>>1659424
>> [DETERMINATION] Keep it up 3d20 sealing

>>1659424
>> [PRIDE] Final push. Roll 4d20 instead of 3d20. If you don't seal this turn lose one turn of sealing.

>>1659424
>[DETERMINATION] Keep it up 3d20 sealing

>>1659546
>>1659437
>>1659434

Dice me. 3d20 best of 3.

Rolled 16, 6, 15 = 37 (3d20)

>>1659562

Rolled 15, 15, 19 = 49 (3d20)

>>1659562

Rolled 11, 20, 12 = 43 (3d20)

>>1659562

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>>1659607
>>1659591
>>1659564

63 Damage done to Rift. It's sealed

MIRANDA

There’s few things that piss you off like a job that just seems to REFUSE to go smoothly. Sure, it’s understandable if there’s bumps and bruises along the way. Heck, it’s even understandable if there are some actual problems, if things get troublesome- but that’s different from ‘smooth’. There’s generally an ebb and flow to things, whether something goes right or wrong, and you’re well attuned to that fact and how to generally adjust by now; it was a rhythm. Even if things don’t go RIGHT, they usually go SMOOTH. One sequence of events generally leads to another in a semi-logical chain.

This is not one of those jobs. You've felt more on the back foot on this job than most others in recent memory, and- well, it's just starting to affect you a little bit. Emotionally. It’s not like you've NEVER had to deal with a ‘scramble’ as you're wont to call them-

So hopefully no one can blame you when you lunge at the overgrown turkey, palms outstretched, and much to it's clear surprise. You get your hands around it's overly feathered neck, and you can immediately hear, even smell the burning flesh on it as incredible voltage runs through its core. Only it's mindless, panicked shaking and convulsing manages to throw you off, but you'll and easily on your feet and prepare to engage yet again as it seems to almost start to choke on its own strange goop in a madcap effort to try and hit you again.

>Fried turkey. Peacock. Whatever.
>Find something big, heavy, and bash it's brains in.
>Adjust targets. S (Giant Ogre or Hydra)
>Other

>>1659622
>>Fried turkey. Peacock. Whatever.

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>>1659723

PURPS

With a silent scream the rift is sealed, the ragged bleeding edges of this plane coming together in an impact that is simultaneously tremendous and negligible. The orange translucent of the rift is replaced by the peaceful blue sky of your Demesne, a lovely little vista that is ruined by squinting.

Because when you squint you see that horrible wound in reality, as if it’s lying just below the surface. Looking at it gives you a headache, as your brain is forced to try and process the fact you now have a planar anomaly inside your mind; but instead you focus on the ground where The Stalker has fallen to her knees.

You’re not sure if it’s the weight that has been stacked upon her by your boss’ magic or the fact that you’ve sealed her only route to becoming real… but she’s on her knees, and looking desolate.

It’s as simple as thinking about the fact you want to go back down to ground for gravity to take hold of you with the fury of a frustrated drunkard as you plummet towards the ground. Hard landings are nothing to you though, so you gracefully land next to your boss as he smokes. Taking the proffered cigarette to join him in a victory smoke.

“So it’s sealed then?” He asks simply.
“Looks like it. You’d know better than me though.” You complain as you light up. “What’s her deal?”

“Well she’s under the impression you killed her by sealing that, forcing her to become a phantom again.”

Instead of allowing him to pause for another draw, you prompt him to continue. “Buuut?”

“She’s still as flesh and bone as we are. Looks like these phantoms got what they wanted the minute that rift opened, even if we slammed the door shut behind them.” He draws deep and chuckles after his exhale.

You process this silently, taking a few draws of sweet, sweet tobacco yourself. “So they can be killed now.”

“Yup.”

> [CRUELTY] Kill Stalker

> [PRIDE] Everyone gets out of your head. Now.

> [FRUSTRATION] Leave Stalker trapped in your demesne for now. See how she likes being locked up.

> Write-In

>>1659832
>> [PRIDE] Everyone gets out of your head. Now.

>>1659832
>> [PRIDE] Everyone gets out of your head. Now.

>>1659832
>[PRIDE] Everyone gets out of your head. Now.

>>1659832
>[FRUSTRATION] Leave Stalker trapped in your demesne for now. See how she likes being locked up.
It's not enough that she die (because she's mortal now and will age and eventually die if she isn't killed), she must suffer.

>>1659832
>> [PRIDE] Everyone gets out of your head. Now.

File: a delapitated wagon.jpg (42 KB, 426x640)

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>>1660822
>>1660183
>>1659980
>>1659953
>>1659842

Ok Guess I'm on next post again.

Give me some time to eat dinner.

>>1659832
MIRANDA

The buzzing, choking sound that emanates from the giant figure is more pleasing to you than it would be otherwise, as your voltage causes the stupid, STUPID thing to literally choke and die on it’s own upchuck. Heaving as you throttle the giant slime-bird, you brace yourself as best you can, pulling the overgrown turkey backwards and into a rotating spin- you get one, two decent revolutions off before you let fly, the impromptu projectile nearly collapsing an entire section as you manage to impact the wandering hydra as well- the beast clearly trying to skulk out of the scene while you were otherwise occupied.

You’re panting, you’re slimed top to bottom, and really where the HELL is that giant ogre thing?!

Ah. The roaring. Right. Damn slime must be gunking up your ears...The fortunately bit is that it seems like none of them- save the Hydra, which is still tangled up in gunk and feathers- actively tried to leave the area too hard just yet, which makes things easier for you in the sense that you don’t need to go chasing them down...in particular how the Ogre seems to have been trying to break down the damn back wall.

Okay, you can deal with that. Especially since it doesn’t seem to be paying much attention to anything else. At least the girls aren’t back there...you hope. Damnit.

>Roll 1d20 for Ogre-wrangling.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1661254

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>1661254

Well, pleasant start. Need one more roll, though!

5 minutes more. No one?

>>1661284
Sorry mate, i've been having a string of bad rolls.

>>1661291
Fair.

We're locked up, then!

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>1661254

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1661254

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>>1661316
>>1661305
>>1661294
>>1661291
>>1661284
>>1661267
>>1661263
>>1661260

PURPS

Right, this is hurting your head. Time to get out of here and everyone is coming with you whether they like it or not. So you take a deep breath, shut your eyes and open them again; to the real world.

You hear crashing and screeching above you, as parts of the stage have been destroyed and crushed under immense weight. To your left, Lexington sits in a meditative position and Stalker is sprawled behind him in a heap.

Judging from the lack of crater around Stalker, the magic Lexington wrapped around her hasn’t transferred from your Demense to here. Which is neither good, nor bad in your view. Your attempt at judging the situation is interrupted as the staging above you starts to creak menacingly.

With a quick step, you wrap your hands into the back of Lexington’s clothing and move as quickly as you can; a colossal body crashing through the wooden panelling and steel framework above you barely avoided.

With a grunt you leap clear of the trapdoor you left open and onto the stage, looking over your shoulder to see some huge red armoured creature falling through the stage in what seems like slow motion. A large crater forms around the sheer bulk of the creature as you see Verde standing with a fist outstretched, goop covering her upper body and a look of savage catharsis on her face at her success.

You share a nod of acknowledgement before setting your eyes on some multi headed serpent thing. Verde seems to have this big guy on lock so you might as well take on that thing.

> [PRIDE] Lantern up, taunt and give him hell.

> [DETERMINATION] Polesaw and chop as many heads off as you can. This will be interesting.

> [LUST] Use On The pull and then wrap all of those heads up in your razor whip

> Write-Up

>>1661344
> [LUST] Use On The pull and then wrap all of those heads up in your razor whip

>>1661344
>> [DETERMINATION] Polesaw and chop as many heads off as you can. This will be interesting.

>>1661344
>> [LUST] Use On The pull and then wrap all of those heads up in your razor whip

>>1661344
> [DETERMINATION] Polesaw and chop as many heads off as you can. This will be interesting.

File: MirandaIcon.png (204 KB, 540x513)

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>>1661344
>>1661346
>>1661353
MIRANDA

One jump, two jump, holy crap this is refreshing. The ogre doesn’t seem to really have many big tricks up his sleeve, thank goodness- he’s just big and strong and has a weapon. And that’s more like what you’d like.

A dodge underneath a strong, yet clumsy swing and you find yourself quickly rocketing upwards to deliver a vicious uppercut that you KNOW cracked something, sending him flying yet again. But before he even hits the ground you’re springing off yet again- the velocity you fling yourself with makes you appear as a blur as your fist connects yet again before he even lands- violently adjusting his trajectory and causing him to collide near the back of the theater seating.

Ah, that actually reminds you. Probably should wrap this up, safety and all.

A leap into the air towards a still recovering body, your hand is laced in electric and burning mana, and when your fist collides with his face, all resistance seems to essentially MELT, your fist driving through like it was just the softest of meats. The rest of the body jutters suddenly and violently from the impact, as does the latter wall you’ve just planted your fist into.

DAMN, but did that feel good. That’s how most things SHOULD go.

Turning back, you can see Purps already winding up- quite literally- the serpent from before, having only just really disentangled itself from its dead compatriot. Her hand is outstretched in a vicious, strange grin, and you can see the thinnest of fibers coming from it- clearly the source of the hydra’s distress.

Two heads are wrapped together with her weapon, and she’s doing her utmost to yank the thing towards her the same way that you’d pull a rowdy dog pulling at its leash. She look as if she’s got her job well underway. Great.

>Look to making sure the sirens are alright. They shouldn’t be around, but they shouldn’t be outside, either. Hopefully they haven't gotten into any trouble.
>See what’s going on with the weird dog thing. Lexington is near it and isn’t doing much- has to be a reason.
>...It’s there, it’s not expecting it, and you still need a bit of catharsis. Magiwave flurry for the killsteal. ...Hey, it's efficient! Also somewhat amusing to you.
>Other

>>1661488
>Look to making sure the sirens are alright. They shouldn’t be around, but they shouldn’t be outside, either. Hopefully they haven't gotten into any trouble.

>>1661488
>>See what’s going on with the weird dog thing. Lexington is near it and isn’t doing much- has to be a reason.

>>1661488
>>Look to making sure the sirens are alright. They shouldn’t be around, but they shouldn’t be outside, either. Hopefully they haven't gotten into any trouble.

>>1661488
>Look to making sure the sirens are alright. They shouldn’t be around, but they shouldn’t be outside, either. Hopefully they haven't gotten into any trouble.
What no ties?

>>1661563
>>1661557
>>1661517
>>1661507

Writan.

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>>1661566
>>1661563
>>1661557
>>1661517
>>1661507


PURPS

Growling in frustration you wrangle the monster as much as you can. Pulling it closer to you with brute force and a lot of grumbled swearing as you place a foot on the wall for leverage. The thing hisses and spits some venom at you, forcing a quick series of darts up the wall.

You recall the bladed tendrils of your razor whip in order to strangle the creature; but with your height you end up making some unholy combination of noose and garotte - the creature’s hissing roars turning into mewling squeals of panic.

Well all you have to do is hold on here and everything should be fine. Nice vantage point too,

Destroyed Chandelier. Still crushing and sending glass all over the middle of the theatre.

Broken Stage with dead giant ogre monster thing. Check.

Lexington and Verde checking over the sirens. Check.

The two Phantoms standing together and looking very unhappy… Oh that’s not good.

It’ll probably be a little while longer before this thing snaps it necks or suffocates.

> [FRUSTRATION] Let the Monster Go and confront the Phantoms

> [DETERMINATION] Try to get Verde’s attention

> [DIVINE ZEN] Fuck it, End this now.

> Write-In

>>1661644
>> [DIVINE ZEN] Fuck it, End this now.

>>1661644
Pull yourslf towaords it and diver into its open mouth and claw your way though it
To get to the phtomes

>>1661644
>[DIVINE ZEN] Fuck it, End this now.

>>1661644
>> [DIVINE ZEN] Fuck it, End this now.

>>1661644
> [DIVINE ZEN] Fuck it, End this now

>>1661644
>> [DIVINE ZEN]
Calm yourself, and let the violence flow.

File: ily.png (2 KB, 90x90)

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>>1665257
>>1662798
>>1662745
>>1661779
>>1661709
>>1661651

Real life got in the way yesterday and work's kept me away until now today. Going to write now. Sorry about that,

File: Spoiler Image (56 KB, 400x400)

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>>1666193
I hat you star

File: Divine Zen 2.png (373 KB, 800x450)

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>>1665257
>>1662798
>>1662745
>>1661779
>>1661709
>>1661651

PURPS

You let your weapon go, the razor whip constricting the creatures many heads going slack and tumbling down amidst the tangle of necks and skulls. By the time it has fallen a foot you’re eyes are closed and legs have spread shoulder width apart. You stand on the wall as all feeling leaves you - all emotion, logic and awareness leaving your mind as easy and smooth as a perfect wine.

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

Your face becomes and expressionless mask, yet it is the antithesis to your default expression. Where it is cold and stern in it’s emotionless visage, now your face relaxes and takes on a tranquil image. Every muscle in your body following suit leaves you feeling incredibly light, balanced, hyper aware and most of all - powerful.
“Minerva’s lantern.” You call, opening your eyes half opening to a storm of purple fire emerging from every pore in your body in a display of frightening power as the entire theatre is lit up with purple light. The hydra like monster finally crashes to the ground and appears stunned, the power exploding out of your gathers and gathers causing the temperature to climb and climb.
You inhale.
“Divine Zen.”
Your body explodes in brilliant golden light, wings of gold fire coming into existence with a eye watering lustre and spreading themselves fully. Your hair grows long, turning every bit as golden as your aura. The release of divine zen exploding the wall behind you and part of the roof upon it’s release.
The survivors of the monstrous incursion, scattered throughout the city, bleeding and battered - rebel and loyalist alike. Everyone sees the pillar of gold, everyone looks towards the space where the rent in the fabric of reality used to be and feel hope.
Two smiles, in the dark of an alley piled high with monster pieces and bullet shells. Honamurei and Luc allow themselves a moment of joy at the arrival of this omen of victory.
“It’s time.” You think as you dash down towards the creature rapidly righting itself; four claws dig into the wood and stone as some instinct allows it to realize it’s dire straits. But it is merely preparing a defence against an attack that has already happened.
One superb flowing movement brings your saw back into your hand and your left hand onto the beast’s chest. You slap the hand down with enough authority to crack the scales and snap the sternum, but it is the fire that you send throughout his system that delivers the lethal blow.
So much force and power radiates through the creature as it’s inside rapidly cook, boil and then turn to ash as the pressure builds to a crescendo.
It explodes into pieces behind you as your ethereal wings flap once to carry you up over and past the corpse of the monster even as the chunks begin to move. By the time where you stood to kill it is showered in monster guts, you are long gone. Your sights squarely set on;

> The Phantom
> The Stalker

>>1666231
>> The Phantom

>>1666231
>> The Phantom

>>1666260
>>1666234

1d20+2

Best of 3.

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1666270

Oh boy.

Rolled 11 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1666270
Meh

Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1666270

Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1666270
TIME TO RUIN EVERYTHING

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>>1666277
>>1666276
>>1666274
>>1666271

Faster than anything can possibly react you surge towards the phantom and attempt to wedge your saw between his collarbone and throat hard enough to decapitate, only to collide with thick roiling black smoke as The Phantom deconstructs and re manifests itself.

Skidding to a stop you let your powerful wings flap twice, taking you to the apex of the theatre well above where the chandelier used to rest. With a deep inhalation you spew forth purple fire from the heavens, a shimmering lance of fire that the foes have to split up to avoid. The hungering column of flame chases The Phantom as he seems to mold and flow around the debris and objects littering the hall as easily as you traverse a forest - seemingly unmindful of the pursuing fiery death despite his obvious haste and determination to avoid it.

Movement out the corner of your eye forces you to shut your mouth and bring up your saw, blocking the white ceramic blade that is aimed at your face almost casually. The Stalker’s throat is in your hand a split second later and you tighten your grip and recall the errant blade to end her.

A tightening round your right arm stops you as the magical noose of The Phantom tightens around it, the surprise enough of a distraction for The Stalker to turn to white mist and escape your clutches and reform next to her comrade. With a deft gesture you roll your saw up your flame covered wrist and shred the Phantom’s noose for what seems like the fifth time.

The two stare up at you, most likely feeling mortal panic for the first time in their short existence as more than manifested figments of siren imagination.

> [CURIOSITY] Dual Wielding seems wise.

> [DETERMINATION] You massively overpowered them. One hit with the pole saw and they’re done

> [ZEN] Deep Breaths and Sunshine Fist

> [GRATITUDE] Gauntlets and magnetism

> Write-In

>>1666301
> [ZEN] Deep Breaths and Sunshine Fist

>>1666301
>> [ZEN] Deep Breaths and Sunshine Fist

DnD time guys. Will be back after session for a while. If MG comes back in time, I'm sure He'll handle the next post or two.

>>1666301
> [DETERMINATION] You massively overpowered them. One hit with the pole saw and they’re done
Write-in: "Is this not what you wanted? To be mortal and real?"

Hiiiiiiiii.

>>1666301
> [ZEN] Deep Breaths and Sunshine Fist
Then on the the rest of the city
Purging time

>>1666417
Oh hay you

>>1666301
>>1666304
>>1666308
MIRANDA

You’re almost surprised one you hear what Lexington has to say about the thing. It wanted to stay alive? And she’d let it? You’re almost set to actually be angry about that, but by now you’re pretty much fresh out of fucks to give. At least the damn monsters are dead…

And then Purps ups and turns into a goddamn dragon. Managed to find a spare fuck or two to give about that, really. Honestly, you didn’t think you were in one of THOSE universes, but guess you were wrong. Wish you’d known that earlier; probably could’ve done something with that. Hell, part of you is annoyed she didn’t just pop that earlier. Could’ve saved you a lot of trouble- then again. One o’ those universes. They don’t party that way.

The way she launches towards the thing is literally blinding for a moment. Well, she can go do the superheroine thing; frankly, you’re more concerned about your targets.

Deal-Makers, you wish you were getting paid for this.

It takes a bit of searching amidst the shining lights, but you do manage to find the girls- all huddled up in the most scared ball possible in a far corner of the dressing area, looking outside towards the stage with raw and unfiltered fear on each and every one of their faces. “W-what the hell’s going ON out there?” Alice asks, near hysterical. Can’t imagine you being covered in blood, guts, phlegm, and who knows what else is doing anything for them.

You sigh- this one an actually exhausted sigh, because honestly you’re starting to lose track of the plot yourself. “Eh. Doing our jobs. Good news is-” a sudden, brilliance explosion of noise and light erupts from the front, and you feel a massive juddering from outside the room as everyone flinches, save you, who just sighs with relief.

“Hopefully the hard part’s just about done.” As you head outward towards the former sounds of destruction, you’re hoping that you’re actually correct.

Mono starts after you. “Wait, you’re going back out there?” You nod. No reason not to.

cont.

>>1666730
You can hear several of them stand up as you open the door- likely to make to follow you and peek out.

When you do...hoo, boy. It’s a mess. Looks like beam damage, yeah. Or some kinda projectile- either way, it tore a solid path straight through the theater, front to back. There’s no sign of any Phantom, much to your relief. You’re actually vaguely wondering if those anti-Siren wards are still active- probably not.

And there’s golden girl herself, all too visible considering there’s no longer a back stage. Or any stage, really. She’s shining, radiant- oh, wait, no, there she goes. Looks like she was on a time limit, there.

She’s still all firey, but hell if it looks like she can use it, as she drops to a knee. She’s very much on the cusp of passing out, likely from exhaustion. As you and the girls surround her, the sirens looking at her with various expressions of wonderment and concern, you figure you should probably do something, maybe.

> “...If I’d known we were allowed to blow up the building this would’ve been over a lot faster.” Because it’s true.
> Just haul her over your shoulder and clear the area. We’ve got time now.
> After all this? She’ll probably want to stand on her own feet. Get her up.
> “Good job.”
> Other

>>1666733
>> After all this? She’ll probably want to stand on her own feet. Get her up.

>>1666733
>Other: leave her and secure the AO. No mistakes; jobs not done till extraction is complete.

>>1666733
>> “...If I’d known we were allowed to blow up the building this would’ve been over a lot faster.” Because it’s true.
>> After all this? She’ll probably want to stand on her own feet. Get her up.

>>1666733
>> After all this? She’ll probably want to stand on her own feet. Get her up.

>>1666733
“...If I’d known we were allowed to blow up the building this would’ve been over a lot faster.” Because it’s true.

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>>1666900
>>1666763
>>1666752
>>1666742
>>1666738

PURPS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22kCLvXeYoI

Everything hurts, but you don’t feel like you’re internally bleeding or have any snapped bones; just the feeling of terrible ache and the sensation of your entire skin being stabbed. It’s cool you got this.

“If I’d known we were allowed to blow up the building, this whole thing would’ve been over a hell of a lot quicker.” Verde…. Quips? She actually quipped, with a Minerva - damned smile. A solid hand pull you up to your feet easily and you find yourself looking past her to Alice, Mono, Jaqeline and the rest.
But tuning out the girls it’s what’s important right now. There’s nothing worse than a half finished fight, a lesson you repeatedly teach people with your undying bullshit.

Not in the mood for being on the receiving end, “I don’t think I got the wolf girl. Stalker-thing.” A moment is all you need to steady yourself, forcing your body into obeying you despite its protestations, “Saw little white bits of mist before I connected. She’s probably in bad shape though.”

Verde shoos the girls off you for a few steps and the ringing in your ears picks up a little, what seems like a second later she’s clicking her fingers in front of you - olive skin crowding your vision as she leans over your slouching form. “Right, one loose end. Are you going to do your dragon thing again?”

“It really fucks up my body. It’s like lifting a house when you can barely lift a log.” You complain, rolling your neck and pinching your leg to bring the world back into clarity. Verde turns at the same time as your eyes focus in on the shifting rubble, a tuft of white fur squirming free.

“You want her or should I finish up?” Verde asks you, cocking an eyebrow and making you really hope yours aren’t singed off.

> [PRIDE] I got her

> [CURIOSITY] Maybe I can talk her down

> [WORRY] Tag in.

> [CRUELTY] Hold her still for me

> Write-In

>>1667132
>> [CRUELTY] Hold her still for me

>>1667132
> [WORRY] Tag in.

>>1667132
[WORRY] Tag in

>>1667132
> [CURIOSITY] Maybe I can talk her down
If they were made out of the Siren's imaginations or something, they might be able to form again.

>>1667132
>Cruelty

>>1667132
>> [WORRY] Tag in.

>>1667132
>> [CRUELTY] Hold her still for me

>>1667132
> [WORRY] Tag in.

>>1667132
>> [WORRY] Tag in.

>>1667132
>>1667186
>>1667420
>>1668524
>>1669519
>>1669912
MIRANDA

She looks up at you with a combination of weariness, frustration, slight amusement, and mostly worry in her eyes. “I'm tagging out,” she puffs. “Think you can wrap things up from here?”

You return your eyes to the shuddering rubble, the Stalker barely managing to clamber out under its own power. It's heaving, bloody, and apparently on its last legs, judging by the fact that it's barely managing to crawl, let alone actually get up on its legs and walk. Mist doesn't seem to be helping it now.

You would be sweating if it weren't for all the layers of gunk and viscera on you, but it's just as well, as you extend a hand. “Yeah, I think I got enough left in the tank.”

The beast barely seems to know what's going on as it looks around wildly, Delirious, panting, and pain clearly coursing through every fiber of its body. By the time it sets its eyes on you, you're already half charged. The way it shudders is reminiscent of a wracking sob, and part of you is surprised it doesn't seem to even try to get out of the way. Certainly not going to ask it to do otherwise, though.

The sea green blast rips from your hand and in the blink of an eye impacts the half dead creature with an impressive *crack*, the explosion ripping into the creature, as well as an entire section of seats and part of the eastern wall. The thing didn't even last long enough to let out any last cries of pain, and when the smoke clears, you can't see hide or hair of it. Well, no. That's a lie.

There's hair here and there. That's about it, though. Even a quick sniff gives you nothing. It's gone.

You let out a sigh, which if you're being honest is more of a pant, and you find your right arm shaking a bit. You have to be low right now… but you can ignore that for a little bit longer, as you look back towards Purps.

“Kill...confirmed.” It's rare you say those words with such relish.

cont.

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>>1669912
>>1669519
>>1669207
>>1668524
>>1667899
>>1667880
>>1667420
>>1667186
>>1667140

PURPS

This has been one of the weirdest weeks of your life. Which, despite being a three horse race, is a pretty steep comment. This week you’ve fought Hona, a dragon, then became a bodyguard cum exorcist for a bunch of reality warping singers.

Oh, they also consider you one of them now. Which is absolutely fucking delightful… I mean, singing is fun while you’re doing it - but you didn’t really sign up for suddenly being the big sister to a bunch of drama queens that range from hyperactive to downright angsty. Hell, none of them except Switchwick seem to remember that you were going to and still would kill Me-Gan for what she did.

So that’s nice.

The prevening is coming to an end as Minerva sinks below the horizon, leaving her elder brother to handover the day to night. Today was a good day; the girls are in good spirits as you head towards the next show, you and Verde had a nice spar, Honamurei is rapidly learning when it is and is not appropriate to make lewd comments and your body feels on the mend.

Nobody died today… you think with a yawn, arms stretching to full length and popping your bruised shoulders. Contentment begins to cause your skin to glow slightly whilst you slowly lie back on the Sirens’ carriage roof.
This moment of relaxing sanctuary is momentarily paused by the purple hair nestled at the corners of your vision; divine zen apparently caused it to grow out down between your shoulder blades - something you’ll have to think about fixing at the next town.

Hell, maybe you’ll keep it - Jaqeline said it suited you after all.

One thing is certain right now though; so long as it’s only thugs and creeps you’re dealing with, you or Verde could do this job with your eyes closed and single handed. When you were leaving Leno, a couple of super fans of Velth tried to rush the carriage as they entered. All it took was a glare from Verde and they pissed themselves. Literally.

Another yawn comes unbidden, chasing away the thoughts of the past.

Yeah, time for a nap.

>>1669972
As unprofessional as it would be, I wish we could have taunted the Stalker.
This is what she wished for, isn't it? To be real, corporeal, and alive?
And the end of all life is Death.
Of which Miranda is a skilled merchant.

>>1670086

If Purps wasn't in Zen she would have.

By the time it was Miranda finishing her off... well, it was more putting out of misery than a chance to gloat.

>>1670092
If it was Miranda, it wouldn't have been gloating.
It would have been delivered deadpan and serious, as if asking her what she really expected to happen.

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SWITCHWICK

Groaning aloud somewhat eases the tension of the situation- the head splitting, infuriating tension. If you were not responsible for your girls, you would have told this thing where to go by now and in very explicit terms described what you would do with it’s father. Instead, you are thirty years older than that voice screaming for vocalization in your head and are heavily self medicating with the islander concoction Vernon gifted you with upon his arrival.

No brown energizing liquid can save you from the urge to kill this planar agent however. “For the millionth time. She was exemplary; what happened with Me-Gan was a occurrence far beyond her control. Had we opposed the Garrison’s orders we would be penniless and on the run.” Speaking to mid air is not fun, but simply thinking this conversation made your headache even worse and invited the agent into your brain; a sacrosanct perversion to you. “Barring the ridiculous insistence of the government, she did not make one misstep whatsoever and I am commending her for going above and beyond the call of duty.” You dig your nails into the wood of the desk you’ve claimed in Vernon’s wagon. “If you people took tips, she’d be getting a hefty one; instead I’m having to talk to you and plead the case that the women who literally saved the lives of those I love is in fact not a hopeless layabout waste of space - she is in fact a credit to the bad name of mercenaries everywhere, you dense motherf-”

The door is knocked sternly. “I do believe that that's for you. And while I'll admit I do still have my reservations that you're not just saying this to save her oh-so-amusedly-brusque hide, I will take your testament into account for future usage. And yet I do still feel I have to apologize…but then again, you always were rather of the soft sort, hmmmm? I suppooooose I can’t really blame you.”

CONT

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>>1670371

“Come in.” You singsong, while broadcasting the very foulest language language you have learned in three decades of travelling and performing in the taverns of Munis. Just as intended, Purps and Verde, the latter speaking to the former. “Alright, so how did you go about fighting the dragon? It sounded very sub optimal, and if you-”

“Good afternoon.” You politely interject before they get too carried away talking about how best to punch things again. “I’m glad you could both join me today.” You begin; right away Purps has mentally checked out with an eye roll, and Verde looks bored but interested. “I want to thank you both for your service throughout this difficult time, and well…”

A click sounds as Purps lights up a cigarette

“Really?”

“I live here.” She counters.

“...Fine, yes, all well and good.” You relent with some ice. “I just want to say you’re free to leave at any time. I’ve enough money to hire some mundane security to handle the Polsworth show. I know you have pressing concerns elsewhere Purps, and Verde has far exceeded what the contract asked of her.” Pulling yourself up to your full height you summon your grave and nobility, “I, Professor Switchwick release you of your duties with my gratitude and friendship. May the Celestial lights shine you onto greater days.”

“Wait, what?” Verde actually seems surprised, and more than a bit nervous. “I- are you sure? Despite your praise- which I thank you for- my contract WAS for the entirety of the tour...”

“So that means he didn’t tell you?” Purps asks out of the blue looking slightly frustrated.

“I imagine this is Vernon? What information has he withheld now?” You growl already feeling the headache lance through your temples once more.

“I’m your daughter.” Purps deadpans.

“.... Whu.” Thinking is a thing of the past as your world condenses around those words. Daughter? Her? But… what? How? When? Why? How? HOW? YOU DO NOT JUST FORGET A PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH HOW DID YOU-

Everything goes cold, did Vernon do some forbidden magic? Did he take your baby away from you and wipe the memory of it? He wouldn’t? Would he? He wasn’t exactly the most upstanding of gentlemen back in your time together and-

Purps seems to have gotten whatever she wanted out of her jape, though surprisingly there is no laughter. Just a kind of warped smirk. “He paid me 900 gold to say that.”

Verde lets out an unladylike snort.

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>>1670377

MIRANDA

“So this is it?” Purps asks from the forefront of the small gathering, “You just go back to wherever you come from and don’t see us ever again?”

You shrug. “I mean...you CAN ask for me again if there’s a job that needs doing. I know Sal loves it if we get repeat business. Next one won’t be a freebie, though.” That STILL frustrates you a bit, being honest.

“Honestly, I’m just surprised this one was.” She looks over her shoulder; Trish and one of the twins are trying not to cry. “You weren’t half bad for a merc, Verde. Would have been nice to actually get to know each other… instead of ghost hunting.”

You can’t help but huff a bit. “Not one of my preferred target types, no. You always need specialized gear if you want to be effective about it, and I...egh. It’s just not my thing, no. I’m better with flesh and blood individuals.”

“Like dragons?” She offers with the hint of a smile.

You find yourself returning it. “Hey, a dragon bleeds. Ghosts don’t.”

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>>1670458

A moment passes and you think she’s going to say more, but she just gives you a nod before swapping places with Luc, his tiny hands holding some kind of leap covered package. “I know you tended not to drink tea, but I’m sure you have someone who’d like them.” He pauses. “Thanks for listening to me- I hope another assignment brings you back.” The little kid’s smile is infectious, “It’d be a shame if you never see me become stronger than you after all.”

You look away in bemusement as you accept the gift. Izumi might love it. “Kid, you go and try to do that. Mind you don’t get too cocky, though,” you say with a wry grin. “You don’t wanna get filled with gunfire just because you thought you could waltz through a problem, powers or no. Speaking from experience.”

He nods with determination, before heading back to the group where Purps hefts him onto her shoulders easily. For an emotionless chick she’s good at faking it for him - your eyes drift to her cyclopean partner who simply salutes you. In fact it’s Mono who’s the last to approach you.

“I wanna go with you.” She says simply, albeit quietly so the other girls don’t hear. “The Professor didn’t say no.”

Wait, what? “Wait, what?”

“I want out of here. You know that and know what I am. I want to come with you.” She puffs out her chest as if this will impress you, “Gine would want it that way.”

Oh for all that’s… “Kid...do you ACTUALLY know my situation? I’m not doing this because I...look, there’s price to pay if you come with me. Quite literally, and regularly.”

‘Weeeeeelll. This is iiiiiiinteresting. Really, I won’t say no, either. There’s a reeeeeason for that, too. She’d be quite the loooovely addition, I think. So iffffff she really wants it...’ Oh, goddamnit, Sal. You have a plan, huh?

>Try to convince her off of it harder. This isn’t just a day gig.

>Sal’s saying okay…? Ugh...well, if you say yes, maybe he’ll go easier on you.

>Other

>>1670463
>Explain more about the Intersection before deciding. Specifically about the "pay rent or be removed from existence" thing; if she's fine with that, why not.

>>1670483
dis will work

>>1670463
>Other
Give her full disclosure on the Intersection, the Deal Makers, and that if you don't make rent you are literally removed from existence. If she still wants in, then let her in.

On the other hand, she IS living in a world where she has to live in a confined prison or be hunted down and murdered. It's admittedly not a great life she has right now, either.

>>1670463
>>1670483
>>1670502
>>1670503

MIRANDA

“You know that this isn’t just some casual thing, right? Where I live… you NEED a job. You NEED to pay rent; and by rent I don’t mean a price you only pay if you have a house or apartment. Rent is for existing in the Intersection at all. You don’t pay Rent...you get kicked out. Into nothing. There’s The Intersection and that’s it. Void. Blank. Zero.” You can’t emphasize this enough. “I won’t lie and say it’s EASY to get kicked out- the Deal-Makers aren’t monsters. But it’s always a threat, and I HAVE seen it happen once. That said...well.” you shrug. “You want to see places? If you really want to, then yeah, you’ll see places. You’ll see places and people you wouldn’t have thought possible. You’ll do and learn things you’d never dreamed of before. And you’ll do most of it all because you have to. Because it’s either that or get to talk to creatures that could scramble your head if you saw what they actually looked like. Because if you don’t, you cease to exist.”

Geez, this is just bringing up a whole lot of bad mood. But you continue on after seeing her refuse to break eye contact. “But...if you really want to. If you’re REALLY that hard up for it? Alright. But this is a ONE-WAY trip. You don’t get a take-back.”

She freezes for a moment, seemingly sincerely thinking about it as she looks away. There’s a stillness in the group as the others look at her.

And when she looks back at you, you can already guess. “I still want to go.”

Inwardly, you sigh. Bold one, this kid. Well, at least Owlia and Cylica won’t have to suffer being the new blood alone...although you’re partially worried how Cylica is going to behave towards the kid. “Fine. Get close, take my hand.” She does so, and you can feel the nerves in it- although whether they’re excited or nervous, you can’t tell.

Well...here we go. ‘Sal, we’re set here. Two for pickup.’

You look over the motley crew; several of them crying openly now, and Switchwick looking forlornly at Mono- yet she does have a small smile on her face.

Purps is just looking on curiously, but she gives you a wave. You return it gamely. Hopefully that girl gets what she’s looking for.

Meh, she’s hard to kill. That and her natural determination?

You smile. She’ll be fine.

Confident in that, you turn back to Switchwick, giving her a respectful nod.

“Thank you, ma’am. Pleasure doing business with you.” Mono gives a salute as the two of you are engulfed in light- and in a blink, you’re both gone.

Maybe if you come back, you'll bring your friends.

And some spirit-killing equipment, because damn.

JOB COMPLETE!

-PRIMARY SERVICE RENDERED

-SECONDARY SERVICE PARTIALLY RENDERED

-RECRUITMENT BONUS: 10 MOTES

TOTAL PAYMENT: 10 MOTES

I'M DONE FUCK IT

IT WAS GREAT BUT THIS TOOK ULTRA LONG

but this was neat. Had some hiccups, but was nice. Star's a cool dude.

>>1670542
Could the Stalker have been recruited?
Like, realizing that "Oh shit, I'm mortal now and can actually FUCKING DIE!" would have made her give at the slightest opportunity?
Would it have given us a bigger recruitment bonus (because Miranda wasn't going to get paid for this job, and in fact is facing Sal's equivalent of a bad performance review/disciplinary hearing when she gets back)?

>>1670566
I don't think it could've been recruited to the Intersection, if that's what you mean.

It could've been talked down, however, but it would've taken a roll.

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Holy shit this snowballed.

Writing this to have two Pcs from the original plan was so weird and seeing who you guys all took to.

I really enjoyed this and I'm happy with out it came out.

Handler is a lot of fun to write with and he's great to bounce ideas off of - I hope we revisit this down the line.

In all seriousness Q&A.

>>1670566

Mute Swordswomen Mistwalker would have been hilarious to diplomacy.

>>1670577
What would talking it down have gotten us?

>>1670590

Stalker would either have stayed to protect the Sirens, went out into the world as a disciple of Gine.

Or committed Sepuku after realizing she was trying to kill the one person who made her live.

Funilly enough Mono may develop into a very similar fighter as the Stalker. Just with Siren reality warping on the side.

>>1670601
In a small way, I think Miranda would regret not trying diplomacy with the Stalker at the end.
If only because she'd have a voice in the back of her mind whispering "recruiter bonus" for a mission she wasn't getting paid for, so the only way she'd get money for it would be through recruitment and salvage.

>>1670632

We have tossed around the idea of a fun little omake. So we might have a pastebin at some point.

We decided that if a Miranda vs Purps fight broke out we'd choregraph it or time skip it and I like the time skip we did for it.

After all, purps crit failing a block would have made things really awkward.

>>1670658
I missed everything, damnit.

I feel like when it comes to a fight:
Base Miranda > Base Purps
Bloodlust Purps > Base Miranda
Serious Miranda > Bloodlust Purps
Zen Purps = Serious Miranda
Miranda 100% > or = Divine Zen Purps i dunno since I feel like Miranda hasn't really fought full tilt yet- it's usually extenuating circumstances that drains her mana or something.

Of course if Miranda manages to fire off a Nebula Buster thats gg regardless of whatever Super Saiyan form.

>>1670996

Pretty much my conclusion except there is one thing that stops the gg.

No Sell.