(That was yesterday.)

It's a grey, windswept day. The chain-link fence bordering the school roof rattles, swept by gusts: It's overcast, though the heavy rains of the past few days should have banished the heavy clouds - The sun's glow weak and denuded, lending a dreary, perpetual twilight to the cool air.

"-They're called the 'Smilers'," Akira says, between bites of his sandwich. He's seated cross-legged on the ground, in the usual meeting spot - Today, though, it feels rather more lonely than usual. "...The 'Smilers', or the 'Grinners' - Either works."

Kazuya's absent, today. So is Natsumi - She's been gone for two days, and you haven't heard a word from her. Her handphone's off, too; But even the class is more sparse than usual, with the empty chairs like missing teeth in a lightless mouth. Today, it's just you and Akira.

"They're a...Well, you could *say* they're a gang, but it's largely apocryphal. Their graffiti has been showing up a *lot*, recently - The weird thing is that no-one's ever identified one. Oh, some people have claimed that they're part of the group...But generally, they keep their mouths shut."

...Your head hurts. Maybe you should've called in sick, too, because you're not feeling at your best, today.

(Continued.)

"...As for what they *do* - That's another good question. Apparently, a group of people in masks and hoods have been hitting electronics stores, recently...Just a quick smash-and-grab. The police have no leads, though - I've heard that there's been no attempt to *sell* any of the haul...No laptops being fenced, that kind of thing..."

Akira's voice trails off, as if aware that his audience is less-than-rapt. "Hey, are you listening?" he asks, sounding momentarily annoyed - craning his neck, to get a better look at his face.

Whatever he sees clearly doesn't put him at ease; A moment later, Akira asks (more cautiously.)

"...Are you *sure* you're all right?"

[ ] "I'm fine. Go on."
[ ] "It's nothing."
[ ] "I...haven't been sleeping well, recently."
[ ] "I've just been burning the midnight oil."
[ ] "It's none of your business."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

[X] "I'm fine. Go on."

>>20926080
[x] "No one in the city's all right, Akira. How are you doing, for that matter?"

Oh hey, I'm here at the start for once. Sup OP? Have a good birthday?

>>20926094
No more or less than anyone else. I've had a rather bad week. I'll manage, probably.

How're you doing?

Hey OP would it be possible to get parts to upgrade our relics.

I'm actually up for one of these? Huh.

>>20926177
Argent Prominence has already promised to upgrade the Scrander and our duster, so I doubt we actually need any more upgrades, especially since we got that bitching new shield too.

[x]"I've jsut been burning the midnight oil."

>>20926105

(Yep. There was cake!)

> [X] "I'm fine. Go on."

"Right - If you say so." He eyes you a moment longer, with a slight shake of his head. "And...Well, that's about it, really. I've rather lost my thread, but - There simply isn't that much information about them."

Plastic crinkles, as Akira crushes his sandwich wrapper up into a ball. "...A gang that doesn't *behave* like a gang - That goes out of its way *not* to be noticed...That's definently new. Maybe they're just in it for new computers..."

A beat. "-That was a joke, Anon."

> [x] "No one in the city's all right, Akira. How are you doing, for that matter?"

"Me? Same as always," Akira answers - Tossing the balled-up wrapper over his shoulder, with alarming disregard for the 'NO LITTERING' sign. "-I don't lead an especially exciting life." He taps a finger against his chin, contemplatively; "...Well, I've heard that there's going to be a trip to Seisin High, soon - The Drama Club's going to put on a...play, or something? They're always in need of stagehands, so - I might volunteer."

He shrugs, stretching out flat on the concrete tiles. "-Eh. It's a bit of a drag, without Kazuya here..." He cocks his head to the side; "Have you passed those photos to Asuna, yet?"

[ ] "Not yet; I'll do it later."
[ ] "Not yet; You should probably take them back - I may not have the time."
[ ] "Seisin High, you say? I might volunteer, too."
[ ] "-What happened to Kazuya, by the way?"
[ ] "...We should probably head back."
[ ] "Akira, do you know anything about a 'Sheol Star Carnival'?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

Oh good I'm on time.

So what's the plan for this episode? We've got a potential base location, but don't we still have to check out those co-ords we got from the armory?

>>20926264

We have a shitload of leads to follow up on. We can try to find natsumi, we can check out the coordinates, we can check out the arcade...Probably more, I've missed some.

>>20926240
>[x] "-What happened to Kazuya, by the way?"

Followed by

>[x]"Do you know anything about a 'Sheol Star Carnival'?"

>>20926240
Hmm... Oh god, Sheol. I'm guessing that's where Pazuzu gets his shades from?

Anyway, "The photos, right. I can take those after class. I'll see about helping for that play, I know some people from Seisin, they probably need the help with all the no shows. And speaking of not showing, have you heard from Kazuya or Natsume recently? Haven't talked to Kaz in days and I haven't seen Natsume for the same amount of time. I know they were at the park together and Kaz said something about screwing up..."

>>20926278
Excellent point. We should ask our prime contact if he can trace the coordinates for us.

>>20926234
You do realize that Tesla once came up a theory of using magnetic fields to control gravity. Try thinking of what we could do with that.

>>20926240
[X] Free.

I was going to yesterday but stuff came up, it just never seems to stop lately. I'll take care of it later today. So, what happened to Kazuya?

>>20926240
[X] "Not yet; I'll do it later."

[X] "Seisin High, you say? I might volunteer, too."
"I could do with seeing some pretty faces after this week. Besides, theater is always good fun."

[X] "Akira, do you know anything about a 'Sheol Star Carnival'?"

>>20926304
>>20926360
I'm not so sure we should sic Akira on to the home base now that we know the smilers are willing to do shit in the real world too. It might get him killed even if he isn't a player.

I'm liking >>20926321.

Team up with theif to save kazuya sounds great.

>>20926340

"Fair enough," Akira says. "As long as it's by the end of the week..."

> [x] "-What happened to Kazuya, by the way?"

"Hey, he's *your* best friend. If you don't know, who does?" He catches your expression, and stifles a snort of laughter. "...If I didn't know better, I'd say he's nursing a broken heart. He *did* mention that something happened at work...His boss got hurt, or something? Eh."

Akira shrugs, as if to say he's not *that* interested in Kazuya's life.

You know what happened, though. There was an article on page three, which was a neat summation of things: ACCIDENT AT LA TOMBOLA. ('In a bizarre turn of events, a car smashed through the front of La Tombola, injuring four people...Including Mr. Fumito Ebara, Chairman of the Sterling Institute. Mr. Fumito, 46, suffered a broken leg. "I'm just glad no-one else was seriously hurt," he said.'

The car was recently stolen, and showed signs of tampering. Police are searching for the driver.)

There was, of course, no mention of you. Or of the Smiler you chased down, in that pounding, all-out race through the empty streets...

-Maybe it's just as well.

(Continued.)

>>20926321
>>20926278
There's way to much to do. And just like a VN when you take one option it can lock out all the others. Hence why we can't get a hold of Natsumi, we chose a different route when we had the chance to check on her.

I'm starting to think that we should get our selfs a hacker. Just in case.

> [X] "Seisin High, you say? I might volunteer, too."

"...I had a feeling you'd say that," Akira sighs. "Well, can't fault that; It's an all-girls school, after all...And you're probably looking to see Mio again, aren't you?"

> [X] "I haven't seen Natsume for the same amount of time. I know they were at the park together and Kaz said something about screwing up..."

"That sounds about right," he agrees. "...You haven't seen Natsumi, you say? I heard she's sick, but - You could always ask the girls in her club...They probably have *some* idea what's up."

> [x]"Do you know anything about a 'Sheol Star Carnival'?"

"Sheol Star Carnival...Sheol *Star*..."

Akira frowns, pursing his lips - Before his face lights up. "Ah, right - I remember now. It's this...chain of arcades, wasn't it? They were really popular a while ago - I heard they were funded by that conman...You know, the one who claimed to have healing powers? His name was, was-"

He falters, slightly. "'Mikogami', I think. Didn't he vanish about six years ago? It was a big scandal."

You remember now. The head of the City Harvest church...A solemn-faced man with a well-trimmed beard, and piercing brown eyes. Akira's right; Last you heard, he ran off with his congregation's money (Sums totalling in the millions) and vanished - After it was found that he'd been taking 'charitable donations' and using them to buy up all kinds of businesses.

They never did find him.

(Continued.)

>>20926485
Because there are just so many looking for work at the temp agency, willing to work for a schoolboy's pay.

>>20926548

"...Arcades are pretty much going out of popularity. I think someone else bought out the entire franchise? Doesn't seem like a good investment, if you ask me."

He looks like he's about to say more, but then the schoolbell rings, with it's teeth-grinding electronic buzz.

"Damn, that's the bell. We'd better get back to class, then."

Akira glances at you, sidelong: "-I won't keep you; You look like someone with a *lot* on his mind."

After classes, you're going to...

[ ] Visit the Naginata Club.
[ ] Visit Asuna.
[ ] Find the Thief.
[ ] Visit the Sheol Star Carnival.
[ ] Visit 'that place' in the book.
[ ] Check on Argent Prominence.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

Rolled 2

>>20926588
>[ ] Visit the Naginata Club.

>>20926548

Hmmm. A man who styles himself as a priest, huh? And vanished with a lot of money? Let's see...Which one of the former finalists was religious-themed?

>>20926588

Visit Asuna! It's been way too long.

>>20926558
But would a hacker be willing to work for the Red Joker is what I'm thinking.

>>20926588
[X] Visit Asuna.

We need to bring her the photos and seeing her might be good for our continued mental health. It's not really out of the way so we could probably do other stuff afterwards like visit 'that place'.

>>20926597
Black Cardinal, convenient eh?

>>20926588
I desperately want to find the Thief, but we've played Anon as caring at least as much about what happens in this world as in the red one.

[x] Naginata club for info and then
[x] Asuna.

>>20926588
Uh, all of the above? Shit.

Well, dropping the pics with Asuna shouldn't take long, and even though I'd rather do something else it's in char to ask about Natsumi at the club.

[X] Visit the Naginata Club.
[X] Visit Asuna.

Then

[X] Visit 'that place' in the book.

>>20926609

This is getting overwhelming. I see what Sepid meant by not working alone: It's like we're probing at a conspiracy from the outside, and we can't really trust anyone we know.

>>20926588
Visit Asuna, That Place In The Book

Too many good options

I say
[ ] Visit the Naginata Club.
[ ] Visit Asuna.

then we

[ ] Find the Thief.

and we take him with us to

[ ] Visit 'that place' in the book.

>>20926637
As a wise man in the last thread said, "You say outnumbered, I say target rich environment."

>>20926609
That just seems unfeasible in terms of keeping our identity as little known as possible. And what to we need a hacker for, anyway?

>>20926618
Did we ever get some conclusive piece of evidence that proved it wasn't Akira? I've missed a few threads, but I still maintain he got himself sent to the hospital on purpose.

Anyway, I'm all for finding Natsumi and Kazumi, so [x] Naginata club

>>20926659
Now, I'd like to find the Theif and at the very least we could inform him that the Fatal Abyss is in pieces and maybe find out if Hecate passed on that pommel to him. But how exactly would we find him? That seems like a time consuming endeavor and we're short on time.

>>20926693
Here, expanding my vote.
[x] Visit the Naginata Club, then
[x] Find the Thief and we take him with us to
[x] Visit 'that place' in the book.

We can visit Asuna later.
What did we do with that evil pearl, by the way?

I bet we're missing a great chance to ambush the smilers while they're still reeling from that massacre by not checking out the arcade.

>>20926735
You mean the pommel for Fatal Abyss, the cosmic butter knife that Phantom Edge used? We gave it Hecate and asked her to put it somewhere safe and secure. So, yeah.

Class passes in a blur. You don't even mind - It gives you a chance to rest your aching head, to be alone with your churning thoughts. You feel...worn and frayed, like a thread being pulled. Perhaps it's the effect of so many consecutive combats, or simply the stress of the past few days - But prolonged exposure to the crimson world hasn't left you at your best.

When the bell rings again, you're actually startled. Where did all the time go? Still, as people begin to file out, in the clatter of desks and chairs, you're free to move at last...

> [X] Visit Asuna.

The library first, then. The sports clubs begin practice a little later in the day, and this shouldn't take long...You think.

The glass doors of the library swing open, borne on a gust of climate-controlled air - Surprisingly, there's no-one at the front desk...Which is odd, because this is Asuna's shift.

"Asuna?"

No answer. The place is...pretty much empty, as you'd expect. But then where could she b-

Oh, right. The door to the library's sorting room - Where all the books and magazines and DVDs that haven't been tagged yet are - is faintly ajar, and you can see...

-Asuna's asleep. She's slumbering peacefully at a table, her head pillowed on her arms; Her braids caressing her back, glasses slightly askew...As if she just decided to rest her eyes for a moment. Around her, you can see various writing materials scattered in a vague half-circle on the desk - And plenty of paper with...colored drawings?...stacked to the side.

[ ] Just leave the photos.
[ ] Wait for her to wake up.
[ ] Take a closer look at the drawings.
[ ] Wake her up.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20926761
Losing Hecate has screwed up everything for us.

>>20926693
Two people can keep a secret when one of them is dead. Anon's identity has been deduced by at least six different people in the quest, and Pazuzu's people recognize Anon on sight. At this point we might as well walk around wearing a sign that says "I am the Red Joker, attack me if you think you're hard enough" and we'd probably have fewer encounters.

And the Thief gassing himself would be stupid, there's absolutely no guarantee that s/he would survive much less come out without brain damage. I think we argued about this before though.

>>20926720
Not the guy you're replying to, but assuming the number we had to call him was rerouted to Whatsername's phone when we called before visiting her, we might be able to contact him with it. If she was getting it first and then rerouting it to him, then we'll have to think of something else.

>>20926779
[X] Take a closer look at the drawings.

After we have a look gently try to rouse her, if she is sleeping rather peacefully and doesn't wake up from a few calls of her name and maybe gently rustling her shoulder then wait for her to get up.

>>20926779
I'm not nice enough to not assume that absolutely everything a GM mentions isn't somehow plot relevant. Also, curious! [insert Chitanda picture here]

[x] Take a look at the pictures, then wake her up. We have an appointment with the Naginata Club to check on the status of the other best friend after all, have to try and make this quick.

>>20926779
Oh, why'd you have to make me curious? Now we're going to waste time.

[X] Take a closer look at the drawings.

[X] Take a closer look at the drawings.
Smiley faces, calling it now.

>>20926815
Corollary to the above: unless the pictures give us reason to suspect involvement in the game/her being the Thief. Then we talk.

>>20926840
Chances are, if the stuff is Game-related, it's leaking into the dreamspace or some shit.

File: 1348984810160.jpg-(122 KB, 799x356, jokerfight.jpg)

>>20926787

(The phone was a cheap, disposable one - And apparently wrecked when Reiko dropped it.)

> [X] Take a closer look at the drawings.

She's sleeping *really* soundly ~ There's a little smile on her face, as you draw close - Shifting slightly, as if sensing your approach. The worn stub of a pencil clinks against the desk, as you shuffle through the drawings...

They're actually pretty well done. It reminds you a children's book...Done in a slightly sketchy hand, as if she's drawing from memory- But the bold colors really leap out at you, as are the designs, which seem...

-Familiar-

Your breath catches in your throat.

It's a story.

Once upon a time, a young squire wanders far from home, and into the Wicked Forest. (Sketched in red pencil and sloping black, the squire a simple silhouette in grey.)

The Forest was under a powerful enchantment, which had lasted since the beginning of the world: When night fell, it would last a hundred years to those inside.

Lost and afraid, the grey squire stumbles through the endless night, pursued by the wicked spirits that lived within the depths. He would have wandered forward, until...

-Until he met the Red Knight.

The Red Knight was old, and nearly blind; It was his duty to guard a cave that sealed a great evil. It was a pit that lead to the worst place in the world, and he had to be forever vigilant...Because though he'd defeated it once, it could never truly die.

And it if escaped, it would be the end of all things.

(Continued.)

>>20926934
Okay, I think it's time for the nicest gentlest interrogation the world has ever seen. She knows things, she may see it in a metaphor, but she knows our story. We need to find out how she knows and if possible what happens next.

>>20926934
Aha, so that's how Anon became Red Joker. Now the question is, how does Asuna know our story? Guess we're staying for the Q&A session after the show after all.

>>20926971
>>20926972
*spittakes* I've never seen consecutive posts in a thread before.

>>20926986
It happens occasionally. And the best part is how we said very similar things.

Are you sure you aren't me?

>>20927003
I'm a name friend, you're obviously my doppleganger. Except... you went FIRST.

WHOSE EYES ARE THOSE EYES.

File: 1348985448759.jpg-(1.36 MB, 1700x1200, jokeredcartoon.jpg)

He had been standing guard for seven thousand years, when the squire found him. "Entering the Forest is easy," the Red Knight said; "-But leaving is hard. The only way out is through the Path of Thorns, where all the evils of the Wood lurk. If you go alone, you will surely die."

But he didn't have the heart to turn the squire away, so he agreed to help him escape.

The path was long, and harsh; Thorns cut the Red Knight and drew his blood, as he burnt his way through. Eventually, he could take no more - And fell to the ground, dying.

"All that I am has been ended," the Red Knight told the squire. "Take up my sword, and cut out my heart to light your way. If I must die (and all men must, in time) - I would die knowing at least save one person."

The squire took up his sword, and cut out the Knight's heart - His way lit by the glow, he fought his way through the Forest; A battle that lasted a hundred years, and a single night. More than once, he nearly despaired...But he never gave up.

At long last, the trees parted, and he strode out into the first rays of a new dawn...

-To find that he, too, was now red.

...Your hands are shaking, as you turn the very last page.

[ ] "That...That's not how it *happened*. It didn't happen like that."
[ ] "H - how? How did she *know*?"
[ ] "Oh my God."

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20927077
How did she know

>>20927077
[X] "H - how? How did she *know*?"

Stay calm, there has to be a reasonable explanation for this. We'll just ask and it'll all make sense.

>>20927077
Akame ga Kiru, nice choice

[x] Free. "Asuna. Where did you learn my story?"

>>20927077

Wow.

Wow, if you told a story like that to kids, you'd give them nightmares.

>>20927110
Fairy tales were made to scare children.

>>20927110
Have you read any old unfiltered fairy tales? Because those can get rather damn grim. Like sticking people in a barrel full of spikes and rolling them down a hill into a river.

>>20927107
Let's get what we can out of her without revealing that it's us. She hasn't shown any sign of being involved with the game, aside from this oddity, and I'd like to know her source before we let this slip.

>>20927077
[X] "That...That's not how it *happened*. It didn't happen like that."

>>20927110
What are you talking about, all the good fairy tales have blood in them. They were memetic morals, after all: "Don't talk to strangers," "Don't go outside after dark," "Think before you act." The happy endings were added on in the past hundred years, with Disney and the advent of child psychology (and its many misinterpretations), and marketing.

>>20927158
We can act as if it's a story we came up with, with a few differences. I think >>20926924
called it though.

>>20927077
It's an odd interpretation. From other reminiscences we've had regarding how we became the Red Joker it seemed like we preformed a mercy kill after he'd already been fucked up.

>>20927077
[X] "H - how? How did she *know*?"

>>20927158
What if the source is the old joker's memory.

> [X] "H - how? How did she *know*?"

How indeed.

Sometimes, in the darkest hours of the night, you're back *there* - Your own private hell. You remember his last blood-flecked breath, the twist of the dagger...

-And then rising, to see the endless horde on all sides. The chugging blast of the Vulcan - The roar of flame from the blocky Triskelion launcher-

...Taking the long road, to dawn.

"...Know what?" a soft, muzzy voice asks - Asuna's sitting up, rubbing at her eyes...Adjusting her snug sweater, as she blinks at you, still drowsy. "Mmmm...Anon-kun? Why are you..."

Her face goes red, and she *squeaks* as she sees what you're doing - Embarassed, her cheeks flaming, Asuna sweeps the rest of the papers together, tugging the last one out of your hands as she clasps them to her chest.

A beat.

"Did...did you *read* it?" she asks, in a little whisper.

> [x] Free. "Asuna. Where did you learn my story?"

"Your...?" Asuna falters, momentarily confused ~ Drawing the papers a little closer to herself, fussing with them. "-It's not...It's not finished yet ~ I didn't want anyone to read it..."

[ ] "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."
[ ] "It's a really good story, though."
[ ] "...It's actually a bit familiar to me."
[ ] "So, what happens to the squire?"
[ ] "...What happens to the place the Red Knight was guarding?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

File: 1348986403549.jpg-(39 KB, 640x480, jokermelee.jpg)

>>20927242

(Forgot my pic.)

>>20927242
[X] "...It's actually a bit familiar to me."
[X] "...What happens to the place the Red Knight was guarding?"

[X] "So, what happens to the squire?"
[X] "...What happens to the place the Red Knight was guarding?"

>>20927242
[x] Free: "Not finished yet? Looks like the first book. Or maybe the prologue. Or a flashback sequence, hah." (pause) "Sorry, didn't mean to sound bitter. Or read it when you weren't ready to show it to anyone. It just feels so... familiar, I guess? I think I can tell you how it ends though. The Squire takes up the knight's weapon and fights his predecessor's battle, forever. And the evil... well. Truly if there is any evil in the world it lurks in the hearts of men.

"Sorry, I've had a really rough week. How have you been? It feels like months since we talked."

>>20927319
I like this one.

>>20927242
"It feels somewhat familiar. Where did you get the inspiration for it?"

>>20927319
Yeah this one is good.

>>20927377
Wish I could take credit for the "hearts of men" quote, but the SNES version of Tales of Phantasia is the source. DeJap's translation is excellent.

File: 1348987718451.jpg-(149 KB, 714x1024, asuna3.jpg)

> [X] "...It's actually a bit familiar to me."

"It is...?" Asuna still sounds slightly muzzy...Her liquid brown eyes blinking, slowly. Her defensive posture relaxes, slightly - "Oh...It was this dream I had - I've been having such strange ones, recently..."

She shakes her head, her voice clearing - Adjusting her glasses so they sit just right.

>>20927319

"No, it's all right...I was just a little surprised, is all." Asuna's voice trails off, with a shy little smile. "-I like that, I think."

> "Sorry, I've had a really rough week. How have you been? It feels like months since we talked."

"Almost three weeks," Asuna corrects, and goes red again, biting her lip a moment too late to catch herself." Then, softly: "-But it's good to see you again, Anon-kun."

She glances back over her shoulder - "...I've been fine; Nothing really changes, here." A touch of concern enters her voice - "...But you look tired, Anon-kun. As if you haven't slept in a while..."

> [X] "So, what happens to the squire?"

"Oh, him? Like you said - *He* goes on to be the greatest knight he can be...Protecting the weak, defending the innocent ~ Banishing evil where he finds it."

(Continued.)

Momentary self-conscious, Asuna looks back down at the table. "...At least, that's what I think he does..." she says, in a softer voice; Her slim fingers tracing against the smooth surface. "-That's the kind of ending I like..."

> [X] "...What happens to the place the Red Knight was guarding?"

Silence. A moment passes, then another.

"Ummmm..." Asuna says, at length. "...I, actually didn't think about that part..." She looks up. "I guess...That's a bad thing, right? M-maybe I should change it..."

[ ] "It's fine the way it is."
[ ] "You probably should ~ It's a little strange, otherwise."
[ ] "-I'll wait for you to finish it, then."
[ ] "...So it's only a tragedy for the Red Knight, huh. For the squire, it's a happy ending."
[ ] "Is this a personal project, or...?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>20927480
I like the story it's very, well archaic in a way but a good way. It almost sounds like it wasn't the only story to be told though, did you have any ideas for others?

>>20927480
[x] Free: "Leave it. You need to save something for the sequel, after all. It'll drive the readers nuts. And honestly, the squire probably doesn't think about what leaving that place unguarded means until things have gone to far to contain them again."

>>20927480
"It's a good story as it is, there are times you should and shouldn't meddle with them. It's nice to have a happy ending when they're so rare in real life.

What else have you dreamt about recently? Any other stories like this or perhaps a continuation?"

Could we put >>20927523
first and then either >>20927512 or >>20927542
after?

>>20927473
I just realized, even MORE Tony Taka? The only way you could make me happier would be posting Raita, and anything by him that isn't Valkyria Chronicles would probably get you banned.

>>20927523

"You're right," Asuna muses aloud. "-He's probably...He's just so happy to be alive..."

>>20927512
>>20927542

"Y-you think so?" the color in her cheeks lingers, for a bit longer ~ She looks shy but pleased, glancing away from you in a rather self-conscious gesture.

"There's - I *am* writing one more story, for the school play...It's about a boy, and a girl no-one else could see - B, but I'm not done with that yet," Asuna hastily adds.

Rather more quietly: "...It's a love story, so..."

She gives her head a little shake, to clear it - Her gaze focusing on you. "-I didn't think you'd be coming today, Anon-kun; Was there something?"

[ ] "Akira told me to pass some photos to you."
[ ] "I just felt like visiting."
[ ] "...I was meaning to ask about that book, 'The Myth of the City'..."
[ ] "...Actually, I wanted to volunteer to help with the play."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>20927077

So it's told in metaphor, possibly because Asuna doesn't grasp it? We killed the Red Joker to 'take up his sword', but her take on it might just be poetic expression.

>>20927605

[X] Free.
Well, Akira was telling me about the play and I realized I hadn't seen you in a while. Oh, that reminds me, he also wanted me to deliver some photos to you.

>>20927605
"Well, officially I'm here to pass on some photos from Akira, but honestly that was an excuse to come down here and visit.

Also, I heard that the play could use some extra hands, would you mind if I volunteered? Though I'd prefer to stay off stage if possible."

>>20927605
>"You're right," Asuna muses aloud. "-He's probably...He's just so happy to be alive..."
[x] Free: That comes later. In the immediate aftermath he's too broken up about killing the knight and what taking his place means. But eventually, yes, he's happy. For a while.

"I came to drop off some photos, and to volunteer for the play. Are you actually going to put your play on stage? I'd love to be behind the curtains for that one. It sounds so familiar, like I dream I had, before the Nara Dreamland--ah."

One of my friends had a crazy thought, that Hecate was someone's player avatar that they never logged out of. These dreams seem incredibly relevant to that. Not Hecate, but someone tapped into the game, somehow?

>>20927666
>>20927605
>It's about a boy, and a girl no-one else could see
>Rather more quietly: "...It's a love story, so..."


I wonder if it's arrogant of me to think that has something to do with us asking her out.

>>20927706
That line screams Hecate, though Asuna might collate herself with the figure in her dreams. I think we might want to do some investigation into these dreams. Might lead to Joker's Memory, or something.

>>20927706
It probably has something to do with Hecate honestly.

>>20927605
"Is this one also based on a dream you had?

Could you tell me a bit more about the girl no one could see?"

Fack. So much interesting but potentially useless information making us waste time.

> [X] "Well, officially I'm here to pass on some photos from Akira, but honestly that was an excuse to come down here and visit.

"Ah, really~?" Asuna lights up, at your words ~ Before she visibly composes herself, aware that she's sounding a little *too* keen. She clears her throat, softly - "I, I mean...Thanks for that." From her smile, you can tell she doesn't just mean the photos.

She receives the envelope gratefully, setting it down on the table; "-That's really nice of you...The deadline's coming up, and getting the photos early - It'd help a lot."

> [X] "...Actually, I wanted to volunteer to help with the play."
> [X] "Also, I heard that the play could use some extra hands, would you mind if I volunteered? Though I'd prefer to stay off stage if possible."

"You would~?" she sounds surprised, then nods - "...N, no, don't worry - We already have a full cast...We'll just need some people to make sure the props are in place, clear the stage - That kind of thing."

A thoughtful expression flits across her face, for a moment ~ "-There's been a lot of volunteers...Most of them boys. They're *really* eager - It's actually a little scary."

> I think we might want to do some investigation into these dreams.
> Could you tell me a bit more about the girl no one could see?"

"...My dreams?" Asuna looks a little sheepish, absently brushing her back back. "-It's...Well, I haven't written it *all* down yet, but..."

She draws a slow breath.

"It's about this boy - A young man - who falls for a girl normal people can't see. S, so he asks a witch for help, and she tells him...If he can bring her two magic gems, the Eyes of Night, he'll be able to, well..."

(Continued.)

The red flush is back, creeping along her pale skin. "-touch her at last, you see?"

"...The witch gives the boy a flying ship, and tells him to travel across the red sea - To the island where he can find the other Eye. But the power, the *freedom* to go anywhere...It's too much for him."

Asuna looks down. "-He forgets about the girl. Maybe...Maybe in the end, she becomes invisible to him, too..."

[ ] "...Is that the ending?"
[ ] "I think the audiences might prefer a happy ending."
[ ] "...So what happens to the girl?"
[ ] "And the witch?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20927851
Yeah, that's totally Hecate. I miss her, maybe we'll be able to bring her back, maybe we can save her, atone for our failure.

Well we have one of the Eyes of Night, we just need to kill the living fuck out of Pazzy to get the other. Though we should kill him on principle even if the Nihl Spheres weren't involved.

>>20927879

Holy shit. Girl's got some darkness in her.

That is one hell of a miserable story.

>>20927851
>>20927879
Now that's interesting, it's about Pazuzu. Or maybe the original owner of the Spheres, though we still haven't confirmed their role.

[x] Free: "Is that set in the same world as your other dream? It's interesting that the color red is so important in both. The girl and the witch though, those could be interesting. Can the witch see the girl? Where did they come from, and what happened to them?"

>>20927879
I'm actually starting to think that the witch is Hecate, not the girl.

"What happens to the girl and the witch? It seems like a raw deal for the both of them, the girl loses the man who can see her and the witch doesn't get her eye.

I wonder if the boy ever remembers the girl or if he's changed so much by his travels that he can never make his way back to her."

>>20927879
[X] Free
That's really... I thought you liked happy endings? That's tragic.

>>20927956
I wonder if the ship is a metaphor or if the arcade is actually where an actual ship is currently docked?

>>20928000
The ship might be a Relic that's why Pazuzu flies.

> "Is that set in the same world as your other dream? It's interesting that the color red is so important in both."

"...It is?" Realization flits across Asuna's face. "-You're right...I don't know why, but - All my dreams are in red."

She laughs it off, sounding embarassed - But she looks thoughtful, now. "...I wonder why?"

> "Can the witch see the girl? Where did they come from, and what happened to them?"

"She can - That's how she know what the boy wants. As to where they come from..." Her brow furrows, briefly. "-I don't know," Asuna confesses. "It's a fantasy story, after all..."

> "What happens to the girl and the witch? It seems like a raw deal for the both of them, the girl loses the man who can see her and the witch doesn't get her eye."

"-Well. The witch is *angry*. She tries to take the ship back, but she can't; The boy has become one with it, and the great power it holds."

"And so she seals the ship away...With a spell that will last forever, until the day both Eyes are found. Only *then* will the curse be undone...And only then will he be freed."

A soft sigh parts Asuna's lips. "As for the girl...She waits, for the longest time - For the day she meets someone else who can see her."

> [X] That's really... I thought you liked happy endings? That's tragic.

"...A, again, I'm probably not going to write *that* for the play ~ I'm still working on the ending, but it's hard." She looks away. "-That's why it's not finished yet."

[ ] "Trapped like that forever...It could drive someone insane."
[ ] "I see what you mean."
[ ] "...Nobody gets what they want, huh."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20928000
Unlikely. Sheol is like Hades, the name of a place where the dead go...

...

Where the dead go to rest.

Hecate's in Sheol. Probably turned into a shade at this point, but I'd be surprised to be wrong. Either way, we're cutting this conversation short, running to the Naginata club and then going to murder some more scrubs in hell.

>>20928052

Oh, I get it.

So the Eyes are needed to free the SHIP, not the girl.

>>20928052
[X] "I see what you mean."

"Maybe the girl who no one sees sets out on her own, decides to take fate into her own hands."

>>20928052
I wonder if the witch is the Chalice Queen?

[X] Free.
Maybe the Red Knight could save her in the end? Or maybe not, some stories are meant to have sad endings.

>>20928079

Wait, what?

>>20928052
[x] Free: "Has anyone told you that you see very well? You're answering questions I didn't know I had. As for the ending... well, the story's probably not over yet. Don't force it, it would be a disaster if you tried to write the ending and got it wrong. Write down what you can and wait for the rest of the story to come to you. It's not good writing advice, but I think in this situation it's the right thing to do.

"Sorry to say all that and run, but I need to talk with the Naginata club about a missing friend. We should meet again soon to catch up. You're usually here after class, right?"

Guys, as informative as this has been, we really do need to make a few more stops and we don't have a lot of time.

>>20928113

You're missing the important part of the story: It's not the girl that matters, IT'S THE SHIP. Anyone who finds both eyes can free the ship and the pilot, who is very likely pissed off by his long imprisonment.

>>20928130
You know what that reminds me of? Alecto. Maybe Argent has some things he'd like to tell us about that.

Oh, and the Thief too.

File: 1348992768674.jpg-(225 KB, 895x510, naginata_2.jpg)

>>20928097
>>20928106
>>20928121

"Maybe ~ It's a story, after all. *Anything* can happen...While I think about the ending." Asuna favors you with a sweet smile - "...I'm not sure what you mean, but...If it helps, that makes me happy."

> "Sorry to say all that and run, but I need to talk with the Naginata club about a missing friend. We should meet again soon to catch up. You're usually here after class, right?"

"Mmm-hmmm." she nods; "-I'll look forward to next time, Anon-kun."

You make your excuses, and withdraw from the library; That was...*something*, all right. You're not sure *what* or how, but...It's enough to make your gut clench with worry.

The red world, pressing closer by the day.


******************

The Girl's Naginata Club - Or, more precisely, the Kendo *and* Naginata Club (Though they're split down different lines, they've been lumped together for bookeeping purposes) - is a large indoor hall, with wooden planks underfoot and the faint smell of sandalwood. Practice is in full swing by the time you arrive...The *clack* of wood-on-wood, the motions of people in full gear - And, of course, the occassional curious glance thrown your way.

"...Natsumi-chan?"

You're talking to Keiko, one of Natsumi's friends - A girl you really only know secondhand. She's a tall girl with alert eyes and black hair - drawn back in a neat ponytail, her full-faced helmet tucked under one arm.

(Continued.)

"-Funny, you're not the first one to ask that," she says, thoughtfully. "Kazu-kun was in here yesterday, asking about her...But we haven't seen her since last week." Rather more softly: "...Come to think of it - We haven't seen her around, much - she's missed quite a few sessions...Which is strange, given how she's usually so conscientious..."

Keiko's voice trails off.

"Anon-kun, is she in...Some kind of trouble, or something?"

[ ] "Maybe."
[ ] "-I don't think so."
[ ] "I'm just concerned about her; I was hoping you'd know more."
[ ] "...So she hasn't been attending practice recently?"
[ ] "Did Kazu-kun...I mean, did *Kazuya* say where he was going?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20928152

Does the Thief have this as his theme?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG1AS2EUzyY

>>20928227
I don't think so but I've not heard from her so I'm a bit antsy.
did Kazu say where he was going?

[X] "...So she hasn't been attending practice recently?"
[X] "Did Kazu-kun...I mean, did *Kazuya* say where he was going?"

>>20928227
[x] Free: "Not that I know, but the last time I went so long without seeing her and Kazuya was when we all caught chicken pox one after another. I'm worried about her. And Kazuya too, but he's an idiot and Buddha loves those types. Could you let me know if she gets in touch? And I suppose I'd better chase Kazuya down."

>>20928243
I think it was determined that his theme was Joker and The Thief by Wolfmother. Which is surprising, since All Along The Watchtower (nBSG) encapsulates their relationship much better.

>>20926637

It's rather interesting, I feel. In most anime, the main character has a revolving cast of hanger-ons. Here, the Red Joker doesn't actually NEED anyone's help (Because he's so deadly in the red world), but it's putting a lot of pressure on him.

> [X] I don't think so but I've not heard from her so I'm a bit antsy.
> [X] "...So she hasn't been attending practice recently?"

"She *has*, but...She's been keeping up more-or-less the minimum attendance, I'd say." Keiko frowns, thoughtfully ~ "...It's odd - We haven't seen her much, but...Each time we do, she's improved quite a bit. Either she's practicing on her own, or she's just *that* gifted."

> [X] "Did Kazu-kun...I mean, did *Kazuya* say where he was going?"

"No, he left really quickly...He looked worried, but he didn't say anything except 'goodbye'."

> [x] Free: "Not that I know, but the last time I went so long without seeing her and Kazuya was when we all caught chicken pox one after another. I'm worried about her. And Kazuya too, but he's an idiot and Buddha loves those types. Could you let me know if she gets in touch? And I suppose I'd better chase Kazuya down."

"Really~?" You see a glint of amusement in Keiko's eyes, as she shifts her helmet to her other hip. "-Ah, Natsumi's really lucky, to have *both* of you looking after her...There's no need to make *that* face, it's just a joke."

Someone calls Keiko from behind, and she turns - "One moment!" - before speaking with you again. "I'll let you know if we hear anything, Anon; I'm worried about her, too."

She sketches a quick bow, and walks back to practice, donning her facemask once more.

That seems to be that. They don't seem to have any idea where she might *be*, unfortunately.

[ ] Find the Thief.
[ ] Look for Kazuya.
[ ] Go to 'that place' in the book.
[ ] Go to SHEOL STAR CARNIVAL.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20928130
You know, this might be about the Black Joker and Pazuzu, not us... Its pretty much a classic sealed evil in a ship story.

>>20928355
...She's hunting the Smilers. I think we ought to put out some feelers for the Thief and head to "that place"'s coordinates.

Would it be possible to shoot Akira a quick text? I'm curious as to whether the Smilers have been targeting the same electronic stores or different ones every time. Would give us a leg up on catching one alive.

>>20928355
The longer this goes on the more I feel like we keep making bad choices.

[X] Find the Thief.
[X] Go to 'that place' in the book.

If we find the Thief we should be able to get him to come with us to "that place" by mentioning that Hecate MAY have secreted part of the Fatal Abyss there.

Also, doesn't Kaz have a cell phone we can call him on?

>>20928355
Look for Kazuya. He needs our help with Natsumi. And if we find Natsumi... Well, lets say Chrome Cypher would be great back up for assaulting Hell...

>>20928355
We can't keep putting off The Thief but.... We should find Kazuya.

>>20928388
Of course we're making bad decisions. We're in a quest thread, after all.

>>20928387
See, it's that specific idea that makes me want to run to the arcade in case not doing so will get her killed.

>>20928355

>[x] Find the Thief.
>[x] Go to 'that place' in the book.

>>20928392
Bardiel was able to track places Hecate had been. If we wait too long to check it out there's a good chance it'll have been raided by smilers by the time we get there.

> [X] Go to 'that place' in the book.

And call Kazuya. I want to know how we know where that place is.

File: 1348994503447.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 26 KB, 500x281)

>>20927879
>"...The witch gives the boy a flying ship, and tells him to travel across the red sea - To the island where he can find the other Eye. But the power, the *freedom* to go anywhere...It's too much for him."

Asuna looks down. "-He forgets about the girl. Maybe...Maybe in the end, she becomes invisible to him, too..."

I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE OP

> [X] Look for Kazuya.

You don't know where Kazuya is, today - Still, modern technology can work miracles. As you walk, you punch in the numbers on your handphone, and call him...

The phone rings, and keeps ringing.

There's a click, on the other side of the line.

> "Hello, this is Kazuya - If you're hearing this, I'm at work; Leave a message, and I'll call back as soon as possible."

Well. That's a bit of a relief, then. Usually, Kazuya just leaves his phone off when he doesn't want to be disturbed...It looks like he really *is* busy, then.

Given what happened with Argent Prominence, you can't help but wince, imagining how confusing things must be on the other side. He has his hands full, that's for sure...One small mystery solved, though it looks like you're not going to be able to speak with him anytime soon.

> [X] Go to 'that place' in the book.

You haven't been able to make sense of the book. The cramped, close-in writing is...It's senseless, to you. The meaning eludes you - Might as well be reading about ones and zeros.

You spent a fruitless night trying to make sense of it, before you gave up. There was no sense or order to them - No commonality that would even give you a *clue* where to begin.

The numbers, though - They made slightly more sense. You were skating around it, because you didn't *want* it to be true, not at first...But after racking your mind, given how perfectly it synched up - There was only one possibility.

As you expected, they're coordianates.

They mark the very worst place in the world.

(Continued.)

It's the place where you pulled yourself out of the lightless pit of oblivion - To emerge, blinking, beneath red and bloody skies. The place where bleak tunnels criss-cross and overlap, again and again, in lightless, labyrinth depths.

Where, as a wise writer once said:

> "Great holes secretly are digged where earth's pores ought to suffice, and things have learnt to walk that ought to crawl."

...What could Hecate possibly have wanted with a place like that? Of all places...That's the one you've tried to avoid.

[ ] Go there.
[ ] Go to SHEOL STAR CARNIVAL.
[ ] Find the Thief.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20928532
This feels like a DMs "are you sure?"

I hate those.

Fuck let's just raid the carnival

>>20928532
Go There
Find The Thief

>>20928532

> Go there.

We got out the first time, how bad can it be?

Rolled 18

>>20928532
Fuck it. It seems to be a place where no one really wants to go. Stands to reason its a good place to hide something important.

Go there.

>>20928532
Find the Thief, then go there. If this place is bad juju for Anon we try not to go there alone. If Natsumi vanished, we fall back on The Thief. If we can't find him, or decide he's untrustworthy, we go alone. As usual. We have the Sphere?

>>20928569
Because Old Joker died for our sins we did. I wonder if Hecate isn't using that place as STORAGE. We might find that accursed sword after all.

>>20928532
[X] Go there.

As I walk through the valley of death I shall fear nor evil for I am the baddest motherfucker in this valley. Let those who wish come to witness the folly of challenging the Red Joker.

>>20928595
Except for the part where we're not quite as badass as we used to be because we're missing a couple relics.

> Go there.

A funny thing: It's not *that* far from your house. To your reckoning, at least - It's a brief train ride away, but that's still too close for you.

The area, such as it is, is the decaying industrial zone of the city. All the outdated factories and warehouses are there - A shambling zombie district, that's become the haunts of gangs and lowlifes, of the desperate and the reckless. It's not a pleasant place to be, is what you're saying - Generally, it's not safe before the fall of night, let alone after it.

In the Red World, it's infinitely more terrible.

In the Red World, it's a pit - A yawning chasm, spiderwebbing fissures out into the slumbering city around it, like a tumor or a plague - stitched together by spires of stone.

Argent Prominence may have named them 'Correctors', but you know better - That place is their *hive*. It is, you believe, where all the demons come from.

(Continued.)

>>20928629
>That place is their *hive*. It is, you believe, where all the demons come from.
This RIGHT HERE is why we need BACKUP. One does not simply walk into an Insect Spirit hive without backup or an Ares Firewatch team.
Going to duck and cover, this can only end poorly.

And oh, Joker. The sights you've *seen*.

> The nethermost caverns are not for the fathoming of eyes that see; for their marvels are strange and terrific. Cursed the ground where dead thoughts live new and oddly bodied, and evil the mind that is held by no head.
> For it is of old rumour that the soul of the devil-bought hastes not from his charnel clay, but fats and instructs the very worm that gnaws; till out of corruption horrid life springs, and the dull scavengers of earth wax crafty to vex it and swell monstrous to plague it.

Such are your thoughts, as the train rumbles along to its destination. The car's nearly always empty, en route to this station - If you looked out through the window, in the red world, you'd see the train passing directly over one of the fissures, which opens to...

-Horror.

You don't like accessing the crimson world, from here.

The train station, though - That's slightly safer. That's where the cyclopean city still holds its grasp against the encroaching pit and the charnel legions.

If you want to reach the coordinates laid down in the book...It's far in. Further in than you'd usually go. The only question is, will you:

[ ] Travel through the red world.
[ ] Walk there, in the real.

Neither option appeals to you, frankly. The red world is a sinister place, here - But at least you'd see where you're going. In the real, you might find yourself in a place carved out of nightmare, when you make the transition...Though you'd get *closer*, without having to avoid the fiends that prowl the borders.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20928654
Like I said, that previous post was totally an "are you sure"

>>20928667
Do we have our knife?

>>20928667
Hmm.... Real world. Sounds like Joker's been here before, he might get lucky.

>>20928667
[X] Walk there, in the real.

Let's take a walk. Get as close as we can and not have to deal with the border patrol.

>>20928667
Well, we have a better chance of handling our self in the Red if something attacks.
[X] Travel through the red world.

>>20928667

[X] Travel through the red world.

>>20928667
Try the real World. We have experience with getting attacked as soon as we transition.

File: 1348997019994.jpg-(385 KB, 1920x1200, jokerhallwayfracture.jpg)

>>20928684
>>20928689

You alight.

The subway is nearly empty, and poorly kept - The lights flicker at fitful intervals, and there's an alarming *bzzzttt* as the machines swallow your ticket...The doors opening with a fading groan.

You're tense, of course - In your mind's-eye, you can see how the two places overlap, but it's not an exact science. Six years ago, you reeled down leprous tunnels, blasted down walls of flesh, waded knee-deep through rippling fluids that formed little claws, scratching at you, trying to claw you down...

-Six years, or a hundred? You can't be sure.

Here, though - Here isn't so bad. 'Here' is a place you saw only briefly, on your way *out*. It's a spit of land surrounding the great pit - Bordering one of the lesser fissures.

Further in, it's downward all the way.

[ ] Take the circuitous, but unfamiliar route.
[ ] Take the direct, but familiar route.
[ ] Stay on the border.

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

>>20928741
[X] Take the direct, but familiar route.

Let's stick to where we know, walk the same path.

>>20928741
Without enough information about the advantages/disadvantages about the options the only one to choose is the direct.

>>20928741
Is there something we know is unsafe about the direct real world route that we might bypass with the circuitous route? I don't understand why we'd think of using and unfamiliar path

>>20928785
or sit at the border for that matter. Am I missing something?

This is the funny part: You have to go up, to go down. The subway's one of the last areas of open land, before the great chasms - Every step you take, beneath the late afternoon sun, is another into a deep and forbidding darkness.

It's surprisingly easy to retrace your steps, even in the open light of day - The place hasn't changed *that* much, with corroded buildings looming on all every side, the road cracked and stained. Graffiti zig-zags across the bleak grey walls, as you move along...

While you hear the occasional noise coming from side-streets and alleys, the few people you meet are generally headed back the way you came. And - You didn't think you'd have to go *this* far in. Your throat goes dry with each step you take; This path, in the red world, is along a winding passage that opens up to an arching span of land that crosses one of the smaller chasms, where it connects to the network of grey walkways that criss-cross the great divide.

From *that* point onwards, it's a straight drop. A drop *all* the way down.

You've been waiting for the other shoe to drop for *so long*, that when it does, you're almost relieved.

(Continued.)

The red world shimmers into being around you - The walls of reality are particularly thin, here, and the transition is almost disturbingly easily. You make out a massive, violent blur of motion before you, and you stumble back - Registering only *now* that your feet are sheathed in crimson steel...

You're standing on a narrow strip of pitted black stone, like worn obsidian - So *black* you can barely differentiate it from the eternal darkness below. There's the frantic surrusation of wings, chittering squeals that echo in your ears...Loud enough to make you reel back, clutching at your skull as you nearly crumple to one knee.

A horde of...hybrid *things*, with membranous wings, and vile, blind faces that remind you of lampreys, or moles...boils up into the red sky, in a swirling cloud - They're *all* around you, like bats fleeing a cave with the coming of night.

Something thumps onto the bridge next to you - A small thing, flapping dripping wings...with tendrils of articulated bone, and nothing but a hundred blinking eyes for a face. Crippled, it chitters (About the size of doubled fists) - As all around, the rest of the unholy swarm skews up and away into the crimson sky.

> HP: 130%
> METER: 5%
> COBALT BOOSTER: 100%

YOU HAVE CONTROL.

Rolled 16 + 4

>>20928913
Uhm, dont shoot yet, it seems they arent attacking us, arent they? Keep a close overwatch of the sky and our surroundings, if something attacks, give it hell with the vulcans. Otherwise move towards our destination as fast as possible.

>>20928913
Non hostile? Ignore.

Orient our self and continue deeper. And we better watch our step, no scrander to save our ass if we fall.

>>20928913
Are they actually taking hostile action or are they just there? This is their home after all so them being here is no surprise. If they leave you be the least we can do is show them the same courtesty. Continue on our way.

Still if they make one wrong move atomise them.

>>20928913
Wow, there's a swarm of them. If they're not hostile ignore them, even though we'll win they'll cause some damage. If they show any hostile intent open up with the vulcans, let loose the 3 interceptors and launch volleys of missiles.

>>20928913

Focus on getting to our destination. It would be absolutely stupid to battle here but we should retaliate if attacked.

>>20928913
Wait, the horde are blind and lamprey like but the thing beside us has a hundred eyes? What's above us?

>>20928954
Why do you people always insist on using the interceptors? Running them costs us meter.

You stay where are you, as the larval swarm boils away from you - The straggler still chittering plaintively, as you leave it behind. The onyx pathway you're on is a narrow one - It takes your full concentration not to plunge over it, resisting the urge to go hand-over-hand as you cross over a granite island, like a natural outcropping of diseased grey stone.

That was...*very* lucky. You might have overestimated your sense of direction - You don't recall this place, not exactly...But with solid ground beneath your feet, you feel *infinitely* more secure. Part of the criss-crossing network of rock pathways, your new platform isn't an overly large one - It leads off into the confused tangled of paths, ever-descending, winding down towards the endless depths.

And...

-That can't be right. You look again, make an estimate...

The coordinates lead *down there*. All the way down, into the black heart of the pit. There's no mistaking it - The *easiest* way to get there would be step out into abyss, and fall forever.

But why...?

Behind you, you hear the remaining abdomination still piping, making shrill, urgent noises as it gnashes its mouthparts - As if trying to summon back the rest of the departed flock. You really wish it would *shut up*-

(Continued.)

>>20928974
They're extremely useful. They can get in close while we prefer not to, play defense and intercept any attackers, hit weakpoints that the enemy prevents us from normally hitting by making sure we don't have a clear shot. They're damn useful.

>>20928996
Now I feel bad for it. Maybe take it with us?

>Ha ha oh gods no.

>>20928998
They have a sustained drain on the meter when we use them. Every time we turn them on there's a visible drop in the amount of meter we regain, and that makes it really hard to unlock new weapon tiers.

Wait until we've at least unlocked tier 1 weapons before you use the interceptors.

>>20928998
I agree. They really deserve an upgrade the next time we get one.

>>20928996
Okay, all right, I'll admit: This one's on my head. If I hadn't said to hand over the Shroud and Scrander, we'd be done with this sidequest by now.

...The ground begins to tremble. Overhead, the sky has gone from red, to a fulminous dark yellow. You hear a rising whine in your ears, as everything *vibrates*...

Oh, you think. The flying Correctors weren't hunting.

They were fleeing.

It comes out of the oceanic darkness, a twisting, scarred length with a flat arrow-shaped head. Horn plates glisten, as the serpent-shape wraps around a rock pillar, rising, writhing up towards you, coils constricting...

Thirty meters out of the dark, barely a third of it's whole length. A bone-armored skull opens to expose overlapping rows of teeth, with translucent fangs as long as spears.

It *calls*, and blasts you with ultrasound - Blitzing you with sound, as the stone underfoot *cracks* with puffs of dust. Acid strings from its maw as it surges forward, forepart raised out of the chasm...

The vast wyrm *hisses*, swinging it's head to the side - Bringing one great eye to focus on you.

> HP: 127%
> METER: 7%
> COBALT BOOSTER: 100%

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 22

TO BE CONTINUED.

>>20928996
The little thing's attracted a predator hasn't it.

>>20929066

(Gentlemen, I'm sorry for the abrupt end - However, it's pretty late here, and we don't have enough time to run through the whole combat...Hence the breakpoint right before the fight starts.

My apologies for the inconvenience - I'll run the next instalment this coming Wednesday or Thursday, if all goes well.

As always, thank you for everything - Good night, and god bless.)

put some distance between it and the Joker, keep moving in order to be a difficult target.
Attack to build meter. We need tier 4 weaponry to end the fight.

>>20929066
We could try and use it's body as a slide snake and ladders style, but I have no idea how we'd get back up.

File: 1348999706506.png-(195 KB, 700x900, tenshi unamused.png)

>>20929066
Well, poop.

I bloody said we should have traveled here via the Red. We could have found a safer route in, and let's face it, pretty much any route would be safer that fighting a giant acid spitting worm while on a flimsy span of rock over a chasm.

Rolled 1

>>20929066
Boot the abominable puppy at it then jump past it.

>>20929082
I think two or three should suffice. Also, Tier 4 would destroy the ground we stand on. Bad idea.

>>20929066

You know, I've been alternately reading Mobile X Destiny and Joker Quest, which is a genuine mindfuck. I also realized that I wouldn't want to be the red joker, if given the chance.

How does anyone stay remotely sane and functional after all the shit he's seen? A hundred years in hell would turn anyone's find to mush, if the story is right.

>>20929261

Maybe that explains why we're so powerful. We did some serious level grinding when we were down there.

>>20929066
Well, we need some more meter. I think some Cobalt Boosted Longinus and Fusion Annihilator shots are just what we need.

I wish we still had our handy dandy jetpack.

>>20929499
But we can't cobalt boost longinus

>>20931378
We technically can, though it'd just be rather pointless.

I'm gonna predict Asuna is Hecate's successor and eventually we'll need to give her the nihl sphere.