-
Fire Emblem on Forums: Demon Soul Saga
~~Game Theme~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzGTJHVLG84)
~~~~RULES~~~~
1. All non-IC stuff is to be posted at the OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179108.0;nowap). Violators will be put into detention.
2. Post formatting mandatory. As such:
Colored normal text for PC speech!
Colored italized text for PC thinking.
*Colored small text or between asterisks for PC whispering*
Normal text for generic descriptive text.
Bolded text for PC actions and orders!
3. Order of battle posts:
Players' actions -> GM resolves -> Player's actions -> GM resolves ... until all player actions have been posted -> GM posts Enemy/Ally Phase and new turn map -> Start again
If you need an action resolved before making another ask in the OOC thread.
4. Don't post until your character is properly introduced!
5. Be active if you can! I don't care if you don't want to RP, but try to post your action within a reasonable time. If you have to be warned several times your character may be automoved or put in the away list. If you can't post for personal reasons, try to warn the rest in the OOC thread. Delegating actions to other people is also allowed.
Definitely not ripped off from Solymr's posts, nope.
-
Prologue
It was late at night in Mishima.
His eyes were on his next target. A lone man, sprinting home under the cover of streetlights, a bag of convenience store food clutched tightly.
The half-demon grinned behind his mask, clutching a small, shadowy pod in his hand, watching him from a nearby roof, crouching.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "What a bore. You couldn't possibly make an interesting monster. But....it's been too calm here lately."
He held the pod up to his eye. The pod coursed with demonic energy, shadowy tendrils gently reaching out. They ignored him; their power coursed through his veins already, but he had mastered it, dominated it. He knew what it would bring out.
The inner demon, the monster within all men. This seed would awaken it, feed it with the power of negative emotions and desires and when the demon had had its fill...
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....well, that promise...he owes me. Let's see what kind of monster you'll make."
He moved, faster than any human possibly could, leaping between roofs to catch his target. He was nowhere near where he needed him to be, but then, it didn't matter.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Well...this should be-"
Suddenly, a white blur flashed out of the corner of his vision. The half-demon slid back, barely avoiding a swipe from a flaming blade. His head swung towards his new companion. Another grin behind his mask.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Well. Well. The White Knight of Mishima."
A knight in red and white armor stood before him, one hand clutching a flaming blade made of white, gleaming steel, the other behind a plain white kite shield. The gem inset in the middle of his helmet was glimmering like fire, and his red cape billowed in the night wind. He pointed his blade at the half-demon.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "You're not getting away this time. I finally caught you."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You like my handiwork? It seems you're always just a second late. Not this time, though."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Those people....how dare you turn them into monsters?"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Monsters? You and I have those monsters in us too, you know. Our power comes from the same place as theirs."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Save me the 'we're no different' speech."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Save me the hero act. We both know what you want."
The knight clenched his sword.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "You bastard."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Tell her hello for me."
That did it.
The knight lunged at him, flaming sword flashing through the night. The hooded half-demon barely avoided the first strike, retaliating with a sweep of his hands, sending shards of dark ice hurtling out at his opponent. Deadly silent, the knight raised his shield and ran forward, smashing the icicles aside with his raised shield, hurtling into a running leap. The hooded half-demon once again barely dodged the second blow, shaking his head as he slid away, feeling the heat of his enemy's blade.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "So. You're as powerful as they say you are."
The knight didn't grace him with a response, electing to swipe at him with a burst of light. The hooded figure didn't have time to dodge, taking the blast head on and throwing him across the roof with a yelp, landing across the roof and cracking the tiles beneath him.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Dammit...it doesn't seem like I'm ready to fight you right now. Fine."
Pulling himself to his feet, the hooded figure ran, sprinting across the roofs of Mishima. The knight sheathed his blade and ran after him, metal clinking on stone and ceramic. The hooded figure looked around, waiting for something, anything to take advantage of, but nothing was in sight, and the knight was gaining on him.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "It seems I'll need to....break that out."
Suddenly, he dipped below roof level, disappearing into the streets. The White Knight paused, stuttering to a stop, hand on his hilt. A few moments passed.
A purple blur jumped up onto the roof from where the hooded figure had disappeared. Another Kaijin stood before him now, clad in a purple kimono, her head concealed behind a horned helm. In her gloved hand, a simple, plain katana hung with a red blade, sparking with violet lightning.
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "..."
The knight visibly hesitated. He'd heard about this Kaijin. She was strong, her strikes fast. He hadn't planned on fighting two of them tonight.
But if he was in the way of justice, then....
"Oh, dear. You always get so easily fooled."
[Now Playing: Theme of Scathach ~~Flash Control~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5g-b-SJA_4)]
A flash of black steel and purple light soared past the white knight and slashed at the new Kaijin, purple light cutting through the hooded figure's illusions as he fell backwards, lashing out with a whip of black shadows. The shadows found no purchase; his opponent was too fast.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "How the hell did you...."
The black Kaijin settled next to the White Knight. She was clad in black armor, her face hidden behind a violet, crystalline visor, and the ends of her arms were as blades, splitting apart at the end into triangle blades to act as fingers. Her legs were also blades, ending in sharp points, and behind her, wings of purple energy faintly glimmered, propelling her off the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My, my. You should really be careful, Gawain. What would you do without me?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "That illusion was convincing, Scathach."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....so, you two are working together? My....I should've seen that coming. The White Knight and the Princess of Calamity."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "You'll make a woman blush. Partner, shall we?"
Without a response, Gawain stormed forwards, drawing his blade once more to strike at his opponent, while Scathach followed up, hands turning once more into blades.
The air briefly smelled of ozone.
Suddenly, a violet slash rent the air between Gawain, Scathach and the hooded figure, casting the approaching pair back with a burst of lightning and electricity. Another Kaijin appeared, clad in a purple kimono, her head concealed behind a horned helm. In her gloved hand, a simple, plain katana hung with a red blade, sparking with violet lightning. This was the real article.
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Durga. Thank God you got here, I-"
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "Save it. He wanted me to save you, Andras."
Grabbing the hooded figure by his arm, Durga soared off into the sky. Scathach yelled wordlessly, a violet lash of energy appearing from the tip of one of her arm blades as she cast it upwards to catch the retreating pair, but the horned Kaijin replied with a slash of her sword, lightning striking where sword and whip met. The black Kaijin yelped, drawing her whip back and wringing her injured appendage.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Til we meet again, Gawain."
The pair disappeared into the night. Gawain exhaled, sheathing his blade.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "I almost had him."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Don't worry. We'll get him. I believe in you."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "One year of chasing ghosts and I finally had him....but...."
He stared into the distance.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "If he's allies with Durga....it's going to be hard."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Don't sell yourself so short. You're just as strong. And you got me."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "....take this seriously."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I am. Besides...I'm here for another reason. It's late. We have school tomorrow. Come on."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "....I'll keep looking. One more hour."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Fine. I'll look with you. But one more hour."
Elsewhere in the city....
Durga and Andras touched down in an alleyway, the two Kaijin slipping into the shadows to avoid being seen.
A tall, robotic-looking Kaijin approached them, clad in blue and white plates, a single red eye staring at him as he towered over both of the new arrivals.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "The hell were you doing up there? I had Hana looking all over for you."
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "Sneaking around, possibly."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Hey. I was looking for Akuma, okay? You know those things can just....show up, you know?"
Durga stared at him. While her face was hidden, Andras could tell she was staring daggers at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....come on. That's not fair."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "If you didn't find any, let's just go. No point sticking around in these forms. Come on, let's find somewhere a little less public to change back."
The tall Kaijin sprinted off. Andras simply chuckled, staring at Durga, before following him.
Durga clenched her fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "...."
"....he....never sits right with me."
From the shadows, a cat-like Kaijin approached, her voice light, and the material comprising their body resembling dark, smooth metal.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "Did you catch him this time?"
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "No. I don't know what he was doing up there. It didn't feel right. A bunch of other Kaijin showed up."
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "....does he know you're suspicious? You have to tell him."
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "He's too trusting. Besides...without proof, all I can be is suspicious."
The cat-like Kaijin patted her on the back.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "Maybe next time, Hanako."
-
Chapter 1: Bright Moonfall
(https://i.imgur.com/lq1hwD9.png)
~~Chapter Theme~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ue1JPFXEU)
"Hello! We're the Helper's Club! Please, come and join us! We're always looking for more!"
Saya Akitsuki was, all in all, not having the best of lunches. Still, it was always time to stay positive.
She stood in the middle of one of the third-floor corridors, smiling, a bunch of pamphlets in her hands advertising the Helper's Club. Students strolled past her, without paying her any heed.
(https://i.imgur.com/IWyaiwV.png) "Hello! We're the Helper's Club! Please, come-"
"Sorry, we're too busy."
"I'm already part of a club!"
"....ah, Akitsuki. Sorry, I'd love to help, but..."
Turnined down repeatedly, Saya sighed as the last student hurriedly walked away. She nodded, still trying to keep her composure.
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "Ah. Well. Like they always say, you're likely to succeed if you try, right?"
"Oi! Saya!"
Saya's eyes brightened. She smiled, turning around to see her best friend approach, carrying two bento boxes from the nearby convenience store.
(https://i.imgur.com/FgyVCrw.png) "Aki-kun! Hey! You're back quick!"
(https://i.imgur.com/BHio4Ul.png) "Well, you know. I'm hungry too. Come on, how long have you been out here?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Not...long..."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Saya."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Okay, maybe it's been....half of lunchtime. I'm hungry. But please, Aki-kun, if I stay out just a bit longer, maybe we-"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I could hear your stomach rumbling halfway down the corridor. Come on, let's get you something to eat."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "....well, alright. You get anything good?"
It is currently lunchtime at Our Lady of Hermelin. What are you doing?
//Everyone may post.
-
The heiress Akari Shiro, the very picture of vaguely uncomfortable etiquette and grace, sat at a cafeteria table, dining on something that seemed to be designed to showcase her family's money rather than standard cafeteria fare. Most likely, Shiro was alone; the ones who weren't intimidated by her status tended to be put off by her standoffish attitude, or were among the people who knew what she acted like with the mask off.
-
Sawatari Mori wandered the halls alone, largely silent except for occasionally chewing on something from his half finished bento. After the conversation at his table had turned from general gossip to less interesting fare, such as sports for the boys and fashions for the girls, he had excused himself on the grounds he needed to work on something for the theater club. Now he was wandering the halls, in search of any interesting information or something to do. After some time, he'd spotted Akitsuki Saya, who was still at the task she had started before he'd even started his lunch, advertising for the Helper's Club. But now, she was joined by her friend and clubmate, Kasuga Akihiko. From what he gathered, it was typical behavior for them, Akitsuki advertising in vain, and then Kasuga convinces her to sit down and eat something. Mori performed a quick scan of the rest of the area before beginning to walk off in search of anything else interesting.
-
Misa Miyashita, one of the more withdrawn students in the school, sat at a table more off to the side from the main area where fewer people sit with a half eaten lunch. It was her usual table, in fact. She seemed to be paying less attention to the food then the book she had in her hands though.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"And once again..." She mutters to herself as she reads. "Let's see how she gets out of trouble this time."
-
Mildred had approached from seemingly nowhere and placed herself on the other side of Akihiko, her arm around his shoulders in a not-quite-headlock - easy enough for her, as she was if not the tallest student at school the tallest female student.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oi, am I interrupting something? Lunch time date, maybe?"
The in-all-but-name Yakuza girl chuckled at her own joke and let Akihiko go with a strong pat on the shoulder. From inside her jacket she produced a sandwich and what looked to be a can of Sapporo, though her hand covered the label. Her next comment was addressed to Saya.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'd say sorry to bother you, but I'm not. Kasuga is the only person I actually know in school and I don't feel like hanging out by myself right now. Things are boring as hell."
She ate the sandwich in a few quick bites and downed the can in a single chug, then stuffed it in the brown bag her sandwich had been in.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I thought maybe some idiots might try to pick a fight with him again and there'd be something fun to do, but I guess I scared 'em off. So what were you doing earlier, anyway? Looks like a whole lot of people were giving you the cold shoulder."
-
Aiuchi Yui sat on the rooftop of the school, together with two friends of her, Chino Hisa and Morimoto Mino. Together, they're known as the Three Perfectly Average Girls. Or, at least, they pretend and joke about that they're known by a group name in the first place. Eating lunch and having pleasant small talk, they spent their time together. A far cry from how Yui's daily life was during her first year at school.
Tomorrow would be Hisa's birthday. Yui already knew she'll prepare a colorful bento for her once she's back at home and looks forward to her reaction. After all, while she had gifted bentos a few times already to classmates, it was the first time one of her newfound friends would celebrate their birthday, so it's not only a special occasion for her, but a super-special occasion! She'll make extra effort for it. The expenses necessary for such a grand bento were already calculated in her head and she knew she could afford it without eating too deep into this month's allowance. With a light smile while thinking about how Hisa could react to her edible gift, Yui gave the White Knight of Mishima-doll dangling down from her school bag a covert headpat.
May these unspectacular days never end.
-
Lunchtime was a somewhat odd time for Shoji. As a light eater, plus her natural disposition, she didn't tend to stick around the main lunch area. Instead, most of the time, including now, Shoji simply wandered the halls of Hermelin, trying to stay to herself amidst the other wanderers as she jotted down notes in her journal. She was, once again, charged with writing an article for the next newspaper, and she liked to try and write down what she needed to say ahead of time, seeing as it both helped calm herself and get prepared ahead of time.
... Of course, as focused as she was, Shoji did notice Saya's attempt of recruiting more people to the Helper's Club, and though she offered a small wave to her, she was quick to continue her wandering. She liked lending a hand for the Helper's Club, but she was still an official member of the Newspaper Club. Saya was well enough aware of Shoji's situation... Probably, and the small 'reporter' probably wouldn't have been much help actually getting more people into the club. She had a hard enough time talking to people already.
Thus, she simply continued on, promising herself to stop by the club later today and apologize. Right now was her alone time.
-
In his peripheral vision, Mori caught sight of a shock of red hair. Turning his head, he confirmed, it was Shizuko Shoji, of the newspaper club, and she was taking notes, probably for an article. She’d interviewed his once or twice about the theater club, and he understood she was timid and easy to startle. Deciding that he could get more information than merely wandering the halls, he walked over until he stood behind her. He scanned over her notes quickly before tapping her on the shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)"Long time no see, Shizuko. How are you today?"
-
Buried into her writing, Shoji didn't register the figure who ended up standing behind her, aside from a slight chill on her neck. What she did register was the little tap on her shoulder, and the effect on the timid girl was instant. Specifically, a shout of surprise and quick turn of her person, and though the tap was sudden, Shoji was able to hold back from swinging her notebook full force at whatever was trying to get her attention,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"GAH! Who- Oh, S-Sawatari-san" Shoji managed to get out. Had it been anyone else, Shoji would've let out a sigh of relief, but in front of Mori, it was anything but relief. Here was one of the more popular students of the school singling her out to talk to her. Who knew what kind of rumors he wanted to try and drag out of her,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/899002337849376808/First_draft_of_Soji.png)
"I'm, erm... Doing fine. How are you?"
-
The treasurer for the Student Council, Demura Masaru, remained at his classroom desk for lunch. Already sitting at the top of the exam scores among first years, he was carefully studying a history book, his focus only occasionally breaking to ensure his water bottle and onigiri wouldn't soil the book. He wasn't technically alone in the classroom, but he'd gotten astonishingly good at completely tuning out the idle chatter of his contemporaries; to others it might've seemed like he studied in a near-unbreakable trance.
-
"Oh, I'm good, I'm good. Sorry for startling you." Mori replied. He let out a bit of what he hoped sounded like a good natured chuckle. While he could just go directly to asking Shoji for any information, that would be rude, and besides, he didn't want to seem like he was just using her. He walked up so they were standing side by side instead of him looming over her.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"The conversation at my cafeteria table turned a bit dull so I decided to get a change of scenery and finish my lunch in the theater. Special privilege's of the club president and all that. Have you already finished your lunch?"
-
Saya squirms slightly at the mention of the fight, but Akihiko nods at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "You know nobody's gonna try to come after me after that. What brings you to school for once, huh, Honda?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Well....I WAS recruiting for the Helper's Club. But uh....I'm not getting any real luck picking up any members...."
-
Though Mori's chuckle and smile would've eased most people, it had the opposite effect on Shoji, who merely grew more nervous. If it was any consolation, she did appreciate him trying not to loom over her, though it hardly helped her nerves at the moment,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"Well, I- Yes, I did. I don't really eat much during lunch, so I was just... Wandering the halls. As usual."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "You know nobody's gonna try to come after me after that. What brings you to school for once, huh, Honda?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "There was SUPPOSED to be a street race today. I was looking forward to it for two weeks. The police snatched the organizer yesterday though and I saw a lot of them hanging out on the streets we were going to take, so I figured it was either called off or would get me arrested so why not see if anything was popping at Hermelin."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lk51bn5u0cvp425/EyesClosed.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Of course, it ain't. I guess when you dangle someone by their ankle out of a second-story window people decide they don't want to fight you. Shame."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Well....I WAS recruiting for the Helper's Club. But uh....I'm not getting any real luck picking up any members...."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That sucks. Sounds like the kind of thing people would like - looks good on the resume and all that."
It wasn't for her, though. It wasn't that Mildred didn't like helping out people - she did, sometimes - but having her as a member would probably drive more straight-laced students away and she didn't come to school often enough to be worth causing that kind of trouble for Saya, and she knew it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I might could do some freelance for you though, if the kind of 'help' you need involves fixing vehicles or beating someone up."
-
”Ah, a bit of people watching, that I understand.” Mori nodded. Shoji was startled, but Mori didn’t worry. From what he’d seen and observed, that was just part of who she was. He couldn’t help but mentally compare her to something like a bunny rabbit. Attempts to change his behavior now would likely just startle her worse.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"I normally do it to try to observe expressions and body language, to make my acting seem more natural." His eyes widened as if he’d just had an idea.
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
”Oh, I actually developed a few impressions of people based on what I saw. Wanna see?”
-
For a few moments, Shoji froze, her eyes darting to the side as she tried to figure out how to respond. As much as she wanted to say 'no' and hightail it out of there, that would've been rather rude... Especially seeing as how Mori hadn't done anything aside from startling her. He hadn't tried to drill her for information yet, so that was a plus, but she was still wrapping her head around the fact that Mori was being friendly to her, as well as trying to figure out if it was an act or not.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/899002337849376808/First_draft_of_Soji.png)
"Um... Sure?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "That, or getting drop-kicked by a first year student. Well...figured you'd rather hang with us for once, Honda. Must get pretty boring winning races all the time, huh?"
Mildred can almost see the giant sweatdrop on Saya's head.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Ehehe....well....maybe not the beating people up part....I think Aki-kun's had enough of that....."
-
"Right then, I'll do someone I know you know. Let's see if you can guess." Mori placed his hand over his face like a mask, and tilted his head upwards, pausing like that for a moment to take a deep breath, then he swiftly pulled his hand off his face and looked at Shoji. His body language had shifted.
(https://i.imgur.com/RS9wWBP.png)
"Some are born with talent, and some aren't. That's true. But that said... Those with talent never make it through talent alone. You have to overcome. Find boundaries, and break them. The only way to grow is by overcoming challenges."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "That, or getting drop-kicked by a first year student. Well...figured you'd rather hang with us for once, Honda. Must get pretty boring winning races all the time, huh?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't always win; some new guy calling himself Takahana has been doing pretty good recently. I was actually hoping to trounce him - or her, I'm actually not sure which - in the race today. But I guess it is nice to talk to you when you ain't needing a ride somewhere, that's true. I can't say I care much for this place, though. The teachers are either all 'oh why don't you apply yourself, Honda' or 'why are you even here if you're not going to pay attention, Honda' and there aren't even any delinquents left who want to brawl."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, I guess it's a nice change of pace from the garage, at least!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Much as I love working on cars, sometimes it's nice to not. And the roof is a good place to catch a nap."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Ehehe....well....maybe not the beating people up part....I think Aki-kun's had enough of that....."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Fair enough, but I don't have a problem putting a stop to any bullying going on around here. That offer goes to you, too; any friend of Kasuga's is a friend of mine. If any girls - or guys - ever want to give you a hard time, I'll show them what a hard time really is."
She elbowed the male student in the side lightly.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ib00rft1bdzhh7n/Upbeat.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I bet you haven't had enough fighting though. It'd be a waste if you were! Not many people can throw a roundhouse kick like you."
-
Shoji was, admittedly, not sure what to expect when Mori brought up his impressions. She had certainly heard from other students that he had a knack for imitating other students, but she had never truly witnessed it herself; She just knew he was a really good actor, if the theater club was any indication. But, once Mori attempted his impression, Shoji ended up staring for a few seconds, perhaps a bit longer than she would've liked,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"That's... Eerily accurate. You're imitating Kasuga-san, right?"
-
”Exactly,” Mori smiled. He stretched like a cat and when he was done, his body language had returned to normal. ”And thank you for the compliment. That’s one of my favorites. I’ve seen him walking the halls enough to get his body language down and our voices are similarly pitched. I could probably do Akitsuki well enough too but doing her voice hurts my throat.”
Now then, the conversation had reached the point that he felt he could push towards his goal.
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
”How about you, Shizuko? Anything interesting from your people watching?”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, you, Akari and Akutagawa really cleaned everything up. Well, mainly you and Akutagawa, anyway. Anyway, Saya and I were about to go have some lunch."
Saya shook her head, before wrapping her arm around Akihiko's shoulders.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Well....you know, I can help too. Aki-kun is my responsibility too, after all."
Then the poking. Akihiko rolls his eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, you know what they teach us there, right? You don't start a fight, you end one. I can't be picking fights all the time. Saya here might kill me if I get myself messed up. Can't let her worry."
-
Shiro disposed of the remainder of her food, having finished just enough of the ostentatiously expensive meal to flaunt her money.
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"That should do, I suppose."
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)". . . such a waste of time." She'd heard through a few of her street friends that her parents were starting to get wise to her latest shenanigans. Akari Shiro, therefore, had to make proper appearances, showcasing ladylike behavior, even in something as small as taking her midday meal. The heiress shook her head slightly at the thought.
(https://i.imgur.com/LtjC6BA.png)"I need to get some air." She headed up to the roof, a long stride carrying her through the halls quickly. Most people were wise enough not to comment on whether she should be going up there or not. Of course, when she arrived, it wasn't quite the solace she'd been seeking. Before she realized her misstep, she stepped out onto the roof; only when she moved toward a decent view did she pick up voices, and then saw the three girls they belonged to. She smoothed the flash of irritation from her expression (or so she thought) before addressing them.
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"What are you three doing on the roof?" She belatedly realized that it wasn't exactly a polite way to question it, but she was tense, and didn't feel like forcing herself to care.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, you know what they teach us there, right? You don't start a fight, you end one. I can't be picking fights all the time. Saya here might kill me if I get myself messed up. Can't let her worry."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sounds to me like it is a date. I already ate so I'll go on and get out of your hair, Kasuga. You two have fun now."
Waving over her shoulder, Mildred walked away and looked around to see if there was anything else interesting going on during the lunch hour. Some harassment to stop maybe, if she was lucky.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"Wait, you can do girl voices too?" Shoji blurted out, pausing for a moment before belatedly realizing what she said, "I-I mean, I never knew that. I don't think it should surprise me though, seeing as you are... Er... The President of the Theater club" she explained quickly, following up by clearing her throat to move the conversation on. She was still nervous, but Mori was surprisingly nice, a fact that Shoji kept forgetting even after their interviews.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/899002337849376808/First_draft_of_Soji.png)
"Er, anyway... I shouldn't talk too much about rumors before they reach the paper, but it's been mostly the same old. Fuuka's identity, some talk about the "White Knight of Mishima", stuff like that. I... Haven't really paid much attention to rumors that don't involve the school. That's not really my field."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Ah, same old things everyone is always talking about. Though I got to say, if anyone figures out who Fuuka is, can they tell me? A few of our better singers are leaving soon and I'd rather like if she could help teach some of the freshman a bit." Mori chuckled a bit again. "As for doing female voices, well, the secret to being a good actor is versatility. The ability to change your presentation to fit whatever role you're asked to, from innocent sailor to revenge drunk murderer. From hormonal teenager, to bitter magician. If an actor can only do one role, even if they do that role stupendously well, they'll still find their opportunities lacking."
He tapped his forehead as if he was considering something. Of course, he'd already been planning this course of events since the start of the conversation, when he noticed that Shoji needed to write an article. The notes she was taking showed that much. She was looking for something that would be interesting enough to have in the newspaper, and he was happy to help.
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
"Hey, speaking of the paper, neither of us are doing anything, so why don't you come with me to the theater room and you can interview me while I finish my lunch? We haven't figured out what play we're doing yet, but we have it narrowed down to a few and perhaps you can put it out in the newspaper so we can judge what the student body would be most interested in seeing?"
-
The appearance of the heiress on the rooftop startled the girls for a moment. As she asked her question, Yui stood up rapidly and started bowing repeatedly.
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "I, I'm truly sorry, we'll leave immediately, please don't bother paying us any attention!"
However, Morimoto, always the spunky girl, grabbed Yui by the shoulder to make her stop bowing before looking straight at Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "No need to be so mean about it, Akari-san! It's not like your family owns this school! We just dislike the noises from the cafeteria, that's all."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Only reason I'm gonna be mean to you is because you're throwing a fit over me asking a question, Morimoto-san." She planted her hands on her hips, leaning forward. "What, is there a problem with me being up here?" Her tone was unmistakably confrontational.
-
-snip-
As Mildred walks away from Akihiko and Saya, she senses, for the briefest of moments, someone next to her, a light, cold touch on the back of her neck. If she were to look around, she would see nothing, of course, except for Saya and Akihiko talking one second, then rubbing the back of their necks the next, looking around confusedly.
-
For a second Mildred almost raised her fists, but then stopped. Someone or something had touched the back of her neck without first going through the thick mane of her hair, and apparently she wasn't the only one. After another second she grabbed a pushbroom someone had carelessly left leaning against the wall.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "All right, whoever is playing pranks, come on out here. If I have to track you down you don't want to know what I'm going to do with this broomstick."
-
As if to punctuate Morimoto's previous point, down below, the door to Hermelin's main cafeteria swung open. As it did, three girls stepped through, talking amongst themselves. The precise details of the conversation didn't matter; in the short trip through the hall and downstairs, it had already meandered far from its origin, from music, to what one wanted to eat, to cows, to mythology, to anime that happened to involve minotaurs. But it continued to wind along to an unknown destination, leaping a mile for every step the three took to get in line to get today's lunch.
Each turn seemed to come with a word from one of the girls, somewhat taller than the others, her hair colored a rich blue and with a calm, collected tone belied by the nature of her statements. Each of which seemed to leave the second of the girls, slighter of build, with glasses perched atop her nose and hair colored a vibrant green, increasingly confused, until she found herself swept along, only occasionally able to offer a bewildered or exasperated question which only drove the conversation further. Something which seemed terribly amusing to the third girl in the group, long and deeply-red hair flowing down her back with a grace matched only by her quick step, even if she was no less confused. She was still more than happy to chime in and keep the conversation flowing, knowing the others well enough to realize she only had to wait for things to circle around again.
Save for the colors of their hair, the three of them might pass for any other ordinary high school girls at a glance. But while they kept talking, a growing-if-scattered interest radiated outwards once the three acquired their food and made for the cafeteria proper. Though most of the students there were content to ignore them and carry on their conversations as normal, more than a few eyes turned towards them, voices of their owners growing hushed as they did. The air in the room grew tense with anticipation, just as the three started to sit down.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Speaking of Wondrous Witch Harmony~! I ended up listening to the music in that show again after the last time Yumi-sama brought it up, and I was thinking-"
"AH! Aika-chan! Good job on your last show! You sounded great!"
"Yeah! I didn't manage to catch it myself, but I saw Yama-sama's upload, and you looked as good as ever dancing on stage-"
"Are you kidding? You should've gone in person! If you did, you'd know Naoki-chan's way cuter if you see the show yourself-"
"That isn't what I meant! And anyway-"
"And anyway, Kaede-sama was the best! Didn't you hear her in Moonlight Tides? That was-"
"-Just proof that they're all great! All of you were great!"
As soon as they found themselves surrounded, the red-haired idol took point, beaming cheerfully and laughing along with the small crowd surrounding them.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Thanks~! We practiced really hard for that one. And for what it's worth-"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Don't worry if you couldn't catch it in person! There's going to be a free concert in a few weeks, so you'll be able to judge if your friends are right or not yourself then. Consider it my personal invitation!"
"Oh, really? That's great! I'll be sure to go."
"Hey, you three should come over and sit with us! We've got plenty of room-"
"Hey, no way! Don't try to hog them all for yourself. They should come join us-"
"Definitely not! But we've got a place near the window, if you want a good place to sit. Arai-san brought some snacks, too, so we'd love to share-"
Flattered as she was, the red-haired girl struggled to manage the enthusiasm of the fans--smile as bright as ever, even as she started raising her hands in a silent plea for them to slow down just a little. Beside her, the blue-haired girl cracked her knuckles, rolled her shoulders, and finished off her curry bun as quickly as she could.
"I'll hold them off, you two. Run while you can."
"Aaaah! Kaede-sama's so cool~!"
In response to this, the green-haired girl just gave a half-bemused sigh. For her part, though, the red-haired girl was more than happy to take the temporary excuse to eat her lunch in peace.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Sorry, everyone! I guess you're being held off, or something like that."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "We'll go finish up our lunch. See you in class later, Ishida-san."
"See ya! Congrats again on the show."
And with that, Aika took Naoki's arm, pulling her out from the small crowd, while Kaede valiantly made to hold them off (and probably also eat their snacks, if she could get away with it).
-
It was undeniable that Shoji was beginning to calm down slightly over the course of their talk, but as soon as the word ‘interview’ popped up, the ‘reporter’ froze, right before beginning to stammer out a response,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
“U-Uhm, n-no thanks. I’d love to but, erm, I…” Shoji started, racking her brain for any conceivable excuse she could think of, stammering for a few seconds before she finally thought of something, “-I just remembered that one of my club mates wanted to, uh… Talk about a potential article with me, yeah! I’ll, erm, have to take your offer another time, sorry!” she stated, right before spinning on her heel and booking it down the hall. Was it rude to just up and leave like that? Probably. But Shoji wasn’t about to walk into what was obviously a trap.
… Besides, she wasn’t even that good with interviewing anyway. She didn’t know why her club mates kept making her do it. Shoji just hoped that this didn't tank her reputation in the school, the fact that she literally ran from one of the most popular students.
-
"Hmmm... guess I underestimated just how easily startled she was." Mori thought. But, not to worry, there would be another chance to befriend Shizuko. Who knows, perhaps she'll feel bad for running away from him when he'd been pleasant, he thought at least, and next time she'll be more willing to help because she'll be apologetic. He began to formulate a plan for a future conversation as he took out his phone and started walking to the Theatre Room.
"You still there?" he texted.
"Yes" came the reply, followed by "You're slow."
"I ran into Shizuko and wanted to befriend her so I could get info."
"Who?"
"Shizuko Shoji"
"?"
"Red haired news club girl. You met here when she interviewed me."
"*her"
"No idea."
"Nevermind. Heading over, see you in a bit."
It was a relatively quick walk to the Theatre Room. Mori walked in to see another person sitting down inside.
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
"Hey Veep." Mori said
(https://i.imgur.com/a13svu2.png)
Veep waved to him, but didn't say anything.
"So, what plays do we have the list down to?"
Veep handed Mori a piece of paper. Mori held his hand over his face, paused for a moment, then pulled it off.
(https://i.imgur.com/pLpS7uz.png)
"Romeo and Juliet, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Importance of Being Earnest, which you might be interested in, The Crucible, and And Then There Were None." Mori read off, before shaking his head out and returning to his normal voice.
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
"I understand the importance of being earnest, but you know, neither of them would have ever gotten a chance if they weren't a bit less than Earnest in the first place."
Veep just rolled his eyes and pulled out a pen.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Only reason I'm gonna be mean to you is because you're throwing a fit over me asking a question, Morimoto-san." She planted her hands on her hips, leaning forward. "What, is there a problem with me being up here?" Her tone was unmistakably confrontational.
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Nah, but so isn't with us being up here. Could have simply ignored us, that's usually not hard for you to do."
Yui stepped in front of Mino and looked between both her and Shiro, fidgeting for a short moment before opening her mouth.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "If, if there's no problem with all of us being here... Can't we just move on? Please? The-there's no need to make a scene out of it..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Then tell your little friend here to back off, Aiuchi-san. I came up here for air, not to argue with you people."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "That's absolutely fine!"
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Hmpf. Don't start arguments then. Leave us alone and we'll leave you alone, simple as that."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Follow your own advice, brat. All I did was ask a question." Shiro took a deep breath, trying to reassemble the facade. She wasn't doing a very good job of maintaining it lately. "You should be more careful about who you're rude to, Morimoto-san. It'll get you further in life."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Well, I certainly wouldn't want to be rude so someone influencal... like the Mishima family~"
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "No scene, no scene, we agreed on that! We, we, we have to go!"
Yui grabbed Mino and forcefully pushed her to the rooftop entrance, going down the stairs with her. Chino Hisa silently and respectfully bowed towards Shiro before making her own exit.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"You little-" Her arms twitched, and for a moment, it looked as if she were going to handle things like she did on the street. She resisted, however, and let the trio escape unharmed. "At least I can finally get some damn peace and quiet."
-
Akihiko rubs the back of his neck, shuddering.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "You catch who that was, Honda? That's brisk..."
Mildred looks through the corridors. Nothing aside from students milling about, nothing out of the ordinary. Except....out of the corner of her eye, a blur of black dipping into a side corridor.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I saw something, so I'm gonna go check it out. You guys go ahead and eat; if it's someone trying to cause trouble, you know I can handle it."
Broom in hand, Mildred jogged off in the direction she saw the blur.
-
"You know this isn't the first time we've seen people run away from you, right?"
A voice sounds behind Shiro.
Behind her is Rise Koga, student council president, arms folded and a disapproving, but not surprised, look. Following not far behind is Touma Nanjo, student council vice president.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Something wrong, Akari?"
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
As Shizuko sprints down the hall, she collides, very suddenly, into the back of someone, knocking them over with a loud yelp.
"Ah!"
As the distinctly boyish yelp sounds, Shizuko, who manages to remain on her feet, sees who she's knocked over. It's Riku Tadano, student council secretary, and he seems to have been carrying a bundle of papers that are now currently scattered on the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/bVUSWJA.png) "Aw man....I need to get these to the classroom quick....Rise's gonna kill me if I don't..."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I'll follow you."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "I'm coming too!"
As Mildred, Akihiko and Saya run through the corridors to follow, the blur has....disappeared. The crowd of students doesn't seem to be have parted recently, either.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Do you have anything productive to ask me, Rise-san?" She bit off the honorific like it was an expletive. "Or did you come up here just to stop me from getting a little peace?"
-
Mildred banged the shaft of the broom against some lockers to produce a loud noise and get everyone's attention.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "All right, someone just passed this way. If anyone saw someone running through, point 'em out. Or get out of the way."
The fact she was holding an object she clearly planned on using as a weapon probably didn't help her reputation much.
-
Truthfully, Shoji was not paying attention to where she was running off to, so long as it was away from Mori, just that it was away from them. So it didn't come to much of a surprise that she, after quickly turning a corner, ended up slamming into someone's back, a small squeak coming from the girl as she was forced to take a step back, shaking her head and processing who she just ran into... And subsequently going pale when she recognized who it was,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"Oh god, I'm so sorry T-Tadano-san. I-I'll help" Shoji stammered, quickly stepping around Riku's fallen form and, after placing her journal down, gathering up the scattered papers, "I-I wasn't, erm, paying attention to where I'm going. I'm so sorry that I ran into you."
-
Rise lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "We're allowed to be on this rooftop too, you know, Akari. I wasn't exactly coming here on your behalf."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
Shizuko manages to pick up a few papers, mostly detailing club budgets and a few proposals for new equipment and appliances. She does, however, notice an envelope, the insides quite visible to her as the flap had fallen open, with Rise's name clearly visible inside. The contents of the rest of the letter, of course, are barely visible. Riku is still scrabbling about picking up the papers he hasn't already gotten.
(https://i.imgur.com/bVUSWJA.png) "Aw, man, I almost had these budgets done...."
The students, by and large, actually ignore Mildred, one or two giving her weird looks as they walk past.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....oh boy."
"Is there something the matter, Honda, Akitsuki, Kasuga?"
A young woman in a black suit strolls up to the party, her hair done up in a bun and a pair of black-rimmed glasses on. While Mildred might be less familiar with her, Akihiko and Saya know her full well; she was their homeroom teacher, Ms. Kurenai.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Kurenai-sensei! Uh....hello!."
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Hello, Kasuga. Honda, I do hope you weren't going to use that broom to hit someone. Even if they do deserve it."
-
Shiro pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"That's what the last girl said. I'm not stopping anyone from being on the-" She very nearly bit down on her tongue, narrowly preventing an expletive from escaping - "on the roof. With that cleared up, why are you bothering me if you aren't here for me? My time is valuable, including the free time."
-
Suddenly noticing the time Misa gives a sudden start and then begins putting her book away so she can pack up and get to the next class before lunch time clocks out.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"I lost track of time again." She grumbles to herself as she gets up from the table. "Being late to class... Well, not yet at least."" She shakes her head at herself.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Might not hit them with it... ma'am."
Mildred was perfectly willing to play the semantics game, as she was a bit peeved that no one had so much as gotten out of the way even out of politeness.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/mzla8v4nlx0h2pg/Sigh.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Fine, I'll put it down."
She leaned the broom against a locker.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You wouldn't have happened to see some prankster run through here?"
-
Rise holds up a lunchbox.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Having lunch. You're free to come and sit with us, if you aren't busy."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
Ms. Kurenai adjusts her glasses.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Unfortunately not. I'd still not recommend you use a broom to hit them. The paperwork can be a pain."
Then, in a somewhat lower voice, aimed at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "I'd like to see someone beat Takahana eventually, after all. Be a shame if it wasn't you."
Then back to normal volume.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "If you do find your prankster, please find a teacher. Fighting on school grounds is prohibited."
With that, Ms. Kurenai walks off, ignoring the lovestruck looks of a few senior students staring appreciatively at her. She was, after all, a reasonably young woman, and reasonably attractive.
As Misa leaves the cafeteria, she feels a sharp, cold pain in the back of her neck. If she were to look, of course, she'd not see or hear anyone pass her. At least, not close enough to do that.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/f7pks7wnuzimoiu/Wat.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...That the kind of thing you should be encouraging?"
Mildred watched Kurenai walk off, her eyebrow still raised.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That person is a teacher, right?"
After a further moment, she shrugged broadly.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, anyway. I guess whoever it was got away in the crowd, and they better be grateful for it. They try it on me again and I'm going to show them that I know at least one big word and I'm willing to teach them what 'defenestrate' means."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/N3WnIGT.png)"Oh."
Her first reflex was to turn them down. Storm off in a huff, or tell them to seek their lunch elsewhere. They were basically rabble, nobody important in the grand scheme of things, or so Chichi-ue would have said.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)". . . I suppose that would be acceptable." Some of the tension leaked out of her frame, despite her subconscious effort to keep it there.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Kurenai-sensei? Oh, yeah. There's a rumour she used to be a delinquent herself back when she was our age. Still goes biking, supposedly, if you believe Kaname. She doesn't look it, right?"
He sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, whoever it is better knock it off. Now....you wanna come eat with us? Or did you have something better to do?"
Rise smiles a little.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Excellent."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
Touma, remaining dead silent the entire time, lets out an obvious sigh of relief.
Right then, a cold, sharp pain runs down the back of Shiro's neck.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/V11HUyu.png)"Ah, what the hell!?" Shiro slapped at her neck as if to swat an insect, reflexively responding to the intrusion, before rounding on the council members.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"What are you trying to pull, here? What did you just do?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "What do you mean what did we do? Are you okay? Did something hit you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "...wasn't us. Been standing in front of you this whole time."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Right as soon as you sighed, something hit me in the back of the neck. Where else would that have come from?" Despite her continued hostility, her voice was still uncertain; she still wanted this to go well, small though it was.
-
Touma lifts his hands to show Shiro their contents. Aside from a piece of paper that looks like a proposal for a school music recital, nothing.
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "...I swear that was a coincidence."
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "We were heading up here to eat lunch and didn't even know you'd be up here, anyway. How would we know to set something up to hit you? You might have just been bitten by a mosquito."
-
As Shoji piled up the various papers left scattered on the ground, one especially catches her eye: An envelope with Rise's name. For a brief moment, Shoji hesitated at the sight of it, a part of her deeply wanting to open it up and see what was inside. Rise was one of the most popular students in the school, and very much had countless rumors around her. As part of the Newspaper club, wasn't it her job to look into things like this?
... No, she was a writer, not a snooper. So, with a quick shake of her head, Shoji closed the flap on the envelope, placing it into the pile of papers and quickly collecting the rest before presenting them to Riku,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"U-Uhm, here. I'm really sorry for running into you."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I. . . I don't know. Forget I said anything."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, whoever it is better knock it off. Now....you wanna come eat with us? Or did you have something better to do?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sure. If I'm not intruding on anything, I can hang."
-
Rise nods, waving her hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Forgotten, Akari. Now, shall we eat? You must be hungry. Also, if you don't mind, Riku's coming up here to join us soon."
Touma lowers his hands and keeps his eyes fixed squarely on Shiro, awkwardly.
Riku recieves the pile, sighing relievedly.
(https://i.imgur.com/bVUSWJA.png) "Thanks so much! Man....Demura would kill me if I lost all the budgets he worked so hard on....and Rise would be disappointed if I lost all the other stuff. You're a lifesaver, Shizuko."
He takes the pile, arranging it further, rifling through it. He seems noticeably relieved when he catches the envelope, unopened and untouched, but doesn't mention it to Shoji. He nods back at her, smiling brightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/bVUSWJA.png) "Well, if you ever need anything from the Student Council, just drop me a line! You really did me a solid."
As Riku moves to leave, a sharp, cold pain runs down the back of Shoji's neck.
While Veep and Mori discuss things in the Theatre Room, they receive a brief knock on the door, before the student lets themselves in.
A black-haired bespectacled youth walks in, a frown on his face. Mori recognises him immediately. The young man was Miyazono Otoya, the proverbial Red Baron of Japan's youth music scene, undefeated in numerous youth cellist competitions, until he retired for a few years before high school. Rumours spread, some saying it was his mother's sudden death in a car accident, other more fanciful theories stating he'd been blackmailed by his rivals into quitting, while others still stating he'd simply grown tired of music.
Of course, if the rumours were to be believed, another phenom in the music scene, Sakurajima Kanna, a fellow student of his and renown for her own skill on the piano, had roped him back into music. Certainly, they'd won more than their fair share of competitions since they'd met up at the beginning of their first year. The rumour pool even went around that they were dating. Of course, with Sakurajima showing up at school less and less lately, and Miyazono looking more withdrawn, the rumour mill went on.
For now, of course, Otoya was here. He nodded at both of the students in the room.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Hey. Have you guys seen Sakurajima somewhere? Tadano said she went into the Theatre Room about ten minutes ago looking for something but-"
A loud crash ensues from the room next door, closer to Mori and Veep than Otoya.
Meanwhile, in the classroom Masaru is studying, someone knocks on the open door frame to get people's attention. A familiar face pops in.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Is Demura in? I just completed the budget requests for the Computer Club."
The young woman was Futaba Tomoe, President of the Computer Club and one of the three rumoured Yagami Fuukas. Masaru would be, of course, familiar with her; all club presidents were required to submit their budgets at some point so the Council could allocate them, and she had always been punctual with hers. She was nice enough, if distant. Nobody of real concern.
(https://i.imgur.com/FgyVCrw.png) "The more the merrier, right! Come on, Honda, we can catch up! Us girls need to take care of Aki-kun, after all."
Suddenly, Akihiko's phone begins to ring. He fishes it out of his pocket, frowning.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Damn. I gotta take this. Sorry. I'll be back in about five minutes. You two go get started without me, okay?"
He moves the phone up to his ear, heading somewhere quieter. Saya waits until Akihiko is out of earshot, before turning to Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Honda, do you mind if I ask you something? Just between us two."
As Aika and Naoki flee, they suddenly find themselves in the path of an elegant-seeming young woman. She manages to stop herself from colliding into them.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "...I'm sorry."
She would be known by reputation, of course, if not personally. Fujimura Ayaka, one of the alleged three Yagami Fuukas, manager of the Tennis Club. If she was a musician, of course, she didn't let on, but then, not much was really known about the circumstances of Yagami's retirement.
Regardless, there she stands, giving Aika and Naoki a look, her expression unreadable. She looks back at the crowd being valiantly held back by Kaede.
As Yui's gaggle of friends make to flee, they eventually run into a large, athletic student. They definitely know who he is.
Sasanuma Eisuke, captain of the football team. He was involved in an incident with another student last year, which by virtue of the rumour mill was known to be Kasuga Akihiko. Calls to boot him off the football team were made, but never ultimately followed up on. In any case, he had grown distant from his fellow footballers, and rumour had it he had severed ties with most of the other students involved in the incident, particularly one Kaneko Daiya, his former best friend and one of Akihiko's fiercest opponents.
He stares at them briefly.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "...."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Oh, I'd be happy to answer you," Mori replied, "but first, I think I need to go stick my nose where it doesn't belong."
Mori stood up and closed his now finished bento while Veep picked up all their papers and put them neatly away. As Mori walked through the doorframe to go check out the commotion, he turned around.
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
"You're both free to join me, of course. I'll let you know as soon as I'm done regardless."
-
Shiro waved a hand dismissively.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"This is your get-together. It's not my place to decide who you bring." She still had a bit of lunch left over, something she retrieved from her bag after she sat down. Shiro side-eyed Touma, but wasn't going to comment if he wanted to stay silent.
-
Nodding back to Riku, Shoji pushed herself back to her feet, making sure to pick up her journal as she did so
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/899002337849376808/First_draft_of_Soji.png)
"N-No problem. Erm, take care Tadano-sa-" Shoji began, giving the other student a slight wave as she turned to leave as well, preferably as fast as she arrived, before having to bite back a gasp as a sharp, cold chill ran down her neck, her hand quickly moving behind her head. Thankfully, the pain didn't seem to last long, and simply left Shoji standing confused for a few moments, rubbing the back of her neck, before glancing around the hall the two students were in. To Shoji, a sudden chill could only mean one thing in this type of situation:
It was a warning. Of what, Shoji didn't know, but it was a warning nonetheless. She just had to figure out if there was something nearby that might be a threat or if it was somewhere else.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sure, I guess, but I'm not much good with... girly things. What's up?"
-
Rise nods, before sitting down, opening her lunch. It was an absolutely pristine bento, arranged perfectly. She smiled, despite herself.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Riku....you didn't really have to do this," she whispered. She closed her eyes, before looking back at Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Oh, don't mind Touma. He's....not good with talking. Riku and I have to speak for him a lot. With your reputation - no offense meant - he's rather skittish. But I can assure you, he means no harm."
Touma quietly nods, eyes still on Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/bVUSWJA.png) "Shoji? Are you okay?"
No seeming threats nearby for Shoji. No threats to be worried about, no bullies coming up behind her, nothing. The students around her seem to be minding their own business. The pain dulls quickly.
Mori looks in the other room. The other room doubled as storage for both theatre props and music-related items, such as sheet music stands, spare reeds for various instruments, spare instruments, and the like; a budget-saving measure, as the school wasn't that big.
In the other corner, he sees a female student hunched over on the floor, trembling. From how she is splayed out, it appears as if her legs gave out beneath her. A bunch of sheet music is scattered across the floor.
A few moments passes, as she breathes in and out, before slowly, she begins to collect the sheets together. After doing so, she grabs one of the stands, managing, slowly, to pull herself to her feet. Patting herself down, she turns around. Mori recognises her too; this girl was Sakurajima Kanna. She gives Mori a sunny smile, as if nothing happened.
(https://i.imgur.com/fDsF43T.png) "Oh. Hey, Mori! Nice to see you here. Um....do you need anything?"
Saya shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "No, no, nothing like that."
She sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "I just....well....it's been in my head for a while now. I....you managed to protect Aki-kun that day, right? How did you do that?"
-
Masaru didn't notice Futaba's entrance at all; all he could notice in his studying trance was that someone mentioned his family's name, and it took him a moment to look around and notice a club president with budget papers.
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"...You interrupted me, again. We have a secretary, you know."
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"...Leave them on my desk today. From this point on, know that my time is important. Dismissed."
Part of him liked to entertain the idea that this blunder was due to this club president's faith in his commitment to his duties. But regardless, men like him had a way of doing things.
-
Mori's eyes narrowed. He understood that Sakurajima was not well. Similarly, he understood that she didn't want it to become known how unwell she truly was. A desire not to be treated as fragile, or simply and act to save face, he wasn't fully certain, but he understood enough. He moved forewords to where he was next to her, grabbed her arm to keep her stable, and gently placed two of the metal stands on the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
*"You need to be more careful, Sakurajima."* Mori hissed *"I understand you don't want people to worry about you, but you can't do everything by yourself, especially in here, where you could have easily gotten hurt if one of the instruments had fallen on you. How do you think Otoya would feel then? I won't tell him you collapsed, but if I see you in here alone again, I'm going to let him know. Do you understand?*
He didn't give her time to respond as he let go of her arm and started picking up the stands.
(https://i.imgur.com/OUBVg0B.png)
"Hey, Otoya, found you girlfriend in here! She knocked over some stands!"
-
As Yui's gaggle of friends make to flee, they eventually run into a large, athletic student. They definitely know who he is.
Sasanuma Eisuke, captain of the football team. He was involved in an incident with another student last year, which by virtue of the rumour mill was known to be Kasuga Akihiko. Calls to boot him off the football team were made, but never ultimately followed up on. In any case, he had grown distant from his fellow footballers, and rumour had it he had severed ties with most of the other students involved in the incident, particularly one Kaneko Daiya, his former best friend and one of Akihiko's fiercest opponents.
He stares at them briefly.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "...."
Upon setting her eyes on him, Mino blushed slightly. Hisa, on the other hand, remained her formal and polite self.
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Oh! Hello there, Sasanuma-san!"
(https://i.imgur.com/gtP2rqH.png) "Greetings, Sasanuma-san."
Of course they would react like that. Yui didn't had them as friends during her first year and they aren't much wiser than others about what happened to her back then. The rumors were focused on the perpetrator and the assailant after all, never at the victim. Mino and Hisa did not know how the two of them are connected.
She intended to keep it that way...
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) "... Greetings, Sasanuma-san."
... even if her eyes betrayed her neutral tone, a mixture of avoidance and slight annoyance.
-
... Nothing in plain sight. Absolutely nothing that struck Shoji as 'out of the ordinary'. Which meant that her initial assumption about a threat was off by a huge margin. Not only that, but she was now odd one in the hall.
Crap.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"H-Huh? Oh, um, n-I mean, yes, just some... Erm... Cold?" Shoji stammered out, trying and quickly failing to come with a proper explanation that didn't sound like lunacy, "N-Nevermind, don't worry about it, I'm fine. I gotta get to the club room real quick so, erm, bye!" she quickly stated, right before running off once again, this time in the direction of the Newspaper club room. She didn't know how much more time was left with their scheduled lunch break, but she could really use some alone time right now.
-
As Misa leaves the cafeteria, she feels a sharp, cold pain in the back of her neck. If she were to look, of course, she'd not see or hear anyone pass her. At least, not close enough to do that.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"Ouch!" Misa flinches and turns around, a glare forming in her eyes to see who decided to poke her this time... but wait, she's at school, there's no family here and... no one's there anyway?
Puzzled, Misa glances around, one hand on the back of her neck lightly rubbing where she felt the pain.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "I just....well....it's been in my head for a while now. I....you managed to protect Aki-kun that day, right? How did you do that?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "He did a pretty good job protecting himself, but I'd say I helped a fair bit. And as for how? With these!"
Mildred took off her jacket for a second, revealing a tanktop under it that didn't exactly fit too well, and flexed. She wasn't a bodybuilder or anything, but she had quite a bit of definition to her abs and arms. After showing off a bit, she put her jacket back on and buttoned it up as well as she could.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, that and everything I could get my hands on. It's funny how even the most determined group of people will decide they'd rather be anywhere other than fighting you when you've already broken three chairs and a light tube across their friends' heads and left them scattered across the hallways."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...You gotta be tough to hang out with 'the bad kids', you know? Goes double if you're a girl. I got this strong because I've had to fight for every bit of respect I've earned the last five years."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/bVUSWJA.png) "Shizu...ko?"
That is all that Shoji hears as she runs. The pain has almsot gone, but she can't help but feel there's something still up.
Kanna simply stares at Mori as he helps her up. Before she responds, Mori calls Otoya in, and Otoya pokes his head in, eyes widening.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Sakurajima! What are you....you said you wanted me to meet you in the music room to practice for next week! What gives?"
(https://i.imgur.com/fDsF43T.png) "You took too long! I got bored and went to find something down here!"
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Hey, Nanami-sensei had to talk to me about last week's test, okay?"
Kanna simply crossed her arms, pouting. Then, in a cheeky tone of voice....
(https://i.imgur.com/fDsF43T.png) "Hmph. You're still late. You owe me moon cake now."
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Again? You really like moon cake lately. Last month, it was caneles. Really taking a toll on my wallet...."
(https://i.imgur.com/fDsF43T.png) "A free spirit like me can't be held down to one kind of delicious pastry. Now come on, let's go! We gotta practice, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "...Tadano sent me down here to find you in the first place to find....you know what, never mind. I'm just glad I found you."
Kanna ambles over to Otoya. Otoya nods at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Sorry about that. I promise, we'll get out of your hair right now. Come on, Sakurajima."
He walks out of the room. Kanna hangs back, waiting for a few moments. Then....
(https://i.imgur.com/fDsF43T.png) "....thanks, by the way."
With that, she leaves the room.
A cold, sharp pain suddenly runs down Mori's back.
Futaba drops the budget on Masaru's desk. She looks as if she was about to say something in response to Masaru's rudeness, but if she was, she thought better of it.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "....understood."
As she walks away from Masaru, an unpleasant cold feeling, like frozen steel, shoots through Masaru's back.
Saya sighs, again.
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "....I figured it was something like that."
She nods at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "I just....it's been on my mind, that day. I should've been there with Aki-kun. He and I go way back and....I know you're tough, but....it should've been my job to protect him. It's not your fault, don't worry about it, I just feel like I should've.....you know, done something."
Sasanuma quietly nods to acknowledge Mino and Hisa, his eyes fixed on Yui.
His expression betrays.....is that awkwardness? Guilt? The captain extends an envelope to Yui.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "....here. Read it in private. It's not a love letter."
He quietly stalks off.
As Yui examines the envelope, a metallic, cold pain shoots through the back of her neck.
...huh....you seem like a dreaming type, don't you? Someone like your heroes, who can always get out of trouble.
A voice pierces through Misa's mind, drawing her attention. The voice, clearly female, has an echoing quality to it.
You won't...you won't turn into a monster. I believe in you.
A girl enters Misa's vision.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Are you okay?"
She looks....familiar, despite not wearing a Hermelin uniform. Her voice sounds identical to the one she'd just heard, but it isn't echoing at all; it sounds normal, like any other student.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Did something hit you in the back? Do I need to get a nurse?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "....I figured it was something like that."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "I just....it's been on my mind, that day. I should've been there with Aki-kun. He and I go way back and....I know you're tough, but....it should've been my job to protect him. It's not your fault, don't worry about it, I just feel like I should've.....you know, done something."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "No disrespect meant, but if you'd been there, you probably would have just gotten in the way. I can tell from one look you've never thrown a punch in your life, not even for practice, and from what I've heard about your reputation you don't have even the thinnest streak of meanness in you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's a good thing for a girl, though. You'll go far in society. Unless... you're not asking me to train you, are you?"
-
Shiro shrugged.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Not a problem for me. Sometimes quiet is better." She wasn't really sure what to be doing with these two at this rate. Ingratiating herself with them, she supposed? Petty or not, they did hold positions of power, and connections were important. It would be good practice, or something. Shiro rubbed idly at the back of her neck. Today was starting to get weird.
-
Mori's eyes screwed shut and he breathed in sharply through his clenched teeth as he slapped the back of his neck. He shuddered backwards, his back slamming into one of the walls with a dull thud, but thankfully his arm had kept his head from following. He stood there for a bit, back pressed to the wall, breathing in and out. It felt like he'd just been stabbed with an icicle, but that was of course impossible. The only people in the room had been himself, Sakurajima, and Otoya, and they hadn't touched him. A bug? If so, it had to have moved fast enough that he hadn't felt it when he smacked his neck. When the cold and pain had faded, he called out.
(https://i.imgur.com/kYdzYZK.png)
"Veep" *huh* Mori called, still not fully having caught his breath "can you" *huh* "come in here. Please."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "....I guess? I don't know anymore."
Saya rubs the back of her neck, slightly cringing.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "....I still can't help but...no, I had to have done something. It's...well, you'd understand, right? You don't leave behind those closest to them. I know I couldn't have done anything then, I know, but....I should've. I can't...."
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "You always eat lunch alone, Akari? You don't seem used to company."
The pain rapidly fades as Veep runs into the room.
For a brief second, Mori swears he heard something speak, or someone. A voice much like his own; no, identical. The voice says nothing coherent, nothing sensical, a brief whisper, almost mistaken for the sound of a breeze if not for the fact it sounded almost exactly like him.
Indeed, there is no bug to be found, and if there was anything for Kanna or Otoya to have hit him with, it's nowhere in sight.
-
Still tense from the interruption, Masaru turned behind him the instant he felt the cold shock in his back. But no one was sitting near him, and nothing from a distance could've gotten a good angle through the back of his deskchair, so a prank was impossible. Is there a draft in this room? Or is it some illness? It didn't *quite* feel like a fever or a breeze, though... He'd need to look into this if it persisted.
-
The girls looked after Sasanuma before staring at the envelope.
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Well, I'll be damned! What's the secret behind your skyrocketing popularity?! Even more important, what's in there?"
(https://i.imgur.com/gtP2rqH.png) "Oh, let her be, Mino-chan. He probably had to do an errant for someone, might not be something he wrote."
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Pooey! He even said to read it in private, he knows what it must be! Definitely a love letter!"
(https://i.imgur.com/gtP2rqH.png) "He just said..."
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Why say something isn't something when it's not that something in the first place? Captain's just a shy man I'll bet, ehehehe~"
The sudden pain in her nape made Yui's backside flinch before she freezes her posture, visibly confused and with a strained expression. Her friends were just as confused by that reaction.
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "... Err... Maybe it's not a love letter after all...? Everything's alright?"
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "I... I don't know... Something weird happened just now... Can you check the back of my neck, just to make sure?"
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Eeeh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/gtP2rqH.png) "Sounds strange... but of course, Yui-chan."
Mino and Hisa started to examine her neck as promped.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"I felt a cold, sharp pain run down my back, with no evidence of what caused it. I want you to record this. It may be nothing, regardless, if a cause can not be discerned, it may be a good idea to investigate. With all that has happened recently, I don't think anything can be discarded without some looking into."
Veep pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down what Mori had said. Mori pulled himself off the wall and checked the time on his phone.
"Now, it looks like we don't have much time until lunch is over. We did a good amount of work so far, let's meet up after school for a bit to coordinate again. Also, if you hear anything about a similar experience to mine, let me know as soon as you can do so. Besides that, it would be a bother if either of us were late for class. Let's head out."
The two returned to the theater room to collect their things, then split in the hallway, heading for separate classes.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "....I guess? I don't know anymore."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "....I still can't help but...no, I had to have done something. It's...well, you'd understand, right? You don't leave behind those closest to them. I know I couldn't have done anything then, I know, but....I should've. I can't...."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I get it, I do, but you can't worry about everyone. No one is capable of helping everyone - especially people like you and me, who ain't even 18 yet. Sounds to me like what you want to do is go into politics and try to figure out how to make things better with that kind of power. Me, I'll keep doing it my way."
That is, free from all rules and regulations trying to hold her down, and having fun beating the living hell out of anyone trying to ruin the lives of those weaker than them.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "What do you plan to do once you're out of here, anyway?"
-
As Aika and Naoki flee, they suddenly find themselves in the path of an elegant-seeming young woman. She manages to stop herself from colliding into them.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "...I'm sorry."
She would be known by reputation, of course, if not personally. Fujimura Ayaka, one of the alleged three Yagami Fuukas, manager of the Tennis Club. If she was a musician, of course, she didn't let on, but then, not much was really known about the circumstances of Yagami's retirement.
Regardless, there she stands, giving Aika and Naoki a look, her expression unreadable. She looks back at the crowd being valiantly held back by Kaede.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ah, Fujimura-senpai..."
The red-haired idol somehow managed to stop on a dime before colliding with the third-year, her still-flummoxed groupmate skidding to a halt beside her. Aika blinked twice at the older student before giving a smile, a little laugh, and rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment. She'd heard the rumors about Ayaka, of course. She'd followed those sorts of things closely. But interested as she was, she'd never had too much cause to speak with any of the alleged ex-idols directly--partially because all of them were older than her, and seeking them out to assuage her curiosity and track down her childhood hero would be rude to someone who vanished for a reason. Even if she really wanted to know what that reason was.
And partially because the few times she did speak to them, with that rumor in the back of her mind, it always ended up feeling painfully awkward.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "No, no! It's our fault for running, after all. We were just off to find a quiet place to finish lunch break, since we wanted to relax a little before class, but-"
She glanced back at Kaede, who was less 'bravely holding the crowd back' now and more 'bravely making inroads on all of their offered snacks.' WHILE holding them back. It was a bit impressive, really.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ehehe. Things got a bit exciting in the cafeteria..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)". . . Typically, yes." She gave a small shrug. "Most people are either only interested in speaking to me because of my status or disinterested for that same reason." That and my attitude, she added silently. She'd never admit she had an attitude problem outright, but she couldn't help but think she might have a few more friends if she were better at acting the part.
-
...huh....you seem like a dreaming type, don't you? Someone like your heroes, who can always get out of trouble.
A voice pierces through Misa's mind, drawing her attention. The voice, clearly female, has an echoing quality to it.
You won't...you won't turn into a monster. I believe in you.
A girl enters Misa's vision.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Are you okay?"
She looks....familiar, despite not wearing a Hermelin uniform. Her voice sounds identical to the one she'd just heard, but it isn't echoing at all; it sounds normal, like any other student.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Did something hit you in the back? Do I need to get a nurse?"
Misa hesitates in the face of a stranger, before glacing to the side.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"It felt like someone jabbed me in the back of the neck... but... I didn't see anyone or anything nearby?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"And then... I thought I heard someone say... no, it probably doesn't matter."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)..."Ah... have we met before? I could swear I know you, but you're not wearing a Hermelin uniform?"
-
Saya nods slowly at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "....I...I don't know."
Saya suddenly hisses loudly, hand on her temple.
(https://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "Ack! Headache....I think I might need to see the nurse. Could you get Aki-kun? I'm really sorry, Honda, I wasn't....hoping to disrupt your lunch like this..."
Mino and Hisa find absolutely nothing to indicate anything out of the ordinary on the back of Yui's neck. If Sasanuma had intended to do something to Yui, this wasn't it.
The girl looks around, before she shakes her head. She frowns slightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "I didn't see anyone nearby...not here, I don't think."
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "I don't think we've met yet, no. People call me Chiyo. Is there a....nurse? Is that the right word? Yes, nurse. Is there a nurse we need to take you to?"
Rise lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "It might also be because you scare people off with your presence. No offense meant."
Rise sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Sorry. I know I'm being blunt. You remind of Demura sometimes, and....he can be somewhat of a handful. But then, I sense you're a person who prefers that kind of approach. No sugarcoating, but no hate either. Would I be wrong?"
As Rise speaks, Shiro catches a glimpse, just a brief glimpse of something strolling past them for a mere second. Something not quite human....but also....familiar. Like looking in the mirror.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"......"
The moment Shiro blinks or moves to approach or signal that it exists, it disappears from her vision.
Ayaka takes one look at the gaggle of people, then back at Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "If you would allow me. I understand the feeling."
She strolls past Aika and Naoki, before, in her loudest voice....
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "I THINK I SAW MISHIMA KANADE OUTSIDE!"
Almost immediately, the vast majority of the crowd hounding Kaede dissipates, sprinting towards the window. Aika, of course, was a big name, but Kanade Mishima was about as famous locally. After all, she was the heiress of the man who had revived the city. Ayaka smiles lightly at Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "That should buy you some time."
Suddenly, a cold, painful sensation shoots through the back of Aika's neck.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "No need to bother Kasuga, I'll take you. I already ate anyway. C'mere."
Mildred picked Saya up in a princess carry and started off toward the nurse's office.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Outta my way, got a patient here!"
-
Shiro's response was interrupted by the appearance of. . . something. She blinked and shook her head, and it was gone as if it'd never existed.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"I must be getting sick or something. . ." She refocused her gaze on Rise.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"You'd be correct. An Akari doesn't shy away from a little criticism."
-
The girl looks around, before she shakes her head. She frowns slightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "I didn't see anyone nearby...not here, I don't think."
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "I don't think we've met yet, no. People call me Chiyo. Is there a....nurse? Is that the right word? Yes, nurse. Is there a nurse we need to take you to?"
Misa hesitates for a second before nodding, one hand still rubbing the back of her neck.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"The nurse, that makes sense. The nurse's office would be... this way.."
And hopefully the nurse would give her a note to explain being late to class and a headache slash pain pill.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Huh? Kyaa!"
Saya yelps as she is suddenly picked up and carried through the halls.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "P-Put me down!"
It's not long before Saya's squeal of surprise attracts Akihiko, who seems to be stufing his phone back into his pocket.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What the....Honda, what are you doing?!"
Chiyo nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "It's good you know. I....am not sure I know where it is."
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "You're a student at Hermelin, right?"
Rise nods calmly.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "And neither do I. I suppose we might just get along. For...slightly more casual talk...do you attend any clubs? I don't think I've ever seen your name on any club registers."
The specter or demon or whatever it is appears in Shiro's vision again, this time exiting the rooftop and heading down the stairs. Again, any movement from Shiro makes it vanish into thin air.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I've got. . . other things to do after school. So no, I'm not."
Then the. . . thing, again.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"What the hell. . . ?" Shiro sighed. She was probably going crazy, but she had to figure out what on earth was going on here if she wasn't.
(https://i.imgur.com/LtjC6BA.png)"Rise, Tadano, I hate to do this right now, but I gotta check something out." Unsettled as she was, she was letting a bit of her "refined heiress" act slip. "I'll be right back, probably," she said as she stood up, fast-walking to the stairwell in an attempt to catch sight of the thing again.
-
Chiyo nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "It's good you know. I....am not sure I know where it is."
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "You're a student at Hermelin, right?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"Yes I am. I don't recognize your uniform though?." Misa asks.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "P-Put me down!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You'll be fine! I'm not going to dump you out a window or anything. Just enjoy the ride and try to relax that head of yours."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What the....Honda, what are you doing?!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Your friend here had a migraine so I'm taking her to the nurse's office. Looked pretty painful so I figured I'd carry her instead of wasting time tracking you down so you could help her get there. Friend of yours is a friend of mine and all that."
After a second of standing around, Mildred had the grace to chuckle a bit self-consciously.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Although I, uh... I forgot exactly where the nurse's office is, actually. Mind leading the way?"
-
Ayaka takes one look at the gaggle of people, then back at Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "If you would allow me. I understand the feeling."
She strolls past Aika and Naoki, before, in her loudest voice....
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "I THINK I SAW MISHIMA KANADE OUTSIDE!"
Almost immediately, the vast majority of the crowd hounding Kaede dissipates, sprinting towards the window. Aika, of course, was a big name, but Kanade Mishima was about as famous locally. After all, she was the heiress of the man who had revived the city. Ayaka smiles lightly at Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "That should buy you some time."
Suddenly, a cold, painful sensation shoots through the back of Aika's neck.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "It would seem so~!"
Kaede was left blinking in the background, largely on her own as the crowd all bolted off. Though given she shrugged and sat down moments later to focus on the remainder of her snacks, she didn't seem to mind overmuch.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Thanks, Fujimura-senpai. I'll have to remember that trick for- Mph!"
Aika visibly winced, a pained little noise escaping her as her hand went once more to the back of her neck. Naoki gave her a look of concern, to which Aika responded with a weak smile and a reassuring wave to both her friend and the Tennis Club manager.
"Aika... Are you okay?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Eheh... I might have been pushing myself a bit much, lately. I think I may have strained my neck a bit..."
Naoki looked a bit dubious. "If you pulled something bad and try to power through again..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I'm fine, I'm fine~! Just a bit of a shock, is all. It's nothing to worry about."
Saying that, she continued to rub the back of her neck, even as her smile attempted to play things off. Naoki didn't look any less concerned.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Sorry about that, Fujimura-senpai."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Nothing there."
(https://i.imgur.com/gtP2rqH.png) "I can't find anything out of the ordinary either. Is everything okay, Yui-chan?"
Yui slowly turned around to her friends, lightly nodding.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "Well, it... It's probably nothing. If it happens again, I'll go to the infirmary."
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Maybe it'll happen again when you look at Sasanuma again~"
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "H-hey! That's not funny!"
(https://i.imgur.com/gtP2rqH.png) "Yeah, just let her be for now, Mino-chan."
(https://i.imgur.com/d7w4RAz.png) "Kidding, kidding~"
The three continued their path, the envelope tucked away in Yui's bag for now.
-
As soon as Akihiko shows up, Saya winces again.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Oh! Hey, Aki-kun. Honda here was just...ahh..."
She winces again, rubbing the spot in the back of her neck where she'd felt that pain; where all of them had felt the pain. A worried, concerned look suddenly crossed her eyes.
Mildred and Akihiko realise, in that moment, that something has gone horribly, horribly wrong.
She stared, a look of pure fear in her eyes, at Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Aki-kun...what's happening to me?"
A single moment passes.
Shiro rounds the doorway, looking for whatever it was that was in her vision, and....nothing. Nobody. Whatever was in her field of vision had disappeared again.
Along with all of the sound in the school. No more students talking, no more cheering, no more distant cars. The entire school was filled with a faint, bluish light and a light fog, as if in the dead of night under the light of a full moon. It had shifted between moments, seamlessly, like Shiro had been looking at a normal school one moment, and somewhere else the next.
If Shiro were to look behind her, Rise and Touma have disappeared. The sky, rather than the light blue with nary a cloud it had been before, was a sickly blue, a too-bright yellow moon lighting up the sky. The city has disappeared, enshrouded by a thick fog.
Aika finds her words fall on deaf ears. Or no ears, really.
The cafeteria is empty, her friends and Ayaka have disappeared. A faint bluish light shines through the windows, a wispy mist filling the air. Not a sign of anyone, except a few distant footsteps.
Aika was alone in the cafeteria.
The same fate befalls Yui, Mori, Shoji and Masaru. One moment, they are surrounded by students, the next, the school is abandoned. Yui is fortunate; her path takes her to the entrance to the cafeteria, where she encounters Aika standing alone. Like all the others, they see the same thing; the school is lit up in a ghostly blue, a mist permeating the entire place, a too-bright moon shining outside.
While Veep has disappeared, Mori manages to run into Shoji, also dragged into this strange otherworld.
Masaru is less fortunate than Yui, Aika, Mori or Shoji; Masaru was now alone in the classroom.
Misa, too, finds herself plunged into this mysterious world as she and Chiyo head to the nurse's office. One moment, Chiyo was explaining to her something.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Uniform? Ah...yes. That....you wear that at school, right. Uh, well, I-"
The next, the world turned blue, the fog filled her vision, and every other student and teacher in Hermelin had disappeared. A few distant footsteps could be heard, a distant sobbing....
...and yet remained Chiyo, a clear look of concern on her face.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "...oh no."
Mildred and Akihiko look around, finding themselves in the same situation.
And no Saya. Mildred doesn't realise when the weight had disappeared from her arms; Saya was here one moment, and the next, she wasn't.
Akihiko's blood froze.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....Honda. What...Saya was just here a moment ago. Where's Saya? Honda, where is she?!"
A distant sobbing can be heard, coming from the front of the school. Akihiko looked to Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....that's Saya. Honda...we have to get to her. But...where's everyone? What happened? Wasn't it daytime just now?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)". . . the hell!?" She glanced backward, and her two impromptu companions were gone. "Tadano? Rise?" She raised her voice. "I swear, if this is some kind of prank, you'll regret fucking around with me." The hair on the back of her neck was on full alert, along with the rest of her body. She looked around the rooftop once more - to no avail - then turned to sprint down the stairs, searching for. . . well, everyone.
-
”Shit” Mori thought. ”Shit!”
His brain went into overdrive. People disappearing, the world flooded by mist, the sky being…
”Shit!”
He’d heard about this, read about this online. There was an Akuma in the school, and he was trapped with it.
His brain quickly ran through a mess of panicked thoughts. He was going to die here. Everything he’d done was going to fail before it had a chance to come to fruition. He was never going to see his family again. Shoji was- wait, Shoji was here too.
The panicked thoughts fled to the background, pushed aside by a realization. There were other people trapped here. Others who didn’t know what was happening, who might be alone, who might stumble into the way of danger and die without knowing why. Suddenly, fear of death was shoved off center stage in his mind, replaced by something else.
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
”Shizuko, listen to me very carefully,” Mori ordered, ”we need to search the school, find if anyone else is trapped here, and try to get together to get a way out. In the process, you will follow any order I give you. If I tell you to run, you will. If I tell you to hide, you will. If I tell you to leave me behind, you will. Understand?”
-
Having stopped to lean on a wall to catch her breath, Shoji's eyes were closed when what could be called a 'shift' occurred. One moment, she was surrounded by other students going about their day, and the next, she was alone. Gone was the comfortable daylight, and in it's place was a light blue fog, covering the halls and
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"W-What the...? H-Hello? Is anyone there?" the young girl called out, stepping away from the wall as she looked around, her mind in a complete panic. Thankfully, she would find herself not completely alone when Mori came around the corner. Ignoring the fact that she had just been running away from him not a few minutes ago, Shoji was almost relieved to see a familiar face, even as he started to come closer to her,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"S-Sawatari-san? Where-" Shoji began, only to be cut off mid sentence as Mori spoke, finding just enough strength in her to rapidly nod in understanding. She was terrified, and she could see that Mori was also... Well, scared might not have been the right word, but unnerved. Still, he might know what to do in this situation.
... It's not like she knew any better.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
”Good, then stay behind me,” Mori ordered as he began to walk forwards through the halls, ”If you see someone, don’t call out to them, unless you’ve made sure it’s a person. If something attacks us, don’t wait for me, just run. If you see anything that doesn’t look hostile, tap me on the shoulder and let me know. Now, come on.”
-
Shiro's threat echoes throughout the school's corridors. Of course, if there are any pranksters to hear it, they don't respond. As Shiro makes her way down, she finds....nothing. No sign students disappeared mid-stride; no lunches abandoned, no books or bags scattered on the floor, no coffee mugs belonging to teachers with lukewarm coffee still inside. Nothing.
The footsteps can still be heard. She's not alone.
The distant sounds of profanity reach Mori and Shoji. At the very least, they're not alone.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "This isn't good. I've heard some of my friends gossip about this kind of thing; usually happens right before an Akuma attack."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, I ain't running. Let's go find Saya and get her somewhere safe."
Mildred grabbed the nearest object - a rather hefty-looking bookbag - and gave it a quick lift to check the weight. Satisfied it would do some damage, she nodded to Akihiko.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Lead the way. I'll be right behind you."
-
Shiro rolled up her sleeves and cracked her knuckles. Whatever the hell was going on, she wasn't about to take it lying down.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"The hell is this? Where is everyone?" She headed toward the other footsteps, her own heavy and deliberate, almost as if they belonged to someone twice her size.
-
Mori turned towards Shoji and put his finger on his lips. Quietly he moved forward. The cussing suggested that whoever it was was a person, rather than some monster, but he wasn’t going to take the chance. With so much about Akumas being unknown, for all he knew the monsters they create could talk.
-
[Now Playing: Tension/Chase Theme ~Hydra~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dz890HVt6M)]
Akihiko takes a moment to breathe.
Saya. Saya was in danger. Other people were, too.
Saya needed him. Saya needed him. No time for fear. This was it.
He cracks his knuckles. The fear had washed away, leaving only will. He knew the rumours about Akuma attacks. He knew how dangerous they could be.
He looks around, settling into what Saya would always call "fight mode".
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...yeah. Don't worry, Honda. I got this. Watch my back."
With a running start, he leads Mildred down the halls, the sounds of their footsteps echoing. Akihiko's eyes shift left and right, making sure to scan for others in the hall.
A flicker of bronze in the corner of Akihiko's eyes. His eyes widened. He stops, suddenly, and ducks, avoiding a bronze, metallic tentacle smashing into the wall where his head had been. Another tentacle thrusts into Akihiko, only for him to smash it aside with a closed fist. The force throws Akihiko back slightly, and he winces, clutching his hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What the hell...?"
Before Mildred and Akihiko stands a glowing, moon-like creature, craggly skin resembling moon rocks, metallic tentacles flailing about, a red gem-like eye in the middle, staring down at Akihiko and Mildred.
The sound of the tentacles smashing rock echo through the corridors to Shiro, suddenly. If she knew anything at all about the school, it was two turns to the right.
-
Suddenly, a crash. Something slamming into something else, something crumbling. Sounds that she didn't exactly expect in a school. The smart thing would have been to head in the opposite direction, but Shiro wasn't quite thinking straight. Besides, she had to know what the hell it was, right?
She hurried down the first turn, then approached the second more slowly. A little caution wouldn't hurt, regardless.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You keep those fucking tentacles away from us, you son of a bitch!"
Mildred spun once for momentum and hucked the bag as hard as she could at the creature, going for the eye but not particularly caring where she hit it as long as she hit it. Before the bag even landed she was already looking for something else and settled on a garbage can.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Keep moving and find Saya! I'll hold this one up!"
Mildred didn't think she could actually win the fight - from what she heard, humans were just flat-out boned against these things - but she could distract it long enough for Kasuga to continue on. And then she'd find her own escape.
-
Misa, too, finds herself plunged into this mysterious world as she and Chiyo head to the nurse's office. One moment, Chiyo was explaining to her something.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Uniform? Ah...yes. That....you wear that at school, right. Uh, well, I-"
The next, the world turned blue, the fog filled her vision, and every other student and teacher in Hermelin had disappeared. A few distant footsteps could be heard, a distant sobbing....
...and yet remained Chiyo, a clear look of concern on her face.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "...oh no."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"What? What's..." Misa twists around, looking around with panic.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"What is this?" As she speaks, she grows louder with panic. "What's going on!?"
-
Masaru was still struggling to regain focus when the 'shift' occurred before his eyes (or at least, as close to it as such a subtle transition could be).
(https://i.imgur.com/SBCj2h4.png)
W-wasn't it lunchtime just now? He couldn't possibly have fallen asleep at his desk; even if such a delinquency from him was conceivable, that horrible chill would've kept him awake. And even if it truly was nighttime... something was horribly wrong about it.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZIf4Czc.png)
"I-I have to get home. If someone found me in the school after closing, my reputation wouldn't survive!" He tried to make the situation more mundane than it was, to keep a semblance of his nerves. In truth, he could sense that his reputation wasn't what might not survive this. He carefully exited his desk... gathered all of his belongings into his bag... navigated out of the first-year classroom he was in... and desperately bolted towards the nearest fire exit.
-
Akihiko looks back at Mildred, ducking as she throws the bag. It crashes into the rock-moon-eyeball creature, not visibly harming it, but distracting it for a few seconds.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "That thing's between us and Saya. I...wait."
He looks at the wall to the side of the creature before them, then to Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "I'm going to do something very, very stupid. We're both getting out of here."
The boy suddenly leaps to the side, tentacles surging towards him, only for Akihiko's foot to land on the wall, the young man to launch himself off of it, and swing his leg into it as hard as he could. The creature, like his earlier parry and Mildred's throw, doesn't seem to be visibly hurt. However, it seems to be flailing to hit Akihiko, who manages to duck behind it, the eye open for a garbage can to be thrown.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Now, Honda!"
This is the scene Shiro finds herself in; Akihiko dropkicking a rock-like, tentacled miniature moon creature, and Mildred throwing increasingly larger objects at it.
Chiyo grabs Misa's shoulders firmly, but gently. She looks her, dead in the eye.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Stay close to me, please. You are in a Domain. It's dangerous in here. I....I think I know why you're in here. If I'm right, I'm sorry. This is going to be....dangerous."
She takes Misa's hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "I will see if I can get you out of here."
Masaru, as he exits the classroom, can hear quietened footsteps.
...
Mori and Shoji are approaching the classrooms, and can hear someone exiting one. An Akuma? No, could be a student. Not heavy enough, anyway.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"What the hell is that!?" She backed off a few steps, trying and mostly failing to get a handle on the situation. With no rational response presenting itself, she simply mimicked the first thing she saw - i.e., Mildred throwing something at it. Shiro hucked her bag at the thing with a more-than-slightly panicked shout. "And why is it just you two here!?"
-
Mori paused briefly, and began quietly moving towards the classroom door. It was probably a student, but he was prepared to turn and run if he was wrong.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Fuck if I know!"
Mildred launched the garbage can at the creature and grabbed a folding chair that had been leaning on the wall behind where the can had been, most likely forgotten.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I do know we need to get out of here! Get past it while you can!"
The third-year dashed in and broke the chair over the creature, then backed away with two metal sticks that ended in jagged points.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Here, catch!"
She tossed one toward Shiro, since she knew Kasuga could defend himself well enough with his fists, and tried to maneuver around to where he was.
-
Akihiko lands on the opposite side of the beast as Shiro and Mildred's projectiles smash into its gem-like eye. It emits a metallic, inhuman roar, screeching and falling to the side, with the chairshot to the head not helping matters. Still, it seems about as hurt as a human with a splinter in its toe. Which, one might imagine, isn't very much hurt, but it's down for now. Smashing a full garbage can into something's eye tends to have that effect.
Akihiko scrabbles to his feet as he lands, looking up at Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "No time to explain. We need to get out of here. We're trying to find a friend of mine. I...I think she's trapped in here too. Let's go, before it gets back up!"
-
Shiro snagged the leg out of the air adroitly, the improvised weapon settling into her hand a bit more comfortably than one would expect from a wealthy heiress.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"Don't have to tell me twice." She didn't hesitate in following Akihiko wherever he led; it was more idea than she had of where she was going, at least.
-
One step, she was next to her friends. The next step, they suddenly vanished, together with all the other students, and she found herself in the middle of a strange environment. Strange, yet familiar to that one time in he recent past. Her eyes widened.
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) "Oh, no... No, no, nononono, nononoNONONO!"
Yui pressed her school back close to her body, clutching it tight, one hand placed on the White Knight plushie dangling from it and squeezing it in her panic that is building up. Her eyes shifted around rapidly, her head and torso twisted around to extend her field of view.
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) "Cafeteria's close... that's... not the worst place to be in."
She ran towards it, bag still close to her chest, and it didn't took long for her to see a somewhat familiar face at the entrance.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "Su, Suzuki-san? Oh, I'm glad I'm not alone here..."
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "... oh no, you being here with me is bad, too... Quick, we need to hide!"
-
Masaru hadn't made it far from his classroom when he sighted two other students: he vaguely recognized one of them as one of the Newspaper Club's more important members, but the other one was harder to forget: Sawatari Mori, president of the Theatre Club. Someone who had a good reputation, from what Masaru knew, which only made everything more confusing.
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"What are you doing here?! We sh- You shouldn't be on the grounds this late!" Masaru has half-trying to maintain his reputation, half-trying to figure out if anyone else knew what was going on.
-
Mori couldn't help it. The tension of the situation, combined with Masaru's seeming lack of ability, or rather willingness, to accept that something was not right, was too much. He let out a small laugh, more like a snort or a short chuckle. If the situation had been less or more dire, he might have cracked up. As is, he was a bit too worried to do so.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Hmmm? I wasn't aware that we were supposed to leave after lunch, today," Mori replied "but, well, I'm a bit more concerned about the Akuma than that, to be fair."
Turning to be more serious, Mori continued.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Since it seems you haven't figured it out, there's an Akuma in the school. We're trapped inside it's domain, and I don't know how many of us are here or why, but I'm trying to find everyone so we can at least try to be safe. Someone already ran off towards what I think was the Akuma and may or may not be dead, which I will process later after I'm done not dying. As for now, you are going to follow my instructions as between the two of us, I seem to have a better idea of the situation. Got it?"
-
So... it was really happening. Masaru didn't know very much about Akuma, but he knew enough to have the fear of death put into him. He likely would've remained paralyzed... if not for Mori's last sentence.
(https://i.imgur.com/mnTTGXP.png)
"'Your' instructions? Pardon me, but in the absence of teachers, is it not the student council's duty to lead the student body in times of need? Senpai or not, I can handle my own duties, thank you."
(https://i.imgur.com/T59WCNa.png)
"...But if you're aiding in a rescue effort, it would be remiss of me not to join you." Indeed, if he knew before that others were in the school, it would simply be shameful to try and escape on his own. Even if his life depended on it.
(https://i.imgur.com/NqXQnFY.png)
"President Koga and Vice President Nanjo likely had lunch on the rooftop, and Secretary Tadano likely joined them; if we are to find them, that is likely where their route started. A large number of students are likely coming from the cafeteria around this time, as well."
-
As silent and attentive as she could be, Shoji couldn't help but jump when Masaru appeared, having to take a step back with a hand placed on her heart to calm herself as the two conversed. It felt odd being in the presence of both a member of the Student Council and the Theater Club president in the same place, and if that wasn't enough to make her feel insignificant, it was the two trying to lead the rescue attempt. Still, even as scared as she was, Shoji couldn't help but speak up, her voice small and quivering,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"U-Uhm... H-How do we know that Koga-san and Nanjo-san are... Erm... Here? Th-There wasn't anyone around when I-" Shoji paused for a moment, racking her brain for a term to explain the sensation of coming to this place, "-Uh... Came to, aside from Sawatari-san. A-Anyone could've been brought here or not."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"We're not in a situation where the order of succession is the same as in school. I'm the leader as I have the greatest understanding of the situation we're in and have experience giving orders under pressure. When I find someone who is more fit for the role, I'll gladly hand it over to them. Right now, that's not you. Anyway, Shizuko is correct, we have no idea if the rest of the council even came here, I know my vice president did not. Our best bet is the cafeteria, since with all the people there, there's probably at least one or two who also arrived."
Mori began walking towards the cafeteria before he stopped.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Earlier today, before I arrived here, I felt a cold stabbing pain in my neck with no cause. Does that sound familiar to either of you?"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/899002337849376808/First_draft_of_Soji.png)
"A-Actually, yes. I-I did feel something like that. A-Are you saying that..?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"We'll need to ask more people to be certain, but yes, I am suggesting the two events are connected. I am unsure of how, but we'd need to confirm before we go about looking for a connection that isn't there. How about you, Demura?"
-
Masaru was about to rejoinder Sawatari's rejection of his authority, when he brought up the cold pain.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"A sharp pain in my neck? No, nothing. I did feel a strong chill earlier, but it could easily have been a fever. On second reflection, however, it felt like cold steel against my back..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"So that would be 3 of 3 for those we can ask now. Now then, we should get back to looking for more people."
Mori began walking towards the cafeteria once more.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Right behind you, Kasuga!"
Mildred brought up the rear, just a pace or two behind Shiro.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...Honda, by the way. Don't believe we've met?"
-
Chiyo grabs Misa's shoulders firmly, but gently. She looks her, dead in the eye.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Stay close to me, please. You are in a Domain. It's dangerous in here. I....I think I know why you're in here. If I'm right, I'm sorry. This is going to be....dangerous."
She takes Misa's hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "I will see if I can get you out of here."
Misa stiffens as Chiyo grabs her, but relaxes as Chiyo attempts to reassure her instead of doing something nasty.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"It's... what is this place?" Misa wonders before twisting to look Chiyo in the eye.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"You seem to know what's going on so I'll follow for now. But what's happening? What makes this sudden fog or... whatever it is, dangerous?"
-
One step, she was next to her friends. The next step, they suddenly vanished, together with all the other students, and she found herself in the middle of a strange environment. Strange, yet familiar to that one time in he recent past. Her eyes widened.
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) "Oh, no... No, no, nononono, nononoNONONO!"
Yui pressed her school back close to her body, clutching it tight, one hand placed on the White Knight plushie dangling from it and squeezing it in her panic that is building up. Her eyes shifted around rapidly, her head and torso twisted around to extend her field of view.
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) "Cafeteria's close... that's... not the worst place to be in."
She ran towards it, bag still close to her chest, and it didn't took long for her to see a somewhat familiar face at the entrance.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "Su, Suzuki-san? Oh, I'm glad I'm not alone here..."
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "... oh no, you being here with me is bad, too... Quick, we need to hide!"
Aika had been on the verge of panic when, after closing her eyes and counting to three, she opened them to still find herself alone in the blue-lit cafeteria. It was as if the entire world had abandoned and forgotten her, left to wander here in isolation until she, too, faded away. Something out of a nightmare. She'd been just about to bolt and run, to scream for the names of her friends and classmates in the hope that someone, anyone, would hear her.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Aiuchi-san..?"
Yui's appearance was like a bucket of ice water tossed on her, immediately dousing her panic. Aika closed her eyes and took a breath. Then another. And then another, as she might when preparing to rehearse a song. Then the idol reached up, while Yui watched... and proceeded to pinch and tug at her own cheeks, as though punishing an unruly child, or to force a daydreaming middle-schooler to sit up and pay attention. Or to check if one were still in the process of dreaming.
Given that her cheeks rather hurt after that, she could probably rule it out.
Aika shook her head, looking over at Yui. While the idol was now calm, if confused and unnerved, her classmate seemed on the verge of panic. But a focused panic. Almost as if... she knew something about this, really.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Aiuchi-san, what's going on? Where is everyone?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "Err... Something like that happened to me before, once... I got... ... attacked... by an Akuma..."
She suddenly jolted her bag forward, the swaying White Knight plushie in front of Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) "B-but don't worry! He saved me back then, the White Knight! And I'm pretty sure he'll be here in time too and everything will be fine again!"
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "We just need to hide and stay out of sight. Everything will be fine."
Yui looked around for something that can serve as an adequate hideout. Something that serves as cover but can be ditched and escaped from easily in a pinch.
-
The tentacled beast begins to pull itself back up, recovering from the assault. Akihiko doesn't hesitate.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Let's get out of here. If you're here too, it means there might be other guys who got sucked into this place with us. There's probably more of those things. Dammit."
He inhales sharply.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Let's go. Get as many people as we can find, and then get to Saya."
He sprints off to the stairs, making sure Shiro and Mildred aren't far behind him.
Masaru, Mori and Shoji hear footsteps approaching them from a nearby staircase. As the voices get closer, Mori recognises at least one of them; it's Akihiko.
Chiyo releases Misa's shoulders, confident that she's gotten her attention. She begins guiding Misa towards down a corridor.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "It's a Domain. It's....you know what an Akuma is, right? They're....they're what people turn into, when their inner demon takes over. You have one too, and someone woke it up. But don't worry, I don't think you'll-"
Chiyo suddenly sharply inhales and yanks Misa back, as a metallic tentacle smashes into the column they had just been walking past. The mysterious girl places Misa behind her, as a moon-like floating creature, bronze tentacles flailing, with a green, gem-like eye, floats into view, staring them down.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "These are Onibi. Akuma create these creatures instinctively to protect them in their Domain. When I say the word, run."
Misa notices the air begin to ripple around Chiyo, like air in a hot desert forming around her....
Yui and Aika hear the sound of stone breaking nearby, a corridor away from them, along with two female voices nearby.
-
*"Oh thank you* Mori muttered. Akihiko, that was fortunate, someone who knew how to fight and wasn't an annoyingly violent boar.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Kasuga, there are three people up here." Mori called out, his voice loud enough to be heard, but he was still warry of raising his voice.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Akari." She squinted at the other girl for a brief moment as they ran. She seemed familiar, but now wasn't the time to sort all that out. Instead, she returned her attention to Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"So do you actually have any idea what's going on here? Is this the crap all those rumors were talking about, the Akuma or whatever?" Then another voice. "Sounds like you were right about one part, at least."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "Err... Something like that happened to me before, once... I got... ... attacked... by an Akuma..."
She suddenly jolted her bag forward, the swaying White Knight plushie in front of Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) "B-but don't worry! He saved me back then, the White Knight! And I'm pretty sure he'll be here in time too and everything will be fine again!"
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "We just need to hide and stay out of sight. Everything will be fine."
Yui looked around for something that can serve as an adequate hideout. Something that serves as cover but can be ditched and escaped from easily in a pinch.
Yui and Aika hear the sound of stone breaking nearby, a corridor away from them, along with two female voices nearby.
Aika was admittedly unsure what to do with the plushie being waved in her face, but she at least managed to get the gist.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "That- An Akuma? So this is..."
Before she could could continue, the idol stopped, tilting her head and listening to the sound echoing down the corridors to the cafeteria. Aika took another deep breath, voice lowering with a faint urgency.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Aiuchi-san- Aiuchi- Yui!"
Aika clapped her hands lightly to get the girl's attention, and then--before she could jump away in a panic--the idol reached up and pinched her classmate's cheeks, as she had done to herself mere moments before.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Please, keep calm. Listen. You can hear that, right?"
Aika released the girl's cheeks, holding up a finger.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "There are other people out there. If it's anything like what you saw before, then there might be something else out there, too. If they're like me, they might not know what that is or what's going on. And even if that something hasn't heard us, I think it might have heard them."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "On top of that... believe me when I say that the cafeteria is a terrible place to hide. I've tried. But~!"
Aika lowered her finger, then straightened up and gave the other girl a smile. It was a bit strained, but Aika was nothing if not good at putting up a brave, cheerful front to inspire the same from others.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Let's just promise to watch out for one another and go find somewhere safe to stay with the others, okay~? We should be safe so long as we've got each others' backs and run from anything actually scary. So there's no need to worry, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Like you said, your White Knight is sure to show up soon. We just need to stick together and make sure everyone else does too until then."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "If Honda's right, we're in one of those Akuma Domain things. Right now, I just want to get everyone we can get, find my friend, and get the hell out of here-"
Then Mori speaks. Akihiko looks down towards the corridor, where Masaru, Mori and Shoji are visible.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "More of you in here? Dammit. Did you guys see any floating....rock, tentacle things?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Rock tentacle things? I'll admit, that's new, but probably those akuma minion things that are supposed to show up." Mori replied, looking over the other group. Akari and Honda, he internally grimaced. They were both violent and boorish delinquents, and Akari was one of those delinquent rich kids who could get away with anything because of her parents' money. Still, beggars could not be choosers, and at least they could act as muscle.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Haven't seen any. A question for you three as well, did any of you feel a cold pain in the back of your necks earlier today?"
-
Ah, the theater kid. Great. Just what she needed today.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I did. I have no idea what it was." She paused. "While we're at it. . . did anyone else see something. . . how do I describe it? It wasn't me, obviously, but I felt like I was seeing something in the mirror. Kept disappearing when I tried to get a good look and all this happened when I tried to follow it downstairs."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah. Whoever it was that got me tagged Kasuga and his friend, too. I tried to chase them down but they got away. Right now we're trying to get to Saya; that's Kasuga's friend. We heard her earlier."
Mildred gestured with her impromptu spear/shiv.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Those bastards don't get hurt easily, but if you get them in the eye it can distract them at least."
She turned to Shiro.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Nothing like that; like I said, I thought I saw someone running away after I felt that, but I never got a real look. Closest thing I can think of to what you're talking about."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”I didn’t see anything like that, though admittedly I spent most of my time after the stabbing thing with my eyes closed or sitting in a storage closet. As for the stabbing thing itself, we now have 6 or 7 people who experienced it and then were drawn into this, so we have stronger evidence for a connection.”
Mori thought for a bit, then continued.
”As for the creatures, they’re supposed to be almost impossible for normal humans to harm them. I commend you for being able to stun one at all.”
He paused again.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”…by the way, we heard someone cussing and walking around earlier, but lost them when they moved towards a crashing noise. Was that one of you?”
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "The crashing might have been us. One was trying to hit Kasuga and slammed the wall a few times, and I threw a bunch of shit at it. Could've been the garbage can you heard."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I went toward the crashing, if that's what you're asking. My bag's back there, too."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Now that you mention it, yeah, we did. Saya had a pain, and then a headache and then....we lost her and ended up in here."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
”…what do you mean, you lost her? Did you get split up after you got here, or before?”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "I mean one moment, Honda was holding her to get her to the nurse, and the next, she wasn't."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”That’s… odd. She had the same stabbing in her neck but…”
He turned to look at the rest of the group.
”When I showed up here, I was in the same area as I’d been in the school. Is that the same for everyone else?”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/84W8PgY.png)
"It was the same for myself." Masaru paused. "But I advise that you take this train of thought more slowly. Even if 6 or 7 people was statistically significant enough to correlate this cold pain as a prerequisite for disappearing, we have no evidence for the inverse inference. It's not as if we could confirm who did or did not feel it among those disappeared. So remember that we lack the data to identify any outliers."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”You’re forgetting, Demura, that Honda confirmed that they had heard Akitsuki here earlier, suggesting she was transported here as well.”
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh, Akitsuki. Didn't know that was her last name. But yeah, we were trying to get to her when that monster blocked our way and Akari here caught up to us."
Mildred tapped her foot.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Anyway, the why ain't important right now, is it? We should try to find everyone who's here and then either hide or find a place to make a stand."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”You don’t know your friend’s… never mind.” Mori replied ”The matter of Akitsuki’s disappearance may be important, but you are correct, finding everyone is probably a greater priority. We were heading to the cafeteria when we ran into you, expecting that with all the students there, there would be some who were transported. We should probably stay together as we go. We may even run into Akitsuki on the way.”
-
Akihiko shook his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "We can have a look there, but I know where Saya is. When we got teleported here, I heard her sobbing, near the entrance to the school."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"S-So we just need to get to the entrance right? At least to make sure Akitsuki-san is alright? But... Erm... What if there's more people in the school? I'd... R-Rather not meet an Akuma, b-but if we leave people here..."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Kasuga's my friend and she's his friend. Dunno why you think it's weird I wouldn't know her name, it's not like I expect you to know the name of the guy who's practically always three spots behind me during street races. That'd be Daiyama, by the way. Boy needs to learn how to lean into corners. Anyway she was in pain when she disappeared and I don't know how she got to the entrance in the blink of an eye, but if she's in trouble or hurt we probably ought to go get her. If we heard her crying, those monsters probably heard her too, and I think it'd be better if we found her first."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"...yes, if she's in immediate danger, that makes her a more immediate concern." Mori conceded, "Very well, let's head to the entrance. If we run into one of those rock tentacle things, then you, Kasuga, and Akari should try to distract it while Demura, Shizuko, and myself try to get to Akitsuki and get her to safety. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Just leave the fighting to me and Kasuga. As long as we all make it out safe, I'll take on anything in our path."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Don't count me out, there."
Realizing her mistake, she made a belated addition.
(https://i.imgur.com/V11HUyu.png)"The Akari are always prepared to defend themselves, you know, and I'm no different."
-
Chiyo releases Misa's shoulders, confident that she's gotten her attention. She begins guiding Misa towards down a corridor.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "It's a Domain. It's....you know what an Akuma is, right? They're....they're what people turn into, when their inner demon takes over. You have one too, and someone woke it up. But don't worry, I don't think you'll-"
Chiyo suddenly sharply inhales and yanks Misa back, as a metallic tentacle smashes into the column they had just been walking past. The mysterious girl places Misa behind her, as a moon-like floating creature, bronze tentacles flailing, with a green, gem-like eye, floats into view, staring them down.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "These are Onibi. Akuma create these creatures instinctively to protect them in their Domain. When I say the word, run."
Misa notices the air begin to ripple around Chiyo, like air in a hot desert forming around her....
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"Run where?" Misa asks as she backs away from the flailing monster, trying to hide the trembling in her arms by grasping her school supplies tightly.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"What if there's another one around the corner?"
Truely, this seems an apt reminder of a saying she hadn't really understood before, Misa thinks half-hysterically. That being that an adventure is something unpleasant happening to someone else, somewhere else, and right now she'd definitely prefer this to be happening to someone else, somewhere else, even if it was a thing right out of the stories she read so often.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Don't count me out, there."
(https://i.imgur.com/V11HUyu.png)"The Akari are always prepared to defend themselves, you know, and I'm no different."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm guessing you must be in the Kendo club then? Too bad we don't have an actual sword here for you, but at least that makes three of us who can fight."
Broadly speaking, that was true. Mildred had absolutely no martial art or combat sport training, but she was strong as hell, pretty tough, and was more than willing to completely wreck everything in the vicinity to win a fight.
-
Yui was rather surprised when her cheeks were suddenly pinched.
(https://i.imgur.com/aYMtWXa.png) "Ah, ouch!"
She rubbed her cheeks as she listened to Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "R-running around during an Akuma attack doesn't seem like a good idea..."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "... But you're right, this is not a good hiding place. And..."
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) "I'd like people to help me during an emergency... It wouldn't be fair to not at least try helping them."
She turned towards the cafeteria doors before looking over her shoulders towards Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Lead the way, Suzuki-san."
-
Shiro shook her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"No, it's out of school. But yeah, I'm okay with that plan, I suppose."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"If a member of the Akari family were in any of the clubs, I would've known." Masaru, familiar with both the school's clubs and the major families of Kaname-cho, had sought to respond himself, before the subject elected to. "Though I suppose private Kendo lessons would line with their tastes. Ever trapped in their bygone past, that family."
-
Chiyo doesn't look back at her.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Just trust me."
She inhales.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Arise, my true form, Cath Palug!"
....
[Now Playing: Theme of Chiyo ~Danger Zone~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwABWVby-Xw)]
A transformation would normally be grander in the sort of stories Misa read. More sparkles, more thunder and lightning.
But this, this was understated. It was comparable to a snake shedding its skin, except not. It was too quick, too smooth. One moment, Chiyo was there, and the next, in her place was a tall, slender, feminine figure, body with only a few chinks around the joints, and a tail that flicks about despite being made, to Misa's eyes, of solid metal. A white, silvery scarf flowed off her neck, the end fading into the air rather than having a solid border. Her head was almost featureless, vaguely resembling a cat's, with large, yellow pupilless eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "Now. Run!"
The tentacled creature lunges for Chiyo, but Chiyo - or whatever she has become - dodges out of the way, impossibly fast by human standards. Chiyo extends her hand, and a burst of iridiscent lights flashes out, looking almost cartoonish, like two-dimensional effects overlaid on reality, bursting from her hand, disappearing and bursting out of the creature in a flurry of polka dots, geometric designs and other shapes that would look more in line with modern art than reality. The creature unleashes a metallic screech, before smashing into Chiyo, throwing both her and the cat-like humanoid away. The path, however, is clear for Misa to run.
Yui and Aika are suddenly interrupted.
Specifically, by seeing a person being thrown into a wall right in front of them. At closer inspection, they're taller and thinner than any normal human has any right to be, resembling a cat-like robot, large yellow eyes, followed by a tentacled, rock-like monster.
Akihiko shakes his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "I'm grabbing Saya, Mori. She's my responsibility. No other objections."
He walks off towards the entrance.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Now let's go. If we run into anyone else, let's grab them and get out of here."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
Mori sighed. "Very well," he replied, "I trust that should an emergency arise, you'll be able to figure out for yourself if you need to change your position, but I won't try to dissuade you until then. Time is of the essence, as any second we stand here is another that someone could be in danger, including ourselves."
Mori followed behind Akihiko.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm right behind you, Kasuga!"
Mildred readied her weapon and fell into step at Akihiko's left flank, just a pace behind him.
-
As the group of students make their way down through the school, odd sounds echo through the Domain. Sounds of metal breaking stone, the sound of a roaring flame, a few voices.
Akihiko inhales sharply, and suddenly yanks Mori towards himself, pulling away.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Look out!"
Shoji, Masaru, and Shiro barely manage to avoid the wall to their left exploding inwards, as Mildred, Akihiko and Mori are split from the party. Through the newly created wall, emerge not one, not two, but five of the same rock creatures that Akihiko, Mildred and Shiro barely managed to get away from one of. Processing the situation quickly, Akihiko moves swiftly.
Akihiko looks to Shiro and Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "We can't fight that many! You two, go for the eyes and get over here! Shizuko, Demaru, get over here, now! Mori-"
The boy notices a tentacle swinging for Mori. Without skipping a beat, he pushes him aside and away from the tentacle, getting swatted in Mori's place and thrown into a wall, bouncing off of it with a groan.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "Damn..."
The creature that struck Akihiko rounds on him, tentacles flailing again for another chance to hit, while Akihiko pulls himself to his feet, fists up.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"I thought you just said we couldn't fight these!" Despite her words, Shiro is already charging, swinging her improvised weapon for the eye of the thing that hit Akihiko - if that's what it actually was, anyway - with a swift, practiced motion. "Get moving, then!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"Right, so, due to this being an emergency, I'm just going to have us go back to the original plan where you three hold the monsters off and us three squishy, non-violent types go try to save Akitsuki." Mori said, as he grabbed Shoji's hand and started running for the school entrance.
"I know you really wanted to be the one to save her, Kasuga, but I think she'll understand when we explain you had to stay back so the tentacle rock monster things don't murder us all before we can get to her."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "All right, you demon sons of bitches! I'm going to show you why everyone calls me Mad Dog Mildred!"
The delinquent charged forward and with an arcing overhand drove the metal stake into the eye of one. Letting go of it, she picked up a large chunk of rubble from the destroyed wall and threw it at another.
-
Right as Mori intends to run away with Shoji, a set of three tentacled rock monsters appear in front of him, barring his path and hemming him back towards the group. Shiro and Mildred's shots towards the eyes are intercepted by another tentacle, metallic appendages hanging both girls hanging them upside down. Akihiko rushes towards Mildred, only to have his hand caught by one, and him lifted into the air the same as his compatriots, before-
[Now Playing: Theme of Scathach ~Flash Control~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5g-b-SJA_4)]
A purple and black blur speeds between the party and the monsters.
A thin violet line appears in the blink of an eye across every beast. The beasts suddenly stop moving, their tentacles hanging limply, with Mildred, Akihiko and Shiro tumbling to the floor.
Another moment passes, before the beasts, cut into two, fall to the floor and fade into moonlight.
In front of Mori and Shoji floats a feminine figure, robot-like in form, clad in black armor with glowing purple lines running throughout pulsing with light, wing-like projections with hexagonal "feathers" behind her and blades like limbs separating out into fingers as she stops them. Her legs, instead of ending in feet, end in razor-sharp tips, glimmering in the faint moonlight permeating the Domain.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My, my. Are you all lost in here? You're not hurt, are you?"
To those in the know, she was a figure only less known than the White Knight of Mishima, and more known than the Ocean King. The three most well-known of their kind, mysterious figures who appeared out of nowhere to save those trapped by the Akuma, she was the most destructive, the most mysterious.
The Black Princess of Calamity.
-
”…oh thank God. I was absolutely terrified I was going to run into some other monster between here and Akitsuki and we’d all end up killed off one by one like some cheap horror film.” Mori let out a deep breath he felt like he’d been holding since they got here.
He stepped over to Akihiko and offered him a handshake
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
”Thank you for pushing me out of the way, I’m rather squishy when it comes to violence. I’ll figure out some way to return the favor to you. And apologies for going to run, I thought it would be important for someone to get to Akitsuki as quickly as possible, in case she’s in trouble. But now, there’s someone who can actually not die dealing with all the insanity here. Yay…”
Mori’s words trailed off as he collapsed against the wall.
-
This time, Shoji was on high alert, thanks to the distant sounds of destruction. Thus, she instinctively took a step back right before the wall in front of them burst open. In an instant, the young girl was frozen in fear as she looked upon not one, but five unnatural creatures, seemingly made of rock. She could barely process what they were, much less what was going on, but one thing was at least clear: These were Akuma. And she was going to die.
Then, Shoji was snapped back to reality when Akihiko is knocked to the side and into a wall, and the others around her began fighting back.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"Akihiko!" Shoji shouted, taking a step forward before she was suddenly yanked in the opposite direction by Mori. Before they could even get far before another set of three burst out and blocked their path. This was it, they were going to die, overrun by Akuma and killed in a place no one would find them. Instinctively, Shoji closed her eyes, trying to hide behind Mori as...
...
Nothing happened, and everything seemed to fall silent.
Cautiously, Shoji opened one of her eyes, and was immediately greeted with the sight of the Akuma in front of her falling into pieces, a black armored figure floating in front of them. It only took her an instant to recognize the figure from the various rumors she had heard about: The Black Princess of Calamity, one of the three saviors of those assailed by Akuma.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"U-Uhm, er, I-I'm okay, b-but..." Shoji began, frantically wracking her head for the words she wanted to say, but ultimately simply looking back at Akihiko, who seemed to have taken the biggest hit of all of them.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/V11HUyu.png)"Fuck-!" The profanity broke into a less-than-dignified shriek as she was unceremoniously yanked off her feet and held upside-down. Mercifully, it was (probably) not long enough for anyone but Shiro herself to notice the effects on her skirt, but her face was flushed when she stood herself up regardless. Embarrassment, anger, and pain made for an unpleasant mix, leaving her in an even worse than usual mood.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"I'll be less hurt if someone tells me what the hell is goin' on around here."
-
Mori looked at Shiro and gestured to the Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/kYdzYZK.png)
”Kaijin. Superhero. Saving our asses.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"You think I waste my time on those kinds of rumors? Far as I could tell until today, it was all sensationalist bullshit." She glared at Mori. "And it still doesn't really explain what I saw earlier, 'cause this chick isn't just disappearing when I try to look at her."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, well, thanks for the help. I'd offer to fight with you but I don't think I can do much here."
Mildred turned to the others.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Looks like we have a free pass. Let's go find Akitsuki and anyone else while this person deals with the monsters."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "I....could be better."
Akihiko winces as he realises he isn't in danger. For the moment. He slumps against the wall, holding his side and checking it with a touch; no wetness, no tenderness. He wasn't as hurt as you'd expect, smashed into a concrete wall at that speed. Most people would be seriously injured, but this was like taking a hard slam during sparring at the dojo, or a hard hit with a chairshot; with the crowd Mildred ran with, and the solid he owed her for helping him with Sasanuma a year ago, Akihiko sometimes got tied up with things he shouldn't have been.
Yes, the sort of things Saya fretted on him about, but trusted him enough to know he was doing right by others.
He limply takes Mori's handshake, too busy holding his side, nodding at him quietly before looking at their savior.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Took a pretty hard bump there, but I'll live."
The armored figure stares at him briefly, whispering under her breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "...an Onibi struck him and yet he's still...and they're all in here and not the Akuma....could it be?"
She shakes her head, continuing to speak. She gestures for the group to start following her as she glides towards the entrance of the school.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I'll make it quick, let's walk and talk. You're in a Domain, the realm of an Akuma. Akuma are created from people's negative urges. Your deepest fears, your darkest desires, everything you want to keep hidden from the world, they create an Inner Demon, and that thing turns you into an Akuma when it's unleashed. Those creatures I just got rid of, those are Onibi, fragments of the mind of whoever the Akuma is. They're mindless, usually attack anything in they see in the Domain, except when near the Akuma. I'm what you would call a Kaijin. Like Sawatari here said, like a transforming superhero on some TV show. We fight Akuma, my partner and I.
Unfortunately, Akari, you're not in some sensationalist conspiracy story in a bad newspaper. This is very real, and we need to get you all out of here."
She continues.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "If I'm right, the exit should be near here. But....we'll likely run into the Akuma on the way out."
Akihiko's eyes widen as he follows.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...no way. That means....Saya...."
Despite being clearly hurt, he surges forwards.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "I have to save Saya! Quickly. Maybe I can...."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”…sit down and rest because my injuries are probably going to make it harder for me to keep up with the monsters that could already tear me apart.” Mori finished, then coughed a bit ”You know, I couldn’t agree more. Let’s try to stay behind the one person here who can actually keep up with the Onibi, ok? If you get yourself killed, you’ll die without me getting out of your debt.”
He turned to the Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”His best friend is at the front entrance. We were heading over to save her when we ran into the Onibi. We don’t know if she’s in danger, but, I mean, she probably is. Please go save her, if you don’t, he’ll kill himself to do it.
-
Masaru fell on his back when the wall emerged next to him. None of this felt real. The school, his impending death, the bizarre and horrifying monsters, the black-armored savior, An Akari who clearly had clearly given up on her reputation... None of it felt real. Masaru was left to process nearly all of it all at once.
Indeed, it took Masaru until midway through his own speech before he assembled enough of the pieces.
(https://i.imgur.com/SBCj2h4.png)
"Now hold on! We only went in this direction because we heard someone definitely in pain, and one of ours insisted, but there could still be others in the school! We are just going to leave without ensuring a complete evacua-"
He paused, and took a deep breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"...You said you had a partner, and even if not, it is clear that you alone can do more than all of us combined, several times over. Can you, both of you, ensure that everyone here evacuates safely?" Not just us?
-
Shiro caught the way Masaru looked at her out of the corner of her eye, and took a deep breath, trying to settle herself. Father would flay me for talking like that in school. Or anywhere else, but people know who I am here.[/color]
(https://i.imgur.com/N3WnIGT.png)"What happened to everyone else, anyway? It doesn't seem like there's a reason it would just be seven random students and nobody else. Does it have something to do with. . . well, I don't know if it was an Akuma or a Kaijin or what I saw, but I saw something unnatural on the roof earlier."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”We all felt a cold stabbing pain in our necks earlier today. That’s likely involved.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "I can still fight, Sawatari. I'm not gonna back down while Saya's still out here! Not while you guys are are in the lurch. It wouldn't be right for me to sit out, no matter what I'm like right now."
The armored figure is about to speak, and then Shiro and Masaru chime in. She pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My partner is here already, searching the rest of the school, but...you said a sharp pain?"
She pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "The only things that can enter a Domain or exit it are Kaijin like myself, Akuma, Onibi, and those deliberately dragged in by the Akuma. As none of you know where the Akuma is, and you're clearly not Onibi...."
She exhales.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I'd like to sugarcoat it, but I can't. All of you, right now, are potential Akuma."
Akihiko's eyes widen.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...what?"
-
Mildred rubbed the back of her neck.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bullshit. Maybe I ain't a good citizen but I'm damned if I'm some monster either. Is there a way we can stop it?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)". . ."
That couldn't be right. Could it? Wouldn't she notice if she was turning into some kind of gribbly monster made of her own internal turmoil? Some she'd run into on the streets would probably argue she was already there, a thought that might've dragged a bitter laugh from her in a different scenario.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)". . . You going to kill us before we turn, or something? It doesn't sound like something that'll go away because you warned us."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
”You mean more than normal for people with personal issues? Because I already knew I qualified for that.”
-
The Kaijin shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "No, of course I'm not going to kill you. Why would I do that? Even if you did transform, saving you would be a matter of just....well...I'll be frank, it would involve fighting you and beating your Inner Demon into submission until you transformed back. Of course, we're hoping NOT to end up there, so we're just going to get you out of here. No, you always have an Inner Demon inside you. That thing you saw, Akari, was your Inner Demon. It's a symptom of the Akuma Seed waking it up; stuff like seeing it walk around at the corner of your vision, hearing your own voice talk at you. The Akuma Seed - that pain you felt- just wakes it up, makes it want to take control. Negative emotions feed it, until it's strong enough to want control, strong enough to offer you power to fulfil your desires if only you'll let it in."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My partner and I think - we don't know for sure - that if we delay the transformation long enough, the Seed will pop out on its own, and the Inner Demon will go back to sleep, like everyone else's. That's part of why I'm trying to get you out of here - stress can wake it up faster. There's only one other way to not transform into an Akuma, one surefire way."
She looks, firstly at Akihiko, then at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "You become a Kaijin."
Akihiko clenches his fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...that power, power like yours.....if I need to fight to save Saya, I will. No matter what, I'll protect her. I'll protect all of you. But....how can I become a Kaijin?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I don't know."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What do you mean you don't know?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "....to become a Kaijin, you have to wake the Inner Demon up enough that you could potentially become an Akuma, that it promises you everything you want if you let it in. After that....I can't tell you what you'll see. It's different for everyone; your Inner Demon is your own, and I can't tell you what it'll be like."
He shakes his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....if it comes to that....I won't let Saya down. Or Honda. Or you guys."
The Kaijin audibly chuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "....so heroic. My, my. They still make you like this, huh?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
"Yeah, the red king here's going to be a kaijin, duh. Heroic kid becomes Shonen hero, not much of a plot twist. Just promise that when I become some kind of terrifying monster and twist the world around me into a mockery of the phrase 'all the world's a stage' you won't hold it against me."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"You're the expert here, not me." Shiro shrugged. "I didn't know anything about this nonsense until you showed up and explained." She let out a small sigh. "Pretty sure I should be getting ready to have my hide tanned, though, if stress is the thing that makes this speed up."
-
Chiyo doesn't look back at her.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Just trust me."
She inhales.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Arise, my true form, Cath Palug!"
....
[Now Playing: Theme of Chiyo ~Danger Zone~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwABWVby-Xw)]
A transformation would normally be grander in the sort of stories Misa read. More sparkles, more thunder and lightning.
But this, this was understated. It was comparable to a snake shedding its skin, except not. It was too quick, too smooth. One moment, Chiyo was there, and the next, in her place was a tall, slender, feminine figure, body with only a few chinks around the joints, and a tail that flicks about despite being made, to Misa's eyes, of solid metal. A white, silvery scarf flowed off her neck, the end fading into the air rather than having a solid border. Her head was almost featureless, vaguely resembling a cat's, with large, yellow pupilless eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "Now. Run!"
The tentacled creature lunges for Chiyo, but Chiyo - or whatever she has become - dodges out of the way, impossibly fast by human standards. Chiyo extends her hand, and a burst of iridiscent lights flashes out, looking almost cartoonish, like two-dimensional effects overlaid on reality, bursting from her hand, disappearing and bursting out of the creature in a flurry of polka dots, geometric designs and other shapes that would look more in line with modern art than reality. The creature unleashes a metallic screech, before smashing into Chiyo, throwing both her and the cat-like humanoid away. The path, however, is clear for Misa to run.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"Wha??" After Misa vocalizes her confusion in an abrupt manner, she makes a high pitched voculization as she vacates the current area at high velocity, at least on the scale of normal human foot speeds.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If it's a fight against my 'inner demon' to see whether I'm a Kaijin or an Akuma... then fuck it, I'll take it on. I'm not becoming one of those things without going down swinging."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"You're probably rather safe too, Honda. You're a very blunt person who doesn't hold anything back. That will probably mean you'll have less trouble confronting your issues."
-
It took all of Masaru's concentration to avoid panicking at such a statement. He would've been close to believing it was all a bad dream, if the pain he had felt by this point wasn't real. However, the "potential" qualifier in "potential Akuma" detail stuck out to him as a glimmer of hope; he was about to bring it up before the Kaijin concisely answered his concerns for him. He still had a few sub-concerns remaining, though.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgOVEQ0.png)
"Do you have any numbers on the Akuma-to-Kaijin transformation ratio? And while I'm asking questions, is it any different if one felt the pain in their back instead of their neck?" It wouldn't make much difference if he alone didn't turn, as chances are he'd end up surrounded by more Akuma and Onibi than Kaijin. But he'd rather die a victim than become known as a horrifying monster.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Heroic? The hell's that supposed to mean? It's what I'd do. Heroics don't play into it."
The Kaijin audibly chuckles again.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My, my. Kasuga....the stories about you really sell you short, huh? Anyway....I can't tell you what the numbers are, Demura. And no, there's no difference."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/RS9wWBP.png)
"Aw shucks ma'am. I was just doing what anyone would have done when I started a feud and got myself alienated by others and kicked out of my favorite club to protect someone. Truth, Justice, and the American way."
-
At Mori's comments on Honda, Shiro let her face drop into her hands with a quiet sigh.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....yeah, so what if I think anyone would've done it? It's true. Don't doubt you would too, if you had the chance, when the chips are down."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
”And that’s why you’ll be the hero of the story, and I’ll be just another monster of the week you fight along the way.”
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Kasuga's right. I'd've done the same thing."
Mildred crossed her arms over her stomach and turned back to the interloper.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "How long do we have before we find out which way the coin is gonna land?"
-
Akihiko just shrugs at Mori. It's clear from his expression he still doesn't buy it, but either he hasn't the energy to fight back or it's not the time. Probably both.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I can't say. Could be now, could be in a few hours, so long as your negative emotions are enough to wake it up. That's why we have to get out of here as soon as possible. Being less stressed helps."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Alright~! In that case, just stay close. I'll make sure the coast is-"
Yui and Aika are suddenly interrupted.
Specifically, by seeing a person being thrown into a wall right in front of them. At closer inspection, they're taller and thinner than any normal human has any right to be, resembling a cat-like robot, large yellow eyes, followed by a tentacled, rock-like monster.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "E-eh..? Is that a-"
Aika's eyes darted between the tentacle rock and the cat-bot. Unfamiliar as the situation was for the young idol, she didn't need to be genius to put two-and-two together. It was harder still, once one overcame the initial shock, to miss that the cat-bot was rather roughed up by slamming suddenly against a wall, and that there was now a tenta-stone bearing down on them from the path where Yui and Aika had previously planned to walk. Quite in between the cafeteria, the girls, and anywhere else they might have wanted to flee.
Fortunately, if there was one thing life as an idol taught you, it was how to avoid freezing under pressure.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Aiuchi-san, we've got one of those scary things! Get ready to run!"
Saying that, of course, Aika bolted forward, taking the arm of the stunned cat-bot and doing her level best to pull her from the newly-made debris and back to her feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "H-hey, no time to rest there, neko-san! You're still fighting!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I dunno who you are, and it might've been silly of me to run in, but that doesn't mean you can just lie there and give up! There are students here who've got nowhere else to go if you don't beat this thing! So, please, do your best and beat it up for us~!"
-
The cat-bot is somewhat too heavy even for Aika to manage, but she doesn't have to wait too long, for she begins to pull herself to her feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "...this thing is resistant to my attacks..."
She realises someone is holding her arm. She turns to Aika, then looks around, as Misa runs past Aika. She pulls herself to her feet as the tentacled beast is joined by other beasts.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "You. You three, you need to go, now! I'll hold them off!"
Chiyo places herself between the three students and the approaching beasts, clearly prepared to fight before-
"Burn."
[Now Playing: Theme of Gawain ~~Kamen Rider Build Main Theme~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQba45szSNY)]
The sound of a flame roaring to life can be heard briefly.
Then, in a burst of light, the beasts are incinerated, a searing sword of fire smashing through them, fading in a burst of moonlight, the fire leaving pink embers like cherry blossom petals. As more Onibi appear, a white blur approaches the four. One arm scoops up Chiyo and Misa, the other scoops up Yui and Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "Wait....who are....it's you."
The four of them have a closer look at their saviour, a tall, masculine figure in white and red armor, a red flowing cape and a knight-like helmet, blue light issuing from their visor. A white kite shield is strapped to one hand, the hilt of a sword poking out of the top.
Though others might have heard of them, Yui has seen them first hand.
The White Knight of Mishima has come to save them.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Stay still."
He sprints towards the entrance of the school, the sounds of metal smashing into rock fading away behind them.
The other group finally arrives at the entrance of the school, only it isn't as they remember it.
Akihiko stares around.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "This is.....this is the school, but this isn't the entrance. This is around the back. Where it happened. That whole thing with Sasanuma."
The memory of that day was still clear to him. True, he might've made it out without Mildred's help, but it saved him a lot of time. He didn't regret that it ended up there, or that he'd had to defend himself. It was the right thing to do, and he would never take that back.
But why here, why now?
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "....this is one of the gardens around Hermelin. This isn't the entrance....what is this Domain?"
Just then, a white, armored figure surges through the entrance, carrying three students and another Kaijin. The moment he is safely out, he drops them on their feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Found everyone else in the school, Scathach. And another Kaijin."
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "...thank you. I...we owe you one."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Don't thank me."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Gawain, it's good to see you're safe. We need to figure out where the exit is."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Saya should be around here, but...."
"....Akihiko?"
Akihiko's eyes widened, as he looked around for the source of that voice. Saya was sitting on the floor, her eyes clearly red from crying. The young man sprinted towards her, kneeling on the floor to tend to her, scooping her up in a hug.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Saya! I'm glad you're okay. Come on, let's get out of here."
Gawain suddenly seemed to realise something. He moved towards Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Kasuga-!"
Scathach, however, stopped him, staring at him and shaking her head. After a moment, Gawain backed down.
(https://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "....I'm...I'm so sorry, Aki-kun. I couldn't protect you that day."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What? When?"
(https://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "....when Sasanuma and his guys tried to come after you. I....I should've done something. I felt so guilty about it for so long...."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Saya, I don't care about that. Please, don't worry about it. It was so long ago-"
(https://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "No, you don't get it, Aki-kun. You're....you can rush in like that. You've always had the courage to fight like that, but....all I can do is offer to help people in the Helper's Club. It's why I like being around you so much. You've always stuck up for me."
Suddenly, Saya stands up. A strange aura surrounds her, and a determined, almost obsessive look fills her eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "But...now I can....now I can protect you too. I'm so...I'm so sorry. Please....forgive me."
One moment passed.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Kasuga!"
Gawain suddenly yanks Akihiko back, as moonlight suddenly enshrouds Saya. Her body begins to warp, thinning, as white robes and metal plates attach themselves to her. Saya's face disappears behind a visor, the visor filling with a starfield filled with red stars. Her bottom of her legs disappear first into a field of stars, then into nothingness.
(https://i.imgur.com/DVqfnOE.png)
Akihiko stares at her.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...S-Saya?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "Please....help me. I only....want to help! Get away!"
Saya suddenly blasts moonlight at Akihiko's location, only for Gawain to yank him away.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "She's an Akuma! Scathach..."
Suddenly, a horde of Onibi appears from the school, more Onibi than had previously been seen. Scathach, Cath Palug and Gawain form a ring around the party to protect them, but...
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Do you think we can fight them?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "I sense their weaknesses, but...."
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "....there's too many."
The students, however, feel the site where their Akuma Seed begin to emit a painful feeling, like cold fire burning beneath their skin....
-
(https://i.imgur.com/V11HUyu.png)"Ah-! Fuck that hurts." Shiro reached a hand back to rub at the spot, trying to relieve the sensation to no avail.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"Yeah, this- this is probably happening right now." She fell to one knee. "I'm gonna do my best here, but no promises. . ."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)
"This... this shouldn't be possible." Misa tries convince herself as she staggers, hand going to her neck.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)
"Why us? Why me? Why does life have to keep being unfair?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)
"I'm SICK OF THIS."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"S-Saya..?" was all Shoji could mutter at the sight of what she could consider one of her only friends... Or what was supposed to be her. She didn't even register the horde of other creatures forming around them. Of course, she did register the burning pain in the back of her neck, stumbling slightly as her hands shot up to her neck.
Her Akuma seed was beginning to awaken. And at the worst time too.
-
The world went dark as Akihiko fell to the ground on all fours, the pain being too much to bear....
(https://i.imgur.com/BC6Kt5n.png) "...I'll....reach you, Saya..."
....
As all of your Inner Demons awaken, each of you enters a world within your own mind, a dark space within the darkest spaces.
The realm where your Inner Demon has long been kept and now wants to be released from.
Akihiko was next aware of himself when he found himself, standing in a dark space, dark as could be. Though he could see no floor nor ceiling nor end to the darkness, he could feel solid ground beneath his feet.
"All that "reaching Saya" bullshit. What was that about, really?"
The young man suddenly found himself aware of something else, speaking with his voice. He turned, and saw...
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Are you surprised?"
The creature before him was taller than Akihiko, at least two heads taller, and Akihiko wasn't exactly small. His body was red, half-carapace, half-muscle, golden spikes and trim running around his body in the imitiation of fanciful armor. The being was faceless, the space where eyes and ears ought to be occupied with golden spikes, and two large golden horns protruded from the top of his head, a silvery-white ponytail flowing from the back of his head. Akihiko had never seen him before, but somehow, he knew what he was.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "You're my...."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Inner Demon? Yes, I am. I'm everything you ever hid from the world. The fear you had for Saya, growing up and now, that she's gone crazy. The hate you had for Sasanuma, for his goons doing that to Aiuchi and for the fact he practically got away except for you and Honda putting him in the hospital for a few days. The resentment you had, because everyone cast you aside after you did the right thing,-"
Akihiko glared at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I did what I had to. I would never take it back. Never."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...you're brave, too, foolish but brave, to accept all that without question. Nobody's like you, you know. Not even Saya could take it. You're like some hero from a light novel. Only....they had power. Or they had people's love, once they got going. You've got nothing."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "As long as I know that I did the right thing, as long as I know justice was done, I can take it."
The Inner Demon laughed.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'd know, of course. I've been with you your whole life. I look like this because of you, remember? All those shows you watched? All those superheroes you wanted to be? I'm all of that rolled up in one. This is what you wanted, isn't it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....those are just stories. But their ideals....they're worth living by. They're strong enough to save others, to protect the weak, to stop those who'd take advantage of them. I have to be, too. People deserve justice, and justice needs to be sought."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Really? You don't even have the good sense to look around you! What has your justice gotten you? Nobody likes you, Kasuga. Aiuchi? She probably doesn't even know you exist. Sasanuma? Still on the football team like he didn't try to put you in traction! They all turned a blind eye, and thought nothing of your justice! The only one you have on your side is Saya, and you can't save her now, not as weak as you are. The right thing hasn't ever worked out for you."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "If I can't do the right thing, then....no. I...I'll get stronger. I have to be. Justice doesn't stop mattering just because I'm the only one who'll seek it. Even if I'm the only one who'll seek it for Saya, I'll chase it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'm offering you the power to do the right thing. To be as strong as you want. So I can save Saya for you. So that you'll never care again what the world thinks or refuses to do, even if it rejects your ideals. You know they will. The justice you seek can only be made with your own two hands, Kasuga."
The Inner Demon extends his hand to Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Take my hand, and let me in. Make a deal with the devil. I can save the girl you care about the most. Save Honda. Save all of those other students. Become stronger than anyone else, than Akutagawa, than Honda. Just let me in."
Akihiko stares him down.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "...I won't let you rampage around as you please, no matter what. I'll take that power. I'll use it to save Saya and everyone else, and then...."
He closes his eyes. Someone had to have put those Akuma Seeds in them. He knew now what his next calling was.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "....I'll find the cause for all this. I'll bring him to justice, so nobody else gets hurt like Saya, like us. This power....it needs to be used for justice. Nothing more. Justice is all that matters."
He takes the Inner Demon's hand.
A pause. Akihiko breathed in, waiting for something to happen. The deal to fail, him to become an Akuma....
Nothing.
The Inner Demon seems to smile, despite not having a mouth to smile with. He laughs. Akihiko feels the demon's hands fading, as he sees the demon's form begin to erode, particles of the demon flying into Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....so, it's like that, huh? Even after finally waking up, I couldn't overcome you. It seems you win, kiddo. Your will's too strong, even for your own self. No wonder I hardly had a foothold on you. You've known all along who you are. Or...you really.....care about Saya, don't you?"
Akihiko didn't respond to his Inner Demon's provocations about Saya. The demon leans in, whispering into Akihiko's ear.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "My name....well, you know what it is already, don't you? You've known me your whole life. I'm the pure strength behind your fists, the fire that lights the way as you seek justice, the undying thirst that keeps you moving from battle to battle. You call for me, you can use my power. Now come on, kid. Let's begin. Let's show these bastards who Kasuga Akihiko is.
Let's save Saya. Together."
Akihiko nodded, as light began to overtake his sight.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "....thank you."
[Now Playing: First Team Transformation ~~LiveDevil~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvMaDCy2GSw)]
Akihiko stood up.
He was back in the real world. Or, well, the Domain, Onibi surrounding his classmates.
He knew what he had to do.
He stood up, storming past Gawain. An Onibi's tentacle surged towards him, but he grabbed it, practically plucking it from mid-air. With a roar, he slams it into the ground, stunning the beast, as the gathered horde stares at him. Even in their utter mindlessness, this was beyond what they had expected.
Akihiko points at Saya, currently floating above the fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "I'll definitely save you, Saya. Wait for me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/GPBQEXe.png) "Henshin, Ibaraki-Douji!"
Striking a pose, first by forming his hands into fists, pointing them forward and pumping them back and forth, before crossing his arms, Akihiko evoked a column of flame around himself. The flames were hot, but somehow, he didn't feel burned, as his body changed, not unpleasantly like Saya's transformation had been. The feeling was warm and it felt right; as if he was meant for this. His body grew taller, his musculature growing in size, his skin turning red and horns erupting from his skull, until he resembled the Inner Demon within him.
As he transformed for the first time, he heard his voice for one last time.
Save her for the both of us.
Akihiko Kasuga, second year student at Our Lady of Hermelin, was a Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Come on! Everyone!"
-
Mildred took a knee and put her hands to her head.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lk51bn5u0cvp425/EyesClosed.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Are you doing this, Saya...?"
And with that she felt a weightless sensation, as if falling... inwards.
Sounds of motorcycles revving, metal smashing, things of all materials and weights crashing against each other. Mildred's inner world was a chaotic place of destruction, an endless concrete landscape with random road delineations that led nowhere and objects of all varieties, often strangely sized, scattered about as if by a tornado. Something zipped by her with a low roar, and she turned to face it, picking up an intact bottle from the ground.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxe8es9orcpn7b4/ProioxisSilhouette.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Too slow, Mildred."
Honda turned again, trying to catch the voice, as she sidestepped toward a light pole. With a loud crash, she broke the bottle against it and held it out, ready to strike.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxe8es9orcpn7b4/ProioxisSilhouette.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You think you can solve everything with violence, don't you? Any problem you find yourself in, you just growl and bite until it goes away."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'll show you what violence can solve. Just stop running and I'll give you a lesson you'll never forget."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxe8es9orcpn7b4/ProioxisSilhouette.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That smug bastard is right, isn't he? There's no complexity to you. All you are is a beast acting on instincts - run, fight, chase, sleep. What kind of future do you think exists for you?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "He doesn't know anything about me, and neither do you if you're coming at me with that."
The shape zipped by again, and Mildred stabbed out at it with the shards... but she got nothing but wind.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxe8es9orcpn7b4/ProioxisSilhouette.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Do you really think you can fight me? Me, who is everything you are, every reaction, every instinct in a fight? I know everything you're going to do before you do, and I'm better at it than you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Maybe I can't beat you. But I'm not going to stand here and let you win, either. If you want me to be a monster, you're going to have to make one of me, because that is not who I am. Everything you say, maybe that's how people see me, but if you're really me then you know why I fight."
The shape blurred by again, ripping the bottle from her hand and launching it into the distance. She could hear it shatter at the very edge of sound, and she raised her fists.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxe8es9orcpn7b4/ProioxisSilhouette.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bold, girl, to think you can stand against your inner demon? 'Bravery in the face of defeat', is it? Explain to me why you're not a monster."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Because I've never attacked anyone for personal gain. I've only ever fought to earn respect, and to protect people who can't fight themselves. If you are 'everything that I am,' then you know that I've never hurt anyone who didn't deserve it."
The shape slowly floated down from above, revealing herself - it almost looked like Mildred herself, but decidedly more androgynous, in green biker leathers with crimson muscles and a silver horned helmet, the glass tinted opaque blue. The same blue as Mildred's eyes, almost giving her the impression that the front itself was one big iris that she could see herself reflected in.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "No, you haven't. We both know you aren't who people think you are. You're no 'mad dog', Mildred. You're a wolfhound, protecting the flock from the savage wolves. Take my power, and show everyone your true face."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "My true face... Who are you?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I am the pursuit of enemies, the winds of victory in war. I am Proioxis, and I am your ideal."
As she spoke, Proioxis turned into swirling vapors and surged into Mildred. The world started to fade away, as if crumbling bit by bit, and with each that fell away Mildred felt her own strength growing...
Mildred opened her eyes and looked up through the thick mop of hair that had fallen in front of her face. She stood slowly, pushing it back out of her eyes as she did.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm going to hit that Akuma until it leaves you be, Akitsuki. Just wait for me."
She raised a fist.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Proioxis! Bring the winds of war!"
The wind whipped around Mildred, sending her hair flying and hiding her from view with various bits of debris as it formed a miniature tornado... then suddenly it all shot away, leaving her nearly floating on powerful winds as her ponytail blew in the breeze.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I have your back, Kasuga!"
-
Shiro wasn't surrounded with silence. No, that would be too easy. Indistinct shapes, faces that almost - almost, but not quite - looked like her parents, her grandparents, her teachers, they watched her from the corners of her vision, looming over her until she tried to get a good look at them. Their eyes boring into her back, wherever it was turned.
"This is just sad."
Shiro glanced behind herself. Nothing. She looked forward again, and there stood an armored figure, illuminated starkly against the hazy background. The armor was exaggerated, thorny-looking and clearly meant to inspire awe and terror in those who beheld it. Yet, as it took three steps toward her, she could see nothing within. The helmet's face was open, but all that stared back at her were two burning pinpricks of light.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"What the hell do you want from me?" Shiro started to bring her fists up to protect herself, but only found herself stumbling backward when the figure took a sudden, swift step toward her, one arm rising into the air in an all-too-familiar fashion.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"It's simple." The arm dropped. "I want what you want, of course. I want you to be powerful. To stand head and shoulders above your peers. To be somebody." A step back once more. "What is it, exactly, that you think this game you're playing with the world is going to accomplish?"
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"If you're supposed to be my Inner Demon, then you should know damn well what it's about."
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Do I? I know what you're going to say. You're just being who you are and who you want to be. But does that sound right to you? You're supposed to be a girl who terrifies everyone into never speaking to her at school, and you are a wannabe criminal who gets their kicks from committing petty larceny and assault. Is that what you're going to tell me?"
This time, Shiro took a step back.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"I-I mean, no, that's. . . that's not what I-"
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Pathetic. How weak are you? Can't even admit to yourself what's actually happening in your own life. Aren't you supposed to be a strong, proud Akari?"
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Yeah, that's what I'm supposed to be, what about it?"
The figure closed the distance between them again. It stood a good foot taller than her, maybe more, yet she felt even more like a patronized child than she should.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Here's what's going to happen. You're going to let me make you that. You'll have all the power to tell everyone to do whatever you damn well want. People will respect and fear the name of Akari Shiro as they should."
Shiro was silent for a long moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Well?"
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Fine. I'll take that power." Shiro turned partially away from the demon, gazing off into the watchful nothing. "Just do what you need to."
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"I was expecting more resistance." The Inner Demon stepped forward, then reached out a hand, moving to place it atop Shiro's head. "I'll fulfill my promise, don't you worry."
Shiro's hand snapped upward at the last moment, closing around the wrist of the demon a breath before its hand landed.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I said I was taking the power. I'm not going to let you or anyone else decide what I'm doing with it." Her head moved up too, glaring back at the Inner Demon with the same defiant light that shone from its empty visor. The armored figure froze for a second, then laughed.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"That's what I was waiting to see." The hand came down, turning their contact into an awkward sort of handshake. "There's a question I didn't actually ask you."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I don't have an answer for you, but I'd ask you the same thing."
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"I am Pyrrha. I am the will to cut through opposition, and the light that shows the path, regardless of the dark that surrounds you."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"And I am Akari Shiro. I don't know what that means, but I'm going to find out." She reached out to pull the helmet off the indistinct figure. As she put it over her own head, the world around her disappeared into a blinding flash. . .
Shiro stood up, slowly but full of resolute purpose.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I'm ready for this now." The heiress took a defiant step forward. "We'll cut them down, Pyrrha!" She raised one arm in the air, as if hoisting an invisible weapon, and a column of light slammed down from the heavens to blot out her form entirely. As quickly as it came, it was gone, leaving a towering armored figure in her place, wielding a glowing blade.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"I'll show you all what I'm really made of."
-
The flurry of events overwhelmed Yui, and all she could do was freeze in place as everything around her happened, unable to even twitch a muscle.
That is, until the White Knight appeared, filling her eyes with hope.
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) "S-see? I told you, he'd co...!"
Yui's exclamation was silenced as he disappeared as fast as he came. And then the sudden pain happened.
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) "Aaaah...!"
Like the others, she collapsed to the floor, the world turning dark around her...
When Yui's vision returned, she stared directly at a green suit of armor which was, frankly, overdesigned. It didn't move, but Yui instinctively knew that something was inside and alive that suit.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "What are...?"
The eyeslit suddenly emitted a short-lived burst of red light, startling Yui in the process.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Is that all it takes to waver your resolve? Pathetic. Useless."
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "U-useless? Pathetic? But everybody would be scared in a situation like that..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Humans are the same in their fears. But how they express themselves in those situations are what makes them unique. Which means that you're just a unique brand of pathetic and useless."
A flame of seldomly felt anger sparked inside of Yui's stomach.
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) "Excuse me?! Isn't it normal to try to survive?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "Survive? Maybe. But surviving is an easy goal to set. That you only aim to do something that easy, that makes you pathetic and useless. Even flies can survive. Are you as worthless as a fly?"
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) "O-of course not, I...!"
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "You didn't dare to confront your father, your bullies, and you fear to tell your new friends what happened to you in the past. Maybe that's a form of survival. But it's nothing more. Do something human for once, instead of staying an animal that masquerades as one."
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "You survived. But nothing has changed. Figure out for yourself what you have to do to change something. And if you can't... maybe being an Akuma suits you after all. Those are only animals too."
The green suit of armor turned around and started moving into the infinite darkness.
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) "... I want to live, too!"
The suit of armor stopped, but didn't turn around.
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) "You are right, I should have done something. But I also fear the consequences of my actions... But as you said, everybody probably feels a similar fear in that. Yet, some are able to do something. To change something."
The flame of anger burned brighter.
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) "And the first thing I'm gonna do to change myself is to beat you up for having such a haughty tone!"
The armor laughed as it turned around.
(https://i.imgur.com/rDaCeGD.png) "YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME?! THAT'S CUTE! GIVE ME YOUR BEST SHOT!"
(https://i.imgur.com/CIyqRT6.png) "SHUT THE HELL UP, MARC'HEG GWER!"
Yui sprinted forward, raised her fist and swung it at the armor. It catches the fist with its own hand, but slowly turned it into a handshake.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "About time that you're honest to yourself. You're still unrefined, but I can work with that. Time to become human and do a difference, Aiuchi Yui."
The young student gazed at the eyeslit in the helmet, shaking the hand back.
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) "I will show you what I'm capable of!"
When Yui's consciousness returned, she opened up her eyes wide and stood up.
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) "White Knight! I apologize for having been a burden back then. This will not happen again! Marc'heg Gwer, I'll walk in your steps!"
And with that sentence, Yui slightly rises into the air as a massive green suit of, frankly, overdesigned armor materialized and encapsulated her.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Time to finally make a move."
-
With the pain building up within Shoji's neck, the reporter found it harder and harder to stand straight. Ultimately, it didn't matter what she did to stop the pain, as the world simply grew darker and darker, until there was nothing but silence.
"It's about time. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time."
...
"... Trying to hide still? No amount of cowering will stop our meeting, Shizuko Shoji."
.....
"WAKE UP"
With a start, Shoji's eyes snapped open, immediately being greeted with a black void, along with the sensation of floating within water. Somehow, Shoji could make out distant storm clouds incircling the void she floated in, as if this place was an 'eye'. But, most importantly, there stood a figure in front of her, a large form clad in black robes, yellow trimming along its edges, and a large, spear-like appendage poking out from its right sleeve. Its head was simply a blue orb, occassionally rippling as if it was water, and topped with a yellow, v-shaped crown.
And she could tell that it was staring right at her.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"W-What..?"
"Greetings. You and I have a lot to talk about."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"A-About what? Saya-"
"What about Saya? She needs to be helped? And what do you, one who never stood up for herself, plan to do to help?" the figure asked, tilting their head slightly as Shoji fell silent, "Understand that you're going to die soon. Overrun by mindless Akuma, even with the Black Princess and White Knight protecting you." Everyone around you will die, and you, cowering behind them, will watch it unfold..."
"Unless you had the power to say otherwise."
Instantly, Shoji's eyes flicked up, the figure taking a step forward, the storm clouds in the distance rumbling slightly, "All your life, you've envied the strength of others, have you not? Kasuga's willingness to step up and fight for what he believes inspired you, but you never had the strength to do the same. You've always stood still, watching others carve their paths, out of fear for what they might think of you. But with me, we can finally make our own path. Cast your doubts aside, Shizuko Shoji. Embrace what you were meant to be" the figure stated, stopping just before it reached Shoji, whose gaze had fallen as she took in its words. For a few seconds, neither spoke, nor did they move. But ultimately, Shoji sighed, closing her eyes,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/916494967017467924/Shoji_Eyes_closed_talking.png)
"... I won't deny it. I have envied others. Everyone's always been so... Strong, and I've never had that same strength" she began, her floating form finally starting to lower itself to the ground and allow her to stand on her own two feet again, just as the girl looked back up at the figure, a rare look of conviction in her eyes,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"... But I won't be what you want me to be. Or what they want me to be." she stated. It was hard for her to physically stand up to the figure in front of her, seeing as it was nearly three heads taller than her, but even her attempt to fight back seemed to impress the figure, who nodded, kneeling down to be slightly more on her level,
"Then what do you want to be? What will you do with the strength you've yearned for all your life?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/916494967017467924/Shoji_Eyes_closed_talking.png)
"... Right now, I'll help Akihiko and the others save Saya. After that, we'll have to decide. One step at a time."
"... Then it's time for both of us to wake up."
With a start, Shoji's eyes snapped open, her hands falling from her neck as she straightened. The young girl focused on Saya, taking a deep breath as she raised her right hand above her head and closed her eyes,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/916494967017467924/Shoji_Eyes_closed_talking.png)
"... Awaken, Leviathan."
With those two words, a flurry of storm clouds erupted from around Shoji, quickly enveloping her before swiftly dissipating, starting from the bottom. Where the small, red girl once stood, a large, cloaked figure remained, its raised arm in the form of a spear. Once its transformation was complete however, the figure lowered its arm, pointing its edge at the Akuma that used to be Saya.
"Let's go."
-
Just as Misa finishes declaring her opinion of the currently occurring events the pain in her neck reappears, and worse then before. Just as the pain rose beyond any hope of her tolerating it, the stabbing sensation iced over... along with the world beyond.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898749406919143424/unknown.png) "You're fed up with it, hmm?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "What? What fresh nightmare is this?" Misa demands of the strange apparition.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898749406919143424/unknown.png) "You've told yourself you were done with things before, that you weren't going to take it any more."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898749406919143424/unknown.png) "What makes this time any different? How do you expect to keep your word in the harsh light of day, and not run back to your books?"
Misa pauses, giving the... fairy?... a long look.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"I don't know who you are... but this was supposed to be a change." Misa admits.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"A new school, a new house... friends even, maybe."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"An escape... No, a new escape from all the things I hated in my life."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898749406919143424/unknown.png) "An escape? Now now, stop lying to yourself. An escape... an escape is something you do. And you did nothing. Nothing but sit and hide."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"I did, didn't I?" Misa asks herself. "I... mom, dad, they saved me once again."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"Is it wrong, to be tired of being saved?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"It's... and now it's all going bad again. I don't know what's going on. But..."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898749406919143424/unknown.png) "Knowledge has always been your refuge." The fairy acknowledges. "But in our case, we've turned our dreams into a cage."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"A cage... my dreams started out as shelter, armor." Misa realizes, speaking softly to herself more then the fairy. "But she's right. It's stopped being only a defense long ago. I've let not knowing what to do, not knowing why, not knowing how to make things better, stop me for too long. "
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "I've turned hope into an excuse."
Misa clenches her fists.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"So I need to stop hoping for a rescue..."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"...When it's past time I made my escape."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png)(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"Knowledge, hope, desire alone isn't enough." Misa and the fairy speak as one as they close their eyes.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"We need to take action too." Only one person is there when she opens her eyes, and all of them are herself. "And we've waited more then long enough."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png)"I'll make my dreams into reality with my own two hands."
The ice covering the world cracks, shatters, breaks...
Revealing the world once more.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "..." Misa straightens up, standing up tall for the first time tonight.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Her eyes snap open. "I've retreated into dreams long enough. It's time for this Pixie to take flight. "
-
The chill in Masaru's back sharpened rapidly, and he immediately collapsed back onto the ground. He struggled to lift himself back up, struggled to keep his head up to look at the Akuma that was about to end him, but in the end...
Blinding. Masaru felt no light touch him, and yet when he tried to open his eyes, they seared with pain. All he could see was blinding radiance. It was as if a million flickering sparks, like candlelights, were washing over his sightline. And if not being able to see clearly wasn't enough, a deafening white noise blasted his ears as well, rendering everything silent. It was nearly impossible to see and hear anything, much less focus on the figure in front of him. And yet, the figure made him focus.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q9Ddrvv.png)
"It is purely of your own make, you understand. That light in your eyes, that sound in your ears..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"That... Kaijin... Scathach... she said that the Akuma Seed would wake my 'Inner Demon' up. I see no one else it could be. Now, dispel this light, and leave me be. I need to stay focused on the moment at hand!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Q9Ddrvv.png)
"Oh now, since when has the moment at hand been of your concern? You have no present tense worth enjoying, and your past is questionable at best, "Demura Masaru". Of course, our every action for over three years, for all our life, has only been intended for the shining, radiant future you see before you. And the future it will always be. It will never become your past, your present. Always in sight, but never behind you."
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"That is what you would have me believe the limits of my resolve are? A pathetic ruse. If I make it out of this alive and human, I will become everything I promised I'd be, just you wait."
The figure scoffed, and stepped forward.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q9Ddrvv.png)
"What is it we waiting for, again, these promises? For you to become the student council president? The valedictorian of a prestigious college? Mayor of Kaname-cho? Or are we waiting your family to love you? For anyone at all to more than barely tolerate you? Don't tell me you cannot tell what they all think of you."
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Q9Ddrvv.png)
"I thought that politicians were supposed to have words. Does the name of "Demura" not suit you? After all, the insufferable clown and that man fouling the Helper's Club's reputation were both more trusted to hold the position than you. Now, open your eyes and ears, and hear this:
"There was never a "Demura Masaru". I see no past, no present, not even a future for us. What you're seeing isn't that shining radiance. It is your efforts, your one-track focus. All this time, you have been blinding yourself to the world."
The figure approached ever closer, before extending its hand to Masaru.
"Nothing you have done has helped. It hasn't even been anywhere near the right track. But I can offer you something else. I can offer you the power, and the kingdom, you desire. I can make you a ruler. You need only ask."
Masaru shifted his fingers uncomfortably, clenching his fists... and releasing them.
(https://i.imgur.com/c2UJF0U.png)
"What, and rule a Domain where my subjects cower in fear of me? You accuse my actions of not being on the right track, but that would be going in the opposite direction altogether! We both know that what I want was never going to be as easy as you're promising."
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"If I lack a present tense, it is because my life is a work in progress. I cannot truly see the end in sight, and I know I am not there yet... but that is merely the due process of it. I knew it would be like this on the outset."
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"I will become the man worthy of my pride, and of my name. To the world and the history books, if not to my family. I may not be a leader yet, but I will become one, and I will need the sum of my, your, our strength, every step of the way." He then extended his hand in turn. "Now, how were those for 'words'?"
The figure firmly grasped Masaru's hand. The noise subsided, and his eyes managed to adjust to, and see through, the light.
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"You aced the test. Full marks."
As all of Masaru's senses returned to him, he picked himself back up, and raised his index finger towards what Akitsuki had become.
(https://i.imgur.com/mnTTGXP.png)
"I, Demura Masaru, son of Mitsuaki, son of Masashi, do call upon you! My eyes and ears, Vasusena! Ignite! Illuminate!
A burning light surrounded him, and in the next instant, a lithe, black figure, his silver breastplate adorned with a large cloak and his helmet with golden earpieces, took his place. Soon after he took his place, a flare of information erupted from his left eye, and in his hand an intangible arrow appeared, and in the other a bow of the same hue.
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"Let us end this false world."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Akitsuki-san? W-wait, is she the one calling these things? Akitsuki-san, please, we-!"
Aika was cut off by the cold fire burning in her neck, forcing her to fall to the floor with a strangled gasp, curling up and holding her head as she struggled to fight back tears, to even stay awake. But, as with the others, this was a losing battle. The last thing she saw was the others falling to the floor. The last thing she felt was a sense of helplessness as the Onibi started closing in.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Footsteps echoed through the still and silence, through chambers and halls of inconceivable size. An impression of an elegant palace, shaped and crafted by the spirits of the world from their own forms over the course of ages, bright and vibrant and bursting with life and song--or, rather, it could have been. Or it was, once. None now saw its grandeur. None now remembered its glory. It was lost, lost and abandoned; isolated save for the sole guest now aimlessly wandering its halls, unable to appreciate the beauty around her.
She could not see it, after all. She could only feel the impression it left upon her, there in the shimmering darkness.
Aika felt terribly alone.
"You don't need to, if you would wish otherwise."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ah-!"
The idol froze, looking this way and that through the darkness. Soft laughter echoed around her, though it never reached Aika's ears. Nor did the voice, however musical it might be. The silence remained deafening.
But as with the palace, it left its impression. She could still hear the familiar voice speaking in her heart.
"Please, sit, Aika-chan. You must be exhausted, after your journey here."
And so the idol found herself sitting, though she could not see where. She felt she must be at the impression of a table. She felt the empty warmth of invisible, metaphysical tea between her hands. She still saw nothing. Or should have been able to see nothing.
Still, somehow, it felt like the shadows began to take form in front of her.
"Good. I'm glad we could meet like this, Aika-chan. It's been so long, and you've been working so hard."
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Please, take a moment to catch your breath. I am always happy to provide you what hospitality I can."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You're... Who are you?"
There was a pause, and then the laughter again. It sounded almost pitying, this time.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Oh, Aika-chan... Is it not obvious?"
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"'I am thou... and thou art I.' As the old saying goes."
Aika blinked, then narrowed her eyes, focusing on the mass of shadows sitting across from her.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You... It's true, isn't it? You're really my Inner Demon..."
The shadows shifted, as if inclining what might have been their head.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"'Inner Demon...' If you would call me that, I suppose I am, Aika-chan. That part of you that you bury deep, deep within yourself, refusing to let any see. Your innermost thoughts. Your greatest fears. And many other things besides."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You admit so much. What else would I call you, then, if not that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"I would like you to call me your friend, Aika-chan."
Aika blinked again, her expression turning to one of bemusement. The shadows shimmered, silent laughter even more silent than before.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"It's true, Aika-chan. It is my only wish to protect you, after all. To support you, when you would be left so very, very alone... As you were before."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "..."
The shadows drifted nearer, circling around Aika, almost like they were dancing.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Poor dear... You did very well for yourself, too, these past few years. You've made so many friends. You have so many that admire you. You've worked so hard to bring them joy, to earn that affection, even knowing..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Knowing? Knowing what?"
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Knowing it will slip away, of course."
Aika gave the shadows a sharp look. The shadows tsked in turn.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"You know it must, of course. Even if you survive here, it will end in time. Even young as you are, you'll still grow older. Your fans will lose interest. Your friends will drift apart. Each of you will go your separate paths, fading first from memory, and then simply fading. You'll be alone again. You'll suffer for it, poor girl. And then you'll die as less than a dream, just as all of them must."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "..."
The shadows drifted closer still. Aika could feel them brushing against her, solid-yet-ephemeral. She could feel cool, ghostly hands cupping her cheeks, patting her hair as if to reassure her.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"I can help, you know, Aika-chan. The dream doesn't need to fade, after all. Not here. If you would but take my hand and let me, I could ensure that you aren't forgotten. I could ensure your friends are protected. I could ensure that your dream remains alive forever within these halls, just as it ever was, and ever can be. An eternal palace of light and music, where none ever need fear abandonment again."
The void/the palace fell into true silence again, as both Aika and the shadows remained there in thought. Eventually, though, the idol spoke.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You make an interesting offer, shadow-me-san~. But are you quite done?"
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Hm? Whatever do you mean, Aika-chan?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "If you're the inner me, you should know what I mean. Those fears, those worries... they're nothing I haven't considered before, right? I know all about them. I know Coral ☆ Light can't last forever. I know, someday, we'll have to go our separate ways. But..."
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"But..?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "But that's fine!"
Aika beamed.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Even the greatest dream doesn't last forever. People change--and even if you don't think you do, you can't stay young forever. Every girl in the business knows that, though none of us likes talking about it. But that doesn't mean change is always bad. People grow, too."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "And even if you change, it doesn't mean you stop being friends.
It doesn't mean you didn't inspire people to better themselves as they were. And y'know, if we work hard, when things are done... even if we all go our separate ways, I think each of our individual stars will be all the brighter for what we're doing now. And each of us can light new stars on the way."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Keeping things as they are sounds like a nice dream... but it'd be nicer still to support my friends. To help each of them shine, and to grow and shine myself with the support they give me."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Thanks for the imaginary tea, miss~"
Aika made to stand. To her surprise, she found a pair of hands--real, solid, material hands--taking hers and helping her to her feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Aika-chan... I'm not sure what we thought would happen, when it came to this meeting. There is much pain for you ahead, if you will not reconsider. But I am truly proud of you. And I cannot say I am necessarily displeased with your answer."
Aika tilted her head. After another moment, the idol grinned.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Hey, shadow-me-san~! Would you be up for an arrangement? I think a few possible friends need a bit of help."
(https://i.imgur.com/FBZOf26.png)"Of course, Aika-chan. Though perhaps we should call me something other than shadow-you, hm?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Probably~! So, then, shadow-me-san. What's your name?"
Aika's eyes opened. With a surprising energy, the idol sprung to her feet, smiling as brightly as ever.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Have no fear, neko-san~! You've got this. We've all got this! And we'll get Saya-chan out of here, too!"
Aika closed her eyes, pressing a hand to her chest. She took a deep breath. Then another. Then she raised her voice, as if she were upon the stage.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "~Listen to my song, daughter of the sea! Otohime, like stars sparkling upon the waves, fill our hearts with light!~"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~And let your currents carry us to happiness!~"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Alright, everyone! Let's go!"
-
The pain washed over Mori, like his whole body was being painfully frozen inside a block of ice. He collapsed to the ground, breathing through gritted teeth, eyes screwed shut to the world. His last words before everything fell into blackness...
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"So I was right then, Akitsuki was the Akuma. Ha, then I don't have a chance..."
[Now Playing: Inside a Twisted Mind ~~Schizophrenia~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjrKde4LmDc)]
The next he was aware of himself, he was standing in a massive hall of mirrors. Looking up and down and to the sides, all he could see was himself, standing at a different angle, in a sea of blackness. He could see his image stretch off into infinity no matter what direction he looked, just a thousand other facets of Mori Sawatari staring back at him.
Then one spoke.
"What do you want anyway?"
The reflection he was closest to started walking towards him, until it started pushing itself out of the mirror, twisting as it did, turning into... Kasuga?
(https://i.imgur.com/BC6Kt5n.png)
"Do you wish you were like Akihiko? So brave and heroic. He never doubts himself..."
(https://i.imgur.com/AHa2JQA.png)
...because he's so naïve as to truly believe in the good in EVERYONE!?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"What the hell!" Mori screamed, as the image of Akihiko shifted, his eyes turning into pools of darkness, his face twisted into a grin. And it just started getting closer and closer. Mori stumbled backwards as he tried to get away, his heart beating so loud he could feel it in his head. Finally he felt his back hit something solid, but the twisted thing kept approaching. Desperately, he closed his eyes and swung out, hoping to hit it and...
The moment he made contact, there was a sound like glass shattering. He opened his eyes to see the figure was gone, and shards of broken glass on the floor were dissolving into sand. It was quiet for a moment, before a voice, his voice, spoke up again.
"But you can't be like him. You can't help but look at everyone as a potential tool. Wondering how to use them, what you'd need to say to make them do what you want them to."
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"I know that already!" Mori shouted, "I know! I'm a monster! So hurry up and turn me into an akuma and let's get this over with!"
If the voice heard him, it gave no response. The room was silent for a bit, as he took the time to catch his breath and let his heartbeat slow down. Then, something about the mirror he was leaning on seemed to change. It was as if it had become less solid. He flinched back, falling to the ground, as the reflection in that mirror began to walk towards him too.
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png)
"Do you wish you were like Saya? She's always willing to help anyone as much as she can..."
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png)
"...but it was the helplessness of not being able to help the one she loved most that turned her into a monster."
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"Shut up! Just shut up!" He smacked the image of the... the thing Saya had become, and it broke apart into shards of glass. The shards dissolved into sand on the floor.
"And besides, you could never do that. You can't help without wanting something from it. Help from you is just a deal with a devil."
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"Stop telling me things I already know!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lk51bn5u0cvp425/EyesClosed.png?raw=1)
"Maybe Mildred then? So blunt, she always tells the truth..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Iwsl2o3.png)
"...of course, that unfiltered mouth would have ruined her life if she didn't have her father's business to fall back on."
This image didn't even wait for him to hit it. It shattered into glass and sand the moment it finished speaking.
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"What's next? You're going to tell me I wish I had Akari's name to fall back on?"
(https://i.imgur.com/bw2ipfW.png)
"Your words, not mine. Well, as if there's a difference."
The image shattered, only to be immediately replaced by another one.
(https://i.imgur.com/7rxThhP.png)
"You wouldn't even need to do all this if you had Masaru's work ethic or brains. You could have given your family the life they had before just on your own blood, sweat, and tears."
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/Eo4HLub.png)
"Kanna's optimism?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/iFIvGg1.png)
"Riku’s ability to care for others?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/dz1McQ2.png)
"Veep's confidence to be himself?"
Shatter
The floor of the room was covered with a layer of sand.
"Who do you wish you could be?"
(https://i.imgur.com/yKG8n5j.png)
"Misa?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/4AMURxB.png)
"Shoji?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/QefqvQO.png)
"Yui?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/YhXSjep.png)
"Morimoto?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/69RACmC.png)
"Aika?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/qfdaSTl.png)
"Rise?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/siZTd1a.png)
"Touma?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/7kYJA60.png)
"Otoya?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/rYp7UQR.png)
"Ayaka?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/uolF9qJ.png)
"Eisuke?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/I7Ficx5.png)
"Hisa?"
Shatter
(https://i.imgur.com/eD6hKDr.png)
Futaba?
Shatter
The room was filling up with sand and Mori's heart was beating so loud it echoed through his whole body.
badump
"Shut up."
badump
"Shut up!"
badump
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"Show yourself!"
"Haven't I already? I've shown you me a thousand times over."
The room fell apart, the sand disappeared, and every one of the remaining reflections of Mori started walking towards him. He fell back, as all at once, every one of them stepped forward to the same point. Thousands of thousands of Sawatari Moris faded into one figure. The figure was taller than Mori by a head and a half. Broader too, but by how much it was hard to tell. His body was wrapped in a heavy purple trench coat, and he held a curved cane in one hand. On his head he wore a purple top hat, that seemed to shimmer as if it was reflecting light, and on his face was a golden mask, a fusion of the two symbols of theater.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"After all, I'm what you face when you face in the mirror. Long as you live, I will be here."
[Now Playing: The Great Secret of Sawatari Mori ~~Carnivore~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzE18_cHlR8)]
His voice was deeper than Mori's. It carried hints of menace, grandeur, sarcasm and darkness.
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"What's the point of this?" Mori asked, "I told you, I'm not resisting. I'm already a monster. Turn me into an Akuma!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"Mori, Mori, Mori..." the figure spoke like he was lecturing a child, "I know what you said, but is that what you want? I can tell you it isn't. After all, I'm you, and you're me, and I want what you want. You may be a monster, but you don't want to be one. In fact, you don't want to be you at all."
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"...what?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"Toppling the world, helping your family, saving others? Those are secondary desires at best. The great secret of Mori Sawatari is that he wants to be anyone else, no matter who, as long as he doesn't have to be Mori Sawatari."
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"THAT'S NOT TRUE!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"Isn't it?" Mori didn't know how, but he could tell that behind his mask, the figure had some kind of mirthless smile on his face. "You could have chosen a thousand different ways to do what you claim you want. You could have worked as hard as possible to make good grades and become a top student, and to become rich yourself one day. You could have run for office, you've certainly got the charisma. You could even marry rich and use the money to help others. But you chose the path that was the most idiotically convoluted. You created an entire fake you, a façade of a whole different person. You know that that was probably the worst option, but it was the only way you could get what you want. You could become someone else, and convince yourself it was for the benefit of other people. How noble."
"SHUT UP!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"And do you know why that's what you want?" The figure continued "I've been showing you that too. Ever heard the saying 'eye's are a window to the soul'? Of course you have, I wouldn't be able to repeat it if you hadn't. Well, as you can see..."
(https://i.imgur.com/AHa2JQA.png)
"No matter who I become, my eyes are pits of empty black to you and me? Get it?"
"Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"And in case you don't grasp the extremely fucking subtle symbolism here, let me spell it out for you. I am thou, thou art I, and we..."
He took off his mask and hat to reveal a mass of pure blackness underneath.
(https://i.imgur.com/KFRMrvC.png)
...are empty inside.
Mori could only stare and mutter to himself.
*"It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true..."*
The figure put his mask and hat back on and extended his hand to Mori.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"So I'm giving you exactly what you want. The power to be anyone else, as long as it's someone you're not."
Mori whimpered. He looked into the eyes of the mask. Looked into the pits of infinite blackness that stretched beyond. Could he take the deal? Was he really empty inside? What would he do, if he could escape it? What choice did he have? If he just put on that mask then... then what?
"No."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"No?"
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"I can't change who I am inside just by putting on another mask. I'll take your power, I'll take everything you offer, but I know it can't make me more than what I am. Even if I don't want to be, I am Mori Sawatari, and I can't believe I'm as empty as you claim."
He took the figure's hand.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"Tch," the figure replied "And we were so close there. Ok then, for now, you get to play the hero, but when you slip up... well..."
Light began to swallow the world before the figure could finish.
Mori was back in the domain. His breath was shaky, his heart was pounding in his ears, and his body was still so cold. He looked up to see all his classmates were gone. There was a storm of new Kaijin fighting the Onibi, and he realized, with a bit of surprise, that there were no new Akumas. Everyone had overcome, even he had...
But did he really?
He knew what the figure's name was. The shadowy figure that controls everything. The monster with a thousand names that never really loses.
He hadn't won. He'd just bought himself more time.
He looked out at everyone else. Everyone was in combat, and there were no more Onibi open.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"You said I'd play the hero? No, that's wrong." He muttered to himself, "I'll be forever in their shadows. I'll be the dark velvet that makes gems look brighter. I'll be the inky night against which you can see the stars. I'll be their foil. In mine ignorance, their skill shall, like a star i' th' darkest night, stick fiery off indeed."
"I welcome my mask, Fantômas.
He placed his hand over his face and transformed. Darkness enveloped him. He could feel himself fade to nothing as the heavy purple coat formed over him. His shadow shrunk into him and faded away, fusing into the darkness that was hidden under the coat. He felt the wooden cane form in his hands, with a small metal hourglass set into it, and he felt the hat take its place on his head. Lastly, he felt the cold metal mask form over his face. The cold faded from him, but he could feel that it too had just moved, mixing into the darkness. Perhaps that was all he was, just darkness in hiding, waiting to overcome his will and become something monstrous.
As he transformed, he heard the voice again.
"We'll be in touch."
Mori Sawatari may not be an Akuma, but that didn't mean he wasn't a monster.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/423924783680585728/898349684710596618/unknown.png)
"Ok, Kasuga. I'll be behind you."
-
As Akihiko and the others transform, the hordes of Onibi surrounding the party begin to back off. The floating Akuma clutches her head with her hands, screaming; her voice, though audibly still Saya's, is echoing, a deep growl beneath it, as if two people are speaking with one.
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "I'll....help you, Aki-kun. Nobody will ever hurt you ever again. Don't stop me. This power....it's fantastic. Don't you agree? You've transformed like me, right? Fight at my side like always. Aki-kun."
Akihiko alone hears the next message.
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) Please, help me, Aki-kun. I believe in you. I'm sorry.
The young man, feeling the strength coursing through his body, clenches his fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "If you can hear me in there, Saya...I'll do my best."
Scathach pulls back slightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My partner and I will let you take the lead. We'll be here to help, but....it's better you learn yourselves how your powers work. It's different for everyone."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Don't get yourselves too badly hurt."
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "I'll help, too! I'm not as strong, but...I have a few tricks of my own."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Alright! Everyone, let's do this. Saya needs us! Come on, let's go!"
~~~~Turn 1~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme (Lone Prayer)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Z68V0vD0E)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZsysOJs.png) (https://imgur.com/ZsysOJs)
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 17/17 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 16/16 (Slash)
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 18/18 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 18/18 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 19/19 (Nala)
Shizuko Shoji/Leviathan (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbb5x90usceo0yn/Shoji%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 15/15 (Shoot)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 18/18 (Miza)
Allies:
Unknown/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Fia)
Unknown/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 32/32 (Stab)
Chiyo/Cath Palug (https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5qypri0q11miw/Chiyo%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/19 (Nen)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wcabpomdc5furfd/Chapter%201%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Despairing Moon A: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon A: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon B: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon C: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon A: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon B: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon A: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon B: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon D: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon E: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon F: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon C: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon D: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon B: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Guilty Moon G: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon H: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon I: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Despairing Moon C: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon D: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon C: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon E: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon F: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon D: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Avenging Moon E: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon F: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Lunarian: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active] [Press Turns: 2]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Lunarian
Other Info:
- Lunarian will not initiate attacks on Akihiko.
- Gawain and Scathach will not initiate attacks on the boss and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Chiyo will follow suggestions given by the team.
- Trees count as Forest, Rocks count as Forts but do not grant healing, Fences and Statues are impassable, the tiles from G-9 to 11 and I-9 to 11 are legal and count as Plains tiles, the trashcan is a Forest tile.
-
Mori looked at the figures standing all around him. They were a strange mix of armored figures, a cat person or something, someone who looked like a mermaid dancer, another one who was kind of too small for him to get a good look at, one who looked kind of like Mildred, if she was an actual demon instead of just metaphorical, and one that was obviously Kasuga since he looked like a Kamen Rider self insert. Most of the others? He tried to guess off their body language, but with the odd mix of new statures and fancy costumes... yeah, he had no idea.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Right, so, not here to tell you how to Kaijin, since I wouldn't want anyone to walk in and tell me how to manipulate others to my whims," Mori stated, in the casual tone reserved for pretending to be calm when you were about to run, screaming, "but ah... I have no idea who most of you are, and no idea what anyone can do, so... can we fix that before we start running about like a bunch of headless chickens and getting ourselves in even more trouble than we already are? I'll go first, this is Sawatari if you couldn't tell."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Pixie glances over at the tall-hatted individual as she flutters into the air small gusts of wind curling around her form as she takes flight. "I was Misa... now I'm Pixie. For now at least. As for what I can do... We'll see. I can feel the lightning in my veins though, so I'm sure I'll be able to give a shocking performance." The giggle she lets out at that doesn't really sound like what people would associate with Misa. For one thing, it actually sounds happy for once.
-
"...right" Mori replied, as he took a deep breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Life or death scenario against Kasuga's girlfriend and the chuuni theatre nerd will be the one who has to act sane," Mori stared desperately at Scathach and Gawain, or did as well as he could when his face was made of darkness hidden behind a mask, though he'd gotten pretty good at stuff like this from costume work, "Please don't make me be the practical one. Bad things happen when I have to be the practical one. This is why I have a vice president."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "The sane thing to do is to get fighting! Introductions later!"
Akihiko yells as he sprints towards one of the Onibi in their way.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"I think you mean the opposite, you overgrown, shonen protagonist, Kamen Rider wannabe!" Mori screamed as he reflexively followed behind Akihiko, "You're going to get yourself murdered and then Saya's just going to be even more upset! And then we'll all die because you couldn't keep your head on straight in a crisis!"
Select Akihiko as Guard target.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Now, now~. There's no reason to worry about sanity. This situation is already pretty insane, I'd say, so it's as good a time as any to act like it."
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"If Pixie-chan wants to zap people with her lightning blood or whatever it is she's talking about, let her!"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Giant red sentai guy- You're Kasuga, right? Yeah, that's definitely you. No one else would look like that."
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"I don't know about the rest of that stuff, but you were always the closest to Saya-chan. So lead on! We're right behind you!"
-
Scathach side-eyes Mori. Or....well, it seems like she is. With her eyes not visible under her visor, it's hard to tell where she's looking.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My, my, for someone so self-assured usually, Sawatari, you're so worried now. It's a little cute. You'll figure it out. Your new powers....they'll feel like you've always had them. Which you have, in a way. Don't think, feel."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Kasuga has the right of it! Crush them!"
The newly-minted Kaijin charged, shining blade flashing toward one of the onibi with a shout.
F17, Slash Guilty G
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Yeah, I'd love to know how you know what I'm usually like." Mori replied, "And Gawain, you said you knew their weaknesses? Feel free to share with the class."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Fire. And blunt force."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Uwooo... I can't help you with those." Pixie apologies as she flutters forwards, lightning building around her arms. "I'm more the thunderstorm kind of girl right now. Like so!" Lashing out with a, well, honestly very awkward looking punch, Misa launches a lightning bolt into her target.
J16, Zia Guilty I
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"... I have no idea who most of you are, and no idea what anyone can do, so..."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Mildred here, Sawatari. My Kaijin is Proioxis, and I have total control over the wind. Like so."
Mildred moves to M13 and Tailwinds Guilty F!
-
"... Shoji. I'm Shoji" the cloaked figure stated in response to Mori's question, head turning slightly to gaze the area they were in before nodding to itself, marching towards the various Akuma surrounding them, all while electricity began to envelop the speared arm.
Shoji moves to K11 and uses Ziana on Despairing Moon B
-
Unlike earlier, where the most they could do to the beasts was to hit them in the eye and run, the students are able to fight back.
And Shiro uses her newfound power to immediately cleave one in half with her blade.
(Shiro's Pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's Ego is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming....)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive is active!)
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: 98 to hit
Hit: 33, hit!
Critical: 4, crit!
Guilty Moon G takes 18 damage!
Guilty Moon G is defeated!
Misa and Mildred do similar things, their new power courisng through their veins.
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour is active!)
Pixie initiates!
Hit Rate: 88 to hit
Hit: 58, hit!
(Luna check: 4, pass!)
Critical: 1, crit!
Guilty Moon I takes 33 damage!
Guilty Moon I is defeated!
(Mildred's fists are raised!)
(Mildred breaks the world!)
(Proioxis' Great Typhoon activates! +3 DMG)
Proioxis activates her spell: Tailwind!
Proioxis gains +2 AS for 2 turns!
Proioxis loses 3 MP!
Proioxis initiates!
Hit Rate: 99 to hit
Hit: 40, hit!
Critical: 3, crit!
Guilty Moon F takes 45 damage!
Guilty Moon F is defeated!
Proioxis regains 10 MP!
Another Onibi is reduced to ash by a blast of thunder as Shoji advances.
(Shoji unleashes the demon within!)
Shoji activates her spell: Ziana!
Shoji loses 3 MP!
Shoji initiates!
Hit Rate: 76 to hit
Hit: 38, hit!
Critical: 1, crit!
Despairing Moon B takes 27 damage!
Shoji regains 10 MP!
Despairing Moon B is defeated!
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "It seems like you're getting the hang of it pretty quickly, huh?"
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 17/17 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 16/16 (Slash)
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 18/18 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 18/18 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 19/19 (Nala)
Shizuko Shoji/Leviathan (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbb5x90usceo0yn/Shoji%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 15/15 (Shoot)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 18/18 (Miza)
Allies:
Unknown/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Fia)
Unknown/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 32/32 (Stab)
Chiyo/Cath Palug (https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5qypri0q11miw/Chiyo%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/19 (Nen)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wcabpomdc5furfd/Chapter%201%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Despairing Moon A: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon A: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon B: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon C: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon A: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon B: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon A: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon B: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon D: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon E: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon F: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon C: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon D: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon B: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Guilty Moon G: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon H: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon I: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Despairing Moon C: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon D: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon C: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon E: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon F: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon D: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Avenging Moon E: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon F: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Lunarian: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active] [Press Turns: 2]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Lunarian
Other Info:
- Lunarian will not initiate attacks on Akihiko.
- Gawain and Scathach will not initiate attacks on the boss and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Chiyo will follow suggestions given by the team.
- Trees count as Forest, Rocks count as Forts but do not grant healing, Fences and Statues are impassable, the tiles from G-9 to 11 and I-9 to 11 are legal and count as Plains tiles, the trashcan is a Forest tile.
-
Mildred's air-based attack cut through the onibi, rending it into several pieces. She threw her arms to the side and scattered the remains far and wide on the powerful winds.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "It feels... right. Like this is what I was always meant to be."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"How do all of you know what to do? I mean, Honda and... I think that one with the glowing eyes is Akari based on the voice, those two I get. Shizuko, Miyashita, explain."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Let thought slip away, and let your heart guide you~"
Ibaraki to M12, FIAMA Avenging Moon D.
Otohime to K12, AGAIN Ibaraki with PARMALA. Ibaraki and Aika may move again due to Living Currents. Affected targets gain +3 damage for 3 turns.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~beyond the sea, beyond the stars, hear my heart calling to you. Let our love fill your sails and carry you back to my arms~"
As Aika sang, Ibaraki felt renewed energy and wholly new power filling him, driving him far beyond even the abilities of his new form as it drew on and refined his desire to save his friend.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Alright, Kasuga! I've got your back~!"
If Avenging Moon D survived, Otohime to K13. Else, K9.
If Avenging Moon D survived, Fia avenging moon D. Else, move to L9 and use Rush on Guilty Moon D.
-
With a roar, Akihiko takes a running start onto a bench, then jumps and swings a burning foot into a nearby Onibi, sending it into the ground exploding in flames.
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
Ibaraki-Douji activates his spell: Fiama!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 3 MP!
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: 88 to hit
Hit: 63, hit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Avenging Moon D takes 54 damage!
Avenging Moon D is defeated!
Ibaraki-Douji restores 10 MP!
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "That feels....great, Suzuki! Thanks for the boost! Don't worry, I got your back!"
Aika's song rejvuenates Akihiko, who turns around, covering Aika by grabbing one of the tentacles of a nearby Onibi and swinging onto it to deliver a swift kick into the back of its head, smashing it into the ground like its neighbor, causing it to dissipate into moonlight.
(Aika won't stop until she sees you all smile!)
(Otohime's Living Currents activates!)
Otohime casts Again!
Otohime casts Parmala on Ibaraki-Douji!
Otohime loses 4 MP!
Ibaraki-Douji may move again!
Ibaraki-Douji gains +3 DMG for 3 turns!
(Living Currents activates!)
Otohime may move again!
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Parmala is active! +3 DMG)
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: 99 to hit
Hit: 74, hit!
Guilty Moon D takes 23 damage!
Guilty Moon D is defeated!
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 17/17 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 16/16 (Slash)
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 18/18 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 18/18 (Rush) [Parmala: 3/3]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 19/19 (Nala)
Shizuko Shoji/Leviathan (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbb5x90usceo0yn/Shoji%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 15/15 (Shoot)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 14/18 (Miza)
Allies:
Unknown/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Fia)
Unknown/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 32/32 (Stab)
Chiyo/Cath Palug (https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5qypri0q11miw/Chiyo%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/19 (Nen)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wcabpomdc5furfd/Chapter%201%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Despairing Moon A: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon A: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon B: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon C: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon A: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon B: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon A: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon B: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon D: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon E: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon F: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon C: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon D: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon B: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Guilty Moon G: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon H: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon I: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Despairing Moon C: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon D: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon C: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon E: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon F: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon D: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Avenging Moon E: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon F: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Lunarian: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active] [Press Turns: 2]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Lunarian
Other Info:
- Lunarian will not initiate attacks on Akihiko.
- Gawain and Scathach will not initiate attacks on the boss and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Chiyo will follow suggestions given by the team.
- Trees count as Forest, Rocks count as Forts but do not grant healing, Fences and Statues are impassable, the tiles from G-9 to 11 and I-9 to 11 are legal and count as Plains tiles, the trashcan is a Forest tile.
-
"Um... I can't really explain. I'm just going with the flow of things. It's like I already know how to do this" Shoji stated, her voice indicating that she was just as confused as Mori was as she stared at the spot where one of the demons once were. She wasn't complaining though: It felt great. Was this was being strong felt like? If so, she could get used to it.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"...'go with the flow'?" Mori replied "...I honestly don't think I've done that since... before middle school."
He tried to close his eyes and let his instincts take over. They'd been doing it a lot recent, what with all the moving before he could think that had been going on. He breathed in and out, tried to not think, focused on emptiness and...
...nothing.
"Yeah, that's not working."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"Heh. What was that earlier about being able to 'work under pressure' where I could not, Sawatari? Now, feel free to pay attention to what a Demura Kaijin can do!" He rushed head-first towards the Onibi that had surrounded them, and fired a burning arrow towards a particularly unique-looking one.
Vasusena to I-17, cast Fia on Loving Moon C
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Ugh, of course it's Demura." Mori stated, walking towards him and Misa, since Akihiko had run too far for him to follow.
"Oh, I'm Masaru Demura, and I'm perfect at everything." Mori replied in an exaggerated version of Masaru's voice, as his body began to darken, as if moving into the shade, "My grades are perfect, my attendance is perfect, my conduct is perfect..."
Mori's body darkened into a silhouette before the shadow reshaped into a new form.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"...I even have perfect posture because the stick up my ass is so long and straight it keeps me from slouching!" he finished, now an exact doppelganger of Vasusena.
Mori looked down at his body, noticing it was... different than before.
"Well, I'm a shapeshifter. Really should have predicted that one." He stated, then, turned to look at Masaru.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"Hey, how did you do that fire thing again? Like this?"
He snapped his fingers and a pair of fiery arrows sparked to life around his hand. With a flick of his wrist, they flew, spinning around each other and leaving sparks behind them, at one of the eyes that looked like they had horns, turning into small pillars of fire on impact.
"Yeah, that's cathartic."
Fantomas moves to I-16, uses Master of Disguise on Vasusena, casts Fia on Despairing Moon D, and guards Vasusena.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "..."
For a moment, after the transformation, Marc'heg Gwer refused to move.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "This is... really happening..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "In a way... This is me. Truly me. In a way, I do hate it. That this is, in a way, my true self."
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "I can't help but think about shattering it. That image of myself that I despise. Getting out of that literal and metaphorical armor."
Marc'heg Gwer slowly turned towards the Moons behind her.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "However... For now, I can tolerate that it has its use."
She raised her axe.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Because today, I can save someone. And today, I will save someone!"
(https://i.imgur.com/rDaCeGD.png) "Akitsuki-san! You are not alone!"
Heavy stomps echoed through the vicinity as she effortlessly sprinted towards the closest Moon.
H-16, Bash Guilty Moon H
-
Surprisingly, Mori's little stunt succeeds.
(Masaru has a reputation to uphold!)
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 63, hit!
Critical: 10, crit!
(Ignis check: 10, pass!)
Loving Moon C takes 45 damage!
Loving Moon C is defeated!
(Fantomas' Master of Disguise activates!)
Fantomas activates Master of Disguise!
Fantomas gains Vasusena's Fia!
Fantomas iniitates!
Hit Rate: 83 to hit
Hit: 45, hit!
Despairing Moon D takes 15 damage!
Despairing Moon D cannot retaliate!
Meanwhile, Yui exchanges blows with one of the Onibi.
(Yui wants to break free!)
Marc'heg Gwer initiates!
Hit Rate: 95 to hit
Hit: 70, hit!
Guilty Moon H takes 11 damage!
Guilty Moon H retaliates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 5, hit!
Marc'heg Gwer takes 10 damage!
~~Ally Phase~~
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "Here! Let me help!"
Cath Palug activates Acrobatics!
Cath Palug swaps places with Fantomas!
(Chiyo sees happy faces within her mind!)
Cath Palug initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Despairing Moon D takes 10 damage!
Despairing Moon D is defeated!
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Hm. Here you go."
Gawain casts Lustrous Boost on Pyrrha!
Pyrrha gains all -Mala buffs for 3 turns!
Gawain loses 18 MP!
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Take the lead, Kasuga."
Scathach casts Revolution on Ibaraki-Douji!
Ibaraki-Douji has +20 Crit but takes 5 extra damage for 2 turns!
Scathach loses 20 MP!
~~Enemy Phase~~
An Onibi thinks Scathach is an easy target. It does not figure that Scathach is, in fact, significantly more powerful than the others and gets cut in half for its troubles.
(?? has to accelerate beyond herself!)
(Aika's Charisma activates!)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
(Scathach's Eclipse is active!)
Guilty Moon E initiates!
Hit Rate: 15 to hit
Hit: 86, miss!
Scathach retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 6, crit!
(Luna+ check: 6, pass!)
Guilty Moon E takes 96 damage!
Guilty Moon E is defeated!
Despite taking a licking, Gawain's power helps Shiro power through the remaining Onibi behind the group.
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming....)
(Shiro's Pride is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive activates!)
Despairing Moon C initiates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 21, hit!
Pyrrha takes 11 damage!
(Counter check: 1, pass!)
Despairing Moon takes 11 damage!
Pyrrha retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 16, crit!
Despairing Moon C takes 28 damage!
Despairing Moon C is defeated!
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming....)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive activates!)
Guilty Moon H initiates!
Hit Rate: 70 to hit
Hit: 74, miss!
Pyrrha retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 7, crit!
Guilty Moon H takes 24 damage!
Guilty Moon H is defeated!
Akihiko has a similar experience to Shiro.
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active!)
(Aika's Charisma is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
Avenging Moon C initiates!
Hit Rate: 67 to hit
Hit: 19, hit!
Ibaraki-Douji takes 10 damage!
(Demon's Constitution is no longer active...)
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 13, crit!
Avenging Moon C takes 45 damage!
Avenging Moon C is defeated!
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
(Aika's Charisma is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
Loving Moon B initiates!
Hit Rate: 67 to hit
Hit: 93, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji cannot retaliate!
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "You....please get out of the way! I'm doing my-get away from Akihiko!."
A blast of rocks smashes into Aika, but only barely, as if something in Lunarian was fighting to avoid hitting Aika. Aika's reflexive counterattack is....not very effective.
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Aika won't stop until you all smile!)
Lunarian activates her spell: Single Shot!
Lunarian initiates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 13, hit!
Otohime takes 9 damage!
Otohime retaliates!
Hit Rate: 74 to hit
Hit: 49, hit!
Lunarian takes 3 damage!
~~~~Turn 2~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme (Lone Prayer)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Z68V0vD0E)
(http://i.imgur.com/iu9eqAH.png) (https://imgur.com/iu9eqAH)
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/24 | MP: 17/17 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/25 | MP: 16/16 (Slash) [Lustrous Boost: 3/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 18/18 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/23 | MP: 18/18 (Rush) [Parmala: 2/3] [Revolution: 2/2]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 19/19 (Nala) [Master of Disguise: Fia]
Shizuko Shoji/Leviathan (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbb5x90usceo0yn/Shoji%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 15/15 (Shoot)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 11/20 | MP: 14/18 (Miza)
Allies:
Unknown/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Unknown/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 22/32 (Stab)
Chiyo/Cath Palug (https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5qypri0q11miw/Chiyo%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/19 (Nen)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wcabpomdc5furfd/Chapter%201%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Despairing Moon A: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon A: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon B: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon C: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon A: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon B: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon A: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon B: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon D: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon E: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon F: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon C: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon D: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon B: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Guilty Moon G: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon H: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon I: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Despairing Moon C: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon D: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon C: HP: 0/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon E: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon F: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon D: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Avenging Moon E: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon F: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Lunarian: HP: 23/26 (Shoot) [Life Point Active] [Press Turns: 2]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Lunarian
Other Info:
- Lunarian will not initiate attacks on Akihiko.
- Gawain and Scathach will not initiate attacks on the boss and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Chiyo will follow suggestions given by the team.
- Trees count as Forest, Rocks count as Forts but do not grant healing, Fences and Statues are impassable, the tiles from G-9 to 11 and I-9 to 11 are legal and count as Plains tiles, the trashcan is a Forest tile.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Ow, ow, ow- Please don't leave bruises when I turn back-"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Kasuga-san, I think Akitsuki-san might be trying to murder me! I don't suppose you could convince akuma-her that I'm not doing... whatever it is she thinks I'm doing?!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Uh...."
Lunarian unleashes a pained scream, clutching her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....you know I tried to talk her down already, right? That's what got us into this mess. I....don't think Akuma are particularly amenable to talking."
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "It's....I can't....sit down, Saya. You let me in. Let me lead. Let me protect Akihiko."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"I wouldn't know! All my skills are basically talking-adjacent, and I don't exactly make a habit of fighting Akuma!"
Despite the surge of power and her previous expressions of confidence, there was a bit of strain in Aika's cheer now that she'd actually gotten hurt.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Maybe singing from someone other than you would work better? Couldn't hurt (much worse) to try-"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Please stop pelting me with rocks/That would be pretty swell~"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~And please get out of Saya-chan's head/You loony lunar ne'er-do-well~"
...Wasn't the best, but hey. She didn't exactly have time for running it through editing.
-
Riding on the confidence high of having figured out how to do something with his new powers, Mori surveyed the area, noting the stray eyes, as well as where the largest group were amassing.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"Akari, Gawain, go deal with-" he paused, coughed a bit, then resumed "Go deal with the straggler winged eye, then circle around and take the rear of the approaching force! Honda, deal with the one near Kasuga and reinforce their position! Try to take heat off... whoever Mermaid Girl is!
He turned to the group he was standing with.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"We'll be joining up with Kasuga's squad for the last push. Any objections?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Already planned on it, Sawatari."
Mildred dashed forward, gathering the winds around her into whirlwinds surrounding her forearms. Once she got close, she stopped and threw her arms forward, launching spinning blades of nearly-invisible air at the remaining onibi.
Mildred moves to N11 and launched another Tailwind at Loving Moon B!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Don't tell me to do what I'm already doing." Shiro stalked up to the onibi in question, raised her blade, and brought it down in a weighty slash. "There's more where the last one came from!"
F13, Slash
-
Masaru was wholly unprepared for the hell he was about to live upon taunting Fantomas.
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Wh- Th- I sound nothing like that! And what is wrong with having good posture?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"A pale imitation regardless, your shot. My skill is inimitable!" As he rushed towards the action, he drew a duller, longer arrow with considerable force. Though no Onibi were in range, he was prepared nonetheless.
Vasusena to I-12, realizes that bows aren't 2-3 range
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
”Well, I’m imitating you so… by definition, imitable.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "Be quiet, mermaid. Your singing will not force me back to sleep. I like your singing, Suzuki but...I-I don't think silence. How are you still fighting for control? You should be asleep!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....did that almost work?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "No. I've only ever seen one Akuma be talked down like that. But....for Akitsuki to still be able to fight back despite her Inner Demon taking over....her will is surprisingly strong for someone who was taken over. Her guilt over whatever transformed her must've been pretty serious....."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....I didn't know she felt so bad about that...I'm sorry I didn't realise, Saya."
Meanwhile, Shiro and Mildred continue fending off the approaching Onibi, another one being cut in half by blades of wind and Shiro smashing one aside.
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Proioxis' Great Typhoon activates! +3 DMG, +10 Critical)
Proioxis activates her spell: Tailwind!
Proioxis loses 3 MP!
Proioxis initiates!
Hit Rate: 83 to hit
Hit: 2, hit!
Critical: 9, crit!
Loving Moon B takes 39 damage!
Loving Moon B is defeated!
Proioxis regains 10 MP!
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's Pride is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 7, crit!
Avenging Moon B takes 26 damage!
Avenging Moon B is defeated!
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/26 | MP: 17/18 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/27 | MP: 16/16 (Slash) [Lustrous Boost: 3/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/22 | MP: 17/19 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/22 | MP: 18/19 (Throw) [+2 AS: 1/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/25 | MP: 18/19 (Rush) [Parmala: 2/3] [Revolution: 2/2]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/21 | MP: 17/19 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/21 | MP: 19/19 (Nala) [Master of Disguise: Fia]
Shizuko Shoji/Leviathan (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbb5x90usceo0yn/Shoji%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/22 | MP: 15/19 (Shoot)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 11/22 | MP: 14/20 (Miza)
Allies:
Unknown/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Unknown/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 22/32 (Stab)
Chiyo/Cath Palug (https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5qypri0q11miw/Chiyo%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/25 | MP: 19/20 (Nen)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wcabpomdc5furfd/Chapter%201%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Despairing Moon A: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon A: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon B: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon C: HP: 15/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon A: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon B: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon A: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon B: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon D: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon E: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon F: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon C: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon D: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon B: HP: 0/22 (Nen)
Guilty Moon G: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon H: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon I: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Despairing Moon C: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon D: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon C: HP: 0/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon E: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon F: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon D: HP: 22/22 (Nen)
Avenging Moon E: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon F: HP: 18/18 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Lunarian: HP: 23/26 (Shoot) [Life Point Active] [Press Turns: 2]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Lunarian
Other Info:
- Lunarian will not initiate attacks on Akihiko.
- Gawain and Scathach will not initiate attacks on the boss and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Chiyo will follow suggestions given by the team.
- Trees count as Forest, Rocks count as Forts but do not grant healing, Fences and Statues are impassable, the tiles from G-9 to 11 and I-9 to 11 are legal and count as Plains tiles, the trashcan is a Forest tile.
-
[Now Playing: Mildred On The Attack ~~A Stranger I Remain~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnt50ZX7sqY&t=40s)]
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Demons, delinquents, whatever! Anything that tries to fight Mildred Honda, the Mad Dog of Mishima, is going down!"
Again Proioxis sent a tornado of whirling blades at an unsuspecting and woefully unprepared onibi, slicing it into hundreds of chunks and scattering them across the grounds. The winds whipped about her as they returned, making her sway slightly from the force and whirling her ponytail around like a headwind when riding a motorcycle.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You're kicking ass over there too, everyone! Let's clear out all this corruption and get Akitsuki back!"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Moving up then!" Pixie declares in response to Mori declaration of intent. "Let's ride the winds!" As she flies up towards the rest of the group, Pixie goes into a spin kick but seems to be too far away to effect any of the enemies... until a blade of wind goes flying out from her spin towards one of the lunar enemies! Riding the wind of her own attack, Pixie seems to have picked up more velocity then her dash would normally have given her.
Move to J10, use Tailwind on Avenge F.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) ... It... doesn't feel that good to attempt to destroy something, even if it's an Akuma...
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) However, I can also feel that there's something different in here, more than just a weapon. Something... warm?
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) Adrenaline rush already waning? How dull. Then again, so is only wanting to shatter things. That's why nature itself is so interesting, there's creation, destruction... and change.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) Change... ... That's it! I know what I can achieve right now!
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) You're getting it. Good, otherwise I'd contemplate taking control over you anyway. Akuma life is dull, but the life of people who don't get it is even more dull.
Yui stormed towards a tactically-peculiar position, inbetween Masaru and Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Get ready, you two!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DQmPxBn.gif) "KURMALA!"
The wave of magical energy emitting from her was unusually strong for a fresh Kaijin...
I-13, prepare Nala, cast Boosted Kurmala on Vasusena and Fantomas.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Well, it was worth a try. I'll take the compliment as a small victory~!"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Though I'm sorry, Saya-chan. If I can't help you like that- I'll keep doing what I can to make sure the others can pull you out of this!"
Ibaraki to I-11, Fia Avenging Moon F.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) So~ I'm still not the best at fighting, myself. But I don't need to be, right? I already know the inner me is supporting my voice, so while it didn't work there...
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) I just need to find out what else I can do with it. Wait a moment, pause...
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Take a deep breath/Let the air carry you/carry you to the clouds/carry you to the stars with me~"
Otohime to J-12, Again Vasusena.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Lets all dance in the starlight/let it move us/let it cheer us/'cause the stars are cheering for us~"
Aika took another breath, closing her eyes humming along with what should have been one of her groupmate's lines. As her hands began to glow, she raised one to brush against the green knight, closing the rent in their armor with a burst of power.
Otohime to J-13, Kia Marc'heg Gwer.
-
By this point, Sawatari had begun to live rent-free in Masaru's head.
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"A shallow imitation! You may disparage my appearances, but you are a long way from matching my power!"
Vasusena to I-10, annihilate Despairing Moon with pure Sunfire
-
With the wave of energy flowing into him, Mori suddenly felt slightly less squishy.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"...ummm... thank you... I'll... do my best to see this doesn't go to waste."
Mori shuffled forwards, awkwardly. He did not want to move closer to Akitsuki. He wanted to run. To hide behind someone else fade and hide. The adrenaline rush from that fire arrow trick had fallen away, replaced by internal panic and second thoughts.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Mine was the only attack that didn't kill the eye. Am I weaker than everyone else? Of course, you shouldn't be in combat. You can't fight, and neither can Fantomas. You're a trickster, who makes others fight for him. You have no place here, leave it to the others. Run."
But... the armored figure, by her voice he was pretty sure she was Aiuchi, she put some kind of protection effect on him. That meant... she thought making him stronger was a better use of her time than fighting herself. So... he had to move forward.
His stride sped up.
He walked past Yui, to the spot Masaru had given up behind Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"Hey, Kamen Rider Tsuna," he said, trying to force bravado back into his voice, "Look after yourself, will you? No idea what Akitsuki will do if you go down, but it won;t be pretty for the rest of us. Got it?"
When his foot touched Akihiko's shadow, it felt... odd. It didn't feel like he was stepping on the ground, more like he's stepped on a film over a pool, as if he could break it if he exerted enough force.
"Huh? What's..."
He pressed his foot down.
He didn't fall, but looking down at his foot, it looked like the shadow was spreading up his body. When it reached his head, he saw his body seem to... melt, or fall apart. His body was drawn into the shadow.
It was... odd. Looking up, he saw what he expected to see looking out of Akihiko's shadow, Akihiko's... underside. However, when he looked in other directions, the view was pretty much the same as if he was standing behind Akihiko, except... brighter.
He didn't have time to worry about that though, as something else seemed to be going on with him. A warm feeling, like the pulse that had gone through him when Yui had cast her spell, was bubbling up through his body, as if it was a balloon he'd brought underwater that was trying to float up to the surface. He wasn't sure what to do, until he heard something like a whispering in the back of his head. A word, or... more like a sound. A sound was being whispered to him.
"Huh? Ok, if that's what I'm supposed to do."
"Kia!"
A silvery mist rose out of the shadow and drifted around Akihiko. It moved around his body, before fading away, like it had evaporated into the air.
Fantomas to I-12, cast Kia on Ibaraki and Guard him.
-
Shoji moves on over to J9 and uses Ziana on Despairing Moon F. If it happens to still be alive, then simply hold the line against the swarm and Ziana whatever tries to attack.
-
Misa's gust slices through the Onibi, the remaining rocky chunks disappearing into moonlight.
(The winds rise behind Misa!)
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour is active!)
(Aika's Charisma is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
Pixie casts Tailwind!
Pixie loses 3 MP!
Pixie gains +2 AS for 3 turns!
Pixie initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Avenging Moon F takes 11 damage!
Avenging Moon F cannot retaliate!
Pixie strikes twice!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Avenging Moon F takes 11 damage!
Avenging Moon F is defeated!
Pixie regains 10 MP!
Another Onibi smashes into the ground, a burning fist smashing into it.
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Aika to the end!)
(Aika's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 9, crit!
Guilty Moon B takes 39 damage!
Guilty Moon B is defeated!
Ibaraki-Douji regains 10 MP!
Yui and the rest begin to shore up their backline.
(Marc'heg Gwer's Hautdesert Girdle activates!)
Marc'heg Gwer casts Boosted Kurmala!
Marc'heg Gwer loses 9 MP!
Vasusena and Fantomas gain +3 DR for 3 turns!
Otohime casts Again!
Vasusena may move again!
Otohime casts Kia!
Otohime loses 5 MP!
Marc'heg Gwer regains 18 HP!
Masaru's shot pierces through one of the moon-like Onibi, devastating them.
(Masaru improves efficiency through practice!)
(Masaru is eager to prove...)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
Vasusena casts Sunfire!
Vasusena loses 3 MP!
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
(Ignis check: 1, pass!)
Despairing Moon F takes 21 damage!
Despairing Moon F is defeated!
Vasusena regains 10 MP!
Mori fades into Shiro's shadow, preparing to counterattack....
Mori Guards Shiro!
Shiro is protected!
~~Enemy Phase~~
The Onibi, sensing weakness in Akihiko, with Lunarian not entirely in control of herself, charge Ibaraki-Douji....
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Avenging Moon E initiates!
Hit Rate: 62 to hit
Hit: 92, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 17, crit!
Avenging Moon E takes 77 damage!
Avenging Moon E is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Despairing Moon A casts Assault Dive!
Despairing Moon A initiates!
Hit Rate: 76 to hit
Hit: 92, miss!
Akihiko retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Despairing Moon A takes 63 damage!
Despairing Moon A is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Loving Moon D casts Nenna!
Loving Moon D initiates!
Hit Rate: 57 to hit
Hit: 100, miss!
Akihiko retaliates!
Hit Rate: 98 to hit
Hit: 55, hit!
Critical: 20, crit!
Loving Moon D takes 59 damage!
Loving Moon D is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Despairing Moon E casts Assault Dive!
Despairing Moon E initiates!
Hit Rate: 76 to hit
Hit: 99, miss!
Akihiko retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 11, crit!
Despairing Moon A takes 63 damage!
Despairing Moon A is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Guilty Moon A initiates!
Hit Rate: 50 to hit
Hit: 100, miss!
Akihiko retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 12, crit!
Guilty Moon A takes 33 damage!
Guilty Moon A is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Parmala is active!)
(Revolution is active!)
Avenging Moon A initiates!
Hit Rate: 62 to hit
Hit: 98, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: 92 to hit
Hit: 10, hit!
Critical: 6, crit!
Avenging Moon A takes 77 damage!
Avenging Moon A is defeated!
....and as the last one falls to the ground, disappearing in flames and light, Akihiko cracks his knuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "You think you'll stop me from saving Saya?! Come on! Who's next?!"
The remaining Onibi, despite their mindlessness, elect to avoid fighting Akihiko, and instead choose to fight Shiro...
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's Pride is overhwelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive is active!)
(Mori's Guard is active!)
Guilty Moon C initiates!
(Mori's Guard activates!)
Hit Rate: 69 to hit
Hit: 23, hit!
Mori takes 9 damage!
Mori retaliates!
Hit Rate: 94 to hit
Hit: 41, hit!
Guilty Moon C takes 11 damage!
Mori strikes twice!
Hit Rate: 94 to hit
Hit: 16, hit!
Guilty Moon C takes 11 damage!
Guilty Moon C is defeated!
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's Pride is overhwelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive is active!)
(Mori's Guard is active!)
Loving Moon A casts Nenna!
Hit Rate: 69 to hit
Hit: 78, miss!
Mori retaliates!
Hit Rate: 83 to hit
Hit: 18, hit!
Loving Moon A takes 10 damage!
Shiro cannot retaliate!
...only for Mori, emerging from her shadow, to beat them down.
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "Shizuko, get out of the way."
Despite clear hesitation, Lunarian looses a blast against Shoji, one which Shoji barely manages to return in self-defense.
Lunarian Casts Kurmunda on Leviathan!
Leviathan loses -3 DR for 3 turns!
(Shoji unleashes the demon within!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
Lunarian casts Single Shot!
Lunarian initiates!
Hit Rate: 90 to hit
Hit: 31, hit!
Shoji takes 16 damage!
(Shoji becomes uncertain...)
Shoji retaliates!
Hit Rate: 76 to hit
Hit: 25, hit!
Lunarian takes 6 damage!
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "S-Shoji! I'm sorry! I can't stop-why won't you shut UP!"
~~~~Turn 3~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme (Lone Prayer)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Z68V0vD0E)
(http://i.imgur.com/KMPGpcD.png) (https://imgur.com/KMPGpcD)
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 26/26 | MP: 8/18 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/27 | MP: 16/16 (Slash) [Lustrous Boost: 1/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/22 | MP: 17/19 (Shoot) [Kurmala: 2/3]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/22 | MP: 18/19 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/25 | MP: 19/19 (Rush) [Parmala: 1/3] [Revolution: 1/2]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/21 | MP: 17/19 (Zia) [+2 AS: 2/2]
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 12/21 | MP: 19/19 (Nala) [Master of Disguise: Fia] [Kurmala: 2/3]
Shizuko Shoji/Leviathan (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tbb5x90usceo0yn/Shoji%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 4/22 | MP: 15/19 (Shoot) [Kurmunda: 2/3]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 11/22 | MP: 9/20 (Miza)
Allies:
Unknown/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Unknown/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 22/32 (Stab)
Chiyo/Cath Palug (https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5qypri0q11miw/Chiyo%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/25 | MP: 19/20 (Nen)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wcabpomdc5furfd/Chapter%201%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Despairing Moon A: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon A: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon B: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon C: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon A: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon B: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon A: HP: 12/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon B: HP: 21/21 (Rush)
Guilty Moon D: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon E: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon F: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Avenging Moon C: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon D: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Loving Moon B: HP: 0/22 (Nen)
Guilty Moon G: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon H: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Guilty Moon I: HP: 0/15 (Umra)
Despairing Moon C: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon D: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon C: HP: 0/22 (Nen)
Despairing Moon E: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Despairing Moon F: HP: 0/21 (Rush)
Loving Moon D: HP: 0/22 (Nen)
Avenging Moon E: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Avenging Moon F: HP: 0/18 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Lunarian: HP: 17/26 (Shoot) [Life Point Active] [Press Turns: 2]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Lunarian
Other Info:
- Lunarian will not initiate attacks on Akihiko.
- Gawain and Scathach will not initiate attacks on the boss and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Chiyo will follow suggestions given by the team.
- Trees count as Forest, Rocks count as Forts but do not grant healing, Fences and Statues are impassable, the tiles from G-9 to 11 and I-9 to 11 are legal and count as Plains tiles, the trashcan is a Forest tile.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Akitsuki! I'm coming over there!"
Mildred moves to K10 and Parmalas herself.
-
Mori looked at the last remaining Onibi as he slid into Gawain's shadow.
Wordlessly, it was consumed by a pillar of flames.
Fantomas to E-14 and Fia on Loving A
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "The night is dark..." Pixie says to herself as she continues flying forwards, past the now slain Avenging Moon. "But that doesn't mean we can't light it up!" Catching herself on the fence as she flies past so she can spin around it once to bleed off some momentum, Pixie slides to a stop just beyond Saya's currently monstrous form. "Sorry about this Sayamoon, but it's time to get ELECTRIC."
Move to K6, use Ziana on Lunarian.
-
"Gah... I-It's okay! I'm fine!" Shoji called back after letting loose a blast of lightning, stepping to the side as the others began closing in, beginning to circle the Akuma. This was the first proper time she was hit, and it hurt. Leviathan seemed to give her some extra defenses, but whatever was controlling Saya was not messing around. Still, she wasn't out yet, and as Shoji ran to surround the Lunarian, electricity began to quickly form in her hand once again.
Shoji moves to J6 and uses another Ziana on the Lunarian
-
Masaru had seen how most retaliations against the Akuma did relatively little to scratch her, compared to how easily the Onibi fell. This calls for a more tactical play. He bolted towards the former Akitsuki's flank, and with an elaborate, eye-catching motion, he drew back an arrow with a larger, blunter head.
Vasusena to I-6, cast Burst Bullet on Lunarian
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"Her guard is broken, thanks to me! The rest is up to you!"
Ibaraki-Douji to J-8, cast Fiama on Lunarian
-
As Mildred and Mori advance in the absence of enemies....
Proioxis casts Parmala!
Proioxis loses 4 MP!
Proioxis gains 3 MP for 3 turns!
(Fantomas' Master of Disguise activates!)
(Mori's in Gawain's Shadow!)
Fantomas initiates!
Hit Rate: 93 to hit
Hit: 13, hit!
Loving Moon A takes 14 damage!
Loving Moon A is defeated!
....Misa's burst of lightning is answered with a rock, taken dead on.
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "You....you fools! I am strong! I'm strong enough to protect him now!"
(The wind rises behind Misa!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour activates!)
Pixie casts Ziana!
Pixie loses 3 MP!
Pixie initiates!
Hit Rate: 92 to hit
Hit: 55, hit!
Lunarian takes 11 damage!
(Fairy Glamour activates!)
Lunarian loses 10 Hit/Eva for 1 turn!
Lunarian retaliates!
Hit Rate: 70 to hit
Hit: 36, hit!
Pixie takes 14 damage!
Distracted by Pixie, Leviathan slips in and strikes Lunarian with lightning of her own. As Lunarian prepares for a retaliatory blow, her faceplate is suddenly clouded by pinkish-purple sparkles, throwing her aim off as her blast misses.
(Shoji is uncertain....)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Kurmunda is active...)
Leviathan casts Ziana!
Leviathan loses 3 MP!
Leviathan initiates!
Hit Rate: 74 to hit
Hit: 4, hit!
Lunarian takes 10 damage!
(Mark of the Beast activates!)
Lunarian is marked!
Lunarian cannot retaliate!
Masaru's own shot, however, is not similarly affected, as Lunarian releases an unholy screech in response.
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "I have to....don't stop me from protecting Akihiko. I won't lose!"
Masaru isn't quite able to evade the retaliatory blast, almost knocking him to his feet.
(Masaru's efficiency is practiced!)
(Masaru has a reputation to uphold!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
Vasusena casts Burst Bullet!
Vasusena loses 2 MP!
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Lunarian takes 8 damage!
Lunarian loses 3 RES for 1 turn!
Lunarian loses a Life Point and a Press Turn!
Lunarian retaliates!
Hit Rate: 70 to hit
Hit: 65, hit!
Vasusena takes 17 damage!
However, Akihiko shakes his head, shaking himself out.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Saya...I know this hurts. But....you didn't need to protect me then. But I will protect you now. I'm sorry."
Akihiko's foot bursts into flame, as he sprints at Lunarian....no, he sprints at a lamp post next to Lunarian.
(https://i.imgur.com/EoZiPwR.png) "No! No!"
The young man grabs the post, leaping off the ground, spinning around the lamp in one swift, fluid motion, before launching himself off into the air.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'm sorry, Saya! But you have to go down! Now!"
Before Lunarian can move out of the way, Akihiko's foot collides into her, the flames exploding around the pair of them.....
(Shoji's Charisma activates!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Shoji to the end!)
(Revolution is active!)
(Parmala is active!)
Ibaraki-Douji casts Fiama!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 3 MP!
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 15, crit!
Lunarian takes 59 damage!
Lunarian is defeated!
~~~~Map Complete!~~~~
You will receive 2 level ups.
.....and as the flames dissipate, Akihiko lands on the ground, an untransformed Saya in his arms. As he lands, using himself to cushion the impact, a small, black orb, a single thorn-like point jutting from one side, drops from Saya's unconscious body, clattering across the stones comprising the stone path, before shattering.
(https://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "...."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Saya. Saya! Wake up!"
Behind them, Scathach, Gawain and Cath Palug dash to them, the remaining Onibi having been destroyed
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "She's fine. It....takes a lot out of you, to become an Akuma."
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "....there were so many...but is Akitsuki okay? Are you all okay?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Anyone need treatment? I can fix you. Be quick about it."
-
As soon as Akihiko landed to the ground, Shoji felt the energy drain from her body, falling to her knees in one swift motion,
"I... I c-could use some treatment... I-I'm not... Used to fighting like that..." Shoji stated, trying her best to catch her breath now that the adrenaline of battle was gone. Her earlier statement on getting used to this type of feeling was wrong: It was gonna take her a while to actually get used to this kind of stuff.
-
Mori's body felt not fantastic, he wasn't sure his mind was in proper working order, and it was starting to dawn on him he wasn't sure how to get out of a person's shadow once he'd gotten in, so he was quite happy that he was starting to get that degree of "don't think. Feel" that the others had mentioned, if only due to his mind being so overwhelmed with information he was largely incapable of thinking of what he was doing.
He pushed up on the air above him, feeling like his arm broke through a layer of plastic wrap when doing so, and felt his body reform, outside of Gawain's shadow.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h6SDJU.png)
"Yeah, pretty sure everyone's got an injury of some sort, though some of us are just scratch damage. Demura, Miyashita, Akari, Kasuga, Shizuko, and Mermaid girl seem the most damage, so help them out first." he replied to Gawain, too tired to push himself to copy his own voice. Fortunately, he thoughtlessly waved his arm in the air and his body shifted back to his kaijin form, and he started putting weight on his cane.
He walked over Shoji and put his hand on her shoulder. Silver mist floated from his hand and circled Shoji, before fading away in the light.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"What now? I assume you'll be watching Akitsuki to keep her safe."
-
It was over.
Yui let Marc'heg Gwer's axe disappear within the suit of armor before she approaches, just a little bit. Listening in on the general discussion and only reacting when the White Knight asked about everybody's wellbeing.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I-I'm fine... ... Thank you..."
She's unaware if he recognized her. He probably saved many people in the past and she doesn't perceive herself as especially memorable in the first place. But that's fine too. The White Knight will always serve as an inspiration, and her newfound power gives her a degree of confidence. Confidence, and anonymity.
Plus, it's not only him Yui cared about amongst the people currently present.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Akitsuki-san... She... always liked to trouble herself to make others smile, didn't she?"
A moment of hesitation before Yui continued.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I don't know much about how one becomes an Akuma and how one becomes a Kaijin instead, but... she must have been sad about so desperately wanting to make people happy, deep within. Right?"
-
Masaru was, frankly, surprised that he was able to keep his footing after the brutal shot he took, especially knowing his normal pain tolerance. Though of course, it didn't take long for the adrenaline to wear off and for him to collapse into the asphalt.
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"...I hope you all.. appreciate the work I did... Even if I let that Kasuga get the glory in the end, he wouldn't have stood a chance without my stratagem!"
Even still, even with that barrier he had been given, he was surprised that he kept consciousness at all. So this is the strength of a "Kaijin", the strength now revealed unto me...
-
As Aika's song reached a coda and faded off into silence, the kaijin-idol moved forward with the others, peering anxiously over the shoulder of one of her armored peers at the comatose girl in Akihito's arms.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"I'm sure that's a part of it. Probably a big part of it, with as hard as she worked for that club thing she was doing. But..."
The so-called mermaid paused, glancing between Akihito and Saya. Only on hearing Scathach mention that Saya would be okay did she relax, letting out an audible sigh of relief.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"I think that's between her and Kasuga-san first, right? Those two were always really close. If she wants to talk to others about it, then they can wait 'til she's feeling a bit better."
Aika gave the green knight a cheerful tap on the armored shoulder, then raised the same arm to wave over at the more experienced kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Hoooooi, White-Knight-san! I think I've got the hang of this healing stuff, and I've gotten worse bumps than this in practice, so let me help out a little. I don't think Aiuchi (whichever one of these people is Aiuchi) or I would have made it out of here if you and Neko-chan hadn't shown up when you did, so I already owe you anyway~"
Aika hummed, stepping toward the recently-collapsed kaijin as the tips of her fingers began to glow again.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"If you can take care of Shizuko-san, I'll try to make sure Doubled-Troubled-Strategem-sama here doesn't end up giving himself an aneurysm on top of his concussion."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Yeah, I'm the only one allowed to give Demura an aneurysm." Mori replied, walking over to the stated kaijin. He placed a hand on Aika's shoulder and a silver mist washed over her. As soon as it dissipated, he smacked Masaru lightly in the back of the head.
"Politics tip from the master manipulator, keep telling everyone how amazing you are and they'll vote for the other guy out of spite. It's best to have someone else to tell others how great you are for you. As someone who is a club president, there's a reason we have a treasurer, a secretary, and a veep."
He then turned to Aika.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"As for you, don't neglect yourself in the process of healing others. Akitsuki... no, let's avoid implicating her for what she was forced to do. Lunarian hit you rather hard for being too close to her boyfriend. You need some medical attention too. Your pain is as important to be seen to as others."
-
Aika winced slightly when Fantomas grabbed her shoulder, but quickly waved it off, gesturing as if to shoo him away from her proposed patient before he could smack him again.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"I'm fine, I'm fine~! Really, if a few rocks could keep me down, I'd be in way bigger trouble than that."
Aika waved her hands, wiggling her fingers as if to prove the point, before turning back to her patient.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Anyway~ Demura-san, huh? Aren't you treasurer this year? Kinda surprised it's you under there, though I guess it kinda-sorta-almost makes sense. I know we've never really spoken much, but please, hold still; I'll have you back to counting beans and balancing budgets for the council before you know it~"
Aika shook her hands again, holding them up and letting the light, channeled by a sweet, melodic voice, patch up Masaru's wounds.
-
Shiro grumbled something under her breath about everyone else being treated first, but didn't choose to make an issue of it. Instead, she elected to be obnoxious in another fashion.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Okay, so we beat the tar out of Kasuga's girlfriend, now what?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Now we find another Akuma and do it again!"
Mildred clenched a hand at waist level as the wind around her coalesced into a large, multi-armed figure hovering just over her shoulder, at the very edge of visible.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "This is what I've always wanted! A clear-cut fight, and winning means saving lives!"
She turned from Akari to Gawain.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Take me with you. I think I've proven my worth."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "I kinda gotta ask, because while this has been great and all..." Pixie states as she flies up to the others and spins her finger around to indicate the battleground.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "...having, what, six, eight people all of us go magic and potentially monster-ish at once, that seems like an interesting event that makes me wonder 'hey, why now, and why everyone at once.'"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Is there some sort of dark lord hanging around town that causes this kind of thing, or what?" Pixie casts an inquisitive, if black eyed from where the rock hit, glance at the two, three if you count the robot catgirl, veterans in the room.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Oh, if we're doing questions, we should probably know, the vigilantes that attack former Akumas, how worried should we be about those?"
-
Gawain shakes his head at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "...thanks for the offer. But stay here."
Scathach waves her arms at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Hermelin needs you more than we do. Besides, if they come back, you and Kasuga should protect people here, no? We'll be close, of course, if you need us, but...well....it seems like Kasuga alone was more than a match."
Then Misa mentions a "dark lord". Gawain's fist clenches and the tone of his voice grows noticeably colder.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Yes."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "...well, we think so, anyway. We caught a glimpse of them a few nights ago, but....we lost them. As for the vigilantes...I wouldn't worry about them. Akitsuki's got a good reputation. She'll be fine."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"And what if, in the future, we end up having to save someone whose reputation isn’t as good? What if… Kasuga or I had become Akumas?” Mori’s voice took on a slightly accusatory tone. “What is in place to protect people from stigmatization and even hospitalization for things done not under their own will? We know the police aren’t able to protect them."
-
Gawain barely even flinches.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "That's why you can't come with us. Two of us can't protect them all. Eight of you can."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Very well” Mori replied, “And… I should apologize. You did save all our lives earlier, and I can now see from experience that it must be rather difficult to deal with all the Akuma as just a pair. I’m just rather tired, in pain, afraid, and a mix of other things."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Ugh. I actually have to start going to school regularly, just in case? What a fucking drag."
Mildred sighed heavily.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... So, you're all already expecting to do this again, aren't you?"
Her helmet, and thus her gaze, angled towards the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... I don't want to do this again. I'm scared. About the Akuma. About the people aiming for Kaijin like us. And... I'm scared of myself."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I never wanted to hurt people and yet I had this desire to destroy after I became... this."
Yui's eyes, hidden behind the slit of the helmet, fixate on the group as a whole again.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that everything turned out well for the moment, and that I could be of help. But... ..."
Her voice audibly wavered.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... please don't rely on me showing up..."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm not just expecting it, I'm looking forward to it. Don't you get it? There's a purity here we can't find in the real world; an Akuma's domain is a world where everything is boiled down to black and white. We, the Kaijin, are the good guys. Those demons are the bad guys, and when we destroy them, we save lives."
Proioxis walked over to Marc'heg Gwer and put her hands on her shoulders.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Aren't you the least bit curious about how far we can take this power? This is the kind of opportunity that comes once in a millennia, and you want to give it up? Ain't you got any friends you want to protect?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Not everyone is as excited to rush into a fight as you, Honda.” Mori replied, before turning to Yui “I fully understand you, in not wanting to fight. I’m not made for combat, but I feel a sense of… obligation. Not to the people who the akumas could hurt, but the the Akumas themselves. Someone needs to be there who can emphasize with them and view them as victims. I know I wasn’t far from becoming one myself, and I’m still not sure how I didn’t. More importantly, I’m interested in developing this healing ability. I know some people who it could do a lot of good for, and I can’t just ignore that. But don’t worry, you don’t need to stay if you don’t need to, and you can come back at any time if you wish to."
After a second of thinking on what he just said, her turned to look at everyone else.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”A word of what I just said gets out to the school, there will be a billboard of every embarrassing fact you ever wanted hidden displayed prominently in your home room class. Got it?”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... There are Kaijin vigilantes out there hurting other Kaijin. This is not as black and white as you hope it to be."
Yui pushed the hands away.
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "I don't want to take this power anywhere! I want my normal life back! It's boring, I've been bullied in the past, but it's still much better than getting out there and putting my life in danger! And don't you dare bring up my friends, they didn't get pulled into this messy world, so the Akuma obviously have no interest in them!"
After a moment of silence, she exhaled a long sigh.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Look... You're one of the people eager to do this Kaijin bit. And a few others probably feel similar, too, I've seen how brave Akihiko was. You'll do fine no matter if I'm there or not. I'm not needed."
-
Akihiko, meanwhile, has just been quietly holding Saya to himself, hugging her gently, ignoring the rest of the world around him, thinking quietly to himself. He eventually finds it in himself to rest Saya on a nearby bench, staying nearby.
As the discussion ramps up, and Mori speaks, you swear Akihiko would lift an eyebrow if his eyebrows were visible.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....you know, Sawatari, that's a pretty empty threat when you consider half the people couldn't give less of a damn what those guys think. Myself included. You've fooled about nobody with the villain act, especially with that little speech. Don't think I didn't catch you back there backing Akari up. 'Course, you'll probably take a while to figure out you're better than you think."
He sighs, looking back at Saya. Akihiko clenches his fists, wincing a little as the pain of the damage he'd taken during the fight begins to set in.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....yeah. I'm staying here. I'm not letting anyone do this to anyone again. If they went this hard after us, they'll be back here to try to come after someone else, and I'm not having that on my conscience. And when I find the bastard that hurt Saya...."
He exhales deeply.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...I'll bring him to justice, alone if I have to. If you guys, Aiuchi included, want to back out of it, want to leave and never see this again, that's fine. But I know what I want, and if you want to help, all the better. I've been bullied too, and the only way to stop them is to hit back. So I will. And I'll hit them until they back down."
Scathach chuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "My, my, Sawatari. How cute. Getting some acting practice in, are we? And Kasuga....well, at this point, I'd be lying if I didn't expect it. Your reputation's pretty big."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "How the hell do you know who we are, anyway?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I can't really tell you, can I? Besides, you'll find out in due time."
Gawain quietly goes over and begins patching up Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "...like it or not, you're in this now, all of you. We're sorry you had to be involved. But it is what it is."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... There are Kaijin vigilantes out there hurting other Kaijin. This is not as black and white as you hope it to be."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If some idiot who thinks they're hot shit just because they have powers like mine comes after me, I'll beat them so bad they'll regret not becoming an Akuma when they had the chance. And then I'll beat them again for attacking people who are trying to do some good with the chance they were given."
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "I don't want to take this power anywhere! I want my normal life back! It's boring, I've been bullied in the past, but it's still much better than getting out there and putting my life in danger! And don't you dare bring up my friends, they didn't get pulled into this messy world, so the Akuma obviously have no interest in them!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Just because they ain't here now doesn't mean they aren't ever gonna be. All of us were targeted despite having nearly nothing in common. Tomorrow three or four people could be hit the same way we were. Or maybe no one will. We don't know who, how many, or when. You really want to take the risk someone close to you gets turned into an Akuma and you're leaving them being saved up to me?"
"Look... You're one of the people eager to do this Kaijin bit. And a few others probably feel similar, too, I've seen how brave Akihiko was. You'll do fine no matter if I'm there or not. I'm not needed."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Maybe we will do fine, maybe we won't. Can't say. But I think you're the type that you'll feel guilty if you decide to sit out and then someone does get hurt. Even that jackass mask over there."
Mildred pointed a thumb at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...If you guys, Aiuchi included, want to back out of it, want to leave and never see this again, that's fine. But I know what I want, and if you want to help, all the better. I've been bullied too, and the only way to stop them is to hit back. So I will. And I'll hit them until they back down."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Damn right. I've had your back since we met and I'm not going to back down just because we're fighting something not human."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "...like it or not, you're in this now, all of you. We're sorry you had to be involved. But it is what it is."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Whoever it is that drug me into this is going to realize someday soon that was the biggest mistake they ever made. They must've thought I'd make a good Akuma, so it's going to be perfectly ironic when I end their plans."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"I have no idea what you could possibly be talking about." Mori replied. He almost sounded convincing enough you'd believe him... if it wasn't blatantly obvious he was lying. "Anyway, let's not pressgang anyone into taking part in a fight if they said they don't want to, if only because it hurts morale. As for me, I'm fine taking part in this as long as someone is standing between me and akuma. Now, there's something I want to try real quick."
He walked up to Akihiko and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Truth. Justice..." His body darkened to a silhouette and began to reshape itself.
(https://i.imgur.com/8yA6k1L.png)
"...and the Kamen Rider Way."
He looked down at his body, now a perfect copy of Akihiko, before waving his hand and returning to his normal form.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Well, I can shapeshift into people now. Cower in fear. Wonder if I can..." he closed his eyes and started singing under his breath.
"Am I a good man? Am I a mad man?" his body faded and shifted again.
(https://i.imgur.com/I7eQgsV.png)
"...It's such a fine line between a good man and a..." He looked down. "I can. Awesome."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Just because they ain't here now doesn't mean they aren't ever gonna be. All of us were targeted despite having nearly nothing in common. Tomorrow three or four people could be hit the same way we were. Or maybe no one will. We don't know who, how many, or when. You really want to take the risk someone close to you gets turned into an Akuma and you're leaving them being saved up to me?"
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "Heh. As long as they're saved, it doesn't matter who does the saving, so I lose nothing by sitting out. Unless... you admit that you can't be that great of a pretend superhero after all?"
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "If that's the case, if you truly aren't that good despite your best and most passionate efforts..."
(https://i.imgur.com/rDaCeGD.png) "... the heck do you think I can perform better while I'm still shivering inside this armor?!"
Yui finally put some distance between herself and Mildred, walking a few steps away and turning her back towards her while crossing her arms in silence.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Nah, I know I'm the best fighter here aside from Kasuga. I just figured you wouldn't want to rely on someone with my reputation. But, hey, if you want to sit by and always be saved, that's your choice. Not gonna respect it though."
-
Akihiko just snorts at Mori. Then Yui storms off.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'll....talk to her."
Akihiko strolls up to Yui, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....you're right, you don't need to fight. But....well, I saw you out there. You did good. As good as anyone could in that situation. If you want out, that's fine, that's your choice. Nobody asked you to take this burden on.
Not like I'm not afraid, either. Of course I am. Whoever came after Saya....they had power, they tried to turn us into monsters. But that's why I'm going to stand up and fight against that, even if I am afraid; if I had to back down because I was afraid, I'd never have gotten anything done in my life. Didn't stop me a year ago, with Sasanuma. Won't stop me now. You have to find your own reason to fight, but I've got mine. If you never find yours, that's okay. Sit out. You did all you needed to. Nobody needed you to do anything but that.
But if you find your reason, you come find me, Aiuchi. I'd always be happy to have you have my back."
He pats her on the shoulder again, before walking back to the rest of the group.
-
Yui didn't bother to respond to that. However, someone else responded in return. From within Yui, that is.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) Well, if you're staining your skirt after all, then I guess I could fill in those shoes you refuse to wear. There's comfort in rejection after all.
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) Shut it.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) My, feisty. The only reason I'm still observing this instead of taking over, this is truly not dull.
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) You're just making excuses for your inability to hijack me now after we became Kaijin. No need to bluff.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) A bluff, you say? My, truly, truly, no dull moment with you. I could play with an open hand, but then it's over for you, because once I take over... Let's just say that Akuma are very stingy with their Return Policy. But if you want...
(https://i.imgur.com/XmIlqDz.png) N-no!
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) I knew your don't-care attitude's a bluff. And yet you accuse me of bluffing yourself. The weaknesses of humans are really hilarious to observe.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) ... That they are.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) Pardon?
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) I've seen human weakness repeatedly in the past. Which I felt unable to mend. Something I find hilarious too... not by laughing at them. But by laughing at myself. And since you're something like my inner demon, you should know that best. And you represent that. Not my hatred at the world. But my pity at myself.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) ... You think I'm that shallow?
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) What?
In that moment, Akihiko's hand on her shoulder put her focus back into reality. Or, at least, this Akuma-dominated world they're currently in. At the mention of Sasanuma, she slowly turned towards him.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... Wait, you... ... You were the one who confronted the football team?"
-
At that, Akihiko pauses, before coughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Uh...slip of the tongue. Don't worry about it, Aiuchi, I-"
"Yeah. It was Akkun."
Akihiko turns to see Saya, awake, walking unsteadily towards him. He runs to her, supporting her with his large frame, allowing her to use him for support.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "S-Saya! I...she didn't need to-"
(http://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "She....she should know it was you. You're always taking on that kind of pain without thinking about yourself, you know? You wonder why I felt like I needed to protect you, that's why."
Saya looks towards Yui.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Yeah. Akkun fought the football team. Him and Mildred. They tried to jump him after he stopped them from coming after you. I....well, it's part of the reason I'm here, really. I've always felt bad I couldn't do anything about that...."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...don't thank me, Aiuchi. It was nothing special. Just what needed to be done. And Saya....I'm sorry. I never realised you felt that way, but...."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "....I understand. You and I think the same way, you know?"
She smiles weakly, but brightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/GqsUhAg.png) "It's what the Helper's Club is for, right? Helping people."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Akitsuki-san... ... Akihiko-san..."
She stood still for a few seconds, frozen, her thoughts racing.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... You idiot!"
Yui suddenly stepped forward, spread her arms... and gave Akihiko a hug. A very clumsy one, considering she wears an oversized suit of armor and Akihiko himself was also armored. But still, an attempt was made.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Maybe it was nothing special for you, but it was for me! Still is! People stopped going after me! Other people finally began to see me for more than just a country girl not used to city life! I made friends! YOU did that! YOU made that possible! And, and, and, we could have been friends for a whole year by now, too, if you just spoke up!"
As sudden as the hug got initiated, as abrupt the hug got ended.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... What I'm saying is... ... Everything people do... can be special. Even if you don't see it like that... ..."
Yui looked down at her hands.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Everything... we do..."
She clenched her fists for a second before looking up.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I'm... I'm just overwhelmed with this new situation... The last time I was part of an Akuma's attack, I was a victim... And this time, I... ... Look. I just need some time. Some time to think about it all. That's all I'm asking for. That, that is alright. Right?"
-
Akihiko grunts as Yui hugs him. He awkwardly returns the hug.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Really, it...it wasn't anything. Anyone would've done that. Anyone should've. I didn't speak up because it wasn't important I did. More important they left you alone."
(http://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "Akkun, you really are too modest...but, then again, you never liked taking credit for stuff like that."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....yeah. It's alright for you to think about it. Nobody's going to force you. Least of all me."
-
Masaru had a lot to respond to, had he not been in agonizing pain. Sawatari's continued insults, Otohime's "surprise" that he held his position... and this new responsibility he was given. Frankly, he simply did not have the time for all this. Between his endless studies both in and out of his education, as well as the Student Council, a new priority that would be impossible to schedule around was incredibly troublesome. Not to mention, a number of the students that had joined him he'd rather not be associated with. And yet...
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"Well, I, for one, am not planning to make any of the same mistakes this troublemaker Kasuga made."
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"For one, I, Demura Masaru, plan on taking full credit for my own deeds-to-be. After this Akuma crisis is solved, that is. And for that, I cannot let a delinquent and a half take all of the glory for themselves in the battles to come! Count me in."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"And they say I'm annoying and talk too much." Mori replied.
-
Akihiko just groans.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Take all the credit for all I care. I don't wanna deal with all the publicity."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Well that's why people like me exist, to make sure publicity goes to the right people."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"Forgive me if I cannot trust you to handle that assignment fairly, Sawatari."
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"That said, do not misunderstand me. I do not intend to be some hands-off official who does nothing besides press their name onto everything that gets passed during their term. I will only take credit for my own accomplishments." Masaru paused, before turning to the rest of the group. "I only wish to get what I will deserve. No more, no less. I simply plan on deserving as much as I possibly can. You all see if I don't."
-
"... I..." Shoji started, trailing off as she thought hard about the decision in front of her. Only for a moment, however, before the girl rose to her feet again, rejuvenated thanks to Mori's help, "I'm not stepping down now. I... Don't think I can anyway, but I won't. I did promise to help as much as I could Kasuga-san" she stated. She did promise herself that nearly a year ago, and truthfully, she felt a draw to this kind of stuff. It felt unreal, and sort of... Superhero like.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"This is just going to be more of a pain if I ignore it, so I suppose I can keep helping out. Plus I need to correct some assumptions about who's the best fighter here."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "This really is one of the old stories come to life, isn't it?" Pixie muses.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Well, right and wrong, those are words easy to say. They're less easy to do. But if someone's trying to kill a classmate of mine, I'll be there. I don't like some of them, but if being a jerk was enough to be worth killing people over I'd never run out of dead bodies."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Like, my cousins alone would probably take all week..."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "But I promised myself I'd stop waiting for someone else to save me. Taking action isn't just something you can just put down, once you've started." Pixie concludes with a shake of her head.
-
Then suddenly...
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Akkun, look out!"
Akihiko's head swivels suddenly to the left as a pair of icy daggers soar through the air. While they are flying in Akihiko's direction, they seem to be aimed at Saya, next to him. Without missing a beat, Akihiko throws himself in front of Saya, the daggers embedding themselves in his shoulder. The young man hisses, standing back up, the daggers beginning to melt from the heat emanating off his body.
He whips around to stare at their would-be attacker, hidden in icy mists.
"...my, my. You....I have thought you would have become an Akuma and Akitsuki the Kaijin. But then...you were always the one to play hero."
For a brief moment, the shadow in the mists appears to be a short, small figure. In the blink of an eye, the shadow turns into a hulking figure, the mist clearing as a figure in blue armor, a blank faceplate with a single, purple eye, staring down at them, four arms protuding from their shoulders, each one equipped with a knife.
(https://i.imgur.com/bIhkWY4.png) "....I came too early. That Akuma is a threat. Let me get rid of them."
Akihiko runs at them, fist surging with flames.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "The only way you're getting your hands on Saya is over my dead body! Bring it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Wait! Kasuga!"
The figure extends one arm at Akihiko, before ice crystals erupt from the ground in a rapidly approaching line towards Akihiko, knocking the boy off of his feet and backwards. Saya runs to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Akkun!"
(https://i.imgur.com/bIhkWY4.png) "...hm. Not as tough as you look."
Chiyo seems to be in shock.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "....wait. It can't be....you, can it?"
The figure stares at Chiyo right back, and freezes.
(https://i.imgur.com/bIhkWY4.png) "....I didn't expect you to be here. Dammit. It seems I'll have to get rid of you too."
(https://i.imgur.com/nAAHxiG.png)
-
So much to process at once, so once more, Mori's body moved before his mind could stop it.
The pain fading as another wave of adrenaline flooded in, he dashed over to Saya, picked her up and shot some kind of spell at the new blue kaijin, buffeting them in a thick purple fog.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Cover my exit!" he shouted, as he made a mad dash into the school building, Saya in his arms.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "On it!"
Raising her arms, Mildred picked up several nearby objects with the wind (a garbage can, several cobblestones, a bench) and hurled them all at the new intruder. As soon as she launched them, she was right behind them, running in with a wild haymaker.
-
Despite the new attacker's size, they are almost inhumanly agile. A hail of icy knives pierces through the fog, slicing through and barely missing Mori, stopping his attempt to pick up Saya as they embed themselves into the ground in front of Mori. The newly arrived Kaijin barrels through, and Mildred clearly sees one or two of the objects she throws at him hit, but she can't tell if they bounced off him or passed through him. For her troubles, Mildred gets thrown back as the Kaijin throws out a massive burst of ice, Mildred's charge being stopped dead by the ice.
The Kaijin continues his unstoppable charge, Akihiko barely pulling himself to his feet in time to hurl a fireball at him. The Kaijin barely even flinches.
(https://i.imgur.com/bIhkWY4.png) "Just give up. You can't even-"
Suddenly, a trail of embers shaped like cherry blossom petals sweeps across the Domain, as Gawain's sword bursts aflame, the Kaijin barely stopping in time to avoid a burst of flame from the White Knight of Mishima, the white Kaijin's cape bursting into flame behind him. The blue Kaijin drops some of their knives to instead gesture to the ground below Gawain, shadows beginning to form, only for Scathach to charge at the newcomer, armblades glowing with purple energy, forcing them to back off.
Gawain turns back to the others. Suddenly, you are aware of the Domain beginning to crack. Golden cracks begin to skitter across the Domain's landscape, and the sides begin to crumble, revealing a reddish black void where whatever comprises the Domains once was.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "The Domain is falling apart! Get out of here! The exit is near one of the classrooms on the third floor! One with a billboard in front of it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "He's stronger than you are! We can take him! Go!"
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "T-that's the....Helper's Club room! Guys, follow me!"
The blue Kaijin simply lowers his knives, beginning to stalk around them, looking for a way to get to Chiyo and Saya.
(https://i.imgur.com/bIhkWY4.png) "The White Knight and the Princess of Calamity. And me, the Ocean King. A true triple threat."
He laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/bIhkWY4.png) "Don't act so heroic. I can handle you two. I've done it before."
Saya immediately grabs Akihiko's hand, managing to pull him over with surprising strength.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Akkun! Let's go!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Saya! ....dammit. Let's get out of here!"
Saya manages, despite Akihiko's increased mass, to pull Akihiko into the school. The red Kaijin's unseen eyes remain on the blue Kaijin, however, being held off by the other two veterans. Chiyo barely manages to stumble in after, still in shock.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti6DHp7.png) "...no way he'd....do something like this. Right?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Damn it! I'll be back, you piece of shit!"
With a growl of annoyance, Mildred followed the others into the school.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Well shit, guess that’s just what happens when I try to do something heroic." Mori replied, as he ran into the school.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Well, time to go go go." Pixie decides with a toss of lightning at the newcomer.
Glancing at the school, Pixie flies past the runners and right up to the third floor and crashes through one of the windows.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "I'll find the exit, so listen for my call!" Misa tells the others as she flies.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"'Too early?' Is this your first day in this line of work? Because if anything, you're tardy. The Akuma has already been vanquished, by our hand."
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"But if you plan on assaulting any of our students, then as a member of the Student Council, I request that you stand down or face the consequences."
As Vasusena spoke, his ear-pieces began to dissolve into a golden light surrounding him, which he drew into a single golden arrow. He'd been saving it for the perfect occasion, the missile which always felled its mark, as he drew the arrow into his bow and fired at the monstrous kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/3w1mQrS.gif)
"My world has no use for you! Now die!"
Vasusena uses Ultimate Sacrifice, and fires a single perfect Sonic Arrow against Aegaeon, before joining the others and fleeing.
-
The arrow lands perfectly on Aegaeon. Or it should. But, like Mildred, Masaru notices something about his projectile. About how it acts when it hits Aegaeon.
Specifically, it passes through him, the spot where it lands briefly sparking like the static on an old television, before the arrow sinks itself behind him, as if Vasusena's shot had passed through thin air.
Scathach takes notice of this, her armblades flaring purple, and charging directly at the Kaijin, and that is the last sight you see before entering the school.
Pixie, meanwhile, manages to crash into the same room Saya indicated; as Saya said, it was the Helper's Club room, judging by the cheerful drawings and sayings on the whiteboard. Meanwhile, the fleeing Kaijin -and Saya- manage to throw themselves into the classroom at roughly the same time Pixie arrives. Both of them find, as the Domain disintegrates behind them, that an ornate door begins to form out of thin air in front of them. The door resembles a traditional sliding door, an elegant tapestry of moons and stars across the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Must be the exit. Come on, let's go!"
Akihiko throws the sliding door open, blinding light obscuring the other side.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Kasuga, you get Akitsuki out of here first. I'll be the last one out."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Absolutely cheap ass hacks bullshit." Mori muttered under his breath as he pushed Aika and Shoji through the door and then followed behind them.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"He was... right there, was he not?"
Masaru hardly had the time in the moment to react to the rogue Kaijin's abilities as he joined the others, but seeing what he knew as the ultimate attack become completely sidestepped...
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"Not my words, Sawatari, but for once, I agree with you."
(https://i.imgur.com/8y6IM6X.png)
"That was a kaijin, was it not? The same class of beings as you and I and Scathach? If we have limits, so must he. Then how..."
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"But that is a matter for when we have time. Hurry!" He spoke as if directing it to those around him, but ultimately it was meant for himself.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Who cares if he's really here or not? What matters is that we're not here anymore!" Misa declares as she follows Mori through the doors.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"I'm still gonna kick the shit out of that guy next time I see 'em." Shiro followed the others through the door, grumbling about their opponent as they went.
-
The party enters the door, Akitsuki going through first, and Mildred and Akihiko shoring up the backline. The Domain disintegrates right behind Akihiko and Midlred as they exit, the final bits crumbling into the reddish-black void of the other world...
....
The party finds themselves, as Saya confirmed, in the Helper's Club classroom. This time, the sounds of students having their lunch can be heard outside, everyone entirely oblivious to the things that have just occured to the group. The door the party has just gone through is nowhere to be seen. The sky is no longer the sickly blue it was in the Domain, a too-large moon shining over the school on a pale night, the rest of the city shrouded in fog. No, Mishima District, including the Mishima Tower, can be seen now, and the sun is shining in the sky. You are back home, for all that matters.
The clock at the top of the whiteboard tells you that not even a minute has passed in this world. Akihiko closes his eyes, and his demonic form dissipates into red mist, disappearing into thin air. Gone is Ibaraki-Douji, and returned is Kasuga Akihiko. He grabs a chair, slumping into it, breathing heavily as the adrenaline wears off.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....that was.....a thing."
Across the rooftops on the building across, you can see Scathach and Gawain giving chase to the blue Kaijin, the Kaijin's form flickering in the sunlight. They disappear down the side of a building, away from the sight of others.
Chiyo rests against a wall.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "....I'm thankful you all made it out but....."
You also hear a knock on the door to the classroom.
-
Without thinking, Mori stepped into Akihiko's shadow.
-
With a poof of wind enveloping her body, Mildred was suddenly back to her normal self.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I can't believe that guy got away from us. He seemed like a real jackoff; you know, the Sasanuma type."
Mildred looked out the window to see if there was any lingering evidence of the fight they'd just had; lord knew she'd torn up most of the courtyard trying to get at that blue Kaijin. After the quick check, she turned to Chiyo and, keeping her eyes on her, started toward the door to answer it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You know that guy? Sounded like you did."
She rested her hand on the doorknob, waiting for an answer before opening it.
-
Chiyo frowns.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "He's....a friend, but....I didn't know he was the vigilante. When could he have been the vigilante?"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "We got out alive, it seems." Pixie muses as she finally lands, a ripple of electricity and a gust of wind heralding her reversion to the form of man...
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) ...Whereapon she immediantly staggers, going pale. "Oh powers, did I-I... I really said all that stuff?" Misa says faintly, looking half an inch from falling over before managing to glance over at Mildred.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Visibly working her nerve up for a moment, Misa tells Mildred that... "She's only here because she saw I was in pain, that neck thing, and tried to see if I needed help."
-
The dark, armored figure glowed white for a moment; when it faded, the heiress had replaced it.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"If you did know that guy, it sounds like he needs a certain amount of extracurricular education." Shiro moved her hands as if she were going to crack her knuckles, but stopped as she realized she wasn't in her preferred company.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "No, no, you don't understand! This isn't like him!"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "You saying, some kind of imposter?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Maybe? ....what, exactly, is an imposter?"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....you're not serious, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Serious? Why wouldn't I be?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"A person pretending to be another person. Also known as a doppelgänger. To use in a sentence, if I shapeshift into Masaru and pretend to be him, I would be an imposter of Masaru.”"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Then yes, someone is pretending to be him! I'm sure of it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....don't think you're....what's your name?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "They gave me the name Chiyo."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Chiyo....that sounds like my grandma's cat. Uh...yeah, Chiyo doesn't sound like she's lying. Of course, without seeing what her friend's like.....I've got nothing to go on."
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Um...we can meet them, if you'd like. It'll take a bit for me to set up a meeting, but....."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"'They' gave you the name? Who is 'they?'"
-
Vasusena was consumed in a white light, before his armor desolved and returned to the world Masaru. He nearly reached for the door before remembering the company he was with. Besides, the thought of that "Ocean King" completely negating his un-negatable attack still consumed him.
(https://i.imgur.com/T59WCNa.png)
"If what we fought was falsifying its identity... perhaps it was falsifying its invulnerability, as well?"
(https://i.imgur.com/NqXQnFY.png)
"The idea of a completely intangible assailant is absurd. If it could not be acted upon, then it could not possibly have been able to act upon us. Additionally, if there was truly anything there, my arrow would have made contact with it. No question about it."
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"Sawatari, you are training to become a professional deceiver. Does any of this sound possible?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"I do not have sufficient data to say this with confidence, so we will need to reconnect with Gawain and Scathach to hear their longer experience, but... perhaps he simply was not there to begin with, and the magic we saw came from elsewhere."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So who is it, Chiyo?"
It was obvious Mildred intended to give whoever it was the business as soon as she found them.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"A. It's called 'theatre', Judge Hathorne." Mori replied, stepping out of Akihiko's shadow. He removed his mask from his face and it faded into silvery mist as a shadow overtook him. When the shadow faded, he was back to his normal form.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"B. Yeah. Illusions, holograms, various things can make an intangible image. With our limited knowledge of what can be done by Kaijins, nothing can really be called impossible. By the same logic, your immediate denial of the possibility that they were intangible is actually more absurd than the possibility itself. I mean, I'm capable of stepping into people's shadows. I'd call that pretty absurd."
-
For Shoji, the girl was rather ill prepared for being pushed out of the realm, falling face first onto the floor, her armor quickly dissipating and failing to protect her as she fell. For a few moments, Shoji simply laid where she was, groaning lightly as she listened to everything going around her before eventually pushing herself off the floor, a hand going up to her nose as she inspected it for any damage. She didn't have too much to add right now... In fact, she was still trying to wrap her head around everything that happened. For what was essentially one minute, there was a lot Shoji had to unpack.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "The ones who found me. In a Domain. I know one of them, I stay with her sometimes. She's called Hanako. The other one, I've never seen them in their....non-Kaijin form. He calls himself Aegeon. He and Hanako are very close."
The knocking continues. A voice calls through the door.
"Akitsuki? Akitsuki, are you in there?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"Uh-huh." The answer only raised more questions, but there was another issue to address first. She turned and opened her mouth to call to the person knocking on the door, then thought better of it, instead giving Akihiko a questioning look.
-
Mildred looked at Shiro and shrugged.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I ain't opening this door until all of you are looking normal."
-
Akihiko looks over at Chiyo.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....something bugs me about what she just said, but....it doesn't feel like she's lying."
Then Shiro. Akihiko looks between her, Aika and Chiyo.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "...hold the door. I recognise that voice. That's Kirishima from the Computer Club. Saya, you know why she wants us?"
(https://i.imgur.com/IWyaiwV.png) "No idea."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Thank you for waiting, Honda-san. Let's see..."
And with a whirl of the sea breeze, the form of Otohime was carried away, leaving only Suzuki Aika in her place. To her credit, even pushed, she caught herself on the landing back in the real world with no less grace than her kaijin self could have managed, with only a few deep breaths showing any sign of exertion.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Hm, hm~ Okay, everything's where it should be, and I don't think anything that shouldn't be blue is. So, now~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "All this stuff is kinda crazy. But Kasuga-san is right, and either way, we really ought to give Chiyo the benefit of the doubt. If she's worried about her friend, then she should be supported, and heroic-types would make sure everything goes okay."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You all seemed pretty committed to that heroism stuff, so~ It's important to hold to your commitments, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Personally, I'm not really cut out for fighting. I'm not sure I can handle more rocks being thrown at my head. And, more than that, I have other really important commitments, too. But I owe Chiyo for stepping in, so I'll help her, even if I think I might have to pass on the rest of this superhero stuff beyond just letting the rest of you know I'm cheering for you. Which reminds me~"
The chatty idol spun, beaming over at Chiyo.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You said you stayed with that guy and some other girl, right? I dunno if you have another place, but grandma has an extra room, if you want it, and she's always happy to have visitors. Offering that much is the least I can do, Neko-san~ Though, unless you like fish as much as a cat, you might get sick of it before too long. She always cooks too much."
Turning back around, she nodded to Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Now~! Should we see what Kirishima-san wants? We've been sitting here a while, and I should get back to my friends soon. Longer I stick around here, the longer Kaede will have to come up with crazy theories about why I suddenly vanished into thin air mid-conversation."
-
Chiyo shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Thanks for the offer, but...Hanako keeps me well taken care of. I wouldn't want to impose, anyway."
(https://i.imgur.com/IWyaiwV.png) "Hanako, huh? Isn't that what that missing heiress all over the news is called? The Kazuraba heiress, right, Akihiko?"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "...yeah, but I don't think we'll get that lucky with it being her. Besides, you wouldn't happen to have her last name, would you, Chiyo?"
The mysterious girl shakes her head. Akihiko exhales.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "Figures."
On the other side, Kirishima continues knocking.
"Akitsuki! We need some help! I-I mean, if you're not too busy with K-Kasuga...I-I can come back later if you are! I swear I won't say anything t-to anyone!"
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "E-eh!?"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....what the hell gave her that idea?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You two are gonna be the last to figure it out, aren't you?"
Mildred took a quick check to make sure there were no Kaijin among the group and then opened the door.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "What's up, Kirishima?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I'm a little surprised they missed it, given people kept calling Saya-chan Kasuga's girlfriend. That's a really common rumor..."
Aika shrugged, then smiled and waved over at Kirishima.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Sorry~! Everyone was talking pretty loudly for a while. Don't mind us, if you wanted to ask Akitsuki-san something; I was just about to head out."
-
Mori shot Kirishima a smile that would have been disarming on someone else.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Don't worry about me being here, just fixing some bets, maybe bugging the room for blackmail purposes, don't worry about it." He said casually as he shoved Saya into Akihiko's arms and grabbed Chiyo by the hand. He turned his smile to the latter.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"We've got a lot of things to discuss. I really want to learn more about your friends, and definitely schedule a meet and greet between our groups." he said as he lead the girl out the door.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...figure what out? Since when did Saya become my girlfriend again?"
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Eh?"
The door opens, revealing a small, black-haired girl. Anyone who attends the Computer Club might know her; Kirishima Shiina, computer whiz, shy as a wallflower, but second only to club president Futaba.
The girl's eyes widen as the door opens.
(https://i.imgur.com/1iFjxqG.png) "Eh? Uh...so it wasn't Kasuga and Akitsuki doing....anyway."
She clears her throat.
(https://i.imgur.com/1iFjxqG.png) "We were just going to ask if Akitsuki could help us, um, set up some stuff for the Theatre Club! Um....we were hoping if you could, um, get Sawatari to see about lending us some of the AV equipment-"
As Mori passes near Saya, Kirishima's eyes lock onto him and she quickly stops him.
(https://i.imgur.com/1iFjxqG.png) "Sawatari! Oh, okay, I-I didn't need to track you down. Um, the school asked us to help you handle the upcoming inter-school play with Amamiya. W-we're already working with the Computer Club over in Amamiya, a-and....well, Futaba got a message from Mishima asking if they could do a count of what equipment we have, so I was wondering if we could borrow them to do a count and maybe do some tests on them? It's last minute, I know, but..."
-
For a second, upon hearing the name "Mishima" a look of blazing hatred passes behind Mori's eyes. Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, it blinks into nothingness, as if it was never there.
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
"Yes, of course, anything to make sure the play runs smoothly. I'll text Veep to start getting the equipment out for you. Would you like it delivered, or are you ok with heading to the Theatre Room to pick it up?"
He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to the club's group chat.
"Computer club is going to count and test our AV equipment. Get it out and sort it, please. Veep's in charge. I'll inform you if anything more is asked of us, still speaking to their Rep and the Helper Club."
(https://i.imgur.com/sWto763.png)
"I suppose I should stay here for a bit just to make sure everything is properly coordinated then. Anything else pressing?"
-
Shiina shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/1iFjxqG.png) "That's fine. Tetsu and Keita can pick it up. I do still need to borrow Akitsuki."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "For what?"
(https://i.imgur.com/1iFjxqG.png) "We were hoping we could get an extra hand on, um....a thing. I don't really wanna talk about it here. D-don't worry, it's not personal business-"
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Oh, don't worry! Um...."
She glances back at Akihiko and the group.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Um....maybe...we could use this place as a meeting place for when, um....things happen? It's a little easier that way."
She gets dragged off by Shiina, leaving Akihiko. When he's sure Shiina is out of earshot, he continues.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "...she has a point. We could use the Helper's Club room to meet up to discuss Kaijin stuff. If we need to. Besides, nobody else but us two use it and we already know about Kaijin stuff."
In the discussion, however, Mori notices that Chiyo has slipped away, his hand no longer holding hers.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Very well. Let's meet up after school today to debrief what occurred today and decide on some way to contact each other if we need to. For now, I need to get to class and find someone to interrogate. I'll see you after school."
With that, Mori stepped out, walking towards his next class while also searching the halls for Chiyo as best he could without being late.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hmm, choices. Do I actually go to class, do I catch a nap here, or do I hang out on the roof...?"
Mildred tapped her lower lip thoughtfully as she considered her options.
-
With everything that happened thus far, Shoji could only nod at Akihiko's proposal, glancing up at the wall to double check the time,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"Y-Yeah, that sounds fine. I can be back here when school's over. I'll just, erm... Need to grab my stuff from the newspaper club. But I think I should, uh... Get going, I need to make sure I get to my next class on time" Shoji answered, turning and running out of the Helper's Club room. She wasn't sure if she could even concentrate on school work at this point, but she wasn't going to tank whatever standing she had by not attending.
-
As the party splits apart for the moment, the bell signalling the end of lunch time rings through Hermelin.
Like that, you are back to the normality of school life. For the moment.
As the school day ends, your free time begins...
[Now Playing: Free Time Theme (Demon Soul Saga Default) ~~Want to Be Close~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdLt-oydrxE)]
Free Time is now in session. All players have five Activity Points. All facilities are accessible.
To post that you are heading to a location, just bold it in your posts, for clarity of roleplaying and bookkeeping purposes. A brief post will be posted to the first people who go to a location to clarify NPCs who are present there.
To spend your Activity Points, just mark which facilities you will be using in bold. Akihiko and Saya can be assigned Activities but if left unassigned, they automatically perform their own Activities (assigned by the GM). You can also choose to Skip, and not spend any Points, or not use any of your Points at all. However, unspent Activity Points will not carry over between chapters. Shopping areas do not cost any points.
NPCs can be spoken to by anyone at any time as long as they share a location with you. Some NPCs may even offer you items. This can also be used to build up supports with NPCs.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Misa: 5/5
Mori: 5/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 5/5
Shoji: 5/5
Yui: 5/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Earnings:
Items:
-
Masaru almost remarked that he had not heard of the "Judge Hathorne" Sawatari referenced (likely a theatre thing, no doubt), but admitting it would only play into his hands, so he instead continued to ruminate on the Aegaeon problem... but before he could fully engross himself in the subject, the bell pulled him back sharply into reality.
(https://i.imgur.com/SBCj2h4.png)
"A-agreed! I have to get to class!"
He bolted towards the door, before turning back to the group with some hurried remarks.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"I'll see if I can make time for further meetings. Normally, I wouldn't make promises with altering my schedule, but I'm not letting go of this opportunity."
(https://i.imgur.com/NqXQnFY.png)
"Now, don't do anything to make me regret associating myself with any of you! We'll be seeing each other soon."
And with that, Masaru Demura vanished back towards his classroom.
-
Mildred watched him go with a bemused smirk.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "He's such a serious person, isn't he?"
Mildred will spend three activity points as such:
1. Studying mechanics in the Library for a point of RES
2. Practicing in the Batting Cages for a point of DEF
3. Exercising in the Gymnasium for +15 EVA
And then go see what the deal with July is.
-
Mildred
As Mildred arrives at the batting cages, she finds a familiar face.
She sees a bunch of elementary school children hunched around an upturned crate with a repurposed plastic arena, the sort used for Beyblades (or so Mildred heard, they were slightly before her time). Within, a pair of beetles fight for a few moments, with one beetle being eventually overturned. One of the kids pumps his fist, cheering.
The sole non-elementary student at the table smiles as he forks over a bunch of yen bills.
"Good game, kiddo."
"Hah! I knew Ichigo would win! Thanks so much, big bro!"
"Just don't tell your parents. They won't be happy you've been hanging out with me, huh? Now come on, you gotta be somewhere and your mom said she wants you back home by five, Takuya."
He pats the kid he lost the beetle fight to as both of them place their beetles back into matchboxes. The kids begin to disperse, Takuya last, as he grins, counting his hard-earned money.
The older student then notices Mildred's arrival. Mildred, of course, knows him well enough. Known as the banchou of Amamiya, friend to children, the sort of old-style guy you don't see nowadays with an old-style sense of honor, and a frequenter of Mildred's illegal races, the possibly self-proclaimed "King of Beasts", probably one of the only people that could match Mildred and Akihiko in a fight.
Akutagawa Jin waves at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yo."
....
At some other point in time....
Mildred arrives at the local branch of July. It's....well, exactly what you expect out of a branch of a chain of supermarkets. Not particularly interesting, plenty of quick and dirty jobs for quick cash, and the most interesting clientele are the old ladies who shop there. Aside from the occasional mysterious craftsman from the old town, of course.
Still, the jingle is pretty catchy.
Mildred gains 1 point of RES and DEF.
Mildred gains +15 EVA for the next map!
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Mildred: 2/5
Misa: 5/5
Mori: 5/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 5/5
Shoji: 5/5
Yui: 5/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Mildred: +1 RES/DEF, +15 EVA
Earnings:
Items:
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Regret associating. . . no, it doesn't matter." Shiro sighed. "I can't make any promises to come back either." She didn't exactly feel like giving up any more of her free time. "I guess if you desperately need me, you can give me a call. I'm sure the 'evil mastermind' has my number somehow." With that, she gave a perfunctory wave that made a halfhearted attempt at looking polite before heading out of the room.
Shiro heads to the Batting Cages to improve her DEF.
She goes to the Library to improve her MAG.
She goes to the Science Room for the +10 crit. (She has a missed assignment to catch up on.)
-
After school, and after sorting out the AV equipment for pickup, Mori and Veep split off from the rest of the club.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Right, so. Let's get some things in order and then head to the mall. I've got a part-time job at a bookstore owned by a local family.
Mori did some homework in the Science Room for +15 EVA
He and Veep went to the Mall. Mori worked while Veep looked around to see if there was anything they could buy to help with the play.
-
Shiro
As Shiro arrives at the batting cages, she might, in fact, run into Mildred, also at the batting cages.
Shiro gains 1 point of DEF.
Shiro gains 1 point of MAG.
Shiro gains +10 Crit towards the next map.
Mori
As Mori arrives at the mall, he finds a good part of the mall barred off by what looks like a filming crew. One man in a cap, a hat and an official-looking ID walks up to Mori and Veep.
"Please, be careful, sir. We're filming a commercial in here. I could show you another way around or-"
"Is there a problem here?"
A young lady walks up to the group, in a red sweater and black vest. The cap-wearing man's eyes widen.
"Miss Mishima. It seems you're late. We need to get you filming, and quick. Was there an issue?"
(https://i.imgur.com/5KzAcvv.png) "Not at all, Ishikawa. I was just finishing something at school, that was all."
She looks over at Mori and Veep.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "....you must be Sawatari, president of the Theatre Club at Hermelin. Is there something I can help you with?"
Mori gains +15 EVA towards the next map.
Mori earns 100 yen.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Mildred: 2/5
Misa: 5/5
Mori: 3/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 2/5
Shoji: 5/5
Yui: 5/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Mildred: +1 RES/DEF, +15 EVA
Shiro: +1 DEF/MAG, +10 Crit
Mori: +15 EVA
Earnings:
Mori: 100 yen
Items:
Queues:
Batting Cages: 4/5
Gym: 3/5
Mall: 4/5
Library: 4/5
July: 5/5
Science Rooms: 3/5
Mishima Tower: 5/5
-
"Mishima." There was that name again. That name which made him feel like there was a fire blazing just underneath his skin. Hearing the name was enough to piss him off, but being here, in the presence of one who bore it, it was all he could do to hold back the blazing tirade of hatred he felt boiling in his throat. He bit back the desire to say "You and your family could leave and never return". He tried to force his face into a genial smile, but he couldn't. This level of rage exceeded his ability to mask his thoughts, but he was at least able to mitigate it to merely a look of annoyance.
(https://i.imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
"No." Mori replied, "We merely had some business to attend to here today, which seems to have been unfortunately delayed as the mall is currently...' he thought about a more polite way to say "infected by the presence of you and your ilk" before settling on "in use."
-
Mishima's eyebrow lifts momentarily. Mori, for a moment, might feel that Mishima sees through him. His hatred of her can't be that obvious, can it? Or that he might know her from somewhere? No, that can't be right. He wouldn't willingly associate with a Mishima.
The moment passes. She keeps her small smile on.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "I can take you through to where you need to go. It's not much space, anyway. I assume you need to get somewhere on the other side? It's the least I can do for a fellow actor."
-
The mere thought of spending more time than he needed to in the presence of a Mishima was nauseating, not to mention the possibility that if he did, he may not be able to mask his disdain. Fortunately, while his ability to mask his mood was failing, his ability to absorb and process what was going on around him was not.
(https://i.imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
”There’s no reason you need to worry yourself with that. You have a commercial you need to shoot, from what I’ve heard, one that needs to be underway shortly. I wouldn’t want to delay you further, I imagine you have a very busy schedule after all. Besides, this gentleman has already offered to help us through.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Don't worry about it, Sawatari. It'll only be a few moments, and I'd be happy to help out a fellow student. Besides, it'll let us discuss our upcoming collaboration, right?"
-
…right. The inter school collaboration play. He supposed he’d suppressed the memory of learning about it. This had stopped being a matter of his personal grudges, and had instead become a matter of the success of the theatre club. He was no longer, Mori Sawatari, the individual, but rather, Mori Sawatari, president of the theatre club. Spending time with Mishima was something he would have to do, as much as it might physically pain him.
(https://i.imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
”Very well, I suppose of this is club business I can’t refuse. We were actually planning to look and see if there was anything we might use for the show we might buy, though we haven’t decided which play we’ll be suggesting yet. Speaking of which, if you didn’t already know, this is Veep, my Vice President.”
-
Kanade turns to Veep. She nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Your reputation precedes you. If only my own vice president was as reliable. Follow me. Ishikawa, I'm sorry to be a burden, but please tell the crew I'll only be five minutes."
"Y-yes, Miss Mishima. I'll tell the crew to get ready."
The capped man leaves and lets Kanade and the pair through, as she takes them through a small back way, bypassing the area where the commercial is to be filmed. The crew seems to be flitting about, getting things in place, with a few posters of Kanade's other work around. Some posters of the youth drama Tomorrow With You are plastered around, portraying Kanade in the lead role; someone like Mori would likely be vaguely aware of it, as it was reasonably popular a year or so ago.
The drama was about a young woman meeting a young man and falling in love with him at first sight and going on a date with him only for him to die in a tragic mugging; the rest of the series had the protagonist, played by Kanade, travel back in time to a year prior, trying to save the young man she'd fallen for before it was too late. The series was critically and commercially successful, with Kanade being nominated for a prestigious acting award, though she lost out to another famed young actress with similar looks who had returned from a hiatus, reportedly due to her boyfriend. Nonetheless, it was enough to launch Kanade's career.
For Kanade's part, she doesn't seem to have noticed anything wrong with Mori yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "I'd like to hear your suggestions in person. I've heard you're not a bad actor and you're quite passionate. It makes sense, I hear it runs in the family. My mother loved watching your father perform as a young woman. I've heard she's been hoping to get in contact for a revival of his group at the new theatre downtown at some point. Not that you heard that from me, of course; it's something to be left between our parents, no?"
-
She knew about his family. Mishima knew about his family. A look of shock took over Mori's face, one he couldn't hide. His mind responded to the new information with a flurry of attempts to justify or mitigate it. Of course she'd know, his father worked for hers. Or perhaps this was good news, his father could go back to acting, just like he'd always wanted to. But that would mean he would owe it to the Mishimas. A flurry of thoughts and arguments against them, opinions and counters, fought back and forth inside his head. This was too much to deal with right now. Kaijins, the joint play, and now-
(https://i.imgur.com/iFzohXX.png)
"Ow!" Mori yelped. Veep had punched him in the arm. "What was that-".
Veep looked at him with an unmistakable look on his face, as if trying to burn an idea into Mori's mind with only his eyes.
Focus.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Rin. Kyo. To. Sha." Mori muttered under his breath. It was obvious from how casually she'd mentioned it that Mishima had no idea that his family was a secret, and making a big deal of it would only cause it to become a bigger matter than it currently was, and that wouldn't do. He would just write off his shock as surprise at the news and return to the matter at hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"That's certainly an interesting proposal, but yes, of course, one best left between our parents. I'll deny knowing anything of it if asked. As for the matter at hand, the plays we were looking into were Romeo and Juliet, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Crucible, and And Then There Were None. Did your club have any suggestions yet, or are you still deciding?"
-
Mishima doesn't seem to have noticed any of the turmoil going through Mori's head.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "I was thinking something a little more....traditional, personally. An adaptation of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, perhaps? Or Urashima Taro? Something to celebrate the traditions of Kaname-cho."
-
Shiro paused at the entrance to the cages. She'd come here to unwind in a way that was less likely to give her a headache (as much as there were other idiots that needed a good drubbing, she didn't want to deal with another lecture) but the sight of a classmate was enough to give her pause.
(https://i.imgur.com/DF1mmOa.png). . . Maybe she won't recognize me. Most people don't seem to.
With a vague nod of acknowledgement, she sat a helmet on her head, took up a bat, and stepped into position, hoping nobody would bother her.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Perhaps a modified version of Kanjincho or The Tale of Genji then? Something taking from Aoi no Ue, or Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami? Though that one may be too long."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yo."
Mildred returned his nod. Jin was a lot like her; they both used their power to keep the real bastards in check, but they each had their own reasons and she didn't pretend to know his. As for her, strength and respect was her path to freedom, to be beyond the expectations people heaped upon her for her reputation, her way of speaking, her distinctly non-Japanese looks. Tradition had its' place but she wasn't going to change who she was for anyone. She probably got that from her mother's side of the family.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yo yourself. Taking a break to play with the kids?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DF1mmOa.png). . . Maybe she won't recognize me. Most people don't seem to.
With a vague nod of acknowledgement, she sat a helmet on her head, took up a bat, and stepped into position, hoping nobody would bother her.
Having gotten done with Jin, Mildred was about to step into a cage herself when she saw Shiro nod to her. She nodded back and approached, keeping a slight distance and leaning a shoulder on the side of the cage to watch the other girl's batting form.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So, you have fighting experience too, you said. Aren't you some kind of heiress?"
She didn't mean anything by that, it was just what she'd heard.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DF1mmOa.png)Damnit. It had been a faint hope, but a hope nonetheless.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"You could say that." She readied herself for the pitch; when the ball came, she savagely slashed at it as if she were severing the neck of a hated foe. Her form made it clear that baseball wasn't exactly her passion, but she'd clearly been here before.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Self-defense classes and. . . other experience. I can handle myself." Her voice sounded even more strained than usual, managing to blend a refined dialect with a rather rougher sort - and the two didn't exist harmoniously.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Other experience, huh. Just seems kind of weird we never ran into each other before today; I've spent a lot of time brawling."
Mildred watched for a few more seconds.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'd suggest bending your knees a little and spreading your feet. You can generate a lot more power in your swing with your hips and shoulders that way."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Hm....Genji might be the best one that the teachers won't nix. Sugawara is quite long, and Kanjincho might be a bit beyond our members. Kaguya-hime might be a bit easier, though, especially given we have to collaborate; everyone knows about it, and it's a good compromise between trying to be traditional while having everyone kinda know the gist."
Jin lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Someone's gotta watch out for 'em, right? Takuya's mom doesn't get home from work until right about now. Can't be letting some knucklehead push 'em around in my turf, now, can I?"
He cracks his knuckles, before whipping out a bottle of melon soda.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "What about you, Honda? How you doin'?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Very well, we’ll suggest Kaguya-Hime to the rest of our club and see what their opinions are, and then send some messenger to Amamiya to let you know the final consensus."
-
Shoji goes out and uses the Science Rooms to
study gain +3 DR for the next map, along with the Library for an extra Skl point
-
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Sounds alright. I hope you're able to come to a consensus quickly. I'm looking forward to working with the talents in Hermelin."
Kanade stops, as they approach the other side of the cordoned-off area, where Mori and Veep are headed.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Well. This is where I leave you. I hope you two have a good day."
She pauses, before patting Mori's shoulder. The genial smile on her face finally fades, for a moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/5KzAcvv.png) "A word of advice, Sawatari. You're not bad-looking....but a real smile suits you better than a fake one. You and I aren't enemies, you know."
Ishikawa's voice can be heard behind them.
"Miss Mishima! The crew's waiting! We need you on set!"
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "On my way, Ishikawa. Just seeing off our visitors."
Kanade nods at Mori again, before walking back towards the set, leaving Mori and Veep on the other side of the cordoned-off area.
Shoji
As Shoji works at the science rooms, she runs into a quietly working Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "...oh. Hey, Shizuko. Catching up on homework too, huh?"
Shoji gains +3 DR.
Shoji gains 1 SKL.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Mildred: 2/5
Misa: 5/5
Mori: 3/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 2/5
Shoji: 3/5
Yui: 5/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Mildred: +1 RES/DEF, +15 EVA
Shiro: +1 DEF/MAG, +10 Crit
Mori: +15 EVA
Shoji: +3 DR, +1 SKL
Earnings:
Mori: 100 yen
Items:
Queues:
Batting Cages: 4/5
Gym: 3/5
Mall: 4/5
Library: 3/5
July: 5/5
Science Rooms: 2/5
Mishima Tower: 5/5
-
…
Mori’s brain was not able to deal with the latest input. Mishima had… touched his shoulder. Like they were people who knew each other. Was this how people felt when he moved them around? He brushed off his shoulder. After that she had told him… she’d said he was “not bad looking”? What?
”…what just happened?” Mori asked.
Veep pulled out a pen and paper, scribbled a quick note, and handed it to Mori.
”Mishima just said you’d be prettier if you smiled more.” Mori read off before turning to Veep.
”Piss off and go buy some props for Kaguya-Hime, jackass.”
Veep smirked as Mori trudged off to the book store.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Someone's gotta watch out for 'em, right? Takuya's mom doesn't get home from work until right about now. Can't be letting some knucklehead push 'em around in my turf, now, can I?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Only a scumbag would pick on little kids. Christ almighty."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You point out whoever does that and I'll give them a beating they'll never forget."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "What about you, Honda? How you doin'?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Aw, you know. Crazy shit like usual. I'm thinking I probably oughtta hang around Hermelin a little more since people have started causing trouble there, and I can't be having that. How's the banchou business going for you?"
-
As Kanade heads back to film the commercial, deep in the cordoned area, she is interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Kanade."
Kanade turns to see the other student. She, Kazuya Sugiura and him made the Big Three of Amamiya; the three most popular, attractive students of the second largest high school in Mishima. At least, that was the name given to them by a certain Miss Kaname.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "...hello, Tsukasa."
Tsukasa Kazami, second of the Big Three, stepped forward, adjusting the collar on his uniform.
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "That was....Sawatari."
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "He's a lot less scary than the rumours about him say he is. As Kaname suspected. Shame he had to put up such a front. Like Kaname suspected, he really doesn't like me very much."
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "Mhm."
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Someone like Kasuga is...more my type, but Sawatari, well....with a little work, maybe."
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "Are you shopping for boyfriends now, Mishima?"
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Getting to know our new friends, that's all. Why, are you interested? Is that why you're here?"
Tsukasa snorted.
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "I don't think Yui would approve."
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "I'd hate to take you away from her. You're so devoted to her, after all that's happened...."
He nodded slowly, clenching his fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "....I'll see her again."
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Have you made any progress? You look like you need some sleep."
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "....aside from that, no. But I feel like we almost have a lead."
Kanade pursed her lips.
(https://i.imgur.com/5KzAcvv.png) "It's closer than we've been for a year, that's for sure. I'm sure we'll get answers, Tsukasa."
She patted his shoulder comfortingly.
(https://i.imgur.com/5KzAcvv.png) "I believe in you, partner."
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "Thanks, Kanade."
Tsukasa sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/P1pP3uH.png) "Well, why don't you ask the crew to get you somewhere to sit in the back? I told them you might show up. Maybe we can get something to drink on the way home and talk about....that. You look like you need the rest."
(https://i.imgur.com/nXS71VS.png) "....sounds good."
Jin scoffed.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Like I'd let you have all the pleasure of beating a guy like that down."
He uncaps his bottle, taking a swig, before taking out another bottle, gesturing towards Mildred in offer of the additional drink.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "What kinda trouble, hm? Do they need a taste of the King o' Beasts? Though....with a guy like Kasuga and you around, maybe a third man's overkill. Seeing you and him fight's like seeing a dragon and a tiger together."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "I'm guessing it's NOT Akari you're having trouble with. Not that they seem like the type."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Like I'd let you have all the pleasure of beating a guy like that down."
He uncaps his bottle, taking a swig, before taking out another bottle, gesturing towards Mildred in offer of the additional drink.
Mildred waved off the offer of a drink.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Fair enough, I'd say the same thing."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "What kinda trouble, hm? Do they need a taste of the King o' Beasts? Though....with a guy like Kasuga and you around, maybe a third man's overkill. Seeing you and him fight's like seeing a dragon and a tiger together."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Weird trouble. It's nothing I can't handle, and Kasuga's there too like you say. Thanks for the offer though."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "I'm guessing it's NOT Akari you're having trouble with. Not that they seem like the type."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/vtvnjz5aftazaxc/Eyebrow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Why would I be having trouble with her?"
-
Shiro winced at the mention of brawling.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"That obvious, huh?"
She took another swing, this time attempting to follow the advice given - though her sour mood didn't help her implement it well.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"I shouldn't have said what I said back there. It'd probably be better for both of us if you forget how I acted back there. Don't need my dad to hear about it."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Besides, it'd be almost as bad for my reputation here if word went the opposite way."
-
Jin puts the bottle away.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Weird trouble? Shoot. Nothing me and the lads can't handle. You'd be surprised."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Well. Akari....seems like she's got somethin' to prove and the fastest way to do it would be to beat on some tough guy like you or Kasuga, no? Could be readin' her all wrong, of course. Never had a head for these things."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh please, when would I talk to anyone who would talk to your dad? No offense but if it wasn't for what happened earlier I probably wouldn't be talking to you now."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I get it, though. If anyone does see me talking to you there might be a fuss, and then my dad is going to have to get a visit from your dad about 'your daughter is a bad influence and should know her place'."
Mildred didn't seem in a particular hurry to leave.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't get that vibe from her. She has a chip on her shoulder, sure, but if she wanted to fight one of us she would've done it before now."
-
Kanade nods at Mori again, before walking back towards the set, leaving Mori and Veep on the other side of the cordoned-off area.
Shoji
As Shoji works at the science rooms, she runs into a quietly working Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "...oh. Hey, Shizuko. Catching up on homework too, huh?"
Lost in her thoughts, Shoji barely even registered the presence of the other people using the science rooms. In fact, she only started to register that there were other people when she heard her name being spoken, causing her to snap out of her thoughts and turn to the speaker in question; Otoya, in this case,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"H-Huh? Oh, um... Yeah. Just some, erm... Finishing touches."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "True, that. Never did have a head for this stuff."
Jin takes another swig.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "So. You doin' that race on the weekend? Been itchin' to see a real professional."
Otoya nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Yeah, same. I've just been meaning to catch up on work. I have that recital in two weeks. Need to practice. Kanna's gonna kill me if I miss it. You feeling okay?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ib00rft1bdzhh7n/Upbeat.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hell yeah!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well. Assuming nothing else comes up that day. And no one rats it out this time."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"I dunno. Word gets around." Shiro shrugged her shoulders, continuing the motion into another ready stance. Her speech gradually slipped back into the lower, rougher sort, one that sounded much more at home coming from another delinquent, rather than some heiress.
(https://i.imgur.com/DF1mmOa.png)"You're also overestimating how nice Father is. There'd be more than a stern talking-to. Nobody trifles with the Akari clan and comes out unscathed, as he says." She swung the bat and connected with another crack.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Not that I disagree, but we have a different opinion or two about what it means to mess with us."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So let word get around. I'm not worried about it. Me and my dad might not exactly be high status but we, ah, have friends in low places as the song goes."
Mildred wasn't as interested in the 'my father can beat up your father' topic and instead steered the conversation away from it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So what's your opinion on what it means to trifle?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Mostly, I think of things that actually affect us. Father's real worried about the family image. I, for one, believe in action. Mess with my turf, rough up my boys, then there's payback, but I don't care about some dumbass spewing some hot air unless he's already in throwing range." Shiro sighed. "He's probably right, though. Image means a lot nowadays. I mean hell, I just asked you to help maintain mine."
-
Masaru spends two Activity Points brushing up on his Magic in the Library, before heading to the Gymnasium for +10 Crit.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Anything you want to keep secret, my lips are sealed. Besides, we all have a pact of sorts now, I guess. A whole bunch of alter egos."
Mildred looked curious.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Since it's loud enough in here no one's gonna hear us in the cage, I gotta ask. Your Kaijin. What do you think about it?"
-
To say that a lot had happened would be a major understatement. Yui was absent-minded during the escape and after they returned to the real world, still internally struggling with how to move forward from now on.
The rest of school passed along as normal, even if Yui wasn't quite able to pay as much attention as usual. Whatever spare time was left during school, and shortly after her final unit for the day concluded, was her excusing herself to hit the books in the library. Hisa and Morimoto wouldn't believe what she experienced today anyway and being so beside herself would just make them more nervous than her excusing herself. First and foremost, she wanted to stay away from herself as much as possible, so hitting the books was the only proper way to do so.
Once her time started to run out, she went home to freshen herself up before taking her part-time job at July. She doesn't want to inconvenience her aunt with the additional household costs too much even if she always says that Yui shouldn't worry about it. It wouldn't prevent her feeling guilty for having been thrown into her life like that anyway.
As her job concluded, she was still feeling numb in her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/DKPixNF.png) "What a day..."
Out of instinct (and a hint of insecureness), she checked her bag, and felt something strange in one of them. It was the letter she received earlier today from Sasanuma, something she pushed away mentally before she genuinely forgot about it due to, well, everything today.
She shifted aside, away from the busy part of the road, and read the letter fully before deciding to visit the Batting Cages to wash her worries away with light physical exercise.
Yui hits the library for +2 RES, followed by working at July and unwinding at the Batting Cages afterwards for +1 DEF.
-
Jin laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Heh. I can't drive worth a damn myself."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "I can only imagine the thrill being behind the wheel in a race like that. Must be real somethin'."
Suddenly, a girl approaches the table.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "...Jin. Who's this?"
Jin grins.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Ah. Yeah, I don't think you two have met, since you're never at school. Honda, this is....Fujimura Ayaka, captain of the tennis club. Close friend o' mine. Her backhand's amazin'. Ayaka, this is Honda. We run in the same kinda' circles."
Mildred notes that Jin hesitated when saying Ayaka's name, as if he wasn't sure about it. Ayaka nods at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "A friend of Jin's is a friend of mine. It is a pleasure to meet you, Honda."
Masaru
As Masaru studies at the library, he runs into Rise.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Hello, Demura."
After a few minutes of quietly working....
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "....I heard about you and Futaba. Specifically, what you said."
Masaru gains 2 points of Magic.
Masaru gains +10 Crit.
Yui
The letter is very simple. And yet the contents might be surprising.
I'm sorry for what happened last year. Deeply, truly sorry.
Feel free to ignore this letter. I had a feeling you wouldn't want to talk to me alone, so I had to do it this way.
If there is any way I can make it up to you, please let me know.
Yui gains 1 point of RES. The Library is no longer able to grant any more points this chapter.
Yui gains 1 point of DEF.
Yui earns 100 yen.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 2/5
Mildred: 2/5
Misa: 5/5
Mori: 3/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 2/5
Shoji: 3/5
Yui: 2/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Mildred: +1 RES/DEF, +15 EVA
Shiro: +1 DEF/MAG, +10 Crit
Mori: +15 EVA
Shoji: +3 DR, +1 SKL
Masaru: +2 MAG, +10 Crit
Yui: +1 RES, +1 DEF
Earnings:
Mori: 100 yen
Yui: 100 yen
Items:
Queues:
Batting Cages: 3/5
Gym: 3/5
Mall: 4/5
Library: 0/5
July: 4/5
Science Rooms: 2/5
Mishima Tower: 5/5
-
In his trance of studies, Masaru hadn't noticed Rise approach him until right before she confronted him about Futaba. She knew very well to wait for his attention to lose its death grip.
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"I told her that my time is important, and that it would be preferable to send the budget papers to our secretary first, so as to not interrupt me in my work." The line of reasoning seemed perfectly natural to him: one person could give him the budget papers much faster, and at a much more convenient time, than multiple club members providing them successively. And yet...
(https://i.imgur.com/T59WCNa.png)
"...There was a problem with what I said, wasn't there?"
Was he overworking Tadano with this request? Or was it something else altogether? Masaru Demura did not understand his failings particularly well, but after his encounter with himself earlier that day, he was all too aware of the quantity of them, if nothing else. He was in no position to ignore advice of any kind, especially from his senpai and current student council president.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Well~ I should get going, anyway. There's still a lot to do, after all. I can't really promise on this meet up stuff, but I'll try to check in and see~"
Aika picks up +3 DR from studying in the Science Rooms, then goes to the Mishima Tower studio and nearby entertainment district to do some recording and interview work and the like for Coral ☆ Light before hitting the Shopping Center for more promo work.
-
Mori and Veep regrouped after Mori's shift ended.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Looking back, that was a complete disaster. I looked like a clown in front of the enemy, and I'm certain she, at the very least, had some understanding of what was going on in my head. Was your mission at least a success?"
(https://i.imgur.com/a13svu2.png)
Veep nodded, shifting the bag in his hands to his elbow as he took out his pen and paper.
(https://i.imgur.com/FIa5FQV.png)
"Didn't buy much as we're not sure what the script is yet. Bought fake bamboo, gold spray paint, and glow in the dark night sky stickers." Mori read off, before noting a bag from the local DVD store, "And what's that?"
Veep handed Mori another note.
(https://i.imgur.com/FIa5FQV.png)
"A show we can watch later and critique the acting. Mori read, "Ok, I'm trusting you that it's either entertaining or entertainingly bad. Anything you want to do while we're out?"
Another note: "Batting cages?"
(https://i.imgur.com/lgyYzWH.png)
"Didn't you get enough of watching me fail today?"
"Think of it as stress relief. Imagine you're hitting images of Mishima, or yourself for looking like an idiot."
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Ok, fine."
Mori and Veep go to the batting cages for +1 DEF.
-
Otoya nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/nUt6OUn.png) "Yeah, same. I've just been meaning to catch up on work. I have that recital in two weeks. Need to practice. Kanna's gonna kill me if I miss it. You feeling okay?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/585286664528592898/909156442441908276/Shoji_talking.png)
"Erm... Yeah. Yeah, I am. Like I said before, just some finishing touches."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Ah. Yeah, I don't think you two have met, since you're never at school. Honda, this is....Fujimura Ayaka, captain of the tennis club. Close friend o' mine. Her backhand's amazin'. Ayaka, this is Honda. We run in the same kinda' circles."
...
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "A friend of Jin's is a friend of mine. It is a pleasure to meet you, Honda."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "How close a friend are we talking, Akutagawa? Don't think I didn't notice that little bit of hesitation there."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bah, I'm just teasing! Good to meet you. I'm Honda, first name Mildred."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "He doesn't strike me much as the type to play tennis. How did you two meet?"
-
Just as Mildred enters July there's a thump as someone turns the wrong corner and almost walks right into her. ,
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Ah, excuse me... Mildred? Ah."
Misa blinks for a moment and then offers extends her hand.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "We separated a bit quickly back there... or at least quicker then, uh, it took me to process what had happened, so I don't think I ever said thank you for lending your skill to our common cause back then."
Use 1AP at July and gain 100 yen.
-
Mildred was surprised by the sudden encounter, but surprisingly did not react by throwing hands when bumped into.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh, yeah, no problem. I'm not the type of person to just sit by when a fight breaks out, you know, let someone else handle it."
Having gotten over the initial surprise, Mildred took a better look at the person addressing her.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If I remember right, when the theater kid was asking who everyone was you said your name was Misa. Sounds like you already have my name. Good to meet you."
She didn't really count the last time because there was a LOT going on, and it had been more of a case of Proioxis meeting Pixie back then. She held a hand out to shake.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So, also here to look for some deals?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Anything you want to keep secret, my lips are sealed. Besides, we all have a pact of sorts now, I guess. A whole bunch of alter egos."
Mildred looked curious.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Since it's loud enough in here no one's gonna hear us in the cage, I gotta ask. Your Kaijin. What do you think about it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"I don't really know. I guess the whole black knight thing makes sense. He's kind of an asshole, though." She put one end of the bat on the ground, leaning on it slightly. "You?"
-
Mildred looked up in thought for a few seconds, thinking about her Kaijin.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm of two minds about her. She came at me with all the bullshit people say about me, but when I stood up to her she agreed. I guess she was just testing me, but if she is me she would've known from the start I would pass."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Aside from that... being her feels right. I've always liked beating the hell out of people who deserve it, and there's no doubt that these demons definitely deserve it. Being in that Akuma dimension or whatever you want to call it, with all that power and nothing but enemies who needed to be destroyed to save Akitsuki... was liberating. It was simple, you know?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Pretty tight. We go a while back."
Ayaka nods slowly.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "We first met....a while ago. Small thing. Not really worth talking about. He helps out sometimes at the Tennis Club, when we need an extra hand and Akitsuki isn't around."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Never gonna quite get that whole Helper's Club thing. Seems pretty cool, but Akitsuki...she's really overworkin' herself."
Rise thinks for a bit about what to say.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "....I...suspect using an even hand would be better than telling a fellow club president to know that your time is important. Possibly more than hers."
She exhales.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "We have to be the sort of people the student body feels can be approached when we're needed, Demura, not the sort who people would only approach when it's too late to have anything done. You're very reliable, and I'm not sure how far I would get without you and Riku, but...perhaps your interactions with other people needs working on."
Rise closes her eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Sorry. That might have been too blunt. But....the point stands. Your skills are appreciated, but you need to be careful how you handle others."
Aika
As Aika returns home from her promo work -she's pretty sure she saw Touma at the meet, wrapped up in idol merchandise, sunglasses and a face mask to hide his identity- she runs into Saya, who seems to be just shooting of a text to someone. Akihiko, presumably.
(https://i.imgur.com/FgyVCrw.png) "Oh! Hey, Aika! I didn't expect to see you around!"
Aika gains +3 DR for the next map.
Aika earns 200 yen.
Mori
As Mori finishes up one round at the batting cages, who should he see but Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Didn't figure you for someone into baseball. Hey."
Mori gains +1 DEF.
Misa
As Misa returns from July, she's pretty sure she senses....someone, following her?
Misa earns 100 yen.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 2/5
Mildred: 2/5
Misa: 4/5
Mori: 2/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 2/5
Shoji: 3/5
Yui: 2/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Mildred: +1 RES/DEF, +15 EVA
Shiro: +1 DEF/MAG, +10 Crit
Mori: +15 EVA, 1 DEF
Shoji: +3 DR, +1 SKL
Masaru: +2 MAG, +10 Crit
Yui: +1 RES, +1 DEF
Aika: +3 DR
Earnings:
Mori: 100 yen
Yui: 100 yen
Aika: 200 yen
Misa: 100 yen
Items:
Queues:
Batting Cages: 3/5
Gym: 3/5
Mall: 3/5
Library: 0/5
July: 3/5
Science Rooms: 1/5
Mishima Tower: 4/5
-
(https://i.imgur.com/58lBUoG.png)
"Oh, I'm extremely not." Mori replied, taking a drink from his water bottle, "Coming here was his idea."
He gestured to Veep, who was currently batting at a truly respectable average.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"I hit something like one in ten. Pretty sure he just brings me here to laugh at me."
Mori looked over at Veep, who still hadn't turned his head to look at them, and leaned in a bit closer to Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"I want to tell Veep about the... recent situation, but I'm aware that's not my choice alone to make. I just have a thing about trying not to keep secrets from him, so I want to keep that up. Since you became the leader for some reason, asking your opinion seems like a good idea."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"No need to apologize. I appreciate your guidance, Koga-senpai." If anything, she could've stood to be even blunter with him. 'Your interactions with other people needs working on'? Becoming likeable was supposed to be the result of achieving office, not the method! "Using an even hand", on the other... he needed to consider that.
He considered adding that, in fact, his time had become even more important than he knew before, but as much as he wished to flaunt his Kaijin status, there was nothing in the public record he could properly brag about. Until he made major headlines as a hero, revealing his new double life would do nothing to elevate himself. If anything, the association with him would only serve to denigrate Vasusena at this point.
-
Shiro frowned.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"It was nice to just cut loose like that, yeah. I'm not sure if being Pyrrha feels right, though. Maybe not wrong, but. . . ah, whatever." Shiro shook her head. "He sounded like my dad for a little bit in there."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Hm. Being pleasant and approachable isn't the be-all and end-all of being in a position of responsibility, Demura. But it does help when others come to depend on you, or remember you when they seek someone to put higher. It isn't easy, though."
Rise concedes, as she looks through her papers -official Student Council business- before pulling out an envelope. She checks the envelope, before turning briefly red, and putting the envelope away upon realising what just happened.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Tadano...."
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "A love letter of his seems to have gotten mixed up with our work. I'll...have to return it to him somehow. T-the person for whom this is intended needs to be the one who see this."
Akihiko shakes his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "I'm the leader of nothing, okay? Anyway...even if you did tell them, it's not like they'll believe us. Would you believe them if they told you they turned into a demon and beat the hell out of another demon in some magic realm? And also, whoever targeted us might come after them, too, if they find out."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Right, so, point by point," Mori began, "1. You're going to have to make a public service announcement out of that to let everyone know since I'm pretty sure the only one who agrees with you there is Demura, Sentai Red. 2. Veep is one of two people on Earth who always knows when I'm lying, so he'd either believe me or think I've gone crazier. 3. Yes, because you're exactly the kind of guy that kind of shit happens to, as I was saying earlier. 4. Fine."
Mori turned to Veep.
(https://i.imgur.com/iFzohXX.png)
"Hey, come say hello!" He shouted, finally getting Veep's attention.
Veep put down the bat and started walking over.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"We should probably exchange numbers." Mori said, turning back to Akihiko"After all, the helpers club will be assisting with the play, right?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So, also here to look for some deals?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa shrugs as Mildred mentions already knowing her name "It's easier to remember people's names when they're associated with being exciting, and if your reputation is anything, it's not boring."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "And yeah, I'm here to see what's for sale... also some part time jobs sometimes. It doesn't matter what's for sale if you don't actually have any money, right?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "But after the, well, 'exciting adventure' we had, I figured it'd be a good idea to stock up on some first aid supplies before anything else exciting happened."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Pretty tight. We go a while back."
Ayaka nods slowly.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "We first met....a while ago. Small thing. Not really worth talking about. He helps out sometimes at the Tennis Club, when we need an extra hand and Akitsuki isn't around."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Never gonna quite get that whole Helper's Club thing. Seems pretty cool, but Akitsuki...she's really overworkin' herself."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, she is. I might throw in with her for a bit; might as well if I'm gonna be hanging around Hermelin anyway."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"It was nice to just cut loose like that, yeah. I'm not sure if being Pyrrha feels right, though. Maybe not wrong, but. . . ah, whatever." Shiro shook her head. "He sounded like my dad for a little bit in there."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sounded like your dad? I guess that's the bullshit he was coming at you with. Still, his power seemed to suit you. You did pretty good in that fight."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa shrugs as Mildred mentions already knowing her name "It's easier to remember people's names when they're associated with being exciting, and if your reputation is anything, it's not boring."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "And yeah, I'm here to see what's for sale... also some part time jobs sometimes. It doesn't matter what's for sale if you don't actually have any money, right?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "But after the, well, 'exciting adventure' we had, I figured it'd be a good idea to stock up on some first aid supplies before anything else exciting happened."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I do have quite the reputation. I gotta be me though, no matter what kind of things are said."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So you work here? That's cool. What do you do? Like check-out stuff, or promotions? I mostly do tune-ups and the like at my dad's garage - probably going to inherit the business when he retires - but I could probably help stock the joint."
Mildred nodded to the last comment.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's some forward thinking. Good idea."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "Ah. I see we'll be seeing a lot more of you, then. I wasn't sure if you were a student at Hermelin."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "She doesn't really buy into being a "model student". 'Course, I really only come in to Amamiya to handle some things, so who am I to talk?"
Akihiko just stares at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "What kind of anime do you think I stepped out of?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"A shonen anime. Have I not made that clear?" Mori replied "Delinquent boy with a heart of gold gains special powers to fight to save the world, while still having to deal with high school problems. Oblivious to the fact his best female friend is in love with him, surrounded by a cast of quirky characters, including a disproportionately large number of attractive women. Are you not seeing it? I'm seeing it.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Okay, one, you ALSO have special powers. Two, what kind of delinquent have you met that hits the top twenty in the exams score rankings and actually attends school? Three, everything you just said also applies to you. Except the female friend. I don't know, I don't even know if you have any."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "Ah. I see we'll be seeing a lot more of you, then. I wasn't sure if you were a student at Hermelin."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "She doesn't really buy into being a "model student". 'Course, I really only come in to Amamiya to handle some things, so who am I to talk?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Model student? That ain't me in the slightest. But do you go to Hermelin, Fujimura? I would've figured you go to the same as Akutagawa here."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"One, I'll get back to that later. Two, I put you in the delinquent category more for your reputation and the fact that you get involved in after school fights than your academic performance, Honda's more of a 'pure' delinquent than you. Three, that's because I'm a side character in your anime. If I were to cast myself in a role, I'd say given the number of things we're opposites in, I'd be your foil, the person who exists to make you look better. Also, the heart of gold part's a bit lacking too. Four, yeah, I don't. I have a singular friend, who is swiftly getting close enough to hear us."
By this point, Veep had finished approaching the two and stepped into place next to Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"Kasuga, Veep. Veep, Kasuga." Mori introduced the two before turning to Veep, "I mentioned before that the Helper's Club is going to be assisting us with some things for the play."
Veep picked up a pen and paper from next to where Mori was sitting and handed a note to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/FIa5FQV.png)
"Nice to meet you. Your reputation precedes you. Don't worry about Mori's... personality. He takes his duties as club president seriously." Mori read off before turning back to Veep, "Why do you always say that whenever I introduce you to someone who will be helping our next performance?"
Another note.
(https://i.imgur.com/FIa5FQV.png)
"You scare people off."
-
Aika
As Aika returns home from her promo work -she's pretty sure she saw Touma at the meet, wrapped up in idol merchandise, sunglasses and a face mask to hide his identity- she runs into Saya, who seems to be just shooting of a text to someone. Akihiko, presumably.
(https://i.imgur.com/FgyVCrw.png) "Oh! Hey, Aika! I didn't expect to see you around!"
Aika gains +3 DR for the next map.
Aika earns 200 yen.
The idol blinked twice, then beamed and waved at the girl.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ah- Hi hi, Saya~! It's a nice surprise to see you out here, too!"
Shouldering the bag carrying most of her usual costume, Aika went over to greet her friend properly.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Usually I'm heading back home from the entertainment district, so I don't really come this way that often. We were doing a short thing at the mall today, since one of the new stores was looking for a bit more foot traffic on the opening and it seemed like a good chance to advertise for the concert coming up~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Still, still~! I'm talking too much. What are you doing out this way, Saya-chan? Are you waiting for someone?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/CZunqZW.png)"I suppose you did pretty alright, too. I'd be lying if I didn't say I had a little fun."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Hoping this doesn't turn into too much of a pain in the ass though. Got enough to deal with between Father, the boys, and school, I don't need some shonen anime bullshit interrupting my life every ten seconds."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's some forward thinking. Good idea."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Variations on pick up and carry mostly. There's almost always one store or another which is interested in getting someone to help restock or work in the back rooms here, even if which store it is changes all the time."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "There's an 'hiring' board actually, for the ones interested. Want me to show you where it is?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "It doesn't pay the most, but it doesn't pay the least, and if the work is unreliable it's reliably unreliable."
Misa sighs.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Though hopefully we don't need to test my forwards thinking anytime soon. It'd be nice if no one gets a murder attempt in the next week... and honestly, I'm a little scared of what I might do if I turn into Pixie again."
-
Akihiko nodded at Veep.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Well, yeah, that checks. Your friend thinks he's in some kinda anime and has me pegged for a shonen protagonist. Having a chuunibyou for a club president can be a bit off-putting."
Ayaka nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "Yes. I am a student at Hermelin, same as you."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yeah, I figured you wouldn't know, Honda. She's off doin' tournaments for the school, y'know. She's not bad at tennis. And, of course, you're you."
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Oh? No! No, I was just texting Aki-kun to check up on him. A concert, huh? You must be super popular to make it so easy!"
-
Veep turned to look at Mori with a slight quizzical expression before handing him another note.
(https://i.imgur.com/FIa5FQV.png)
"I meant the tendency to change his apparent mood on a dime and occasional mentions of blackmail and bribery. You don't normally let your chuuni side out except with people you trust."
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Kasuga and I had something of a chat earlier about some things, but I've been asked not to tell anyone about it." Mori replied, "So I'm going to need 10,000 yen if you really want to know."
Veep snorted and lightly punched Mori's arm.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Anyway, like I was saying earlier, we should probably trade numbers so we can keep in touch about play prep and such." stated, turning back to Akihiko, "You wanna talk business now, or just hang out and compete with Veep on who can kick my ass more at bat. Or do you have plans?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/CZunqZW.png)"I suppose you did pretty alright, too. I'd be lying if I didn't say I had a little fun."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Hoping this doesn't turn into too much of a pain in the ass though. Got enough to deal with between Father, the boys, and school, I don't need some shonen anime bullshit interrupting my life every ten seconds."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. If I was you I'd consider an Akuma attack a good chance to vent some frustration on something that really deserves it."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Anyway, the boys? You have brothers?"
Mildred was an only child so she didn't know if siblings were that much of a handful or not.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Variations on pick up and carry mostly. There's almost always one store or another which is interested in getting someone to help restock or work in the back rooms here, even if which store it is changes all the time."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "There's an 'hiring' board actually, for the ones interested. Want me to show you where it is?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "It doesn't pay the most, but it doesn't pay the least, and if the work is unreliable it's reliably unreliable."
Misa sighs.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Though hopefully we don't need to test my forwards thinking anytime soon. It'd be nice if no one gets a murder attempt in the next week... and honestly, I'm a little scared of what I might do if I turn into Pixie again."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I s'pose it couldn't hurt to at least take a look at what needs doing. Might find something worth a few bucks."
Mildred made an 'after you' gesture to Misa.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Quick question, though. Why are you scared of Pixie? Seemed to me like you were doing a good job out there."
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "Yes. I am a student at Hermelin, same as you."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yeah, I figured you wouldn't know, Honda. She's off doin' tournaments for the school, y'know. She's not bad at tennis. And, of course, you're you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'd ask 'what is that supposed to mean' if I was that kind of girl. I ain't though."
The biker snorted slightly and waved off the comment.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If Hermelin sponsored street races, I'd be winning tournaments for them, too."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Good luck with the tournaments, though."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Oh? No! No, I was just texting Aki-kun to check up on him. A concert, huh? You must be super popular to make it so easy!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Aki-kun, huh~? Let him know I said hi!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "But I guess you're kinda right. We owe the chance to do this to the support of our fans, after all."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Though I guess if we weren't successful, we wouldn't have fans in the first place~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Still... it's harder than you'd think~! Even with Coral ☆ Light picking up as much as it has, getting enough interest for a proper concert is hard. And not just 'cause you wanna be sure there are enough people there to enjoy it, though that's definitely the first thing!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You need to make sure the venue thinks there will be, or else they won't think it's worth their time! Or if not them, then your manager, so they can try to secure it. And even once you can do that, you still have the really hard, really important part."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You need to make sure people--both new fans, and those who've been to every last one of your events--actually do enjoy it! And that means a lot of hard work. And practice. Lots and lots of practice. Enough to learn a new song, or a new dance, or how to do an old one in a slightly different way. Not to mention all the other little things outside the songs themselves. And even in cases where not much changes, you need to put in enough to show the audience that your entire heart and soul is in it."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "That way everyone--old and new--can enjoy themselves and come away from the whole thing smiling."
Apparently realizing she'd gone on for a bit again, Aika rubbed the back of her head, giving the other girl an apologetic look.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Heheh, sorry~ I get pretty passionate about this stuff, y'know? I guess I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/sZNKLCx.png)"Ugh, I hadn't even thought of them. Yeah, I have brothers, but that's not who I meant."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Nah, I've got a few, uh, friends. They look to me for advice and all, you know." She didn't really think she was fooling Mildred, but her being a classmate was enough to keep her from stating things outright. "They're liable to do some dumb shit if I don't check in on them."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Ah. I getcha."
Mildred winked with a finger to her lips. She knew all about keeping those people in line, and she'd bet Akutagawa knew a little bit about it too.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I have a few knucklehead acquaintances like that myself."
-
Akihiko shrugged.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Sure, let's trade numbers. I don't mind sticking around for a bit; I've just gotten out of training at the dojo."
Ayaka nods again.
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "Thank you."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "You do know one of the teachers used to be a street racer, right? Well, at least as word on the street goes, anyway. Get her in charge, maybe we'll get street races sponsored, eh?"
Saya nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Oh, no, no! I love hearing about stuff like this! It's always really interesting hearing about it from someone who's super passionate! Maybe I should come and watch one of your concerts with Aki-kun sometime? Granted, I'd have to drag him. I don't think idols are his thing..."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Quick question, though. Why are you scared of Pixie? Seemed to me like you were doing a good job out there."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "It's this way then." Misa says, pointing with an extended finger as she starts to walk.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "And... mm. It's not that I'm afraid of Pixie. If I was afraid of her, if I couldn't face her... I don't think I'd have come back out as me. But Pixie... saying she isn't me would be a lie."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "But she's a different me, then this me, if that makes sense?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "I... I spend too long hiding away, just hoping for things to change, and I'd forgotten what it was like to act on my hopes." Misa says with a frown. "I won't forget that again."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "But even if Pixie's me, she's a me that will consider doing and saying things that this me... this me would consider too much."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "That me did consider things, doing things to change things, that me as I am right now would not have thought of, and her reasons not to aren't the reasons this me would have used."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa voice drops for this, the last sentence, as if she's speaking to herself as much as Mildred. "And yet those reasons and those ideas still ring true to me."
-
Saya nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Oh, no, no! I love hearing about stuff like this! It's always really interesting hearing about it from someone who's super passionate! Maybe I should come and watch one of your concerts with Aki-kun sometime? Granted, I'd have to drag him. I don't think idols are his thing..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You could always trick him by saying it's a new superhero live show. Something like Go! Bright Coral ☆ Rangers! has a nice ring to it~!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Hm. I guess it's not entirely a lie, either, with the kaijin thing..."
Aika stopped to ponder this for a moment, appearing almost subdued. Within seconds, however, she'd shaken whatever thought she'd had off and was back to her usual cheery self.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "More seriously, concerts aren't for everyone. If things are going well, crowds get excited, and for some of the more introverted types like him it's the wrong sort of energy."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "But~! A lot of that changes, if you go with a friend. Even if it's not normally something you'd enjoy, just being around someone you care about who does can let you appreciate it too. And with as close as you two are, I bet he'd have a great time!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Besides, if all else fails, everyone likes music~! The trick is that people just like different types."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "So, what's Aki-kun a fan of? Alt rock? Wait, no, I've got it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Enka. That guy definitely listens to enka."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "Thank you."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "You do know one of the teachers used to be a street racer, right? Well, at least as word on the street goes, anyway. Get her in charge, maybe we'll get street races sponsored, eh?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Impossible. I know that's the word on the street but I can't picture any of them doing anything like that. Even if - no, especially if odds are it's Kurenai. I just don't see it."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "It's this way then." Misa says, pointing with an extended finger as she starts to walk.
...
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa voice drops for this, the last sentence, as if she's speaking to herself as much as Mildred. "And yet those reasons and those ideas still ring true to me."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh, I see. You're afraid that Pixie is the 'real you' because she would say and do things you would only think about?"
Mildred considered this as they walked, hands in her jacket pockets.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's hard for me to relate to. I just do whatever I feel like, and Proioxis only seemed to want me not to take things too far. But I think that caution's a part of me, too, like those things Pixie does are a part of you. Like the cylinders of an engine. A vital part of the engine, but not the only part it needs to work. You need the whole thing put together for a vehicle to run."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, I can't tell you what's best for you. I ain't that smart. But I don't think there's any harm in having those feelings."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Kurenai-sensei? Like....Helpers' Club advisor....Kurenai-sensei? Tall, black hair, glasses, low-key kinda hot like one of those librarians on TV?"
Jin thinks briefly.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "....yeah, if it's that Kurenai-sensei, my mom ran with her back in the day. They used to call her the "Crimson Bloom", 'cause that's all you'd see of her taillights when she got ahead of you, my mom used to say. 'Course, this was back when she lived up in Tokyo, so it got pretty wild."
Saya snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Enka? I think Aki-kun would be caught dead before he got caught listening to it."
(https://i.imgur.com/0Kp1DQ2.png) "I wouldn't say he's all THAT introverted. And he loves karaoke. Just...you know? Because of all those rumours about him, he doesn't really have many friends. Just me and Honda. I think he'd love having more, but...."
(https://i.imgur.com/WFeg2Qf.png) "....well, anyway. I could definitely drag Aki-kun with me to cheer for you at a concert! He really doesn't seem to mind doing things when it's with me...he's so accomodating that way."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bull-fuckin'-shit Akutagawa. There's no way. I'll believe it when she races me, and that'll never happen."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Could even look up the newspapers if you wanted, Honda. She was all over them. Obviously they never caught her. And I get you. Didn't believe that some bookish teacher was actually a legendary street racer....'til mom confirmed it, of course. Crazy where life takes you."
-
Saya snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Enka? I think Aki-kun would be caught dead before he got caught listening to it."
(https://i.imgur.com/0Kp1DQ2.png) "I wouldn't say he's all THAT introverted. And he loves karaoke. Just...you know? Because of all those rumours about him, he doesn't really have many friends. Just me and Honda. I think he'd love having more, but...."
(https://i.imgur.com/WFeg2Qf.png) "....well, anyway. I could definitely drag Aki-kun with me to cheer for you at a concert! He really doesn't seem to mind doing things when it's with me...he's so accomodating that way."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Well, I may have been off base on the other stuff, but that part's exactly like I said! You two are super close~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "So~! How about this? If you can talk him into coming to a concert, I'll make sure to set aside a couple of tickets for you. My treat."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Don't let it stop you if he's busy, though. I'd love to have you there, and I bet Kaede and Naoki feel the same."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "You do a lot of stuff for other people, after all. I figure it's only fair you get a chance to enjoy yourself, right? And I think Aki-kun will, too, if he goes with you and gives it a chance~"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, I can't tell you what's best for you. I ain't that smart. But I don't think there's any harm in having those feelings."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "The real me, huh?" Misa muses as she continues to lead Mildred to the odd jobs stand.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "No, I'm me. Always me. But some of me consider doing things that a different me wouldn't."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "...I'm not the one at risk here. The risk is what I might decide to do to... certain other people." Misa pauses and sighs.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "I don't know what you know about my... family background, but mom married dad over, well, let's call it 'considerable objections'. I've been growing up with the fallout ever since."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "And I'm done with it."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa stops and considers things for a minute. "You know, I think you're the first person I've really talked to about this since I got to this city."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Well, anyway." Misa points at a poster-board. "There's the odd job board."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Tickets? I couldn't...well, I suppose it's okay if you're offering."
(https://i.imgur.com/0Kp1DQ2.png) "We'd be happy to cheer you on!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Could even look up the newspapers if you wanted, Honda. She was all over them. Obviously they never caught her. And I get you. Didn't believe that some bookish teacher was actually a legendary street racer....'til mom confirmed it, of course. Crazy where life takes you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, maybe I'll throw a gauntlet at her sometime. See what happens."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "The real me, huh?" Misa muses as she continues to lead Mildred to the odd jobs stand.
...
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa stops and considers things for a minute. "You know, I think you're the first person I've really talked to about this since I got to this city."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't think there's anything wrong with standing up for yourself, or what your mom did. If there was a man I wanted to marry I'd go for it - though, I doubt my dad would object too much, and I don't give a rat's ass what my mom thinks. Not like I've spoken to her in over a decade."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, anyway. If people are giving you trouble and you're afraid you might go too far, you can come to me, OK? I hate bullies and I'd be happy to help out. You seem like a real nice person."
On the last sentence quoted, Mildred thought for a moment.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "It's kind of rare for me to get to have a conversation like this, too. The only person I really talked to in Hermelin before all this happened was Kasuga - I didn't show up for class much, and when I did, well, people were scared of me. I guess I can see their point, and I'm not going to act like I've never started a fight in my life, but I don't just attack people for no reason. So, it's kinda nice to get a chance to talk to someone. Maybe be friends?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Ah. I getcha."
Mildred winked with a finger to her lips. She knew all about keeping those people in line, and she'd bet Akutagawa knew a little bit about it too.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I have a few knucklehead acquaintances like that myself."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Speaking of, I should probably get moving. Who knows, maybe I'll get an excuse to beat the hell out of something and blow off steam that way." She prepared to leave, putting up the helmet and bat. Shiro paused near the exit. "And, uh. . . thanks for talkin' to me." The heiress/delinquent moved off before Mildred could complete a reply, hurrying away before she could embarrass herself further.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "It's kind of rare for me to get to have a conversation like this, too. The only person I really talked to in Hermelin before all this happened was Kasuga - I didn't show up for class much, and when I did, well, people were scared of me. I guess I can see their point, and I'm not going to act like I've never started a fight in my life, but I don't just attack people for no reason. So, it's kinda nice to get a chance to talk to someone. Maybe be friends?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Friends?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa gives a slow smile. "Friends sounds good. I haven't had a friend in... well, a while."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Turning, Misa offers Mildred her hand. "Thanks."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Speaking of, I should probably get moving. Who knows, maybe I'll get an excuse to beat the hell out of something and blow off steam that way." She prepared to leave, putting up the helmet and bat. Shiro paused near the exit. "And, uh. . . thanks for talkin' to me." The heiress/delinquent moved off before Mildred could complete a reply, hurrying away before she could embarrass herself further.
Mildred watched Shiro walk off, and then took up the helmet and bat. She might as well get some practice while she was there, and it was a good way to occupy her time while she reflected on the conversation. Either way, she thought she understood Shiro a little better now.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa gives a slow smile. "Friends sounds good. I haven't had a friend in... well, a while."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Then friends it is!"
Mildred took Misa's offered hand with a grin and shook it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh, before I forget. Gotta exchange numbers! Mine's 555-9653. Feel free to call."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/w45Co23.png) "Tickets? I couldn't...well, I suppose it's okay if you're offering."
(https://i.imgur.com/0Kp1DQ2.png) "We'd be happy to cheer you on!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "It's fine~! Even if we're starting to get popular, it's not like we're some big Tokyo group. Not yet, anyway. We can afford to give a ticket or two out without risking someone's spot."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "This is just good advertisement, anyway. The group gets most of its money from merchandise sales, especially from sales to the more dedicated fans. If someone new like you is encouraged to come and decides to support us, they can always buy a button or two to show it."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Besides~! It's nice to have friends come to see you perform, right? Making you smile is more than worth the price of a ticket, and I'm sure Aki-kun would agree~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Though, if you really wanna pay me back, you could always invite me out to karaoke some time! I still need to figure out what sort of music Aki-kun likes, after all~ And even if you give in and tell me, I'd still have fun singing with you both."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/0Kp1DQ2.png) "You know what, next time we go out to karaoke? You're in. Everyone can come, in fact. Even Akari, although...I don't know if she likes karaoke all that much..."
(https://i.imgur.com/0Kp1DQ2.png) "Still, it's nice to get to know new friends!"
Free Time draws to a close.
Bonuses Accrued:
Mildred: +1 RES/DEF, +15 EVA
Shiro: +1 DEF/MAG, +10 Crit
Mori: +15 EVA, 1 DEF
Masaru: +2 MAG, +10 Crit
Yui: +1 RES, +1 DEF
Aika: +3 DR
Earnings:
Mori: 100 yen
Yui: 100 yen
Aika: 400 yen
Misa: 100 yen
Some time later....
[Now Playing: Ambient Theme 1 ~Rain~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiSSAV1xpYo)]
"You need to play with more spirit."
"Huh? What do you mean more spirit?"
"You know, a certain....je ne sais quoi."
"Here you go with the French again. What does that even mean?"
"It means....je ne sais quoi."
Otoya put down his cello, sighing. The moonlight was beginning to stream through the windows, as the evening approached. The two had been given special dispensation to remain at school at night, with Ms. Kurenai staying around to keep an eye on them. It was only for the duration of the tournament preparation for security reasons; a few other students were also being given the same privilege, such as Futaba and Sawatari, in preparation for the school play. A few Amamiya students were being allowed to come over, as well; Mishima among them.
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "...you know, I think we've done all we can tonight. I'm pretty beat. Besides, I promised Rise I'd help her and Riku out tonight."
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Are you sure you're not just making an excuse to avoid practicing? You know, we're running out of time."
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Why would I avoid you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "D-Don't use flattery to avoid the question!"
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts the two. Otoya looks to Kanna.
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "...do you know who that is?"
Kanna shakes her head. Otoya turned his back to her to open the door.
As he does so, the young woman felt her legs begin to give out under her, propping herself up with the piano she'd been practicing on. Kanna hissed as she trembled, waiting as she slid onto the chair in front.
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) "A little longer....please....I can't let go of this dream of mine. Not yet. I can't let go of Otoya...."
"Is she okay?"
The new voice drew Kanna's attention. She looked over to see a young man in an Amamiya uniform. He had an easy charm about him; he wasn't bad on the eyes, and he had the air of the kind of student anyone could get along with. Kanna was just about able to pull herself together.
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Huh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/MRnM3Pm.png) "Sorry. I noticed you were having a bit of trouble."
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "I'm sorry, who are you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "Suigura Kazuya. I'm a transfer student from Amamiya. I was in the area and thought I'd have a little look around and I couldn't help but notice the beautiful music. My, my, you must be Miyazono and Sakurajima, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Yeah?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Yes?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "Man! It's an honor to meet such genius musicians. You guys are known all over Japan, you know. The Genius Cellist himself...."
(https://i.imgur.com/IvKDRsr.png) "Please don't call me that."
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Sorry. Not often you see celebrities in person, you know? Unless it's our very own Kanade Mishima, of course."
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Glad someone appreciates our skill. But....is there anything we can help you with?"
Kazuya took a glance over at Kanna, scanning back over towards Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/CM8pph8.png) "...no, I think I have what I need. Sorry to disturb you, by the way. I hope I wasn't interrupting something."
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "....Eh?"
Kazuya laughed.
(https://i.imgur.com/MRnM3Pm.png) "You two will be pretty interesting to see. Ciao!"
He waved, walking away, as Otoya's eyes followed him. He turned back to Kanna.
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "....that was weird. Sakurajima, are you okay? He mentioned you were having trouble."
Mori's words briefly rang in Kanna's head.
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) No. Not yet. Not until after the recital. I can't let go of that dream. Not yet.
She nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "I'm fine, really. Let's get some moon cake before you see Rise and Riku. My treat!"
Otoya snorted.
(https://i.imgur.com/dT6Jztw.png) "Your treat, huh? He must've had a point."
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Hey!"
However, as Kanna giggled, she could still see, in Otoya's eyes, a hint of concern.
As if he suspected something.
(https://i.imgur.com/rQv9Pbl.png) "Trust me, it's my treat."
(https://i.imgur.com/JiLlHVj.png) "You know, it's my job to treat you, yes, Ri-kun?"
Riku rubbed the back of his head, grinning cheekily as he sat down in front of a ramen bowl, Rise with her own bowl. The two were eating at a ramen place in the Old Quarter, not far from Rise's home. A pile of Student Council work lay to the side, all cleared up. Touma had already done his part and gone home for the night; tomorrow, they'd need to re-check the numbers with Masaru but the work he'd done was enough.
(https://i.imgur.com/rQv9Pbl.png) "You're always having people's backs, you know. I decided to give you a little lift myself!"
(https://i.imgur.com/v4lNHO8.png) "You're quite reliable, Ri-kun. I'm surprised you had the work done so quickly."
(https://i.imgur.com/nj43pjw.png) "Maybe you've rubbed off on me, Rise."
Rise smiled. Riku really was a cute guy.
(https://i.imgur.com/v4lNHO8.png) "....say, Ri-kun."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Hm?"
(https://i.imgur.com/v4lNHO8.png) "Is there....someone you like?"
Riku's cheeks turned red.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "So direct! W-what makes you ask?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/O7SBwUo.png) "Well...."
She placed the love letter she'd found earlier. At that, Riku blanched.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "I-I can explain! I'm sorry! I-It wasn't meant to be in there! I-I swear, I didn't mean a-anything about what was in it-!"
(https://i.imgur.com/7YfPpHA.png) "I hadn't read it, Ri-kun."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "...huh?"
Riku sighed, relievedly.
(https://i.imgur.com/CyTjjsV.png) "...you scared me, Rise. I thought you'd read it. I...don't know what I would've done if you did."
(https://i.imgur.com/JiLlHVj.png) "I would never read something so private, Ri-kun. Don't worry. But....well, do you like someone?"
For a moment, Rise swore she saw Riku stare right at her, before his eyes flit away.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Uh...maybe....I'll tell you some other time. It's kinda difficult to explain."
Rise smiled.
(https://i.imgur.com/JiLlHVj.png) "I trust you, Ri-kun."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "....hehe, yeah...."
Unbeknownst to them, however, another student from their school was keeping a close eye on them.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "...."
Saya whistled to herself as she finished cleaning up her room. She was practically dancing around in her own room, a Coral Star Light tune playing in the background as she finished fixing her room.
(https://i.imgur.com/k0YZAzA.png) "Gonna clean the room, doo doo do doo~ Gonna make everything real nice, doo do doo doo~"
Humming to herself to the tune of the music, her gaze fell on a picture of herself and Akihiko, stuck on the mirror. It was the two of them, last year, hanging out at the beach near the coast area downtown. That was a good day; one of a few that year for Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/yLmD2c5.png) "Akkun..."
As Saya stared at the picture, smiling at the memory it brought to her face, something changed, for a few brief seconds.
Something appeared in the mirror.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "...."
Saya jumped, as that....thing appeared in the mirror. Lunarian, whatever it had called itself, was here. But it looked....different?
The music was still playing, and whatever it was, had disappeared from the mirror as quickly as it had appeared. Saya stared, wide-eyed, at the mirror, it now reflecting Saya as it should have been.
(https://i.imgur.com/58ZTy96.png) "What was that?"
-
Chapter 2: Lonely White Fields / Sorrow in the Temple Garden
(https://i.imgur.com/eomVzBL.png)
~~Chapter Theme (Pursuing My True Self)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul0sp782hIQ)
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Hm. Today's interesting, isn't it?"
Ms. Kurenai sat in front of Akihiko and Saya in the Helper's Club room, their request billboard rolled in beside them.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Well, we have our usual requests. A pair of extra hands in the Computer Club, some Amamiya students asking for some help getting props over, one extra person to help fill out numbers for the Light Music Club while the guitarist recovers from a cold."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Ooh! I could do that. I....actually know a little guitar."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Really? Didn't you....quit that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Ehehe..."
Ms. Kurenai nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "However, we have two weird requests, too."
She passed the pair two pieces of paper, Saya and Akihiko picking up one each.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "This is...from....Miyazono? He wants us to help Tadano. Like....Student Council Tadano? He wants us to help cheer him up and give him some....relationship advice? From us two specifically, Aki-kun."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Why would he be asking us two that?"
Ms. Kurenai lifted an eyebrow, looking at how close together Saya and Akihiko were sitting, practically on top of each other.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Why indeed."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Anyway, this other one's from Sakurajima. She says she wants to discuss this request in private, but that it has to do with her and Miyazono."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Whoa, Sakurajima and Miyazono? Aren't those two musical geniuses?"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Yeah, Miyazono was the Genius Cellist, back in the day. I did my reading. And Sakurajima...she's pretty well-known for her wild style. You'd think those two were like oil and water."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "I wonder why Sakurajima wanted to keep hers private?"
Ms. Kurenai shrugged.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "You'll have to ask her. I've got no real clue. However, I have confidence that these requests will require your full attention. As such, try to focus on one at a time."
She stands up, heading over to the kettle in the corner and pouring herself some hot tea, taking a calm sip.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "You may also need outside help. If you got anyone who you can call, get 'em. After all, our aim here at the Helpers' Club is?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "To give a good greeting and help everyone we meet, no matter what!"
Ms. Kurenai almost smiles.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Exactly. By the by, your club budget has arrived. Don't waste it."
The party receives 2000 yen.
It is currently lunchtime at Our Lady of Hermelin. Where are you and what are you doing?
//Everyone may post.
-
As per usual, Masaru Demura was in his classroom desk, a book and his lunch (if a set of onigiri could even be called that) sitting on top. Uncharacteristically, however, the book was unopened, and Masaru was not studying; he was working out in his head how he could have been more "evenhanded" in his exchange with the Computer Club president. He had gone over the scenario as many times as would be helpful in this juncture, and he had workshopped an alternate response if a scenario like this came again, but still, Koga-senpai's words still stuck with him.
This uncertainty was... uncomfortable. Normally he would try to merely improve the skillset he knew how to improve, but he was ahead in his studies anyways, and that impulse had begun to feel dangerously close to what Vasusena warned him about. No, he had to climb the mountain of "approachability" himself.
He considered consulting someone else on this matter. A teacher? No, they were hired to consult on academic matters, not this. Koga-senpai, or one of his fellow Kaijin? I can't afford to show too much weakness to them, especially Sawatari.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
Hmm... perhaps Tadano. It's his elected duty to support the rest of the Student Council, after all, and this is a matter of my effectiveness in my position. It would be easiest to meet with him after their Student Council meeting; Masaru resolved to do so then.
It reoccurred to him that, while the Student Council meetings rarely lasted long, they might become a problem in the future, given his new obligations to the Helper's Club. He would need to negotiate an alternate meeting time for his new acquaintances if he did not want to be tardy for one or the other. Until then, he would need to be late for the newer obligation.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh, before I forget. Gotta exchange numbers! Mine's 555-9653. Feel free to call."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa nods with a smile. "Right, let me just write that down... uh, mine is 555-4467. Feel free to call yourself though."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "To give a good greeting and help everyone we meet, no matter what!"
Ms. Kurenai almost smiles.
Suddenly, there's a knock on the club room's door.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa sticks her head in through the door. "Ummm... is the Helper Club still looking for new members?"
-
Masaru finds a text message, however, on his phone as he works. He finds it to be from Saya.
Two new requests for Helpers' Club. One about Tadano-kun. Do you know anything about it?
As Misa pokes her head in, Ms. Kurenai looks towards her.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Ah. Someone showing up here wanting to join instead of having a request. Finally. Just put your name down on the clipboard by the entrance," she said, pointing to a clipboard on the table with Saya, Akihiko, and Riku's names on it. "And you'll be an official member."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Hi, Miyashita! It's nice to see you're joining us for real!"
(https://i.imgur.com/GPBQEXe.png) "Yeah. We're always recruiting. Take a seat. There's some tea in the back, if you want."
-
"I certainly hope that offer isn't only open to pretty girls, Kasuga." replied a voice from behind the doorframe, "The tea that is. I certainly have no interest in participating in your... you call it a club, right?"
Mori casually walked into the room as if he owned the place, smug grin painted on his face with all the subtlety of an air raid siren.
(https://i.imgur.com/dllFQIx.png)
"I happened to have been walking by to discuss some matters in regards to props for the coming play when I heard some rather interesting information regarding a certain pair of celebrities," he continued, sitting down in one of the chairs and performing a small, cat-like, stretch.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bt2qL88.png)
"Cutting to the chase, I happen to have a vested interest in the relationship of Sakurajima Kanna and Miyazono Otoya." he stated, "As such, I insist that you deal with her request posthaste, and further, I will grace you will the favor of my presence in performing the task."
-
Akihiko scarcely misses a beat.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "You know acting like you don't care about the club would work a lot better if you didn't literally just tell us you were eavesdropping on our requests, and then offer to help us with a request. Damn chuunibyou."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "It really is nice to see you too, Sawatari. Aki-kun thinks so too, even if he doesn't wanna say it."
-
Mori huffed a bit before his face took on a more neutral look.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Just because you don't care how others view you, Kasuga, doesn't mean the rest of us don't have appearances to keep up." he replied, "Fortunately, there's no one here I'm too concerned about how I'm viewed by, but being so blunt in front of people could damage the social standing of others, and many of us sincerely care about that. Keep that in mind so you don't end up hurting someone in the future."
He then let out a begrudging "It's not entirely unpleasant to see you both as well. And Miyashita."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I'm not lying just to keep up appearances. Gets in the way of getting to the truth."
Ms. Kurenai just lifts an eyebrow at Mori, before speaking.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Well, since you're here, Sawatari, do you have any convincing reason we should take Sakurajima's request over Miyazono's request to help Tadano first? They might both be celebrities, but the Helper's Club is supposed to help everybody equally."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Well, you know me, Sensei, I'm not one to give information away for free." Mori stated, before his face and voice turned deathly serious.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"But trust me when I say, there is a greater degree of urgency to Sakurajima's request than she will admit."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bah, you don't know shit, Sawatari."
Mildred pushed the door open and strode in like she owned the place. She confidently went to the table to half-sit on the edge of it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So I heard enough to know Miyazono is involved in both requests. Why don't we talk to him first and get his perspective on each? I can drag him here if you want."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"There's a thing called confidentiality, Honda." Mori hissed "People have things they feel the need to hide, and I respect Sakurajima's secret enough that I won't repeat it like idle chatter. Besides, Sakurajima specifically asked for her request to be discussed in private, asking Miyazono about it would go against her wishes."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Only cowards need to hide. Just face everything head on, I say. Regardless, don't you think it's kinda weird he's involved in both of these things? There's gotta be something there to investigate."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"Well some of us have problems you can't solve with brute force alone!" Mori shouted, before reigning his temper in.
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"Regardless, Miyazono's involvement in Sakurajima's affair is hardly odd, the two are largely inseparable. However, I'll admit I did think he and Tadano were close, so his involvement in that affair, putting in a request on his behalf, is somewhat odd. Further, my original point still stands, discussing Sakurajima's request with Miyazono would be a breach of her trust, and would only serve to hurt both her and the helper's club.""
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Nonsense. There isn't a problem you can't solve by putting a fist in the right face. Or at least finding a healthy outlet to vent instead of bottling shit up like you're obviously doing. Consider that a tip from a soon-to-be member of the Helper's Club, here."
Mildred side-eyed Kurenai, keeping in mind what the teacher had said to her yesterday and what Akutagawa had told her, then glanced at Saya and Misa.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, on the other hand, I guess you ain't the only one keeping things on the down low. Anyway. Sounds like both these things are girlfriend/boyfriend problems, so I dunno why they came to these two. Probably the only two people in school who know less about it than I do."
She chuckled at the thought.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I guess I gotta ask, why are you invested in it? Got a crush on Sakurajima?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"As theatre club president, it is my duty to protect those who work under me. I further extend that to other performing arts students in need of assistance. Anything else would be a dereliction of duty." Mori replied, "And any more information would be a breach of confidentiality. Though I can guarantee I have no interest in Sakurajima in any romantic sense. Even if I did, such interest would be futile in the face of her relationship with Miyazono. My interest in the two is purely that of one seeking to protect their subordinates."
-
Masaru didn't think to look at his phone until after he came to the decision to meet with Tadano later. What incidental timing that it concerned the same person. He preferred discussing these things in person, when necessary, but he could hardly focus on his studies at the time anyways.
I haven't heard anything about it. We haven't talked outside of business.
He recalled musing the day before that maybe he had been overworking Tadano. Though that ultimately was not the focus of Koga-senpai's intervention, another scene from that meeting returned to him.
I do remember he tried to send a love letter recently, though. He left the out detail about it being misplaced in Koga-senpai's paperwork; regardless of Tadano's position, it felt somewhat gross to spread any club-related mistakes of a fellow Student Council member, especially his senior. I trust the Helper's Club will take care not to leak this?
-
Saya frowned for a minute.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "No, Sawatari's right, Honda. Sakurajima asked specifically to keep it private. The Helpers' Club does its best to fulfil the request according to the requester's conditions. Otherwise nobody would trust us to help them with their problems and we wouldn't have a Helper's Club. Even if we have to keep a secret or two."
Akihiko thinks carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "We don't know that the requests are linked. Yeah, Sakurajima and Miyazono might hang out together, but it's not like they don't have lives outside of each other. Not that weird they made separate requests; if they were linked, Miyazono and Sakurajima would have made it together. From what I understand, Tadano and Miyazono go a while back; he, Koga-senpai and Tadano are next-door neighbours. That they're all friends doesn't really shock me."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "We also don't know that they're boyfriend/girlfriend things, either. I don't know if Tadano's attached and those rumours about Miyazono and Sakurajima could just be rumours. Although, Honda's right, why would they come to Saya and I for that?"
Ms. Kurenai just gives Akihiko an amused look, without saying anything.
Will do, Demura. Thanks!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"I don't have confirmation if they are dating or not. All I know is they don't seem to be embarrassed by the implication." Mori replied "As for the two of you, there's something of a rumor going around... perhaps I should put out a public service announcement in regards to it's current falsehood status, if only to prevent an artificially inflated belief in your ability to help in romantic matters."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Honestly, that's nobody's business but ours. They can think what they want. In any case, I doubt people would believe you if you said it. Also, we should focus on the clients."
Akihiko thinks again.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, you said you keep an eye on other performing arts students. You know anything about Miyazono and Sakurajima that might help that you're actually willing to spill? Might help us make a decision as to which we go after first."
-
Mori took a deep breath. This would all be so much easier if he could just say "Sakurajima is very ill and due to her failing health, this request is probably time sensitive, not to mention potentially much more important than a bunch of idiots who've never had their first kiss trying to advise another idiot who didn't even request help themselves on how to get a date." However, that would be a breach of his promise to Sakurajima, to not report what had happened, and whatever honor he had was clear on the fact that Sakurajima's secret was something he should keep. He might be in the information business, but certain facts had reasons to stay buried. He thought for a bit before an idea came to mind. It... wasn't that far from a breach of confidentiality, closer than he would prefer, but it was at least something that they could have learned on their own, if they kept their ears open.
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"I know none of you pay attention to rumors," Mori began, he spoke hesitantly and quietly, "but... rumor has it that Sakurajima has had to visit the hospital a lot lately."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "That could mean she has a relative in the hospital she's visiting. Would explain why she wouldn't wanna talk about it; it's kinda private. Still, we can't just leave Tadano hanging. He did ask for our help; it's not in the Helper's Club spirit....I can't believe I just said that....to leave a client out to dry."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"A. No, he didn’t. Miyazono asked us to help him. For all we know, he doesn’t want or need help, and the matter could be entirely a misunderstanding." Mori replied "And if he does need help, could anyone here help him? Has anyone gone on a date, or kissed someone? We both know Sakurajima wants help, and we’re much more likely to be able to help her."
”Besides, we can just force Demura to help Tadano out, or I can get someone with relationship experience.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Still worth a look at. If he does need our help, we'll have ditched him for Sakurajima."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Aki-kun's right, we can't ignore a request from someone. We have to have a look, even if it turns out they don't need us, and we have to try to help, even if it's beyond us. We wouldn't be the Helper's Club if we didn't even give it our best shot, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Kurenai-sensei, what do you think?"
Ms. Kurenai thinks carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Akitsuki, Kasuga...perhaps the best thing to do here is to split up. One group handles Miyazono's request, the other handles Sakurajima's."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Very well..." Mori replied, trailing off a bit as he started designing groups in his head. A known member of the helper's club should be in either group, so Saya and Akihiko would be in different groups. He would help Sakurajima, so whatever group that was he'd be in. Honda's view that one should just push ahead and ignore what's in their way might actually be helpful for Tadano, and he certainly wasn't going to have someone who didn't understand subtlety deal with Sakurajima, so she'd be going with the Tadano group. Lastly, as Sakurajima wanted secrecy, that group should be smaller, so Miyashita would also go with the Tadano group. That meant the only question was...
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"If you don't plan to find anyone else for this, I would place Honda and Miyashita with whoever is helping Tadano, while I'll accompany whoever is helping Sakurajima. Only question is which of you two" he gestured to Saya and Akihiko "will be leading each group. After all, each group needs an actual Helper's Club member to make it official."
-
Mildred went over to the clipboard and put her name under Riku's.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "There, official member."
-
With unusual precision, Yui moved towards the Helper's Club, opening the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) "... Being... a member of the Go Home Club isn't fun anymore..."
She took a free sitting opportunity closest to the door and sat down.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "... So... Yeah... ... Please be patient with me..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Actually, Sawatari, I was going to suggest that maybe, Aki-kun comes with you to deal with Sakurajima. Then I come with Honda and Miyashita to deal with Tadano. Aki-kun knows a lot about Sakurajima and Miyazono, and Tadano and I are close; after all, I recruited him to the Helper's Club myself."
Then Yui comes in. Saya's eyes light up.
(https://i.imgur.com/IWyaiwV.png) "Yui-chan! Just in time! Okay, you, for your first assignment as part of the Helper's Club, you get to help Aki-kun and Sawatari with a really important request!"
-
Mildred went over to the clipboard and put her name under Riku's.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "There, official member."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa follows Mildred over. "Me too, now."
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "... So... Yeah... ... Please be patient with me..."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "I'll try if you're patient with me in return." Misa offers.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Hmmm..." Mori replied "Yes, you understand discretion and real-world issues, you can come with my group."
He turned to look at Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Should we get going, or wait another minute to see if anyone else bursts in the door. It's been 4 now."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Th-That's fast! But alright, you two can fill me in on the way what needs to be done."
She looks towards Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "To be fair... ..."
Yui glanced towards Ms. Kurenai. She doesn't know what she knows about the weird stuff that happened, but she attempted to play it safe for now.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "... Interest in the Helper's Club increased lately, right?"
-
Ms. Kurenai nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "It has. I'm surprised. Nobody usually pays much attention, even with Akitsuki's best efforts. She's really put in so much work to keep the club alive."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, well, I figure if I'm going to actually be here I might as well join a club. Don't see a reason why it shouldn't be my friend's club."
Mildred gave Misa a thumbs-up as she signed up as well.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yui, she said? Well, welcome aboard!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Poor Kasuga. He's the only guy in the club."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Then it's settled. Kasuga, you take your group to find out more about Sakurajima's request. Akitsuki, you take your group to meet with Miyazono to find more about his request. Keep in contact by phone. If the requests are linked, or if there's any insights you get, keep each other posted. Good luck. Our clients are depending on you."
(https://i.imgur.com/IWyaiwV.png) "And then after we're done, we can all go eat somewhere nice to celebrate! It's what Aki-kun and I always do when we finish a request."
(https://i.imgur.com/BHio4Ul.png) "Ah. Is it going to be my treat too, like every time we go out and celebrate?"
(https://i.imgur.com/OFadKEA.png) "Ehehe~"
Masaru receives another text from Saya.
Got a request for Tadano-kun. Want to help? Going out to eat after~
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "D-don't worry, Kasuga-san, I'll cover my own tab. I won't be a burden..."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "But before we celebrate... things to do for now."
-
Shiro sighed as she stared into the mirror, one hand on either side of the sink. She'd come in here to fix her makeup, and she was most of the way through the process.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"You shouldn't be friends with her. She's just some foreign lowlife. You're better than her, don't let her weigh you down."
If anyone were listening, they probably wouldn't be convinced. She brought one hand up to her face, gingerly poking at her left eye. That was stupid. If people see that, they'll talk, and I won't hear the end of it.
Shiro turned the sink on, starting the process of washing her hands. Renjirou doesn't get any of this shit. Of course he doesn't, he's the perfect eldest son. And he's got his perfect big sister to support him. She rolled her eyes at her own reflection. That term felt all kinds of wrong to apply to herself, even if it were factually true. I'm the oldest, shouldn't I be the one getting to do whatever they want? 'Course, Renjirou never wants to do anything interesting. The heiress shook her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I look like an idiot, talking to myself like this." She rinsed her hands, and began to dry them off. Being at school at all today wasn't part of the plan, but she had to be a good girl so Father didn't come down like yet another sack of bricks. It was worth avoiding another argument. "At least nothing's gone wrong yet today," she said to the mirror, almost wishing it weren't true so she had a justification for her foul mood.
-
"No. I do it all the time. It helps your charisma, helps to calm the nerves and work through things."
Suddenly, a voice emerges from a nearby stall. Kanade emerges, taking the sink next to Shiro's to wash her hands.
(https://i.imgur.com/jq4LYLw.png) "I'm sorry. I couldn't help but overhear. Rest assured, I won't tell anyone if you won't."
(https://i.imgur.com/tXr2GoI.png) "You must be....Akari Shiro of the...Akari clan, right? I don't think we've been properly acquainted. Before you ask, I'm here to see a friend about something during the lunch break."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Okay, then it's settled! Um....Miyazono is always practicing in the music room during lunch, so you can probably find him there. I think I overheard that Sakurajima was seen leaving before lunch, though...I'll have to ask Kaname, she usually knows about these things..."
Saya quickly goes on her phone, checking something.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "....at the park? Huh."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "That's us, then."
-
Shiro stiffened at the voice.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Mishima," she said in an even tone. "That's correct." She was almost grateful for being stressed before she came in; it helped hide the hostility that reared up in her at the other heiress's presence.
Mishima Kanade, the mirror to her own life. Or, less charitably, the one Shiro was the murky reflection of. Where she seemed to have a natural grace, Shiro struggled to maintain appearances. Kanade's family surged in wealth while her own bled it. The Akari clan tried to maintain the long-standing traditions, only for the Mishima to force it out. Kanade was poised to inherit her family's empire, while Shiro was poised to be a glorified assistant for her brother.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I appreciate your discretion," she managed after a moment. "I suppose this meeting is something private?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jq4LYLw.png) "Just seeing a friend. That's all."
Kanade nods at Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "How are you doing? I've never had the opportunity to talk to you outside of formal functions."
-
The evasive answer didn't go over Shiro's head. There was something going on there other than a social call.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"As good as usual, I suppose." It was true. Nowadays, she was in a bad mood more often than not. "My responsibilities usually have me too busy to stop and talk, for better or for worse."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Skipping school..." Mori questioned aloud "...very well, I was the one saying this was an urgent matter. Just as long as this does not become a regular occurrence."
He turned to Ms. Kurenai
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"And what do you think of that decision, as our teacher?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T59WCNa.png)
...This request is going to get in the way of my plans, isn't it? Of course, his first impulse was to tell Akitsuki that they would need to delay their plans (an active purpose-of-the-club duty) in favor of his own (a mere request for advice). That could not do.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
Let this be a pop exam for myself, on a new subject. I need to take this slowly and carefully.
What time were you planning to fulfill this request?
To start, a short, simple query of scheduling. Surely both parties would better be able to approach their matters smoothly through exchange of basic information. If it conflicted with his plans, then he would share that information, and they could begin to negotiate. Evenhandedly.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "A shame. A friendly ear can often lighten the burden, or so I hear. Certainly a better ear than one's own."
Kanade nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/tVBRuI1.png) "....Of course, I hear they have a club for that here, if nobody else will hear you out."
Ms. Kurenai lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "Well, lunch just started, so if you leave now, you'll probably make it back for the first lesson after. Don't worry if you're a little late. I'll cover for you."
Won't be too long. Just going to talk to Miyazono-kun then Tadano-kun in a bit. Maybe ten minutes, tops?
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Very well," he looked at Yui and Akihiko "Are we all prepared to leave?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I don't need a club to help me deal with my own life. If I contact Kasuga and Akitsuki, it will be for something more important than this."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/tVBRuI1.png) "More important than your well-being, Akari? You're rating yourself way too low. Or Kasuga and Akitsuki's time too high."
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "It couldn't hurt you to ask, anyway."
Kanade inhales.
(https://i.imgur.com/jq4LYLw.png) "Unless of course, you have others you can come to for help."
Akihiko starts heading out.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Well, I'm going first. Clock's running. Can't leave our clients hanging. Also, I owe Sakurajima."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Then why were you fighting me so much on getting to her request!?" Mori internally shouted as he followed behind Akihiko.
-
Despite herself, Shiro snorted.
(https://i.imgur.com/N3WnIGT.png)"I think that's the first time I've ever heard someone say that I wasn't thinking highly enough of myself."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Rest assured that's not what's happening. I'm an Akari, we're made of stern stuff." And that's exactly why you're wrong. It can and will hurt me to ask. "We didn't survive this long being so frail that a cramped schedule would be enough to run one of us down."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/tVBRuI1.png) "My, my, you sound like my grandfather."
(https://i.imgur.com/y2oHsTb.png) "And a cramped schedule, huh? I wouldn't know about something like that," Kanade remarked wryly. "Or how to deal with one."
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "Still, you also didn't survive this long in the world alone, you know, Akari or not. Though.,.....something tells me a cramped schedule's not quite your only problem."
As Akihiko, Yui and Mori make their way out of Hermelin towards the park, they pass by the hospital.
The Hojo Memorial Hospital was a state-of-the-art facility, one of the best hospitals in Japan, even before it was renovated and funded as the local Kaname-cho Hospital. Funded by Aiko Mishima, wife to Yosuke and mother of Kanade, the Hojo Memorial Hospital was one of the Mishima Corporation's more well-known charitable efforts, named for the doctor that treated the young Kanade when she had been sick with a deathly illness as a baby, or so the story went. The doctor, of course, currently worked at the hospital as Head of Paediatrics. As such, it was probably the best hospital for miles, given the funding put into it by the Mishimas.
And so it was that Akihiko's group ran, quite abruptly, into Kanna Sakurajima exiting the hospital.
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "...Kasuga...Sawatari..."
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Did you...tell them, Sawatari?"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Tell us what?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"Of course not," Mori replied "I said I wouldn't, and I guarantee all clients confidentiality. But given the current situation, I would implore you to tell them yourself."
-
Excellent. They were planning on acting during lunchtime, not after school. Their endeavors would co-exist separately.
That shouldn't interfere with us directly, then.
Given my position, I would prefer to be neutral in regards to the clubs. But I pray you are able to help a fellow student council member.
Masaru considered perhaps he too should help Tadano, especially if he was going to impose additional duties on him, even if it fell outside of his jurisdiction. But he didn't want his own concerns to spread too far too quickly. And besides, he couldn't stand having to deal with added travel time, especially while the halls were like to be crowded. Too many variables.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I'm not sure I should be baring my heart to a Mishima. Besides, I have my family for support." The strain in her voice as she spoke the latter was painfully obvious. Shiro's eyes narrowed.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Why do you care, anyway?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, we ain't going to find Miyazono here in the club room. Let's go."
-
If Kanade picks up on Shiro's family issues, she doesn't show it. Damn actresses.
(https://i.imgur.com/y2oHsTb.png) "Well, by your logic, I shouldn't be helping an Akari. But here we are."
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "I see someone in need of help, I want to help them. Even if they do kinda have a hate-on for me, have been looking at me like they kinda want to strangle me and suspect me of having ulterior motives. It's that simple."
Kanna looks between Yui and Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....tell us what, Sakurajima?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "You promise not to tell Otoya, right? It'd kill him if he found out."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Sakurajima....you had my back after that thing with Sasanuma. You, Tadano, Miyazono and Koga. If there's anyone I owe after Saya, it's you. I swear I won't say a thing. What is it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) "...so, you know that tournament Otoya and I did?"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "It was the big one, right? The Eastern Japan Duet Tournament?"
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) "This is what happened..."
....
A few days ago...
The roar of applause sounded through the auditorium. Beads of sweat ran down Otoya's forehead as he stood, taking a bow, cello in hand.
He looked over at Kanna, sitting at the piano, mouthing something.
(https://i.imgur.com/ywN6INW.png) "Do you think we did it?"
Kanna slowly nodded. She felt....exhausted. Unnaturally so. Maybe it was just the stress of playing in front of an audience. Or maybe-
(https://i.imgur.com/mRopOzn.png) No. Not yet. Please. I haven't done it yet. A little longer, then I can rest.
Her limbs were numb, and all she could feel was tingling. Still, the audience was applauding, and it was only right to bow.
(https://i.imgur.com/5gn4Rsp.png) I just need to take a bow, then I can get backstage and rest. It'll be fine. Miyazono doesn't need to worry about me.
She pulled herself up. Her legs, numb as they were, had enough strength in them to let her stand. She was thankful Otoya was looking back to the audience; she could get up in peace without him worrying.
It was like moving through a thick jelly. She stumbled towards Otoya, trying to maintain her composure, maintaining a smile on the way. Otoya was turning to face her, a smile on his sweet, sweet face. If she could reach him, so long as she could, it was okay, it was all worth it.
Then, something gave.
Her body fell towards the floor, and the world began to spin.
(https://i.imgur.com/5gn4Rsp.png) Ah.
As she lost consciousness, the last thing Kanna remembered, falling to the floor, was Otoya's eyes widening in fear.
....
Akihiko just stared at her. Kanna sighed.
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "I told him I was just dehydrated, but....I don't know-"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Is it serious?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "....I don't know how long I have."
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "Shit."
"Do you know them, Sakurajima?"
Akihiko turns to see none other than Tsukasa Kazami, clad in the red Amamiya uniform, approaching them.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Kazami-senpai! I....these are some people I know from school."
(https://i.imgur.com/vw2jjad.png) "I know two of you. Sawatari, you're working with Kanade. And Kasuga...."
Kazami looks him up and down.
(https://i.imgur.com/vw2jjad.png) "I know your reputation. Kanade respects what you did. So do I."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Thanks, I guess?"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Kazami-senpai knows already. I...uh, I know since...is it okay if I explain?"
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Someone close to me is staying here."
Mori notices the cogs spinning in Akihiko's head, however.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Well, as Sakurajima's out, maybe Miyazono should be in the cafeteria! Let's go!"
Saya leads the way.
...
After a bit, Masaru receives a text.
Heading to cafeteria now. Miyazono-kun should have something on Tadano-kun's problem?
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Well, with the exposition out of the way, and my point on this being an urgent matter proven," Mori replied "Let's discuss the matter at hand. What is your private request?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Exactly. You shouldn't be. And you're assuming I need help in the first place. And if you know I don't like you, why try this hard? Shouldn't you be happy to watch someone who hates you struggle, or something?"
-
Kanade lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "Why, do you want me to be happy watching you struggle? Intriguing....I won't question your interests."
She quietly sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/jq4LYLw.png) "I'm sorry. I couldn't resist teasing you a little bit, Akari."
(https://i.imgur.com/tXr2GoI.png) "But are you so unused to having people offer you help that this is your first reaction?"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "I actually have two requests, They're connected, i-if that's alright. I know this might be weird of me to ask of you, Kasuga-"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Hey, you're the client. Long as it's a reasonable request, we'll do our best to fulfil it. Like I said, I owe you. And, well....can't exactly tell you no when..."
Akihiko tilts his head towards the hospital. Kanna nods slowly, but smiles, clearly grateful.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "If it's not too much, I have two requests. One is...that you help me prepare a small....dinner for Otoya. I'm...not really much of a cook, and I promised to do something to make it up to him for making him worry so much about me."
She looks at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "The other is....you help me record a message for Otoya. I considered leaving him a letter for when, well....but it seemed so cliche when I thought about it. Like it's been done before. Besides, there's things I need him to hear in my voice and not on some piece of paper."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Why do this all now?"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "The....illness I have....it'll make it difficult for me to move, slowly. I wanna do as much as I can for Otoya while I still can, Kasuga. He deserves that much from me, after all he's done for me."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/V11HUyu.png)"What? No- I mean. Maybe?" She huffed and shook her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"It doesn't matter anyway. I shouldn't need help. I don't need help. I'm better than that."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"And you shouldn't be helping me. Don't you know that we're enemies? That our families are enemies? Do you have any idea how Father would react if he found out I stooped low enough to owe something to a Mishima because I wasn't strong enough to deal with my own life?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "Really? Nobody's above help. Least of all myself. Or you."
(https://i.imgur.com/tXr2GoI.png) "Well, I suppose your father would be enraged, ask what kind of child of his would need help from a Mishima of all people and you would continue hating me over a grudge that neither of us have any real part in. And I'd continue....not really caring about a grudge that doesn't really mean anything to us kids."
(https://i.imgur.com/tXr2GoI.png) "But, that's where you're wrong. We're not enemies, Akari. You're not your father. We're a bit more similar than you think. Of course, you probably don't believe that. I also believe you're stubborn enough to go your own way, with or without anyone helping you."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Of course, I possess an allowance to use all of the Audio Visual equipment available to the fine arts department of Hermelin for my purposes," Mori replied, "And currently, the completion of your task falls under such purposes."
Mori turned and shot his trademark "arming" smile at Tsukasa.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"As well as the temporary convenience of access to the audio visual equipment of Amamiya, if my existent resources prove insufficient, I believe."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I'm not so stupid that I can't see that, Mishima. I thought about that as soon as I saw you. We have almost the same life, except your family is on top and mine isn't."
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"I can't just give up on this, either. I can't just turn around on my family. I'm carrying hundreds of years of tradition forward with me, and caring about that tradition is the whole reason my family hates yours."
(https://i.imgur.com/LtjC6BA.png)"Not that I'm any good at that shit, either."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "Perhaps not the tradition they expect you to carry on, no."
Kanade looks around, making sure nobody is there to hear her say what she's about to. When Kanade is sure nobody is around, she continues.
(https://i.imgur.com/tXr2GoI.png) "I suppose your father isn't looking for a samurai of old who can lead the Myrmidons into battle. And mine isn't looking to hand the reins to an actress, no matter how successful and famous. Still, it's liberating, in a way."
(https://i.imgur.com/tflmorI.png) "But someone with your strength can find a way out. Even if it has to be with someone throwing you a rope."
Tsukasa just gives Mori a flat look.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "You'll have to ask Kanade."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What about you, Aiuchi? Got anything to add?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Oh no, you see, I was talking to you as you will be relaying the request to her, as I personally seek to avoid interaction with her as much as physically possible, as I believe she well knows."
After having sat through Tomorrow With You with Veep, who now owed him two more unspecified future favors, Mori has developed a decent idea of how good of an actress Kanade Mishima was, as well as a certainty that she’d seen through his entire thought process in their meeting.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "...."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "If you're too flustered to talk to her, that's not my problem. Talk to her yourself."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Very well," Mori replied "I’m certain what I have access to will be sufficient."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)". . . yeah, you could say that."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"I need to do a better job keeping that under wraps, don't I?" Shiro sighed, shaking her head. "Fine, you win. I won't stare at you like I'm trying to cut you down unless my family's watching. And. . . I guess I'll talk to people, or whatever. If I need to."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/y2oHsTb.png) "My, my, at least I got through to you a little."
Kanade quickly pulls out her phone and checks something.
(https://i.imgur.com/tVBRuI1.png) "Well, that's a shame. That's all the time we have today for impromptu therapy sessions with Kanade Mishima. Do make sure you have others to stand by you when the time comes. This town's pretty crazy, what with those Akuma things around and all."
With that, Kanade leaves the toilet, leaving Shiro to herself.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Uh huh. You know that's not going to work when you're working on Kaguya, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Huh? Are the rumours true, Kazami-senpai? Are....do Sawatari and Mishima have...a thing?"
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "No."
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) "Aw."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"A. Yes, and the fact that I'm going to have to see her that much is part of why I want to avoid doing so while I have the chance," Mori replied "And B. please quash any such rumors you hear in the future. I don't want anyone making that assumption."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Considering you two are probably going to be Kaguya and the Emperor, good luck with that."
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Really? They're not a couple? I dunno, now that I think about it, Sawatari's never had much luck with girls, but he'd be kinda cute with Mishima. Oh, yeah, speaking of girls, Kasuga, how's your relationship with Akitsuki? I hear you two are going pret~ty strong!"
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "It's....not like that. I think. N-Not that I would mind being with Saya. Um....Aiuchi, uh.....do you have anything to say about the request?"
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Hm."
-
Mori put one hand on Sakurajima's shoulder, looked her deep in the eyes, and said slowly and carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"No."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)". . . What the hell am I doing with myself. . . ?"
Shiro shook her head at her reflection, prodded at her eye one last time for good measure, and then headed out of the bathroom.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "What about you, Aiuchi? Got anything to add?"
Yui had a saddened expression on her face since Kanna expressed that she does not know how long she has. Being asked by Akihiko jolted her attention back to full peak though.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "W-well, I could help with the cooking. I do a lot of household work at home, so... err, I'd like to think I'm not bad at it..."
She paused for a moment, thinking about her next words. Just to immediately stumble over them after she decided to go with her gut feeling instead.
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "It, it will be... ... I promise I'll teach you plenty along the way... So... So you can make Otoya dinner every day if you want..."
Yui realized it was an awkward transition, but she hoped the intention got across at the very least.
-
Kanna just shrugs at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Ok~ay, but if it happens, know that Sakurajima Kanna called it, right here! Aaanyway, we should probably figure out how we're going to do all this."
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "We can't do all this at my place, because I don't want my parents to....well, they know about Otoya and, well, suffice to say having them show him more of my baby pictures is not something I want to do."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Hm. Maybe back at school? The home economic classrooms should be pretty open. Maybe Aiuchi and I can do the cooking? My parents are away a lot, so I got some idea of how to cook. That and....Saya's got a pretty big appetite."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "I don't mind helping with Sakurajima. I have....some idea of how to cook."
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Did Mishima-senpai teach you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "No."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"For the time being, the Theatre Room should be unoccupied, if you want a better setting for your video than the home economics room Mori stated "And given we have three people offering to help with cooking, I'll focus on the video. So, any specific things you want in it?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Oh, no, no. I just needed someone to record for me so I can leave him a message. I know what I'm doing with it, is all. I didn't really expect anyone except for Kasuga to show, so...."
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "It's really nice that he and Akitsuki are getting so many new friends, though!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"We're not friends, we merely have a functional business relationship." Mori replied, as he sent a text to Veep.
"Hey, can you get some of the AV stuff ready for me? Thanks."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Well, we should get going then. Maybe Aiuchi and Kasuga can show us a little of their skills, huh?"
Tsukasa snorts, making his way towards the school.
Akihiko pauses, waiting for him to walk away with Kanna. He sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "This....explains a bit I was wondering about, actually."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "~Hm hm~ Come on, Come on, doesn't matter if it's crazy~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "~I wanna find your reason to shine~ Hm Hm~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "No, that's close, but it doesn't quite work... Hmm..."
Aika was deep in thought as she walked down the hall, bereft of her usual accompaniment of her groupmates on her way to find a nice spot for lunch. Even in their absence, though, on a day that should have been a bit of a break after the last hectic week, it seemed the young idol still had her work and her music on the mind. So she hummed and sang a few notes under her breath, varying the pitch here and there, as she puzzled out the details of what was sure to be another popular song for Coral ☆ Light, once she'd worked out the details. As the hallways grew near empty, she moved on to the choreography, throwing in a hop and a skip here, a shake and a jump there, nearly prancing across the tile. She was just experimenting with a twirl as she was taken past Kanade, beaming as she shifted to walking backwards, letting her wave properly at the familiar heiress.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Hi hi, Kanachan~! Say hello to everyone for me when you get back to the troupe~!"
She was just going back to humming and spinning around again, as Kanade turned the corner, when she ran into something--or someone--decidedly more solid. Something or someone who had just chosen that moment to walk out of the women's restroom. Given the short space Aika had to avoid a collision, it was a testament to the idol's dexterity that she managed to avoid bowling the other girl over entirely, managing to limit to to a mere bump in the side--though this was still enough to leave Aika falling onto her rear with an 'oof' as she tried unsuccessfully to hop away, albeit thankfully without any harm.
Aika blinked, rubbing the back of her head as she looked over at the person she'd run into, eventually offering an awkward smile.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ehehe... Sorry about that, Akari-san..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I may have been getting a bit carried away~"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"Who the-" Shiro stopped herself before she could curse out whoever had been paying so little attention as to bump into her. She turned, her usual irritable look on her face.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Oh. It's you, Suzuki-san." Her tone was decidedly neutral, which was probably a good thing. "I thought I heard someone familiar. What are you doing that you're just running into other people in the halls?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"The fact that she kept disappearing and fainting all the time?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Her keeping it secret wasn't for either of our benefits."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "But no. Kazami-senpai. Because there was a rumour he was sick, but....hm. Sakurajima probably knows a little more about it. Something doesn't add up."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Not paying nearly enough attention to where I'm going, clearly~"
Aika picked herself up and smoothed down her skirt.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "But, other than that... I was thinking about the choreography for a new song we're working on. Seeing Mishima-san over here distracted me a little, and I didn't notice you in the hallway..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ehe. Like I said, I was getting a bit carried away~"
Aika folded her hands behind her back and rocked on her feet from toe to heel, tilting her head to examine Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Hmm... I don't think I bumped you that hard..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Are you okay, Akari-san? You look tired."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Somehow, it's scarier than that 'I'm-going-to-crush-you-under-my-foot-like-a-bug-and-then-grind-you-into-dust' expression you usually have."
-
Shiro resisted the urge to respond with "I'm never okay." There was something more urgent in what she said to deal with, anyway. She thought she'd done a good enough job hiding it - Mishima hadn't noticed, after all.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Tired? No. Not any more than usual." Her eyes narrowed slightly, which probably didn't help with the thing she was about to address. "And what's with that description? You make me sound terrifying." That was an actual issue, given she was trying to not look like someone who would rough you up at school.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Of course it wasn’t for our benefits. She hid it because she wanted to be able to live like a normal person." Mori replied, ”She didn’t want to be pitied, oh poor little dying girl, or treated like something fragile that people needed to handle with kids gloves to keep her from breaking. Her reasoning was, at a fundamental level, entirely selfish, but entirely understandable.”
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"As for Kazami," Mori replied "That could mean he has a relative in the hospital he's visiting."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Yeah, I figured that once she explained what was going on. No, that's not what I was talking about."
Akihiko pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "You know anything about Majima-senpai? The old tennis club manager?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
...you realize who you're talking to, right?" Mori replied "Former tennis club manager, rendered comatose in an Akuma attack that marked the first appearance of Gawain, currently housed in this very hospital. And, before you say it, see file on Tsukasa Kazami for theories on him dating a girl in Hermelin."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Yeah, I know. Kaname-senpai was the one who wrote those files. It pays to be a former Newspaper Club member. She also said that there were rumours Majima-senpai had something....pretty bad. Something with her pancreas or other. She was absent a few times from school. It's why Fujimura ended up being tennis club manager; she was already used to running it when Majima-senpai disappeared. You're not the only one who pays attention to things."
Akihiko sighs, thinking carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I was looking into Akuma attacks in the news. You know, to get some leads on whoever got one of those Seeds into Saya and the rest of us." The unsaid "So I can beat the hell out of him for hurting Saya." was, of course, exceedingly clear. "Before Majima-senpai was hospitalised, the attacks were pretty uncommon. After she was hospitalised, the attacks increased."
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "I don't know what to do with that bit of information, so I'm filing it for now. But, well, the other thing is....you think about it. Gawain shows up to try to save Majima-senpai. Coincidentally, Kazami-senpai may or may not have been dating her. You see what I'm getting at?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
"Well yeah, duh. I've been following the rumors on him being a kaijin for a while now." Mori replied "Gawain also has healing abilities, which I know I have due to a desire to help someone who is currently sick, and he and Scathach seemed to know our names and stuff about us, meaning they were probably students or otherwise associated with the schools. I'd put money that he's Gawain, and Scathach is probably Mishima then."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "We don't have the full picture, but...well, we can't out and out just ask him if he's Gawain. Still, I wanna know what he knows, if he is Gawain. It might help us track down the guy who turned Saya into an Akuma. Something else did bother me, too."
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "That Chiyo girl. The one who showed up with Miyashita. I figured she looked familiar from somewhere, until I saw a picture of Majima-senpai; it was a leftover from the newspaper club, when I had to write an article about her winning that tournament against Amamiya."
Akihiko pulls out his phone, showing Mori the picture.
(https://i.imgur.com/veo4JKv.png)
Akihiko breathes in deeply.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Her eyes are different, and the hairdo's different, but....it's the same person. Something doesn't add up here and it's bothering me a little."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Nothing adds up, logic is broken, things like this aren't supposed to happen." Mori replied "But yeah, we're on the same page. I also feel like they kind of owe us to know who they are since they know who were are. And maybe I can ask him when the nightmares stop, because that would certainly be comforting to know."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I get that. Let's stick with Sakurajima's request, and see what we can pick up from Kazami-senpai. If he and Sakurajima are friends, he might be a little looser around her than he would be normally and we might find a little more about him to confirm our suspicions. Kill two birds with one stone, as it were. You'd know all about that, of course, wouldn't you?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "... Are we the Debating Club now all of a sudden?"
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Didn't know boys are more chatty than girls."
Yui fidgeted around for a moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "You can talk about that complicated stuff later. Right now... we have a request to fulfill, right?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "We do. But I also don't want to pass up an opportunity to get more information about this whole Kaijin thing or a lead on our suspect. Especially with those nightmares Sawatari just mentioned....are you sure those are related?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"A. At this point having my masculinity challenged doesn't bug me anymore." Mori replied "B. Well, given either Fantomas shows up or it's a recreation of my awakening, I'm pretty sure. Also, given he keeps making creepy shit show up in my mirror, and sending me creepy texts from my own phone, I figure the nightmares are probably him too. What, your inner demons don't do those things?"
-
Akihiko lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "....no, Ibaraki-Douji's been pretty quiet since the whole thing with Saya. Maybe that's something we need to bring up with Kazami-senpai....if he does turn out to be Gawain. Speaking of which, Aiuchi, weren't you a huge fan of the White Knight?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”…well shit, I should probably talk to someone about this then." Mori said, ”Maybe Akari, it may have something to do with fear of becoming an Akuma.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wiLRFkK.png) "H-hey, who isn't a fan of the White Knight by now...?"
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "As for Marc'heg Gwer... He talked badly about me while we battled, although he's been quiet since we left that other world."
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) "He does make me feel like being his toy for his amusement though."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”Fantomas hasn’t shut up for the past week. He’s been acting like a demon from a horror movie, just doing a bunch of vaguely threatening and scary things, but I don’t think he’s physically capable of hurting me." Mori replied, ”Admittedly, I almost choked the first time I thought an Onibi was reaching out of my mirror while I was brushing my teeth.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Well, Marc'heg Gwer did make fun of me when I'm wallowing in negative thought, or give in to destructive urges. Maybe that's why he's quiet because I decided to join the Helper's Club in the end."
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "While I don't fear of becoming an Akuma, he did mention he'd be lurking, to take over if I ever become too boring for him to observe me..."
Yui was in thought for a moment while looking at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "... Just a hunch, but... Considering Kasuga-san has no trouble with his inner demon, and knowing him just enough to have an idea about who he is... ... Sawatari-san, are you... honest with yourself... or anyone...?"
She immediately shook her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/wiLRFkK.png) "Oh, forget what I've said, that's silly!"
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "L-let's help Sakurajima-san! We wasted enough time already!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"Trust me, Fantomas would want nothing more than for me to admit who I am deep down." Mori muttered "And that's why I could never do that. I will never accept that he's right."
He shook his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"No, we'll probably not figure this out ourselves. Let's just wait until we can ask one of the more experienced Kaijins. In the mean time, we'll work on Sakurajima's task and manipulating Kazami into giving us more information."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "So we're supposed to be helping cheer up Tadano, right?" Misa asks the other two individuals in her group. "Do we know where he is?"
-
Shiro resisted the urge to respond with "I'm never okay." There was something more urgent in what she said to deal with, anyway. She thought she'd done a good enough job hiding it - Mishima hadn't noticed, after all.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Tired? No. Not any more than usual." Her eyes narrowed slightly, which probably didn't help with the thing she was about to address. "And what's with that description? You make me sound terrifying." That was an actual issue, given she was trying to not look like someone who would rough you up at school.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I might be exaggerating a little~ Though you're kinda doing it again now..."
Aika shrugged.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I always assumed it was one of those old-money-slash-nobility things. Y'know, the old 'you're basically rabble, why do you think you can talk to me' thing. Just, like. Angrier."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Then again... maybe I'm just making assumptions. I'm pretty sure I've seen it before, but maybe I've just started overinterpreting things. I could be convincing myself I picked that stuff out 'cuz I happen to know your secret~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Who can say?"
-
Evidently, he had went too far in the opposite direction, and was too subtle in telling Akitsuki that he didn't want to be involved with this. Frustrated, he returned to his default firmness out of habit.
Why are you conveying this to me? I am not part of the Helper's Club. I am the student council treasurer.
Matters outside of school are something else, but in regards to your club, do not expect any favoritism from me.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"Secret-!" She cut herself off before she could raise too much of a fuss.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"Did they publish an article in the newspaper about me without me noticing? Give me a break. . ."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Look, I don't know what kind of rumors you're hearing about me, but don't go spreading them around."
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"And honestly, that's probably the right impression. If you're talking to me, you're dealing with the Akari clan, and if that's too much for you, you shouldn't waste my time."
-
Saya drags Mildred and Misa over to the cafeteria.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Alright, keep your eyes peeled, guys. We need to find Miyazono in here. He made the request, so we should probbaly hear what they have to say first, yeah?"
...
After a bit, Masaru receives a response.
Do you not want to help Tadano-kun? He's also part of the student council. I think he'd appreciate it if his reliable senpai helped him out. Even though you're, uh, younger.
Akihiko just gives Mori a look of "do you see what I mean yet?" before sighing.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Or, you know, we could wait and see what he gives us. The priority is Sakurajima, but if Kazami-senpai gives us anything..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Yes, I know Sakurajima is the priority. I was the one arguing for her case to take priority," Mori replied "But do you want me to try to get information out of someone or not? That's basically my thing."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"Secret-!" She cut herself off before she could raise too much of a fuss.
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"Did they publish an article in the newspaper about me without me noticing? Give me a break. . ."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"Look, I don't know what kind of rumors you're hearing about me, but don't go spreading them around."
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"And honestly, that's probably the right impression. If you're talking to me, you're dealing with the Akari clan, and if that's too much for you, you shouldn't waste my time."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "....Eh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "I mean, I was there, Akari-san... The kaijin? You beating the crud out of some of Saya-chan's mental trauma onibi things? You went kinda wild there."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "What did you think I was talking about?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)". . . right. Nothing. Forget I said anything, if you know what's good for you."
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"I don't know what that thing has to do with how I look at school, either."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Yes, Sawatari, it's also my thing. Contrary to popular belief, I actually DID my job as part of the newspaper. Before they kicked me out over Sasanuma."
You can hear Kanna's voice around the corner.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Hey! Are you guys coming or what?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"Here's the thing, Kasuga, I've been stealing people's secrets for much longer than you have, and I'm much better at it." Mori replied, "Who do you think cleared your name after Sasanuma?"
Without waiting for a reply, Mori ran off towards Kanna.
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"Coming! Geez, we just needed a moment to discuss some things."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)". . . right. Nothing. Forget I said anything, if you know what's good for you."
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"I don't know what that thing has to do with how I look at school, either."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Like I said, it might've just been me imagining stuff based on how you acted then..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "And anyway, what's this 'if I know what's good for me' stuff? Is your family supposed to be a clan of yakuza, or something?"
Aika puffed up her cheeks, giving Shiro a good glare. It wasn't especially intimidating, perhaps, but the idol did seem a bit miffed.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Sure, I'm not exactly from some old rich landholder clan or anything. Grandma would probably laugh at that idea. But of all the people in this school, do you really think I'm the one who's not used to dealing with big name types?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Besides, it's the twenty-first century; you don't need to be weird about this stuff."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "So... if I WAS right, maybe it'd be a good idea to relax a little? At least around your classmates?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"Are you going to pin me to the wall based on how I say everything? I'm just telling you not to poke around in my life. And where do you get off accusing us of being yakuza? Criminals aren't the only people with power around."
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"See, this kind of thing is why I can't relax. People are always listening and getting weird impressions." Despite what she was saying, Shiro almost seemed to deflate. "Plus I've got more than just the twenty first century to think about. The Akari have been around for a long time, and not one of us is keen to forget that." The way she spoke, it almost sounded like the line was rehearsed.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)"Are you going to pin me to the wall based on how I say everything? I'm just telling you not to poke around in my life. And where do you get off accusing us of being yakuza? Criminals aren't the only people with power around."
(https://i.imgur.com/wvaoii3.png)"See, this kind of thing is why I can't relax. People are always listening and getting weird impressions." Despite what she was saying, Shiro almost seemed to deflate. "Plus I've got more than just the twenty first century to think about. The Akari have been around for a long time, and not one of us is keen to forget that." The way she spoke, it almost sounded like the line was rehearsed.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Why?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)". . . what do you mean, why? It's tradition. We're a noble bloodline, I can trace my lineage back for centuries."
-
Mildred began looking around the cafeteria for Miyazono. Of course, she had no idea who he was or what he looked like, so she just started calling out.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Miyazono! You in here or what?"
-
Sakurajima Team
After some walking, the group arrives back at school, Kanna taking a moment to sign Tsukasa in, before the group heads up to an empty home economics room. The room....looks exactly like what you'd expect of one; islands dotted around the room with sinks, countertops and kitchen utensils. A section of wall is absent of decorations, with a few stools scattered around; perfect for filming whatever Sakurajima has to say.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "This is perfect!
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Yes. We could do something with this."
Tadano/Miyazono Team
As Mildred yells Miyazono's name over the din of the lunch crowd, she sees one young man in glasses stare up, a box of orange juice in his hands with a straw, looking completely confused.
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Eh?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Well, I'm off to go get the AV equipment, you all go ahead and start with the cooking work." Mori said, as he headed to the Theatre room.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "There you are! We'll be right there!"
Mildred led Misa and Saya over.
-
Sakurajima Team
Right before Mori can even make down the corridor, he finds a student shuffling away, having left behind a camera, a tripod, and a note on the top.
The note looks to be in Veep's handwriting.
Had this delivered to you to keep you out of the clubroom. Mishima's in there talking with a few of the students who are fans of hers. You owe me big time.
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Otoya just stares at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Eh? Do we....are you even a student here? You don't look like a student..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Miyazono, this is a friend of mine and Aki-kun's, Honda, and this is our other new member Miyashita. We're here about your request?"
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Oh, right, Tadano. Yeah. Um....this is gonna sound awkward but....I was hoping you could help Tadano. He and I go way back, as you and Kasuga know and, well...."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "No way to sugarcoat it. He's got a huge crush on Koga."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Aww. I mean, I figured. But aww. So what do you want us to do about it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "Huh? Well, uh....I figured you'd know about relationships, given you and Kasuga...."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Eh? It's....n-not like that! What about you and Sakurajima?"
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Huh?! N-no! Kanna and I are....it's not like that! What do you mean you and Kasuga aren't...anyway."
(https://i.imgur.com/FmQBti7.png) "Also I....didn't want to stress out Kanna, anyway. I know those rumours about her being sick are all....well, rumours, but she collapsed when we were doing a tournament and....I don't want to make her more stressed. So I figured I'd come to you guys for advice and leave her out of it."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Is she okay?"
(https://i.imgur.com/FmQBti7.png) "She got discharged pretty quickly, so she's okay, but....I don't wanna make trouble for her, you know?"
-
Mori sent a quick text to Veep.
"Consider your debt repaid for making me sit through that insipid show."
The reply came within a few seconds.
"That 'insipid show' had you bawling like a toddler."
"Choke."
After a few seconds, Mori added.
"Thank you.
"No problem."
Mori brought the equipment back into the Home Economics room.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Fortunately, my ever-faithful vice president saw to it to have the equipment we needed delivered." he stated, as he stepped back in, before turning to Sakurajima, "Now, can you give me some information of what you want to have in your message so I could prepare?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm a student. Third year. Besides which, kind of help do you want us to give? If it's 'get together' kind of help I don't think anyone in the club can do that. Saya and Akihiko are about as oblivious as it gets, the others are shy, and if I wanted a guy I'd just do this."
Mildred immediately kabedon'd Miyazono and looked down at him (again, she was about six feet tall).
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hey."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "But I'm just screwing around and I don't think that approach works for everyone!"
Chuckling to herself, she stepped back.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Then again, who knows. Maybe I could go teach your friend that."
-
Sakurajima Team
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Eh? Preparations? I was....hoping just to wing it. I ddin't really want to write it down or something because I thought it might be a little cliche..."
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Otoya just stares at Mildred again, looking at her as if she'd suggested he'd just strip naked.
(https://i.imgur.com/FmQBti7.png) "Eh? Would Kanna even approve of something like that? W-wait, why am I..."
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Anyway, that's not the only issue. Um....there's this other dude. Kaneko Daiya, member of the football team."
The name should sound familiar to Mildred. He was one of the people she and Akihiko sent to hospital that day when they tried (and failed miserably) to jump Akihiko. At least Sasanuma put up a decent fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/FmQBti7.png) "There's rumours he might be trying his hand at asking Koga out. I'm not sure if she'll accept, but....knowing the type of guy he is, I don't want Tadano to get hurt."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Ok, guess I'll just sit here then." Mori replied as he pulled out his phone and started putting down notes for the upcoming play.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Name sounds familiar... Oh, I think I whipped his ass before. Stuffed him in a locker. I can tell him to back off and if not..."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, I've got other tricks I can acquaint him with."
-
Through the definitional undeservedness of her flattery was objectionable, Akitsuki's relentlessness had finally broken Masaru's rationalizations. He set an alarm on his phone for 5 minutes before the class bell (so he wouldn't need to deal with crowded hallways), and headed towards the cafeteria. However, given that he never used the facility in question, it took him a surprising amount of time to find it (made worse by this being his first year). He only knew where Miyazono was via Honda's... display.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"...Am I interupting anything?" He then approached Miyazono. "My name is Masaru Demura. Treasurer of the Student Council, if you needed to know. It came to my attention recently that a senior member of the Student Council needed support of some kind, and though outside of my immediate jurisdiction, *and schedule,* I was obliged to aid in whatever way I could."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "We don't know if the rumors are true either though." Misa points out. "It'd be a shame to put in a lot of effort into making sure Daiya doesn't do something if he gets turned down only to find the rumors had no truth to them, right?"
-
Sakurajima Team
Kanna sighed. She closes her eyes, and....
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "Here goes."
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Hey, Otoya. If you're seeing this....I'm probably no longer with you. There's a few things I have to say...."
....
The message is pretty short, surprisingly; it was Kanna explaining why she wanted to play alongside him (she'd known him since they were both children), what she loved about him (his awkward, yet earnest nature, his kind heart, the fact that he never pitied her) and finally, a confession of love of her own (cheesy, cliched, but honest). It was, by acting standards, terrible. Horrible. But....well, it was honest. Kanna was no actress, but she had genuinely wanted to say something, and say something she did.
There's some information that from anyone else, Mori might have considered using as blackmail material. From a dying girl under his protection? As far as he was concerned, he'd never heard it.
....
At the end of it, Kanna looks drained.
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "...how was that? Was my voice clear? I think I might have cracked a bit. Sorry if I'm fretting, I don't want to look bad in front of Otoya, you know?"
Tadano/Miyazono Team
(https://i.imgur.com/FmQBti7.png) "W-what?! No! Don't beat him up! Tadano....and Demura, apaprently....would kill me if you did that! "
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "No, I just want you to find out if he's planning anything! If he's doing something to mess with Tadano, then....do something, b-but nothing horrible! I sound like some kind of gang boss right now, Kanna would laugh her butt off..."
"Well, well. If isn't the Genius Cellist, the Mad Dog of Mishima and the famous Akitsuki Saya."
A young man in the Amamiya uniform suddenly appears, leaning on the table.
(https://i.imgur.com/agzyaaL.png) "Please don't call me that."
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "Well, I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge your skills."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Who are you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "Sugiura Kazuya. A new transfer to Amamiya. I'm here to scout out the competition."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "One of those...Big Three, right? The students everyone likes?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Yep! Mishima Kanade, the famous, beloved actress. Kazami Tsukasa, the aloof, handsome and tragic senior. And myself, the beloved, cool transfer student."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"It was spectacular." Mori replied, gently, "No amount of training or practice in acting could ever match the heartfelt and true force of your words. Any failings are to be left in, uncorrected, as no amount of practice can rival true sincerity."
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
And in return, I'm going to be completely honest with you here." Mori continued, "And as you know, that's a rare occurrence, worthy of your undivided attention, and careful consideration."
The air about him shifting. Any amount of smugness, or self-assured confidence faded away like mist in the morning light, leaving behind nothing but gentle sincerity.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Two paths lie before you. The first path is the one you currently plan to embark on. You will continue for the rest of your life to act as if everything is well, as if you have all the time in the world ahead of you, until that's just not possible anymore. I will, similarly, act as if I never heard a word of what you said, as though it has been scoured from my mind so that, even under threat of torture or death, I will never betray you to anyone. When you're finally gone from this world, I will make absolutely certain that this recording gets to Miyazono, and that he watches it the full way through, and sees the pure, heartfelt sincerity that I just saw before me, so even though you're gone, your final will and legacy shall be with him forever." Mori stated, walking up to Kanna and kneeling down in front of her and putting one hand on her shoulder. "The other path, which is dark and foggy with unkowns, is a path where instead, you go out and you tell Miyazono all that dwells in your heart yourself, now, while it still means something. Don't wait until you are gone to make your feelings known, instead push every day you have left to be the best that you can take from it. Seize the reigns of your fate and prove that you decide the path of your life, as no one and nothing else could."
Mori stood up and let out a heavy sigh.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"I will not... no, I can not judge you on which path you choose to take. The circumstances you bear with every day are too heavy for me to hope to comprehend, and the choice of what you do with those days is yours and yours alone." He continued, "But give some thought to a change of path, to plunging into those dark unknowns. I can't tell you what will happen, and I certainly can't promise that it will not hurt, but that's the thing about life. It bites at us and scratches us, cuts us until we bleed, beats us until we collapse, but we still cling to it, because no matter the pain we suffer, it's only in life that what we do or say means anything at all."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You sound like an unrepentant douchebag, dude."
Mildred picked up a lunch tray absently and tested its' weight idly, not even looking at the new guy.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You wanna know how I got that name?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"Hold yourself. You are on the school premises." Masaru, too, had a look of annoyance. Not because of Sugiura's demeanor, but because he was able to recognize a non-student and a previously one-member club president, but not him. Clearly, he needed to set a reputation.
(https://i.imgur.com/c2UJF0U.png)
"A pleasure to meet you. My name is Demura Masaru. Treasurer of Our Lady of Hermelin's Student Council, with the number-one highest exam score among first year students."
(https://i.imgur.com/mnTTGXP.png)
"I understand if you could not recognize me; my career is young, and I have yet to learn to become a legend. But I suggest you pay attention nonetheless, for my will is ahead of the inevitability of effort."
Of all of Demura Masaru's impeccable capabilities, one was more considerable than all the others: he was perhaps the only human being capable of being unironically proud for writing and giving this very speech.
-
Sakurajima Team
Kanna pauses for a few seconds, as if considering Mori's words.
Then she starts giggling.
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "Is this what Ri-kun says I sound like to other people? You really remind me of Majima-senpai, you know."
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Granted, she'd be a lot more casual about it, you know? At least she was. She got good news, you know. Her disease, whatever it was....it went away. Maybe if I act more like her, some of her luck will rub off on me?"
Kanna laughs, a little bitterly.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "But....there's a reason I'm doing things the way I am. Otoya....he's had a hard life. He never asked for fame, he never asked for tragedy. I suppose that makes me so selfish, wanting to be in his life....but he made it worth living for me."
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "I...I won't be responsible for letting him shed a tear on my behalf. I don't want him to worry about me. He deserves to smile, even a little. If I can make sure he smiles, for as long as I can, I'll make it happen. It's why I'll keep it a secret, as long as I can, until I can't anymore. I'll tell him then."
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "You don't have to tell me to seize the day, Sawatari. When any day could be your last, it's what I think of doing every single day. Maybe Majima-senpai rubbed off on me a little; seeing someone in the same condition as me, still playing tournaments and going out, enjoying herself...I wish I could've been like her a lot earlier."
"You're right. You almost couldn't tell."
Tsukasa approaches the two.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "She was....absolutely ridiculous. Played stupid pranks. Did what she wanted. Approached someone like me and dragged me into it."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Sakurajima's right. It....makes you almost wish you were a little more like her."
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Sugiura eyes the tray, raising his hands.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Hey, hey, no need for violence, it was meant respectfully. I'm tight with Akutagawa. He can't stop talking about how cool you are, so I wanted to see for myself."
Then Masaru speaks.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Ah, you're one of those rising stars kinda dudes. Keep it up, you'll get somewhere."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)". . . what do you mean, why? It's tradition. We're a noble bloodline, I can trace my lineage back for centuries."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Well, sure, but... Looking back that far, I'm pretty sure most of my ancestors were fishermen. That doesn't mean I go out on a boat to hunt for tuna every day. Things change, and what people were 'used to doing' might not be the 'thing to do' nowadays."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Probably for the best. I've never really liked fishing that much~"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "So I guess I don't really get worrying about ancient history. If I really wanted to honor my family, I'd probably just do what I was going to do anyway and sing about the sea."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "It's much more 'me,' y'know~? I don't think things would mean as much if that wasn't true."
Aika paused, then waved her hands apologetically as if to dismiss what she'd just said, giving Shiro an embarrassed smile.
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Ah, but that's not to say you're wrong! I might not really get the details, but maybe it feels different if you're from one of those old traditional families."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "And I guess I do understand the desire to keep a certain image. Seems like branding is as important for ex-nobility as it is for corporations and idols, huh? That's why I made sure to have input on what my image would be."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Well, as I said, no judgement from me," Mori replied, his haughty air returning as if it had never left, "Though I'll add one thing. There is nothing quite as cold and painful in life as truth. Even death is only so terrible because it is the ultimate truth, 'all things, once born, shall die'. No matter when Miyazono learns the truth he will suffer. The only question is, will he have to suffer it alone, or have someone to bear it with him?"
Mori turned around, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He then turned around, blinking and looking confused.
(https://i.imgur.com/kYdzYZK.png)
"Right, sorry, I think I zoned out for a few minutes." He said to Kanna, voice sounding entirely genuine, "Are we ready to work on the video?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "That sounds like such a sad way to look at things, isn't it? The truth doesn't have to be so sad. Sometimes it can be liberating. O-of course, not right NOW. I think...I need to find the right time for Otoya to know."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Hmph. You just sound like Yui now, too."
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Aww. Are you falling in love, Kazami-sen~pai?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vw2jjad.png) "I already have two annoying girls in my life. I don't need a third one," he said wistfully.
Then the video.
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Didn't we just record it? Were you recording?"
-
Mori looked at the camera.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Yes, it seems we did," he replied, "Well, pity I don’t remember any of it. I’m certain some of that information might have been very interesting."
He walked away from the camera and sat down on a nearby chair, pulling out his phone.
”Now then, why don’t you all get to the cooking work, I have some things to think on.”
-
Yui calmly witnessed all of that unfolding before her eyes, albeit with held-back tears. A lot of it was like in those Shojo mangas, a dying confession, except, in a way, in reverse, to be received after the passing. It somehow made the entire situation even more sad for her, seeing Kanna spilling out her heart, yet not reaching out to him yet.
She didn't know how to express that though without ruining the mood, though. That is, until...
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "That sounds like such a sad way to look at things, isn't it? The truth doesn't have to be so sad. Sometimes it can be liberating. O-of course, not right NOW. I think...I need to find the right time for Otoya to know."
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "... Like while eating your homemade dinner together?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Eh? I can't cook that well, though..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Well, Kasuga and Aiuchi will teach you then as Kazami and I have a chat outside." Mori replied, getting up from his chair and sliding his phone into his pocket as he walked towards the door of the home economics room. He paused once his hand was on the handle, and turned to look Tsukasa directly in the eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"I hope you'll be willing to join me outside. I've been having trouble with something for about a week now and I was hoping you'd be able to help me with it, given you are my senpai." He stated, "I thought perhaps to wait until I had a better idea for myself, but some new information has made the questions perhaps more pressing."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) "Well, as Sawatari-san said, we're here to help you cooking anyway, so why not teach you a thing or two along the way? It'll be fun, trust me!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)". . . if you want to call it 'branding,' then sure." Mishima might have gotten it, much to her chagrin, but she didn't think Aika understood at all. She was well-liked and had a career already that ensured she'd stay that way, and no crushing weight of tradition on her. "And it probably wouldn't feel like 'ancient history' if you were me. It was current when my family first became nobility, and it was current each time the reins were handed to the next generation. That means it'll be current when Renjirou takes over as the head of the family."
-
Sakurajima Team
(https://i.imgur.com/nG9YLTs.png) "Eh? Well, why not. Maybe Otoya would stop giving me such a hard time about buying food if I could cook, huh?"
Tsukasa just stands up and follows Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "If it's about Mishima, don't bother asking me."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"I can assure you, it's not" Mori replied as they both stepped outside the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"So, I'm going to ask you what could be a personal question," Mori continued, "Which you will refuse to answer. So then I'll remind you that in this situation, we're on the same side, and then ask again, and it will be up to you to answer or not. Let's skip ahead a bit to the reminder portion. True or False: We would both significantly prefer Sakurajima Kanna to live rather than die?"
Inside his mind, Mori started comparing Tsukasa’s voice and body language to Gawain’s.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "You're asking like I have any choice if she lives or dies."
The voice....maybe. It's a close match, for certain. The body language, however, completely off. Gawain stands tall, fierce, confident. Tsukasa looks and sounds reserved and calm. Maybe with a hint of awkwardness; if those rumours about him were true, he was the uncool kid before Yui and Kanade got their hands on him. There's still some of that in him, perhaps.
-
The voice was enough. The disconnect of body language made complete sense. Body language shifted with mood and presentation. Miyashita became much more confident when she transformed, it stood to reason Tsukasa could easily be the same way. He would keep analyzing. None the less, Mori wasn't so stupid as to charge into such accusations.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"No, that would be ridiculous," Mori replied, "Don't worry, the only person I think lives in an anime world is Kasuga. No, that was just to assure you we're on the same side in this case. The question I'm about to ask is a bit personal in nature, and I wanted to make it clear why I think it's so important for me to ask."
Mori took a deep breath and continued.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Ever since this whole akuma matter began, I've been keeping tabs on new information on akuma and kaijin as they appear. Checking forums, speaking to those who'd gotten caught up in issues, etc. About a week ago, I received some information from one of my sources regarding the fact that the kaijin known as "The White Knight" was in possession of some sort of healing ability." Mori explained "My thoughts immediately turned to the possibility of an ability like that helping Sakurajima, but I wasn't sure if that was possible. It might only work on physical injuries, or even if it works on diseases, it may only work on simple matters, like colds or flu. However, when speaking with Sakurajima and you, something interesting came up, and now we enter the portion of this conversation that becomes somewhat personal, so please, bear with me."
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"Sakurajima mentioned that Majima's illness suddenly... went away. No adequately explained reason, or work of some miraculous doctor, it's just gone." He continued "And I remembered that Majima's... current condition was a result of an Akuma attack that also served as the first appearance of The White Knight. Taking the two together, I wonder if The White Knight is the reason for her sudden recovery. Perhaps he feels guilt or responsibility for her current state, or maybe he just feels that having the ability to heal others, he should use them to help people who are sick. Whatever the case, it would lead credence to the idea that perhaps he, or someone with the same power, could also heal Sakurajima, or at least help her stay well longer."
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"This is where I have to ask something of you you may not be comfortable with answering." Mori stated, "You and Majima are... extremly close, and you visit her regularly. Do you have any knowledge that could help me try to get in contact with The White Knight? Of course, I don't think you know him personally, but maybe you might have seen or heard about him being near the hospital at some time, or perhaps there was another person who you may have seen around the hospital at the time of Majima's recover, or even so much as a better idea at the window of her recovery would help."
Mori took a deep breath, as if he'd gone through the whole discussion without stopping to breath. His shoulders slumped.
(https://i.imgur.com/wnjCMIc.png)
"I, of course, understand I sound like a madman grasping at straws." Mori stated. He sounded resigned. And tired. "That's because I am. If there's a way to help Sakurajima, I will find it, and I can't allow myself to let what may be a real opportunity pass me by because it sounds ridiculous."
(https://i.imgur.com/wnjCMIc.png)
"So if you know something, anything that could help. Please, tell me."
-
Tsukasa just stares at Mori like he was speaking in tongues.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Miraculous? I suppose you could call her cancer going into remission that, yeah."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Well, you know all that about the White Knight. You also know that people keep calling him a hero. If he knows Yui so well, then....don't you think he would've done something about it?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/d36Cebc.png)
"Maybe he can't. Maybe waking her up is too much for his powers. Maybe there's something else going on. I don't know the limits of kaijin powers. All of the research I did, and I still can't even wrap my head around this whole kaijin thing." Mori seemed emotionally and physically exhausted, like he hadn't slept well for a few days. "It's all so... confusing, and terrifying, and exhausting and frustrating. It's a thousand different things I never thought I'd ever have to deal with, like the whole world has gone upside down and a portion of it fell right on top of me. And I just thought 'maybe I could figure out how to do something with this, that if we have to deal with all these monsters and superheroes and all this insanity, maybe this insane break from reality meant that someone could pull off a miracle and actually help for a change instead of just hurting people!"
The last part was louder than he wanted it to be. He let out a deep sigh and slumped onto the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/wnjCMIc.png)
"Sorry to drag you and your emotional pain into my desperation. You should head back in and help. I want to just sit here for a bit."
-
Tsukasa's face remains flat, but it's clear Mori hit something, just from the look in his eyes. Something deep.
After a few moments, he sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "...."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "If the White Knight could have done anything to wake Yui up, he would have. Because people keep calling him a hero, so he must be one, right? And I would've thanked him for it. At least then she'd be out there, where she belongs. Not in a hospital bed. Even if her place didn't turn out to be next to mine. I would have given him anything to wake her up."
(https://i.imgur.com/vw2jjad.png) "Miracles aren't beyond the reach of the Kaijin. Or so, they keep saying, anyway. If I were Yui, I'd say something stupid and corny, like "the people the Kaijin save, even if you can't save everybody, that's the true miracle"."
He shakes his head. His voice is still flat, but you can hear the pain, the wavering. This is a man who has done his crying a long time ago, and has shed his tears long since.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "I haven't heard her voice in a year, and yet it still sounds like it was just yesterday she was pestering me to come with her on some trip to Hokkaido or come eat organ meat yakiniku with her. What I'd give for the White Knight to get that voice of hers to say those dumb things again."
He makes to walk back inside, but before he does, he pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "....if she was here, like she should be, she'd tell you to keep searching for your miracle, and have faith in what you CAN do, not what you wish you could."
The door clicks shut behind Tsukasa.
-
Mori just sat there, back against the wall, breath ragged. All he'd managed to do was all he'd always ever done. Hurt someone, pick out the one thing in their heart that hurt them the most, and play with it in front of their eyes.
His phone buzzed. He didn't pick it up. He knew exactly who was texting him.
It buzzed again, louder. He still didn't answer.
It buzzed again, this time so loud he felt it echo throughout the hall. He finally picked it up, opened his eyes to see the message.
"You should have known he wouldn't believe you."
He wanted to put the phone down, but it felt like his eyes were glued to the screen, and his hand was frozen in place.
"Sawatari Mori actually trying to help someone?"
"Don't make me laugh."
"And 'have faith in what you can do'?"
"We both know you can only do one thing."
"Make everyone around you hurt."
Finally able to look away, Mori closed his eyes, but that didn't help. He heard the words echo inside his mind, like shouts in a dark, empty cave.
He wanted to throw his phone against the wall, but Fantomas would just find another way to torture him. Besides, he didn't have enough money to get a replacement. He slipped it back into his pocket. He desperately wished he had his hoodie, but all he could do was use his arms to cover his bloodshot eyes.
-
After a bit, another message rings through Mori's phone. It doesn't buzz again.
If he were to pick it up, Akihiko has left him a message.
You okay? Kazami wasn't talking when he went back in. Sakurajima worried.
-
Mori felt his phone buzz. When it didn't buzz again, he contemplated picking it up, but in the end, he just felt so utterly exhausted.
He left it in his pocket.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/48TO1WI.png)". . . if you want to call it 'branding,' then sure." Mishima might have gotten it, much to her chagrin, but she didn't think Aika understood at all. She was well-liked and had a career already that ensured she'd stay that way, and no crushing weight of tradition on her. "And it probably wouldn't feel like 'ancient history' if you were me. It was current when my family first became nobility, and it was current each time the reins were handed to the next generation. That means it'll be current when Renjirou takes over as the head of the family."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "If you say so~! Personally, I think you're overthinking things. Or underthinking them. Just because things were 'current' for a long time doesn't mean they are now, or will be tomorrow, y'know?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Even if that isn't the case, worrying about it to the point you can't relax at all just seems like it'll cause more problems than it solves in the long run."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "Still, still~ If you're really that dedicated and think you need to, don't let me stop you. It's not like I'm involved in this stuff."
(https://i.imgur.com/DprRd6O.png) "In any case, I should go get lunch. Sorry again for the trouble~!"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I think I'll talk to Akutagawa myself about that."
She put a hand on Demura's shoulder.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "And don't be getting any ideas about our kouhai here, either. He doesn't need someone like you being a sleazeball around him."
-
Sakurajima Team
After a bit of waiting, Akihiko glances over at the door, with Tsukasa being dead silent as to what happened outside.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Shit."
Akihiko looks over at Yui.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "Right. Aiuchi, you can handle the cooking part, right? I'll check on Sawatari, make sure he didn't go off and get the crap beaten out of him by Honda or something."
He leaves the cooking to Yui and Tsukasa, nods at the worried-looking Kanna, and walks outside and sees a very un-Mori looking Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "...hell happened here with you and Kazami-senpai?"
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Sugiura lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Sleazeball? That's a little unwarranted. We've just met, haven't we? I'm just being cordial."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "Sugiura, is there something you want?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Just being friendly, yeesh. Are you people like this to Mishima-senpai or Kazami-senpai? Come on."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I haven't talked to either, but I doubt they have that feel you do. The one that makes me go 'this guy is rotten to the core'."
-
Mori just sat there, head in his arms, just breathing for a while, before he finally spoke.
(https://i.imgur.com/J1Z9eGz.png)
"...what's it like, being the good guy?"
-
Sakurajima Team
Akihiko lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Again with this good guy-bad guy stuff? We're not in an anime, you know."
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Sugiura sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "My, my. My charms don't work on everybody. To think the Mad Dog's bark would be so harsh...I'm stung."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "Sugiura."
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Well...I did have some other reason. I was concerned about Sakurajima."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "Huh?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/J1Z9eGz.png)
"I mean a good person." Mori replied, "Look at you, the hero in red, beating off bullies, protecting innocents, getting the girl. He doesn't care about his reputation as long as he can help others."
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"Then look at me. The scrawny, smug little villain. I'm a liar, an information broker, a trickster. My talents are for manipulating others, lying, and figuring out how to hurt others. I mean, fuck, ever since I was little, it's like I've had mystic eyes of emotional death perception. I know exactly where to poke to rip your heart out. I can mimic voices, and my best skill is manipulating rumors. Not a lot of heroic opportunities with those skills. Not to mention my main hobbies are blackmail and buying and selling people's secrets. I even dress in green and purple. And that's not getting into my Kaijin form. I manifest as a monster made of shadows in a creepy mask and a black and purple trench coat, I shapeshift, and I can step in and out of people's shadows. Not to mention I'm fucking Fantomas of all possible figures. The untouchable, monstrous phantom thief. The sadist, anarchist, and murderer who treats everyone and everything as nothing but a means to an end. Who lies and manipulates everyone and everything, who wears so many masks he barely even has a face behind them anymore! What, were Nyarlhotep and Mephistotles too busy? What does the fact that that's the manifestation of my inner self say about me?"
He stood up.
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"I mean, fuck, I don't know what your awakening was like, but when we first met, Fantomas trapped me in a massive complex of mirrors, had demonic versions of the people I know tell me everything I hate about myself and how I could never be better, then filled it with sand until I was practically drowning, and then told me 'by the way, everything you're afraid of about yourself? It's true!' Then he's taken every opportunity since that day to remind me. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week since I keep getting interrupted by nightmares, then every time I look into the mirror, my reflection changes into some kind of monster, which I don't think I need to explain the symbolism, and whenever I feel down, I get text messages I can't avoid looking at, and I mean they keep alerting me louder and louder until it deafens the world around me, then freezes my arm and eyes in place once I finally look, that tell me how my failure was a result of my being a fundamentally terrible person, who people are right not to trust and who can only hurt people and nothing else, or some other thing!
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"And fuck, he's right! When I'm trying to help someone, I do nothing but hurt them or others! I tried to help Sakurajima, and all I did was stab Kazami in the heart about his girlfriend's medical state, and if he is Gawain, remind him that no matter all his power, he couldn't help her, and he feels like a fraud for being called a hero. I'm pretty sure I hurt Sakurajima too, when I was telling her about how she should tell Miyazono about what was happening! And that's only the most recent case, not to mention all the pain I caused to everyone around me ever since middle school! So yeah, it's safe to say I'm the bad guy, and you're the good guy!"
By the time he's done, Mori's breath is ragged, and tears were starting to form in his eyes. He fell back down to the floor.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
Masaru shoved Honda's arm away. "Get your hand off me." His strength as a newly minted Kaijin didn't compare to Honda's, but it was still perhaps surprising, given his frame.
(https://i.imgur.com/NqXQnFY.png)
"That said, they do have a point. You said yourself, your eye is trained on competition, not companions." Masaru was not trained in reading people, and he couldn't have confidence in Honda and Miyazono's judgments (or anyone's, for that matter) with so little information to go off of. But he could tell when someone wasn't here to make friends, and he preferred when that sentiment was up-front.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa shifts with discomfort at how this conversation is going. "Everyone here is here because we want to help, yes? We shouldn't pick unneeded fights with each other."
-
Sakurajima Team
Akihiko just stares at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Too many damn people here care too much about appearances."
He sighs and crouches next to Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "That right there, that's why. You're obsessed with keeping appearances. You wanna set yourself up as a puppetmaster who can control everyone you want, whenever you want. You have this idea I'm some kinda hero fighting a corrupt system. You wish everything I said was true. You lie to yourself enough, you start believing it. You start thinking your lie's reality. That's the difference between you and me; you look for secrets, I look for the truth. Those two aren't the same thing."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "I'm going to be blunt. You're not a puppetmaster. I'm not a hero. You're a kid, in charge of the Theatre Club. I'm a kid who picked the wrong fight and paid for it. You're not some irredeemable, dark, manipulative villain. You're a kid who said something dumb. Congratulations. We all say some dumb things, some more than others. Great. Apologise. If you're sincere, people can tell you are. And I don't think you're lying about thinking you hurt them or wanting to make it up to them. Give it time, of course. You bailed me out after Sasanuma, you had my back in battle. I wouldn't believe it either."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "I won't claim to know what your Kaijin did. Mine reminded me what was important. I knew myself. Ibaraki knew that. I don't know jack about how Inner Demons work; that's why you had to figure out if Kazami-senpai was Gawain. But I do know this; when you're backed against the wall, you can either cower down and wait for the blows to land on you, or you can raise your fists. Your actions don't reflect what you say, Sawatari. If you were the villain you thought you were, you wouldn't be crying because you said the wrong thing. Maybe that's what he's doing; he's goading you, trying to get you to flinch first, testing you. You can raise your fists and prove he's wrong and fight every inch of that until he backs down. That's what I'd do. You chase your target until the dogged end."
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "Or you can ignore what I said, continue thinking you're the villain and act like you've got nothing you can do to stop him. Your call. I'm not your keeper."
Tadano/Miyazono Team
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "You too, Demura? It's a turn of phrase. Besides, what could I possibly want? Your friend here is right. We're all here to help."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "What did you mean about Sakurajima?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Ah, well. I heard some....rumours. Rumours our friends here might be interested in."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Eh? Rumours?"
-
Masaru now thought he understood what Honda meant by "sleazy" in reference to this man. Sugiura had touched a nerve that had developed into an ideology.
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"I fail to see the relevance, but regardless, we must decline. We wouldn't want to work off of false or imperfect information, and the transfer of rumours is never lossless."
(https://i.imgur.com/WRZ0MD3.png)
"And at the same time, assuming your information is fully accurate, it is unbecoming to breech a fellow student's privacy. If information is not publicly known, it is best practices to assume it is so for a reason."
(https://i.imgur.com/mnTTGXP.png)
"If all you have is rumours, then I suggest you bring them to Sakurajima before anyone else. Both to confirm their veracity, and to secure permission to share them. Lest you sow further chaos into the student body."
-
Mildred had taken Demura shrugging her off with surprisingly good grace, seeming more bemused by the first-year than anything.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "The kid's right. We got no reason to believe anything you say is the truth, especially when you can't even claim it as anything other than a rumor."
-
Sugiura lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "What about a newspaper article?"
He slaps down a newspaper on the table, turned to a page near the front, but not a headline. The Kaname Enquirer, not as reputable as a national paper but reputable enough, especially after the Mishima takeover.
The newspaper article he's pointed to mentions Youth Pianist Collapses On Stage: Rushed to Hospital.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Before you ask, I was gonna ask about that. You know people are gonna come after Miyazono here."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"Let me see that." Masaru snatched the newspaper and swiftly absorbed the article's contents. The headline seemed immediately irrelevant to the current situation; was there something else?
-
The article explains that, while on stage for the Eastern Japan Duet Tournament, Kanna fainted on stage and was rushed to hospital. Otoya went there with her, and neither the Sakurajima family nor Otoya's families were available for comment afterwards.
-
Masaru laid the paper back onto the table.
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"Well, it appears you are either mistaken, or are a careless reader. If you meant to bring this to the Helper's Club, they and I are pursuing a situation relevant to not Sakurajima, but Tadano Riku, secretary of the Student Council, who Miyazono is well-acquainted with. If you meant to bring this to Miyazono, there is nothing in here that he would not already know, on account of having been there."
(https://i.imgur.com/c2UJF0U.png)
"Do you have any other factual and public contributions?"
-
Mildred blinked.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Wow. You didn't even read it beforehand?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Pfff! Go on, get outta here."
She made a 'shoo' motion with the back of her hand at Sugiura.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Jeez, you two are blind. You got any idea how badly people are gonna want information about this? How badly they'll mob him? And you call yourselves the Helper's Club. Come on. Miyazono, help me out here."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "I don't want to talk about it."
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Look. You know how brutal the rumour mill around here is. I know how badly they wrecked Kasuga. Friend of yours, right? I could help you. Spread the word that it wasn't serious. Not even asking for anything in return."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "What help are you even offering?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, I know all about that. I also know we have a fixer for that kind of thing. Sawatari's kind of scummy too but he's at least capable of doing the right thing, and I don't believe for a second you don't want anything. Not right now, maybe, but in a few days it'll be 'remember when...?'"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lk51bn5u0cvp425/EyesClosed.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) Wish Kasuga was here. I know he'd get the exact same vibe I'm getting, he'd just know how to be more diplomatic about it. I just want to break this smug asshole's nose.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
"F-f-f-fight back?" Mori asked with an exaggerated fake stutter, before his voice took on a more venomous tone, "Golly gee, why didn't I think of that?"
The air around him shifted again, this time it was buzzing, venomous, hostile.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Fuck, why did I think you'd be any help with this?" He scoffed, "I've tried to fight back against Fantomas. On my third night of nightmares, I went to bed with the plan to remind him that, at least for now, I was in charge. When I saw him there, standing over me, watching me like some roman emperor watching a gladiator fight for his life, I tried to yell at him, to scream that he couldn't control me."
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"The moment I opened my mouth, I was underwater. Saltwater flowed into my mouth, filling my lungs, as shadowy black hands dragged me down. I could see... something, some kind of light above my head, and I knew that whatever that was, that was my way out. If I could just get up there, then I would win. Then he would have to stop. If I got up to that light, he couldn't control me anymore. So I forced those black hands off me, and I swam. My lungs were burning, my vision was fading, all I could focus on was that light. I had to get there. Then I could breathe. Then I could see, Then I could think. Everything could wait until I was there. I just swam, even though my vision was completely blacked out. I swam until I couldn't anymore. Then finally, when I was too tired to so much as move, my hand hit something. My vision finally cleared, and I realized I was starring down, deep into an ocean trench. I turned my head, just barely craning my neck enough to see what was behind me, and I saw the light, so much dimmer and farther than before. The whole time, I'd been swimming away from it, deeper and deeper into the trench. I tried, desperately, to turn around, to push myself back towards the light, but I was just so exhausted. My body wouldn't move. Then the hands came back, and this time I didn't have the energy to fight them off."
Mori's tone throughout the whole speech was a mix of annoyance and exhaustion, as if this was something he'd gone over hundreds of times in his own mind.
(https://i.imgur.com/wLXqv5g.png)
"I've tried fighting back, resisting, not doing what he wants," Mori replied, "When I fight back in my nightmares, he turns whatever I did against me. When I avoid looking at my reflection, the monsters appear in windows, on computer screens, staring back at me from anything that reflects an image. If I don't answer my phone, it vibrates until I feel like I'm in the middle of an earthquake all alone, and when finally look, my arm and eyes are frozen, unable to look away until he's done. Even when I do look away, the words echo in my head. And when I try leaving my phone in my room, I can hear him speaking to me as if he's standing over my shoulder, whispering the words into my ears."
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"You want to talk about how all my problems come from my categorizing myself as the villain? Mori asked "I think the reason you can't help is that that's how you categorized me. Not as the villain, but as the guy who causes all his own issues because he thinks he is.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"I am well aware that my view of myself as the villain has caused a lot of issues in my life. It's why I have only one friend, it's why I hang out with a bunch of assholes I constantly have to fight off the desire to explain in detail how their petty thoughts are a festering infection on the world around them. But this isn't a story where everyone has one issue that binds and defines all their psychological problems. There isn't one string you can pull, and people get better. My issues don't just come from my own self-definition, just like how not all of your issues can be solved by working through the situation with Sasanuma. I had issues before I realized I would have to become the villain to achieve my goals, and if I will be so fortunate as to have a time in the future where I have achieved them, and can finally stop carefully considering how action I take causes my web to shake, and I can be myself again, if such a person truly exists anymore, I will still have problems then too."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "Me? What I think of you? Moron. I've never thought of you as a villain. That's what I'm trying to get into your damn head. You aren't one. I'm not the one I need to convince of that. You and me both know that."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "And clearly, it must be a hell of a lot more important to you than you're claiming if your inner demon manifested as a guy who keeps trying to convince you you are one and keeps ACTING like one. Might not be all of your issues, but it's definitely pretty damn important to 'em. Otherwise, why would the manifestation of your very psyche hit you with that one over and over again? Even if it isn't your only one, it's got to be the one that's pretty critical to it all. Unless there's something you're not saying, Sawatari."
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "...that does get me thinking. Fantomas is you. I don't know how Inner Demons work -hopefully Kazami says something, that is if he's even Gawain- but I gotta figure Fantomas knows how you usually work. Everything you've tried so far, he can beat you with because it's out of your playbook. Maybe try a different playbook. Don't think of it as a string you can just pull to make it all go away. I know these things take time. True, he might see it coming and it probably won't work, but....you got any better ideas?"
Sugiura rolls his eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "You've wanted to beat me with that tray since I got here, and Demura looks like he wants to do the same thing. Are you seriously suggesting I'd actually go back and ask you for a favour?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I meant Miyazono here, when he doesn't have people looking out for him. Obviously I'd toss you into a dumpster the second I could, but you're lucky I'm not trying to cause trouble in school right now."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Doesn't mean I won't beat your slimy ass from one side of the cafeteria to the other if I need to, though."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Uh huh. You know me so well, think about it. What exactly could I ask from him? Or would I even ask from him? I'm not exactly into classical music, so it's not like I'll be asking him for a backstage pass. All I'm asking to do is help, sheesh."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"I didn't say you think of me as a villain, I said that you think all my issues stem from seeing myself as the villain." Mori replied, "And you're not exactly doing anything to challenge that thought. Trust me, the kinds of things Fantomas really harps on are things I don't want to talk about. And as for trying something new, he's the manifestation of my subconscious, I'm pretty sure he knows any new plan I think of before I do."
With that, Mori stood up and stretched like a cat.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Anyway, this conversation has been negatively helpful, as I feel worse about this situation than I did before, but I feel the only way to avoid having to talk more is to go be with people where you'll be unwilling to ask me personal questions."
With that he stepped in the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Hello. How has cooking progressed in my absence?"
-
Sakurajima Team
Akihiko just shrugs at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "You're the one who just had a personal breakdown in public. But fine, your way."
He walks in behind him, and indeed, cooking is....proceeding at a healthy pace. Everyone else in the room is, however, still staring at Mori and Akihiko in silence.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Uh huh. You know me so well, think about it. What exactly could I ask from him? Or would I even ask from him? I'm not exactly into classical music, so it's not like I'll be asking him for a backstage pass. All I'm asking to do is help, sheesh."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "If someone wants to help, why are we arguing against that? If he doesn't help we'll just remember that in the future, right?"
-
While the lively discussion happened outside, Yui proceeded to take care of the cooking and explain things to Kanna on the side. The years of having managed a household definitely showed, even if she was more experienced about the cooking aspect than the explanation aspect.
When Akihiko and Mori returned, Yui looked at the two for a moment, unsure what to say at first. Her hesitation waned quickly though.
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "Welcome back, Sawatari-san."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Thank you, Aiuchi." Mori replied, ”Good to see you all were productive in my absence.”
He sat down on a nearby chair and pulled out his phone.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”Now then, as my part is done and the theatre room is still infected, I suppose I’ll just sit around for a bit.”
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "If someone wants to help, why are we arguing against that? If he doesn't help we'll just remember that in the future, right?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Because something about him is putting me on edge, and that takes a lot."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”Now then, as my part is done and the theatre room is still infected, I suppose I’ll just sit around for a bit.”
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "Of course, of course, you're free to do that..."
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "... but, just in case sitting around becomes boring for you... You're always welcome to stand by our sides and assist us."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"A." Mori replied, ”Cooking is peasant work.”
He paused for a bit before continuing, as if unsure how much exactly he wanted to say.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”B... if I were to attempt to teach someone to cook, I'd likely only cause further difficulty for the unfortunate student.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FPxpTwB.png) "Well, I guess I know someone who won't get special occasion bentos from me!"
Her quick burst of irritation dissipated just as fast though.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "... Plus, I'm teaching a bit of cooking right now anyway. You're free to assist according to my instructions, or to simply listen."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
"Why would you ever have given me bentos in the first place?" Mori questioned, "Anyway, perhaps I'll listen, but as I stated, better I not attempt to assist."
-
Sakurajima Team
The afternoon proceeds as planned.
After a while, Kanna stretches her arms.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "The pain in the back of my neck, at least, is gone. So that's good."
Akihiko immediately glances at Yui and Mori.
Tadano/Miyazono Team
As the discussion around Sugiura continues, Mildred clocks something.
Specifically, students gathering around. The kind of circle that usually indicates a fight.
-
"Fuck fuck shit fuck crap holy fucking crappy shit..." went the extensive string of expletives through Mori's head at Sakurajima's statement.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"A pain in your neck, you say?" Mori asked, calmly and rationally, "Could you please tell us more about it? I ask as I had a sharp, cold pain in my neck the other day after speaking to you and Miyazono and I want to know if it's the same thing. I'd hate to think something's going around campus."
-
Mildred held a finger up to the others to indicate they should wait.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...I'll be right back."
She made her way near ringside and tried to assess the situation, figure out what was going on.
-
Sakurajima Team
Kanna tilts her head at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Huh? Oh, yeah, it was the same thing. I had the doctor look at it this morning and he said nothing was wrong. Happened yesterday."
Tsukasa looks concerned.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "When?"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "I dunno. I was getting Otoya to play and....I dunno, both of us suddenly felt something. I figured it was nothing."
Akihiko clearly mouths "Oh shit".
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Meanwhile, Mildred sees what appears to be, pushing her way through ringside....
...a student rounding on Tadano, taller than him and blocking his way out. You recognise him as Daiya Kaneko, co-captain of the football team and one of Akihiko's attackers. Or, he would have been, had Mildred not put him through a garbage bin.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "Who the hell do you think you are?"
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Huh? What do you mean, Kaneko? Why are you-"
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "You honestly think someone like Koga would go for you? Get real."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "K-Koga? W-wait. Don't make this about her! What are you-"
Daiya produced an envelope suddenly.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "Oh? This isn't a love letter to her, then? Shall I read it out? Maybe we'll see what she has to say."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "W-what?! No! Give it back!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "Everyone's little brother....get real. This is reality."
-
Mildred immediately stepped between the two and shoved Daiya back.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "And who are you to decide things for Koga? Huh, garbage boy? Yeah, I remember you and your cowards. What's your deal this time? Trying to pick on someone smaller than you because you think you might could win this fight?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If you're such a big strong man, then come on. Try me if you want. You couldn't take me with a gang at your back and you sure as hell can't take me on your own."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"hmmm..., so that's two of the three people I was speaking to yesterday when I felt it coming down with the same issue." Mori replied, as the string of expletives in his head sped up and increased in volume, "Can you give me Miyazono's phone number so I can text him and ask how he's doing, since I'm just sitting around and doing nothing? It would be rather unfortunate if I got the two of you sick with something. In the meantime, I should text Veep and see how he's doing, since I spoke with him right afterward."
Mori typed something out on his phone, and a few seconds later, Akihiko's phone buzzed.
"Don't let them know I texted you. Do you have Akari, Demura, or Suzuki's number or a way to contact them? I think we might want to send someone to check on Miyazono."
-
Masaru recognized Tadano's voice immediately. Of all the times Kaneko had to pick...
He rushed through the crowd to Tadano's side, past Kaneko. In that same motion, he tried to swipe the letter from under him. Even against a football player's strength, Masaru hoped Honda's distraction and his above-average speed and strength would pull through. Regardless of his success, he quickly examined the letter to see if it resembled the one Koga-senpai had found misplaced.
-
Sakurajima Team
Akihiko checks his phone quickly.
I'll call Saya.
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Daiya grins.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "Well, well, if it isn't everyone's favorite delinquent, Honda. Come on, it's an understanding between me and Tadano here."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Thank god, Honda! Please, you have to let me get it back!"
As Masaru sweeps in, Daiya just calmly steps out of the way, retracting his hand and pocketing the letter. As he does, however, Masaru is able to get a good look; it's one of Koga's missing letters.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "What, Tadano's big brother coming in too? Come on, guys."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bullshit. I recognize bullying when I see it. Hand over that letter or I will *really* embarrass you in front of the entire student body, and we both know I can do it. So do you want to do this the easy way, where you hand it over and back off, plan your revenge, try to attack me in private, and get you and your little gang annihilated a second time like the pathetic cowards you are? Or do you want to do it the hard way, right here in front of everyone?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm really hoping for the hard way. Come on, make my day. Throw the first punch."
-
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Daiya just stares at Mildred for a minute, before laughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "You think it'll end like last time, huh? I don't see Kasuga around. Without your boyfriend around, maybe you're not so tough after all."
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "Besides, I've got something to even the odds this time."
He whips out a small, black orb, barely the size of his finger, a small thorn-like point jutting from one end. Mildred recognises it; it's the same thing that fell out of Saya when Akihiko subdued her Akuma. It's very likely an Akuma Seed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "This little thing is supposed to make me pretty strong. I'm telling you, back off, Honda. This thing? It's supposed to make you strong enough to fight those Akuma things."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Pff, as if I'm dating Kasuga."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'd suggest you don't fuck around with that thing, though. It's more dangerous than you think it is... and so am I, if you don't throw it away."
Although Mildred was standing still with her hands in her jacket pockets, and the air in the cafeteria was completely calm, it looked almost as if a sudden wind was beginning to blow her hair around...
-
Masaru never liked how similar Tadano looked to him; it weakened the credibility of his family for no reason besides coincidence. But given the truth of their lack of relation, openly distancing himself from him would only weaken it further.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"Masaru Demura. Treasurer of the student council. I'm flattered, but I assure you, Tadano-senpai has no relation to me outside of this school."
Masaru saw the Akuma Seed, and placed himself between Tadano and Kaneko.
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"So this is how you choose to apply yourself, Kaneko? Stealing personal property from a proud member of the Student Council, and using it to threaten them? And threatening violence on those who object to your actions?"
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"I recognize what you're holding. That is an 'Akuma Seed'. I have read about them, Kaneko, and they never end well. The vast, vast majority of those pierced by them become Akuma themselves within minutes. Monsters reviled by the public, and destined to be hunted down by the Kaijin. I've even heard that some misbegotten Kaijin hunt down former Akuma even after their humanity was restored. And whatever affection you're trying to garner, I assure you, no one would want to associate themselves with a man who chose to become a monster. Are these risks you're willing to take?"
Masaru then lifted an arm in front of Honda, barring her from approaching further.
(https://i.imgur.com/mnTTGXP.png)
"Do not fear for your safety. I promise I will do all in my power to prevent this delinquent from harming you, let alone Kasuga. But If you do not return that letter immediately, destroy any of these Seeds in your possession, and swear not to pull another stunt like this again... this will not end after today, no matter what you're planning. Your clique has a history of abusing other students, doesn't it? With or without me, the football team's budget will have to be... reconsidered. This is not on your head alone."
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"...But if you're willing to throw away your humanity and future, please, do so outside of the school premises. You're in a crowded cafeteria, Kaneko. You stand to hurt far more people than Tadano, this woman, and I."
-
Tadano/Miyazono Team
Daiya stares at Masaru, briefly contemplating his words.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "...shut up, Demura. I ain't taking orders from you! You probably don't even know what this is, do you? When I use it, you'll just see exactly what I'm capable of!"
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "W-wait, Kaneko!"
While Daiya is talking to Masaru, Riku reaches for the Akuma Seed in his hand, struggling with it for a brief few seconds.
Long enough for two things to happen.
One, Saya and Rise appear, at opposite ends of the corridor. Saya, checking her phone, quickly types a message to Akihiko. Rise takes one look at Riku and storms over to him, pushing her way through the crowd.
Two, Daiya stabs the Akuma Seed into his own neck.
The seed vanishes into Daiya's neck as he flinches, dropping the letter. Riku unhands him, standing back.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "K...Kaneko?"
Daiya flinches, trembling. The crowd around the pair remains dead silent as Rise pushes her way through.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Kaneko! What is the meaning of-"
Suddenly, without warning, he grabs both Rise and Riku. The air behind Daiya seems to ripple, forming an unseen hole into somewhere, before he, keeping his hands on the pair, falls through. The crowd dissipates, screaming, as the space where the three once were is suddenly replaced with a Domain Gate; rather than the traditional style of the previous gate, it resembles a metallic factory door, shadowy cracks skittering through the air and around the door.
Only Mildred, Masaru, Misa and Saya are left to see this.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "...I'll get the others."
Sakurajima Team
Tsukasa snaps his head up, suddenly, as Yui, Akihiko and Mori feel it.
An Akuma has awakened nearby.
Akihiko holds his phone up.
Kaneko just turned into an Akuma and took Tadano and Koga.
-
The mental string of expletives finally hit their final crescendo with a loud and certain "SHIT!!!"
Mori shot a text to Veep.
"I'm sending Sakurajima to meet you in the theatre room. After you meet up, find Miyazono, then return to the room and try to keep everything calm. Also, let me know anything that happens with Mishima."
When he put his phone in his pocket, the air around Mori shifted once again, this time to a cold air of total authority, focused like a laser on Sakurajima.
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"Sakurajima, go to the theatre room." Mori ordered "Veep will be there and then you two should find Miyazono, then return to the theatre room and remain there until the situation is secured. I will not allow any form of harm to befall those under my watch, even if I have to personally kick Kaneko's face into his skull until it jumpstarts his brain, though I'll admit it may have atrophied from years of lack of use, just like his testicles."
That last part he'd intended to stay as only thoughts, though he wasn't entirely torn up about it slipping out.
He turned to Tsukasa next.
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"You should likely escort her, Kazami."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You're not getting away from me that easily, you lowlife motherfucker! Urgh. Guess I'd better wait for the others first. I could kick that scumbag's face out his ass but it'd probably help to have someone watching my back in case more of those weaklings are in there."
She began to pace back and forth in front of the door, body tensed like a caged lion waiting to pounce.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/SBCj2h4.png)
"S-SENPAI!"
Masaru's hands were already trying to rip open the factory door when Honda (quietly, surprisingly enough) told herself they should wait for the others.
(https://i.imgur.com/ta6onwF.png)
"I cannot believe I am saying this, but... you have a point. Our chance of survival is limited with only three of us. We only lived last time because of Gawain, Scathach, and Cath Palug."
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"But on that very same point, we only survived because other Kaijin came to rescue us. What if those Onibi reach Tadano and Koga before we do? They cannot try to protect themselves like you could. Even just one of them would..." Masaru paused, and nearly gagged.
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"...I do not want to think about that possibility. The Onibi only appeared in unmanageable crowds the closer we were to the Akuma, yes? If we could avoid him until the others arrived, we could locate and protect them."
(https://i.imgur.com/mnTTGXP.png)
"They need Kaijin now. We could be that for them."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "..."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hell yeah. If you're down to ride to the rescue then so am I."
Mildred moved to open the door.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Sometimes it might be better not to do anything... but that sometime doesn't strike me as today." Misa says, wishing things had gone better as she follows Mildred.
-
Tadano Team
As the group prepares to walk into the portal, Sugiura's voice could be heard around the corner.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Hey guys....where did-"
He pauses as he walks around, his eyes widening as he sees what's going on.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "That's a....That's one of those Domain things, right? Akuma and all that? Uh....did Miyazono go through there? I don't know where he went."
As Shiro and Aika leave to....well, go back to lunch, they witness something.
Specifically, a Domain door, resembling an ornate, Baroque-style door, something you would find in an opera house or a music hall, standing in the hallway right in front of them, the students running away from it, screaming. Cracks in reality ripple forth from it.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"Oh, you gotta be-" Shiro cut herself off with a growl under her breath. Fine. I need to work off some stress anyway. This stuff wasn't going to leave her alone, so she might as well just deal with it. Shiro crossed her arms, waiting for the hall to clear, then stalked forward, headed directly for the Domain.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/SBCj2h4.png)
"S-Sugiura?!"
Masaru Demura was reasonably experienced with lying, but not without preparation. The least he could do was start with parts of the truth he couldn't pretend to hide in the long term.
(https://i.imgur.com/OBysLAj.png)
"No, I have not seen Miyazono, hopefully he was able to get away safely. A-and yes, this does seem to be a Domain, though it's something of a strange circumstance. Kaneko Daiya, member of the football team and known miscreant, used one of those Akuma Seeds... on himself, and took two other members of the Student Council with him. Koga Rise, and Tadano Riku."
(https://i.imgur.com/AgZkQNg.png)
"Now if you're still hung up on trying to be useful, go pull a fire alarm, Sugiura. Help evacuate the school!"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ib00rft1bdzhh7n/Upbeat.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hell yeah, Misa! Let's do this!"
Mildred was just about to throw open the door when the sleazy guy made his presence known again.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You should listen to Demura, dude. It is way too dangerous for you to be here right now, and there's no way I'm looking out for you while I'm already trying to save the student council."
-
Tadano Team
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "You guys want me to get help or something first?
He looks around, the sounds of distant footsteps walking out of the school.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "One of these here....I didn't think they'd be crazy enough to do that...."
Sakurajima Team
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Are you sure about that, Sawatari?"
Kanna idly rubs the back of her neck.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”Hmmm… change of plans. You meet with Veep and hang tight in the theatre room. I’ll look for Miyazono.” Mori stated ”Kazami, you can search too if you like, once you’ve finished escorting Sakurajima. I imagine Mishima is still in the theatre room, so you should likely relay to her the information on the situation. I’ll not pretend I can order her around, but inform her of my plans.”
He sent a quick text to Veep letting him know about the change of plans, before turning to Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”Have you received any more information about the ongoing situation?”
-
Asking him to do anything sounded like a bad idea waiting to happen. Anything he could hold over them wasn't the right move. Still, could the three of them handle an Akuma alone while trying to protect two people? She had to admit as strong as she was she'd be more comfortable with another Kaijin or two at her back.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...Not a bad idea, but I know who to ask. You go on and get yourself to safety."
She took out her phone and texted Kasuga.
It's Honda. Demura, Misa, and I are going to go into a Domain to save the Student Council, but I'd prefer having another hand to help out. Can you send one of the 'club' to the cafeteria?
-
Tadano Team
Sugiura shrugged, eyes still on the Domain door. Suddenly, they widen.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Uh, guys, the Domain door's-"
The door blasts open before anyone can do anything, a chain whipping out. Mildred, Masaru and Misa are able to avoid it, with surprisingly fast reflexes - the side effect, perhaps, of being a Kaijin - but Saya, lacking such a benefit, is only able to notice the chain when it latches on around her ankle.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "....eh?!"
Before anyone can react, Saya is yanked into the Domain, the young woman trying to grab onto something, anything to keep herself out to no avail.
She disappears into the Domain, the door slamming shut behind her.
Sakurajima Team
Akihiko receives Mildred's text.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Sawatari, Aiuchi, they need one of us at the cafeteria. We should decide, quick."
Kanna suddenly stands up.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Wait, is....where's Otoya? Did something happen? I'm going after him."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "It wouldn't be a good idea in your condition, Sakurajima."
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Huh? What do you mean? I'm not pregnant or something, sheesh. It's not that dangerous, is it?"
Aika/Shiro
As Shiro stalks towards the door leading into the Domain, the door opens to them without them even touching the door.
Within the Domain, as far as Shiro can see, it looks like an elegantly-crafted hallway, shiny oak floors, stained-glass windows peering into nothingness portraying the figure of a blonde pianist in various stages of playing a piano.
As Shiro gets closer, however, they barely have time to dodge before an Onibi blasts past them, thrown out of the Domain. The Onibi that was thrown out resembles a stereotypical biker, clad in leather clothes and with chains wrapped around their limbs, their head replaced with a burning blue flame. Another Onibi approaches them, a humanoid shape in black robes, a scythe in one hand, and the bow of a violin in the other, the hair frayed and the wooden portion burned. Their face, if they even have one, is hidden beneath a hood.
The biker Onibi doesn't even notice or care about Shiro or where it's been thrown, before pulling itself to its feet and rushing back at the robed Onibi, ignoring Shiro entirely.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"Well, besides your existent chronic medical condition," Mori replied "There’s the issue of that feeling in your neck. I didn’t tell you this, as I didn’t want to worry you, but speaking from experience, whatever it is, stress makes it worse. When I ended up in a stressful situation after I first felt it, I felt like I had been dropped face first into ice water, and then I blacked out for who knows how long. As for danger, there’s an Akuma on school grounds. That means Onibi, which is a fancy word for big monsters who’ll try to kill or kidnap you, not to mention whatever else happens. For all we know, you could end up dragged into the akuma’s realm. Now add how dangerous those situations are just in general, with the worry of you blacking out like I did, and we have no idea how any of this will effect your condition, and I hope you can see this is incredibly dangerous, and far better for you to just stay safe in the theatre room."
Mori finished his speech and took a breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/7l7asFw.png)
"Now, further imagine what it would be like for Miyazono if you get critically injured in such a situation while trying to find him." Mori continued, ”Not to mention the fact that I have the duty of looking out for all performing arts students, and while I’m more than willing to go out and find Miyazono, I’ll not allow you to take further risks and put further stress on myself, Miyazono, and all the people here who are severely worried for you.”
Mori reconstructed his air of authority, placed one hand on Sakurajima’s shoulder, and looked her dead in the eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
”In conclusion, I both order and implore you, please, stay safe. I’ll be certain Otoya is safely returned to you as quickly as I can manage.”
Then he turned to Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”You and Aiuchi can head down. I’ll head down once I’ve assured the safety of my people.”
-
Akihiko's phone pinged again.
Also Saya just got drug into the Domain. We can't wait much longer. Whoever's coming they better do it quick because I'm three seconds from kicking this fucking door down and going in.
-
Shiro barely resisted the urge to bark an expletive as the thing hurtled through the space her head had been just an instant ago. A pillar of light slammed down on her from above, and there no longer stood Akari Shiro, but Pyrrha, the Kaijin. She waited for the dullahan-like Onibi to rush back into the domain before advancing on the pair.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Don't know what either of you are up to, but it ends now." She positioned herself between them and the exit, blade of light shimmering in her hands.
-
Sakurajima Team
Akihiko receives Mildred's text not long after. His fist visibly clenches.
(https://i.imgur.com/VxQkdff.png) "Screw it. I'm going. You two watch Sakurajima. They took Saya."
His voice is clearly terser as he mentions Saya's name.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "What do you mean they took-"
Without letting Kanna finish, Akihiko is already out of the room, sprinting down the corridor.
The moment Akihiko is no longer in reach, however, the wall closest to Kanna ripples like water. Tsukasa is the first to notice.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Kanna! Get away from there!"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Huh-ah!"
A withered, black hand clad in black robes grabs Kanna's arm, trying to pull her into the wall, yanking her away from Mori. Before Mori can react, he barely evades a knife, hurled into the hand. The knife bounces off -after all, mundane objects cannot truly harm the Onibi- but Tsukasa bounds over the table.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Kanna! Hold on!"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "S-Senpai! What's going on?! Sawatari! Aiuchi! Help!"
Aika/Shiro
The Onibi....seems to be more focused upon fighting each other than Shiro, not even noticing her. Shiro notices a few things as she approaches the inside of the Domain through the open door.
Firstly, there are quite a few pairs of Onibi fighting, the more industrially-themed Onibi fighting the robed Onibi, not even particularly paying attention to Shiro's presence. Secondly, the architecture of the Domain is....odd. It is clearly classical in places, with the oak floors and stained-glass windows, but industrial trappings pierce through; pipes erupting from the walls in unnatural angles, metal plates slapped haphazardly across the walls with rivets and some windows terminating abruptly halfway-through to be replaced with a grill, the sort that might cover up an air vent.
Whatever this Domain is, it's clear that not everything inside it is agreeing with each other.
-
That was fucking it. This whole situation was pissing him off. It was enough when the jackass who'd put an akuma seed in his neck had targeted his people. Then there was an akuma on school grounds and his people in trouble. Now, an Onibi had the whatever they had in the place of balls to target someone directly under his watch? There was a time for subtly, for him that had been the past decade, but now?
Perhaps Kasuga had been right, it was time for him to take a page from someone else's book. What had Honda said again?
"Just face everything head on."
Yeah, it was time to fuck subtly.
Sakurajima was going to find out what was going on in something like 20 minutes anyway.
(https://i.imgur.com/NfNxL2T.png)
"If everything is going to Hell, then I'll let loose my own demon!" Mori roared, as he placed his hand over his face, "I welcome my mask, Fantômas!"
Just as before darkness enveloped him. His body faded away, his shadow faded into him, a heavy coat formed around him, a cane found it's way to his hands, a hat appeared on his head, and a mask appeared on his face, but this time, the shadow didn't fade away as the mask appeared. This time, he could feel the overcoat lighten, transforming into something a bit less all-consuming. The hat and cane faded into nothingness, and the mask changed. The eyes and mouth thinned, and the material changed, from cold metal to something warmer. The shadow finally disappeared, replaced with a fading cloud of green smoke, as a small, leafy green looking kunai appeared in the hand of a figure who had taken the place of Sawatari Mori. He was a head and a half taller than Mori, dressed in a kitsune mask and a colorfully decorated yukata, purple and green with 9 flares of blue along the collar. A purple shoulder pad lay on each shoulder, and his pure black neck and hands were on clear display.
Barely giving a thought to his new form, Mori stabbed his newly gained weapon into the hand that had grabbed Kanna, forcing it off her.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"What is mine is off limits." he snarled.
-
Mildred felt two Kaijin roar into life in the schoolgrounds; from the feel of the energy that had been released, she guessed Akari and Sawatari were getting ready to fight.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Fuck it, I'm joining in. I don't give a fuck who knows what I am."
A powerful burst of wind swirled around Mildred and flowed out in all directions, shoving away lunch tables and other pieces of school furniture; when the winds cleared, Proioxis stood before the door, two tables held aloft behind her by roaring winds like javelins ready to launch.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Time's up. Let's do this."
-
Sakurajima Team
As soon as Mori touches the hand and wrenches it off of Kanna, four more pairs of hands appear, dragging Kanna into the wall with unexpected strength.
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "Sawatari...?"
She fades into the wall, the wall rippling briefly like a disturbed pond, before solidifying again. Tsukasa stands up and immediately storms out of the room.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Aiuchi! Sawatari! Follow me!"
Tadano Team
Mildred doesn't have very long to wait before-
"Henshin, Ibaraki-Douji!"
Akihiko's foot slams into the door, busting it open, in full Kaijin form.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Demaru, Honda, with me! We're getting Saya out of here!"
The Domain before them looks like the walkway of a factory, overhanging vats of unidentified liquids below them, pipes running everywhere, with distant spinning cogs and gears visible. Inside, the scene of visibly different Onibi fighting each other can be seen, robed Onibi wielding violin bows and scythes against biker garb-wearing Onibi with knuckledusters. They don't pay any attention to the newcomer Kaijin.
-
Mori barely resisted punching the wall due to the fact he wasn't fully certain his Kaijin strength wouldn't result in him punching right through it. Regardless, he felt an overwhelming flaming hatred blaze through him as his body was once more consumed by shadows, one so much more intense than what he'd felt interacting with Mishima. As his body returned to his normal Kaiju form, he shot out of the room like a bat out of Hell, ignoring Aiuchi and swiftly overtaking Tsukasa.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Get your ass in Kaijin form, Gawain, time if of the fucking essence!" he snarled, "And after this, I could use some explanations. Starting with the Onibi ghost kidnapping, and how to safeguard against that in the future, moving on to how to use healing powers to help chronic illnesses, maybe an explanation on why Fantomas has been torturing me for a week, and perhaps a pit stop, if you think you can, to who the fuck targeted my people and how do I INTRODUCE THEIR EYE TO THEIR ASSHOLE!?!
-
Pyrrha waited for a moment, then moved into striking range. She wound up for a powerful strike, then slashed, aiming to cut down both onibi at once.
-
Tsukasa doesn't reply to Mori getting in his face, his expression focused entirely on getting through the corridors.
A few Onibi erupt from the walls, robed, looking like incarnations of Death itself. Before Mori can react to them, however, Mori swears he sees Tsukasa's hands briefly morph, silvery white metal gauntlets appearing on them as he swings them to the sides, before the Onibi attempting to waylay them burn to a crisp, dissipating into black smoke with him even breaking stride or saying a word. When Mori sees Tsukasa's hands again, however, they've reverted to normal.
The sound of fighting can be heard nearby. The Domain must be close by, and someone must already have opened it.
Aika/Shiro
The attempt is almost too successful, as neither Onibi even attempts to stop Shiro from cutting them down in one fell swoop. Whatever is happening in this odd Domain, the Onibi seem to be far more interested in killing each other than Shiro.
-
Mori sighed.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”Fine then,” he replied, attempting to calm his voice ”You’re right, there’s a time for moving lips and a time for moving feet.”
Mori returned to running down the hall, slipping past the Onibi that tried to grab him, and heading towards the realm entrance.
-
Proioxis followed quickly and launched both tables at two different Onibi, knocking them both from the walkway and clearing the path.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm guessing the biker ones are Daiya's. I must have really put some fear into that boy's heart. Weird that they're fighting each other, but hell, should give us a good distraction to slip in there and make a rescue."
She turned back to Misa and Masaru.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Come on, guys!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/R6ByTUq.png)
"Are you seriously-" Masaru had been trying to maintain his Kaijin identity as a secret, and both Honda and Kasuga had just done their best to implicate him as much as possible, in front of a man who could not be trusted to keep a secret, before he could put together a reasonable version of reality otherwise.
He was strongly tempted to throw together a story that had any chance of working, but in the end, that would only risk his reputation. If there was anything he couldn't afford to be known as, a known liar was at the top. No, there was only one way to protect his pride...
(https://i.imgur.com/fJmsGsj.png)
"My eyes and ears, Vasusena! Ignite! Illuminate!" Consumed in burning light, Vasusena immediately prepared and drew his bow in the most elaborate fashion he could, before firing an empowered shot directly through one of the hooligan onibi, and turning back to Sugiura.
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"I doubt I could convince you to hide this if I tried, so consider this an official, public statement. Our Lady of Hermelin's Student Council does not tolerate the willful proliferation of Akuma."
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Nor does it tolerate the irresponsible weaponization of school property worth many thousands of yen each! What were you thinking?!"
-
Tadano Team
As Masaru turns around to make his rant, he notices....that Sugiura isn't even around. It seems he did, indeed, take the advice.
The Onibi barely even react to Masaru, Akihiko or Mildred's presences in the Domain, scarcely even defending themselves. They are, indeed, more engrossed in fighting each other than the newcomers, as more tumble into the vats while fighting. One of the hooligan Onibi is sent tumbling into the depths below, only for its counterpart robed Onibi to immediately seek out a different biker Onibi to fight. Akihiko takes a moment to walk up to one and tries to wave his hand in front of it. The Onibi brushes him aside, continuing to fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "What the hell...."
Mildred, Masaru, Akihiko and Misa have nearly reached the end of the walkway, leading into a corridor deeper into the Domain. The corridor doesn't resemble the rest of the Domain they've seen so far; it is well lit, with white walls, shiny oaken floors and stained-glass windows with...
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Those windows....that design on them. That's Sakurajima. But this is.....Kaneko's Domain, right?"
Sakurajima Team
The party, led by Tsukasa, reaches the open Domain door that Aika and Shiro ran into. Tsukasa glanced back at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Do you have any idea what's going on? Whose Domain this is?"
-
Mori took a quick glance at the door, the style reminding him of some of the theatre halls he'd performed at with various groups. He looked inside the doorway. The elegant halls and the shining floors, pristine and beautiful like a premier concert hall. Already, he had a solid grasp of who had created this door, and his hand was tightening around his staff in anger, but his beliefs were confirmed with just one look at the windows, decorated with Sakurajima over and over.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Someone," he said the word with immutable disdain "caused Miyazono's akuma seed to activate. Those onibi were likely his, seeking out Sakurajima and bringing her to him. It seems he knew more about her illness than he let on, or that he was informed by an outside influence. Additionally, this means there are two domain doors, since we know Kaneko became an Akuma as well."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Hmph. Stupid things." She continued her stalk down the halls, trying to find her way toward the epicenter of this nonsense interrupting her day. Her progress was slow, mostly because she stopped to hack at every onibi that she considered to be in her path.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "They'll be fine, just like last time."
It was obvious Mildred hadn't connected the dots that the reason none of the property had been damaged last time was because it was Domain stuff that just happened to look exactly like the school. She turned to Akihiko.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Maybe some weird mix since there are two Akuma so close to each other. Maybe they're fighting for the top dog position. That just helps us out because we can swoop on in there while they're distracting each other, save Saya and the student council, and then pummel both of them. Miyazono a little less so because he seemed like a decent guy, but Kaneko deserves a second helping of a can of whoopass."
-
Tadano Team
Akihiko thinks briefly.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "If Miyazono's in here....oh no. Someone told him about what was going on with her. We have to find him. If it's anything like last time, the exit to this Domain is probably at the center, and Saya'll be there too-"
The pair's conversation is suddenly interrupted by an Onibi being hurled into a nearby wall, splattering with a sickening crack, before falling to the ground, motionless, fading into a burst of metal parts.
"Pick on someone your own damn size!"
A tall, muscular figure walks forwards, Amamiya uniform on clear display. With him is Saya and, surprisingly, a smug-looking Sugiura. The chain that yanked Saya in is still visible on her ankle, albeit fading away with the Onibi that threw it.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....Akutagawa?"
Jin simply grins as he cracks his knuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Kasuga? That you? Damn. I didn't know you were one of us now. Guess that's Honda with you, huh? And who are these two other nerds?"
He gestures towards Masaru and Misa.
Sugiura simply shrugs.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Told you I was tight with Akutagawa."
Saya runs over to Akihiko, giving him a quick hug, equally as quickly reciprocated.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Akkun! I'm so glad you're here. Don't worry, I'm fine. As soon as I got yanked in here....these two showed up."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Sugiura called me as soon as something went down. Well. Couldn't resist a fight."
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "I heard Koga and Kaneko yelling about something deeper in here somewhere. They're pretty deep inside. It's weird. I kinda....feel like I know exactly where, in this giant maze."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Saya....damn. I'm glad you're okay. But....you should get out of here."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Wouldn't recommend it. The Onibi dragged her in here for a reason and they'll just drag her back in. She's safer where we can keep an eye on her."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "No way! I'm not putting her in danger again!"
Sakurajima Team
Tsukasa notes his words briefly. His eyes linger on Shiro, slowly cutting their way through the Onibi.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "I'm guessing one of your friends is already in there? Come on, let's go. I'd like some answers myself. Sakurajima is one of your people, but she's my friend."
With that, Tsukasa calmly walks into the Domain, stalking off after Shiro.
-
Mildred briefly depowered.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well hell, Akutagawa. Should've figured you for one too. That's my friend Misa and the guy is Demura, from the student council."
She walked forward and offered a fistbump, returning to Kaijin as she raised her hand to him.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Let me reintroduce myself then. Proioxis, the winds of war. Thanks for grabbing Saya from these guys, but we still have more people to save. Show us your war face and let's start busting some Akuma heads!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"I rather hope my friend is still in the theatre room, but yes, it seems Akari and Suzuki are inside, and I was already notified that Kasuga, Honda, Miyashita, and Demura were dealing with the other realm." Mori replied, following behind him, "And note for your consideration that we're here to save Miyazono just as much as Sakurajima."
-
Tadano Team
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Sorry, Kasuga. She'd be safer with us. Trust me."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...Akutagawa-"
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "It's fine, Akkun. You'll protect me, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'll do my best."
Jin turns to Mildred, cracking his knuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "My war face? Alright then. Let's do this! I've always wanted to fight alongside you and Kasuga, ever since that thing with Kaneko! Let's go!"
He raises his fists in a boxer's stance.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Blow 'em away, Aegaeon!"
Water surges out of nowhere around Jin, increasing his already considerable size further as his figure is covered in blue armor, four arms protruding from his shoulder-joints, a blank faceplate with a single, red eye.
The Ocean King, third of Mishima's strongest Kaijin, had appeared.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Alright, Honda! Kasuga! Let's bust some heads! .....Kasuga? Why are you staring at me like that?"
Akihiko has Saya behind him, studying Aegaeon -Jin- closely. His fist is clenched.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) Hang on. That's....he attacked us in Saya's Domain but....this doesn't feel right. Something's off.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Uh...Kasuga? Hello? Weren't here to save....was it, the council prez and her boyfriend?"
Sakurajima Team
Tsukasa simply grunts in response. He didn't quite seem to have the patience for Mori at the moment.
As they follow closely behind Shiro, Tsukasa suddenly stops. He holds up his finger, signaling something. From the expression on his face, it is as if he's sensed something.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "One second."
His hand, once again, seems to shift into a white, armored gauntlet, before he pulls back and smashes his hand into the wall to his left, before-
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "S-Senpai!"
In a swift motion, Tsukasa sweeps Kanna behind him, as several robed Onibi pour out of the wall, staring intently at him, trying to get at Kanna.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Sakurajima! Stay behind me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/3R1b1Ys.png) "W-wait, Senpai-!
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Trust me!"
-
Mori snapped his fingers and jet black vines shot out of the ground, wrapping around the cloaked Onibi and literally squeezing the life out of them. Then he wordlessly slipped into Sakurajima's shadow.
Declared Guard Target: Sakurajima Kanna
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Word of warning there, Akutagawa. Someone looking just like that tried to kill us the first time we turned into Kaijin - didn't have your voice though. Know anything about that?"
-
Tadano Team
One of Jin's hands scratches his head, despite it being metal and probably incapable of being itchy.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Eh? Another me? He tried to attack you? Tell me next time. It'd be pretty cool to kick someone's ass if they're trying to take my place. Sugiura, you know anything about this?"
(https://i.imgur.com/S44tfPf.png) "I'll admit, the idea of a Kaijin that can take someone else's forms is a little....scary. I'll look into it."
Akihiko shook his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Can't be Akutagawa, anyway. The other one had purple eyes. His are red."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Purple eyes, huh? I'll keep an eye out. Copy of me with purple eyes....sounds like one of those urban nightmares."
Sakurajima Team
The Onibi swarm around Tsukasa, trying to get at Kanna. Despite Mori doing his best to lock them down, more pour out, with one aiming an attack directly at him, a scythe being slammed into where Tsukasa's head should be.
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Watch out, Senpai!"
"Don't worry."
The scythe stops dead, clashing with cold, white steel.
Gawain's shield is on Tsukasa's arm, the hilt of a sword poking out of the top, as Tsukasa's hand grips the hilt.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "As you wish."
(https://i.imgur.com/vw2jjad.png) "Henshin, Gawain!"
Tsukasa draws his sword, a whirl of flames shaped in cherry blossom petals enshrouding the blade, slashing the Onibi in two. In a swift, fluid motion, he draws a ring of fire above himself; the moment the ring is whole, a ray of light covers Tsukasa entirely. His silhouette firstly changes to a figure appearing to wear a kimono, before changing to a familiar shape, heavily armored and a cape of flames behind them, before the light disappears, leaving the White Knight of Mishima.
Finishing the motion, he slices the remaining Onibi in half with his sword, them disappearing in a burst of fire, before sheathing his blade again. He extends his hand to Sakurajima, who takes it, allowing herself to be pulled up.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "...that should take care of them for now. Sakurajima."
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Senpai...you're the White Knight? All those stories..."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Yes. We should keep moving. If Sawatari is right, Miyazono....he has to know about your sickness."
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Wait, he does? But I....I never told him. Impossible..."
-
"I couldn't protect her. I couldn't watch out for her. I couldn't keep her secret hidden. I couldn't stop them from coming after her. I couldn't..."
Thoughts like this ran on repeat in Mori's head daily. Thoughts of failing. Thoughts of gambits that didn't pan out. Thoughts of plans that only ended up hurting more people than would have if he'd just stayed out of it.
It was thoughts like this that appeared on his phone when it vibrated without stopping. Thoughts that were the exact same as the ones that had been going through his head for years now. The only difference was now, he could blame them on someone else.
But right now, Sawatari Mori wasn't particularly interested in designating blame for his thoughts. He was more interested in a different one that had come to mind.
"OK. What now?"
He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to picture in his mind a certain voice, and a certain pattern of speech. Then, he spoke.
"Are you afraid, Sakurajima?" said a voice that seemed to echo up from around Sakurajima Kanna, "Scared that the truth is now out there? The secret you tried so hard and so long to hide is now in the hands of the very one you sought to protect from it? Yes, what you see around you, the monsters that seek to capture you, they are the pain of truth. But that isn't the end of it. Maybe this isn't what you wanted. There are good odds you'd have never gotten what you wanted anyway, most people don't, but in the world you were aiming for, by the time your secret was known, and we'd discovered if you'd gotten what you wanted or not, you'd be too dead and gone to know. But in this world, where you have failed to get what you wished for, you are alive. You can still walk forward, speak, and do what you can to heal the pain the truth has caused. Pain fades, or we get used to it, or maybe we don't. Point is, at this point, you don't really have a choice besides walking your ass forewords and telling Miyazono exactly how you feel, and hoping that maybe it takes away some of the sting. I promise I'll be behind you the whole way."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "It's not impossible. One of our group can imitate forms and voices fairly easily. Stands to reason if one person can do it, someone else probably can too. Especially when it comes to weird shit like this Kaijin and Akuma business."
Proioxis turned her helmet back toward the factory.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Anyway I'm tired of thinking. Let's start kicking ass."
-
Tadano Team
Jin jumps at the idea of kicking some asses.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Heh. Don't have to tell me twice. Kasuga, Honda, uh....Honda's buddies! Let's go!"
Suddenly, as if snapped out of their compulsion to fight each other, a group of Onibi approaches the party. Before anyone can react, however, Kazuya simply sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/S44tfPf.png) "Don't worry about it. I'll handle it."
He snaps his fingers.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Arise, Abe no Seimei!"
A haze shimmers all over Kazuya's body, a flash of light concealing him for a brief second. When the haze and the light disappear, what remains is a tall humanoid figure in blue robes, a porcelain fox mask concealing his face, a red kimono hidden by the larger robes.
He glances back at the group.
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "Well, go on. I got this."
Jin and Akihiko share a glance, before Jin advances down further into the Domain, Akihiko trailing him with Saya.
Sakurajima Team
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "I...."
(https://i.imgur.com/osX5g9o.png) "....you're right."
Kanna simply, quietly nods, before staying behind Tsukasa. The armored Kaijin sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Let's move. If my senses are right, the center of the Domain isn't far off. Your friend's pretty close."
Tsukasa heads off, catching up to Shiro....
....
As Shiro is further down the corridor, she is the first to see what might be the center of the Domain.
It appears to her to be a stage, seats lined up beyond it like an auditorium, extending as far as the eye can see. A piano sits, the cover on the keys, to the side, and a singular spotlight shines on a young man in the middle, kneeling on the floor, looking listlessly into the distance.
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "....Sakurajima...."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Wait!"
Tsukasa suddenly draws his blade, stopping right next to Shiro. Following his gaze, you see a cloaked, masked figure, leaning by the piano.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....intriguing, isn't it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "You-!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "W-who is that, Senpai?"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....Sakurajima Kanna. The dying girl who taught this boy how to live. Is that right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Keep her out of this, you bastard. She has NO PART in this!"
-
He knew that voice. Where did he know that voice from?
He ran through a quick catalog, quickly eliminating everyone most of the people he spoke to on a regular basis, then the other members of the kaijin team, and moved into people he'd only spoken to a few times...
"The White Knight and the Princess of Calamity. And me, the Ocean King. A true triple threat."
Aegeaon? But it was obvious the figure before them wasn't him. No, Aegeaon looked like he could beat up Kasuga. This guy... he was in Mori's weight class, not that that meant he couldn't murder them all with freaky kaijin powers anyway. And anyway, that wasn't... quite it. He'd heard something even closer.
"...my, my. You....I have thought you would have become an Akuma and Akitsuki the Kaijin. But then...you were always the one to play hero."
He remembered seeing a scrawny figure in the mist before Aegeaon had stepped out. At the time, he'd thought it was just a person transforming into their Kaijin form. But in hindsight, the lack of a transformation invocation should have tipped him off.
"Gawain, I believe that toad is a shapeshifter," Mori stated, mimicking the Aegeaon voice to drive his point, "As he rather sounds a lot like the voice we heard coming from Aegeaon's mouth when he tried to murder Akitsuki."
-
The cloaked figure laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "My, my. You've got some interesting theories."
Gawain simply nods at Mori's voice, not responding. Mori can almost feel the intent off Gawain's body. Whatever this person did to him, it was personal. And enough for Gawain to want to inflict immense harm besides.
The cloaked figure continues speaking, patting Otoya on the shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "But tell me. How will you fix this young man's heart, when Sakurajima takes her curtain call?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Miyazono, please don't listen to him!"
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "....please, Kanna. I..I don't....he told me you were dying. I was scared, after all those rumours, after you fainted..."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "No use hiding it now, Sakurajima Kanna. This is the price of lies."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "I don't care that you didn't tell me. You had to have your reasons. I trust you."
Otoya clenches his fists.
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "But....he promised that....he promised I could have the power to heal you."
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "....Otoya..."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Isn't it so tragic, Gawain? Pyrrha? Fan~to~mas~?"
The cloaked figure's face seems to twist into a grin, under the mask.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You can't hide from me. That being said....am I really so evil? All Miyazono wants is to save the girl he loves. I have granted him the chance, and all he has to do is grasp it. Like we have grasped our power. With the power of a half-demon.....her curtain call might be delayed."
Gawain's grip on his sword visibly tightens.
-
"He's right. He's talking about how the truth hurts. He's talking about how much it will hurt when she's gone. He's talking in theatre metaphors. He's saying what you were saying. Why be angry when he's just saying you're right?"
"I hate him."
The fiery feeling that had been burning in Mori ever since the start of this entire catastrophe... vanished. It felt like a fire inside of him had suddenly burnt out, and he suddenly was faced with a new sensation. All the cold, the chills, the shivering icy winds that had been absorbed into Fantomas's shadow reoccurred in full force. It was as if something sharp, hard, and oh so cold was pressing into his heart. Looking at the figure before him, the one who had forced him and the others into this whole Kaijin mess, who had tried to kill Saya after they'd rescued her, who had dragged Kanna and Otaya into this after them, who had pushed Otaya into becoming an Akuma, who tortured Kanna with all of this, and who had the audacity to smile from it, Mori realized he didn't want to hurt him. All those threats he'd made before, faded into nothing but the empty words they had always been. He did not want the figure before him hurt.
He wanted him dead.
All the anger left him with the heat. He wasn't angry anymore, because anger couldn't truly describe how he felt. This was an emotion he'd never felt before. He didn't have the impulsive wish to charge forward and fight, as he'd seen from others, just a cold and hard desire to do whatever he had to, endure any pain, just to make certain that the person before him was dead.
But there was something else he had to do first.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Hiding, who's hiding? Mori asked, stepping out of Sakurajima's shadow and strutting forward like the star of the show.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"If I was hiding you wouldn't know where I was, that's what hiding is," he spoke like he was addressing a particularly stupid child, "Just like how, if I was pretending to be someone else... he clapped his hands and a shadow washed over him.
(https://i.imgur.com/pbaIuwn.png)
"...I wouldn't have gotten the voice wrong. Or, you know, spoken and drawn attention to myself before I transformed, inevitably drawing the action back to me in a humiliating way." He clapped his hands again and returned to his normal form.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"But, well, I guess when you teach a toad to speak, it having the ability to even try to mimic human voices is enough of an amazing discovery," he said, before pausing as if he'd had a sudden revelation, then his voice picked up with excitement, "You deserve a round of applause! Bravo! Bravo!' he clapped and cheered uproariously, then looked around and stopped, as if he'd only suddenly realized no one else was joining in.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Anyway, since you had a chat with Otoya, I figure it'll only be fair if I get to talk to him a bit. You know, as someone with some experience chatting with a demon that offered me my heart's desire." he turned to Otoya and said, in his most flamboyant possible voice "What say thee, Otoya? Will you let this lying demon be the brutal angel on your shoulder?"
Without waiting for a response he stepped into the spotlight and leaned down to stare directly at Otoya's face.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"So, you see the first thing is-" He turned to look at all the other present, staring at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Do... do you all mind? This is kind of supposed to be a private conversation. Just two dudes talking about stuff, like demons and shit like that." He stated, and gestured at the cloaked figure with his cane "Especially you, Mr. Toad. You had your chance to talk to Otoya and I didn't listen in, so if could just go and..." he paused and then stage whispered to Otoya "Hey, do you know what toads do? I don't know what toads do." then turning back to the figure ...uh, go... eat flies. Yeah, toads do that. Nailed it."
He turned Otoya around, away from the others, and draped part of his overcoat over the two of them, like a blanket fort. Then he continued as if the others couldn't hear him.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Anyway, so first thing is, you're acting like a sanctimonious prick." Mori began "And I can say that, as, as I've been told many times, I'm a prick. But yeah, talking like you'll have these super awesome healing powers that'll totally fix everything. Like you're the only one who can heal? I mean, come on dude, I can heal, Gawain can heal, it's not really this whole big thing you need to make a deal with a creepy scrawny guy in a weird cloak to do. And, quick side note, have you looked at who exactly you're trusting right now? I mean, come on, you're a fine arts kid, you've been to a few of the plays, and even if not, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out his whole thing scream UNTRUSTWORTHY like an air raid siren. I mean, he's as subtle about it as the 1812 overture. But back on track, deals with creepy people and demons never really end well. You know, Akitsuki was in a situation a lot like the one you're in now. A demon offered her the power to protect Akihiko, she said yes, next thing you know she's trying to murder everyone. You really want to say 'Yessiree' to the kind of thing that makes the girl who runs the Helper's Club go off the deep end of the murder pool? I mean, even if it does give you healing powers, you got to ask what else it's gonna do. Might make you murder everyone in the school to add a year onto Sakurajima's life for each person you murder, or trap her in a cocoon for the rest of her life and kill anyone who comes near her. And that guy over there knows it. He tried to turn Kasuga into an Akuma to reek havoc on things, and when that didn't work, he tried to kill Akitsuki. All he seems to want is to make people hurt and suffer. You really think he's got your best interests in heart?"
He put his arm over Otoya's shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Now, I'm not going to lie and say that turning down your inner demon is as simple as just saying 'No thanks. I'm good. Thanks for the offer though, have a nice day.' No, I had a demon try to sell me on something too. It's literally the deepest and darkest part of your mind, the part that knows all your secrets, offering you something to fill the biggest, deepest hole in your heart. I almost said yes. I mean, some days I wonder how I didn't, how I could have possibly turned it down. But other days I remember, and if it's not to vain, I think it's a pretty good reason."
He put both his hands on Otoya's shoulders, and looked him directly in the eyes, or as good as he could with Otoya's eyes closed.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"You're being offered a bandage for a bullet wound. What your demon offers you is going to feel real good at first, but then you're going to realize that it doesn't really fill that hole, and you're still bleeding out. All that bandage did was trick you into thinking you'd fixed the problem, leaving it to get worse. And there, poor fool, with all your lore, will you stand wiser than before? Maybe there is no fix to the problem, or maybe there is, but you're not going to find it while you're sitting around, convinced you already have. Come on Otoya, you're better than that. Now come on, show that damned toad you're not going to be his latest toy to hurt others, and let's go home."
-
The cloaked figure seems to grin bemusedly as Mori approaches.
Then he lets out a laugh, as Mori continues, before cutting him off at the end.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Oh, Fantomas. You have....such a horrible way with words."
Otoya clenches his fists as Mori finishes.
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "You could....have healed her? Why not before....why not now....."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "You talk like you understand what it's like....to lose someone....I've lost everything before. I....I'm not sanctimonious, I don't want to lose anyone else! It's...that's not fair. My mom, my dad.....and now her...."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "I...I can't lose her too! I won't lose her! Even if this is all I have left to try-!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Otoya!"
Suddenly, Otoya doubles over, collapsing to all fours, screaming, his hands scrabbling for the back of his neck. Before Gawain can stop her, Kanna runs over to him, trying to pick him up.
The cloaked figure is right behind Mori, masked face peering over his shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Don't you know, Fantomas? The Akuma Seed amplifies your negative emotions, it just doesn't feed on them. You called him childish, a prick, a monster for such an innocent desire to keep his beloved close. You confirmed his worst fears. That the world would not stop until it had taken him up and squeezed him dry. That nothing he would ever do would be good enough to keep the one good thing in his life here. That he was a monster for wanting to hold on to the light above the depths."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You fed it."
He slinks back over to the piano before Mori can retaliate.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "The Genius Cellist...you broke his heart. I can't say it's my fault he's like that now. You're not nearly as clever as you look. I was simply granting his wish, nothing more."
Gawain steps forward, sword drawn.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "You...I'll cut you down!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Chasing me for so long, Gawain....you're rather determined, aren't you? Chasing me in the hopes that it'll fix her....that's rather cute. And yet so plain to see through."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "How dare you....!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Maybe you and I can make a deal. It wouldn't be so difficult, would it?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Fantomas, you talk too much." She leveled her blade of light at the cloaked figure. "You're a lying bastard." She switched her pointing to Otoya, heedless of whether he could actually hear her right now. "And you shouldn't listen to any lying bastards." Pyrrha let the blade vanish for a moment. "Sakurajima, get away from him. He either doesn't need your help or needs help you can't give. Get out of here before you get hurt."
-
"You made it worse. You fueled it. You hurt him. You hurt everyone. You can only hurt people. You are good at hurting people. You will never stop hurting people. You know he's right. You know you always fail when you help. You said it before. You know Akihiko is wrong.
"You tried. You didn't know."
Mori wanted to be angry right now, at someone. At himself, for failing again, and hurting Otoya further. At Otoya, for falling for the cloaked figure's deception. At Sakurajima, for waiting so long to tell Otoya and leading to this happening. At Gawain, for not stopping him. At the cloaked figured, for about 40 different reasons so far. But how could he be angry right now? How could he feel anything with that cold, hard feeling pressing into him, consuming everything?
Ignoring Akari, he looked at Andras and Gawain. Remembering the wooden kunai he'd made earlier, he let out a deep breath and willed something similar to appear in his hands. With a small bit of green smoke, he found himself holding a small wooden ball, about as big as a ball bearing.
He chucked it at Gawain's helmet, where it harmlessly bounced off with a satisfying "ping!"
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Hey, White Knight of Dipshit, if the evil mastermind is trying to specifically make you angry, it means his plan is much better off with you not thinking straight and distracted," Mori stated, "I think I've got an idea of what exactly he did to you, but I'll save that for later. In the short term, you're the only person here with more than an hour experience dealing with Akuma, and if you're to busy focusing on him to take part, this whole thing becomes much harder for the rest of us, which I think is what he wants. So if you wanna give Fantoadmas exactly what he's hoping for, then be my guest, but you don't seem to like him very much, so I don't think you want to lend him a hand there."
He then turned back to Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Now, you. You have managed to artfully dodge every single part of my speech that was positive, hopeful, or otherwise talking about how much I respect you as a person and think you're way too smart to fall into something like this and only absorb the parts where I insulted you." Mori recapped, "I'll blame the akuma seed and not hold it too much against you. I also don't have much experience trying to build people up with words, so maybe I shouldn't have called you a prick, I'll file that for later. Anyway, as it obviously seems you're too far gone now for me to stop you from taking that demon deal, on to Plan B."
Mori gently, yet firmly, pushed Sakurajima away from Otoya, towards Pyrrha, and then placed his cane firmly on the ground, both hands on it, standing over the soon to be Akuma.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"I can't make miracles... yet, and there are a lot of things in this whole situation that I don't know, and have messed up, and will continue to mess up, over and over, for the foreseeable future. Nothing about this whole business comes naturally to me. When everyone else was enjoying the freedom their new forms gave them, I was stumbling under the weight of mine. But there are two things I feel strongly about that keeps me from giving up and telling the wannabe heroes that it's their problem now, and both of them are here with me now."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"The first, is developing my powers enough that I can do the same thing you're pushing towards, saving Kanna. You're not the only one in her corner, you know, though I'm sure you're her most ardent supporter. I can heal right now, but only small wounds, fixing up bruises and closing cuts, but I swore that I would work and push until I could really help people in need, until I'd save Sakurajima and Majima. And there's no easy way there, the path is filled with pain and suffering, but I'm willing to walk through it."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"The second is saving you, and every other poor soul who has a seed shoved in their neck and some toady prick comes along and pushes them to make a deal with the devil. And when asking nicely fails, it's time for plan B. So let it all out. Give me all the pain you've been holding in all this time. Give me every last drop of hurt I just gave you. Show me your fear of losing the ones you love, your hate for the world that won't stop taking and taking, your anger at those who try to stop you, your desperation for a chance, your sadness at having this secret hidden from you for so long, your envy of everyone else and their lives free of loss! Give it all to me, and I'll endure it all! And when you're done, when you've moved through all the pain, and hurt and fear and hate and anger and envy, I swear I will be there to drag you back out of your shadow and bring you back home! I will not fall until I've replaced this world with one where mankind can make miracles even in the depths of Hell!
"Now come on. If we have to fight, let's do it."
-
Sakurajima Team
The cloaked figure just breaks out in laughter.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "What dramatic speech! Where'd you learn that from, Kasuga? You don't understand a thing about the power you're given, do you? Not even your friend in white does. Or he wouldn't have wasted a year chasing me."
Gawain is clearly restraining himself from simply attacking him, right then and there. However, given he swats the ball out of the air without even flinching, he clearly isn't in the mood for Mori. Instead, he runs over to Kanna, pulling her back from Otoya, despite her protests.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Us half-demons, us Kaijin....we alone stand above the rest of the world. We can achieve the miracles nobody else can. And you have the gall to insult and anger someone who sought that power for themselves? For a hero you're not very good at it, are you?"
He continues.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "The power to overturn the world....belongs only to those who are worthy of grasping it."
Otoya screams, black smoke beginning to enshroud him.
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Otoya! S-senpai! Please, let me-"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "You can't help him now! Leave it to us!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "It seems the power did not find him worthy."
Tadano Team
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "It's down here! Keep going!"
The group heads deeper and deeper into the Domain, the corridor warping between an industrial factory and an auditorium's backrooms, before the sounds of fists smashing into flesh can be heard.
The party arrives at a large room, fans rotating overhead, light pouring in from somewhere unknown through the vents. Machinery of unknown purpose can be found around the room. On the ground, Tadano can be seen, a little bloodied, pulling himself to his feet....
...and Koga standing between him and Kaneko, hands clearly slightly dirtied and bloodied. Kaneko's face is bruised, as he staggers back, shaking his head, having clearly just been struck.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "You got a real pair of hands on you, don't you, Prez?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Stay away from Riku. You won't know what hit you."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Damn, I guess you ARE into getting your ass beat by girls. If I'd known you were into it I would have let Kasuga handle you last time."
Mildred placed herself near Koga.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Good job wailing on that scumbag, but we can take it from here if you want."
-
Vasusena had been studying the situation, plans racing through his head, all of them inadequate. He wanted to make the first move, but it was inevitable that Proioxis would instead.
Instead, he rushed to the injured Tadano's side, and drew his bow at Kaneko in a protective stance.
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"End of the line. We've been informed of what you did to create this Domain, and we cannot let you put any more people in harm's way." He was at least able to put together a reasonable cover story to hide his identity. Unlike Mildred, he still wasn't really prepared for his personal and Kaijin identities to be the same. At least, if they didn't have to be.
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"Do not worry, students. You're safe with us."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Everything in my life seems to be being solved by violence lately." Pixie muses. "On the other hand, it keeps being deserved."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"You make us sound barbaric, Pixie. All we're doing is excising the Akuma Seed from this young man. This duty of ours is a mercy... regardless of how he chooses to view it."
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"His just deserts for his crimes as a human should be dealt by humans, not Kaijin. By public society, not vigilantism," he said pointedly towards Proioxis, before turning to Kaneko.
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"That being said, I do agree... inside and outside of this world, you deserve a great deal and more for what you have done." He tried to keep his own personal rage out of his voice, but it could still be heard.
-
Tadano Team
Daiya simply laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0Sj80.png) "Don't worry, Honda. You'll get yours-"
He stops suddenly, his laugh warping into a yell of pain, as he collapses onto all fours, molten metal beginning to enshroud his skin.
Rise stumbles back.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "W-what's...happening?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "He's turning into an Akuma! Koga-senpai, get away from him!"
Akihiko sprints towards Rise, Jin glancing around to back him immediately, only for a massive fist to surge out of the molten mass of metal that was Daiya, made of metal and covered in wicked spikes, as an armored being emerges from the mass, clad in red and grey, spikes and thorns erupting all over their massive armored body.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "Now this....feels right."
(https://i.imgur.com/U5bUs0f.png)
Before Akihiko can do much of anything, Daiya -or the Akuma occupying his form- picks him up by the neck, stopping his charge dead.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Kasuga!"
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "Akkun!"
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "How would you like me to humiliate you like you did to me a year ago? Nobody even gave me the time of day after you were done beating us up! What right has some upstart like YOU interfering in our business?"
He smashes Akihiko into the ground, leaving a visible dent as his fist is wrapped tightly around Akihiko, the young man struggling. Daiya snaps his fingers, before metal tendrils erupt from the ground, lifting Rise away, wrapping around her.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "You, the Prez.....you ruined me. You ruined everything me and Sasanuma had going. And then you turned Sasanuma soft."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "W-what-?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "I'm gonna make you pay for it all, KASUGA!"
Suddenly, Saya collapses to the ground, her hand shooting to the back of her neck.
(https://i.imgur.com/JCiESId.png) "U-uh?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sBKoj6Q.png) "I thought we....oh no...."
Her eyes shut, clearly pained.
However, in the corner, the unconscious Riku seems to stir....
Sakurajima Team
Suddenly, unprompted, Otoya lets out a pained yell, echoing through the empty auditorium, as the black smoke fully envelops him, forming a large, barely-humanoid shape.
When the smoke dissipates, the resulting Akuma towers over even Gawain. A small upper torso can be seen above, hooded and robed in black, a white mask stained with constant tears running down the sides over a black mass of nothingness and shadow. The torso is perched upon a translucent orb of stained glass, images of Sakurajima revolving around it, and within, the shape of Otoya, curled in a fetal position, can be seen silhouetted within, suspended in some unseen medium illuminating the inside of the orb.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "....please, let me save her...."
(https://i.imgur.com/tpswLv0.png)
-
"You caused this. You drove him to this. You want what the figure is saying to be true. You want to be special. You want to make a miracle. You want to overturn the world. You want control. You want that power. You want to be someone. You want it all."
"Those words were yours and yours alone."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Sorry... but I think we need to save you first." Mori replied to Otoya, before turning to the team.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Otohime, support Gwer! Pyrrha, you're with me! he ordered "and if Gawain can deign to get his head out of his own ass, it would be a great help if he would be with Otohime and Marc'heg Gwer, thanks! The odds we'll actually be able to stop the toad right now are pretty much zip, so focus on the people you know you can save and leave the rest for later!"
-
Yet another name to keep track of. Perhaps Vasusena's lack of awareness of Kaneko's pathetic excuse for baggage would successfully make this seem less personal... if he hadn't suddenly assaulted Koga-senpai.
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"KOGA-SE-" He held himself back in an attempt to conceal his identity, but only barely. He immediately redirected his attention to Spartoi, and let loose a flurry of burning bolts at him, while he was distracted by Kasuga.
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"Pixie, rescue Koga! Proioxis, protect Tadano and Akitsuki! Everyone else, surround him! There is only one way to end this, and we must end this as quickly as possible!"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Got it, chief!"
Mildred immediately placed herself between the Akuma and Tadano & Saya, whipping up a wall of wind just behind her to keep the latter two safe.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If you want them, you'll have to get through me. You couldn't beat me in a gang fight and you sure as hell can't beat me like this, so give up already."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"Pixie, rescue Koga! Proioxis, protect Tadano and Akitsuki! Everyone else, surround him! There is only one way to end this, and we must end this as quickly as possible!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "On it!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Darting forwards, Pixie attempts to fee Koga from her bounds as she swings around and brings her foot, backed up by a slicing gale of wind, down on the tentacles between their owner and where they have grabbed on to the student president. "Let's get you out of the kamen rider fight zone!"
-
Pixie rushes in to try to save Rise, but more tendrils arise, swatting her away. Her bursts of wind go wide. The Akuma now occupying Daiya's form just laughs at her, before bringing Rise closer with a gesture of his fingers.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "That all you got? In that case, we'll take care of you first, Prez. You'll-"
[Now Playing: Tadano's Theme ~POLARIS~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4YQsgAt3Ek)]
"Sprout forth, Momotaro!"
A greenish blur smashes into the tentacle, the distinct sound of metal being crushed by metal. In the blink of an eye, Rise finds herself not in the clutches of a deranged Akuma, but in the arms of a short person, clad in green armor overlaid over peach-pink armor, a zunari kabuto helmet and mask obscuring their face and a green visor obscuring their eyes. Across their back, a simple kanabo is slung, made of black steel and golden studs arrayed around it. However, the voice is unmistakable.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "You little-"
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "I'll protect you, Koga-senpai!"
That voice belongs to Tadano Riku.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Tada...no? Are you..."
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "I don't know what this is but....I won't let him lay a finger on you!"
Riku, still holding Rise tightly, bounds off the ground, avoiding Spartoi's metal appendages. With one swift kick towards one, the young man rends it with a strike, managing to push himself towards the group. The Akuma drops Akihiko, his attention turned towards him. Riku lets Rise down gently, placing the young woman on the metal floor, before positioning himself between her and Daiya.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "I won't....let someone else fight my battles for me anymore! Kasuga, Akitsuki, Koga-senpai, I'll fight with you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "Goody-two-shoes little runt! You're not some kinda superhero, you know, even in that getup! Quit spouting shit like some wannabe shonen protagonist! I still got options!"
His eyes dart towards Saya, still incapacitated. If Akihiko's eyes were still visible, they'd widen. He immediately tries to pull himself to his feet, only for Daiya to stomp down hard on him, pushing him back down. The pinned Kaijin smashes his fists into Spartoi's leg, but to no avail; he's far tougher than even Saya was.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Don't you dare touch Saya! You bastard! I'll-!"
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "What, make speeches at me? Please. You don't have the balls. And I'll-"
Saya's voice suddenly pierces through the din, clearly anguished and scared.
"Get away from Akihiko! Don't you DARE hurt him! Shine down, Tsukuyomi!"
[Now Playing: Saya Battle Theme ~Lone Prayer~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaVGRqtWn28)]
Suddenly, a burst of light knocks Daiya off his feet, sending him tumbling away, almost blinding everyone else in the room.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "What?! Two of you?! No!"
Floating an inch off the ground, in the place of Saya is her Akuma form.
No, not quite right. It resembles her Akuma form; however, her robes are blue, rather than white, the ribbons surrounding her form a soft white rather than a fierce red. The ever-shifting galaxy reflected in her visor is colored in blues and yellows, rather than harsh crimson, and a lock of blonde hair emerges from the back of her helmet. The bottom of Saya's now-spindly legs fades into a translucent field of stars. In her hand, another blast of light is readied as she floats over, helping Akihiko up.
All of you sense something; as Saya approaches, you feel more aware of the enemy's weaknesses, of the layout of the room. Something about her power seems to grant you increased insight into everything.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Are you okay, Akkun?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'm more worried about you, Saya. Are you sure you can-"
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "If it's for you, Akkun, I can do anything. Please, don't worry about me."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Saya..."
Saya -or Tsukuyomi- turns then to face Daiya.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "I'm done letting Akihiko fight his battles alone! I'll protect him too!"
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "Quit the lovey-dovey shit! Shut up! Shut UP!"
Masked Onibi begin to pour into the room as Daiya pulls himself to his feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "You stupid people....losers while I've had to struggle here with everyone hating me, I'll make it all mine!
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "The only loser here is you, ya whiny bastard. Come on, give me a fight already!"
The Akuma occupying -or rather, enveloping- Otoya moves towards Mori slowly.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Get out of the way."
Shinigami raises its hand, a blast of blacker than black forming within its palm. Gawain yells.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Sawatari! Out of the way!"
Before he can react, Mori is shoved aside, Gawain falling backwards, as the blast smashes into the wall behind them, disintegrating it entirely. Behind it, you can see Akihiko's group in the middle of fighting a different Akuma and a different group of Onibi. Tsukasa pulls himself to his feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "This must be the center of the Domain then. Damn."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Well, this is all very interesting. But....I will bid you adieu."
The mysterious Kaijin waves, his cheeks clearly raising into a grin under his mask, before fading into the shadows. Tsukasa clenches his hands, tightly gripping his sword.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "I'll get that bastard later. Sakurajima, behind me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Y-yes."
Robed Onibi begin to pour into the room, as Akuma and Onibi alike begin hemming the Kaijin in, back to back, with Rise and Kanna safely ensconced between the two groups of Kaijin.
As the fight begins, however, Kanna seems to lose consciousness, slumping to the floor. Rise catches her, staring at the others. Despite the desperate situation, she seems to have it relatively together.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Handle the fight! I have Sakurajima!"
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Don't hurt Kanna. Let me save her, please."
~~~~Turn 1~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme (Mass Destruction)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jFaoLrLzd4)
(http://i.imgur.com/exPnC5Z.png) (https://imgur.com/exPnC5Z)
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/22 | MP: 22/22 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/28 | MP: 20/20 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 29/29 | MP: 19/19 (Slash)
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 22/22 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 19/19 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/22 | MP: 21/21 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/22 | MP: 21/21 (Nala)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 22/22 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/25 | MP: 17/17 (Rush)
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Rush)
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 18/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 18/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 26/26 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 3]
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 20/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 4]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
Mori looked at the Akuma revealed across the newly made whole in the wall. Yes, some things were different, if he hadn't known who it was it might have taken longer to figure it out, but the way he held himself, at least when he was confident or about to do some kind of goonish action, remained the same.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Kaneko Daiya..." Mori muttered.
"Will you render judgement? Will you inflict punishment? You will hear his gallows snap."
"Focus on one thing at a time for now."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"...we will discuss your punishment when this is over."
He turned to look at who else the broken wall had revealed. There was Kasuga and the rest, of course, along with a few other Kaijin. The starry one was Akitsuki, after all, it looked like Lunarian. The other one he hadn't seen before... process of elimination of those he knew had been taken by Daiya suggested Tadano, though further information would be required to confirm it. As for the new, yet familiar, Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"So it appears the true Aegaeon has made his appearance?" Mori stated, "A pity, you just missed your imposter. Scrawny man, purple hood and a mask, speaks like this. Rather a bothersome toad, but I didn't catch his name. He rather reminds me of a shitty knockoff of myself, what with his less effective shapeshifting and voice mimicry. Actually, come to think of it, he may still be here, given he just faded into shadows, but when I do that I'm only hidden." He changed to addressing the assembled kaijins "If you could please watch for signs of an invisible figure walking about, as best you can while still concerning yourselves with the fight, that would be fantastic, thank you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Anyway, Akitsuki and... Tadano, yes? Congratulations on your successful fight with the voices in your head. Side effects many include seeing terrifying monsters in the mirror, receiving creepy text messages, or repeated extremely vivid nightmares. If you experience these symptoms, please contact the Helper's club immediately as The White Knight will be of ABSOLUTELY NO HELP WHATSOEVER! Now then, I'll be helping Otoya if I am needed. Please decide swiftly who will be helping to restore which akuma so I may decide whose shadow to watch from."
-
K9, Hikana Hateful I
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "And here we go again... "
Pixie gives a slight sigh before darting past Pyrrha as she backs up Pyrrha's attack with her own bolt of lightning.
K8, Zia Hateful I
Pixie gives a slight sigh before darting past Pyrrha-, well, before beginning to dart past Pyrrha until she sees the enemy she was targeting get almost disintegrated by sheer overkill causing her to divert her course so she can strike a different enemy with the bolt of lightning she's been pulling out.
N8, Zia Vengeful F
-
It was all certainly a lot to process. Yet more Kaijin joining them (including the student council secretary), an entire second domain revealing itself (which other Kaijin were already dealing with), Fantomas' bizarrely uncalled for rant... he turned to the newly-minted Kaijin before him.
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"Momotaro, pay no mind to Fantomas. Even as a human, he makes an effort to be impossible to trust, even with those of us he works with. Though his actions stand to aid us, I cannot comprehend the intention of his words at this time."
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"Making peace with your inner demon and becoming a Kaijin is an accomplishment. Take pride, as commander of your own self."
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"Now, everyone! The Onibi have surrounded us! Reposition against the wall nearest to Pixie!"
Vasusena to K7, cast Sunfire on Hateful G
-
”They hate you. They fear you. They distrust you. They have reason to. They will never trust you. They will always hate you.”
”Does that matter?”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”Thank you very much for remembering that I personally enjoy making all of you suffer and squirm, as too many people here seem to forget it,” Mori replied, ”but I’m actually trying to be helpful right now, bucket-head. I’ve been having nightmares and hallucinations ever since I had my little talk with the voices in my head so I wanted to let the new recruits know what they might be in for, since no one had the courtesy to tell me.”
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sounds like a personal problem; Proioxis has been pretty quiet for me. I think you need a therapist."
With that, Mildred scooped up some rubble from the floor and moved to assist her friends.
Mildred moves to L9 to smash up Hateful H with a basic Throw.
-
Jin glances over at the ranting Mori, before gazing back at Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Voices? Shit, that happens?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Less talking, more fighting! We can sort that out when we aren't surrounded by Onibi! I'd thought you'd know, given you've got the whole being the Ocean King going!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Most talking Aegaeon's ever done is when he, uh, gave me the power. Y'all went through that, right?"
Riku looks down at himself.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "Inner peace? What? I, uh....all I wanted was the power to protect Koga-senpai....oh well. I still don't know how to do this-!"
And so, the Helpers' Club gives him a masterclass in how to be a Kaijin.
(Aika's Charisma activates!)
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's pride is overhwelming!)
Pyrrha casts Hikana!
Pyrrha loses 3 MP!
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 17, crit!
Hateful Mask I takes 30 damage!
Hateful Mask I is defeated!
Pyrrha regains 10 MP!
(Masaru has a reputation to uphold!)
Vasusena casts Sunfire!
Vasusena loses 3 MP!
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: 95 to hit
Hit: 83, hit!
(Ignis check: 16, pass!)
Hateful Mask G takes 22 damage!
Hateful Mask G is defeated!
Vasusena regains 10 MP!
(Mildred's fists are raised!)
(Proioxis' Warding Wind is active!)
(Shiro's Support activates!)
Mildred initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Hateful Mask H takes 39 damage!
Hateful Mask H is defeated!
Mildred gains one stack of Warding Wind!
(THe winds rise behind Misa!)
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour is active!)
(Mildred's Support activates!)
Misa initiates!
Hit Rate: 84 to hit
Hit: 82, hit!
Vengeful Mask F takes 13 damage!
Vengeful Mask F suffers -10 Hit/Eva for 1 turn!
Vengeful Mask F retaliates!
Hit Rate: 65 to hit
Hit: 37, hit!
Misa takes 8 damage!
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/22 | MP: 22/22 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/28 | MP: 20/20 (Bash)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 29/29 | MP: 19/19 (Slash)
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 20/20 | MP: 17/17 (Shoot)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 22/22 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 19/19 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/22 | MP: 21/21 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/22 | MP: 21/21 (Nala)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 22/22 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/25 | MP: 17/17 (Rush)
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Rush)
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 34/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 18/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 5/18 (Shoot) [Fairy Glamour: 1/1]
Hateful Mask A: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 26/26 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 3]
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 20/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 4]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
”Something is wrong with you. Something no one else suffers from. Something no one else cares about. Something you will suffer alone. Something you will suffer for the rest of your life. Something that can not be stopped.”
”Focus on the more urgent patient first. We can talk more about this when Otoya is ok.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”I was attacked by demonic mirror versions of people I know and then almost suffocated in sand inside a house of mirrors!” Mori replied to Jim’s question.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "....fuck, man, I'm so sorry for whatever you went through that made your inner demon come out like that. Assuming inner demons even work like that. Sorry, don't have an answer for ya, bud."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Boom, headshot! See that, Kaneko!? That's gonna be you next!"
-
"The only way to move further is to hurt Otoya further. The only thing you can do for him is cause him more pain."
"Just because a scalpel cuts people doesn't mean it's not a medical tool."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Enough about Fantomas, I'm here to help Otoya. I'll look after the new kid." Mori stated, turning to Tadano, "Hey Peachy, do me a favor and go deal with those wraiths by the piano. Don't worry, I'll be shadowing you."
Momotaro to M11, Bash Grieving D
Mori followed behind him. Once they were both in position, more of the leafy green kunai formed in Mori's hand, and he threw them at the closest wraith, before stepping into Tadano's shadow.
Fantomas to M10, Nala Grieving D, then Guard Momotaro
-
MEGAPOST
Prior to Fantomas' action, Marc'heg Gwer to J-10, cast Boosted Kurmala on Fantomas & Pyrrha
Otohime to K-9, use Again on Marc'heg Gwer & Vasusena, & cast Kurmala on Marc'heg Gwer
Otohime to K-8, cast Kurmala on Vasusena
Tsukuyomi to M-8, cast Kia on Pixie
Ibaraki-Douji to L-8, cast Fiama on Vengeful F
If Vengeful F survives:
Marc'heg Gwer to L-7, use Bash on Vengeful F
Vasusena to N-6, cast Sunfire on Vengeful E
If Marc'heg Gwer has yet to act, move to L-7, cast Nala on Vengeful E if still alive
-
Yui does her best to prepare her teammates.
(Marc'heg Gwer's Hautdesert Girdle activates!)
Marc'heg Gwer casts Kurmala!
Marc'heg Gwer loses 9 MP!
Pyrrha and Fantomas gain 3 DR for 3 turns!
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "Uu-uh? Okay, uh....let's go!"
Tadano bounds off and....practically obliterates one of the nearby Onibi with a single smash from his club.
(Momotaro's Treesplitter is active!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Aika's Charisma activates!)
Momotaro initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Grieving Wraith D takes 21 damage!
Grieving Wraith D is defeated!
(Momotaro's Kibi-dango Blessing activates....but cannot restore HP as both targets have full HP!)
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "This feels weird. Not bad weird. Uh....was it supposed to be that easy?"
Mori activates Guard!
Momotaro will be protected from incoming attacks!
Aika and Saya use their abilities to prepare everyone else meanwhile.
(Otohime's Living Currents activates!)
Otohime casts Again!
Otohime casts Kurmala!
Otohime loses 4 MP!
Marc'heg Gwer and Vasusena may move again!
Vasusena gains 3 DR for 3 turns!
Otohime casts Kurmala!
Otohime loses 4 MP!
Marc'heg Gwer gains 3 DR for 3 turns!
Tsukyuomi casts Kia!
Tsukuyomi loses 5 MP!
Pixie regains 20 HP!
One of the Kaneko-aligned Onibi collapses to the ground, a flaming fist having taken its head off courtersy of Akihiko.
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Saya's Dragon Ward activates!)
(Aika's Charisma activates!)
(Vengeul Mask F is under the effect of Fairy Glamour....)
Ibaraki-Douji casts Fiama!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 3 MP!
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Vengeful Mask F takes 18 damage!
Vengeful Mask F is defeated!
Akihiko regains 10 MP!
Not to be left hanging, Masaru takes down another Onibi with a blazing arrow.
(Vasusena is under the effect of Kurmala!)
(Masaru has practiced efficiency!)
(Masaru has a reputation to uphold!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
Vasusena casts Sunfire!
Vasusena loses 3 MP!
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Vengeful Mask E takes 16 damage!
Vengeful Mask E cannot retaliate!
Vasusena strikes again!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Vengeful Mask E takes 16 damage!
Vengeful Mask E is defeated!
~~Ally Phase~~
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Heh. Gawain, huh? Never thought we'd actually get to work together. Like Christmas came early."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Hm."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Not much of a talker, huh?"
Aegaeon casts Charge!
Aegaeon loses 8 MP!
Aegaeon's next Physical attack is buffed!
Gawain casts Lustrous Boost!
Gawain loses 18 MP!
All of Pyrrha's battle stats are boosted for 3 turns!
~~Enemy Phase~~
As the wraiths round on Riku, his shadow erupts around him, thorns stabbing through them as Mori protects him....only for a psychic blast to nail Mori dead-on, addling his senses.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "Are you okay?!"
(Riku is under Mori's protection!)
(Momotaro's Treesplitter is active!)
(Mori's Guard activates!)
(Mori's within Riku's shadow!)
(Akihiko's Support activates!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night is active!)
Promise Wraith D initiates!
Hit Rate: 59 to hit
Hit: 100, miss!
Fantomas retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 4, crit!
Promise Wraith D takes 42 damage!
Promise Wraith D is defeated!
(Riku is under Mori's protection!)
(Momotaro's Treesplitter is active!)
(Mori's Guard activates!)
(Mori's within Riku's shadow!)
(Akihiko's Support activates!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night is active!)
Grieving Wraith E casts Nerve Wrecker!
Grieving Wraith E initiates!
Hit Rate: 58 to hit
Hit: 16, hit!
Fantomas takes 7 damage!
(Fantomas is Sick for 2 turns!)
Fantomas retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Grieving Wraith E takes 7 damage!
Fantomas strikes again!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Grieving Wraith E takes 7 damage!
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Please stop."
An ominous aura begins to gather where Mori is standing, the distant, distorted sounds of piano playing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvx32SjAtE) suddenly appearing around them.
Shinigami casts Liebesleid!
Fantomas has 1 turn to escape the targeted area!
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "You first, Demura! Someone like you can't possibly be stronger!"
Masaru finds himself thrown into the nearby wall with the force of Spartoi's flame....but aside from some residual burns, it stings a lot less than it would have. Indeed, he manages to recover fast enough to retaliate with his own shot, which tears through Spartoi like wet paper.
(Vasusena is under the effect of Kurmala!)
(Masaru has practiced efficiency!)
(Masaru has a reputation to uphold!)
Spartoi casts Fire Breath!
Spartoi initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 42, hit!
Vasusena takes 6 damage!
(Vasusena is poisoned for 2 turns!)
Vasusena retaliates!
Hit Rate: 97 to hit
Hit: 54, hit!
Critical: 19, crit!
Spartoi takes 33 damage!
Spartoi's Life Point is removed!
Spartoi loses one Press Turn!
He stumbles backwards, shaking his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "Impossible....you can't be...I was meant to be stronger than you....stronger than Kasuga or Honda..."
~~~~Turn 2~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme (Mass Destruction)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jFaoLrLzd4)
(http://i.imgur.com/A1N9j70.png) (https://imgur.com/A1N9j70)
Level up applied.
Masaru is poisoned!
Masaru takes 6 damage!
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/23 | MP: 17/23 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/29 | MP: 11/21 (Bash) [Kurmala: 2/3]
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 29/30 | MP: 19/20 (Slash) [Kurmala: 2/3] color=blue][Lustrous Boost: 2/3][/color]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 10/24 | MP: 22/23 (Shoot) [Poisoned: 1/2] [Kurmala: 2/3]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 22/23 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/28 | MP: 22/23 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/23 | MP: 21/22 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 16/23 | MP: 21/23 (Nala) [Kurmala: 2/3] [Sick: 1/2]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 14/23 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/26 | MP: 17/18 (Rush)
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 26/34 (Rush) [Charge]
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 18/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 23/26 (Fia) [Press Turns: 2]
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 0/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 6/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 0/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 12/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 4]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
Proioxis to L5, hit Daiya with a Tailwind for that double.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Stronger than me? Ha! Reflect on your mistakes while you spend some time in the hospital!"
-
Of course the Akuma would recognize his appearance. The one time he didn't want to be recognized for his achievements... perhaps if he ended this here and now, he could keep the other students from thinking about it for too long...? Hopefully at least the ones outside of the Student Council.
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"Quiet, Proioxis. Your approach failed to give him any sense of rationality the last you interacted with him. If anything, your shared fixation on physical strength has done more than enough to destabilize the situation."
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
He then turned towards Spartoi. "As for you, 'tis blindingly obvious. Our selves are, in some part at least, a reflection of our actions..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Drawing a dangerous object in the middle of a crowd, and using it to attempt to kill your- our fellows, because a young woman interacts with a fellow member of her student union more than someone who isn't, who happens to be you? Or to rectify some past incident that soiled some other relationship of yours?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"If those are the actions you have taken, then it is clear you would never have a chance, inside of this alternate reality or not! Because no one would ever choose to be around someone who conducts themselves like you have!"
If Spartoi somehow survives Proioxis, Sunfire him for good measure
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Some people only understand a hierarchy of strength - who has it, who doesn't, who you can assert yours over. So I just have to prove to this jackass just how weak he actually is, and teach him he ain't gonna be picking on anybody ever again as long as I'm around!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Oh, stuff it, Vasusena, or I'll do it for you. You and Fantomas both could shut the hell up once in a while."
If by some miracle he's still alive, L5 and Hikana Spartoi, else J7 and Hikana Hateful D
-
”I won’t stop, because only I may harm my property.”
”I won’t stop, because you still need my help.”
”I won’t stop, because I care about you.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”Tis only a flesh wound.” Mori replied, wincing a bit from the hit, ”That said, I think Otaya wants me to fall back, and I’ll be happy to oblige. I’d recommend the same to you.”
He turned to look at the crowd of Kaijin behind him.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”Can someone heal me up a bit?”
Hearing Honda’s most recent remark, Mori felt the need to interject.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”Once more you show yourself incapable of understanding subtlety, or anything but brute violence for that matter. Even the strong bend to influence and words, if you know how to use them. I could command men like this fool with words alone, perhaps you’re the one who only understands strength?”
As for Pyrrha…
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
”Please don’t put me in the same category as that blowhard. He just talks and talks for no reason besides self aggrandizement. I at least have purpose to my words.”
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Go ahead and try to talk those demons down. I'll sweep up the pieces and send you off the hospital with this jerkass after they turn you into mulch. A Domain isn't a civilized place, so don't act like it is - all that matters here is who is strong enough to make the rules, so just be glad that I'm not a bully like him."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)". . . Do you even hear the words that come out of your mouth, theater kid? You sound like my father."
-
As much as he wanted to keep his composure while he was on-duty, Honda and that Akari girl's failure to understand their situation simply ticked him off.
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"Oh, spare me. An Akuma stands above the people they victimize in such a framework as yours. What you're humouring- even perpetuating- is lawless barbarism. True justice is decided and agreed upon by the public!"
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"And it is not as if your 'heirarchy' is as well-understood as you claim. If you were violently beaten for doing something that you were convinced was not wrong, would you reevaluate and 'reflect on your mistakes'?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Proving someone weak fails to prove them wrong. And if your only solution to someone acting wrongly is to make them feel weak, maybe Kaneko would never have been so desperate for strength that he would inject an Akuma Seed into himself, create a domain in the middle of a crowded cafeteria, and kidnap and attempt to kill Koga and Tadano!"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm not responsible for this guy making those decisions. If he stayed in his lane and didn't try to hurt people for no reason I wouldn't have to beat him down, and that's where you're misunderstanding me - this guy sees power as a means to do whatever he wants, but I fight for those who can't fight for themselves. THAT'S what real power is. If Kaneko wants to make bad choices that's on him and him alone - I'm just the consequences of his actions."
-
”They’re right, you’re weak and powerless here. They’re right, you sound just like the people you claim to hate. They’re right, Kameko will meet the noose. They’re right, without others you are useless in the face of true power. You’re right, you will never be a hero.”
”You have all the power you need.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
A. Please don’t try to threaten me so worthlessly. I have the blood of many more powerful beings than a pathetic rabid mutt on my hands.” Mori replied, “B. I am well aware of every word that comes out of my mouth. Bothering buckethead is a purpose. However, I find myself agreeing with him. The blind foolishness that the guilty must be punished with no hope of appeal is quite the most idiotic thing I’ve heard come from Prioxis’s mouth. Our duty is the protection of the innocent, not the punishment of the guilty. We should see to it that what we decide is what is truly best to help everyone, not just gain the temporary satisfaction of harming those we dislike.”
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You heard but you didn't understand, probably 'cause you're a psycho and hear voices in your head or whatever you were screaming at dude about earlier. I didn't threaten you with anything; hell, I even offered to cart you off for medical assistance after the demons here got done rearranging your teeth because you thought you could talk them down. And speaking of, if it were possible to have talked him down beforehand, man, you sure did a shit job of it. Face it, Sawatari: if diplomacy was plan A, it fuckin' failed. Now we're on to plan B, which is those of us with the balls to do what's necessary kick the shit out of those that need kicking before things get worse."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Then can you see the consequences of your actions?"
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"You're choosing to forget the window where Kaneko was a human. Before he drew out his own inner demon. Fantomas was not even present at the time, and I recall the very first thing that happened was you threatening him. Diplomacy never had a chance, because of you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"And do not equate our duty with vigilantism! The Onibi aren't sentient beings, and the Akuma is in an altered state of mind! Under any other circumstance, with any other Akuma who did not choose their fate willingly, we would see ourselves as saving them as well!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Justice is not what we do here and now. Justice is what happens afterwards, when he is apprehended by the police and, regardless of his sentence, socially ostracized for the rest of his life for committing terrorism! He is already the consequences of his actions, he does not need you!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "You three, focus! Justice, vigilantism.....that doesn't matter right now! There are people in here who need to be protected!"
He glances over at Rise, who's guarding a semi-conscious Kanna.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Even if they ARE complete assholes! Even if they're the kind of bastard who gets their kicks by picking on the weak! Even if they go after the people I care for most!"
Akihiko glares sternly at Spartoi.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "If we can rescue them, we rescue them! If the only way we can save them is by beating that Akuma out of them, fine! But I'm not letting anyone else go through what Saya did!"
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "I don't need rescuing, Kasuga! I've got everything I want now; all the power I could ever ask for to make soft assholes like you kowtow to me, like they deserve to! If you hadn't ruined everything by protecting Aiuchi....Sasanuma would never have gone soft, I'd have everything I wanted! You should've left well enough alone! Who was going to make a fuss over some country mouse getting a harmless prank, anyway, huh? Don't give me that crap, you stupid wannabe hero! All you wanted is the fame and you didn't even get that, you stupid-"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "If nobody fights for those without voices, then it's like not giving them a voice at all. I didn't want the fame, and I don't need it now! You'll get yours, Kaneko, but for now, I'll settle for beating that Akuma out of you!"
-
“This is what trusting your problems to others gets you. This is what admitting your true self gets you. This is what happens when you trust others. This is all you are viewed as, a psycho who hears voices in his head.”
“You already know that Honda is an idiot. Don’t start taking what she says to heart now.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
“Focusing only on the short term and being concerned only with what is in front of us?” Mori questioned, “you know, there’s a word for that in English, one you may actually be familiar with. Myopia.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
“More simply, ‘short-sightedness’, or, alternatively, ‘lack of imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight.’ Now, I’ll not be the fool who accuses you of a lack of intellect, I’m quite aware of what your grades are. Further, I don’t doubt you lack imagination, though not quite as much as those I normally work with, but they’re an unusually imaginative lot. However, I would argue that the other two definitions rather fit you. You think only in the short term, how to deal with what’s in front of you as it happens. Do you think that makes you heroic? After all, that’s how the riders do it, waiting for the next civilian to be transformed into a monster by the Yummies, or for the next Imagin to pop up, or the next Android to be hacked or whatever happened in that one. So that’s how you and Prioxis have done it this whole time. And what do you have to show for it? You lost role you wanted, an opportunity to reveal injustice as a member of the newspaper club. You are hated and feared by all around you, seen as dangerous, while those who you fight against remain lauded, free of such consequences. Do you think your continued failures make you a hero? Perhaps you delude yourself to think that losing what you care about is some wonderful sacrifice you made in the name of justice? Now with all these failures, who the fuck do you think has been cleaning up your messes?”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
“Do you think Sansamura was an isolated incident? Totaling the number of bullying incidents I’ve stopped and mitigated, as well as the number of times I’ve protected you myopic morons from the consequences of your actions, we near 100, and yet unlike you, I comfortably remain playing the role I’ve written for myself. You can call me a coward for not standing up and getting my teeth knocked out ‘like a man’ or whatever, but the truth is, my actions are the result of realizing that the most good is only done through carefully considering each move and how others will react to your move. Short sightedness only leads to further problems. If you move one step at a time, you’ll always be one step behind.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
“Now, moving away from you and I, let’s examine how both Akuma we face today are the the result of thinking of the short term rather than considering the long term consequences. I’ll start with Kaneko as Vasusena already raised the first part of the argument. The actions taken by Proioxis in beating up and humiliating Kaneko and assuming that such actions would convince him he could not win, rather than the much more likely outcome that he would be humiliated, angry, and desperate for some way to win, leading to him taking rash actions. Which leads us to the second short term consideration that lead to this: Kaneko’s decision to use an Akuma seed, and in doing so likely ruin his entire life, merely for the chance to be stronger than those who had beaten and humiliated him, is a short term thought that serves as a result of another short term attempt. On to Miyazono, his transformation into an Akuma was the result of Sakurajima’s decision not to tell him her situation, waiting until it was too late. As I’ve stated before, I find the motive understandable, even sympathetic, but ultimately the decision was reached to benefit the short term at the expense of the long term, failing to consider the result of not learning until it was too late, or the information getting out in a way that was controlled by those with malicious intent. Short term reasoning isn’t always made due to an unsympathetic motive, but can be just as harmful when you fail to consider the consequences of your actions.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
“Lastly, we can’t just worry about dealing with Akuma as they appear. We know that there is something intentionally targeting people with emotional distress, or generating emotional distress where it can be, in order to create more Akuma. Not only does this mean we need to look at the big picture as we need to consider how to deal with them in order to prevent similar situations to this from occurring in the future, it also means we need to carefully consider how we’re dealing with former and potential Akuma in order to see to prevent as many possible targets as we can. The earlier plan to beat up those who mess up and let them suffer the consequences doesn’t work, it only leads to a problem that is going to keep repeating, and getting worse every time. We can’t save Kaneko just to leave him to the dogs, of which I would count Proioxis, and expect to see the last of him. We also need to protect Miyazono to the best of our ability, but the only ones I think would disagree with that are absolute idiots so I don’t feel much need to stress it. We need to consider the long term consequences of what we do as kaijin, or risk creating more of a problem to fight another day.”
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
“In conclusion, we need to consider the long term consequences of what we do. Focus on the short term rather than the long term has proven to harm our future capabilities to help others, has directly resulted in the creation of Akuma, and would likely prove more beneficial to those who benefit from the creation of Akuma than ourselves. We can’t just worry about what’s directly in front of us for now, because once we’re done, we need to know what to do because once the fight ends and the domain disappears, it falls out of our hands and into those of the general public, and I personally don’t trust them to do what is best for people.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Short-sightedness? Is that what you call acting when you know something's wrong? You don't get it, do you? You can plan all you like, but the minute it goes wrong, you're screwed. You can't predict everything; for every person you've helped in secret, Saya and I have caught the slack of someone else you missed. For every person you manipulate to safety, there's one I have to fight for. Only you have the luxury of people liking you for it; but that's fine with me, so long as I can do right by others. People like you need people like me, because we're the ones who can think on our feet when the sky falls. And people like us need people like you, because you're the ones who see ahead, who think long term. If you want to count how many people you've protected, that's fine. But I won't. I don't need to. If I can help even one, then I can be happy that one person's life is better because of me. But don't look down on me or Honda, and don't treat us like we don't want the same thing!"
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "You can't always predict the future and you can't foresee everything, but if you can help someone, even bit by bit, and build up something better...that's why the Helper's Club exists. To make things better, one step at a time. Akkun, Sawatari, you're both right, but...."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Shut the hell up, Sawatari. You're really pissing me off. You and Demura, but especially you. Some day you're gonna realize that not everyone's a fuckin' puppet that'll dance the way you want if you pull the right strings. Some people just need a punch to the gut and you're flying up my list. Sometimes people don't listen. And sometimes people have fuckin' feelings! You do too, you insufferable prick, so stop pretending that you're so far above everyone else here as this cold master manipulator. You're just a dumbass high school student with the rest of us and you'd better fuckin' learn it. God you make me mad. Actin' like that to someone you're callin' a friend, supposedly, that's gross."
-
"Does a void of darkness have emotions? Does a void of darkness need friends? Does a void of darkness need to fear someone so pathetic as this?"
"You need to try to keep everyone functioning, at least until you can save Otoya and Kaneko."
"Does a void of darkness truly have the responsibility to make certain these worthless fools aren't torn apart by their own petty squabbling?
Whatever positive feelings he had had from being given empathy by Aegeaon earlier were swiftly being eaten away by the constant insults by those short sighted idiots. He was about ready to rip someone apart.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Point by point. A, if you want me to shut up, you're going to need tp figure out how to make me. B. That's patently false. Everyone has something that will get them to do something, the secret is getting access to it. C. If you want to punch me, fucking do it. I certainly can't physically stop you, and I can't convince you otherwise if you really want to. However, you know just as well as I that that isn't going to solve the problem you really want to solve." Mori replied, "You say I sound like your father? So that's what you're so angry over, but you can't punch him, can you? No, so you want to punch me and hope that that convinces you you have some kind of control. And lastly, D. I may be a liar, but I've never made such a bald faced falsehood as calling anyone here my friend. I'm quite confident no one here would call me a friend of these. Frankly, the overwhelming degrees of animosity I get from yourself, Proixois, and others here makes me quite comfortably aware I'm merely tolerated as, by some miracle, I didn't turn into an Akuma when a seed was put in my neck. Trust me, that's the only reason I speak to some of the people here too."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "You guys, enough! Focus on the mission! You want to debate the consequences of what happens after we're done, fine, but let's do it after! Sakurajima and Koga are still here depending on us, and Miyazono and Kaneko aren't turning back if we keep talking like this!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"When we get out of this, Sawatari, you're going to need to update your ID photo after I'm through with you."
-
"You don't need friends. You don't need emotions. You don't need trust. You don't need compassion. You don't need anything else but the power to overturn the world."
Mori, you need to..."
"Enough out of you."
Mori just shrugged.
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"You were going to want to murder me anyway if we kept interacting. Might as well get it out of the way."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/O4lys5a.png)
"You're choosing to forget the window where Kaneko was a human. Before he drew out his own inner demon. Fantomas was not even present at the time, and I recall the very first thing that happened was you threatening him. Diplomacy never had a chance, because of you!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Funny, I seem to remember the first thing being that he was trying to embarrass Tadano in front of the entire school. Don't act like you didn't want to see me break his nose for messing with your Council friend, or that he didn't deserve it for how he acts. You know as well as I do that Kasuga is right - words that aren't backed by strength are empty at best. This dipshit would have ignored you if you had went to your friend's defense alone, but he knows how far that'll fly with me."
Mildred nodded to Shiro before turning back to Demura.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Where Kasuga is wrong, however, is that people like us need people like you. Judge me all you like - you don't know me, so I don't give a shit. All I know is that if I hadn't noticed and intervened, Kaneko would have gotten away with it and kept targeting Tadano over Koga. At least now we have this out in the open, and once I beat the devil out of Kaneko maybe he'll turn over a new leaf. Or maybe he won't and I'll still be here to protect the people he tries to bully. So you take Sawatari and go hang out in your little ivory towers since you have the luxury of acting like you're above it, and people like me and Kasuga will go get our hands dirty with the real work."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "As for theater kid, I know you were talking but I lost interest about seventeen hours ago. Shut up and fight or go hide somewhere."
-
"You have no need for people who are so worthless, idiotic, and pathetic. Rip them apart."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"Someone get this dog a shock collar." Mori replied.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ba4uQKC.png)
"You only need power. The power to overturn the world. The power to reclaim what belongs to you."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"If you're going to ignore reason, I'm not going to try to explain to you why your pathetic, small-minded view is wrong." Mori continued.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"All you need is to grasp the true power of a Kaijin! Then you will have the power to make miracles! Then you will stand above the rest of this pathetic world! Then you can remake everything into what you desire! Then you can punish everyone who ever wronged you! Then you can rule over the Theatre of Hell!"
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"All I need is... no... no that's wrong!" Mori shouted.
There was a pain in his neck and spine, like someone was shoving a dagger into it, and an icy cold feeling crept along his body.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"What? You want to claim you don't want to hurt others? the voice continued, "But Mori, that's all you've ever been good at, and it's all you've ever done. Just look at your hands."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHhMCyr.png)
"My... hands?"
He looked down at his hands, covered in purple gloves, with slips of pure black showing through the small break between the gloves and the identically colored sleeves of his overcoat. As the pain ran through him his vision started to go fuzzy. He watched as his hands grew less and less distinct, going from hands to fuzzy purple limbs to indistinct shapes. The cold feeling kept spreading, as if ice-water was seeping through his coat, and his teeth started chattering. His hands started coming back into focus, but they didn't look right. He was sure he hadn't transformed back, but his hands weren't the gloved hands of Fantomas. They were his own hands, stained crimson with blood.
His knees gave out as he kept starring, his mind flashing with images of black sands and a red sky, tall, grey, leafless trees with bodies hanging off them. Corpses littering the floor with knives in their spines, or slipped between their ribs, or with their chests ripped open and their hearts laying beside them.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"The more pain you cause, the less empty you feel."
(https://i.imgur.com/LEC0m0f.png)
"Shut up." Mori breathed out.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"Because the more you paint over yourself with red, the less you have to acknowledge the void beneath."
"Shut up!"
He screwed his eyes closed and covered his ears with his bloody hands, but the voice just got louder.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"But you'll never be anything more than a pathetic, empty, child, who does nothing more than hurt everyone around you!"
"Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Glancing between the argumentative figures, the dimunitive form of Pixie sticks her hand in the air and waves for people's attention. "So, uh... while this is all very philosophical and all, is there any chance we could leave the arguments for second and do the 'solving problems and rescuing the people in need' bit first?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Because we're still standing between a bunch of folk who want to knock our blocks off."
-
Aika had, through most of this, been dragged somewhat-unwillingly along after Akari. She'd been half-hoping to avoid getting involved in one of these big episodes again, beyond what she'd already promised to do. After all, she was an entertainer--getting involved in the active heroism business beyond just inspiring people with her music was a bit more than what she'd signed on to do.
Still, she was here. And if she was here, she felt compelled to help. But beyond the magic she'd used to support the local green knight, the princess of the sea now found herself standing around watching the others with no small amount of bemusement.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Um... For what it's worth, I think I have to agree with Pixie and Ibaraki on this one, guys."
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"I mean, I know we're all souped-up sentai-hero-slash-magical-girl things, and long dramatic monologues and arguments over ideals are part of the genre, but this has been going on for, like, fifteen minutes."
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Can we just focus on the fight and hash these details out later, please~?"
She glanced over, watching with some mild concern as Mori fell down to the floor, yelling at what, to the others, looked like nothing.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"And, uh. Maybe just let that Fantomas guy take a bit of a breather while we get on that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Or..."
Probably a bit more than the others, Aika lived a life revolving around music. She was sensitive to the vibrations in the air, the distant sound of the notes driving a song. So, more than the others, she had a bit more of a sense when something was about to reach a crescendo.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"H-hey, wait, nevermind that! Fantomas, get back on your feet! You need to move!"
-
All the events and chaos of the, what, past hour(?) made Yui blank out and run on silent instinct for the most part. But when Mori began to panic and have a breakdown, she suddenly got her conciousness thrown back into reality.
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "... Ah!"
A quick lookaround to assess the situation. They were back in the Akuma dimension, or whatever these pocket dimensions are called. Fighting. The White Knight on their side. An enemy Kaijin before her, an Akuma behind her. Looking at the Kaijin, she subconciously feels a certain connection towards the person within the armor. She was unsure about who it was, after all, she was in a different place within her mind. But she knew she felt an aversion towards whoever is inside that suit of armor.
Then Yui remembered hearing Mori being in turmoil. In pain. Suffering.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) ... I will take over now, Marc'heg Gwer. You did enough for today. Thank you for keeping me safe while I was unable to act.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) Thank yourself. I still felt a lingering will to move on within you. If it would have been snuffed out, that would have been proof of your worthlessness. And as you already know, I have no reason to keep that inner fire of yours burning...
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) Heh... For someone wanting me to fail, you sure are supportive.
Heavy yet resolved steps echo through the room as Yui approached Mori, grabbed his arm and pulled him closer, staring straight into the simulacrum of a face on Fantomas' head.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I don't know what's wrong with you right now, but I'd rather fight for two than give you up! Stay close to me until you find yourself again! Got it?!"
M-9, rescue Fantomas.
-
The sounds around him were dull and muted, as if he was underwater. The only sound that came through clearly was a distorted piano tune. It was swift, almost sounding like a happy number, but he could feel something in it, darkness and despair. It was drawing him in, the darkness wanted to consume him, wash him away with it.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"Even the one you declare to be yours, who you wish to protect, to save, even he desires nothing more than for you to be gone." The voice sounded more solid now, like it was no longer just echoing in his head, but rather spoken by a figure that lurked over his shoulder, "And why wouldn't he? What have you ever done to help him? The lie that hurt him so? You aided in it. His transformation into a monster? You convinced him of it. You have done nothing but hurt him, make him suffer, and lead him to a darker and darker path."
The location of the voice shifted, and he could see it now. An indistinct blackness, like a cloud of smoke and darkness, flowed around him. It reformed into a figure of some sort, but through blurry eyes and the figure's own shifting shape he could not make out anything clear, except for the eyes. They weren't Fantomas's black void, but rather two pits of fire, ready to burn him away to nothingness... if he wasn't nothing already.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"And do you know why?" The Figure asked, as he crouched down in front of him, one hand lifting up his chin, to force him to stare right into his fiery eyes, another calmly encircling his throat. "Because you are nothingness. A void. And a void can not add anything to the world around it. It can not make anything better. A void can only take things away, attempting to draw them into itself, to make itself less empty. You draw in the happiness of others, their love, their safety, their hopes, their dreams. You consume them, always eating, always starving, never able to be satiated as everything you consume just become nothingness. Darkness that no light can fill, that will ceaselessly consume until everything around it is as empty as it is."
He couldn't speak. Any word that came to mind felt like it was burnt up by those fiery eyes, leaving nothing but black soot behind. As he felt the black hand close around his throat, he couldn't even think to fight, or even to plead for the figure to stop.
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"Now then, if you really want to help those you claim to look after, then just stay here, and let the darkness and despair overtake you. Grant him that wish, the wish of everyone who ever suffered your aid." The hand closed tighter, choking out his breath. "Lay down and be consumed. Fall into the darkness and wash away everything. That is the only way you can truly help anyone."
He did. Any thought of resistance was choked out by that hand and those eyes. If that was the only way to help, then who was he to do anything else.
Then he could hear heavy steps, and an arm grabbed him and pulled him away from those eyes.
He found himself staring at the metal face of The Green Knight. The scared girl who wanted to leave, who didn't want to hurt anyone, who he had told he wouldn't force to fight along side them. Now he had forced her to come with him. To save him.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I don't know what's wrong with you right now, but I'd rather fight for two than give you up! Stay close to me until you find yourself again! Got it?!"
Find himself? Was there anything in that darkness worth finding?
A cloud of smoke and darkness formed around his head, forcing its way into his mouth, as he choked out the words.
(https://i.imgur.com/OMS0yDj.png)
"The rest is silence."
Pass Turn
-
Mildred's first strike goes wide, allowing Kaneko to retaliate with a fireball directly to her face.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Strength belongs to the people who'll use it right! Not for some stupid ideal! If it's there, why shouldn't we use it?"
Indeed, his pontificating results in him getting a retaliatory smack to the face.
(Proioxis' Great Typhoon activates! +3 DMG/+10 Critical)
(Mildred's fists are raised!)
(Akihiko's Support activates!)
Proioxis casts Tailwind!
Proioxis loses 3 MP!
Proioxis gains +2 AS for 2 turns!
Proioxis initiates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 99, miss!
Spartoi retaliates!
Hit Rate: 63 to hit
Hit: 20, hit!
Proioxis takes 14 damage!
Proioxis retaliates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 43, hit!
Spartoi takes 15 damage!
He stumbles back, shaking his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "I should be stronger....why?!"
Kaneko turns towards Masaru.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "Shut up! You don't get it! Some civilized wannabe politician like you....you look down on us. You think because you're so high and mighty, because you won't fight, someone with real strength won't cut you down to the rest of us? I'll show you! Might makes right!"
(Masaru is eager to prove...)
(Masaru has practiced efficiency!)
Vasusena casts Sunfire!
Vasusena loses 3 MP!
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: 79 to hit
Hit: 97, miss!
Spartoi retaliates!
Hit Rate: 80 to hit
Hit: 51, hit!
Vasusena takes 7 damage!
Kaneko laughs as Vasusena reels from the blow.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "You idiot. Long as you don't get it, you're weak. You can't solve all your problems by just talking! The only people who use talk are cowards! Strength is the only thing that matters! If you're not strong, you can't decide anything! And the strongest....are those who use their strength to get what THEY deserve! If you don't, you're just weak, hiding behind your ideals! Power is meant to be used, not hidden!"
And so, Shiro shows him that strength does indeed, matter.
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Kurmala is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive is active!)
(Mildred's Support activates!)
Pyrrha casts Hikana!
Pyrrha loses 3 MP!
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: 88 to hit
Hit: 82, hit!
Critical: 14, crit!
Spartoi takes 20 damage!
Spartoi is downed!
Pyrrha regains 10 MP!
Spartoi stumbles backwards, shrinking as metal parts fall off of him, revealing more of the human beneath his Akuma form.
(https://i.imgur.com/he0ZVK5.png) "How....I was....supposed to be stronger...than some stupid....wannabe heroes....."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "You don't get it either."
Akihiko clenches his fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Strength is only strength when you use it to protect others, as a tool of justice. In the hands of someone like you, it's worse than being powerless. You'll just waste it on something stupid like getting revenge or getting what you want without any regard for others. The truly strong use their power only to defend others, not to get what they want. It's one tool, not your only one. Even like this....we're only fighting you because it's the only way to save you."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "When you wake up, I hope we've knocked some sense into you. Asshole."
Daiya Kaneko, the Akuma parts having fallen off of him, slumps to the floor, unconscious to be caught by Saya, who deposits him next to Rise and Kanna.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "I'll keep an eye on him with Koga and Sakurajima, Akkun."
Akihiko briefly restrains himself with a glare at Daiya. He would be dealt with. In the proper way, when everyone was safe.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Good. It's better you deal with him than I do."
He watches as Mori is saved by a passing Yui, pulled from danger, before staring down Shinigami.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Miyazono, I owe you. Sawatari, I don't know if you're in any condition to listen, but I'll save him for you since you're not right here right now. No, we will. Everyone, you have my back, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Always, Akkun!"
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "You won't stop me from saving Kanna! I....can't let you!"
Marc'heg Gwer Rescues Fantomas!
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/23 | MP: 17/23 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/29 | MP: 11/21 (Bash) [Kurmala: 2/4] [Rescuing: Mori/Fantomas]
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 29/30 | MP: 19/20 (Slash) [Kurmala: 2/4] [Lustrous Boost: 2/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 3/24 | MP: 19/23 (Shoot) [Poisoned: 1/2] [Kurmala: 2/4]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 9/24 | MP: 19/23 (Throw) [Tailwind: 2/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/28 | MP: 22/23 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/23 | MP: 21/22 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 16/23 | MP: 21/23 (Nala) [Kurmala: 2/4] [Sick: 1/2] [Rescued by: Yui/Marc'heg Gwer]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 14/23 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/26 | MP: 17/18 (Rush)
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 26/34 (Rush) [Charge]
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 18/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 0/26 (Fia)
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 0/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 6/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 0/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 12/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 4]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Miyazono-san, right? We're not here to stop you from helping Kanna."
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"But this isn't how you can do that. And we're sure as heck gonna stop you from hurting yourself."
Aika nodded firmly.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Yep, yep, I'm with you, Kasuga-san! Let's go~!"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Shapechange-y guy safe, Yui-chan? Alright! Stop glaring at him, Akari-san- we need both of you to help!"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Listen to my song/As it sounds through the darkness/rising over the dirge in joy and light~"
M7. Again on Pyrrha and Marc'heg Gwer.
-
Pyrrha offered no verbal response to the song, just a low growl as she moved to hack apart yet another Onibi.
H5, Hikana Hateful C
-
Tsukuyomi to N7, Kia Vasusena
Ibaraki-douji to J6, Fia Hateful D
Momotaro to M12, Bash Grieving E
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Strength is only strength when you use it to protect others, as a tool of justice. In the hands of someone like you, it's worse than being powerless. You'll just waste it on something stupid like getting revenge or getting what you want without any regard for others. The truly strong use their power only to defend others, not to get what they want. It's one tool, not your only one. Even like this....we're only fighting you because it's the only way to save you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Damn straight, Kasuga."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Do not....stop me!"
Otohime casts Again!
Marc'heg Gwer and Pyrrha may move again!
Consumed with rage over Mori's remarks, Shiro almost cleaves an Onibi in two.
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming....)
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Kurmala is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
Pyrrha casts Hikana!
Pyrrha loses 3 MP!
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 80, hit!
Hateful Mask C takes 21 damage!
Hateful Mask C cannot retaliate!
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Demura, I've got you! Here!"
Tsukuyomi casts Kia!
Tsukuyomi loses 5 MP!
Vasusena heals for 21 HP!
Meanwhile, Akihiko and Riku get to work beating faces.
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution activates!)
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: 92 to hit
Hit: 56, hit!
Critical: 1, crit!
Hateful Mask D takes 39 damage!
Hateful Mask D is defeated!
(The promise remains for Riku!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Momotaro's Kibi-dango Offering is active!)
Momotaro initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 7, crit!
Grieving Wraith E takes 60 damage!
Grieving Wraith E is defeated!
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/23 | MP:217/23 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/29 | MP: 11/21 (Bash) [Kurmala: 2/4] [Rescuing: Mori/Fantomas]
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 29/30 | MP: 16/20 (Slash) [Kurmala: 2/4] [Lustrous Boost: 2/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/23 (Shoot) [Poisoned: 1/2] [Kurmala: 2/4]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 9/24 | MP: 19/23 (Throw) [Tailwind: 2/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/28 | MP: 22/23 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/23 | MP: 21/22 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 16/23 | MP: 21/23 (Nala) [Kurmala: 2/4] [Sick: 1/2] [Rescued by: Yui/Marc'heg Gwer]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 14/23 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/26 | MP: 17/18 (Rush)
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 26/34 (Rush) [Charge]
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 22/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 18/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 18/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 22/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 1/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 0/26 (Fia)
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 0/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 0/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 0/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 12/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 26/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 4]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
Yui drops Mori off at M8.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Thanks, Yui-chan. Now-"
Aika clapped her hands together, then held them out over the comatose phantom.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Wake up!/Sun's already rising/It's a bright new day waiting outside~"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Hop up!/Don't you wanna see it?/Let the light chase your nightmares away~"
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Relax. You with me, phantom-guy~? Focus on my voice. Dunno about 'silence,' but the rest of that stuff's just noise, right? So~! One line at a time."
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"~Wake up!/Don't worry about tomorrow/'Til you see what today holds for you~"
Otohime uses Kia on Mori.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Turning from the discussion and emotions, Pixie makes a decision. "I'm just going to go set someone on lightning."
Move to J7, Zia Hateful F
-
Yui and Aika get their allies out of danger.
Marc'heg Gwer drops Fantomas on M8!
Fantomas is no longer Rescued!
Otohime casts Kia!
Otohime loses 5 MP!
Fantomas regains 21 HP!
Misa takes her moment to stem the enemy advance with a lightning bolt.
(The winds rise behind Misa!)
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
(Aika's Charisma is active!)
Pixie initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
(Luna check: 3, pass!)
Hateful Mask F takes 14 damage!
Hateful Mask F cannot retaliate!
Hateful Mask is now under the effects of Fairy Glamour!
Pixie strikes twice!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
(Luna check: 9, pass!)
Hateful Mask F takes 14 damage!
Hateful Mask F is defeated!
~~Ally Phase~~
Jin regains 5 MP!
Tsukasa regains 5 MP!
Aegaeon smashes an Onibi down with an armored fist almost off-handedly. He positions himself between the newer Kaijin and the advancing wave of Onibi, Gawain joining him.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Let's cover them. Can't let our kouhai down, can we, Kazami? That masked kid probably needs some help, though."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "....."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Not much of a talker? Alright, suits me just fine. When we make it through this, yakiniku on me!"
~~Enemy Phase~~
Misa continues covering the backwards retreat of the group with more lightning.
(The winds rise behind Misa!)
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour is active!)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
(Aika's Charisma is active!)
Hateful Mask E initiates!
Hit Rate: 56 to hit
Hit: 81, miss!
(Misa heralds the storm!)
Pixie retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 4, crit!
Hateful Mask E takes 33 damage!
Hateful Mask E is defeated!
Shiro is....out of position. But not before demolishing most of the remaining Onibi around her.
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Derive is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Kurmala is active!)
Hateful Mask B initiates!
Hit Rate: 57 to to hit
Hit: 6, hit!
Pyrrha takes 6 damage!
Pyrrha retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 24, crit!
Hateful Mask B takes 34 damage!
Hateful Mask B is defeated!
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Derive is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Kurmala is active!)
Vengeful Mask B initiates!
Hit Rate: 61 to hit
Hit: 45, hit!
Pyrrha takes 5 damage!
Pyrrha cannot retaliate!
Vengeful Mask B strikes again!
Hit Rate: 61 to hit
Hit: 5, hit!
Pyrrha takes 5 damage!
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Derive is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Kurmala is active!)
Vengeful Mask A initiates!
Hit Rate: 61 to hit
Hit: 67, miss!
Pyrrha cannot retaliate!
Vengeful Mask A strikes again!
Hit Rate: 61 to hit
Hit: 39, hit!
Pyrrha takes 5 damage!
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Derive is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Kurmala is active!)
Hateful Mask A initiates!
Hit Rate: 57 to to hit
Hit: 55, hit!
Pyrrha takes 6 damage!
(Counter check: 7, pass!)
Hateful Mask A takes 6 damage!
Pyrrha retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 6, pass!
Hateful Mask A takes 33 damage!
Hateful Mask A is defeated!
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Derive is active!)
(Lustrous Boost is active!)
(Kurmala is active!)
Hateful Mask C initiates!
Hit Rate: 57 to to hit
Hit: 19, hit!
Pyrrha takes 6 damage!
(Pyrrha's Rage Awakened activates!)
Pyrrha retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 10, pass!
Hateful Mask C takes 33 damage!
Hateful Mask C is defeated!
Pyrrha is downed!
Meanwhile, the Onibi, with the conflicting Akuma dead, begin to turn their attention towards a single target as they come into the control of the remaining Akuma.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Ka...su...ga..."
[Now Playing: ~~Map Theme of Shinigami (Symposium magarum)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5etuXKfEYy4)]
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Akihiko is so lost...)
(Akihiko will protect you to the end!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution activates!)
(Mildred's Support activates!)
Vengeful Mask C initiates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 21, hit!
Ibaraki-Douji takes no damage!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 69, hit!
Critical: 4, crit!
Vengeful Mask C takes 48 damage!
Vengeful Mask C is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Akihiko is so lost...)
(Akihiko will protect you to the end!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution activates!)
(Mildred's Support activates!)
Vengeful Mask D initiates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 66, hit!
Ibaraki-Douji takes no damage!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 85, hit!
Critical: 4, crit!
Vengeful Mask D takes 48 damage!
Vengeful Mask D is defeated!
Promise Wraith A casts Parmunda!
Marc'heg Gwer loses 3 DMG for 3 turns!
Grieving Wraith B casts Kurmunda!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 3 DR for 3 turns!
Grieving Wraith A casts Kurmunda!
Momotaro loses 3 DR for 3 turns!
(The promise remains for Riku!)
(Riku will give it his all!)
(Momotaro's Treesplitter is active!)
(Kurmunda is active...)
Promise Wraith B casts Nerve Wrecker!
Promise Wraith B initiates!
Hit Rate: 80 to hit
Hit: 98, miss!
Momotaro cannot retaliate!
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "You...you of all people should understand. You would do anything for Akitsuki!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Not like this, Miyazono. Not like this."
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "If you won't help me save Sakurajima, get out of the way!"
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Akihiko is so lost...)
(Akihiko will protect you to the end!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Bloodthirst activates!)
(Mildred's Support activates!)
Shinigami casts Contagion!
Shinigami initiates!
Hit Rate: 93 to hit
Hit: 99, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: 84 to hit
Hit: 82, hit!
Critical: 16, crit!
Shinigami takes 27 damage!
(Shinigami loses a Life Point and a Press Turn!)
Suddenly, the warped noises of a piano (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKkeDqJBlK8) can be heard around Akihiko, Tsukasa and Misa.
Shinigami targets Pixie with Pavane for a Dead Princess!
~~~~Turn 3~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme of Shinigami (Symposium magarum)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5etuXKfEYy4)
(http://i.imgur.com/Iw1nqf9.png) (https://imgur.com/Iw1nqf9)
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/23 | MP:217/23 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/29 | MP: 11/21 (Bash) [Kurmala: 1/4] [Parmunda: 3/3]
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 0/30 | MP: 16/20 (Slash) [Downed: 3/3] [Kurmala: 1/4] [Lustrous Boost: 1/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/23 (Shoot) [Poisoned: 1/2] [Kurmala: 1/4]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 9/24 | MP: 19/23 (Throw) [Tailwind: 1/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/28 | MP: 22/23 (Fia) [Kurmunda: 3/3]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/23 | MP: 21/22 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 21/23 (Nala) [Kurmala: 1/4]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 9/23 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/26 | MP: 17/18 (Rush) [Kurmunda: 3/3]
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 26/34 (Rush) [Charge]
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 0/26 (Fia)
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 0/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 0/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 0/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 12/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 25/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 3]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
Mildred moves to I5 and uses a FAK on Shiro.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I got you. Let's get back in the fight."
Proioxis held a hand out to help Pyrrha back to her feet.
-
He couldn’t breath, the smoke and embers choking him and stinging his eyes and face as they buzzed around him like a cloud of angry hornets, all the while still whispering to him.
“Give up.”
“Give in.”
“Lay down and die.”
“Child!”
“You can’t change.”
“You are nothing.”
“Prince Consort!”
“You will only hurt others.”
“Their blood is on your hands.”
“You are empty.”
“Mikado!”
His eyes squinted open. That wasn’t the voice of the figure, it was someone else. Through smoke filled eyes, he could see a new figure standing over him, dressed in a colorful yukata. He’d never seen him before, but somehow the figure looked familiar.
“Just die.”
(https://i.imgur.com/fJXaPXM.png)
“Tell me, Mikado, what ever happened to the authority that appeared when you first called me?”
“You are nothing.”
What was he talking about. He didn’t know who he was.
“A foolish child.”
(https://i.imgur.com/2KSUzcv.png)
“W-*cough*what are you-” he began to cough out.
“You hurt everyone.”
(https://i.imgur.com/fJXaPXM.png)
“Do you not recall?” the new figure asked, “You sounded quite authoritative when you told the wraith ‘What’s mine is off limits!’”
“You save no one.”
Mori’s eyes widened, despite the smoke stinging them, and he was finally able to truly see the figure standing over him. Crouched before him was the kitsune masked kaijin he’d transformed into to save Kanna.
“Always to be feared.”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“All coming back to you now then, Mikado? Excellent, then perhaps you can answer some questions for me. Firstly, why were you so willing to lay down and die?”
“Hated.”
(https://i.imgur.com/OMS0yDj.png)
“Otoya, he-” Mori replied, before the smoke caused him to break off into another coughing fit.
“Distrusted.”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“The one you serve as dictator to wished for you to die, and you sought to grant him his wish?”
“Deserving of nothing more.”
Mori nodded.
“Worthless.”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Another question then. Why was a dictator given power in ancient times?”
“You can never change.”
(https://i.imgur.com/OMS0yDj.png)
“Because the people-” he broke off coughing.
“You will help no one.”
(https://i.imgur.com/OMS0yDj.png)
“-the people were in crisis. They needed- “ The smoke seemed to be trying harder to force itself into his lungs.
“You will lead no one!”
(https://i.imgur.com/RkLhhAI.png)
“They needed someone to help lead them.”
“YOU ARE NOTHING!”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“The people could not trust themselves to decide.” The kitsune replied, “They were fearful, panicked, and driven to bad decisions by that fear and desperation. They needed someone to help them make the right decision. Someone they trusted to save them from their worst selves.”
“YOU WILL NEVER SAVE ANY-”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Enough!” the kitsune shouted. He snapped his fingers in front of Mori’s eyes and a blinding burst of blue fire flashed in his palm, banishing the smoke with the force of a thunderclap.
With the smoke in his eyes cleared, Mori stared at the towering black Akuma that Otoya had become.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Does this look like a decision made by a man who is in the right state of mind to be making his own decisions?” The kistune asked, “Further, can you really believe any decision an Akuma makes is what they truly want? Did Akitsuki want to hurt Demura and the others? Do you want any of what the demon that speaks to you wants?”
(https://i.imgur.com/F1EULx1.png)
“No.” Mori answered, shifting onto his knees.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“You forgot why you came here, Mikado.” the Kitsune continued, “You aren’t here to debate the importance of punishment or reform, or what makes one most deserving of power, or planning vs impulse.”
The Kistune stood up, reaching his full height.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“You are here because you have a duty. You have power over others, Mikado. You call yourself their dictator, and you know the responsibility that comes with that. You are here to protect that which is yours.”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“No one can take what belongs to you from you. Not a demon, a god, or even death himself. If they dare try, then you must seize it back. Do you understand?”
(https://i.imgur.com/RkLhhAI.png)
“I-”
“YOU WILL ONLY HURT THOSE YOU SEEK TO AID!”
The smoke returned like a roaring current, scorching his eyes and filling his lungs. He was knocked back down to the ground by the force of it. The embers scorched his skin as he closed his eyes to get away from the pain.
“YOU ARE WORTHLESS! EMPTY! NOTHING!”
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“I gave you what I could, the rest is up to you, Mikado!” The Kitsune shouted to him, “Call me once more! Prove you have the strength to perform your duty!”
“YOU ARE WEAK! INSIGNIFICANT!”
He was surrounded by darkness again. The only sound was the screaming of the smoke in his ears, as the sparks and embers scorched his skin. He wanted to stay down, just collapse, not fight against the pressure crushing him to the floor.
“Just lay down and die!”
But he couldn’t now. There was something much more important than the voices in his head he had to deal with now.
He forced himself to get up, until he was kneeling on one knee.
“You only hurt others!”
(https://i.imgur.com/SMvN53Y.png)
“Miyazono Otoya! Sakurajima Kanna!” He shouted out, “Understand that you are mine, and I swear, I will save both of you!”
“YOU WILL SAVE NO ONE!”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Sawatari-san..."
She could feel the inner turmoil within Mori. Yui didn't know why exactly, or why it had to happen just now, but to a degree, she could emphasize with whatever was going on within him. Except she had practically her entire life to find a way to change her own ways, and slowly but surely started to walk a new path.
It would be unreasonable to demand from him to figure things out immediately and right now. Plus, when could she ever convince someone to do things like she wanted them to be done anyway?
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Never forget. You're not alone in this, Fantomas."
Yui moved between the nearby group of enemies and her ally, readying her axe that became uncomfortably familiar by now.
(https://i.imgur.com/rDaCeGD.png) "Take your time. I'll stop them from getting too close!"
As she enters a defensive stance, a branch of an ilex tree suddenly appeared behind her back and quickly grew large and tall, casting an unnatural yet friendly shadow over everything directly behind her, including Fantomas.
Marc'heg Gwer moves to L8, readies Nala and Issues a Challenge.
-
Through the distortion and screams of the smoke, Mori couldn’t hear Yui’s words very well, but well enough to understand she had decided to protect him.
(https://i.imgur.com/OMS0yDj.png)
“Marc'heg Gwer…” Mori muttered.
“How cruel you are, to have tricked innocents into believing you deserve their aid.”
(https://i.imgur.com/OMS0yDj.png)
“I’m sorry for dragging you into this.” he continued, “I know you wanted no part of the violence.”
“If you could not keep such a simple promise to this girl, what makes you believe you can keep your promise to save Miyazono and Sakurajima?”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "We've all been dragged into this. You're no exception, Fantomas. I still hate this. But... I'd hate it more if I'd let others suffer. I don't know if I can help even a single person... ... but not trying won't give me an answer. Therefore, I try. No matter how much you think you can influence me, in the end, it was my decision and my decision alone.
And I'm proud of it."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Fluttering over to Proioxis' damaged form, Pixie adds her own note. "None of of us are here against our will, Fantomas. We've all made our choices, and it wasn't to flee or ignore trouble when we could be happening to trouble instead."
Move to I4, use a First Aid Kit on Proioxis
-
Proixois uses a First Aid Kit!
Pyrrha revives and regains 5 HP!
Marc'heg Gwer Issues a Challenge!
Marc'heg Gwer takes and deals half damage!
Pixie uses a First Aid Kit!
Proixois regains 10 HP!
As Mori stakes his claim over the group, Shinigami roars back.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "I don't WANT to be yours! You do not control me!"
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/23 | MP:217/23 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/29 | MP: 11/21 (Bash) [Kurmala: 1/4] [Parmunda: 3/3] [Challenge Issued]
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 5/30 | MP: 16/20 (Slash) [Kurmala: 1/4] [Lustrous Boost: 1/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 19/23 (Shoot) [Poisoned: 1/2] [Kurmala: 1/4]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 19/24 | MP: 19/23 (Throw) [Tailwind: 1/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/28 | MP: 22/23 (Fia) [Kurmunda: 3/3]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/23 | MP: 21/22 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 21/23 (Nala) [Kurmala: 1/4]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 9/23 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/26 | MP: 17/18 (Rush) [Kurmunda: 3/3]
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 26/34 (Rush) [Charge]
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 0/26 (Fia)
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 0/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 0/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 0/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 12/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 25/26 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 3]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/SMvN53Y.png)
“You don’t understand. This isn’t about control, or manipulation. This is about responsibility!”
He could feel the pressure of the smoke building up, trying harder and harder to force him down, but he refused to be forced to the floor again.
(https://i.imgur.com/SMvN53Y.png)
“I have a responsibility to my position, to the power that I received, and to the people who I can help!” He shouted, “I don’t get to choose to stop, to change my ways, or to let things go. I have no choice but to perform my duty, or die trying!”
He tried to stand, fighting against the ever growing pressure building on top of him, no longer trying to push him down, but to crush him into the floor. His legs felt like they were being filled with molten lead, his arms like he was holding up the sky, but he wouldn’t allow himself to collapse. He didn’t have the choice to falter. He had a responsibility to Otoya, to Kanna, to the other Kaijin, to the healing powers he had gained, to everyone.
Something appeared in his hands, a long, wooden object. He slammed it down onto the ground, using the force to push himself up, until he was standing on his own two feet again. He forced his eyes open, ignoring the acrid sting of smoke as he focused his gaze on the face of the giant Akuma.
(https://i.imgur.com/LEC0m0f.png)
“I let myself become a demon in order to help those I care about!” Mori shouted at the top of his lungs, “And I have a responsibility to make sure you don't do the same!”
He took one hand off the object in his hands and reached out in front of him, as if he was grabbing for something only he could see.
(https://i.imgur.com/LEC0m0f.png)
“If at the end of this, you want nothing more to do with me, then that’s fine by me!” blue fire started blazing in his outstretched hand, “Because I don’t care if the only end of my path is an unmarked grave with no one one mourn me! If I can make a better world for those I care about, then I’ll burn in Hell with a smile on my face!”
The blue fire chased back the smoke, swallowing Mori like a ravenous beast, until his body was completely consumed. Then he heard a voice, whispering in the back of his mind.
“Call me once more…”
He snapped his outstretched hand closed.
(https://i.imgur.com/LEC0m0f.png)
“Seize Power! Seize What’s Mine! Seize Everything!” he shouted, causing the fire to flare up, breaking through the cloud of smoke that still surrounded him, “Reynart!”
A shadow washed over him, blocking out the light of the fire, as he could feel his form shift again, and just like when he’d first become Fantomas, he could hear a voice speaking to him from inside his head.
“Don’t worry about fighting, Mikado.” spoke Reynart, “I’ll be your Kogarasu Maru. Even if the demon tries to stop your once more, I’ll fight on.”
As the shadow disappeared, there stood Reynart, looking the same as when he’d appeared in the Home ec room, with the exception of the leafy green kuanai in his hands having been replaced by a bokken, dappled in the color of autumn leaves, which he leaned on like a walking stick. A few such leaves spun around the masked Kaijin as well, before burning up with an otherworldly blue fire.
The only disturbance was another voice.
“Very well. A different approach next time.”
He ignored it. He had more important things to worry about now.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Sorry for taking so long, everyone.”
He lifted his sword up and pointed it at Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Forget my babbling. We can talk later. For now, I have a promise to keep.”
Move to K9, Nen Promise A
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Thanks, Pixie. Let's win this fight."
-
Otohime/Aika had seemed rather nonplussed after Fantomas had gotten up following her song. Even moreso after he changed forms and donned a kitsune mask, for some reason. But seeming him refocus and calm down afterwards, she decided to count it as a win, hopping back up and moving towards the rest of the fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Dunno what you're talking about with any of that stuff, now. But so long as it keeps you pushing onward, sure~! Just keep at it!"
K7, perform whatever it is mori supposed to be now and Marc'heg Gwer. Move to J5, cast Mahajam on Shinigami.
As Aika continued to sing, droplets of water seemed to coalesce from the air around Shinigami, growing larger and larger until they formed a network of water-mirrors reflecting the monstrous akuma within. As its power surged, the mirrors shifted and shimmered in response, moving in time with Aika's song to counter and turn the poor creature's power back against it.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9iBP9S.png)"Sorry, Miyazono-san! But if you can't listen, then you need to see, really see, how this obsession only hurts yourself!"
-
Vasusena to L7, cast Sonic Arrow on Grieving B
-
As Mori transforms, Jin is clearly keeping an eye on him.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Uh...is that supposed to happen, Kazami-senpai? D'you think I can transform my hands into cannons? Ooh. Maybe I could make this thing look more like a Mazinger..."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) ".....Scathach would know."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Ah, I see. You're really playin' up the mysterious senpai kinda deal. Okay, I get it. Suits me just fine. I'll be the cool senpai. Good cop bad cop, you know? We gotta look cool AND help the kouhai out."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "You're seriously saying whatever he's going through, you don't know if it's normal? How in the hell are we supposed to help him?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "I said I'd have to ask. I've seen someone's Kaijin form shift before. I don't know why or how it works, and I don't know the mechanics of it. You're putting expectations on me I can't meet."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Can't imagine there's exactly many Kaijin lurking online Googling advice, huh?"
Then, as Mori stands back up...
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "You've got some apologising to do, Sawatari. For now, let's put an end to this."
Shinigami lets loose an unholy screech, as the boy floating within the core seems to tremble and shake, as if in disagreement with what he is about to say.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Responsibility?! I'll take it from you when you can actually help your friends instead of treating them like your tools, Sawatari! Those words of yours....Kasuga has lived by them more than you ever have!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Got that right. Doesn't mean he isn't trying."
Indeed, the party seems to be trying to rally.
(Mori doesn't want to take it to the face...)
(Mori's within Jin's shadow!)
(Kurmala is active! +3 DR)
Reynart initiates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 90, hit!
Promise Wraith C takes 23 damage!
Promise Wraith C is defeated!
Reynart regains 10 MP!
(Otohime's Living Currents activates!)
Otohime casts Again!
Reynart and Marc'heg Gwer may move again!
(Otohime's Living Currents is active!)
Otohime casts Mahajam!
Otohime loses 8 MP!
Shinigami's spells will Backfire for 3 turns!
(Masaru has practiced efficiency!)
(Kurmala is active! +3 DR)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
Vasusena casts Sonic Arrow!
Vasusena loses 4 MP!
Vasusena initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 18, crit!
Grieving Wraith B takes 54 damage!
Grieving Wraith B is defeated!
Vasusena regains 10 MP!
Party:
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/23 | MP:217/23 (Hika)
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/29 | MP: 11/21 (Bash) [Kurmala: 1/4] [Parmunda: 3/3] [Challenge Issued]
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 5/30 | MP: 16/20 (Slash) [Kurmala: 1/4] [Lustrous Boost: 1/3]
Demaru Masaru/Vasusena (https://www.dropbox.com/s/kmshtuch4mvbuhg/Masaru%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 23/23 (Shoot) [Poisoned: 1/2] [Kurmala: 1/4]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 19/24 | MP: 19/23 (Throw) [Tailwind: 1/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/28 | MP: 22/23 (Fia) [Kurmunda: 3/3]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 14/23 | MP: 21/22 (Zia)
Sawatari Mori/Fantomas ("Reynart") (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/23 | MP: 23/23 (Nala) [Kurmala: 1/4]
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 23/24 | MP: 1/23 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0pjb1ddqegvlb7/Tadano%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1) HP: 25/26 | MP: 17/18 (Rush) [Kurmunda: 3/3]
Allies:
Akutagawa Jin/Aegaeon (https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfijiq4j0teect3/Aegaeon%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 26/34 (Rush) [Charge]
Kazami Tsukasa/Gawain (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ex6p1pv4t1fxxtx/Gawain%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 16/34 (Fia)
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua5pi6enr4vmjh9/Chapter%202%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Hateful Mask D: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask E: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask F: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask C: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask D: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask G: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask H: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask I: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask E: 0/18 (Shoot)
Vengeful Mask F: 0/18 (Shoot)
Hateful Mask A: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask B: 0/22 (Bash)
Hateful Mask C: 0/22 (Bash)
Vengeful Mask A: 18/18 (Umra)
Vengeful Mask B: 18/18 (Umra)
Kaneko Daiya/Spartoi: 0/26 (Fia)
Grieving Wraith B: 20/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith C: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith C: 0/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith D: 0/20 (Nen)
Grieving Wraith E: 0/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith D: 0/20 (Hika)
Promise Wraith A: 20/20 (Hika)
Grieving Wraith A: 20/20 (Umra)
Promise Wraith B: 0/20 (Nen)
Miyazono Otoya/Shinigami: HP: 25/26 (Umra) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 3] [Backfire: 3/3]
Objective: Rout enemies or Defeat Spartoi and Shinigami
Other Info:
- Jin and Tsukasa will not initiate attacks on the bosses and will not prioritise attacking. Gawain will cast heals if allies are under 50% HP.
- Jin and Tsukasa will follow suggestions.
- Grates count as Forest and pieces of wreckage count as Forts but do not grant healing. The Piano is impassible.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Thank you." he said to Aika, "And thank you for your help earlier while I was... out of it."
Back to Miyazono, while his response to Mori's statement was less than encouraging, Mori couldn't help but smirk behind his mask. Words lie. He understood that better than probably anyone else in this place. Body language was much more honest... generally at least. While he could hear what Shinigami said, with the smoke finally out of his eyes, he could clearly see Otoya floating inside the core, and that was all he really needed.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Don't worry, Miyazono. I hear you clear as day." he replied, the tone of his voice containing just the barest hint of a smile.
Then Kasuga's first statement properly got through.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Ah right, yeah." Mori replied, "Ok, so, first, Pyrrha, sorry for bringing up your home life. I don't know that much, but I probably crossed a line given your reaction. Momotaro, I apologize for leaving you to fend for yourself when I had a breakdown. I said I would defend you and I didn't. I owe you something to make up for that later, let me know what you want. Ibaraki, I apologize for just... the whole speech, and especially the myopia comment. Gawain, I apologize for the various mean things I said and/or thought. I suppose in hindsight it was wrong of me to blame you and Scathach for the Hell I'd been through this past week under the assumption you'd known that all of this would, or at least could, happen and had failed to warn us. And Proixois..." Mori paused.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"...no, I don't think I need to apologize to you for anything. You repeatedly called me a psycho, belittled myself and Vasusena, and were just generally terrible, and I don't think any of my statements crossed a line or even were that far from true." he finished, "Now, back to saving Miyazono."
Reynart to G9, Pollen Curtain on Shinigami. Ibaraki-Douji to H9, Flame Shot on Shinigami. Reynart Guards Ibaraki-Douji.
Momotaru to L12, Focused Blow on Grieving A. Tsukuyomi to L10, Branding on Promise B. Marc'heg Gwer to K9, Bash on Promise A.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's all right; insincere apologies ain't worth the oxygen used on them. Especially when they come from a sociopath who claims people are 'his' like they're property or some shit. So, I'll fight on the same side as you, but it's probably best you leave me alone outside of a Domain."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Good grief, you two. Let's save it for later!"
Shinigami rears up before Mori and Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "You two....stop wasting your time on me!"
[Now Playing: Theme of Mori ~~Goya wa Machiawase~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hKp9Zqt5aQ)]
Reynart leads the way.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Save your breath! I don't want you to save me! Save Sakurajima, you fool!"
A dusting of pollen scatters over Shinigami's mask as Mori engages the gigantic Akuma, obscuring his vision. Thorny growths follow Mori's trail, pollen erupting from within them to shower the deathly Akuma. Whatever effect they seem to be having on Shinigami, they seem to be massively irritating, as the Akuma emits a low, pained screeching.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "You...."
Shinigami reaches down, a long spindly hand reaching for Mori, but Mori is too quick, and slinks into a pool of shadows, before erupting out with more thorn-like growths, sprouting bulbs blasting more neon-yellow pollen into the face of the gigantic Akuma. The monster screeches, lashing out with a backhand, as Mori attempts to jump somewhere safe.
He finds no purchase, having dodged somewhere with no shadows. Shinigami's swipe smashes into Mori, sending him flying into a heap of junk, stunning him temporarily.
(Mori doesn't want to get hit in the face...)
(Shinigami's spells will backfire!)
Reynart casts Pollen Curtain!
Reynart loses 6 MP!
Reynart initiates!
Hit Rate: 98 to hit
Hit: 49, hit!
Shinigami takes 11 damage!
Shinigami loses 15 Hit for two turns...
Shinigami retaliates!
Hit Rate: 56 to hit
Hit: 15, hit!
Reynart takes 16 damage!
(Backfire activates!)
Shinigami takes 6 damage!
Reynart Guards Ibaraki-Douji!
As Shinigami reaches for the still-stunned Reynart, the demon perched upon the orb continues to speak, thorn-like shadowy fingers reaching for the half-demon.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Even your so-called allies are turning against you. You can't save anyone, Sawatari."
"Not all of them! Mori, get to me!"
[Now Playing: Theme of Akihiko ~~Lineage of Clan~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSEP8fbd4RQ)]
Suddenly, a broken piece of junk tears its way through the Akuma's arms, forcing it away from Mori. The Akuma twists its body around to see who had interrupted it, Mori taking the opportunity to retreat as Akihiko approaches, slinking into his shadow.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Get the hell away from him!"
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Why are you defending him? He just insulted you. None of your other friends like him."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Don't get me wrong. He's kind of an asshole. In all likelihood, I'm gonna have to break up a fight the moment we get out of here. It might be more trouble than it's worth."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "But I ain't leaving behind one of my own, even if he needs to get his head on straight. And I'm doing to do what's just, which means saving both of you!"
Shinigami screeches at that, and swipes at Akihiko wildly to try to catch him, but the oni slips through his fingers with a deft roll, spinning into position.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'm really sorry about this, Miya-no, Otoya. But Sakurajima wouldn't want to see you like this either, and I won't let you down. When I find the bastard that turned you into this...."
He sprints to the left, avoiding another swipe. Shinigami, clearly realising how much quicker Akihiko is than itself, rears up, before emitting a shadowy, black burst of smoke from the space where its face should have been, directed right at Akihiko, only for Mori to appear from within Akihiko's shadow, deflecting the attack into a nearby pile of junk with a single shadowy thorn and vanishing back into the oni's shadow as quickly as he appeared. With a roar, Akihiko leaps into the air with grace unbefitting his demonic appearance.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "KA-SU-GAAAAAAAA!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Enough!"
Akihiko's fist bursts into flame as he rears back, before he thrusts his hand forward, as if to punch the Akuma. A spout of flame bursts forth from his hand, almost throwing Akihiko back, as the flame tears through the middle of the Akuma, the sounds of glass shattering and amber liquid oozing forth from the cage where Otoya's body was being suspended.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "No....Sakurajima....I...couldn't..."
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Mori's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mori to the end!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Bloodthirst activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demonic Constitution is active!)
(Shinigami's spells will backfire!)
(Shinigami is under the effect of Pollen Curtain! -15 Hit)
(Akihiko has Kurmunda... -3 DR)
Ibaraki-Douji casts Flame Shot!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 6 MP!
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 2, hit!
Critical: 19, crit!
Shinigami takes 78 damage!
Shinigami is defeated!
Shinigami unleashes a few deep moans as it begins to collapse in on itself, the stained-glass shell where Otoya was being kept first cracking, then shattering, Otoya sliding out. Mori is able to exit Akihiko's shadow as he lands, and catches the unconscious Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZz5A80.png) "Please...Sawatari...Kasuga...save...Kanna..."
The deathly Akuma fades into dark wisps, as the remaining Onibi, with the controlling influence over them gone, fade away too. The faint sounds of a cello playing in the distance can still be heard. Tadano turns back around, breathing heavily as he rests on his giant kanabo.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "Woah....is this what you guys do now? Is it over? Did we win?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Good job, everyone! Yakiniku and udon, on me! Victory dinner, let's go!"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) ".....No. The Domain hasn't started to collapse yet. Something's not right. But my senses aren't strong enough to pick up on what that is."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Uh...what? Isn't that how Domains work? You kick the ass of the Akuma in it and it collapses? Man, plenty of weird shit happenin' today I don't get! First Sawatari here turnin' into some weird fox thing, then some guy pretending to be me....."
A red glimmer flashes across the field of stars on Saya's helmet.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "No. It's not over yet...I still sense an enemy in the Domain, Kazami-senpai, Akkun!"
~~~~Map Complete...?~~~~
You will receive 3 level ups.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You think it's that guy again?"
Mildred looked around.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Stop hiding!"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Pixie makes a disgusted face. "Ugh, really? There's been far too much drama today, and it's not even over yet? And going by our luck someone's probably gonna accidentally wander in and then turn into Smaug or something any minute now."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Hoho, bravo, bravo, Kasuga, Sawatari....and Akari. You all played your parts well."
A voice echoes from the top of the rafters within what used to be Otoya's Domain. The masked Kaijin from earlier is sitting in the middle of the rafters, back leaning against a support strut and gazing down towards the others.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Oh, yes. Sawatari, you really aren't nearly as good a manipulator as you think you are. Without having to say a word, half your allies want nothing to do with you already. Do you think Kasuga will protect you forever? I can't imagine even some hero wannabe like him will tolerate it. Even he has his limits."
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Shut the hell up!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Is that all you got? You've been chasing shadows for a whole year and look where it's gotten you, Gawain. Nowhere. All you can do is hurl ineffectual threats in the hopes it'll stop me this time. Majima-chan would be so disappointed to hear that, wouldn't you say?"
He gazes directly at Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "I'd come down and fight you, but....well..."
He peers over at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "I don't really have to now, do I? Just watch you rip yourselves apart. Go on, Akari. Tear him to pieces. You want to, don't you? Those words of his were boiling."
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Akari, I know you're mad, but don't listen to him!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "When has the great Shiro Akari ever listened to what she was being told to do? Hm? The leader of the Myrmidons....shouldn't fear anybody. Even this pretender. Go on. Indulge."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Piss off. I'm not afraid of either of you and I'll cave your skull in next for beginnin' to say it. I'm not your puppet either, you got it?" She pointed a glowing blade at the mysterious villain for emphasis, before letting it dissipate and turning to the main object of her ire. "Put Miyazono down, Sawatari." Pyrrha stalked toward him, armored boots clanking against the floor. "I got business with you."
Regardless of whether he actually set down the wayward councilman, once Shiro was in range, she let out an enraged growl and lunged at Mori, aiming to ground him and start rearranging his facial features as soon as possible, Kaijin or no.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Shiro..."
Mildred rushed to catch up to Pyrrha.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I get it, but now ain't the time, all right? Let's deal with this guy first and Sawatari can wait. You know where to find him afterward, anyway. Ain't like he ever leaves the theater room."
-
As if guided by an invisible hand, Yui also rushed in.
(https://i.imgur.com/DQmPxBn.gif) "KURMALA!"
Her spell was targeted at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... I'm not the brightest one. I really don't understand what's the deal with you two, or why he changed form, or all of this."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Doesn't help that my body ran on autopilot for a while..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "But still! No matter what, I will protect everyone in this team! That includes Sawatari, no matter what everyone here think of him right now! And... that includes protecting you from yourself, Akari."
Marc'heg Gwer's gaze rested upon Proioxis.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I'm... I'm not a fighter, therefore... Forgive me, Akari."
She raised her hand towards the ponytailed Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "Parmala."
-
Fools. This is exactly what that hooded miscreant wants. Pyrrha thinks she isn't being manipulated, but by fighting amongst themselves, they stand to lose him. But if Vasusena joined in to try and stop them now, that would only be an escalation. Especially after he started that debate to begin with...
(https://i.imgur.com/r10KlPC.png)
"Tsukuyomi, let them to their devices, they cannot help us at this moment. Tell me, can you sense the enemy location with any detail? I do not trust our eyes."
-
Despite the mask, and total lack of face, Mori hoped it was clear from his body language that his reaction to Akari's outburst was an exhausted stare of total confusion.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Ummm... no way in hell?" He replied, "I'm not letting go of Miyazono while this fucking toad is at all present."
He ducked, behind Akihiko. He couldn't drop into his shadow with Otoya in his arms but...
He chucked a pollen bomb near Shiro's feet, avoiding hurting her but impairing her vision.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Don't let him distract us! We need to keep him away from Miyazono, Sakurajima, and Daiya, even if the last one's a shithead!"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "Yeah, Pyrrha, can you put off beating up Mori until this place falls apart? So far all he's done is say annoying stuff, where-as creepy mask dude seems to be actively trying to get people dead. And killing people's worse then saying punchable stuff." Pixie says as she follows Mildred's move to Pyrrha, sparks crackling across her hair as she watches the person who seems responsible for all this nonsense warily.
-
The moment Shiro lunges towards Mori, Akihiko yells.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Akari, no!"
Mori, exhausted from his fight and still somewhat rocked from being hit directly by Shinigami, isn't quite able to duck out of the way before Shiro tackles him, pushing him onto the ground. Fortunately for Mori, Otoya is caught by an approaching Tadano, but this doesn't save him from taking a few punches from Shiro, softened though they may be by Yui's timely spell.
The masked Kaijin laughs as Shiro begins her beatdown.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Yes, good! Haha! Bring on the carnage, Akari! Beautiful...."
As soon as Shiro manages to get Mori on the floor and land a few punches, she finds herself being picked up from behind by not two, but four arms. Jin, being both significantly stronger and larger than she is, tries to wrangle her off of Shiro as Akihiko and Mildred run towards her. Of course, even with his size and strength difference, Shiro is still rather formidable, and she is slowly but surely forcing her way out of Jin's grip.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Akari. Akari! Hey, that's enough, dammit! Come on, chill!"
He turns towards Mildred, Akihiko and Tsukasa.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "I'll handle Akari and the little guy! Honda, Kasuga, I'm trustin' you to chase that guy down! I don't know the others, but I know I can trust you two! Same with you, Kazami! My other friends are in the Domain but I don't know where!"
[Now Playing: Theme of Andras ~~Penumbra (Variant A)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6-09tRNo18)]
The masked Kaijin stands up straight as the others turn towards him.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "My, my, you think you can take me with so many of you having to pull Akari off of Sawatari?"
Tsukasa answers not with words, but by drawing his sword, a wave of flames smashing into the top of the Domain, melting the rafters with the sheer intensity of the flames. Their opponent barely manages to dash away, avoiding the burst of flames, a light chuckle as he studies the remains.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Your anger won't win you this day, Kazami. Majima-chan would HATE to see you like this, wouldn't you agree?"
He almost pirouettes away to avoid another gout of flames from Tsukasa's blade.
Saya nods at Masaru's request.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "I'll try."
The starfield comprising the contents of Saya's helmet begins glowing and rotating faster.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "I....think I have a lock on him. I'll have to concentrate to keep it, though."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Everyone but Aegeaon, go! Momotaro, keep Miyazono safe! I'm just the distraction, and even if Aegeaon can't keep Pyrrha off me the whole time, I can take a few punches as long as someone patches me up after!"
That was not entirely truthful. The combined exhaustion from the fight, effect of being hit by Shinigami, force of the punches he had gotten, and the still lingering feeling of being slow-roasted by the voices in his head had him at the point he was ready to drop, but he wasn't going to let that masked toad use him like Akari was. Besides, Akitsuki could patch him up later.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Sorry you have to look out for me, Aegeaon, but I don't think I'd survive the full force of Pyrrha, and I don't think we have anything to bring back the dead," Mori stated, trying to keep up a brave face, "but if someone else is taking care of Miyazono, then I can lend you a hand."
He snapped his fingers and black vines erupted from the floor, tangling around Shiro to keep her in place, though he readied himself to jump into a nearby shadow if he had to.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ej2MmJ9.png)
"Judging by the sound of that, what I'm seeing is not an illusion?"
Vasusena approached Tsukuyomi, now standing behind her, as he drew another arrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/TNlMwPK.gif)
"Just to be sure, point towards where you have locked on. If you can direct my aim, and it will not fail again."
-
Pyrrha thrashed as if she were a wild animal; if this form had a visible mouth, it would have been used to bite Aegeaon. As long as it wasn't spewing forth obscenities at the target of her rage, of course.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Fuck off! Let GO of me! ALL you bastards heard what this sonofabitch said! Talkin' all that mad shit about my family, about his high-and-mighty ass being too good to notice when he's shittin' on the only guy stupid enough to treat him like a human being instead a' the SLIME he is!" She growled viciously, thrashing in Jin's grasp. "Can't believe all you defending this piece a' shit! Fake-ass lying fuck! Take your apologies and shove them up your ass!" She kicked ineffectually in the direction of Mori, before a light began to gather in her palms.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Dammit, Akari, you beat his face in, you're just playin' to what they both want! Come on, you gotta see it, right? Little guy wants you to beat his face in, that masked guy wants you to do it! Don't know why he'd want it like that, but...."
Jin's grip is beginning to slip on Shiro, and she manages to wrench her way out of one of his arms.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "'Sides, what's kickin' his ass gonna do for you, Akari? Prove you can beat up a little guy for talkin' shit? Only reason I'm not doin' it because Kasuga saw somethin' in him! If that guy, who trusts Honda AND you, sees somethin' in the scrawny bastard, somethin' must be up, right? Maybe Kasuga's too nice, but he wouldn't have done all that for Aiuchi if he wasn't, right?"
Two arms.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "And whatever's goin' on with you and your dad, beatin' Sawatari's ass ain't gonna fix it, Akari!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
”I’m actually very opposed to having my face beaten in, I’m just willing to take one for the team if it’s to make sure the toad gets roasted.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Well good for you! You aren't gonna take one for the team, you're gonna take several for me!" As she thrashed her way free of Jin, she swung a free arm back in his direction, only for the blow to be blunted by Mori's interference before it could gain any real momentum. The gathered energy in her hand didn't exactly soften the blow, however, though it was lacking in form. "Get outta my way and shut your damned mouth! You don't know shit either! Stop bringin' up my fuckin' family or I'll fuckin' feed you your own spine, got it!?" A small part of her didn't want to be upset with Jin - he was a bystander in this conflict, and one that didn't really deserve to be there - but the seething rage at the wheel wasn't listening to it. Beset by impeding tendrils, she still did her best to power through and charge at Mori. "SAWATARIIII!"
-
The blow does connect with Jin, not that it does much visible damage - Shiro is very briefly reminded that Jin has been a Kaijin for far longer. It is enough to almost make him lose his grip.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Dammit, Akari, you're not the only one with a shithead dad! Why do you think I'm tryna' help you not screw up the wrong guy here?"
-
“Sorry, Mori, you’re too young to have to learn this, but… you’re already too perceptive for me to lie to you. Listen, sometimes, you just don’t have a way to win. You’re up against someone who has too much money, or power, or influence, or… just, sometimes you just can’t beat them. It doesn’t matter if you’re right, or you’re wrong, or you’re both right, or you’re both wrong, you just can’t win. Sometimes you just have to stop, you have to lie down and just accept whatever is going to happen, because if you keep fighting, you’re just going to hurt yourself so much worse than if you just stop.”
“Wow, this is not a conversation I should be having with an 8 year old. Don’t tell your mom, ok?”
Mori took a deep breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
”Aegeaon, just go deal with the toad, the others need your help more than I do.”
He took another deep breath and pulled the mask off his face. Blue fire washed over him again, starting with his head and working his way down his body. When it had burnt out, Mori stood there, in human form, his arms stretched out to the sides.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
”Let’s just get this over with.”
-
Pyrrha's charge continued unabated, almost as if Mori had done nothing at all. Her gauntleted first sailed forth, and Mori's cheek met with. . .
. . . the bare knuckles of Akari Shiro's well-trained, but still human, fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDAZiBS.png)"That's for the shit you said about Kasuga."
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"No point in beating you any further. I don't know what kind of dumbass play you're going for here, but keep your slimy little mitts away from me and my family, got it?" She turned back to Jin. "And I told you to stop bringin' up my dad. Sure, we've got some differences of opinion, I'm the heir. That's our business. Keep to your own people." With a final "hmph," she transformed once again, the menacing armored figure appearing in her place. Any expression that might've been there was hidden as she turned to stalk after the rest of the group.
-
…
Well, his cheek smarted like something else, but given he’d expected to have been beaten to bloody unconsciousness, only needing an ice pack was a win.
He swiftly transformed back into Reynart, staying in human form any longer was practically an invatation to the toad to attack him after his distraction had failed, and went to rejoin the others.
-
Jin raises one of his four arms as if to say something to Shiro, but elects not to. He simply sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "...all I'm sayin', Akari, if you ever wanna feel like talkin' about it some day, just hit me up. You know I'm good for it. Sorry for bringin' him up."
He gazes over at Mori, crouching and offering him a hand up.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Come on, little man. I should kick your ass myself for all the shit you talked about Kasuga and Honda, but....I think Akari's given you your knocks."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Alright... Now focus, you two, we have a villain's butt to spank."
Marc'heg Gwer eyes the masked Kaijin, ready for battle.
-
Mori took Jin's hand and accepted the help up, and as his head neared Jin's ear, he swiftly whispered
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"*Kasuga and I need to talk about your cat. Batting Cages, tonight?*"
Once he was up, he swiftly transformed back into Reynart.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"I was overly rude with Kasuga and Pyrrha, but my interaction with Proixois was mutually aggressive. I'll not apologize to someone who mocked me for the demon in my head, among other things." He stated as if he hadn't said anything before, "I do intend to properly apologize to Kasuga later, but this is not the time. For now, there remains a danger to the civilians."
He walked off to go help deal with the toad.
-
Mildred had already left to go help the others with the interloper when Jin asked her to, and was currently picking up bits of debris and fallen Onibi and hurling them up at Andras with her wind powers.
-
Saya's helmet glows faintly with the effort.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Is...that right? Hm. Hang on everyone. This might hurt a bit."
Masaru, Akihiko, Mildred, Yui, Tsukasa and Jin all feel a tiny prick, like a pinch, in the middle of their skulls.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Okay. You can see what I'm seeing now. I think."
Indeed, the world seems to be exactly the same, except for the outline of the masked Kaijin glowing faintly, as if lit by moonlight.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You won't catch me so easily, Akitsuki!"
He snaps his fingers, darkness enveloping him, before a horde of masked Kaijin like himself emerge from within the cloud, jumping across the rafters or towards them. However, Akitsuki's power seems to hold true; among the multitude, one still remains visibly lit up by Tsukiyomi's power.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/3w1mQrS.gif)
"Perfect."
The fact that the enemy had such illusory powers, yet had chosen to mock them in person to begin with (rather than hide out of sight and let an illusion do the mocking) seemed... completely idiotic to Vasusena. What a shameful waste of one's privileges. Not that his aim minded.
Vasusena uses Ultimate Sacrifice, and fires an Immaculate Sonic Arrow at the true Andras!
-
The arrow soars through the air. The masked Kaijin laughs-
-then winces as the arrow lands its mark, his laugh cut off as the arrow catches him in the shoulder. Given the gulf in power between him and Masaru, however, it doesn't do very much; he pulls the arrow out, breaking it into two, as if it were nothing.
He glares at Akitsuki.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "So. You can see through my illusions....it's not my only trick, but you just made this more interesting. That smarts."
The illusions, their purpose nulled, vanish, leaving the masked Kaijin alone.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Fine, you first, Akitsuki."
He leaps towards Saya, only for a red blur to smash into his face, throwing him to the side. The masked Kaijin rubs his cheek - or, at least, where his cheek should be - as Akihiko places himself between Saya and Masaru and their mysterious opponent.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Kasuga. So it's true. You do have a good punch."
Akihiko doesn't respond, simply charging at him with a roar.
Their masked opponent pulls himself to his feet, barely managing to move back fast enough to avoid Akihiko's leg smashing down on where his head was a moment ago. The unknown Kaijin tries to whip out an icy knife, but the shot Masaru landed not a few seconds ago does delay the attack enough for Akihiko to blast it out of his hands with a fireball. Akihiko tries to lunge at them, to pin them down, only for the masked Kaijin to turn over to his good arm and balancing on it to land a firm, ice-laden kick onto Akihiko's chest, knocking him back into Masaru.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Demura! Out of the way!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"I have protection detail, you can focus on beating him up and protecting the civilians." Mori said, as he slipped into Saya's shadow.
Guard Target Tsukuyomi.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Pixie watches the ensuring combat for a moment before shaking her head. "Well, it looks like Akihiko has that problem solved. Now what's keeping this place from falling apart?" Pixie muses as she turns her attention to examining the still standing weird magic arena area she's standing in.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"A-ah!"
Vasusena had at least improved Masaru's reaction speeds such that he was, indeed, able to get out of the way.
The enemy's compromised assault left him open for what would normally be an easy shot, but Vasusena didn't expect him to survive so easily, and it took him a moment longer than normal to string it. He could only hope he was still fast enough...
Vasusena casts Burst Bullet on Andras, to break his defenses further!
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Let's see how you deal with this!"
Mildred raised her arms, gathering a swirling wind filled with pollen and cherry blossom petals, and launched it at Andras as well.
Proioxis uses Floral Gust on Andras!
-
Misa notices that the Domain seems to....want to collapse. Indeed, it's shuddering, as if trying to break, but some odd force is keeping it together. Perhaps something to do with the hooded Kaijin her allies are fighting.
Akihiko tumbles back, but manages to recover his footing as the masked Kaijin leaps to his feet, cracking his knuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Not bad."
Akihiko doesn't spare a moment, and immediately lunges at him, a fist enshrouded in flame. The masked Kaijin parries his incoming fist aside with his right, open palm, sweeping Akihiko behind him and smashing an elbow into his back, knocking the red half-demon forward. Icy air coalesces almost instantly into a frozen knife in the masked Kaijin's left hand, which he attempts to plunge into Akihiko's back, only for Akihiko to swing around almost immediately, managing to hold his knife back with both of his arms, before pushing the masked Kaijin back. With a fluid, sidewards motion, Akihiko's leg sweeps upwards, smashing the knife out of the masked Kaijin's hand, forcing both combatants back onto their back feet. Akihiko, however, quickly recovers, and immediately rotates onto his front foot to go for the masked Kaijin's head with a flaming kick, only for the masked Kaijin, with an almost identical movement, to parry his kick with his own, freezing kick.
The force pushes both of them back, Akihiko looking worse for wear than his opponent as he looks at the small crack left in the armor plating around his foot.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Dammit...he's way stronger than me."
The masked Kaijin settles into a fighting stance, two hands in front of him, one ahead and above, one closer to his body and behind, similar to Akihiko's own fighting style.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Being a Kaijin....it's really fun, isn't it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Shut the hell up!"
Akihiko runs at him again, this time sliding under the masked Kaijin swiping another knife where his chest would have been and leaps up to swing his fist into the masked Kaijin's jaw. His fist goes wide, however, as the hooded Kaijin shifts his head sideways, barely avoiding the uppercut. The masked Kaijin drops his knife, and swings his fists at Akihiko, him barely parrying each hit with his elbows before one blow smashes into Akihiko's ribs, sending him doubling over in pain, only for an arrow to sink itself into his wounded shoulder, forcing the hooded Kaijin back. The masked Kaijin glares at Masaru.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "How....vexing."
He rips the arrow out of his shoulder again and begins running at Masaru, only for Akihiko to charge him, still doubled over from the initial blow. This time, the masked Kaijin grabs Akihiko by the shoulders, and swings him in time to intercept Mildred's attack, the force of Mildred's petal-laden gust slamming Akihiko into the piano, breaking it under his weight. He grabs his shoulder, growling; having been shot twice by Masaru, it isn't holding up too well.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Akihiko!"
Saya's voice draws the masked Kaijin's attention.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Someone like you....vexes me the most!"
A massive pair of blue fists smashes into the masked Kaijin, throwing him towards Mildred and sending the half-demon tumbling, as Jin enters the fray.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Honda! You got him, right?"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "It's definitely the weirdo then." Pixie decides as she turns her attention back to the fight, only to yipe and flutter backwards as the masked Kaijin is sent flying towards Mildred, and therefor towards Pixie. "At least this is a question we can solve by hitting it really hard!" Pixie claps her hands together with an electric flash, pulling them apart to reveal a thunderbolt, newly born and dancing furiously between her hands as it attempts to escape its bonds.
Pixie uses Ziana on Andras!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"What could you possibly find fun about being a Kaijin?" Mori asked from Saya's shadow, genuinely confused.
While doing so, he prepared some roots to grab at the masked kaijin, not to really hurt him, more to slow him down at inopportune moments.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, I'll follow you up!"
Mildred immediately whipped up some strong winds to propel herself at the incoming Andras and leaped, right hand drawn back as a miniature tornado swirled around it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Eat this, you sack of shit!"
And she came down with the force of a collapsing building, throwing a wild, hurricane-powered haymaker directly at the masked Kaijin.
-
First comes lightning, then the storm.
The masked Kaijin tries to pull himself to his feet, but Jin's fists smash into him again, forcing him back down. Misa's lightning bolt smashes into the hooded Kaijin, and Mildred comes down right after, collapsing upon him with the force of a gale.
Jin, despite his larger frame, is blown back a bit by the force.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Damn....you got a real kick on ya, huh?"
As Mildred lands back on her feet, smoke obscuring the hooded Kaijin's body, however....
"....you asked me what makes being a Kaijin so fun?"
They both realise that their opponent is getting up slowly. Though clearly worse for wear, he isn't as done as they'd like. The hooded demon cracks his neck, hunched over in an almost animalistic stance. He raises his head, laughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "All this power....it's almost intoxicating. The blood of demons runs through our veins. We were chosen. The power of demons....we can do what we like."
He gestures over at the unconscious Otoya, as Riku and Rise protectively shield him, Kanna and Daiya from the chaos.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "It only chooses those who are worthy of the power of demons. Someone like Miyazono....he doesn't get it. This power is meant for more than just saving his girlfriend."
The masked Kaijin moves aside, barely avoiding Tsukasa's flaming sword as Gawain's cape bursts into flame, the embers resembling cherry blossom petals.
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Bastard!"
The hooded demon slams an elbow back into Gawain's helmet, pushing him back briefly, before following up with a swift kick to Tsukasa's armored chest. He then attempts to throw a flurry of knives at Tsukasa, only for Tsukasa to recover fast enough to block the knives with his shield.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "And you, chasing shadows! Is that all you can do with your power? Is the only thing on your mind Majima?"
(https://i.imgur.com/L9dSGCz.png) "Leave her name out of this! You....it's because of you that she isn't where she should be! Out there, bothering me with dumb things, instead of in some hospital bed, wasting away!"
Tsukasa retaliates with wild swings of his sword, but it's clear; though he might be stronger, he lacks Akihiko and the mysterious opponent's skill in fighting, not helped by the emotional anguish. The hooded Kaijin easily ducks another blow, smashing a shadowy orb directly into Tsukasa's chest. The white knight is knocked aside, the flames over his body sputtering out and he is thrown back, transforming into his human form as he falls unconscious.
Akihiko suddenly appears from behind the masked Kaijin, tackling him to pin him down. The masked Kaijin tries to dislodge his new assailant, only for two of Jin's fists to smash the masked Kaijin away, throwing him back towards the corridors leading into the auditorium area of the Domain. One of Jin's lower hands pulls Akihiko up, as the red demon clutches the part of his body where he took the punch to the ribs.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "You okay, Kasuga?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....Could be better."
The hooded Kaijin pulls himself to his feet, knife coalescing into his hand, but-
[Now Playing Theme of Durga ~Bane of Ambitions~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75PlZCOel48)]
He doesn't get out of the way fast enough to evade a lightning-quick slash, the thrust rippling through him with violet lightning. As he jumps aside, shaking his head, a horned, feminine Kaijin slowly walks towards the group, flanked by Cath Palug and Abe no Seimei. In her hand is a long, black katana, the blade sparking with electricity.
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "You."
The masked Kaijin looks around, realising just how truly outnumbered he is as he clutches the part where the strike caught him. You can see his eyes just turn up in a smirk.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "How....vexing. Too many cooks spoil the soup."
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "Uh-huh."
Abe no Seimei snaps his fingers, summoning orbs of blue flame to smash into the masked Kaijin, the blast causing smoke to erupt from his location.
When the smoke clears, however, nothing of the hooded Kaijin remains. Instead, a wraith-like ghost, of the same kind as the Onibi they were fighting earlier, crumbles to ashes.
Jin looks towards their newfound allies. He sounds visibly relieved as the three other Kaijin approach them, the tall, horned one sheathing her blade in what appears to be a floating scabbard next to her.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Durga! How did you know where we were? I thought I told you guys to watch out to see if anyone got pulled in!"
(https://i.imgur.com/25RJzDP.png) "We followed you in, Aegaeon. Cath Palug and I saw Seimei fighting off the Onibi and he told us where you were."
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "For which you can gratefully thank me."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/8y6IM6X.png)
"We had that fight under complete control, to the extent that a fight can be. Of that I can assure you." Even knowing that Abe-no-Seimei was on their side, he was still unpleasant soul to be around. It didn't help that the ally he brought looked distressingly similar to another despicable ally... and that they managed to drive the foe off before he could be caught. Or perhaps the foe's deception was merely more devious than anticipated...
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"Tsukuyomi. Is there anything we're not seeing? Anything else deceiving our senses?"
-
Mildred pointed at Seimei.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You're that scumbag we were talking to in the cafeteria like fifteen minutes ago, aren't you? Sugi-something. Well, all right, you're not that bad then. I thought for sure you were gonna turn out to be that asshole we were just fighting. Gotta admit, he does sound quite a bit like you..."
-
Mori quickly ran a scan of his memory and information to try to identify who Mildred was talking about and what information he had on them, while moving over to where Tsukasa had been knocked down, picking up Kanna on the way.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Healers, get to work patching everyone up.” he said, as some silver mist floated off his hand and settled around Tsukasa and Kanna, ”And someone grab the shithead. I don’t care that you don’t like him, we’re not leaving him here.”
-
Mildred grabbed Daiya by the collar.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I’ll just hold on to him for the moment.”
-
Mori looked over at Mildred, stared for a moment as of he was trying to figure out if having her carry Daiya was really a good idea, before finally shrugging and going back to healing.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
“Not like he can get scratched up worse.” he thought, ”Or wouldn’t kind of deserve it.”
-
Akihiko almost stumbles, with Jin catching him and Saya rushing to support his other side.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...damn."
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Aki-kun! I've got you."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Yeah. We'll get ya patched up."
Rise looks up, as the ceiling begins to crumble, whatever force that was holding it together no longer present. Almost instantly, she springs to her feet, slinging Otoya's arm around her shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "This...whatever it is, it's falling apart. Tadano, get Kazami, I have Miyazono."
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "O-okay, Koga-senpai!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "We should get out of here. Talk later."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"On it! Follow me, Momotaro!"
He was hoping they could have finished what they started with the hooded kaijin, but evacuating the civilians was what he came here to do.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"I'd compliment these realms on their sense of dramatic timing if they weren't also pissing me off." Mori muttered as he started moving out, though keeping a close eye on Koga in case he needed to jump in and help carry Otoya too.
-
Shiro stomped her way back toward the exit, seeing that the other Kaijin had more or less taken care of business. She spared a glance for Jin; it was difficult to tell what she was thinking from it, until she gave a slight, almost begrudging nod. She'd talk, when it was time.
-
The Kaijin make it a door leading out of the Domain without further incident. Jin pushes Akihiko and Saya through first, holding the door for the others, before passing through himself as the Domain crumbles to nothing.
When they return to reality, the group finds themselves at a quiet part at the back of the school. In the distance, you can see Tomoe and Touma talking about something on a bench, and students playing football on the school's field. Saya sets about healing Akihiko, Daiya and Tsukasa first, before transforming back. Akihiko transforms back next, as Jin props up the unconscious students on a nearby bench, looking around.
(https://i.imgur.com/FgyVCrw.png) "Aki-kun, you should be fine now."
(https://i.imgur.com/BHio4Ul.png) "Thanks, Saya. I don't think we could've done that without you."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "...man. I still feel like yakiniku."
Tsukasa is the first of the unconscious people to wake up. He clenches his fist, looking morose.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Dammit. We had him."
Mori notices that, although only one minute has passed, his phone has blown up with messages.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Well fuck, I’m about to be murdered." Mori stated, checking his messages, "I’ve got to head to the theatre room. Kazami, you’re coming too, I need you to carry Miyazono. I’ve got Sakurajima."
-
Vasusena seemed reticent to transform in public, for one reason or another.
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"Kasuga-senpai, check social media. Two simultaneous Akuma incidents had to have made the news." He turned towards the unconscious Kaneko Daiya. "Supernatural or not, I believe I am not alone in the sentiment that Kaneko's deeds today constitute criminal action. Assault at least, attempted terrorism at most. And unless another impossible surprise is waiting for us, there was a high school cafeteria's worth of witnesses to this incident. Koga, would you do the honors of calling the police, and telling them we've apprehended a rare demon of his own choice?"
(https://i.imgur.com/8y6IM6X.png)
"...I would prefer if you don't disclose our human identities, Koga-senpai. Not at this juncture, at the very least." Even without transforming, it wasn't worth trying to hide it from her. Not anymore.
-
Mildred had already transformed back.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Terrorism sounds about right. What an idiot this guy is."
She dropped Kaneko unceremoniously, letting his body flop.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Do we got anything to restrain him with until the cops get here? Actually, what do police even do with an Akuma?"
-
Akihiko raises his hand, to reveal the crushed remains of the Akuma Seeds belonging to Daiya and Otoya.
(https://i.imgur.com/BHio4Ul.png) "Don't worry about it. I took care of it."
Tsukasa shakes his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Don't worry about it, Honda. Without an Akuma Seed, someone like Kaneko can't awaken his inner demon again. If you wake up your inner demon like that, it doesn't come out easily. Technically, they're still awake, but without the influence of a Domain or a Seed, he can't come out. Why do you think the cops aren't too worried? They've never been in a Domain before."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Two out of three ain’t bad," Mori stated, still checking his messages, "But what are we going to do about the third?" he continued, as he gestured at Sakurajima.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Good work, Kasuga. As expected of you. Anyway, what's our cover story? We need some explanation for why this dipshit isn't an Akuma anymore."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If someone's gotta step up I'll own up to being a Kaijin. I don't give a damn."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"Are Kaijin supposed to have cover stories? I was under the impression that the White Knight of Mishima simply showed up to domains, and nobody asked questions. Revealing ourselves is not strictly necessary."
(https://i.imgur.com/8y6IM6X.png)
"And I can't speak for all of us, but I doubt it's especially prudent in your case. I don't expect the authorities would be complacent knowing that a high school delinquent with a propensity for property damage had suddenly acquired the ability to create localized windstorms at will. Frankly, I would report it myself if doing so didn't associate myself with you so."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Personally, I’m in favor of stripping him down to his underwear, blindfolding him, tying him to a post, and writing ‘neutralized’ on his chest, or leaving a calling card of some sort. ‘We leave this for you, the Kaijins of Kaname-cho.’” Mori said, not looking up from his phone.
-
Akihiko considers Mildred's approach for a second.
(https://i.imgur.com/RBh7jdX.png) "....."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "Honda, if your old man hears about this, he might worry. And the cops are already looking for a vigilante Kaijin, too. Nah, for once, I think we should lay low on this, much as I'd like to go gung-ho."
He looks over at Daiya. His face visibly tenses, a worried look on Saya's face as she notices.
After a few moments, the tenseness passes.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "....much as I hate to say it, Sawatari might have the right of it. Sorta. Someone take him to the nurse's office and say they found him fainted outside. They'll probably assume the White Knight saved Koga-senpai and Tadano. Which, technically, isn't a lie."
Tsukasa snorted.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "I'll call it a win when we catch that hooded bastard."
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "You saved three people today. I'd call that a win."
Mori's messages, meanwhile, are along the gist of-
You will not believe what Mishima just did.
As that happens, Kanna begins to stir.
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "...what....happened?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Everyone is safe, that's all you need to worry about for now," Mori replied to Kanna, "how are you feeling?"
He also sent some quick messages to Veep.
I'm coming up, bringing Sakurajima, Miyazono, and Kazami.
If Mishima's fans are still there, inform them that it's in their best interests to be out before I get there.
Also, see about getting some cushions or pillows from the prop closet.
...also also, what was it and do you have it on camera?
He turned to Tsukasa
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Kazami, my friend says your friend did... well it's not clear, but apparently I wouldn't believe it, and he was very insistent about it in the minute we were out, so I think you should come up as well. Bring Miyazono. He turned to Kanna, "I'm taking you up to the theatre room, since it's relatively private. You ok with that?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)". . . whatever. Tell everyone I beat the shit out of him if you gotta- if you have to." The adjustment in her speech was audible; with the two coming right on top of one another, it was easy to tell how much softer-spoken Shiro was when she was 'behaving.' Which was impressive, given that she wasn't that soft-spoken. "I have better things to worry about than whatever you do with that wannabe."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "The pain in the back of my neck's gone...I feel....great, actually."
At this, Tsukasa's eyes briefly widen.
At Shiro's suggestion, Akihiko shakes his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/heQWGtE.png) "We're selling nobody here out. We might not be a team, but we're in this together now. If anyone asks, it was the White Knight. And as nobody knows who that is, nobody is in danger."
Mori just gets a reply after a bit.
They left. Mishima left you this.
A picture is sent to Mori, of an invitation to the Velvet Room. Mori knows this place; it's an exclusive, expensive tea room in Kaname-cho. His name is on it, along with a time after school.
She told me to give it to you. She wanted to talk about something; she got a call and couldn't explain what it was before she left.
-
The next sound that left Mori's throat was a slightly muffled growl of utter hatred. He had half a mind to burn the invitation and send Mishima an envelope of the ashes. What stopped him was the simple fact that he... really couldn't afford to turn down an invitation to such an expensive place. Money wasn't exactly easy come, easy go in his household, and he'd probably disappoint his parents if they learned he'd given up such an opportunity. Yes, that was what this was, just an opportunity to learn more about Kanade Mishima in order to help in further endeavors. He could resume plans to destroy her family afterwards.
With that matter settled, Mori could finally register what Kanna said. He forced all the anger out of his body language.
(https://i.imgur.com/H7HCAF9.png)
"That's great news!" he cheered, "Do you think you can walk on your own?"
Then, he took on a more even expression, as he turned to Tsukasa.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Oh, also, you no longer need to come up." Mori said, "It appears that... that woman has already left. Instead..."
He turned to look at Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"Kasuga, can you carry Miyazono up for me? And..." he glanced at Jin, "Akutagawa, would you mind helping as well? I'd rather make sure that the trip up is as smooth for Miyazono as possible."
With that hopefully settled, he sent a message to Veep.
Ok then, I'm going to be getting help from Kasuga and Jin Akutagawa instead. Don't ask why I'm with the latter, I'll tell you later.
He was about to put his phone away and head up when a sudden sense of pure fear struck through his mind.
PLEASE tell me Mishima didn't give you the invitation for me PUBLICLY?
-
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"I told you before, I intend on taking full credit for my own deeds. Perhaps not now, but ultimately."
He approached Kakeko on the ground, and carried him by the arm.
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"Regardless, Something needs to be done to keep the order of events perfectly clear, once the police arrive. Unless I'm mistaken, people willingly planting Akuma seeds into their own necks is an unheard of exception, and he could easily contrive his way out of the consequences by claiming to be a regular victim. I will carry Kaneko to the infirmary myself, and explain that the resolution of the two simultaneous Domain incidents here was a fourteen-Kaijin endeavor, that included, but was not limited to, the White Knight of Mishima."
-
Fwoosh. Proioxis grabbed Kaneko's other arm.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Then I'm going with you. I'll let you take the lead on explaining things and back you up if needed, don't worry."
-
Honda was his last or second-last choice of an assistant for several reasons by now, but... it would be better this way than to leave her to her own devices.
(https://i.imgur.com/8y6IM6X.png)
"If you do not intend further violence today, I am not in a position to refuse you."
Just as he was about to leave, he glanced at Tadano and recalled one of the key instigators of the day.
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"Th-the missorted letter! Kaneko had it when he used the seed! If he dropped it somewhere...!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Frankly, I'm just glad that it is over for now..."
Yui looked towards the ground for a few seconds, holding her arm.
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "Is, err, is there something I can help you with right now, somehow? That's what Helper's Club members do, right...?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/8y6IM6X.png)
"If you do not intend further violence today, I am not in a position to refuse you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Not unless jackass here pops up and tries some more shady business. ...That was a joke. No, I ain't planing on hitting anyone."
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"Th-the missorted letter! Kaneko had it when he used the seed! If he dropped it somewhere...!"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Aw, hell. If it ain't in his pockets it might be in the cafeteria still."
Mildred started going through Kaneko's pockets looking for it.
-
Finally, Tadano detransforms, his Kaijin form fading away in a swirl of cherry blossom petals, almost collapsing next to a wall out of surprise. He holds up the letter, crumpled but intact.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "I...uh....have it."
He blushes slightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "S-sorry, Koga-senpai. I didn't mean for all this to-"
Rise shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "No. Don't apologise. You helped save us. As far as I'm concerned, you did nothing wrong. As far as the contents of that letter go..."
She smiles at Riku.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Give me some time to properly answer you."
Rise then looks towards Masaru.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Your secret's safe with me. I won't say a word of what I saw today."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Yeah. K-Koga-senpai's really trustworthy! She'd never tell a soul."
Akihiko, as requested, does eventually check social media. While there are rumours of what happened, mercifully there are no videos of what happened. Only rumours. He sighs in relief.
Kanna sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/eozrIiV.png) "Yeah. I think I can walk. Better than walk, actually."
Just as Jin goes to pick up Otoya, he begins to stir too, groaning.
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "....Kanna....."
Kanna rushes over to him to check her friend.
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Miyazono! Are you okay? Thank god you're okay."
(https://i.imgur.com/extsisE.png) "....I should....ask you the same question. I couldn't use the power to fix your illness...."
(https://i.imgur.com/vHTVfwU.png) "Don't worry about it, Miya-, no, Otoya. Please. I....don't need you to save me. You already did."
Mori gets a response.
No, she took me aside and told me to hold onto something for you. I didn't know what it was until I had a look.
The last to detransform, with Abe no Seimei shedding his form to return to Kazuya Sugiura, are Durga and Cath Palug. In a burst of lightning, Durga is replaced by...
(https://i.imgur.com/aWAJi6w.png) "It seems we'll be companions in this business."
Ayaka Fujimura, Tennis Club manager, stands before them. Meanwhile, Chiyo waves at the group.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jkJxPG.png) "Hello again!"
If someone were to look at Tsukasa, however, one might notice his eyes firstly focusing intently on Durga, and then on Cath Palug. Then, as Cath Palug transforms back into her human form, his fist clenches, and his breath visibly hitches. All without a word spoken.
-
Good. If it was discreet, let's keep it that way. Last thing I need is some magazine digging into my family history.
He looked up from his phone and looked around, doing a quick check of all the various intersecting threads of the day. Riku and Koga's story was concluded for the time being. Otoya was awake again, and while Kanna's line was perhaps a bit sappier than his tastes, he was none the less happy for the two of them, and looking forward to further developments.
As for the recently detransformed Kaijin, he cataloged their identities for further research. Thankfully, both were relatively prominent, so he already had files on them. However, he did wince internally when Chiyo transformed, which was only strengthened when he noticed Tsukasa's reaction. He had hoped to keep him out of the loop of Chiyo's resemblance to his girlfriend, largely because of what he'd seen of Tsukasa's reaction to the masked kaijin's obvious bait, but it was certainly too late for that.
Perhaps if he was in full form at the moment he'd be able to come up with some ingenious plan to distract Tsukasa, and carefully orchestrate a private meeting for the discussion of the matter as he'd intended, discussing how they should investigate, what Chiyo was willing to have them do, and all the while gaining more information on Fujimaru and Sugiura.
Unfortunately, after a morning of dealing with Kanna's fatal illness, spilling his guts to Tsukasa, Akihiko, and then the entire kaijin team, getting beaten up, punched in the face, and slow-cooked, having to fight Otoya, falling for the masked bastard's bait himself, getting called psycho, learning that what was going on with him and Fantomas was not normal, dealing with whatever that voice in his head was, and all the other stuff, not to mention the fact that it wasn't even past lunch time and he still had to deal with Mishima later? No, he was fucking exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally by now.
Fuck all my plans about who is or isn't coming up with me. Just get those pillows ready because I have to crash.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"Ok, if you're both awake, I'm heading to the theatre room. If you want to come, I'm willing to offer some help getting up if need be." Mori said to Kanna and Otoya, before turning to Jin and Akihiko, "You two can do whatever you want. I just need to go try to pass out for however long of lunch we have left because I'm running on something like three hours of sleep and today's been exhausting in every sense."
-
Tadano ... holds up the letter, crumpled but intact.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "I...uh....have it."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, that's one less headache. C'mon, Vasusena. Let's get the idiot to the school nurse and tie him up with medical tape or something."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Your secret's safe with me. I won't say a word of what I saw today."
(https://i.imgur.com/uzKZrqI.png)
"...You could afford to say a few words of it..." It was only after it came out of his mouth that he remembered that he was making this selfish request of his seniors within the council.
(https://i.imgur.com/rUKRJpb.png)
"That is, if the police ask you any questions, I only ask you to keep us anonymous. Divulge whatever is necessary to bring this criminal to justice!"
(https://i.imgur.com/OQ48CJi.png)
"Yes, let's get this over with, Proioxis. If classes have not been cancelled, I need to return posthaste."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sure, I don't mind skipping a few anyway if you run out of time. I can keep an eye on things."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)". . . can I get back to my day now?"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) "It's your day." Pixie says with a shrug.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Do what you want to do..." Misa finishes as she expands from Pixie's position with a pop before making a face and whispering to herself. "And someday I'll get use to all this."
-
Eventually, the party drifts apart, Tsukasa still keeping his eyes on Chiyo as she, Ayaka and Jin walk off with Kazuya. Kanna and Otoya are talking as you leave them, too; from what you can hear, it's something about Kanna's sickness.
Or, as far as Otoya knows, anyway.
Like that, you are back to the normality of school life. For the moment.
As the school day ends, your free time begins...
[Now Playing: Free Time Theme (Demon Soul Saga Default) ~~Want to Be Close~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdLt-oydrxE)]
Free Time is now in session. All players have five Activity Points. All facilities are accessible.
NPCs can be deliberately sought out now, by marking your search in bold. This does not use Activity Points.
Mori: Meet Kanade at the Velvet Room.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Misa: 5/5
Mori: 5/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 5/5
Yui: 5/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Earnings:
Items:
-
At the end of the school day, Yui looks at a slightly-crumpled letter in her hand, visibly contemplating for a while.
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) ... I... can do it...
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) Yes. I can do it.
She pockets the letter away and begins walking in a steady pace.
Yui seeks out Sasanuma.
-
Shiro spends her Activity points gaining SKL and MAG at the Library, going to the Gymnasium, and getting 200 yen
mugging people working at the mall.
She will hopefully happen to bump into Jin before she heads home.
-
Mori headed to the Science Room to do his homework (+15 Evasion), then he stopped by the Kendo Team room to ask if he could get some training, and then headed to the batting cages with Veep (+1 DEF) to relieve stress before having to meet with Mishima.
-
Mildred...
1. Hits the Library for a point of SKL.
2. Goes to the Batting Cages for a point of DEF.
3. Runs track at the Gym for +10 CRIT.
4. Seeks out Tsukasa to talk about Kaijin stuff.
-
Misa
1. Hits the Library for a point of SKL.
2. Hits the Batting Cages for a point of SPD
3. Works in the July supermarket chain x3 for 300 Yen
Misa will also seek Mori out to ask how he's doing, because that last adventure made her worry for him.
-
Yui
For a while, you don't seem to find Sasanuma at school. He doesn't appear to be at the football field, nor in his class; you hear mentions that he was seen yelling at Kaneko, possibly with blows exchanged earlier.
As you almost give up hope of finding Sasanuma, however, you round the corner, and see him being surrounded by what looks like a bunch of students.
"Man, what are you doing with yourself?"
"Don't you know? Kaneko got kidnapped by a bunch of Akuma! But luckily, the White Knight saved him!"
"Man, are you soft? Don't tell me you're soft now."
"You got in trouble once and this is the kind of guy you've become..."
Sasanuma seems to bear all of the indignities in silence. You note, however, that none of them seem to stand too close to him; the fact that Sasanuma towers over them might have something to do with it.
After they're done, they walk away, thankfully in the opposite direction. Eisuke, however, walks in your direction, and before you can leave, he notices you.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "....Aiuchi."
Shiro
On your way home from working at the Mall, you pass by the Old Dock District. The area near the docks of Kaname-cho is known for having quite a few eateries; back in the good old days, the fishermen would eat by there after a day's work, but nowadays it is home to salarymen and students from Hermelin and Amamiya eating after a hard day's work. Most eateries are effectively holes in the wall, tables on an outcrop with chairs in front.
Passing by one specific eatery, however, Shiro hears a familar, loud slurp.
"Haha! That's the stuff. I'll see you guys later, yeah? Say hi to your gramps for me!"
Jin almost slams down a plate of yakiniku, waving off a pair of middle school children. He sits back in his chair, letting out a satisfied grunt.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Man. That's the stuff. Yakiniku after a hard day's work.....those guys play a mean game o' Yu-Gi-Oh. Uncle, one more plate!"
Then, he looks around, and spots Shiro. He waves at them.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yo, Akari! Uncle, make that two plates, on me!"
Shiro gains SKL and MAG!
Shiro gains a buff from the Gymnasium, which will need to be specified.
Shiro earns 200 yen from the mall!
Mori
As Mori stops by the Kendo club room, a small room, he finds a notice on the door and the door locked. A phone number is attached.
- Out of town for tournament in Tokyo. Contact number here for captain. Wish us luck, we'll do our best!
- Hidari Meiko, Kendo Club Captain
Indeed, the Hermelin Kendo Club is currently in Tokyo, doing the All Japan Youth Kendo Championships. They've made the finals, and are meant to be competing against the exclusive Shuchi'in Academy's own club, reputed to be the best.
Perhaps contacting someone closer to Mori might be a better idea.
Mori gains +15 Evasion towards the next map!
Mori gains +1 DEF!
Mildred
Mildred is led by her search for Tsukasa to a few blocks away from the Hojo Memorial Hospital.
She finds Tsukasa heading back from the hospital. He looks rather morose, all things considered.
(https://i.imgur.com/ms4ZvJP.png) "...Ah. Honda."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "I just came back from visiting.....Majima."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "What do you need?"
Mildred gains +1 SKL!
Mildred gains +1 DEF!
Mildred gains +10 Critical to the next map!
Misa
As Misa wanders about, she might run into Mori, in front of the Kendo Club room.
Misa gains +1 SKL!
Misa gains +1 SPD!
Misa earns 300 yen!
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Misa: 0/5
Mildred: 2/5
Mori: 3/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 0/5
Yui: 5/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Shiro: +SKL, +MAG
Mori: +DEF, +15 Eva
Mildred: +SKL, +DEF, +10 Crit
Misa: +SKL, +SPD
Earnings:
Shiro: 200 yen
Misa: 300 yen
Items:
-
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "....Aiuchi."
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) "... Sasanuma."
For a second or two, she was silent. But she found the process to gather the courage to continue surprisingly easy this time around.
(https://i.imgur.com/cRxidR5.png)"Y'know, girls prefer it to hear about a guy's feelings directly from them."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "So if you feel sorry, say it. And then I'd wish to know why me back then and what made you regret it now."
-
She finds Tsukasa heading back from the hospital. He looks rather morose, all things considered.
(https://i.imgur.com/ms4ZvJP.png) "...Ah. Honda."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "I just came back from visiting.....Majima."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "What do you need?"
A cheery 'hey dude' didn't seem to be the way to go here. As direct as Mildred usually was, even she knew a little bit about 'time and place'. And she'd also heard the rumors; while she didn't show up to Hermelin all that much, girls loved to gossip, and she'd overhear things here and there. That hooded freak had confirmed them in the domain.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I, uh, hmm."
She rubbed her chin for a moment.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Wanna go somewhere private to talk for a bit? We've both got a couple things on our minds that probably ain't for the general public to hear."
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/DF1mmOa.png)". . . Right."
Shiro sighed quietly to herself, then waved a hand at Jin to acknowledge him. She flopped herself into a chair across from him, landing in it with a distinct thud.
(https://i.imgur.com/ShdhTAI.png)"Sorry 'bout the punch earlier. Sawatari makes me mad."
-
Yui
Eisuke mulls over her words for a few moments.
At long last, he sinks to the floor, prostrating himself before Yui.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "I....want to make amends, Aiuchi. I know that words will not be enough, but I have to start somewhere."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "I was a coward. This....world of the popular. It isn't for the faint-hearted. The things I would do that would keep me up there were cowardly. That is why I did what I did. The kind of people I used to be surrounded by were bastards. That is all you need to know."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "But....then Kasuga. That....person."
Eisuke bitterly laughs, head sstill facing the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "Some new guy comes in thinking he's hot shit, jumps in like some hero, and protects you. Not even afraid of what would happen to him for doing the right thing like a dumbass. Like he's some hero from an anime."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "Sitting in that hospital after he and Honda roughed us up got me thinking. What kind of guy has that kind of balls? At first, I thought he was an idiot. A bastard for ruining it all. But then I realised."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "Guy like him....he had more balls than all of us combined. And he was doing somethin' with 'em. Here I was, strutting around thinkin' I was better. And then that guy wipes the floor with me. A guy like him has conviction. And folks only have conviction like that when they know in their hearts they're doing the right thing. I've never known what that was like. Never felt like I knew strength until I saw him and Honda."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "So I figured I'd....try doing right. Told Kaneko to go to hell for what he did. Then...I came to talk to you."
Shiro
Jin waves it off.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Shit happens, man. Don't worry about it. Here, have some yakiniku on me. My treat."
He shrugs.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Sometimes you just gotta punch a guy. No hard feelings. So, you doin' alright?"
Mildred
Tsukasa thinks carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Walk me home, then. The streets around here are pretty quiet. We should be able to talk in private."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You got it. I'd offer you a ride, but my bike's at the garage."
Mildred put her hands in her jacket pockets and fell into step beside Tsukasa, waiting until they were a little away from the hospital to speak.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "She must mean a lot to you. So... how did you and Majima meet?"
-
Misa
As Misa wanders about, she might run into Mori, in front of the Kendo Club room.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa seems to almost jump when she runs into Mori, even though she's the one who was looking for him. "Ah, Sawatari." She says with an awkward air after a half-frozen moment. "I wanted to... After the recent events..."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa pauses and sighs to herself. "Sawatari, are you doing ok?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ePvl4td.png)"Alright enough. Just tired of smug bastards who think they've got everyone under their control. Way too many of 'em in my life." Shiro let out a small sigh. "At least I did get to deck him. He got off easy, but I did."
-
Shiro
Jin snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Little guys like that are the ones who've got the least control over everything. If you really got power, it shows. My older cousin taught me that."
Two plates of exquisitely grilled meat are placed in front of Shiro and Jin, and Jin, after muttering a quick Arigato, chows down on one piece.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Kid's not well, either. Probably. Ain't seen anyone's Kaijin shut down like that in the middle of a fight. Kasuga's got his work cut out for him."
Mildred
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "It's fine. About the ride, I mean."
When Mildred asks him about Yui, Tsukasa looks deep in thought. When he speaks again, he sounds almost wistful.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "That dumbass forgot her diary in the waiting room at the hospital when I was waiting to get a prescription for antibiotics. Returned it to her at school. She spouted some nonsense about me being the kind of guy she wanted to hang around, since I wasn't going to give her a hard time about her illness."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "A day later, she dragged me out for yakiniku. Stupid....I should've invited her out first."
-
Mildred laughed quietly.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Us girls can be pretty subtle when we want to drop hints. She probably left that diary there on purpose when she saw you."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Good on you for not being stuck on it being the guy who has to ask the girl out, though. I bet she was happy about that."
She looked over at Tsukasa.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "About what's going on with her now... is that 'cause of her illness, or is it related to... all the other mess?"
-
Tsukasa lets out a mild snort.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Mishima said the exact same thing about hints. She and Majima were close too. Best friends."
Tsukasa closes his eyes when Mildred asks him to recount what happened to Yui. Even a year later, it still seems to hurt. That whoever the mysterious Kaijin was kept jabbing that button doesn't seem to have helped.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "She got better before....it happened. Came to meet me at a cafe we used to eat at. We made plans to head out to Hokkaido, after the school year ended."
-
Mildred said nothing, merely walked alongside and waited to give him time to either work it out or change the subject.
-
Mori glanced over at Misa. For a moment he considered coming up with some story about him feeling better to make her leave, or simply ignoring her. Eventually, he decided to just be honest.
(https://i.imgur.com/jpShI3f.png)
"Obviously the answer is no." he replied "And you care because?"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "We don't know each other enough to be friends." Misa tells Mori. "But I don't want you dead. And after that last... thing..." She shakes her head. "I don't expect I can do much, but I wanted to ask if I could be of assistance anyway."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Hmmm... The world of those who aren't popular. It's not for the faint-hearted either."
(https://i.imgur.com/cRxidR5.png) "Difference being that no one asked for being put into that world."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "... But that's then, now is now. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm learning to be at peace with my surroundings. And with myself. By the sound of it, it seems like you're beginning that journey for yourself now."
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) "It will be hard, that much I can say. Especially since you're now making enemies out of your old friends, where I have been blessed, in a twisted sense, to not have had friends in the first place to turn into foes."
Yui looked at the floor for a moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Well... ... I know it'll take a lot from you considering the circumstances, and considering they're there, you might feel like you are the last person to be welcome here, but..."
(https://i.imgur.com/jDLQ2f2.png) "... the Helper's Club is there for you if you need it. And as long as you being sorry is genuine, I will vouch for you."
-
Shiro took a moment to sample her chicken. Evidently it was to her liking, judging by the size of the next chunk she ate.
(https://i.imgur.com/ePvl4td.png)"Just gets under my skin. You do what you want to do and they act like they're geniuses for 'manipulating' you into doin' it. Then you've got people who are just like that, 'cept they do have power. Can't stand any of it."
-
Mori's glance turned into a good, long look. Miyashita Misa... he had a file on her, of course. Child of an extremely wealthy family, the type where the children were expected to compete with one another to become heir, his least favorite that wasn't the Mishimas. Her father was... unfavorable to her mother's family, which had caused her hardship at home. From his own observations, he'd seen her cope by locking herself away with children's stories. Now, here she was stepping out of her shell and attempting to socialize, finally breaking out of the reclusion her upbringing had forced her into, and she was offering to help him with his issues?
He was not so cruel as to force the weight of his demons onto the shoulders of a girl who had her own.
(https://i.imgur.com/LhOyPzf.png)
"You are correct, there is little to nothing that you can do." Mori replied, "If the issue lies with the demon inside my mind, then it's a kaijin matter none of us are yet equipped to deal with, and I've already made plans to attempt to acquire help from Scathach tonight. If the matter is internal... you don't need any part of that."
He turned and began to walk away.
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"You were also correct in your other statement: We are not friends." he continued "For your own sake, I would recommend that you do not make any attempts to change that. Emotional investment in my wellbeing does nothing for people besides causing them further pain."
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yeah. Sometimes all you can do is grin and bear it, huh? It's why I run the way I do. Nobody tells Akutagawa Jin what to do. And I....well, it's a kind of power to help people out, isn't it?"
Mildred
After a few moments, possibly lost in thought, Tsukasa speaks again.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Why are you taking interest in Majima all of the sudden? You don't seem like the type to care about someone's love life. Let alone someone you barely know."
Yui
Eisuke just stares at Yui for a few moments.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "To ask Kasuga for help....heh. A guy like him....his conviction, his strength....I'd never hear the end of it."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "I gotta figure this out myself."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "I hope you find whatever peace you're looking for, Aiuchi. Because I know I ain't finding mine for a while."
Mori
Meanwhile, Mori receives a text from Veep. It seems his request for research into Sugiura and Fujimura has returned and....there's not much he CAN find.
Fujimura is a transfer student from Sendai. Pretty plain history. Not much there. However, she has no social media to speak of; no Facebook, no LINE, no Twitter, nothing. The only person who seems to know much about her is Akutagawa, who has been seen around her and is rumoured to be dating her. Probably not the best idea to ask Akutagawa, however, given that he runs in the same circles as Akari, who just punched you in the face.
As for Sugiura, it's the opposite. He's all over the social media space, but all of it started only three or four years ago, and he seems to have exactly the amount of friends you'd expect from someone as popular as him. He's a transfer student from Tokyo but seems to have lived an entirely ordinary life before. Like Fujimura, you can't get anything on him from before he entered Amamiya.
Clean, but too clean. So far, a bust.
For records on students beyond that, you'd need access to school records, to get the information the school would probably know but would be kept off something so public as a social media page. The only two you know who have that kind of access are Mamiya Kaname (your sworn rival in the information business at Amamiya) and....
....Akihiko Kasuga, the former newspaper club member with a penchant for dangerous stories and investigative shenanigans.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "Why are you taking interest in Majima all of the sudden? You don't seem like the type to care about someone's love life. Let alone someone you barely know."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, it's true that I ain't angling for that kind of gossip. Just thought I'd give you a chance to get it out if you wanted. As for me, I want to understand more of this Kaijin thing, like what the deal with that prick earlier is, what we're capable of, what we're up against, that kind of thing."
Mildred turned her upper body slightly as she walked to face more toward Tsukasa.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Seems like a lot of those at Hermelin see it as a burden at best and a curse at worst but to me... ain't this a good thing? I always thought I was fighting to do the right thing, you know, putting punks in their place before they really screwed up and keeping people who aren't as strong as me or are worried about how people look at 'em safe, but isn't this just that on a bigger scale? Akuma are straight up evil, and saving them from themselves, let alone protecting innocent bystanders... that's justice if you ask me. Real hero shit."
She turned back to face forward.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You and Akutagawa are like me in that respect, aren't you?"
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "I'm glad to hear you're already seeking assistance then." Misa says as Sawatari leaves. "May fortune bless you."
-
Tsukasa shakes his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "I've shed my share of tears for Majima. I've tried everything to get her out of her coma but....nothing. Not even my powers can bring her back. So there's no use in me focusing on what we can't do."
Tsukasa then laughs lightly at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "You aspire far too much heroism to me. I'm not doing this just because it's the right thing to do. That would be my partner, Scathach. Akutagawa....someone like him, I don't get, but I respect him. I wouldn't call myself a hero. Not when my sole motive is to have the one most important to me by my side. I'm not like you, or Kasuga, or Akutagawa. You do this for the right reasons."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "No. That masked Kaijin....I've been tracking him down for a year to try to get answers. See if I can somehow bring Majima back to my side."
He clenches his fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "And almost every time I've caught him....he always slips from my grasp."
He then laughs again, bitterly this time.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Call me foolish or hate me for my true motives, but...I can't help but want Maji...no, Yui by my side again. The colors of my life feel....faded without her."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/1zCNO1I.png)
"They do say there are first times for everything," Mori thought, though his actual reply was merely "And you as well."
He sent Veep a quick thanks for the information and decided that if he couldn't get any swordsmanship tips, he'd spend the time until he met up with Veep at the batting cages to go check on how Sakurajima and Miyazono were doing.
Seek out Kanna and Otoya. If they aren't together, seek out Kanna.
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/ePvl4td.png)". . . I don't think I do much helpin' people, other than the boys. Got too much shit to deal with and not enough patience for half of it."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "That is fair enough. I can understand wanting to figure it out oneself."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Just remember... Figuring it out yourself doesn't mean you have to figure it out alone. Even if you don't go to the Helper's Club, you're not alone in your search."
(https://i.imgur.com/cRxidR5.png) "Unlike me back then."
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) "But it's fine now. I'm good friends with Chino and Morimoto. And the people at the Helper's Club, I'm getting along with them too since I started being a member there. Because... Because I believe everybody deserves to be helped."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "... Now, that should have been everything I wish to say from my side. Unless there is something you'd like to add, I wish you a good day, Sasanuma."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's still a good reason to fight. Ain't no harm if there's a bit of selfishness tied to it too; I'm sure she'd do the same for you."
Mildred looked over at him again.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So, this hooded shit-for-brains... you think he's behind all the Akuma? Maybe he tried to fuck with me and the rest at Hermelin? Can't say that worked out too well for him if he did. And what about Scathach? Can you tell me anything about her?"
-
Shiro
Jin laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yeah. Takes some kinda patience dealin' with people's problems, huh? Least that's what my cousin Hanako always said, anyway. Haven't seen her in a while, but she really drilled that kinda thinkin' into me."
He sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Your Myrmidons are really somethin', huh?"
Mildred
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "You're not one to care about the details too much, huh? Maybe someday, if Yui ever wakes up, I'll introduce you. You'd like her. She's the same way. Though....somewhat more feminine. If you mind my commenting."
Tsukasa sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "As for that Kaijin, almost certainly, that hooded Kaijin is the one behind the Akuma attacks. I stopped him trying to turn a salaryman going home into one a few weeks ago."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "The problem is....and I can't be sure, but I swear I saw Durg-Fujimura save him from me. I would have said something earlier, but given that we know he is capable of creating illusions now, the likeliest answer is that he was trying to set myself and my partner against Fujimura and by extension, Akutagawa. Be on the lookout; I have similar powers to Akitsuki's, but hers are stronger. She could pierce his illusions where I couldn't. Keep her safe."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "As my partner Scathach...she and I made a pact to keep our idenities hidden. She will reveal herself in due time. All I can tell you is that any questions about the nature of Kaijin, she'd have a better answer than myself. She was the one who tried to warn me not to try to use my powers to reawaken Yui, because mortal illnesses cannot be cured by our magic."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Of course, turning into a Kaijin....makes you more than human. Should you become a Kaijin, any ailments you would have disappear, and you impervious to any new ones. On top of being naturally stronger and more durable, even in the human forms we have right now. In that sense, we're not quite human anymore."
Yui
Eisuke thinks for a few moments.
Then he finally pulls himself off the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "...."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "If there's anything you ever need from me, Aiuchi....don't hesitate to ask."
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy7Zlr.png) "I'm a bastard. But I owe you no end of favours."
He walks away, hands in his pocket.
Mori
From his contacts, Mori finds that Otoya and Kanna were sent to the hospital after today's events. Otoya, he hears, is cleared, but has to stay the night - or so a bird heard from a panicking Tadano. Kanna also has to stay the night, after Mori checks in with Koga; the doctors are concerned about the effects of being kidnapped by an Akuma on her illness.
The chances of Mori being allowed to visit are probably nil - as far as you know, visting hours are over right now -, and a phone call probably untenable at the moment, but a text might do.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Bah, I'm a girl where it counts and the rest is society's problem, not mine. I'm just built different."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "A salaryman, huh? Unless he was working for some big name - not that there's any but one around here - I can't see much reason to target a random guy except to cause trouble. Guessing if he has a plan it's too damn complicated to figure it out just guessing, so I'm going to assume he's just being a dick because he can."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "And yeah, he tried to look like Akutagawa the first time he attacked us, too. Makes me think maybe he's a wimp and if I could just get one really good hit on him, he'd go down like a sack of potatoes. Otherwise he'd just beat us up first instead of hiding."
When Tsukasa stonewalled her on Scathach, Mildred just shrugged in response.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'll just ask Kasuga then. He's got a way of figuring these things out. Or maybe I'll recognize her voice somewhere, but since three of your team doesn't go to Hermelin, I probably don't run in her circles either."
She looked over at him.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So... like a set of powers out of a comic book? Super speed, super strength, little bit of invincibility, that kind of thing?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3s6nn01e4gbgqu/LOL.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, shit! People already didn't have a fair fight against me! I might actually feel a little bit bad about hitting them now."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Guess I'll just have to pull my punches a little bit now. Still, can't say I'm unhappy about it. Do you think anyone high up knows about this Kaijin stuff? I mean like JSDF government types?"
-
Mori began to walk to the theatre room as he opened up a group chat with Otoya and Sakurajima. Of course he had their numbers, he had a reputation to uphold, but it wasn't as though he messaged them frequently... frankly he didn't message anyone frequently besides Veep, and he was rather sure neither had his number in their phones.
Hey it's Sawatari. How are you guys doing-
He deleted that message before he sent it. Too casual.
This is Sawatari Mori. If you would not be opposed to it-
Nope, too formal.
Hello, it's Sawatari. Just checking in to see how you two are feeling after what happened?
There. Sent.
-
Mildred
Tsukasa shrugs.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "You're telling me. I'm surprised Kasuga hasn't worked it out already. If he hasn't, someone else will. As for high up, that I can't say. But if they did, they're only taking it seriously now."
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "I wouldn't make it sound so easy to beat him. I've never seen that Kaijin fight but you saw how he fought. Definitely trained. No, I think he's toying with us first. For what purpose, I can't say. I'm no detective. Why do you think it's taken me a year to find him?"
Mori
Otoya doesn't respond to Mori. Probably asleep, you figure.
Kanna takes a while.
Am fine. Doctors just finished checking up on us. Need to stay overnight. Otoya went to sleep. He was tired.
Then.
Thanks for saving us. You, Kasuga, Kazami-senpai, everyone.
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/CZunqZW.png)"Hell yeah. They'd better be, with the amount of time those idiots have taken to whip into proper shape." She paused, looking suspicious. "You're not plannin' on spreading the word around school, are you? You don't seem like the type but I don't fuck around when it comes to that."
-
Don't include me in that group. I went because I had a duty to do so. That is nothing that deserves any form of accolades.
...he then realized that that might come off a bit harsh.
Nonetheless, you are welcome. How is the akuma seed in the back of your neck?
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's easy to answer. No offense, but you're just a dude. I wouldn't have found him in a year either, even if I went around town beating info out of every lowlife in it. Akihiko, though, he's a clever guy. If anyone can figure out who it is, he will. I have faith in my friend, even if we're on our own."
She meant as far as the government went; from what Tsukasa said, they probably had no better an idea of who Andras was than she did.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "He's gonna regret unleashing Proioxis, I know that much. I'm the pursuit of enemies, I ride the winds of victory, and that means I ain't going to stop until I've won come hell or high water."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So let him hide for now. Sooner or later he's going to poke his head out to try planting some more Akuma seeds and I'm gonna be waiting to shove that head into the dirt. I can't stand people like that, who just wanna cause trouble and pick on people they think are weaker'n them just 'cause they can."
Mildred turned to Tsukasa.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hey, though. I know you think you ain't a hero, but you are. The White Knight stands for something. You've saved people. That counts for a lot."
She turned forward again.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Just my two cents on it."
-
Shiro
Jin grins, offering Shiro a thumbs up.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Secret's safe with me, Akari."
He sighs, patting his stomach as he polishes off the last of the yakiniku.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "So, what brings you to my neck of the woods, Akari? Didn't know you liked the eateries 'round here."
Mildred
Tsukasa chuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/bgzh9Km.png) "You believe that much in Kasuga, huh? Hm. He must be someone special, if you and Sawatari can agree on him. And as for being a hero....I won't call myself that. Not until Yui is at my side again."
He stops at a street corner.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "This is my stop. I'll see you tomorrow, Honda."
He pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/2UnuC40.png) "Should you or Kasuga get any leads on that masked Kaijin, don't hesitate to call. I won't hesitate, either."
Tsukasa nods at Mildred, and walks away towards a house up the street, turning into the gate. The lights turn on inside the house as the door opens to admit him.
The moment Tsukasa walks inside, Mildred receives a text. It's from Akihiko.
I have a lead on our case. I had to buy Kaname a new roll of camera film and promise to help her on her next case but it was worth it. Don't tell anyone yet; I'm at the dojo, and I just got a text about it and I need to confirm it. Only you and Saya know for now.
Last week, when Sakurajima and Miyazono were at school late to practice, there were only four other people there aside from one of the kendo kids packing up, who told Kaname all this.
One was Miss Kurenai, one was Nanjou and one was Futaba. The other was Sugiura. If there's any suspect for the masked Kaijin, it's one of those four. I'll bring you and Saya in when I have a plan of action. The others...not yet. Not after today, not after Akari almost took Sawatari's face off. I need someone to know, but someone I know won't march off half-cocked.
Then after a bit.
Sorry to dump this all on you, Honda. I needed someone to tell. You've got my back, so I knew I could trust you with this.
Mori
A pause.
Take credit for being a hero, Sawatari. You and Kasuga fighting together....that must've looked so cool.
Another pause.
I can't even feel it anymore!
-
I'm not so vain as to take credit for things I have not done. You are too kind to notice, but Kasuga and Kazami are good people who did what they did because it was right. I am a bad person who did what I did because I had a duty to do so and no choice in the matter.
Anyway, that's great news. How did Miyazono feel before he went to bed?
A pause
Also, do you not remember seeing what happened?
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You might not, but other people do. Just saying."
They reached Tsukasa's stop.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "All right, if I get anything concrete I'll ask Kasuga to send it your way too."
After the two parted, her phone beeped, and she took it out of her back pocket.
I think it ain't Sugiura. I know he comes off as a slimy little scuzzball but we saw him after the fight with whoever this other dude is. I don't know the other three that well, but I could always look into them if you want.
After the second beep.
You ain't got to apologize about a thing. I want this dude caught as much as you do. Not sure what we're going to do with him once we got him, though, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're the brains in this team after all. You just point me to any heads you need busting. (https://cdn-icons-png.flaticon.com/512/3435/3435184.png)
-
Mildred
Can't rule out Sugiura yet. With that illusion crap that Kaijin pulled, could be anybody. But just because he's a slimeball doesn't mean he's our guy, either. Only the facts will determine his guilt. That's what my sensei taught me. After kicking my ass a few hundred times.
Then after a bit.
I did mean it when I said I needed you back there, Honda. There's time for brains. And there's time for beating the bad guy's face in. I might be your brains, but Saya's my brains. Long as you and Saya believe in me and back me up, I can do anything.
Mori
Otoya-kun? He was fine. Said he had a small headache, but the doctors checked him out and he's sleeping now. The doctors did say something about my....well, it was a little much to explain, something about fluid levels, but I'm....apparently getting better now from what I'm sick with. If it continues at this rate, the doctors said I might not even need to come in anymore. So I have you guys to thank for healing me while I was unconscious! ^__^
Also, no, I don't remember a thing after I passed out.
-
If it's illusion stuff you're worried about we already know one guy who isn't in touch with reality that can turn into other people. Just saying. Anyway, you'll figure it out, and I'll be there to help. That's a promise.
-
Gut tells me it's not Sawatari. He's got issues, but I don't think turning people into Akuma is one of them.
-
If you say so, but I'm going to be keeping an eye on him whenever he's around. Dude's less stable than a two-legged chair. Anyway, I just got done talking with Tsukasa. He doesn't know anything we don't and asked to be kept in the loop. Kept quiet about who Scathach is but I bet she's a classmate of his.
She paused for a second.
...Dude said we aren't 'normal' anymore. You been noticing anything weird? Being faster, stronger, or whatever?
-
Now that you mentioned it, yeah, I have. I get tired a lot less easy lately, and I feel like I'm hitting harder in my spars at the dojo. Sensei even asked me if I'd been working out lately. Did Kazami-senpai say anything about that?
-
Yeah, he did. Stronger, faster, tougher than normal humans, get over injuries faster, and we're not going to be sick anymore either, if I understood right. I get the impression he tried to do something with this to help Majima but sounds like it didn't work. Not sure if that's helpful at all but I figured since I got this info I should pass it on to you.
-
As Mori read the last lines of the first text his breath hitched in his throat. His mouth stood open as his eyes widened.
(https://i.imgur.com/d63gcKO.png)
"D-do you.... does that...
Does that mean you're recovering? You're cured? You're going to be fine from now on?
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Just takin' a walk to clear my head after today. Happened to walk over here, figured I'd take the long way home." She was well aware she wasn't covering her actual reason very well, but Akari Shiro wasn't about to admit that she needed to talk to someone about her esteemed father.
-
Mildred
Sounds like he tried to do what Sawatari tried; use his Kaijin magic to heal Majima. I figured. Otherwise you'd get more news reports about people whose Kaijin relatives started healing them. Yeah. I'll need time to consider some of this information. I'll need to thank you and Kazami-senpai, too.
Mori
Well, the doctors aren't sure yet, but it seems like it. They do want to keep me overnight to do some more tests though :(
Then.
You're not crying for joy there, are you?
Shiro
Jin nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Yeah. The little guy must've really struck a nerve. If that's okay to comment on."
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Yeah, you could say that." Her lips pressed together for a moment, debating her next words internally. "Let's just say I've had more than my share of experience with manipulative controlling bastards. I can't stand 'em and I hate it especially when they act like you're just doin' what they want."
-
Also laughing, cheering, and I kind of feel like I'm gonna vomit for some reason, but I'm alone in the room so it's not a problem.
Mori had actually stood up in the room and started cheering like a lunatic at the news. It was the first unambiguously good thing that had happened all week and probably the best news he'd had since he was 8, so if anyone thought he was acting weird they could go fuck themselves.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rcvj66c.png)
"Suck on that, you masked son of a bitch!" he shouted at the air, "This is the only miracle I need!"
Once he'd calmed down, and his throat hurt too much too keep cheering, he remembered that he did kind of have something he needed to ask.
Hey, sorry to bother you with this when you probably just want to be calming down after the morning, but it's important to ask. Did you have any contact with anyone unusual last night or any other idea of when you may have been implanted with the akuma seed?
-
Mori
Nobody out of the ordinary. Just a bunch of students visiting friends or teachers or other students doing club activities honestly.
See Sawatari? You can smile honestly!
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "You and me both. My old man was like that to my mom and I. Bastard."
Jin takes out a bottle of melon soda. Before he opens his, he brings out another bottle offering it to Shiro. Regardless of their answer, he uncaps his and takes a swig.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "It's always movin' the damn goalposts or actin' like you know what they need better than they do."
-
Regardless of suspicion, can you provide me a list of everyone you interacted with last night? It’s of vital importance that any possible suspect be investigated in order to aid in preventing any future harm.
-
Last night? Uh....well, I was at the hospital, and I don't think the doctors did it....the only people I saw last night aside from them were my parents, Otoya and Ri-kun.
-
Mori sighed.
Ok, I suppose I don’t have any leads for now. Just know that if you remember any recent interactions with suspicious people, or just people you don’t normally interact with, or anything else at all that may give a lead on who is doing this, I *need* you to tell me. Also, and this is more personal so it’s entirely at your discretion, please let me know any information regarding your recovery. I want to learn more about how magic healing works and what it can do.
He then remembered that this was a group chat.
Miyazono, when you wake up, the suspicious personnel question applies to you as well, if not for my sake then you and Sakurajima, and Tadano’s. If you can think of anything that will help me track down who is doing this, I’d be much obliged.
-
Sounds like he tried to do what Sawatari tried; use his Kaijin magic to heal Majima. I figured. Otherwise you'd get more news reports about people whose Kaijin relatives started healing them. Yeah. I'll need time to consider some of this information. I'll need to thank you and Kazami-senpai, too.
No need to thank me. Just let me know if you make any connections to anything.
-
Shiro
Shiro accepts the proffered beverage, but doesn't take a drink of her own quite yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/ShdhTAI.png)"Your old man, huh? . . . Guess I ain't pretendin' that this doesn't sound familiar very well, am I?"
-
Mori
Okay, if I remember anything, I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I can.
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Well, when you went off all half-cocked renovatin' Sawatari's face with your fists because he mentioned your old man, even a dumbass like me could figure that out."
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/ShdhTAI.png)"Well, it ain't his business." Shiro huffed, hackles rising for a moment before she took another breath. "'Sides, that wasn't the only reason. I might not be a very good person but even I know you don't say that kind of shit about the people close to you."
-
Ok. Well, with all that settled, I believe I should let you get back to resting and recovering from the morning. Stay safe.
-
Mori
:)
With that, Sakurajima goes offline.
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "I wouldn't exactly say he and Kasuga are that close. I've been hangin' with Kasuga a while and it's about the first time I've seen the little man around him. Not that it makes that shit he said okay. Face needed some punchin' after that one."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Kasuga spoke up for him, that's about the closest thing Sawatari probably has to a friend with an attitude like that." Shiro shrugged as she took a swig of her drink. "Anyway. . . I got the idea you wanted to talk about somethin'."
-
Moving out of the group chat, Mori sent a quick text to just Otoya.
I’m sorry.
With that, he put his phone away. It was time to go to the batting cages with Veep and then… his meeting with Mishima.
-
Mori
Mori finds himself in....well, not completely out of his element, but not somewhere he'd be accustomed to being in.
The Velvet Room is the best teahouse in town, but an exclusive teahouse indeed. Dating from the period from when Kaname-cho was a mere fishing village and the teahouse itself was a main attraction for weary travelers, the Velvet Room has since survived the incursion of the Mishima Corporation with almost insulting ease. The family running the place, the Kanames - of Mamiya Kaname fame - are, while not rich, well-off. They took over from running it after the original owners elected to up sticks and move to the rural town of Wadanohara; however, the Kanames had been old friends of theirs. It is reputed that, from time to time, Kaname might hold one of her famed tea parties here, where information would be exchanged for favours, if one was fortunate enough to be invited.
In any case, the exclusivity shows. The place is painted in red and gold, with ornate tables and furniture, and rich-looking clientele calmly enjoying tea at the few tables in the establishment. You couldn't imagine someone like Kasuga or Akitsuki in here; someone like Honda or Akari would probably have long since thrown a table at the nearest waiter. Fortunately, outside of her, very little reminder of the Mishima family is in here. The maitre d' has seen your invitation and invited you into the main area.
Now, you just need to deal with...Mishima.
Shiro
Jin raised an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Just wanted to check up on ya. Y'know. After...that."
-
Mori somewhat nervously shifted the weight of his briefcase in his hand. The reminder of whose family ran this place caused him to cautiously scan for cameras out of the corner of his eyes. He couldn’t say did certain if Mamiya would be willing to use her family business to pick up secrets on… interesting clientele, but he wouldn’t put it past her. After all, he’d do it if he was in her shoes.
He straightened his cravat. He’d showered after he left the batting cages, changed into a suit, and otherwise did his best to look respectable. Veep had made fun of him for “trying to look good for Mishima”, but he was in a good mood, so he let it slide. In fact, that good mood, and the possibility of getting the demon out of his head, were the only reasons he hadn’t told the maitre d’ that he’s suddenly remembered something urgent he needed to get done, and to please tell Ms. Mishima that he wasn’t able to make it.
Yet regardless of his apprehension, he walked in.
-
No cameras that Mori can see. Mamiya, it seems, isn't willing to stoop that low.
The maitre d' has guided Mori, by this point, to the table where she is waiting.
(https://i.imgur.com/0B5urLb.png) "Ah. I see you did get my invitation. Hello, Sawatari."
She tilts her head slightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "You look anxious. Is something on your mind?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"I'm fine. Little shit got under my skin but that's nothing new. Just exhausting."
-
Mori waited for the maitre d' to move out of earshot before responding.
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
"Well, we can start with the fact that I hate you and dread the thought of having to spend time with you." he replied, his tone the same as if he had replied with "nothing", "Regardless, I am in fact here, contrary to my better judgment, so why did you ask for my attendance?"
-
Kanade purses her lips. She seems almost....disappointed by his answer. Not the "fully expected it" that Mori expected. But disappointed.
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "...."
(https://i.imgur.com/7h1X24b.png) "You hate me, huh? You wouldn't be the first. At least you're honest about it. That I can respect. You're more honest than most of the actors I've met about it."
Kanade sighs, gesturing to a chair facing her.
(https://i.imgur.com/7h1X24b.png) "Well, why don't you take a seat then? Have some tea. Don't worry, it's not poisoned, Sawatari."
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "I was hoping to meet you to discuss Kaguya. Since the Inter-School play is within a few months and we're supposed to start rehearsals soon, I figured you'd want to discuss when we start auditions."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
"Well, it's understandable that people would lie to you about how they feel, it's inevitable really," he mused "When you have power, people will always say what they think you want to hear as long as they want something from you, and you and your family have an incredible amount of power."
(https://i.imgur.com/23Ic18f.png)
"There are only really two exceptions to the rule," he continued, "Those who care enough about you to tell the truth, and those who don't care enough to lie."
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
"Putting that aside, about auditions, a big part of deciding that falls to what roles we're looking for and how we want to do them. As I understand, the only roles we really need are Kaguya, her parents, the five suitors, the emperor, and at least one denizen of the moon. Assuming you didn't have any other parts you wanted to include, the next concern is how we want the characters portrayed. I think the suitors are likely the characters most open to interpretation, though all of the roles need at least an outline of the personality before we know what we're looking for for an audition."
As he was talking, he'd been scanning the menu, looking at prices.
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
"As for the tea... I'm not certain I have the disposable income to spend on much of anything."
-
Mori
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"So perhaps you understand the value of honesty, Sawatari. I like you more already."
Kanade's tone of voice is somewhat dry.
Kanade waves off his concerns about payment.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"No need. I'll pay. If you want to repay me, make sure our play is a success."
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "I see. Do you have anyone in mind for the roles? My suspicion is that the others will push us into the role of the emperor and Kaguya herself. But I'd like to know who you had in mind."
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "You really fine, though? Like, honestly? Y'know, mano-e-mano, it won't get out from me if you're not. The King o' Beasts ain't no rat."
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/ShdhTAI.png)". . . Fine. I got problems with my dad. He wants me to be some yamato nadeshiko and that just ain't me. But that's who I need to be."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/23Ic18f.png)
”You shouldn’t make such offers to enemies,” Mori replied ”someone with poorer manners might think to abuse it.”
He returned to looking at the menu.
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”As for actors I had in mind for roles, yes of course I have a few, but I prefer to wait until after auditions to declare who really seems best for the role, after all, some people can surprise you. Further, in this case, it’s not merely my own troupe who are up for the roles, but yours as well, so a pick I make among my own may serve to be faulty due to a lack of information about another actor who could serve better. No, I think we should rather discuss how we want to see characters interpreted so we can go back to our troupes with an understanding of what we’re looking for.”
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”With that said, here are some ideas I had. You were right that Kaguya is a very well known story that both our troupes will already have a decent grasp on, but as a result, anyone in the audience, with the exception of small children, has probably already heard the story multiple times before. As such, I had the thought that to add some interest, we could try to flesh out some of the characters with little defined personalities, such as the suitors, and present a greater idea of the emotional impact of the events on everyone. I think Ishitsukuri can be kept as the typical spoiled young noble who tries to pull the wool over the eyes of a girl who vastly underestimated, though I think it would serve to come up with some more interesting characterization for Kuramochi. Mimuraji I think should be played as more foolish than malicious, given his failing was a result of being scammed. Marotari should be a tragic character, a young man plagued by insecurities, desperately trying to prove himself, only to fail and die, and his fate should weigh on the play and the characters in it. As for Miyuki, I often see him presented as a coward for giving up after he suffered a storm, but I always saw him as the wisest character in the play, realizing, as he lay shipwrecked, many loyal servants dead, that all these impossible tasks and the dreadful toll they took upon them just really wasn’t worth it to marry a woman who obviously didn’t want to marry them. For added points, I think it would be interesting if he had been close to Marotari, and his epiphany, combined with the death of his friend in another impossible task, drives him to an emotional monologue against Kaguya and the other suitors, cursing them for their arrogance, pettiness, and cruelty.”
He let out a deep breath when he was done, but he seemed a bit more tense than when he had started speaking.
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”Apologies,” he said, a bit of emotion slipping into his voice, ”I have a lot of thoughts about this story. What do you think?”
-
Mori
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"So you claim."
Kanade notes what Mori has to say. After processing it, she nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"Exactly my thoughts on this. Nice to see we agree on that, at least."
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "Of course, you didn't bring a briefcase just to tell me about your thoughts on the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, did you?"
Shiro
Jin nods slowly.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "....y'know, why do you need to be one? I mean, tradition. But yer the next....Akari, right? You get to dictate how it works from now on."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ShdhTAI.png)"No. That'd be my younger brother." She gave a small shake of her head. "Swear my life would be twice as easy if I was his older brother."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”I believe the conversation I’ve brought the briefcase for would best be had somewhere more private.” Mori replied. He then paused for a moment and added ”Just realized that sounded creepy as hell. It’s about what happened this morning. I assume Kazami told you what occurred?”
-
Mori
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"You really don't have any idea of how to speak to women, do you? My, my, we shall have to fix that. After all, it would be a poor look for you to alienate girls who aren't allegedly your enemies."
Kanade seems lightly amused. Then he mentions Kazami. At that, she seems worried.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"No, I haven't spoken to Kazami since we met at school this morning. I assumed he was...."
She trails off slightly. Mori assumes she might be holding back knowledge about Kazami's visits to his girlfriend.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"Anyway. Why, did something happen?"
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Sounds like it. Can't you just....run down the timer 'til you're out from him?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/23Ic18f.png)
”What exactly is that “allegedly” doing there?” Mori questioned, before moving on to the other matter. Let’s see… how to discuss being Kaijin without discussing being kaijin…
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”Well, if you haven’t yet heard of what happened earlier today, I suppose it falls to me to tell you.” Mori began, ”There was an Akuma attack at Hermelin today. I was actually with Kazami at the time. The white knight and some other kaijin dealt with the matter, but I happened to have… a little bird who found there way into the realm.
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”Now, I do my best to make sure all my information is verified, but I’ll admit I can’t totally verify the validity of the information I received, but if it’s true… something interesting happened with one of the kaijin.” he leaned in a bit and turned his voice down to a whisper, ”*One of the kaijin, out of nowhere, fell to the floor, grabbed their head, and started screaming at nothing.*”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Can't just turn my back on my family like that. There's obligations. Akari-jo has been in this town for centuries, and it didn't stay Akari-jo because we turned up our noses at stuff that didn't sound fun." She folded her arms. "Besides, I don't really hate him. Renjirou's not a bad kid and he needs me to be there for him." She gestured with one arm in the direction of the kid that ran off earlier. "You get it, right?"
-
Mori
Kanade tilts her head. She gives Mori a look of....was that recognition? As if to say "You too?".
Only for a few seconds. She regains her composure.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"I wouldn't be able to talk about such things in public. After all, that would require me to know much about Kaijin."
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"However, if I were to know such things, I would tell you that you weren't alone, and that we don't need to be enemies, either."
Shiro
Jin thinks that through carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "....nah, I get that. You stick up for your bros and your homies. But....well. Ain't nothin' that survived all these years without changin' a little bit, you get me? Mountains get chipped away, forests disappear, villages grow. Renjirou's your lil' bro, and you should watch out for 'im. But you and 'im gotta be yourselves and not your old man. If that makes sense. This world ain't waitin' about for the past to catch up to it."
He roughly rubs the back of his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Sorry. I know some dumbass like me probably doesn't get this.....whole thing with rich families. My family out in Wadanohara's always been well-off but not like you or the Mishimas. To me, problems have always seemed kinda simple to solve. You do or don't. Seems like you think the same way down here."
Jin sighs. For a minute, Shiro swears they can see a faint glimmer of water coursing across his skin.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Even the hardest rock'll be washed away by the ocean. That's what Aegaeon told me, anyway, all those years ago when I became...this. I dunno what that means yet. Guess the King o' Beasts has a mystery he needs to figure out."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
”I did suggest a change of location.” Mori replied, ”as… disturbing as it may have come out.”
He didn’t respond to the comment about being enemies. He didn’t have the energy to speak about his duty again today, especially not with her.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)". . . mmh. I dunno. I'd probably get disowned if Father knew half the shit I get up to or a quarter of what I think about. And that's not even considerin' how Mother or the rest of the family would feel." She sighed. "Can't really make the problem go away by beatin' his ass, even if I could probably manage it at this point, and I don't think talkin' to him will do much other than make him mad."
-
Mori
Kanade shrugs.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"If I were to know much about this sort of thing, I'd assume you were trying to get me alone, Sawatari. I do wonder if your idea of an enemy is something like someone you want to confess to."
She sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"If you want to talk about this kind of thing, we can meet some other time. Or we can enjoy tea here."
Shiro
Jin thinks that through carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Bide yer time. How does Renjirou feel about this whole thing?"
-
The air temperature around the table seemed to drop 10 degrees, and the air itself seemed to pick up a sense of anger and tension like the last second before a bomb went off.
(https://i.imgur.com/MfWYlYZ.png)
"Let me be extremely clear." Mori replied, his voice not changing in volume, but with a venomous edge, "I was being polite because I had a pleasant day today. The morning was rough, perhaps, but I had some fantastic news from someone close to me that set me in a good mood from then on. Further, I know that we were going to have to collaborate a lot, given we are in charge of coordinating the play, and we are more than likely going to be costarring. Unfortunately, it seems that I gave you the wrong idea about how exactly I feel about you, so let me fix that."
He leaned in close again. Something blazed in his eyes, like a wildfire, threatening to burn out of control, indiscriminately reducing everything in its path to scorched black ashes from which nothing would ever grow again.
(https://i.imgur.com/Iuf7VTO.png)
"*When I say I hate you? When I say that you are my enemy? When I say I don't want to be near you? When I say merely hearing your name pisses me off? When I say that I dream of one day forcing your blight of a family out of my town to never return?*" he hissed like a rattlesnake seconds away from biting, "*I fucking mean it.*"
"Those who hurt your family do not deserve your mercy."
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
"Now if there's nothing more to discuss about the play, I think it would be best if I take my leave."
-
Kanade simply stands up.
Mori feels the air around HIM lower a further ten degrees. But not much hate from Kanade. No, more....disappointment. Sadness. She doesn't want to do this. Whereas with him, it was anger, hers is more....resignation. As if she wanted a different conclusion.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png)"Interesting. You want my help, but want me to die in a fire. You want to collaborate with me, but demand I get out of your way. You brush aside any attempt at an olive branch because of whatever image of me you created in your head. I am not your enemy, Sawatari Mori, and I won't be, even if you want it so badly. But you want honesty, so I'll give it to you.
You're stuck in a past that was never yours or mine to begin with. You're interested in continuing an enmity that exists only in your head. You're blaming me for something my family did, that you and I were too young to even do anything about, because you feel powerless to change anything even when the option to do something is presented to you. You can't let go of a past that was never yours to begin with and write a future that belongs only to you, because you view yourself as some monster who does what nobody else feels they can but needs to be done. I'm not a villain and you're not one either. You're just a kid like me. You and I should be helping each other.
You're looking for a fight, and I get it. But I'm not your enemy no matter how much you want me to be. Your image of me is wrong. Maybe if you let yourself be honest with yourself like I told you to be, you'd know it, too.
Don't worry about rumours. Nobody will know what you or I said here. I'm not interested in making an enemy, unlike you."
Kanade picks up her bag and leaves without waiting for him to reply.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/j7f0PRX.png)
"There's that word again, 'want'," Mori stated to himself, "Why does everything think that I'm allowed to want things?"
He continued to sit there for a bit. Thinking.
"Oh, I like her." the voice he had been expecting finally decided to speak up, "She's right, you should be honest with yourself, Mori. Just accept it. You are nothing but an empty void desperately making up some unneeded grudge to satisfy your need to deny that you merely enjoy bringing suffering down on others. Abandon your delusions and just accept who you truly are."
(https://i.imgur.com/MfWYlYZ.png)
"Shut up." he thought to himself, and for once, the voice obeyed.
He picked up his briefcase and walked out, handing a 1000 yen note to the maitre d' when he passed him, and walking back to his dorm in silence.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"He likes his reliable Nee-chan. He hasn't said anything about how he feels about Dad, and he definitely doesn't know about, well." She gestures to herself broadly. "Don't actually talk to 'im much. Honestly it pisses me off a little."
-
Jin scratches his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Maybe you should. Or you shouldn't. I dunno. I wish I could be more help to you, you know? Unless it's beatin' the shit out of somebody."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Maybe. Don't worry about it. It's my life and I gotta deal with it. 'Less you fancy going to prison, I don't think beatin' the shit out of the problem is a good idea."
-
Yui works parttime at July until the 500 yen cap is reached.
-
Shiro
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Might be your life, but you don't gotta deal with it alone. If you figure any way I can help, don't hesitate to ask. Us street rats, we gotta watch out for each other."
Yui
Yui works a....mostly uneventful shift. She swears, however, that she spotted someone keeping a close eye on her at one point.
Aika: 5/5
Akihiko: 5/5
Masaru: 5/5
Misa: 0/5
Mildred: 2/5
Mori: 3/5
Saya: 5/5
Shiro: 0/5
Yui: 0/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Shiro: +SKL, +MAG
Mori: +DEF, +15 Eva
Mildred: +SKL, +DEF, +10 Crit
Misa: +SKL, +SPD
Earnings:
Shiro: 200 yen
Misa: 300 yen
Yui: 500 yen
Items:
-
(https://i.imgur.com/sZNKLCx.png)"Dunno if I'd call myself a real street rat, but. . . thanks."
-
Later that night...
Akihiko sighed, rubbing his temples as he looked at the board before him, gazing at it as he sat on his bed, the sheets looking otherwise undisturbed.. He'd erected one in his room, hiding it behind his bed; he didn't want his parents to know what was going on. They were out of town for the moment, anyway; somewhere in Hokkaido right now, seeing some in-laws. Good for Akihiko; he had the house to himself for the moment.
Here was gathered every Akuma incident in the last two years; newspaper clippings, blog posts, everything. The victims before him were varied; one a few weeks ago was an office worker, one was a florist working in the old town, one was a student from Amamiya with no ties to Mishima, Sugiura, Kazami or Akutagawa. Added to the knowledge of the victims of the recent weeks, that still didn't tell him much. What relation did he have to someone like Akari? Or Honda to Sawatari? All he could tell was, in the last few weeks, the frequency of Akuma incidents had increased, and concentrated around Hermelin.
There was a lot of chaff to sort out. Kaijin incidents weren't the only thing odd; strange incidents happening to people in places like Wadanohara, Sendai, Mishima, nothing like to do with the Kaijin, and Akihiko was certain most of it was conspiracy nuts. But he couldn't dismiss it entirely. After all, not so long ago, he was convinced these Kaijin things weren't entirely real, until he became one.
The chaff wasn't helping him sort things out, however. Whoever the mysterious hooded Kaijin was, their choice of victim wasn't making much immediately apparent to him. It was scattershot, like he'd picked out his targets from a hat.
(https://i.imgur.com/NwH9amK.png) "Dammit. Maybe I'm missing something."
Maybe it was what they didn't share in common? Maybe it was a random spread of targets. That would fit the modus operandi; if all of these victims were different, whoever was the suspect must have been trying to keep themselves hidden by keeping a profile of their victims from being made. If that was the case, there had to be a purpose to all this; else, if it was just to satisfy their urges, why go to such length to target so many different people?
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "I don't get it. What am I missing?"
A knock on his door shook him out of his reverie. The young detective stood up, opening the door to reveal a smiling Saya, grinning as she offered him some food in tupperware. She must've let herself in; not surprising, given Saya had a key to his place. He tried to suppress a smile.
(https://i.imgur.com/ifrA2Ev.png) "Hey, Saya."
(https://i.imgur.com/yLmD2c5.png) "Hey, Akkun! I brought you some food. I know how you get when you're doing one of your cases."
She strolled into his room. It was a pretty large room, by local standards. There was a bed pushed up against the window on the opposite wall from the door, overlooking the street outside, plain white walls with a calendar and the board being the only decorations that adorned it. Next to the door, a simple cabinet and dresser adjacent to it held all of Akihiko's clothing, while a small desk and chair stood on the wall to the right, with Akihiko's school books, a computer and a notebook on it. On the wall facing the desk, a corkboard with some notes was stuck to the wall, including a note reminding Akihiko that he owed Kaname a favour. A small picture frame was propped up on the desk, a picture of Saya and Akihiko on it at the old town, Saya's cheeks turning red as her eyes brushed over it. A small pair of shelves were on one wall, carrying a few Kamen Rider figures and an old doll that Saya had once given him as a child as a gift. The room as a whole was somewhat cluttered, some mugs of coffee and case files strewn everywhere.
Akihiko sighed, taking the food sheepishly.
(https://i.imgur.com/NwH9amK.png) "Sorry. I don't mean to be a burden-"
(https://i.imgur.com/k0YZAzA.png) "N-no, it's alright, Akkun! Besides, it's what friends are for. And....truth be told, it's been a while since I've seen you so fired up on something like this. You really missed chasing down a story, huh?"
She gestured to the board with all of Akihiko's clues on it as she sat next to Akihiko on his bed.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "I've been trying to puzzle out the suspect's MO. How they operate, who's likely to be next. Nothing's coming to mind."
Saya looked deep in thought for a minute.
(https://i.imgur.com/58ZTy96.png) "Well, Akkun....maybe it's time we....figured out how this whole Kaijin thing works, right? Like....maybe it's to do with that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Could be. I suspect Mishima knows a lot about it; if my gut's right, she's Kazami's partner. But....given Sawatari hates her, we're gonna have the fight of our lives getting any info out of her with him around."
(https://i.imgur.com/58ZTy96.png) "Have you looked into it yourself?"
Akihiko nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "A few local myths. I'll brief everyone once I can figure out who knows what. But....it doesn't explain his victim selection. It's just....I don't know. Maybe I'm looking at this all wrong."
He clenched his fists. He was normally good at picking up on things, but this hooded Kaijin bastard, he was evading Akihiko's attempts at figuring him out.
(https://i.imgur.com/58ZTy96.png) "....you'll figure this out, Akkun. I believe you can. Someone like you....you don't give up on getting justice for someone else. You never do."
She gently rubbed his back reassuringly.
(https://i.imgur.com/k0YZAzA.png) "I'll help you, every step of the way."
(https://i.imgur.com/7MAdNP9.png) "...you know, Honda has my back in a fight. And I don't think we'd make it through those Domains without the others. But....I don't think I'd be able to do this without you, Saya."
He exhales gently, before looking at the tupperware containers.
(https://i.imgur.com/ifrA2Ev.png) "How 'bout we eat, and then if you wouldn't mind, you be my sounding board for a few working theories I have? I want to make sure I'm making sense before I read the others in."
(https://i.imgur.com/U2N0Cpa.png) "Okay. But....for all the help I'm giving you.....you owe me a favour too, Akkun~ You need to help me fill a request at the Helper's Club."
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Who for?"
(https://i.imgur.com/bcHJWrW.png) "Well...a few love letter deliveries, really."
Meanwhile, somewhere in Kaname-cho....
"Hm. Very interesting."
A young woman stood in the middle of her apartment, overlooking the waters over in Kaname Bay.
The apartment was large, with large, open windows extending from ceiling to floor, letting in the setting sun over the white sofas and chairs facing the widescreen television. Next to her was an ornate set of chairs and a table, a white tea pot with golden trimmings and a set of tea cups containing tea long since cooled. In front of her, a corkboard stood, with various clippings and notes. Images of Sawatari, Kasuga, Mishima and some other students were pinned to the board, connected by strings.
"...I wonder. What do they know?"
Maybe they were Kaijin. Maybe not. She couldn't know.
The young woman produced a photograph, approaching the corkboard and pinning it on. It was of a transfer form made to transfer a student to Hermelin. Not enough of the form was visible to see all of it, but enough for her. The name on the form was one Fuuka Yagami. Sweeping aside a strand of pink hair, the young woman attached another note to the bottom.
"Fuuka Yagami...we need to find you."
Mamiya Kaname, the "queen bee" of Amamiya, frowned, as she looked at the texts on her phone.
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Because someone already has."
Earlier....
Ms. Kurenai watched the news, as a story of an Akuma attack in Hermelin played out, with one of the students being held by police in connection and rumours of the White Knight making an appearance made their rounds. Sitting alone in the teacher's lounge of Hermelin, she sighed, sipping a cup of coffee.
Akuma attacks had been increasing lately. At first, it was once or twice a year. Now, it was multiple times a month.
Ms. Kurenai stared off outside, onto the Hermelin campus, with students heading about, huddled. She knew what they were likely talking about; the Kaijin.
She was worried. These were her students. Her charges. It was her job to protect them.
(https://i.imgur.com/1M9hsUZ.png) "...it's all happening again, like ten years ago. I have to do something. But....can I?"
It had been far too long.
Aika, Saya and Akihiko's work counters have been depleted and appropriate bonuses granted.
Aika: 0/5
Akihiko: 0/5
Misa: 0/5
Mildred: 2/5
Mori: 3/5
Saya: 0/5
Shiro: 0/5
Yui: 0/5
Bonuses Accrued:
Shiro: +SKL, +MAG
Mori: +DEF, +15 Eva
Mildred: +SKL, +DEF, +10 Crit
Misa: +SKL, +SPD
Saya: +MAG, +SKL, +15 Eva
Akihiko: +STR, +SPD, +15 Hit
Earnings:
Shiro: 200 yen
Misa: 300 yen
Yui: 500 yen
Aika: 500 yen
Saya: 200 yen
Akihiko: 200 yen
Items:
-
Chapter 3: Hunt for the Eighth God
(https://i.imgur.com/03SO5iq.png)
~~Chapter Theme (Long Way)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hng0Stc941I)
One week has passed since the Akumas Spartoi and Shinigami assailed the grounds of Our Lady of Hermelin. Daiya Kaneko, the Akuma Spartoi, has since been released, and has retreated into himself as a recluse, his reputation ruined due to the rumours surrounding him. Otoya Miyazono, the Akuma Shinigami, has been discharged from the hospital, a renewed spring in his step due to rumours that his partner and alleged girlfriend, Kanna Sakurajima, has recently recovered from the illness that the gossip mill alleged plagued her. All the while, the Helper's Club continues its chase for the mysterious hooded Kaijin, the mastermind behind all of this....
Three years ago....
"Thank you, everyone, for all of your support!"
Today was an emotional moment for Afternoon as they stood in the Budokan, the very pinnacle of music venues. Any musician who wanted to lay claim to being anybody in Japan performed at the Budokan. Only a few other idol groups had ever had the honor of performing here before Afternoon, who had a fair claim to biggest idol group in all of Japan. The last echoes of their final song rang out over the sound of applause and cheering.
But this was also a sad day for some.
"Unfortunately, everybody, this will be my final concert."
A stillness fell upon the audience.
The group's frontman, Fuuka, stepped forward, taking the mic. She could feel all eyes on her. Fuuka Yagami was the best known idol of Afternoon; girls wanted to be her, boys wanted to be with her, her merch sales exceeded everyone else's by a significant margin, and, of course, she had genuine talent. She could sing, she could dance; music magazines suggested she could probably be popular outside of the idol arena, even in America. She looked to her sides as she approached, her unit mates holding back tears. This was it; the end of the road, the final curtain call.
But this was a necessary step.
(https://i.imgur.com/oMVyjMN.png) "Today was my graduation."
The audience was hanging on to her every word. Fuuka's eyes, however, were not on them, but somewhere else. The corners, the darker parts of the venue. Searching.
(https://i.imgur.com/oMVyjMN.png) "Performing here, today, at the Budokan, has been my dream for a very long time, ever since I was a kid. Even when I got into Afternoon, I never thought I could get so high; it was like a carp swimming up the waterfall. I never thought I'd be standing before all of you, like this."
From the side of the stage, their producer stood. He was an average man in a suit, a harsh face but a kind voice and personality; he'd personally mentored Fuuka. He gave her the thumbs up. She stifled a sigh of relief.
Good. He wasn't here. She picked herself up.
(https://i.imgur.com/oMVyjMN.png) "I have to thank our producer, for giving me this opportunity. Without Hyodo-san, we would never have made it so far. I thank my fellow unit members, with whose support we all built Afternoon from the ground up, who stuck it through all the training and all the hard work we had to do. But most of all...."
She mustered a big smile, the biggest for her fans.
(https://i.imgur.com/oMVyjMN.png) "All of you, thank you so much for your support! We would never have made it without you! Thank you all so much! Wherever I go, whatever I do, I will carry all of these fond memories!"
The audience let out a cheer, as Afternoon took their final bows.
Even as the emotions threatened to overflow, Fuuka could feel a single thought in the back of her head.
Was this the end of having to deal with him?
The present day...
Shiro, Akihiko and Mildred
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "...you guys have any clue what this is about?"
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Beats me, man. I got the same message you guys did."
It was a nice Friday afternoon. Due to an accident taking down most of the school's computer systems, school was out for the day, with clubs starting early to take advantage.
Shiro, Akihiko and the others were outside, having received a text from a mysterious number to all meet a few blocks away from Amamiya, specifically at one of the local convenience stores.
....
Mori and Aika
The two of you find, in your shoe lockers, a simple envelope in sleek handwriting.
You two are roughly aware of what is inside it, even before you open it; an invite to Mamiya Kaname's apartment for a "tea party". Her tea parties, of course, while amazing - due to Mamiya's access to good tea and reputed baking skills - were not entirely social events. Mamiya had a reputation as a "queen bee" of sorts and an amateur detective; she would ply you for information, in exchange for favours from Mamiya.
You wonder, of course, what on earth Mamiya could want from you.
....
Saya, Riku, and the other members of the Helper's Club
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Hey, guys, do you know who left this request?"
Saya walks into the clubroom, holding up a weird request in her hand. She pores over it again.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "It said....whoever left this wants to talk and make a meeting with us half an hour from now and I found it twenty-five minutes ago. Did any of you see who left it here?"
//Everyone may post.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Dunno. Maybe they're lookin' for some muscle." Shiro shrugged, somehow giving the distinct impression that she would have followed the statement up with a draw from her cigarette, if she had one, or smoked at all. "Whoever it is had better hurry it up, I have idiots to wrangle."
-
Mori stared at the letter, holding it with his thumb and pointer finger, as one would hold a bag of something they’d found in the back of their closet after searching for the source of a smell. He remembered the last time he’d received an invitation for tea with a popular girl from Amimiya.
”I think I should burn this one,” he sounded half dead, ”save myself another calamity.”
He stared at the eyeball sitting in his locker. It stared back.
The past week had not been kind. He’d gotten less and less sleep, down to about five minutes just the night before, but the nightmares were getting longer and longer, each minute stretched into hours, leaving his waking hours feeling more like dreams, between stretches of wandering black sands and tripping over corpses. Of course, his dreams were encroaching on reality more and more, with the hallucinations becoming more frequent and varied. He wasn’t just receiving text messages anymore, rather he’d started to get calls, speaking in the voices of the people whose bodies dotted his nightmares. The monstrous images weren’t confined to mirrors anymore either. When he’d turned on his sink last night to splash his face, embers had come out. Not to mention the various body parts…
The eyeball blinked at him, quite a wonder given it didn’t seem to have eyelids otherwise.
Unfortunately, he doubted Kaname would give him the mercy of discretion if he stood her up.
-
Mildred nodded at Shiro.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, for three of us I'd say it has something to do with the low-level underground around here. I dunno what they'd drag YOU out here for if that's it, though, Kasuga."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Anyway if it's someone that thinks they're luring 'rivals' into some sort of trap, they're gonna regret it pretty soon."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa shakes her head. "I didn't see anyone drop anything off... It does seem like it could be the special sort of business, but maybe someone just wants to ask for something they don't want to write down? A lot of the stuff we've helped with, people would be embarrassed if there was written evidence they needed help with those things."
-
The Street Group
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Probably not. But, they did have all of our phone numbers."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Well, not many people who have mine. Just Honda, Kasuga, and-"
"Well, well. Kasuga, Honda, I'm not surprised you showed. Akutagawa, always nice to see you. But...I never thought Akari would give me the time of day."
Walking towards them was Mamiya Kaname, calmly eating out of a pot of noodles from the nearby convenience store. Jin waved at her.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Kaname! Well, damn. You called us all in?"
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Yeah. Sorry for the mysterious messages. This was all on short notice."
She nods at Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Guess I'm calling your favour in a little earlier than you expected, huh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "I figured. Needed the info for an investigation I'm running, so if I had to do you a favour, I had to."
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Kasuga Akihiko taking on the Akuma, I heard. I knew you had courage but....I didn't expect you to pull something so daring."
Mamiya looks over to others, pausing briefly to slurp up a few more noodles.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "I hope I didn't trouble you all unduly with this. I genuinely wouldn't have done so if I didn't think I needed to."
The Helper's Club, about thirty minutes ago....
Just then, as Saya finishes speaking, someone knocks on the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Wonder who that is?"
She opens the door, to reveal Mamiya, tilting her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Is this a bad time? I can come back later, if you all are busy. I have a request, but....it's a very private and urgent one."
-
Mildred fixed Mamiya with a suspicious stare, then turned to Kasuga after a few seconds and pointed a thumb at the pink-haired girl.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...Who's this chick supposed to be?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Kaname. What do you want?" Her tone was even more curt than usual, her annoyance clear.
-
Akihiko stands somewhat between Mildred and Mamiya, gesturing between the both of them.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Ah. Honda, this is Kaname Mamiya. Think of her as....Amamiya's version of me. Only a lot more well-connected."
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Kasuga and I have worked closely on a few cases, Honda. Kasuga is excellent at the footwork but...owing to that unfortunate incident with Sasanuma, it's somewhat hard for people to trust Kasuga. My affinity for footwork is....lacking, but I've got connections, so we collaborate from time to time. I pick up what I know from others, he gets the information even I can't get from slippery lips. A favour for a favour, from an investigator to another."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "She's good people, Honda. She's got my vote o' confidence."
Mamiya sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Sadly, as much as I would love this to be a social visit, I do have something rather serious to talk to you all about."
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Do you four know anything about Yagami Fuuka?"
Jin looks over at Mildred, Akihiko and Shiro, shrugging.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) "Name kinda rings a bell but no dice. Kasuga, Akari, Honda?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Isn't she some idol or something? Why does she matter?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, she's not exactly the kind of person who moves in the same circles as us."
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Most of the people I know are already in this room."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Yagami....yeah, I know her. Saya was a huge fan of her and Afternoon. She was pretty torn up after her graduation."
Mamiya nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Well, at least one of you knows who she is. As Kasuga explained, she graduated three years ago. Retired from the idol field and basically disappeared. Her rise was meteoric; went from being a nobody to performing at the Budokan under two years. Now, nobody knows where she is."
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Well, word on the streets said she might have changed her name. Said she might be a student somewhere in the District."
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "My sources say that too. We found a transfer form to Hermelin with her name on it. You guys have any idea who it might be?"
Akihiko looked thoughtfully elsewhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Three ideas."
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Okay. So. You guys have any idea why she graduated?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Well, it wasn't because she was too old, so there was obviously some dumbass behind the scenes drama. Or she just had a mental breakdown. Or both, I don't know. I hate idol shit."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "What Shiro said. Only reason I can think of you'd quit a career you just started was if something was going on. And you hear about crazy otaku stalking idols all the time. Something like that, maybe?"
-
Mamiya snaps her fingers, pointing at Mildred with a smile.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Right in one, Honda. You're quite the detective yourself. Kasuga's a good influence."
She produces a few newspaper cuttings, all from roughly three years ago, with articles with titles like "Afternoon Facing Stalkers?" and "Stalker Arrested Outside Yagami Home".
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "The rumours go that Yagami retired because of a particularly persistent stalker. Now, they never publicised his name, but...well, my older cousin was part of the investigation. He strongly advised me to have a look on my side."
Mamiya takes out her phone, opening up a police report.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Mitsuru Kitakawa. Previously charged with stalking idols from the unit Chili Peppers before one of their idols, Azusa Kumon, put him in the hospital for scaring her unit mates and then trying to break into her house. Did a lot for her sales; having actual cred as a yankii and being sold as a protective older sister figure really helped. He did two years after his leg recovered for stalking both Kumon and Yagami."
Mamiya sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "However, they let him out a few weeks ago. My sources strongly suggested that Kitakawa found out where Yagami went and is currently here in the Mishima District."
-
Deleted because I got things confused.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Seems simple to me. We find this Kitakawa guy and stalk him until he leads us to Yagami, then I put him back in the hospital and problem solved."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Not exactly. I need you to find Kitakawa. I need you to keep him away from Yagami. At all costs."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"This is a lot of effort to put into asking me to break someone's knees."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "I already have some of your other....acquaintances looking for Yagami. She needs to know. But....if Kitakawa is as persistent as he once was, here is where you guys come in to make sure he doesn't get to her first."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If you're putting a hit out on him, let's be clear that I don't kill people, all right? Even absolute dirtbags. I'll put him in the hospital for a few months though."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Not a hit. Just make sure he doesn't get to Yagami before we can warn her about him."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So long as we understand each other. The other dudes find Yagami, the four of us find Kitakawa and lay him out."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)". . . Is there a reason I should care?"
-
Mildred looked at Shiro and shrugged.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't get the connection either, but doing this will get Kasuga a favor, so it might help him track down that guy that's been making Akuma. And then we get our hands on him."
She punched her fist into her palm to illustrate her point.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)". . . Is there a reason I should care?"
Mildred looked at Shiro and shrugged.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't get the connection either, but doing this will get Kasuga a favor, so it might help him track down that guy that's been making Akuma. And then we get our hands on him."
She punched her fist into her palm to illustrate her point.
Mamiya raises an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "You really telling me that the leader of the Myrmidons, and the likes of Mildred Honda, would not want a chance to put a dirtbag in their place for stepping into their turf?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well yeah, but I don't see what you get out of it, unless Yagami is a friend of yours."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "I don't like seeing the bad guy get away with things. If we can stop Kitakawa from hurting Yagami again, from making her run away....I'll have done my job."
-
Shiro narrowed her eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Don't try to manipulate me. Idol drama ain't my problem. Not like this guy has messed with my people.
. . . That said, Honda has a point. I hate that bastard so anything that gets me closer is fair game."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Never thought idol drama was your problem, Akari. It isn't much of mine, either. But, if I thought nobody was in danger....I wouldn't be asking anyone but Kasuga to investigate. So I came to the strongest people I knew."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Well, you got that right. So, any idea where we should start looking for the creepy little bastard?"
-
Street Group
Mamiya thinks carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Well, my sources say he was seen skulking around Amamiya last. Couldn't say why. I'm trying to figure that one out myself."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
.....
Some time has now passed, and Mori is, against all logical sense, outside the apartment building waiting for one Mamiya Kaname to let him in. Your sources tell you Aika might be showing up, but you're not sure. Nowadays, you haven't been sure about much of anything.
After all, while Mamiya is his rival, the power of information is....great. And if she's inviting her rival, she must have something serious to say.
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Uh, no, not a bad time, Kaname. Come in."
Saya moves aside to admit Mamiya, who looks in a hurry.
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Okay, I have....some meetings I need to get to, and not a lot of time. Have any of you heard of Yagami Fuuka?"
-
Yui raises her head when that particular name dropped.
(https://i.imgur.com/6DVuQOM.png) "Ah, the graduated lead of Afternoon? Haaah, it's been a while since..."
She immediately stops herself and looks slightly downwards in a meekly fashion.
(https://i.imgur.com/D2JyNmy.png) "I... might have heard of her..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Right, let's try to not have any more disasters."
He stood outside the building. He'd changed into his favorite hoodie for comfort's sake, since he couldn't be bothered to dress up again and he wanted something to help him feel more comfortable. He'd borrowed some makeup from the theatre department to hide the outward signs of his sleep deprivation, and had to rely on his own skills to hide the rest, but first, he needed to focus.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Rin. Kyo. To. Sha." he began to mutter, performing the hand gestures as he did, Kai. Retsu. Zai. Ji-"
He broke off into a coughing fit, ashes and embers spraying out of his lungs as he struggled to breathe. His throat burned. When he finally stopped, he took a few wheezing breaths, but the pain didn't subside.
"Great," he thought, "that's new."
At least he was going to have some tea soon.
"Rin. Kyo. To. Sha. Kai. Retsu. Zai. Jin. Zen."
Hopefully he was ready.
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Going up, your feet take you to the address on the invitation.
Eighth floor, second door to the left. A fancy apartment building, as expected of the Kanames.
The door opens on his second knock.
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "Sawatari. Didn't expect you to actually show up, but I had to try. Come in, there's some tea and cake. You look like hell, so help yourself to some. We're just waiting for two more people to show up. I'd be more cordial, but it's life-or-death right now."
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
Kaname shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "It's fine if you're a fan. In fact, it might actually be of use. You're aware of why she graduated so soon after starting her career?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "There was a specific reason? I always figured it was because Yagami-senpai always wanted to go out on a high."
Saya rubs the back of her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "S-sorry. I was a huge fan of hers, too."
-
Interesting, but you can't act too interested. You have a reputation to uphold. Pour yourself some tea, make a light comment about your appearance, then ask about the situation.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"I’m going to Hell anyway, who do I need to save?" Mori said.
He paused.
(https://i.imgur.com/lgyYzWH.png)
"Shit." he thought, ”I said that out loud.”
-
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "There are a lot of rumors, but people are gonna come up with the weirdest and nastiest stuff for what is probably a simple reason."
(https://i.imgur.com/uXQu8g8.png) "Although it always was a bit strange that she stopped the moment she hit the Budokan. Maybe that's all she wanted and she had the foresight to stop before the idol business would burn up her passion...?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"I'll see if I can't get the boys to dig something up, then."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Amamiya, huh? Ain't that your high school? I suppose I could go knock around over there and see what I can find out, but shit, I'm barely familiar with the grounds of Hermelin."
Mildred turned to Akihiko.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "What do you think, Kasuga? Any ideas for a plan?"
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "Don't sell yourself so short, Sawatari. Knowing Kasuga, he'd pull you to safety. I hear you two are getting close."
"Mami-chan, I can't find the Earl Grey. You don't terribly mind if I grab the breakfast-"
The sound of Kanade Mishima's voice halts as the girl herself walks out from the kitchen.
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png) "Sawatari."
Without a further acknowledgement, and with a neutral voice not betraying any feelings about their last interaction, Kanade walks towards Mamiya.
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "You two, play nice. I need everyone I can get. Let's get down to it. You two know who Yagami Fuuka is, correct?"
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png) "Yagami-senpai? Yeah, she and I have met. Why?"
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "I need you two to find her."
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
Kaname nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "I don't want to get into details, but she quit because of a stalker. And that stalker has found her."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Wait....what? A stalker?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "I need you to find her and warn her before it's too late."
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Yeah. If I can find anything more, you guys will be the first to know."
Akihiko thinks carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "....well, right now, we need to find the guy. Roughing him up in the middle of the day like that might be a terrible idea, but herding him off....well, might be better."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Well, that of course means the first matter is finding her." Mori replied, ignoring... her as he made his way to the kitchen. "Of course the top suspects are Ayaka Fujimura, Rise Koga, and Tomoe Futaba. Fujimura is an associate of Akutagawa Jin, as well as... what's his name? The blue-haired one who pretends to be mysterious because he's actually dreadfully boring?You know what? Doesn't matter. Akutagawa shouldn't be too hard to get in contact with and if he's informed that Fujimura is in danger he'd be willing to lend his support in protecting her and potentially having her admit to being Yagami, if that happens to be the case. Koga... I have a potential in with and she certainly seems level-headed enough that if she can be convinced she's in danger she won't protest to necessary protective maeasures."
As he'd been speaking, Mori had found tea bags and begun brewing two cups.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"Futaba is the hardest as I lack a prepared plan of attack, though I can have Veep begin attempting to contact her." He said, as he picked up the cups and started walking away from the counter, "Of course, you contacted Suzuki and... Mishima" he said the name with the utmost neutrality, "as they've already met Yagami and thus would be amongst the be-"
He broke off as he desperately tried to put the cups down on a nearby table as ashes and embers began spraying out of his throat again. He pressed his mouth against the inside of his elbow, causing it to burn a bit as the sparks burnt out against it. When he was done, he realized that some of the scalding tea had spilled on his hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
"The best to identify Miss Yagami again, while I was brought on either given my people skills or the information I possess." he rubbed his hand against his hoodie and then resumed carrying the tea cups, "Now, assuming there are no particular comments to add to my statements, which I suspect there may be, this raises a rather pressing question."
He was already at the table when he realized that he'd never meant to brew more than one cup of tea. He breathed in the two teas. One was his, peppermint, the other...
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"The matter of Yagami Fuuka has been a major mystery throughout the schools for a long time, so what exactly caused you to decide that it was important enough to call in myself to look into it?" he said, moving an end table to the window and setting down his cup and a small plate of cookies as he lounged in the windowsill. "You said this was a matter of life and death. Elaborate."
He ignored the cup of Earl Grey tea sitting on the table.
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "As you know, the reason those three have those rumours about them is because they look like Yagami. I brought in Mishima for a reason."
(https://i.imgur.com/z1JTiBx.png) "Yagami called me, the day after she graduated, to ask me how I dealt with stalkers. I....helped her."
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "The nature of that help is not necessary to explain, but the fact is, the true reason Yagami retired as an idol is because of a persistent stalker by the name of Kitakawa Mitsuru. Don't worry about finding him; I asked Kasuga to handle that, I figured his skillset would be more of use for hunting a criminal than hunting his potential target."
Mamiya sips her tea.
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "I've asked you three, and Akitsuki and the others at the Helper's Club, to find Yagami and warn her about Kitakawa. Kitakawa's been spotted here. I've already talked to the police and they said they'd handle it, but without Yagami herself making a report, they wouldn't take me seriously."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/58lBUoG.png)
"Ah, so I'm pretty much your last resort," Mori replied, "yes, that scans. Then I think contacting Akutagawa and informing him of the possible danger to Fujimura might be a reasonable course of action to take, I assume you have access to his phone number, while I inform Veep to try and find Futaba and keep an eye on her. That leaves Koga as the only target without a set of eyes on her... assuming I can't manage something."
He sent a quick text to Veep
We're finally looking into the Yagami situation, I need an eye on Futaba.
Followed by one to Akihiko
Hey... I think we need to have a chat about sharing information.
As he tried to figure out if he had the number of anyone on the student council, Demura hadn't been so kind as to share it, another thought came to mind.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
Given this Kitakawa has recently resurfaced, do we know if he knows which of the girls is Yagami, or is this shell game blind to both of us?"
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "Don't sell yourself so short, Sawatari. And don't worry about Fujimura or Koga. I've confirmed with Akutagawa myself that it isn't Fujimura, and I have Akitsuki's group handling Koga. That, means, of course, I need this group to handle Futaba. As for Kitakawa, considering that the last time he was spotted in the District was near Amamiya, I suspect he's just as blind as we are. This is why I have Kasuga and his friends working on finding him."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"He sounds like a pushover. If he needs a laying out I'll give it to him, and if I need help I've got the boys. If you don't have anything else, then I'll head over to them and let them know what's up."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Be my guest. Just, ah....be careful. We don't know what this guy's capable of, even if he is just some creep perving on idols."
She pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/UZjHToN.png) "Actually, Akutagawa, do you mind hanging back a second? I need to talk to you."
(https://i.imgur.com/YFeUQkl.png) Sure. You three go ahead. Save some fun for me though, 'kay?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sure."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I guess I don't really need one anymore, but I might still go grab a bat or a pipe or something for old time's sake. A guy can't stalk women without his fuckin' kneecaps, I know that much."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
The group, minus Jin, heads off down the road to find their quarry.
....
A few streets away from Amamiya High, the group finds someone skulking around in a hoodie, standing by a street corner with their eye on students passing by. They seem suspicious.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "You figure that might be our guy, Honda, Akari?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Maybe? We probably shouldn't start throwing hands at the first weirdo we see, but it couldn't hurt to check him out. What do you want me to do?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Dunno. I could shake him down and see if he's got weird stalker shit in his wallet, I guess."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Sounds like a plan. We pin him in on both sides so he can't get away and then ask him a few questions."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/hUXEBp7.png) "Sounds good. I'll take the direct approach. You guys go in from the sides."
As the group approaches the hooded figure, the figure doesn't really seem to notice them moving towards them. Akihiko, however, seems to slow, as if he clocks something.
He extends his hand towards the figure, before quickly darting back, as the figure whips out a taser from their pocket, swiping it into where Akihiko's gut would have been a second prior. If Akihiko were still a normal human being, he might have been struck.
Instead, he is just fast enough to grab the hand and slam it into a nearby post, knocking the taser to the ground. He pushes it to the side.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Honda, keep that thing away!"
The hooded figure tries to struggle out, but Akihiko shoulder-checks them into the ground, pinning their hand behind their back as their hood falls off...
...revealing a red-headed woman, probably only in her early twenties. While you don't know what Mitsuru Kitakawa looks like, you probably figure that this isn't them. For one, she's the wrong gender. For two, the contents of her pockets spill out as Akihiko pins her to the ground; aside from the taser, her wallet, some yen coins, and an identification card belonging to a "Nene Shinomiya" of the Lanaris Talent Agency, with her picture on it, have spilled out.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Alright, what gives with the taser and who the hell are you?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Let go of me, crazy bastard! I won't let you hurt Yagami, Kitakawa! She's like a sister to me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Kitakawa? We're after him too!"
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Yeah? Prove it! Prove you aren't Kitakawa!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Ok, second question then. Do we think Kitakawa would be able to identify which girl is Yagami if he managed to find her, or similarly which ones aren't?" Mori asked, "Also, is there anything you want me to do in regards to Futuba besides... well, essentially stalk her myself and make a phone call if there's trouble? I'm not exactly going to be much use against a potential assailant."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Easy. Kitakawa is a fuckin' idol-stalking loser, unlike my buddies here, and I don't think he goes to Hermelin - also unlike us. This here is Kasuga, she's Shiro, and I'm Honda."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Also you're real lucky that you ain't Kitakawa either, 'cause if you were, the only introduction you'd be getting is to the steel toes of my boots."
-
Shiro gathered up the wayward miscellany, briefly looking at the wallet before glancing at Akihiko and shaking her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Do I look like an idol fan to you? We're just here to rough up this asshole, Shinomiya. If you don't have a problem with that then you should calm the hell down."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
After seeing Shiro and Mildred approach, and hearing Shiro speak, Akihiko relinquishes Nene from his hold.
She pulls herself to her feet, shaking her head at Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "...you could've just asked."
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "You tried to tase me, lady! Who the hell even are you? Akari called you Shinomiya, is that your name?"
At that, Shinomiya looks a little sheepish.
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "I'm sorry about that. I thought you were Kitakawa. You kinda looked like him from the side. I didn't want to take the chance that you were, and you were on to me chasing you."
She sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "I'm Shinomiya Nene, like your friend said. I work for Yagami's old agency as a producer. Well, used to work on the technical side, before I decided I wanted to support the talent directly."
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "How do you know Yagami?"
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Yagami and I are from the same town, Iwatodai. You wouldn't know it. Small town. We didn't know each other back home, but I took her under my wing when she was in Afternoon. She's kind of like a little sister to me. We kept in touch after she gradua-retired. Sorry. I know you're not looking for idol doubletalk."
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Iwatodai...that's the one with the river and the really nice summer festival? I've been there before, as a kid, seven years ago, with a friend of mine."
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Well, maybe I'll go back once I'm sure Kitakawa won't hurt Yagami. Haven't been back for a while, and I need a break from the city. After all this crap...."
Nene looks over at the others.
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Since we're all looking for the same guy, I might as well tell you what I know. He's big, wide. Like....twice....Kasuga, was it? Kasuga's width, maybe a little taller? White shirt, he had a grey jacket on but I saw him buy a red one at the shopping center, maybe he figured I was onto him. Glasses kinda like Kasuga's, too, and his hair was messy. Greasy, brown."
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "A friend of ours said he might be around here. Did you see where?"
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "I lost him when he ducked into the shops nearby. I figured he might be waiting to leave."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "I wouldn't put it past Kitakawa. He was able to track down a few idols from a different group called the Chili Peppers. The frontwoman from that group broke his leg after she found him threatening her unit mates, so he went to prison for a while. As for what you need to do? I need you to confirm if Futaba is Yagami, and if Futaba is Yagami, warn her. If Kitakawa has found her, do your best. Hopefully Kasuga and the others will have stopped him."
-
Mildred turned to Akihiko.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So our target looks like you from the side, huh? Want me to hit the shops and see if I can find him?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Sounds like a plan. 'Sides, with Shinomiya here and Akutagawa on his way, we can cover more ground."
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Hm. He might've gone into one of those stores down this road."
There are four shops of particular interest. One is the Morinaga crafts store, selling metal crafts made by the local family of metalworkers. Two stores down, the local branch of Burger Lord looks busy. Opposite the Burger Lord, a Mishima Entertainment store is standing, with a standee of Kanade Mishima's character from Tomorrow With You advertising the upcoming movie for the series. And finally, three blocks, furthest down the road from the group, a quiet bookstore can be seen, with a figure in a red jacket heading inside.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "I'll take the bookstore."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'll take the burger joint. I'll look the least out of place there."
It was hardly uncommon for young ruffians such as herself to frequent fast food places, at least.
-
Shiro grimaces.
(https://i.imgur.com/DF1mmOa.png)"And of course I get stuck with the damned Mishima store." Grumbling to herself, she stalks off down the road, trying to smooth her expression into one less likely to get kicked out.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hey, you could always take the craft store and leave the Mishima one to Shinomiya here. You do you though."
Mildred walked backwards for a moment while she spoke to Shiro, then turned and headed to the Burger Lord.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
As Mildred makes her way into the Burger Lord, she finds, to her horror, a wild Sugiura enjoying a nice burger by the entrance. He waves at her with a grin.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Well, well, if it isn't the Mad Dog of Mishima herself! Fancy running into you here today, huh?"
....
As Shiro makes her way into Mishima Entertainment, she finds....well, nobody. Rows and rows of new video games and newly released albums and movies. The newest Kamen Rider series' specials are being advertised; hardly of interest to Shiro, though Kasuga might have been interested.
As she looks around the store, she finds someone poring over a section of shelves with what appears to be generic idol albums, chief among them the Chili Peppers and Afternoon. A broad-framed, large man in a red jacket with brown hair and glasses seems to be scrutinising the albums, and sneering at the Chili Peppers. He is wearing a backpack, the sleeve of a grey jacket barely poking out from one of the pockets. Picking up one of the Chili Peppers albums, he glares at it, eyes focused on the red-headed woman at the front - Azusa Kumon, the frontman who'd broken his legs, you presume- before sneering at it, discarding it almost casually.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "....hmph. Who they'll let be idols nowadays....that Kumon bitch shouldn't sully the good name of such pure idols."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Well, well, if it isn't the Mad Dog of Mishima herself! Fancy running into you here today, huh?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If it ain't the slimeball."
Mildred took the opposite seat in the booth, leaning against the window, one arm draped over the back of the booth, the other resting her elbow on the table. She finished by putting her heavy boots up on the table near his tray, her legs crossed at the ankle (though she was at least polite enough to aim the soles away from his food). She looked way too comfy.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm here on business, so let's act like we're friends for a minute while I blend in. That is, if you'd let yourself be seen with a delinquent like me, and if a girl'd ever call you friend. So! What brings you to this part of town?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Sugiura doesn't even seem bothered. He calmly continues eating his burger.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "My, you wound me. I imagine what brings me here....is much the same thing that brings you here."
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "A certain rumour of a stalker."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Got it in one. I'm doing it as a favor to Kasuga; what's your motive?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/Uafb0dP.png) "Well, as much as you probably doubt I'm doing this for the right reasons....I'm here to prevent a disaster. Let's say a little bird told me about Yagami."
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "An idol turning into an Akuma, that might be a problem. I have no reason to think that whoever's been distributing Akuma Seeds is targeting Yagami per se.....but it's not a possibility I can ignore, either."
(https://i.imgur.com/MRnM3Pm.png) "Suffice to say, if we can both avoid a pain in our behinds, well....both of us would get something out of it, no?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You sure they're targeting Yagami? Makes way more sense they're gonna turn Kitakawa into an Akuma. There's like no chance they'd end up with a Kaijin instead, with him."
After a moment, Mildred looked back over at Sugiura.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You know who Yagami is?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
He shrugs.
(https://i.imgur.com/MRnM3Pm.png) "I know she's in the District, which is about that. And....if you really think about it, why would they target Kitakawa? An Akuma forms when you stress out a person too much once they have an Akuma Seed in them. Yagami, on the other hand.....a stalker chasing her? Pretty stressful."
-
Shiro, never one for subtlety, strolled right up to the man, tapping him on the shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"Oi. You Kitakawa?" She was already prepping for a fight, possibly more eagerly than necessary. She wasn't about to let some oversized otaku shame her in public by getting a cheap shot on her.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
The man in the red jacket looks over at Shiro, confused. The tone of his voice, Shiro notices, is not as contemptuous as it was before, like a child caught talking smack behind someone else's back.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "Eh? Who are you supposed to be? Are you lost? Can I help you?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"You can help me by telling me whether you're Kitakawa, and/or why you're standing around glaring at pictures of the girl who kicked Kitakawa's teeth in and talking shit."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/MRnM3Pm.png) "I know she's in the District, which is about that. And....if you really think about it, why would they target Kitakawa? An Akuma forms when you stress out a person too much once they have an Akuma Seed in them. Yagami, on the other hand.....a stalker chasing her? Pretty stressful."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "It can't be just stress, though. Who a person is has to have a lot to do with it. Me, for instance. I live a fairly carefree life, not giving a shit about most things, and yet someone thought I'd make a great Akuma - probably because of the Mad Dog thing."
She took a moment to think.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...Shit, you might be right though. You'd have to be a fuckin' moron to think Kasuga or Akitsuki or Miyazono of all people'd turn into Akuma, but two out of three is pretty good guessing."
Mildred let out a deep breath through her nose.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "All right, guess we gotta work together on this. Here's what I know: Kitakawa is somewhere in the area right now but I don't know where. You spot anything unusual?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Sugiura lifts an eyebrow.
(https://i.imgur.com/MRnM3Pm.png) "Well, well, if I can at least redeem myself a little in your eyes, that'll be the day. Right, as for weird things, three, actually."
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "One, that weird lady in the hoodie. 'Course, I saw Kasuga twist her like a pretzel and I assume you guys worked something out. Two, that....girl with Akutagawa and Fujimura. Chiyo, I believe she was called. I don't know what's her deal. And three....well, I saw a big guy, messy hair, looking like he was in a rush going into the Mishima Entertainment store across the street. I just saw Akari go in there too. I'm guessing that's Kitakawa?"
....
The man just scoffs.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "Someone like you wouldn't understand. It's an idol thing. You get how improper it is for them to go around advertising this...girl like she's as good as a truly pure, wholesome idol? The entire idea of some yankii being a famous idol singer....they'll let anybody be an idol singer next."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, it's four of us working this. Me, Akihito, Shiro, and Jun, though Jun ain't here yet. Shinomiya out there was tracking Kitakawa and said he ducked into one of these buildings, so we split up to look in them. Anyway, that guy might be Kitakawa, might not, all I know is he kinda looks like Kasuga from the side and is around here. Well, what do you say? Wanna go give Shiro some backup, or do you think we should wait here in case he tries to run from her and hide in here so we can ambush him?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Ah, Akutagawa is involved too? I see....Kaname really wanted to pull out all the stops. As for if we should back up Akari...well, do you think Akari can't handle some third-rate stalker?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "No, I'm concerned about our mystery Kaijin. The imposter you guys talked about. If he shows up....this could get messy."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"You got a problem with yankii?" Shiro poked the man in the chest, using two fingers for emphasis. "I know all about the prim and proper bullshit and I don't give a shit, you wanna talk to me about it?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
He doesn't even flinch when poked.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "I have no problem with yankii....as long as you know that your place isn't in the realm of idols, you know. Idols are supposed to be pure, wholesome. Not delinquents."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Ah, Akutagawa is involved too? I see....Kaname really wanted to pull out all the stops. As for if we should back up Akari...well, do you think Akari can't handle some third-rate stalker?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "No, I'm concerned about our mystery Kaijin. The imposter you guys talked about. If he shows up....this could get messy."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Some dipshit otaku? I'd say she could hospitalize him even without being a Kaijin. But an Akuma blindsiding her? That might be a bit of trouble. Not necessarily saying Kitakawa's gonna be turned into one, but the thought's already crossed my mind and I don't want to leave a friend in a bad situation by herself."
Sugiura brought up the other problem.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Yeah, the doppelganger guy. He didn't strike me as that strong himself, but he's a real troublemaker. He might be around here too. After the asswhipping we handed him last time I dunno if he's going to approach directly, but he's probably the type of guy to stand around and admire his handiwork."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Well, you say that, but he apparently put up a pretty good fight against Kasuga, you and Akutagawa. Wouldn't underestimate him. Though, a strong fight....you'd kill for something like that, wouldn't you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "That being said, we should probably make sure Akari isn't entirely alone. Kasuga's nearby, but Shinomiya probably shouldn't be near an Akuma if she isn't one."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"You still haven't answered my question."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "Yeah, I'm Kitakawa Mitsuru. What do you want with me, then? I thought you yankii didn't care about this idol stuff."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xmJis8O.png)"I don't. But I do care that someone asked me politely to get you to leave Yagami alone. So you're going to leave her alone. Understand? I don't give a shit, but some of the boys might, and we back each other up."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
At that, Kitakawa snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "You don't get it, do you? Stay out of business that isn't yours. If you were as appreciative of Yagami as I was, maybe you'd get it."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/nqWEaPl.png)"Think you're the one that doesn't get it, pal. Piss off and leave her alone or I'll fold you in half."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Right then, I'm going to need a description of Kitakawa, a last known location, potentially a description of his clothing if you have one, some kind of direct line so I can ask for any information that I later deem necessary, an agreement that everything I do during this will remain confidential, and an agreement that I can decide on what I'll be paid for this once we're done."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Well, you say that, but he apparently put up a pretty good fight against Kasuga, you and Akutagawa. Wouldn't underestimate him. Though, a strong fight....you'd kill for something like that, wouldn't you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "That being said, we should probably make sure Akari isn't entirely alone. Kasuga's nearby, but Shinomiya probably shouldn't be near an Akuma if she isn't one."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c8a6k71r3a2jpiq/Mellow.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Kill? I'd never go that far. I do like fighting and especially when it's putting bad people in their place, but murder's a little too much."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "So... trying to get rid of me, or are you coming along? I know she went in the Mishima store 'cause she was grousing about it before I came here."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Kitakawa stares at Shiro for a moment.
Then, he begins laughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "You really don't get it, do you? I am what you would call a true fan of Afternoon. Of Fuu-chan. I am here to take something that....no other fans of Fuu-chan could ever have."
....
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Not what I...never mind. Yeah. Sure. Let's go."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "Well, if you want a last known location, he was last seen near Amamiya. Grey jacket, white shirt. I can't guarantee this'll remain confidential - after all, this is a pretty big operation - but I can guarantee they won't get it from me. As for what you'll be paid for....bold, aren't we? Fine. As for contact.....I know better than to give you my phone number. Kana-chan can keep me updated."
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "...."
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "You two, play nice. Yagami is depending on both of you."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Is it really so surprising I'm asking to be paid? This seems like it's a dangerous assignment, and I never claimed to be a hero who would happily go and get himself sent to the hospital for a noble cause. In fact, I'm rather certain I've made it clear I'm a demon who only does things if I get something out of it. Besides, you can certainly afford anything I might ask, whether it's money, information, or just a debt." Mori replied, finishing up his tea, "Now then, if Suzuki arrives, send a text asking where we are. As you said, Yagami is depending on us, so there's no time to wait around.
Mori removed himself from the windowsill, stretched himself out, and walked out of the room.
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Mori and Kanade make their way back to Hermelin in silence.
Mori does, however, notice something about Kanade's presence. In her presence, his mind feels....sharper, clearer. The hallucinations he's been experiencing over the last few days seem to disappear, as fast as they appear. Kanade doesn't say anything, and he doesn't notice her doing anything in particular. Yet still, the effects are clear.
As they arrive at the campus, they notice a few students still on campus, instead of out, enjoying the free day they have off. Kanade finally speaks up.
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "Lead the way, Sawatari. You know where to find Futaba, right?"
-
Mori sent Veep a quick text.
Hey, you following Futaba like I asked? Can you let me know where she is?”
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
The reply arrives quick.
"She's in the computer room."
-
Got it, thanks. I'm heading in, and the person who shall not be named is with me. Meet us in there, ok?
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"She's in the computer room." Mori said, as he started walking.
-
Shiro grabbed a handful of Kitakawa's shirt.
(https://i.imgur.com/nqWEaPl.png)"I don't care. Stop spewing otaku bullshit and leave, or you deal with me, and everyone else who has it out for your ass."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Kitakawa doesn't even seem perturbed by Shiro. If anything, his laugh intensifies.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "I can't just leave now, you fool! Not when I'm so close to getting what I so want. Someone like you....could never truly understand! Hahaha! There is no gain without some sacrifice!"
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "So she is. Do you know anything about her?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) "Not what I...never mind. Yeah. Sure. Let's go."
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You got it."
Mildred swung her legs off of the table and got up. She jammed her hands into the pockets of her jacket and started walking toward the entrance, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Sugiura was following her.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "It's only like two doors down. We should get there quickly."
-
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
Kaname nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "I don't want to get into details, but she quit because of a stalker. And that stalker has found her."
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Wait....what? A stalker?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "I need you to find her and warn her before it's too late."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "That's... I'll do my best, but I can't make any promises for success." Misa admits with unhappiness. "But I'll do my best to find her first."
-
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Hey, long as you try. I just need you guys to look into one potential person for me. I need you to check if Koga, from the Student Council, is Yagami. If she is, warn her."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/nqWEaPl.png)"That's it. We're havin' a talk outside." She punctuated this by hauling back on the garment in her fist, attempting to physically drag the stalker out of the building.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"I don't know much about her, which is part of why she's a candidate for the Yagami theory. She moved here a couple months after Yagami retired, she avoids music clubs like the plague despite the fact that she's a decent singer, she has few close friends, no social media presence, and her place of residence is unknown. Only thing that really sets her apart from Koga and Fujimura is her love of technology." Mori replied, "If we don't want to freak her out by bringing up the reason we're here off the bat, I'd suggest we ask about some of the equipment for the play, since we kind of need to go over that anyway and Veep is here so he can get the info he needs."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
There is a phenomenon, where animals can sense danger long before humans, and flee forests ahead of the danger. A reliable way to stay out of danger is to follow the animals and to stay out of areas where animals are absent. Some theorise it is because of the enhanced senses of animals, others because they are used to being around the forest.
Other times, in days before she became a Kaijin, Shiro would never have gotten such a feeling. As a Kaijin, the feeling of impending danger would be even less likely to be an issue for Shiro; after all, even untransformed, a Kaijin possesses natural strength beyond human limits.
Now, as she grabs the garment in her hands, she realises, very quickly, that there is something very wrong here.
Kitakawa doesn't even flinch as she grabs him. He doesn't even budge. Normally, despite not being the largest person around, Shiro would be able to haul someone Kitakawa's size and apparent fitness away. She knew; she'd done so many times.
But that feeling of wrong was very strong indeed.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "No gain without sacrifice! Hahahaa! Why would I want to go outside with you? I don't have time to waste, talking to some peasant that doesn't understand Fuu-chan like I do!"
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Kanade processes the information.
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "I see. You know slightly more than I do then. I'd go with that approach. You lead. If Futaba is Yagami, I haven't spoken to her for a long while."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Very well."
When they got to the Computer Room, Mori closed his eyes, willing the air around him to become more calming and casual, a bit difficult given who he was with, and put his awareness into overdrive, before knocking.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"Hey, it's the theatre club presidents. We were hoping to talk to you about some of the equipment we'll be using for the play, is now a good time?" he asked through the door, "I think Veep's already here?"
-
Shirō wavered. This was so immensely wrong-feeling, this man suddenly the second most unnerving thing she'd ever encountered. Her grip loosened, the gang leader faltering.
But only for a moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/nqWEaPl.png)"Peasant!?" Akari Shirō was many things; student, heiress, delinquent, criminal, but never a coward. "This town belongs to me!" She put her entire weight into a punch, releasing his shirt only for her fist to come crashing back in toward his gut.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
That wrong feeling continues to intensify as Shiro’s fist makes contact with Kitakawa’s gut….and barely even moves him. She knew, objectively, a punch like that should send even someone like Akutagawa or Kasuga sprawling, let alone someone like Kitakawa.
No doubt about it now. Kitakawa….was a demon.
He flashes a grin, his mouth growing a little too wide, a little too many teeth exposed.
(https://i.imgur.com/18SuOql.png) "My turn. Relish what's yours, Jack the Ripper!"
He begins to double over on himself, his body beginning to writhe and warp. Shiro knew what a Kaijin transformation was supposed to look like; sleek, elegant, bright and painless, like slipping into clothes you’d been wearing all your life.
As Kitakawa’s body warps out of shape, this feels more like an Akuma transforming….but Akuma can’t transform back into human form naturally. Right?
His body’s extremities lengthen, his skin turning a deep crimson, as dark, tattered clothing enshrouds his now emaciated, too-long form. His face disappears behind a bone-white facade twisted into a permanent rictus, and a knife appears in his now bony hand as a tattered, torn top hat whirls into existence atop his head.
The final form of Kitakawa - or Jack the Ripper - towered over Shiro almost twice over, having to bend to fit within the shop. Shiro can hear people fleeing the store; out of the corner of her eye, she can see the cashier fleeing, phone out and tapping in what she assumes is an emergency number.
She can’t get a hold of his aura; he feels, simultaneously, like a Kaijin and an Akuma, almost as if he were both at once, both full and half-demon.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Oh, this feels so great, being able to stretch my legs. Don’t you agree?"
…..
As Sugiura and Mildred head towards Mishima Entertainment, they see the customers beginning to flee. At that, Sugiura stands at full attention.
(https://i.imgur.com/9kc53ei.png) ”Seems like Akari found Kitakawa. Shall we help her?."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Mori finds no sign of Veep, but sees Futaba quietly working away at her computer. She looks up, tilting her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Sawatari? Mishima? I wasn’t expecting either of you two until next week. I have some time now. What’s up?."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "This feels wrong. Let's hurry."
Mildred started sprinting, pushing her way through the crowd. Once she got a foot in the door and saw Shiro facing what was undeniably not human, she immediately transformed.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "What's going on here?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"I have nothing to do today and, I ended up running into Mishima, so I figured it was as good a time as any to try to work out any issues that the equipment might have. Do you mind coming with us to the theatre room?"
He also sent a text to Veep.
Hey, where are you? We're in the computer room now and probably heading up to the Theatre Room soon.
-
Shiro hesitated for a moment. The fearful apparition before her wasn't entirely absent, but she didn't need people looking into her personal life - and transforming in public wasn't exactly going to stop that. Still, she'd promised to beat the shit out of someone.
Akari Shiro disappeared in a flash of yellow light.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"I do. Now I don't have to hold back!" Knowing she was likely still outmatched, Pyrrha swung her blade across the creature's gut, aiming to at least score a hit before it put her down.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Pyrrha's blade catches upon Jack's knife - a long, spindly piece of metal, looking shabbier and flimsier than Pyrrha's blade, but still dangerous, still sharp. He groans in pleasure; despite his flimsy, too-bony frame, some wiry strength still lets him hold Shiro back.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Augh....you're not like me, are you? You didn't let him in, did you?"
He shoves Shiro back, before letting out a laugh.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "After that Kumon bitch had the nerve to lay her hands on me, Jack here paid me a visit. He promised me the power to take what I liked. To enjoy the pureness of idols and take a treasure that only a true fan could appreciate. I couldn't help myself. It felt good to let it all in.
Only a true fan....can relish everything of the best idols."
It is at this moment that Mildred and Sugiura arrive, Jack's eye suddenly on them.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "More of you who didn't let them in."
His voice suddenly twists, turning demonic for a brief moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Stay out of this!"
He suddenly hurls a flurry of knives at Mildred and Sugiura, only for blue flames to suddenly erupt from the ground, disintegrating the knives with ease. When Mildred looks behind her, she finds Abe no Seimei in Sugiura's place, a haze over the area where they'd come from.
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "I have an illusion set up on the shop. Only other Kaijin can see through it. It should keep non-Kaijin out."
He positions himself to fight, the three of them forming a semi-circle facing Jack the Ripper.
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "What the hell is he? I've....never seen a Kaijin like that. Are you sure that's a Kaijin? It's like he's an Akuma...."
The feeling, you realise, is familiar. A similar kind of aura, albeit far more muted, was coming off that mysterious masked Kaijin, the one that antagonised Kazami and fought the party before running away.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Then comes the reply.
"Kurenai-sensei needed to talk to me and a few others. I'll join you later."
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Uh....sure? Are you sure you need me now or can we not talk here or...."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"I just figured since all the equipment was in the theatre room or the closet by it that would be a good place to talk," Mori replied, "but you know more about it than I do so..."
He took a seat.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "He's some kind of weird thing. Well, it doesn't matter. Akuma, Kaijin, all I need to know is you're a criminal at best and I'm going to show you what we do to people like you in these parts."
She threw a burst of wind forward, more to test Jack's mettle than to severely damage him.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
A green-tinted wind slams through the shop, throwing aside shelves as Mildred hurls forth a gust of wind at Jack, only to find it to fizzle out entirely. Before Jack can retort, however, Abe extends their hand, and a burst of iridescent spheres, colors almost too garish for the human - or half-demon - eye, slam into Jack, throwing them into the counter at the back.
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "Immune to wind....but weak to psychic attacks. Looks like you're in luck, Mad Dog. You'll have to use your fists to beat this creep's face in."
Kitakawa wrenches themselves from the ruins of the counter, letting out a loud laugh as he shakes his head, clearly slightly stunned by the psychic assault.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Ohoho...that's the good stuff. But....anything is worth it for Fuu-chan. I can't be bothered to explain it to such plebeians who will never understand my love!"
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Well, the equipment we were going to lend to you is being used by a different club - the Light Music Club, actually -, so that's why I was gonna wait until next week..."
Futaba's eyes flit between Mori and Kanade.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "I can sense you're not actually here to talk about the play, though. What is it? If it's about Sakurajima and Miyazono, I don't know anything. I mean, I do, Sakurajima's a friend, but....I don't know anything else."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Maybe wind won't work. But you know what will? This shit. Think fast, asshole!"
Proioxis picked up the heaviest-looking nearby object she could find and just hurled it at Jack.
-
Mori looked at Kanade.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"Do you want to take the lead? This is a… complicated situation, and I’ve been known to intimidate people while talking about lunch."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Proioxis finds a shelf packed with the Chili Peppers' latest music, picking it up and hurling it at the spindly demon. However, Jack, having already recovered from the earlier assault, wrenches his knife up in time, cleaving the shelf in half as both halves embed themselves in the wall around him. He tilts his head, twirling his knife and tapping it against his teeth.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Three on one....this is hardly fair."
He wrenches a broken shelf out of the wall and smashes it towards the group with his foot, aiming for Mildred, who is barely able to get out of the way. Kazuya, however, is struck, as the shelf smashes him into a nearby display holding copies of the newest Persona spinoff.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "Alright. Futaba....we need to ask you something serious."
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Oh? Mishima, uh....sure. I'm not sure what you could want....but I'm happy to help.."
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "We're looking for Yagami Fuuka. The idol. Now, we don't know what we're looking for, but it's imperative we find her. I'm sorry if it might be prying, but...I wouldn't be asking if we didn't need to. You're good with computers, so we figured you might be able to check the school records, or use your skills to track her down for us."
Futaba pauses.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "....I'm not sure what you could even want with....Yagami. If it was just Sawatari asking, I'd suspect something was up, but....."
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "So, can you help us?"
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Can I ask why you want to find Yagami?"
-
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Hey, long as you try. I just need you guys to look into one potential person for me. I need you to check if Koga, from the Student Council, is Yagami. If she is, warn her."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) Misa nods "Do you want us to to keep the fact that you are the one asking this a secret." Misa asks? "If she is Yagami, she might ask who told us this. Otherwise, I'll probably tell Koga that someone asked us to tell the student council that they were told there was a stalker in the area who thought that an Idol named Yagami was in disguise somewhere in the school, and so they should keep an ear out for reports of that nature."
-
Mori paid close attention to Futaba’s body language.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"…I’ve heard from my birds… that a man by the name of Kitakawa has come to town."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Fair? You're a fucking creepy stalker, who cares what you think is fair."
Mildred nudged Sugiura.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If you got connections to anyone, let 'em know where and what. Pyrrha and I will fight this dude in the meantime."
She darted forward, then swayed back just in case he was about to try a counter to her rush, before swinging her arm forward and Throwing some materialized spikes.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Kazuya pulls himself out of the wall, shoving the shelf off of himself as he tries to get back on his feet. Though his mask is unmoving, Mildred can tell he's wincing.
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "Damn....sure. I'll do that. I'll grab Kasuga and Akutagawa."
He snaps his fingers and enshrouds Mildred's projectiles in foxfire, throwing the Ripper back with the force of both his and Mildred's combined attacks, before hobbling out of the store.
Kitakawa winces as he rips out the burning spikes, darting to the side to avoid being there when Mildred arrives, and barely avoids Mildred bodychecking him as he throws himself into some nearby shelves, smashing them out of the way.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "You only say that because someone like you could never understand dedication! The pure love of a fan like me....cannot be deterred by some delinquents threatening me!"
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
At the mention of Kitakawa, Mori can sense an immediate change in Futaba's posture and demeanour. She visibly tenses, her eyebrows raise...
That, more than anything, confirms it to Mori and Kanade. Indeed, Mori can see it in Mishima's eyes; the feeling of realisation, her mouth hanging open as she mouths "Yagami".
That the girl she'd helped escape Kitakawa's predations two years ago was right in front of them.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "...where did....how did you hear that name?"
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Hey, if it makes it easier for you, tell her I asked. If not, don't. Just get it to her, quickl-"
As she says this, Tadano suddenly bursts in.
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Hey! Is Kasuga here?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Aki-kun? No, he left to do something. Why?"
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "It's fine if you're here too, Akitsuki! We just needed someone to help us lift some stuff, is all."
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "....actually, you've known Koga for a while. Tadano, can you just confirm something for us. Those rumours about Yagami..."
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Oh, those? Yeah, those are ridiculous. I've known Koga-senpai since we were both kids. She's been in the year above us since me and Miyazono were kids. Yeah, it's not her, but nobody wants to believe someone as dependable and skilled as her is Yagami."
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Well. I'll be damned. Still, a good idea to tell Koga what's up. I think you guys should still go help out the council, warn them. They might be able to find Yagami."
-
Mori let the air around him dissipate, and took a deep breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Kaname found the information, and was the one to discover that he was in town. She sent Kasuga, Honda, Akutagawa, and others out to attempt to apprehend him, as well as sending the helper's club to find and attempt to warn Koga, in case the rumors were true, and the two of us to warn you, along with discerning your identity and, more importantly, looking after your safety."
Another deep breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"I know that... no one trusts me, and there are lots of good reasons for that, but I want you to know I'm not the kind of person that would leave someone high and dry in a situation like this" he continued, "I know that it's a lot to ask you to trust me now, and I realize exactly how terrifying and stressful this situation might be, and the fact that I'm not exactly known for respecting people's privacy, but I promise, if you're willing to trust me to help you out, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, and hopefully to keep your secret secure. Fuck... after this I'm starting a rumor that you moved to Hokkaido just to make sure no one fucks around in my town again whether you ask me to or not, but that's beside the point. If you're willing to be helped by me, I'm willing to help, no devil's deal necessary, and if you don't trust it's out of the goodness of my heart, I can at least confirm I have a standing contract to protect the interests of Sakurajima Kanna and Miyazono Otoya, which includes your safety."
He looked her in the eyes, and held out his hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"So... what do you say?"
-
While Mildred charged in, Shiro gathered brilliant energy in one hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Just stop talkin', you're just gonna piss me off more!" She raised the arm and blasted Light at the Ripper. "Deflect this!"
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/VmXBDwI.png) "I'm just surprised I was that easy to find. I'm sorry, Mishima....I know you tried to help."
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "Don't apologise to me."
Futaba sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Mishima and I go way back. We met when Afternoon and she were at a publicity thing, us to advertise our new album, her to promote Tomorrow with You when it was first airing. We kept in touch and she used some of her connections to keep an eye on me when Kitakawa started stalking me."
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "When Yagami fled, I....may have pulled some strings. Changed her appearance, gave her a new identity. Made sure that Kitakawa couldn't follow her everywhere."
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Someone had to have told him. There's no way...."
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "The only people who knew were myself and Shinomiya-senpai. I wouldn't have, Shinomiya-senpai views you like a sister....a question like that, I think Kasuga or Kaname would be more suited to find the answer to."
Futaba - no, Yagami - stares out the window.
(https://i.imgur.com/VmXBDwI.png) "Is he here? On campus?"
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "Hopefully, Kasuga and the others can get to him first."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Well, I'd bet a sum his informant's a little masked toad who's been causing trouble around here lately, but that's beside the point for now." Mori replied, "If my assistance has been officially confirmed, I'm about to ask a question that's going to sound suspicious as fuck, but I'll need you to keep in mind that I only have your best interests in mind when I ask, so please answer honestly."
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"What's the surveillance situation of this room? Is anyone outside likely to know anything I do?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You're a freaking psychopath dude. We're gonna beat the devil out of you and then you're going to a padded room for a long time."
Mildred picked up the shelf Jack had bumped into and swung it at him, using her freakish strength (only intensified by being a Kaijin) to beat him with the solid object - and hopefully keep his attention on her while Shiro snuck in a strike or two.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Well. I'll be damned. Still, a good idea to tell Koga what's up. I think you guys should still go help out the council, warn them. They might be able to find Yagami."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Then we should do that, before things escalate."
Yui stood up and was ready to go. There was an unusual eagerness from the otherwise-meek student today.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/Go3M5VC.png) "Well. I'll be damned. Still, a good idea to tell Koga what's up. I think you guys should still go help out the council, warn them. They might be able to find Yagami."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "Then we should do that, before things escalate."
Yui stood up and was ready to go. There was an unusual eagerness from the otherwise-meek student today.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Agreed. Tadano, the rumors that Yagami is in the area appear to have attracted a stalker of hers. As creepy stalkers are, to say the least, undesirable, we should inform Koga of this while we help with whatever needed lifting so the Student Council can take whatever the appropriate steps are."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "If being passionate is crazy, then-"
Kitakawa doesn't get to finish his sentence, on account of a massive shelf being smashed into him. He tries to brace himself, leaving deep rends in the floor as the shelf bends and buckles pushing him into the side, before shattering entirely. The shelf is immediately followed up by a blast of light smashed directly into his bony gut, courtesy of Shiro, sending him doubling over in pain.
Kitakawa's head snaps upwards, tilting, and you almost swear his grin has turned ever so slightly malevolent, if it wasn't already.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Enoughenoughenoughenough! I won't let you get between me and Fuu-chan!"
The world seems to ripple around Shiro and Mildred. The air seems to change around you, and you feel, somehow, that you have entered a Domain. Yet behind you is the real world, right?
Backing away from them, Kitakawa places a hand to the wall, only for the wall, at the point of contact, to warp and weft into what appear to be grimy bricks and mortar, like something out of a Victorian period piece. The wall parts, just wide enough to admit Jack, and Jack throws himself through, as the wall closes up behind him, leaving only a hole small enough for his grin to be seen.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "I won't be stopped so easily, stupid peons. Something important from Fuu-chan.....heheheh...."
The last bricks fall down, and if Shiro and Mildred were to try to follow through the wall, they would find that it has reverted to painted concrete and shelves. The feeling of the area being like a Domain has also faded, and you now sense you are fully back in reality. Yet....you can still feel Kitakawa in the area.
At least, until a loud crash sounds, down the street.
Specifically, where Kasuga went.
....
Akihiko shakes his head, trying to regain his bearings, as he pulls himself off the road, briefly surveying the shattered window he'd been thrown into.
It had happened so quickly. One minute, he was following someone into the bookstore with a red jacket, asking them if they were Kitakawa - before realising that they were a) a woman and b) a young teen - certainly not the kind of profile he was looking for.
The next, a giant thing had crashed through the wall, and Akihiko had barely managed to pull her out of the way of danger before being thrown out into the road. He suppressed a sigh of relief as he could see the person he'd followed, the young woman, fleeing down back the road where he'd came.
Back to the task at hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/tWbV7Pr.png) "What the hell-agh!"
A foot in tattered leather shoes smashed down on Akihiko's chest, as the giant thing gazed down upon him.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "You were looking for me, weren't you? Stupid! Stupidstupidstupid! I'll teach your friends-"
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Give me a damn break with this crap! Henshin, Ibaraki-douji!"
A burst of crimson flames enshrouds Akihiko as he assumes his Kaijin form, the strongly muscled arms of Ibaraki-douji wrenching themselves around his assailant's foot and shoving him roughly into a nearby lamppost, denting it as the giant Kaijin (Akuma? Akihiko couldn't get a read on him, and it was giving him the damn creeps) tripped over, barely managing to stay standing.
Without missing a beat, Akihiko pushes himself to his feet, assuming a fighting stance, looking around. Shinomiya was, at least, safe for the moment.
But as for Akari and Honda....
He was really, really hoping Akutagawa was on his way.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "There's no cameras in here, and no webcams. Why do you ask?"
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "This better be good, Sawatari."
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Y-yeah. We should tell Koga-senpai. Come on, let's move!"
.....
As the party arrives at the Student Council room, they find Koga and Nanjou, quietly working away.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Oh. Hello. I didn't expect you guys to come back so quick."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"You're worried about Kitakawa finding us, yes? Well I am as well, as I'm largely useless in any form of physical confrontation." Mori stated, "However, fortunately for all of us, I do have certain cards up my sleeve, though this is one I'm only so willing to use due to the urgency of the situation."
Mori held his hand out like he was reaching for something in that air.
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Now this may seem a bit... frightening, but I assure you it's entirely normal, at least for me." he added “Seize Power. Seize What’s Mine. Seize Everything. Reynart.”
Mori's form was wrapped in blue flames as he shifted, his body reduced to a shadow, a yukata wrapping around him, and a mask and sword forming in place. However, once they were done, the blue flames didn't disappear. He willed them to remain as the mask and sword faded away, the yukata turned back into his hoodie, and his body reformed.
Or at least appeared to.
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"Now I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but if possible, I'd like to explain on the move." Mori said, getting up, "I'd rather be in a more secure location."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh God damn it, he can teleport?! And out of the barrier Sugiura put on the place, too. Come on, we ain't got time to lose! Chase the bastard down!"
Mildred ran outside, still in full Proioxis glory, and started looking left and right to find her quarry. It didn't take long to feel Kasuga flare up in power, and the fact he was clearly visibly fighting Jack not too far down the street helped identify where the stalker had went.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You stupid son of a bitch, you ain't getting away from us that easily!"
Mildred ripped the nearest lamppost out of the ground and, couching it like a lance, charged at Jack.
-
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
(https://i.imgur.com/AwZIIws.png) "Y-yeah. We should tell Koga-senpai. Come on, let's move!"
.....
As the party arrives at the Student Council room, they find Koga and Nanjou, quietly working away.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Oh. Hello. I didn't expect you guys to come back so quick."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "We actually had a related issue that we felt should be brought to the student council being shared with us when Tadano arrived. The rumors about Yagami being somewhere around in disguise have reportedly attracted a stalker of hers, which I think we can all agree is undesirable." Misa makes a grossed out gesture at the mention of a stalker.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png)"The Helper's club has been asked to warn Yagami about this, so if you know who she is, could you pass on that warning? And in general it was felt this was an issue we should at least inform you of."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Akihiko ducks a swipe from Jack, Jack's long spindly limbs putting Akihiko off balance. In the distance, you can see people running away from the fight, some people staying at what might be a slightly too-close distance to take videos for YouTube.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Honda! What the hell is this guy?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "So many of you....you don't get it!"
Kitakawa swipes at Akihiko again, but this time, Akihiko is ready. He parries the swipe with a flaming fist, the strength behind it almost shoving Akihiko to the ground. Fortunately, Akihiko only has to hold for a few seconds.
Mildred's lamppost smashes into Kitakawa, the lamppost buckling and bending upon contact. The gangly demon stumbles aside, shaking his head as Akihiko follows up Mildred's attack with a roundhouse kick to the ribs, smashing him into the curb. Kitakawa crawls backwards, trying to get distance between him and the three Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "So many demons....he didn't tell me there would be so many of you..."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
At this, Yagami's eyes visibly widen.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Y-you're....a Kaijin?"
Mishima seems....entirely unsurprised.
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "...."
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
At that, Koga's expression visibly tenses.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "A stalker? Do we know who it is? Is there anyone else we need to call? Nanjou, write that down."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
Nanjou quietly and dutifully writes it down.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Who else knows?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Who is 'he?' Better talk quick unless you want me to split your skull with this." Pyrrha raises her fist, shining brilliantly once more.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"Honestly, knowing me, is it really so hard to think of me being a demon?" Mori chuckled, "But seriously, yes. Ordinarily, I would have transformed somewhere more private, but at the moment I'm sleep-deprived to the point of feeling half dead, so I'm putting other people's safety in front of my secrets like an idiot. Anyway, transformed I have enhanced physical abilities as well as access to some useful powers that I can use to deal with Kitakawa if he comes near. Of course, hopefully, it won't come to that, but best to be prepared."
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"I imagine I don't need to explain that this information doesn't leave this room?"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't know! He's not quite a Kaijin and he ain't quite a demon either. He is a piece of shit though and he's gonna get what he deserves!"
Mildred followed Jack over as he crawled away and raised the lamppost over her head, ready to bring it down on him.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You better answer her question or I'm beating you with this until the metal breaks."
-
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
At that, Koga's expression visibly tenses.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "A stalker? Do we know who it is? Is there anyone else we need to call? Nanjou, write that down."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "..."
Nanjou quietly and dutifully writes it down.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Who else knows?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/807019597139542036/898334243808219166/PixieHuman.png) "Kaname came to ask to ask if we could find Yagami and warn her about the issue. She was actually under the impression that you might be her, but Tadano said you certainly weren't, so..." Misa shrugs. "But this certainly seemed like something we should tell you about. If Yagami actually is here, she deserves her privacy, right?"
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
At that, Kitakawa lets out a raw, dry laugh.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "...you think I'm scared?"
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Letting Jack out....is the best feeling in the world."
The ground beneath Kitakawa suddenly begins to change form, asphalt and concrete giving way to rain-stained brick and stone. Once again, you feel the air around you thicken, the colors around you intensify, the textures around you feel wrong and off. You almost expect Onibi to attack you, here.
Once again, you feel surrounded by a Domain, despite being firmly in the real world.
Before you can do anything, the ground opens beneath Kitakawa, and he slips below. Akihiko is the first to try to dash for him, but it's no use; the last thing you see of Kitakawa is the twisted rictus of his face before he slips underneath, the ground closing above him and returning to the asphalt.
Unlike before, however, where the atmosphere of the Domain disappeared the moment Kitakawa did, the area still feels like a Domain. Akihiko stays alert, fists clenched. Somehow, some way, you can still sense Kitakawa nearby.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....never seen a Kaijin pull that off before. What the hell...."
Your eyes are suddenly drawn to Nene, having emerged from the metalcraft store. She stands there, visibly shocked.
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "...Kaijin? Here?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Stay back! There's still a monster nearby! You'll get hurt if you get in the way!"
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "N-no but....what? Do you mean to say there's an Akuma after me?"
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
Koga nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "I see. Nanjou, I think we might have records on the students. I'd normally avoid opening those, but this is an emergency situation."
(https://i.imgur.com/oe1kSXI.png) "...okay."
Nanjou stands up without a word, and heads into the other room to look for the records.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Is there anything else we should know about this?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"No, no. I apologize, I did not mean to worry you with that." Mori replied, "I meant only to say that I am too weak and squishy to deal with even an above-average human, and on the chance that we do happen to encounter Kitakawa, I wanted to have the means of stopping him or at least getting you to safety. There's no need to fear."
"Admittedly," he thought "If that toad is behind this, it's possible that he might turn Kitakawa into an Akuma, but given he's been targeting students, including non-aggressive ones like Akitsuki, Miyazono, and Sakurajima, it's possible he wants to use the stress of her stalker being here to transform Yagami into an Akuma, so I need to try to keep her from worrying too much."
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"Besides, if there was an Akuma, I assume I'd have news of one by now, and it would actually make avoiding him easier, since he'd be stuck in one spot."
He shot a glance at Mishima, as if to say "right?", before sending a test to Akihiko.
Hey, what's the situation with Kitakawa?
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You've got to get out of here, right now. That stalker is some weird not-Kaijin not-Akuma sonuvabitch and I have no idea where he went, so the further away you get from where we last saw him the better."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Nene just stands there, clearly terrified.
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "What am I supposed to do? I can't....I didn't think an Akuma..."
The area ripples from time to time. The Kaijin can feel Kitakawa behind those ripples, like water underneath which a shark is lurking.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Shinomiya, get the hell out of here!"
(https://i.imgur.com/T3yQdal.png) "Where can I run? He's already here....."
"Good choice, Shinomiya. You can keep Fuu-chan company."
Suddenly, the floor behind Nene opens up.
"You shouldn't have helped her run."
Fast as lightning, Kitakawa shoots up, arms grabbing Nene. The girl visibly struggles, but with his wiry strength, she cannot break loose. His cape opens up into an unnatural blackness, and Kitakawa yanks her into it. Nene disappears from sight, no longer visible.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Exactly what I needed. Thank you for bringing her to me."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Let her go, dammit!"
Akihiko rushes towards him, fist surging with flames, but before he can reach him, Kitakawa springs upwards, landing on the roof of the building with a mocking salute.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Now, for Fuu-chan...I'm sorry. You'll all just have to wait."
With that, he sprints away, across the rooftops of Mishima. Akihiko looks back towards Mildred and Shiro.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "He's heading for Hermelin. We need to get there first. Damn it!"
Mildred is keenly aware of a pair of motorcycles parked nearby. If there's a faster way of getting to Hermelin....
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Mori gets no reply. This could mean one of two things. Either his phone is off....or he's in Kaijin form and is busy fighting for his life. One hopes it's the former.
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "I can't say for sure, Yagami-senpai, but....as long as Sawatari and I are here, you have nothing to fear."
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "What's your plan? Where are we going?"
-
Mildred, with a blast of wind, depowered.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6iqs5r1dm36e8y/Neutral.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Quick, on the back, Kasuga! Akari, I trust you know how to ride one!"
She jumped on the closer one and quickly hotwired it - she was familiar enough with the brand to know most could be started that way, and there was no time to seek out the owner and shake them down for keys. She'd just return it later - assuming the vehicle survived, of course, because she was equally as likely to just park it as she was to use it to beat Jack's skull in.
-
Shiro acknowledged Mildred with a grunt. She didn't bother depowering, simply mimicking Mildred's actions with her own, much lesser knowledge and a significantly less careful touch. She wasted no time in rocketing off once she managed to get the thing rolling, uncaring about the fact that she was just scooting around in broad daylight in Kaijin form. It would genuinely be less trouble for her later this way.
-
"Assuming I was correct in the assumptions made so far, Kitakawa probably knows to come to the school, meaning staying could mean he knows where to find us. Not to mention the school security kind of sucks." Mori thought, "However, given we don't know where he is, if we leave to go to a more secure location, there's the possibility we could run into him on the way, so it's a matter of gambling on where he might be, and knowing my luck, it isn't a gamble we'll win"
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"Given the information currently available, I think we're safest staying here, unless either of you know somewhere significantly more secure we can get into quickly." Mori said, before turning to Yagami, "By the way, can you let me know if you've felt any of these lately? Sudden pain in the back of your neck, chills, cold pain in the back of your neck, fatigue and weakness, etc."
He sent a text to Saya.
"Hey, it's Sawatari. Don't ask how I got your number, it's not important now. Kaname hired me to help out. I just texted Kasuga to see how things are going on his front and he didn't respond, so I'm a bit worried that this is turning into a bad situation. I need you and the rest of the Helper's Club to be ready in case I need you."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Shiro finds that, as she tries to hotwire the motorcycle, she doesn't need to.
The moment she makes to do so, the motorcycle begins to change at her very touch, rounded contours changing to silvery plate resembling her Kaijin's form, plates covering the rim and even a scabbard at the side for her to place her sword in. The moment Shiro revs it up, it roars to life, as if powered by her Kaijin status.
Akihiko takes one look at Mildred, then at the bike.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....maybe we try that first."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "N-no. Why? Do you think he poisoned me? Oh god."
Mori receives a response very quickly from Saya.
Huh? What's going on? Is everything okay? I can come over now if you need help.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pl9tm9rjzz498u0/MildlyAmused.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Shit, that's a thing we can do?"
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Then let's do it!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"No, not poison." Mori replied, "just... something I need to check for. Like the questions your doctor asks at the start of a check-up. A formality to confirm your condition.
Nothing yet, but I have a feeling that something may happen soon. Try to contact Kasuga, Honda, or Akari and ask them their situation. Besides that, don't make any sort of scene, but bring the other Helper's Club members to the class hallway on the third floor. I'll signal you guys to come in if you need to, and if any suspicious personnel come by, let me know so I can start with an evacuation plan.
With that done, Mori put his phone away and turned to Yagami.
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"I've got some people watching for Kitakawa, but while the apparent security does its thing, I'll watch over you from the shadows." Mori stated, "Just letting you know, this is going to look kind of creepy again."
He placed one foot on Yagami's shadow, feeling the usual surface tension, and pushed through, his body fading to silhouette and melting into her shadow.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Hell yeah. Let's move!" Pyrrha wasted no time, revving the cycle and speeding off in the direction of their quarry.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
As Mildred in her Kaijin form touches her motorbike, rather than changing into one themed after her Kaijin form, like Shiro's, hers changes into her ideal motorbike.
Shiro, meanwhile, speeds off. As she speeds off, however, she finds herself unable to turn away from the wall fast enough, with the sheer speed of her empowered ride.
Not that it matters, however, as the moment she touches the wall, she finds herself driving up the wall, as if nothing ever happened.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "O-okay. Are you sure it wasn't poison?"
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
Saya puts down her phone.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Okay, everyone, if we're done here, we need to head to the third floor hallway. "
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Is there something wrong?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Uh...yeah. Something's come up. You mind?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"No, I don't think it's poison, and besides, you said you didn't feel any symptoms, so you don't need to worry," Mori replied, "But if you're really worried, I can heal up anything that might be in your system if you want me to."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Hold on tight, Kasuga! We're going for one hell of a ride!"
And with that she revved the engine and roared off, in quick pursuit of Shiro.
-
A startled shout came from a disoriented Shiro, but it quickly turned into a laugh. She couldn't help but marvel at this for a brief moment before the seriousness of the situation moved back in. She took a brief moment to scan the area from her new vantage point, making sure she was still headed the right direction, then gunned the throttle.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Mildred, Akihiko and Shiro emerge atop the rooftops of Mishima, Jack the Ripper about three buildings ahead of them.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Damn, so you CAN keep up."
He begins to sprint towards Hermelin, but not before throwing an arm back, sending a storm of razor sharp, jet-black knives towards the pursuers to keep them distracted while he runs for it.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "N-no, it's...it's fine. I'm just....a little rattled."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Get that shit out of my house."
Mildred threw an arm forward, sending a whirling wind at the knives to disrupt their course.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"I understand, this is a frightening situation. Honestly, you should be proud of yourself for being merely 'rattled'. If we were in each others' shoes, I'm certain I'd be much more afraid than you are." Mori did his best to make his voice and the air he gave off comforting, "But don't worry, until this whole situation is over, I swear I will look after you from the shadows. And if anyone tries to hurt you, then they will wish they'd never even thought of it."
-
Shiro and Mildred have similar thoughts, the former electing to simply blast light at the incoming projectiles to annihilate them and weathering whatever made it through.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
The knives are very swiftly knocked aside by Shiro and Mildred's counterattacks. The Ripper is only mildly fazed.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Hmph. So it seems-"
As if sensing something, he suddenly veers sharply to the left, making a leap across a seemingly quiet row of houses before a robotic pair of left hands punch the air where he was a moment ago.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Comin' through! Watch out above!"
The hulking form of Aegaeon appears, with Abe no Seimei being held onto Jin's back with one of his extra arms. He lands on the roof in front of Shiro, Mildred and Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "This is embarassing, Aegaeon. Surely you can let me walk under my own power."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "You said you were pretty injured! 'Sides, I'll just get you to Chiyo or someone else who can heal and you'll be fixed right up!"
Jack casts a look back at the arriving Jin and Kazuya.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Tch. The Ocean King, huh? This is getting dangerous."
He continues sprinting away, with Jin barely sparing any time running after him, managing to (barely) keep pace with the motorcycle-riding trio.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Uh...huh...."
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "...Sawatari."
The tone of Mishima's voice tells Mori that there's something up. And, he can sense....something. No, he knows exactly that sensation.
Something ripples in the corner of his gaze, just beyond his vision.
That masked Kaijin was somewhere nearby.
Club Group (Saya, Riku, Yui, Misa)
Suddenly, a loud crash can be heard from the room where Nanjou just disappeared to. At that, Rise stands up.
(https://i.imgur.com/ll0pciw.png) "Nanjou!
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "We'll check that before we go. Guys, if you will....?"
Saya heads into the other room, not waiting for you to follow.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Oh hell no! You ain't getting away, you creepy mime-looking stalker!"
Mildred cranked the bike and accelerated, popping a wheelie as she jumped from one rooftop to the next, aiding her passage (and Shiro's) with a burst of wind.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Kasuga! Throw some fireballs at that jackass, we're double-dashing here!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"The more you run, the more pissed I'm going to be when I finally catch you, asshole!" Pyrrha raised one hand to pepper the fleeing Ripper with more blasts of light while Mildred played support.
-
(https://imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"Fine fine, I'll try to tune down the terror and violence stuff," Mori groaned, "Jeez, there's just no pleasing you, princess."
He didn't react to the new information externally, thankfully years of acting experience taught you how to pretend everything was part of the show, despite the fact that the gears in his head were whirring in overdrive. The toad was here, what did that mean for the situation? Yagami had said she hadn't experienced the normal Akuma seed symptoms yet, did that mean that he was here to do it now? Was he here due to a deal with Kitakawa, wherein the toad would deliver Yagami in exchange for something? He was certainly better equipped for a covert operation than most. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough information on either the situation or the goals of the toad to draw a complete enough conclusion as to the reasoning.
That just lead to the consideration of what he could do. He was very aware even as Reynart, he was no match for the toad. He didn't expect Mishima was either, as, even assuming he's right as to her being Scathach, it had taken both her and Kazami to hold him off... then again, that had been when he was under an illusion. Akitsuki's ability to cut through illusions was able to counter him, at which point Kasuga had been able to at least land a hit... so he needed Akitsuki.
The masked Kaijin is here, I need you and your anti-illusion powers.
Now.
(https://imgur.com/FRSDYNR.png)
"Anything you want to talk about? First time you get to be yourself in a while." Mori asked Yagami, "Must be nice."
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "The time for our little game is over. It's time to find Fuu-chan, Shi-no-mi-ya."
Some struggling can be seen from his cloak. It seems Nene is trying to get out.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Cute. Fuu-chan and I....."
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Oh shut the hell up already!"
A gout of fire smashes into his side as Akihiko's fireball lands true, sending the Ripper tumbling. The Ripper attempts to right himself, but a burst of light courtesy of Shiro, followed by a lamppost hurled like a spear (courtesy of Aegaeon) collide into him next, throwing him onto a rooftop not a block away from Hermelin.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Nice shot, Kasuga, Shiro!"
(https://i.imgur.com/grZV1T1.png) "You're going to need somewhat more than that. That barely tickled him."
The Ripper's body contorts as he pulls himself off the ground, Mildred and Shiro's bikes fast closing the distance.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "...where are you....never mind. I'll handle this."
He twists his head around, visibly wincing as he holds the spot where Akihiko's blast struck him.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "....to think he could hit so strongly....he was right. These demons are becoming more powerful by the day."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Mori's vision flickers.
As he hits 'Send', the message remains on the screen. No matter how much he taps, it doesn't send. He needed Akitsuki here now, what was going on? Why isn't it sending, why isn't it sending-!
The rippling seems to be gone. Yagami tilts her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "Myself? Uh....I mean, this is who I've always been. I've always liked computers more than singing, after all."
From the corner of his vision, the hood of the masked Kaijin appears-!
Yet as he whirls to face it, nothing. Absence.
His vision flickers again.
The message he tried to send Akitsuki has ceased to be. Like he never typed it at all. For a moment, the visage of the masked Kaijin appears on his phone screen, taunting him with a smile beneath the veil hiding his mouth, before his screen returns to normal.
His head feels heavy. Fuuka - or Tomoe or whatever she was really called - stares at him and Mori swears her neck is bending a little too much-
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "Sawatari!"
A burst of lilac light shoots across Mori's vision. The weight within his head vanishes instantly, as if cut away with a keen blade. The oddness, the weirdness was gone. His vision feels clear, clearer than ever. The feeling is as if the weight of the last few weeks had been taken off him, however briefly. Something hits him as he experiences this.
That lilac light....it was the same color as Scathach's visor.
Silence for a split second.
[Now Playing: Theme of Andras ~~Penumbra (Variant A)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6-09tRNo18)]
And then Kanade Mishima tackles him away as a knife sinks into her side, the hooded Kaijin stabbing her as he emerges from the floor in a burst of shadows and ice.
Mori realises from the angle that the knife was mere centimeters from hitting HIM instead, had Mishima not pushed him out of the way. From the height, it was going for his throat.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Pathetic."
He yanks the knife out from Mishima's body and goes for another stab, before yanking her by the arm and throwing her to the side of the room where she tumbles into a set of drawers, motionless.
Yagami almost jumps away from Mori, picking up a chair to defend herself as Andras fully materialises in the room.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "M-Mishima-senpai! You monster! G-get away from me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "I can't do that, Miss Yagami. You and I have an appointment together."
If Mori checks his phone, he sees that the message did go through. Whatever trickery Andras was playing on him, Scathach - if it wasn't Mishima - made it go away.
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Mother fucker, you did not just make me owe Mishima my life!" Mori shouted, rising from the shadows as his form shifted in a blast of blue flames.
Ok, so it was the kidnapping thing. What did that mean he should do? He had a responsibility to protect Yagami, he'd sworn it to her. Even if that masked toad could kill him, he had to try. There was no other choice!
But...
Mishima's motionless body being thrown into the draws replayed in his mind like an echo. She was his enemy, he hated her with a burning passion, but... could he just leave her there?
"Abandon the interloper." the voice of Reynart spoke in his mind, "Your duty lies with Yagami, not the one who's family invaded your home."
"What's a dead body compared to all the people you've already good as killed?" the other voice added, "Leave her behind, then go rip that toad to shred as he croaks for mercy!"
Reynart was right, he had a responsibility to Yagami he couldn't ignore, and no such responsibility to Mishima. So sorry princess, but you chose to save the devil over yourself, you'd have to be an idiot to think he'd return the-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Kiara!" he shouted. He blinked, and found himself picking up Mishima, his hands glowing gold as he shifted her into a more comfortable position, before he turned towards the masked toad.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Fine then. Vile Roots!"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Dumb bastard, he's getting herded right where we need him! Once he's at Hermelin it's over with, ALL of us can drop on him like the fuckin' hammer of God!"
Mildred leaned over her handlebars and cranked the engine again; it was already being pushed past what a motorcycle should conceivably be able to do, and the metal groaned in protest. She didn't care. It had to hold together only a little longer and then she could use it as a weapon. Regardless, the bike roared forward, closing the distance slowly but surely.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You got him good, Kasuga! He definitely doesn't like the heat!"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)".Shut! The! Hell! Up! Already!" Each word was punctuated with another angry lance of golden light from Shiro's outstretched palm. Rather than trying to close immediately, she was trying to keep their foe locked down. . . Or she was too impatient to not exclusively focus on hitting him. One of those two.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I think I only grazed him. I had to fight that guy alone for a bit, he's something else."
Kitakawa laughs at Mildred.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "You think this isn't where I want to go? How cute-"
Then, Shiro cuts him off. The Ripper whips up his cloak like a shield as Shiro's lances of light slam into him. The last one, however, clocks him in the head, causing an unearthly scream.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "You....that hurt! Stupid, stupid, STUPID!"
With wiry strength, Kitakawa rips out a nearby air-conditioning unit, hurling it at Shiro.
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Kanade does not visibly stir as Mori picks her up. His healing doesn't seem to have failed, though.
Mori's vision flickers again, but this time, the lilac light flashes across instantly. The thorns erupt from the ground beneath Reynart's feet, surging towards the masked Kaijin, who narrowly evades it by kicking a desk towards Mori's thorns, the desk splitting in half as a result.
He hisses, eyes on Mishima in Mori's arms. Then, a glimpse of realisation.
A smirk grows behind his mask.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....so that's how it is. Even like that, she's still protecting you from my illusions. No wonder I can't get a foothold on your mind. How can you live with yourself, loathing someone so willing to protect you, even with her life?"
A chair goes sailing through the air. Andras doesn't even turn as he whips his knife upwards, slashing it in half. Yagami screams as she tries to crawl back from Andras, the chair's halves freezing solid instantly and shattering as they clatter to the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "So self-righteous. So determined to hate one and protect the other. You're just as bad as Kasuga, you know. The difference is that he has no illusions about being some kinda hero. He does as he pleases, exactly as a demon should. Here you are protecting the girl you hate so much and pretending you don't care one bit."
-
Mildred immediately countered with a whirl and flick of her right hand, conjuring a powerful wind that picked up the aircon and flung it aside before it could hit Shiro.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You dumb bastard, I already told you! No use throwing shit when I'm around, because that's MY thing!"
Hoping he was sufficiently distracted, she immediately conjured another wind to shoot the aircon right back at him.
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"First of all, I'm only responsible for my bad decisions. No one else's." Mori replied, as a thick fog of purple pollen flowed toward the masked toad.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Second, I'd barely qualify what I'm doing as 'living with myself'." another set of thorny roots took shape in the fog, lashing out, "I've just got a list of shit I need to get done before I'm comfortable putting a bullet in my head. Some real Robert Frost shit."
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Third, I've long since noted I'm not the type to 'do as I please'. That requires me to actually want something, and I'm not allowed to do that anymore. Selfishness and self-righteousness kind of requires a 'self' with desires to fulfill, and I haven't had one of those for a while." An extra set of roots shifted under the cover of fog, quietly gathering to grab Yagami and pull her away.
The whole time, Mori watched the body language of the enemy, analyzing any data he could get.
-
Shiro took this chance to charge, light gathering in her palm once again. This time, it formed into a sword, one she held straight out to the side until she was in striking range.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"You shouldn't talk about yourself so damn much! Now SIT!" She leapt the motorcycle into the air, aiming to crash down next to Kitakawa and deliver a slash from above.
-
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
At the sight of the aircon being launched back at him, with Shiro leaping to stab him, the Ripper simply....tilts his head?
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Sorry. Our game's over. My appointment with Fuu-chan is now."
That feeling surges through you again, the feeling of having entered a Domain without having actually entered one.
Shiro finds her blade hitting solid concrete, as a hole opens beneath him, concrete turning to rain-soaked brick as he dips into whatever hellish realm he went into, a chuckle echoing through his mask, before the aircon smashes into that spot, leaving nothing but a broken rooftop and a broken air conditioning unit.
The odd feeling in the air disappears. Akihiko detransforms, smacking the side of the motorbike.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMapJ1a.png) "Dammit. As long as he can do that thing, we'll never catch him. Let me check if the others have-"
He checks his phone, with several messages from Saya, and one from Mori.
Nanjou got taken by the masked Kaijin from last time. Mori and Yagami in trouble. On our way to meet them. Third floor. Come quickly.
At that, Akihiko puts his phone away, and almost immediately reverts back into Ibaraki-Douji.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Kasuga? What is it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Shiro, Mildred, we need to get to the third floor, and fast. I think Kitakawa's gonna try and meet up with the masked Kaijin. I don't know what he's got planned for Yagami, but it can't be good."
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
The masked Kaijin tilts his head. Slowly, he walks towards Mori, unflinching, at a casual pace.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Oh, poor you. You're only doing what you feel you have to. Nothing more. Is that right? None of this is what you want to do? It's all just part of your duty?"
The purple pollen is met with a cloud of biting icy wind, both blowing away. The tone of his voice is conversational, like he were speaking about the weather, or a particularly interesting TV show on last night.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Not your choice to hate some girl who's done nothing but protect you from me the moment I came in here? Not your choice to talk like some anime villain? Not your choice to insult everyone around you? You're pathetic."
The masked Kaijin continues his advance. The shadows beneath his cloak lash out at the thorns thrown at him, ripping them to shreds.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Take some responsibility. Admit it. This is what you want. All this talk about not having a "self", it's an excuse. You want to hate Mishima. You want to save her, too. You want to be some kind of hero, while hated by everyone else so you can bear that burden alone out of some twisted desire to act the part of a villain. The Kaijin is a reflection of the self. Both the good and the bad. Don't you get it yet? Maybe if you live, Mishima might even explain it all to you."
He flicks a frozen blade out, but barely misses the root - and Yagami - taking her to Mori's side. The masked Kaijin sighs, as if he'd simply dropped a pen, or some other minor irritation.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "That's the beauty of being a demon. We can do whatever we please. The world is our playground. This face of ours is our true face, the one we are destined to show the world. Those chosen by the power of demons to show their true selves are obliged to use that power as they please."
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"You want to see my face?" Mori questioned, like he was asking if he wanted to see a picture he'd taken.
He hooked two fingers into the eye-holes and pulled, and a sound like sizzling flesh whispered in his ears as the mask of Reynart came off. Even if he couldn't see it, he knew exactly what was looking out at the masked kaijin, the same endless sea of darkness that was burned into his mind from those weeks ago.
(https://imgur.com/YnHAfnY.png)
"The Kaijin is a reflection of the true self? No fucking shit, but it did take me a bit to realize who Fantomas was. Mori replied, as more pollen flowed out, but this time it was as black as midnight, "He's not the devil who always wins in the end. He's the one who took so many names and faces he lost his own. A wretched creature who stopped being human in the pursuit of his arrogant dreams."
A wave of shadow passed over him, and when it disappeared, he was once more dressed in the purple overcoat of his original form.
(https://imgur.com/KFRMrvC.png)
"This is my true face, nothingness, empty and used up. My chest's a hollow void where nine years ago there was a beating human heart." black, thorn-covered roots emerged from the floor and walls, blooming with red and white flowers, "The 'self' known as Sawatari Mori died when he was eight, after making the decision that he and he alone would avenge his family's honor. The ghost of a grudge doesn't get to change its ways when it realizes that an 8-year-old is fucking stupid.
"This face? This name? It doesn't get to have its own desires. And frankly, it doesn't give a fuck what a talking toad thinks of that."
-
Shiro elected to not waste time on words and choose violence instead. She raised her palm and blasted a hole through the weakened roof before hopping down and looking for a stairwell.
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
The masked Kaijin stares for a moment.
Then he lets out a laugh at Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Oh, you really ARE pathetic! Most kids dream of something idealistic, like becoming an astronaut, or becoming an idol! Your dream was taking down the Mishimas? You're just sad. Pathetic, even. Can't even let go of some stupid promise you made and do and present yourself with some edgy bullshit thinking it'll make you a monster. I don't see what the power of demons saw in you. You're clearly unworthy of having it. You can't even see the forest for the trees."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Have you even thought of what you'll do if you succeed? Hell, you could succeed right now. She's helpless in your hands. Crush her, if you're that determined to avenge your family. You're a demon now, aren't you? We do as we please. Go on, do it. Save me the time. Who's gonna stop you? Kasuga? Akari? Her partner's nowhere near here, you know. Just you and me."
Mishima's unconscious body doesn't stir.
Yagami stays behind Mori, visibly terrified.
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "S-Sawatari, what is he talking about?"
-
(https://imgur.com/KFRMrvC.png)
"You see, this is where we get back to responsibility." Mori replied, as he placed the mask back on his face. With a ripple of shadow, he was back to Reynart.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"I have a responsibility to protect and avenge that which is mine, which supersedes all other things." he added, "And you targeted Sakurajima and Miyazono. Even that pathetic Kaneko was under my protection, and for the time being, I am under contract to protect Yagami. For these reasons, I have a responsibility to make you pay."
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"You said that Mishima was protecting me from you getting inside my mind? Then where does that leave me if she's dead? The way I see it, I need her to keep breathing until you aren't." he concluded, "You're right, I'm not qualified to be a kaijin. To this day, I don't know why I didn't become an akuma, but I know that I will never have the power to do as I wish, but as long as I have power, I will always have a duty to use it to protect people from pathetic fools like you."
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "That's funny. You think I can't do anything to you just because she's blocking my illusions."
The masked Kaijin beginds to dissolve into the floor, shadow fading away into nothingness.
"Mishima's unconscious. If your entire team could barely dent me....what hope do you have?"
Before Mori can move, he feels a sudden, intense aura behind him, as the masked Kaijin erupts from the floor in a burst of shadows, icy blade aimed straight at the back of Mori's head.
Before anything happens however, he hears the faintest of whispers from Kanade.
Mori feels himself getting pushed to the floor, Andras' knife flashing at the corner of his vision and slamming into the floor. He sees the ghostly form of Scathach, fading away, arm outstretched. At that, the masked Kaijin is visibly thrown off guard, taking several steps back from him.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "That's not....that's impossible!"
"It seems...despite talking about how a demon can do anything they like....you still don't know a thing about what we can truly do."
Kanade finally stirs, one hand hanging off to the side, partially shifted into one of Scathach's signature arm blades.
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "I told you, Sawatari. I'm not your enemy. And never will be. No matter what you say or do."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "I knew a sufficiently powerful demon could shift part of themselves while not fully transforming....but for you to project your demon like that...."
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "The Kaijin of Hermelin are under my protection, including Sawatari. Yagami-san, too, is under my care. A toad like you.....has no right to hurt those under my protection."
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Fucking finally!" Mori replied, "Do you know how annoying it was keeping him yapping this long?"
He turned to the toad.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"All 'a demon should do whatever they want' this, and 'chosen by the power' that. Dear lord, you are a bad shonen villain." he continued, "What's next, something about 'the next stage in human evolution'? Everything about you just screams 'Pay attention to me! I'm special!' I mean, I'm cliche, but at least I know it."
He turned back to Kanade.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Can you stand?"
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "I'm alright. You didn't need to heal me, by the way, but it sold the illusion, and I appreciate the sentiment. I was only bruised."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You planned this from the beginning, Mishima?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "I rolled with the punches. I needed an opportunity to get close enough to return the favour."
(https://i.imgur.com/f24ZXRR.png) "M-Mishima-senpai...you're a Kaijin?"
The masked Kaijin snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Shows how little you know. Of the three strongest Kaijin of the Mishima District, she's the strongest. The Black Princess of Calamity."
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "You're making me blush."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You...to fight the strongest of all Kaijin here..."
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "Sawatari. You wanted to learn more about Kaijin. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier. I needed to know I could trust you fully."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZvFPoi7.png) "If you follow my lead, this will be a lesson worth retaining."
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"To avenge Sakurajima and Miyazono, and protect Yagami?" Mori began, as he placed Mishima down and drew his sword, "I'm willing to listen to you for a bit."
-
Popular Group (Aika, Mori)
Kanade stands up, looking steadier than one might expect.
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "Stay close, then. Scathach can protect you from his illusions, as long as you're nearby. Her power can sharpen the mind. You might've noticed, when you felt less tired and clearer-thinking. Her power isn't as effective as Tsukiyomi's, but it will do if it's just the two of us."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "No wonder you and Kazami could find me. But why explain your power?"
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "Some toad like you deserves to know exactly who they screwed with before I squash you."
She snaps her fingers, before pointing a finger gun at Andras.
(https://i.imgur.com/cVy1WSO.png) "Follow my lead, Sawatari. Come out to play, Scathach!"
A ghostly apparition of Scathach surges in behind Kanade at her call, rushing through her. In the blink of an eye, Kanade's physical form changes from that of a high school girl to a sleek robotic form, made from black metal, sharp edges and purple energy flickering across lines running across her body, crystaline wings protuding from her back and a large, pointed lilac visor concealing her face.
Her pointed finger, now turned into small finger-like blades, fuses into a single blade, which she sweeps to the side.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Come then. Show the Black Princess of Calamity how you dance."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Shit, why go ground floor? Hold on tight, Kasuga! We're taking the quick route!"
And with that Mildred ramped off of the roof, bike heading straight for one of the windows of the third floor of Hermelin.
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Dance?" there was a smirk in Mori's voice, "Princess, I've been dancing forever."
His hands moved in a way resembling a conductor or a pianist, as he focused on controlling the roots and pollen that still filled the room, focused more on supporting Scathach than on truly hurting the toad. He shifted the pollen to create blind spots, making it harder to properly react to Scathach's attacks, or the movement of the roots, which moved to bind the toad's limbs, but only for a second or two before moving away, hopefully too fast to be cut, in the hopes of hindering his ability to dodge out of the way or attack effectively with his throwing knives.
All the while, he did his best to keep an eye on Yagami.
Guard target Yagami
-
[Now Playing: Theme of Kanade/Scathach ~Flash Control~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5g-b-SJA_4)]
What follows for Mori is a demonstration of why he, in all circumstances, should never piss off Kanade Mishima.
The moment Mori gets moving, Kanade is already right in front of of the masked Kaijin, who is almost a second too late to evade the lunge aimed right for his head. He pushes off backwards, aiming a kick at Kanade's head....or rather, where Kanade was a second before. In the blink of an eye, Scathach has already vanished.
Or rather, is standing right behind the masked Kaijin.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "!"
Scathach extends her right arm out, a whip comprised of purple energy extending down the length of her arm. With a single, swift cutting motion, she slams it into the opposing Kaijin, hurling him bodily across the room, as he barely manages to regain his footing, landing in a crouching position. The masked Kaijin snarls, moving to throw something, but he finds his arms trapped for just a split second, Mori's roots having entangled him.
Just fast enough for Kanade to cross the entire length of the room faster than Mori can blink.
The masked Kaijin manages to rip himself from Mori's trap just fast enough to parry her blade with his knife, their faces inches apart.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Such speed, such strength! It's exhilarating! A demon that can finally entertain me."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Don't flatter yourself. The only person in this room who can satisfy me is helping me."
A blur of black slashes across the masked Kaijin's body, Kanade kicking upwards with her equally-sharp leg to catch the hooded demon off-guard. He barely manages to push away, whipping up a wall of ice to avoid being struck, one which Scathach's body cuts through with almost insulting ease. Kanade yells as she aims a slash downwards at him, only for the masked Kaijin to dissolve into shadows, sinking into the floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "So that's your game. Now I understand what you are."
Just as he did to Mori, the masked Kaijin erupts in a burst of shadows behind Kanade, knife aimed right at the base of her neck....or it would be if two things hadn't happened.
Firstly, a cloud of pollen obscuring his vision, throwing his aim off. He sweeps it away with a cloud of ice, but Mori's distraction bought enough time for the second thing to happen.
Secondly, Scathach having already turned to face him, blades at the ready.
She stabs him through the shoulder, pinning him against the wall with one hand. The masked Kaijin unleashes an unholy scream as Scathach skewers him.
Without turning to face Mori, Kanade speaks.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "What we're fighting right now, Sawatari, is not a Kaijin. Kaijin are a perfect blend of demon and human, blessed with great power and great responsibility. What this toad is is a Majin. It's what happens when the person who makes a deal with their inner demon has the willpower to hold their own, but is so depraved on the surface that rather than make a perfect fusion, the human takes over the demon."
She continues to keep the Majin pinned.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "They are more demon than man. They possess power of an Akuma - they could even take over the Domain of an Akuma if they so wanted to- and the heart of a demon, but the strategic mind of a human. They can even generate a Domain of their own, but need an Akuma's Onibi to truly fill it."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "That's why I knew I could trust you the moment you transformed. No matter how lost you think you are, Sawatari....the fact that you became a Kaijin tells me everything I needed to know about you."
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
And so it was that two holes were made in one of Hermelin's buildings; one through the ceiling, where Shiro and Jin, with Kazuya in tow, break through, and one through a window, where Mildred and Akihiko break through.
They are met with Saya, her own group in tow.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Saya! Where are they?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Down the hallway! But...I sense two Kaijin. And one....I don't know. It feels like a Kaijin, but..... "
-
Proioxis quickly dismounted both herself and Kasuga from the bike and picked it up like a baseball bat.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "That's probably the other asshole we've been dealing with, not the stalker. The guy in the hood. If someone's fighting him we ought to go back them up... and we did lose track of the stalker. If we're lucky he'll go there too. I'm going to go help our friends out."
Without waiting for the others, Mildred starting sprinting in the direction Saya had indicated. Not like she couldn't feel the Kaijin presence coming from that direction anyway.
-
Shiro runs in the indicated direction as well, needing no further prompting.
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Well, I'd be a bit more comforted if it wasn't for the kaijin names I have and..." he gestured with a hand that looked like it had been cut out of the world, as the remaining roots wrapped around the Majin's limbs and neck, forcing them against the wall, "but I'll keep it in mind."
He sheathed his sword and picked up Yagami.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Now then, that's only one of two threats dealt with for now." he continued, "Probably best to meet up with reinforcements soon as my narrative sense says number two is probably fast approaching."
-
Mori, Kanade
At that, the Majin laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Now it's your turn to not understand what you're dealing with, Black Princess. You just said it yourself. I can make my own Domain."
At that, Kanade's glance shoots towards Mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Sawatari. Try the door. Now."
Should Mori do so, he finds that the door is not only locked, but fused to the doorframe, as if now part of the wall.
When she glances back at where she pinned the Majin, she finds him dissolving into the wall, the wall briefly resembling something more organic, pulsing veins and organic structures that did not belong in architecture before rippling back into wallpaper and plaster.
Scathach is right next to Reynart in a flash, circling both him and Yagami.
"Since you've been so kind to explain your power, maybe I should explain a little about what I understand about demons."
The walls briefly throb as if made from flesh rather than stone. The Majin's voice echoes through the room, the walls pulsing as if he were speaking through them.
"The name of a demon reflects the nature of your demon, but it is but one aspect of the demon. Scathach was a teacher and warrior, yet here her wielder is, neither. Reynart was a trickster scarce better than his enemies, yet here he is, defending others out of duty. Tsukuyomi, an enigma, yet one that uncovers other enigmas. Ibaraki-Douji, their bloodlust bound to seek justice. Ooh. Kasuga has a lot to unpack with that one. A demon can claim many names, but has only one true name."
Scathach's gaze seems to be following something Mori can't perceive.
"Mine is called Andras, the demon that sows disharmony."
Before Reynart can react, Scathach's blade has already cut apart a shard of ice aimed at him. It clatters apart, cut with a blade thinner than a thread of spider silk.
"Such speed, Princess. You really want to protect him, don't you?"
Kanade doesn't grace him with a response.
"Demons are the reflection of the soul. What does it say about you two that your demons are a robot that can't touch anyone without cutting them, and a faceless shadow that changes shape?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "You said it yourself. A demon's name and a demon's appearance are but one part of them. A demon can do whatever they want. I choose to protect others. No matter how much Sawatari wants to say he doesn't, so does he. You're the one bound by your own name."
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
The groups get to the end of the corridor, where Saya glances briefly at them.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "That's odd. I feel like the door isn't....that's not right. There's a Domain here, but....how? "
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"A-are you serious? I just went over that... less than five minutes ago?" Mori replied, sinking into Yagami's shadow, "Empty space where a human heart once was? Taken so many forms it no longer has its own? We kind of did an analysis into the whole 'My kaijin names are all terrible monsters and the form I take is the hollowness of my own soul' already. I mean, I knew you were a bad shonen villain, and kind of an idiot anyway, but seriously, we don't need to fall into the bad trope of repeating what we just said."
"The demon that sows disharmony" he said? Well, that fit with what Mori had seen of his MO, essentially being a terrorist who seemed to attack only to cause chaos and panic and with no obvious goal. Of course, that didn't mean there wasn't a goal besides the chaos, or even one that the chaos fed into, but without enough information, he couldn't say.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Anyway, yeah, we're all a bunch of psychological issues, duh. Gawain's got a savior complex, Pyrrha's got daddy issue, Proioxis doesn't understand the word 'de-escalation', and you're some kind of... owl... toad... hybrid abomination made by a scientist trying to make a villain so bad they'd finally get the fangirls not to simp? And I must say, the experiment was a massive success."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "If there's a domain here but no door, then we gotta make one into it."
Mildred started to lift the bike over her head in preparation of slamming it into the wall as hard as possible, but there was still time for Shiro or Kasuga to stop her and suggest an alternative.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Physically bashing in probably won't work on its own. See a way in anywhere, Akitsuki?"
-
Mori, Kanade
"You keep talking like you're in one of your plays. That's your problem, Sawatari. So caught up in thinking you know what comes next that when it doesn't match your expectations, you choose to panic. For a planner, you can't really adapt to change, can you?"
Mori feels....something in there with him as he fades into Yagami's shadow.
"You idiot. In my Domain, the shadows are mine."
He, just fast enough to run or leap out, sees, within Yagami's shadow, the visage of Andras, several icy knives between his fingers. Getting out would leave Yagami vulnerable, but Kanade was out there too; if he could pull Andras out with him, Kanade could carve him like a well-prepared roast.
On the other hand, if he stayed, Andras was, for all his subterfuge, strong enough to go toe-to-toe with multiple members of his own team and was only subdued by the strongest Kaijin in the Mishima District. What hope did he have of holding out long?
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
Saya closes her eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Akari's right, if you do that, you'll just break your way into the classroom and nobody's in there. The opening of the Domain is...."
She points out of the window, at a spot of wall near a ground-floor classroom that, for all the rest of them can see, is just an ordinary wall with no door.
(https://i.imgur.com/Flofrrg.png) "Ground floor. Akihiko, if you blast it with some fire to expose the Domain Door, Mildred or Akari can break in."
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Of course I'm in a play." Mori replied, "All the world's a stage, and men and women sim-"
He stopped abruptly as he charged forward, using all his speed and focus to grab Andras, ignoring any possible injuries he might sustain or any attacks, and once he was holding him, he released his form, transforming back into a human, as the two of them were ejected into the light.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"Got it." Needing no further prompting, she leaps directly through the window toward the indicated spot. Her hands start glowing with gathered power once again, waiting impatiently for Akihiko to do his part.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I'm right behind you!"
Mildred followed Shiro out, whipping up the wind to slow their fall to make the landing easier.
-
Mori, Kanade
The moment Mori shifts out of Kaijin form, he feels the shadows begin to reject him. He was foreign to them for the moment; he didn't belong there.
He manages to grab the demon's arm, but Andras struggles as he too is carried out of the darkness...
The moment Mori exits the shadow, however, Andras' exposed face lights up in a grin, insofar as it can, anyway.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Did you really think your little trick would work in MY Domain? Are you stupid?!"
He manages to wrench himself free of Mori's grasp, Mori's human form being too weak to hold onto Andras properly. The demon yanks Yagami by the ankles into the darkness, pulling her in.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Y-Yagami!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "And now, it is time for our little game to stop. Goodbye, Sawatari and Mishima. She has an appointment with an old friend."
Before anything can happen, however, an opening rips itself open on the other side of the impromptu Domain.
Street Group (Mildred, Akihiko, Shiro, Jin)
The wall smoulders, revealing a door that wasn't there before. It resembles a classroom door normal to their school, just in the wrong place.
Akihiko clenches his fists, the red flames in his hands swirling.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Now!"
-
Wordlessly, Shiro raises both of her hands. The light gathers in her combined palms, building to a blinding intensity before blasting down the door.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Knock knock, motherfuckers!"
Mildred dashed through the door Akihiko created, already throwing whirlwinds in front of her.
-
The opening rift didn't even register for Mori, his mind was entirely locked on Yagami and Andras
(https://imgur.com/iFzohXX.png)
"I welcome my mask, Fantomas!" he screamed as he charged towards Yagami and Andras, the shadows of his transformation merging into the shadows on the floor as he desperately tried to grab onto Yagami with his shifting hands.
But as his body took shape, it wasn't Fantomas.
(https://imgur.com/TyDbMPR.png)
"HIKA!" he shouted, all flash, no substance. He didn't need to cause any harm, just buffet the room in so much light, there were no more shadows to hide in.
-
What follows is absolute, unrivalled chaos.
The rift blows itself open, Mildred and Shiro piercing through, Jin, Akihiko, Kazuya and Saya right behind them.
The room lights up in a brilliant flash as both Shiro's true light and Mori's false light bathe the room in blinding light, ejecting Yagami from the shadows as well as Andras.
And then....
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Fine then. Come out, Jack."
A hole tears itself in the side of the classroom, the rain-dampened bricks of whatever dimension Jack the Ripper enters as he forces his way into Andras' domain. With a bony hand, he reaches out and yanks Yagami into his grasp, covering her mouth as she kicks and struggles, trying to escape to no avail.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Hello, Fuu-chan~"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Get your hands off her!"
Almost as quick as lightning, Kanade is at Jack's side, but he's just that bit faster, that bit too far away, as Jack manages to disappear back into the wall, Kanade's blades striking plaster and concrete instead of Jack's cloak.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "I said goodbye, Sawatari and Mishima."
Another door opens in the Domain as he takes the opportunity he has. Before Mori can react, he lands a firm kick onto his chest, throwing him out of the door-
-and into the path of a truck on the road next to Hermelin.
What happens next to Mori happens in the space of a few seconds.
One moment, the truck is right in front of him.
The next, he hears Kanade yelling.
The next second, he is sprawled out on the side of the road, out of the way of traffic and unharmed.
And down the other end of the road, the truck that was about to hit him is stopped, Kanade's untransformed body thrown several meters away.
The door shuts behind Mori and Kanade, leaving Andras with the other newcomers.
He surveys his opponents, cracking his knuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You, I can take."
Akihiko wastes no breath and just rushes him, Jin and Kazuya right behind him.
-
(https://imgur.com/TyDbMPR.png)
"Fuck! Shit! Fuck!" Mori shouted as he ran towards Mishima, his form already molting into blue flames as Reynart reformed by the time he reached her.
He would worry about what had just happened in the classroom later. There was an injured person in front of him, everything else was forced into the back of his mind.
By the time he had reached her, his hands were already glowing, and the words were already on his lips.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"KIA! KIRARA!", he yelled in a panic as he examined her condition, "Damn it, Princess. Fuck tactics, if you're faking this time I'm going to take Andras up on his offer and kill you myself. Kia!"
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "I don't know what drives you to be the bastard that you are, but we're going to beat the devil out of you and then you're going to cough up where that sick son of a bitch took her."
With a roar like a jetliner leaving the ground, Proioxis rocketed forward on powerful winds and circled around Andras to cut off his escape.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"You just gonna run away like a bitch again, or are you gonna fight like a man this time?" She raised a blade of light over her head and charged with a wordless battle cry.
-
[Now Playing: Theme of Andras ~~Penumbra (Variant B) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NajBfxUKxjU)~~]
Akihiko's fist barely misses Andras' head as he lunges forwards.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Not as fast as Mishima. Weak. Give me a real challenge!"
The masked demon swings his leg upwards towards Akihiko's head, but Mildred's wind manages to put him off balance, forcing him to miss, allowing Akihiko to shouldercheck him into a charging Shiro's path.
Mori rushes to Kanade's side, ignorant of the truck driver getting out of his vehicle and freaking out as he whips out his phone and calls for an ambulance, and the crowd beginning to take pictures.
After all, to them, it just seems like Kanade Mishima, famous dorama star, has just been hit by a truck.
Luckily, by some virtue of either his own magic or the general magic of the Kaijin, they pay relatively little heed to him. With some more luck, as he examines the damage, Kanade isn't as badly hurt as he expected. Whatever strength Kaijin biology grants, a truck isn't nearly enough to put one down.
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "....Sawatari. Good....I thought I didn't get to you in time."
-
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"NOT THE THING TO BE CONCERNED WITH AT THE MOMENT!"
Now assured that Mishima wasn't in critical condition, Mori's mind was quick to remind him of the fact that Yagami had just been kidnapped by her psychotic fanboy, who was a kaijin by the ...wait, no, the aura was more like Andras... a majin, even better. Meanwhile, all the others were dealing with Andras. He considered his options. He needed all hands, and since Mishima wasn't too injured, he could probably top her off with his magic and have her help... no, he could hear the crowd behind him. Taking her away now would just lead to more of a spectacle and more questions.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Let them take you to the hospital." Mori ordered, casting a final Kiara to speed Mishima's recovery, "On the way, contact Gawain and tell him to start searching for where Jack took Yagami. My number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. Text me Kazami's number and let him know mine, and if either of us find Yagami we can text each other the location, so I'll be transforming to my human form occasionally to check and he should do the same. As soon as you feel up to it, slip out of the hospital and start searching too."
He didn't give her time to respond, as he ran off in search of Yagami.
-
The light resolves itself into a weighty sword, which Shiro slams downward with bone-splitting force. Despite the savagery of the attack, she was fully prepared to respond to the slippery bastard trying to twist his way out of it - or take a hit from him if it meant her own connected.
-
Mildred continued to press the attack from Andras's blindspot, throwing a haymaker wrapped in galeforce winds at his jaw from the side.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Not as fast as Mishima. Weak. Give me a real challenge!"
"I'll give you one!"
Yui, who followed Saya wordlessly so far, trying to keep up with the chaos of the situation, entered the strange realm with the others, having instinctively called out Marc'heg Gwer the moment she decided to step into the impromtu entrance.
The moment she saw Futaba getting kidnapped by the most horrible Kaijin mask she has ever seen, she knew: Being in the background was a position she could no longer afford.
Heavy stomps of steel boots echoed through the realm.
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "Everyone, listen! Speed is meaningless if he can't dodge in any direction."
(https://i.imgur.com/rDaCeGD.png) "Create a hallway of fists and fury and I'll show him a real dead end!"
Marc'heg Gwer's axe is raised and she walked straight towards Astras. Even if he would make attacks from afar, she is fully willing to continue walking towards him no matter what. Right now, she was like one of those prominent monsters in horror media. Maybe slow, but implacable in her chase. Fully focused on not giving in. However, her ultimate goal is not to destroy Astras, but to force his hand so they could maybe get closer to Futaba and the kidnapper.
And what better way to achieve that than making him feel like the enemy needs a pawn, or a hostage, to hide behind? Don't they all crumble when faced with something they cannot alter with tactics of fear and dominance?
All in.
(https://i.imgur.com/DQmPxBn.gif) "Kurmala... Parmala... Kurmala... Parmala..."
-
Shiro's luminous blade slams downwards, Andras not fast enough to dodge...
...but definitely fast enough to counter.
The blade slams into the masked Majin. While not possessing the qualities of real steel, the blade embeds itself with more sizzling than piercing whatever flesh Kaijin were made out of. The blade embeds itself in his shoulder, just long enough for the Majin to smash a ice-encrusted foot into Shiro's chest, sending her backwards along with her sword.
Mildred's fist connects with his jaw, throwing the demon aside like a ragdoll. He rolls his head, cracking his knuckles. Jin, Akihiko and the others begin joining in as Yui advances on him.
He throws back his head, laughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Finally! Now you people get it! The thrill of the fight....the pulse of battle. Not some idiot wasting all his power to save his dying girlfriend! Not trying to seek justice! Killing or being killed! A playground for demons to do as they please!"
He cracks his knuckles, staring around at all of the opponents he'd get to face.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Come one, come all! Give me what I've been craving! Entertain me, if you even can-"
Then, a loud, agonized scream rings out across the Domain.
Yagami's.
And everything turns white.
As Mori abandons Kanade, he senses something has gone horribly, terribly wrong.
The crowd around them has begun scattering with screams. Mori's eyes are drawn to the side of the road he'd come from. It was a sidewalk, next to the walls of one side of Hermelin. A light blue crack had torn itself open on the wall, nothing visible within save what appeared to be the deepest, darkest blue, reminiscent of the sea's depths.
From within, formless shadows tore themselves out of the shadows. Onibi, he sensed, but of whom? Yagami's? Someone else's?
No matter. Kanade was already on her feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/SLbAewZ.png) "There are three people in that Domain. Any one of them could be the Akuma. We need to get in, now."
When the light fades, the group finds themselves standing....at what appears to be the bottom of the ocean.
The water around them, despite it warping their sight, does not have the weight or indeed the coolness of water. The light refracts, but aside from that, it feels exactly as you were standing on the surface.
The area you're standing in is a clearing, surrounded by walls of coral and rock. Beneath your feet, wet sand fills the clearing. Above you, light from a distant surface shines down upon you with the strength and color of pale moonlight.
In the distance, to your left, you can hear faint sobbing.
Akihiko groans.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...he got away again. Damn it! And now Mori and Scathach are out of the fight... Saya, we're in a Domain, right?"
Saya nods, the starfield in her helmet whirring as she faces towards the direction of the sobbing.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "We are. I'm picking up Yagami from this direction. I can pick up Shinomiya too, from the opposite direction. And I don't know where Nanjou is, but he has to be somewhere in here."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZEO14JI.png) "Sugiura and I'll grab Shinomiya, if anyone wants to come with us. We'll see if we can find Nanjou."
Tadano joins in, nodding enthusiastically.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "I'll come help with Yagami!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Alright, then I'll go track down Yagami."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "All I heard is that someone needs saving. I'm going to find whoever that is and I'm going to protect them for as long as they need it."
Without waiting, Mildred started heading toward the sound of the sobbing.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "We'll save all of them, Mildred. The only important thing is whom to save right now, and I believe the answer is obvious for the majority here. As long as everyone gets covered by some, that's fine for me."
As Yui followed Mildred, she noticed that she's slowly but surely succumbing to the chaos within her once more.
Marc'heg Gwer was talking to her once more.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Close."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "A few seconds longer and your killer focus on that guy would have given me an opening to discard you. Stupid scream."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "I was not doing it to kill him. I was doing it to push him into a corner."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Oh, I forgot your expertise: Justifications."
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) "Not now."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Getting swept up by the flow, doing whatever feels right to give yourself a reason to belong somewhere."
(https://i.imgur.com/mp3aIH4.png) "Not. Now."
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "Even now, aren't you going for Yagami instead of someone else not because of her scream, but because you are so far away from being a functioning human that parasocial interaction is peak endorphines for you, fangirl?"
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) "... ... What are you aiming for?"
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Oho... No rage, no denial, no fear. And yet also no acceptance."
(https://i.imgur.com/YlU4Zed.png) "I've been an Afternoon fangirl. But don't forget, I also have Hisa-chan and Morimoto-chan in life. I can have real friendships."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "So two birds with one stone, befriending the cute idol for real by becoming her knight in shining armor?"
(https://i.imgur.com/cRxidR5.png) "I'll be everybody's knight in shining armor. Because helping people simply feels right for me. I don't need more reason to be here."
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "..."
(https://i.imgur.com/703rMn1.png) "And I'll be your knight in shining armor too, Marc'heg Gwer."
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... Compassion is lethal, too."
(https://i.imgur.com/89aedJo.png) "Huh?"
And like a jolt of static release, Yui snapped back into the situation at hand. Her steps became more sluggish for a few seconds. Yet, she continued to run without hesitation.
-
Well, at least he didn't have to scour the whole city for her.
Mori didn't waste any time, even the time it would have taken Mishima to transform, as he picked her up and ran to the domain.
(https://imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Three people... one is almost certainly Jack, but this isn't his domain. That leaves Yagami and one other." he thought as he moved "Yagami said she didn't recall anything resembling an akuma seed being implanted in her, but it could have happened without her knowledge, or it could be the unknown third party. Regardless, my duty remains the same, protect Yagami, rescue the Akuma, stop Andras."
With those thoughts in mind, he dove in.
-
Kanade and Mori step through the Domain door and-
-they find themselves at the bottom of the ocean.
Somewhere far beyond the surface, a sickly pale light shines through the water, like moonlight but wrong. Though the atmosphere feels cool, damp and thicker than normal air, breathing and movement are unimpaired. Whatever this substance in the Domain is, it isn't water. The ground beneath them comprises wet sand, rocks and dead seaweed. In the distance, you can feel the presence of the other Kaijin.
Towards you, you can see someone sprinting.
-
Deep ocean and the pale light coming from above... Mori could feel his heartbeat begin to speed up, and his breath beginning to shift into something closer to a fearful pant. The last time he had been this deep underwater... no! FOCUS! You can still breathe, you can still see. They aren't here, this isn't your nightmare. People need you.
A trio of hitodama lights blazed to life around Mori and he readied his sword in case the approaching person was an enemy.
-
For a moment, Mori believes what he sees to be a young woman. Was it....Shinomiya Nene? Red hair, blue eyes, a hoodie.....wasn't this her?
Something didn't feel-
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) Sawatari. Let me teach you something about the power of Kaijin.
Though he heard Kanade speak, the sound feels like it's coming from within his head, rather than from her speaking to him directly.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) A Kaijin's powers aren't restricted to combat alone as you miust have learned by now. Your Kaijin possesses power over shadows, while Kasuga's possesses power over fire. While you don't have the power to pierce illusions like myself or Tsukuyomi, your power over shadows might be of use here. Focus on the target and tear away the darkness.
-
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and focused. He could feel something wasn't right, even if he couldn't see it. He was looking for hidden information... but that was what he was good at, wasn't it?
He held his hand out and grabbed onto... something.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
*"Oh secrets, reveal thyselves unto me."*
He pulled.
-
He feels it; a thin veil, barely there, like silk and rice paper and velvet all in one.
He pulls.
The figment of Nene Shinomiya vanishes, torn, turning into wisps of darkness fading rapidly in the darkness of the depths. Kanade's voice contains a small hint of pride.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "You learn quick, Sawatari. Not all of Andras' illusions are going to be so easy to tear apart, though. I suspect he was using that to probe for our presence in here. He's nearby."
She pauses, wincing. She moves one of her armblades to her side, tapping it. Sawatari, should he look there, notices that the metal making up Scathach's body is slightly tarnished and dented there.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "That truck did a lot more damage than I thought it did. Don't worry. I can hold on until we save Shinomiya-senpai and Yagami-senpai."
Down the corridor, you see someone else running, this time past the corridor rather than towards you. Should you attempt to pull them, you realise that it is no illusion; the real Nene Shinomiya is being chased by someone or something.
-
Moving in close, Mori placed one hand on Kanade’s side, as silver light flowed out of his sleeve and began straightening out the metal.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
”Now quit making me waste my healing spells, Princess.” he said.
Seeing the real Shinomya in danger, Mori dashed away, sword and flames drawn, trying to get between her and whatever was chasing.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
”Need some help, miss?”
-
Mori finds that his healing doesn't actually do anything. Kanade shakes her head.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Your magic isn't strong enough yet to heal injuries I take in human form. Like I said, focus on the real target."
Indeed, Kanade rushes ahead of Mori. She's somewhat slower, somewhat less graceful than she was fighting Andras earlier. Of course, this is all relative; slower than she was prior still means she's faster than most of the Helper's Club Kaijin.
Mori tries to get between Nene and her pursuer, but several things happen.
Firstly, Kanade is still fast enough to get there first.
Secondly, her pursuer is-
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Why won't you die?!"
An icy blade thrusts out of the ground, out of solid shadows as Andras reappears. Kanade is almost too slow to evade, but parries the strike with a kick, swiping Andras and throwing him to the side.
(https://i.imgur.com/zoI9zOo.png) "What the hell...where are we?!"
Nene seems ruffled, but otherwise none the worse for wear. Mori notes that she's carrying a broken piece of driftwood, slightly iced over. It seems she might have managed to fight off Andras for a little bit.
Andras pulls himself up, cracking his neck.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Dear Princess. You could barely protect a man who wants you and yours gone without throwing yourself under the bus. You couldn't even protect poor Yui-chan. What would she think, I wonder, seeing you fail to-"
He barely evades Kanade's lunge, darting out of the way as her armblade stabs where his head was almost a second ago. He laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Slow on the take, are we? The Black Princess of Calamity isn't so invincible after all. Mark my words, Sawatari. She won't be here to protect you from me."
(https://i.imgur.com/zoI9zOo.png) "Who...wait. Kanade? Damn it! I can't leave her, but...."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Stay back. Sawatari, you can back me up, right?"
Kanade's voice sounds slightly laboured.
Mildred, Akihiko, Riku and the rest head towards the sobbing. They find themselves trudging along a desolate path of sand, surrounded in all directions by coral and rock save the sea above.
Not far from their starting location, there is a dip towards a clearing below. A gigantic sea shell can be seen, a sickly pale white in color with thin black cracks across its surface. Across the other end of the clearing, you can see a tall, thin figure in black, Jack the Ripper, from the looks of it, and he seems to be fighting off what appear to be amalgams of sea life and coral twisted into human form; you can assume that these are the Onibi of the Domain.
To the east of the clearing, you can see a massive dividing wall, but squinting past it, you see, barely, four shapes. If you squint, you can recognise them as Nene, Scathach, Sawatari and Andras; Andras and Scathach appear to be fighting. However, the wall is tall and thick enough that there doesn't appear to be any way to get to them at the moment.
The sobbing seems to be coming from the sea shell, where the Onibi are pouring out to fight Jack the Ripper.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Caught you now, you shitty stalker! I'm gonna tear you to shreds and then I'm ending this domain!"
She never thought she'd end up fighting beside the Onibi, but sometimes there was a worse thing around that needed a priority curbstomping. Those beasts could go down afterward.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You just hold on in that shell! We're coming to save you!"
Mildred renewed the wind at her back, pushing herself and her allies forward to the fight. She was, after all, the embodiment of pursuit, the winds of imminent victory.
-
"Your magic isn't strong enough yet to heal injuries I take in human form.
"Is it that? Or is it that you don't really want to?"
He ignored the whispers in the back of his head. Eyes on the prize, Sawatari.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"You say that like it's a threat and not something I'd have marked on my calendrer like fucking graduation." Mori replied, "I mean, fuck man, you couldn't even kill a little girl with no demon to rely on. Serious downgrade on your intimidation points right there. Starting to question if I actually need someone standing between us."
He moved to scoop up Nene, not wanting another mad dash to get to someone in time.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
*"Sorry about this.* he whispered to her, *"You're doing great by the way."*
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Now as for backup..."
Massive thorny roots burst from the ground and hung menacingly, like the tentacles of a Kraken hidden beneath the sand, as heavy black pollen floated through the air, dotted with the petals of blood-red flowers. Meanwhile, a few thinner, quicker roots waited below the ground, ready to lurch out unexpectedly and grab onto any fugly toad majin trying to get out of the way of a well deserved kick to the face.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Will this do?"
-
As Mildred approaches the shell, she finds a gigantic coiled serpentine being, the fin horizontal rather than vertical. The scales are a shimmering green, light glinting off the scales from wherever it was coming from above. The serpent is coiled three times, almost three storeys tall.
Faint sobbing emanates from the middle of the coil, as it shifts, revealing the top of the coil. At the top, the serpentine body meets with a much smaller, human-sized body, with blue skin, torn clothes and messy red hair, floating in the ethereal water of the Domain. Her hair covers most of her face save for one fin-like ear and one bloodshot eye. Both of her hands are covering her face, as she sobs quietly.
From the depths of the shell where Mildred cannot see, the Onibi pour out, ignoring Mildred entirely to fight Jack the Ripper.
Unlike most of the other Akuma so far, this one ignores you entirely.
(https://i.imgur.com/wUtv6oF.png) "Leave me be..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Q5ZHvKL.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/zoI9zOo.png) "Little girl?! I'm twenty-thr-"
Her protests are cut off as Mori scoops her up as Andras circles around.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You toy with the prey first. It makes the hunt a little more interesting."
Mori's thorns are met with creeping ice and shadows, each rising thorn frozen over or torn apart by nipping, tearing darkness. He laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Don't you remember, kid? This is a Domain, and I can manipulate it however I wish!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Stay close, Sawatari. I don't think we're going to get any help, so it'll have to be you and me."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "One more tally on your ledger, Princess. First Majima, then Shinomiya and Sawatari. You'll be the last."
-
Shiro ran forward behind Mildred, blade of light coalescing in her hand already.
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"This is going to hurt. A lot."
-
As the group approaches Jack the Ripper, they see the Ripper pick up one of the Onibi Siren created by the face, his too-long fingers and too-large hand covering the entire face of the creature. It begins convulsing, darkness wrapping around it from the Ripper's fingers, before he drops it back down. The Onibi turns around, no longer resembling a mercreature, but now clad in the same tattered, dark clothing Jack is, with a bone-white mask stuck in a rictus similar to Jack's.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "That's more like it."
Siren's Onibi, seeing this, attempt to dogpile Jack, leaping at him and throwing their bodies at him to slow his advance. In short order, all of them fall prey to the same power he used to corrupt the first Onibi, warping, twitching. Some of them attempt to peel off the darkness from their faces in vain, trying to stave off the influence of the foreign Majin.
Soon, one by one, all of those that approached Jack have become part of his army, and gaze back towards the gathered Kaijin. Jack tilts his head, looking at the amassed group.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Get Fuu-chan for me. Let nobody stand in our way."
And like a pack of slavering, ravenous beasts, the Ripper's Onibi surge towards the Helper's Club. Some of them are on all fours, others hobbling and limping. Some continue to twitch, clawing at their masks imposed upon them, but to no avail. As Jack advances towards the group, black cracks begin to erupt within the sands, damp muddy cobblestones and broken statues emerging from the ground and imposing themselves upon Siren's Domain. The cracks ripple out towards Siren's position, but stop as suddenly as they arrive, almost as if the true owner of the Domain's influence was keeping them from progressing further.
(https://i.imgur.com/wUtv6oF.png) "No. No. Nonononononono..."
Siren's sobbing intensifies. Riku looks around worriedly, already in Kaijin form and clutching his tonbo as the massed army of Onibi approach.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "Kasuga, what do we do? Kasuga?!"
.....
Akihiko was silent, his fists clenched, trembling.
Mitsuru Kitakawa.
He was the worst. Someone so invasive, so lecherous, so disgusting. An affront to everything Akihiko stood for. He was here to evade justice, to visit upon someone weaker than him a fate undeserved. What foul plans he had for Yagami (or Futaba, she deserved to be able to sever her name from her past)...Akihiko couldn't abide it.
For weeks, he'd bottled it up. The anger at not being able to stop Saya from becoming a Kaijin, listening to that bastard Andras twist Otoya's earnest desire to save Kanna, watching people around him get targeted. There was whatever Mori was up to, but Akihiko didn't let that distract him.
But this was enough. Enough. The anger boiled in his blood. The desire to fight rose within him.
Your own two hands, Akihiko. You said it yourself. The justice you want to make with your own two hands. As long as you've got that undying thirst to fight, I will always be here.
A voice that was his and yet not his echoed in his head.
If you can't even save one girl from this creep, can you even seek justice for what that bastard did to Saya?
He swore he almost drew blood, glaring at Jack the Ripper. Was it vengeance? Justice? Bloodlust? Did it really matter?
Not in the here, not in the now, it didn't. He would tear the Ripper apart, limb from limb.
....
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...Tadano. Keep Futaba safe."
Akihiko advanced towards the mass of Onibi, cracking his knuckles.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "...Aki-kun?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "I'm stopping Kitakawa."
With a flat voice, Akihiko - no, Ibaraki-Douji- set off to fight.
Riku turned to Siren, waving his arms at her to signal her.
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "D-don't worry, Futaba! We'll protect you! We promise! Just help us help you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/wUtv6oF.png) "..."
Siren appears to notice, but does not say a word in response. However, you sense that the remaining Onibi on her side - those that haven't yet been converted - seem friendlier to you.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "I've managed to detect the weaknesses of the Ripper's Onibi. I'm going to make sure Aki-kun doesn't get himself into trouble!"
Scathach and Andras' blades clash once again. She manages to shove him back again, as Onibi approach from the direction Nene was running to. Andras extends a hand and grabs one by the face before it can touch him. From the point of contact, shadows extend across its entire body as it convulses, before it is enshrouded in the same clothes as Andras, shadows where its face was once. He relinquishes his grasp, throwing it aside, as it glares at Mori.
With a grunt, Andras stomps the ground, pale ice expanding from the spot he created, pillars of ice casting massive, unnaturally dark shadows across the Domain. The Onibi caught in the ice undergo the same transformation as the one Andras grabbed. Kanade floats backwards, placing herself between Mori and Andras' Onibi.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Majin can't create Onibi of their own, but they can corrupt the Onibi of other Domains to try to take them over," she explained. "The Onibi native to a Domain will respond to them like intruders, but a Majin's too powerful for them."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "The Black Princess of Calamity, and the Phantom of Hermelin's Opera. Feathers for the cap. If all goes well, everything I've done today will bring forth my chosen paradise a little faster."
Andras chuckles darkly as he brandishes a knife made of ice.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I'll deal with Andras. You take care of his goons and give him nowhere to hide."
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Come then. Enjoy a taste of my world. Let me demonstrate the power of demons to those who reject being chosen."
(https://i.imgur.com/sI2WJQ8.png)
~~~~Turn 1~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme ~Siren vs Jack~ (abyssalhunters)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qKSz9IujfY)
~~Map Theme ~Mori/Kanade vs Andras~ (Penumbra)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6-09tRNo18)
(http://i.imgur.com/6U0Ppsx.png) (https://imgur.com/6U0Ppsx)
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 27/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/28 | MP: 23/23 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 27/27 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 27/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash)
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Adoring Slashers A: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher A1
- Adoring Slasher A2
- Adoring Slasher A3
- Adoring Slasher A4
- Adoring Slasher A5
Covetous Slasher I: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher J: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers B: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher B1
- Adoring Slasher B2
- Adoring Slasher B3
- Adoring Slasher B4
- Adoring Slasher B5
Covetous Slasher K: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher L: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers D: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher D1
- Adoring Slasher D2
- Adoring Slasher D3
- Adoring Slasher D4
- Adoring Slasher D5
Covetous Slasher A: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher B: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher A: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher B: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera)
Adoring Slashers C: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher C1
- Adoring Slasher C2
- Adoring Slasher C3
- Adoring Slasher C4
- Adoring Slasher C5
Covetous Slasher C: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher D: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher C: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher D: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher G: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher H: 20/20 (Umra)
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher E: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher E: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher F: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher M: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher N: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher G: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher O: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher P: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers E: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher E1
- Adoring Slasher E2
- Adoring Slasher E3
- Adoring Slasher E4
- Adoring Slasher E5
Adoring Slashers F: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher F1
- Adoring Slasher F2
- Adoring Slasher F3
- Adoring Slasher F4
- Adoring Slasher F5
Hounding Slasher H: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher I: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera)
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 35/35 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Andras Team:
Party:
Sawatari Mori/Reynart (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 27/27 (Nala)
Allies
Mishima Kanade/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/32 | MP: 32/32 (Stab) [Perma-Guard: Mori] [Condition: Cannot be healed above 25 HP]
Enemies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4nzeyj39jcz5xv/Chapter%203%20Andras%20Enemies.txt?raw=1)
Andras' Shadow A: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow B: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow C: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow D: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow E: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow F: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow G: 20/20 (Hyo)
?/Andras: HP: 35/35 (Hyo) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
- Ice Pillar (I5): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (O9): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (I9): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (F11): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (D15): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (N13): 1/1
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper.
Andras Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 5 turns or defeat Andras.
Fail Condition: Allow Kanade's HP to be depleted.
Secondary Objectives:
- Mori: Guard Kanade against attacks 5 times.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
One turn after an enemy Onibi group has been destroyed, they will respawn at the top of the map as reinforcements. Additional Onibi will not spawn while all enemy Onibi are accounted for.
Andras' Shadows will prioritise attacking Kanade and debuffing her. Kanade in turn will prioritise defending Mori, then fighting Andras, then his Shadows in that order.
Andras Boss Fight:
- While the pillars are up Andras can teleport to any space within a 3x3 square around them as a free action. As such, destroying them should be a priority.
- Ice pillars are breakable objects and can be destroyed in one hit. Destroying all of the pillars removes a single Life Point from Andras.
- For the duration of Andras' presence on the map, Kanade will redirect all Mori-targeted attacks from Andras to herself as if she had Guard, regardless of presence on the map.
- While Andras is on the map, both Mori and Kanade have two actions per Turn. If downed, Mori will still be able to act after being pulled up, as it will only consume one action.
- Andras cannot be reduced to 0 HP by Mori. If Mori is downed, Kanade will prioritise pulling him back up.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Nice party trick, but you need a hell of a lot more to even the odds! You even pissed Kasuga off, can you believe that? You're dead, jackass!"
Proioxis advances to M20 and awaits the enemy approach.
-
AA23, Hika the Covetous Slasher
-
Ok, so, bad news, he was trapped in a 2v1 against a sadistic nutcase with cheat skills, his hands were full with a civilian, and his partner was injured. Good news... he'd promised to kill him last?
Bad news 2: That was the closest to good news he had.
"Ok. Ok, think." he started to strategize "Those pillars... I can feel the energy radiating off them, just like Andras, and they look fragile. If I can break them, it might improve our chances."
(https://imgur.com/Ba4uQKC.png)
"Or perhaps it will only make things worse? It's all you ever do, anyway. After all, what chance does a runt like you have against Andras? You're barely a kaijin, just a kid who avoided becoming an Akuma by mere chance."
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
*"Shut up"* Mori hissed under his breath. He could swear he could feel those fiery eyes staring at him even if he couldn't see them. He tried to convince himself the chill he was feeling was just from the ice as he pushed on.
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
*"Hey,"* he whispered to Scathach *"We need to get rid of those pillars, and I need to stand near you since if you go down we're all only slightly less fucked than the House of Thebes. You ok following my lead and staying close to me?"*
He moved like a greased shadow, dashing within range of the pillars quick enough to toss one of Reynart's kunai, moving away before he heard them shatter.
Reynart moves to M12 and uses Nala on the Pillar. Then Reynart moves to M9 and uses Nala on the Pillar. Guard target Scathach
-
Siren Team
And the first sign of a counterattack was a hooded Onibi being smote from above, a blade of light cleaving through them from head to toe. The Onibi's mask falls off, shattering, before the Onibi itself screeches and explodes into dark, smoky wisps, swept away in the waters of the Domain.
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Pyrrha's Deep Dive is active!)
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: 62, hit!
Critical: 10, crit!
Covetous Slasher G takes 36 damage!
Covetous Slasher G is defeated!
The Onibi set their focus on Pyrrha standing within the shadows of the kelp, registering them as a threat.
Andras Team
Reynart darts around, trying to keep within range of Kanade.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Don't take too long. I'll keep him off your back."
Each pillar falls down with a single strike, thorns breaking through the ice and sending the debris clattering across the ice and sand below.
Reynart attacks the Pillar!
The Pillar is destroyed!
Reynart
Reynart attacks the Pillar!
The Pillar is destroyed!
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Bash)
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 27/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/28 | MP: 23/23 (Throw)
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 27/27 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 27/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash)
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Adoring Slashers A: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher A1
- Adoring Slasher A2
- Adoring Slasher A3
- Adoring Slasher A4
- Adoring Slasher A5
Covetous Slasher I: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher J: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers B: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher B1
- Adoring Slasher B2
- Adoring Slasher B3
- Adoring Slasher B4
- Adoring Slasher B5
Covetous Slasher K: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher L: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers D: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher D1
- Adoring Slasher D2
- Adoring Slasher D3
- Adoring Slasher D4
- Adoring Slasher D5
Covetous Slasher A: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher B: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher A: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher B: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera)
Adoring Slashers C: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher C1
- Adoring Slasher C2
- Adoring Slasher C3
- Adoring Slasher C4
- Adoring Slasher C5
Covetous Slasher C: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher D: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher C: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher D: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher G: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher H: 20/20 (Umra)
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher E: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher E: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher F: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher M: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher N: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher G: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher O: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher P: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers E: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher E1
- Adoring Slasher E2
- Adoring Slasher E3
- Adoring Slasher E4
- Adoring Slasher E5
Adoring Slashers F: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher F1
- Adoring Slasher F2
- Adoring Slasher F3
- Adoring Slasher F4
- Adoring Slasher F5
Hounding Slasher H: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher I: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera)
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 35/35 (Hika) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Andras Team:
Party:
Sawatari Mori/Reynart (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 27/27 (Nala)
Allies
Mishima Kanade/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/32 | MP: 32/32 (Stab) [Perma-Guard: Mori] [Condition: Cannot be healed above 25 HP]
Enemies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4nzeyj39jcz5xv/Chapter%203%20Andras%20Enemies.txt?raw=1)
Andras' Shadow A: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow B: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow C: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow D: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow E: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow F: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow G: 20/20 (Hyo)
?/Andras: HP: 35/35 (Hyo) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
- Ice Pillar (I5): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (I9): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (F11): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (D15): 1/1
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper.
Andras Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 5 turns or defeat Andras.
Fail Condition: Allow Kanade's HP to be depleted.
Secondary Objectives:
- Mori: Guard Kanade against attacks 5 times.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
One turn after an enemy Onibi group has been destroyed, they will respawn at the top of the map as reinforcements. Additional Onibi will not spawn while all enemy Onibi are accounted for.
Andras' Shadows will prioritise attacking Kanade and debuffing her. Kanade in turn will prioritise defending Mori, then fighting Andras, then his Shadows in that order.
Andras Boss Fight:
- While the pillars are up Andras can teleport to any space within a 3x3 square around them as a free action. As such, destroying them should be a priority.
- Ice pillars are breakable objects and can be destroyed in one hit. Destroying all of the pillars removes a single Life Point from Andras.
- For the duration of Andras' presence on the map, Kanade will redirect all Mori-targeted attacks from Andras to herself as if she had Guard, regardless of presence on the map.
- While Andras is on the map, both Mori and Kanade have two actions per Turn. If downed, Mori will still be able to act after being pulled up, as it will only consume one action.
- Andras cannot be reduced to 0 HP by Mori. If Mori is downed, Kanade will prioritise pulling him back up.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Things are overwhelming as always..."
Marc'heg Gwer swiftly advances into the fray.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "I still don't like doing this. I wanna go home and have my quiet life back..."
Scattering leaves gather around her left hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... But... No way I can do that if that requires abandoning others. NALA!"
Despite her valorous words, something in her voice was... monotone, before she shouted her attack.
AA22, Nala against Hound E.
-
Riku to Z21 and Rush Posssessive D
Misa to AA21 and Zia Covetous H
Aika to Z22, Kurmala on Misa and Again Misa and Yui
If Covetous H is still alive: Misa Zia Covetous H
If Possessive D is still alive: Yui to Y21, Nala Possessive D
If anyone is injured: Aika Kia most damaged ally
If above conditionals are not met:
Yui to Z18
Misa to AA18
Aika to Z19
Saya to M21, Paramala on Mildred
Akihiko to M22
-
The others at the front do their best to clear out the mass of oncoming Onibi, with Momotaro's fist destroying one, a blast of thunder reducing another to ashes as Pixie advances, and Otohime's power pushing herself and Marc'heg Gwer.
Marc'heg Gwer initiates!
Hit Rate: 70 to hit
Hit: 68, hit!
Hounding Slasher E takes 18 damage!
Hounding Slasher E retaliates!
Hit Rate: 95 to hit
Hit: 96, miss!
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
Momotaro initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 1, crit!
Possessive Slasher D takes 85 damage!
Possessive Slasher D is defeated!
(Riku is giving it his all!)
(The winds rise behind Misa!)
(Pixie's Fairy Glamour is active)
Pixie initiates!
Hit Rate: 83 to hit
Hit: 24, hit!
Critical: 1, crit!
Covetous Slasher H takes 39 damage!
Covetous Slasher H is defeated!
(https://i.imgur.com/hyOgR2p.png) "I'm still not used to this...but please, Yagami-senpai, trust us! We'll protect you as best as we can!"
Otohime casts Again and Kurmala on Marc'heg Gwer!
Marc'heg Gwer may move again!
(Otohime's Living Currents activates!)
Otohime may move again!
Marc'heg Gwer gains +3 DR for 3 turns!
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Stay safe, Mildred!"
Tsukuyomi casts Parmala on Proioxis!
Proioxis gains +3 DMG for 3 turns!
~~Ally Phase~~
~~Siren v Jack the Ripper~~
The Onibi under the Siren surge in behind to cover the gap left by the advancing Kaijin.
Fierce Retainer C casts Crushing Blade!
Fierce Retainer C initiates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 33, hit!
Hounding Slasher E takes 21 damage!
Hounding Slasher E is defeated!
(https://i.imgur.com/wUtv6oF.png) "Thank...you..."
Siren casts Abyssal Rejection, targeting Adoring Slashers B!
Siren casts Curse His Name, targeting Jack the Ripper!
Siren casts Abyss Song on Momotaro!
Momotaro's Rush triggers elemental weaknesses for three turns!
~~Andras v Mori and Kanade~~
Scathach casts Charge on herself!
Her next Physical attack does x1.3 damage!
Scathach casts Revolution on herself!
Scathach gains +20 Critical but takes 5 extra damage for 3 turns!
~~Enemy Phase~~
~~Siren v Jack the Ripper~~
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Come, my pretties. Let's have some....fun."
The horde of corrupted Onibi surge forward, kicking up sand and rock in their wake.
Covetous Slasher I casts Contagion!
Covetous Slasher I initiates!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 73, hit!
Fierce Retainer A takes 24 damage!
Fierce Retainer A is defeated!
Akihiko, for his part, remains dead silent, advancing forward with an aura quite unusual from him.
Jack the Ripper casts Obsession, targeting Akihiko!
~~Andras v Mori and Kanade~~
The shadows dart about, angling to get at Kanade, to pull her away, to keep her from protecting Mori.
In the blink of an eye, Mori has disappeared.
Beneath Kanade's feet, however, the shadows warp and bubble....
(Mori's Guard activates!)
(Mori does not want to be hit in the face...)
(Mori will be in Kanade's shadow!)
(Reynart's Attack Overturned activates!)
(Kanade's Support activates!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
Andras' Shadow F initiates!
Andras' Shadow F casts Sickening Terror!
Hit Rate: 48 to hit
Hit: 56, miss!
Mori retaliates!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 26, hit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Andras' Shadow F takes 63 damage!
Andras' Shadow F is defeated!
One shadow is dragged into the darkness by thorns, shredded and torn asunder.
Andras' Shadow D casts Ermunda on Scathach!
Scathach loses 10 Evasion for 3 turns!
Andras' Shadow G casts Parmunda on Scathach!
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
It has no effect on Scathach....
(Mori's Guard activates!)
(Mori does not want to be hit in the face...)
(Mori will be in Kanade's shadow!)
(Reynart's Attack Overturned activates!)
(Kanade's Support activates!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
Andras' Shadow E initiates!
Andras' Shadow B casts Sickening Terror!
Hit Rate: 48 to hit
Hit: 78, miss!
Mori retaliates!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 7, hit!
Critical: 15, crit!
Andras' Shadow E takes 63 damage!
Andras' Shadow E is defeated!
Another shadow is rent into pieces as they try to sneak up on Kanade, their knife clattering to the ground and disintegrating into nothing.
(Mori's Guard activates!)
(Mori does not want to be hit in the face...)
(Mori will be in Kanade's shadow!)
(Reynart's Attack Overturned activates!)
(Kanade's Support activates!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
Andras' Shadow B initiates!
Andras' Shadow B casts Sickening Terror!
Hit Rate: 48 to hit
Hit: 48, miss!
Mori retaliates!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 93, miss!
Mori strikes twice!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 100, miss!
The final shadow manages to evade Mori's attack, as Mori fades back into existence, thorns whipping backwards into his body.
While the shadows converge upon the pair, they do not pick up upon one more shadow darting towards you.
Or, at least, Mori doesn't. Kanade is a lot faster.
The only warning Mori gets is the gleam of a sharpened knife, the wisp of melting ice, before Andras leaps from the darkness, a knife targeting his head-
-before the knife shatters, struck aside as Scathach swipes, her blade whipping out faster than any mortal man can blink.
Andras flinches, jumping backwards as Scathach places herself between Andras and Reynart. He wrings his right hand, rubbing it briefly as he cracks his neck.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Not bad, Princ-"
He doesn't finish his sentence before a black blur slams into him fast enough that Mori is almost knocked off his feet from the sheer speed.
(Kanade's Guard activates!)
(Andras has found his anathema...)
(Andras is the flaw that corrupts!)
(Andras' Playground of Chaos activates!)
(Andras' Worm in the Book activates!)
(Kanade will accelerate beyond herself!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
(Mori's Support activates!)
Andras casts Brave Blade!
Andras initiates!
Hit Rate: 78 to hit
Hit: 79, miss!
Scathach retaliates!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 30, hit!
Critical: 32, crit!
Andras takes 129 damage!
Andras loses a Life Point!
Andras is thrown into one of the ice pillars with a resounding crack, cracks skittering across the surface of the opaque ice. His midsection, normally covered by the ragged, thick dark cloth that comprises his Majin form, has been torn open, revealing shadowy masses and wisps pouring out and fading like smoke in the air, the edges of the tear briefly smoldering violet.
He shakes his head, grunting as he pats at the hole in his body, the cloth slowly regenerating.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "....you're putting an awful lot of effort....in protecting some guy who hates you, Princess. You almost....got me with that one."
Scathach is floating right where Andras was mere seconds ago, hand swept aside.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "He can hate me all he likes. I'm never going to stop trying to convince him I'm not the enemy. Even if I don't understand why....even if I say something stupid and hurt him like an idiot, because I don't understand a thing about what he went through."
She flashes Mori a look briefly, as if to say "I'm sorry, for earlier".
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "I get you now, Princess. The actress....no wonder. That's who you are, hm? Trying to escape your father's shadow. All those awards, all those platitudes....they won't get you anywhere."
Kanade visibly stiffens at the mention of her father.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "An actress trying to find the act that'll convince the world to take her seriously. Don't you think we all know the type? That's sad, isn't it? You know you'll never really be anyone but a Mishima, and your words mean nothing without action. You celebrities....you're all liars, putting masks on for the love of others. No substance.
A demon....a demon does as they please. No pretensions. No pomp and circumstance. We kill, we hunt, we plunder as we please. What is the point of all your words if all you are is an act?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "You're not wrong. I like the idea of being the actress who shrugged off the burden of her name because of her skill. Maybe the Mishima name makes things harder than it does easier. After all, it took years for people to take me seriously and think I was something beyond my father's money. For all the good he did me."
She points her blade at Andras.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "But I am who I am. I'll take the Mishima name and make it mine, and if I can't, I'll make my own name. As an actress or as a Kaijin, stopping a toad like you before they can hurt any more innocent people. For Sawatari, for Majima, for Kazami...and for Yagami."
At that, Andras simply laughs.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Such a climactic speech, Princess! You, Kasuga, Kazami....all the same! Fine, then. If you think you can end me here, bring it on!"
Andras casts Concentrate!
Andras' next Magical attack deals x1.3 damage!
~~~~Turn 2~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme ~Siren vs Jack~ (abyssalhunters)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qKSz9IujfY)
~~Map Theme ~Mori/Kanade vs Andras~ (Penumbra)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6-09tRNo18)
(http://i.imgur.com/9HcNb5W.png) (https://imgur.com/9HcNb5W)
Reinforcements will arrive for Jack in one turn.
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Nala) [Kurmala: 2/3]
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 23/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 28/28 | MP: 23/23 (Throw) [Parmala: 2/3]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 27/27 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 27/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash) [Abyss Song: 2/3]
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 0/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Adoring Slashers A: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher A1
- Adoring Slasher A2
- Adoring Slasher A3
- Adoring Slasher A4
- Adoring Slasher A5
Covetous Slasher I: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher J: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers B: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher B1
- Adoring Slasher B2
- Adoring Slasher B3
- Adoring Slasher B4
- Adoring Slasher B5
Covetous Slasher K: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher L: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers D: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher D1
- Adoring Slasher D2
- Adoring Slasher D3
- Adoring Slasher D4
- Adoring Slasher D5
Covetous Slasher A: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher B: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher A: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher B: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera)
Adoring Slashers C: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher C1
- Adoring Slasher C2
- Adoring Slasher C3
- Adoring Slasher C4
- Adoring Slasher C5
Covetous Slasher C: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher D: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher C: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher D: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher D: 0/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher F: 0/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher G: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher H: 0/20 (Umra)
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher E: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher E: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher F: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher M: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher N: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher G: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher O: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher P: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers E: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher E1
- Adoring Slasher E2
- Adoring Slasher E3
- Adoring Slasher E4
- Adoring Slasher E5
Adoring Slashers F: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher F1
- Adoring Slasher F2
- Adoring Slasher F3
- Adoring Slasher F4
- Adoring Slasher F5
Hounding Slasher H: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher I: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera)
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 35/35 (Umra) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Andras Team:
Party:
Sawatari Mori/Reynart (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 27/27 (Nala)
Allies
Mishima Kanade/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/32 | MP: 8/32 (Stab) [Perma-Guard: Mori] [Condition: Cannot be healed above 25 HP] [Revolution: 2/3] [Ermunda: 2/3]
Enemies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4nzeyj39jcz5xv/Chapter%203%20Andras%20Enemies.txt?raw=1)
Andras' Shadow A: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow B: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow C: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow D: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow E: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow F: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow G: 20/20 (Hyo)
?/Andras: HP: 35/35 (Hyo) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1] [Concentrate]
- Ice Pillar (I5): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (I9): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (F11): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (D15): 1/1
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper.
Andras Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 5 turns or defeat Andras.
Fail Condition: Allow Kanade's HP to be depleted.
Secondary Objectives:
- Mori: Guard Kanade against attacks 5 times.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
One turn after an enemy Onibi group has been destroyed, they will respawn at the top of the map as reinforcements. Additional Onibi will not spawn while all enemy Onibi are accounted for.
Andras' Shadows will prioritise attacking Kanade and debuffing her. Kanade in turn will prioritise defending Mori, then fighting Andras, then his Shadows in that order.
Andras Boss Fight:
- While the pillars are up Andras can teleport to any space within a 3x3 square around them as a free action. As such, destroying them should be a priority.
- Ice pillars are breakable objects and can be destroyed in one hit. Destroying all of the pillars removes a single Life Point from Andras.
- For the duration of Andras' presence on the map, Kanade will redirect all Mori-targeted attacks from Andras to herself as if she had Guard, regardless of presence on the map.
- While Andras is on the map, both Mori and Kanade have two actions per Turn. If downed, Mori will still be able to act after being pulled up, as it will only consume one action.
- Andras cannot be reduced to 0 HP by Mori. If Mori is downed, Kanade will prioritise pulling him back up.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/897940952478515200/917863765666562068/unknown.png) Feeling like she's spaced out for some reason lately, probably for causes that are her own fault, Pixie flutters through the air to place herself between Siren and the enemies. "Not the time to lose track of things, me... We've got enemies to fight!"
Move to W23
-
Marc'heg Gwer shifts her stance and moves backwards, towards the forest of seagrass.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "Otohime! You should be able to reach Ibaraki-Douji in no time. As long as that bastard stands, we're not getting anywhere, and you're good at this whole 'Make People Fight Harder' thing. I can hold the front and Pyrrha, Pixie and Momotarou are more than enough to defeat them all. Now go!"
She then murmurs to herself as she enters the seagrass, as if she remembered something that recently happened.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "... I'll show you that compassion is worth it, Gwer..."
Y 20, Nala against Covetous Slasher C.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You're not moving a single step closer!"
Akihiko to M18 and cast Rebellion on Mildred. Mildred moves to K18 and performs a Needle Run on Jack. If Mildred is hurt, Saya moves to L18 and casts Kia on her; if not, she will instead cast Branding on AdorA5.
-
Tap
Mori let out a small breath as silver mist floated off him and washed around Kanade, cutting through the curse inflicted by Andras's onibi. He didn't need to say anything, Mishima could handle herself fine enough...
Tap
But
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"You're one to talk about a mask with no substance underneath." He didn't raise his voice, or even turn to look at Andras, but he made certain that his voice projected.
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"I mean, we just saw what you look like without your cloak. A pretty familiar sight, to be honest."
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Kasuga, Kazami, Mishima... yes, they're the same type of person. Heroes with ideals to strive for." He finally turned to face Andras, "But you and I, we're the same type of creature too, aren't we? Oh, certainly there are some differences, but those are just skin deep."
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"We both hate this world and look for the power to recreate it into one we desire. We're both willing to hurt anyone to see our goals through. We both hide in the darkness, putting on any face we need to meet our needs. We both spin lies and manipulate others to achieve what we can't ourselves."
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"And at the core, we're both hollow darkness in a fancy costume. 'No pretentions'? Don't make me laugh, that's all you are. Trust me, I know theatrics. You're someone hollow and empty desperate to feel important, so you disregard everyone who decided to take their fate into their own hands to feed into your narrative of 'being chosen' by some higher power."
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"There's no great magic at work in choosing Akuma, Kaijin, and Majin. You get lucky, or you don't. People like Miyazono and Yagami got the short end of the stick, and I stumbled on some sort of miracle. If there was some sort of higher power at play, someone else would be here to stop you, someone who would do a better job of it, but sometimes it's just luck of the draw, so you've got me instead."
Tap
(https://imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"So don't try to talk about empty aspiration, when all we are is empty. At the very least Mishima is trying to make something when all we're looking for is to tear it all down and start from scratch. All we are is empty, worthless, path-"
T̴͕͘ả̴̟p̷̚ͅ
His words were cut off by the wave of anguish that wracked his body. He felt like he was on fire, or like tiny incisions were being being made over every inch of his skin. He couldn't even scream, his mouth felt fused shut by his clenching teeth. The world outside dulled to nothing but a ringing in his ears, as one sound permeated everything else.
T̵a̷p̵
T̴͕͘ả̴̟p̷̚ͅ
T̴̿͑͜ä̶̤͇͗ṕ̷̱͓̇
Theme of Fantômas (Joker Theme) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOfuzALK_Mg)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"Terribly sorry to interrupt." said the voice behind him, "But your limited time free trial of 'playing the hero' has just expired.
Mori casts clear on Scathach
-
Siren vs. Jack the Ripper
As if heeding Yui's call, the seaweed forest erupts around her, tendrils of kelp and seaweed grabbing the Onibi and pulverising it with swift blows.
(Otohime's Kurmala is active!)
(Aika's Charisma is active!)
(Yui silently cheers from behind...)
(Yui shall break free!)
Yui initiates!
Hit Rate: 88 to hit
Hit: 10, hit!
Covetous Slasher C takes 27 damage!
Covetous Slasher C is defeated!
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....."
Almost listlessly, Akihiko raises his hand, and Mildred feels energy course through her.
Ibaraki-Douji casts Rebellion on Proioxis!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 9 MP!
Proioxis gains +10 Critical but takes 3 damage for 2 turns!
She steps forward in front of the hulking Majin, Jack the Ripper playing around with his knife almost absent-mindedly.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Do you think this'll go the same way as it did outside, girl? In a world of demons, my love for Fuu-chan makes me invincible."
(Akihiko's Support activates!)
(Tsukiyomi's Parmala activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Rebellion activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Daunt activates!)
(Mildred's fists are raised!)
(Proioxis' Great Typhoon is active! +3 DMG)
Proioxis casts Needle Run!
Proioxis loses 2 MP!
Proioxis initiates!
Hit Rate: 90 to hit
Hit: 58, hit!
Jack takes 22 damage!
(Proioxis' Warding Wind activates! +1 DR)
(Jack the Ripper's Masochism intensifies! +4 DMG, +10 Critical)
Jack retaliates!
Hit Rate: 74 to hit
Hit: 53, hit!
Proioxis takes 31 damage!
Proioxis is downed!
Mildred opens the fight, a hurricane of needles slamming into the Ripper and tearing gouges into the demon's body. With a hiss, the Majin lashes out with his knife, shadows swarming around the knife as he stabs it into the ground.
A burst of almost solid darkness slams into Mildred like a hammer, throwing her to her knees, as Jack cracks his neck.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Don't you get it yet? Nobody, not you, not your friend, can keep me from Fuu-chan!"
The others note that the Onibi, seemingly provoked by Mildred's assault, pay her less attention after Jack's retaliation throws her to her knees.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Mildred! Aki-kun, cover me! I'll heal her!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "...."
Akihiko's fists tighten.
(Saya hears the fading words....)
(Saya shall tear off the chains!)
Tsukuyomi casts Kia on Proioxis!
Tsukuyomi loses 5 MP!
Proioxis is revived and regains 13 HP!
Mori and Kanade vs Andras
Andras simply snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You're a worse actor than Mishima. Your motivation is a complete lie. You don't hate this world. You're the hero, and the Mishimas are the dragons you want to slay. You're not empty inside, and you're scared what'll happen when you realise you aren't, so you throw on a new mask, give me a dramatic monologue and writhe in your own suffering and self-pity to call a day. How many new earthshattering revelations will you have until you have one that sticks, I wonder?"
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "We're the same type of creature? No. You misunderstand. I aspire to nothing but chaos. You strive for justice though you coat it as revenge. You don't want the trappings of the hero, but by god do you want the role. You're nothing better than a grade-school chuunibyou given the chance to live out their fantasies.
The only pleasure I'll get from crushing you is seeing how it'll make Mishima squirm."
Fantomas casts Clear on Scathach!
Fantomas loses 9 MP!
Scathach's debuffs have been cleared!
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Nala) [Kurmala: 2/3]
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash)
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/28 | MP: 21/23 (Throw) [Parmala: 2/3] [Rebellion: 2/2] [Warding Wind: +1 DR]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 18/27 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 27/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash) [Abyss Song: 2/3]
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 0/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Adoring Slashers A: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher A1
- Adoring Slasher A2
- Adoring Slasher A3
- Adoring Slasher A4
- Adoring Slasher A5
Covetous Slasher I: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher J: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers B: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher B1
- Adoring Slasher B2
- Adoring Slasher B3
- Adoring Slasher B4
- Adoring Slasher B5
Covetous Slasher K: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher L: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers D: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher D1
- Adoring Slasher D2
- Adoring Slasher D3
- Adoring Slasher D4
- Adoring Slasher D5
Covetous Slasher A: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher B: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher A: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher B: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera)
Adoring Slashers C: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher C1
- Adoring Slasher C2
- Adoring Slasher C3
- Adoring Slasher C4
- Adoring Slasher C5
Covetous Slasher C: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher D: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher C: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher D: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher D: 0/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher F: 0/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher G: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher H: 0/20 (Umra)
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher E: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher E: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher F: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher M: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher N: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher G: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher O: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher P: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers E: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher E1
- Adoring Slasher E2
- Adoring Slasher E3
- Adoring Slasher E4
- Adoring Slasher E5
Adoring Slashers F: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher F1
- Adoring Slasher F2
- Adoring Slasher F3
- Adoring Slasher F4
- Adoring Slasher F5
Hounding Slasher H: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher I: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera)
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 13/35 (Umra) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2] [Masochism: +4 DMG, +10 Critical]
Andras Team:
Party:
Sawatari Mori/Reynart (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Nala)
Allies
Mishima Kanade/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/32 | MP: 8/32 (Stab) [Perma-Guard: Mori] [Condition: Cannot be healed above 25 HP] [Revolution: 2/3]
Enemies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4nzeyj39jcz5xv/Chapter%203%20Andras%20Enemies.txt?raw=1)
Andras' Shadow A: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow B: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow C: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow D: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow E: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow F: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow G: 20/20 (Hyo)
?/Andras: HP: 35/35 (Hyo) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1] [Concentrate]
- Ice Pillar (I5): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (I9): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (F11): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (D15): 1/1
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper.
Andras Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 5 turns or defeat Andras.
Fail Condition: Allow Kanade's HP to be depleted.
Secondary Objectives:
- Mori: Guard Kanade against attacks 5 times.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
One turn after an enemy Onibi group has been destroyed, they will respawn at the top of the map as reinforcements. Additional Onibi will not spawn while all enemy Onibi are accounted for.
Andras' Shadows will prioritise attacking Kanade and debuffing her. Kanade in turn will prioritise defending Mori, then fighting Andras, then his Shadows in that order.
Andras Boss Fight:
- While the pillars are up Andras can teleport to any space within a 3x3 square around them as a free action. As such, destroying them should be a priority.
- Ice pillars are breakable objects and can be destroyed in one hit. Destroying all of the pillars removes a single Life Point from Andras.
- For the duration of Andras' presence on the map, Kanade will redirect all Mori-targeted attacks from Andras to herself as if she had Guard, regardless of presence on the map.
- While Andras is on the map, both Mori and Kanade have two actions per Turn. If downed, Mori will still be able to act after being pulled up, as it will only consume one action.
- Andras cannot be reduced to 0 HP by Mori. If Mori is downed, Kanade will prioritise pulling him back up.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "...Son of a bitch. All right, OK."
Proioxis got back to her feet.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "Thanks Saya. I'm not going to let him get the best of me a second time so quickly."
-
W22, Hikana Ador B4
-
X21. Again+Kurmala on Marc'heg Gwer and Pyrrha. Y25.
-
X20, Hika Ador B4 if it's alive, else Hikana B3
-
Move to V21, Nala Adoring B2.
Momotaro moves to Y20, Rush Hounding C
-
A horde of diminutive cloaked Onibi scrabble towards the gap in the coral shielding Siren from view, with only a few Kaijin between them and their target.
Fortunately for Siren, that is all that they need.
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Dive is active!)
Pyrrha casts Hikana!
Pyrrha loses 3 MP!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 6, hit!
Critical: 15, crit!
Adoring Fans B1 is defeated!
Adoring Fans B loses 1 HP!
Pyrrha regains 10 MP!
Onibi are now targeting Pyrrha!
(Otohime's Living Current activates!)
Otohime casts Again!
Otohime casts Kurmala!
Otohime loses 4 MP!
Pyrrha and Marc'heg Gwer may move again!
Pyrrha and Marc'heg Gwer gain +3 DR for 3 turns!
Otohime may move again!
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's ego is overwhelming!)
(Otohime's Kurmala is active! +3 DR)
(Pyrrha's Deep Dive is active!)
Pyrrha casts Hikana!
Pyrrha loses 3 MP!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 53, hit!
Critical: 16, crit!
Adoring Fans B3 is defeated!
Adoring Fans B loses 1 HP!
Pyrrha regains 10 MP!
(Yui shall break free!)
(Otohime's Kurmala is active! +3 DR)
Marc'heg Gwer initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 40, hit!
Adoring Fans B2 is defeated!
Adoring Fans B loses 1 HP!
Onibi are now targeting Marc'heg Gwer!
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
(Riku's promises remains!)
(Riku's giving it his all!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
Momotaro initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 4, crit!
Hounding Slasher C takes 108 damage!
Hounding Slasher C is defeated!
(Riku is givbing it his all!)
Onibi are now targeting Momotaro!
The last of the onrushing horde is flattened by Momotaro's massive club, flashes of light signalling Pyrrha's slaughter of a few, and the sound of a whiplike branch of kelp dividing another Onibi as Marc'heg Gwer marches forward.
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Nala) [Kurmala: 3/3]
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash) [Kurmala: 2/3]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/28 | MP: 21/23 (Throw) [Parmala: 2/3] [Rebellion: 2/2] [Warding Wind: +1 DR]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 32/32 | MP: 18/27 (Rush)
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 23/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash) [Abyss Song: 2/3]
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 0/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Adoring Slashers A: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher A1
- Adoring Slasher A2
- Adoring Slasher A3
- Adoring Slasher A4
- Adoring Slasher A5
Covetous Slasher I: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher J: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers B: 2/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher B1
- Adoring Slasher B2
- Adoring Slasher B3
- Adoring Slasher B4
- Adoring Slasher B5
Covetous Slasher K: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher L: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers D: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher D1
- Adoring Slasher D2
- Adoring Slasher D3
- Adoring Slasher D4
- Adoring Slasher D5
Covetous Slasher A: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher B: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher A: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher B: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera)
Adoring Slashers C: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher C1
- Adoring Slasher C2
- Adoring Slasher C3
- Adoring Slasher C4
- Adoring Slasher C5
Covetous Slasher C: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher D: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher C: 0/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher D: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher D: 0/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher F: 0/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher G: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher H: 0/20 (Umra)
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher E: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher E: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher F: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher M: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher N: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher G: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher O: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher P: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers E: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher E1
- Adoring Slasher E2
- Adoring Slasher E3
- Adoring Slasher E4
- Adoring Slasher E5
Adoring Slashers F: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher F1
- Adoring Slasher F2
- Adoring Slasher F3
- Adoring Slasher F4
- Adoring Slasher F5
Hounding Slasher H: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher I: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera)
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 13/35 (Umra) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2] [Masochism: +4 DMG, +10 Critical]
Andras Team:
Party:
Sawatari Mori/Reynart (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Nala)
Allies
Mishima Kanade/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/32 | MP: 8/32 (Stab) [Perma-Guard: Mori] [Condition: Cannot be healed above 25 HP] [Revolution: 2/3]
Enemies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4nzeyj39jcz5xv/Chapter%203%20Andras%20Enemies.txt?raw=1)
Andras' Shadow A: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow B: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow C: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow D: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow E: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow F: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow G: 20/20 (Hyo)
?/Andras: HP: 35/35 (Hyo) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1] [Concentrate]
- Ice Pillar (I5): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (I9): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (F11): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (D15): 1/1
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper.
Andras Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 5 turns or defeat Andras.
Fail Condition: Allow Kanade's HP to be depleted.
Secondary Objectives:
- Mori: Guard Kanade against attacks 5 times.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
One turn after an enemy Onibi group has been destroyed, they will respawn at the top of the map as reinforcements. Additional Onibi will not spawn while all enemy Onibi are accounted for.
Andras' Shadows will prioritise attacking Kanade and debuffing her. Kanade in turn will prioritise defending Mori, then fighting Andras, then his Shadows in that order.
Andras Boss Fight:
- While the pillars are up Andras can teleport to any space within a 3x3 square around them as a free action. As such, destroying them should be a priority.
- Ice pillars are breakable objects and can be destroyed in one hit. Destroying all of the pillars removes a single Life Point from Andras.
- For the duration of Andras' presence on the map, Kanade will redirect all Mori-targeted attacks from Andras to herself as if she had Guard, regardless of presence on the map.
- While Andras is on the map, both Mori and Kanade have two actions per Turn. If downed, Mori will still be able to act after being pulled up, as it will only consume one action.
- Andras cannot be reduced to 0 HP by Mori. If Mori is downed, Kanade will prioritise pulling him back up.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
Theme of Fantômas (Joker Theme) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOfuzALK_Mg)
(https://imgur.com/qrojYqO.png)
"Of course you make it so I can hear him." Mori hissed in his thoughts.
Even with the rest of the world dulled to radio static, Andras's words had made their way to his ears uninterrupted.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"Talking back? So we do have progress." Fantomas replied, strutting into Mori's field of view, "Well, it's important to get a second opinion on these kinds of things. Admittedly he's wrong about most of what he says, but there's certainly some information you can take from what he says."
(https://imgur.com/iFzohXX.png)
"Shut. Up."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"And now we're back." Fantomas sighed. He lifted up Mori's chin with his staff, forcing him to stare into the empty eyes of the mask... but there was some intensity to the darkness this time that hadn't been there before. "And. Then. What? What happens if I shut up? We'll be right back here the next time you need an excuse not to work on your own issues. How many times can you break down in the middle of a battlefield before you run out of people to save you anyway? I'd say you're more a liability than an ally, but you'll just add it to your fucking complex and we'll have another voice in here in a few weeks after the next mid-battle therapy session. Face it, you don't really want me to shut up, you need me."
(https://imgur.com/iFzohXX.png)
"What the hell do I need you for? All you do is make my life a living Hell!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"And herein lies the essential service I provide. All the nightmares and the message provide you with just what you need: someone to blame. Sorry to break it to you, but your life was pretty shitty before I started talking. But since I opened my mouth, you've had an invincible boogieman to accuse of everything. After all, how can you start to get better as long as big bad Fantomas is standing in the way? And you know why? Because the moment you have to accept that this is all your fault, then you realize that you could have chosen at any time to change, or to take a different path, but you never did. Because then you’d have to take a risk, look the people you hurt in the eyes and say sorry, let people in again, and you’re more afraid of that than you’ve ever been of what might become of you. And I’m sick and tired of being your enabler. It’s a sink or swim world kid, time to stop treading water.”
Mori's breathing rattled. He searched for some comeback or retort, but nothing came to him. All he could think of was...
(https://imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
"I don't have time for this. I need to save Futaba."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"Oh, by all means, don't let me stop you." Fantomas said. He snapped his fingers and suddenly Mori's limbs fell limp, and he scrambled to stay standing, "But we're not done talking just yet."
With control of his body back, Mori turned to retort to Andras, only to find his mouth still refused to speak. Without another option, he flipped the toad off and ran towards the nearest pillar, shattering it with a stab.
Reynart to I8. Nala on ice pillar.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Finally, some quiet. All monologued out, are we?"
Reynart attacks the Pillar!
The Pillar is destroyed!
~~Allied Phase~~
~~Siren v Jack the Ripper~~
Siren's Abyssal Rejection activates, but nobody was struck...
Siren's Curse His Name activates, but nobody was struck.....
The Onibi do not advance far past the line of coral protecting their master, seeming to be satisfied pelting their enemies with spells to debilitate them.
Protective Retainer B casts Mizanara!
Protective Retainer B initiates!
Hit Rate: 77 to hit
Hit: 57, hit!
Covetous Slasher I takes 18 damage!
Covetous Slasher I retaliates!
Hit Rate: 65 to hit
Hit: 87, miss!
Protective Slasher B is now being targeted!
Protective Retainer A casts Mahajam!
Covetous Slasher I is inflicted with Backfire for 3 turns!
Tutelary Retainer A casts Quieten!
Covetous Slasher L is Silenced for 3 turns!
Protective Retainer C casts Mahajam!
Covetous Slasher K is inflicted with Backfire for 3 turns!
Protective Retainer F casts Mahajam!
Covetous Retainer D is inflicted with Backfire for 3 turns!
Tutelary Retainer B casts Quieten!
Hounding Slasher C is Silenced for 3 turns!
Protective Retainer D casts Mahajam!
Adoring Slashers B5 is inflicted with Backfire for 3 turns!
Another Onibi is destroyed by a massive whirlpool, smashing and grinding it to pieces, the screams of the Siren echoing through the Domain.
Siren casts Maelstrom!
Siren initiates!
Hit Rate: 93 to hit
Hit: 62, hit!
Covetous Slasher L takes 26 damage!
Covetous Slasher L is defeated!
Siren is now being targeted!
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Her screams are so sweet....and all for me."
Siren casts Curse His Name, centered on N25!
Siren casts Abyss Song on Pyrrha!
Pyrrha's Slash triggers elemental weaknesses for 3 turns!
~~Scathach and Fantomas vs Andras~~
Scathach quietly approaches Mori, not saying a word but patching herself up. Whatever was going on with Mori, he needed time to process.
Scathach uses a Spirit Drop!
Scathach regains 10 MP!
~~Enemy Phase~~
~~Siren v Jack the Ripper~~
Jack the Ripper's Obsession activates, but nobody was hit...
As the Onibi surge forwards, a few of them run into Akihiko. One of them finds themselves battered down with his fists.
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
Adoring Slashers A5 casts Infect!
Adoring Slashers A5 initiates!
Hit Rate: 53 to hit
Hit: 83, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 22, critical!
Adoring Slashers A5 is defeated!
Ibaraki-Douji regains 50% SP!
Ibaraki-Douji is now being targeted!
Perhaps sensing an easy target, the Onibi pour in....
Hounding Slasher H casts Hush!
Ibaraki-Douji has been inflicted with Sick and Backfire for 3 turns!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
(Akihiko is sick.....)
Hounding Slasher G casts Sonic Arrow!
Hounding Slasher G initiates!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 94, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji cannot retaliate...
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
Adoring Slashers E4 casts Needle Run!
Adoring Slashers E4 initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 89, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 2, critical!
Adoring Slashers E4 is defeated!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
Adoring Slashers E5 casts Needle Run!
Adoring Slashers E5 initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 91, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 23, critical!
Adoring Slashers E5 is defeated!
....and yet after all that, Akihiko remains standing.
Jack tilts his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Oh, little red...you really think you can endure so long? Come on, you can join your little friend in the dust!"
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Daunt activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Bloodlust is active!)
(Jack the Ripper's Masochism is active! +4 DMG, +10 Critical)
(Akihiko is sick...)
Jack the Ripper casts Ghastly Wail!
Jack the Ripper initiates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 98, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji cannot retaliate!
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Tsukuyomi's Mirror of Night activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Daunt activates!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Bloodlust is active!)
(Jack the Ripper's Masochism is active! +4 DMG, +10 Critical)
Jack the Ripper casts Ghastly Wail!
Jack the Ripper initiates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 87, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji cannot retaliate!
Jack the Ripper casts Eviscerate, targeting Akihiko!
Jack's attacks are feral and frenzied. Akihiko, by contrast, is calm. Almost too calm.
The first stab, charged with shadowy energy, Akihiko dodges almost non-chalantly, the blade landing an inch away from where he was a moment ago. The second stab lands on target. Or it would, if Akihiko hadn't caught the blade, being forced to his knees to avoid it hitting him directly. The spells used on Akihiko have visibly weakened him, as he trembles and struggles beneath the weight of Jack, but you can almost see his furrowed brow beneath his masked visage, as he fights against the stronger opponent.
The larger Majin lifts another hand onto the hilt of his knife, attempting to manoeuvre it into Akihiko's body, but the Kaijin is able to muster enough power to push the knife's blade into the sand next to him. With a swift kick to the ribs, Akihiko pushes him back.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "...eh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "People like you...."
Akihiko stands back up, unsteady. His stance is not the martial artist's stance he prefers, but one slightly hunched over, fists clenched.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "....I'll make sure you'll never hurt Futaba again."
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Evil Within activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Demon's Constitution is active! +5 DR)
(Akihiko is sick.....)
Hounding Slasher F casts Sonic Arrow!
Hounding Slasher F initiates!
Hit Rate: 95 to hit
Hit: 20, hit!
Ibaraki-Douji takes 10 damage!
Ibaraki-Douji cannot retaliate...
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Evil Within activates!)
(Jack the Ripper's Daunt activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko will protect Mildred to the end!)
(Akihiko is sick.....)
Covetous Slasher A casts Contagion!
Covetous Slasher A initiates!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit: 97, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji cannot retaliate....
As the Onibi continue to fail to deter Akihiko, even with an arrow embedded in his shoulder, Jack's facade begins to crack.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "N-no. That can't be right. This is MY Domain, the world of demons, the world that grants my wishes! How can you...."
The enemy begins to lose their nerve....
Jack the Ripper's Daunt no longer affects Mildred, Saya and Akihiko.
Onibi will now attempt to bypass Akihiko unless he attacks them or Jack directly.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the map, Momotaro is having more than somewhat of a difficult time.
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Riku's giving it his all!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Hounding Slasher C is silenced...)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
Hounding Slasher C initiates!
Hit Rate: 61 to hit
Hit: 86, miss!
Momotaro cannot retaliate....
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
Hounding Slasher I casts Sonic Arrow!
Hounding Slasher I initiates!
Hit Rate: 61 to hit
Hit: 88, miss!
Momotaro cannot retaliate....
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
Adoring Slasher B1 casts Infect!
Adoring Slasher B1 initiates!
Hit Rate: 44 to hit
Hit: 90, miss!
Momotaro cannot retaliate....
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
Adoring Slasher C1 casts Infect!
Adoring Slasher C1 initiates!
Hit Rate: 44 to hit
Hit: 58, miss!
Momotaro cannot retaliate....
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
Adoring Slasher C4 casts Infect!
Adoring Slasher C4 initiates!
Hit Rate: 44 to hit
Hit: 96, miss!
Momotaro cannot retaliate....
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
(Covetous Slasher D has Backfire...)
Covetous Slasher D casts Contagion!
Covetous Slasher D's Backfire activates!
Covetous Slasher D takes 3 damage!
Momotaro cannot retaliate!
(Riku's promise remains!)
(Momotaro's Tree-Splitter activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song is active!)
(Momotaro's Desperation is active!)
Possessive Slasher B casts Steel Crusher!
Possessive Slasher B initiates!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 95, miss!
Momotaro retaliates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Possessive Slasher B takes 45 damage!
Possessive Slasher B is defeated!
Riku is giving it his all!
Reinforcements have arrived! Hounding Slasher E, Covetous Slasher H and Possessive Slasher D have spawned at the top of the map!
Reinforcements will come in one turn!
~~Scathach and Fantomas vs Andras~~
The shadows continue attempting to pelt Scathach and Fantomas with debilitating magic, but Mori can feel Scathach's power shielding him from the worst of the effects, a purple sheen over his body shining every time a spell is negated.
(Kanade's Guard activates!)
(Kanade will accelerate beyond herself!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress is active!)
(Scathach's Eclipse is active!)
(Mori's Support is active!)
Andras' Shadow casts Sickening Terror!
Andras' Shadow C initiates!
Hit Rate: 38 to hit
Hit: 66, miss
Scathach cannot retaliate....
Andras' Shadow G casts Parmunda on Scathach!
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
It has no effect!
Andras' Shadow D casts Parmunda on Fantomas!
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress activates!)
It has no effect!
(Kanade will accelerate beyond herself!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress is active!)
(Scathach's Eclipse is active!)
(Mori's Support is active!)
Andras' Shadow A casts Sickening Terror!
Andras' Shadow A initiates!
Hit Rate: 38 to hit
Hit: 96, miss
Scathach cannot retaliate....
(Kanade will accelerate beyond herself!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress is active!)
(Scathach's Eclipse is active!)
(Mori's Support is active!)
Andras' Shadow B casts Sickening Terror!
Andras' Shadow B initiates!
Hit Rate: 38 to hit
Hit: 91, miss
Scathach cannot retaliate....
Andras takes another lunge at Mori while he's distracted, and once again Kanade gets in his way. Taking a knife in her shoulder, her counterattack sends the Majin sprawling, another chunk of cloth and shadow torn from his body with a stab.
(Andras has found his anathema...)
(Andras' Playground of Chaos activates!)
(Kanade's Guard activates!)
(Kanade will accelerate beyond herself!)
(Scathach's Shadow Fortress is active!)
(Scathach's Eclipse is active!)
(Mori's Support is active!)
Andras casts Brave Blade!
Andras initiates!
Hit Rate: 64 to hit
Hit: 59, hit!
Scathach takes 13 damage!
Scathach retaliates!
Hit Rate: 92 to hit
Hit: 69, hit!
Andras takes 33 damage!
Kanade stumbles back, wrenching the blade out of her shoulder with an armblade. She shudders, turning to Mori and continuing to place herself between Mori and Andras.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "If this goes sideways, Sawatari, get the hell out of here and leave me. I'll make sure he doesn't get to you."
Andras casts Dagger Rain, targeting Reynart!
~~~~Turn 3~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme ~Siren vs Jack~ (abyssalhunters)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qKSz9IujfY)
~~Map Theme ~Mori/Kanade vs Andras~ (Penumbra)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6-09tRNo18)
(http://i.imgur.com/rocg1pm.png) (https://imgur.com/rocg1pm)
More reinforcements will arrive for Jack in one turn.
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Nala) [Kurmala: 2/3]
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash) [Kurmala: 1/3] [Abyss Song: 3/3]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/28 | MP: 21/23 (Throw) [Parmala: 1/3] [Rebellion: 1/2]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/32 | MP: 27/27 (Rush) [Sick: 2/3] [Backfire: 2/3]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 23/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash) [Abyss Song: 2/3]
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 0/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2] [Curse His Name Targeting N5]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Adoring Slashers A: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher A1
- Adoring Slasher A2
- Adoring Slasher A3
- Adoring Slasher A4
- Adoring Slasher A5
Covetous Slasher I: 20/20 (Umra) [Backfire: 2/3]
Covetous Slasher J: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers B: 2/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher B1
- Adoring Slasher B2
- Adoring Slasher B3
- Adoring Slasher B4
- Adoring Slasher B5 [Backfire: 2/3]
Covetous Slasher K: 20/20 (Umra) [Backfire: 2/3]
Covetous Slasher L: 0/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers D: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher D1
- Adoring Slasher D2
- Adoring Slasher D3
- Adoring Slasher D4
- Adoring Slasher D5
Covetous Slasher A: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher B: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher A: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher B: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera)
Adoring Slashers C: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher C1
- Adoring Slasher C2
- Adoring Slasher C3
- Adoring Slasher C4
- Adoring Slasher C5
Covetous Slasher C: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher D: 17/20 (Umra) [Backfire: 2/3]
Hounding Slasher C: 0/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher D: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher D: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher F: 0/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher G: 0/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher H: 20/20 (Umra)
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera)
Hounding Slasher E: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher E: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher F: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher F: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher M: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher N: 20/20 (Umra)
Hounding Slasher G: 20/20 (Shoot)
Covetous Slasher O: 20/20 (Umra)
Covetous Slasher P: 20/20 (Umra)
Adoring Slashers E: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher E1
- Adoring Slasher E2
- Adoring Slasher E3
- Adoring Slasher E4
- Adoring Slasher E5
Adoring Slashers F: 5/5 (Throw)
- Adoring Slasher F1
- Adoring Slasher F2
- Adoring Slasher F3
- Adoring Slasher F4
- Adoring Slasher F5
Hounding Slasher H: 20/20 (Shoot)
Hounding Slasher I: 20/20 (Shoot)
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera)
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera)
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 13/35 (Umra) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2] [Masochism: +4 DMG, +10 Critical] [Eviscerate Targeting Ibaraki-Douji]
Andras Team:
Party:
Sawatari Mori/Reynart (https://www.dropbox.com/s/wamms2s377c99d0/Mori%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Nala)
Allies
Mishima Kanade/Scathach (https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjsesie5j3rzzi/Scathach%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 12/32 | MP: 18/32 (Stab) [Perma-Guard: Mori] [Condition: Cannot be healed above 25 HP] [Revolution: 1/3]
Enemies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4nzeyj39jcz5xv/Chapter%203%20Andras%20Enemies.txt?raw=1)
Andras' Shadow A: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow B: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow C: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow D: 20/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow E: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow F: 0/20 (Hyo)
Andras' Shadow G: 20/20 (Hyo)
?/Andras: HP: 2/35 (Hyo) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1] [Concentrate] [Dagger Rain Targeting Scathach]
- Ice Pillar (I5): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (F11): 1/1
- Ice Pillar (D15): 1/1
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper.
Andras Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 5 turns or defeat Andras.
Fail Condition: Allow Kanade's HP to be depleted.
Secondary Objectives:
- Mori: Guard Kanade against attacks 5 times.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
One turn after an enemy Onibi group has been destroyed, they will respawn at the top of the map as reinforcements. Additional Onibi will not spawn while all enemy Onibi are accounted for.
Andras' Shadows will prioritise attacking Kanade and debuffing her. Kanade in turn will prioritise defending Mori, then fighting Andras, then his Shadows in that order.
Andras Boss Fight:
- While the pillars are up Andras can teleport to any space within a 3x3 square around them as a free action. As such, destroying them should be a priority.
- Ice pillars are breakable objects and can be destroyed in one hit. Destroying all of the pillars removes a single Life Point from Andras.
- For the duration of Andras' presence on the map, Kanade will redirect all Mori-targeted attacks from Andras to herself as if she had Guard, regardless of presence on the map.
- While Andras is on the map, both Mori and Kanade have two actions per Turn. If downed, Mori will still be able to act after being pulled up, as it will only consume one action.
- Andras cannot be reduced to 0 HP by Mori. If Mori is downed, Kanade will prioritise pulling him back up.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
Mildred falls back to M20 and uses a FAK. Saya moves to N21. Akihiko moves to O21 to help form the defensive wall to keep Jack away from Siren.
-
Hika AdoB1 after everyone else moves
-
Whatever Mishima's statement had been, Mori wasn't sure if he was glad or not that he couldn't hear her. Now if she'd just stop standing between him and Andras so someone with the ability to actually help could get out of here with Shimoniya and help the other stop Jack, that would be grand. He threw another kunai at the ice crystal behind Andras, shattering it, which unfortunately didn't result in a massive chunk smacking him in the back of the head. Regardless, he kept moving, running over to Scathach and allowing another tendril of silver mist to wrap around her, stitching up the wound in her shoulder.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"You see, you keep doing that."
(https://i.imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
"...what?"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"That." He gestured at the silver mist coming off Mishima’s shoulder "The healing Mishima. Taking a hit for Akari. Refusing to count yourself among the people who need healing when you’re about to collapse. You keep asking why everyone acts like you’re worth saving? It’s that. It’s all those little things of taking care of people, people who aren’t ‘your people’, and don’t even get me started on how you treat your people. You treat the people who try to help you like they’re crazy, because you push the little bit of your brain that realizes you’re a decent person to the very back so you don’t have to consider it. For fucks sake, you spat in Mishima’s face the other day and now she’s here. What do you take from that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/h0cwGib.png)
"I'm not responsible for other people's bad decisions." Mori replied "All I can do is try my best to protect them from the risk of my association. Mishima said it herself, she’s a bad judge of people. As for all the little things I do, what do they matter? A good deed here and there doesn’t make up for the sins I regularly commit to keep everything going as I want it to. If they weren’t so fixed on the bits of good I do to realize the kind of person I really am, then they would leave me to my fate like everyone should. I don't deserve their help or mercy, so I won't take it from them. I can't reach out with bloody hands, all I'll do is get that blood on everyone else."
Fantomas looked right at him, and sighed.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"Guess you aren’t ready after all. Well, regardless of if you think you deserve to change or not, go ahead and take a look around at what you can do if you keep refusing every hand that reaches your way. What chance do you have against Andras alone? It's only because you're working alongside Mishima that you have the slightest chance of making it out of here alive, not to mention Shimoniya. If not for your own sake, then recognize that you don't have a single chance to stop Andras unless you come to a decision. Nothing could be more sink or swim than this. Drown in your own dark side or climb until you can breathe again, but it's time that you realize that the only hands that keep you from making your way to the light are your own."
Nala Crystal I5.
Move to K7 and Cast Kia on Scathach
Guard Target Scathach
-
Momotaro to Y24
Oto-Hime uses Again on Momotaro
Oto-Hime to V27
Momotaro to W27
Pixie to Y27
Marc'heg Gwer to X24
-
Siren vs. Jack the Ripper
With a wave of Onibi approaching the group, the group takes battle positions, retreating to the back and preparing their positions.
Mildred uses a First Aid Kit!
Mildred regains 10 HP!
Otohime casts Again!
Momotaro and Otohime may move again!
(Pyrrha's Kurmala is active!)
(Pyrrha's Abyss Song is active!)
(Shiro's Arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's Pride is overwhelming!)
(Shiro's Ego is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Dive is active!)
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: 85 to hit
Hit 9, hit!
Adoring Fans B1 is defeated!
Kanade and Mori
Mori does his best to patch up Kanade, the shadows of Andras running towards them and closing in.
Reynart destroys the Pillar!
The Pillar is destroyed!
Reynart casts Kia!
Reynart loses 5 MP!
Scathach regains 13 HP!
~~Ally Phase~~
Siren vs. Jack the Ripper
Siren, having remained silent for this whole time, sees a horde of approaching Onibi and after so long, speaks.
(https://i.imgur.com/wUtv6oF.png) "Drown."
Siren's Curse His Name activates!
Covetous Slashers K, J and I, and Adoring Slasher A4 are caught in the attack!
Adoring Slasher A4 is defeated!
Covetous Slashers K, J and I are defeated!
One minute, the Onibi were there.
The sand beneath their feet turned to water.
The next, only the Onibi that had come out to protect Siren remained, not a trace of the other Onibi remaining.
Taking positions to block off the the chokepoints, the Onibi take advantage and position themselves to protect and block off the access to their master.
Tutelary Retainer A casts Encouragement on Proioxis!
Proioxis regains 5 HP!
Protective Retainer B casts Miza!
Protective Retainer B initiates!
Hit Rate: 80 to hit
Hit: 73, hit!
Adoring Slasher A2 is defeated!
Protective Retainer A casts Mizanara!
Protective Retainer A initiates!
Hit Rate: 77 to hit
Hit: 74, hit!
Covetous Slasher F takes 18 damage!
Covetous Slasher F retaliates!
Covetous Slasher F casts Umra!
Hit Rate: 80 to hit
Hit: 44, hit!
Protective Retainer A takes 21 damage!
Fierce Retainer B casts Hydro Cutter!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 15, hit!
Covetous Slasher F takes 19 damage!
Covetous Slasher F is defeated!
Protective Retainer C casts Miza!
Protective Retainer C initiates!
Hit Rate: 80 to hit
Hit: 42, hit!
Adoring Slasher A3 is defeated!
Siren then turns to Proioxis.
(https://i.imgur.com/wUtv6oF.png) "Get rid of him."
Siren casts Abyss Song on Proioxis!
Proioxis' Throw triggers elemental weaknesses for 3 turns!
Siren casts Abyssal Rejection on N23!
Siren casts Curse His Name on P21!
Kanade and Mori vs. Andras
Andras simply laughs as Mori continues to assist Kanade.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "You two....and you think you're the same as me? You want to reach out to this pathetic wretch, Mishima? Are you serious?"
Kanade floats backwards, seemingly readying herself.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "As long as....I can reach even one person....that's all that matters. You'd never get it."
Siren's booming declaration echoes through the Domain. Andras visibly grins.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Well. It seems like I've won. Even if you beat me here, Princess...it's already on the way. And you're on your last legs.
Once I'm done, I'll let you live long enough to see what I'll do to Sawatari."
At that, Kanade visibly tenses.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "I'm ending this. Now."
She raises an arm-blade to the side, the blade gleaming with lethal sharpness.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Scathach, I call down your power. Bring down upon him a starless shadow!"
In the blink of an eye, Kanade surges past Andras, so quick that Mori swears he can see afterimages of her ebony form, so fast that he can't quite process just what happened.
For a minute, the world falls silent.
(Kanade will accelerate beyond herself!)
(Kanade will chase the world!)
(Scathach's Revolution is active!)
(Andras has found his anathema....)
(Andras's Playground of Chaos activates!)
(Andras' Wrath is active!)
(Andras fills Kanade with sleepless doubt!)
(Mori's Support is active!)
Scathach activates Death by Barraging!
Scathach casts Starless Shadow!
Scathach loses 10 MP!
Scathach initiates!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 24, hit!
Critical: 32, crit!
Andras takes 126 damage!
Andras loses a Life Point!
Scathach attacks again!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 14, hit!
Critical: 14, crit!
Luna+ check: 5, pass!
Andras takes 150 damage!
Andras is defeated!
And it all happens too in a blink of an eye.
Andras collapses to one knee, an entire chunk of his midsection torn away as Kanade whips her blade aside, casting parts of Andras aside to fade to smoke and ashes. He looks visibly pained; though his body is visibly reforming, it is clear that however hard Kanade just hit him, it was quick and hard enough to end the fight right then and there.
Then Mori notes something about Andras' body.
There were roughly about twenty or thirty slash marks and cuts across Andras' body, none of them having been there before Kanade hit him, some still glowing with Scathach's violet energy.
In the space of a single second, Kanade had slashed at him nearly thirty times.
Andras grunts, stumbling to his feet and pointing an icy knife at her.
(https://i.imgur.com/xoFKaDW.png) "Heh...I'm still not ready for you, huh? Never you mind....Princess. We'll have our rematch soon enough."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "..."
Before Kanade can move to grab Andras, the Majin turns into what looks like liquid shadow, dropping to the floor and disappearing into nothingness. The Onibi he took over dissolve into darkness, leaving nothing but copies of Andras' mask, which linger just long enough to feel like they're staring at Mori before they, too, fade into shadows.
At this point, Kanade finally falls to the ground, her hovering stopping at this point as she uses one arm-blade to prop herself up like a crutch.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "....seems like that took a lot out of me, huh?"
Reward condition achieved.
Mori gains Actor's Mask: +5 HP healed, debuffs last 1 turn longer.
Siren vs. Jack the Ripper
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "You...this is MY world! We can do what we want! I won't let you get between me and Fuu-chan! Stupid kid! Stupid, stupid, STUPID!"
Jack, consumed with rage and fear, makes another lunge for Akihiko....but Akihiko is ready.
(Jack's Masochism is active! +4 DMG, +10 Critical)
(Akihiko's Daunt is active!)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Bloodthirst is active!)
(Tsukiyomi's Mirror of Night activates!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko is sick...)
Jack casts Ghastly Wail!
Jack initiates!
Hit Rate: 77 to hit
Hit: 78, miss!
Ibaraki-Douji retaliates!
Hit Rate: 92 to hit
Hit: 64, hit!
Critical: 11, crit!
Jack the Ripper takes 50 damage!
Jack the Ripper loses one Life Point!
Despite his unorthodox stance and the fell mood upon him, Akihiko effortlessly dodges another blow from the Ripper, avoiding the Majin's wild thrust, before smashing a fire-shrouded fist into Jack's chin, pushing him back.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "No...that's not right...you....you won't beat me in here! You can't!"
Jack lets out an indecipherable noise, halfways between a hiss and a roar, before the gathered army of Onibi that had joined him to attack Siren stop in their tracks. Their bodies contort, warp and press together, most of them coalescing into gigantic piles of mud, metal and shadows on the field.
The only Onibi remaining are hulking, skeletal monsters, similar in appearance to Jack, and something about them seems off - a dark, shadowy aura surrounds them, seemingly boosting their strength.
Jack casts Eviscerate, targeting Ibaraki-Douji!
Jack's resolve is wavering...
Jack's Onibi are retreating! Only Possessive Slashers remain!
Possessive Slashers all gain 1 Press Turn and gain Shielding! All damage that is not their weakness will be halved! Possessive Slashers gain 1 Life Point!
Possessive Slashers gain Sink Beneath, Perverse Sense and Double Fangs!
Enemy reinforcements change: 3x Possessive Slashers will now spawn in one turn within two spaces of Proioxis and Pyrrha.
Reward condition changed: One of Proioxis or Tsukiyomi can now land the killing blow on Jack.
Kanade and Mori will arrive in one turn!
~~~~Turn 4~~~~
Player Phase
~~Map Theme ~Siren vs Jack~ (abyssalhunters)~~ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qKSz9IujfY)
(http://i.imgur.com/BfBHOTW.png) (https://imgur.com/BfBHOTW)
Siren Team:
Party:
Aiuchi Yui/Marc'heg Gwer (https://www.dropbox.com/s/30tzydji5wu7pr4/Yui%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 33/33 | MP: 21/21 (Nala) [Kurmala: 1/3]
Akitsuki Saya/Tsukuyomi (https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5se2ux96okxwgu/Saya%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 25/25 | MP: 18/27 (Hika)
Akari Shiro/Pyrrha (https://www.dropbox.com/s/z3mk6of9mn9tx2s/Shiro%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 34/34 | MP: 25/25 (Slash) [Abyss Song: 2/3]
Honda Mildred/Proioxis (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 13/28 | MP: 21/23 (Throw) [Abyss Song: 3/3]
Kasuga Akihiko/Ibaraki-Douji (https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgth4lt5ca44mg4/Akihiko%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 22/32 | MP: 27/27 (Rush) [Sick: 1/3] [Backfire: 1/3]
Miyashita Misa/Pixie (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ljlxzek8ktjzms/Misa%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 27/27 | MP: 24/24 (Zia)
Suzuki Aika/Otohime (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r548v9dmnritk9o/Aika%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 24/24 | MP: 23/27 (Miza)
Tadano Riku/Momotaro (https://www.dropbox.com/s/er7culndj76w2ag/Riku%20Combat%20Sheet.txt?raw=1): HP: 30/30 | MP: 19/19 (Bash) [Abyss Song: 1/3]
Allies: (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugcmns5cginsget/Chapter%203%20Siren%20Onibi.txt?raw=1)
Tutelary Retainer A: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer A: 4/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer B: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer C: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer A: 0/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer B: 20/20 (Miza)
Tutelary Retainer B: 15/15 (Nen)
Protective Retainer D: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer E: 25/25 (Miza)
Protective Retainer F: 25/25 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer C: 20/20 (Miza)
Fierce Retainer D: 20/20 (Miza)
Yagami Fuuka/Siren: 30/30 (Miza) [Life Point Active: 2] [Press Turns: 2] [Curse His Name Targeting N5]
Enemies (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pvkq0hgueyfanh/Chapter%203%20Enemies.txt?raw=1):
Possessive Slasher A: 30/30 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1]
Possessive Slasher B: 30/30 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1]
Possessive Slasher C: 30/30 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1]
Possessive Slasher D: 30/30 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1]
Possessive Slasher E: 30/30 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1]
Possessive Slasher F: 30/30 (Tera) [Life Point Active: 1] [Press Turns: 1]
Kitakawa Mitsuru/Jack the Ripper: HP: 35/35 (Umra) [Life Point Active: 1 [Press Turns: 1] [Eviscerate Targeting Ibaraki-Douji]
Objective:
Siren Team:
Main Objective: Hold out for 7 turns OR defeat Jack the Ripper.
Fail Condition: Allow Siren's HP to be depleted or allow Jack the Ripper to enter combat with Siren.
Secondary Objectives:
- Akihiko: Land the final blow on Jack the Ripper or allow Saya or Mildred to do so.
Other Info:
Onibi Behaviour:
The Siren-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Defending Siren and stopping any Ripper-aligned Onibi from approaching her by holding their position.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by healing them or buffing them.
- Assisting the allied Kaijin by weakening enemy Onibi or the Ripper.
- Proactively going out and fighting enemy Onibi.
The Ripper-aligned Onibi will prioritise the following behaviours in this order:
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with Jack the Ripper.
- Attacking the last person to enter combat with a Ripper-aligned Onibi.
- Approaching Siren and fighting her.
- Defeating Siren-aligned Onibi.
- Attacking Kaijin.
As such, Ripper-aligned Onibi will ignore players and allied Onibi unless attacked. Otherwise, they will prioritise getting to and attacking Siren.
Siren's behaviours are as follows:
- Siren is open to commands but will prioritise defending herself from Onibi and Jack.
- Siren's Threat Attacks will damage allied Kaijin caught in the crossfire but will only apply effects to Ripper-aligned Onibi.
Secondary Objectives:
If the secondary objectives are completed, special items will be rewarded.
Other Notes:
- Seaweed counts as Forest.
- The barrels are breakable obstacles, and when broken become Forts, but do not provide healing.
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/855222637500432404/1099026807786836048/Amamojaku_Fantomas_Masked.png)
"Well then."
(https://i.imgur.com/OXlqqLZ.png)
"What do you say, Sawatari Mori?"
Mori stared at the spot where Andras had been. He took a deep breath and unclenched his jaw.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Two." he said, as he planted Kogarasu Maru in the sand, using it to help him pull Mishima to her feet, placing her arm over his shoulder. "That's the answer I decided."
-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvf7vv853f97462/Proioxis.png?raw=1) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/itp1adjgsne85wt/Mildred20Sheet.txt?raw=1) "You're less than roadside litter, you shitty stalker, and it's garbage day!"
Mildred somehow whipped the winds up underwater, creating miniature whirlpools and currents that sucked the sand up and formed the grains into seemingly thousands of long, thin needles. She darted around him, throwing the improvised projectiles at him from every conceivable angle.
Proioxis moves to O18 and Needle Runs Jack!
-
Despite Kanade's currently robotic appearance, she seems to be rather light, and even with his relatively unathletic frame Mori is able to easily heft her arm over his shoulder.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Two.....?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Well the toad asked me how many mid-battle breakdowns I was going to have, and I wasn't really able to answer him until just now and the voices in my head kind of reminded me of the question and I was trying to answer it in a... you know, you're really ruining the dramatic mood I was going for."
-
At that, Kanade snorts.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "...you know, if you let your guard down for a few seconds, Sawatari, you'd probably enjoy life a lot more."
She grunts.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "For the record, I really am sorry for not taking you seriously."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "It isn't easy either having the Mishima name. You're not the first one who's blamed me for the stuff my dad's company did. You're not even the first who's tried to take revenge, either."
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "It's something you just have to take lightly after it happens so many times."
From a nearby rock, Nene, who has been hiding there the whole time, scrambles out.
(https://i.imgur.com/zoI9zOo.png) "....damn it. Whoever you are, is Kanade alright?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Oh objectively not, in spite of my best efforts. But eh, you'll get over it, right? Or Gawain will help fix you up?"
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Anyway, about revenge... well, I hate that I can say this with a straight face, but the voices in my head are right. No matter what my personal feelings are, if I want to at all say that I want to protect the people of Kaname-Cho, I need to stop letting my own issues and complexes stop me from being as effective as I can be in fighting off the real threats. If it hadn't been for you, I would be dead right now, at best. So... truce? Just for the time being, until Andras is dealt with and this whole situation is done."
*"And, for the record, I was wrong. I don't think I hate you."*
-
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "That truck....."
Kanade sighs.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Kaijin magic only heals your Kaijin form. There's only so many things that your human and Kaijin forms share. You're tougher than a normal human in human form and you'll survive stuff that'd kill a normal person, and you're immune to sickness and age a little slower, but if you get hurt in human form, you'll need to heal the old fashioned way - with medicine and bed rest."
She props herself up.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Kazami wasn't happy when I told him that his power wouldn't work on Majima because of that. I'll need to rest up at home. I feel like I bruised a few things after that."
She mulls over his words.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Deal. I'll even train you how to use your Kaijin powers. It seems like you need it."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Thank you, definitely seems like that would be a big help." he replied "Now then, I think there's still the issue of saving Yagami."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Yeah..."
Kanade nods.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDyX4sz.png) "Let's go."
(https://i.imgur.com/zoI9zOo.png) "Is there anything I can do?"
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"...uh yeah, is there?" He said, looking at Mishima "I mean, I could say trying to talk Yagami down, but that didn't really work last time, so if there's nothing else, I feel kind of opposed to bringing her to an active battlefield, unless this area isn't that safe either."
-
U21, Crushing Blade after Yui aftacks
-
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "This is not your world."
With the tides turning in their favor, both literally and metaphorically, Yui advances to deal with one last straggler outside the main battle. Even if Jack's single-minded tantrum is currently empowering them, she can still do something to make it harder for the Onibi to reach Siren.
It's something, at the very least.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiXbjrA.png) "You're just in a delusional dream, and it's time to wake up and face reality again. The reality that you're a goddamn loser."
(https://i.imgur.com/xZLEsao.png) "So empower your Onibi all you want. I'll stop them all while you get your ass kicked!"
V20, attack Possessive F with Powder Bloom.
-
Tsukuyomi to N22, Branding on Jack
Ibaraki to N21, Oni-Kagura on Jack
Momotaro to R27
Oto-Hime to R28, Again on Momotaro. Oto-Hime to N27
Momotaro to O27
Pixie to S27
-
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "Die, die, die, die diediediediediedie!"
(Mildred's fists are raised!)
(Proioxis' Great Typhoon activates! +3 DMG, +10 Critical)
(Akihiko's Support activates!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Jack's Daunt activates!)
(Siren's Abyss Song activates!)
Proioxis casts Needle Run!
Proioxis loses 2 MP!
Proioxis initiates!
Hit Rate: 95 to hit
Hit: 9, hit!
Jack takes 34 damage!
(Jack's Evil Within activates! +6 DMG, +15 Critical)
(Proioxis gains +1 DR from Warding Wind!)
Jack retaliates!
Hit Rate: 79 to hit
Hit: 24, hit!
Proioxis takes 29 damage!
Proioxis is downed!
Flailing wildly, Jack manages, though not without taking a few hits in exchange, smash Mildred into the ground. He lifts up her limp body, stunned from the initial hits, by the head, presenting her to Akihiko.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "You see? You can't beat me, so giveupgiveupgiveup!"
His pace seems to pick up.
Over on the other side, Yui and Shiro tag-team on the empowered Onibi.
(Yui shall break free!)
Marc'heg Gwer casts Powder Bloom!
Marc'heg Gwer loses 3 MP!
Marc'heg Gwer initiates!
Hit Rate: 59 to hit
Hit: 9, hit!
Possessive Slasher F takes 10 damage!
Possessive Slasher F has Backfire for 2 turns!
Possessive Slasher F retaliates!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 75, hit!
Marc'heg Gwer takes 15 damage!
(Pyrrha's Counter is active!)
(Shiro's arrogance is overwhelming...)
(Shiro's pride is overwhelming!)
(Pyrrha's Deep Drive is active!)
Pyrrha casts Crushing Blade!
Pyrrha loses 4 MP!
Pyrrha initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 39, hit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Possessive Slasher F takes 46 damage!
Possessive Slasher F loses a Life Point!
Possessive Slasher F retaliates!
Hit Rate: 90 to hit
Hit: 98, miss!
Saya leaps in, light flashing in her hands to cover Mildred, but Jack lashes out with a blast of shadows, throwing Saya to her feet.
(Akihiko's Support activates!)
(Jack's Evil Within activates! +6 DMG, +15 Critical)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Jack's Daunt activates!)
Tsukuyomi casts Branding!
Tsukuyomi loses 6 MP!
Tsukuyomi initiates!
Hit Rate: 79 to hit
Hit: 22, hit!
Jack loses 13 HP!
(Tsukuyomi's Illuminating Moonlight activates, marking Jack!)
Jack the Ripper loses a Life Point!
Jack the Ripper retaliates!
Hit Rate: 78 to hit
Hit: 7, hit!
Tsukuyomi takes 17 damage!
Seeing Saya thrown back by an attack seems to make something snap in Akihiko, and for the first time in the entire fight, he raises his voice beyond a low whisper.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "KI-TA-KAWAAAAAAA!"
His fist bursts into flame. At that, Jack seems to visibly cower for a second, before screaming back at Akihiko and lunging at him with a knife-
(Akihiko feels so lost...)
(Akihiko will protect Saya to the end!)
(Saya's Support activates!)
(Akihiko's Daunt activates!)
(Jack's Daunt activates!)
(Akihiko is feeling sick...)
(Ibaraki-Douji's Bloodthirst activates!)
Ibaraki-Douji casts Oni-Kagura!
Ibaraki-Douji loses 4 MP!
Ibaraki-Douji initiates!
Hit Rate: 87 to hit
Hit: 6, hit!
Critical: 5, crit!
Jack the Ripper takes 118 damage!
Jack the Ripper is defeated!
-Ibaraki-Douji grabs the knife by the blade. With a low grunt, the knife melts in Akihiko's hand, molten slag dripping to the floor.
At that, Jack seems to lose all strength in his legs as he slumps to the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3XXNUR.png) "No. No. Nonononon-"
(https://i.imgur.com/EIktKum.png) "Be quiet."
A flaming fist smashes into Jack's face. Then another. Then another. Then another. Then another. Then another.
Unlike Akihiko's usual practiced blows, these were more primal. His usual strikes were surgical, trained - the fighting style of a martial artist. This was the movement of a berserker. A demon.
This is the justice you seek, isn't it?
Another. Another. Another. Another. Anot-
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "Akihiko, you....you can stop."
A gentle hand and Saya's voice pierces through Akihiko's haze as he raises his fist again, and he realises his fist is dripping with blood.
Jack - no, Mitsuru Kitakawa - is unconscious, held up by the collar by Ibaraki-Douji. He has long since shifted back into human form, probably during the beating Akihiko was giving him.
Akihiko drops him, stepping back, as Saya looks at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/RPEwfcx.png) "...Akkun, are you...okay?"
This is the scene that Mori and Kanade arrive to.
~~~~Map Complete...?~~~~
You will receive 5 level ups.
Akihiko receives the Hannya Charm: +3 DR, +5 DR under 50% HP.
Saya receives the Moon Mirror: x1.5 healing effectiveness, unit and adjacent allies suffer from debuffs and ailments for 1 less turn.
Mildred receives the Red-Tail Fan: When under the effect of Evasion bonuses, act as if gaining +3 AS.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T2xxzD9.png)"I hope you aren't expecting me to feel sorry for this bottom feeder. I would have put him in the hospital."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"Shit!" Mori uttered. He was hoping that after the ordeal with Andras he'd come over to find the situation dealt with and they could all go home, but not like this.
He bit back a sharp reply to Akari, who was being extremely unhelpful. Focus Sawatari. Yagami is still an Akuma, we're still in a domain... Andras is still here.
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
"We need to deal with this later," he said, walking over to Honda and letting the silvery mist wash over her. "Momotaro, you grab the trash bag man. Gwer, an extra pair of eyes on Miss Shinomiya if you would, just in case. Pyrrha, Tsukuyomi, we need light. Everyone else, on guard. The other purple, masked shithead is still in here, and we can deal with everything once we're out."
(https://i.imgur.com/6GxG4mq.png)
*"What do we do about Yagami?"* he whispered to Scathach.
-
It all happens so fast. She fought together with Shiro to gave the main frontline some relief so they could focus on the main task. It was a tough one, but eventually it just... disappeared. The initial surprise got replaced by joy, for this sure meant they were victorious. Then she turned towards Akihiko to confirm it. Joy replaced by shock. This was a degree of ruthlessness she could never imagine Akihiko would possess. Yui runs towards the main group as things unfold. Shiro said something, but it comes in hollow and distant for her. Mori was also talking, and only by hearing her Kaijin name is she able to focus just long enough to listen. Looking out for Shinomiya. Her mind understands the order.
Her soul doesn't.
Yui is only capable of looking at Akihiko for the moment. Something broke and he is scared. Afraid. She realizes that much. But... something broke in Yui too. Akihiko is someone who helps. Who protects. After realizing that it was him who protected her from the bullies back then, she began cherishing him. A lot. Just shy of the White Knight, that how much she looked up to him. An inspiration to become a protector, a guardian of her own, for other people. A protector doesn't carry blood on their first and beat people to a pulp... do they?
Her head slowly turns in Mori's direction.
(https://i.imgur.com/PgNHpFy.png) "... Consider it done."
Yui moves into position to look after Shinomiya, not realizing the tears flowing down.
-
The next hour or so is a blur.
Saya took Akihiko away after the group exited the Domain. Akihiko seemed....traumatised. As if something had broke in him. Akihiko hadn't said a word after Saya pulled him off of Kitakawa.
Yagami was fine, if rattled. Shinomiya took her away to get something to drink, something to cool her down with, but promised she would come back at some point to talk to the Helper's Club.
And Kitakawa? Hauled in front of a police station.
Everyone was going to need some time to process what had just happened or unwind.
Free Time has started.
Available NPCs for contact: Kanade, Saya, Nene, Kanna, Mamiya
//Rika and Franz may post.
-
Eighth floor, second door to the left, same fancy apartment building he had been at earlier.
He felt like shit, but emotionally instead of physically this time. Andras hadn't attacked them, but that just meant the tension he'd been feeling this whole time hadn't had a chance to release yet. He wanted to go talk to Kasuga but... what would he say even? Best to leave that to other people. He'd been hoping to get a chance to talk to the rest of the group, apologize and promise to be a better teammate from now on but... were they even actually a team? It was more like a scattered group of people who'd all been turned at the same time who kept bumping into each other.
Getting training from Mishima was the best thing he could do. Improve his own skills and be able to prevent Andras from being an issue the others had to deal with. Find information, discover the plan, and make sure no one else had to worry about it.
But first things first. Payment for services rendered.
He knocked on Kaname Mamiya's door.
-
A very baffled Mamiya opens the door, a cup of tea in her hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "...Sawatari? I assume this isn't a social visit. Don't worry, Mishima isn't here, so you don't have to worry about...whatever it is you two are squabbling about."
-
(https://imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"We've... settled that. For the time being at least." Mori replied, "Still, probably better she's not here. I'm here to discuss my payment, as agreed, plus hazard pay. May I come in?"
-
Mamiya moves aside to let Mori in.
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "Get in."
-
He stepped into the room.
-
Somewhere else, from the window of a shabby third-floor apartment, Franz Laera looked at the sunset hide beneath the buildings.
The noises of the city down below were only overshadowed by a humming noise emanating from the inside of his room - which abruptly cut to the ring of a bell: dinner was ready.
Or well, almost ready.
Franz steps back from the window, grasping the cord and pulling it, causing the blinds to come crashing down to cover the sky away from him. Tip-toeing in the dark, Franz reaches the hot stove in the other side of the room and plugs it off, as he brazenly grasps the cup of noodles with his hands.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, hot, hOOOOOOOOOOt." Franz leaves the cup of instant noodles nearby, blowing air at his hand in hopes that the tingling sensation of skin being scorching hot would subside.
With the food cooling down, he sits down in the lone chair in the whole room, the only other relevant furniture being an old mattress dumped on the ground and the table where the hot stove, the cup of noodles, a letter and a small kitchen timer rested upon. Yet his eyes were not focused in either of those, but on the corkboard hanging on the wall, littered with newspaper cutouts, post-it notes and crude photographies of both some students and some bizarre imagery - akumas, kaijin, many alike.
The clues were drawing him further to the truth. His hand scratched the pocket, frantically searching for his cellphone, the lamenting skin still sensitive to the touch.
The flip phone flips open, beep-boop-baap-biip, bee-boo-boop, bii-bup. And Franz then silently looked at the screen, the number he entered reflecting on his face in the darkness of the room.
Pressing the "call" button, Franz laid back on the comfy chair - his safe space - as he waited for the person he was calling back to pick it up back.
"I've got them in my grasp. I know it."
-
Eventually, the phone picked up. There was a shuffling noise on the other end before the owner of the phone spoke up.
(https://i.imgur.com/lGeVvmO.png)"Hello hello, Riko speaking, what's up?"
She'd clearly not read the caller ID, being otherwise occupied.
-
Franz takes a short glance towards the corkboard, glancing at the photos pinned and tied with small threads, connecting each sliver of proof towards the identity of the Kaijin group.
"It's Gaikokujin." Franz spoke, his eyes turning to glance towards the steaming cup of noodles waiting for him on the table. His foreign accent was barely noticeable - but it was clearly on the way he pronounced some words - on its entonation.
"I've got intel on Kaijins." Shuffling on his seat, he tries to scoot up one of the backpacks littering the ground to no avail.
"Got the newspapers?" Then his foot hooks into one of its back-straps, allowing Franz to pull it closer to him. The pieces were almost coming together, but he needed to be completely sure before targeting the Helper's Club. Finding that at least one of them - a couple, even - were related to these incidents was the easy part, but Franz knew that this was much bigger.
But his information was incomplete. He needed to know from a local.
-
It was just after school, and as usual, Akari Shiro was in ac
bad mood. Something about yesterday just didn't sit right with her. She'd planned on just going to carouse with the boys as usual, but Father had been on her case more than usual lately. Just so, she didn't want to head home yet, either.
(https://i.imgur.com/onhhI9o.png)"What a pain in the ass. . ."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/lGeVvmO.png)”Ah, it’s you.” Riko said absentmindedly- probably working on another case. ”Of course I’ve got the papers, who do you take me for?”
-
"It depends, pressgirl." Franz sighs, opening the backpack and pulling a small notebook from within. The pages open, revealing jotted down notes about the information he's gathered - both from his nightly escapades, and his personal experience.
"What answer gets me more?" He chuckled, as he passed the pages until finding some of the points he wanted to clear up for himself.
"I need all you've got." He then pointed towards the questions on the page as he begrudgingly stood up, approaching the conspiracy board.
"Anyways, I want to start from the beginning of this Kaijin situation. Make sure I haven't skipped a thing. Do your newspapers cover anything on the akuma events that have happened earlier within the premises? With the surge of these new Kaijin?"
-
As Mori walks in, he sees nothing much has changed about Mamiya's apartment, except for a mess of folders and papers on her table.
(https://i.imgur.com/XwoTG7i.png) "Right, payment. I owe you one for sorting that situation out. Knowing you, it'll be a favour or information, so. Which would you prefer?"
As Shiro sits down, she sees Kanade walking by. After the events of yesterday, she'd realised; Kanade hadn't been seen outside. She certainly hadn't been in school. Shiro also notices that Kanade is carrying herself a little less confidently as usual. She'd seen that gait before; usually, in one of the Myrmidons, after they'd taken a few too many beatings.
(https://i.imgur.com/J7uNv5w.png) "...Akari. Surprised to see you."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/lGeVvmO.png)"'All I've got' is probably about as much as you do." Riko said with a sigh. "Besides, I'd rather talk about the new stuff anyway - more suspicious stuff about the Helper club. There was another Kaijin incident, and it's recent - and once again we've got Helper club members on the scene. Once or twice could be a coincidence, but this makes a pattern; basically every time there's been a hint of Kaijin activity lately they've been all over it." She shuffles the phone to her shoulder to free up her hands to look at some notes. "And recent massive spike in membership too - not long ago they were on the verge of being dissolved and all of a sudden they're practically full up."
-
(https://i.imgur.com/61FU7zE.png)
"Information today, and... quite a lot of it, to be clear." Mori replied, "I would like all the information you have on kaijin, akuma, and related events and phenomena, now and in perpetuity."