>>40334987
I fucking love your recaps and I feel really sorry for Byakuga.
Also, fuck Hazama.

>>40335172
Fuck Hazama, indeed.


You're Ben Herald, and you've probably broken some sort of record or other.
Sitting in front of Hazama's containment, you wonder how everything has fallen together like this.
Two of the most dangerous people in the world are behind bars because of your direct influence- but something keeps unsettling you.
You watch as a second layer of Ars Magus is put over the cage, while Hazama sits in the simple wooden chair provided to him with the biggest shit-eating grin in the world.
"So, Ben, I heard you and Noel are, well, something of a package at this point."
He looks out from under the brim of his trilby. "Is that true?"

>"Have you ever considered, even for a second, shutting your goddamn trap for five minutes?"
>"If we were, how would it affect your plans?"
>"Let's just say we'll be celebrating together after this all blows over."
>"No, we're not."
>Ignore him and try to make sure everything is airtight.
>Leave. You have more important things to do than listen to this asshole.
>Write-In

>>40335198
>>Ignore him and try to make sure everything is airtight.
Yeah, Yeah, Hazama stop trying to wheedle information out of me. I'm not going to feed your "making people hate me is awesome" complex.

>>40334987
Love that recap. Also as the guy who coined Herald interrupt it make me heart feel all fuzzy inside.

>>40335198
>"Let's just say we'll be celebrating together after this all blows over."
>Ignore him and try to make sure everything is airtight.

>>40335393
>>40335430
You think back to imagining Noel seducing you and shake the scene away. "Let's just say we'll be celebrating together after this all blows over."
That elicits a reaction. “My, my. I know she has *doll-like* proportions, but don't you think you'd like a *real* woman better?” He cackles a bit. “But I guess birds of a feather stick together, you fucking fake.”
You ignore his future taunts and look over the bindings. The NOL Ars Magus users really are thorough, and you can't seem to find a single flaw.

“What? Nothing? No quips from the mighty Herald? You're no fun, you know that?”
As you watch the cage get dragged off to holding until the move to Iwatsuchi is co-ordinated, you see the smug bastard raise an eyebrow and smile before turning around and sitting in the chair like an ordinary person.
You consider that, once again, this is all part of his plan, but you put the thought away. No need worrying about what you can't predict. You need to focus on what you can.

After some walking and sliding your identification card through various checkpoints, you make it back to your room. Newton, Jin and Tsubaki are outside when you get there.
Your first question, is, of course, “Where's Noel? You were with her last, Tsubaki.”
Tsubaki rolls her eyes. “She said she had to get something. She'll be back soon enough.”

>”Screw it. We searched for you, we're searching for her. I don't want anyone to get caught up in some stupid trap or other.”
>”Let's start. She'll be here soon enough.”
>”Actually, I'm reconsidering the location. Maybe we should go soemwhere else.”
>Write-In

>>40335589
>>”Let's start. She'll be here soon enough.”
Can we muffles sounds with our ars? So any eavesdroppers/bugs can't hear us right?

>>40335589
>”Screw it. We searched for you, we're searching for her. I don't want anyone to get caught up in some stupid trap or other.”
I don't trust Hazama

>40335628
Yes, you can.
Calling for a tiebreaking vote from the third player currently here.

>>40335589
>”Screw it. We searched for you, we're searching for her. I don't want anyone to get caught up in some stupid trap or other.”
>Write-In
Probably now this time we ask Tsubaki on where she might likely be

>>40335702
Should be >>40335628
>>40335705
There we go.
Writing...

>>40335589
>>”Screw it. We searched for you, we're searching for her. I don't want anyone to get caught up in some stupid trap or other.”
"also, I'm kind of the necromantically revived remains of your brother's soul."

>>40335781
>>40335705
>>40335656
........................ really?

>>40335806
Don't look at me like that, I waited for the votes to be locked to post that joke.

You consider letting it be, before reconsidering.
”Screw it. We searched for you, we're searching for her. I don't want anyone to get caught up in some stupid trap or other.” You sigh. “Where was she last?”
“Well, she was going to her room.” Tsubaki looks back.
“Can you seek her out yourself? I would like this meeting to begin as soon as possible, and moving in a group makes us look suspicious.” Jin looks around, searching for people watching nearby.

>”Sure. I'll be back in a flash.”
>”No, I think...”
>>”...Newton should join me.”
>>”...Tsubaki should join me.”
>>”...You should join me.”
>>”...We should all go.”
>”Just don't touch m what little stuff I have.”
>Write-In

>>40335806
I just post options. You guys vote.

>>40335867
>”Sure. I'll be back in a flash.”
>”Just don't touch m what little stuff I have.”
>Write-In
"And don't look under the bed either"

>>40335867
>>”Sure. I'll be back in a flash.”
>”Just don't touch m what little stuff I have.”
"And don't look under the bed either"
Set up a sound mine before we leave for a giggle.

>>40335904
>>40335932

”Sure. I'll be back in a flash.” You unlock the door and throw it open, and Newton enters, followed by Jin and tentatively, Tsubaki.
“Huh. It's not that bad in here... I mean, uh, I was expecting-” Your 'sister' tries to backtrack to prevent offending you.
“My room to be messy? There's not much in here.” You step away before turning back. ”Just don't touch what little stuff I have.” Exiting halfway, you warn, “And don't look under the bed.”
You trap the area under the bed with a harmless sonic mine for a giggle before leaving.
You can hear Newton ask, “What's that all about?” as you close the door.
Stepping away, you go to find your girlfriend.

But when you get to Noel's room, the situation is anything but laugh-worthy. Outside, she's talking to Relius, and she's not looking comfortable. He's still unreadable behind that mask of his, but they haven't noticed you yet.
The conversation seems to be stable, at the moment.
Your approach?

>Step away until Relius leaves
>”Colonel Relius. Did you need to talk to us about something?”
or Roll 2d6!
>Attempt to signal to Noel
>Attempt to distract Relius
>Try to listen in from a distance
>Write-In

Rolled 1, 6 = 7 (2d6)

>>40336131
>>Try to listen in from a distance
use Ars to amplify our hearing

Rolled 2, 5 = 7 (2d6)

>>40336131
>Try to listen in from a distance

>>40336179
>>40336191

You take the time to turn around and listen from a distance as subtly as you can.
As you amplify your hearing, a distant pop can be heard from where you came from, and the sounds of scuffling. It's not anything major, you think.
(Success)
“Now, Lieutenant Vermillion. I expect you two to be discreet in your movements and your choices. Fraternization policies are not to be taken lightly.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
“Ah, that reminds me. There was an issue I'd like you two to address. It involves the Cauldron- something seems to be awry. Now, you have the highest recorded Ars Magus testing, and the Major is no slouch in that capacity as well.”
There's a shuffling sound- Relius is moving slightly. “I'd like you to perform repairs- the reports will be provided in the area to be prepared. I ask for two of you because an accident involving one person could go unreported until it is too late.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. If you could inform the Major that I requested your presence, that would be appreciated greatly. Now, I've work to do involving the movement to Iwatsuchi.”
He steps away, slowly going into the distance.
You hear Noel walking your direction.

>”Ah, I was just looking for you.”
>”I overheard your conversation. What was that all about?”
>"Fraternization? Is that what they're calling it nowadays?"
>”I heard about the Cauldron thing. We're not going. It's a trap, and an obvious one.”
>”We have a meeting we need to be at. The details can wait.”
>Write-In

>>40336440
>"Fraternization? Is that what they're calling it nowadays?"
>”I heard about the Cauldron thing. We're not going. It's a trap, and an obvious one.”
>”We have a meeting we need to be at. The details can wait.”

>>40336440
>”I overheard your conversation. What was that all about?”
>”We have a meeting we need to be at. The details can wait.”

File: It's Not What You Think!.gif (18 KB, 230x250)

18 KB GIF

>>40336469
>>40336486

As Noel walks past you, you tap on her shoulder, causing her to elicit a surprised squeak.
“AH! Ben, what are you doing here?” She gathers herself.
“I overheard your conversation.” You scratch your scalp. “What was that all about?”
She immediately goes red. “Well, um, the... Colonel... Wanted us to, um... be careful... Fraternizing.” Noel clams up in embarrassment.
“Fraternizing- is that what they're calling it these days?” You smirk a bit knowingly.
“Well, it's not going to happen if you keep acting like that!” Noel realizes what she was implying.
“I mean, um, that's not... don't tease me!” She 's quickly losing her composure.
“Alright, alright. But about the Cauldron thing- that's a trap, and an obvious one. We're not going.” You wave her towards your room. “But we have a meeting to be at- the details can wait.”

As you and Noel enter, you two see Newton looking a little frazzled and very ashamed.
Jin and Tsubkai have adapted your desk into a makeshift table, and are standing around it.
“Ah, Ben, Noel. We've started.”

>”What have you guys got so far?”
>”What did I say about looking under the bed, Newton?”
>”Right. Relius is looking to make sure Noel and I don't leave without passing under his influence.”
>”I hope you're putting my desk back after this.”
>Write-In

>>40336675
>”What have you guys got so far?”
>”Right. Relius is looking to make sure Noel and I don't leave without passing under his influence.”

>>40336675
>>”What did I say about looking under the bed, Newton?”
>”Right. Relius is looking to make sure Noel and I don't leave without passing under his influence.”
>”What have you guys got so far?”

>>40336696
>>40336700

”What did I say about looking under the bed, Newton?” you place your pointer fingers on each side of your temple and look at him accusingly.
“Dude, did you really expect me to not look? I mean, come on. The temptation was awful.”
“Well, that's what you get for acting without restraint.” Tsubaki huffs.

“Enough. I believe we can move Mutsuki, my family, and the Yayois to our side in the case of a conflict. Technically, General Mutsuki outranks Relius. That means we need to get him on our side as soon as possible.”

“Speaking of Relius, he's looking to make sure Noel and I don't leave without passing under his influence.” you say. “Any ideas on how to bluff him?”
“Well, we could send someone else to fix the Cauldron?” Noel asks. “Oh, sorry. The Colonel wanted us to fix the Branch's Cauldron.”

“Funny, because the Cauldron runs a lot of systems that should be down, Leuitenant Vermillion.”
Jin glares at her. “In other words, he's lying.”
“But what about Hazama?” Tsubaki asks. “We really don't know what he can do, and for all we know, Relius is on his side.”

>”I'll deal with Hazama, personally.”
>”We'll use Ragna the Bloodedge. I can fight him, and he might be able to stand up to Hazama.”
>”We'll need to fight Hazama as a unit.”
>”We'll make sure he's locked up or occupied when we move.”
>”There are some things he's not allowed to do, for whatever reason. We need to use that as leverage.”
>Write-In

>>40336906
>”We'll use Ragna the Bloodedge. I can fight him, and he might be able to stand up to Hazama.”
>”We'll make sure he's locked up or occupied when we move.”
>”There are some things he's not allowed to do, for whatever reason. We need to use that as leverage.”
Some bonding time with Dad while beating up Hazama

>>40336965
“We'll use Ragna the Bloodedge.” you declare.
“What?” Tsubaki stands up. “Are you insane? Those two fighting would create destruction the likes of the Black Beast!”
“I can fight him, but if Ragna's as strong as he's alleged, he should be able to fight Hazama when his Azure Grimoire is engaged.” You continue. “If we can't fight him directly, we need to make sure he's locked up or occupied when we move. Additionally, there are some things he can't do, for whatever reason. We need to use that as leverage.”

“He can't do some things?” Noel asks. “Like what?”
“Yeah, that's right.” Newton says. “He can't hurt us, at least not at the moment. He's had a lot of opportunities and he hasn't done anything.”
“So we need to delay him by force if worst comes to worst, then?” Jin says. “That seems reasonable enough.”

“More importantly, we need to find out what Relius and Hazama are planning.” Tsubaki says. “If they are preparing for something, we need to know what.”
Jin closes his eyes. “It may be best for you and the Lieutenant to enter the 'trap' with us standing by in case something goes wrong.”
“What? You're putting them on the line to spring a trap when we don't know whether it'll kill them or not?” Newton asks. “That's crazy talk!”

“We know it won't kill them- after all, Hazama has stayed his hand so far, so a death trap is out of the question- why set up one so obvious instead of letting Hazama kill you?” Jin asks.
“He's got a point.” Noel nods. “I'm willing to go with you if you want.” She looks at you.

>”I hate to say it, but we need to find out what the plan is. Let's trigger the trap.”
>”There are safer ways of doing this. We need to try espionage first.”
>”No, let's delay until Relius is forced to move to Iwatsuchi and see what happens when we don't take the bait.”
>”Actually, Jin, you're wrong. Relius could just need us to die this way for some reason.”
>Write-In

>>40337235
>”Actually, Jin, you're wrong. Relius could just need us to die this way for some reason.”
>Write-In
"After all he told me I'm made up off souls or something to look like the original Ben"

>>40337235
>”Actually, Jin, you're wrong. Relius could just need us to die this way for some reason.”
>”No, let's delay until Relius is forced to move to Iwatsuchi and see what happens when we don't take the bait.”

>>40337260
>>40337300

”Actually, Jin, you're wrong. Relius could just need us to be killed in this way for some reason.”
You pick up the standard-issue axe you were holding before you came to this city.
“Sorry about this- storytime.” As the others watch with horror, you drag the blade across your palm to reveal that what comes out isn’t blood- it's seither. It bubbles for a bit, hissing, before reforming into the same smooth skin that was there just a second ago.

“Oh my God.” Tsubaki covers her mouth.
“I'm not human. That's why, I think, Relius wants me and Noel to go to the Cauldron.” You swallow the lump in your throat. “I'm sorry, Tsubaki- your brother is dead. Apparently, I was made from him and the people who died with him.”
Yayoi looks down, silently accepting this. Noel considers comforting her, but decides against it.

Newton is stunned. “So when your strength was inhuman... You mean really, in-human?”
“That explains the uneasy feeling I had when I met you.” Jin says. “But you, despite all appearances as inhuman, are still a person. And I can see now that your logic is sound. But what are we to do, then?”
“Well, yeah, he's a person. Duh.” Newton says. “Are we gonna send someone else, then?”
“No.” you declare. “We'll wait until we need to go to Iwatsuchi and see what happens when we don't show up at the Cauldron. Basically, we're calling his bluff.”

“So be it.” Jin coughs to clear the moody atmosphere. “Is there anything else we need to discuss?”

>”Yes, we need to discuss...”
>>”...Room arrangements.”
>>”...Holdout weapons.”
>>”...Schedule.”
>>”...Getting more support.”
>>”...Mutsuki.”
>”No, we're done here.”
>Write-In

>>40337425
>”Yes, we need to discuss...”
>>”...Room arrangements.”
>>”...Schedule.”
>>”...Holdout weapons.”
>>”...Mutsuki.”

>>40337425
>>”Yes, we need to discuss...”>>”...Room arrangements.”>>”...Holdout weapons.”>>”...Schedule.”>>”...Getting more support.”>>”...Mutsuki.”
Basically everything

>>40337457
>>40337730
>”Yes, we need to discuss...”
>>”...Room arrangements.”
“Well, we're going to have to make sure that the rooms are close enough to one another that we can communicate and move quickly if need be.” You state.
“I think we can leverage officer's privilege in this situation, especially since you're the main guest.” Tsubaki says. “If it's two to a room, for whatever reason, I'll stay with Noel and you and Jin can stay together.”
“And I'm stuck wherever I can manage since I'm not an officer.” Newton says. “It's cool. Actually, that means I might be able to get Sullivan in on this.”
That's the guy you pulled out of the hot seat back on the train. You talked to him back >>38574934 here, in (Thread 7, Get Gud Edition). If he's calmed down, he might be helpful.
>>”...Schedule.”
“Schedule. Do we have one?” You ask.
“Not yet.” Jin says. It would be a lot easier if we did. One should be sent out soon, though.”
(1/2)

>>40337735
>>”...Holdout weapons.”
“Holdout weapons- in case we get confronted off-guard.”
Newton brightens up. “Oh, man. I know one guy who crafts illegal firearms around here. I cover for him, and he teaches me how to shoot. I could talk to him.”
Jin, Noel, and Tsubaki stare at him.
“Oh, like you've never bought anything illegal!”
There's a silence.
“What, really?” Newton looks surprised.
Jin sighs. “I can summon Yukianesa, and Tsubaki can most likely carry whatever she needs on her person. Newton, you... obtain firearms... for yourself and Ben to cover for his rifle, unless Ben would prefer to use his own pistol.”
>>”...Mutsuki.”
“Back on track. General Mutsuki.”
“If there's a dinner, we should be able to talk to him.” Jin says. “Keep in mind... He can be uncouth, and lacks a certain amount of restraint. He consumes copious amounts of alcohol and flirts with women incessantly.”
“He doesn’t sound very nice.” Noel mutters. “Why did you suggest him?”
“Firstly, he's the foremost head of the Duodecim, and secondarily, I know him from my time in Academy. At times, he may be insufferable, but he's a solid person when he needs to be.”
>>”...Getting more support.”
“We need to make more contacts.”
“I can deal with that, primarily.” Tsubaki says. “Just be ready to help Jin and I when we need to speak to someone and introduce them to you... I'll introduce you as my brother.” The last end of that statement has a bittersweet tone to it.


>”Alright. We need to wait on the schedule and Relius's move now.”
>”No, I think there are a few more issues that need handling.”
>”You guys want to do some more sightseeing before we have to leave?”
>”I need to pack, so can I ask you to leave?”
>Write-In
(2/2)

>>40337771
>”Alright. We need to wait on the schedule and Relius's move now.”
>”You guys want to do some more sightseeing before we have to leave?”
>Write-In
"If anything we might want to relive a bit of tension that this Relius and Hazama business has caused"

>>40337771
>”Alright. We need to wait on the schedule and Relius's move now.”
>”You guys want to do some more sightseeing before we have to leave?”
>”I need to pack, so can I ask you to leave?”
Last post for me, going to bed

>>40337809
>>40337837
”Alright. We need to wait on the schedule and Relius's move now.” You relax a bit. ”You guys want to do some more sightseeing before we have to leave? I figure we might be able to remove some of the tension from this whole situation.”
“Oh!” Noel brightens up. “I was thinking- Since we're going to be going to a celebration, wouldn't it make sense to buy something nice to wear?”
“Oh, no. No. Stop.” Newton waves his hands. “I have two sisters. I know where this is going.”
Jin considers this. “Actually, though I am normally loath to seek out a tailor of any kind, I would appreciate the chance to buy formalwear. My family's wardrobe is, to be blunt, limited and not available at the moment.”
“Are you actually getting on board with this?” Newton stares at Jin.
“It's not a terrible idea. We could find something in an American style that's nice and then go to someplace else to eat after we've found something.” Tsubaki seems to be cheering up.
“Ben, don't tell me you're with them, too.”
“Actually, I was planning on packing, so I'd appreciate it if you could all leave.” You mutter.
“Well, when you're done, tell me if you're coming with us or not.” Noel asks.

>”I'll go with you all, just give me a minute.”
>”No, I think I'll stay here.”
>”No, I think I'll go with Newton.”
>”No, I was thinking of something else.”
>Write-in
(We're winding down here. This is likely the last question post. Next session will probably be pure filler/SoL.)

>>40337936
>”I'll go with you all, just give me a minute.”

File: He_Knows.jpg (193 KB, 965x639)

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You roll your eyes at Newton's overreacting. ”I'll go with you all, just give me a minute. Now shoo.” You start waving them out of your room.
Newton smirks. “Be honest. Are you doing this just to spend time with Noel?”
“It's a benefit.” you smile.
They step outside, Noel being the last to go. As she grips the doorknob, she prepares to say something, but then becomes quiet, looks at you with affection, and closes the door.
You think for a minute, before shoving your desk to where it once was and begnning to pack.

…
I think that ends things for the night.
Any questions or concerns?

Thanks for running Dead. How badly does Noel want the D?

File: Noel_Pinup.gif (196 KB, 587x589)

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>>40338213
>Teenage girl
>This dude NOL helps her out in multiple situations
>Listens to her, buys her dinner
>Turns out he's a total badass due to his augmented build
>He shows interest in her, genuine interest
>Likes her poems, forgives her childish fantasies about him
>Raging hormones due to her accelerated growth as a Murakumo Unit
.
..Myeah.
Pretty bad.

>>40338300
I really need to commission more art for Ben.
But yeah, I was actually planning on starting the next session In Medias Res and have Ben waking up next to Noel and trying to remember what happened.
Anything smutty I write will be sent to Pastebin. I will, however, accept any fan-made content so long as it meets my, uh... quality standards.

File: DEAD-SPIKE.jpg (61 KB, 640x360)

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Archived.
I cant believe I never found this picture before.
It's so appropriate.