>>38570825
Well I hope we can git gud.

>>38570825
As you sit outside, exhausted and frustrated from how much shit has been hitting the fan lately, Newton sits down next to you.
He's got a cold pack resting on his forehead, and he's looking at you with understanding of how fucked-up the situation has gotten.
Two attacks in three consecutive days means the whole world is on alert.
The universal manhunt for Ragna the Bloodedge has doubled in size as NOL soldiers everywhere are on constant alarm.
"Things have gone to hell fast, haven't they?" He gives you an apologetic smile.
>No shit.
>You haven't seen half of it.
>Do you know where Noel is?
>What happened to your friend? Is he okay?
>So where are we staying? Everywhere's on full guard.
>Write-In

>>38570825
>You haven't seen half of it.
>What happened to your friend? Is he okay?
>Do you know where Noel and Tsubaki are?

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>>38570825
>See "Blazblue" in tite
>See "Quest"
>"Oh hey, it's my favorite quest running again, wonder why I didn't see it on twitter!"
>My face

>>38571142
>>38571334
Because I'm a shit Twitterer.
Sorry. Have a post.
"You haven't seen half of it." You shake your head and look around. "Where's your friend? Is he okay?"
Emergency crews hustle past you two as Newton responds.
"Yeah, he's fine. Just a couple of loose bolts- nothing that won't heal. We're gonna be staying at the Iwatsu NOL Medical Wing to make sure nothing else goes awry."
He pokes you with an elbow conspiratorially.
"I hear they're flying in The Hero of Ikaruga because they want him to be here if Ragna shows up."
Oh no.
Or oh yes, depending on how things turn out.
Jin Kisaragi treated you like shit when you last met, he's a fighter on-par with Ragna, and you arrested him because he was an annoying fucking prick.
Chalk another point up to 'People who hate me'.
But Tsubaki's here, so she might be able to talk him down.
Speaking of Tsubaki (and Noel)...
"Where are Tsubaki and Noel?" You ask.
"Probably either at the Wing or with the women's half of the first-aid area. They should be out in about half an hour, max."
The women's portion is a while off. There are hastily-pitched tents and quickly-made guardrails between you and them.
>Go to the women's portion
>"Wasn't Kisaragi injured last time they saw him? Why are they bringing him here? He's hurt, right?"
>Just try and catch your breath.
>"Do you know the fastest way to Yabiko? We need to get there, and soon."
>Write-In

>>38571398
>>"Wasn't Kisaragi injured last time they saw him? Why are they bringing him here? He's hurt, right?"
>Any signs of Ragna or Hazama?

>>38571433
"Wait, wasn't Kiseaagi injured the last time they saw him? He's hurt, right?"
Newton shrugs.
"Apparently it's for the intimidation factor. Plus, if they keep him comatose and he saves his energy, he might be at full strength when he gets here."
That's not a reassuring thought. But you put it aside. "Also, has anyone seen Ragna or Hazama?"
"Nope. As far as I know that slippery bastard and the jacket-wearing screwball are paint on the tracks right now."
If only. As far as you can tell, they're both much tougher than that. They'll be back, and perhaps without warning.
You need to get stronger, and soon.
You sit back and wait for the first-aid lines to clear up.
What do you do while you wait?
>Review the facts
>Practice Ars Magus/our Drive
>Try to make out Noel and Tsubaki in the crowd
>Talk to Newton some more
>Find something to eat
>Write-In

>>38571617
>>Talk to Newton some more
>Find something to eat
Newton I dropped Ragna from a 20 story elevator shaft into a seithr well. He popped up within a few days across the sea. At best he's wounded and pissed.

>>38571398
>Because I'm a shit Twitterer.
I meant That's my reaction to this quest not being the other Blazblue quest

>>38571683
>>38571906
"Newton. I dropped Ragna from a 20 story elevator shaft into a seithr well. It took him TWO DAYS to recover and cross the Pacific after me. At BEST he's wounded and pissed."
Newton stares at you for a second before staring at the ground while he processes that fact.
You decide to get up and look for something to eat.
There's a machine nearby, and it sells those rainbow-colored sugar bomb things that most definitely taste better than the off-brand kind and are not generic at all.
It also sells soda, energy drinks, bottled water, chips, a sketchy-looking can of something you can't read, and a single, solitary container of beef jerky hanging aimlessly at the bottom left-hand corner.
>Buy the not-skittles
>Buy the chips
>Buy the soda
>Buy the energy drinks
>Buy the whatever the fuck that is
>Buy the beef jerky
>Fuck this. I mean real food.
>Write-In

>>38571906
Well, sucks to be you, because this one doesn't take itself seriously most of the time at all.

>>38571919
>>Buy the energy drinks
>Buy the beef jerky

>>38571977
This is definitely the meal of a human being and not someone so desperate for food that they will literally eat boot leather.
Actually, the beef jerky is pretty good. You gnaw on the meat before it slowly begins to become palatable in your mouth. The spices are especially good.
After managing to stave off your stomach's annoyance, you pop open an energy drink.
Who makes these things? It's like drinking acid!
However, it manages to dissolve the jerky somewhat, so overall it's a win.
As you manage to slowly consume your makeshift meal, Tsubaki comes over you and stares at you like you're some sort of a wild dog instead of a human.
"...What on Earth are you eating?"
"Beef jerky." You mutter impulsively.
She stares at you, mortified.
Noel comes up from behind her.
"I got checked out too- Oh, is that beef jerky? One of my American friends told me about it."
"Noel... What is it, exactly?"
"You mean you don't know, Tsubaki? It's beef, dried out so that it doesn't go bad and stays edible."
"That sounds horrible!" Tsubaki says.
"It's an acquired taste," Noel mutters.
>You two check out okay?
>Are you serious? It's beef jerky!
>Wanna try some?
>So where are we headed now?
>I was hungry, okay?
>Write-In

>>38572238
>You two check out okay?
>So where are we headed now?
>I was hungry, okay?
Not great but better than nothing. Also Tsubaki they're flying Jin in FYI.

>>38572238
>You two check out okay?
>Are you serious? It's beef jerky!
>Wanna try some?

>>38572334
>>38572495
"You two check out okay?" Ben asks.
Noel nods. "Yeah. I was fine, apparently. nothing but a few bruises."
"Yes. I was shaken, nothing more. No concussions, as far as they could tell." Tsubaki replied before wrinkling her nose. "Could you not?
You stare at her, aghast at how often she seems to turn her nose up at things. "Are you serious? It's beef jerky! I was hungry, okay? Not exactly my top-tier pick for dinner."
You move to hand her one. "You want to-"
"No." she hisses. "I do not want to try."
"Aw, Tsubaki, where's your sense of adventure?" Noel asks.
You continue to gnaw on one of the sticks as Tsubaki gags and Noel giggles. "It's not great, but it's better than nothing. So where are we going now?"
"First, we're going to go somewhere decent for dinner. Then, we're staying at the NOL wing here, possibly the Medical Wing, for the night so that we can be prepared for going to Yabiko."
"Oh! I hear that cheeseburgers are good around here!"
"Noel... Seafood is healthier, and apparently there are some American-specific seafood dishes. We should try to look for one of those restaurants."
They look at you, and you get the impression they're looking for a breaking vote, so you divert the conversation temporarily.
"By the way, Tsubaki- they said they're going to try and fly Jin in here."
Her eyes bolt open at that. "What? Really?"
"Yeah." Newton added. "They said that they might be able to get him in top shape in time to fend off Ragna again."
He turns to the rest of the group.
"Not to hitchhike, but can I join y'all for food? I happen to live around here, so I know a few out-of the way places.
>Sure, why not? Do you know where we can find some place that sells cheeseburgers?
>Sure, why not? Do you know where we can find some seafood?
>What about one of those out-of-the-way places you were talking about?
>Maybe we should hurry up and get to headquarters.
>You can't come with us (like you would really do it)
>Write-In

>>38572689
>>What about one of those out-of-the-way places you were talking about?

You're building this guy up tog et killed aren't ya?

>>38572689
>>Sure, why not? Do you know where we can find some place that sells cheeseburgers?
Lets get something very bad and greasy

>>38572729
>>38572904
"What sort of out-of-the-way places were you talking about? Either that or something with cheeseburgers."
"If you mean some sort of seedy bar, I'm not interested." Tsubaki mutters.
"You seem to have a thing for being above it all, don't you?" Newton asks with a frown.
This stuns Tsubaki. "What? I- No, I meant..."
"The word isn't all glass chandeliers and red wine, Major. There are people who have fun doing work that you might consider beneath you. And that's fine."
Tsubaki stares at him for a second.
He takes the ice off of his head. "But I'm not gonna let you trash-talk the Ranch."
"The Ranch?" You ask.
"Yup. Finest Barbecue you've ever had, out near a cliff overlooking the Southwest. They even found a way to bring back the Cajun food culture there. It's a special menu you ask for. Lots of seafood, if that's what you want."
"Mostly seither on the view, but on the sunset it glitters like no other. We call it the Ranch Night-Fire."
Noel looks awed at the description.
>Yeah, that sounds like something we're looking for.
>Come on, Tsubaki. Live a little.
>Anything else you can think of?
>Do they have cheeseburgers? If they do, I'm sold.
>I don't think that's what we're looking for.
>Write-In
(Sorry for a stagnant plot.)

>>38572996
>>Yeah, that sounds like something we're looking for.
>Come on, Tsubaki. Live a little.
Worst case if you really don't like it we can get something else, but you gotta admit the ranch sounds awesome.

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>>38573057

"That sounds like something we're looking for. If worst comes to worst, we can get something else for you, Tsubaki."
"Come on, live a little!" Noel tugs at her. She grudgingly smiles.
"Fine. I'll give this place a try."
Newton smiles and walks over to some other men standing nearby. They point him to a map, and he waves you over.
About thirty minutes later, you're sitting in a restaurant overlooking a skyview. Noel and Tsubaki sit on one side, and you and Newton sit on the other.
Noel orders a cheeseburger, as she's been eager to try one, while Tsubaki orders a more conservative shrimp dish.
Newton has decided to throw caution to the wind and order a full plat of barbecue ribs.
You stick with your earlier choice and get a hamburger as well.
As you eat, the conversation about current events stagnates.
However, as the night becomes deeper, the sunset begins to occur, and over the waves of seither blanketing the Earth shines the Sun's rays.
A photograph wouldn't be enough to take away, because it wouldn't carry the motion of the event.
It is indeed like fire, almost like an ocean of fire.
And though Tsubaki is doing her best to look offended at Newton's choice of food, she seems pleased.
After eating, you make your way back to the NOL branch.
>Directly to bed
>Talk to Newton
>Talk to Noel
>Talk to Tsubaki
>Look for Jin
>Look for a map
>Write-In

>>38572996
>Yeah, that sounds like something we're looking for.
Sounds perfect.

>>38573413
If you want me to give a fuller description, I can. I feel like that might have been a bit underwhelming.

>>38573366
>Talk to Noel

>>38573366
>Look for Jin

>>38573366
>Talk to Noel
and
>Look for a map

>>38573438
Might as well, just... do it between updates or something, so you don't slow the thread down too much.

>>38573439
>>38573440
>>38573451
You decide to talk to Noel. She's sitting in the lobby of the Branch in what looks to be a minor food coma.
You knew she had a petite frame, but you didn't know a single hamburger could cause such a reaction.
She stares up at you somberly. "I think I've eaten too much- what do you want to talk about?"
>Training?
>Yabiko?
>You've been acting differently.
>Are you still okay about what happened before?
>What do you think about Jin?
>What did you think of the restaurant?
>Write-In

>>38573597
>>What did you think of the restaurant?
You gonna be ok? I was going to ask for training but right now I think you'd be hard pressed to fight off a small dog.

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>>38573783
"Hey, Noel. You gonna be okay? I was gonna ask about training, but you look like you couldn't fight off a small dog right now."
She puffs her cheeks out at you. "I'm fine. Just... tired."
>The restaurant was stone and wood with painted walls, held together excellently through good room design.
>The food was served with regular glassware-nothing too fancy- and the tables were also a softwood rather than metal or hardwood.
>The room was lit ceiling-down, held up by natural-bricked columns.
>It was somewhat busy, but the food came on time and there were no delays on the check.
>It had everything in place to be hokey and hill-billy material, but that didn't seem to be the case.
>There was a general genuinity that lent itself to the restaurant's cause. In the back there could be heard the roar of ovens and the hissing of grills.
>There was country music in the background, which, while grating, was also somewhat charming.
>People could be heard celebrating. There was house-made bread and barbeque sauce, with honey-butter for the bread.
>That was probably what got Noel the most after she had finished her hamburger.
>No alcohol for the girls- Noel had a Shirley Temple and Tsubaki just had lemonade.
In the end, it's not hard to see why Noel's tired.
As much as she wants to be a perfect example of what her family can do, she's still human, and the excitement and food just got to her.
Speaking of which, she seems to be drifting off.
That's probably not good.
>Take her to her room
>Take her to your room
>Take her to Tsubaki's room
>Call Tsubaki
>Look for a map
>Find Jin
>Wake her up
>Write-In

>>38573973
>>Call Tsubaki
To avoid a misunderstanding then
>Look for a map
then
>Take her to her room

>>38574014
(In case you couldn't tell, I've dedicated what MIGHT be too much time to character development without power development. That's going to change.)
"Hey, Tsubaki!"
You call out to the red-headed girl, and she perks up and turns around. "What is it?"
"Noel fell asleep on me. Should I-"
"Oh, for goodness- Noel!" She raps Noel on the head smartly, and the blonde sits up.
"What- Ungh. Sorry." She hakes her head and sits up.
"You can't just fall asleep like that... I knew that restaurant was a bad idea."
"Really? You seemed to be enjoying yourself."
She straightens herself up. "Well, of course. You all seemed to be having a good time, so I enjoyed it. The food was palatable, as well."
You and Noel exchange a look, and she glares at you again.
"In any case, the lockdown means that we're not going to be able to move to Yabiko for three days. We should probably use the time for training and preparations."
She gives you a short bow. "I hope to see you ready in the morning for what needs to be done."
Noel stands up and waves to you with a smile before going with her to the female wing.
What now?
>Go to bed
>Talk to Newton
>Find a map
>Find Jin
>Write-In

>>38574206
>>Find a map

>>38574240
The city map goes something along these lines.
The NOL authority in Iwatsu is the center, where it normally is.
The shopping district here is to the east, which contains the sub-district for restaurants to the north, the theater farther east, and the red-light areas to the south.
To the west lie the residential areas, with the production and industrial areas further south and the white-collar areas somewhat northern, buffeted against the NOL's center.
Trams carry people in circles, with circling trams carrying people around the rings and three tram lines carrying people up and down to the NOL offices and the stops inbetween.
>More information
>Information about a specific district
>More about the NOL's center
>I'm done here
>Write-In

>>38574482
>I'm done here
>Just get a copy in case we get lost around here.

>>38574522
Simple enough.
You take an extra copy in case you get lost.
What are the chances of that, right?
The branch seems to be closing down for the night, and you don't see anyone else around, except for night guards.
Anything else?
>Talk to the night guards (not a good idea)
>Go to the men's wing
>Go to the women's wing (not a good idea)
>Go to the medical wing
>Something else

>>38574576
>>Go to the medical wing

>>38574725
As you enter the medical wing, a nurse in uniform looks up from her desk.
"Hello. Um,.. Congratulations on your promotion, Major. Did you want to see one of the patients?"
>Do you know if there was a man that was recovered as handcuffed? If you do, I'd like to speak to him.
>I'd like to speak to Jin Kisaragi. I'm his arresting officer.
>Write-In

>>38574810
>Do you know if there was a man that was recovered as handcuffed? If you do, I'd like to speak to him.

>>38574822
"Handcuffed? Oh, you must mean Corporal Sullivan. He's in Room 125, to your left."
The poitns you in the right direction, and you walk down the hall.
Sullivan is resting on the bed. His first name isn't given, mostly because you can't read the doctor's handwriting.
He looks at you and rolls his eyes.
"Oh, not you. What the hell do you want?"
>I want to talk.
>I want to apologize.
>Did you talk to your friend Newton yet?
>I kind of saved your life.
\>Write-In

>>38574934
>I want to talk.
>Did you talk to your friend Newton yet?

>>38574977
"I want to talk."
"Of fucking course you do. The big damn Major needs to make sure everyone under him knows he totally knows what they feel. What fucking bullshit."
"Did you talk to your friend Newton yet?"
"Newton? What the hell? When did he tell you his name?"
>When I pulled your ass out of the fire.
>When he helped me save your life from Hazama.
>Hazama's out of the picture. We're not enemies.
>Write-In

>>38575054
>When he helped me save your life from Hazama.

>>38575065
"When he helped me save your life from Hazama, that's fucking when!"
It comes out louder than you mean, but he looks surprised.
Then his face turns back to one of anger.
"Yeah, right. When I hear it from him. Now go away."
"That train wreck you were unconscious for? That was Hazama trying to kill everyone on that whole car. Newton included. We dragged you outta there after he nearly killed you outright for insubordination."
He stares down. "i could have killed him. Shot him."
"That wouldn't have done it. He's too tough for that. He's magic or something. Like Ragna."
He looks away again.
"just go away.
>Whatever, man.
>I'm not your enemy.
>You should say thank-you to Newton.
>No, not yet.
>Write-In

>>38575152
>Whatever, man.
>You should say thank-you to Newton.
He saved your ass and went to bat for you when everyone else in your unit was willing to Let Hazama off you.

>>38575152
>I'm not your enemy.
>You should say thank-you to Newton.

>>38575152
>I'm not your enemy.
>You should say thank you to Newton.

Right. Gonna try to clean up my writing act.
Let's start with this one:

"Whatever, man." You can feel deep anger welling in your chest as you point at him. "You'd better say fucking thank-you to Newton. When literally everyone else in your unit bailed on you, he went to bat to make sure you got off safely!" You roar. Your hands are shaking some more, and you can see fear in his eyes as you glare at him with the anger of a frustrated man.
"I'm not your goddamn enemy. You'd better fucking believe it."
Dropping your hands to your sides, you storm out as he slumps back in his bed and cradles his head in shame.
Stepping outside, you can see that the nurse has gotten anxious.
>Can I see Jin Kisaragi?
>Sorry about that. (Calm down)
>Just leave.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>38575318
>Sorry about that. (Calm down)
>Can you show me where Jin Kisaragi is?

>>38575318
>Sorry about that. (Calm down)
>Can I see Jin Kisaragi?
Provided he's not ranting.

>>38575318
>Sorry about that. (Calm down)
>Can you show me where Jin Kisaragi is?

>>38575352
You can see her shaking somewhat in her seat, trying not to look at you as you approach.
She's shuffling around folders and looking at the paperwork in front of her as an excuse.
Clasping your hands together meditatively for a few seconds, you feel your adrenaline rush drop as you calm yourself.
You sigh and scratch the back of your neck.
"Sorry about that." You sigh and shrug in shame at the nurse.
She nods quickly, more open as she sees you've straightened yourself out.
"Anything else?" she perks up, a tinge of nervousness still in her voice.
"Can you show me where Jin Kisaragi is? I'm his arresting officer.." You stand up, prim and proper, as she points towards another hall, this time going further in rather than to the side.
"He's in a special treatment hall, room E-407. You'll need this."
She pulls out some keys and unlocks a cabinet before handing you a card.
You take it, and it reads "Special Personnel Clearance Only."
Now to go talk to Jin.
...
You pass a few card-swiping clearance areas before finally getting to Jin's room.
As you enter, a young female officer is tending to him at the moment. He seems to be asleep.
She turns t you, suprised.
"Hello. I'm Warrant Officer Ellen Nelson. You are?"
>His arresting officer.
>Major Ben Herald
>Is he in any condition to talk?
>I'll come back later.
>Observe Jin
>Write-In

>>38575534
>His arresting officer.
>Major Ben Herald
>Is he in any condition to talk?

>>38575534
>His arresting officer.
>Major Ben Herald
>Is he in any condition to talk?

>>38575584
>>38575602

You step forward and close the door, taking off the NOL uniform's blue beret.
"I'm his arresting officer, Major Ben Herald."
You look at him, and he appears to be still, frozen in place. almost lifeless.
"Is... is he in any condition to talk?" You stare at him nervously. There's something not right here.
"No, I'm fairly certain he's been thoroughly sedated." Ellen clasps the clipboard she carries to her chest and shakes her head.
"Let me talk to him."
Jin's eyes bolt open, as if on signal.
As you jump back in surprise, he turns his icy gaze on you. You can feel hatred in his assessment of you, as well as spite and mockery. Even some... jealousy?
You steady yourself and turn to him.
He snarls at you.
"Come here to brag?"
>What's the relationship between you and Ragna?
>What do you have out against Noel?
>Do you need anything about Hazama?
>I need your help. Tsubaki needs your help.
>Tsubaki wants to see you.
>Write-In

>>38575727
>Tsubaki wants to see you

>>38575812
You stare at him for a second, before whispering, "Tsubaki wants to see you."
His gaze softens, but his snarl remains. "So, why isn't she here?" He studies you, looking for indicators of lying.
"Because of how you're acting. Jin, if Tsubaki were here, she might start crying."
You look at him with the glare he's hitting you with right back."She told me about a kind, caring. smiling Jin, who would help people in need when they needed it."
You cross your arms and lean forward. "In fact, I'm pretty sure she's in love with you."
He frowns and looks away.
"I've never been kind or caring. I've always just played pretend. Pretend to care, pretend to be nice."
He stares away, at the wall.
"This world is worthless, you know. Filled with fake smiles and sappy stories. Everyone puts on masks. Masks."
Ellen is shrinking down and looking away.
>I don't think you really believe that.
>That's not the man Tsubaki thinks you are.
>So you're just going to throw away the world because it doesn't fit your specifications?
>What are you, some sort of chicken?
>Wrtite-In

>>38575988
>What are you, some sort of chicken?

>>38575988

>That's not the man Tsubaki thinks you are. And I don't think you really believe that anyway.

>>38576086
You think about what he just said before muttering,
"...What are you? Some sort of chicken?"
Ellen almost screams outright, but covers her mouth with her hand as she sees Jin's glare turn to you, his eyes bulging out of their sockets.
"You...Dare... Call... Me... a COWARD?"
"Yeah, I do!"
You move to hover over his bedside and look down on him.
His arms seem to be trying to move themselves to choke you. The effect is almost comical.
"Because you're hiding what you really think, what you really believe, from yourself. Pretending to be nice? Pretending to be kind? That's not the man Tsubaki thinks you are. And I don't think you really believe the world is shit either, anyway. So you're a coward, Jin."
You bend over to speak in his face. His eyes are filled with rage. He's almost frothing at this point.
"You can fight Ragna the Bloodedge, but you can't even face yourself!"
I'LL...KILL...YOU!"
He tries to get up with all his might, but fails hilariously, only managing to lift one arm about two inches.
He';s leering at you with death in his eyes.
>Time to leave
>One last taunt
>You may want to sedate him some more.
>Write-In

>>38576240
Probably second-to-last post of the night.
I swear to God, it's like Ben's secret power is giving pep talks or something.
Thanks for following. Next time I hope to make this thread not-as-shit for you loyal fans of my currently crippled brain-child.

>>38576240
"I'll let Tsubaki know you're well enough for visitors in the morning. See you around, Jin."

>>38576405
Smiling that you've gotten your point across, you start to leave.
"You... trash!" He growls. "You... bastard... How dare you turn your back on me!"
Ellen is panicking, trying to calm down Jin. "Major, you shouldn't act like this! Your blood pressure is skyrocketing!"
As you open the door to leave, you turn back to Jin and say with a smirk,
"I'll let Tsubaki know you're well enough for visitors in the morning. See you around, Jin." With a salute, you close the door.
Jin, at the end of his rope, actually manages to pull himself up somewhat, yelling,
"You motherfu-" before being cut off by you closing the door.
You smile and walk out, whistling as you use the card to let you pass through the series of doors out.

-END THREAD
I really appreciate you guys sticking around, whoever did. If it's good enough to entertain at least one person, it's good enough for me to spend time on.

>>38576565
Well, I like it. I don't always know what's gong on but it's still fun. See ya next time.