>>1604426

Jolted awake by the sound of the train doors sliding open, it takes a hasty glance out of the window to chase away your sudden disorientation. Making sure to tuck the urn under your arm, you step out into the solemn town, the nameless burial ground. It looks just as you remember, with thick trees stretching out around you and the nearby hills grey with concrete pillars – every one of them is a memorial, and one of those memorials bears Hikari's name.

Maybe that's why you came here. With everything else that's happened in the past few weeks, you've barely had the time to give her a second thought. Visiting her grave might be just what you need right now, a chance to settle down and think clearly – or not to think at all, if only for a short while. Letting your memories guide you, you start off towards Hikari's grave. You'll take a moment to pay your respects, scatter Zakuro's ashes by the laze, and then... and then you'll think of something.

As you walk, you sink deep into your thoughts – deep enough that you barely notice the burial grounds around you. It's only when you get close to Hikari's grave that you look up, coming to a dead halt.

A young woman is standing at the concrete marker, her head bowed in solemn silence.

-

You don't recognise her, this new arrival, but even a passing glance is enough to tell you that she is far from normal – the sword is a good indication of that. She wears it casually, with one hand resting lightly on the grip, but there's no mistaking it for anything else. She absolutely, definitely has a sword hanging at her hip. Although wary at first, your initial caution is soon replaced by a burning curiosity. Who could she be, you wonder, and why would she be at Hikari's grave? The possibility, however tenuous, of finding a link to her past is what sends you hurrying up to the woman.

“Uh, excuse me?” you begin, “Are you...”

“I apologise for the intrusion. I simply came to pay my respects,” the woman replies, giving you a polite bow. As she dips her head, the string of charms around her neck – bones, tokens, all manner of things – jangle softly together. “Now then,” she continues, looking you in the eye, “You must be... Miho, correct?”

“That's right,” you confirm, realising that a lie would be pointless, “But how did you know that?”

“I believe we have a mutual friend,” the woman answers, a slight smile playing around her lips. Her accent is foreign, American, although you couldn't say much more than that – it's not the southern twang that colours Chiaki's speech, but something a little more restrained. “My name is Megumi Eto,” she explains, “And I'm... like you. I'm a magical girl.”

[2/3]

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>>1604427

As you slowly trek over to a nearby bench, the sort that mourners might use to sit and rest awhile, Megumi explains a little more. As the Gravetender, chosen of Dignity, she felt the need to pay her respects to a fellow magical girl – even if she had been a complete stranger.

“So you never actually met Hikari,” you sigh after a while, “I guess I shouldn't have got my hopes up...” Leaning back on the bench, you stare up at the night sky and think for a moment. Megumi isn't the sort for idle chatter, as you've learned, but the silence is... nice. Companionable enough, at least. “So wait, how did you learn about Hikari?” you ask, frowning suddenly, “And me, how did you know my name?”

“Abraham told me. I'll admit, I had to pry the answers out of him, but I have some practice with that,” Megumi pauses, shaking her head before correcting herself, “Ah, but he uses another name these days, doesn't he?”

“Kurosawa,” you mutter, “the mutual friend...”

“That's it, yes,” nodding, Megumi toys with one of her charms, “I hope he hasn't been too hard on you. He doesn't quite understand people, but he has mankind's best interests at heart.”

The mention of Kurosawa, and his “unique” way of dealing with people, leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Frowning a little, you hold the urn of Zakuro's ashes closer and think to yourself. Megumi waits in a cool silence, utterly calm and unreadable, leaving you to make the next move.

>I'm sorry, but I have something I need to take care of. It was nice meeting you
>You're from America, right? What's it like over there?
>Did Kurosawa ever... lie to you about anything?
>So why did you come here? Not just to pay your respects, surely...
>Other

>>1604430
>You're from America, right? What's it like over there?
>>Did Kurosawa ever... lie to you about anything?
>>So why did you come here? Not just to pay your respects, surely...
>>Other
"So what's your title?"

>>1604430
>You're from America, right? What's it like over there?
>Did Kurosawa ever... lie to you about anything?
>So why did you come here? Not just to pay your respects, surely...
>Other
What was your time as a magical girl like? Was it as simple as just killing Intruders when they spawned?

>>1604430
>>So why did you come here? Not just to pay your respects, surely...

>>1604430
>>Did Kurosawa ever... lie to you about anything?
>>So why did you come here? Not just to pay your respects, surely...

“Did Kurosawa – or Abraham, I guess, if you want to call him that – ever lie to you?” you ask the woman, not even bothering to soften your question, “About anything, I mean. Did he?”

“There were a few things. For starters, he insisted on calling himself an intermediary between the gods. I think that was for our sake – to keep things on a level that we could better understand until we were ready to learn the truth. It certainly shook us all up when he told us the truth. To think that we'd been speaking so glibly to a real god!” Megumi pauses, “Ah, he has... told you about that, hasn't he?”

“Yeah, we got that memo a while back,” you agree, “Was that it, though?”

“Yes, I... no, now that you mention it, there was another issue,” frowning slightly, Megumi toys with some of her charms, “People. Innocent people. When we first started, we asked him what happened to those who witnessed Intruders. He claimed that they – normal people, I should say – didn't possess the ability to really remember Intruder attacks. That was a lie – people can remember Intruder attacks fine enough. He just doesn't let them.”

“He doesn't let them?” you repeat, “You mean, what, he wipes their memories?”

“It's not quite that simple. We managed to pry a few answers out of him, although only after we threatened to go on strike,” Megumi smiles slightly at the memory, “To erase a memory is no simple thing. It can cause serious damage to a person's mind, often in very unpredictable ways. Even wiping a relatively innocuous memory can cause a chain of consequences that... well, that end badly. Shall we walk a little?”

“Yeah, that would be good,” you murmur as you rise, “There's a path, goes past the lake. I sorta needed to head that way anyway, so...”

“Now where was I? Oh yes. No, it's far less harmful to simply bury the memories – forcibly repressing them and sealing them away,” Megumi continues, “Of course, it's an imperfect solution. Repressed memories can be recovered, and seals can be broken.”

The more you hear, the more you regret starting down this particular line of conversation. The implications are... not pleasant. “So that was all he lied to you about, huh?” you manage to ask, your voice lowering as you enter the trees.

“Well, that was all we could get him to admit to,” laughing softly, Megumi pauses long enough to brush her fingers against one of the trees. “This is a nice place,” she murmurs to herself, “Peaceful. I don't have anything like this back home.”

“You're from America, right?” you ask, glad to be moving on, “What's it like there? What... hey, what's so funny?”

“It's nothing. I didn't mean to be rude,” sighing, Megumi shakes her head, “America is a big place. I could spend all day describing it, and that would just barely scratch the surface. Still, I understand what you meant. Let me see...”

[1/2]

>>1604477

“LA – Los Angeles, I mean – is a lot louder than what I've seen of Ark City so far,” she explains after a while, “These electric cars haven't caught on quite yet, although it's only a matter of time. People play music on street corners, they argue loudly – or just talk loudly – and generally just... live. The people I've seen here so far are so withdrawn, wouldn't you say?”

“Withdrawn? I guess...” you shrug, “Isn't this just normal? It sounds more like shouting and partying in public is the weird thing to do.”

“I suppose that's where we differ, then,” Megumi nods, “We come from very different worlds. I'm looking forwards to seeing more of Ark City, however.”

“Yeah? Is that why you came here then, to play tourist?” you ask, as you turn a corner and the lake appears before you. It's a wonderfully still night, and the moon's reflection glistens on the surface of the lake, its real world twin hanging suspended in the sky above. “Surely you're not here just to pay your respects,” you continue, “So why are you here?”

“You might not find my answer very satisfying, I'm afraid,” Megumi apologises, “I came here because I thought it would... I thought that my “rightful place” was back home in America, so that by coming here I might defy fate. Of course, I'm starting to wonder if fate intended for me to end up here in the first place.” Sighing, she sits down on the bank of the lake and gazes out. “Fate can be funny like that,” she continues, “The harder you try to deny it...”

“Yeah,” you mutter, “I've got my own problems with fate as well...” Pushing the dark thoughts away, you unscrew the canister and tentatively throw a small handful of the ashes out into the lake. With no breeze to throw them back in your face, you soon empty the cylinder. Tucking it under one arm, you awkwardly bow to the lake.

“If I might ask,” Megumi says, her voice low and cautious, “Was that a friend?”

“No,” you reply, unsure of exactly how much of a lie that might be, “Some bones I pulled out of the Umbra. It didn't feel right to leave them there, so I... I guess I brought them back to give them a decent funeral. I hope this was good enough.”

“Whoever they were, I'm sure they will appreciate this,” Megumi assures you, rising to stand beside you. “It must have been a burden to bring them with you,” she adds, bowing deeply to the lake, “You're a very kind hearted girl, Miho, to risk yourself for a perfect stranger.”

“I don't know about that...” you mutter, “It just didn't seem right, that's all.”

“Regardless. You did the right thing,” the older woman rubs her hands slowly together, “Now, shall we get back? I believe I saw a nice bar down by the station, and I could use a drink...”

[2/3]

>>1604494

Megumi, you're glad to see, banishes her sword and costume – little more than a coat and some strings of charms, really – before you return to the nameless little settlement. Like most things here, the bar that Megumi takes you into is both tiny and nameless. She orders a cup of hot sake for herself, and a can of bitter coffee for you. With your drinks, you settle into a cramped booth.

“I'm not much of a drinker,” Megumi laughs as she sips her sake, “I had a friend once, she had a taste for Mexican beer. She hated Mexicans, but she liked their beer. Go ahead, just try and figure that one out!”

“Don't ask me,” you reply with a smile, “Is she waiting for you back home, this friend?”

“No, she... she died,” Megumi's face clouds over for a moment, “It was years ago, don't worry about it. Our line of work, one mustn't be too surprised when things turn out that way.”

“Oh,” you mutter awkwardly, “What was your time as a magical girl like? I mean, was it as simple as just killing the Intruders when they appeared, or was there anything more to it?”

“Simple? You seem to have a pretty funny idea of how this works!” letting out a mirthless laugh, Megumi sips her drink, “But... you're right. We walked the streets, we hunted down Intruders wherever we found them. It was hard work, especially after... well, it was hard work. Still, I did it eagerly – and we must have done it well, because the Intruders just stopped appearing one day. After that, I suppose you could say that I retired – although we both know that you never really retire from this life.”

“Don't forget, you're here forever,” you remark humourlessly, “You were... sorry, it's slipped my mind. What was your title?”

“The Gravetender, chosen by the Great Virtue of Dignity,” Megumi bows her head solemnly, “Which means... not much, all things considered. My job, if you want to put it like that, is rather depressing. The dead don't exactly have a lot of interesting things to say...”

Wincing a little at that, she throws back the last of her sake and raises her hand for a new cup.

>Especially after... what?
>Did you just say you can talk to the dead?
>Did you ever hear about anyone calling themselves the Sentinels?
>So now that you're here, what do you plan on doing?
>Other

>>1604510
>Did you just say you can talk to the dead?
>Because man I would have liked a few words out of those ashes. I probably wouldn't have liked the answers, but the point stands.
>Did you ever hear about anyone calling themselves the Sentinels?

>>1604510
>>Did you ever hear about anyone calling themselves the Sentinels?

>>1604510
>Did you just say you can talk to the dead?
>Kurosawa insists that our City AIs are dead and soulless, but they're kinda... intense conversational partners.

>>1604510
>Other
"They just stopped? No having to delve into the Umbra to hit them where they lived? Just stopped one day?"

>Did you just say you can talk to the dead?
"Do you think I could talk to my sister?"

>Did you ever hear about anyone calling themselves the Sentinels?
>So now that you're here, what do you plan on doing

>>1604510
>Did you just say you can talk to the dead?
>Did you ever hear about anyone calling themselves the Sentinels?
>So now that you're here, what do you plan on doing?

“Sorry, but did you just say that you can talk to the dead?” you ask, leaning forwards and hissing the words to her, “I mean like... really talk to them?”

“It's really not that simple,” Megumi insists, toying with her empty cup as she thinks, “I wouldn't call it “talking” as such. There's no back and forth involved, and there's definitely no thinking done. It would be more accurate to say that I listen to the echoes left behind when someone dies. Their last thoughts, wishes, regrets... such things can occasionally bring comfort to family, or give answers to otherwise unanswerable questions. Of course, actually listening to them is... not always pleasant.”

“I guess not,” you sigh, falling silent as a wizened old woman delivers Megumi's sake. “I suppose it could be useful, but... I dunno, I don't think I'd like to be listening to it all the time.”

“If there is one blessing, it's that I don't have to. I need to focus very carefully to sense them,” Megumi raises her cup to her lips, but pauses before drinking, “I'd go mad if I couldn't do anything to shut them out.”

“Still, I kinda wish you'd said something earlier,” you admit, “I sure would have been interested to hear what those ashes had to say. Uh, I mean, whoever they once were. I mean... there's no polite way to talk about this stuff, is there?”

“Not really, no. Don't worry, the dead don't mind,” giving you a kindly smile, Megumi shakes her head, “Anyway, there isn't anything I could have done with those ashes. These echoes, they typically imprint themselves on places – the spots where people have died – or, more rarely, on objects. The remains themselves are essentially meaningless, nothing more than an empty shell that the spirit has abandoned.”

“A place, huh?” you murmur, “So, if I took you to the place where my sister died, could you pick up her echo? I mean, it was a few years ago... do these things wear away in time?”

“They do fade, but we're talking about decades rather than years,” some of the formality starts to slip away from Megumi's words as the alcohol brings colours to her cheeks. “I never really practised much while I was on the job – too much of a distraction – but later?” she thinks for a moment, “I got an echo off someone who died... must have been about fifty years ago. So a few years? That's easy stuff!”

“That's great!” you reply, before your enthusiasm falters, “I... think. What if it's something bad?”

“Depends on how she died,” Megumi admits, “If someone dies badly, their echo can be pretty rough. If they go peacefully... well, you get the idea.”

You think back to what you know of Hikari's death. Not much of that could be considered “peaceful”, but...

[1/2]

She died like a big, meaty ping pong ball

>>1604539

“Don't worry about it. Unless she died all the way out here, there's not much we can do until morning,” Megumi waves a dismissive hand, “If you really want me to, I'll see what I can do to help you, but you've got time to think it over. So best to think about something else. Go ahead, I can see that you're burning to ask me something.”

“Am I that obvious?” you ask, before quickly adding, “Wait, don't answer that. Uh, wait. You said that the Intruders just stopped coming, right? You didn't have to go deep into the Umbra and hit them where they live or anything like that, they just stopped one day?”

“It wasn't quite so quick, like flicking a switch. They got rarer and rarer, showing up less often until they just stopped. We didn't know what to think,” taking another drink, Megumi swirls the dregs of her sake and sighs, “Abra... Kurosawa gave us a theory. He said that the Intruders were scared off, we drove them back hard. See, most of them are just like animals – they didn't like the risks of sticking around, so they went somewhere else.”

“Like here,” you remark, “Yeah, that's... ugh. I'm not blaming you or anything, don't get me wrong, but still. How hard did you hit them? Maybe we could do the same here...”

“Now that I think about it, it started after we hit a Tyrant,” the young woman muses, “It took a few weeks, but things started to slow down after we took it out. It's not like we had an easy ride after that, but it was less... constant. Still, other than taking out the Tyrant, we didn't need to do anything specific. We sure didn't have any lofty goals or aspirations, we just kept doing what we'd been doing from the start!”

“Huh,” sipping from the can of coffee, you consider her reply, “And what was that?”

“Total Intruder extermination,” Megumi explains with a bitter sense of satisfaction, raising her hand for another drink.

-

Megumi is halfway through her third cup of sake when you ask your next question. “Say, did you ever come across any other groups?” you ask, “Maybe a group that called themselves the Sentinels, or... something like that?”

“Sentinels, huh?” Megumi murmurs, “We never met any other groups, but something about that does sound familiar. Damn, I can't quite recall...” Scowling hard, the older girl raps her knuckles against her forehead as she thinks. “That's it!” she announces, “Noriko said it once. She said that someday, men would have their shining sentinels to guard them... but it wouldn't be us.”

“Noriko?” you press, “Was she one of your friends?”

“Yeah. She was Destiny, so when she said stuff like that, we listened,” Megumi nods sadly, “More often then not, they came true.”

“I see,” you murmur, “I'd like to speak with her.”

“So would I,” Megumi sighed, “But we lost her. She was swallowed up by the Umbra – lost without a trace.”

[2/3]

>>1604569
Oh Miho. Remember that only one chosen of each god can be alive at the same time? You walked right into that one.

>>1604569
Noriko - Child of Ceremony, Law, Order


So who wants to bet Noriko is Oracle?

>>1604574
To be fair we've not met another Destiny yet.

>>1604574
But we don't have a Destiny so for all Miho knew she could have still been alive.

>>1604581
Aw dammit, Miho's the chosen of Sacrifice, yes.

>>1604569
Ohh, sounds like Noriko deliberately turned into a Tyrant and forced the other Intruders to withdraw.

>>1604569

Understandably, the conversation falters after that. Megumi finishes her drink, then pulls a crumpled box of cigarettes from her coat pocket. Lighting one of the old fashioned things, she takes a heavy drag before blowing the stream of smoke away from your face. “Again, it was years ago,” she states bluntly, tapping ash into one of the empty cups, “Don't let it bother you.”

“Still,” you reply, “I'm sorry. I'm really making a mess of this, huh?”

“Don't let it bother you,” Megumi repeats, “Go on, change the subject. That's what you were thinking of doing, was it not?”

“I guess it was,” you admit, “So, uh... so now that you're here, what do you plan on doing?”

“Keep doing the tourist thing, probably. If I run into any Intruders while I'm here... I'll take them out,” she decides, “But I don't know. I'm not sure yet. Anything you can suggest?”

“Well, Ark City is a pretty interesting place. You can find all kinds of stuff here that you don't find in the rest of the world. Like, uh... AIs, I guess,” you shrug, “I've spoken with a few of them. Kurosawa says that they're totally soulless, lifeless things, but I'm not so sure. They're pretty... intense.”

“Artificial life...” Megumi breathes, pausing with her cigarette halfway to her lips, “It creeps me out a little, that kind of thing. I've seen enough movies to know that AIs are bad news. I read that they pretty much control the city here – is that true?”

“Sorta, I guess?” you shrug, “It's hard to be sure. We've still got politicians and stuff, so it's not like we're under total robot control or anything. Not gonna lie though, I found it all pretty creepy at first as well. You get used to it, I guess.”

“I wonder if that's a good thing,” she sighs.

-

After finishing the last round of drinks, you and Megumi ambled off to the station to wait for the first train back. With a few hours yet to wait, Megumi suggested taking a short nap... and then promptly fell fast asleep. The sake helped with that, you assume. Your coffee, on the other hand, has left you wide awake and with nothing to do but sit next to the snoring girl and wait. Until, that is, you feel the air shudder around you.

“So you've met,” Kurosawa says slowly, regarding Megumi's sleeping form with indifference.

“Yeah,” you agree, “Hello “Abraham”, you're looking well.”

“Hmm,” he replies, offering you nothing more than that.

>You make it sound like meeting her was a bad thing
>Ready to tell me about those powers yet?
>So what was Megumi's group like?
>We've got some things to discuss... (Write in)
>Other

>>1604619
>>So what was Megumi's group like?
Anything we really shouldn't touch? Things she might like, while she plays tourist?

>>1604619
>You make it sound like meeting her was a bad thing
>So what was Megumi's group like?
>We've got some things to discuss... (Write in)
"Did the LA Intruders really disappear out of fear. Or were they just drawn to here?"
>Ready to tell me about those powers yet?

>>1604619
>>So what was Megumi's group like?

>>1604619
>>Ready to tell me about those powers yet?

>>1604619
>Ready to tell me about those powers yet?

No more running away you dumb cat. We've already accepted that we're fated to die soon, how bad can this be?

>>1604630
well we already sacrificed a lot of our powers before the story started, so maybe we won't have to?

>>1604619
>You make it sound like meeting her was a bad thing
>So what was Megumi's group like?

“You make it sound like meeting her was a bad thing,” you remark lightly, “Why is that?”

“It is neither a good thing or a bad thing,” the cat replies coolly, “Her presence here may make things easier for you. However, it leaves her home city with one less candidate to guard it. This state of imbalance has not yet caused problems, but I cannot guarantee that it will remain this way. The Intruders seem to have withdrawn from her territory, for now, but that should not be considered a permanent migration.”

“So why DID they withdraw from LA?” you ask, “Was it really out of fear, or were they drawn here instead?”

“I believe that both may be true. The Intruders have a tendency to ebb and flow, moving between... various sites. As such, candidates are chosen from these sites in response. While the Gravetender was waging her campaign against the Intruders, Ark City was... vulnerable,” Kurosawa considers the issue for a moment more, “Consider a forest. When confronted with the burning sun, insects will retreat under stones and fallen logs. The Gravetender was the sun, driving the Intruders into other territories. Now that she has followed them, her old hunting grounds may be vulnerable.”

“And you're worried that the Intruders might, what, take advantage of that?” you murmur, lowering your voice as Megumi stirs a little, “I guess we'll have to wait and see. If all else fails, she can just go home.”

“Perhaps that would be best,” Kurosawa agrees.

“Well, whatever. Her group must have been something else, if they were able to chase off the Intruders,” you say, fighting back a yawn, “What were they like?”

“In many ways, they were similar to you. They did not take their duties seriously at first,” Kurosawa's voice grows solemn as he says this, free from judgement or disapproval, “At first, it was just Megumi and one other candidate – the Crown of Thorns, chosen by Spite. The Gatherer of Whispers and the Silent Jester were recruited later. Even before they devoted their full strength to their duties, they were an efficient group – successful. Something else, as you say.”

“Then something went wrong,” you sigh, “Because of course it did.”

“Correct. The group pursued a Tyrant class Intruder and, although they were ultimately successful, the Crown of Thorns was slain in the process,” the cat explains, “That marked the start of the true fight against the Intruders.”

“But what were they like as people?” you press, “C'mon, tell me about them.”

“I... do not know what to tell you,” Kurosawa pauses, “They were friends. The Silent Jester – Fleur LaCroix – was younger than the average candidate. Noriko Inoue found her ability to predict the future to be distressing, as is often the case.” He hesitates again. “I apologise,” he offers at last, “I do not know what you wish to hear.”

[1/2]

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>>1604669

“Jeez, you really don't get it, do you?” you sigh, “Is there anything I shouldn't ask Megumi about? What about things she likes? If she's going to be sticking around for a while, it might be nice to give her a few pointers.”

“She blames herself for the collapse of her group. I would suggest against pressing her on that matter,” Kurosawa declares, casually dropping what might well be a dark and shameful secret into the conversation, “As for what she enjoys... I believe she plays games. Chess. Shogi. Games of thought and focus. It is fitting, for her role as the chosen of Dignity, to partake in such activities.”

You're not sure if you can help her there, but the museum might be of some interest to her. There's the arcade as well – games are games, right? Putting the thought aside for now – you can always discuss it with her later, when she's sobered up – you prepare for a more serious discussion. Fixing Kurosawa with your glare, you give your next question. “So,” you begin, “Ready to tell me about those powers yet, cat?”

“Yes I am,” Kurosawa sighs, “I do not wish to worry you, however, so please hear what I have to say with an open mind.”

“Oh hell...” you mutter, “This is going to be bad, isn't it?”

“Your powers are, to a certain degree, unstable. Thus, they have been sealed to ensure your safety as well as the safety of those around you. The nature of this instability is twofold,” Kurosawa begins, “The first factor is the destruction of the Sword of the Sun. While I believe that it was a necessary act, this sacrifice robbed your powers of a foundation, leaving them with the possibility of erratic action. Alone, this factor would not be significant – however, when paired with a second factor, the potential for danger has increased significantly.”

“Alright, I think I get it so far,” you insist, “The second factor, then. What is it?”

“Your sister,” the cat states simply, “She was the original source of your power. When she died in the course of her duties, you were immediately chosen to be her successor. This is a rare event, and a significant omen of your potential importance.”

“I was Hikari's successor...” you whisper, recalling everything you know about how this all works, “That means she was the Heavenly Child first, right?”

“That is correct. She was born with a potent destiny. When she failed, and fell in battle, that destiny was passed directly to you,” he explains, “This was a sudden and violent act. Why Sacrifice chose to do it... I cannot say. My duty is not to understand.”

“Just to obey,” you reply wearily, right?”

“Not quite,” Kurosawa corrects you gently, “To uphold my end of the agreement.”

>Thanks for telling me... but I need some time alone now
>Wait, I need to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

>>1604707
>>Thanks for telling me... but I need some time alone now

>>1604707
>Wait, I need to ask you something... (Write in)
How many Heavenly Children have their been? How many teams? Have any of them come close to stopping the Intruders permanently? Can they be stopped permanently?

>>1604707
>Wait, I need to ask you something... (Write in)
>How exactly does my sister increase instablility of my powers?

>>1604707
>Wait, I need to ask you something... (Write in)

Does she know about Crow?

>>1604716
On top of this, this has been going on since the fucking dawn of time and the intruders are STILL here. In a sense, everyone is chosen for sacrifice, it's bullshit and the gods are impotent enough to cause the first fall of civilization and impotent to clean up their fucking mess.

>>1604728
Seconding, she needs to be warned of her either way though.

“How exactly does this work?” you ask carefully, “And please, don't bullshit me with excuses – no “it's magic”, no “god wants it this way”, none of that. If there's an explanation – and I'm sure that there is - I want to hear it. How exactly does my sister relate to this instability.”

“Normally, when a candidate is killed in the course of her duty, a new candidate is not immediately selected. The... [divine spark] that the candidate is endowed with is reclaimed by the gods, slowly purified before being gifted to a new candidate. In this case, however, the [divine spark] was immediately passed into you,” Kurosawa chooses his words carefully here, but even then he can't help but lapse into his curious not-words at points, “And so, this power was altered. It was more potent than most, but it was also tainted with the agonies of your sister's death.”

“And what, that makes it more unstable?” you ask, “And... wait, I hadn't even met you yet!”

“But the potential was kindled within you at that precise moment,” Kurosawa insists, “Even if it would be some time before I brought it to its full waking state. But yes – these unclean energies are normally purified, to prevent this instability.”

“Unclean,” you repeat, distaste twisting your lips into a disgusted grimace.

“No offence is intended,” he apologises, “It is a simple fact. Death is unclean – it leaves echoes behind, as the Gravetender would attest to. However, do not presume that this makes you, as an individual, tainted or filthy.”

“Gee, thanks. I feel better already,” you snap, frowning as Megumi shifts in her sleep. She murmurs something, a name maybe, but then sinks back down into slumber. The pause cools your anger, and you let out a sigh instead of the angry tirade you had been building up to. “So, Hikari was just one more Heavenly Child,” you muse, “How many of us have there been? How many groups of magical girls?”

“Any number I could give you would be meaningless,” Kurosawa sighs, ancient weariness creeping into his voice, “This situation has been going on for thousands of years – tens of thousands. Even I cannot remember precisely-”

“Shit, whatever. I guess girls like us must start to look pretty similar after all those years,” you sneer, “Have any of them come close to putting a permanent end to the Intruders? Is that even possible?”

“It IS possible!” Kurosawa cries out, his voice causing a stab of pain to dig into your mind. Even Megumi feels it, groaning softly in her sleep. “It is possible,” the cat repeats, quieter this time, “And candidates have come close before. On occasion, they have driven the unclean source of the Intruders back – winning mankind years of safety – but it has always returned.”

[1/2]

>>1604731
We're soldiers in a never ending war.

I bet that the Heavenly Child has to die somewhere important in the Umbra or something.

>>1604426
Reminder that Ayane a shit. SHIT!
Also Maika best girl.

>>1604740
Oh hey, someone with good taste.

>>1604740
Please go and take your shit taste with you.

>>1604738

“So if it always returns, how can be so sure that it can be permanently destroyed?” you ask, “I mean, I hope that it can, but how-”

“I have faith,” Kurosawa stresses, “I know that it can be done. I know that one day – and perhaps one day soon – that a candidate will achieve it. I believe that it may be you, Miho. I believe that you may be the one to free mankind from this blight.”

“So no pressure, huh?” you groan, “This is heavy stuff. Thanks for telling me, I guess, but I need some time alone now. This is a lot to take in.”

“I understand, Miho,” Kurosawa murmurs, “This is why I did not wish to burden you earlier. You may not see it this way, but it is a great honour to shoulder a legacy such as this. What you have achieved so far... I believe that your sister would be proud of you.”

“Yeah, I...” his words touch off something within you, and you feel your throat closing up. “Oh yeah,” you manage, clearing your throat, “Do you think Megumi knows about Crow? I don't know if they've ever crossed paths...”

“To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe they have ever met,” the cat assures you, “However, I would suggest warning her about the risks.”

“I was gonna, just... later. When she wakes up,” you confirm, “Now go on, get out of here. I need some time to think.” Kurosawa regards you in silence for a moment, then nods and vanishes. Sighing, you lean back on the bench and glance at your phone. Still a few long hours left before the first train is due.

>Got to pause here for a little bit and take care of some stuff. Next post shouldn't be delayed too much, hopefully. Sorry about this.

>>1604739
probably they die imperfectly and create the next Source with the taint of their regrets and shit.

The unselfish ones probably die too early.

Roughly ten minutes before the train is due to arrive, Megumi rouses herself and sits upright, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “Good morning,” she announces, her voice cool and calm.

“Good...” you begin, pausing as you check the time on your phone. “Yeah okay, it's technically morning,” you grudgingly admit, “Good morning.”

“I understand that the trains here are very punctual,” she continues, showing no sign of the previous night's drinking, “Is that the case?”

“Yeah, I think someone gets fired if they're more than a few minutes late. We should be ready to... ugh, forget this. I need to talk to you about something important,” you dismiss the issue of transportation with a sweep of your hand. “There's another magical girl in Ark City. Not one of my team, I guess. She's dangerous, I've already had one nasty run in with her before,” you continue, “Her name is Sionann Attwood. Crow, that's the nickname she uses. Her title is... uh, False Witness, I think? She's the chosen of Blindness, anyway. English girl, dark hair. Likes throwing knives a lot.”

“I see,” Megumi thinks aloud, “And what do you suggest, with regards to her?”

“Staying away from her. Don't get involved,” you urge, “Don't even try to kick her ass, that's my job. Just keep your distance. She normally dresses all... office lady, wears her hair tied up. Kurosawa should be able to point her out, and... oh!”

Cutting your warning short, the approaching train blows a siren to signal it's approach – the noise, you notice, is enough to make Megumi wince.

-

“So, Miho, what are you planning to do today?” Megumi asks as the train is slowly picking up speed, “I suppose you have school to attend.”

“Ugh, yeah. Barely slept any though...” you complain, “After that, I guess I'm meeting up with the others. What about you, got anything planned out?”

“First things first, I shall be booking a hotel. Well, a capsule bed might be more in my price range,” a weary smile touched Megumi's face, “Do they still have those here? I've always found there to be something terribly fascinating about them. I couldn't say exactly what, though.”

“Ugh, those tight spaces. Ugh!” you shudder, “I think there might be one near the station, but-” When the lights flicker overhead, you pause for a moment. Before you can say anything else, Megumi rises to her feet and gives you a sharp look.

“Electrical fluctuations,” she remarks, her voice brisk and hard, “Often an early warning sign. We might have an Intru-” This time, Megumi is the one who is cut off, the train jolting violently and the lights dying.

“Both of you, Intruder detected,” Kurosawa snaps, “Demon class, at the front of the train. Do your duty.”

[1/2]

>>1604828

The lights flicker back into uncertain life as you and Megumi are racing towards the front of the train, hauling open heavy doors and hurrying from one carriage to the next. As the first train of the day, the cars are mostly deserted, but you still feel a few pairs of shocked eyes following you as you run. Megumi doesn't seem to notice, summoning her blade with something close to hunger – the same hunger for battle that drove the Intruders out of Los Angeles.

Upon reaching the front of the train, you immediately notice the portal – one window is rippling with the unmistakable energies of the Umbra. Megumi doesn't even slow, diving straight into the portal. Fighting back awful flashbacks of Ayane doing just the same, you leap after her.

-

The transition into the Umbra is relatively easy this time, but you still have to fight back to your feet. Going from the confines of the train to the wide expanse of an open field is a jarring transition, and the sight of so many train carriages – rusted and skeletal, planted into the ground like trees - is an uncanny one. As you're looking around for the Intruder, you hear a clash of metal on metal, and then you see it.

A hulking ogre of oily black filth, clutching a club made from the axle of a train, the Intruder lurches out from behind one of the ruined trains and bellows at you.

“Easy prey,” Megumi gloats, her blade yet to leave its scabbard, “Miho, why don't you show me what you're capable of? I don't think you'll be in any danger here.”

“What, too hungover to fight?” you shoot back, summoning your weapons, “Fine, I'll show you what I can do!”

>Finish this quickly and efficiently
>Show off a little, show Megumi exactly what you can do
>Other

>>1604832
>Finish this quickly and efficiently
We don't need to display dominance, do we?

>>1604832
>Finish this quickly and efficiently.

>>1604832
>>Finish this quickly and efficiently

>>1604832
>Finish this quickly and efficiently

>>1604832
>Finish this quickly and efficiently
Go go go

>>1604832
>Finish this quickly and efficiently
Don't want to be too desperate for approval...

Vulgar displays of power are better left to people like Crow, and you've got nothing to prove here. You'll finish this quickly and efficiently, and be back on the train before anyone has noticed that you're gone. As you step forwards to challenge the brute, Megumi leaps up onto one of the vertical train carriages, settling in to watch the battle. The ogre bellows again as you approach, and this time you spread your arms and shout back.

“Come on!” you yell at the Intruder, “Come get some!”

Of course, you have no idea if the thing has any way of understanding your words, but it certainly responds to the challenge implicit in them. Howling with animal fury, it breaks into a lumbering charge and swings the makeshift bludgeon at you. “Flawless Block!” you shout, raising one of the Collapsed Star Knuckles to intercept the blow. The bludgeon crashes into your guard and rebounds back, the orge's yell of fury turning into a yelp of dismay as it recoils. Grinning, you clench your other fist and slam it forwards in a powerful punch. The usual words - “Massive Strike!” - are ripped from your lips as you punch up into the Intruder's vaguely piggish face, punching it so hard that the formless filth of its body is splattered apart. Lifted up off its feet, the Intruder is sent flying.

By the time the Intruder has already landed, you've close the distance between it and you. It struggles to rise, and you draw back your fist in preparation to complete the job – one blow is all you need to finish it.

And then time seems to... stop. The Intruder freezes. The flying dirt and drifting flakes of dirt stop, suspended in mid air as the world – everything except you – lurches to a halt. No, not everything except you – Megumi is suddenly by your side, holding onto the trailing end of your scarf. Her blade, unsheathed, is in her other hand. Slowly, you lower your fist and look around in wonder.

“You didn't waste any time. Block, counter-attack, finisher. Very efficient,” she comments, nodding with satisfaction, “You've got a good grasp of both attack and defence – surprisingly rare, from what I've seen – and you fight well. You've got good instincts for it.”

“Uh, thanks,” you reply, confused, “But I think we're forgetting something – you can stop time?”

“Only briefly!” Megumi insists, “And I try not to use it too much. It's a crutch. This time though, I thought that it was fair that you know what I can do.”

“Fair, huh?” you mutter, thinking darkly of Crow.

“Yes, fair. It's very important that we fight fairly,” a stern note enters Megumi's voice, “We're not beasts, Miho, we mustn't act like them. Anyway, that's my lesson over. Go ahead and finish this wretch off.”

“Gladly,” you assure her, raising your fist once more.

[1/2]

>>1604881

“I hope you didn't take offence, back then,” Megumi explains later, as you're returning to your seats in the real world, “But I... I suppose I should put my experience to good use. I've seen the dangers of being overly flamboyant in battle.”

You're about to comment on that, but then you recall Kurosawa's warning. The collapse of Megumi's group is something that she feels personally responsible for, and the lingering bitterness in her voice now... well, you're fairly sure that there's a connection there. Erring on the side of caution, you just nod.

“And if you want to be particular specific, I'm not the one that stops time. It's my weapon. It's something of a one trick pony, I'm afraid. Other than being very good at cutting things, this little trick is all I ever learned how to do,” a rueful smile crosses Megumi's lips, “It's versatile, I suppose, and it IS very efficient. Back in the day, I can't remember how many Intruders I took out like that – stop time, cut them apart, let time resume. Quick, simple, easy... when it works.”

“And... when it doesn't work?” you ask before you can stop yourself.

“That's when mistakes get made,” Megumi answers smoothly, “And in this line of work, a single mistake can prove fatal. Now, if you don't mind, I wanted to get a little extra sleep before we reach Ark City.”

“Uh, sure,” you reply, “I guess I'll-” The sound of Megumi's soft snoring cuts you off, leaving the words to die in your mouth. “People keep trying to teach me things,” you mutter to nobody in particular, “And I'm not sure if I like it.”

-

When you arrive back in Ark City, Megumi stops you and asks to exchange numbers. As you're doing do, she gives you a serious look. “I have a request,” she asks, “Please call me in an emergency, but only then. I don't wish to appear rude, but I didn't really come here with the intention of making friends. I'm perfectly happy to cooperate with you, but I'm not looking to join any groups.”

Her declaration comes as a surprise, and some of that surprise must show on your face, because Megumi lets out a quiet laugh.

“I'm sorry,” she explains, “I must seem very aloof to you. I just think it's better this way, if we both lead our own lives.”

>I understand. Please call me if you need help
>Can you at least meet my group? We can get you up to speed on the situation here
>I wanted to ask you something before you go... (Write in)
>Other

>>1604901
>I understand. Please call me if you need help
>Please beware of the Sentinels. Who knows how they would react if they knew of you.

>>1604901
>“People keep trying to teach me things,” you mutter to nobody in particular, “And I'm not sure if I like it.”
Definitely shouldn't, learning is for losers.

>Can you at least meet my group? We can get you up to speed on the situation here

>>1604901
>I understand. Please call me if you need help
>Do you at least want to meet my group? We can get you up to speed on the situation here. It's pretty...complex. I understand if you don't want to get involved though.

>>1604901
>>I understand. Please call me if you need help
We got a nice senpai now, a nice ace in the hole if we ever need it.

>>1604901
>I understand. Please call me if you need help
>Can you at least meet my group? We can get you up to speed on the situation here. Things are really, really weird even by the standards of our business. There are a lot of things you really need to know sooner rather than later.

Ask Maika to set up a round table

>>1604915
I'm not so sure a round table is secure. Jun alluded to the Sentinels knowing about it.

“I understand, I guess, but why not meet my group at least?” you offer, “Ark City isn't like any other place in the world, for a lot of reasons. You need a bit of local knowledge, and we can help to get you up to speed on the situation here.”

Megumi frowns a little at your persistence, but then a faint smile tugs at one corner of her mouth. “Just a meeting?” she asks, “With no commitments involved?”

“Just a meeting, no commitments. You won't have to sign a thing,” you promise, “And hey, we sometimes meet up in this nice cake shop, it does some really great food. I won't tell you where it is unless you agree to this!”

Sighing enormously, Megumi slumps her shoulders a little. “I suppose I'd be rude to outright refuse, considering how much effort you're putting into this,” she decides at last, “How about this? I'll think about it – I've got plenty of things to arrange, and you've got your own life to attend to. If I want to, I'll call you later to arrange something. If not, I hope that you respect my decision.”

“Of course. We'd be happy to have you sit in, but we're not gonna go chasing you all over the city,” you assure her with a short laugh, “We're busy people too, y'know. Until then, just be careful. Watch out for Crow and the Sentinels. You remember what to look out for?”

“A tall, haughty German man, and a smooth talking local,” Megumi repeats, “My memory is pretty good for these things.”

“Yeah, but you were half asleep on the train,” you point out, “And this is serious. I'm not taking any chances. I don't know how the Sentinels might react if they knew you were here. So basically, uh... don't go doing anything stupid.”

“I'm glad that I have an expert like you to give me guidance,” the older girl tells you smoothly, shaking her head in weary amusement, “Perhaps I'll see you around, Miho. Until then, farewell.”

-

When you part ways, Megumi sets off towards a capsule hotel – an old relic from a more primitive time, or so your father calls it – and you head back home. As you walk, you take out your phone and start making arrangements. Or, to be more specific, asking Maika to make the arrangements. A virtual round table, just like last time, although... you're not exactly sure how secure that is, these days.

It's a fine joke. Kurosawa can't listen in on a round table, but the Sentinels might. Meanwhile, the Sentinels can't listen in to a real life conversation – assuming that it's in a secure location – but Kurosawa can hear every word of it. Still, it's better to have the preparations in place if you need them.

But what you really need right now, more than any planning or scheming, is breakfast.

[1/2]

>>1604949

It's still hideously early when you arrive back home, but the door is unlocked. Tentatively opening it, you swallow back a wave of paranoid fear and peer inside. When you see your father sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee from a chipped mug. Sighing at the sight of you, he tries to look as stern as possible.

“Out all night again, hmm?” he asks, waving for you to take a seat at the table, “And is that cigarette smoke I smell?”

“Uh, I was standing down wind of someone, and he was...” you begin, the excuse trailing off before it can really begin, “...Sorry.”

“We were all young once,” Akito gives you a wink, “How about some breakfast? I can whip something up, it's no trouble at all.”

“Yeah,” you reply, sliding into a seat and smiling warmly, “Thanks dad.”

>Got to pause things here. I'll continue this tomorrow, and if anyone has any questions I'll answer them the best I can
>Thanks to everyone who contributed today!

>>1604996
Why aren't we clueing in our parents again? Especially since people know who they are anyway

>>1604996
Thanks for running.

>>1605001
On what? Everything? Might complicate things a lot.

>>1604996
Thanks for writing!

>>1605001
So they can worry their butts off worrying that we might just not come home one day? Just like our sister?

>>1604996
Thanks for running Moloch.

>>1604996
Thanks for running!

>>1605001
"Yeah, go have fun risking your life fighting monsters!" - no parent ever.

>>1605001
>>1605007
>>1605011
>>1605012
I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities for a very dramatic reveal. I'm sure EVE will spill the beans to dad at some point if we don't, I'm sure she'd love to gloat about the success of her plans and what a great [person of interest] we are

>>1605019
I'm also sure that I need to go to fucking bed, two sentences and three "I'm sure".

>>1605019
Lmao senpai eve doesn't know we're a MG. She just crazy.

>>1604996
Thanks for running, Moloch!

>>1605001
Kurosawa would probably help repress any trauma and associated memories, if we tried to clue them in. The only result would be trauma on both sides if the conversation, I think, as Miho's parents freak out about losing both of their children to a secret magic war and Miho freaks out about how Kurosawa adeptly manipulates her parents.

>>1604996
Thanks for running!
How long until we find out Miho is just a homunculus slapped together by her dad in a lab?

>>1605037
Oh, fair point, it slipped my mind that Kurosawa can fuck with their brains.

I'm not opposed to clueing in our parents, I think it will be a net profit in Miho's emotional barrier if she isn't weighed down by the guilt and frustration she feels in deceiving them.
If Kurosawa can stop the whole "OH GOD MOMS GONNA FREAK" it's absolutely an option.

Now let's open the floodgates- is it ethical to mentally neuter your parents if it takes a weight off your chest?

>>1605001

Aside from the reasons stated, it could be a pretty bad idea to spread knowledge of magic about. Both Kurosawa and the Sentinels have good reason to keep things quiet, and it helps to keep Miho's life a bit less complicated.

>>1605049

But that's Maika's thing!

>>1605066
Maika doesn't get to be cooler than us! We're the main character, dammit!

>>1605011
Better than having another daughter die for "no reason".

It's not like they're incompetents or anything. Fuck our Dad is making bio-droids.

Shit. Get the Gods to jack them up with blessings or something. Or at least some PDWs.

>>1605108
Oh! Oooohhh!
Can we have our dad to jack us up with bioimplants and genetic therapy?

>>1605108
Well if we die the quest is over anyways so it's no biggie. Well unless we go spirit or something.

Also I think the gods can only (or are only willing to) give out MG Divine Sparks

>>1605108
>Gods
>doing anything
HA, laugh at this fool!

>>1605151
Hey, who wants to bet that the Gods actually are withered husks after losing all the Divine Sparks from the Magical Girls that were eaten, and are in a coma and can't do anything?

>>1605224
Unless Kurosawa is really good at preventing his chosen getting eaten, this doesn't seem likely.

I've been doing some rereading and I found something interesting. Thread 7, Maika's father is named as "Eligor Kanzaki":
>“And he has SUCH a tacky name – Eligor Kanzaki,” she shakes her head with sad mirth, “He had it officially changed, if you believe the gossip. I couldn't say why you'd choose such an awful name, though...”
It might still be a big red herring but its pretty close to confirmation.

>>1604569
>“Total Intruder extermination,” Megumi explains with a bitter sense of satisfaction
Yeah, I'd vote against telling her about Zakuro.

>>1608056
Wow I can't believe I forgot about that. Eligor was also a 'captain of industry' like Nebrios.

It's so obvious that it feels like are red herring like you said.

Never one for tradition, Akito avoided the more typically Japanese breakfast in favour of a uniquely “Ark City” meal – a bowl of something that didn't quite have the same texture as oatmeal, but apparently had enough nutrients to keep a growing girl satisfied. It tasted peculiarly of bacon – the obviously fake kind – but otherwise went down without complaint. Frankly, you were hungry enough that you would have eaten anything.

As you eat, Akito watches the news with growing disapproval and dismay. A group of protesters, the news report claims, have the front gate to Renko Biotech blocked. “Them again,” he sighs, “Return to the Earth. When did they get so determined?”

“Those guys from the museum, right?” you guess through a mouthful of slurry, “They seem pretty mad about something.”

“Oh, I'm sure they have their inane reasons for this,” your father replies, a rare note of anger creeping into his voice, “But I dearly wish they could have waited until after I had got into work. At this rate, I won't be able to get through their little... demonstration. I certainly don't want to risk it.” Frowning, he rubs at the Renko Biotech logo marked onto his cheek. “Oh, I'm sorry Miho. I didn't mean to imply that I hate being here with you,” he explains quickly, “But this is coming at such an inconvenient time, our experiments are... well, the work is at a very sensitive stage.”

“Coming up to an exciting chapter, huh?” you remark. “That novel you mentioned,” you explain, when Akito just gives you a blank look, “It sounds like you're getting to a good bit now.”

“Right, of course,” he shakes his head in mild frustration, “Sorry, I'm still lagging a little behind, and this... farce doesn't help.” Slowly sipping his coffee, Akito ponders for a moment. “I really shouldn't have said anything about it,” he admits eventually, “I don't know why I did. I suppose I got swept up in the spirit of things, and when you took an interest... well, I AM glad that you're interested, don't get me wrong, but this is a sensitive matter. If internal security found out that we talked like that...”

“Like what?” you ask innocently, “About a novel?”

“Even about a novel, yes,” he stresses, “Losing my job would be the least of our worries. You would be stripped of your place in the Ark Institute, Renko could sue me for every penny I've got, my record would be permanently marked... they take leaks very seriously. So please, try and forget that we ever had that conversation.”

His words weigh down on you, matched by a feeling of dread that wells up within you. “Did someone... talk to you about this?” you ask slowly, “Did someone threaten you?”

“Of course not!” Akito insists, “It wasn't... like that.”

[1/2]

>>1608099

“Don't give me that look, Miho, I'm not in any trouble,” he sighs, “I just... we were all given the same talk, just a little “reminder” about the internal security policies. It's routine, especially when a serious project is under way. We wasted an hour smiling and nodding as a woman from HR told us all the usual security instructions, that's all it was. There was no threatening involved.”

“A woman from HR,” you repeat slowly, “You mean like... a local woman? I hear they're hiring foreigners these days.”

“She WAS foreign. English, I think,” Akito scratches his mark again, “Really, I felt sorry for her. She clearly had more important things to be doing as well, she didn't want to be there any more than we did.”

“Yeah, I guess she must have it tough and all,” you reply with very deliberate casualness, “Excuse me.” Rising, you very calmly stroll into the bathroom, lock the door, and then just barely suppress a yell of sheer anger. Crow – bloody fucking Crow – giving your father the same sort of phony lecture that she gave you. Next time you see her, you'll... you'll...

“I'll be the better person,” you sigh, forcing yourself to calm down, “I'll take the moral high ground. I won't punch her right through a wall.”

-

“Are you okay?” Akito asks as you return, “I thought I heard...”

“Oh, uh, I sneezed,” you lie, “Pretty loudly. That's all it was.”

“Hmm, I suppose so. I can't think what else it might have been. Try not to be too loud though, your mother is still asleep. She's having a long lie today,” frowning, he checks the clock, “And now that I notice, shouldn't you be thinking about getting to school?”

He's not wrong. You're far from late, but it's certainly getting close to time. So much for the idea of grabbing a quick nap before school.

>You're right, I'd better go. See you!
>Hey, you need to tell someone about EVE glitching out. She might be seriously dangerous...
>That HR woman... I can't explain it, but you need to stay away from her. She's trouble
>Other

>>1608101
>>You're right, I'd better go. See you!

>>1608101
>That HR woman... you need to stay away from her. She's trouble
>Look dad, you've got secrets, and I've got mine, but that b-.....woman was aiming at me, not you.

>>1608101
>That HR woman... you need to stay away from her. She's trouble
>Look dad, you've got secrets, and I've got mine, but that b-.....woman was aiming at me, not you.

This is fine.

>>1608101
>>You're right, I'd better go. See you!
>Be careful.
I'll just leave it at that

>>1608101
>You're right, I'd better go. See you!
>>1608111
>>1608119
Are you two sure about this? What would telling him accomplish other than worrying him about us? It's not like him looking over his shoulder is going to stop Crow from doing anything. I'd advise against this.

>>1608136
Needlessly spinning a web of lies can also be more harmful in the long run. Also hypocrital, considering what Miho thinks of Kurosawa.

and I generally vote for Honesty in most quests, dramatic secrets are lame.

>>1608101
>You're right, I'd better go. See you!
Him knowing about Sionann won't help, she has MG powers and Sentinel authority. Hints like that will only inconvenience us.

>>1608140
We aren't lying. We just aren't saying anything. There is distinction whether you believe it or not.

And I can only see negatives for complicating our job by telling our parents which was explained pretty well at the end of last session.

>>1608101
>>You're right, I'd better go. See you!

>>1608111
>>1608119
I don't really like this either. Him knowing that isn't going to accomplish anything other than raising awkward questions.

Omission isn't lying.

>>1608101
>>>You're right, I'd better go. See you!
>>Be careful
Also tossing my two cents in with the hold back crowd.

There is a moment of silence as you consider your next words before you sigh and force a smile. “You're right, I'd better be going,” you tell Akito, “Just be careful with that HR woman, okay? I don't want you losing your job or anything!”

“I'm always careful,” he assures you with a smile, “And if you're not careful...”

“Right, you're right!” you nod quickly, “I'll see you later, and... be careful!” Hurrying away from the table, you race through to your room and quickly change into a fresh uniform. Gathering your things, you start for the front door. Akito's attention has already wavered, his eyes locked onto the news as he holds his phone to his ear, listening gravely. He doesn't notice when you leave.

-

Walking the usual route to school comes as something of a relief, the old routine serving to sooth your nerves. Pausing in the usual side street, at the usual antique shop, you take a moment to gaze at the treasures on offer. When you see a murky silhouette reflected in the dusty glass, though, you whirl around in fear.

“Hey, whoa, chill out!” Ayane laughs, holding up her hands, “It's just me, Miho, no need to look so freaked out!”

“Sorry,” you sigh, “It's been a strange morning. Strange night last night as well. Strange few months in general, really.”

“I hear you there,” Ayane agrees, “So why don't you tell me all about it?”

-

“Another magical girl, huh?” Ayane murmurs, after you've finished telling her about Megumi, “Man, I don't know what to think about this. I guess it's good, but I can't help but see it as a bad omen. Like she's the overpowered character you get right at the end of the game.”

“The... what game?” you ask, bemused by the sudden shift in conversation, “What are you talking about?”

“Ah, don't worry about it,” waving a hand at you, Ayane dismisses your confusion, “I'm just talking nonsense. You reckon this Megumi chick is gonna call you later?”

“I don't know. I kinda hope she does,” you muse, “I don't like the thought of her being out there on her own, especially since she doesn't know the full situation here. It's her choice though, if she wants to play at being a loner. Chasing her down and trying to force her into anything... we'd just make an enemy of her.”

“Guess that's true. Whatever, let her do her thing,” yawning and stretching, Ayane glances around to see if anyone else is around. The street is deserted, and so she continues in a lower voice. “There was something I wanted to talk to you about, actually,” she murmurs, “That foreign friend of yours...”

“Who?” you ask, “Chiaki?”

“Nah, I mean the really foreign one,” Ayane stresses, “Y'know?”

Zakuro.

[1/2]

>>1608156
>Like she's the overpowered character you get right at the end of the game.”
Ah, I know her purpose then! Gonna sacrifice her instead of one of our buddies when we need someone to lay down and die.

>>1608164
No, it's the character that leaves your party at the end of disc 2, just before the big boss fight.

>>1608164
>>1608167
>She doesn't appear until the last(real world) bossfight, then stays in the party for the final Umbra exploration

>>1608168
No way, we've only undone 1 lock. There's gotta be more than 2. 3 at least.

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>>1608156

“Right, her,” you agree, “Yeah, she's... pretty foreign. I don't really want to talk about her behind her back, so...”

“That's what I wanted to talk to you about,” Ayane interrupts, “If you're thinking of meeting up with her at some point, I want to come with you. Y'know, see what she's about for myself. Besides, you might want to have someone like me around if you get into a serious conversation. I'm a pretty good listener!”

Meaning, she'd be able to sniff out any lies. “Well, I guess you're right,” you reply with a shrug, “I'd been thinking about meeting up with her, but it's tricky. We've all got a lot on our plates right now.”

“Man, you're not wrong there,” chuckling to herself, Ayane bumps you with her shoulder, “You know what we need? We need to go out and have some proper fun – I'm talking about a double date or something like that!” Her laughter dies off as a frown crosses her face. “Damn, am I really the only one of us with a boyfriend?” Ayane complains, “This sucks, you can't go on a double date with just one couple, that's just a date!”

“That is... definitely true,” you agree, “No offence though, but I'm not gonna get a boyfriend just to keep you company on a group date.”

“So much for the sisterhood!” she groans, “Maybe we should just hit up that bar Kasumi likes. Oh, or maybe she has a boyfriend – I bet she must get a lot of attention...”

Letting Ayane chatter away in the background, you lapse into a thoughtful silence. It's only when she nudges you again that you look up. “What's wrong?” Ayane asks, “You're grimacing like you've got a bad stomach ache...”

>I'm fine. Just feeling a little tired today, that's all
>I feel kinda bad about keeping all this stuff secret from my folks. It feels... dishonest
>Never mind me. How are things going with Isamu?
>There's something I wanted to talk to you about... (Write in)
>Other

>>1608177
>I feel kinda bad about keeping all this stuff secret from my folks. It feels... dishonest
Ayane seems like the perfect person to talk about this with.

>>1608177
>Never mind me. How are things going with Isamu?

>>1608177
>I haven't slept a wink and fought an intruder in the middle of the night
>I feel kinda bad about keeping all this stuff secret from my folks. It feels... dishonest, especially since they are being targeted because of me.

>>1608177
>>Never mind me. How are things going with Isamu?

>>1608177
>Never mind me. How are things going with Isamu?

>>1608177
>When are we ever going to find time to train? Forget days, I'm bumping into new things every couple of hours.
>I feel kinda bad about keeping all this stuff secret from my folks. It feels... dishonest

“I feel kinda bad keeping all this stuff from my folks,” you admit after a moment, “I get that it's for the best – at least, I think it is – but keeping so many secrets... it feels dishonest.” Shaking your head, you think back to your earlier conversation. “I mean, what if Crow does go after my father because of me? If I don't warn him, I'm responsible for that,” you continue, “But what if I DO warn him, and he puts himself in harm's way for my sake? I'd be responsible for that as well...”

“I guess that's part of this stuff, being responsible for our own actions and all,” Ayane thinks aloud, “But I know what the cat would say – he'd be all about not telling them. Keeps us focused on our duty, right?”

“I think that's part of the problem,” you reply with a humourless laugh, “Every time I lie, or leave something out, I think of him. I hate it when he lies to us, but I'm quick enough to lie to other people...”

“See, I've got what you'd call a unique perspective on this,” running a hand through her scruffy hair, Ayane takes a moment to think. “People lie, Miho. I mean, they do it all the time – most of the time, they're little white lies. Just silly little things to spare someone's feelings or whatever,” she explains, “And yeah, sometimes it makes me angry hearing them all, but you know what? I don't think I'd like to hear what everyone really thinks about me. So maybe a few lies are okay.”

“But this stuff isn't little or silly,” you point out, “It's big and serious, especially if it means my folks could be in trouble!”

“I get that, but you said it yourself – if you told your dad, and he ran off and got hurt, how would you feel?” Ayane shakes her head, “Nah, I'm not gonna tell Shiori anything about this stuff. Sure, I feel bad for lying to her – I'm running out of excuses for what I'm doing all night – but I reckon telling her might be worse. She worries enough, knowing that I'm out with a guy, how do you think she'd feel if I was out fighting against... alien horrors?”

Sighing, you allow yourself a small smile. Maybe speaking to Ayane was the right decision – you certainly feel as though a burden has been lifted off your shoulders. “Enough about me,” you decide, “What about you, how are things going with Isamu?”

“Things are good, y'know? He's pretty... safe,” Ayane nods slowly, “He likes dumb jokes, he spends a lot of time talking about technology I couldn't even begin to understand, he doesn't push me around... Yeah, I could see myself sticking around with him for a bit. Oh yeah, and before you even ask, he never presses me for information – I'm not even sure if he knows what we're involved in.”

“That's good to hear,” you tell her with a smile, “I'm glad you're happy. I-” A massive yawn escapes you then, cutting off the rest of your sentence.

[1/2]

>>1608218

“Sorry, I'm so tired,” you apologise, “I've barely slept a wink, AND I was fighting an Intruder last night. Never mind days, it's starting to feel like those things are showing up every few hours. At this rate, we won't have time to do any training. Hell, we won't have time to do anything!”

“Well, maybe our new buddy can help with that,” Ayane shrugs, “She can take on her share of the burden, and we can goof off for a bit. Hey, maybe we could go on holiday...”

“Ayane!” you scold, “She's a guest in our city, we can't just dump everything on her and run away!”

“You're not tempted?” grinning, Ayane nudges you, “Not ever a tiny little bit?”

“That's...” your words trail off, “I don't have to answer that!”

-

If there is one small highlight to the day, it's that you manage to grab a long nap over lunch. The library is always a good spot for that, with plenty of corners to hide away and doze. When the end of the day comes, you almost feel well enough to handle some more human interaction. Five minutes after the end of the school day, your phone rings – Megumi's name appearing on the screen.

“Hello?” you begin, “Megumi?”

“Miho. Hello,” Megumi answers calmly, “I've reached my decision. I would like to meet your group. If nothing else, we should establish a working relationship now, rather than waiting until a disastrous situation occurs. Efficient cooperation is key to saving lives.”

“Well, uh, sure. We'd be happy to have you as a guest. We were meeting up at a friend's house, but I'd better accompany you,” you pause for a moment, “She has... security. Kind of a “trespassers will be shot” sort of thing, y'know?”

“I'm acquainted with the concept,” Megumi replies, a note of wry amusement in her voice, “Where shall we meet, then?”

-

You arrange a meeting place not far from the Kanzaki compound and head off immediately, pausing only to buy a can of something caffeinated – it tastes almost like sweetened battery acid – from a vending machine. When you see her, Megumi is gazing around her with muted wonder.

“It's so clean here,” she remarks as you approach, “How do they scrub graffiti away so efficiently?”

“I don't think people DO graffiti here. Not very often, at least,” you reply, scratching your head in confusion, “Things are messier in the vice district. If you stick around here, you'll probably end up visiting that place eventually. It's... interesting.”

“With a name like that, one would expect as much,” Megumi smiles a little, “Shall we go, then? I don't want to keep the rest of your group waiting.”

[2/3]

>>1608243
>Hey, maybe we could go on holiday...”
Might just be my imagination, but I feel crazy deja vu about these few lines. I swear they had this chat before. Am I crazy?

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>>1608243

The others have already gathered in Maika's room when you arrive, and Emi is in the middle of a long, bizarre rant. “So then they cut open this whale corpse, right? Only then, all these bug things spill out and... ugh!” feigning a retch, she glances around at you, “Oh hey Miho. Ayane said that you had a new buddy. This her?”

“Nah, she's just some random woman I picked up,” you reply swiftly, “What exactly were you talking about?”

“Just some horror movie Kaoru showed me once. Scared the hell out of me,” Emi flaps a hand at you, busy sizing up Megumi, “Hey, new girl. I hear that you scared the Intruders out of LA. That true?”

“I wouldn't put it in those exact terms,” Megumi concedes, “But... yes, that would appear to be the case.”

“That is SO cool!” Emi squeals, clapping her hands together. Maika glances across and meets your eye, offering a tiny shrug of amusement.

-

After the introductions are over and done with – Emi is cheerful, while Ayane is more casual, Maika introduces herself with stiff formality, while Kasumi is far smoother – you settle down and start the arduous process of recounting your story to Megumi. Emi listens carefully as well, especially when you cover the material she was absent for. Megumi's expression is one of unmoving neutrality until you reach the source of the Sentinel's powers, and then it darkens.

“An abomination,” she murmurs, “It's an abomination – a crime!”

“Yeah, I gotta agree there,” Emi adds, “Freaks me out. I mean, these guys are jamming bits of monster into themselves? Shit man...”

Conversation falters for a moment before you speak up again and finish your story. Everyone contributes a little to the lengthy discussion, although the subject of Zakuro is very carefully avoided. SAE doesn't speak up either, which you put down to Maika's instruction – easier if you don't have AI matters distracting you from the already crooked story.

“I see what you mean now,” Megumi sighs eventually, “Things here really are more complicated than I thought.”

>So, can you see why we need your help now?
>Maybe you're better off heading back to LA
>So what do you think about these Sentinels?
>There's something else we need to discuss... (Write in)
>Other

Sorry for the delay. Hit some pretty hard writer's block.

>>1608317
>So what do you think about these Sentinels?

> “So then they cut open this whale corpse, right? Only then, all these bug things spill out and... ugh!”
I quite liked the sequel where the pregnant woman was infected. Moral horror on top of the regular kind.

>>1608317
>So what do you think about these Sentinels?

>>1608317
>So what do you think about these Sentinels?
We'd love to shut em down, but they're super strong and also have lots of backing and really we're just completely outgunned.

>>1608317
>So what do you think about these Sentinels?
>Warn Maika about Eligor.

>Did he show you the one about the fishing village? That one's even scarier!

>>1608317
Also we might want to tell Maika and the others that her dad might be a Sentinel leader.

>>1608317
>>So what do you think about these Sentinels?

>>1608317
>>1608324
>>1608335
Oh yeah, forgot about that. I'll add
>Warn Maika about Eligor.
to my vote.

“So, what do you make of these Sentinels?” you ask Megumi, “Other than the... abomination stuff, I mean.”

“I can't say that I have a very high opinion of them. By all accounts, they sound like they're dabbling in matters better left to the professionals,” Megumi admits, “After all, my group was able to achieve more than anything they can claim responsibility for, and we were just four girls. I dare say that an ancient conspiracy should set their sights a little higher.” Tapping a finger against her chin, Megumi starts to pull out a box of cigarettes before stopping herself. “I can't help but wonder if they're using Ark City as a testing ground,” she continues, “Taking advantage of the rather... unique situation here to work in secrecy.”

“That's something I hadn't considered until now,” Maika murmurs, “Could it be possible that they constructed Ark City specifically for that reason?”

“No way,” Ayane laughs in disbelief, “That's impossible. That's just... way too big.”

“They're a shadowy conspiracy dating back to the earliest days of mankind,” you point out, “I don't think anything is beyond them – IF they're exactly what they claim to be.”

“Yes, well, I have my doubts about that,” Megumi mutters to herself, “So, I'm curious about one thing. What do you intend to do about the Sentinels?”

“That's not an easy question to answer,” you sigh, “In an ideal world, I'd... I'd kinda like to shut them down. It's like you said, it feels like they're messing in stuff they're not prepared to deal with. In reality, though, that's not all that possible. They've got all kinds of backing, and we're... pretty much completely outgunned. Got any suggestions?”

“I would suggest ignoring them,” Megumi answers simply, “That's what I intend on doing. I don't have intention of working with them, or throwing my life away by fighting against them. I fight Intruders, not people.” Studying the group for a moment more, she rises to her feet and gives you all a formal bow. “Thank you for the information,” she continues, “But I believe it would be best if I leave now.”

“You're just walking out?” Emi blurts out, “C'mon, what the fuck?”

“I mentioned this earlier, but I'm not looking to get attached,” Megumi states coolly, “I'm perfectly willing to offer you my help when you need me, but other than that, I would prefer to be alone.” Bowing once again, she turns and heads into the elevator. When the doors close behind her, Emi lets out a disgruntled snort. The mood darkens, leaving the rest of you to glance uneasily about.

“Oh, uh, Emi,” you say after a pause, “I think I've seen that movie. Have you seen any of the sequels? There's one with this fishing village...”

“Oh yeah!” the young girl brightens up in an instant, “We gotta have a movie night sometime, that would be so cool!”

The tension lifts, and the mood starts to clear.

[1/2]

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>>1608385

Before you can get too comfortable, talking about horror movies and eating popcorn, you sigh and drag the conversation back into darker waters. “Listen, uh, there's something we need to discuss,” you tell the group, “I mentioned the Council of Twelve, yeah?”

“Yes,” Maika presses, “And their curious names. Nebiros, Ose, Asmodeus... you said that there was one other you spoke with. Why didn't you give us their name?”

“I thought it was best that we kept this as a more private matter,” you begin slowly, “It's... this might be a difficult subject. I-”

“Man, why can't they just use normal names?” Emi complains, “I don't think I could spell half of those. Are they even... real names?”

“They're demons of the Goetia,” Kasumi says calmly, “Although I do wonder why they chose those names. Their god is named after Greek Gnosticism, their council harkens back to biblical Christianity, while the names themselves are demonic... I wonder what it all means.”

“It doesn't mean anything!” Ayane blurts out, “None of this means anything!”

“Guys, please!” you plead, “Just give me a minute. Maika, look... you remember what we talked about, right? About whether or not your father had any military experience.” Pausing, you take a deep breath as you finally put a finger on the memory that had been dancing at the edge of your mind. A single fleeting conversation you had exchanged with your mother... no wonder it took you so long to remember it. “Don't freak out about this, Maika,” you continue, “But the other member of the council called himself... Eligor.”

Whatever else Maika does, at least she doesn't freak out. She goes very still, not even blinking, and then says: “That's Father's name,” she murmurs, “But that must be a coincidence. What else could it be?”

“Oh sure, he's just some other guy called Eligor!” Ayane groans, “C'mon Maika, open your eyes! It sucks, I know, but you gotta face the facts here!”

“What facts?” Maika snaps, “A few unfortunate coincidences do not count as facts!”

“Hey, Princess, I got a question,” Emi speaks up, “Doesn't your dad have an office here? Like, a room. Couldn't we just search it, see if he left any evidence stuff there?”

[Master Kanzaki is currently absent,] SAE announces calmly, [His quarters are locked. However, I would be able to override the locks and allow access.]

Maika just frowns at that, as if her AI had betrayed her. The others wait in an awkward silence, glancing between you and the heiress. She looks angry, confused, even a little fearful... as if expecting the group to fall upon her like a pack of wild dogs.

>Maika, we need to be sure. We need to check his room
>Guys, leave her alone. This isn't fair on Maika
>Other

>>1608436
>It's up to you what we do, Maika. He's your father, and even if we confirmed this I don't think we can currently act on it.

>>1608447
>>1608436
Seconded

"They did call him a 'captain of industry' when I asked who they were..."

>>1608436
>>1608447
Thirded. Tripled?

>>1608436
>>Maika, we need to be sure. We need to check his room

>>1608447
this is good

“Maika,” you begin slowly, “I... we need to be sure, okay? If there's any way for us to be sure, we need to find it. We need to check his room.”

Maika doesn't answer that, but she does finally shake off her frozen posture. Slowly pacing a circuit of her chambers, she thinks hard to herself. The others watch, silent. Ayane looks guilty, but not guilty enough to back down. Emi seems more certain, watching and waiting impatiently for a response. Kasumi, on the other hand, seems calm and composed, following Maika with more curiosity than anything else.

“Look, Maika, it's up to you what we do,” you continue, trying again, “Even if we do learn anything, we're not in a position to do anything about it. He's your father, so if you don't want to check... I'll respect that. But I DO think that we need to be sure. Look at the facts – he's a “captain of industry”, he's close to military figures, he even... the Eligor I met even presented himself as a machine!”

“Quiet,” Maika orders you, sitting down heavily on her bed, “I need to think. SAE, can you erase any records of our access?”

[Yes Miss Kanzaki,] the AI responds promptly, [Security access data and camera footage can both be altered to cover your activities.]

“Father, forgive me...” the heiress whispers to herself, before rising to her feet and looking you in the eye. “We'll do it,” she states flatly, “To prove his innocence, if nothing else.”

-

Moving with a firm and decisive pace, Maika leads you through the sterile corridors of her family home, pausing outside a door that almost looks like a bank vault. You wait as the whirr and clunk of electrical locks – muted by layers of steel – fill the corridor, and then the door slides open. The room that you step into is... not what you had been expecting. The furnishings are wood rather than metal, a thick rug lies across the floor, and equally ornate tapestries hang from the walls. The luxury comes as a sharp contrast with the rest of the house, as if you'd stepped into another world.

“I know what you're thinking,” Maika mutters to you, “But a certain degree of luxury is expected – demanded – of a man with Father's status. Guests visit him here, it would be unbecoming to present them with a cold and lifeless room.”

“I guess so,” you agree dubiously, eyeing up a glass case of antique swords, “I still feel like I've walked into a dragon's treasure trove, though...”

“All of you, listen to me very carefully,” the heiress tells the group, “Touch as little as possible, and be sure not to leave a single object out of place. I will check everything when we're finished, but I want minimal disruption. You are guests here, your presence is tolerated only so long as you behave yourselves.”

“C'mon!” Emi protests as she hastily steps away from another case of weapons, “I wasn't gonna touch anything!”

Her fingerprints are still visible on the glass.

[1/2]

>>1608495

In the end, Maika does most of the searching – efficiently sorting through drawers and bookshelves in search of anything significant. Assuming that she would know what to look for, the rest of you find yourselves milling about in awkward confusion. When Maika produces a slim volume, you eagerly start flicking through the pages – for something to do, if nothing else. It's the book of “inspirational” quotations that she mentioned, the gift from an old “business associate”. On the inside cover, a scrawled note has been left.

“Eligor. They say that war and trade are not so dissimilar. Perhaps you'll find these quotations as inspirational as I do. Regards, Ose.”

“Ose,” Ayane reads aloud, peering over your shoulder, “Still think it's a coincidence, Maika?”

“This...” Maika hesitates, carefully taking the book of quotations from you and slowly reading the note with her own eyes. “This does seem rather conclusive, doesn't it?” she decides, her voice hollow, “I... don't quite know what to say.” Lapsing into silence, she returns the book to its rightful place and then just... stops. Staring into space for a few moments, Maika slowly crosses over to the display case and works on wiping away the fingerprints, her expression never changing from that blank emptiness.

“Yeah, I gotta go... do something else,” Emi says slowly, backing off towards the exit, “I'll be outside if you need me, okay?”

“I'll go with you,” Ayane agrees, eagerly following Emi out, “Uh... sorry Maika.”

When they scurry away, it just leaves the three of you. You, standing aimlessly about and searching for something to say. Kasumi, carefully picking though the room and peering at various sights. Maika... still lifelessly scrubbing at the glass display case.

-

“Oh,” Kasumi murmurs, finally breaking the silence, “This is nice.” She turns and shows you a photograph, two figures standing side by side – an older man, and a girl of four or five. The man looks ferocious, with hard eyes and a cropped beard the colour of steel, while the young girl... her features are unmistakably those of a young Maika. Neither figure smiles, with both just looking straight ahead into the camera. The man – Eligor, you presume – has his sleeves rolled up, his bare arms crossed firmly.

“Is this your father?” you ask Maika tentatively, holding the picture out to her. The heiress mechanically rises, taking the picture from you and peering down into it. As she studies it, her face softens a little.

“I haven't seen this picture in years,” she murmurs, “Father took me to Kyoto when I was younger. Our family originally comes from there, he said. I... I don't remember any of it. I was too young, I suppose.” Sighing heavily, Maika looks up to you. “Father is not a bad man,” she insists, “He... really isn't. He-”

“Excuse me,” Kasumi murmurs, “But did you say Kyoto?”

[2/3]

>>1608495
Fuck, I hope we don't get caught. Really doubt it's him. They know about Maika, they probably had someone use that name to freak us out. Why would he be the only one to use his real name and not an alias?

>>1608546
I WAS WRONG
THEY KNOW EVERYTHING
PANIC

>>1608546
Did we just give Maika some daddy issues?

>>1608553
She always had those. Not even mental sculpting could get rid of that.

>>1608556
Eligor needs to nerve staple this goddamn child

>>1608546

“Yes, I did,” Maika looks up, her eyes focusing a little more, “Why do you ask?”

“Well, I don't wish to be a bother...” Kasumi gently takes the photograph back and looks at it again, “But that's simply impossible.”

“Hey, wait a minute,” you begin, your voice uncertain, “Kasumi, maybe you should slow down a little and-”

“No, I'm quite sure about this. Do you see this tower in the background?” Kasumi steps in close, close enough that you can smell her perfume, and points to a tall tower in the picture, “You see the gardens at the top? It's quite a famous hotel... and it was seriously damaged in a fire, seventeen years ago. It happened the same day I was born, actually, but I can't claim any responsibility for that.” She laughs delicately at that, but neither you nor Maika are laughing.

“Seventeen years ago,” Maika repeats slowly, “That can't be right. I'm only sixteen, and...” The faint flickers of life and animation drop away from her face as she reaches across and takes the picture back from Kasumi. Studying it for a long moment, a slight frown appears on her face. “I'm sorry,” she murmurs, “But please leave.”

“Maika...” you begin.

“Please leave,” she repeats, in that same flat tone. Kasumi pales a little, backing off a step before nodding smoothly and retreating without a single word. When it's just the two of you, Maika looks you straight in the eye. “Please go, Miho,” she asks, “Or I'll have to get Bradley to remove you. I don't think either of us wants that.”

You're not sure if she's bluffing or not. If she called Bradley here, it would be paramount to an admission of guilt – admitting that both of you had broken into her father's room. Would she really go that far?

>There's no need for that, I'm leaving. But please... call me later
>I'm not leaving you like this. Go ahead and call him, if you really want
>Other

>>1608575
>Other
Sisterly hug of love and friendship?

>>1608575
>I'm not leaving you like this. Go ahead and call him, if you really want

>>1608575
>I'm not leaving you like this. Go ahead and call him, if you really want.

Pls b bluff

>>1608575
>There's no need for that, I'm leaving. But please... call me later
Fuck. I'm going with giving her some time to calm down and sort her shit before we talk about it. Pretty sure we've asked for some quiet time before so it makes sense to give some out too.

>>1608575
>>I'm not leaving you like this. Go ahead and call him, if you really want
>We both know that would end poorly, and my outfit can pass for normal wear.

>>1608580
Also, no hugs. Hugs are great and all but save those for when we actually talk about it. Not right as she got shocked, might act rashly and in turn build up even more of a wall.

BARRIER LEVEL: 0

This chick's as good as dead.

>>1608575
>I'm not leaving you like this. Go ahead and call him, if you really want
>Kasumi, you should get out- you're a stranger to everyone in this house, if you're seen in this room you're in serious danger.

>>1608575
>>There's no need for that, I'm leaving. But please... call me later
While I don't think she'd call Bradley, we should give her some space.

>>1608606
>you're a stranger to everyone in this house
Rude. True, but rude.

Seems like staying is winning but I don't really know what to say to convince anyone to switch. People have given us space, lets reciprocate the favor and such. There's not much we can even do right now, just let her sort herself out and then we can talk to her. Without the big grooup if she wants.

>>1608624
Maika's not the kind of person to sort herself out though. She'd probably go through more neural sculpting to "fix" how she's feeling.

>>1608624
She just found out that she's not a real person, I highly doubt that this superautismo is capable of sorting out feelings when she barely understands the concept of them.

>>1608629
I don't think that's something she can do by herself. I was thinking she'd go sulk with Sae for a while. But I guess that's a good point. I might be assuming she's changed a bit and isn't as stone cold as she was before.

Holding Maika's gaze for a moment, you dig your heels in and shake your head. “I'm not leaving you like this,” you tell her firmly, “Go ahead and call Bradley if you really want... but I don't think that's what you want, is it?”

“SAE?” Maika announces, “Is Bradley available?”

[Yes Miss Kanzaki,] SAE obediently answers, [Master Bennett is currently preparing a light meal. However, I can summon him if you wish.]

“I'm not leaving,” you insist, “And things could get pretty messy if you call him.”

[Miss Kanzaki?] SAE prompts, [Did you have a message you for Master Bennett?]

“Yes, I do,” Maika says with a brisk nod, “Tell him to...” Her words trail off as a dark scowl twists her features. She glares furiously at you for a moment more before something snaps, and all the tension drains from her shoulders. “Tell him to prepare a meal for two,” the heiress sighs, “We're having a guest tonight.”

[Yes Miss Kanzaki,] the AI answers, with the verbal equivalent of a formal bow, then she falls silent.

“Come on then,” Maika mutters to you, setting the hated photograph back down on her father's desk, “We'd better not linger here.”

-

The meal, when delivered, is mostly ignored. You pick at the lightly grilled fish, more out of politeness than actual hunger, while Maika just idly pushes it about the plate. Once he had brought the food, Bradley quickly withdrew and left the pair of you alone. You're quietly glad about that – the stilted air is bad enough with just Maika, and adding the dutiful servant would only make things worse.

“How did you know I was bluffing?” Maika asks eventually, “That was risky.”

“We would have both been in trouble if Bradley had found us in there,” you reply with a shrug, “A hell of a lot of trouble. I didn't think you would have wanted that.”

“True. It would have been very bad, for both of us,” she nods slowly, “Which just makes me curious – why did you risk it?”

“I didn't want to leave you alone,” you answer honestly, “It's not safe for girls like us to wallow. Kurosawa isn't here to scold you about your Emotional Barrier, so I've got to do it for him.” Setting down your fork, you let out a sigh. “Look, I understand wanting to be alone, I really do,” you explain, “I've got a little experience with uncomfortable revelations, after all. The thing is... talking to people is better than slinking off and hiding.”

“I wonder,” Maika murmurs, “I wouldn't have been alone, you know, I could have spoken with SAE. There was really no need for you to stay.”

“And what if I wanted to stay?” you ask, “Look, Maika, if you really don't want me here, I'll leave. Just say the word.”

Sighing, Maika pushes her plate aside. “You can stay if you want,” she decides haughtily, “But no... hugging. Are we clear?”

“Absolutely,” you promise.

[1/2]

>>1608666
Oh good, everything turned out all right.

>>1608666
Hugging is the best part you daft wench.

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>>1608710
I couldn't think of anything particularly clever.

>>1608666

Once dinner is out of the way, Maika breezes off to her room and you follow her like a lost child. You're still not entirely sure why you're still here – it certainly isn't to have a touching heart to heart conversation – but leaving doesn't seem right either. You've gone this far, you might as well see it through all the way. “Seeing it through”, in this case, seems to mean sitting back and watching as Maika flies one of her drones about.

“So...” you hazard after a while, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not particularly,” Maika replies immediately, “I don't think that we have anything to talk about.”

“Oh,” you mutter, “I see.”

“Please don't misunderstand me,” she continues, gesturing in the air. On the projectors above, the image switches to an entirely new drone camera. “I'm still... unsure about a lot of things. Until I know what my exact... situation... is, there isn't much I can say about it,” she sighs, pulling the helmet off and putting it aside, “I don't like not knowing these things, Miho. It disturbs me. I trust that you understand how I feel, perhaps better than any of the others.”

“Yeah, you're not wrong there, but...” you hesitate, shaking your head in faint frustration, “Look, Maika, this isn't working out. I don't have the first idea of what to say right now, and you could probably think better without me here. I should just... go.” You wait a moment to see if she has a reply, but when she doesn't, you rise to leave.

“Miho,” Maika says, just before you reach the elevator, “Please stay.”

“Jeez,” you sigh, “Make up your mind, will you?”

>I'm going to pause things here, I've hit a wall. I'll continue this tomorrow, and if anyone has any questions I'll answer them as best I can.
>Thanks to everyone who contributed today. Sorry for the delays!

>>1608772
How does it feel to have created a Rei clone?

>>1608772
Thanks for running!

Maybe we should try talking about what we discovered about our sister, all the way back to when we couldn't even remember her, and how we felt about that. Hopefully Maika will find something in there to relate to.

For things we won't talk about just yet, aw jeez her dad is bad news. He can shut Maika down pretty hard, represents 2 of the 4 big corps being loyal to the Sentinels, and also knows about Ayane and Emi who we've tried to keep hidden. I guess they also found out about our round table talk from him.

Since Sionann gave the confidentiality chat to our dad, it's safe to assume the Sentinels have a lot of influence in Renko too. Probably safest to assume they have all the corps behind them.

>>1608772
Thanks for running.

>>1608791
That explains why I always felt Maika was a best.

>>1608772
Thanks for running, Moloch!

>>1608801
Yeah, we probably can assume all the heads of the 4 corps are part of the Sentinel, since the whole Monad and its Four faces mirrors the organization of Ark City. They probably would have wanted to ensure their experiment goes off according to plan, so they should have control of the central power structures in the city by now.

>>1608801
So essentially all our prep and shadowrunning has been completely pointless. How do we get out of this situation... we can presume that Eligor is able to override SAE and knows everything we've done. I think we're going to have to have our meeting spot outside of the city if we want a semblance of privacy.

We need a plan in case Maika gets put under house arrest or is... replaced.

>>1608791

Well, I can't really deny that the Rei archetype was part of the inspiration behind Maika. Not the sole inspiration, but a fairly significant part. When I first imagined her "artificial" origins, though, I didn't plan it to be more than a background detail. Interesting developments!
Not even touching the Rei/Asuka debate.

>>1608853
Emi's house.

>>1608876
I hoped someone would come along and call Emi, Asuka.

>>1608877
No, we need to have our meetings IN THE ABYSS

>"Hey Zakuro, is it cool if we use your place to chat?"

>>1608904
No one has shit taste enough to call Emi a worst girl, right?

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>>1608907
That's actually not such a bad idea, you know as long as turning into a tyrant hasn't corrupted her. It's been a few days since we left her so she has had plenty of time to get accustomed to her new self. She could have some very valuable insight on the sentinels and their powers.

>>1608916

Sooo, what are the chances Eligor is gonna mindwipe Maika and use her for this "Alice"?

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>>1608772
Thanks for running!
How long until we meet a Sentinel army of Maika clones?

>>1609042

I don't understand. If they were going to clone someone, wouldn't they clone someone decent?

>>1609090
>wouldn't they clone someone decent?
Shit, Moloch, don't burn your daughterus like that.

Eligor has a clone army of Maikas. Project Alice is officially to stick an AI in them, but secretly Eligor will give Maika the ability to bodysurf them all
We've had Gates of Babylon, Gates of Muskets, it's time for Gates of Gungirls.

The city streets flash past at a dizzying speed as you fly down them, taking corners at irresponsible speeds and hurling yourself along the straights. In the corner of your eyes, a drone – the exact duplicate of the one that you're “riding” - edges ahead of you. It jinks and dives like an insect, while your drone feels more like a sluggish bird by comparison.

“Too slow, Miho!” Maika gloats, her voice crackling in your ear, “Two corners left, do you think you can catch up?”

“Don't underestimate me!” you shoot back, “I've got beginner's luck on my side!”

“You'll need it!” the heiress taunts as her drone pulls ahead of you.

Snarling beneath your helmet, you push forwards with all your will. The sensation of controlling the drone with your mind is almost impossible to describe, but after the first few fumbles it became as natural as breathing. From lurching, uneven flights to the thrill of racing in just a few moments... it was testament to the wonders of modern technology. The simple joy of guiding the swift little toys through the streets of Ark City was so great that you could think of nothing else, your troubles momentarily forgotten.

Which was exactly why Maika suggested the little jaunt.

“C'mon, c'mon, c'mon,” you hiss to yourself as the finishing line – a low bridge – comes into view. Even with your desperate hopes, you realise that victory is impossible. Maika's drone is whizzing under the bridge before you're even halfway there, and her cheers are soon ringing in your ears. Pulling off the helmet and letting the drone return to automatic control, you glare at her with mock anger. “I just let you win,” you insist, “You hear me, I LET you win!”

“Yes yes, I'm sure you did,” Maika laughs, removing her own helmet and setting it aside, “We really must do this again sometime.”

“Yeah, it's pretty fun,” you agree, sighing as the cheerful mood starts to cool. “Y'know, when I first learned about my sister, it changed everything. For a while, I wasn't even sure who I was. I couldn't be certain about anything, even that simple fact,” you tell her slowly, “Even now, there's still a lot that I don't know about. My memory is... fallible. I don't really remember anything about her, as a person, and I'm not sure if I ever will. I'm... ugh, I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but... I hope you understand what I'm getting at.”

“I think I understand you,” she muses, nodding slowly, “We all have our own issues, yes?”

“Uh, close enough,” you reply with a shrug, considering her interpretation, “Man, we really are a mess, aren't we? All of us, mean.”

“Well, Kasumi seems stable enough,” Maika suggests, “Although perhaps we've just not known her long enough to know better.”

“If a stable Emotional Barrier is so important, the gods probably should have picked some better people,” you complain, “I mean, jeez...”

[1/2]

>>1611791

“Well then,” the heiress decides, sitting up a little straighter, “To business.”

“To business?” you repeat, confused by her sudden change in temperament, “What do you mean?”

“Well, I'm sure we have plenty to discuss,” Maika points out, “I know that we should handle these things as a group, but I'd really rather talk them over with you first. I probably shouldn't hold it against them, but the others... I can't help but feel a little resentment towards them. Ayane and Emi. You saw them - as soon as the mood turned unpleasant, they deserted us. What I'm saying is, I'd really rather keep this between the two of us until I know more myself.”

“I... guess that's okay,” you decide, “So what, we just move on with life?”

“I think that would be best, yes,” Maika agrees, “Father and Eligor are one and the same. I can no longer deny that, no matter how much I might wish to. Further denials would simply be a waste of time, your time and mine.”

“Jeez...” you murmur. Comparing her blank, hollowed out state to this stark, businesslike attitude is uncanny. Her ability to bury her feelings is truly impressive. “Right, I guess you're right,” you decide, “There's no point in moping, we're better off moving forwards. So, uh, first order of business...”

>Let's talk about security. Have we been compromised?
>Are you going to be okay staying here?
>That photograph... do you think it could have been faked?
>Here's what we need to discuss... (Write in)
>Other

>>1611794
>Let's talk about security. Have we been compromised?
>Are you going to be okay staying here?

>>1611794
>>Let's talk about security. Have we been compromised?
>>Are you going to be okay staying here?
>Asmodeus. Can you think of any politician that fits the bill? Probably closely tired to Ark City.

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“First order of business, we need to talk about security,” you begin, “Have we been compromised? I mean, everything we discussed here or at the round table...”

“I think that's a very likely possibility,” Maika admits, frowning at the thought, “SAE, you've been monitoring our discussions, have you been reporting back to Father?”

[I do not believe so, Miss Kanzaki, although I will need to check a number of things. Please wait,] SAE replies, falling silent for a few seconds before continuing, [I apologise, but it appears as though you are correct. I have detected a concealed subroutine, designed to back up all relevant data on a private server assigned to Master Kanzaki. It was specifically concealed from my conscious awareness. A standard search would not have revealed it.]

“I feared as much,” Maika sighs, “Miho, don't blame her. SAE wouldn't have had a choice in the matter. She would not have been able to refuse Father, even if she was aware of his... monitoring. We must assume that he knows everything.”

“He... wait,” you frown as a thought occurs to you, “The information is sent to a private server, right? Who has access to that?”

[Please wait,] the AI pauses again, [Only Master Kanzaki has access to the information stored there. However, I must caution you against further discussion. An attempt to remove this subroutine would severely damage my systems. This location should no longer be considered secure.]

“I suppose we don't have a choice in the matter,” Maika sighs, “We're going to have to continue this... outside.”

-

The evening is a pleasant one, warm without being humid, and so Bradley doesn't ask any questions when you head out for a stroll. His offer of discrete security is politely declined, and he doesn't press the issue. Until you've ambled out of the Kanzaki compound, you don't say anything more significant than the occasional triviality.

“We should be safe here, relatively speaking,” Maika decides as you arrive at a quiet shopping district, “Why did you ask about access to the private server?”

“So, your father is the only one with access, right?,” you explain, “It's possible that the rest of the Council of Twelve don't know about this yet. It's possible that Eligor is holding onto the information, keeping it close to his chest for now. The council... I think they're more divided than the Sentinels would like to admit. It wouldn't surprise me if they keep secrets from each other, bartering them like... poker chips.”

“That would make sense,” the heiress agrees, “Trading secrets for favours or services. It's not uncommon in business, although it's a rather murky practice. It depends on what Father stands to gain by sharing his knowledge.”

[1/2]

>>1611834
Now I'm paranoid OUR dad might be working with the Sentinels. Seems like they have power in each of the big Corps that run AI.

Also Crow got into his company.

And he works closely with Eve.

>>1611854
Out of character we are pretty sure Nebrios and Belial are Renko Biotech.

So yes our dad is (probably unknowingly since Crow is fucking with him/ just doing his job) working with the Sentinels on Alice.

>>1611861
Orrrrrrr he's one of them which is why he slipped us some info.

>>1611863
Not sure I buy it, but we'll see.

>>1611834

“Well, I wouldn't know about that,” you admit with a shrug, “What I do know is, we'll need a new place to talk things over. The shrine could work, I guess, although it's not very secure. The best place to do it might well be the Umbra, although I'm... wary about just casually dipping in and out of that place. I'll have to talk to... my friend about it.”

“Her, of course,” Maika nods after a moment, “Yes, she may be able to help. A matter to discuss with the others, perhaps.”

“Yeah, tomorrow. For now...” you pause, “Hey, are you going to be okay going home? Staying there, I mean, considering everything that's happened...”

“I don't see that I have much choice,” shrugging, Maika lets out a low sigh, “I have another place I could stay, but that's hardly any more secure – Father made sure that I was assigned quarters in the Kanzaki Automated Industries tower, by the Grand Arcology. They're bound to be under observation as well. No, I don't have any choice but to return home – although I'm not worried. You might think that I'm foolish for saying this, but I don't think Father means to harm me. He isn't like that.”

“Don't take this personally, Maika, but are you sure about that?” you ask carefully, “I mean, you swore that he wasn't part of the council as well, and...”

“And I was wrong about that. Yes, I accept your logic,” she tilts her head to the side, frowning in thought as she continues, “But you must understand. Whatever else he might be, he is my father. I have a duty to trust him. Would you be so quick to turn your back on your father, Miho?”

As much as you'd like to protest against that point, you can't quite bring yourself to do it. Sighing, you give Maika a weary shrug. “Just don't risk it, okay?” you urge her, “Familial duty is one thing, but not if it puts you in serious danger.”

“I understand. Thank you for your concern,” Maika smiles briefly, a touch of warmth finding its way onto her face, “Was there anything else you wanted to discuss? I should really be getting back if not.”

“Yeah, there was one thing. Asmodeus is in politics, can you think of anyone who fits the bill?” you ask, “Probably someone tied to Ark City, and probably in some important position. I, uh... I don't really pay much attention to politics.”

“Probably someone on the Administrative Council,” Maika thinks aloud, taking out her phone and tapping away at the screen, “Yes, that's right – another council. The current chairman is... Shou Nishimura. Oh, but he's only been in the position for a few years. Nobody really stays in that position for long. Hmm...”

“He's probably someone long term,” you suggest, “And not in any flashy position either. Got any likely matches?”

[2/3]

>>1611871
He's also very religious but I can't see him being overt of about his dedication to Monad.

>>1611871

“Here!” Maika announces, snapping her fingers, “Hiroto Yoshida, the Minster for Development. He's been in the position for more than thirty years, refusing several opportunities to run for chairman or take a comfortable retirement. According to this, he's a solid, dependable man... a pillar of stability.” Passing her phone across, Maika points to a specific picture. The man looks... normal. Like a pretty standard older gentleman, nothing remarkable about him.

“I suppose it would have been too much to expect them all to use their demon names,” you sigh, passing the phone back to her, “But I dunno, he looks like a possible candidate. Hiroto Yoshida...”

“No notable scandals or dubious connections,” the heiress murmurs to herself, “And-” The sound of her phone ringing cuts Maika off here, and you both jolt. Checking the name on the screen, Maika pales. “It's Father,” she whispers, “I'm sorry, Miho, I need to take this. I think we'd better part ways here.”

“Maika!” you hiss as she answers the phone, “Damn it, just... be careful!”

“Father?” she answers, giving you another brief flash of a smile, “I understand. I'm coming back now, I was just walking a friend home. No Father, a friend...” Grimacing a little, she gives you a small wave before turning and hurrying away. A protest dies on your lips as she flees, leaving you to stand, alone and fretful, in the empty street.

“Damn it...” you repeat, shaking your head as you start to head home.

-

Thinking to do a little of your own research into this Yoshida, you take out your phone as you walk. As you do, though, you remember the handkerchief that Pietr passed to you, and the phone number hastily penned onto it. Only call at night, he had written – presumably, he's either busy or being watched during the day. Knowing the Sentinels, both are likely.

The question, then – why did he give you the number?

>Call him and find out
>Leave it for now. You can ask him some other time
>Other

>>1611891
>Call him and find out

>>1611891
>Call him and find out

>>1611891
>>Call him and find out

>>1611891
>>Call him and find out
Lets tell him stuff that'll make him fail his trial!

>>1611891

>Call him and find out

>>1611908
Let's not! We need him to let us sneak in and spy on the capturing process.

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Well, there's only one way to find out. Flicking through your phone until you find the number, you hesitate for a brief moment before tapping it. The phone rings precisely once – one single tone – and then it is answered.

“Miho?” Pietr whispers, “Is that you?”

“Do you give you give your number to a lot of girls?” you joke, “It's me, Pietr, it's Miho. Are you okay? You sound... like you shouldn't be talking to me.”

“Well, I shouldn't really be talking to you,” he admits, “I'm not even supposed to have a phone, not while I'm still in training. Too much distraction, too many temptations. I, uh, I managed to pick one up anyway. Can we meet up somewhere and talk more in person? I can probably get a few hours to go out...”

“Uh, that could work, yeah,” you agree, all humour falling away from your voice, “Where do you want to meet?”

“How about... where we went before?” Pietr suggests, deliberately staying away from naming anything more specific, “By the entrance. We should be able to find each other there, I hope. You remember the place?”

The arcade. “I remember, Pietr,” you confirm, “I'm not far, actually. I'll see you there, then. Don't make me wait too long!”

The boy lets out a soft laugh, almost humourless, then ends the call.

-

The arcade is exactly as you remember it – a carefully soundproofed building that gives way to a riotous explosion of noise and light. Digital explosions, exaggerated punching sounds, and thumping bass music all wash over you as you enter, battering you into a daze. Blinking against the flashing lights and wincing at the pervasive stink of sweat, you find a good spot by the entrance to wait for Pietr to arrive.

You're halfway though a can of cold vending machine coffee – truly awful stuff, but it's dreadful enough to banish sleep for a few more hours – when he shows up, glancing back over his shoulder as if fearing pursuit. Shrugging a little, he casts a quick eye about the arcade until noticing you, then he hurries to meet you.

“I'm glad you came,” he says, his low voice reaching you despite the crashing noise that surrounds you, “I wondered...”

“What, you thought I wouldn't show?” you ask, “C'mon, I'm better than that!”

“So you are,” Pietr agrees with a stiff nod, “I shouldn't have doubted you.”

“Well, Don't worry about it. So here we are,” you shrug, “It sounded like you had something serious that you wanted to talk about, why don't we go upstairs where it's quieter?”

“Yes,” he nods again, although he makes no sign of moving, “I...”

“Actually,” you decide, noticing his unease, “If you're not in any hurry, why don't we try a few games first? I've been practising, I'll give you a good fight this time!”

“Right,” a smile appears on Pietr's face, “You'd better not disappoint me!”

[1/2]

>>1611891
Do we have a hardened line to call from? Better use a bar phone and avoid cameras.

>>1611943
smart boy. If he ever gets caught, he can pass it off as just playing games rather than whatever he's going to bring up with Miho. and he gets a date to boot.

>>1611944

>Our phone is protected, although I can't remember if I stated that. I meant to, but sometimes these things slip through. Apologies.

>>1611952
Didn't Maika handle that? If SAE helped, it might have a backdoor for Eligor.

>>1611958

>That's a good point. I'll address it IC, as part of the next post. ETA 5 minutes or so

>>1611943

After three disastrous rounds at a shooting game, Pietr decides to quit while he's ahead. Simply abandoning the machine, he turns away from you and starts to walk for the stairwell, and the relative peace that the upstairs cafe has to offer. You follow, sighing a little at the boy's vague manner. When you arrive at the cafe, he's already slunk into a booth at the back. Ordering a pair of cold drinks, you join him.

“You haven't improved at all,” he says with a faint smile.

“I've been busy!” you protest, “I don't have time to sit around playing games all day!”

“It's fine. You just need someone to teach you, that's all,” Pietr's smile widens a little before faltering, “You weren't followed here, were you?”

“Nope, I didn't see anyone. I stayed away from cameras as well – as much as anyone can stay away from cameras in this city,” you joke, taking out your phone when he looks unconvinced. “Here, look at this. You see this little padlock thing?” you tell him, pointing to an icon on your phone, “Security. There was nobody listening in on our conversation, I can promise you that. My friend, she's pretty good with this stuff...”

Really, you think to yourself, Maika didn't exactly do much – she just downloaded existing security from one of the darker parts of the internet. Apparently, a lot of people – for a lot of different reasons – don't want people listening in to their conversations. She mentioned working up something more special, with SAE's help, but considering recent developments... this might be more secure than anything the AI could cook up..

“Wow,” Pietr murmurs, studying your phone, “It's much nicer than mine.” With an almost shameful expression, he takes out a brick of a phone and shows it to you. It's amazingly primitive – no internet access at all, and it could probably survive being run over by a tank. You've only ever seen this kind of thing in retro movies, with drug dealers freely using and discarding them.

“But we're not here to compare phones,” you ask as he tucks it away, “Are we?”

“No. I wanted to talk to you, about my... initiation,” he winces a little as he says the word, “It's soon. I don't know the exact date yet, but Karl says it's likely to be next week. He says I'm ready, Jun says I'm ready... there's nothing I can do now, except waiting for the day to come. I never really realised how much I hate waiting until now...” Sighing, he lets his sentence trail off, idly toying with his drink.

>This initiation is dangerous. If you've got any doubts, you need to back out while you have the chance.
>You shouldn't worry about it. Jun let a few things slip – it's just a dumb bit of ceremony, nothing special
>Are you allowed a guest? I'd like to be there, give you a little moral support, y'know?
>Other

>>1611978
>Yeah waiting is always the hardest. Like waiting your turn to present something in class. Sometimes you just wish the teacher would call on you first so you can get it over with and relax afterwards.
Just shooting the shit. I think that's what he mainly came here for, to vent.

>When the day comes though, you need to steel yourself. It won't be easy.


>Are you allowed a guest? I'd like to be there, give you a little moral support, y'know?

>>1611978
>Are you allowed a guest? I'd like to be there, give you a little moral support, y'know?
Worth an ask. I'd rather not hint at knowing anything, he'd get mad that we couldn't give him deets..

>>1611978
>Are you allowed a guest? I'd like to be there, give you a little moral support, y'know?

>>1611978
>If I can't come, text me the location as soon a you know.

We're going to try to save him aren't we?

>>1612000
Not sure if we can. If he overcomes the Intruder then everything is good. If he doesn't he gets consumed and the Sentinels have to kill Pietr and the Intruder.

The question is, is there a gap of time where we know Pietr is going to fail, but can stop him from getting consumed?

Or is there a way to separate the two if he does get consumed?

“Yeah, the waiting is the hardest part,” you agree slowly, taking a casual sip of your drink, “It's like waiting for your turn to present something in class. Sometimes, you just wish that the teacher would call on you first, so you can get it over with and relax later.” Sighing, you rest your chin on one hand and think about what the boy has in store for him. “When the time comes, though, you've got to give it your all,” you add, “Whatever they've got planned, I can't imagine it's going to be easy. You'd better steel yourself.”

“Yes. Karl hinted as such,” Pietr nods, “His training has been hard, but he says that I'll come to appreciate it one day.”

“Say, are you allowed to being guests?” you ask in a more cautious tone, “I'd like to be there, maybe give you a little moral support, yknow?”

“Moral support?” he asks, looking up in surprise.

“Yeah,” you tell him with a nod, “You know, cheer you on – although I don't think Karl would approve of that. It might ruin the moment. Still, just knowing that I've got your back... it might be nice, that's all I mean. Of course, if you don't want me there...”

“No!” Pietr protests, rather hastily, “I... I would like you to be there, I'm just not sure if it's allowed. If it was up to Karl, I'm sure it wouldn't be, but it's Jun's call. I'll ask him about it later. Since it's you... I mean, what I mean is, you know a lot already. Maybe it'll be okay if it's you.”

“Thanks. I'd like to be there for you,” you assure him, smiling warmly, “If I can't come along, I'd like to hear from you as soon as possible. Maybe we could meet here again, after everything is over with? Or you could message me, something like that.”

“I'll do that,” he promises you, “Now, why don't we try a few more of the games? I saw some that looked pretty good on the way here...”

“Okay,” you reply dubiously, “But no more shooting, okay? I'd like to take a break from being humiliated.”

-

Pietr is far more cheerful as you go on a short tour of the arcade, picking games at random and moving on just as quickly. Motorbike racing, tank combat, virtual boxing – you win that one, actually – and many more games occupy you, and the day's stress slowly washes away as you play. You never thought that this place could be relaxing, considering the roaring noise and constant flashing lights, but the arcade is growing on you.

When you run out of loose change, you decide to call it a night. Stumbling out of the sweltering arcade and into the cooling night air, you shiver.

“Thank you, Miho,” Pietr tells you, pulling his sombre black jacket tighter around himself, “I'm glad you came.”

“So am I,” you agree, “We'll do this again, yeah?”

“Absolutely,” he nods, “And next time, maybe I'll be one of the initiated... whatever that means.”

“Yeah,” you reply with a faint laugh, “Whatever that means...”

[1/2]

>>1612027
It's important to get out once in a while and remember what we're fighting for. Not just what . . . Who we lost, but that there are people that are still here to come back to. Me, even Karl in his own asshole way.

>>1612056
Unless you're a shut-in like Maika.

>>1612066
She has SAE. . . And us.

>>1612027

Yui is waiting for you when you get back home, which is never a good sign. At least there's no red wine in sight, and she doesn't appear to be in a bad mood. This might well be the best version of a bad situation.

“Hello stranger,” she chuckles as you enter, “Decided to show your face, have you?”

“Hey, I was here this morning!” you protest, “It's not my fault you were asleep. Didn't dad mention that I was here? We talked for a while, he should have...”

“Oh, don't worry about it. He told me that you were here,” Yui sighs, waving a hand to dismiss your excuses, “If you'd come home much later, he wouldn't have been there to cook you breakfast. That awful little protest got cleared up not long after you left, and he was able to get safely to work. He called me to explain. Honestly, the sooner the government cracks down on these people the better!”

“I'm just glad he's okay,” you reply carefully, “Anyway, I'm pretty tired – it's been a really weird day, and... and I'm exhausted.”

“Then you'd better get something to eat and go to bed,” Yui warns, “Because you're not getting to skip school just because your social life is getting busy.”

“Thanks mom...” you groan, slinking off into your room. Flopping back in bed, you take out your phone and start sending off messages – arrangements for everyone to meet up at Emi's shrine after school. You've got a lot to discuss, and you'll need a new place for your meetings.

You've been meaning to pay Zakuro a visit anyway.

>I'm sorry, but I need to pause here and run a few errands. Next post should be up within an hour or so.

>>1612071

Maika doesn't show up at school the next day. When you call her at lunchtime, your call is answered by SAE – or rather, a more automated version of SAE – instead. All too aware of your increasingly flimsy security, you leave a vaguely worded message and give up. It's too early to worry, you try and convince yourself, you'll leave her be until after school is finished. Then, if she still isn't answering your calls, you'll start to worry.

When school finishes, you call Maika again and finally get an answer – a terse confirmation that she'll be able to meet you. Before you had a chance to ask anything else, she ended the call. Sighing, you gave up and headed off to the shrine.

-

The others have their own excuses, and so you're the first one there. Ayane had to help her sister with something, while Kasumi was more coy with her excuse - “I'll be there as soon as I'm available” - but Emi arrives shortly after you. When she sees you, she rushes up to meet you with a broad, mad grin.

“Perfect!” she announces, looking you up and down, “You're absolutely perfect!”

“Thanks?” you reply, bewildered, “I mean, I'd prefer to hear that coming from a guy, but... thanks?”

“No, shut up, I mean you're exactly the right size!” the young girl persists, waving her hands at your figure, “You're not doing anything this Sunday, right? Right?”

“I... don't think so,” you admit, with a sense of mounting dread, “Look, Emi, what's this about?”

“Right, okay. I'm getting ahead of myself. Okay, so where I work, there's this group that likes to meet up every few months. It's some anime... club... thing, I don't even WANT to know. Point is, it's big business, all hands on deck stuff,” Emi explains, the words spilling from her eager lips, “Problem is, one of our girls dropped out last minute, left us right in the shit. It's a big problem for us...”

“I'm sure it is,” you agree slowly, “But I'm not sure where I fit in.”

“See, you're her exact size – meaning, you'd fit right into her uniform,” Emi nudges you with an elbow, “So how about it, you fancy a day of honest work? You'll even get paid!”

“I should hope so!” you laugh, “I don't know about this...”

“C'mon, please?” she pleads, “The boss promised a bonus to anyone who could recruit a new girl, and I really need that money. It's Kaoru's birthday soon, and... c'mon Miho, please?”

>Alright, fine. Just... don't mention this to anyone, okay?
>Sorry Emi. I'm a lot of things, but I'm no maid
>Other

>>1612214
>Other

"I've secretly always wanted to do this! "

>>1612214
>A bonus? You wound me... to think I'd be your first victim as you fall for a pyramid scheme.

>>1612233
I'll second this.

>>1612214
>Alright, fine. Just... don't mention this to anyone, okay?

>>1612214
>>Alright, fine. Just... don't mention this to anyone, okay?

>>1612214

>Alright, fine. Just... don't mention this to anyone, okay?

Yes, this seems lighthearted. Hope no intruders attack.

“A bonus?” you tut, “I don't know, Emi, this sounds awfully like a pyramid scheme... and to think that you'd choose me as your first victim!”

“Huh?” Emi blurts out, confusion spreading across her face, “Pyramid scheme? What does... What does Egypt have to do with this? Egypt is the one with the pyramids, right?”

“No, see, a pyramid scheme is like... you get a bonus for recruiting people, then those people get a bonus for recruiting more people, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. It keeps spreading, and do you know where it ends?” you announce in a theatrical voice, “Global maid domination!”

“Whaaaaaat?” Emi yelps, “But it's just for a single day, it's just a...” Her words trail off as realisation dawns, and she narrows her eyes in suspicion. “You're taking the piss,” she guesses, “Ain't you?”

“Maybe a little bit,” you admit, “Alright, fine, I guess I'll do it. Just... don't mention this to anyone, okay? I don't exactly want to turn this into a public spectacle – any more than it already is, at least.”

“Awesome!” Emi yells, clapping in delight, “You're awesome, Miho!”

“Maybe a little bit,” you concede, smiling at the sight of her enthusiasm, “And - I'm serious, you'd better not tell anyone about this - I kinda... always wanted to try it. Being a maid, I mean. It sorta looks like... fun?”

“Hah!” the young girl laughs, “We'll see if you still think that after the weekend!”

“What's this noise about?” Ayane asks as she approaches, having arrived during your intense negotiations, “What are you reprobates doing at the weekend?”

“Nothing,” you begin, “Just-”

“Miho here is gonna be a maid!” Emi announces proudly, “Right?”

“Well now!” Ayane laughs as you splutter and curse at the young girl, “Maybe I'll have to pay you a little visit at the weekend, bring Isamu along for a big fancy lunch and everything! You'd better practice your bowing, Miho!” Chuckling, she glances over to the entrance. “Hey Kasumi!” she yells, waving for the new arrival to join you, “Just wait until you hear about this!”

-

If not for Kasumi's intervention, you might never have put an end to Ayane's teasing. “Excuse me,” the elegant girl asks softly, “But is Miss Kanzaki planning on joining us today? She seemed rather distraught yesterday...”

“Oh yeah, shit,” the smile falls from Ayane's face, “Is she okay?”

“I'm fine,” a crisp voice announces, causing you all to jolt around. Maika stands a short distance away, studying you with cool composure. “However, it would be best if we avoided my home for the foreseeable future,” she continues, “We need an alternative place to talk in secrecy. Miho, I believe that's why we're here today?”

“Yeah,” you agree slowly, “But we can't talk here.”

[1/2]

>>1612305

A pall hangs over your group as you lead them back into the city streets, looking for a discrete reflection to use as a portal. Fortunately, Ark City has no shortage of polished, reflective surfaces – from windows to sheets of metal, even puddles of standing water, there's always something to use. Of course, that goes for the Intruders as well.

On a low roof, you find exactly what you were looking for – an air conditioning unit, the metal casing glinting with the afternoon light. “Okay, everyone stay close,” you begin, “Actually, better not take any chances. Hold onto me, just... don't make it weird.” When the others are are touching you, in some way or another, you rest a hand against the warm metal and concentrate. Closing your eyes, you let the [Umbral coordinates] that Zakuro gave you fill your thoughts.

And something... changes. The world around you seems to lose coherency, and you feel yourself falling forwards into the newly formed portal.

Transition.

-

Dis, the Umbral city, is not quite how you remember it. The difference eludes you at first, but when Kasumi gasps aloud you realise what has changed. The meaty tentacles that had littered this place, dripping and looming from the palace, have vanished. Without them, the whole city feels strangely lifeless.

“That pagoda!” Kasumi gasps, pointing at the palace, “It's beautiful!”

“That ain't the word I'd use,” Emi grumbles, her sword summoned and ready for use, “This place is giving me really shitty vibes.”

“If you don't like it now,” you reply with bitter mirth, “You would have hated it when it was covered in tentacles. C'mon, I'll explain the situation as we walk. Kasumi... don't freak out at anything you see. We're perfectly safe here – I think.”

-

While the rest of the city is utterly dead and abandoned, devoid even of those phantoms, the inside of the palace is a different story. It's like stepping into an overgrown garden, with bloated flowers and creeping vines – not vegetation, but sculpted from red and glistening flesh - covering almost every surface. A few of the flowers glow, casting a pinkish light over the entire palace. Emi gags as you enter, while Ayane freezes in horror. Maika's expression is unreadable, while Kasumi seems more interested than anything else.

“I should have warned you about the, uh, decoration,” you admit, “Sorry.”

“Can we just get this over with?” Emi groans, “I feel like I'm gonna puke in this bloody helmet...”

“Yeah, uh, it's not gonna get any better than this,” you tell her, “So, y'know, don't get your hopes up. The throne room is at the top of this place, Zakuro should be there.”

Zakuro, you think darkly, or the thing that claims to be her.

[2/3]

File: Zakuro of the Abyss.jpg (208 KB, 850x1202)

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>>1612433

The throne room is pitch black, and that might be for the best. The air is hot and moist, tainted with the awful stink of blood. Your group is shocked into wordless awe, but the room is far from silent. A heavy, rasping sound heaves in and out, and you soon realise that the sound is that of breathing. A soft glow beings to light up the throne room as a few of the flowers bloom, their light revealing a... thing.

Fully eight feet tall, and utterly inhuman to look at, the blood-slick creature stirs into life. Spreading its hands wide – each palm looks large enough to envelop your entire head – the monster gives you a parody of a welcome.

“Miho Tsukada...” the monster growls, its voice wet and churning, “The abyss welcomes you.”

“I... Zakuro?” you gasp, before realisation dawns, “You've... you've changed. Is it your hair? You've done something with your hair, haven't you?”

The looming creature convulses, gurgling and choking out a hideous sound. The sound of... laughter.

-

“I did not expect you to bring companions,” Zakuro admits, gesturing at your group with a massive paw. Ayane ducks as the hand cuts through the air above her, flapping at it like someone trying to wave away a fly. “You trust them,” the Tyrant continues, “To share this secret with them.”

“I don't like to lie,” you reply stubbornly, “Not to my friends.”

“Amusing, Zakuro lets out that shuddering laugh once more, the pinkish light of her inhuman eyes flaring brighter for a moment, “Shall we converse, then? That is why you came, is it not, or did you wish to see me destroyed?”

>How has your, uh, research been going?
>We need a place to talk, where nobody in the real world can overhear us. May we use this place?
>Your city, could it function as a prison?
>I came here with a question... (Write in)
>Other

>>1612487
>We need a place to talk, where nobody in the real world can overhear us. May we use this place?
"I don't know how much of modern day you know now, but the city we live in has ears every where with all the electronics."

>How has your, uh, research been going?
>Your city, could it function as a prison?

>Other
Explain the Sentinel's way of getting powers. Note it's slight similarity to Zakuro's power gain.

>I came here with a question... (Write in)
"If someone failed to overcome the Intruder would there be a way to save them?"

>>1612487
>>How has your, uh, research been going?
>>We need a place to talk, where nobody in the real world can overhear us. May we use this place?
>Ask about the Sentinels and their initiation, any possible side effects or troubles?

>>1612487
>>How has your, uh, research been going?
>>We need a place to talk, where nobody in the real world can overhear us. May we use this place?
This is certainly a warm enough welcome, any hotter and Emi might start getting cooked in her armor.

>>1612487
>How has your, uh, research been going?

Better just lead with the research question so it looks like we're interested. After:

>We need a place to talk, where nobody in the real world can overhear us. May we use this place?

Gotta get her used to us all showing up at once so she doesn't suspect anything when we come to kill her.

>>1612487
>I cremated your bones and scattered them by a cemetery lake.

Before you can say anything, Emi pushes past you. “Yeah, hey, I got a question!” she shouts, pointing her massive sword at Zakuro, “What the fuck are you? What the fuck is this place? Why is... why is everything made out of meat? What the fu-”

“Emi!” you scold, “You said that you'd give her a chance!”

“That was more than one question,” Zakuro states, bending ponderously down to look Emi in the eye, “Which one do you want me to answer first?”

“I...” Emi flounders for a moment, stepping back from the Tyrant. “Yeah, nah, this is way too weird for me,” you decides, feverishly shaking her head, “The rest of you lot can do the talking stuff, I'm just gonna be over here trying not to pass out. Uh... have fun, I guess?” Backing off a little more, she slinks into the back of your group.

“Sorry about that,” you mutter to Zakuro, “So, uh, how has your research been doing? Learned anything interesting?”

“There is much to learn in this place,” Zakuro declares, “Secrets of your world filter down to me in dreams, and secrets of the abyss reach me in visions. The world that you come from is very different to the one that I left behind. I see glimpses of it, through the eyes that you call “portals”, and what I see confuses me. I am happy to be here, in the dark solitude of this abyss.”

A silence. Ayane slowly steps up to you and begins to whisper in your ear. “Yeah, I got nothing,” she admits, “I guess maybe I can only tell when humans are lying? Either way, I don't even know what she's talking about, let alone how truthful it is.”

“Don't worry about it,” you whisper back, before looking back to Zakuro. “Sorry,” you tell the inhuman girl, “But you're pretty hard to understand...”

“It is to be expected,” she shrugs her chitinous shoulders, “What you need to know is this – the abyss has shared many of its secrets with me. There is a light deep within it, like a flame that draws curious moths to their death. One day, I believe that you will see this light – I have seen your shape burned into it, both as a memory and as a promise of things to come.”

“Okay, so she's mad,” Ayane mutters to herself, “That explains it.”

Glancing around, you hush her with a hiss. Still, you've got to admit that Ayane has a point – this cryptic talk is getting you nowhere fast. Maybe a more direct question would work...

“Zakuro, I came with a request. We need a place to talk, a place where nobody in the real world can overhear us,” you ask, “If you've seen any of our world, you may know that there are ears everywhere. This city, though, it has all the privacy that we could ask for. May we use it?”

“...You may,” Zakuro decides after a moment, “But perhaps I will join you, to listen and to speak. That is my condition.”

“Oh jeez...” Emi groans, from her place at the rear.

[1/?]

>>1612305
>Don't tell anyone
>Tells someone at literally the first opportunity
Emi just fell to Worst Girl status.

>>1612586

“Alright, that's... acceptable enough, I guess,” you sigh, “My next question. This city, could it serve as a prison for someone? I mean, they could only leave if you permitted them to leave, right?”

“That is correct,” Zakuro nods, before her blunt jaw splits open to reveal twin rows of needle-like teeth, “Do you wish to send your undesirables to me, that I might suffer their presence instead?”

“Hey, c'mon, I never said anything about that!” you protest, trying not to show that you were thinking of that exact idea. Where Crow is involved, you wanted to keep your options as open as possible – banishment included.

“I know that you have enemies, child,” the Tyrant gurgles, “I have seen the echoes of their deeds here. A bloody crow, shedding the blood of its own kind... a most undesirable creature indeed. Perhaps I will make a cage for this bird, to welcome her as a guest...”

“Uh... okay?” you shuffle in place, unnerved by the grin – if such an inhuman expression could be considered a grin – the spreads across Zakuro's bloodied face. “Hey, so, you're the closest thing to an Intruder expert that we have. Maybe you can explain this,” you continue, “Is it really possible for a human to fuse with an Intruder? In our world, there are those who claim to do just that, and to gain unnatural abilities as a result. It made me think of you, of how you merged with the queen to become... what you are now.”

“For a man to join with a child of the abyss...” Zakuro take a lurching step forwards, causing Ayane to flinch back away. The Tyrant paces a slow circle around you, heedless to the discomfort she causes. “A bond would be needed,” the creature muses, “A foundation for a lasting union...”

“Like a close relationship?” you ask, “Siblings, lovers, that sort of thing?”

“Yes. Human bonds are a powerful thing,” Zakuro twists around to face you, her spine crunching at the unnatural contortion, “But that is only a foundation. There must be a powerful, unyielding will involved.”

“And... if that will should fail?” you wonder aloud, dreading the answer, “What would happen then?”

“Destruction,” she answers simply, “An Intruder is not so easily bound. If I had been weaker, the queen would have consumed me. But men are fallible – no amount of will can hold back their destruction forever.”

“You mean they're dying?” you yelp, “All of them?”

“All men are dying,” Zakuro shrugs, “But these ones... their partner must feed. Either on human essence, or the stuff of their own kin. I have heard tell of such a feast, the [Rite of Consumption], but the truth of it eluded me until now. So it is the sin of cannibalism that grants these men their gifts...”

[2/3]

>>1612664

“Cannibalism?” Ayane cries out, “You mean they... they eat...”

“They consume the essence of their abyssal kin,” Zakuro confirms, “Or else their own life is drained to fuel their union.”

“They eat... Intruders?” falling silent for a moment, Ayane groans with dismay, “Wait a minute, that's barely any better!”

“When a human joins with an Intruder, it creates an uneven partnership. The Intruder is constantly draining power – in some intangible form – from the host human. Only by absorbing lesser Intruders can the human host sustain themselves,” Maika murmurs to herself, “Then... I see...”

“And what if a human fails to overcome their Intruder partner?” you ask, “Can they be saved, or is the destruction inevitable?”

“It cannot be reversed or undone. The process, once started, cannot be stopped,” Zakuro spreads her vast arms wide again, “This is what I have been told. This is what the fearful whispers of your world have told me. I fear that I have little more to add. I have, however, a question.”

“A question?” you repeat, “Uh, I mean, sure. Ask away.”

“The remains of my human shell,” the Tyrant asks, “What did you do with them?”

“I cremated them, and scattered their ashes at a cemetery lake,” you answer carefully, “I hope that was... okay with you. I didn't know what else to do.”

“Ceremony is wasted on those who cannot bear witness to it,” Zakuro decides, the words gurgling out of her throat, “A simple rite is best. Yes, this pleases me – you have done me a great service, Miho Tsukada. In return, I will give you two warnings before you leave. Heed them well.”

“Two warnings?” you murmur, “Oh, I'm not going to like this, am I?”

“Fear treachery,” the Tyrant begins, holding up a single finger, “Your group bears the miasma of betrayal. One of your own will betray you, if they have not already done so.”

“Hey!” Emi yells, protesting loudly, “Just wait a damn-”

“Silence,” Zakuro orders calmly, without looking away from you. “My second warning,” she continues, holding up a second finger, “The gods are not as idle as you suspect.”

“The gods?” you breathe, “You mean, our gods? The native gods of mankind? But they... wait, no, don't! Don't you dare!”

Your protests fall on deaf ears. Zakuro raises her hand high in the air and sweeps it down with a sound like tearing cloth, causing the glowing flowers to darken in an instant. Suddenly blinded, there's nothing you can do but brace yourself as the transition sweeps you up and carries you back to your own world. It might be fruitless, but you yell out a loud curse anyway.

It makes you feel better, at least.

>I'm going to close things here. Stay tuned for our regularly scheduled bonus episode!

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Los Angeles, America
Seven years ago

Transition.

It had been bad this time, leaving Megumi and her allies gasping and retching as they tried to recover. The portal had been a pool of standing water, gathered in the basement of an old and forgotten church. The four girls had uneasily stepped into the portal, vanishing into the Umbra to chase after their Tyrant prey, only to appear... here.

Hell, as far as Megumi could tell. The breeze carried the scent of smoke and burning blood, while the air shuddered with the sound of drums. Under a sky the colour of dirty slate, a field of what Megumi first took to be trees stretched out into the distance. Not trees at all, she realised upon taking another look, but something altogether more artificial – gallows, and some of them were occupied. The hanging bodies were cloaked in heavy sackcloth, writhing and kicking in a futile attempt at escape.

“We can't do this,” Noriko gasped, her resolve faltering in the face of this new horror, “This was a mistake. It's not too late to turn back now...”

“Yes it is,” Felicia snapped, “Can't you feel that? Abraham – he's gone, he can't reach us here. We're in this until the very end, one way or another.” Scoffing with disdain, Felicia turned away from Noriko and summoned her weapon – a brutal trident that she had taken to calling “Bloodlust”. Twirling the weapon like a majorette's baton, Felicia strode off ahead without a backwards glance. Megumi started to follow when she felt a tug at her sleeve, glancing around to meet Fleur's eyes.

“Hey, uh, Meg...” Fleur began, the brim of her ludicrously oversized top hat slipping down over her face as she talked, “Something I'd been meaning to, like, tell you...”

“Don't,” Megumi cautioned, “Anything you have to say to me, you can say it after we're done here. That way, we've both got a good reason to stay alive.”

“Yeah, sure,” the young girl didn't look entirely convinced by that, but she didn't press the issue. Thrusting her hands deep into the pockets of her jacket – a foppish tuxedo jacked, like something a stage magician would wear – she pulled out a handful of dice. Her own weapon, albeit an unconventional one. “Uh oh, looks like Felicia is getting pissed,” Fleur added with a nervous laugh, glancing up ahead, “Better not keep her waiting, like.”

“Right,” Megumi agreed. Gesturing for Fleur and Noriko to stay close, she hurried on ahead to regroup with Felicia. At the end of the path, a great stone gate loomed out of the mire like the sad remains of a shattered fortress. The gates, Megumi realised, were slowly grinding open.

“We'll settle this just like we always do,” Megumi announced, stepping ahead and summoning her graceful blade, “It's as simple as that.”

The gate opened, a low and ominous growl seeping out from within.

[1/3]

>>1612738
Great. If we didn't have enough paranoia.

>>1612738
Time to commence the political purges.
Kasumi is the obvious candidate, but maybe too obvious.

File: Felicia Vinter.jpg (570 KB, 1080x1440)

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>>1612748

The Tyrant was roughly human in form, although unnaturally tall and with sickly proportions. The face was the worst part, little more than a snapping mouth of dagger teeth and a brow upon which a tarnished crown could rest. The Tyrant held a chipped, rusted sword in each hand, while rags of chainmail were draped around its sexless body. Raising one blade in a mocking salute, the Tyrant launched into a mad charge – aimed straight for Megumi.

Dignity would not allow for a desperate escape. Digging her heel into the mud, Megumi gripped the handle of her sword and prepared herself. When the Tyrant was almost upon her, Megumi drew the blade sharply from its scabbard.

The world froze, brought to an almost complete standstill. Only two things moved – Megumi, moving easily and freely, and the Tyrant, sluggishly fighting against the magic holding it back. Left alone, it would eventually break free and shatter the enchantment, but for now... Megumi had all the time in the world to aim her strike. With a dancer's swift step, she closed the distance between her and the Tyrant, swiping her blade across – through – that awful mouth. A few steps more and she was behind the Intruder, slashing a deep red line across its back just as she felt the magic break.

Blood sprayed as time resumed its normal flow, the top half of the Tyrant's head spinning off as it stumbled and slumped down to its knees. Allowing herself a cold smile, Megumi flicked blood from her sword and prepared to sheath it again. “Thank you,” she murmured, “For the-”

“Megumi, get back!” Felicia howled, lunging forwards as the Tyrant lurched back to its feet. It turned and swung out with both swords, Felicia raising her own weapon in a defensive stance. The Intruder's first blow caught Bloodlust full on... and sheared the trident in half as though it was a toy. “No!” Felicia began to cry out, “You can't-”

The second blow, with nothing to block or deflect it, found Felicia's neck.

There was no magic involved, but Megumi still felt the world freeze. For that single, terrible moment, all Megumi could do was watch as Felicia collapsed, her headless body tumbling slowly – almost gracefully - to the ground.

Then a red mist descended over Megumi. Dignity, all of a sudden, seemed like a fool's luxury. Instead, for one brief and terrible moment, she wholly gave herself over to Fury.

-

When Megumi came to, surfacing from that black pit of despair, it was all over. She couldn't recall anything about how she had howled, hacking away at the Tyrant with mad abandon. Neither could she remember anything about how the others had pulled her off it, dragging her away as more Intruders crawled out of the abyss. Abraham had stepped in then, tearing the girls from the Umbra and flinging them back into reality.

[2/3]

File: Fleur LaCroix.jpg (658 KB, 1080x1080)

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>>1612755

“It was my fault,” Megumi stated flatly as she sat in a ruined pew, staring at her feet, “Felicia is dead because of me.”

“Meg, hey...” Fleur murmured, trying not to glance at the shrouded form that lay nearby. In a rare show of understanding, Abraham had brought Felicia's body back with them. At least she wouldn't be left in the Umbra to be defiled by the stragglers left in the Tyrant's wake. At least she could be given a decent burial... although how they were going to explain her death was an entirely different matter.

“No, Fleur, don't try and deny it,” Megumi shook her head slowly, “I was arrogant. I should have been the one to pay the price, but Felicia sacrificed herself for me. We have to make that sacrifice worth something.”

“She had to know that it was a possibility,” Noriko began, choosing her words with care, “We all knew what had been foretold. We all accepted it. Felicia sacrificed herself, yes, but it was a sacrifice that she willingly made.”

“Then we have to make her sacrifice worth something,” rising to her feet, Megumi fixed her gaze upon each of her colleagues in turn. “From here on out, this isn't a game. We're not doing this for fun or for any other frivolous reason,” Megumi's voice hardened as she continued, “From now on, we're going to destroy every Intruder we find. We will be serious and we will be dispassionate, but we will not fail. Do you understand me?”

“Meg...” Fleur protested, a faint whine in her voice.

“Do you understand me?” Megumi repeated, speaking those words in that same flat, hard tone. Grim silence fell over the ruined church, and then Fleur's head dipped in a convulsive nod. Closing her eyes and letting out a solemn sigh, Noriko mirrored the nod.

“Good,” smoothing out the folds of her long coat, Megumi gave the church one last look, “Then we've got a lot of work to do, haven't we?”

>And that concludes today's episode of Heavenly Child Quest. Tune in next week for a new episode!
>Thanks to everyone who contributed today!

>>1612758
Thanks for running.

>>1612758
Thanks for running!

Damn though dude, an in group traitor? The last people we could trust were our goyls, and now no one.

Maybe Zakuro is lying.

>>1612758
Thanks for running!
When will we find out that there was no traitor and Zakuro lied?

File: Lighter_Tone.png (87 KB, 950x852)

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>>1612771
The best thing we can do is keep the status quo and brace for a betrayal. We start distrusting everyone we'll alienate the girls who are on our side.

Also whoever made pic related could probably add some more lines from this session.

I recommend
>“Fear treachery,” the Tyrant begins, holding up a single finger, “Your group bears the miasma of betrayal. One of your own will betray you, if they have not already done so.”

and

>There was no magic involved, but Megumi still felt the world freeze. For that single, terrible moment, all Megumi could do was watch as Felicia collapsed, her headless body tumbling slowly – almost gracefully - to the ground.

>>1612777
>>1612771

I suppose it depends on what we'd consider to be "our group". I wonder if SAE would count?

>>1612738
A traitor, eh? Let's see,

Ayane may be blabbing things to Isamu,

Maika is probably safe as Eligor knows everything, though she probably has some sort of backdoor that he can exploit,

Emi would probably do it for money, but she doesn't really seem like the type nowadays.

Kasumi is probably the best bet as she seems to have a desire to have an image of high class, so she would probably do it for the money.

SAE and EVE are AI, and SAE has been shown to have a back door, so EVE probably has one as well.

Megumi isn't part of the group, but she does have her own agenda. Who knows what that is.

And the second warning,
>he gods are not as idle as you suspect.
Kurosawa is not really telling us the whole story, so who knows what he's dealing with.

Granted, this could be Zakuro is just laying down bait, as not even Ayane could tell she's lying, and if she can't, it's possible Kasumi can't see her secrets either, so who knows.

>>1612830
Though, I think there is one thing we're missing, Who is the traitor communing with? The Sentinels? A group of sentient Tyrants like Zakuro? The Gods? Or a fourth group? We'll find out in due time perhaps, but as of now, we don't know who the traitor is/will be, nor their group they are/will be working for. Get your shadow runs ready.

>>1612487
I'd put my heart in that.

>>1612750
Kasumi can tell people's hidden secrets. Emily can tell if Kasumi is telling the truth.

They would have to both betray us for us to NOT BE able to find out if someone is a traitor.

>>1612903
>Emily
Ayane, anon. Emi is the one with the fuck hueg sword to kill other magical girls.