>>40544815

The young boy makes a great deal of contemplative sounds, so much so that you begin to lose your patience and are just about to scold him to speak, only then he chooses to speak.

“Maybe.” A wild smiles forms on his face.

You don’t think there was anything else he could have said to frustrate you more.

You jab a finger into his side, causing him to roll away from you in laughter.

He stops rolling and fixes his eyes upon yours. “You already know the answer. Don’t you?”

Perhaps you did, but why is there still an unexplained feeling of confusion deep inside you?

A heavy silence falls over the both of you. It’s a comfortable silence, yet ever so slightly unnerving.

“Do you think that we’re the same person?” Izu’s voice snaps you out of your daydream. “Do you think that, in the end, I’m only you?”

Was that question the cause of the slight turmoil you suddenly felt? But if you felt it before he asked, does that answer your question? Was is it that you think? Does he already know?

>”I don’t know.”

>”I’m sure of it.”

>”That’s not true.”

>Write in.

>>40544854
>>”I don’t know.”
I doubt it, but I do think we're linked.

>>40544854
>>”I don’t know.”

Hello again! Thankfully my break from QM'ing wasn't too long.

>>40544979
>>40544980

>Writing~

>>40544854
"I'm sure of it."
He's beyong being just a clone of us.
Heya Auri

>>40545104

You can’t deny the uncertainty you feel inside your thoughts, and you can’t give him any less than what you think.

You shake your head gently. “I don’t know.” His green eyes flash with an emotion you can’t quite read, spurring you to continue. “But without a doubt, I will find out, and you’ll be the first person I tell when I do.”

He nods his head, perfectly accepting your answer.

The chill of your sweat being lost to night air spurs you to stand. You brush off your backside and offer the young boy an arm to help him stand. “Come on, I won’t stand to be sweaty like this for longer than I have to. Go prepare a bath for me.”

Izu grabs a hold of your arm and stands tall.

~

You and Matthias run up to the mass of filth that’s making her way through your neighborhood. The girl doesn’t even notice as the two of you stop next to her, only choosing to trudge aimlessly on all fours.

>”Wow, she’s in bad shape.” Matthias crouches to get a better look at her.

“We still have a few rocks left.” You offer him one with an outstretched hand.

>He shakes his head firmly. “I think she’s really hurt Sophia.”

You crouch down to observe for yourself. Beyond the layer of dirt caked onto most of her skin, wide purple bruises can be seen all over her, especially around her face. The rags she has for clothes are in tatters, and dried blood sticks to the area around her mouth, nose, the tips of her fingers, and quite a bit runs down the inside of her legs.

She came across the wrong person, or possibly people…

>Matthias stops in front of the young girl. “You need help. There’s a place not too far from here.”

She pays his words no mind, and continues to crawl.

>”Stop already!” He yanks the thin girl to her feet, whereupon her head hangs limply, dirty blonde hair swaying slowly.

She passed out.

~
[1/2]

>>40545895

When you wake up, you can’t help but shake your head at how much this area has changed from when you were a child

The festival is today, so your usual plans of delving will be postponed. A small portion of exhaustion from last night’s practice still clings to you, so you lie back down to a light dreamless sleep.

~

Aya and Matthias make their way to your house in the late morning. You, Izu, and your two visitors sit down for drinks before you'll eventually make your way to the market where the festivities have already likely begun.

Aya finishes a sip from the cup of water she opted for instead of coffee. “We should split up for the first half of the day. I imagine it’s been so long since the two of you went out and enjoyed yourselves.” She nods toward you and Matthias. “Plus, we don’t need any one slowing us down, right Izu?”

The young boy gives an enthusiastic nod.

“I’m not going to leave you alone, unprotected.” Matthias immediately protests.

Aya smiles coyly. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself now.”

Matthias groans. “I still don’t like it…” He turns to you for help.

You’re mainly going just to see what Ali’s capable of organizing, so it doesn’t really matter to you who tags along. Plus if it’s just for the afternoon, the four of you will likely reunite before the main scheduled events occur.

>Agree to Aya’s plan.

>Suggest that Aya should stick with Matthias.

>Write in.

>>40545923
>>Agree to Aya’s plan.

>>40545923
>Agree to Aya’s plan.
make a fire in the sky if there's trouble, both of you can do that with ease.

>>40545923
>Use this as an opportunity to go on a date with Marissa.

>>40546029
>>40546030
The old duo.
>>40546067
Tenacious, aren't you?

>Writing

>>40546095
>Tenacious, aren't you?
I get my vote.

Aw sweet, I didn't miss much.

>>40546095
Dont know if ill be here for the next vote, so a reminder to go look up or have someone look up butter or lard. That stuff is going to make necromancy much easier to stomach.

>>40546860
Ok Paula Deen, we will get you your diabetus paste.

>>40546095

You give Matthias a heavy look, signaling that he’s probably smothering her. He immediately catches what you’re trying to convey to him, and finally relents.
“Sounds like a plan.” You lean back and return to your drink. “Of course, if there’s any trouble be sure to signal each other.” You point upwards.

“That shouldn’t be a problem.” Aya responds confidently, and Matthias is put slightly more at ease from your suggestion.

“Well then…” You stand and take a look around your house. Your housemates already left earlier this morning, leaving the four of you to be the last ones to leave. “Let’s get going.”

Aya and Izu practically explode from their seats and head straight for the door. It seems that they were right about you slowing them down.

You’re the last one to step out of the threshold of your house. The door closes soundly behind you with a heavy thud. Your hand lingers before you let go of the ornate doorknob, and head out into the bright day.

~

[1/?]

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75 KB JPG

>>40547007

“Amazing…” Matthias states in simple awe as the two of you stop at the entrance of the market.

Even on the outside of the festivities, huge numbers of merchants peddle their various goods to the myriad of people filing into the single entrance. Huge colorful streamers extend everywhere above you, casting colorful shades of light upon everyone. You long lost Izu and Aya to the roar of crowd, so you’re only left to approach the gate just like everyone else.

“This is just impossible. I didn’t even think that there were this many people left in the whole world.” Matthias comments to you.

The both of you, having grown up in the area, never expected in your whole entire life that what you’re seeing now was possible. There was a simple unstated truth that everyone had accepted, that humanity was on its last few breaths before extinction. But what you’re seeing now stands proudly against that truth, crystalline for everyone to see.

To think that this was all the effort of a single person…

You pass through the main gate, feeling eyes upon you as you do. It seems that security is tight, even if it doesn’t have that impression. No unwanted individuals are making their way through here.

Music catches your ears as soon as you make your way into the market proper. A light and cheerful melody is ever-present in the air, giving added life to all that you see.

Children and dutiful parents carve through all the sights, taking advantage of all the free products.

A young dark-haired girl speeds between the two of you, a colorful butterfly mask clings to her neck, and she giggles without a care in the world.

“This is the new world, isn’t it?” Matthias’s eyes follow the girl before she’s lost to the crowd again.

“It’s only today.” You reply frankly.

[2/3]

>>40546860
Necromancy is so weak bro. Let's just not bother.

>>40547023

He scratches his cheek. “I hope not. The future should be better than what we had.”

You cross your arms. “Wouldn’t take much to accomplish that.”

He laughs at that.

You pull on his sleeve. “No sense in just standing around here. Come on.”

He doesn’t budge, he only continues to take in the fantastic sights around him. “Maybe I should stop being an Occultist.” He finally states.

You stare at him in disbelief. All he ever wanted from when the two of you met was to study the Occult. It was his dream, it was both of your dreams.
“There’s no sense in that!” You quickly scold. “You know where Aya comes from, there’s no avoiding it.”

He smiles sadly. “She said that she wanted nothing to do with that place ever again.” He turns to you. “But I feel like I might not be able to resist the urge. You’ll just have to stick around and tell me all about your studies so I don’t do something stupid.”

You’ve never really thought about that far into the future. Will your plans leave you living in the same old house until you eventually die? You’re not one to lie to Matthias, but his gaze somehow alludes to a much deeper doubt than he's letting on to.

>"I don't think I'm one to settle down like this."

>"Let's just enjoy ourselves already."

>Write in.

>>40547048
>"I don't think I'm one to settle down like this."
Got an empire to reclaim.

>>40547048
>>"I don't think I'm one to settle down like this."
But I'll talk to you whenever I am around my friend, now
>"Let's just enjoy ourselves already."

>>40547080
>>40547129
Honesty.

>Writing~

>>40547048
>Not settling down.

>>40548009
Shhhhh. Many details need to be put in their proper places...

>>40547227

You place your hands on your hips. “I don’t think I’m one to settle down like this. But…” You add quickly to keep him from doing that thing where he furrows his brow and broods. “I don’t think I could resist the urge of seeing you as a father, so I’ll take to you whenever I’m around.”

A slight grin forms on his face, but he does his best to suppress it.

You pull on his arm, and this time he relents. “Now, let’s just enjoy ourselves already.”

The two of you float through the festival stopping wherever you please. First sight, a children’s chorus, all of them ranging from about five to ten years of age. They stiffly, and perhaps a little too loudly sing out to beaming parents.

You point out a sour-looking blonde boy to Matthias. “Is that one yours?” You ask with mock curiosity.

Matthias scowls at your question, making the resemblance stand out even more. Your laughter is lost as it harmonizes with the melodious chorus.

The two of you move on, you force Matthias to stand in line and get you some skewered beef. While waiting on a small bench, a kind-looking old man with a huge tray of brownies offers you as many as you want.

“Courtesy of Madam Ali.” His slightly weary face smiles as you accept two.

You take a bite out of one savor its warmth. “These are fresh. Where were they cooked?”

“In the cooking pits. “ He turns and points out its direction.

“Do they sell fresh ingredients there?” You ask as politely as you can.

He scratches his chin in thought. “I suppose you might find a vendor nearby, but there’s plenty of already cooked food around, young lady.”

“I’m thinking toward the future.” You nod politely and then bid him farewell.

You snatch the food from Matthias hand as soon he arrives. “There’s something I want to buy, come on.”

[1/2]

>>40548033
>Many details need to be put in their proper places...
Soo.... typos?

>>40548042
You don't like me very much do you?

>>40548033
You scarf down the food as you lead Matthias to the cooking pits. You spot your target in a rather rotund, but jolly man, managing a swarm of cooks as he sits down fanning himself.

You tell Matthias to wait for a moment before settling down next to the large man.

“Quite busy aren’t you?” You ask watching his staff with as much mock awe as you can muster.

“N-not at the moment.” He coughs and fixes his hair as best he can.

“Good.” You smile. “Perhaps you can help me out with a problem.”

“Of course.” He adjusts his clothes this time.

You stare at him with a few blinks before continuing. “I’m looking for a large supply of lard for…cooking. Do you think you can help me with that?”

He appears lost in your eyes for a moment, but processes your words as quickly as he can before pulling out a small notepad from his chest pocket. “I-I can spare uhh forty-eight pounds.” He appears to go through a type of inner turmoil before continuing. “But I can’t give it to you for free.”

“Actually, you can.”

The two of you turn to the source of the voice with about the same amount of haste.

[2/3]

>>40548065
I love you Auri <3

>>40548065
>marissa
>or ali

>>40548076
You've placated me, for now.

>>40548065

Ali stands before the two of you proudly, Vicki standing ever-present to her right side.

The large man stands immediately. “Madam Ali, everything is running as it should.”

She smiles slightly. “I’m sure it is.” She turns her gaze back to you. “Give me the lard and I’ll send it to her. Everyone should be happy while they’re here, so consider it a gift.”

The large cook runs off as quickly as he can to the cooking pits to fill out her order.

You shrug lightly instead showing your dissatisfaction at letting Ali give you yet another gift. “Making the rounds I see.”

“So many things need attending to today.” Ali confesses genuinely as she settles down next to you. “But it would be unfair of me to say that I’m not hoping for something in return for that gift.’ She waves away your concerns. “Only a small bit of your time.”

You look over to where Matthias was once standing only to see an empty spot.

>"I can spare some time."

>"I'm afraid I can't right now."

>Write in.

>>40548108
>"I can spare some time."

>>40548108
>>"I can spare some time."
I'll hear you out.

>>40548108
>"I can spare some time."

Hello Auri!
>>40548108
>I can spare some time.
Matthias must be gone to check on his little daisy. Heh heh.

>>40548197
Or he gtfo of there as soon as he saw Ali

>>40548230
imconfus.jpg

>>40548130
>>40548162
>>40548176
>>40548197
Hello there, anon!

Can you spare a moment of your time to here about Mayor Ali?

>Writing

>>40548260
Two threads ago iirc, remember him talking about their past together?

>>40548307
Oh god. Yeah I remember now.
sorry, I'm a bit of sleepy now so I'm a bit scatterbrained at the moment.

>>40548274

Since Matthias decided so tactfully to leave you on your own, there’s no need to hurry back to him quite yet.

You cross your legs. “I can spare some time.”

Ali stands almost immediately upon hearing your words. “Let’s not waste too much of your time then.”

You promptly stand and signal for her to show the way. Ali gives a signal to Vicki, and she’s completely gone from sight in an instant.
“You’ll be helping me out with some less than pleasant company.” Ali shakes her head. “Vicki is quite adept at a number of things, but when it comes to dealing with people…”

“We all have our strengths.” You more forcefully signal for her to get moving, and she does with quite a bit of haste in her gait.

She marches her way through the crowd, waving back to anyone who greets her. “You can’t hold something like this without attracting an extensive amount of attention. Not all of that attention is positive, of course. Self-styled leaders visiting from out of town.”

Ah, so it’s a parley between powerful and potentially competing forces.

“Why did you choose to bring me along for this?” You promptly ask.

“Because these people are dangerous, and I want them to know that we’re not the type to be pushed around.” She turns to you and smiles confidently.

Ali slows her pace as she enters the market gardens. The usual quiet serenity betrayed by the dull roar coming from the main grounds.

[1/2]

>>40548961

“There.” Ali subtly tilts her head to a woman with vivid auburn hair, and clothed in a pastel cashmere dress and expensive looking matching shoes.

A self-stylized leader who happens to style herself as impeccably as she can.

Ali takes a deep breath before assertively approaching her.

The auburn hair swirl and then the two of you are greeted with a soft face with penetrating blue eyes. “Ahh, Ali, you salty bitch. Do you know how long you’ve kept me waiting here?” Without skipping a beat she turns her attention to you. “She’s pretty, so how do you own her?”

Ali flashes you a look, pleading for you not to kill her, yet.

“Justina, it’s always a pleasure to see your caked face.” Ali indicates toward your direction. “This is Sophia, an…associate.”

“Oh hurry up already, I’m missing the little dolls perform their precious little songs.” Justina looks toward the market dreamily. She then turns back to you impatiently for your introduction. "Well, spit it out already."

>"A pleasure...."

>"Well, looking at your face does put a unpleasant taste in my mouth..."

>Write in.

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1.16 MB JPG

>>40549001
Forgot the picture.

>>40549001
>>"A pleasure...."
Can't throw her under the bus.

>>40549001
>>"A pleasure...."
Make it clear it isn't.

>>40549001
I'm dumbfounded.
guys, help, I don't know how to deal with this level of...
ugh.

>>40549001
>>"A pleasure...."

>>40549001
>"A pleasure...."
Through the most gritted of teeth.

>>40549032
>>40549045
>>40549056
>>40549078
Nice to meet you...Not really.

>Writing~

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>>40549122

“A pleasure…” You extend your hand and when she accepts pull her in close to you. You flash her a glare signaling that it would be a grave mistake for her to continue to degrade you.

She pulls away from you and wipes her hand on her dress. “You’re hardly any fun…”

“She doesn’t want to stoop as low as to meet you.”

The three of you turn to find out who else decided to join you’re little meeting.

A much plainer woman stands there patiently. Her hair a much tamer light-brown, her face contains only the lightest touch of make-up, and her dress is a much more modest piece.

“Ugh, Philomena you scared me going around like a ghost as you always do.” Justina exclaims.

Philomena largely ignores that comment. “Alicia.” She smiles and nods slightly. Her quiet gaze turns to you. “Nice to meet you, Sophia. We’ve heard a little about how you stopped that creature. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you. It’s also ni-“ You begin to return.

“OH! She’s that person?” Justina suddenly interjects. “What exactly did you do with corpse? Wait…you didn’t eat it did you? Oh that’s disgusting.”

You’re beginning to wonder why Ali would bring you to a person who represents almost everything you hate, and then have you not at the very least hurt her.

“Now that the pleasantries are out of the way…” Ali quickly gestures toward a small ornate table that seats exactly four.

The four of you all sit in your unique own way. Other visitors seem to know to steer clear of your area, which makes you curious as to how much power and influence is gathered at this tiny white table.

[1/2]

>>40549746

“Now we’re all eager to return to the festival. But first I will know why you two are here.” Ali leans back in the small chair.

“Don’t you trust us?” Justina giggles and continues. “You’ve collected a delirious amount of children in one area, how could I ever resist not having a taste…”

“If I don’t have your word that no children will go missing by your hand, I will have you vacated from the city.” Ali asserts harshly.
Doesn’t she sound like an upstanding individual?

Justina moans as if in pain. “But I always give them back. Maybe not in one piece…” She sighs and then pouts for a moment. “You have my word.”

Ali shakes her head and turns her attention toward Philomena, her expression softening. “May I ask why you’re here?”

Philomena turns away shyly. “For the food…” She mumbles under her breath.

Seems genuine. But it’s certainly disappointing that you can’t get a read on what makes her so special.

Ali nods her head, her thoughts the same as yours. “I guess we’re done here. Enjoy the rest of the festival.” Ali stands up well before the three of you and begins to head off.

“Where’s my Necromancy tome, Ali?” Justina calls out after her.

“I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about.” Ali replies without missing a beat. “Maybe if you weren’t so fixated on children, you could take better care of your other belongings. Sophia, Philomena, Justina.” Ali bids farewell, and marches back to the festival.

“Lying bitch. It was my first…” Justina promptly stands, as the rest of you do. But she stops and turns to you. “An associate huh? You must be rather important to be allowed to sit with the rest of us…”

Philomena was leaving as well, but it seems those words have stopped her quite soundly.

“What is that you do exactly?” Justina asks with a slight smile.

No reason to announce anything, but if they’re left curious enough, they might look into themselves.

>”I’m an Occultist, just like yourself.”

>Bid them farewell and walk away.

>Write in.

>>40549776
I consult with Ali on matters of the occult. When she pays my price.

>>40549776
>Bid them farewell and walk away.
Make her investigate if she's so curious.

>>40549872
I'll second this.

>>40549872
>>40549907
Exactly as you are.

Getting back to the festival.

>Writing~

I'm grateful that now we have someone that knows how to deal with social problems in our quests. More creative and clever answers are quite benificial.

>>40549922

“When Ali’s willing to pay my price, I act as a consultant on matters of the Occult.” You reply curtly and prepare to leave.

“Is that so?” Justina comments with a note of genuine interest. “I think we’ll meet again, Sophia. I’m sure I’ll be more than able to pay your price.”

“I look forward to it.” You respond through gritted teeth, and turn to say your good-bye to Philomena, but she’s already walked off.

“Bye-bye now.” Justina says as she slides past you.

Two more contenders hmm? Hopefully they’ll at the very least have something interesting to show you.

The late afternoon sky cast a wistful light upon the whole garden. You linger only for a moment before making your way back to where you promised you’d meet up with Izu and Aya.

~
The festival has calmed down quite a bit as most of the younger children have already worn themselves out. The music playing is a more relaxing tune compared to this morning, combined with the colorful lights being lit as the night approaches, the whole mood is terribly romantic.
Izu still appears to have the exact amount of energy as when you left this morning, but Aya appears to be in the mood for something slower-paced.

You opt to take Izu for the rest of the festival since he still has more he wants to see. It would be a waste to tag along with Matthias and Aya with all that romantic air around.

You mainly watch as he plays whatever games he can before all the entertainment stands close for the night. But he does get you to play a simple ring toss game, and laughs gleefully as you manage to somehow miss every single shot. The attendee offered you a consolation prize, but you certainly didn’t take it.

Izu however dominates the game in your stead, and decides for a well-crafted wooden play sword to be his prize. He’s suddenly challenged by another young boy, and the two of them spar enthusiastically.

“Come on.” The young boy’s mother interrupts their match. “We have to get a spot for the fireworks.”

[1/?]

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>>40550658

With a small bit of sadness the boy dutifully listens. “What are fireworks?” You hear him ask as they join the crowds all making their way to the same viewing area.

The whole day has been unusually pleasant, but you can’t help but feel antsy. This whole attempt at stability feels wrong for you, but you’ve done your best to enjoy yourself, if nothing else for Izu’s sake.

“We can’t let all the good spots get taken.” You firmly state to the boy as he returns to you.

He smiles at your words and grabs your hand. “Follow me.”

He charges through the crowds with you in tow, often looking back to make sure you’re not tired of running.

People laugh and chatter about the two of you forcing your way to the front, but you don’t care, you’re having fun.

By the end of it all, the two of you are nearly at the front of the designated viewing area. An immense crowd fills in all around as everyone settles with their food, friends, and families to watch something that hasn’t been seen in so many years.

The excitement buzzes through the crowd as operators in the distance begin to make their way upon the towering scaffolding constructed as bases for the fireworks. In the foreground of it all, stands an impressive ship float, surrounded by the hundreds of papercrafts that the local children so diligently made.

Izu leans against you sleepily as the sun crosses the horizon, leaving only a small lingering amount of dark blue light in the sky.

[2/3]

>>40550658
>>40550689
Maybe introduce a male character that's worth a shit sometime?

90% of your characters are female. And any of worth are female. Just sayin.

>>40550689

The torches around the float light up at the exact same time, signaling to the crowd that it’s almost time to begin…

…

The crowd has been reduced to a quiet but excited hum, as everyone continues to wait patiently for the final signal.

Finally, an elegantly dressed Ali appears on a small constructed podium and stiffly begins her commencement.

“I won’t keep you good people waiting for long!” She announces to great cheer and applause. “But allow me to say that it is my honor to serve all of you. We all worked hard to bring ourselves back from the savagery of what the world has become. We must continue to work together if we will rebuild what we once had. WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT!” She shouts at the top of her lungs and receives a deafening roar of approval. “With further delay! Let the world see our answer to extinction!”

The crowd gasps as she lowers her hand. The final signal…

Nothing, the crowd begins murmuring. Perhaps wondering if this is just for dramatic effect, but then stop when something catches their ears.

Clapping.

A single pair of hands clapping upon the ship float.

“Beautiful speech! But I’m afraid the fireworks are going to have to wait”

You bolt to your feet at the sight of who stands upon that float.

Sayuline towers over the crowd in a long dark dress, and her contrasting companion next to her in a stark white dress, Carmina.

~

>>40550705
You're entitled to your opinion, and perhaps you might be getting a better gender balance sooner than you think.

>>40550721

Okay, that's where I'm going to end it for tonight. Quite the eventful run tonight and I want to thank mostly everyone who played tonight! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the thread and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you a good day/night, and hope to see you again next time!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>40550705
Your opinion/10
Laurent would be a great husbando, and Matthias is a bro.

>>40550806
Mathias is ok. Laurent hasn't been relevant since sayuline summoned those things.

>>40550721
>Sayuline towers over the crowd in a long dark dress, and her contrasting companion next to her in a stark white dress, Carmina.

Aw shiieeeet what
what
time to panic


>>40550782
thx 4 runin budi gud thred

>>40550782
Thanks for running!
Was I fool for believing that the fluffy times would continue on forever?

>>40550844
You're very welcome!
>>40550876
You're also very welcome! You're not a fool, perhaps you were just extremely optimistic?

>>40550721
Wait.
uh, what.

That women...
And carmina?
what the fuck?

Guess that's it for tonight. Until next time!

>>40550905
People gonna die

>>40550721
Its a good thing sealing is nowhere near as flashy as pyromancy

>>40553377
.....can we fire the fireworks at Sayuline? It'll be a good cover for our pyromancy later.