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File: Tomboy Retrieval Quest.jpg (191 KB, 1280x720)
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If there’s one thing that you’ve learned about working at a boarding house for superhumans, it’s that shit goes sideways in one way or another on a day to day basis.

“What the FUCK do you MEAN they just DISAPPEARED?!”

A shrill voice yells in your direction as you quietly sidestep a wooden chair, the sound of it shattering against the wall nearly deafening you.

“It’s as I said, ma’am. I went up after they didn’t come down for lunch, and behold, all of their rooms were empty. Please stop breaking the furniture, I’m not sure we have enough to replace it.” Your voice is quiet and respectful, even if your eye does twitch when you hear her break a glass in the midst of her tirade.

“Isn’t it your job to keep track of them? Don’t fuck with me, Michael, I’ll have you FIRED.”

“They’re adults, ma’am. I’m not going to stand over their shoulders to keep them in check.”

“Listen here you little shit—”

Your chin is promptly grasped and jerked up, forcibly taking your attention away from the fine wooden floor and instead directing it at the blonde haired woman whose face is purple with rage. Your face remains composed as you stare into her green eyes, despite her huffing and puffing minty breath into your face.

“Ma’am, you know you always have my full attention.”

Her grip on your chin increases.

“I want you to bring them back here, Michael. By dinnertime. Do you understand me?”

“I’m the housekeeper, not a—”

She promptly slams your head into the oak wall behind you, making stars dance behind your vision. A tinge of irritation rises in the back of your spine.

“Listen, buddy. If they aren’t here, we aren’t getting paid. The world doesn’t know about this shit yet, and we can’t let them go unsupervised.”

“It would have been wise to get some additional staff—”

Another hit, and your vision blanks for a second. You grit your teeth.

“They dropped this shit on my lap, Michael, and you’re damn well lucky I’m keeping you around so you can share in the profit. I’m not letting you go until you agree to find them, motherfucker.”

“Please stop hitting me against the wall, I understand that we need to get them ba—”

“MICHAEL. Are we clear?”

You feel something snap as anger takes hold for a moment.

“Yeah, fucking crystal, lady.”

>You place a hand against her wrist and shove her back with minimal force, sending her off the ground and against her desk with a crash.
>You dissipate into a warm breeze and flit out of her grasp, and to the opposite end of the room.
>You feel a slight tear as blood creeps down your arms, forming two tangible ropes that forcibly lift her off of the ground, and into the chair in front of the desk.
>You reach up to remove her hand, and moments later, one of the heels on the woman’s shoes snap and sends her off kilter – sometimes, your luck takes a little bit to kick in.
>>
>>4528378

>You feel a slight tear as blood creeps down your arms, forming two tangible ropes that forcibly lift her off of the ground, and into the chair in front of the desk.

Ara ara a superhuman quest...

...Color me intrigued...
>>
>>4528378
>>You reach up to remove her hand, and moments later, one of the heels on the woman’s shoes snap and sends her off kilter – sometimes, your luck takes a little bit to kick in.

Hehe. Getting lucky.
>>
>>4528378
>You reach up to remove her hand, and moments later, one of the heels on the woman’s shoes snap and sends her off kilter – sometimes, your luck takes a little bit to kick in.
>>
>>4528378
>You feel a slight tear as blood creeps down your arms, forming two tangible ropes that forcibly lift her off of the ground, and into the chair in front of the desk.
>>
>>4528378
>You reach up to remove her hand, and moments later, one of the heels on the woman’s shoes snap and sends her off kilter – sometimes, your luck takes a little bit to kick in.
>>
>>4528378
Boating for luck.
>>
>>4528378
>You reach up to remove her hand, and moments later, one of the heels on the woman’s shoes snap and sends her off kilter – sometimes, your luck takes a little bit to kick in.
>>
>>4528413
>>4528398
>>4528386
>>4528382
Take my energy anons, please use the last of my coomer quest strength well.
>>
>>4528382
>>4528386
>>4528398
>>4528410
>>4528413
>>4528417
You're a lucky sort of guy. Writing now!
>>
>You reach up to remove her hand, and moments later, one of the heels on the woman’s shoes snap and sends her off kilter – sometimes, your luck takes a little bit to kick in.

You know we can't resist the luck build.
>>
>>4528378
>You feel a slight tear as blood creeps down your arms, forming two tangible ropes that forcibly lift her off of the ground, and into the chair in front of the desk.
>>
>>4528426

As you reach up to take her pale hand off of your chin, a satisfying crack resounds throughout the room as your boss falls away from you, her face turning to one of abject confusion just as she hits the ground back first. Before she has a chance to recover and put her hands on you again, you hurriedly step away from her while you try to suppress a cackle. It’s much easier to reign in your unprofessionalism when somebody gets put in their place.

“I know that they need to be brought back, Angela. I’m not a fool – if anything, you are for not hiring people to deal with this.” With that snide remark, you open the door and exit, closing the door just in time to avoid a screech of the highest caliber.

“Up yours too, asshole.” You murmur under your breath, straightening your golden tie now that she’s not able to hear you.

Your name is Michael, and you work as a housekeeper inside the town of Grand Rodeo. You were suckered into this job by a woman by the name of Angela Eurwen, who you beat five times in a poker game with royal straight flushes. After you were tossed out, she cornered you outside in the parking lot, and demanded to know how you cheated that well.

Unfortunately, you didn’t cheat once.

You’re a hell of a lucky guy – only for you, it’s much more literal than that. Enough so that, were you to try flipping a coin twenty times wishing for heads, chances are you’d get it every time. Explaining this to Angela flipped some sort of switch in her head, apparently, and she ended up explaining her peculiar circumstances to you over drinks that were on your dollar.

To keep it relatively short-handed, she was tasked by some form of government official to run a boarding house for superhumans. This was due to Angela being one herself – her power being alchemy – and she felt like she needed to make money quick in order to finance it, as the government was reluctant to give her much beyond the house itself at the beginning, due to wanting to evaluate her performance before actually sinking money into her.

This led to her using whatever money she had left to hire you as not only a housekeeper, but an investor. You’d been looking for work to keep your mind busy, and money’s never been your concern. In fact, of the reasons you took it was to meet more people like you.

But, the main reason you took the job came the day after that chance meeting. Once you had actually met the other inhabitants of the house.

You look up from the floor just as a light fixture snaps from a dangling cable, and crashes to the ground nearly inches away from you.

1:00 PM. Six hours until dinnertime.

“Plenty of time to bring the tomboys home for dinner.”

>Assess the damage to the house first – there was quite a fight before everyone left.
>Walk upstairs and see if there’s evidence to their whereabouts in one of the rooms.
>Go outside and for a leisurely stroll – there’s plenty of time, and maybe you’ll stumble upon one of them.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4528458
>>Walk upstairs and see if there’s evidence to their whereabouts in one of the rooms.
>>
>>4528458
>>Go outside and for a leisurely stroll – there’s plenty of time, and maybe you’ll stumble upon one of them.

We're lucky, aren't we?
>>
>>4528458
>Walk upstairs and see if there’s evidence to their whereabouts in one of the rooms.
>>
>>4528467
Full luck, yes, this is the way, our way, the only way, FULL FORCE AHEAD.
>>
>>4528458
>Walk upstairs and see if there’s evidence to their whereabouts in one of the rooms.
>>
>>4528467

Fair point, changing mine to this.
>>
>>4528467
>>4528482
>>4528485
Go for a walk in the streets of Grand Rodeo. Writing now!
>>
>>4528458
>Go outside and for a leisurely stroll – there’s plenty of time, and maybe you’ll stumble upon one of them.
>>
>>4528458
>Walk upstairs and see if there’s evidence to their whereabouts in one of the rooms.
>>
>>4528493

You begin moving down the hall.

The place has a pretty high ceiling for a simple townhouse, and if anything, it looks more like a log cabin you’d find in the middle of the woods. The inside seems to always be warmer than the outside, the air reeks of pine smoke, and you’re pretty sure the newly put in rugs and paintings were bought on your dime. Regardless of all of that, it’s a pretty cozy place, even when it’s being wrecked by the residents.

You run your fingers along the wrecked wood as you make your way to the entrance, glancing at the stairs that would lead to the upper floor, two of the girls’ rooms visible to you through the railing. You have the temptation to go through their shit to see if you can guess where they’re at, but restrain yourself.

If anything, specifically trying to look through their shit to locate them would be less effective than your own luck. Also, Muscles – you haven’t learned her name, so that’s what you elect to call her – would probably break both of your arms and throw you off the second story balcony.

Shaking your head, however, you open the front door and step into the cool November air of Grand Rodeo. The city is quite large, having several skyscrapers and bustling tech firms, but this little slice of it is quiet compared to the rest. This is an area predominately populated by retirees and celebrities, which was a nice place for the government to pick, you’ll admit.

Unfortunately, it comes with it’s own set of issues.

“Hello, Michael!” A tinny voice calls from somewhere to your left, and as you turn to greet back, you see an old woman hobbling over to you with a worried look and slight gait.

Ms. Sacheco. She gave you cookies three days ago.

“Hello, ma’am.” You give your best winning smile as you look down at the short woman. “Can I help you with anything?”

“Are you okay? I heard a lot of crashing from inside the house…I thought you might have been being robbed; except I didn’t see any vehicles!” She clasps one of your hands with both of hers. “Do you need me to call an ambulance?”

You internally curse – those damn girls are a thorn in your side when it suits them.

“No, it was just a chain reaction of things falling. Please don’t pay it any mind.”

“Okay, if you’re sure. I worry for you, you know – it’s not often someone as young as you has a house to himself!”

The smile on your face becomes strained. The fact that this was the cover story you were forced to shoulder by Angela weighs on you – due to this, you’re also the only one who’s allowed to leave through the front door.

After sending the lady off and wishing her a good day, you deflate as soon as she goes through the entrance, roughly running a hand down your face.

“I’m gonna need to give them a talking to.” You grouse, stepping onto the sidewalk.

Where would you like to wander?

>The city center, where it’s bustling with activity.
>The outskirts, where not many people go.
>The coast, where beach live thrives.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4528523
>>The coast, where beach live thrives.
>>
>>4528523
>The coast, where beach live thrives.
>>
>The city center, where it’s bustling with activity.
>>
>>4528523
>>The coast, where beach live thrives.

Beach episode already?
>>
>>4528523
>The outskirts, where not many people go.
>>
>>4528523
>The city center, where it’s bustling with activity.
>>
>>4528523
>The coast, where beach live thrives.
>>
>>4528527
>>4528535
>>4528548
>>4528559
Beach episodes sneak up on you like nobody's business. Writing now!
>>
>>4528570

Figuring that some fresh ocean air might be good to help clear your head and to help make some head(way), you continue down the sidewalk for a while, your destination being the sandy coasts of Grand Rodeo. This city is the most successful coastal town in the country, and 75 percent of that is due to how pretty it is. Despite the center of the place being a concrete jungle, once you go anywhere else, the black tar and stone buildings give way to surprisingly natural beauty.

It’s not surprising that the cornerstone of it is the ever-populated oceanside.

>TIME: 1:30. FIVE AND A HALF HOURS UNTIL DINNER. 0/6 TOMBOYS RETURNED.

After about thirty minutes of walking, slightly delayed by traffic in the process, you stroll up to a metal railing that overlooks a cerulean sea. There are no clouds in the sky today, which causes the rippling water to glimmer like gemstones. The smell of salt hits you in a sharp wave, and you take a moment to breath it in, leaning against the railing and closing your eyes, basking in the sound of beachgoers having a good time.

CRACK!

You open your eyes and look down to find that the rail underneath your arms has given way, your vision slowly being engulfed by golden sand.

POOF!

The fall doesn’t necessarily hurt anything other than your pride, due to hearing a few passersby’s laugh at your circumstance. It wasn’t a far drop by any stretch of the imagination, so you’re able to raise your head without difficulty and begin scrubbing sand out of your eyes and off of your informal suit.

When you’re able to see clearly again, you catch the sight of someone in particular striding towards you, and you realize that this was another aspect of your luck kicking in yet again.

The girl’s skin is a naturally bronzed tan, no doubt because of many hours spent at bleachers or similar areas. You can see drops of water clinging to her – she must have gotten out of the ocean a little while ago – and her short black hair is matted in areas, although it isn’t hanging in her ruby red eyes. You also note that she’s wearing a fairly revealing black swimsuit, a litany of straps affixing it to her body while showing off some impressive muscles.

“’Sup, Muscles?” You say as you spit out a mouthful of sand, causing the girl to respond with a deep and rich laugh. She reaches down and places a hand on your shoulder, tugging you off of the ground and to your feet without any semblance of effort.

“Didn’t know you wanted to come to the beach with me, boss.” She flashes a stunning, yet crooked grin at you. “I could have waited for you!”

“You missed lunch, and I’m afraid I’ve been sent to send you back to the house. Angela is quite upset with your absence, and the…collateral damage.” You try to remain professional as you keep your gaze firmly locked to her face.
>>
>>4528611

“Not my fault the bone bitch always wants to pick a fight…you’d think she’d learn after a while.” She leans in closer to you, pinching the flesh of her bicep. “And I’d think you’d learn that I need some time to cool off after a fight. Can’t I come home later?”

“If I let you go right now, you’ll stay out after dark. Again.” You respond, heart hitching at the sudden proximity. “Even if you’re staying there for free, there are rules.”

Even with the waves crashing against the shore, you could swear that you hear her click her tongue.

“When are you gonna stop talkin’ all professional with me, boss? It’s just you and me here.” She reaches out and puts a hand on your shoulder, keeping you firmly locked into place without any avenue of escape.

Super strength.

“Let’s just blow Angela off and have a good time here today. What do you say? You’re not gonna be able to drag me back, let me tell you.”

Admittedly, you’d like nothing more than to spend a day with a pretty tomboy at the beach. Unfortunately, you don’t want Angela smothering you in acid tonight, so you’ll have to decline.

>Challenge Muscles to something at an attempt to play at her sense of competitiveness.
>Ask her if she wants to go on a walk with you rather than be at the beach.
>Try to leave the scene, maybe you could find another girl to get her off the beach.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4528613
>>Challenge Muscles to something at an attempt to play at her sense of competitiveness.

How about you help me wrangle everyone else? Whoever wins gets 1 favor from the other, think you can do it?
>>
>>4528613
>Challenge Muscles to something at an attempt to play at her sense of competitiveness.

What's the most you've ever lost on a a coin toss
>>
>>4528613
>>Ask her if she wants to go on a walk with you rather than be at the beach.
>>
>>4528617
Seconding this
>>4528621
But this is also stellar in case she doesn't bite the more reasonable plan
>>
>>4528613
>>Challenge Muscles to something at an attempt to play at her sense of competitiveness.
>>
>>4528617
>>4528621
>>4528643
>>4528646
Writing now!
>>
>>4528613
>Ask her if she wants to go on a walk with you rather than be at the beach.
>>
>>4528665

Trying not to be cowed in the face of the pretty girl’s strength, you fight to keep your tone level as you try to shrug her hand off of your shoulder, which doesn’t work.

“How about we have a competition, then? Whoever brings back the most girls to the house owes the other a favor.” You try and bargain with the girl, which causes that deep laugh to come out again.

“I could force you to do anything at any time, boss.” The way she says that makes your spine tingle, but you hold steady.

“Maybe so, but wouldn’t it be more satisfying for me to have to do it willingly?” You glance to both sides, noticing that you’re beginning to attract the attention of curious bystanders, some of which who are rooting around in their pockets for cellphones. “Listen, can we have this talk somewhere else? People are staring!”

“Of course.” She says with that crooked grin, turning on her heel and wrapping her arm around your shoulders, pulling you tight against her side as she begins walking towards the ocean. She smells of salt and sunscreen. “And you could be right, but that’s not enough for me to want to leave this paradise. Grand Rodeo’s a lot prettier up close than in the travel brochures. Make it a little more appealing to me, huh?”

“…a coin toss?”

“Not a chance. You’re awfully lucky with stuff like coins and dice.” You wince. Curses, your luck is playing against you! Maybe she’s still holding the game night from earlier in the week against you – you rolled so many twelves in Monopoly that you’re pretty sure half of the table wanted to murder you.

“Come on, man—” your informal tone slips out “—there’s not a lot that we can do with my luck and your strength!”

“Then let’s pick something that relies on skill, how about? Maybe if you beat me, I’ll help you out, or go home. It’s not often we get to play by ourselves.” She taps you on the chin twice, the impact of it rocking your head back. Why are people targeting your chin today?

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Then I’ll let you go, and you can go away while I enjoy the beach.”

That’s fair. What would you like to do?

>A breath holding competition – you haven’t done that since you were a kid, but strength doesn’t equal lung capacity.
>Take a walk down the coast with her and see if you can find a game manned by a third party.
>Let her suggest something – even if she is the way she is, Muscles is a fair person.
>Just leave her here – you’ll try to find someone else to bring her off of here.
>Suggest a competition yourself – you’re a smart guy. (Write-in something to do!)
>>
>>4528613
>Ask her if she wants to go on a walk with you rather than be at the beach.
>>4528621
I don’t know, I couldn’t say.
>>
>>4528689
>A breath holding competition – you haven’t done that since you were a kid, but strength doesn’t equal lung capacity.
>>
>>4528689
>>A breath holding competition – you haven’t done that since you were a kid, but strength doesn’t equal lung capacity.
>>
>>4528689
>Take a walk down the coast with her and see if you can find a game manned by a third party
Our luck might still come in handy!
>>
>>4528689
>Take a walk down the coast with her and see if you can find a game manned by a third party.
>>
>>4528689
>Take a walk down the coast with her and see if you can find a game manned by a third party.
Anything really, as long as we don't let her choose.
>>
>>4528378
>cum
>>
>>4528689
>Rock paper scissors, best 2 out of 3?
>>
>>4528689
>A breath holding competition – you haven’t done that since you were a kid, but strength doesn’t equal lung capacity.
>>
>>4528689
>Take a walk down the coast with her and see if you can find a game manned by a third party.

Luck means we'll find something favored to us, right?
>>
>>4528700
>>4528713
>>4528723
>>4528798
Take a walk down the sandy beach, and see if you can find something good. Writing now!
>>
>>4528806

“In that case, how about we go down the beach and see if somebody’s hosting a game?” You wave your arm that’s not pressed against her towards the expanse of beach, namely towards the various tents that are placed near the railings. Many of those tents are filled with people looking to make a quick buck, serve a quick bite to eat, or even just shoot the shit – there is no doubt that you’ll be able to find something there.

Hopefully, your luck will show you something that’s at least kind of oriented towards your specific skill set. Muscles only knows that your power affects dice and coins, and you’d be surprised if she knew anything beyond that – you’ve only known her for about a week and a half, after all.

The two of you move down the edges of the ocean, idly gazing at the tents as you do so. They’re close enough that you can see the interiors, and many are jam packed with people.

“I don’t understand why you won’t come back to the house, Muscles.” You idly note that a dark green tent seems unoccupied, other than a man with a low table playing with cups. “It’s been a solid hour or so.”

“I just prefer it out here, boss. The sun is shining, the waves are nice and cool, I can lay back in the sand…much better than that stuffy old house. Also, the owner is a bitch. Most of the other girls are fine, and you’re definitely fine. Doesn’t mean I want to hang out there, though.”

“l understand that, but you’re under specific rules from the government. You didn’t even let us know you were going anywhere.”

“They can suck it, as far as I care. I was living just fine before they found out I had this strength, and now they have me under a microscope.”

You can’t exactly blame her there, although she fails to mention that the reason she got found out at all was her own fault, from what little you know about it. Also, it’s your job to bring her home, so you won’t falter.

“Well, even if you’re right, you can’t blame them for being cautious. Everyone’s scared of what they don’t know.” Another tent, filled with men playing an odd game involving sticking cards on their forehead. Another option. “Especially when the person has insane, car crushing strength."

“Still a bunch of bullshit, though. I’ll fight it for as long as I can. Also, I found something, but you’re not allowed to look at it until I’m done. Your weird mumbo jumbo might influence it – we can choose something else if you saw something, though.”

You quirk an eyebrow and go to look, and are quickly stopped by the woman cupping your cheek in her hand to stop you, which makes you go through some form of mental episode. Fuckin’ tomboys and not being averse to physical contact.

>Backtrack to the cup tent – that’s not exactly dependent on luck, but on your own ability to see.
>Backtrack to the card tent – you’re interested in what that game is, since they were showing each other the cards.
>Agree with her and let her go - you'll get her home one way or another.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4528837
>Backtrack to the card tent – you’re interested in what that game is, since they were showing each other the cards.
>>
>>4528837
>Agree with her and let her go - you'll get her home one way or another.
>>
>>4528837
>You can’t exactly blame her there, although she fails to mention that the reason she got found out at all was her own fault, from what little you know about it.
Let me guess, she was benchpressing a truck

>Backtrack to the card tent – you’re interested in what that game is, since they were showing each other the cards.
>>
>>4528837
>Backtrack to the card tent – you’re interested in what that game is, since they were showing each other the cards.
Give these tomboys no quarter
>>
>>4528837
>Backtrack to the card tent – you’re interested in what that game is, since they were showing each other the cards.
>>
Hello, and thank you for your patience! Made dinner and did some dishes, but now I'm back for a little while longer.

>>4528857
>>4528881
>>4528891
>>4528957
Go and play some cards. Writing now!

>>4528881
How else would she get those slick gainz, anon?
>>
>>4529029

“I did see something that would fit what you’re looking for.” You say to Muscles, pointing at the tent containing the men sticking cards on their foreheads. You’ve never quite seen a game like that, and it seems like something that’s fair enough to be above board, but also something that your luck could help with. “It is a card game, but it appeared that the cards were on display to the opponent, meaning that nothing under the table would be happening. Does that suit you fine?”

“…let’s see what the game is.” Her red eyes narrow, but she steers you back around, almost knocking over a bystander with her shoulder movement. “You’re a trickster. Anybody who wears a suit to the beach is a trickster.”

“That’s kind of a narrow classification…” You self-consciously tug on your tie as you make your way to the tent.

The thing is relatively low to the ground compared to others on the beach, the fabric being crimson red and adorned with various card suit symbols seemingly placed at random. You’ve apparently walked in just as another game finished, as two burly men move past you, one with a bright grin and the other sulking.

“Well, hello!”

As you pass through the threshold into the tent, a cheery male voice greets you. You look to your left and see that an old man is sitting at the head of a long and narrow wooden table, happily playing around with a black and gold set of playing cards. Next to him are two clay bowls filled with black and white reversi pieces, both placed at opposite sides of the table. The man is bald, and you can tell just by looking at him that he likely can’t see very well anymore.

“Good afternoon, sir. Might we inquire to the type of game you—”

“Stop speaking so formal, boss. Old timer, what game are you running here?” Muscles elbows you in the side very lightly, making you immediately bite your tongue so you don’t audibly scream. Holy fuck, it feels like you just got punched ten times at once in the ribs. This chick is crazy.

“Not often that I get any young’uns around here!” The man cackles and slams the deck on the table, beginning to shuffle it as he does. “I don’t really like conventional poker, so I got a different kind of card game in this tent. You get 30 pieces, and one card. You aren’t allowed to look at your own card, and you stick it to your forehead, meaning you only get to see your opponent’s. You then bet these chips on whether or not you think you can beat the card your opponent has! Aces equal one, each round is a one chip ante, and you can fold at your own peril. Sound good?”

That does sound good to you. You turn to Muscles, who is in a state of pondering.

>Wait for her to make a decision – it’s up to her what you play, really.
>Try to sell her on it – you’re lucky, but it seems like this game is above board.
>Talk to the man while she decides – are there any other things you need to know about the game?
>Write-in.
>>
>>4529053
>Try to sell her on it – you’re lucky, but it seems like this game is above board.
If necessary, ask more questions about the game to raise her interest.
>>
>>4529053
>Wait for her to make a decision – it’s up to her what you play, really.
>>
>>4529053
>Talk to the man while she decides – are there any other things you need to know about the game?
>>
>>4529053
>>Talk to the man while she decides – are there any other things you need to know about the game?
>>
>>4529053
>Talk to the man while she decides – are there any other things you need to know about the game?
>>
Good morning, everyone! How are you doing today?

>>4529069
>>4529493
>>4529997
There's gotta be a catch, and Muscles can decide for herself. Writing now!
>>
>>4530057

“Is there anything else we should know about the game?” You move around the table and sit down, barely able to slot your legs underneath it due to how close it is to the ground. Thankfully, there are a variety of carpets set up in the tent so you’re not touching the ground, meaning that your clothes are safe from yet another sand bath.

“Well, I’d be happy to explain! Despite this looking like a causal setup, I’m gonna be the one dealing the cards – that’s just to prevent unsportsmanlike activities, although I’m sure you kids would never do such a thing.” He winks at you specifically, making you cock an eyebrow in response. “Also, of course there’s a fee – I do need to make this worth my while somewhat!”

“How much is it?” You ask the old man, squinting at him as you do. People like this on the beachside are prepared to gouge your wallet at any available opportunity, and just because you personally have a bit of money to spend – more than enough, really – you don’t exactly like throwing it around like the world’s going to end.

“Hmm…” The man raises a hand to cup his chin, looking back and forth between the pondering superhuman and you. He then leans forward, causing a lot of things on his person to clank and jingle. You hadn’t noticed before, but he’s wearing odd looking golden jewelry – bracelets and pendants affixed to seemingly random areas, many of which that have hanging baubles.

You have a feeling that you know how much he makes off of this venture immediately.

He draws close to you, shooting a secretive glance to Muscles as he goes to whisper something in your ear. He smells like incense and alcohol, a not so great combination, were anybody to ask you.

“Wanna impress your girl there, sonny? You look like you got a lot on you, and she’s lookin’ like she wants to play.”

You look over at her – her expression hasn’t changed once, and judging by the slight fog in the man’s eyes, you’re unsure how he could see what she’s feeling.

“What are you suggesting, sir?”

“Gimme a hundred bucks, and I’ll match you.” He pulls back his aged leather jacket and fiddles around with a canister stuck to the inside, eventually popping it open to show a roll of bills inside, discreetly passing a crisp $100 to you. “I remember what it’s like to be your age, y’know – young women love money nowadays, don’t they? ”

You look at Muscles again. You think that she would be more impressed by someone bench-pressing a car, but hey, you don’t know her all that well.

>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
>Politely decline – you’ve just met this man, and as kind as he’s trying to portray himself as, you’re unsure about him.
>Tell him that you’ll do it if he can convince her to play – you’re unconfident in your speaking arts, and the game sounds interesting.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4530094
>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
>>
>>4530094
>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
We do have a time limit after all

>>4530057
>Good morning, everyone! How are you doing today?
Good morning Cirno!
>>
>>4530094
>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
>>
>>4530094
>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
>>
>>4530094
>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
>>
>>4530094
>>Sure, you’ll bite – maybe it will end up impressing Muscles, since she doesn’t exactly know your financial status.
>>
Hello, everyone! Had quite a few things happen today - I'll be getting new internet soon, and I had a pretty hefty assignment to handle for college! Thank you for your patience, let's get some late night doots out of the way!

>>4530115
>>4530122
>>4530123
>>4530162
>>4530241
>>4530262
Take the bait, you are on a schedule. Writing now!
>>
>>4530852

“Alright, fine. Thank you for your kindness.” You stealthily take the money as he backs off to his original position, and you turn to look at Muscles. “Could you please make a decision soon? I’m on a bit of a time crunch.”

“I’m trying to decide if this will be a good idea, buzz off.” Muscles grouses, red eyes flicking to you briefly.

“I mean, what do you have to lose? You’re just being stubborn at this point. Even if I’m lucky with cards, it’s not like anything will be hidden from you – seems to be a game of mainly intuition.” You respond to her, reaching into your wallet to pull out another hundred dollars, sliding it over to the man along with the bill he had given you. “I’ll give you $200 to play, old man.”

“Thank you kindly, son!” He gives you a cloudy wink, taking the money and placing it inside the same round canister you had seen earlier. “Come on, the boy’s willing to spend this much money on you! What’s the problem with playing along with this hotshot, eh?”

“Ugh, fine, fine.” Muscles rolls her eyes and plops down on the carpeting, immediately splaying out in an unladylike way as she props an arm on the table. “You have a point, and besides, I’d like to think I have pretty good eyes. You wear your heart on your sleeve, boss.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You tell her with a poker face, to which she snorts, shooting you a coy grin.

“Alright, the both of you! Let’s get this game started, huh?” The old man places his hands on both bowls and slides them over to you both – you have black pieces, while she has white. He then proceeds to shuffle the cards in a way that you could only describe as manic, before slamming the deck on the table. “Please place a single piece in the middle of the table! Every round, it’ll go up by one, just to keep the ball rolling!”

“How quaint.” You remark, flicking a piece to the middle of the table. Muscles mirrors the motion, although much more carefully lest she accidentally break something.

“I know, right? Anyways, here are your cards.” He smoothly draws two of the black and gold cards and places them in front of the both of you. “Remember, raise them to your foreheads at the same time without looking at your own cards, understood?”

“Yep.” The both of you reply in unison, waiting a moment before doing so.

The air becomes strangely tense in the hot tent, and you feel a bead of sweat trail down your neck as your eyes drift to Muscles’ forehead.

She has the eight of spades held up with a single finger, and she's looking at you blankly.

What would you like to do?

>CHIPS: 29.

>CALL – COST, 1 CHIP.
>RAISE – COST, AT LEAST TWO CHIPS.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>OTHER – WRITE-IN!
>>
>>4530914
>>RAISE – COST, AT LEAST TWO CHIPS.
THE HEART OF THE CARDS
>>
>>4530940
>THE HEART OF THE CARDS
support
>>
>>4530914
>>RAISE – COST, AT LEAST TWO CHIPS.
>>
>>4530914
>>RAISE – COST, AT LEAST TWO CHIPS.
His shuffle should help us, assuming our luck took effect
>>
>>4530914
>RAISE – COST, AT LEAST TWO CHIPS.
>>
Howdy!

>>4530940
>>4531085
>>4531221
>>4531534
Raise, you're feeling lucky. Writing now!

>>4530954
The heart of the cards is the most powerful ally one could have.
>>
>>4531560

Looking Muscles directly in the eyes, you slide two more chips onto the pile, raising your total bet to three. You see her eyebrows shoot up for a moment before bringing her eyes up to your forehead. Running a hand through her hair, she lazily looks over to the old man.

“How do you feel about raising after a raise? Some places I’ve been to here get a stick up their ass about it.”

“Do whatever floats your boat, girlie! I’m just the dealer.” He gives a wide smile, looking back and forth between the two of you. Shrugging her shoulders after that, she leans forward and snatches four pieces out of her bowl, clumsily tossing them onto the pile. You quirk an eyebrow, and you see the corner of her mouth turn up slightly. She licks her lips, and snaps her finger.

“You gonna keep staring, or are you gonna play, boss? I’d like to get some sun while I still can, and I believe you have places to be, right? Feel free to quit the match if you’re scared.”

Despite her heckling, you glance down at your watch and note the time, as she’s correct – dinnertime might approach fast if you’re not paying attention.

>TIME: 1:45 PM. FIVE AND A QUARTER HOURS REMAIN UNTIL DINNER.

>CHIPS: 27.

>CALL – COST: ONE CHIP. [If you call, the cards will be revealed after.]
>RAISE – COST: MORE THAN ONE CHIP.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>Observe her closely for any information past surface level. [If this wins, you will be required to roll.]
>Write-in.
>>
>>4531564
>RAISE – COST: MORE THAN ONE CHIP.
>>
>>4531564
Option revision because I'm dumb and copy-pasted, lol. Apologies, just got home!

>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS. [If you call, the cards will be revealed after.]
>RAISE – COST: MORE THAN TWO CHIPS.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>Observe her closely for any information past surface level. [If this wins, you will be required to roll.]
>Write-in.
>>
>>4531568
>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS. [If you call, the cards will be revealed after.]
>>
>>4531564
>RAISE – COST: MORE THAN ONE CHIP.
>>
>>4531564
>Observe her closely for any information past surface level. [If this wins, you will be required to roll.]
Let's see if she's bluffing or not
>>
>>4531568
>Observe her closely for any information past surface level. [If this wins, you will be required to roll.]
>>
Actually, this is basically normal poker. You just have to think of the card on your opponent's forehead as your hand, and reverse the what-beats-what relationships. This means that the normal poker strategies apply.
>>
>>4531568
>>Observe her closely for any information past surface level. [If this wins, you will be required to roll.]
>>
>>4531572
>>4531573
>>4531585
Stare at her face, and see if you can discern what she's feeling. Please roll me a 1d20 - best of three wins, although if there's a critical fail, that automatically goes over everything else.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4531612
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4531612
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4531612
>>
>>4531621
This goes through - writing now!
>>
>>4531612
Just to know, a crit success overrides a crit fail right ?
>>
>>4531630
Yeah, it does!
>>
>>4531622

Leaning forward and resting your head on your hand, you stare into Muscles’ face with all of your being as she looks back at you with a face of bemusement. Although it’s only been a week or so since this operation started, you’re starting to get a feel for how some of the girls who live in the house operate – Bones often rubs her heavily scarred arms when she’s nervous, Metal will scratch her cheek when impatient, and so on and so forth.

Muscles, however, hasn’t presented any specific habit to you that you would be able to identify – despite being a completely utter meathead, when she’s not faced with an immediately aggravating situation, she’s pretty good at keeping her cool. Looking at her right now, her face might as well be utterly blank, other than her slight smirk at you attempting to figure her out.

Even though you’re not the best at reading people – your luck, rarely fallible, has ensured that you basically hardly need to read people in gambling – you get the feeling that Muscles was pretty confident about her raise.

That eight of spades on her head is an interesting first draw – it’s almost at the sweet spot where anything could be higher or lower. You really wish you could look at your own cards, but hey – this is essentially single card poker.

“You gonna hurry up? Don’t make me have to rush you.” Her smirk escalates into a grin, and you sigh to yourself.

Why must these girls be so obstinate?

>CHIPS: 27.

>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS.
>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4531648
>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS.
>>
>>4531648
>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS.
>>
>>4531648
>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS
>>
>>4531648
>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS.
>>
>>4531654
>>4531655
>>4531656
>>4531661
Call the bet, and let the first round end! Writing now.
>>
>>4531648
>>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
Seven chips, give her something to worry about so we can see her tell
>>
>>4531691

You fish out two more chips from the bowl and set them on the table to follow up Muscles’ raise, bringing the total pop up to ten chips. After a few moments pass where neither of you say anything, the old man pipes up happily, slamming his hands on the table and making you jump slightly.

“Very good, both of you! Now, lower your cards to the table, and let’s see who ended up the winner!” He cackles and begins shuffling his cards again, causing you to roll your eyes as you look back at the red-eyed girl.

“Alright, should we do it at the same ti—”

Muscles has already lowered her card to the table, and is now looking back and forth between both of them with a face that looks akin to mild irritation. Feeling a sprig of hope grow within yourself, you lower yours down as well.

The nine of clubs stares back at you.

“Holy shit.” You find yourself saying without any attempts at professionalism, putting the chips into your bowl while sliding the nine back to the old man. Muscles does the same in a huff, looking down at her pile of chips with disappointment.

>CHIPS: 35 (+10).

“Very good round, the both of you!” The old man cackles as he inserts the cards back into his deck, beginning his incessant shuffling once more. “Remember, the next ante is two!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Muscles says, glaring at you. “He’s a lucky kind of guy like that.”

“It’s partially a game of bluff, so you can’t blame it on me entirely. I don’t even know what card I have!” You try to defend yourself as you scoop out two chips in tandem with her, setting them on the middle of the table. Only a second after you draw your hand back, another card is deposited in front of you, which you bring up to your forehead.

“You’re too tricky.” She grouses, mirroring you.

On her head this time is the four of hearts. You feel yourself perk up a bit.

>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS.
>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4531708
>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
Can we go all in and really make her sweat?
>>
>>4531708
>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
>>
>>4531708
>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
Three
>>
>>4531708
>RAISE – COST: THREE OR MORE CHIPS.
>>
>>4531708
>>CALL – COST: TWO CHIPS.
She'll be hesitant to bet after seeing our luck, ease in
>>
Made pork enchiladas and now I have half of the roast left. Fun stuff!

>>4531712
>>4531713
>>4531723
>>4531729
Raise at base level. Writing now!

>>4531712
Since no one agreed, I'll have to say no, but thank you for your enthusiasm anon!
>>
>>4531955

Without breaking eye contact with the girl, you reach into the bowl and pull out three chips, slamming them down in the middle of the table while trying your best not to smirk. The four of hearts? Chances are that you’ll be more than able to beat that – I mean, that’s 8 to 13 odds that you’ll be able to get a higher card!

Muscles, however, snickers and pulls out four chips in a raise.

“You’re not too good at hiding your emotions, boss, but I’m pretty sure I have you beat on this one. Looks like your luck doesn’t always work for you, huh?” Muscles yawns and leans back, putting both arms up behind her head and sticking the card directly to her forehead. It’s hot in here, so it must be held on by sweat or lingering moisture from the ocean. “Of course, you can always just fold now – would I be getting the pot in that case, old timer?”

“Yep, just like poker!” He slaps his knee as if he’d just told the funniest joke in the world.

You nervously look at Muscles’ forehead again – she doesn’t know about the four of hearts, but what the fuck do you have that made her seemingly confident about that raise? You lean forward to observe her again, but she raises a hand.

“I’m more than happy to be looked at by you, but you are on a schedule.” She says, pointing at your nose. “I know you’re a stickler for the rules and shit, so I’m just letting you know – the more time you spend observing, the less time you have to bring the other girls home.”

“…I knew that.”

“Hm…more than one girl, huh?” The old man starts muttering to himself, casting suspicious looks in your direction. You choose to ignore him.

>CHIPS: 28.

>CALL – COST: ONE CHIP.
>RAISE – COST: TWO OR MORE CHIPS.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>OBSERVE – COST: PRECIOUS TIME.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4531960
>>CALL – COST: ONE CHIP.
>>
>>4531960
>CALL – COST: ONE CHIP.
>>
>>4531960
>CALL – COST: ONE CHIP.
>>
>>4531960
>CALL – COST: ONE CHIP.
>>
>>4531960
Ask the man and muscles if we can raise the minimum for the next rounds since we are low on time, and raise 2.
>>
>>4531962
>>4531963
>>4531968
>>4532046
Call and end the round! Writing now.
>>
>>4532155

You deposit one chip in the pot as a call and turn to the old man, now feeling a bit anxious since Muscles pointed out your time limit. As much as you’d like to play a full round, this might be pretty fucking slow were it to keep up, and that’d take a lot of time. But thankfully, you might have a solution.

“Sir, would you mind increasing the ante by double every turn, rather than just by one chip? My friend is right – I have places to be, so I’m going to need to cut this a little short.” You say to him, to which he grins at you.

“Sure, sure, whatever floats your boats, kids! You lot are so busy at your age, hm? I’m just the one dealing the cards! Speaking of the cards, lower them from your foreheads, I think you’re gonna like what’s there!”

You roll your eyes and take your card down in unison with Muscles, allowing both of you to look at your bounty.

On your card, the four of spades stares back at you. Looking from that to her four of hearts, it would appear that you’ve managed to score a tie.

“Goddamnit.” Muscles hisses, side eyeing the beach as she does.

“Well, I haven’t seen that happen in a bit!” The old man leans forward and scoops the chips together into a pile, pulling them a little bit further towards himself. “Looks like this pot stays with me for the moment until the next round! A little bit of a house rule, understand?”

He slowly winks his wrinkly eye at you, and you shudder.

“Whatever. Four, right? Deal the cards.” You say impatiently, tossing four more chips into the center. If he’s gonna hold onto that pot, that’s fine by you – just means you’ll be getting more profit at the end of the day. Muscles mirrors the motion and finally leans forward, abandoning her relaxed posture.

“Looks like this is firing you up somewhat, Muscles.” You comment, placing an elbow on the table as the man slides another card towards you.

“I wanna go back to swimming, but I also gave my word. You’re tricky.” She says once again, causing you to sigh.

“Well, you have no room to talk – seems like you’re trying to help me even if you want to win. What with reminding me of my time limit and all.”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” She sticks the card to her forehead, eyes flickering to the side for a moment before coming back to you.

…cute.

On her forehead this time is the seven of spades. You try not to let your brow wrinkle.

>CHIPS: 27.

>CALL – COST: FOUR CHIPS.
>RAISE – COST: FIVE OR MORE CHIPS.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4532162
>RAISE – COST: FIVE OR MORE CHIPS.
>>
>>4532164
Go big or go home without tomboy
>>
>>4532162
>RAISE – COST: FIVE OR MORE CHIPS.
This is extremely boring.
>>
>>4532162
>RAISE – COST: FIVE OR MORE CHIPS.
We have the luck, unless gramps is rigging somehow with his manic shuffling technique
>>
>>4532162
>RAISE – COST: FIVE OR MORE CHIPS.
>>
Good morning! Don't actually have anything on today, so I should be able to go a while!

>>4532164
>>4532171
>>4532249
>>4532268
Go big or go home. Writing now!
>>
>>4532442

Feeling a bit of impatience well up, you take five chips out of the bowl and throw them onto the middle of the table with just a little bit of force. You wish Muscles would just listen and come home and not be headstrong, and you’re a bit miffed that you need to go through a card game to do so. Sure, you chose the card game, but it almost feels like an inevitable result for you with extra steps. You try and convey this to Muscles with a series of looks, but you don’t think she gets it.

In response to your high impact bet, she grips the bottom of the bowl, and pours the contents over your bet in a stunning display of confidence and whimsy.

“Starting to get bored of this game, so let’s wrap it up. Not like you’re gonna beat what I have anyways, and I wanna get back to the ocean.” She goes to set the bowl back down again, but does so with enough strength that it shatters, causing her to draw her hand back and look at the old man with just a slight bit of guilt.

The man, however, is unfettered, still grinning while manically shuffling the cards.

“Come on, Muscles. You know how lucky I am.” You try and bluff her, becoming increasingly concerned with what you have on your forehead. It’s not that your luck isn’t infallible, even if it’s an incredibly rare occurrence – plus, if you call and fail, that means you’re gonna need to bring somebody back to drag her off the beach, which may get some bystanders irate.

You’re not used to doubting yourself, but the stakes have NEVER been higher. Probably. You almost would have preferred Russian roulette.

>CHIPS: 22.

>CALL – COST: ALL-IN.
>FOLD – BEGIN A NEW ROUND.
>CONCEDE – THE POT IS TOO PHAT.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4532447
>CALL – COST: ALL-IN.
Just because I want to do something else already.
>>
>>4532447
>CALL – COST: ALL-IN.
Fuck it, whatever the results are the others will be easier to get
>>
>>4532459
>>4532460
Double down, go all in. Writing now!
>>
>>4532463
Qm was fast
>>
>>4532465
When I don't have other stuff demanding my attention, I try to be as quick as I can!
>>
>>4532463

“Fine, if you wanna play it like that, I’ll oblige. Starting to get antsy, anyhow.” You tip over your bowl as well and spill the contents onto the wooden table, causing Muscles to lean forward in anticipation.

“You’re locked in now, boss. Hope you’re ready to go home with your tail between your legs.”

“I think that’ll be you, Muscles. Unless you want to help me round up the girls after this?”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

“Alright, both of you, lay down your final cards! Geez, it’s so tense in here…” The old man interrupts your heated stare down, and the both of you lower your cards and slam them into the table, the whole thing splitting in half under the force Muscles put into the movement.

“…you know, there is such a thing as being too competitive.” You grimace as you scoot away from the tables a bit. Looking down at the card you lowered from your forehead, you hope to god that it was something decent.

The ace of clubs stares back up at you, menacingly.

“Told you, boss. Looks like luck only goes so far, huh?” Muscles stands from the broken table and moves out of the tent, immediately sprinting towards the ocean.

“…fuck me, man.” You say out loud, looking over at the old man with a wrinkled brow, ready to toss the card back his way.

To your surprise, the smile on his face has turned from kind to sly as he reaches over to take the card from you.

“…you’re a sly old bastard.” You say bluntly.

“What can I say, sonnie? Seemed like you were giving her a hard time, so I wanted to give her a little help~!” He waggles the deck at you teasingly, almost as if ridiculing you for expecting him to play fair. “I ain’t a casino operator, so I’m allowed to do what I want!”

Yep, that about tracks. Your luck is basically null and void when chance isn’t involved.

“Did you screw up those other draws too?” You ask, standing from the table.

“Oh, those? Nope! Usually the game goes on for longer, so you don’t have to believe me, but I only messed with stuff when it looked like you kids were getting agitated!”

“…noted. You’ll be lucky if I don’t bring her back here, since I’m willing to bet that she doesn’t like victories like that.”

“Oh, I need to close up shop for the day! My table’s broken, you see.”

You don’t respond to that last line, instead dropping your head and moving out of the tent with a sneer on your face. Getting dicked over by the girls leaving the house and then a random card dealer seems to set the mood for the day pretty well – you wonder if you’ll get shot today, too.

Shaking your head, you know that there’s no point in dwelling on it – you have places to be, and people to bring home.

>TIME: 1:50 PM – FIVE HOURS AND TEN MINUTES REMAIN UNTIL DINNERTIME. TOMBOYS RETURNED: 0/6.

Where would you like to go?

>The city center, where it’s bustling with activity.
>The outskirts, where not many people go.
>Try to flag down Muscles again to see if she can give you any hints as to where the others might be.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4532482
>The outskirts, where not many people go.
We'll return tomorrow and burn this fucker's tent down.
>>
>>4532482
>>The outskirts, where not many people go.
>>4532491
eh, 100 bucks isn't worth it. Dude's just a carny
>>
>>4532482
>Try to flag down Muscles again to see if she can give you any hints as to where the others might be.
dammit old man, why ? you didn't even gain anything doing that
>>
>>4532498
200. 200 bucks.
He will atone in flames.
>>
>>4532482
>Try to flag down Muscles again to see if she can give you any hints as to where the others might be.
This won't be for nothing. If nothing else, she could back us up when we inevitably become an arsonist.
>>
>>4532520
We only paid 100

Thinking back, would we have gotten the money back if we had won? It's not like we were betting against the carny
>>
>>4532553
I don’t think so, considering we weren’t playing against the guy. It was just used to change how many chips we had
>>
>>4532482
>The city center, where it’s bustling with activity.
Well this was a big unfun waste of time. Odds are there's probably a few in the city, easy to blend in and all that.
>>
>>4532482
>The city center, where it’s bustling with activity.
>>
>>4532482
>The outskirts, where not many people go.
>>
>>4532491
>>4532498
>>4533043
Head to the outskirts - what might be there? Writing now!

Also, for those who found the card game unfun and boring, thank you for your criticism - I always appreciate it!
>>
>>4533053

Shooting a glance over at Muscles, who is now gallivanting among the waves without a single care in the world, you run your hand down your face and make your way off of the sand and to the pavement. You give your shoes a few kicks against the railing just to make sure all of the sand gets off – it doesn’t, by the way – and when that’s done, you begin walking down the sidewalk in an attempt to put your defeat behind you.

The outskirts of Grand Rodeo, thankfully, aren’t very far from the beach. After 20 minutes of maneuvering through the streets, you watch as the buildings go from looking new and shiny to rather old, being made of tarnished brick and the like. The air seems colder here, as the buildings are tall enough that the sun isn’t directly shining on you, and the absence of people on the street doesn’t do any favors. Even if there’s more greenery here than in the heart of the city, it doesn’t do much to lift the mood.

“Man, I hate coming here.” You sigh, adjusting your tie as you move into an alleyway connecting one street to the other.

You’ve heard some interesting rumors about this part of the city – a lot of people who have less than legal tendencies live out here, due to the city currently focusing on attracting people to the center. There have been plans in the works for a while to give the outskirts a renovation, but nothing has ever come of them.

Why are you out here, then? Well, because you’re pretty sure at least two of your tomboys are around, if you were to make an educated guess. One of them is incredibly nature oriented, and the other is a fucking weirdo who has an odd fixation with the dead. You’ve managed to spend some time with the former – you know her name, which is Robin – and a tour of the various parks out here was what she wanted to do. The other one, Bones, is probably gravedigging. Again.

She still weirds you out, even if you’ve been living with her for a week and a half. She’s also partially responsible for the gouges in the walls, due to her particular brand of superhumanity.

Where would you like to go?

>Go to a few of the parks and see if you can find Robin.
>Go to a graveyard and see if the creepy one is there.
>Wander around and see if any trouble is afoot.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4533072
>Go to a graveyard and see if the creepy one is there.
>>
>>4533072
>Go to a graveyard and see if the creepy one is there.

tig bitty goth gf ho!
>>
>>4533072
>Go to a graveyard and see if the creepy one is there.
>>
>>4533072
>Go to a few of the parks and see if you can find Robin.
>>
>>4533077
>>4533082
>>4533088
Acquire the gravedigger. Writing now!

>>4533077
>>4533088
Checkem.
>>
>>4533122

As you make your way out of the alleyway, you decide that finding the graveyard in the outskirts is your current goal. While finding Robin would be nice due to your established rapport with her, you really don’t want Bones running around on her own for too long. At least with Muscles, her strength can be hidden – with Bones, if her power manifests, there will be questions.

Luckily, the outskirts aren’t inhabited by many people, but you don’t like taking chances unless it comes to cards.

With that in mind, you hotfoot it through the city streets with a furrowed brow. As you get closer to where you know the graveyard is, the air seems to grow colder in a way that’s much more fitting of the November climate that you find yourself in. You unroll the sleeves of your shirt to allow yourself some form of protection as you duck through a few more alleys, and after a quick jaywalk, you see it.

About two hundred years ago, Grand Rodeo was the site of one of the biggest battles in a war between countries. Thousands of lives were lost on both sides of the conflict, and when the final day of the war dawned, those who could be identified were given proper graves at this burial site. Those who weren’t sleep under unmarked burials under the streets – an old nickname that this town had was the City of Bones, if you were to have read the history books.

It only makes sense that the graveyard is grandiose enough to fit that title.

“This isn’t normal.” You step up to the wrought iron gates and feel a chill shoot down your spine, raising a hand to the bars and having to retract it due to the sheer cold. Looking around, you can spot nobody on the inside, nor anywhere on the streets. While this place does seem like a ghost town at times, you’ve never seen it as desolate as this.

However, despite the deep unease that you feel within your body, you came here for your job. That alone is what allows you to push open the gate and head into the land of the dead.

Almost immediately when you pass through the threshold, the air becomes taken over by fog.

“Oh, come on.”

Nervously chuckling, you bring up your fists as you step off of the main path and begin going through the rows of graves. Many have fresh flowers adorning them, while others have insignias of the military or burnt sticks of incense in small wooden holders. If this strange fog wasn’t about, you’d almost call the scene idyllic.

“Hey, Bones – you around?” You call out, trying your best to see past the thin layer of fog.

In response, you are roughly tackled into the dirt, and something hard and cold is wrapped around your mouth.

“Shut the fuck up—”

>Struggle vehemently.
>Go still.
>Attempt to headbutt the perpetrator.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4533139
>Write-in
Two can play at this game. Make very convincing zombie sounds. Foam at the mouth, if necessary. Either it's goth chick and she's into it, or we confuse an attacker.
>>
>>4533139
>Go still.
>>
>>4533139
>>4533144
>Write-in
This
Play the zombie!
>>
>>4533144
support
play dead
>>
>>4533139
>Go still.
>>
>>4533144
>>4533154
>>4533158
Become the zombie. Writing now!
>>
>>4533270

Rather than shutting the fuck up against this unknown perpetrator due to you being face down in the fucking dirt, you do the next best thing – you go limp, and begin doing your best interpretation of a zombie. This is done by grunting, moaning, and even trying to foam at the mouth. Unfortunately, the latter action doesn’t go through, due to something firm and smooth being firmly locked around your mouth – about all you can do is bite down and get drool everywhere, which is kidnap fucking gross honestly.

“Michael, what the fuck is wrong with you?” A feminine voice whispers in your ear, causing you to freeze for real. Now that you’ve been immobilized, you’re able to actually process who’s speaking to you – and you definitely recognize that scratchy voice. Reaching up with the hand that isn’t pinned underneath you, you begin slapping your hand against a soft arm, effectively tapping out.

“Jesus, you scared the shit out of me.” The girl removes the thing from your mouth and rolls you over, keeping you pinned with her weight and straddling you in the process.

The girl who’s currently on top of you has short and spiky hair that reminds you of a skunk – mainly black, but with plentiful wisps of white streaking throughout like clouds. Her eyes are sharp and black, and her skin is just about as pale as the fog that surrounds the two of you. She’s currently wearing an opened white button-up and some metal band t-shirt underneath, which shows off her arms and abundant chest quite well.

They’re littered with scars that stand out against her pale skin – some look like holes, most are long gashes. And after you squint a bit, you can see what was shoved across your mouth, making you squirm a bit.

A long, white bone is moving back into place inside of her arm, providing an eerie visual as blood begins to coagulate around the gnarly looking exit wound.

This woman is Bones. A superhuman with the power to modify her bone structure and control them as if they were just another accessible limb. She might just be the one that scares you the most.

After a few moments of staring, she chuckles.

“You’re probably the least convincing zombie I’ve ever seen.” She reaches down with her other arm and swipes a bit of drool at the corner of your mouth with a thumb. “They don’t wriggle like worms unless you cut the legs.”

You shiver.

>Greet her candidly – you’re not an impolite person!
>Ask her to move off you – this position is a bit too scintillating for you.
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
>Write-in.
>>
>>4533283
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
>>
>>4533283
>Greet her candidly – you’re not an impolite person!
We are here to collect tomboys and test our patience
and we are all out of patience
>>
>>4533283
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
>>
>>4533283
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
>>
>>4533283
>Greet her candidly – you’re not an impolite person!
>>
>>4533283
>>Greet her candidly – you’re not an impolite person!
She can stay on top of us a little while longer.
>>
>>4533283
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
How is her power any different from having arms? I'd get it if she could control other bones, but it sounds like she can just have skinless arms
>>
>>4533283
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
>>
>>4533283
>Greet her candidly – you’re not an impolite person!
Be polite, be professional, have a plan to retrieve any tomboy you meet.
>Gesture at the fog and ask if she knows anything about it.
>>
>>4533283
>Greet her candidly – you’re not an impolite person!
>>
ded?
>>
>>4537969
I hope not.
>>
>>4537969
better not be, tomboys are love
>>
>>4537969
QM had his fap and slinked away...
>>
>>4539736
Maybe. I still have hope.
>>
>>4539736
The QM is really sick at the moment so he can't run
>>
>>4540307
Oh ok. Where did he say this though, the /qst/ general?
>>
>>4541274
In his discord group. He didn't put the link in here though but he's the QM for another quest called Gun x Glory.
>>
>>4533283
>>4541393
Sad to hear this one is probably KIA but just did a quick review of it for QTG. I'm hoping QM comes back for it.
>>
>>4537969
>>4539491
>>4539659
>>4539736
>>4539737
>>4540307
>>4541274
>>4541393
>>4557526


Hello, everyone who's still lurking. Been a while, huh?

Apologies for the large, very large, absolutely long absence. A bunch of stuff happened at once - I got incredibly sick as some kind anons have noted here, then I had some personal issues with family, and then I got new internet - also the final weeks of college are hell. I get overwhelmed pretty easily, which is entirely on me. So, I'm sorry!

But, never fear - the tomboys will still be here. I'm not going to continue it here since we're so far down and I'm sure not a lot of folks are still around, but my finals are on the 18th. If I'm feeling up to it at that point, you'll be seeing another thread from me around that point in time!

Thank you everybody who still somehow cares about this, and I'm sorry that I never got to see your review, anon! Hope you all are doing well, and I'll be seeing you very soon.

Cheers!
>>
>>4569367
I'll be waiting.
>>
>>4569367
Hell yeah he's still alive, nice



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