aw shit we in there boys

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<April 30th, Monday 12:00PM>

<They approved your papers Paula. You've got the week off.>

It was a short, succinct message, from your patrol partner Luis, that had arrived much faster than you'd thought. Rick wasn't exactly known for being quick with getting files in, and more so with something like time off. It almost made you concerned with how quickly it arrived, until Chris took notice of your phone.

"'You've got the week off?'", Chris repeated to himself, almost looking over your shoulder, "huh, didn't think cops could just ask for days off like that. Are you that serious about training?"

"Yes, I have to be", you reply, putting your phone away, "I have to get Erick back no matter what, and we've only got so many days to train for it. Also, it's a lot more complicated than just asking, but not usually this quick..."

"Don't kick a gift-horse in the mouth I guess", he replies, butchering that phrase a little, "maybe your boss decided to take that stick out this week for all you know. Though, you probably need less time training than the others."

You turn to retort but quickly realize that he's not wrong. With the exceptions of Kurtis and Dante, the amount of skill you've accrued in this game was more or less instrumental to the survival of the others. What's more, you were among two others that even knew of how to utilize the swords or the cloaks effectively. But, it didn't mean you couldn't get better.

"Yeah, maybe", you agree, getting up a little to dust off the dirt on the clothes covering your suit, "but I'm not going to stop with training if it means I can increase our odds. And, I must admit, you are the one who's going to help me with this the most."

A satisfied/conceited smile emerges on Chris's face after you say this. You figured stroking his ego would work, as he gets up to look you in the eyes.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly officer?" Chris smugly asks, putting a palm to his ear to better hear you, "you might have to repeat it, I think that message of yours threw me off."

"Thank you Chris", you answer, sighing a little as he replaces that smug smile for a grin, "just don't get used to it too much. We still aren't done quite yet."

"Aww...really...", Chris responds, pouting a little, "I thought we could really call it quits right now and head out for something to eat. Could really go for some Mickey D's right now."

'Jesus christ, even this kid's appetite is filthy.'

>Call it quits for today, invite him out for lunch
>Call it quits for today, but take him home
>Don't quite yet, and do a final sparring with him
>Write In

>>2906973
>Call it quits for today, but take him home
There's training time later. Enough is enough for now.

>>2906973
>>Call it quits for today, but take him home

>>2907125
wait, change for
>Don't quite yet, and do a final sparring with him

and after it we take him home

>>2906973
>Call it quits for today, invite him out for lunch

We got Chris in a good mood. This may be our chance to actually get a good tone from him.

>>2906973
Changing my vote from >>2907042
to >>2907153

>>2906973
>Call it quits for today, grab so some drive-through food and visit Dante so we can eat together and visit him

>>2907177
>this

This is a good idea.

>>2906973
Oh shit >>2907177 is even better, backing that too

>>2907177
agreed

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>>2907181
>>2907189
>>2907197
>>2907177

"Alright, fine", you surrender, earning a 'Hell yeah!' from Chris, "but I want to head over to check up on Dante, so it's the drive-thru for us. And because I think he might be hungry as well."

"Sweet, let's go!" Chris replies ecstatically, hauling up his dufflebag to the shoulder, "I'll call up Dante and see what he wants from McDonald's. That hospital food is gonna be ass compared to what we're bringing."

'Thanks for that analogy', you think, and haul up your dufflebag as well, 'but I am getting hungry too. Now, let's just hope this kid remembers the way out of this place.'

<April 30th, Monday 12:45 PM>

Chris must have a photographic memory to recognize every tree and branch on the way back, as you and him arrived to the car in probably less than time than it took to arrive at the brook. Along the way, Chris phoned Dante about your little excursion to the woods and an incoming lunch drop from McDonald's drive-thru. He sounded somewhat concerned that you were with Chris alone, but you reassured him that everything was fine. He let Chris know that he had already ate, but wouldn't mind a McFlurry to wash down the hospital food.

Whether it had been your serious reprimand or the fact he was just in a better mood, Chris was surprisingly calm out of the woods. Though, you swore you saw his smile drop for a split second as you left the park for McDonald's. It was probably nothing though, as the rest of drive was quiet up until you got to the drive-thru window about 30 min later.

"Quarter Pounder meal with small fries", you shout to the drive-thru speaker, "and a kid's meal with medium fries. And a McFlurry, thank you!"

"Haha, you're funny", Chris replies sarcastically, and then moves over you to the speaker, "sorry, I think my 'mom' meant to say, a Big Mac with medium fries. Thank you!"

A small chuckle escapes your lips as Chris moves back to his seat. There's a small grumble from him as you pull the car to the window.

"Hey now," you state, holding back a bit of laughter, "you got to admit, they probably thought the same thing looking at us. They'll get you your Big-Mac, don't worry."

Chris continues to grumble as you hand the cashier at the window her money, and she hands your food along with Dante's McFlurry. Indeed, the second does have Chris's burger, but then the cashier hands you a third bag with a familiar red and yellow box inside.

"Man, fuck you Paula", Chris curse, looking at the Kid's meal box inside, "you know what, joke's on you though you had to pay for this little stunt."

'And it was worth every penny kid', you think to yourself as you laugh out of the drive-thru. Putting aside your laughter though, you still needed to think on what to ask Dante during your visit.

>Choose two, and the order
>Talk to him about the pendant, and what it means
>Ask him about the aliens, and anything else he remembers
>Tell him about the forest, and Chris's behavior there
>Write In

Really, Chris? McDonalds? How can one man's taste be so shit? Their meat tastes like it came from a graveyard. They always slather it in haphazardly slapped on sauces. Half the time they can't even put the cheese on correctly and it's hanging half out of the bun.
And don't get me started on their breakfast menu and the fact that they have dedicated "breakfast only" hours.

>>2907255
>Tell him about the forest, and Chris's behavior there
>Ask him about aliens, and anything else he remembers

>>2907257
Give him a break, Chris is shit incarnate its only natural his taste is shit

>>2907255
>Tell him about the forest, and Chris's behavior there
>Talk to him about the pendant, and what it means

>Tell him about the forest, and Chris's behavior there

Now...does this mean we're talking about him groping us , the good behavior afterwards, or that look Chris gave as we left the forest?

>>2907255
>Tell him about the forest, and Chris's behavior there
>Ask him about aliens, and anything else he remembers

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>Chris RIGHT NOW

>>2907257
You know, I was actually going to make it into Burger King, but I wouldn't get to do the Happy Meal bit then.

>>2907364
First two, but not the last one.

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>>2907326
>>2907378

<April 30th, Monday 1:15 PM>

The drive to the medical center doesn't take too long, as traffic is surplussing clear in the area. After finding a parking space, checking in with the reception staff, and smuggling the food in one of the dufflebags, you enter Dante's room. He looks tired, but still happy to see you and Chris. After a kind greeting, at least from you, you explain to Dante what happened in the forest with Chris. Both the good, and the bad as you all feast on some McDonald's.

"Considering some of the shit you've pulled before", Dante says, and Chris just rolls his eyes at his comment, "it's a start at least. Didn't think you'd go through with it either Paula, thought you'd be too angry considering what happened Saturday."

"Don't get me wrong, I am still angry", you reply, swallowing a bit of the burger, "but I think Erick would have wanted us to keep the group together. No sense in fighting ourselves when we should be fighting those aliens."

"Hey, I don't go after anyone that doesn't have it coming", Chris retorts, looking a little irritated, "unless of course it's a cute girl, then all bets are off. So long as no one gets in the way, I won't have a problem with them."

"Yeah, I know", Dante dryly adds, earning an...apologetic look from Chris(?), "anyways, they said I should be out by tomorrow morning. Most of the damage was superficial, except for the sprain."

"That's actually really great news" you respond, finishing off your burger, "though I've been meaning to ask more on what happened yesterday at the reservoir. What else do you remember about the aliens?"

"Well, like I said before, there were two of them", he starts, and you listen attentively, "they were definitely those lizards we saw in the museum. One of them was short with a curly tail and the other was very tall with this forked tongue that flicked out of its mouth."

"They were looking at us with these visors or something on their heads," Dante continued, "but I only got about half a meter before they spotted me. I dove into the lake to get away, but then I felt this heavy thud on the back of my leg. When I got to the shore, I trotted as fast as I could until I found you guys."

"They didn't go after you then", Chris interjects, furrowing his brow, "what the hell were those fags after? If they were spying on us, you'd think they'd be more stealthy about it."

"I don't think that was their plan", you add, as the other two look at you, "when Allie and myself went over to their side with the cloak, they began to retreat. Now, the stealth system on the radar lets us see others in stealth because of the frequency, yet somehow they saw us anyways."

"Wait, so they wanted to found?", Dante replies, looking lost, "but then, why didn't all of them show up?"

>It's the visors, they could be testing them
>It may have been a trap, to lure someone to them
>It's psychological, they're trying to scare us
>Write In

>>2907612
>>It may have been a trap, to lure someone to them

>>2907612
Backing >>2907732

>>2907732
+1

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>>2907732
>>2907768
>>2907837

"If there's a way they can see us through stealth" you answer, putting a finger to your lip, "then they must know about the radar's frequencies. And if they know about it, then they could have assumed sooner or later someone would have noticed them on the radar itself."

"Like, they were hoping we'd find them?", Dante asks, and you nod 'yes', "But then, for what? It didn't really seem they were going out of their way to be found when I went over there."

"Yeah", Chris adds, getting out of his seat, "they would have tried to lure us all in or something- wait, why am I even bringing this up?"

"That's just it Chris", you state, causing both of their heads to turn, "if they were trying to lure us in, they would have done so with a full group. Which could mean that they were probably looking for one approaching person."

"Wait, so...", Dante continues on, "they were hoping to just get one person based on nothing but chance? Even if that's true, as implausible as a plan that may be, why just one?"

You tried to think on that for second, yet...couldn't really come up with an answer. If your theory was true, then it meant that aliens could be looking for an unspecific individual in your group. But there was so little guarantee of your idea of their plan working out, and you knew even less of what their motives were. You were about to respond Dante with a solid, 'I'm not sure', when a sound of McDonald's trash being mashed into a nearby trash can interrupted you.

"Oh, whatever", Chris admits, looking a little frustrated, "does that really matter if Dante's fine now? Even if they aliens were after someone, they clearly failed if he's here with us."

"It's important we know going forward", Dante explains, trying to sound calm, "since this is the second time those things have come up. If we can identify what they want maybe we can-"

his train of thought is interrupted as a nurse walked into the room to inform you all that your visiting time was up. There was a silent huff of annoyance from you, but you let her know you'd be on your way. After quickly wrapping things up with Dante, you and Chris made for the first floor. Yet the idea of what those aliens may have been after, continued to lurk in your mind as you left.

<April 30th, Monday 2:15 PM>

After exiting the medical center, you didn't really bring up much regarding Dante's experience. You felt like something was missing, but resolved to at least getting Chris home first before thinking more on it.

"May as well take you home", you state, hooking up your seat-belt, "since we're pretty much done with training. I don't think your dad is going to appreciate me taking you out so long."

"He won't care", Chris replies, reclining in the seat, "he never really cares so long as someone's watching me. Hell, I'll even ask him if you can borrow the car until Dante gets out."

>Take him back home
>Ask him if wants to go somewhere else
>Take him somewhere, <Specify>

>Ask him if wants to go somewhere else
We got time, don't we?

>>2910680
>>Ask him if wants to go somewhere else

>>2910680
>Ask him if wants to go somewhere else

>>2910680
>>Take him back home

enough going around with Chris, we should continue the Yukino investigation

>>2911977
>not expecting Chris, the asshole with a heart of gold buried miles deep, to care about the Yukino investigation - especially after we imply it might have been aliens

>>2911977
This.

We wasted enough time with him

>>2910680

>Ask him if wants to go somewhere else

If that isn't a hidden cry for help, I don't know what is.

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>>2912720
>>2910909
>>2910879
>>2911305

"Well, my day 'is' free at the moment", you state, turning to face Chris, "so we can still head out into the city if you still want. Your choice, considering I sprung up in your house a little unexpected."

"Really?", Chris responds, a you nod 'yes' in reply, "well, there was this place in Pentagon City Dante would always take me before his school started up again. But, what's the deal here, why are you being so nice today?"

"Remember what I said back in Dante's room?", you reply in question, and Chris gives you a lost look, "well, I don't want the group to fight itself anymore. And for that to happen, I think Erick would have wanted us to reach a middle ground with everyone."

"So you're doing this for Erick", Chris ponders, giving you an inquisitive look, "or because of the group? If I remember correctly, weren't you the first one to jump at the bit whenever someone went out of line?"

"I'll admit", you answer, though Chris's look doesn't change, "it has become a force of habit due to my job to jump at anyone starting trouble. But, doesn't mean I can't start changing it and I'd think the same for you."

Chris gave you a strange look, a mix of confusion and fear, and then just reclined back to his seat. You were about to reply after he just laid there motionless for a few moments, when he said to start driving and not to waste anymore time. You wanted to scold him for being kind of ungrateful but there was a hollowness in what he said that prevented you. He didn't say much of anything after that, and instead settled down for the car ride.

<April 30th, Monday 3:00 PM>

The car ride to Pentagon City had been slow, due to midday rush on the bridge to Arlington, but incredibly silent. And this wasn't the silent, well behaved Chris you'd come to recognize today, but instead a more distant and solemn silent. Things didn't change much as you and Chris arrived at the mall, and Chris led you to the place he'd mentioned. To your surprise, it was an ordinary GameStop store, that seemed like any other that you'd passed along before.

"You wanted to come here?" you ask in slight disbelief, "you know, there is a GameStop near South and 11th, which was closer to where we were. Why did you want to come here-"

"Dante knows the manager here", Chris replies, a somewhat serious tone overtaking his voice, "he would give us under-the-table stuff whenever we visited. Come in with me if you want, but I won't care if you decide to go somewhere else in the mall, just give me an hour here."

>Head inside with him, keep him company
>Head to the Ann Taylor, where Yukino's killer appeared
>Call someone and wait right outside, <Specify>
>Write In

>>2912942
>Head inside with him, keep him company
He seems too serious for this to be a little thing.

>>2912942
>>Head to the Ann Taylor, where Yukino's killer appeared

>>2912942
>Head to the Ann Taylor, where Yukino's killer appeared

Let's give him some time alone, looks like he needs it. And while we are here let's see if we can find anything interesting there

>>2912942
>Head inside with him, keep him company

>>2912942
>Head to the Ann Taylor, where Yukino's killer appeared
Maybe tell him about Yukino's case later on if he asks

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>>2912965
>>2912972
>>2913366

"Alright, I'll be back at 4", you announce, yet Chris only seems to nod in acknowledgement, "just meet me at the car if don't back here by then."

Chris doesn't seem to turn back as you finish your statement, but you do seem him enter the store at least to ease your concern. Wasting no time after that, you head to the second floor towards the Ann Taylor. After making it to the elevator, and a crowd of people along your way, you receive a message from Luis.

<Hey, just letting you know, I'll go ahead and run those plates for you since they got me on reception duty today. I'll send you the info later today.>

'Never misses a beat', you chuckle to yourself, heading out of the elevator, 'though I'll have to treat him to drinks after this week's over.'

You pocket you phone after reading, and continue making your way to the store. Though, upon arriving to the store you notice that there's something off about it. Not in the decor, as it seems well stocked and annoyingly well kept, but rather in the people there. There's customers inside no doubt, but you don't seem to spot any staff inside.

'They can't be all on their lunch break', you think, heading through the entrance, 'bet one of them is in the back. But...I may as well look around for a point of entry while they get here.'

Moving past the groups of younger and older women in the store, you start your initial inspection. The front portion reveals nothing, only shelves and display racks and mannequins for clothing. Besides the front entrance, there aren't any points of entry here, and there's no way he came in through the front door. Towards the back however, you spot two possible entry points for that man to get through.

One of them is an air duct on the ceiling in the back left that would fit you but you would imagine it a tight fit for a man of the killer's body type. More plausibly, you spot a door in the back that is probably a staff entrance, but it is appears locked behind a keycard slot. You surmise that both of them are similarly difficult to access without a degree of planning, or skill to be unnoticed.

'It was either luck or some stupid degree of planning' you ponder, as you continue staring at the back door, 'That is if he wasn't just using that cloak the whole time...god, Luis can't finish those plates fast enough-'

"Excuse me, ma'am", a voice behind you asks, interrupting your train of thought, "can I help you find something? That door is for staff only, so I'll have to ask you to step away..."

>Sorry, I was just leaving
>I have some questions, I'm a police officer but off duty
>Can you help me? I am investigating this store
>Write In

>>2913791
>>Sorry, I was just leaving


the store clerks are all suspects since one would need a key card to enter through this door so let's not tell them anything

>>2913791
>Sorry, I was just leaving
Is anyone else getting danger vibes? An unseen person, directly behind us, asking a random person who's only staring at a distant door to step away...
Paula should be on alert right now.

>>2913791
>Sorry, I was just leaving

>>2913791
>Sorry, I was just leaving

Make sure we get a good look at their face. Remember it.

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>>2913885
>>2913811
>>2913828
>>2913847

<April 30th, Monday 3:20 PM>

You turn around to see one of the store clerks looking at you with a polite smile and a name tag stating: Gabby Lincoln. She looks about your age, though she's got one of those weird dyed hair styles you've seen on girls these days. Her identity takes a slight edge off of your paranoia, but you nonetheless try to act innocent.

"Sorry" you deftly apologize, and move away from the door, "I thought that might have been the fitting room. Anyways, I was just leaving."

"Oh, I hope that I didn't startle you," she replies, looking more apologetic than you, "I'm a little new here so I'm still learning the ropes, so please forgive my sudden interruption. Have you looked through our new dress line, I think the new they'd compliment your-"

"No, that's entirely fine", you respond, trying to make your way out of the store, "I was just window shopping anyways. Though, I will consider it the next time."

The store clerk just let's out a dejected 'Oh...' as you make your way out of the store. You made a point to remember her face, but if she claimed she was new then there was a chance she might not have been here when the incident occurred. While it could be your paranoia talking, you couldn't really trust anyone in that store if the killer had gotten in through a staff door.

'Aliens, killers, mechanical black balls', you ponder amusingly, on your way back downstairs, 'I kind of liked it better when it was the odd speeder or gang member we dealt with.'

Upon getting off the elevator however, you actually see a small crowd of people gathering near the GameStop. The odd commotion draws you make your way to the entrance of the store. You don't get a few feet forward before you hear the sounds of very angry shouting from a very familiar voice.

At the very entrance of the store, you spot Chris and two other young men that look around his age. You can't tell who started it, but it seems other two are trying to goad him into a fight. They seem to know Chris judging from how they're speaking his name, but it only seems to be escalating the more they mention it. It's not long between the indistinct ramblings that you spot two familiar uniforms in the distance of two approaching mall security guards quickly approaching the scene.

'Damnit Chris...'

>Pretend you don't know him, and wait for him in the car
>Head over there, and break up the argument
>Intercept mall security, and try get them on your side
>Write In

>>2914013
>>Head over there, and break up the argument
I'm officer Torres what seems to be the problem?

take Chris out of there and take him home

>>2914013
>Head over there, and break up the argument
WE'RE ON THE CASE

>>2914044
This

>>2914013
>Head over there, and break up the argument

rent a cops go home, real police officer on the scene

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>>2914044
>>2914080
>>2914125
>>2914099

Judging by how quickly whole scene has begun to escalate, it won't be long before Chris actually throws a punch. And explaining to mall security is going to be more annoying if he draws first blood. Wasting no more time, you push your way through the crowd and towards the conflict. Even if you didn't have your badge, you were still going to keep the peace damnit.

"Alright, break it up!", you shout, loud enough to catch Chris's attention as well as the other two boys, "Chris, that's enough of that. And you two, I'm going to need you to step back."

As you get a good look at the other two, they actually appear older that Chris's age. Both are white, yet the taller of the two seems to be the one shouting more.

"I'm sorry, who do you think you are?" the taller boy questions, an unimpressed look on his face, "who's this dumb cunt, Chris? Another one of your daily flings or another girl you're bullying into liking you?"

"Excuse me?", you reply, dropping your tone a few octaves, "I am officer of the law, and even if I am off duty I won't have you take that tone with me kid. Now, back off otherwise I'll have to report on more than just a warning here."

"A cop?", the smaller one asks mockingly, before chuckling to himself, "yeah, ok, let's see some evidence of that if you're with the law. Even if you were, you should be arresting him, since he started this!"

"Paula...", Chris states, grinding his teeth at every word, "don't you dare. This is my problem, don't get fucking involved."

You're about to tell Chris to keep his mouth shut, before the two rent-a-cops arrive. Thankfully, you recognize them as Freddie and Lyle, the two men that helped you with the recording yesterday. Thankfully, they also notice you as you try to hold Chris back.

"Officer Torrez," Lyle starts, and you swear you hear a gasp from the one of the two boys, "what's seems to be the problem here?"

"These two boys are trying to instigate a fight", you bluntly state, looking back at the now shocked faces of the other two, "as well as harassing an officer off duty. Just let me take this one away first, he's with me."

"H-hey wait a minute", the taller boy exclaims, looking somewhat panicked, "he was the one that started this whole thing, we're innocent here! We didn't even know she was an officer, we swear-"

"Don't worry, we'll hear you out", Freddie reassures, moving closer to them, "but you're going to have to come with us. You are causing a disturbance."

Lyle and Freddie move in to get the two boys out of there as the crowd finally begins to disperse. Not missing a beat, you move Chris out of there as well, and over towards a less populated area. He's almost struggling to get out of your grip as you lead him on, but you're not letting go of his wrist. After heading towards the men's restrooms, let him go and he gives you a frustrated look.

"What?", he spits, "is this the part where I get a lecture from you?"

>Write In

>>2914383
No

I'll just drive you home. If you want to tell me what happened you can do it on the way

>>2914383
"No, they were clearly provoking you. I stepped in because I didn't want either of us to need to deal with the consequences of you rising to it."

>>2914408
Support

whatever happened is his problem, if he want's to talk about it we can listen, but let him make the decision

>>2914383
Backing >>2914408

>>2914463
I bet Paula giving him this sort of freedom of choice and understanding is throwing him for multiple loops deep inside himself

>>2914452
Supporting

>>2914642
That's the weird thing though. His dad clearly gives him freedom in how he doesn't really care what he does.

But, why is he reacting like this to the freedom Paula gives him?

>>2915539
one is parental neglect
the other is actual freedom

>>2915561
Fuck...this whole thing with Chris has my mind on a loop.

The kid is not mentally well and he's the worst kind of teen douchebag.

But, I cant help but sympathize in moments when he legitimately feels weak and insecure.

>>2915711
I don't, his bitch antics are what kept Erick dead, let's not forget that, as I'm sure Paula didn't

>>2915711
>>2915850
But I guess we work well together, with you sympathizing and being Paula's rational side acknowledging that the kid is sick, and I'm the emotional part pissed off at this bitch ass motherfucker that stole our gem and was on the way of us and our true love

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>>2914408
>>2914452
>>2914463
>>2914642
>>2915539
+1/2 Trust <Chris Bowery - Trust 1>

"No", you say calmly, causing Chris to blink, "those two were clearly provoking you. I stepped in because I didn't want either of us to deal with the consequences."

"What?", he replies, a look of genuine confusion on his face, "but I almost started a fight in public and you're saying there's no consequence? Aren't you going to get angry or throw a fit because of a scene I caused?!"

"No", you reply calmly, and Chris actually flinches a little, "I'll drive home, and that'll be the end of it. If you want to tell me what happened, you can do it on the way."

Chris just stands there, motionless, as you cross your arms in finality. He's still staring at you with a frustrated look, but you can tell there's a layer of confusion veiling his gaze. You don't stare back for too much longer as you turn around, and head towards the parking garage, motioning to Chris to come along. His steps only reach behind you as you're almost halfway to the parking garage, yet he says nothing.

<April 30th, Monday 4:00 PM>

"They were guys I used to go to school with", Chris states, and you turn an ear to listen, "more like bullies actually, but they knew better than to mess with me. Or at least, that was before I got expelled."

You had made it halfway towards the Bowery Mansion, before Chris decided to speak up, and almost startle you on the wheel. You hadn't expected him to say anything the whole way through, as you imagined he was still angry about the conflict in the mall. Whether he was venting or actually beginning to trust you, you were going to let him speak his mind.

"Yeah, you don't seem like the type to just take it lying down", you comment, and Chris just sighs, "well, at least they're gone for now. But, how did you expelled?"

"Well, there used to be three of them", Chris continues, shifting a little in his seat, "I beat the shit out of their leader, this real dipshit named Kyle, this one time. But, I did it again not a week afterwards, and almost sent him to the hospital."

"Sounds like retribution if you ask me", you add, but Chris doesn't say anything, "did you do it because he was a bully? Or was there another reason?"

"Look it, doesn't matter right now", Chris replies, shaking his head, "point is, I didn't expect them to be at the mall and I kind of lost it after they called me out. There, you got your story, now drive me home Paula."

>Your wish is my command, and drive him home without asking anything
>You sure that's everything? You feel you're missing something here
>Well, let's talk about something else then. Switch topics, <Specify>
>Write In

>>2917114
>>You sure that's everything? There's definitely more there but you can tell me when you want.

those are the guys that made Chris' crush commit suicide

>>2917114

>Your wish is my command, and drive him home without asking anything

>>2917123
We need to level up trust more to unlock further backstory. He'll just get mad if we push now.

>>2917114
>Your wish is my command, and drive him home without asking anything
but in a bright calm tone to ease the mood

>>2917114
>There is more there, but I won't ask further, if you want to talk I'm sure you will. Drive in silence the rest of the way.

>>2917135
Supporting

Also, I think we should come up with an answer to Bowery's request.

Personally, I dont think we should do it because it's going to put more eyes on the street if he succeeds.

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>>2917135
>>2917129
>>2917807

"Fair enough then", you calmly respond, continuing your drive the Bowery mansion, "you were honest enough about it. So, for now, your wish is my command."

Chris only sighs at your reply and returns to his previous silence, but he doesn't appear to be dismissive with it. If anything, it seems he's lost his initial agitation. You can only hope that this will be a phase of him opening up. Whatever else may have happened with those kids, his reason for doing so wasn't something you were going to ignore.

<April 30th, Monday 4:20 PM>

Chris remained in that state of quiet calm as you arrived to the Bowery estate. After explaining the recent outing to Joel over the intercom, he let you pull up the car without any restraint. Yet as you parked the car up on the curb, the cold figure of Senator Arnold Bowery awaited you on the doors of the house. The stone-like look on his face gave no signal to whether he was glad or dissapointed you came back.

"Goddammit", Chris groans, unlatching his seat belt, "what does he want now..."

You eye the senator warily as he descends from the entrance to meet Chris right outside of the car.

"Good afternoon," Bowery greets, taking a stand right next to the open co-pilot seat almost ignoring Chris as he heads for his dufflebag, "I hope you had a good trip today. And I doubly hope Chris didn't cause any trouble along the way."

There is a pause in Chris's shuffling in the backseat. The senator is making no effort hide his distrust on his son, yet you had hoped he wouldn't do it within ear shot. Besides the lull in activity for a mere second, there's no further reaction from Chris as at his father's clear distaste in him.

"No, nothing serious at least', you half-lie, giving him just enough to not suspect Chris's behavior. Truthfully, you knew Chris was far from an angel but his behavior today was shockingly calm given how aggressive he normally was. Though, you flatly deny any of the groping in the forest if Bowery somehow found out about it.

"That's a pleasant surprise", Bowery replies, as Chris begins to leave for the entrance with his dufflebag, "maybe you're a better influence in him than Dante is."

He chuckles at this slightly, and you try not to show your disgust at the blatant disregard for Dante's efforts. Though, upon him turning around towards Chris, you almost jumped at a different side of him.

"CHRIS!", Bowery shouted ferociously, making Chris freeze in his steps, "Don't you have something to say to our friend from the police force? You're being a little rude leaving in silence."

Chris stands motionless for a few moment, before slowly turning around. He faces with you with at first fear, and then that familiar calm expression.

"Thank you", he says, almost humbly, before turning around again and heading inside.

"Huh, he actually said it this time", Bowery states, then turning back to you, "we're getting dinner set up in a few minutes. Why don't you join us?"

>>2920024
>Accept, I'd love to
>Decline, sorry I am busy after this
>Shut the door, and leave without saying another word
>Write In

>>2920024
>Decline, sorry I am busy after this
I'd like to investigate more about that store, to be honest. After hours, if we must...or during business hours while cloaked, that'd also work - but I'd like to avoid that, since people on the same frequency can see each other.

>>2920024
>>Decline, sorry I am busy after this

>>2920026
>>Decline, sorry I am busy after this

>>2920024
>>2920026
>Decline, sorry I am busy after this

>>2920026
>Accept, I'd love to

We can talk about how he has enough free time to be putting together this force of his, and how he should be spending it with his son instead.

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>>2920033
>>2920415
>>2920495
>>2920637

"I'd love to Senator Bowery", you reply, as politely as you can, "but I am busy after this outing. Sorry, but I do appreciate the offer."

"What a shame, Joel had just finished his good Lasagna today", Bowery mourns, and then moves in with a serious look, "Dante convinced me to let you use this vehicle on the basis of you helping Chris with his behavioral issues. I've yet to see his judgement fail yet, so I'll trust his choice."

"But, I want you to be aware that I want him in this house before midnight," he continues, almost shoving his head in the car, "I don't think neither you or Dante want a repeat of the incident a couple of weeks ago. Either way, have a good rest of your day officer, and please do think on my offer when you get home."

Senator Arnold Bowery gives you no time to respond and he shuts the co-pilot door on the Acura. You almost lurch back from the sudden exit, as he departs to mansion entrance and dissapears through the front doors. Even if he had given you chance, you wouldn't have waved back. There was no looking back at the mansion as you pulled away, figuring such an unpleasant man didn't deserve a second glance.

<April 30th, Monday 4:30 PM>

You were back the west end of downtown DC when a few messages arrived to your phone. One of them was Luis, and another one was from Kurtis.

<Paula, I looked through the database for that plate you found. It's from New York, and the owner is registered as a Paul Liang. I've only looked through our registry for that name, but I can't find anything; could be an alias. I'll keep you posted if I find anything, but there's a lot of suits coming in today, so I don't know how long I'll have in this room...>

'Don't push it too hard now...' you pray, breathing in a little and moving to the other message, 'though, even an alias should give us something to work with on that contact. If it's Chinese, maybe it'll be a closer tie than I thought.'

<Hey Paula, do you know anyone named Stheno? Weird, asian girl with a black hoodie? Bumped into her while getting groceries at Walmart, said she knew Erick and was looking for him.>

'Oh no...', you think in annoyance, 'if she's psychic like Erick said, then she's probably already probed Kurtis's mind for our address. What the hell could she be after though...?'

Before you can close off your phone however, you receive one final message. This one is from Claire, with a strange, somber tone in the writing.

<Maria's parents came by today...we had to tell them we didn't know anything...they yelled at us and...Paula...what do we do...?>

'Those girls...', you sigh, finally clicking off the phone, 'they're idiots and selfish idiots at that. But...I can't fault them for caring about their friend.'

>Return home, and see if Stheno comes over
>Head to the twins' dorm, and try to help them out
>Find Kurtis, and see what's the status on Allie
>Write In

>>2922237
>Return home, and see if Stheno comes over

>>2922237
>>Return home, and see if Stheno comes over

oh shiiiit

>>2922237
>Return home, and see if Stheno comes over

>>2922237
>Go home, text Kurtis for Allie status

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>>2922296
>>2922326
>>2922309

'That being said', you thought, quickly typing up a response while the light was red, 'I have bigger fish to fry right now. Can't hold your hand for all of your problems girls, sorry.'

<I'm sorry, but you're both going to have to deal with this like the adults you are. Be strong, and I'll be strong with you.>

You quickly send the message as the traffic light turns green, and speed your way back home. Currently, there were two possibilities as to what that woman Stheno could want. The first involved Erick's disappearance, especially if she was looking at his work. The other could involve Gantz, which you were desperately praying wasn't the case if she managed to get the information from Kurtis. Whatever the case, you were going to meet her head on.

<April 30th, Monday 4:45 PM>

You arrived home at record time, and thankfully still able to find your apartment parking space uncontested. Rushing in, you quickly unload and unpack all of your gear back to the confines of your walk-in closet; taking special care to keep Erick's sword in a special area beneath your bed. There's a legitimate debate in your head as to whether or not take the suit off.

A part of you wishes to just keep it on in case Stheno tries anything, but it would give away any relative normality if you had it on at home. Not that it would matter either way, as you've seen in the past that psychic energy or whatever it is, seems to ignore the suits altogether as shown by Chris's encounter with Erick in the hallway. You opt to take bath instead and make yourself as inconspicuous as possible.

You don't know when that woman will arrive, but you don't think a shower will take that long. Stepping out of the suit, which you quickly store with the rest of your other gear, you enter the shower and take the time to deliberate and plan ahead for that woman's appearance. Or you would have, if you hadn't heard a couple of knocks at your front door.

'Fuck...', you mentally shout, and quickly reel back your thought as the knocking stops. That startling second caused you to commit a prime mistake. As a woman's voice echoes through your house, you'd forgotten that even thinking was dangerous right now.

"I know you're in there", the voice declares, and you desperately try to stop the shower, "so, please just come out, I want to talk. If Erick's in there with you, I need to see him as well."

Your breath slows to a crawl as the shower's water stops. There was almost no doubt this was Stheno, a woman you knew nothing about and someone Erick had described cautiously. If she was after something, you needed to make sure you didn't say the wrong thing.

>Write In

>>2924958
>Can it wait long enough for me to get dressed?
Then, after she presumably (I hope) lets us get decent...
>What did you need to talk about? Erick's not here right now.

Be careful with what you type, anons. Unless you want her to read what you say.

>>2924958
Backing >>2924979 but also offer something to drink. Gotta be a gracious host even if we're having our mind read at all times.

>>2924979
Part of me wants to get her in on this alien deathgame bullshit along with her brother. Didn't Sakurai and his mentor do great when they got into Gantz? I'm sure things will be just fine.

>>2925045
delete this, you think spoiler text can block her? FOOL.

>>2924979
>>2925037
These

>>2924958
>Erick isn't around. Hopefully he'll be back by next week. What do you need?

Also put on our suit and grab an X Gun if possible.

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>>2924979
>>2925037
>>2925679
>>2925893

"Can it wait long enough for me to get dressed?", you shout back, trying to find a towel. You quickly wrap it around yourself in waiting for a response.

"Fine," she finally replies, as you step out of the bathroom door, "I'll wait right out here. But please don't make me wait too long. alright..."

You let out a slightly frustrated sigh at her request, but you were going to hurry regardless. After drying yourself on the bed and quickly making yourself decent, you make for the front door. Though, you give a final glance at your closet and give a quick thought of worry for not taking your suit and weapon. You quickly shake it off, head to the front door, and open it up to your reveal your guest.

Stheno stands at your same height, but you can't really make out her face through a set of sunglasses, a black hoodie and mouth cover that mask her face from you. This only really adds to your suspicion of the woman, but you figure she probably doesn't care if you think so given that she made her intentions known. Or, what you're assuming her intentions of looking for Erick are at least.

"Afternoon", you start, trying to clear your head from any thoughts she might read, "What did you need to talk about? Erick's not here right now."

"It's more of an issue between me and him", she responds, and moves forwards as if trying to enter the house, "unless he's already told you about me...? Look, I just need to confirm if he's in here, and I will be on my way."

"I already told you he's not around", you repeat yourself, retaining your position in front of her, "he should be back by next week. But yeah, I do know he's a psychic and only what he decided to tell me about you."

"Really now...?", Stheno coyly asks, moving forwards a little, "then you must also know that psychics can read minds. There's no use hiding it, Paula, I can figure it out if I look deep enough."

"Figure what out?", you reply, denying her line of questioning, "look, I already told you that he's not here and he'll back next week. Now, if you're done with the questions, please leave or-"

"You're hiding something!", she interrupts with a shout, and you see the light in the front entrance flicker on and off, "It's just like that gun you're hiding in your closet you thought of hiding from me. Omission of information is still a lie, officer."

If she was able to read your fleeting thought of getting the gun, then there's no telling what she could find if she concentrates hard enough. Erick did this before when utilizing his telekinesis but this could be a massive bluff on her part. You don't know all of the capabilities of a psychic, and she could be naturally assuming you own a weapon since you're a cop. There's only so much time before she finds it though.

>Deny it again, she's got to bluffing with being a lie detector
>Admit it, and let her know that Erick is dead
>Shut the door in front of her, and lock her out
>Write In

>>2927517
>Admit it, and let her know that Erick is dead
>"I can tell you more, but there might be grave consequences for that. Are you absolutely prepared for this?"
We getting Stheno on board now, guys?

>>2927517
> he's been hurt, really hurt, and only I can help him, if you read into my mind you'll kill me, so I ask that you please trust me, I'll get him back. I can answer any queation you have for me but please don't look for them in my head.

>>2927517
>If you do that, you'll be putting both your life and my own at incredible risk. More than you might think. Please, accept what I've told you and just wait to see Erick in another week. You can tell that I'm being honest with you right now, yeah?

>>2927517
>Read my mind, and a powerful enemy will kill me for leaking information, and kill you to seal the leak. You're gonna have to wait till next week.

>>2927980
>
>>2927548
these

>>2927517
changing my vote in >>2927527 to
backing >>2927548 and >>2927980

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>>2927548
>>2927980
>>2928321
>>2928441
>>2929170

"What's it gonna be then Paula?", Stheno asks, her face getting very close to your own, "I got about 30 seconds before I find out where he is. There's no use hiding him-"

"He's been hurt!", you interrupt, stomping your foot on the ground, "he's really hurt, and only I can help him right now. If you read my mind you'll kill me and by extension him, so I can only ask you to trust what I'm saying."

Stheno had taken a step back after you stomped the floor, though you couldn't tell if this was because she was intimidated or because she figured you weren't technically lying anymore. She didn't reply for a few seconds, and you soon came to realize that your breathing had gotten a lot faster in that time.

"What are you saying...?" Stheno questions, her voice dropping a little, "If he's hurt then why is he not in a hospital? And what do you mean kill you and him?!"

You don't get a chance to reply back to her outburst as an intense pressure takes hold of your body. There's even less time to react as that same pressure launches your body back into your house. There's a slamming thud on your back as hit the doors of your coat closet. Your arms and legs struggle to move yet that same pressure is pinning you so hard, it's almost difficult to even breathe.

"You're stalling for something dammit", Stheno continues, her hand raised in front as she enters your apartment, "tell me where he is right now or I will probe your mind like a oil drill. You'll be lucky to be catatonic afterwards..."

"If...you do that...you'll be putting us both at risk...", you say, struggling to form the words, "I've told you everything...I can...just give me one more...week and...he'll be back. You can tell...that I'm honest in that...right?"

Your labored breathing doesn't stop as Stheno tilts her head towards you. Her hand doesn't drop as the pressure on your body seems to intensify, especially around your arms. A short grunt of pain comes from your mouth as you feel one of your wrists being bent ever so slowly. Just when it seems like it'll snap, the pressure releases, and you're dropped to floor. After a few seconds of coughing, you make it to your knees as Stheno starts heading out your door.

"I'll be back in one week", Stheno states, turning her head back to you, "if he's not back by then, I'll do much worse than just probe you. Goodbye Paula."

You clutch your throat as the door closes, and locks itself behind Stheno. Between your short breaths, you climb to your feet and just stare at the door for a few moments. If she's this desperate to get to Erick, there's no telling what she might be after once he does come into contact with her again. Whoever Stheno might be, you've learned she's not only more dangerous than you previously thought but with even less morals on hand.

"Fuck..."

<April 30th, Monday 5:00 PM>

>Write In

>>2929295
>Look into Stethno
>Start wearing the suit under your clothes

>>2929295
Backing >>2929545

>>2929295
Call Kurtis see how the Alies situation is

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>>2929545
>>2929608

It quickly dawned on you that you had just survived an encounter with a person with Erick's powers, with little more than just a few bruises. You would have counted your lucky stars, but you were madly typing on the phone trying to reach Luis.

The police database must have had something on that woman, though you were guessing her name was probably a pseudonym. As the dial tone played over your ear, you head out of your apartment to find something to provide you with proof. Yet you would find there were no items dropped on the floor, prints or oily residue on the door knob, or even a shred of that white hair on the ground.

'Guess we're doing this by visual recognition...', you think to yourself, as Luis finally answers, 'this is going to be harder than I thought...'

"Hey Paula", Luis chimes, contrasting your worried thoughts, "what do you need? I'm still working on that Liang fellow, so maybe call back in-"

"Sorry to interrupt Luis, but", you interject, trying to sound as cautious with your words, "I need you to give me a quick background check on a possible stalker. Possible name: Stheno, female, about my height, white hair, maybe in her early 20s, probably Hispanic or Asian from her appearance-"

"Whoa slow down there", he interrupts, and you realize your breath is still coming out a little ragged, "you want me to look into another one? She's not stalking your boyfriend like the last one, right?"

"Well, a little like the other one", you reply, trying to breathe in slower, "she's more of a suspect than anything else, but potentially dangerous. Please, just give it a quick run through and see what it brings up for me, alright?"

You hear Luis sigh on the other line, and he agrees to run the name and the characteristics given. After about 10 minutes of waiting on the line, Luis picks the phone back up to give you the results. Yet, they all prove inconclusive as there's no one registered with that name under the database, or has naturally occurring white hair with a dark complexion. All of the other categories are also too broad to pick up on anything for this woman.

'Damnit...', you chide, as you take a seat on the couch, 'no evidence, no proof of her being here, not even a real name. Erick, how did you even meet this crazy chick...?'

After thanking Luis for his search you end the call and head back to your bedroom. After finding the closet door, you open it to reveal your equipment still sprawled on there.

'I didn't even get a look at her face with that get-up of hers' you think, picking up your suit, 'Any other features to distinguish her by are either cosmetic or impossible to identify. But...she's not gonna pull that shit again next time.'

<April 30th, Monday 5:20 PM>

You put on the suit, as you thought on what to do for the day.

>Hang out, <Specify>
>Work out, <Which PHY Stat?>
>Call Sen. Bowery, <Answer No or Yes to his offer>
>Write In

>>2934820
>>Work out, <Which PHY Stat?>
can we train DEF? if we can't train MOV

>>2934820
>Work out, <Which PHY Stat?>
DEF

>>2934842
OOC: Yes, you can train all 3 of them if you wish but the workout might not be as effective.

Think of it this way:

Upper body & Lats - STR

Core & Conditioning - DEF

Legs & Cardio - MOV

Up to you guys on how you want to handle it though, since you guys never chose this one before.

>>2934852
we use our boxing training for conditioning as well as some circuits, maybe with obstacles, while training our core with exercises for that purpose

I'm not /fit/ so anyone can call bullshit and tell me how it is kek

>>2934842
+1

>>2934842
+1

>"Erick, how did you even meet this crazy chick...?"
>>>/x/

>>2934852
>Core and conditioning

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>>2934842
>>2934851
>>2934871
>>2934894
>>2936329

Between Chris, the investigation, and now that psychic girl, the day's stress seemed ready to just swallow you up. This, on top of the already gnawing anxiety from Erick's death and the subsequent fallout with the group, you resolved to the one place where you could take out your frustrations. Picking up your dufflebag, a workout bottle, your wallet, and Dante's car keys, you headed out for Metro Center.

<April 30th, Monday 5:45 PM>

You hadn't been to Crunch in a long time, as the fitness center in HQ was more than enough for a regular workout. But, you had retained a membership here if in only for the free and exotic martial arts instructions on the weekends. You'd only ever gone to the Aikido one, but you figured soon that it paled in comparison to the specialized take-downs they taught you in the police academy. If anything, at least the gym was massive enough to house several dozens of rooms for individual training.

As you parked Dante's car in a nearby parking garage and headed inside, you began to think on what kind of regiment your had yourself on. You'd always done optimization work on your upper body and lats, but you felt that it wasn't going to cut it this time. The suit gave you more than enough strength, and your close combat training was more than enough to compensate for your speed. Which only left your physical toughness to improve, which meant improving your core and your circulation.

You'd seen Erick's suit stop a knife, and he wasn't even at peak performance for his size. If the suits' strengths enhanced your already existing capabilities, you could only guess as to what else they could protect you against if you got tough enough. Utilization of the suit was out of the question inside, but you'd definitely test it out after changes became visible when you got home.

'And even if I'm wrong', you think, making your way inside the building, 'at least I'll get a nice six pack out of the deal. Give Erick another reason to turn his head once he's back.'

You almost giggle sheepishly at the thought, letting the receptionist scan your membership card. It was probably your own way of loosening your mind before a workout. Before you head over to one of the inclined benches to start on your abs, you quickly get a fill on that bottle. Spraying a little into your mouth, rinsing, and then spitting to make sure you have a good breath started before getting to your workout. Though, given that you're in your tights and hooded sweatshirt, you'll need that initial burst.

>Roll 1d20 +2 WIL

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2937607

Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2937607

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2937607

>>2937613
Paula six pack incoming, Erick will be glad

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>>2937613
<GREAT SUCCESS>
<April 30th, Monday 8:30 PM>

Your stomach feels likes a damn blast furnace. It's hot, burning inside, and now very sturdy as you stand up to stretch. The amount of pressure you put on it with the crunches, side crunches, lifts, and several other extraneous exercises you've exerted yourself in over the last two hours have worn you down. Though, probably not as much as the inclined bench you were rocking on.

It had been a learning experience with the suit as well, as you had managed to figure out a physical threshold for the suits automatic activation. The amount of pain or physical stress on your body had partially activated it at times to the near destruction of the bench from sheer pressure. There was a way to trick it, by steadying your breathing to calm your brain and heart down.

It had worked, as the workout you achieved not only felt difficult but very satisfying at the moment. Taking the last few sips from your bottle, you headed off for a paper towel and sprayer to wipe off the sweat off of that bench. Yet, you realized upon returning that the only sweat on the bench had been from your head. You had felt the sweat pour out of your body though, and quickly realized that it was still on you.

'The suit's not letting it out', you think, wiping down the top part of the bench, 'it retains any moisture from getting out or getting in. What the hell are these things even made out of.'

You quickly resolved that working out with the suit was probably not a good idea, as washing it out was probably not work it either. Now that your recall, you didn't even really exert yourself when you had it activated in training. Either way, you quickly got your remaining items and headed for the front door, but not before spotting a curiously scary sight out of the right-most window.

Two men, both probably hispanic by their complexion, seemed to pushing someone near the keen side of the adjacent alley. You couldn't make out their faces, but they were probably not there for a nice chat. Judging by the blue and white patch on pants leg of the closest one, you knew exactly who these guys were.

'Hondurans', you think, moving forwards towards the door, 'thinking they own the damn place just cause they know a bit of english. Just like any of the trash out of Central America.'

>Ignore it, not your business anyways
>Talk them down, rough but not too rough
>No negotiation, take them down quickly
>Write In

>>2937788
OOC: You got one more SUCCESS to get the increase DEF. Even with a BARE SUCCESS, it'll be more than enough.

>>2937947
>>2937947
>Talk them down, rough but not too rough

>>2937947
>Talk them down, rough but not too rough

>>2937947
>Talk them down, rough but not too rough

>>2937947
>Talk them down.

We're the pooooolice!

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>>2937982
>>2937997
>>2938066
>>2938227

In your experience, Hondurans were more talk than bite when it came to harassing people. You'd seen the worst of it growing up in New York around Central Americans. But if they were ganging up on someone, it usually meant they wanted something and usually weren't asking for it. Heading out of the gym, you move towards the alley with the full intention of stopping something from potentially starting.

You drop off your dufflebag to the alley's entrance, and get a better look at the situation as you follow the figures in. Both men were in regular shirts, but their baggy jeans were a dead giveaway to their probably delinquency. They seemed to be harassing the person behind them about something involving their sister, though you didn't really understand too much as they were nearly whispering their threats. Not that you were going to let this go on much longer however.

"Hey!", you shout, getting both of the men's attention, "what do think you're doing here? I certainly hope you're not threatening that person."

"Nothing that involves you", the first one blurts back, and you notice a deep scar on his left eye, "so get out of here unless you want part of what's coming to this little bastard. You understand me, chica?"

Your only reply is to stand your ground, crossing your arms to signify your defiance. The one with the scar just glares back at you, but the other one just stands to his side, holding an arm to his victim's shirt to keep them from escaping. Getting a better look at them, they appear to be in their early 20s but the one with the scar looks much older. The littler stareoff is interrupted by struggling behind them, and a familiar face trying to escape the grasp of younger looking one.

"PAULA!", Tanjeet shouts, trying to get the man to let him go, "I swear I don't know a thing! We were only studying for the weekend, she wasn't actually-"

"Shut the fuck up!", the younger one shouts back, punching him in the stomach, "you were the last person to see her pendejo! WHAT DID YOU TO MARIA?!"

"Wait, do you know this kid?", the scarred one asks, giving you a inquisitive glare, "Are you involved in this shit too?! Habla, puta maldita!"

'Shit...' you think, quickly trying to make sense of the situation at hand, 'What the fuck even happened here Tanjeet?'

>I'm a Police officer and he's a suspect, but you don't have a way to prove it now
>I do know him, but I don't even know what is happening here
>No more questions, take them down
>Write In

>>2939107
"I'm a police officer, and I already talked to him about Maria, her two friends asked for my help, now let the kid go, you have no proof he is involved and we don't have a reason to suspect him....yet"

>>2939145
also add

"and who are you? what do you know about her?"

>>2939145
This

>>2939107
>I'm the pooooolice!

>>2939107
Backing >>2939145

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>>2939145
>>2939389
>>2939835
>>2939924

"I am a police officer", you announce, taking a step forward towards the scarred man, "and I have already spoken to him about Maria, as her two friends already asked for my help. Now, let the kid go."

"Don't see a badge on you officer" the scarred man sneers, almost lurching towards you, "and I don't remember you when our folks spoke with the police at the university. We certainly don't forget a face."

"And who are you?" you reply, taking another step forward, "Why do you think you can get close to Maria's investigation? What do you know about her?"

"She's our sister", the other man shouts, still holding a struggling Tanjeet, "we got called with our folks after her university said she went missing. We've been-"

"Ya, supiciente!", the scarred man shouts, and his brother winces back, "if you were investigating it, you would already know the details. Isn't that right, officer?"

"Your choice if you don't want to believe me", you retort, and lower the tone of your voice, "but do you and your brother really want to take that chance? You have no proof he is involved and we don't have a reason to suspect him...yet."

His face and posture remain unmoving, unconvinced since your bluff started. You hadn't taken into account that these two may have been involved in whatever investigation was actually occurring. If they were Maria's brothers, they were following through on a police lead. But, it still didn't excuse them trying to rough up Tanjeet for whatever sick interrogation they had planned.

"Fine, then", you continue, and take another step forward, almost pressing into the Maria's scarred brother, "I could care less if you don't believe me. But that's not going to stop me from getting the police involved if you keep bothering that kid-"

You see it for a split second, as you see the scarred man reach for something in his back pocket. The motion to grab whatever he's holding back there is fluid, but yours is faster. As the man brings his arm forwards with his weapon, you take half-step forward and take his arm with your own hand. Your suit activates, and you easily bring him down, knocking his weapon away, revealing it to be a taser.

The man makes a painful groan as he's almost slammed into the floor with your hold over his arm. The other brother, having seen you easily overpower a man much larger than yourself, lets go of Tanjeet and begins to move against the wall of the alley allowing you passage. You don't waste any time with words as you take a ragged looking Tanjeet from the floor and towards main street. Though you don't look back, you swear you hear a few spanish curses uttered from the alleyway.

After you get Tanjeet near the parking lot, you see for yourself the full extent of the damage on him. He's got bruises on his arms and a mean cut right over his upper lip. But, at least he's conscious and still breathing.

"Paula...thank you...", he groans out, slowly.

>Write In

>>2941610
>Are you going to be okay, or should I help you to a hospital?
>And...do you want to report what happened here, or not? It's up to you, since you're the victim. It's illegal for them to take matters into their own hands like that, for obvious reasons.

>>2941634
this

also, do you have any family nearby, maybe you shouldnt be alone at campus

>>2941610
How are you?
Is this the first time this happened? Where is your suit?

>>2941610
Both of these
>>2941634
>>2941696


Also damn, does everyone have scary family members waiting to make trouble if they die?

>>2942150
Erick's family certainly didnt...

>>2941610
Backing >>2941634

>>2942179
OOOF

>>2942179
damn....that's sad....I wonder if paula will be even more depressed about it when she realizes no one will come looking for him besides her

>>2942216
>>2942227
Reminder that Erick's whole life is based out of being a screwup that only got lucky the moment he died.

Really makes you think...

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>>2941634
>>2941650
>>2941696
>>2942150
>>2942190

"Here, don't struggle", you request, placing Tanjeet softly near the wheel of Dante's car, "Are you going to be okay? Should I call a hospital or-"

"N-no it's fine", Tanjeet responds somewhat dismissively, "they didn't do all that much, just superficial bruising and a minor laceration, nothing serious. Though...that taser hurt like a bitch though..."

"Those cowards...", you exhale, and then give Tanjeet a serious look, "I shouldn't have to tell you that it's pretty illegal to do what they just did, no matter the reason. Do you want to report what happened here, you're the victim after all."

"Maybe if they were just any idiot thugs", Tanjeet replies, his breathing steadying, "but I can't do that to Maria's family, especially not after what happened on Saturday. Just...didn't think they'd start off so soon."

"Wait, so...you knew this was going to happen?", you ask, and Tanjeet just nods back, "Do you know if they'll be back? And where is you suit and those martial arts you bragged to Erick about?"

"Claire and Silvia have it, along with that net pistol", he replies, trying to get up a little with the wheel, "I gave it to them before the investigation started, after they warned me Maria's parents had called the police. As for my karate...well, kind of hard to fight back if they suckerpunch me with a taser in the neck."

"But, I don't know if or when they'll be back", Tanjeet continues, and is now holding himself on the door of the Sedan, "but they certainly made true that they'd be after me if I left the campus. Honestly, I just did it to get away from my room...I can't sleep peacefully there anymore..."

You could only stare somberly at Tanjeet as he looked down at the ground. The kid was too nice for his own good, and it was something that was definitely biting him back now. It almost reminded of Erick's own attitude when dealing with grief, but instead Tanjeet was more keen on running away and leaving no trace behind. He seemed a coward to you, yet the only person he was hurting in running way was himself. The thought of seeing Tanjeet as his worst again almost made your stomach turn.

"Here's let's get going", you say, opening the front door, "I'll at least give you a ride to a safer place. We can discuss the details after we at least treat your injury."

"Paula...thank you", Tanjeet simply says, and opens the back seat door, "I think I'll be riding back on this one. Even if I said it's fine, I'd still rather lay down for a bit..."

"Go ahead," you reply, smiling at him from the front seat, "this won't take long anyways."

>Your house
>The Twins' Dorm
>Kurtis's House
>Write In

>>2943385
>>Kurtis's House

more secluded and we are under heat

>>2943385
>Kurtis's House

>>2943385
>Kurtis's House

>>2943385
>Kurtis's House

>>2943385
They can maybe cool down Maeia's senpai

>>2943385
>>2944403
Of course I forgot the actual vote
>The Twin's Dorm

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>>2943410
>>2943415
>>2943420
>>2943522

<April 30th, Monday 9:30 PM>

You'd opted out of heading to the twin's dorm as the police might still be there, though Tanjeet cleared up that they wouldn't start a full investigation until tomorrow. And though your house sounded like a good idea, you didn't really have a first aid kit handy to treat his injuries. So, you resolved to head to Kurtis's home, as you figured that the home's seclusion and remoteness would be beneficial to Tanjeet's request. As you headed there, Tanjeet explained everything that had occurred.

He had received a text from Claire and Silvia a couple of hours ago telling him that the police were on their way, which led to him hiding his suit and weapon in a stash outside of his dorm and notifying the twins to pick it up. Maria's parents had arrived soon afterwards with the police and, in his words, had chewed him out like a school of sharks to a baby seal. Though he wasn't labeled as a legitimate suspect as plenty of people had actually seen Maria before she 'dissapeared', he nonetheless wasn't making a friend of her family.

Her brothers especially made it clear to Tanjeet that if he tried to step out of the school grounds, he would be dead meat. So, Tanjeet called their bluff, and left the school to get some fresh air, stating that he couldn't stay in there any longer with people that reminded him so much of Maria. The police didn't stop him, but Maria's brothers followed him towards Crunch and ambushed him near the alleyway. From their shouts to him, they were planning of beating him within an inch of his life until he told them where Maria was.

"They must have thought of me leaving as suspicious enough to try something", Tanjeet states as your car slows down near Kurtis's home, "I had it coming for being that melancholic. Maria told me that I think too much...but now I say I didn't really think enough..."

"Don't say that Tanjeet", you reply, parking the car, "those people are motivated by grief and worry, you couldn't have known what they would have done. Either way, at least we can get you some good rest here for now."

You hear a sharp breath of agreement from Tanjeet as he struggles up. You open the door for him, and help him out. Closing the doors, you and Tanjeet head to Kurtis's door, and ring the doorbell. Nothing happens, you don't even hear footsteps near the door, until after nearly 2 minutes you receive a call from an unknown number, which you answer.

"Paula, is that you?", Allie's voice states, making you sigh slight relief, "I'm using Kurtis's land line, can you believe he still has a home phone? Anyways, what's going on, why are you here and why is Tanjeet with you?"

"I wish I could summarize it", you start, looking at the door, "but I just need you to open up right now. He's hurt and needs a place to crash for a day or two."

"Why didn't you call earlier then...?", Allie asks, earning a wayward look from you, "You are Paula...right...?"

>Write In

OOC: I'll do one final update tomorrow as I will heading to NY Comic Con for the weekend.

I'll try to start us up again on Tuesday, but don't archive this thread yet until I can put stop gap tomorrow, please.

>>2945704
What?...wait...did something happen? Why wouldn't I be myself Allie? what kind of question is that?

>>2945704
Backing >>2945812

>>2945709
We're on page 10, archive it man

>>2945812
Support

If she becomes suspicious tell her to use the Y-gun scanner

>>2945704
>"No Allie, I'm actually the Thing from that one movie, titled the Thing. Now stop being a dumbass and open the goddamn door."

>>2945704
OH FUCK
BACKING >>2946652 TOO
I FORGOT Y-GUN SCANNER SEES THRU WALLS

archived it

>>2948345
>>2948345
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2906934/

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>>2948345
>>2948347
Damnit, I got to my hotel room much later than I thought. Sorry, I should have updated it in the morning for you guys.

I'll get a new thread started up with the resolution to you guy's posts. Remember, since this was more of a write in, I will be including portions of everyone's choices.

Also, thank you for the green texted anon. I was rushing here to archive it myself if it got to this point.