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File: SawbonesAndSarah.png (2.17 MB, 1638x2048)
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>Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Devil%20Summoner%20Task%20Force%20666%20Quest
>Previous Session: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3417325/
>General Pastebin: pastebin.com/u/TaskForceKaz
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaskForceKaz
>Art commissioned from: https://twitter.com/OKeiBai

>Squad Carina Approval
>Brady: 153
>Fitz: 306
>MacKay: 197
>Victoria: 166

=====

You are Adrian Brown, a twenty five year-old third-year medical student living an otherwise normal American life in search of employment. That was until you woke up inside a derelict and demon-infested hospital with four other victims of short-term memory loss. Together, the five of you managed to somehow survive by negotiating with demons and defeating those that were not so amicable. And upon escaping, the all of you realized that it wasn’t as simple as that.

Task Force 666 a multinational organization dedicated to combating hostile demons and those that would use them for ill intentions. And the hellhole you just went through? That was your ‘job interview’, one that you passed with flying colors. When properly offered employment as an agent among the ranks, you accepted without too much hesitation or second thoughts. Duty to humanity and whatnot.

You are now a Devil Summoner in the service of the Task Force, and the leader of East Coast Operations Division IV Carina Squad. It is your duty to protect mankind from all threats involving the demonic, but how you choose to carry out your orders is entirely up to you. The choices you make shall not only affect those around you, but the fate of the entire world itself.

In the last thread, Carina Squad dealt with the fallout of Alice, the Daughter of Death, her visit to Washington D.C., and the subsequent mission you were assigned to by Central. As things cool off, you have been assigned to investigate the illicit drug ‘Devil’s Dust’ and its possible connections to the Demon World. In your company is a Godslayer, one of the Task Force’s most powerful Devil Busters, and the one you chose to accompany you is Dante Sparda, a Devil Buster with a more hands-on approach than most.

Your latest mission finds you in the Demon World, investigating roving tribes of oni, with an increasing suspicion of human involvement. And a chance encounter with the friendly, albeit gullible, Ibaraki-Douji, has allowed for you to expedite your expedition. Alas, but Horkos, Lord of Gluttony, has mistaken your company for another human’s, and has attacked the expedition...

(cont.)
>>
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TWO YEARS AGO

>Spring, 2013

The girl in the photo couldn’t have been more than nine or ten years old, but Sarah knew better than just to go by looks and gut alone. The kid was definitely younger than she looked, at least by a year, and skinny enough for it, too. And the county records listed her date of birth as only a few days before the World Cup final in 2006.

Not exactly the most memorable of matches. Italy had won 5-3 in a penalty shootout, all because the French captain couldn’t ignore an obscene remark about his sister. Or mother. The jury was still out as to what Marco Materazzi had said before he’d been hit by Zinedine Zidane.

If it were up to her, she wouldn’t have found too much fault in his action, other than suggesting another punch or two. Family was family. “Talk shit, get hit” was the M.O. for a whole lot of people, and not just the county police department. It’d be pretty fucking hard to find someone who wouldn’t get angry or upset at an insult to his mother.

Sarah doubted that the perp fell into the same category.

The dashboard radio crackled to life: “Dispatch to all thirty-five units. BOLO for a white cargo van, probably a Ford or Ram, North Carolina plate with a Wright Brothers’ plane logo, last digits ‘T3’. Suspect was last seen at a gas station just a mile off of I-495. If you see a vehicle matching that description, call it in and wait for reinforcements.”

Reinforcements that would take at least ten minutes to arrive. Anything could happen in ten minutes. The wheel creaked underneath her grip as she set her papers down, jiggling the engine to life before flooring it out of the parking lot.

Jane Graham had disappeared after the bus had dropped her off from school. After the first hour of unanswered calls to her cell phone, her parents had called the cops and put the state on red alert. Suits from the capital had been called in to help, and they were swarming North Virginia like hounds on a pork chop. Procedure said that the FBI became involved as soon as the possibility of crossing state lines was a possibility, and Fairfax was too damn close to Maryland and D.C. lines.

10-35 was the signal code for missing persons or runaways. That meant that all the cops working the beat, at least twenty of them, were on the case. But as every one of them were scattered across the search area, there was the dread of a fool’s errand that had settled, embedded in even the back of Sarah’s mind.

(cont.)
>>
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Kidnapping cases always had timers. And in six hours, most victims were already either dead or sexually assaulted. All the worse for a weak, defenseless child, and nothing short of a miracle could get her back in one piece, unharmed, alive and well.

But miracles don’t happen often, especially not in her line of work.

As she came to a stop at an intersection, Sarah picked up the handheld. Depressing the switch, she said, “Fitzgerald to Dispatch.”

“Yeah, Fitz. Dispatch reading you loud and clear. What’s up?” Nothing short of a really, really fucking good descrambler was going to make heads or tails out of their chatter on this private channel. For all they knew, the perp could be listening in on the scanners, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

Sarah grinned in spite of herself. There was only one egghead who was either lax or brave enough on protocol to address her by her shortened name. All the more power since he was one of the smarter dispatch operators. “How good’s that info on the truck, Jimmy?”

“Pretty damn good...” There was a brief pause as papers rustled and a keyboard typed out a query. “Three witnesses and a security camera saw the girl talking to somebody in the truck. Suspect is male Caucasian, mid-thirties wearing a green shirt. Ain’t much, but it’s better than nothing.”

“Match up with any sex offenders in the area?”

“Fifteen in Fairfax, twelve in Arlington...Piper and Donnie are making the rounds with the Feds, but it’s gonna be awhile before they get anything conclusive. No developments yet though.”

Typical. “Roger. Fitz out.”

More driving, more scanning. Sarah turned out of a residential area, a million thoughts on her mind. Was this how Ben experienced the old days of patrolling the beat, hunting down the perp responsible for petty thievery or outright murder? She started looking for paths off the road, tucked away quietly in the vast forests and tall trees of North Virginia.

She checked the wallet-sized photo again. Jane was just a sweet-faced little girl, just learning her handwriting and practicing her times tables. The world for her was her house, the school, the local park, a safe bubble made all the more warm by Mommy and Daddy...

The world shifted. For a moment, it wasn’t Jane’s face that was in the image, a copy given by tear-stricken and panicked parents. Abby’s face, her vulpine grin and all, had become superimposed upon the picture, vulpine grin and all. A daylight nightmare Sarah never hoped to experience in the waking world.

(cont.)
>>
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Her grip on the wheel tightened, and she swerved to avoid clipping a minivan. By the time Sarah’s gaze went back to the photo, everything had gone back to normal. Jane’s bright face, mouth open in a laugh and dark curls bouncing in delight, were as they were. Her sister was nowhere to be seen.

“Get it together, you fuckin’ idiot...” she murmured to herself. Her head swiveled left and right as she reached the top of a cul-de-sac...

There, about a hundred yards away was a road that sloped downwards, almost like a gullet into a large copse of trees. The path took a gentle curve, but the trees were thin enough for her to see what they had behind them...cheap frame, single-story house and gravel driveway...right were a corner of a light van was just visible, more beige than white.

Was this the right one? What was the lighting the witnesses saw the vehicle, sunlight or shadows? There were too many things, too many variables and inconsistencies. The Fairfax Police Academy was good, but it couldn’t prepare anybody for everything, not even close. But what the instructors did teach you was to follow your guts and experience...

Sarah had been in the force for five years. Her mannerisms were shit, but her instincts were well-honed, well-practiced, and screaming at her to call it in.

She set the car to idle, fumbling for the monocular in her belt. Hardly regulation, but it did a fine better job than the binoculars in the glove compartment. As she put it to her eye and focused on the van, her other hand went to the radio on her chest.

“Fitzgerald to Dispatch.”

“Yeah, Fitz?” Jimmy’s voice answered.

She radioed her location, squinting to get a clear look. “I got a possible I.D., standby for confirmation.”

“Do you need backup?”

“Negative. Just a check-up...prolly nothin’ anyway...”

She inched the cruiser closer, as close as she could without alerting any occupants. The van didn’t look like anything out of the ordinary, the kind of vehicle a blue-collar worker used for day-to-day life. The iconography of Ford was caked with mud, but plainly visible with the weak light passing through the canopy. Another point in her gut’s favor...

There. But what sealed the deal, even without the last numbers of the license plate, was the image of the Wright Brothers, staring proudly at the biplane as it took off from the center of the tags. Virginia had a rich history and could be proud of many things, but there was only one state that could claim that it was ‘First in Flight’: North Carolina.

“Fitzgerald to Dispatch. I got a positive I.D.,” she exhaled, excited in spite of herself, “Right in front of me, airplane and all. Just off Idylwood Road, dirt road halfway into the forest, ends in a white, rickety house.”

(cont.)
>>
Jimmy broke protocol by transmitting an elaborate, but relieved, swear. “Nice job, Fitz! We’re passing the information on now and routing all officers to your location-”

Sarah had already exited the car, prowling down the driveway and ready to establish a perimeter around the neighborhood when time came to a terrifying standstill.

Even with the gentle breeze quietly rustling branches and fallen leaves, the scream was an awful, shrill sound, like someone looking at death itself. Her brain processed the information and in the next second, she found her Saur in her hands and her own body in a dead sprint towards the house. She slammed against the van, peering towards the entrance. Rickety wire-screen door on rusted hinges, curtains drawn tight beyond grimy, unwashed windows. The entryway seemed to branch, leading to a kitchen, bedroom and living room.

The thought of probable cause entered her mind for a moment, an old chastisement from her mentor at the Academy. She wondered if she had it, decided that she had more than enough, and ducked out of cover from the van.

“Someone’s screamin’ in there,” she hissed into the radio, “10-26I, I’m not waitin’ for backup, I’m goin’ in!”

“Fitz, wait-!” Sarah turned off the radio before Jimmy could complain, grimacing as the door creaked awfully at her entrance.

The first thing to greet her was a grimy rug, and a small corridor that seemed to branch out in two directions. She headed that way, gun up and senses sandpapered to ultimate alertness. Even with her vest and two plates of ballistic-resistant armor around her body, there was no telling what she would run into. At the best, a gun, but she lacked the stab-proof materials that her S.W.A.T. kit had.

As she ventured into the house, the angle of approach changed. There was noise in the living room, someone doing something, and she edged away as quietly as possible. The kitchen became invisible, and the living room disappeared entirely. She hugged the wall of the hallway, pistol at the ready as she opened the door of the bedroom.

Jane Graham was gagged and bound on a slimy mattress. Her eyes were open, but they stared at nothing, not at the nakedness of her little body, or at handiwork of her killer. An entire life’s supply of blood had gotten all over the sheets, dripping onto a floor littered with screwdrivers and hammers stained a sickly red. The gaping wound that ended her life, a horrific gash across her throat, was only one of many that had been inflicted.

Sarah didn’t react. She stared, searing the grisly sight in her memory as her mind became white noise and violent thoughts. All she could think about was that the son of a bitch responsible for this was still in the building, only a handful of feet away and too caught up in the aftermath of his kill to notice her intrusion.

(cont.)
>>
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She saw the perp when she returned to the central corridor, peeking into the living room to confirm the target. Male, mid-thirties Caucasian, slightly balding and eyes focused raptly on the TV in front of him. It was a horror movie, some slasher from the eighties; that was where the scream had come from. It did little in the way of assuring her that Jane was long-dead before her arrival, or that Sarah could have saved her if she had been quicker to arrive.

In one hand, he clutched a Miller Lite, and with his other...Sarah blanched. The butcher’s knife on the coffee table, bloodied and slick with gore, was less than a few inches away from his knees, and only a handful of feet away from the hand that he was using to pleasure himself. There was blood all over him, his shirt, his legs, his arms...the blood of a little girl that would never come home from school.

“The thing with sickos like these is that they think they’re all hot shit untouchable. Sure, they’ll think they’re fuckin’ De Niro when they’ve got kid in their hands. But the thing is…they all fold like a house of cards at the sight of an armed cop, and they don’t resist. And that’s such a damned shame...”

“...so make ‘em.”


The thought entered Sarah’s mind, seemingly of its own accord. Her thumb pulled back the hammer of the gun, and the quiet click it made set the countdown to the killer’s demise.

Just at the entrance to the kitchen, there was an old, glass vase atop the counter. It still had the K-Mart sticker that marked it as cheap shit, a transparent thing that had a dozen wilted flowers sitting pitifully in it. Slowly, carefully, Sarah cocked her arm and punched the thing as hard as she could. It skidded on the counter, dancing wildly on its axis before falling to the floor and shattering.

The subject reacted violently and turned to see an unexpected visitor in his house. His response was instinctive, not reasoned. He stopped what he was doing, dropping his beer and reaching for the butcher knife right at the coffee table. She even gave him time to get a good grip on the knife and stand up. But before he could take a single step, Sarah had already lined up her target.

That was the final mistake of his life, and she didn’t even have time to smile. It was gospel in American police agencies that a man with a knife in his hand less than twenty-one feet away is an immediate and lethal threat.

The first shot went right through his gut, staining the wall behind him with a fresh color of red. He didn’t even have time to blink at the new stain on his shirt before she squeezed the trigger again. Five more rounds barked from out of her Saur, following the first in less than a second. One in the left thigh, one in the arm holding the knife, three more into the gut for good measure.

All non-lethal shots.

(cont.)
>>
He fell over, and started squealing like a stuck pig. It would’ve been a funny sight if not for the corpse a few doors down.

“Please! I fucking…I give up…” he whined pitifully, raising his good arm in the universal gesture of defeat. There was blood on his hand, some from the wounds on his body, some from Jane’s body. “…I surrender…”

But Sarah had already decided that this one wasn’t going to jail. And the time he saw the look in her eyes, knew that he was going to die, it was too late. As he either began to crawl away, make another useless intercession or try to grab her leg, she already had the Saur trained right between his eyes.

There was no cheesy one-liner, no witty retort as she killed him. All there was to it was a single squeeze of the trigger, the fine mist of blood and brains that came out the back of his head, and the reflection of his executioner as his eyes glazed over.

Piper was the first to arrive on the scene minutes later, and he found her sitting on the porch of the house. She was cleaning her pistol when he saw her, and an unspoken question and answer passed between them. They’d served together long enough to have that kind of communication.

Sarah shrugged, almost nonchalantly. “…self-defense. Fucker came at me with a knife.”

“Jesus Christ,” Piper exhaled, running a hand across his graying hair, “I’ll take your word for it, but the Feds aren’t gonna be happy...they were expecting a live one to take back.”

She shot him a glare that could’ve melted a hole in a plate of steel. “So were we, Lewis...”

"That's not what I..."

"Just drop it, okay?"

The veteran exhaled warily, joining her on the porch as the rest of the combined departments and the federal government converged on the neighborhood. Before sirens quickly began to fill the neighborhood, the two officers had a silent, quiet moment to themselves. Within minutes, they would be caught up in the red tape that came with murder investigations.

“...Lilly’s got meatloaf on tonight.”

“That’s nice.”

“And kids haven’t seen you in a while either.”

“It’s been busy.”

“...do you want to come over for dinner tonight?”

“...thanks, Lewis...”

==================
>>
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Welcome back to Task Force 666! It's been awhile, I know, but thank you to everyone who patiently waited and/or threatened me with bodily harm. Regarding my health for those concerned, I should be able to comfortably quest for extended periods of time without relapsing or triggering pain in my lower back. Surgery's temporarily off the docket, but I've been responding positively to more conservative treatment.

I go back to grad school on about January 3rd, so I'm gonna be maximizing my questing hours in-between treatments and familial obligations.
>>
>>3941334
welcome back and good to hear that your feeling better
>>
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>The Demon Realm
>August 1st, 2015

>In the battle with Horkos, you have successfully shredded its Armor and reduced its Speed to 0.
>Crippled and spinning in the mud, your team and Ibaraki have an overwhelming tactical advantage.

Together, both the Whisler and its infantry support unleash hell into the fallen demon. You hold nothing back as artillery shells and demonic spells slam into the ruin of flesh. Dante’s weapon grows hot in your hands as you empty the magazine, round after round until the godslayer hands you a canister of munitions.

Ibaraki doesn’t seem to need any warnings, though. The little oni almost seems to dance her way between Horkos’ clumsy swats and your own munitions blasts. Sword and talon claw and slice through layers of fat and gristle, watering the ground of the Wastes with demonic ichor.

Suddenly, everything goes wrong. In her eagerness to claim herself a fillet, the demonic pig catches her unawares with a debilitating spell. She staggers, realizing her folly, and attempts to dance away. But that one charge is enough for him to pin her down against his prodigious bulk.

“Got you, brat!” Horkos cries out triumphantly, pulling back his fist. Trapped within meaty fingers, the oni of Mount Ooe is barely the size of his smallest fingernail.

“Ibaraki!” you shout in alarm, and everyone redoubles their efforts against the fallen demon. “Hang on, we’re on our way!”

Even caught, the oni rages, doing her best to free herself. She bites, claws and struggles against the grip that’s trying its best to turn her into a red stain. “Let me go, piggy!”

“I think not!” And she cries out as his grip tightens. “I’ve had it up to here with your little antics and mistreatment...no more shall I suffer your presence-”

“...aniki will surely kill you for this...”

“No he will not. Not once I’ve consumed you, the humans and their iron carriage...I shall have enough power to become the new ruler of the Brooding Mountains!”

“Really?!” The oni bears her fangs. “Then try to devour me! Try to kill me! I will never stop fighting. Even when they took my hands at Rashōmon, even when Minamoto-no-Raikou slew Shuten-douji...I never stopped fighting! That is what it means to be oni! So devour me, piggy. Maybe you won’t be so pathetic if you have my power...but beware! I will fight, even as my flesh melts from my body and my bones turn to feces!”

>>How will Carina respond to this unexpected development?
>Have the Whistler's main turret make a Called Shot towards Horkos' arm.
>Order the Whistler to ram Horkos at Full Speed as a distraction.
>You and Dante will directly charge Horkos.
>Write-in
>>
>>3941344
>Have the Whistler's main turret make a Called Shot towards Horkos' arm.

Welcome back. I have completely forgotten the vehicle combat.
>>
And carrying this over from the prior thread...

>>A brief overview of Kaz’s Armored Combat

>>Stats:
>Firepower – rough estimate of the most powerful gun on your vehicle.
>Armor – how much your vehicle is capable of shrugging off.
>Speed – rate of how quickly your vehicle can move or otherwise dodge.
>Engine – measure of how much is powering your vehicles systems.

>>Bringing a stat down to zero has severe consequences:
>Firepower – the vehicle is otherwise incapable of any offensive output.
>Armor – the soft insides of the vehicle have been completely exposed.
>Speed – the vehicle has been crippled and is incapable of moving.
>Engine – everything is dead. Life support, turret function, plasma shield, etc.

>Attack rolls determine if an attack hits, and the accuracy is modified by the turret gunner’s Combat stat.

>>Each stat can be damaged/modified.
>For example, Horkos’ Armor Stat is 8, which means that in addition to the default 40 DC to penetrate his body, he receives a +80 for a total of 120 Armor DC to beat with a normal shot, not counting the +10 from the Speed should Horkos wish to dodge and not attack.
>To bypass this, you might try to make a Penetrating Shot. For this example, you would roll Combat and add the bonus of +30 for Firepower. To Shred armor, you only need to beat the default DC (40) plus half of the enemy’s armor stat, which would be 80 in this case.
>Beating 80 DC will reduce Horkos’ armor by one, and every roll higher than fifteen strips another point of armor, as well as lowering the DC to shred.
>For the sake of this argument, the DC of 80 would also need to be overcome in order to strip Speed.

>>The “HP” of a vehicle is calculated by the following formula ([Armor + Engine] x 3)
>Horkos has 24 vehicle HP while the Whistler has 9.

>>Armored Combat’s core mechanic revolves around “The Shot”.
>Before rolling for Accuracy Checks, you will vote on a type of Shot that you will take.
>Each kind of Shot has its own benefits and drawbacks, so proceed with caution.

>>Choose the type of shot you wish to perform:
>Crippling Shot – Below the belt where the treads lie. [Targets enemy’s Speed Stat with the intent to reduce mobility]
>Disabling Shot – Red without tooth or claw. [Target’s enemy’s Firepower Stat to render them weaponless on the battlefield.]
>Evasive Shot – Shootin’ and scootin’ on the run. [+50 to the DC made for both yours and the enemy’s Attack Rolls for one turn]
>Lethal Shot – A heart is a heart, whether it pumps oil or blood. [Targets the enemy’s Engine stat]
>Penetrating Shot – Goes right through armor like in the doujins you read. [Target’s enemy’s Armor stat with the intent to Shred. Multiple degrees of success strip more armor.]
>Scatter Shot – Just pull the trigger and hope it hits something. [Randomly targets enemy stats]
>Stationary Shot – As vanilla as mounted artillery gets. [+50 to Attack Roll targeting no specific stat]
>>
>>3941344
>>Have the Whistler's main turret make a Called Shot towards Horkos' arm.
>>
>>3941344
>>Have the Whistler's main turret make a Called Shot towards Horkos' arm.

come on gunner
>>
>>3941348
are we buffed?
and can we buff the turret/the gunner?
man i forgot almost everything relevant
>>
>>3941344
>>Have the Whistler's main turret make a Called Shot towards Horkos' arm.
>>
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>>3941354
Whole team's been buffed +1 with Luster Candy, so +10 on top of her +40 Combat and the Whistler's +30 Firepower.

>>3941346
>>3941349
>>3941351
>>3941357

Vote's for a Called Shot.

>Please roll 1d100+80 (+40 Sarah's Combat, +30 Whistler APC, +10 Buff)
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 22 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>3941360
Fucking dice
>>
Rolled 16 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>3941360
>>
Rolled 68 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>3941360
>>
>>3941367
Nice anon
>>
>>3941363
>>3941366
>>3941367
“Firing a high-impact shot!” Sarah calls over the radio. The main turret of the whistler groans as its servos bring it to bear against the monstrous demon. “Grab onto your butts and hit the deck!”

You don’t need to be told twice. Mere seconds after you hit the deck, an earth-shattering BOOM resounds throughout the corridors of the mountain. The air suddenly fills with the acrid stench of munitions fire as the turret unleashes the payload.

Horkos doesn’t even have time to blink as the shells burry themselves right into his elbow, detonating a second later. The pig-demon squeals and screams as his arm, still clutching a surprised Ibaraki, are blown clean off of his body. In its place, a shredded stump of bone and burning sinew hangs limply at its side, gushing blood all over the demonic wasteland.

“’s the matter, big guy?” Dante taunts, firing off more munitions from his fuck-huge bazooka, “Bite off more than you could chew?”

“SPAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRDAAAAAAAAAAAA...”

“Sorry, pal, but I’m not on the menu tonight...and neither are those guys.” Returning the bazooka to whatever pocket dimension he stores his weapons, the Godslayer grabs the hilt of his sword, and brings it to bear against the gluttonous demon. “Check, please!”

With those final words, Carina wastes no more time in dispatching the wayward demon. Crippled and devoid of its armor, it takes no more than a few moments for the combined forces of the ground team and the Whistler’s munitions to completely destroy Horkos. And it is with a pathetic, almost pitiable squeal that the beast finally topples over, dead and eliminated for good.

From atop the belly of the demon, Dante whistles, low and admiring. “Not bad, kids! Still got a ways to go, but you’re not half-bad or dead weight. Alger really did a good job training you.” He looks over the corpse, thinking over something before nodding to himself. “I’ll pass on this one since I got a prize from the first oni. Help yourself, kids. That scepter and crown might be worth a fortune back at Central-”

“Wait, wait!” Ibaraki calls, sprinting over before you can take a single step. “The enemy was killed by all of us! Thus, the share of the loot should be distributed evenly! If Sparda doesn’t want anything, then it falls between me and you humans to split it.”

>>Of the items Horkos dropped, which do you want to keep? [Select Two]
>Horkos’ Banner. An enchanted scarf that grants its wearer Auto-Rakukaja x2 at the start of battle.
>Horkos’ Crown. A powerful d-source that can be either sold at Central or used at the Fusion Chambers.
>Horkos’ Scepter. A weapon inflicts the Hunger status ailment, can stack with Tarunda.
>Horkos’ Treasure. A magnetite cache of 4000 units of MAG, and a coinpurse with 50,000 macca.

Gonna get something to eat, BRB
>>
>>3941408
>Horkos’ Banner. An enchanted scarf that grants its wearer Auto-Rakukaja x2 at the start of battle.

Mmm, buffs
>>
>>3941408
>>3941410
>Horkos’ Crown. A powerful d-source that can be either sold at Central or used at the Fusion Chambers.

Oh we can have two
>>
>>3941410
>>3941415
>>3941408
This here pls
>>
>>3941408
>>Horkos’ Banner. An enchanted scarf that grants its wearer Auto-Rakukaja x2 at the start of battle.
>Horkos’ Scepter. A weapon inflicts the Hunger status ailment, can stack with Tarunda.
>>
>>3941408
>>Horkos’ Banner. An enchanted scarf that grants its wearer Auto-Rakukaja x2 at the start of battle.
>>Horkos’ Crown. A powerful d-source that can be either sold at Central or used at the Fusion Chambers.
More buffs for the buff god.
>>
>>3941408
>>3941436
Thid
>>
>>3941408
Didn't this lil' chick kick your ass on the phone game Kaz?
>>
>>3941408
I've got something going on right now, but I'll be on tomorrow to catch up and stuff, glad to see you back!
Also, we still need to reconstitute the two that we turned into an angel. We said we would at some point.
>>
Holy shit it's back! And right after I return from a trip to DC too
>>
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>>3941410
>>3941415
>>3941417
>>3941436
>>3941438
>>You have received the following:
>Horkos’ Banner.
>Horkos’ Crown.

If Ibaraki had any complaints with how you divided the loot, you’ll never know. The little demon stuffs both her pockets and her mouth, filling one with treasure and the other with well-done meat. Heavy ordinance munitions, apparently, make for one hell of a seasoning for an oni’s palate. And damn if the little demon, barely even reaching five feet in height, can put away both a meal and plundered booty.

“It is only in the nature of demons for the strong to survive, and to feed and prey upon the weak,” she waxes philosophic, picking between her teeth with a bone, “But to be an oni is to wallow in poverty, and fill that void with plundered fortune and good liquor. Pity that we do not have any of the latter with all this meat around.”

“Oh, yes,” High Pixie grumbles from behind the sleeve of her kimono, tying vainly to mask the stench of the burning demon meat, “Because it’s so noble of you to live and die like bandits.”

The oni flashes her teeth in a smile that held little in the way of amicability. “We are not so cowardly to hide or otherwise dissemble. But the fairies of the West carry on a masquerade of elegance and grace, even as they indulge in their most degenerate pleasures.”

“I’m a Seelie, you snaggly-toothed brat,” your demon hisses, “Don’t you dare lump me in with those perverted Unseelie.”

“Kukuku...with how loosely that kimono hangs on your shoulders, you would not be out of place in a shogun’s harem...”

You allow the two of them to argue and exchange words. Maybe on some gut level, you know that Ibaraki wouldn’t try something funny with you around. Especially given the extenuating circumstances for her to enjoy her meal and teasing. You know little in the way of demonic digestive systems, after all, but you have doubts that Ibaraki could pull off a ‘Jonah and the Whale’ scenario.

“She’s now honor-bound now that we’ve saved her life,” Vicky says over the private channel, “Oni generally don’t like to be indebted to humans, but some will acknowledge and respect the pact to maintain their own honor.”

“Some?”

“Oni are complicated...may I suggest reading about Aki-san and Ao-san? You’ll only be scratching the surface of oni behaviorisms, but it’s a start in the right direction.”

You glance back towards Ibaraki, who seems content to munch on a drumstick ten times her size, ignoring the scathing, passive-aggressive remarks that High Pixie throws her way.

“...send it to the queue.”

(cont.)
>>
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Well, while we're waiting for Kaz, let us go into our favorite past time:
Talking about Pixie.
>>
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>>3942184
She sure is cute.
>>
>>3942185
the cutest
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>>3942185
I WANT TO BULLY PIXIE BY CALLING HER CUTE TILL SHE BLUSHES.
>>
>>3942192
with our High Pixie that shouldn't take long
>>
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>>3942192
>>
When are we gonna run into Demifiend and have a 1v1, pixie only, fetus of god cat fight?
>>
>>3942247
when we are going to die
>>
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>>3941975
It takes the better part of the afternoon to repair the Whistler from the damage sustained in battle. Time has no meaning beyond the clock set to Eastern Standard, but by the time you’re all finished, the sun would’ve been down back on Earth. Though you and Sparda were the only ones who had taken on roles as infantry support, Carina and their demons were exhausted after the encounter with the Lord of Gluttony.

In the end, you decide to call it quits for the day, electing for everyone to hit the sack. Nobody complained. Watches are drawn and assigned, with Ibaraki and Sparda sharing the dog’s watch in the middle of the evening. Privately, you doubted that it was necessary in the first place. The stench of Horkos’ cooling body was its own warning for all comers to stay the fuck away.

The next two days find Carina resuming their journey up the mountain, a trek that was, for the most part, unmolested and otherwise boring. Ibaraki maintained that this deep within the mountain, any and all of the demons that lived within her brother’s territory paid fealty to him. Only a brave, foolish, and/or suicidal buffoon would attempt to attack someone who was clearly a guest of the honorable Kin-Ki.

Mercifully, the worst onsets of cabin fever are easily mitigated. You and Sarah snag what time you can during your breaks. Vicky and Brady had taught their demons several card games to pass the time, but you were quick to veto future games of ERS after the first slap put a dent in the floor. MacKay contents himself with quiet contemplation and study, and the Godslayer just...sleeps.

On the fourth day of the expedition, you finally reach your destination: the peak of the Brooding Mountains.

“You will bring your iron carriage to a stop,” Ibaraki says as you round the final corner. “When we approach the entrance, I will announce you to the gatekeeper. We may wait awhile for the reception to be prepared-”

The words on her lips die in a muted instant, a hushed gasp filled with terror. For a dread second, you feared that she’d come under attack, that some sniper had shot her. But at the sight the monitor reveals once you’ve completed the last maneuver, you now have a full view of what she sees.

It might have been a mighty gate once. The pieces of rubble strewn across the ground attest to some impressive feat of engineering and architecture that would have stretched at least thirty stories. What sill stands gapes limply, opening to the sight of a courtyard...no. A charnel house.

To call this place the site of a battle would be a gross misstatement. Heaps of butchered bodies are stacked in piles across the outer court, each sorted into their own bloody pile. Their murderers had been meticulous in cataloging; oni, tengu, inugami and dozens of other demons lay in their own mass graves. Some still smolder from old fires, others have been so thoroughly burnt that only their husks makes their misshapen forms identifiable.

(cont.)
>>
“No, no...” the oni whispers, and you don’t need the monitor to guess the expression on her face, “This can’t be...it’s...when would they have...no one would dare...”

Carina stares aghast at the monitors, and even Sparda looks disquieted. But as leader, you have to be quick to respond. “General quarters, now! I don’t care how old the site is, there could be scavengers, or whatever hit them could be lurking around-”

“ANIKI!”

With a desperate howl, Ibaraki launches herself from the APC and makes for the fortress like a bat out of hell before you can stop her. The little demon is a blur of motion, a streak of flaming orange-yellow in the dimness of the demon world. She only lingers for a second on the courtyard before breaking into a desperate run towards the depths of the structure.

“Fucking...” You turn to Vicky. “Think you can get the Whsitler through the debris?”

“Y-yes, of course...” The mechanic pauses, her mouth a thin line of grim apprehension. “Hold on...”

The vehicle lurches, and the magnetite reactor hums something awful as the APC generates enough force to punch through the ruble. And in the dust cloud that it creates, the six of you unload from the Whistler guns out and demons at the ready. Sparda remains weaponless, but his posture betrays any nonchalance.

The fortress of Kin-Ki might have been something out of a Japanese calendar. The tiered structures and curved eaves are iconic to the demon’s culture. The largest foundation, easily as wide as an Olympic swimming pool, must have borne the load of an impressive tower before its destruction. Not a single building remains undamaged or otherwise left untouched.

>>Where does Carina wish to begin?
>Search the Burning Library. Investigate records of the Devil Dust trade.
>Search the Crumbling Throne. Follow Ibaraki in her search for Kin-Ki.
>Search the Plundered Armory. Salvage what you can from the demon’s treasury.
>Search the Sunken Shrine. Search and rescue any possible survivors.
>>
>>3942298
>>Search the Sunken Shrine. Search and rescue any possible survivors.

more information about what happened would be nice
>>
>>3942298
>>Search the Sunken Shrine. Search and rescue any possible survivors.
>>
>>3942298
Whatever we decide, do not split the group
Who- or whatever did this had some damn firepower on their side

Let's go for
>>Shrine
>>
>>3942298
>Search the Burning Library. Investigate records of the Devil Dust trade.

The way the bodies are cataloged makes me think it could have been the dust traders, but that's just a hunch.
>>
>>3942281
>Search the Sunken Shrine. Search and rescue any possible survivors.
>>
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>>3942305
>>3942308
>>3942309
>>3942327
>>3942359
“I’m getting life signs over...half a click southeast. Doesn’t look like much, boss, but it looks like we’ve got some survivors.”

That’s all Carina needs to make a mad dash towards the source of the signal. Idly, you think that five plus a Godslayer would be overkill, but you’d be an idiot to have the group split up. Who or whatever attacked Kin-Ki’s fortress was packing some serious heat, enough to destroy a hundred-ton stone gate and massacre all the inhabitants. Better to be safe than sorry, even with one of the most powerful Devil Busters on temporary lease to your mission.

The source of Brady’s readings comes from what you could best describe as a shrine of sorts. Of course, that is if you could ignore the catastrophic damage that had suffered it. In the center of the ruins lies a crater that might have been the source of the calamity, an impact hard enough to buckle the ground and cause the earth to collapse. Water from some source higher up in the mountains has been quick to fill the hole, but it would take another few weeks for the ruin to be completely submerged.

Dante looks at the chasm, shrugs and jumps down the hole before any of you can stop him. His words waft up from the hole, “Stick to where I land, kids. Might not be completely stable...”

All of you know better than to argue with the Godslayer. Then again, you do have a demon that can Fly...

“Nice ride, Brown,” Dante comments dryly as Griffon brings down the last of your passengers, “Certainly a whole lot friendlier than the last one I tried to get a lift from...”

The collapsed ruin itself is not too big, no larger than a football field. But the walls of the hole impart a claustrophobic feeling, one not entirely dismissed by helmet lights and thermal imaging. Even the quietest footstep sends a loud SPLASH that echoes along the stone walls. All of your hairs are standing on their end, and you’d wager a whole lot of money to say your squad felt the same.

Suddenly, Brady’s gun whips toward a section of the collapsed ruin. “I’ve got something.”

“A survivor?” asks MacKay.

“Prolly...can’t tell...it’s big, I’ll give it that much...the COMP’s giving it a decent power rating-”

"Demon then..." Sarah grunts, "Hope its one of theirs and not-"

Without any warning, the roof of the ruins explodes in a cloud of violent debris. And even past the plume of dust and water vapor, the shape of something long and prehensile looms perilously above you.

Definitely a demon.

>>WARNING: ENEMY IS USING SPELL REGISTERED AS MABUFUDYNE.

“MOVE!”

(cont.)
>>
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The temperature of the chasm, reading at a comfortable sixty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit, plunges like a stone in a river. Tendrils of magic race across the water, lancing around fallen pillars and collapsed buildings in their haste to reach you. Crystalline structures of ice erupt in their wake, some hard for blunt impact, others sharp to impale and thrust. Somehow, the six of you manage to dodge the worst of it, with minor scrapes and scuffs to the DEMONICA plating-

"!"

The shape within the cloud makes a noise no human could possibly make. And with a great flap of unseen tendrils or wings, the obstruction is blown away, to reveal something inhumanly beautiful.

At a first glance, you might have assumed her to be a pale woman, perhaps wearing the white makeup of a geisha. The dress certainly matched, but that was where all similarities ended. Her legs are too long, seemingly ending in the white cloth of her dress, and her eyes are a uniform red, lacking sclera and pupil typical of humans. Her face is porcelain, shrouded by hair as white as snow. And crowned atop her head, and girdling around her waist, are two pairs of intertwining snakes.

...what a busy demon.

Sarah curses. “The hell is that thing?!”

“I don’t know!” Brady snipes back, ducking from another ice attack. The programmer summons Jack Frost...who promptly absorbs the next attack. “Some kind of ice demon, I got that much...uh...shite, the fuck...”

“I’d hazard a guess,” MacKay grunts, taking cover behind a pillar, “And say for consistency’s sake that this demon is Asian?”

Vicky nods her ascent. “Agreed, but not from my country. Dress isn't a kimono...a Chinese demon, perhaps-?”

"What's more important is what she's doing here," you answer curtly, "And whether or not she's one of Kin-Ki's or the force that attacked-

The demon roars again, leaving the cover of the cloud to lunge towards the party, twisting and curling at vectors and angles impossible for any mundane reptile...

>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
>Beat the demon into submission. [Begin Combat]
>Flee the Shrine and return later. [Flee]
>Write-in.
>>
>>3942384
>>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
"We are here with Ibaraki and wanted to negotiate with the Kin-Ki. What happend here?"
be ready to dodge as soon as possible
>>
>>3942384
>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
>>
>>3942384
>>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
>>
>>3942384
>>Beat the demon into submission. [Begin Combat]
>>
>>3942384
Just fucking die
>>
>>3942384

>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
>>
>>3942384
>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
>>
>>3942384
>Attempt to communicate with her. [Initiate Negotiation]
>>
>>3942399
>>3942400
>>3942411
>>3942434
>>3942438
>>3942978
“Hold your fire...but don’t drop your weapons...” you murmur into the comm. “I’ll...see if we can’t calm her down.”

Dante makes a noise in the back of his throat. “Smart move. Never went to rock school, but I can tell you right now that any fight with something that big is only gonna destabilize the area further. So in the interest of not making a sinkhole...”

“Make peace with the snek,” Brady quips, “Good luck, bossman. Hope your luck with demon women holds at...what is it now, three for three?”

“Five if you count the Alice encounter,” Vicky supplies, who quickly quails underneath a heated glare from both Sarah and MacKay. “...meep...”

The peanut gallery quickly shuts up as you advance towards the demon. Even as the creature races towards you, you drop your weapon, holding your hands up in what you hope is a universal sign of peace. Abruptly, and only mere feet away from your body, the demon stops its attack. It makes no move to lower its hands or drop the hostile demeanor, but at least it’s...unwilling to attack an unarmed opponent.

For now, at the very least.

Time to turn on the charm...

Clearing your throat, you carefully enunciate: “Do you understand me?”

Her eyes narrow, and her mouth opens unnaturally wide. Not quite wide enough to swallow you, but wide enough to take a hand if need be. Mercifully, it just appears to be an intimidation tactic. And the bad news is that it’s working.

“...oath breakerssssssssssssss...” the demon hisses, “...nesssssssst defilersssssssssssss...filthy humanssssssss in sssssssskinssssssssss and helmssssssss of black...” A peripheral glance at the team yields nothing but confusion. But the demon is not quite yet done talking. “...you wear the ssssssssssame sssssssssssssskinsssssss and helmetsssssssssss...”

...the human element. That must be who she’s talking about, the rogue Devil Summoners with their own “iron carriage”. As far as Ibaraki told you, the Kin-Ki coalition was on good terms with them. What could have possibly changed?

Questions for later.

“...are you hurt?” you ask. “Is there anyone else in the shrine? My subordinate said that there could be more, and we’re here to help-”

“THEY SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAID THE SSSSSSSSSSSSSAME!” the demon roars. Spittle flies from her mouth, splattering all over your visor and a panicking High Pixie. Her words ring in your ears, even as your audio processor struggles to compensate for the sudden peak in audio. “THEY CAME WITH GIFTSSSSSSSSS AND TREATSSSSS, SSSSSSSSSSMILING ASSSSSSSSS THEY SSSSSSSSSSSLAUGHTERED USSSSSSSSSSSS...”

(cont.)
>>
>>3943090
>>“...was Xu Xian like one of those humans you so despise?” [Invoke the name of her lover.] [SPECIAL]
>>
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>Brady’s Perk, Encyclopedia Demonica, activates!

The programmer’s voice crackles over the comes, hushed and desperate: “Boss, I think I got a match! There’s only a few snake-related demons that comes to mind when you look at China, and only one dressed in white! Bloody...can’t pronounce the name...Bai Shu-zhen, the legendary White Snake!”

“I know that story!” adds Vicky, “In the tale, she fell in love with a human named Xu Xian, and he continued to love her even as they suffered trials and tribulations in their legend-”

Her voice flat out dies as the now-identified Bai Suzhen rears up for an attack. Now her mouth fully distends wide enough as if to swallow you, and her fingernails grow to become cruel and wicket talons. High Pixie pounds her fists against your helmet, desperate for an attack order or the leave to retreat.

“YOU HUMANSSSSSSSS ARE THE SSSSSSAAAAAAMMMEEEE...” the White Snake declares coldly, and the temperature drops even further with every syllable spoken. Hoarfrost begins to collect on the rim of every nearby surface, from crumbling stone and tepid water to even your own helmet and armor. “YOUUUUUUUUUU WILL BEAR THEIR SSSSSINNNNNSSSS...SSSSSSSSSON OF ADAMMMMMMM...DAUGHTERSSSSSSSSSS OF EEEEEEEVE...”

>>How will you respond?
>“Attack us and you won’t live to see the next hour.” [Counter with your own show of strength.]
>“Ibaraki-douji herself has invited us, and will be angry if harm befalls us.” [Appeal to authority.]
>“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black.” [Make a logical, deductive reasoning.]
>“The cavern is collapsing; we’re trying to save you, not kill you!” [Evoke sympathy for the survivors.]
>“...was Xu Xian like one of those humans you so despise?” [Invoke the name of her lover.] [SPECIAL]
>Write-in.

Fixed for formatting.
>>
>>3943095
>“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black.” [Make a logical, deductive reasoning.]
Remaining calm and neutral might help keep the situation from escalating. I think mentioning the lover is either a great idea, or a sure-fire way to die.
>>
>>3943095
>“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black.” [Make a logical, deductive reasoning.]
>>
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>>3943095
>Write-in.
"We aren't the same as the ones who did this. In fact the reason my team is here is to track down and bring these Black Helmets to justice for crimes in the human world. We have been invited here by Ibaraki-douji after helping her defeat the Lord of Gluttony, Horkos (Show Banner) in an attempt have an audience with Kin-Ki about their whereabouts. If we were part of their group we would have no reason to come back to the scene of this attack. We have a common enemy in these Black Helmets and fighting each other would only serve their interests. If we work together however, Bai Shu-zhen, then we can make sure they answer for their crimes."

>As a side note if this negotiation ends peacefully, Adrian is going to need to fess up to Ibaraki that his team aren't actually part of the Dust Trader's team and instead were hunting them down cause they are now on top of everyone's shitlist.
>>
>>3943095
>“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black.” [Make a logical, deductive reasoning.]
>>
>>3943095
>>“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black.” [Make a logical, deductive reasoning.]
>>
>>3943095
>“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black.” [Make a logical, deductive reasoning.]
>We are hunting down the ones in black. Do you need help? Ibaraki-douji just arrived, shall we send her to you?
>>
>>3943112
>>3943157
>>3943189
>>3943222
>>3943353
>>3943553
“Our DEMONICAs are green and gold, not a uniform black,” you curtly intone, just before Bai Suzhen can finish her tirade or launch a primitive strike. “We aren’t the one who did this; we’ve only just arrived, invited to the fortress by Ibaraki-Douji herself. A few days ago, we defeated Horkos, the Lord of Gluttony...”

Suzhen’s eyes flash briefly at the mention of the demon, and narrow slightly at the enchanted banner you pull from your bag. Even without the magic woven into the cloth, there is no denying the unique...odor that clings to the fabric.

You continue: “My team has been dispatched by the Task Force to track down and bring human fugitives to justice for crimes committed in the human world. This massacre is going to be another thing they will answer for, I can assure you that. If we were part of their group, we wouldn’t be coming back to the fortress.

“We have a common enemy in these Black Helmets...” You pause as an angry hiss from Suzhen momentarily fogs up your helmet. “...and fighting each other is only gonna serve their interests. I’m not asking to be your friend. But if we work together, Bai Suzhen, then we can make damned well sure that these bastards are gonna answer for their crimes.”

The White Snake remains silent. She levels a cold glare at you, judging and considering, and after what feels like an eternity, her hands lower to her side, and her jaw cracks back into place. The sleeves and excess cloth of her dress cease to move and writhe as she lowers herself to your level.

Carina tenses as she slowly approaches, with every step creating an isolated growth of ice. But you make no move to retreat or otherwise give them an order to attack. Her eyes seem to root you in a singular position. There is no magic involved; it is the sheer force of will that this demon is exerting.

Suzhen stops, only a foot away from you, and your DEMONICA struggles to compensate for the sudden plunge in temperature. The White Snake evaluates you, not quite unlike a woman at a market inspecting a choice cut of meat. But whatever she had searched for, she seems to have found it.

“...very well, sssssson of Adam...” she hisses, “...you wisssssssh to purssssssue thesssssse humansssss? Sssssso be it...but when the time comesssssssss, their livessssssss and sssssskinnnnsssss are mine to take...”

>>Bai Suzhen’s disposition has switched from [Hostile] to [Suspicious]

With the threat defused, Carina and Dante waste no time in rushing towards the ruins, with Suzhen slithering quietly after you. Over the course of thirty minutes, the seven of you manage to pull out a myriad number of survivors from the wreckage and begin administering first aid. You have demons, of course, the likes of Onmoraki, Okiku-Mushi, a handful of Oni and even a Nue. Those you had expected, and their treatments are easily remedied with simple healing spells.

(cont.)
>>
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What surprised all of you are a number of humans that you rescue, numbering a dozen. All of them are human women in varying states of stress, undress and injury. No two of them alike, let alone share a single ethnicity, and all are noted to be exceptional beauties. The least they had suffered was mild frostbite, perhaps a side-effect of being exposed to Suzhen for too long. The worst were severe burns, broken bones and lacerations that required more delicate approaches.

Both humans and demons alike initially recoiled at the sight of you, either shrinking back into their hiding spot or preparing spell or claw to meet a final end. To your surprise, it is Suzhen that preemptively prevents any sort of altercation or bloodshed.

“...thesssse are humansssss that Ibaraki brought...” is all she says, and apparently, it works. The tension bleeds from the room like air out of a balloon, and both human and demon survivors begrudgingly allow you to treat them. You whisper a muted order across the team channel, and within seconds, your faceplates lift and depolarize, revealing your friendly and helpful faces to the wary survivors.

“I don’t think Mnemosyne is gonna be completely able to neutralize them,” Brady murmurs, setting a demon’s arm in place to be healed, “The ladies, I mean. How long you reckon they’ve been here? They don’t look like they’ve seen sunlight for a long time.”

MacKay pauses in tending to one of the woman, a brunette Caucasian suffering from severe frostbite. “A problem to be addressed once we return, and one out of our hands. But I can at least hazard a guess to several weeks of captivity.”

You’re inclined to agree. None of them seem to be showing any signs of malnutrition, so Kin-Ki at least was feeding them well enough. But with the perpetual overcast sky of the Demonic Wasteland, there is little mystery in their extreme lethargy. Sunlight is its own special medicine and tonic.

Some of the women are in rags that might have once been jeans or designer shirts. Some cling onto the shredded bits of some uniformed kimono like a life jacket or security blanket. You had several doubts that there are any rape kits within a hundred clicks of the area, but you still made private, discretionary inquiries.

“Lord Kin-Ki was...not like that,” answers one of the survivors, a statuesque redhead with burns across her back. She whimpers as you and Sarah work delicately to work around the scraps of cloth grafted to her skin. “...he just wanted to collect us... women from around the world...roaming his castle like exotic pets...”

Sarah raises an inquiring eyebrow. “He still held you in captivity.”

“...better him than the soldiers in black...” comes the bitter answer. “...at least we get good clothes...a roof over our heads...three meals a day...and Kin-Ki never killed anyone for trying to escape...not that there was anywhere to escape to in this hellhole...”

(cont.)
>>
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You and Sarah exchange a look. That definitely confirms Ibaraki’s earlier statement: tributes to the demons in charge of the wasteland, paid in supplies and amenities that included living human beings. Whoever these guys are, they’re definitely on a whole different caliber of enemy than any you’ve faced before.

By now, you’ve gotten as much fabric as you’re willing to remove. All that’s left is to apply antiseptic medigel and hit her with a Diarama. “Is there anything that you can tell us about the soldiers that brought you here into the wasteland?”

“They’re worse than demons,” your patient hisses, teeth clenched both in pain from your treatment and hatred for the subject matter. Her words and sentences become more articulate as her strength and temper begin to return in equal measure. “The slavery, the drugs...the tributes...I’d rather drown myself in the well before I’d return to one of their cages!”

Her words are taken up by the rest of the women, with a handful of shouted affirmation among the quiet chorus of agreement. Brady and Vicky look equally conflicted, and a glowering rage begins to form on MacKay’s face. Dante busies himself entertaining some of the younger victims, but even he can’t keep the trouble out of his eyes.

The patient coughs as you gently position her on the ground. “...they got me and Josie four months ago, just outside of Seattle. One minute, we’re walking out of a restaurant, and the next thing...the door we came through didn’t take us onto the street. We didn’t have time to get a good look where we’d entered before they were on us. Blindfolded, gagged and bound within seconds, even with us screaming and raising hell...”

Her breath hitches, and she has to swallow a lump in her throat before she can continue. “...they threw us in cages, told us to shut up if we liked living...all we had to do was stay quiet and docile, and we’d be free. Simple as that...discounting when some of the soldier’s wanted to have fun with the unluckier ones...” she finishes bitterly.

Sarah’s voice takes on a hard edge: “Can you describe any of the perpetrators?”

“Black helmet, black uniform...same as what you guys are wearing. But there was one guy in command of everything...uh, shit...ah...fuck, his name was...Jack. Or ‘Captain Jack’ as he’d liked to be called. His voice had a slight accent to it, probably somewhere from New England?”

Even as you log that information and begin the process of regenerating the skin on her back, your patient laughs bleakly. “...I was so fucking scared of everything...but Josie wasn’t...never was one to sit still and let some fuckhead jerk her around. And one day, when they tried to drag her cage-mate out, she fought back. Grabbed someone’s boot knife and stabbed him right in the unzippered taint. Squealed and screamed like a little piggy, that one did...”

(cont.)
>>
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The amusement leaves her voice, and her eyes mist over. “...they didn’t like that at all. They summoned a demon, a floating monster with too many voices and too many faces...it cast a spell on her...left her helpless and paralyzed for Jack to make an example out of her...”

Tears leak from the corner of her eyes, and her voice begins to tremble. There is no more of that heated bravado in her voice anymore. “I don’t know how much Devil’s Dust they gave her, but...the way it burned through her...how quickly she got addicted and suffered withdrawal...how far she’d be willing to go to get the visions and see the world...they only got rid of her once they grew bored of her. ‘Spoiled goods’, they said, ‘unfit for sacrifice’...can you believe that...like it wasn’t their fault that she turned out that way?”

Both of you and Sarah offer nothing in response beyond a solemn silence.

“Hey, mister...miss...” your patient whispers, struggling to remain conscious as the skin of her back regenerates under the light of High Pixie’s magic, “You and your friends better make those sons of bitches pay, you hear? For every one of us...demon and human alike...whose lives those bastards ruined...and tell them that Miranda Parish sends her regards...”

>>Later

With the Whistler parked in the central courtyard, it’s easy enough to set up an impromptu turret and holding position. Even with their wounds healed, none of the patients are in good enough condition to be moved. There is little choice but to set up camp in the ruins of Kin-Ki’s fortress, and wait for them to be healed before you can arrange for transportation back to the real world.

Just as you begin to finalize a watch order and healing rotation, the doors of the great hall open with a labored groan. All eyes immediately turn towards the diminutive form of Ibaraki-Douji as she solemnly marches outside into the courtyard. You don’t need advanced retinal sensors to spot the red and puffiness of her eyes. But the object she carries in her hands, a wicker box sealed airtight with magical talismans, is harder to comprehend.

She does not keep you in ignorance for long. She raises the box to the assembled demons and humans, declaring: “Behold! Kin-Ki, Regent of the Brooding Mountains!”

It is as you feared. One of the more amicable demons in the wasteland, and perhaps the most benign and receptive to humans, is dead.

Ibaraki continues: “Aniki’s dying wish was for me to inherit his mantle. Thus as of this moment, I, Ibaraki-Douji , am now the Regent of the Brooding Mountains, and your sworn protector against the demons of the wastelands.”

Hushed whispers break out amongst the assembled survivors. Some dare to be cautiously optimistic, some can’t believe it, and others shake their heads in mournful resignation. And the kicker? You can’t tell if that last one is for the death of their lord, or Ibaraki’s recent promotion.

(cont.)
>>
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Still, there’s a dead elephant in the room that you can’t afford to leave unaddressed. It didn’t matter if Ibaraki was too caught up in her grief to connect the dots or otherwise lash out in blind anger. Everyone unanimously agreed that the truth of your circumstances had to come out. You owed her that much.

“Ibaraki...” The new regent of the mountain turns to find Carina Squad plus Dante approaching her and her little wicker box. As leader, the responsibility fell upon you to deliver the news and the truth. Well, best to lead into it first. “I’m so sorry for your loss...”

She grunts. “Don’t waste your tears or breath, human. No matter how noble the oni, this is always how it ends for us. This is our reality; oni lives are measured in strength, and are simply ended by a stronger opponent...even if accomplished by dishonorable means.”

The least words come out as a feral growl. And you don’t entirely blame the team for taking a step back.

“...look, there’s something we need to tell you.”

“Survivors and Bai Suzhen?” She glances at the pale demon, who sulks beside the Whistler. “Well done in calming her down. To see her temper run hot when she’s always been a cool beauty is a terrifying sight.”
Indeed. “Yeah, but that’s not it...” At the quizzical look on her face, you decide to finally commit. “The truth of the matter is-”

“That you lied and were never part of the first men that I met? And their iron carriage?” she finishes for you. The look on your face must have been something to behold. A ghost of her smile returns., and her lips part to reveal blindingly white teeth. “And I can guess that you’re hunting them...kukuku...never underestimate an oni’s knowledge and wisdom...”

She doesn’t seem at all offended, or ready to attack. Best not to push your luck with a wiseass answer. “How did you know? And when did you find out?”

“...thirty minutes ago,” she admits, red-faced and looking at her feet. “Aniki was the one who told me that I’d been deceived. Part of his dying message was spent scolding me...and praising me for Horkos' defeat.”

Dante chortles. “So what happens now, squirt?”

Ibaraki’s head snaps back up, and her eyes flash a pugnacious golden. “Nothing has changed between us. You deceived me, but you have honor; more honor than the men I met, and those honorless shit-stains that attacked the fortress. You are worthy to join my gang...and I will be there as you hunt them down like they animals they are. Blood is demanded for aniki and the survivors...and we will steal it all from them: their happiness and security, their pride and their lives...”

>>How will you proceed with the mission?
>The mission can still be accomplished with just Carina, Sparda and your new allies. [Proceed immediately.]
>This mission has gotten more complicated, and you need reinforcements. [Wait a few days for a team.]
>>
>>3944409
>The mission can still be accomplished with just Carina, Sparda and your new allies. [Proceed immediately.]
>Send a report, check if we can get a cleanup crew to look up documents and bring back the human survivors.
We should be checking the library too if we need a lead on where they went, but I don't think we have time to thoroughly look things over.
>>
>>3944416
Good points

And tell her that we will be taking the girls back to our world as a condition, and that we don't want to cone back here to pick up others if she catches our drift
>>
>>3944409
>The mission can still be accomplished with just Carina, Sparda and your new allies. [Proceed immediately.]
>Send a report, check if we can get a cleanup crew to look up documents and bring back the human survivors.
>>
>>3944409
>>3944416
This.
>>
>>3944416
>>3944421
>>3944409
agreed, i hope she accepts that, since the women were "presents/sacrifices" to her brother
>>
>>3944409
>>3944416
Explain the health problems inherent to not being exposed to the sun as a human. And make sure that they all want to go back in the first place.
>>
Holy shit, you're alive! Glad to see you doing better and running!
>>3944409

Supporting
>>3944416
>>3944421
>>3944615

I think at this point we can split up the team somewhat as we give the fortress a once-over, split into 3 teams: one team keeps watch with the injured in the Whistler, and two teams scout for more info. Each team gets one of Dante, Ibaraki, or Bai Shuzhen for extra muscle/buying time for support/an Oh Shit button.
>>
>>3945218
An addendum: I think that, as a show of trust, Ibaraki can stay with Lookout team (to make sure we don't just skip town). Dante tends to cause collateral damage, and I think that if action happened with Bai in the picture there'd be a lot of frostbite going down. Thoughts?
>>
>>3945220
We'll need to see how she Ibaraki reacts to us bringing an Recovery team in first place before going forward. Also I don't doubt she'll want her pound of flesh from Jack's crew as will Bai Shuzen
>>
>>3944416
>>3944421
>>3944434
>>3944467
>>3944485
>>3944615
>>3945218
“Brady, Vicky...” The devil summoners stand to attention at your voice. “Take Bai Suzhen with you and see if you can’t find any information in the fortress we could use. Manifestos, scrolls that haven’t burned...check the pantry if you have to, but anything that could point us in the direction of the suspects, designated as ‘Dust Dealers’ and ‘D2’, would be extremely useful.”

The White Snake doesn’t look too happy to be ordered, but she slithers behind your friends. And even before they disappear into the doors, you continue to issue commands: “MacKay, get on the comms and get Central on the line. Give them a sitrep and appraisal, but let them know that we can _still_ handle this.”

Your eyes turn towards the huddled women. Then, to the expectant eyes of Ibaraki-douji. At the look, she frowns: “Do you wish something of me?”

How can you put this delicately as possible? Clearing your throat, you say: “...we need to get these women out of here. They need to come back to the human realm for proper rest and healing.”

The oni seems surprised rather than offended. Hopefully a good sign. “Did you not heal and alleviate their wounds? What could you possibly offer them in the human world that you cannot here?”

Proper medical treatment, for one. A sterile environment to recover from. No shortage of missing persons cold cases to solve. But you decide to go with an answer as close to layman’s terms as possible.

“...these women need sunlight. Their fatigue isn’t only from the injuries and trauma they suffered in the attack...”

>>You gave a brief lecture on the merits of going outdoors and how Vitamin D is essential for proper human function.

(cont.)
>>
“...but to make a long story short,” you conclude as Ibaraki’s eyes begin to glaze over, “A lack of a proper sun makes human existence incredibly difficult. Even if you’re feeding them well and three times a day-”

“What Sawbones means to say,” Sarah cuts in with an elbow to your ribs, “Is that there’s nothing you can do for them here that we can’t do back home.”

The oni snaps out of her daze, and her eyes narrow. “I see. The health of my brother’s subjects...my subjects are important, both demon and human. If sunlight is what they need, then they shall get however much they need before returning.”

Well, shit.

You cough awkwardly. “Yeah, about that-”

“Your brother might’ve treated them a hell of a lot better than the dust bastards,” interrupts Sarah with a hard look in her words and eyes, “But that don’t discount the fact that they’re victims of human traffickin’...they’re comin’ back home with us, yer highness, and that ain’t negotiable.”

...whelp, at least you can count on her to say the quiet part aloud.

The oni’s nostrils flare. “Unacceptable. The circumstances of their arrival are irrelevant. They ceased to be slaves and sacrifices upon aniki’s acceptance of the tribute. None expressed a desire to leave, and settled in quietly! Just as they and the demons were aniki’s subjects, so too are they mine. I will not be denied this.”

Your girlfriend snorts. “Desire to leave...have ya seen the place lately? There’s nowhere for ‘em to go! And I have it on good word that you didn’t keep ‘em out of charity. Your big brother wasn’t chewing the scenery, but he was damn well soakin’ it up.”

“We treated them well,” Ibaraki growls, flashing her teeth at the mention of Kin-ki, “Fed them and clothed them, gave them drink and freedom to roam the fortress...harm on one of them was to invite the wrath of Kin-ki.”

“So would I if anyone messed with my pet,” she counters, “Sure, you’ve got yourselves a nice setup and fortress...but a golden cage is still a cage, no matter how you slice it, kid.”

You can almost see the sparks flying as the two of them stare daggers into each other’s eyes. As quick as a whip, you insert yourself betwee them, hands raised to push them back a few feet.

“Okay, okay, cool your jets people,” you warn them, “Let’s save the fighting for D2, okay? We’ve already got enough enemies to defeat without turning on each other-”

“We don’t want to go back.”

The words were spoken with such intensity that you’d thought Miranda had awoken from the semi-induced coma. But it’s not the redhead you treated for burns that stands up from the withdrawn human to speak on their behalf. Another woman, this one a shapely brunette, glares at the three of you with a surprising ferocity.

(cont.)
>>
>>3945920
They better have a good reason besides Stockholm Syndrome. Like I get some of them not wanting to go home for personal reasons, maybe life as a oni prize was better than what they had, but all of them abandoning giving up on seeing their family and friends again is far fetched.
>>
>>3945920
The oni blinks in surprise. “Felicia-san,” she begins, but this Felicia has no intent of being ignored.

“We don’t want to go back...” the girl repeats fiercely, and her eyes reflect a deep bitterness, “Back to a world that created Captain Jack and his crew...one where they have free reign to do whatever sick shit they wanted without anything to stop them!”

It falls just barely short of an accusation. Coughing uncomfortably, you answer, “Had we known, we would’ve dropped everything-“

“But you didn’t...not that it even matters...” Her eyes meet yours, and her expression turns haunted. “Miranda didn’t tell you everything, but I had a front row cage to the worst of what they did. They had dozens of girls they gave as tributes to the demons...some didn’t wait for us to leave before they...”

The girl begins to falter. And it isn’t one of her fellows that comes to her aid, but Ibaraki. Felicia sinks to the ground, and the oni lays a delicate hand on her shoulders. Nails that you’ve seen tear through demon flesh like a knife through tofu gently caress the distressed young lady.

Felicia manages to recover enough to continue, but her words are hollow and distant. “Most of them were eaten...and we could hear their screams even inside the vehicle. Others were taken away with the promise of ‘experiments’ for a shadow demon with red eyes...but the worst one of all...a blue giant with an uncontrollable libido, he...he p-pinned them down and-”

She doesn’t need to say anymore as her voice trails off to a pathetic whimper. And you have a feeling that the sudden dark, burning rage that churns in your stomach is shared among the rest of your squad. Dante, in particular, looks uncharacteristically upset.

It takes a few moments for Felicia to once regain her composure, in no small part thanks to Ibaraki. And when she speaks, her voice drips with venomous hatred:

“Jack has dozens of men and women, goons and thugs that sold us out like we were fucking...trading cards...and I don’t even know who the hell you guys are, but I see you helping and just it doesn’t match up with those suits of yours...I blink and I think I’ll be seeing Jack-“

“...you’ve become misanthropic towards your fellow humans,” observes MacKay, cutting off her rambling. “An understandable, but unwarranted response. We’ve been sent to find and stop the ones responsible. Please understand that we are trying to help you by bringing you back-“

“You’re too late...” the girl whispers, “...a few months ago, I’d have believed you...even if I didn’t know you guys were planning to mind wipe us.” At your surprised looks, the ghost of a smug smirk dances at the corner of her mouth. “What? I read the ‘Percy Jackson’ books back in high school. She’s a little obscure and only appeared in that spinoff short story, but I know who Mnemosyne is. That guy with the rifle runs his mouth a lot.”

(cont.)
>>
>>3946007
Can we at least get some sunlamps and Demon Negotiation for Dummies here?
>>
>>3946007
...this girl isn’t as helpless as she looks. And this marks...the second time that Brady inadvertently leaked something to a civvie. But still...damn you, Rick Riordan!

But Felicia shakes her head, and the smile vanishes from her lips. “We’ve been treated better by demons in the last few months than by any humans before you guys came. We appreciate everything you did, and what you’re going to do to those sick fucks, but...we want to stay with the demons...and be a part of the realm Kin-ki passed onto Ibaraki.”

The oni seems to be flustered at the compliment, even as your own thoughts run a mile a minutes. Does her hatred and fear for her own species run that deep? You idly note that she refers to “humans” as if she isn’t one. A worrying development.

Sarah, for one, isn’t nearly as...well, not accepting, but perhaps the vocal in objecting. “Are you guys for real? Don’t y’all have family...friends, loved ones you have to get back to? That’s real fuckin’ selfish of you to make that choice when there’s people worried sick about you!”

“At least we can _make_ a choice,” Felicia hisses back, “The first real choice we’ve had in a very long time. We never asked for an escape because there wasn’t one, and life outside the fortress was going to be short and painful. But now with the option presented to us...” Her eyes harden as she nods to herself in resolve. “Thank you for your concern about our Vitamin D, Mister Medic...but we’ve made our choice. A world where Jack and people like him can exist isn’t a world for us...even if it has the ones we were taken from.”

Silence settles over the courtyard. And it comes as a surprise when Dante breaks it: “Even when we kill ‘em all? Jack, and every single one of his goons...what’ll you do then?”

Felicia actually hesitates. “...then we’ll make another choice.”

>>Later

“She’s actually fuckin’ nuts,” Sarah voices over the private channel. “They wanna put their trust in the squirt? Her big brother couldn’t protect them from Jack’s forces...and his ‘realm’ is just a tiny splinter of it once was.”

“Not to mention the other forces in league with Jack...” What a mess. A mysterious shadow demon, a serial rapist giant and human traitors seem to be buddy-buddy with each other. This is definitely one to write home about for the next few years. “This is gonna suck.”

(cont.)
>>
>>3946056
The priest looks at you expectantly as he kneels besides a communications pack. In a soft voice, your number one says: “We’ll be connected to Central in a few minutes. What do you wish for me to say?”

You turn back towards the women, where Ibaraki exchanges quiet whispers with Felicia. The oni’s back is turned towards you, but not her subject’s. The girl’s eyes are locked directly at you, and the equipment MacKay has in his hands.

An unspoken request, a silent plea passes from her gaze to yours...

>>Tell MacKay to report to Central that...
>...there are human survivors that need immediate evacuation. [Follow protocol.]
>...there are human survivors that do not want to return. [Compromise protocol.]
>...there were no human survivors in the fortress attack. [Ignore protocol.]
>Write-in.
>>
>>3946066
That there are human survivors, but Mnemosyne protocols are unlikely to work, and the humans are so scared of the targets that they refuse to return home until said targets, and possibly allies the survivors have seen are neutralized permanently. As said survivors are clinging to our demonic allies in the region, and said allies are need to hunt down our targets, we need a minder for the survivors to see to their well being until such time as target have been dealt with. Following standard protocol now is not only unfeasible but actively dangerous to the survivors and the mission. {Follow protocol, but give the Task force a good reason to hold on the protocol's execution}
>>
>>3946066
Support for >>3946072

An opportunity to make friends with honorable demons is pretty handy.
>>
>>3946072
>>3946066
I'll throw in my support.

I wonder if the shadow demon with red eyes is Ongyo-Ki
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>>3946120
if so than the other might be Fuu-ki
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>>3946128
iirc Fuu-Ki is as tall as other Oni. Wouldn't attribute the 'giant' descriptor to him, but who knows.
>>
>>3946130
Could be a Jotun or a simple Blue Oni.
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>>3946072
+1


We should ask Ibaraki if she knows who are those 2 other demons, they are a good lead towards the traders if they still do business
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>>3946072
>>3946066
I support that, if we force them to return now we jeopardize their psyche and ibarakis support
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>>3946072
Damn good write-in. +1.
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>>3946066
>...there were no human survivors in the fortress attack. [Ignore protocol.]
>>
>>3946066
>>3946072
>>
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>>3946072
>>3946078
>>3946120
>>3946417
>>3946461
>>3946473
>>3946588
>>3946882
>>You and MacKay deliver a sitrep about the condition of the fortress, advising Central about the delicacy of the situation.

“...you’ve got yourselves in quite a mess, Carina...” says the operator back at Central once MacKay finishes his sitrep. It’s a woman’s voice that utters the dry observations, self-identifying as Nest-Two. “Human trafficking, demon politics...and it all started from just trying to find a drug house. You rookies aren’t even supposed to take on human combatants until later in your careers.”

Do you have any information on this...Jack and his crew?” MacKay asks. “And how someone of his...low character was able to obtain one of the Task Force’s armored vehicles?”

“Unknown, and believe me when I say that we’re hauling ass to take an inventory, so be careful. If your intel’s correct, then even with Godslayer Sparda and the locals giving you a hand, the fact that he’s got a top-end APC and dozens of crew means that you’re punching way above your pay grade.”

You shrug. “It wouldn’t be the first time the deck’s been stacked against us.”

Nest-Two clears her throat, failing to mask an amused chortle. “...alright, hotshot, we’ll be dispatching someone to watch over the civilians, stuffed to the gills with Vitamin D supplements and UV lamps. They’ll be ninety minutes out from dropping on the fort, so make sure that this isn’t a surprise to the locals, okay?”

Something tells you that her warning comes from a particularly bad experience.

“When verifying their identity,” she continues, “The password they’ll give to identify themselves will be ‘cogito ergo sum.’

“‘I think, therefore I am,’” the priest observes, “René Descartes.

With everything finalized, you exchange a quick farewell with Central and disconnect the radio. And just as you begin to pack for the journey, Brady and Vicky come back out into the courtyard, followed by Bai Suzhen. Your friends wave you over, and you sprint to meet them halfway to the Whislter.

“Half the library’s been burnt down, boss,” Brady reports, “It’s like a bloody ashtray in there. But we did manage to find some records, and a bit of inventory.”

Vicky adds, “Kin-Ki did have contact with D2, but he chose to trade his share of the drugs with the other lords of the Demon Wasteland for treasures and more women to collect...” She glances left and right, making sure that Ibaraki is out of earshot before whispering: “You know, for an oni, Kin-Ki was sure a whole lot like Scrooge McDuck. He even has a golden bathtub, for crying out loud!”

(cont.)
>>
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>>From the ruins of the Burning Library, Carina learned that Kin-Ki was trading with the following lords of the Demon Wastes, punctuated with Ibaraki’s commentary:
>Fuu-Ki, a blue oni and the hedonistic Warlord of the Hill of Swords.

Ibaraki makes a nasty face. “Tales of his lechery are only surpassed by his mastery over wind. Aniki seldom dealt with him, but the palace attendants claim to hear the noises of his orgies from kilometers away. I have doubts about him being the culprit behind the worst of Felicia’s nightmares, but I cannot think of any other giant with blue skin in the immediate area.”

>Shiki-Ouji, an oni made of living paper, renowned for his ferocity.

“A rogue shikigami,” the oni says drolly, “Some would call him a scrap of paper tricked into thinking, but they would be dead for uttering it. Normally, he would be answering to an onmyodo, but there is not one to be found. We had little contact beyond his exports of magical talismans, and even less of an idea what he’d be doing with human victims...”

>Ongyou-ki, a black oni with red eyes, hiding behind a mask of bone.

“He is perhaps the most powerful of aniki’s siblings...” the oni shivers, “And he claims to be the creator of ninjitsu. He is dangerous, human. He possesses the power to disappear and create images of himself. He seldom fights fairly, and will use underhanded tactics to turn the tide of battle in his favor. Aniki always dealt with him through intermediaries...Ongyou-ki never exits from his domain.”

>Sui-Ki, a purple oni with mastery over ice, a stain on the Whistler’s bumper.

“You mean to say that you’re the ones who...” A mischievous smile breaks across her mouth. It’s a small gesture, but one that gives you a bit of temporary relief. The news seems to lighten Ibaraki’s mood. “...hah! I would have given a vase of Mount Oui sake to see the look on that vermin’s face when you rammed him with your iron carriage...”

>>Which of these demons will Carina Squad and Ibaraki’s Gang investigate next?
>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
>Shiki-Ouji, the Warlord of the Valley of Bones. [Low danger.]
>Ongyou-ki, the Guardian of the Forest of Death. [Severe danger.]
>>
>>3949220
>>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
>>
>>3949220
>>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
>>
>>3949220
>>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
>>
Who’s willing to bet the big bad of this area will be Shuten Douji?
>>
>>3949220
>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
>>
>>3949220

>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]

Gotta grab those hostages' girls will be probably far gonr on the dust or whatever other drug they use.

Who was the one who devoured the girls on sight? The one we killed?
>>
>>3949220
>>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
>>
>>3949220
>Fuu-ki, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. [Medium Danger.]
I don't like rapists.
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>>3949953
>inb4 the hostages there also want to stay

I will start suspecting some weird magic at play is that happens
>>
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>>3949275
>>3949292
>>3949293
>>3949413
>>3949457
>>3949548
>>3949953

>>Day 4 of Expedition
Dawn, or at least what passes for dawn in the sunless wasteland, breaks atop the peaks of the Brooding Mountains. And with the dim lighting of the overcast sky comes a renewal, a fresh start for the occupants of the Whistler. Guard shifts are exchanged, a fresh set of coffee is set to brew, and the vehicle once more begins its descent down the mountain and into the lowlands of the Demonic Wasteland.

Ibaraki elects to remain atop the Whistler, content to lounge about the turret like a pirate lookout. Occasionally, the little oni will pester Brady or Vicky for snacks (much to the consternation of their respective demons), and status updates on her subjects from MacKay. The priest is exponentially more patient than your fellows, and is more than happy to furnish said updates. He confirms the arrival of Central’s minders, adding that the survivors have begun UV-light therapy.

Unlike her liege, Bai Suzhen reluctantly takes a berth in the APC proper, the furthest away from any occupied bunk. The White Snake concerns herself with contemplative meditation, and failing that, hovering around the radar and camera panels. She seems to be struggling from acute cabin fever, irritably brushing away any questions or concerns from you and the team. Revenge and combat against the perpetrators, it seems, are the only way to alleviate her restlessness.

“Fuu-ki’s our next target,” you announce to the squad as the Whistler hit the end of the incline. With a trembling lurch, the APC lurches forward and races across the plains at a steady 75 km/h. “The self-proclaimed Daimyo of the Hill of Swords. Intel suggests that this guy is one nasty customer, and that both demonkind and humanity are better off without him. The sooner the better. Any objections?”

As the leader of Carina Squad, your orders are absolute, superseded only by Commander Alger or one of the higher-ups in Central. That said, even with both absent from the picture, you’re not about to ignore the suggestions or criticisms...not that there are any at this moment. Carina is in a uniform, unanimous agreement that the blue oni is numero uno on everybody's collective shitlist, second to Jack.

Your fingers dash across your COMP, bringing up a holographic display of the wastelands. Two more taps bring you towards a 3D visualization of the Hill of Swords, and the surrounding area. What radar pings and scans though to be unnatural growths turned out to be, quite literally, swords. Of course, the majority of them are eastern-style weapons, predominantly katana, but a few weapons of western have been similarly placed.

“Looks like something from out of a bloody cartoon, boss,” Brady quips, “Not that I can make out what the hell it’s supposed to symbolize.”

Sarah squints at the display. “Graves for the fallen?”

(cont.)
>>
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“I don’t think so,” says Vicky with a frown, “I think they’re more like trophies. Like...you know how you mount the heads of your enemies on sticks and have them outside of your city or castle?”

The priest chortles humorlessly. “How barbaric...and completely in-character for our target.”

“How many swords are there?” Dante suddenly asks, perking up with mild interest.
Brady answers, “Drones counted at least several hundred, but nothing to write home about. At one point, they might have been magical or otherwise imbued with power, but they’re long dead. Sorry, Sparda.”

As the godslayer pantomimes a pouty child, you bring out the display further, stopping once the graphic of Fuu-ki’s settlement comes into view. Similar to Kin-Ki’s fortress in the Mountain’s, the blue oni has imported the architecture of his ethic background into the Demonic Wastelands. Standing out from the barren soil and the weathered swords, a feudal palace sits neatly atop the hill. With another flick of your finger, you bring up a series of castle plans archetypal of the Warring-States, complied and cross-referenced by Brady and Vicky.

“He picked a good spot, I’ll give ‘im that much,” Sarah notes, “The tallest tower on the main compound’s gonna give him a view for a few miles. Barring a few boulders and cracks in the ground, whatever lookout they have is gonna spot anyone quickly, ‘specially in somethin’ as big as the Whistler.”

“There’s a structure here though, just at the bottom of the hill...” Brady points to a gatehouse at the foot of the hill, connected by a long, serpentine tunnel that seems to snake up the mountain. “Kinda like a bailey to the motte of the main fortress. Looks like a small castle town, or at least a checkpoint for entry and exit...two of them, one east-north-east and another sou-south-west.”

“The rear traditionally would lead into a mountain tunnel,” Vicky notes, pondering with a hand to her chin, “For the family of the samurai and lords to flee...there's just enough room in the hill for underground structures..."

"And somehow, he has running water for a moat," the priest adds.

The briefing goes on, and you spend the next leg of your journey debating and discussing the finer points of Warring States era architecture. It’s quite pity that there aren’t any trees or burnable bush nearby to reenact Oda Nobunaga’s massacre of Mount Hiei...but then again, you’re not about to apply a scorched-earth tactic unless you have to. Jack traded and paid tribute to all of the demons, and as long as there’s the chance of civilians in danger, you’re obligated to rescue them.

>>What will be your approach?
>All guns blazing for a frontal assault. [Charge the bailey and fight your way up.]
>Pretend to be a detachment of Jack’s Squad. [Deceive and dissemble your way in.]
>With great discretion and subtlety. [Infiltrate the castle with a three-man group.]
>Write-in.
>>
>>3950302
>>All guns blazing for a frontal assault. [Charge the bailey and fight your way up.]
>>
>>3950302
I don't really like the idea of using persuasion to get in because at the end of the day this guy needs to die and we'll be surrounded and at his mercy a bit. Stealth approach isn't bad but risky if our cover is blown. Charging straight up is simple, but could but has the consequence of being a straight up fight that can cause casualties.

So let me propose this.
>Write-in.
>Draw out the garrison and ambush them.

Have the Whistler annihilate the castle's towers from a somewhat concealed position using the terrain. Fuu-ki doesn't seem like the kind of guy that'll take that lying down so he'll probably send some of his men after us where we can ambush them away from the castle's defenses.
>>
>>3950302
>>With great discretion and subtlety. [Infiltrate the castle with a three-man group.]

get to the hostages first
>>
>>3950302

>With great discretion and subtlety. [Infiltrate the castle with a three-man group.]
>>
>>3950302
Would it be possible to combine >>3950315 and >>3950345? I don't know if there are necessarily hostages, but a distraction/ambush with some hit and run tactics could make a sneaking mission easier, and we have way more than 3 people to take on a sneaking team. Get their thoughts on the idea as well, as they may have some insight. Also probably want to begin sneaking before ambushing the so their leader can't run.
>>
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>>3950441
I don't see why not. That's something you could totally do. I only put a hard limit on the 3-man team since that's the most you could have without having to roll Stealth checks every now and again. In theory, you could take 4, even 5 people, but the Stealth DC becomes higher with that many people.

But ideally, for the Whistler, you'd need at least one person to Pilot the vehicle, another to be a Turret Gunner, and another to be Engineer. And that's not including as to whether or not you want infantry support.

So yes, you can do a hybrid choice of splitting the party; one team assaults the gate, another team infiltrates the castle while using the distraction. Or, you could sneak in first, do whatever you have to do, then signal for the Whistler to attack. The choice is ultimately yours.
>>
>>3950302
>All guns blazing for a frontal assault. [Charge the bailey and fight your way up.]
I'm not so sure about splitting the party. It doesn't seem like we'll need to worry about hostages, and we aren't geared for stealth kills. Not to mention that when we reach the prisoners they might scream at the demonicas.

I'd rather go up front and melt through their population, stamp them out continuously to draw them into places where collateral damage is fine.
>>
>>3950315
>>3950302
supporting the ambush
>>
>>3950315
>>3950302
I'll support the ambush.
>>
>>3950302
>>3950315
I agree with this.
>>
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>>3950310
>>3950315
>>3950345
>>3950417
>>3950599
>>3950695
>>3950699
>>3950903
A plan begins to form in your mind. But first, you ask: “What’s the maximum range of the main gun?”

“Four clicks if you’ve got good elevation...give or take a few meters,” answers Sarah, “Just under two-point-five miles.”

Excellent. “Alright, gang, here’s the plan...”

>>Later
It’s a beautiful day as far as anyone can tell in the Demon Wastelands. Swarms of avian demons fly overhead, chirping some infernal melody that could pass as post-modern art. What sparse vegetation blooms in the dim light of the overcast sky, reaching out into the air for whatever sparse moisture it can draw from the air. Demon attacks have been sparse, there’s plenty of food and fun to be had, and as far as the denizens of Fuu-ki’s settlement can tell, life is all-around at a premium.

That was, of course, until the first shell hit.

The zoom isn’t all that great at picking out the finer details, especially at maximum magnification artifact-ing the image to hell and back. But there’s enough resolution for you to see the shadows and forms of demons stopping right in their tracks. You can imagine them, stupidly gaping at the hole in the tower where the first shell hit.

And then the munitions timer runs out, blossoming into a fiery conflagration that swallows all in its path. Foundation, wayward object and demon vanish in the explosion.

“Kuhahahahaha!” Ibaraki cackles atop the turret. “Such destruction...such havoc! You may only be humans, but your actions are truly that of oni---?!” The turret spits out another volley, and the recoil catches her off guard. She spills over the side of the Whistler falling onto the ground in an undignified heap.

...none of you have the heart to look or giggle as she gets up, dusts herself off, and scrambles back up the gun as if nothing had happened.

Atop an elevated plateau overlooking the Hill of Swords, you’ve parked the Whistler and converted her into a makeshift howitzer. Stabilization legs sprout out from the vehicle, digging into the ground to anchor the APC as it lobs shell after shell into Fuu-ki’s castle. The high explosive rounds punch holes into the stonework, send demons flying into the air, and set ablaze some of the more wooden structures.

From your impromptu hidey-hole, a crevice in the ground quietly tucked away behind formation of rocks, you call, “Watch those shots! Be careful not to hit any of the civilian structures; focus only on the gates and guard towers!”

Adjacent to you, Suzhen hisses and flexes her claws. "They are coming, ssssson of Adam..."

>>Beyond you and Bai Suzhen who is part of the ambush team? [Pick two.]
>Brady. Technical support and adept marksman.
>Dante. Master combatant and demon weapon specialist.
>MacKay. LMG support and explosives specialist.
>Sarah. Close-range combatant and firearms expert.
>Victoria. Munitions support and debuff specialist.
>>
>>3950983
Dante and Fitz with us i would say

Brady can help pick of attackers, MacKay is second in command and Vicky can best operate the Whistler if they become overwhelmed
>>
>>3951039
wholeheartedly agree
>>
>>3951039
Sounds about right.
>>
>>3951039
+1
>>
>>3950983
>>3951039
Yeah, pretty much what I'd pick.
>>
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>>3951039
>>3951051
>>3951065
>>3951278
>>3951304
Sarah checks her shotgun, thumbing armor-piercing munitions into the loading tube. Once she finishes, the policewoman whistles low at the sight of the settlement’s gates opening. A veritable mass of demons come sprawling out, stumbling and pushing each other as they race down the trail of the fortress and out the castle town proper. It isn’t an army or a garrison as much as it is an unruly mob.

“...still not as bad as Black Friday,” she jokes.

Dante laughs, upholstering his weapons: two fuck-huge pistols the size of Desert Eagles, one painted empty white, another midnight black. “At least demons can form a line if prompted! Never try to cut the line at the Celestial Bureaucracy...or at Koko’s Armory.”

Snorting, you beckon them into position for the ambush. You order, “Engage at my command. Hold fire until you can see the whites of their eyes...if applicable. Have the Whistler keep firing, let’s see if we can’t thin them out before they climb up the plateau.”

Acknowledgements and affirmatives come into comms. Ibaraki agrees, giggling like a conspirator about to unveil their scheme. Suzhen growls, muttering something about patience before settling in for an attack.

Booting up the DSP, you summon your demons. Archangel springs forth in a font of light; her abilities and wide-hitting attacks would be extremely useful against the demons weak to Expel. And of course, your first and most reliable demon. “High Pixie, if you please...”

>High Pixie cast [Luster Candy] four times!
>Carina Squad and allies are now at +4 Combat/Defense/Hit-Evade!

“I really don’t want to be here...” whimpers Moh Shuvuu.

“Then stay behind me,” Sarah drawls, patting an attentive Inugami. “The big guy and I should be plenty of space between you and the enemy.”

The demons are surprisingly fast, scrambling up the mountain and hell-bent to put a stop to the artillery barrage. In their ranks, you can pick out dozens of oni, animalistic demons the likes of Makami, and even humanoids like Vicky’s Monumofu. There doesn’t seem to be any clear leader among the pack. A pity...no obvious targets, then, to take out and demoralize the enemy.

“The second we spring our attack,” you radio into theWhistler, “Have the computer keep up the shelling, but switch to the secondary guns. Shoot over our heads and into the rear of the mob.”

“Will do, boss!” answers Brady as he sends another shell towards the castle.

As the first wave approaches the end of the plateau, their exhaustion from the sprint is replaced by a second wave. They spot the APC, and roar and holler, dashing as fast and quick as they can. Some brandish clubs, others conjure flames or blades of wind. All make a mad dash towards the Whistler without any sort of tactics or strategy.

>>What will be the plan of attack?
>Kill them all, no survivors.
>Spare a few for questioning.
>Write-in.
>>
>>3951411
>>Spare a few for questioning.
>>
>>3951411
>Spare a few for questioning.
>>
>>3951411

>Spare a few for questioning
>>
>>3951411
>>Kill them all, no survivors.
>>
>>3951411
>Kill them all, no survivors.
>>
>>3951413
>>3951414
>>3951423
>>3951453
>>3951457

"See anyone that looks important," you issue one final order, lining up the sights of your gun, "Then you tag 'em and let me know. Let's see if we can't make any of them sing."

The ground shakes as the horde rushes towards the APC. Indistinct shapes they all are, nearly masses of shadow at this time of the day. But even in the dim lighting afforded to you by the overcast sky, the seconds stretch, and your heartbeat grows louder as the first wave, comprising a dozen demons, rushes towards your position.

The muzzle flare of the Whistler's cannon is the signal. No less than fifty feet away from your own little entrenchment, the bloodshot whites of their eyes becomes visible, ravening and mad with bloodlust and glee.

"Light 'em up!" you shout. The ambush team leaps out from behind the boulder, and Bai Suzhen coils to a terrifying height. The demons hesitate at your sudden appearance, but that is all you need to change the momentum of the charge. Guns open fire, magic spells are woven and cast, and the battle atop the plateau begins in full earnest.

>>Roll 1d100+80 (+40 Highest Combat [Sarah], +40 for Luster Candy)
>>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 73 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>3951499
Goddamn, I'm blind.
>>
Rolled 37 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>3951499
>>
Rolled 18 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>3951499
>>
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>>3951504
>>3951512
>>3951513
The first wave falls like wheat before a scythe. A hail of bullets races from both the ambush team and the Whistler, decimating the front lines within seconds. Those with resistances to physical and ranged attacks manage to make an effort to countercharge, stepping over the bodies of their comrades. But they fare no better; blasts of magical energy slam into them, from the elements themselves to pillars of light. High Pixie makes repeated use of Titania’s gift and detonates several Megido spells among clusters of demons.

Bai Suzhen fights like a woman possessed. Talons of ice extend from her fingers, rending through demon flesh and bone. Blood splatters her immaculate dress as she wades through the thick of the battle. Her tail itself is a weapon, lashing out like a living whip to catch unsuspecting enemies and those attempting to flank. More than once does the CRACK of bone echo though the field, as enemies go flying to land in broken heaps upon the ashen soil.

“BANZAI!” Ibaraki roars, leaping off the turret to join the battle in earnest. Flames run down the length of her sword, painting the air with every swing of the weapon. “KUHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is but the first in many steps towards revenge!”

You and Sarah hold a defensive position, picking your targets in conjunction with your own demons. Spent munitions slowly begin to fill the foxhole, Sarah’s plastic slugs intermingling with your own hot brass. At one point, you have to pull back into the foxhole to cool down the barrel of your gun.

“This party’s getting crazy!”

But Dante’s weapons, much like the man himself, are not bound by petty things like physics. Ebony and Ivory are instruments of death, and the Godslayer is a virtuoso at the craft. He weaves and spins through the crowd of demons, filling the air with a symphony of percussive death. The crazy part is that he’s having fun. Sparda laughs, taunts...even juggles his enemies into the air with his goddamn bullets!

And of all the things you choose to be angry or otherwise envious off, the issue you have is is that you’ve never seen him reload. Not even once.

“...Sawbones, I know what I want for my birthday.”

“...you and me both, sweetie.”

As the first wave falters, Carina takes a breath. Weapons are reloaded, tonics are popped, and High Pixie sets a world record by swallowing as many Advils as possible within a ten second period. By the time the second wave crests the plateau, they fare little better. Even if you aren’t necessarily perched at the slope of the hill, the fact that Fuu-Ki’s horde has to scramble and climb already puts them at a severe disadvantage.

And they fare little better. The sight of their dead comrades proves to be a potent catalyst with their already exhausted sprint from the gates to the hill. And that disbelief in their own capabilities is its own fatal poison.

(cont.)
>>
While we wait, let's talk about something else.
Pixie's ears. They're very cute and pointy.
>>
>>3953679
I want to cuddle Pixie
>>
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>>3953679
>3953679
She's a Seelie fae, Seelie are supposed to be cute and attractive, and they have odd ears. I do wonder what she'll look like when she evolves to Queen Mab/Medb out of her armor.
>>
>>3953679
She sure is a cute

Hope Sarah doesn't hear us.
>>
>>3953707
She has already gone Yukata High Pixie (which she noted as weird) so she might not evolve into Queen Mab. Possible alternative final form candidates include Danu and Butterfly Wing Titania (Pink or Blue). The Christmas Special already hints at a possible connection to Danu.

The Pixie->High Pixie->Queen Mab->(Super) Pixie loop is exclusive to Nocturne. Most other games High Pixie is either a special fusion or as a normal demon. Yukata High Pixie was a quest locked normal fusion.
>>
Gimme a sec to process this cough medicine. Resuming within the hour...
>>
>>3953801
RIP Kaz, Cough Syrup is a dangerous supstance
>>
>>3953801
Good luck buddy.
>>
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>>3951594
But you know what they say: third time’s the charm. And it’s an aphorism that seems to also extend towards demonkind as well.

Even as the third wave falters and routs, one demon stands tall amidst its broken allies. It shares a similar blood-red skin with the oni underneath its command, but lacks the iconic blue-white clothing. And unlike the singular horn that juts out from the rank-and-file, two large structures jut out from the front of its head, covered by a mask that only betrays thin, white slits of eyes. It wields two swords, each the length of twice a human arm, swatting bullets out of the air with contemptible ease.

“...you are not Jack...or any of his men.” Somehow, the demon’s voice resonates across the field, even as you perceive it no louder than a quiet snarl. “A pity for you, manlings. The daimyo ordered me to bring Jack and his men to the palace alive to face judgment for treachery. As you are unaffiliated, his orders will not hold me back from unleashing my full strength...”

Ibaraki seems to recognize the enemy. Her jovial grin twists into a feral, low growl. “Vukrun the Rakshasa...Fuu-ki’s lapdog and lieutenant...”

At the mention of his name, the rakshasa directs the full bore of his attention towards the oni. “Ibaraki...is that you? How fortuitous. We missed you at your brother’s fortress...”

In the blink of an eye, Ibaraki vanishes, and reappears in front of her enemy. The flames of her sword dance wildly as she makes a furious attack. Vukrun blocks with an inhuman speed, and the noise of two swords crashing and grinding rings awfully in your helmet.

“Long have I prayed to Shiva for this moment...” the demon whispers, leaning close towards her, “To cross blades with Kin-Ki’s strongest general. I will lay your beating heart at the foot of his altar as a tribute for his favor.”

“Then come and take it if you can!” The oni disengages. She lands on her feet, dropping into a fighting stance. “I’ve always wanted to kill you myself. The fact that you haunt my subject’s nightmares will only make the act all the sweeter!”

Vukrun scoffs, raising his own blades. “You will try.”

Ibaraki's glance briefly turns towards you, a wild and feral expression on her face. What a presence she is, for one so small...you can almost see the demonic power she gathers into herself, a leering skull with three eyes and a mouth of flame. This is a true oni, and one who will not be denied her prey or prize.

“This one is mine...do you understand?” she demands, “The true enemy lies towards the east, but a long-awaited foe stands before me! I will join you once I have finished my business here.” She snaps her fingers, and a ring of fire explodes around her and the rakshasa. The flames race around the pair, slowly trapping them in a field of rusted swords, bloody charnel and broken corpses.

(cont.)
>>
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To her opponent, she declares: “Only my will or my death will cause the flames to abate...Vukrun the Rakshasa! I am Ibaraki-Douji, inheritor and regent of the Brooding Mountains! I will have your head this evening...”

You attempt to race towards them, only to recoil back at the intensity of the flames. Alarms and warnings begin to flash across your HUD as the temperature begins to rapidly tick upwards, surpassing the boiling point within a handful of moments. The ambush team has no choice but to fall back towards the Whistler.

“Shit!” curses Sarah, as the demons begin to fight. You can barely track their forms, two indistinguishable shadows against the backdrop of the flames. The sounds of their blades cannot match the speed of their blows. They come together, clashing and breaking away, and the noise comes heartbeats after. “Sawbones, we just can’t leave her there by herself!”

“NO,” Bai Suzhen hisses, blocking the path back before any of you could even move towards or think about going back, “Sssssshe gave you a command, daughter of Eve...you would be wissssssse to not disssssobey...”

“Horseshit. I ain’t one of her subjects-”

“It’s something she’s gotta do herself,” Dante says, uncharacteristically serious. The godslayer doesn’t even look behind him as he grabs a pair of fallen demons, a cowering Preta and a wounded oni, knocking them unconscious with a single punch. “She’d only hate us if we got in the way, even if it meant victory was closer in her grasp. ‘sides, at the speed those two are going at it, you’d just be dead weight. Trust me on this one, kid...I've seen too many Devil Summoners punching beyond their weight class.”

...loathe as you are to admit it, he does have a point. Especially if she went out of her way to exclude Suzhen...of course, that could be on account of the White Snake’s dislike of fire, but you choose to believe the more holistic, honorable approach. And the woeful fact that human capabilities are no match for a demon’s...

“That can be easily remedied...” the Crone hisses into your ear, and you wisely decide to pretend that was a stress hallucination.

Exhaling, you pull a protesting Sarah towards the APC. “This isn’t our fight...it’s hers. Besides, Dante went to the trouble of getting us some prisoners...”

“...he called us ‘dead weight,’” she grouses.

“Yeah, I know.”

“...real fuckin' easy for him to say when he’s got a goddamn’ bottomless pocket and juggles demons with his friggin’ bullets...”

“...yeah, I know...”

“...‘enhanced’ human my ass...the hell kind of gene therapy or magic can make someone move like that?”

“...I got no’ idea, sweetie...I've got no goddamn, friggin’ idea...”

(cont.)
>>
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>>Later
The Whistler changes position, hightailing it down the hill as the battle between Ibaraki and Vukrun intensifies. Vicky manages to pull into a crevice two clicks away from the mostly ruined gate of the castle town. With the guard towers smoldering wreckage and the plasma shields at 100%, you aren’t too worried about snipers or an aerial attack coming your way any time soon.

Which lets you focus the brunt of your attention on the lovely scene before you...

“I’m not telling you pink-skins anything!” the oni declares as Dante finishes tying it behind a rock. With rebar. Because of course he can.

“PReta-preta-preta-preta!” his purple comrade agrees.

“Yeah, you tell ‘em, buddy! We aren’t snitches!”

“...look,” you bluntly intone, “We’ve all had a bad day, maybe even a week or more. However, you can either make it better or worse for yourselves, because what you’re gonna tell us or not influences...”

>>What’s your approach for this interrogation?
>“...how painful we make it before we kill you.” [Intimidation, play the ‘Bad Cop’]
>“...how nice we are when we let you go.” [Persuasion, play the ‘Good Cop’]
>Write-in. [Custom option.]
>>
>>3954467
>>“...how nice we are when we let you go.” [Persuasion, play the ‘Good Cop’]
We got Dante and Fitz to be the bad cops.
>>
>>3954467
>“...how nice we are when we let you go.” [Persuasion, play the ‘Good Cop’]
>>
>>3954467
>>good cop
Sarah knows the game, I just hope Dante plays along
>>
>>3954467
>Good Cop
Unless you guys want to pull a Leslie Neilson and do both.
>>
>>3954517
while i would like to try that at one point, Adrian isn't the guy for that
the goddesses in his head however ...
>>
>>3954467
>Good Cop
>>
>>3954467
>“...how nice we are when we let you go.” [Persuasion, play the ‘Good Cop’]
Leave the Bad Cop routine to the guy in red.
>>
>>3954467

>“...how nice we are when we let you go.” [Persuasion, play the ‘Good Cop’]

Sarah jas plenty of experience as bad copI imagine
>>
Kek
I wonder if Sarah will take offence that we all instantly assume she is bad cop
"Hey! I can be nice!"
>>
>>3954599
I'm more worried that we might be the Kyrie to her Nero with that dead weight comment.
>>
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>>3954469
>>3954474
>>3954494
>>3954517
>>3954557
>>3954572
>>3954588
The demons blink, perplexed at your words, only to flinch back as Sarah makes a finger gun at their kneecaps. “Y’all better listen to him. We ain’t after you small fry; it’s your boss who’s at the top of our collective shit list. And the thing is, we’re in a hurry, so you guys better start talkin’...”

Clearing your throat, you say, “Essentially what she said. Believe me when I say that everyone’s day can get a whole lot better the quicker we get out of each other’s hair. All you gotta do is answer a few questions about the daimyo.”

The Preta blows a particularly wet raspberry into your face. "Preta-hahahaha!"

“Yeah, you tell ‘em buddy...hold on,” the oni pauses, squinting at you as if you’d grown a second head. Consternation wars on his face until you can see the light bulb go off in his eyes. “Wait a moment...you guys aren’t with Jack’s Squad! Who the hell are you?”

“Took ya that long to figure it out?” Sarah drawls, “Guess you must’ve hit your head on the way down...”

The demon growls, flashing its teeth in an irritated snarl, “You better watch out, you crazy broad, once I get out of this rebar-”

He slams his mouth shut as Sarah brings her Mossberg directly at the oni’s jaw. “What’re ya gonna do, huh? You feelin’ lucky or somethin’? I’ve brought down humans that’re a hell of a lot scarier than demons...if you’re gonna make a half-assed threat, you’d better be more than ready to back it up...”

Okay, things might be getting a little bit out of hand. Even though you know the gun’s safety is on, you still gingerly approach it to aim the barrel away from the oni. “Guys, please, I really am on your side! Between you and me, my partner’s a little crazy, and she might start firing at any moment. We waste our time, you guys are stains on the rocks, and everyone’s day just turns worse...

“I really do want to let you go, though,” you exhale, “We’ll even give you a head start before we go to the fortress.”

The tension slowly bleeds out of the scene. Sarah gives you a side eye, a promise for a “discussion” about calling her crazy. The Preta seems to be less aggressive, and even the oni’s face is contemplative.

“Who are you guys?” he eventually asks, “You wear the same armor and drive the same iron carriage as Jack...you aren’t any ordinary humans.”

“Let’s just say that Jack’s higher on our shitlist than Fuu-ki.”

“...so you’re just gonna waltz down there and kill Fuu-ki and hunt Jack, even if we don’t talk.”

"Correct."

The two demons look at each other, and the smaller one offers a tentative: “Preta...?”

Kuso...okay, pink-skin...” the oni exhales, resigned and weary, “Ask your questions...but you’ll heal us before you go, right?”

“That depends on your answers.”

“...great...”

>>What will you ask of the demons?
>>
>>3955332
>What will you ask of the demons?
Jack's dealings with Fuu-ki, the reason for betraying Kin-ki and most importantly where is Jack now?
>>
>>3955332
What did Jack give Fuu-ki other than women? When was the last time Jack was here? How many men did Jack have? Why is Fuu-ki pissed with Jack? What are Fuuki's defenses like?
>>
>>3955332
From what direction did Jack come from, when he visited?

maybe there is a portal they usually come through
>>
>>3955360
>>3955336
All of this and

Did you bring any prisioners along from Kin-ki castle?


Sarah is great at bad cop but next time we should let her be the good cop just to see how she handles it, chances are we are gonna end up with bad and worse cop lol
>>
>>3955428
not sure Adrian is made for Bad Cop, but i am very surprised that Dante didn't butt in to give a good one liner threat
>>
>>3955439
"As someone who studied the human body, I must wonder how the oni body compares. And you get to guide me through a vivisection!"
Practicing medicine means knowing how to save a life, and how to do anything BUT.
>>3955332
>>3955336
>>3955428
Questions from above
>>
>>3955530
I don't think Adrian, considering past decisions and acting as a practicing medical professional in a modern day first world country, would consider performing a vivisection on anyone, human or otherwise.
>>
>3955606
Definitely not, but the Oni doesn't know that.
>>
>>3955610
True.
>>
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>>3955336
>>3955360
>>3955422
>>3955428
>>3955530
>What were the specifics of Jack’s dealings with Fuu-ki?

“Preta...preta-preta!” chimes the purple demon.

“More or less what he said. Jack brought gold and treasure, women of course...” the oni grimaces. “Fuu-ki fancies himself to become the shogun of the Demonic Wastelands, you know? And to that end, he’s kickstarted the development of his own Ōoku.”

A glance is shared between you, Sarah and Dante. The word is completely unfamiliar. Pressing a finger to the side of your helmet, you chime into the Whistler, “Vicky?”

When the mechanic answers, her words are terse: “The literal translation means ‘great interior’. But historically, it refers to the harem or women’s quarters of a castle.”

Perhaps the oni senses the sudden shift in the air, and he quickly adds, “Oi, if it makes you feel any better, he’s got some demon women in there, too. And none of us were even allowed to touch them, let alone mess around! Besides, he’s got them half-drugged to the gills on that drug of his, Devil’s Dust. It keeps the more violent ones more docile.”

The demon suddenly looks unsure, pondering something before he gives you a conspiratorial look. “...there was something else in the drugs that Jack was bringing to Fuu-ki. Something...something dangerous, something that’d make the Buddha himself go apeshit under the right conditions, you know?”

“What do you mean, ‘dangerous?’” you ask.

“All I know is that spilling any of it without a proper mask or filter meant losing your mind. Sure, it’ll give you a power trip if you handle it correctly, but I’ve seen my fair share of coworkers snap harder than a bamboo rod in a typhoon.”

That immediately gets High Pixie’s attention. “Hold on...is Jack attempting to create Reds?!” she demands.

“...maybe? I don’t know. I never handled the drugs or the exchange between Jack and his men.”

Again, that term comes up. High Pixie first brought it to attention when Arachne tried to devour one. And here it is again. You’re not about to wait a third time to confirm a hunch you’ve suddenly got developing in your gut. And even though you have a good idea of what it is, you still need to confirm it.

“Hold up...” you turn to High Pixie, her face pale and anxious. “That’s the second time you’ve brought that up. What are ‘Reds?’”

She gives you a haunted, drawn-out look. “The closest thing you could compare it to, master, are steroids. They’re kind of the same thing, and they’re, like, reeeeeaaaaaaallly super infamous in the demon world. And they’re kinda illegal in most of the nicer places since they can boost your power by an exponential factor. For example, look at Queen Titania’s realm! She despises Reds, and holds a special hatred for those who attempt to make them. You'll never find a single Red in her realm, no you won't!”

(cont.)
>>
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You make a mental note to add to the sitrep. There still isn’t nearly as much information as you like, but you can deduce that in addition to producing Devil’s Dust, the ‘Demon’s Forge’ (most likely owned by Jack) seems to be in the business of demon steroids. Specifically, a drug with a reputation that’s enough to make High Pixie break character from her usual chipper self.

“And what exactly was Jack gettin’ in return for these ‘tributes’ and the drugs?” asks Sarah, her tone drier than a desert.

“There’s some raw materials we extract and refine. And the vegetation tastes like shit, but it’ll do more than keep you alive if you mix it with the right stuff...”

“Preta-preta,” his companion interjects.

“Ah, almost forgot...” the oni shakes his head, “Believe it or not, Jack would buy back some of the women he gave to Fuu-ki. But only the ones that’d either taken too much drugs, or the one’s Fuu-ki got bored of.”

Extremely worrying. “What did he do with them?”

“Like I said, I was never on the shift when we did the trades. Rumor has it that they took them back to their hidden base...” At the anticipatory look in your eyes, he quickly finishes, “But none of us knew where it was. It’s in here somewhere, and I sincerely wish you good luck in trying to find it...”

“Preta,” the jaki suddenly adds, pointing to the distant tower within the central keep.

“...you know, I’d bet my next sack of coins that Fuu-ki might know. Why don’t you go ask him where Jack and his men kick up their feet and relax?”

>>When was the last time Jack was here?

“Two weeks ago, but he’ll be here soon. Every fourteen to twenty days, Jack comes back to the Demonic Wastes to deliver his tributes to the five lords...”

>>And where is he now?

“I honestly have no idea. You’d have better luck asking Fuu-ki.

>>How many men does Jack have?

“A buddy of mine counted at least three dozen, all dressed in the same uniform and helmet that you all are wearing. Although the colors weren’t green and gold...still, they all managed to fit comfortably in their own iron carriage, even with the cargo and tribute.”

>>Why did Jack betray Kin-Ki?

The oni reveals his teeth in a sardonic grin. “Rumor had it that Kin-Ki was gonna try to make a power grab. Unify the demons of the wasteland under his banner and crown himself emperor. Jack couldn’t have that disrupting his business, even if he couldn’t verify it completely. So he approached Fuu-ki with the information and a promise to trade Kin-Ki’s share to him if they dealt with the problem together...”

...that makes enough sense...

>>From which direction does Jack usually come when he visits Fuu-ki?

The oni nudges his head towards the castle, motioning to the far and opposite side from where you stand. “Usually from the rear entrance, the one a ways to the south. Comes around midday or so...”

(cont.)
>>
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Given how the Whistler has its own method of jumping from the human world to the demon realm, you can extrapolate that Jack’s vehicle has a similar capability. You radio Brady: “Send your scanners and drones out as far as you can. See if you can’t detect or track any significant MAG readings...”

“Bread crumbs that’ll lead us right to the sodding gits,” Brady finishes for you, [I]“On it, boss.”

MacKay interjects, “Be careful. If we can track Jack, then he might be able to do the same.”

“The MAG reactor is shielded and insulated from all corners!” counters Vicky, “And we have enough sensors to detect fractures on the microscopic level. The only thing they’d find is our initial entry point, and that’s it.”

“Better to be safe than sorry,” the priest coolly answers.

>>Did you bring any prisoners from Kin-Ki’s castle?

“Only a few...” the oni grimaces. “Look, we oni see the value of things. Sure, we’ll rampage and wreak havoc, but we’ll try to take something if it’s there and has value. Not so much with Jack...those guys shot people trying to surrender. Fuu-ki had a tense standoff towards the end, said that there was nothing in their partnership that mandated killing the prisoners inside the entire fortress.”

...perhaps Fuu-ki is more pragmatic or otherwise the lesser of two evils. An odd thing to conclude about a serial rapist. The attack is something he will have to answer for, but the massacre will have to be firmly laid down at the feet of Jack and his men.

>>Why is Fuu-ki pissed with Jack?

“Oh, he thought that Jack was the one shelling him...” the demon grins, “I wish I could be there to see the look on his face when he sees you, and not the merchant...”

>>And what are Fuu-ki’s defenses like?

“Four towers corresponding to North-South, East-West...or at least they were before you bombed them into fiery rubble. You shouldn’t have too much trouble getting past the gate, and driving your iron carriage up the road and towards the inner sanctum. You’ll have to fight through two gates and an inner courtyard before you can breach the interior proper.”

“Preta-preta! Preta...”

“Given how you turned most of my friends and coworkers into crow food,” the oni chortles humorlessly, “You shouldn’t have too much trouble getting through. Especially with that Rakshasa duking it out with Ibaraki.”

>After finishing your interrogation, Dante undid the rebar, you healed the demons, and sent the pair on their own way opposite of the castle.
>When asked about what they would do now that their old job won’t exist in the next few hours, they gave an inconclusive answer of “REAL ESTATE!/PRETA-PRETA!”

>Now, the Whistler stands before the gates of Fuu-ki’s settlement.
>You must now undertake the journey up the serpentine slopes of the raised earth to reach the inner sanctum...

>Roll 1d100 for Encounter.
>Best out of five.
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3956108
>>
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>>3956113
Oh
>>
>>3956113
Full auto, I guess then.
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>3956108
>>
>>3956113
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>3956108
are we going to find the WRONG black colored demonica user?
>>
Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3956108
Sure I'll roll just to have 5 rolls but I don't see why after >>3956113.
>>
>>3956108
Fuu-ki might not respond for the massacre but he sure as hell will respond for holding humans against their will and getting them hooked on demon crack
>>
>>3956113
Holy shit, that's our first 100 iirc
Well done anon
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3956108
Last roll
>>
>>3956113
Not bad.
>>
>>3956113
>>3956118
>>3956130
>>3956170
>>3956379
“Don’t stop for anything unless we have to,” you order from the command chair. “Keep your eyes peeled for any hostiles or x-rays, and check your fire in case we run into wayward hostages.”

“Roger!”

“Alright, Vicky...floor it.”

The Whistler smashes through the ruined scraps of the gate with contemptuous ease. The mechanic hits the gas, and the vehicle shoots forwards like a rocket through the castle town. There is nothing that could possibly stand in its way, even if the plasma shields were disengaged. Buildings explode as the APC ploughs through them, all without leaving a single dent or drop in power output.

It happens in an instant. At one moment, the radar is devoid of any contact. In the next, signs of life begin to flare up on the display as demons emerge from the buildings and alleyways. Bolts of magic and projectiles begin to rain down on the Whistler, pinging off the plasma shields or disintegrating on impact. The vehicle jumps, bucks and sways as some of the heavier debris or spells hit, but all systems remain otherwise nominal and at full capacity.

“Light ‘em up!”

The secondary weapons answer your order with a hail of bullets. Twin-mounted turrets on either side of the Whistler pelt the enemy with a merciless barrage, cutting those to slow to scramble back into cover. It seems that even the fiercest of demons balk at a .50 caliber bullet. Even if it isn’t from Miss Koko’s special elemental rounds.

But, you digress. The demons you see on the visual feed are not overtly threatening. You can spot the routine oni, several other humanoid combatants, and a few bestial demons that attempt to stop your charge. There is not a singular demon that merits stopping for; and for those who can resist or shrug off bullet fire, all it takes for them to flee is for Sarah to swing the turret in their general direction.

Within a few minutes, you clear the castle down, smashing through the last gate that protects the path up to the castle. At the sudden incline, Vicky drops the vehicle into a lower gear to compensate for the slope. Dirt and gravel go flying as the Whistler races up the hill like a bat out of hell.

Unlike before, your journey is bereft of any sort of attack or ambush. There are three possibilities you ponder as you keep a tense lookout for any hidden enemies. Either they all threw their remaining forces at the gate, they pulled back to the castle and hunkered down...or they are all simply dead or have long-since fled the area.

Regardless, it’s with little fanfare that you smash through the third, and fourth gates of the day, skidding into the inner courtyard with a hair-raising SCREECH. And a singular sweep from the Brownings establishes an LZ for Carina to deploy.

>>What will Carina Squad do first?
>Confront Fuu-Ki in his throne room.
>Plunder the library for clues about Jack.
>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku.
>>
>>3956826
>>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku.
Bodies are a priority. If we can split up, then,
>>Plunder the library for clues about Jack.
as well.
>>
>>3956826
>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku.
>>
>>3956826
>>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku.
i assume Fuu-Ki is gonna come to us once we try to extract them
>>
>>3956826
>>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku.
>>
>>3956826
>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku
>>
>>3956830
Seconding this.
>>
>>3956826
>Rescue the hostages from the Ōoku
>>
>>3956826
>Confront Fuu-Ki in his throne room.
The hostages might not want to come.
>>
I think I’m having an issue with the captcha. Can’t post from my computer. Gimme a few moments to see if I can’t fix something or go around.
>>
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>>3956830
>>3956843
>>3956853
>>3956891
>>3956912
>>3956941
>>3956960
>>3957539
The hatch of the Whistler opens with a burst of pressurized air, slamming into the ground with a percussive noise. In a handful of seconds, the entirety of Carina Squad pours out of the APC with DEMONICA’s donned and firearms sweeping the perimeter. There are no enemies within the immediate area.

“Clear!” you call, and motion for everyone to charge the entrance. “Lock down the Whistler and set the automated defense systems. Make sure that Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen are tagged on the I/FF.”

“Already taken care of,” answers Brady, depressing a control on his COMP. The Browning turrets and the main gun slowly track from side to side, establishing killzones and holding patterns according to the parameters uploaded to its central computer. “We’ll keep an eye on anything if the vehicle picks anything up.”

The priest nods approvingly. “Excellent work. Now, what’s first on our itinerary, Adrian?”

What an obvious question for him to ask! “We gotta get the hostages out of here first. I don’t them getting caught in the crossfire when we throw down with Fuu-ki.”

>Carina Squad approves +8.
>Dante approves +15.
>Bai Suzhen approves +40.

“...of course, if anyone has any directions to the Ōoku, then I’m all ears since we don’t have a layout-”

Bai Suzhen’s nostrils flare, and her tongue whips about dangerously. “I CAN SSSSSSSSSSMELL THEM, SSSSSSSSSSON OF ADAM...THE SSSSSSSSSCENT OF HUMAN AMIDSSSSSSSSST DEMONSSSSSSSSSSSSS.” Her body uncoils itself like a tremendous flail, and the reptilian demon slithers purposefully into the interior of the tower. She does not particularly seem to be in any hurry, but you still have to break out into a light sprint to keep her within sight.

You’ve never been to Japan beyond the odd documentary, but the interior of Fuu-ki’s palace looks like about what you’d expect to find in such a place. The lacquered floors capture the squad’s reflections as you race through the corridors and hallways, and your shadows mimic your every move on the thin bamboo paper surfaces of the room dividers. There are no nails, no stonework that can be seen, a testament to traditional Japanese architecture in the style of the Warring-States era.

The White Snake stops for nothing, but Carina manages to do a sweep of as many rooms as you can. Most are empty, with the upturned furniture signs of a recent occupancy and desperate flight. Others contain a myriad of foodstuffs, supplies and living amenities for the soldiers and servants in the shogun’s employ. Still there are rooms that have occupants, some cowering demonic entities too weak to register on the sensors that either flee or promptly surrender.

(cont.)
>>
>>3961087
>>3961112
>>3961120
triple post, does that mean 3 adrians as well?
Fitz is gonna love it
>>
>>3961160
Not if they all come at her at once. Something tells me she's not well-versed in gangbangs.
>>
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>>3961160
Hiromoot was being annoying. Pls forgive.
>>
>>3961163
4chan had some hickups the last few days, not your fault

>>3961162
or she dominates them all at once
>>
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>>3961120
But it is on the third floor of the palace where your objective lies. Bai Suzhen stands before a set of double doors, coiled and awaiting your arrival. A silent communication passes between you, the White Snake, Dante and the rest of the squad. And it is with this solidarity in your resolve that you steel your nerves and enter the Ōoku of Shogun Fuu-ki-douji.

The first thing you notice is the dim lighting of the chamber, somehow even darker than the demon wastelands outside. The shoji lanterns, no more than one in each corner and central dais, burn with a low flame that lazily wisps and whips around at the sudden draft of your entrance. From your own dim vision, you could make out the distinct forms of furniture, and the lustrous splendor of the inner paneling: gorgeous frescoes and paintings of Japanese fauna and flora decorate the room.

>>WARNING: DETECTING RESIDUAL QUANTITIES OF: DEVIL’S DUST.
>>SWITCHING TO OXYGEN RESERVES...100% EFFICIENCY...
>>MISSION TIME WITHIN CONTAMINATED AREA...
>>...04:24:19...04:24:18... 04:24:17...

You hear them before you can see them. The room suddenly comes to life, filling with the moans and pained noises of the chamber’s inhabitants. Lumps of shadows one might easily mistake for heaps of clothing stir at your sudden arrival, and the harsh light of your helmet and the outside world. It takes a moment for your H.U.D. to switch to infrared, and the sight that greets you...it’s not a pleasant one.

Dozens of women, no more than forty, lay about the room in varying states of consciousness and undress. Some are draped in luxurious kimono made out of the finest silk, yet still there are those draped in coarse rags or nothing at all beyond tattered blouses or a sheer blanket. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for how they lay about, simply scattered haphazardly around the room from where they lay about. Their eyes are distant, and their thoughts and minds even further away.

This isn’t a budding shōgun’s harem. This is a drug den.

“Oh, God...” Vicky whispers, “I think I’m gonna be sick...”

“Jesus Christ.” Brady is similarly aghast at the sight. “This is...this is fucked up.”

Dante remains silent. Sarah offers no words beyond an audible grinding of her teeth, even as MacKay punches commands into his COMP. “These women need immediate medical attention. The labs at Central should have synthesized an antidote and antitoxin to flush the drug from their systems.”

Vicky has to audibly swallow before she can add, “We...we have a miniature laboratory aboard the Whistler. If get the formula from Central and upload it to the Whistler, we could have a cure in an hour-”

"Can ya trigger it automatically from here?" Sarah tersely cuts in.

"Y-yeah, I shouldn't have a problem-"

"Then get started," you order, "If we can multi-task, then all the better. Synthesize as you can, and we'll take the worst of the affected down-"

(cont.)
>>
A wayward object batters your foot, and you look down to find an arm at your leg. Even through the artifacts and static that plague your HUD, you can still make out the puckered remnants of injections along the skin. A young girl your sister’s age stares up at you with a vacant expression, ignorant of how her kimono slips off of her shoulders. And even though her hair color is wrong, and the shape of her face does not match up with Sophia’s...it’s nearly enough to make you sick.

Her brows crease, and she shies away instinctively from the lights of your helmet. “...entry by other men...is forbidden,” she slurs, and it’s a struggle to not kneel down and begin immediate treatment, “...you can’t be here...unless you’re with the daimyo...there can be no men allowed...”

But perhaps it is some cruel joke of the cosmos predicates the next series of events. As she turns to look at you, a measure of rationale enters her eyes. She blinks, squinting at you as if seeing you for the first time. A heartbeat passes, and with that spark of rationale in her mind comes a deep, bubbling and primal fear.

“Oh my God...” she whimpers, and the golden gleam of your DEMONICA’s helmet is caught in the pupils of her eyes. “You’re with Jack...oh, God...Jack...JACK!” Her voice becomes a high-pitched, desperate scream, enough to jolt some of the more distant dreamers into lucidity. “No, no, get away...get away from me!”

The sheer amount of fear and panic that bursts from the girl gives her strength beyond her malnourished frame. She manages to knock you off kilter, trying to stand, only for her knees to give way underneath her. Uncaring of the women and girls that she has to crawl over or shove out of the way, she desperately tries to make an escape from you.

“Fuu-ki-sama!” she wails, clawing at the tatami mats to pull herself forward, “Save me! Save me, please! I promise I’ll obey! I’ll take your seed and bear your heirs, as many as you want and need, just please, please, please don’t let Jack take me away--!”

Her cries and pleas are rousing the denizens of the Ōoku. Many are still bleary and distant, but you can begin to see some slowly regaining their senses. All it would take is more to trigger a singular panic attack into mass hysteria, and then you'd have a complete and utter breakdown and riot on your hands.

>>How will you respond to this?
>Knock her unconscious and cow the others into line.
>Remove your helmet and assure her you’re not with Jack.
>>
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>>3961252
>Other
>Turn up the Demonica's visor and assure her you're not with Jack. In fact our squad is here to kill him.
>>
>>3961262
>>3961252
supporting this, if that opens us to air, hold your breath
>>
>>3961252
>My name's Adrian, we're not with Jack, we're hear to kick his ass once we find him. Now can you please stop raising a massive racket so we can get you and the rest out of the line of fire?
>>
>>3961267
I mean, in theory it shouldn't, but the rationale I was going for was that taking the helmet off completely is a significant show of trust, since all the girls know are the black-red, faceless helmets of Jack's crew and soldiers.
>>
>>3961271
It's a nice sentiment, but potentially getting high on Devil Dust during a combat operation is incredibly irresponsible. The visor is an okay compromise and we can also have Bai Suzhen or hell any female member of our team back us up.
>>
>>3961252
>Knock her unconscious and cow the others into line.
>>
>>3961252
>>Remove your helmet and assure her you’re not with Jack.

fuck it, we will have the antidote soon enough, if it prevents injury and panic on our sister proxy here I say we take the blunt and show her trust.

try to breath the minimum possible, it's just traces of the drug but we should minimize the intake the maximum we can
>>
>>3961252

>>Remove your helmet and assure her you’re not with Jack.
>>
>>3961262
>Other
>Turn up the Demonica's visor and assure her you're not with Jack. In fact our squad is here to kill him.
Tripping balls during a mission is just a deeply stupid thing to do.
>>
>>3961252
>>3961404
I've played fps' while buzzed, made my reflexes even worse, but it was pretty fun! can't imagine this stuff would be very fun though.
>>
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>>3961262
>>3961267
>>3961270
>>3961277
>>3961307
>>3961367
>>3961404
With a single push of a button, your helmet visor comes up with a mechanical whine. Another button depolarizes the entirety of your H.U.D., and you sprint as fast as you can to the screaming girl.

Her scream somehow manages to intensify as you grab hold of her wrists. Perhaps it’s a potent combination of both the drugs coursing through her body and the visceral fear that Jack’s instilled within her, but she puts up an incredible fight. This the behavior of someone backed up into a corner with nothing left to lose, stripped of all dignity and left reduced to a pitiful soul.

“No, please...!” One of her hands is wrenched out of your grip, and she brings her fingers to bear against the glass surface of your helmet. You wince at the sound of her nails breaking, and balk the sight of blood drawn as she claws wildly at your face. “I don’t want to go back...don’t take me back to the Lightning, please don’t take me back...Fuu-ki-sama, save me...please!”

Out of the corner of your eye you can see your friends fast approaching. MacKay, ever-vigilant, says, “I’ve got a sedative prepared-”

“Hold your positions!” you order, and they stop in their tracks. Before they can raise any complaints or questions, you add, “There isn’t gonna be any need for that...”

With them on standby, you turn the full brunt of your attention towards the girl in your arms.

“Calm down, miss...” Your words are deliberate and careful, even as she continues to thrash and struggle against you. “You’re malnourished and hyperventilating; you’re only gonna hurt yourself if you keep struggling, and that’s the last thing that I want for you.”

Your words only seem to galvanize her into fighting harder. “No! No, you won’t take me back...I don’t want to go back, don’t take me back into the dark-”

“Please look at me...look at me!” you insist firmly. “In through your nose, out your mouth, just breathe slowly, and look at me...Look. At. Me.”

The girl continues to struggle, but you make sure that she gets a good, hard, long glimpse at your face. And that seems to at least give her pause, and a second opinion on her alleged captor. She doesn’t quite go limp in your arms, but she’s at least stopped thrashing about like a wild animal.

Encouraged by this, you continue, “My friends and I...we’re here to help. We’re not with...” you pause, mulling over the words to refer to that piece of human debris, “...we’re not with that man. Quite the opposite actually. We just happen to share a similar sense of fashion.”

Her eyes dart across the room, and she quails at the rest of Carina. An understandable reaction, given how your ugly mug is the only one on display. But she still manages to whisper a soft, trembling: “...who...?”

(cont.)
>>
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“Long story short, a U.N. rescue team,” you answer, “And we’re gonna get you out of here, come hell or high water. There’s nothing to worry about. We’re gonna get you somewhere safe, no strings attached. No more of this...whatever the hell they’re making you do, and no more of that man’s thugs or goons. We’re here to help you, and all of the rest of you.”

For a moment, you thought you might have spoken too much. There’s still drugs that are coursing through her system, and the sudden spike of adrenaline from your little tussle isn’t helping either. The girl stares at you blankly, uncomprehending even as you can see the gears slowly turning inside of her head.

And then she begins to weep.

It’s an awful mess. Tears run down her cheeks, and her nose begins to drip, staining the silk of her beautiful kimono with organic matter. She shakes uncontrollably with every sobbing hiccup, enough to get your own arm to have tremors. But before you could pose a concerned question, the girl suddenly moves.

“OMPH!” you wheeze as she throws herself into your arms, clinging onto you like a lifeline. As she quietly weeps and stains your equipment with her own snot and tears, you return her embrace, gently patting her back. “...uh...you’re welcome...”

“...am I dreaming?” she manages to hiccup past the shaking, and her voice warbles with the uncertainty of paranoid anxiety. “...mister...if this is a dream...then I don’t want to wake up...even with the drugs, this is the best dream I’ve had...in a very long, long time...”

Your answer comes as firm and resolute as your grip on her shoulder. “You aren’t dreaming. This is very much real. And we’re not going to leave until we kill the ones responsible for your suffering.”

>>Later.

With the girl calmed down, and the rest of the denizens slowly brought to lucidity, Carina Squad gets to work. Medical supplies flow freely from your backpacks, and the team sets to the grizzly work of processing all of the women in the Ōoku. At first, they shrunk back, fearful even as the rest of the team depolarized their helmets and lifted their visors.

“It’s alright...” the girl in your arms says, “They’re...they’re here to help...”

And with that, the tension in the air is defused, and the women begin to allow themselves to be treated. Several of them gravitate towards Sarah and Vicky, being the only two women on the team. Brady looks put-upon, but MacKay prods him into accepting the small amount that come to them for treatment and processing. Bai Suzhen and Dante keep a lookout on either side of the chambers, wary and vigilant for the daimyo or any of his forces.

The girl you reassured stays close by your side, even as you process your own small handful of patients and victims. And unlike the women of Kin-Ki’s menagerie, not a single one of them displays any sort of loyalty for Fuu-ki. They all want out, as quickly and fast as possible.

(cont.)
>>
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Everybody on the team is given their own special thanks. The girls are almost drowned by dozens of relieved and grateful women. Brady nearly freezes with all the hugs, and MacKay takes them in stride, whispering words of encouragement. Even Dante manages to catch a hug, and some of the hostages familiar with Bai Suzhen express their thanks similarly.

As one of the more lucid and cognizant victims, the girl let others first in your own queue. She waits patiently for you to finish, unable to hide the small tremors in her hands, and the look of shame as you address and bandage the needle marks along her arm.

But that won’t do. Even as you run a quick scan of her vitals, you keep talking, just to keep her talking so she won’t suddenly pass out or curl into herself. “What’s your name? You got a name? Everybody’s got a name...”

Her voice is small and distant. “I’m...not allowed to say it...”

“Why not? Everyone’s gotta have a name.”

“...the daimyo, he...he gave new names...when we got here...”

“...okay, but what about before you got here? Someone like you must have a nice name.”

“...it’s been so long...”

“You just need some practice it once we get out of here.”

“...Fuu-ki...called me ‘Hanako’ because I was like...a little flower girl...?”

“...you won’t using that name anymore.”

“...my parents named me Danielle...and my friends call me Elly...”

“Okay, then. Elly, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Adrian, and my unofficial call-sign is ‘Sawbones.’”

“...are you my friend...mister Adrian...?"

“I’d like to think I am since I’m rescuing you.”

She looks at you with something akin to worship in her eyes. It’s uncanny enough for you to avert your gaze, focusing strictly on her wounds as she continues to speak, “...we’d given up all hope...the ones who brought us here, they said...no one was coming to save us...”

“Proved him wrong, didn’t we?” you answer lightly.

“...the best we could hope for was to...to be good c-concubines,” Elly stutters, and her trembling begins to pick up, “...c-concubines for F-Fuu-ki...so, b-best to just...lay down, s-spread our legs and-”

You cut her off before she can finish that sentence. You match her gaze, your determined brown meeting her weary green-yellow, half-hidden behind dark bangs. “That’s quitter talk, and I won’t have that coming from you. That’s gonna be behind you in a few hours.”

Her little giggle is tinged with a little bit of hysteria. “...o-okay, coach...?”

Your mouth is just halfway to forming a smile and a witty retort as all hell breaks loose.

It starts with a whisper, just a breeze that passes and causes the lanterns to flicker. Dante actually reacts first, almost teleporting to the other end to raise his hands defensively. And even as your COMP reacts with a warning about a Wind-type spell being cast, the far wall of the Ōoku explodes in to shards of bamboo and rice paper.

(cont.)
>>
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Without any hesitation, you pull a shocked Elly into an embrace, shielding her from the debris that fly your direction. Most of it bounces off your armor, but there are still sizable chunks of wood that hit you, promising bruises once you complete the operation. Better your body than hers, since you’ve got the plating that can stand up to a beating.

Even before the dust has time to settle, a great gust of wind blows it out the back. And emerging from the cloud is the master of the palace: Fuu-ki the blue oni, the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords.

At least with Kin-Ki, or the head that Ibaraki presented, the Regent of the Brooding Mountains had vaguely human characteristics. Not so much with his sibling. Where there ought to be a face, there is nothing but a gaping hole that you can see right clear through. The only thing reminiscent of a human visible on the oni’s face is its lower jaw, filled with sharp and wicked fangs. He stands at twice the size of an average man, and barely manages to squeeze into the room without hitting his head on the ceiling.

Elly manages to squirm out of her arms, only for the first sight to greet her is that of her captor. She doesn’t even manage a scream. Her eyes roll into the back of her head, and she collapses in your arms like a ragdoll. You curse, slapping the visor of your helm down as you scramble for your rifle. No sooner do you have your weapon and High Pixie aimed at the demon does the H.U.D. paint a firing solution on the ugly bastard.

“TRESPASSERS!” Fuu-ki roars. A singular swing of his sword conjures up blades of wind that race towards Carina. “YOU DARE INTRUDE UPON THE WOMEN OF THE DAIMYO?! YOUR ENDS WILL NOT COME SWIFTLY!”

There is a noise of scales against silk, and Bai Suzhen springs before you. Rips and seams open up along her dress as she weathers the worst of the magic, shielding you and the hostages from any harm.

“YOU WILL NOT HARM THEM,” she roars, and her jaw distends wide as she casts a spell. She rears back, spitting twin jets of liquid towards the daimyo. Fuu-ki dodges at the last moment, cursing as the liquid begins to eat through the floorboards. “THE FLOOR WILL BE THE LEASSSST OF YOUR WORIESSSSS ONCE WE ARE DONE WITH YOU!”

“Get them out of here, now!” you shout, opening fire on the blue oni. The burst does little to harm the self-proclaimed Daimyo, but it distracts him long enough for Bai Suzhen to press the advantage. With a hellish shriek, the White Snake closes the distance between them with lightning speed, coiling herself around the brute with a quick and lethal efficiency. “We’ll cover your escape...!”

>>Who will you send to escort the hostages to the Whistler? [Pick Three]
>Brady. Technical support and adept marksman.
>Dante. Master combatant and demon weapon specialist.
>MacKay. LMG support and explosives specialist.
>Sarah. Close-range combatant and firearms expert.
>Victoria. Munitions support and debuff specialist.
>>
>>3961872
>>Brady. Technical support and adept marksman.
>>Sarah. Close-range combatant and firearms expert.
>>Victoria. Munitions support and debuff specialist.

The group are feel comfortable with the rest of the girls and Brady isn't that great in a fight. Keeping Dante is obviously a yes and MacKay is a good Fitz substitute.
>>
>>3961872
I soooooo want to send Dante, but I don't think he's any good with escorting

>Victoria
the driver

>Brady
the sniper

>MacKay
maybe he can set bombs as the rear guard? Or just cause general havoc so Fuu Ki doesn't know where which fire to put out first.
>>
>>3961872
>Sarah. Close-range combatant and firearms expert.
>Victoria. Munitions support and debuff specialist.
The hostages are more quick to trust the women here, which will help expedite the escape.
>>
>>3961872
>>3961896
Forgot one.
>Brady. Technical support and adept marksman.
This place ain't good for a sniper, but he can make sure people are safe near the Whistler.
>>
>>3961872
>>3961891
Supporting
>>
>>3961891
>>3961872
Supporting, if any of the girls wake up its better to have the 2 women near, this amount of PTSD doesn't lend itself to easy trust
>>
>>3961872
>>MacKay. LMG support and explosives specialist.
He's our second
>Brady. Technical support and adept marksman.
No tech or long range here, not going to be at his best.
>Victoria. Munitions support and debuff specialist.
\female to keep the girls calm and needs to be there to get them antidoted.


We do not want to keep Mackay and Adrian together if we split, he's our second and if this goes tits up we'll need him to take over.
>>
>>3961872
>>3962302
Good reasoning. I'll back this up.
>>
>>3961891
>>3961896
>>3961944
>>3962202
MacKay brings his weapon around to bear, a monster of a machine gun that only someone his size could wield without a mount. Belt-fed directly from his backpack, the M240 opens up with a salvo of suppressing fire. 7.62 millimeter tracer rounds streak through the darkness of the Ōoku, impacting the demon at a rate of seven hundred fifty rounds per minute. The priest has good control over his weapon, firing for effect in short bursts. Almost all of his shots hit Fuu-ki, and only a few graze or bounce off of Bai Suzhen.

“GO!” he shouts to the cowering hostages, pausing between his bursts. None of the women were in the line of fire, but they lie rooted to the ground, shell-shocked and fearful of the blue oni. His words seem to rouse them from their stupor. “Specialists Fitzgerald, Yamane and Brady will escort you to safety!”

Somehow, in spite of the rampaging demon lord and the drugs in their system, the hostages manage to escape in an orderly fashion...or perhaps an organized chaos. There’s no shortage of screaming, panic and general bedlam, but the fact that the girls are giving instructions seems to set them at ease. Pushing and shoving seems to be a foregone conclusion, but at least nobody’s been trampled...yet.

Brady’s holstered his rifle, brandishing a submachine gun as he slings a comatose Elly over his shoulder. He answers your order with a curt nod, and some words of encouragement: “Hit the bloody wanker hard, boss! Right where it fucking hurts!”

Vicky, already tied up with shouting and organizing the hostages, offers little beyond a thumbs-up in solidarity. But Sarah manages to squeeze enough time to open up a private communication line.

“Don’t you fucking dare get killed, dumbass,” she hisses, “I don’t want a goddamn heroics today, ya hear...?”

“’course not,” you reply, scrambling for a new position as Fuu-ki manages to break out of Bai Suzhen’s grapple. But before he can do anything, Dante enters the fray, wielding his fuck-huge sword and throwing taunts and jeers at the surprised oni. “We still haven’t had dinner with Abby yet.”

“...smartass.”

“I lo-...” you pause, hesitant on the parting words. Somehow, in spite of the rampaging demon and the whooping Godslayer adjacent to you, your mind still manages to lock up on saying those three words to her. Time, perhaps, will rectify that later on in your relationship. But you manage to convey a very sincere and firm, “...stay safe.”

>>Brady, Sarah and Victoria have successfully evacuated the hostages.

The battle lines are drawn.

On one side of the Ōoku, Carina and her comrades stand tall. Dante and MacKay fall alongside you, with their own respective weapons and demons at the ready. The shadow of Bai Suzhen looms protectively over you, even as the snake woman hisses and bears her fangs and claws against the enemy.

(cont.)
>>
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I might not be here for the fight, but you guys are going to want to take:

>Adrian
High Pixie - Buffs/Healing/Highest Level/Lightning

Karasu Tengu - Damage dealer/2nd Highest Level/Resists Force

>MacKay
Unicorn - Highest level/ All Arounder

Hua Po - 2nd Highest Level/ Emergency Patra in case High Pixie can't
>>
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>>3962770
>MacKay has summoned Unicorn [Defense/Agility Support] and Hua Po [Magic Support]!
>Dante is currently wielding the greatsword Rebellion.

Standing against the four of you is the Daiymo of the Hill of Swords. Originally an oni under the control of Chikata Fujiwara in the Heian Period, Fuu-ki has thrown off his binder’s shackles and emerged into his own terrible power. The demon remains enraged at the loss of his harem. But there is a predatory calmness that enters his stance, a pensive demeanor that gives a pause between the combatants.

“I SEE...” He does not speak conventionally. The words come out of the hole in his face, even as his lower jaw mimes the movements to produce them. “YOU ARE NOT WITH JACK’S CREW...YOU REEK OF MY BROTHER...”

“Third time in two days, and the second in as short as an hour,” High Pixie murmurs.

Dante quips back, “Considering how you don’t have eyes, that’s a pretty impressive feat, blue.”

The only half of the demon’s mouth somehow manages to convey a smirk. “I WILL MOUNT YOUR HEADS ON THE CASTLE GATES FOR THIS INSULT...AND YOUR FEMALES, THEY ARE STRONG...THEY WILL MAKE EXCELLENT BROODMARES-”

“Save your empty threats, wretch,” MacKay says, uncharacteristically venomous in his tone and candor. The Sunday morning priest is not here; in his place is a militant member of the Catholic Church, a ruthless hammer against demonkind. “Where is Jack?”

“...YOU SEEK THE MERCHANT?” the demon rumbles, ponderous, “...IF THAT IS THE CASE, AN ARRANGEMENT MAY BE MADE-”

“There will be no deal,” you cut in, “Your crimes against the human world and trespasses against peaceful demons are too grievous for you to live.”

“...OH, WHAT’S THIS?” The daimyo lowers himself, audibly inhaling through the hole in his head. “...YOU SMELL OF HANAKO...DID YOU ALSO FIND COMFORT AND PLEASURE IN HER LITTLE FLOWER?”

You flick the safety off your gun, and High Pixie charges a magic spell. “...I made her a promise...and I won’t be proven a liar.”

“WE SHALL SEE!” From his robes, Fuu-ki pulls out a series of objects, shoving them into his mouth with swiftness beyond your reaction time. Your COMP flares in alarm as the oni’s power begins to grow, and the monster quickly becomes larger than the room can contain him.

With a blast of magic and a powerful roar, the entire top of the palace is obliterated in a single strike. The Ōoku remains somewhat intact, but above your heads is the open, churning sky of the demonic wastelands. And as if on cue by the direction of the deities observing your brawl, a streak of lighting breaks through the clouds, and signals the start of the battle.

“THE MERCHANT HAS OUTLIVED HIS USEFULLNESS!” the giant roars, “COME, SONS OF ADAM...SON OF SPARDA! YOU WILL MAKE AN EXCELLENT PRACTICE FOR MY BATTLE WITH JACK AND HIS FORCES!”

(cont.)
>>
>>Bai Suzhen’s moveset.
>Bufudyne. (Heavy Ice damage to a single enemy, 33% to inflict Freeze)
>Mabufudyne. (Heavy Ice damage to all enemies, 20% to inflict Freeze)
>Nihil Claw. (Multi-hit Heavy Phys attack.)
>Mediarama. (Restores a medium amount of health to all allies.)
>Venomous Discharge. (Multi-hit Phys attack, 75% to inflict Poison)
>Charge. (Doubles the next Phys attack)
>Xian’s Umbrella. (Maximizes Defense Stat for Self.)
>War Cry. (Reduce enemies’ Attack and Defense by 1 parameter).

>>Dante’s weapons.
>Ebony & Ivory. Attacks are imbued with the Gun ailment.
>Greatsword Rebellion. Attacks are imbued with the Phys element.
>Balrog Gauntlets. Attacks are imbued with the Fire element.
>King Cerberus. Attacks are imbued with the Ice element.
>Neavan. Attacks are imbued with the Lightning element.
>Devil Trigger. Increase Dante’s combat parameters for a short period of time, consumes HP.

>>What’s the plan?
>Write-in.
>>
>>3962893
Short question on the devil trigger, how high is the imrovement and how many 'rounds'?
>>
>>3962893
Also didn’t have us vote on what demons we’re using. Although I do support >>3962841
Unless we’re missing something.
>>
>>3962893
>tfw needing to phonepost

Alright
>Bai Suzhen
War Cry

>Dante
Neavan

>High Pixie
Luster Candy

>Karasu
Agilao

I don't remember MacKays demon abilities and I'm not in a position to check the pastebin right now.

>What's the plan
Buff/Debuff and start going for joints like the knees. Make the big guy fall. The Whistler can probably snipe him too once it's crewed again.
>>
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>>3962907
I'd say about by a factor of x4 and for three rounds.

>>3962914
Oops, forgot about that.

You've got the option of summoning...
>Griffon.
>Archangel.
>Pyro Jack.
>Karasu Tengu.

>>3962915
Unicorn has...
--- Rakukaja (Increases party defense by 1 parameter)
--- Hama (Weak Light damage to 1 target, 30% kill if enemy is Weak)
--- Mahama (Weak Light damage to All targets, 30% if enemy is Weak)
--- Sukukaja (Increases party Hit/Evade by 1 parameter)
--- Diarama (Greatly restore's 1 ally's HP)
--- Panic Voice (30% Panic to all enemies)
--- Charge (Next Phys/Gun attack has 2x Damage)
--- Heat Wave (Weak Phys damage to all foes)

Hua Po has...
--- Agialo (Medium Fire damage to one enemy)
--- Pester [Requests maca, magnetite or item from Demon]
--- Me Patra (Removes bind, sleep or panic from all allies.)
--- Nag (Urges indecisive demon to accept the deal)
--- Maragi (Weak Fire spell to all enemies)
--- Media (Slightly restores HP to all allies)
--- Rakunda (Reduce enemy's defense by 1 parameter)
--- Marin Karin (25% Chance to inflict Charm on enemy)
>>
>>3962930
>>3962915
Sukukaja and Rakunda respectively then for MacKays demons
>>
>>3962893
>Bai Suzhen
War Cry
>Dante's Weapon
Neavan
>High Pixe
Luster Candy
>Unicorn
Charge
>Hua Po
Marin Karin
>>
>>3962893
>Bai Suzhen
War Cry
>Dante
Neavan
>High Pixie
Luster Candy
>Unicorn
Charge
>Hua Po
Rakunda

Let's get the buffs out of the way while Dante from the Devil May Cry series attacks.
>>
>>3962961
>>3962985
>>3962844
This
Also I had a thought
There are three goddesses in Adrian's Head yeah?

Maiden, Matron and Crone.
What if they're all not vying to be incarnated into the world through his body or seed, but through Pixie, with each of them being a different final form Pixie could take?

The fae here are Celtic origin.

Danu - Maiden
Mab - Matron
Morrigan - Crone
>>
>>3963168
You're seconding two different Hua Po plans. You'll need to choose one.

Pro tip: One of the has a 75% chance to do nothing and a 25% chance to inflict an ailment that usually gets knocked off when the target is damaged. The other makes it so the baddie takes more damage for the entire fight until dispelled or otherwise negated.
>>
>>3962985
>>3963168
>>3962893
this

>>3963188
thanks did not notice
>>
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>>3963168
This is unironically a galaxy brain tier post that I can only wish I could come up with. Seriously. That's a really cool idea/mechanic. I've already got something in mind for Pixie, though, as well as the Triple Goddess(es).

Writing...
>>
>>3963168
>>3963761
What happens with ALL THREE?
>>
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>>3963768
Well, I'll give a refresher since it's been a while. They've all gotta try and "convince" you to let one of them "in", so to speak. What that means, or what it entails, is still unknown. That said, the Crone recently allowed for you to get access to some of her domains and cast a spell once per day, so that's her way of buttering you up. Or making up for your less-than-stellar first meeting.

How the other goddesses will try to entice you is for you to ultimately discover.
>>
>>3963789
I meant in that theoretical situation, what would high pixie become? Would she just be higher pixie? Thanks for the refresher anyway though.
>>
>>3963761
So I was wrong. Drat.

Ah well.

I had noticed that there were only two king and one queen in the faerie courts so I was running with that as faeries slowly replenishing themselves or doing the seasonal courts.
>>
>>3963799
Hard to say, but following that "what-if" scenario, she'd absorb the designated goddess' powers and a tad bit of their personality, ultimately becoming a "Shin Megami Tensei", or a nameless goddess reincarnated into the real world that's beholden to you and your discretion. Depending on alignment, you could either make her The Goddess, try for a shot at supplanting YHVH, and/or become her official high priest among a myriad of choices.

Ultimately, it's her persona that wins out, so even though she walks the walk and talks a little bit differently, she's still your Pixie. Just be wary of more than passive-aggressive emails directed at Sarah.

>>3963818
If it's any comfort, High Pixie's story arc ties in heavily with the palace intrigue of the Winter/Summer and Seelie/Unseelie courts. We'll be seeing Titania, Oberon and Queen Mab soon enough.
>>
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>>3962841
>>3962915
>>3962942
>>3962961
>>3962985
>>3963190
“Debuffs, now!” you shout, opening up with a short burst from your rifle. Fuu-ki swats the bullets away with a swing of his blade, but is forced to step backwards from a concentrated blast from MacKay. The priest’s attack gives you room to smash a button on your COMP, and Karasu Tengu manifests at your side. “Hit the bastard with everything you got!”

“Understood!” answers the winged demon. A sphere of flame appears at the tip of his staff, which he redirects to lash at Fuu-Ki. “The cur will suffer for his sins!”

As you and MacKay hold back the daimyo with suppressive fire, all of the demons at your side get to work with their magic. A myriad of debilitating magic spells slam into the oni. And the demons who cast other spells work their own magics on your friends and allies...

>>Fuuki’s parameters are at -1 Attack/-2 Defense
>>Carina and allies are at +1 Attack/+1 Defense/+1 Evade-Hit

Dante, squints first at the demon, then at the guns in his hand. Exhaling, he holsters his guns, reaching for the COMP at his wrist. You’re surprised. You thought that he didn’t have anything but weapons on him-

The woman that suddenly materializes before you, a half-naked beauty with fiery red hair, suddenly gives you an unsavory opinion of the godslayer.

“It’s been an awfully long time, Dante,” the woman complains, reclining into the godslayer’s arms. She seems to pay no mind to the battle around her, let alone how Sparda swings her round like a wayward dancing partner as they dodge blows and attacks from the oni. She reaches a pale hand towards her master, fondly stroking the man’s jawline. “But I see that the blood of Sparda has aged you like a fine wine...”

“Flirt later, fight now, babe,” he answers, “Later once we’ve got some alone time.”

“Hoho...aren’t you the demanding one? But that’s what I so very much adore about you...very well...”

The woman disappears in a brilliant flash of light, and in her place...

“Is that a guitar?!” High Pixie demands incredulously of the object in the godslayer’s hand. And the sight seems to stop everybody in their tracks, even Fuu-ki.

Without any warning, Dante plays a chord, and leaps into the air towards the stunned enemy. Electricity runs up and down the neck of the guitar, discharging upon impact with a hastily raised blade. The daimyo roars in pain as purple sparks jump and race along his body; all the while, Sparda continues alternate between playing the guitar the demon woman turned into...and beating Fuu-ki over the head with it like some kind of trick weapon straight out of Bloodborne.

Suddenly despondent, your Pixie turns to you, tapping the side of your helmet. “Master, I’m starting to tire of this man’s antics.”

“...yeah, you and me both,” you admit.

“Really...he feels the need to show off with his own floozy of a demon...”

(cont.)
>>
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“...I’ll ask the fusion technician. Maybe we can turn you into...what do fairies like to make music with...harps?”

A particularly hard tap, more a harmless punch than anything else, comes as an answer. “Adrian Brown, I will curse the next three generations of your offspring if even think about attempting to turn me into a Demon Arm.”

Yikes. “I kid, I kid...but that’s what his weapons are. Demon Arms?”

“Yep...” she pauses, idly sending a bolt of lightning down range towards the battle. “But you do have that spider bitch’s D-source, right? Maybe you could turn her into a Demon Arm.”

Hmmm. Given the option of having a potentially volatile demon in your COMP versus a magical weapon that could do awesome shit...the choice isn’t exactly hard, but it’s gonna require some sleeping on. “...that’s actually a good point-”

“And don’t turn her into one just because your lover wants a Devil Arm for her birthday,” she finishes with a grumble and a huff.

“...I totally didn’t have that on my mind,” you deadpan as you fire again at Fuu-ki. "Why, do you want a Demon Arm?"

"No, and ew," she shudders as she weaves another magic spell, "I hate spiders."

>>How well do you guys hold off the empowered Daiymo?

>Roll 1d100+30 (+20 Adrian's Combat, +10 Luster Candy)
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 28 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3963886
>>
Rolled 45 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3963886
Rollan.
>>
Rolled 93 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3963886
>>
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>>3963908
>>
>>3963908
Nice clutch.

Writing...
>>
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>>3963912
>>
>>3963908
That's the good shit right there.
>>
>>3963886
Demon Arms....I'm thinking what is intended to be quick deploy debuff and nonlethal trap/cushion, but is going to look like a hentai weapon.

An arm buster that fires globs of spiderweb. On contact with demons, it sucks out magnetite and binds them. On contact with walls/floor/humans, it acts as a cushioning pillow and maybe drains any demonic influence out.


Another option would be a grappling hook so powerful we can jump swing with APCs.
>>
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>>3963890
>>3963906
>>3963908
Some would say that there is little honor to be had in this fight. There’s only one of the enemy, going up against two humans, their respective demons, a giant snake...and whatever the hell Dante’s got going on with his guitar-demon. But considering how many drugs, which you begin to suspect are Reds with how the COMP’s constantly screaming about his power, he ingested, it’s more than a fair fight.

And you’re not about to give this guy the satisfaction of a one-on-one duel. And for as rowdy an oni as Ibaraki might’ve been, you’ve got a gut feeling that even someone as debauched as Fuu-ki would chafe at the disrespect of the denial of an honorable duel.

But that is neither here nor there.

>Fuu-ki is half-wounded.

The demonic daimyo retreats backwards. His robes are torn and stained with blood, and his once-pristine blade has several nicks and chips that run along its edge. His breath is labored, and that sure-fire attitude of his is nowhere to be found. In the place of arrogance, a wary caution has entered his body.

“Guess you bit off more than you could chew, huh, blue?” Dante taunts. “...hold on, can you even chew?”

“Truly a question for the ages,” MacKay answers drolly, even as he lines up another shot.

Fuu-ki snarls. “DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT WAS ALL I AM CAPABLE OF!? BEHOLD, THE POWER OF THE DAIMYO!”

Magical energy gathers along the edge of his weapon, and with a tremendous roar, he swings it like one might a fan. It doesn’t come immediately, the effects of his spell. At first, it starts as barely a tickle, as the thick materials of the DEMONICA prevent most external sensations from hitting your skin. But then you start to feel it in a different way, a terrible pressure that begins to buffet you from all and every side.

It soon becomes visible, a neigh-tangible storm of wind entirely localized atop the palace. Your friends and allies stagger and struggle as the wind begins to reach unnatural speeds, the kind you’d experience in some kind of freak hurricane. The furniture of the Ōoku goes flying wildly, and more than one bit of furniture threatens to bowl you over.

At the epicenter of this windstorm is the oni himself. Fuu-ki’s sinister laugh is carried by the wind itself as it buffets and billows at you with an unnatural force. And for someone as large as Bai Suzhen, it’s all but a struggle for her to dig her talons in the woodwork, and keep her mass from sliding off the building and into the empty space below.

“He’s trying to blow us off the tower!” the priest shouts. He fumbles to secure his weapon, before jamming his knife into the floor. Holding onto dear life at his belt is a terrified Hua Po, and Unicorn’s been recalled into his COMP. “Grab hold of something!”

>>What will you do?
>Grab hold of something to ride out the winds. [Medium DC]
>Ignore the wind and debris as best you can and keep fighting. [High DC]
>Write-in.
>>
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>>3963978
>Grab hold of something to ride out the winds. [Medium DC]
We ain't doing shit. Someone else on the other hand...

>Write-in.
Have Dante DT to try to stay on the offensive to disrupt Fuu-ki's cast. For our demons have Karasu Tengu with his Resist Wind shield and hold onto High Pixie to keep her steady while she heals Dante's DT health drain as he fights. His DT's drawback isn't too bad with a pocket, dedicated healer.
>>
>>3963978
>Grab hold of something to ride out the winds. [Medium DC]
>>
>>3963978
Gryphon's got Null Force
>Pull Gryphon out and use him as a moving barrier to take potshots at Fuu-ki
If single target is too hard to aim, wear him down with mazios or mahamas. If we can still accurately hit him down, maybe we can try to Shock or Sleep him.
>>
>>3964003
>>3963978
Just to clarify, grab hold of Gryphon so we have someone heavy to stick on.
>>
>>3963978
>Grab hold of something to ride out the winds. [Medium DC]
>>3963992
Seconding this. Also, I wonder how Dante would fare using Air Raid here.
>>
>>3964003
>>3963992
>>3963978
I like these
>>
>>3963978
>>3964003
Smart plan!
>>
>>3963978
>>Grab hold of something to ride out the winds. [Medium DC]


just a question since I don't remember if you mentioned but did we rescue the demons that were held in the ooku too?
>>
>>3964050
there were only women in there, his drugged up rape harem
>>
>>3964083
yeah but I remember it was mentioned that his harem contained both humans and demons, maybe he imported some from other places to drug up and hold here too
>>
>>3964050
probably with the women or held somewhere else.

Worst case scenario is that they joined the women but took some Red too.
>>
>>3964050
>>3964083
>>3964144

There were, I just didn't have enough space to mention them or go too much into details. Most of them gravitated towards Sarah and Vicky anyway. You'll see them after the fight with Fuu-ki.

Writing...
>>
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>>3963992
>>3963993
>>3964003
>>3964007
>>3964009
>>3964017
>>3964047
>>3964050
Karasu Tengu bows out gracefully, disappearing in a flash of light as he returns into the COMP. In his place, the magnificent Gryphon makes his appearance, the first in a very long time...only to squawk curiously at the sight of you freewheeling for your lives.

“Good boy!” you shout as you motion for everyone to gather around behind him. “Just say there and be as majestic as you want to be!”

>>Gryphon’s Null Force has granted you a measure of temporary respite.

Fuu-ki, not one to notice the sudden change in the battle, prepares to throw his weapon like a javelin towards the winged beast. And Dante, not one to simply stand back and otherwise be left out...stands in front of Gryphon. The godslayer only looks mildly annoyed by the gale-force winds that still lap at the very edges of your demon’s body.

“Hey, Brown!” he calls as he gently strums his guitar without a care in the world, “You still got Pixie of yours out?” At your confused affirmation, you can hear the smirk in his voice. “Good. Keep her on me. What I’m about to do is gonna hurt a little...” And to Fuu-ki, he drawls, “You should feel honored yourself, blue. It takes a big guy like yourself for me to bust this trick out of my sleeve.”

Demonic power gathers around the godslayer, not dissimilar to the vortex surrounding the daimyo. Your COMP registers an abnormal spike in the readings, screaming that the power gathering in Dante is far beyond anything it’s calibrated for. And before you can even ask what the hell is everything, a burst of flame consumes the godslayer, a fireball that envelops him completely...

And when the flames die down, the figure standing in its epicenter could only have been Dante. But it is not the image that you are most familiar with, nor the one you welcomed aboard for this operation.

“What the hell?!” you demand of the...creature standing before you.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, kid,” the figure drawls, and even with its voice distorted, you can pick out the flanges of Dante’s drawl. He flexes his fingers and limbs, testing out his weapon like a batter on home plate. “Just keep that Pixie on me, and we’ll be out of here in no time.”

A dry, sultry chuckle emanates from the guitar. “It’s been too long, darling, since you’ve wielded me in this form...”

“Don’t get used to it...” Then, to Fuu-ki, the godslayer declares with an audible grin, “It’s showtime!”

You blink, and the godslayer vanishes before your eyes. And the battle with Fuu-ki begins anew as the daimyo and Dante go head-to-head in a blur of crashing blades and elemental magic. The sounds he pulls from Nevan’s strings almost seem to groan with pleasure with every swing and discharge of electricity.

It’s all you can do to place shots and magic whenever Fuu-ki slows. “...so, ‘dead weight’, huh?”

(cont.)
>>
>>3964541
Holy shit thats badass

at least we don't have to make Sarah mad by some heroics, he seems to have it in hand
>>
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>>3964541
“...don’t feel too bad, master,” High Pixie calls, dancing and maneuvering between the gusts of the wind. Every so often, she hits Dante with one of her healing spells, and you track the green light of her magic to shoot Fuu-ki. “Knowing that’s a true son of Sparda makes his bullshit just a little more tolerable...”

“Hold on...” interrupts MacKay as he unjams his weapon and sets Hua Po against Gryphon, “He mentioned that Commander Vergil was his elder twin brother...you don’t suppose that he can also...”

“Turn into a demon?” you dryly finish. “I’d honestly be disappointed if he couldn’t...although that does explain why Commander Alger didn’t want us to be around him for too long...hey, Pixie?”

“Yes, master?”

Coughing as you line up another shot, you murmur, “It’s been bothering me, and I assumed that when everyone was calling him ‘Son of Sparda’, I thought his old man was just some legendary godslayer. Kinda like a legacy thing, you know? Who exactly is Sparda?”

“I thought you’d never ask! Sparda was a legendary Demon Knight,” she grunts as she dodges a particularly nasty gust of wind, “Whose strength was known even to the fairies! He formerly served under the Demon Lord Mundus, until he had a change of heart and rebelled against his master, sealing him and his army of darkness deep within the underworld.”

The priest is incredulous. “I have never heard of these demons, both in apocrypha and in the church canon!”

“There’s a lot of stuff that isn’t in the Bible,” the fairy says, but not unkindly. “Sparda’s myth is a little more exclusive to demonic archives...not so much with human ones.”

That makes sense. “So...if Dante and Vergil are ‘sons of Sparda’...are they demons, too?”

“Not entirely...it’s been a while since we met with Vergil, but Dante smells equal parts human and demon...” the fairy muses with a curious tone of voice, “They are half-demons. It must have been some woman to catch the Demon Knight’s eye...”

“Careful, Tinker Bell!” the godslayer calls, shredding another cord and blasting Fuu-ki with a bolt of lightning. “That’s my mom you’re talking about!”

“Well, excuse me for wondering who the human woman could’ve been that’s inadvertently responsible for trampling the on the hearts and dreams of impressionable female demons!” she shouts back as she fires off another heal.

...so half-demons do exist. And although you chalked up Elly’s panicked screaming and rant as some kind of drug-induced haze...

MacKay seems to have come to the same fearful conclusion as you did. “Do you think Fuu-ki was trying to create half-demons with the human women of his harem?”

(cont.)
>>
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Your mood sickens at the thought of that gigantic brute trying to force himself on someone as small as Elly. But your answer comes quickly, almost like a desperate affirmation, “It’s out of the realm of possibility...but none of them displayed any symptoms of pregnancy or signs of prior childbirth...”

“The most we checked them for was immediate injuries and drug-related symptoms,” the priest counters grimly, “...do you happen to know the Task Force’s policy regarding half-demons?”

You look towards the whooping godslayer, who by all intents and purposes is styling on the daimyo. “...lenient, I hope. But how loud the COMP’s been screaming at me about Dante’s power level...fearful.”

“His father could have been on good terms with Central...at least, we can derive a fondness towards humanity from what Pixie’s told us.”

Ugh...the discussion when this is all over is not gonna be one you’re looking forward to.

“Hey, Elly! We just gotta take care of one thing before we head back home. I need you to urinate on this pregnancy test strip and take a sample of your blood to make sure you aren’t carrying the half-demon rape baby of your captor!”

Repeat as needed for the upwards of thirty women...yeah, that’s...not gonna be fun.

“Let’s just take down this bastard first,” you grumble, lining up another shot from atop Gryphon’s back. “And we’ll be in a better mood to deal with his bullshit later.”

“Agreed,” intones the priest as he cycles up his weapon.

>>How well does Dante (& dead weight friends) fare against Vortex Fuu-ki?
>Roll 1d100+60 Combat (Dante +5 Combat, +10 Luster Candy).
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 50 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>3964608
>>
>>3964608
>>
Rolled 93 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>3964608
fug
>>
Rolled 86 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>3964608
>>
>>3964626
>>3964608
Dead weight my ass!
>>
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>>3964626
Nice!
>>
>>3964541
>You blink, and the godslayer vanishes before your eyes. And the battle with Fuu-ki begins anew as the daimyo and Dante go head-to-head in a blur of crashing blades and elemental magic.

[Distant SWO-GUN-SWO-RO-SWO-GUN-SWORDS-GUN-TRIC-SWORD MASTER!] in the background
>>
>>3964614
>>3964626
>>3964627
The winds abate, and the dark winds that center atop the palace begin to disperse as Fuu-ki’s power wanes. And by the time the battle ends in full, you no longer have to rely on Gryphon as a shield against the winds. Even Bai Suzhen, delegated to holding onto dear life and hissing out a spell now and again, presses the advantage to climb back atop the tower.

Dante pulls away and rears for the finishing blow. Even through the filters of your mask, the sour taste of ozone fills your mouth, and the hairs on your arm stand on end he thrusts Nevan into the air. From the pitch-black clouds above your head, lightning strikes the guitar, supercharging the weapon with a light that’s almost painful to look at.

Somehow, even as your ears are ringing and your eyes smart something awfully, you can still make out the blinding form of the guitar and its wielder, shouting: “HERE’S YOUR CROWN!”

Even if the oni brings his weapon up in time to block, there’s no way that he’s dodging the discharge from Nevan. You’d almost feel sorry for the poor bastard. Almost.

The impact of their weapons rings out like a clap of thunder, a physical force that bowls you over and sends you sprawling tail-over-tea kettle across the remnants of the Ōoku. You and MacKay end up in an undignified heap as Bai Suzhen moves to stop you from sliding over the edge. The White Snake hisses, seemingly irritated only by the light and not the pressure that was almost worse that the winds.

Dante flies back from the point of impact, landing gracefully to strike a pose like a goddamn rock star. Even as his transformed figure smokes and sparks with static discharge, he looks no worse for the wear. He grins, flashing a wave to you, before patting his weapon affectionately: “That was a good performance. The audience loves it...let’s see how the critics take it?”

What was left of Fuu-ki could hardly be called a demon. The prized weapon he wielded had turned to molten slag from the sheer heat of the lightning. It encases more than half of his body in a cherry-red sheathe that still drips liquid metal onto the floor; even the bullets from your attacks create a grisly ornament of charred muscle and glowing lead.

His kimono is naught but ash; even among the crumbling, peeling skin, you can make out the floral patterns that had transferred onto his flesh, penetrating beyond the dermis and deep into his musculature. The pungent aroma of carbon registers in your filter, even as his uncased extremities begin to crumble into ash in the wind.

And yet somehow, he is still alive. What part of his head is not encased in broiling steel moves and twists ever so slightly. His teeth have melted together in a runny mess of bone, and ever movement of his neck threatens to snap the fused column of his spine. But the labored breathing through the hole in his head cannot be mistaken for anything but signs of life...or what little left there was.

(cont.)
>>
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The betrayer of Kin-Ki, kinslayer to his own brother, smoldered.

The collaborator with Jack’s Crew, who peddled and dealt in human and demon flesh, is flayed.

Fuu-ki the Warlord, who laughed and took pleasure from the suffering of his slaves, was unmanned.

The Daimyo of the Hill of Swords, and aspirant Shogun of the Demonic Wastes, was beaten.

>Fuu-ki is barely alive.

Carina Squad, demons and all, and Bai Suzhen walk over to Fuu-ki, over to the charred husk, molded to the lacquered wood of his Ōoku, all that remained of the Daimyo of the Hill of Swords.
The words you’d never thought you’d hear him say are all but whispers on the echoes of his windstorm.

“...kill...me...”

>>How will you respond?
>Bring him before the people and demons he wronged.
>Leave him as a testament and warning to demonkind.
>Put him out of his misery and scatter his ashes.
>Custom option.

Gonna go set up my Christmas tree, be back in a few hours.
>>
>>3964782
>>Bring him before the people and demons he wronged.
>>
>>3964782
>Bring him before the people and demons he wronged.
The mob will finish him off
>>
>>3964782
>Custom option.
"You're not mine to kill. That privilege belongs to the people you betrayed and wronged."

>Gesture to Bai Suzhen
"He's all yours."
>>
>>3964782
>>Bring him before the people and demons he wronged.
>>
>>3964782
>Put him out of his misery and scatter his ashes.
>>
>>3964803
+1
>>
>>3964782
>Leave him to BaiSuzhen and Ibaraki
but only them. No peanut gallery of rape victims.
>>
>>3964782
>>3965069
The women have seen enough suffering.
>>
>>3964782
>Put him out of his misery and scatter his ashes.
>>
>>3964782
>>3965069
>>
>>3964782
>>3965069
This.
>>
>>3964796
>>3964798
>>3964803
>>3965015
>>3965046
>>3965065
>>3965069
>>3965290
>>3965474
>>3965509
>>3966444
“You aren’t mine to kill,” you declare to the statue. Bai Suzhen licks her wounds and glowers underneath High Pixie’s healing magic, but she perks up at your arrival. You gesture towards the smoking remains of the daimyo. “He’s all yours...and Ibaraki, when she gets here.”

>Bai Suzhen approves +75!
>Bai Suzhen’s attitude has shifted from [Suspicious] to [Trusted]

The White Snake takes a moment to process your words. Her mouth splits wide open once more in a feral, savage grin, wide enough to cause High Pixie to scramble out of the way for fear of being engulfed.

“MANY THANKSSSSSSSSSS...SSSSSSSSSON OF ADAM...” the demon hisses as she ensnares the ossified Fuu-ki. The floorboards of the Ōoku strain and groan, ultimately cracking as the snake rips the statue off the structure, panels and all. “WE WILL NOT FORGET THISSSSSSSSSSS...”

And with a quiet rustle of her scale, she slithers off the edge, coiling around the tower as she descends along the side of the building. Peering over the edge, you can see her already halfway down the structure with a bead on the stationary form of the Whistler.

MacKay takes the opportunity to squint towards the hill. Beyond the twisted swords and distant corpses, neither of you can make out the battle between the oni’s lieutenants. “...you think Ibaraki made it out?”

“Sucker’s bet, priest,” Dante drawls. The godslayer remains in his...alternative form for only a handful of seconds before he catches the stares directed towards him. “She definitely did...you’re looking at me funny, guys...hold on a moment. Central didn’t tell you that I could do that?”

“No, they didn’t,” you answer bluntly, but not unkindly, “All the intel we got was that you’re some kind of enhanced human with demon weapons. Not a...I’m sorry, what is it that we’re supposed to call you?”

“Ah, typical of them to do that...” He shrugs, nonchalant as he packs away Nevan. “‘Godslayer’ works fine. But if you wanna get technical, I’ve heard ‘hybrid’ tossed around, alongside ‘cambion’ via Wikipedia and the more religiously inclined...and ‘tiefling’ by a little blue-eyed brat with too much time and too many books on her hands.”

...must be a sore subject. Along with the white hair.

“...and your...particular lineage-?” MacKay begins, only to be cut off by the godslayer.

“I ain’t nearly as much of a stick-in-the-mud as my brother,” interrupts Dante, “But I don’t nearly know you well enough to start spilling family secrets. No offense, preacher. My old man and my mother are topics exclusively need-to-know. Crosses the line between ‘business’ and ‘family’, and I don’t like when both start to intersect.”

(cont.)
>>
You cast a look to MacKay, an unspoken order to drop the subject. “...that’s fine. I get how you don’t want that stuff crossing over.” Your mind and thoughts go to your own family, your parents and your little siblings. “Especially in this line of work.”

“...bingo.” Dante reclines on one of the few undisturbed pieces of furniture, kicking his feet up on some expensive piece of wood. And with a burst of flames, the godslayer returns to his human form, uncaring or ignorant of how his transformation set the couch alight. “But if you’re really itchy...go talk to his Pixie,” he says, pointing towards you with a grin, “Hell, any other demon that can string together sentences. My old man won’t appear in your public library, but there probably isn’t a single demon who doesn’t know of him, or what he did.”

>You make a mental note to ask Pixie about the finer details about the Demon Knight Sparda.

“The building isn’t about to collapse anytime soon,” the godslayer continues, “But I suggest you guys start searching for goodies while you still can. Going full-devil always takes a bit out of me, so I’ll just take a little breather, right here...”

And with that, Dante promptly falls asleep...on a burning sofa. Just because he can.

“...something tells me that he won’t burn so easily,” Hua Po comments.

MacKay gently pats her on the head with a resigned chortle. “No, I don’t think so as well, child.”

“He’s got a point...” you admit sheepishly. “C’mon. Let’s see if we can’t find anything useful that'll lead us to Jack...I want some more positive things to take away from this shithole...”

>>Please roll 1d100+35 for Perception. [+15 Heightened Senses, +20 Other’s Sight]
>Best out of three.
>>
Rolled 27 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>3966472
>>
Rolled 11 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>3966472
>>
Rolled 54 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>3966472
Pixie, bless this roll.
>>
>>3966487
She barely had the time, but it's not bad
>>
>>3966484
>>3966486
>>3966487
The Whistler’s earlier shelling of the palace proved to be more devastating than you anticipated. Whole corridors and passageways have been completely collapsed or otherwise destroyed, their contents buried under tons of rubble. More than one corpse appears in your search, victims of shrapnel or a panicked stamped. You allow yourself to feel a small bit of relief that they are only demonic casualties...which makes you feel guilty at the train of logic that happens to lead you.

Still, your search is not entirely fruitless. The underground stores remained relatively untouched by the shelling, and resilient to opportunistic plunder. And similarly, the arsenal and archives are no less disturbed. By no means will the booty yield you fortune beyond your reckoning, but the objects you claim will set you on your way for much praise and many accolades from the Task Force proper.

“...between the hostages and the loot,” MacKay says with a strained grunt as you push open the doors to the supply room, “We’re going to need a bigger tank.”

>Dragon Censer. A metal container used to hold smoking narcotics. A Relic that will sell nicely at Central.
>Five 42-gallon barrels of Devil’s Dust. Central will reward you for bringing these samples back.
>Raiment of the Golden General. A metal plate taken from the body of Kin-Ki; a D-source that can be turned into a Demon Arm, an upgrade for the squad’s DEMONICAs, or a catalyst to summon Kin-Ki.
>Onamori of the Tenmaou. A charm of the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, doubles Gun damage.
>Fragment of Masakado’s Katana. Alone, it is a scrap of metal. But when all five are brought together...

The true prize, however, is found in the rubble of the Daimyo’s throne room. The mad bastard had destroyed the upper floors of the palace when fighting you, but the structure managed to crash in the central courtyard of the fortress. It takes several minutes for both human and demon to pick apart the tiles and rubble, but the magical item within is something that you could not have ignored.

“He’s really ugly!” High Pixie says as she struggles to pull it out of a ruined cabinet. Struggles and fails, even with her wings beating furiously. “...and heavy, too!”

>Fetish of the Rebellious God. A magical artifact used to open the Temple of the Rebellious God.

“There’s no way Jack would set up in any of the demon’s territories,” you murmur as you bring up a map of the Demonic Wastelands. “It’d tip the balance of power too much. I thought that he might be hiding in the Forest of Death...but I’m willing to bet my dollar that he’s hiding in this...temple. Or at least somewhere close by it.”

“A logical deduction,” agrees the priest, “It would only be natural for him distance himself with his five clients, but leave them with a means of contacting him."

“Let’s hope Brady and Vicky’s scans found something...”

(cont.)
>>
>>3966588
>an upgrade for the squad’s DEMONICAs,
I know what we're doing with that.
>>
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>>3966588
Just as you begin to trudge back to the front of the palace, a thought suddenly occurs to you. And MacKay as well, as the two of you share a concerned glance.

The priest coughs, “...I seem to recall that Central lacked the knowledge of who was the master of the Domain.”

“...so you think this ‘Rebellious God’ is the master of the Domain...” you venture uncertainly.

“It would only be logical.”

>>High Pixie has Leveled up!
>>High Pixie is now Level 30!

>>High Pixie learned the move [Concentrate – Doubles the next Magic Attack]!

>>Select a move for her to forget to replace with [Concentrate]!
>Diarama (Restores a medium amount of health to one ally)
>Zionga (Medium lightning spell, 20% Shock to one foe)
>Luster Candy (Increases all Combat Stats by 1 Level)
>Recarm (Revives one unconscious ally with little HP restored, stabilizes one dying ally)
>Megido (Medium Almighty damage to all enemies)
>Healing Pleroma (25% Boost to healing spells)
>Mazio (Weak lightning spell, 20% Shock to all foes)
>Me Patra! (Removes bind, sleep or panic from all allies.)
>>
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>>3966588
>Onamori of the Tenmaou. A charm of the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, doubles Gun damage.
[NOBU intesifies]
>>
>>3966613
Dump Healing Pleroma
>>
>>3966613
>Me Patra! (Removes bind, sleep or panic from all allies.)
>>
>>3966613
Right now, I'm looking at zionga, mazio, or healing Pleroma. Healing makes sure that Diarama is good efficiency, I generally favor ma-spells over the single targets, but we already have megido for aoe.

>Mazio
can anyone make a case for the others?
>>
>>3966613
>>Mazio (Weak lightning spell, 20% Shock to all foes)
>>
>>3966613
>Mazio (Weak lightning spell, 20% Shock to all foes)
>>
>>3966640
me patra is mostly useless cause we have meds for it and we can tank most of them with a will save or just use gear to negate em.
>>
>>3966692
meds are single target, but the others are good points.
>>
>>3966613
>Mazio (Weak lightning spell, 20% Shock to all foes)
We got Megido for AoE
>>
>>3966692
It's all fun and games we get hit a pandemic bomb or AoE paralyze. Me Patra is one of those skills where it may not get too much use, but it's better to have it and not need it than needing it and not having it.
>>
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>>3966621
NOBU NOBU NOBU!

>>3966632
>>3966634
>>3966640
>>3966653
>>3966669
>>3966775

>High Pixie replaced [Mazio] with [Concentrate]!

>>Karasu Tengu reached Lv. 25 and 65% Loyalty!
>Karasu Tengu learned Dekaja [Negate enemy buffs]!

>>Gryphon reached Lv. 15!
>Gryphon learned Mazan!
>Gryphon learned Tarunda!
>Gryphon learned Resist Gun!

>>Adrian Brown has reached Level 34!
>>You many now fuse demons up to level 34!

>>Please select a perk for Adrian:
>Battle Couple [CONDITION UNLOCKED]: Fighting alongside your significant other drives you to even greater feats of combat. You gain +10 to Combat rolls when in the same party, but suffer a -15 to Combat when they are absent. Investing in this increases the bonus and decreases the penalty.
>Deadeye (Rank 1): Apply +5 bonus to Combat rolls when using firearms.
>Deadshot (Rank 3): Firearms do an additional 20% more damage, rounding to the closest whole number.
>D-Tector (Rank 1): At the end of combat, you have a 33% chance of obtaining D-sources from enemies.
>Fearful Presence (Rank 1): +10 in social rolls made to Intimidate, Coerce or Force a single target, human, demon or otherwise. Also can be used in combat to inflict Debuffs during Negotiation.
>Mag Magnet (Rank 1): +5% flat increase to all Magnetite you loot from enemies.
>Nice Guy (Rank 2): Demons recruited through negotiation start with an additional 20% Approval.
>Super Shot Special [CONDITION UNLOCKED]: If Sarah is in your party, you can order her to make a Called Shot that will Knock Down or Stun an enemy, including bosses and mobs, in its tracks at the cost of all her ammunition for the current battle.
>Razor Sharp (Rank 2): Slash-type weapons do an additional 15% more damage, rounding to the closest whole number.

Apologies for ducking out, had a family thing to take care of.
>>
>>3966901
>>D-Tector (Rank 1): At the end of combat, you have a 33% chance of obtaining D-sources from enemies.
Super useful.
>>
>>3966901
>>D-Tector (Rank 1): At the end of combat, you have a 33% chance of obtaining D-sources from enemies.
>>
>>3966901
>>D-Tector (Rank 1): At the end of combat, you have a 33% chance of obtaining D-sources from enemies.
>>
>>3966901
>D-Tector (Rank 1): At the end of combat, you have a 33% chance of obtaining D-sources from enemies.
>>
>>3966901
>D-Tector (Rank 1): At the end of combat, you have a 33% chance of obtaining D-sources from enemies.
>>
>>3966901
D tector

Wonder what the difference between a setanta and cu culainn d source would be.
>>
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>>3966902
>>3966906
>>3966914
>>3966926
>>3966934
>>3966940
“Kuhahahaha!” Ibaraki laughs, waving to you and MacKay as you approach the Whistler. “You are very generous indeed, human, to present my enemy gift-wrapped and resting upon a lacquered panel! You are well on your way to becoming the most prominent members of my gang!”

>Ibaraki-douji approves +100!
>Ibaraki-douji’s attitude has shifted from [Trusted] to [Steadfast Ally]

The oni has seen better days. Her kimono sports several cuts and tears where a blade or claw might have rent the seams apart. One of her horns has completely broken off. Blood drips from a swollen wound along her head, forcing one of her eyes shut. Nevertheless, she still retains her feral, toothy, exuberant smile and her remaining eye shines bright with the high only a master combatant could possibly achieve.

She plucks something from her belt, the box in which the remains of Kin-Ki are stored. And to the living statue that is Fuu-ki that Bai Suzhen coils around, Ibaraki presents the box before her traitorous kin.

“Ne, ne, aniki,” she says, thrusting the box up towards the daimyo’s eyes, “Can you see what the humans did to Fuu-ki? They turned him into a statue! That weapon he carries around him, the one he always treasured and never relinquished...they granted him his wish. He will never be parted from it, no matter what we’ll do to his body! Kuhahahahaha!

“But no, this won’t do...” she muses, tapping the statue with the tip of her sword, “Kinslaying and treachery are crimes to great for you to live...even a tortured existence as this one.”

To everybody’s complete shock, Ibaraki detaches one of her hands, popping it off her forearm like a ball-jointed toy. And with a wild grin, she rears back like a pitcher about to throw the first ball of the game, and launches her hand towards the statue. Before your very eyes, it grows in-flight, from the size of a tangerine at its launch, to the girth of a large couch in its apex, ending its spurt at the size of a pickup truck upon contact with the daimyo.

“The hand that was severed at fiendish schemes is now back as a monstrosity!” She roars, grinning as the wayward hand ensnares the living statue. It takes off into the air, propelled by what you can only suspect to be demonic contrails, and lifts the remains of the daimyo into the sky. “Run wild, Sōgenbi! This is the Great Grudge of Rashōmon!”

There is a tortured noise of metal groaning against metal as the fist begins to squeeze. And the object almost seems to give a tortured scream before the extremity snaps shut with a brutal finality. Dust, blood and debris rain from the sky as the hand completes its arc, opening to reveal only a crushed, twisted lump of meat and metal.

Then, that too is set alight with demonic fire, and disintegrates into ash that scatters across the Hill of Swords.

>>Subject Fuu-ki: Terminated.

(cont.)
>>
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Even as Ibaraki continues to whoop and holler, you and MacKay slowly make your way towards the Whistler proper. The hatch pops open to reveal the relieved faces of your crew and team. Sarah nearly knocks you off your feet with a flying hug, and MacKay is similarly received by Brady and Victoria.

“Had me worried there for a moment,” Sarah teases with a slightly uneven voice, “When that fuck-huge tornado appeared...ya took a few years off my life, you idiot!”

“I’m glad to see you’re safe as well,” you say, “How’re the others?”

“Askin’ after other girls before you ask about your own girlfriend? Yer gonna be on the couch for the next few weeks, buddy.”

“Great! It isn’t exactly the Ritz on your cot, but since the couch is easier on my back and knees-”

“Will you guys just get a room?” Brady and Vicky somehow manage to demand together in perhaps the most deadpan voice they can manage. And before either of you can shoot back a saucy remark, they come to the same conclusion and shout back: “AND NOT ONE INSIDE THE WHISTLER!”

MacKay manages a short laugh, even as he wades in between the four of you. “Alright, alright. Yes, it’s good to see that everyone’s unharmed and in good spirits, especially after the horrific contents of the palace. And before you ask, Dante is...napping atop the tower. We’ll send someone to wake him up later.”

>>The five of you begin to exchange information...

“The Whistler can comfortably accommodate a small platoon, at the maximum of twenty-five operatives and their equipment,” Vicky reports, “So with a total of thirty-seven hostages, it’s gonna be a very tight fit.”

Sarah points a finger to Ibaraki, who seems to be in the middle of dancing as the ashes of Fuu-ki drift down from the sky, “She was offerin’ to host them back at the Brooding Mountains. Because if we’re gonna be breakin’ down the door to Jack’s Demon Forge, hostages in the wagon are the last thing we need.”

You nod in approval. “That’ll be good...hell, we may as well make the fortress our F.O.B. at this rate. How are the hostages?”

“The sight of the Fuu-ki shook them up pretty badly,” answers the mechanic, “And they’re still struggling with the fact that he’s dead...like they can’t believe that we were able to do it.”

“Give them as much time as they need, and plenty of shoulders and ears to lean and talk to,” you instruct, recalling proper bedside manner for patients. “And the antidote?”

“We’ve just begun givin' it to them,” grouses Sarah, “But those side-effects are somethin’ else. Never seen someone puke up purple before.”

Coughing hastily, Brady brings up a display on his COMP, highlighting an area in the supposed center of the Demonic Wastes. “I ran those scans like you told me to, boss. Hell of a lot of magnetite all over the place, but it’s highly concentrated at this cluster...right here.”

(cont.)
>>
>>3966901
If we do get a Nobu, I hope it's this one.
>>
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>>3967062
He highlights an area that the map refers to as “The Empty Plateau”. That name will perhaps need some revamping considering its true origins. “Eyes in the sky? Did the drones spot anything?”

“The drones came back with nothing,” Vicky admits sheepishly, “And I asked around, and everybody said that there’s nothing there. No boulders, outcrops, or formations to hide in; just a bunch of empty wasteland.”

“But perhaps that is because the drones did not have this,” MacKay offers, and presents the fetish to the squad. “Documents found in Fuu-ki’s study reveal that the Temple will only reveal itself if this object is brought within half a kilometer.”

Even as the mechanic sulks, a thought enters your mind. A good drug laboratory worth its salt has lookouts on top of “Do you think your drones could’ve been spotted?”

Brady’s eyes flick up towards the sky, still full of dark and pitch clouds. “Not with this coverage...the drones can be configured to blend in to the environment. And they’re so small that you’d have to specifically key in the frequency of the battery to even begin to track it.”

“And did we ever drive through the plateau?”

“Can’t say we have. It’s isolated, boss, surrounded by some scraggly cliff faces...it’s a flatland. We’d be the ones peering in, and they’ll have to crane their necks at least by half a click to see anything over the slope.”

The odds are that you might have been spotted, but you would like to believe that the element of surprise is still on your side.

“Alright, gang,” you declare, clapping your hands to bring everybody’s attention to the front, “Here’s what we’re gonna do. Someone’s gonna go wake up Dante. Tail lights out in about twenty minutes; plenty of time to jog up and down the tower while the rest of us load the barrels into the trunk...”

>>On your two-day long journey back to Ibaraki’s Fortress, you decide to...[Pick Two]
>Bond with the demons in your employment.
>Conduct further examinations of the hostages.
>Establish a rapport with Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen.
>Spend time with one of your teammates. [Write-in]
>Write-in. [Custom Option.]
>>
>>3967108
>Conduct further examinations of the hostages.
>Establish a rapport with Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen.
>>
>>3967108
>>Conduct further examinations of the hostages.
>>Establish a rapport with Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen.
>>
>>3967108
>>Conduct further examinations of the hostages.
>>Establish a rapport with Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen.
>>
>>3967108
>Conduct further examinations of the hostages.
>Establish a rapport with Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen.
>>
>>3967108
Is the Library still intact? I believe that was an earlier option to find Jack's whereabouts
>>
>>3967148
Yeah, you got the relevant information in the search, which would be the coordinates for the Temple of the Rebellious God. Jack set up the Demon's Forge seemingly within the Temple itself.
>>
REMINDER
We still have to talk to Alger about the 3 Goddesses in our Head
and possibly about the "empty (?)" Entity in the white void
>>
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>>3967115
>>3967119
>>3967126
>>3967144
>Day 06 of Operation Brimstone Rain

The sixth day of the operation sees you playing doctor by following up on the women you rescued. In the dimness of the Ōoku and the relative haste you had to process them, it’s only now that you are able to give as close to a proper examination as you can for everyone. Space is at an all-time premium in the Whistler, forcing you to take up residence one of the armories. And it is with nothing short of the utmost professional courtesy that you being your private examinations and diagnostics.

Sarah’s threatening stink eye at “private examination” is in no way influencing you to be as quick as possible. No, sir. But the fact that you still don’t have your medical license only incentivizes you further to get special training once the operation’s over and done with.

It’s understandable that most of the girls are hesitant to approach you, even when you’re out of the DEMONICA and clad in simple fatigues. There’s lingering trauma that goes beyond the armor, and beyond the fact that you’re a man. They aren’t ungrateful by any stretch of the imagination, as much as they’re skittish and otherwise hesitant to get in a locked room with another man.

To this end, you’ve enlisted the help of your High Pixie, who plays the role of nurse to your field medic. You have no idea where she pulled the nurse outfit from, let alone the miniature clipboard, but the presence of a female demon seems to put them at ease.

“Next is...[Jane Doe].”

You greet each one with a smile, and bid for them to sit down at the small bench that doubles as your desk. The Whistler quickly ran out of extra fatigues for the women, forcing Carina to dig into the squad’s personal accoutrements for clothing and unmentionables. You try not to laugh or otherwise be too mirthful as someone comes in with one of Brady’s gag shirts, MacKay’s spiritual billboards, or the shirts that Sarah stole from your trunk when you weren’t looking.

“Please, [Jane], sit down. My name is Adrian Brown, and I’m the leader of Carina Squad. I’m incidentally the field medic as well; with your permission, I’ll be walking you through this examination. Please let me know if I’m causing you any undue discomfort.”

Your examination begins innocuously enough. You take blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, building a rapport for each patient under your care. How is the patient feeling, how is their memory and mental quickness? Can they easily stand and walk?

“I’m going to have to touch you in order to proceed with the next part of this exam. When you're ready, please lift up your gown..."

(cont.)
>>
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The briefing on Devil’s Dust mentioned no external side-effects, but it didn’t hurt to check for those alongside any injuries sustained in the Ōoku. You carefully examine lymph nodes, thyroid glands and carotid arteries. Ears, nose, eyes and throat are similarly processed without too much trouble. Garments are hesitantly removed to allow for your stethoscope and fingers to check for irregular heartbeats, sensory changes and other abnormalities along the abdominals. The drug doesn’t seem to have any effect on the liver as far as you can tell...as does the antidote, beyond nausea and severe diarrhea.

The worst of the trauma doesn’t appear to be anything beyond superficial bruises. It’s rare to find someone with scars indicative of a recent wound, and the largest was barely bigger than a paper cut. The common injuries between all of them are contusions along the wrists and shoulders, the ankles and the thighs...signs of a grip strong enough to leave purple-green bruises.

“Before we proceed any further, I want you to be as comfortable as possible. It’s unfortunately necessary, and you can take as much time as you need. But for this next part, I need for you to describe your sexual history for the last few months...or starting from your earliest memory of being kidnapped.”

“It doesn’t need to be graphic,” High Pixie adds, beside the patient. The fairy places a comforting arm, and gives a warm, sympathetic smile. “...and like the big guy said: take as long as you need. It’s a long drive back to our base.”

This is the part where they all start to vary. All have different reactions to going back to their memories, and recounting the traumas they suffered. Some manage to convey their history with the taciturn stoicism of wishing to be done with it. Others freeze up and stare at nothing like a deer in headlights. Still, most being to shake or otherwise tremble uncontrollably.

You find both of your shoulders playing a comforting pillow for more than one patient as they struggle to piece a part of their world back together, and confront a memory that they wish to put far behind them. Adjusting to the patient’s needs is the mark of a good clinician, after all.”

To the stoic, you declare: “You’re a survivor, but that doesn’t make you weak. You’re strong for pushing through and confronting this head-on. Not many can do that.”

For those who retreated, you gently coax them out, “...he’s not here anymore...he can’t hurt you...I have a jar of his ashes hitting on the dashboard of the vehicle...I can retrieve it for you, if you’d like...”

And for those who simply shattered, it is all you can do to hold them as the pain and sorrow of months in captivity becomes too heavy a cross for them to bear.

All shared similar experiences. Several had suffered at the hands of Jack’s Crew, mistreated and brutalized by both the men and women alike. But all of them had at least two...encounters with Fuu-ki.

(cont.)
>>
>>3967279
>You have no idea where she pulled the nurse outfit from, let alone the miniature clipboard, but the presence of a female demon seems to put them at ease.

High Pixie confirmed cosplayer and all time Best
>>
>>3967324
I appreciate the levity, because...uh...things are about to get reaaaaaally heavy. In more ways than one.
>>
>>3967329
I was about to say that we could probably put in a request to Central for psychological specialists to handle the survivors we picked up, but I think I know where this is gonna go.
>>
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>>3967299
The daimyo’s mindset seemed to be not dissimilar to a cat toying with its prey; the first time, he took them without the influence of Devil’s Dust, relishing how they screamed and struggled, tried to fight back...the sick bastard actually got off on their despair, on their helplessness before his power.

Those were the encounters that he most enjoyed. For the ones he grew bored with, subsequent times were done while under the influence of Devil’s Dust. It kept them quiet and did not disturb his fun with their incessant weeping.

Worse for those who managed to attract his attention, or be numbered among his favorites. Ibaraki had complained about the noise of his orgies repeatedly reaching the Brooding Mountains. Their testaments mach up with the frequency of the Inheritor’s story; it wasn’t every other day as much as it could have been every day, or multiple times in a single day.

Demonic resilience seemed to apply in the realms of sexuality as it did for combat...resilience far beyond the limits of human endurance.

“...this is the final part of the examination...I need you to lay down on the bench, Pixie will guide you so you won’t hit your head. You can keep your tops on, but I need for you to lift your gown and open your legs. I’m afraid we don’t have a speculum, so please pardon my fingers and the tongue depressor...”

Elly was numbered among those “favored” by the daimyo. Her hand barely manages to reach the hem of her loaned boxers before she shuts down completely. It takes a full hour for her to even begin coming back to reality before you can continue. And what greets you when she finally complies with your instructions...

Gynecology isn’t your area of expertise, let alone a specialty you’re too familiar with. But it doesn’t take an expert to spot the signs. Even the ones who weren’t favored display signs of severe genital trauma. Before his growth spurt at what you assume to be Reds, Fuu-ki still stood at a colossal nine feet, and weighed in at probably four times the heaviest of them. Bruises on the arms and legs are one thing, but...there are countless contusions, scratches, abrasions and outright tears that are still bleeding.

Those you quickly rectify, and High Pixie works her magic with an uncharacteristic seriousness. The mons pubis, the inner thighs, the perineum, labia majora and minora...there isn’t a single part of the vagina that doesn’t look like it’s bruised or left untouched by the ministrations of that...monster. And even with your crude tools to work your way inside, you can identify more than one bruised cervix and, in the worst case, a recto-vaginal tear.

Blind rage threatens to overcome you on multiple occasions. It takes several deep breaths, and a worried look and hand from High Pixie to snap you back to reality. And somehow, you manage to complete most examinations while retaining a cool and level head.

(cont.)
>>
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You take samples of vaginal discharge and blood, write individualized reports for all of your patients, catalog their injuries and responses to the questions, and heal what damage you can with magic and address the rest with conventional medicine. This you do with the full knowledge that you may not have even begun to set them on the road to proper healing. But at the very least, you make an extra note in the report logs to heavily recommend intense psychological treatment for all of them.

The demon women, on the other hand, seem to have recovered quickly enough. The quieter ones merely nod and try their best to answer your questions, acting no different that the human women. And you manage to process them without too much trouble.

But the louder ones, demons you idly note are associated with lust, seem to take it in stride, if not accept it and move on quickly enough. In their ranks include an Undine, an Alp, a Vouivre, and even a Lilim. Some, especially the latter, find it “adorable” that a human plays doctor with them, and more than once does High Pixie threaten them with a Zionga when they get too fresh.

The rage you felt earlier is now somewhat mitigated with the antics of the demon women...even if you traded it for somewhat of a mild headache between your temples.

By the time the vehicle comes to a stop for the day, Elly is your last patient for the day. You dress and disinfect her wounds, quietly take your samples and slowly coach her through the steps as she falters and slips. You have all the time in the world, and are more than willing to take a later guard shift. It’s petty and awful for you to play favorites with your patients, but...

“...you got any siblings back home?” you tell her as you take a swab and sample. “I got a sister just about your age.”

“...that makes sense...” she whispers with a light smile, “...that would explain a lot of things.”

“Don’t hold your breath, I haven’t given you any noogies yet...”

“...but I don’t have any siblings...I’m just an only child...”

As you run the tests, you think back to your friends; from your earliest comrades in kindergarten, to the comrades you’ve made since joining the Task Force. “You don’t need to be blood-related to be siblings, you know that right?”

“Yeah, I understand that...I just wish that my parents had more than one.”

“Try being the eldest of five siblings,” you drawl as the numbers run along the screen. “You’re basically an extra parent.”

“Or being in the middle of a dozen fairies,” High Pixie adds. “Gods, the morning line for the fountain was hell..and don’t get me started on having a love life.”

Elly giggles at yours and High Pixie’s commiserating. And you allow yourself a small laugh in turn.

(cont.)
>>
You continue, “Nah, but I get it. My friend Brady, the British guy with the sniper rifle? He’s an only child. And MacKay is an orphan. You’d have better luck talking to them about relatable experiences.”

“Yes, but...” she flushes a deep shade of red, shyly looking away before she can mumble out, “...but they aren’t you.”

...oh no. Not this again.

Alyssa (God, that was a long time ago!) was bad enough, but Elly is not only traumatized from being a sex slave and trafficked human...she’s goddamn underage as well!

The beeping of the machine provides you salvation. Even High Pixie manages to capitalize on it by pointing and shouting, “Master, it’s done!”

“Yeah...looks like it is.” Clearing your throat and straightening your clothing, you stand and turn towards the machine you set up in a firearms alcove. “Okay, Elly, just gimme a sec to log this in, and you’ll be free to-”

...what?

High Pixie stops mid-flight, irritated, "Hey, I nearly crashed into you-" only to promptly shut up and gawk at the machine.

...what the fuck is this?

...there’s...there’s just no way.

You run the sample again. It gives you the same result.

You run it again...twice. Nothing changes.

“...Elly,” you say in a voice you barely recognize as your own, “...hold still for a minute...”

You take another sample and run it again. It displays the same result. Again, and again, and again, and again...

What was it that some psychopathic videogame villain or brilliant scientist said...

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

The joke you made earlier back in the castle turns to ash in your mouth as both you and High Pixie read the results on the little LED screen, staring at it uncomprehendingly like a pair of illiterate fools.

“Hey, Adrian?” Elly’s voice trembles with undisguised fear, “P-Pixie. Y-You’re scaring me...w-what’s wrong?”

>>Choose one:
>“Don’t panic, but...you might be pregnant.” [Truth]
>“...it’s nothing, I...I didn’t calibrate it properly.” [Lie]
>Write-in.
>>
>>3967354
>>“Don’t panic, but...you might be pregnant.” [Truth]

doctor mode, damn
>>
>>3967354
Yup. Gonna have to go for
>Write-in.
But I'm not sure what to say just yet. Whenever someone prefaces news with "Don't panic." the response is usually "uncontrollable panic," so we need to find better words to use. At the end of the day we should be telling her the truth, however.
>>
>>3967358
also, can we perform an abortion or we will have to leave it to central?
I'd like to do it ourselves since there is a chance they will keep her as a guinea pig to have another half demon and I'd hate that
>>
>>3967361
I think that’s likely out of the realm of possibility, given the lack of a proper, sterile environment to do it in. That, and the fact that Adrian is trained for trauma and first response, not abortions.

And think of what Father MacKay might say! /s

Besides, you don’t know if the child is from one of Jack’s Crew or from Fuu-ki.

Anywho, ima sleep. Can’t wait to see what you guys vote on.
>>
>>3967365
yeah, I imagined doing it here would be a problem, central should be more equiped for an abortion certanly, we will just have to keep an eye on it
and I'm sorry for Mckay but this is a no no in any way you look at it, being it jack's or fuu-ki's
>>
>>3967354
>"Bad news, but I'm going to wait for an actual expert before spinning tall tales. You just focus on getting better right now."
We need that psych team first before telling her.
>>
>>3967354
>“Don’t panic, but...you might be pregnant.” [Truth]
>>
>>3967354
>Nothing immediately relevant, but I got some results I did not expect, I'll need to run some more detailed tests when we get back to Ibaraki's stronghold. It appears your pregnant. Now before you jump into hysterics it could be drug based false positive, or trauma to certain areas on your body altering your body chemistry. Even if you are pregnant, once we get you to central we can provide any medical care necessary, for pregnancy or it's termination.
>>
>>3967365
>And think of what Father MacKay might say!

Eh this isn't the same as some couple forgetting to use a condom. I think he'll understand.
>>
>>3967557
IT probably being half a literal spawn of hell should convince him
>>
>>3967324
At least she isn't charging for healing spring usage right now.
>>
>>3967352
>“Or being in the middle of a dozen fairies,” High Pixie adds. “Gods, the morning line for the fountain was hell..and don’t get me started on having a love life.”

I was wondering, how do Pixie's parents differentiate between their children, they number them? Pixie 1, pixie 2...
Or Pixie actually has a secret name that we don't know off....maybe someday she will tell us her true name and all that.
>>
>>3967615
i think it was mentioned that demons of the same 'type' look different enough to differentiate them even as a human once you have had enough contact to notice
about the names, maybe they don't have natural names, or we just aren't equiped to understand/speak/hear them?
>>
>>3967651
Yeah, they should be able to diferentiate by looks I was refering to diferentiate when their name is called out loud, for exemple
"Pixie! Help me with the dishes!"
Which of the 12 was she refering to?
Does she uses "Pixie 3!" or they have secret names they don't tell humans and they go with that when among them?
Several stories say that a demon's true name is a big deal so I would understand why they would present themselves by the name of their species when talking with a human.
>>
>>3967658
if the 'True Name' thing is real, that might mean that they don't give each other names but they determine their True Name themselfs and only tell those they are closest to
her parents might not even know her True Name
maybe they just give visual cues like looking and pointing?
>>
>>3967658
The demon titles that we use seem to be an honor thing, based from what Napaea said. It's the name they take on in the service of demon summoners to spread the fame of their.....species?

That or their real names are just unpronounceable to humans.
>>
>>3967687
If that's the case Pixie has to teach us the closest pronunciation possible of her name, I bet its cute even if it sounds antidiluvian
>>
>>3967279
>To this end, you’ve enlisted the help of your High Pixie, who plays the role of nurse to your field medic. You have no idea where she pulled the nurse outfit from, let alone the miniature clipboard, but the presence of a female demon seems to put them at ease.
Any drawfriends here please get on this.
>>
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>>3967722
No need. This is Trish, the rather mercantile fairy in charge of the Healing Spring in the first 3 Persona games.
>>
>>3967742
>rather mercantile

remember that fairy that tried to extort us for iformation on the salamander?
I guess she would make a good fountain fairy
>>
>>3967354
>>3967481
A steady voice might be important here.
>>
>>3967358
>>3967360
>>3967384
>>3967476
>>3967481
>>3968064
“...do you remember when you had your last period?”

“I...I don’t...” The poor girl is barely able to stammer out an answer. “...the drugs...it’s still hard to remember....”
It takes several attempts to swallow the lump in your throat. And many more before you can muster up the courage to turn around and face her. Your thoughts race at a million miles per hour as you struggle to recall proper bedside protocol or think of something eloquent and non-distressing.

In through your nose, and out through your mouth...you take perhaps the heaviest breath that you ever took before you manage to answer her question. “Uh...I just got some test results that I wasn’t expecting. The medical equipment aboard the Whistler...it’s best designed for trauma and battlefield injuries, and the results aren’t the most reliable...”

Good Lord, you’re rambling like an idiot.

“...oh, hell, there isn’t any beating around the bush, but...” You sit down beside her, and scoot her as far away as possible from any sharp objects or other dangerous implementations. The guns in the armory are unloaded, and the knives are locked away, but you aren’t about to take any chances. “I’ll run a few more tests when we get back to Ibaraki’s fortress, but as of this moment...it appears that you’re pregnant.”

For a moment, nothing happens. Elly just stares at you, uncomprehending of the answer you gave her.

And then she begins to laugh. It’s not quite the broken laughter you would have expected, but it’s still extremely forced. “Y-you’re really funny, Adrian,” Elly hiccups. She’s shaking again with every awkward giggle, but you can tell it’s hanging on the knife’s edge of hysteria. “D-did you prank your s-sister like this, t-too? Because i-if you did, th-then you’re k-kind of an a-asshole...”

“This isn’t a prank,” you cut in, perhaps a little bit firmer than you would like. “...as far as I can tell, that’s what the data’s telling me.”

“Oh...” The giggling stops abrublty, but the trembling remains. The gravity of the situation seems to have finally settled in. She casts her eyes towards her stomach, as if only seeing it for the first time. “Y-you’re not joking, are you? You mean to say that...that I’m...with...with...that monster’s...oh...oh my God...”

She’s unable to finish her own confirmation. Elly doubles over, retching all over the floor of the armory. Even when there’s nothing left for her to expel, her body is caught in the throes of uncontrollable dry-heaving. You and High Pixie are quick to respond, grabbing a nearby bucket and a intravenous drip before you approach her.

(cont.)
>>
“Elly, Elly! Listen to me, listen to me!” You grab her shoulders, steering her back into an upright position and interposing the bucket beneath her. “Look, it could be a mistake. False positives happen all the time back on earth, okay? The readings could be wrong; it could be drug-based, hormones and stress, and trauma to certain areas of your body that’re altering your internal chemistry. There’s too many variables that we don’t know about-”

“Wh-what about the others?” she asks desperately, “Did they have any of the s-same symptoms?”

“I-I’m not at liberty to discuss different patients-”

“Don’t bullshit me!” All of you jump at how unexpectedly loud her voice is. Her eyes are filled with equal measures of despair and helplessness as she asks again. “I need to know...please...” The look on your face must’ve given something away. The girl’s eye goes wide, staring at you before flicking down towards her abdomen once more. “Oh my God...”

This time, you cut in before she suffers a panic attack that’s even worse than the one she had in the Ōoku. “Elly, let’s not do anything hasty, alright...look, I’ll call some special people, run some extra tests...you’re significantly younger than the other women we rescued, so that could account for this...anomaly.”

She doesn’t answer. The entirety of her world is nothing but the bucket in her lap. But you keep talking, “It’s honestly a coin’s toss, but I swear to God, when we get you back...my organization will take care of you, give you whatever medical care you need, whether for pregnancy..." And lapsed as you are, you still need a moment to swallow away some Christian guilt as you force the words from your mouth, "...or its termination.”

>>Following the appointment, you return a heavily sedated Elly to the care of the other women, with instructions for them to keep an eye on her and alert you for any changes in her behavior.

>>As for the rest of your companions and this knowledge, you decide...[Choose one]
>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.
>To let them in the know about Elly’s possible pregnancy.
>>
>>3968152
>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.
We don't want a word of this coming out until make a report to Central and the girls are safe. Loose lips sink ships.
>>
>>3968152
>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.
Honestly, they can probably guess. But the point is to talk about literally anything else until we're out of literal hell.
>>
>>3968152

>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.

Not discussing the patient, no sir, and the probable and advisable termination that will soon follow.

Buuuut

Do search for Sarah conforting lap because all this examinations and butchering and general situation of the girls took a heavy tax on us, we need to unwind a little and a relaxing nap on her lap is just what we need.
>>
>>3968152
>>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.
>Ely if YOU want them to know, tell them yourself. I'm not telling a soul.
>>
>>3968152
>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.
She can share if she wants.
>>
>>3968152
>To exercise your right of patient-doctor confidentiality.
>>3968167
This. Telling our team will make them treat her differently and if any of the other girls find out it will cause problems. We can relax once we're out of this shit for sure, but that isn't right now.
>>
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>>3968167
>>3968190
>>3968198
>>3968199
>>3968277
>>3968707
>Day 7 of Operation Brimstone Rain

The next leg of your journey finds you making small talk with Ibaraki and Bai Suzhen. The young oni seems to have foregone sitting atop the turret, instead taking up a small berth in the cockpit for the last day of the trek. And with the daimyo dead, Bai Suzhen seems to be in better spirits, departing from her distant bunk to mingle amongst the humans.

It goes without saying that the circumstances that brought you together had been less than ideal. But in spite of the deception and temporary partnership to be rid of a bigger threat, Ibaraki and the White Snake seem to remain content with your current alliance. The fact that they seem to bear no ill will towards humans, surprising considering the reputation of oni, is only points in their favor.

You did a reading on the legend of the White Snake, so you can say with nearly 99% probability that she suddenly won’t develop a craving for human meat. But Ibaraki remains a wildcard, a factor that you can’t seem to get a firm angle on. The fact that she isn’t willing to let go of Kin-Ki’s share of the women, even if they’re content to remain in the Demonic Wastes, is something that doesn’t sit well at all with you.

“That’s a truly awful face that you’re wearing,” said oni observes as she devours a bag of chips in a single go. She tosses the empty trash behind her without a second glance, opening up another one with a swipe of her claws. “Did you mean to partake in that particular flavor of snacks? You should have let me know.”

...but the image of the girl in front of you, sprawled out on a chair with crumbs all over her kimono, contrasts sharply with the fierce leader who took charge and avenged her brother’s death. Beyond honor, there seems to be something about her that allows the oni to relax in your company.

You wave off her concerns. “Nah, I’m not hungry. Just got a lot on my shoulders lot to think about.”

“Ho? We lack the alcohol and the proper meats, but this is a time for celebration!” Ibaraki grins. “We’ve stolen back the women that Kin-Ki held captive, obliterated the traitor’s stronghold and obtained the location of the true and final enemy. Surely you can afford to at least luxuriate before the final battle.”

Silk whispers gently as Bai Suzhen glides along the floor. “Humans are always worrying about so many things. They cannot help it when they lead such fleeting, delicate lives. They are not nearly as enduring as demons.”

“...you know,” you muse, turning your attention towards her, “I never did ask...how does a Chinese snake demon make friendly with a Japanese oni?”

Ibaraki chortles, “Kuhuhu...now that is truly a story worth sharing over alcohol...”

“But as we lack it,” interjects Suzhen, “I will keep it simple; I am on a journey. Kin-Ki-sama and Ibaraki are but the latest to take me in as their guest.”

(cont.)
>>
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“Bad luck for her, to get caught up in this mess,” cackles the oni, “But all the better for us, no, with someone as powerful as her on our side...”

You blink, perplexed. Out of all the possible answers, you were not expecting that. “A journey...is this a pleasure trip you’re taking?”

“No,” she answers curtly, considering something before continuing: “...how familiar are you with my legend, human?”

“...not terribly familiar, but I get the gist of it.”

“Then you should know that I should not be here. I should be with my husband and son in Tian, alongside the rest of the Immortals. However, circumstances beyond my control have forced me to descend to the mortal realm, and I cannot return until I have brought back my most priceless treasure.”

Ibaraki perks up at the motion of the last word, only to receive a withering glare from the White Snake. “It is not gold or precious jewelry. My husband has weathered several trials and tribulations during the wheel of reincarnation; we were to be reunited in Heaven for all eternity one hundred years ago...but his soul never arrived.”

“It...Xu Xian never arrived?” Despite your own tension in regards to the oni, you can’t keep the curiosity out of your voice. “What happened to him?”

“He was sssssssssssstolen,” she hisses, her eyes dilating and nostrils flaring in anger, “Ssssssssssomone has ussssssssed foul magicsssssssssss to sssssssssteal my hussssssssband’sssssss sssssssssoul...”

The mystery of her foul temper comes to an end. You lack the experience in reincarnation, but you could understand why she’s upset. You’d be too, if you were this close to spending eternity with the one you loved.

Your investigation senses hackle, and you can’t help but slip into detective mode. “Do you know who could have done such a thing? Or had the power to steal a soul from this...wheel of reincarnation?”

Suzhen manages to get her temper under control, sniffing disdainfully, “Heaven was in an uproar. This is the first time in memory that this has happened. They cared not for my suffering and despair, only the fact that this act besmirched their honor.

“But to answer your question, I went to the most immediate culprit. The terrapin spirit Fahai was not responsible, even as we had been enemies in prior lives. He simply lacked the power to do so.”

Okay, the most obvious suspect is out of the way. Then, you turn towards the next option, grunting,: “Wasn’t there a...a Green Snake in your legend? Some of the stories that I’ve read didn’t exactly paint her in a positive light...”

“...no, it could not have been her,” she answers after a moment of silence, “Xiaoqing owes her life to my intervention; and she has been nothing but a faithful friend and surrogate sister during our adventures.”

“Where is she now?”

(cont.)
>>
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“Searching in her own way...every New Year, we reunite and discuss our findings. Only in the most dire of circumstances will she contact me...or if she discovers the location of my husband’s soul.” The White Snake looks forlorn as she stares out the window of the cockpit. “But it’s been so many years. How long must karma continue to torture me-?”

Ibaraki unleashes a particularly loud belch, completely killing the mood and atmosphere of the discussion. Clearing her throat, the oni declares: “As soon as the fortress is restored, you will have our aid in the search for your husband’s soul. Let it not be known that the oni of the Brooding Mountains are ungrateful for support provided at our lowest point.”

>>Choose one:
>Promise her Carina Squad’s aid in the search.
>Wish her the best of luck for the search.

With that finished, the White Snake departs from your presence, citing a need to meditate on recent events. That leaves you and Ibaraki in the central lounge of the cockpit, ruminating on nothing and everything as you demolish Brady’s snacks. For a good ten minutes, you manage to shoot the breeze, ruminating within your own thoughts on the “Ibaraki Dilemma”...

“...you look like you have something to say, human,” she finally says, “You can’t enjoy your food with something holding your tongue back.”

>>Choose one:
>“...it’s nothing that can wait until after Jack.” [Delay]
>“What will you do when this is all over?” [Confront]
>Write-in. [Custom option.]

A//N: As this vote has two choices, please structure your votes like the following:
>[Choice for Suzhen]
>[Choice for Ibaraki]
>>
>>3968841
Bai Suzhen choice
>>Promise her Carina Squad’s aid in the search.
as far as we are able, other missions might mean we are bound on other matters

Ibaraki choice
>“What will you do when this is all over?” [Confront]

also page 10 warning
>>
>>3968841
>>3968856
Seconding.
>>
>>3968856
+1
>>
>>3968841
>>Promise her Carina Squad’s aid in the search.
>“What will you do when this is all over?” [Confront]
wasn't the green snake in love with the white one or with her husband or something? I think it's the green
>>
>>3968841
>Promise her Carina Squad’s aid in the search.
We can promise the research portion, there should be SOME interest in ways to snatch souls from heaven.

>“What will you do when this is all over?” [Confront]
>Still in the drug business, or perhaps something else?
Would she want Kin-ki's D-source, by the way? Although I'm not sure what she could offer us for it.
>>
>>3968841
>>3968856
+1
>>
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>>3968856
>>3968863
>>3968929
>>3968941
>>3969001
>>3969802
Ibaraki seems perplexed at your question. She tilts her head, asking, "Elaborate."

"Just what're your plans after all of...this mess?" you wave absently to the window, "Say we clean out the temple and take Fuu-ki's women back to the human world. What're you gonna get up to once we're gone? You still gonna be in the drug business?"

A look of distaste creases her brow into a severe frown. "...careful with your words, human. Most would strike you for such an insult, but I know you to be above such petty insults."

"I didn't mean to offend. However, that isn't an answer."

The little oni straightens up in her chair, swallowing the last of her food before giving you her undivided attention. "...oni are creatures that live in the moment. We rob and steal, feast and drink, cavorting and carousing as if it every day was our last. I was content to take my fill in the great game of ruling the wasteland and fight alongside aniki.

"But with his death...and your arrival..." Ibaraki ticks off her fingers, "Kin-Ki, Fuu-ki, Sui-ki...three warlords dead, with only two left: Shiki-Ouji and Ongyou-ki. The balance of power has been permanently shattered. Returning to those days is an impossibility and futile dream."

"Kin-ki made you his heir," you point out, "What do you intend to do with that?"

She has to think for a moment. "...I will support Suzhen and rebuild the fortress. My gang will one day become the sole rulers of the Demonic Wastelands. And I will do it without the help of any shady, treacherous humans..." She looks at you, considering, "You would rank highly at my side if you were to join me, human; you and your friends would have a great share of the treasure, the food and drink and decorated women! Your talents are so very much like those of an oni..."

"...how about you?" you counter back, "You've been a great asset and unexpected ally. Why don't you come back with us to the human world?" You ignore the flurry of text messages that flood your COMP, all from an irate High Pixie. "You'd travel the world and receive fame and fortune beyond your reckoning."

That actually gives her pause. You can see the gears in her head turning as she processes your offer, pursing her lips, closing her eyes and rocking back and forth in her seat before she can give a verdict: "...a tempting offer. But I will have to decline. Perhaps in the future, once I have finished my assigned task and have had my fill..." A clawed hand reaches to the box at her girdle, the container holding the remains of Kin-Ki. "...pray tell, I've heard of mystical springs in the West that are capable of restoring even the dead back to life."

Alarm bells ring in your head at that. "...you wish to bring Kin-Ki back to life?"

(cont.)
>>
"I've considered the option..." She withdraws her hand from the box, putting it to her chin in a thinking pose. "I'm not nearly as obsessed as Suzhen is with the dead, pledged as I am to help her. I will simply wait for his essence to gather once more. It shan't take more than a handful of decades."

You try not to be to obvious in your relief. Dealing with Fuu-ki was bad enough. Kin-Ki might've been more merciful towards his human prisoners, but you have little desire to see another unknown threat lurking around the area. "...and once you rule, what then?"

"You ask a lot of questions," the oni observes.

"Only because I want to know where we will stand at the end of this," you declare bluntly, "Not just between you and I, but you and the rest of the human realm. You said yourself that you're an oni, and you love nothing more than to fight and plunder; when you've exhausted the Wasteland for treasure, where will you turn to 'have your fill?'"

Her eyes widen in understanding, and a her mouth curls into a grin from ear-to-ear. "Ah, I see...you wish to ensure that I won't be a threat towards the human world..." Your only response is a stony silence, which she fills with her own quiet laughter. "Kukukuku...fear not, human. I'll not deign to plunder the human realms now that I know that people like you and Jack exist. Especially you...Adrian. You're still a far cry from Minamoto-no-Yorimitsu or the rest of his comrades that slew me and Shuten-douji, but you and your gang are capable defenders of humanity in your own right.

"Tempting as it is to whet my blade against you," she muses, drumming the box with her pointed nails, "...I rather quite like the prospect of only worrying about demons coming to plunder my castle. You serve an organization that gives you an iron chariot and golden suits of armor...slaying you would only earn their collective wrath, as well as the vengeance and karma of your lover."

She says it so candidly, the prospect of fighting and killing you as if she is only discussing the weather.

"But I do truly pray that this alliance will last beyond your stay in the Wastelands," she says with a grin, and the way her eyes catch the overhead light truly remind you that for her appearance as a young girl, Ibaraki-douji is a thousand-year-old oni. "And that we may share another battlefield and prizes to plunder in the future once we mount Jack's head upon a pike..."

>>Somehow, you've established a shaky truce/alliance with Ibaraki-Douji of the Brooding Mountains.
>>She will not attack the human realm so long as you and Carina Squad are alive to defend it.
>>
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====================

Gonna archive it in a few minutes.

Follow me on Twitter for session times and other TF666-related stuff: https://twitter.com/TaskForceKaz

Don't forget to vote for the previous threads on suptg: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Devil%20Summoner%20Task%20Force%20666%20Quest

Happy holidays, everyone! See you guys for the nest session!
>>
>>3970196
Merry Christmas Kaz! Next run when?
>>
>>3970196
thank you for running
>>
>>3970196
Merry chrimbo, Kaz. You know when the next session is? Looking forward to it regardless.
>>
>>3970207
>>3970220
For my next quest, Bladebound Retainer will live in the next two days. After that, my questing schedule is TBA as I'll be starting my next quarter of grad school on Jan 5th.

The early quarter should be relatively light on home/school work, so I could run a session of TF666; the temple battle, its aftermath and the fallout. The battle outline's already drawn, so I should be able to knock it out relatively quickly.

>>3970219
You're welcome! Thank you for sticking with me!
>>
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>>3970196
I read the whole quest a few months back and I've been eagerly awaiting for it to start again. Thanks for running, Kaz.
Also, I want to fuck Titania
>>
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>>3970282
Thank you for reading and for your support!

And fear not! The Queen of the Seelie will make her return, soon...
>>
>>3970282
>Titania
Begone, wench.



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