>>4652281
>Point me to them and I will deal with them

>>4652281
>>Point me to them and I will deal with them

>>4652281
>Point me to them and I will deal with them

Never know if you don't try.

>>4652281
>Surely, we can resolve this peacefully

>>4652281
>What would convince you to help me?

"I'm fairly confident in my abilities." You respond frowning slightly. "Just point me to them and I'll deal with them."

"Very confident aren't ya? Fine then. Head west out of town and keep going until you're deep into the forest. You'll find their grove there, can't miss it. What happens once ya get there is all up to you. I'm not holding my hopes up, but on the off chance you actually do pull through I might even buy you some drinks." He ends with a smug look. Despite the condescending words, there's a genuine friendliness behind them.

"I'll take that as a promise." Lucy speaks, eager to snatch up a chance at free stuff only to sink back into her usual quiet. Is she even old enough to drink?

"I'll second that. Get ready to shell out once I've wrapped this up." You finish, turning to the door and waving behind you to settle this short meeting.

"Good luck and take care then. The fair folk love their tricks and I'd hate to see you in some sorry state come morning."

Stepping out to the dusky sky, you summarize your knowledge of the situation. John has had his wife stolen by the fae who are pretty much given free reign to do whatever they want in this town due to no one being willing to stand up to them. John himself seemed pretty fishy to Lucy, but that could just be frustration from the whole situation. The guy had his foot turned to wood after all, who wouldn't be angry? All that's left is to head into those woods and handle this problem with your subordinate.

>Finish this as soon as possible so you can go home
>Rest up and head out by morning
>Write-in

>>4653103
>Finish this as soon as possible so you can go home

>>4653103
>>Finish this as soon as possible so you can go home

>>4653103
>Finish this as soon as possible so you can go home

>>4653103
>Finish this as soon as possible so you can go home

You've got a direction and a purpose, so you'll just finish this up as soon as you can. How long could this possibly take after all? Bet that you won't even have to spend a day in this town before you can head back home. You march to the woods with Lucy trudging behind you, simple as that.

Problems arise when you realize just how much you have to walk. Back in the city things were bound by the rules of city planning, but out here nature just does what it wants so it's a solid hike and a half to actually get any distance into the trees. This time waste becomes more evident as night closes in. The full moon makes it only just bearable, but the surrounding foliage grows denser, blocking the moonlight with a canopy of leaves. Minutes into the woods a bank of inexplicably rolls in making it harder and harder to see. You start to question your choice in heading out here in the middle of the night and if the sheriff was even telling you the truth with his vague instructions, but things finally begin to happen which seem like the 'can't miss it' description.

Gloomy balls of light gutter through branches over head, easing your sight and letting you get a good view of your surroundings. Faintly you can hear the sound of cheerful, but strangely ominous fiddle music deeper in. "Lovely night fer a walk innit, missy?" A voice chatters from above, and you look up to see a short looking man kicking their feet while sitting on a branch. The insectile wings, spots of chitin, and pitch black give right away that this is what you're looking for; a fae. "Lookin' ta join in tha merry makin'?"

>I guess I am?
>I came to stop the cuckoldry
>Grab the small man
>write-in

>>4654788
>I guess I am?

>>4654788
>I guess I am?

>>4654788
>Grab the small man

File: 87110475.png (1.01 MB, 1729x2179)

1.01 MB PNG

"Well, I guess you could say I am?" You respond, craning your neck to look up at the strange midget.

"Ain't dat a surprise, ya tall folk are always too shook ta join in on a gran' festival!" He stands up and laughs, teetering back and forth precariously on his branch. "Las' time wun uv' yer kind did, it wus boot a week ago. Wot a jolly stin' that wuz! If you're lookin' ta 'av a crack at it best follow ma lead an' keep quick!"

without another word the little man turns about and starts running off, skipping from tree to tree. It takes a solid few seconds to even process what he said through that wonky accent, but you're quickly chasing after the guy. Normally this would be easy as you're no stranger to running around through tough terrain, but sprinting further into the mist covered uneven ground makes you notice just how tired you really are. An Intense workout session, walking around all day, and now sprinting across a moodily lit forest has taken it out of you. You've pulled all-nighters before, especially during your energy drink addicted phase, but fatigue isn't something a person can adapt to easily.

Roll 2d100 Bo3

Rolled 94, 69 = 163 (2d100)

>>4656361

Rolled 48, 34 = 82 (2d100)

>>4656361

Rolled 74, 92 = 166 (2d100)

>>4656361
Oh boy

94, 92 - Excellent successes

Lucky for you running is a good way to get the blood pumping and the mind off how fatigued you're getting. It doesn't beat it away for sure, but you can keep going for a while. More importantly you can keep up with the little man and so can Lucy. Nearly forgot about her, but she's puffing behind you struggling to keep going. Doesn't seem to be holding up as good as you can, may-

The interruption of a pitfall breaks your thoughts and it's only a quick jump that gets you over it. The wood and rock spines pointing up from the hole tells you that it wouldn't have ended well. There's a squeak and a weighty dragon girl slams into you, "Why is that there..."

You can't really respond because your 'guide' is skipping away without a care in the world. Quickly you grab Lucy's hand and start pursuing them yet again. There are more traps just like that one sprinkled along your pathway, but you're on high alert after that. A swinging log that threatened to take your head off, a flip-up spike fence, ankle snares, and many other sadistically creative dangers. The way takes strange turns, one time even turning right five times in a row, all the while the music gets louder.

Finally, the whimsical fairy jumps through a wall of brush, and without a reason to do otherwise you leap through to follow. Now you find yourself in a wide open clearing with what you could call a village of the little bastards. Houses carved into tress connected by bridges and an excess of glowing wisps of light floating through the air, bathing the scape in a myriad of colors. Every where you look there's fae taking part in festivities. There's dance, drinking, and an all encompassing atmosphere of mirth. It's real inviting considering you're sat down panting from that ridiculous chase.

>Look specifically for your target
>Wouldn't hurt to relax a bit...
>Openly question people on your case
>Write-in

>>4657810
>Openly question people on your case

>>4657810
>Wouldn't hurt to relax a bit...

>>4657810
>>Openly question people on your case

"Okay..." You huff, still catching your breath. "Time to get some questions answered and find out our kidnapper."

"Nope. Not moving..." You look back to see Lucy laying down on the ground with her eyes closed. "I'm on my union break now."

"Are you being serious right now?" You were looking to finish this up quick, and having your partner dragging her feet is the opposite of helpful.

She slaps her tail against the ground idly and sighs. "Mhmm. Might look for drinks later. Party looks fun..." You stare her down for a while and confirm that she has firmly rooted herself to ground and is intent on not moving. Great, that's great...

Pushing that aside, you decide to get to work by yourself. Walking up to two fairy men currently busy drunkenly arguing with each other, you clear your throat and start asking questions. "So... Either of you know of any non-fairy girls getting taken away? Particularly recently married ones?" They stop their drunken ramblings and look to you, look back to each other, and then look at you again.

"Soundin' loike tha' Keither's work it does."

"Naw, Tis' prolly tha MacDonalds. Ya know 'ow they wur las' year's festivals."

"Yer jist steamin' at em' cuz' their boy is shaggin' yer lil' girl!"

"Nade me ta bash yer feckin' 'ead in?"

This is getting off topic quickly. You wave a hand in between the two before they try to throttle each other and ask a simpler question based on the few tips you've gotten from John. "Can you just point me in the direction of any of you fairy folk with orange wings? Especially if they're named Finnegan?"

The two glance at each other again and then quickly point in opposite directions. "Over there!"

Oh for the love of!... This is going to be like pulling teeth.

>Persist in asking different people for information
>Take a more direct approach
>Coax your dragon into not being lazy
>Calm your nerves
>Write-in

>>4659361
>>Calm your nerves

>>4659361
>Calm your nerves

>>4659361
>>Coax your dragon into not being lazy

>>4659361
>Calm your nerves
Might as well relax for a minute, maybe get some drinks for us and our dragon.

>>4659361
>Calm your nerves

Just relax... This isn't something you need to get worked up about. You sigh and sit down next to Lucy to calm your nerves. She seems to have gotten some drinks while you were gone, so at least there's that. "I guess It is time for a break then..."

"Of course I was right. Good of you to see my superior way of thinking." She says, giving you a rare slight smile.

You take a sip of your drink and quickly find yourself downing the whole thing. Never realized how thirsty you were this whole time. It's pretty good too, sort of sour like a lemonade. "It's not like waiting around will get us anywhere though. I wanted to get home quick."

"I wouldn't say that. Being lazy and watching other people has its advantages."

"How so?"

"Have you considered that everyone we've talked to has said that fairies are cruel and love to mess with people? And remember all the traps we ran through to get here? What do you think they'll do if some human outsider goes asking them for some important info about a person one of their kind kidnapped?"

Oh, that's... A very valid point she brings up. "Fair enough..." You didn't expect that sort of insight from her. Maybe you really did need this break to recollect your thoughts.

>Bold approach
>Make subtle conversation
>Eavesdrop on others
>Observe the party
>Write-in

>>4661138
>Observe the party

>>4661138
>Observe the party

>>4661138
>>Eavesdrop on others

During your break you decide to observe the party and get a better grasp of how these people function. In short, it's chaotic and cut throat.

You watch a card game in the distance unfold and see that every single player cheats. A flower twists unnaturally and sprouts an eye behind one of them, staring at their hand. A different player goes all in, only to lose as the spied upon player's hand flickers as an illusion comes undone. While the pair curse and jeer respectively, cards from the table's deck and a third player's hand swap. The bets placed turn out to be fingers, which are casually lopped off without a second thought by anyone.

Elsewhere a duel breaks out and two fairy men clack at each other with their rapiers while a ring of cheering onlookers urge them on. One riposte leads to a duelist jumping back and catches their foot on a patch of spontaneous living bramble. The opponent stabs forward only to find their weapon gaining the consistency of a floppy noodle.

All over scenes like this take place at a hectic pace, spurned on by a flow of booze. You're fairly certain that there are others watching you as well. The fae might look like a bunch of rowdy troublemakers from the outside, but they're deceptively sly as you're coming to learn. You've got a better understanding on how to approach them, but this knowledge isn't going to do anything if you don't interact.

The refreshments were also pretty nice. Wish you had some coffee though...

>Mingling and fishing for info
>Play some games to get your information
>Genuinely try to enjoy the party
>Write-in

>>4662942
>Play some games to get your information

>>4662942
>Genuinely try to enjoy the party

And in their confusion we shall strike!

>>4662942
>>Genuinely try to enjoy the party

File: 527657457.png (3.28 MB, 1075x1518)

3.28 MB PNG

If direct questioning is going to be suspicious then you'll just have to blend in. The best way to do that is to actually enjoy the party funnily enough. Luckily enough you're already in the process of relaxing. Now that the adrenaline from the sprint has worn off, you're actually feeling pretty... Mellow. What's in this drink anyways? It's good either way, so you get up and stretch a little before heading off to get some more with Lucy. While at one of the many tables covered in food and drink, you get a chance to really take in the atmosphere.

Even though it's night the wisps of light illuminate the grove in a strangely whimsical way. Just enough to see your surroundings faintly. The music originally sounded slightly discordant and foreboding, but now that you're really listening it's pretty catchy. It makes you feel this feverish energy, like you should be active and doing something to the rhythm of the fiddle strings.

"Guess this trip wasn't a waste of time." Lucy says next to you. She's chewing on a shank of meat on the bone. "I think I can understand this sort of lifestyle."

"A lot more motivated now that you've eaten, huh?"

"I was tired." She complains. "You dragged me out here right after I got done training with the spooky girl, what did you expect? I've been on this job for like a week. Don't even have a weapon like you."

"Sorry about that, just wanted to get to know you more I guess." You sheepishly sip your drink.

"It's fine...I'm used to dealing with life as it comes at me." She looks off to the distance while chewing some more meat. You watch the party and begin to notice patterns. like wing colors. The only ones you see playing music have blue wings. Those with green tend to be playing games and such. Yellows like to fight a lot. The oranges are secluded in their own groups and look sort of regal. Is this some kind of caste system?

>What's with these people anyways?
>Is something bothering you?
>Listen closely...
>Write-in

>>4664416
>Is something bothering you?
>Listen closely...

>>4664416
>Listen closely...
>Is something bothering you?

You really want to get to the bottom of how Lucy thinks, so you'll take the opportunity to confront her on it. "Something bothering you?"

She thinks on it for a while and hesitantly speaks her mind. "I feel like I've been surviving, but not living."

"Not sure if I understand what you mean."

"For the past few years I 've been drifting through life. After I lost my home I wasted time and took the easy way out of burning down stuff for money. Haven't really noticed it until now after I've been forced into this job and have my neck on the line." Well when she puts it that way, it does sound awful. "And even if I'm in danger every time we do these jobs, I still feel dull inside. Like I don't have a purpose or goal. I know you have some drive to help people, but I don't have that."

Heavy stuff. Not sure how to approach that. Off in the distance you think you hear some talk of 'Tall folk woman'. Is that referring to you, or perhaps the girl you're looking for? Lots of cursing and excitement too.

>It's just a phase of being young
>You can find purpose in work if you try
>You can live without dreams
>Write-in

>>4666056
>>You can find purpose in work if you try

>>4666056
>You can find purpose in work if you try

>>4666056
>You can find purpose in work if you try

Survival takes up a lot of focus, ya know? No ones expecting you to find your purpose a couple of weeks or months after you get out of that mindset. You just need some time to explore yourself and figure out what excites you, Lucy. I have faith you'll figure it out.

File: 52645645.png (3.07 MB, 1518x1075)

3.07 MB PNG

"It's not like it's strange to feel like that some times. Purpose in life isn't clear cut like in some storybook. Trying hard in work can help in finding that purpose, you know?"

She scoffs at the mention of that. "Being a wage slave isn't something that sounds like a purpose I'd like living by. Being happy to be a cog in the machine is a bit... Empty don't you think?"

"That's not what I mean... Do you think I have some goal in mind when I go about my day? I didn't go through the trouble of getting this job because I thought it was my one true calling in life. I did it because I like to help people and fighting is the best way I can do that, simple as that." Thinking back, it's strange how little thought you've put into it while you were going through basic training. It just felt like the right thing to do. Maybe the reason you're so eager to do this job is because you had the choice of it. Didn't Leshi sort of get forced into this as well? Katya was in the military, maybe she conscription and this was the only career she had. Not sure what Pecha's situation is. Maybe running away from her family? Are you the only one in this office that willingly chose this?... Well, it's not like you can change anything about that. "Sometimes surviving is all you can do. What I mean to say is, focus on survival and enjoying life while you can. Purpose is vague and nebulous, and even I have no idea what I'm doing half the time. You'll make sense of it as you go."

You give her a meaningful look after that little speech and she goes silent for a bit before sighing. "I really hate philosophy... But if you say so. Thanks for listening to my complaining I guess.." Lucy turns away, trying to avoid your gaze. Hopefully your words reached her and she isn't just tuning out. You usually did that when your father kept repeating life lessons to you that you didn't think were important. Gah, thinking this hard makes you feel all fuzzy headed. Need to focus on your real objective here...

Roll 2d100 Best of 3 for snooping

Rolled 13, 24 = 37 (2d100)

>>4667673
I really hope our talk helps, if only a tiny bit.

Rolled 30, 72 = 102 (2d100)

>>4667673

Rolled 11, 48 = 59 (2d100)

>>4667673

File: 890789090.png (3.13 MB, 1518x1075)

3.13 MB PNG

30, 72 - Nothing, but then great

It's hard listening through the chatter and music here. And when you do make out the words, most of the time its useless idle talk. On the upside, it's enjoyable to be at a party like this and most people who were watching you probably stopped out of boredom when you've done nothing. Your eyes are beginning to glaze over when Lucy calls your attention to something.

"Doesn't it look like there's something important going on over there?" Up near the tree top scaffolding there's a gathering of mostly orange winged fairies that seem slightly more energetic than most other places. Seeing as you have no other leads to go off, the two of you shuffle on over to investigate. Thankfully, they still have stairs here despite everyone being able to fly. There's some sort of event going on up here and the attention seems to be focused on an inner circle of around a dozen fae, all arguing about something quite intently. It's easy to get close enough to hear with all the gazes being on them.

A man dressed up in tatty looking velvet clothes and a foppish hat desperately tries bargaining with another who looks to be wearing a shirt with turtle shells stitched on all over it. "Cam on then, 'ow 'bout a game uv cards? Double or nathin' for de lassy."

"Got 'er in a game an' den lost 'er al' tha same. Scram an' take yer losses, Finnegan!"

"Ah, shook are we? Tink ya cannae win again cos ya knew it wuz a fluke?"

Another fae with a shimmering coat and noticeable lack of teeth chimes in. "Oi, 'ow aboot ya give me a go? Bet a sack uv rubies for 'er over any challenge ya want!"

They're bargaining over a girl, and one of them is named Finnegan? Really doubt that's a coincidence. These must be the people who took her, right?

>Direct confrontation
>How about playing me then?
>Watching and waiting
>Write-in

>>4669153
>How about playing me then?

>>4669153
>Direct confrontation

>>4669153
>>Direct confrontation

>>4669153
>Watching and waiting

File: 42365437568.jpg (62 KB, 600x600)

62 KB JPG

You've found your target, so what's wrong with addressing the problem upfront and simple? You do just that and stroll up to the group and ask your question. "Now, this girl you folks are dealing with wouldn't happen to be a Marion Myse would it?"

The whole group stops their bickering immediately and turns to face you, staring silently. "Aye, an' wot if she is? Ya wantin' a piece uv 'er or somethin'?" The lead fairy says incredulously.

"Here to return her to her real partner. Would be real appreciative if you gave her up easy for me. Things might get messy otherwise."

The fae glance at each other and then all at once start laughing. "Git a load uv dis lass! she be sayin' things 'ill git messy! Look at dat mean ol' mug she's got!" Turtle shell guy starts slapping his knee red in the face with mirth. "Ah, an' wot ye gonna do if we don't give tha broad over? stab me?"

The fact that you can barely understand what these assholes are saying half the time only makes you more upset than you already are at the situation. You're supposed to be the one bantering, not them. Really gives you context on why your forum friends hate them.

>Stab him
>I challenge you to a duel
>Surely peace is an option
>Play me for her
>Write-in

>>4670571
>Play me for her

I'll be honest, I thought I posted this earlier.

>>4670571
>>Stab him

Since activity sort of died, lets go with the first response

Okay, okay, first thing is to take back control of the situation. "Guess that's to be expected of you not to hand her over for nothing. So, if we're going to be difficult then how about this. Play me in a game for her."

"Ooh, thinkin' i'm gonna bet 'er on sum game witcha? ye daft lassie?" He says back, slightly miffed at your bold proposition.

"Well, if you're too scared of some dumb outsider beating you, then I guess you wouldn't. Sorry I guess I overestimated you a bit too much." The crowd around starts laughing and oohing at your taunt and the turtle shell man turns his smirk into a scowl.

"If yer eager tah lose everythin' from tha duds on yer back to yer guts then by all means, put it forward. I'll give ya tree opshuns an' that's it. A brain dead simple game even you cud understan', a coin toss, or a scrap in the arena. Take it or leave it, tosser."

>A simple game
>Flip of the coin
>Fighting in the arena

>>4673321
>>Fighting in the arena
I forgot to put the quest on auto update so I didn't see the previous update

>>4673321
>Fighting in the arena

>>4673321
>Fighting in the arena

>>4673321
>>Fighting in the arena

Fairies are tricky as you've learned so this 'simple game' is almost definitely rigged so that you lose. The coin toss might be safe, but even with your lucky stone coin that's like a sixty five percent chance of winning. The arena though, that's your element. Fight for your goal, plain and simple. "Alright then, I'll fight in your arena. When do we start?"

"North side, right now. Now my question. Yer tag along, they millin' too?" He jabs a finger in the direction of Lucy who is pointedly trying to look inconspicuous at the moment and failing. "An' I might add fer clarities sake, yer freedom is up for wager in return for de lassy. 'ers too if she be joinin' in. Rewards increased for de wager t'be sure." The crowd surrounding you has gotten excited and chatter about the matter while you think about what to do.


>Just me
>We're both fighting
>Write-in

>>4674385
>...Rewards?

What exactly does that mean? Do I even want to know?

I'd say it's Lucy's choice whether or not she wants to be involved in this, not ours.

>>4674709
+1

we should just have stabbed him

>>4674974
Without knowing where the lady is? In front of all his fairy friends? Just a day before Crispin's day?

There's a fairly good chance his buddies might laugh it off, but recent quests have tempered my votes into a more conservative mindset.

>>4674385
> Whether she fights or not is Lucy's choice, given the stakes that is not I can decide for her

“That’s up to her if she wants to or not but, its probably a no.”

“Hold on, about this reward I’d get.” Lucy steps forward suddenly interested. “Given the bet for our girl, the other reward would have to be equivalent to a human In worth, right?”

“Aye, what do ya take me fer, a sham?”

“I think... I’ll join in on this then. Why not?” That wasn’t something you’d expect of Lucy. Usually she’s been pretty staunch in her position on not wanting to fight but here she is throwing herself in.

“Oho, very nice. Yer friend has them greedy eyes she does. Ah like them types...” Oh that is way too creepy, losing to this guy is not an option. “Now we got an agreement or wot? You two slug against my team in tha ring for dat said bet.” He puts out a hand pointedly and after a bit of awkward waiting you reluctantly shake the creepy bastards hand. There’s a bit of a tingling sensation and a paper contract appears in the air and quickly sizzles up in sparks. “Pact is done, move ta tha north fer the arena. Can’t wait ta count me winnin’s” he smirks and poofs out of existence in a puff of smoke. Many of the others follow suit around you, leaving you by yourself with Lucy.

“Didn’t think that you would join me. Usually you’re just fine sitting out.”

“It’s more that the bonus is too much to pass up. I think I just realized that there is a goal I want work towards. Besides, I have a feeling about this is all.“ she looks at you and squints for a few seconds before turning around and walking north. “Whatever, it’s not too important. We’ve got a fight to win and I don’t want to become some winged ponce’s slave, lets go.” She’s right. You’re both in this together now and the only way out is to fight and win, just like you always do. Still, whats that goal?

The arena you find is impossible to miss. A twisted dome of thorns leaching off nearby trees. The music has faded here and there’s far less talk. Those excited fae have been replaced by quiet watchers that stare apathetically with mild interest. You’re let into a room where you wait a few minutes while the opposing side readies. You stifle a yawn more than a couple times in the boring set up but finally you’re called out.

>>4676517

You step into the massive ring and see your foes clearly, instantly noticing the numbers difference. There’s a dozen short fairy men, all dressed up in black and brandishing swords of some kind. Those guys you could probably hande easy, but behind them are standing two tall constructs of mud and plant matter stiff at attention, and after that some mythical chimeric beast snapping around with three animal heads, even worse after THAT a stocky treant thing holding a living staff covered in greenery. To say this is stacked would be an understatement.

“Never said it would be a two on two lassy! Have fun with them lads down there!” You can hear turtle shell guy shouting over the now cheering crowd.

“Figured something like this would happen. Didn’t think it would be good to let you fight alone.” A haze of cinders billows up next to you as Lucy speaks. Seems like she’s learned how to manifest a magical girl outfit. Looks kinda weird though, all raggedy brown cloth like a potato sack with a floppy hat. Her skeletal companion clacks next to her as you sigh and slot your catalyst into your belt.

“Let’s just win this and head back home with a job well done, yeah? Henshin.” Your suit forms around you with a crackle and the fight over the fate of you, Lucy, and Marion Myes begins.

>rush down into melee
>keep your distance and shoot
>spell casting to burst
>write-in

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>4676525
>keep your distance and shoot
These guys all look rather melee focused, let's see how shooting goes

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>4676525
>spell casting to burst

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>4676525
>keep your distance and shoot
>spell casting to burst

Overwhelming firepower!

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>4676525
>keep your distance and shoot

File: 3426456457.png (921 KB, 2408x2076)

921 KB PNG

72 - Decent success

You decide on a defensive strategy for now and pull out your combi-gun and level it out. Finally have a reason to use that rifle mode that you paid for. The rounds you send out manage to plug one of the fairy guys right out and send the others scrambling evasively. Not sure how to feel about outright killing people instead of monsters... But then again this is a fight for your life. Besides they'll probably live through the bleeding and phosphorous burns... Probably.

More pressing things to think about come up when the big treant raises his staff and roots burst from ground and you have to start dodging fast. Now that you're actually using it, the driver feels a lot better now, almost like it's a natural thing instead of a suit. That mechanic guy did a good job, even if he did call you an 'ungraceful idiot' in less polite terms. These roots are relentless though, and fast at following you too. Unsurprising to see powerful magic from beings that don't even need incantations to cast. You almost get caught when the Lucy's hulking skeleton clatters through the undergrowth and putting a stop to it.

"Char!" Says, said skeleton owner as she plinks away bolts of fire in the horde's direction, but the fae men have taken to hiding behind the the advancing mud colossus' for cover and dirt doesn't burn very well. A chilling bray screeches out across the field as the goat head on the chimera cries and blots of purple sludgy venom begin to rain down at you from purple sigils. Even the animals here can use magic, that's great! A stray splat hits you before you start moving your feet, but thankfully slaps off your shield and sizzles at the ground. Good purchase right there!

>Charging into the enemy
>Head for cover
>Run and gun evasion
>Write-in

Tension lvl 1 - 44%

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>4678650
>Run and gun evasion

It's about time we broke this baby in! Let's see what kind of damage we can dish out!

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4678650
>Run and gun evasion

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>4678650
>>Run and gun evasion

>>4678650
>Head for cover
I ain't betting on evading with those rolls

63 - Minor failure

Staying on your feet is the best way to avoid getting hit so you get to work juking through the deadly rainfall and try your best to work your rifle to mixed results. The fairy men have taken cover behind their lumbering titans, so you turn your attention towards the chimera putting you in this situation. A few shots land causing it to stop braying, but it's far from dead even if you messed up its face and put some scorch marks on it. These creatures are tough things after all, but still it's interrupted the rain. Next up you'll focus on-

Pain and force hits you, sending your body ragdolling back amidst a cloud of clodded dirt, rock, and the scattering shards of energy from your shield. It's hard to understand what happened while you're rolling on the floor, but you think one of those golems tossed a big ball of earth at you. Shield made sure you didn't get too hurt, but it's still leaving you rattled up. More rattling is the wee little man now trying to skewer you with his needle sword, which you feverishly parry while gaining back your senses. A few of the psychotic bastards actually hitched a ride on that boulder just to get close to you! There's only three of them, but a threat all the same. Lost track of where Lucy is, but you can here fire and rattling bones, so she's probably fine.

>Testing your swordsmanship
>Dashing to the backline
>Crowd control spells
>Re-unite the team
>Write-in

Tension lvl 1 - 68%

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>4680183
>Re-unite the team

They outnumber us, so we have to make sure that we're in a position to support one another if it becomes necessary.

>>4678650
>Run and gun evasion

We should really invest in those elemental bullets

>>4680183
>Testing your swordsmanship

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4680183
>>Crowd control spells

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4680183
>>Testing your swordsmanship

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91 - Excellent success

So here you are in the middle of these three and all shook up from getting tossed around. They're so confident that you're gonna go down like some chump just because you got hit with a boulder? As if. You swing out and assert the superiority of strength over dexterity by knocking his weak rapier right out of his hand and sending it sailing to the sky. A quick follow up paints a red gash across his chest and puts him to the ground. You rush on to the next one, taking advantage of their startling and viscously press the attack. They have no hope of using those poncy fencing moves and so they can only desperately back up. That can't keep up forever though, and eventually they do slip up and a jab goes straight through their gut. A blade goes right past your head just in time as you slip to the side and give a round house kick to the opportunist right behind you. What was that, thirty seconds for three of them? Nice time.

A rumble of the ground makes you instinctively jump back to evade right as a gnarled wooden hand reaches up and closes in crushing grasp. Really pleased that your reflexes are on point today, seriously... But never one to disappoint the claw opens up and little gremlin like creatures made of moldy cloth and knickknacks start clambering out and dancing about. Creepy little things are all staring at you with button eyes and stitched smiles. Obviously they aren't friendly, but is there going to be an end to them if you take this fight? And is that a fog rolling in around you? Smells kinda funny and thick. Sort of... Mushroomy?

>Rip and tear
>Lightning bolts
>Dash past
>Where's my dragon?
>Write-in

Tension lvl 1 - 85% - Second form available

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4681660
>Where's my dragon?

Wood against fire? I take that bet.

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>4681660
>Dash past
the fog might be poison

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>4681660
>Dash past

>>4681660
>>Where's my dragon?

>>4681660
>Where's my dragon?

File: 64574585784976.jpg (1.2 MB, 1393x1134)

1.2 MB JPG

94 - Critical success

Air here is getting kinda stale and you don't like this company so lets get on out of here. The tiny animated dolls all jump at you, but you're already tensing up to move. "Jolt!"

You force onward, spreading a narrow hole through this thick cloud of what you think is spores and towards where you think your friend is. It was a good guess too since you nearly slam into Lucy at the end of your dash. Near enough that you spooked her. It would normally be just a funny accident that you can laugh off, but Lucy has a split manifestation of her self in the form of a big menacing skeleton which is now grabbing and tossing you like a javelin towards whatever it is she was running from. All in all pretty jarring, but you've always been one to roll with the punches as best as you can. When life gives you lemons, take a bite out of those lemons. The extra speed is very welcome as you cleave right through the neck of one of the big dirt golems, decapitating it in one motion.

As you hit the ground rolling you take a moment to breath it in, and notice the cheering and screaming from the crowd. They're really loving this aren't they? Well, putting on a show is the same as surviving here, so they've got a lot more to ogle. And next you're going to look around and... Oh, that's a giant chimera barreling down on you and about ten seconds away. Huh...

>Finisher now
>Next form
>Spell caster
>Write-in

Tension lvl 2 - 0%

1d100 Bo3

I forget, did we get that upgrade to our form so it doesn't mess us up when we use it for extended periods of time yet?

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4683001
>>Spell caster

>>4683045
A while ago you got an upgrade that shifts the downsides to a third new, much more powerful form.

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>4683001
>Finisher now
Time to make some barbecue!

>>4683001
>Next form

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>4683001
>>Finisher now

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81 - Good success

Take it head on and without hesitation that's the way. Electricity sizzles off your right leg as you brace up and prepare for your counter attack. Just when the beast is in biting range you swing up in a forceful kick. "Hissatsu overdrive: Rai-jing strike!" A satisfying crunch is heard as your foot makes contact with the lion head and it jerks violently from your powerful kick, leaving a smell charred fur. It's certainly had an effect, but the problem is that that isn't the only head. You learn what this really means when the giant snake has your torso in its jaws and starts shaking you around like a chew toy. It tosses you away after a few agonizing seconds and a braying sounds out, leading to you barely rolling away from an explosion of ice where you were laying on the ground moments ago.

The second golem tries to take advantage of your predicament and crush you into paste, but the thing is just too slow, and easily dodge. Elsewhere the little gremlin things have arrived, but Lucy seems to be taking care of them along with the remaining fairies. The air gets warmer and all the grass in the arena has died. Sky has gotten an orange tint to it too. You've got your own problems with these big guys anyways. That thrashing sort of took it out of you, but you're still good to go. The tree guy hasn't done much but it does cast a single spell, and the chimera's lion jaw seems to snap and reset, healing a little.

>Melee strikes
>I can cast spells too
>Gunslinger
>Calamity form
>Write-in

Tension Lvl 1 - 85%

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>4684876
>Calamity form

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>4684876
>Gunslinger

I like how it rolls off the tongue.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4684876
>>I can cast spells too

>>4684876
>Calamity form

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76 - Good success

Staying like this wont cut it forever. "Rider of the sky!" Sirens sound off from your belt and armor reshapes as you shift into your next form. You don't get that old euphoric feeling like the other times you did it, but you're pretty sure that was you going slightly crazy at the time.. It doesn't have that tingle your limbs either meaning your muscles aren't getting turned to meat jelly either, so that's pretty great. Now you and this monster are on slightly more even footing, even if it does have backup.

The Chimera is incredibly aggressive in its attack with the lion constantly trying to maul you to death, the goat making small explosions of magic around you, and the snake covering up any of its slip up. You've resorted to firing your revolver at it while dodging and slashing away whenever it lunges at you, but this thing is tough. Not to mention the tree guy is healing it. Chip damage is going to get you nowhere in this fight besides tiring you out. The most you can do is trick the Chimera and golem into striking each other, though the dirt construct is pretty much fodder collateral at this point and turns to rubble with no complaint after you duck between it's legs in an attempt to slow the monster down.

Suddenly spike of flame flies over your shoulder and nails the lion right in the eye making it howl in pain. Lucy seems to be leaving the rest of those mooks to her familiar and is turning to help you. Were her horns always that big? Don't remember the big wings either... "So, what's the plan here?" Off in the distance the treant raises a gnarled arm and points at you, and for some reason it gives you this overwhelming sense of dread. Weird.

>Overwhelming spell power
>Playing the distracting
>Remove the annoying tree
>Write-in

Tension lvl 2 - 13%

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4686124
>Remove the annoying tree

Burn baby burn!

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>4686124
>Remove the annoying tree

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>4686124
>Remove the annoying tree

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71 - Great succ-
21 - Forced hex failure!

Not going to get anywhere if tree guy over here is undoing all your progress, so it's time to trim the annoying shrub. "Just gonna do some gardening. You can handle this guy right?" The main chimera head has shaken off its injury and looks pissed as hell, all snarling teeth and charred face. "Yeah, you've got this!"

"W-wait, hold on!" But you were already in motion, leaping right at the lion's head only to springboard and jolt away towards your green enemy. The flight is going well until something strange happens and you lose focus, tumbling ass over teakettle the remaining distance. Stuff like that hasn't happened since the first time you trained with spells. When you get back up from the embarrassing display your sword slips out of your hand repeatedly and you enter in a spastic juggling fit trying to grab it again only to end with the hilt smacking you in the nose. All around the crowd begins laughing at your spilt spaghetti and for a moment overwhelming frustration fills you. Said moment ends when you realize the twenty foot tall treant is swiping a hand to grab and crush you to death like a toothpaste tube.

>Chop the tree down
>Gun
>I will lightning bolt you
>Get mad, GET ANGRY
>Write-in

Tension lvl 2 - 68% - Emotional flux...

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>4687437
>Get mad, GET ANGRY
Yes, throw more fuel on the fire tree. Great idea until the forest burns down.

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>4687437
>>Get mad, GET ANGRY

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4687437
>Get mad, GET ANGRY

>>4687437
>>Chop the tree down

>>4687437
>Get mad, GET ANGRY

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73 - I'M SO MAD RIGHT NOW

Oh, so they think they're so funny making you look like a joke, huh? Well you'll show them, oh you'll show all of them who's the joke here! Riding on that feeling of righteous spite you launch yourself up at the damn tree on a trail of electricity, planting your sword in the thing's neck and setting to work turning it into kindling. It flails like a drowning fish trying to dislodge you from its neck, but you are the hateful badger that will drink freshly spilt sap from your enemies tonight. You twist and turn bark to pulp with your sword until its neck is nothing but wet chewed twigs.

It's then that a smaller, more condensed looking plant creature emerges from the nape of the bigger ones neck and grabs you by the head in a crushing grip. That just makes you angrier. A damn tree hiding inside a bigger tree? That doesn't make sense, and you hate it. It made you drop your sword as it grapples you, but that just means that you can make this more personal and use your fists! You go for a strong right hook, but it's fast and ducks down and two new holes are found in your side as some spikes of sharpened wood pierce through you. your leg jerks up automatically, connecting with the mini tree man's head and sending them sprawling back and scrambling up a distance away on the now slumped back of big tree man. Now this is a fight! It feels like you're burning up inside!

>Fist to tree combat!
>Smite them with lightning!
>Third form!
>Write-in

Tension lvl 3 - MAX%

1d100 Bo3

>>4688737
>Smite them with lightning!

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>4688737
wait I forgot to roll

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>4688737
>Fist to tree combat!

Honestly? There's something satisfying about doing it with your own two hands, and it'll be quite the spectacle.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4688737
>Smite them with lightning!

>>4688737
>Smite them with lightning!

84 - Great success

You know what trees hate? Lightning. It makes them explode into fire and burn to the ground, so that's what you're going to give him! The moment you raise your hand he darts to dodge, but as one would expect it's hard to outrun electricity. The treat convulses, which is strange for something without a nervous system and then bursts into a cloud of smoky spores. A gust of wind makes you turn around, catching a claw grazing your shoulder as you spin around to the speedy little shrub. Your rifle is what you bring up and it makes a decent block against the creature's hands. The treant then leaps back and tosses a crop of spines at you, only for them to shatter along with your regenerated shield.

The thing is all charred and dried up now with its leaves a withered yellow and orange instead of its old green. Didn't think trees could be angry either, but it's probably matching your spite levels right about now. Makes you kind of proud of your efforts. "Come on, Woody, all bark and no bite?" You taunt, trying to showboat to the crowd. In response it hackles and makes a creaking noise. The body beneath you rumbles and dead tree flow its right arm causing it to grow into an immense, malformed mass that changed into a blunt greatsword that's larger than your body. It charges with no warning on all fours dragging the weapon behind it with little effort. Yeah, it's mad

>Full defense
>Finisher
>Third form
>More lighting
>Write-in

Tension lvl 3 - 100%

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4690086
>Finisher
Boom

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4690086
>Finisher

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4690086
>Finisher

>>4690086
>Full defense
I am changing my vote since I don't trust us being able to do a finisher with these rolls

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49 - Medium failure

It's time to take this burning feeling you've got inside you and finish him off. It's your fists against a piece of wood, how bad can this even go for you? You dash in to meet the creature in melee and activate your finisher. "Hissatsu breakdown: Rolling storm!" Unfortunately for you, it seems you've underestimated just how quick this thing is.

You go in for a straightforward and simple strike, your fist snapping with lightning. The tree man crumples down faster than your can react and in the blink of an eye you're blinded by plan. A searing diagonal line of agony from hip to shoulder flashes across your torso as you're sent into the air by the uppercut slash. For a bit you're given a time of lucidity, time slows and your ears ring blocking out all sound giving you a moment to ponder on how you've gone wrong. Then it all rounds all the way back into horrible pain. You think you're going to get even more of that when you hit the ground, but you get a surprisingly soft landing for some reason.

"Oh hey there, nice of you to drop by again!" Lucy half screams at you, breathing heavily while running and holding you in her arms. "Kind of busy with the friend you left me with right now!" Your touching reunion is brought to a close as a much more mangled and burnt chimera leaps and lands right next to you, only barely stopped by the sudden materialization of an ashy skeleton. It's crazy that the monster is still alive considering most of its skin is charred off and it's goat head is entirely skeletonized by fire. Still the thing marches on in its quest to slaughter you. Then, right in front of you the lanky treant lands, skidding a fair distance away and shuddering in a mock roar. Steadily you're beginning to gain a hatred of nature. Oh boy, is that blood you're feeling on your chest? Really feeling that hurt right now...

>Two spellslingers
>Round two twiggy
>The Coward tactic
>Does the dragon have ideas?
>Third form
>Write-in

Tension lvl 3 - 100%

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4691549
>Third form

Been saving this for a rainy day, now it's time to bring the tempest down on them.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>Two spellslingers
Third form should be saved for when we're *really* desperate, it's not worth the bodily harm otherwise, and I don't feel we're that desperate yet.

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4691549
>>Two spellslingers

>>4691549
>Two spellslingers

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73 - Good success

This is a sticky situation now isn't it? But where there's a will there's a way. "Do or die time Lucy, so how about we do this, yeah?" You try to reassure your ally.

"I'll have you know this is one of the worst days I've ever experienced." She complains as usual, but at least that means she still has the spirit to do that much. Both the monster and plant circle the two of you while you stand back to back. The Skeleton creaks over you protectively as the standoff stalls

"You're the one who jumped in with me, so you must be a masochist then. Now then... Spark!"

"Flare!"

>Session spell learned: Fission of the Nomad Star

The two foes move in as both of you cast your spells. It feels like something tugs at you forcing more power into it. A ball of searing light forms and gradually begins to swell, dyeing the arena bright orange. Debris slowly rises and the ground shakes from the force of the miniature star. The tree guy lunges at you, but this spell is taking up almost all of your focus so all you can do is brace for the hit. Maybe it's the gravity this magic is giving off or your own grit, but you manage to take the swing of its clubsword through creaking bones and gritted teeth standing on your feet regardless of that pain it's giving you. Then just as quickly as it started, the sun bursts loosing hundreds of tiny pinpricks of light that streak through your enemies, burning glowing holes in their bodies. The volume of fire is staggering and you've no doubt that they're done for. Their bodies slump to the ground, just like you do from the sudden drain on your energy. This is the second time something like that has happened and you still don't understand it. Don't like how common an occurrence collapsing is becoming either... But you've won this fight, and that's something you can be happy with.

You put a hand on your chest as your suit dematerializes and feel the warmth of blood dripping down. "Hey, Lucy... Mind helping me out with this? Think I spilt some ketchup." You manage to say from your position on the ground. Getting sort of sleepy now, a nap would feel really good....


>Dragon
>Bat
>Spider
>Deer
>???

>>4692900
>>Dragon

>>4692900
>Dragon

>>4692900
>Dragon

>>4692900
>>Dragon

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You are Lucy, an unfortunate witch in an awkward situation. Your lungs hurt from constantly running, your current unhinged caretaker is unconscious, and all you want to do right now is take a nap.

'You weren't even the one taking hits. I've got so many fractures and you don't hear me complaining.' Shut up Ifrit, this sucks for both of us. 'She's out cold. Could probably ditch her right here and get out of this whole mess clean you know~' No, Elizabeth is the type of deranged where she would chase you down even with a gaping chest wound and STILL somehow catch you against all logic. Yeah just pick up her and carry her till she wakes up. 'Fiiiine....' If you weren't me I would hate you for being so whiney. 'I could say the same, lazy bones.'

And in a few minutes you find the silver lining of this mostly bad day. Most days are bad for you, but standing across from this now seething winged manlet while he's forced to pony up on his stupid wager is very cathartic. "Sooo, how about those rewards then? I think I'd like some medical care for sparky here, but that still leaves quite a lot to give now doesn't it?"

The fairy's eye twitches in frustration before spitting out a response. "Just wot do ya want, slag? spit it out an' be done wit it!" There we go, you stuck your neck out and decided to be proactive for once and now you get to reap the rewards. These shrewd little guys are deep in magic too from what you remember from reading old story books, so it's not just physical things you can squeeze out of them. It gives you such a warm fuzzy feeling inside. 'Gaining an appreciation for sadism? I don't really think we should turn out like the other girl. She's just rotten.' Come on now, have more faith in myself, me. After that little speech you got earlier you've decided what you want in life. To get greedy and take enough of anything that you will live forever in comfort no matter what it takes.

>Material wealth
>I want power
>Give me years, I plan to live a long time
>Write-in

>>4694462
I have a feeling that they will try and fuck us over via technicalities so perhaps we should ask for a favor

>>4694462
>>Material wealth

>>4694462
>I want power

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j1BNcSBApOU

>>4694462
>Material Wealth
Seems like the most in-character thing for Lucy, she's struggling so much in life because of her poverty after all. Maybe she can even get her own room.

"Give me cash, I'm planning on starting a hoard. The girl too per my friend's agreement." 'My, my. Gold and a damsel? You really are living up to your ancestors.' And why shouldn't I? That's the kind of life worth living. Maybe one day you'll have servants to care for you...

The tiny man snaps his fingers and a burlap sack poofs into existence along with a slim unconscious woman a old fashion dress. You grab the bag while Ifrit gingerly catches the girl. 'Am I a pack mule now?' Yes you are. Opening up the sack you examine the contents and find a wide assortment of valuables. glittery coins, small gemstones, dollars and tiny trinkets all inside. "And this is what my life is worth, yeah? Not trying to scam me?"

The fae scoffs at your question and tosses another pouch at you. "Ya tink i'd break a deal? Ya wud do well ta learn tha weight uv a contract lass, lest it bite ya in tha arse. Take yer goods an' blockhead an' be out uv me sight." He then proceeds to storm off behind a small branch, impossibly disappearing out of sight before you can say anything else. So that's the end of that, huh? Checking the pouch you find some pale green dust inside it. It feels good to the touch for lack of a better word, and you did ask them for medicine for Elizabeth, sooo.... You just rub the stuff on her cuts.

'You're really just putting strange dust in her chest wound without knowing what it does?' Yep, and hey it's working! The powder clings to the bloody gash and sparkles, stitching the skin back together. She starts giggling in her sleep though, and it gets very awkward... Anyways, he fae are just full of miracles aren't they? 'Just don't try to snort the stuff.' Feh, you won't really miss being around the freaks anyways. They're all a bunch of creeps with no morals. So you march away from their party with two knocked out girls and a sack of treasures without a second thought. Turns out to be a lot easier getting out of the place than it was getting in there, praise the lord for that.

Next you find yourself outside the house of John Myse and help yourself in with no knocks, not feeling like wasting your valuable time on being polite. 'Most would call this breaking and entering. Usually a crime.' So what? We've done much worse than that for money. Go away now, you'll spook him if you stay out. You loudly pronounce your presence and wait for a tired man to stumble out of his bedroom and meet you.

"Wha-... You actually got her back!?" He exclaims, wide eyed at the sight of his partner. 'Oh, I can't thank you enough! I... Don't have anything to give you as a reward, but thank you for this!" He starts to profusely praise you, but still the guy gives off a wrong vibe to you. Maybe it's just the paranoia rubbing off on you from Elizabeth. You're too tired for this.

>Yeah, yeah, time to leave
>Surely you've got something to give
>Why are you weird?
>Write-in

>>4697021
>Why are you weird?

>>4697021
>Why are you weird?

>>4697021
>Why are you weird?

I believe I know what's up, but it's best confirm.

>>4697021
>>Why are you weird?

"Why are you so weird?" Is the simple question you ask him. He gives you a strange look in response as if it was a stupid question. 'Maybe because it is.'

"What do you mean weird? I'm happy that I've gotten my wife back, yes, but how is that weird? Do you expect me to be emotionless about this or something?"

"No, you just give off this suspicious feeling to me. Something is off about you and I don't quite know what." You squint your eyes and look closely at him as if it'll help you find some invisible detail that you can't yet see.

His grin deflates slightly. 'Look... I'm incredibly grateful that you've brought my love back and all, but whatever this 'feeling' you've got, it's nothing. If you're upset that I've no reward to give out then I'm sorry, but this is your job isn't it? To help people like me?" He's trying to brush you off, but that might as well be a natural reaction for anyone. Maybe it is nothing.

>Aggressive pressing
>Reeaaaallly?
>Forget about it
>Write-in

>>4698361
>Reeaaaallly?

"Reeeaaally?... Because I feel like you're suspicious." Normal tactics probably wont work here, so you need to find a way in. "You've got something wrong though, it isn't my job to help people. That's the fault of my current caretaker dragging me along to do some unnecessary good deeds in the world, and she just happens to be out cold for now. Besides, maybe helping you will actually turn out to be something bad? Wouldn't that be weird?"

His face shifts to moderately upset at your words. "What are you insinuating."

"I'm saying the more I look at you the scummier you seem. I've got a good eye for it after being conned a few times myself. You're hiding something from me for sure. Not sure what, but I think I'm gonna find it eventually."

"Hiding something? Are you serious?" His speech has a little anger to it now. "Hiding what? I've been sitting here all day worried sick that my wife may be out there with those bastards, and I'd never get her back! What do you know about what I should be behaving like you inconsiderate, tall oaf?"

"Tall oaf? Weird insult to go for considering were not that far off of each other in height. And the way you talk about your wife is off, like she's a prize that got stolen instead of a partner. Are you sure... You're not a fairy?" It's a slight twitch of anger and realization, but you know that your probing has gotten you an something. A skeletal figure materializes behind him and clutches the man in its boney grip. 'Squeezing~'

"Gagh!?.... How did you know!?" The now revealed fae sputters out at you.

"I didn't. I just threw out baseless accusations and you fell for it. Probably should have played dumb and I would have let you go, but that sentence just confirms it. So, tell me why I shouldn't break you like a wish bone? Where's the real John?" 'Can't I just do it now? We can just twist em' and be done with it. Tell the girl that everything ended happily then skip back to town.' No.

"Well, since we're letting the cat out of the bag, I guess I can tell you that he's very dead." The grip tights and he starts sputtering in panic. "W-wait, wait, wait! I can explain!... Okay, so ahh... This John guy, he wasn't the best kind of guy, sure the story I told you has a bit of truth to it, but I also omitted a few details."

"I'm listening, go on, but I might not like your answers." Ifrit reluctantly lets up the crushing. 'He might be lying you know.' Shush about that for now.

"John was a bit of a gambler, and one of the few people who wasn't actually afraid to get near us fair folk. We've got the highest stakes as you might have seen. Well get this, bastard entered a wager a few days before the wedding. He lost and on a high bet too. It was a human life, but with how the whole thing was worded there was a way to slip out of getting dragged away kicking and screaming. now, what do you think that method out was?"

>>4699749
The sickening reality of what happened to kick this whole debacle off then dawns on you. "That bastard sold off his wife to save his own skin?' The thought of it makes your blood boil. The dead beat couldn't even own up to his own shitty mistakes and take his loss with grace. He just went and tossed this innocent woman under the bus as a get out of jail free card. 'Ahaha, now that's fucked! This is getting interesting.'

"Yep! Us fair folk are completely blameless in all of this and just carrying out our contracts as fairly written!" He proudly proclaims. This whole venture was almost pointless. Nearly stealing back a girl from some group only to give her right back to the same people who took her.

"That leaves some things I still don't get though. What the hell are you doing in all of this and why is John dead?." The hands grip tighter yet again and begin to slowly crush the smug off of this guy.

"W-well, you see I Uh...This John guy just so happened to show a little remorse for his actions way too late and charged back into the grove to take his girl back. Needless to say he died horribly and painfully. Now as for me, I saw all this developing and I... Don't exactly like the guys that took this lady here. I was... Sort of planning to disguise myself as the guy and take over his life. I would get to relax and live out in human society for fun a few decades and she would get to live out her days with a fake but better husband and not think that anything was wrong. I called you people to get it done and... That was that." His explanation ends but he frantically adds on more to desperately appeal to you. "It would be a win-win situation! I'm a good guy in all this you see! Please, just... Let me be, alright?"

>Should just kill you right now
>You disgust me
>I'm not payed enough to care about this...
>Write-in

>>4699750
>Should just kill you right now
>You disgust me

Give us a reason why we shouldn't end you right now?

>>4699750
>>Should just kill you right now

Archiving this since it's on it's last legs. New thread in a few days

>>4702537
K. Good thread QM!

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4652281