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/tg/ - Traditional Games


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You blink away the tear-inducing bite of Murderface's bladed thoughts, and knuckle your temple in an attempt to massage away what sting there is left of her jagged, sulking reprimand. Forcing yourself not to snarl at her to cut it out, or to spit back your own brand of hate.

She's suffered enough, you remind yourself. Murderface is you, after all - a future you, with everyone she loved dead by treachery or by her own hands, with brutal claws for fingers. And instead of a peaceful afterlife or even eternal, restful oblivion, she's instead cursed to a blunted existence - an existence where she gets to see herself fuck around and make the same mistakes she did. Mistakes that you're trying your best not to make.

So instead of retaliating, you ask them about what you'd seen, when Yuma shared her memories with you. ...You're still trying to take it all in, yourself - no doubt you'll have nightmares down the line of it, of seeing what Yuma saw when she ransacked your mind for the truth. About your role in...what happened.

Dildoes is the first to respond. + We saw and heard everything, Nameless One, have no fear. Even if one of us was hellishly determined to growl and snarl and roar her way through the entire thing like some beast rutting in the bushes. + You hear the tell-tale 'fwip' sound of someone flipping her hair over her shoulder, followed immediately by a deep, throaty growl. + And yes, we share your sentiment in forgiving the Mindsculptor of what she did. All of us. +
>>
>>35747172

Murderface growls again, this time spicing the sound with speech. + I DON'T-- + She begins, but something cuts her grinding protest short.

+ I said 'all of us', Broken One, and to my regret, that includes you. + Dildoes' voice could have frozen an open fire with just one word. + Need I remind you that we are all HERE because of our godforsaken inability to let go of things that we have no control over? We are trapped in this gilded cage because we were too simple-minded, too achingly obtuse to see beyond our own needs, our own desires! +

It's here, then, that something akin to frustration cracks her coldly-composed voice. + What the Mindsculptor did was reprehensible, deplorable and an affront to the common respect and decency that all sentient minds deserve. But would we have done any different in her place? Have we not done much worse to achieve our own failed ends? +

Silence. An uneasy, uncomfortable silence, enough that even you had to stop in your tracks - and unfortunately making someone bump into you from behind, causing them to fall back. You shake your head at their profuse, squeaking apologies, waving them away as you listened to the fight being waged inside your thoughts.

+ BUT. WHAT. SHE. DID-- + Murderface tries again, the rage still evident in her words, but now diluted somewhat with hesitation.

+--is no longer worth dwelling upon. We are moving on to things that we can actually do something about. + Dildoes cuts the armored fragment off again. + Like the Prophet, for one. And whoever tried to murder us and turned the Betrayer into...what she turned into. +

Yeah. That. A pack of shadows with black-bladed stabbing knives. The vision of them still burned in your mind. Do they know anything about that? Have they encountered anything like it before, in their own timelines?

[1/2]
>>
>>35747178

Silence, before Dildoes speaks again. + Nothing immediately comes to mind, Nameless One. We will try and consult the others, and it will take time, but it seems those murderers are unique to your timeline. + A cold sort of sympathy colors her voice now, and you can't help but wince at its unfamiliarity. + I will say that it smacks of masterful planning, however. Someone knew the Betrayer would abandon all semblance of self-preservation to rescue you, and thus leave herself open to an attack of superior numbers. Someone knew enough of your friendship to use you as bait, and used it to deadly effect. Watch yourself, Nameless One. +

...That doesn't really make you feel better, but sure, you'll take it.

+ Oh? + She sounds amused now. + I wasn't aware we were supposed to be doing that, too. + She chuckles. + Well, take comfort in the fact that we don't necessarily agree that it's our fault that mess happened. Being an unwilling accessory to such a disaster doesn't automatically mean culpability. So try not to dwell too much on that guilt, Nameless One, or else we won't get anything done. +

Hah. Fine. You shake your head as you continue walking. Now, about the Akashic Realm--

+ Bring Kyoko. + It's here that, for the first time, all three of your Desert Eagle's spirits say exactly the same thing, in unison - even Murderface, her psychic voice still bladed, still jagged, but almost matching Dildoes' and Braids' in tone and volume. + You are free to decide on whoever else you bring along to kill Oriko, but bring Kyoko with you. It's important that you do. +

How do you react?

[]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
[]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
[]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
>>
>>35747189
>[x]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>[x]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
>>
>>35747189
[X]Why Kyoko? (Don't see a reason to make threats to them. Why would they not tell us?).
[X]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?

[X] Also, apologize to Braids for the whole Sayaka incident when you have the time.
>>
>>35747189
>[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>[X]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
>>
>>35747189
>[]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
Can we please get some please please.
>>
>>35747189
[X] Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
[X] What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
>>
ITS THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY!

Also:
>>35747189

[X]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
In this order specifically because i feel there is a very good reason for this beyond Sakura is extremely good at killing shit in literally every timeline.
>>
>>35747189
>[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>[X]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
>[X]If there's time apologise to Braids for all the shit you gave her regarding Sayaka
>>
>>35747189
>[]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
There's no shortage of good meguca at our disposal.

If we're gonna be swinging that damn fool Kirika about in the presence of someone we're apparently destined to kill with it, I'm gonna need a good reason.
>>
>>35747189
>>[X]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
>[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>>
>>35747189
>[]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
>>
>>35747189
[x]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
[x]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?

So I am thinking Kyoko, Wendy, Mami, and bitch.
>>
>>35747189
[X]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
>>
>>35747189
>[X]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
>[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?

Also, we should apologize to Braids as >>35747215 had said
>>
>>35747189
[x]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?

we already planned on taking Kyoko, but it would still be nice to know why they insist.
>>
>>35747189
>[]Why Kyoko? Sure, she'd want to come along, but I don't want to risk my best bro without good reason.
>[]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>[]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
>>
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>>35747270
Can we bring pic related?
>>
>>35747189
[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
[X]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?
[X]"Apologize to Braids"

No one can stop the happening.
>>
besttimeoftheday.jpg
>>
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>>35747189
[x]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
[x]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?

This thread is now has the HIP-FACTOR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDpAnH1Xzek
>>
>>35747311
>I don't want to risk my best bro without good reason.
Actually I don't think there's anyone we'd rather take.
>>
So do we know what happens to normals in Akashic realm?
We know Megucas get fucked up, but how would a normal last?
I ask because ain't Oriko supposed to be a normal?
What will happen if we take away Ahrimans staff that I presume protects Oriko from the realm they are in?
Should we think of a method to preserve her if we actually intend to save Oriko?

Also if we can't use the teleportation to extract, could we hop in a MiG and fly off to one of the stable points either ath 8th or 2nd and get out that way?

Sorry about the too many fucking questions.
>>
The three stooge seem to believe that Kyoko will have some unique powers in the AR.

We do know she is somekind of part-culexus?

I want to know why Kyoko? What can Kyoko do?
>>
>>35747391
Stable point at 9th or 2nd. Fuck me I can't write.
>>
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>>35747355

It might be self-centered of me, but it's always really cool when someone posts your art
>>
>>35747386
Well we probably need to counter illusions.
>>
>>35747189
>[]Why Kyoko? I'll only bring her along if you can give me a good reason why.
>[]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>[]What is the Akashic Realm? Is it really a giant barrier or something else?

I am curious as to what their reasoning is. I trust them, but knowing how and why they made that call would be comforting.
>>
>>35747415
Does it give you that special feeling which you like a lot?
>>
>>35747415
Keep drawing asses like that and you can be as self centered as you want.
>>
The main thing I'm taking from this is, they have no objections to going to the Akashic Realm.
>>
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>>35747189
>>
>>35747454

I sure hope Chiaki's WIS stat is high enough to detect any bad ideas or hidden scenes here.
>>
>>35747506
>Chiaki
>Not the embodiment of bad ideas
>>
I just remembered that Chiaki showed coobie what happens when she uses the shield; did anything else ever come out of that? Has coobie never brought that up again? Did I just forget if he did?
>>
>>35747609
Got a game over.

Reloaded a save file
>>
>>35747609
It never happened. It was a vote miscount, so it was retconned out of existence.
>>
>>35747626
Thanks I guess.
>>
Yuma did nothing wrong. Malal is the true evil. the bitch homura knockoff did everything wrong. Yuma is mai waifu, Yuma is innocent! Yuma should be Main Character! YUMA FOR LIFE!!!!!!1!11111
>>
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>>35747679
Calm down there, buddy.
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>>35747688
NEVER! YUMA DID NOTHING WRONG!!!!1!
>>
>>35747679
Yuma admitted her guilt and regret to Chiaki.

You say Yuma did nothing wrong?

Then that means Yuma was not wrong when she said she was wrong. Therefore, by saying that Yuma did nothing wrong, you confirm that she did infact do wrong.
>>
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>>35747679
You okay, anon?
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>>35747695
Now that's not true. She tried to distance herself from Kyouko, we agreed that was wrong.
>>
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>>35747679
>>35747695

remove yuma
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>>35747695
Fuck, he's gonna Witch Out

SILENT ROOM, EMERGENCY ACTIVATION
>>
RABBIT! Show yourself!
>>
>>35747695
Has Yuma fucked us?

If not, then she's made a mistake.
>>
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>>35747679
>>35747695
>>
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>>35747391
Between megucas, golden weapons, the akashic realm, time fuckery, and anything else I am forgetting/we do not know about, I think it is pretty safe to say that Oriko is most likely not a normal human anymore.

In the original manga that she appears in she is introduced as a magical girl, which grants her her ability to see the future, which then leads to her being an antagonist due to her wanting to prevent Kriemhild Gretchen from destroying everything. Her methods are also rather questionable (kills all megucas she can find just to distract Kyubey from contracting Madoka) and her best friend/bodyguard/right hand is a psychopath who willingly allowed herself to be brainwashed by her.

She could be different in MGNQ of course, but so far everything lines up.
>>
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>>35747706
>>
>>35747753
Which is the crunch train?
>>
>>35747741

the rabbit abides
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>>35747741
No
>>
>>35747798
This is.
>>
>>35747800
>>35747807
Truly, the rabbit is anonymous.
>>
>>35747815
Yuma/anon did nothing wrong.
>>
>>35747779
>She could be different in MGNQ
Just about everybody is.
>>
Wait. Isn't Homucifer in the Akashic Realm? If so, should we have a plan for when we comes swooping in on your team?
>>
>>35747815

I know the Rabbit. He's no anonymous beast, no image stamped on the side of a billion interchangable rat hulls in sov-null. No. He exists. He is real.

And he know how to troll.
>>
>>35747868
Load gun. Shoot until you run out of ammo. Reload. Rinse and repeat.
>>
>>35747868
What team build did you have in mind?
>>
>>35747828
Well they're all different in some ways, but the same in others.

So far MGNQ Oriko has pretty much been doing everything the canon Oriko did or would do though. I would not be surprised if everything she has done so far was of her own will.

I still intend to go through with our Kirika plan I just feel like the potential for it to go very badly is quite high, and the odds are even worse if she is a meguca, which seems likely with the akashic realm being involved.
>>
>>35747878
I was thinking Kyoko, Sayaka, Mami, and Wendy for the team, but I am still worried about Homucifer fucking things up. Also, I usually can't plan for shit, so my idea for the team might be bad.
>>
>>35747868
run
keep running
never stop running
>>
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Wait wait wait. Didn't Oriko have a thing for Kyoko back during pic related.
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>>35747983
Yes.
>>
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>>35747972
>Kyoko, Sayaka, Mami, Wendy
>Not including Tiny Pete
>>
>>35747972
Is it bad that I kind of want to take Midori and get her to stick close to Kyoko?

Those two have already shown that they work well together and Midori already has experience of the "holy-shit-mindfuckery" that we're likely to experience in the Akashic realm.
>>
>>35747972
I approve of your team list.

>>35747991
Tiny Pete has his own teleporter.
>>
>>35747189
[X]Fine. What about the rest? You've got other recommendations, right?
>>
>>35747983
and Kyoko has a thing for Oriko, Flashback and Sayakar told us.
>>
>>35748001
Midori has weak stats though.
>>
>>35747983
Taking kyoko just keeps sounding like a̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶s̶e̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶s̶e̶ interesting idea,
>>
>>35748024
In the Akashic Realm, it turns out that Heart counts for a lot.
>>
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>>35748013
I should really learn to check posting times before kneejerk choosing an option.
>>
>>35748051
In the Akashic Realm, it turns out that Oppai counts for a lot.
>>
>>35748024

She will want to come along, though. But I get the feeling that the skills that served her well in the Siberia barrier thingy may not translate real well to what we're going to face in the Akashic Realm. She'll be able to help us sneak around no doubt but there will also be the possibility of a lot of fierce fighting, even if one ignores the inevitable golden weapon fight. I'm thinking that's something that no MG would want to get caught up in.
>>
>>35747983
Yuma in a reindeer onesie is the best thing ever.
>>
>>35748086
>Bring Wendy, but leave Midori because Green Greens can't fight worth a damn

This certainly makes a great deal of sense, and in the short run is the better choice.

But on the other hand...this sounds like an excellent way to drive Midori onto the path of yandere.

we should totally do this
>>
Yuma did nothing wrong.
it all the anons who blame her is the wrong!
YUMA DID NOTHING WRONG! EVERYTHING SHE DOES IS JUST!
>>
Threadly reminder that the updated eBook can be found at http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb
link to the Fanart gallery: http://wiki.magicalgirlnoir.com/index.php/Fanart
link to the journal pastebin: http://pastebin.com/SZkxPycM
>>
>>35748156
Anon please, your false flagging is obvious and unskilled.

Still, Yuma did nothing wrong.
>>
>>35748191
Yuma did nothing wrong
>>
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Anyone else get that feeling like this is that moment at the end of the game where the odds of everyone surviving and living happily ever after are about 2%?

Getting mass effect vibes... and I feel like no choice is a completely good one.

For instance we could take Sayaka and not take Kyouko, but then how do we explain to Kyouko that we left Sayaka to die in order to save Oriko/Mami/Wendy/Midori/etc?

Or if we take both Sayaka and Kyouko what if they get split up forcing us to choose which one dies, causing us to be forever guilty of saving one and not the other while at the same time making one of them guilty as well?

We are going in with five and planning to leave with six. I would be surprised if we still had five after adding Oriko to our party.
>>
>>35748220
>Getting mass effect vibes
Did three kill all your companions before they killed everyone ever? I don't actually recall, I only watched that one rather than played it.
>>
>>35748220
Silly anon, you should know by now.

Everyone is going to die
>>
>>35748277

Good Bye Little Pete
>>
>>35748277
everyone but Yuma.
Yuma did nothing wrong so she gets to live.
>>
You're born, and then you die.

the bit inbetween is called life and that's still to come.
>>
>>35748320
Unless you are a meguca, in which case you are already pretty much dead.
>>
>>35748220

I get the feeling we are going to have to eat our gun before this is over. Killing our self to save the world or stop homucifer. Probably after we tell someone to apologize to Misaka for us because we are going to have to break that promise about going to an amusement part.

Then some spiritual shit happens and the final fight begins. Then if we survive, a time skip to when Chiaki finally gets back from limbo or wherever several years in the future.
>>
>>35748332
You're still alive, after a fashion. You just gave up your humanity.
>>
>>35748220
Teleport in with five.

Summon Tiny Pete.

Oriko goes in Tiny Pete, teleports home.

Yuma brings home the other five.

ezpz
>>
>>35748111
>>35748024
>>35748001
>Have once again the chance to bring Midori along
>HURR DURR LETS NOT DO THAT

She proved her worth in Sibera multiple times.
We don't know her stats since we didn't take her along anywhere since Siberia where she topped Chiaki who was wielding the golden Katana, bitchslapped Kharn, stopped BlackRockHomu and HUGGED the shit out of Pinky.

Meanwhile Chiaki virtually knows nothing of Wendy other than it being pointed ut to her not to trust her yet for some reason she should take her along.

So just so you know, what you guys said is pants on head retarded by wanting to take Wendy over someone who has proven to us multiple times that she is capable and has our back.
>>
>>35748360

Or, we can always not take Mami and bring them both.

Sayaka, Kyoko, Wendy, and Midori.
>>
>>35748360
Midori is shit anyway, why the hell should we bring that tub of fat when Wendy is far better?
>>
>>35748410
>Wendy
>better than anything or anyone

Anon, please seek psychiatric help, I fear you have suffered a psychotic break with reality.
>>
It'd be around this time in most plotlines like this that Mami would betray us all.
>>
>>35748410
Shut up Burgerdown!
>>
>>35748428
We get back and everyone we didn't take is dead or in hiding after Mami unleashed her true power.
>>
Then it's a good thing that Mami is pure good and would never betray us
>>
>>35748428
oh, don't worry. That's what's going to happen just as we're about to leave the Akashic Realm. She'll probably have dyed green hair when she does it.
>>
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>>35748360
>>35748410
>>35748436
>anons shitposting over Wendy vs Midori

'ere we go again
>>
>>35748426
>>35748436
Wendy did nothing wrong.
>>
>>35748402
Given their class this seems like a god idea.
>>
>>35748473
>implying decu does not thrive on the tears from these debates
>>
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>>35748360
Those 2nd, 3rd, and 4th things she did were not combat related and I confess I do not recall how the first went down. Pretty sure we don't intend to go hug/shout at/slap witches and Oriko's kill squad or whatever else is in the Akashic realm.

I am all for Midori doing more things I just don't think this is a good time to. Plus if we took her instead of Wendy and Midori died people would start bitchfits about how it was a conspiracy to set us up with Wendy or some shit.

Also thought it was pretty clear Wendy has a good deal more experience/training when it comes to combat. And this wouldn't be the first time she has a seen a witch before it has existed right? I don't know the exact circumstances for that but it seems relevant.
>>
>>35748475
Apart from being worst girl, making a deal with the devil and serial murder as part of a mad cult, sure.
>>
>>35748476

Plus we have been told that putting them together on a mission is how we are going to get them to break the ice.

Finally, didn't we agree to take Wendy with us anyway? As a rep from the church so she can make sure, for her own people, that this shit gets done.
>>
>>35748360

But that's exactly it. All of her notable successes have hinged on forging social links or using social combat skills against opponents that can be viably reasoned with, and depending on said people for protection. Though she did well enough with guns vs. bears and hiding from Insane BRS Murderface, I'll grant you that. But in this Akashic Realm situation, we'll be facing at least hundreds of magical girls who have been described as little more than walking corpses waiting to witch out, and Ahriman who seems to be fully set on her goals of who-knows-what. They don't seem vulnerable to being talked down, and Oriko probably won't listen to anyone other than Kirika and perhaps Kyoko. Even if we sneak past them to confront Ahriman/Oriko, they will likely converge on the fight once it begins in earnest.

I'm not saying that she's not dependable, but we need to pick the right people for the right job. She'll be good for cloaking us and getting close, for sure. But once the fight begins, she will have to depend exclusively on the others to protect her while Chiaki goes for Ahriman.
>>
>>35748518
And standing by us at our worst.
>>
>>35748518
Wendy did nothing wrong.
Just like Yuma did nothing wrong.
>>
>>35748535
I think we did, the bringing a church rep seems like a good idea in the long run regardless, and Wendy is more assassin then spy, which should help given we are going into a situation in which we should probably bring Kharn.
>>
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>>35748575
>>
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>>35748518
To be fair we ourselves qualify for two out of three of those (except we don't even need a cult to convince us to murder) and some would argue the 3rd.
>>
>>35748602
Nobody did nothing wrong.
>>
>>35748473
You have great taste in mango anon
>>
>>35748575
No see, Wendy did a lot wrong while Yuma did nothing wrong.
>>
>>35748603

I thought that Midori's Wish was revealed "To be loved?" in one of the Siberia threads?
>>
Homucifer is and always will be best girl
>>
>>35748651
Last time that was posted noone agreed on exactly what it was so I left it unchanged. That was one of the things people mentioned though so maybe.

did my post delete itself? it became undeleted when I refreshed.
>>
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>waifufags
>>
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>>35748652
Oh, so you're the one that did this to Homucifer
>>
>>35748651

She was hit by a truck and then Jyubey contracted her in the hospital. Considering her circumstances she probably wished that "her life was more like Miracle Midori".
>>
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>>35748700
And this is what Wendy dreams of at night
>>
>>35748700
guilty as charged
>>
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>Why it's taking Decu so long to post
>>
>>35748535
>Plus we have been told that putting them together on a mission is how we are going to get them to break the ice.

This. Put them together.
>>
>>35748738
Hope he's okay.
>>
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>>35748738
>>
>>35748738
ARCHIVAAAAL
>>
>>35748738
Dan Kim noooooooooooo.
Take responsibility!
>>
>>35748743

Yeah, no. We all agreed that was a bad idea only trolls wanted last time. Nothing's changed
>>
>>35748769
Everyone in the quest is telling us to do it.
>>
>>35748738
>>35748761
>>35748764

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE AN IMPORTANT MYSTERY TO RESOLVE:

WHO IS THE FATHER OF DECULTURE'S CHILD?

take responsibility, archival
>>
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>>35748738
MAXIMUM KEK
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>>35748795
"Look what you've done Midori. I can't be warmaster like this. They'll take me off duty for pregnancy leave. How am I supposed to stop Pinky like th-you're not listening are you?"
>>
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>>35748738
We all knew it would happen one day.
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>>35748769
That was when we were voting and it was an option, and everyone was overreacting with people thinking Decu put it there just to fuck with us when really it was the 'Make them work it out' option.
>>
>>35748827
Midori's too busy picking out baby clothes to listen
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>>35748832
You forgot the part where she cut a little lock of it and keeps it in a bag for when Shempai's not around.
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>>35748836

It's still a bad idea and decus explanation summed up to I want this to happen. Yeah, no railroads sure
>>
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>>35748738
>>35748761
>>35748764
>>35748795
That might be a bit difficult.
>>
>>35748852
She's not like you, keep your sick habits to yourself.
>>
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>>35748852
Shempaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiii, noooooooooooooooo
>>
>>35748858
>railroad

what

You understand that we voted against it right? It isn't a railroad if you have a fucking choice.

And we didn't know it was the 'make them work it out' option until AFTER we voted, so it isn't like he was encouraging us to vote for it or something.
>>
>>35748874
I think my heart just clenched.
>>
>>35748919
>it isn't like he was encouraging us to vote for it or something.

and having every character suddenly say the same thing isnt? what an idiot
>>
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Not even Vintage is safe
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>>35748956
Epic meme bro.
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>>35748874
I did a thing
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>>35748956
Isn't she really old though?
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>>35749004
Experienced, anon.

We call it 'experienced'.
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>>35749004
Do magical girls even age?
>>
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>>35748992

That's adorable
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>>35748950
It was not said until after the vote. And if I recall it was only 1-2 people which is a bit less than everyone. To me it was pretty clear such things were said to calm everyone down after the vote since everyone had their torches and pitchforks out after half the voters decided Decu was trying to stir shit or something ridiculous.

It was not a bad idea since the outcome would have been good and it was not a railroad since we were able to choose to do something else instead.
>>
>>35748992
My god, her hair looks positively nuclear.

I'm worried about Decu.
>>
Decu is kill.
>>
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>>35749017
Probably. They just tend to die pretty quickly.
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>>35748992
Hnnnghh!
>>
>>35749036
I need more snuggling images in my life.
>>
>>35749055
nyan nyan
>>
>>35748992
>>35749036
>The wild Moedori Blob slowly consumes its prey.
>A process which can take up to a week.
>>
>>35749074
Nyan nyan
>>
>>35749097
niho nyan
>>
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Wrong ritual. Post legs.
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>>35749104
>>
>>35749104
Gorgeous
>>
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>>35749109
>>
>>35749123
>>35749122
DECULTURE!
>>
>>35749130
My dicks
>>
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>>35749109
>>
>>35747215

You narrow your eyes at no one in particular as you wait for the elevator, ignoring the salutes and greetings fervently whispered and stuttered your way. Why Kyoko? You were thinking about bringing her along, sure, but why is it important all of a sudden? Or is this their ass-backwards way of telling you that you SHOULDN'T be bringing her along?

Dildoes chuckles again. + No, nothing so crass, Nameless One, but we've been watching how the two of you are. The bond you share is remarkable, something I think has never existed in any of the other timelines. + That 'fwip' sound again. + I was friends with the Kyoko from my time, but it never went beyond that base level of acquaintanceship. The others have always had her as an ally of convenience, or worse, even an adversary. +

+ I...I was friends with Kyoko-san too, i-in my timeline, + Braids volunteers. + She...she rescued me a lot of times, a-and always looked after me like...like a big sister. + Your fragment of shy, stuttering innocence lets out a happy sigh, one tinted with memory. + She...she also tried to help me confess to Sayaka, even if she liked her too... +

+ Really? Well. I stand corrected, then. + Dildoes concedes, surprisingly without the usual spiteful venom that she always seemed to have whenever replying to your younger, softer self. + Not that unique after all, but the sentiment remains. Your Kyoko is willing to die for you, Nameless One, and this approaching altercation smells of grievous losses on both sides. But no matter what, your red-haired, spear-wielding maniac will see you through to the end, even if it costs her everything. +

Now, see, right there? That's no fucking way to recommend taking someone! You want to get out of this alive, sure, but not at the cost of your best friend, for fuck's sake!

[1/2]
>>
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>>35749095

Dang
>>
>>35749147
SUCCESS!
>>
>>35749147

Dildoes tuts here. + War has no place for such sentimentality, Nameless One, and this IS war, one Oriko started when she took up a Golden Weapon against us. Besides, do you think I bear this duty with any relish? No, I don't. But I comfort myself by being as honest and direct with you as possible, and I hope that you appreciate that. +

...Hnh. Fine. But what about the others? You can take four people with you, and with Kyoko there that makes three spots left unfilled. They've got recommendations for THOSE, right?

+ DON'T. TAKE. MIDORI. + Murderface growls, the first words she'd pulsed after Dildoes' icy reprimand. + TOO. DANGEROUS. +

+ ...I concur. Don't bring the Green One. + Dildoes says after a moment. + The Akashic Realm is no place for someone like her, even if she has walked in it before. Especially not where you're going. +

...That's it?

+ That's it. + Dildoes confirms. + Take whoever else you wish, like we have said. + A moment's hesitation. + Well, perhaps ensuring that they are the best at what they do counts as a recommendation, as well? But if I had to point that out for you, Nameless One, then I am grievously insulting the both of us. + Another chuckle.

Alright. Well....about the Akashic Realm, then. Do they have any idea what is it, really? Did it exist in their timelines too, or what?

Silence takes place here, one long enough for you to get on the elevator when it finally arrived, take it to the very top floor, where Kyuubey's Office is. Dildoes' pulsed reply comes just as you begin to walk the last corridor to your destination. Spotting your retinue - or at least, your Equerry and your best friend - leaning against the doors leading to Kyuubey's Office, clearly waiting for your arrival. Kyoko spots you the moment you come close enough, and she waves energetically in greeting.

[2/3]
>>
>>35749155
GREAT!
NYANDERFUL~
>>
STOP FILLING THE THREAD GUYS OHGOD
>>
>>35749166

+ We believe it is unique to your timeline, too. None of us has encountered something of this magnitude or severity before. Barrier or not, though, we are sure that the Transcendent One is involved somehow. +

...Yeah. You suspected as much, too.

+ This is a day of many wonders, I see. Perhaps you're not as hopeless as we thought. + Dildoes is smirking now, you're sure of it. + Is there anything else, then, Nameless One? +

You nod, just as you return Kyoko's frantic waving with a more sedate gesture of your own. You want to apologize to Braids for...well, giving her shit about Sayaka.

+ It's...it's fine, Matsuda-san. + Braids says after a moment, her voice barely a squeak. + I won't say I wasn't angry at you for saying it, but I...I guess I'm just strange for liking her, h-haha. + You could almost see her knuckle her own forehead in shy self-deprecation. + Thank you for...for apologizing, though. That means a lot. +

...Yeah. Alright.

+ If there's nothing else, then, Nameless One, we'll go back to watching you going about your duties. + Dildoes pipes up. + Remember what we talked about, and keep your wits about yourself. Treasure your enemies as well as you treasure your friends, because you never know just which you may end up relying on when the final day dawns. +

And what the hell is that supposed to mean?

No reply. Just silence, and the blessed lack of pressure-pain behind your eyes, the stress of pulsing back and forth somehow following the departure of the Three Stooges. Well, at least you'll be focused for this meeting, you think.

"Took you long enough." Sayaka greets you with her usual scowl, the blue-haired Eversor annoyingly morning-fresh and clean despite all evidence of being dragged out of bed by your exultant best friend. "Mami and the rest are inside, waiting for you."

[3/4]
>>
>>35749214

You nod here, and turn to Kyoko, thanking her. The red-haired one of the melee monster pair accepts your gratitude with flushed cheeks and a grin. "Nothing to it! And, uh, sorry again for punching you, okay? No hard feelings, right, Murderface?"

Yeah. Of course. No hard feelings, you assure Kyoko. Sayaka shakes her head, an indulgent smile of her own curling her lips.

"Next time, just punch the goddamn wall or something." She chides your best friend. "Hitting a superior officer's got serious consequences to it, especially when it's the Warmaster. Good thing you're chums with Murderface, or else I'd have to mete out the punishment stated on the Primer for such an infraction."

"Aw, you'd do that?" Kyoko pales. "Come on, I didn't really mean to hit Murderface! I just got...carried away and everything!"

"You're not supposed to get carried away, that's the entire point. You're from the Ninth, not from the Sixth or the Eighth."

You shake your head, and make to push open the doors to Kyuubey's Office as the two begin arguing behind you. But before you do, however, you turn to ask. What IS the punishment for hitting a Warmaster, anyway?

Both Eversors look at each other, before Sayaka clears her throat, her cheeks tinged with crimson. "Well, Kharn sorta changed it around when she still wore the hat, but, uh..."

She leans in close and whispers it to you, and you find yourself blushing furiously as well, feeling a shiver of recoiling disgust crawl its way up your spine.

Yeah. No. You're not going to do that with Kyoko, Christ.

You don't do that kind of thing with your best friend. There has to be a law against it, or something.

[4/5]
>>
>>35749191
MEOW
>>
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>>35749243
>Yeah. No. You're not going to do that with Kyoko, Christ.
>You don't do that kind of thing with your best friend

Kharn confirmed for best Warmaster ever
>>
>>35749243

Besides that little hiccup, the meeting begins without issue. Kyoko had done an admirable job of getting your retinue together in such short notice, with Mami and Midori already waiting inside the Incubator's Office when you entered it. Wendy is there too, clutching a mug of strong coffee as if her life depended on it, taking sips in between staring daggers at Midori.

Your personal Callidus seems to not be noticing this at first - until you saw her glaring her own metaphorical stabbing implements at your ex, particularly when the brown-haired girl sipped at her coffee or turned to the side as if to address someone invisible beside her.

In any case, you quickly relayed to them what you learned from Yuma, namely her plan of attack - a five-person kill team that she'll teleport directly into Oriko's base of operations to finally end her campaign of terror. When you brought up just where this particular base is - and you looked to Kyuubey for approval for revealing THAT particular nuggest of information - he merely nodded, as if quickly seeing how important this is, and how matters of confidentiality about the Akashic Realm can be ignored for now in light of this new information.

Sayaka, Kyoko and Midori all asked their questions about it, clearly oblivious to the Akashic Realm's existence until now. To no one's surprise, Mami wasn't, even offering her own input about it.

What was surprising, though, was Wendy volunteering information herself.

"...Haven't been in it myself." She'd said gruffly, in the half-slurred tones of someone still struggling from a lack of sleep. "But I've been in something similar. Somewhere just as bad. It isn't nice, but it's survivable if you don't do anything stupid."

Right. Well. That means you're fucked, then?

"...Probably." She takes a sip from her mug here, although even you can plainly see she's trying to hide a smile.

[5/6]
>>
>>35749243

I am aware of my tongue.
>>
>>35749262


The conversation quickly turns towards the most important matter of the meeting: who's going on the kill-team with you. Both Sayaka and Kyoko immediately step forward, nearly bumping into one another in their haste. Midori, who'd been standing beside you the entire time, takes your hand in hers and gives it a squeeze - her own way of volunteering. Wendy, after a fashion, stands forward too - her coffee cup now empty, the caffeine waking her up enough for you to see the eagerness in her hooded eyes. "...Red Culexus owes me," she says simply. "I'm taking payment for every one of ours she killed. And yours, too."

...Right. Well. You--

"Chiaki-san, I'm sorry to make your job a bit harder," Mami raises a hand, an apologetic smile on her lips. "And I'm sorry to interrupt. But I wish to volunteer for the Kill-Team, as well."

Mami? You blink here. But...what about--

"I'm still a Magical Girl, Warmaster, and I'm still a card-carrying Vindicare, even if I'm no longer on the active roster." She smile turns just a bit brighter as she steps forward - a smile that immediately falters as she looks directly at you. "But besides that, I feel that...I may have mishandled Oriko, myself. I thought that being with her would be enough to allow her to grieve properly and move on from Kirika-san, but...well, it came to this. And we've all suffered because of it." She glances at Wendy, at Kyoko, and then at you. "Please allow me to take responsibility for my mistakes, Warmaster. Let me help you save Oriko."

...Ngh. This is gonna be hard.

Who do you take with you? You can only pick four.

[]Kyoko
[]Mami
[]Sayaka
[]Wendy
[]Midori

>30 minutes for this particular vote!
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy

social skills aren't enough in the Akashic Realm
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Rea, if possible--if not, then Wendy

Sorry, Green-Haired Funbags, but we need heavy firepower for this mission.
>>
>>35749286
>[]Kyoko
>[]Mami
>[]Sayaka
>[]Wendy

Be clear that with Midori, its just too dangerous considering that this is a Direct Action Operation. Her combat skills just will not be sufficient against the numbers that will be coming at us.
>>
>>35749286
OH SWEET CHRIST WHY

okay, i don't think bringing midorin along is a good idea, but if we don't then she'll be jelly about wendy and us, and thats terrible.

but it's better than her dying

{x} everyone but Midorin
>>
>>35749286
>[X]Kyoko
>[X]Mami
>[X]Sayaka
>[X]Midori
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy

It'd be too dangerous for Midori to be on the ground. But QB will no doubt be in contact with us and monitoring our progress, right? Perhaps she can be assigned to a command/tactical role instead.
>>
>>35749286
I'll stick with my original opinion of Kyoko, Sayaka, Mami, and Wendy, since even the Stooges warned us not to bring the Green One.
>>
>>35749286
>>[x]Kyoko
>>[x]Mami
>>[x]Sayaka
>>[x]Wendy
>>
>>35749286
[x]Kyoko
[x]Sayaka
[x]Wendy
[x]Midori
>>
>>35749312
Furthermore, would it be possible to have Midori be on station as Mission Control, or something? So she won't feel left out?
>>
>>35749286
[x]Kyoko
[x]Mami
[x]Sayaka
[x]ENISHI
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Enishi
>[x]Wendy
We should leave the Equerry behind in case we bite it, and take another Callidus along to watch Wendy.
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
Not going to fuck this up for once
>>
>>35749325
H-Hat..
>>
>>35749286
>Kyoko
Because she's kickass, a bro and she has her own personal stake in this (saving oriko)

>Sayaka
Where Kyoko goes Sayaka goes. If they're together it's garunteed victory.

>Mami
She's just too good and we need some vindicare goodness to balance out that eversor badass-ness

>Wendy
We need some callidus support and the stooges specifically said not to bring Midori (foreshadowing)? So wendy it is.

This entire mission is basically a giant deathflag, so having some fodder is good too.
>>
>>35749340
this, i think its something that could be considered.
>>
>35749286
Bring in Kharn.
>>
>>35749260
I don't think that was ever up to debate.
>>
>>35749286
[]Kyouko, Sayaka, Mami, Wendy

It's the Warp. No taking chances.
We're taking the most dangerous team mates we have, and Wendy, who has the illusion magics we need to hide away from dangers.
>>
>>35749286
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Sayaka
[X]Wendy

Green hair is the danger.
>>
>>35749286

Tough decision between excluding Midori or Mami...

Don't want to leave Mami behind because paranoia, and she would be useful in combat.

And I also don't want to bring Midori along because I imagine she might be a liability, but at the same time I want her to do stuff and bonds made in combat are the best.

Well I would rather not have bonds made and have her be alive than have her die I think. Was just hoping to patch things up between her and Wendy here.

[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Sayaka
[X]Wendy

What really sucks is I am pretty sure someone is going to die and none of these options are good.
>>
>>35749355
>lets take the pregnant lady

No, just... what the fuck. No.
>>
>>35749286
>[]Kyoko
>[]Mami
>[]Sayaka
>[]Wendy
>>
>>35749286
[]Kyoko
[]Mami
[]Sayaka
[]Wendy
>>
>>35749349

yes?
>>
>>35749362
Kharn is best waifu; only canon waifu
>>
>>35749374
>Implying a pregnant Kharn isn't still useful.
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>[x]Midori
>>
>>35749312
>>35749342
>>35749286

Maybe this is a good time to ask those present about them for opinions on the other Rank Leaders.
>>
Reminder that we can outsource if necessary. Though it probably shouldn't be necessary at all, the option's on the table.
>>
>>35749286
[x]Kyoko
[x]Kharn
[x]Sayaka
[x]Wendy
>>
>>35749374
I am fairly sure that her fetuses could pop out of her gut and beat some MGs to death.
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami OR Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>[x]Rea

We need someone to stay behind in the event of a mission failure.
>>
>>35749404
Seconding. Can we bring along the other Rank Leaders instead of the listed options?
>>
>>35749404
Nothing much to say... we haven't seen them in combat at all... no point.
>>
>>35748360
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Kharn
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>>
>>35749374
>>35749427

I don't want to know what her witch form would be if she witched out while pregnant.
>>
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Wendy
[X]Midori

Callidius team: to dampen mindfuck effects of the realm and for stealth, should our exfil become... complicated. Also, Midori has experience in Nightmares now and Wendy has been in similar places.

Kyouko because good advice; her melee skill matches up with Wendy well. And Mami... BECAUSE I REALLY WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE RIBBONS COME OUT.
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Mami
>[x]Wendy
Kyoko and Sayaka work great together and are the best melee we have available.
Mami for ranged combat.
Wendy for Callidus things if necessary.
Yuma for teleport and Culexus things.
We are pretty balanced with our golden weapons.
That's six people in total come to think of it. Does the strike team of five not include us or Yuma in the count or am I remembering something wrong?
>>
>>35749446
She already is in witch form.
>>
>>35749286
>[X] Kyoko/Wendy/Mami
>[X] Contact the 2nd, call in Yuma's favor to get Alondight to help us out

Let's face it, if everything goes to shit we need SOMEONE here at the office to run stuff - as Equerry it's Sayaka's role to pick up the slack. And frankly Midori just doesn't have the firepower
>>
>>35749462
That's what rank leaders are for
>>
>>35749286
Kharn/Kyoko/Wendy/Midori
>>
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>>35749286

um... Mami volunteering to go sounds suspicious to me, somehow. But I guess we don't have much of a choice.

Well, we better make her understand that if Oriko needs to be put down, she will be put down. I wonder if this will be the Candeloro flag

[x]Kyoko
[x]Mami
[x]Sayaka
[x]Wendy
>>
>>35749461
What would happen if she went into the Akashic realm and was attacked by her own witch then I wonder?

What if she found her normal self instead.

Wait, was Kharn ever normal?

Shame she is pregnant and shit. She would have been interesting to take on this little trip.
>>
>>35749459
I think Yuma said the occupancy limit was "me + 5 other people"?
>>
>>35749479
Enishi or Rea for Warmaster? Sounds good to me.
>>
>>35749444

I meant that as in asking the other characters. Chiaki might not know (or remember) anything about what they can do, but Mami/Kyoko/Sayaka might know better.
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
Because best bro.
>[x]Sayaka
Because she's a monster and works well with us.
>[x]Mami
Because ranged-combat machine.
>[x]Wendy
Because when you're going into crazy, you need a suitable guide.

Would love to bring Midori too, but them's the wraps.
>>
>>35749493
yes, but id bet anything there would be teleportation issues or some other form of bullshit, considering yuma doesn't have the experience to do 6 in total.
>>
>>35749493
Personally I really hope Yuma does not come along.

I think she would be highly effective in combat and I like her, I just really think she has had enough bullshit to deal with for now.
>>
>>35749286
[X]Kyoko
-She needs to be here.
[X]Mami
-Serious competence, and if shit goes south then whoever killed her is unimaginably fucked. Serious motivation.
[X]Sayka
-Hypercompetent ultraviolence is gonna be necessary, and who better than the wielder of Blueberry Cheescake Brownie?
[X]Wendy
-A Callidus would be useful, and this one's disposable!
>>
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FOR CLARITY'S SAKE, A FEW THINGS NYAA

-Rea or Enishi are also valid choices, they should have probably been listed. Sorry.
-Yuma will not be going with (unless Decute changed his mind since the last time we talked about this), she'll have to manage the teleporting remotely.
-Wendy isn't great at catchall illusions like Midori is - if anyone is voting for Wendy thinking they'll be able to pull illusion stealth sneaky group stuff, then they should change their vote while they can. She IS, however, much better in a fight, and in stealth aspects, can handle herself just fine -on her own-.
>>
>>35749557

How is Enishi at the callidus thing?

Can she handle the whole group?
>>
>>35749557
Kyoko, Midori, Wendy, and Enishi.
>>
Also, we're bringing Tiny Pete, right? He owes Oriko a thanks for the excitement of magma golems.
>>
>>35749154
The best.
>>
>>35749017
gently.
>>
>>35749569
I'd need to check with Decute but my understanding is that stealth is the Karasawa specialty - probably something closer to straight up nondetection than illusions.
>>
>>35749557

We already have Sayaka and Kyouko as heavy hitters. We should bring Midori as support.
>>
>>35749588
WENDY FLYING AROUND ON A BROOM AND FUCKIN DIVIN ON ORIKO OUT OF NOWHERE SCREAMING THE FLESH OF FALLEN ANGELS

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
>>
>>35749603
Is that a vote or an argument? I need to know whether to count it.
>>
>>35749545
This is me. In light of recent revelations on NECO's part, I'd like to swap out Wendy for Enishi. Nondetection would be superbly useful - almost certainly useless against Homucifer and probably Oriko herself, but we can probably rely on it to be helpful for evading the local witch population and probably some of Oriko's goons.

Even if Wendy's disposable, we shouldn't be planning to take casualties anyway.
>>
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>[x]Midori in a command role.
>>
>>35749340
This. Midori as mission control.
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Wendy
>[x]Midori
>[x] Kharn
>>
>>35749603
except she hasn't seen enough shit to be insane enough, and if she freaks out in the AR she's dead and we loose our support. insanity is your friend here
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Midori
>>
>>35749130
Spidermaid
Spidermaid
Does whatever
Spidermaid does
>>
>>35749616
Sorry but I'd rather have people who can handle themselves in a fight.
>>
>>35749286
>>35749557
[X]Kyoko
[X]Sayaka
[X]Mami
[X]Enishi

Changed my vote (deleted previous vote). Group stealth would be preferable to one person sneak.
>>
>>35749286
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Sayaka
[X]Enishi
>>
>>35749286
>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>[]Midori
>>
>>35749578
We can bring Tiny Pete in via his own teleporter, so he's basically an auto-include on top of the other 4 people we're also bringing.

>>35749557
>Wendy not so great with illusion stuff
Hmm...I'm actually tempted to bring Midori along, now. Wendy's better at fighting, but if Midori's good with illusions, then she might be able to run interference and divide their forces, a la "I'm Chiaki Matsuda...or AM I"

In any case, changing my vote as found here >>35749312 to:

>[x]Kyoko (melee beast)
>[x]MIDORI (have her pretend to be Chiaki, then run around confusing and dividing enemy forces--also she'd be good at scouting the area, and has experience with nightmarish hellscapes)
>[x]Sayaka (melee monster)
>[x]Mami (for firepower)

FURTHERMORE

>Stick Rea in Tiny Pete; when Tiny Pete is teleported over to us, Rea is also brought along
>>
Had a vote for Kyoko, Sayaka, Mami, Wendy.
Can't find which one it is.
Switchin' Wendy for Enishi though
>>
>>35749286
>[X]Kyouko
>[X]Mami
>[X]Sayaka
>[X]Wendy
>[X]Give Midori an especially kiss goodbye and your hat to hold onto for when you come back.

Mission control Midori isn't very appealing, she would probably just ramble. Such a role would be better for Kyubey.
>>
>>35749648

Enishi should be fairly decent in combat. You dont get to being Rank Leader by being a slouch after all.
>>
>>35749286
[x]Leave Mami, we don't need people who will get a cheapshot the first second a crying bluffer appears
>>
>>35749665
>>[x]MIDORI (have her pretend to be Chiaki, then run around confusing and dividing enemy forces
That sounds like a really good way to get her killed
>>
>>35749557
>>35749286
>[x]Enishi
>[x]Wendy
>[x]Midori
>[x]Kharn
>>
>>35749286
>Mami
>Kyoko
>Sayaka
>Wendy
>Midori as mission control as >>35749625 said
>>
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>>35749557
>implying there will be stealth
>>
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>>35749557

Oh boy.

Thinking about it. 100 magical girls are stationed at Oriko base so another ritual can take place. We can't kill these girls otherwise all hopes of saving Oriko will be lost as both her and Ahriman will merge as they transform into a bird thing again.

Changing >>35749484
to

>[x]Kyoko
>[x]Mami
>[x]Sayaka
>[x]Enishi
>>
>>35749665
>>[x]MIDORI (have her pretend to be Chiaki, then run around confusing and dividing enemy forces

Yeah have the least experienced member run around in hell dressed up as the enemy's #1 target.

No way that can go wrong.
>>
illusions, in my opinion, don't seem very useful against witches

i mean, they just want to kill maim and murder, so disguising X as Y or making it look like someone where they're not won't be very useful against mindless killing machines.
>>
>>35749360
>[X]Kyoko
>[X]Mami
>[X]Sayaka
>[X]Wendy
>[X]Tell Midori later in private, that the Murderface incarnation in your head cares about her and did not want to put her in danger.
>>
>>35749286
>[X] Kyouko
>[X] Sayaka
>[X] Wendy
>[X] Enishi
>[X] Teleport Tiny Pete in
>>
>>35749286
>[]Mami
>[]Sayaka
>[]Wendy
>[]Midori
Because if we're going to fuck up, let's do this right.
>>
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>>35749642
Which is everyone.
>>
>>35749286
>[X]Kyoko
>[X]Mami
>[X]Sayaka
>[X]Wendy
>>
>>35749698
>tranform into a dead loved one
>watch as someone else kills your target
>>
LET'S CALL IN
YURI
SATOU
>>
>>35749670
>and your hat to hold onto for when you come back.

Do you not know what a death flag is? Lets have Sayaka promise Misaka that she will bring us back safe and sound while we are at it.
>>
>>35749701
That post (35749360) was me. Changed Wendy to Enishi and deleted it.

Sneaky as it goes.
>>
>>35749707
Did you miss the part where we were told not to bring Midori?
>>
>>35749737
>Changed Wendy to Enishi and deleted it.

I don't really see the point.
>>
>>35749738
Can Wendy be trusted either?

Pinky might be in that place.
>>
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>>35749286
Incidentally, my personal vote would be

[x]Kyouko
[x]Wendy
[x]Enishi
[x]Yuri Satou
>>
>>35749714
But Attarou, everyone thinks Suzi is creepy
>>
>>35749737
I agree.

Keeps sneaking into my fridge. Haven't had ice cream in months.
>>
>>35749286
>[X]Kyoko
>[X]Mami
>[X]Wendy
>[X]Kharn
>>
>>35749764
that's part of the appeal
>>
>>35749762
So who's going to di... I mean who was selected in the end?
>>
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>>35749764
I don't.

I think she's horrifying.
>>
>>35749762
That roster is to really (calli)die for
>>
>>35749286
Oh hey, I got back just in time to v--
>>35749762
Whelp. Nevermind then. Carry on.
>>
>>35749738
Nope. I excluded Kyoko because the justification for bringing her was weak as fuck and we're going in fully loaded with katana. So fuck no to bringing kyoubro.

So, Midori gets her spot.
>>
>>35749762

Alas, we were not told that there were other choices than the four listed until halfway through the vote.
>>
>>35749762
>>
>>35749789
Yeah. In all honesty, that would have warrented a 10 minute extension.
>>
>>35749789
You mean luckily.
>>
I honestly do not even know who I want to vote for anymore.

I do not envy the one counting these.
>>
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>>35749642
>>35749714
>>
>>35749800
Kyoko is in, that is about all I can tell.
>>
>>35749821
Kyouko, Mami, and Sayaka
>>
>>35749695
Eh, I figure, if Hat still feels confident enough to vote for Midori, I'm game.
>>
>>35749800

Mami Sayaka and Kyoko should have won.

I just hope Enishi wins.
>>
>>35749762
[] Sayacar, Kyouko, Wendy, Mumi
>>
As long as we bring Sayaka along with Kyouko.
Because if we DON'T bring her, and Kyouko bites it, we've effectively lost Sayaka too. Even if she doesn't witch out, there's no way in hell she'd stay in the same Officio as us.
>>
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ALRIGHT ATTENTION NERDS

We're doing a TEN-MINUTE EXTENSION because some information did come in later than it should have.

If you already voted, don't bother unless you're changing it - this is an EXTENSION, not a separate vote.
>>
>>35749853
I want to pet it.
>>
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>>35749853
Also I counted all the votes between the vote card and the extension already, too.
>>
>>35749853
>{x}Kyouko
>[x]Mami
>[x] Sayaka
>[x]Wendy
>>
>>35749853
It looks like a cock
>>
>>35749286

I'm >>35749326

In light of >>35749557 & >>35749588

I am changing my vote to:
>[]Kyoko
>[]Mami
>[]Sayaka
>[]Enishi
>>
>>35749853
Oh sweet, I get a chance to vote.
>>35749286
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Sayaka
[X]Rea
>>
>>35749894
same person, make sure midorin can stay in contact somehow so she doesn't feel left out
>>
>>35749901
Voting ended.
>>35749762
..but i think your change should count =)
>>
>>35749840
Having Enishi would probably open up the stealth route, but personally I think I would just rather we have Wendy.

Personal bias aside, things are certain to become a bloodbath at some point even if we stealth it, when that happens I would like to have a full team of killers at that point and Wendy seems rather experienced when it comes to murder.

For the other three Kyouko and/or Sayaka, and Mami. Kyouko or Sayaka could be replaced but only one or the other, not both, and the people taking their spots would most likely be less combat oriented soooo...

Not changing my vote of Mami, Sayaka, Kyoko, and Wendy.
>>
Guess I didn't miss it after all.
>[X]Kyoko
>[X]Mami
>[X]Sayaka
>[X]Enishi
>>
Damn. We should have asked the three stooges what they think will happen if we use timestop in AR.

Then again, maybe they would have had no clue.
>>
I'm still not voting for kyoko. Not putting her, us and the katana in the same room at any point unless I'm forced to.
>>
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>>35749853
>>35749888

Its going to be a long time until the next decu post
>>
>>35749924
please read
>>35749853
>>
>>35749939
Lets give the Katana to Sayaka! Nothing could go wrong there!
>>
[]Kyoko
[]Mami
[]Sayaka
[]Enishi
>>
>>35749937
They don't. They said as much.
>>
>>35749853
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Sayaka
[X]Rea
>>
>>35749947
>Implying chikuwa isn't coming.
>>
You know, were we not supposed to spar with Sayaka using the katana at some point?

Are we going to jump to AR without even trying the katana in controlled conditions?
>>
I don't care other than
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
>>
>>35749977
i don't think we'e bringing the katana with us into the ar. that's a bad idea
>>
I'm >>35749382 and i'm changing my vote to
[]Kyoko
[]Rea
[]Sayaka
[]Wendy
>>
>>35749977
Preparation will be made, anon.
>>
>>35750000
I thought the plan was to bring the Katana and try to make Kirika inside the katana drive Ahriman out of Oriko?
>>
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>>35750000
Our entire plan for dealing with Oriko involves handing the katana to her.
>>
>>35749977
the plan isn't to USE the Katana, anyway.
>>
>>35750017
>>35750013
i stand corrected and admit i need a coffee right now
>>
>>35749853
EXTENSION CONCLUDED
RESULT:
[x]Kyouko
[x]Mami
[x]Sayaka
[x]Wendy

Sorry, Enishi fans. You put up a pretty strong fight.
>>
>>35750042
butthurt incoming
>>
[X]Kyoko
[X]Mami
[X]Sayaka
[X]Enishi
>>
>>35750042
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
>>
>>35750042
>>35750058
Shitfuckingwirelessbroadcrap.
>>
>>35750042
Rea, nooo

>>35750052
Time to batten down the hatches!
>>
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>>35750042
>>
>>35748864
How can writer-wendy and writer-neco be in the same pic? That's like clark kent and superman showing up at the same time.
>>
>>35750042
Darn. How badly did poor Enishi lose?

Ohwell, maybe we can get Wendy killed in this mission! (well ok, that would probably be cruel).
>>
>>35750085
Shhhhhhhh
Let it happen, anon
>>
>>35750100
Enishi was in fifth place! She lost by...uh, 25 votes.

It was pretty decisive, ultimately.
>>
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>>35750085

Who knows?
>>
>>35750042
D-damn it! When will Fatnishi get the screen fat she deserves!
>>
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>>35750042
EHHHHHHHH?
>>
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>>35750042
I'm just happy one character is going to be doing things on screen again.
>>
>>35750085

Are you implying that Clark Kent and Superman are the same person? That's ridiculous.
>>
>>35750164
I can't wait for golden weapons to start popping out of nowhere - who knows, it would certainly help to tie up loose ends. Hopefully Chiaki notices them before they're pointed at her, otherwise the first we know about them might be a bang and a hole through her head.
>>
>>35750085

Because AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
>>
>>35750215
Well, we (the players, not Chiaki) already know the 17th has the Golden Hooks...
>>
>>35750250
and the 4th has the golden warhammer.
>>
>>35750250
golden hookers amirite
>>
>>35750215
Homucifer has already collected a few.
>>
>>35750250
I believe that anon is referring to the fact that Mami has used a golden weapon in the past and kept this fact a secret from us.

I think Sayaka had one offered to her and turned it down? I do not remember.

Don't think Kyouko has one aside from that one thing she painted gold.

Wendy has been killed by a golden weapon before I think but I do not know what became of it afterwards.
>>
Man, are we getting another golden weapon already?

This quest is moving way too fast. Why can't we stop and smell the roses a bit, you know?
>>
>>35749286
>[]Kyoko
>[]Mami
>[]Sayaka
>[]Midori
>>
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FINALLY
AFTER THREE WEEKS, A LIVE MGNQ THREAD I'M AROUND FOR
I'VE FINALLY CAUGHT YOU

Also we should put Mami inside of Tiny Pete
>>
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>>35750279
>Golden Hookers
>Lotte
Sounds about right.
>>
>>35750297
HAHA! IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE WE GET DISTRACTED ALOT
>>
>>35750303
Which reminds me, we have to make sure Misaka doesn't take along like last time.

The warp is no place for lolis
>>
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Previously on Magical Girl Shadowruns Quest...
>Kyoko is the Red Culexus
>That's silly, Kyouko fucking entire churches full of people over is... ...ah
>Kyouko likes setting people ablaze
>Kyouko can pulse
>Kyouko is Oriko's best friend
>Red culexus picture
>skull has left eye
>kyouko is missing her left eye
>Is this...is this going to be the thing that makes Sayaka Witch Out? Having to take down the traitorous Kyoko?
>in one timeline, Braids fell in love with Sayaka
>where was Kyoko?

Y'all thinking too small.
>Oriko's working against Pinky
>Pinky hates Kyoko's witch form
>Culexus hardsuits can block out beings like Pinky and the Trancendant One
>"HARUKA IS SEEING HER DIE IN WITCH-FLAME!"
>The Akashic Realm is a place where witches from other times exist
>Also apparently a place where witches walk in magical girl form


The red culexus isn't Kyoko. She's Ophelia.
Bonus points if it's the one from the timeline where Braids won the Sayaka
>>
>>35750314
YES, I HAVE MADE AN AMUSING JOKE HAVE I NOT?
>>
>>35750303
Those eyes.

I can only imagine the amount of wtf that went through Madoka's head when that shit happened.
>>
>>35750297
>way too fast
This fucking nigga
>>
>>35750330
INDEED YOU HAVE
>>
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>>35750283
Shit that's right.

Even after we deal with Oriko we still have to find all these gold weapons and do...something...
>>
>>35750115
lets face it, we need to be taking the "core cast" of PMMM anyway.

We began this together, we will end it that way.
>>
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>>35750297
YOU PIECE OF SHIT, THAT'S NOT FUNNY DON'T JOKE ABOUT THAT
>>
>>35750303
>we should put Mami inside of Tiny Pete
almost right,

What's Pete's status anyway.

time for MAEROUS?
>>
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>>35750303
>Also we should put Mami inside of Tiny Pete
>Tiny Pete has an autocannon and a thunder hammer
>Mami is terrifyingly proficient with high-recoil firearms and bludgeoning weapons
>She can summon her magical ammunition separately from the weapons she fires them out of
>>
>>35750425
>MAEROUS
Nope. Not this shit again
>>
>>35750425
You mean MALLEUS?
>>
>>35750425
Maororus, Anon
>>
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>>35750478
SUMMONIN'
>>
>>35750478
aye, that one.
>>
>>35750328
As expected of a candle.
>>
>>35750303
No, we should put Tiny Pete inside of Mami.
>>
>>35750461
You don't get it anon.

We have time to prep this right.

We can be Iron-Meguca
>>
>>35750401
Fukawa, pls.
I wonder if Genocider Sho is a member of 6th.
>>
>>35750522
I know shes kinda poluamorous, but I don't think she can fit pete inside her; or she can try it but it will take lots of time to recover from that
>>
>>35750576
Pete deserves some R&R in a nice warm place. Mami is a slutty lich, it won't kill her, even with all the spikes.
>>
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>>35748864
>not posting the superior version

Gotta love waking up late
>>
>>35750576
>>35750623
Fuck... that gave me a boner...
>>
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>>35750522
>>
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>>35750522
>>35750576
>>35750623
>>35750656
>>35750522

Mami can fit a lot inside of her
>>
>>35750522
>>35750576
>>35750623

I volunteer to be inside Mami.

...ifyaknowwhatimean
>>
>>35750522
I think we should put Tiny Pete between Mumi's breasts.
>>
>>35750635
>>35748864
It needs to be updated with every writefag though.
>>
>>35750635
>Can you feel the Crunch Train?
I think we found the father.>>35748738
>>
I wonder how Kyubey is going to feel about sending both is warmaster and his personal aide into hell. He's gonna give us so many grief seeds
>>
>>35750713
Dude this quest has like 14 active writefags and 4-5 active drawfags. I don't think it'll all fit
>>
>>35750767
Don't worry.
Decu can handle it.
>>
>>35750767
It'll fit, Decu just needs to buy a bigger bed.
>>
>>35750767
You can stack people higher on the moon, less gravity
>Decu strives for HUGE to counteract low-g atrophy
>>
>>35750786
Just like mami
>>
>>35750664
Where is this from?
>>
>>35750767
>active writefags
How many no longer active writefags are there?
>>
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Did something. Too bad we're on autosage.
>>
>>35750635
One of cooldown's hands should be under the blanket, so she can operate the NECO sockpuppet
>>
>>35750859
Youtube video, Kiss La Kiss. Not sure what to think about it just yet.
>>
>>35749307 >>35749310 >>35749314 >>35749326

You light up a cigarette as you mull over your choices, looking at each of them in turn, as well as being painfully and acutely aware of the warm hand holding yours. You also bring to mind your two Rank Leaders - Rea Ashford and Karasawa Enishi, both you haven't really seen much in combat but are quite competent from what you can infer, seeing as they did manage to get their ranks in the already highly-competitive Ninth. There's also the fact that Enishi herself was instrumental in the success of the Kirishima op, her participation allowing you to complete that debacle without a single civilian casualty.

After a long while - with you belatedly noticing that the entire room had gone completely still and quiet, with every other occupant looking at you with bated breath - it's here that you make your decision, and announce them clearly.

The people you chose reacted predictably enough. Kyoko let out an exultant whoop as she punched the air. Sayaka merely nodded, her lips curling briefly into a tight smile, before turning to berate her red-haired companion for not taking this seriously as she did. Mami smiled at you in combined relief and gratitude. Wendy also nodded at your direction, with something approaching understanding flickering in her eyes, before she herself moved to murmur something to Mami. Something about needing to tell the High Priestess about this, or something.

[ + 10000 KYOKO POINTS! ]
[ + 100 SAYAKA POINTS! ]
[ + 1000 MAMI POINTS! ]
[ + 50 WENDY POINTS! ]

All well and good, fine. But the one reaction you were counting on - and had dreaded the moment you made your decision - also happened, but in a way you didn't expect.

[1/2]
>>
>>35750892
>AUTOSAGE

I TOLD YOU. AAAAAAH
>>
>>35750931
>10000
I can already taste the orgy party end.
>>
>>35750892
Thanks Steffu~
>>
>>35750931

"I...I suppose sempai doesn't need me for this, huh?" The soft, warm hand holding yours suddenly grows cold and clammy, her voice trembling just the slightest bit. You look up at her with worry - but instead of tears or even a glistening, tear-filled look of anguish, she is instead looking back at you with something approaching a calcified determination. Fragile, brittle, but determination all the same.

[ -10 MIDORI POINTS! ]

+ It's...it's fine, sempai. I understand why you're doing this. I kind of know how you think by now.+ She pulses this to you, a faint whisper sent through the tenuous connection of your attunement together.

It's here that she turns towards Wendy, fixing the American with a particular look: one without venom or anger or even jealousy, but a combination of all three. More than that, it was a challenging stare, one even Wendy seemed to be taken aback by.

Midori turns back to you a moment later, squeezing your hand again. The warmth from earlier returning to her fingers.

"Just...please promise me that you'll be safe. That you'll come back for everyone. And for me."

How do you react?

[]I promise.
[]I can't promise that.
[]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35750989
>[]If I don't, you're free to remarry.

top kek
>>
>>35750989
>[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
interdasting
>>
>>35750989
>[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
Jokingly of course, then
>[x]I can't promise that.

This could turn out to be a massive clusterfuck, and you don't plan on keeping promises that you know you cannot keep 100%.
>>
>>35750989
[]If I don't, you're free to remarry.

I vote to snark
>>
>>35750989
[X]I promise.
>>
>>35750989
>[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35750989
>+I'm a watch-wearing dildo now BECAUSE I've got people like you I don't want to let down. Don't worry.+
>>
>>35750989
[X]I can't promise that.
[X]Kiss her.
[X]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35750989
[X] I promise.
[X] The murderface incarnation from the future sends her regards and her love.

The second mostly because I want to fuck with everyones heads, but I guess it is kind of cute too.
>>
>>35750989
>[X]I promise Ill come back to you
>>
>>35750989
>[]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>[]I promise.
>>
>>35751051
Also
[X]+ I love you. +
>>
>>35750989
>If I don't, you're free to remarry.
This sounds like such a fucking trap option if our trip fucks around with time and makes like 30 years pass in the real world.
I vote for

>[x]I promise.
>>
>>35750989

Seconding this: >>35751051

I don't like making promises if I don't know if I can keep them.
>>
>>35750989
This is an awesome promise actually.

Because if we fail and die, the quest ends so in a way, the promise never gets broken!
>>
>>35750989
[X]If I don't, you're free to remarry. I suggest Wendy, you two seem to have a lot of unresolved sexual tension.
>>
[X]I promise.

And maybe add something to the effect of "if you do something stupid... just... don't do anything stupid. Trust me. Trust your sempai's judgement."
>>
>>35751053
I like this idea.
[X]+ I love you. +

Have we ever said that to Midori?
>>
>>35750931
That is a lotta points.
>>
>>35750989
[x]I promise.
>>
>>35750989
[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35751078
Or we switch viewpoints.
>>
>>35750989
[X]I promise.
[X]Stay strong for me while I'm gone.

We are going to give it our DAMNED HARDEST to coming back alive and well. All of us ARE coming back!
>>
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>>35750989

>[x]I promise.

Even if I have to walk though the entire Akashic Realm.
>>
>>35751066 here adding
[X]+ I love you. +
to his vote
>>
>>35750989
>[x] +We'll talk about it later+
>>
>>35750989
>[X]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>[X]I promise.
>>
>>35750989
[x]I promise.

Please no bait option.
>>
>>35751102
>>35751153
I'm pretty sure it's been implied that we've said it. It's also kind of a dick move to do when Wendy's right there.
>>
>>35750989
[x] I can't promise that.
[x]I promise I'll do everything I can to come back.

Midori
Midori you're a mangaka
How do you not yet know what a fucking death flag is
Why do you ask the impossible of your loved one that's just a very foolish thing to do

[-10 ANON POINTS!]
>>
>>35750989
>[]I promise.
+ I've got a pretty good idea how you think too. Don't do anything crazy. again. +

This is likely going to be bloody, violent. and brutal. It's not Midori time.
>>
>>35750989
[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
This isn't even sarcasm, being noir means we very well could die and leave her alone.
>>
>>35750989

Seconding >>35751051
>>
>>35751192
also, this is probably one of those promises that we may not keep.
>>
So, whose death would affect Chiaki the most?
If your answer isn't Charles you're wrong
>>
>>35751184
Pulse it to her. Leaving her without telling her we love her in some way is a bigger dick move than anything.
>>
>>35751222
Agreed.
>>
>>35750989
[]I can't promise that.
[]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35750989
[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35750989
>[x]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35751199
Why is everyone making such stupid comments designed to upset her?
>>
>>35751220
Probably Mami, really.

Kyouko and Midori seem like big ones but we still have that irrational desire to murder anyone who says anything negative about Mami that half the world seems to share.
>>
>>35751242
images I need to see:
Chiaki in Bruce Willis Die Hard getup.
>>
>>35750989
>[]If I don't, you're free to remarry.
>>
>>35751254
For the rejoicing.
>>
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>>35750989
[x] If I don't, you're free to remarry.
[x] I love you.
[x] Kiss, you'll look like a badass.

Wendy can eat shit if she's mad about that

yeah I said it
>>
>>35751254
Probably because there is a very real threat of death and/or time fuckery so it is good to get these things out of the way.

Noone wants the last words their loved one says to them to be "I promise-" followed by anything.
>>
>>35750931
[Holy Quartet Intensifies]
>>
>>35751268
I suppose I can understand that. I am planning on doing my best to get Wendy killed in the most horrific fashion afterall.
>>
>>35751298
and Wendy
>>
>>35751298
So, Pinky is coming along too?

Yay~
>>
>>35751222
The "+" in the I love you option indicates we are pulsing it to her if i'm not mistaken
>>
>>35751325
That would be a quintet.

But yes, she probably is. And if not, Wendy is pretty much her ambassador.
>>
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Alright, pausing thread for now! We'll continue (hopefully) tomorrow, same time, starting off with the most voted decision! Thank you for your participation, feedback is always great!

We have four writeups for today, so questions answered after them!
>>
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Magical Scribe Eleanor Slam versus Magical Entrepreneur Jael Russ

Here comes the person who takes over my shift. Her arrival would normally mean quitting time and lunch time for me, but looking at the hands on the clock at the front of the store – don’t look at the numbers – I still have forty-five minutes, I think. And I’d spent the last fifteen trying to put stuff on the high shelves. I could get a ladder, but that’s really embarrassing.

"Hey, new kid!" she shouts. I guess she does want something.

"Mm?" I murmur. I feel that was too quiet, though, so I also ask out loud, "Yes?"

The girl jerks her thumb over her shoulder towards the double doors in back, and informs me, "Boss says it's your turn for Zoo Duty."

I give her a look. "Zoo Duty?" I wasn’t being serious about the kangaroos, and yet there it is.

My coworker nods her head. "Just head through the other double doors way in back," she informs me. “I’ll take over here.”

Well this wasn’t in the job description I was given, but beggars can’t be choosers. "Alright, thanks for the heads up!" I tell her, “and have a nice day!”

With the taller person taking over, I head back into the employees only area. Instead of going left or right, I head down the dirtied hallway straight ahead. I have to resist the urge to take a broom to the dirty footprints all over the floor. Maybe I can scrub them up if I come in during off hours on the weekend. I know overtime is frowned on when it’s not necessary, but this is just something that bugs me a little. I doubt Jael would mind too much.

Hah. Look at me, being this fussy about cleanliness at fourteen. I must be finally catching the craziness that’s inherent to magical girls. Or Eversors, anyway. Soon I’ll be jumping out windows to get to places faster instead of trying to plummet to my death. Or I could go breaking down walls like I’m delivering drinks to people. Maybe I should get a boat to go with the cereal mascot outfit.

[1/6]
>>
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>>35751358
>>
>>35751348
>yfw Wendy goes full FLESH OF FALLEN ANGELS and Pinky cheerfully possesses her
>>
Pushing through the second set of double doors brings me to a much larger, even dirtier room. And by dirtier I mean holy shit I think that’s a dried bloodstain on the floor! The imposing metal door taking up the far wall does not help that macabre image. It looks more like an airlock than something that belongs in a corner store. Or it may be something to hold back a monster, with all those deadbolts, locks and such on it.

“Earth to Eleanor, come in Eleanor!” calls out the high-pitched voice of a child.

Snapped out of my gawking – that seems to happen a lot lately – I adjust my posture and stand up straight. “Hello, Boss,” I reply with some forced enthusiasm, “you needed me for something?”

“Absolutely!” Jael chirps, hands in both pockets of her trench coat – why is she wearing a trench coat over a suit, it doesn’t go with the hair bobbles – and fiddling with something. “I’m almost done verifying your identity as well.”

"What're you-" I try to ask before she shushes me. An odd, tingling feeling washes over me, before Jael claps her hands together.

"Well, either you're not a Callidus,” she says, as though that explained everything, “or you're really, really, really good."

"I... Huh?" Callidus? I’m not a Callidus.

"Anyway,” Jael continues, ignoring me and gesturing to the big scary door, “welcome to the Zoo, Eleanor!"

She looks so enthusiastic.

“…Could you explain what this is about?” I ask meekly. “I’m confused.”

Jael cants her head at me and frowns. "Eh? Didn't Sis-“ Hah, her face went red for a second. “Er, Leman Russ tell you about it?"

I shake my head. "No,” I respond, trying not to offend my boss. “She said I should work here for behind the counter experience while I'm doing my Eversor training."

Fuck, I must have said something wrong. Jael actually looks kind of upset. Well, her smile faltered, anyway. "The agreement was to not send me any rookies..." she grumbles under her breath.
[2/6]
>>
>>35751283
Which option won?
>>
>>35751348
Well, the Holy Quintet is Madoka, Mami, Sayaka, Kyoko and Homura. We have 4 out of 5 of them coming along.

Pinky would be the fifth. Wendy is not a replacement for the Blessed Lady.
>>
>>35751325
>implying we could get rid of her if we tried.
>>
“Um,” I ask after a moment’s silence, “am I in trouble?”

"Er, no!” Jael reassures me, sort of smiling again. “Not specifically! Well, it sort of is, but I should have read over your papers instead of simply taking Leman Russ at her word. Or she means to offend me intentionally, but I would really like to believe that is not the case." Her words really are not reassuring at all. Neither is her pacing around me like a predatory animal.

"So,” she continues, her smile never leaving her face, and her voice still cheerful as ever, “you claim she wanted you to work behind the counter, but from what I can tell, you haven't done so even once. Why is that?"

I thought this would have been explained to her, but I tell her anyway, "...Numbers and words trigger my Vanus trance, even if I'm out of-"

Jael comes to a halt in front of me, causing her ridiculous trench coat to swish around, and shouts, "a Vanus trance?!” Crap, she looks like a kid whose parents brought out the big birthday present. “You're an honest to goodness, real-life Vanus? And you're working here? For me?"

I feel like I need to proceed really, really cautiously right now. "Y-yeah." I answer slowly.

"I mean, I just assumed from the arm that you were another Eversor,” she babbles rapidly, pointing at the bulky robotic arm. “That was the agreement - Leman Russ said you were an Eversor - but you’re a Vanus, too!"

"Huh? Uh, the arm is from Fu-" Ah, probably shouldn’t swear in front of her. "From Heather Crunch doing... Something I can't talk about." The Warmaster was very particular about what I couldn’t say if I wanted to keep my memories to anybody that wasn’t a rank leader, which was pretty much everything other than names.

This seems to drain away Jael’s enthusiasm. "Oh,” she murmurs sheepishly, “the incredibly dangerous girl with kangaroos loose in the top paddock? Yes, that would explain it.” She offers me a pitying smile. “You have my sympathies."

[3/6]
>>
I sort of smile back, but it’s a bit forced. "Thanks." Try not to think about it. Don’t think about how you almost had your head bitten off by-

"Eleanor?” Jael asks, snapping me out of my daze. “How would you feel about a change of position?"

"...Does it require working with letters and numbers?" I ask suspiciously.

"Yes?” Jael answers, her smile slightly bewildered. “It's clerical work, but-"

"No,” I interrupt her. Probably a bad thing to do, but I keep talking. “I don't want to do that sort of thing anymore. That's why I'm here. That's why I'm training as an Eversor. I hate… being a paperwork slave."

Jael says nothing and just continues staring at me with the same smile on her face. To fill the awkward silence, I tell her, "I'm sorry. I just can’t do it."

"Eleanor,” Jael says, her voice carrying a sinister growl, “you're surrounded by letters and numbers all day. That indicates to me that you have some control over it. So I don't buy your excuse at all." Fuck, she really wants me doing her number crunching for her or something.

"If...” I croak, then swallow before continuing, “if I try really hard not to focus on them, then it doesn't go off." Or I just focus on it and accept it, and hope to God I remember everything I’m supposed to when I’m awake. It took a lot of attempts to get Checkers’ number right.

"Eh?” Jael inquires skeptically, looking me straight in the eyes, “you've been doing that this entire time?"

I don’t dare blink. "Y-yeah,” I answer.

"This could be a problem in the future,” she muses, resuming her pacing around me. “I'm kinda-" she stops and clears her throat, "that is, rather surprised that you haven't done anything about it yet."

"What -can- I do about it?" I ask dejectedly, suddenly in a bit of a sour mood.

Jael shrugs. "I don't know,” she admits, “but I'd assume that, if not from the Sixth, you could get help from the Second, the Fourth, or the Thirteenth in some capacity.”
[4/6]
>>
>>35751378
So. Wonder if we are going to mee Homucifer in the other realm?

The reactions should be interesting if nothing else.

Atleast we should meet a few Clara Dolls! I will be disappointed if we get no doll action!
>>
>>35751383
Levity option, followed by 'I promise'. Will probably get both.
>>
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Yeah, no, I’m not going back to the Second for anything that’s not life-threatening. They started giving me really scary looks after somebody pointed out my uncanny resemblance to a portrait of one of their old Inquisitors of Heresy/Witch Hunters.

Also they were kind of stuck up.

"In any case,” Jael continues, “you are relieved from Zoo Duty until you're a full-fledged Eversor."

"Okay...?" I still don’t know what Zoo Duty is about, but I guess I don’t have to do it.

"I'll go over your file tonight and see if any other accommodations need to be made, but you need to take steps to deal with your trance issue on your own,” she orders. “Even if Leman Russ said you're okay, if you can't find something soon, I'll have to let you go."

I’m going to get fired if I can’t control my uncontrollable ability?

"Isn't that a bit much?" I groan.

This was a mistake. Jael’s smile melts for the first time since I've met her, leaving only a deadly serious expression in its wake. "Eleanor, you would do well to remember that I am your boss,” she informs me with icy coldness, her earlier cheerful tone gone as though it had never been there. “It is my job to put you to work and to make a quid, not to be your friend. Whatever your circumstances are, however badly Heather Crunch ruined your life, however much Leman Russ pampers you, I'm not going to help you any more than necessary. Is that clear?"

I swallow audibly before I dutifully reply. "Yes. Clear as crystal."

Jael’s not looking at me anymore, instead staring at the ground and growling. “I don't know what Sis was thinking, letting someone like that run wild...”

This time I just keep quiet. It feels like I’m -this- close to being in trouble, and I don’t want to cross that line.

“In any case, I believe that's everything for now.” Jael glares at me and gives another order. “I suggest you forget you saw anything here.” Feels like a damn lion is staring me down.

[5/6]
>>
>>35751432
I wonder, will we get to form a familiar like Vintage has now that we're a maewhateverthing?
Imagine a little drunken murderface doll, it'd be adorable
>>
“Saw what?” I squeak like a cornered rat.

This was apparently the right thing to say, as Jael brightens immediately. “Exactly!” she shouts, seemingly in high spirits again. “Well, your replacement is already on the floor, so you're free to clock out and head home now."

"Oh!” I exclaim, kind of startled by her proclamation. I suspect that means I won’t get paid as much for today, but that can’t be helped. “Alright, uh, bye?"

"Have a nice day, Eleanor!” she calls after me as I leave the room with the frightening door. “And good luck with your training!" She shouts after I’m in the hallway. “And watch out for Callidus ambushes!” She shrieks after I’m through the second set of double doors.

I just go out and put my card into the reader before heading outside. As soon as I leave, everything starts to ache again.

Yeah, I… I guess this could be worse. But I don’t think I’m crazy enough to be a good magical girl.

[6/6]
>>
Omake : Dressing Up

"I fail to see why it is necessary for me to wear the cap."

"Well that's 'cuz you're dumb, Crunchy~."

"I am NOT DUMB!"

"Are too!"

"ARE NOT!"

"Are too times infinity!"

"The cap is important. It completes the outfit."

"The outfit isn't even DONE yet!"

"Well it's cuuuute~!"

"That... justifies NOTHING! You said you were making NORMAL clothes!"

"This totally counts as normal!"

"Embrace it. Resistance is futile."

"NEVER!"

"Loser does what the winner says!"

"I did NOT lose! It was a DRAW!"

"Whateverrr. Now hold still so I can get some accurate measurements, unless you wanna run around nakeeeeeed~."

"Grrr... This better be tastefully done..."

"Aaah, even your measurements are annoying! How'd a jerk like you end up with a brick house body?"

"You're pulling the tape too tight! TOO TIGHT! LET GO!"

"'Brick house' measurements confirmed. I shall proceed with the sewing if there are no further objections."

"I object to this treatment!"

"Overruled."

"I should just hack off those fat things and preserve them in a jar!"

"WHAT?!"

"Jade, get me the surgical saw! We're doing a chestectomy on our captive!"

"CAPTIVE?!!"

"I am currently preoccupied with sewing the costume and recording this for posterity."

"Now hold on -just- a minute-"

"Stop talkingggg, Crunchy, you're annoyingggg! And distractingggg me from hackingggg off your-"

"Hack THIS! BEAR HUG ATTACK!"

"Wha- Hey! Put me down!"

"I reFUSE to reLEASE you from my hold! You are nothing more than a FEATHERWEIGHT to me, Nakajimaaaa!"

"It's part of a healthy lifestyle."

"No. Not. You."

"..."

"Ha HA! Nothing clever to say about your -capture-, villain?"

"...Hey..."

"Ready to surrender?"

"Could you just... Stay like this for a while?"

"HAH, as I- huh?"

"Just hold me like this. Just for a little bit."

"Er... Uh... Like this?"

"Yeah. Like that."

"..."

"..."
>>
...
>>35751358
Deculture!

>>35751470

You better give us our own doll familiar!
>>
And that's it for now.
Thanks to Deculture for letting me write and for the pictures of Eleanor and Heather (and the filenames were top kek)
Thanks to Cooldown for letting me use Jade and Amber yet again and allowing these events to unfold as they did
Thanks to Minty for proofreading again
Thanks to Sanguis for verifying the Aussieness once more, especially with Jael's euphemisms
Thanks to Archival for inspiration regarding what's behind the spooky scary door
>>
Trials of the Thrice-Cursed

Chapter 1-1: Wildcards

I used to work for the Ninth. It brought in a pretty comfortable amount of money back then, but right now I'm as poor as a hobo. Sure enough, just like my house, my bank account had disappeared into some rude black hole. I had no contacts left, no place to return to, no money to do anything with and no Officio.

I've went on rampages for less, but somehow I feel like it won't really help me this time.

I let out a long sigh and took in the evening air. It was cold. After all the rush and mayhem of today, it felt like a slap in the face. The "get your shit together" kind of slap in the face. I always liked the night, as cliché as that might sound. The cold not so much, but the peace and the dimmed light levels are what I mean. It was a lot more relaxing than daytime, easier to think.

It helped me calm down. Yeah, sure I was all sorts of fucked, but just freaking out about it wasn't going to do me any good; nor was trying to cling back to what was familiar. I decided then with a deep breath: Clean Slate.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds and took this time to let the decision sink in. When I opened them back I felt a lot more like myself. More confident and sturdy, despite my loss of my cherished Warbringer. I stopped wasting time and checked my inventory thoroughly.

- My now mostly useless cellphone.
- A large bottle of Vodka; glorious, true Russian import.
- A pair of Grief Seeds, unused
- Three small cylindrical, labeled metal containers bearing the names: "Rose", "Blue Fire" and "Barkweed".
- One magically sealed identical container with the label "Satrophine".
==[1/10]
>>
I thought I had more stuff stashed in there... but it's the important stuff that mattered. The Grief Seeds most of all. My combat drugs were mostly full, except Blue Fire. I didn't have a chance to restock on that one in a long while. From the look of it, there still was enough for two uses. As for the Satrophine... Well the less mentioned about it the better.

When I made my way back into the city I was again feeling like a predator instead of a stalked animal. That was probably the most comforting part of all.

It felt good to be back in familiar territory

The next few days were strange, but mostly uneventful. I had to plan how to survive and deal with having no way to procure any basic necessities such as even food without stealing. I just decided to use magic to sustain myself for a while, but that was going to be draining, so I allocated a lot of time to scouting for Barriers. I didn't get a lot of luck with that, though.

"Are you going to act like a rat in a maze for much longer?"

I was following a trail when the voice hailed me in a bloodied back alley belonging to a run-down, forsaken area. I turned around in a blink and observed the figure that had apparently managed to be stalking me.

"What do you want?" I replied dryly, not in the mood for shenanigans.

"Now now, there's no need to be so defensive." The tall girl responded with an annoying, half-teasing tone as she made her way closer. She didn't seem armed, but in our line of work that didn't really mean shit so I stayed on guard.

"Believe me I have all the reasons in the world to be defensive right now, all of them." I sighed with some exasperation and resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I felt a bit of an itch and my mind wandered to the thought that if I had been a smoker this would probably be where I'd be reaching for a deathstick... or three.
==[2/12]
>>
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>>35751305
Can we not deliberately kill off characters?
>>
When she reached about a few meters away she seemed to flinch at something, but managed to hide it pretty well with an annoyingly composed pace and expression. Might have been my eyes - you didn't come across black sclera every day... or shifting irises - but it could also have been anything I suppose. Hers were an icy blue and framed by long, flowing purple hair. She wore plain gray jeans and a sleeveless urban camo top.

"If that's true then what I have to say might be -especially- interesting to you." She continued in that pseudo-superior tone of hers without any signs of her earlier faltering, as if it never happened. I so hate her already.

I crossed my arms and leaned back against a nearby wall, raising an eyebrow "And what would that be?"

"You're on the run aren't you?" This time she dropped the line without any pretense of taunting. Cold, direct and down-to-busyness.

"...In a sense" I reluctantly let out before slowly tilting my head to the other side. "What's it to you? If you're a bounty hunter I'm sorry but you're so fucked that it's actually funny." It was a bit of bluff, but even in this weakened state I was still able to defend myself against a lot of things.

She waved one hand faintly in a small dismissive motion. "Oh no, quite the contrary actually." She put on a small smile. It was the warm and comforting kind, but my guts told me not to trust it. "I just wanted to let you know that in the.. aherm.. hypothetical situation that you were..." her smile grew a little more, somehow managing the difficult achievement of not looking horribly smug in the process. "There might be people in similar situations willing to lend a hand."

"So basically you're telling me you're an exile yourself, 'that it?" I cut the crap and went to the point with a cold voice. There was little that annoyed me more than being fucked with.
==[3/12]
>>
"You catch on quickly for an Eversor, but it's no good if you keep that unsightly attitude." Here she goes again with that smile.

"I'm going to assume you've been observing me for a while if you can tell that." I flatly ignored the second half of her comment. "But the real question here is, what are you going to do with that?"

Camo casually replaced a stray lock of her purple hair and shifted her position lightly, as well as her expression. "Well, no point in trying to play it all mysterious I suppose, fine, fine~." she let out a small sigh. "Look, you might be new to this, but rogue Magical Girls like us tend to get bounties on their heads pretty fast, so it's really better if we try to stick together."

Well, I never really -went- rogue so much as the entire universe around me decided to turn to shit, but it was still a valid point.

"This is what I'm offering to you; a place to stay, a way to get some work and a handful of people who you can trust not to backstab you the first chance they get."

I snorted lightly and rolled my eyes. "Yeah right, trust."

"You don't have to believe me right away, but it's better for everyone involved. Safety in numbers and all."

I shrugged lightly and moved away from the wall, uncrossing my arms. "Fine, I'll play along for now."
==[4/12]
>>
>>35751378
I wouldn't mind, there wont be a shortage of targets and pinky wont let her kill steal us.
>>
Chapter 1-2: Wildcards

I used to work for the Ninth. Even though back then I scored pretty high on the Bitch-o-meter, I still like to think I had fairly solid standards; and now I'm being coerced into what may or may not be a sparkley terrorist group. Well ok, I'm being of horrible faith right now, but I guess maybe deep down I'd actually find it funny if it were true.

I ended up following the tall girl with the long purple hair. From up close it looked soft, much more than it had any right to be in our line of work and with the half-fruity half-sweet smell to boot. I'd like to think that anyone who spends this much time grooming themselves and not training is doing it wrong, but I found out soon enough she was a Callidus so I supposed she could have a free pass. Her name was a bit more difficult to get out of her. She acted like it was all some kind of game again.

Suzume, she said she was called. Before long she brought me to the industrial district - a section of town I was a little bit less familiar with I'll admit. More specifically the old part of it, behind the more thriving ones. I... honestly didn't recall it being this run-down, but I just chalked it up to another of the differences and reminded myself to stop forgetting this wasn't the Mitakihara I knew anymore.

When she stopped we found ourselves in front of some large closed down factory. Well, I say "front" but to be fair this place was big and decrepit enough that it might as well have been any side so long as it had a big door.

"So, is that a Despair factory?"

"..."

"Just kidding."

"Your humor needs work." Suzume responded with an annoyed tone. Score, managed to get her out of that obnoxious always-composed appearance of hers. "A lot."
==[5/12]
>>
I shrugged lightly and put on an innocent smile. "Maybe you just need to get that stick out of your arse." my own tone remained neutral and calm to add insult to the injury.

To her credit if she was pissed off she didn't show any of it, again. I could almost start to think it was one of those Callidus Tricks of hers; Perpetual Dildoness or something. "Cute, but you'll need to try harder if you want an unsightly reaction out of me." she finally spoke calmly before adjusting a stray purple lock.

"Don't mind if I take that as a challenge." I smirked, more than intent on getting through that armor.

"As a matter of fact I don't" she responded with a small smile and a spark in her eye. It seemed like she took it as a challenge as well and I certainly recognized that flame. She took it seriously. That was when I realized we may still have a chance to get along yet. Or at least not end up wanting to murder each other. "But we've wasted enough time already."

Without waiting for me she went ahead with a quick pace. It's as I followed her inside that I truly realized just how tall she was. I had to quicken my pace to keep up with her longer steps. That much wasn't a big deal, but what really hit me was precisely that it took me this long to realize it. I gave a glance back at her and it seemed so obvious now, but before she looked perfectly.. average. Callidus and their tricks, you never know when they're playing you or aren't.

The factory itself was just as decrepit inside than outside, though it seemed a bit bigger. Lighting was practically inexistent and most of it came from holes through the ceiling. Most of the equipment and doors were rusted almost to an unnatural degree and I couldn't really wrap my head around why the place hadn't been demolished just yet considering how valuable space is here in Japan.
==[6/12]
>>
soon enough we reached a small door to what turned out to be some sort of rest hall for the former employees. It was.. pretty shockingly contrasting with the outside. The room was sizable and furnished with fairly lavish furniture even though it was a bit of a mess. There was couches, a kitchen section, an over-compensatingly large TV with surround sound and all other sorts of conveniences, but it was all in one big room. I took a second to give it a look over but my main concern was elsewhere.

"You know, it was a pretty straightforward path from the entrance, people could stumble around this place pretty easily." I voiced my concerns with a detached tone that caused her to just laugh. That was new. Somewhat insulting, yes, but new.

"Callidus tricks~" she simply replied with a hint of smugness.

"..."

"..."

"Not buying it."

"Fine, fine." she sighed lightly and made a small dismissive hand gesture. "You were able to find your way because I was here and allowed it." she put emphasis on 'allowed' with just a little bit of that thick, slimy arrogance. "This entire building is under a Barrier, any intruders who enter it go through a rigged maze full of natural hazards and with no exit besides the one they came from."

That sounded legit enough, but there was just one little detail with that explanation that didn't really satisfy me. "And what about when you're not around? you can't keep that Barrier up 24/7 or when you're far away can you?"

"Callidus tricks~" she replied once more. I stared at her again. She stared back. It lasted a while longer this time. Finally she responded with a completely deadpan and straight "I'm not telling you that one."

Well, it was fair enough. After all even though she was going at lengths to make me trust her, -she- didn't have much of a reason to trust -me- with sensitive information just yet. Even this location, according to what she just explained I couldn't find again if I had wanted to backstab them myself.
==[7/12]
>>
"Hey, Suzume. Who's this?" another, much quieter and softer voice came from the other end of the room, but it was strange, as if mechanized by some sort of device. I turned to check and saw someone come in from an access to some other part of the complex. There was just one tiny problem: I recognized that one.

"What the fuck is this!?" I roared and brought one of my black claws up to Suzume's neck in a blink's time, the twisted, cold metal just a hair's breadth away from skin. The Callidus remained firm and calm, but the other girl did not. Before I knew it I found myself reeling on the ground with a pain sharp enough to make it feel like my head was being grinded by several chainsaws all at once.

"Suzume are you alright?" I could hear the other's steps quickly running this way, but I couldn't see; my eyes had gone blank from whatever it was she had done to me.

"Yeah, I'm alright Silke, you overdid it though." The Callidus sighed faintly once more, causing the second girl to let out a small concerned gasp. "Did you two have some kind of history you didn't tell me about, Silke?" she continued with some sort of big sister tone; comforting, yet with authority at the same time.

The pain finally lessened and I was able to get back to my feet slowly, even if it had grown manageable, my head was still pounding with the mother of all bad headaches for a reason I couldn't fully grasp. "E-eh? n-no, I.. don't know her" 'Silke' 's voice responded, in its same mechanically-corrupted yet somewhat soft tone. I'd even say she sounded innocent, but there's no such things in our line of work.

I was then finally able to get a good look. It was the girl in the weird-ass leather suit and biker helmet I saw in the parking the other day alright. The one I stumbled on when trying to not become Vindicare target practice. "..you were there..." I managed, pain still grasping me mercilessly. "You were there in the underground parking lot..."
[8/12]
>>
>>35751544
Its for the rejoicing.
>>
Suzume gave a look between the two of us, allowing herself to show some amount of confusion while Silke let out a small yelp. The Callidus glanced at the shorter girl and tilted her head with a look that just said 'Well?'. "A-ah that!" she managed. "I was.. just keeping eyes on something.. There was a.. big anomaly and we thought a really mean witch was going to appear... but nothing came.. so I stuck around to make sure..."

Now it was my turn to be confused. "Witches? I'm.. pretty sure I know what anomaly you're talking about..." I winced a little, the pain making it difficult to focus or talk. "There was only me there... with a bunch of Vindicare on training who probably thought the same thing you did..."

Suzume's expression seemed to become a little worried at my pain and she stepped in on the story. "Silke, is something wrong with your suit?" "No, it should be functioning perfectly. Let me set it to the maximum." There was a small silence for a few seconds and the pain lessened to tolerable levels. I sighed deeply with relief. "Sorry for interrupting, go on." Suzume finally stated.

"Alright, what the fuck was -that-." I let out with an exasperated voice. The other two exchanged a glance again, as if I was saying something incredibly stupid. No need to tell it put me in even worse of a mood than I already was, but I knew better than to have another outburst.

"Didn't you learn about Culexus in Basic?" Suzume asked with a somewhat intrigued expression while Silke remained silent. I remained quiet for a moment as well, biting back an acrid reply.

"I didn't -go- through Basic" I finally spat with a little bit of embarrassment. "It's.. let's just say things were pretty complicated back then and I had an history... As for 'Culexus' yeah I kinda recall the name and the suits but that's about it.."
==[9/12]
>>
Suzume blinked once and literally facepalmed with a small, measured motion. "I see.." she took a small breath. "This might be an issue, but we'll fill you in about that in time." she headed over to a large, comfortable chair and sat down, crossing her legs before continuing. "No need to stay standing there like birds though."

I rolled my eyes before flopping on the nearest available surface. Silke picked a couch on the opposite side of me and I could feel my headache finally fully disappear at the distance. Strangely enough, I felt like I heard a very faint 'sorry' when she left.

"Alright, now that this is over... let's start again properly." Suzume broke the silence and shifted her position ever so slightly in her chair. She cleared her throat softly and looked up slightly before joining her hands. She couldn't look more blue-blooded even if she tried. "My name is Suzume Oyashima, ex Callidus to the Third." she then gestured to her friend. "This is Silke Schreiber, my adooorable little German Culexus, also formerly from the Third."

I glanced over at Silke who remained silent and almost looked like she was trying to disappear into the padding of her seat. Tough luck with the suit though, but I could practically sense her blushing. I reported my attention back on Suzume and took a small breath. "Ryuko Tatsuki, Eversor... Used to work for the Ninth." I stated with a small bit of hesitation.

Suzume nodded lightly and joined back her hands. "Alright, that's good enough. No need to get into the more painful details until you're comfortable with it." I raised an eyebrow and she just gave me that warm smile again. I wanted to distrust it, I really wanted to, but I couldn't help but find myself thinking it was starting to look genuine. Was it just my paranoia again? "Now what was that earlier? How you two supposedly met up."
==[10/12]
>>
I produced my bottle of Vodka from my inventory and took a long gulp before setting it down next to myself. All this talking was getting me thoroughly dry and I was being way too sober for this shit. "To keep it short; I was fighting some Witch and her Barrier had some sort of metaphysical seizure - I honestly have no idea what the fuck it was - but the end result was that when I was able to get my bearings again I was attacked by a bunch of ambushed Vindicares. I fucked off and took cover in some underground parking lot where I saw... Silke... I thought she was with them."

Suzume remained a quiet listener until I finished, not even commenting on my drinking. "I see. We have two Vindicares, but they aren't around at the moment. Your situation does look rather strange however and I have no doubt it's tied to this anomaly Silke sensed and it explains your reaction earlier."

The little Culexus nodded lightly and finally spoke up again. "F-for all it's worth, I apologize... I didn't mean to startle you like this.." Even despite the Vox-caster, the words seemed genuine. "It's fine, shit happens and all" I raised a soothing hand.... on second thought that was a bad idea; I saw her flinch lightly at the sight. "I don't hold it against you, but never ever use... whatever the fuck it was you did to me just now."

"I-I can't make any guarantees... but I'll try..." she responded before Suzume interfered. "Now that you 'bring' the topic. Would you mind explaining what happened to your hands? I think it's disturbing her."

I sighed deeply. I knew this question would come sooner or later, but I was still a bit early for it. The marks of my Failings. "Let's just say I used to play a very dangerous game and I ended up burning myself on the flame. Those are permanent reminders of that."
==[11/12]
>>
The explanation didn't seem to satisfy Suzume while Silke's expression was unreadable behind that visor. They were polite enough not to press further about it. "As for your eyes, can I assume it's related?" Suzume shifted the topic with her usual calm. Now that I think about it, it really made her look like really in control of things, to be always so composed like that.

"Yeah, somewhat" I nodded lightly. "It's kind of difficult to explain actually, but if we end up sticking together then you'll understand soon enough - gotta see to understand." the Callidus remained quiet for a few seconds, taking in the answer but not voicing her dissatisfaction if she had any.

"Alright, that's enough for now. Feel free to make yourself at home, I have a few things to take care of." She stood back up and headed to the door at a leisurely but poised pace. "Play nice now~" and with this she left me with the short Culexus who had been silent for a while longer.

This was going to be awkward.
==[12/12]
>>
Human Resources 4: Parthing Shots

Shimizu Yumishita. A name to ruin my day.

Well, that's not quite right; it's most of my days, lately, not just one. Sunrise till sunset - and let's not kid myself here, I don't go off the clock at sunset - it seems like all I get to deal with. Some lunatic with a crossbow shooting up our best and brightest... which, I admit, sometimes aren't that special or even bright. We take what we can get. Point is, it's a loss, something which I'm here to stop. With her wish, though... Ah, Petey, this is why you've gotta have me around for contracts. Looks like she ran circles around his clueless little ears.

Going to be a real pain to catch her, now.

“I won't say 'I told you so', but...”

“Your objection is noted, Ryouno. I will be sure to consult you on future contracts.”

“Hey, let me help you, that's all I'm asking for.”

“All? I suppose I must have imagined your salary, then.”

...Huh. Didn't expect that kind of crack from the little guy. Put a smile on my face, somehow, until the rest of the office made me all dizzy again. Whole place is crazy, even if it's not quite as bad as the River of Tales. Just wasn't really made for humans. You'd think he would fix that, after all this time, but I don't think my hints quite got through, and either he couldn't be bothered or... really had no idea it was that bad.

Ah well. Wouldn't be in this job if I wasn't ready for a little weirdness now and then.

Still don't get this Yumishita kid. I mean, yeah, revenge and so on, I can see that. Petty little brat, but I kinda get it. What I don't understand is the way she's doing it. Shooting up the rabbit, that much is pretty obvious, and it's around when I found out how little that means. At least he went and ate the corpse somewhere out of sight, so I guess he's learning a thing or two about tact. She ran off before we could catch her, seemed to just melt away. And then...

[1/?]
>>
And then what?

Shoot up magical girls from the Third, sometimes even the Ninth, with no rhyme or reason? Camp out in witch barriers and snipe down all comers? It just doesn't hold up, even as some kind of revenge story. She can't have snapped completely yet, that'd probably make her witch out or something. But if not, then... why? I just can't see the point in it all. Not that it matters much with the mountain of corpses she's racking up, but it might help a bit with figuring out how she works.

“You got anything, Peter?”

“Very little. What I do see here is a pattern, however. Though there is a semi-random element to her choice of location, Yumishita appears to gravitate towards the barriers of powerful witches. Whether she does so because they provide better hiding spots or an increased flow of victims is, I'm afraid, a question only she can answer. Of note, however, is the fact that she targets magical girls exclusively, and does not assault civilians, including victims of witches. Typically, if a witch brings in too many civilian victims, she quickly disposes of the offending witch. Naturally, since the resulting grief seed is not returned to us, this is in itself a problem.”

Wonderful, now she's costing us grief seeds, too. Something didn't quite click here, between the samaritanism and the whole psychotic serial killer thing she has going. Still, it's a start. At least we've got a decent hunch about where to spot her.

“So we hit the biggest, nastiest barrier we can find, then, and we root her out. Or... we could try shoving some civvies in there to lure her, but that'd be a tough one to explain to the kids. Call it a second priority. We hunt her in her own element, in the worst place we can think of. Am I hearing this right?”

“Approximately.” Oh, joy. And it's my job to do something about this. At least I'm not going in person.

[2/?]
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>>35751667
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“Send a force into the worst witch barrier we can find to hunt down a rogue Vindicare – one that's killed about two dozen already – and hope it's the right place. Can we afford that kind of bloodbath on the numbers we've got?”

“Can we afford to leave her at large?”

Hate it when he's right. He has a point, though. We can't very well afford the meat grinder option with the numbers we've got right now. It's about time we made it stick. Ordinarily I'd want a squad or three for something on this scale, but since we can't just grab whole human waves for this – assuming for the sake of the argument that we're calling magical girls human – I'm going to have to hand-pick a group.

“Peter, I'm going to go have a chat with Masame. See what I can figure out for our plan. Permission to leave?”

“Of course. I look forward to any progress you may make.”

“Careful with all that 'looking forward' talk, now. Got to keep those pesky emotions in check, right?” ...And he just kinda froze, for a second. Couldn't exactly read his expression, obviously, but I think I hit a nerve. Funny idea, really, that something can still bug him. Didn't feel like pressing it, somehow, so I just showed myself out.

[3/?]
>>
Hitomi's room – she couldn't let me in fast enough when I knocked at the door – isn't quite most people would expect. It's a loud, lively sort of place, where the TV never switches off and there's usually strobe lights turned on overhead. Not to mention music blaring from a couple different speakers around the room. Honestly, the whole place looked five seconds away from some kind of rave. Not that she's the type.

Always gave me a bit of a headache. Can't help feeling a little old, too. She says the white noise helps to keep the visions away. Me, I'd much rather she held onto anything she might be able to learn, but we can't tell her that. ...Which reminds me, I should talk to the rabbit about changing up contracts. At least let us track soul gems or something, in case we get another renegade. Shouldn't be too difficult.

“Oh, um, please have a seat, Miss R- I mean, Harumi. Sorry it's so messy in here, I haven't had a chance to-”

“It's fine, really! Try to relax, before I start scaring the others. Working for Sanbey doesn't make me some kind of inspector, you know. Did the others drop by again?”

She nods. Figured. She's got her a slightly bigger dorm room than most – it's an easy way to keep the precious prognosticatrix relatively happy – and doesn't exactly know how to say no, so the rest of the Officio tends to crash the place on the regular for whatever they can think of. They're a whole lot messier than she'd ever be, so the place ends up looking like a bomb went off, half the time.

[4/?]
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>>35751815
>>35751667
>>
>>35751771
Yay! More Harumi!

Out of curiosity, is she based off, or have a face catch from, any character(s) in particular?
>>
Screen's blinking with another reminder of the visit, showing... I think that one's... it's whatever. All I know is that I got lectured last time I called it Street Fighter; never had much of a head for this stuff. Way she explained it, her precognition moves to just reading the next few seconds if she's in a dangerous situation, and she's trained her head into seeing that as just about the same as combat. Sounds ridiculous to me, but if it works, I guess. Went about five rounds with her once, pretty sure she practically cheats at this by existing. Always had a hunch that the real reason's more about getting to feel smug about something. Like a seer has a shortage of excuses for that.

...Whatever. The point. That is, after handing her a batch of cookies I made last night, and chatting about nothing in particular for close to half an hour. It's not a waste of time if you need to do it to keep everything running smoothly, and I try to tell myself that while the rest of my head's screaming at me that I need to move along.

“Ah, Hitomi?” I asked like I'd just remembered. “Sanbey and I were hoping you could help us with something. You've... heard about the Yumishita case, right?”

“Of course. Were you going to send-” Ha. Ha ha ha. Ha. No, girl, we're not throwing you into the thick of it, you're too handy to be cannon fodder. Nothing about a prognosticatrix really says 'front lines', anyway. Would just be a waste of everyone's time.

“Oh, no, no. Don't worry, Hitomi, nothing like that. I just wanted to check something. This might sound a bit silly to you, but I never had much of a chance to learn about how... anything a Vanus does really works. Can I ask you a question?” That takes a minute to click, like she'd never even considered that she'd have a choice, but somehow she only seemed to be more eager after it.

[5/?]
>>
“Please, go on. If there's anything I can do to help...” Sometimes I feel like all she ever wants is for someone to tell her she's doing a good job. Who's a good oracle? You are! Yes you are! Ah, whatever. Makes it easy to keep her happy and far from witching out.

“Can you track someone?”

“...Yes and no,” she answers after thinking about it for a bit, looking a little embarrassed. “I've heard that others can just scry, but even with the River, it's a bit unreliable for me. Do you think you could get... a piece of her? A hair or something? With that, I should be able to track her down.” Well, what do you know. I had a hunch, but it all seemed too witch doctor-y to me. Shows what I know. I wonder for a moment if it's coincidence or the stories come from real magical girls way back, then decide I don't care.

“That's perfect!” I tell her with a little clap of my hands. 'Perfect' as in it'll take going through hell and high water to get her what she needs, but it's a start. “I'll get started on that as soon as I go back to the office, then. Thank you, Hitomi; I think you might have just rescued us.”

“I haven't really-” Done much. I know. Not yet, anyway. Instead, I put one arm around her shoulders and shush her gently. Can't have that.

“Now now, you've helped more than enough; we really couldn't do this without you. ...Enough about work, though. How are your headaches lately?” If I had to guess, it was something to do with her visions, but she seemed to get them on and off. Looked surprised that I even remembered, actually. I guess she doesn't know how many notes I keep. The little props you use to show someone you really do care.

“Still here,” she admits after a bit, one hand on her temple. “I've been... seeing more recently. It's not helping much.” A quiet laugh and a sheepish little smile. Gotta admit, I like her spirit if nothing else, trying to shrug all this off.

[6/?]
>>
“I had a feeling,” I tell her, all frowning concern. “Let's see... you'll need rest, obviously. I'll talk to Sanbey about that.” Simple enough, may as well have her recuperate before any big oracle work. “I'll try to get you something for it, too. I hate to say it, but you might want to turn the music off, or at least choose something more soothing, otherwise you'll only make it worse. If it's anything like the last migraine I had, you won't want anything that can rustle, either. Would you like to have that cleaned up?”

I point at the mess of candy wrappers practically burying the floor, and she tries to do something about it first, but I get her to stay put with a little pat on the head. Takes all of ten minutes to sweep the whole mess into a bag and seal it shut. I stay another half hour past that and chat with her, tell her it's nothing, get her to cheer up. She takes it pretty well, says she's eager to help, and eventually we split up. I'd like to think making arrangements for her break with the rabbit over the phone while she was still around made a difference.

Let's see, I'm going to need a team to track down one rogue Vindicare, and get... something, anything to scry on her with. Maybe even just pick up something she's dropped? Probably best to sneak around instead of getting shot to pieces. Someone to keep them from being spotted, another to figure out just where she is in the barrier, and someone who can... well, who can actually fight. I'm not sending just a Callidus and a Vanus into a major barrier.

Yeah, I think I know the ones. Just a few calls to make.

[7/7]
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Anchoro

----------

The design is older than antibiotics. It was the epoch of an age; the template that all successors would draw from and be compared to. Despite 102 years of improvements, refinements and replacements, the original is still manufactured, carried and used – some attribute it to quality, others to foolish nostalgia. But as antiquated and unrefined as it was... it still worked.

That's where I'd start – at the beginning.

It arrived in a plain shipping box one Friday morning, along with the shop manual and some supplemental reading. I carried it to my room and stuffed it under my bed, and for two weeks I studied patiently, digesting each page before accepting the next. When I finally tore away the brown paper and revealed the pistol, gleaming in its grease coating, I felt nothing special – it was a finely-crafted tool, but nothing more; the internal workings surprisingly, even elegantly simple. The real challenge would be learning to use it.

Fabiola and the Head Maid frequently left the property to attend to this or that. While they were out, I was in the single-lane range that spanned the length of the basement. Soon the malfunctions multifarious sent me back to my studies; trying to determine why ammunition and parts in perfect repair would fail to operate.

I took the pistol completely apart for the first time, every nut and screw, carefully measuring each piece and comparing it with the dimensions listed in the shop manual. I bent over my workbench, scowling at the neatly laid-out components.

Every part was in perfect order. It was something in the process; the actual movement of machinery that was bedeviling me. I returned to my research, trying to flush out the ghost in the gun.

[1/9]
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>>35751933

And that's a wrap. Thanks for reading, and thanks to Archival, Sanguis, TwiceBorn, Deculture, Wendy and others for looking it over, as usual!

>>35751875

It didn't occur that anyone would be happy to see her! Or these writeups, especially with how new they are. Thanks!

To answer your question, all of my characters are made from whole cloth; borrowing stuff does not sit well with me. With that said, many people have described Harumi as 'fake Mami'.

Sanbey was originally inspired by the idea of sticking closer to how Kyubey is in the show, but it, ah, slipped from there. I'll be nice to myself and call it character development, I suppose.
>>
>>35751956
What I learned astounded me. The parts might be simple, but the actual cycle of loading and firing - the moving, eating, breathing mechanization of the action – was a delicate balance of carefully-opposing forces. And they were easy to upset. The ammunition's shape and power, the strength of the springs, even the design of that laughably tiny bit of metal, the magazine follower – it all had a purpose in that process. Change one thing and you risked the entire ensemble; the invisible interplay of force that flashed in your hand for a fraction of a second with each trigger pull. Even holding the weapon too loosely could interrupt those careful symmetries.

That was the real genius of the engineer – controlling and balancing those ethereal forces through such elegantly simple parts. It was in everything I couldn't see in the design diagrams; an invisible world extrapolated from the lines and clean numbers.

I was utterly fascinated.

Over the next few weeks all manner of brown paper packages arrived at the door, the doorbell ringing even as the 'discreet delivery service' my family favored for such matters cruised away in their unremarkable mud-colored sedans. Recoil springs, new magazines, guide-rod systems, different ammunition – I hastened to try them all, recording the results, racing from the workbench to the range and back; baffled by unexpected results, overjoyed by confirmed experiments.

I'd read everything about the old pistol on the internet, then read everything over again to filter the bullshit through my experience. I learned how many modern “features” were just idiotproofing, or plain pointless.

I realized, then, why the ancient design was still manufactured, carried and used. Why it still worked. The users understood it, through and through.
In the end, there are no silver bullets.

[2/9]
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>>35751979
I'd hoped Fabiola didn't know – but if (or inevitably, when) she did, I trusted her to respect the message I sent by keeping my studies private. The point of my intensive effort over the past weeks, including ordering my own weapon – when I had a combat expert in my employ with her own private arsenal – couldn't have been lost on her.

This is something I had to do alone.

Thus I wasn't entirely surprised when Fabiola cornered me one morning in the living room. I'd been reading the morning paper with intense disinterest and had just been flipping to the daily comics (for what little good they were) when she entered. She wore a small, knowing smile and bore a little brown box in both hands.

“Good morning, young master,” she said, the smile warming her voice as she bowed slightly. “May I beg a moment?”

“O-of course, Fabiola,” I replied, keeping the newspaper up long enough to cover my swallow. The box was far too small to contain my pistol, but for a moment it'd looked terribly similar. I tossed the newsprint onto the coffee table casually and tried to look innocent. “What's up?”

She approached with her usual stately grace, the little box in her hands seeming to glide closer with nary a jostle. “I understand you've developed an interest in firearms.”

I felt the blood drain from my face – I knew how Fabiola and the Head Maid felt about me being exposed to 'their world,' as they'd called it on the rare occasions it'd been discussed – but I didn't break eye contact. I trust Fabiola with my life; she wouldn't broach the topic now without cause. I nodded weakly. “A little.”

[3/9]
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>>35751997
She gave me that wondrous little smile, the one that reflected mischievously in her piercing green eyes – she was amused. “I'm not upset, Master Lovelace – the art and science of firearms is a worthy pastime enjoyed by many sportsmen.” She took another graceful step forward and laid the little box on the coffee table before me, making her motion into a sort of smooth, elegant bow. In the bright rays of the morning sun the little wooden brown-and-black container looked serious and somber. I glanced at Fabiola for explanation.

“Something suited for a beginner,” she said with a small smile.

I leaned over, apprehensive – but excited. Fabiola had found out (how much, I dare not guess) but she wasn't displeased – she was even offering me training, in her indirect way. Considering how fast the Head Maid had binned the tranquilizer pistol, this was a sign of trust not to be discounted lightly. I reached out apprehensively – what would it be? A .22 training pistol, for learning technique? A Makarov, for simplicity? What did my maids think me ready for? How had the judged me and my private studies? Carefully, I lifted the lid.

I stared at the little oiled pistol within for a long, steady moment, my mind numbly processing the revelation. Then I let the lid fall closed with a crisp little clack!

Fabiola was patiently watching me with an inscrutable expression.

That's when I started to laugh.

[4/9]
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>>35752020
Just a wicked little snigger at first as it dawned on me, then another, and like that the floodgates burst and the laughter rolled out of me as I slowly slid off the sofa, helpless. Every time I thought they were subsiding, some new facet of the weapon chimed in my memory and sent me into new paroxysms of helpless mirth. I clutched a hand to my face in a useless attempt to stem the tears as my lungs burned, the merciless damned laughter continuing its rampage. I'd finally regained control, reigned it into a quick, pained wheezing when I glanced up and saw Fabiola – cool, placid, professional Fabiola – staring at me in stunned, open-mouthed shock, and I was off again, sliding completely off the sofa, legs kicking weakly underneath the coffee table.

Later – a long time later, it feels like – Fabiola was leaning over me, a hand against my forehead, checking for fever. “Young master? Young master!? Are you feeling well?”

I wiped my tear-stained face with my sleeve clumsily, a few straggling giggles escaping as I did. “Oh, Fabiola... very... very nice...”

She looked at me with the frank alarm of someone tending a mental case. “Master Lovelace...?”

I nodded at the table. “That. That gun. Oh.” I shook my head as I shakily pushed myself back on the sofa. I felt weak, but light, like something had come and gutted me out. I plucked the gun from the box and laid it in my palm.

'I know what this is,” I said, looking down at the little H&K P7.

“... yes?” Fabiola replied cautiously, as close to nonplussed as I'd ever seen her.

“This is a gun meant for a desk drawer,” I stated.

Fabiola blinked. “Excuse me?”

[5/9]
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>>35751979
Holy shit, Planefag!
>>
>>35752038
“This,” I said, tapping the lever on the front of the grip. “A clumsy cocking system designed for morons terrified of carrying with a loaded chamber, just in case multiple redundant safeties magically fail. And this,” I tapped the underside of the barrel, “a unique gas delayed blowback system that not only doubles the cleaning required but makes easy replacement of worn barrels impossible, making it uniquely awful as police service pistols. And best of all, it burns your finger after putting two magazines through it.”

I paused for breath here, still winded from my attack, and let it out with a miserable sigh. “Perfect for a moron who shot himself three times in the leg, in other words.” I dropped the little gun back in its box and flipped the lid closed.

Fabiola slowly settled onto the sofa beside me. I felt her hand take mine, delicate and warm. “Garcia,” she said softly.

I started with surprise. I couldn't remember the last time she'd called me by my first name.

“That's simply a matter of training and practice, Master. Anyone can do that. But not everyone has the clarity of mind to analyze a situation and make an accurate call in the midst of chaos, like you did. I meant what I said that night – you exceeded my expectations.” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze, and I returned it – but I didn't meet her eyes. “And you have obviously been... diligent in your studies,” she said with a trace of admiration. “I was expecting a comment about bullets backwards in the magazine, to be honest.” The smile was evident in her voice.

Internet, I realized. She'd cottoned to my browsing – and nothing more.

[6/9]
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>>35752056
Just weeks ago her praise would made me duck my head to hide blushing cheeks – but now it rang hollow in my breast. I slipped my hand out of Fabiola's thin glove and walked to the fireplace. Above the mantlepiece hung the most prized heirlooms of my family; the weapons that our ancestors carried from the battlefields of Espania, across the unforgiving Atlantic to the shores of the dangerous New World. The weapons they'd used to carve out our future and fortune.
I reached up, standing on tiptoe, and with my fingertips lifted my favorite out of its rack; the gleaming blade I'd admired since I was old enough to walk. The spada da fante, infantryman's sword; a graceful, slender blade protected by a beautifully wrought basket hilt. The maker's mark upon the ricasso proved it a legendary Toledo blade, capable of bending in a half-circle and ringing off a steel hemlet without harm. It was sealed in a thin film of plastic, allowing for display without degradation, but the nicks and scratches of past battles were still visible on the long, bright blade. It was a magnificent museum piece, worth a king's ransom alone.

I'd never touched it before now.

I stepped into the middle of the room and gripped the hilt, flourishing the sword. It was everything I'd imagined and better - aggressively forward balanced; seeming to throw itself into every swing and thrust. I took it through the guards, the lunge, the parry, the riposte; my footwork flawless, my form splendid. I finished with a salute, thumping the hilt to my sternum and bowing slightly to Fabiola, who was standing again, watching me impassively.

“Your father taught you well,” she says quietly.

[7/9]
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>>35751970
They're just a departure from what we usually see in the setting.

It has a darker sort of feel to it, without all the usual sort of badassery to distract from it.

Really, it feels a lot closer to the original PMMM setting, with the girls knowing far less than they should. But from the prospective of a manipulator. I really like Harumi's whole put-upon middle-manager shtick, her way of sarcastically admitting what she's doing in her internal narration in a matter that allows her to avoid actually confronting it. Almost has a Kafkaesque feeling to it.
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>>35752080
I turned the blade around in my hand, admiring it wistfully. “He told me that in old Spain, knowing how to handle a blade was like learning to drive, today,” I said quietly, remembering the excitement of our sparring matches in the Venezuelan sun, my enthrallment as Father shared a story afterward, never the same one twice. “It was an essential skill. Part of growing up. Part of what defined a man.”

Fabiola clasped her hands before her demurely, her gaze falling to the floor. “Master... is this about Iori?”

The name hit my stomach like sour milk, and the memory it conjured wasn't much better. Iori. I'd listened to her songs nonstop, plastered my computer desktop with her photos, even watched those inane 'interviews' to see what she was like offstage, naturally, as her own person.... and meeting her in person still blew me away. The life in her eyes, the warmth of her smile, the potency of her presence – I'd been stunned speechless. That wore off by next morning, when our conversation flowed naturally, but Iori hadn't: her genuine giggles of delight flooding me (and my cheeks) with warm pleasure.

Then Matsuda showed up, and it was over. The truth set in like an incubating disease; her texts tapered off, her words grew cooler... and then she bawled out her forbidden love across some ridiculous theme cafe where everything's named after death (how apropos.) I remembered how cold that'd felt, sinking heavy into my gut as I turned off the computer monitor and stared at the blank screen.

The nightmares were mundane trauma before then; but after Iori judged me, so did the dreams. The empty, tortured eyes of the enslaved women stared at me as they began their slaughter; the screams and soul-piercing shrieks of the victims beseeched me as the cold blades pierced them. And above them all, the booming, mad voice of Kilgore. The architect. The murderer.

The man I'd implored my maids to spare.

[8/9]
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>>35752096
Fabiola had noticed, of course, when I'd withdrawn from life, staying up late and waking early, cloistered in my room and keeping my own counsel.

She hadn't noticed when my melancholy turned monastic.

She hadn't noticed the Colt.

I shook my head once. “No,” I said quietly. “This isn't about- about Iori choosing Chiaki.” I took a deep breath and locked my gaze with Fabiola's, forbidden words on my tongue. “This is about Father. About the Incident. About why we moved to Japan in the first place.”

The sword lanced forward in the textbook thrust I'd practiced since age six, the tip hovering ten inches from Fabiola's nose. “I have the training. I have the practice.” My voice dropped to a cold, flat whisper. “How long would I last in a swordfight with you, Fabiola?”

Her brilliant emerald eyes bored into mine down that stretch of cold steel, the truth hovering in air between us.

“It's just... mechanics,” I continued. “And you need them, but that's not where the difference is made. I know that much.” I took a deep breath to steady myself before those flat emerald eyes. “Don't teach me how to shoot, Fabiola. Teach me how to fight.”

[9/9]
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>>35752118
Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
>>
>>35752089
Well, I'm glad you approve. Honestly, I thought it would bother people; the new perspective, I mean. NOW I'm almost concerned that the focus on actual MGs in the other two storylines will be a problem.

I should probably admit to not having ever read Kafka, but thank you for the kind words, at any rate. Very much looking forward to posting HR5 in particular, actually! That'll come next thread.
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>>35752118
...And that's it for Planefag's writeup! He couldn't make it to the thread himself, but he let me post it and use his trip to do so.
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>>35752163
...And he forgot to mention it was a secure tripcode until AFTER I posed the writeup. Oh well.
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>>35751358
Thanks for running!

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20Noir%20Quest

Thread has been archived!

>>35751455
Recette!

>>35752118
Planefa-
>>35752163
That's nice of you.
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>>35752155
I've never read him, either. It's just the word coming to mind from pop-cultural exposure and old wiki trawls.

Also, what is with the captcha today, it shouldn't take 10 attempts to make a post.
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>>35752118
Is Garcia based off any particular character?
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>>35752279

It's been nicer to me than most captchas so far! I suppose remembering to not be a spambot must have helped.

I feel like it's somehow very telling that the best explanation I've received on 'Kafkaesque' was a few weeks ago, from someone who has also never read his works. Literary education!
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>>35752279

...And lest I forget.

Should you or anyone else have writeup questions to ask in between threads, I started this whole ask.fm thing a while back like all the cool kids do (or words to that general effect). You'll find me as Ghostbikewizard. Will be happy to clear up anything you might be wondering about.
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>>35752147
You know what I want. You know perfectly well
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>>35752244
I am extremely pleased to finally use her facecatch, considering who her big sister is.
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>>35752424

STOP FOLLOWING MEEEEEEEE
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>>35752431
Korbo!

>>35752628
I AM THE NIGHT



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