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>>3333156

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=do+your+best+quest (Rough Grammar ‘till half of the 9th Thread)
Complete Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-nIx_dvaNCPQ7zLg2BK_ucCyGNM741kAANxqXj7hdDs/edit?usp=sharing

Votes:

Votes are counted until 25 minutes have passed. This rule doesn't apply to the last reply of the day.
Votes that require a dice roll are counted until 15 minutes have passed, so we can speed up the process. Rolls are counted until 10 minutes have passed, so be prepared!

(NEW) Dice Mechanic:

We always roll 1d100s!
Since most people weren’t happy with the system of averaging top four rolls, we’re using best of 2/3/4 depending on the attribute a prompt requires. If Johnny is a genius and it’s a Knowledge based roll, he gets more rolls (Max. 7)! If he sucks, he gets less dice (Min. 2)!

When asked for rolls, I will specify how many you’re going to get. Rolling begins after it’s asked.

Rolling over a 95 is a critical and ignores all other rolls! In the same vein, rolling 5 or under means a critical failure (only for hard rolls and above).

The difficulty of the roll is tied with the effectiveness of the action. In other words, the harder the option the better the result!

Don’t forget that at the end of the day, this is a story-driven quest! What the prompts are describing is more important than the difficulty of the rolls, for results in a fight.

Again, rolls are only counted when they are posted within ten minutes of being asked, so watch out!

>>3333156
>Let Yukika decide where to go! If she wants to be useful, you’ll let her!

>>3333156
>Wander aimlessly through the unnerving blood-red city streets! Don’t stop!

>>3333156
>>Head to the nearest laser beam that isn’t Flint’s or yours. Seek it out!
They're already tracking us, might as well get them first.

>>3333183
I vote for hunted becomes the hunter.
We drop off the shard near the other shard, and then ambush them with the invisibility
Then combine the shards again
All they'll see is one shard devouring the others.
And then the others will be afraid, and they will panic, and then we can go slowly and get them one by one.

>>3333248
This probably isn’t the optimal move but I support it anyway. Could be funny.

>>3333230
We can totally do that

>>3333156
changing my vote from >>3333166 to >>3333183 >>3333230

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[10:33 PM]

“Let’s chase after the closest piece that isn’t Flint.” It’s time for the hunted to become the hunter! “We ambush them, we combine the pieces again. All they’ll see is one shard going near the others, then the other one disappearing. And they will be afraid. They will panic. And then we can go slowly and get them one by one!” Philonune’s pride and approval comes through your mental link… You feel better about this decision already!
“Woah, that’s bold!” Yukika puts her hands on her cheeks and looks shocked… but she drops it for her smug smirk. “And super dangerous! I’m in!” Of course she’s in; you’re the only one who can protect here here and she knows it.

You two begin walking towards your new objective, but a certain someone is not pleased about this at all…

“No… No… No. No. No.” Amelia vibrates intensely, muttering to herself in a hushed tone.
“Right. Please hold her for me.” You hand your sister back to Yukika. Amelia bites down on your hoodie to stay put, but she’s powerless to resist! Even though she’s too tired to keep her eyes open, the moisture in her eyes and the streaks on her cheeks say it all… You feel worse about this decision already!

“Amelia, your brother is super strong! Don’t worry about it!” Yukika grabs a better hold on your sister, forcing her to look straight at the disingenuous girl.
“Woof.” Chewirton bobs his head a bunch of times.

“Besides he doesn’t have enough time to chase them all out. Most of these are too far away anyhow.” She waves up at the beams of light pointing at the other locations, one being right over you. “Last I checked it was 8 o’clock, and it should be two hours since then. How much more time do you think we’re going to waste chasing after these guys? One? Two? This whole weird red eclipse thing will be over by then! At least, I think so…” Now Yukika is talking sense! Amelia does her best to keep her eyes open wide, hanging on Yukika’s every word. “I mean, let’s be real! They won’t keep this going past midnight. It’ll be over before you know it, so you should relax and take a nice long nap…”

After struggling for a few seconds, Amelia relents and finally passes out.

With that out of the way, you two continue your walk through the snow-filled streets of Pokyo Lokyo. You have no doubt if the Crimzone wasn’t conveniently acting as a light source, the whole city would be dark. It would be impossible to know where you’re going, where things are on the roads… Just the cold black emptiness, all around you… And though you might have Philonune’s power to help you ignore the darkness at will, everybody else would be left blind.

How is the city going to be after this? There’s no way people can just ignore this happening to the capital over a whole day. Will there be chaos? Riots? Something else…?

>>3333806

Several minutes of silent musing later, Yukika starts talking out of nowhere.

“I don’t know how much of an ambush you can set up with the beam on you.”
“Eh, I’m planning on dropping the piece off with you, and then ambushing them while invisible.” You smile and shrug. “I’ve had worse plans work for me before.”
“Whaaaaaaaat?! And leave me completely exposed to some sicko?! No thanks!”

“…Then I’ll drop the piece somewhere close, and then do the amb—”
“Whaaaaaaaat?! And leave the piece completely exposed to some sicko?! No thanks!” Yukika cuts you off again, whining in such a pitiful manner it’s almost sickening! Though, something in her tone and the edges of her eyes gives you the impression she’s playing with you… “This has two pieces for the price of one! The risk doesn’t even compare. Look, okay, I can hide – but I can’t run very fast with your sister and Chewirton on my back. Whatever you’re planning better not expose me to the psychos, got that?”

You channel as much sarcasm as you can into your next word. “Fiiiiiiiiiiiiine…” And also throw in an eyeroll for good measure. You were starting to like running solo too! If only your first and only time didn’t happen against an unstoppable skeletal predator!

Judging by the ray in the air, you’re about halfway your destination. What do you do?

>Drop Yukika and Amelia off somewhere safe around here. If you want to hunt, you need to hunt alone…
>Keep walking to the beam. Leaving these two alone in the cold is asking for disaster, not to mention irresponsible!
>Change in plans: walk around aimlessly with them instead! It’s better if you buy time and stop being greedy.
>Write In.

>>3333248
>>3333252
Maybe later...

>>3333811
>Wait in place for someone suspicious to approach you.

>>3333811
>Change in plans: walk around aimlessly with them instead! It’s better if you buy time and stop being greedy.

We are in no condition to be going after a third piece, just go back to the clinic.

>>3333811
>Change in plans: walk around aimlessly with them instead! It’s better if you buy time and stop being greedy.

>>3333811
>Change in plans: walk around aimlessly with them instead! It’s better if you buy time and stop being greedy
Seriously, Johnny did more than enough for today let the guy rest already.

>>3333811
>>Write In.
"Hmm, I did promise Amelia to try and stay safer, so lets go and enjoy the night air shall we?"
>Change in plans: walk around aimlessly with them instead! It’s better if you buy time and stop being greedy.

>>3334092
Also, we should get Amelia something sugary to eat or drink.
If the stores are still open.

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[10:51 PM]

“I did promise Amelia to try and play it safer, so let’s go and enjoy the night air shall we?” You think you see a small smile on Amelia’s sleeping face. “Let’s take the longest detour to the clinic so we can buy time.”

“Clinic? Don’t tell me it’s the same cursed clinic with that creepy doctor?” Oh yeah, she has no idea what your base is or anything…
“It’s Dr. Calamity. And you’re right.”

“W-why there…?” Suddenly Yukika doesn’t look so coy or smug. You’re not sure how to feel about this. “The d-doctor was fine I guess, but the whole place gave me the creeps. Random chills, weird sounds and faint voices, and I swear I saw chairs and boxes move when I wasn’t looking… It might as well been haunted by demons!”
It’s funny how accurate that is, in hindsight. “Don’t worry, they moved out to another place.” And all the loose flames are gone too, but she doesn’t need to know that right now.

Yukika gives you a relieved smile. “Oh. Thank goodness for that. Guess it won’t be a problem then.” You don’t think she’s being disingenuous this time.

“…You can hand Amelia back now.”
“No no no, it’s alright! I’ve been eyeing you since we started walking, and you’re not hiding how tired you are. Better for both of us if you take it easy for a while.” Yukika pats your unconscious little sister on the back. “Don’t get me wrong, I still believe you can take a truck down all by yourself. I just don’t trust you to stay standing for long after you do, though!”

“Thanks?” Was that a backhanded compliment or a legit one?
The conniving ex-celebrity waves you off. “Oh, it’s nothing! Just don’t forget I helped, and we’re cool!” Why is credit so important to her? Leftover habit from being famous maybe?

And so, both of you continue walking around in the gloomy red streets of the country’s capital, surrounded by apartments and other tall buildings coated in white. What would normally be an everyday sight now looms over you, an oppressive addition to an already stressful day. With no undead hulking creature to distract you or flee from, the clinic feels farther away. The towers of pale concrete and dark brick are walls closing in, almost herding you towards… something worse.

At some point in your unnervingly quiet stroll, you tried to spark a conversation with Yukika, but she wisely advised you to keep quiet until you’re close to your base. Every passing moment, her pretend innocent smile looks a bit less sunny and a lot more forced. The constant tension in the atmosphere must be getting to her too, underneath that…

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>>3334401

Several minutes later, an inexplicable feeling strikes you. The snow is the same, the buildings are the same, but something in the air is different this time…

“You feel it too, don’t you?” Philonune confirms your bad omen. The moment he does, Chewirton begins growling…
“Where is he?”
“In front of us.”

Suddenly someone completely unknown to you appears from a side street! A rough man in his early 30s with the appearance of a biker. He has a black flame on his right knee and lengths of chain wound around his left hand.

“Hey. You ready for a fight?” The biker cracks his knuckles, the sound snapping off the stone around you. Upon hearing this, Yukika and crew already disappeared and hid in a nearby alleyway.
“That’s pretty straightforward.” You scratch the back of your head. “So you want the crystal…?”
“I assuming you won’t do it the easy way, so we’re going to fight. Right?”

Hey, he’s at least nice enough to face you head on and want to fight over this a man. Even if it’s awfully inconvenient and stupid taking the situation into account, part of you respects this guy a little.

What do you do?

>“Do we have to? What’s your name?” Try to defuse the situation. No need to fight here!
>”I’ll give you a piece if you fuck off and leave us alone, okay?” At least you’ll keep one!
>“Yeah, let’s do this.” Time to defeat this random-ass thug! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
>“Sorry, not in the mood!” Run like a hero from this fight! [Normal Roll] [Athletics Based]
>Write In.

>>3334409
>>“Do we have to? What’s your name?” Try to defuse the situation. No need to fight here!
"I already had a giant skeleton chase me half way across the city, and then I had to take out 4 cultists, can't I just have a small break?"

>>3334409
>“No.” Run like a hero from this fight! [Normal Roll] [Athletics Based]

>>3334409
This >>3334423

>>3334409
>“Do we have to? What’s your name?” Try to defuse the situation. No need to fight here!

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[11:18 PM]

“Do we have to?” You try to defuse the situation. “I’ve already had a giant skeleton chase me halfway across the city, and then I had to take out two cultists and two white flame users in a row all by myself. Can’t I just catch a decent break today?”

“Hey buddy, I was seconds away from killing Gordon Sr. with my own hands this morning, but when I learned I was being used as a puppet I gave it up. The President wanted me to do it for reasons he didn’t disclose, and that shit won’t fly. I’m all up for helping the elderly – except for reasons like euthanasia and patricide by proxy.” The mystery man grits his teeth and rubs his forehead. “At least he was kind enough to ignore this little incident if I somehow managed to escape his place. Too bad for me, it was full of lunatics! A fat guy with a weird flame, some super assassins who moved like they were on crack, and this one guy who just could NOT stop stuffing his face full of walnuts…” He holds up a fist and closes his eyes. If you didn’t know better, you think he would cry tears of frustration. “And that’s not even counting fighting the giant enemy crab monster from about two hours ago!” The guy takes a moment to catch his breath after that rant. “…But yeah, we have to count it anyway.”

That’s quite the wild ride! Now that he mentions it, he looks pretty tired too. Is he a member of the Assembly? He mentioned attempting to kill Gordon Sr. Could there be a connection…?

“That’s rough, buddy.” In a weird way, you feel his pain. Well, except for the whole ‘trying to murder the President’s father’ thing. “What’s your name anyway?”
“Yeah, shit day for both of us huh? Name’s Dudley by the way.” Dudley is surprisingly civil. “So are you ready to fight now?” He holds his hand out to you.

“Do we really have to do this? Aren’t you tired too? I’m Johnny by the way.” You shake his hand, because it’s only polite.
“Yeah, a bunch! My arms are aching from so much climbing, but it’s not like we can share this pain, bro! We gotta be real men and hold onto our guns, yeah?” Dudley nods to himself, humming. “Speaking of which, you’re man enough for a proper duel, right John? Let’s fight now so we can get home faster. Unless…”

“Unless what?” What’s he up to…?

Dudley looks away. Is he embarrassed?! “Ehm… If you want, we can set a day and place for a cool sunset duel? I love doing those! No point in a shit fight when both of us are tired, you feel me? If we’re going to fight for the future of the universe, it needs to be flashy and climactic. Just keep your piece safe until then. How does that sound?” Is this guy for real?

>>3335078

“Johnny, this man is too strange for me to read him. A complete enigma.” Philonune takes the moment to speak up. His smile is a worried one, concerned for you. “I haven’t participated in too many duels in my time, so I can’t advise you here. His desires seem genuine, but anyone can convey falsehoods. Can we trust him for something serious as this?”

What do you do?

>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go… [No roll required]
>Decline! You’re fighting him now! [Hard Roll] [Courage Based]
>Decline! You’re running away now! [Normal Roll] [Athletics Based]
>Decline! You’ll give you one of the Crystal Pieces. [No roll required]
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the day. Sorry for taking so long with these today.)

>>3335088
>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go… [No roll required]

>>3335088
>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go… [No roll required]
>"As long as it's not to the death, I'm up for it."

>>3335078
>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go… [No roll required]

>>3335088
>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go… [No roll required]

The fact that the QM had to drop a completely unsubtle hint to remind you guys of Johnny's promises and how tired he was really shouldn't surprise me anymore at this point. I'll just have to be happy they offered a 'Are you REALLY sure' vote

>>3335088
>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go… [No roll required]

>>3335088
>accept this is actually two pieces how about i give you one to help protect us now and then we can dual later to decide who gets both.

>>3335088
If we're gonna get steered towards a duel, I second the clause present here:
>>3335145

>>3335088
>Accept! You beat Henry in a duel, you can beat this guy too! Besides, it’s not like you have to go…

>But not to the death, alright? I've already killed three people in this game and I think that's more than enough

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[11:30 PM]

“As long as it’s not to the death, I’m up for it.” You offer a handshake to seal the deal!
“Great, you have my word.” Dudley shakes your hand back. Now it’s official… Kind of! This whole situation is ridiculous. Climactic sunset duels? What is this, a western movie from decades ago?! It’s working in your favor, so who are you to complain? “Give me your number so I can contact you later.”

You exchange numbers with Dudley! Strangely enough the phone works thanks to the Judge app, but the Crimzone makes it so you can’t do anything except check the time. It’s 11:32 PM… Hopefully midnight is when the Crimzone will end…

“Uh… Feels weird not having anything else to do but go home now.” Dudley begins a series of stretches.
“Mister, I think you should help us get back home safely! You don’t want anything risky to happen to the Crystal, hmmm?” Yukika comes out of nowhere to convince this dude to help. “Besides, with two strong men like you, I’m sure nothing bad can happen!”

Dudley stares at your companion. “…Do I have to act like you were here the whole time? Who the fuck are you?”

Yukika, to her credit, doesn’t let this affect her. “Me? I’m just a humble assistant of this man’s heroics. An unsung heroine, perhaps? I’m definitely a good friend of his, make no mistake!” The ex-celebrity puts a thumb on her chest and poses. After a few beats of holding it, she drops the act. “Just kidding! I’ve been helping him all night, if that counts! Also pay no attention to this unconscious girl I’m holding. She’s just a poor soul we found on the streets. Who could be cruel enough to leave her out here as if she’s some stray cat?” Patting your sleeping sister, Yukika gives you a knowing look. The hell is that supposed to mean?!

“Eeh… You don’t have to listen to her idea.” You preemptively dismiss Yukika’s suggestion! “We can get to our place ourselves. I don’t think she’s had enough action for today, you know?” Out of the corner of your eye, you’re satisfied to notice Yukika’s coy look dampens to a withering glare.

“She has a point though, buddy. I’ll help you out until we reach your base, wherever that is.” This man is confusing on so many levels! “You can tell me to fuck off earlier if you don’t want me to know where your place is; that’s fine with me. Not interested in knowing either way, but let me tell ya – I got real good at this stalking shit the past few weeks. If I want to find out, I’ll find out. And you won’t stop me.”

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>>3338442

Before you can respond to that thinly-veiled threat, Yukika rudely slides in front of you and blocks your way! “Oooh, but you don’t need to leave, sir! We can fix your cuts and bruises right up! Wouldn’t that be better? Enemies are everywhere, but allies are hard to come by in these trying times.” Yukika’s real objective is to recruit him! To do it here in the middle of the night when anybody can show up to fight you… this girl is nuts! “What do you say?”

“Not interested. I don’t like knowing the people I’m going to beat up. Putting names to faces makes it personal, and that makes things messy. So fuck off.” He starts walking away. “…Where are we going anyway?”
“J-Just follow my lead.” You mumble at the incoherent biker, moving ahead past Yukika. You feel a twinge of irritation at her giggling behind your back. Ugh…

A few minutes later you’re back in your neighborhood! At this point, you told Dudley you would be fine from here on out and he could go home. He nodded and left into the dark alleys without saying a word. Yukika tried to recruit him again, but it also failed again. Figures.

“Hmph. How rude of him! I hope you give him a proper thrashing!” Yukika seems a tad upset. It would look cute if it were any other time. “Either way, why didn’t you help me convince him? You stood there mute like some cardboard cutout!”
“I got the impression he wouldn’t budge, and I’m beyond tired at this point.” You give a half-hearted shrug.

Yukika nods to herself as if she gets it. “So he’s so weak he’s not even worth the effort? That’s something I understand.” That’s not what you said at all, but who cares?

In your current position, you are roughly 15 minutes away from the clinic, 10 minutes from Matilda’s base, and 5 from home. A quick check of your phone says you have 15 minutes to kill.

Yukika feels you should take cover somewhere before the Crimzone ends. ‘Taking cover somewhere’ might involve your base being discovered, however…

What do you do?

>Go to the Clinic!
>Go to your apartment!
>Go to Matilda’s Dojo! You have the key!
>Write In.

>>3338444
>Go to the Clinic!

>>3338444
>matildas dojo

Its the one place we can afford being found out, and we can pay matilda back double if it goes to shit.

>>3338444
backing this >>3338463
at least the dojo building is expendable, right? there should be a shitton of abandoned buildings all over the city to replace it

>>3338444
>Go to Matilda’s Dojo! You have the key!

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[11:45 PM]

Without wasting a second, you guided Yukika to your new destination: Matilda’s Dojo. You don’t want to potentially give away your base or your home’s location, so this old house will suffice. You explained your thought process to the dog girl en route, and she didn’t have any problem agreeing with your logic. Better safe than sorry is a motto she lives by, it seems.

The stroll felt faster than usual though, and the mazelike city streets don’t have the same hostile quality to them anymore… probably because the Crimzone’s almost over! Definitely not wishful thinking on your part. Nope.

Once you reach the dojo’s main door and open it with Matilda’s key, Yukika can’t stop staring at everything. The once-dilapidated place still exceeds any expectations you might have had for it – and if Yukika’s oohs and aahs are any indication, she’s floored too!

“Wooooah! This place looks ten times better on the inside! I was sure this was going to be some horror movie deathtrap!” She lets out a weird sound that’s half sigh of relief and half giggle. “Then again, that’d be cool in its own way!”
Yukika didn’t see how bad things really were the first time you came here, but she doesn’t need to know that.

You indicate the room you two are going to stay in the meantime, and where the bathroom and the kitchen are. After dropping off Amelia in the spacious living room, Yukika left with Chewirton to the kitchen, while you sat next to your sister on the floor and accommodated her head on a pillow. Sitting next to her in silence, the only noises being the clattering of glasses and dishes, things don’t seem so bad.

You idly note the super conspicuous energy beam phasing through the roof and into your pocket. If things go well, you shouldn’t have to worry about it for much longer…

The duo returns with a tray full of glasses of water for everyone, including one plate of spaghetti for the internet sensation. You thanked the disingenuous but fairly kind girl for the refreshments and the help today. Even if she didn’t do much of anything, at least she was good company.

“…Can’t believe we’re minutes away from finishing this!” Yukika speaks through a mouthful of pasta. Guess she’s taking ‘make yourself at home’ as seriously as possible, huh? “Part of me wishes Araneas was still here so I could check it myself, but the other part of me knows better.”
“Was Araneas your partner’s name?” That giant spider thing, right?

“Partner…? That’s what you call them? That’s so cute!” Yukika smiles. “So how are you feeling? Still too tired?” She starts petting Chewirton’s head on her lap.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if I get a second wind soon.” You stretch your arm, then go back to headpatting your sister.

>>3338695

“That’s great to hear!” Yukika visibly relaxes. This must have been really stressful to her. Unnecessarily stressful you might say...

You have about five minutes more to kill. Do you want to ask Yukika anything?

>You can’t afford to relax here, stay alert for trouble. Paranoia? I don’t even know ya!
>“So why exactly are you being so nice with me? I don’t remember you being like this.”
>“What’s the deal with you and Flint? Why are you still involved in this whole fiasco?”
>“So what are you planning to do now? Go home? Stay somewhere? Something else?”
>Write In.

>>3338699
>“So why exactly are you being so nice with me? I don’t remember you being like this.”

>Paranoia? I don’t even know ya!
That's fucking gold.

>>3338699
>so why are you being so nice with me? Trying to join team awesome? *do a stupid pose*

>>3338699
>You can’t afford to relax here, stay alert for trouble. Paranoia? I don’t even know ya!

>>3338699
>“So why exactly are you being so nice with me? I don’t remember you being like this.”

>>3338699
>You can’t afford to relax here, stay alert for trouble. Paranoia? I don’t even know ya!
>“What’s the deal with you and Flint? Why are you still involved in this whole fiasco?”

Only a fool lowers their guard before the fight is actually over. If we get caught off guard while we're this weak, we might be dead.

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[11:54 PM]

“We need to stay alert.” You won’t bat an eye until that timer is up! “We don’t know what else could happen. Someone might be on their way here right now and we wouldn’t know.”
“Chewi is feeling all fresh, so I could send him to patrol! Trust me, he’s incredibly reliable.” Yukika orders her adorable dog to do her deeds. “Please, Chewirton! Bark if you see any trouble!”
“Woof.” The eternally dignified Chewirton leaps from Yukika’s lap to the backyard’s door! You open it for him, and let the dog go on his commando mission. Didn’t he piss all over Yukika that one time? Why is he being so nice now?

As you watch the little dog go, you get the idea to spark a new conversation with Yukika.

“Say, why are you being so nice with me? Trying to join Team Awesome?” You do an awful pose as a joke. Yukika claps for it. “No, but seriously, I don’t remember you being like this.” You’re back at acting serious.
“Whaaaaat? I wasn’t that bad, was I? I always act nice to everyone and I even supported you for helping those people at the attack. Well I was, until you started to ask weird questions out of nowhere.” The former internet sensation brushes her hair absentmindedly. “Besides, I was totally getting manipulated by Araneas then. That wasn’t my fault.”

“Not really my point, but thanks for clarifying. Now… why are you being so nice?” You’ve had a long day, and you’re not gonna let this go!

“Be-because you’re a super nice guy! Duuuuuuuuh!”
“C’mon. Tell me the truth.”
“It wasn’t a lie! What happens if you don’t like my supposedly real answer…? You already know nobody is perfect.” Yukika raises her eyebrow, all business now.

“Nothing. But while we’re talking about this, why don’t you go ahead and enlighten me?” You counter with your own eyebrow raise! Now this is serious business…

“Hmph. You haven’t changed all that much.” Yukika pouts, trying to look cute. It sorta works? “Fine, just don’t make fun of me: I would like us to be friends! To help each other out! To have each other’s backs! I said allies are hard to come by, and I was right!”
“So you randomly decided that today, for no reason other than I was there at the time?”

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>>3338955

“Don’t be silly, you’re the strongest and most reliable flame user I know! Between you and Mr. Masterson, he probably edges you out in actual fights – but he’s a ticking bomb with the way he keeps getting into trouble. It was funny the first few times, but then it got too much of a hassle…”

A tiny part of you wants to know exactly how much trouble Flint pulls, but you know deep down the answer is ‘all of it.’

“I get into trouble too, you know? Our whole encounter was incredibly random. Fighting four different people isn’t trouble to you?”
“Yeah, but you did it all by yourself! I saw how you moved, almost like you stopped being human! Mr. Masterson on the other hand… Let’s just say there is nothing I can do for him.” Yukika seems rather sad about this fact. “Besides, you’re Scarlet’s boyfriend! She told me everything about how nice, attentive, and reliable you are! And I’m really tight with her, almost BFFs!”

“Huh?” Boyfriend…?

“Yeah! I haven’t had the time to check on her, but there is no way you could have rejected her! She’s super cute and kind and wonderful! One thing: I know some would think you’re being very cruel with her, keeping this whole thing a secret, but not me! I can help you hide it from her. I know how obsessive she can get – but I suggest you tell her sometime soon, before she stops waiting for you.” She nudges you with her elbow and winks. “I don’t want her heart to break because you kept hiding this! You get me?”

…?

>“I’m not dating Scarlet and I’m not planning to. Sorry.”
>“Wait, how much did she tell you? Because I don’t know.”
>“There’s some things I have to clear up, but I’m fine being friends.”
>“Yukika, thanks for being up front, but I don’t feel comfortable being friends.”
>Write In.

(Sorry guys, last reply of the day. We continue tomorrow, hopefully in a better session than the last two days.)

>>3338962
>“I’m not dating Scarlet and I’m not planning to. Sorry.”
>"I also still don't trust you."

>>3338962
>>Write In.
Oh.
Later we talk to scarlet.
Or we actually DO date her.

>>3338962
>look im not gonna deny scarlets cute and i like her. But there is way, waayy to much shit.going on for me to have a girlfriend. Im fighting almost to the death every day, ive almost died and ended up in the hospital three times. So im not dating her right now... also im pretty sure at least three other girls are going for that spot and i have a lot to think about before i decide on anyone.

Be im cool with friends, we still cool yo?

>>3338962
Backing this >>3339039
Johnny's mom suffered a horrific death and left him. He wouldn't want to do the same to someone who genuinely likes/loves him back, despite how much he goes in hard in fights almost to the point of being suicidal.

>>3338962
Supporting >>3339039

>>3339039
Not to mention that people I know have been killed, and I don't want her to be.

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“Look, I’m not gonna deny Scarlet is pretty cute and I like her. But there is way, waaaay too much shit going on for me to have a girlfriend. I’m fighting almost to the death every day; I’ve almost died and ended up in the hospital three times.” Yukika sits up straighter, full attention on your every word. You know what it feels like to lose someone so dear to you out of a cruel twist of fate. You don’t want anyone to feel the same, and Yukika hearing this from you might make a difference. “So that’s why I’m not dating her right now…” Suddenly, you get the urge to rub your neck. “Also, I’m pretty sure at least three other girls are trying to make me their boyfriend, and I still can’t wrap my head around why. I have a lot to think about before I decide on anyone.”

It’s the cold leaving your body. That’s gotta be it. Your cheeks are not red, and you are not embarrassed. No way.

Yukika takes another big forkful of her spaghetti (who even left this in here?) and wipes her mouth with exaggerated politeness. “That’s such a shame! You two look so cute together! And I get what you’re saying; you’re in this to win it, right? Obviously you’re super busy and all, but you’ll run yourself to the ground if you keep that up. Being all stressed out is self-defeating no matter what you’re dealing with, and it kills your performance 65 percent of matches. I saw a boxing coach talk about it on TV once!” Even though you can clearly sense Yukika’s ulterior motives, you can’t disagree with what she’s saying. Enduring that clinic siege, expecting to be raided any moment… that set everybody on edge, no matter how much they tried to hide it in their own ways.

Having to feel that pressure for whole days at a time… could you handle that, if it means other people being hurt or worse?

Taking a big sip of her water, Yukika waves at the air. “…And besides, Scarlet is so madly in love with you, she’s going to have your back no matter what! I can’t help but imagine you two being next to each other, bringing out the best in you! Just imagine having someone you can talk to anytime, about anything, loving you just for who you are. All day. All night.” She puts her water down and rubs her hands together. Her expression is so diabolical, even Philonune silently approves!

Without thinking, you match her coy smirk with a small one of your own. “Okay yeah, that sounds nice, but you still don’t get where I’m coming from.”

“Pfft. I just think you’re denying yourself some necessary harmless happiness. Some much-needed me time. Don’t underestimate the impact of a significant other on your mental health. Having someone to fight for gives you power, doesn’t it? That’s how it worked for the guy in that one boxing movie, I think.” Yukika shrugs, then grins again.

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>>3340575

“Also what’s this I hear about three other girls, huh? When did you become such a player?”

There’s no way to respond to that without digging yourself deeper. You just sit there trying to keep your composure in the face of… this.

When you look back up, Yukika’s arms are folded and she looks more serious than you’ve ever seen her. “Johnny, I would be cautious if I were you. People are quite deceiving even when they are not trying to trick you on purpose. It’s human nature. They might think they love you, they might trick themselves into thinking they love you, but they really want something you have that they don’t. Stability, comfort, a nice body – it could be anything. And poor you could be sitting there thinking they want you. Not everyone is there for the ups and downs, just for the ups! That’s not even counting if they’re purposely deceiving you as a means to an end.” The ex-internet celebrity shakes her head. “And I’m sure you don’t want to be the fool left at the end of this story.”

“Sure…?” You are really starting to distrust everything she’s saying, but you can’t stop hanging on her every word…
Yukika claps her hands and smiles brightly. “That’s why I think you and Scarlet are perfect for each other! She would do anything for you and I mean it! She helped me so much when I was in need, and we weren’t that great of friends at that point. Believe me, there are not many people out there like her.” She thinks she has you hooked and you’re being convinced, huh? Is she right or wrong, Johnny?

“…Maybe having a girlfriend would make him think twice before getting himself killed.” Amelia is awake! “So who are these three mystery women supposed to be? As your sister, I need to approve of them, you know? Scarlet is fine if that’s what you’re wondering.” Oh god, she was listening to all that?!

…?

>“Sorry Amelia, but that’s for me to know and you to find out!” Smile and wink! Take a page from Yukika’s book!
>“Uh… Some girls at school. You don’t know them! It’s all speculation, okay?!” Pretend to be a fraud!
>“I think Yu Yan, Nariko and… Ehm…” Shit, Nina should stay a secret, right?! She’s the third one, right?
>“Matilda, T_T Neko, and Nurse Calamity.” So far-fetched they won’t believe you! Or maybe they’ll buy it?
>Stay quiet, go invisible, and don’t move a muscle. Bears don’t see threats if they pretend to be dead, don’t they?
>Hug your punished sister and apologize for your actions. Now is probably the best time to do this…
>Write In.

>>3340583
>yukika amelia and chewi, poker face.

>>3340583
>Hug your punished sister and apologize for your actions. Now is probably the best time to do this…
+ headpats

>>3340583
>Hug your punished sister and apologize for your actions. Now is probably the best time to do this…

>>3340583
this >>3340612

>>3340583
>>Hug your punished sister and apologize for your actions. Now is probably the best time to do this…

We can thank her for saving our ass when we needed it and pray that we don't need to do anything stupid to save other people. She is the best little sister and she should be our bair support.

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You decided to completely drop this extremely delicate and personal subject in favor of hugging your little sister! As you embrace your sister, you start apologizing for your actions. At first you weren’t going to, but the moment you open your mouth the words flow out of your control! Too tired to hold yourself back, you decide to go all in with what you didn’t get to say until now!

Your sister manages to speak between her choked sobs. “I don’t care now, I’m so happy you’re okay… I didn’t want you to lose you.” Amelia’s crying her heart out into your shirt. She’s so happy she doesn’t give a shit about what you did for now!
“I know. That’s why I’m so sorry.” You start patting your sister on the head as she continues hugging you. Amelia’s crying becomes louder and more pained.

“D’awwww… He’s a tall soft teddy bear underneath! So cute!” Yukika comments from the sidelines, but you don’t care.

Suddenly you hear Chewirton barking rapidly, and in moments he rushes into the living room in record time, ruining your sibling moment! At least, that’s what you hear from somewhere near the ground…

Wait, why is everything suddenly so dark?

“The red… is gone!” Holy shit, Yukika’s right! The Crimzone is over! “Huh, what’s wrong Chewi?”
“Woof! Woof!” Chewirton turns and growls at the front of the house? Danger?! But where?!

It doesn’t take long for the danger to make itself apparent. The ground starts to shake, clanks and groans of heavy machinery echo through the entire street, and bright lights turn themselves on outside. Then the sirens start.

Yukika runs towards one of the windowed rooms for a street view. After a brief moment she runs back in, face white as a sheet.

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>>3340823

The horrified former celebrity points to the front with a shaky hand. “T-they are marching! The t-t-tanks! The army forces are o-out!” Any bravado and relaxation she might have had is thrown out the window with this reveal. Right now, Yukika is as scared as anybody would be.
Amelia wipes her face on your shirt one last time, then checks her phone. “…Tch, still no signal.” Your emotional sister is back to being cold and focused, but you know she’s good to go now.

Once you two reach the empty bedroom’s window and see what’s outside, it starts to sink in. Rows of armed soldiers in fatigues, several mounted searchlight rigs, one tank with two people on it, and a truck with something sticking out of a window. The soldiers are the real deal, their emblem of Prancijan reflecting the occasional searchlight beam. Any one of them could take out three of Ka-Shing’s henchmen solo…

“WE’RE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOUSES. WE’RE SEARCHING FOR A DANGEROUS DEVICE. PLEASE COOPERATE WITH THE ARMY FORCES IF NEEDED. I REPEAT. WE’RE IN A STATE OF EME…” The ear-splitting megaphone broadcast drowns out almost all other noises from the massed group nearing the dojo!

As quickly as the first message loop ends, you share a nervous glance with Amelia. In your mind, you know this has to be about the Crystal Piece. What else could it be about…?

Without warning, someone slams into the door! Oh wait, it’s just knocking…

Oh fuck, it’s knocking!

“PRANCIJAN ARMY! OPEN UP, OR WE WILL TEAR THIS DOOR DOWN!”
“Don’t open it…” You hear yourself muttering.

But Yukika back in the other room doesn’t hear you and goes straight for the door! There’s still a hallway before she gets there, but you’re in the room right next to the foyer, seconds away from what’s out there…

What do you do?!

>Turn yourself and your sister invisible! Maybe proximity will make it work!
>Go after Yukika and don’t let her open the door! Nobody’s home, okay?!
>Go after Yukika and see what’s going on. There is nothing to fear at all…
>Take Amelia and start running to the back door. Yukika will be fine…
>Write In.

>>3340827
>Take Amelia and start running to the back door. Yukika will be fine…

>>3340827
>>Turn yourself and your sister invisible! Maybe proximity will make it work!
Damn

>>3340827
>>Write In.
Have Yukiika answer the door, we take the piece and go stealth.
Tell Yukiika to claim she is taking care of a sick friend, Amelia, and if they ask about seeing anything strange, tell them someone was skulking around the back yard but they ran off when the lights came back on.

>>3340827
This >>3340861

>>3340827
>>3340861
+1

>>3340861
+1 qere invisible we can get the farthest

>>3340861
Damn, we should stomp around outside to make it look like she's telling the truth. The we walk to the front, after we make sure there's not mud on our shoes and just hang out on the sidewalk till they leave.

>>3340909
There's likely already a search party or something out there.

>>3340827
Supporting >>3340861

>>3340919
But we'd be invisible.

>>3340929
Footprints
Snow landing on invisible Johnny and appear to be stopped in midair
A weird fucking sensation if they look close enough at camo Johnny and notice the effect

>>3340977
But once it lands on us, wouldn't the camo then try and cover it, seeing as it tries to cover people we hold?
I did forget about the snow though.

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All the streetlamps outside turn back on! Power is back to the city!

…But that still doesn’t help your situation. There’s gotta be something you can do.

Wait a second. Amelia’s eyes are red from crying earlier, and wasn’t she wearing a blanket? Her whole appearance is disheveled and worn down too.

Perfect!

“Pretend to be sick. I have a plan.” Heading to the door, you stop to point at the blanket your sister had on before. Amelia is too tired to stop you from what you’re doing, so she has no other option but to do as you say.

Rushing for the front door without making too much noise, you grab and pull Yukika away from reaching it! You put a finger to your lips and point at your ear. Then you start whispering to her the plan: If the soldiers ask, she’s taking care of a sick friend, Amelia. And if they ask about seeing anything strange, then someone was skulking around the backyard making noises, but they ran off when the lights came back on.

Yukika nods harder. With the Crystal Piece safe in your pocket, you coat yourself in the chameleon camo and slowly walk away towards the back, opening the door in case if you need to run. Now that you’re in position, you turn to see what’s happening at the other end of the hallway…

Taking one last look at where you went, Yukika turns back and opens the door. “He-hello?” Halfway through, they barge right in!
The first soldier throws a lit flashlight onto the ground and tackles Yukika! “ON THE GROUND! HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!” The reckless enforcer yells at the internet sensation, and she flops limp on the floor. He crouches down, shoves her head down with a hand, and starts searching her very roughly. His other hand has a gun, definitely the real deal. Putting it away, he redoubles his efforts – almost taking advantage of her. Your spot is very far down the hallway, the inside of the house is completely dark save for the fallen flashlight and those of the other soldiers’, but you notice his hands lingering a bit too long at certain points…

Yukika is in too much of a shock to do anything. Meanwhile, the other masked men fan out and start searching the house.

“W-W-What’s going on?” Yukika yelps out, choking on her words. “Wh-Where are you touching?!”
“We know the red shard is around here!” The guy leaps to his feet and starts pointing around. “Check the side rooms, watch your corners!”

You step out into the backyard, forcing yourself to ignore the loud clattering and other noises. You have a job to do…

“W-What…? I’m just taking ca-care of my sick friend! P-Please stop!” You hear Yukika complain, both outraged and terrified.

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>>3341183

“What’s going on!? Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! Achooo!” That’s your little sister yelling out. By seeing how they treated Yukika, you can only imagine what they are doing to her. It makes your blood boil. “Yukikaaaa! Grrrrr!”
One of the men grunts in pain. “HEY, DON’T TRY TO BITE ME BITCH!” Then you hear a small scuffle…

Swallowing your bitter disgust down, you start creating a fake trail on the snow as if it’s heading to the next house, making sure your footprints are pressed enough to be seen. Once you feel it’s good, you start stepping back over them until you return. Positioning next to the backyard’s doorway, you place your body flat against the wall and wait…

“P-Please! What shard?! W-W-We don’t have anything like that! Th-There was something outside around the backyard, s-s-skulking around, but they r-ran off when the lights came back on!” Yukika pleads for mercy, voice quivering. “Is Ame okay?! Please don’t hurt her!”

Gritting your teeth, you stomp your foot onto the wood porch and slam your fist back into the house wall, pouring your frustration into it. The sudden sharp movement causes your power to make you nauseous — but it doesn’t remotely change how you already feel.

“I HEARD SOMETHING! CHECK THE BACK.” One of the soldiers orders the others. Now you move a few steps away, keeping your eyes on the doorway and your feet on the snowless part of the porch…
“I FOUND SOME FOOTSTEPS! THAT BASTARD WENT OVER THERE! C’MON!”

The men follow your fake lead. Just as planned. Once you’re sure they have all left the house, you close the backyard’s door and start circling back to the entrance. You slip inside again and close the front door behind you. All clear.

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>>3341189

Taking a look around, It’s hard to believe this is the same house you were in not five minutes ago. Chairs are tipped, the table is flipped over, various other furniture is scattered and thrown about every which way. Yukika is lying on her knees in the middle of it all, sobbing like Amelia did… Speaking of which, your little sister reappears on the scene, her left cheek swollen and her hair is even worse.

Catching your breath and calming yourself down, you drop your invisibility.

“Johnny…Yukika...” Amelia wants to cry of happiness again. “Thank god you’re fine…” She doesn’t give a shit about her wound as long as you two are safe… Just like you would.

These two didn’t matter to them. They broke in here, searched for what they wanted, and left without a care. Something tells you these soldiers are going to come back once they realize their prey escaped. What then…?

…?

>Stay here. It would draw suspicion to these two if they double-check this place and they aren’t here, but staying has its risks…
>It’s a 5 minute walk to your apartment. You can endure being invisible with these two, but those troops are the real problem…
>It’s a 10 minute walk to the Clinic. You can endure being invisible with these two… Maybe! But with those troops won’t be easy…
>Write In.

>>3341193
>Stay here. It would draw suspicion to these two if they double-check this place and they aren’t here, but staying has its risks…

>>3341193
>>Stay here. It would draw suspicion to these two if they double-check this place and they aren’t here, but staying has its risks…
It's a dojo, there would be medical supplies somewhere.

>>3341193
Seconding >>3341237

>>3341193
>Stay here. It would draw suspicion to these two if they double-check this place and they aren’t here, but staying has its risks…
See? We were telling you the truth! Totally nothing suspicious going on here!

Can't we manipulate the crystal's light? Light manipulation is our power after all

>>3341193
>Stay here. It would draw suspicion to these two if they double-check this place and they aren’t here, but staying has its risks…

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“It’s all right, Yukika. They’re gone.” You slowly walk up to the traumatized dog girl, trying to calm her down. Between her and your sister, Yukika is taking this the hardest. A hand darts out and grabs you, then she buries her face in your pant leg and keeps on crying. Now it’s her turn to be headpatted!
“I was so afraaaaaaid!” Yukika cries like a little kid. “I thought I was… he would…”

Amelia crawls next to her and hugs her properly. The broken celebrity releases your leg and hugs your sister back. Chewirton waddles up, proceeding to lick the ex-Youtube star’s face. For a second there, Amelia reminded you of Mom.

You quietly watch them embracing for a little bit before deciding to speak up. “…I’m going to go look for a first aid kid. Better to take care of that bruise first.” Knowing how prepared Matilda is, she must have one somewhere inside.

After a few minutes, you all ended up sitting in the same room where you and the crew told your past stories. Well technically you didn’t, but you heard everyone else’s! It counts!

Despite you knowing how to use a first aid kit thanks to what Nina taught you, a grateful Yukika offered to treat your sister instead. Seeing as you’re free from that, you take the opportunity to go make dinner and bring out futons for everyone to sleep in. For reasons unknown to you, there are many futons all piled in one of the bedroom closets. Matilda clearly had plans for this abandoned house beyond keeping it a simple training dojo. Maybe she still does…?

By the time you finish making dinner, you have used up whatever was in the mini-fridge. Restocking is Matilda’s problem now, not yours.

After eating your plate in three swoops, you’re now staring at the Crystal Piece that brought all this trouble down on you. Without the red beam on it, it looks and feels so different…

How will the final battle be, when you get to that point? Will it all be worth it, in the end? It has to be. There is no other way.

“Phones are still down. Not even internet connection…” A bandaged bear checks her phone for the umpteenth time, working her way through your impromptu dinner plate. It’s around 1:35 AM now. They got power to all of Pokyo Lokyo back up, so satellite signals and net servers should be next, right?
“We have no choice but to wait. We can’t leave here without raising suspicion on you two, so we have to make do. But they better not come back, if they know what’s good for them.” Revenge is a dish best served cold… and thanks to the freak winter weather outside, you have no doubt you’ll put ‘em on ice if they try! “Besides, I’m sure the others are going to call us the moment signal’s back.”

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>>3341619

“I just don’t want to keep them worried, that’s all…” Amelia stares at her empty plate. Is she sad about the others, or does she want seconds?

“I’m still freaking out from before, man! How can you two be so calm at a time like this?!” Yukika giggles a bit too loudly, playing with her food. Though she tries to put on a relaxed face, you spot her hand twitching more than a few times. Chewirton is doing his darnest to calm her down by being adorable, but he’s only gaining pets from you and Amelia.
“I’m not calm. I’m tired.”
“Same.” Your anger hasn’t abated yet, but your sleepiness dampens it down enough so you don’t show it. It’s a weird kind of being absolutely livid.

“By the way Johnny, where did you learn how to cook? I just ate a snippet, but I’m seriously thinking about throwing my diet away today for a full plate! What’s your secret? And do you mind if we collaborate for a cooking show sometime in the future?” Yukika turns back to her old self for a second. “I can see the views and likes rolling in already. Ten thousand new subs in a week, here I come!”
“…I just follow the receipt like they say online.” You have no secret; you just do your best.

“Oh…” Yukika’s inner flame extinguishes in seconds, and she’s back to being a shivering girl. “Another question: c-can we all sleep in the same room for the night…?”

“I wasn’t planning on sleeping just yet.”
“Me neither.”

“Do you mind if I do…?” Yukika is already deep in her futon. “I hope you two can start trusting me now. Night night.” The deeply unsettled ex-Youtube sensation closes her eyes, and that’s that. Chewirton crawls inside the futon next to her and goes to sleep too.

“Johnny, you can sleep now. I’ll take watch.”
“Amelia, you need to rest too. You lost too much from fighting Seioubo.”
“I spent a long time sleeping when it mattered the most. I’ll be fine. Go ahead.”

…

“…Maybe I should. Good night sister.”
“Good night, Johnny. Sleep tight.”

You grab your futon, shuffle over to an empty corner past random floor junk, and close your eyes…

What a long-ass day. You’re glad it’s all over…

That’s everything for this thread! Thanks for playing! See you next thread!

>>3341622
What an intense series of threads. Good shit.

>>3341622
Good shit, thanks for running

>>3341622
Great thread! Thanks for running.