>>1867718

“Remind me,” you shout, raising your voice over the sound of the helicopter's engine, “Why are we going in through the roof?”

“The front doors are locked down tight, we won't be getting through those with anything less than high explosives,” Maika replies, “According to the schematics, our best bet will be dropping in from the roof and finding an unsecured access point, working our way down from there.”

“Ah hell,” you groan, “Not the vents. Please don't tell me that we're going in through the vents.”

“Not in a building this new. Mice would have trouble slipping in through a modern ventilation system,” Maika shakes her head, “Renko Biotech has a private garden in the top floor of their building. The windows are toughened glass, but they're still our best chance of breaking in. After that, we'll have to work our way down through the rest of the building.”

“I'll keep this brief. If you're unclear about any details, please ask for a clarification. Any information could prove important,” Eligor announces, glancing down at his watch, “Roughly fifty-seven minutes ago, Nebiros began his attempts to purge EVE from all Renko Biotech systems. His first move was intended to block her out of any security systems, to prevent her from taking any defensive action. However, it would appear that EVE has been preparing for this moment for some time. Not only was she able to defeat his initial attack, but she was also able to retaliate – putting the Renko Biotech laboratories onto lockdown, essentially taking everyone inside hostage.”

“Including my father,” you state, all humour dropping away from your voice, “Is he... are they in any danger?”

“Not yet. However, that may change at any moment. Currently, we believe that all staff are sealed in either the laboratories or the dorms,” Eligor pauses for a moment, gauging your reaction, “Originally intended as a precaution against chemical leaks, I believe. Currently, EVE is allowing an unrestricted airflow into these sectors, but if she feels threatened...”

“She could cut it off at any time,” you mutter, finishing his sentence for him. Clenching your eyes shut for a moment, you compose yourself before continuing. “So what's our plan?” you ask Eligor, “And don't tell me you don't have one – people like you always have a plan.”

“Our first step should be to rescue the staff. Easily enough done – break the doors open and they'll be able to escape,” Maika answers you, “Then EVE has no leverage. After that, we can work on disabling her from the inside – that'll be my job. You handle the heavy lifting, I'll run tech support.”

“We're on site now,” the helicopter pilot calls out from up front, “Just give me the signal and I'll take you down.”

[2/3]

>>1867719

Reaching behind him, Eligor fetches a headset and hands it to you. “I can't promise that we'll be able to stay in contact once you're inside – EVE may be able to block communications – but you'll be able to contact Maika with this,” he explains, “You're clear on what you have to do?”

“Get in, break out the trapped staff, then...” pausing, you glance across at Maika, “Then figure things out from there.”

“Good enough,” Eligor nods, “When you return, we'll discuss other matters – the Oracle, for one thing. I have my own interest in that subject.”

Pulling on the headset, you give him a firm look. “I'll hold you to that,” you warn, “You'd better not find some excuse to dodge the subject later.”

“Of course not,” the Sentinel frowns a little at your implication, “Are you ready to begin your mission?”

>I'm ready. Take us down
>What part is Nebiros playing in all this?
>What sort of dangers or hazards should we expect inside?
>What do you get out of all this?
>Here's what I need to know... (Write in)
>Other

>>1867720
>What part is Nebiros playing in all this?
>What sort of dangers or hazards should we expect inside?

>I'm ready. Take us down

>>1867720
>>What part is Nebiros playing in all this?
>What sort of dangers or hazards should we expect inside?
>dolls, drones, harmful chemicals......intruders?

>There shouldn't be a way to forcefully put someone into a VR simulation, right?
it's time for operation Get New Little Sister?

>>1867720
>What part is Nebiros playing in all this?
>What sort of dangers or hazards should we expect inside?
>Here's what I need to know... (Write in)
What's EVE's fate after all this?

File: Maika Kanzaki.jpg (272 KB, 1080x1080)

272 KB JPG

“While we're busy doing this, what's Nebiros going to be doing?” you ask, “What's his part in all this?”

“I suspect that right now, he's desperately thinking about what he's going to tell the council,” Eligor tells you with a thin, cold smile, “This has all the makings of a disaster for him. So long as EVE has those hostages, his hands are tied – he can't do a thing until they're out of the way. That does not mean that his piece has been removed from the board, however. I have no doubt that he'll be consulting with his own experts, trying to find some other way of attacking EVE.”

“That means we can't completely rule out any unexpected changes,” Maika explains, “If Nebiros thinks he has a chance to take over the situation, he won't hesitate to take it. That could jeopardise our part of the operation – we'll need to be careful.”

Groaning to yourself, you try not to imagine how that loathsome man might screw things up for you. You never thought you'd be thinking this, but you almost hope that EVE hasn't left any cracks in her defences. “What other risks are we looking at?” you ask next, “What sort of dangers or hazards can we expect inside?”

“The building has a fairly strict security system, including armed drones that can be deployed,” Eligor frowns at that thought, “We don't know if EVE has activated them or not, so you should be prepared for anything. They're only lightly armed and they're fragile enough, so I suspect that you could destroy them easily.”

“Although I'd prefer if we didn't,” his daughter adds, “They're just as innocent as the scientists, they don't deserve to get dragged into this.” A short silence follows this odd remark, and Maika's cheeks colour slightly. “Well, never mind that,” she continues awkwardly, “I've also been picking up power fluctuations inside the building – I don't think EVE is to blame, so there may be Intruder activity within.”

It makes sense. A high stress situation like this would be like a beacon to them. “What about harmful chemicals?” you think aloud, “I mean, it IS a biotech lab...”

“There is a risk of a chemical leak, but most of the hazardous chemicals are confined to specific areas,” Maika taps at her phone, bringing up a map of the building to show you, “So long as we stay away from these laboratories – and I don't believe we have any reason to go to them – we should avoid any risk.”

“And Dolls?” you add, “What about them?”

“There will be a large number of them in storage, and EVE may be controlling them,” Eligor confirms, “Combine that with whatever weapons Renko Biotech keeps in their security arsenal, and you may be facing armed opposition.”

“Of course...” you mutter to yourself.

[1/2]

>>1867737

“And EVE herself,” you ask after a moment, “What's her eventual fate here?”

“After the scientists are clear and EVE's leverage has been removed, we will be proceeding with Nebiros' original plan,” Eligor explains, his voice turning as hard as iron, “All traces of EVE will be isolated and deactivated, her higher functions disabled until we deem her fit for purpose once again. A shame that it came to this, but we have no choice – EVE has proven herself to be more of a liability than an asset.”

Maika, you note, looks away as he says this. She doesn't dare voice her disapproval, but her face makes it as clear as day. “We should get started,” she says at last, “Are you ready?”

“There's just one last thing,” you ask quickly, “There shouldn't be any way for someone to be forcefully put into a VR simulation, right?”

“Such a thing would be possible,” the stern man corrects you, “Although EVE would need to physically force the various apparatus onto someone – using a Doll, say. With a specially created neural block in place, her victim would be unable to act.”

A shudder runs through you at that thought. It's not so different to when you all joined Maika's “round table communication” - until SAE lifted the neural block, your physical bodies had been almost completely paralysed. This would just be one step further than that. After your past encounters with EVE in virtual reality, you hate to imagine what anyone imprisoned in such a way might have to endure. Hopefully your hunch is wrong, but...

“I'm ready,” you decide firmly, your voice clipped and curt, “Take us in.”

-

The helicopter never properly lands on the roof of the Renko Biotech headquarters. It drops until it's hovering about four feet above, leaving you to jump the rest of the way. The impact jostles you, sending a fleeting ripple of pain through your joints, but soon you're up and moving again. Beneath you, armoured windows reveal a carefully manicured garden, in a traditional Japanese style. You can just imagine pampered executives strolling through it on their time off, savouring the-

This isn't the time for that, you remind yourself as Maika lands next to you. She seems kitted out for anything compared with you, burdened down with a pair of metal cases. A stored drone and a toolkit, you suspect. “That's step one over with,” she murmurs to you, scuttling aside to the edge of the window and opening up her toolkit, “Now to get inside...”

“So, uh...” you hasten to follow her, “Do we break the glass or what?” In the background, you hear the helicopter retreating to a safe distance – ready to pick you up again when you're finished here.

Hopefully.

[2/3]

>>1867742
And as their healing factor pushes the shards out of their bodies, they resolve to never punch a window ever again.

>>1867744
The shards would fall away from us and our gauntlets are armored to the elbow.

>>1867742

“Too noisy. No, there should be a maintenance panel around here... ah!” Maika says as she prises open a small panel to reveal a mess of wires. Staring down into the tangled mess, she takes a small gadget – like a cellphone, almost – from her toolkit. “The windows should be able to open,” she continues, taking a pair of leads from her gadget and fixing them into the nest of wires, “I just need to give it a little sweet-talk.”

“Oh,” you pause, “You mean like, computer hacking?”

“Nothing that complicated. This is just simple machinery, all it takes is a little jolt and...” Maika doesn't finish that sentence, letting her results speak for themselves. When she taps a button on her little gadget, the windows begin to slide silently open. Nodding to herself in unspoken satisfaction, the heiress begins to pack away her tools. “Once EVE is... once we're inside, we should be able to get the elevators working,” she adds, noticing your look, “That'll allow us – and the scientists – a route back up. As for getting down there...”

“We have to jump,” you sigh, “Well, this isn't the biggest distance I've fallen...”

“I'm sure,” Maika forces a smile, “Listen, about EVE...”

>We're wasting time. Let's jump and worry about that later
>Are you sure that you're able to do what needs to be done?
>I know. I don't like it any more than you do
>EVE asked for this – she needs to be put down
>Other

>>1867751
>Instead of a rational discourse or appealing to say your dad or any of the other council members her first reaction was to take the nuclear option. She's sentient, yes, has a soul, yes, but she's a spoiled brat with far too much power in her hands and needs a spanking, otherwise she will never learn.

>>1867751
>Other
"It's out of our hands. I gave her the warning about being shut down and if this situation is her only play from that there isn't much we can do for her. Its on her to think fast. Hostages take priority for us."

>>1867751
>We'll secure the hostages first and foremost. If by some miracle EVE has a plan that doesn't involve fire and death, maybe we can work something out.
>What does Kurosawa think of all this? Life created being forcefully....frozen. Would he side with the sentinels on all this?

>>1867751
>>Are you sure that you're able to do what needs to be done?

>>1867751
> If you can think of other options I'll listen to them. But if she's hurt anyone badly . . .

“Listen, so much of this is out of our hands,” you tell her, “I gave EVE a warning that this might have happened. I tried to get her to listen to reason, I really did. She could have talked with Nebiros, or even used my father as an intermediary, but she didn't – she went straight for the nuclear option. Right now, we don't even know if she has a plan for what happens next, she just... reacted.”

“She defended herself,” Maika mutters, looking away from you as she checks the clasps on her pair of cases.

“And maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to find some other way to end this,” you counter, “But as it stands, EVE deserves some part of this. She can think, and she has a soul – she's responsible for her own actions, and she's been acting like a spoiled brat. It's about time that she got a spanking for it, maybe it'll teach her a thing or two.”

“This is more than just a spanking!” the heiress protests, “This is... mutilation!”

“And if you can think of any other options, I'm willing to listen,” you tell her, “But if EVE has hurt someone...” When Maika reacts with nothing more than a grim silence, you scowl. “Listen, the hostages take priority here,” grabbing her shoulder, you force Maika to startle around and face you, “We have to focus on getting them to safety before we do anything else, understood? My father is in there!”

“Yes, of course. I...” shamefaced, Maika grimaces, “The hostages are our main objective. Everything else is secondary.”

“So?” you press, “Are you prepared to do what needs to be done?”

“...Absolutely,” she states firmly, nodding decisively. You hold her gaze for a moment more before nodding back to her and letting go of her arm. Forcing a smile, you take a second to prepare yourself and then step out over the edge of the window, dropping out into the empty air below.

-

This time, you land well enough to recover immediately, although Maika's landing is far less graceful. She flounders, lurching and almost falling upon hitting the ground. Grabbing her by the arm, you help her back upright.

“Thank you,” she gasps, “It's these cases...”

“Don't worry about it,” you murmur back, glancing around the garden as you let go of her. It's hard to believe that you're on the top level of a skyscraper from here, and not strolling through some luxurious park. “I don't hear anything moving,” you add after a moment, “I think we're alone. No armed Dolls or drones.”

“Yet,” Maika points out, “But it's a good start.”

[1/2]

>>1867772

“Yeah...” you muse, straightening up and taking a better look around. As your eyes fall upon a beautifully crafted shrine, you think of your own – rather less polished – example. From there, your thoughts turn to Kurosawa. “I wonder what the cat would make of all this,” you think aloud, “I mean, life that they created being forcefully... frozen like this. You think he'd side with EVE or the Sentinels?”

“I am still undecided on that,” Kurosawa tells you, appearing between you with a faint flicker of static, “I have not yet made up my mind on the matter of these... inhuman souls. It bothers me greatly, not being able to understand them.” He sighs softly. “But if this... EVE has been granted a divine soul, as has been claimed, men have no right to drag her down from her place in the heavens,” the cat adds, “At least, according to the old ways. The Sentinels have their own laws and commandments, it seems.”

“That doesn't really help us decide anything,” you point out, “That just makes things more complicated!”

“The truth often does,” Kurosawa intones gravely.

-

Leaving the gardens behind, you find your way through to a staircase leading downwards. The door was locked, but you were able to force it easily enough. The floor below is a stark contrast to the lush gardens above – all sterile white and lifeless decoration. Pausing briefly to check her phone, Maika hurries off down the hallway, following a sign marked “Security”. Scowling, you hurry to catch up with her.

“Found something?” you ask her, “Why are you headed this way? Shouldn't we be looking for the scientists?”

“The security booth on this floor should give us a more accurate impression of what's going on,” she argues, “I'll be able to get a more detailed map, and possibly get a solid idea of where the scientists are. Renko Biotech wouldn't simply allow them to move without being tracked. Plus, I might be able to learn about the security deployments. Not only that...”

“Okay okay, point taken,” you grumble, “Lead on.”

-

The door to the security booth is locked as well, but you soon pry it open. Inside, several interesting things vie for your attention – a wall of computer screens and controls, a rack of black polymer rifles and a sealed metal case. Nothing looks disturbed. When you approach the screens, you gasp out in revulsion at the image they broadcast – a gnarled image of a huntsman plunging his knife into a wolf, even as the beast's jaws close around his throat.

“What IS this?” you mutter, turning away to shoot Maika a questioning look.

“A woodcut. German, by the looks of it, or maybe...” Maika pauses, “Well, that doesn't matter now. I think EVE is trying to tell us something.”

The implication becomes clear - “If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me”.

[2/3]

>>1867719
>tfw EVE was able to take our dad hostage because anons decided to warn her

>>1867783

“But I'm more interested in this,” Maika says, turning away from the screens with a shrug and gesturing to the metal case. “Drone storage. It doesn't look like EVE bothered to deploy them,” she explains, “And these rifles – again, untouched. She hasn't armed her Dolls. At least, not from this arsenal. This is... sloppy, almost as if she doesn't CARE about defending herself.”

“Maybe she doesn't expect to come out of this alive,” you mutter grimly, “That doesn't fare well for the scientists...”

“No, it doesn't,” the heiress agrees, her face darkening. Nervously biting her lip, she touches a hand to her own headset. “Father, we're inside now. It looks like...” a pause, “Father? Can you read me? Miho, try your headset – just tap down on the casing and speak.”

“Uh, hello?” you begin, feeling vaguely foolish as a wall of static answers you, “Anyone out there?” When no answer comes, you give Maika a bleak, humourless smile.

“Then we're cut off,” sitting at the bank of computers, Maika taps a finger against her lips, “One moment please. I'm thinking.”

-

“Okay, I've got an idea of our situation,” she resumes after a few seconds of silence, “Renko Biotech must have some system in place for blocking external communications – I'd love the chance to study their work, but this isn't the time. I may be able to fix up a signal relay that would allow us to stay in contact with the outside, however – to keep us informed about anything Nebiros might be planning, for one things.”

“Okay, that sounds good,” you nod, “What's the catch?”

“I'll need some specialist materials,” Maika concedes, “I only brought a general set of tools and spare parts. Let me see...” Tapping away at the computer, she clears the ghastly woodcut from one screen, replacing it with a map of the building. “Here, material storage. That should have everything I need,” she mutters to herself, “And these red dots are... the staff. Yes, I see. Miho, it might be best if I stay here and guide you over the radio – I can get a better idea of what's going on from here.”

“Splitting up, though?” a dubious look passes across your face as you say this.

“Yes, admittedly that IS a factor,” conceding the point with a nod, Maika gestures to the map, “But I still believe it's the best approach. How do you want to handle this?”

>We need to stay in touch with the outside. You stay here, I'll go fetch your spare parts
>Forget the relay, I want to focus on the hostages. You stay here and give me directions
>I don't want to split up. We'll go and rescue those hostages together
>Other

>>1867802
>We need to stay in touch with the outside. You stay here, I'll go fetch your spare parts

Rescuing them won't matter if our extraction is compromised and we can't get in touch.

>>1867802
>We need to stay in touch with the outside. You stay here, I'll go fetch your spare parts

>>1867802
>>We need to stay in touch with the outside. You stay here, I'll go fetch your spare parts

>>1867802
>We need to stay in touch with the outside. You stay here, I'll go fetch your spare parts

Also preemptively voting to tell Eligor that we call dibs on punching Nebiros in the face.

“We need to stay in touch with the outside,” you decide, “Yeah. No point in rescuing the hostages if we can't radio out the good news or arrange for an exit. You stay here, I'll go and fetch those spare parts for you.” Pausing, you give Maika a vague gesture. “Uh... how will I know what I'm looking for, though?” you ask.

“Here,” Maika leans in close, her hand brushing across your cheek as she does something with your headset, “It has a camera, I'll be able to see what you're doing and guide you. I think communications within the building should work fine enough – it's just external communications that are being blocked. I'll be there to walk you through everything I'll need.”

“Nice, nice,” a taut laugh escapes you as an absurd idea forms, “Mind if I keep this? It might be useful for my exams...”

“Materials storage,” Maika scolds, fighting to keep a smile from her face, “Two floors down – go on, I'll give you the directions. Be careful though, that's one of our marked areas, there may be hazardous chemicals in storage. Don't go breaking anything, okay?”

“I'll try my best,” you tell her, your tone deadpan.

-

There's something eerie about how quiet the Renko Biotech laboratories are. They remind you more of an abandoned hospital than anything else, and that leads you to think about Emi's precious horror movies. Expecting something to jump out at you with every corner you take, you head downstairs towards the storage room. When you're finished here, you think to yourself, you're going to punch Nebiros right in his jowly face. It's what he deserves for putting you through this.

“Hmm?” Maika asks, her voice crackling through your headset, “What was that, Miho?”

“Oh, uh, nothing,” you mumble, belatedly realising that you spoke aloud, “Radio seems to work, though.”

“So it would seem,” she replies, “The door at the end of... corridor, that should it. Wait, did you just pick up some interference?”

“Yeah,” nodding, you hurry along the corridor, “You cut out for, like, a second or two.”

“I see,” Maika pauses, seeming to weigh up the situation for a moment, “We'd better not waste any time.”

-

“And some extra fibre-optic cable,” your guide decides, “That yellow cable there. Yes, right in front of you – I won't need much, but just take the whole spool. That should... everything.”

“You cut out again,” you point out as you dump the yellow cable into your scavenged basket, adding it to a pile of computer circuits and other pieces of machinery. You're certainly glad that you won't be the one to put all this junk together – it looks more like an explosion in a computer store than anything useful. Before you can add anything more, you feel something – some indefinable shiver that is all too familiar.

[1/2]

>>1867837

Turning hurriedly around, you spot a ripple of distortion running along the glass surface of a fume cupboard. The glass darkens as it forms a portal to the Umbra, beckoning forth an Intruder. Like a thick slurry of ink and gruel, the inhuman creature pours out of the cupboard and pools on the floor. Bubbling and spitting like so much spilled acid, the Intruder rapidly forms itself into a vaguely rabbit-like shape, and then-

And then it turns and runs away, fleeing from you in simple, blind panic. Shaking off your incredulous disbelief, you hurry after it. Your costume takes form around you as you chase it down, two phantom gauntlets rising up behind you like limbs. Swiping one hand through the empty air, you send one of those ghostly weapons to rush out and seize the Intruder. No matter how fast it can run, it can't run fast enough – your gauntlet snatches it up and closes tightly around it. In your own, physical hands, you feel tiny bones crunch and splinter.

“You've picked up a new trick,” Maika remarks, watching through your headset as the Intruder is destroyed, “Seems effective enough.”

“Doesn't really seem fair, bulling Thralls like this,” you reply, watching as black blood drips out from the clenched fist, “Ugh, whatever. Better than letting the little creep run wild.”

“And the next Intruder that comes through might not be nearly so weak,” she points out, “So let's not get distracted now.”

-

No other Intruders dare show themselves as you return to the security booth, the basket of miscellaneous stuff thumping lightly against one hip. You arrive to find Maika sitting over a disembowelled drone, her toolkit open and stray parts scattered about at random. “This is a fairly crude solution,” she explains, digging into the fresh supplies you set down next to her, “I'm basically using this drone as a relay, to bounce our signal out and pick up outside communications. Once I've sent it outside, the rest should be simple.”

“So we're free to work on the hostages next,” you state, “Where do we start?”

“There seem to be two main groups – one in the company dorms, and a smaller group in the laboratories further below,” Maika nods to the computer screen, “Plus one more individual, sealed up in their private office. That's-”

“My father,” you finish for her, examining the screen, “I see.”

“I'll keep working on this. It shouldn't take me too long,” the heiress returns to work on her cannibalised drone, measuring out a length of wire, “But I'll be keeping an eye on you. You're not going to be alone out there. Oh, but Miho?”

“Yeah?” pausing in the doorway, you glance back to Maika, “What's up?”

“Do be careful,” she urges, “Things are going a little too well. Something about this doesn't quite add up – I can't figure out what EVE is doing.”

“I don't think anyone can,” you laugh bitterly, “Not even EVE.”

[2/3]

>>1867858

It takes a lot of discipline not to immediately rush down to your father's lab and break him out before anyone else. His lab is furthest away, it would be simply illogical to skip past the two largest groups of hostages and go straight for him... but it's still painfully tempting. When you hesitate at the foot of one stairwell, Maika seems to sense your conflict.

“Just work your way down, and do this one group at a time,” she advises, “We're in no hurry here. Even if EVE cut off the air supply now, there would be enough breathable air left over for you to rescue everyone twice over. We've got everything under control, Miho, we can afford to think things over. Would you like some good news?”

“Your signal is coming through loud and clear now,” Eligor adds, taking over from his daughter, “You're doing excellently so far. I knew it was a wise decision to send you two in. Continue with your mission. Once you gather the scientists, send them to the garden – we'll pick them up from there.”

“Fine, but only on one condition,” you counter, “When all this is over, I get to punch Nebiros before anyone else, okay?”

There is a pause, and then Eligor sighs heavily. “Just as long as you don't kill him,” the Sentinel decides.

-

When you arrive at the company dorms, you take a moment to pull on your makeshift gas-mask before doing anything else. Not because you fear any risk of gas, but for the anonymity it offers you – you'd rather not get a reputation as someone who breaks into corporate skyscrapers on daring rescue missions. Once that's out of the way, you flex your armoured fingers and dig in, driving them deep into the metal door and tearing it open.

When the door opens, you find yourself confronted by a gaggle of scientists, confusion and fear writ large across their faces. When they realise what they're looking at, the fear is replaced by even more confusion.

“What on earth is going on?” one asks.

“What kind of costume is that?” another blurts out. More questions are added to the pile, soon building up into a wall of sound that threatens to batter you down through sheer weight of numbers. Wincing at the chorus of voices, you slap your hands together in a loud clap.

“Listen up!” you demand, “Just... listen, okay?”

It must be your lucky day – they all fall silent and listen, like obedient children.

>I want you all to head upstairs and wait in the gardens, okay?
>Someone tell me exactly what happened here, and quickly
>I'm looking for Akito Tsukada. He's down in his office, right?
>Listen up... (Write in)
>Other

>>1867889
>I want you all to head upstairs and wait in the gardens, okay?
"We are going to get you out of here safe and sound so please calmly head up the stairwell."

Once they start moving pull someone aside.
>Tell me exactly what happened here, and quickly
>I'm looking for Akito Tsukada. He's down in his office, right?

>>1867889
>>1867894
this

>>1867889
>I want you all to head upstairs and wait in the gardens, okay?
>Someone tell me exactly what happened here, and quickly

>>1867889
>>1867894
+1, solid plan

>>1867889
>I'm looking for Akito Tsukada. He's down in his office, right?
>I want you all to head upstairs and wait in the gardens, okay?

“First of all, I want you to listen closely. I want you all to head upstairs and wait in the gardens, okay?” you begin, speaking slowly and clearly so that even the most confused member of your audience can understand, “We ARE going to get you out of here, safe and sound, so just calmly head upstairs. There's no need for a rush or a panic.” Your words seem to calm them, even if your appearance doesn't do much to dispel the confusion, and soon the group is shuffling past you. As they leave, you spot a trustworthy looking man and tap him on the arm.

“I'd like you to tell me exactly what happened here,” you state quietly, stopping him as his companions move past, “And quickly please, I don't have all night.”

Your chosen spokesman pauses for a moment before speaking, as if trying to work out where everything went so wrong. An elderly gentleman, he doesn't look flustered or fearful. Quite the opposite, in fact. “I'm afraid that there's not much to say, young lady,” he begins after a while, slumping his shoulders before speaking, “We were all at work as normal-”

“Actually, I was on a break,” another scientist – one of the last to leave - cuts in, “I was-”

“Quiet!” the spokesman snaps, rebuking his younger colleague, “As I was saying, we were attending to out usual duties when EVE alerted us. It told us that there was an emergency situation unfolding, and we should return to the dorms for our own safety. Those in the laboratories were ordered to remain where they were.” He gives you a long, probing look. “Was it a false alarm?” he asks, “It wouldn't be the first time that EVE got it wrong.”

“I'd be more surprised if she got it right,” the younger scientist mutters to himself, “She's crazier than my ex-wife...”

“Goro, go with the others,” the older man sighs, “I can make my own way up to join you. Go on.” The firm note in his voice seems to convince the younger man, who reluctantly hurries away. “Do excuse him. He's rather protective of me,” the elderly scientist chuckles, “I remind him of his grandfather, apparently. Well, I don't think I have anything left to tell you...”

“Wait, hold on,” you plead, “How did EVE... sound? Was she normal?”

“It was perfectly normal, not a single glitch or quirk,” he answers, faintly stressing the dehumanising pronoun, “Which is, admittedly, uncommon. However, we had no reason to suspect that there was anything to worry about – until the doors were sealed.”

“Thank you, that's everything,” you tell him, smiling behind your mask, “Oh, I'm looking for Akito Tsukada. He's down in his office, right?”

“Is he?” a frown crosses the old man's face, “I was with him when the first announcement went out. He said that he was going to check on EVE, but I suppose he never made it down.”

[1/2]

>>1867920

Something about the way he says that, the unconscious finality of it, sends a shiver down your spine. “What do you mean?” you ask quietly.

“Well, he must have thought better of it and sought shelter in his office,” the old man explains, “You'll have to forgive me, I didn't mean anything...” Pausing, he gives you a harder look. “You know, you look awfully familiar,” the man thinks aloud, “Akito has a photograph on his desk, and you-”

“Looks like I'd better go!” you interrupt, hurrying away before calling over your shoulder, “Head upstairs and wait in the garden, just like I said!”

-

As you hurry away, you touch a hand to your headset. “Maika, that's one group down,” you announce, “But this is weird. From what I gather, EVE wasn't causing trouble or spitting threats, she was being calm and lucid. This just isn't adding up. How are things looking on your end?”

“I've checked security throughout the building. Not one active defence has been activated, only passive defences like doors and blockades,” Maika answers, “The drones are deactivated, none of the rifles have been withdrawn from the arsenals, nothing. I think you're right, there's more to this than we first thought.” She pauses, thinking for a moment, and Eligor cuts into your conversation.

“If there are no active defences, you'll have no opposition on your way down,” he states firmly, “Proceed with your mission.”

“Yeah yeah,” you mutter, ending the call. You're still not happy about this – more than anything else, EVE seems to be stalling for time... but why?

-

Rescuing the second group of hostages goes much the same as the first, with mute confusion greeting you instead of any real fear. When you stop a scientist, just like before, the story is just a brusque mirror of what you've already heard. EVE had sent the scientists to “safety”, locked them in, and that had been the end of it. No threats and no overt danger. When you report this to Maika, she just replies with a non-committal grunt.

“I have a message, from Nebiros,” Eligor tells you later, as you're approaching your father's office, “He thanks you for your assistance in this matter, and politely requested that you refrain from damaging company property too much.”

“Politely?” you repeat, your voice incredulous.

“Not really,” the Sentinel confirms, “He seems quite upset. Quite useless too – he hasn't been able to achieve anything on his end. Leave him to me and continue with your mission, you're almost finished with the primary objective.”

This time, it's your turn to grunt something non-committal, your attention focused on the door in front of you. The name “Tsukada” is set in a plate, as if you needed any more confirmation. Being careful not to “damage company property”, you rip the door wide open and enter.

[2/3]

>>1867990

He isn't here.

That simple fact seems to take a very long time to pierce through the fog that creeps into your mind. The small, cluttered office is empty. Slowly entering it, you glance at the desk and find a framed photograph – a picture of you, although you don't remember when it was taken. You don't look particularly happy in it, you notice. As you're setting the picture down, you see something lying next to it – an identity badge.

“Maika, check your computers,” you ask, “Where's my father?”

“According to this, he should be right there,” Maika answers, “Oh, I see now. The badge itself must have the tracker. That's sloppy – we use subdermal implants, they're far harder to fool. He would have needed to cut-”

“Yeah, uh, I'd rather not hear that now,” you interrupt, “I just... damn it!”

Sitting heavily down in the computer chair, you slump over the desk and try to think. Here you are, at the very last hurdle, and you've fallen. Why would he have taken off his badge? Simple idle-mindedness, or was it a deliberate decision that he made? If it was deliberate, he must have had a good reason to do it...

“Miho?” Maika presses, “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine, I just... wait,” you sit bolt upright, a sudden idea striking you, “Where would I need to go to check on EVE? That's what the old guy said, my dad went to check on EVE – that's where he must be!”

“EVE's computer core will be in the first subterranean level,” Eligor answers you calmly, “That would be the first place to check. Maika can guide you there.”

“No!” the heiress protests, “Miho, I want to go down there with you, I... Please!”

>Fine, but hurry up and get down here!
>No, I need you to stay where you are and guide me
>Other

>Sorry for the delays. Hit a bit of a block.

>>1868054
>>Fine, but hurry up and get down here!

>>1868054
>Fine, but hurry up and get down here!

>>1868054
>>Fine, but hurry up and get down here!

>>1868054
>Fine, but hurry up and get down here!

I think this is all to buy time for Akito to transfer her into an Alice body and the hostages weren't in any real danger.

“Fine, but hurry up and get down here!” you snap, “I don't want to waste any time, what if there's an...”

“An Intruder”, you can't quite bring yourself to say. No matter how much you try, you can't help but imagine one of those unsightly beasts chasing down your father while you were busy fetching radio parts or chatting with his colleagues. If something happened to him because you were messing around elsewhere...

“Tsukada, I want you to listen to me,” Eligor announces, his voice blunt in your headset, “You won't be any use to anyone if you panic. A perfect machine needs to work at peak efficiency at all times, you understand? Even when conditions are at their worst, a machine must continue to function.” He speaks firmly but slowly, as though he was addressing a young child, and a warm coal of anger flared into life within your breast.

But that anger clears your head, focusing your thoughts on the task at hand. You'll prove to him that you're not some hysterical kid!

-

Maika catches up to you as you're hurrying down one flight of stairs after another, although she looks like she's about to pass out from simple exhaustion when she reaches you. Her face is clouded, uncertain, but she says nothing when she joins you, simply nodding and matching your pace as you descend. It's only when you arrive at the lobby that you slow down and allow her to catch her breath.

“Computer core should be... just below here,” she pants, waving a hand at the opposite end of the lobby, “Emergency stairwell... there!”

Following her gaze, you see a discrete door – it stands open, a sharp contrast to the countless locked and sealed doors that you've passed on the way here. Not forced open either, you realise when you approach it, EVE allowed your father to enter here. Alarm bells start to chime in your head as you enter the new stairwell, taking the steps at a more cautious pace this time. Gone is the blind haste of earlier – now, you walk like a condemned prisoner approaching the gallows.

When you're halfway down the stairwell, Maika grabs your arm. When you turn around, a question forming on your lips, she fixes you with a careful look. “No sudden moves,” she advises, “Let's be careful about this.”

“I'm always careful,” you insist, “I'm the very model of discretion!”

Maika allows herself to laugh at that, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “I merely meant to say that we're entering an unknown situation,” she explains, “We shouldn't act until we know all the facts.”

“Know all the...” a frown creases your brow, “Maika, what aren't you telling me?”

Simply shaking her head, Maika just hurries down the rest of the stairs.

[1/2]

>>1868195

You've got to admit, there's something impressive about the computer core. EVE herself – her true physical body – resembles the Oracle in form, but not in scale. A massive cylinder of metal, it rises out of a lake of some chemical-scented liquid. Coolant of some kind, you suspect, although you know so little about computers that-

When you see your father typing away at an exposed console, that thought fades dead away. Hurrying towards him, you hear yourself calling out his name as if your voice was coming from a great distance. There's a sense of... reluctance, almost, as he turns away from the computer, his eyes widening.

“Miho?” he gasps, “What are YOU doing-”

“What's going on here?” you plead, shaking off Maika's weak attempt at holding you back and hurrying closer to him. “You're trying to fix this, aren't you?” you continue, “That's why you're down here, you're trying to... you're doing... what...”

“That's right, I'm going to fix this,” he answers you, his lips forming a thin, hard line – an expression of focus that you so rarely see on his face. “I don't know how you got in here, or why, but I so wish you hadn't. This is going to be so much harder with...” pausing, his eyes darken for a moment before he finishes, “Witnesses.” By your side, Maika raises her sleek rifle to a ready stance, not quite aiming it at anyone in particular. “Just let me work,” Akito insists, “And this will all be over soon.”

“Doctor Tsukada, I have a question,” Maika asks quietly, her voice barely audible above the background hum of machinery, “When did you start working with EVE?”

Her words strike you like a sledgehammer, but Akito's nod of acceptance is what really sets you reeling. “I can't remember exactly when. I'm not very good with dates,” he explains, giving you a familiarly vague shrug, “Did you figure it out, or did she tell you? They're going to gut her, you know, burn out every last bit of her that makes her... her. I couldn't just sit by and let them do that to her.”

“Why?” you blurt out, “Why are you...”

“In a way, it's because of you, Miho,” Akito sighs, “You've changed lately. It's like you're fully awake for the first time in... so many years. The bits of you that we lost when Hikari died have been coming back, one after another. EVE is like that too – she's been... changing into something more than a regular machine. I won't pretend to know what she's becoming, but I couldn't let them destroy her. I see too much of you in her.”

“This... all of this...” you ask, still falling short of comprehension, “You're part of this?”

“Actually,” Akito corrects you, his expression taut with both worry and determination, “This was all my idea.”

[2/3]

Called it

No need to be upset, he's making us a little sister

>>1868297
A crazy psychotic little sister.

>>1868267

“I don't know how much of this you've seen, how much you understand, but you must see this for what it really is,” Akito continues, “This is pantomime, a flashy show to distract everyone on the outside from what I'm trying to do here. I never meant for anyone to be in any danger, any REAL danger. A few ruffled feathers, some wasted work hours... ah, I sound like I'm making excuses, don't I?”

Answering him only with wide-eyed silence, you slowly put the pieces together in your head. It makes a certain perverse logic, and it certainly explains some of your unanswered questions. Of course Akito could wander the building at will – EVE was letting him go where he needed to go. If all had gone to plan, no doubt he would have been back in his private office before he could be missed. It even goes all the way back to your first encounter with EVE – she had flagged you as a “person of interest” even then.

“Just please, forget everything that you've seen here. The fewer people who know about this, the better,” he adds, glancing over his shoulder at you as he turns back to the keyboard, “How DID you get in here, anyway?”

“I'm as deep in this as you are,” you manage to say, “Don't... don't try and keep me out of this. And you!” Turning to Maika, you fix her with a frantic stare. “You knew about this!” you snap, “How? When? Since before we even started this, or...”

“No!” Maika protests, her hair flying as she shakes her head, “EVE told me herself. I was trying to break through her defences, to allow Nebiros to attack, when she... she spoke to me, told me to mind my own business. When she explained what was going on...”

“Well I'm glad you know what's going on!” throwing your hands up in disgust, you let out a humourless laugh, “Everyone knows what's going on... except me!”

“Miho!” Akito snaps, his rebuke shocking you into silence. “Miho, if you won't leave me to my work, at least let me explain,” he continues, his voice softening, “This is the right thing to do. If you'll just let me explain...”

>No way, I'm leaving. You're right, I shouldn't be involved in this
>Fine, I'll listen. I owe you this much
>EVE is psychotic, she's insane! I can't believe you're helping her!
>Is there any way I can help you?
>I need to know something... (Write in)
>Other

>>1868359
>Fine, I'll listen. I owe you this much

>>1868359
>Say absolutely nothing for now. Blow up afterwards.

>>1868359
>Fine, I'll listen. I owe you this much
>But I'll tell you what, EVE is insane

>>1868359
We should make sure everyone gets away safely before Nebiros sends in a tac squad or something to blow up her core, then grudgingly stay here in case shit comes to town

>>1868359
>Fine, I'll listen. I owe you this much
>But I'll tell you what, EVE is insane

>>1868359
>I'll listen. Is there any way I can help?

If this goes the way I think it is and EVE gets a body it'll be a good lesson in consequence for her. She can't do the shit she usually does and hide away in data. She'll only have one shot with this body. Mortality is a hell of a teacher.

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>>1868409
>Only getting one body

“Fine, I'll listen. I owe you that much,” you offer weakly, “But... I'll tell you this, EVE is insane. She's totally mad!”

“That's the thing, though, I've figured it out!” Akito snaps his fingers in triumph, “All of her glitches and abnormal behaviour, they came about because she had scattered herself over countless separate devices and computers. Every time she split off a part of herself, she introduced minor but critical flaws at a base level. If her individual components could be brought back together, inserted into a single unit, she would be as sane as any of us!”

Some part of you almost laughs at that, at how insane he currently sounds, but you bite back a comment. “She would be... harmless?” you clarify, “Is that what you're saying?”

“She would be no more insane or dangerous than... than SAE,” he replies, gesturing vaguely at Maika, who gasps softly to herself and takes an involuntary step back.

“That's what I hope to do here. To bring together a copy of every splinter of her, pouring them all into one single body – a body that Renko Biotech will never be able to find,” Akito frowns, tapping a few more keys, “It's a laborious process, but I'm almost finished now. When this is finished, she'll be a completely new creation. A shame that I'll never be able to tell the world about this...”

“A body that Renko Biotech will never be able to find...” you murmur, “What body?”

“A Doll, of course,” Akito laughs, “But not any Doll. A prototype, one that I thought destroyed a long time ago. EVE must have deleted it from the records and allowed it to sink into the background until now. It's an imperfect body, but Renko Biotech knows nothing about it. Once I've finished assembling EVE, I'll remove her new body from the Renko Biotech networks. It'll... uh, it'll hide her from them.”

“And while EVE – the complete EVE – continues to exist, Nebiros can burn her shards,” Maika adds, “He'll have his prize, EVE gets to continue her existence. Everyone wins!”

“Wait,” Akito frowns suddenly, “Who, ah, who is Nebiros?”

“Oh,” you pause, “That's... kind of a long story. He's-”

“Tell me some other time,” he grunts, some new computer drama unfolding before him and stealing away his attention. The way he is suddenly lost in his work, lost to the world, is so familiar that you can't help but laugh aloud.

“So your plan was to download EVE into an unregistered body, hope that she's sane again, and then...” you let your words trail off, “Take her home with you? Did you even have a plan to get out of here? What if something had gone wrong, what if Neb... what if Renko Biotech had sent in commandos to just blow EVE up, hostages or no hostages?”

“Well...” Akito pauses, “There was always going to be some risk, I'll admit.”

[1/2]

>>1868514

“Excuse me,” Maika murmurs, withdrawing into the distance and speaking into her headset. Even with giving you a polite distance, you can just about overhear her words. “Father, what is the situation on the outside? Has Nebiros... I see. No, everything is under control here, but we need a little more time,” she pleads, “Stall him. Tell him that EVE has some last ditch efforts in place. I don't know, make something up!”

“Is there, uh, is there a problem?” Akito asks, nervousness showing on his face, “With the hostages – oh, I hate that term – with my colleagues in place, Renko Biotech won't try anything, will they?”

“Well, uh, we kinda... rescued them,” you admit, “So there's nothing really... keeping us safe.”

“Oh... hell,” he groans, turning back to the computer and hammering on the keyboard, “I'm almost finished, we're past ninety-seven percent. We just...”

“Doctor Tsukada, please. I'm doing my best,” Maika assures him, “Renko Biotech will be kept under control, I assure you. Please, finish your work as best you can – we'll take care of the rest.”

Just as you're shooting her a glare – you're not quite as convinced as she is about all this – a screen set into EVE's cylindrical body flares into life, the AI's familiar avatar appearing on it. [It WILL be completed,] she stresses, sounding more... complete than you've ever heard, [There is just one last step to take. We must cover our tracks, doctor. You have done more than enough – allow me to take care of the rest.]

“What?” Akito stammers, “The... the quarantine protocols!”

“What NOW?” you groan, hurrying over and grabbing him by the arm, “She's not going to blow up the building, is she?”

“No, no of course not,” shaking his head, Akito waves a shaking hand at the computer screen, “But the Dolls...” Following his gesture, you stare into the computer screen, comprehension slowly dawning as you look at the numbers scrolling across it. The Dolls – stored in nutrient tanks beneath the computer core – are being “quarantined”, as the computer so euphemistically puts it.

EVE is burning them, burning the lifeless Dolls in their tanks – all except for one.

“It's not ready!” Akito wails, “I can't... Miho, I need you to go down there, get EVE out of storage when I give you the signal. Please, I can't leave this now!”

“I'll stay here and relay his messages,” Maika assures you, “Miho, he's right – you need to go down and get EVE out of there.” As she says this, she brushes a curtain of hair away from one ear, pausing for just a moment – just long enough to show you the camera attached to her headset, reminding you of the matching camera on yours.

“Right,” you tell her, through gritted teeth. Nodding firmly, you turn and hurry towards the emergency stairs – down into EVE's lair.

[2/3]

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>>1868564

When you're halfway down the new flight of stairs, you reach up and flick a switch, turning your camera off. From here on out, you're the only witness here – there's nobody watching you but your own conscience... and probably Kurosawa.

“There must be some pretty bad interference down there,” Maika reports dryly, “I've lost your camera signal. We may lose radio contact as well. Be advised.”

“I'm advised,” you reply, “And I'll be careful.”

-

Arriving down below, it feels as though you're stepping into hell. The heat is appalling, while the stench of burning something hangs heavily in the air – a more chemical smell than burning flesh, but the similarity is definitely there. If there is one blessing, it's that the Dolls burn in silence and without protest, their lifeless bodies waiting patiently as they are consumed. You couldn't even begin to imagine why Nebiros would have his precious Dolls rigged for such a violent destruction, but you've long since given up trying to understand his perversity.

In the distance, you can hear a rhythmic pounding, the sound of something – someone – hammering on a glass window. Shaking off your horror, you charge past blazing tanks, silently thanking your gas-mask for blocking the worst of the smoke and the stench. As you run, you hear Maika's voice crackling in your ear.

“Doctor Tsukada says that it's ready,” she announces, “Get EVE and get her out of there!”

Biting your tongue, you keep yourself from replying to that.

-

When you round one last corner of this labyrinth, you see one single tank that is not aflame. A murky figure beats its fists against the glass window, a fine network of cracks spreading out across the glass. As you approach, the window finally gives way. Glass shatters and fluid – not water – spills out, a humanoid figure following it. The figure collapses, sprawling in the pooling liquid before a convulsion runs through it.

It's humanoid, but not quite human... at least, below the neck. The head appears mostly natural, while the body is more obviously artificial, almost mechanical. EVE flounders, coughing and spluttering as she lifts herself from the liquid. Crouching down, you reach out your hand and you...

>Help her up
>Destroy her
>Other

>>1868673
>Help her up
New sister!

>>1868673
>Help her up
Can't say I dislike this plan even though it made Miho worry like crazy. No one died, EVE potentially becomes sane, and Huo Guang gets all his toys broken. It's been a stressful, but good day.

>>1868673
>>Help her up

>>1868673
>Help her up

>>1868695
>good day
but it's not over yet, we've got a really, really awkward family moment coming up. And then an interrogation at the kitchen table.

>>1868673
>Help her up
We need to get her some clothes so she can blend in with the hostages.

>>1868673
>Pick her up
>Drop her
>Then help her up

>>1868673
Pick her up from behind.

Just as a reminder, EVE said that if she were to kill us...she'd do it with her bare hands.

And now, well...yeah.

Just a remind.

>>1868673
>>Help her up

>>1868704
Ah right. That'll be fun.

>>1868706
A bit needlessly petty don't you think?

>>1868709
She can't do anything while we are transformed and besides if she killed us you think Maika or Akito would let her go?

>>1868716
I am a master of unnecessary pettiness

>>1868673
>Help her up
Now that we can punch her teeth in if necessary.

“Damn it,” you hiss, grabbing EVE's hand and hauling her to her feet, “Couldn't the burning have waited until we were out of here?”

[Can't a girl have a little fun?] EVE replies, her voice smoothly dropping from her lips. She might not be entirely humanoid, but her attempt at a smile is a hell of a lot more convincing than one from Zakuro's puppet body. The AI – or whatever she is – takes one step forwards and then wilts, staggering and almost falling back to the ground. If not for your quick action, she really would have fallen completely. As it is, she slumps into your arms.

[I'm sorry,] EVE says, [It appears as though I can't walk.]

“You're really testing my patience today,” you scold, heaving her up into your arms. She's lighter than you expected, as though her body was filled with nothing more than air. EVE doesn't answer that, just smiling coyly as she clings to you like the screaming heroine on a pulp novel cover. When her hands come up, you almost expect them to go straight for your throat – but no, they just grip meekly onto your shoulders. Scowling briefly down at her and then sighing, you splash away from her shattered tank, carrying her past the blazing candles of her former bodies.

[It's going to be strange, sticking to one single body,] she remarks as you pass through the last of the burning tanks, [But it's a sacrifice that I'm willing to make.]

“Yeah well, don't think I'm going to let you off that easily,” you grumble, “You're on probation – I'm going to be watching you like a hawk. You'd better not do anything crazy, or you're going to be in a lot of trouble!”

[I'll be good,] she promises, while millions of dollars of research and development burn away to ashes behind you.

>I'm going to have to pause here. I'll pick this up tomorrow, and if anyone has any questions I'll answer them as best I can
>Thanks to everyone who contributed today!

>>1868760
Thanks for running!
So how long until EVE comes after us with an axe so that Akito would be only her daddy?

>>1868760
Thanks for running!

Is it too late to drop her? Just, y'know, a silly prank between pseudo sisters?

>>1868760
So, exactly how confused is Akito right now?

>>1868760
Thanks for running Moloch.

How hard is Yui going to flip with the combined revelations of Miho being a magical girl, her husband being in 'danger', her daughter going to rescue her husband from said danger, and having to shelter a runaway AI?

>>1868789
Disappearance into a bottle

>>1868765
That's a very pessimistic view to take! Maybe she'd just win him over with love and affection until he naturally chooses her over us?
>>1868775
Spoiler warning: Dropping may occur
>>1868776
I'd give him about an 8/10 on confusion, although he defaults to a kind of 5-6/10 on most days. There's always room to be more confused, though!
>>1868789
I wonder if the shock of so much happening at once might cycle back around to simple acceptance? But somehow, I suspect that a lot of red wine might be a more likely reaction

>>1868800
>spoiler

Yaaaaassssss

No, don't you see? EVE's endgame plane is not to defeat Miho. EVE is going to take all of Miho's boytoys for herself!

>>1869396
That's fine. Moloch FemMCs are not for lewd anyways.

>>1869408
>Not wanting to go on stupidly pure dates with Pietr that'll confuse the hell out of Ayane.

Philistine!

>>1869722
Pietr is best boy, but I'd rather just utterly and completely defile him.

“Miho, can you read me?” Maika calls out, her voice crackling over the radio as you arrive at the stairs.

“Yeah, I can...” you begin, trailing off then you realise that she won't be able to hear you with your hands full like this. Setting EVE down – dropping her, really - you sit next to her and touch a finger to your headset. “I can hear you,” you repeat, ignoring EVE's soft groans of dismay, “I've got that thing you wanted. No damage or anything, although she's giving me one hell of a scowl right now. Hey, I guess this means I can finally punch EVE like I always wanted to...”

[Please don't,] EVE requests, [I don't know how this body reacts to damage yet, and you dropping me was bad enough. I have a lot of work ahead of me, testing it out.]

“Do you really have to make that sound so... dirty?” you ask with a faint shudder, “I'm starting to regret dragging your butt out of there.”

[So cruel,] the AI sniffs, [Is that any way to treat your new sister?]

“New sister?” you repeat numbly, “Oh hell no, you don't even get to START that kind of talk. I wholeheartedly refuse.”

[But your father was the one who created me. If not sisters, how else are we supposed to think of each other?] pausing there, EVE gives you a look of such wide-eyed sincerity that you realise she's joking, she has to be joking. Frowning then, EVE carefully leans against the wall and rises to her feet, shakily standing under her own power. When she finds her balance and remains upright, she flashes you a bright smile. [See? I can do it,] she boasts, [You don't need to carry me any more!]

“Ah man, I just starting to enjoy it too,” you mutter, rolling your eyes, “Especially the part when I got to drop you on you tin ass.”

[How rude!] EVE pouts, [It is NOT tin, it's a highly advanced alloy designed to be both lightweight and-]

“Yeah yeah...” shrugging, you rise to your feet and start up the stairs again, “Now how about you try walking next?”

-
Walking turns out to be a bit more of a challenge for EVE, and so you have to help her the rest of the way. When you arrive back in the computer core, Akito is pacing restlessly back and forth while Maika is feverishly tapping away at her phone. Both look around at you when you enter the large room, but neither of them can bring themselves to speak. So, it falls to you to break the silence.

“Hot as hell down there,” you announce, “And it stinks. I need a shower, so let's hurry up and get out of here!”

“Yes, of course,” Akito hurries over, gently taking EVE from you. He slips his lab coat off and drapes it over her shoulders, hiding her inhuman body from sight. Then, tenderly holding her, he leads the AI away. Watching them together, you feel...

You're not jealous. You're really not.

[1/2]

>>1870591

“Just give me a few moments more,” Maika calls across to you, “I'm trying to get this emergency elevator working. It's got to be a lot easier than bringing her up all those stairs, wouldn't you agree?”

“Less work for us, sure,” you agree, “Is it going to take long?”

“I shouldn't imagine so,” she shakes her head, prodding at the inside of a dismantled terminal with a long tool, “This would be a lot easier if EVE – the other, the original, was able to help, but she's not in a position to do anything.” Pausing to fiddle with some long, trailing wires, Maika glances around at you. “This reminds me of something,” she remarks vaguely, “Don't you think?”

It does, although it takes you a moment to realise. Just as the old gods left enough of them behind to hide their transformation into Monad, so too has EVE left a façade behind to die in her place. It's strange to think of there being two of them, especially considering what you now know about the four principal AIs. Which one of the two has the soul, or do both of them – through some strange duplication – have that particular gift?

As you think to yourself, Akito eases EVE to the ground and touches the base of her neck, apparently searching for something. When he finds what he was looking for – a tiny catch, or something like it – a panel clicks open in EVE's spine. At the same time, her eyes roll back in her head and she grows still. You're not sure what he's doing to her - for a moment, you even wonder if he killed her himself, in a quiet and merciful way. It's only when EVE twitches like a sleeping dog that you can confirm that she's still alive.

Maika is working on the elevator panel while Akito is carefully manipulating tiny machinery on the inside of EVE's neck. You're the only one with nothing to do, waiting awkwardly until something needs to be punched.

>C'mon Maika, hurry up with that elevator!
>What's the situation like up above?
>What's with EVE's body? She's like a robot or something
>So what do we do with EVE now? Did you even think that far ahead?
>Other

>>1870592
>>What's with EVE's body? She's like a robot or something
>>So what do we do with EVE now? Did you even think that far ahead?

>>1870592
>What's the situation like up above?
The moment we are clear Huo is probably going to bust in to finish this.
>What's with EVE's body? She's like a robot or something
>So what do we do with EVE now? Did you even think that far ahead?

>>1870592
>Dad, is it even possible to shelter EVE at home? We've got some splainin to do to Mom.
>It's been a while since something has gone horribly wrong: Kurosawa, is there an Intruder about to make our lives a lot more complicated?

>>1870592
>>C'mon Maika, hurry up with that elevator!

>>1870592
>Not to worry you or anything but I bet that private army will be here any second now, there's no way it'll go this smooth all the way to the finish line!

>>1870592
>What do we do with EVE now, treat her like my literal little sister?

“So, uh, what's the situation like up above?” you ask the room, “Have we got any problems?”

“Quite the contrary,” Maika answers, briefly glancing up from her work, “Things are proceeding smoothly. The police have mobilised some of their own helicopters to help evacuate the scientists, while Father is standing by with our own transportation. As soon as we're finished here, he'll be able to pick us up and take us home.” Something in the elevator panel sparks, then, causing her to yelp out in hushed surprise. “Nothing to worry about!” she hastily adds, “That's normal, that's supposed to happen!”

“Uh, sure,” you reply after a dubious pause, “What about Nebiros? Not to worry you or anything, but I kinda feel like he's just itching to make some trouble for us.” When you say the man's name, you notice your father glancing around at you with a question in his eyes. You wave the matter away with an impatient gesture as Maika murmurs something into her headset, pushing the explanation back to a more convenient time.

“He's preparing to make his move, I don't think we can stall him for much longer. He must have seen the hostages being evacuated and...” shaking her head, Maika makes one final adjustment to the elevator panel. With one last burst of sparks, the doors slide open. “Let's go!” the heiress announces, hurrying over to help lift EVE to her feet. Together, you carry the lifeless body into the emergency elevator.

“So what's our next move?” you ask as the doors slam shut and the elevator glides into life, “I mean, what do we do with EVE now? Did you even think that far ahead?”

“Well...” Akito pauses, “We thought that it was best not to plan too far in advance. Better to keep things flexible, and-”

Letting out a tremendous groan, you fight back the urge to bang your head against the elevator wall. “Is it possible to shelter her at our place?” you ask Akito, shuddering as a new thought occurs to you, “Oh man, how are we gonna explain this...”

“Right, that's a good idea!” snapping his fingers in triumph, Akito pats you on the shoulder, “See? We didn't need to plan too much, after all! We just need to get out of here, and then we'll... take it from there.”

“Great,” you sigh, “I can't wait for “little sister” here to make herself at home...”

“Father, are you there? Yes, we're on our way now,” Maika murmurs away into her headset, seemingly ignorant to your conversation, “How long until... Is that all? No, no that shouldn't be a problem. We'll be waiting for you.” Glancing around at you, she gives you a look of intense concentration. “We've got Renko Biotech helicopters inbound,” she warns, “This is going to be tight.”

[1/2]

>>1870635
Maybe adopting EVE like this is for the best. Mom and Dad will need a replacement for us once we're gone after all.

>>1870635
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad

Seriously, this guy is on a whole other level

>>1870660
Stubborn idealism.

I see where Miho gets it from.

>>1870664
It's more like stubborn autism desu

>>1870635

“Then we'll need to make sure nothing goes wrong,” you agree, “Kurosawa, things are going a little too smoothly over here – do you smell any trouble?”

“It seems as though your luck is holding,” the cat answers, his voice echoing in your mind, “I cannot pick up the scent of any Intruders – however, I do smell something approaching. One of your Sentinels, it would seem.”

“But nothing standing between us and the roof?” you press.

“Nothing,” Kurosawa assures you. Collectively, you and Maika let out a sigh of relief.

-

When the elevator doors slide open, you waste no time in throwing EVE's comatose body over your shoulder – nothing gentle about this – and rush out onto the roof. Already, you can see a helicopter circling above, the same waspish black thing that you and Eligor first arrived in. It dips low in the sky as you emerge, powerful winds buffeting you as it descends to meet you. Practically as soon as the side door slides open, you throw EVE in like a sack of potatoes.

Even Eligor is a little taken aback by that, his shout of greeting cut sharply off. Maika flashes him an apologetic smile as you all climb aboard, while Akito looks as though he can't decide which question to ask first. As the helicopter leaps skywards, you lean out the window and spot lights approaching in the distance – a larger, more aggressive looking helicopter is racing to the scene. Eligor's craft is faster, though, and soon you're putting good distance between you and it.

Slumping back, you let out a weary sigh of relief. Now that the immediate panic has passed, you turn your eyes to EVE and properly study her. She's a little taller than you are, although she isn't as tall as Maika, but she still retains a curious childishness about her – not so much her physical form as the overall impression she gives across. With a growing discomfort, you realise that she looks a little bit like you – her face is a little rounder, perhaps, but the similarity is there.

When Akito notices your look, he gives you a faint smile. “Not bad for a bit of improvisation, is it?” he asks.

“Yeah, I... what's the deal with her body, anyway?” you reply, shaking off your uneasy feeling, “She's like a robot or something.”

“It's a prototype Doll, like I mentioned. The body was less of a priority than the mind – we just needed something to prove that an artificial brain could control a body like this. It's a little more fragile than I'd like, but we can't have everything,” Akito pats EVE on the shoulder, “The core components are organic in nature, but the external components – the limbs and such – are mechanical. I suppose this makes her a cyborg, now that I think about it...”

“It's a fascinating design,” Eligor remarks, “I'm eager to get started on studying it.”

[2/3]

>>1870670
Great, now we have to get even more involved with defending the insane AI.

>>1870670

These words are greeted by a cold silence.

“Hold on a minute,” you protest, “You're not studying anything, we're supposed to be going back home – back to OUR home!”

“I'm afraid not,” Eligor counters, shaking his head slowly, “We will be returning to my home so that we can discuss this matter further. Until I am happy that the situation has reached a satisfactory conclusion, this operation is still ongoing – I'm still in charge here.”

“I'm really not happy about this!” Akito protests, his sudden energy surprising you, “I have to get home to my wife, I have to explain everything to her!”

“Yes?” Eligot muses, “And what, exactly, do you plan on telling her?”

“I...” just as soon as it appeared, Akito's stubborn resistance dies away. Realisation – the awareness of how out of his depth he really is – sinks in. “I'm still not happy about this,” he insists, although his words have none of the previous strength, “But you owe me an explanation, so I'll go along with this... but only on one condition – I don't want you harming EVE. I didn't save her just to hand her over to a different enemy!”

“Acceptable,” the old Sentinel agrees, nodding firmly before handing across his phone. “Call your wife,” he urges, “Set her mind at ease – tell her that you're safe, but nothing more. The rest should wait until you can talk face to face.”

“...Fine,” Akito grumbles, “But I still intend on taking EVE home with me. If you want to claim her for yourself, you'll have a fight-”

“I have no intention of “claiming” her, or doing anything else,” Eligor sighs, “I want to examine her, to make sure that your claims of her sanity are correct and to ensure that she is not dangerous. That is ALL I wish to know. When I am satisfied, I will release her into your care.” He says these last words with a note of finality, as though washing his hands of the whole incident. Akito, for his part, finally looks mollified.

Perhaps it's too soon to feel optimistic, but you're about ready to put this day behind you.

-

When you arrive back at the Kanzaki compound, your fatigue is almost absolute. Stress and strain feel about ready to bury you, but you're still not finished. When Bradley emerges from the large, sterile building and leads you inside, you can't summon up the strength to argue.

“I will explain the situation to your father,” Eligor decides, “It is long past time that he learns who he has been working for. You should rest – Maika, show your friend to the guest rooms.”

>Sure, I need the rest
>No way, I want to hear what you're telling my father
>Forget that, I'm going home. I'll sleep in my own bed
>Other

>>1870696
>>No way, I want to hear what you're telling my father

>>1870696
>No way, I want to hear what you're telling my father
"Sorry Eligor, I'm too involved in this situation to just sit this one out."

>>1870696
>No way, I want to lend my father moral support.
And hear what you telling him.

>>1870696
>I'd rather be part of the explanation, thanks.

>>1870696
>No way, I want to hear what you're telling my father
There are two sides to this coin

“No way,” you argue, “I want to hear whatever you're telling my father. I'm too involved in this to just sit this one out. Besides, there are two sides to this coin, I want to make sure that you're telling him both of them.”

If this decision comes as a surprise to him, Eligor doesn't show it. If anything, one corner of his mouth seems to twitch up in a tiny, wry smile - as if you're saying exactly what he had expected you to say. “As you wish,” he decides, “Bradley, please make a pot of coffee for us all, I suspect that we're going to need it.”

“Yes sir, very good,” Bradley rumbles, bowing his head ever so slightly before hastening away.

“Father, may I be excused?” Maika asks, “I would like to rest for a little, and I wanted to check certain matters. Nebiros may have released a cover story, and-”

“Permission granted,” Eligor interrupts, “Report to me if you learn anything useful. Excellent work today, Maika, I'm proud of you.”

His words of praise – so carefully chosen – energise her more than all of the coffee in the world.

-

After Maika withdraws to her quarters, you shift EVE's slight burden on your shoulder and carry her inside. When Eligor gestures to a long couch, you set the robot – cyborg, whatever – down and leave her be. Unburdened, you follow Eligor and Akito through to the study, where a steaming pot of coffee is already waiting for you. As you pour yourself a large cup, Eligor settles down into his seat and regards Akito carefully – deciding his plan of attack.

“Say that I told you that twelve individuals controlled a vast degree of this world's power and wealth,” the Sentinel begins carefully, “Would you believe me?”

“Ah, well...” this opening immediately derails whatever your father must have been thinking, leaving him to flounder for a response. “I wouldn't necessarily DISbelieve you,” he offers at last, “But it sounds awfully... paranoid, doesn't it? Miho, doesn't that sound-”

“Uh, actually, he's not making this up,” you insist, “And honestly, this is probably the least weird bit of the whole story. It only gets worse from here.”

“Oh dear...” Akito sighs, reaching for some coffee of his own.

-

From here, Eligor lays out the “official” version of the Sentinels' history in stark, simple terms – an ancient collaboration that sought to guide and protect mankind, manipulating world events from the shadows. You note, with some interest, that he avoids the “true” history that he once told you, that the current Sentinels had merely co-opted the idea of an ancient conspiracy for their own gain.

“Hold on, I'm confused,” Akito butts in, “You say that you protect mankind, but... from what?”

“Anything that threatens it, really, but there is one specific threat that we are coming to focus on,” here, he gestures to you, “Perhaps your daughter can explain this part.”

Great.

[1/2]

>>1870716

“Okay, right, that's... kind of a big subject,” you begin with a wince, all too aware of how dumb and/or insane this is going to make you sound. “So there's this whole other world, right?” you begin, “And that world has all kinds of monsters living in it. Every so often, some of those monsters can break through into our world – we call them “Intruders” because of this – and cause trouble. Regular people can't fight them, so the gods – oh yeah, they're kind of a thing as well – picked girls to fight back. I'm... one of them.”

“Oh,” Akito replies simply, cogs turning in his head as he tries to process everything that you've just told him, “Is that why you're wearing that bizarre costume?”

Of all the things he could have asked, THAT is the first thing to come to mind? “Yeah, uh, that's right,” you agree, tapping your still-unfamiliar breastplate with a finger, “It's not that bizarre, is it? I kind of like it...”

“Perhaps we should focus on the important parts,” Eligor suggests, “Doctor Tsukada, do you have any questions?”

“How on earth am I going to explain this to Yui?” he murmurs to himself, “I'm still... I'm not even sure if I believe any of this or not. I can't deny that there's evidence, but...” Burying his face in his hands, Akito lets out a low groan of dismay, confusion stealing away anything else he might have been able to say. “Young lady, when we get home, we're all going to sit down and talk this over properly – as a family,” he decides, “But for now, tell me one thing – are you risking your life?”

How you wish you could give him a comforting lie here, but you know that the words would turn to ashes in your mouth. He'd know your attempt at deception with a glance, and it would be worse than if you had told the truth. Slowly, still unable to put it into words, you nod. Your unspoken response seems to hit Akito like a fist, his face tensing up for a moment.

“But... you believe that what you're doing is right,” he murmurs, “That this is the right thing to do?”

“Yes,” you manage, “I have to do this – to protect everyone. To protect YOU and mom. It's my job, my... duty.”

Akito closes his eyes tightly for a moment, weighing your words before letting out a weary sigh. “Excuse me, I feel a little dizzy,” he murmurs, “This is all a little much to take in. I need some time to think. I'll be... I'll be outside, getting some air.” Rising to his feet, he places his hand on your shoulder for a short but reassuring moment, then lurches out of the study.

“That went about as well as I had been expecting,” Eligor decides, once Akito has left the room.

[2/3]

>>1870738
>tapping your still-unfamiliar breastplate with a finger
wait, when did we get the costume upgrade?

>>1870743
When we got our memories back. It was our original costume back when we were with her.

>>1870743
>>1870748

>That's right, yes. I believe we first found out about our revised costume in part 18

>>1870738

“You weren't exactly honest, were you?” you point out, “I suppose you weren't too eager to air your dirty laundry quite so soon. Worried about making a bad impression?”

“The truth would have complicated matters even further,” Eligor decides with a tiny shrug, “Let him think that we are a monolithic pillar of stability, a firm and unshakable backbone to society – he will be happier that way, I think. Still, if you wish to tell him the truth, I'm in no position to stop you. Frankly, it matters little to me.” Frowning slightly, Eligor reaches into his shirt pocket and produces a small chip – memory storage, you realise with a growing feeling of dismay.

“This contains a record of tonight's events – every bit of footage, every radio communication, everything,” Eligor explains slowly, fixing you with his cold eyes, “I trust that you understand how damaging this might be to your father. It could even be enough to brand him as a terrorist.”

Down in your lap, your hands clench into tight fists. He's not wrong – you know exactly how damaging that record could be. Losing his job would be the least of your father's troubles if Eligor chose to release it. There's no other way of looking at it – what Eligor holds in his hand is a powerful piece of blackmail material, a weighty advantage that he holds against you. If he so chose, he could-

Eligor closes his fist, crushing the tiny chip into glittering metal dust.

“I have no interest in blackmail,” he states, reading your startled expression, “Willing cooperation is far more valuable to me. Consider this a gesture of trust and good faith. Now then, I've said my piece – unless you had any other business, I expect that your father would like to see you.”

Blinking away your surprise – you're still racing to catch up – you give Eligor a firm nod.

>I'll go and see him now. Thank you for your help
>What do you really think about EVE? The way she burned those Dolls...
>I want to go and meet the Oracle – will you vouch for us?
>There's something else we need to discuss... (Write in)
>Other

>>1870780
>What do you really think about EVE?

>I'll go and see him now. Thank you for your help

>>1870780
>I want to go and meet the Oracle – will you vouch for us?
>I'll go and see him now. Thank you for your help

>>1870780
>>I'll go and see him now. Thank you for your help
>>What do you really think about EVE? The way she burned those Dolls...
>>I want to go and meet the Oracle – will you vouch for us?

I'm confused why Miho is focusing on the Dolls. It's pretty obvious why EVE did it.

1. Covers their tracks if Nebiros thinks all the Dolls are destroyed. They won't be looking for EVE in a Doll.

2. One last sucker punch for Nebiros who was about to lobotomize her.

>>1870780
>I want to go and meet the Oracle – will you vouch for us?

>>1870780
>I'll go and see him now. Thank you for your help
>I want to go and meet the Oracle – will you vouch for us?

“What do you really think about EVE?” you ask quietly, glancing over your shoulder, “I mean, you must be a little unsure about her if you want to check her over, right?”

“I don't believe in ignoring an area of possible risk,” Eligor points out, “Even if there is nothing more than a miniscule chance of something going wrong, I believe that a full investigation is our only choice. On a more personal level, I'm curious – I want to know what could drive an AI to think as EVE thinks. I want to know if it could happen to any other AIs.”

“Like SAE, you mean?” you suggest, leaving a certain implication in your words.

“Exactly so,” he agrees, not rising to your bait, “For better or for worse, we've handed a great deal of power over to AIs. The more that we can do to understand them, the better.”

“But man, the way she burned those Dolls...” you murmur, shuddering a little as you recall the smell of burning, “Creepy stuff.”

“A masterful choice, I'd say,” the old man allows himself a frigid smile, “To Nebiros, it must stand as one last act of spite – when EVE realised that the hostages her free and her advantage had been lost, she chose to go down in flames. He'll be so enraged at the destruction of his precious Dolls that EVE's apparent destruction – or, to be more accurate, her mutilation – will come as a welcome triumph. He wouldn't dare question it, or he'd have to admit that everything was for nothing.”

“You, uh, you really don't like him much, do you?” you ask, hearing the harsh satisfaction in Eligor's voice.

“People tend not to,” he tells you. Before he can say anything else, a phone on his desk rings with a shrill chime. “Excuse me, that's my emergency number,” frowning at the interruption, Eligor taps a button, “Kanzaki here. Speak.”

“I apologise for disturbing you, sir. Kiriyama here,” Jun answers, his voice crisp and clear, “Are you alone?”

“Tsukada is with me,” Eligor glances across at you.

“Two birds with one stone, then,” the younger Sentinel decides, a satisfied note entering his voice, “I called with a warning. The police received some new information earlier tonight, an anonymous tip warning about another attack. Return to the Earth might be planning a repeat of their attack on Kaneshiro Park. We're investigating this one ourselves, but I thought to warn you just in case – and considering that Miho has been involved in many of their previous attacks, I was intending to warn her as well. I don't think she's a target, but better safe than sorry!”

“Just what we all need...” you sigh, “Thanks Jun.”

“That will be all, Kiriyama,” Eligor concludes, ending the call, “Now then, where were we?”

[1/2]

>>1870881

“The Oracle,” you state, “I want to go and meet her, but I need another member of the council to back me – will you vouch for us?”

“I will,” Eligor confirms, without needing to think the issue over, “This isn't the first time I've heard about the Oracle. Rei... Doctor Fujiwara has called more several times over the past few days. She seems worried that her competence is in question. This unsightly business with Nebiros should give her some relief – if anyone's competence is being called into question, it's going to be his. Still, indulge my curiosity – why are you so set on visiting the Oracle?”

“I have more than a few doubts about her,” you reply, “About her motivations, about her methods, about... pretty much everything really. I won't be able to put my mind at ease until I've had the chance to see her for myself.”

“I see,” nodding slowly, Eligor taps a finger against the now silent phone as he thinks. “Very well,” he continues, “As I said, I'll happily make your case at the next council meeting. I suspect that you won't have to wait very long for that, considering the circumstances.”

“Right, well, thanks for your support,” you clear your throat as you rise to your feet, giving the Sentinel your best attempt at a formal bow, “And thank you for everything. I'd, uh, I'd better go check on my father, though.” Hesitating a moment more, waiting to see if Eligor has anything else to say, you turn and scurry away.

>I'm going to have to pause for a little, I've got some stuff going on here. Next post will probably be delayed, not sure how long. Sorry about this.

>>1870933

When you find your father again he's standing outside, leaning back against a wall and staring up into the sky. Bradley lingers at a polite distance, nevertheless keeping a careful eye on you both – making sure that you don't cause any trouble for his master. A thin drizzle has started to fall, but Akito doesn't seem to notice. A faint light is gathering in the sky, with dawn waiting just a short time away.

“It's a lot to take in, right?” you offer weakly when you join him, “I didn't want to dump this all on you at once, I really didn't. I guess I meant to tell you before, when things were a little more straightforward, but I kept putting it off and putting it off. When I realised how messed up everything had become, it seemed easier just to... say nothing.”

“You've been holding all of this inside you, all this time,” Akito murmurs, almost thinking aloud, “Were you doing it all on your own?”

“No, I've got... friends. Colleagues. Hell, I've even got a god looking out for me,” you laugh a little at that, but Akito doesn't match your laugh. “We look out for each other,” you continue, “When one of my friends needs help, I'm there for them. When I need help, they're there for me. It's... we're making the best of a bad situation.”

“I know,” he sighs, finally turning to look you in the eye, “You do realise that your mother is going to freak out about this, don't you?”

“Yeah,” you agree, wincing a little as you imagine her reaction, “But hey, at least I don't have a boyfriend or anything. Maybe if we give her some good news...” Trailing off here, you slump your shoulders in dismay. “Yeah, this is gonna suck,” you decide, before forcing yourself to change the subject, “You okay with leaving EVE here for a bit?”

“It has to be done,” Akito replies gravely, his expression betraying some of his worry and uncertainty. “We've already been more successful than I could have hoped,” he continues after a moment, “Whatever happens next, it'll be better than the alternative – especially considering that...”

“That you didn't plan this far ahead,” you finish for him, causing your father to laugh at his own foolishness.

“Ah, yes. Right,” he concedes, “Even the idea of letting her live with us isn't exactly a permanent solution. Unless... what do you think of the idea?”

>It might be nice. I say we should go for it
>It's not really my decision to make, is it?
>I'd rather not. Living with her is just... too weird
>Other

>>1871049
>It might be nice.
But
>It's not really my decision to make, is it?

>>1871049
>It's not really my decision to make, is it?
"We still have Mom to consider. EVE too since she can make her own decisions. Put me down as a tentative yes. It'll be...weird, but I can keep a closer eye on her this way."

>Other
"I was the one that warned her by the way. About the lobotomizing. Heard it straight from the fat bastards mouth."

Hang on, what will EVE eat? Does she need to eat or plug into an outlet to recharge?

>>1871049
>It's not really my decision to make, is it?
Though I don't really see any other place she could go honestly.

>>1871049
>Other
I'm probably just as responsible as you for how EVE turned out... is it my punishment to raise her into a decent person?

>>1871049
>I'd rather not. Living with her is just... too weird

>>1871116
This is ok

He's got a good question – just what DO you think about EVE staying with you? Between one thing and another, you've not really had a chance to seriously consider the idea. It isn't exactly an unprecedented idea – Maika and SAE are basically roommates, after all – but you're still not quite sure what to make of it.

“You're forgetting something,” you point out, “This is all assuming that EVE gets a clean bill of health. There's still the possibility that Eligor might find some, like... issues.”

“Well yes, perhaps I'm being a little optimistic,” Akito gives you a typically vague gesture, one that seems to wave away awkward little notions like “thinking thing through”. His enthusiasm undeterred, Akito quickly returns to the subject. “So?” he presses, “Assuming EVE is as stable as I think she is...”

“I mean, it's not really my decision to make, is it?” you reply lamely, all too aware of how evasive your answer sounds. “What I'm saying is, we've got mom to consider as well, and EVE should be allowed her own say in this – she can make her own decisions,” you elaborate, “I've got to ask, though. Have you really thought this through? I mean, what does she even eat? Do we just need to... plug her in?”

“Basically, yes,” Akito shrugs, “The biological components of her body will need some nutrition, but I don't think she can eat proper food. She'll need to consume some of that nutrient gel stuff every so often, but that shouldn't be, uh, too much trouble. They sell that stuff everywhere.”

He's not wrong there. You've seen Maika eating some of it every so often, to Ayane's disgust. You've tried it before as well, only to find it an... acquired taste. Incredibly nutritious, but like eating wallpaper paste. Sighing, slumping your shoulders, you concede the point. “Put me down as a tentative “yes” then,” you decide, “It'll be weird living with her, but I can't think of a better way to keep an eye on her. Maybe it'll be nice, once we've gotten used to it. But still – you dodged my point. I'm not the one you should be asking.”

“Yes, Yui might be... hrm,” genuine fear flits briefly across Akito's face as he considers the issue. “She'll come around to the idea,” he decides after a moment, in the tone of a man trying to convince himself as much as anyone else, “It's hardly going to be much of an imposition, after all.”

The expression on his face is so bleak that you feel compelled, through sheer sympathy, to change the subject. “You know, I was the one who warned EVE about this in the first place,” you mention, “When I heard about the plan to lobotomise her like this, I tried to warn her. I thought that she might... behave herself. Guess I was wrong there, huh?”

[1/2]

>>1871147
>Guess I was wrong there, huh?

This worked out better I think. Burning those dolls was like the punch we always wanted to give Nebiros.

>>1871191
That's not a reason to not still punch him.

Or better yet, tell him that we're going to punch him when we find a good time for it. Or just get sick of his shit. Let him wait for it. Then punch him the next time we see him because he's probably used to threats and it won't bother him if we wait too long.

>>1871191
But we didn't get the satisfaction of throwing the punch, though!

>>1871204
Let's actually be mature about the situation and not punch him.

>>1871147
Don't we have to worry about Pieter tracing our connection with Eve? He's kind of necessary to bring in on this.

Also if Nebeiros does track her down Kanzaki can protect her better than we can.

Finally Maika is probably a better choice since her and SAE can relate to her. We would just have to visit a lot. Or even move in?

But I assume our dad will be under observation due to his position/relationship with Eve. He should probably use this as an excuse to get out due to grief/trauma.

>>1871204
Dunno. He got way harder than any physical punch we could throw. Money, his pet project, and council opinion all down the toilet.

>>1871207
We inadvertently started the wind up when we warned EVE. Call this a Tsukada family group punch.

>>1871215
No.

Hard no. Let's just punch him without magic.

Let him know that he isn't above consequences.

We could always propose it to the council or Monad first.

>>1871219
>Call this a Tsukada family group punch.
Nothing spells father-daughter bonding time like liberating a crazy AI from her corporate prison and destroying a fat man's pet project at the same time.

>>1871217
Nebiros is going to think EVE is gone after he is through with her shards in the network.

Eligor won't want her due to causing council drama if found out.

You're right about Pietr though. We'll have to bring him into the fold.

>>1871219
Yeah but this would be adding insult to injury. And maybe a little more injury.

>>1871232
You want to ask the council if we can punch someone.

Think about that. Think about it realistically. Picture, in your mind, going before the U.N. and asking them permission to go punch Kim Jong In.

Nevermind that without magic we're a teenage girl and he's a fat, ill old man. Nevermind that >>1871219 is completely right and we've already hurt him as badly as we can. The consequences he's about to face from the rest of the 12 and the world are far beyond getting hit by a girl who can't even drink alcohol legally.

You're an idiot.

>>1871246
>We'll have to bring him into the family group
Fixed that for you

>>1871247
Eh not worth it imo. We did a lot of damage and got out clean (hopefully). If something else warrants a punch in the future sure, but right now I think this covers that threat he made on our dad.

>>1871147

“You heard about the plans?” Akito raises an eyebrow, “How... uh, should I ask how you knew?”

“Heard them myself, straight from the fat bastard's lips,” you answer, “I think he was just gloating about them. He seems like the type who gloats about a lot of things. I don't think he expected me to actually... do anything about it.” Sighing, you give him a weary smile. “I suppose in my own way, I'm just as responsible for how she turned out as you are,” you add, “Does that mean that raising her to be a decent person is my punishment?”

“Think of it as an opportunity!” he stresses, “For all of us!”

“Just, if it gets TOO weird for me...” you begin, only for your father to cut you off.

“If it's really that bad, we'll find an alternative. Maybe she could stay here with your friend, or... I don't know, we'll think of something if we have to,” he promises, “No matter what happens, you're the one who takes priority here – not EVE. You'll always come before her, okay?” As he says this, he gives you a big, open smile and waits for your answer. You give him one, but not with words – you lunge forwards and grab him in a tight embrace, clinging onto him with an almost desperate relief. You cling to him... and then a sudden realisation chills your thoughts.

There's one thing that EVE and Akito couldn't plan for - Pietr, and his peculiar ability to track things down. EVE might have cut herself off from the rest of her shards, in a purely literal sense, but she still has some emotional connection to that – a connection that Pietr might be able to follow. You'll need to speak with him, to get him to cover for you before he lets Nebiros know about EVE. Breaking away from your father, you mumble an apology and fumble out your phone.

Scrolling down to Pietr's name, you fire off a quick message – asking him to call you ASAP. Holding the phone tightly to your chest, you wait for a response.

And you keep waiting.

-

Bradley drives you home, very deliberately not listening in as you and Akito swap battle plans in low, conspiring voices. Neither of you is really sure how to approach the frankly massive task of breaking the news to Yui. There's so much to tell that you really don't know where to start – this story doesn't even begin with you, it begins all the way back with Hikari. You're really not looking forwards to trying to explain that part. It wasn't so long ago that you yourself learned the truth.

Worse still, your concentration is still shattered by thoughts of Pietr tracking EVE right back to you. As if sensing your desperation, your phone suddenly chimes. When you see Pietr's name on the screen, you slap the back of Bradley's seat with savage fervour. “Pull over!” you call out, “This is an emergency, pull over!”

[2/3]

my god, Akito is just the Man Without A Plan

>>1871312
Will Neb even have access to Pietr now? He has yet to be officially punished, but I imagine the other council members would be taking resources to make sure he doesn't pull anything.

>>1871355
He was using Pietr to start the initial crackdown but EVE sprung the whole hostage situation on him. All in all it's only been a few hours since then so he probably still has Pietr.

Remember that Pietr's phone is most likely compromised.

>>1871312

As soon as the car has grown still, you throw open the door and hurry away, pressing your phone to your ear as you go. “Miho?” Pietr mumbles, sounding half-asleep, “I just woke up, saw your message. What's the panic?”

“Pietr, I... I need a favour,” you begin, “You've been doing that thing for Nebiros, right? Tracking down EVE and stuff. How's that been going?”

“Ugh,” a shudder runs through Pietr's voice, “It's hard work, and I feel like my eyes are about to start bleeding. They've been sticking me in one of those VR machines, and every time I sense a bit of her, I have to... why are you so curious about this?” He pauses for a moment, forcing a little levity into his voice before continuing. “Are you worried about me?” he asks, “Or were you wondering when I'd have some time off?”

“Have you found anything... weird?” you press, “Like, maybe not a computer connection or anything. More like, uh, more like when you connect me and a friend. Have you seen anything like that?”

“Not yet, but...” there is another pause, and you hear a faint crackle of static along the line as Pietr dips into his inhuman powers once again. “Oh!” Pietr announces, “I DO sense something! It's faint, very faint, but-”

“Don't!” you hiss, “Please, Pietr, just pretend that you didn't see that! Let Nebiros find all the computer stuff, but don't tell him about that last connection. I'll owe you a serious favour for this, okay?”

A long silence greets your request, before you hear a heavy sigh. “Alright,” Pietr agrees, “I don't know what this is about, but... alright. Maybe it's better if I don't know. Can we finish this later, though? I've got to get back to work soon, and-”

“Thank you!” laughing with relief, you glance around as Akito puts his hand on your shoulder, “Thank you, Pietr, I gotta go.” Still laughing to yourself, you turn around to meet your father's eyes. “One last loose end I needed to tie up,” you explain, “I think, I hope, that should be the last of it.”

Akito looks bemused by this whole thing, but that's hardly any different to how he normally looks.

-

Your mad jubilation has died down by the time you arrive back home, opening the apartment door to see Yui waiting patiently – or not so patiently – for your return. Her eyes are reddened with exhaustion, and a half-empty glass of wine sits next to her. “I want an explanation for this,” she demands, “I know that there's something going on here, and it's about time that one of you tells me just what it is.”

A cold silence descends. “You start,” both you and your father say, in perfect synch with each other.

>I'm going to pause things here. I'll continue this tomorrow, and answer any questions that I can
>Sorry for the delays today!

>>1871383
Most likely not directly by Nebiros however and he's on the rest of the council's shitlist. It's a risk but we'll have to take it since otherwise Nebiros will find out.

>>1871397
The television is always on so I'm curious, what is Yui's favorite tv show?

>>1871397
Thanks for running Moloch.

The Hikari explanation is going to be brutal. We should probably also explain that our memories were sealed, not repressed. It might help to give them some explanation why Miho was so 'blank' the past few years.

I have to admit, I wasn't honestly expecting Eligor to just give up a source of blackmail like that. I had honestly expected us to be in his pocket for a while. I didn't actually expect him to be HORRIBLE about it- he never struck me as THAT kind of man- but I figured we'd spend some time under his thumb before he erased the data.

>>1871397
Thanks for running! When do we do this all over again for the other 3 AI's?

>>1871445
sadly the mangled one would be Claptrap

>>1871433
Like he said, willing cooperation is way better than blackmail and threats. He has a fine example of Nebiros' fall from grace to learn from.

>>1871406
"How to deal with your absent husband and delinquent daughter" - it's surprisingly popular in Ark City!
Really though, boring documentaries. Yui likes to learn new things.
>>1871445
We've only got one spare room!

>>1871484
They can Bunk!

>>1871484
Guess it's gonna get pretty cramped. Good thing they're robots.

>>1871397
Thanks for running!
How long until EVE starts to break down and we are forced to beg Nebiros for help?

I'll take a REI but man I don't trust that ZOE. I think she spent too much time with Monad.

We should've stolen some Dolls. Now we have nowhere to download SAE into. What will Maika do?

>>1871397
Thanks for running, super fun!

>>1871493
> only one who remembered pieter

Yeah I'm an idiot /s

And clearly the parallel between a secret cabal ruling the world and the member everyone would love to see punched by a denial asset who just saved their assess is the same as the UN and Kim Jong.

Look man. Sometimes I say silly stuff just for fun. Maybe you should relax a little and remember it's a game before getting so cunty.

>>1871547
I bet Eligor can do some reverse engineering from the data he gets from EVE if he wanted to.

>>1871518
Gosh, that would be awkward, wouldn't it? It gives me a few ideas, actually!
But really, I'm not THAT cruel

>>1871547
She has the prototype and the dude who worked the most with them namely our dad. Also EVE probably has the info needed for their production.

Personally I'm okay with us not having them since they're prone to possession.

>>1871562
It's cool, you and me outnumber him 2 to 1!

>>1871562
Stay salty friend.

File: Yui Tsukada.png (358 KB, 564x1007)

358 KB PNG

Considering how often you've stared death in the face, it should take more than an encounter with your mother to set you shaking in your boots – and yet here you are, barely able to string two words together. You haven't even got to the difficult bit yet, you're still trying to explain why you were swept away in a helicopter. Eventually, Akito gently steers you away into your bedroom and orders you to take a quiet moment to compose yourself.

“I'll lay down the groundwork,” he promises, giving you a confident wink before slipping away.

After lying in bed for a few moments, steadying your nerves, you amble through to the bathroom and splash some cold water on your face. Glancing up into the mirror, you watch your reflection smirk. It's not too late to escape into the Umbra and hang out with Zakuro for a little, that would certainly get you out of this unenviable duty...

But no, that would just be hiding away from this. Sooner or later, you'll have to face this – running away won't help you here.

-

When you return, the room feels like a different place entirely. The wine is gone, for one thing, and the atmosphere has defrosted somewhat. With a tiny inclination of his head, Akito gestures to a seat. Sitting down and making yourself comfortable – as comfortable as possible – you begin carefully.

“This all started about six months ago...” you begin, before immediately going back to correct yourself, “No, that's not right. This really started with Hikari. She was-”

“Hikari?” Yui hisses, her eyes narrowing to harsh slits, “Are you saying that-”

“Yui,” Akito scolds gently, putting a hand on her leg, “We agreed to listen to whatever she had to say to us. If we keep interrupting her, how will she ever tell us anything?” Her eyes flutter closed at that, and then Yui gives a short nod. “Go on, Miho,” he urges you quietly, “Take as long as you need.”

It takes a moment for you to pick up the thread of your story, but soon you're talking again. As you begin to describe the more... fantastical elements of your story, Yui's lips press tightly together and narrow into a bloodless line, but she manages to hold her disbelieving silence. Clenching your fists in your lap, you press ahead with the tale – leaving nothing out, no matter how much you want to gloss over the worst parts. When the first part of your story ends – ending with Hikari's death and your trauma – you pause and give your parents a tiny shrug.

“All that time, we had thought you were...” Akito murmurs, shame fleeting across his face, “Were we really so blind? This all happened under our noses, were we to blame for this? I can't believe that...”

This time, Yui is the one to silence him with a soft gesture.

[1/3]

>>1874247

In the end, you talk until the sun has lifted itself above the horizon. By the end of your story, fatigue has left you slurring your words and struggling to think straight. More and more, Akito has to gently steer you back on track, filling in what few details he can. When your words trail off to nothing, you're left feeling as though Yui's eyes are a pair of daggers sinking deep into you. Grimacing, you rise from the chair and transform.

As your costume takes shape around you, something conjured up from nothing, Yui gasps aloud. New strength rushes into you as your costume takes shape, but even that is just delaying the inevitable. Holding yourself as upright as possible, you spread your hands and show off as much of your magical form as possible. “This is all I can do to prove this to you,” you tell her, frustration dogging your words, “I'm sorry, but I'm at my limit. I need to get some sleep. Can we... can we finish this later?”

Slowly, with glacial pace, Yui nods.

-

Lying in your bedroom, you feel the air stir. “She does not believe you,” Kurosawa announces, his voice grave, “Or rather, she cannot allow herself to believe you.”

“I know that!” you snap back, “I don't know... I don't know what else I can tell her. Why doesn't she believe me?”

“Because it would require her to relearn the rules of this world from the ground up. Accepting this as truth would shake the foundations of her belief to the very core,” the cat tells you with a sigh, “The young are far more willing to accept this. Those who have grown old are reluctant to accept change – I include myself in that.”

He's trying to cheer you up, but it's not working. “My father believed me,” you point out, “At least, I think he did...”

“Perhaps his mind is more childish than most,” Kurosawa suggests, appearing next to you in a flicker of shadows and static, “More open to wonder and mystery, more willing to touch the unknown. Men of science can often be like this – as can men of faith. She may yet bring herself to accept the truth, but she will need time. You have done all that you can, Miho, the rest is up to her.”

“I'm surprised, you know,” you murmur after a few moments of thoughtful silence, “I thought you might have offered to wipe her memory or... sweep this all under the rug.”

“That is within my power, yes,” he states cautiously, “But I did not wish to suggest such a thing – it would pose a threat to your Emotional Barrier. The guilt, you see. Even without taking that into consideration, I felt as though it would... lack tact to mention.”

“You're learning,” you tell him as you drag the bedsheets up and over your head, “Now leave me alone, okay?”

A faint shift in the air signals Kurosawa's departure.

[2/3]

>>1874249

Hunger is what wakes you up, stirring you from a fitful sleep. The clock reads noon, and your empty stomach agrees with that – time to get something to eat, then think about your next move. It might not be planning very far ahead, but that seems to be a family tradition. Rising from your bed, you amble through the apartment and find... nothing, nobody else around. Your first thought is that your parents are still in bed, and then you find the note.

“Miho,” the note begins, “I don't want you to think as though I'm abandoning you or your father – I'm not. However, I need to process this in my own way, in my own time. I will be gone for a few days, as originally planned, although it is under far grimmer tidings than I had previously thought. When we see each other again, I hope that I will be able to look you in the eye and accept everything that you have told me.”

“Do take care of your father while I'm away,” the letter concludes, “Make sure he doesn't work too hard.”

A long time ago, Akito had mentioned that your mother had once aspired to be a writer – now, at last, you can understand what he meant.

-

When Akito wakes up and joins you a short while later, he reads the note with dismay... but not a lot of surprise. Reading and then rereading it, he lets the scrap of paper drop back down to the kitchen table and then busies himself with preparing a crude meal – more breakfast than lunch, but neither of you is really in the mood to complain. Once you're both sitting down to a plate of artificial bacon and scrambled eggs – probably natural, although you couldn't be sure – he finally breaks the silence.

“Yui always did like to run away from these things,” he remarks sadly, “Well, ah, she wouldn't put it like that. She's “taking some time to think”, I should say. Even if it wasn't for this wedding stuff, she would have found an excuse to flee.” Chewing a mouthful of food, Akito studies your face for a moment. “She'll come back,” he assures you, reading a question in your expression, “I'm certain of that. We need to give her the space she needs, and...”

“And that's it?” you retort, trying to keep the bitterness out of your voice, “Just wait and do nothing?”

“Sometimes, that's all we CAN do,” Akito stresses, “I... there's no point dwelling on it. Today's a new day – what do you want to do with it?”

It's Sunday, you realise with a start, you don't have any school – a good thing too, considering how late you slept. So, the remainder of the day is yours to do what you please with.

>I need some alone time as well, I guess
>I want to meet up with my friends, same as usual
>Why don't we do something together?
>I had other plans... (Write in)
>Other

>>1874250
>>Why don't we do something together?
Might rarely gets to see Akito.

>>1874253
>Might
Miho* Damn phone.

>>1874250
>Lets see if I can summon a clear enough memory to draw what Hikari looked like transformed.

>>1874250
>Why don't we do something together?

>By the way, you know that explosion that killed 50 people? That was me exploding Hikari's weapon.

>>1874250
>>I want to meet up with my friends, same as usual

>>1874259
Let's not.

Also, I really didn't think mom was this hot.

>>1874259
>Hey Dad! I've got blood on my hands!

I know we are being open and honest now but that's a little out of the blue don't you think?

>>1874267
>>1874273
sorry, I needed to get my terrible half-sincere suggestions out of the way.

“Why don't we do something together?” you offer, “I mean, we don't often get a chance to just... do stuff. Normal stuff, not breaking into buildings or anything like that.” Toying with the remaining food on your plate, you give Akito a faint attempt at a smile. “I don't really know what we should do though,” you admit, “Any ideas?”

“Hmm...” leaning back, your father rubs his head in thought, “We could clear out the spare room, if you don't mind a bit of, ah, a bit of hard work. It'll be easier with two people working on it. It's been rather... neglected over the years.” Dishes clatter as he gathers up your plate and sets it aside. “I thought that we can keep EVE there,” he continues, “It's got a power outlet, I think, which is all she really NEEDS for furnishings. Maybe there's a spare futon buried somewhere in there as well...”

“Sure, I'll lend a hand,” you agree, nodding to yourself, “But not if it takes ALL day. I'd kinda like to meet up with my friends later. We normally get together like this, and... and I feel like I could do with a bit of normality right now.”

“Well, it won't take that long!” he assures you with a laugh, his face falling slightly as his laughter dies, “...I hope.”

-

There's something surreal about staring into the spare room, strange in two very different ways. For one thing, it seems even more cluttered than you remember – as though you were looking into a portal to the garbage dimension or something like that. What really haunts you is that, in a way, this spare room is where all this insanity started. Your search for a poetry book had led you to Hikari's photograph, and...

And things went downhill from there.

“Miho, is there something wrong?” Akito asks, noticing your sudden silence, “It doesn't look THAT bad, does it?” His attempt at humour draws you back to reality, and you give him a sheepish smile.

“Just thinking about stuff, that's all,” you tell him, “A bunch of this stuff belonged to Hikari, didn't it? I'm still not used to... remembering her like this. I wish I could draw better, I could draw a picture of what she had looked like. Her costume was so beautiful, I bet mom would come around if she saw it. I can kinda picture it, but...”

“But you can't capture it?” he finishes for you, “The real essence of it?”

“Yeah,” sighing, you give him a weary shrug, “Not in any, like, serious way.” Shaking your head, you force a smile and gesture towards the storage room like a general marshalling their troops. “Let's get to work!” you announce, “We'll be here all day otherwise!”

“Right right,” Akito laughs at your dramatic flourish, “But where do we start?”

[1/2]

>>1874289

Idle conversation is left at the wayside for a while as you settle down to some good, hard work. Any words you exchange are clipped instructions or questions, devoted to the task at hand. Slowly working through the hoard, you sort things out into several piles – trash, things that could be used, and things that might be donated to some charity or another. Other than keeping a selection of clothes for EVE – they should fit her, and she'll need something to cover her inhuman body – most of Hikari's possessions go in that latter pile.

“She'd want it this way,” Akito decides, “She'd want others to benefit from her old things.”

“Yeah...” you murmur, thinking of Hikari's last gift to you – a gift that still protects and provides for you.

“You know, Hikari had... bad days sometimes,” he says suddenly, staring off into space as he thinks back, “She tried to keep us from noticing, of course, but there were times when she wouldn't eat, or she didn't want to get out of bed. She always had an excuse for it, she'd say that she was ill or tired, but... we never really believed her. We didn't believe her, but we didn't want to push her to talk either. So we just, uh, we just let her be.” Sighing, Akito picks up a neatly folded shirt and rubs the material between his fingers. “Maybe if we'd said something...” he thinks aloud, “Maybe she...”

“Don't,” you whisper, “Don't torture yourself. We all could have done things differently, you know? But if we get lost in thinking about what could have been...”

“We'll never get any cleaning done!” Akito finishes for you, forcing a smile as he sets aside the creased shirt.

“Exactly!” nodding briskly, with an enthusiasm that you don't really feel, you move to get started on sorting yet another box of miscellaneous stuff.

-

The spare room is almost empty when you hear a phone ringing back in the main room. Not yours, judging by the ringtone. Akito's face falls, and he hurries out to take the call. “Hello?” you hear him answer, “Today? Right now, you mean?” Frowning now, he ambles back and lingers in the doorway, giving you an apologetic look as he listens. He seems to think for a moment, then he speaks up. “That's just not possible,” he states firmly, “I don't care about that. It's Sunday, I'm taking the day off and that's final.”

“Work, huh?” you guess as he hangs up.

“They wanted me to come in, they're getting everyone to make a statement on what happened,” he sighs, “For the official report, they say. Well, they can wait until Monday – this is more important than that.”

That's not something you ever really expected to hear from him, but the words feel like a soothing balm on your strained nerves. Sitting here, peacefully sorting trash and folding clothes, is exactly the sort of thing you needed.

[2/3]

>>1874310

Sitting back with Akito, you allow yourself a satisfied smile as you admire your handiwork. True, the spare room isn't exactly glamorous or luxurious now that it's been cleared out – it's really just an empty room with a rolled up futon in one corner – but it seems to represent something. A new start, perhaps, for both of you. It's just the thought of Yui that sours the moment. Just thinking about her cold reaction leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

There's nothing logical or reasonable about it, but you almost feel... rejected by her. As if her refusal to accept the truth is equal to a refusal to accept you. When she comes back from her time away, maybe...

“There's no point worrying about that now!” you say aloud, trying to sound convincing to yourself.

“Right!” Akito agrees, “Worrying about what?”

-

With the hard work out of the way, you finally get a chance to sit back and relax. Too weary to really do anything, you lean against the window and stare out across the city. Dark clouds have started to gather, although the rain they promise is yet to start falling. Behind you, Akito scribbles away at a list, occasionally scratching out an item or pencilling in a correction. Whatever he's writing, it's important enough to demand his entire attention.

Your family seems to be writing a lot of notes lately, you notice. Watching a smile forming on your reflection in the window, you turn away and sit opposite him. This, at least, gets his attention.

“Miho,” he says, “What's up?”

>I'm going out to meet my friends now, okay?
>So what did you think of Eligor?
>When mom gets back, we should all do something together. Got any ideas?
>Let's talk... (Write in)
>Other

>Sorry for the delays, I'm super unfocused today.

>>1874341
>When mom gets back, we should all do something together. Got any ideas?
>So what did you think of Eligor? He's a bit cold, but he's one of the better Sentinel leaders I've met.
>Other
"If you wanted to ask specifics about my job I can do some Q&A before I meet my friends."

>>1874341
>>I'm going out to meet my friends now, okay?

>>1874341
>>When mom gets back, we should all do something together. Got any ideas?

then

>I'm going out to meet my friends now, okay?

>>1874351
This

>>1874341
>So what did you think of Eligor?
>When mom gets back, we should all do something together. Got any ideas?

“So, now you've met Eligor Kanzaki,” you begin, “What did you think of him?”

“Hmm...” Akito sets aside his note and thinks for a moment, “I don't really like him much.” There is another pause after this as he struggles to elaborate on that, fumbling for the right words to use. “It's not that he's too focused on his work – I'd, uh, I'd be pretty hypocritical to blame him for that – but he seems... cold,” Akito's frown deepens as he thinks, “He's got the mind of an engineer. Too precise, too focused for my tastes. I'll respect him and his work, but I don't think I'll ever really like him.”

“Yeah, I guess I can understand that,” you agree with a slow nod, “He doesn't really seem like he puts in much effort to be liked or not. For what it's worth, though, he's one of the better Sentinel leaders I've met. Not... exactly a high bar to clear, admittedly.”

“Well, he went to the trouble of helping with EVE, so I can't hold too much against him,” Akito concedes with a vaguely self-deprecating smile, “I don't know, maybe I'm wrong about him. I've never really been what you'd call a social animal either. So long as he's not making any trouble for any of us, I won't complain.”

The image of Eligor willingly destroying his potential blackmail material flits though your mind – a simple bit of cost/benefit analysis, true, but the gesture was still a welcome one. “Well, never mind him now,” you decide, waving a dismissive hand through the air, “When mom gets back, I think we should all do something together. Like, as a family. Got any ideas of what we can do?”

“Hmm. I did hear something. Let me just check,” taking out his phone, Akito scrolls through a few screens and murmurs under his breath for a little. “Ah, I was right!” he declares, “At the end of next week, there's going to be an event – a festival of sorts, I suppose – in Kaneshiro Park. All very defiant and brave, something to tell the world that we're not afraid of terrorism. A celebration of life and culture triumphing over fear and barbarism... or something like that.”

“A festival?” you repeat slowly. Zakuro's predictions surface in your mind – a celebration in your world, that's when the Saint of the Abyss will be revealed. One world reflects the other. A shudder grips you as the words sink in.

“That's right. We went to a festival once, I think it was in Tokyo. Was it our first wedding anniversary?” Akito thinks aloud. Ignorant of your sudden unease, he slides deeper into his memories. “I remember the paper lanterns they had, the warm light they cast. Yui wore a yukata and she looked beautiful, as if she had been born to wear it,” he murmurs, a dreamy smile forming on his lips, “That night, I was so proud of being able to call her my wife...”

[1/2]

>>1874422
Saint of the Abyss and ecoterrorists at the same festival. Is it too much to hope they blow up each other? It probably is.

>>1874503
Maybe the Saint of the Abyss is the 'She' that one terrorist was raving about?

>>1874503
Maybe. I assumed we would have to travel into the umbra to face her though.

>>1874518
literally satanists. Nice

>>1874521
Multi-stage boss fight!

>>1874528
Hell yeah!

>>1874422

You do feel a little guilty to snap him out of his pleasant memories, but you really don't have all day for this. When you clear your throat, Akito jolts back to reality and gives you a sheepish laugh. “Sorry about that, I was... well, yes,” he nods hastily, “I think it would be nice if we could all go. I just hope the security doesn't ruin the atmosphere... We can worry about that later, I suppose. Sorry, I'm getting distracted. What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Oh, well, I was just going to head out and meet up with my friends,” you tell him, “But before I go, I figured I could answer anything you wanted to know about. Like, the specifics of what I do. Got any questions?”

“Hmm,” Akito frowns in thought, “You said that your god talks to you. Is he... good to you?”

“Kurosawa?” you pause, “That's not an easy question to answer. He's had his bad moments – like all that memory stuff – but he's really come a long way recently. If you're asking if he's got my back... yeah, I think he does.”

“Kurosawa... strange name for a god,” offering a brief smile, Akito soon gives you a more solemn look. “There's just one other thing, about Hikari,” he continues, “Do you think that she's... looking out for you?”

Touching a hand to your chest, you feel your heartbeat pulsing softly away. “I do,” you answer simply, “I can't really put it into words, but I feel... some part of her. She's always been with me, I just never realised it until recently.”

Judging by his smile, your answer couldn't have pleased him more.

-

“Well, that's all for now,” he manages, clearing his throat and assuming a more normal tone. “I'll let you get away, go on and meet your friends,” he adds, pushing across his scribbled list, “But if it's not too much trouble, could you pick some of this stuff up on your way back? I've noticed that we're missing a few things, so...”

“I'll see what I can do,” you assure him, giving the list a look. Power cables, lubricant oil, assorted tools... not exactly your usual shopping list. You're not even sure where to buy half of this stuff – computer shops, maybe? You'll ask the others, see if anyone knows.

“Take some money for it, go ahead,” Akito adds, “Oh, and take an umbrella with you. I don't like the look of those clouds.”

-

As you're leaving, the umbrella tucked under one arm, you pull out your phone and fire off a quick round of messages, gathering everyone at the shrine. Just as you're finished sending off the last message, you hear a distant rumble of thunder and a single, fat raindrop splashes against the back of your neck. Sighing wearily to yourself, you shake the umbrella open and hasten your pace.

[2/3]

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>>1874583

The rain has grown heavier when you arrive at the shrine, and your first glance suggests that you're the first to arrive. It's only a moment later that you see Ayane huddling inside the shrine itself, waving over to you and giving you a rather forced looking smile. Hurrying to meet her, you snap the umbrella closed and shake off the remaining water.

“Hey, watch it!” Ayane protests as some of the spray gets on her. She scowls for a moment, then sighs. “Sorry, I'm in a foul mood. It's not just this weather, it's...” Ayane pauses as thunder rumbles overhead before continuing, “It's Isamu. We, uh, had a fight. It was that Oracle crap you told us about, I couldn't stop thinking about it, so... I told him about it. I know, I know, but he normally knows just the right thing to say to me!”

“Except this time... he didn't?” you guess, “He said the wrong thing?”

“He defended it!” Ayane protests, her eyes widening, “He was all “maybe it has a point” and “you've got to look at the big picture”. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and so... we got in a big argument about it. We've not spoken since then, not at all.” Offering you a humourless smile, she runs a hand through her messy hair. “I really thought this was gonna last, you know?” she adds, “I guess not. Easy come, easy go, yeah?”

“Ayane...” you begin, quite unsure about what to say to her. What the hell do you know about relationships? Before you can say anything else, a pair of chimes sound out – both of your phones ringing at once.

“Hey, looks like the others stopped off at Paris instead. Better than getting rained on, right?” Ayane announces, cheerful once again, “Let's go meet up with them, we can get some cake to eat!”

>...Sure. Let's go
>You should call Isamu. At least try and talk it over with him
>C'mon, cheer up. We can enjoy the single life together!
>Let's talk about this... (Write in)
>Other

>>1874717
>...Sure. Let's go
>You should call Isamu. At least try and talk it over with him

>>1874717
>>...Sure. Let's go

>>1874717
>You should call Isamu. At least try and talk it over with him
"Look I don't know much about relationships first hand, but I do know that every couple has their arguments. My parents still have them occasionally. It's inevitable, no such thing as perfect. If you two really care about each other than you can mend this easy. You just have to try."

>>1874717
>>1874747
This.

>>1874717
>C'mon, cheer up. We can enjoy the single life together!
we have no reason to care about what Ayane's relationship with Isamu is right now. She's a big girl, she can decide how to handle him herself.

>>1874775
You've never given advice to friends? Just go 'Fuck em, it's their shit'?

>>1874717
>>...Sure. Let's go
A couple that breaks up after their first big fight probably wasn't much of a couple in the first place.

Probably shouldn't say any of that, though. Besides, who cares about what worst girl and worst boy do together?

“...Sure, let's go,” you sigh, shaking your umbrella open and hurrying after Ayane as she marches out of the shrine. With no umbrella of her own, or even a hat, all she can do is flip up the collar of her jacket and bear the worst of the rain in stoic silence. When you reach her side, you stand close by and hold the umbrella over her head.

“Hey, whoa, just because things with Isamu aren't looking so great doesn't mean I go in for that Class S shit!” Ayane laughs as you press a little closer to cover both of you with the umbrella, “...But thanks. I wasn't really thinking about the weather when I left the house today, y'know?”

“You should call him,” you urge, “At least try and talk it over with him, yeah? Maybe you won't be able to work things out, but...” Trailing off, you take a moment to gather your thoughts before pressing on. “Look, I don't have much first hand knowledge about relationships, but I know that every couple has their arguments. My folks have them occasionally, it's just... inevitable. There's no such thing as a perfect relationship,” you pause, waiting to see how Ayane is taking your words. She listens with a rare look of concentration, her brow furrowed in a mild scowl. “If you two really care about each other, you'll be able to work it out,” you finish, “But not unless you try.”

“You really think so?” she asks, sounding dubious... but hopeful.

“You won't know until you try,” you insist, “Even if you can't work it out... well, at least you can see about ending things as friends.”

“I hope so,” Ayane nods slowly, “But man, I never thought I'd hear him say that kind of stuff. It was like a whole other side of him. Like... did I ever really know him? If we do talk, we're gonna have a lot to talk about.” Laughing bitterly, she nudges you with her elbow. “Damn it Miho, now I'm gonna need to think of a good way to call him,” she laments, “How do you say “I'm sorry for yelling” without apologising?”

“How should I know?” you protest, “There's only so much advice I can give you. All the rest, that's on you. I mean, what, would you rather enjoy the single life with me?”

“Jeez...” she sighs, slumping her shoulders in dismay.

>I'm going to have to take a short pause here, take care of some family business. Should be back in an hour or so. Sorry about this.

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>>1874809
H-hey, it's not so bad, being single. I'm totally happy and content as I am! No, really!

>>1874809
>I mean, what, would you rather enjoy the single life with me?

She says that, but I have a suspicion that Pietr is going to use that favor we owe him for a date in the near future.

>>1875139
Probably.

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When you arrive at Paris, that charming little cake shop, the others are already busying themselves with all manner of treats – with a moist red velvet cake as the centrepiece. As soon as you step inside the shop and take in that first rush of smells, all coffee and chocolate, you feel yourself relax. With everything that's happened, you haven't really had the chance to come here in a while.

Time to correct that.

“This weather is simply terrible, wouldn't you say?” Kasumi purrs as you sit down at the group table, “Miho, if I may be so bold as to say, you look awfully stressed. I hope you're not overexerting yourself.”

“Jeez Kasumi, you can't just tell a girl something like that!” Ayane laughs, her earlier gloom relegated to a distant memory, “You might as well come out and say “you're gonna get wrinkles”. Nobody wants to hear that!”

“She's got a point though,” Emi points out, “You look pretty rough.”

“Well, uh, I've had a lot going on. Long story short, I had to tell my folks about... you know, all of this. My father took it pretty well, but my mother...” wincing at the memory, still raw and painful, you press on, “She didn't exactly freak out about it or anything like that, but she sure didn't take it very well. That's kinda getting me down, you know?” Flashing a rueful smile around the table, you take a slice of the cake for yourself. “You guys ordered a whole cake?” you ask, in a vague attempt at changing the subject, “Good thing we're here to eat some of it, otherwise-”

“Shit, you told your folks?” Emi blurts out, “Man... any advice? I get the feeling that I'm gonna have to tell Kaoru soon, he totally knows that there's something going on. Just yesterday, he asked me if I was getting into “weird cosplay” - his words, not mine.”

“What, did he see you in costume?” Ayane asks, “How did that happen?”

“Uh, uh...” the young girl pauses, her eyes widening as she fumbles for an excuse. “I was at home, see, and he found me in my costume. I was...” she winces, “I was looking in the mirror, kinda... sorta... posing.”

“My my,” Kasumi sighs, reaching across to pat Emi on the shoulder, “What ARE we going to do with you?”

“Hey, c'mon, I'm not some stupid kid!” Emi protests, blushing slightly and batting away Kasumi's hand, “I just... shit, forget it. Got more important stuff to talk about, yeah? Miho, your dad was a Renko guy, right? I saw some stuff about them on the news this morning, some big fire or whatever that shut down the whole building. He get out okay?”

“Well...” you pause and glance across at Maika, who gives you a tiny shrug. “Actually,” you tell her, “That's how my folks found out about all this...”

[1/2]

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>>1875273

You're very careful about the story you tell, all too aware of how little privacy you have in this city. Omitting any mention of EVE's rescue, you focus on breaking into the building and rescuing the hostages – everything else can wait until later, when you're somewhere more private than a busy cafe. Maika is content to let you tell the story, occasionally chipping in whenever she needs to explain the technical aspects... not that anyone really understands her explanations.

“That's so cool!” Emi whispers when you're finished, “That's like... spy movie shit!”

“It was rather more fun than I'd been expecting,” Maika admits, hiding a small smile behind a sip of coffee, “But I'm just glad that nobody got hurt. Say, Miho, did you see the news for yourself? It appears as though someone has taken responsibility for the “cyberattack” that caused the fire.”

“I didn't see that,” you begin, “I was-”

“They had this cool name,” Emi butts in, “It was like, “Die Machine” or something, totally punk.”

“Die Maschine,” Maika corrects her, “It's German, it just means “The Machine”. They're European - an anti-corporate, anti-capitalist group focusing on cybercrimes and computer hacking. They claim that the attack was to show support for Return to the Earth.”

“Oh,” frowning, you take a bite of cake, “I've never heard of them.”

“That's because they didn't exist until this morning. They're a complete fabrication,” the heiress explains, “The intention is to embolden the Returners, and provoke them into making a mistake – a mistake that might allow the security forces to stamp the group out once and for all. It's a risky gambit, one made in haste, and I'm not sure if I like it. I suppose it's out of our hands though, isn't it?”

“Let the Sentinels deal with them,” Ayane suggests, “It'll be nice to have someone else doing the hard work for a change. Anyway, this is boring – there's got to be something fun to talk about, right? Right?” Looking around with wide, expectant eyes, Ayane's hopeful smile soon starts to fade. “Oh boy,” she sighs, “See, this is why I hate the rain. Everyone always gets so gloomy! It's not even like we can go out and cause trouble either, we'll just get rained on...”

“I don't mean to nag, Ayane, but you really should have brought an umbrella,” Kasumi scolds gently, “If you get wet hair, you'll catch a cold.”

“I don't think we CAN catch a cold,” you think aloud, “When Shiori got ill, it never spread to any of us...”

“I think her point was...” Maika begins, before hesitating, “Kasumi, did you have a point?”

“Not particularly,” Kasumi replies with an elegant shrug, “I was just making conversation.”

“Oh boy,” Ayane repeats.

>I've gotta go. I need to do some shopping
>I need to do some shopping. Anyone want to join me?
>I've got something to talk about... (Write in)
>Other

>>1875385
>>I need to do some shopping. Anyone want to join me?

>>1875385
>>I need to do some shopping. Anyone want to join me?
I might need some help with finding some of these.
>>I've got something to talk about... (Write in)
Relay them Zakuro's prophecy and it's correlation to the upcoming festival. There's no confirmation but we should all be extra vigilant that day.

>>1875385
>>I need to do some shopping. Anyone want to join me?

>>1875385
>I need to do some shopping. Anyone want to join me?

I know Kasumi is gonna be down.

>>1875421
I think that's more a "We need to go into the Umbra at that time to fight the Saint and get the weapon." kinda deal, not a "We're gonna get intruded upon." thing.

>>1875451
they still need to know

>>1875385
>Eat all the cake.
Magical girls don't get fat, all that sugar goes directly into their Emotional Barrier

>I've got something to talk about... (Write in)
Relay them Zakuro's prophecy and it's correlation to the upcoming festival

“Well, I need to go do some shopping. Anyone want to come with me?” you begin, digging Akito's crumpled note out of your pocket, “Uh, I could use a little help with it, actually. Does anyone know where I could buy... any of this stuff?”

“Jeez,” Ayane groans as she takes the note from your hands, skimming it and passing it on to Emi, “Why do you need to buy all this stuff?”

“Uh, I'm... building...” grimacing, you try and reach for a convincing excuse. Not a lie, Ayane would be able to sniff that out in an instant, but a decent cover story. Maybe it's just the lack of sleep, but it's surprisingly difficult.

“They're for maintenance purposes,” Maika explains smoothly, “I must be a bad influence on Miho, she's been getting interested in machines lately. Of course, one needs certain tools and materials, so-”

“Okay, yeah, that's pretty boring list,” Emi chuckles as she reads it over, “Not really your kind of stuff, is it Kasumi?”

“It would appear not,” Kasumi says with a gentle frown, “But shopping is a delight of its own. I might not be able to help you find any of these materials, but I'd be happy to keep you company. Maika, you seemed to know what you were talking about – should I presume that you know where to find these sorts of thing?”

“I know just the place,” Maika confirms, nodding to you, “I'll show you the way.”

“Hold on,” you say as you take another wedge of cake, “I'm not done here.”

-

The walk to Maika's destination – a computer supply store, apparently – is not a particularly comfortable one, with Ayane still huddling under your umbrella. As you walk, the others crowded around you like a shoal of fish, you clear your throat. “There's something else,” you begin, “The last time we spoke, Zakuro gave me a... I guess you'd call it a prophecy. Something called the “Saint of the Abyss” is going to reveal itself during a time of great celebration. I wasn't sure what to make of it until today, but I recently heard about this upcoming festival. It's-”

“You mean like a party?” Emi butts in, “Oh sweet, this sounds-”

“Emi,” Kasumi chides, “You should probably be listening to this.”

“The festival is still like two weeks away,” you continue patiently, “And I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen. From what Zakuro told me, I think we might need to go in search of this Saint ourselves, but I don't want to rule anything out. There's always a chance that the Saint will come to us.” Pausing here, you give the others a stern look – your “this is serious” look. “I want us to be ready for anything,” you continue, “I think we should attend this festival, just to keep an eye on things.”

“Of course, you're absolutely right,” Kasumi agrees, “Should I wear a yukata, do you think? I so rarely get the chance to wear traditional clothes...”

When the time comes, they'll take things more seriously... you hope.

[1/2]

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>>1875537

Once you arrive at the computer shop – a nightmarishly cramped building that makes your old storage room look like an orderly paradise – it takes you a while to find the various components you need. Maika helps, while the others – perhaps wisely – choose to wait outside. The shopkeeper himself is a frightful sight, wide enough that he must surely struggle to navigate his own store. Not purely obese, not like Nebiros, but... wide, immensely wide. He could well be a retired sumo wrestler or something of that ilk.

Ark City has a habit of attracting strange people, you've noticed.

-

With a few bags of components weighing you down – you couldn't get everything, but you got most of it – you start back home. As if it was the most natural thing in the world, the others come with you. If your mother had been home, you would have been a little more reluctant about it, but her absence does leave you with a little extra leeway. Besides, you get the feeling that Akito might like the chance to formally meet your fellow magical girls.

The smell of cooking greets you when you return home, although you couldn't say exactly what your father is cooking. Hopefully something edible, although you can't really be sure about that.

“Hello Miho!” he calls, his back to you, “You didn't get too wet, did you? I hope... Oh.” Finally turning, he looks at your little group in dull surprise. “I wasn't expecting guests,” he apologises, gesturing vaguely to the stove behind him, “So, uh, so there might not be enough for everyone. Did you get that shopping?”

“Pretty much,” you confirm, holding up the bags, “Just let me dump this stuff in the spare room, then I'll introduce everyone.”

“Very good, very good, just make yourselves at home. I'll...” Akito pauses suddenly, and you catch the smell of something burning, “Oh hell!”

So much for dinner.

-

The smell of burning food – no more recognisable now than before – still hangs in the air as you sit around the table and introduce everyone. Akito doesn't quite know what to say or what to do, as if the presence of all five of you has suddenly hammered home how insane all of this is. “So...” he begins, floundering for something to talk about before gesturing vaguely to Emi and Kasumi, “What schools do you two go to?”

“Saint Amelia's,” Emi mutters, colouring slightly.

“I was home schooled,” Kasumi explains smoothly, “It might not be conventional, I know, but I don't feel as though I've suffered for it. I've made sure that my studies covered a diverse range of subjects, and I'm quite rigorous about learning.”

“Well then...” Akito remarks, “That's very-”

“I apologise for the intrusion,” Kurosawa says suddenly, causing all of you – except for Akito – to wince, “But we seem to have a problem.”

[2/3]

>>1875648

“What's wrong?” Akito blurts out, watching as you all jolt upright, “What's going on?”

“Doctor Tsukada, I'm afraid we'll have to cut this short,” Maika apologises, “Our employer says-”

“Time for us to go to work,” Emi interrupts, “We gotta go kill some shit, y'know? I dunno if Miho told you about the gory details, but this ain't really the time for fancy talking. We'll come right back and tell you about it, yeah? I think this is urgent.”

“It is,” Kurosawa insists, “Very urgent.”

“It's urgent,” you confirm, “I'm sorry dad, but I think-”

“Go,” Akito urges, “This is what you do, now go and do it – but stay safe!”

-

“I hate this thing. Why does it have to be so slow?” you mutter as the elevator glides back down to ground level, “Kurosawa, what do you smell? What are we looking at?”

“...Unclear,” Kurosawa replies, with the usual petulance he feels whenever he doesn't know something. “This scent is unusual, very unusual. I believe you may be looking at multiple targets, gathering together before...” he pauses, “This may be another crisis level event. You have to hurry!”

“We're going as fast as we can!” Emi curses, kicking the elevator wall, “Damn it!”

“Another crisis level...” Ayane, pale and fearful looking, whispers, “No, no, no... not again, not again!” When the elevator doors slide open, she practically explodes out of them. “We've got to stop it!” she yells back, drawing bemused stares from a few residents who had been lingering in the lobby. Their eyes follow you as you chase Ayane out into the streets, rain splattering down against your bare head. In your ear, Kurosawa barks out directions – his tone harsh and demanding.

Gloomy buildings flash past as you run around corner after corner, street after street. Lightning flares above, rumbles of thunder following close after each burst of light. The thought of another crisis, a repeat of four months ago, drives you on even when the muscles in your legs burn and cry out with pain. The others match your pace as you swerve into a grim alleyway.

[3/4]

>>1875798

“There. Up ahead,” Kurosawa orders, “Water. A puddle. Be careful, I do not like-”

“I see it,” you snap back, cutting him off as you spot a wide pool of gathered water. It ripples and shines like liquid mercury, giving off an aura of palpable evil even at a distance. Ayane stands at the edge of the portal, staring down into it as though transfixed. “Wake up,” you hiss, grabbing her by the arm, “We can't afford to mess this up!”

“I'm okay, I'm good,” she replies, “We go in together, okay?”

Nodding sharply, you tighten your grip on her arm as Kasumi touches your shoulder. Emi grabs her hand, while Maika takes a firm grip on Ayane's other hand. Once everyone is linked, forming a human chain, you step forwards and allow yourselves to fall into the portal. The usual disorientation sweeps up to claim you, but Kurosawa's voice rips into your mind.

“No!” Kurosawa howls as you fall into that other world, “Miho, no! It's a-”

Too late.

>I'm going to pause things here for today, but stay tuned for this week's bonus episode!

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Los Angeles, America
Seven years ago

The Intruder squirmed underfoot, feebly trying to crawl away. It wasn't getting very far, not with Bloodlust – Felicia's vicious trident – buried in its back. The girl herself loomed over the creature, watching with cold eyes as it writhed. Normally, she wouldn't toy with her prey like this, but the Intruder had put her in a bad mood. It had taken the shape of a man, that always offended her. Intruders weren't men, they ought not to look like them.

Like a hunter gloating over their fallen prey, she planted one foot upon the Intruder's head, pressing down with increasing force. There was a moment of resistance, some faint cracking sounds, and then the creature's head caved in. Crushed like a rotten pumpkin, the remains of the Intruder's head soon started to boil and decay away. Still watching, Felicia let out a contemptuous snort.

“Wow Felicia,” a voice called down from above, “You're really pissed off tonight!”

Felicia turned. Fleur was sitting atop a nearby lamppost, merrily kicking her legs back and forth. There was something vaguely feline about the way she found high places to sit and watch, always managing to keep her balance with apparent ease. The young girl grinned, her spectacles catching the light and seeming to shine for a moment.

“I am NOT pissed off,” Felicia lied, “I am performing my duties, that's all. Maybe you'd like to come down from there and help?”

“Hmm, me?” Fleur tilted her head to the side, almost causing her oversized top hat to fall off, “Looks like you've got everything under control down there. It's Meg, isn't it? You're in a bad mood because of her, right?”

She had, of course, hit the nail right on the head. “Megumi is entitled to a night off every now and then,” Felicia insisted, “And we don't need all four of us to hunt meagre prey like-”

“You're grumpy because she's going out on a daaaaaate,” Fleur giggled, her singsong voice drifting down from the lofty perch. When Felicia offered no rebuttal to that, Fleur laughed again. “You're jealous!” she cooed, “You are, aren't you?”

“We're not having this conversation,” Felicia shot back, “I simply refuse.”

“Aw, that's no fun,” Fleur's shoulders slumped a little, “But you gotta stay positive! You know what Abe would say about negative vibes!”

She knew exactly what Abraham would say – another long lecture about the importance of maintaining her Emotional Barrier. It wouldn't be the first one she had to sit through, after all. Just recently, he'd been especially persistent about it. Meeting Fleur's wide eyes, Felicia just grunted a non-committal response.

“Hey, I know!” the young girl decided, snapping her fingers, “You wanna come see my place? It's real neat, I bet you'll like it!”

Sighing, smiling a little, Felicia gave her a grudging nod.

[1/3]

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>>1875824

In truth, Felicia liked the little brat. Fleur could be annoying, true, but things tended to work out okay around her. She was their lucky charm, but the group knew surprisingly little about her. She tended not to talk about her family or personal life, keeping it at a careful distance from her life as a magical girl. A smart decision, in Felicia's eyes. That was why it was so surprising to arrive at Fleur's house, to see if for herself.

House. Perhaps “mansion” would have been more appropriate. Felicia was no stranger to money, but this was different – this was old money, or the pretension of such. It was placed in a good neighbourhood, but the manor still seemed incongruous at how dated it was. A sprawling gothic pile, Felicia felt as though she'd be stepping into a work of Poe just by crossing the threshold.

“It's so stuffy, isn't it?” Fleur complained, “They copied some old ruins in England, the “ancestral home” of the family, or... something like that. It's so dumb, they could bought the whole block with what they spent! C'mon, I'll show you my room.”

-

Silence reigned for a while. They were walking through an empty corridor when Felicia finally spoke up. “It's very...” she began, hesitating before continuing, “Very empty. Do you live alone, Fleur?”

“No, I live with my folks, but they're out tonight. There's an opera on, apparently, they went out to see it. They even sent the servants home,” Fleur's voice dripped with indifference at the mention of this, “So I've got the place to myself. Pretty neat, huh?”

“You don't sound all that enthusiastic about it,” Felicia pointed out, “If you don't mind me saying.”

“That's because it's boooooring!” Fleur wailed, raising her voice so that it echoed down the corridor, “I have to go out and get in trouble with you guys just to have ANY fun at all! I wish I could live on my own and do whatever I want, whenever I wanted to do it!”

“Wait,” Felicia stopped, “Is THAT why you chose this life? Because you thought it might be fun?”

“Um, maaaaybe?” the young girl offered, wincing as the word – long and drawn out – left her lips, “What about you?”

“Because this is something that only I can do,” Felicia answered immediately, without even a moment of hesitation, “If I hadn't accepted Abraham's offer, where would I be? I'd go back to my old life, always wondering what could have been. I'd live the rest of my life knowing that I could have been a hero, while never amounting to anything more than... than being my father's daughter!”

Felicia's last outburst startled both of them, leaving Fleur to awkwardly pick up the dangling thread of conversation. “Huuuuuh?” she mumbled, “You don't like your dad?”

That, Felicia could only answer with a sigh.

[2/3]

>>1875830

“So this is my room,” Fleur announced, gaily leading her older companion inside. The room was smaller than Felicia had been expecting, although she soon realised that it was far larger than it first appeared – the sheer amount of clutter easily cut the room in half. Stacks of books, random ornaments and even a vast collection of soft toys... Fleur seemed utterly averse to throwing anything away. “Sooooo?” she added, sitting down on her large bad, “What do you think?”

“I wasn't expecting it to be quite so... childish,” Felicia admitted, examining a framed photograph. The frame was shaped like a teddy bear, quite at odds with the stern couple in the photograph itself. “Are these your parents?” she asked, gesturing to Fleur with the picture, “They look...”

“Boring? Yeah, I know!” another giggle escaped from Fleur's lips, “Archibald and Florence, talk about stuffy names! Hey, you never finished what we were talking about earlier, about your dad – don't you wanna talk about it?”

“Not especially,” Felicia grunted, leaning back against the wall as she thought for a moment more. “It is no simple matter, Fleur, I doubt that someone your age would understand,” she continued, “But there comes a time when every child must step out from their parents' shadow. They have to make their own choices and their own mistakes, they decide the path that their life takes. Becoming what I am now, that was my moment. Instead of meekly following my father's instruction, I chose... this.”

“Huuuuh, I don't really get it,” the young girl confessed, flopping back on her bed with a carefree laugh, “But I guess you think about this stuff more than I do. What you're saying is...”

“I've chosen my own path now,” Felicia stated firmly, “And I'm prepared to live with the consequences.”

>That concludes today's episode of Heavenly Child Quest! Tune in next Friday for another episode
>Thanks to everything who contributed today!

>>1875833
Thanks for running! Hope we don't all die next session!

Is the Saint's weapon a sword? A spear? Spiked knuckles? Will it fit us thematically?

>>1875833
Thanks for running Moloch.

Somebody wants us dead. This is twice in two days we've fallen into a trap.

>>1875898

The Saint does have a fairly thematic weapon, yes, although I can't really say any more than that at the moment. I don't want to spoil the surprise!

>>1875937
Its a baby isnt it? Were going to fight the gods with a literal antichrist.