>>43411355
[2/2]

At this juncture, Sumire steps out of your room. All of you look over at her. “What’s all the noise about?” she complains. When she sees your situation, she immediately pauses. “… oh.” She steps back inside the room. Knives motions for a pair of soldiers to grab her. They quickly step inside the room. And in the next minute they are blasted out of it, and sent dropping down into the cargo hold.

> MAGICAL GIRL LIGHTNING! <

She bursts out of the room and throws her naginata like a mighty javelin. It spears one of the Stosstruppen and impales him against the wall. “Liberty!” screams Lightning. You blink. That’s it.

You push Knives off of you, sending her flying through the metal wall.

> MAGICAL GIRL LIBERTY! <

Bomber bursts out of her room, carrying Sacky on her back. “What!? What’s going on!?” She raises a pair of 1911s, ready to battle. “How did the Nazis get in here!?”

You blink, then look at Knives, who is busy recuperating from your push. You charge through the wall, spinning up your mighty shields. She blinks, then strafes out of the way. Lightning busts through the wall into the room, and charges at her. Again she simply flips right over Lightning. Bomber’s turn, she tries for a double tap of her pistols. But she quickly steps to the side and slices the barrels right off. And in one smooth motion she kicks Bomber and Sacky down into the cargo bay. You and Lightning quickly get on either side of her on the catwalk. “You’re not winning today,” you growl.

She scoffs. “Hmph.” She sticks her fingers between her lips, and whistles loudly. The ceiling of the Zeppelin explodes open. More of Knives’ goons drop in by rope, wielding upgraded anti-magic rifles and weaponry.

You need to…

> Get the Atlas to safety
> Secure the Spirit of Fire, at all costs
> Run for your lives
> Other

>>43411402
>Secure the Spirit of Fire, at all costs

>>43411402
>Secure the Spirit of Fire, at all costs

>>43411402
>Secure the Spirit of Fire, at all costs
Within reason, naturally. Don't lose the Atlas in the process.

>>43411402
>Secure the Spirit of Fire, at all costs
Ayup

>>43411402
>Get the Atlas to safety
The spirit may be important, but the Atlas is even more important.

> Secure the Spirit of Fire, at all costs

“Defend the Zeppelin, go!” You push Lightning away. When she takes another gander at all of the Nazis storming the castle, she has to relent and leave Knives to you.

“Oooh, just you and me… AND MY GUARDS!” She yells. A pair of large looking troopers down in front of Knives. They wear heavy plate armor, and stark gasmasks with glowing blue lenses cover their faces. And in their hands they wield MG-81zs with enough firepower to level a small cityblock. On their backs they wear ammunition cans that feed right into the guns themselves. “Get her!” commands Knives.

“Jawohl!” they both yell, charging up their guns.

> VERNICHTER STOSSTRUPPEN <
> Elite Support Infantry of the New Magisch Korps <

Your shields block their raking fire. Bullets bounce and disintegrate right off the magic of your shields. You can just feel yourself getting pushed back by the sheer amount of firepower being brought to bear against you. This must be what it’s like to be a redskin during the Indian Wars. Good to have some amount of perspective. You look around to find Kirby, where did he go!?

Suddenly, you see him peek out of your room, nodding to you. Knives looks back. “Hey! Alarm!” she yells. The two Devastators look back and try to fire on Kirby. Their shots are met again by a great magical shield blocking their way into the room with the Atlas. Yes! Thank you, Kirby! Knives knocks against it, yelling in frustration.

[1/2]

>>43412058
[2/2]

Here’s your chance. You charge at one of the troopers, knocking him over the railing. He screams as he drops into a group of barrels. They explode in burst of flame and gas. The Zeps emergency sprinklers immediately turn on, dousing you all in water. The other Devastator quickly tries to level his cumbersome machine gun on you. But you quickly smack it down, and then nail him in the face. He falls over, down for the count.

“I really should invest in better soldiers, next time I’ll just kidnap some Russians instead,” she says. She quickly runs away, uncharacteristically even. Where does she think she’s going!? You quickly run after her. She drops down onto the loading deck, then signals for more Stosstruppen to come up into the Zeppelin. They charge in, swarming over the scant Zeppelin crew.

Dang it, dang it, if she keeps getting more troops in… You look back to see Lightning, busy with fighting more Stosstruppen. Bomber meanwhile executes a Nazi on the ground, still having Sacky ride on her back.

> Combo with Bomber
> Combo with Lightning
> Forget it, you’ll block the breach yourself
> Other

>>43412077
>Combo with Bomber
Remind the Germans why trench warfare was such a thing and why "no man's land" still exists.

>>43412077
> Forget it, you’ll block the breach yourself
STRONK

>>43412077
>Combo with Bomber
Time for GUNS!

>>43412077
>Combo with Bomber
Seems like she needs it more with sacky on her.

File: Bomber.png (149 KB, 500x1000)

149 KB PNG

> Combo with Bomber

“Bomber!” She turns over to you. “Combo up!” She nods, pulling out a K98k bolt action rifle out of her skirt. A platoon of Stosstruppen rush at you, raising stun prods and anti-magic machetes, ready to take you to town. “Now!” You quickly throw your shields around them. They stop, confused by your sudden inaccuracy. Normally, you’d hit them with the darn things. But not today.

Bomber fires. The bullet smacks into one shield and ricochets. Only a few seconds, and the bullet ricochets between your shields. And between your shields are some very unlucky troopers. They fall over dead as if struck by the hand of God almighty. Your shields spin back and return to your hands. You turn back, smiling. “Nice work!” she says. “Look out!”

You turn back just in time to see Knives slash. You flinch. Suddenly there’s a stinging pain at your cheek. She just cut your cheek with one of those knives. She quickly licks the blood off the knife, grinning mercilessly. Bomber raises her rifle again, firing. Knives jumps away, dodging. She quickly hops down the loading ramp of the Zeppelin, out of sight. Damn it. You look back to see Lightning slicing apart the last trooper. “Okay, we gotta get out of here now!” you yell. Captain Kozminsky arrives on one of the upper catwalks with what’s left of the crew. “Captain, get the ship going now!”

[1/2]

>>43412728
[2/2]

“Da!” he says. “Quick! Turn on the engines!” They rush over to the bridge.

“Liberty!” Bomber waves you offer to the ramp. “Look.” All of you run over to her, and see what she’s pointing at. Down the runway, accompanied by a pair of light Panzer IIs, is Otto. Behind him are halftracks of the Magisch Korps, filled to burst with more troopers. Where does Knives get all these people!?

> OTTO VON BISMARCK <
> Armored Poltergeist <

“Well, that’s just great!” yells Lightning. “We won’t have a chance at take off with him coming at us!”

> “Go. I’ll cover your escape.”
> “I’m taking my chances, we need to book it!”
> “All of us together can buy time for the Zeppelin to get of here!”
> Other

>>43412743
> “All of us together can buy time for the Zeppelin to get of here!”

>>43412743
> Other
Bomber, tell me you have ANY explosive ordnance to deal with those transport or at least blow up the runway to stall them?

>>43412743
>> “Go. I’ll cover your escape.”
Seems the most likely to succeed

>>43412743
> “Go. I’ll cover your escape.”
Heroic Libby!

>>43412952
>>43413015
Libby's just gonna get captured AGAIN and get sent to a German work camp AGAIN and get molested by Knives AGAIN. We know how this shit works.

>>43412743
>>43412879
This sounds good to me.

>>43413046
Pffft, Libby can do it! She's the best!

> “Go. I’ll cover your escape.”

“Go, I’ll cover you.”

“This again!?” yells Lightning. “You won’t last five minutes out there!”

“Five minutes is all you need!” You drop down onto the dusty runway. “Now go!” You leave Lightning and Bomber behind. Time is what you need now. And if you can just distract them long enough for the Atlas to get away, your mission is done. Otto von Bismarck steps up to you, charging up his great big assault cannon. You bring your shields up just in time. His shots nearly knock you right into the ground. They bounce, deflect, or even explode off of your magic shields. Good, good, keep them off the Zeppelin. You look back to see it slowly rising into the air. The repairs aren’t fully complete, and they are on a reduced crew. But they are getting away.

You turn back to see Otto has closed the distance. Uh oh. He smashes his fist down. With a swipe to the left, you dodge, and with a swipe to the right you whack his leg. He buckles down, damaged but not defeated. He fires another burst from his cannon, sending you back to a more appropriate fighting distance for him. The Panzer IIs stop up next to him, then start pelting you with 20mm shells. Your shield blocks them nicely, neatly, but keep on pushing you further and further back.

You look back again to see the Zeppelin starting to speed away. Yes! They’ve made it! Excellent! You start stepping backwards. Now that you think about it, it might not have been the best decision to go here yourself. What if you get captured? Torture by Knives is never fun.

But back then, torture by Knives was restricted by Engelhardt.

You think you’ve made a serious mistake.

[1/2]

>>43413586
[2/2]

Suddenly, Otto again gains his second wind and tries to strike at you. He succeeds this time, knocking you backward. You roll to a crouch, only a little dazed but not beaten. Now you’re facing the remaining might of the Magisch Korps by yourself. Knives has done it this time, this is nearly an invasion of Australian soil she’s committing! You take a deep breath, then prepare yourself again.

Knives steps up, flanked by a pair of Devastators. “It’s over, Liberty! Your friends might have escaped, but you haven’t!”

You grit your teeth. Just because you aren’t escaping doesn’t mean you intend to surrender.

Suddenly, one of the Devastators is struck by lightning. He falls over, smoldering like charcoal. You look to your left to see Lightning. Lightning!? “Wh- What are you doing here!?”

“I’m sick of you doing this! You don’t pay me enough to bail you out of these jams!”

Knives points to you two. “Get them!” Otto charges, backed up by a full company of soldiers and two tanks.

> Run
> Attack
> Other

>>43413602
> Attack
In theory, it should be safer

>>43413602
>Run
You'd think the Aussies who were watching Koz would've reported a GERMAN INVASION by now and have responded in force.

>>43413602
>Attack

>>43413634
They've sent their finest emus.

>>43413602
>> Run
Discretion is the better part of valour.

>>43413602
> Run

>>43413602

Hold on, where the hell are Saber and Court Sword?

>>43413602
> Run
>>43413634
Prolly relaxing, who would predict German infiltration of Australia after all?

>>43413602

> Attack
Not exactly sure what the surrounding terrain looks like, but something tells me we don't have enough cover. The best strategy is to strafe in such a way that troops will risk cross fire.

>>43413800
Still in the "brig" in the zepp.

>>43413878
Well, supposed to be at least...

>>43413928

Just saying, when the psychotic serial killer who's held your sister and you captive for months on end shows up to bear her ass, are you really going to sit quietly in your cell and hope she doesn't blow you both up?

> Run

“Run, run!” You grab Lightning’s hand and start running. You project a shield behind the two of you as they begin pelting you with cannon fire. “Why did you come back for me, Lightning!?” Admittedly, it makes your heart flutter that Lightning would risk life and limb for you.

“Because I know for a fact that I’m getting a raise out of this if I save you!” she says quickly. Your face scrunches up in disgust. Absolutely disgusting. “I do get a raise, right!?” You shake your head at her. “… why did I come back then?” she asks.

“Lightning!” you whine.

“Ah whatever, it’s your bank!” she shouts. A rocket impacts in front of you. The two of you quickly leap the impact crater. The Zep is already in full motion but is beginning to… drop!? It’s coming back for you!? You grit your teeth, groaning. The loading ramp drops open, revealing Bomber and a pair of crewman. A rope is tossed down for the two of you. It’s a fair distance but you’re going to have to try.

“Come on!” screams Bomber. “Grab on!” The rope whips and swipes across the ground as the two of you close in on it. The Zeppelin is beginning to pick up speed. You just have to grab it! Suddenly, an explosion rocks the Spirit of Fire. “No!” shrieks Bomber. The engines tilt downward, propelling the Zeppelin upward and out of your grasp. The two of you keep on running. Guess coming back is now out of the question.

Suddenly, a shot sneaks in below your shield. Lightning gets grazed in the leg and she falls over on her face. “Lightning!” You stop and reach down for her. She whines a little as she holds her leg. “Come on, come on! We gotta go, we gotta go!”

[1/2]

>>43414356
[2/2]

Suddenly, another rocket blasts the two of you. You go flying right into the dirt, saved only by the magic of your shield. Lightning rolls by you, unconscious. You groan, rolling onto your back and sitting up. A Panzer II speeds past you, then drifts to a stop, pointing its main cannon down on you. Otto as while catches up, whirring his cannon as he aims it down on you two. Knives steps up to you, grinning as she’s backed up by a group of Stosstruppen. “You lose,” she says simply. Lightning slowly stirs, but she is immediately grabbed by a pair of troopers.

“Ah! Let me go!” she yells. More grab you before you can stop them. Stun prods get jabbed into your chest, aiming to take as much fight out of the two of you as possible. “Ah! You little-“

A German Officer walks alongside Knives, shouting at her in German. Whatever it was, he did not sound happy. Maybe it was the fact that they brought military assets on foreign territory. Maybe it was the illegal extradition of fugitives. Whatever it was, he was not happy one bit. But Knives simply ignored him, then stepped closer to you. “So. Where’s the Atlas going?”

You spit in her eye. She flinches, grimacing a little. “I’m not telling you anything, and neither is Lightning.” Lightning continues to struggle, kicking and screaming.

She quirks her brow, smirking a bit. “Really?” She folds her arms. “Tell you what, Liberty. I am feeling generous today! I can let you both go and be free with the Atlas, ja? I don’t need you two. Well, except you, Liberty. I very much need you for different reasons.” You stare at her, confused. What? She’s not capturing you? “All I ask for though is one thing.”

[2/3]

File: Knives.jpg (206 KB, 387x819)

206 KB JPG

>>43414386
[3/3]

You squint. “What?”

“A kiss.” She holds out her cheek. “Right here.” She taps it with her finger, grinning, cocking her head. Lightning stares at you, having stopped her fighting to look on in disgust. “And if you refuse. Well, it’s the usual deal. Except this time…” She leans in closer, her breath lingering on your face. “Lady Engelhardt will not be around to save you.”

…

> It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss.
> Go to hell.
> Other

>>43414409
>It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss.
Just a kiss and we can book it?

Sounds like a fucking bargain right there.

>>43414409
>Go to hell.
Libby ain't so cheap.

>>43414386
>It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss.

>>43414409

> "I hate you."
> It's just a kiss. Do it for Lightning.

>>43414409
>> It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss.
If Lightning wasn't there I'd go with the other option. Who knows what'd happen to her, as Knives certainly doesn't need her around.

>>43414409
> It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss.
Ffff

>>43414409
> Go to hell.

> It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss.

It’s just a kiss. She’ll let you go. It’s just a kiss. You’ll have to do it for Lightning. You hiss at Knives. “I hate you.” She smirks a little, presenting her cheek. You quickly lean in.

Right into her lips. She immediately forces herself upon you. You yell into her mouth, then bite down on the tongue she was trying to get through. She yells in pain, but doesn’t fight it, if anything she loves it. You let go and spit her in eye again. That pervert! She laughs, brushing her hand across your cheek. “Why thank you,” she says, smacking her lips and licking them lustfully. You feel sick. “Drop them.” The soldiers drop you two down to the ground. “I consider myself a woman of my word. You fulfilled your end.” The sirens get louder in the distance. “Oh dear. The police are probably going to notice their dead comrades. Let’s go.” Everyone quickly begins dispersing. Knives herself waves her fingers at you as she mounts her Command Car. Otto looks over you two, then turns around and follows everyone as they retreat out of sight.

Lightning crawls over to you, panting heavily. “Christine. A-… are-“

You hold out your hand. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Lightning worryingly looks at you, reaching out to you. “Lightning, no-“ You slap her hand down. “Just… I need a minute, okay?” She nods, leaning away. The police finally arrives, flashing their lights and sirens. The Nazis are long gone though. And as for you two, you’re back into your regular clothing, back to being your regular selves.

You can still taste her on your lips. You quickly grab some dirt and rub it onto your mouth, grimacing.

[1/2]

>>43415221
[2/2]

-

-

You were already back in the states by the very next day. A plane was chartered for you and Lightning, and by the evening of tomorrow you were back being debriefed by Operator #5 in the LA Outpost. “Captain Kozminsky’s craft is under investigation considering how… easily the Major let you two go. We believe she may have snuck some sort of tracking device aboard the Zeppelin, and deliberately allowed it to escape. But as for why she didn’t capture you two, I am simply astounded.”

You nod. Sumire takes your flank, still looking at you with that worried look on her face. “Yeah. Me too.”

“Nazi High Command is in a rage over the Korps actions, and the incident the Korps has inspired is showing us that this may be the final straw for them. We'll have to see. For now, Kozminsky and his crew are under protective custody. If there is a tracking device aboard the Spirit of Fire, we will find it. For now, in your absence, the Atlas is here in the LA outpost awaiting transfer to a more secure location. Doctor Savage and the Messengers will be glad to know that it is safe.”

“Thank you,” you say. “Is there anything else, Operator?”

“Doctor Kalbfleischer has already arrived in this outposts medical bay. He will be here to run a check up on you to see if surgical removal of the Shard is possible. For now however, I would recommend you take a rest. It seems this mission may have taken quite a bit from you. I will be in touch.” The TV screen shuts off. You look down, then begin walking to the exit.

“So…” Sumire steps next to you, smiling a little. “Did you want to go to a baseball game?”

“Not now, Sumire,” you mutter. She frowns a little. “Look, I’m sorry if I’m being abrasive but I don’t… I don’t feel like baseball right now. I just want to get that kiss out of my head and be done with it.”

[2/3]

>>43415280
[3/3]

“Yeah, yeah, I understand,” she says. “Don’t worry. I mean, I’m here if you need me for anything, Libby.” You nod.

Ugh, what to do, what to do?

> Visit the Brig. Sabre, Court Sword, and a revived Rapier were transferred there for now.
> Work out your frustrations in the gym.
> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer. Might as well get it over with.
> Other

>>43415306
> Work out your frustrations in the gym.

>>43415306
>> Work out your frustrations in the gym.
Imagine that punching bag to be Knives.

>>43415306

> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.
> The Doc probably has mouth wash.

>>43415306
>Work out your frustrations in the gym.
Christine is going to turn her knuckles bloody from punching the sandbag so much.

>>43415306
> Visit the Brig. Sabre, Court Sword, and a revived Rapier were transferred there for now.

>>43415306
>Visit the Brig. Sabre, Court Sword, and a revived Rapier were transferred there for now.
Maybe they taste better.

File: Lightning.png (180 KB, 540x1080)

180 KB PNG

> Work out your frustrations in the gym.

-

-

The sound of your punches smashing and crushing the sandbag hanging from the ceiling echo through the gym. It’s mostly empty for now, save for you and Sumire. Rana as well came in too, talking about Sacky who’s now being taken under the wing of messenger Posonby. That’s good. And getting the Atlas too, that’s great too. If they find a tracking device on the Spirit of Fire though, that means they’ll know about the LA outpost’s location. And if Knives is bold enough to attack foreign ground to get to you, who knows how far she’ll go to get the Atlas. You sigh. You can’t wait to get the chance to repay that kiss she forced on you. Another punch cracks through the air. This sandbag is Knives. You can see her face bruised and bloodied, swollen by your repeated attack. She’s no longer begging for you to keeping, she’s begging for you stop. And you’re not listening. Another punch, you give her another one, and another, and another.

Finally, the sandbag gives away, spilling grains all over the floor. The canvas bag tears itself apart under the weight. You slip it off the hook and toss it away into the pile of old ones, then grab a new one next to Sumire and Rana. “How are you feeling, Christine?” asks Rana.

“I’m fine,” you say. You hook the bag to the ceiling, then get punching away again. You can’t even feel your hands at this point right now. Sumire and Rana look at you, worried.

Then Kirby appears. “Liberty. I see you are not in Doctor Kalbfleischer’s office. Is something the matter?”

“No,” you say. You stop, sighing deeply. “What do you want, Kirby?”

[1/2]

>>43416154
[2/2]

“I don’t care that she did that to me,” you say. “I care that she beat me.” You punch the bag again. “It could’ve gone much more badly than it did.” You punch it again. “And I am not going to let it happen again. Not by a long shot. If she wants to invade the US just to get some stupid magic book, then let her. I’ll cave her darn skull in.”

Kirby stares at you. “I can see you’re angry.”

You stop, then look over at him. “Gee. You think?”

“I would advise calm.” You can feel something twitch at your head, probably a vein. But no, you’re not going to burst. He’s just trying to help. “If it makes you feel better, we have received reports that Nazi Germany no longer supports the Magisch Korps.” Is that so? “They are now international fugitives, all of them.”

“Nice,” says Sumire. “See? Knives is going to run those idiots into the ground. We won.”

You plant your hand on the punching bag. “No, all we’ve done is create a power vacuum. The Korps gonna get replaced by something. Probably something worse. We have to keep on our guard.” You look at Kirby. “Isn’t that right?”

“It is a reasonable assumption.”

[2/3]

>>43416174
[3/3]

Sumire leans back, rolling her eyes. “Can’t you enjoy the peace for like five minutes, Libby?” You almost snap at her, then quickly stop yourself. No, no. Don’t snap. You shake your head. “Look, we won.” She stands up, smiling. “Mission accomplished!” She walks over to you, then pats you on the shoulder. She and you notice that you flinch at that. “… Ah.”

“Sorry,” you say quickly. She shrugs, understanding.

“Well, tell you what,” says Sumire. “You stay here. Me and Rana are gonna get some ice cream!” Rana’s eyes brighten, and the two quickly walk out of the room, eager to get some of the sweet cool ice cream to eat. You shake your head, then walk over and sit down on the bench. You take a drink from the canteen and pat Kirby on the head as he sits down next to you.

“I believe you did a good job, considering the circumstances,” he says. You nod a little, trying to agree. “You do not agree?”

“Huh?” you look over at him.

“When you lie, you blush slightly,” he says. … you do? “Do you not agree?”

“Well…”

> “I could’ve done better.”
> “Well, what’s it to you?”
> “A year ago, I would’ve had the Atlas locked down. Now look at me.”
> Other

>>43416196
> “I could’ve done better.”

>>43416196
>> “A year ago, I would’ve had the Atlas locked down. Now look at me.”
Libby's getting soft.

>>43416196
>“I could’ve done better.”
The operation was compromised several times over. The Magisch Korps outstepped us every single step of the way. We've yet to take down any of their superweapons like Otto. Knives personally humiliated us, all for the sake of her psychotic, misguided and honestly frightening obsession with us.

We're not supposed to be here. They had us dead to rights. We're supposed to be dead right now.

>>43416196

> "A year ago, I would've had that Atlas locked down. Now look at me."

>>43416196
> “A year ago, I would’ve had the Atlas locked down. Now look at me.”

>>43416303
Keep in mind that this is the Korps WITHOUT Engelhardt. Had they been actually competent and had funding, we would've been far worse off. The fact we got shown up this badly by stragglers is rather telling.

>>43416303
To be fair the Magisch Korps will appear anywhere at the worst possible time due to Deus Ex Machina anon, not much to do about that.

>>43416303
Did I mention we have nightmares about Knives now?

>>43416307

> "I'm only sitting here because Knives was too crazy to finish the job, Kirby."
> "If it had been anyone else with their finger on the trigger, Lightning and me, well, we'd..."
> "The worst part is knowing that the Korps has been stepping all over their own toes this entire time, but their still beating us to the punch left and right."
> "What the hell happened, Kirby? When did I get this... soft?

Being Libby is suffering.

>>43416560
One of our best friends is a mercernary who openly states several times over that she values money more than us.

I think that was our first clue.

>>43416589
That's just her way of telling she loves Libby.

> “A year ago, I would’ve had the Atlas locked down. Now look at me.”

“A year ago, Kirby, I would’ve had the Atlas locked down. I would’ve sent Knives and her band of krauts packing. That girl, Tiny, would never have been a threat. Now look at me.” You motion to yourself. “The only reason I’m sitting here is because Knives doesn’t want to kill me, she wants me to suffer. What happened to me, Kirby?” Kirby looks down, apparently unsure of what to say. “I’ve gone soft, haven’t I?”

“Under the circumstances, you have performed admirably, Liberty.” He tilts his head. “I do not understand why one defeat seems important to you. Everyone gets defeated once in life. Those who do not cannot claim to be invincible.” What the hell is he talking about? “Do you remember your dream, where you explained the concepts of baseball to me?”

“A little bit.” That was a nice dream. Kirby is quite the good student. You probably talked for hours about baseball to him. Everything from the best players to the crack of the bat, to tracking statistics of certain players was part of it. “Why?”

“You told me that every player goes through a slump. Even the fabled Babe Ruth had a slump at least once in their prime.” He tilts his head again. “Perhaps this is just a slump.” Slump, huh? You’re honestly not sure about that. It’s an optimistic statement. It implies that you can come back from this. “Every Magical Girl’s power trails off as they grow older. But you, Liberty. You still have many years of power ahead of you. Do not let recent events color your thoughts.”

You bite your lip, thinking on it. He could be right you guess. “Well, thanks, Kirby.” He crawls onto your lap, and like a cat he wags his tail and cozies up. This must be his way of comforting you. You have to admit, it’s working on you. You pet him, stroking his magical fur and smiling. “Really, just… thanks.”

“No need to thank me,” he says quickly. “Do you feel better now?”

“A little,” you say.

[1/2]

>>43417011
[2/2]

He looks up at you. “Good. It is like you said, this is not over yet. The Magisch Korps will come for the Atlas. And you need to be in top mental condition to win. You could have the most powerful weapons in the world, but you need to have the sense of mind to use them.” Fair point. “Keep yourself sane, Liberty.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you mutter.

Sumire and Rana bust in, holding a tub of ice cream. “Who wants ice cream!?” yells Sumire. You chuckle a little as Sumire drops a bowl and spoonful of icecream next to you. “Hey, you’re looking better.” She looks down at Kirby. “What did he tell you?”

> “All your deepest darkest secrets.”
> “Just what I needed.”
> “Nothing special.”
> Other

>>43417028
>“All your deepest darkest secrets.”

>>43417028
>“Just what I needed.”

>>43417028
> “All your deepest darkest secrets.”

>>43417028
>> “All your deepest darkest secrets.”

>>43417028
> “Nothing special.”

>>43417028
>“All your deepest darkest secrets.”

>>43417028

> All you deepest darkest secrets.
Hoping he lets one slip just to reinforce our point.

>>43417028
>> “All your deepest darkest secrets.”
Money is only the second-most important thing in the world for you!

> “All your deepest darkest secrets.”

“Oh, only all of your deepest darkest secrets, Sumire.” She looks at you with a somewhat disgusted and somewhat confused look. “Isn’t that right, Kirby?”

Sumire points at you, sitting down next to you. Rana sits on the other side of you, giggling a little. “I see you blushing, Libby. I see what you’re doing. I don’t like being bullied you know.” She quickly scoops up some ice cream and stuffs it into her mouth. The melting cream already gets all over cheeks and lips. “That’s just wrong.”

Rana smiles, patting you on the back. “Glad to see you’re feeling so much better, Christine.” You smile back at Rana, confirming that most of your negative feelings have been assuaged. “So what dirty secrets does Sumire have, Kirby?” She looks down at Kirby, eager to find out.

“Well, Lightning is self-conscious about her-“ Sumire dumps a scoop of ice cream on top of his head.

“Shut up, cat.” Kirby’s silence as ice cream melts over his head is too much. You just have to laugh at it. “Aw come on!” shouts Sumire. “Does making me feel bad really make you feel better?”

[1/2]

>>43417663
[2/2]

“Sorry, Sumire.” You take up a rag and then wipe her cheek clean. “I’m just having fun with you.” You squint. “What are you self-conscious about?” It can’t be the money. It can’t be her butt, she certainly seems proud of that. Is it her hair? Or maybe her race? You’d be self-conscious too if you were born a Jap.

“Yeah, yeah, let’s not.” she says quickly. She starts digging into her ice cream even more. You as well take in the sweet delicious flavors of the ice cream. Good flavor. “Anyway, so you feeling better?” You nod, smiling proudly at her. “Good, good…” She sucks on her spoon, licking it clean. “So. We gonna take about my raise?”

“No,” you say quickly, your smile dropping. “We pay you to be smart and to fight, not to be reckless.”

“Hmph, I guess I won’t bail your ass out of another jam like that then,” she says indignantly. You and Rana stare at her, with an expression that just says, “Really?” She shrugs. “Just saying, I don’t have to be there for you all of the time. I could find some other place else to work!”

Kirby says, “Then why have you refused all other letters of offers in your mail?” Sumire immediately goes deep red, then grabs Kirby and shakes him furiously.

“Shut uuuup!” Sumire screams into a very deadpan and expressionless Kirby.

> Laugh, laugh at her.
> Awww.
> Eat Ice Cream
> Other

>>43417687
> Awww.

>>43417687
>> Laugh, laugh at her.
>> Awww.
Your bust, right? It's your bust?

>>43417687
>awwww

>>43417687
> Awww.
BFF!

>>43417687
>Awww.
"If it really is your bust, they're the right size for me"

>>43417687
>Awww.

>>43417687

> All of the above.
> Also, blushing, blushing a lot.

> Awww.

You grin proudly. “Awww! Sumire!” Rana as well giggles loudly, holding her cheeks in glee.

“Ah shut up!” She throws Kirby into a pile of weights, harmlessly. Sumire crosses her arms, pouting furiously. “It’s real nice that Americans can come together to pick on minorities like me! Hmph!” She turns away, continuing to eat her ice cream. “Whatever, you guys are such children. I only refused because it’d be really hard to move!” she says quickly. “Whatever!”

You gently pat Sumire on the head. “Don’t worry, Sumire. I like you just the way you are.” And just because of that, you have to remind yourself that Sumire is going to get that raise. You just have to clear it with Operator #5. You scoop up more ice cream to eat.

“Hmph. You’d probably like me better if I were Anneliese, that way you could baby me like a doll,” she says. She’s… not very wrong. That sounds pretty dreamy. But no, you’re not here to baby anyone. Sumire is just such a child with no real manner. “You hear from Anneliese though, guys?”

Rana raises her hand. “I have. She tells me she just finished her business out at Atlantropa. She’s already coming back to the States. We might get to see her tomorrow!” Honestly, you’d love to see Anneliese again. She’s come so far since you saved her from the Magisch Korps. Seeing her again would really light up your heart just a little after what happened earlier. And it would be nice to have her be part of your lineup again too after all the solo work she’s done.

You place down your empty bowl. “I’m gonna go for a few more rounds.” She points to you and Sumire. “By the way. Operator #5 wants us to stay here for the night just to be safe. The Zep’s in the neighborhood too in case we need to respond quick.” They both nod, attentive to business. Alright, alright. After a round with the bag, what should you do?

> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.
> Visit the Brig, check on the Prisoners.
> Head to sleep, early to bed, early to rise.
> Other

>>43418118
> Visit the Brig, check on the Prisoners.

>>43418118
>Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.
Let's get this over with already.

>>43418118
>Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.

>>43418118
>Visit the Brig, check on the Prisoners.

>>43418118
> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.

>>43418118

> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer

>>43418118
>Visit the Brig, check on the Prisoners.

>>43418118
>> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.

>>43418118
>> Visit the Brig, check on the Prisoners.

>>43418118
> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.

> Visit Doctor Kalbfleischer.

-

-

Sumire and Rana are in the same room with you and Doctor K as he performs his checkup. He had you strip out of his clothes and wear a medical robe. You suppose it’s alright, but you do feel a little exposed as he pokes and prods every bit of your body. “Mhm.” He writes a few things down in his clipboard. You hate to admit this, but Doctor K reminds you a lot of your father. Just the way he takes notes on your physical wellbeing takes you back to being a kid. “Ja…” Well, except for Dad not being a kraut of course. There are some good krauts though, Anneliese, Honus Wagner, uh… hm. “Right, open your mouth, bitte.” You open your mouth wide, then look over at a very amused Sumire and Rana. You squint at them, giving them a slight glare. “Ja… und tell me, Liberty. How have you been feeling with ze Shard inside your chest?”

“Fine, I guess,” you say. “Have you checked on the prisoners though?”

“Oh, ja, ja. Was first thing they sent me to do when I arrived.” He scratches his chin. “The short one, the one called Court. Poor little thing. Her big sister tells me the mean Major would dress her up as you and uh…” You stare at him, shaking your head. “Nein, I won’t continue. But uh, they are fine for now. They have suffered slight atrophy from the stupefaction but no lasting side effects. In good health, just as you are as well.”

“Great,” you say. “So that means you can remove the Shard then.”

“I didn’t say that.” He quickly flips through pages on his clipboard. “Let me be blunt with you, ja? The Shard is a very delicate piece of anti-magic. Nearly pure anti-magic in its form. Removing it runs the risk of awakening its dormant power, which could at best completely wipe you of your powers. At worst, it will induce a coma that you will be fully awake for but be unable to be awoken from.” Oh. That sounds bad. “So ja. I have reviewed your father’s notes, very complete, very informative on the subject. But so far… removal could be difficult.”

>>43418647
[2/2]

Kirby appears next to you. “But is it possible?”

“Very much so,” he says. “I have done worse surgeries I suppose.”

Sumire raises her hand. “Doc.” Doctor K looks over at her, curiously. “Can you do it without killing her?”

“I can’t guarantee it,” he says. “Honestly, I am confident in my abilities. And the Messengers are very helpful with understanding how magic works and how anti-magic works as well but…” He scratches at his nose, sighing. “Liberty. I will be candid. Do you feel any different with that Shard inside of you?”

“Well, if I get punched in the chest, it really hurts,” you say honestly. “But, otherwise, I’m mostly used to it.”

“I would recommend leaving it in there, at least until I can be more confident it can be removed without risk. What do you say?”

> “I suppose that’s best.”
> “I want it out, now.”
> Other

>>43418659
> “I suppose that’s best.”
Night Schteel, thanks for running.

>>43418659
>“I suppose that’s best.”
Best not risk it while there's a war on.

>>43418659
>> “I suppose that’s best.”

>>43418647
>“I want it out, now.”
The sooner we get rid of a crippling weakspot the better.

>>43418659
> “I suppose that’s best.”

>>43418659
>“I suppose that’s best.”
Full de-powering or even a waking coma? Fuck that, dude.

>>43418659
> “I suppose that’s best.”

So since the Germans have officially disavowed all connection with the Magisch Korps, what are the odds of Knives attempting a suicide invasion of the USA just for one last shot at Liberty? Or will the Korps end up going underground and trying to acquire more resources?

>>43418973
Somehow I don't see Knives having the self-control to go underground for any real length of time.

>>43418973
My money's on them going to either the moon or antarctica.

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>>43419109

> “I suppose that’s best.”

“I suppose that’s best, Doctor.” You sigh. You thought you were coming here to get this thing removed. But you suppose there’s too much risk in getting it removed. At least for now. You’re needed on the field and if you’re in a coma, well, you’re in a goddang coma. “Thanks for the check up for what it’s worth.”

“Ja, ja. No worries. I’ll do my best to figure out how to get it out safely. I’ll work with Herr Kirby and the finest Doctors #5 has to offer me. We will get that thing out of you in due time.” He smiles warmly on you. “Don’t overexert yourself however.” You smile back at him. “Would you like a lollipop?” He holds up a little lollipop, grinning. You frown, staring at him. You are not a child, please.

-

-

You suckle on the lollipop. Strawberry flavor. Rana is already tucked under her bed, reading one of Jules Verne’s adventure books. Sumire meanwhile is already getting dressed into her nightgown, humming a little bit. The three of you are taking one of the bunkrooms for yourselves, prepared to be on call for the eventuality that Knives comes back for the Atlas, if she even comes back for it.

You lie back on your bed, simply staring up at the ceiling of your bunkbed. Sumire never takes the top bunk and just shares with you. She keeps saying it’s because you’re soft like a teddy bear. Soft nothing. She sits her butt down next to you, then pulls the lollipop out of your mouth. “Hey!” you say. “I was sucking on that!”

[1/2]

>>43419249
[2/2]

“I can’t believe you took the lolli from him,” she says. She takes a testing lick of it, then shudders. “Yuck.” She sticks it back in your mouth.

“What, you don’t like candy?” you ask.

“I like candy, but lollipops are just so…” She shudders. “Just ew.” You roll your eyes. “Anyway, I’m glad you made it out of it, Libby.” She pats you on the head, smiling down on you. “I’m surprised that you’re just leaving it in though.”

“I’m already used to it,” you say. “I can’t afford to rest on healing after a surgery, and did you hear the risks?” You shake your head. “Terrible, terrible. Once the risks are ironed out, I’ll give it another look.” She nods, thinking that to be fair.

She sighs, flopping backwards over your chest. “Ah well! Goodnight!” she says. You push her off onto her side of the bed. Your chest pains a bit at the weight. “Aw come on!” You think you’ve figured out just exactly what she’s self-conscious about. You take a look at her nearly completely flat chest. You won’t say anything about it. You joke with her, but you’re not going to be cruel. Instead, she cozies up next to you, getting under the sheets. “Rana, you good for tonight?”

“Yep!” she says. “Christine, I just want to let you know, I’ve got faith in you!” She gives you two thumbs up. “We heading to bed now?” You nod. “Alright, I’ll hit the lights. Goodnight you two.” She grabs a spare pillow beside the bed, then throws it at the light switch. The room goes dark. “Ha, it worked!”

[2/3]

>>43419268
[3/3]

You sigh, cozying up and pressing the back of your head against the pillow. You just need to relax. Knives is not going to invade your dreams again. That kiss she stole from you today means nothing except her writing her own death warrant. You will shut her down the next time you see her. Ugh, now you can’t relax, you’re too pumped up now.

Suddenly, you feel Sumire’s lips on your cheek. “Night, night, Libby…” she says quietly. She then turns over. You gasp a little. Is this the night? You quickly wrap your arms around her, then pull her close. “… ugh, I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.” For once, you get to be the big spoon!

>>43419289
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2gFAUZqNsY

That's it for this weekend and tonight's chapter of Magical Girl Liberty and the Atlas of Forever. Hope you all enjoyed and hopefully I will be back next weekend.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
Ask at: http://germanschteel.tumblr.com/

See you next time.

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>>43419289

>>43419329
Thanks for running, boss.

>>43419332
Christine and Sumire are always spooning, for some reason.

>>43419371
They love each others bodies. No homo.

>>43419329

Thanks for running, though a bit disappointing on the shard. Looking forward to next time.

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>>43419426
>I don't love you personally in that way, but I can't stop touching you~

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>>43419249
>“Would you like a lollipop?” He holds up a little lollipop, grinning. You frown, staring at him. You are not a child, please.