>>39019084
Wondering if you should just shoot yourself now or let Tsubaki do it, you sit, arms crossed, at a bench outside the emergency room where Jin is being sedated and treated (but mostly sedated).
Looking around, you watch as a medical officer carrying a clear bag of blue something-or other, opening the door and closing it just as quickly.
Sometimes you can hear thumps and muffled curses from inside.

You're about to get up and find something else to do when you glance up and find yourself facing Tsubaki. Again.
She glares at you with calculated mix of worry and anger.
"Well?" She mutters. "What happened?"

>Jin went insane.
>Jin talked shit about Noel, so I kicked his ass.
>Do you know anything that makes Jin angry if he talks about it?
>What do you know about Ragna the Bloodedge?
>What do you know about Yukianesa?
>Write-In

>>39019286
>Retarded grammar mistakes
Sometimes I worry...

>>39019286
>Jin talked shit about Noel, so I kicked his ass.
>Do you know anything that makes Jin angry if he talks about it?
>What do you know about Yukianesa?

>>39019803
Still working on gettin gud.

You clench your fists subconsciously, your eyes flashing down for a second as you embarrasedly prepare to respond.
"I... Um... Jin... started saying some things about Noel, and... Uh..." Sweat rolls down your face. Boy, her glare really puts you in the hot seat.
She stares at you like a teacher probing a student for answers about a passage he didn't read. "What did he say about Noel?"
"He... uh... called her.. trash?" You mumble sheepishly.
"Trash?"
"Yeah, uh, and... Well, the important bit is that he started talking shit about Noel, so I kinda punched him a little harder than normal." You grin sheepishly.
"And now he's in traction."
"Well, it seems like he was injured- he wore out a lot faster than I was expecting."

"You fought him while he was injured?" Tsubaki's whole frame tenses up, and she leans over you menacingly. "Why did you ever think that was a good idea?"
"He went nuts!" You defend yourself. "He said he wanted to kill Ragna! That whole thing. After we fought, he collapsed and said something about Yukianesa."
She returns to her former position, still a bit irked that you have hurt Jin.
"D-Do you know anything that could have made him so mad that he would fight, even while injured?" you ask tentatively, trying to deflect blame from yourself.

She thinks about that for a second. "You said something about Ragna the Bloodedge?" She spits the name with contempt.
"...Yeah, you think that was it?"
Tsubaki looks away with anger in her eyes. "Ragna the Bloodedge is a monster in a man's visage. He's a murderer of hundreds and will stop at nothing to destroy the NOL."
She turns back to you. "If you mentioned someone like that to someone with a high sense of justice like Jin, he would probably react badly, especially because they're brothers."

"And what about Yukianesa? What do you know about that? He mentioned it when he collapsed. Something about how he was weak."
(1/2)

>>39020066
(2/2)
"Mucro Algesco: Yukianesa... That weapon... I don't know where he got it... When I asked him, he said it was from 'someone important' and wouldn't speak any more on the matter."
She sits down next to you to explain.

"It's not actually a blade itself- as a Nox Nyctores, it manipulates seither on a high level, allowing him to control water particles in the air and thus create pseudo-magical ice, which makes up the blade."
She looks around for a few seconds nervously before whispering to you, "I've heard him talk to it, sometimes, when he didn't know I was there. I happened to be passing by, and sometimes he would just talk- to nobody. And when I peered in, there was Yuikanesa, on his bed or wherever else he kept it at the time."
She seems worried- perhaps even a bit distraught, by this. "It is a Nox Nyctores- they can have strange effects on the user. Do-do you think it may be what's causing him to act angrily?"

Suddenly, Tsubaki turns on you with pleading eyes for an answer to her worries.

>That might be it.
>No, he didn't have it when we fought.
>Doesn't Noel have one, too? She acts strange when she fights.
>Wait... 'Just passing by'? Men and women are separated! You were deliberately going to talk to Jin!
>Write-In

>>39020287
>No, he didn't have it when we fought.
>Doesn't Noel have one, too? She acts strange when she fights.

>>39020287
>That might be it.
>Doesn't Noel have one, too? She acts strange when she fights.
Good to have this quest back

>>39020337
>>39020365
"No, he didn't have it when we fought." you shake your head re-assuringly.
'Oh, thank goodness. I thought he might..." As soon as a sign of relief passes over Tsubaki's face, a terrible thought occurs to you.
"Wait... Doesn't Noel have one, too? She acts strange when she fights."
"Well, I... She wants to use Bolverk, so I dind't see any problem with it. She doesn't act any differently outside of combat, so... it's not Yukianesa, then..."

You snap your fingers and rest your head on your hands. "No, wait, that might be it... How long has Noel had Bolverk?" you ask the redhead.
"I'd say ...perhaps three years?" Tsubaki's eyes narrow. "Where are you going with this?" She looks around nervously, turning away from you the slightest hint.
You think a little further. "And how long has Jin had Yukianesa?
Yayoi is hesitant to answer. Her body language is defensive, so you'll need to handle this carefully.

>Tsubaki... You want to help Jin, right? (Dangerous)
>Tsubaki... Yukianesa may be possessing Jin. (DANGEROUS)
>Tsubaki... Bolverk may be possessing Noel. (DANGEROUS)
>Tusbaki... Do you not know?
>It's not important, never mind.
>We should check on Jin.
>You should check on Jin.
>Write-In

>>39020287
>That might be it.
>Doesn't Noel have one, too? She acts strange when she fights.

And I just realized we can't be sure Jin didn't have yukianesa with him while we were fighting.

>>39020287
>"It's not actually a blade itself- as a Nox Nyctores, it manipulates seither on a high level, allowing him to control water particles in the air and thus create pseudo-magical ice, which makes up the blade."

He could have been hiding it in his clothes, since the Nox is actually just the hilt of the sword.

>>39020544
>You should check on Jin.
>Write-In
"Wheres Noel?"

>>39020544
>Tsubaki... Do you not know?
My finely honed survival instincts are telling me to not try to steal the magical almost sentient nuke-analogs.
Though I will admit I want to have Noel awaken as Mu-12 ahead of schedule. But we better do that when we are sure she won't instantly turn us into a stain in the wall.

>>39020597
Sorry for posting before everyone got to reply.
I'll wait longer next time and double-check my writing.- I'm still a newfag QM.

>>39020682
Nah, no need to wait longer, I just got here a bit late.
You're doing good, man. The quest is good, the characters are fun and your writing has improved noticiably.

>>39020808
Thanks, honestly. I'll get back to shining that turd.

>>39020657
>>39020680

"Tsubaki... do you not know?"
That startles her, and she jerks upwards. "What? What do you mean?" she yelps, almost reflexively. A slight tinge is appearing on her cheeks.
You stare at her and raise an eyebrow. She seems to be very concerned with helping and aiding Jin- It seems like she really is in love with him, for better or for worse.

You suddenly come to know how sheltered Tsubaki has been her whole life- not knowing what beef jerky was and always taught to be prim and proper. Opening herself up to anyone, even Jin, is a big challenge for her.
Maybe she'll learn to drop her restraint in time to help him.
Let's hope that doesn't end up biting you or anyone else in the ass

Sighing, you stand up and adjust your necktie. "You should check on Jin. Do you know where Noel is?" Tsubaki turns the questioning glance back on you.
"She- she should be back in the common area or her room at this point. Why?"

> For the same reason you need to check in on Jin.
> Just gonna make sure she won't interrupt you.
> Training. I promised her I would train her to cook.
> No reason.
> I think you have something to tell Jin, and I feel I should leave you to it.
> Write-In

>>39020884
> I think you have something to tell Jin, and I feel I should leave you to it.
> Just gonna make sure she won't interrupt you.
> Training. I promised her I would train her to cook.

>>39020884
> Just gonna make sure she won't interrupt you.
> Training. I promised her I would train her to cook.
> I think you have something to tell Jin, and I feel I should leave you to it.

>>39020884

I'll back this guy
>>39020913

File: GLARE.png (12 KB, 120x41)

12 KB PNG

>>39020913
>>39021024
>>39021108
You shrug your shoulders in mock innocence and take a few steps before turning back around. "Oh, uh... I just thought I'd make sure she didn't... interrupt you."
"Wa- Interrupt me? What would she interrupt?" Tsubaki is getting nervous, her voice dodgy and a little embarrassed.
She looks up at you with a warning, threatening you with body language to not say what you are about to say.

Of course, you say it anyway. you hold up your hands again. "I mean, I just feel you have something to tell Jin, and..."
Her glare, focused before, becomes a burning line of emotional pressure. "Go on..."
"...I *think* I should leave you to it!" Clapping your hands together, you release a subconscious breath you were holding and back off some.
She continues staring at you.
"I... also promised her I'd train her to cook?" You go back to the sheepish smile technique.
After a few seconds of silent judgement, she breaks off her assault and turns away, still a bit angry. "You should go," she hisses.

You feel as though it wouldn't be good for you to talk to her again for a while.
Hurriedly excusing your way out, and away from Tsubaki, you make it to the commons.
You can't see Noel, but you're sure she's either here or her room.

>Search here (roll 2d6 twice, once for time)
>Search her room (roll 2d6 once)
>Write-In

Rolled 5, 2 = 7 (2d6)

>>39021202
>Search her room (roll 2d6 once)
Whats the worse that can happen?

Rolled 5, 5 = 10 (2d6)

>>39021202
>Search her room (roll 2d6 once)
>Write-In
"Surprise visit!"

>>39021281
>>39021357
Unless more posters show up, the room it is.
While I write, I'df like to ask you if you
>A like the dice system the way it is
>B would prefer a small, homebrew character sheet, like Risus, to keep track of the character
>C Would like a character sheet of a different type
>D Something else/No Preference

>>39021427
>B would prefer a small, homebrew character sheet, like Risus, to keep track of the character
The dice system is fine, but a character sheet would be nice

>>39021427
>D No Preference
just do what you want

File: Noel_happy.jpg (6 KB, 204x204)

6 KB JPG

>>39021466
>>39021494

You step up to Noel's room and knock tentatively at it.
She's not answering.
"Surprise Visit!" you say, and knock again.
You move closer to the door to hear better.

Initially, you don't hear anything inside, and are about to turn around when you hear a small *thump* and a mewl not unlike that of a small, slightly injured animal. You subconsciously roll your eyes and smirk.
"I- I'll be right out!" Noel stutters.

After a few seconds of scuffling, you see Noel answer the door.
"Oh! Ben! So you came here for the cooking training?" Her eyes are eager, and she has a cookbook clutched to her chest.
She sways back and forth a little bit, waiting for your reply.

> Yeah, that's right.
> Actually, there's something else I need to talk to you about.
> Were you writing poetry again?
>> It's really good.
> Write-In

>>39021628
> Yeah, that's right.
> Were you writing poetry again?
>> It's really good.

>>39021628
> Yeah, that's right.
> Were you writing poetry again?
>> It's really good.
Save the talk about the weapon for later

>>39021628
>> Yeah, that's right.
> Were you writing poetry again?
>> It's really good.

>>39021427
>D Something else/No Preference
Also just got here your characterization has gotten much better.

>>39021654
>>39021689
>>39021717

"Yeah, that's right." You look past her into the room. The desk is relatively clear.
"Huh? what are you looking for?" she asks.
"Were you writing poetry again?" You look back to her.
She flushes uncontrollably and looks down a little bit. "N-No! I..I was just ...reading."

There's a pregnant pause as you two share a little bit of what might be considered a romantic gaze.
Funny enough, you don't feel your heart racing or anything like that.
"It's really good."
"Huh?" She steps back a little.
"Your poetry." You nod to clarify. "I'd like to read some later, if you're willing to write it."
She stares at you a few seconds before flushing again. "You're not just saying that, are you?"

"Of course not. Let's get cooking." You wink at her and lead her towards some of the general kitchens.
As you're walking, she looks at you with concern and asks, "Do you remember anything else about who you are?"
You ponder the question for a few seconds before responding.

> Reflect a bit more on what you know.
> Yeah, I know that...(Write-In)
> No, I don't think I do.
> Now's not the time for grim talk like that.
> Write-In

>>39021831
> Reflect a bit more on what you know.
> Now's not the time for grim talk like that.

>>39021831
>> Reflect a bit more on what you know.
> Yeah, I know that...(You're cute and I can use tonfas with something approaching skill)
but
> Now's not the time for grim talk like that.

>>39021911
>>39021928
You reflect on some of the things you recall from the past.
> Your body was nearly consumed when Hazama first activated his Blazblue, but none of the others were damaged like that- not even Tao.
> You 'never should have existed', and share that trait with Noel.
> When you were hit by Ragna's Dead Spike, it only burned you temporarily, but in the flashback you saw before, your whole world went to black.
> Your rank was Warrant Officer before you met Noel.
> Rachel has something to do with your past.
> You were designed, ostensibly by her, to be similar to Ragna the Bloodedge.
> She didn't expect you to have free will or withstand the Azure Grimoire as long as you did.
> You took up tonfas on instinct.
> You know some details about how the NOL works, but not most of them.

But now's not the time for that. It's time to relax a bit.
"Well, what do you remember?" Noel looks up at you.
"I remember that I was proficient in tonfas..." you say.
She's happy to hear that. "Really? That's amazing! Just like Makoto!"
"...And I also find you really cute."
"Well, that's something- hey!" Noel puffed her cheeks out. "Stop teasing me! That's an order!"
"I wasn't teasing you, and you don't give me orders!"

In revenge, she pokes you in the shoulder, and then pokes you again and again.
"Hey!" you slap away her hand, but she keeps at it.
She begins to bat at you with her hand to make you stop talking until you make it to the kitchen.

When you get there, she places the book down and opens to a random page.
"How about crepes? They're just really, really thin pancakes, so they should be easy, right?" She pulls out some items from the pantry.

> Um, don't you need special equipment to make crepes?
> Crepes it is. (roll 2d6)
> How about actual pancakes? (roll 2d6)
> How about a cake? (roll 2d6)
>> How about a cake for Jin?
>How about something else/Write-In

Rolled 5, 2 = 7 (2d6)

>>39022166
> How about actual pancakes? (roll 2d6)
Pro tip noel Thinner things need an expert's touch to cook. Pancakes are more forgiving. Plus crepes are for desserts.
plus
We kinda need special equipment for crepes.

Rolled 6, 2 = 8 (2d6)

>>39022166
> How about actual pancakes? (roll 2d6)

>>39022216
>>39022267
> How about actual pancakes? (SUCCESS)

You hold up a finger to interrupt her.
"Pro tip, Noel: Thinner things need an expert's touch to cook. Pancakes are more forgiving, and crepes are for dessert. Also..."
You wave around at the sparse instruments. "We kinda need special equipment for crepes."
"Oh, you're totally right! I was just so excited to cook I got caught up in it." She shakes off her excitement. "Pancakes, then."
She draws out the ingredients, and you get to work.

After cracking a few eggs and a mishap with the flour turning your face white, you manage to put together enough batter to cook with.
After a few little things like teaching her a secret technique for perfectly cooked pancakes (wait until bubbles appear on one side), you manage to put together twelve edible pancakes.
You try one.
Not world-class, but they won't kill you.
"Maybe we should use buttermilk next time, but I don;t think they have it here."

She nods. "It's still good, right? Normally whenever I cook people act all surprised and leave."
"Yeah, it is." you nod.

> Time to clean up.
> Is there anything else you want to try?
> What about Tsubaki and Jin?
> Write-In

>>39022435
> Is there anything else you want to try?
if not then
> Time to clean up.
> What about Tsubaki and Jin?

>>39022435
>> Is there anything else you want to try?
>Maybe something for Tsubaki and Jin?

>>39022467
>>39022471

You throw off the standard apron you were wearing to wipe off some of the leftover flour from before.
"Is there anything else you want to try?" you cough. "Like, something for Jin or Tsubaki?"

"Do we have any icing? If we do, we could make a cake!" Noel says. "Jin... Hasn't always been the nicest to me, but I'm sure Tsubaki wants him to enjoy cake as well."
You ponder. You could make a basic icing, but it would be difficult to do and require a lot of sugar. If you failed, it would take a lot of time to clean up.
"Hey, you know how you said you looked kinda like Ragna?" Noel asks.
"Yeah, what of it?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Well, you might want to look at yourself in a mirror. I think the flour got in your hair."
Your shoulders slump in realization, and your hand goes to your hair out of impulse. Sure enough- flour.
She shrugs sheepishly, her hands behind her back. "Oops."

> I'll take care of it later.
> Give me a minute.
> Let's focus on making that cake. (Roll 2d6 three times)
> I don't think the icing is going to happen.
> Write-In

Rolled 3, 2, 1, 5, 2, 5 = 18 (6d6)

>>39022622
>> Let's focus on making that cake. (Roll 2d6 three times)

Rolled 1, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3 = 12 (6d6)

>>39022622
> I'll take care of it later.
> Write-In
"Hey Noel, I think there is a bit of flour on your cheek"
Clean it for her
> Let's focus on making that cake. (Roll 2d6 three times)

>>39022925
Dat fuckin first part. Reposting.

"Whatever, let's focus on making the cake." You shake off some of the flour, which lands on your nose, making you sneeze.
Noel giggles, and you smirk yourself.
"Hey, Noel. There's a bit of flour on your cheek." You reach forward and brush her cheek.

"No, there isn't- -Aaah..." she reels back slightly, but touches where you wiped her face.
Her flushing from before transforms into a full-blown discolouration to crimson. "Um, right... let's get to the cake, Br- Ben..."
She turns back to the cookbook, trying hard not to make eye contact with you out of what seems to be nervous embarrassment.

>> Let's focus on making that cake. (Failure)
Apparently making the main 'chef' nervous wasn't a good idea. When you get back to the icing, it's a black goop, like tar.
Putting a spoon into it, the spoon sticks. when you attempt to pull it out, a portion of the silverware's front is missing.

Noel notices and runs over.
"That means it's done, right?" She looks into the pot with eager eyes.
"Uh, no... That means it's inedible." You put the spoon down, and as soon as you do, it crumbles into steel fragments.
She gives you this look.
"Oh, come on, at least try it. If you won't , I will."

>Roll 2d6 to resist Noel's pleading, innocent eyes.

Then:
> Remove the abomination form existence.
> Purge this whole area and destroy the cookbook.
> Is it moving on its own?

Or, if you cede to Noel:
> Fine, I'll try it.
> You try it.
> We should put it on the cake.

>>39022958
> You try it.

>>39022958
> Fine, I'll try it.

>>39022958
> Fine, I'll try it.
Survive the gauntlet

>>39022969
One dead waifu coming right up.
>>39022999
>>39023012
You remember what I said here? >>38800731?
Where you could roll twice when it came to endurance?
Roll me 4d6 and take the best of the first and second pair.

Rolled 4, 4, 5, 2 = 15 (4d6)

>>39023054

Rolled 6, 4, 6, 3 = 19 (4d6)

>>39023054

>>39023073
>>39023065
Anons, I am proud of you.
Writing.

>>39023065
>>39023073
>>39023089
She's looking at you... You can't resist that pretty face.
(You earned bonus points with her for not resisting).
You get a second, heavier spoon, and tentatively taste the ugly, black 'icing'.
The second it reaches your mouth, you can feel chemical fire spread across your tongue. A figurative inferno has just consumed your skull
Dropping the spoon, you gasp for breath as your tongue slowly goes null. "What the hell- Whu duh fu dih hyu pu inu is? Ish bums!"
Noel looks confused. "I read that we needed spices. So I grabbed some habanero seeds. And Jalapeno seeds. And cinnamon. And icing needs salt, right?"
You sprint past her and dive to the sink, flushing your mouth with clean, fresh(?) water.

Thankfully, you've suffered none of the possibly poisonous effects of such a brew and have merely been burned for comedic value.
Noel turns around and clasps her hands over her mouth as she sees your now blackened-tongue. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know!"
She's on the brink of tears.

As usual, you sigh. "Nah, whu ios that pot?"
Regaining herself out of concern for you, Noel whirls around. "Well, it's... It was just here a second ago." She looks confused.
Your brow furrows. "Nah fny, Niuel. Whuh du pot?"
But as you look around, the pot is indeed gone.
The stove is clean. In fact, everything is clean, except for you and Noel, who are still covered in cooking ingredients.
This makes you feel uneasy.

> Look for this monster
> Let's pretend this never happened.
> You know where I can get some lotion for this burn?
> Noel... Next time, listen more closely.
> Write-In

Weak char sheet up:
http://pastebin.com/KcG8QSZX

>>39023318
> Let's pretend this never happened.
> You know where I can get some lotion for this burn?
> Write-In
"I tpik 'll ned hlp aplyng the loton"

>>39023318
> Let's pretend this never happened.
> You know where I can get some lotion for this burn?
> Write-In
"Lets find the culprit, but after we get my burned tongue some medical treatment"

>>39023318
> Let's pretend this never happened.
> You know where I can get some lotion for this burn?
"it's fine accidents are meant to happen in order for people to improve, plus your pancakes were good, not great, but good."

>>39023383
>>39023417
>>39023453
"Luz prtnd dus nuhve hupind."
Noel looks at you strangely.
"I think your speech impediment is getting worse."

"Iusuh,luizptunddunwnuh-" You cough. "Cunan auh gequcgh lawutnioh?"
"Here, I'll see if I can find some first-aid burn lotion." she motions you to stay where you are. You facepalm.

A blur moves in the corner of your eyes, but when you look to it, it's gone.
That ominous feeling returns.

She comes back quickly with some green salve.
"Here. this ought to help."
After placing it on your tongue, your mouth reflexively closes slightly, nad she moves her hadn out of teeth-distance.
"There, that ought to help. It should take... thirty minutes to take effect, but I think you'll be back to normal by then."
"What do you want to do now?"

It takes you a few seconds to realize she;s prompting you to speak.

> Stare at her blankly.
> Attempt to communicate.
> Find something to write on.
> Write-In

>>39023551
This is gonna clean up soon. My posts are getting progressively less detailed and grammatically accurate.

>>39023551
> Write-In
Pull her in to whisper in her ear
> Attempt to communicate.
"We are not alone in the kitchen, something else is here"

>>39023551
> Attempt to communicate.

>>39023551
>Find something to write on

File: Spoiler Image (240 KB, 496x618)

240 KB PNG

>>39023592
>>39023624
>>39023638

S"weuh nah ahlune huh- somtin else"
"Something else? what do you mean?"
"Ay sue sureunting ure hea."
"I'm sorry, I really cant understand you. You... saw...something else here?" What did you see?"
"Blueckbluw"
"Blazblue?" She blinks.
Rolling your eyes and gritting your teeth as this utter bullshit, you grab the closet piece of paper you can find in a drawer and start scribbling on it.
-Black blur in the corner of my eye. We're not alone.
As you look up, you hear Noel scream. You look up to an ugly, liquid-looking monster formed out of the same sort of goop you saw before, wearing a mask.
>Pic related.
"Ah, fuck."
>SO NOW MY TONGUE STARTS TO WORK?
"Azure... Azure... AZURE!" It hisses in evil, demented glee and hurls itself at you.

-DEAD SPIKE!-

We're done for the night.
Any questions?
I heard one earlier about Ben's playstyle.
You want to decide on that?

Thanks for running, was a fun read. I can't think of much in regards to Ben's playstyle since the tonfas just makes me think of Makoto all the time

Thanks for running tonight

>>39023793
No problem. I only wish I could run more.
Once summer rolls around I'll have a lot more time to work with.

Trivia for the night:
Ben Herald, the conscript-turned-warrant-officer, was born in Iwatsuchi, the same place where Carl Clover was born.
This makes Ben technically American, in terms of the Old World.
I wanted to originally make him live somewhere else, but the beef jerky thing was too good to pass up, and it made more sense if he was American.
Under what conditions was he conscripted? That's another story.