>>1689004

“Now remember, it's very warm today,” Professor Carrington announces at the end of class, “So, ah, so be sure to stay hydrated!”

A general murmur answers her, with the oppressive heat making a proper response impossible. The whole day has been like this, with a heavy blanket of lethargy hanging over the entire city. Just staying awake through your various lessons was enough of a struggle, but actually paying attention? That was asking a little too much. As you're leaving the classroom, a voice calls out your name.

“Hey, Miho!” Ayane calls out, “Got a question for you.” Grabbing you lightly by the arm, she steers you away from the rest of the crowd and continues in a lower voice. “Back when you were talking with the Council of Twelve, they mentioned some super secret project stuff,” she whispers to you, “What did they call it again?”

“Uh, Looking Glass,” you reply, “It's their way of going into the Umbra, to get rid of Intruders before-”

“Nah, not that one,” Ayane shakes her head, “There was something else, wasn't there?”

“Right, I almost forgot,” you snap your fingers as the memory surfaces in your mind, “Project Alice, they called it. Nebiros was involved, although I don't know anything else about it. It was all very vague and secretive, very mysterious. Why do you ask?”

“Project Alice, right. I knew that sounded familiar...” Ayane mutters to herself, “We meeting up at the shrine later? I gotta run home and fetch something, but I reckon you'll want to see it. So yeah, uh, I'll explain later. I want to check something over.” After giving you a friendly slap on the shoulder, Ayane turns and hurries off, leaving you with nothing but unanswered questions.

“What was that all about?” you wonder aloud.

-

You're not the first person to arrive at the shrine. Emi is there already, and the sight of her causes you to laugh in disbelief. The fact that she arrived first isn't surprising – this is her area, after all – it's what she's doing that takes you by surprise. Her sword is stabbed down into the ground, while the girl herself is balancing – rather precariously – on the tip of the handle.

You couldn't even begin to guess why.

“Miho, hey!” she calls out, swaying perilously as she waves to you, “Nice weather we're... gah!” Losing her balance, she tumbles off her perch and lands heavily, sprawled out in an undignified heap. “Aww...” she groans, rubbing her head as she sits up, “But yeah, nice weather we're having, right?”

“Right,” you agree, in a weak voice. Sometimes, it's best not to ask too many questions.

[2/3]

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>>1689005

“Oh yeah, Kasumi was here a while ago. I thought maybe you might have seen her on the way. No? Well, no big deal,” Emi continues, nonchalantly leaning back against her sword, “She wanted to pick something up from her house. I offered to go with her, but she wasn't having any of it. She can be pretty weird at times, huh?”

“I think we all have our moments,” you reply with a smile, “Ayane said she was bringing something as well, so she'll be a little late.”

“Huh. Regular old show and tell here,” the young girl remarks, shielding her eyes against the sun.

“Yeah, uh, I guess you could say that,” you murmur, nodding slowly. With the others absent, this is as good a time as any to mention the first of your numerous issues. “Hey Emi,” you ask, “You seen your brother this morning? How is he?”

“Kaoru? Sure, I saw him. He cooked breakfast for me. I bet you didn't expect it, but he's a pretty good cook when he can be bothered,” she grins fondly, “Course, he gave me a good scolding about last night. I'm too young for that sorta stuff, he says.”

“Well, that's kinda true,” you point out, “Legally speaking, I mean.”

“Bah!” Emi waves away your words, “But yeah. I saw him. He's doing fine – same shit, different day, y'know? Why do you ask?”

>Just curious. Been a while since I've seen him, that's all
>You need to talk to him. Ask him about what happened last night
>Last night, he got hurt pretty bad. I think he's caught up in some kind of trouble, but he won't tell me about it
>Other

>>1689006
>You need to talk to him. Ask him about what happened last night

>>1689006
>Just curious. Been a while.since I last saw him, after all.

>>1689006
>Last night, he got hurt pretty bad. I think he's caught up in some kind of trouble, but he won't tell me about it
"He doesn't want to worry you, but still I thought you should know."

>>1689006
>>You need to talk to him. Ask him about what happened last night
>>Last night, he got hurt pretty bad. I think he's caught up in some kind of trouble, but he won't tell me about it
We should be honest.

>>1689006
>Last night, he got hurt pretty bad. I think he's caught up in some kind of trouble, but he won't tell me about it
dramaaaaa

So, you think to yourself, he hasn't mentioned a thing to her. Frankly, you're not surprised – it seems as though Kaoru is all too happy to keep his affairs as private as possible. This whole situation would be so much more simple if you just hadn't seen him when you did, but there's no point in complaining about that now. Better to do something about it. Kaoru might be comfortable with keeping secrets, but you're not like that.

“You need to talk to him,” you tell Emi bluntly, “Ask him about what happened last night.”

“Last night?” Emi frowns, “You gonna tell me what you mean by that?”

“I ran into him when I went back to get my phone. He was... hurt, I guess,” you admit, wincing as Emi's eyes widen. Before she can protest or press you for more information, you forge on ahead. “I think he's caught up in some kind of trouble, but he sure as hell won't tell ME about it,” you continue, “But maybe you'll have more luck. I don't know though, I reckon he doesn't want you to worry. Still, I thought you should-”

“Damn it...” cursing, Emi clenches her fists and glares down at the ground, “I'm sick of him treating me like a kid! I ought to call him right now and give him a piece of my...” Cutting herself short, she forces herself to take a breath. “No,” she adds, shaking her head slowly, “Later.”

“Later?” you ask, taken aback by her sudden burst of self-control.

“Yeah, later!” the young girl snaps, “I... we've got our own thing going on, yeah? Well, it doesn't matter if I call him now or later – chances are, we won't tell me anything anyway - so we can finish our meeting. I'm being responsible, see?” Folding her arms, she bites her lip in a way that makes her seem very young indeed. “But hell, I'm worried about him,” she admits in a low voice, “What if he gets... oh. Hey, Kasumi!”

The sudden change – from worry to good cheer – causes you to glance around. Kasumi approaches, burdened down by a long folding chair, the sort of thing that you'd expect to see at the beach. Ayane is with her, carrying a matching parasol and looking none too happy about it.

“Hello ladies,” Kasumi greets you, smiling gently as she bows, “It's a lovely day, isn't it? Almost a little too warm, if you'll excuse me for complaining.” Setting down her burden, she unfolds the chair with speedy efficiency and sits, sighing contentedly.

“We got followed by a drone on the way here,” Ayane adds, “One of Maika's, I guess. She's probably on her way, but hey – never mind her now, I wanted to show you something.” Setting down the parasol, Ayane begins to rummage in her bag, producing a crumpled pamphlet and handing it over.

“A Celebration of Progress!” the pamphlet reads, “The Fifth Annual Ark City Trade Exhibit.”

[1/3]

>Sorry for the delay. It's looking a little rough today.

>>1689042

“Okay,” you reply slowly, opening the pamphlet and studying it, “So?”

“So read it, duh!” Ayane groans, “Just read it, see if anything looks familiar!”

Frowning, you skim the pamphlet over. Kanzaki Automated Industries will be demonstrating several of their new models, as well as putting on a display with a number of their older, more famous, products. You glance up at Ayane when you read this, but she just shakes her head. Returning your eyes to the paper, you see what she had been expecting you to find.

“Renko Biotech,” you read aloud, “Will be unveiling their latest innovation. A closely guarded secret, this landmark leap in technological progress is only known by its official title... Project Alice.”

“You see?” Ayane presses, “I knew that sounded familiar!”

“Yeah,” you mutter, “So I guess Nebiros is pulling some strings at Renko. That means my father...” Shaking your head, you and back the pamphlet and give Ayane a firm look. “This doesn't change anything,” you tell her, “I mean, we more or less knew that they had access to my father already. This is just confirmation of that. Still, thanks for bringing me this. It's... it's good to know, at least.”

“I'll ask my mom about it later, she's gonna be at the show,” Ayane replies, “Maybe she can give us the scoop. Although, uh, it's not like we'll be getting any secret information – this is just the stuff they're willing to make public.”

“Man, who gives a damn about this stuff?” Emi grunts, sitting and leaning back against her sword, “They're gonna reveal some new gadget that folks like us could never afford, then act all smug about it. Bastards. They-”

Needless to say, the news about her brother has left her in a rather bad mood. Before she can build up any more momentum, however, Maika chooses to arrive. A drone buzzes around her head like a vulture, swaying in the air as she waves to you. “Hello everyone,” the heiress announces, “I hope you don't mind, but I had something that I wanted to tell all of you. You deserve an explanation as to why I've been busy these past few days. I understand that Father told you some of the details, and I'd like to explain the rest.”

Her voice is bright and clear, commanding your attention. Even Kasumi, lounging in the shade of her parasol, turns and waits patiently for Maika to continue.

“Well then,” she clears her throat carefully, “It began when Father asked me to assist with some of his tests...”

-

This version of events is somewhat sanitised compared with the story you were told. The tests were “stressful and exhausting”, Maika explains, but she stops short of mentioning any actual injury. Needless to say, her “live fire training” with Crow goes entirely unmentioned. All throughout her story, you somehow manage to maintain an uncomfortable silence. Ayane, you notice, looks equally unhappy.

[2/3]

>>1689048

“It's not as if I wished to hide this from you,” Maika finishes, “But I was simply very busy. I didn't want to give you bits and pieces of an explanation either, I thought it best to wait until I could explain things fully. I apologise for making you worry, I thought... well, I didn't think. I'll admit, I'm not used to having other people to consider. Normally, it's just and SAE, so...”

“Hey Maika, why did...” Ayane begins, before pausing and shaking her head. “Nah, forget it,” she finishes instead, “So hey, anyone else got anything to share? I mean, since we're in group therapy mode or whatever.”

She must have know that Maika lied about the tests, you consider, but she didn't say anything. Could it be that Ayane has learned a little tact?

“Well, I got nothing to say,” Emi shrugs, “Sucks about those tests, Maika, but you gotta talk about this stuff. We had all kinds of freaky ideas going about.”

“I must confess, I was expecting something a little worse as well,” Kasumi admits, stretching and just barely holding back a languid yawn, “It's certainly not the most scandalous secret I've ever heard. Still, I suppose I can understand your reasons. People can come up with the most frightful ideas when they only have half the story. Speculation can be such a dirty thing!”

A faint ripple of laughter stirs the group, although you don't feel much like joining in.

>Well, I think we're done here. Anyone got any plans for the day?
>You guys should know – I told Kurosawa about that thing with Zakuro
>Hey Maika, why don't you tell us about what those tests were really like?
>There was something I wanted to discuss... (Write in)
>Other

>>1689054
>You guys should know I told Kurosawa about Zakuro

>>1689054
>You guys should know – I told Kurosawa about that thing with Zakuro
>Well, I think we're done here. Anyone got any plans for the day?
>Maika let's take a walk.

>>1689054
>You guys should know – I told Kurosawa about that thing with Zakuro
>Hey Maika, why don't you
>Do something with your father? Go out, have fun, enjoy each other's company for its own sake?
>Who cares if he's busy? You're getting yourself injured for his sake and you're his DAUGHTER, you deserve this much. HE deserves this much.

>>1689054
>You guys should know I told Kurosawa about Zakuro

We also haven't told Ayane that her boyfriend is a spy. We'll need to get to it someday.

>>1689066
>you're his DAUGHTER
He sure as hell doesn't think so.

“Well, since we're all talking things over, I think you guys should all know,” you begin carefully, “I, uh, I told Kurosawa about Zakuro. About what she is, and about how we've been getting information from her.”

“Oh hell,” Ayane groans, “He's not going to like this. He wasn't happy, right?”

“He... it could have gone a lot worse!” you insist, “I mean, yeah, he didn't like it, but he didn't completely freak out over it. When I explained our reasons, and that Zakuro was no threat, he at least... well, he promised to think it over. I guess he's weighing things up before deciding how he feels about it.”

“That's more than I expected,” Maika admits, tilting her head to the side in faint curiosity, “Have you spoken with him since then?”

“Uh... no,” conceding the point with an awkward laugh, you glance around at everyone, “I was actually hoping he might have talked with one of you guys. You know, get your version of events or... something like that. Have you seen him at all?”

“Not recently, no,” Kasumi replies, shaking her head. The others match her answer, shaking their heads or giving you glum denials. “If I might be so bold, I had a question to ask,” the elegant girl continues, looking you in the eye, “Why did you decide to tell him?”

“I don't like being dishonest,” you answer simply, sending a fleeting glance across at Maika, “And I felt that it was best to tell him now, rather than risk him finding out on his own. I mean, the police go easy on you if you hand yourself in, right?” As soon as you've made the comparison, you wince. “Not that we're criminals or anything,” you add lamely, “But the idea is the same. Sort of. The point is, I told him and I don't think it went terrible wrong. He didn't strip us of our powers or anything, after all.”

“True,” Ayane concedes, “Well, maybe you're right. It was kind of a risk telling him though. Next time, how about we talk it over as a group?”

“Right, I get you,” nodding your agreement, you sigh a little, “Truth be told, I didn't really plan it. Things just sort of... got out of hand. Anyway, uh, that's about all I had to say. Anyone got any plans?”

“I might be busy later,” Kasumi checks her phone, “Yes, that seems to be the case. How tiresome!”

“Family night in, here,” Ayane taps her chest, “My mom got a few days off, so we're gonna order in Chinese food and do something, just the three of us. Tell you what, I'll ask her about that Renko thing, see if she's heard any rumours. No promises though, these industry types can be pretty secretive when it's their asses on the line.”

“I got my own stuff going on,” rising to her feet, Emi dusts down her clothes, “So if we're done here, I'm gonna head off. Miho, thanks for today.”

“No problem,” you say as you wave her off, “Good luck with your stuff.”

Getting answers out of Kaoru? She'll need as much luck as she can get.

[1/2]

>>1689074
shhh, don't be mean to the poor girl

>>1689100
Better that she understands that before she gets herself killed out of familial duty that isn't even real.

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>>1689094

“I... have a little spare time,” Maika says finally, checking her own phone and thinking to herself, “Although I didn't have anything planned. I think I'll just go home. Thank you, everyone, for listening to what I had to say.”

“Hey, why don't we take a walk?” you suggest to her, “I could walk you back home, maybe even buy you a drink if we pass a vending machine. Tempted?”

“Well, how could I refuse an offer like that?” she laughs softly, “Okay then, let's go. Does anyone else want to join us?”

“Me? Nah, I'm heading back to my place. Shiori wanted to show me something,” Ayane grimaces, “Probably some new show she borrowed off one of her friends. Give me strength!” Chuckling despite herself, she waves you goodbye and starts away.

“I'll stay here a while longer,” Kasumi decides, taking a small bottle of suntan lotion from her bag, “It would be a shame to waste this fine weather, wouldn't you agree?”

-

“I hope she doesn't burn,” Maika mentions idly as you're leaving the shrine, “Oh, but I suppose she had that lotion. She certainly came prepared, didn't she?”

“Yeah,” you reply, “Nobody to spread it on her back though.”

“Ah, well, yes,” a faint colour gathers in Maika's cheeks, “Maybe we should go back and... no, forget it. I'm sure she'll be fine without us. I really can't be too late back.” Sighing slightly, she checks her phone again. “At least we're not running late,” she murmurs to herself, “No need to rush.”

“Got somewhere you need to be?” you ask casually, watching her reaction.

“Oh, I didn't mean to imply that you're wasting my time,” she hastily replies, “No, I just have a schedule to stick to. Don't worry about it.”

Frowning a little at her evasive answer, you decide to let the matter rest – for now. “When Ayane mentioned having some family time, it got me thinking,” you begin, “Why don't you do something with your father? You know, go out and spend some time together – enjoy each other's company for its own sake? It doesn't have to be about work or anything, just try and be like a normal family for the day.”

“That would be nice,” Maika admits, her lips lifting in an involuntary smile, “Although it's not very practical. He's really-”

“Busy? C'mon, who cares if he's busy?” you press, “You're putting yourself on the line for him. You're getting injured for his sake, no matter what you tell the others, and he can't even spare a little time for you? You both deserve it.”

“I know, I really do,” sighing, Maika checks her phone again, “But it's difficult. I know that he means well, but he finds it difficult to... express that. He's not really a people person, I'm afraid.”

A wistful look passes across her face as she says this, lapsing into silence.

>Just try it. Ask him about it
>I guess it runs in the family, huh?
>You've got him all wrong, Maika. He doesn't really care about you
>Other

>>1689122
>Just try it. Ask him about it.
> If I said Kasumi saw something in him, something related to you, would you want to know what it was?

Subtlety.

>>1689122
>Just try it. Ask him about it
Maybe we can MAKE him care.
We're a magical girl. Power of Love ought to be our strongest weapon.

>>1689122
>>You've got him all wrong, Maika. He doesn't really care about you

>>1689122
>That's no excuse to treat yourself like this. Do it for you, because....you're worth it. A human being. Although I guess it should be person, since now robots are people too?

>>1689122
>Just try it. Ask him about it.

>>1689122
"It's less that and more that he has trouble seeing you as his daughter. Kasumi took a look. I don't think he'd put you through those tests if he did.

That said he might be able to come around. He might not. I want you to give this spending time together a shot and feel him out. Come to your own conclusion about this.

Let me be clear though, if you feel you are being used as a means to an end you need to stand up for yourself, familial duty be damned. The fact that you omitted most of your experiments to the others tells me you know that it isn't right."

“Just try it,” you insist, “Ask him about it. I mean, there's no excuse to treat yourself like this. Do it because you deserve a bit of normal life. You're a human being, you're worth this.” Pausing here, you frown a little. “Or is it “person” these days?” you ask, “Since robots are people now, is it discriminatory to... jeez, I don't know about this stuff!”

“AI ethics is a rapidly unfolding field of study,” Maika explains, laughing a little at your confusion, “But the general consensus is that an AI deserves all the rights of a... you weren't being entirely serious, were you?”

“Serious about not knowing anything about it, maybe,” you chuckle, “Look, I'm serious. Just ask him. If you're right about him, if he's really the man you think he is, he'd want to spend time with you as well. What do have to lose?”

“I suppose you're right. Although, I must admit, I suspect that it won't be as easy as that,” she sighs a little, “Sometimes, I find it hard to guess how Father feels. He isn't an easy person to read. Perhaps if I was a little more like Ayane or Kasumi...”

“Kasumi...” you murmur, “If Kasumi saw something in him, something about you, would you want to know about it? Even if it was... ugly?”

“I would want the truth,” Maika decides, looking you in the eye, “She told you something, didn't she?”

“Yeah, I guess she did,” you admit, gesturing towards a bench, “C'mon, I'll tell you about it. Just... maybe it's best if we're sitting down.”

-

“This might sound cruel, but I don't want to dance around the subject,” you begin with a firm voice, “Kasumi DID get a read on your father. You're wrong about him, Maika, he doesn't care you as much as you think he does. He can't see you as his daughter, he just can't. Do you really think he'd be able to put you through those experiments if he did?”

“I...” Maika pales, her voice faltering before she forces herself to continue. “Continue please,” she requests, cool formality stealing the emotion from her voice, “I need to hear everything.”

“There's... not much else I can say,” you concede, “In his eyes, you're not his real daughter. I think that's why he can't bring himself to spend time with you. Maybe he can come around, maybe he can't, but that's why you seriously need to give this a shot. Spend a little time with him, really try and see how he feels about you. Then, you can come to your own conclusions.” Taking a breath, you touch her arm – the flesh is cold, unyielding. “You with me so far?” you check.

“Kasumi learned this,” Maika murmurs to herself, “So Father... he was ashamed of this, correct?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” you nod, “Maybe you should talk to her about it instead, I dunno.”

[1/2]

>>1689166

“No, this is fine for now,” slowly shaking her head, Maika looks down at her lap, “I... this makes a lot of sense, now that I think about it. It explains a great many things.”

Something about her voice, flat and almost lifeless, makes you want to grab her and shake her. How can she be so CALM about all of this? “Let me be clear about this,” you tell her firmly, your words causing her to look back around to you, “If you feel like you're being used, as a test subject or a means to an end, you seriously need to stand up for yourself. Family duty only goes so far, you know – if you get seriously hurt because of it...”

“I remember what you told me before,” Maika nods, “The line. I may have a duty to my family, but I also have a duty to all of you. To Kurosawa as well, I suppose. I can't allow myself to cross a line that I can't come back from.”

“I'm glad you remember,” you tell her, “I was worried that you had forgotten. The way that you left out the worst of experiments earlier tells me that you know they're not right, but you're hiding them anyway.”

“I know, I should have been honest with them,” she winces, “I meant to. I really did, but when I arrived... I couldn't. After we had such a nice time last night, I didn't want to be the one to bring us back to reality.”

“I guess I can understand that,” you admit, “It was fun, not having anything to worry about for at least one evening. It felt normal, like we were just regular girls for one night. Normal life, see? That's why-”

“That's why I have to speak to Father about spending some time together,” Maika finishes for you, “Yes, I'll definitely do that. I need to view him through objective eyes, to see if he really is the man I... I hope he is.” Checking her phone again, she rises from the bench. “That took a little longer than I'd expected,” she announces, “I'll have to hurry.”

“What, more tests?” you reply with a crooked smile. When Maika hesitates, you realise that your joke hit closer to the mark than you had intended. “Maika, c'mon!” you groan, “More of them? You've barely recovered from the last lot!”

“It's not like that!” she protests, “This is just a medical check, to make sure that I HAVE recovered. Doctor Fujiwara just wants to make sure that I'm healing okay, to check that there were no side-effects. Miho, I know that you're concerned about me, but this is a simple matter. I have to go now, before I'm even later.”

>To hell with that, I'm coming with you
>...Fine. Do what you've got to do
>You can't go. I'll kidnap you if I have to!
>Other

>>1689198
>Fine, as long as they don't stick you with a single needle.

>>1689198
>>...Fine. Do what you've got to do

>>1689198
>>Fine, as long as they don't stick you with a single needle.
>or use Intruder powers on you!

>>1689198
>Fine, as long as they don't stick you with a single needle

>>1689198
>>You can't go. I'll kidnap you if I have to!

>>1689198
>>To hell with that, I'm coming with you

It is possible that these tests could have a positive effect in the future, but I really don't want to leave Maika alone for them. I think we should insist on being there, just in case.

“To hell with that,” you snap, “I'm coming with you. I want to see these tests with my own eyes, maybe speak with this Doctor Fujiwara as well.”

“That won't be possible,” Maika shakes her head sadly, “Not on short notice. Things have already been arranged. That said, I think that Doctor Fujiwara would like to speak with you as well. I think you might like her if you got the chance to meet her. Still, I have to insist – I can't just bring you along on such short notice.”

“Ugh...” groaning, you frown at the entire state of affairs. “Fine, do what you gotta do,” you sigh then, before forcing a more upbeat voice, “Just... so long as they don't stick you with one single needle, okay? No Intruder powers either!”

“I'll be sure to pass that along,” Maika smiles a little as she says this, one corner of her mouth twitching up.

“I mean it!” you insist, “I'll know if you go back on that!”

“Really?” widening her eyes a fraction, Maika tilts her head to the side, “Were you planning on checking me all over? Every inch of me?”

Silence descends, an awkward pause in the conversation.

“Well,” the heiress clears her throat, “I'd better be going. Thank you, Miho. I'll be sure to speak to Father later, to see if we can arrange something. I hope that things go well, and I'll let you if... if Father lets anything slip.”

“Yeah,” nodding weakly, you give her a wave, “Good luck with, uh, everything.”

-

It seems as though you're playing therapist for everyone lately, you muse, or maybe family counsellor. One of the two, certainly. You'll freely admit, you're glad that your family is comparatively sane and normal – although considering your family, that says more about everyone else you know. Groaning a little, you wipe sweat from your brow and creep into the shade of a nearby alleyway.

“Just too hot today,” you murmur, “You here, Kurosawa? Days like this, a cat should be out basking somewhere. Flopping about, showing off his belly to anyone who passes by.” Silence answers you, and the air remains perfectly still. “I guess you wouldn't flop about, would you?” you ask the empty alleyway, “You wouldn't dare do something so undignified. Jeez...”

Still nothing answers you. Either he's not listening or he's actively ignoring you, and neither option is particularly comforting. Frowning, you slip out of the alleyway and start to walk in no particular direction. Ayane and Emi are busy with family matters, Maika is playing lab rat again, and Kasumi is doing... whatever her “job” involves. That leaves you in a rather boring position. Shrugging to yourself, you continue walking through the city streets, taking corners at random and letting yourself get lost.

[1/2]

>>1689265
>“Really?” widening her eyes a fraction, Maika tilts her head to the side, “Were you planning on checking me all over? Every inch of me?”

The Yuri is strong with this one.

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>>1689265

Somehow, you manage to stumble across a small park, one with actual genuine trees – it doesn't even charge you for admission. This is a bit of the city that you've never been in before, and some part of you is tempted to note down the directions for a later visit. In the end though, you resist the urge – it feels better this way, as if this place was somehow more special by not knowing its address.

Following the narrow path, you don't see a single other person until you emerge into a small clearing, paved with depressingly mundane concrete slabs. A few podiums are set up with chairs around them, and a closer look reveals them to be chessboards. No pieces, but-

“You bring your own,” a voice explains, “So pieces don't get lost or stolen.” Turning, you a figure sitting at one of the tables, a set of pieces laid out before her. It's Megumi, wearing a very serious expression as she returns her gaze to the table. “Fancy a game, Miho?” she asks, “We could catch up a little.”

“I'm not very good at chess,” you warn her, sitting at the opposite end of the table, “Uh... I mean, I'm not even sure about the rules. The knights are the ones with the funny move, yeah?”

“And they can leap over their own troops,” Megumi confirms, “See? You know more than you thought. Now, I'll go first – I'll go easy on you this time.” She moves a random pawn – you're pretty sure that the small ones are pawns – forwards, then sits back to await your move.

“Jeez...” you sigh, shifting a pawn of your own forwards, “I never thought I'd be playing chess when I woke up this morning.”

“Well, it must be better than fighting for your life,” the woman points out with a wry smile, “Less of a rush this way. It's relaxing, don't you think?” As if to demonstrate her point, she takes her time to make her next move. “I stumbled across this place quite by accident,” she adds, “Actually, I got lost. Took a wrong turn and ended up here. I'm quite glad, in retrospect. Your move, by the way.”

Humming as you think, you nudge a random piece forwards.

“You look concerned,” Megumi says suddenly, without looking up from the board, “Something wrong?”

>It's nothing. Just this heat, I guess
>Has Kurosawa spoken with you recently? Like, today?
>It's a long story. I sure hope your team was less messed up than mine...
>Can we talk about something else? (Write in)
>Other

>>1689290
>It's a long story. I sure hope your team was less messed up than mine...
>Has Kurosawa spoken with you recently? Like, today?

>>1689290
>If you just found this place by accident, where did these chess pieces come from? Do you carry a full set with you everywhere just in case?

>>1689290
>>It's nothing. Just this heat, I guess

>>1689290
"Just frustrated I guess. I feel like whenever I make 1 step forward when it comes to a certain organization they make 3 steps forward and I have to deal with more and more revelations and the baggage that comes with it."

>Has Kurosawa spoken with you recently? Like, today?

>>1689290
>Has Kurosawa spoken with you recently? Like, today?
>Do you always carry chess pieces with you?

“It's a long story,” you begin after a while, “Just a whole bunch of stuff, all piled up on itself. I feel like every time I take one step forwards, I get shoved right back again – or the other guys get moved three steps forwards. I have to deal with all these new revelations, and all this baggage, and... and I sure hope that your team was less messed up than mine. Were they?”

“Messed up? I wonder...” Megumi thinks for a moment, “Felicia had a bit of a temper, and she had a habit of being, ah, cruel to men. She got a lot of unwanted attention, no matter how harshly she turned down her suitors. I think some of them took it as a challenge. I suppose you could say that messed up.”

“A lot of boyfriends, huh?” you joke, “Sounds like someone I know...”

“Oh no, she never had any boyfriends. She was quite adamant – she wanted a strong man, one who could keep up with her. Someone who could give as good as he got. I always said she was doomed to be alone forever with an attitude like that, and...” pausing abruptly, Megumi stares blankly down at the chessboard for a long moment, “And I guess I was right, in the end. It was only ever a joke, but I really do regret saying it now.”

“Uh... sorry,” you murmur, fumbling for a way to change the subject, “Hey, you moved that piece diagonally!”

“It's a bishop,” Megumi points out, “They can do that.”

“Oh, right,” you nod awkwardly, “Just like in real life...”

“Look at it this way. Nobody has died yet, so I'd say that you're doing fine,” Megumi points at you, a bright look entering her eyes, “But you can't let yourself get buried under this life. Think of it as being like swimming – you've got to come up for air every so often. If you keep working all day every day, you'll end up crushed by it. Take it from me – I know what I'm talking about.” Smiling a little – smiling with her eyes – she points down at the board. “And that's checkmate, by the way,” she politely informs you, “Fancy another game?”

“Yeah, uh, maybe not,” you reply sullenly, shooting the chessboard a resentful look, “Man... do you, like, keep a set of chess pieces on you at all times? I mean, if you just stumbled across this place...”

“Good eye,” Megumi laughs, “No, I don't carry a chess set around with me, although that might be a good idea. There's a little shop around the corner. Not quite a cafe, but I'm not sure what else you might call it. They sell chess pieces – they print them out on this machine, right there on the counter. Isn't modern technology amazing?”

“They sell cold drinks as well?” you ask with a glance up at the sky, “Because this heat is making me feel kinda...”

“I understand. Follow me,” sweeping the remaining pieces into a small paper bag, Megumi rises, “I'll even treat you, since I'm a graceful winner.”

“Thanks...” you mutter.

[1/2]

>>1689347

Megumi seems unusually fascinated by the small 3D printer set up on the shop counter, even going so far as to buy a new set of chess pieces just to watch them being fabricated. She also buys drinks for you both, tall glasses of iced tea. The perfect thing for a hot day, and you've finished half of the glass before long. With the hum and clatter of the 3D printer working away in the background, you lean a little closer to Megumi and lower your voice.

“Hey, have you spoken with Kurosawa recently?” you ask her, “Like, today? Maybe yesterday?”

“No, not recently. In fact, I've not heard from him at all,” Megumi shakes her head, “But that's not unusual. At least, not by my standards. Ever since I retired, he hardly ever reaches out to me. It's no different now.” Ice clinks in her glass as she drinks, mulling something over. “Now that you mention it, though, I have noticed... something,” she glances at the counter, watching as a rook takes shape, then turns to you, “That feeling in the air when Kurosawa appears. I thought I felt it a few times today, but he never showed his face.”

“Like he was watching you?” you suggest, “Or like he wasn't sure if he wanted to say something?”

“Maybe. I've never known him to be quite so hesitant,” Megumi frowns a little, “Something might have him rattled, although I can't imagine what. Even after things started going wrong for us, he was never like this. This must be something... bigger.”

“Bigger...” you repeat, muttering the word to yourself.

-

“I'm glad we ran into each other today,” Megumi says as you're leaving the not quite cafe, “Quite a coincidence, although I dare say that Noriko wouldn't put it as such. Not a big believer in coincidences. Understandable, considering her “gift”. She would have said that we were fated to meet here.”

The mention of fate causes your smile to falter a little. You're not exactly a fan of the concept.

“I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I hope we don't have to see each other again for a while,” the young woman continues, “A pleasant game of chess is one thing, but an emergency situation is something else entirely. Let's hope that we have a lot more of the former, and none of the latter!”

“You should have said that earlier,” you joke, “We could have made it a toast.”

“Hmm, good point. Should we get another drink and try again?” smiling a little, Megumi rummages in her pocket before handing across a paper package – the new set of chess pieces. “Here, a gift,” she tells you, practically forcing them into your hand, “Take them, I insist.”

“Thanks Megumi,” you grin, “That's-”

“And if you practice often, maybe you'll be able to put up a fight next time!” she chuckles at this, while you just frown.

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

>>1689409
Thanks for running Moloch.

Wonder if Kurosawa is rattled due to Zakuro or his kin making a move.

>>1689409
Thanks for running! I can understand the 3d printer fascination. We never told the group what Emi could do as the Executioner, right? So the Sentinels shouldn't know either?

>>1689436

I believe that's correct. I think Miho and Emi are the only ones who know specifically what Emi is capable of. So, unless either of them leak the information, the Sentinels won't have access to that knowledge.

>>1689442
What power did Maika give them? How do they even utilize them? Do they flip a switch and suddenly they have Crow's stealth?

>>1689454

Maika's basic power allows her to empower various things – animals or sufficiently advanced machines – with a degree of magic. If fully utilised, this could produce weapons capable of actively fighting against Intruders. Eligor's research has yet to fully explore the potential yet, however.

As for using the powers, that's a little hard to describe. Short version: Fujiwara is able to “read” a magical girl's gift and convert it into a usable piece of Glossolalia with the aid of the Oracle. This Glossolalia can then be learned by other Sentinels, who use the ability by focusing on the Glossolalia “code”.

Chances are, we'll get the chance to learn all this IC before too long.

>>1689480
Did we ever get the chance to check with Crow about if she knows Fujiwara's identity IRL?

Or how we can gank her? Also, we should probably warn Megumi about the Sentinels capturing/experimenting on Magical Girls.

>>1689603

I don't believe so, but then Crow prefers to keep things on her terms so it's not always easy to discuss things with her. Even if we could find her, there's no guarantee that she'd be feeling helpful!

You walk with Megumi for a while more, exchanging a few good natured jabs about chess and other games before your route diverges. Just before you part ways, you give her a warning, a serious one, about the Sentinels. Knowing what you know now, that they have a vested interest in “studying” people like you, she ought to be even more careful than normal.

“Thank you for the information, Miho,” she replies, “These experiments sound like awful things, and I don't have much faith in their intentions either. If the gods wished for our powers to be passed about like trading cards, they would have made it so. This goes against what the gods have decreed.”

“Although the gods aren't always right,” you murmur to yourself, “Well, uh, that's all I wanted to warn you about. You stay safe, okay?”

“Of course, but make sure you watch out for yourself as well,” Megumi counters, “I could walk you back home if really wanted.”

“Me? Nah, I'm fine,” you assure her with a quick smile, “I know this city like the back of my hand.”

-

Despite your best efforts, you need to use the map on your phone to find your way home again. Looking at the directions, you're quite amazed at how far off the beaten track you went – according to your map, the little park was technically private property. A zen garden belonging to some corporation - Shimizu Industries, who you've never heard of - for the benefit of their privileged employees. You heave a heavy sigh when you read that. Knowing your luck, you'll have corporate security goons breaking your door down and demanding a fine for trespassing.

Or... something like that.

At least you don't fall foul of any security forces on your way home, although you do stumble across a spot of vandalism. A Renko Biotech clinic, all the windows shattered by hurled rocks. A small crowd has gathered to stare at the damage, but you don't stick around to really investigate the situation. Quite frankly, you don't want to get involved – you can guess who was responsible for the damage. More noise and mess from the friendly local ecoterrorists. They might be throwing rocks now, but what if they use firebombs the next time?

Shuddering a little at the thought, you hurry away from the scene. The security forces – either the police, or Renko Biotech's private security – won't let it get that far. The whole sorry affair leads you to think, to worry, about your father. True, he's probably being very well protected, but there's always that little bit of unease. A random attack or something more targeted... there are a lot of things that could go wrong.

“But hey,” you whisper, “Keep looking on the bright side, Miho...”

[1/2]

>>1693129

Leaving the messy scene behind you, you hasten around the next corner. As you start to glance down at your phone to check the map, you freeze. Something shifts in the air, that old familiar shift in pressure that you've come to associate with Kurosawa. Looking around the empty street for any sign of him, you see nothing but the occasional truck rumbling past along its predetermined route. With nobody around to overhear, you find yourself saying the cat's name aloud.

If he can hear you, he's not answering. Rather, the answer doesn't come in the form of human words. That shift in the air almost seems to deepen, to intensify in a way that you've never experienced before, and-

And then your phone rings, and the unusual sensation bursts like a soap bubble. Answering it by instinct, you lift the phone to your ear.

“Good evening,” Jun begins, “I hope that you're well.”

Starting from square one, you have to process each part of that separately. After all the walking you've done, it IS getting close to evening, and you're close enough to being well. When you make a vaguely affirmative grunt, Jun continues with what sounds like a well-prepared speech.

“I have an invitation to give you, an invitation from all of us – Pietr included. I trust that you'll understand what I mean,” he says smoothly, “I really would have liked to give you a little more in the way of advanced warning, but circumstances are not ideal.” Pausing here to gauge your reaction – a cautious silence – he takes a moment before continuing. “Well, regardless, the invitation is for tomorrow night,” he finishes, “Do you think you can be free?”

Pietr's initiation ceremony. Ever since he slipped you a phone number and mentioned it to you, you've been wondering when it might be. Now that it's coming up, you feel a sudden unease. What if you go, and something goes terribly wrong? You'd be a witness to something truly terrible, and while Pietr isn't exactly a close friend, the thought of seeing him consumed by an Intruder is a harrowing one. Even assuming things go perfectly well, some part of you shies away from the idea, the inhuman nature of the act. Is this really something you want to be a part of?

“I can call again tomorrow, if you'd prefer,” Jun offers, noting your silence, “But the sooner I know the better. Arrangements have to be made, after all.”

>I'll be there. Your usual building?
>I... I can't. Tell Pietr that I'm sorry
>Other

>>1693130
>I'll be there. Your usual building?

>>1693130
>I'll be there. Your usual building?
>Are you really okay with this Jun? On top of meeting his brother again you're condemning the kid to a life with a parasite in him, one he'll have to feed or die. All without him knowing about it.

Biting back the sudden wave of revulsion, you nod firmly. Then, remembering that you're holding a phone to your ear – you're really off your game today – you clear your throat and speak your answer. “I'll be there,” you tell Jun, “Your usual building?”

“Actually, no. We have specific premises that we use to... well, never mind the details. How about I pick you up at your apartment? We'll need to drive anyway, so it's hardly going out of my way,” Jun pauses for a moment, shuffling a few papers in the background, “How does nine sound?”

“I'm free at nine, I guess. Do you need my address?” you ask, before you correct yourself, “Of course you don't, you... ugh. Do I need to make any special preparations? I mean, is there a dress code?” You roll your eyes as you say this, but Jun apparently takes you deadly seriously.

“We won't ask you to dress formally, but please refrain from anything gaudy or flashy,” Jun laughs a little, perhaps imagining the possibilities, “Just nothing that could be distracting. No T-shirts with vulgar or outlandish slogans, for example.”

“Damn, and I just washed my “Welcome to Hell” shirt,” you sigh, “Fine. Plain and sensible, I can work with that. I just...” Pausing, you shift the phone to your other ear and glance about the empty streets. For a moment there, you felt as though you were being watched. Considering the ever-present security cameras, you probably weren't wrong. “Are you really okay with this?” you blurt out, “I mean, c'mon Jun! You're condemning the kid to a life with some... parasite in him. He'll either feed it or he'll die, and he doesn't know a thing about it. Are you really okay with this?”

Jun is silent for a long moment, considering his answer carefully. “Please understand, this isn't a matter that we take lightly,” he replies slowly, “If I didn't think that Pietr had what it takes to endure this, to survive and make good use of this potential, we wouldn't be doing this. Pietr has a chance to be someone significant, someone who can protect others. He knows that as well, and that's why he has agreed to do this.”

“Not knowing what this really involves,” you point out, “Not knowing what he's going to have to live with.”

This leaves Jun speechless again. “Tomorrow evening,” he finishes stiffly, “Nine o'clock.”

“Wait!” you protest, “Don't just change the subject like-”

Then he hangs up, leaving you holding a dead and silent phone. Staring at the phone in disgust for a moment, you bring the map back up and continue your walk back home, frowning all the while. Pietr, you decide, is a fool. What kind of fool agrees to something like this, without really knowing what it would involve?

Well... maybe you're both fools.

[1/2]

Instead of Kurosawa, what if that weird pressure is the other gods finally getting active?

>>1693157
I keep having this hunch that the gods are behind these eco terrorists.

>>1693157
that would be pretty cool

>>1693153
But did you wash the stupid hat to go with that shirt?

>>1693153

You greet the next day with something approaching dismay, with the oppressive heat lingering around. According to the weather reports it's due to break tomorrow, with a tremendous thunderstorm set to wash away the stale air. Still, that means you've got to sweat for one more day.

Ayane is waiting for you along the route to school, giving you a jaunty wave when you approach. “Hey there!” she calls out, “Good morning!”

“You're in good spirits this morning,” you reply, unable to quite match her enthusiasm, “That family night of yours must have put you in a good mood.”

“Yeah well, you know how it is. Gotta cherish these moments, y'know?” Ayane shrugs, “But I gotta disappoint you. I tried talking to my mom about that trade exhibit thing, but she doesn't know much about it at all. Well, nothing relevant – she told me plenty about how great it's gonna be. The way she describes it, it's basically a holiday.” A dreamy smile crosses her face as she thinks back. “The beaches they have there sound so good,” the girl sighs, “I mean, it makes sense. If you're gonna make an island, you're gonna make it good, right?”

“Right, I guess so,” you nod, “Well, thanks for trying. Oh right, this might be nothing, but... have you felt like you were being watched at all lately? Like Kurosawa was nearby or something?”

This gives Ayane pause. “How'd you know about that?” she asks, “I felt that, just for a moment, last night. We were having dinner and it just hit me, like going up in a super quick elevator. It passed pretty quick though, and he never showed up, so...” Letting her words trail off, Ayane gives you a shrug. “I didn't really have a chance to think about it at the time, but it WAS pretty weird,” she decides, “Happened about... just about evening, I think. I guess you felt something similar, huh?”

“That would have been the same rough time...” you mutter, “Thanks Ayane, I'll have to check this with the others.”

“You think it's Kurosawa?” she asks, “Or... something else?”

“I don't know,” shaking your head, you concede the point with a sigh, “I just don't know.”

-

Lunchtime finds you dozing in the classroom, warm sunlight flooding through the window and spilling across your desk. Weather like this, you'd rather relax like this than go to the effort of eating anything, and you want to be well rested for the evening. This whole ceremony thing...

“Miho?” Maika says softly, “Are you sleeping?”

“Yes,” you reply, “I'm deeply asleep, and you'd be terribly rude to wake me up.”

“I see,” she murmurs, a smile in her voice, “But I wanted to tell you something. Yesterday, those tests with Doctor Fujiwara...”

[2/3]

>>1693178

“Okay, I'm awake now,” straightening up, you stretch out the stiffness in your shoulders, “Well, you don't look like they've been sticking you with needles at least. So, uh, how did they go?”

Tilting her head to the side, Maika considers the question. “They were fine. Really, nothing to be concerned about – Doctor Fujiwara checked over my injuries, or rather where they used to be, and asked me a few questions. That was all,” her explanation is vague enough that you're left wondering, but she continues on before you can ask any questions. “However, I did ask her a few things,” the heiress continues, “Would you like to meet her?”

“I don't know...” you groan, “I don't really want to be “tested” by her.”

“Oh no, it's nothing like that. This wouldn't even be an official meeting – strictly off the books,” Maika assures you, “She has an hour or two free after school, and she'd be willing to meet with you. In fact, she seemed quite eager about the idea.”

That doesn't necessarily comfort you at all. Still, getting a chance to get the meet this doctor for yourself, to view her with a more critical eye...

>Fine. I'll meet her, but definitely no tests
>I'd rather not get involved with her, sorry
>Other

>>1693187
>Fine. I'll meet her, but definitely no tests
Bring a tinfoil hat

>>1693187
>Fine. I'll meet her, but definitely no tests
"And no peering into my mind or whatever she does. I'll pull an Emi and start breaking stuff in the general vicinity to throw off her focus if I think she is trying."

>>1693187
>Fine. I'll meet her, but definitely no tests

>>1693187
>Fine. I'll meet her, but definitely no tests
"And no peering into my mind or whatever she does. I'll pull an Emi and make you grope her play loud music and ask her awkward questions to throw off her focus if I think she is trying."

>>1693187
>>Fine. I'll meet her, but definitely no tests
>>Get some privacy and actually check every inch of Maika.

“Fine. I'll meet with her, but definitely no tests,” you decide, “And I'm warning you now, she'd better not try peering into my mind, or... whatever it is that she does. If she tries anything, I'll do my best impression of Emi and break things until she stops.”

“I'll be sure to mention that to her,” Maika nods, giving you a very serious expression, “But... do you really think that's necessary?”

“I'm not taking any chances here,” you reply sternly, “My mind belongs to me, I don't want anyone messing with it.” A note of venom steals into your voice as you say this, surprising even you in its intensity. You're not even sure where that sudden bile came from, but...

“Very well,” Maika takes out her phone, checking something, “We'll be going to the Himura Memorial Hospital, Doctor Fujiwara has an office there. Shall we meet at the front gates?”

“Sure,” you agree, “Don't be late.”

-

The walk from school to the hospital is a short one, but not a particularly pleasant one. A sense of foreboding hangs over you as you walk, but you can't quite pinpoint what you're worried about. You've got more than enough things to dread, after all. Maika doesn't seem to share your unease, although she doesn't wear a very cheerful expression either. To break the silence, you ask the first question to cross your mind.

“Last night, about early evening, did you notice anything weird?” you ask her, “Like, Kurosawa weird?”

“That's hard to say,” Maika answers, frowning slightly as she considers the times, “I'm fairly sure that I was busy then. I was talking with SAE, so I really wouldn't have noticed if anything was unusual. We can get quite involved. I wanted to get her opinion on Father, you see.”

“Right,” you pause, “Uh... would she really have an unbiased opinion? I mean, couldn't he just program her to say that he's great?”

“True, I can't deny that,” conceding the point with a slight nod, Maika smiles a little, “In fact, SAE warned me about that exact same risk. For what it's worth, she gave me the same sort of advice that you did – to spend a little time with Father, and judge him with a clear and critical eye. Of course, Father would have been able to listen to the entire conversation, so... well, I don't know. We'll have to see what happens. I was planning on speaking to him tonight.”

“Well, uh, good luck with that,” you shrug before glancing up at a large building, gleaming white and built in a surprisingly ornate fashion. “Is that the place?” you laugh, “Jeez, is that a hospital or an art gallery?”

“I think... both,” Maika frowns as if this is the first time she's ever seen the building, “The waiting room is quite something. You'll see.”

[1/2]

>>1693224

To your mingled relief and dismay, you don't really have a chance to linger in the waiting room, with its peculiar decorations, before you're led to a set of elevators by a whirring drone. They were sculptures, creepy things of red glass that resembled alien organs, and you can't imagine why someone would want to look at them in a hospital of all places. You'd rather have soothing watercolours or something, but apparently the staff here know better.

When the elevator – uncomfortably reflective, as they always are – arrives, the drone buzzes away down the corridor, leading you to a discrete office before flitting off. Maika watches it leave with a fond smile, then knocks on the door. Exchanging a nod, you enter the office.

-

Doctor Rei Fujiwara is... not really what you expected. You had been expecting someone cold and harsh, with an unyielding glare. Instead, you're met with a slight woman approaching her old age with dignity, handsome wrinkles gathering at the corners of her eyes. Her office reminds you of an animal's den, with numerous stained coffee cups squirrelled away and a few framed photographs littering the desk. Overall, she looks strangely... harmless.

An impression which can be deliberately cultivated, you remind yourself.

“Hello Maika,” the doctor says, rising from her chair and giving you a bow, “And you must be Miho. Is that fine, or would you prefer something more formal?”

“No, no need for formality,” you reply, dismissing her concern with a hasty wave of your hand, “Uh, thanks for agreeing to meet me.”

“Oh, that's quite alright,” Fujiwara nods across to a coffee pot opposite her desk, “Coffee? I'm sure I have a clean cup around here somewhere...” Muttering to herself, she begins to check the various cups scattered across the desk. Glancing around, you shoot Maika a questioning look and she responds with a shrug. “Never mind the coffee, then,” Fujiwara decides, frowning in vague bemusement, “So, Miho. I understand that you're curious about what we do here, is that right?”

Curious. That's certainly one way of putting it.

>That's right. Can you tell me about it?
>I'm concerned. I saw Maika's injuries, these tests are seriously dangerous!
>I don't understand your abilities. You can copy our powers somehow, right?
>Why are you, you personally, doing this?
>I did have something I was curious about... (Write in)
>Other

>>1693267
>I'm concerned. I saw Maika's injuries, these tests are seriously dangerous!
>I don't understand your abilities. You can copy our powers somehow, right?
>Why are you, you personally, doing this?

>>1693267
>That's right. Can you tell me about it?
>I'm concerned. I saw Maika's injuries, these tests are seriously dangerous!
>I don't understand your abilities. You can copy our powers somehow, right?

>>1693267
>That's right. Can you tell me about it?
>I'm concerned. I saw Maika's injuries, these tests are seriously dangerous!
>Why are you, you personally, doing this?
>I don't understand your abilities. You can copy our powers somehow, right?

>>1693267
>>Why are you, you personally, doing this?

“That's... I guess that's right. Can you tell me about it?” you ask, hesitating for a moment before finishing with a lame nod. You'll see what she has to say, then you'll decide your next move.

“Well, where to start?” Fujiwara leans back in her chair, springs squeaking slightly as she does so, “I'm the head researcher here, but that doesn't mean I have the freedom to do whatever I like. I have to give frequent reports back to my superiors, and they don't miss a thing! Every bit of expense, I have to account for. Honestly, it's worse than doing my taxes!” Laughing a little to herself, the doctor picks up one of the least stained cups and peers inside. “I don't want you to think badly of what we do here,” she continues, “But we're still testing the boundaries. We don't have a lot of prior research to go off, you see, so we're very much in the dark when it comes to people like you.”

This causes you to splutter out an incredulous laugh. “No kidding!” you cry, “I saw Maika's injuries after those last tests, they're seriously dangerous!”

“Miho, please!” Maika protests. She sounds more embarrassed than anything else, flustered by the sudden mention of her name.

“No, Maika, she has a point,” Fujiwara's voice grows sad, “There IS an element of risk involved. Even when you can heal at such accelerated rates, that doesn't mean we can discount pain or despair. We seriously overestimated your limits with the initial round of testing, and that led to... unfortunate results.”

“What about Crow?” you point out, “Didn't you have a chance to study her?”

“Sionann, please. I don't believe in using that dehumanising name,” a slight frown crosses Fujiwara's face, “But yes, that is partially correct. We had a limited opportunity to examine Sionann. She cooperated at first, I think she liked having a chance to show off, but that soon changed. I think she realised that she'd be helping us. That girl can be so selfish!” Sighing in frustration, the doctor sets down the empty coffee cup. “We couldn't get useful results that way, without her cooperation,” she continues, “Well, save for... my main role. After she withdrew her cooperation, getting a read on her gift was the only thing we could do.”

“Yeah, I don't really get that,” sitting down in one of the empty chairs, you rub your aching brow, “How your ability works, I mean. You can copy our powers, right?”

“I wouldn't exactly call it copying. It's more like...” Fujiwara thinks for a moment before rising to her feet. “Excuse me, I'll just be a moment,” she adds, taking her stained cup across to the coffee pot. You follow her retreat with wide, stunned eyes, but Maika just gives you another shrug.

[1/2]

>>1693347

While the doctor fumbles about with the pot of coffee, you risk a glance across her desk. One of the framed photographs draws your eye. It shows a younger, prettier Fujiwara standing next to an equally younger Eligor Kanzaki, his face as stern as you've ever seen it. They look more like friends than fellow professionals, but...

“A barcode,” Fujiwara announces, returning with a cup of vile smelling coffee, “That's how I like to think of it. When I use my abilities, I can “read” something within you – the source of your supernatural abilities, I think – and then I can convert that “something” into a kind of barcode. That barcode, in turn, can be imprinted on a suitable candidate – a Sentinel, with their... partner.” Sipping her coffee, Fujiwara gives you a faintly irritated gesture. “This is all very hard to describe. Maika tells me that a lot of your powers are intuitive in nature, correct?” she asks, “Well, this is much the same. Actually explaining how I do what I do is difficult. I could demonstrate-”

“No thanks!” you yelp, pushing your chair abruptly backwards when she reaches across to you, “I mean, uh, I'm fine with just an explanation. One thing I'm curious about, though. You can read us, but can you do... anything else?”

“You mean, can I alter what I find within you?” a weary smile crosses Fujiwara's face, “No, I don't have that kind of ability. I'm actually quite limited in the scope of my powers, I'm afraid to say. There is a certain curiosity about altering the Glossolalia barcodes, however, but that's very much ahead of us. One step at a time, wouldn't you say?”

“Just so long as you don't take a step too far,” you caution, “And you... Actually, why ARE you doing this? You as a person, I mean. What's your stake in this research?”

“Because, for all its ugliness and danger, I believe in Eligor's vision,” Fujiwara's voice grows stronger as she says this, determination showing through and making her seem somehow younger, “I don't want girls like you to throw away your lives in this fight. If Eligor's machines can protect mankind just as well as humans, I'm all in favour of them. We don't always see eye to eye, Eligor and myself, but we share that much. I'm the only one who can read people like you, so if I don't do this... nobody will. Progress demands that we all play our part.”

“Father...” Maika murmurs to herself, her eyes flicking across to the picture on Fujiwara's desk, “Is that what you believe? Am I just playing my part?” When you both glance across at her, though, she realises that she spoke aloud and winces. “I apologise,” the heiress quickly says, “I was thinking, I didn't realise...”

Her words trail off, leaving a stilted silence in their wake.

[2/3]

>>1693401

“Eligor... I'll tell you what his problem is,” Fujiwara chuckles, “His problem is, he thinks like an engineer. Always has done, and he always will do. He sees a problem, and he believes that he can fix it with enough technology. If there isn't a machine or device suitable to the problem, someone should go out and invent it.” Shaking her head in amusement, the old doctor takes another sip of coffee. “It's a nice idea, but it doesn't always translate to the real world,” she continues, “Human beings are perverse things. You could solve every problem there is, and people would simply create new problems. I don't think people are suited to contentment.”

“That's a pretty cynical way of looking at things,” you point out, “I mean, people aren't like that.”

“Really? Fujiwara raises an eyebrow, “Look at Ark City. Life here is good, even for those on the lowest rungs of the latter, and yet you still have people making a lot of mess and fuss. Why? I don't think they even know – simply to rage against a world they don't fully understand. So stupid, so pointless!”

Recalling the Renko Biotech clinic, with its shattered windows, you murmur a vague answer. So she might have a point...

“Well, that's just how I see the world. Don't take it as gospel truth,” with another one of those strangely rough chuckles, Fujiwara gives you a warm look, “Best not to pay too much attention to an old woman like me. Anyway, I don't want to throw you out, but I have a few errands to run before getting back to work. Still, I hope I was able to help you, and to allay some of your concerns. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

>No, I should be leaving as well
>There was something... (Write in)
>Other

>>1693434
>There was something... (Write in)
Please rigorously define the term "Glossolalia".

>>1693434
>>Other
"You may believe in Eligor's method, but what of the other Sentinel's goals? What's stopping Johann from using our powers to seize control? Or Asmodeus from using them for malicious intent if Monad tells him to? Or any other Sentinel abusing the powers you copy? That's why if I had it my way you'd never get another barcode again. The Sentinel's are too factionalized for me to trust them to use them responsibly."

“There was something else I wanted to ask you about. This “Glossolalia” stuff, can you define it?” you ask, “I mean, not in a vague way. I've been trying to work out a strict, solid definition, but nobody seems to be able to give me one.”

“Because, in all honesty, we don't fully understand it. We might never understand it,” frustration steals into Fujiwara's voice as she admits this failing, “It has aspects of a language, a virus, and a state of being, but it doesn't neatly fit into any of those specific categories. We've found objects in the Umbra – your term, I believe – with Glossolalia writing on them, and certain concepts can only be fully described using the language. However, we've made precisely zero progress on building any kind of language rules that fit.”

“So you can't really learn it,” you add, “Right?”

“Exactly right. That brings us to the second aspect – that of a virus,” Fujiwara nods, “We've found that contact with the Umbra or the Intruders can, over time, convey knowledge of Glossolalia. Again, we're yet to work out any consistent rules about that as well, and it's a fairly disputed idea. That brings me to the third aspect.” Pausing here, Fujiwara digs a slender electronic cigarette out of her pocket and takes a short pull, the end glowing a faint gold. “A state of being,” she says, “If you want MY definition of Glossolalia, this is it. It is a state of being, representing one's association with a supernatural world – you could call it Enlightenment, in a sense. All other aspects of it, the language and the understanding parts, are derived from an altered form of existence.”

“Meaning that as one's knowledge of Glossolalia grows, one could be considered less human?” Maika asks with a frown, “Would that be accurate?”

“Well, I'd rather leave matters of humanity to the philosophers,” blowing out a stream of faintly spiced smoke, Fujiwara shakes her head, “Honestly, I prefer not to think about it too much. It all makes my head spin.”

That, at least, you can agree with. Nodding thoughtfully to yourself, you rise from the chair and start towards the door. That's when Fujiwara calls your name.

“Oh, Miho? Here's my card,” she says, holding out a neat business card, “It has my work hours and a contact number. So, if you ever want to volunteer for some tests...”

You had just taken the card when she says that last part, and you feel your hand closing into a tight fist around the little square of card. A dark anger starts to bubble up from the pit of your gut, as black and bilious as any you've ever felt before. After everything that's happened, the way she can just casually make that offer...

[1/2]

>>1693489
oh so you don't know enough about it to give a good definition but you do know enough to copy abilities granted by the gods themselves

ok then

fuk u

>>1693504
It's all intuitive. Easy to do, hard to explain. Lovecraftian shit is like that.

>>1693489

“I don't think that's going to happen,” you tell her, in an admirably level voice – calm, almost. “You might believe in Eligor's methods, his vision of the future, but what about all the other Sentinels? What's stopping Johann from using our powers to seize control? What's stopping Asmodeus from using them if Monad ordered him to do so? Even a regular Sentinel like Karl or Jun, what's stopping any of them from abusing their powers? No, I'm sorry, but if I had my way... you'd never another one of our “barcodes”. Your organisation is too divided to be trusted with them.”

At no point in any of that do you raise your voice, allowing your voice to stray from a carefully controlled tone. Even so, a stunned silence greets your words, as if you had screamed the place down.

“Good day,” you add simply, bowing to the doctor, “Thank you for making time to see me today.” Then, when you realise that you're not going to get an answer, you turn on your heel and march out of the office, heading straight for the elevator.

-

“Miho, wait!” Maika calls, hurrying to catch up with you, “Wait just a moment, please!”

“What?” you ask, turning to look her in the eye, “You're going to tell me that I shouldn't have said that?”

“No, I...” the heiress takes a breath, “I don't know, I really don't. I can't deny what you just said, the Sentinels ARE divided, but still... I still have faith in what Father aims to achieve. I won't ask you to share that faith, I know that you won't ever be convinced by it, but I...” She starts to say something here, then stops herself. Taking a moment to recover her composure, she smooths down her clothes. “I don't want this to become a point of contention between us,” she finishes, “Or for it to interfere with our work.”

For a moment, you're sure that you're about to grab her by the shoulders and shake her until she talks like a normal human being, but then all the strength leaves your body. Slumping your shoulders, you let out a low sigh. “I guess I'm just in a bad mood today,” you mutter, “I don't know where that came from. This stuff just makes me... angry. I can't even explain it.” Shaking your head, you force yourself to look back up to her. “It doesn't matter now. I've gotta head home anyway,” you tell her, “I've got stuff to do tonight. You do as well, don't you?”

“Yes, that's right,” Maika seems tentatively relieved by your changing the subject, “I was intending to speak to Father about-”

“Then we've both got places to be,” you point out brusquely. Thankfully, you don't need to make your point any more clear than that. Maika nods her understanding, and then the elevator chimes its arrival.

It's probably one of the most awkward elevator rides you've ever experienced.

[2/3]

>Might be a slight delay for the next post. Got some stuff going on, sorry.

File: Jun Kiriyama.jpg (171 KB, 850x1203)

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>>1693544

Back at your home, you spent the next hour or so feeling like a complete jerk. You still don't quite understand it, the way your temper flares at the suggestion of your mind being... tampered with. Something about the idea just stirs up an old revulsion in you, souring your mood for hours to come. You'll have to apologise to Maika tomorrow, you decide, although you have no intention of taking back anything you said.

But now, you have other matters to consider. With Pietr's initiation approaching – another unwholesome prospect – you've got to prepare yourself. A long shower helps to wash away some of your ill temper, and then you distract yourself by sorting through your rather unimpressive wardrobe. Following Jun's politely worded orders, you pick out something nice and plain – no absurd T-shirts, no silly hats, no flashy skirts.

“Off to a funeral, Miho?” your mother asks, looking up and giving you a wry smile, “There are colours other than black, you know.”

“I know!” you protest, pointing down at your trousers, “I got some... grey stuff on, see?”

“Ah, grey. Of course,” Yui nods, “Do be careful though, we wouldn't want you to go over the top, now would we? Why are you dressing up anyway, are you going out somewhere?”

“Uh, yeah. Somewhere,” you answer, fumbling for an appropriate excuse, “There's this thing on, a guy's birthday. I'm sorta friends with his brother, and... you know. I'll be safe though, totally safe and responsible!”

“Hmm,” her eyes narrow a little, “I hope so. You know how I feel about you spending time with boys...”

You know all too well. Considering your mother, she might actually be happier if she knew you were hunting inhuman monsters.

-

When nine rolls around, you're standing outside your apartment waiting for Jun to show up. He isn't even a minute late, pulling up in a typically luxurious car. The windows are rolled down, and the faint sound of the radio – some symphonic channel – drift out. Approaching, you glance into the almost completely empty car and reach for the passenger side door.

“Not that one,” Jun calls across, “You'll have to ride in the back, I'm afraid.”

You look again at the passenger seat. Crow, Sionann Attwood, is sitting there with a glum look on her face. “Don't glare at me like that,” she sneers to you, “I'm no happier about this than you are, pet.”

Barely a few minutes past nine, and this is already starting to seem like a massive mistake. Suppressing a groan, you sit in the back on the car and try to relax. In front of you, Jun flexes his hands – driving gloves, of course – and starts the engine. The electric hum almost covers up Crow's soft snort of disdain, but not quite. Tactfully ignoring it, Jun drives off into the guts of the city.

No, not the guts – the outskirts. You're leaving the city behind you.

[3/4]

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>>1693655

The drive is mostly silent, and definitely uncomfortable. Every so often Crow tries to change the radio to another channel, something that blares out thudding synth music, but Jun always changes it back almost immediately. “The weather is good tonight,” he offers at last, risking conversation, “I was worried that the storm would break early.”

“Would that be a problem?” you ask, “It might clear this air a little, it's so... ugh. Humid, I guess. Heavy and gross.”

“We try not to hold these ceremonies on rainy nights. I'm sure there's some reason or another – or maybe it's just a little extra tradition and pageantry – but that's how it's always been done. We actually shifted the date forwards because of it,” Jun glances out the open window, “But I'll admit, I wouldn't mind a break from this heat. What do you think, Sionann?”

“It beats snow and ice,” she points out, “And I'm no fan of pouring rain either.”

“Hmm,” Jun answers that with a simple hum, batting the assassin's hand away before she can fiddle with the radio again. “Anyway, Miho, you needn't worry about this. All you'll really be doing is watching, you won't be involved in any of the rites,” his eyes flick up to the rear view mirror, “Just stay quiet and observe. Simple enough, yes?”

“I still don't know why she's here,” Sionann grumbles before you can answer.

“Pietr asked if she could be here, and the council saw no reason to object. At this point, secrecy is hardly an issue,” Jun laughs humourlessly, “I'd wager that Miho knows about as much as you do, maybe even more!”

Sionann says nothing to this, simply glaring out the window like a scolded child.

>Watch and learn. Fine, I can do that
>And what about her, why is she here?
>Where are we even going?
>I need to ask you something before we start... (Write in)
>Other

>>1693664
>And what about her, why is she here?

>>1693664
>And what about her, why is she here?
>Where are we even going?

>>1693664
>And what about her, why is she here?

>>1693664
>And what about her, why is she here?
>Where are we even going?

>>1693664
>>And what about her, why is she here?
>>Where are we even going?

“And what about her?” you ask waspishly, nodding at Sionann, “Why is SHE here?”

“Well... Pietr didn't ask for her as well, if that's what you were wondering,” Jun replies, an unusually terse note in his voice, “Like it or not, Miho, she is a Sentinel agent. She has as much right to be involved in this as-”

“SHE is right here,” Sionann snaps, “And for your information, pet, I'm not just here for a cheap laugh. I'm on duty tonight, so you needn't look so worried. I'll be on my best behaviour. Go on flower boy, why don't you tell her about my job?”

“I really do wish you wouldn't call me that...” Jun sighs, “It's such an undignified-”

“What, you want me to call you “Rosebud” instead?” the assassin jeers, “Now quit dodging the subject. Can't you see that your little friend is just desperate to know the truth?”

“Sionann IS here on official reasons, yes,” tightening his grip on the steering wheel, Jun looks around in vague irritation. Again, you can't remember ever seeing him quite so uneasy. Despite how he might like to appear, he's really on edge tonight. “There is a chance, however small, that something might go wrong tonight,” he admits, “And if that should happen, we don't want to take any chances. An Intruder, if brought into this world, must be destroyed.”

“She's here to kill Pietr,” you whisper, “If he can't... master this. If he fails, she'll kill him.”

“It won't be him,” Jun answers weakly, all too aware of how evasive he sounds, “But... yes. If Pietr cannot emerge victorious from this final trial, we'll need to put him down. Karl or I could likely do it alone, but as I said, we don't care for leaving things to chance.”

A cold silence descends over the car, with even the hushed symphonic music seeming to falter and die. The mood grows solemn... and then Sionann lashes out at the radio, causing a sudden wail of music. Jun blurts out a loud curse – another first – and silences the radio.

“Damn it, Attwood!” he snaps, “Have a little respect!”

“Oh, get over yourself. You're putting the kid through this, stop acting like you're so sorry about it. If you regretted it so much, you wouldn't be doing ANY of this,” Sionann snipes, “So quit acting so self-righteous, petal.”

Even from your place in the back seat, you see Jun's shoulders tense up. If you weren't stuck here with both of them, you'd happily let them argue it out, but you don't want to be dragged into their little spat. Better to change the subject. “So, uh, where are we going?” you ask, filling the pocket of silence, “I don't get out of the city much, so... I don't recognise this road.”

“There's a small... well, I'm not really sure what you'd call it,” Jun's voice returns to its usual smoothness as he answers this, “An old theatre, I suppose. There's quite a bit of history behind it, all rather interesting...”

At that, Sionann just groans.

[1/2]

>>1693745

“Well, I won't go into all of that now,” Jun decides stiffly, “Suffice to say, we own the entire area. It used to belong a wealthy eccentric who liked to hold private performances. He build the place to accommodate that, and now we use it for our own purposes. You might have noticed by now, but we Sentinels aren't above a little theatricality ourselves.”

“I had noticed, yes,” you murmur, smiling a little despite the grim mood.

“But really, it serves another purpose. Keeping our business away from the public eye is just one aspect. If something should go wrong, as we... discussed... the general population won't be endangered,” Jun nods to himself, “You don't test out a weapon in the middle of a civilian district, after all.”

“A weapon?” you repeat in a voice of slow wonder.

“That... was a bad choice of wording,” the Sentinel admits, “I apologise, I didn't mean to imply anything by it.”

“Of course not,” Sionann spitefully adds, “It's girls like us that are the weapons.”

This is going to be a very awkward drive.

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

>>1693780
Thanks for running!

>>1693780
Thanks for running Moloch.

Sorry if that 'barcode' rant was a little too aggressive. I just felt we needed to be clear on where we stood with that. Them getting Ayane and Kasumi's powers wouldn't even help them combat Intruders but make them instantly win any intrigue 'fight'. God forbid they get Emi or Megumi's powers, the former would just counter us and the latter would be extremely overpowering.

At the end of the day we fight the same enemies but have different end goals. We want to end the Umbra permanently. The question is would they go along with that if it means giving up their powers? (or straight up dying?)

>>1693824

Well, I certainly think it's a valid stance to take. After all, the Sentinels ARE factional, and the individual members might not all have the purest of intentions. Plus, Miho's particular objection to minds being messed with doesn't come from nowhere - but that's an entirely different subject!

>>1693780
wow, no wonder Crow is pissed off 24/7

You're no expert, but you'd have to say this officially counts as “the middle of nowhere”.

This place – Jun made no attempt to name it, and so you have to assume that it has no name – reminds you a lot of the solemn little burial grounds where Hikari's grave stands. It has the same aged feel, as if it belonged to an entirely different era. An era where the steel and glass of Ark City was nothing more than a particularly optimistic fever dream. By contrast, the few remaining buildings here are all wooden, and in spectacularly poor shape. Of all the small houses you see, you wouldn't trust any of them to be proof against even moderate rain.

“I remember this place,” Sionann mentions casually as you're walking through the dismal village, “They held me here for a while. It was right... ah, there! That well there, you see?” Throwing a sickeningly friendly arm around your shoulder, the assassin points to a stone well. “It opens out a little at the bottom, so it makes a good cell. Maybe I could have climbed out...” she pauses for effect, glaring at Jun's back, “If someone hadn't tied my wrists and ankles together!”

“To be fair, that was right after you tried to murder Karl,” Jun points out, “And we kept you there for a single night while we decided what to do with you. Don't act as though you're some mistreated innocent.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever,” Sionann waves off the issue, “Word of advice, pet, never trust that one with a spool of rope.”

“I really, really don't want to talk about this,” you mutter, shrugging off her arm, “Can we just get on with things?”

“Of course. This way,” Jun points up ahead, “That will be our venue for the night. Now, I know it looks-”

“Like a haunted house?” you finish for him, looking up at the eerie manor, “Yeah, I noticed.”

-

More of a Western style mansion than anything local or traditionally Japanese, the dilapidated house looks much the same as the surrounding shacks, only larger. It's only when you get closer that you notice the discrete security measures – the doors are all very sturdy, while the windows have irons bars set in place around them. Inside, the manor is anything but derelict. While the decoration could never be called luxurious, it's certainly nicer than a lot of places you've seen. A good quality rug lies underfoot, and thick tapestries cover the walls.

A low murmur of conversation fills the entrance hall, and a number of men and women amble back and forth. The overall impression is that of carefully controlled nerves and restless anticipation, rather than anything celebratory.

You'll give them this much – they're certainly taking this seriously.

[1/2]

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>>1697220

“So you're here,” a familiar voice, that German accent is unmistakable, greets you, “Good. Everything is proceeding as planned.”

“You could TRY and sound less like a supervillain, Karl,” Sionann mutters, rolling her eyes and brushing past you, “I'm getting something to eat. I'll be ready when you need me, don't worry about that. Like I said in the car, I'm on my best behaviour tonight. Whatever, I'll see you around, pet.”

“Oh boy, lucky me,” you shoot back, glaring at Sionann's retreating back before turning back to the tall man, “Nice to see you again, Karl.”

“I'm sure,” he replies drily, “Jun, a word.” Taking his colleague by the arm, Karl steers Jun away from you. Not quite far enough away, however, as you manage to catch a few snatches of their conversation.

“...Not happy about this,” Karl mutters, “I'm not happy at at all.”

“But you're never happy. You make it your personal policy never to be happy,” Jun sighs, “And besides...” Whatever he says after this, it gives Karl cause to relax a little, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. They must be powerful words if they can get the sullen German to ease up, more powerful than any magic you know of.

“Fine,” he concedes, “If you're sure. The boy is in the basement. We're still waiting for some of the equipment, so there may be a slight delay. I'll try and find out how long we'll be waiting. With luck, we'll still be on schedule. However...” Anything else he had to say is lost as a peel of wildly inappropriate laughter rings out. That laugh spells the end of the private conversation, with Karl marching back to scold the pair of jokers.

“We'll announce when everything is ready,” he tells you brusquely, “Until then, wait here. Mingle a little if you like, but don't wander off or cause trouble. We've prepared some food and drink if you're hungry, it's through in the other room. Do you have any questions?”

“Uh...” you begin.

“Good,” Karl nods stiffly, turning and marching back into the sparse group. You're left standing, silently fuming at him as you think of something to do while you wait for... whatever it is that you're waiting for.

>Mingle a little, maybe listen in to a few more conversations
>Find Karl again. You're not finished with him yet
>Track down Crow – and the buffet
>Try and sneak down to the basement to see Pietr
>Other

>>1697222
>Mingle a little, maybe listen in to a few more conversations
>Track down Crow – and the buffet
Mostly the buffet

>>1697222
>Mingle a little, maybe listen in to a few more conversations

>>1697222
>Mingle a little, maybe listen in to a few more conversations

>>1697222
>Mingle

Also Crow being kinda hypocritical there considering she paralyzed us with a knife in the spine. I'll take rope over that any day.

>>1697222
>>Try and sneak down to the basement to see Pietr

Still grumbling a little to yourself, you let your eyes pan across the room. You don't know anyone here, and they all seem content to ignore you. Men and women in dark, sombre suits, the other Sentinels make for a dour crowd. Glancing around at them, you note that only about half of them have corporate markings – sigils or emblems on cheeks or hands. The unmarked half tends towards a certain roughness of character, making you think more of the people you've seen in the vice district. There isn't a lot of bare skin on display, leaving you to wonder about the tattoos that might be hiding beneath those black suits.

Standing and staring just leaves you feeling awkward, so you start off towards the “other room” that Karl mentioned. You're not particularly hungry as such, but some food will give you something to do with your hands. Once you've got that sorted, you'll see about mingling a little – or, to put it bluntly, eavesdropping on anyone that catches your attention.

When you find the buffet, you almost laugh out loud at how... terrible it looks. Between the stack of paper plates and the cheap tablecloth, the whole thing looks like it belongs at a particularly crappy office party. At least the food looks decent, with a fairly wide range of offerings. Worse than the decoration, however, is the company – Crow lurks near the table, wolfing down a sandwich as if she hadn't eaten in days. Gritting your teeth, you ignore her as best you can as you pick a bun at random.

“I saw your girlfriend the other day,” Sionann remarks without looking around at you, a snide note in her voice, “We got the chance to do a little training.”

“I'm not sure if I'd call it that,” you shoot back, “But I'm sure someone like YOU enjoyed it.”

“Me? Hey, I was just following orders,” the assassin shrugs, “But... maybe I did have a little bit of fun. Really pet, there's no point in doing ANY of this if you're not enjoying yourself.” Reaching for another snack, she pauses. “How's her back doing?” she asks, “Things got a little rough, I'm afraid...”

It would probably spoil the occasion if you were to punch her through the wall, you decide, and that might well be why she's taunting you like this. If you didn't know any better, you'd say she wanted you to cause a scene. Instead, you just offer her a bland smile and take a bite of your bun. “Healed up perfectly fine. Didn't even leave a scar,” you tell her, the taste of sweet bean paste still lingering in your mouth, “I reckon she'll have forgotten all about it soon – forgotten all about you.”

Crow's face darkens at this, her eyes narrowing to dark slits, but she offers no reply.

“Excuse me,” you finish, offering her a tiny bow, “I had some mingling to do.”

[1/2]

>>1697288
Savage Miho is savage.

>>1697288

By some paradoxical miracle, the brief encounter with Crow has gone a long way to banishing your unease. Maybe it's the knowledge that whatever else happens, you've already met the most unpleasant person here. Either way, you feel more relaxed as you wander back into the entrance hall, occasionally picking at your food. The other Sentinels seem utterly unchanged, still ignoring your very presence, and so you take another look around. This time, a figure catches your eye – his skin is darker than most, while his hair is shaggy and loose. The man is deep in conversation with a young woman, and you approach to see what you can overhear.

“Honestly Tanaka, you should be more punctual,” the woman scolds, sounding anything but strict, “We are running to a strict schedule tonight, remember?”

“Ah, but this time it wasn't my fault,” the man replies smoothly, a faintly exotic accent dancing at the edge of his voice, “The roads, you see. Very rough – I had to drive slowly. That's the problem with fragile cargo. I can be very gentle when I want to be, Miss Shaw.”

“Hah, well, I should hope so,” the woman – Shaw – laughs nervously, “If those mirrors were even slightly damaged...”

“So tense!” Tanaka leans closer to her, chuckling softly, “Stress is the enemy of beauty, Shaw, you mustn't worry yourself so much. You know, I have just the thing to help you relax. How about we...”

You don't hear the rest of what he says, his words delivered in a low murmur. Frankly, you're glad of that. Leaving them to their flirtation, you move swiftly on.

-

Overall, the general mood seems to be one of tension. Not necessarily about the initiation itself – the only time you've heard it mentioned, it's someone complaining about the drive out – but about something else, something yet to come. The Oracle is mentioned once or twice, but only so that people can gripe about how vague it has been of late. It takes you a moment to realise something – nobody here has even glanced at you, but they're all being very careful about what they say.

“Everyone, your attention please!” Jun announces, clapping his hands briskly together, “We're ready to begin. We'll be assembling in the amphitheatre, so make your way down now.” Having made his announcement, he approaches you and nods a greeting. “Follow me,” he says in a low voice, “But keep your voice down. If you have any important questions once we begin, whisper them or save them until the end. Is that understood? Once we begin, we need to keep things as quiet as possible.”

“Uh, right,” you whisper to him, “Wait, what if someone sneezes?”

“Then we cancel the entire thing, of course,” Jun answers. You almost laugh, and then you realise that he wasn't joking.

[2/3]

>>1697337

The amphitheatre is underground, a roughly semicircular room with a raised balcony running around the curved side. Sitting there, you really do feel as though you're about to watch a macabre play. The room is dimly lit by low fluorescent lamps, positioned to produce as few shadows as possible, and the stage is empty save for a single chair. The fact that the chair has leather straps attached to the arms... you try not to think too much about that.

Glancing about at the balcony, you notice that Crow is nowhere to be seen. It's only when you look up at the rafters above the stage that you see her, perched and waiting for a signal to strike. Looking away from her, you instead focus on the sight of some newly arrived Sentinels, carefully carrying large mirrors up to the stage. Three full-length mirrors in total, they place them around the chair, one at either side and one behind. Next, they bring out a... bell.

“We've found that the sound of bells can beckon Intruders,” Jun murmurs, “We don't know why, however.”

You think back to the Umbra. The Tyrant at Mizuhashi Reserve had a bell tower, and Zakuro's city had a tower as well, although you never did see if it had a bell or not. Biting back a comment, you watch as new movement stirs down below. Pietr, his head covered by a sackcloth shroud, is slowly led out from some deeper cell. Walking up the aisle with his head covered... it almost seems like some awful, blasphemous wedding ceremony.

And just like a wedding, this is your last chance to object. What is it that they say in the moves, speak now or forever hold your peace? Something like that, at least...

Watching Pietr approach that ominous chair, you find yourself squirming in your seat, a growing dismay gnawing away in the pit of your stomach.

>Call out an objection
>Remain silent
>Sneak out before the ceremony begins
>Other

>>1697357
>Remain silent

>>1697357
>Remain silent
Man I hope he's ready.

>>1697357
>Bite lip
>Remain silent

>>1697357
>>Call out an objection

>>1697357
>set phone to silent
>see if Kurosawa wants to/can watch
>ask if he'll even get a chance to see us before....it

Biting down hard on your lower lip, you force yourself to stay calm and quiet. In your lap, your hands ball up into tight fists as you prepare yourself – if you can ever really prepare yourself – for what you are about to witness. Jun glances across at you, just once, and then looks away without offering comment or reassurance. His face is unreadable, utterly still and expressionless – as bland as the outfits on display.

Below, you watch as Pietr is helped down into the seat, his masked head twitching down as the straps are tightened around his wrists. For a brief moment you can almost sense his instinctive urge to struggle, but then he grows slack. Resigning himself to his fate, you involuntarily think to yourself.

Like an announcement of death, the bell tolls out its dolorous song. A hooded Sentinel – it might be Karl but you can't be sure – rings the bell again and again, at a perfectly unhurried pace. Just before the last shuddering chime can fade out completely, he strikes the bell again and sets it ringing again. In this close, humid air, the sound twists into your temples and plants the seed of a terrible headache.

At first, nothing seems to happen. Then, after an unknowable stretch of time, you see something move within one of the mirrors. A black shape spreads like ink in water, blooming until the entire surface is dark and unreflective. Only then does it spill out from the mirror to pool around the base of the chair, gathering at Pietr's feet. The boy shudders just once as the inky fluid begins to crawl up his legs, forming a rapidly thickening layer around his limbs as it goes. He remains still for most of it, but when the formless Intruder reaches his neck, he convulses with a violent spasm of fear.

By your side, you hear Jun hissing softly, drawing in a sharp breath as the fluid mass envelops Pietr completely. Covering him like a bloated cocoon, the Intruder pulses and heaves with inhuman vitality. Opening your mouth to protest, you suddenly feel a weight fall on your shoulder. Jun grips your arm tightly, his frown sending you a silent warning – not quite a threat, but close.

Gritting your teeth, you look back to the sickening sight of... what you hope is still Pietr. The Intruder seems to tighten around him, pressing in around him until it has formed a second skin. A moment more, and you see a fleeting glimpse of Pietr's pale flesh shining through the oily layer, just briefly peeking through as the Intruder squirms around him. When you see more and more glimpses of human flesh, you allow yourself to feel a flicker of hope. He's winning, drawing the Intruder into himself... you think.

Jun, noticing your expression, gives you a tiny nod. In his eyes, you see a flicker of what might be triumph... or simply relief.

[1/2]

>>1697404
>you allow yourself to feel a flicker of hope
Pietr is SO dead

>>1697404
>>1697410
>here lies Pietr. At least he wasn't a scrub like Miho.

>>1697404

When the last of the blotchy Intruder stain has vanished, absorbed into Pietr's body, the boy slumps limply in the chair. A cold dread starts to take hold of you then, but the sight of him stirring slightly forces the fear back again. He's still alive, at least. When you see the hooded Sentinel approaching to undo the straps and carry Pietr away, you allow yourself a sigh of relief. Jun does the same, his still face breaking out into a slight smile.

“It's always like this,” he murmurs, “Always... tense.”

“No kidding,” you whisper back, “Is it over?”

“Yes, the rites are complete. We can talk normally now,” Jun pauses here as a few of the other witnesses start to talk amongst themselves, awkward laughs and deliberately casual remarks reaching your ears. “Pietr will need some time to recover, of course, but there's very little danger past this point,” the Sentinel continues, “He might be a little unwell, but it's no worse than a bad case of the flu.” Rising from his seat, he stretches and grunts softly. “Shall we go back to the hall?” he offers, already moving off, “The mood should be a little lighter now, I hope.”

“A lighter mood,” you mutter, “I've heard that before...”

-

True to Jun's word, it feels a little more like a party now. A few of the Sentinels are drinking from bottles or cans of beer, and the conversation seems far less formal. You still feel vaguely shellshocked by the whole thing, and you settle for following Jun like a lost child. He makes a circle of the entrance hall, shaking hands with a few people and exchanging quick words, but he never settles for long – until Karl emerges.

“He's resting for now,” Karl begins bluntly, glancing briefly at you before turning back to Jun, “It's too early to be sure, but I think he might be a medium. Just our luck...” Grunting with frustration, he glances around the hall. “Tanaka here?” he adds, “I wanted a word with him.”

“And that word is “punctuality”, I hope,” Jun laughs, “He's here somewhere. Follow the sound of girlish giggling, I'm sure you'll find him eventually.”

“Did he say a medium?” you ask, “What does that mean?”

“Oh, he means that Pietr's abilities are likely to be focused on gathering information, rather than outright combat,” Jun answers, “It's more of an informal term, really. A bit of workplace slang. We all have our own individual powers, you see – largely derived from some aspect of ourselves – but categorising them is a near impossible task.”

“Right,” you nod slowly, “I... guess so.”

>I'd like to go home now, if that's possible
>So what's your power then?
>Karl didn't seem very happy about Pietr's power
>Can I see Pietr?
>Other

>>1697435
>So what's your power then?
>Karl didn't seem very happy about Pietr's power
>Can I see Pietr?

>>1697435
>Can I see Pietr?

>>1697435
>>Karl didn't seem very happy about Pietr's power

>>1697435

>So what's your power then?
>Karl didn't seem very happy about Pietr's power
>Can I see Pietr?

>>1697435
>So what's your power then?
>Karl didn't seem very happy about Pietr's power
>Can I see Pietr?

>>1697435
>So what's your power then?
>Karl didn't seem very happy about Pietr's power
>Can I see Pietr?

“You know, Karl didn't seem very happy about it,” you point out after a moment's thought, “Pietr's power, I mean. He looked pretty pissed off.”

“Which is about normal, by my estimation,” Jun replies mildly, “But yes, you're not wrong. It's a sad fact that we really don't need mediums like Pietr now. The Oracle largely fulfils that purpose, providing us with the information that we need. No, what we really need are soldiers, men and women who can fight.” Sighing, Jun nods gladly to one of his colleagues as the man passes across a cup of wine. “These things can be taught, of course, and he may develop more combat focused abilities later,” he continues, “But it's still a frustration. The powers that we derive from ourselves are always more potent than the ones we learn from other sources.”

“Sources like us, you mean,” you remark, looking him dead in the eye.

“Oh, so you've met Doctor Fujiwara. I really shouldn't be surprised,” Jun concedes the point with a nod, “Yes, that's correct. I suppose you could compare it with learning a foreign language – it takes a lot of effort to become as fluent as you are in your mother tongue.”

“So what's your mother tongue?” you ask, “I mean, your power?”

“Would you really give away all your secrets if I just casually asked you?” smiling coyly, Jun sips his wine, “Why, I might lose one of my rapidly dwindling advantages over you!”

“Perish the thought!” laughing humourlessly, you gesture around, “You'd just have an international conspiracy, massive amounts of resources to draw upon and influence in all levels of government. You barely have anything over me.”

“Well, yes,” tilting his head, Jun sets aside his cup, “Then I'll be honest with you – I can read minds.” An ill silence follows this confession, and you find yourself backing slightly away from him. “Surface thoughts only, and I have to concentrate to do it,” he adds hastily, “I rarely use my abilities as well, I don't like them. It feels... wrong, spying on people like that. Besides, we Sentinels have to be careful. Exploiting our abilities too much can have... consequences. There is a reason why we try to avoid unnecessary displays of power.”

“You people really do love messing around in other people's heads, don't you?” you sneer, “What, controlling the world isn't enough for you?”

“If it makes you feel any better, I've never used my powers on you. Neither do I have any particular desire to,” Jun holds his hands up to ward off your temper, “Personally, I believe that your thoughts are your own. It's not my place to intrude.”

Your anger persists for a moment more before dimming. He seems... at least a little bit sincere. Honest enough for you to let the matter drop, at least.

[1/2]

>>1697462
That power must make him very lonely.

>>1697462
>If it makes you feel any better, I've never used my powers on you.
If it's just surface thoughts he'd probably only see us punching Crow through a wall or more likely Miho herself banging her head against a wall in frustration.

>>1697462

“Well, whatever,” you reply brusquely, “Would I be able to-”

“To see Pietr?” Jun finishes for you, with a wry smile.

“Hey!” stepping forwards, you punch Jun on the arm and glare at him, “What happened to avoiding unnecessary displays of power? You trying to tell me that THAT was necessary?”

“Ah, I didn't need to use my powers. I could see that you were concerned about him,” Jun laughs to himself, “So, I guessed. Really, I've always been good at that sort of observation – perhaps that's why my powers manifested as they did? Regardless, the end result is the same, you wanted to see how Pietr was doing. Well, I think that could be arranged.”

“Yeah?” you scowl at him for a little more, but there's no real anger there, “It's not, I don't know, against your traditions or whatever?”

“No, it's perfectly fine to have someone checking in on a new initiate every so often. In fact, it's good to keep an eye on things. One word of warning, however, you probably shouldn't expect much conversation out of him. If he's even awake, he might be delirious,” nodding as he thinks, Jun gestures for you to follow him, “As I said, he's in no real danger but he might look a little worse for wear. Don't be surprised by anything you see.”

Now you're really worried.

-

Jun leads you down towards the amphitheatre, but you take a sharp corner before arriving at the stage, heading down a spiral staircase instead. He's silent as you walk, and you feel the need to speak up.

“Your power...” you ask, “It must be pretty lonely.”

“Not really,” Jun replies, “I have to concentrate to pick up anything, so I'm not constantly being bombarded by thoughts. I'll admit, I do feel tempted to use it every so often, even though I know it's wrong, but... well, we all have a duty to use our powers responsibly, wouldn't you agree? We'd be in a lot of trouble if someone with your powers decided to use them in a malicious way. Taking down someone like you is no easy feat!”

All too aware of what Jun can do, you're careful to think of anything BUT Emi at that moment.

-

“This is it,” your escort announces, gesturing to a solid door, “I know, I know, it looks like a dungeon, doesn't it?”

“It does a bit,” you agree, “It's got that sorta “lock him up and throw away the key” look to it.” Staring at the thick wooden door for a moment, you clear your throat awkwardly. “So what, I just go in?” you add, “Alone?”

“Well, I don't mind coming in with you, if you really want,” Jun laughs lightly, “But you're allowed to see him without me spying on your every move, if that's what you were asking about. Just come back up to the main hall when you're finished here, I can arrange for someone else to sit in.” Turning away, he starts back to the party, giving you a casual wave as he departs.

[2/3]

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>>1697504

The first thing that strikes you as you enter the cell is the smell of sweat. It reminds you of Shiori, that faint sickliness of it, although there's a far less mundane undercurrent to it – something sharp and acrid, like burning plastic. Pietr lies on a simple bed, shifting uneasily and groaning softly. Clad only in a pair of loose trousers, his skin is alive with a flowing pattern of black shapes. Constantly changing, the inky colour occasionally forms an eye or a harsh geometric shape, but they never linger for long.

Seeing those shifting images, you have to admit it to yourself – Pietr is no longer purely human. No matter how you try dressing it up, you can't deny that cruel fact. Biting back a wave of revulsion, you approach him and sit tentatively on the edge of the bed. Up close, the animal stink of his sweat is that much stronger, and the unmarked parts of his skin are blotchy. Glancing away, you notice a cloth and a basin of water on the bedside table. Bringing it over, you wet the cloth and carefully wipe down his brow. When an eye forms there, winking lazily at you, a shudder runs through your entire body.

“Miho?” Pietr murmurs weakly, his human eyes fluttering open, “You... came?”

“Well, you did invite me,” you remind him quietly, “It would have been rude to refuse.”

“Sorry for... making you see me... like this...” he says, each word seeming to take more strength than the last, “I should have dressed up a little. Put on my... my good rags.”

“You think you've got it bad? Look at me, all black and grey,” you shoot back, “And for what? You were wearing a hood the whole time! If I didn't know any better, I'd say Jun was just playing a trick on me...” When Pietr laughs at that, it quickly devolves into a wet cough. “Hey, knock it off,” you scold him, “Don't tire yourself out, you need to save your strength. I can... I can go, if you want to rest.”

“No, this is... this is fine,” he rasps, “Stay a while. I'd like that... take my mind of it.” A sudden groan slips from his lips as he convulses, arching his back and clenching his fists. “Feels like something... writhing under my skin,” he whines, “Like it's going for my... my bones...”

And all you can do is sit there, holding a damp cloth in your numb hands. You've never felt so... powerless.

>I'll... I'll get Jun. He'll know how to help you!
>The arcade, Pietr. When you're fit and healthy, you'd better take me to the arcade again!
>I'm so sorry. I should have stopped this...
>Other

>>1697568
>>I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you everything about all this but I was told very clearly that you'd fail if you had too much knowledge. Maybe I should have just stopped this.

>>1697568
>The arcade, Pietr. When you're fit and healthy, you'd better take me to the arcade again!

>>1697568
>The arcade, Pietr. When you're fit and healthy, you'd better take me to the arcade again!

>>1697568
>I'm getting better at that shooting game. I'll be able to give you a run for your money soon!

Wetting the cloth again, you gently push Pietr back down and dab at feverish skin, trying your best not to actually... touch it with your bare hands. “I'm so sorry,” you mutter to him, “I should have... I knew about this, I knew what you were getting into.”

“You... knew?” Pietr closes his eyes, too weak for there to be anything beyond exhaustion in his voice.

“They told me not to say anything, that you might fail if you knew too much,” you admit, aware that it sounds like an excuse, “They were pretty damn clear about it, they said your life depended on... on all kinds of things. I don't know, maybe I should have... told you before, or stopped all this before it began.” Barely thinking about the words spilling from your lips, you knead the cloth in your hands. “God, I'm a mess,” you laugh, “I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on you, but...”

“Hey,” the boy whispers, “Don't worry about us... me. I mean... wait, what did I just say?”

His eyes open then, and you see a film of black oil hanging over them for a moment before he blinks it away. Wincing at the sight, you hasten to change the subject. “The arcade, Pietr, we were talking about the arcade,” you decide, “When you're back on your feet, you'd better take me there. I'm warning you now, though, I've been practising my shooting – I'll give you a run for your money this time!”

“Yeah right,” Pietr chokes out another short laugh, “You'd need more than a... more than a few days of practice for that. I'd be happy to... to beat you... any day, any time you like. Just you wait.” He says something else then, mumbling away to himself in a language that you can't understand, but you get the feeling that you don't need to understand it – his words weren't meant for you. With a slow smile forming on his face, Pietr slumps back and grows still.

“Just rest,” you mutter, reaching across to check his pulse. Strong and healthy, even if he looks as though he's on death's door. When his chest slowly rises and falls with an easy sleep, you rise from the bed and slip out. Mingled feelings – guilt, relief, tentative hope for the future – coil in your gut as you walk back upstairs. Right now, what you really need is for someone to tell you that you did the right thing.

That, or a drink. You could use a drink.

[1/2]

>>1697662

The party appears to be over when you return upstairs, replaced by the original tension. With a sinking feeling in your gut – you weren't sure that it could sink any lower, but apparently it could – you approach Jun and wave weakly.

“Miho, good,” he greets you in a distracted voice, “How's Pietr?”

“Sleeping,” you answer, “Peacefully, I guess.”

“Really? I'm surprised,” Jun raises an eyebrow, “You must have done him some good, if he's settled down so soon. Good work, and I sincerely mean that.” A hint of genuine warmth creeps into his smile, but it doesn't last very long. “I hate to bring down the mood,” he adds, “But we have a minor situation. The Oracle has finally given us a solid lead on our category eight Intruder. She claims that we need to move soon, otherwise it will attempt to enter this world. As you can guess, we're taking this very seriously.”

“I'm sure you are,” rubbing your aching brow, you try and force your scattered thoughts into some semblance of order, “How soon are we talking?”

“The next few days. We have a little leeway here,” the Sentinel explains, “But the council wants us to move tomorrow. Also... they officially wanted to extend the offer of cooperation. A joint effort, between your team and ours. I know we have our differences, but this is something that we can agree on – letting an Intruder of that power enter this world would be a huge danger to innocent lives. What do you say?”

This is something you've been waiting for, a chance to do some honest good. No scheming or plotting, no family issues or relationship drama, just a monster that needs a good punch in the face. Even so... working this closely with the Sentinels?

>Fine, I'm in. We can't let a Tyrant enter our world
>I'll have to speak with the others about this. Can you wait a little longer?
>No, no way. We're not working together
>Other

>>1697703
>>I'll have to speak with the others about this. Can you wait a little longer?

>>1697703
>Fine, I'm in. We can't let a Tyrant enter our world

hellz yea
team up episode

>>1697703
>Fine, I'm in. We can't let a Tyrant enter our world
"I'll see if I can get the rest of my team to join before you begin."

I don't mind working with the Sentinel's as long as it's clear cut killing Intruders, something they are usually pretty lax on since we don't see them doing things that much. With that in mind though...

>Other
"I've got a question for you and I want you to be honest with me. Months ago there was an incident at a fountain that claimed the lives of many people. I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life that day for the greater good. Where was your organization? This is your city, you have Oracle, and this event wasn't small enough that you'd just ignore it like you've done in the past. So what then?"

>>1697703
>>I'll have to speak with the others about this. Can you wait a little longer?
Isn't that Tyrant Zakuro?

>>1697728
They say it's getting ready to enter this world, Zakuro said she'd never do that.

Not like they can dive into the Umbra to get her either. That was Project Looking Glass.

“I'll have to speak to the others,” you tell him with a sigh, “I don't want to start deciding everything on my own, not without talking it over with them. You said that we have a few days, right? Tomorrow evening then, I'll be able to give you an answer by then.”

“I understand,” Jun nods, “You're right, we can wait a little more before making our move. Be aware, though, the Sentinels will be taking action whether or not you join us – I'd just rather we pool our resources on this one. We've never fought a category eight before.” A fraught look passes across his face for a moment. “Were we to face it alone, we might... no, we would almost certainly suffer losses,” he admits, “Perhaps grave losses.”

“You trying to guilt trip me or something?” you reply, “C'mon, you guys are serious about this stuff. Probably more serious than we are...”

“All the more reason for us to work together, then,” he decides, “You have experience, we have professionalism. Perhaps we can both learn from each other, hmm?”

“Look, I said that I'd bring it up with the others, okay?” you snap, “And tentatively speaking, I'm in. You're right, we can't let a Tyrant enter our world, but that doesn't mean I'm going to sign everyone up without asking first. I'll... call you when we've reached our decision, okay? We can work out the details then.”

“Perfect!” Jun nods happily, “I have to stay here for a while longer, but I'll see about getting someone else to drive you back into the city. It's late enough as it is. Maybe Ryuu is-”

“Wait,” grabbing Jun's arm, you stop him from leaving, “I have a question. A serious, important question, and please... give me an honest answer.” Taking a deep breath, you steady yourself and press onwards. “A few months ago, there was an incident here. A serious incident, and a lot of people lost their lives. I had to make the hardest decision I ever made that day, and...” hesitating a moment, you look Jun in the eye, “And where WERE you people? You had the Oracle, you had resources. This was your city, and those were your people. Why didn't you do anything to stop it?”

“I know the incident you're talking about,” Jun's voice drops low, and his face clouds over, “And I won't try to deny it. We dropped the ball – we failed. The Oracle gave us nothing, no indication that there was ANY risk. Quite the opposite, in fact. She claimed that there was no dangers that needed addressed.” Wincing, he looks away from you. “I wish I had a better answer to give you, but this all I can say. We failed, and a lot of people paid the price for that,” he finishes, “The Oracle system hasn't made a similar mistake since, but... I don't imagine that will be much comfort to you.”

Speechless, all you can do is numbly shake your head.

[1/2]

>>1697758
I'm thinking Oracle might have its own agenda.

>>1697763
Fairly certain the magical girl bits in it do, and it involves us.

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>>1697758

You're still thinking about Jun's answer as the car – driven by Ryuu Tanaka, the tanned Sentinel agent you saw at the initiation – glides into the city. You were probably a terrible passenger, barely noticing his attempts at making conversation, but you were just too wrapped up in your own thoughts. The fact that this much-praised Oracle could make such a shocking error... you're not quite sure if you can swallow that. You can practically hear Maika's voice in your head.

“Machines don't make mistakes,” she might say, in a typically stiff tone of voice.

If not a mistake, then... a deliberate act of subterfuge?

The idea is far from comforting.

-

All the next day, you wait for Kurosawa to make an appearance - to pass comment on the initiation ceremony, or the new Tyrant, or... or just to yell at you for no particular reason. You'd welcome that, at least, if it meant hearing from him. Yet, he never shows himself, and the absence seems like a gaping hole in your preparations. It is under a dark pall – literally, with thick clouds gathering overhead – that you arrive at the shrine. You must have been slow in walking over, the others are waiting when you arrive.

“So, uh, we've got a Tyrant,” you announce lamely, without even a trace of a preamble, “The Sentinels want to hit it tonight, and they want us to come with them. So... uh, what do you all think?”

“I think you're seriously lacking in enthusiasm,” Ayane scolds, “C'mon Miho, what's wrong?”

“The usual problems, my life is crumbling down around me,” you reply, forcing a laugh, “That's not what I wanted to talk about. I'm not kidding, the Sentinels want us to join forces. Pool our resources, that kind of thing. Whatever else I think about them, they've got a good point on this one – we can't let a Tyrant act freely.” Recalling Zakuro, you wince. “A hostile Tyrant, I mean,” you correct yourself, “So c'mon everyone. Opinions?”

“I'm in,” Maika announces simply, “We have a duty to fight. I'm perfectly happy to work with the Sentinels on this one.”

“Can't say I'm that surprised,” Ayane remarks, “But yeah, I'm with Maika on this one. If we can destroy a Tyrant before it has a chance to cause any trouble over here, I'm all for it. Besides, this might be good for us, a chance to build bridges.”

“And a chance for them to do some of the hard work,” Kasumi points out, smiling coyly to herself, “That would make a nice change, wouldn't it?”

“...Fuck,” Emi curses quietly, tugging up a clump of grass and slowly shredding it, “Yeah, fuck it, I'm in. It's been too long since I got a chance to shank some assholes, it'll do me good to get some exercise.”

“Too long?” Ayane laughs, “Hasn't it been, like, a few days?”

“Yeah, that's what I said,” Emi insists, “Too long.”

[2/3]

>>1697808

“You sure you're okay with this, Emi?” you ask, concern in your voice, “You don't sound convinced.”

“I just don't like these guys. I mean, sure, they want to fight Intruders and all, I got no problem with that,” she replies, scowling down at the stone tiles and plucking some more grass from between them, “But shit, I just don't like them – as people, like. A bunch of snooty assholes looking down on us like we're just kids playing around in their backyard.” Throwing down the handful of grass, she leaps to her feet and points an angry finger at you. “That's why I'm gonna show them what we can really do!” she cries, “We're all gonna make them think again!”

“Yeah!” Ayane cheers, “That's what I'm talking about!”

“So we're all agreed?” you check, looking between everyone, “Right, I just gotta call Jun when we're all ready. Any last issues you want to discuss?”

“No, I think we're all quite content,” Kasumi answers, her reply mirrored by everyone else, “Then we're ready when you are.”

>Alright. I'm making the call now
>There's something else I wanted to mention... (Write in)
>Other

>>1697821

>Alright. I'm making the call now

>>1697821
>There's something else I wanted to mention... (Write in)

Tell them about how Oracle dropped the ball, our meeting with Fujiwara and Jun's power.

>>1697821
>There's something else I wanted to mention. They have never faced a Tyrant before. Expect them not to know what they're doing.

>Alright. I'm making the call now

>>1697827
And this. I should have thought of this myself.

>>1697821
>Alright. I'm making the call now
>There's something else I wanted to mention... (Write in)
"If we want to make these guys respect us we got to act professional. That means no antagonizing and no showing off. We take this Tyrant down clean and efficient as possible.

And if Crow is there don't rise to her bait. Violently anyway."

>>1697821
>>Alright. I'm making the call now

“Before we meet up with them, there are a few things you should all know,” you tell the group, “First of all, they've never faced a Tyrant before. That means, we might need to show them the ropes. Be patient with them, okay?”

“Like I said, we gotta show them how it's done,” Emi grins, jabbing a stubborn finger into her chest, “These amateurs!”

“Just don't get carried away, okay?” you warn her, “We should show these guys that we can be professional – that means no rising to the bait, even if Crow is there. No punching her, no shooting her, no... setting an angry dog on her.”

A chorus of angry groans meets this, but at least there are no objections.”

“And the rest of it. I met with another one them the other day, Doctor Fujiwara. She's the one who can copy our powers,” frowning, you think about the old doctor, “She's... god, I don't know how to describe her. I want you to be careful with her - if you ever have reason to meet her, don't let your guard down.” Having said this, you flash Maika a brief look of apology, one that she acknowledges with a slight nod. “Also, uh, it's Jun. Apparently, he has the ability to pick up surface thoughts,” you pause awkwardly, “But he said he doesn't like using it. Whether or not that's true...”

“I'll ask him, just straight out,” Ayane decides, “Nobody gets to poke around in other people's thoughts. Well, ah, except for Kasumi, I mean.”

“I'd appreciate that. Try and be subtle about it though, won't you?” you plead, “And... I need to talk to you about the Oracle. According to Jun, she missed the... incident. Just totally screwed up, didn't get a single hint that something bad was coming. A mistake, Jun said.”

“Machines don't make mistakes,” Maika insists, her voice starting off stiff before softening a little, “Although, I will admit, I can't be quite so sure in this case. If this Oracle is really receiving guidance from some divine source... well, that quite changes things.”

“Well, if you have any other insights, let me know,” nodding slowly, you take out your phone, “Alright then, I'm making the call now. They'll probably be sending a car... Emi, where's a good place to park around here?”

-

A few streets away, Jun arrives in an impressively sized car. If nothing else, you won't all be crushed together in the back seat. Ayane hurries ahead of you, already calling shotgun and climbing into the passenger seat. Judging by the lack of screaming, Crow isn't riding along this time.

Probably for the best.

[1/2]

>>1697890

“Well then. For those who don't know me, my name is Jun Kiriyama,” Jun introduces himself, “I know this is all very sudden, but I hope we can work together. This might be the first time we're meeting in person, but I think we all know each other a little.” Laughing a little to himself, he starts the car and drives off into the quiet streets. “Here's another first for us,” he adds, “This will be your first time seeing Project Looking Glass. It might look intimidating, but it's really very-”

“Hey,” Ayane asks, “Have you been reading our minds?”

“Ayane!” you protest, “What happened to being subtle?”

“No, this is something I'd rather get out in the open,” Jun glances around at Ayane, “I have never used my abilities on any of you, and I have no intention of doing so in future. Now then, was I telling the truth or not?”

“Huh,” Ayane almost sounds disappointed at how little resistance he puts up, “He's telling the truth, you guys. Like, the total, unvarnished truth. I've gotta admit, I'm... a little surprised. Uh, no offence.”

“None taken,” Jun remarks, looking back to the road ahead, “And I hope we can put this behind us. We've got more important business to focus on.”

-

Compared with the last time you took a drive with Jun, this one is much shorter although it still takes you to the very edge of Ark City. Nestled in a low hollow, a silver dome like structure winks in the evening sun. The security is tight, both obvious, like chainlink fences and patrolling drones, and less obvious – a pervasive sense that you're being watched.

“Officially, this is a weather station,” Jun explains vaguely, guiding the car into an underground garage, “But really, people don't ask too many questions. Most of the people I've met don't even know this place exists. If they do know, they just don't care about what it's actually here for. That kind of apathy... it's useful, but that doesn't mean I like it.” Turning off the engine, he gets out of the vehicle and gestures impatiently for you to follow him deeper inside the maze of corridors.

“Okay, so Looking Glass,” you ask as you hurry after him, “How does this work, exactly? I mean, what do we have to do?”

“It's very simple on the user end,” your escort assures you, “It just opens up a portal, much the same as the ones you're used to using. All we have to do is walk through, and take care of things on the other end. When we come back through, we deactivate the portal and all is well. To date, we've never had a portal collapse or grow unstable on us. We're really rather proud of what we've been able to achieve here.”

“But you're totally modest about it,” Ayane jokes, “And you would NEVER brag.”

“Exactly,” Jun nods, either missing the point or choosing to ignore it.

[2/3]

>>1697931
oh shit, it's fully operational?
uh, what abyssal coordinates are we going to?

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>>1697931

At the lowest level of the facility, you come across the Looking Glass itself. You've got to admit, it's an impressive sight. In a semicircular room not unlike the amphitheatre, a grand mirror rests in a cradle of steel and plastic. As wide as a city street and tall enough for stack of cars to drive though it, the vast mirror is utterly flawless in form. You can't see a single fingerprint or speck of dust, not one – you can't even imagine how long it takes to clean.

The only blot on the picture is Karl, brooding at a nearby computer. His expression is dark, and he taps an impatient foot as he waits.

“Karl, how are looking?” Jun asks, “Everything going to plan?”

“Almost everything. The coordinates are set and calculated,” Karl replies, “We're just missing one-”

“I'm here now,” a languid voice announces from behind you. Ryuu – shirtless and still damp from a shower – sweeps past you and slumps down into a chair. His muscular torso is alive with tattoos, a dragon coiling lazily around his tanned flesh. “I didn't realise we were in an urgent rush,” he continues, “The Oracle said we had at least two days to-”

“And the Oracle is never wrong,” you interrupt, “Is she?”

“So, Miho Tsukada,” Ryuu drawls, “You've found your tongue at last, have you?”

“Please, everyone!” Jun cries out, “I want to get started as soon as possible. Karl, get ready. Ryuu... put a shirt on! Miho, get your team ready. We're opening the portal in five minutes. Fine minutes exactly, Ryuu, not ten or fifteen minutes. I'm serious about this.”

The tanned man just chuckles, making no attempt to move.

-

Five minutes later, a bell begins to ring out from somewhere deep within the facility. As it chimes, a ripple begins to spread out across the surface of the grand mirror. The ripple takes hold as a soft glow builds from within. It builds and builds until the whole thing is almost painful to look at, a doorway of pure white light torn in reality.

“Ladies and gentleman, Project Looking Glass,” Jun announces gravely, “The fruits of all our labour. Through our human effort and ingenuity, we have-”

“Hold on a moment,” Ryuu interrupts, rising from his seat, “I should go and fetch that shirt. We can wait a little longer, can we not?”

You don't know much German, but you're pretty sure that what Karl barks out is a curse of the vilest sort.

>I think I'll close things here for tonight. I'll continue this next week, with a new thread.
>Stick around for this week's extra special bonus episode!

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Unknown location
Unknown time

Noriko Inoue ran.

That was all she could do, run down those winding labyrinthine corridors as if the hounds of hell themselves were nipping at her heels. An apt comparison – at every junction, a new Thrall seemed to be lying in wait. Most of them, she was able to shoot down before they could get too close, but she knew that she couldn't keep it up forever. Her legs burned with the effort of running, and her aim was starting to fail her.

She had been running ever since that awful tremor had separated her from Megumi and Fleur, and now she ran in desperate search of somewhere to hide. A brief moment of peace and focus, that would be enough to glimpse the dangling threads of the future – and, perhaps, a way out of this mess. She would have been happy with a path back to her friends, or even just a stern word from Abraham.

The next corner brought disaster, a sprawling pile of books brought low by one of the tremors. Noriko's eyes grew wide at the sight, and she leapt to clear the barricade – too late, her foot caught on the pile and her jump turned into an ungainly sprawl. She cried out at the sheer unfairness of it all, but her voice was drowned out by the snarl of the approaching hounds. Rolling onto her back, Noriko summoned her pistols as the hounds lunged.

Brass casings flew as Noriko fired, her bullets cutting one of the hounds out of the air but flying wide of the second. It landed swiftly and pounced forwards, flesh jowls peeling back to reveal a mouth brimming with crooked fangs. Aimed for her throat, the lunge found Noriko's forearm instead, a desperate defence that just barely paid off. Awful pain lanced through Noriko as the Intruder bit down on her arm, thrashing its jaws back and forth to shred the flesh. The pistol fell from her nerveless hand, clattering on the stone floor.

But her other pistol, she kept a tight grip on that one. Crying out in pain, she twisted around and pushed the muzzle of her second gun up against the hound's head, squeezing the trigger again and again until the Intruder's skull was reduced to bloody paste. When its jaws grew weak and slack, Noriko was finally able to throw the cadaver aside. Rising to her feet and clutching her ravaged arm close to her chest, she lurched down the corridor as another tremor shook the ground beneath her feet. Not as bad this time, Noriko kept her balance.

The next junction she came across offered hope – a narrow side path, a dead end. A good place to hide, perhaps, or a good place to die like a rat in a trap. Taking her chance, bitterly aware that she had little choice, Noriko squeezed into the corridor and slumped down into a heap.

“I don't...” she whispered to herself, “I don't want to die here...”

[1/3]

>>1697992

With her peculiar gift, Noriko had known – more or less – what she would be walking into. When she entered the Umbra with Megumi and Fleur, she did so knowing – and, at the time, accepting – that she was unlikely to leave. It was a trade, that was how she had chosen to see it. According to her glimpses of the future, this trip into the Umbra really would be their last job, the last time that the Intruders showed their faces, but only if they struck now. Felicia had willingly offered her life, and now it was Noriko's turn.

At least, that was how she had thought at the beginning of the day. Now that she was lost here, faced with a slow and hopeless fate... she couldn't. She just couldn't lie down and accept her fate. There had to be a way to change it now, there just had to be!

But first, she needed to rest, to heal. Slowly, dreading what she might see, Noriko looked down at her wounded arm. Her Barrier was in poor shape, and the wound had barely healed at all – if anything, it was worse. It had festered, and before Noriko snatched her eyes away from it she saw pale shapes wriggling amidst the torn flesh. A cry of revulsion slipped from her lips as she frantically sought to wipe the loathsome things away, her attempts causing a ragged pain to shoot through her. When she realised that she was only making the problem worse, Noriko forced herself to stop, forcing the disgust from her mind.

Closing her eyes, she emptied her mind and waited, waiting for the old familiar threads of light to appear. They were possibilities, potential futures that stretched out before her. Her gift was to read them, weighing up the probabilities and following the strongest threads as they turned into reality. Now, as the first few threads appeared in her mind's eye, the tidings were bleak – the threads were dull, stunted and withered, each one ending with abrupt finality. Perhaps she could postpone her death for a little, but...

And then she saw it. One single thread of light that stretched out far, far further than the others. It was dull – a remote chance, unlikely to find its way into reality – but it was still there, it WAS a possibility. The question, then – how to usher it into reality? Noriko's powers only allowed her to read the possibilities, not alter them, and the thread itself...

“This doesn't make any sense,” Noriko muttered to herself, the pain momentarily forgotten as she pondered on the confusing prediction, “The books? I don't understand, I can't...”

Frowning, she dragged one of the heavy books closer with her intact arm, heaving it open at random and staring at the indecipherable script. It was useless, she couldn't make head nor tail of the contents. How, then, would reading these inhuman books help her?

[2/3]

>>1697994

There was, Noriko decided, something bitterly amusing about this. Back in the real world she found it all too easy to get lost in a book, no matter what kind of book it might be. Now, she was surrounded by books, and not a single one was able to help her. The inhuman script - elusive in meaning, but somehow significant in a way she could not guess – continued to taunt and frustrate her. Every so often she seemed to catch a recognisable word dancing at the fringe of her vision, but she could never bring them into focus.

Perhaps they were nothing more than a hallucination, a phantom conjured up by her fraying nerves to vex her. If so, they were certainly working. Noriko let out a tremendous groan and pushed away her latest book with her good arm, slumping back in glum dismay. Forcing calm, she took a breath to steady herself and closed her eyes, reaching out once again for the threads of fate. Nothing had changed, or so she thought, but the lone hope dangling before her was closer now, closer and brighter. It should have been a relief, but instead it pushed her into a sudden anger.

“I don't understand this at all!” she protested, rising to unsteady legs and leaning heavily against the towering shelf, “What do you want me to DO? What do you expect me to-”

Her outburst was cut short by an awful sound. Not the rumble that she had grown used to, but something else – not breaking glass, tearing fabric or the howling of a beast, but something close to all three. The sound shuddered through her entire body and caused her to cry out in alarm, but then her eyes grew wide. Some bright shape formed in the air before her, growing harsh and angular. A shape like a...

Like a doorway.

>That marks the end of this week's bonus episode! Tune in next week for more, and if anyone has any questions, I'll answer them the best I can
>Thanks to everyone who contributed this week!

>>1697996
Thanks for running Moloch.

>>1697996
Thanks for running!

This has to be the most evil cliffhanger yet.

>>1697996
Thanks for running, Moloch!

>>1697996
Hey how many Sentinels are going with us? Is it just Jun, Karl, and Tanaka? Seemed like there would be more since Jun mentioned 'grave casualties'

>>1698160

Just those three, yes. If we hadn't agreed to come along, however, they would have been forced to deploy a lot more of their members to make up for the relative lack. There are other Sentinels available for reinforcements, but their current orders are to hold back until they're required.

>>1697996
Thanks for running!

Is it only me who thought the Sentinels could drive a tank through the Looking Glass? And how cool an Intruder-busting tank would be?