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>>38469314

The last thread was mostly discussion and catching up with characters from Makoto's POV. Oren and Makoto reached an understanding of each other's duties, with Makoto promising to work harder than before at Charmant. Ryoji, Honda and Makoto also went out drinking to try to repair a bit of the hurt that came with us dropping the belt for a while...

And we might have let it slip, through drunken lips, that we were in possession/possessed by an unearthly Dragon spirit. Apparently Ryoji didn't take that too well or something, for he went off home with the sloshed Honda shortly after hearing that.

From now, though, things may be heating up...

CHOICE:
>Play as Makoto Kinushima, making her way home in the snow.
>Play as Erina Kinushima.
>Other (write in)

VOTING OPEN

Will wait for people to show up before starting the thread.

>>38469585
Erina the ara-ara serpent rises

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>>38469952
Welcome to the thread! Vote accepted, waiting for others.

>>38469952
>Play as Erina Kinushima

Tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z4Jy4FPW3A

Today's not looking to be a great day as you wake up - gray skies and the sound of light rain against the roof, not to mention it's more than a little chilly in the bedroom today.

You sit up in the bed, rubbing your eyes and looking at the time. Even though it was a day off for you, it still was pretty much second nature to wake up way earlier than your body needed. 7:30 AM, the electric time-keeping device displayed. Another yawn, and a desire to go back to bed overwhelms you for a second...

But without even leaving your room, you sense something's wrong. It's an unclear kind of feeling, but something just doesn't feel right in the apartment. The air seems way too still, not enough sound or something...

Picking up your cane, you hobble to the living room...

>Call out for Makoto to wake up.
>Inspect the room.
>Other (write in)

>>38470324
>Inspect the room

>>38470324
Inspect then call mako

>>38470403
>>38470488

>Inspect the room
>Call Mako afterwards

Trying not to lose your cool at the slightest thing, you start looking around the room, trying to determine if anything was out of place. So far, no broken windows or locks - no breakins or anything, The room still remained quiet , much quieter than usual - both you and Mako-chi slept with fans on, so to hear no such sound active was strange.

However, on the floor next to the door seems to be some kind of envelope. It landed face down, preventing you from seeing immediately who it was from... but there was some kind of official looking traditional seal on the back of it. Black and silver... with "Shibata" written in the wax seal.

"Mako-chi?" you call, leaning down as best as you can to try picking up the envelope. "Mako-chi, you here?"

When you flip over the envelope, it's completely blank. It is sealed and there feels like something's in it, however...

...but there's no response from Makoto's room.

>Go into her room.
>Open the envelope
>Other (Write in)

>>38470701
>Go into her room.

Uh-oh...

>>38470701
Go into her room

>>38470802
>>38470768

Okay, this is getting spooky.

You hobble over to the mostly-closed doorway to Makoto's room, and peek your head in.

"Mako-chi..." you start saying, before realizing it's kind of pointless.

She's not there.

And judging by her work clothes still unceremoniously splayed over the back of her computer chair, she hasn't been off to work today. Her shoes were gone from the front door, but it still remained locked - and you were sure you didn't hear the door unlock last night. Hell, it doesn't even appear that she stopped in after she left or anything.

>Call Makoto
>Open the envelope
>Ignore, go about your day off
>Other (write in)

>>38471099
>Open the envelope

Before today is over, someone's ass will be kicked

>>38471099
Open the envelope

>>38471185
Vote counted. Waiting for others. Feels like we're getting off to a really slow start...

>>38471445
Vote counted.

>>38471446
I know how that feels bro

>>38471185
>>38471445

>Open the Envelope.

Taking a breath, you sit down at the kitchen counter and try to reassure yourself that there is a perfectly valid reason for this. Makoto may have had to stay over at someone's house after staying out too late, perhaps.

Yeah. That seems reasonable.

You're just managing to get your temporary paranoia to sit its ass back down as you open the envelope, only to have it resurge with a vengeance upon reading the contents.

"Makoto Kinushima,

Stay away from our affairs, or else you're next."

There's no signature, but you're pretty sure that the Shibata seal on the envelope was your biggest clue.

>Call Makoto
>Research the seal.
>Other (write in)

>Extending the voting period to 30 minutes.

>>38471748
>Call Makoto

>>38471748
>Research the seal.
'Sup Sagara.
Took me a while to join but I wouldn't miss this for anything.

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>>38472034
You had me worried that I scared you off.

>>38472034
This

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>>38472058
Don't worry Sagara. As long as you're willing to run this quest, I'll be right here to play it!

>>38472034
>>38472013
>>38472064

>Research the seal, 2-1

You pull out your laptop and look up the seal that had betrayed the name of the senders, the Shibata. It doesn't take long for you to find information - the kind that doesn't seem to bode well for where this thread of Fate might be taking you.

This Shibata clan, technically, exists as what appears to be a form of an unspoken knowledge about the town. The resident yakuza, imports from Kamurocho in Tokyo, who've taken up business here after they were apparently forced out and disgraced by a couple people in Kamurocho. The fact that they became such a presence in the last couple of years that escaped your oversight worries you.

Further, you're starting to see a trend in their recent emergence - a lot of the Beat Riders are bearing new Lockseeds, far more expensive than a typical teen or young adult at their age has the cash for in an entire year. Not to mention, the official Yggdrasil Lock Dealers aren't selling a lot of these varieties of Lockseeds. With such an upsurge in this, you find that there are reports of "unofficial" Lock Dealers, peddling these devices.

What in the hells did Makoto get herself into now?

>CALL MAKOTO
>GO TO WORK - there might be something else at work here
>OTHER (Write in)

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>>38472627
Forgot the seal.

>>38472627
>CALL MAKOTO
[Motherly Worry Intensifies]

>>38472627
>CALL MAKOTO

>>38472627
CALL MAKOTO

>>38472627
>CALL MAKOTO
Then
>GO TO WORK - there might be something else at work here

>>38472791
>>38472697

>CALL MAKOTO

OKay, this needed explanation. Sitting here and doing nothing wouldn't lead to results and what you needed to do was get results.

You call Makoto up.

It rings once.
Twice.
Three times.
Four times.
Five times.

She doesn't answer.

You call her again.

Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Four times.
Fi--

"Mom...?" a quiet, tired voice speaks out from the other side of the phone. She sounds like she just woke up.

[Free Response]

>>38473181
"Mako-chi!... Are you okay? There was a strange note, and there was no sign you came home, I feared the worst...

But more importantly, where the hell are you, young lady?!"

>>38473181
>Ask her if she's okay, where she is, why didn't she come back home yesterday, what happened And why did those guys from the shibata clan send her that letter.
>Remember, speaking hurriedly and semi-incoherently will show her that you were worried.

>>38473315
>>38473409

"Mako-chi! Jesus, I was worried! There was a strange note, and you didn't come home it looked like, and what happened to you? Where are you, young lady?"

"Uuuhh..." She sounds like she has a headache. A major one. "Hold on, one thing at a time, just a sec..."

You breathe a bit, trying not to overload Makoto at once. If you had to guess...

>Makoto was recovering from a hangover at someone's house.
>Makoto was captured by those mean Shibata guys!
>Makoto crashed by herself.

>>38473775

>Makoto was captured by those mean Shibata guys!

If there's anything Faiz taught me, it's that you can't spell Kamen Rider without MISUNDERSTANDINGS!

>>38473824
This.

You know, if we play our cards right, we might be able to bring the Lockseed thing to Yggdrasil's attention. And they probably wouldn't like having their territory muscled in on. Maybe even enough to refocus their efforts a little.

>>38473775
>Makoto was recovering from a hangover at someone's house.

>>38473824
I approve.

>>38473824
>>38473851
>>38474109

>Makoto was captured by those mean Shibata guys!

"Mom," she starts. "I, uh... got a bit in over my head..."

The next words that you hear chill you to the bone. They're not Makoto speaking, but an older man - and certainly not a dignified kind of gentleman either. There's a slimy, snake-like tone to him, rumbly and sounding of brandy and cigars.

"You'll forgive me if I have to take command of the call so soon, Misses Kinushima." the voice grumbles. "She's been a cantakerous sort once we brought her in."

"What is going on here? WHat are you doing with my daughter?" you cry in protest, with fear and anger starting to grip your heart.

"Your daughter decided that violence instead of compliance was the best method on how to deal with my family. All I'm doing is paying it back. And, well... asking a favor of you in return for your daughter back."

IN the back, you hear Makoto yell "DON'T DO IT, I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF" before the man on the phone hisses something. She continues to yell, before there is an abrupt yelp of pain.

Your blood boils.
You see green for a split second.

>Free Response

>>38474465
Obviously we need to steal our Genesis Driver from Yggdrasil R&D and henshin to Kamen Rider Eden (or whatever name we're going to use, I just picked that one because of the fruit and snake themes it implies). Though if we can get it without theft that would be better. Could Taka-chan come along to help us? Some Kurokage Troopers too, maybe?

>>38474569
THIS

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>>38474569
>Kamen Rider Eden

DUUUUUUUUUUUDE.

>>38474569
This!
Fight the Power, Erina-san!

>>38474465
"I don't know what kind of idea crawled into that shriveled little husk you called your brain, but let me tell you, it wasn't a good one. If my daughter really hurt you in some way, I'll tell you right now, she got that "take-no-shit" attitude from somebody. I swear, you'd better let her go. If not, well... Whatever she did to you? I'll match it, and then some!"

And then >>38474569

>>38474740
I think it'd be better to pretend to listen to them, then run to Yggdrasil to get that Driver.
Or maybe we can call Takatora and have him bring it for us?

>>38474872
You know, I never considered the silent approach.
Calling Takatora would be good too.

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>>38474569
>>38474659
>>38474728
>>38474740

"Oh, oh, silly child." Your voice takes on an edge that it hasn't felt in years. ""I don't know what kind of idea crawled into that shriveled little husk you called your brain, but let me tell you, it wasn't a good one. If my daughter really hurt you in some way, I'll tell you right now, she got that "take-no-shit" attitude from somebody. I swear, you'd better let her go. If not, well... Whatever she did to you? I'll match it, and then some!"

The man chuckles. You're not entirely sure if it's genuine or not.

"Lady, I've heard tougher shit from a lot of other people that just couldn't follow through. How's about you listen to my proposition before coming out here and possibly going home with two broken legs, hm? You've already gotten half the work done for us as it is."

"All we need from you, Mrs. Kinushima, is a certain Lockseed. I heard rumors about the development of a new, rarer Lockseed, something that could change the face of the market forever. I believe it was an Energy Lockseed, it was called. And we heard you were the primary tester.

"Bring us the Lockseed, and the Driver it uses. And we'll let your daughter go, and leave you be for the rest of your days. Don't, and well..."

More pained yelps from Makoto.

>Begrudgingly accept.
>Accept, but plot to free her.
>Deny, challenging them.
>Other (write in)

>>38475192
>Accept, but plot to free her.
Oh, we'll bring them the Energy Lockseed and Genesis Driver. But we'll be wearing it.

Well, I have to get to a test now. And between that and heading home on the train afterwards, I won't be free again until around 11:00. I hate night classes. So be good, gang, and don't get anyone killed. Later.

P.S: I already voted. This was me >>38475276

>>38475192
>Accept, but plot to free her.

They'll see this coming, but we know that. So, we'll plan around the fact they're planning on us double-crossing them! It's foolproof!

>>38475192
>Accept, but plot to free her.
Oh yes, we'll bring you both the driver and the Lockseed. In fact, we'll even test them to show you how powerful they are.

>>38475192
any chance of calling in back up from work and just storming the place with complete overwhelming force

>>38475276
>>38475326
>>38475415

"...And you're sure you will let her go?"
"Most certainly. We have no intention of keeping her around for more... crude purposes. And if any of that happens around here, I'll execute them myself."

Not something that helps you calm down... but you can feel the tidings of a plan begin to form in your head. You'll get the Genesis Driver and the Lockseed from work, then, well...

Let's just say some field testing might be in order.

"Where are you. I'll meet you within the hour."

He provides an address of a location within the industrial portion of the city. It looks like a mostly abandoned power station of some kind - perfect for camoflauge from people with inquiring minds and eyes.

And, should the night require it, you absently think as you head to the car and start driving to Yggdrasil, a perfect place to...

>...hide bodies.
>...call the police and bust their organization.
>...re-enact some sick fight scenes for real.
>

>>38475682
>...re-enact some sick fight scenes for real and, if necessary, hide some bodies.

>>38475682
>...re-enact some sick fight scenes for real.

Time to go Showa on their asses.

>>38475801
>>38475817

While driving to work, you can't help but feel strangely giddy. Maybe it's because of the power that was granted to you with the testing of the Genesis Driver, but you actually feel like you can take these assholes on by yourself. And, y'know, given that this is almost Rider shit in and of itself, you really can't fault yourself for flashing images of Shocker goons going down at Ichigo basically cleaning clocks left and right.

However, as you park, you realize that it's going to be a hard sell to try to obtain the Driver and Lockseed. Whether or not you are actually planning to take it from them, you still need to get it somehow. The labs surely are open, but you have no idea who might be working there.

Tehre are a couple cars in the staff parking, however, that denote the people who might be most likely to help you.

>Call Ryouma Sengoku, say it's for field testing to need the Driver.
>Call Takatora Kureshima, say it's for saving Makoto.
>Call the Chairwoman, she has the sway to help.
>Other (Write in)

>>38476186
>>Call the Chairwoman, she has the sway to help.
if it stops the competition before they can really get started then I'm sure she'll help

>>38476186
>Call Takatora Kureshima, say it's for saving Makoto.

Melon and lime taste pretty good together. Right? Besides, we need someone we can trust. And who can get through to the professor.

>>38476186
>Call Takatora Kureshima, say it's for saving Makoto.
>and if he refuses, call the chairwoman.

>>38476338
>>38476300
>>38476269
We're tied at two votes for each.
Need tiebreaker vote.

>>38476186
>Call Takatora Kureshima, say it's for saving Makoto.

>>38476714
Takatora confirmed, writing now.

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>>38476749
>>38476300
>>38476338

He had to help. It was your daughter on the line, and you needed his permission explicitly.

"...Takatora speaking. Erina, what is it at this hour of the morning that you need?"
"I need the Genesis Driver and Lockseed. As soon as possible."
"...Erina?"

You start walking through the front hall of the building, striding as fast as your lewgs can take you to the elevator.

"No I'm not kidding. And no, this is not just because."
"Erina, what in the hell is going on? What could you possibl--"
"The Shibatas have Makoto. They want the Driver and Lockseed in exchange for her life."
"Excuse me? Who? And how the hell do they know about the Project EDEN?"
"Fuck if I know, but I'm not willing to screw around with this, Takatora. I'm in no mood for resistance, and I need those right now."

He sighs, and you can hear him shake his head.

"No, it's too risky. I'll send some private security, --"
"YOU'RE NOT GETTING IT." you shout, filling the elevator with passioned voice.

>If I don't get it, they will kill her. Throwing security at them will only back them into a corner.
>This could be the best test of the system. We need to see it in person, and we don't know what kind of backup these men might have.
>Other (write in)

>>38477007
>>If I don't get it, they will kill her. Throwing security at them will only back them into a corner.
>>This could be the best test of the system. We need to see it in person, and we don't know what kind of backup these men might have.

>>38477007
>Other
"It's like this. You can't tell me you don't think the world of your little brother. How you want what's best for him, and to keep him safe? And how anyone who would harm him would have hell to pay? I know you better than that, Taka-chan. Forget work for a second. Please, I'm asking you as a mother, and as your friend.

>>38477245
Oooh good idea. Here's my own little write in.

>>38477178
Taketora... You don't understand. This is my daughter here what if they decided to go for your brother due to your position?

I won't stand for this. I'm not a mean person but now they are wishing for a fate worse than death.

>>38477582
>>38477245

"Look, Takatora, I'm not fucking around here. Look at it from this way."

You stop off at Takatora's floor and stride as fast as you can, with as much fervor as you can, talking on the phone all the while. You know people are watching, but right now you're hyper focused.

"You can't tell me you don't think the world of your little brother. How you want what's best for him, and to keep him safe? And how anyone who would harm him would have hell to pay? I know you better than that, Taka-chan. Forget work for a second. Please, I'm asking you as a mother, and as your friend."

And as you stand in his doorway, almost seething with fury, you finish.

"They're asking for a fight. And I intend to make them regret fucking with us."

Surprisingly enough, you see Ryouma Sengoku in the room as well. He's got a metal briefcase in his hand, and his ever-present enigmatic smirk going as well.

"Got you a present," he sings, gesturing to the briefcase. "Now how're you planning to go about this?"

>Walk in with the belt on, transform and kick ass.
>Pretend to start making the deal, reveal empty case and transform and kick ass.
>Transform before walking in, kick ass. Leave enemy in the dark.
>Other (write in)

>>38477889
>>Pretend to start making the deal, reveal empty case and transform and kick ass.

Trojan Horse Option

>>38477889
>Pretend to start making the deal, reveal empty case and transform and kick ass.

As if there was any other way.

>>38477957
>>38478026

"We'll go for the trojan horse method. We give them the briefcase, it doesn't have the Driver on - instead, under a trenchcoat or something, I'm wearing the driver. I transform, kick their asses, save Makoto, simple. And we figure out the rest from there."

Ryouma hands you the briefcase, and you open it. Indeed, inside is the Genesis Driver, powered on and waiting for your command. The Lime Energy lockseed is resting, padded with foam and waiting for your touch.

You gently brush your hands over the metal, plastic and electronics, before equipping the Driver to your waist. You stuff the Lime Energy Lockseed into your jacket pocket, and start to walk out the door with the empty briefcase.

"...hold on, Erina."
Takatora's voice is quiet, but firm. You turn to face him.
"We won't be able to claim that this was sponsored by us, if this goes belly up. Be careful with what you do... not only is this experimental, but ..."

"Just be careful out there, Erina. I don't want to have to get a report that you're in the hospital."

>>Free Response

>>38478692
"Oh, don't worry about me. I had to raise a girl like Makoto, a few more troublesome children is nothing."

>>38478860
>Update
seems like we're losing steam, anyone want to give it a pause for the night and wait until tomorrow? Forecast is calling for nearly a foot of snow, so I might be able to stay home and do another round before I have to (possibly) go to work.

>>38479203
Oh, okay. I actually just got back from my class, kind of disappointed to hear that. But it's not worth the effort if I'm the only person here, so yeah, I suppose it would be better to do this tomorrow.

Should we archive this?