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INTERLUDE

STAGE: THE HOLLOW SUN

The forges of the Hollow Sun: A vast space, like the nave of a warship, the heart of an ocean-dwelling leviathan.

Blackness, banked by flickering firelight and splashes of brilliant color. Chiaroscuro shadows, cast up the curving walls by spitting flames - Smudged lines of ochre and charcoal, lent the illusion of movement by the eternal fury of the Hollow Sun's core.

Within the mercury-threaded swirl of black iron and quicksilver steel: The faintest gleam of gold, an essence sampled down to the smallest mote, like light sifted and split into its component colors by a subtle lens - The damaskeened movement spreading, like low, wavy murmur of waves against a distant shore.

The air is filled by the mechanical chatter of machinery, the hammer and bang of steam-presses, the wailing hiss of screw-guns, the brittle clack of keys. And, as always, there is the steady hum of ozone, as the Hollow Sun spins energy into matter - A black fang of steel boring into the heart of the Red World, broader and taller than can be taken in at first glance.

In the oppressive twilight, the work goes on.

>>24273933
Alright time to get some work done.

>finally catch a Joker Quest
>When i'm about to go to work

All of my tears. Be safe, Joker, and always take the high road

It's a bright day, just after school. The afternoon sun has began the slow descent across the horizon - The rays sheeting in through the hall's windows, casting great squares of light across the auditorium, lending everything a gilded glow.

Inside, though:

At this stage, rehearsals for the play are proceeding at a fair clip - Right now, in your admittedly inexpert opinion, you'd say that things are coming together nicely...

"Michiko, I can't hear you! Kouichi, you're still reacting too soon - You need to *hear* her emotions. Now - One more time, from the usual place...Go!"

...But there's plenty more rough edges that still need to be worked out. Fortunately for you, you're pretty much only here to be a stagehand - Which means when there isn't any heavy lifting to be done, a large part of your job is staying out of the way.

Still, you can't help but admire the plywood backdrop erected on the stage; Towering, it makes an impressive, if vaguely uncomfortable, backdrop - Given that it's the centrepiece of the play, the titular ship that sails the black seas, it'd *better* be.

The fumes are still making you a little dizzy.

"Michiko, I *said* I can't hear you! Use your diaphragm!"

"I-I'm sorry!"

...Yeah, maybe it's a good thing you're out of it. Yui's in her element, working hard to send the conscripted members of the drama club this way and that - In about a few minutes, it'd be time to don the costumes for a full dress rehearsal...

(Continued)

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>>24274128

There's still plenty of time, before things are finalized - So it's the usual flurry of activity, right before...

-Something cold (*Really* cold) touches your cheek. To your credit, you don't yell out - But when you turn your head...

"Haaaaa ~ Anon-kun, you're spacing out again."

Aluminium clinks, as Natsumi straightens - A little pout on her lips, as she swishes the ice-cold can of soda around; Beads of condensation fuming on the metal, as holds it out to you. Back from the drinks run, apparently - She seats herself on a nearby crate, eyeing you as she makes her comfortable.

"...Is everything all right? You've been all weird since yesterday...Did something happen~?" Her voice is light, teasing, but there's the faintest edge of worry to her tone - Canting her head to the side, to give you a sidelong glance.

"Ah, you're grinning again - That's really not like you, you know."

[ ] "-I'm not. It's just your imagination."
[ ] "Make a guess."
[ ] "Well, I suppose it can't hurt to tell you..."
[ ] "Don't worry about it. It isn't anything serious."
[ ] "How have you been?"
[ ] "Where's Kazuya?"
[ ] "Have you seen Asuna around?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24274236
>[ ] "How have you been?"
Meh, no need to flaunt our date.

>>24274236
"I can smile sometimes, if I don't my face will get stuck in a scowl and nobody wants that.

It's nice to see everything running smoothly and all I have to do is stay out of the way, life is going pretty well all things considered."

[X] "How have you been?"

>>24274236

> [X] "-I'm not. It's just your imagination."

We can't tell her we kissed Mio, after all. Who know how she'd take that?

> [X] "How have you been?"

We still don't really know what she's been up to.

>>24274274

"Hmmmm...Really~?" Natsumi muses aloud - She sounds distinctly dubious, but she doesn't press the issue. A faint *hiss* lingers in the air, as she pops her soda; Taking a grateful sip, as she considers this for a moment longer...Before her slim shoulders lift in a shrug, clearly dismissing it.

> "It's nice to see everything running smoothly and all I have to do is stay out of the way, life is going pretty well all things considered."

She chuckles, softly - "If it's like that...I see what you mean." Her gaze goes past you, to the stage: "-Yui's really good at this, you know. They'll get there."

As the heroine of the play, you'd expect her to under more pressure to perform...Well, if you didn't know that Natsumi's already memorized all her lines. It's actually quite impressive.

> [X] "How have you been?"

"Ah." Natsumi looks down, cradling her soda in both hands. "...Pretty good, considering. Things were pretty busy, the night before - More Correctors than usual, swarming out of the woodwork. Not really a problem, but...There *were* a lot of them..."

She hesitates, biting her lip as her voice trails off.

"-The boss wants to see you," Natsumi says, at last; The note of worry in her voice is back. "...He says he has something for you." It's clear that there's more to it than that - But you can't tell if she's hiding something, or if something's bothering her...

[ ] "...Is that all?"
[ ] "-How's he doing?"
[ ] "Having second thoughts?"
[ ] "There's something you're not telling me."
[ ] "When did you start working for him, anyway?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24274407
>[ ] "-How's he doing?"
>[ ] "There's something you're not telling me."

>>24274407
Yeah I've got news for him too, I think you should be there when I tell him.

>>24274407
[X] Free
About the Correctors, did you ever find out how the smilers were controlling them? I did, not so long ago. It's a Player by the name of Kraken.

>>24274459
Wait, we do?

>>24274477
Y'know KRAKEN, Argent and his players have been desperately trying to hold back the correctors- sharing this info would be a big help.

And there's also the matter of WE OWN THE HOLLOW SUN...

Idk up to you guys

>>24274541
Well we can tell them about Kraken, that's important, I'm not sure how Argent would react knowing we have a massive superweapon full of murder critters at our disposal.

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>>24274439

> [X] "-How's he doing?"

"Well...He's walking again, for one. With a cane - He says it makes him look 'distinguished'." She laughs at that, but sobers quickly, meeting your gaze at last.

"Other than that...I'm not sure. It's hard to tell, with him: Who knows what he's thinking?"

>[X] "There's something you're not telling me."

"It's not-" Natsumi begins - Then she sighs, a low, frustrated sound. "It's just that...I don't know *what* we've been doing, recently. He ordered us away to stay away from the Rift, and now it's closed..."

Her voice trails off, and she shakes her head. "-Last night, after the patrol? He told us to stand down. Most of us have been taken off active duty...We're supposed to lie low, for now. I don't understand him at all..."

She catches herself. "But, need-to-know basis, right? He's never steered us wrong before, after all. I just wish I knew *why*."

>>24274459

She nods, a ghost of a smile on her lips - "...It *does* sound like you have quite a story to tell, Anon-kun."

>>24274467

"'Kraken'?" Natsumi echoes - Her eyes narrowing. "-A Player that can control Correctors..." You can literally see the gears turning in her head, a flash of distaste in her eyes as she puts the pieces together.

"...It was *him*, wasn't it?" There's an ugly note to Natsumi's voice, now - Her brow furrowing. "-At Nara. *He* was the one who..."

She's about to say more, but then there's the dry rattle of the drapes being drawn back - Kazuya's heavy footfalls clopping on the floor, his face settling into it's usual wide grin as he peers in.

"-Found you," he says, with clear satisfaction - He seems absurdly pleased with himself today, buoyant with excitement, even as he jerks his head towards the stage. "Nat-chan, you're on in five - Anon, Asuna's looking for us."

(Continued)

>>24274688

"Already~?" Natsumi says - She stands, dusting herself off; With a little nod, she brushes past Kazuya as he holds the curtain aside for her - Leaving the two of you alone, for the mom-

And *then*, without warning, Kazuya gets you in a headlock. "Anon, you sly dog!" he laughs; "-Dude, why didn't you *tell* me? I've been waiting the *whole day*!"

[ ] "What the *hell*?"
[ ] "I don't know what you're talking about!"
[ ] "Let *go* of me already!"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24274707
"Grhk, neck, can't breathe."

After we escape the headlock "Kaz, I have no idea what you're talking about or why you decided strangling me was a good idea."

>>24274707

> [X] "What the *hell*?"

What? What does he mean?

>>24274707
Not sure you're talking about what I think you're talking about, or how you'd know..."

>>24274738
This.

>>24274738

> [X] "Grhk, neck, can't breathe."

You manage a choked sound, then another - Somehow, you manage to thump an elbow into his ribs, hard enough to make Kazuya grunt. His grip slackens, and you pull away at last.

> [X] "Kaz, I have no idea what you're talking about or why you decided strangling me was a good idea."
> [X] "What the *hell*?"

"-I'm talking about Mio. Mio!" He's grinning like a pumpkin, as you try to catch your breath. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Well, that's quite a bombshell.

>>24274817

"Right, I'm getting ahead of myself." He draws a deep breath, to calm down - Sobering enough to speak slightly more coherently. "-It was her birthday, right? So I called - You know, just to say 'Happy Birthday', and..."

-Yep, you can guess the rest.

Kazu's forging on anyway, entirely oblivious:

"...Seriously, I'm happy for you. I mean, Mio's gorgeous. And she was really, real-"

He pauses, as his brain finally catches up with his mouth.

"Does Natsumi know? Wait - Does *Asuna* know about this?"

[ ] "Uh."
[ ] "-Wait, you've been talking to Mio?"
[ ] "I'd prefer to keep it a secret, for now."
[ ] "I think you have the wrong idea, actually."
[ ] "I don't think so."
[ ] "Oh, *Jesus*."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24274929

> [x] Free
> "Holy shit."

>>24274929
"I have no idea, I don't think so. Natsumi may hurt me if she finds out, Asuna will look very sad which may be even worse. So I'd prefer it if you didn't go telling them, I'll tell them myself at a good time.

Kazuya, why do women like me? I honestly can't see why."

>>24274929

Looks like the cat's out of the bag. It could be way worse, admittedly. Let's hope kazuma can keep his mouth shut.

>>24274929
[X] "-Wait, you've been talking to Mio?"

>>24275104
This should be said only after the other stuff. Like a sudden realization.

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>>24275028

> So I'd prefer it if you didn't go telling them, I'll tell them myself at a good time.

"Right," Kazuya says - Then "Right," again. He lets off a low whistle, a hand in his pocket: "...Yeah, I see what you mean. That's - Wow, yeah, that could be a problem."

He nods, gravely. "-My lips are sealed."

Somehow, that's not entirely reassuring.

> "Kazuya, why do women like me? I honestly can't see why."

"...You're asking *me*?" Kazuya chuckles - "I have no idea, either. My guess? Pity."

He gives you a light punch to the shoulder; "When you figure it out, tell me, all right?"

> [X] "-Wait, you've been talking to Mio?"

"Well...yeah," he says, as if it's the simplest thing in the world. "-Ever since you were in hospital, actually. I mean, she visited you every day, after all - It'd be weird if I didn't know her."

"Besides, I don't think she has many friends. She keeps asking me about y...Oops."

He seems to realize that he's said too much, because he takes the chance to shut up.

"...I mean - We better not keep Asuna waiting, right? Don't want her thinking something's up."

Mercifully, that's all you get from him, as you make your way backstage: Asuna's seated in a quiet corner, in full costume - The soft scritch-scritch of pencil on paper echoing the last-minute adjustments she's making to the script.

(Continued)

>>24275230

Kazuya clears his throat, to draw her attention - She turns, her eyes lighting up as both of you approach.

"Kazuya-kun...Anon-kun," she says - The slight pause heralded by the faintest flush to her cheeks. Fortunately, she doesn't catch the look Kazuya shoots you; All business today, apparently. "-There's been a bit of a rewrite...The Drama Club's approved the changes."

She taps the tip of her pencil against her lips: "Kazuya, you'll be playing the hero's best friend-"

"-What-"

"...who decides to take over for him, once he abandons his quest." Asuna's words seem to hang in the air, as she bites her lip, the confidence in her voice faltering: "I thought - I thought the story could use a happier ending, so..."

[ ] "-I like it."
[ ] "...Hmmm, I'm not sure how I feel about that."
[ ] "What do the others think?"
[ ] "Heard that, shark-boy? You're getting a promotion."
[ ] "Congratulations, Kazuya. You're a natural at that."
[ ] "That's great, but...Why am I here?"

[ ] "Refresh my memory: What's the play about, again?"
[ ] "Could I take a look at the script?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24275323

> [X] "Heard that, shark-boy? You're getting a promotion."
> [X] "That's great, but...Why am I here?"

Oh wow, kazuma's basically playing himself. This should be amusing as hell.

>>24275323
>[ ] "Heard that, shark-boy? You're getting a promotion."
I didn't know the hero was on such good terms with the mightiest of sea creatures!

>[ ] "Refresh my memory: What's the play about, again?"
>[ ] "Could I take a look at the script?"
Some sort of combination of these; like a "You must've felt like the ending was fine at some point before, obviously, or you would've kept going with it; why the desire to change it now? Like, is it a big thematic change, or did you just feel like adding some kind of epilogue?"

>>24275385

If I remember correctly, Kazuya is a shark in the play. Complete with an adorable costume.

>>24275323

[X] Free
What inspired the change?

>>24275398
Right, the joke would be that we're implying that he is STILL going to be a shark in his new role, as the hero was somehow best friends with a giant fish.

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>>24275377

> [X] "Heard that, shark-boy? You're getting a promotion."

"Oh, shaddup," Kazuya grumbles - You know that he's never been *entirely* happy with his role. "My talent's been noticed, you plebian: I get to be the cool guy, now! Mercutio to Kouichi's Romeo, Banquo to his Macbeth-"

You let him wax poetic for a bit. It seems like the wrong moment to point out that Mercutio and Banquo both end up dead.

> [X] "Refresh my memory: What's the play about, again?"
> [X] "Could I take a look at the script?"

"O, of course." Asuna's voice is ever-so-slightly tremulous, as she offers the print-out to you; She's watching you, a trifle anxiously, clearly hoping you'd approve as you page through it.

The story's a strange one: About a young man, who falls for a girl normal people can't see. He enlists a witch's help, who tells him to reunite the Eyes of Night, twin magical gemstones. Only then, she assures him, will he be able to touch his true love at last.

The witch gives the hero a flying ship, with an Eye set in the prow, and tasks him with travelling across the Red Sea to the island where the other Eye can be found.

But though he overcomes the ship's fearsome shark guardian, the power and freedom the ship represents - It's too much for him.

He abandons his quest to roam the Red Sea forever, forgetting about the girl. In the end, she becomes invisible to him, too: The orphaned Eye of Night wails its lament over the red waters, aching to be reunited with its twin.

In the new script, the hero has a loyal friend - Who initially assures him that he should pursue his heart. In the epilogue, the hero's friend decides to take up his quest, '...in the memory of the man he once was, and the man he should have been'.

(Continued)

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It's surprisingly well-written: There's real emotion in the lines, though the play ends on a cliffhanger - It feels like his quest is noble but hopeless, to tell the truth.

>>24275385
> [X] What inspired the change?

"-You were right. The original story - It really was too sad." Asuna smiles, just a little - She's clearly thinking about what you said, in the library. "So...If there's hope, even if it's just the slightest chance - Maybe it could still be a happy ending."

There's the crinkle of paper, as Kazuya pages through the script: "Hey, I *do* get to be the hero after all," he remarks, sounding distinctly satisfied by the change - His voice going mock-pompous, to lighten the mood. "-At last, it's my time to shine on the stage!"

...Yeah, he might be getting a bit carried away, there."

> [X] "That's great, but...Why am I here?"

"Oh..." There's a long, awkward silence, as Asuna fidgets in her seat - She reaches over to the side, fumbling with the props for a moment, and lifts out...

...It's the shark costume, isn't it?

...

It is.

"I'm, I'm *really* sorry about this, Anon-kun~" she says. To her credit, she does sound honestly regretful - Hard to do when half of a costume is flopping into you lap. "I...asked Yui for a volunteer, and she said, well, she said..."

Kazuya makes an odd sound - A snort of laughter. Either that, or he's choking.

"-That you're free..."

[ ] "Oh god no."
[ ] "Oh, *hell* no."
[ ] "STOP LAUGHING, KAZUYA."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24275599
"You have no idea how lucky you are that you're cute enough that I can't get annoyed at you.

Are you sure that you can't pick someone else? Anyone else? Please."

>>24275599
[X] Free

"Oh, for the love of... *sigh*, fine, since it's your play."

>>24275599
>[ ] Free
Give Kazuya a good long look.

"...Well, I really can't say I didn't have this coming to me."

Also damn, that story's fuckin' cold when we know that we're literally in the middle of what it's based on, and the story ends with "So you give up and everyone is SUPER DISAPPOINTED with you. Except the person you stopped trying to save. Who still thinks you're coming. Forever and ever."

That's some serious soulcrushing shit.

>>24275724

Wow, it's almost like a metaphor for romance!

>>24275648

Asuna goes red - Well, redder. "Again...I'm *really* sorry," she says; "...I didn't think it'd be you but - You both have the same build, so..."

> "...Well, I really can't say I didn't have this coming to me."

"-Excuse me," Kazuya says, his voice oddly choked. "I - I'll *mmmff*! - just be a moment." He staggers off, almost doubled-over with hilarity.

> "Oh, for the love of... *sigh*, fine, since it's your play."

"T-thank you," Asuna says - Her voice solemn, as she pats you on the head. "...Cheer up," she offers, by way of condolence. "-It's only for a little while..."

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

The thunderous chorus of laughter that greets you, as you walk out - Waddle out, really - does *wonders* for your mood. Some kind soul was enterprising enough to conceal a series of airholes down the back and the fins of the costume, so you at least have *some* ventilation...But it's scratchy, and clumsy, and how the hell did Kazuya see *anything* in this?

Fortunately - Thank god for small mercies - it's a pretty good fit. But it's absolutely sweltering in here, and 'ridiculous' is putting it mildly.

Another silver lining: You don't actually have any lines. Well, technically, you *do* - But they're being read out by someone else. Good thing, too...Every word you say sounds *thoroughly* muffled, and it's a struggle to hear anything.

Opposite you - His hands on the ridiculous prop sword, which (Of course) he wields with aplomb, Kouichi gives you an odd ook. He wears it well, you have to admit...Though anything's better than the deathtrap you're in.

Makes you wonder how Kamen Rider does this on a regular basis. Hero shows, it seems, lie to you constantly.

"...Anon, are you *sure* you're okay in there?" he asks, sounding distinctly concerned. "-Can you breathe right?"

[ ] "Mmmmmfff."
[ ] "Grrrhhhhhnnnn!"
[ ] (Wave a flipper)
[ ] (Flipper him off.)
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24275767
Grumble out "Mmmmff fffgngg sssah kkkstme, wmf nnf oofk ggaf" (I'm in a fucking shark costume, I will never be okay again.)

>>24275767
>Makes you wonder how Kamen Rider does this on a regular basis. Hero shows, it seems, lie to you constantly.

That's why they use stuntmen, actually. The actor isn't really in the suit.

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OOC: As a proud supporter of the best team in the league the only thing I can say is "We Sharkie now!"

>>24275767
"Funny story, the guy I killed to get the first piece of the sword used sharks. I think that means you're playing me."

So Asuna's the witch, eh? Wonder if we're stuck on Mio's route and thus are going to be dealing with events tied to her, or if we'll be able to keep on working towards saving Hecate. Either way damn you Anons who gave in to the temptation to kiss Mio!

>>24275828
Don't forget we're taking Asuna to an art show later too.

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> "Mmmmff fffgngg sssah kkkstme, wmf nnf oofk ggaf"
> "Funny story, the guy I killed to get the first piece of the sword used sharks. I think that means you're playing me."

"What?" Kouichi says, his brow furrowing in honest confusion: "I can't hear yo-"

"He's *fine*!" you hear Yui call, from below. She's looking distinctly exasperated...The annoyances of the day are probably telling on her. "-Get on with it already!"

"Right." Kouichi draws his sword, with a flourish. "Anon, listen: I'm going to run towards you and swing, so dodge to the other side, okay? Then when the lights go out, just fall onto the safety mat, and the others will pull you offstage."

He cracks a reassuring smile: "See? Nothing to it. Remember, dodge, then fall onto the mat."

This alarming series of directions is related to you sotto voice; You're not sure you caught all of there, or where the 'mat' is.

From below: "All right everyone! We're 'Go!' in three! Three..."

"Two..."

"On-"

[ ] "...Wait, *dodge*?"
[ ] "What mat?"
[ ] Dodge to the left.
[ ] Dodge to the right.
[ ] Duck.
[ ] Jump!
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

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>>24275841
I had forgotten that actually. There's really only one way this can end unless JQOP is unusually lenient.

>>24275874

Somehow, I don't think this play meets the health and safety regulations.

>>24275874
>YOU HAVE CONTROL
This one's not hard. Dodge towards the inside of the stage, the place where the stagehands can set up a mat without breaking audience immersion.

>>24275874

Wow. Yui is actually quite attractive too.
Did we ever find out what she was doing in the arcade, by the way?

>>24275890

How is this remotely safe?

>>24275874

> [X] Dodge towards the stage.

>>24275898
This makes sense, though we'll want to make note of what direction Kou is swinging from and adjust our timing to make it look good.

> [X] Dodge towards the inside of the stage, the place where the stagehands can set up a mat without breaking audience immersion.
> [X] Dodge towards the stage.

Jesus christ, he's coming at you with a *sword*. Sure, it's a prop sword, but the way it sizzles across in a blurringly fast arc...That's seriously quite frightening.

You have the good sense to dodge *towards* the stage, not away from it; Clearing the space enough for Kouichi to glide past you in swift motion, as the lights flash off-

-You thump down *hard* on a stacked series of gym mats, which immediately began to scrape against the floor as they're dragged forward, with you on it-

...Then on again, as Kouichi sheaths the blade with a well-practiced motion. You hear a round of ironic applause coming from below, and a few faint cheers as you're bundled into the wings. The shark costume is pretty much as constricting as a full-body stockings...Which is why the rush of cool air comes as an immense relief, as stagehands wrestle the head off.

"Good job, Anon!" Kazuya says - Giving you the thumbs-up, as you stagger to your feet. "-I've got to hand it to you: You're the *best shark ever*." He looks rather more comfortable in his own costume, damn him - Just a fur-trimmed coat.

[ ] "Very funny."
[ ] "Get me out of this thing!"
[ ] "Now I know your pain."
[ ] "Yeah, well...I learned from the best."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

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>>24275980
>Just a fur-trimmed coat.
First thing that jumps into my head. I'm not sorry.

"Good to know that if my education falls through I have a promising career in mascoting waiting for me. Now go play second fiddle to the real main character, King of Castoffs."

>>24275980
"Oh, how readily you have turned a blind eye to the plight of the noble shark."

Gesticulate dramatically at him with our flippers.

>>24275980

Is it just me, or is OP crazier than usual today? This entire episode has been kind of wacky.

>>24276022
Remember the last time an episode was nothing but teenage shenanigans and came after we made a significant romantic move? I'm not saying we're due for a repeat of Nara Dreamland, but we're due for a major course shifting event. We're in the calm before the storm, Anon.

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>>24276015

He rolls his eyes; "Oh, come off it already," Kazuya snorts, dusting you off - There's a squeak as the mattresses are bundled off.

>>24276009

> "Good to know that if my education falls through I have a promising career in mascoting waiting for me. Now go play second fiddle to the real main character, King of Castoffs."

"Well, I guess it's better than 'break a leg'. I'll be back before you know it."

Getting out of the costume, notably, is a LOT hard than getting into it. It's the flippers, for one - They're absolutely useless at handling things. It's well-padded, too, which means plenty of swearing as you struggle to pry it off...

-By the time you're done, you *really* could use a shower. And possibly an hour in a sensory-deprivation tank. Not to mention the lint getting *everywhere*...

At least you're not allergic.

You're pretty much just cooling off - The shark's grinning head resting next to you, the rest of the suit bundled-up - by the time the play ends: It's a good thing you're a one-scene wonder - You can't imagine spending *all* that time waiting in the wings. You'd suffocate in that thing!

"-Good job."

Natsumi's voice is warm - Somewhere between approving and amused, as she tosses you an ice-cold bottled water. "...I have to admit, it really surprised me, Anon-kun - I didn't think you were *that* keen on the play." You get the feeling she's teasing you, just a little, as she shoots you a sidelong glance through her long lashes...

Abruptly, she gives a little shake of her head. "-Are you busy after this?"

[ ] "-Nothing much, really. I'm exhausted."
[ ] "I'll hang around, for a while. Thought I'd help clean up."
[ ] "Did you have something in mind?"
[ ] "If this is about your boss...I'm free to meet him, later."

- "I have plans, actually."
[ ] You're visiting Mio.
[ ] You're going to the Art Gallery with Asuna.
[ ] You're visiting the orphanage.
[ ] You're going to the Hollow Sun.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>24276129

> [ ] You're visiting the orphanage.

What's with that choice, again? It's been a while since I caught up on things, and I don't remember the relevance of it.

>>24276149

Megumi, the brownette, stays at an orphanage. With the big mute Kou, of no realtion to kouichi.

>>24276149
It's looking like a possible sub-group within the smilers Bardiel was tied to them. Didn't know we knew where it was though.

>>24276129
>Tony Taka does Lady Oscar

Goddamn it Natsumi stop making me feel bad for rejecting the childhood friend trope. It's not working dammit! It totally is.

"I was thinking about waiting for Kaz and Kou, but it sounds like you have something in mind...?"

For future reference, we ought to try spending time with Kouichi so we can ram an iron rod into his spine. Even if he gave up his piece of Fatal Abyss I doubt the Fatal Abyss gave up on HIM.

>>24276149
That's where Bardiel grew up. Megumi and the other Kou are from there too, so there's SOMETHING up.

>>24276169

We do, it's the Salvation Children's Home. She told us last time, if I remember correctly.

>>24276173
Quick addendum before I head off: Did we ever find out more about Anon's background? He grew up knowing Natsumi and Kazushi, but what's his origin story? Family status, intro to the game, old allies?

>>24276188

Interestingly enough, that's all a blank.

What we do know is that he ended up in the Corrector hive, met the Red Joker, claimed his power, and took a hundred years to escape.

So far, that's it.

Also, the whole mess happened about six years ago, which means that he would've been about twelve years old when it happened.

>>24276173

Natsumi is really cute. She reminds me of Lunamaria Hawke, for some reason. Tony Taka has done art, and porn, of Lunamaria too.

>>24276173

>"I was thinking about waiting for Kaz and Kou, but it sounds like you have something in mind...?"

"Well..." Natsumi pauses, apparently mulling it over.

"I just - I wanted to talk to you." There's something earnest in her voice - But then she laughs, with a little shake of her head. "-It's really strange, you know? I know who you are - Who you are *now* - but...I'm still having trouble reconciling it."

She flashes you a crooked little smile - "...I keep asking myself - When did this happen to Anon-kun? Who is he, really? What has he..."

Her voice trails off. "You don't have to tell me, you know. Not if you don't want to. I just...I'm curious. It feels like I'm going to have every conversation I've ever had with you all over again."

Something seems to occur to her; "...You know," Natsumi says, more softly this time. "-I always thought...You were *different* from other boys. More mature, somehow - Quieter. But...It wasn't just my imagination, was it?"

Her gaze rests squarely on you. "...You've been a Player for almost your entire life."

Her laugh is an oddly helpless sound, as she spreads her hands in an eloquent shrug. "So - I want to get to know you...The *real* you...again."

[ ] Free.

>>24276197
Closer to eleven I think, Anon is a second year.

We also know that Anon was a close-range combatant equipped with a stake, and went by the callsign Frost Cestus. Other than that, completely blank.

>>24276227
Social links always level up if they approach you! "I'd like that actually. I've been wondering the same about you since I realized CC wasn't Kaz after all."

>>24276227

> "What, you mean like a date?"

>>24276265

DO NOT SAY THIS

>>24276261
>>24276265
>>24276273

(Gentlemen: I'd love to continue, but it's significantly later than I expected. My apologies for the abrupt break, but - since I have a holiday coming up - I should be able to pick up soon enough, once I've dealt with the work.

I could continue for a bit, but I'm severely exhausted - Feel free to decide on a course of action, and I'd continue from in the next installment.

Once again, you've been a wonderful audience, and I apologize for the delay between games. As always, good night and god bless.)

>>24276302
More than cool OP, I've got to hit the sack myself. Even if you can't run just update the Twitter account every so often so we know you're alive.

If we keep the thread up do you think you'll be able to run tomorrow?

Sadly, that seems unlikely at present: However, after the 21st, I'd be significantly more free. (There's an essay I have to complete.)

>>24276227

>>24276227

Wait I thought we promised to go the art gallery with Asuna. We did, right? My memory of the last chapter is a bit hazy now.

>>24276022

I actually rather like this. It's a real change of pace from the giant robot battles. Wondering what's up with the hollow sun, actually.

> captcha: CHEKHOV oadnoew

Captcha knows what's up.

>>24276351
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23918933/#p23922951
>"If it's okay with you...Anytime during the week would be fine."
We've a margin as long as we don't knock Anon unconscious for a few days.

>>24276341
Agh, essays. Praise the dice I'm well out of that. I guess until the thread falls off the board it's theory crafting and paranoid raving general. Anyone have a good one to share?

>>24276413

Yeah, I have one.

What is the purpose of the Hollow Sun? So far, it seems that three things were linked.

1.) The destruction of the spire.
2.) The coffin Rust kaiser was dragging out.
3.) The opening of the rift.

And Pazuzu was last seen in the rift, trying (presumably) to get to the hollow sun's core. He didn't manage to do it.

Then we have the opening sequence, which shows that the hollow sun is making something.

Exactly what is it making? A brand-new suit of armor? And if so, for who?

>>24276791

Well, my guess is that it'd be our upgrade form. The picture is from GARO's new series, at this link

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIBngldBts

>>24276413

My personal vote is for Natsumi. We really should know her better, since she's our childhood friend and all.

>>24276826

The gold joker? Doesn't have a ring to it.

>>24275507
>The story's a strange one: About a young man, who falls for a girl normal people can't see. He enlists a witch's help, who tells him to reunite the Eyes of Night, twin magical gemstones. Only then, she assures him, will he be able to touch his true love at last.
>The witch gives the hero a flying ship, with an Eye set in the prow, and tasks him with travelling across the Red Sea to the island where the other Eye can be found.
>But though he overcomes the ship's fearsome shark guardian, the power and freedom the ship represents - It's too much for him.
>He abandons his quest to roam the Red Sea forever, forgetting about the girl. In the end, she becomes invisible to him, too: The orphaned Eye of Night wails its lament over the red waters, aching to be reunited with its twin.
>In the new script, the hero has a loyal friend - Who initially assures him that he should pursue his heart. In the epilogue, the hero's friend decides to take up his quest, '...in the memory of the man he once was, and the man he should have been'.

>Awesome story. OP, where did you find this, or thought it up yourself ?

>>24279779
Gee, it sounds kind of familiar...

Oh wait.

It's us.

Raising a flag with Mio altered the script, and now we've done fucked up with Hecate.

Now we're going to die/quit being the Red Joker, and our best friend is gonig to become us.

Good job guys.

>>24279779
It has some similarities to the "play" in Star Driver, which actually has a lot in common with Joker Quest now that I think about it.

>>24280350
Hey, if the play can be changed, we can change it again. Besides I'm not a fan of predetermination.

>>24280756
Our shirts don't show off our stomach and we haven't pirouetted even once, you're seeing things Anon. You're actually right, I've just been trying not to come to this conclusion for a while.

Anyone think Kaz might find himself involved in the game? So far every other named character has been except maybe Yui, and I fully expect her to be Inox.

>>24281056
>>24280756

I'm not sure. There are a lot of elements from Accel World, C, Star Driver, Gantz and so on, but everything's warped and twisted. The whole Red World thing reminds me a lot of Wraith the Oblivion, too.

>>24281056
I suppose we should be glad the play isn't a 1:1 copy of Star Driver's, which would have involved us sacrificing Hecate so we could be a selfish cunt.

>>24279779

Thinking about it carefully, it is really about us?

The Eyes of Night are clearly the Nihl Sphere, but HECATE was holding it. Which makes her the witch in the story.

However, while we only recently received a ship, there's no indication that it's driving us mad with power. At the same time, Kazuma is clearly the best friend of the play.

a) He actually IS our best friend.
b) He seems to be a basically good guy.
c) He was very good at using guns in Nara Dreamland.

In fact, it feels like he would make a pretty good red Joker if he was in our shoes. Giving up might mean that we're pursuing another girl besides hecate, but the metaphor gets really tangled from that point onwards.

The only player who was a shark was a swordsman, and he had the fatal Abyss, not the Sphere.

>>24281098

Does that mean the Correctors are Spectres?

>>24281150

> In fact, it feels like he would make a pretty good red Joker if he was in our shoes.

Maybe he's the backup plan if we die.

>>24281205
> Kazuya was the true protag all along.

>>24281231

Thinking about it, I have a theory. Are we, in fact, really a magnet to women? Or is it the red Joker that is attractive?

Asuna and Mio, who aren't players, have some level of supernatural power. Asuna has a strange form of precognition, and Mio actually demonstrated her power to control light.

At the same time, Natsumi was our childhood friend, and hecate is an anomaly. It's all linked somehow.

Similarly, exactly what is pazuzu doing? Why attack Nara for apparently no reason?

>>24281315

Don't forget that mio might be able to control emotions.

>>24281315

>Similarly, exactly what is pazuzu doing? Why attack Nara for apparently no reason?

That motherfucker is plotting something. There's actually a method to his madness.

He sent rust Kaiser to retrieve something from the Spire, which belonged to the Black Cardinal. We thwarted that plan.

Then he tried to attack the hollow sun, but he had to fall back. Presumably, he sent Kraken to muster up a serious army, but Kraken got there too late.

We're doing pretty good so far. Two our of three is not bad.

>>24281315
Players are *lucky*. The more you win, the better your life in the real world turns out. Argent Prominence is the CEO of a major company, the old Black Cardinal started a cult that only vanished when he did, and that dude Red Joker killed all the way back in chapter 2 was a rock star who needed a bigger break. Anon gets women and PLOT.

Additionally when a Player is defeated they die in the real world in a dramatic accident. There are rarely other victims (as far as we know). The loser in a player battle loses all their luck, and the luckless individual perishes.

>>24281098
I was seeing The World Ends With You, actually.