She didn't say anything immediately. Her soft footsteps thundered in your ears as she approached you, mirroring your thundering heart. You imagined her reaction, how disappointed she must have looked at your pettiness, and didn't dare to open your eyes and confirm your fears. You remained silent and tense in anticipation as her footsteps stopped right in front of you. You felt her gentle hands caress your cheeks and cup your face before her forehead was brought to touch yours. "I don't deserve you..." she exhaled and her fresh breath on your face spread a warmth inside you. You opened your eyes and were lost into the green sea of hers, mere centimeters apart. "But..." she continued, as the pressure she exerted on your forehead increased, far from being painful but enough to become uncomfortable, "I told you I didn't want any more gifts from you before I have had the chance to reciprocate, and..." she abruptly pulled back, brushing her fingers on your skin. The sensation of her touch lingered and it was as if her movement had stolen your breath. She put her fingertips through her hair, touching the hairpin in the process and took a look around at the decaying city underneath the dome. "I will be unable to do so for some time. So, no more gifts for the time being, my love, alright? Not while we're here. And, um... did you not say that weapons were just tools and nothing more?" she asked without looking back at you.

"But even tools can dream..." you repeated her own words back to her in a daze.

"That's right. And sometimes our dreams can even come true..." she replied wistfully.

Our... her answer brought you out of your daze. Did she... did she really see herself as a tool? The formerly soothing warmth inside you was stoked into a harsh heat and you spoke forcefully. "You are not a tool." There was no response and you grabbed her wrist as the fire grew, a fire that you wished would burn the Queen, the only person who could have instilled such a belief in your love. You still could not see her face as you spoke. "Schala, you are not a tool. Not your mother's, no matter what she's told you, nor anyone else's. You are so much more than that. Your mother doesn't know your true strength, not even you know your true strength!"

"Mother loves me..." she replied in an even tone, still refusing to look at you, then added more animatedly, after a momentary hesitation. "...and Janus. I know she does! You can understand that, can't you? Your mother changed after... she is different from how you remember her when you were little, but she still loves you, isn't that right? Oh, um... you never told me her name. Your mother's..."

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"Sara. My father was Notus." You answered her question almost on instinct, but there was more you wanted to say. Not for the first time, you wished you could help her see what you saw, explain the difference between how your mother had acted and what you had learned of hers, but you couldn't find the words as you struggled to keep the fire contained.

She chuckled quietly. "Sara... fate must be laughing at us, my love. I, um... have read her Theories on Element Relationships, her Alchemy Enchiridion, as well as her Treatise on Patient Care. They were some of the first books I ever read. It was because of her name at first, but all of them helped me. The first when I was trying to unlock my element, even if I didn't understand it fully at the time, the others much later, when I began going to Algetty on my own. I could tell from her writings that she was intelligent and kind. I never thought that she... you two must be very much alike... I had planned to read her Ice Magic Spellbook next, but... I never found the time..." After long moments of silence, she turned to look at you and addressed you seriously. "If you don't want me to get a weapon now then I won't."

The fire was doused instantly by her offer and any thought of discussing your mother's work with her evaporated along with it. "What? No. No! You're not my tool either and I don't want you to be!" You took a deep breath and placed your other hand on the side of her head, both to calm yourself down and reassure her. "That was just me being an idiot. You can't refuse a weapon now! Who knows how dangerous the ruins we're heading to are going to be, or what else we're going to encounter before we get home. Υou need to be able to defend yourself. A dagger would be best. Small, easy to hide, easy for you to use as a last resort. You should always stay distant and help us with your magic from afar, but an enemy might still get past me or... or Chrono and if you get hurt because you were unarmed-"

She placed her finger on your lips and smiled tenderly, making your heart melt once more. "Then that is what I am going to choose. Thank you."

"For what?" you asked dumbfounded.

She lowered her hand and placed it on top of your fist, the one that was still gripping her other wrist. "For your honesty. For wanting what's best for me. For being you... and, um... don't call yourself an idiot. I don't like it when people talk poorly about the man that I love. Now, shall we go?"

You nodded. There was more you wanted to say, much more, but there would be time for that later on. Ensuring her safety would have to be enough for now. She took your hand in hers and began walking, leading to your three friends who were waiting for you further ahead. If they had overheard your conversation, they gave no sign of it as you rejoined them and resumed leading you through the badly maintained streets of the Dome, passing partially cleared rubble and buildings, a few of them inhabited and in a decent enough condition, but with the vast majority of them completely abandoned and in a dilapidated state. Marle and Lucca were in the middle of haggling on the terms of their wager when you began walking and they eventually settled on 'the defeated shall accept without complaint any single reasonable request by the winner', with Chrono serving as arbiter of what was reasonable. It was mostly Lucca's suggestion, and she still grinned smugly when they shook hands, while Marle could barely suppresse her giggling. If your hunch was right about the reason Marle had proposed that wager and why she was so certain of her victory, Lucca could easily end regretting not just proposing these terms, but agreeing to the marksmanship contest entirely.

Marle tried filling the silence that followed their agreement with various mundane topics, like comparing the weather of the Present to that of the Future and the artificial sun now illuminating the Dome, or telling Chrono how his hair reminded her of sunsets - a comment that succeeded in turning his face a shade to rival that of his hair, but failed in getting a single word out of him. She was not discouraged by the lack of an involved conversational partner, however, and while you weren't paying much attention to what she was saying, her chatter helped make the next few minutes more cheerful, and you all arrived at your destination in high spirits.

It was a squat building, even uglier than the residential buildings you had passed before. The exterior was not at all like what you had imagined when you had heard about a shopkeeper that sold weapons. Marle led the way in, and the interior was not like what you had imagined either. It was dusty and dimly lit and looked more like a dirty warehouse, lined wall to wall with shelves and racks, full of closed boxes, tools and other objects that looked like junk to you, all of them metal. There was not a weapon in sight, not any that you would recognize anyway. The temperature was noticeably higher inside than it had been outside and the air was permeated with the unmistakeable, heavy stench of oil and grease.

Marle once again took the lead, cupped her mouth with her hands and yelled "Hello?" out into the darkness.

"Coming!" a gruff voice replied from somewhere in the distance. The source soon became apparent, when a large, muscular, middle-aged man stepped out from one of the corridors left by the rows of racks, wiping his hands on a rag. He was bald with a short brown beard, a colourful short-sleeved shirt and a leather apron. "Oh, it's you again. What do you want now?" His face was surly. Was he really the friendly shopkeeper that the others had mentioned? He looked ready to kick your ass and kick you out for annoying him! Though at least he wasn't a Nu...

"Mr. Whitwell! Good to see you too!" Marle waved and addressed him cheerily, despite his intimidating presence. "We want another weapon, a..." she continued as she turned to Schala expectantly.

The blue-haired girl was caught off guard, and and looked at you fearfully before responding. "I... um... a dagger..." she finally said timidly.

The man, Mr. Whitwell apparently, sighed and rubbed the shining top of his head with his hand. "Another antique? You guys are lucky Devyn found that stash, and even luckier I haven't gotten around to smelting them for their silver yet." He gave Schala an appraising look, top to bottom, and you clenched your teeth as your temper flared for a moment before your reason took over and he spoke again. "Yeah, I have something that will fit in a hand as delicate as yours. I'll bring it from the back in a moment." He then turned toward Chrono and crossed his arms. "Oi, you. Did you win your match?"

"No." was all that Chrono said in response.

"Tch." The man's intense gaze fell to you next. "Your friend came to trade his slightly used silver sword for a rubber sword and staff just a few hours ago. The staff is on your back and I can't see the sword anywhere, so I guess you were the one who defeated him?" he asked, though it sounded more like a statement. You nodded, doing your best to confidently maintain eye contact. He narrowed his eyes and examined you in the same way he had previously examined Schala. "I hope you're not expecting congratulations. Before I head out back, do you want a new weapon too?"

"I have an iron staff, it's just... not on me right now." You couldn't let him know that it was in Schala's Space, you had decided to keep your magic a secret, explaining what you couldn't hide as... nanomachines, whatever they were. You could ask Lucca about them later, you supposed.

He shrugged. "Beats me why you all want those things, but I'll trade you a silver staff for your iron one, if you want. I need larger quantities of iron than silver anyway."

You tilted your head and considered his offer. Would a silver staff be more powerful than an iron one? Your puzzlement must have been visible, because Lucca adjusted her glasses and answered your unasked question. "It would be a straight upgrade. Chrono's old iron katana was strictly inferior to the silver one he got here."

Schala unexpectedly and hesitantly interjected after Lucca's explanation. "Um... we... we can pay for our weapons. Bartering won't be necessary."

The man cracked his neck and sighed again. "Let me guess, with those gold coins that belong in a museum, like your friends tried before? I won't ask where you found them, or where you're from that uses pure gold in currency instead of electronics or jewellery, but I won't accept payment. I wouldn't have accepted even if was real money. Hell, I'll just give you that staff if you don't want to trade."

You and Schala were both taken aback by his generosity and exchanged a look. "Err, why?" you were the first to ask the question that was surely in everyone's mind.
The smelter laughed heartily. "Because of what you've done, of course!" He pointed at Chrono, Marle and Lucca in turn. "You three brought us hope with those seeds." He then singled out Lucca from among them. "You fixed our water purifier, twice." His finger turned to you next and you gulped nervously under his gaze. "I heard about a stranger, a miracle worker who healed those who couldn't be helped by an Enertron, and this could only be you. I hear that the new artificial light on the roof is your doing too. And..." he looked at Schala, but did not raise his finger towards her. His face softened considerably as he smiled, and you couldn't decide if his expression was now more reassuring or terrifying. "My little angel came home really happy. She couldn't stop talking about the tasty food and the fun she had with the other kids and the blue singing lady. She's been singing nonstop ever since, trying to emulate you. You cannot imagine how much it means to see her this excited about something. So, take whatever you want as thanks. It's worth it, just to see her smile."

Everyone looked stunned and more than a little uncomfortable at his praise for the effect of their actions, even Lucca, whose confidence normally verged on the edge of arrogance. Schala had turned red and you couldn't let your mind wander to how appealing you found the colour of her cheeks contrasted with her hair. You still had to answer this man. Did you want a new weapon? And would you keep your old one too?

>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.
>Take a silver staff while keeping your old one.
>Politely decline his offer.
>Other (Write-in)

Party information: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/frozen-moment-chronoqm
Thread archive: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=ChronoQM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChronoQm

>>5589002
>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.
If they need the iron and it's an upgrade, I don't see why not

>>5589002
Well if Lucca says it's upgrade then upgrade it is. Make a swap.

I mean, is there any reason for us to keep the iron one, especially if they need it? For enchanting maybe?

anyway
>>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.

Also, welcome back OP! Take it easy! And here's hoping your material plane issues resolve themselves to your satisfaction.

>>5589002
>>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.
We could enchant silver eventually.

>>5589002
>Take a silver staff while keeping your old one.
Iron is offense, silver is defense. More options for us.

>>5589002
>Take a silver staff while keeping your old one.

Welcome back QM! Been waiting for you for a while.

>>5589002
Take a silver staff while keeping your old one.

>>5589002
>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.
The dude needs iron and he may be one of humanity's last remaining smiths. It also helps relations with someone that may arm us further in the future.

>>5589002
>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.

>>5589002
>Take a silver staff while keeping your old one.
Wasn't the old staff given to us by our dad?

>>5589808
we dropped that one for an iron staff when we got to this era

>>5589002
>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.

No need to carry around a billion weapons when we don't have a bag of holding like in the game

>>5590105
well we have Schala now but it feels awkward to have her become our golf club porter

>this one looks like he could use a bit of extra punch, pass me the Iron +3 of blasting if you'd be so kind

>>5590107
That actually made me laugh out loud, but also reminded me of the enchanting stuff:

> "Silver is associated with Shadow and the Moon. You can use Shadow magic, so it would be a little easier for you to enchant a silver object, though not as easy as if you were an innate Shadow mage. It is used for protective enchantments."

> "Steel/Iron is associated with Fire and the Stars. [...] Iron in general is best suited for offensive enchantments. Oh, since it's associated with the element of Fire and you're a Water mage, you'll find it very, very difficult to enchant an object made of iron. But not impossible after you get some experience."

So we could add some protection enchants to our staff later (I hold it in my heart that beating the shit out of people with a shield is a perfectly valid style of battle, so it's basically the same as adding offence to it, really), or some enhancement to our Shadow magic

>>5589002
>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.

>Trade your iron staff for a silver one.
>>5589020
>>5589028
>>5589037
>>5589522
>>5589641
>>5590105
>>5591378

>Take a silver staff while keeping your old one.
>>5589040
>>5589243
>>5589303
>>5589808


>>5589028
>here's hoping your material plane issues resolve themselves to your satisfaction.
To my satisfaction? Impossible at this point. I failed in that. But anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I'm not dead yet. Thanks for the sentiment anon. And thanks everyone for being here, it is encouraging to see so many of you still read and vote and discuss. I'm sorry, but my update schedule will have to remain erratic.

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It was a surprisingly difficult decision. Your iron staff held no sentimental value, it was... just a tool you had picked up on the abandoned Dome where Balthazar had resided. The only staff that you held any emotion for was the wooden one that your father had given you, so long ago, and that was still safe where you had left it when you outgrew it, in your room back home in Kajar. Home... It was the third day since you had left. You had promised your mother that you'd be back for dinner, but that promise had become impossible to keep when you followed Schala through that red portal. She would still be waiting for you, just like she had waited for your father. But unlike him, you would come back. You just didn't know how long it would be, or what you would do when you went back. Or maybe you hadn't actually broken that promise yet? Perhaps it was a hollow hope, but you were in a different time altogether. Was the passage of time the same for you as it was for her? You'd have to ask your friends what had happened when they returned to their own time for the first time. But this wasn't the time to be thinking about the time, everyone was still waiting for you to make a decision.

You would definitely accept the silver staff, Lucca said it was an upgrade and there was no reason not to. But should you keep your old one? On one hand, you could use it for enchanting. Iron was offence, silver was defence and having more options would aid you in your future battles. But on the other, he said he needed the iron and while you were sure Schala would be happy to help by carrying any extra weapons of yours and passing them when you asked, it felt awkward to have her become your... your servant. The answer became clear and you finally responded "Alright, I'll trade you my iron staff for a silver one, as soon as I retrieve it Mr. err..." you trailed off. Damn, you had forgotten his name!

He nodded slowly and pointed to the side. "Leave the iron on that pile over there when you return and I'll get to it eventually. Don't bother me unless you want something." and then he abruptly turned around and walked back between the shelves without ever volunteering his name.

"Whitwell." Marle whispered once he had left your view.

You tipped your head towards her in appreciation, then exchanged a look with Schala. The iron staff was in her possession and you couldn't let her Space be seen, or it may lead to suspicion and questions that would unravel the lie about your miraculous nanomachines. She understood your intent with no words needing to be exchanged and approached as you moved forward to block her from view, if that Mr. Whitwell happened to look back to you. Her hand brushed your upper arm as she moved behind you and you anxiously looked left and right. Lucca caught on to what you were doing and gestured at the others to position themselves to form a cordon, keeping what was going on hidden from more angles, with Marle giggling all the while.

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There was no indication that something magical was going on behind you until you felt a sharp jab on your lower back, followed immediately by the clang of something metal hitting the floor. Schala frantically exclaimed "I'm so sorry! Does it hurt?" and placed her hand on that spot on your back.

In response, you swiftly span around, causing her to stumble forward with a gasp, right into your waiting arms. You placed your lips on her hair, blue like the sky of your home, and whispered "You could never hurt me." She inhaled sharply in your arms, while an image came unbidden to the surface of your mind. That of the despairing Schala of your nightmare, lost in a cold, dark place, her face wet with her tears, her fingernails red with your blood, begging you to kill her before she hurt you or anyone else.

That nightmare must have affected you more than you had realized but you couldn't let it dominate your thoughts. You took her by the shoulders, gently pushed her back to her feet and smiled at her. "You lose your balance too easily, Princess. We'll have to work on that."

She stared at you wide-eyed for a moment, then let out a small, cute chuckle and that image was banished back into the depths, replaced fully by the happy girl in front of you. "We'll have to..." she repeated. Someone giggled from behind you. Probably Marle, from the sound of it.

You picked up the iron staff from the ground where it lay, then placed it on the pile that the blacksmith had indicated. You all waited in silence for the man's return. Lucca fiddled with some kind of device on her wrist, Marle kept stealing glances at Chrono, who remained his usual, stoic self. Schala stifled a yawn and looked at you sheepishly, and you couldn't decide if you wanted to laugh, hug her or kiss her tiredness away before the moment passed.

The bulky man returned with a shining staff hanging over his shoulder, holding a dull, black knife made out of the same material as the staff currently hanging on your back - rubber, he had called it? - and a sheathed thin dagger, both easily fitting in his oversized palm. He stopped in front of you with a grunt and swept his eyes across all five of you. "Y'know, walking back and forth jogged the old gears. You lot remind me of someone I met years ago, an old man with a flowing white beard, dressed in purple colorful robes like yours. He too asked for unmelted salvage and tried to pay with a coin purse full of gold. Good with machines too. He had a strange name. Baldur, or Balderich or something like that. You know him? Or what happened to him?"

That description... He could mean no one other than Balthazar, the first person you had met in this time. But just how much should you reveal to this man?
>Tell him you have met the old man and where he is now.
>Tell him you have met the old man, but not what happened to him. (half-truth)
>Tell him you don't know who he's talking about. (lie)
>Remain silent.
>Other (Write-in)

>>5594994
>Tell him you have met the old man and where he is now.
>"Regret can drive a person to madness"

>>5594994
>>5595004
Supporting.

>>5594994
sounds good >>5595004
but maybe add something to the effect "but that makes it all the more important to never lose hope" so we don't leave on entirely depressing note.

>>5595004
+1

>>5594994
>>Tell him you have met the old man, but not what happened to him. (half-truth)

>>5594994
>>5595004
Support this.

>>5595004
+1

>>5594994
>>5595004
Support

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Happy 28 years of Chrono Trigger! What a timeless game, ironically.

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>>5596990
Well put. Happy birthday, Chrono Trigger!

Happy Anniversary!

>>5594994
>>5595004
+1

>>5614026
>>5595407
Oh wait, I already voted.
Christ, it's been so long. Is the quest dead?

>>5614029
It really has been too long. I'm still here, struggling with writing the next update. The past couple weeks have been difficult. I'm sorry everyone, I'll try to pick up the pace.

>>5614035
Don't force yourself if it's too much, irl comes first. I'm just glad you haven't abandoned us.

>>5614035
I agree with what the other anon said. This is a pretty quality quest, and I don't really mind waiting a bit.

>>5614035
What these guys said, I'm just happy enough to know you're out and about OP. Take care!

>Tell him you have met the old man and where he is now.
>"Regret can drive a person to madness"
>>5595004
>>5595008
>>5595052
>>5595078
>>5595407
>>5595452
>>5595720

>Tell him you have met the old man, but not what happened to him. (half-truth)
>>5595373

Finally, after way too long, update incoming!

>>5614045
>>5614063
>>5614089
Thanks anons. I'd never willingly abandon you, don't worry. Or be very worried, because if I ever do it'll mean that I'm dead or worse.

"No, we-" Marle began speaking, but you raised your hand to the side to cut her off.

"Balthazar." you answered the large man's question, looking straight at him.

Mr. Whitwell focused his intense gaze on you and nodded slowly. "You know him." It was a statement, not a question.

Your own eyes did not waver from his. "I do. I spoke to him a few days ago. He lives alone in a Dome far to the south. He is... not doing well. His mind is... Regret can drive a person to madness." There was a shuffling from your left, a soft, delicate hand placed itself on your shoulder and your love's touch dissipated the tension you hadn't consciously realized was building up.

The blacksmith sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. "Regret... the mad hermit of Keeper's Dome is him. A sad end to his tale. I should not be surprised, he was tormented by something, we could see it in his eyes. He is from the same Dome as you and you came here to look for him." It was another statement, not a question, and you saw no need to correct him. It was close enough to the truth. He took the ensuing silence as leave to continue. "You'll want to know about his time here then. He arrived one day and offered only his name and his services as an engineer. Doan accepted eagerly, the robots were getting bolder and hands were sparse. We tried to welcome him, but he remained distant. In all the time he spent with us, he never spoke about his past or the regrets that haunted him. His turrets were finished just in time to repel the last and largest robot assault. There have been none since. He did not ask for anything much in return either, just a room to make his workshop, chemicals and supplies to work with and a box full of metal trinkets. I helped him spin the gold he carried into thread. He never volunteered what he needed them for and I never asked." Schala squeezed your shoulder, as she must have come to the same conclusion you did. Gold thread to make the robe she was currently wearing underneath her old clothes, trinkets that he enchanted for her or left for her to enchant, a safe base if she ever found herself in this future... did he know that she would, or was it all just a desperate attempt for him to assuage his guilt that only accidentally came true? You could no longer ask him so you'd probably never know the answer to that.

The man continued. "He did not invite conversation. Despite his help, he didn't seem to care about any of us. It was almost as if we weren't really human in his eyes, like... parts of a machine, or pieces in a game whose usefulness he was evaluating." Schala shivered at your side and you placed your arm around her waist to comfort her. She leaned into your embrace while the man continued. "I shouldn't talk badly of him, we owe him much. Without his upgrades to our defenses, Arris Dome might have fallen and we'd all be dead or whatever it is the robots do to those they capture." He shuddered despite himself and you tried to avoid thinking about what the first R-series robot you had fought could have meant by 'processing' before he spoke again. "When his work was done, he left like he had arrived, suddenly and without a word. They said he carried a large bundle with him on his way out, but no one saw what was inside. I'm sorry that this is the end of your quest. But if you don't mind me asking, what was he like before? Why did he leave?"

Schala took a deep breath. "He was always... distant. His eyes were always piercing and cold. They lit up only when he talked about his machines. He... um... that is..." Her voice lowered until it became inaudible. She did not finish her sentence.

You began speaking in her turn. "He was good with machines, as you said. He built many wondrous ones. He was-"

"An inventor!" Lucca interrupted you with barely contained excitement.

"An inventor." you agreed. "He was respected in our... home. But his last and greatest invention, his... masterpiece, did not work as he expected. Something went wrong, it... caused a lot of damage and hurt someone he cared about." You looked sideways at your love, only to see that her face had become an impassive mask, her lips a thin line. "I don't know what exactly happened. He... left as a consequence of that disaster." you finished quickly and tightened your embrace.

"...an invention that went wrong..." Lucca echoed quietly. There was something strange in her voice.

Mr. Whitwell sighed again. "We were his atonement, just as we suspected. You must have been little kids when that happened, but you traveled all this way. Was he your grandfather? No lass, forget I asked. Curiosity killed the rat and I've caused you enough pain. Just one last thing. I didn't catch your names?"

Well, that was because he hadn't asked before, but you were hardly in a position to argue. You wouldn't have known his name if Marle hadn't told you. "I'm Gaius, and this is Schala." you answered for the both of you.

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He nodded. "Gaius and Schala. Here's your staff." He said, then slowly brought the silver staff he had been holding down toward you.

You let go of the girl clinging to your side and took a step forward. Her hand lingered on your shoulder, then down your back for a moment more. "Thanks." you said simply as you caught the staff.

[Acquired Silver Staff]

The staff was a little heavier than the iron one you had found, but still easy to wield. You held it with both hands in front of your chest, as if to block a blow, performed some basic maneuvers with it, then slammed its butt on the ground and a clang echoed. It seemed sturdy and well balanced as well. You smiled. Now you only had to test it on your enemies.

While you played with your staff, the man stepped around you. "And here are your daggers, lass. Be careful with the silver one, it's sharp."

"O-okay. Um... Thank you..." came Schala's voice from behind you, followed by the shuffling of her robes.

[Schala acquired Silver Dagger]

"Good luck out there kids. Come say hi if you ever visit us again." and with these parting words he began leisurely walking away.

"We will! Thanks for everything Mr. Whitwell!" Marle shouted at his back.

You watched the man wave back and disappear among the shelves when a sudden sniffle caused you to turn back in alarm. Schala's mask of composure had been shattered. Her wide eyes darted from the silver dagger she was holding to meet your gaze. A single tear streaked down her cheek. "Why am I...?" she asked no one in particular.

Before you had a chance to react, Marle rushed and wrapped her arms around Schala's shoulders while the black knife dropped on the floor with a dull thud.. You were left with your arm half-raised and unsure on what to do. She leaned in and whispered something in your love's ear, something that you couldn't make out. Schala chuckled, sniffled again, wiped her moist eyes with her open palm, then returned Marle's hug. "It's okay... I'm okay... thank you. Thank you everyone. This is wonderful..."

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Marle pulled back and looked up at Schala's face. "Are you sure?" she asked. Schala sniffled again, then nodded with a smile in a vigorous motion that sent her long hair waving. Marle moved a step back. "We're all your friends, never forget that."

"I won't. Thank you, really!" Schala answered her, still smiling. She then removed the sheath from her new dagger and resolutely brandished it in front of her, ready to stab someone.

You approached her carefully, ducked to pick up the sheath and the dull knife she had dropped and deftly maneuvered around the blade she was holding to plant a kiss on her damp cheek. "You look so cute." you declared "Now, let's teach you how to use that, alright?"

She blushed at your touch and nodded with sparkling eyes. "Alright!"

"Good, let's go! You two have to train and I have a contest to win!" Marle declared and made for the door.

"You have no chance of winning." Lucca boldly stated before following her. Chrono went after them, silent as usual.

Schala haphazardly threw the sheathed dagger and your silver staff in her Space, leaving you both armed with just your training weapons. Your barely contained concern surfaced now that you were alone. "Are you sure you're alright?" you asked her.

"I am." she reassured you. "These were happy tears." She sniffled for one more time, then chuckled again. "They are!" she insisted as her eyes moistened. "It's only that... they're so kind. They accepted us so easily. They didn't... They gave me this... They'd even give their lives for someone they barely know. And I only... I was..."

Give their lives for someone they barely know? That's what the old man in your dream had said, before you'd even met them. Had you told her about that? You must have, how else could she know? It wasn't important now anyway. You wiped the gathering tears from beneath her emerald eyes with your thumb, leaving your palm on her cheek. "You are extraordinary. And too hard on yourself. Didn't you hear Marle? They're your friends, nothing you've done or said or felt has bothered them."

She smiled timidly and put her hand on your wrist, visibly calmer than before. "You're right. Thank you. I... have been giving an abundance of thanks since we first spoke, haven't I?"

"You have. It's one of the things I love about you. Your kindness, how much you appreciate even the little things. But if anything bothers you, anything at all, tell me. I can't help you if I don't know." you finished in a more serious tone.

She seemed to consider your words for a moment. "Um... anything? Maybe you can...? I have..." she spoke hesitantly, but the moment passed and she looked away before continuing with a steadier voice. "Gaius? We should go as well. We shouldn't keep them waiting."

You didn't stop her from wiggling out of your arms and rushed to the exit. You followed her without another word. No matter what you or she had said before, the dagger, her first real weapon, had made her happy. She didn't see it as a mere tool. You felt a small pang of... something at not being the one to give her that gift, but it was vastly outweighed by the sense that you had made the right choice. She would have refused the gift if you had asked her to, you were sure of it, but then what would that make you? That wasn't the kind of relationship you wanted with her. It wasn't what you wanted for her.

You blinked rapidly while your eyes adjusted from the shade inside the warehouse - or was it a forge? - to the bright... sunlight outside. You didn't see Chrono, Marle or Lucca immediately, and when you did they were at enough of a distance that you had to break into a run to catch up to them. You reached them at a large clearing among the buildings. It was still eery how empty the city was. Far too few humans lived in it, compared to its large size.

Marle and Lucca were busy discussing what to actually use as a target. Chrono tried to offer himself, only to be stared down by both girls. You decided not to interrupt them. "Looks like they're busy. Are you ready to get started, Schala?" you asked the blue-haired girl who'd only now stopped next to you.

"I... am..." she answered, breathing heavily. She really needed to exercise more, if she'd gotten winded by a run this short. But of course, it was not like she was free to do so at the palace. It'd be better if you gently encouraged her.

"Alright, first things first. Spread your legs, Princess." You realized what you had said just a moment too late, and dread built up in the pit of your stomach.

"E-excuse me?!" she protested, and you couldn't blame her at all.

You raised your hands apologetically. "I... err... meant your stance. Your legs should be further apart, for, err... stability. It's harder to knock you down and your strikes can deliver more force with a better stance. Here, like this." you demonstrated, hoping to get past your awkward choice of words.

She followed your example well enough, with nothing but a simple "Oh." escaping her lips.

"Your dagger will be your weapon, but don't forget your other hand. You should raise it and hold it out like this..." you continued your demonstration "with the palm facing inwards. First defend yourself, then..."

The lesson began in earnest. You showed her how to improve her stance, her guard, how react and evade some basic attacks, how to counterattack and end the fight in her favour as soon as possible. She had the grace of a dancer - and the strength of a kitten. You could see her defense improving by the minute, and her choice of weapon suited her strengths well. Or it would if she was more willing to use it. She still hesitated when it came to attack, and goading her like you had - was it only yesterday? - had failed to produce the same result. She stalwartly remained too calm and collected to recklessly charge at you. Even your taunts resulted in nothing more than a smile, or a small giggle.

Well, perhaps that wasn't such a bad thing.

In what seemed like no time at all, you decided to end the practice for now and directed her to some stretches, necessary not to overly strained her untrained muscles. She objected initially, wanting to continue, but she was in no position to do so as she was, panting heavily, her cheeks flushed in a deep red, her hair knotted and damp. You wouldn't have her train until she collapsed. But while she sat down on the ground to rest, with her feet folded on her side, you could still squeeze some advice in parting. "They said we'll be fighting robots and mutants in those ruins. I've seen three kinds of robots. The R-series that almost... they are the most formidable of these opponents. If you find yourself fighting one of them, you should Haste yourself immediately and try to escape. Let me or Chrono handle it. If that's seems impossible, focus on evading, their punches can shatter bones. Like all armoured opponents, their joints and eyes are vulnerable. Target these, but only as a last resort." She hang to your every word, frequently nodding along and looking at you with that admiring expression that made your heart melt. "There were two kinds of smaller robots. One type looked like large spiders and had a laser as a weapon, the other were wheeled and fired projectiles. The spiderbots were almost immobile but their lasers were extremely accurate. The wheeled ones were fast, but their weapons were less accurate and they couldn't turn very fast. Both could only attack in one direction, so flanking them is the safest way to deal with them. They weren't sturdy at all, so if you fight one, be more concerned with delivering a powerful blow than hitting a specific point. As for the mutants... I don't know anything about them. Avoid them as best you can until we know how dangerous the-"

Your little impromptu speech was interrupted by loud cheering from the other side of the clearing. Marle jumped high with her hands outstretched. You didn't have to guess the victor of their contest.

Lucca looked exasperated. "When did you get so good all of a sudden? Our accuracy wasn't noticeably different in our previous fights!" she said sullenly.

Marle giggled after she landed but said nothing more. Chrono smiled and gave a thumbs up at Marle, a gesture that sent her blushing. He then narrowed his brows and put his hand on his chin in contemplation. Schala nimbly stood up, though she still breathed laboriously, and hurried to hug and commend Marle.

You decided to...
>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
>Tell Lucca about Marle's enchanted ring.
>Tell them it's time to move on.
>Stay silent.
>Other (Write-in)
Both Gaius and Schala drawn by https://twitter.com/Calamancyy

>>5617595
>>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
don't be a snitch

>>5617595
>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
>Tell them it's time to move on.

>>5617595
>Congratulate Marle on her victory.

>>5617595
>Congratulate Marle
I think she’ll mention the ring herself, she wouldn’t want Lucca doubting herself unfairly…
Also seeing as we’ve been ones to ask for delay it’s probably not too good looking for us to urge departure, even though we probably should be having a move on…

Hmmm. Oh Schala, the dreamer…

>>5617595
>>Congratulate Marle on her victory.

>>5617595
>Tell Lucca about Marle's enchanted ring.
Cheating is wrong

>>5617595
>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
>Tell Lucca about Marle's enchanted ring.

>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
>>5617620
>>5617730
>>5617749
>>5617810

>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
>Tell them it's time to move on.
>>5617634

>Tell Lucca about Marle's enchanted ring.
>>5617891

>Congratulate Marle on her victory.
>Tell Lucca about Marle's enchanted ring.
>>5617929

So, you're going to congratulate Marle on her victory on the next update of Frozen Moment. But not now. Now it's time for something completely different.

Now it's...

File: Dalton's Moment.png (696 KB, 726x1022)

696 KB PNG

Dalton's Moment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzK5MutYGJg
"No one's slick as Dalton
No one's quick as Dalton
No one's head's as incredibly thick as Dalton
For there's no man in Zeal half as manly
Perfect, a pure paragon
You can ask any mage and his senpai'ly
And they'll tell you whose team they prefer to be on"

You are Lord Dalton, the strongest, smartest, most handsome and all around most awesome man in the Magical Kingdom of Zeal. You have defeated powerful monsters, survived dangers that killed lesser men who thought themselves your better, and risen as far as a man of your birth could reasonably expect. You are Queen Zeal's right hand man and commander of the world's finest military, the armed forces of Zeal. Your personally handpicked elite battlemages of the Dalton Corps are second to only yourself in power. (Well, third after the Queen and you, lying to anyone else is fine but you gotta be honest with yourself.) Your flying ship, the Blackbird, is the only man-made machine to soar in the skies like a bird and it has firepower enough to flatten a mountain. You have been placed in charge of building the Ocean Palace, the most important project in the history of the kingdom and through your own genius and effort you have accelerated the pace of construction far, far beyond that old loon's most optimistic projections. Men envy you, women throw themselves at you. You inspire respect, adoration, passion and fear. Yes, you have truly risen as far as a man of your birth can reasonably expect.

But there is more to climb and you've never been a reasonable man.

But things are not always so rosy for a man such as you, and right now, there are more thorns than roses in your day. No one can see your frustration of course, you maintain a masterful command of your outward expression at all times, but that does not change the fact you are positively seething. You have just exited the throne room where your beloved Queen, may she choke and die and open the way before she becomes immortal, berated you for supposed incompetence and dereliction of duty and so on and so on. How dare she! Before dismissing you, she foisted on you a task that is, quite frankly, vastly beneath your considerable skills: To return her brat of a daughter, Princess Schala, who has gone missing since yesterday morning. The Mammon Machine lies unattended. Its mana reserves will hold for a long time, but without her to replenish it, it is only a matter of time before the situation becomes critical. Not to mention that the Ocean Palace will be worthless without her and immortality will remain beyond reach. Lavos must have had a reason to bless her with a role so indispensable to Ascension, but you couldn't guess what. The girl is just a young, pretty face with too thin of a body, a smidge of magical talent, an empty head, no spine and no aspirations of her own.

But she somehow managed to disappear from under your nose. This is doubly embarrassing, as not only are you the head of the Palace's security, you had been entrusted with ensuring her safety outside the protection of the Kingdom, that one time when she had been caught trying to sneak out and got scolded. The Queen had forbidden her from going to the lowly Earthbound Ones by herself and the docile girl had simply lowered her head and obeyed, as she always does. She never sought you out as an escort, as you had so graciously offered, but she did not sneak out since then either. Security was always airtight, you were sure of it.

But not yesterday. You'd been woken up by reports of a Gosnell being sighted on the surface. The Blackbird's gunners had proved their incompetence by missing every single shot and you had been forced to leave the Palace with a token force to march out and fight that thing at full strength. You'd killed it, naturally, the outcome was never in doubt, but that must have been when the Princess found her chance.

But you were certain to solve the case now that you'd put your formidable intellect to it. Questions were already forming inside your head as you stomped your way through the Palace halls, servants hastily leaving your path. Where was she now? Did she do this to personally slight you? Was it a childish temper tantrum? Had she acted on her own, or did the Gosnell's convenient appearance mean there was a sinister conspiracy afoot? Had she left willingly, as the Queen had assumed, or had she been abducted by nefarious dissidents? You needed answers. And you had already decided that your first steps to get them would be to:

Order your loyal troops to:
>Go door to door and begin canvassing the Kingdom for her.
>Spread the word, offer a reward for information leading to her return.
>Head down to the surface to look for her.
>Stand by for further instructions, you will do this yourself.
>Other (Write-in)

While you personally:
>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.
>Interrogate Janus, her mentally deficient little brother.
>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.
>Investigate the Palace, your home.
>Investigate Kajar, city of useless eggheads.
>Investigate Enhasa, city of lazy sleepers.
>Board the Blackbird and head to Algetty, village of dirt and trash.
>Other (Write-in)
This will be kind of an experiment for me too. I'm heading to bed and I'm gonna try for frequent updates tomorrow. Let's see how far we'll go.

>>5621677
>Stand by for further instructions, you will do this yourself.
>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.

>>5621677
>Head down to the surface to look for her.
>Investigate the Palace, your home.

>>5621677
oh hey, early april's fools
>Spread the word, offer a reward for information leading to her return.
>Interrogate Janus, her mentally deficient little brother.

>>5621677
>Head down to the surface to look for her.
>Interrogate Janus, her mentally deficient little brother.

I love this, OP.

>>5621677
>Spread the word, offer a reward for information leading to her return.
>Interrogate Janus, her mentally deficient little brother.

>>5621677
>Go door to door and begin canvassing the Kingdom for her.
>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.
Now this is what I'm talking about.

>>5621677
>Go door to door and begin canvassing the Kingdom for her.
>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.

>>5621677
Well since we know Schala does not have courage to traverse the wild on her own, she’s likely somewhere in the town. Maybe something spooked her.
Guards
>search the kingdom for the princess, door to door, while maintaining strict guard over the portal to surface.
While our august personage
>Interrogate Janus, Even if the boy is unhelpful she is frequently seen in his vicinity is she not?

>>5621674
>You can ask any mage and his senpai'ly
RIP, this was supposed to be f a m 'ly.
>Stand by for further instructions, you will do this yourself.
>>5621680

>Head down to the surface to look for her.
>>5621715
>>5621798

>Spread the word, offer a reward for information leading to her return.
>>5621746
>>5621856

>Go door to door and begin canvassing the Kingdom for her.
>>5621896
>>5622037
>>5622219
>Interrogate Janus, her mentally deficient little brother.
>>5621746
>>5621798
>>5621856
>>5622219

>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.
>>5621680
>>5622037

>Investigate the Palace, your home.
>>5621715

>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.
>>5621896

First things first. You would use every means at your disposal to get this over with faster. Credit for success goes to the commander of a force, and you commanded a large force. You stopped in front of a guard who cowered before your mere presence, and delivered your orders. Your loyal troops were to go door to door and begin canvassing the Kingdom for her, while maintaining strict guard over the Skyway to the surface. No one would be let in or out until she was located. The man saluted sharply and ran to see your will done. Good man, you might have considered promoting him if you could remember his name.

With that done, you resumed walking through the long corridors of your home. It would take some time to hear the results of your orders, and it wouldn't do for you to remain idle in the meantime. Your army was a sledgehammer, set to demolish the wall she was hiding behind. You were a scalpel, meant for more precise operations. You would follow her trail like a hound, leave no stone unturned and bring that conspiracy to the light, if it was indeed a conspiracy and not just a girl going through a late teenage rebellion.

Your first stop could be no other than the room of Prince Janus, her little brother. They often spent time together, the unworthy children of the Queen. And both children really were unworthy. His sister would make for a horrible Queen, a weak monarch that would tear the realm apart, but at least she could make for a good, submissive wife to a man strong enough to be the next King. But her brother? There was something wrong with that boy. He was sullen, spoiled and unfriendly, a veritable little monster. And worst of all, he had no magical talent at all. The boy was ten years old and by all accounts he could not cast a single spell! He would never amount to anything, that was for sure.

Your upper lip curled in distaste when you stood outside his door. This wouldn't do. You massaged your expression into your usual, charming smile and knocked.

"Go away." a childish voice came through the door.

Having confirmed that he was inside, you opened the door and went confidently in, your cloak billowing. The boy was sitting on his bed, with his cat on his lap. A vicious beast to fit its master, that critter had given you more than one claw marks since it had come into the Prince's possession. You'd have long since wrung its neck if you didn't know there would be consequences for depriving the Queen's son of his pet. Still, those thoughts couldn't be let to distract you. You had brought yourself to the boy's presence for a reason. "Good morning Prince Janus." you began with the most polite tone you could muster. "I apologize for distu-"

"Go away!" the boy interrupted you and repeated in a higher pitched tone, his hateful little eyes burning with intensity.

"I apologize for disturbing you, Prince Janus. Queen's orders. I need you to tell me what you know about the Princess's disappearance. What happened? Where is she?" you inquired.

"I don't know. I don't know anything! GO AWAY!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, clutching his cat in his arms as a poyozo doll.

>Press him further. He knows something, he's just trying to protect his sister's hideout.
>Go away. This is a waste of time, the boy knows nothing. Not even his sister confides in him.

Regardless of your choice on how to deal with him, your next step would be to:
>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.
>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.
>Investigate the Palace, your home.
>Investigate Kajar, city of useless eggheads.
>Investigate Enhasa, city of lazy sleepers.
>Board the Blackbird and head to Algetty, village of dirt and trash.

>>5622253
>Press him further. He knows something, he's just trying to protect his sister's hideout.
>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.

>>5622253
>children like candy, right? Bribe him with candy if he tells you where his sister is.

After that fails…
>interrogate Anthousa

>>5622253
>Go away. This is a waste of time, the boy knows nothing. Not even his sister confides in him.
>Investigate the Palace, your home.
He is obviously uncooperative and I don't think even Dalton has what it takes to get him to talk. Maybe there are clues to her disappearance in the Palace, like a journal, or footprints, or a window left ajar or something.

>>5622253
>Go away. This is a waste of time, the boy knows nothing. Not even his sister confides in him.
>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.

>>5622253
>Press him further. He knows something, he's just trying to protect his sister's hideout.
>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.

>Press him further. He knows something, he's just trying to protect his sister's hideout.
>>5622256
>>5622258 (with candy)
>>5622302

>Go away. This is a waste of time, the boy knows nothing. Not even his sister confides in him.
>>5622269
>>5622286


>Interrogate Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid.
>>5622256
>>5622258
>>5622302

>Investigate the Palace, your home.
>>5622269

>Interrogate the completely inadequate palace guards.
>>5622286

"Prince Janus please, it is vital that you tell me the truth. Your sister may be in danger, help me find her before she gets hurt." you tried appealing to the boy's bond to the only human who could tolerate his presence. He remained silent, his face sour. Of course, you had come prepared to sweeten him up with something you knew that all children liked. You removed a handful of candy from your pocket, pilfered earlier from the palace kitchen, and offered them on your outstretched palm. "Maybe you could tell more after trying these delicious sweets?"

His eyes glinted at the combination of your honeyed words and your offer. Surely that would be enough to get him to spill? "You can take your stupid candy and shove it. I don't know anything and if I knew I wouldn't tell you. Go! Away!"

That little... How dare he insult your offer! "Listen here you little imp. Your sister is the only one who tolerates your presence. No one else likes you. She really didn't tell you where she was going?" you spat out as you shoved the candy back in your pocket. Janus's eyes burned. If looks could kill, you might have had a reason to worry. But they couldn't, and the boy in front of you was as powerless as a kitten. "Then the truth is that she doesn't like you either." you stated the simple, obvious truth and turned to leave. The boy let out a primal scream and his cat hissed and jumped at you. A sharp pain came from your bicep. The beast had clawed you again! You grunted, but could do nothing about it now. You left without another word. A childish mewl was heard from behind you right before you slammed the door shut.

It had been a complete waste of your time. Her brother knew nothing. Why did you ever expect she would confide in him? But perhaps you'd have better luck with the other person who spent time with the Princess. Anthousa, her comely, bumbling personal maid. You asked a cowering servant about her whereabouts and began making your way there. It felt good to be feared by the help, just as it had felt good to put the brat in his place earlier. You tried the candy. It really was delicious.

The candy was gone by the time you reached your destination and saw the maid in front of you. You licked your sugary fingers as you looked at her intently. Long dark hair, a curvy body, a cute face. You liked what you saw. "Hello beautiful." you opened with a smirk.

Her eyes went wide and she nearly dropped the vase she was cleaning. "L-L-Lord Dalton! H-How can I help you?" She looked around at the empty corridor. "Would you like me to make you some tea?" she offered.

>Intimidate her
>Persuade her
>Flirt with her
>Other (Write-in)

>>5622309
>Flirt with her
It's the Dalton move

>>5622309
>Flirt with her

>>5622309
>Flirt with her

>>5622309
>Flirt with her

>>5622309
>>Flirt with her

>Flirt with her
>>5622313
>>5622316
>>5622326
>>5622328
>>5622335

"Oh, I would like more from you than just some tea, sweet thing." you told her as you took the vase from her hands and put it back in its place.

Her eyes darted left and right. "W-what do you mean, Lord Dalton?"

You stroked her upper arm and she shrunk at your touch. "How about dinner tonight, the two of us? I'll tell the kitchen staff to make something nice for you and I. We'll eat at my quarters, see where this goes..." you offered seductively.

She looked away from your towering, imposing figure. "Oh, Lord Dalton, I would be poor company. I'm so worried for my Lady! Oh, what happened to her? Who could have taken her? You'll save her, won't you?"

You perked up at her words. "What makes you think that someone took her?"

She fluttered her eyelashes at you. "She never leaves the palace! I would know, I'm always near her. Some of the other maids gossiped that she ran away, but she wouldn't! She's always so enthusiastic about operating the Mammon Machine, so looking forward to the day you complete the Ocean Palace, Lord Dalton... Someone must have taken her! But who could it be? Maybe..."

She had your full attention. "Maybe?"

She fearfully looked around, left, right, behind you and behind her. Then she leaned towards you and continued in a low voice. "Maybe some of your guards are involved in the plot, my Lord. How else would someone sneak in the palace? You wouldn't have accepted someone who's bad at his job in the guard would you?" She suddenly gasped. "...maybe you're a target of these traitors too?"

Traitors among the guard? The thought hadn't occurred to you, but it was scarily plausible. And you'd be a natural target for a conspiracy like that. "I will investigate thoroughly. Rest assured, I will uncover this rot and bring your Lady back safe. Thank you Anthy, you have been a great help."

She smiled with more confidence than before. "I'm sure you will discover and punish all the traitors among your subordinates my Lord. My Lady always speaks so highly of you! Oh, but you're wounded! Let me find something to bandage your arm!" and she run off, tripping on the table and almost dropping the vase again. You happily caught it for her. She nodded then ran again, leaving you smiling as she disappeared around the corner. You couldn't wait for her to return. The claw was just a scratch, and you had more important things to do. You would next...

>Interrogate the completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards.
>Investigate the Palace, your home.
>Investigate Kajar, city of useless eggheads.
>Investigate Enhasa, city of lazy sleepers.
>Board the Blackbird and head to Algetty, village of dirt and trash.
>Other (write-in)

>>5622384
>Interrogate the completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards.

>>5622384
>>Interrogate the completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards.

>>5622384
>Interrogate the completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards.

>>5622384
>Investigate the Palace, your home
Talking to traitors is unlikely to bear fruit, but if we find something suspicious ...

>>5622384
>Interrogate the completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards.

>>Interrogate the completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards.
>>5622388
>>5622437
>>5622440
>>5622453

>Investigate the Palace, your home
>>5622448

It was time to interrogate your completely inadequate and possibly treasonous palace guards. You were glad you had delayed the interrogation, the possibility of treason would not have occurred to you if you hadn't spoken to Anthy first. What she had said, combined with the Princess not telling anything to her little brother, had made you certain. She had been taken, and the guards had allowed it to happen. The only question now was whether it was incompetence or treason.

Your mood had improved considerably after your last two visits and you began whistling. You hadn't understood why the Princess had chosen Anthy at the time, but her loyalty to her Lady was commendable. She hadn't said no to your invitation either, you'd just have to find the Princess to ease her worries first. Perhaps they'd be so grateful after you rescued the Princess from her abductors that they'd both... No, no, such thoughts could only distract you now.

Still whistling, you reached the grand entrance of the palace, where the same two guards as yesterday were stationed. Some servants were lingering near the entrance, but quickly made themselves scarce at your sight. The guards were slouching on their staffs and your lip curled in disapproval. When they noticed you, they frantically stood attention and saluted. They were almost indistinguishable from each other, dressed as they were in their uniforms.

You didn't bother to return their salute when you stopped in front of them. "Your names and ranks, soldiers."

"Lieutenant Biggs, Lord Dalton!" one of them replied sharply.

"P-Private Wedge, my Lord..." the other was more reserved.

"You were stationed here yesterday morning, correct?"

"Yes, Lord Dalton!"
"Yes, my Lord!" they answered with one voice, their different responses spoiling the effect.

"Report. Tell me what you saw on that day."

The lieutenant was the one to respond. "Yes, Lord Dalton! We took our posts at oh-six hundred. At oh-six hundred four two of the palace staff arrived together. They were-"

"About the Princess you dolt!" you snapped at him. You'd be here all day if he reported every little thing.

"We didn't see her, Lord Dalton. She didn't leave through here." the lieutenant responded, less confidently than before.

You narrowed your eyes. "You didn't see her. Of course you didn't. It wasn't that important, only THE ONE JOB YOU TWO HAD!" you yelled, then sighed, and put your hand through your lustrous, long hair before you dropped your voice. "Why did you decide to betray me?"

Both their faces whitened. "B-b-betray you, my Lord?" the private asked.

"Yes! You conspired against me, allowed enemies of the state to enter the palace, abduct the Princess and leave unnoticed. Why? Was it greed? Ambition? Do you just not like me? Tell me what you know about the other conspirators and I may be merciful."

At your words, they both dropped their staffs and dropped to their knees. "We didn't betray you, Lord Dalton!" one of them said. "P-please, my Lord, have mercy! We are loyal! We'd never betray your trust!" said the other.

Standing above them, with their faces firmly on the ground, you could only smirk. Their groveling was gratifying. But could you believe them? Were they really loyal, as they claimed, or should you punish them as traitors? What would you do with these two?

>Write-in only

>>5622546
>I can be convinced to show mercy, if you reveal your co-conspirators!

>>5622546
Well either that or latrine duty I suppose. They're clearly not qualified enough for actual treason.>>5622551

>>5622546
>Inform them that they have 24 hours to find the information you desire, or else they would be tried and executed as enemies of the kingdom.
That should light a fire under these nimwits.

>>5622551
>>5622634
>>5623586
You crossed your arms and stood imperiously before you delivered your verdict, an effect that was somewhat ruined by them not daring to look up at you. "I can be convinced to show mercy, if you reveal your co-conspirators."

"C-c-co-conspirators my Lord?!"

"We are innocent, Lord Dalton! We'd never conspire against you!"

Neither of them had lifted their face from the ground. They were terrified of you, they'd have told you everything if they knew. No one could be such a a masterful actor as to deceive you. But you couldn't let them off the hook so easily. "So you idiots have nothing for me... You're in luck, I'm feeling merciful. I will leave the choice of your punishment up to you. First option, latrine duty."

"For how long, Lord Dalton?" the lieutenant cautiously asked.

"Eternity." you happily announced.

"T-the other option, my Lord?" the private ventured.

You grinned. "Find me the information I desire. You have twenty four hours. Succeed, and you will be rewarded beyond your dreams. Fail, and you will be tried as enemies of the kingdom. What will it be?"

"The second, Lord Dalton!"
"The second, my Lord!" they said with (almost) one voice.

"Wise choice Lieutenant Vicks. Trust no one. Leave no stone unturned. Find those conspirators!

"Thank you, Lord Dalton! You won't regret placing your trust in us, Lord Dalton! When do we begin, Lord Dalton?"

Your grin widened. "Twenty three hours, fifty nine minutes."

The lieutenant smacked the other one on the back of his head and quickly rose to his feet. "Come on Wedge, you need to hurry up!"

The private stood more slowly. "Where to, Biggs?"

"That's simple, Wedge. First, we'll go to..."

TO BE CONTINUED?

And that brings us to the end of Dalton's Moment. Or this Moment at least, for it is always Dalton's Moment, even if the spotlight isn't on him. How did you like it folks? Would you like to see more like it, if very infrequently?


Regular updates, or what passes for regular, will resume shortly.

>>5624703
It was fun, but personally I'd rather you don't burn yourself out at expense of main story. Or in other words, write what you feel like OP!

>>5624703
It was nice and pretty fun, though I usually don't like character pov switching.

>>5624727
>>5624859
I'm glad you liked it. I found it pretty refreshing to write desu. I'd have written one update to the main quest at most instead of those and it was a nice change of pace. I might get in the mood for another Dalton's Moment at some point. Or maybe another character's, like Biggs's Moment, I'd have never thought of that by myself. Your contributions like this one are why I'm writing a quest and not a pure fanfic. I'm always open to suggestions, though I don't promise I'm going to follow them.

As you leisurely walked to where the others were standing, a shiver ran down your spine. There was a brief, distinctly unpleasant sensation on your back. It reminded you of... Dalton? You shook your head and continued forward. Why would you think of him now?

You quickly reached the others and waited patiently for Schala to end her unexpectedly long hug. You moved forward when she did. "Congratulations Marle! I'm sure it was quite the contest."

"She didn't miss a single shot! How is that even possible?" Lucca protested immediately.

Marle winked mischievously. "Teehee, you want to know my secret?"

Lucca smacked her right fist on the palm of her left hand. "I knew it! There's a secret! What is it? Wires? Guided bolts? Infrared laser pointer that only you can see?"

Marle removed the shining crimson ring from her finger and held it high. "This!"

"...a ring?" Lucca asked with furrowed brows.

"An enchanted ring! Schala gave it to me yesterday. Here, try it out!" the blonde girl answered enthusiastically and gently threw the ring at Lucca.

Lucca caught it and put it on with a mumbled "Enchanted?". As soon as she did, she began blinking rapidly, then removed her glasses. She span around, took aim and fired a shot at the target. It hit dead center. "It's..." she began.

"Amazing!" Marle cheered.

Lucca disagreed. "Cheating!"

"Items are cheating? Then what about your glasses?" Marle asked with a mischievous smile.

"That's different! My glasses aren't magic." Lucca maintained her objection.

"There was no rule against magical assistance." Marle stated.

"That's because we can't..." Lucca began speaking, but abruptly stopped and turned to Chrono. "Hey, what do you think Chrono?"

The red-haired boy shrugged. "No rule against magic."

Marle giggled at his answer, while Lucca sighed. "You too Chrono? Fine, you win Marle! What's your request?"

"Build me a gadget!"

Lucca slowly removed the ring and put her glasses back before speaking. "That's all? I thought you might ask for something hard. What kind of gadget?"

"Something cool!"

"Yeah, it's going to be cool. What exactly do you want it to be?"

Marle shrugged. "I don't know, you're the inventor. Something cool!"

"I can't build you something cool without knowing what you want. It's not a reasonable request, tell her Chrono!"

Chrono shrugged again. "You can do it."

Lucca sighed. "Yeah, I guess I can. I'll build you something cool when I get back to my workshop. Here's your ring back." then passed the ring back to Marle.

"Thanks Lucca. Don't you want to keep the ring and not have to wear glasses anymore?"

"Schala gave it to you. Besides, I like my glasses. Soon I'll even have them let me see in infrared!"

Marle blinked and put the ring back on her finger. "In what?" she asked.

"Never mind that, I'll explain some other time." Lucca turned to look at you and Schala and adjusted her glasses. "Are you two lovebirds ready to go, or do you want to spend more time grappling each other?"

"I, um..." Schala struggled to respond to the sudden question.

It took you a moment to collect your thoughts too. "Err... yeah, let's go." you answered. In truth, you wouldn't mind spending more time with your love, learning about Enchanting or... doing other things, but you'd already pushed your new friends' goodwill more than you were comfortable with.

"Then it's time to head down there again. Let's get this over with..." Marle said and took the lead, walking at an accelerated pace. You all followed her through the city without another word.

Just as you crossed the entrance of the central building, Lucca suddenly stopped and cried out "Wait! I should go check the water purifier one last time, I'll probably forget about it when we go back up. I'll meet you at the hatch!" and she went down the corridor that lead to the water storage room you had been at yesterday.

"I, um... would like to go back to... that room and pick up everything else that Balthazar left us, now that I can store it all in my Extradimensional Space." Despite her words, she didn't move from her spot, looking at you expectantly instead with her large, emerald eyes.

Marle spoke last. "Alright Chrono, let's go ahead. We can make sure the way is still clear!" She grabbed Chrono's hand with both of hers and pulled him forward with no resistance.

What would you do now that everyone was splitting up?
>Go with Chrono and Marle
>Go with Lucca
>Go with Schala
>Other (write-in)

>>5625064
>Go with Lucca

>>5625064
>Go with Schala
I mean, I know that we've been spending a lot of time with Scala recently, but it seems pretty obvious that she wants some alone time again.

>>5625064
>>Go with Lucca

>>5625064
>Go with Schala

>>5625064
>Go with Schala
We can learn a bit more about enchanting I guess.
Although part of me wants to make a write-in for going alone to explore a while, but I know that probably won't win.

>>5625064
>>Go with Schala

>>5625064
>Schala
Normally I’d be curious to go with Lucca but I suppose she has it handled… and how can we abandon the princess when she looks at us like that?

>captcha ayys44 oh boy hope they’re friendly

>>5625064
> Go with Schala (but keep it short)

Give them a "we'll be right with you," then go take care of your needy girlfriend. We'll have more time to bond once we're out of here.

>>5625064
>Go with Schala

You didn't have to think hard about it. It seemed pretty obvious that your love wanted some alone time again. How could you abandon the princess of your heart when she looked at you like that? "I'm coming with you Schala. Guys, we'll be right with you!" you called out to the others in the distance. Lucca raised her hand to wave back. Marle was giggling and did not otherwise react. You weren't sure if she or Chrono even heard you.

Schala beamed at your statement and took your hand to lead you to the locked room. You'd barely walked a few steps before she cautiously asked. "Um... Gaius? Have you read everything that your mother wrote? All of her books?"

"I have, yeah." you confirmed, and your mind wandered. Her question reminded you of something unexpected. A man who was wrong about the elements and their relationships and had obviously never read or never understood your mother's theories. You had overheard him on the morning when you met Schala, before you had bought her the hairpin, before you had realized you already loved her even then. It seemed so long ago, as if months had passed instead of only a few days...

Schala slowed her pace and looked at you intently. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... Did my question upset you?"

"No, no." you reassured her. "I just remembered something. Why did you ask?"

It took her a moment to respond. "I, um... was wondering why you didn't learn Ice Magic from her. Did you not want to?"

You paused as well and thought how best to explain your reasons. "I could not use Ice Magic innately, like my mother did. She had offered to teach me after my studies had advanced far enough, but I wasn't ready until after my father had passed away and she began withering in front of my eyes. I decided instead to learn more advanced healing magic from her to better help her with her patients and focus on learning by myself what my father had tried to teach me while he was with us. That's when I first took my staff training seriously and studied Shadow Magic. I thought there would be more time to learn what my mother could teach me later. I didn't expect I'd meet you and go on this adventure with you..."

She bit her lip, hesitating before she spoke. "Um... do you... do you re- no, never mind." She flashed a brief, timid smile and continued. "I'm sure you'll have the time to study with her when I'm... when we get back home."

You nodded at her encouragement, but you were curious about something. "Why are you interested in Ice Magic anyway? Can you cast Ice spells?"

She shook her head, sending her ponytail to gently lash your back. "I can't. I have never been able to cast a spell of another element. I don't know if the reason is that my element is incompatible, if I'm not good enough or if I didn't try hard enough. But it still helps me to read about them. There are no spellbooks on Spacetime Magic. The Gurus tried to help me in the beginning, Gaspar most of all, but I ultimately have to develop my spells by myself. I am alone..."

"No, you are not." You squeezed her hand to emphasize that fact. "I wish I could help you with that too."

She let out a short sigh. "You're right. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Besides, I shouldn't whine. I like reading!"

It would probably be best if you changed the subject to something lighter. "Do you read fiction books too?" you asked her.

"I... oh, we're here." she interrupted her own answer to point ahead at the sealed door with the emblem of Zeal on it. You had been to engrossed in her to notice it before. "Will you open the door, Gaius?"

"Of course!" you answered, then let go of her hand and accelerated your pace. You removed her Pendant from your pocket and held it high. The door slid in its socket, and you turned back to look at her. "There you go. Is that all you wanted?"

"Um... yes. I can gather the supplies by myself. You can go now, should you wish. Don't worry, I'll catch up soon."

"You could have asked for the Pendant if all you wanted was wanted a doorman." you teased her with a smile.

She looked down and away from you in response. "I could, but... I want to spend more time with you. Even if we only walk and talk like we did, even if it's only for a few more seconds, I want..." She gulped and looked up, though still not at you. "I-it's too much, isn't it? I'm asking for too much..."

>Yes, it's too much.
>No, it isn't.
>Maybe a little.
>Other (Write-in)

>>5626858
>Maybe a little.
>But it's not like I'm not doing the same.

>>5626855
>as if months had passed instead of only a few days...
you cheeky bugger OP
>When I'm...
I get the distinct feeling our love is not telling us everything desu

anyways

>>5626858
>No, it isn't
seems like a natural thing to do. Although circumstances may arise when we're not able to follow through on this impulse. In the meantime, we can be grateful for chances we have, and work to ensure we got more of them...

>>5626858
>Maybe a little.
>Kiss her and say, "but we probably shouldn't abuse our friends' patience too much. We'll have more time to spend together once we start going to our next destination"

Do we already know where we're going next? I think we were heading to the next portal, but I'm not sure

>>5626858
>"We're together, aren't we? Wanting to be close isn't too much to ask. But circumstances can separate us, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to collect our own thoughts."
>Give her a kiss

>>5626916
We're going to watch the video on how Lavos ends the world, and after that I don't remember.

>>5626916
I think we're at the stage where the party was going to traverse the biker gang territory to reach the robot factory but maybe I'm misremembering things.

...actually, did we ever get to witness the apocalypse video, which was kind of the reason to go back here in the first place?

>>5626925
actually disregard that and let me to extricate the thousand cocks from my mouth, we're going to see the video now, not travel onwards yet.

>>5626925
We were about to, but Schala and Lucca decided to split the group. Again.

>>5626925
>did we ever get to witness the apocalypse video
Nope, that's what we're going to do just after finishing kissing our girl in a few seconds

>>5626930
That's fine. One day we will look back at the future moments we have shared in the catastrophe timeline Arris with fondness. Although I hope the people here will end up better off when the timelines have fully mended.

>>5626866
>>5626916
Both of these

>>5626858
>No, it isn't.

>>5626892
What do you think she's not telling us?

>>5627170
>What do you think she's not telling us?
Probably the fact that she thinks she will be devoured into a being of eternal destruction in the Darkness Beyond Time. Not that we're going to let that happen in this timeline, of course

>>5626858
>>5626866
>>5626916
Support both

>Maybe a little.
>But it's not like I'm not doing the same.
>>5626866

>Maybe a little.
>Kiss her and say, "but we probably shouldn't abuse our friends' patience too much. We'll have more time to spend together once we start going to our next destination"
>>5626916

>Both of the above
>>5626952
>>5627786


>"We're together, aren't we? Wanting to be close isn't too much to ask. But circumstances can separate us, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to collect our own thoughts."
>Give her a kiss
>>5626924


>No, it isn't
>>5626892
>>5627170

"Maybe a little." you conceded with a shrug that she couldn't see with her eyes lowered as they were.

She deflated immediately at your answer. "Oh..." she said dejectedly. "Yes, I'm sorry... You shou-"

You quickly crossed the distance between you as she spoke, put your hands on her shoulders and silenced her with a gentle kiss. You slid your hands down her arms, past her flowing sleeves, and took her palms in yours before speaking. "Maybe a little." you repeated "But it's not like I'm not doing the same. I want more of you, more time, more... everything. Maybe we're both asking for a little too much, but that just means that we both ultimately want the same thing." You then kissed her again, more briefly, and said "But we probably shouldn't abuse our friends' patience too much. We'll have more time to spend together once we start going to our next destination."

"More time... it's something so precious, never enough. We always think we'll have more to spend in the future..." She closed her eyes and sighed before nodding. "You're right, we shouldn't delay more than we have to. Let's gather what we came here for."

She strode into the room before you with newfound determination and made a beeline for the chest. You took a look around the room as you followed her. You had already gathered what few alchemical supplies had remained after the Djinn's attack and the equipment that Balthazar had left. There was nothing else left of value here.

Schala sat to the ground next to the chest with her legs folded to the side and opened first it, then that shimmering distortion that lead to her Space. She began haphazardly throwing the chest's contents, trinkets made of various metals all, into her storage.

You scratched the back of your neck. You were suddenly curious about something. "Err, don't you need to sort these first? How are you going to find anything later?" you inquired.

She stopped what she was doing, half-closed the lid of the chest and looked up at you with glittering eyes. "I don't need to sort them. I have... an instinctual sense of everything that is inside the Extradimensional Space and I can position what I wish so that it's nearest to the opening. Let me show you. Ask me for something and I'll retrieve it in an instant!"

Seeing her so proud, you couldn't help but indulge her. "I think I saw you drop a golden ring in. How about that one?"

"Yes!" she enthusiastically agreed, thrust her hand inside the rift and at once pulled it out holding a plain gold ring. She held it high towards you, beaming.

Her enthusiasm warmed your heart and you couldn't help but form a big smile in response. "That's really handy." you commented.

She laughed. "It is!" she said, then threw the ring back, opened the chest fully again and resumed shoveling trinkets. You sat on the ground near her with your legs crossed, on the other side of the small crack in space and began helping her move the contents of the chest inside. As you grabbed your third handful, you felt a sharp jab on your finger, grimaced and yanked your hand up on reflex.

"What- you're bleeding!" Schala stopped what she was doing and looked at you in alarm.

"It's nothing." you reassured her. "I just prickled my finger on the pin of that brooch" You gestured with your other hand towards the cause, a silver brooch that was now resting on top of the diminishing pile. "It'll stop on its own, spending mana to heal it would be a waste." you concluded, annoyed at the minor misfortune.

"Here, let me help." she offered and took your hand before you could react. Your heart began racing as she gently guided it towards her lips and you realized what she intended to do. Your mind went blank when she finished her movement, closed her eyes and began suckling on your finger. Everything disappeared, except for her sight and the sensation of her lustrous lips.

Her cheeks were a deep crimson when finally she opened her eyes and let go of your finger. "Um... does it feel better now?" she asked, barely louder than a whisper.

"Yes." you answered with a heavy voice. Your face felt as if it had caught fire.

She smiled timidly, then quickly looked away from you. "I'm glad. Let's finish here..."

"Yes." you repeated, unable to take your eyes off her. You stared mesmerized as she continued her work, a little unsteadily at first. You vigorously shook your head, your tardy brain slowly worked again and you helped her finish up, more careful with what you grabbed.

Soon enough the chest was empty. She closed the chest, then let out a small yelp. "Oh, I almost forgot!" she exclaimed before fetching your silver weapons from her Space. She replaced the dull knife on her waist with the sharp one and offered you your staff. You fumbled with the black staff on your back and gave it to her before taking your normal weapon without a word.

She closed the now unneeded opening to her Space, stood up in one fluid motion and dusted herself off. "We should return to the others." she said, looking at the doors.

"Yes." you repeated once again and rose with leaden limbs. The image of her lips was still etched on your mind.

She nimbly left the room ahead of you and waited at some distance while your hands refused to perfectly obey your commands and you struggled a little to raise the Pendant and close the door.

She was standing at a crossroad when you reached her. "Um, where to?" she asked as you did.

It was then that you realized you didn't know where that hatch was. "Err..." you began.

"You don't know either?" She chuckled at your predicament. "Let's go ask the Director, he should know."

>Yes, let's go ask the Director.
>Let's go at the water purifier, Lucca might still be there.
>Let's look for it ourselves, how hard can it be?
>Other (write-in)

>>5629268
>Let's go at the water purifier, Lucca might still be there.

>>5629268
>Yes, let's go ask the Director.

>>5629268
>Yes, let's go ask the Director.

>>5629268
I hope we're not missing anything important by not going after Director but I feel we're better served trying to catch up with Lucca, after all our new friends know exactly where we need to go, even if Director should have general idea.
>Water purifier

>>5629268
>Let's go at the water purifier, Lucca might still be there.
That was hot

>>5629268
>>Let's go at the water purifier, Lucca might still be there.

[Insert innuendo-filled joke about our staff here]

>>5629268
If the director has an office and if we know where that office is, then
>Yes, let's go ask the Director.

Going for Lucca is just asking to keep bouncing from one place to the other if she's not there.

If the Director doesn't have an office/we don't know where it is, then
>Let's go at the water purifier, Lucca might still be there.

>>Let's go at the water purifier, Lucca might still be there.
>>5629269
>>5629375
>>5629388
>>5629535

>Yes, let's go ask the Director.
>>5629271
>>5629370
>>5629686 (you know where his office is)

Happy Easter to those who celebrate it!

You thought about her suggestion. The Director would know where that hatch was, but there was someone who'd be even better. "Let's go to the water purifier instead, Lucca might still be there." you offered.

Her shoulders slumped at your suggestion. "Um... Lucca? Why her?" she asked.

"She knows exactly where we need to go. She'll be heading there too, she can just take us there." you explained.

"But... what if she already finished her inspection and left?"

You shrugged. "Then we'll just go ask the Director. Isn't it worth a shot?"

"Oh... okay..." she said in a flat tone.

Her reaction bothered you, you had to ask her. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, lead the way... to Lucca." she answered with a polite smile that accentuated her lips. Her lips...

You nodded and extended your hand towards her. She took it after a momentary hesitation and you both began retracing your steps to the room with the water tank you had purified yesterday. You walked in silence for some time, your love lingering a half step behind you. This silence felt uncomfortable and you ultimately decided to fill it. "So, wh-" you began.

That was all you managed to say before a girl's voice echoed from up ahead. "Hey, there you guys are. I was just coming to pick you two up." Lucca waved in the distance.

"Hey Lucca." you greeted her. "Any problems with the purifier?"

"No, it's still working like a clock. Its operation is fool-proof now too, thanks to your suggestions." The soft hand that you held in yours tensed but Lucca continued and you could only listen. "I won't have to worry about it breaking down as soon as we leave again."

"That's great. But why were you coming to pick us up?"

Lucca adjusted her glasses before answering your question. "Well, we never told you where to go, did we? You'd be wandering around the building without me to take you there. I wanted to ask you two something too, but it can wait. I expected you'd want more time together."

"We just needed to gather a few things, it didn't take us much time."

"Hmm, I'm sure nothing untoward happened while you two were locked up alone in that room, right?" Your face became hot as the image of one thing that did happen returned to the surface of your mind. Lucca's eyes moved slowly from you to Schala, who squirmed in your grasp. Lucca chuckled, said "Heh. Follow me you two." and moved past you.

You swallowed and glanced at Schala. She was looking down, as flustered as you were. Her red face, contrasted with her messy blue hair was once again irresistible and you let go of her hand to embrace her, pull her close and plant a quick kiss on her cheek. "I love you." you whispered in her ear.

She squealed in surprise at your sudden movement, then froze at your words. "You..." she began in a low voice, then leaned in, grabbed your tunic and planted her face on your chest. "Me too." she professed in a muffled voice.

File: Rat.png (552 B, 38x64)

552 B PNG

You held her close and stroke her hair, until you saw Lucca ahead stop, turn and look at you with a knowing smirk. You stiffened and your love must have understood, because she removed herself from your embrace. With your arm on her back, you gently guided her forward as Lucca resumed walking through twists and turns in the empty corridors and to a sealed metal hatch on the floor. It would have been hard to find the way on your own, though probably not impossible with some luck.

Lucca finished unsealing the hatch with a loud grinding noise by the time you reached her. A rusty metal ladder lead down in the darkness. "You two go first, I'll close it behind us." Lucca recommended and you nodded. There was no question on who would go first and you began climbing down immediately. You jumped the last few steps, stepped forward as you took your staff in your hands and peered into the darkness ahead, ready for any danger lurking. The only light you could see was what came down from the shaft above. Schala climbed after you, moved close to you and placed her hand on your back. Another loud grinding noise was heard from above and the light disappeared, leaving you in total darkness before another, narrower beam of light zoomed past you. Lucca came next to you, the front of her helmet shining brightly. "Chrono and Marle must have gone further ahead. I'll guide you." Lucca stated while she removed her gun from its holster.

You nodded and moved forward, where her light illuminated. Specks of dust were visible wherever the light shone. The walls were a dull, red corroded metal, with pipes throughout their length. A faint unpleasant smell permeated the air. You saw nothing of note in the area, until suddenly four pairs of small, red beady eyes looked at you maliciously from the darkness up ahead.

"Ugh. Great, more rats." Lucca remarked.

Rats? These were rats? They were easily as tall as your knee, and their teeth were long like daggers, now that you could see them more clearly. "Didn't Chrono and Marle say they'll clear the way?" you inquired.

"They must have missed some, it's an infestation. Let's get this over with.". Lucca began taking aim with her gun and you readied your staff.

But before you could attack, Schala broke her silence and spoke without confidence. "But um... they're living beings. Do we... do we have to kill them?"

Do you?
>Yes. They're just animals and they're in your way.
>Maybe not. Try to scare them away.
>Maybe not. Try to disable them non-lethally.
>Let Lucca take care of them.
>Other (Write-in)

>>5632694
>Yes. Rats are pests that eat stored food and carry diseases.

>>5632705
Oh and, the sea serpents were living being too, and she didn't mind killing them after they hurt her.
These rats are hurting the people of the dome too.

>>5632694
>>Yes. They're just animals and they're in your way.

>>5632694
I suppose this >>5632705, >>5632714

It would be different in the wilds, but in a settlement they could threaten the people here. Assuming they can’t be spoken to and negotiated with.

>>5632694
>Yes. They're just animals and they're in your way.

>>5632694
>>5632705
>>5632714
Supporting this.
Giving her a good reason and reminding her that we've killed living things before (even Lavos is a living being I think).

>>5632705
>>5632714
+1

>>5632694
>>5632705
>>5632714
Support. She's too gentle.

>>5632714
+1

I wonder if this will be thrown in our face later when Lavos, a planetary parasite, is telling us that we’re like animals or pests to him. But there’s not much to be done here. Unless she wants to bait and tame the post apocalyptic rat as a pet.

>>5633079
maybe more like pets, or livestock. It does nurture life on earth while adding our data onto itself, at least until humans get too strong. tho its evilgodness seems stronger than its alienness in this quest

>>5632694
>Maybe not. Try to scare them away.
Four rats won't make a difference for that infestation. Are we going to spend a few days playing exterminator? We're only killing them because it's more convenient, not to help anyone. And that write-in is saying that she's selfish and doesn't mind killing things if they hurt her.

>>5633079
It will be

>>5633187
well we are telling her that it's okay to be selfish to some extent are we not?
Though I agree we should not twist it like a dagger wound.

>>5633197
My intent is less like she is being a hypocrite, and more of a reminder that we already killed living beings and these rats are also a threat.

But I might not be understanding the situation correctly or worded it wrong

>>5633197
>>5633203
If it's a gentle reminder and not an accusation that we know isn't true, I'll switch to support.

>>5633206
I trust the qm to go with intent over specific wording.

>>5633208
Hopefully, re-reading it, it does give off the impression that it was an accusation that she did that out of revenge or something like that.
I wanted to focus more on them being dangerous, with the whole hurting people part.

>>5633211
Well, focus more is also not the right word, since the other point is not one that I wanted to make.
I'm just going to blame eating too much during the holidays for my inability to explain myself

>Yes. Rats are pests that eat stored food and carry diseases.
>Oh and, the sea serpents were living being too, and she didn't mind killing them after they hurt her.
>These rats are hurting the people of the dome too.
>>5632705
>>5632744
>>5632832
>>5632846
>>5632858
>>5632862
>>5633207 (I take it that you decided to switch, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

>Yes. They're just animals and they're in your way.
>>5632723
>>5632819

The outcome is clear, I'm going to call it now and ask you for some dice. 3d100 bo3, for you, Schala and Lucca. DC: 30, good DC: 80.


>>5633208
>>5633211
I do try to go with intent, but intent can be sometimes tricky to decipher. Your discussion was very helpful, without it this write-in might have had some... unintended consequences.


And as we've hit page 10, this was the last update for the thread. I can't give you an ETA for the next one, but there will be no large break. I'll try to get it done asap. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your feedback, positive or negative, or any questions or other comments you might have.

Rolled 74, 57, 100 = 231 (3d100)

>>5633273
It's a good thing that the anon mentioned the unintended meaning of the write-in

>>5633283
Lucca must really hate rats

Rolled 26, 18, 54 = 98 (3d100)

>>5633273
Wew, good thing we managed to clear that up then

>>5633286
I guess she doesn't like her cables getting chewed!

Rolled 32, 13, 98 = 143 (3d100)

>>5633207
I was under the assumption it was a gentle reminder and not something that would accuse her of anything or that being selfish is alright (I really don't want to imply that selfishness is alright, especially considering her past and her feelings).

>>5633273
Rolling.
Also this was a pretty nice thread. I was honestly starting to lose hope, but I'm glad you came back.

Rolled 78, 66, 64 = 208 (3d100)

>>5633273
Total Rat Death