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"Uh." You scan for the women, slowly closing in on you and Jack. "You sure you don't need help?"
"Aye'll be fine. Just find Anna. Aye dun think she's mad at you, so it'll be easy."

He doens't THINK she's mad at you, but then again, there are several of her armed subordinates slowly inching toward you with sharp instruments.

You are Dorje of Carancha. That's not really your surname, but your summoner told you to start using it. You're here in the frozen lands of Bruschetta to help find a kidnapped summoner and bring a criminal to justice. So far, one of those things have happened, and it didn't involve you or your help whatsoever.

Instead, you got to wander the snow-covered wastes with another hero named Yuuki who is also quite mad at the person standing next to you right now. She spent most of the time being extremely sour for being thrown off an airship by Jack.
Okay, maybe her sourness is a little justified.
At the same time, it was mentally tiring to you to walk for roughly an hour through the frozen snow, underdressed, and listening to someone rant for that entire time. The best part about it was when you found Yuuki's ranger friend and you got to take a break.

Afterwards, you caught up with Jack because you thought he may need some help (and maybe to get away from Yuuki for a while). He definitely needs help, but he doesn't seem to want it right now.

>Stay and help defend Jack.
>Go on ahead, just like he asked.
>Try talking to the ladies again, put on the big puppy eyes!
>Push the guard out of the way and go back through the door you came in from.
>Other?

>>886945
>Go on ahead, just like he asked.
he can handle it!
hi announcer

>>887030
Hi!

Poor day to run, it seems!

>>887090
yeah, idk where everyone went.
is this board really deader than dead or is there something special on december 1st?

>>887102
I probably started far too late for most of my audience.
But thats okay, worse comes to worst I will just let the last post hang and continue tomorrow

>>886945
>Go on ahead, just like he asked.

>>887141
A bit early, in my case.

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"Jack, are you sure I should go on ahead?"

"Argh, it's fine, kid."
With a movement of his elbow; he knocks the guard right in the forehead. Immediately, her armor shatters.

"-Just make sure ye reach Anna before I do, because I have an international incident aye'd like to commit right now."

You heed his command and quickly take off past the knight, and pass the maid.
This sudden movement from you has prompted the attention of another unwanted maid. She emerges from the kitchen holding a length of rope in her hand.

"Oh ho." The maid blocks your path, "What's this? I didn't know Mr. Albator had an accomplice. Such a young one, too."
She smiles at you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.

"What made you turn to a life of crime, little boy?"
"Out of the way." You state plainly, and simply. "I have to find Anna. Don't think I won't puffball you, because I will!"

"Oh, why skip all the way to that part?" She unfurls a length of rope. "We don't have to go that fast. I can start by tying you up real good, and we can go from there."

"I said move!"
"Oh, I'm moved alright."

You're sick of these shenanigans. She takes a step forward, and quickly ties the rope into a knot. You're guessing she's going to try to snare you with it.
Fortunately, she's underestimated you quite a bit.

Quickly, you anticipate her next step and lurch forward. You grab her palm at the wrist, and twist it! The knot unfurls in her other hand! Before she can react; you push her palm outward, and then pull it back into one of your stances.

You hear a quick pop; telling you that her arm went through some motions that it was not meant to be in.

"Huh?" The maid drops the rope from her other hand.
Suddenly, almost all of her clothes explode off of her!

"HUH?!" She looks down, completely shocked at what just transpired. You use this as a moment to sidestep around her and run toward the exit.

--

Gotta find Anna.
Gotta make her not want Jack dead.

You find a royal guard patrolling outside of the castle. She informs you that Annetta has retired to the castle for the night. She's spending time with Tuile, and would not want to be bothered.

Which means, unless you can find someone who will let you in; then you will have a hard time seeing her.

>Go find Yuuki, see if you can convince her to get the hit off Jack
>Sneak in! You're good at that!
>Try to convince someone that you're a hero and that you're escorting Tuile and Anna
>Disguise! Try to dress up as a commoner and see if they'll take you in.
>Other?

>>887833
>Sneak in! You're good at that!

>>887833
>Sneak in! You're good at that!

>>887833
>>Sneak in! You're good at that!

Rolled 27, 58 = 85 (2d100)

Writing!

So I just got here.
Hiya Announcer, how ya doing?

>>887975
Pretty good, kind of a slow start, though. I will have to continue tomorrow after this next post.

Next post almost done.

>>888149
Well, looking forward to it!

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You look past the guards, and clear into the courtyard.

Something certainly seems strange about this place.
For one, and this comes as a huge shock to you: almost all of the royal guard inside the courtyard are women.

You passed a few men wearing the usual town-guard outfit. Yet, all the people so far you have passed who was wearing plate, chain, and carrying big swords? Girls. The guard you just talked to was a girl, as well.

That's very strange. Is it a policy?
At the very least, that cuts out the possibiltiy of being able to wear a disguise. All the royal guards would notice you immediately.

So, what to do?

You suppose that the royal guard is likely doubling their efforts now that Anna is around. This isn't the capitol of Bruschetta, but it's still armed to the teeth.

With a hop, you leap up onto the wall of the keep and follow the ledges until you come across a window someone had opened. Perfect!

Slowly, you creep in, and start to think of a good place to hide.
Down the hall, you see some maids walking away with a platter of.. something.

You gradually follow behind them until they come to a balcony overlooking the main hall.

To your dismay, every single maid, soldier, and guard in the royal banquet hall is also a girl.

What kind of weird country is this? Where are all the men?

You try not to think about it, and instead focus on trying to find Anna.

You're not entirely sure where to look first, but you're definitely not going down into that grand ballroom.
Instead, you'll go downstairs to about the same place Tuile's bedroom is located in Biscotti. It would make sense that all these castles would be somewhat alike.

You descend the floor and are careful to flip your hood over your head. A maid passes by and doesn't even give you a second look.
That's when you see Anna standing in the hallway! She has her back to you, but you quickly walk up behind her.

"Anna!"
She turns around, but not before the person she was talking to steps out in front.
"There's a BOY in here?!" The long-legged bunny nearly knocks Anna over in an attempt to stand in front of her. "Who are you? How did you get here?!"

>Listen! Please! I'm a hero! I came in with Anna!
>Anna! Listen, Jack is in trouble!
>Anna. Yuuki is still punching trees out in the wilderness. Are you gonna go get her, or what?
>Don't say anything, let Anna speak with the crazy sword lady.
>Other?

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It is now midnight and I gotta wake up early.

Sorry for low post-count tonight, but I will see you tomorrow for the continuation.

See you then!

>>888313
>>Listen! Please! I'm a hero! I came in with Anna!
>>Anna! Listen, Jack is in trouble!
>>Anna. Yuuki is still punching trees out in the wilderness. Are you gonna go get her, or what?

>>888313
>Listen! Please! I'm a hero! I came in with Anna!
>Anna. Yuuki is still punching trees out in the wilderness. Are you gonna go get her, or what?
>Also, jack is nearby, i think he wants to see you

>>888313
>Other
"Wait I'm a hero!" followed by full evasion and telling Anna you want to talk to her. Bringing up Jack first thing is probably a bad idea.

>Listen! Please! I'm a hero! I came in with Anna!
>Anna. Yuuki is still punching trees out in the wilderness. Are you gonna go get her, or what?

No bringing up Jack.

>>888313
Also dat rabbit looks cute.

>>889590
Jack will probably be happy for the opportunity to bully rabbits who don't know better than trying to stop him.

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"Listen! Please!" You stand up to the tall woman, "I'm a hero! I flew in with Anna!"

"You-"

The girl stops and look at Anna. Immediately, the smaller rabbit starts scowling.
She doesn't care though, the taller rabbit immediately starts with the accusations.

"Oh, I get it." She lowers her sword, but continues her guarded posture. "Anna, I didn't know you had such tastes. I'm disappointed in you."

"WHAT?!"

"Oh you know, you go out to a foreign country and bring a boy back. I figured you would do that, but I expected him to be a bit older." She barely suppresses a laugh as Anna grabs her tiny arms around her waist, "I'm sort of surprised you would want someone who was at least smaller than you are."

"STOP! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!"
"Oh then is it those other guys? The one half-drunk inside the airship and the one who is wanted by most of the country right now? Those guys?"

"Oh yeah, uh, speaking of which!" You try to interject, not really getting this conversation at all. "We need to talk about-"

"-Frankly, I rather you took the boy here, at least he doesn't look like he will start hitting the bottle for another few years."
"STOP IT!"

"Hello?" You try to interject, "I think you're mistaken, I'm Dorje of Carancha."
"I'm not mistaken, it's just seeing Anna squirm is so cute~" She grabs the smaller girl by her ears.

"..Is it really okay to treat your princess that way?" You blink.
"Why not? I'm the sitting Queen, after all." She smiles, and bows slightly. "I am Marion Glacé, and welcome to our kingdom Dorje."

"You're.. the Queen? I thought Anna was a princess."
"I'm a regent Queen, and Anna is my cute, cute, cute super-cute neice."

She tugs and pulls at Anna's ears; much to her complaining.

"Uh! Speaking of people she flew in with, Yuuki is out in the wilderness right now punching trees. Maybe we should send someone to go get her?"
"Oh that's fine, let her work off all that stress." Marion smiles, "After all, she's probably very upset, you know after being dropped from an airship and everything. Fortunately, I gave out some orders and the problem will be solved soon."

"Uh, you know about that?" You blink, and then gulp, "You ORDERED that?"
"Of course I did! The whole thing about a ruffian from Biscotti throwing our precious, treasured hero off the side of a moving airship; how could I not? I ordered the knights to have his head when the ship landed. He wasn't there when it did, but not to worry! I have ordered some top officials to deal with the problem." She smiles, warmly.
>Uh! Speaking of which. Could you not do that?
>It just seems like a bad idea for relations with Biscotti.
>And maybe the well-being of your soldiers, too.
>Hey, why is most of the castle staffed by women?
>Hey, what were you talking about earlier about picking up boys in a foriegn land?
>If you're the queen, why isn't Yuuki your hero?
>Okay. Uh. I can say that Jack had a very good reason for doing it?
>Other?

>>890117
>And maybe the well-being of your soldiers, too.

>>890117
>Uh! Speaking of which. Could you not do that?
>It's going to be more trouble than it's worth, won't work anyways, and I promise he won't learn anything from it.
>Yuuki was upset about a lot of other things, a fall like that isn't a big deal for any of us.

Maybe not exactly how Dorje would word it,but I trust he can get the point across.

>>890117
>...So, um, what do you do if your soldiers become fluffballs after fighting a hero? Cause this seems like a bad idea, ma'am.
>Hey, what were you talking about earlier about picking up boys in a foriegn land?
>Speaking of which, why are most people in this castle women?

Well.
If we'd been summoned by the bunnies this would have been a very, very different quest.

>>890117
>Uh! Speaking of which. Could you not do that?
>Okay. Uh. I can say that Jack had a very good reason for doing it?

>>890187
>a very, very different quest.
>~ara ara

>>890268
That was what I was referring to, yeah.

Bunny milf looks fun

It would have definitely been an adventure for me trying to keep the quest from becoming a smut harem. Especially if you picked Dorje or Cody

Writing continues!

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"Uh! Speaking of which. Could you not do that?"
"Not do what?" The woman blinks.

"Like- Maybe. Start an international incident with Biscotti?"

The woman gives you a cold look.
"You mean before or after he-"

"I know it looks bad!" You try to defend Jack's actions. "-but he has a really good reason for doing it! If he didn't he may not have found Greta."

"You were with Yuuki, right?" Marion keeps that look, "What did you two find?"
"Well, nothing, but-"

"So he threw her and you out into the frozen cold, no blankets, no clothes, no supplies; and he ended up finding her within the hour anyway. Aren't you the least bit upset?"

"No, I'm not."

".. Why not?"

"Because, I know it was harsh, and I know it seems brutal, but it's what Jack thought was right. Besides, Yuuki was upset about a lot of other things. It's not like falling off the airship was a big deal for her. Plus, I think sending your soldiers after Jack is a bad idea. It won't work, and I promise he won't learn anything from it!"

Plus, your father used to make you sit under a freezing waterfall for an hour at a time. Compared to that, an unexpected camping trip was nothing!

Marion, on the other hand, does not see too kindly to your plea. In fact, she seems less than amused.
"I don't know what you see in him, Anna."
"NOTHING!" Anna seems very flustered, now.

"Hey, what were you talking about earlier about picking up boys in a foreign land?" You didn't catch that part.
"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!" Anna screams.
"Ah, oh, that part?" Marion smiles, "Well, it's very unbecoming of princesses to just gallivant off to foreign countries and pick up men. But I think you'd make a nice-"

"QUIT! STOP! ME AND DORJE AND NOT DATING!"
"Who said anything about dating?" Marion suppresses a laugh, "It's sad, really, I thought having Yuuki with you would help-"
"QUIT IT!" Anna seems really flustered, right now. "THAT'S IT! I'm going downstairs to go find Yuuki, you two can keep spreading these mean RUMORS all you want! Come find me when you've both grown up."

"But wait, I didn't!-"
You try to defend yourself, but Anna stomps past you, and down the stairs.

>Cont.

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Marion, on the other hand, is laughing into her palm.
Then she flashes you a glare.
"That is why you're here, right?"
"What? No!"
"So, you two aren't dating?"
"Of course not! I barely know Anna!"
"Please say it is so, because the thought of my dear Anna dating way older men who are either drunk, a criminal, or both will cause me to fall over right here and now. Not to mention the possibility of her and Yuuki being closer than I had hoped."

"It's not like that! And um-"
You try to think of a way to deflect this completely bizarre conversation.
"Why are most of the staff in the castle women?"

She pats you on the head, "Bruschetta has eleven castles, but this one was specially-made for my mother's family. My father declared it to be only staffed by women, and it's where I grew up."
"Uh, is this why you were worried about Anna going to a foriegn country?"
"That's why I made her summon our hero." She looks down the hall, toward the place Anna escaped to. "I wanted her to summon someone who could protect her, no matter where she went. I didn't want her to grow up, never leaving the country, like I did."

"Speaking of which," Marion leans down, almost to your ear, "(Are you sure you're not Anna's boyfriend?)"
"Pretty sure I'm not."
"Oh, that's no good. Because if you're not, then that means you're on castle grounds illegally. Could you just say yes and then you can be on your way?"

>Is this some kind of trick?
>No.
>Fine.
>I already have a girlfriend.
>Ignore the weird tangent this has gone on and try to shift the conversation back to the problem at hand.
>Talk about not targeting Jack some more and maybe letting it go.
>Catch up to Anna, try to help her find Yuuki.
>Go find Jack, tell him he's on his own. Give him a hand with the bunnies.
>Other?

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Huh, as much as I just want Dorje to say "forget it" to the Queens' face and help Jack punch out all the bunnies forever, I can't make it make sense In Character.

>Talk about not targeting Jack some more and maybe letting it go.

>>890735
>Is this some kind of trick?
>No.
>Talk about not targeting Jack some more and maybe letting it go.

>>890742
>Stop teasing me...
>Catch up to Anna, try to help her find Yuuki and maybe also bring up not going to war against Jack, because that'd probably make Tuile sad.

>>890353
What, are you saying Jack wouldn't've gone for it?
Then again, he might've liked the squirrels more... fluffy tails for days man

>>890742
>I think I'm just going to run away now. Bye!

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"Is this some kind of trick?"
"Not at all, I just think you'd make a great husband for Anna."

"Stop teasing me.." you say, wearily. "This isn't what I came here to talk about."

"It's about that Jack fellow, isn't it?" She sighs. "I just want him to spend at least one night in prison. Is that so hard?"
"It might be."

"Look, what would your country do if another hero came by and tried to trash your national treasure?"

"We-"
You were about to say something, up until you remembered how you first met Cody.
You met him after he had escaped from your country's prison. So you are not in the position to throw stones over that.

"-have the experience to know that trying to jail a hero never works. You either end up with prisonguards who you are asking to do the impossible, or you just look foolish by the time it's over." You cross your arms. "It's best just to let Jack be Jack and have Yuuki deal with him. She's the only one who could really stand up to him, you know."

"You're pretty smart-" She rubs your scalp, "-For a kid."
"..Gee, thanks."

"At the same time, no, I will not have them stand down because if nothing else; it will make him want to leave as soon as possible. I don't want him thinking he is the least bit welcome."

"You don't have to make him feel welcome, but you'll be making a problem for him AND me if this keeps up!"

"Then, maybe you should just stay here in the castle until it blows over."

That sounds like another one of her tricks.
"-No." You cross your arms, "I'm going to go find Anna and maybe get her to reconsider, but just remember that going to war against Jack will probably make Tuile sad."

With that, you take off down the hallway. You can hear the woman say something behind you, but you prefer not to listen to it.

--

"Anna!" You manage to evade the guards and catch up to her outside.
One of the armored girls immediately stops.

"Anna, do you know this person?"
"Yes, that's Dorje." Anna sighs, "And that is ALL I KNOW ABOUT HIM."
The way she said that last part really made a shiver go down your spine.

"Anna!" You call out to her, "Can you reverse the order on Jack? It's just gonna make things worse!"

"Why?"
"For one, Tuile probably isn't going to be happy when she finds out!"

"She'll get over it."
"And two, He's a hero! You're sending your own troops to their fluffy demise!"

"It builds character."

>Why are you being so stubborn about this?!
>If I run ahead and find Yuuki, will you undo the order?
>What do you want in exchange for Jack's safety?
>Should I just go get Jack and return to Biscotti on foot, I'll do it; don't think I won't. I'll leave tonight, even.
>Other?

>>891442
>Why are you being so stubborn about this?!

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Everyone, it's that time of night again. Yet another night goes by and I only get three story posts done.
Darn.
Okay, tomorrow then. We will continue tomorrow.

Thanks!

>>891692
Thanks for running.

>>891442
>...If I promise to help look for Yuki, will you help make sure Jack doesn't get attacked? As a hero I can probably, like, pick you up and get to her real quick.

Have to admit, I wouldn't dislike the idea of Dorje and Anna, could be cute.

>>891481
Cause she's very protective of Yuki.

>>891442
>Why are you being so stubborn about this?!
>What can I do for you to call it off?

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"Hey!" you quickly catch up to Anna, "Why are you being so stubborn?"
"Why am I being so stubborn toward the man who disrespected Yuuki? MY Yuuki? Bruschetta's Yuuki?!"

"He didn't disrespect her!"
"Sure, he just threw her out of a plane."

"It's not like he shot her, or anything! He just needed a quick way to get to the ground. You know that Yuuki can handle a fall just fine. Why are you being so stubborn about this?"

"Dorje, it's not about the act, it's about the sentiment."

Anna stops, and the knight beside her eyes you warily. At least this knight isn't trying to make you marry Anna.

"Yuuki is to be just as respected and honored in this country as if she was a princess herself." Anna spins around to meet your eyes, "I promised her, when she was first summoned, that my throne was her throne. That we were equals. I could probably land a fall like that without getting fluffballed, maybe. Still doesn't mean I wouldn't be just as angry and frustrated as Yuuki right now by the mere act of it."

"At least-"
"That's final." She crosses her arms, "As you can tell, my aunt feels the exact same way about the matter as I do. So the best you can do is just let Jack deal with it until she changes her mind."

That's not good, and it spells bad news for your presence and reputation as a hero if you're caught defending him. Not to mention if rumors start to break out about the valiant hero team lead by that fugitive from Bruschetta.

"Anna, look, how about this-" You try to bargain with her, despite the knight beside her glaring daggers at you for trying to talk over royalty. "If I promise to help you look for Yuuki, can you make sure Jack doesn't get attacked? Yuuki might not be mad anymore, and if she's not mad, then there's no reason for you to still be angry."

She immediately opens her mouth to speak, but then just sighs. The knight beside her almost looks ready to just attack you right here and now.

"How about this." Anna huffs, "I'll have Ms. Baxin here call off the search for today if, IF, you can find Yuuki and escort her back. If she wants to stay out in the woods for the night, you stay out there with her."

"That's all I ask!" You stand at attention, "Just please try to reason with your Aunt. You'll make things harder for Yuuki if people find out that she's been taking orders from Jack."

Anna simply turns back, and continues walking; "Find Yuuki, and I'll do it. Just remember that this is only for Yuuki."
"I promise!"

--

You take off back to the campsite that the ranger set up earlier.

Fortunately, you can follow the footsteps back into the woods before they get snowed over. You seem to have a pretty good path to follow!

At least, you have a pretty good path up until the forest of half-destroyed trees end. It seems Yuuki either went back toward Jack's airship or further out into the woods. Strange.

>Veer off toward the woods.
>Go toward the airship.
>Try using some magic to help.
>Search from the treetops.
>Other?

>>894472
>Try using some magic to help.
>Search from the treetops.
Earth, right? I wonder what he can do with it here.

>>894472
>Try using some magic to help.
>>894528
feel the steps, maybe?

>>894472
>>Try using some magic to help.
>>Search from the treetops.

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Okay, you can do this. It's just tracking a single person who isn't trying to hide anyway.

You can find her. It won't even be that hard, either!

You fall onto your knees into the white snow, and start to dig down into last night's frost.
Your fingers quickly lose all feeling, but you start to hit exactly the thing you were looking for.

Dirt.
Your hand scoops up a handful of frozen soil and tosses it aside. Quickly, you get to work trying to 'feel' the Earth.

It's a difficult sensation to describe.
Something interesting that you noticed when you first learned to control your element was how the ground, the trees, everything seemed to have a rhythmn.

The Earth is a slightly more difficult rhythmn to pick up, but it's there. You can feel waves, almost like the ocean, ripple across its surface.
Some of it is caused by humans and their antics. You can feel someone drop a pot somewhere in town. Plus, you're pretty sure you just felt Jack slam someone so hard into a wall that it shattered.

Ouch.

You concentrate and try to filter out the noise. Somewhere, far off in the world, it feels like the ground itself has split open. You feel that, occasionally. It's making it pretty difficult to get a read on anyone who might be out there.

Oh! You feel it!
It's a tiny rhythmn, and it travels in a pair. Two people are walking away, into the woods, not too far from you.

Quickly, you unhand the soil and take to the treetops!

Each branch cracks and sways under your weight as you leap from limb to limb. It's an amazing feeling! It feels as if you've become a bird, and are soaring above the frozen wastes.

You see them! Yuuki is walking with Cassata, and you can tell that she's been doing nothing but complaining to her. Quickly, you land in the free in front of her.

"EEK!" Cassata jumps, and grabs for her bow.
"Hi Dorje." Yuuki is unimpressed. "Did Jack try to throw you off an airship, too?"

"No! no. It's much worse!"

You drop down to the ground, but Cassata is still unsure if she should put the bow away.

"Anna and some lady named, uh, Marion! They put a hit out on Jack!"
".. They what?"

You explain the situation to Yuuki, about the promise you made to Anna and how Marion is likely not to rescind the order herself.
Just to be safe; you leave out Marion's teasing. You don't know how Yuuki would react to that.

"So what, you expect me to be in a better mood?" Yuuki shrugs. "Anna sounds like she made up her mind, and she's very stugbborn when she makes up her mind about something. It's part of why I'm grounded in the first place."

>No! I expect you to help me keep Jack from destroying your entire armed forces!
>It's not that, but is it really that big of a deal?
>I just want you to tell Anna that you're okay, even if you're not, just so she stops this insanity.
>I.. I don't know what I want you to do.
>I was told to walk you back to town. I don't care how long that takes.
>Other?

>>895465
>No! I expect you to help me keep Jack from destroying your entire armed forces!
>Or worse!

>>895465
Hmm... being grounded is ridiculous, especially with the whole treated as an equal thing she promised.

>No! I expect you to help me keep Jack from destroying your entire armed forces!
>But talking her out of grounding you is important too! You need to be independent to be a hero!

>>895465
>No! I expect you to help me keep Jack from destroying your entire armed forces!
>But talking her out of grounding you is important too! You need to be independent to be a hero!

>>895465
>No! I expect you to help me keep Jack from messing with your entire armed forces!
>He'd probably go for the ears, you know?!
>But talking her out of grounding you is important too! You need to be independent to be a hero!

Hey announcer, who all knows about the redoing a contract trick? Just thinking about it being part of an ultimatum in this case.

>>895804
Err, readoing a contract?
Pardon, but could you clarify?

good replies!

>>895804
Dorje does not know. All the adult heroes know (Yuuki, Jack, Cody), as do Anna, Amaretti, and Tuile. Aligot and Atsuko also know. \

If you come up with something good, I'll put it in before I post next!

But for now

>writing!

>>895839
Aligot I think said something about being able to break our summoner contract and making it with someone else.

>>895857
Ah, so Yuuki could bring it up, if pressed to. I guess that's fine.

>>895865
>Aligot I think said something about being able to break our summoner contract and making it with someone else.
Huh.
We might wanna switch to Tuile then?
She'd probably be happier.

>>895871
It came up in the context of a summoner being unavailable. I see no pressing need not to nap with the foxgirls once in a while.

Speaking of, we need more fox centric shenanigans. What was it, demon hunting?

>>895880
Demon hunting.

I haven't forgotten!

>>895880
Yeah it'd be nice to get some fox girl shenanigans again.
It's been forever since the last time.

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"No! I expect you to help me keep Jack from destroying all of your armed forces!"

"Please, I'm sure it's not going to get that-"

"He'd probably go for ears, you know."

That last statement gives Yuuki pause for thought. You decide to ask her about more pressing issues.
"-But talking her out of grounding you is important, too!" You grab her hand, "You need to be independent to be a hero!"

"That's not true." Yuuki immediately rejects the notion. "If you needed to be independent, then why are we required to recharge from our summoners?"

"We're not meant to be their servants!" You snap back at Yuuki, "We were meant to defend them in times of danger! We are their vanguards! That doesn't mean you have to let Anna control you like a puppet."

"Don't even start." Yuuki gives you a cold glare. "I get enough of that from Jack. Am I going to start hearing this revolutionary nonsense from you, too? Like it or not, they're our summoners. Would your summoner like it if you disobeyed her?"

"Princess Eileen doesn't treat me like a pawn." You pout, "In fact, she wanted me to be more independent. She specifically told me to follow Jack just because she felt it was wrong that I was stuck in a country hundreds of miles away with nothing to do."

"That's great, but Bruschetta is a big country with big problems. Anna going out of the country and getting attacked twice is one of those problems. Not to mention that she's still my guardian."

"But she's not!" You're getting frustrated now. "It's not like she adopted you!"

"It's like that to me!" Yuuki snaps at you.
Woh, maybe you crossed a line there. Yuuki looks genuinely hurt by that statement.

"..I'm sorry."
"Just-" Yuuki walks out ahead of you, "Just let it go. Please? We can go back and try to bail Jack out later."

>Cont.

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All three of you walk in awkward silence through the forest. Occasionally, the ranger comments on something interesting that she's noticing about the country this time of the year.
You think she's just doing it to try and ease tensions between the two of you. It's not working; not one bit.

"-And here is the cart path for merchants. The path is mostly empty this time of year, but we're on the lookout for demons when spring rolls around."
"Demons?"
"Oh right, you weren't there when we fought that last one, were you?" Yuuki blinks, "Yes, there's been an uptick in demon attacks. It's part of why we were summoned. This part of the country is mostly spared from it, thankfully."

"Oh." You look at the muddy cart-path in the snow. "If it's not really a problem for here, why weren't all the heroes summoned around the trouble spots?"

"The agreement was one country, one hero." Yuuki crosses her arms, "Gallete and Biscotti getting a whole bunch of heroes was something none of the kings would agree to, but they reached an agreement if everyone got a hero."

"So, it's a politcal thing?"

"I guess." Yuuki stretches her arms out, "but really, it's not like we're stretched thin. I guess someone could change their summoner to someone like Atsuko if the demon problem ever got too-"

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on. Say that last part again?"

Yuuki stares at you with a blank face, "What? We're not stretched thin?"
"No, no, the other part."
"Changing your summoner to Atsuko?"

"Yes! That! Are you serious? Is that even possible?"

"Why? thinking about changing yours?"

>No!
>I don't know!
>That seems like an important detail that no one even told us about!
>Why did we leave Kayda with the bears then if it was that simple?!
>Why didn't we put HER with Atsuko?!
>Why is it even required for our summoners to follow us? Can't we just swap summoners to someone who is traveling with us, and then swap back when we get home?
>Sorry, it's just, my brain stopped for a second.
>Other?

Folks, it is 3AM, I didn't expect to get very far tonight anyway, but I'm going to go to bed and hopefully continue tomorrow around noon CST. See you then.

>>896218
>Why did we leave Kayda with the bears then if it was that simple?!

>>896218
>That seems like an important detail that no one even told us about!
>Why did we leave Kayda with the bears then if it was that simple?!

>>896218
>That seems like an important detail that no one even told us about!
>Why did we leave Kayda with the bears then if it was that simple?!

>>896218
>No!
>That seems like an important detail that no one even told us about!
>Why did we leave Kayda with the bears then if it was that simple?!

>>896218
>No!
>That seems like an important detail that no one even told us about!
>Why did we leave Kayda with the bears then if it was that simple?!

this seems good

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"No!" You pout, "It has nothing to do with that! It just seems that this is an important detail that no one told us about!"

"So, you don't want to switch summoners?" Yuuki still seems confused by this line of conversation.
"No, I don't."

You look at the muddied cart path in the snow, and think about the implications of this knowledge.
If it was possible to swap summoners before; then why is losing our summoner such a big deal? Doesn't this mean that heroes are almost indestructable? Why would Konditorei bother trying to kidnap heroes if they know that it's ultimately worthless trying to kidnap summoners when they can just swap them?

This also brings up another important question.

"Yuuki, if we can swap summoners, why did we leave Kayda with them?"
"What?"

"Why did we leave Kayda in the custody of the bears if we already know that they are rotten from top to bottom?" You frown, "Kayda deserves much better than that. She certainly deserves to not be chained to a corrupt country and watched constantly by an evil maid."

Yuuki grumbles, "I know, Dorje. But I just found out about this myself. I don't know the conditions, and I don't know if it's something that can just be 'done'."

You feel more than a little mad, and betrayed. It almost seems like this piece of information was kept from the heroes on purpose. You would think that the ability to change summoners any time you wanted would have been at least a conversation piece or something you were told just in case something happened like with Kayda and the maid.

The very notion that Kayda suffered so long and suffered for nothing; that just fills you with contempt.

"Yuuki." You think about this some more, "Who told you about this?"
"Oh, apparently Aligot learned it from Amaretti."

This is starting to make a little more sense.

"Does Cody know about this?"
"I don't know, why?"

"I would think that he would have told me, at least."
"Still reconsidering changing your summoner?"

"Why would I do that?"
"I don't know, I don't see you with her very much."

"I spend every night I can with her; it's just that she isn't a fighter and I don't take her with me on missions."

You look up and notice the ranger standing awkwardly in front of you. You can tell that she's lost in this conversation in every which way.

>"Where to, next?"
>"Can we go back, now?"
>"Can we look into changing Kayda's summoner? "
>"Whether Greta is good or not, I don't think she should be chained to the bears."
>"Would you ever change from Anna if you got the chance?"
>Other?

>>897736
>Where to next?
>Cause I'd kinda like to go back soon...

>>897736
>"Whether Greta is good or not, I don't think she should be chained to the bears."
>"Would you ever change from Anna if you got the chance?"
and this, yes: >>897755

>>897736
>"Where to, next?"
>"Can we go back, now?"
>"It isn't bad for Kayda to be with Greta, it's Greta being around the rest of them that's the problem."
>"Would you ever change from Anna if you got the chance?"

>>897736
>"It isn't bad for Kayda to be with Greta, it's Greta being around the rest of them that's the problem."

>>897777
Oh, wouldn't mind asking these questions either.

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"Where to, next?" You ask the confused ranger.

"My patrol goes around this perimeter, and then back to the castle for the end of my shift. Why?"

"Because, I kind of want to get back home soon, and I think Yuuki is just following you."
"That's not true." Yuuki crosses her arms, "I was just gathering my thoughts, is all."

Sure, you totally believe that is what you were doing, Yuuki.

Yuuki ignores the two of you and stands lost in thought. Maybe the thing you asked her earlier was a bit too much for her.


That's okay, though. It gives you some other things to talk about while she stares at her shoes.

"And also- Whether Greta is good or not, I'm not sure the bears having Kayda as a hero is a good thing in the long run."

Yuuki's eyes snap up toward you. Suddenly, you feel as if you just crossed another line.

"-I mean! It isn't bad for Kayda to be wtih Greta, it's Greta being around the rest of them that's the problem."
"That's not your decision to make." Yuuki gets that sour look again, "I've considered the same thing in the past, but I don't think it's right to force Kayda to change if she does not want to."

"Have you ever asked her?"
"No."

"Then how do you know that she doesn't want to change? She wanted to escape from Clair as fast as she could, remember? What if it's her dream to get away from Konditorei and their ilk?"

"It's not that I don't know, it's that it's not my place to know. If Kayda was in significant danger, then it would be an option."
"But she deserves to at least know that it's an option." You cross her arms.

Yuuki coughs, and starts to walk away. "I'm not sure it's even possible or safe for her to do it. So until such a time happens, I don't think it's a good idea to worry about it."

"Oh yeah?" You feel really mad, now. "If you don't tell Kayda that she can switch summoners, then I will."

"Fine." Yuuki keeps walking.

"Would you ever change from Anna if you got the chance?" You try to catch up behind her.
"Of course not."

"Then, how are you sure that Kayda wouldn't change from Greta when she got the chance?"
"It's not that I think she wouldn't, it's that I think it's none of my business."

>That's not fair to Kayda.
>I just remembered why I left. I'm going back to town.
>Argue with her?
>Just stay silent, and hope she goes back soon.
>Other?

>>898462
>Sigh and apologize for arguing - you don't want her even madder than before.
>You've been told that it's awful to make girls upset.
>unconsciously activate Adorable Shota Powers.

>>898462
let's try this: >>898482

>>898462
>That's not fair to Kayda.
>I just remembered why I left. I'm going back to town.


>>898482
>>898516
Eh sure, throw that in too.

>>898516
>>898730
Way I see it, is that Yuki is Japanese who's got younger siblings, right?
So what'd be a natural weakness of hers?
That's right, someone younger looking adorable.

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"I just don't think it's fair to Kayda to not tell her about this!"
"Well if you know what's best for Kayda, why don't you just offer to be her summoner?" Yuuki's fists ball up.

"Yuuki, I'm not trying to be mean!"
"You're not being mean, you're being nosy. It's very bad to be nosy in other people's business."

"I thought Kayda's well-being was all of our business."
"Fine, do what you want!"

Yuuki starts trodding through the snow, but you have no idea where she is going. She's going in an opposite direction from where the ranger is walking. Quickly, you catch up to her.

You sigh, and Yuuki turns to face you.
She has that 'I'm the big sister so I know best' look on her face.

So you decide to try another tactic.
"Yuuki, I'm sorry for snapping. It's just been a rough day."
"It has, hasn't it?" Her voice still hasn't lost the venom.

"No, no. Yuuki. I'm sorry." You look up at her with your wide, shining eyes. "I'm sorry for making you angry. I don't want to make you even madder than before."

"Dorje, I- I'm not mad at you." She cups her head. "I'm just confused, that's all."

"I'm sorry, I really am!" You lean forward and grab her hand, "I've been told that it's awful to make girls upset. Especially if they're already angry."

"Dorje, no, you didn't make me upset, come here, stop."

Yuuki grabs your shoulders and hugs you closely. You look up to meet her eyes and sigh.
"Can we just go back? It's cold out here, and I didn't pack any clothes."

"Sure, sure. sure." Yuuki gently rubs your scalp, and sighs. "I owe you an apology, too. It's just been such a rough day, and I'm still mad at Jack. The very thought of having to ride back on the same airship with him makes me sick."

Yuuki is very visibly angry, still. At the very least; she's not angry at you this time!

>"Yuuki, if riding with Jack is a problem, Do you want to get a carriage and ride back? It might take a couple of days, but it would be some time-off!"
>"Maybe you just need a vacation."
>"Maybe I need a vacation."
>"Maybe we just need to stop thinking about this."
>"Let's go ask Anna what she thinks, she's an adult, sort-of"
>Other?

>>899144
>"Yuuki, if riding with Jack is a problem, Do you want to get a carriage and ride back? It might take a couple of days, but it would be some time-off!"
>"Maybe you just need a vacation."
>"Let's go ask Anna what she thinks, she's an adult, sort-of"
>"And you let her know what you think too."

>>899144
Hah cuteness worked!

>>899144
>he knew you could handle it, he probably wouldn't be mad if you pushed him off
>he really didn't think of hurting you, or think at all probably

>>899144
>Give her a hug to calm her down.

The key to smoothing this situation out is maximum cuteness.

>>899251
also, sure, go with this too

>>899251
How about we go save Jack, by letting Yuuki grab him and throw him as hard as possible into the distance.

>>899280
... that can work
if we know in what direction to throw him

>>899287
East

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Yuuki continues hugging you around your shoulders. It's tough staying in a hug when the other person is almost twice your size.
Your arms embrace Yuuki around her waist. You think she needs a hug, too. It's been tough for everyone.
But especially Kayda. It's been the toughest for Kayda.

"To be fair." You ruin the perfectly good silence, "Jack only did it to us because he knew we could handle it. He probably wouldn't be mad in the least if you pushed him off."

"I know."

"I don't think he was thinking of hurting you or me. Or, think at all, really."

"I know.."

"I didn't mean to make you mad with all of this."

"I know..."

Why is the ranger, Cassata, grinning at you? Does everyone in this country just have nonstop filthy thoughts?
Oh no, she's about to open her mouth.

Quick! You need to distract her somehow before she makes everything completely awkward!

"-Yuuki, if riding with Jack is a problem. Do you want to get a carriage and ride back? It might take a couple of days."
"That.. would be a long time to just ride alone."

"Well, You wouldn't be alone! I could go with you!"

Oh no, OH NO! Now the ranger is smiling even wider than before! What is it going to be this time?!

"-What I'm saying is, Maybe you just need a vacation."
"A what?"
"A vacation." You loosen your grip around Yuuki. "Elieen taught me about them. Apparently, everyone in her kingdom gets a couple weeks of rest every year."

"Rest? Like, they get to work less?"
"No, they don't have to work at all."

"Then who works?!"
"Apparently it's not all at the same time. Otherwise the country would fall apart."

Yuuki rubs your scalp. You don't mind the sensation at all.

"How about this-" You rub your cold hands together. "-Let's go ask Anna what she thinks. She's an adult!"
Sort of.

"I don't know."
"-and when we're there, you should let her know what you think, too."

"What do mean 'what I think'?"
"Just tell her how you feel about Kayda, about Jack, and about this hero business. Don't let me change your mind about anything, and don't let Jack change your mind about anything!"

She grumbles, but her hands continue to stroke your hair.
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Let's go find Anna."

She bows to Cassata, "Thank you for having us along with you."
"No problem! it's great having someone to talk to. Just be sure you, y'know, treat the boy softly." She winks.

Yuuki blinks, and then you blink. Suddenly, you feel like you could retract into your clothes like a turtle and hide there forever.

What is it with these rabbits?

>Cont.

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The two of you walk the frozen path into town. The whole way, it seems like Yuuki passes a face familiar to her every step of the way.
It must be nice having a big town like this in her native country. Carancha is much more spread-out. People in Carancha own hundreds of acres of land instead of just sharing it with dozens of people. The odds of even spotting a neighbor or another farmer is usually very slim. You might encounter a neighbor perhaps once a week! Sometimes people can go months without talking to a single soul.

Slowly, you enter town. The guards bow as Yuuki walks past. That's impressive!

A familiar face turns to greet Yuuki. Yuuki happily wanders over to hug her.
"Carmen!"
"Yuuki! It's been so long. Where were you? I was so happy when I saw Anna, but you were nowhere to be found."

"Long story." She sighs, "How has it been?"
"Same thing, not much changes in a few months."

"Oh, right! Want to meet Dorje? He's a hero from a far-off land."

"That's his name?" She suddenly seems slightly embarassed. "I'm sorry about earlier; when you came to talk to Anna. I didn't know who you were and you were trying to bargain for that creep."

Right, this is the girl who you saw earlier escorting the princess. You think her name was Ms. Baxon?
"Dorje." You put your hand out. "Dorje of Carancha"
"Carmen." She smiles, "Carmen Baxon."

>So, what do you do around here?
>Do you know where Jack went?
>Is he still wanted?
>Just, before we talk, quick question: why are all the girls I'm meeting saying dirty things?
>Yuuki, you want to catch up with her and I'll go find Jack? Make sure he's not grabbing the ears?
>Other?

>>900165
>Just, before we talk, quick question: why are all the girls I'm meeting saying dirty things?
>Do you know where Jack went?
>Is he still wanted?

>>900165
>>Do you know where Jack went?
>>Is he still wanted?

>>900165
>Just, before we talk, quick question: why are all the girls I'm meeting saying dirty things?
>Do you know where Jack went?
>Is he still wanted?

>>900165
>Do you know where Jack went?
>Is he still wanted?

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"Just." You find it embarassing to even have to ask, "Before we talk, quick question: Why are all the girls I'm meeting here acting so.. suspicious."

"Suspicious?"
"What do you mean?"

"The maid in the cafe, that knight, the ranger, even the queen. Each one of them said something dirty or just plain lewd." You frown, "Why is that? Is there something that I don't know about?"

Carmen's face turns red, and she slowly shifts her gaze to the crescent moon in the distant sky.
Yuuki covers her mouth with her sleeve.

"W-well." Carmen starts studdering, slightly. "This town is mostly women, and almost all of them work at the castle around other women. Having a cute, young boy like yourself around is certainly a change for them."

Carmen scratches at your head, and you feel a sudden sense of danger lurking around every corner.

"R-right, so. Do you know where Jack went? Is he still wanted?"
"That guy? Ugh." She takes her hand off of your head, "Yeah, I know where he went. He went back to the airship, I think with Tuile. Anna told the guards to stand down for the night. So I guess she's going to go try and talk the Queen out of condemning him."

"Oh, good."
"Wait." Yuuki remembers something, "So it's Aligot, Tuile, and Jack. Right?"
"No, no, Aligot got off the airship. I escorted him to the library earlier."

"So it's Jack, Tuile, and.. uh-"
"I think we need to stay at the castle tonight." Yuuki immediately states, without a hint of hestitation.

"Eh, why?" You ask, blinking. "Is something happening at the airship?"

Suddenly, Carmen is FURIOUSLY blushing! Tuile sighs into her sleeve and adjusts her voice.
"Just a hunch, we should stay at the castle tonight." Yuuki grumbles. "It's good seeing you again, Carmen."

"Aw! You came back and you're going to leave again?"
"No, no, we'll still be around." Yuuki sighs, "Frankly, I rather stay around a few extra days and catch up. I sort-of miss home."

"That's fine!" You immediately interject, "If you want to stay around a few days and relax. Just tell Anna!"
"And what?" Carmen gives you the evil eye, "Leave Jack around for a few extra days just so something else like earlier can happen?"

"Ugh, you're right." Yuuki slaps her forehead, "I guess I might have to reconsider the carriage thing."
"Should we go try to find Anna, then?"

Right, we should.

Yuuki and Carmen hug once more before they walk their separate ways. The guards each take turns turning to Yuuki and bowing as the two of you walk. It's impressive, really.

She continues striding toward the castle, up until she gets to the castle gates.
The guards outside salute her, but she doesn't take another step toward the stone behemoth.

"I can't do it." She mutters, "I can't say that to Anna. I just can't. Let's go back to the inn and get a room there for the night."

>Wait WHAT?
>What happened?!
>No! Just tell her you want a vacation!
>Tell her you need some time away from Jack, she'll understand that!
>Why?!
>Fine, I'll go tell her.
>Other?

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Folks, I'm going to bed. Goodnight. See you in the morning for a little bit before I have to travel.

Thanks,.

>>900804

>Wait WHAT?
>What happened?!

>>900804
>Wait WHAT?
>Why?!
>No! Just tell her you want a vacation!

Yuuki this is not hard come on.

>>900804
>What happened?!

We just got done telling Yuuki we wouldn't try to change her mind on this again. Respect the Yuuki.

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"Wait!" You grab her sleeve, "What?!"

"I can't do it Dorje, I'm sorry."
You can't tell if Yuuki is apologizing to you or herself.

"Why?!"

"It's just-" Yuuki stares at upper floor of the castle, "I can't say that to Anna. Do you know how ungrateful that would be?"

You trace Yuuki's line of sight, and notice that the room she's looking at just so happens to be the one you saw Anna standing outside of earlier.

"What happened?" You ask, politely.

Yuuki continues staring upward at the peak of the castle.
"Anna is the one who took me in when there was no one else, who saved me when no one else could, and gave me a home when no on else would." She sighs, "I just can't understand why I would ever ask anything else of her."

That seems like backwards logic to you. At the end of the day, the hero thing is still a job.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind you just asking."
"I just, I don't want her to ever think I'm being inconsiderate."

"The worst thing she can say is just 'no'."

"The worst thing she can say is that she regrets ever summoning me."

"You know she's not going to say that."
"I know, but, the fear of it happening is still there."

Something tells you that this is a common problem with Yuuki.
"I'm not going to try and change your mind." You grab Yuuki's hand. "Let's go, you don't have to if you don't want to."

"..Okay."

>Cont.

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Anna stands on the balcony just outside of her room. She watches the soldiers and the maids mull around in the grand banquet hall. She looks a tad bit more depressed than bored.

Suddenly, as if someone flipped a switch, she stands up and makes her way toward the stairs. You don't know how, but she could hear Yuuki coming before she even saw her.

"Yuuki!" Anna completely ignores you and sets off down the hallway. She leaps and grabs Yuuki around the waist before spinning several times around in a circle with her. That's some energy you got there, princess.

"I was so worried! What happened?!"
"Anna, Anna-" Yuuki tries to keep the girl from spinning too much, using her waist as a pendulum. "-I'm fine. Really. I'm doing okay."

"Are you, really?! You were thrown of fa ship and then you wandered the frozen wastes for hours! Let me look at your fingers, I want to see if they're frostbitten."

"Anna, really! I'm fine! Not cold at all!"

Not to mention that Yuuki's element is Ice, so you don't think frostbite is something she has to worry about.

"-Anna.. I had a small question to ask." Yuuki looks down at her princess, "Could I take a few days off? From this whole hero thing? It's just-"

"Yeah, sure." Anna doesn't even think about the question, "Want me to show you to your rooms? I know you two are probably not staying on the airship tonight."

Yuuki blinks, "Wait, really? That's it? I can have a vacation?"

"Yeah, of course." Ana doesn't seem the least bit phased by her question. "Where were you going to spend those few days?"
"Here, at the castle. I guess I'll take a cart back when I'm ready to leave so Jack can just go back."
"That sounds good!" Anna seems estatic, "Perfect, even! I wanted to stay and catch up with family, anyway."

Yuuki continues staring at Anna, but her eyes dart toward you for just an instant.

>Just smile, and nod.
>Show yourself to your room, it's time to sleep.
>Say goodbye and go try to find someone, Aligot, perhaps? You had some questions.
>Summoner-changing questions.
>Just stay silent, don't be snide.
>Other?

Folks, now I gotta travel for a while. I'll be back to post the follow-up when I return.

See you soon.

>>902155
>Say goodbye and go try to find someone, Aligot, perhaps? You had some questions.

>>902155
>just smile and nod
>Say goodbye and go try to find someone, Aligot, perhaps? You had some questions.

>>902155
>Just smile, and nod.

Guess who was stuck in a traffic jam for three hours?

>writing, but it's probably too late for anyone to read it at this point.

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You COULD say some snide version of 'I told you so' right now, but you won't.
It would be very bad for Yuuki's self-esteem if the moment was ruined right now.

So instead, you do the proper thing and simply smile while nodding.

"Anna, just a quick question before I go." You interrupt the bunny-princess and her hero-snuggling. "Do you know where Aligot is staying? I had a couple of questions for him."

"Oh, he's staying at the guest mansion. It's outside the castle."

"Thanks. Yuuki, Anna, have a nice night! Come get me in the morning and tell me what the next few days will be like."

"Will do."
"-Okay."

With that, you turn and set off toward the exit. You turn around just before you get to the stairs to see Yuuki hugging Anna at her eye-level.
That girl; she's such a pain sometimes.

You continue outside the castle, and ask one of the guards to be directed to the guest mansion. You walk through the door, and find yourself in a much smaller grand hall.
One exception here, there are men inside. Several older looking politicians sit in a lounge area, reading and discussing political too far above your head to understand.

That's when you spot something important: there appears to be a library here. You think you might know where Aligot may be hiding. Quickly, you brush past the guards and into the inner mansion.

"No, I don't think that would be a place for him to hide."
Aligot talks to one of the librarians. He seems lost in his own little world.

He picks the book up off the table and hands it back.
"Find me any place that would make for a very sturdy stronghold that would not be along any potential cart routes."

The librarian sets off to return the book, and Aligot continues searching through some scrolls.
That is, until he notices you approaching.

"Oh, hello Dorje." He furls the scroll back up, scratching his head. "Sorry about that, I've been busy trying to solve a little mystery of mine. How are you doing?"

>Pretty good, pretty good.
>Cut the chatter, tell me more about changing summoners
>Can we do it for Kayda?
>Have you considered doing it for anyone thus far?
>What are the steps involved?
>Can this be done multiple times?
>Don't confront him just yet, just make small-talk.
>Ask about something else
>Other?

Going to bed, I will continue tomorrow. See you then!

>>904992
>Ask about the mystery, you never know what you might be able to help with.
>Try to calm down and ask about changing summoners.

>>904992
>Pretty good, pretty good.
>Try to calm down and ask about changing summoners.

>>904992

>Pretty good, pretty good.
>Try to calm down and ask about changing summoners.

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"Pretty good." You try not to involve Aligot in the matters of the day. You definitely don't want to carry the previous argument with Yuuki over here.

That said, there is something important that you think that he needs to be asked about.

"What was the 'mystery' you were working on?"

"I'm trying to understand why Clair wanted to meet in Bruschetta of all places to meet. I don't think it's a coincidence; I think there is someone here waiting for her."

"..Is it something I should worry about?"
"..Maybe." Aligot adjusts his voice.

"That doesn't sound very comforting."
"It's just-" Aligot stops and tries to think of a way to phrase it, "I don't need help right now, but I will if I find something. I'm not entirely sure what I'll find, but we'll worry about that when I get there."

"That makes me feel less confident about this than ever!" You feel a chill run up your spine, "What are you looking for?"
"Well, the possibility of encountering a very powerful enemy hero, or perhaps demons, or possibly-"

"Okay! Stop!" You're going to be up with nightmares, "I've heard enough! Let's not talk about demons, anymore."

You decide to change the subject.
"-On another note, I heard something interesting from Yuuki earlier. Something about changing summoners?"

"Oh, right. That." Aligot sets the scroll down, "What did you want to know about that?"

"Well, for one, I had a question; Why haven't we considered changing Kayda's summoner? The bears have been more trouble for her than they're worth."
"I have considered that, but it's more complex than that."

Aligot sits back in his chair, and pulls a dusty-looking journal out.
"This was a book I found that had information on the matter. For one, it requires the consent of the hero and the consent of the previous summoner, or it requires that another hero also change their summoner at the same time. I didn't think it was fair to ask Greta if she wanted Kayda to change summoners considering her age; so I didn't bother bringing it up."

"You should at least tell her."
"I'll do that when I get back, but right now- " He picks the scroll back up, "-back to my studies. Is there anything else I can help you with tonight?"

>Yes.
>No, goodnight.
>You said you were looking for, d-demons?
>This, 'powerful enemy hero', that's not the guy that Jack found that one time in the north, right?
>Yes, What do you mean 'another hero would have to change their summoner at the same time'? Does that mean you could skip having to get Greta to agree?
>Other?

>>907033
>This, 'powerful enemy hero', that's not the guy that Jack found that one time in the north, right?
>Yes, What do you mean 'another hero would have to change their summoner at the same time'? Does that mean you could skip having to get Greta to agree?
>It's good to know if we can do something if our summoner disappears, or worse.

>>907033
>if two heroes change summoner at the same time, do they just switch summoners? just curious.
>>what if the summoner is dead?
>This, 'powerful enemy hero', that's not the guy that Jack found that one time in the north, right?

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"This.. 'Powerful hero'.'

You almost feel yourself gulping just saying those words.
"-That's not the guy that Jack found that one time in the north, right?"

"Results.."
You can see Aligot ALSO gulp,
"-Inconclusive. It may be him, maybe someone completely different. There's no way to tell right now."

That's even worse!
So which is it?! Are there two evil heroes or just one really super-powerful evil hero?!

"-Uh-" You try to think of some way to change topics, "-Also, what do you mean 'another hero would have to change their summoner' at the same time? Does that mean you could skip Greta having to agree?"

"That you could, but- only if another hero agrees to go through the process. I actually don't know much about that methodology; it hasn't been on my mind recently." Aligot reaches back for the dusty tome, and flips through its pages.

"So, what, Do they just switch summoners?"
"I don't believe that to be the case, but I'm still working on that. There has to be some link between the previous summoner and the new summoner. Not sure what, yet."

"Well, it's just good to know that we can do something if our summoner disappears."
"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves, we've never even tried it to make sure that it works. We may never have to, either."

This talk seems to have taken an awfully dark turn. So it's time to make it just a tad bit darker.
"What if the summoner dies?"
"Unclear." Aligot adjusts his voice, "There are records of heroes living without summoners for thousands of years."

"Wait, seriously?"
"Absolutely. How they did it is a mystery to me. I suspect the man Jack met in the north is one such hero. I find it difficult to believe that he still has a summoner."

"How is it so strong, then?"
"My theory-" Aligot puts the book away and takes out a scroll, "Is that once a hero reaches a certain peak, it becomes unnecessary to recharge. Jack claims that he was able to make this mystery hero bleed from a cut. Which goes against everything the barrier stands for. Except! Except if this hero has not recharged in a very long time. I'm still looking into it, but if he's ascended to not requiring a summoner, then the math would make sense. Bleeding wouldn't be out of the question for him-"

"I understood some of that." You interrupt him, "But you're saying he's strong because he doesn't need a summoner?"
"The opposite, he's weak because he doesn't need a summoner, but he's strong enough to have found a way to live without one. If that's the case, then he's living with a massive handicap."

That's an equally terrifying idea. Just how strong was this guy in his 'prime'?

>I think that's enough nightmares for one night, I'm going to go to bed.
>Let me ask you another question about this hero guy

>Are you going with Jack or are you going to hang around for a few days?

>Because I was going to-
>Go back on the airship with Jack
>Ride the cart back with Yuuki, just to keep her company.
>Other?

>>907296
>>Because I was going to-
>>Go back on the airship with Jack

>>907296
>Talk about your tricks with earth magic and if there's any other advanced techniques to know about.
>He should give magic advice to other heroes?
I have no idea if people are going through proper training anymore or if everyone is just feeling it out. Seems like more effort could be made, if we're just accidentally coming across innovations.

>Are you going with Jack or are you going to hang around for a few days?

>Ride the cart back with Yuuki, just to keep her company.

>>907339
Oh, good point.

>>907296
>Talk about your tricks with earth magic and if there's any other advanced techniques to know about.
>He should give magic advice to other heroes?

Eh if no one else would vote, then in the interested of making it easier on announcer I'd be willing to go with having dorje with yuuki.

Sorry, I forgot to post

Last post of the night almost done!

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"One more thing before I go to bed, it's about my magic training."

Aligot cups his face in his hand, "You know, I've been so busy that I haven't even gotten to teach yet. How has that been working out for you?"

"I find something new every day."

"That's good!" Aligot seems genuinely happy, "That's how the best wizards learn. They simply make a goal to find out something new every day. I've been sadly lacking on that front. What have you learned lately?"

You tell him about the vibrations of the Earth, and how you've become more sensitive to movement. You're steadily improving to the point where you can feel people even through the soles of your shoes.

Aligot seems interested, and congratulates you. Apparently, that's something that even the best practitioners of magic have difficulty performing. Not to mention the occasional rumble you feel deep inside of the Earth. He wants to know more about that sometime.

What he finds more interesting seems to be how you managed to catch Yuuki when you both were falling.

"Oh, you heard about that?" You blink.
"It's been a rumor." Aligot suddenly smiles snidely at you, "About the handsome gentleman who used his mastery of Earth magic to catch Bruschetta's imperiled hero in his arms."

Your jaw drops, "You heard this where?!"

Aligot smiles, "Oh I heard it from the knights. They were swooning over the idea when I was out in town earlier. Being swept away by a master of magic, a genuine wizard. I put the pieces together that it was you."

His smile curls up, "To tell you the truth, I'm a little jealous."
You can feel a frustrated sigh leave your beath.

"It's not like I was calm, I was terrified!"
"It's not about the reality, it's about the image." Aligot pats you on the head, "Tell me, how did you catch her?"

"Well, I used a throwing knife to transmute ground into sand and drew a pillar of it toward us."
"Ah." Aligot rubs your scalp, "You used the knife to transmute the ground because it was metal, pretty clever. Who taught you that?"

"Oh, Cody and I were trying different things the other day."

"He seems like a good teacher. Have you seen him use his magic lately?"

You think back on it, and realize something.
"..I don't even know his element."
"I figured as much." Aligot sighs, "I don't even think he wears the ring anymore."

"Seriously?!"
"He's stubborn." Aligot pats you on the back, "But don't let it get to you, just be sure you're there to catch him like the dashing hero-wizard you are."

"Hey!" You pout.
"What?" Aligot is smiling again, "I'd give my left arm to princess-carry Yuuki like that. You did it entirely by accident! Be happy!"

"Why?!"
Aligot gives a frustrated sigh. "You'll know why when you're a bit older, good night Dorje. Try to get some sleep."

With that, he heads out the library and rounds the corner. You can feel your jaw agape.


What is it with this country that makes everyone act so weird?!

>Thread End

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This thread went unbelievably slow compared to other threads. Average post rate was 3 posts a day. While the thread did last five days, I'm still a little ashamed that I was not faster. I get side-tracked and have had a busy week, overall.

Anyway, I may not start next thread tomorrow. I may wait until Wednesday or Thursday. This is because I have work pretty much all day and I don't know how that's going to turn out. Either ways, I'll let you know what I'm planning.

Thanks for playing, let me know what you thought of this thread!

Next plan, hook up Yuuki with Aligot.

>>907972
thanks for running
yeah, it sure was slow, but i think it was worth it

>>907985
That is some dangerous territory we're entering.