurt it’s ankle, though. Just like now. You remember feeling so proud that you’d hurt it, so confident- you were starting to talk more smack, something about going back to the pond, if you remember, but that was so long ago…

*whap* …aaand the backhand, and pain, and suddenly surrounded by rubble. Damn.

…that STILL kinda smarts. Never saw that one coming back in the day. Didn’t think it could contort its body like that. You DO remember you were out of commission for longer than now, though you were conscious through all of it. Technically, you could get right back up now, but.

Well, the good part’s about to happen. And you’ve got a front row seat.

(cont.)
>>
>>5173758
From out of nowhere, a ruby red burst of energy slams into the beast, almost digging into it, and making its center red, almost like a weakpoint from videogames. Well, it SEEMS that way because you know that’s what it IS. “Let’s GO, Girls!”

Yup. That’d be her, then.

It’s quickly followed up by a set of piercing, shimmering yellow lances that spike into its extremities. Damn, Tessa always had great aim.

A plume of smoke seems to erupt from nowhere all of a sudden, racing closer to the beast, but it’s nothing to worry about- especially since Ria’s always had that funny flowery scent whenever she pulls it off. Energizing to friends, debilitating to foes. You used to think it was silly, but now you get that such a skill was pretty slick.

And if she’s coming that fast…yup, that ice-blue trail from out of it tells you it’s Anne. She always used to say that stuff was ‘moonlight’, but could never answer why she could pull it off during the daytime. Ha. Never DID figure the truth out, if she even knew or not.

Aaaand, then comes a slick, swift, purple blur. That’d be Kelly.

Fuck you, Kelly. But not really. But kinda. She’s just as quick as you remember her, and those kunai are awful sharp as ever, judging by how they slice through the arms and other parts. She dips, swoops, throws- oh, damn, she could do the wallrun shit from day 1? Fuck. You hadn’t seen that for a while before after them. Maybe it’s your memories filling in? You don’t remember seeing that little…but then again, you WERE kinda out of it for a minute. Maybe she did and you just weren’t focusing.

Either way, she wasn’t bad for an otaku without an ounce of eastern blood in her and just aping it all ‘cause she liked the aesthetic.

It’s…weird to remember.

The beast goes down after about a minute or so of solid assault, and it’s hard to get this goddamn lump out of your throat…

At this rate you won't be in the right mind for the best part...

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5173770
Is that just one d20, or two?
>>
>>5173773
Just the one, I dunno why I copied it in twice.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5173770
wonder if we can bring the buster kick out of retirement.....
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5173770
>>
>>5173782
Awww, couldn't get higher. But she was groggy back then so I can justify that.

And this does confirm that Miranda kinda belonged to a "normal" modern world back then without any extra spices except MG tropes.
>>
>>5173779
Miranda's learned how to channel magic through her legs and in the last mission a catgirl taught her an Endomagic trick that boosts her speed, so yeah, kinda. It'd still be an amped up roundhouse kick though. And if I remember correctly she's not as strong as she used to be in her original world.
>>5172754
actually, what if Izumi has already crossed over first and is watching right now?
>>
14. These aren't tears, we're just reeling from this thing's stink.

It's not here.

Writing!
>>
>>5173794
>And if I remember correctly she's not as strong as she used to be in her original world.
yet we have almost a century of experience and training under our belt. im pretty sure we are way beyond our original strength by now
>>
>>5173794
Where did you get that from? If that's true then what are these then?

>You for SURE could smash it solo now. Absolutely. Fast, even. Just lay into it and boom. Wouldn’t even have to bother them. Like what you'd hoped for the first time.
As well as many other lines indicating otherwise.
>>
>>5173798
>>5173803
I meant 'raw' strength. Like, 'power level'. Not skill & strategy. Trying to find where I got that from right now.
>>
>>5173806
If it was literally years ago don't bother imo, we already went through a round of retcons recently.
>>
>>5173809
...yeah, screw this. Too many threads to sift through.
>>
>>5173798
>>5173803
Anyway, this is a memory from her original world, so that note doesn't apply atm. But I still think that an amped up roundhouse kick wouldn't be that effective or cool. Maybe we could develop a leg-based version of 'Shotgun Punch' and call it 'Buster Kick'?
>>
>>5173840
>>5173803
>>5173798
Ah, now I remember. She lost her ability to transform. I don't know if transformation was a power up or not.
>>
>>5173848
...that was the clothing transformation all MG gets (like the Sailor Scouts). She WAS already transformed when she got spirited away though, so technically she didn't lose a thing.
>>
>>5173770
>>5173773
>>5173779
>>5173782
At this rate you won't be in the right mind for the best part…

Right, right, here you go. Get up, that’s fine, they’re all looking away, that’s fine…

Right. Eyes up. Indignancy is the name of the game here. Not friendly welcomes.

Damn, but it’s hard. You still remember you were right on the top of the fallen thing, before they could Starbind it. And you’ll never forget that first conversation. “Hey! Whaddya think you’re doing!?”

“Huh?” It’s HER that turns around first, of course. “Wait a second…who’re you?”

It’s Tessa who got the connection first. “She looks like…no way.”

“Yes, way!” Damn, you were such a shitter. “T-this was MY big moment! I didn’t ask for you idiots to just run in an’ ruin it!” Goddamn it, stop tearing up, Miranda. You look like a whimpering child.

“Wait, where WERE you, then?” Fuck you, Kelly. But not really. “I didn’t see you.”

“None of your beeswax! But I was pretty much handling it before you went and stole all the glory!” You absolutely weren’t, but you had your pride back then. Damn. Fuck.

“Wait, so…you’re a Star Knight, too?!” Oh, you. You, you you. Slow on the uptake, but always earnest. Never stopped being that, even when things got…horrible.

“If that’s the case, then maybe we should-” Oh yeah, nearly forgot.

“No way! I’m not teamin’ up with some prissy glory hogs who butt in on other people’s fights!” Thank goodness for those acting lessons. Pot, kettle. You can hold it in, maybe turn this smile into a grimace… “But don’t worry. One day soon enough you’ll be yesterday’s news! You can sit back and relax in early retirement and let Star Knight A-Andromeda handle business from here on out!”

You hate how it nearly burned to say that…that godsbedamned name.

Hate how you nearly caught yourself on it. And damnit, Tessa might’ve noticed. “Wait, just hold on a-”

You hate that…well, a lot of things.

“Later, losers!” You need to get away. For different reasons this time.

They don’t chase after you after you bounce out. Your hopping was always a thing. They didn’t chase last time, either.

You have to breath hard for a bit when you land to delay the tears; but as you stand back up straight, you notice your vision getting foggy. For a moment you’re baffled as to what’s going on.

…but when it comes clear, you find yourself somewhere else. Still familiar…

>Roll 1d20. Best of three.

No, I didn't forget the name of the team.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5173877
She prances?
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5173877
Lets fix that 1
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5173877
>>
>>5173881
>>5173883
>>5173886
Well, Miranda was a jobber back in the day...
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5173877
>>
...oh BOY

oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy.

OH boy.

Wasn't thinking it'd happened but it happened.

Oh boy.

Congratulations, that 9 means you get to bear witness to the second-worst day of Miranda's life.

5 or lower would've been the worst.
>>
>>5173900
Well, keeping in mind Magical Girl shows, that should have been the first third of the episode, so logically, we've got to get another third of the way through this recap episode before the climax hits at minute 14-15.
>>
I think if the duo witness each other's memories they'll pretty much max out their social links like, right after this encounter or after coming home.
>>
>>5173924
Feel like we still have to apologize for the fuckup that happened at the start of the thread. Maybe we can shift some blame on the enchanted gear that shows us things we shouldn't know.
>>
>>5173900
given how we're rolling, that might still happen
>>
>>5173877
>>5173881
>>5173883
>>5173886
…and a scene you know for damn certain you never wanted to see again.

You were at the beach when it happened, with the girls. Had been friends for just over two years, after that rocky start and some slow opening up. You were talking about new clothes for the new school year. Discussing college applications. The monsters had slowed to a trickle, MAYBE once a few weeks, and you all had figured that the destruction of the Phantom Factory on the dark side of the moon and the Dark Doctor’s death had done the trick- just clean up the dregs and the last few that might have been gestating, and the world was saved for good!

Dumbasses, the lot of you. Absolutely NONE of you had reasoned that the Doctor was possibly being bankrolled. Hells, you remember going to a party they’d thrown. You hate the little pets some MGs have, but you’d have LOVED having one around then to smack you all down and say ‘hey, it’s not over yet!’ But no. All you had was preplanted knowledge in the stupid magic AI-

“Ey, Miranda? You okay? You’re spacing out like, majorly.” Fuck OFF, Kelly. But not really.

There’s a rumbling in the air, and you know what’s coming, as much as you don’t want to. The damn trident-shaped UFO. Big as a city. The sky practically blacking out.

It’s burned into your memory. If you were being dramatic about it, burned into your soul.

Might be worth that line, honestly. It was the day that the ones actually behind of all those beasts decided to stop fucking around. It was the day that so many of your old friends, acquaintances…family. Died. Vanished, for some. The day your home was nearly razed to the ground and, against your own wishes, you and the girls had to evacuate, for the sake of everyone. What became ‘home’ was a ‘private, and ultimately secure location galaxies away, used for the safety of the Galactic Knights when no other safe harbor is available.’ It was all of one big house and like, 10 acres of stupid glowing grass with some trees and a stupid purple sky and that was it.

Ironic, really. But it sucked, and it was a reminder of what that day would be to all of you for the rest of your lives. It was the day that 'normal' became a guerilla war on not just your own planet, but that of several others who were being ruled over by the same warlords. A desperate struggle that took blood, sweat, and tears, and more lives than you'd care to admit back in the day. Even then, you had some...faint sliver of pride and hope that you held on to. Really, everyone did. It's how you all kept going, in a way. But a good goddamn chunk of it was torn out of you today. You remember the scenes, but you hardly even remember what you did. It was all a confused, scary, tear-stained blur.

The stupid ship’s pod bay doors open, and the monsters begin flooding out. Beasts the size of buildings, a veritable horde.

It’s the day that you lost.

>...action?
>no. please no.
>>
>>5173950
>...action?
Don't know how everyone'll think of this write in, but...
Call Mom and Dad. If nothing else, tell them you love them.
>>
>>5173950
ENDURE IT. Acknowledge it.

This is your memory; it was everything that had happened before, and it was one of many events that shaped you into the person you are today.. It's a part of you, trying to deny will just bring more harm.

And we're way too damn old for episodes like this.
>>
>>5173950
>...action?
Nebula Buster the pod bay door
>>
>>5173950
>despite everything youre still here
We still livin
>>
>>5173950
>>5173964
*doors
it's where all these beasts flood out from above, right? Meaning they're concentrated around those doors. Although knowing that the ship is the size of the city there's probably too many of those doors , but it's better than doing nothing.
>>
>>5173950
>>5173966
I'll support this only if we don't use any mana.
>>
>>5173966
>>5173964
If the doors are somehow too big for Nebula Buster to destroy in one go and if it's not even enough to kill more than one beast at a time we can at least cause a congestion or smth.
>>
>>5173950
>Call Mom and Dad. If nothing else, tell them you love them.
they might be memories, but it surely would be nice to hear them again
>>
>>5173957
>>5173974
Lads I dont think they are in a position to answer any calls atm
>>
>>5173978
the prompt said some family died, but now who. but if that's the case, maybe just make peace with whatever our current parental figure is or with friends
>>
Will post tomorrow. Less than I'd hoped, but still interesting stuff.
>>
>>5174023
Night, boss. Here's hoping we can get through this bad memory, and maybe see a little bit of Izumi's as well.
>>
I wonder what Pecker is reliving right now.
>>
>>5174041
I'm half expecting him to peck through the illusion magic during the climax, nearly spherical and the size of a basketball.
>>
>>5174049
>Somehow Pecker's now sporting two more pair of eyes and four extra beaks.
Hey, an upgrade's an upgrade.
>>
>>5174234
>>5174049
>ultra late game upgrades for pecker will have him looking like a small, fluffy, crystal version of a wheel angel
can't say im against that, although he wouldn't be able to hide in our hoodie anymore
>>
>>5175111
>Pecker eventually ends up looking like someone went to a Pokémon mix-and-match website and got a Pelipper-Sigilyph combination.
>>
>>5173950
>>5173957
>>5173959
>>5173965
>>5173974
…fuck this…whatever this is.

You fucking hate it. It’s been for-fucking-ever and suddenly you have to relive this shit.

It fucking sucks, and part of you wants to rage out in any and every way possible.

But there’s another part of you that’s just holding back from breaking down. Hot damn, but you didn’t think you’d still have this kinda reaction. It’s your own memories, it can’t be real…

The first few explosions and screams sound, and almost everything’s going quiet in your ears. Tessa’s yelling something at you, you’re not sure what. You weren’t sure last time, either.

…fuck it. It’s happened. It can’t happen again. You made sure of that. But it is, in a way.

And if nothing else, you’re going to change at least one thing.

You take out your cell phone, before anyone can complain, and speed dial a very special number. It doesn’t take them long to answer, surprisingly. “BABY?! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

…fuck. Godfuckingdamnit you still miss them. “Hey mom.”

“BABY GIRL, answer me, PLEASE?!” God, she sounds so scared. Like always. Is this your brain just filling it in, or- no. Screw it. “ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!” There’s a distant voice from there, too. “Is she okay? Can she hide?!” Pops was always worried about it.

“...yeah, mom, I’m safe. I’ll be fine. Always will be. Tell dad no matter what, I’m gonna get what’s mine.” He always liked to emphasize that. Your dad was a good dad. Kinda selfish, but in that way that he wanted the best for his family.

“Honey, if you can-” No more time to waste.

“I gotta go mom, dad. …I love you. Goodbye.” Right.

…the girls have went on ahead. Fair enough, you all went fast the first time. You've got some catchup to do.

>Roll 1d20+4, best of three.
>>
Rolled 7 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>5175276
>>
Rolled 15 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>5175276
>>
Rolled 2 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>5175276
>>
>>5175285
oooh, 19. this is going our way now!
mega plot twist. what if this is actually changing whatever happened in our world?
>>
>>5175292
I doubt it
>…fuck it. It’s happened. It can’t happen again. You made sure of that.
>>
>>5175304
So this confirmed whatever Miranda did that got her kicked out made a soft universal retcon in her home plane
>>
File: thread #7.5.jpg (90 KB, 1591x254)
90 KB
90 KB JPG
>>5175321
Yeah. And it looks like she's still mad at her team leader to the point of not calling her by name atm.
>>5173770
>From out of nowhere, a ruby red burst of energy slams into the beast, almost digging into it, and making its center red, almost like a weakpoint from videogames. Well, it SEEMS that way because you know that’s what it IS. “Let’s GO, Girls!”
>Yup. That’d be her, then.
>>5173877
>“Huh?” It’s HER that turns around first, of course. “Wait a second…who’re you?”
(...)
>“Wait, so…you’re a Star Knight, too?!” Oh, you. You, you you. Slow on the uptake, but always earnest. Never stopped being that, even when things got…horrible.
>>
Dang, things really happened huh.
>>
>>5177311
its easy to forget that miranda has gone through the misery ride a few times already
>>
Run begins in an hour.
>>
Writing. I was hoping this stomachache would abide by now but it hasn't quite.
>>
>>5175276
>>5175282
>>5175285
>>5175287
You’re not going to just let THIS play out like it did before, though. You’re not an idiot- it’s not like this’ll actually change what happened.

But damn if it won’t make you feel better. Full power it is.

The leap up makes you feel a little better, even as you see an entire block get trashed. You used to hang out in the little park that just got demolished. Liked to climb onto the tire tower and look over all the other kids, until they started looking at you funny.

You leap towards the massive, ram-like thing crushing it underfoot and take no time to slam your mana-powered fist square into its eye. A full powered magiblast reduces the inside of the thing’s head to ground meat. You leap off of it as it crashes to the ground, and continue on your way.

You can see a few colored explosions- but you know that those are the girls- trying their damndest to do as much damage and repel them as best as they could try. You still remember HER desperate calls, trying to keep everyone hopeful even as it all came crumbling down. You distinctly remember when her cheers began to veer from desperate hope of pushing them out to promising payback for all the horrors they inflicted- a tacit admission of loss, but not of defeat. You’d shouted back that if she wasn’t going to fight until they were all dead, you would until either they or you were.

In a way, you guess, she wasn’t WRONG. Neither were you. You all did pay them back for it all, in the end. And you DID fix it.

Ah, there’s that stupid fucking ship. You’re not even shy about it this time as you hit a rooftop, and begin charging.

“NEBULA!”

“BUSTER!”

The massive beam…impacts the underside of the ship- right into the belly of it, where you see the massive thing was releasing those hellish monsters.

And to your shock and surprise, you can see that that’s enough to cause a cavalcade of damage as the inner folds of the bay area seem to fold in on themselves, nearly collapsing the front half of the middle ‘prong’ almost by itself. Flashes of light are going off in the impossibly big ship, and the thing lists forwards… before a massive detonation that blinds you momentarily and throws you off your feet and sends your senses dark.

(cont)
>>
>>5180543




…when you wake up? Your head is throbbing. You’re pretty sure you’re bleeding. And. Well.

All you can see is…massive wreckage. The ship has crashed. There’s a lot of yelling. Gunfire. Shouts of pain. But it’s your city. A lot of it is in ruins. But… it’s still there. This was…

Very. VERY much not what you remember happening. At all. Maybe it's just a dream, illusion, whatever, but...

“Mmm…ah, oh, now isn’t that lucky? Very lucky, very fortunate.” What the-

You turn to see- THAT ASSHOLE.

“Hello there, youngun. Glad to see you, I am. Very glad. Quite glad. This is…well, not quite what I was expecting, it wasn’t. No, not at all. Quite incredible, all this. Not what I recall of the world, no. Not at all, and I’ve been around for some time. Still learning new things, I am.”

But then he looks down- and you follow his gaze to your lap. In it, rests a strange, multicolored cup. It looks like a simple coffee mug at first, but has two handles, and the coloration is…well, it seems to shift colors. Not quite like a prism, but more like it can’t decide. Sparkly, too.

“You found me cup, though. Can’t see well, but I know enough of it to tell you got it. Thankful for that, rather thankful indeed. Gets lost every now and again. Terrible shame, really.” He looks around again. “Went through a great deal to get it. Muchly appreciated, and I mean that. No, wasn’t expecting this, not a bit.”

>...why?
>...the fuck ARE you?
>...just take your damn cup and get me out of here.
>Other
>>
>>5180544
>"And now you know other realms exist."
>"What's so special about this cup anyway?"
Again, should we have him take a look at the dagger?
>>
>>5180544
Glad I caught this in the middle of my Elden Ring binge…
>”…Y’know, in the plane of reality where I’m currently residing at now, you’re supposed to tell people what you can do BEFORE you show them, as a courtesy.”
>”So, for real now, who and what are you?”
>”Is my friend and bird alright? Or are they stuck in there?”
>”Any idea what this knife thing could be?”
>>5180547 too.
>>
>>5180544
>>5180547
>>5180556
this
>>
>>5180544
>>5180558
Let's go
>>
Writing.
>>
>>5180544
>>5180556
>>5180558
>>5180559
There's a LOT here.
-----------------------------

Well. It SEEMS to be over. Which means that, for now, you can push all that sorrow to the back for a while again. Suppose in a way, you’ll never be fully over it, even though really, you’re far, FAR more used to this life than back then. It’s just the jarringness of what happened that keeps it in your memory, you suppose.

But now you can get to maybe getting some answers. “Well, now you’ve seen, and now you know other realms exist.”

“Oh, I’ve known that for a minute or two,” he says nonchalantly...before getting a slightly blank look on his face as he considers. “Or at least, I figure I’ve known that, after a fashion. Makes sense, in a way, it does. It really does. Nothing like this, though, no.”

“Point being,” you continue on, “in the plane of reality where I’m currently residing at now, you’re supposed to tell people what you can do BEFORE you show them, as a courtesy.”

“That so? Hm. Fancy that. S’pose I could see the politeness in that.” He looks around again, the quiet of the streets hitting you- and you realize that it seems like time, in a sense, has frozen- that or the illusion, anyway. “If’n there’s many folk like yourself, it would be polite as stating your name, wouldn’t it? Important part of you, I gather. Quite important.” He nods, as though finally agreeing. “Yes, yes. Interesting, that. In a good way. It’s polite.”

“Right,” you agree, although a bit annoyed he didn’t get the hint regardless. “So, for real now, who and what are you?”

“Oh, me?” He seems legitimately confused. “I’m just a musician, I am. No two ways about it. When I was younger, I had the idea or two to go into show business, or somethin’ related. Ma was no fan of it, not at all!” He laughs, as though remembering something funny. “Never knew my pa, though ma would say he was from far off. An that he was a dreamin’ sort, like myself. Called us both that, she did.” He shrugs. “For a time I thought it meant he was jus’ one of those sorts from across the sea. I did.” And here he begins to shuffle around, stepping a bit down the silent street, and you have to follow him. “Didn’t much consider the idea of the dreams I had now an’ again were a sign at all. Thought t’was just a fantastical idea I’d make for a grand play, y’know? That sort of thing. I was hooked, I was. Wrote it all down in a big ol’ piece of stray parchment. Twelve year old’s magnum opus, it was.” He grins as he says it, his thoughts about it clear on his face for once. “Ma got a good look at it one day and tossed it in the fire. Said the world weren’t ready for it, an’ I suppose I believed her. Ma’d done right by me before and since, so I was sad, but didn’t think much of it, an-”

“Okay, okay, I get the gist,” you interrupt- you have more concerning matters to attend to. “So you’re some kind of half-human half…something else?”

“Aye,” he says easily, not batting an eye at your interrupting. “That I am.”

(1/3)
>>
>>5180641
“So…whatever…THIS is,” you motion at your surroundings. “Are my friend and my bird trapped in the same thing? Are they okay?”

“Oh, they’ll be fine, for sure. Even if they trip the light fantastic where they went, they’ll be alright wakin’ up,” he says easily.

You blink. There was something about how he said that… “...so this illusion works like that, then?”

“Hm?” He looks at you curiously again. “S’pose so. Illusion, hm.” He pauses to think about it. “IS it an illusion? A dream? Was never entirely sure about it, personal-like.”

You’re about to scream at him. That’s not POSSIBLE. The only reason you hold yourself back is because he sincerely seems to be considering it. “Explain.”

“Well, this here’s…best I can think of it, yer not supposed to get hurt proper in a dream, ain’tcha? And illusions, they don’t much exist for real; can’t touch ‘em.” He looks to you questioningly. “I mean, thinking that’s how it is for me. Fairly sure that’s how it is for me. What about for you, then? Is it different?”

You blink. He has a point, but… “Technically, no.”

He nods in agreement. “Right, right. Not like that. Not at all. You got hurt a touch, yeah?”

…well. It wasn’t really THAT painful, but thinking about it. “...I guess…?” You don’t know, or like where this might be going.

“Well, then, if’n you could feel it, touch it, an’ all that, is it an illusion?” He shrugs. “A dream? I wouldn’t think so. I wouldn’t at all. But it’s an odd thing. It is! They come into the house, and folks wanna sleep. So, I try to get ‘em to the beds best I can. An’ then they sleep, but then I come to check on ‘em, and…” he motions around. “Here you are. The darndest thing, it is. Glad I can leave when I please, I am. That’s an upside.”

“...wait, how?” You ask.

“Why, the door’s right there.” And there he points behind him and a bit to the right. “Big ol’ door right there.”

…it’s just a street. “I can’t see it.”

That seems to take him by surprise. “...huh. That’s a new thing, too. Well, s’pose it’s because no one ever really talks square to me whenever they come in. They don’t! I used to think it was rude, but then most folks did it, so I figured it was something I was missing. Stopped worrying about it, I did.” He shrugs again. “Figured travelers were travelers. Not of a mine to talk much to strangers. Made a bit of sense, it did, after some thinking. Just glad most had my cup. When it went missing, I mean.”

“Yeeaah…” you peer down at the strange, empty mug. “What’s so special about this thing anyway?”

(2/3)
>>
>>5180642
“Mind if I have it back?” he asks simply. You hand it over, and he beams. “Much obliged, I am. Really, I am! Oh, this here? This is my pa’s cup. Ma said it was the only thing he gave her she felt could keep. Sweet of her, it was. Very sweet. Said that pa said nothin’ in this cup was as nice as her lovin’ him, but what was in it came close enough. Before Ma vanished- ‘cause she went, too, you see- she was drinkin’ outta this cup. Never had before, but she did that day. Said it was incredible. Next day, she vanished. Think it was good, though. Not long after that, all the troubles happened. So it was good, in a way. Ma was always a nervous sort. She’d not have enjoyed this, not a bit. Nope.”

Huh. “So, your dad was a…dreamer-sort.”

A nod. “Yup. Never knew his looks, but she said he was a proper intimidatin’ sort. I figure had a bit more wiggle to ‘em now than I thought before.” He pauses. “Mebbe not. Dunno what dreamin’ sorts look like, after all.”

Riiiiight. “And loved your mother, and left her a cup,” you continue.

“Oh, he left ‘er more than that,” he clarifies. “Just the cup was all she really kept. Said she tossed the rest, she did. Had a lil’ statue I thought was awful impressive as a kid. Hard ta remember what it looks like now, though, it is. Had quite the eyes, though, it did. Remember that. Might’ve been made of the same as that cup, methinks.”

“Right…” that DOES bring to mind something else. “Was it…anything like this knife thing, maybe?” You pull it out of your ba- wait. You don’t have your bag here. “...damnit, it’s in my bag.”

“Ah, I see, I see. Well, if it’s anything like what ma had, we’ll see about it. Mebbe your friends, too. Should be out of it by now if they’re much like you. I wouldn’t know if they are, but your bird thing was awful curious. Very curious. Thought it might’ve been something else,” he rambles as he takes your hand. “Now, I dunno if this’ll work. I don’t. But, I suspect if we both leave- here we are.” He seems to reach for nothing, and- huh. Something opens, a gap in space. Kinda reminds you of home a bit. “There we are. Might be best to go one after another. You see it, I can tell, right? Standing too still otherwise.”

“Yeah, I-” but this time you’re the one interrupted.

“Right, right. Great then. You head on through. Shouldn’t be an issue, it shouldn’t at all.” Well…he’s been…not straightforward, but at least not malicious, you suppose. You step through-

(3/4 Whoops)
>>
>>5180652
-and wake up with a gasp, in a bed. The room is simple, but well furnished, the wood well kept. Your bag is next to your bed, and you can see the old man standing at the door…though for a moment, you notice that he’s not quite what you remember.

His skin is more grey, and his eyes are a bright purple. His head is bald, and ridged, and his face is…twisting? Something like-

-and with a blink, it’s back to normal. Drat. “Ah, good and woken! Good to see. Excellent. Now, mebbe you can let me see that strange knife of yours, if you still want. Your friends are in the room to the right if you care to check, while I’m looking, I mean. Just in case. You seemed worried.”

>Roll 1d20
>Action?

(Yeah, think I'm gonna just let this one rock for the night. That was a LOT more than I expected.)
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5180653
still want to blow up this crazy creep to shreds desu. curiosity killed a lot of cats in this house
>>
>>5180658
and we still can't read him via mood mask or gain any insight
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5180653
>ask him about the plague
>check on Pecker and Izumi
The girl we're carrying his purple eyes too.
She might be either a "dreamer" offspring or a full one.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5180653
Just stay calm and let's go get the bird and Izumi
>>
>>5180653
First, check up on Pecker and Izumi. After that, keep Zipper from flipping her lid and possibly getting memory whammied as well. Finally, a quick appraisal and doctors appointment should do it.
>>
If we decide to leave him alone after all, what can we do with his cup in order to stop him from losing it all the time and having to lure travelers to die in their sleep? Why does he keep losing it? Is there a way for him to learn how find it himself?
>>
>>5180660
>The girl we're carrying his purple eyes too.
>She might be either a "dreamer" offspring or a full one.
Gotta scan him first before making a conclusion.
>>
Wait, I thought dying in the old man's illusion/dream thing just wakes you up. Did I misunderstand?
>>
>>5180675
it doesn't really matter since we will be way long whenever this happens again. maybe tell him to only lure raiders and such?
>>
>>5180697
i guess its less dying and more that people don't want to wake up from their "second chance" they have
>>
>>5180697
The cup started disappearing only when his mom left, just before 'the happening'.>>5180652
>Before Ma vanished- ‘cause she went, too, you see- she was drinkin’ outta this cup. Never had before, but she did that day. Said it was incredible. Next day, she vanished. Think it was good, though. Not long after that, all the troubles happened. So it was good, in a way. Ma was always a nervous sort. She’d not have enjoyed this, not a bit. Nope.”
When the chaos started, every time he lost his cup he asked people to come inside and help him. But he never warned them what's going to happen, so either his craziness is a recent development or his mom never explained him anything until vanishing. Once they met him in their dream, they probably were very confused, angry and/or suspicious of him judging by reply options here>>5180544 and what he said here>>5180642:
>“...huh. That’s a new thing, too. Well, s’pose it’s because no one ever really talks square to me whenever they come in. They don’t! I used to think it was rude, but then most folks did it, so I figured it was something I was missing. Stopped worrying about it, I did.”
And since only he was able to see the door and leave the dreamworld, people would likely be stuck inside their dreams and never able to wake up. Not everyone who got invited had his cup, meaning they NEVER managed to get his cup - I only see two reasons for that: either they died from whatever was happening in their dreams or they managed to get themselves kicked out of his house.
>“Figured travelers were travelers. Not of a mine to talk much to strangers. Made a bit of sense, it did, after some thinking. Just glad most had my cup. When it went missing, I mean.”
If anyone was able to survive this then they'd try to put some warning signs or tell him to warn people properly.
>>5180710
virtually the same thing
>>
>>5180707
There's not much difference between a regular scavenger and a raider. What happened to the whole 'earning Izumi points' thing?
>>
>>5180730
the main difference with a raider and a scavenger is that the raider will want to kill you if you tell them to stop. the scavengers just go away
>>
Writing in an hour!
>>
>>5180653
>>5180653
>>5180658
>>5180660
>>5180662
>>5180673
Wordlessly, you dig into your bag, practically yanking out the knife and slapping it into his hand as you hop off the bed.

In almost a singular movement, you yank open the door of your own room- the hallway seems normal, carpeted floors, whatever- and jump to the right, pulling the door open there.

Part of you expected to be thrown into some sort of strange hellscape or unfamiliar yet simple surroundings…but no. It’s just a room. With a nightstand, alarm clock, a bed, dresser…utterly simple. Pecker’s been placed on the nightstand in particular, but the both of them very much seem still fast asleep.

Izumi, in particular, seems deathly still almost. Her breathing is light, but as he said, if they died in the…whatever it was, then they’d wake up, right? Sure, but. What if they just didn’t die? What happened then? Izumi…you don’t like to think she’d be so easily fooled, but at the same time…you could see her taking on her old memories out of some sort of honor or something.

Although as you think this, you see her breath hitch, for just a moment, before her face shifts into a small grimace. That DOES remind you- he’d said they might’ve woken up by now, so…

>Might as well wait. You’ll be there when she gets up.
>Might as well wait. Though you wonder what’s going on in there… (Perspective Switch)
>You might as well let Zipper know you’re safe.
>The old man’s gonna wake them up, whether he likes it or not.
>Other
>>
>>5181215
>>Might as well wait. Though you wonder what’s going on in there… (Perspective Switch)
IZUMI TIEM
>>
>>5181215
>Might as well wait. Though you wonder what’s going on in there… (Perspective Switch)
>You might as well let Zipper know you’re safe.
I'd like to switch back to Miranda right after this though.
>>
>>5181215
>Might as well wait. Though you wonder what’s going on in there… (Perspective Switch)
>>
Writing.
>>
>>5181215
>>5181218
>>5181222
>>5181224
Sighing, you sit down crosslegged. No sense in trying to wake her right now- you’d rather not cause any sort of psyche problems. You’ll be here when she wakes, though- and maybe if the old guy comes in, you’ll either be dragged with him or see just what his big secret is, appearance-wise.

Part of you IS wondering just what’s going on in her head, though…

>You are now Izumi.

You know this is a farce. “Over here! Jump down” And still you go.

It has to be. It must. “I cleared a space!” And still you fight. A dozen, probably more demons rent to pieces, their forms billowing away into smoke once again with a single Spirit Slash that throws up the black sand. You remember you’d never be able to do THAT before. It’s good to know for certain that you’re stronger in all respects now. The Tengu pair that had divebombed you earlier, nearly killed you before, were plucked from the air like fruit on the vine now. The horde of Amanojaku that had sent you running, desperate for cover now fell like wilted petals in a storm.

And yet, it still isn’t enough, as you retreat for a moment, to leap down into the ravine, taking care to avoid the poisonous stream. Even as your friends, allies, all fought with bravery, you knew they wouldn’t be able to stand against the tide forever. It’s why you bid them leave last time. It’s why you bid them leave this time.

They all SHOULD have left again. But…not this time, as you slip into a ramshackle hut, clearly formerly belonging to a demon itself. “Fubuki, how are you holding?” Why she stayed, you have no clue.

And yet, she smiles serenely, with blood splattered gi, frizzy hair in every direction as her naginata stands on the verge of breaking. “I’ll be well enough for now,” she says. That, by itself, is worrisome- she never admits when she’s in distress, so getting even close to it tells how much she’s put her body through. “I’m just thankful we’ve managed to deal so much damage to the horde; although I doubt they’ll be quelled with this, every demon we end from here on will be a bit more of a chance for the city to survive. I don’t know how you got so strong, Izumi-chan, but I’m very thankful for it.”

“R-right.” You wish you had your guns. That would’ve been even more of a help, but, for whatever reason, your bag hadn’t come with you. You had your sword, though, and at the end of the day, that was all you really needed.

As the eternal twilight of the demon realm shines on, you’re forced to realize that this is…not quite a memory. Not anymore. This never happened, and there’s no way you could think of her saying this…right? Not here, at least.

(cont)
>>
>>5181298
Almost as though to confirm it, Fubuki looks at you with a concern that normally isn’t there. “Izumi-chan? Nevermind me. Are you alright?”

You feel like you should be saying something, as you rest here for a precious moment. You hadn’t even been able to see this place beyond a second’s glance, the first time. You also doubt you’ll get a moment like this again. For all that you’ve felled, there are still legions. Fubuki will still die. The demons will still mass and swarm the land.

You’ll still make that deal.

It’s already happened.

> “...I’m tired. I’m just…a bit tired.”
> “...I wanted to be a seamstress, you know.”
> “I’ll be well enough for now.”
> Other
>>
>>5181300
> “...I wanted to be a seamstress, you know.”
So she belongs to an older time eh?
Might as well get small talks in before things get heavy again.

Will Izumi knit Miranda a sweater?
>>
>>5181300
> “...I’m tired. I’m just…a bit tired.”
> “...I wanted to be a seamstress, you know.”
>>
>>5181300
> “...I’m tired. I’m just…a bit tired.”
> “...I wanted to be a seamstress, you know.”
>>5181306
wouldn't be surprised if she has given her one or two already
>>
>>5181300
> “...I’m tired. I’m just…a bit tired.”
> “...I wanted to be a seamstress, you know.”
>>
>>5181300
>>5181306
>>5181315
>>5181319
>>5181321
If this IS a dream, or something akin to it…well, it wouldn’t matter. And if somehow it’s something else? It’d be a foolishly missed opportunity. You don’t regret a second of anything you’ve done, you know that to be the purest truth. But that’s not the whole of it, and it’s time you let it out a bit. “...I’m tired, Fubuki. I’m just…very tired. How long has it been? The fighting in general, I mean.” You’d ‘slipped’ through timeframes, or something like that, you were sure. Like you’d skipped consciousness for a bit after Fubuki had elected to stay with you. The world had went white as you’d charged the enemy, and only a little while ago had you regained your senses- in the middle of a fight, no less!

Fubuki lets out a mirthless laugh. “I stopped counting after the first month. I figured I’d just drive myself insane.” Made sense. And strong as she was, it was foolish to think it’d last forever, or that you’d be allowed any rest in the meantime. There was no true ‘safe haven’ in the Demonic Realm, just areas of little or no population. Almost paradoxical considering the massed armies they’d formed to walk among the lands of humans, but they existed, if rarely for very long. She hadn’t

You can absolutely see why. “Fair enough. You watch as she breaks off a piece of purple, round fruit from a makeshift bag- you’re honestly uncertain what it is, though you DO remember seeing some demons eat of it. The way she casually bites into it likely meant it was safe for human consumption. She tosses the other portion to you, and indeed, it’s sweet, but no other effects than that.

After a few moments, though, the silence is a bit much. “...I wanted to be a seamstress, you know.” It’s not something you think you’ve told anyone. Miranda, Lorelei, or anyone else. “I’d figured I’d either be that, or perhaps do work behind a desk. Administrative work.”

Fubuki raises an eyebrow. “You? Really?” She huffs in surprise. “To think there was something I never knew about my best friend…”

You’d find the idea of it utterly dull now, but before… “I’d studied sewing techniques, how to work patterns into clothes. Dye-work. My mother was happy with the idea. Helped me out, sometimes, after school. Father said that everyone would be wearing my fashions if he had anything to say about it.” He’d constantly crow about it to everyone he could, really. Embarrassing…but you miss it so much. “Of course, the demonic incursions changed that.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5181393
“You felt the pull too, hm?” Fubuki asks. “That you had to fight no matter what.”

“Just so,” you admit. “Once I realized what was happening…it was like I had to find a weapon as soon as possible. And…well, you know the rest.” She was there for it, after all. The training you’d all went through, the trials and troubles you’d shared. She’s STILL with you now…in more than one way, at this exact moment.

“Huh.” She grins. “Hope you’ll excuse me for saying I don’t think I could’ve seen you as a seamstress.”

You can only laugh. “Don’t worry. I couldn’t see myself as one now, either.”

Then you hear a soft ‘whump’, and both you and Fubuki still, and brace yourselves.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5181394
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5181394
>>
>>5181396
Atta girl. I think this is when Izumi makes her exit.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5181394
>>
>>5181394
>>5181395
>>5181396
>>5181398
For a moment, silence.

Then your hairs stand on your neck, and you’re moving before you realize you’re moving. Fubuki is, too, you grab her, and LEAP-

-and below you and many, many yards away, the shack you were in seems to simply vanish. Disintegrate utterly, and it’s easy to see who and what did it.

The creature stands a simple twelve feet tall- far from the tallest demon, even before. And yet, it is familiar. Its aura of power, it’s human-like countenance framed by the sharp, bone-like spurs sticking out of its face, despite its too long legs and arms, its too bulky chest, its too dark eyes swiveling on a neck that moves like a snake’s.

Its malevolent grin, most of all.

You recognize it all too clearly. Nageki. The Great Duke of the Demon Realm, and its reigning lord, as the True King is, of course, chained and imprisoned.

It does not speak. It does not make grand gestures.

It just grins, and tries to blast you again with its yami as you land. You push your legs, and you’re gone in less than a second, the blast missing and Fubuki still in your arms as demons begin to swarm into the ravine.

“Let me go!” Fubuki immediately says quietly, as you dart behind a rock formation. “I’ll handle these dregs, you keep that one busy!”

You hate that you listened to her so easily, but. She was right.

But you’d be a fool to do so without giving her some breathing room. Which is as soon as you let go, you race out from behind the obsidian stone and hurl another Spirit Slash at the creature.

His grin does not stop- but rather his body seems to fade outright as he seems to nonchalantly dodge it.

You’re already prepared for such things, however- and you have another slash prepared as soon as he materializes- approximately seven meters from where he was. Likely that’s the average of his possible distance, though you’d be silly to presume he couldn’t do more.

A flurry of slashes come from you as you dodge his mad blasts, each mana strike coming close, but never quite impacting his form. You’re going to have to take a risk, and move in close. You have an idea…a bit of a risky one, but considering he’s dodging your attacks, and not simply tanking them, he’s clearly vulnerable. You just need to wait for the right moment…

Soon, you’re within seven meters, and sure enough he quickly vanishes- instinctually, you turn around to deflect a wicked slash of his own long, strong arms, the claws repelled by your own blade with a resounding clang.

(cont)
>>
>>5181429
You twist the blade, intending to sever the arm- he pulls back quickly, but not quickly enough. Black blood flies as he lets out an unearthly screech, his right arm still there, but dangling by tendons. He vanishes again, and you realize that there’s a soft ‘whump’ again- air displacement. THAT’S what you heard before!

It’s behind you again, but a bit further, and instead of launching a spirit slash, you go for something more surprising; you quickly pivot and lunge for him yourself; he’s still cradling the injured arm. No regeneration yet, then.

You notice that this time he seems to more THROW himself out of the way than vanish again; why, you’re not sure, but while you make to follow up, he leaps upwards, and you can see his left arm free now, and a wicked hellfire being born within his palm. You quickly use your own left hand and focus, swiping the air as the area in front of you is left with a trail of hardened, dense mana from your Palm of Succor as the fire is hurled towards you.

You still make to dodge, but you quickly see that the strength of your own Palm seemed to prove superior! The hellfire bolt breaks upon your temporary shielding, though cracked it is afterwards.

The beast drops his grin as he lands. The demons surrounding you, those not being fought by Fubuki, seem oddly silent.

Then with a gutteral screech, as though all sense lost him, he roars, charging towards you with orbs of darkness- they’re flung towards you and you have to dodge with a large jink to the left, to the right- your blade comes up to block a mad attempt by the creature to run you through with its own arm. Only upon contact, as you try to overpower each other in a test of strength, you grip your blade tightly, and *twist*.

The sharp edge fits between its nails, and you shift a bit to the right to prevent its nails from piercing you as your blade splits its left arm in twain.

(cont. Again. Nat 20? Come on.)
>>
>>5181439
Beautiful. If only you’d been able to do this so much earlier…

The creature is roaring in pain and distress, and then you see something building up in the back of its throat- something dark and vicious, and before it can, you let something of YOURS build up, too. All the regret, all the pain, and all of your beliefs.

He might be trying to spit in your face. He’ll only get his own bile.

Your roar is mighty.

It shakes the earth. Throws back the hordes.

A cascading wave of your mana erupts from your diaphragm, and the sound deafens. The creature, Nageki.

He struggles for some moments, but bits and pieces of him slough away, tear away as though afraid of looking towards your sonorous voice a moment longer. In but seconds, it is but bone. In such time again, the bone is dust.

And then, for a third and last time, is silence.

You have to take some moments to breath. But when you look up. A gouge in the earth. A friend looking astonished.

And many, many demons looking in fear. "Izumi...?" Fubuki asks.

You stand straight to answer her...

And the demons kneel. Your heart thrums with exultation- and utter confusion. This was no memory. But...

...it still wasn't real. "...I think I'm done here." Because even now, there is so, so much you've yet to do.

Your vision fades in white, shortly thereafter.

Well. It was pleasant while it lasted.

------------------------------------------

>You are once again Miranda.

You're kinda annoyed seeing Izumi wake up so calmly. But you're not going to ask why that is. It's her business. Pecker, blessedly, had woken up shortly before you, and immediately flew for your lap. You'd been petting the poor thing ever since "Glad you're up."

"...a dream after all, then?" she asks. Damn, she actually looks kinda SAD about it? Wow.

Before you can answer, that weirdo does, though. "Not certain, no." He'd just came in, but you'd managed to see a glimpse of what he was about; his face had shifted, all right. He'd became more...gaunt, but yup. Purple eyes, a blue-ish tone to his skin, and some strange, almost intentional raises around his face- you'd have called them hives, the way they raised his skin, but they were too uniform, too pattern-like, for that to be the case in your opinion. Swirls running down his cheeks, uniform bumps under his eyes. But that, still, was only for a moment, and the weirdest part was that he didn't seem to notice- he'd just kinda...froze. But now he was looking in surprise. "Gotta say, that's a funny method of wakin' up. Most don't do it like that, no. Not at all. The both of you are wonders, you are. Really."

"Thought you figured that already," you snip back. "Anything about the knife?"

"Not one o' mom’s," he says easily, handing it to you back. "But it feels awful familiar-like. Something particular, methinks. S'a good knife, though." Sure, but- "Bet you could cut a lot with it. Folks. Wood. Probably some stuff would couldn't be cut otherwise. Don't feel done, though."

(cont.)
>>
>>5181446

“Huh?” That’s a new one.

“Don’t feel right,” he repeats. “Like it ain’t finished. Looks finished, though. But somethin’s missing, methinks. Call it a hunch. I’m used to fixin’ things, so I can tell when it’s broke.”

Oy. “So…can you fix it?”

“Nope,” comes the simple answer. “Doubt it a lot. A whole lot. Not me. Get the weird feeling my pa would know, though. Maybe it’s somethin’ to do with that.” …great. That doesn’t tell you much. He seems to notice, because he gives an apologetic grin. “Mebbe you can still use it, though. Oughta be good for cutting some stuff, still. Usually, tryin’ to use something broken’ll tell you how it’s busted. That’s how it works for me. Yup. It’s a practice.”
>Any more questions?
>In that case. Let’s get out of here. Zipper’s probably having kittens.
>Other

(Done for the night. Hopefully won't keep doing these long posts...)
>>
>>5181455
>>Any more questions?
>ask why does he keep losing his cup? is there a way to prevent it?
>tell him to give people a proper warning next time - remind that those dream doors aren't visible to folks
>>
>>5181455
>ask him about the plague, see if he has any clues about it
>"Do we get any compensations for this? I did find your cup after all."
So Pecker can dream.
>>
>>5181455
> Offer to scan that cup for him, see if we can offer some insights into keeping it in one place.
> Thank the man for letting us say goodbye to our parents (without going into what we're thanking him for). He'll probably understand why we're thanking him.
>>
>>5181455
> Offer to scan that cup for him, see if we can offer some insights into keeping it in one place.
> tell him to give people a proper warning next time - remind that those dream doors aren't visible to folks

also, could izumi have unlocked a new skill in here?
>He might be trying to spit in your face. He’ll only get his own bile.
>Your roar is mighty.
>It shakes the earth. Throws back the hordes.
>A cascading wave of your mana erupts from your diaphragm, and the sound deafens.
seems like she can do a banshee scream
>>
>>5181455
>>5181456
>>5181461
A mix of these
>>5181461
Sounds similar to the Demon's Roar in the sheet, but idk if we have used it before
>>
>>5181455
>>5181462
Sorry meant to say a mix of >>5181456>>5181457
>>
>>5181462
oh, it might be that one then; its been a long time since we played as izumi
>>
>>5181455
adding to this>>5181456
>>ask him about the plague, see if he has any clues about it
>scan him and the cup

>>5181457
the agreement was that we do it for free
>>5172193:
>“...fine. I guess we owe you that much.”
there was an option to ask for compensation earlier but no one voted for that>>5171148:
> “And what for it? Earlier wasn’t a trade.”
>>5181462
>>5181461
Demon's Roar was used in Izumi thread to shoot down a giant bat from the distance iirc and against the final boss at the end of Artificer crossover. But back then it was boosted by Miranda's Megaphone, so this time it looks even more powerful than it used to be.
>>
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160 KB JPG
>>5181467
>so this time it looks even more powerful than it used to be
this time she basically vaporized a 'teleport-behind-you' edgelord by REEEEEing a bit harder
>>
Writing in about 30.
>>
>>5181455
>>5181456
>>5181457
>>5181461
>>5181463
“Fine, sure,” you agree, if only just to get him off the question. Frankly, you’re about ready to head out. “Is there a way to keep you from NOT losing your cup?” You’d almost called it stupid in front of him, but managed to catch yourself.

“Hm. Hmmmm.” The question seems to perplex him a bit. “That’s a bit novel, ain’t it? I’d rather like that, yes. I would.” You start to speak up. “But I’ve troubled you enough,” he dismisses. “Nope, that’s a worry I’ll be handling. It’s mine after all, and you helped me go and find it. That’s a good turn for you. It is! But I can’t go having people solve all my problems now. Wouldn’t be proper.”

You bite back a sigh. This…’person’ just seemed annoying in general. “Then, can you at least give people a warning when they step in? Those doors AREN’T visible to most people.”

“Right, you did say that, didn’t you? You couldn’t see it. Not at all! That’s rather the oddity, it is.” He nods to himself. “Yes, maybe a nice sign out front. Or just in. Either might be good. Maybe both. I’ll have to think on it.” Ugggh.

“Alright, sure,” you say as Izumi gets up, having hopefully gotten the gist of what was going on. “But either way, we need to get out of here and get on our way.”

“Right. How long HAS it been?” Izumi asks.

“Not too long, not long at all,” the man says airily. “Little over half an hour, it has.”

Huh. That was…kinda shorter than you felt like it was. But it DOES explain why Zipper hasn’t tried to storm the place yet. “Let’s get going, then. We still have a plague to fight through.” And considering that, you turn to the man once more. “You wouldn’t happen to have any clues about that, would you?”

“Plague? Well, I wouldn’t call it that. Feels familiar, saying this. It does!” There are no windows in the room, but he looks to an empty space of wall nonetheless. “More like nature coming back to what it was. A bit forcibly like, a lot of changes in a short time. Readjustment, it is. A bit harsh, I’m sure, but I feel like once it all wraps up it’ll be alright. A good tune helps to pass the time nicely.” He smiles. “It really does!”

(cont.)
>>
>>5186843
The three of you leave with haste after that, noticing Zipper leaning against the car. She’s got her pistols in both hands and is tapping a foot. “Finally!” she barks out when she sees you all exit. “That took any longer, I was fuckin’ gonna start shooting.”

“We appreciate the concern,” Izumi says simply as she climbs in. You feel like she’s a bit less…warm than she was earlier. “We’re ready to go now.”

“And how,” you add as the kid looks at you again. Geez, those eyes are already too familiar…

“Fortunately nothing seemed to think much of us,” Gartoum said breezily. “Although babysitting can be quite the bore, so whether that’s good or bad is up to the individual.”

“Don’t care, we’re bailing,” Zipper says as she starts the car up- with success this time. “Awesome! And we are gone!”

She punches it, and as you drive off, you notice you can see the man waving rather cheerily- and start to sit down again, guitar in hand.

After a while, it seems like the two of you aren’t much for conversation. Zipper isn’t keen on breaking the silence either- she seems focused on making up for lost time. “We’ll camp out,” was all she’d said. It made sense- there weren’t many Wracked in the wild, seemed like.

The night is largely spent in the car as you park on the side of the road. Zipper gets some shuteye for her work today, and because you and Izumi 'already napped' according to her. The kid is awake as always, surprisingly.

The two of you look at each other as the half-moon shines down. It's Izumi who speaks first, however. "The mapped path splits up, correct?" She doesn't sound like she's particularly invested. "One to Jayville, the other to Bird's Eye. We'll need to get some water for fuel regardless of which we go to."

>Ask her if she has anything she wants to get off her chest. She seems distracted.
>Talk about the kid and what the weird guy said about the planet's situation.
>Other

Regardless,

>Roll 1d20. Best of three.
>>
>>5186862
>Ask her if she has anything she wants to get off her chest. She seems distracted.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5186862
Forgot to roll.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5186862
>>Ask her if she has anything she wants to get off her chest. She seems distracted.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5186862
Great job us
>Ask her if she has anything she wants to get off her chest. She seems distracted.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5186862
>>
>>5186862
>>Ask her if she has anything she wants to get off her chest. She seems distracted.
>>5186877
Forgot my vote.

Also, let’s bring out that music box and give it a listen. We went through all those memories to get it fixed, after all.
>>
>>5186862
>>5186867
>>5186871
>>5186875
>>5186876
>>5186887
“So…Izumi. You don’t seem like you’re all there,” you mention quietly. She only looks at you oddly before you quickly continue. “I’m just sayin’ if you need to get something off your chest, now’s the time. Zipper’s dead to the world, and the kid doesn’t understand anything, so…”

She takes a long look at you…but eventually sighs, smiling thinly. “You really have changed…” she mutters. “I guess it’s just what happened back there,” she says a bit louder. “I’m wagering you went through some…unpleasant memories, as well?”

“Yeah,” you admit. “It sucked. A lot.”

“It really did,” she agrees. “Especially considering that I know if I could do it again, I’d be far more successful.”

“Same,” you admit. “I mean, I don’t regret what happened, and it’s good to know that we’ve gotten stronger throughout the times, but…”

“A bit of a bittersweet revelation, isn’t it?” she finishes. You just nod. The kid, looking at you both, simply crawls over to Izumi and sits in her lap. She almost looks sad, even. “I suppose at the end of the day, it really was just a dream,” she continues. “I just wish it wasn’t so…giving. I’d have even understood if it was simply a replay of what happened, but…”

“Yeah, it kinda…” Gave you something you’d only literally dreamed of at times. “Got a little unfair.”

“Well, if there was any proof we’re in this fucked up ride for the long haul, this is it,” you mutter, which gets a laugh from her.

Before you can talk further, however, you hear a growl from the distance, and both you and Izumi perk up. Guess there ARE some Wracked out here, after all.

It’s a massive, bloated and ugly as hell bear, and at first you think you’re in for a challenge- but once the boils on its body pop, it’s quick enough to fall. Not quick enough to avoid waking Zipper up and giving you an earful, however. Fortunately, it didn’t get very close to the car, but it did quiet you both until your shifts were done and Zipper got the car back on the road.

Later, as the sun breaks and you wake up, you find the car stopped, and Zipper looking pensive at the map. Izumi seems to just be rising as well.

(cont)
>>
>>5186991
“Alright, so,” she says without preamble once you’ve gotten your bearings. Time for the choice. Bird’s Eye or Jayville. From what little I’ve gleaned from the map, Bird’s Eye has a lake near it. I don’t have a damn clue whether it’s stagnated or what, but if we want as much water as we can carry, that’s where we wanna go. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if literally everyone and their grandmothers tried to make it there, too, so we’ll probably end up cutting through Wracked galore to try to get to it. And I don’t need to remind you that if this jalopy goes down, we’re not fucked, but we’re getting hotdogged at the least.”

Izumi just makes a face. “Really had to put it like that, did you?”

“Yup. Makin’ a point. On the other hand, Jayville? No natural water source, so we’ll have to go hunting the old fashioned way and hope for the best. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone bailed out there for Bird’s Eye, though, so we’re likely to find less Wracked there, too. Easier scavenging, but I wouldn’t expect it to be a cakewalk. Either way, we’ve got like, four gallons left, and that ain’t enough to be safe on. The trip to Avion City is gonna take by my estimate…around twelve, thirteen gallons.

The kid quickly inhales what looks like a rolled up sandwich.

Zipper studiously ignores her. “So? Which way we headed? Frankly, I vote for Jayville.”

“I would say Bird’s Eye, really,” Izumi wagers. “We could find more there, potentially. We’ve not had issues with Wracked too badly yet, and we’re near to the final destination.”

Zipper turns to you. “Alrighty, then, tiebreaker? Which way?”

>Bird’s Eye
>Jayville
>>
>>5186862
>Ask her if she has anything she wants to get off her chest. She seems distracted.
>>
>>5186994
>Jayville
>>
>>5186994
>Jayville
Also, Handler, did you drop a sentence in between these two?

>“Yeah, it kinda…” Gave you something you’d only literally dreamed of at times. “Got a little unfair.”

>“Well, if there was any proof we’re in this fucked up ride for the long haul, this is it,” you mutter, which gets a laugh from her.
>>
>>5186994
>Jayville
>>
>>5186994
>Jayville
More interesting encounters this way imo.
>>
>>5187017
No, actually. Just wound up writing it out weirdly.
>>
>>5186994
>>5187008
>>5187017
>>5187020
>>5187034
“Let’s try Jayville, then,” you decide. “Might as well not rock the boat while it’s comfy. Izumi gives a slight huff, but doesn’t argue the point, merely leaning back.

“Thanks for seeing reason,” Zipper says with a small grin. “Alright, ladies, let’s fuck outta here.”

You’re pretty sure Lorelei would’ve cracked a joke about that.

Well, then, though you keep it to yourself, you hope that Jayville isn’t too torn up.

Although when you begin to see it in the distance, as well as the various cars, wagons, and a few dead horses, you have to admit that the state of it…well, it doesn’t look good.

“...ssssshit.” Zipper exhails, and you can’t blame her as she stops the car briefly. There’s a red glow in the air. Something that sets your heart beating a tic faster. It’s almost like a massive fire’s lighting up the town, but only small trails of smoke are indicative of anything. “Well if that ain’t fuckin’ ominous.”

“...is there any way we could just…pass it by?” Izumi asks, but even now you can’t see any side roads or anything.

“I wish,” Zipper says. “Low on fuel, remember?”

“I was just hoping,” Izumi says with no real heat in her voice. “Well, then. Let’s see what’s happening here, hm?”

Not like you have much other choice now…

When you get close, you can’t help but notice that the red light is just that- a light. There’s no heat that you can feel- so if there IS a fire, it’s a relatively small one. Still, the town’s big enough that you’re going to have to do some trekking. There’s not many cars on the outskirts here, surprisingly, but as you drive over a bridge spanning a deep ditch, you wonder. As you find yourselves bathed in the red light, you fortunately don’t feel any different, but you can tell that the source of the light is off somewhere to your west. Problem with that, is that to your east is the direction of the smoke. There’s not a ton of Wracked around here, as anticipated, but there ARE a lot of dead bodies, oddly enough. You could probably drive around as you pleased.

>Head towards the source of the glowing. Whatever it is, it’s probably bad or a sign something bad happened.
>Head towards the smoke. Might be some sort of civilization, or at least a band of survivors.
>Ignore both. You came here to search for water, and that’s what you’ll do. Start looking for stores or the like.
>Other
>>
>>5187248
>Head towards the smoke. Might be some sort of civilization, or at least a band of survivors.
>>
>>5187248
>Head towards the smoke. Might be some sort of civilization, or at least a band of survivors.
>>
>>5187248
>Head towards the smoke. Might be some sort of civilization, or at least a band of survivors.
>>
>>5187248
>Head towards the smoke. Might be some sort of civilization, or at least a band of survivors.
>>
>>5187248
>>5187253
>>5187260
>>5187266
>>5187305
“Towards the smoke,” you suggest. “Might as well see what’s causing it.” Generally, smoke trails were good points of investigation. Usually meant that something had happened.

“Let’s roll,” Zipper says easily, and you turn down one the rightmost road.

You can see that yeah, there’s a few Wracked rambling around, but nothing near as harsh as you figured was near Bird’s Eye. A few bird ones, but these are small and easily repelled. A couple of those dogs that you’ve seen before. However, even beyond that, not much. There’s a bit of a treeline even, or at least the place is much less paved over than other areas. You can see a few country houses that seem to have escaped the worst of it- all of them largely intact, even.

Before much longer, Zipper quickly stops the car, just beyond a small, simple green painted wooden house that seems largely uninhabited, though not quite dilapidated. It’s easy to see why. You’re surprised to see that, a couple of houses down, the source of it all is indeed a bonfire- specifically the back of someone’s yard, from the looks of it.

The house in front of it is a large, but flat one- brick and stone, but with a well-cut front yard, and even some fountain statues that are still intact, if not spouting water. Though you DO notice that the centerpiece of said fountains seems to have SOME water in it. It seems a bit stagnant, unfortunately, but it doesn’t actually look horrible. This might be a good sign…

They clearly have a great deal of land to themselves; the front and back yards are separated by chain-link fencing, and the backyard where the bonfire is seems to sprawl out into a large produce garden- actual vegetables and whatnot, as opposed to being for beauty. Trees bearing fruit as well are there, though they’re well off to the sides, well away from the bonfire, which thankfully isn’t too big.

“Survivors…” Izumi whispers to themselves.

“Self-sufficient ones, too,” Zipper agrees. “Hells, if this was the first place I came across, I wouldn’t have guessed anything bad had happened.” No one’s come out the front of the house, fortunately, so no one’s noticed your spying on the situation. You can’t see anyone at the angle you’re at, but it’s still very curious.

“Maybe we should say howdy,” Zipper says with a bit of optimism. “From how this all looks, this might be an honest to goodness enclave.”

“What about Miranda?” Izumi notes. “I strongly doubt they’ll just smile and wave.” Almost as if to punctuate that, a gunshot goes off in the distance.

Zipper frowns. “Hm. Good point. Maybe just one of us, then?”

>You agree with that. Maybe (Zipper/Izumi).
>Better yet, distract them and you’ll see to the water yourself.
>You don’t think we’re in a position to barter right now. We really just need to take it.
>Other
>>
>>5187423
>You agree with that. Maybe
>Izumi
>>
>>5187423
>>You agree with that. Maybe (Izumi)
>>
>>5187423
>Izumi
So this crisis has been going long enough that vegs and fruits were grown in response.

Do we have anything to trade for the water, if needed?
>>
>>5187423
>You agree with that. Maybe
>Izumi

>>5187460
im pretty sure we have some knickknacks we can trade away
>>
>>5187423
>>5187430
>>5187435
>>5187460
>>5187483

“Izumi, then?” you hazard. She’s certainly got the look for it.

“Good call,” Zipper agrees, turning to her. “See if you can get some jugs of water from them; don’t ask for too much- probably no more than five, max. We’ll have to find somewhere else to get the rest. Hold on a second. Gonna need some trade goods. Uhhh…” at that, you all take a moment as she digs through her bag. You don’t know about the music box or the knife, but…

“Aha! Got some old knickknacks an’ shit here I found when we were looking for spare parts. Kinda figured they might come in handy. For boredom if nothin’ fuckin’ else.” She hands over what looks like a small puzzle box, a deck of playing cards, a long handled mallet with a small colored ball (you forget what that game is and now it’s gonna bug you), and some horseshoes. “That oughta at least get them interested.”

“Right,” Izumi says as she deposits the kid on your lap. Hasn’t done a whole lot now that her belly’s full, it seems. “Wish me luck!” Hopping out of the car, she takes a deep breath, smoothes out her skirt, and starts walking towards the house.

>In the meantime…let’s see what’s up with the kid. And that music box.
>You really hope she doesn’t screw this up. (Switch to Izumi)
>And now you play the waiting game…

Regardless,

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

(Done for the night, will resume tomorrow.)
>>
>>5187519
>In the meantime…let’s see what’s up with the kid. And that music box.
I wonder how the knife could be connected to it…
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5187519
>In the meantime…let’s see what’s up with the kid. And that music box.
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5187519
>>5187526
…and I forgot to roll again, not like it’ll mean much now, holy shit.
>>
>>5187460
>So this crisis has been going long enough that vegs and fruits were grown in response.
noble manors tended to have orchards and grow some produce for themselves, so they could've had it before the disaster
>Do we have anything to trade for the water, if needed?
we've some stuff we could give:
-some unenchanted clothes: purple cloak from the first mission, face mask(balaclava?) from Mafia job and headscarf from Shadow War
-Regal Feather from Lizardkin princess
-two Tiaras from Lord Kholm's tower
-Shadow King's Cloak and Pin (don't work outside of his world)
-Strange Medallion looted from mountain mages who were guarding the first Lockstone
-surgical forceps and pliers from Drogan Fortress
-Dragon King's Golden Ring (the size of a bracelet)
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5187519
>In the meantime…let’s see what’s up with the kid. And that music box.

>>5187552
A rank plainness + B rank humor working as intended
>>
>>5187519
>In the meantime…let’s see what’s up with the kid. And that music box.
Izumi isn't actually a trader, wouldn't want her to trade away one of her weapons - so maybe we could give her something out of this list? >>5187646 Although most of it is too expensive. Maybe we could give her surgical forceps and pliers and unenchanted clothes - so she could some fresh food as well?
>>
>>5187657
*could buy some fresh food as well?
>>
>>5187657
>Izumi isn't actually a trader, wouldn't want her to trade away one of her weapons - so maybe we could give her something out of this list?
she's not that dumb(i hope). im pretty sure she also has random bullshit in her bag as well, plus she can come back if she needs more items to trade.
>>
Writing in a few moments. Full disclosure- I was playing Dragon Quest 11. Not a new game, but a fun one.
>>
>>5188314
It’s a pretty fun game, but the music bugged the hell out of me to the point where I just stopped playing. Something about how the horn section really irked me, which is a shame, because I really liked the soundtrack in DQVIII.
>>
>>5187519
>>5187526
>>5187552
>>5187581
>>5187649
>>5187657
Well, while Izumi does Izumi things, you’re going to see just what’s up with that music box. You’re not sure what it’ll play, but if nothing else…

“In the mood for some music?” Zipper asks once you take it out. “Eh, might as well. Rev it up and hope it’s good.”

You do so, and, the tinkling noise that comes out…

…well, it’s not any tune you recognize, obviously, but even aside from that, you’re uncertain if it’s exactly music. But it does have a small, tinkling beat. You’re not worried about that, though.

What you’re worried about is the dazed, almost enchanted look in the kid’s eyes. You don’t know what it means, but-

“...Mmhhm…” Hm? She almost seems… “...mmmhuh…”

You blink. This really isn’t what you’re used to, but…well, you’ve at least been gaining experience. “...kid? You alright? Blink twice if you’re not.”

“Mmmn…Nggghhjjjj…” Surprisingly, she DOES blink as her head wavers. Once, twice, three times, four…

“Yo, what’s going on with the spout?” Zipper asks, curiously. “Almost like she’s in a trance, or…”

“...nggjjjjeeeesss…” Comes a groan. “...Ggggjjjjess-ka.”

Wait a minute. “...say that again, kid? Come on, you can do it.” The small, tiny, warbling yet odd tune continues to play as she seems to…animate? A bit more. She looks up, down, left, right as she sways to the music.

“...Jrreeess-ka. Mmm…m…M…Jess-ick-ah.” It’s slow, split into syllables, but…

“...one more time, kid. What’s your name? You know it. Tell me. You can do it.” You can’t help but cheer her one as the music plays.

“...mmnames Jess-icka…” she mutters, as her eyes, unfocused, uncertain, still wavers around your face. “...wuhhhappin...”

Before you can start talking, however, the music ends- and though she blinks twice, she DOES seem a bit more focused. “...wheere?”

Suddenly, you hear Izumi’s voice. “Er, you there?” Ah. Hootstone.

“Right here. How’s progress?” you ask.

“Actually, surprisingly well. Seems we stumbled upon a rather large family- all the houses around here belong to them,” she explains. “They’ve been cloistered together and kept themselves fairly well fed- including water thanks to a well. Seems there’s an underground source they’ve been utilizing.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5188432
“Excellent. So they have some water to spare?” you ask.

“Certainly,” she said, and it’s only now that you sense a bit of…hesitation? “They’re willing to trade for the goods Zipper gave, and honestly were rather welcoming. Invited me to lunch, even. Just…” Yup, there it is. “They also invited ‘the friends I mentioned’. Seems they enjoy me around. I have to imagine it’d be a bit difficult, especially since I mentioned two.”

“...really?” you say flatly.

“I know, I didn’t think they’d be THIS hospitable! I though they’d simply trade with me and let me be on our way, but now I’m a bit worried about saying no…”

Great.

>Just insist then. You’re trying to get to the city and you’re on a time limit.
>Hmmm…just say we’re not for company, then?
>Zipper’ll be there in a minute. You all have fun.
>Other
>>
>>5188434
>Zipper’ll be there in a minute. You all have fun.
>Remind her to be polite
I think we can spend time with the kid and the box while the other two is handling diplo, or we can switch to Izumi.
>>
>>5188434
they're cannibals, aren't they? or they might want our car. the client has warned us
>Other
>Leave the kid with Zipper - meet up with Izumi and decline their offer
>>
>>5188434
I think we can send zipper in but have them relay to us if anything sussy pops up like what >>5188438 said
>>
Zipper, in.

Writing.
>>
>>5188434
>Zipper’ll be there in a minute. You all have fun.
>Meanwhile, I think that old man might have been right about that music thing…
>>
>>5188450
Oh, I was gonna suggest sending in Gartoum to search the house too. We can do that next post I guess.
>>
>>5188434
>>5188435
>>5188448
>>5188451
“Guess you’re going to see what’s for dinner,” you mention to Zipper.

“The fuck?” she asks.

“Izumi’s in a bit of a bind, they’re inviting her and her FRIENDS to stay for a while and she’s worried they won’t take no for an answer. Need you to go in and try to get them to beg off. I can’t for obvious reasons,” you say, motioning to your eldritch body. “Just try to be polite about it, but make sure they know we can’t stick around, huh?”

She pauses, considering. “...what if they get shooty?”

You just shrug. “Duh. Shoot back. But ONLY if they start first. They DID say they were willing to trade, after all.”

She just sighs, and starts clambering out of the car. “Yeah, yeah, fine, fine.”

“Thanks.” And with that, you call Izumi back. “Zipper’s on her way. Try to keep them from expecting much, alright? Let’s hope we can talk this out.” As she clambers out, you can hear her grumbling to herself, but she at least cuts it off once she actually begins walking.

Izumi’s quick to respond. “Right. I’ll be around. They did mention ‘patrols’, however, so be wary. Seems they have their own methods of security around here.”

“Noted.” Well. It’s you and the kid for a while. She’s looking at you again, but with more.

And then she opens her mouth. “...whaatrre…?” Huh. Slurring her words again. “Yuuuu…?”

You’re not entirely sure what to think about this. She’s clearly getting some mentality back. You'd have liked to tell Izumi, but considering the situation she's in? Well...maybe it'll be an interesting surprise if the kid suddenly starts talking to her.

>Maybe try playing the music box again? Considering the first reaction to it.
>Maybe just answer her questions. Get that grey matter jogging a bit more.
>Would both work? Or maybe just overload her? You're not sure if it's a worthwhile risk, honestly.
>Other
>>
>>5188458
>Maybe just answer her questions. Get that grey matter jogging a bit more.
>”I’m a Miranda Styles. What’re you?”
>>
>>5188458
>Maybe just answer her questions. Get that grey matter jogging a bit more.
Baby steps.
>>
well, the old guy has mentioned that music helps
>>5164718
>“Music, in particular. Keeps me right. Consistent. Regular. A regular tune’ll do wonders.”
but we're not in a hurry, so
>>5188458
>Maybe just answer her questions. Get that grey matter jogging a bit more.
>Scan and check her with Power Sense again
>>5188460
there's a rule that we can't use our real names on the job
>>
>>5188464
We’re only telling it to a weird looking kid, not anybody who we might beat up or get a paycheck from. If it still bugs you, just shorten our name to ‘randa.
>>
>>5188458
>>5188464
Let's have another checkup
>>
Slow but steady. Writing!
>>
>>5188458
>>5188460
>>5188462
>>5188464
>>5188478
Alright, then. Might as well just keep it slow. “...I’m an ally.” Half-dead thing, wouldn’t say your name, but…well, you doubt she’ll repeat it.

She stops, looks down. Blinks, and you can tell she’s thinking about something. “...mmmm…muuu…mooom…whuur…”

Damn. Hard one off the bat, huh? “Not here. Gone.”

Silence from that. She turns away. “...yuuuh…goonnn…” Another pause. “...sssstaaayyyy…”

“For now, that’s the plan,” you say simply.

A few minutes pass as she seems to try to string thoughts together, and you allow yourself to wonder how the trade issue is going. Part of you had honestly hoped they’d already be on their way back. “Progress?”

Silence. For a moment you’re worried, then- “Hold please.” Terse, but at least that’s that. If she was in a bad scenario, she’d at least run. In the meantime, you suppose you could just…let’s see here, what the scan might say…

It’s a few minutes, but it does give you something surprising.

>Organism Identified: Mana/Organic Lifeform (Human Adjacent)
>Female, Estimated Age: 10 Years Standard (Human-based)
>Mana Signature Detected. Base Type: Unquantifiable (Closest Approximate: Chaotic/Darkness)
>Low Blood Pressure
>Muscular Atrophy Detected (Age 10 Human Average)
>Notice: Mental Synaptic Response Lower Than Human Average (Age 10) - Estimated Age Range: 6-9
>Notice: Blood Pressure Low- Suggested Dietary Improvements
>Notice: Musculature stability at risk. Minor Tissue/Musculature Regeneration Active. Synthetic Muscle Surgery and/or Advanced+ Level Physical Regeneration recommended to improve natural stability.

She’s improving, that’s obvious.

“...whuuu…haaaaad…” She pauses. Squints, as though mad at herself. “Haad…haaayed…”

You blink, trying to parse her phrasing. “...head?”

She stops. Nods. “Hhhead. Huuurt.”

Huh. That’s new. “Hurt now or hurt before?”

“...buufore.” She’s trying, for sure. “Nuuot now.”

…interesting. Before you can try to follow up on that, you get another call, however. “Zipper has the water,” Izumi says, whispering. “She’s bringing it back now. Just…” she pauses. “I’m not certain all is well here.”

Of course not. “How not?”

“They’re very evasive on the type of meat they’re preparing. They say it’s ‘bird’, but little else. I’m worried they might be…well, you can guess.”

Ugh. Cannibals. Right. Still, if you have the water…and yeah, there’s Zipper. Carrying a wheelbarrow, it seems. “Yo! Got what we need, so let’s toss it all in and we’re good to get going!”

>Call Izumi back, we can just ditch and be on our way.
>Mention the whole ‘possible cannibals’ thing. Maybe we can procure some extra supplies here…
>Other
>>
>>5188535
Voting to bail lads, we have the fuel
>>
>>5188535
>Call Izumi back, we can just ditch and be on our way.
the locals probably already know these guys are weirdos and should be avoided; lets just leave before we need to fill them with holes
>>
>>5188535
>>Call Izumi back, we can just ditch and be on our way.
>>
>>5188535
>Call Izumi back, we can just ditch and be on our way.
>”If they try to stop you, call me.”
>>
>>5188535
>>5188562
>”If they try to stop you, call me.”
>>
...hello. So long story short, I will be running, but earlier than normal due to stuff I'll be doing this evening. So checking in before I start running this morning (for me).
>>
>>5193205
huh
How many hours until now boss? Because high chance I won't be able to catch it.
>>
>>5193212
Probably around 2ish hours or so. Honestly, I'm good to run right now, but I know no one would be here so I'm trying to give as much runway as possible.
>>
>>5188535
>>5188552
>>5188562
>>5188563
>>5188574
“Right, screw it,” you decide, and tap your stone. “Hey. Just bow out. We got the goods, so we’re bailing.”

“You don’t think they’ll think that obvious?” she asks. “They're probably going to ask about the wheelbarrow.”

“Look, they can come get their own damn wheelbarrow,” you say simply. “If they try to stop you, call me and we’ll sort it out another way.” Likely involving copious violence, but better to not immediately imply that to her.

“Alright. I’ll see if I can’t excuse myself,” she says. Zipper is busy tossing what jugs she can get to you, and you’re loading them into your bag, though she keeps a couple for fueling purposes. You don’t have a ton of legroom, really, but it’s worth it.

It’s then that Izumi contacts you back.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5193409
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5193409
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5193409
>>
>>5193409
>>5193419
>>5193423
>>5193439
“I’m on my way, seems like they trust me well enough,” she says calmly. “Just be ready to go.”

“We’re waiting on you,” you reply as Zipper tanks up with the last of the jugs and hops in. “Ride’s fueled up and we’re good otherwise.”

“Fantastic.” The line goes dead, but soon it’s irrelevant as you see her calmly walking up. No one behind her, no watchers…excellent.

She climbs in without incident, and before long, you all speed off, leaving the area in the rearview window. Izumi sighs with a bit of relief. “Well, that went magnificently smoothly. I was a bit worried for a few moments there, but by all accounts it was nicely in and out.” Her face shifts into a slight frown for a few moments. “I DO hope they weren’t as bad as the evidence was starting to suggest, though…”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Zipper says. “Either way, not our problem. We got a few jugs, and while we’re gonna need some more for sure, it’ll cut down on the scavenging we’re gonna have to do elsewhere in this burg. Didja see any vehicles near ‘em? Cause I didn’t.”

“Just the one,” Izumi confirms. “I doubt they’ll think it worthwhile to come after us just for a mild slight, considering we DID trade with them properly.”

“Ditto. Alright, let’s hope whatever else we find ‘round here is fuckin’ playing nice, too.” You don’t think she jinxed it, but that doesn’t fill you with confidence.

“...ppfffllllay?” the kid- Jessica- mouths, looking at Izumi.
She looks back in shock, and you’re reminded that you should probably heads up her about the kid’s growing elocution.

As she tries to experiment with the child’s budding vocabulary (or rather, trying to re-teach her what she likely should’ve known), you’re keeping an eye out as Zipper drives. The next area you wind up in is…

>A reasonably sized supermarket, but clearly barricaded up and showing some signs of having been lived in or guarded, judging by the shotgun shells and small, extinguished firepit near the entrance.

>A drugstore, and with signs of habitation, judging by the tents, though they’re deteriorating. You don’t see anyone outside or nearby, however, and you can hear rustling inside.

>A very guarded off area, though by that you mean a lot of chain link and wooden fencing. You can see a water tower in the distance, too, which makes you think that’s the reason for all the defensive works. No people, however.

>Heading towards the source of the red light- you figured it was a good idea to investigate now that you had at least a bit of fuel. Whatever it was, you’re not as worried if you have to just flee, now.
>>
>>5193484
>A reasonably sized supermarket, but clearly barricaded up and showing some signs of having been lived in or guarded, judging by the shotgun shells and small, extinguished firepit near the entrance.
>>
>>5193484
>A reasonably sized supermarket, but clearly barricaded up and showing some signs of having been lived in or guarded, judging by the shotgun shells and small, extinguished firepit near the entrance.
>>
>>5193484
Supermarket. Lil' boring for me but safe and brings a variety of results
>>
>>5193484
>Supermarket
maybe we can get some more food so the kid doesn't eat everything
though its kind of weird to imagine how a supermarket would look in a steampunk world
>>
>>5193484
The supermarket is…well, it’s certainly seen better days, but the fact that it seems to have some signs of life tells you that it’s at least got a possibility of having something left in it. No smoke on the firepit, so it’s not recently put out. You can’t hear anything happening inside, even with enhanced hearing. No smells beyond the occasional Wracked.

Ultimately, you’re not sure if it’s got anything, but… “Worth checking out,” you decide as Zipper pulls into the parking lot, already having noticed your expression somehow. “I doubt they have a frozen section, though,” she quips, looking up at the building.

“I can’t sense anyone,” you mutter after a quick sniff.

“Neither can I,” Izumi confirms.

Zipper shrugs, already getting out. “In that case, we might as well all head in, just in case.”

It’s not your usual modern supermarket, that’s for sure. The name above the door reads ‘Crow’s Goode Market’, and only some wicker handbaskets. No steel ones, surprisingly. It’s got all the trappings, but as you step through the flap doors, you realize it’s more of an ‘indoor farmer’s market’ than anything else. You can see various small carts and areas for sellers to stand, all arranged in ailes, and all emptied out. Judging by the dried blood, more than one fight happened here over the suddenly valuable produce and other goods, for sure. Several non-Wracked bodies litter the place, and any food that wasn’t taken is for certain rotted. That said, there’s an upstairs area that reads ‘Hardwares’, and a downstairs area that reads ‘Wines’.

“Ew,” Zipper says before stepping in. “I’m suddenly not thinkin’ much is left here…though anything in Hardwares might be nice…”

“Probably not,” Izumi agrees, as Jessica looks around in mild curiosity in her arms. “But it’s likely worth searching anyway.”

>Might as well start on the ground floor and see if anything at all survived. If you want water, then it’s likely here.
>Join Zipper up in Hardwares. Bound to be something left there, right?
>Might as well cover all three floors, though you were never big on wine…
>Other
>>
And, unfortunately, gotta cut it here, though I'll probably try to run early tomorrow.
>>
>>5193548
>>Might as well cover all three floors, though you were never big on wine…
>>
>>5193548
>Join Zipper up in Hardwares. Bound to be something left there, right?
>>
>>5193550
thanks for the run
>>
>>5193548
>Might as well cover all three floors, though you were never big on wine…
See if there’s a music or musical instruments sections. Could help with Jessie’s development.
>>
>>5193629
Oh, wait… grocery store probably won’t have that unless it’s a Wal-Mart type of store.

Or if it’s got a bin full of cheap stuff. Hope Zipper can handle a few dozen rounds of this world’s “Baby Shark”…

Also, just dump the entire kids activity book in our bag as well.
>>
>>5193548
Let's split
>>
What day are we currently on, given that we have a one-week limit?
>>
>>5194188
i think at the end of the second day
>>
Running in about 2 hours.

Also I had calculated it at Day 3.
>>
>>5193548
>>5193551
>>5193629
>>5193928

Well, thinking about it, you might as well cover all three floors. You were never big on wine, but it might have something worthwhile down there. “I’m going downstairs,” you decide.

“Alright, be careful,” Izumi warns.

You step down carefully as the other two split up. As you head down the creaking stairs, you’re not surprised to detect the scent of wine coming up from it- probably spoiled by now, though. At least, you think so. You’re no sommelier.

There ARE a surprising number of jugs and barrels down here- as well as a few bodies. Though there’s some other smells that float up as well…and judging from the strung up makeshift curtains, it seems like more than one individual tried to make this place their home after all. You can even see some smaller, busted toys and whatnot. Families, seems like. Unfortunate.

Makes sense, though- this cellar is actually rather big. Easily enough for a few 'rooms' to be divvied up. Might actually be something worthwhile here, then.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5194619
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5194619
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5194619
>>
...Y'all rolls have been something else.
>>
>>5194642
the trick lies on stealing the good roll out of all of the other quests
>>
>>5194642
Reality figured Miranda needed an easy day or two after reliving one of the crappiest days of her life.
>>
>>5194619
>>5194624
>>5194626
>>5194638
It doesn’t take a whole lot of looking before you stumble across a more than welcome sight- jugs of water! Seems like each unit had some rations that had yet to run out; some hard tack and other military type meals, dried foods and other such things, including water. Made sense; likely with all the spoiled wine, it was needed. Or maybe they filtered it somehow, whatever. You’re not sure what the case is, but you also don’t care. “Izumi, found some galleons of water. Seems there was a rationing going on here.” And a few smaller toys for the tot- rocking horse, spinning…wheel thing, whatever. Among other stuff. Though maybe these are a bit too young for her now that she’s getting some mentality back.

“Excellent. I’ve found a few things, but nothing that should be too vital,” she responds. “It seems there was an incursion here, and both sides wiped each other out in the conflict.”

“Yeah,” you affirm. “Down here isn’t very happy. My guess is some tried to bail, some stayed, but no one lived.”

“Incredibly sad…” she mourns, but soon she picks up again. “Well. Unfortunately, nothing we can do except pray they have peace. Pick up what you can, and I’ll rendezvous with Zipper to let her know. How many jugs?”

You take a moment to hop around and count. “Seven. Should get us to the city no problem.”

“Ideally, yes. If we can- hm?” she suddenly stops short. “Hold a moment. This is something…” you can hear what seems to you like mumbling on the other end, not as clear. “Jessica’s trying to say something.” Huh. That’s new. “Says something’s…coming.”

Aw, fuck. “Something? What something?” You’re already headed up.

“Hold on….What something, dear? Can you tell us?” The question, obviously isn’t aimed at you. There’s a few moments, before you can hear her both in your stone and in person as you get up the steps quickly.

“...bbbbiiigg…kkkk-clenzzzning…” she burbles out. “Unnnnnder…gggreat nuhhigts.”

“...I have no clue what she means by that,” you admit.

“What means by what?” a voice comes out. “You all find anything? I got nothin’ good unless you count a fuckin’... harmonica, a hammer, and…well, that’s it, couldn’t find another ‘h’ thing.” She shrugs.

“We’ve got enough fuel to last us until the city,” you say with some relief. “So that’s not a problem anymore.”

“Fuckin’ right,” she cheers. “So we’re outta here?”

“Yeah,” you agree. “Especially because the kid here says something big might be coming…under nights, but no clue what that means.”

“Search me,” she shrugs. “But yeah, let’s not be here, then. Next stop, Avion City!”

(cont.)
>>
>>5194734
The travel is, as usual, quiet- the treeline is distant, but foliage is still readily present throughout. However, as the night begins to fall on your drive and you all begin to consider camping out once more, your group comes across something…well, concerning, to say the least of it, in the distance.

>What seems to be a temporary military camp; it’s well outside of the city to the point you can’t see it in the distance, but they’ve got a staging ground complete with a pair of basic tanks and numerous other stations.

>A large assortment of people, many what look to be in robes or other such gear, seemingly arguing over something, many of them in modified cars. You can even see Wracked among them- though in cages, chained up or otherwise restrained.

>An utterly massive stretch of purple fog that bars your way, complete with the moaning and roaring of the Wracked inside of it. It’s thick enough you can hardly see into it, and trying to go off road would be murder on the car’s wheels…
>>
>>5194734
>>What seems to be a temporary military camp; it’s well outside of the city to the point you can’t see it in the distance, but they’ve got a staging ground complete with a pair of basic tanks and numerous other stations.
the walkie-talkie we've picked up earlier might come in handy
>>
>>5194736
>>What seems to be a temporary military camp; it’s well outside of the city to the point you can’t see it in the distance, but they’ve got a staging ground complete with a pair of basic tanks and numerous other stations.
Walkie-talkie, time for you to shine.
>>
>>5194736
>What seems to be a temporary military camp; it’s well outside of the city to the point you can’t see it in the distance, but they’ve got a staging ground complete with a pair of basic tanks and numerous other stations.
>>
>>5194736
>What seems to be a temporary military camp; it’s well outside of the city to the point you can’t see it in the distance, but they’ve got a staging ground complete with a pair of basic tanks and numerous other stations.

welp that's a great place to huddle up and wait for whatever the "big clenzing" is(unless jess was talking in a metaphorical way)
>>
>>5194786
We should also keep an ear open for any rumors regarding anyone with a noble title... I'm thinking Jessie might have meant knights.
>>
>>5194736
>>5194738
>>5194784
>>5194785
>>5194786
“I don’t like this,” Zipper grumbles as she turns the car around. Frankly, you’d be surprised if they hadn’t noticed you, even at this distance and through a few trees, but it’s hard to disagree with the decision. Not that there’s any other roads to take. “No way we’re getting past there without some kind of check.” She glances back at you, the implications clear. “And you’re not getting past them period without fighting, I’m gonna wager.” Well, so much for ‘implication’. “Not to mention the kid.”

“They wouldn’t be the first we’ve surprised,” Izumi puts forth. “Maybe we can convince them that they’re perfectly fine?”

“Who knows how long that’d take?” Zipper points out. “Chances are they’d put them behind bars or do some kinda weird tests on the kid or something, and that’s assuming we can convince them to not try to shoot either on sight anyway.”

“Then what would we do?” Izumi shakes back.

Zipper takes a moment to think, but before long her eyes light up. “How about we split up for the night? We convince them to let us two through, or at least put us up or something. Ms. Spooky and Mini-spook hang back and take the long way around, and we meet up later down the road?”

Izumi pauses to think, and you have to consider the options as well.

>You’re for the splitting up option. Might as well keep things clean.
>You don’t like the idea of being poked and prodded, but you’re pretty sure you can help ‘convince’ them to leave you and the kid be.
>Frankly, you don’t see the need to be so accommodating. You can bulldoze through the whole area with judicious use of explosives and barriers.
>Other
>>
>>5194864
>You’re for the splitting up option. Might as well keep things clean.
oh well, such is life. at least we have our camping kit, i think.
>>
>>5194864
>You’re for the splitting up option. Might as well keep things clean.
"Keep an ear open for anything that someone might construe as a genocide, and check if there's anyone who could have a noble title in the higher-ups."
>>
>>5194864
>>You don’t like the idea of being poked and prodded, but you’re pretty sure you can help ‘convince’ them to leave you and the kid be.
hope we can apply the foresight given by the enchanted gear properly this time. if something big is coming tonight then we'll have less explaining to do and avoid any friendly fire incidents when it happens. also the kid would be safe for sure.
>>
>>5194864
>You’re for the splitting up option. Might as well keep things clean.
We can just use them as potential meatshields if a raidboss decides to spawn.
>>
>>5194882
unless it finds us first instead of heading to the base. and we'll have to keep the kid safe as well.
we can use them as meatshields either way.
>>
>>5194892
we have our tripwire magic to alert us of any spooky thing coming, plus we have a ton of ways to elude combat, like literally jumping away from the combat zone
>>
>>5194864
>>5194869
>>5194873
>>5194882
“I think we can deal with splitting up,” you opine. “Might as well keep things quiet. And you can keep them busy while me and JESSICA camp out for a bit, and take a long walk come morning,” you decide, making sure to emphasize the kid’s name.

“Fine, fine,” she says dismissively, grinning. “In that case, get out ‘fore I kick your ass out.”

“You’d try,” you fire back before grabbing Jessica, who doesn’t seem to complain, only look between you all curiously. “C’mon, kiddo, we’re doing the great outdoors thing again for a while.

As they drive off, she stares rather hard. “...commming…baaaack?”

Hey, that was pretty clear. “Yup,” you say easily. “Or rather, they’ll be coming to US. Now, let’s find a decent spot away from here to set up camp. Don’t want any scouts coming up on us by accident.”

It’s not much longer as you find a place to bed down, that you get a message on your stone. “Coming up on them,” Izumi’s voice goes off. “Best of luck out there.”

“Same to you,” you say back before the line drops. Hopefully, Izumi and Zipper would be able to get through it without issue…

>Perspective: Izumi
>Perspective: Miranda
>Other
>>
>>5194961
>>Perspective: Izumi
since Miranda is sitting the interesting part out
>>
>>5194961
>Perspective: Miranda
Kinda want to continue working on that walkie-talkie and fixing the kid... Did Zipper actually bring that harmonica she mentioned? Could be useful.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5194961
1 izumi
2 miranda
>>
>>5194961
Gimme a dose of post-apoc camping boss
>>
Writing. Last for the night.

friggen hate Daylight Savings.
>>
>>5194961
>>5194976
>>5194981
>>5194983
“Alright, here we go,” you say as you lay out your kit. Good tent, fireplace, the usuals…don’t really need much else, aside from maybe a roasting spit if you’re catching game. You don’t even need that in this case, though, so just a warm place and a decent meal will do you just fine. Jessica seems to comprehend the idea, at least, even if she inhales another three ration meals plus a few others. You’re not that worried about it anymore, though- you’re close enough to the city, you think, that you can stand it for a while.

Speaking of, she seems rather fascinated by you- when she’s not busy looking over the small things you picked up. At least she seems interested in a coloring book the most of anything else. Not that there’s many crayons to actually color with. Still, she seems happy enough with it for a 10 year old.

It’s about an hour or so later, you wager, when you get another report from Izumi: “We’ve made it in and after a check all was well. Have us marked as traders and are letting us lodge with them for the night. Apparently it’s a good idea since there’s supposedly ‘something big’ out there that likes to show up in the dark.” Huh. Good to know. “Will keep you updated. Out.”

Well, that’s good. In the meantime, though, you look at Jessica, who seems to be tiring of the coloring book.

>Maybe try to play the music box again? No reason it can’t work another time…
>Try to just talk to her. Maybe jogging her memories of her personal life will help with her pronunciation.
>Other

Regardless, roll 1d100, best of three.

(Will try to post during the week.)
>>
Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>5195108
>Maybe try to play the music box again? No reason it can’t work another time…
>Set up Zone Scanners
thanks for running
>>
Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>5195108
>Maybe try to play the music box again? No reason it can’t work another time…
>>
>>5195115
at this point I forgot what failing a roll feels like
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>5195108
>>5195115
+
>>
At this rate she'll grow a bedful of hair and be taller than Miranda before the week gives out.
>>
>>5195132
Goddamnit dont jinx us
>>
>>5195108
>>5195115
>>5195123
>>5195166

Well, you’re not sure what’s to be done about it, but maybe you can just try what worked before. If playing the music box once helped with her mental state, maybe doing it again will improve it even more? It’s honestly a massive long shot, but frankly you don’t have any better ideas- or any other real options at the moment. No reason to not give it a whirl.

She seems to understand the thing, at least; when you take it out again, she slides right up to it, clearly anticipating.

With a bit of preparation and a lot of curiosity, you make the thing play it’s tiny, soft, yet meaningful tune once again. The notes ring out in the forest, and the darkness itself seems to almost soften at the music’s behest, turning something potentially foreboding into something simple and comfortable.

Jessica, the young girl…well, she doesn’t magically seem to improve her condition. There’s no obvious change or wondrous sense. But she DOES smile softly. And little by little, her posture seems to relax; not the stiffness of the dead or the uncertainty of a baby, but something a bit more calm, she shifts to reposition herself with gentle movements and intent. Her eyes are looking everywhere, but you can tell her true attention is firmly on the music box.

The tune ends, again, softly and with simplicity; a quiet suggestion that such a song would be more than ready to play again if need be, and that it would be received with the same quiet joy.

It does seem to lull her to sleep, however, and you’d rather her not be lethargic on the way out. Which is why you give her a gentle shove to jostle her. “Hey. Need to stay awake. We’re not sleeping overnight.”

“...oh…yeah…sssorry.” Huh! That didn’t actually sound too bad from her. “I…can stay…awake…” No, that’s absolutely much better than before. Guess playing it again did SOMETHING to her brain. What that was, you have no clue at all, but you’re not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“It’s fine,” you decide. “You remember your name for sure now?”

There’s a pause, but: “...Jessica…” she says quietly. “M’name’s Jessica.” Huh. She doesn’t look all that enthused now. Wonder wh- oh. Dumbass question. That’s probably not the only memory coming back to her. “...why…did you take me…?”

Huh. Got her own questions now? Good. “You were what was left.” Really, it was more Izumi, but…

“What…what are you…what’s…going to happen…to me?” Ah. Hm. Trying to get all her questions out, but it’s understandable.

Just a matter of how to answer her. Harder than it sounds at first blush, that.

>Response?
>>
>>5196758
>izumi implied that we should leave you with the researchers that are looking for a cure, but knowing that girl, she might have more "altruistic" plans in mind
>>
>>5196758
hmmm, no cues or clues from the mask and other enchanted stuff this time, huh
>>
>>5196767
You can still ask for it/post the option if I forget, in such cases. I'm not going to lambast you about it. But no, this was just supposed to be a post so to mention the results of your efforts.
>>
>>5196758
Well well, this came up way earlier than expected.

Personally, I'm not opposed to taking her with us. She hasn't shown any signs of being able to defend herself, and leaving her to a bunch of mad scientists and fate is eeeeeeh. I believe she has a better chance in the Intersection than in this desolate wasteland.
>>
>>5196774
that's definitely how izumi would think about the whole situation
>>
>>5196758
>>5196766
>"If we get the sense that your health, comfort, and safety won't be their priority, then we won't leave you with them."
>"And if you wish to stay with us regardless, there's a place for you where we come from. There are others there who, while not exactly like you, my friend, or I, in likeness or deed, have gone through similar travails."
>>
>>5196774
People have to earn for themselves in order to stay in the Intersection. Deciding to take her in right off the bat without knowing anything about her seems more irresponsible than leaving her at the hospital. So let's ask her to tell about herself first before making any promises.
>>5196758
>I am a traveler. Me and my companions were on our way to deliver something important to Avion City when we found you. There is a facility that might cure the fog.
>As for what's going to happen to you - we thought that your condition could be treated there. But that has yet to be decided. Jessica, what can you tell me about yourself? How do you feel?
>Examine her, try to get some cues and clues with your enchanted gear (mask, cloak and leggings), Power Sense and scan with FutureSight again
>After that give her a mana crystal and ask what she feels about it - she was drawn to it and our birb earlier and she has mana now
>>
>>5196781
i don't think miranda would be that welcoming to jessica. fairy kid was an exception because he was a very powerful magical being. meanwhile this is how she reacted to jess
>“I…” silence. “Please, Miranda.”
>Uggggggggggggggghhhh. “...You’re really serious. Really?” You have to bite back a sigh. “Gah, fine."

what im trying to say is that its up to izumi, because miranda would definitely ditch her with the scientists.

>>5196784
doesn't sal still owe izumi one favor?
>>
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>>5196786
he does. what are you trying to suggest?
>>
>>5196789
she could cash in that favor with jessica. it feels like a very izumi move to do
>>
>>5196786
What I was trying with the spoiler was to inform her that there's another option, and let the kid think it over for herself. If she said yes, we could either let Izumi keep her or show the Care House and see if she'd like to go.

As for the fairy kid, yeah he was powerful, but he was also being used as an experimental living battery and depressed as hell. It would have taken a lot of therapy and effort to get him to something approaching normal, and even then, there'd be no guarantee he'd want to use his powers for outgoing, due to being treated like a power source for most of his life.
>>
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>>5196791
the favor is meant to be spent on something really big. and it can't be used to completely avoid paying dues, otherwise we'd have known that and cashed that in. if you think we could send her to Care House then we probably can do that without using the favor - but I'm gonna stress this again:
she has to earn for herself in the future. so it's very important to learn what she's capable of doing right now before making a big decision like taking someone to the Intersection. what skill does she have, what does she like, hobbies, talents, how can she use mana?
>>
>>5196804
Pretty sure she has magical capability (as shown by the scans we did), but no idea how to channel it due to living with normal people, so asking her to show us her magic isn't going to work unless we try to teach her how to channel here and now.
>>
>>5196798
man I'm really salty about the fairy kid. he didn't have to go outgoing, maybe he could've become an apprentice in crafting district. we've already met several people who'd be interested in him: the princes who hosts fairies in her house and a big fairy who has a permanence enchantment shop. and they'd have probably looked after him and tried to help him with his issues.
>>
>>5196807
well, we got entire night to test and check what she can do. I swear, if the fairy kid was a girl instead of a boy he'd not have been neglected so badly. and now anons are suggesting to take this girl in without making sure she'd be able to survive in the Intersection
>>
>>5196758
>>5196781
>>5196784
Seems reasonable, taking a mashup of these. Don't need the scan, we just did one like hours ago?
>>
>>5196808
>>5196812
I know people are salty, but from what I gathered, everyone just assumed wrongly that Miranda was going to head back out to pick him up right after finishing that mission, along with the bat mount. You can't really blame people for making an incorrect assumption, especially if we were able to tie up plot threads after finishing other missions.
>>
>>5196814
The music box seems to have changed her for better again so the scan results would be slightly different from the previous one.
>>
>>5196812
You're sperging out again. Also need I remind you that we can just give her to the carehouse and not worry about a thing?
>>
>>5196798
at least for me, that's still an izumi option. i don't really see miranda being 100% altruistic without said action helping her, or at the very least confabulating a way it could help her. the day care kids are probably the sole exception to this in a long time.

>>5196804
dude, that favor has been with us literally *years* and that moment you're talking about probably either:
>will never happen
or
>will happen in 20 years
and by that time we'll have way more tools to deal with whatever comes.
you're thinking about it in a very logical way, which it does befit miranda, but this is izumi's wish and she is a lawful good, bleeding heart. it makes perfect sense for her to use her wish that way (IF she needs to use it that way)
>>
>>5196818
>we can just give her to the carehouse and not worry about a thing
already pointed out before>>5196804
I just want to do it the proper way and be sure that she actually has a future in the Intersection. picking up random orphans to play mommy for two threads and then dropping them off in the Care House seems irresponsible to me.
>>
>>5196824
Anon. What future is she going to have in this world? It's a Bloodborne style post apocalypse, and she's an orphan who looks like a zombie mutant. Her chances of survival dramatically increase just by taking her back, even if we only take her to the Care House, and a bunch of players like doing stuff with our trainees during our downtime.
>>
>>5196825
we're delivering a component for the cure, so I have some faith in that things are going to improve. if she has some talents then I'm both hands for bringing her home, but for now all we know about her is that she's a crippled orphan and that's it. and we still have to show her to a surgeon.
>Notice: Mana circulation currently sustaining musculature stability. Minor Tissue/Musculature Regeneration Active. Synthetic Muscle Surgery and/or Expert+ Level Physical Regeneration recommended to improve natural stability.
>>
>>5196828
We also know that the plague is magical in nature, and the guy that made what we’re delivering doesn’t think that magic is real. That’s a massive detriment in this case for it actually being effective.

As for her medical conditions, do you honestly not think that the Care House, the massive super orphanage we’ve spent two years at, doesn’t have the means to take care of kids with magical medical conditions? The place takes in every kid that finds themselves in the Intersection without a chaperone, feeds them, teaches them, and finds them a job when they come of age, regardless of intelligence or ability. She’ll be better off in the Intersection then skulking about the ruins dodging bullets, or being possibly experimented on.
>>
>>5196758
>>5196766
>>5196784
>>5196814
There’s a silence, something not heavy, but not light, either, as you consider what to say. She doesn’t speak during it- either she realizes you’re thinking about the situation, or maybe she’s just exhausted herself- you can’t tell if she’s breathing, but her eyes are lidded, like she’s exhausted. She might or might not be up for very long, but you figure if push comes to shove, you’d be carrying her anyway.

Though she does seem like she’s fading fairly fast. Fortunately, you’ve just about put together a reasonable response in your head. “I’m a traveler,” you say simply. You don’t expect her to believe just that, if she can indeed consider it, which is likely. “Me and my companions were on our way to deliver something important to Avion City when we found you. There is a facility that might cure the fog.”

She doesn’t really react to that, save for a small ‘hmm’ of acknowledgement. But to your vague surprise, she does sidle up to you a bit more. You aren’t sure what that means. “Can’t…think past…” She blinks, slowly, and frowns, like something’s sour. “Not…that. I can’t…” she lifts a hand to her forehead, as though she has a headache, groaning.

“As for you,” you continue as you place a covered hand on her back, “that remains to be seen. You may realize this, but you’ve been…changed,” you try to put politely, and she just nods in understanding, looking at her own, pockmarked arm. “Where we are going may be able to fix you. But if it can’t…” you pause, considering. Likelier than not Izumi’s got a particular idea. You’ve already got enough kids to watch after, frankly, but all the same, you’re hoping she doesn’t press the issue. Your resistance might not hold out, and you kinda hate you had to admit that to yourself. “…I suppose we’ll have to see from there. But enough about me. How’re you feeling?”

(cont.)
>>
>>5198626
“...hm. M’tired,” she complains, slipping further into your lap. She HAS a (annoying, bigger than you) sleeping bag, so why she’s doing this is up in the air. “...head…hurts.”

“I don’t think it’s good to go to sleep right this moment,” you warn. “Try to stay awake. You need a snack?” You don’t think you have any candy in here, not that you’re sure it’d even help, but- ah. Here’s something. Not exactly a jawbreaker, but it’ll do. “Here. Chew this. Don’t try to swallow too early.”

She accepts it with little fanfare, and after a few moments, it does seem to perk her up a little. “Mmm…” she mumbles something around it, but you can’t make it out. ‘Sweet’, maybe. “Feel…itchy…” she breathes out.

Wonder what that means? Before you can ask, however, you get another voice in your ear. “Present?”

“Go,” you respond quickly.

“Patrol intel. Three five-man teams, think they’re in a rotating clockwise position. All others are bedding down. You’ll want to get moving soon. Patrol changes in about 30, so they’ll be moving in sooner.” Excellent.

“Roger that,” you confirm. Looking at the girl again, you figure that if there’s anything to be done with her, now’s the time to do it before you’re on the move again.

>Scan her one more time. You want to make sure of her changes.
>Get her a mana crystal. See how she takes to it.
>Try to keep her awake with more questions.
>Other

(Seems like I might need to make a new thread shortly.)
>>
>>5198627
Let's scan. The mana crystal will just introduce more variables atm imo
>>
>>5198627
>Get her a mana crystal. See how she takes to it.
jess, don't chew on it.
>>
>>5198627
>Scan her one more time. You want to make sure of her changes.
>Get her a mana crystal. See how she takes to it.
>>5163362
>Notice: Mana circulation currently sustaining musculature stability.
>>
>>5198627
>>5198637
Let's scan her first BEFORE giving her a crystal to nibble on then >>5198646.
>>
>>5198627
>Scan her one more time. You want to make sure of her changes.
Intel first.
>>
>>5198627
>Scan her one more time. You want to make sure of her changes.
>>
Run tomorrow, likely on a new thread. Early one, too. I spent today doing taxes.

Rather not think of that tomorrow.
>>
Run begins in an hour.
>>
>>5198627
>>5198646
>>5198891
>>5199767
Well, considering that she’s so tired, it wouldn’t be too difficult to scan her one more time, would it? Might as well just to confirm what changes might’ve taken place.

It’s not much trouble this time, she’s just about nodding off. You might actually be better off letting her sleep, now that you think about it- you can just carry her and not have to worry about her saying or doing anything that might mess with your travel.

>Organism Identified: Mana/Organic Lifeform (Human Adjacent)
>Female, Estimated Age: 10 Years Standard (Human-based)
>Mana Signature Detected. Base Type: Unquantifiable (Closest Approximate: Chaotic/Darkness)
>Muscular Atrophy Detected (Age 10 Human Average)
>Notice: Mental Synaptic Response Lower Than Human Average (Age 10) - Estimated Age Range: 8-9
>Notice: Low Blood Pressure- Suggested Dietary Improvements
>Notice: Musculature stability fragile. Low-level Tissue/Musculature Regeneration Active. Synthetic Muscle Surgery and/or High+ Level Physical Regeneration recommended to improve natural stability.

Not much difference, obviously. She IS getting smarter, however. That’s good enough. She’s fallen asleep during this, however, and as you figured, you’re going to need to move on while carrying her.
You pack up the area, wipe it down, and pick the girl up. She more or less naturally clings to you, which in this situation is just fine. Now, though, you’ve got to move. No sense in contacting Izumi, she’ll have to go on faith that you made it around. You’re not going to jinx it by thinking about it any more than that, though.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
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Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5201273
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>>5201274
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Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5201273
Welp no need to roll anymore
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Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5201273
>>5201274
damn!
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...oooookay.

Writing.
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>>5201273
>>5201274
>>5201279
>>5201282
The plains ahead are relatively calm- you can see the base in the distance, and notice that there’s nothing like searchlights or anything. Likely don’t want to give away their positions too blatantly. You can see pricks of light, though, so they’ve got something. Either way, you’ve got to move carefully around the treeline, and then hopefully skate around their night visual range, so as to not cause any concern. Ideally, they’ll dismiss you as a lone Wracked wandering the night and not worth the effort of engaging.

And to your relief, the tactic works. You have to take a slow, and cautious route to circumvent the campsite, but you get nothing in the way of aggressive motions from them; no scouts, no mobilization, no nothing. Fortunate, and you’re glad for it.

The area is swiftly moved past, and before long, you and Jessica are on the road again- if by foot. You figure Izumi will contact you come sunrise and pick you up then.

It’s as your traveling, however, you DO notice something in the distance. A bit more than a football field away, perhaps. Something…big. It’s not a hill- this seems almost too…defined? Like there’s a number of shapes.

…and then it MOVES. Ah. That would explain it. It’s a mild shift, but you can see the creature- because that’s very much what it is- almost shuffle, for whatever reason- you can see a large, serpentine head poke out briefly, before being lost amongst the shadows of its form again.

Well. Whatever that is, you don’t think you’ll be dealing with it right now. At least it seems content to sleep.

—----

By the time morning breaks, you can see the faint outlines of the city in the far distance. Finally.

Jessica’s still asleep, of course. You’d kept to a casual walk for most of the night, with the occasional break.

Now, you just need to- “Hello? Are you there?” Ah, perfect.

“Right here, Izumi. Just doing the hitchhiker thing,” you snark.

“Right, well, if you’re still near the road, we shouldn’t be too far away from you. We got leave to move on- they wanted to escort us, but we insisted we’d be fine ourselves. We’re about to get on the road. Were you alright?”

“No issues here.” Although now you’re wondering…that big…THING that you passed last night.

>Warn them about the massive snake-head thing. Tell them to tell the soldiers, too. Might be a better call.
>Don’t warn them about the massive snake-head thing. Izumi’d just warn the soldiers when otherwise they’d be a good distraction if it stays in that direction.
>Warn them about the massive snake thing, and maybe try to kill it yourselves. You’d rather it not chance it causing an issue to the city.
>Other
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