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/qst/ - Quests


Welcome back to Kamen Rider Chronicles! You play as Reiko Yukihara, Genius Pro Gamer, bearer of the Gamer Driver and Bugster. You defend the streets of Seito City and are slowly working to bring Bugster and Humans together in order to finally put an end to Chronicle once and for all.

Wow we made it to 10 threads. I didn't think the game would go on this long. Here's hoping we make it to the end. In the last episode, Reiko inflitrated the Ministry of Health and obtained data on a Project Cronus as well as some spare parts that would help rebuild NCR's lost Gashats and Drivers. Poppy lead a team to stop a mass distribution of Gashats and Parado was forced to mercy kill an old friend.

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=NovaQM
https://twitter.com/nova_qm (Gotta start using this again)
----

“Are you sure they won’t do anything?” Revol asks as he wrings his hands and looks around the elevator leading to NCR. Considering the events of tonight, you didn’t blame him for being a bit wary of elevators that led to secret labs.

“They’re not gonna do anything. Half the team is bugsters.” You point out. “We’re all here to try and find a way to make peace between humans and bugsters.” The elevator “ding”s and the door opens to reveal NCR’s hidden base.

“Wow…” Revol says in awe as he walks around the meeting room. “I always thought you were just a bunch of random doctors. Didn’t know you were actually organized…Where is everyone? Is it just you?...and Kuroto?” He asks looking around.

“That’s a good question.” You say walking over to a pile of papers. Grabbing, a nearby ruler you gently jab at the pile. “Hey Kuroto…” You whisper as you continue to poke the now shaking pile. “We’re back.”

The pile explodes as Kuroto stands up, “DO NO POKE THE GAME MAST- oh it’s you. When’d you get back?” He asks yawning. “And you brought the Bugster. I thought you were just lying to him to get his guard down.”

You throw your hands up in defeat and roll your eyes. “Where is everyone Kuroto?” You ask before he starts to make up more wild stories. Kuroto yawns again.

“Emu went back to whatever place he lives. Poppy is in her arcade. Graphite left to go brood somewhere and your brother has been on the roof all day considering he just murdered one of his friends earlier today.” He explains a matter of factly.
>>
“He what?! Why didn’t you tell me any of this?!” You shout and walk over to Poppy’s arcade.

“Would you have stayed and completed your mission if I did tell you?” Kuroto asks. You glare at Kuroto.

“You know I would’ve come back.” You reply.

“Exactly.” He responds.

You sigh and rub your eyes. “Who else knows what happened?”

“Poppy and Emu. They were with Parado and I when we went to stop the Gashat distribution.”

You sigh and rub your eyes. You were hoping that finding a way to sneak Revol out of the city with Yui would have been the only thing you’d have to deal with tonight. Still, you can’t just leave your brother alone. If he hadn't come down from the roof, something was wrong.

>What do you do?
>Go and ask your Brother what happened. It’s better you get the story out of him and he’s been there for you when you needed emotional support.
>Ask Poppy what happened. You don’t really want to remind Parado of what he did today. She’ll know as much as he would.
>Ask Kuroto to elaborate. He’ll give you the information you want albeit in a very blunt and uncaring manner.
>Gather everyone here for a meeting. You want to deal with the Revol situation first. Once everything has settled down, you can ask about today’s events.
>>
>>4105567
>Go and ask your Brother what happened. It’s better you get the story out of him and he’s been there for you when you needed emotional support.
Eh, the story was getting a bit bright anyway.
>>
>>4105567
>Ask Poppy what happened. You don’t really want to remind Parado of what he did today. She’ll know as much as he would.
>>
>>4105886
I'll take the blame in that one. Those tend to be the kind I prefer so it might have bled into my writing. Plus most Kamen Rider is like that.
>>4105887
>>4105886
We got a tie. I'll roll for the choice in a few minutes if no tie breakers happen.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

Rolling for choice.
>>
Revol opens his mouth to say something but seems to decide against it as he wanders off to the minifridge. You make your way to the elevator, mind swirling with ideas of what could have occured. Your immediate thought was something happened to Emu but you quickly dismiss that when you remember that Kuroto mentioned Emu going home.

Sighing, you push the button on the elevator for the helipad. As you go up, you think about the past few days. Two of your members are missing, two new Riders who want to prolong Chronicle... that line of thought makes you pause. Taiga and Hiiro are missing and just as that happens Cronus appears and somehow a dead member of the old Cyber Rescue resurfaces. As well as Nico working for Cronus. You shake your head.

No. Thats...no. Why would they even want to do that if it was true. You think to yourself. Still the coincidences were a little odd. The elevator dings and the doors open to reveal the starry night sky. A lone figure sat on a raised ledge looking out into the city. Parado. You quietly approach him, trying to gauge the situation. He sniffles and rubs his eyes but doesn’t seem to notice you. You rub your arm, unsure how to proceed. Normally, your brother was the one keeping you up. You’re not used to seeing him dejected like this.

“Hey.” You say softly as you sit down next to him. His snaps his attention to you in surprise.

“Pandora…” He says softly as he relaxes. “Sorry. I guess I didn’t hear you.” You nod noting the fact he was using your bugster name. Something he’s never really done outside when you first told him.

“Yeah, I’m kind of learning that I’m pretty good at it. I spent all day hiding in a box and running around guards.” You say with a weak smile. You gently place a hand on your brother’s shoulder. “Kuroto told me something happened today.” You say getting to the point. “You want to talk about it?”

“Yeah? What did he say?” Parado asks warily.

You shrug noncommittally, “You know how he says.” You start and pause before sighing and coming clean. “He said you had to murder one of your friends. Blunt as ever.”

“He wasn’t wrong.” Parado grunts and looks away. “It was basically that.” When you continue to look at him for more details he continues, “We found Aranbura guarding a factory. It was filled with these weird zombie like workers.”

“Aranbura? The wizard bugster?” You ask. “I remember him. We threw ourselves off the second story floor of this hospital. He nearly killed me.” Parado nods.

“Yeah him. Only...it really wasn’t him.” Parado says quietly. “It was like he had no free will. All he did was whatever got the job done. The most optimal movements and attacks. There was no personality. No life. He was like a husk. Even his minions were the same. The most he could do was beg for help.” Your brother clenches his fists. “We had to put him down like some kind of animal!”
>>
He stands up and paces angrily. “You think it was Cronus?” You ask. Parado nods.

“Who else can it be?! When Lovelica was in charge none of this ever happened! But why would he do that? To just take away our sentience like that…No...it was worse. Aranbura was aware of it all just like…” He looks at you and you feel a bit self conscious.

“Just like what? Me?” You ask confused. Parado nods.

“Just like when you got controlled.” He says. “Or something like that. We couldn’t help him! I wanted to! Emu could have done something! But then...his host would have died…” Tears run down Parado’s cheeks. “Why do humans get to live?! When do we get a chance to have a life?!” He turns to face you. “All this time I’ve been telling myself it’s ok because at least the bugsters we fought had a chance to fight back. They had the ability to make the choice and if we lost then at least I could die knowing both sides had a chance! But this...this isn’t fighting! We just put them down like some kind of diseased creature!”

“Parado…” You say standing up.

“Tell me...tell me when this all ends. When I don’t have to see the bugsters I consider my friends used as fodder. Tell me why I shouldn’t go back out there with Graphite and burn this city down for what they did to Aranbura!”

>What do you say?
>Say that he can’t blame all of humanity. Cronus is to blame and he’s threatening both sides. He’s seen that the majority of the people in this city are innocent bystanders.
>Say that he knows exactly why you can’t just choose bugsters over humans. That was the whole reason why you’re both fighting against his friends and Gemn Corp. Humans don’t have the luxury of respawning.
>Admit to him that what he’s feeling now is exactly how he made you feel when your hosts and by extension your friends died. Tell him that those feelings are exactly what pushed you to be a Rider. So neither side had to feel like that again and that getting revenge is only playing into Gemn Corp’s hands.
>Say you don’t know when that’s going to happen but you’re going to damn well try to bring it soon. Right now there is a bugster you can help, one who wants to be happy with his human friend, and he’s downstairs.
>>
Gotta head to work. Vote's open til then.
>>
>>4106060
>Say you don’t know when that’s going to happen but you’re going to damn well try to bring it soon. Right now there is a bugster you can help, one who wants to be happy with his human friend, and he’s downstairs.
This is a very uncomfortable question. I don't like it.
>>
>>4106060
>Say you don’t know when that’s going to happen but you’re going to damn well try to bring it soon. Right now there is a bugster you can help, one who wants to be happy with his human friend, and he’s downstairs.
>>
>>4106194
>>4106207
We don't know but that's not going to stop us. Writing.
>>
File: exaid40-(1003).jpg (80 KB, 1280x720)
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“I don’t know…” You say shaking your head. “But I could ask you the same thing.” You add looking Parado. Your brother looks at you confused. “Why shouldn’t I have slaughtered every bugster after what they did to my friends?”

“I...you…” Parado stumbles over his words.

“Because we’re better than that.” You say fiercely. “You’re right! We’re not just fodder to be used for someone else’s game! Human or bugster! I’m better! You’re better! I don’t know why Cronus is doing this. I don’t know how long it’s going to take for all this to end.” You continue as you grab the front of Parado’s shirt then you pull your brother into a tight hug. “But you’re damn well sure I’m going to do my fucking best to end this. For both of us. For my friends and for yours.” You whisper.

You pull back and give Parado a soft smile. “But right now we have a bugster who needs help. He just wants to be safe with his human friend.”

“Who?” Parado asks quietly.

“Revol. He tried to shoot me while I was snooping around so naturally I decided to talk to him. You know how that turns out.” You say smiling. “He’s scared Parado. Just wants to escape and not have any part in this. I offered to help him. He’s become complete...we couldn’t save the Director of the Ministry.”

“Revol…” Parado mutters quietly “I swear, I don’t know how you keep doing it but...Thank you.” He says.

You hug your brother again. “Well dying twice and living two lives tends to put a weird perspective on things.” You admit. “Now come on. We have some work to do.”

“Right. I just...give me a moment to gather my thoughts.” Parado says.

“Sure but don’t take too long. You’ll catch a cold.” You say as you head back to the elevator.

---

Parado watches you as the elevator door closes and descends. His gaze lingers for a moment before he turns back to look at the giant logo of Gemn Corp in the distance. “She’s doing her best…” He says to no one in particular. “But I’m going to find you Cronus. And I will kill you. For her. For everyone.”
>>
---

“So that’s the basics.” You say after you explain the situation to both Poppy twins, Parado, and Kuroto. “Revol wants to leave but he’s worried if he tries to escape that Gemn Corp will retaliate by targeting Yui. To be honest, I don’t really know how to accomplish this out of smuggling Revol out of the city.”

“There’s no guarantee Gemn Corp won’t send someone after them when they leave.” Parado points out.

“There’s also the issue of the woman.” Kuroto adds. “She doesn’t even know Revol is a bugster. We don’t know if she’ll even want to leave once she learns the truth.”

Revol’s shoulder’s slump. “I knew it. It’s hopeless.” You place your hand on his shoulder.

“It’s not. This is how we operate. If we don’t know all the issues we can’t address them as they come up.” You say gently and uncap the marker to write down everything on the whiteboard. “So...current issues. There’s Yui not knowing the truth, the issue of keeping Gemn Corp off their backs once they do leave, and where to send them or hide them both.”

“We could have them work here as hospital staff.” Asuna replies. “It works for me and we can keep a better eye on them. Plus it’s a step up from just having them hidden here all day. They can sleep and eat here as well so there’s no need for them to have to leave the city or return home where they can be attacked.”

“Gemn Corp will still look for them.” Kuroto states. “As a matter of fact we have a small window. Assuming Gemn Corp is keeping close tabs on them, they’ll notice when neither clock in for work.”

Revol looks up. “What if they notice I don’t clock in? And they attack Yui on her way home?” He asks worriedly.

“Ok...so it looks like Yui is slowly becoming priority #1. At the very least we need to guarantee her safety.” You say writing.

“I could go back! Pretend to be work and at least clock in while you guys work on a plan.” Revol says. Parado shakes his head vehemently.

“No.” He says. “No, I won’t let you. Who knows what might happen if you head back. It won’t be right. Especially after you guys destroyed that computer lab. Cronus will know something is going on and he might take it out on you.”

“That reminds me…” Poppy says. “Why would Nico help Cronus? Does Taiga know?” She asks and the room stays quiet.

“I think we should save that for later Poppy.” You say looking at the white board. “Ok. We have several issues we need to address. Let’s choose one and focus on it.”

>What issue should NCR tackle first?
>Work on Yui and whether or not she wants to escape. At the very least, find a way to guarantee her safety while you help Revol escape.
>Work on preventing Gemn Corp from chasing down Revol after he escapes. It’s all pointless if he’s not safe once he leaves.
>Work on figuring out where you’re going to hide Revol or where you’ll send him away to be safe from Gemn Corp.
>Write in
>>
>>4106461
>Work on figuring out where you’re going to hide Revol or where you’ll send him away to be safe from Gemn Corp.
>>
>>4107024
Slow day yesterday. Gonna figure out where to take Revol. I'll write after breakfast.
>>
“We should figure out where Revol is going to go.” You say circling the option. “In case things go awry we at least have the bare bones of where we need to get him.”

“Outside of the city would be best.” Kuroto points out. “The farther he is from Seito City the less likely he’ll be chased down.”

“Especially if we don’t give them the option to do it.” Parado points out. “But the question is where?”

You flip the whiteboard around. “Getting him out of the city shouldn’t be hard. Just get some train tickets or bus tickets right?” You ask as you begin to write down the options. “The next city over is only a few hours away and Zawame is just a bit farther.”

“That’s the city with the Daitenku Temple right? I’ve heard some weird stories about that place. Tons of paranormal sightings going on all the time.” Parado replies.

“And Zawame is basically being run by the Yggdrasill Corporation.” Kuroto says. “Basically trading one giant Corporation for another.”

“Yeah well they can’t be as bad as Gemn Corp. But that might be a good thing. If a big corporation has set up there, they won’t tolerate Gemn Corp trying to move in or interfere with their goings on.” You counter. “Well, then what do you guys have in mind?”

“Not that I care” Kuroto starts. “But if Gemn Corp somehow gets wind of all this, you’ll be putting tons of civilians in danger. Assuming who ever they send fights like Kiriya did.” You rub your forehead in anxiety.

“Right...I didn’t think about that. I’ll add extraction methods to the list of things to figure out.” You say. “Well to start, where do you want to go Revol?” You ask. Revol looks surprised.
>>
“I get to choose?” He asks looking at your group.

“Well yeah...I mean this is where you’re going to live until this all blows over...or for the rest of your life if things go bad.” Parado says.

Revol thinks about it. “Well...I wouldn’t mind seeing a big temple...but also hiding within another corporation’s shadow sounds safer especially if I don’t try to work within there and lay low. I don’t really know. I’ve never given much thought to anything outside of this city. But Poppy is right. It might be easiest to just work here. I’m not sure if Yui would want to uproot her life here.”

“There’s Fuuto city.” Asuna points out. “It’s a smaller city but it’s also on the other side of the country. They’re planning a whole clean energy program based on wind turbines. Hiiro and I went there once to a medical conference about the effects of air pollution. It seemed nice.”

“That’s pretty far.” You say writing it down. “We’d need plane tickets for that at least.” You suppress a yawn. “But a good idea nonetheless.”

“We can do this all night Reiko.” Parado says. “Best we just pick one and work from there instead of naming every city in the country.”

You nods. “You’re right. Alright guys which should we work on?”

>Where do you want to send Revol to?
>The City with the Daitenku Temple. Paranormal stories might just be to hype up the giant temple within the city. (Kamen Rider Ghost’s city)
>Zawame City. Forcing another Corp in the way would provide good cover but Revol would need to lay low there as to not run into problems with that corporation. (Kamen Rider Gaim’s city)
>Fuuto City. It’s the farthest away and a city with a clean energy program must be nice. (Kamen Rider W’s Ctiy)
>Have Revol stay here in the hospital. Here at least you can keep an eye on him but you’d also draw Gemn Corp’s efforts to here if they find out he’s hiding here.
>Write in.

>Also what do you want to tackle next?
>Work on Yui and whether or not she wants to escape. At the very least, find a way to guarantee her safety while you help Revol escape.
>Work on preventing Gemn Corp from chasing down Revol after he escapes. It’s all pointless if he’s not safe once he leaves.
>>
>>4107231
>The City with the Daitenku Temple. Paranormal stories might just be to hype up the giant temple within the city. (Kamen Rider Ghost’s city)
>Work on preventing Gemn Corp from chasing down Revol after he escapes. It’s all pointless if he’s not safe once he leaves.
>>
>>4107231
>The City with the Daitenku Temple. Paranormal stories might just be to hype up the giant temple within the city. (Kamen Rider Ghost’s city)
>Work on Yui and whether or not she wants to escape. At the very least, find a way to guarantee her safety while you help Revol escape.
Gotta guarantee both.
>>
>>4107937
>>4107771
Just clocking out of work. Will count votes in an hour. Commute is a bitch.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4107937
>>4107771
Rolling to see which option of the second question is chosen.
>>
“Alright, so Daitenku Temple city it is.” You say circling the choice. You yawn once more and rub your eyes. “Next we gotta figure out…you know. How to stop Gemn Corp from chasing him.” You say.

“I think we need to head to sleep.” Asuna says. “You’ve been up all night Reiko.”

“Pfft. Me? Nah I’m good. I can pull all nighters.” You try to lie only to yawn loudly. Asuna doesn’t look impressed. “Alright fine. We’ll reconvene tomorrow morning once everyone is back here.”

“Where do I sleep?” Revol asks looking around. “I mean...I normally sleep in my office.”

“You can use the bed here.” Poppy says. “Here I’ll show you.”

Parado ruffles your hair. “Some pro gamer huh? Can’t even pull an all nighter.” He teases. “Come on. I’ll walk you home.”

“I so can pull an all nighter.” You grumble. “But yes, walk me home. I’ll make us instant noodles or something. Lucky we’re related.” You add teasing.
----
It was around 9pm by the time everyone had gathered back at HQ and got everyone up to speed. “So we need to find out a way to keep Gemn Corp from chasing Revol after he leaves.” You say.

“Is that even a question?” Graphite says crossing his arms. “This is war. We raise hell for Gemn Corp. Attack them so hard that they have no choice but to focus on damage control.”

“Right and everyone will be ok with 6 Riders just causing tons of property damage.” Kuroto points out. “He’s not too far off though. If we can somehow focus Gemn Corp’s attention within the city they won’t really want to spend the resources to chase after deserters.”

“We can fake my own death?” Revol suggests prompting everyone to look at him. “It works in the movies…” He mumbles.

You look at everyone and shrug. “Eh...I’ll add it to the list.”

“What could we even do to force Gemn Corp’s attention like that?” Emu asks. “All I can think of places a lot of innocent people in danger and won’t look good on us as a whole.”

“What if we don’t do anything?” Akihito starts. He takes out his glasses and wipes them. “Let’s use Gemn Corp’s tools against them. Since our inception we’ve been at a disadvantage because the company has had control of the media. But now we have Mr. Revol. He’s currently acting Director of the Ministry of Health. We can broadcast a warning of what’s really going on. Or at least about Game Syndrome and it’s links to Chronicle.”

“It could cause a mass panic.” Asuna points out. Akihito nods.

“Yes but Game Syndrome is a legitimate pandemic and the public has a right to know. Plus the more informed the population is the less likely they are to participate in the game, more willing to work with us, and more willing to speak out when they see something weird.”
>>
“Wow Akihito.” You say with a grin. “Sounds like you’ve got this all figured out.” Akihito blushes and tries to hide his face by turning away to clean his glasses once more.

“I’m working on a minor in media studies. I’ve been reading a lot about that sort of thing.”

“There’s a small problem though.” Parado says. “To do that, Revol will be openly resisting Gemn Corp once the Ministry starts it’s broadcast. Even if Emu is a stand in as a doctor to explain everything during the broadcast Cronus will know Revol either gave us permission to do this or failed to stop us. Either way if he’s caught we can be certain his punishment will be severe or they’ll target Yui.”

You frown and nod. “That’s true. Do we have any other ideas?”

“I got one.” Kuroto says. “We have enough men and women here that we could pull off a doppelganger situation. If we play our cards right, Gemn Corp might assume that Revol is hiding within the city. If we never give them the idea that he’s left then they’ll never have a reason to ever look beyond the city limits.”

“That could work, we’d have to be especially coordinated for this though. One slip up and we’d give the whole charade away. Incidentally, that’s probably why I shouldn’t act as a double for Yui. I’m terrible at lying.” You admit. “Let’s choose a choice then we go see if we can convince Yui about all this.”

>What choice do you guys want to go for?
>Faking Revol’s death. It was just thrown out there but if it looks like he died in defense of Gemn Corp, Yui might be spared long enough to give you time to escape.
>Pull a mass media campaign against Gemn Corp. It’s the most ambious plan and will probably be the hardest to pull off but if you do, the strike against your opponent will definitely be felt.
>Try and pull a fast one on Gemn Corp. Misdirection isn’t your strong suit but that’s why you have a team right?
>Write in

>Also how do you want to approach Yui?
>Tell her the whole truth about what's going on and who Revol is. Honesty is the best policy after all. Hopefully that's enough to convince her to go with your plan and be willing to leave the city.
>Tell her half the truth. She's already aware Gemn Corp is up to something sketchy but she doesn't need to know that Revol is a bugster or that potentially Gemn corp might come after them.
>Just lie. Tell her that Revol just wants to spend time away from the city with her. It'd make some of your options harder if you don't want her to see your efforts to sneak them out of the city.
>Write in

I'll need 1d20 for approaching Yui. Reiko is better at complete honesty than lying as a heads up.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4108353
>Pull a mass media campaign against Gemn Corp. It’s the most ambious plan and will probably be the hardest to pull off but if you do, the strike against your opponent will definitely be felt
>Tell her the whole truth about what's going on and who Revol is. Honesty is the best policy after all. Hopefully that's enough to convince her to go with your plan and be willing to leave the city.
>>
I gotta head to bed. I'll count the votes tomorrow or roll the other 2 dice if no other votes occur. see ya guys.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4108353
>Pull a mass media campaign against Gemn Corp. It’s the most ambious plan and will probably be the hardest to pull off but if you do, the strike against your opponent will definitely be felt.
>Tell her the whole truth about what's going on and who Revol is. Honesty is the best policy after all. Hopefully that's enough to convince her to go with your plan and be willing to leave the city.
>>
>>4108395
>>4108603
Were gonna make the big plays and gonna see how far the truth gets us. Writing.
>>
“We’re definitely going to rile up Cronus with this.” You say as you count up the votes and circle your option.

“This is war.” Graphite says. “And we’re done holding back.”

“I’m more worried about how they’ll retaliate.” Emu says. “We’re not exactly a power house when it comes to resources and connections.”

“I guess you can see it like this. Because of that Cronus will have no choice but to fight us directly, each time giving us the chance to defeat him.” Graphite points out. Emu frowns.

“I’m not sure I like that view either…” He says.

“In either case, this is probably the biggest move we’ve done against Gemn Corp.” You say rummaging through your bag. “We’ll need to get ready and speaking of which.” You pull out the spare parts you took from the Ministry. “I got these Kuroto. Can you do anything with them?”

Kuroto takes the scraps and looks them over with an experienced eye. “Hmm...not much here. Give me some time and I’ll write up a list of what I can do with these.” He holds up the odd Gashats and glares. “Illegal games...Not even sure what is on these.” He admits. “I’ll see what data I can pull off of them later.”

You nod and look at the nearby clock. “It’s 9am. What time does Yui clock in to work?” You ask Revol. Revol looks at the clock as well.

“She should be in by now. Usually comes in about 10 minutes early. We like to talk about things while getting coffee…” He says quietly. “Do you really think this will all work? I mean...you’re taking on an entire corporation. Just to help a random bugster.”

You grin. “It’s what I promised to do right? Besides, we’d have to take the fight to them eventually. Might as well do some good while we’re at it.” You say. “We probably should have gone to talk to her last night.” You admit. “Still...let’s just hurry. I don’t want to wait too long. Let’s go.”

---

“What do I even tell her? Will she believe us?” Revol whispers nervously as you step into the Ministry of Health’s lobby. Several employees cast glances at the two of you, a girl decked in video game merchandise and a disheveled Director, but no one says anything.

“We’ll tell her the truth.” You say walking into the elevator and pushing the 4th floor button. “It’ll be up to her to believe us. Reminds me when I had to tell my parents about all this.” You admit.

“How’d that go?” Revol asks warily.

“I cried. Alot.” You say. “But they relented because I made a good point at the time. Now I'm not the only person who can fight to protect the city.”
>>
Revol looks at you nervously but doesn’t reply. The two of you step out and come face to face with an employee. “Director Sato!” He says surprised. “It’s not like you to be late. Is everything alright?” Revol snaps to attention and immediately changes tone.

“Yes, yes. Just had something immediate come up last night. I didn’t have much time for sleep, unfortunately.” He says in a professional manner. “It really does show doesn’t it?”

The employee nods slightly. “You still have bed hair.” He whispers. “Or did you spend time sleeping on the couch? It’s this whole Cronus business isn’t it? Ever since the hijacking our departments have been hounded non stop by the other Ministries.”

Revol nods. “I’ve been working on it. Part of the reason why I was up all night. Just...try not to spread rumors around. Everyone seems pretty wound up. I actually need to speak with the HR Director about this.” He admits. The employee nods.

“Well don’t let me keep you waiting.” He says and walks past the two of you into the elevator.

Once he’s out of earshot you hiss, “What the hell was that?” Revol looks at you confused.

“Was I not supposed to tell him that?” He asks nervously.

“What? No not that. You! The hell was up with the whole attitude change?” You ask confused as you both walk down the halls.

“Oh...that’s just an act.” He says sheepishly. “I did have to work here you know...and I watched a lot of movies with big company directors.”

“But like...it’s totally different!” You say.

“I know. Acting’s great right?” He says happily. His expression drops when you both reach the HR’s office. You urge him on a bit before he politely knocks on the door.

“Come in.” You hear a woman call out. Her voice was neutral, professional. Walking in, you see her reading something out of a folder. “One minute...Director!” She says in surprise. “I...am surprised you’re here today. When you weren’t getting coffee at the usual time I assumed you called out sick.” She says trying to maintain a professional attitude.

Revol’s head droops a bit. “Sorry Yui, I just...something came up.” He admits, unsure of how to proceed. He looks at you for help. Yui’s attention changes at the informal tone and then towards you.

>How do you want to broach the conversation?
>Get to the point. Tell Yui that you want to help her and Revol escape.
>Ease into it. Let her know that were snooping around and found the Project Cronus folder. You know if you try to extract them Gemn Corp will retaliate. Then let her know Revol is a bugster.
>Start from Revol’s side. Let Yui know he wants to leave and would like her to leave with him then broach the subject of Revol’s nonhuman status.
>Write in.

The 19 was to see how she’ll take this.
>>
>>4108863
>Start from Revol’s side. Let Yui know he wants to leave and would like her to leave with him then broach the subject of Revol’s nonhuman status.
Humanize him first.
>>
>>4108896
Talking about it from Revol's side. Will humanize. Writing.
>>
You clear your throat and take a step forward. “Ms. Kobayashi, we have a few things to talk about.” You say. “Is the room secure?” You ask then correct yourself. “I mean no one can hear us here right?”

Yui looks at you a bit warily but nods. “Yes, this is Human Resources so by law we need to secure privacy for anyone who might want to speak or disclose sensitive information. Is something the matter Director? Interns usually don’t have a reason to speak with HR.”

“Yes...I mean not with interns no…” Revol says nervously.

“I’m not an intern ma’am but there is something we need to talk about concerning the Director.” You step in. “Ms. Kobayashi, the Director want to leave the company and he’d like to ask if you’d go with him.”

“I’m sorry?” She replies confused. “Director you want to step down? I don’t really see how I’m involved in this.”

“Because you two are in a bit of trouble to be honest.” You say. “It’s best if I start from the beginning. Mr. Sato here isn’t a Director, just like you aren’t an HR person. Both of you were hired by Gemn Corp to do some...shady things.”

Yui looks at you oddly. “Do you have any proof of this miss…?”

“Reiko.” You reply. “My name’s Reiko and does Project Cronus ring a bell?” Yui’s eyes widen for a moment but before she can deny anything you continue. “See, Mr. Sato was hired to be your handler. He was here to make sure you did as you were told and worked on whatever you had going on downstairs. As well as a few other things I’m sure you weren’t aware of.” Yui looks at you then at Revol at a loss for words.

“Listen, I’m not here to blackmail you or anything. I just want both of you to be happy.” You say taking a seat. “You see...Mr. Sato was also hired to stop me from fighting back against Gemn Corp...guess I gotta explain that too. I’m sure you’ve seen the recent broadcast regarding Chronicle right?” You ask.

Yui nods slowly. “Well we want to stop the game. People are dying Ms. Kobiyashi. And the in game monsters are actually their own kind of people. They have feelings and ambitions. Both sides have been duped into a war against one another. Now we’ve come together and we want to put a stop to all of this.” You motion to Revol. “Mr. Sato here was placed here as a puppet Director to stop us. We work with a hospital so Gemn Corp wanted him to shut us down.”

“See the thing is, Mr. Sato doesn’t really know much beyond his job. His whole life has been to work for Gemn Corp. To make sure you do your job and to keep the war between humans and bugsters going.” You say quietly. “But then that all changed...when he met you.”
>>
Yui looks conflicted and simply looks at both of you. “You see, when he was “born”, for lack of a better term, following orders was what he did. But when he met you, he began to learn about humanity. He found out he likes movies, that people around him depend on him, that he could make friends. He wasn’t meant to of course, but he’s a person and he deserves it. He doesn’t want to be part of this whole ordeal. He just wants to be happy.”

“So that brings us to the issue at hand. Mr. Sato wants to leave and escape but he’s afraid that if he does so, Gemn Corp is going to go after you to get at him. So he’s asking if you’d like to go with him.”

“Is this all true Ichiro?” Yui says torn and confused before she asks, “What does she mean by born? What’s...explain please…”

Revol panics for a bit and you motion to ask if he’d like you to answer. He shakes his head and speaks up. “Because...because I’m one of those monsters from the game.” He says quietly. “I was made to destroy humanity.” He shifts to his monster form. “I was ordered to keep an eye on you like Reiko said. I wasn’t meant to talk to you unless it seemed you were going to stop working but then we bumped into each other while getting coffee. And then we started talking. Everything you spoke about was so interesting! About movies, and life and work. Suddenly I found myself looking into all this and I found out that I like people! When Gemn Corp told me to forge some papers and shut down the hospital I panicked. The amount of people that would be affected...I tried to think of a way to tell you. To somehow run away but I was afraid that they’d hurt you! It wasn’t until Reiko came and offered to help with her friends that I thought I could finally come clean...I’m sorry.”

Yui looks panicked and tries to push her seat back. Revol tries to walk towards her but you stick your arm out. “Let her come to terms with it.” You say quietly. Yui looks around, at the two of you and at her papers.

“I...can’t.” She says. Revol looks hurt. “I mean...there was the whole broadcast but I thought it was just a marketing stunt. Gemn Corp’s always doing things to try and get more sales but this project...I guess it makes sense and now you!” She exclaims. “You’re a monster! And you were supposed to be some kind of enforcer?”
>>
You raise your hands placatingly. “He was just following orders!” You say. “When a bugster manifests for the first time, all they have is the basic programming they were made with. Slowly they start to develop self awareness and become their own person. Just like Revol here. He’s learned how see past that.”

“And I learned I want to be with you.” Revol says shifting back to his human form. “I don’t want them to hurt you. It’s not about me. I just want you to be safe.” Revol looks at you. “I can stay behind if it means she can get away safe.”

Yui doesn’t say anything but still seems to be processing everything.

>Do you want to say anything else?
>Tell Yui about your plan to distract Gemn Corp and where you plan to send them too.
>Ask Yui if she even wants to go along with this or offer her the other options you had.
>Tell her that she doesn’t need to decide now but it’s best that everyone get back to the hospital. The others can help explain.
>Stay quiet. Yui needs to think this through herself.

This was kind of hard to write not gonna lie. I still think I could have done better but it's been like 3 hours of rewrites and interruptions. So I apologize.
>>
>>4109114
>Stay quiet. Yui needs to think this through herself.
>>
>>4109183
Giving her time to think. Writing.
>>
You sit quietly in the office waiting for Yui to say something. She closes her file and puts it in her drawer before leaning back into her chair and rubbing her eyes. Revol tries to move forward but you shake your head no so he stops and waits.

“Is this all true? Secret wars? Monsters and humans?” She asks herself. “When I was sent here I was just told to pretend to be HR and work on a secret game for Gemn Corp. Now you’re telling me I’m in danger?”

Revol nods. “Yes. You have to believe us. Up until now Gemn Corp has been playing the slow game but now they seem to be attacking Reiko’s group regardless of the collateral damage.”

“So I’m just supposed to uproot my life now? Leave all my things behind?” Yui asks quietly.

“Not if you don’t want to.” Revol says. “I just want you to be safe but I’m not going to force it on you. I’m not going to be helping Gemn Corp anymore though and I really do worry that they might hold you hostage or something. They’ve seen us talking.”

“Gemn Corp will do anything to keep this war going.” You say. “The only issue I have is that I don’t know why. Best I can venture at this moment is that it makes them money.”

“But where would we go? What will I do?” Yui asks.

“We have a plan outlined.” You say. “Basically my group distracts Gemn Corp while you and Revol slip away. We’ll be getting train tickets soon.”

“And they won’t just hunt us down?”

“Not if it all goes to plan. At best they’ll think you’re still here long enough that you two will be far enough away. At worst they’ll be too busy dealing with the fallout to give chase.” You explain.

Yui nods. “But why?” She asks.

Revol shuffles in place for a bit. “I really did want to tell you.” He says quietly. “About everything but at the time I was too confused about everything I was experiencing. I was worried what would happen if you found out. Then I started worrying what you’d do if you found out. Please, come with me. We can get away from all of this. The reason I’m asking you is because...because you’re the one who taught me what it was like to be human. To be an actual person with likes and dislikes. To see beyond just what I was told to do. That’s why.”

Yui hides her face in her hands. The room is quiet for a long time before she speaks up. Her face is damp and she nods slowly. “Ok.” She says barely above a whisper. “Let’s go. I don’t want to be in this city either.”
>>
>We got Yui on board! But there’s still plenty of things to prepare before you start the broadcast. What do you want to do?
>Talk to Kuroto. See what he can do with the spare parts you brought him.
>Talk to Akihito. This was his idea but even then it was just a concept. Best if you flesh it out a bit more.
>Talk to Emu. He’s going to be the one presenting the information on Game Syndrome. It’s best you get some notes together.
>Go look for Taiga and Hiiro. They haven’t been seen for 3 days now. Something is definitely wrong. (Alone or with a group. You decide)
>Write in.
>>
>>4109329
>Talk to Kuroto. See what he can do with the spare parts you brought him.
Im vase things go south.
>>
>>4109439
Going to talk to kuroto. Writing.
>>
Once Yui and Revol were settled into NCR’s HQ, you go find Kuroto. He was back at his computers typing in what seemed to be frustration. Before you can even greet him he glares at you. “Reiko! What is this?!” He growls motioning to the parts. “I thought you said you got spare parts!”

“I did! Those are parts right? I grabbed what I could. I don’t know what was good or bad.” You say sheepishly. “Can you at least use them?”

Kuroto huffs and gives you an angry look. “Yes I can. The only issue is time. When are we going to pull this plan off?”

“I don’t know...maybe in the next day or so? Revol can give us access to the Ministry building and getting train tickets doesn’t take too long.” You say. “...why?”

Kuroto rubs his temples. “Ok...so here’s the deal. I can do a few things with these parts and time. Assuming we go by your time table I can do one of three things. First, I can repair Parado’s Gashat. That’s the simplest task. Assuming your brother doesn’t go crazy again and break the limiter he can use it as normal. Level 50 and all.” He pulls a notepad closer to him. “Second, if I pull a few all nighters I can probably get a rudimentary Driver made. As far as I know we don’t have any spare Gashats. I mean I do have my level 50 which you know doesn’t work well in a team, as well as Dangerous Zombie and Proto Mighty Action X.”

“Right...how about we don’t have those on the ‘to share’ list.” You say warily remember all the bad times you had with those. “What’s the third thing?”

“If and here’s the big if I pull out all stops I may be able to fix Parado’s Gashat and build a very bare bones Driver. I’m talking about no stage select, no capacity for mixing two single Gashats, no finisher, no weapons. Just the transformation. If Parado slots in his Dual Gashat he can achieve his level 99 form like he did when you nearly killed yourself thanks to the battle data he so courteously provided.” Kuroto says snarkily.

“What’s the catch?” You ask.

“One time use.” Kuroto replies bluntly. In response to your incredulous look he adds. “Listen, I’m basically pulling off a miracle with any of these options Reiko. Only someone with my God like talents could even attempt this. So make your choice.”

“What if I got you more time? We could try and wait some more.” You ask.

“That would change things but remember, everyday that goes by give Gemn Corp a chance to throw an attack at us now that those two are on the run and...they know where we’re based at.” Kuroto reminds you.

You nod. He was right.
>>
>What do you want Kuroto to do?
>Focus on just repairing Parado’s Gashat. Him being able to transform is already a plus no need to push it.
>Focus on making a basic Driver. There are those two Gashats you found. You don’t even know what they do or how they’ll affect you. But at the very least you’ll have an emergency option you could use.
>Try and get both done. Then Parado will have the ability to transform and if things go south real bad, he can go into his strongest transformation or you can risk putting one of the unlabeled Gashats in it to try and an join the fray.
>Write in

I’ll need 1d20+2 for any of these choices.

>Also what do you want to do next?
>Talk to Akihito. This was his idea but even then it was just a concept. Best if you flesh it out a bit more.
>Talk to Emu. He’s going to be the one presenting the information on Game Syndrome. It’s best you get some notes together.
>Go look for Taiga and Hiiro. They haven’t been seen for 3 days now. Something is definitely wrong. (Alone or with a group. You decide)
>Write in.

Last post for me tonight. Vote’s open until tomorrow.
>>
Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4109529
>Focus on making a basic Driver. There are those two Gashats you found. You don’t even know what they do or how they’ll affect you. But at the very least you’ll have an emergency option you could use.
I hope one of them is like MGS or SC.

>Talk to Akihito. This was his idea but even then it was just a concept. Best if you flesh it out a bit more.
Best not leave any room for error.
>>
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>>4109540
I need somebody else to roll, right now.
>>
Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4109529
>Focus on making a basic Driver. There are those two Gashats you found. You don’t even know what they do or how they’ll affect you. But at the very least you’ll have an emergency option you could use.

>Talk to Akihito. This was his idea but even then it was just a concept. Best if you flesh it out a bit more.
Fuck
>>
>>4109540
>>4110249
Alright planning out the announcement. Writing. Would've gotten here sooner but my day off was canceled.
>>
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“Work on the Driver.” You say. “We have your Gashats I can borrow or…” You move your head, motioning at the two blank Gashats. “We have those.”


Kuroto gives you a look. “Reiko. You realize that the last time you used a random Gashat you nearly died, right? As in your body was eating itself alive and your dna was repairing itself in a form of cancer. Which by the way, you only survived because the unlicensed doctor happened to have been researching bugsters for about 6 years and decided to play nice and share.” He explains looking at you.

You swallow nervously. “Y-yeah.” You stammer playing with your snowy white hair, one of the myriad of leftovers from that catastrophe. “But like I said...emergency.”

Kuroto looks at you long and hard before cackling madly. “Excellent! I won’t have my protege backing down by something as trivial as mortality! I’ll get on it.” He says gleefully making you feel very uncomfortable about your decision but as he said, no backing down.

Deciding to leave the mad genius to his own devices, you walk up to Akihito who was speaking to Revol next to some computers. “Hey.” You say taking a seat next to them. “How’s the plan going?”

Akihito adjusts his glasses, “Well we were discussing ways that we can try and broadcast our message to the city. First obvious one was that we simply call the news for a breaking report. Coming from Revol, who is the Director of the Ministry, we’d get media coverage in no time.”

“There’s just a small issue, I’d be there.” Revol says nervously. “We’d lose credibility if I wasn’t there to be asked questions, or assuage concerns. It’s kind of the nature of press conferences.”

“Not to mention, we might get taken over by another broadcast from Cronus.” Akhito points out.

“And you can’t do anything about that?” You ask. “Like can’t we have you and Kuroto on site to monitor it?”

“That is something we’re considering but...Kuroto is dead. Or well he’s assumed to be.” Akihito says. “Also this would take a lot of effort to monitor several news channels worth of video feed.”

“Meaning Kuroto wouldn’t be able to join in a fight is what you’re saying.” You infer.

“Not unless you want to risk a hijacking. More importantly, we’d have a lot more trouble getting Revol out and sneaking him to his extraction.” You think for a moment.

“So is there anyway to get around this? I mean Emu is a doctor...kinda. Isn’t he gonna do all the talking?”

“Emu will be explaining things but without my backing, everyone will be doubting what he says. We did think of something else…” Revol says. You motion for them to continue.
>>
“We could hijack our own broadcasting?” Akihito suggests sheepishly. You look at Akihito in surprise. “If we do then we can stream it from anyplace in the city! Gemn Corp will go crazy trying to track us down. We could even just stream pre recorded videos. Revol could be long gone by the time we even start playing them.”

“Yes...but it undermines what we’re trying to do.” You say. “Plus it’s illegal. We’d look like some kind of terrorist group or even worse, some kind of prank gone wrong.”

“Gemn Corp could also play it off like that too.” Revol points out.

“That’s why we’d have to put in extra effort for it. If we present irrevocable evidence, then everyone would have no choice to believe us and Gemn Corp would have to answer their questions.”

“I dunno...sounds really sketchy to me. Can’t we do something in between?” You ask. “Like present a prerecorded message to start Emu off?” Revol and Akihito look at each other.

“We could try? But it doesn’t really look good if the host isn’t there.” Revol explains.

“We could try and mask it as something else.” Akihito says. “We can send a prerecorded message to new outlets with something along the lines of ‘There’s something I need to tell the city but i fear for my safety. I’ll host a press conference tomorrow.’ then we can play a second one at the meeting saying I dunno, ‘if I’m not here in person that must mean they got me…’ or maybe ‘i was forced to feel for my safety so here’s emu to fill you in.’ “

Revol winces. “We’ll need to work on those lines but that would be the gist of it. Obviously that would be leaning a bit more in misdirection than the first two but like you said. It’s an inbetween.”

“So what do you think?” Akihito asks.

>What do you think?
>Tell them that they should go with the first option with Revol and Emu in person. It’s the most public friendly option. If you succeed you’ll have the most support in boycotting the game but it’ll be the easiest to stop and the hardest to get Revol out safely.
>Go for the hijacking option. It’s the safest for Revol but it has the chance to backfire on you guys. Gemn Corp has already been trying to paint Riders as things players should hunt. However it would be the hardest to stop on Gemn Corp’s side if it succeeds.
>Try the mix of both. You might get some detractors but if things go well, the media coverage will put Gemn Corp in a bad spot and the conflicting opinions could work better in your favor.
>Write in
>>
>>4110705
>Try the mix of both. You might get some detractors but if things go well, the media coverage will put Gemn Corp in a bad spot and the conflicting opinions could work better in your favor.
We promised that we'd get Revol out safely, we meant it.
>>
>>4110741
Doing a mix of both. Writing.
>>
You mull over it for a bit. “Do a mix of both.” You say, “Don’t ham it up. I think if we keep Revol’s part simple and honest it should work out fine. He’s not lying about either bit to be fair just don’t try to play it up as something more than it is.” You place a hand on Revol’s shoulder. “I promised I’d get you and Yui out of here. I’m not gonna throw it away just for a better chance to get back at Cronus.” Revol nods.

“Thank you.” He says quietly.

You smile, excuse yourself and make your way to the elevator. Once the door closes you let out a long heavy sigh as you feel the last few days catch up you. “Must’ve not slept as well as I thought.” You lie to yourself as the doors open up again, this time leading to the lobby. You find yourself wandering around the hospital not really sure where you want to go or what you want to do. As you wander some of the nurses wave politely or say “Hello” having become accustomed to you being a regular here. Emu once told you that they think you’re just a very interested student who somehow made friends with one of the most prominent doctors and his intern. Back then you chuckled at the idea. Now, it just seems to add weight to your shoulders.

>Each of them don’t know.

You think to yourself.

>None of them do. That everyday Gemn Corp pushes to infect them with a virus they know little about. That I’m the one leading the group trying to save them all.

You run your fingers through your hair and let out another sigh as you climb a set of stairs. You find yourself on the second floor. Where you first fought Aranbura and saved a woman from Game Syndrome. You look down the hall at the large window at the end. You had thrown yourself off of it like there was nothing that could stop you. Funny how now it just seems like an average day to you. Now you’re doing bigger things, trying to save an entire city, extract someone and avoid an entire corporation’s gaze while doing it.

You walk onward, and almost bump into a kid. “Oh...sorry.” You mumble quietly. The kid gives you a toothy grin and waves his arm in a cast.

“The doctors made me all better!” He shouts. “Are you here for them to fix you too?”

You shake your head no automatically. “No. I’m just passing through. I’m friends with doctors though. So if you need help just let them know!” You reply trying to sound cheerful as possible. You look around. “Where are your parents?” You ask. The kid frowns and looks around.

“I dunno...they were right behind me.” He says. “Can you help me find them?”
>>
Without hesitation you nod. It was second nature now really. Someone needed help, it was your job to help them. You take the child’s hand and help him retrace his steps. After a turn around the hallway you find the worried mother speaking with a nurse. Her eyes widen and she rushes to hug her kid as the two of you approach. “Thanks for the help Reiko.” The nurse says and excuses herself after consoling the mother some more. The mother walks with her child towards an elevator before the boy shouts. “Thanks lady! You must be a doctor too, right?” You just smile and nod politely before walking off again.

A doctor...someone who helps save lives or someone who helps fight Game Syndrome. Could you be considered a doctor? Not in the literal sense. You were barely out of highschool but at the same time you’ve slowly become one of the leading experts on bugsters. You help fight against a disease that could cost a person their life. You worked alongside medical staff. At the very core what you did was to try and help people. Just so happened that your definition of people had changed.

You wander a bit more in a daze as the thought of being responsible for thousands of lives starts to wear you out some more. “I’ll take a nap when I get home. Just need to catch up on some sleep.” You mutter some more lies to no one in particular. You come to a stop in front of an office on the third floor.

>Dr. Hiiro Kagami

Without thinking you push the door open and walk in. Part of you hopes that he’d be there doing paperwork or whatever he does here, you never did ask him about his work, but his office is empty.

You stand there looking around for nothing in particular and your eyes fall on the white coat that was draped over his office chair. You walk over, tempted to take it. If only to have something physical, something you could hold on to, that belonged to the man you loved.

“Hiiro...where are you?” You say quietly, feeling your eyes sting and mist up as finally the weight of everything was getting to you. You were just some gamer. Not an expert surgeon. You didn’t know how to lead like him. You weren’t commanding or charismatic. You weren’t even a hero but just some girl.

“I need you.”

As your hand hovers while you decide your choice, your phone rings. It was Emu.

“Reiko! We have a small problem. A bugster is attacking and infecting players...and he’s asking for you."

As you hear the panic in Emu’s voice you wipe your eyes clear. You feel the exhaustion and worry burn away as the resolve and fire to help those in need flares up. You were just a gamer, some random girl who didn’t know what she was doing. Not a hero, not a leader or a commander but your job was calling. People needed help and you were going to be the one to offer it.

Besides, you were always a terrible liar. Even when you were lying to yourself.

>No time to wallow in doubt you got a job to do. Question is, are you going taking the coat?
>Yes
>No
>>
>>4111096
>Yes
>>
>>4111221
Grabbing Hiiro's coat. It's only gonna make meeting him all the more sweeter Writing.
>>
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“I’m on my way.” You say before taking the coat and holding it close to you for a moment. Disappointment fills you when it isn’t warm and inviting like you remembered it, instead being room temperature at best. Ignoring the feeling, you fold the coat neatly before slipping it into your messenger bag and heading out.

As you step out of the elevator once more, you’re met with the chattering of voices. “We can’t just send her out there! She can’t fight.” Parado shouts.

“Of course we can’t. But who knows what Motors will do if we don’t do what he says.” Asuna replies.

“Then give her one of your tools.” Graphite says matter of factly. “She has been challenged to a fight and it would be an insult to both parties if one of us steps in.”

“When’d you get here Graphite?” You ask walking up the stairs. Graphite crosses his arms, “I arrived with your brother. He’s informed me of your plan...and of how your stealth mission went.” Quietly he adds with what you think might be a hint of pride, “Congratulations. Seems like our fight in the jungle taught you the value of sneaking.” Before you can reply he quickly turns to Parado and says. “Emu and Kuroto have Drivers do they not? They can loan her one.”

“Well tell me what’s going on and we’ll see who’s loaning what.” You say sitting down at the table.

Emu pull up a picture of a yellow and blue bugster. It had what seemed to be several exhaust pipes sticking out of its back. “This is Motors. He’s a racing bugster and the one who infected all those Players a few days ago. Now it looks like he’s infecting more players and demanding to be raced...it’s the only way to beat him. A straight up fight does nothing to complete his game.”

Akihito pulls up a video on twitter and plays it. “Hey! Is this thing working?...Hey! I’m calling you out Reiko! One of your friends says you’re claiming to be the biggest badass on the road! You wanna back that up?” The camera moves as Motors takes it from it’s owner. You get a glimpse of them as a player is on the ground writhing in pain. The camera pans to a group of 5 other players trying to back up in fear. Flashes of energy fly out and strike them all causing them to scream in pain
“Oops...looks like they’re infected! You want them to stay human then you bring you bike and race me!” The video cuts off with a crunching sound.
>>
“That’s the gist of it.” Emu says. “He wants you to race him.”

“I don’t know how to drive!” You say. “Closest thing I know how to do is ride a regular bike. Does NCR even have motorbikes?”

Everyone shakes their head no save Emu. “I do have this…” He says pulling out a battered yellow Gashat. The damaged label reads, “Bakusou Bike”. “It was Kiriya’s. It’s not useful on its own. Turns the player into a bike but when paired up with any other Gashat, it can summon a motorcycle for them to ride.”

“There’s at least that.” You say. “Who’s the friend he was referring to?” You ask. Everyone looks confused.

“We were hoping you knew.” Poppy says. You shake your head.

“Sorry. I’ve been too busy not dying to go around bragging. You guys have all seen me here.” You reply.

“We figured but we kind of meant if you had any enemies that would want to throw you under the bus like that.” Parado says.

“Gemn Corp only but they could do a lot worse than trying to make me look like a braggart.”

“Then it’s a trap.” Your brother replies. “It’s obvious they want to lead you into danger. Which makes the choice pretty obvious. We send someone else.”

This starts up the discussion once again. You settle into your chair and think up a plan.

>What do you want to do?
>Take the Bakusou bike Gashat and borrow someone else’s gear. You were called out. It’s your responsibility to save those people. You’ve played racing arcade games. Hopefully some of that transfers over to the real thing.
>Borrow someone’s gear but have a second person act as the bike. It just means you have to be in sync with your teammate as you both have to be aware of what the other wants to do so you can keep your balance.
>Send someone else. You should focus more on extracting Revol. The older members seem to be familiar with him. They could handle another fight against him.
>Write in.

Last post for me tonight. Voting is open until I get back.
>>
>>4111502
>Take the Bakusou bike Gashat and borrow someone else’s gear. You were called out. It’s your responsibility to save those people. You’ve played racing arcade games. Hopefully some of that transfers over to the real thing.
Let's do it.
>>
Gonna have to postpone the game today til tomorrow. So op's not dead and we'll have death race 2000 soon. Sorry guys.
>>
>>4111502
>Take the Bakusou bike Gashat and borrow someone else’s gear. You were called out. It’s your responsibility to save those people. You’ve played racing arcade games. Hopefully some of that transfers over to the real thing.
>>
>>4112570
>>4113156
Christ it's like the world wants me busy. Alright. We're going. Time to see if Reiko can put the Rider in Kamen Rider.
>>
You turn to Emu. “Let me borrow your stuff.” You say. “I’ll race him.”
“But it’s a trap. It’s gotta be!” Parado says. You nod.

“Yeah but they called me out. I don’t want to risk the player’s lives because I didn’t show up.” You reply. “I’ll be fine.” You say, trying to hide your nerves and play it off nonchalantly. “It’ll be like the arcade games right? Besides I can ride a regular bike. Just put em together.”

“Reiko…” Parado says worried. “You don’t have to run off to solve every problem on your own. We’re here as a team. We can help.”

“You are helping.” You say. “We still got to plan Revol’s escape and I need you guys to handle that while I handle this. Broadcasting stuff isn’t my thing. That’s why I have Akihito. Office politics isn’t my thing. I have Revol and Kuroto for that. I am delegating.”

Parado places his hands on your shoulders. “Pandora please.” He whispers. “I don’t want to lose you again. I’ve seen you nearly twice if it hadn’t been for everyone coming together to save you. I lead this whole fight against humans to make a safer place for bugsters, including you. How am I going to live with myself if you’re not there to see it?”

You give Parado a sad smile and hug him tightly. “Because I’d want you to. You’d do the same thing if we had swapped roles.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He replies letting you go.

“What if we go with you?” Emu asks. “You can borrow Kuroto’s Driver. That way if anyone does come to interfere we can stop them?”

You give Emu a look. “Emu come on. That might cause suspicion.”

“Not if we hide. We’ll stay out of sight. Gemn Corp isn’t going to fight fair. We should be ready for when they decide to pull a fast one.”

“Guys I can handle it.” You reply getting a bit frustrated. “I know I’ve been roughed up a bit in the last few encounters but I can’t just sit here and let you do everything.”

“We’re not saying you can’t.” Asuna says. “We just think you shouldn’t be trying to shoulder everything on your own.”

“Personally I think she should go.” Graphite says. “She’s fully sentient. She can make her own decisions.” Parado glares at his friend over that comment.

You huff. You don’t know why everyone was making such a big deal about this.

>What do you do?
>Say no. You decided you were going alone and that’s final.
>You hate to admit it but they’re right. It’d be better if you had some back up.

And give me a 1d20 roll for the next bit.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4114797
>Say no. You decided you were going alone and that’s final.
We'll be fine, can't divert resources now.
>>
>>4115080
>>
>>4115082
Oh dear. I'll roll in 10 minutes. Hopefully I don't roll like crap.
>>
Rolled 16, 11 = 27 (2d20)

>>4115117
Alright. We go alone. Writing.
>>
“No.” You say firmly. “I’m going alone.” You turn to Emu. “You have to get your notes ready for the announcement. You’re the only licensed doctor we have right now. I need you to be at your best for any questions the media will want to ask.”

Turning to Parado you say, “You’re my brother and I love you but if you do everything for me then why am I here? I know you’re worried but so am I when you go out to do anything. You need to trust me.” You gently bump his shoulder with your knuckles. “I trust that you’ll do the right thing if anything happens to me.”

You clap your hands and offer a grin. “Come on guys! We all have things we have to work on. Graphite and the twins on security detail. Parado…” you say quietly. “Make sure everyone’s alright. I’ll be back before you know it.”

You give everyone one last nod and head out after borrowing Emu’s things.
---

Motors revs up his engine. “Does no one in this city have the need for speed?!” He shouts and turns to the exhausted players. They sweat as their bodies struggle to fight off the virus running rampant within them. “Look at you. None of you had the passion to burn rubber. The drive to go all out. And that’s why you’re all going to help me become complete!” He shouts. “But I just need one more. Just need that ultimate race! The greatest high before I can truly call myself alive!”

“Sorry but I’m going to have to ask you that you don’t do that.” You announce sadly as you walk up to the group and placing the Gamer Driver on your waist. The metal band that acts as a belt slides out and tightens around your waist. The monster turns around claps his hands.

“So you did come after all.” He says. “You ready to put your rep on the line and prove who’s the most badass on the road?!” He asks. You shake your head.

“Sorry but you’ve been set up. I’m here to end this even if it means ending you.” You shout. “Motors! I’m sorry! But for now, I need you gone. I promise to do everything I can to bring you back to life when it no longer requires a human sacrifice!” You spin the your borrowed Gashats on your pointer fingers and raise them to eye level.
>>
“And to do that I’m gonna kick your ass in a race!” You click the button on the side of the devices as your belt announces the title of the games.

Mighty Action X! Bakusou Bike!

You take a deep breath as you steel yourself. Today it wasn’t just your life on the line, the people in front of you were depending on you. No time for fear, no time for doubt. You flick your right wrist and toss Mighty Action X into your left hand before using it slot both Gashats into your Driver. Just like when you found the small boy in the hospital, just like when Emu called you back in Hiiro’s office, you feel your doubt and uncertainty melt away and give way to resolve and confidence. You grin as you throw yourself back into danger without hesitation, and unbeknownst to you, back into your element. This time you won’t fail.

”HENSHIN!”

Gashatto!

Your Driver sings as it accepts the Gashasts and the ring of various portraits spins around you. Ex Aid, Gemn, Brave, Lazer, Drago Knight Hunter Z. They all spin before your two inserted games stop in front of you. You fist bump your selections as the portraits crash into you and a digital wave begins to change the landscape.

”Let’s Game!”

”Metcha Game!”

”Mutcha Game!”

”WHAT’S YOUR NAME?!”

You emerge from the shining light on your motorcycle. “Kamen Rider! Pandora!”

“I’m a Kamen Rider.”

Motors lets out a loud laugh as he summons his motorcycle. A massive beast of a machine, complete with enormous exhaust pipes and flaming pipes that just from the sides. “Now that’s an entrance! Hope you can back that up on the road in my DEATH RACE!” He shouts as he hops on and speeds away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BTWpImCDq4

You knock away the kickstand with the back of your heel and rev up your motorcycle as you twist the handle to accelerate. Your bike speeds forward as you instinctively adjust your body to compensate and balance the machine. Instead of fear you find yourself...relaxed. The buildings on either side of the road become a blur as you move faster and the digitizing effect emanates around your bike transforming the landscape around you into a race track yet you find this level of speed liberating. Nothing to stop you from moving, nothing but you and the road. You’ve played your share of arcade games where the controller was a fake motorbike but it can’t compare to what you’re feeling right now.

“Oh man I’m so getting a motorcycle once this is all over!” You shout in glee as you pull up next to Motors. He turns to face you and shouts,

“So you can keep up. But it’ll take more than that to win the death race!” He shouts as he pushes a button on his bike. Rockets fire from the sides and explode in front of both of you causing rubble and debris to fly into the air and right towards you!
>>
>Not bad for someone who’s literally never driven! But there’s more to winning a race than just staying on your bike. What do you do?
>This is a game of speed. Push your bike to it’s limits and go as fast as you can! Hopefully you can hang on and you move fast enough to go under the debris.
>Play defense. Avoid all the rubble and just keep up with Motors. Eventually he’ll make a mistake and have to slow down to avoid something.
>Go on the offensive. He’s got weapons and so do you. Draw your blade/hammer and start to fight with Motors. If you can knock him off his bike, it’s pretty much a win for you.
>Write in

I’ll need a 1d20 for this. Also all I got is meme music from Initial D. If you wanna suggest something feel free.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4115279
>This is a game of speed. Push your bike to it’s limits and go as fast as you can! Hopefully you can hang on and you move fast enough to go under the debris.
>>
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>>4115291
Someone please save Reiko from being paste on the side of the road.
>>
>>4115279
>Play defense. Avoid all the rubble and just keep up with Motors. Eventually he’ll make a mistake and have to slow down to avoid something.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4115311
Dice and song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVHAEB1REBY
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4115318
I dig it.

>>4115300
>>4115318
Ok a tie...and less than stellar rolls. Somehow rolling the third feels like i'm not allowing you guys to fail but I've been doing it because it's best out of 3 and not having three rolls also feels like not giving the chance to win. So here's the third roll and I'll wait 10 more minutes before seeing if anyone else votes and rolling for choice. If anyone else does, I'll take their roll.
>>
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>>4115326
I have failed you. Writing.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

I failed to notice that I didn't roll for choice either. Not my best day today.
>>
>>4115361
>failing fast
Oh no.
>>
“If you want speed then see if you can keep up!” You shout at Motors. You push your bike further and slowly begin to over take him. Motors doesn’t seem to try and overtake you as you ride past him. You zoom forward and decide to take one look back at Motors in case he was going to try something. Unfortunately in your split second glance back you don’t notice when you enter the field of falling debris.

A large chunk of road smacks you across the face, dazing you. Your grip loosens and you raise a hand to check your head out of habit allowing a second, larger, piece of asphalt smash into your chest. You’re knocked right off your bike and your ride spins out of control before crashing into a parked car.

While not as wounded as your ego, your sides burn from the impact. Motors speeds past you with a loud shout of “Loser!” You grunt and get to your feet, dashing to your bike and starting it up.

“Not over yet.” You mutter as your ride roars to life. You push the motorcycle to its limits to try and catch up to the small dot on the horizon that is Motors. Your HUD chimes in to notify you that you’ve fallen, technically, to last place and brings up a minimap of you and Motors as well as the final goal area of the race. There was still a way away as it lay in the heart of the city but the longer you dawdled the father Motors got away.

>Well that is not the best way to start the death race. What do you want to do?!
>Try and push the bike to it’s limits again. You need to at least keep up with your opponent if you want to plan a way to win.
>You have a map but there doesn’t seem to be an indication of how to get to the goal. Time to plan your own route then. Try to find a shortcut or a shorter route to catch up with Motors.
>Your belt and the Gashats have been digitally creating a track for the two of you. You could try and change the stage as you drive. A sudden change in terrain might be enough to slow down Motors and allow you to catch up.
>Use your belt to try and digitize a new route. Who says you gotta use the roads the city uses?
>Try and combine any two options. You’ll have to perform at your best, pushing all your focus and reflexes to their limits but if you can pull it off you might find a way to even get past motors. However, failing might be disastrous.
>Write in.
1d20 for any choice.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4115396
>You have a map but there doesn’t seem to be an indication of how to get to the goal. Time to plan your own route then. Try to find a shortcut or a shorter route to catch up with Motors.
Catch-ups are the best.
>>
Rolled 1, 4 = 5 (2d20)

>>4115411
Ok looking for a shortcut. I'll roll the two other dice but that's a pretty good roll.
>>
>>4115411
OK! I'M NOT ROLLING ANYMORE TONIGHT! Jesus christ.
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVHAEB1REBY

You speed through the roads once more and everything begins to blur once more. This time you focused more on your route than keeping up with Motors. You weren’t too well versed in racing games but you liked to watch speed runs of them. You remember what one of your favorite streamers once said about racing speedruns.

It’s not about following the course. It’s about making the route between start and finish as straight a line as possible…

You look at your map for the most direct route between you and the goal. Motors seemed to be driving as straight as possible, probably intending to only make one turn and rushing the last portion. But you think you’ve found a better route. As you start driving over an overpass your lean hard to the right and grip your bike with your legs. Using your suit enhanced strength you grunt and do a bunny hop over the railings! You and your bike fly over the highway underneath you for a moment before gravity takes hold and you slam back onto the road below you.

You manage to land in the correct lane of traffic and begin to weave in and around cars. They honk and beep at you angrily, unaware of the race going on where lives were at stake. A few of the more bold ones try to speed up and keep you from swapping lanes but they can’t keep up with your speed. You lean to the left and slowly begin to swap lanes as you head for an off ramp that leads back into the city.

However it seems like your racing skills have not gone unnoticed as you hear the loud whine and flashing lights of a police car. ”This was not the kind of race I had in mind!” you shout as you make a hard right. A loud voice seems to pop into your helmet as it shouts.

“Trying to make your own route? Or just trying to run away? Did you think you could just avoid the master of the road on his road?” Motors shouts as your HUD flashes red. Up ahead large stone spires begin to rise from the ground! You glance at your map for a moment. At your current speed and route, you’re slowly catching up Motor’s position! However it seems like both the police and your opponent have different plans. The spires may or may not have an effect on other vehicles but you know from experience you’re not exempt. Getting knocked down here might allow the police to catch you and once that happens who knows how this race will end up.
>>
>Incoming obstacles! What do you do?
>You have a weapon! Slash at the spires in your way and cut them down!
>Running through the spires is too risky take a sharp turn and find a new route to take! You can’t afford to lose your progress!
>Try and speed through the spires! You might be able to weave through them before their width completely blocks the roads.
>Your belt and the Gashats have been digitally creating a track for the two of you. You could try and change the stage as you drive. A sudden change in terrain might be enough to slow down Motors and allow you to catch up.
>Use your belt to try and digitize a new route. Who says you gotta use the roads the city uses?
>This is a racing game right? Try and find some power ups! There’s always power ups...unless motors is a purist kind of racer.
>Try and combine any two options. You’ll have to perform at your best, pushing all your focus and reflexes to their limits but if you can pull it off you might find a way to even get past motors. However, failing might be disastrous.
>Write in.

1d20 for any chocie. This is my last post for tonight. I'll continue probably same time tomorrow. 5pm PST. Thanks for playing!
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4115493
>Use your belt to try and digitize a new route. Who says you gotta use the roads the city uses?
>>
Starting up in about 20 mins. Will be posting then.>>4116118
I'll just take this vote and go with it.
>>
>>4116937
Fug, didn't read. Disregard.
>>
>>4116944
Yeah sorry about that. But glad to see someone is here to vote.
>>
https://youtu.be/4uQnXvRndcE

”Hey Motors, you think you’re the only one who can mess with the game?” You shout as you approach the emerging spikes. You remove the Bakusou Bike Gashat and slot it into the side of your belt.

STAGE SELECT!

You speed up your bike and angle it towards a parked car. Raising the front wheel of your bike, you go into a wheelie, angling the front tire to use the parked car as a ramp. As you approach you lean forward and slam the front tire on what would be the trunk of the car but you feel the tire slam on something more solid and flat.

Your bike rises off the ground as your Driver and Gashat begin to digitize a new road that rose above the real road. The police vehicle screeches to a halt as it slams its breaks. You rise more and more as the road you're conjuring rises to the second story. ”ALRIGHT!” you shout as you push your speed to the limit and begin to weave around the skyscrapers of the city.

Various people stop and look up as they see you fly around the city but you don’t have time to stop and enjoy the scenery. You see Motors up ahead as he speeds along the straightaway. He looks up at you and makes a firing motion with his right hand. On queue his bike fires missiles once again right at you! The missiles rocket their way towards you and crash into your digitized road just ahead of you. Your road shatters forcing you to hop off of it and go into free fall for a few seconds before you can remake the road underneath you.

You land unsteadily only a few feet above the real road but more importantly only a few feet behind Motors. “I hope you’re ready for the big leagues kid!” He shouts as the moveable bridge. The bridge is covered in the digital effect and becomes a hellish version of it. Complete with flames along the edges and flaming hoops slowly being lowered as the bridge splits open to act as a ramp.

”Really?! Is this really necessary?!” You shout.

“You’re right! We need more!” Motors shouts and spikes begin to jut out at random intervals from the main road.

>Can’t have a race without a bridge jump right? How do you want to handle it?
>SPEED! Go full throttle and just out run all the spikes before they shoot out. The momentum should carry you over the gap.
>Go on the offensive. Engage Motors in a duel on bikes and force him off his current track and into an alternate, and less insane route.
>Focus on avoiding the spikes and jump into the gap then try to summon another digital road to carry you over the gap.
>Try to find an alternate route and avoid the giant bridge of death. Motors might retaliate but it can’t be as bad as what you’re approaching.
>Write in

1d20 rolls please.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4116978
>SPEED! Go full throttle and just out run all the spikes before they shoot out. The momentum should carry you over the gap.
waaaaaaaa-naaaaaaaaaaa~
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4116978
>SPEED! Go full throttle and just out run all the spikes before they shoot out. The momentum should carry you over the gap.
>>
>>4117018
>>4117002
I guess we're going FULL THROTTLE!
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xHJsr0G6jQ

You grin as you rev up your bike once more. ”Motors! You want speed? Let me give it to ya!” You shout as you swap your bike to it’s limits. You burst forward and the distance between you and Motors slowly begins to close. ”Come on, come on. We can do this.” You mutter to your bike as you go neck and neck with Motors. The road underneath you begins to incline and you ascend the bridge. Motors moves away for a bit before returning to slam into you. Your bike shakes violently and you have to turn your handles back and forth wildly to adjust and maintain balance.

“Hey!” You shout as your competitive side kicks in and you do the same, slamming into Motor’s bike. Spikes jut out from the ground, missing your wheels and legs by mere inches. Each time one of you slams into the other the movement pushes out of the spikes’ way seconds before they jump out to impale you. The two of you trade impacts, bobbing and weaving between spikes and cars as you climb the bridge. The cars you pass honk and people shout as you nearly strike them in your mad dash to the top. ”Back. Off!” You grunt and you slam your foot into Motor’s side, pushing him away. You place your foot back on your bike as you feel the ground leave you and you’re flying through the air.

”ohh...oh shit!” You shout as you streak across the air and through the hoops. You let out a laugh and a holler as your adrenaline is kicking in at max. You grip your handlebars tightly as you let go of the bike with your legs. Your body rises as nothing holds it down and you shout in glee, ”Hell yeah!”

You fly through the rings before you pull yourself back down and clamp your legs on your bike, just in time to land properly on the other side of the bridge with a thud. Motors slams down behind you meaning two things. The race is still on and that you’re in the lead!

>You’re in the lead! What do you do to maintain that?
>Keep the speed up. The only way to win is to maintain your distance between the two of you.
>Find a shortcut. You’re in the lead but you should find a way to end the race as quick as you can.
>Motors can change the race and so can you. Try to swap stages from the city to something different like a dirt road. The sudden change in terrain might be enough to give you the edge.
>Write in

1d20 as always.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4117089
>Motors can change the race and so can you. Try to swap stages from the city to something different like a dirt road. The sudden change in terrain might be enough to give you the edge.
Game Master Reiko
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4117089
>Keep the speed up. The only way to win is to maintain your distance between the two of you.
I am speed.
>>
>>4117111
>>4117146
A tie! I'll roll in another 10 minutes to choose.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4117111
>>4117146
ok rolling then I'll roll the last d20
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

We're taking a page out of Kuroto's book. If the game doesn't want to do what we want. Then we make it do it.
>>
You swerve to the left to avoid a car and slot your Gashat back into the hip slot once more. ”My turn!” You shout as you slam down on the button.

STAGE SELECT!

Another pulse of digitizing energy is emitted from your belt as you and Motors are transported to another location! You feel your bike tires hit the ground once more as you race down a mountain. Your tires dig in a bit and help you steady your bike out but you can hear Motors shout out, “Hey wait! My bike isn’t made for offroading! It’s for tearing up streets!”

Looking behind you, you can see Motors struggling to keep his bike in control. It rattles and shakes as the suspension struggles to balance out the rocky terrain. Motors shakes his handlebars but is ultimately forced to hit the brakes and slow down to let him adjust to the new road.

You zoom down the track and hear a rumble. Looking up, you see large boulders roll down the side of the mountain. They bounce down as you slow down a bit to give yourself some reaction time. With Motors struggling behind you, you could afford a bit of a slow down. Going back into a tie is much more preferable than being a smear on a mountain. You weave and swerve between the large boulders as they bounce off the road and you hear Motors shout again. “No come on! My paint job! This isn’t racing man!”

You laugh and shout back, “The need for speed comes in many shapes and forms! You just gotta learn to get good! Here let me show you a classic trick!” You twist your handles to the right sharply and launch yourself right off the side of the mountain. You fly for a few seconds before you start falling. You let out another exhilarated hollar and aim your bike to land on a lower ledge. You let go of your bike with your legs and only hold on with one hand, turning to look behind you and wave at Motors as you vanish out of sight and land on a lower ledge of the track.

Motors lets out a scream of frustration as you make it all the way down the mountain and on to the last stretch of the race. Slowly climbing on the horizon is the golden glow of the 1st place trophy and the end of the race.

Roll me 1d20!
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4117245
I do not condone cheating but ok.
>>
>>4117251
You know, I never did see the jump off ledge tricks in games cheating but I guess it technically is. I was trying to convey a short cut because of the 18 that was rolled. My bad.
>>
Gonna leave votes open until tomorrow. I should be able to do write ups around 1:30pm PST. Thanks again for voting and playing!
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4117245
>>
Gonna start in 30 minutes. Because I'm on another computer I'm technically not OP so no fancy formatting. Sorry about that.
>>
There it was, the end of the race. You rev up your engine and speed down the rocky trail. You glance back and see Motors making his way down the mountain as well, struggling to avoid the falling boulders. All that was left was to cross the wooden rope bridge. “Typical.” You mutter as you approach. “Always gotta be another bridge.”

You lean forward in the vain hope that it would make your bike go faster but suddenly the world around you begins to fade back into the city! You slam the breaks just in time to avoid a series of energy blasts that explode in front of you. “What?!” You shout looking around in confusion and turning just in time to see another motorbike land in your path. Atop the bike was the original owner of the Bakusou Bike Gashat, Kiriya.

Kiriya dismounts from his bike, which looked exactly like yours save for it being in an unnatural black and white, bow in hand. “If I knew Emu was going to be giving his things away so freely to murderers I’d have made sure to take them away last time I met.” He says splitting his bow into two sickles.

“Hey I borrowed these.” You say not dismounting from your bike. “More to the point, I got a race to win and people to save.” You say trying to change back to the mountain stage. You push the button again but all you hear this time is,

>Error!

“Sorry but Cronus has revoked your privilege to change stages.” Kiriya says.

You growl. “Why are you working for him anyways?!” You shout.

“I could tell you but Emu should have told you I’m a pretty good liar. So it doesn’t really matter what I say.” He replies sprinting towards you.

>What do you do?
>Engage Kiriya. There’s still some time before Motors catches up and you doubt Kiriya would just let you finish the race.
>Try and drive around him. You’re on a bike and he’s not. You should be able to outspeed him. Then again he does have a ranged weapon.
>Kiriya has shown that he’s willing to cause enough collateral damage to hurt innocents. If he wants to fight, then so be it but you also have a race to win. Why not take him for a ride? Try and hit Kiriya with your bike and carry him to the finish line.
>Write in.

1d20 for these choices.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4118266
>Kiriya has shown that he’s willing to cause enough collateral damage to hurt innocents. If he wants to fight, then so be it but you also have a race to win. Why not take him for a ride? Try and hit Kiriya with your bike and carry him to the finish line.
Meep meep.
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4118266
>Kiriya has shown that he’s willing to cause enough collateral damage to hurt innocents. If he wants to fight, then so be it but you also have a race to win. Why not take him for a ride? Try and hit Kiriya with your bike and carry him to the finish line.
>>
>>4119408
>>4119419
I was heading to bed but fuck it. One post before bed won't hurt.
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BTWpImCDq4

You watch Kiriya dash towards you and you tilt your head. Why’d he get off his bike? There as still a race going. You rev up your motor and grin as an idea forms in your head. Last time you two fought, he had cut your grapple line and introduced you to oncoming traffic.

Time to return the favor.

You think to yourself as you crank the accelerator handlebar as far as it can go. The tires screech as they struggle to get traction for a split second before catching and rocketing you forward! Kiriya stumbles a bit as he comes to a halt and freezes in place unable to comprehend what just happened. His senses kick in and everything registers a second afterwards but it was too late. He lets out a grunt and you hear some of the plating on his armor crunch as you ram right into him. Had he been out of his transformation, the impact alone would have killed him but it was precisely because of his Rider Armor that you were willing to run him over at triple digit speeds.

”Sorry Kiriya! But I got a race to win! Lovely of you for tagging along though!” you shout over the roar of the engine. You lean left and right to avoid ongoing traffic as Kiriya tries to claw his way up to you or at least off your bike but the momentum is too much and every movement causes him to rub against the road below him or against your wheels.

To your surprise you think you hear Kiriya laugh a bit. “I’ll be honest! If we were in each other’s positions I’d have done the same thing!”

“If there was any other way to do it, I’d have tried it!” You shout. “Then again you did have it coming for throwing me into a highway! I got a bit vindictive! Sue me!...I also didn’t think I could take you on in a straight fight…” You admit.

“You really can’t lie to save your life can you?” Kiriya says.

“Can we have this conversation afterwards?” You reply looking back at an approaching Motors. “As much as I want to do the whole opposites attract thing I kind of want to save some people!” You shout as you duck and swerve around a corner to avoid a missile. The explosive hits another parked car and detonates sending heated metal in all directions and taking a chunk out of the road.

You make another sharp turn to get back on track and you see Motors waving a metal chain over his head. He holds it next to the flames coming out of his motorbike and the chains begin to slow red then orange then white hot. “Aww jeez.” you mutter as Motors swings the chain at you like a whip. You lean out of the way and it cracks in the air as he pulls it back. To make matters worse Kiriya has managed to get a bit of leverage on your bike and takes a swing at you!

”Oh come on!” You shout as you lean back to avoid the sickle all while trying to maintain your eyes on the road and the finish line.
>>
>Well...now you’ve got two enemies hounding you. Good news is that the finish line is coming up! What do you do to hold out for the last stretch of road?!
>Just bob and weave! Ignore all your problems and they can bite you in the ass later. Right now you gotta win!
>Draw your weapon and parry as much as you can! If they can’t hit you then they can’t stop you!
>It’d be better if you had a ranged option. Luckily you do! Unfortunately it’s also trying to cleave your face off. Try and take Kiriya’s weapons from him and fire at Motors!
>Write in.

The final 1d20 gents! And Reiko’s done such a good job, I say she’s earned a nice +2 bonus to driving while under pressure! I also fucked up the formatting but it's late and I need to sleep! See you guys tomorrow. Stay safe!
>>
Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4119476
>It’d be better if you had a ranged option. Luckily you do! Unfortunately it’s also trying to cleave your face off. Try and take Kiriya’s weapons from him and fire at Motors!
Nigga stole my gun!
>>
Rolled 18, 12 = 30 (2d20)

>>4119477
Busy day today! Taking this vote and rolling the last two d20s.
>>
With a yelp you duck underneath another chain attack. The chain whistles as it arcs in the air and connects with a nearby lamppost slicing it in two! You've no time to adjust yourself as Kiriya swings at you. You’re forced to lean down lower, nearly hanging off the side of your bike.

”Come on!” you shout as you twist the handlebars to the side to avoid another attack from Motors no that you have nowhere to dodge. ”Alright! That’s it! If you two aren’t going to play nice and have a clean race…” You mutter and look down at Kiriya. ”Let me borrow those!” You shout leaning over the front of your bike and grabbing the handles of Kiriya’s sickles. The two of you struggle back and forth for control of both the weapons and the bike’s stability.

Your bike swerves drunkenly from side to side as the two of you fight. You headbutt Kiriya and yank his weapons sharply out of his hands. Kiriya nearly falls off the front before he clings on tightly with his now open hands. With a grunt you snap both sickles and turn them into a bow.

Gashacon Sparrow!

“Hey Motors!” You shout as you aim the bow behind you, one handed. “Eat this!” You fire wildly and the energy blasts streak through the air and crash right into Motor’s chest. The bugster grunts and drops his weapon only for his bike to be hit as well.

The bike’s engine erupts in flame from one bolt and it’s front tire explodes when it’s hit by the other. Motors loses control of his vehicle and is sent flying over the handlebars. The bugster and his bike crash into the road sending sparks everywhere right as you cross the finish line!

With your free hand you snatch the trophy out of the air and your belt announces it’s victory quote as you screech to a halt.

GAME CLEAR!

Kiriya flies off your bike from the momentum and crashes into a nearby fountain, shattering the statue in the center.

“Noooo! I’m the fastest racer alive! You were supposed to be an easy win!” Motors shouts as he slowly fades away in a digital mist.

”Sorry Motors.” You say as you get off your bike. ”Maybe when we find a way to bring bugsters back safely we can have another race.”

“Really?” Motors asks hopefully. You nod.

”Definitely.” You reply giving him a thumbs up. Motors pauses for a brief moment and returns the thumbs up.

“Keep the roads warm for me then kid.” He says before finally fading into nothing. You want to relax and pay a moment of silence for the defeated bugster but there’s one last thing left to take care of as it rises from the water. Kiriya gets to his feet and rolls his head to loosen up his neck before raising his fists.

“Not gonna lie. You’re pretty good for a bugster.” He says.
>>
>What do you do?
>Engage Kiriya in combat. You have his weapons and he took a big hit from your bike. Hopefully that’s enough to level the field. Last time he managed to take you out even when he was using inferior equipment.
>Try to talk to Kiriya. He was once part of Cyber Rescue. Emu thinks he’s being mind controlled. Maybe you can talk sense into him but this feels...different somehow.
>Attempt to leave. You don’t have to prove anything and you did what you came to do. Fighting pointlessly against Kiriya doesn’t help you in any way.
>Write in.

1d20 for any choice.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4120806
>Attempt to leave. You don’t have to prove anything and you did what you came to do. Fighting pointlessly against Kiriya doesn’t help you in any way.
Time is of the essence.
>>
Rolled 7, 17 = 24 (2d20)

>>4120810
Alright, going for this choice. I'll just roll the last d20s so we're not waiting all night for hopefully another vote. Really wish more people were interested but what are you gonna do? I'm just glad this game is still alive.
>>
“No.” You say and get back on your bike. Kiriya stops and shrugs.

“So, what? You’re just gonna run away?” He asks. What surprised you was that it wasn’t a taunt or a goad. He was simply asking you a question. As if whether or not you stayed didn’t matter to him.

Igniting the engine you look behind you.”I don’t have time to mess around and I’m not someone who just picks fights for no reason.” You say shrugging.

”You sound like Nico. Which incidentally, I said no to her challenge too. I don’t know why she’s helping Cronus but let her know I’m worried and Taiga probably is too if he knows.” You twist the accelerator and ride off back to the hospital. Kiriya simply stands there and lets you get away, along with his weapon.

As you vanish in the horizon, Kiriya undoes his transformation and smirks. “Well played…” He whispers and walks off.

---

“Guys! I took care of Motors and you wouldn’t guess...who I saw…” You trail off as you step out of the elevator into the HQ. Asuna and Poppy were running around carrying medical supplies. You dash up to one and ask, “Hey! What’s going on?”

Asuna stops and hands what she’s holding off to Parado. “Take these things to the operating room and don’t touch anything!” She says before turning to you. “We need to get you washed before we can go further.”

“What?” You ask as Asuan leads you to a sink and motions to roll up your sleeves.

“We found Taiga.” She says handing you medical soap. It smelled...off, kind of like soaps you find in public bathrooms but way stronger. No kind of artificial smells just sterile.

“What? That’s great!” You say scrubbing your arms. “...I’m guessing it’s not as great as I’m hoping.”

Asuna shakes her head. “He’s in bad shape...worse.” She says motioning you to the operating room, the one you kept finding yourself waking up in after your numerous disastrous fights. You make your way to the room, almost gingerly as if afraid that you made a wrong step you’d end up breaking something. Making your way past the threshold, you hear the beeping of a vitals monitor and the sound of a respirator, a sound Parado once mentioned he never wanted to hear again coming from you. Taiga lay in the bed, bloodied and broken. His doctor’s coat lay bloody in a sink and his shirt was torn open revealing his heavily bruised chest. From just a glance it seemed to be a bit more flat, a sign of broken ribs.

Emu scurried back to you and Asuna and gently motioned you to stand aside as he began to splint one of Taiga’s arms. “He’s bad.” He says quietly. “Broken ribs, I think he might be bleeding internally. It’s a miracle he even made it to the hospital alive.”

“What happened?” You ask as worried.
>>
Emu shakes his head noncommittally. “We don’t know. We just heard the elevator ding and found him collapsed in there. The best we can tell is the obvious. He was attacked but we can’t find his driver and Gashats anywhere.”

“It can only be someone working with Cronus.” Asuna says. “Nico maybe?”

Your stomach lurches at the thought of Nico attacking the only person she seemed close with. “I fought Kiriya today. Maybe it was him?” You suggest half heartedly.

“It doesn’t matter.” Emu says. “Reiko I’m sorry but I can’t help with the announcement tomorrow. Taiga needs surgery and I’m the only one who can do it unless you want to involve the rest of the hospital staff.”

“Y-yeah...Keep an eye on Taiga. I’ll get...I’ll think of something. Don’t worry.” You reply nodding. “I’ll let you know what we’ll do just...take care of him.”

You head out and run your fingers through your hair. Your plan to extract Revol depended on distracting Gemn Corp with a large announcement. Without Emu there was no one to give the speech.

“Umm...is everything ok?” Revol asks causing you to jump in surprise. You turn around to see him and Yui looking around anxiously.

“We saw that man...will he be alright?” Yui asks.

“I...I don’t know. We think Gemn Corp attacked him.” You reply trying to ignore building the pressure on your chest. “Emu...Emu needs to perform surgery. He won’t be able to give his speech for the announcement.”

“What?! But...but that’s what’s supposed to distract Gemn Corp right?! So we can escape?” Revol asks. “What do we do now?” You struggle to reply. What do you do? You promised him that they’d both escape. You tug at your shirt. Was it always this tight? You cough a bit trying to get a bit more air in you to clear your mind.

“Yeah but I’ll think of something. I just need a bit of time to think.” You say looking at Poppy and Asuna running medical supplies. You find yourself distracted about Taiga condition. Maybe if you had went looking for him he wouldn’t be in this state. Chewing your lower lip, you feel your face flush and your breath getting shallow. A panic attack...only this time there was no Hiiro to talk you through it

Think. This is salvagable right? There’s always a way, isn’t there?

You think desperately. You take a deep breath and hold it instinctively as if that would help and slowly go through your options.
>>
>What do you do?
>Call off the whole thing. Apologize to Revol and Yui but you can’t think of any way to salvage this.
>Try and sneak them out without the announcement. Without the media coverage Gemn Corp could send people after them but its a risk you’ll have to take.
>Send someone else to give the announcement. You can’t back down but who?
>>Ask Revol if he can do it. He’s the director so he’d have the most credibility. You can sneak him out afterwards but you don’t know how hard it would be. It would give Yui time to sneak out of the city.
>>Have Poppy do it. She’s a nurse so she has enough medical training to be able to give all the details. You’re not sure if the press will like being told this by someone who’s not a doctor.
>>...You do it. You’ve lived on both sides. As a human and as a bugster. You have the most experience of what both sides are feeling and what it really feels to feel fear. You might not have the medical certification but you have the truth and hasn’t that served you well before? Maybe what people need right now is the truth that isn’t obscured by medical terminology but by someone who understands them. However, you’d have the least amount of credibility. If you don’t do this right the media will shred you and you might give Gemn Corp the ammo it needs. High risk, High reward.
>>
>>4121028
>Ask Revol if he can do it. He’s the director so he’d have the most credibility. You can sneak him out afterwards but you don’t know how hard it would be. It would give Yui time to sneak out of the city.
>>
I gotta head to sleep. Vote's open til I get back tomorrow.
>>
>>4121068
Bad news. Power is out at my place. Dunno when it'll be back. I'll probably start a new thread by then and continue the vote. Here's my twitter where I post updates.

NovaRunnerQM (@nova_qm): https://twitter.com/nova_qm?s=09
>>
>>4122244
Shit, hope it comes back up soon.
>>
>>4122401
Same here. Talked to my neighbors. They think it might be a scheduled maintenance thing but it's been too long. Usually when the city knock's out the power for these, it's back in a hour or so. If push comes to shove, I'll have the new thread up tomorrow by phone just so interest doesn't die out.
>>
Just got a visit from a city maintainace worker. Says power should be back by tomorrow morning. So game will continue then.
>>
Game starts in 2 hours. 5pm PST. Gonna stick to here just not spam with a new thread every 2 weeks.
>>
>>4121044
Alright. Was hoping for another vote but then power went out so I guess that would turn people away. Can I get a 1d20+4 roll please? To convince the man who want to extract to stay behind a bit longer.
>>
Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4126462
k
>>
>>4126477
Looks like we're starting out with a bang. Nice roll there.
>>
Rolled 10 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4126462
>>
>>4126477
>>4126491
Taking these rolls and writing.
>>
You sigh quietly and close your eyes for a moment. Please don’t let me regret this. You think silently. Opening your eyes, you face Revol and place your hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry but can you do the announcement.” You ask looking at him in the eyes.

“W-what?” Revol stammers and looks between you and Yui. “How am I going to get out of here if I’m giving the announcement?” He asks.

“It’ll be difficult but we’ll find a way. The thing is, if we don’t give a good enough announcement to the public then Gemn Corp won’t be busy enough to let you two go. Someone needs to give the speech and give it well. You’re the only other person who is seen as a credible source.” You turn to Yui. “I’m sorry but this is the only way I can think of. We’ll get you two out separately. First you then Revol.”

“No.” Yui says crossing her arms. “I won’t leave him. You promised you’d get us both out. What’s the point of me leaving if I have to leave him behind?” She counters.

“You’re not leaving him behind.” You plead. “He’s just staying a bit longer to cover up your escape. Otherwise, you’ll be on the run all the time.” Yui opens her mouth to argue before Revol interrupts.

“Yui…” He says holding her shoulders gently. “I don’t mind staying behind if it means saving you. You taught me what it was to be human. I’d give anything for you to be safe. Just trust us in this. Please.” Yui looks at him for a moment before slapping his hands off her and turning away in tears. “Yui…” Revol begs.

“Just...promise me we’ll see each other again.” She says not looking at the two of you.

“I promise.” Revol says. “We’ll see each other again and watch movies together.” Yui doesn’t reply but merely walks off sniffling. You sigh and hold your chest a bit as your lungs tighten a bit more now that you have the added stress of having to ensure Revol’s safety during the speech.

“Right…” You whisper almost inaudibly. “Revol...can you go talk to Akihito? You’ll have to revise the speech for tomorrow.” You say speaking up. Revol nods and walks to prepare just as Parado makes his way towards you.

“Some wrench in the gears huh?” He asks.

You try to give him a confident smile. “Yeah but it’ll be alright. Just a small bump. What’s up?” You ask, trying to hide your stress. If Parado saw through your facade he makes no mention of it as he replies,

“Me.” He starts. “With Emu out of the picture, I can’t transform. Well...we can try using Mighty Brothers again. It worked once before but those were pretty extreme circumstances. Should I just stay here?” He tugs at his faded hair absentmindedly. “Not really used to being useless.” He admits.
>>
>Right. Parado can’t transform without Emu and you had Kuroto focus on making a new Driver rather than fix his Gashat. Then again you hadn’t foreseen Taiga showing up near dead the night before your big plan. What do you do?
>>Give Parado Emu’s Driver and Gashats. He can use them just like you can. You can go empty handed and just oversee everything. Or you can take the spare Driver and mysterious Gashats.
>>Give Parado the mysterious Gashats and spare parts Driver. It’s not much but he’ll have something in an emergency. You’re not sure you’re comfortable with giving him gear that you have no idea what the side effects are but you don’t have the luxury of choice when it comes to your transformation gear right now.
>>Go ask Kuroto if he can swap Projects. He’ll be pretty mad you’re asking him to swap this late into his work. Hopefully he’ll have enough time to be able to finish by tomorrow.
>>Have Parado act as a bodyguard for Yui as she heads towards the train station. You don’t expect anyone to attack her there seeing as this plan is still a secret but it’ll be a good idea to have someone there to protect her.
>>Write in.
>>
>>4126569
>Give Parado Emu’s Driver and Gashats. He can use them just like you can.
>take the spare Driver and mysterious Gashats
>>
>>4126622
Giving your brother Emu's things. Writing.
>>
You pull out the gear you used in your race against Motors and hand them to Parado. “Easy.” You say simply. “Use Emu’s stuff.”

“What about you?” Parado asks. “There isn’t anything left for you to use.”

“Well...there is the stuff Kuroto is making.” You say sheepishly. Parado glares at you.

“No. You know how I feel about this!” He says frustrated. “You can't keep throwing yourself into danger because you want to save everyone!”

“It’s only for emergencies! I swear!” You argue. “I’m not even planning on using it! It’s just insurance in case things start to get out of control. Besides, so far things have gone mostly according to plan!”

“You know full well that Gemn Corp is gonna send something at us tomorrow.” Parado replies. “Reiko it’s almost like you like being in danger.” He says sadly.

“I don’t. It’s just...I get caught in it so I just react and it blows up in my face.” You admit. “But I’m telling you. I don’t do it on purpose. Besides, technically it only happened 3 times...and I almost died twice…” You say trailing off. The air between you two is awkward and heavy. “Listen. You gotta trust me. I just want people to be safe.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Parado mutters taking Emu’s things. He looks like he has more to say but is unsure if he should continue so he remains quiet.

“I promise. I won’t use it unless it’s absolutely necessary.” You say quietly. “I’m trusting you guys to keep us safe.” You sit down and fidget a bit. “To be honest, I think it’s going to get worse from here on out.” You admit. “We’re making a big move here and I’m certain Cronus won’t take it laying down.”

Parado nods and plays with the Driver in his hands. “I know how you feel...but it’s for the better right?”

“Yeah.” You agree. “We need to do this. For everyone.” Parado dons the Driver and ruffles your hair.

“Get some sleep.” He says before making his way to the elevator. “We have a long day tomorrow…”
>>
-----

“Alright. Got your speech ready?” You ask Revol as he adjusts his tie for the hundredth time. “You gotta relax. The press will eat you up if you sound nervous.” Revol chuckles weakly.

“Easy for you to say. You’re not delivering terrible news to the city. Don’t worry, I’ll get it under control by then.” He says taking a deep breath. Your phone rings and Revol nods for you to answer. “Don’t worry about me. I’m just going to go over my notes once more.”

You give him a thumbs up and answer. “What’s up Akihito?”

“Nothing much. Kuroto and I are getting network security down. How are things on your end?”

“They’re doing good. Revol’s got a bit of the pre-game jitters. Just gonna get everyone into position.”

“You should hurry. Press is gonna start coming soon.” Akihito replies.

“Should I try to delay them?” You ask as you head out of Revol’s office.

“No.” Akihito says with a bit of pride. “As your senior I should be able to handle all of this. Just want you to be prepared.”

You roll your eyes and grin. “Right. Call me if anything comes up.” You close your phone and make your way to your team. The meeting was going to start and it’s best you get everyone ready.
>>
>It’s showtime! With that comes lots of choices! How do you organize your team? You have:

Graphite: One of your best fighters. Headstrong and stubborn. His transformation is the most monstrous out of your entire crew as he simply becomes his bugster form to fight.

Poppy and Asuna: At the moment their civilian identity is that they’re twins. In reality they’re the exact same person. You haven’t really taken the time to figure out how that happened. Are both competent ranged and melee fighters. Work best as a team due to having the exact same thought patterns but can be split up with a small loss in effectiveness. Both are trained nurses and have the best people skills (aside from you).

Parado:On the same level as Graphite in terms of combat effectiveness but is currently using unfamiliar and lower level gear borrowed from Emu. Currently only capable of melee combat but has the ability to summon a motorbike. Was once the leader of the bugster faction giving him more leeway with the monsters who attack humans.

Kuroto: Currently assigned to network security to prevent your broadcast from being taken over. Mad genius wielding some of the most dangerous Gashats. Capable of ranged and melee combat but has very little combat experience leading to his fighting style being based on trading hits and risk taking for most damage.

You: Currently armed with a Driver made of spare parts and two unknown Gashats. You have the best people skills in the team but only if you’re being completely honest.

>And here are various places you can assign teammates too:

The front entrance. Place with the most traffic and where everyone enters and exits the building. Most likely entrance for a direct attack.

The conference room. This is where Revol will spend most of his time and where the most people will be. It's possible someone could infiltrate here as a news reporter.

The roof. It’s possible to gain access to the roof from a fire escape outside and from the roof into the main building.

The back door you entered. This place has the least amount of people going through it but still a viable entrance for someone who is determined enough such as yourself.

Security room. Having someone here will have them monitoring cameras all over the building but will most likely have them unable to intervene if they spot something.

Next to Revol himself as a bodyguard. He’ll surely be a target and having someone near him gives them enough time to react should something happen but they’ll be unable to keep an eye out for the rest of the area or leave his side.

With Yui. You promised her safety too. Her being attacked is unlikely as she won’t be in the public eye. Anyone with her will be completely unable to help if anything happens in the Ministry building.

Feel free to assign the team however you like...hopefully this doesn't kill the thread like write in options tend to do.
>>
>>4126890
>The front entrance.
Graphite

>The conference room.
Asuna

>The back door you entered.
Kuroto

>Security room
Poppy

>Next to Revol himself as a bodyguard.
Ourself

>With Yui.
Parado
>>
>>4126967
getting late and I got work tomorrow. So I'm leaving this vote up til I get back. Will post same time tomorrow. 5pm pst
>>
>>4126967
This sounds good.
>>
>>4127086
>>4126967
alright seems like we're going with this configuration. Session will start up in an hour. Gotta get food.
>>
You take a few minutes to relay the positions you want your team to take. After receiving confirmation that everyone was in their spots you step back into Revol’s office. He looks at you anxiously.

“Everyone’s in position. Parado is at the hospital with Yui waiting for us to begin. Once the announcement starts he’ll set off for the train station.” You explain as you grab your bag and double check that the new Driver was in it along with one of the unlabeled Gashats was there. “I’m going to be with you as your bodyguard.”

“As my...what?” Revol asks in confusion. “But you said you can’t transform!” He says worriedly. Revol quickly peeks out of the door and closes it before continuing. “And it’s gonna look weird that I’m with a teenage girl on stage!”

“Hey I can transform...just in an extreme emergency...I think.” You say sheepishly. “Listen, if things go wrong then you’ll need someone to help you escape right? Well no one else can because they can transform and because of that I want them on the front lines stopping anyone from getting to us while we retreat. Make sense?”

Revol nods still unconvinced. “Yeah I think so...still can’t we give you some kind of cover? Like as an advisor? Something that makes you look somewhat inconspicuous?”

“Like a disguise?” You say thinking. “Uhhh…”

>Do you want to disguise yourself a bit before going on stage? If so, as what?
>As an intern. Ditch the hoodie and do your hair up a bit. You’ll still be near Revol if something goes down but you probably won’t raise too many questions.
>As a doctor? You do have Hiiro’s coat in your bag, as well as the Game Scope which doubles as a scanner and stethoscope. Should be enough, though you might be asked medical questions by the press. Shouldn’t be too hard right? You’ve been around Emu and the others long enough. A few questions on the bugster virus shouldn’t be too hard to answer.
>See if you can grab a security uniform. You could go dressed as security. It’d give more credence to the idea you’re actually a bodyguard.
>No. You don’t want disguises or costumes getting in the way if you actually have to run or fight. As long as you stay quiet and mostly out of the way it should be fine.
>>
>>4128134
>See if you can grab a security uniform. You could go dressed as security. It’d give more credence to the idea you’re actually a bodyguard.
Shouldn't be too hard.
>>
>>4128147
Alright. Grabbing a security uniform. If we're gonna play the part might as well dress like it. Writing
>>
“Alright let me go grab a security uniform. Might as well look like a bodyguard. Give me a minute.” You say heading out to ask Poppy to lend you one from the security room.

---

You sigh and tug at your uniform. It was slightly too big and made for someone who had a bulkier physique. But really, you just weren’t a fan of uniforms. They felt too lifeless and...well uniform. No way to customize or express yourself. You look around and find Asuna greeting and helping guests into the room. The two of you lock eyes and she nods slightly before going back to her friendly persona.

The room itself is abuzz with talking and murmurings as the various members of the press exchange pleasantries and gossip. Others adjust their cameras and equipment and you try to avoid the cameras set up by Akihito earlier that would stream to the net.

Revol adjusts his tie one last time and straightens up. He puts on his best business like face, a mixture of confidence and grimness. As he walks up to the table you set up, now filled with various microphones and recording devices, the members of the press explode into questions.

“Director! What was with the video you sent to our offices?”

“Director Sato! What do you want to tell us that has nearly pushed you into hiding?”

“Is it true that your predecessor has gone missing?”

Revol raises a hand up, asking for silence, and ignoring the myriad of flashing lights that are coming from the cameras. He takes a seat and gently links his fingers as he rests them on the table.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the press. No. Of Seito City. I have some grave news. Some news of such importance that I am willingly placing my life in danger telling you…”

>It’s showtime! Let’s see how the team is doing. Rather than have you roll 6d20 for everyone. We’ll do this in batches. Give me 2d20. First for Graphite at the front door and the second for Asuna in the conference room.
>>
Rolled 12, 2 = 14 (2d20)

>>4128213
>>
Rolled 11, 14 = 25 (2d20)

>>4128233
ok. I'll roll another set then I'll get to writing.
>>
Graphite stands near the entrance bored but alert. He had a job to do but mingling amongst humans was a forgein concept to say the least. The people around him were so...mundane. Walking around and talking without a care in the world. Didn’t they know what was going on behind the scenes? No wonder the bugsters had gotten the upperhand. These people were so oblivious to their plan and even if they were aware were completely incapable of doing anything about it.

What bothered him was the other’s insistence on saving this race. What did they have to offer? What made them so valuable? Whatever the reason, it only highlighted the skill of the humans he fought against and now alongside him. Sighing, Graphite leans against a wall and continues his vigil.

---

“...as you can see from these graphs. The virus propagates at an alarming rate while people are playing Chronicle. If you remember my previous notes on the subject…”

Everyone in the room was deathly quiet. The full ramifications of what Revol was talking about hadn’t sunk in but everyone was slowly coming to the realization as the reporters were frantically taking notes and trying to take everything in. Asuna keeps a quiet eye on everyone as she scans the room. Every so often a reporter would lean and whisper to a colleague and a picture would be taken. It seemed like at the very least, Revol had their attention.

So far so good. She thinks to herself looking over to Reiko for a moment. The young girl looked haggard and tired. She had bags under her eyes and her stance was somewhat tense. I’ll need to talk to her about that. Asuna thinks before turning her attention to the crowd once more. Out of the corner of her eye she notices one of the reporters looking a bit bored but there was something off about it.

The reporter would occasionally check his watch and look around the room as if unimpressed. Asuna furrows her brow wondering why it bothered her when after a few more moments it hit her. The man once again checks his watch and looks around the room, unimpressed. Asuna slowly counts to 30 before the man perfectly mimics his motions again. This wasn’t a case of someone who thought he was wasting his time. The man was literally looping through an animation cycle. Asuna looks at Reiko once more but the girl was busy scanning the room herself to catch her attention subtly.

>What does Asuna do?
>Try to talk to the man. Maybe you can get him to leave the room?
>Try to get Reiko’s attention and have her escort the man out of the room under the guise of security so you don’t alarm the others.
>Leave the man alone but keep an eye on him. You’re not sure if trying to interact with him will set something off.
>Write in.

Also 2d20 please. This is for Kuroto and Poppy.
>>
Rolled 12, 16 = 28 (2d20)

>>4128353
>Try to talk to the man. Maybe you can get him to leave the room?
Oh boy, here we go.
>>
Rolled 18, 17 = 35 (2d20)

>>4128353
>Try to talk to the man. Maybe you can get him to leave the room?
>>
>>4128394
>>4128377
Good rolls! Writing!
>>
Kuroto paces at the back door grumpily. “Of all the places to place the Game Master, they chose here?!” He shouts. “I could be in the security room!”

“Tell me about it. My boss is an ass too.” A salaryman says as he takes his smoke break. “But a check is a check right?” He asks tapping the cigarette to make the ash fall off. Kuroto glares at him.

“Fool! You think I’m motivated by something as base as money?! I’m trying to have my revenge and train my protege in completing the grandest game humanity has ever seen!” Kuroto retorts. The man just looks at him for a moment.

“Man thats deep. Preach brother.” The salaryman says after a moment. “You know I got to this poetry club every thursday night. Real good stuff. Raging against the machine and all that. I think you should come. You get us.”

Kuroto looks flabbergasted at the man and was about to shout some more when a loud banging sound comes from around the corner of the alleyway.

“Fucking bums.” The salaryman says oblivious to his own hypocrisy. “Just get a job damn it. Like it’s not that hard ya know?” He asks Kuroto. Kuroto however ignores this and continues to look down the alley.

------

Poppy keeps her eyes glued to the monitors, mouth open as if watching the most interesting thing in the world. “Umm...Miss Poppy? Maybe you should sit back a bit more-” The security guard on duty says politely before being interrupted.

Poppy raises a finger for silence and says. “No! I have to make sure I keep an eye on everything. It’s my job you know~.” She says giving the guard a wink. The guard blushes and nods vigorously.

“R-right! We have a job to do!” He says scooting closer to Poppy and putting his face just as close to the monitors as she is. “What exactly are we looking for?” He asks after a moment.

“Trouble.” Poppy replies as she scans each monitor carefully. On her second round she notices a man walking briskly through the lobby, right past Graphite. The man stops at the elevators and hits one of the buttons angrily. He paces back and forth in agitation, his hands clenching and unclenching. When it seems that the elevator is taking too long he storms off to the stairs and out of the camera’s view. The man reappears on the second floor and begins walking purposefully to the next set of stairs, his hands still curled into fists. He heads to the next set of stairs towards the 3rd floor.
>>
>What should Kuroto do?
>Go investigate the noise. That’s why you’re here right?
>Stay where you are. Going to investigate is beneath you. If it’s trouble it’ll come to you.
>Go tell the man to check it out. He’s annoying you and is obviously not doing anything important right now.
>Write in.

>What should Poppy do?
>Ask the guard to go stop the man. He seems angry and might cause trouble.
>Ask one of your crew to leave their post and check it out. If it’s someone coming to stop the conference they may well be a bugster and that’s something the guard will have no chance in stopping.
>Leave your post and try to stop the man. You might be onto something important enough that leaving the cameras unmanned for a bit won’t hurt.
>Leave the man alone. He’s probably just a worker having a bad day.

Last 2d20 for Reiko and Parado. Then we’ll see how everything goes down as these events are happening somewhat simultaneously.
>>
Rolled 19, 7 = 26 (2d20)

>>4128497
>Stay where you are. Going to investigate is beneath you. If it’s trouble it’ll come to you.

>Ask the guard to go stop the man. He seems angry and might cause trouble.
I just hope my intuition is correct.
>>
Rolled 15, 7 = 22 (2d20)

>>4128497
>Stay where you are. Going to investigate is beneath you. If it’s trouble it’ll come to you.
>Ask the guard to go stop the man. He seems angry and might cause trouble.
>>
Rolled 15, 12 = 27 (2d20)

>>4128558
>>4128512
Well Parado's rolls aren't doing so well. let me see what I roll. Nice 19 though.
>>
My next post is gonna be the last one tonight. Thinking of ending on a cliff hanger here and making a new thread. what do you guys think? New thread or just finish up the whole thing on this one?
>>
>>4128607
Finish it here.
>>
File: Dark_Hiiro.png (2.02 MB, 1912x1072)
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The beginning of Revol’s speech prompts Parado to shut his phone off. It was brand new and a gift from his sister. She was adamant they have a way of communicating beyond just meeting each other in NCR. Parado was unsure how to feel about the gift considering it was coming out of her funds but at the moment he didn’t have an argument as to why he couldn’t accept it.

“Let’s go. Revol’s started his speech.” He says to Yui as he dons a motorbike helmet. Yui hesitates but puts on a helmet of her own. She sits behind Parado on the single seat of the bike and holds on tightly as she wraps her arms around his stomach. The motorbike roars as it comes to life and Parado guns the engines. The two of them speed down the streets for a while before Yui speaks up.

“You think he’ll be ok?” She asks trying to be quiet but having to shout over the roar of the wind.

“...I don’t know.” Parado admits. “I think so. He’s got everyone helping him keep safe but he’s also at ground zero if anything goes wrong. We just have to trust that everyone can do their part and prevent anything from happening.”

Yui shifts a bit and says something but it’s drowned out by the roar of a louder engine. Parado looks at the rearview mirror and sees a biker in leathers and a bucket helmet racing down the road. What stuck out the most is the bike itself. It’s huge with several large exhaust pipes in the back and the sides. The pipes on the side occasionally shoot out flames. The driver itself moves stiffly. Every movement seems to be too perfect and precise as it weaves around traffic and slowly begins to catch up to you.

“That can’t be street legal.” Yui says louder. Parado simply pushes his bike to go faster.

“We have bigger problems than that.” He says.

“What do you mean?” She asks confused

“It’s after us.”

---

“Gemn Corp has to be made responsible for their actions! They are both endangering the lives of the people and using what could be a new life form as nothing more than fodder for whatever they have planned!” Revol continues passionately. The room feels tense and there is more muttering among the reporters than ever before. You look around the room trying to discern any trouble among the crowd. For the most part everyone is listening intently on what Revol has to say.

You adjust your uniform a bit more to give yourself something to do when you notice Asuna making her way across the room. A quick glance shows you her target. A random man who seems to be bored and looking at his watch. Over and over. You’re about to move and help Asuna but a glint from outside makes you stop. You look out the window just in time to see a black vehicle come to a stop right outside the ministry building.

Your heart drops and you feel yourself go numb as you see two men help a third person get out of the car. That man being the one who’s been missing for 4 days. The man you love.

Hiiro Kagami.
>>
>What does Parado do?
>Drive faster! Try to get away and lose the person who is chasing you. Staying and fighting will only put Yui in danger.
>Transform! If you speed up, Yui might not be able to hang on. You’ll have to fight it out but you should be able to protect Yui as you make your way to the train station.
>Drive smarter. Try to find a route that your pursuer can’t follow you through. If you can somehow lose them, you can try and get back on track after wards.
>Write in.

>What do you do?
>Excuse yourself and go to the first floor. Ask Hiiro where he’s been. Ask what happened. You haven’t seen him in days and he hasn’t been returning your messages or calls.
>Go help Poppy confront the strange man. Better to stay here and keep an eye on things.
>Don’t move. You’re...not sure what you want to do at the moment.
>Write in.
>>
With that I got to head to sleep. I'll try to run it earlier tomorrow. Thinking about 2:30 PST. If not we'll continue at the ussual time. I'll post on twitter if I can hop on earlier.
>>
>>4128635
>Drive smarter. Try to find a route that your pursuer can’t follow you through. If you can somehow lose them, you can try and get back on track after wards.

>Stick to the plan and stay close to Revol, whatever reason Hiiro is here for we have to make sure he does his part unimpeded.
>>
>>4128645
"he" being Revol.
>>
Will be starting at the ussual time. Have to cover someone's shift.
>>
>>4128645
Gonna stay put and try to out manuver our persuer. This might be a big write up.
>>
File: KREA-Bugster_Virus.png (1.95 MB, 549x931)
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“Hold on!” Parado shouts as he accelerates a bit more and turns sharply into an alleyway. The robotic driver rushes past the entrance unable to drive his larger bike into the alley.

“What do we do?” Yui asks nervously as her grip tightens while you avoid trash cans and open doors. “Who is that?”

“Motors.” Parado replies. “Or a facsimile of him. They got to him too.” His hands tighten around the handlebars and the bike lurches forward when he accidentally pushes the throttle more. “It doesn’t matter right now. We need to get you to the train. From there I’ll hold them off so you can flee safely.” Parado drives back out into the main road and through the smaller roads between buildings to avoid Motors. However Motors can be seen driving alongside the main roads and keeping up, using his faster bike to make up for the fact he can’t drive right behind you to give chase.

Parado turns on to the main road and speeds up, using the cars as a barrier between them and Motors. “Which is the fastest way to the train station?!” Parado shouts as he ducks into another alleyway and nearly hits a dumpster.

“You gotta take a- look out!” Yui shouts and points to a ramp that suddenly appeared in a digitizing effect. The bike hits the ramp and launches off, only to land back on the main road filled with spike beds and other video game road hazards…

----

You decide to stay put. As badly as you wanted to go see Hiiro, this was more important. You sidle up closer to Revol as he continues giving his speech and turn your attention to Asuna as she leans closer to the man to talk to him.

“Excuse me sir.” She says gently. “But if you’re not here for official business or with the news then I’ll have to ask you to leave.” The man immediately snaps mid animation to a straight backed sitting position.

“Sorry. I was just checking my watch. Don’t mind me.” He says oblivious to what Asuna says. Asuna looks at you and you shrug unsure how to proceed. She nods at the man politely and replies,

“I’m sorry sir but you've been “checking your watch” over and over for the past 5 minutes. I think maybe you should leave.” She says firmly. The man gives Asuna a sheepish smile and says.

“Sorry. I was just checking my watch. Don’t mind me.”

Asuna looks confused and is about to turn to you to say something before the man lets out a scream and stands up as he slowly devolves into one of the minions a Bugster can summon causing the rest of the reporters to scream in fear and try to get away.
>>
---

Poppy pulls her face back from the monitors and gives the guard a smile. “Excuse me but there seems to be a very angry man making his way up the stairs. I think he’s headed to the fourth floor. Could you please stop him? I think he might want to cause trouble.” She says pointing to the monitor. The guard blushes and takes a closer look before his face gets serious.

“Ah hell…” He mutters. “Not this again. Don’t worry ma’am I have this under control.” He gets up and heads out the door. Through the cameras Poppy sees the angry man emerge from the 4th floor and the guards enter the camera’s view as he exits the security room. The two of them meet up a few feet from the doorway, allowing Poppy to be able to hear their exchange clearly.

“No. Just no.” Poppy can hear the guard say. “Kenji, we’ve been over this- What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He asks exasperated.

“Where’s that Director fucker?” You hear the angry man, who you assume is this Kenji, shout. “I need to see him!”

“He’s in an important meeting and I know what this shit is about. Go home. You reek of booze. Get showered and come back tomorrow before you do something stupid.” The guard says sternly.

“He’s taking my fucking girl man!” Kenji shouts. “They talk all the fucking time in the morning an suddenly they take 3 days off at the same time? I’m no fucking cuck!”

“Man...listen to yourself. You’re embarrassing yourself. You two never even dated. The HR director probably doesn’t even know you exist. Ya gotta lay off the internet and drink.” The guard says almost sadly. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

“Don’t fucking touch me!” Kenji shouts and through the monitors Poppy can see the guard take a firm grip on the angry man and slowly drag him back to the elevator.
>>
---

Kuroto leans back on the door and shakes his head. Going to search for trouble was beneath him. If anything, the idiot next to him should go check but then he’d never hear the end of it from Reiko. Instead he just waits. If there’s trouble it’ll be glad it didn’t run into me. Or it’ll be stupid enough to try and challange me. Either way all I was told to do was keep watch. He thinks.

Unfortunately Kuroto’s hubris lead to the nasty consequence of having to listen to the salaryman prattle on some more. “Like...the whole world just wants to put you down,ya know? So you gotta fight back but even fighting back is going along with the man. The only way to win is not to play, ya know?” The man continues as he takes another drag of his cigarette. “Me and my crew know this and honestly, you’re our kind of guy. You just need to lose that drone suit man. Really clashes with your personality.”

Kuroto looks down at his clothes in bewilderment. “This is a forgien suit! It’s worth more than your friends combined you fool!” The man nods almost drunk on his own ego.

“I gotcha man. Supporting forgein trade is great but man suits are like...I dunno corporate? Me? I only wear this so I can get to work. Once I’m home the thing comes off.”

“Argh!” Kuroto grumbles in annoyance as he begins to pace once more. The noise in the alleyway grows as it comes closer and a dumpster flies into view and crashes into a nearby wall as a large Bugster makes his way towards the two. “Finally, something to do.” Kuroto grunts drawing his Driver. “Idiot. Go indoors. I don’t want to have to carry your corpse inside.” He says as he clicks his Gashat.

Dangerous Zombie

---

Graphite slowly gets to his feet and walks outside as he sees Hiiro approach. “So the prodigal son arrives.” He says grinning. “Who are your friends?” He asks. Hiiro doesn’t reply but merely draws his Driver and Gashat. Graphite tilts his head. “Right here? I thought you were listening to the girl? What happened to bugster and humans working together? She has you wrapped around her little finger.” He taunts drawing his own gear.

“There’s bugsters infesting this building.” Hiiro replies flatly as the two men next to him slowly morph into Kaiden, the swordsman bugster, and Aranbura. “I made a promise to someone to get rid of them. I’m here to cut you all out and make sure you’re back in line.”

Graphite’s eyes widen as he sees his fellow bugsters back up Hiiro. “You! What have you done to them?” He shouts furiously.

Hiiro ignores Graphite’s outburst as he clicks his Gashat. “Commencing Bugster removal operation.”

Taddle Fantasy!

>Tons of events happening! In order to not make a complete clusterfuck. Tell me who you want to follow first?
>Reiko and Asuna
>Kuroto
>Graphite
>Parado
>>
>>4129918
>Kuroto
>>
>>4129918
>Kuroto
>>
>>4131541
>>4131524
Talk about luck. I just checked this thread contemplating starting a new one. Well time to get writing.
>>
“Wha? Is this like some kind of street preformance?” The salaryman asks confused as Kuroto draws his weapons, the Gashacon Sparrow. With a flourish Kuroto grunts and replies,

“No. It’s the greatest game to ever be created. Now get inside! I’m about to do some quality control.” The mad genius dashes forward and brings his weapons down on the monster. They slice through the monster’s armored exterior but leave Kuroto wide open to a counter attack. His opponent takes advantage of this and swings down into Kuroto’s side, it’s movements too precise and measured much like Aranbura back at the factory. Kuroto is knocked aside and into the wall sending cracks to slowly spider their way up from the point of impact.

The salaryman ducks instinctively and scrambles to the door. “This is way too intense! Uhh...you know where to find me! I’ll just...do what you said.” He shouts as he closes the door behind him. Kuroto coughs as he tries to get his breath back.

“Pheh. Another useless drone.” He spits. “Where’s the life? The personality? These things aren’t fit for my players.” The monsters raises its arms mechanically as electricity crackles and races through the spring like spikes on its shoulders down to its hands. It lets loose a torrent of energy forcing Kuroto into a roll to avoid it.

The electricity hits the building leaving the wall blackened and causing the cracks to break and widen. Kuroto stands to his and raises his weapons once more to engage. “Well. I guess it’s once again up to me to show everyone how faulty their work is.”

>How do you engage the monster?
>Go into melee with your dual sickles! If it’s got ranged attacks then it’s probably to make up for its lack of melee capabilities.
>Engage it in a ranged fight. Connect your sickles together into their bow form. You can stay a safe distance this way and take cover behind objects.
>Try to lead it to the front where Graphite is. Two is better against one.
>Try and use its powers against it? Maybe you can try and charge your sickles with the monster’s electrical energy to increase their damage.
>Write in.

1d20+2 for these rolls.
>>
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4131617
>Engage it in a ranged fight. Connect your sickles together into their bow form. You can stay a safe distance this way and take cover behind objects.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4131617
>Try and use its powers against it? Maybe you can try and charge your sickles with the monster’s electrical energy to increase their damage.
F U N
>>
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4131617
>Try and use its powers against it? Maybe you can try and charge your sickles with the monster’s electrical energy to increase their damage.
>>
>>4131657
>>4131669
Looks like we're gonna get creative. How appropriate for the Game Master to bend the rules to his whim. Writing.
>>
Kuroto ducks under another bolt of electricity as he begins to run forward towards his foe. The bugster’s arms snap to Kuroto’s position as if locking on before firing but the Rider’s enhanced reflexes allow him to duck underneath just in time. The monster jumps backward and stands completely still as if processing something. It then raises both its hands and claps its hands together before charging electricity into both of them. “You’re getting repetitive drone!” Kuroto shouts raising his sickles. “A creation of mine would never be so simple!”

As soon a Kuroto steps within five feet of the bugster, it fires its combined electrical blasts right into Kuroto’s chest! Kuroto flies back and punches through the wall from the impact! Screams can be heard as the employees inside try to get away from the armored warrior who crashed into their work space. The monster slowly begins to approach the hole in the wall but pauses as a figure slowly begins to emerge from the dust and smoke…

Kuroto struts out for the hole in the wall holding both his sickles together in their bow form, a large amount of electricity surging through the blades. “Fool! This bow was created to channel energy. Did you not expect me to use yours to power it than to draw my own?” He taunts as he pulls the bow appart. Arcs of electricity jump between both blades as he continues, “Let me show you what happens to those who attempt to mimic my creations…”

Again the monster pauses as if trying to assess the situation but Kuroto takes advantage of its hesitation and leaps into action! He strikes with the left sickle sending sparks flying everywhere as the blade cuts deeper than before and completes a circuit with the monster’s metal armor. Kuroto grunts as he feels some of the electricity surge through him but not nearly as much electricity as his opponent felt.

Pulling his left blade free, he taps it against the right one to recharge it and swings the right this time. He alternates blades as he continues his assault against the monster, pushing it back into the other alleyway before sending it flying with a drop kick! The monster flies backwards, crashing into another dumpster and flattening it from the impact. It struggles to get to its as Kuroto approaches.

“Tell me drone...did the pirate who made you install the concept of fear?” He asks twirling it’s blades. The monster doesn’t respond as it continues to try to get up. As Kuroto draws near once more the monster ceases to move and simply raises its arm summoning a group of its minions!

The minions each wield some kind of stun baton but they all have similar jarring and precise moments. “Really? Electrical batons? Not custom armor or design? Cronus doesn’t deserve to run this game.” Kuroto says in disgust.
>>
>The monster has called for backup. What do you do?
>Continue to focus on the main monster with your melee attacks. If you can beat him then the minions will go down with him.
>Focus on the minions. You remember your fight in the factory and how they used their numbers and lack of self preservation to pin you down while the boss used its strongest attacks.
>Back off a bit and stick to ranged attacks. Assess the situation and look for some kind of weakness or opening to exploit.
>Try to regroup with Graphite. His fighting style includes aoe attacks. That should help thin out the herd.
>Write in.

1d20+2 same as before.
>>
Gonna grab food. Be back in about an hour or so.
>>
Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4131743
>Continue to focus on the main monster with your melee attacks. If you can beat him then the minions will go down with him.
>>
>>4131743
>Continue to focus on the main monster with your melee attacks. If you can beat him then the minions will go down with him.
>>
>>4131834
>>4131828
A natural 20. Alright time to get writing
>>
One of the minions walks forwards towards Kuroto with its shock baton raised. Kuroto simply thrusts his leg back and kicks the minion in the gut, knocking him backwards into the others. “Stand back peon! You’re not even worthy of fighting your God!” Kuroto bellows and jumps forward to land on top of the boss monster.

Kuroto cackles madly as he unleashes hell upon the downed monster. He swipes and slashes wildly with both his weapons, all tactics and finesse lost. A few of the minions approach and strike Kuroto in the back. Jolts of electricity flow down his back and through his body but Kuroto doesn’t slow down or skip a swing completely lost in his attack. The monster only attempts to dodge by moving side to side but the crushed dumpster has walled it in, preventing any evasive maneuver from working.

After several seconds of nonstop strikes, the monster goes still. Kuroto lets out an animalistic laugh as he screams to the sky. “Is there nothing that can stop me?!” He laughs swinging a sickle behind him and striking all the minions that were attacking him. But even in his bloodlust fueled high, Kuroto notices that the monster begins to glow a bright blue. He leaps high into the air and backflips over the group, firing energy blasts from his bow into the monster only to have them be absorbed, and back into the main alleyway just in time to escape the large sphere of electricity that exploded from the monster. The minions spasm as the blast envelops them and they fall to the ground, useless, and the walls of the nearby buildings are disintegrated. The ground is worn away leaving a several foot deep crater.

As the light fades the monster gets to its feet and starts to walk towards Kuroto, its footsteps unsteady and its body glitching out and struggling to stay solid. “Reiko must be rubbing off on me.” Kuroto muses as he slots his Gashat into his weapon.

Gashatto!

Kimewaza! Dangerous Critical Finish!

“Because even I want to put you out of your misery now.”

>Roll me the last 1d20+2 to finish the monster off! Can you do it?
>>
Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4131925
>>
>>4131941
Well it seems like we're reaching that point in the night where people are going to bed. I should head to sleep myself as well but I'll do this last post and leave you guys with a vote of who you want to follow next. Writing.
>>
As the sickles begin to charge themselves and become infused with a dark purple energy, Kuroto snaps them both together into a bow and takes aim. “The biggest shame of all this is how useless you are now.” He says watching the monster slowly hobble towards him.

“Honestly I never understood the whole point of making bugsters and humans work together for the better good but at least I can understand that both of them are much better with their sentience. At this point it’s not even sporting to fight you. I might as well be bashing a computer into the wall for all the good that does me and yet...I can’t help but feel sorry for you.”

The monster comes to a halt and raises its hands as it begins to glow blue once more but Kuroto unleashes his attack at the creature. The large blast of energy rockets forward tearing through the air and making a sound almost like the screams of the damned. The arrow strikes the monster in its chest and for a moment nothing happens.

Kuroto lets his arm fall and lets out a sigh of relief before the monster groans and explodes in a violet burst of energy. The monster falls to the ground and slowly begins to fade away in the same digital effect that all it’s brethren do. “Thank...you…” It moans before it fades to nothing.

Kuroto remains silent before quietly saying. “You’re welcome...I should have made you better. Maybe then, he wouldn’t have done this to you.”


He raises his hand to the side of his Helmet and calls you. Once the answering machine asks you to leave a message he simply says, “Reiko. We have a situation…”

>With that, who do you want to play as next?
>Reiko and Asuna as they deal with a minion monster among the reporters?
>Graphite as he deals with a 3v1 at the front of the building?
>Parado as he attempts to navigate Motor’s race track and get Yui to her extraction point?
>>
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Well seems voting has died here. Will start a new thread this weekend. Thanks for voting and sticking with this quest.
Here's my twitter where I try to post updates and game times.
NovaRunnerQM (@nova_qm): https://twitter.com/nova_qm?s=09



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