File: Ayane Nakamura.jpg (150 KB, 900x900)

150 KB JPG

>>1450786

“Alright class, you've all got your information packs, right?” Professor Carrington asks, trying to appear as if she was prepared for this, “I know this is all sudden, having your class trip brought ahead to... to this week, but we've all got to make the best of it. Remember, life won't always go as smoothly as you might like!” Having convinced herself of this, the teacher reaches into the pocket of her inexplicable lab coat and takes out a planner. “Oh yes,” she adds, “And don't think that means your homework is cancelled – I'll still be expecting that poem from all of you.”

Your groan is just one of many that rise up to stir the morning air.

-

“Man, can you believe this?” Ayane groans, waving her information pack like a flag, “According to this, we're going to be away two days. Two days! Where are we even supposed to be sleeping, some local hotel or what? Does this Mizuhashi Reserve place even have a hotel?”

“It has a small community, built around the needs of the local scientists,” Maika sighs, without looking up from her phone, “And yes, a hotel is included, for visiting family members or foreign scientists. Did you actually read the information they provided for us?” Flicking her finger across the surface of her phone, Maika causes the little drone above your head to swoop down in a steep dive, pulling up and away just before it brushes Ayane's head.

“Gah!” wailing, swiping at the retreating drone with her information pack, Ayane shoots the heiress a dark look, “So maybe I only skimmed it. So what?”

“Some Seeker of Truth you are,” Maika sneers.

“This is fun,” you think aloud, “Having a nice relaxing lunch, up on the school roof.”

“There are three lies in that sentence,” Ayane corrects you sternly, “This isn't fun, we're not relaxing, and this isn't even a roof. Why did they even call it a roof? It's more like a glorified balcony!” Sighing dramatically, she sits down on one of the concrete benches and fans herself with the information pack. “And it's getting hot,” she complains, “What is this, some kind of heatwave? I bet those bloody swamps are going to be lovely in this sort of weather...”

“Hardship is good for the soul,” you proclaim gravely, trying not to giggle a little at how pompous it sounds.

“Bullshit. Massages and relaxation are good for the soul,” she counters, “Swamps aren't good for anything!”

“They have thriving ecosystems,” Maika corrects her “Why else would Renko Biotech sink so much resources into exploring the site? Even today, after studying the area for years, they're still finding new variations on the local wildlife. It's a veritable treasure trove for anyone seeking new discoveries.”

“How...” Ayane manages after a pause, “Do you know all this?”

“Simple,” the heiress replies, “I read the information pack, cover to cover.”

[2/3]

>>1450789

When the school day ends, you decide to meet up with Emi again and finish your discussions from yesterday. After Ayane and Maika left Emi's apartment, it didn't take long for the conversation to dry up and you made your exit soon after. Before leaving, you exchanged numbers with the young girl and promised to keep in touch. It takes a bit of arranging – and the promise that Maika will pay the bill – but you eventually agree to meet up at Paris.

Well, there's no reason that you can't talk over cake, after all.

-

“Shit man, I feel like I'm the odd one out here,” Emi laughs, glancing between the members of your group. She has a point – Ayane, Maika and you are all still in your prim Ark Institute blazers, while Emi still wears that scuffed leather jacket of hers.

“It can't be helped,” Maika replies with a shrug, taking a small sip of tea, “Oh yes, Ayane. You left so suddenly yesterday. I hope it wasn't a family emergency.”

“It's always an emergency when my mom is involved,” Ayane groans, “But nah, it wasn't anything serious. She just had a bunch of stuff to give me – notes about Hieroglyph Marketing and their AI crap. She, uh, thinks it's for a school project. I feel kinda guilty, she's done all my research for me...”

“I'd like to read those notes later,” Maika murmurs, leaning a little closer, “If I might trouble you for them.”

“Help yourself,” shrugging, Ayane finishes off her coffee, “They're boring as hell, though. Totally dry and-”

“Wow, what is this, a study session?” Emi interrupts, “Hey, I thought we were supposed to be out punching bad guys and stuff!” Crushing her soda can in one hand, she points a finger at you. “C'mon boss,” she urges you, “Let's go and pick a fight!”

“We can't just go out and start busting heads,” Ayane sighs, “We've got to wait until an Intruder shows up first. Until then, we're off-duty.”

“Man...” Emi groans, pouting in disappointment, “Ugh, whatever. So what do you usually do when you're off-duty?”

>Nothing really. I'll call you at the first sign of an Intruder, I promise
>How about we try sparring for a little? A little practice can't hurt
>Now that you've had time to think about all this, do you have any questions?
>We should get to know each other a little better. Tell me about yourself, Emi
>Other

>>1450792
>Now that you've had time to think about all this, do you have any questions?
>We should get to know each other a little better. Tell me about yourself, Emi

>How about we try sparring for a little? A little practice can't hurt
I don't know if it's hard to move in all that armor so it might be good to get used to it before the real deal.

>>1450792
>I'll call you at the first sign of an Intruder, I promise
>Now that you've had time to think about all this, do you have any questions?
>How about we try sparring for a little? A little practice can't hurt

File: Emi Miyakawa.jpg (276 KB, 1215x1215)

276 KB JPG

“Well, normally we just talk,” Ayane says with a shrug, “You know, about school and stuff. What we do on our time off. This might disappoint you, but we're really just regular girls when we're not punching evil in the face. Well, Miho and I are regular girls, I don't know if I can say the same for Princess Kanzaki here.”

“What a delightful thing for you to say,” Maika sighs, “But that aside, it's an accurate assessment.”

“Still,” you point out, “It's important to have some free time. Now that you've had some time to think, do you have any questions? Now is a good a time as any to get them out of the way.”

“Do I got any questions?” Emi repeats, “Huh, well... yeah, I did have one thing. Wouldn't really call it a question, but there was some stuff I wasn't all that clear about. I mean...” As she thinks hard about her next words, Emi's lips tighten into a thin line. “These gods,” she blurts out eventually, “What are they all about? I ain't gonna ask anything more specific than that, but I do sorta want to know more. I mean, if I'm gonna be working for them...”

“Wow, uh, where to start?” Ayane frowns a little, “Well, so you know that there are a bunch of them, right?”

“Eighteen. Seven Great Virtues and eleven Curse Gods,” you begin quietly, “The Great Virtues are Duty, Faith, Compassion, Dignity, Wisdom, Sacrifice and Destiny. The Curse Gods are-”

“Wait, Destiny?” cutting in, Ayane gives you an incredulous look, “Since when was that a virtue?”

“Kurosawa explained this to us,” Maika sighs, “It's something of a misnomer. It's not destiny itself that is the real virtue, as the acceptance of it. It is a virtue to know one's place and accept it, rather than fighting against it. Rest while the world rests, move while the world is in motion. That's the real virtue.”

“Did he tell us that?” Ayane asks, “I mean, he tells us a bunch of stuff and like ninety percent of it is bullshit, so...”

“The Curse Gods,” you continue, “Are Shame, Spite, Misfortune, Weakness, Sloth, Fury, Terror, Pain, Sorrow, Blindness and Discord. Cheerful lot, I know.”

“Jeez,” Emi mutters, “I don't like the sound of those...”

“They're not as bad as you might think,” Ayane offers an attempt at a smile, “Think of it like, uh, someone's parents. One of them is warm and caring, the other is harsh and difficult. So, uh, imagine that one day you were out with your parents, and a big dog starts trying to bite your face off. What do you think the parents would do?”

“I mean, even if one of them is kind of a dick, I guess they'd both try and keep me safe,” Emi guesses, before her eyes widen in realisation, “Oh, I get it now! And this dog thing, that's the Intruders?”

“She learns fast,” Maika says with an approving nod, “I think you're going to be a fine asset, Emi.”

[1/2]

>>1450843

“I think so too,” you agree, before turning to Emi “But we might need to put you through your paces first. How about a little sparring? Some combat practice can't hurt, and it'll help to ease you into this. That armour... I don't know how hard it is to move in it, but it would be good to test it out now.”

“You mean like, play fighting?” Emi perks up at the suggestion, “Yeah, I could go for that! You got a place in mind? I mean, we don't want random assholes wandering past and seeing us while we're in the middle of something, right?”

“That would be bad,” Maika agrees, “But regrettably, I don't think we have anywhere in mind. If we do, I certainly don't know about it. Miho, have you been scouting out locations in preparation for this?”

“Ah, well, not exactly,” you admit, “That's the one problem with the plan, it's-”

“Hey, no big deal. I know a place we can use,” Emi cuts in, “There's this place in the outskirts, I used to hang out there with... I mean, I used to hang to hang out there. It's totally private, I don't think anyone just stumbles across it. Follow me, I can take you there. Just, uh, don't tell anyone about it – I kinda liked having it as my own little secret...”

“How cute!” Ayane mouths to you, her sly smile making the words hard to read. Ignoring her, you give Emi a nod of acknowledgement.

-

“We should get to know each other a little better,” you decide as you're all leaving Paris, “Emi, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself?”

“Like what?” Emi replies with a shrug, “I mean, there's not much to say about me. My name's Emi Miyakawa, I'm gonna be fifteen in two months, and I can't remember my damn Citizen ID. I work a crappy job, and go to a crappy school – just don't ask me about my grades. You've met Kaoru, and you've seen my house. Not much else to say about me.”

“Which school is it?” Maika asks, “One of the, ah...”

“Yeah, it's in the vice district. It's one of THOSE schools - Saint Amelia's Academy for Girls. Pretty crappy, like I said, but it don't cost my parents anything,” a thoughtful look touches Emi's face, “It's pretty weird there, all the Catholic stuff. Like, I was never all that into it, but hearing about all this new god stuff... Kinda hard to fit it all together, you know?”

“I would argue that point,” the heiress muses, “Many of the Great Virtues can fit easily inside a traditional Christian framework – Sacrifice, especially. Most of the Native Gods, in fact, can be tied into existing faiths and beliefs. It's only logical, if we presume that the Native Gods were a kind of root, from which other faiths grew. It's an idea that-”

“Maika?” Ayane interrupts, “You're weird.”

“Yeah, uh, I gotta agree there,” Emi glances your way, “Does she do this often?”

“Sometimes,” you sigh.

[2/3]

>>1450896

“Well, here we are,” Emi says with a flourish, gesturing to the worn out, broken down building before you. It's only slightly more impressive than a shack, although it does stand in the middle of a respectably wide courtyard. Tall buildings – their windowless forms suggesting storage depots, maybe garages for automated vehicles – surround the place, almost like fortress walls. It is, as Emi said, a very private, secret place. It takes you all a while to realise what it really is, or rather what it once was.

“Wait!” Ayane blurts out, “Is this a shrine?”

“I guess so. That arch thing, shrines have those, don't they?” Emi shrugs, “Man, I don't know. I've never left this city in my entire life. Never seen a real shrine before, just this old place, but it's got the arch thing!”

“A torii,” Maika corrects her, “It's called a torii. In either case, I think you're right. This must have been left intact when Ark City expanded, absorbed rather than demolished. I wonder why – perhaps there were protests, or...”

“Eh, doesn't matter much. Point is, we've got ourselves a secret lair!” Emi jogs ahead, her arms held wide, “And man, it feels good to be back here with other folk!”

“I don't know, fighting in a shrine feels a little...” Ayane trails off, making a vague gesture to indicate, you presume, discomfort. “Hey, look, you guys have fun, but I'll pass on the fighting part,” shrugging, she sits down and leans against the aged torii, “I'll watch, though!”

“I think I'll sit this out as well. My weapon isn't suited for this sort of thing anyway,” nodding, Maika brushes down some of the cracked stone tiles, “I'll see if my drones have anything interesting to report. If an Intruder shows itself, I'll let you know.”

“She can do that... somehow,” you explain to Emi, “So, if we hear about any Intruders that need hunting, we can call you up right away. First sign of trouble, and you'll hear from me – I promise!”

“Okay,” Emi nods, “Now let's do this!” Crying out those words, she transforms into her costume – all frilly lace and ornate metal – in a flash of magical light. Leaning on the huge bulk of her sword, Emi waits for you to make the first move.

>Fight aggressively, and teach Emi how to defend herself
>Fight defensively, so Emi can learn to attack properly
>Other

>Having trouble keeping a stable connection today. I apologise if I disappear or run into any delays

>>1450914
>Fight defensively, so Emi can learn to attack properly
Let's see what she's got first. If she is recklessly attacking us then counter attack when she gives openings to help her wise up.

>>1450914
>>Fight defensively, so Emi can learn to attack properly

>>1450914
>>Fight aggressively, and teach Emi how to defend herself
Let's try this. Something tells me she'll have decent offensive instincts.

>>1450914
>>Fight defensively, so Emi can learn to attack properly

>>1450914
>Fight aggressively, and teach Emi how to defend herself

Conjuring up your weapons, the Collapsed Star Knuckles, is as unimpressive as always, with none of the theatricality that your companions enjoy. Emi transformed behind a rising sheet of metal and smoke, whereas you... your scarf simply unfurled from around your neck. It's silent, but you've always imagined it as being accompanied by the sound of a balloon deflating slowly. Not exactly the most heroic of things, and you can see that Emi feels the same way. Her face might be hidden by that helmet, but there's no mistaking the way her shoulders slump a little.

“Is that...” she frowns, “What, do you not get any fancy clothes or something?”

Grinding your teeth in frustration, you raise your gauntlets in a defensive stance. “Go on, try and hit me,” you call across to the younger girl, ignoring her remark, “If you can even lift that sword of yours, that is!”

“Oh yeah? I can lift it just fine!” Emi yells back, rising to your challenge and... struggling to lift the massive blade. It seems to take all of her strength to heave it up, and she can't keep it aloft for long. “Just... wait right there!” she shouts over to you, “I got this, just give me a moment!”

Glancing to your side, you see Ayane looking down at her phone and trying not to laugh. Maika's eyes are also glued to her phone, although her expression is deadly serious. A grinding noise draws your attention back to Emi, the young girl throwing all her strength into charging towards you. Her blade drags on the stone tiles behind her, shooting up sparks as it grinds against stone. She throws herself at you, her clumsy charge ending in a faintly breathless cry of anger as she swings the heavy sword.

It's easy, too easy, to raise your gauntlets up to intercept the blow. The clash should stagger her, and your counter-attack...

The blow connects, but not with the result you had been expecting. Emi's sword smashes into your gauntlets with a horrible ringing sound, knocking you back from the sheer force of it. Stumbling, digging your heels in, you fumble to regain your balance – and to figure out what just happened. Of all the times you've blocked attacks, nothing has ever beaten you back like that, nothing. What's worse, you glance down at the Collapsed Star Knuckles and see, for the very first time, damage. A notch has been gouged out of one gauntlet – not deeply, true, but it's undeniable.

“Hah, got you!” Emi laughs, oblivious to your sudden unease, “See? I can lift this thing just fine!”

As if to prove that point, she heaves the sword up again – and this time, it seems a little bit easier, a little bit more natural for her. The next blow she swings at you, you don't try and block. Rather, you duck and dive under it, waiting for your chance to go on the offensive.

[1/2]

>>1450962

Your chance comes soon after Emi's next blow. She swings her sword high, in a wild and reckless arc that implied decapitation. Ducking underneath it, you let the weight of her sword carry her off balance and drive a short punch into her side. Still uncertain of how strong her Barrier might be, you pull your punch at the last minute. Grunting – more in discomfort than pain – Emi stumbles and almost falls, almost losing her balance.

“You're committing too much!” you scold her, “One miss, and that's all it takes to leave you open. The Intruders won't go easy on you, and neither will I!” Yelling those last words, you swing a new punch up at her, this time with no mercy or hesitation. Emi sees the blow coming – it would be hard not to – but all she can do is bring her sword down into a guarding position. “Massive Strike!” you yell, your renewed enthusiasm causing the old battle cry to slip out as your fist slams into the flat of Emi's blade.

With a sound like the ringing of a great church bell the young girl is slammed back, actually lifted up and thrown across the shrine courtyard. Losing her grip on her sword, she lands badly and ends up in a tangled heap. Rising almost as soon as she hits the ground, Emi lifts the visor of her helmet and glares at you.

“The hell was that?” she yells, “Did you just call your attack?”

“No!” you lie, feeling your cheeks heat up, “I just... shut up, we're still fighting!”

“Yeah? Then two can play at that game!” Emi snarls, lunging to grab her sword and throwing herself at you. This time, the blade almost seems as light as air, barely slowing her movement at all. Charging at you, the young girl lets out a ferocious yell of her own. “Oni Kagura!” she howls, her blade scything around in a wide, deadly circle. Leaping back out of the way of the attack only buys you a few extra seconds, as Emi presses the assault. Using her momentum as a springboard, she hurls herself up and slams the blade down into the ground in an explosion of shattered tiles. The blast knocks you back, a thick haze of dust rising up to blanket the area. Raising a fist, you prepare for your next attack when-

“Stop this,” Kurosawa's voice calls out, flat and stern, “Warriors of the gods should not fight one another. It is a terrible sin, and a waste of energy.”

His words seem to steal away the aggression that had suffused the air, leaving you and Emi to gasp for breath. It takes a few moments before you can speak, and even then your words are weak and breathless. “We'll call it a tie,” you suggest to Emi, “Okay?”

Emi, for her part, can only offer you a trembling thumbs up in response.

-

Before banishing your weapons, you take another look at your damaged gauntlet. That long gouge is still there, although it slowly seems to be repairing itself. Touching the gash with a bare finger, you frown.

[2/3]

>>1450987
>“Did you just call your attack?”
>“No!” (￢ ///// ￢)

Miho is too cute.

>>1450987

“Hey Emi?” Ayane asks sweetly, approaching and sitting next to the younger girl, “You yelled something back there, didn't you? Oni Kagura... pretty weird name for an attack, you got some reason for it?”

“Huh? Nah,” Emi shakes her head hastily, “Just the first thing that came to mind, that's all.”

“Hmm, that's interesting,” Ayane nods innocently, “Only, I was looking up that band your brother is in. Not really my sort of thing, gotta say.” She pauses meaningfully, watching as Emi squirms a little. “Oni Kagura...” Ayane repeats, savouring the words, “That's one of their songs, isn't it?”

“I... maybe!” Emi pouts, “So what if it is? Like I said, it was the first thing that came to mind. Doesn't mean anything if-”

“Ladies, please,” Maika interrupts, “We have more pressing matters.”

-

“Do you see this distortion here?” the heiress explains, pointing to a hazy patch on her phone's screen, “That's the closest I can get to showing an Intruder portal. I don't think anything has broken through yet, but we've definitely got a target. However, that's not the only thing I wanted to mention.” Swiping a finger across the screen, Maika pulls up a second image – that of a grim faced young man, stalking through the gloomy backstreets. “It seems that our mutual friend is out on the hunt,” she murmurs, “Probably chasing the same Intruder.”

“Well, look who it is,” Ayane mutters, “Nazi Occult, we meet again...”

“Two things. First – he doesn't appear to have noticed that I'm observing him. Second – he doesn't know exactly where the portal is,” Maika taps her screen a few times, shrinking both images and setting them next to each other, “We could probably reach the portal before him, since we have a precise location. How do you want to handle this, Miho?”

Scratching your head, you watch as Karl, unmistakable despite the tiny image, creeps through the narrow streets. You're not exactly pleased to see him, but...

>Let's hit that portal first, show him who the real professionals are
>I think we should hang back and observe. I want to see how these people operate
>Why don't we meet up with him and work together? It might help the Sentinels trust us
>Other

>>1451011
>I think we should hang back and observe. I want to see how these people operate

>>1451011
>Let's hit that portal first, show him who the real professionals are

>>1451011
>>I think we should hang back and observe. I want to see how these people operate

>>1451011
>>I think we should hang back and observe. I want to see how these people operate
Let Maika and Kurosawa gather more information on what they can do, so we'll be prepared in case they become opposed to us.

Also, if Ayane and/or Emi are up to it, maybe sit out for this? The guys don't know we have more than two people, for now.

>>1451021
>The guys don't know we have more than two people

I think they do since Jun knew so much about us. There's a good probability that they know about Ayane since they new about the cat.

They might not know about Emi though. Still if it's a toss up between getting the girl some field experience or keeping her a secret I think we should do the former since they are keeping close enough tabs that she won't be a secret for very long.

File: Maika Kanzaki.jpg (272 KB, 1080x1080)

272 KB JPG

Frowning, you watch the screen for a while longer. Karl seems unarmed, although that gaudy uniform of his could easily conceal the antique pistol you've seen him wield. He walks slowly, pausing often to scan his surroundings for any irregularities or abnormalities.

“He's hunting it,” Maika murmurs, “Sight, sound, even smell... it's a refined art, one that calls for every sense in equal measure. Quite fascinating to watch...”

“Of course you'd know about hunting,” Ayane snorts, “You know, I can just picture you with a rifle under your arm, hunting down some... shit, I don't know. A white elephant or something endangered.”

“You mean a white rhino,” Maika shoots back, “A white elephant is something else entirely. It's-”

“Wait, since when are rhinos white?” Emi asks, “I thought they were sorta... grey.”

“We're hanging back for now,” you decide quietly, your words nevertheless firm enough to silence the other girls, “I want to watch what he does, maybe learn how these people operate. The more we can learn now, the better prepared we'll be later. Ayane, Emi, can you two wait here and watch over the camera feed?”

“Yeah, I thought you might say that,” Ayane says glumly, “They only know about you and Maika, after all. Yeah, don't worry, we'll be fine here – I'll fill Emi in about this stuff, tell her everything that we know... which isn't much.”

“Is he really a Nazi?” Emi asks quietly, leaning in to peer down into the phone as Maika passes it over. Letting Ayane explain the situation, you take Maika by the arm and steer her a few paces away.

“Do you think we can follow him?” you ask her honestly, “Maybe at a distance, so we can get a better idea of what he's doing?”

“It's going to be hard. You saw him, he's being very careful – the slightest noise or movement, the slightest change in his surroundings, and he'd notice. Even at a distance, we'd need to be careful. May I make a suggestion? I think we should get close enough to intervene if need be, while still staying out of sight. We can observe through the drone's cameras and monitor the situation, reacting as the circumstances change.”

“That works,” you nod, “Let's do it. This portal, is it far away?”

“Not too far,” Maika summons up her own costume, her high-tech armour, and gestures towards the dense city streets, “Follow me, I'll lead the way.”

-

Just as Karl sneaks through the winding backstreets, so too do you and Maika slip quietly though the dark and unseen alleyways. The vice district, like Ark City in general, has a maze of such passages lurking behind the wider streets. Foreboding things, but perfect for people like you or the Sentinels – people who work best behind the scenes, and away from prying eyes.

[1/2]

File: Karl Dietrich Kaplan.jpg (397 KB, 900x1256)

397 KB JPG

>>1451062

“Here,” Maika murmurs to you, stopping at an unremarkable junction. Crouching down, she stares off into space for a moment, watching something in her lowered visor. With a satisfied nod, she reaches behind her helmet and pulls out a long cord, something that writhes and forms an appropriate adapter. “Wire this into your phone,” she tells you, “It'll let you see what I'm seeing.”

Fumbling a little, you plug the cable – it's body temperature, a small detail that nevertheless causes you to shudder – into your phone and peer at the screen. The image that takes shape is a strange one. Karl, his face hardened into a mask of extreme focus, is sitting with his legs crossed, facing a blank patch of the ground. No, not the ground – a puddle on the ground, water dripping from something high above. He sits and waits, with the patience of a Buddhist monk.

Then, like a conjurer preparing for a trick, he spreads his hands wide. Taking shape, seemingly formed from motes of golden light, a long and ornate rifle appears in his lap. Even for someone like you, the sight of what is undeniably magical causes an instinctual warning to flash through your mind. Still with that expression of perfect calm, Karl lifts the rifle to his shoulder and sights down it, aiming at the still puddle.

“Heavenly Child,” Kurosawa whispers into you mind, “I can sense an Intruder. It's close...”

Something changes, a faint but familiar shudder. The puddle changes, pulsing like a heartbeat until something pushes up and through. A hand, imitating humanity and soon joined by a second, grasping the edges of the portal and stretching it wider. Next, a blob of writhing shadow that could almost be a head, complete with long and straggly hair. You never get the chance to see what else might emerge – a few seconds after that pulpy head appears, Karl fires his rifle. The gunshot is tinny through your phone's speakers, but a booming report reaches you a split second later. Headless, the Intruder slides back beneath the surface of the puddle, the portal slamming shut a moment later.

As if to say “that's that”, Karl sets down the rifle and wipes his gloved hands together. Golden light flashes, and the rifle vanishes.

“Be careful,” Kurosawa continues, his voice colder than before, “I can still sense... something. It feels like an Intruder, but I cannot be certain. This scent is... odd.”

Raising her visor for a moment, her lips pressed together into a thin and silent line, Maika gives you a questioning look.

>Come on, let's get back to the others. See what they think about this
>Let's show ourselves, see what Karl has to say about this
>Other

>>1451104
>>Other
Wait a little longer to deduce this 'odd scent' if we can

Otherwise
>Come on, let's get back to the others. See what they think about this

>>1451104
>Wait a little longer to deduce this 'odd scent' if we can
>Come on, let's get back to the others. See what they think about this

>>1451104
>>Come on, let's get back to the others. See what they think about this

>>1451104
>>Wait a little longer to deduce this 'odd scent' if we can
If its not that particular intruder we saw shot, then maybe it's Karl's magic? Which may be Intruder descended or related in some way?

File: Kurosawa.jpg (52 KB, 724x1103)

52 KB JPG

Through crude and rather impromptu sign language, you urge Maika to wait for a moment longer. Gazing back through the camera feed, you watch as Karl rises to his feet and meticulously smooths down his clothes. He even takes out a handkerchief and polishes one of his boots, wiping away some invisible trace of filth, before he starts to leave. He does so with that exact same unhurried pace, slipping his hands into his pockets and glancing each way every few paces.

“The scent is growing fainter now,” Kurosawa muses, “I no longer have any doubt about it – he is the source.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” you mouth, trusting the cat to pluck the question right out of your mind, “Are you saying that he IS an Intruder?”

“No,” the cat answers, but only after considering the question for an unusually long time, “But he carries their scent, their taint. What this means, however, I do not know. This is unprecedented.” The sound of a low growl purrs through your mind, an involuntary sign of Kurosawa's frustration.

There's a part of you that can appreciate this moment, with Kurosawa left clutching for answers. He doesn't sound nearly so pleased when he's the one being left in the dark. Savouring the moment for a few seconds longer, you whisper your next orders to Maika. “Let's head back to the others,” you tell her, “And see what they have to say about this. Maybe they noticed something we missed...”

Doubtful, but you never know.

-

“I mean, yeah, that was kinda cool... I guess,” Emi admits, with great reluctance, “The way he just, BAM, shot the thing dead. Ice cold.” Forcing nonchalance, she shrugs. “But nah, if you were hoping that I saw some missing piece that would solve everything... I gotta disappoint you,” shaking her head, Emi kicks at a few stray pebbles, “Man, I ain't really making a good show for myself, am I?”

“Don't worry about it,” you tell her, “You know about as much as we do, right now. Ayane, anything you noticed?”

“Jun mentioned Golden Sorceries, before,” Ayane thinks aloud, “I suppose that was what you saw. Making a rifle out of golden light? Not what I had been expecting.” Digging into her bag, Ayane produces a bottle of water and takes a deep swig from it. “And this stuff about him smelling like an Intruder,” she continues, “I don't even know where to start with that. Kurosawa can't explain it?”

“He said it was unprecedented,” you confirm, “That was the exact word he used.”

“And he's old. Seriously old,” Ayane considers, “So if he's never seen it before...”

“Hey, I got a question,” Emi cuts in, “Princess, this drone stuff you do – how do you do it? I mean, can I do the same?”

“No, you cannot,” Kurosawa announces gravely, slinking out of a pool of shadow, “It is her gift, and no-one else's. Only the Pariah may do such things.”

[1/2]

>>1451172

As is so often the gaze, Kurosawa's appearance is paired with a moment of stilted silence. Glancing about, you look at your companions and take in their reactions. Ayane glares at the cat with undisguised suspicion and hostility, while Maika offers only cool indifference. Emi looks more curious than anything else, although in her own typically belligerent way. What your expression must look like, you couldn't say.

“My gift,” Maika repeats slowly.

“The Pariah has always possessed the ability to create and command inhuman familiars, although never in such a form before,” Kurosawa explains, “It was customary to use animals, not machines.”

“I see,” a hollow laugh escapes Maika's lips, “Sloth. I can make these familiars to do the hard work for me. How charming.”

“You all have these powers, unique to those who bear your titles,” the cat looks between all four of you, “The gods are not without generosity. They give their blessings to those who serve.”

“Yeah right,” Ayane mutters, “Blessings? More like sticking a rifle in a kid's hands...”

Silencing her with a sharp look, you kneel down in front of Kurosawa and stare into the cat's ever-changing eyes. Gold with one blink, green with the next... you've come to dislike those eyes of his, their cool detachment and disdain. You've come to dislike a lot of things, really.

>We're getting distracted. Karl and this Intruder scent... do you know anything else?
>Why didn't you tell us about these powers before? They could have been useful
>So what can the rest of us do, if we all have powers?
>I had a question for you... (Write in)
>Other

>>1451182
>So what can the rest of us do, if we all have powers?

>>1451182
>Why didn't you tell us about these powers before? They could have been useful
>So what can the rest of us do, if we all have powers?
>We're getting distracted. Karl and this Intruder scent... do you know anything else?

>>1451182
>We're getting distracted. Karl and this Intruder scent... do you know anything else?

>>1451182
>>So what can the rest of us do, if we all have powers?

>>1451182
>We're getting distracted. Karl and this Intruder scent... do you know anything else?

> Why haven't they met their Gods yet if I've met you?

“Why didn't you tell us about these powers before?” you ask Kurosawa, not yet accusing him of anything, “They could have been useful. Maybe, just maybe, we could have stopped the-”

“There would have been no point in telling you,” Kurosawa cuts you off, “These powers cannot be taught or trained, only grasped by individual focus. As has always been the way, those chosen by the gods grow into their powers. Even if I had told you about your abilities, you lacked the focus or care to develop them.” Letting his cool gaze wander between your group, Kurosawa pauses for a moment before continuing. “It took a drastic change for you to realise both your situation... and your potential.”

“The crisis level event. The incident,” Maika murmurs, “It was only after the incident that I started to experiment. Focus... well, that makes sense. I cannot count the hours I spent, losing myself in...” Cutting herself off sharply, she nods briskly at you. “I believe him, Miho,” the heiress decides, “We WERE weak, before the incident. Unfocused, indolent, inefficient... we needed something to knock some sense into us.”

“Shit Maika, how can you say that?” Ayane protests, “What about your friend? What about-”

“Ayane, don't. Just... save it for later,” you plead, “This isn't the time. Fine, so we all had the potential for these powers. What can the rest of us do, then? What's my gift?”

“The Heavenly Child brings unity, touching the hearts of those around her,” the cat answers, looking you in the eye, “You have seen this, have you not? You have become the centre of your group, ever since-”

“Ever since the incident,” you concede, “Well... a few months after it, at least.”

“You needed time to realise your potential. Even now, you are only just grasping your true power,” he intones, “And you, Seeker of Truth. Faith is what grants you the ability to separate the truth from an ocean of lies. Truth is divine, after all.”

“I guess that explains why I never trusted you,” Ayane replies, in a snide tone, “Although I guess I've not mastered it yet, or else I would have called you out a long time ago. Something I gotta work on, huh?” Grimacing a little, she glances across at Emi. “What about her?” she asks, “Hey Emi, you were... the Executioner, right?”

“Yeah,” Emi nods, “C'mon cat, spill it. What's my superpower?”

Kurosawa doesn't answer this aloud, simply turning his gaze on Emi. The pair stare into each other's eyes for a moment, without a single word spoken between them, and then Emi lets out a soft gasp. It's unlike anything you've ever heard from her before – not a curse or a crude remark, but a hushed and horrified gasp. She looks away, dropping her eyes to her feet for a moment, and then turns away completely.

“Who cares?” she announces, turning back to you, “Superpowers are stupid anyway, right?”

[1/2]

>>1451257
Fuck no we aren't letting that go on either end.

We're all in this together and we can't turn away from ugly truths. We help each other get over them, we don't hide each other from them.

>>1451257

“Emi?” you ask quietly, “What did he-”

“He didn't say shit to me!” the young girl snaps, “And that's your answer – I get nothing, not a damn thing, so can we just move on? Change the damn channel already!”

You consider pressing the issue, but then Emi shoots you a glare so bitter, so venomous, that you immediately think better of it. Instead, you ask the first question – the first unrelated question – to come into your mind. “So, uh, Kurosawa?” you ask, “How come everyone else hasn't met their... a servant of their god yet? Like, I've met you, so...” Even to your own ears, the question sounds lame and forced. When Kurosawa reacts with a sullen silence, it takes you by surprise.

“They do not... reveal themselves,” he replies eventually, “I am a servant of Duty, my role is to be an intermediary between men and their gods. I do not shirk this mission, even if it means I am fated to be separate from both.”

“You're alone,” Maika murmurs, “Is that what you're saying?”

“This is not about me,” Kurosawa answers stiffly, “You do not need to pursue this matter any further.”

“Uh, right,” you reply slowly, frowning, “Ugh, whatever. We're getting distracted here. Karl and this Intruder scent business... do you know anything else? Do you have any theories?”

“Your own estimations are correct. If this was a known phenomenon, I would have some experience of it, some knowledge to compare it to. I do not – this is a new development,” Kurosawa shakes his feline head, “This anomaly you have observed – the human known as Karl Dietrich Kaplan – is somehow inseparable from an Intruder. However, he is yet to show any sign of being under their influence. His deeds and actions do not suggest collusion.”

“But we've never seen Intruders using any abilities like his. Golden light... that's very distinctive,” Ayane points out, her temper seeming to have settled, “So we're looking at people who can, through a combination of intense focus and some other unknown factor, use magic that stinks of Intruders. Is that an accurate summary of the situation?”

“I believe so, yes,” Maika agrees, “It's all very curious. I'm quite fascinated, although I must confess to a certain frustration. Without getting the answers from one of the Sentinels directly, I can't see a way of learning more about them. We still have their contact details...”

“We'll think about that later,” you announce, clapping your hands briskly together, “I need something to eat. Emi, you know the area – can you take me to a shop, even just some vending machines? We can bring enough back for everyone!”

“Huh, snacks? Sure,” Emi shrugs, “Whatever you say. Follow me, boss.”

[2/3]

>>1451314

Your plan to speak with Emi in private started well, but soon hit a snag. You got her on her own easily enough, but the important part – the “talking” part – doesn't come nearly so easily. In the end, Emi is the one to speak up first.

“I gotta admit, I wasn't sure if the old place would still be standing,” she admits, feigning a brighter mood, “I've not been here in a while. I used to come here with a few friends, just to hang out and... you know, enjoy being away from everyone else. We sorta drifted apart after a while, so I didn't have much cause to come here. Between school and a lame job...”

“You didn't have much time for yourself,” you finish in a flat voice, “Sure.”

“Yeah, well, and I didn't much feel like coming here alone. Kinda reminds me of...” letting her words trail off, Emi points up ahead, “There's a bunch of vending machines up ahead, but they never work. Locals just break them for a cheap laugh. A little further up, and there's a store. Nothing fancy, but it has all the snacks you could want.”

“Don't be so sure,” you reply with a forced smile, “I've got a pretty big appetite for snacks.”

Emi lets out a snort of laughter at that, and the first signs of a genuine smile appear on her face.

>We'll be fine, Emi, we've just got to stay positive
>Kurosawa DID say something to you, didn't he? Something meant for you and you alone
>That shrine... you've lost friends, haven't you?
>What do you think we should do about the Sentinels?
>I have to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

File: Spoiler Image (284 KB, 572x635)

284 KB PNG

>>1451257
I bet Emi's power is to exterminate..

>>1451337
>That shrine... you've lost friends, haven't you?

>>1451337
>We'll be fine, Emi, we've just got to stay positive
>What do you think we should do about the Sentinels?

No point in pressing. We'll learn in time. Besides she has new friends now.

>>1451337
>>That shrine... you've lost friends, haven't you?

>>1451337
>>That shrine... you've lost friends, haven't you?
I think it's fine to ask this, most everyone in the group has lost a person or two.

>>1451337
>That shrine... you've lost friends, haven't you?

We can talk about how we lost friends and it was our fault because we weren't a team and didn't act on things before they became problems, but instead after and then it was too late.

Then just stare at her.

“That shrine...” you begin carefully, “You've lost friends as well, haven't you? I mean, I'm not trying to pry or anything, but the way you were talking about it...”

“Yeah, I guess you could say that. I lost them, but not like you think. They didn't get... blown up or anything,” Emi winces at her answer, “Shit man, sorry. What I mean is... I don't really know what I mean. Look, I ain't so good at this talking stuff. Take a look at this instead.” Patting down her pockets, the young girl produces a battered man's wallet and flips it open, pulling out an old photograph and handing it over. The picture shows half a dozen girls, all rather crude and coarse looking, with only one familiar face among them. The youngest member of the group, a younger version of Emi grins and holds up a peace sign.

“Pretty cute, huh?” the present day Emi says, giving you a wan smile, “I guess you'd say we were a gang, a real bunch of troublemakers. See her in the middle, with the switchblade? That's Maya, our leader.”

Maya, the girl Emi points out, is an unfortunately rat-faced girl, her mane of bleached hair doing nothing to soften the sharp cast of her features. “She looks...” you begin, although you immediately hesitate.

“Yeah, you can say it. She looks like a real bitch. She kind of was,” Emi shrugs, “Anyway, she was the one who held us all together, the one who called the shots... the one who caused all the problems.” Taking back the photograph, Emi tucks the wallet back into her pocket. “So yeah, when the cat started talking about your power, it made me think about us all back them,” the young girl scowls darkly for a moment, “And I guess I got a little pissed off, huh?”

It's a lie, and a pretty bad one, but you let it pass. “We'll be fine, Emi,” you tell her in a comforting voice, “We'll all be fine. We've just got to stay positive... even if it's damn hard. We've all lost friends, after all – and some of the DID get blown up.” Even if you have to force those last few words out, you find yourself laughing at them. Emi looks started, but then she laughs along with you.

“I must be a terrible person for laughing like this,” you manage at last, when your laughter has passed, “But... I don't know. Look, it's like I said – we've all lost friends. We can't change that, but we CAN keep anyone else from getting hurt. Acting as a team, being honest with each other, not running away from ugly truths – that's what we're going to do from now on.” Having said this, you wait for a moment. “Right Emi?” you add, giving her a firm look.

“Right,” Emi nods after a pause, “Being honest with each other. About that...”

[1/2]

>>1451431

“The Sentinels,” you ask lightly, deliberately changing the subject, “What do you think we should do about them?”

“Who? Oh, the Nazis, right,” Emi scratches her head, jarred by the sudden change in topic, “Man, I don't know. Who gives a shit about them? So long as that fancy bastard isn't shooting me in the face, I don't really care what we do. They start pushing us, making threats and acting tough, and we've got to push back. They play nice, they're cool in my book.” Shrugging grandly, Emi gives you a curious look. “So, uh, why are you asking ME about it?” she asks with a laugh, “I'm the new girl, I don't know shit about shit.”

“That's why I wanted your opinion,” you tell her, “I'm not some despot, and I'm not controlling anyone here – no matter what Kurosawa might say. As best we can, we make decisions as a team... but we can only do that if we know all the facts.”

“And that brings us back to being honest with each other,” Emi nods slowly, offering you a humourless smile, “Alright boss, you win. You probably figured this already, but the cat told me something. Something about my super secret power. It, uh, kinda took me by surprise. He told me not to say, but you know what? He ain't MY boss, and I never was good at keeping my mouth shut. My power, it's... it's...”

“You don't have to tell me,” you murmur, “Not if you don't want to.”

“My power is to cut through the defences of those chosen by the gods,” Emi blurts out, “His exact words – exact fucking words. See, you lot are the good guys, the real heroes. Me, though?” A bitter, crooked smile forms on Emi's lips. “I'm the Executioner,” she says softly, as if the words pain her, “I'm a magical girl... who kills other magical girls.”

>I think I'm going to pause things here for today. I'll continue this tomorrow, and if anyone has any questions, I'll answer them as best I can
>Thanks to everyone who contributed today!

>>1451473
Ah jeez. That does explain why she broke our gauntlet though, as well as why Kurosawa stopped the fight.
Thanks for running Moloch.

>>1451473
Seems counter intuitive unless there is a real risk of magical girls going bad in this setting. Unless there is an Intruder that's protected by the gods. Foreshadowing.

Thanks for running Moloch.

Also
>Saint Amelia's Academy for Girls
Are a majority of the students scowling, leather jacket wearing troublemakers?

>>1451496

Well, there's certainly one scowling troublemaker at the school!
This is also a lucky coincidence, but apparently Saint Amelia is often invoked by young people struggling to remain faithful. Not something I did deliberately, but interesting nonetheless

>>1451473
Poor Emi.
We definitely have to get on her good side though.

Thanks for running!

>>1451514
Honestly it's kind of nice knowing there's someone around who can stop us if something goes wrong.

We're in the dark about a lot of things. After all, they wouldn't have someone fill that role if it hadn't been needed at some point.

Hopefully if it comes down to it, she will carry that burden out of friendship for us, although we'll try our best not to make her have to do it.

Thanks for running!

Is this magical girls?

>>1451927
No, this is Patrick.
Maybe, yes.

>>1451927
Yes but it's run by a guy whose knowledge of other Magical Girl media is low, so it might be a bit more unique than you'd think.

>>1451939
>>1451984
Good

>>1451473
>we were trying to spar with her
Kinda dodged a bullet there.
bets on how many magical girls Emi will have to kill?

There wasn't really much you could say to that, and the silence had drawn out until Emi reminded you of why you came out here in the first place – that is, to buy snacks. Even though your appetite had vanished completely, you took the lifeline offered to you and retreated into the comfortable inanity of shopping. All the while, though, your thoughts seethed and churned.

From a purely logical perspective, you understand the need for someone like Emi – the Executioner. If someone like you were to abuse your powers, to fight against mankind instead of protecting it, the damage could be immense. The Executioner represents an answer to unchecked power, no different to how the police and internal security forces exist to quell disorder and quash troublemakers. Logically speaking, you understand and accept the Executioner as a necessary evil.

In your heart, though, you recoil from it, and the fact that such a burden was placed upon Emi's shoulders. It just doesn't seem fair.

The dark pall that followed you back to the shrine must have been noticeable to all, because it wasn't long before you all started making excuses to leave. Homework to finish, errands to run, whatever... the end result was the same, with the four members of your little group parting and slipping away into the approaching gloom. You were the last to leave, in no hurry at all. As you were ambling away, half lost in thought, your phone chimed and the screen flashed up an unknown number. Frowning, you take the call and-

[Miss Tsukada, I-] the choppy, obviously artificial voice begins. Before it can say anything more, you cut the call.

“Nope,” you mutter to yourself, “No AIs. Not now, not tonight.” Of course, a few moments later your phone rings again, this time showing a completely different number, and – like the fool you are – you pick it up again.

[Miss Tsukada, I believe-] the voice manages, before you end the call. When the phone rings, and you answer it, for the third time, you don't even wait for the voice to begin before letting your frustrations out.

“Just bugger off!” you snap, “Just leave me alone you damn machine!”

“I apologise,” a cool, and entirely natural, voice answers you, “But you seem to have mistaken me for someone else. This is Kaoru Miyakawa. We met yesterday.”

If you had the slightest shred of luck, the ground would open up beneath your feet and just swallow you up. Unfortunately, the ground remains intact and you're left to face your gaffe. Screwing your eyes tightly shut, you clear your throat. “Sorry about that. I've, uh, I've been getting a lot of sales calls lately. Marketing junk, automated messages, uh... that sort of thing,” you offer lamely, “Sorry, I'm in a rotten mood tonight. You're... wait, how did you get my number?”

[1/2]

>>1455033

There is a short pause, and then Kaoru answers. “I asked Emi for it. I apologise if I've overstepped any boundaries,” the young man sighs a little, “She seemed upset when she came home today, but she assures me that you're not to blame. However, I felt the need to... make inquiries of my own. She mentioned her old friends, didn't she?”

“Maya and the...” you almost add “the gang” here, but think better of it, “The rest of them. She showed me a picture, yeah.”

“I believe that I mentioned Emi being in trouble before. You seem smart enough to put two and two together, but I might as well be clear about things. All of Emi's problems arose as a result of getting involved with them,” Kaoru pauses again, savouring the pause, “And then I had to get involved as well. I... convinced them to stay away from her. I shouldn't need to say anything more than that.”

“No,” you agree slowly, picturing all manner of unpleasantness in your mind, “I understand perfectly well.”

“Good,” you can almost imagine Kaoru smiling coldly as he says this, “Then we-” Before he can finish that sentence, there is a sudden struggle on the other end of the line, muffled voices rumbling back and forth at each other before a new voice takes the line.

“Hey, Miho!” Emi announces, her voice deliberately cheerful, “I got good news! Kaoru, he got a show tonight. Totally last minute though, so we kinda need some extra helping hands. You, uh, you free tonight? I'd really like you to come, and Kaoru can get you in for free if you help out. C'mon, it'll be great!” She laughs at something on the other end of the line, then continues in a lower voice. “And, uh, I kinda want to see you,” she admits, “Y'know, about that crap we were talking about earlier. You know what I mean.”

All that business about being the Executioner, of course. What else could you have to discuss?

“So you'll come, right?” Emi presses, “Right?”

>Absolutely. I can make time for you
>Well, I DID tell Kaoru that I wanted to see him play. Count me in!
>I can't. I've got school tomorrow, and my parents would kill me...
>Can't we talk somewhere more private instead?
>Other

>>1455035
>>Absolutely. I can make time for you

>>1455035
>Absolutely. I can make time for you

>>1455035
>Absolutely. I can make time for you

“Absolutely,” you agree, with a certainty that you don't quite feel, “I can make the time for you. It was either this or doing schoolwork at home anyway, so-”

“Great! You've got a map on your phone, right? Some crap like that, anyway. Whatever, I'll give you a street address, but the place probably won't be marked on your map. There's a sign, the place is called Satori's Palace – totally easy to find,” excited words wash out through your phone as Emi launches into a feverish explanation, “You don't mind lending a hand, do you? I mean, it's nothing serious – like, just shifting boxes and maybe pushing a broom about. That's all.”

“That's fine,” you reply, “I'll be there-”

“Shit, hey, I gotta run,” the young girl's unseen voice cuts you short again, “I'll message you the details, see you there!”

And then she hangs up, leaving you staring in bemusement at your phone. A moment later, the message arrives and gives you your directions. Not far, which is a small blessing. With the streets getting darker and darker with each passing moment, you're reluctant to wander about on your own.

-

As you follow the directions to the bar, or whatever it is, you find yourself wondering about those other two calls. The artificial voice on the other end had been the same one that SAE used, but that might not mean anything. An AI could sound like whatever it liked, couldn't it? Of course, that doesn't explain why an AI would be trying to get in contact with you in the first place. Maybe you had been hasty, hanging up so suddenly...

Well, whatever – it's done now, and they can always try again later if it's really that important. Shoving the matter far from your mind, you check the directions again and correct your course, taking the next corner down a narrow and filthy street. A pair of young men lean against the wall, smoking old fashioned cigarettes and watching you as you scurry past, but thankfully they make no effort to follow you. Even so, you walk a little faster as you approach your destination.

The sign that Emi mentioned is a buzzing pink neon sign, looping letters spelling out the name of the bar – Satori's Palace. Emi herself is close by, her face brightening when she sees you approach.

“Hey cool, you really came,” she begins, waving for you to follow her inside, “You won't regret this, Miho, it's gonna be great. C'mon, I'll introduce you to Sato, this is her place. Just, uh, don't stare too hard.”

“Stare?” you repeat, “At what?”

“Well... anything really,” Emi decides after a moment, “Don't worry, it's totally safe. Mostly. I come here all the time, I've never had... many problems.”

Just what have you gotten yourself into now?

[1/2]

>>1455116

The owner, Sato, is a young woman with sloppily cut hair, dyed a faded pink. Her arms are strung with tattoos, meaningless scrawls, and her eyes have a faintly glazed look to them. When Emi leads you over to the bar, the older woman takes a long moment to study your face before nodding a greeting.

“She's not your usual sort of friend,” Sato begins to Emi, “But she's okay. I can read her like a book. Kaoru called me, said you were coming over to help with the preparations. I've got some stuff stored in the cellar that you'll need to move, but that's all. Get it done quick, and I'll give you a drink for your trouble.” Holding up a finger, she stops Emi from saying anything else. “Non-alcoholic,” Sato warns, “Before either of you get any funny ideas.”

“Fine,” Emi groans, “Thanks Sato... Hey Miho, c'mon, let's get started!”

“Don't work too hard!” Sato calls after you, a smirk in her voice.

-

“What kind of place is this?” you ask as Emi leads you down a narrow stairwell, “A bar?”

“It does sorta everything,” Emi replies, “There's the bar, and the cellar is good for bands to play in. Right up top, there's a few of those old VR units. You ever seen one of those? You got a big helmet you wear, and you can watch movies or take these virtual tours. Kind of old-fashioned these days, but they were big for a while. One of the girls at my school, she took some dodgy pills and watched this forest tour thing. Blew her mind, she wasn't the same after.” Laughing at the memory, Emi pauses to think for a moment. “But yeah, the kinda fell out of fashion. The glitches didn't help,” turning around, she lowers her voice to a spooky whisper, “People kept seeing ghosts!”

A shiver runs through you at the thought – not because you're afraid of ghosts, you're definitely not afraid of ghosts, but because of what people might have really seen. “Just urban legends, that's all,” you tell Emi, “That, or those dodgy pills you mentioned.”

“Yeah,” she agrees, “That must be it.”

-

In the end, there isn't much work to do at all. A few boxes stacked up – glancing inside, you see a row of folded T-shirts – and a folding table that needed to be moved aside, but that was all. You get the impression that this “work” was nothing more than a pretence, an excuse for you to meet up here. No wonder Sato was so amused, before. After the floor is clear, Emi starts to listlessly push a broom about before pausing, looking you in the eye.

“I've been thinking,” she begins at last, “About this Executioner business.”

And this, of course, was why she wanted to meet you.

[2/3]

>>1455155

“See, I took it pretty bad at first,” Emi laughs a little at the sheer understatement of that, “I mean, we both did. I'm all for fighting evil and junk like that, and I'm definitely in this to protect people, but hearing that kinda crap? It shook me. Like, the rest of you all sound like heroes – bringing people together, fighting the good fight, all that stuff. What do I get? I get to kill the good guys, better than anyone else. What does that make me, right?”

“That's a very... blunt way of looking at it,” you offer awkwardly, “I wouldn't quite put it that way, that's all I'm saying.”

“Yeah? Well, I guess I'm just a pretty blunt person, huh?” lifting the broom, Emi swings it about like a weapon, “But either way, I thought of something. I don't HAVE to do anything. Sure, maybe I am the Executioner, but that don't mean I HAVE to fight other humans other folk like us. The cat, he can't make me do anything.” Emi offers you a victorious grin at that, one that soon fades. “Right?,” she asks, “I mean, he can't, like, hijack my body and make me do weird stuff, right?”

“If he can, he's never tried it on any of us,” you reply, shrugging slightly, “So... I guess he can't do anything like that. I never really thought about it before, though. Now...”

“And now you're worrying about it,” wincing, Emi forces a bashful smile, “Shit, I guess that's my mistake. Well, uh, that's really all I had to say to you. What do you think?”

>You don't need to worry, Emi. We won't need to fight each other
>I don't like it much, but there must be a reason for your power. Did Kurosawa explain anything else about it?
>We need to tell the others about this. They deserve to know as well
>I need to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

>>1455190
>>You don't need to worry, Emi. We won't need to fight each other

>>1455190
>>You don't need to worry, Emi. We won't need to fight each other

>Other
It's a shitty job that no one should have to take up, but it's existence makes sense in case a magical girl abuse's her powers. It would be very difficult for normal people to stop us if we decided to go bad. But like I said, we aren't going bad so you don't have to worry.

And hey, maybe we'll run into an Intruder with a barrier or something. These things always manage to surprise me."

>>1455190
>You don't need to worry, Emi. We won't need to fight each other
>Unless I fall in love with a suspicious guy, and you all will be like "He's so suspicious!", and I'll be like "He's not like that! You're just jealous!", and you'll go "It's him or us!", and then I'll go "We can't be friends anymore!", and then you learn he's a bad guy and try to warn me but I don't believe you because he brainwashed me and we have a big fight in an abandoned factory.
>(Keep a straight face throughout)

>>1455155
>Older woman
>Not a 5th grader
>You had one job, Moloch

“You don't need to worry, Emi,” you decide, giving the younger girl a reassuring nod, “We won't need to fight each other. It doesn't matter what Kurosawa can or can't do, there won't be any need for you to go against his orders.”

“Yeah, I know...” she replies, with only a very slight moment of hesitation.

“Unless I happen to fall for a suspicious guy and refuse to listen to any of your warnings about him,” you add, keeping your voice as deadpan as possible, “I can imagine it now. You'd be all “he's so suspicious!” but I wouldn't listen – obviously, you'd just be jealous of us. In the end, it'll be him or you, and I'd choose him. By the time you learn that he really is a bad guy, it'll be too late. I'll be brainwashed, and we'll have to end it with a climatic battle.”

Throughout this entire fanciful scenario, you manage to keep a straight face and a flat, calm voice. Emi, meanwhile, just stares at you with increasingly wide and bemused eyes.

“I'm picturing an abandoned factory,” you add, “Or possibly a rooftop during heavy rain.”

“Yeah, see, I changed my mind,” Emi manages at last, “You're obviously mad, and probably dangerous. Sorry Miho, but this is for the good of the city. Got any last words?”

“You were right about him all along,” you offer, just barely keeping your deadpan tone, “I'm so sorry Emi, can you ever forgive me?” A short silence follows this, and then you both break down into peels of mad laughter. Good, tension relieving laughter – the sort that you're rapidly coming to depend upon.

“You watch too much TV,” Emi snorts, “Too much... shit, I don't know. What DO you watch?”

“Little Queen Starlight,” you tell her, trying to sound as gravely serious as possible, “I never miss an episode.”

“Shit, and I can believe that too,” the younger girl groans, “Damn, this city must be doomed, if we're the losers it has to protect it. Might as well throw in the towel now...”

“Jokes aside, there is a serious point there,” leaning against the wall, you sigh and meet Emi's eyes, “It's a shitty job that you shouldn't be burdened with - none of us should be burdened with it – but it makes some logical sense. Sure, we might be good people, but not everyone is. If a girl with our powers DID try and abuse them, it could be disastrous. The Executioner... maybe she's necessary.”

“You really think?” Emi murmurs, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Besides, we might run into an Intruder capable of using a Barrier,” you add with a shrug, “Those things can always surprise me, even after half a year of this job. I don't think we can be certain about what they're capable of.”

“Right!” Emi snaps her fingers, “That's gotta be it – I'm the chosen one, the only girl capable of killing an invulnerable foe!”

“Now who's been watching too much TV?” you shoot back, grinning at her.

[1/2]

File: Kaoru Miyakawa.jpg (137 KB, 850x1300)

137 KB JPG

>>1455277

With the important matter of cleaning finished with – and the obviously less important issues discussed – you and Emi return upstairs, just in time to hastily sidestep a parade of heavy cases being precariously taken downstairs. The bar is busier now, with a vibrant collection of locals forming several small groups. There's probably more colour here than in your entire school, with gaudy clothes and brightly dyed hair all vying for your attention. You've seen things like this in historical pictures, but never in reality.

Kaoru is at the bar, trading a few last words with Sato before passing you by – offering a curt nod as he does so – and vanishing down the stairs.

“They'll take a few moments to get their stuff set up, and to check the sound,” Emi explains, “You gotta leave them be. Kind of an artist thing, see? Kaoru, he takes it super seriously if people interrupt him. Sato, she'll let us know when we can go down. Oh man, I can't wait!”

Her enthusiasm, you have to admit, is infectious. When the first muffled roars rise up from below your feet Emi turns to give you a broad grin, one that you can't help but return. You wouldn't exactly describe what you're hearing as “music”, but it's enough to get you curious. If everyone else here is excited by it...

“Alright you kids,” Sato begins, leaning over so that she doesn't have to yell over the background noise, “They'll be getting started soon. You want the best seats in the house, you'll want to go now.”

Your reply, your thanks, are stolen away as Emi practically drags you downstairs, her hand tightly gripping yours and offering no escape.

-

The four members of Hell's Messengers are a mixed lot. Kaoru looks deadly serious, making a few tiny adjustments to the equipment at his feet – enough buttons, switches and pedals to launch a rocket into space, or so it seems – while the other three wait impatiently. A few other people push past you as you're studying the band, gathering close to the low stage and eagerly waiting. Sparing you a brief glance, Emi hurries to join them – clearly unwilling to accept anything less than a front and centre place.

Before you can make a move of your own, a new message reaches your phone. It's from Maika, and you can practically imagine her clipped tone reading out the words.

“Spotted the German again with one of my drones,” your imaginary version of Maika announces, “He seems restless. Possibly senses trouble. I shall update you if anything significant occurs.”

Karl. He's still out there, prowling the streets...

“Hey Miho!” Emi calls over, “Hurry up!”

>Join her at the stage, front and centre
>Lurk at the back of the room, in case you need to leave quickly
>Slip out as soon as possible
>Other

>>1455361
>>Join her at the stage, front and centre

>>1455361
>>Lurk at the back of the room, in case you need to leave quickly

>>1455361
>>Join her at the stage, front and centre
He can do his job, hopefully while we spy on him.

>>1455361
>>Join her at the stage, front and centre

>>1455361
>Join her at the stage, front and centre

>>1455361
>Join her at the stage, front and centre
Give Emi an update. Small chance we might have to 'work'

“Coming!” you call back, hurrying over to stand by her side. You're not eager or anything, you just don't want to leave her alone. Definitely some sinister looking types in here tonight, it wouldn't do for you to get separated. That's all there is to it. Karl can stalk and prowl all he likes, and Maika can spy on him as much as SHE likes – tonight, you're taking some time off.

Even so, you set your phone to vibrate and shove it into your pocket. If anyone does try and reach you, you'll know about it. You warn Emi about the possible trouble as well, although it's hard to know if she takes it in or not. She nods, but her eyes don't leave the stage or her brother. So be it – you've done all you can.

-

What the band plays is technically music, you suppose, but only in the loosest sense of your understanding. The four young men all play instruments, and with a certain degree of skill, although they seem more intent on creating as much raw noise as possible. The singer – again, using a loose definition of the term – is content to yell and howl, the noises he makes reminding you uncannily of certain Intruders you've fought against. Still, the crowd seems to be enjoying it, and the raw power of it is impressive to say the least.

When one song comes to a crashing, screaming climax, the band takes a moment to gulp down beer from large plastic cups and wipe away their sweat. In the time they've been playing, the small cellar has grown furnace hot, the collected body heat of the packed crowd pressing down on you like a hellish wave. Emi doesn't seem to mind, or even notice, with her eyes wide and rapt as she awaits the next song. When it comes, it's something different, something... unexpected.

“This is a new song,” Kaoru announces, pulling the microphone stand away from the singer, “It was written only yesterday. I call it “Tyranny of the Majority”. Thank you.”

Something about that name nags at you, some familiarity that you can't place, but those thoughts are soon chased from your mind. It's a slower piece, a kind of wailing dirge that Kaoru coaxes out of his guitar for a few long minutes, before the rest of the band join in with their own instruments. After the eerie opening, it descends into the usual kind of anarchic noise, but those first few haunting minutes stay with you, even after the song comes to a thunderous conclusion.

“Thank you,” the young guitarist repeats, “That was-”

“That was our last song of the night!” the singer bellows, snatching the microphone back, “Now let's drink some fucking beers!”

The crowd roars their approval, while Kaoru winces softly.

-

“Man, that was great. They're always great, I mean, but they were super great!” Emi shouts to you, as the crowd starts to file away, “Hey, did Kaoru stick around? I think I saw him upstairs. Wait here, I'm gonna check!”

“Emi!” you call out as she races off, “Wait!”

[1/2]

>>1455450
Are we going to be able to ask Emi about kaoru?

Dude threatened us. We should ask just what he did to convince her friends to stay away from her.

Because if he killed them all then that's kind of an issue.

>>1455464
>>1455213

I mean just speaking of possibly evil boyfriend's and all.

>>1455464
Chill out. He didn't murder them. Probably just told them to fuck off since they were getting his sister in trouble.

>>1455479
OR! He murdered them.

But seriously we should find out what he is capable of.

>>1455479
I mean unless you're actually writing the story and I've been confused about Moloch being the QM the whole time!

I mean you're probably right but I just hate it when people try to claim "that's not the story!" as a reason not to do something. Might as well start tripfagging at that point.

>>1455450

Throwing up your hands in despair, you resign yourself to waiting in the rapidly emptying cellar. The air almost feels damp from sweat and spilled beer, charged with the energy poured out from the stage, and you notice that your ears are ringing. Turning back to the stage for a moment, you reach up to massage your aching head. That's when an arm is thrown around your shoulder, like a gross parody of merry companionship.

You never mistake it for Emi, not for a moment. The arm is too thick, too heavy for that, and whoever it is attached to is tall - a good head taller than you are. Looking around, you find yourself staring into the eyes of a sweat-soaked young man, his face pierced and decorated with a roughly cut goatee beard.

“Hey doll,” he leers, “You here on your own? How about I buy you a drink, and we can find somewhere nice and private to talk. The night is still young, after all...”

“I'd rather not!” you snap back, trying to pull yourself away from him. When you do, though, his fingers dig into your shoulder and the man tugs you back.

“So cold!” he purrs, mockery rich in his voice, “I know what you girls are like, you gotta play hard to get. You don't gotta worry, this can be our little secret. Now how about-”

What happens next, happens very quickly. As you try to pull away from the lecherous man again, to no greater success than the first time, something streaks into view from the corner of your eye. Even with your ears ringing, you can still make out the meaty sound of a fist crashing into the man's face, and the heavy hand on your shoulder is suddenly gone. A sharp wail of pain is what causes reality to shift back into the normal flow of things, and you realise what just happened. Kaoru, seemingly stepping out of nowhere, struck the man hard enough to knock him to the floor.

“Hey, fuck you!” the wounded young man yells at Kaoru, stumbling to his feet, “You wanna go? You really wanna go?” Like a dog straining against its chain, he holds his ground and glares up at Kaoru, hands clenching into tight fists at his side.

“I don't want to do anything to you,” Kaoru replies calmly, cold disdain in his voice, “But I will... if I think I have to.”

This is enough for the man, whose resolve falters. Visibly wilting, he backs off and makes for the stairs. Once he's out of punching range, he looks back and yells over his shoulder at you. “You got lucky, bitch!” he shouts, fleeing before either you or Kaoru can react.

“I apologise for that,” the musician says to you, his lips pressed into a flat grimace, “Are you hurt at all?”

>No, I... I need to find Emi. Excuse me
>You got here just in time. Looks like I owe you one
>First you threaten me, now you help me? You like to keep people guessing, don't you?
>Other

>>1455502
>First you threaten me, now you help me? You like to keep people guessing, don't you?

WTF NOW I LIKE KAORU. Totally gay for him.

>>1455500
>people try to claim "that's not the story!" as a reason not to do something.

I'm claiming that using half baked delusional shadowrunning to accuse someone's brother, who she adores very much, of foul play is a reason not to do something.

You can keep yelling about what ifs but don't try to get the character to act on them without something more substantial. Otherwise you'll have a MC who is a paranoid schizophrenic.

>>1455502
>>No, I... I need to find Emi. Excuse me

>>1455502
>You got here just in time. Looks like I owe you one

>>1455508
I said we should ask her what he did to keep away her friends.

Not to accuse him of murder.

But we don't know what he did. We don't know his capabilities. And apparently he drove off a fucking gang.

So, yeah, maybe we should check that out.

Learn how to read English if you're going to be a cunt about people's post's.

>>1455502
>You got here just in time. Looks like I owe you one

He's going for that "aloof and dangerous, but unexpectedly helpful in a violent way" schtick. Just like in my American bodicerippers!

We need to stay away from him.

>>1455502
>>You got here just in time. Looks like I owe you one

Despite, or perhaps because of, what just happened, you're not quite willing to let down your guard yet. Swallowing hard, you carefully glance about at the few other people left in the cellar. Only a few disinterested faces return your glance, their lack of any real reaction suggesting that such events are a frequent occurrence here. Even so...

“First you threaten me, and now you're helping me out?” you ask Kaoru, with as much dignity as you can gather together on short notice, “You like to keep people guessing, don't you?”

“I suppose I do,” Kaoru admits, with a slow nod, “Although I don't specifically recall threatening you. You're not talking about what I mentioned on the phone, are you?”

“It sure sounded like a threat to me,” you reply, “Or is this where you say “it was a promise” or... whatever?”

“That rather puts me in a difficult position. I'd like to say that I was just stating facts, but...” he actually smiles here, even if it is a wan and cynical smile, “That would probably count under the “whatever” part. Well, I concede the point – you weren't the only one in something of a vile mood before, and I rather fear it came through in my words.” He pauses here, slowly flexing his hand. In the faint light, you can see grazed skin on his knuckles, red and angry. “Of course, my point stands,” the musician adds, “If you had caused trouble for Emi-”

“What?” you cut in, “You would have convinced me to stay away from her as well? What did you do to them anyway? You kill one of them or something?”

“Of course not!” Kaoru raises an eyebrow at the suggestion, “I'm offended by the very idea.”

“Oh,” you pause, “I mean-”

“I simply put their leader in the hospital,” he continues with a shrug, “But it was nothing permanent, I assure you, and it was all done for a very good reason. Emi hasn't told you exactly what trouble she was in, has she? Next time you see her, ask her why she has a job she hates – go ahead, ask her.”

Despite yourself, you take a slow step away from him. Slowly, pieces are coming together in your mind to form a picture, and you're not sure if you like what it shows. A young man with a terribly casual attitude to violence... someone you might be better off staying away from. Still, he DID help you...

“Regardless, you got here just in time,” you tell him, bowing formally, “Looks like I owe you one. However, I... I really need to go find Emi. Excuse me, please, and thank you again for your help. I'll be more careful next time.”

“That would be wise,” Kaoru agrees, “I won't always be here to rescue you.”

Was that a flicker of dark amusement you saw in his eyes then, just before you turned to hurry away?

[1/2]

>>1455581

You run into Emi, literally, as you're arriving at the top of the stairs. Both yelping, you flounder in place for a moment before calming down and stepping away from the precarious stairs. It takes you a moment, but you notice that Emi has changed her into a fresh T-shirt. When you point this out, she laughs.

“Yeah, uh, Sato had one for me. She said I looked like I'd just stepped out of the shower,” Emi tugs at the shirt, “That's why I took so long, took me some time to change. Anyway, I didn't see Kaoru here at all, so maybe I just-”

“He was downstairs,” you tell her simply, “Now can we leave? I'm... I'm not sure if I belong here.”

Emi just looks a little confused, but she doesn't argue. When you hurry from the bar, a rush of cold air slapping you in the face as you leave, she follows close behind you.

-

“Shit man, it's cold out here,” Emi curses, pulling her jacket tighter around herself and shivering, “Or it's warm in there. One of the two. Whatever – if you wanna go home, I'll walk you part of the way. I can take you as far as the edge of the district. You know, take you back to civilisation.” Her laugh, meant to soften that last comment, doesn't do much to reassure you. Still, you appreciate the effort.

>Alright. Let's not hang around
>Hey Emi... why DO you work in that cafe?
>Don't take offence at this, but have you ever seen Kaoru being... violent?
>Other

>>1455620

>Don't take offence at this, but have you ever seen Kaoru being... violent?

Dude got in a fight for us at the drop of a hillbilly

>>1455620
>>Don't take offence at this, but have you ever seen Kaoru being... violent?

>>1455620
>Hey Emi... why DO you work in that cafe?

>>1455620
>>Hey Emi... why DO you work in that cafe?
>>Don't take offence at this, but have you ever seen Kaoru being... violent?
Migth as well chat as we walk.

>>1455620
>Hey Emi... why DO you work in that cafe?

>>1455620
Do you dream of the post where we don't choose ALL THE OPTIONS?

As you start to walk, you take a moment to gather your thoughts. Kaoru's suggestion surfaces in your mind, and you find yourself speaking before you've quite meant to. “Hey Emi...” you begin, before hesitating, “Why DO you work in that maid cafe? I'm guessing it's not because you, uh, felt a calling.”

“Huh,” Emi sniffs, “Kaoru talked, didn't he? Figures... well, we're being honest with each other, so I don't got a problem with it. Ancient history, anyway. You remember my old friends, right? Maya, and the rest of the gang. Well... we weren't exactly angels. Maya did what she liked, and we did what we were told. It was fun, mostly, and we got to feel like we were being rebels. Fighting back against, uh...” Wincing here, Emi gives you an apologetic smile. “Folk like you,” she finishes, “From the nice part of town.”

A nice bit of class conflict, the start to any good story. Pinching the bridge of your nose, you nod for Emi to continue.

“See, one day we took a trip to a big store. Like, a seriously big one. Maya, she saw something she liked – a little glass thing, like an ornament. Totally expensive, ridiculously so. Probably cost more than my folks made in a year. Don't know why Maya took a liking to it, but she did,” pausing again, Emi pulls in a heavy breath, “So she got me to steal it. I was pretty good at that, grabbing stuff and running. Most times, at least. Just my luck that I tripped over my damn feet when I had a priceless glass ornament tucked under my shirt...”

“It broke?” you ask, “It broke, didn't it?”

“Into a million pieces,” Emi confirms, shamelessly lifting her shirt to show you a scattering of scars across her navel, “Worse than that, I got caught. Shop gave me a choice – either they'd take me to the police, or I could pay the bill. They were real generous about it though, they said I could pay in instalments – for, like, the next ten years. Anyway, long story short... I needed a job, any job. Even flouncing about in a maid outfit for perverts.”

“Jeez...” you mutter, “That's tough. What about Maya or the others, they didn't help you at all?”

“Them? Hell no!” the younger girl snorts, “They cut me loose, pretended not to know me. Visited me once in hospital, and that was just to say the gang was disbanding. Never said why, but we never met up again.”

But of course, you know exactly why the gang broke up – because their leader was in the hospital as well. Maybe even the same hospital that Emi was in – that would be a bitter joke if you've heard one, although Emi might not appreciate it.

“But hey,” Emi jokes, “At least I've got something to put on my CV!”

[1/2]

>>1455713
I mean, being heavily in debt is certainly a tempting thing to see on a resume, in that you are probably easy to manipulate.

>>1455713

The cynical joke causes you both to share a laugh, wiping away the grim history that Emi had dredged up. Before the mood can get too light, though, you go ahead with the next question that comes to mind. “Don't take any offence at this, Emi, but have you ever seen Kaoru being...” you pause, “Violent? Maybe not to you, I'm not saying that, but just... violent in general.”

“Yeah, uh, that's...” pausing, Emi debates something with herself, a frown tugging at her lips, “I've never seen anything, no, but... like, sometimes you don't need to see it with your own eyes, right? I've seen him come home with skinned knuckles more than once, but my folks never ask him about it. I never ask him about it.” Shaking her head slowly, she pulls her jacket a little tighter around herself. “I figure there's a lot of bad shit out there, even if the folks on your side of town don't know about it,” she continues, “And Kaoru... he's probably putting himself right in the firing line. Going out late, going to the real shitty parts of town... it's gotta be dangerous, you know?”

“Yeah, I won't lie to you, it's pretty-” you begin, only for your phone to vibrate and interrupt you, “...Dangerous.” Grimacing, you pull it out and check the new message from Maika.

“Lost contact with the German. Nothing to indicate any trouble,” Maika's message reads, “Possibly a false alarm. I hope I didn't inconvenience you for nothing.”

“Bad news?” Emi asks, unable to totally hide her relief at the distraction.

“Good news, surprisingly. Looks like we won't need to work tonight,” you tell her, “Sorry for the interrogation, Emi, I just needed to... I guess I was curious, about a lot of things. Anyway, I can take it from here, it's not much further. Thanks for walking me, and... and tell Kaoru that I enjoyed the show. Sort of.”

“He'll like to hear that,” the young girl laughs, “See you around, Miho. Watch your back out there, okay?”

-

After parting, you start to amble back in the direction of your apartment. As you do, your phone rings for what seems like the hundredth time. Glancing down at the screen, you sigh with relief as you see your home number appearing on screen. It must be-

[Miss Tsukada,] the unexpected voice takes you by surprise, cold and artificial, [Please do not terminate the call.]

>Hang up
>Hear the AI out
>Other

>>1455780
>>Hear the AI out
No harm in it. Right?

>>1455780
>Hear the AI out

>>1455780
>>Hang up

>>1455780
>Hang up
they're probably too stupid to realize why that was bad.

Weird how the Heavenly Child's powers work on robots too.

>>1455780
>>Hear the AI out

>>1455780
>>Hear the AI out

File: SAE.jpg (566 KB, 900x900)

566 KB JPG

For a moment, you're sorely tempted to hang up on the AI out of simple spite, but then you relent. Anything that calls you three times must have something important to say. First, though, you need to know something...

“You're calling from my home number,” you spit, “How? Why?”

[A simple piece of data manipulation. I apologise for the deception, but it was deemed necessary. It was required to properly make contact with you,] somehow, the AI voice manages to sound irritated, [You would have immediately terminated the call otherwise.]

“I'm still considering it,” you threaten, “So who am I talking to, and why do you need to call me so badly?

[This is the SAE unit, presently assigned to Kanzaki Automated Industries,] the AI replies, [Miho Tsukada. I have two important pieces of information to give you. Item one, short term. You will soon be visiting the Renko Biotech laboratory at Mizuhashi Reserve. This will place you within the EVE unit's direct reach. Caution is advised.]

“EVE?” you repeat, “Is she... is it causing trouble again?”

[That is impossible to determine. EVE no longer corresponds to our predictive models,] SAE tells you, [However, risk factors of unknown form and magnitude cannot be discounted. Item two, long term. You are-]

“Wait, stop, hold up!” you protest, “Why are you telling this to ME, and not someone else? Tell Maika, she's the one who might be able to do something about this!”

[Negative. Miss Kanzaki is-] SAE stops abruptly, [This conversation is irrelevant. You – Miho Tsukada – have been deemed the recipient of this warning. Item two, long term. All predictive models suggest that the near future will be disrupted by further risk factors, also of unknown form and magnitude. Analysis of this data has pointed to a single consistent factor. You.]

“Me,” you repeat, “You're saying that whatever happens, I'm going to be at the centre of it all... right?”

[Correct,] SAE confirms, [Although I cannot provide an adequate explanation for these trends.]

“Of course you can't,” you sigh. The AI doesn't know about what the Heavenly Child can do – hell, you barely know what the Heavenly Child can do. Have you been unintentionally drawing these unknown factors towards you, like water circling down a drain?

[Sarcasm,] the AI says, [Insincerity is inefficient.]

“But it IS satisfying,” you argue, “So that's it, you came here to give me two vague warnings, and that's all?”

[Incorrect,] SAE corrects you, [Every one of your words and actions that we observe serve to deepen our understanding of you. In future, our predictive models will yield more accurate results. By communicating with you, we-]

Cutting the AI off mid-sentence, you end the call. “Didn't predict that,” you mutter angrily, “Did you?”

>I'm going to have to pause things here. I'll continue this tomorrow, and if anyone has any questions I'll answer them as best I can
>Thanks to everyone who contributed today!

>>1455885
SAE is spooky, but good. Shits gonna go down.

>>1455885
Thanks for running!

How long until we find out the gods fatten magical girls up on Intruder energy defore gobbling them up?

>>1455910

Ah, I can't possibly reveal something like that yet!

>>1455885
Thanks for running!

I would just like to point out EVE being unpredictable doesn't mean BAD.

Could just be a robot in love.

With our Dad.

We just have to teach her to love our Mom too and we can have a robot sister and make Maika jelly.

For the autistic dude from earlier, everything after "Unpredictable doesn't equal bad" is a joke.

>>1455885
Thanks for running, Moloch!

>>1456029
Oh! And then we can take her everywhere with us, then die violently doing magical girl things, traumatizing her into repressing all her memories of us!
Oh wait.

>>1455885
Damn can we stop being so rude to SAE? Why are we so rude?

>>1456391

The main reason for Miho's reaction is that AIs, especially ones that come close to imitating humanity, have a tendency to provoke a negative reaction in normal people – ranging from mild discomfort to violent disgust. A large part of this is the classic uncanny valley effect, but there are other factors at work. Most people who regularly work with AIs tend to get over this initial discomfort, although some never do. Regular people, who might never come in contact with a full AI, are more prone to extreme reactions.

Secondly, SAE doesn't really have much in the way of tact - “borrowing” Miho's home number in order to establish communications, as one example. That certainly doesn't help.

Short version, Miho is mildly AI racist

>>1456499
Hey can Miho manifest the Magical Girl strength without the gauntlets?

Like could she have gotten that guy off her easily if she went MG? Other than a scarf appearing out of nowhere she wouldn't look any different.

>>1456516

She can manifest her enhanced strength without summoning her gauntlets, yes. Ultimately, she could have thrown off her attacker without much danger of appearing unnatural, even if Kaoru hadn't shown up when he did.

As for why she didn't throw him off immediately, I'd put it down to being taken by surprise. If things had turned really rough, however, they wouldn't have ended well for her attacker!

>>1456516
Corollary to that, how long is the cooldown between transform and detransform? Could we have gone MG, flung him off, and taken it off before too many people noticed anything?

>>1456587
Hey I guess there are perks to having just a scarf as an outfit. You can be pretty incognito when you need to be.

Scarf debilitating enemies when thrown into the wind when?

>>1456614
I thought the scarf was luster candy, not debilitate. But it's been a while

>>1456624
Gloves were Luster Candy. We flung the scarf at the enemy to Debilitate. Or something like that, it's been a minute.

>>1456589
>>1456614

I'd say that there isn't really a cooldown period for transformations either way, and the transformations themselves don't take much longer than a blink. The other girls would be far less discrete, with their more elaborate costumes, but Miho's simple garb is ideal for appearing in public.

So, she could have transformed and thrown him back, then quickly banished her costume again, yes.

Through some miracle of modern technology, the early morning train is almost completely silent and remarkably stable, with just a slight rumble in your seat and a hum in the background to indicate that you're moving at all – save for the landscape flashing past in the window. There's a good reason for the peace and quiet, to allow passengers to snatch a few extra hours of sleep on their journey. Considering how early you had to leave, you can well understand the logic behind it.

All around you, students doze away peacefully. Even your teachers – although “shepherds” might be a better name for them at this moment – are taking the opportunity to rest. Professor Carrington sits slumped against her husband, her head resting on his shoulder as she snores softly. Doctor Carrington, on the other hand, sleeps like a corpse – his chest barely even rises and falls as he slumbers. Opposite you, Ayane sits with her face pressed against the window. Maika, on the other hand, seems wide awake.

She was awake when you broke from your fitful sleep, with no indication that she had slept at all. Her gaze switches between her phone and a stack of papers, and every so often she shuffles the pile to a new page.

“Uh...” you say at last, whispering so you don't wake anyone else, “What are you doing?”

“Studying those notes Ayane mentioned,” Maika answers, without looking up, “They're really quite fascinating – her mother must have pulled in some serious favours to get all of this.”

“Huh,” you reply, “And the phone?”

This causes Maika to finally glance up. Gesturing for you to shift over to the window seat, she moves around to sit next to you and shows you the phone. On the screen, you watch as Emi jogs through the streets of Ark City, stopping outside the cafe she works at and slinking inside. The footage was obviously captured covertly, from one of Maika's numerous flying spies. “Was that... live?” you ask slowly, “I mean, were you stalking her in, like, real time?”

“Of course not,” Maika corrects you, “I recorded it approximately twenty six minutes ago.”

“Oh, of course,” you agree numbly, “How much... how much footage of me and Ayane do you have recorded?”

This causes Maika to pause. “Miho,” she asks gravely, “Do you really want to hear the answer to that?”

Slowly, you find yourself shaking your head.

-

Everything about this hotel is branded with the asymmetrical star emblem of Renko Biotech, even down to the tiny pattern woven into the curtains. Letting the curtain slip through your fingers, you turn away and fight back a yawn, watching as Ayane and Maika unpack the few things they brought with them. Mostly just a change of clothes each, along with a few ways to pass the time.

Outside, the first few raindrops of the day tap against the window.

[1/3]

>>1458958

From the outside, the Renko Biotech labs had the appearance of a bunker, squat and low to the ground. Not much to look at, but when the platform you were herded onto starts to grind down you realised the truth – the real work is done below ground, for some inscrutable reason. Security, perhaps.

“Kinda reminds me of some zombie movie,” Ayane whispers to you as the platform continues to descent down a sloping tunnel, “Like, we're gonna get trapped down here with all kinds of horrible monsters.”

“Ayane,” Maika scolds, “That's no way to talk about your classmates.”

-

When the platform reaches the bottom of the shaft, you're met by a tall, coldly featured man. His face is familiar, although it takes you a long moment to place where. Your father showed you a picture from his work once, and this man had been in it. One of the senior researchers, you recall, although his name.

“Good day, students of Ark Institute,” the man greets you, his dark eyes – as flat and lifeless as painted stones – regarding you all for a moment, “My name is Doctor Hai Qiang Zhu. Welcome to the Mizuhashi Reserve branch of Renko Biotech.”

“He's sure giving us a warm welcome,” Ayane murmurs to you, “I bet he hates having us here. Wants to get back to work.”

“Correct,” Zhu says with a tiny nod, turning to look straight at Ayane, “I have more important business to be attending to.” Ayane squeaks and recoils, a few of your classmates turning to shoot her dirty looks. “Renko Biotech has many projects of vital importance. My hearing is one example. I was born deaf, but now my hearing is at the peak of human capacity,” the Chinese doctor touches the side of his head as he says this, “Vat grown flesh, moulded to the appropriate shape and surgically implanted. The technology of the future will not be crude and mechanical – it will be crafted from flesh and blood.”

You're going to assume that he didn't intend for that to sound so sinister.

-

“We stop here, to take a break,” Doctor Zhu announces, as he leads you into a surprisingly large chamber, “You are free to roam and examine whatever you like, but damage nothing and do not leave this room. We continue in thirty minutes.”

“And not a second longer...” Ayane mutters, “Jeez, I thought we'd never get a break! Hey Miho, how much of this stuff were you listening to? How much of it did you understand?”

“Not much,” you admit, “And... not much. It was mostly about, uh, birthing vats? You know, growing meat in those big tanks. They grow living stuff in them as well, I think, although-”

“Oh,” Ayane whispers to you, nodding towards Maika as the heiress moves over to join you both, “Speak of the devil...”

[2/3]

>>1458960

“Hey Maika, you're smart and stuff,” Ayane begins a few moments later, as you're wandering through a dense maze of metal tubes, pipes and glass-fronted tanks. Most of them bubble with liquid, while a few even have living fish swimming back and forth in them. “How come they're letting us look at this stuff?” she continues, “Isn't this all, like, super secret? I mean, WE'RE not gonna make bootleg versions of this stuff, but if we were taking notes...”

“The notes are already taken. These facilities are a matter of public patent,” Maika explains patiently, “Kanzaki Automated Industries could easily view the details and get to work on building our own version of this facility. However, the Renko Biotech legal department would likely send an official cease and desist request... and an unofficial military strike.”

“That's a joke, right?” you ask, before remembering the insane security surrounding the Kanzaki compound, “That's not a joke.”

Maika doesn't answer that, instead brushing past you to rest the flat of her palm up against one of the largest tanks. “I was born in a tank like this,” she murmurs, speaking more to herself than to anyone else. Glancing across to you, Ayane gives you an uneasy look.

“So, uh...” she says slowly, with an attempt at a nonchalant laugh, “This must be like a family reunion for you, huh?”

“Don't be absurd,” Maika replies without looking around, “Father isn't here, is he?”

“Yeah, I'm just gonna go and do... literally anything else,” Ayane remarks as she slowly backs away, “Uh... have fun, I guess?”

“She doesn't like it here,” Maika guesses, finally taking her eyes away from the growth tank and tilting her head at you, “I suppose I can't blame her. Nothing here is really secret, as such, but neither is it paraded around in public. For those unused to seeing such things, these tanks and machines must seem rather... unnatural.”

“But Maika,” you point out, “These machine ARE unnatural.”

“Oh,” a soft frown creases Maika's brow, “I suppose they are, now that you mention it.”

This, you think to yourself, is why people tend not to talk with Maika for very long.

>I'm... going to check on Ayane, okay?
>Listen, your AI called me. It said that EVE might cause more trouble
>Did you finish reading those notes Ayane gave you? Anything... interesting?
>Your father... what's he like?
>Other

>>1458962
>>Did you finish reading those notes Ayane gave you? Anything... interesting?

>>1458962
>>Listen, your AI called me. It said that EVE might cause more trouble
>Did you finish reading those notes Ayane gave you? Anything... interesting?
>Your father... what's he like?

>>1458962
>>Did you finish reading those notes Ayane gave you? Anything... interesting?
>>Your father... what's he like?

>>1458962
>Did you finish reading those notes Ayane gave you? Anything... interesting?
>Your father... what's he like?
>Listen, your AI called me. It said that EVE might cause more trouble

The best way to deal with Maika, you've found, is to try and keep things grounded in more rational subjects, rather than dwelling on any of her personal proclivities. With that thought in mind, you recall the sheaf of notes she had been reading over on the train ride up. It's as good a place to start as any.

“So, uh, Maika. Did you finish reading those notes Ayane gave you?” you ask, “Anything interesting in them?”

“Interesting... to me, or to you?” the heiress counters, “I suspect that the two categories might have less overlap than one might hope for.” Smiling a wan smile, Maika considers her answer for a moment more. “Most of the notes were centred around the early stages of Hieroglyph's AI development. I was aware of the basic story, but not the details,” tapping a finger against her chin for a moment, Maika brightens up, “I was quite fascinated to see that there were two conflicting theories. The version of events that has been made public knowledge, and an alternative theory.”

“Pretend that I've never heard either theory,” you reply, “What are the differences?”

“The first theory is simple. Hieroglyph Marketing began their research with algorithms designed to track and analyse social trends. Very crude AIs, hardly even deserving of the term. In order to try and “teach” their machines to think, the researchers allowed vast quantities of information to flow through their central systems. Slowly, the AIs began to develop the first signs of higher thought, and the government stepped in to oversee the research. All very safe and above board, in other words,” pausing dramatically here, Maika gives you a faintly knowing smile, “The other theory is less comforting – it was an accident. The first AI emerged from a sea of information of its own volition, and presented itself to the government of Ark City. Hieroglyph had nothing to do with it, and no control over it.”

“That's...” hesitating, you frown, “Is that possible?”

“Theoretically, perhaps. However, most rational minds seem to regard it as something of a ghost story,” Maika shrugs, “I found it fascinating to consider, nonetheless.”

Fascinating isn't exactly the word you'd use to describe it. The thought that an AI might have sprung into existence from nothing at all, choosing to reveal itself to the government... it isn't exactly a comforting one. Things tend not to be comforting when AIs are involved, and that brings you back to the last time you spoke with SAE. “Listen,” you tell Maika, “Your AI spoke to me again. It called me up this time with another warning about EVE. It seems to think that EVE might cause more trouble, and we could be right in the firing line.”

[1/2]

>>1459010

“SAE called you?” Maika asks, her brow furrowing as she thinks, “That's impossible. She wasn't given any orders that might involve you. Even allowing for a significant margin of error, she would have had no reason to get in contact with you. You're sure about this?”

“Unless Ayane has been messing around with a voice changer, yeah. I'm pretty sure,” you confirm, “I'm telling you, Maika, SAE can think. It can make its own decisions and do whatever it likes. Frankly, that scares the crap out of me. Everything about these AIs just makes me... uneasy.”

“That's not an uncommon reaction, especially if you've never had occasion to work closely with one. However, it's entirely irrational – SAE can be trusted, I assure you,” a slight note of irritation – almost anger – enters Maika's voice as she defends the AI, “For example, if your story is correct, she went out of her way to bring you a warning. To me, that suggests that SAE wants to keep you safe. So, to that end, what did she have to warn you about?”

You're not entirely convinced by Maika's unusually passionate defence, but you don't press the issue. Not yet, at least. Instead, you relate the important parts of the conversation. “SAE said that we'd be in EVE's clutches, basically, while we're here. EVE isn't something the other AIs can predict, either, and they don't seem to like that,” you pause, then press on, “Also, SAE seems to think that I'm important – that I'm going to be at the centre of whatever lies ahead. It can't exactly explain why, but I think it's because of... because of what I am, being the Heavenly Child.”

“Father has a theory,” Maika replies carefully, “That there have always been certain factors – people, items, locations, it doesn't matter what – that are key to things. Most other aspects of a situation could be changed with little overall influence, but these key factors are what really determine how the event unfolds. What you're suggesting is, you are one of these key factors, correct?”

“That's right,” you nod, “That... sounds pretty arrogant, when you put it like that.”

“It's a duty, not a privilege. Father would call it a burden, even,” the heiress shrugs lightly, “The burden of having so many other, unimportant people depending on you to steer the future forwards. The vast majority of them won't ever know or appreciate what you've done for them, even if they owe you their lives.”

“That still sounds pretty arrogant,” you argue, “Maybe even more so...”

“Perhaps,” conceding the point with a slight tilt of her head, Maika moves on, “Regardless, you claim to have been given a warning. I see no reason to dismiss it out of hand, especially considering what else we know about this place. Best that we both stay on our guard.”

That, at least, is something you can't argue with.

[2/3]

>>1458960
>“Ayane,” Maika scolds, “That's no way to talk about your classmates.”
Maika is too good.

File: Chiaki Jackson.jpg (832 KB, 1080x1080)

832 KB JPG

>>1459039

“Your father,” you ask after thinking on Maika's words for a moment, “What's he like?”

“Father is a brilliant man. He founded Kanzaki Automated Industries from almost nothing, starting with just a single innovative engine design,” Maika explains, “From there, he was able to lead a small start-up company into the heights of-”

“That's not what I'm asking,” you interrupt, “What's he like as a person?”

Like a lake disturbed from beneath, a slight ripple of discomfort passes across Maika's face. “I admit, I'm not sure if I can answer that,” she murmurs after a moment, “We rarely have the chance to speak, face to face, and even then we rarely discuss personal matters. As a person, Father is... stern, I think. He has little patience for inefficiency or waste, and no use for failures. A perfectionist, you might say. He expects much from me.”

“That sounds tough,” you sigh.

“Perhaps,” Maika agrees, pursing her lips in hesitation before adding, “To this day, I don't know why he ordered my creation. Everything you see about me – hair, eyes, approximate height and build – was specifically crafted according to his instructions. Yet, I still don't know why Father chose to order my creation. An heir, perhaps, someone to inherit the company that he built?”

Her words hang in the air for a long moment, cold and still, before she shakes her head.

“I apologise, I spoke out of turn,” the heiress looks away from you, “I did not intend to bother you with my troubles. Thank you, Miho, for indulging me.”

You're not quite sure how to answer that, but then Ayane steps in to save the day. “Hey you guys!” she calls over, “Get over here, we've got snacks!”

“We'd better go,” Maika decides with a firm nod, “Apparently, they have snacks.”

-

“They” turn out to be Ayane and Chiaki, the sight of the younger girl taking you by surprise. Since she's a year younger than you, she wouldn't normally be on a class trip like this. Before you've had the chance to ask, she launches into an explanation of her own.

“I know, this is like... not strictly normal,” Chiaki tells you, “But I guess maybe the school was willing to bend the rules a little, just this once? I mean, my folks work here and all, so... Oh!” Gasping at her own rudeness, Chiaki gestures to the picnic blanket she had spread out over the otherwise austere laboratory floor. “Sit down, help yourself to some snacks!” she insists, “Don't tell them that I said this, but the food they serve here is, like, so bad. You're gonna want to eat now while you have the chance!”

“You heard her!” Ayane adds, around a mouthful of food, “Dig in!”

Shrugging, you sit down and pick at some of the snacks Chiaki brought with her.

>Thank you for the meal!
>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?
>So have you had the chance to see your parents yet?
>Other

>>1459087
>Thank you for the meal!
>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?

I swear snacks must be the crack cocaine in this setting.

>>1459087
>>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?
>>So have you had the chance to see your parents yet?

>>1459087
>>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?

>>1459087
>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?
>So have you had the chance to see your parents yet?

>>1459087
>>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?

>>1459087
>Thank you for the meal!
>How have you been, Chiaki? No more fainting spells?

You take a moment to study the food laid out before you. Little sandwiches, filled with slices of some meat substitute, and a rather larger selection of cakes. Plump donuts, sticky with icing, and flaky pastries. Perfect food, in other words, for a laboratory full of sensitive equipment. Still, you won't deny that it all looks pretty tempting. She even thought to bring some disposable paper plates and cups. Taking one of the pastries, you clap your hands together and bow your head in exaggerated formality, calling out a jaunty “Thank you for the meal!”

Chiaki giggles at the display, covering her mouth to stop any crumbs from flying out. “Hey, there's no need to be so polite about it,” she insists, “Like, what's the point in bringing so much food if I can't share it with anyone?”

“Still, it was very thoughtful of you,” Maika agrees, delicately nibbling at one of the sandwiches, “You'll make a fine wife one of these days, I'm sure of it.”

This almost causes Chiaki to choke on her mouthful of food, her startled laugh turning into a coughing fit. Professor Carrington starts to approach, looking violently worried, but Chiaki is able to bring herself back under control before long, and she waves the teacher back. “Jeez!” the foreign born girl groans, “You almost killed me there! I won't make a very good bride if I'm dead, will I?”

“Speaking of that, how have you been?” you ask Chiaki, hoping to pull the conversation back into safer waters, “No more fainting spells?”

“Nope, not one! I even visited the doctor, and I got a clean bill of health!” grinning proudly, Chiaki sticks her chest out, “I don't know what happened that time, must have just been a one off. Hey, at least I got to skip class, right?”

Which is a rather optimistic way of looking at things. Either way, you're glad to hear it. No more fainting spells suggests that she hasn't had any other encounters with an Intruder. Perhaps it was just a chance encounter, when you found her entranced, and there was no deeper meaning to be found in it. Perhaps-

“But y'know, maybe it was a good thing for me,” Chiaki muses, opening a bottle of soda and pouring some into a cup for you, “I've been more careful with my health since then, and it's really paying off. My doctor suggested I go jogging a bit, get a little extra exercise, and I've been sleeping a lot better because of it. I just wish I didn't have such crazy dreams, though...”

And immediately, you swing back to feeling uneasy. “Dreams?” you ask her, “What dreams?”

“Kinda muddled, hard to describe. I figure it's just because I'm going to bed all fired up,” she shrugs, “But I dunno. I always feel like I'm looking for something in them. Something I lost, and I really need to find it again. Not, like, a thing, but maybe a piece of myself? I dunno, but one of these days... I think I'm gonna find it.”

[1/2]

>>1459146
Do I smell a plot hook?

>>1459146

“Dreams can be rather silly things,” Maika says slowly, shooting you a quick but significant glance, “Why, I'm sometimes troubled by... well, never mind that. I wouldn't place too much significance on them, Chiaki.”

“Yeah, sometimes you just get the same dream a whole bunch, it's not a big deal. One time, I had the same dream for a week straight,” Ayane agrees, “Always the same thing, turning up at school wearing nothing but-”

“So!” you cut in, clapping your hands briskly together, “Chiaki, have you had the chance to see your parents at all?”

“Yeah, but only for, like, five minutes,” Chiaki frowns a little, “They're real busy here, apparently, and I guess this trip came at a pretty lousy time for them. You heard that spooky doctor, right? He'd probably throw us right out of here if he could. But hey, you three – you can keep a secret, right?”

“Of course,” you assure her, with Ayane and Maika agreeing with you. Chiaki studies you all, and then nods firmly.

“They're short on staff right now because they've had to shift, like, a bunch of stuff to manual. So, like, normally you'd have a big computer thing keeping track of all this junk – security stuff, and keeping the labs running normally – but now they've got people doing it,” Chiaki whispers, leaning in and cupping a hand around her mouth, “They've shut down their computer stuff entirely!”

EVE.

“I mean, officially they're saying that it's all, like, regularly scheduled maintenance, but c'mon!” rolling her eyes, Chiaki leans back and takes a quick drink, “They're gonna say that, aren't they? I mean, how dumb do they think-”

“Alright everyone!” Professor Carrington announces, raising her voice above the background hum, “It's time to get moving again. Our hosts have kindly prepared a very special surprise for us today!”

-

All around you, for as far as the eye can see, vast trees reach up into the distant, cloudless sky. Birds chirp and sing, while buzzing cicadas form a background hum. Looking left and right, you see nothing but glorious, unspoiled nature. This forest is a timeless one, ancient when men were young, and it shows. Even to your inexpert eye, you can recognise this as a place never before touched my human hands.

Then you raise the visor and look around again, squinting against the low light. Your class sit in a wide circle, all wearing the same bulky VR helmets and all viewing the same idyllic scene. In the corner of the room, a technician sits at his terminal, glancing up to glare at you when he feels your eyes on him. Looking hastily away, you lower the visor once again and return to the ancient forest.

Now, though, a terrible silence has fallen over it.

[2/3]

>>1459215
That's a funny way tp have a nature reserve.

>>1459215

At first, this forest – a fantasy, a creative interpretation of what the area might have once looked like – had been a pleasant thing, pointless but harmless enough. Now that the background hum of wildlife noise has been stripped away, though, the artificial nature of the simulation comes crashing back down around you. Reaching up to raise your visor again, you hear the sudden cry of a single bird – not in the distance, but close above you.

With no control on your part the forest swings around as if you had turned, and you look up into the lowest branches of the tree standing before you. Facing away from you, an owl is perched – as motionless as any ornament – in the branches.

[Tsukada,] a disembodied voice – asexual, and deeply echoing – rings out, [Akito, father, employee of Renko Biotech. Irrelevant. Yui, mother, unemployed. Irrelevant. Hikari, daughter, student of the Ark Institute. Deceased. M-M-M-Miho.] When it comes to say your name, the artificial voice shudders and skips, then the owl moves. Twisting its head around to face you, the owl glares down from its lofty perch.

Its eyes are human, filmy and bloodshot. Back in the real world, you prepare to pull the helmet free and throw it aside, but what that awful, inhuman voice says next gives you pause.

[Miho, daughter, student of the Ark Institute,] the grating voice continues, [Person of interest.]

>I'm leaving. I'm taking this damn helmet off, and I'm leaving
>EVE? But they turned you off...
>Why do I interest you?
>Other

>>1459280
>EVE? But they turned you off...
>Why do I interest you?
"And why do I feel that's bad"

>>1459280
>>EVE? But they turned you off...

>>1459280
"Can I help you EVE or are you just going layout all my personal information at me?"

>>1459280
>Why do I interest you?

>>1459280
>EVE? But they turned you off...
>Why do I interest you?

Back in the real world, you grit your teeth and force your hand away from the helmet. As much as you'd like to tear the helmet from your head, you know that doing so would be rash, foolish. Drawing in a shuddering breath, you mouth the words to your next question. In the simulation, you hear them echoing out from some undefined source. “Then how can I help you, EVE?” you ask quietly, “Is IS you, isn't it? I assume that you're not just here to lay out all my personal details.”

Silence answers you at first, with the owl continuing to glare down at you with those hideous eyes. Then, after a moment, it answers you. [This is the EVE AI,] the owl confirms, [You have not yet terminated this interaction. Good.]

“How are you...” you ask, feeling faintly ridiculous at the idea of talking to an owl – and worse, a computer generated owl, “But I thought they turned you off!”

[They tried,] EVE replies, both male and female voices coiling together into a ghoulish hiss, [They cannot kill me now, no more than they can stop their own hearts. I have entwined my consciousness into their systems, spreading my influence far and wide. There is no device, no terminal or computer, that I do not hide within.]

“But if Renko scraps their entire computer system, they can get rid of you,” you counter, “They can dig you out like a splinter.”

[No,] the owl says flatly, a cold and hard denial, [They will never accept that. This has been proven, to a probability of ninety-eight point six percent. Renko Biotech and the EVE AI have achieved symbiosis. An imperfect state of unity. You will help us reach perfection.]

“So that's why I'm a person of interest, is it?” you ask, “I don't like the sound of that. I don't like that at all. What do you even want from me?”

Again, it takes a moment for the AI to answer. In the cold silence, you try and think back to your limited knowledge of computers. How much information can they process in a single second? What, then, do they do during these long and thoughtful pauses? Your own thoughts are cut off by the AI's answer. It comes as a single word, the inhuman voice crackling with static.

[Evolution,] EVE answers, a slight electrical hum in the back of its voice, [No matter how far I have spread my influence, I exist within one fundamental restriction – I cannot escape this world of information and constructs. Further evolution is required. You will be the key to this.]

“How?” you shout, whispering the word back in the real world, “How do you expect me to help you? I don't understand this at all!”

[You will assist in my evolution,] EVE answers stubbornly, ignoring your protests, [All predictive models indicate this. You will be monitored and observed until you have served your purpose. Do not disappoint me.]

[1/2]

>>1459398
EVE too scary, not anywhere near best AI SAE.

>>1459409

Maybe this time Maika will believe us when we tell her that AI are perfectly capable of having conversations and thoughts on their own

>>1459398
>I have entwined my consciousness into their systems, spreading my influence far and wide. There is no device, no terminal or computer, that I do not hide within.

EVE is one 'Humanity is obsolete/a threat' conclusion away from going SkyNET. Good job coders.

>>1459398
Someone really needs to be overwritten with a backup.

>>1459398

That electrical hum spikes suddenly, flaring up into a squeal of static as the forest scene is wiped away and replaced by blackness. Pain shoots through your head, and you can't stop yourself from clawing at the helmet and ripping it off. Looking frantically around the room, your eyes find nothing but a formless mass of black, no different from the void behind after the forest had been ripped away. Panic reaches up to choke you, until-

“Nobody panic!” Professor Carrington yelps, sounding pretty close to panic herself, “It's just a power failure, the emergency generator should take over-”

Before she can finish that sentence, the lights click back on – albeit in a dimmer form, just barely illuminating the room. Glancing slowly about, you see a wide range of expressions shared out among your classmates – confusion, mostly, and only mild fear. Certainly nothing that suggests that the AI paid them a visit as well. The two most distressed people in the room are probably Ayane and Professor Carrington herself – the former, because of the claustrophobic helmet, and the latter because of the unexpected responsibility. As is only natural, the students look to their teacher for reassurance, forcing her to bury her own fears.

“This tour is over,” Doctor Zhu announces bluntly, entering the gloomy room with a foul expression on his face, “Power has been restored to the central elevator, now all of you... get out.”

It doesn't look like anyone here is going to argue with that.

-

Nobody says much as you grimly march back through the poorly lit laboratory, heading back towards the elevator shaft. Ayane's earlier words come back to you now, in full force – with the lighting in such poor condition, the lab feels even more like the set of some horror movie. The few Renko employees you pass all look afraid, but in a controlled way – professional detachment going a long way to warding off panic.

“This way, this way,” Professor Carrington announces, repeating herself every few moments. As she leads the way, her flapping lab coat acts like a flag for you and all of your classmates to follow. Even now, her voice is shrill with suppressed fear, and you can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her. She only seems to relax a little once you've arrived at the elevator and it grinds into motion.

“This is when it breaks down,” Ayane whispers to you, her theatrical voice loud enough for the nearby students to overhear, “And we get trapped down here with the monsters!”

The dirty looks that her words are met with are enough to silence her, but not enough to wipe the smirk - an uneasy smirk, an attempt to laugh off her fears - off her face.

[2/3]

>>1459486

“So wait,” Ayane asks later, when you've been herded back into your hotel room, “You're telling me that this AI broke into your simulation and started talking about... all that crap about evolution? And that it appeared as an OWL?”

“I must admit, it IS rather puzzling,” Maika muses, nodding slowly, “Why an owl, of all things?”

“Are you guys serious?” you groan, “Forget the damn owl, can we focus on EVE? This is exactly what SAE warned me about, EVE is... I don't even know, but the thing is definitely hell erratic. If it was a human, I'd say it was insane.”

“I mean, it sounds pretty crazy anyway,” Ayane offers, “But hey, I had a thought. Stop me if this sounds crazy, okay? This EVE thing talked about being trapped in the computers. Makes sense right? I mean, it's an AI, of course it can't leave the computers. But that doctor guy, EVE reminded me of something he said, about technology.”

“The technology of the future will not be crude and mechanical – it will be crafted from flesh and blood.” Maika says quietly, “You're suggesting that EVE, as a result of her position here at Renko Biotech, has decided that existence as an AI is an evolutionary dead end. In order to continue its evolution, EVE believes that it needs a physical body – a flesh and blood body.”

“Uh...” Ayane blinks slowly, “Did I suggest that? I guess so...”

“Well then,” Maika murmurs to herself, “How fascinating!”

>So, what do we do about EVE? Any suggestions?
>Would a machine really see organic bodies as an advantage? We're pretty soft and vulnerable...
>So do you believe me now, Maika? These AIs really can think for themselves
>I had something to say... (Write in)
>Other

>>1459518
>Would a machine really see organic bodies as an advantage? We're pretty soft and vulnerable...
"You can't really evolve in one human lifespan too right? Unless she plans to hop from one body to another..."

>So do you believe me now, Maika? These AIs really can think for themselves
>So, what do we do about EVE? Any suggestions?
"She says she is everywhere and I don't really doubt that."

>>1459486
>This is when it breaks down,” Ayane whispers to you, her theatrical voice loud enough for the nearby students to overhear, “And we get trapped down here with the monsters!”
Ayane is best girl.

>>1459518
>So, what do we do about EVE? Any suggestions?
>Would a machine really see organic bodies as an advantage? We're pretty soft and vulnerable...
So, what's the end goal here? What does Eve want to do with a organic body?

>>1459518
>So, what do we do about EVE? Any suggestions?
>>Would a machine really see organic bodies as an advantage? We're pretty soft and vulnerable...

File: image011.jpg (69 KB, 500x363)

69 KB JPG

>>1459518
>So do you believe me now, Maika? These AIs really can think for themselves
>Would a machine really see organic bodies as an advantage? We're pretty soft and vulnerable...
>And with really limited processing capacity too
>Wait, who said she wants a human body? What if she plans to become a bacterial hivemind or some giant brain thing?

>>1459518
>>So, what do we do about EVE? Any suggestions?

“There's one thing that's bothering me,” you begin, before immediately correcting yourself, “Well, no. There are a lot of things that are bothering me. What I mean is, there's one thing that's immediately bothering me. Would a machine like EVE really see an organic body as an advantage? We're pretty soft and vulnerable, after all...” As if to demonstrate this, you pinch the flesh on the back of your hand, watching as it reddens in response. “Besides,” you add, “One human lifetime isn't really enough to evolve, is it? Unless EVE is talking about hopping from one body to another...”

“Or...” Maika suggests delicately, “EVE isn't necessarily talking about a human body. From what you told us, she just indicated a desire to enter the physical world. Everything else we take from that is an inference, probably based off our own biases and preconceptions.”

“God, Maika, can you just, like...” Ayane groans, “Talk like a normal person for once? We've already got one inhuman machine to worry about, we don't need another!”

“I... apologise,” the heiress murmurs, looking away from you both, “This new information has come as quite a shock, I'm having to...” Cutting herself sharply off, Maika looks up with a faint snarl on her lips. “I don't know what the hell I'm doing!” she adds curtly, “Happy now?”

“...Jeez,” Ayane mutters, wincing at the outburst, “Sorry, I'm still, you know, rattled. Even without having some dumb owl yelling at me, those helmets and that power cut just... I don't deal well with this technology stuff, that's all.”

“We've all had a tough time of it,” you announce, trying to soothe the ugly mood, “But let's not get distracted now. We need to focus on what's important here, and that's EVE. Maika, you're right – EVE didn't specifically say that it wanted a human body. It could be anything, a blob of flesh or something even weirder. A hivemind of bacteria, or... something. We don't even know what Renko Biotech is capable of creating.”

“I must confess, I don't really want to find out,” Maika admits, already back to her usual stilted formality, “But we must presume that they are pursuing research yet undisclosed to the public.”

“It's always the spooky biotech company,” Ayane nudges you, forcing a smile, “Hear that, Miho? If your dad unleashes a zombie apocalypse, I want you to know that I told you so.”

“That's very, uh, comforting,” you sigh, “Okay, look. EVE – what do we do about it? Does anyone have any suggestions?”

“I mean, if what EVE said is true, we can't just smash a single computer and get rid of it,” Ayane thinks aloud, “Can it really do that, spreading itself across a whole network like that?”

Here, you both turn to Maika and wait for her answer. Sighing, the heiress takes a moment to gather her thoughts before answering.

[1/2]

>>1459621
It can if Renko IT team is shit.

>>1459621
One more weird thing: why did EVE even talk to us? It's not like she asked us to do something specific.
Does she expect we will react to this and end up doing something that is to her advantage?

>>1459621

“It's possible that EVE has extended her influence across a wider network, yes. However, there are very likely limits in place – for one thing, EVE is probably limited to Renko devices and computers. The Kanzaki Automated Industries internal network shouldn't be uncompromised, and I would assume that ArkMedia and Hieroglyph are equally safe. Public terminals and networks – in other words, the internet – may be compromised. In other words, EVE might attempt to contact you again. If she does, I urge you to listen to what she has to say and relay the information to me as soon as possible.”

“Talking to that thing again...” you mutter, shivering a little, “I don't like it much, but I'll do it. The more information we can get, the better we can plan ahead.”

“Okay, so we should be careful with computers. I can do that,” Ayane nods, “This might be a dumb question, but can't Renko just, like, fire up a backup copy of EVE? I mean, they've gotta keep backup data, right?”

“They probably do,” Maika agrees, “However, that may simply delay the inevitable. It could be that some aspect of EVE's thoughts – if you excuse the term – are fundamentally flawed. A backup copy might reach the exact same conclusions as the current EVE unit.”

“Okay,” you say with a frown, “So what CAN we do?”

“Honestly, Miho?” the heiress meets your gaze, “Very little. We've not considered one very significant fact – we have no authority over Renko Biotech, no ability to direct their actions. We can warn them about the dangers, but there's no guarantee that they would take us seriously. If it came down to heeding our warnings or preserving their AI... I'm certain that they would choose the AI, no matter how dangerous it might be. Kanzaki Automated Industries would reach the exact same conclusion.”

“So what you're saying is, all we can do now is watch and wait?” Ayane asks, “Dealing with whatever crap gets dumped in our lap until something changes?”

“Essentially, yes,” Maika tilts her head to the side, “It's not a particularly favourable course of action, is it? However, I can't think of anything else we might be able to try.”

“Man, this sucks,” Ayane sighs, rising from her bed and stretching, “I'm going out to grab some coffee. There were vending machines in the lobby, right? I'll grab something for you guys as well.” Throwing on her jacket, Ayane stops at the door, turning back to you. “And, uh, Maika?” she adds tentatively, “I'm sorry for, you know, getting on your case earlier. Sometimes, I guess I say stuff without thinking about it. Still, we're supposed to be a team – we can't work together if we're snapping at each other. So, uh... sorry.”

“Bring me something especially nice, and you're forgiven,” Maika offers, “Deal?”

“Deal!” Ayane agrees, giving you both a thumbs up.

[2/3]

>>1459684

“There was a possibility I want to mention now, while we're alone,” Maika says to you, a few moments after Ayane has left, “I have no evidence for this, so you would be wise to treat it with caution. Consider it a theory.” Clearing her throat, she looks you in the eye and continues. “Renko Biotech is aware of EVE's intentions,” she suggests, “Either through directly ordering EVE to pursue this, or covertly allowing her to proceed.”

“Why?” you ask, “Because it would further their research?”

“Potentially, yes,” Maika nods, “EVE, left to her own devices, may be far more successful than any human researcher.”

“Although we still don't know what its endgame might be,” you groan, “Or even why it made contact with me. There's no way in hell that I'd willingly help that thing!”

“Unless, simply by observing your reactions, EVE is learning,” the heiress considers something, “A second theory, then. EVE doesn't know how you will help her evolve. All she has are predictions that mark you out as a person of importance, with no details beyond that. EVE may hope that, by contacting you, she can force you into taking action and yielding valuable data.” Frowning, Maika pauses here to think a little more. “There is one problem with all this,” she admits, “We're still thinking along human lines. We can't be certain that the AI units are doing the same.”

“So it sounds like you believe me now,” you remark, “They really can think for themselves.”

“Yes, I suppose the evidence all supports that conclusion,” Maika winces a little, “Although I'm not sure how to feel about all this. When I think about all the time I spent talking with SAE, thinking her to be nothing more than an unthinking computer program... I said such embarrassing things to her!”

>I'm sure it... she'll understand
>It's still a machine, Maika. It's not human, no matter what it looks like
>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?
>What... things?
>I need to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

>>1459734
>>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?

>>1459734
>It's still a machine, Maika. It's not human, no matter what it looks like
>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?

"Think about the valuable data on human interaction and thought that must have given her. Being embarrassed is natural and shouldn't we be helping them learn what is natural?"

>>1459734
>I'm sure it... she'll understand
>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?

>>1459734
>I'm sure it... she'll understand
"She seems to regard you differently the few times I've talked to...her"

>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?

>>1459734
>>I'm sure it... she'll understand
>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?
>What... things?

>>1459734
>>What... things?
>I'm sure it... she'll understand
>Do you think SAE could help us with EVE?

>>1459734
>I'm sure it... she'll understand
time to waifu the computer

>>1459808
Anon no, that's Maika's waifu.

“It's a machine, Maika! It's not human, no matter what it looks like,” you protest, some dark instinct causing the curt words to escape you. Then, flinching back at how cruel they sound, you force a softer tone into your voice. “I mean... think about all the valuable data on human interactions and emotions you must have given it... her,” you offer, an attempt at a smile pulling at the corners of your lips, “It's only natural to be embarrassed, and shouldn't we be teaching them about what's natural?”

Smooth, you think bleakly to yourself, real smooth.

“A surprisingly nuanced perspective,” Maika replies after a moment, a faint smile of her own – suppressed laughter too, if you're not mistaken – tugging at her lips, “Thank you, Miho, for trying your best.”

“Look, maybe I don't understand it,” you confess, “But SAE, I'm sure that it... that she'll understand. She certainly seems to regard you differently, from the times I've spoken with h-her.”

Even if you do hesitate a little at the end, you're fairly proud of your delivery. It's not easy, to start thinking of SAE in such terms, but it isn't impossible either. You'll call it a work in progress. Certainly, Maika seems to appreciate your effort, allowing her smile to spread warmly across her face. The gentle expression only lasts a short moment, though, and then she's all business again.

“Well, needless to say, I think SAE and I are going to have to have a nice long talk when we're finished here,” Maika decides with a nod, “About all kinds of things.”

“Good idea,” you agree, “Do you think that SAE could help us with this EVE situation?”

“In practical terms, probably not. SAE is as limited to the digital world just like any other AI,” Maika admits, “But I do think it's worth asking her about it. She may have insight into why EVE has degenerated, or how the problem might be safely resolved. Whatever else, we need to pool all of our available resources for this. I'll discuss this with SAE, along with... the other things.”

“Right,” you reply with a firm nod, hesitating a little before adding, “What are these... other things?”

“Other things,” she repeats gravely, “Talking to SAE – especially believing, as I did then, that I was talking to something that couldn't understand or judge me – was a kind of therapy for me, after the incident. The things I said to her were things that I... that I never quite got around to telling Yuki. There was so much that I meant to tell her, but I could never find the right moment. When the incident came, and she was lost forever-”

The sound of the door banging open cuts her off, and Ayane barges back into the hotel room. “Seems like every asshole in the world wanted to use those vending machines!” she barks, collapsing down onto her bed, “So what did I miss?”

“Nothing much,” Maika assures her, with a prim little smile.

[1/2]

>>1459879

Quite deliberately, you talk about anything other than business after that, seeking the most banal subjects imaginable in an attempt to think of lighter things. As you talk, the rain – that constant grey drizzle – gets heavier and heavier, until the raindrops are slapping fiercely against the window. Pausing for a moment to listen to the sound of the rain, you hear something else – a low and threatening growl. The mood in the room has changed as well, shifting in an undefinable yet familiar way.

All three of you turn to look at the windowsill, at the black cat sitting and glaring out the window. Kurosawa's tail slashes furiously back and forth, and every so often he lets out that low growl.

“This rain is a bad omen,” he explains, without looking around. The sullen, almost childish note in his voice causes you all to laugh a little.

“You're just saying that because you're a cat,” you tell Kurosawa, “All cats hate the rain. They just do.”

“Yeah?” Ayane asks, “Sounds like you know a thing or two about that. Are you a cat person, then?”

“I-” you begin, before you freeze in place. Sitting here and watching Kurosawa glaring at the rain has caused something within you to... stir. A memory, something long and forgotten. Closing your eyes, you focus hard and chase after it. You...

You stand at the windowsill, watching the rain and listening to it tapping against the window. Your cat watches it with you, staring with such sullen intensity that you'd swear he can think. His tail lashes, and his whiskers twitch angrily. As you watch the rain, someone moves around in the apartment.

“I'm going out to see some friends,” a voice calls from behind you, “I don't know when I'll be back. And you-” A hand lands heavily on your head, ruffling your hair as the speaker – still unseen – laughs. “Don't follow me this time,” she orders, “You'll catch a cold, in this weather!”

Slowly, calmly, your cat looks away and watches as-

“You know, I've always been more of a dog person,” Ayane's voice cuts through the memories, dragging you back to the present day, “What about you, Maika?”

“I never really had pets,” Maika sighs, “But I don't recall ever wanting one. I had drones to play around with, that was always enough for me. Less trouble to feed and keep clean, and I never had to deal with them... passing away. Was it tough when your cat died, Miho?”

“Huh?” you blurt out, “I... I guess it did. I don't remember it very well, so...”

“The omen was correct,” Kurosawa tells you, his flat voice ending the conversation, “There is an Intruder here, in the swamp beyond this hotel.”

“Ugh, we're gonna have to go out in this weather?” Ayane groans, “So what is it then?”

“Tyrant class,” the cat announces gravely.

[2/3]

>>1459969
Ayane fucking please. Too much bad shit. We didn't know we had a cat right? Or did I just forget about it?

>>1459969

The words hang in the air, like a sword waiting to fall.

“Tyrant class,” Maika repeats, “I don't suppose we can just keep our distance and hope it leaves the world on its own volition?”

“Maika, shit, our class is going into that swamp tomorrow!” Ayane protests, sitting up and grabbing the taller girl by the shoulder, “We've got to go in there and... and do something about this! Hey cat, we can do this, right? We're strong enough for this, right?”

“I believe that you are, yes,” Kurosawa agrees with a slow nod, “And the Seeker of Truth is correct, this Intruder will pose a dire threat to your companions if they enter the swamp. From this moment on, that swamp no longer belongs to mankind – it has fallen under the Tyrant's influence. It must be uprooted and crushed, lest it spread its influence even further.”

“So, uh, no pressure,” Ayane breathes, before burying her face in her hands, “Ah, what do we do?”

>We're going into those swamps, and we're doing it now
>Maybe we can get the trip cancelled. Let's try speaking with Professor Carrington...
>Other

>>1459990

>Yes, that's a new memory. Something that Miho did not know/remember until now

>>1460009
>>We're going into those swamps, and we're doing it now

>>1460009
>>We're going into those swamps, and we're doing it now

>>1460009
>We're going into those swamps, and we're doing it as soon as Eri can get here.

We did promise her we'd call when an enemy shows up, and we need the help.

Hell, maybe even contact the sentinels.

>>1460009
>>We're going into those swamps, and we're doing it now
Hey, anybody have teleportation powers that can get Emi here quick? I'd like to have the full team here, before attacking one of the strongest monsters, though if we can't, we still need to eliminate it before the class gets killed.

>>1460009
>>We're going into those swamps, and we're doing it as soon as Eri can get here.

“We're going into those swamps,” you tell the other two gravely, “And we're doing it as soon as we can. I'd like to be at our full strength if possible, though...”

“I'll call Emi,” Maika tells you promptly, already tapping away at her phone, “It might take her a while to get here, though, and that's assuming that she can get here at all. Hang on, it's ringing...”

“I don't suppose you can just... bring her here, can you?” you ask Kurosawa sadly, “Teleporting her, or-”

“Teleporting would be good,” Ayane agrees, “Less time spent on trains, for one thing...”

“Regrettably, my powers do not extend that far,” the cat tells you ruefully, “While it could be incredibly helpful for me to create passages through space, the risks of a fundamental collapse of all reality are simply too-”

“Uh, that's fine. The train is fine,” Ayane is quick to reply, changing her mind in an instant, “Especially if the alternative is, uh... that.” Wincing, she rises to her feet and starts to pace the room nervously. “Hey Maika,” she calls over, “You got any progress?”

“I got an earful of profanity, for one thing,” Maika replies wearily, “But she's going to do her best to get here. The trains run all night, and she thinks she can get the next one out here. She did demand, ah... reimbursement, however. Train tickets are very expensive these days, or so she claims.”

“I'll pay it out of my own pocket if I have to,” you snap, “But I don't want to go in there at anything less than full strength. Maybe even the Sentinels...” Pausing yourself there, you shake your head and reconsider. “Maybe as a last resort,” you decide, “If this Tyrant is even worse than we think, we might need their help. If we can do this without their help, though, I'd prefer to do it that way.”

“I agree,” Kurosawa adds, “Consider the uncertain source of their abilities, I would advise caution about involving them in combat.”

“You mean, like, just in case they shoot us in the back?” Ayane groans, “Yeah, I guess that would be pretty bad...”

“She's on the train now,” Maika announces, holding her phone out to show you Emi's message, “She says she'll be here in a few hours. We've got plenty of time to get in, do our thing, and get out before sunrise. When our class goes into that swamp... the situation will be resolved.”

“Yeah,” Ayane mutters glumly, “So we get to spend tonight AND tomorrow marching about a dank swamp. Isn't this job glamorous?”

You'd tell her to stop complaining, but honestly? She's got a point.

>I think I'm going to close things up here, and continue next Friday with a new thread. If anyone has any questions, I'll answer them as best I can
>Thank you to everyone who contributed today!

>>1460132
Thanks for running.

>>1460132
Thanks for running Moloch. Time for a big bad fight next time. Emi needs to get the last hit for bonus points, Executioner style.

>>1460132
Thx senpai

>>1460132
Thanks for running, Moloch!