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[11th of May (WEDNESDAY)]

>>Keiichi: Go for a jog.

It’s a chilly morning. Ten whole degrees, according to the weather report. Strange, given how close the country is towards summer. Florence must be enjoying this.

You shiver in your grey tracksuit and running shoes as you make your way towards to the apartment elevator. There was once a time where you jogged all the way down the fire escape. It was put to a halt by the building landlord, who complained about loud noises waking the other residents up. At least he didn’t do that thing where he glared straight at you while addressing the crowd, unlike certain staff at a certain academy.

A thin veil of grey blankets the sky. A flock of pigeons rise up from the rooftop of the apartment building. You watch their flight towards the distant sun, obscured by the clouds. It is a pink dot in the distance, streaking oranges and mauves across the brightening horizon.

Cars rumble across the street. They are few in number. Six in the morning is a comparatively peaceful time. The real rabble won’t arrive for another two hours. Traffic lights flash. Money is exchanged for cheap coffee in 24-hour convenience stores. Billboards buzz to life and shine with the latest advertisements. You sniff the city air. It tastes faintly of cold petrol and concrete.

“Right, let’s get to it…”

You stretch for a few minutes, running through the exercises your mother taught you back in the countryside. Knee lunges, side stretches, hip circles, calf raises, the whole lot. Limber up or get cramps. A small warmth floods through your body. It’s good enough. You jog on the spot for a moment, then kick off the pavement and sprint towards the street corner.

You weave in and out through the gradually growing crowd, jogging impatiently on the spot whenever a red light blocks your path. Your route takes you past familiar sights. A small corner shop that sells those custard buns your sister enjoys. The indoors firing range, an almost daily haunt of yours. The middle-aged man at the front desk always gives you a nod and a wave whenever you visit.

There’s the famous Scramble Crossing, where no truck ever dares to drive. Yoyogi Park is next, where you pass elderly men shifting through tai chi dancing amidst shamisen music. Michiko’s favourite hangout and a bane of your existence—the Shibuya Department Store. The railway station. The front of the classic 109. And then you’ve looped back and returned to the apartment block.

You stop in front of the sliding glass door. You clench your kneecaps and pant. Sandpaper lines the insides of your throat. Your tracksuit feels like a small furnace. A stitch has weaseled its way into your side. Today you ran more than usual. A whole half an hour. It’s good, since it’s one of the goals you set on your exercise routine. Unlike your thought processes during the run, which were more frustrating in a dull, jaded way.

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You asked questions to yourself. About everything that happened last night, your situation, what Avery said to you this morning. It's one thing to fight against toxic spirits—a scourge of humanity—and violent gang members. It's quite another to have your lives personally targeted by professional mercenaries.

Why would someone want to kill you and Airi? Who were those mercenaries working for? You've made enemies in the other schools, but you can’t imagine them carrying a grudge this far. How long had those two been watching for? Would they go after your friends for revenge? When would they strike next?

Was any of this related to the truck incident from two months ago, or the stabbing of that garbage truck man from that Stonewolf girl?

No answers present themselves, as usual, you don’t even know where to begin searching for them. You stare at your shoes, a tightness embedding itself in your gut. You feel the sting of fingernails digging into the flesh of your palm. Your lips tighten into a hard line. A nearby pedestrian glances at you and questions if you are okay. You trudge with these sensations all the way back to the elevator.

The metal doors slide shut. The little box rumbles up towards the top. You ruminate some more. It’s still unpleasant.

It’s nearly seven by the time you arrive back home. You see your sister in the kitchen, browsing through the contents of the fridge. A bag of bread lies on the kitchen table along with a tub of margarine. Non-fat, just the way she insists.

“Morning, Airi.” You greet.

“Good morning, onii-chan.” She mumbles, yawning midway.

“Where’s Avery?”

“On the toilet.” Airi responds. You eye the pale spots and the grooves beneath Airi’s eyes. You see how she accidentally takes a bottle of oil out of the fridge before blushing and quickly replacing it with the jam.

“Didn’t sleep well?” Your sister nods in response. She smacks her lips and pours a cup from the water judge. “Thinking about what happened last night?”

“My mind kept replaying what happened and wouldn’t stop, so I decided to catch up with Shesmur about what happened over the past couple of days. She replies, glancing at the table. “It wasn’t how I imagined it going.”

“Story of our lives.” You mutter. Airi gives you a faint, bitter smile in return.

“Onii-chan, how do you feel about this whole matter? Being targeted by mercenaries.” She asks. “I want to hear your thoughts on this.”

>“Is this what mom felt like?”
>“I guess we just have to suck it up and wait.”
>“Things could’ve been worse.”
>“I don’t know what we did to deserve this…”
>“I think we need to do something.”
>“Maybe we should leave Shibuya for a while.”
>Custom option.

>>1369037
>>“I think we need to do something.”
>We need info, who hired them and why. Then we can act.

>>1369037
>“Is this what mom felt like?”
>“I think we need to do something.”
HA HA! Time for guns!

>>1369037
>>“Is this what mom felt like?”
>“I think we need to do something.”

>>1369037
>“Is this what mom felt like?”
>“I think we need to do something.”

Writing now...

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“Is this what mom felt like?” You ask out loud.

“Mom…” Airi murmurs, a look of yearning displayed, “She was a soldier, wasn’t she? She must’ve been in mortal danger many times. It never really hit me before now.”

“Me too, Airi.” You reply.

“I wonder what she would say if we told us about this.”

You snort. “Freak out and threaten to withdraw us from True Hearts, likely.” You can picture that overprotective expression of hardened resolve, backed up by harsh words and years of experience from fighting toxic spirits for the nation. Akasha-Alea once suggested taking you out to the wilderness to train you into a child soldier. Your mother was in earshot at the time. The way the anger crossed her face was like watching a hurricane grow in slow motion. You will never forget the tongue-lashing she gave your mentor, disregarding any protocol or respect in place of sheer motherly instinct.

Your mother won that argument that day. She is also the same woman who fawns over your child photographs in the most saccharine voice imaginable.

“Do you think the government would accept that as an excuse?” You wonder.

“Considering their track record, I doubt it. Plus, Michiko, Nina and Hideki would be sad.” Airi says, “And Makoto too.”

“Yeah…”

“What do you think Dad would say?”

“I think he’d be more worried. He can’t fight, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

The toaster rings. Airi places the toast on a plate and puts it on the dining table. She then takes out a bowl of soup from the fridge and heats it up on the microwave. You think as she does this.

“I think we need to do something.” You mutter. Sitting around and waiting has never been something you’ve favoured, as your friends can attest to. The thing is, what should you do in this situation? Remember, you are up against two professionals (though you successfully evaded them last night) and their mysterious backer. Makoto has also arranged an investigation into the incident with the government.

[What will you do?]
>Contact Akasha-Alea.
>Talk to the police about it.
>Ask around Shibuya for clues.
>Go back and investigate the site of the attack.
>Ask Hideki if he knows anything.
>Call your parents.
>Wait it all out.
>Custom option.

[Go to school first?]
>Yes.
>No.

>>1369173
>Ask around Shibuya for clues.
>Go back and investigate the site of the attack.

School?
>no

>>1369173
[What will you do?]
>Call your parents.
Haven't seen much from them, could be interesting

>>1369173
>Ask around Shibuya for clues.
>Go back and investigate the site of the attack.
>Ask Hideki if he knows anything.

>No.
We hit the site first since it's freshest, THEN go to school and talk to our investigative reporter buddy.

>>1369173
Supporting >>1369186

Writing now...

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You quickly make your decision. “Let’s go back to the site of the attack. There still should be traces from last night.”

“Okay, that sounds like a good plan.” Airi nods, then frowns. In the distance, the microwave rings. “But when are we going to get the time to do it, onii-chan?”

“What do you mean?”

“We told all our friends to not stay out so late, so it would be hypocritical if we didn’t do the same.” She explains.

“Say what?”

“How are we going to investigate the attack when we’re meant to go straight home after school?”

You give her a flat look, one of many. “We’re not going to school, Airi.”

“Again?” She cries, hand hovering above the plastic microwave buttons.

“I think investigating the attack behind our lives is more important than school.” You state.

“That’s highly debatable.” Airi then sighs, resigned. “Oh, you’re always like this.”

Too right, you think to yourself. Still, you better placate your twin sister lest she start grumbing and give you passive-aggressive glances for the rest of the morning. “Look, we’ll go over to the park, scoop out the area and ask around Shibuya for a bit. That’ll take up most of the morning. Then we’ll grab lunch somewhere and go back to school.”

“Is this even going to help?”

Another flat look. “You agreed to it, didn’t you? It’s better than sitting around and doing nothing.”

“Doing nothing is what Makoto told us to do.”

“He can go fuck himself.”…is what you would’ve said if you were a rude bastard. Since you aren’t, you privately think that the student council president is not always right.

"What are we going to do even if we find something?"

"Eh, I'll think of something."

"Because that always turns out well, onii-chan..."

Airi finishes preparing the rest of the breakfast. You gather up the cutlery and place it down on the table. You then fish back in the drawer for more, because this household has three instead of two.

“Florence said something similar, too.”

“She did?”

You lean your head on the table, twisting your mouth into a nasty shape “When I called her, she said something about she was targeted often from a young age. She was so nonchalant about it, too. It was almost like she was bragging.”

“She must be used to it.” Airi comments.

“She said as much. Still, it’s crazy to think about.”

“Do you feel sorry for her, onii-chan?”

>“What a difficult question…”
>“I don’t know.”
>“Yeah, despite everything.”
>“No, of course not.”
>“Florence is never sorry for anything.”
>Custom option.

>>1369317
>>“Yeah, despite everything.”

>>1369317
>“No, why should I?"

>>1369317
>>“Florence is never sorry for anything.”
AVOID THE QUESTION

>>1369317
>>“Florence is never sorry for anything.”

>>1369317
>“I guess in the 'being a decent human being' way. She's a pain in the ass, but..."

>>1369317
>"Yeah, despite everything."

>>1369317
>“What a difficult question…”
>“Yeah, despite everything.”

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“Florence is never sorry for anything.” You mutter.

“That doesn’t really answer the question.”

“…fine, I guess I do, a little. It’s because I’m actually a decent human being and not an emotionless hunk of ice like her.” You grouse. “She’s still a real pain in the ass.”

“I see…”

“Why ask me something so weird?”

“Was it weird? You two seem to spent a lot of time together, so I was just wondering.”

“None of it is by my own will, got it?”

>You feel as if your relationship with Florence has increased by a tiny fraction…

A loud flush echoes from the bathroom. Avery strides out, wearing the same hoodie and short shorts as usual. The garments have evaded all manner of dust and grime, despite everything that has happened. It’s either a testament to Airi’s housekeeping skills or the fervent manner you tend to your firearms with. Maybe both. She bounces up to the dining table, humming to herself.

“Hey, you two! You done moping?”

“Why do you think we’re moping?” You ask.

“Because you acted all weird when you set off for your jog. And the two of you look like someone ran out of beer.” What sort of metaphor is that, you puzzle to yourself. Avery looks around. “Whatever. What are you two doing?”

“Discussing the stuff that happened last night and what we’re about to do.”

“Cool. What’s the plan?”

“We’re going back to the site of the attack to check it out.” You respond. “See if we can find any clues that might help us.”

“Makoto, the person who’s like our handler for the ten tasks, said the government is doing an investigation for us. Still, it might be worth doing something of our own. That way, we can help the investigators when the time comes.” Airi adds.

“Do you think we could have a mind dive done on us?” You wonder out loud. “Nina said those were costly as shit, though.”

“Mom would pay if we said we desperately needed one.” Airi replies.

“Huh.” Avery says, crossing her arms. “You guys are more proactive than I thought.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I thought you guys would hunker down and wait for the heat to die down, since you’re both minors and all. This place is protected by a powerful spirit, too.” Avery says, “Still, if you want to do some of your own research, that’s cool as well!”

“Thanks…I guess.” You answer.

“Don’t worry about it. Now, cheer up already! Our former master was targeted all the damn time and he never gave a single crap about it.”

“Again, what makes you think we’re gloomy?” You sigh. Still, Avery has a point. It’s not as if you’re being held at gunpoint this moment. You’re in your apartment and you’re absolutely safe. It might be best to relax and enjoy this peace while it lasts.

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“What’s this red stuff? It looks like blood.” Avery eyes the jar on the table.

“Not the best comparison I’d give for jam.” You say.

She frowns in confusion. “What’s jam?”

Now it’s your turn to frown. “I thought you came from America. Isn’t jam more common over there.”

“Yeah, but the guy who used to hold me didn’t eat this jam stuff.” Avery dips a finger into the crimson mush. She sucks on it. Her eyes light up like Christmas bulbs. “Woah it’s super sweet! Tastes like strawberry.”

“No, Avery, that’s not how you eat jam. You need to spread it on bread.” Airi gestures towards the knife and bread. Avery takes the knife, dips it into the jam jar, then rolls it over a slice of bread like a rolling pin. Her hands get sticky. They smell of candied fruits and preservatives.

“That’s not how you spread it on bread, either!” Airi cries.

“I like this…hey Airi, do you have more?”

Breakfast consists of toast and leftover soup. Airi eats moderately, you eat more bread than what a normal boy should and Avery somehow finishes off half the jam jar by herself. You wonder if spirits can contract diabetes. Airi’s eyebrow twitches, but it’s okay, since she bought a dozen jars on sale last month and jam takes forever to rot. At least, that’s what you catch her muttering under her breath as she places the dishes in the sink.

Shesmur unravels himself from Airi’s neck and jumps down onto the kitchen floor. He scurries over to the plate of blood Airi put out for him. He doesn’t go unnoticed. Avery stares at the gooey-red beast running across the floor and stands up to get a closer look.

It suddenly hits everyone that the two spirits in the house have yet to introduce to each other. You and Airi look at each other. What is exchanged is a mutual preparation for something explosive. You then look back to see that Avery has taken the advantage. She’s now crouching next to Shesmur’s plate of blood, staring intently. A low, animalistic growl rumbles like thunder through the room.

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“That’s Shesmur, my spirit partner. He’s a blood spirit.” Airi replies. She looks pained. “Please don’t call him that. He takes that word as an insult.”

“But he looks like a dog. One made of red goo.” Avery comments, causing Airi to grimace further. She “You’re supposed to shake hands with dogs, right? Here, boy.”

Avery extends her hand in what she thinks is a gesture of peace and amicability. Shesmur takes a single eyeless look at Avery’s hand, then chomps down on it like it’s a delicious piece of meat. Predictably, Avery freaks.

“My hand!” She howls, tearing the throbbing appendage out of the blood spirit’s drooling maw and cradling it with her other hand. The glare she directs at Shesmur could burn a hole in the centre of a truck. Airi is quick to hustle Shesmur into her hands and out of danger.

“You fucking mutt!” Avery screams.

“No Shesmur!” Airi scolds. The spirit doesn’t look particularly guilty, as well as you can tell from his lack of a face. “Bad Shesmur! Apologize to Avery this instant!”

You are forced to pull Avery back before she does something she might regret. “Avery, don’t kill Airi’s partner.”

“Let go of me, Keiichi!” Avery thrashes around in your grip. Her spittle flies in all directions, along with several pieces of English profanity. Hold her back is easier than estimated. She’s not exactly the most physically strong of spirits, you realize. You estimate her STRENGTH to be that of a reasonably fit average adolscent human. This means you can beat her in an arm wrestle. The thought is surprisingly pleasing. “I’m going to rip that mutt’s tongue out!”

“If it’s any consolation, he vomited on me a few days ago.” You say, patiently. “Calm down. Airi will make Shesmur apologize. He will, because he knows if he doesn’t he won’t be getting any of her fresh blood tonight.”

>You feel as if your relationship with Florence has increased by a tiny fraction…
Aww yeah

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>>1369428
>You feel as if your relationship with Florence has increased by a tiny fraction…

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>>1369448
>then rolls it over a slice of bread like a rolling pin

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As you predicted, the streets are warmer when you and Airi set off for school. Avery grumbles about having to go back to what she refers to as the most boring place she ever met. You tell her to be quiet; she offered her services to you, thus she must face the consequences of being by your side. Akasha-Alea never made a fuss, only snide remarks.

The sun is fully out. You take the chance to walk in the sunshine. You stride through Scramble Crossing, walk past the already-busy 109 and climb upwards towards Bunkmadori towards the park. On the way, you bump into Michiko, who just got off from her bus.

“Morning, guys!” She greets, running over. “Good to see you all.”

“Morning Micchan!” Airi smiles. You grunt and nod.

“So, um…” Michiko glances around the street, then leans in closer. “About what happened last night…are you both alright?”

>“We’re fine.”
>“Worry about yourself first.”
>“We don’t look dead, so I guess so.”
>“No, not really.”
>“Don’t associate with us for a while.”
>Custom option.

>>1369532
>We're fine. You?

>>1369532
>Mercs after us for some probably asinine reason. Took a few scratches.
>Might want to steer clear of us for a bit until we handle it.

>>1369532
>“No, not really.”

>>1369532
>>“No, not really.”

>>1369532
>“Don’t associate with us for a while.”
Full dickhead

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>>1369532
>“Worry about yourself first.”

>>1369523
How do you apply your jam then, anon?

>>1369532
>“No, not really.”

>>1369532
>>We're fine. You?

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“No, not really.” You grumble. “Neither of us slept well.”

“Is that so?” Michiko says, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Not your fault.”

“Is there anything I can do to help about the situation you’re both in?”

“Unless you know who those two were, I doubt it.” You don’t bother to wait for a reply. “You shouldn’t associate with us for a while.”
“Excuse me?” Michiko gasps.

“Onii-chan?” Airi cries.

“Go and worry about your stuff. This is none of your business.” You turn your back to Michiko and head off, only to be stopped by her hand on your shoulder. It’s got some weight. You turn your head to see your blonde friend, clearly unamused.

“Keiichi, are you really doing this again?” she asks.

“Doing what?”

“You did the exact same thing last year. You acted all cold towards me for a week and said all kinds of rude remarks to me. Then I found out that you were secretly beating up guys from Stonewolf the entire time. Or was it fighting gangs on the streets? Whatever! The point was you didn’t want me to caught in the crossfire.” She exclaims, sweeping the air with your hand. “Geez, you didn’t listen to me at all back then!”

“Well, it was last year.” You remark.

“God, you are such a boy it hurts…” Michiko groans. Her expression flares up with determination once more. She leans closer. Her silky blonde hair flails in a gentle breeze. Light shines off the silver quavers in her hair. You catch the scent of her shampoo. Lemon-flavoured.

“Look Keiichi, I’m not going to stop associating with you just because you’re in danger. I’m not that kind of vile girl. You’re practically always in danger anyway, so I’m used to it. And besides, it can’t be helped. The stuff you do has already permanently affected my stuff by a lot, so if I stopped talking to you I’d feel super weird. Got it?”

She concludes her rant with flushed cheeks and deep breaths. You catch her eyes. She averts hers.

“Cool words. You really should become a writer than you grow up.” You remark, deadpan. A strangled sound escapes from Michiko’s mouth. Her cheeks puff up.

“That’s how you respond…at least try to remember what I said this time!” Groaning, she steps back. She then stares at your tracksuit like it’s offended her in some way. “Why aren’t the two of you in uniform?”

“Onii-chan doesn’t want to go to school.” Airi responds.

“Again?” Michiko says. “What is it this time?”

You explain your decision to Michiko about the investigation. She seems to accept it.

“So, you’re definitely coming to school later today?” She asks.

You pretend to think. “Now that I think about it…”

“You better come this afternoon!” She cries, pointing her index finger. “We have important things to discuss!”

You know what these important things are and you don’t want to think about them for quite some time. “I forgot.”

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“Onii-chan, don’t be this way…” Airi moans. She smiles at her friend. “Rest easy Micchan, he’ll come to True Hearts even if I have to chain him up and drag him along the ground.”

“I’m standing right here, girls.”

You and Airi bid Michiko farewell and head for the park. A small crowd has gathered there. They are peering and pointing at the scorch marks at the entrance and the displaced concrete in the sidewalk. Without a doubt, the events of last night happened.

“What tragic events could have led to such a beautiful piece of scenery to be ruined. Has magic gone too far?”

A news reporter is on the scene, dressed in a suit too restricting for the heat. She is accompanied by a camera man in a black hat. The guy looks exhausted, like all the cups of coffee in the world couldn’t wake him up.

You try and avoid them, because the last thing you want is your face on the camera. Unfortunately, you fail.

“Excuse me, young man? We’re from Tokyo News. From the way you were staring at the damage, do you perhaps know something about the incident that happened here?”

“Ugh, the press…” Avery grumbles.

>“Tell me what you know first.”
>“I saw it all happen.”
>“I was actually attacked.”
>“I have no idea, sorry.”
>“Please go and harass someone older.”
>“No mugshots, please.”
>Custom option.

>>1369738
>>“I have no idea, sorry.”

>>1369738
>“I have no idea, sorry.”
>“No mugshots, please.”

>>1369738
>"Please go and harass someone older."

>>1369738
>“I have no idea, sorry.”

>>1369738
>>"Please go and harass someone older."

>>1369738
>“No mugshots, please.”

>>1369738
>>“I have no idea, sorry.”
>“Please go and harass someone older.”

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Watch out for Florence "Ice Queen" Rutherford
The public enemy of waifufag #1
She is the main responsible for...
/qtg/
TwilightThorn dropping P2129
Quests being kicked off of /tg/
Leaking smug with every word
Consorting with delinquents in alleyways
Making half the players quit
Soiling threads with unreadable bitchiness
Killing waifuism in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013
Hostile takeover of Keiichi's thoughts
Humiliating Keiichi Hirayama
The development of the relationship status updates
The development of the future dating status updates
Attempted assassination of Quest Drone and JQOP
Gokigenyou
Successful assassination of Velo, Ouro, and Crusty Jones
Successful assassination of Steve Jobs because Mac computers could not handle smug
Flooding Thailand to increase HDD prices and promote 10-bit smug
Humiliating Keiichi Hirayama
Telling a store manager to threaten an employee not only his job but also love life
Shutting down pomf.se
Shutting down archive.moe
Removing loli and rape from sup/tg/
Pairing Airi with boys so she can become used goods
Reminding TwilightThorn of Persona 5, constantly distracting him
Preventing KyoAni from adapting Magical Girl Noir
“That”
Extreme oujosamaing
Pushing to ban lolis in Shibuya
Hindering interspecies gunfu relations
Holding quests hostage and forcing people to read haremshit
Allowing Naruto fanfics on /qst/
Attempted assassination of /qst/ (ongoing)
Forcing Thorn to reconsider running this quest
Imposing a smug embargo on waifus
Monopolizing Keiichi’s time during Slice of Life events
Pleases old men for money
Carelessly wielding her influence as heir to a conglomerate
Infinite Stratos 2
Succesfull assasination of Ninafags to enforce her new taste prerequisite
Personally overseeing the Michiko’s destruction of any real personality
Cosplaying as Krul
Attempted assassination of Anonkun (ongoing)

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>>1369876
Lies and heresy! We have ways of dealing with you non-believers!

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“I have no idea, sorry,” You reply.

“That’s too bad.” The newswoman says, in a simpering tone that reminds you of slugs crawling down your back. She’s also wearing way too much lipstick and makeup for a woman her age. Nina looks way better, and that’s saying something.

“Please go and harass someone older.” You grunt.

“Well, aren’t you the upstanding youth?” The newswoman replies through clenched teeth. “It’s almost nine. Shouldn’t children like you be in school by now?”

This probably would have devolved into a petty argument. Thankfully you are saved by the cameraman, who hurries up frantically.

“Boss, there’s someone over there who wants to talk to us.” He says.

“Coming!” Enmity instantly forgotten, the newswoman dashes over to the other side of the park. You are left alone with your sister.

“Onii-chan, you really should stop picking fights with people…” Airi remarks. Maybe so, but that woman was creepy as hell, so it all balances out.

You survey the area. It seems that the police hasn’t been called. For some reason, the attack went unnoticed by everyone in the area. When they arrive, they will no doubt seal off this park. You will not be able to collect anything from the area if that happens.

What will you do?

>Listen to the crowd.
>Check the Internet.
>Collect artifacts from the attack.
>Follow the newswoman.
>Take some photos with your phone.
>Leave.
>Custom option.

>>1369876
>Ouro
Nah he's just ill, he pops up occasionally and is active on his twitter.

I honestly doubt she did half those things, still don't like her.

>>1369885
>Collect artifacts from the attack
>Take some photos with your phone.
>Listen to the crowd.

>>1369885
>Listen to the crowd.
>Take some photos with your phone.

>>1369885
>Collect artifacts from the attack
>Take some photos with your phone.

>>1369876
Lies! She is best girl because she's the best combination of most fuckable, most interactino, and most personality

>>1369885
>>Listen to the crowd.
>>Check the Internet.
>>Collect artifacts from the attack.
>>Follow the newswoman.
>>Take some photos with your phone.
Then
>>Leave.

>>1369902
most interaction is forced
Can't really see most fuckable at all
Most personality is wrong, all of them have plenty, it's just Florence fags forcing us to talk to her constantly and ignoring the others.

>>1369885
>Collect artifacts from the attack

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>>1369876
Impressive

>>1369885
>>Collect artifacts from the attack.

>>1369885
>Collect artifacts from the attack.
>Take some photos with your phone.

>>1369876
Nice

Taking a break for lunch, be back in 30 mins...

>>1369885
>>Take some photos with your phone.

>>1369908
>Florence fags forcing us to talk to her constantly and ignoring the others.
Huh, didn't know they were in the majority.
Shes not bad so I guess i'll join them.

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>>1369937
A convert! Praise be!

>>1369937
If you like her, you like her. More power to you. she's not BAD just I like Michiko better.

Back and writing...

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>>Keiichi: Listen to the crowd.

“This is the work of delinquents, no doubt.”

“Youth these days…”

“This place is going to be closed down. Where am I going to exercise now?”

“Such a shame…”

“First Hachiko gets drawn on and now this? What is this city coming too?”

“Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing.”

“Maybe I should send my kid to Caelestis instead…”

“In times like these, we should pray to the spirits.”

“Mom, can we go now?”

>>Keiichi: Check the Internet.

You hop onto a website called Streets of Tokyo. It’s an amateur news site that you’ve found yourself going to. Users on the website post about and report on the happenings in the city. Those with enough reputation are granted the privilege of writing articles that go on the front page. Hideki is one such writer, under the pseudonym cheeky_cant. The entire infrastructure is serviced by donations and ads.

Streets of Tokyo is stacked with clickbait, especially the forums, but there’s always a few grains of truth scattered here and there. Some writers are upstanding enough to do their research and provide sources. Plus, the reporters there possess a certain, youth-like viewpoint that the formal news stations and radio shows lack.

You enter the forums and search for a thread about the incident in the park. You find it in the first page.

>DAMAGE IN SHIBUYA PARK! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

>provide us with a location, you fuck
>Damage: Blackened pavement, displaced concrete. The result of a mole spirit with a flame fetish???
>wut
>Bet it was a street fight. You know how magi are
>It’s worse in Shinjuku and Ginza
>LIES LIES LIES LIES LIES
>If it was a street fight then how come nobody heard it??????
>Silencing spell?
>Why would anyone use a silencing spell for something that small?
>Why would they conduct a fight in a park where everybody and their mom can see?
>OH STIH ITS A CONSPIRAYC

As usual, the comment section resembles the digital equivalent of a swamp bog.

>Was anyone around the area when it happened?
>Fuck, too many people to choose from
>It’s kinda weird how this wasn’t on the late news. This stuff was only discovered this morning
>Man, that’s suspicious
>Nah, not really. If nobody speaks then it’s not unusual for it go unheard. It’s not like that park was Yoyogi or anything
>I was there
>what happened
>I saw a pizza delivery car roll up near the park
>that doesn’t help at all you fucking moron!
>This incident will probably be forgotten in a few days
>When the damage is restored nobody will remember it all

>>1370087
Love these kinds of posts you do with random internet commenters, Thorn. They're always funny.

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Seems like no-one knows the true details behind the incident. Weird. Wouldn’t someone have heard a gunshot?

>>Airi: Collect artifacts from the attack.

Your sister searches around the park for clues, covertly obscuring herself from the eyes of the public with her DEXTERITY and AGILITY. She hesitates at first, but quickly steels herself and carries out her duty. This isn’t the first time she’s stepped into the grey zone of the law.

>Acquired Student ID Cards. They belong to the Hirayama Siblings. Airi’s explosion wiped most of the text on the front, but it’s best not to leave one’s face out in the open.
>Acquired Needles. They’re the needles the girl in the gas mark threw. When Airi found them, they were embedded in a tree.
>Acquired Disposable Valve. It seems to belong to a portable tank of some description.
>Acquired Cloth fragment. This would normally seem like trash, but it matches with what the girl was wearing.
>Acquired 5000 Yen. Um…this doesn’t seem to be related to the incident. And yet, Airi snatched it up anyway…

>>Airi: Take some photos.

She does that. While doing so, she notices that the breaker in the park was deliberately destroyed. All the cameras in the area had their wires cut, too.

>>Keiichi and Airi: Leave. Also, call up Hideki while you’re at it.

KEIICHI HIRAYAMA: Hey Hideki, can we meet up somewhere private?

HIDEKI NISHIO: Sure, bud! How does the school roof at lunch sound?

KEIICHI HIRAYAMA: Done. See you there.

>>Keiichi and Airi: Waste time in the city until lunchtime.

“No, onii-chan! We’re going to school and studying like sensible people!”

>>1370140
>Acquired 5000 Yen. Um…this doesn’t seem to be related to the incident. And yet, Airi snatched it up anyway…
Good girl

>>1370148
Sensible sister

>>1370148
I'm still slightly upset that best girl is our sister.

>>1370158
Why?
Don't mean we cant hit that

>>1370191
Because incest is not wincest, anon

>>1370191
......anon

It very much does. Thorn doesn't write that stuff.

>>1370191
Is your skin by any chance blue

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You arrive at school half-way through the third period. Upon seeing that class is still in session, you sneak away to the library and hide until the bell rings. You then bust into the classroom while the teacher is leaving and slip into your seat. Everyone gives you funny looks. You ignore them. The class president tries to ask you what happened. You silence her by looking in her general direction. Her friends pat her on the back and gives you looks so filthy they belong the garbage man. It’s all par for the course.

“So…did you guys get everything done?” Michiko asks.

“Yeah.” You respond. “Wasn’t that hard.”

“Anyone get hurt this time?”

“No.” It’s a little sad the question must be asked.

“Okay.” Michiko nods. She smiles. “I’m glad you came today.”

“Thanks, I guess?”

The rest of the morning passes by as usual. Avery grumbles about having to go back to what she refers to as the most boring place she ever met. You tell her to be quiet; she offered her services to you, thus she must face the consequences of being by your side. Akasha-Alea never made a fuss, only snide remarks.

Lunch arrives and you head up to the root. Hideki is waiting there with a brown bag and a grin. Together, you chow down your food and then talk business. You explain to him the decision you made this morning, what you did instead of coming to school and what you’re thinking of doing from now on. He contemplates as he listens, rubbing his chin with his hand and tapping the ground with his foot. He takes out his notepad halfway through.

“Okay, I get the gist of it.” He says. With a careful toss, he throws his bag into a nearby bin. “I gotta ask though, if these guys are so damn dangerous, why are you wasting your energy investigating them? Sounds like you’d be better off waiting for the pres to do his thing.”

>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.”
>“It’s merely a precaution.”
>“They need to be taken to the police.”
>“I want to fight them again.”
>“I want to help the government’s investigation.”
>“No reason.”
>Custom option.

>>1370226
>“It’s merely a precaution.”
>But it's likely that
>>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.”

>>1370226
>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.”

>>1370226
>>“It’s merely a precaution.”
>>but
>>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.”
Totally not gonna point of that roots grow up instead of down, roots are way cooler than roofs anyway.

>>1370226
>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.”

>>1370226
>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.”

>>1370226
>>“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared

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“They’re going to come to us. I want to be prepared.” You respond.

“I understand.” Hideki says, “But even with all the stuff you’ve gathered—good work by the way—it’s gonna take me a hell of a long time. I’m almost tempted to drop the whole thing and work on something else.”

“You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to.” Airi says, firmly. “This will put you at risk.”

“Nah, it’s good. I’m kinda interested in the story behind your incident. But sheesh, I’m gonna have to pull out all my contacts for this one…”

“Are you going to do it or not?” You ask.

Hideki thinks for a moment. “Hold on, I think I know someone who might be suitable for this job.”

“Who?”

“A guy I know. He’s shady, but he’s taught me a lot of good tricks. In that respect he’s like a mentor. I think he’ll work for you guys if you give him the money.”

“How much?”

“For something like this…50,000 yen at the very least.”

“We don’t have that kind of money.” Airi remarks, clenching the edges of her uniform skirt. “Our budget is already tight enough as it is.”

“Yeah, but you guys could save up for it. I’m sure you guys could think of a way.” Hideki says, “It’s what you guys do.”


“You better not pawn me off, Keiichi! I’m practically priceless!”

“Where did the hell did that come from?”

>If you tell Hideki to investigate, he’ll be fully focused on the job and won’t be available for 7 whole days.
>If you decide to raise the money, you have to reach a target of 50,000 yen.

What will you do?

>Let Hideki investigate.
>Raise the money for Hideki’s mentor.
>Choose neither options and leave.
>Custom option.

>>1370334
>>Raise the money for Hideki’s mentor.
Get Michiko an idol deal, ask her for dough?

>>1370334
>Raise the money for Hideki’s mentor.
$500 ain't that much. Especially not for intel.

>>1370334
>Raise the money for Hideki’s mentor.

>>1370334
>Raise the money for Hideki’s mentor.

>>1370334
>>Choose neither options and leave.
Lot of cash and I kinda feel like things would already have been settled in a week.

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>>Keiichi: Decide to raise the money for Hideki’s mentor.

“Alright, I got it. I won’t investigate this any further. Good luck, guys.”

Time passes and soon it’s the end of the school day.

“Keiichi…”

The afternoon sun is vivid. You can hear your classmates chatting about how great that another day has gone by.

“Hey Keiichi….”

Nina didn’t come to school today. You wonder what she’s doing.

“Keiichi, are you listening to me?”

It seems like Michiko really wants to talk to you. Desperate, if one were to go to extreme lengths. Needless to day, it’s about the school production, which involves you going up on stage and singing. But you have free will and are not obligated to meet her demands.

You have some free time before the sun goes down. What will you do?

>Spend time with Michiko.
>Spend time with Nina.
>Spend time with Florence.
>Spend time with Avery.
>Spend time with Airi.
>Spend time by yourself.
>Custom option.

>>1370408
>>Spend time with Michiko.
Let's see what she wants to talk about

>>1370408
>>Spend time by yourself.
Finally Keiichi can bust a nut in peace without Homuhomu whispering pro tips

>>1370408
>Spend time with Michiko
We have been kinda ignoring her. Let's see what she wants.

Okay, it's Michiko time...in the next session, because I have errands to run. It's tomorrow, same time as usual. Hope to see you there!

>>1370408
>Spend time with Michiko.
I dunno guys, I think she wants to talk to us.

>>1370429
Thanks for the run mate! See ya then!

>>1370408
>Spend time with Michiko.

>>1370408
>>Spend time with Michiko.

>>1370413
This guy makes a very strong point. Not that having protips is bad though.

>>1370408
>>>Spend time by yourself.

>>1370408
Supporting
>>1370413

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>>1370413
>>1370466
>>1370587

>>Past Keiichi from half a year ago: Spend some private time in your room.

This is a thing that does not happen because your mentor is already there. She’s sitting in your desk-side chair, flipping through a book. Unusual, but not a cause for panic. Then you catch what she’s actually flipping through and realize that, yes, this is a cause for panic.

“This is quite an interesting magazine you’ve got here.” Akasha-Alea remarks, turning the page. She stares down at drawings displayed. She is expressionless as always. “So, boy, you enjoy this kind of material?”

You stand in the doorway, eyes threatening to pop out and fall to the carpet like little fleshy marbles. “Where did you get that?” You grind out. Your hands tremble. They reach out through the air for your mentor. It is all in vain, because she is more than several arm lengths away from you.

“It was under your bed. A classic hiding spot.” Akasha-Alea comments, not bothering to look up. “How quaint.”

“How did you know it was there?” You cry, almost shriek.

“I saw you hide it.” You can only gape at her comment. She looks up, still expressionless. “I see what is around you, remember?”

“I thought you said you wouldn’t watch me when I was resting!” You yell.

“Correction.” Akasha-Alea intones. “I said I would not interfere or ask you to perform your mentee duties. I do watch you, at times. Fear not, I only do so to check on your status.”

That doesn’t sound too bad, you think to yourself. A horrible realization then strikes you. The effect on your body is immediate. You barely form your next words through the internal mental choking. “Do you watch me while I sleep, too?” You blurt out.

“Yes.” Akasha-Alea replies in an instant. “It’s generally not very interesting, so I quickly stop.”

Oh god, you can’t decide if what she said is better or worse. Bashing your head against the door frame looks more tempting by the second. What divine spirit did you anger to let these events unfold?

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“The contents of this magazine are notable and deserve to be analyzed.” Akasha-Alea murmurs. “There is a rather noticeable prominence of women with long black hair, like me. They are wearing thigh-highs, like me. Their legs are rather slender, like mine.”

“Hideki gave me this!” You shout frantically. “It was because he owed me something and wanted to pay it back!”

“I know.” Akasha-Alea replies, looking straight at you. “I saw it all.”

“I didn’t mean to pick it up, I swear!”

“I would think that accepting the gift counts as picking it up.” Akasha-Alea says. “Ah, on closer inspection I see that the women all have rather voluptuous chests—something that I thankfully lack. They also lack clothing on most parts of my body, which is also very unlike me. How very interesting. It seems I have now reached the end.”

Akasha-Alea closes the magazine, making sure not to ruffle any pages. She stands up and hands it over to you. You barely register your hand taking it and letting it fall by your side. Akasha-Alea stands in front of you and speaks.

“Judging from the cover, it is incredibly obvious what purpose this magazine serves. As your mentor, I cannot force you to stop enjoying these kinds of entertainment, nor do I see any real harm in doing so.” She lectures. “My only wish is that you do not take your enjoyment of them too far and shirk your mentee duties in the process. Is that clear?”

Your only response is a strangled, fish-like sound from the back of your throat.

“Is that clear, boy?” Akasha-Alea presses.

“Yeah…sure…” You mumble feebly. “I get it, Akasha.”

“Good. I must be off. I will not watch you until you have rested, so enjoy yourself to your heart’s content. Don’t forget tonight’s practice.” With that last sentence, Akasha-Alea vanishes in a burst of mana and smoke. The room falls into silence. You stand there, still clenching the magazine. In the kitchen, an analog clock ticks and tocks. It ticks and tocks sixty more times before some measure of feeling flows back into your legs.

You walk over to your bed. You lie down on the bed, chest facing the mattress. You take out the magazine, spread it open and stare at the contents.

You put your hand down your trousers.

...

...

...it's no good. Nothing is happening. That woman has completely killed the mood. You feel tempted to toss the magazine onto the floor and smash your head into your pillow.

You act on that temptation and remain there until Airi finishes cooking dinner and calls you out of your room.

She asks you what the matter is over the dining table. You refrain from answering. She wouldn’t understand.

Someone as untainted as her could never understand.

>>1371072
>You put your hand down your trousers.
Who masturbates with pants on?

>>1371092
This is why we need Akasha-Alea

>>1371072
Keiichi just needs to learn to enjoy the thought of Akasha watching him. What's the worst that could happen?

>>1371069
>“It’s generally not very interesting, so I quickly stop.”
Oh god it hurts. This was good. Hopefully we can make Keiichi learn to appreciate the flatness since Akasha and Florence are the top two girls.

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>>1371371
>Akasha and Florence are the top two girls.
>Florence

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>>1371072
>magazine
He does need pro tips after all

We kind of need to talk with michiko sometime.

>>1371449
>he doesn't get off to bullying and abusing the tsundere
No we don't. We don't have to at all

>>1371586
She's not really tsun. She's nicer to K1 than just about any female barring Airi.

>>1371586
She is not tsun, she is pretty straightforward.

>>1371586
She isnt tsun, but i agree we dont need to

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[11th of May (WEDNESDAY)]

It’s a lovely spring afternoon. You gaze out the classroom window, shielding your forehead from the bright afternoon sunlight. The sky-high rises of Shibuya stand tall amidst a pallet of orange and gold. The Tokyo Tower looms in the far distance, a thin needle pointing up to the heavens.

“Hey Keiichi, are you listening to me?”

The Scramble Crossing traffic lights flash and pedestrians swarm across the breadth of the plaza. Train carriages strain themselves to maximum capacity to accommodate the rush of passengers, and then some. In various wards of the city, hundreds of thousands of calories are consumed and burned in fast food diners, dessert shops and assorted snack stands.

You are starting to get a little hungry.

“I’m right beside you. It’s rude to ignore a girl, y’know.”

The last of your books falls into your bag. You stand up and survey around the area. The teacher is gone. Airi has popped off to the bathroom. The class president is wiping down the blackboard. A group of boys discuss the latest video game in the corner. Nina would wipe the floor with them, you think to yourself. Near the back, a trio of girls compare beauty tips while gazing a fashion magazine. Florence is better looking, a stray thought whispers in your head. It is soon beaten down into bloody pieces by the rest.

“Keiichi, I’m going to blow my top if you don’t respond. You have three seconds. Three, two one…”

You place your hand on your forehead, exhale and turn to the blonde girl sitting next to you. “What is it, Michiko?”

“Finally.” She sighs. “You know what I’m about to ask, do you?”

“No,” You reply, “I don’t.”

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Michiko gives you an irritated look. “Yes, I think you do.” She says.

“I really have no idea.”

“Keiichi, it’s not right to play games like this.”

“But I truly don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Keiichi Hirayama…” She growls, mana coursing through her blonde locks. They rise up and twist in the air.

“Sorry Michiko.” You say, holding up both hands. “Beat on me all you like, but if you can’t communicate then I can’t co-operate with you.”

“So that’s how you’re going to act? Alright, I get it. Hey Keiichi, let’s go to the auditorium.” Michiko flashes you a cute smile. You’ve seen it in those online recordings of hers. All anger and wayward mana has vanished and replaced with cheerfulness and all things bright and colorful. You regard it all with caution. “It’s time for you and Airi to start working in the school production!”

“Oh yeah, that.” You say.

“Yes, that!” Michiko cries in agreement.

“Is this something we can say no to?” You ask.

“Of course it isn’t, silly. After all, you already agreed to participate, didn’t you? I think you’ve been putting it off for way too long.”

“I’m hoping whoever is organizing the production has forgotten about us.” You respond.

Michiko’s smile widens. She edges her chair closer until there are mere inches between you and her. “That’s impossible. Nobody in this academy could ever forget the infamous Hirayama Siblings!”

You glance towards the door. You count the amount of obstacles and bodies between you and it. You calculate the shortest time required to sprint there and the necessary techniques needed to prevent any interruptions. “Hypothetically, if I ran out the door and spent the rest of the afternoon playing video games with Nina, what would happen with me?” You ask.

Michiko stands up. She drags herself closer. “Why, I would summon all my girlfriends, hunt you down with them, break your kneecaps and drag you all the way to the auditorium!” She says in a chipper, bright tone.

“I think Airi would be pissed.” You remark.

“I think she would join me because she’s such a good friend.” Michiko replies.

“If you broke my kneecaps, how would I act?” You ask, raising a finger.

“One of the girls is training to become a professional cleric. She can heal a few broken bones. I think.”

“You’re kinda pissed with me at the moment, aren’t you?”

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“Oh, not really.” A complete lie if you’ve ever heard one. “But I would be if you did what you just said. So, in order to prevent that from happening, you really should go.”

You look around. Hideki isn’t here. Nina chose not to come today. Airi is in the restroom. Florence doesn’t attend True Hearts. Your mother and father are back in the countryside. Everyone else is a stranger. Clearly, there is only one path.

“Fine, you win. This better finish before it gets dark…”

“I’m so glad you understand!” Michiko smiles, patting you on the shoulder. “In the future, please don’t treat me like an idiot, okay?”

As Michiko skips out of the classroom to give your sister the good news, Avery smirks devilishly in your head and mouths a single word.

“Whipped.”

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The academy auditorium is a dim place. The lights are purposely set to low, lest the entire student body drench themselves in sweat during formal announcements. Rows of plush chairs lurk like lines of soldiers in the gloom. The stage, on the other hand, is bathed in light. You, Airi and Michiko step up to the front and enter the back. The area is live with the sounds of singing and practice. Participants go through their lines. Costumes are arranged and mended. Props are crafted through woodwork and sorcery. Everyone goes noticeably quiet when you enter the fray.

Two students greet you and your sister.

“I’m Basho Mori, the president of this fine drama club. Thanks for lending a hand, Hirayama siblings. I’m indebted to you!” The brown-haired boy gives a stiff bow, then clenches your hand in a firm, vice-like handgrip. He shakes them up and down like a vigorous branch in a mighty breeze.

“I’m Masako Usami, the vice-president. Listen you two, we’re on a tight deadline here. We can’t afford to mess around.” A black-haired girl lectures, her tone sharp and weighed down from weeks of stress. The sinks in her cheeks and dark patches beneath her eyes are obvious signs of malnutrition. Yet, she stands firm with an electronic tablet in hand. “We need to pull off this play or the academy funding is doomed.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Airi says, giving them a small bow.

“Um, same.” You mutter. “Good to meet you both."

They seem satisfied. The rest of the production participants are less than enthused. You hear the whispers start up, tiny wisps of noise in the background.

“Seriously, the Hirayama Siblings are going to participate?”

“Wow, I’ve never seen them in person. These two are the famous SwordxGun?”

“What’s Basho thinking? How many accidents have these two siblings caused?”

“Just what we need, delinquents in our production. The whole thing was strained enough as it is.”

“Great, this play is doomed…”

“We might as well pack it up already…”

>“I can hear you, assholes.”
>“No promises, alright?”
>“I’ll do my best.”
>“Okay, I quit.”
>Emit mana pressure.
>Ignore them.
>Custom option.

>>1371856
>“I can hear you, assholes.”

>>1371856
>Emit mana pressure.
>“I can hear you, assholes.”

>>1371856
>>Emit mana pressure.

>>1371856
>>“I can hear you, assholes.”

>>1371856
>“I can hear you, assholes.”
>Emit mana pressure.

>>1371856
>“I can hear you, assholes.”

>>1371856
>I can hear you, assholes.
Without doing any mana pressure, though -- an overt threat seems a little bit much.

>>1371856
>>“I can hear you, assholes.”

Writing now...

I was thinking on something: At first K1 kinda resembled Takashi (obviously they look pretty similar, and they were both generally quiet people who preferred not to fuck around with unnecessary stuff and were kind of, like, jokingly lazy but not really. But by now they are completely different characters -- Takashi was kinda goofy, and his (relative) quietness was a result of being a mellow guy, but he was genuinely friendly and fairly open about it.

Keiichi is relatively quiet because he is the manifestation of purest salt, and generally pretty annoyed. He is also blatantly tsundere about the people he likes, even if he does actually care the same amount Takashi did. Seriously, K1 is more like Ktsun.

>>1371856
>>Emit mana pressure.
>>“I can hear you, assholes.”

>>1371953
>Seriously, K1 is more like Ktsun.
I like that about him

>>1372023
Haha, so do I, for the same reasons I liked p2129's blonde best girl

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You tilt your head around and fix the bystanders with the classic once-over. Your mana flares up and extends its reach around the stage, burdening the bystanders with an ethereal pressure—a classic magi trick in intimidation. “I can hear you, assholes.” You growl, making sure to clearly enunciate every word.

The whispers rise up once again.

“How scary…”

“Should we report this to the supervisors?”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep at night.”

“At least they’re not the leads.”

“Oi!” Masako snarls, jabbing her pen in the bystanders’ general direction. It’s rather cathartic. “If you’ve got time to chatter, get back to practice! This isn’t a chat room!”

They quickly get back to their original tasks, but not before muttering some more and shooting more looks at you and your sister. Next to you, Michiko shakes her head in distaste.

“Yeah, I had the feeling this would happen.” She grumbles. “Stupid rumours.”

“They might warm us to up in time, Micchan.” Airi says. “At least I hope so.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m not holding out for anything.” You say, “Anyway, what exactly are we meant to do? I’ve read through the script a couple of times. Am I going to be one of the side characters?”

“Everyone participating has a role in the production, which is assigned based on how good their singing and acting is. You’ll most likely be asked to assist in making the props and other general tasks.” Basho explains. “We’re in the final stages of assembling the cast and the roles. Proper practise should being next week.”

“You’re telling me that if my singing or acting is terrible I won’t get a major role.” You state.

“That’s what you took from him?” Michiko says, exasperated.

“Onii-chan, what are you planning?” Airi asks.

“Nothing, Airi. Nothing, Michiko.” You lie.

“Yes yes, and I’m the Empress of Japan.” Michiko says. She reaches into her book bag and takes out a set of music sheets. “I’ve been assigned the task of organizing all the singing, as well as one of the secondary characters. Okay Keiichi and Airi, let’s hear you sing.”

“You’ve already heard us sing.” You point out.

“Yes, but Basho and Masako need to hear it as well.” Michiko replies. She smirks.

“Michiko has told us all about how you’ve got some untapped talent.” Basho comments. “I expect great things!”

“Give it your best shot.” Masako yawns. "It's alright if you fail..."

Crap. Even though you expected this to happen it still sucks. In that moment, you decide to…

>Do your best.
>Attempt to fail.
>Refuse to sing at all.
>Give a half-hearted shot at it.
>Custom option.

>>1372056
>>Do your best.

>>1371953
yeah Takashi was chill as hell, mostly because he had nothing he really NEEDED to prove. he went from a nobody with no motivation to a kid who is growing and improving like mad. He has every right to be calm and chill, nothing outside of AETHER is a real threat.


Alternatively Keiichi has a massive inferiority complex about being a muggle and getting left behind by the rest of his family. That coupled with a E- rank luck stat made him jaded and salty.

>>1372056
>Attempt to fail.
>until we might Michiko's Steely and unamused gaze
then
>Do your best.

>>1372056
>>Do your best.
Impress some chicks

>>1372056
>Do your best.

At least show the others that are part of the production that you are good, maybe they will stop talking behind our backs.

>>1372056
>Do your best.
Exasperation, resignation, and intonation. The three stages of why did I even agree to this.

>>1372056
>Do your best.
Just to spite them

>>1372066
Well, Takashi had the fact that the living members of his family were both famously successful badasses to live up, I'll point out... but I think that didn't have the same effect because of the wrench Apathy Syndrome threw into his life.

>>1372056
>Do your best

>>1372084
>but I think that didn't have the same effect because of the wrench Apathy Syndrome threw into his life.

pretty much that, then he went from 0 to potential Diety getting the wild card. Yes he's not as strong, YET, but his growth was clear and waxing even as his sister and mother plateaued. He was clearly going to surpass them so why should he worry about living up to them? Also the constant life and death AETHER spat at him makes it hard to be petty when each breath is a hard earned victory.

>>1372056
>>Attempt to fail.
I'm surprised at the vote, since our character clearly doesn't want to sing or be on stage.
With the assholes here i don't blame him either.

>>1372098
Two words
Angry Girls

>>1372098
Maybe he could Springtime for Hitler it, try so hard to fail he succeeds instead

>>1372101
I'm starting to notice a pattern in all quests where the male MC is a spineless pussy.

>>1372098
This clearly does mean a lot to Michiko and he did promise he'd help.

>>1372111
Oh no, please tell me you're one of the
>m-m-muh alpha
people

>>1372118
*not one, because I can't wrote sentences correctly.

>>1372111
>Spineless pussy
>having to deal with girls that would at minimum ruin his day if not break his knees.

>>1372098
It means not being a cunt. Also we promised to participate, it would be childish to do that.

>>1372118
Tell me you aren't one of those "try not to cry, cry a lot" fucktards

>>1372056
>Do your best.

File: BATTLE_TIME.png (40 KB, 1024x768)

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>>Keiichi: Attempt to fail.

As tempting as this option sounds, you did tell Michiko you were going to help. For all her faults, the girl approaches everything she does with a hundred percent effort. It would be disgraceful if you didn’t do the same.

Also, you don’t want her or Airi to get pissed at you again. And it would be fun to outdo the whisperers over on the other end of the stage, the spiteful part of you thinks.

Thus, you resolve to…

>>Keiichi: Do your best.

Michiko starts up a music player. You grasp the music sheets in your hands and try not to choke.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMMu7wfBNEA

>Roll 1d30 to sing well.
>Best out of three.

>>1372136
It's about being responsible for your compromises. Failing our purpose is failing michiko and basically going against the character building, there is nothing alpha in failing on purpose because some children talk behind your back. It's the attitude of a child.

Rolled 16 (1d30)

>>1372145
Witness me!

>>1372136
There is, believe it or not, a middle ground between "dick" and "pussy".

Rolled 5 (1d30)

>>1372145
Satan, guide my vocal cords.

Rolled 25 (1d30)

>>1372145

Rolled 6 (1d30)

>>1372145

File: nice.png (104 KB, 309x497)

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>>1372152
Nice save

>>1372152
Good job

>>1372152
not bad at all, given we get a buff from skill ranks too, we might be secondary character level.

>inb4 we're male lead to michiko's female lead

>>1372167
>Kissing scene introduced in last-minute script changes

>>1372167
"i-it's just because of singing ability i swear"

>>1372190
>"I totally didn't sabotage the actor to make sure you got the part, I swear!"

File: PERFECT!.jpg (104 KB, 1280x720)

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Four and a half nerve wracking minutes later, you have finished the song. Your mind is full of scenes of unrequited love and girls with black pigtails and oversized chests. Every pore of your mouth’s interior cries out for water. Oh hell, what in your mentor’s name did you just do. That was so stupid. Never before have you—”

“Oooh, very good!” Basho rumbles, clapping his meaty hands.

“Huh. That was better than I expected.” Masako remarks. She taps on her tablet. “You sure hooked a good one, Tsukiwaki.”

Michiko puffs up with clear pride. Her pose is that of a noblewoman upon seeing all her stocks rise. “Well, of course! You should have expected as much from True Hearts one and only ‘diva’! I’ll have you know I trained him myself.”

“If that head grows any bigger it’ll pop.” You grunt. “Besides, isn’t this the song the main heroine sings when she’s moaning about how she lost to the redhead?”

“Yup. Shortly afterward, she goes around the bender and gets all murder-murder stabby-stabby.” Michiko clarifies.

“We’re hoping to simulate that effect with magic arts.” Masako adds. “Hey, Airi, are you willing to help out with that?”

“Oh, I haven’t tried anything like special effects before. Mostly for practice and combat purposes.” Airi responds. “I guess I could make bubbles and have them explode? Or would that be too damaging.”

“No explosions.” Masako says, flatly. “Please.”

“Well, I’m sure I can think of something.”

“Great, I’ll send you the details later. In the meantime, we need to figure out your role. Come with me.”

Masako departs with Airi, leaving you alone with Michiko and Basako.

“Since Michiko did such a good job at poaching you, Keiichi, I’ll have you join her singing group.” Basako states. “How does that sound.”

“Lovely, president!” Michiko exclaiming, smiling cheerfully.

>“This is a terrible idea.”
>“This is a great idea.”
>“Eh, I don’t care anymore…”
>“No promises, you two.”
>“Could be worse, I guess.”
>Custom option.

>>1372289
>>“Could be worse, I guess.”

>>1372289
>“Could be worse, I guess.”

>>1372289
>“Eh, I don’t care anymore…”

>>1372289
>>“This is a terrible idea.”

>>1372289
>“Could be worse, I guess.”

>>1372289
>>“Could be worse, I guess.”
>At least Michiko and I are freinds.

>>1372289
>>“Could be worse, I guess.”

Because it could be.

>>1372289
>“Could be worse, I guess.”

File: 1476312524313.jpg (68 KB, 650x723)

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“Could be worse, I guess…” You state, shrugging your shoulders. Michiko, the one who is super excited about the entire production, takes it to mean that you are just as enthusiastic as she is. She promptly drags you over to the back of the stage to rehearse. And thus begins your first ever practice session for the True Hearts’ 2016 Academy Production.

Michiko teaches you the basics. This is because you are one of the few students in the production without a background in singing.

“Stand up straight, Keiichi! Keep your head forward. Yes, like that. Posture is everything when it comes to singing, got it?”

“We’re going to start with the vowels. Here comes an ‘a’! Aaaaaah…”

“You’re not breathing from your diaphragm. Fix it already!”

“Keiichi, I want you to do these exercises every single day, got it?”

Doesn’t make it any less excruciating, but whatever. After that’s all said and done, you move onto the actual songs.

“You were off tone again!”

“No, I think that’s not the correct pronunciation. It’s more like this. Repeat at me, please?”

“Okay, let’s see you dance!”

“That was great, Keiichi!”

And of course, there’s the actual acting.

“Okay, so I’m playing the guy the main character talks to in his classroom. Not a best friend or anything, but a friend anyway.”

“That’s right.”

“Doesn’t seem like he’s a big deal.”

“Yes, but in the third act he’s the one to find evidence of the main heroine’s killing spree. And then he gets stabbed as well.”

“Does that mean I have to scream like a little girl?”

“No, you have to scream like you’re being stabbed to death.”

“Same thing, really.”

“They are not!”

“So what part are you playing, Michiko?”

“The redhead’s nerdy friend. I have to act all sad when she dies, then weep in happiness when it turns out she’s actually alive.”

“…yeah, you would be a good fit for that character, wouldn’t you?”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.”

File: 1473816660555.png (1000 KB, 818x1157)

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Meanwhile Airi has a normal singing session and a normal acting experience with normal people. She gets along with the rest of the student body more than you. It’s a little enviable, but she’s your little sister so you can’t stay mad at her for long.

Before you know it, two while hours have passed.

“Good work, everyone!” Basho announces, “Let’s all pack up and go home!”

>The production is currently 15% complete.

>When it reaches 100%, the production is ready to be shown! This should happen on the date of the show. If it doesn’t…well…actually, let’s not think about it.
>You can increase the percentage meter by doing certain actions or participating in events. It’ll probably increase to 100% by itself over time, though…
>What happens if it goes over 100%? Well, something ‘special’ might happen. Possibly related to a certain girl? Who knows.
>Of course, what you choose to do is entirely up to you.

You meet up with Michiko at the auditorium entrance. She bounces up to you, expectation written all over her face.

“So Keiichi…” She begins.

“What?”

“Did you have fun?” She asks.

>“You need to scream less.”
>“I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
>“It was awful.”
>"Alright, I guess."
>“You made it not suck.”
>Custom option.

>>1372540
>>“You made it not suck.”

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>>1372540
>“You need to scream less.”

>>1372531
>And then he gets stabbed as well.
This gonna be a cover for the assassin to actually stab Keiichi isn't it

>>1372540
>It was pretty bad
But
>“You made it not suck.”

>>1372540
>“You made it not suck.”

>>1372540
>“You need to scream less.”
>“I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
>"Alright, I guess."

>>1372540
>>“You made it not suck. I guess.”

>>1372540
>“I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

>>1372540
>"Alright, I guess."

>>1372540
>>"Alright, I guess."
>>“You made it not suck.”

Still not the biggest fan of singing, but I can appreciate someone with drive that's not a total jerk about it.

>>1372540
>“I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
>“You made it not suck.”

>something 'special'
doushio

>>1372540
>>“I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

File: C0bxGtWVIAAHDIg.jpg (75 KB, 740x994)

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“It wasn’t as bad as I thought.” You admit.

“That’s great! So, you won’t complain when I ask you to come again?”

“Probably, but less so.”

“I’ll take what I can get, then.”

You glance around for Airi. Oh, that’s right. She said she needed to talk to Masako about some special effects thing. Better wait for her here until she gets out. The academy grounds are quiet. Everyone has gone home, save for a few club stragglers and late-night shift teachers.

The sky is growing dark. Night will fall in an hour or so. Not that the streets of Shibuya will stop; they’ll shuffle along the roads until midnight and more.

Michiko plays with her phone. You count cartridge calibers in your head out of nothing to do. You hear Avery’s gentle snores. The girl figured out how to doze off in the middle of the second half, which did wonders for your concentration in class.

It’s boring out here. And when you’re bored, strange things happen.

“You made it not suck.” You suddenly mumble.

“Pardon?” Michiko jumps on the spot, turning to stare at you. “Keiichi, what did you say?”

“You made practice not suck. I mean, imagine if I got taught by someone who didn’t like me. I’d end up quitting halfway through. You made that not happen, so thanks, I guess…” This is embarrassing. What are you doing? You can’t properly look at her in the eye. Why does your face feel warm? No, it’s not because of summer. “Thank you, Michiko.”

“Oh, um…” Michiko says, her voice soft. Her eyes are wide. The rest of her body seems to have frozen up. “…it was a pleasure.”

“Something wrong with what I said?” You question.

“N-no! Nothing wrong! Nothing at all!” Michiko shakes her head, then puts her hands on her hips. “So you said I did a good job, huh? Of course I did! You should’ve expected those results in the first place!”

“Really, huh…”

“Definitely! Go and ask the light music club about how great my tutoring skills are!”

You look at her, eyebrow raised. “Are you freaking out?”

“What? No I’m not!”

“Yeah, you are.” You retort. “I can tell.”

“W-well, it’s your fault so saying stuff like that out of the blue!” She protests. She turns away, pouting. “You always act like that, Keiichi. Hmph!”

And she always acts like that too. Whatever. “I’m counting on you, Michiko.”

>Your feel as if your relationship with Michiko has grown somewhat…

>>1372846
>>Your feel as if your relationship with Michiko has grown somewhat…
I can't believe this is going to be a thing from now on. Quests were a mistake

>>1372846
>Your feel as if your relationship with Michiko has grown somewhat…
Oh yeah

>>1372873
This quest was like that since the start though. And it's not the only one. If you don't like it you can avoid it.

>>1372900
This quest was never that gamified, nor did it have meta exposition greentext to explain obvious characterization. Even all the stats were worked in the backend, almost completely unseen by us.
It feels cheap, hamfisted, and makes me feel fucking stupid for needing Thorn to quantify our progress to shagging Michiko.

>>1372922
Well I can agree that it's unnecessary.
But still it is an overreaction.

File: yes.png (1.33 MB, 1369x1183)

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>>1372975
I was being cheeky at first.

File: abandoned table.jpg (404 KB, 1280x720)

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You, Airi and Michiko walk out of the academy in good moods. They are shattered to pieces the instantly you reach the end of the street. Michiko vocalizes this sudden change by shouting, “What the hell is going on?”

She’s swearing, so you know it’s serious.

There was once a restaurant on the end of the street, a favourite hangout for True Hearts’ students once classes ended. Now it’s in ruins. he entire place has been vandalized. Not a single window has been left intact. The floor is covered in assorted trash, like a beach smothered in very disgusting gravel. You spot broken cooking utensils and cutlery. There’s also a stench, of rotten food and poisonous chemicals. It already smells bad on the other side of the street. You don’t want to imagine what it’s like inside.

You spy graffiti. It’s scrawled across the place in big blocky, black letters.

>DIE DIE DIE
>FUCK TRUE HEARTS
>IT’S ALL A LIE
>NO REST FOR THE WICKED
>DEN OF FALSEHOODS
>THIS IS WHAT THEY DESERVE

“How did this happen?” Airi cries, shocked. “I saw this place just yesterday!”

“That’s what I’d like to know!” Michiko growls. “I can’t believe this! Everyone is going to be so disappointed.”

“Someone must really hate our school.” You comment.

“What did it ever do to them?” Michiko cries.

Judging from the reactions of a small, gathering crowd, Michiko isn’t the only person furious about this whole disaster. It seems like this event recently happened. Strange. You hear the screeches of rubber tyre and look up to see a news crew appearing on the site.

You should probably leave.

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On the other side of Shibuya, Nina Takai surveys her most frequented entertainment store. She stares at the racks of broken CDs, the guts of various electronic devices spilling across the floor like metallic slush, the profanity scrawled across brightly colored character displays and the ‘CLOSED’ sign shoved on the window, right on the day of a major sale.

“How could this happen?”

“No! I was supposed to buy a new laptop today!”

“Anyone know any other good places?”

“None. This shop had the best deals.”

“What is my son going to say? He already throws so many tantrums.”

Nina stares some more. Her hands ball into tiny fists. The onlookers around her cough and splutter as dust and grime rises off the sidewalk and flows into their mouths. She turns on her heel and departs. She storms down the street in wordless anger, shoving all out of her path with her magic art. She barely sees the attacker from the alleway rush out at her, drooling jaws directed straight at her throat.

She barely notices herself picking up a nearby dumpster with telekinesis and hurling it straight at the attacker. When she does realize that her magic was used, she checks down the alleyway and sees not a body, but a splattered mess of ink instead.



>6 DAYS HAVE PASSED. 3 REMAIN.

>>1373055
>ink


Okay plot points
>gather money to look into mercs
>work on the play
>figure out who's fucking things up around our school and why
>look into the ink assholes
>look into our accident which is quickly appearing not to be an accident
>train because akasha alea will have our ass otherwise.

File: pencil_and_paper.jpg (396 KB, 1280x720)

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[12th of May (THURSDAY)]

>>Keiichi: Read letter in shoebox.

Hello Keiichi. Can you please come to the back of the school at lunch? I’ve got something I want to discuss with you.

“A letter, huh?” Hideki says, peering over your shoulder. He sees that the writing was typed and there is a lack of a signature. “Ain’t this the first time you’ve got one in your shoebox?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Think it’s a love letter?”

You burst out laughing. “No way in hell, man. Nobody in this academy would ever give me a love letter.”

“That’s a damn negative attitude to have.” Hideki sighs. “You never know, man. You never know.”

“Okay wise guy, tell me three girls who’d consider giving me a love letter.”

He responds immediately. “Michiko, Nina, Florence Rutherford.”

You snort and shake your head. “I can’t see it. Nina is too lazy, Florence is too arrogant and Michiko is Michiko.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Whatever, man. That’ll probably change soon.”

“Okay, what’s that supposed to mean?” You ask back.

Hideki smirks and flashes you a wink. “If my hunches are correct—and they usually are—you’ll find out by the end of this year.”

“Uh-huh…”

“So, you going to meet up with whoever sent that letter?”

>Yes. It's the polite thing to do.
>Yes. You're curious.
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.
>No. It's a waste of time.
>No. You don't care for confessions.
>No. It's probably a trap, so you'll avoid it.
>Custom option.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.

>>1373206
>>Yes. You're curious.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.

Typed out with no signature? Yeah thats a trap.

watch it be Nina because she was too lazy to write and another one of those couples events popped up

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.
>You or Airi will cover me.

>>1373223
I bet it's nina asking us to help her get revenge over her video games store.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap but you'll go anyway.

>>1373206
>He responds immediately. “Michiko, Nina, Florence Rutherford.”

Yeeeah Hideki knows what's up hahaha

>>1373242
Pretty spot on, specially on Florence.
I like them all though.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.

>>1373206
>Yes. It's probably a trap, but you'll go anyway.

>Florence.

Ewwwwwww.

No seriously, I don't get what's appealing about her.

>>1373260
Florence intrigues me -- I genuinely want to learn more about her character.

>>1373242
Yup

>>1373250
Michiko is my fave

>>1373260
same, she's aight but I don't get why anons like her so much.

>>1373263
She's a cunt, though. Like, not even in a woman-hater way. She just seems like genuinely unpleasant person to be around if you're not filthy rich.

>>1373260
>>1373267
>>1373273
Ehh, I'm a Florencefag myself too. I just find her to be the most interesting/appealing of the three (unless you're going for incest or spirit route, in which case of 4/5)

>>1373273
Yeah she is, if this were real life. There are characters in fiction who you like to watch, but would absolutely despise in real life.

For me, Florence is kind of like that. She's the only one who outright ribs Keiichi instead of being generally nice 100% of the time, and has more screen presence than Nina does.

Also I like the defrosting ice queen archetype

>>1373273
I'm not so sure about that. She and Takashi have their weird game, and she definitely has on at least one occasion been callous about how she throws her weight and influence around, but it seems to me that she's significantly warmer than, say, Fumika, in general circumstances.

>>1373296
>defrosting
I don't know, Keiichi seems like the bottom of the relationship.

>>1373301
She's not overt about it, no. It's subtle how she talks and behaves towards everyone else, but it kinda reads as 'you are all lesser beings.; to me.

>>1373296
I guess I can acknowledge/understand that; generally I can separate fiction and reality, but there's some things that are a touch too intertwined to me to really split off.

>>1373294
I'm actually going the no one route- although I GUESS if I had to pick one on pain of death it'd be Michiko.

File: part of true hearts.jpg (465 KB, 1280x720)

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“No signature, no handwriting…this thing screams of a trap.” You say.

“Yeah, I’m thinking that as well.” Hideki says. “Could belong to an shy person with awful handwriting, though.”

“As if someone like that would approach me.” You mutter. “Can I rely on you to cover my back?”

“Leave it to me, buddy!” Hideki gives you the thumbs up. You grin at him.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” Hideki reaches into the locker for his own shoes. He puts them on. “So, how’s the money raising thing going?”

“We manage to scrounge up 9,000 spare yen by searching around the apartment.” You reply.

“Only that much? Shit, that’s only even a fifth way there.”

Indeed, the budget of the Hirayama household is as tight as corset strings. It all adds from, from food bills to electricity all the way to firearm maintenance costs. Airi has bemoaned the lack of funding multiple times in the past, more so now that Avery exists. You can only pray that your father continues to be adept at managing his properties…

>>Time: Pass until it’s lunchtime.

You’ve read about standard high school confessions in novels. The classic setup involves a young boy and a young girl shyly approaching each other beneath the cherry blossoms, usually on graduation day. Gentle and loving words are exchanged, along with precious gifts. The boy usually teases and the girl gets all flustered and hot. The two parties then lean forward and kiss, sharing each other in a wonderful embrace. It sends warm and tingly feelings down the readers’ spine and makes them want to draw a lot of art about the two children kissing.

The story then ends, because the writer don’t want to describe all the drama that comes in a relationship. It's too realistic and stories are meant to make people feel better, not worse. The main characters are assumed to live happily ever after. Sometimes they receive an epilogue about their first child. The pains of childbirth are conveniently left out.

The situation you find yourself in is not a confession. You really hope it is not. For one, Airi and Hideki are hiding in the shadows and nearby tree respectively. Secondly, it’s taking place at the back of the school, where mold grows and shut-ins hide in order to escape socializing with their peers.

Last but not least, it’s a guy who’s standing opposite you, not a girl.

“Um, hello, Hirayama-senpai…” Brown hair, glasses, nervous disposition. He rubs the back of the neck and tries to smile. It’s forced. This might be a trick of the light, but his face is tinged with a bit of red. You unwillingly take a step back.

“Thanks for coming.” The boy says. He seems a little familiar. “Wow, you actually came to meet me. I thought you wouldn’t.”

>“I don’t swing that way.”
>“Stay the hell away from my sister.”
>“Where are the others? Bring them out already.”
>“No problem, man. What’s up?”
>“Hurry up. I don’t have all day.”
>Custom option.

>>1373346
But K1's already a mage, he doesn't need to become a wizard.

That said, you are right about Florence in that respect. Guess it's primarily just something I figure she'll develop out of to some extent. Thorn's a good character writer.

>>1373380
>>“No problem, man. What’s up?”

>>1373380
>“No problem, man. What’s up?”
Might as well play along until they start the ambush

>>1373380
>Just sort of... stare at him warily.

>>1373380

>Shrug, grunt, but don't say anything. He seems like he's here under duress, so just let him spit it out, whatever it is.

>>1373380
>>“Hurry up. I don’t have all day.”

>>1373380
>“No problem, man. What’s up?”
>“I don’t swing that way, though."

>>1373411
Backing this up
Also make some kind of indescribable expression of confusion and discomfort

Taking a break for 30 mins...

Back and writing...

File: loudspeaker afternoon.jpg (102 KB, 1280x720)

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“Uh, yeah, sure…” This guy isn’t going to confess to you, is he? The thought sounds absolutely ludicrous, but that’s your entire life in a nutshell. Best play it cool. “No problem, man. What’s up?”

“Do you, uh, remember me?” The boy asks. He sounds shy.

“Not particularly, no.” You reply. “Have we met before?”

“Yeah. My name is Ryo. A few days ago, you helped break up an argument with me and my friend Tamiko.”

You blink in recognition. The memories come flooding back. “Oh, you’re that kid. Sorry I forgot about you. Something you want?”

“Actually, I came here to ask a request.” Ryo says. “It’s about my friend Tamiko. She’s been acting weird lately and–”

You interrupt him. “I’m not a help desk and neither is my sister.” You say, putting a bit of emphasis on your words. It’s enough to make the boy gulp and shiver. To his credit, he manages to recover quickly.

“Please here me out!” He pleads. “Just once, that’s all I ask.”

You feel as if you might be making a mistake here. Even so, this guy came all the way to meet you, most likely attempting to get over his fears in the process, so it would be rude to ditch him. “Fine, go on.”

He nods, relieved, and launches into a speech that’s obviously rehearsed. “Tamiko and I know each other from way back. We’ve grown up together, gone to the same schools, hung out a lot…that sort of stuff. Lately, she’s been acting all temperamental. Snapping at me, getting impatient, beating people when they’re down in the arena and avoiding me and her friends in general…it’s so unlike her.”

“And what, you want me to find out why she’s acting like this? You sure she’s not having a bad day?” You ask.

“That’s not it! She’s had her bad days before, but now she’s acting like she doesn’t know me. She didn’t come to school today, either.” Ryo cries. “Plus, I found something weird in her bag.”

He reaches into a pocket and takes out a small plastic bag. Square shaped, with a broken seal on top. On closer inspection there are smidges of white powder at the bottom. The combination of these traits brings only one object to mind:

File: school construction site.jpg (165 KB, 1280x720)

165 KB JPG

“Drugs.”

Ryo nods miserably. “I really hope they aren’t. But what else looks like that?”

You groan and scratch your head. “Kid, shouldn’t you hand this manner over to the police?”

Ryo shakes his head. “I don’t want to.”

“What the hell?” You growl.

“I don’t want Tamiko to get arrested! She’s always dreamed of becoming a pro fighter. If she gets a criminal record, it’ll ruin her chances…”

“Kid, I really don’t know—”

“I’ll pay you!” Ryo blurts out. He fumbles for his wallet, withdrawing a set of plastic bills. “I’ve bought 40,000 yen. It’s all I have.”

Money, and no small amount of it. It’s enough to pay for that mercenary investigation. Say what you want about this kid, he at least knows the value of solid, hard cash.

“I just want to talk to Tamiko. I know I can convince her to stop her habit.” Ryo explains. “All I need is a chance to talk to her…”

>Accept the request for money.
>Accept the request for free.
>Decline the request. You shouldn’t get involved in this.
>Decline the request. Ryo should go to the police.
>Decline the request. You’re too busy.
>Custom option.

>>1373757
>>Accept the request for money.
You had me at money

>>1373757
>>Accept the request for money.

We ain't a charity.

And I AM wondering why she's suddenly snortin'. Family troubles, maybe?

>>1373757
>>Accept the request for money.
We'll settle payment after we sort this out. Give me some time.

>>1373757
>Decline the request. Ryo should go to the police.
>Realize you need the incredibly convenient amount of money
>Accept the request for money.
Has this guy tried talking to his sister? I feel like this is a problem that could be resolved with communication.

>>1373757
>Accept the request for money

>>1373788
friend*
The fuck am I writing

>>1373757
>Accept the request for money
We're not really in a position to refuse the 40,000 here. Lives are kind of on the line, though I don't think anyone is actually advocating we do so hahaha.