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>>5344464
>Read the THE SILVER KINGDOM OF THE MOON! This action will use up a Will Point because of atrocious writing...
>Study and gain +1 bonus to Midterms...

You don't think dad will be home until later tonight. Which means you have time to read unerotic erotica and written by rote bondage in the privacy of your bedroom... You sigh and can already feel the prickly mental damage you are about to inflict upon your brain. Part five of THE SILVER KINGDOM OF THE MOON had been a horrendously written train wreck, it's a miracle you managed to get through it in the first place. It's a safe bet to assume that the 'Bound and Tortured' magazine dropped by Basalt in your bedroom must be the very first part of the story since it didn't have any subtitle indicating that it was another entry to a continuing narrative.

Brainrot and psychic damage is imminent tonight. You steel yourself to the task, but wonder if there's anything that can regenerate your brain cells.

You suppose you could study for your midterms. Education and studying regrows lost mental acuity, right?

It's decided. You'll study for midterms and at study breaks read the terrible horror known as THE SILVER KINGDOM OF THE MOON.

May the merciful Buddha have mercy and guide your sanity to the Pure Lands.

You approach the swirling portal in your closet.

???

There's something different about the portal today. It's still blue... it's still invisible to mundane sight... it's still swirls hypnotically... Your power of observation allows you to notice that there are subtle differences. The color of the blue seems darker than it used to be. And the churning and bending surface of the entrance is wilder than usual. What is this supposed to indicate?

It puts your guard up a little. Without your buddy Azul to educate you about the thing, it's hard to know if it's just something that happens time to time and is not something to really worry about, or indicated something else. You get onto your hands and knees and crawl forward to enter the Penguin Domain.

The passageway is the same as usual. Low ceiling, hard packed dirt floor and the wind howling through the tunnel and then into the usual stone cabin. There's nothing different in the cabin at least, the empty suitcase stands empty after being robbed and the magazines are neatly piled on a shelf with your journal.

You reach up and grab the 'Bound and Tortured' magazine containing the very first part of ' THE SILVER KINGDOM OF THE MOON' and carefully review the index to confirm the page you need to turn to. The last thing you want to do is accidentally open it to something you don't want to see.

Though 'On Pain and Pleasure' does sound interesting.

You mentally stab that idea to death and toss the corpse into a forgotten corner of the brain. This is the right magazine, you don't need anything else. Time to go.

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>>5344465
Yet there's another thing that catches your attention about the stone cabin. The light shines through the gaping doorway and empty window frames; casting rectangular patches of radiance to wash the bare stones with golden luminance. Those patches of light have crept further into the strange cabin storing your illicit items as though the sun's angle has fallen lower.

Curious, you walk to the empty doorframe and look out. The sun is descending, and a tell tale darkening of the sky gives ample evidence that night is falling in the Penguin Domain. A cold wind breathes across the strange place; the soft scent of autumn lingers in the air and a blaze of red, yellow and brown crowns the once verdant green lands. A few days ago, this place had been at the height of summer.

'So seasons randomly change in this place?'

There's no reason why a supernatural dimension has to follow the hours and seasons of your world. A thought occurs to you, this cabin is exposed to the elements because of a lack of a door and windows, which mean that items stored here might get damaged.

Penguin Domain: Stone cabin, no furnishings, no door, no windows...

In the future, you'll have to figure out a way fix up the cabin to protect valuables or give the penguin siblings tools and materials to fix it up.

You turn away but then pause. A fleeting feeling of being watched comes over you. There's no reason to think that the penguins are back home, you fire off a quick pulse to see if you connect with Azul but the connection comes up empty. You turn around and look out the cabin door once more, scanning the area.

The immediate surroundings of the cabin are cleared of any trees, allowing uninterrupted line of sight to the pathway that would allow easy access to the various parts of the Penguin Domain. Only the wind rustling the leaves greets your ears.

The feeling is gone. It was probably nothing, the penguins are the only residents of this weird place.

You turn back to exit the Penguin Domain with the magazine in hand. It is time to read porn and study.

+1 bonus to Midterms gained.

You can assign bonuses to any midterm date you choose when you decide to roll. I.E. +1 Wednesday exam and +1 Friday exam or +2 Thursday exam.

It is a hard battle to learn from the standard Japanese grammar textbook. You wonder if you are putting too much effort into studying the working bits and pieces of the Japanese language. Then you remember Tiger-Dragon girl's atrociously written letter of challenge and motivation comes roaring back to studying.

This boost in motivation is vital because reading SILVER KINGDOM is murdering your weary information soaked brain. You thought Part 5 was bad but this first submission is somehow even worse. The same massacre of the Japanese language plays out in purple prose to describe lovingly and nauseatingly the 'beautiful men and women' of the Serenissima Kingdom of the Moon, and their many bondage related activities.

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>>5344467
Why not just call it the Silver Kingdom? It makes sense to call it that and it's in the title! You count several other titles too. Silver Millennium, Moon Kingdom, Serene Alliance, and so forth litter the text as though the author was unable to determine what her fantastical setting should be called.

Ruka used up a Will Point!

Yet it wasn't a complete waste of time. The characters listed in the story feel eerily familiar to you. This feeling isn't a passing delusion. There is something about the story that triggers a wave of recognition, even if the names are rip offs of Greek mythology.

The martial Warrior Kallisto, the solemn Priestess Harmonia, the gentle Scholar Eunomia and their great Leader Eroica.

Those names are wrong. You don't know why you feel this way but it's overwhelming. According to the story, these women were the Guardians of Princess Serena... their love for their Princess and each other was...

Well...

It's pretty obvious the editor shoved in the questionable porn bits and cut a bunch of details. You're going to have to go to the publisher and acquire the unexpurgated non-pornographic story one day. Kakutani might help with that, she knows the magazine office and is willing to take you there. The author is still listed as Anonymous Reincarnation in the magazine.

The apartment door opens and a cheery voice is heard from the hallway.

"I'm home! I bought something from the office. Ms. Tatemichi is back and made a full recovery from her strange collapse!" Your dad announces, the sound of him struggling to get his shoes off is audible.

"Welcome home, dad! Good thing you brought something back, I was studying so I couldn't cook dinner." You fib a little. You were studying, but you weren't just studying. Shoving the magazine into a hiding spot, you go out to see your father and eat.


It's almost time to turn in for the night! There's still time to do something before bed...

>You talk with dad about the upcoming holidays...
>Watch the news on TV....
>Sharpen your knife...
>Go for a walk around Juuban...
>Stash your magazine away in the Penguin Domain...
>Work your frustrations out by taking the Basalt plushie and punching it a few times....
>Call a friend to talk, who will it be?...
>Check outside for spare furniture that can be used in the Penguin Domain...
>Exercise outside and maybe train your powers discretely...
>write in

>>5344469
>>Stash your magazine away in the Penguin Domain...

>>5344469
> Check outside for spare furniture that can be used in the Penguin Domain...
>Exercise outside and maybe train your powers discretely...

>>5344469
>>Call a friend to talk, who will it be?...
>>>Aya
She had sommmmmmething to talk to Ruka about!

>>5344469
>Stash your magazine away in the Penguin Domain...

>>5344505
>>5344596
>>5345022
>>5345041
We vote to stash our mag in the special hiding place.

Penguin Domain! Perfect for storing weapons, valuable loot or bringing lovers you don't want your father to know about

Rolled 3 (1d78)

>>5345265
> or bringing lovers you don't want your father to know about

Rolling for romance on romantic interests table.

>>5345313
It looks like contestant #3 is the lucky one! Now we just have to actually figure out who this person is.

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Dinner with your father over food someone else made is delicious! No need to prep, cook or do much cleaning.

"This is so good." You smile as you pop the last shiitake mushroom into your mouth to finish the meal. The vinegered vegetables and rice is home made, and so very delectable.

"It is, isn't it? Everyone in my team got one from Ms. Tatemichi to take home. Her mother worked hard to thank us for calling the ambulance so quickly." Your dad explains as he puts down his chopsticks.

Conversation with dad had been great. You learn that he'll be probably hanging out with some old friends on Sunday, so he won't be home until late that day. It's a little sad that this year's Golden Week is so short, otherwise the usual would be go to the country side to visit your paternal grandparents. Instead, you'll be hanging out at Asakusa to visit your maternal grandparents at their antique shop on Monday and Tuesday.

It's going to be a bit of an awkward visit, your dad is coming with you to visit his former in-laws. The memories of the your mom getting sucked into the cult and then the divorce has not been easy for everyone. Your father's relationship with the Shioyama family is cool and distant. To make things worse, harassement still continues at the antique shop. Strange men and women in white occasionally come to Te No Hira to pressure your maternal grandparents to 'give their worldly goods away for the salvation of their soul' or some such claptrap.

On one occasion, your mother actually went to pray for them and convince them to join her at the Sun cult.

That visit did not end well.

"I'm going to turn in early, tomorrow is the last day at work for the week. Oh wow, Saturday off for the rest of my career! Only five days a week!" Your dad jokingly needles you as he gets up to get ready for bed.

Saturday is still a school day for you. Unless it's the second Saturday of the month or a holiday, you spend half a day at school.

There's plenty you could do before heading to bed. Like, you could call Aya and have a talk with her. Back Club she wanted to walk home with you but decided walk with Arika. You're curious as to what she could possibly wanted to talk about.

But another thought occurs to you. The Penguin Domain is a nifty place to build a secret hideout to hang out in. Childhood fantasies of secret bases filled with awesome gadgets and treasures flood your mind. A worktable with tools to make awesome stuff, a pile of gold coins that you mysteriously dig up from somewhere, a cool throne to lord over a secret hidden base where no one can find you. You smile as imagination takes flight to ever more fantastical additions to the humble stone cabin that it can't possibly support. Hell, there isn't even a toilet there, where are you going to do your business?

But at least you can start planning what you can stuff in there! If you go outside, you could go searching for cast off chairs and other furnishing.

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>>5345415
So thinking that, you enter your bedroom and your eyes fall upon your desk where you had hidden the embarrassing magazine. Thoughts of going outside to start searching for thrown out furnishings goes out and the urgent need to hide the magazine overwhelms all other decisions.

Grabbing the magazine, you open up the closet door to gain access to the portal and pause at the entrance. A dramatic transformation has taken place.

What was once a blue swirling portal has become a completely black and calm, the roiling ever changing whorls stilled. Previously it had been a dark blue. Before that, a lighter color blue. A progression of sorts has taken place over time. Is that a bad sign?

You get down on your hands and knees in front of the portal and poke your face through to look in. The tunnel is completely dark, there's no light at the end. But it sounds almost the same, the wind is rushing through it. But there's something different about the sound. Is it night time in the Penguin Domain? Pulling back from the entrance, you begin searching for a flashlight in the bedroom. It must be dark in the stone cabin, you want a light.

Thus equipped, you crawl through the portal and into the Penguin Domain.

The tunnel is cramped as always, the flashlight is hard to hold while you're crawling through. The height of the tunnel is too low to really bring in large pieces of furniture unless it's in pieces and assembled on the other side. Can you make the entrance and tunnel bigger by digging? There's so many questions that you want to ask.

You reach the stone cabin and stand up. It is indeed night in the Penguin Domain. If you hadn't brought along the flashlight, the darkness would be blinding and complete. The thin radius of light falls upon the stone walls to the shelf and the magazine is tossed onto it to join it's paper brethren.

Time to head back home. Your flashlight moves to the back wall where the exit is.

That's when you hear it. Or rather her...

Outside, somewhere past the doorway of the stone cabin, you heard someone calling your name. It is the voice of your mother.

What do you do?

>PANIC!
>Turn off the flashlight, stand in the darkness and wait...
>Get out of here, crawl through the tunnel back to your bedroom...
>Scream back at the voice...
>Exit the cabin, see where the voice is coming from... Roll 3d6, dc 12 against your flaw 'FEARFUL'
>write in

>>5345417
>>Get out of here, crawl through the tunnel back to your bedroom...

>>5345417
>Get out of here, crawl through the tunnel back to your bedroom...

>>5345417
>>Get out of here, crawl through the tunnel back to your bedroom...

>>5345434
>>5345456
>>5345460
Well this is pretty unanimous.

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That had to be your imagination. The only residents of this place are the penguin siblings, and they are on their way home right now. You reason, it is the wind, blowing in such a way that it sounded like a voice. Though you try to work out a logical excuse within your mind, your body has other ideas. A heavy weight settles on your feet, and it's harder to get your lungs to work right as they refuse to take in a full deep breathe of air.

You swing the flashlight about the stone cabin to see if anything has entered. By chance, the beam of light falls once again upon the empty suitcase which once had been filled with cash. Basalt had stolen it....

A flash of realization settles upon you in that instant. The notion had been with you the entire day but it never fully occured to you earlier until now. Basalt had been with you at the hut where the cursed tansu chest was located. Did that penguin do something stupid? It had to have been her, she must have opened the third drawer containing the voice of your mother. And if that voice commanded her loyal penguin to do something, it might have gotten out, and then... then...

The light trembles in response to the shaking hands holding the flashlight. Sweat forms on your brow as the mouth turns dry.

"Ruka..."

It wasn't your imagination. That is your mother's voice.

You know that somewhere out in the darkness and outside of the stone cabin, is a perfect set of floating white teeth floating about. Opening and closing as though set in a mouth and speaking, and wandering closer to where you are.

Blind panic seizes you, you rush forward and trip. The fall shatters the flashlight, and darkness reigns supreme. Though hard cold stone bruises your knees and skins your hands, pain does not register. You scramble to crawl to safety, leaving the broken flashlight behind.

NOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOPE

The moment you feel the surrounding dirt of the entrance of the tunnel, you whimper with relief and keep moving forward. Every second feels like torture as your fear spurs you to imagine horrid scenarios. You crash out of the portal and back into your bedroom.

You lay stunned on the floor of your bedroom for a second, then curl into a ball and rub your hands over your arms to assuage the chill.

Another stab of fear hits.

Can the teeth exit the Penguin Domain and into your bedroom?

You scramble to the kitchen, grab salt and two small white ceramic plates before heading straight back into your bedroom. By the entrance of portal, you start making a morijio by pouring the salt to the plates and placing them to each side of the portal. You attempt to shape the salt into an almost octagonal pyramid but it's a frustrating struggle because of your trembling hands. You don't have the wooden mold to make the pyramid of salt to look particularly tidy.

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>>5346335
You finished making your salt barrier. You can only hope that the traditional barrier against evil actually works. Folklore and tradition aside, there's no proof it can do anything. Yet, you can't help but start using those traditions right now. It was your mother who taught you a lot of these things, including spells like a 'haja no kitou'.

"On kiri, on kiri, on kiri." You start the spell chant as quietly as possible and even make the proper hand gestures. Two fingers, index and middle finger, up while the rest of the fingers down and then making a triangle motion in the air as you chant.

Did the spell and salt work? You have no idea but nothing appears to be coming out of the black portal. You have to assume that you're safe for now. Using some shoes and a towel, you cover up the portal so that you can't see it.

Sleeping tonight is going to be a struggle. Even as you prepare for bed, your eyes wander to the portal in fear. Even as you lay in bed, your eyes are open due to paranoia. Occasionally, you even wander to the closet to open the door and check on the salt offerings during the night.

Eventually, exhaustion sets in and sleep arrives...

>Roll 1d4...

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>5346336

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>5346336

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>5346336

Rolled 2 (1d4)

>>5346336
I shall also roll. I'm trying to get 2 players to match their number.

>>5346412
>>5346488
>>5346503
>>5346504
Oh we have a 1, time to check my table. Don't worry, it's nothing sinister.

>>5346506
Hm, can't write it tonight. Tomorrow for new post!

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The strain of worry that something is going to exit the portal from the Penguin Domain and enter your bedroom interrupts your rest. It's miracle that you do get any sleep at all and when sleep does come, it is the results of weariness from constant vigilance. Consciousness plunges into an oblivion where dreams and nightmares should be impossible.

Yet at some point in the unrestful slumber, you feel a transition.

You enter another Dream. Or is it a Nightmare? It's hard to tell, the feeling of entering a Dream or Nightmare is indistinguishable. One moment nothing, the next thrust into a strange situation unlike anything you've ever experienced.

You are standing in a room with a crowd of men and women, all armored and armed. Shining breastplates, unblemished shields, sharp swords and radiant spears arraigned in perfect military order. The weight of your equipment feels light, as though your body is well suited to toil and honed by training. Indeed, you feel oddly powerful and confident even when standing amongst these unknown warriors who look like hardened veterans. Their scars, their stance, their familiarity with weapons should be highly intimidating, but they aren't.

You try to look about and discover you cannot move. Attempts to turn your head to survey your other companions are in vain, nor can you speak to them to question what is going on. This is highly irregular. You are unable to control anything. Could this be a Memory?

The faces of these warriors are all cheerful and relaxed, indeed they're all laughing and whooping at a most astonishing sight.

There's a very tall woman holding an older grizzled man in her arms. It's an easy task for the woman. She carries him as though he weighs nothing at all. A familiar inability to recognize her features hits you, only her unusual height and age register in your mind. She's old, probably over twenty and therefore an ancient adult to your teenage mind. An aura of power surrounds her, it feels like that moment before a storm breaks out. The exalting expectation of flashing lightning start crashing about you.

As for the man, he's a soldierly type of man given his build and height.

... Also, he looks like Freddie Mercury but more muscular. It's the mustache that does it for you. You don't know who the woman is but you mentally peg the man as 'Freddie'.

"Well, how does it feel to be in the loving arms of one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy?" She asks 'Freddie' in a smug manner, a 'you know you love it' sort of voice.

Yet the answer back is unexpectedly doleful and even a little disillusioned by the underwhelming impression of being held by the powerful woman in question.

"Not what I expected, my lady. I thought if a Guardian would hold me like this, I'd be naught but a whimpering, swooning little boy-child in their arms. Nay, I say, nay. I am but an old soldier being held up by a mere tall woman." The mustached man proclaims, he actually sounds disappointed.

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>>5347539
His answer causes the Guardian to raise an eyebrow and dramatically drop 'Freddie' onto the ground.

"I am no mere tall woman!" With a dramatic gesture, she points up to the sky and a crack of thunder and lightning lights up above.

"Pish-posh, if I can't feel swept off my feet like a maiden blushing expectantly being taken away to be tenderly loved, then it's nothing special." He scrambles up from the ground with indignation. This declaration was greeted by laughter and hoots from the other warriors.

"My, what a fetching and hairy lass you are!"
"Is that supposed to be a proposal to our princess, how bold!"
"Such a great honor was wasted upon such an insensitive maiden!" "Charms and beauty is mere blandishment to our lovely Captain."

You want to chuckle at the ridiculousness of the situation. But in this Memory, your past self doesn't laugh. Not even a giggle. In your past life, were you completely humorless? It would take a girl of steel to not laugh along with everyone.

"Ach, to speak like so to your princess and liege like that before guests from Gaia. It's an embarrassment," the woman declares and turns to look directly at you. At this, the rest turn to look at you.

"And what does our guest from Gaia say to being held in the all-powerful arms of Jupiter?" With arms out wide as though to allow you to be lifted up.

Past you, or whoever the heck you are, speaks to answer...

???

>Your voice sounds like an older you, like you just got out out of high school old...
>Your voice sounds oddly low and boyish... A guy?! You're a guy!?
>You sound so old, like a woman in her twenties. You're ancient!!!
>You sound almost exactly as you do now, you can't be that much older...
>You sound like a man... whaaaaaaat?!

>>5347542
> Your voice sounds like an older you, like you just got out out of high school old...

>>5347542
>>You sound so old, like a woman in her twenties. You're ancient!!!

>>5347542
> Your voice sounds like an older you, like you just got out out of high school old...

>>5347559
>>5347695
>>5348450
Just came home and we voted to be 18 years old

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It is striking how similar this voice from the other you is. It's older, more mature but not super old. It's hard to place the age, it's not noticeably deeper than your present voice. The voice isn't cracking either. Recently you've been noticing when speaking that your voice would go up a bunch of octaves for no reason. If you had to take a guess of your age, probably a late teen girl. Meaning, you're at an age where you're no longer in school. If only you were really that old. You'd stop having to wear a school uniform, get your ears pierced, maybe even change your hairstyle. The rules governing appearances and fashion at your school is too strict.

Do you look roughly the same in this Memory? Or different? A thousand questions are racing through your brain. This Memory is unique and new. You never would have guessed that it lurked within you. For years and years and years, the only Memory you had was the hallway and carrying the tray with four tumblers filled with yellow liquor. Could it be that reading THE SILVER KINGDOM is what triggered this?

"I prefer to be cradled in the loving arms of another... but I assure you I shall more than satisfy your desire for adulation by swooning in your arms like a maiden and enjoying every single second of it too. I just need to get into the right mind set." Your other self declares in a mock flirtatious voice, it is the perfect comedic way to get a laugh out of people. To your surprise, you even start hopping a little as though psyching yourself up and it must look incredibly silly. Proof of how funny it is comes as the crowd roars with laughter at the sight.

Your other self... what should you call yourself? A you that is not really you. A stranger who sounds like you and possibly looks like you but doesn't act anything like you. This bit of comedy and the flirtatious tone of voice, is definitely not something you would do. You would have said 'no thanks' or something equally blunt. It's a little unnerving how the Memory is showing how much of a different person you seem to be.

"Ack, the actress needs to get into character. Knowing that dampens the flames of passion," Jupiter declares and drops her outstretched arms. She folds her arms disappointed. The Memory is fading, around the edges of your vision the crowd freezes and then fades away. Until all that remains is Jupiter standing alone, neither moving or speaking.

Actress... Well, it's good enough. From now on, you'll be referring to your past you as 'Joyuu'.

Your eyes flutter open. You did not rest that well, and accidentally woke up early if the clock is accurate. If you're up, you could at least update your journal with your latest Memory and...

You sit straight up from bed and stare at the bedroom closet with a revelation. The journal was stored in the Penguin Domain, you don't have access to it right now because a creepy set of white floating teeth is in there and speaking with your mother's voice.

GOD DAMN IT!

>>5348948
You scramble to the closet and force open the door. The two piles of salt remain pristine and white. With impatience, you remove the towel to look at the portal.

It's still black as night, a smooth flat black hole in your wall.

Penguin Domain has an unwanted guest! You can still enter though... if you dare!

Problems just keep piling up for you. That cursed tansu chest was perfectly harmless until it wasn't. This is all Basalt's fault.

There's some time before you have to go to school, what will you do?

>Enter the Penguin Domain, time to do some spook hunting... *Fear check, roll 3d6, dc 12
>Go back to bed, try to nap a little bit more...
>Prepare breakfast and coffee...
>Watch the news, maybe there's be something on the FM 10 Radio Station...
>Go outside and exercise a bit...
>write in...

Rolled 3, 1, 2 = 6 (3d6)

>>5348950
>Enter the Penguin Domain, time to do some spook hunting... *Fear check, roll 3d6, dc 12

>>5348950
>>Go outside and exercise a bit...
I’d rather we be a bit more prepared before go in

>>5348950
>>Go outside and exercise a bit...

>>5348978
>>5349060
>>5349170
We go outside to get stronk

You don't know what to do. You need to get rid of that creepy set of floating teeth somehow, but nothing comes into mind. It came from the tansu chest. Maybe you could force it back in somehow? Speculating isn't going to change the situation though. You are here in this world, whatever supernatural creepy thing is in the Penguin Domain. You can only hope it will remain contained over there for now.

It's too late to get back into bed, another hour of sleep isn't going to defray the edge of exhaustion that dogs you. No, a breath of fresh air will refresh the weary spirits and give you some time to think about your dilemma.

Tying on your shoes, you quietly exit the apartment. The fresh air and the sounds of the waking city remind you that normality exists in this city somehow. The local playground is your go-to place for exercise. You were here with Azul last time. The abundance of bars to hang off of and various playing equipment makes it great for pull ups. A full 3 sets of 10 should be your goal, followed by various jumping exercises. Working up a sweat should help make you feel better.

It's tough to start out the morning with pull ups. Someone once told you that girls aren't able to do even one as they get older because they never work out. Your preference of sneaking into places and climbing up into places you shouldn't have more than motivated you to keep working at it. The idea of not being able to pull yourself up on platforms to jump off them is horrifying. You also have the extra motivation now that you're involved in strange supernatural craziness.

Throughout the workout, your mind casts about for solutions to the problem back in the Penguin Domain. You don't want to enter the place without backup, so you're going to have to wait for Azul to come back first. That doesn't mean you'll remain idle though. There must be something you can do while you're waiting for your partner to return.

You take a 30 second pause after your pull ups to think of your options.

If supernatural monsters are attacking, then supernatural methods should be used. You can't believe you're saying this, it is a good thing that your mother held a fascination for this sort of stuff and the memory of learning it has left its mark.

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>>5349869
Ofudas and omamoris. Paper talismans and amulets to ward off evil. There's also salt, white seashells, blessed arrows, and more at your fingertips. Yes, Japan is just swimming with anti-supernatural goodies.. if you can pay for it. There's also the fact they might not be the genuine article.

You begin jumping exercises, through assiduous training, your leaps are very impressive for a teen girl. Now you have to push yourself to make them even higher. Sailor V can apparently clear obstacles in a single jump. You have no hope of matching that. As you begin the last of your exercises, you remember that Hikawa Shrine is famed for being pretty effective. The priest and priestess have some local fame for being powerful and their charms effective.

With your money, you could purchase a few things and maybe consult the priest for advice on sealing evil spirits or something. It's not much, but it is a slender and tenuous thread leading to a potential solution.

Your exercises are finished for now, and your stomach is growling. Better hit the showers and get ready for school! Returning to the apartment, you don't have time to prepare breakfast. You've got to clean up and get into your school uniform. By the time you've gotten ready, your father is in the kitchen and has poured two fresh cups of coffee.

"Good morning, I got two cups of coffee ready to start our day off right!" Dad announces with a smile. He sets the two steaming fresh cups of coffee on the kitchen table where breakfast is waiting.

"Thanks dad." You say with pleasure as you take the first sips with delight. There's a pile of problems confronting you, but they're nothing to you in this moment. The brief morning family time is so very short, and it's time to get going.

Usually, you ponder on how you'll be getting to school but there's a knock at your door today. You go to open it and discover...

>It's Aya! Looks like she wants to talk while you walk...
>It's Tomio and Yuuji! They've come to check up on you and walk to school together...
>A cop is at your door...
>It's some guy with a clipboard and a NHK badge...
>A tall man in white, with a very broad smile....

>>5349872
>It's Aya! Looks like she wants to talk while you walk...

>>5349872
>>It's Aya! Looks like she wants to talk while you walk...

>>5349872
>>A tall man in white, with a very broad smile....

>>5349872
>A cop is at your door...

>>5349872
>>It's some guy with a clipboard and a NHK badge...

>>5349888
>>5349901
>>5350025
>>5350038
>>5350329
Aya comes to visit...

Also, oh god, someone choose NHK guy. You don't know what sort of pain in the ass the NHK fee collector guys are in Japan.

>>5350767
Sorry a bit of a delay, It's extremely hot over here, it's hard to concentrate and write.

I'll post tomorrow as soon as possible.

>>5350767
Oh, I do, don't worry, that's why I picked him!

How odd, who could be knocking on your door this morning? It's probably not the dreaded NHK fee collector, it's too early in the morning for that. But just in case, you look out the peep hole to see who it is. You creep stealthily to the door and look out.

It's Aya. What a surprise.

"Good morning Ruka!" A cheery voice muffled by the door calls out. She sensed your presence somehow despite your stealthiness. You open the door with a smile.

"Hey, good morning Aya."

Walking together, the two of you head to school. During the walk, Aya is on tenterhooks, as though on the verge of asking something but changing her mind frequently. Whatever could be bothering your friend and sempai. This timidity is quite unlike the usually upfront girl. Aya usually demolishes anything in her way or just gets it out in the open to negotiate things in her favor. You wait patiently for your older friend to get on with it and talk but she seems to be stumbling to find an opener.

In this situation, you should help her out.

"So what's your plan for the holidays? Going somewhere fancy with your parents?" It's an easy way to start the conversation. And your friend snaps up the opportunity.

"Nothing fancy. It's too short of a holiday to go anywhere too far away. We only have three day! Sunday to Tuesday, I can't believe it. Last year I went to Taiwan with my parents. It was so amazing. You should go there one day, Ruka. You're sure to enjoy it. But this year is such a letdown, my father and mother might take me shopping instead and visit a few places in Tokyo."

It is in these moments that you remember... The Kagawa family is much richer than yours. You don't bother to tell Aya the impossibility of flying off to foreign countries casually for vacation for your family. Aya continues without notice and gets to the true subject she wants to address.

"Uh, so, Ruka... Have you been out late at night lately?" The question is strangely timid sounding. And the question is a bit worrisome. What could lead her to believe you were out late at night? Did she learn from her parents the implications that you're a suspect because of chatter from the radio station employees? Her parents do occasionally go to make spokesperson announcements for various companies, so they might have overheard something through their work contacts.

"Hm, how late are you thinking? Also, why are you asking that?" It's not easy to be evasive, you never try to lie to friends but misdirect. Asking a question with a question seems safest until you can suss out what your friend is trying to figure out.

"As in around midnight... I had this incredibly odd hunch yesterday as everyone was talking about the bombing at FM 10 Radio Station that you were out late. The more I watched you, the more certain this feeling got."

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>>5352299
Well, this is awkward. Is it your sempai's imagination running amok or her usual keen sense of intuition telling her that you've gone off and done something strange from the clues of your behavior. Yet what could you have possibly done to suggest the idea to Aya? You can't have her keep thinking about this, time to introduce something to knock those thoughts out of her head.

The easiest way is to introduce a subject with boys in it. That is sure to get her off your back and forget about her suspicions.

"Here I thought you were about to ask me about Tomio and the holidays..." You trail off as though relieved that your friend hadn't thought about asking this particular subject.

Aya's timid attitude is blown away. Like a cat pouncing on prey, she shifts into a completely new demeanour. Her eyes widened before narrowing with suspicion.

"And what are you planning to do with Tomio?"

'She's seen the bait,' you crow in your mind.

"Oh nothing much, just going with some old buddies to hang out on Sunday at the obstacle park. Like we did in the good old days. Man, I haven't seen Masato often since he had to change classes. Yuuji made sure to get in touch with him. We'll be spending the entire day together at Heiwa no Mori obstacle park. Tomio suggested it as an idea." You don't even have to pretend that you're looking forward to it. You've need to relax and have fun like the teen girl you are.

"Oh, I'm free this Sunday. I'll come by your place in the morning so we can go together." Aya quickly stated.

".... What?"

"Hm, what should I wear, Ruka? I've never been to an obstacle course before."

You stare at your sempai, it's a dead stare of disbelief before speaking once more.

"... But you hate exercise." You are absolutely stunned by Aya's sudden interest in joining you at Heiwa no Mori obstacle park. It's your fault really, you should have known better. The moment you mentioned Tomio, of course she was going to try and join.

"Hmph, I recall that you mentioned I should work out last time when we were in Shinjuku." Aya stubbornly continues her attack and glares at you.

You sigh with exasperation, "I don't think the guys will appreciate an unathletic addition joining in. Seriously Aya, we're going to be spending the entire day sweating and getting mud on ourselves. Heck, there's an entire water obstacle section, chances of getting wet are super high too."

Convincing your friend not to come is impossible. It's like throwing a small glass of water on a raging fire. While she's now no longer questioning if you were out late at night, you have a completely new problem at hand.

"Hmph! I'll just ask them to join!" Aya declared.

With comically bad timing, Tomio turns the corner and see you walking. He waves a jaunty good morning before jogging over, completely unsuspecting of the barrage he is about to encounter.

"Good morning Kagawa-sempai, Ruka!" He sounds very cheery but soon starts frowning when he sees Aya determined eyes.

>>5352301
Aya begins her barrage.

"Oh Tomio, I just heard from Ruka that you have plans this weekend? How exciting ~~~!!" The false cheer sets your childhood friend on guard. He glances at you pointedly but you can only give the most abject and apologetic silent look as an apology.

Despite Aya's wheedling, Tomio is quite good at fending off the attack. Giving her numerous reasons why it's a bad idea to join. However to the last argument, it seemed to make no impression on your Club President.

"Me and Yuuji will be pairing off against Ruka and Masato that day. It's going to be a competition! There's no spare person to partner with if you just decide to come along Kagawa-sempai." Tomio diplomatically tries to explain one last time.

"So... if I get a partner to come along? Good to know!" Aya announces with a fierce passion. She clenches her fist and stares up into the sky.

You arrive at school together.

It's another slow and lacklustre day. Most of the classes are focused on reviewing material for the midterm. Ms. Haruna looks well recovered from being drained by the supernatural flowers. The color of her skin is so much better, she looks like a brand new person. You're glad.

The highlight of the school day today is...

>Tiger-Girl sending in a messenger to challenge you again...
>Eating lunch with your old gang again, you haven' t seen Masato in awhile...
>Usagi begging Mizuno for help on homework....
>Getting called to the Teacher's Lounge...
>An interesting conversation with Umino about FM 10 Radio Station...
>Math class hell, midterm review, roll 3d6-2, DC 13 to solve the equations...
>Home economics class, you're partnered with Naru for sewing...

>>5352304
> Eating lunch with your old gang again, you haven' t seen Masato in awhile...

>>5352304
>>An interesting conversation with Umino about FM 10 Radio Station...

>>5352304
>Eating lunch with your old gang again, you haven' t seen Masato in awhile...

>>5352304
>>Eating lunch with your old gang again, you haven' t seen Masato in awhile...

>>5352309
>>5352451
>>5352501
>>5353067
We're having lunch with guys.

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When was the last time you hung out with Masato? He had gone on a very long vacation during the previous spring and summer break with his parents, so he wasn't able to really hang out with you. It also doesn't help that he got placed in a completely different class from the rest of the gang. He was placed in class 2, while the rest of the gang was placed in class 1.

So it's nice to hang out again and catch up.

"Wow, back together. When was the last time we hung out together at Heiwa no Mori?" Masato starts off as he flops on to the ground and starts tearing open his lunch. He's gotten a deeper tan, probably from being outside all the time. He was a member of the 'casual soccer' club because the proper soccer club had a far too intense training schedule. Sports clubs in general just eat up all your life and free time when you join them.

"I think the last time we got together like this was right after the start of the school year and just before Ruka got sent to the hospital." Yuuji states between mouthfuls of his lunch.

"Oh yeah, crazy stuff. You're like a big deal in school, something about stabbing a monster?" Masato pokes at you in jest. He clearly doesn't believe the rumors floating about you.

"Yes it's true, the woman, the ninja, the hero," Tomio jokes at your expense.

"I am humbled by the crushing reputation I've built. I shall endeavour to maintain it." You're more interested in your lunch, your dad made some sort of salad with cold chicken.

It's all familiar banter and catching up. Masato orbited a new group of friends and classmates from the unexpected placement in another class. Typically, once you're in a class, you remain there until the end of middle school. Meaning next year, you'll be in year 3 class 1 with the same classmates as you have this year.

"So we'll meet at the station and go together, right?" Masato asks to make sure everyone is on the same schedule.

"Yeah, me and Yuuji will be taking care of the food." You state and think about how many sandwiches need to be prepared. Four people with large appetites after a day of physical activity means a lot of sandwiches.

"Good, because there's something super interesting happening at Heiwa no Mori. Check this out!" With a flourish, Masato slaps down a brightly colored pamphlet of some sort. As a group, everyone leans over the paper to read it.

ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE!?
HEIWA NO MORI OBSTACLE COURSE COMPETITION!
PAIR UP AND WIN!

1ST PLACE - 50,000 YEN
2ND PLACE - 30,000 YEN
3RD PLACE - 1 YEAR FREE ENTRY

FOR AGES 13 TO 16

SPONSORED BY DARK KINGDOM NETWORK

There's a competition on the same weekend you're going to visit Heiwa no Mori. It's rather short notice, Tomio didn't mention anything about a special competition on the weekend. He had called the place to get a special discount on the entry fee.

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>>5353465
The pamphlet goes on to describe an entire new set of obstacles made just for the competition. It stated that the competition required partnering up with another person. What good luck, your group easily makes two pairs.

"Weird, you'd think a competition with a cash prize would be better advertised." Yuuji reads the information with a critical eye.

"You're focusing on the wrong thing! Ruka, I hope you've been keeping fit because we are going to win that money!" Masato announces, his eyes shining with excitement at the possibility of winning so much money. It reminds you of Basalt and Azul getting excited at the idea of loot.

"Aren't you forgetting something? You're going to be competing against us. Better be satisfied by second place!" Tomio announced, caught up with the competitive mood.

"Hmph, no chance of that happening my old friend. That money is as good as mine." You smile, this odd pamphlet is really bringing out your competitive spirit. You want to win! You want to beat everyone! Masato better not disappoint on that day.

... ????

On the outer edge of your conscience, you feel something odd and out of place. Even after the lunch and the competition advertisement is removed, it remains with you. The desire to achieve victory at Heiwa no Mori's competition. It's ridiculous, you just want to go and have fun with friends... but you also want to defeat them, see them lament at their downfall as you rise above them to victory!

YOU WILL WIN!

The rest of school day is a tedious time. Even though Ms. Haruna has fully recovered from her experience and is diligently reviewing midterm subjects, you can barely pay attention to lessons. It is a relief when the school day is over.

>You should head to Hikawa Shrine to get some ofudas and advice... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select
>You should head home and immediately start preparing for the competition...
>You should try to hang out with friends... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select
>You should go to Cafe Leblanc, it's Friday and that means Uncle should be there... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select
>You should ask Mizuno for study tips.... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select
>You should find Masato and train a bit on teamwork for the competition...
>write in....

Rolled 1, 1, 2 = 4 (3d6)

>>5353466
>>You should go to Cafe Leblanc, it's Friday and that means Uncle should be there... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select

Rolled 3, 1, 6 = 10 (3d6)

>>5353466
> You should head to Hikawa Shrine to get some ofudas and advice... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select

Rolled 6, 2, 2 = 10 (3d6)

>>5353466
>>You should head to Hikawa Shrine to get some ofudas and advice... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select

Oh shit I forgot to roll ignore my original vote.

Rolled 2, 4, 6 = 12 (3d6)

>>5353466
>You should head to Hikawa Shrine to get some ofudas and advice... roll 3d6, dc 12 to select

>>5353845
>>5353621
>>5353572
>>5353566
By the skin of our teeth, you'll be heading to Hikawa Shrine

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The rest of the school day was a complete waste of your time. Even though you are keen to do well at your midterms, they don't hold a candle to the overwhelming need to prepare for Sunday's competition. You can see from the corner of your eye that Yuuji is secretly signaling to Tomio, who is directly behind you.

Your rivals are plotting against you already! This cannot stand, you need to strategize and figure out a path to victory. You wish you hadn't been partnered with Masato since he's in another class. If you had teamed up with Yuuji or Tomio, then you'd have the advantage of an early start.

"You're going down Ruka, better to give up already." Tomio whispers pointless trash talk to you during class.

"Dream on, Yuuji is flabby and overestimates his abilities. You have dead weight for a partner." You whisper back but somehow Yuuji overhears and tosses a crumpled up piece of paper to you.

When you open the paper, you see a message. "The real dead weight is Masato, and lucky you, he's your partner for the competition."

Everyone else in class is aware of the exchange. Ms. Haruna does her heroic best to ignore it since it's almost the end of class, but she looks rather mad at the antics. Meanwhile, Usagi looks concerned.

When the bell rings, you jump up from your desk and start roughly shoving everything into your bag. Tomio and Yuuji are also racing to pack up and leave.

"Um... Ruka, are you okay? You look super serious, so does Tomio and Yuuji." Usagi seemed uncertain how to continue her line of questioning.

"That's because I am super serious. Victory or defeat! I don't have time to waste, sorry Usagi." You announce with a fierceness that takes the shorter girl aback. Tomio is exiting the classroom with Yuuji, shoving students out of his way to get out first. You are hot on their heels and swiftly make your exit too. Behind you, the voices of your bewildered classmates reach your ears.

"Whoa, what's with them!?"
"Victory or defeat? Is she going to go and fight someone?"
"Ouch, that hurt."
"Hey, don't push me like that."
"No running the halls!"

It's a race to exit quickly, and you need to catch up. Yuuji is shocked to see you jump past him in a particularly amazing leap from the 2nd floor to the 1st. The shock of impact from the fall is neatly absorbing the energy by landing on the ball of your feet and bending your knees. Tomio is just ahead, he is already getting his shoes on. You tear into your shoelocker and grab your own shoes.

You aren't the only rushing students trying to get out. It seems the entirety of year 2 class 2 is gunning for the school exit too. Masato is in the lead of the pack. Teachers shout and try to prevent running in the hallways, but it's fruitless. It's a good thing you got to the shoe locker early. Students are shoving and pushing each other in their attempt to access the outdoor shoes.

Tomio and you are the first students out of the school.

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>>5354392
"Eat my dust Ruka! See you tomorrow!" Tomio shouts and runs ahead. He had always been a faster runner than you but it doesn't matter.

Burst of Speed: When you gotta go, you gotta go. Speed is doubled for one action but afterwards Ruka can't move or take actions for a few seconds due to exhaustion. This move cannot be used by Ruka repetitively.

You are a blur, the human body isn't meant to run this fast and the strain is heavy on your legs. The unnatural speed allows you to overtake the shocked Tomio.

"See you tomorrow slowpoke!" You laugh as you easily pull ahead of him and get out of his sight.

Eventually, you're forced to slow down to catch your breath and consider the options before you. You had better get home and start preparing. Maybe call Masato to strategize about Sunday. But wait, there's something that bothers you.

There's something else that needs to be done first.

You need to... need to... need to do what again?

Hikawa Shrine, Penguin Domain, ofudas, priestess, exorcism, darkness, teeth.

Of course, the problem in your closet. Stupid curse tansu chest, if only Azul was back. You should leave it up to him to solve the problem. As you ponder the situation, a familiar black cat comes into view, eyeing you with suspicion. The level of intense focus is unlike a cat and more of a paranoid human. Did Luna deliberately reveal herself to you?

KITTY CAAAAAAT: If there's cat, she will pet it! Sometimes Ruka's love of cats gets the better of her common sense... Must roll Will check to avoid selecting a Cat option in future.

But...

.... this effect is negated for some reason.

Huh? Where's the familiar rush of endorphins from seeing a cat? Or the obsessive urge to pet one? Instead of the usual maniacal desire to cuddle with Luna, it's simply the overwhelming urge to train and prepare for Sunday's competition.

But.... Hikawa Shrine, Penguin Domain, ofudas, priestess, exorcism, darkness, teeth.

You need to get to Hikawa Shrine and paste those protective charms around the portal and get some advice from the priest. You can't train or prepare for the competition properly if it's threatened by an otherworldly supernatural enemy! Somehow, this decision is an agonizingly hard one to make despite being the most logical course of action.

Luna looks at you shocked as you proceed to ignore her and run quickly to Hikawa Shrine. The cat runs after you but can't keep up. The annoyed meows sound oddly as though Luna is complaining how of all times, this was the only time you won't approach her. The cat is left far behind.

It takes no time at all to arrive at Hikawa Shrine, the torii gates soars above you...

Roll 3d6-2, dc 12...

Rolled 1, 4, 3 - 2 = 6 (3d6 - 2)

>>5354393

Rolled 2, 3, 3 - 2 = 6 (3d6 - 2)

>>5354393

Rolled 1, 3, 3 + 2 = 9 (3d6 + 2)

>>5354393

>>5354434
>>5354518
>>5354960
Writing now

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It all feels so unnatural. This strange tug of war within that demands preparation to be victorious and win at the competition versus the very real danger of a creepy supernatural set of floating teeth hiding in a portal that connects to another dimension.

The torii gate is at the end of this long staircase up the hill. Reluctant feet walk upwards with black birds flying overhead. Crows are everywhere, and their dark beady eyes stare down upon you with interest. Ominous caws serenade the air, each step up brings you closer to the shrine.

The proper way to enter a shrine and cleanse is the same everywhere in Japan. Stop in front of the torii gate and make a respectful bow. Pass directly under the torii gates with your left foot first and make sure not to go through right in the middle, since that's where the kami pass.

Wait... were you supposed to go more to the left or right side when passing under the gate? You're pretty sure it was the left side. There's a proper way of doing this, you can't precisely remember. If there's anything you've learned over the years about Shinto, there's only one right way of doing rituals. The Gods all apparently suffer from OCD when it comes to rituals.

The next step is the purification ritual, a ladful of water. Left hand, then right hand, and finally the mouth by pouring a bit of water into the hollow of the left hand.

As a child, you were convinced that you had to drink the water during the mouth purification part. It turned out to be wrong, and a really bad idea. The number of times you got a stomach ache from less than palatable and clean water at shrines put a stop to that particular habit. You bring the water to wet the lips. Then another rinse of the left hand.

Finally, the rinsing of the ladle handle by letting the remaining water run down the length of it by holding the ladle upright before putting it back.

Done.

Hm, should you visit the main hall and give a quick prayer for victory? Impatience is dogging you, you just want to purchase talismans and talk with the priest for some tips, then leave. Why bother with the rest of it? Your mom would have insisted on completing the entire rigamorale because she believed in it. Just thinking about that is convincing enough.

You immediately head to the booth where the charms, talismans and amulets are. It is empty, typically there's a shrine maiden or some sort of employee manning it. How odd, were they doing rituals in the main hall? An anti-evil yakuyoke amulet and some warding talismans are what you want.

... They have a kitsune protection one for money. You better get that for Azul. He lost his stash to a thief. You can easily imagine the penguin rage your partner is going to enter once he's informed of his loss. Actually, you'll get two. Maybe it'll help stop 'Uncle' from robbing you blind next time you meet him at Leblanc Cafe. You haven't forgotten his offer of lessons on Friday and Saturday evening!

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>>5355301
There's no one around though. Better wander the grounds a bit and find the priest or miko. As you do so, you can't help but notice with your powers of observation that the crows are watching you. In particular, two striking crows follow your every move. It's not simple paranoia, you dash a bit to the side and see that their eyes are tracking you.

You consider throwing rocks at them to disperse them but decide against it. As you approach the main hall, a wooden sliding door crashes open to reveal a very stern and attractive priestess. She can't be any older than you despite the strikingly mature and graceful bearing she has. She glares at you with suspicion as she forms a series of rapid hand gestures and mutters something beneath her breath.

???? Huh? What? Yikes! That miko is charging straight at you with an ofuda talisman! Was that an anti-evil one!?

"AKURYOU TAISAN!" She shouts and tries to smack an ofuda onto your forehead. Her long straight black hair flutters in the air, a stream of gorgeous ebony. She looks fierce in her scarlet hakama and pristine white hakue robe. Your mind is struck by how she looks a lot like Aya.

>Do you want to use your physical bonus dice to try and dodge or run away? If yes, roll 1d6! You need at least a 5 or 6 to succeed in dodging...
>No, of course not, it's just a freakin' piece of paper. What's the worst it can do to you? ...

>>5355303
>>No, of course not, it's just a freakin' piece of paper. What's the worst it can do to you? ...

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>5355303
>>Do you want to use your physical bonus dice to try and dodge or run away? If yes, roll 1d6! You need at least a 5 or 6 to succeed in dodging...

>>5355303
>No, of course not, it's just a freakin' piece of paper. What's the worst it can do to you? ...

>>5355303
> No, of course not, it's just a freakin' piece of paper. What's the worst it can do to you? ...

>>5355315
>>5355345
>>5355357
>>5355557
Seems we're going to take the hit...

I am presently visiting my parents, this will be the last post until sunday evening thereabouts.

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The miko literally shouted 'evil spirits, be gone'. Does she suffer grandiose delusions of great powers? HIkawa shrine is known for it's supposed efficacy for its clergy and talismans, but this is too much. You consider dodging or running away from the crazy priestess but notice something very odd. The pair of crows who had been following your every move have positioned themselves to your flank to hem you in. If you try to escape, it looks like they'll attack.

Well then, you mind as well let the deluded girl do her thing. What's the worst that can happen? It's just a freakin' piece of paper.

You instantly regret your words.

The moment the flimsy paper makes contact with your forehead, you are thrown back with burning pain. Like a fire scouring a forest, pain races down your skin and nerves explode with an agony that is impossible to endure. The paper talisman sticks to your forehead and does not fall off for some reason. Spasmatic attempts to rip the paper off only increases the pain when your hand makes contact with it.

'It's just a freakin' piece of paper!'

Did you really entertain such meagre thoughts? You must have once, when the world was without unholy debilitating pain. You scream, choke and stagger about as though to escape the pain. When unconsciousness finally takes you, it is a relief.

Exorcised!!! A Small Nightmare: It saw you... and one hidden effect.

You awaken eventually and thankfully without pain. You're in a very nice bedroom and it is very roomy. Oh man, this bed is really soft. Who would have thought such a nice looking room was in this shrine? Hanging on the wall is the stylish school uniform for the famed T.A. Academy for Girls. You recognize the expensive uniform instantly because it is the school your mother once attended as a teen. Somewhere in your apartment, your mother's old uniform is packed away. At one point, your parents actually considered sending you to T.A. Academy.

You try to get up but instantly a firm hand guides you back down to the bed. It is the miko looking very concerned. This girl looks around to be your age, and her looks are quite stunning. She looks similar to Aya. The two could be sisters if they had been set side by side.

"You're awake, thank goodness. I wasn't expecting you to collapse like that. It's the first time my exorcism caused someone that much pain."

"It felt like you set me on fire..." You croak weakly, your throat feels extremely scratchy. Oh yeah, you were screaming earlier.

"You are not the evil I have seen in the sacred fire," the priestess helps you to sit up in bed.

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>>5356659

"Of course I'm not evil! My name is Houseki Ruka and I'm begging you, please don't exorcise without my permission in the future. It hurt!" You can't help but whine a little. You look up at the clock and see that you've been unconscious for at least 2 hours. Your dad probably isn't home yet but your buddy Azul might be back. Also evil? Well, that's a new one. You keep on forgetting that there are actual supernatural things out there, so it's not a stretch that another person is able to use supernatural powers. You hope that future experiences with other supernaturally empowered individuals aren't as painful as the priestess of Hikawa Shrine.

"I am Hino Rei, usually I would say a pleasure to meet you, but given what happened..." She trails off, leaving the things unspoken. The experience of causing you massive pain is evidently very shocking for her.

Your ears prick up, she sounds guilty for what she's done. And you admit, you're a little mad at her even if she was trying to help you. This could be an opportunity to extract some freebies for your problem without paying for anything. It's only fair! Most shrines are religious scams anyways, it's only right to extract what you can from them.

>Ask for some ofuda talismans...
>Ask what had been possessing you...
>Ask for two kitsune charms...
>Ask for an omamori protective charm...
>Ask her for a favor in the future...
>Ask for everything... it's likely to fail though and offend Hino...
>Write in...

>>5356660
>Ask her for a favor in the future...

>>5356660
> Ask what had been possessing you...
> Ask her for a favor in the future...

>>5356660
>>Ask her for a favor in the future...
>>Ask what had been possessing you...

>>5356660
>>Ask for some ofuda talismans...
>Ask for an omamori protective charm...

>>5356660
> Ask what had been possessing you...
> Ask for an omamori protective charm...

>>5356660
> Ask what had been possessing you...
> Ask for an omamori protective charm...
This is a very reasonable pair of things to ask, I think

>>5358512
>>5357790
>>5357492
>>5356783
>>5356710
>>5356678
Back and ready to write!

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5358532
favor vs omamori protective charm

let's see which one

>>5358545
Hmm, I guess we’ll have to snag a protective charm the old fashioned way. Via donations or something? It’s a shame Azul’s money pile appears to have gone poof.

>>5358571
You literally purchase items such as paper ofudas talismans, protective amulets, etc at the shrine. sometimes the priest/priestess working the shrine booth will give recommendations as to which is effective for certain problems.

The amount of social prepping and acceptance of purchasing blessings in the form of physical items was commented on in some of the stuff I read about cults and their abusive practices.

>>5358621
And my parents have taken up all my time unexpectedly. I will post tomorrow the update.

>>5358803
Another delay. I just arrived back home, it's far too late to start writing.

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Dizziness assails your balance; sitting up in bed is an effort. Hino said she performed an exorcism on you of all things. Driving out something with her powers. It was only a matter of time before you met another spooky person with strange abilities. If only she wasn't a spiritualist of some sort, it raises your hackles. Hino is probably not like the members of the Sun of Heavenly Truth scam religion, but you're on guard anyway.

"So... if you had to exorcise me, what exactly did you get rid of?" You ask with suspicion. You are posing a question to a religious nutter about supernatural possession of all things.

Hino looks thoughtful, as though trying to find the right words to your question.

"An eye, watching you. And as for the other, it's something else..."

You stare at the other girl with anticipation for her answer. But instead, she frowns.

"I would need to ask the sacred fire to see if I can get an answer to that." The miko gestured past the bedroom door in the direction of the main hall.

"... Are you making fun of me? You can't literally mean that. Also, are you going to be charging me money for this?" Your voice is a bit too sharp. Too accusatory. This sounds way too much like the stupid crap your mom is into. She would spend hours studying books on divination, and would attempt to prophesize the future or divine answers. Shioyama Honoka didn't just donate absurd amounts of money to her cult, she also scammed credulous and desperate people with her 'special powers' of divination.

The look in Hino's eyes is fierce and offended.

"Is that the only thing that comes to mind? I exorcised an evil spirit for you. You should be glad I took the trouble to do so."

Maybe it is the haughty demeanour of the priestess. Or the way she folds her arms and looks down on you. Or the fact you know she's some rich kid since she attends the exclusive and wealthy T.A Academy. All of it combined rubs you the wrong way.

"Exorcise? I never asked you to. From the outside point of view, you assaulted me."

This is not how you envisioned your visit to Hikawa Shrine. Your intention was to buy the necessary charms and amulets because of the reputation of the shrine and ask a few questions before heading back home to deal with your supernatural problem. Yet here you are, arguing with the very priestess that you are seeking answers from!

"Now, now! Pretty girls should avoid arguing. It won't do for the Shrine to have an angry lay worshiper. Of course, the fire reading is for free." An older man's voice issues forth from around the corner of the door. What appears is an extremely short and old man dressed as a priest, his bald head and white eyebrows express his even temper. Though he smiles, there's an undercurrent of 'I don't want to get sued' in his easygoing words. He must be the head priest of Hikawa Shrine.

"Grandpa, you can't be serious." The dark-haired girl softens her proud attitude towards the old man.

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>>5360837
You are taken aback. This old man was her grandfather? They look nothing alike!

"I've already set aside some more cedar logs and a sakaki branch for the sacred fire offering. So you can go any time to ask." As he says this, he holds out his haraegushi wand and rhythmically waves it over the two of you as a purification ritual. The white paper rustles loudly as he makes an enthusiastic effort to shake and wave it over you. The old priest is a good diplomat, through wheedling and jokes, he ushers you to the main hall where a brazier of fire burns. He then closes the wooden doors behind to shut out the outside world as his granddaughter takes position in front of the raging flames.

The entire fire reading ritual is something you've not witnessed before or heard of. As a performance, it's pretty striking since the blaze flares up at a suitably dramatic moment. Hino stares into the fire, totally focused on the dancing flames and seeing something. As the petitioner, you are sitting right behind her, so witness all the parts of the ritual. The mudras, the offering of sweet smelling cedar wood into the fire, the waving of the sakaki branch and prayers directed to the gods.

"A grave evil touched you today. And has affected many more." Rei announces at the end of the ritual.

"That actually doesn't tell me much. Like, what do you mean by 'grave evil'? Did you see a set of floating teeth, hovering about in the darkness? White masks eating things that can't be eaten? Creepy angry doppelgangers pounding on a door to be let inside?"

Rei turns to stare at you puzzled.

"Those are oddly specific examples. I didn't see such things in the sacred fire. What I do know is that evil possessed you just today. It looked like a piece of paper of some sort."

Today? What could possibly caused a possession to happen? The more you think about it, the more the answer slips away from your grasp. Your behaviour today feels completely natural; there is nothing particularly disturbing about it. Victory at Heiwa no Mori to win the prize money made you particularly excited. After all, who doesn't like money? However, that drive and excitement has damped down after being knocked out by the priestess. So the evil thing was your desire to win?

"I guess I should arm myself against this 'evil' bad thing. How about hooking me up with sweet sweet anti-evil charms for free?" You try lighten the atmosphere with a joke. It falls flat with the stern miko who is exceptionally dour and serious after the ritual. She throws open the door to let the sunshine in and exits the main hall with a huff.

"I'll let my grandfather sell you the necessary items." Before you can protest, Hino Rei makes her exit and leaves you all alone. Well that's fine, you don't really care much to talk with the stoic girl. You head immediately to the shrine booth, now manned by the old priest.

>>5360839
"Well, well. How did you find the ritual? My granddaughter is amazing. If you want, you could work here at the shrine with her! Two pretty girls would definitely draw in bigger crowds." The priest laughs boisterously and lays out the charms and ofudas. They're the usual for safe driving, education, love and other mundane concerns. What you need is specifically ones that ward off evil.

"I would like a bunch of those akuryou taisan ofudas, you know, the ones your granddaughter was using. Also a yakuyoke amulet and a kitsune anti-theft charm."

The old man blinks and reaches into a drawer to find the requested items.

"Oddly specific, did my granddaughter say that you need these?" The old priest lays out everything. The colorful omamori catches your eye especially. It is a pleasing orange color with gold thread forming the words 'against evil' on the brocade.

"Well, evil apparently possessed me today. So anti-evil stuff is what I need most." You reach into your wallet and discover you don't have enough money to actually purchase everything laid out. You have enough to buy the paper talisman and the kitsune charm but not the fetching omamori amulet. An idea forms in your head. You hand over the money to the priest. He reaches out for the cash and is distracted as you swiftly take all the items laid out before he reacts. It's done in an instant, the priest money realizes your intent and tries to grab back everything. It's too late though.

"I'll be taking this one for free. The money is enough to pay for the rest." You coolly hold up the purloined omamori amulet up in front from the old priest before he can protest.

"Hey wait a second!" The old man protests, he tries to grab your purchases before you run off with them.

"Consider the amulet as a bribe to keep me from pressing assault charges." You call out and run from the priest who cannot get out of the booth fast enough.

"Gah, I'll let you get away with that amulet for free because you're cute and need it. But after that, no more freebies!" He stomps his foot with comical anger.

You return home with the Hikawa Shrine charms and amulets. They crackle with a strange energy, or maybe that's just your imagination. There's no one home yet. The clock says it's almost 7 p.m.

????

The apartment feels different.

Roll 3d6+2, dc ???

Sorry this post took so long, I never expected to get so busy with my family during my visit with them.

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Rolled 2, 3, 6 + 2 = 13 (3d6 + 2)

>>5360841
Damn Ruka, maybe she should start robbing places when Azul gets back before she sticks up an old folks home
>>5360848
It’s fine Crescent, family come first

>>5360965
Fuck I need to sleep, didn’t even bother double checking my post

Rolled 6, 5, 1 + 2 = 14 (3d6 + 2)

>>5360841

Rolled 3, 2, 3 + 2 = 10 (3d6 + 2)

>>5360841

>>5360988
>>5360982
>>5360965
Ruka has issues with religion... also those shrines really do overcharge on the trinkets they sell.

Let's see if I can get a post in tonight.

>>5361539
too late. will post tomorrow

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There is something off about the apartment. At first, it is not very obvious. It's not as if the telephone is missing or the kitchen chairs moved about or garbage scattered everywhere. It is something far more understated and subtle that figuring out what is triggering your senses to full alert takes some time.

Things felt different. Was it because of the strange transformation of the portal in your bedroom closet? No, it isn't just that.

You realize it's because you caught sight of your father's work shoes at the genkan entrance but he isn't home. His casual shoes are missing. It appears that dad came home early today and then went out. Yet no matter how you search the apartment, there isn't a note left behind to explain his decision to leave before you return home.

It's not as if you expect your father to report his movements all the time. In fact, technically, you're supposed to tell him if you're late coming home by calling him. Is he out looking for you? It seems unlikely he would have written something to tell you he was out looking for you if you returned home.

How odd.

Well, during his absence, you have the opportunity to start pasting the ofudas around the portal. It should keep whatever is on the other side in the Penguin Domain out of your bedroom. The ofudas will form an extra barrier. But it won't exorcise the floating teeth unless you physically slap the ofuda on it. The idea of getting physically close to the creepy teeth sends shivers down your spine.

You open your bedroom closet and move the camouflage hiding the portal carefully. The portal is a black hole in the wall, and the salt mounds sitting at both sides of it have turned into an unnatural grey color. Those morijio salt mounds were white this morning.

You paste two ofudas on the wall quickly, before grabbing the now spiritually unclean salt to dump into running water. It's a short trip to the kitchen, you need to run the kitchen sink tap and let running water dissolve the salt and carry it away. You don't recall the exact reason why the salt can't simply be thrown away in the garbage, but you guess it's because water purifies and carries away the unclean.

Then you make two new and clean morijio salt mounds. This time you have the time to shape the salt into mounds before carrying it into your bedroom. The sight of your bedroom closet is startling; you almost drop the dishes of salt.

The ofudas have changed their placement, migrating and correcting their orientation to be up right and side by side with each other. You know you didn't paste the paper talisman that way. You take the opportunity to breathe deeply and calm down before placing the two dishes of salt side by side at the entrance of the portal. You are very close the portal.

"Ruka..." The faint voice of your mother calls out from the portal.

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>>5362573
You jump away, using Burst of Speed to boost your escape from the closet. You try not to tremble, but you can see the paper talismans are shivering. An edge of the paper talisman flaps as though something is trying to rip it off the wall but it holds on. The Hikawa Shrine yakuyoke amulet is gripped in your hands, the soothing silky brocade gives comfort and a sense of protection from the disturbing presence on the other side of the portal.

Did that weird thing sense your additional protection? The sensation and weight of the supernatural presence recedes. You imagine those teeth are fleeing into the depths of the Penguin Domain, away from the protected exit.

For now.

You count the remaining paper talismans and Hikawa Shrine spiritual goods in your possession.

You have three Akuryo Taisan paper ofuda talismans.
One Yakuyoke omamori amulet
One Kitsune Protective charm

Money reduced to : Some pocket change

It's great to have these but it hit your money supply severely. There's enough to buy a cup of coffee at least. You really wish Azul and his siblings were here with you right now. If they were back, a counter attack to take back the Penguin Domain with them would be possible.

The phone in the hallway rings.

Could it be dad?

You go pick up the phone, and it is...

>Your dad, he sounds a bit agitated...
>Aya, she sounds smug...
>Masato, he sounds really aggressive...
>Usagi, she wants to ask a favor...
>Mrs. Harada, Tomio's mom, she does not sound happy...
>??? A penguin squawking...
>No one, a creepy silent phone call...
>An old man, you don't know who he is...

Rolled 2 (1d8)

>>5362575
I will let the whims of fate decide my choice. Praise RNGesus!

>>5362575
>>Usagi, she wants to ask a favor...

>>5362575
>>??? A penguin squawking...

>>5362575
>??? A penguin squawking...

>>5362575
>>An old man, you don't know who he is...

>>5362585
>>5362600
>>5362634
>>5362678
>>5362982
It's penguin time...

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The telephone ringing in the empty apartment reminds you of the various horror movies that use it as a device to heighten tension and fear. You wish it hadn't rang after the creepy encounter with the voice in the black portal. Shutting the closet door, you walk over to the telephone in the apartment's hallway.

"Hello. Houseki residence, how may I help you?"

The voice at the other end is not human.

"SWAAAAAAK!" Azul trumpets into the receiver. You actually have to hold the phone away from your ear to preserve your eardrums, but it doesn't stop a broad smile from splitting your face.

"BUDDY!" You shout back. A cacophony of many squawks and chirps erupt, it is evident that his siblings are with him and adding to the answer back. In the background, you can hear the sound of trains clanging, people walking by and announcements.

"Hey, be quiet for a second. I want to hear that announcement." You ask the penguins and strain your ears to hear it. It seems the trio respond by holding their telephone out to catch the announcement.

'Rapid train bound for JR Yokohama Station will arrive at platform 2. Please stand back behind the yellow line and wait. The door to your right side will open...'

Japan Rail line? Where the heck did these penguins go off to? You don't have a train schedule or any idea where they are, but this is a stroke of luck. As long as they ride the train, they can get back home. They must be using a train station public phone booth, which means you need to keep your message short before they run out of time and money.

"It's great to hear from you buddy. I don't know how much you put into the phone, so I'll keep this call short. Keep riding the JR line all the way to Hamatsucho station. I can meet you there."

The answer back is a quick affirmative squawk from all three penguins. You can easily imagine the three penguins piled up on top of each other like a tower. They're too short to reach the pay phone otherwise. A click and then a dial tone indicate they have hung up.

You need to get down to Hamatsucho station and get them. Good thing you have a prepaid Tokyo Transit Pass, even though your Club didn't intend for you to abuse its privileges the way you're using it now. It's a short ride from Juuban Station to Hamatsucho Station, but it's busy with people aiming to enjoy their Friday evening.

You reach out through your link to see if Azul is around but nothing comes up. He must still be too far away. You take a seat on one of the benches outside the station and wait; it's interesting to see so many people about. Kids coming home from school, university students going out with friends, tired office workers hurrying home after a day's work and more. Time passes by without boredom so long as people keep streaming past.

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>>5363671
Your stomach growls with hunger, a quick look at a clock shows it is already past 7 p.m. with no sign of Azul and his sibling. Another pulse through the telepathic link comes up empty, he's too far away. Did they take the wrong train at some point of their journey? Did they not know how to get to Hamatsucho station? Or are they so far away that it takes more than an hour to arrive?

These questions crowd your mind but are swept away when someone very familiar steps out from the station. Your heart stops as you stare at Aino Minako who looks very somber and seems to be waiting for someone. Without thinking, you get up from your seat and walk over to her.

You stand before her, and realize you have no idea what you wanted to do or say. It's too late to retreat, Minako has seen you already.

"Oh, we meet again! Let's see, you're Houseki!" Minako says after a moment of exaggerated thinking to recall your name. The fact she remembered your name makes you very happy.

"And you're the one and only Aino. Coming back from school?" You're voice is calm but really, you're flailing to keep a cool head and learn more about her. There's butterflies in your stomach. Hands feel sweaty. All you can do is smile awkwardly.

"School at this hour? Wow, that sounds terrible. Just imagining it is horrifying to me. I'm actually coming back from a secret mission in my fight against evil! I need to meet my handler before proceeding to the next step but it seems he's late."

With that, Minako starts casting her eyes about as though in search for someone. You give a short laugh at the ridiculous idea and wonder who she is aiming to meet at the station. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

"... Is this handler your boyfriend?" You sound absurdly serious asking this question, which isn't your intent at all.

The response from Minako is immediate.

"Artemis, my boyfriend? No way."

There's an unexpected sense of relief from the answer. But who is this Artemis? A girl? No, wait, you remember now.

"You're waiting for your cat to come by the station?"

You start looking about the immediate vicinity to see if a white cat is around too. The overwhelming urge to seize the cat and pet it short circuits your brain. Unfortunately, there's no sign of a cat anywhere.

Hm, it might take some time before Azul arrives. This is an opportunity to get to know Minako!...

>What school she goes to...
>What her 'secret mission' is about...
>About her hobbies...
>If she lives in Juuban...
>Ask about Artemis...
>Ask if she likes coffee...
>write in

>>5363673
>>What her 'secret mission' is about...

>>5363673
>About her hobbies...

>>5363673
> About her hobbies...

>>5363673
>>About her hobbies...

>>5363730
>>5363740
>>5363749
>>5363818
Breaking the ice with a strange potential friend...

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There's a lot you want to know about Minako. It's sort of crazy given this is just your second time talking with her. You shouldn't start a conversation too strongly. Normal people start by finding commonalities when becoming friends.

"Quite the imagination. Do you regularly go on 'secret missions' with a cat as mission control or something? It doesn't seem like a proper hobby of yours." You grin with amusement at the very idea and fish for some information.

"Oh, it's not a hobby. It's my job! My hobby is mostly playing as much volleyball I can cram into my waking hours! Oh, and chasing after idols. So many idols, so little time." Minako is clearly putting up an entertaining act for you. She mock laments and pretends to weep a little. Her hand wipes nonexistent tears from her eyes.

So Minako's a bit of a jock? You're oddly unsurprised by this revelation. She looks incredibly athletic. Her legs are very toned.... wait, you've been staring at her legs! Snapping your eyes back at her face, you're inspired to talk about a subject that might appeal to her.

"If sports and competition are your thing. Then I know something that might interest you! Heiwa no Mori Park in Ota is doing some sort of special competition. First prize is an actual cash prize too!" You hope that mentioning the competition would interest the other girl, maybe even prompt her to ask more about it... Maybe get her interested in going to the obstacle park and taking part in the competition. Then you'll be able to see Minako again.

There is a flicker of something in her face. It's a flash, almost too quick to catch. It's a good thing you're pretty good at catching details, your knack at being observant helps. Minako's face turned serious at the mention of the competition; there was a hardening of her eyes as she regards you with suspicion. Within a second, she disguises her reaction and smoothly transitions back to cheerfulness. It is like a drop disturbing a pool of water that quickly calms to serene stillness.

"Funny you mention that competition. Are you going?"

"Yeah, with some people. I'm partnering up with an old friend of mine this Sunday. Uh, are you going?" You can't help but wonder... What was that reaction of hers?

Minako realizes that you saw her reaction. It's subtle and she covers it up well, but she's oddly guarded. The energetic girl hems and haws dramatically as a distraction before answering.

"Hmmmm, maybe. It depends if I can find a partner. After all, that competition states it has to be done in pairs. I might have to sit out of it. I'll probably come and watch though."

How disappointing, if Minako joined the competition and had no partner... It's not worth thinking about. Masato is an old friend and you want to spend time with him catching up. But if it had been anyone else, you'd ditch them and suggest partnering up with the sporty girl.

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>>5365049
A faint meow interrupts your thoughts. Before you can stop yourself, you immediately locate the source of the meow and seize the cat before Minako can even react. You are a blur and the speed startles her, you are already holding her cat before she realizes his arrival.

The white cat is clearly male and has a crescent-shaped bald spot. He's a white version of Luna. You pet the shit out of the feline, and it clearly is too much for the tomcat. He pathetically meows for mercy and eyes Minako as though begging for intervention. Once again, you've over done it. You reluctantly put Artemis down to the ground, and he takes the opportunity to get away and hide in the bushes.

"My handler is here. It's time for me to get going. See ya latter, Houseki." Minako gives an exaggerated salute as she starts walking away.

"You can call me Ruka..." You say this as she turns away. Hearing Minako use your last name is too formal and cold to your liking.

With a backward glance, Minako gives you a dazzling smile.

"Okay Ruka. And you can call me Minako. Bye bye!"

"Bye bye Minako." You're smiling as you wave good bye, what a stroke of luck. She might be at Heiwa no Mori park this Sunday for the competition.

The night gets even better. You feel a faint connection with Azul. He's getting close enough. You can communicate with him through your link. Things are looking up!

Within 10 minutes of Minako leaving, you sense the penguins have arrived at the train station. You don't wait outside, you go straight in to locate your partner and his siblings.

When Azul arrives you'll...

>Give him a pat on the head....
>High five...
>Pick him up and hug him...
>Break the bad news about the Penguin Domain and his loot...
>Buy him a drink and snack from the vending machines....
>Greet him with a happy dance...
>Twirl him about with joy...
>write in...

>>5365050
>>Buy him a drink and snack from the vending machines....
>And for his siblings too

>>5365050
>>Twirl him about with joy...

>>5365050
>>Pick him up and hug him...
>>Twirl him about with joy...
>>Buy him a drink and snack from the vending machines....
>>Do all of this to his siblings as well

>>5365476
>>5365340
>>5365070
Well, we have twirl him about with joy and getting all the siblings a snack

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When Azul gets here, you'll twirl him about with joy! Also, snacks for everyone! It's great to have your reliable avian partner in crime back. Tracking him through your link, Azul's presence approaches ever closer to you.

There.

Out in the distance, amongst the evening crowd of commuters is a flash of blue. You strain to see between the gaps in the crowd; three short waddling penguins come into view. They slowly and carefully traverse the length of the passage way. At first, you are baffled as to why they're so slow but witness very quickly the reason for their wary voyage.

The trio are supernatural blue penguins who are invisible to normal mundane sight. This invisibility naturally means that humans will kick, shove and step on them as a matter of course. What people can't see, they can't avoid. You can perceive how Nausicaa sports a black eye, Adamant is slower than his siblings as he drags an injured clawed foot and Azul is banged up and bruised all over.

Just as you realize the extent of the injuries of the penguin trio, a person trips right over Azul and lets out a shocked yelp as they hit the floor. They scramble about, looking to see what they had tripped over but can see nothing. Azul is sprawled on the hard tile floor from the collision.

Without hesitation, you enter the crowd and head directly to the trio. Now you know why they're late. It is a difficult journey, so many humans cannot see them. It never occurred to you that telling the penguin trio to travel by rail back would be such a painful expedition.

When you reach Azul and the others, a chorus of joyful squawks begins as they cling to your legs with thankfulness for the rescue. Reaching down, you pluck Azul off the station floor and give him a quick twirl to show he's safe. No longer will supernaturally blind humans trample upon him!

As you twirl about with joy, you stop suddenly when you realize you are being observed. There's a little girl staring at you openly before pulling at the skirt of her mother.

"Mommy, that girl is dancing!" She tries to get the attention of the older woman who is deliberately ignoring you and your strange antics.

"Don't look at her Mami." The older woman hurries her daughter away from you.

Oh yeah, supernaturally invisible penguins. No one in this crowd can see you pick up and twirl Azul. From their perspective, a crazy girl is twirling about with an invisible object in her arms. You look down and see that Nausicaa and Adamant have their flippers extended out and open to allow you to grip and spin them about too.

"Sorry guys, maybe back at the apartment." You whisper apologetically to them, the two siblings wilt with disappointment.

You try to make up for it by buying some drinks.

You've used up the rest of your money

>>5366042

You ran out of money, snacks will have to wait when you get back home. You could let them have some of the pudding in the fridge. For the moment, the penguins take a deep, satisfying swig of their drink as they rest up on the bench outside the train station. The crowds are thinning out a bit.

The journey isn't quite at an end. You still need to ride to Juuban Station, but at least with your presence, the voyage home will be smooth and painless. They're exhausted, you'll have to get the story of their disappearance later.

You return to an empty apartment. Dad is still not home. It's startling, dinner time has long since past. The answering machine is empty, you checked the tapes to see if dad left a message.

How odd.

Grabbing four pudding cups, you return to your bedroom where the penguins are waiting. They have gathered around your closet in a semi-circle to observe the pitch-black portal with concerned eyes.

"Yeah... things happened. It's a long story..." You begin but first, you pass the penguins their serving of pudding. Azul slumps in despair and barely enjoys his pudding. The sweetness of the pudding removes some of the edge of your hunger, but not a lot.

What should you do now? There's not much time. You need to eat something and go to bed for school tomorrow...

>Set up a place for the penguins to sleep, they aren't going back to the Penguin Domain tonight...
>Show Azul the face of his enemy, drag out the Basalt doll and tell him he's been robbed...
>Give them the info about the Penguin Domain and it's new resident...
>Tell them what's happened at FM 10 Radio Station and recently...
>Ask Azul why he disappeared and where he went...
>Write in

>>5366043
>>Set up a place for the penguins to sleep, they aren't going back to the Penguin Domain tonight...
>>Give them the info about the Penguin Domain and it's new resident...
Feel like these two are more important for right now, we can talk to them about the other stuff tomorrow

>>5366043
>>>Set up a place for the penguins to sleep, they aren't going back to the Penguin Domain tonight...
>>>Give them the info about the Penguin Domain and it's new resident...

>>5366220
Thirding.

>>5366171
>>5366220
>>5366260
A nice bed for the penguins and intel on the new enemy.

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The trio of birds toss their empty pudding cups into your garbage as you search around your bedroom for spare bedding. There's no way they can go back into the Penguin Domain in their present condition of exhaustion and health. It's best to sleep in your bedroom tonight.

As you lay out some spare zabuton cushions to form a floor mattress, you notice that Nausicaa and Adamant are staring at you with their flippers wide open. Their earnest eyes don't leave you at all.

"... Oh yeah, I promised you guys a twirl too."

You bend down to pick Nausicaa up first and twirl her about in the air. You have a good grip just under the arm. She chirps with joy, perhaps she imagines she's flying. This makes Adamant very impatient for his turn. He stamps his clawed foot to get your attention. You put down his sister and start to pick him up. Adamant is much heavier but you manage to spin him about too.

Well, all the penguin siblings have had their turn to be twirled about.

As you build up their bed for the night, you launch into a succinct debriefing of what you know about the creepy floating teeth in the Penguin Domain.

"It's all Basalt's fault!" You begin by grabbing the stuffed toy made in the image of the worst penguin to ever exist. Beady black eyes, heart-shaped face, and nasty thieving habit, just remembering your mom's penguin annoys you. The three siblings stare in wonder at the stuffed doll, giving it a few light taps and circling around it.

It is no fun to go over your theory that Basalt had entered the Penguin Domain and messed about with the cursed tansu chest. She must have left the third drawer wide open as soon as you left the hut. You have no idea if the monochrome penguin had destroyed the chest, just opened it up and left it or stole it but it doesn't matter.

She let loose the creepy floating teeth that speaks in your mother's voice.

"Here's our arsenal. It's limited, but it is all I have got for now."

You lay out the Hikawa Shrine purchases for general viewing. Your audience coos and squawks at the appropriate points as you detail the little you know of the situation. Things don't seem so dire now that you have a squad of penguins to help out!

"Take this charm for yourself Azul. It's a kitsune charm, it's supposed to be good for money."

You hand the charm over to Azul, who looks at it with interest. Your stomach begins rumbling with hunger. You had better go eat something. Tomorrow is school. You usher the penguins into the kitchen where you make some simple udon noodles in broth. There's no time to cook anything complicated. Everyone has a share, even if it's small.

As you clean up the kitchen, you hear the door to the apartment open.

"I'm home!" Your dad calls out in a quiet voice and shuffles inside.

"Whoa dad, you're late! What happened?" You had just put away the last bowl too.

"The police is what's happened." Dad mutters with irritation.

>>5367046
You freeze upon hearing that. What do the cops want? Do they know about your involvement at FM 10 Radio station? Did they drag your father into questioning because of it?

"It's nothing serious, they wanted me to convince you to give a statement regarding the Osaka Jewelry incident. I told them no."

Oh, that's a relief. But how did your dad run into the police? It would make sense that the cops would come here and try to extract your account. You must look very curious because your dad follows up with more details.

"I was meeting up with an old co-worker, a forensic accountant from the Public Safety. The detective in charge of the Osaka Jewelry investigation happened to be there and tried to make another appeal."

"Oh. Well, the answer remains no. Unless they want to get mad when I tell them a monster attacked."

"That sort of statement would probably annoy the heck of him."

It's late now, you spend a bit of time chatting with your father. He had already eaten while out.

Then it's time to turn in for the night. When you enter your bedroom, the penguins are bedding down for the night in the makeshift bed. Azul chirps a good night before tucking into bed.

'I'm glad you're home Azul. There's so much to talk about, but that can wait until tomorrow. Take a long nice rest. There's work to do.' You send a telepathic message through your link. His answer back is a sleepy squawk through it.

It is time to rest.

The night passes without any incident. Nothing crawls out of the portal, no Dream, no Nightmare, no Memory.

In the morning you awaken to the sound of...

>Dad cooking breakfast in the kitchen...
>Squawking penguins arguing amongst each other...
>Nothing... Unnatural silence...
>An alarm clock blaring somewhere...
>The TV in the living room blasting at high volume...
>Doorbell ringing...

>>5367048
>Squawking penguins arguing amongst each other...

>>5367048
>>Squawking penguins arguing amongst each other...

>>5367048
> Dad cooking breakfast in the kitchen...

>>5367112
>>5367180
>>5367244
And so with this vote, I will take a small break. I haven't been sleeping right due to a recent heat wave and need to catch up on sleep. post will be on thursday!

>>5367955
Take care Crescent

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Sleep is restful and relaxing. Having your buddy back is an extra bit of security. Surely the creepy thing in the portal won't dare come out with an army of penguins ready to take up arms and defend your bedroom! This sense of security allows a good rest in contrast to the previous night.

"SQUAWK!"

Did you imagine that? The noisy squawk penetrates the depths of your sleep unexpectedly. You try to keep your eyelids shut for an extra few minutes of delicious sleep.

*FWAP*
*SMACK*
*CRUNCH*

????

What is that noise? Groggily, you open your eyes and stare at the ceiling of your bedroom confused. The morning sun is peeking through your window and bathing the bedroom with light. You turn your head, look at the wall and note that the clock hanging there says it's 6 a.m. A stab of annoyance pierces your sleepy brain at the ungodly hour.

"SQUAWK."
*SLAP*
*SLAP*
*THUMP*

Forcing yourself up from bed and you try to see what the commotion is about. It's a disappointing sight. You don't know when the penguin siblings got up but they are fully awake and two of them are energetically slapping each other. Azul and Adamant look rather mad at each other, using stubby flippers they shove and squawk in some sort of argument.

Nausicaa gives the occasional squawk but focuses on laying out things on the floor of your bedroom floor. The garbage can has been overturned, and the contents spread all over in odd groupings and places. The four empty pudding cups from last night are placed on the floor, while books and random sheets of paper are positioned mysteriously.

It's quite the racket.

"Come on guys, it's way too early in the morning for this," you hiss, but the siblings ignore you in favor of tussling and bickering. You're a single child, you're not sure how things go with siblings. If you had an older sibling, would you bicker with them? Adamant is getting the upper hand on his older brother in the fight, though Azul is not giving up.

Nausicaa seems to have given up trying to intervene. Instead, she finishes her project by carefully placing the blue blanket they had been sleeping on in an odd way. It snakes along the floor, one end carefully spread wide. From your vantage point, you just cannot see why the penguins had decided to dirty the floor by strewing so many things on the floor. You stand up on look down on the strange creation that the penguin siblings created.

"What is this?" You ask Nausicaa.

"Aaaawwwk." The penguin sister can only coo in response to your question.

You hear movement in the hallway. The noise of the fighting and squawking has woken up your father.

>>5370361
'Shit, Azul, Adamant, stop fighting!' You message through your telepathic link. Azul immediately stops fighting and squawking, but Adamant does not. The younger sibling didn't get the message, he couldn't hear anything since your link is only with Azul. The moment Azul stops fighting, Adamant takes advantage of the lull to pick up his older brother and toss him towards your desk. Azul lets out an inadvertent squawk as he lands near your bookshelf, the force of the landing topples things from it.

"Ruka, what's going on in there? What's with the squawking?" Your dad calls out, he sounds very tired. He's at your door, the siblings freeze and fall silent but you are left scrambling to find a plausible reason for the racket.

Your eyes fall upon the stuffed Basalt doll on your desk. Without thinking, you grab the doll as your bedroom door opens to reveal a very groggy and baffled Houseki Daisuke in his pyjamas.

"Sorry dad, this doll just simply won't shut up and stop moving! It started for no reason. Must have one of those annoying voice speaking thingies inside!" You are blatantly lying to your dad; this is not a welcome development. Worse, you need to sell it!

'Azul, when I tip the doll, squawk!' You send your order through the link and tip the Basalt doll.

"SQUAWK!" Azul hurries to your side and releases a loud squawk as ordered.

Your dad opens his eyes wide, fully awake.

"Now that is one loud doll." He comments and then takes a look at the mess on your bedroom floor. He quickly notes the four empty pudding cups on your bedroom floor with a frown.

"Oh, uh, I figure I should eat the pudding before it goes bad. We got them on sale because the expiration date was approaching fast after all." You speak quickly. What you just said is technically true, the best eaten before date is coming up soon for them.

Were you always this good at lying?

No, it took a lot of practice.

Practice?

"Hm, well, indulging in your sweet tooth sometimes isn't terrible, but don't make it a habit. Well, I guess I won't be able to get back to sleep now, mind as well make a cup of coffee for us both. My first Saturday off for the rest of my public servant career and I still got up early," your dad rubs the back of his neck as he grumbles.

"I'll come to the kitchen after I clean up!" You smile awkwardly.

With that, he closes the bedroom door and heads to the kitchen.

At that blessed moment, you heave a sigh of relief and stare at the penguins. That was a narrow escape. While the supernatural invisibility works on sight, it doesn't prevent from being heard. Or touched or smelt.

You give a tired sigh and look at the contrite-looking penguins.

>Draw a sketch of the weird mess, then clean up the mess...
>Tell the penguins to clean up, you need to sell the lie and modify the Basalt doll a little...
>Check on the portal in the closet...
>Get changed and prepared for school...
>Get up and help your dad make breakfast...
>write in

>>5370362
> Draw a sketch of the weird mess, then clean up the mess...
> Check on the portal in the closet...
>Get changed and prepared for school...

>>5370362
>>Draw a sketch of the weird mess, then clean up the mess...
>Get changed and prepared for school...

>>5370362
>> >Get changed, draw a sketch of the weird mess, and then tell the penguins to clean up, you need to sell the lie and modify the Basalt doll a little...

>>5371004
>>5370641
>>5370475
getting changed and drawing a sketch wins...

one person got extra ambitious and went for nearly everything.

Hm, I think the last post will be for this thread will be on Sunday. So we got a few more posts and then a break.

>>5371077
>one person got extra ambitious and went for nearly everything.
I believe in Ruka’s ability to complete simple tasks quickly just so that she can focus on a more complex task

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You have no idea what this pile of garbage and stuff on the floor is. But given the care in the placement of the items, it has to be important. There's a sheet of paper and pen on the desk, you grab it to start sketching a rough outline of it.

'Hey Azul, what were you doing putting all this on the floor?' You send a telepathic question through your link.

Your buddy sends a series of mental images directly into your mind as an answer. First is the stone cabin of the Penguin Domain when you crawl into the entrance portal. Then the pathway leading to the river. The river flows into a deep lake. The huts, the small forest, the field, the abandoned well.

There's a build up of pressure behind your temples. The tell-tale sign that your brain is going to explode into pain if Azul keeps sending you images. It's a good thing your buddy has slowed down his transmission of the images enough that you can signal that he has reached the limit and needs to stop. Otherwise, you and him will end up rolling on the floor in massive pain. The lesson learned was incredibly painful.

So the garbage on the floor represents locations in the Penguin Domain. The strange dimensional pocket is smaller than you thought. Unless the penguins only focused on the tiny relevant area where the cursed tansu chest is located. The four empty pudding cups represent the huts, the blue blanket the river with the lake pooled at the end. You can only assume the other pieces represent other locations.

Your sketch is done fairly quickly as you're crafty. Setting aside the drawing, it's time to clean up the mess. The penguin siblings are quiet and assist in putting away the garbage. There's not much time until the coffee is made, you need to get changed. You pass your eyes over the closet, it looks deceptively normal.

"Ruka, I got a cup out of you!" Your dad calls out from the kitchen. The faint clink of cups being set on the kitchen table greets your ears.

You struggle to tie the red bow of your school uniform while exiting the bedroom. The penguins follow invisibly to watch as you enjoy the usual morning coffee. The aroma of the brew is so delightful, you pause to close your eyes and enjoy it. You're going to need this cup of coffee. Today is going to be a busy day.

First is school. It's merely half a day but that doesn't mean it won't be intense. The classes today are all going to be on subjects in the midterms. No one in class is going to be really paying attention though. It's the holidays. It would be nice if the Japanese education system would give students the day off, but the law says otherwise.

Taking your first sip, you review other plans for today.

After school, you'll be going out to Crown Games with Tomio for a bit. It's been awhile since you spent time playing Street Fighter... Wait a second, you're out of money! How are you going to play a round?!

Ruka has no more money!

>>5371304
Annoyed, you down the rest of the coffee in one large gulp. Well, it looks like you'll have to beg off a 100 yen coin off Tomio for today. Unless he's also broke, in which case the two of you will just have to shoot the breeze. You groan, you wanted to play a round as Zangief and fight for Mother Russia.

Afterwards, it'll be off to Shinjuku to meet up with Kakutani to exchange intel on Sailor Moon for Sailor V intel. Your club has given you a shiny metro pass to let you travel around Tokyo for this specific purpose. However, yesterday evening, you abused the club's generosity to pick up the sibling trio at Hamatsucho station. Hopefully, you'll be able to make up for that by getting lots of neat information from the reporter at Daily Report.

Then there's the issue with the Penguin Domain. You need to deal with that but tomorrow you're going out to Heiwa no Mori obstacle park. There are not enough hours in the day to deal with everything! How you wish you had two bodies to run around and do stuff!

"I probably won't be home until late. I have some Club stuff to do." You tell your dad as he sets out a simple breakfast for you.

"Is that so? I'll probably go out after having a real lazy day here. It's a big novelty for me to have Saturday off, so I might be home a little late too. But don't be out too late Ruka!" He smiles happily, the thought of being able to have a two-day weekend after so many years of being forced to work Saturdays makes him look young.

It's time to get to school. You take your school bag and stuff the three ofuda talismans in it while tying the yakuyoke omamori amulet on the strap.

Wait, what are you going to do with Azul's siblings? Nausicaa and Adamant have never hung around outside the Penguin Domain before, and you aren't able to communicate with them through your link.

>Take all three to school with you...
>Nausicaa and Adamant should remain in your apartment, while Azul comes with you...
>Have all three stay in the apartment...

With that out of the way, how are you getting to school?

>Walk...
>Run...
>You can't take the bus, so short cut! 3d6+2, dc 14...
>There's a knock at the door....

>>5371305
>>Have all three stay in the apartment...

>Run...

Rolled 2, 3, 2 + 2 = 9 (3d6 + 2)

>>5371305
>>Have all three stay in the apartment...
>>You can't take the bus, so short cut! 3d6+2, dc 14...

Rolled 2, 4, 5 = 11 (3d6)

>>5371305
>Have all three stay in the apartment..
>You can't take the bus, so short cut! 3d6+2, dc 14...

>>5371305
>Nausicaa and Adamant should remain in your apartment, while Azul comes with you...
>>There's a knock at the door....

>>5371904
>>5371413
>>5371324
>>5371311
We leave everyone behind and then go off to the short cut!

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You look over Azul carefully, his bruises are still visible from yesterday. The injuries on Nausicaa and Adamant are faint but easily discernible. None of these birds are fully recovered from their voyage home. The journey by the Japan Rail line was clearly a fraught and painful one. As much as you would like to bring them with you to school, everyone is better off taking some time to rest and recover.

Azul is already casting about the bedroom in an attempt to find the leather satchel he customarily uses when traveling with you.

'Sorry buddy, but the evil penguin Basalt took it with her when she flew the coop. Also, you're staying home and resting.' You relay this message through your link and the response back from Azul is a crestfallen chirp. He must have been eager to go to school with you.

'Think of it this way, you'll stand guard by the portal with your brother and sister. It's an important duty!'

With that, you pull out one of the ofudas and pass it to your partner as an extra defence item for himself. If something nasty emerges from the portal, they just need to slap that piece of paper on it to drive it off. The penguins gather around their weapon and stare at it, curiosity gleaming from their eyes. The home defense is left to them.

"I'm heading to school dad! See you later!" You say to your dad who is busying himself in the kitchen.

"Have a fun day at school!" He comes out of the kitchen to watch you leave.

The penguins gather at the genkan to watch you slip on your shoes to depart for school. Their enthusiastic waves bid you goodbye. You close the apartment door behind you and run down the stairs to the physically strenuous and risky short cut. Last time, you got through the short cut without a hitch. It was absurdly easy with the abundance of rain allowing full use of your abilities. Today is ca sunny day, there's no source of water to draw from. To get through, you'll be relying wholly on your physical abilities.

Climbing up and over the crumbling concrete wall using the cinderblock, you once more stare down a narrow path. It seems there are more obstacles in your way today. Drying laundry is everywhere; homemakers in your apartment have taken advantage of the weekend to put out the wash. This run will be a tricky one. The easiest path is hard to suss out. Should you run on the top of the wall? Jump in and out of balconies?

An idea creeps into your mind.

It might not be possible to use the short cut today.

You banish the thought. There's no such thing as impossible!

So begins your run through the short cut. And it is something short of disastrous. The wind is blowing the sheets and clothing at odd times and getting in your way through. The number of times you have to stop as a blanket blows into your path or dodge a billowy pair of pants about to hit you or drop from the wall to the ground is frustrating.

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>>5372453
Maybe if you climb onto the balconies and jump to the next, then the problem will be resolved. You work your way up to one of them and realize it's a mistake. You just multiplied the difficulty rather than lessen it.

Oh shit! You feel your foot hit the drying rack pole clustered to your right. Gravity does its work and dislodges the rickety structure.

>Would you like to use a physical bonus point? If so, roll a 1d6. You'll need a minimum 3!

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>5372455
I will vote yes.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>5372455
Sure yeah physical bonus point it is.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>5372455
Yes

>>5372763
>>5372612
>>5372546
We succeed, and now for the last post in the thread. Next month in september 5 thereabouts will be a new thread.

>>5373096
Hm delayed again. I'll post tomorrow

File: intense.jpg (30 KB, 552x312)

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Gravity is a relentless and remorseless monster out to ruin your morning. Everything is in slow motion. It feels like an eternity, but in reality, it takes only a second for the dislodged pole to crash downwards to the ground with its load of drying laundry. It's odd how the brain allows lightning speed comprehension of the terrible crisis facing you in that instance. Your original plan is chucked into the metaphorical trash. The moment the pole hits the balcony with a hollow clang, it creates an absolute mess and racket. Your body and mind are racing ahead to put distance from the scene of the crime.

You jump down to the ground.

Burst of speed

This ability is incredibly useful despite the drawbacks. And right now, those drawbacks are minor piffling things compared to the consequences of getting angry apartment dwelling housewives throwing water on you as punishment. Somewhere, behind you, a number of sliding doors are being opened and voices babbling.

"What was that?"
"Huh? Is someone running outside?"
"MY LAUNDRY!!!"

The laundry is a curse, why everyone has to do it today of all days is mystifying. The wind constantly moves the undulating fabrics across your path at inopportune moments. You bob, weave and dodge them and other obstacles in your way. A powerful leap over a pot of roses, ducking under pipes, vaulting over cement walls, is all very hard work. Your heart pounds, your lungs scream for oxygen and leg muscles ache as you tax your body to the utmost limit.

Then there's a powerful gust of wind, which sends the wet fabrics into your path. You can't dodge, you can't stop, you're going to tear them down unless you can clear the path.

Distant Hands form into small balls of water instead of proper hands. You summon them to beat the billowing pieces of clothing out of the way. Never has two powers been used at the same time. It's harder than it looks!

The gauntlet finally ends when you clear the path and enter into the sunlight.

You made it through!

Turning a corner near the alleyway, you take a moment to catch your breath. It was a close call. You don't think anyone saw you running through the short cut.

It allows you to arrive at school extremely early. There are barely any students about at the shoe lockers. Now that you think about it, only the keenest students would arrive early for club practice. You can't recall if there are any clubs operating early morning sessions unless they're a sports club. On the athletic field, you can hear the faint sounds of practice, but no one is in the entrance hall of the school.

There's something about the entrance hall that bothers you. Something is prickling the back of your neck. You look around and let your eyes fall upon the school bulletin board. There's a new addition pasted on it. At first, the white paper reminds you of Tiger-Dragon girl's letter of challenge, but a closer look shows that it's something else entirely.

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>>5374680
Why was the competition poster pinned up on the school bulletin board? Did Masato tack it on yesterday? You stare up at the strange advert extolling the cash prizes to be won at Heiwa No Mori obstacle park and feel odd.

The more you stare, the more it feels like your skin is tingling. It feels supremely unpleasant! Pins and needles begin jabbing behind your eyes. You turn away from the bulletin board and rub your eyes to wipe away the pain.

"What the hell?" You mutter.

"Good morning Houseki!" A cheery voice approaches from behind. It's Mizuno Ami, she's here at school early as usual.

"Good morning Mizuno. Ow, shit. Why does it hurt?" You greet your schoolmate, the odd jabbing pain starts to fade a bit.

"Is something wrong?" The quiet girl sounds concerned.

"I think so? I started looking at the poster and my eyes started to hurt. This has been a pretty bad morning." You start rifling through your school bag for a handkerchief. Your hand brushes the yakuyoke amulet. The damn thing is like a hot iron! Your hand leaps away from the amulet as though you've been burned. There's spooky crap going on. Otherwise, the stupid amulet wouldn't be inflicting burning pain on you. The gold thread of the amulet glitters.

Mizuno Ami doesn't respond to your answer. Instead, she remains silent and devotes her considerable attention to the competition poster. It's an odd reaction. The girl is a studious nerd like Umino. There's nothing on the poster that should interest her. You turn to look at Mizuno and wait for her to respond.

You are startled to see that Mizuno is very firm and resolute looking. Her lips pressed into a thin line and her eyes were severe. It is hard to imagine such a transformation overtaking the meek girl, but it's there. There's a burning look of competitiveness. The sort that would murder their opponent for a chance at victory, blazes in her eyes. It is honestly a little frightening.

Mizuno Ami, one of the most meek and mild girl of the school fixes you with an intense look.


END OF THREAD

>>5374684
Thanks for running, Crescent! See you next thread.