File: 1355891551439.jpg-(33 KB, 480x360, 000336.jpg)

Outside, the snow drifts down, as soft and silent as memory. Already, it lies thick on the grass, weighing down the branches of the trees, dusting the school in powdery white. The first snow of the year: Earlier than ever before, a cold front that engulfed the city seemingly overnight.

There's a chill snap in the air, a bracing bite of frost, enough to make your breath smoke - The cold just on the edge of biting, enough that it's a genuine struggle to stay awake.

...It's quiet, today. Quieter than you expected, without Akira around - You've kept the events of last night to yourself, but his absence is a palpable one. The others don't seem to notice, as much - A few questions, a vague curiosity at the empty desk...But nothing more. Not for a few days, yet.

The lunch bell chimes, with its brittle electronic buzzing; Desks clattering, as the class bestirs itself, to file out for recess. Even the sound of their footsteps sounds more muted than usual - Or maybe, it's just the cold. Kazuya certainly seems to be feeling it - He's been wearing a thick jumper for most of the day, the surrusation of the rough, scratchy wool driving you to distraction.

At some point in the last period, he must've dozed off entirely - He's face-down on the table, snoring, making you wonder *how*, exactly, he wasn't noticed. Even Natsumi seems to be wilting under the cold; Still, when the bell rings, she straightens adroitly enough - Though not without glancing over at you, an oddly significant look, as she makes for the door.

You...

[ ] Go visit Asuna.
[ ] Wake Kazuya up.
[ ] Follow Natsumi.
[ ] Go to the roof.
[ ] Skip class.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22110729

> [X] Follow Natsumi.

Good thing kazuma's asleep.

>>22110729
[X] Follow Natsumi.

She probably wants to talk about something important. May as well see what it is.

>>22110729

Well then. The *Look*. Oh boy. What did we do this time.

Follow her.

File: 1355892121202.jpg-(41 KB, 640x480, kazuma-alter.jpg)

>>22110789
>>22110789

>Kazuma

I am okay with this.

File: 1355892831352.jpg-(77 KB, 400x600, natsumi.jpg)

> [X] Follow Natsumi.

You stand - A little stiffly, given how cramped the seat feels - rolling your shoulders to loosen them up. School's a paradox: Classes pass at a tooth-grindingly slow pace...But at the same time, pretty much between recess and the end of the day is a blur. Still...

Natsumi's out of the classroom by the time you catch up, but that's all right; She hasn't gone far. In fact, she's standing by the school message board, her eyes slightly narrowed - As you draw closer, she turns, offering you a wan little smile.

"-It looks like you're really popular, Anon-kun," she says - Lifting her chin, to indicate what she's looking at. You lean forward, to get a better view...

...It's a leaflet - One of those typed-out announcements no-one *ever* reads, even in passing. You think - You might've seen a few of them posted around the area, today...But you never had a reason to check them out.

LOST PROPERTY, it says, in block letters. IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN TO THE KENDO CLUB. REWARD PROMISED. But it's the fuzzy, pencilled-in image that makes your blood run cold; Someone, with evident care and an eye to detail, has drawn a reasonable fascimile...

-Of the Orthrus Crest.

Your shoulder itches, and you just barely resist reaching up - Thinking, immediately, of the scarred steel emblem left by Inox Fang...The same emblem mag-locked to the Red Joker's armor.

Correction: One-half of the emblem.

Natsumi's gaze is expectant, as she glances over at you - A wordless "Well?", clearly wondering what you make of it.

(Continued.)

File: 1355893060124.jpg-(22 KB, 504x336, jokerseal.jpg)

She seems...A lot calmer today, somehow. At ease in your presence - Though that might just be your imagination.

[ ] "What do you think?"
[ ] "-How are you holding up?"
[ ] "...Looks like a trap to me."
[ ] "Someone wants to say 'hello'."
[ ] "A 'reward', huh? I wonder what it is...?"
[ ] "Did you see who put it up?"
[ ] "...I think I'd better steer clear."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

I see the most disappointing quest in /tg/'s history has returned.

>>22111088
Clearly you don't remember that one frost giantess quest, or any number of the other incredibly dumb quests.

>>22111062
[X] Free.
"The most obvious interpretation is that she's calling me out. Although, a lot of people saw me take that Relic, so it really could be a disguised bounty notice."

>>22111088
Compared to Doppelganger Damacy? I think not.

>>22111062

> [X] "Someone wants to say 'hello'."

>>22111088

Really? I actually thought it's gotten better since the midpoint.

>>22111062
"Joy. Someone else wants to try to kill me. It's either the other half of Inox Fang who wants another go at me or some other interested party.

I suppose I shouldn't disappoint them, if I don't meet them there they'll probably find me somewhere else and try to fight anyways.

Besides it's rude to refuse a written invitation."

>>22111062
"Adorable. Someone thinks I'll actually walk in there to give them a Relic back. Well, they're half right."

>Write on paper: Remember the fate of Geryon. Leave me to my business and I'll consider returning your second head.
>Sign it with the Joker mark

"I'll drop this in the club's mailbox after school. Funny that Inox dual wielded and attends kendo. Didn't you go to your naginata club to get better with your spear? Wonder how much she actually gets out of it.

"So, notice anyone missing from class? Guess who was the Thief and skipped town yesterday?"

>>22111007

Raise an eyebrow.

"What? Do I have something on my face?"

Make a dramatic 'face-rubbing motion.'

"Is it still there? I hope not, the Look you gave me earlier made me think I had kicked a puppy. Again."

Glance back at the notice.

"Well, what do you make of this? Seems someone lost something important. It would be a shame if they never found it again."

Crack a smile and say in a quiet tone.

"Or attack me on the spot."

>>22111169
>Guess who was the Thief and skipped town yesterday

I forgot about that. We should ask her if AP knows that apartment complex is home to a corrector hive.

>>22111216

Might as well have one of Argent's mooks grab the vidya gear as well. Might've caught something.

>>22111134
>>22111152
>>22111156
Do you guys really want me to start explaining why?

>>22111278

Sure, go wild.

>>22111278
by all means

File: 1355894305663.jpg-(30 KB, 656x492, do it faggot luffy.jpg)

>>22111278

>>22111278

This I gotta hear.

>>22111136

"I wonder about that," Natsumi muses aloud. "...It's odd, isn't it? If...she...was in our school - Don't you think we'd have heard something? There hasn't been any 'accidents' since...Well, the last one."

Her smile becomes slightly more strained - As if fraying at the edges. You wonder if she knew about Death Caliber.

>>22111160
>>22111172

Natsumi nods, slowly - Rather contemplatively, though her eyes are hooded, now. "...I suppose," she says, clearly not liking the thought - "I don't doubt you'll be able to handle it, if it comes to that..." Her voice trails off, and she sighs - just a little.

> "Besides it's rude to refuse a written invitation."

"It is, isn't it?" she agrees - "...The sooner, the better, I think." She bites her lip, thinking - "...It *does* seem a little obvious, though. Maybe...No, it's nothing."

>>22111169

> "Didn't you go to your naginata club to get better with your spear?"

"Ah, it's quite the opposite, really," Natsumi corrects you - "...After the real thing, club practise...It's just not the same, you know? Like a game, really." She laughs, despite herself. "-I kind of miss those days, actually."

There's a wistful note to her voice - It's clear that's not all she misses.

(Continued.)

> "So, notice anyone missing from class? Guess who was the Thief and skipped town yesterday?"

A short, sharp hiss of indrawn breath - Natsumi's eyes widen, in unalloyed shock. "You don't mean...*Akira*? But he..."

>>22111216

> We should ask her if AP knows that apartment complex is home to a corrector hive.

Natsumi's expression shades from realization to annoyance - "Of course," she mutters, looking distinctly chagrined - "*That's* why we couldn't find him...We never knew where to *look*. If he was hiding somewhere like *that* all the time..."

Sensing that you don't quite comprehend it, she moves to explain: "...Correctors tend to cluster around place of, of...Well, 'desolation', you'd call it. They converge on areas of decay - I...I'm not sure if they cause it, or if they're just *drawn* to it, but..."

"-Mi-channnnnn~!!! Over here~!"

She pauses, turns - You see Keiko waving to her, pouting, looking as if she's been waiting for *quite* a while.

"...I'll be right there!" Natsumi calls back - A not-quite-sigh teased from her throat. "Sorry...I have to go," she says, sounding apologetic - "Just...Just be *careful*, Anon-kun; I don't want you - I don't want *anyone* to be hurt."

There's a pleading note to her voice, now; An echo of Chrome Cypher's voice, in your duel with Inox Fang. "-I mean it," she says, again - Those brown eyes soft, brimming with worry. "Be careful."

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

I bet we're going to have to kill Keiko soon.

>>22111449

Well, then. That was enlightening.

Give a wave to the two ladies before they leave.

Call up Argent and ask on the progress of the special item we requested. Then let's go chat up Asuna.

>>22111473
"I don't think Akira is his real name, I'm not sure if he even remembers what it was at this point, he's Totenaz.

Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I've been through worse than this, much worse. You get used to it.

Take care, have a nice afternoon."

Well, we should probably visit the Kendo club later, may as well deal with this problem before they can interrupt us during class.

>>22111473
I say we leave that one hanging for a bit. Check in our other contacts in the mean time.

>>22111514

Do we actually have his number? I'd say, let's check out the Kendo Club.

>>22111496
You only say that because you watch Chinese cartoons. I doubt you're wrong.

>>22111473
Well Anons, what do you say? Walk in there or put it off? I don't see the value of digging up trouble when we can hit on Asuna instead.

>>22111473
Lets go see if Kazuya's up yet.

>>22111544

Frankly, I'm for hitting on Asuna. On the otherhand, we could go mining for info on the kendo club members.

Decisions..

>>22111544

Damn, hitting on Asuna is a tempting idea. I think we should check out this one first. No reason to put it off.

>>22111544
Actually, I'd kinda like to go back to that hive and grind a bit. We're still missing a certain upgrade after all. Also, we couuld see if we caught anything on those cameras

Rolled 1

>>22111582

Meh, rolling for it.

1. Asuna
2. Kendo

>>22111530

So many options. It's kind of paralyzing. OP, this is why you don't put FREE as an option this often.

Check the club for now. Let's see if we can resolve this in one sitting. After we're done, let's check on asuna.

>>22111597

After classes broseph

>>22111604
There's no way all this pseudo womanizing is not going to bite us in the ass eventually.

>>22111631

Harem end. Search your heart and guess which one will rip it out first.

>>22111631

Oh yes, it's totally going to. TOTALLY.

>>22111620

Go with the kendo club for now. This is the first time another player has actively tried to put a bounty on our head. We should make sure it doesn't become a habit.

>>22111597
We've still got school to finish actually. No exploring the [slash]TV [/slash] Red World until after school.

Anyway, Anon seems to be in a confrontational mood today, so I'd go with that. Then again, the dice gods HAVE spoken...

Meh. Kendo. Let's try and avoid killing classmates, that always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

>>22111649
My money's on Hecate.

>>22111662

Wait, the dice said '1'.

(Gentlemen:

If I'm tallying the votes right, there's:

Asuna: 3

Club: 5

I'll give it about another minute before I tally up everything.)

>>22111620

Not really. We have the main investigation plot (Kendo) and the sub-plot to progress our Social Links.

>>22111649
We're not going for the Harem end, out life is enough of a clusterfuck without trying to juggle half a dozen women at the same time.

I am still devoted to Hecate, we'll get her back if we have to rip apart the Red World to do so.

File: 1355896136714.jpg-(220 KB, 750x750, Cheaters Never Win.jpg)

>>22111672
That's what I mean; the thread is leaning towards confrontation while the dice roller says to go spend time with the library girl.

>>22111620
Do you even roleplay?

>>22111739

In all fairness, I like the giant robot battles a lot more than the harem comedy. Asuna's a sweetie, but mio's nicer all-round.

I'll have to vote for the cllub.

>>22111690
I am up for hitting on Asuna. I see no disadvantage to waiting on the Kendo club for now.

(Gentlemen: I'll go with the Club for now - There seems to be more votes in its favor.)

>>22111530
>>22111514

> "I've been through worse than this, much worse. You get used to it."

"...I wish you didn't have to," Natsumi says - Softly, almost to herself. You're not sure if you were meant to hear that: She takes a moment to compose herself, before she heads off after Keiko. They're chatting, giggling, as they walk off - Talking about everything and nothing at all.

Keiko glances back at you, and flashes you a shy - But oddly knowing - smile, returning your wave; She says something that makes Natsumi flush, before she shakes her head, brushing it off as a joke.

...Oh, boy.

>>22111571

You check the classroom again - Kazuya's chair is slightly askew, and your buddy's nowhere to be seen. He must've woken up at some point...Or just slouched off somewhere more comfortable to continue napping. He's been cheerful enough today, but you've noticed the bags under his eyes; From the looks of it, he hasn't been sleeping *too* well.

You wonder what's up with that.

> Kendo Club.

As before, the Kendo Club is a large indoor hall - Wooden planks underfoot, the faint smell of sandalwood. It's well-maintained; You've heard they get the juniors to scrub the floorboards every day, which probably has something to do with discipline and 'wax on, wax off'...And a lot more to do with the traditional hazing of the newbies.

Since it's lunchtime, the place *is* pretty quiet. You've heard that there's another tournament coming up; Kouichi Kishida, the team captain - And leading man of the upcoming play - has been holding additional practices...All part of making up for last year's rather mediocre showing.

...You've heard that some of the club members prefer to hang around here during lunchtime, but the cold seems to have kept most of them away; A chill wind howling mournfully as it gusts through the hall, making the screen doors rattle in it's wake. The rooms in the back - Storage and clubrooms at once - seem to be occupied.

[ ] Go right in.
[ ] Hang around for a while, to investigate.
[ ] Ask a club member about the notice.
[ ] Transform.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22111883
[X] Hang around for a while, to investigate.

Information is useful if we're about to get into a fight.

File: 1355896964637.jpg-(309 KB, 800x600, 000379.jpg)

(Forgot my picture.)

honestly, I feel as we should explain to Natsumi that we either win or PVP or die and we never start the fights

>>22111938

I think she knows that. She knows that, but she just doesn't like us killing people. At all. Remember, AP is big on not killing players.

Odd that he killed like a dozen of them when he was fighting alongside us.

>>22111883

Ask a club member for the club president or the adviser. If they are not around, ask where we might find them. Once we catch up to either, ask if any students have been absent recently.

If they question, say brush it with curiosity. "There have been a lot of people absent really, yeah? Just curious."

>>22111883
>transform as one of the options
PARANOIA LEVEL: 20/10

>>22111979

*people absent recently

>>22111961
They drove a car into the restaurant where he was dining and then blew it up. I think he may have been a bit miffed. He was also fighting to keep us, an ally, alive so me might have suspended the no killing clause for a bit.

Besides, those were Smilers not people, it's perfectly alright to kill them.

>>22111961

He seems very pragmatic. He didn't blame Natsumi when she (apparently) killed in self-defense. In fact, he seems to have entirely forgiven her.

It's like he's actually a mature, sane adult. Who would've thunk it?

>>22111993

Don't worry. This isn't Shadowrun.

It's probably there because the item in question is only in the Red World. Only way to return it is to transform and hand it off there.

We're a good Samaritan returning lost property, afterall.

>>22111883
>[ ] Ask a club member about the notice.
Might as well get this over with. Hopefully we don't get bushwacked too hard.

>>22111979
>>22112065

It's not hard to find one of the club members; Ryusuke, a solid-looking third-year you remember (vaguely) as handing out flyers for the club, is seated at the bleachers...He's thumbing through a dog-eared copy of the 'Book of the Five Rings', taken from the rack.

> Ask a club member for the club president or the adviser.

"-you're looking for Kouichi, is it?" he says - "Ah, well...He's kind of busy, with the others. He's called a meeting - Discussing their game plan for the tournament, I think." He shrugs, with a 'seen it all before' kind of atmosphere.

That begs the obvious question...

"...Yeah, I'm not in the running," Ryusuke laughs - "You could say that I'm retired. You could wait for him; They can't be *that* much longer, after all. Why, is it important?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22112065
That's a very smart idea. We should probably start wearing "Hello, my name is Joker" badge.

Not like it makes any difference - everyone and their dog seems to know where we are.

>>22112159
"Noticed the lost and found signs. The badge looked cool and I was wondering who lost it and where he got it."

>>22112159
"Not really. Just noticed the fliers up about some lost and found thing, and I was wondering what it all was about. I've never seen anything like it and it was a nice drawing."

>>22112159
>Book of the Five Rings
The art of war was better.

On a related note, we should try demasking our next opponent too.
Preferrably with "OLE!"

>>22112231
Don't turn this into Scooby Doo. "It wasn't really a robot, it was Old Man Jenkins all along."

>>22112248
Oh fuck I think Incest Blacksmith is going to have to make me some new sides.

You realize that we're going to have to do that now?

>>22112262

Imitate a thick, Australian accent as we wrangle the mask off.

"An 'heyr 'e hayve a rehal behauty"

File: 1355898688495.jpg-(34 KB, 316x237, real beauty.jpg)

>>22112301

Captcha ate my image.

>>22112231
>>22112248
>>22112262
>>22112301
though to be fair, inox may have survived because of crest, not because of our lucha antics.

>>22112197
This. Does not directly imply our having the thing. Perhaps give a phone number for the dude to call. We have better things to do than fiddly fuck around here.

>>22112324

Oh crap, we have her phylactery.

File: 1355899216666.jpg-(90 KB, 728x711, jokersam.jpg)

(My apologies, an addition.)

> Once we catch up to either, ask if any students have been absent recently.
> If they question, say brush it with curiosity. "There have been a lot of people absent really, yeah? Just curious."

"...Just the usual malingerers," he says, tapping the book's spine against his knee - He sounds amused, looking you over with a faintly quizzical air.

"-It's not *too* late to sign on, you know," Ryusuke goes on - "...Well, it *is* pretty late - But we could always use more members." His smile's a little wistful; He's probably thinking of his own two years in the club.

...Unfortunately, what with one thing and another - You've only ever been part of the Going-Home Club.

>>22112197
>>22112212

"Oh, *those*?" he says. "...Yeah, I was wondering about that, too - I'm not sure who put 'em up; Pretty sure there's forms to fill out and so on. I don't remember *anyone* carrying something like that, though - I'd have remembered."

"Anyway-"

The world shifts.

Warps.

Goes red.

Sound travels oddly, when you make the transition - You hear Ryusuke's voice coming as if from an infinite distance, as reality peels away to reveal the Red.

STAGE: YOMI

A moment of disorientation sweeps over you, your armored limbs whirring as your generator throbs to life - Your mono-optic sensor cycling as it locks into place. You stand beneath a bruise-colored sky, on a gravel walkway - It's a long, wide path, suspended above swirling oceans of blackness. Not just darkness - It's a chittering, *living* unlight, tendrils and weird noises curling on either side...

(Continued.)

File: 1355899349201.jpg-(20 KB, 400x225, jokersamhead.jpg)

-The path is lit by witchfire-green torches, burning with lightless flame...Sparks drifting eternally skywards. The straight road leads to a curious structure, not far away - It reminds you of a lacquered pavilion, a temple without walls...The roof held up only by the skeletal framework rising from the onyx floor, like ribs curving into the sky.

There's a figure sitting - Kneeling, rather - within it, a figure in black and red. The high protrusions of a kabuto war-helm frame the sharp angles of his form - Twin cables snaking around him, riling with a life of their own.

RED JOKER

VS.

BISHAMON

It looks up. For one moment, you feel eyes on you - And you hear:

"...Holy crap. It really *is* you. Wow - I didn't think...I didn't *actually* think...that would work."

Steel-shod fingers curl - A little awkwardly - as Bishamon waves you forward. He puts his hand behind his helmet, in an oddly self-conscious gesture...One that looks *really* out of place with that foreboding, black steel chassis.

"Come forward, uh...Joker. Take a seat, well, anywhere. I guess?"

[ ] Free

>>22112457
oh great. He's not in for a fight.
Take up his offer.
Sit down.
Feel extremely silly.

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: HOOK, LINE AND SINKER - BE THE MOST GULLIBLE FOOL IN ALL THE EXISTENCE

>>22112457
"Well, I certainly hope that you didn't bring me here for a fight. It would make me rather sad about having to break my word about killing someone today."

>>22112457
Find a nice place to sit a fair distance from him, just in case.

"You know, I am pleasantly surprised that you haven't tried to kill me already. Do you have any idea how much of a pain that is? Just going about my business and somebody jumps me and I have to kill them.

So, you called me here. What do you need? Why are you looking for half of the emblem?"

>>22112457

Recoil in shock.

"Wait, you're not going to try and kill me? No snappy one liner before I fill you full of plasma? No monologue about how you're going to rip me limb from limb?"

Take a moment to size him up and his reaction.

"Well, this is new. I expected to be shot at by now. What did you want to talk about?"

Step forward.

"I'm fine standing."

>>22112513
Meh, we have taken obvious bait a couple of times now. And we haven't died yet (though much of that could be explained through Deus Ex Machina).

>>22112457
"Getting an invitation that doesn't lead to a deathmatch is a nice change. You're not quite imperious enough to be one of the Four Divine Kings, next time try leading with 'So you've come Red Joker,' and ad-libbing from there. Making a good first impression matters you know."

Then use the Vulcans to dig a chair out of the walls. First impressions matter after all.

>>22112565
I'm not sure if we can get a chair out of the walls, the description had the roof only held up by a skeletal framework and there not really being walls. Trying to do that might just weaken the structure and not give us somewhere to sit

Besides he's been nice so far, shooting at his walls would be rude.

>>22112565
Eh, I think we are good without shooting the place up.

>>22112599
Whoops, I read the name of the place and assumed it would be like the cave Izanami disappeared into, not Yama's palace. Too much Persona I think.

>>22112599
this. We may be somewhat crazy asshole, but we're CLASSY somewhat crazy asshole.

And let's reserve smartassery and villainous speeches to smilers.

>>22112649

There is never enough Persona. We didn't get to fill our Social Link with Library Girl, after all.

>>22112457
Well THIS is a different change of pace...

>>22112668
Yeah, having a guy spontaneously combust and fall of a roof right next us kinda torpedoes any attempt to be social.

>>22112668
There really is.
>Playing P3P.
>Watching a friend play FES.
>Chatting with a friend playing Golden.
>Making references in this quest.

I think I have a problem.

Fuck it, fusing Black Frost.

Bishamon moves - As if to rise - as you draw closer; Awkwardly, the armor clearly isn't made for sitting, his limbs shifting with a protesting groan of servoes.

>>22112532

"The emb-" he echoes, his metallic, toneless voice still managing to sound confused - "...Right. Oh, right. That." There's a faint *screech* as he scratches at his armored skull, with black steel fingers.

"I don't actually want it. Not really. It was...It was the only thing I could think of. To get your attention, you know, without giving the game away." He ducks his head. "Sorry about that."

For a long, awkward moment, there's only the voiceless wailing of the damned, coming from all around.

Bishamon coughs - It sounds like your autoloader cycling - and makes a fussy, 'that's all behind us' hand gesture. "It *was* a good fight, though," he allows. "-I didn't know Inox could do that, I have to admit. Invisibility: That makes a *lot* more sense than teleportation..."

>>22112536

"Well, we *could*. If you insist, that is." He shrugs, a motion that makes the tendrils shrug with him, glossy steel plates articulating, one after another, as if respiring.

"-The thing is, I like being alive."

(Continued.)

>>22112777
Heh, one of the few players that actually has sense.

>>22112777

shall we dub Bishamon Spaghetti-san?

>>22112777
oh man.
Finally a guy who doesn't act like retarded lemming.
PRAISE THE COMMON SENSE!

>>22112836

He needs a bandana with NIPPON STRONG! written over the Rising Sun tied around his head.

File: 1355901357936.png-(196 KB, 261x600, Praise the Sun.png)

>>22112840
Forgot your pic.

>>22112836
Nah man, Solaire, if all goes well.

(My apologies, I lost the connection for a moment; My internet is really, really slow, for some reason.)

>>22112565

"I'll have to work on that," he says - In that monotone metal-on-metal growl. There's a soft whirr as Bishamon seems to settle...Clearly getting to the point, now.

"Here's the thing," he goes on. "...See, we - I - need your help." He coughs, again, into a spined fist. "-That is, us. We need a fourth man, and well...I guess you'd better see for yourself."

He makes a curious gesture - Fingers articulating in a way that should be at least painful, if not impossible. There's a warping shimmer, in the frame he makes with his hands; Darkness, and color gathering, coalescing into...

-Motion. Moving images, badly shot and shaky...He's showing you a recording. The thought nearly makes you laugh; You've never *seen* anything like a camera in the red world, before.

Onscreen...It's a personal helmet-feed, a frenzy of motion too fast to articulate. The tumbling image begins to resolve itself, oiled machinery catching the shifting smokelight; A pair of gloved hands entering the viewframe.

(Continued.)

>>22112960
Oh no, we're so not going to get into this guy's whatever he's doing.

>>22113007
Let's hear him out, if he's going up against the Smilers we might join with him just to have a chance to murderize some of those guys.

>>22113007
I've read SAO, I think I know where this is going.

>>22113019

But GLOP Online is shit. And we're not a Gary Stu who somehow gains Admin powers for no raisin.

Nor do we have an adorable, self-aware AI.

>>22113032
But there's going to be some reason Joker would be interested in helping some scrubs, and the one way for OP to guarantee interest is to use Hecate.

And yeah, I liked SAO better when it was called dotHack. Which is funny since dotHack//SIGN started airing about two months after the first chapter of SAO was published.

File: 1355902556695.jpg-(229 KB, 605x744, jokerpazuzu.jpg)

"-dead," someone is saying. "Holy fuck, *everyone's dead*-"

You see...Rock. Charred fragments. The burnt-out remnants of Players, curling up like dead leaves - Seared away from within. And before you...*Above* you - You can make out a deep fissure, the edges molten, like a tear into reality...

-Your perspective flips, and everything makes sense.

You're not looking up; You're looking down. Down, a great passage seemingly hued from crimson stone and braced with steel; Tall, imposing, like a granite fortress.

"-the *way*, Tyrian - be...over..."

And you see...

You make out white-armored forms, swarming in their countless numbers - Like a horde of locusts, terrifying in their uniformity. They're boiling out of the edges of the wound in the world, like ivory gargoyles...Pencil-thin lines of light sizzling forth, stiching the sky. The camera judders; For one moment, you make out the scrawled smiling symbol on the chestpiece of the fallen...

-Zoom in. Enlarge.

One figure hovers in the air - Rising higher, a staff of mercury-threaded iron gripped in one skeletal hand. Embattled, blazing with azoic fires, like a star...

"So...Yeah." Bishamon says - He sounds queasy. "...He was just leaving. Thought you'd like to know."

[ ] "That's...Pazuzu?"
[ ] "What were you doing there?"
[ ] "Who else was with you? You said 'us'?"
[ ] "Where do I come into this?"
[ ] "What *is* that place?"
[ ] "When was this?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22113094
[x] "What were you doing there?"
[x] "Who else was with you? You said 'us'?"

"Only Argent's group has the organization and muscle to take on Correctors. What the heck were you doing so close to a hive?"

>>22113094
"Hey, it's Pazzy. He's a dick, total dick. I'm actually considering working with you now, if only for the opportunity to rip off his head and stick it on a pike.

So, Bishamon, do you mind if I call you Bishy, could you tell me a little bit more about this? Who was with you, where were you, when was it, why in the hell would you be in the same place as that fucker?

And the most important question, what do you want me to do about this?"

>>22113094
so, -that's- what Pazzy and co. were doing in the Pit.

>>22113125
>"Only Argent's group has the organization and muscle to take on Correctors. What the heck were you doing so close to a hive?"

We don't actually know if that is true. Really, we know very little about how Players choose to interact in the Red when they're not killing each other.

>>22113094
"Interesting. This is the second time in a week that someone has approached me with the intention of hunting Pazuzu down. At least in your case we know the evidence shows a place he WAS before we kick down the door and find Rust Kaiser waiting for us. Not that I expect to find that one here quite so soon, apparently it takes him some time to come back from the dead. At least that's what the Thief said, but he's a dick and I had pissed him off pretty bad. Where is this anyway? I thought I knew most of the active battlefields but I can't place this one."

>>22113094

Keep your cool Joker. No revenge thoughts or stupidity just yet.

Rub your chin in thought to collect yourself and to think.

"I've been looking for him. For a while. I've killed a lot of people trying to find him. I know a very powerful Player who would *love* to get his hands on ChuckleFuck there, me included."

Give Spaghetti-san the Look.

"I need information on him. When and Where. Time and Dates. The works."

Look away while still stroking the metaphorical beard in thought.

"You tried to take him, didn't you?"

>>22113185
This.

>>22113125

> [x] "What were you doing there?"

"Well," Bishamon says. "That's a long, roundabout story; The truth of it is, we were on our way to the *Spire*...If that means anything to you."

It does, but you say nothing.

He shudders, an odd gesture in armor. "-So big...I don't even know what happened. When it fell...It made a sound like the sky itself coming down. I thought - I thought it was the end of the world."

"And *then* it tore open right in front of us, and...Those *things* came swarming out. There were...Hundreds of them. Thousands."

> [x] "Who else was with you? You said 'us'?"

"-Us. Right." He taps at his shoulder - Indicating a rather crude-looking symbol; Three silver rivets hammered against a larger black field. It looks like he did it by hand - The central star's a bit lopsided.

"The three of us, I meant. The..." his voice falls to a rather defensive-sounding mumble. "-The Black Tri-Stars. I wasn't the one who picked the name..."

>>22113185

"Of course not." Bishamon almost - not quite - shudders. The autoreactive scales on his armor do it for him, responding to his slightest motions, as the twin cables twist like hissing, agitated snakes. He sounds surprised.

"-We saw him fight *you*. If you couldn't do it...No way. We had no *means.*"

(Continued.)

>>22113273
Oh boy, somebody has been watching too much Gundam.

>>22113305

I was trying to remember where I had heard that name....

>>22113273
Is this guy an ex-Smiler or something?

File: 1355904037729.png-(8 KB, 100x102, jokertristars.png)

> "Only Argent's group has the organization and muscle to take on Correctors. What the heck were you doing so close to a hive?"

"-I don't think they're Correctors," he says. "Not really." The recording plays back; You make out the stark, regular lines of an white marble form - Lances crackling with cising power, ugly cleaving swords and alien weapons.

"...They're too uniform, you see? Too...Too alike. It was like...A self-defense system, you could call it. Like antibodies, swarming to an open wound..."

He coughs, again. "-Yeah, well...We just do what we can, you know? You have to stay ahead, the best you can do. We're just like that."

>>22113135

"Look...It sounds crazy, but...Whatever's down in there, it has to be valuable, right? Why else would it be guarded?"

Bishamon's armored head angles forward, warming to his spiel. "-They're not tough, you know. The...white things. But there's a *lot* of them. The three of us wouldn't be enough, but if we had, well...*You*..."

And he waves a hand, vaguely, in your direction.

"-Maybe we'd have a chance?"

(Continued.)

File: 1355904234331.jpg-(48 KB, 530x750, jokerangelos.jpg)

He sounds almost pleading - But there's a more familiar note to his voice, now. Greed. All things considered, he's more like a normal Player than he presumes, manners aside.

"We've heard...Everyone's heard...That you have a beef with Pazuzu. Stopping him from getting what he wants - It could help. If not - We'll give you a quarter-share of whatever's down there. Can't be fairer than *that*, can it?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22113273

> "You're aware that the tri-stars ALL DIED, right? That's not a very lucky name."

>>22113344
Kinda reminds me of the rows upon rows of inactive killbots that were in the Armory.

>>22113373
"I'll think about it."

We need to consult with Natsumi and Argent to see if they know anything about the Tristars. Maybe try and find a way to contact the Thief/Akira. The Tristars seems like a group he would be very knowledgable in.

>>22113402
Also sounds a lot like those mobs that infinitely spawn in the last dungeon of ALO.

>>22113344

"I'll consider it. Depending on what's down there. The condition it is in. The overall condition of *us* if we even reach it. Even then, it might simply be a red herring set to lure in would-be grave robbers."

Tap your chest in emphasis.

"Take it from me. You need someone who is knows what they're doing before setting out in hunt of treasure and loot in this world. I'm no expert, but this smells of a setup designed to weaken rather than kill."

Give a chuckle.

"Which is perfect for fools such as us. I'll contact a friend and see if.. he will be willing to come along as extra support."
We still have the Tether, right? Gotta contact Natsumi about this also. She's all White-Knight and wanting to prevent needless deaths? See what she says about it being a setup.

>>22113373
[X] Free
"This rift is where the Spire used to be then? Huh. Do they count towards a level like Correctors do?"

I forgot, what's the significance of the Spire?

>>22113452
Tether was a one use Relic. Consumed to get us out of the Spire before we cooked in our own fusion wake.

>>22113482

Thought Thief burned his pulling us both out while leaving ours intact.

>>22113373
"Gundam fan, I didn't expect that. Who else is on your team?

Hmm, I do have beef with Pazzy. And whatever is there could be rather nice and I would like the opportunity to inconvenience his life. I'll think about it and maybe talk to some friends about it, the more the merrier.

Also, if it does end up being us 4, I think I'd like a third share, and first pick, you need me for this and I've got to make a living what with all the people after my head."

>>22113471
It was Pazuzu's base of sorts and had ties to the original Black Cardinal. We blew it up trying to kill Rust Kaiser.

>>22113471
It was where the Church was, it had the Sarcophagus in it. We had a fight with Rust Kaiser there when we were hanging out with the Thief, we kinda blew it up.

>>22113491
Nope. Tether only works for one person.

>>22113403

"Right," he says, then "Right," again. "-Listen, uh...I don't actually know *who* you are - And I'd like to keep it that way. My...*Our*...stomping grounds are usually around-"

He outlines the place. It's a good position, you have to admit - Around the city's electronics district (Not far from the Papillion, in fact, come to think of it.) A popular place; Close to it, anyway.

>>22113460

"It's close," he allows. "Not where it *is*, but not far away. We didn't even know it was there, until it tore open...Right when the Spire came down."

Then, reflectively...

"-Almost as if the Red World was making up for it..."

>>22113452
>>22113492

"Five," Bishamon echoes, clearly thinking it over - "...Five's better than four. Less for all of us, though; No harm in trying, though."

> Also, if it does end up being us 4, I think I'd like a third share, and first pick, you need me for this and I've got to make a living what with all the people after my head."

"Hey, that's..."

There's a sound - A faint, fizzing *hiss* - as fuming pixels rise from his arm; "Damn," he mutters, looking down. "-Seems like I'm nearly out of time. Listen, tell me as *soon as you can*, all right? The longer we wait...Remember, as soon as..."

-But the red world is wavering and shifting around you, losing coherence. Like a heat-mirage, stretched to thinning; This place is doing its level best *not* to exist.

A bell tolls. Again, and again.

(Continued.)

Reality comes back, with a lurch. You're standing - You're standing on a gravel path. The path out of the school, in fact - The bell isn't the distinctive ringing of lunch period being over...It's the one that heralds the end of day.

...Your vision blurs at the edges, as - For one moment - dizziness threatens to overwhelm you. An entire day? It could only have been minutes, there...But you've been gone for hours.

You stagger, as someone gives you a gentle push - Well, not that gentle, really - from behind; Nearly dropping your schoolbag, as you turn...And look into Kazuya's concerned face.

"-Hey, Anon...You okay, man?" He's saying, his brow furrowed; "...You've been like a zombie all day." Of course, he can't resist adding "-More than usual, anyway."

[ ] "You're looking better."
[ ] "-Sorry, I had a lot on my mind."
[ ] "...Aren't there rehearsals today?"
[ ] "What, did I miss something important?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22113590
[X] "-Sorry, I had a lot on my mind."
[X] "What, did I miss something important?"
[X] "...Aren't there rehearsals today?"

>>22113590
"Just a bit tired. Why, did something happen?"

>>22113590

"Ah, the soul sucking lectures from the teachers had me zonked out in my own reality for a while there. No bloodshed today. Only talking."

Say in a complete deadpan.

"I even had a conversation with a talking shark."

Pause.

"Have you seen Natsumi? I need to speak with her about something."

>>22113663
Should we really get her involved in this? I don't think it's wise to have the Red Joker and Chrome Cypher on such obvious good terms. Also, this could be a trap.

>>22113692

Need to speak to her to get access to Argent since we never did ask for his number.

> [X] "-Sorry, I had a lot on my mind."

"Yeah, no kidding," he answers - The nap's clearly done him good. "You haven't said a single word since recess, you realize? That's...awfully conscientious of you."

> [X] "What, did I miss something important?"
> [X] "Just a bit tired. Why, did something happen?"

"No, not really - Just the usual." He eyes you, contemplatively; "...You still seem a little zoned-out, though. Can't blame you; I do most of my sleeping in class, after all."

>>22113663

"All right, *that's* not funny."

It is, though. Oh, it is.

> [X] "...Aren't there rehearsals today?"

"Our witch called in sick. Yui let us all go early...We needed a break, anyway." He gives you an odd look. "-Are you *sure* you're...In there? You were with us when she made the announcement..."

His voice trails off.

"-Hey," Kazuya says, abruptly - struck by a new idea. "...Why don't you visit her? You know, just to show you care." He's grinning now, widely - Almost ear-to-ear, in that (rather annoying) knowing way he always does. "...Unless you're *already* busy...?"

[ ] "...Actually, I am."
- [ ] Visit the Papillion.
- [ ] Investigate the SHEOL STAR ARCADE.
- [ ] Find the Black Tri-Stars.
- [ ] Investigate the Rift.
[ ] "What's *that* supposed to mean?"
[ ] "-I think she'd prefer it if I didn't visit."
[ ] "Sure, why not?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>22113617
These look good

>>22113663

(My apologies, a quick addition.)

"-She's probably heading to practice, now that today's rehearsal has been cancelled...If you hurry, you could probably catch her." He tilts his head to the side; "...You sure nothing's going on, man? The two of you - You've been kind of close, lately."

Kazuya chuckles, as if waving it off as a joke - But he looks away a little too quickly, enough for you to pick up the note of concern in his voice.

>>22113774
"Kaz, do you have any idea how much work I had to go through to get you two idiots to finally hookup? She just gives good advice and is willing to tell me when I'm being an idiot. I often need that.

As for Asuna, yeah I think I'll pay her a visit, if she's sick she could use some company.

Take care of yourself man, it's been a bad couple weeks lately, for everyone."

>>22113774

Give a shrug.

"We're childhood friends who share the same interests in various things. There is nothing untold going on behind your back. The only thing going on is what is the paranoia inside your own head."

Give an evil grin.

"And you? Trying to pawn responsibility off onto your good pal, Anon, Ka-zu-ya?"

Grab him around the shoulder.

"Ah, what are we going to do with you if the Witch finds out you called her such a dreadful name."

Pull away and laugh at his sweating face.

"Kidding kidding. I'll do it. Just tell Natsumi if you see here I need to speak with her. It's important, okay?"

>>22113774
"Turns out Natusmi's a Player in an MMO I play. She's part of a high level guild so she's got connections that I want in on, without joining the guild. I've got a reputation man, the lone gunman! How are things between you and her?"

We also ought to visit Asuna, if only for the delightful complications that'll cause with her folks. And because that has PLOTZ written all over it.

>>22113865
>>22113848
>>22113842

Uh, guys. We have about two days to Mio's birthday. We should really visit her, and at least say hello. If not, we can always call her or something.

>>22113915
Fair point. Got any present ideas?

>>22113915

I'm thinking novelty, oversized stuffed teddy bear. With it holding a heart in it's paws.

Bitches love teddy bears.

>>22113953
Teddy Bear works, we could get something tennisy as well, something costumey due to all the cosplay she does at the cafe, or jewelry/perfume. We've got options.

Man there's too many good options. It'd be cool to see Mio and check if the Armory has respawned. I've wanted to check out (and wreck up) the arcade since we first heard of it. Asuna's just nice. arg

>>22113915
Oh snap, I totally forgot about that.

>>22113942
If we visit her we could try and find out what she wants.

>>22113980
I would suggest Tony Taka inspired cosplay outfits, but we're broadcasting enough mixed signals in her direction.

Haha, speaking of T2, OP, have you read his new cooking manga?

>>22113865
[X] Investigate the SHEOL STAR ARCADE.

Hitting a Smiler base is plot too. How are we even going to find out if Bardiel was bullshitting us about Hecate if we don't look into it?

>>22113980

Jewelry sends up the wrong messages. Perfume, depending on the scent, works.

It has to be something that lasts, so chocolate is a write out, plus it has to be functional or decorative or memorable.

A joke gift (say a crappy vendor bought teddy bear) for the surprise party followed by the real gift when everyone is gone (the giant, teddy bear with the heart).

It could work.

>>22114019

Wait, Tony is doing manga now? TONY IS DOING MANGA?

LINK NOW.

>>22114019

(Yes, I've taken a look: It's nice, but...I, uh, don't actually think it's Tony Taka's art.)

(Also: Gentlemen, I'd love to continue, but my connection is becoming untenable. I've lost the next post to the ether twice, now, and I'm not even sure that I'd be able to upload it.

My apologies, but I think I'll need to stop here for now - I'll tally the votes and pick up from the decision made in the next session, or I'll update the options available. My connection is really quite untenable.

Once again, you've been a great audience: Good night, and god bless.

I'm sorry for the fitful start/stops...I originally intended to cover a lot more ground tonight, but it seems that I'm experiencing severe technical difficulties.)

>>22114019
T2 isn't doing SnS, it's Tosh.

>>22114061
>>22114079
Whoops, friend of mine just reminded me that it's actually Tosh, not T2. Sorry, crossed wires and all.

Pity about your net connection, but if it's really causing problems it's probably better to try later. Think you'll be able to manage before Christmas?

>>22114044

I think we should get her a cross pendant, actually. Sort of like a crucifix? It's symbolic, looks tasteful, and goes with her outfit.

>>22114106

I'll be here for Christmas. r/a/dio and all that jazz. Don't like my family anyway.

>>22114120
>Not sure if OP but...
I probably won't be though. I've got family stuff going on so I'm expected to go internet cold turkey from Christmas Eve until the 26th at least. If I'm lucky I'll be able to follow events but posting is probably out.

Of course if Christmas Day is when OP can deliver, so moot it be.

>>22114115

Yeah, a Cross isn't awful, but it wouldn't be my first choice for a gift to a chick. I mean, sure, Crucifixes are tasteful to wear and they're not uncommon...

I was going more for the "He did the best he could on such a short notice... I'll cherish this even if it is cheap." to "Oh my gosh! You shouldn't have! It's so big! It must've been expensive!"

Get them all deflated and shit then whip out the big guns coupled with two reserved seats at an expensive restaurant.

Works like a charm.

>>22114155

Nope. Not OP. Just saying I'll be on the 4chains during Christmas.