Welcome back to One Life. A quest that was originally intended to be a one-shot but now on it's fifth thread.
Updates are once every one or two days unless I'm too busy or feeling too tired.

Previous threads:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6013758/
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6050129/
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6089875/
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6130126/

>>6169408
>"How are you feeling?" She looks fine today, but last you saw her her eyes seemed tired and sad about the place she pantomimed in going up in flames.

>>6169408
>"How are you feeling?" She looks fine today, but last you saw her her eyes seemed tired and sad about the place she pantomimed in going up in flames.
It's considerate. Let's start with that. I DO want to segue at some point into figuring out of she's mute or just a super dedicated mime, though.

>>6169501
>>6169693
>How She Feels

Writing.

Sorry for taking so long. I was unexpectedly busy today.

---

"How are you feeling?"

You ask her, mostly to be considerate. From her behavior she seems to be alright, but it never hurt to check.

She pantomimed a bit, and with it jokingly informed you that she felt hungry enough to eat seconds. She quietly laughs, and you join her. However you notice her line of sight shift towards the ground a few times.

Perhaps this might not be the best place to speak about this? But then again, this was basically a home to her.

She motioned further as if saying "Really, it's fine!" though it was in a halfhearted way, you noticed. What an interesting woman. Was she so quick to bounce back, or was she merely putting on a strong face? It's evident that she isn't well. That question seemed to have taken her by surprise.

"Are you sure? If you wish to share anything, don't feel like you need to hide it" you respond. You honestly didn't know where this was coming from. You'd just met this woman a few days ago and here you were talking as though you'd known her for years.

She gave a silent giggle "Well, if I said that I was completely one-hundred-percent ok it'd be a lie. What happened was pretty scary and sad. But honestly, the part we escaped was exciting! Thank you for asking!" she smiles sweetly. At the very least she was being honest. Ho-ho, a near-death experience was 'exciting'? Now this seemed like a friend worth keeping. You have the sneaking suspicion she isn't exactly a thrill seeker. However, this did mean she probably wouldn't mind if you sped up while driving. You feel some relief at that latter thought for some reason.

However, hearing that also concerned you. You thought back to how you spoke with Ryan about such things, and how you felt much better after you'd shared your what happened with him. Perhaps she might feel better by talking about it? Yet that would require actually speaking, something she hadn't done as of yet, at least as far as you were aware.
Thinking about the bartender made your mind go to the bottle of Irish Blue you brought. If things went well enough, you may get the chance to pop it open with her.

And after that your mind wandered again...

The writing was on the wall. A small patch of green rose and swelled, spreading onto the wall. Slowly it took away the air, stifling the breaths of everyone in the room, slowly choking you. Friends, family, all of you were trapped. Slowly dying.
All you wanted to do was drive away. It didn't matter where.

You feel like someone is snapping their fingers in front of you. You blink.

[1/2]

>>6170557
Mimi once again had a concerned look. Her face is dangerously close to yours as she scrutinized you with utmost seriousness. You explain that you'd been lost in thought once again, this time the information makes her pout a little. You don't blame her, it is rude to daydream when in front of others.

"Maybe I should be the one asking if you're alright" is what a sideglance of hers communicated to you. You were tempted to just tell her everything that had, from when you'd taken Lucian to the airport onto this very moment, right then and there.

The mime then looks like she recalled something. Mimi then pointed at your ribs, as though asking how they healed so quickly.

>"This might sound crazy..." Try to explain the dream to Mimi.
>"I went to sleep and the next morning they were suddenly all better." Omit the surreal experience.
>"That reminds me, I noticed you were careful to hug me in a way that didn't hurt my ribs. How did you know?" Flip the question on her. (Share your experiences in the dream anyway? Y/N)
>Write-in.

And after you answered that, there was still more you'd like to talk about.

[2/2]

>Attempt to figure out why she's so quiet.
>Ask her more about herself.
>Just make smalltalk about meaningless things to pass the time.
>Write-in.

>>6170559
>"This might sound crazy..." Try to explain the dream to Mimi.

I figure Mimi is good at reading body language, and that's how she noticed we were hurting somewhere specific. Especially because she was around when we sustained the injuries, right?

>Ask her more about herself.
>Attempt to figure out why she's so quiet.
Both. Segue into it.

>>6170583
+1

>>6170583
>>6170603
>Crazy Sounding Story
>Her Quiet Self

Writing.

>>6171880
Welcome back! Bit of a lull. All well, QM?

>>6172000
Thank you!. I've been taking what that anon said to me last thread about not burning myself out to heart. Don't worry, I'm not going to flake, and I'll try to get faster (unless I'm feeling sick or tired).
Besides, I've been tired since New Year's and trying to get back into usual irl work groove.

----

"This might sound crazy..."

You explain to her the dream you had. The monk, the waters, the mirror, the sun, everything. You tried to emphasize how vivid and real it all felt.

She motioned with her hands every once in a while if when requesting further clarification, and nodded when understanding something surreal you said.

When you were done, you felt somewhat worried about her final reaction. You are not sure why you should care. Yet still you do.

Mimi looked at you expectantly, face practically asking you to tell some more dreams dreams of yours. You felt a little relieved.

And you did so. From talking to strange businessmen, to following a song, to a prairie with a box of ammunition.

You found her looking at you with a strange expression. You could basically read her thoughts from her expression "He doesn't look like he's lying." You should feel insulted, should you not? Yet you still don't. Her pensive look is rather cute.

"I does sound crazy, doesn't it?" you finally say.

Mimi looks annoyed at that comment "It's not crazy! Those dreams sounded cool." She crosses her arms. "Crazier stuff happened to me."

"What sort of stuff?" you ask.

Apparently some years ago she was kidnapped by a strange group of people that had an obsession with the concept of 'Leap Years' and wished to fulfill a prophecy of sorts. They were very rude and condescending to her, something she was used to if her offhanded shrug was anything to go by, and sought to dispose of her when she was revealed to be 'the wrong one'. She was saved by some men who looked like monks, not unlike the one you saw in your dream. This all happened in the span of less than a day. To this very moment she isn't sure what that whole deal was about. None truly believed her and she couldn't find much about it anywhere she looked. You wonder if the Noirs could help her in that situation.

She did have a few strange dreams after that incident, again not unlike yours. But these were far less vibrant and felt less 'real' than your own.

You...

>Elect to believe her. No reason not to, especially considering you've had weird encounters yourself.
>Are reserved about her actions. It may sound hypocritical, but you didn't want to suddenly be swayed by someone you'd just met.
>Write-in.

From there you and Mimi have a silent conversation about her past. For her entire life she's had terrible luck.

[1/2]

>>6172068
When she was born and she became soon orphaned afterwards and was fostered. That family was decent as well, but then also passed away too. Following that, when she was in school, she fell in love with pantomiming. You wondered if she had a natural talent for it or if it was just skill, or if there was another reason.

You decided to ask her more about that, perhaps finding more of a reason for why she was so quiet.

What she revealed following that inquiry was that her voice was always weak, and she would often be thought of as shy due to it. Charades would help her communicate and were always fun for her, so she decided to lean into them more and more as she became a devoted mime. From what you could tell from her proud expression, she even graduated with a 'Diploma of Pantomimicry'. It was somewhat admirable to display such determination in one thing, despite her impishness she seems to have a more orderly side to her. You couldn't help but want to know more about it. While she did seem happy, you couldn't help but notice how bored she seemed.

By this point there were a few stares. You could understand why. To everyone else this must seem like you're just talking to yourself while Mimi acted strangely. But, didn't she work here? It was odd to have such looks.

When you commented on it to Mimi, she basically said that most people didn't really give much attention to her here, and most took her behavior for granted. It was then you realized they weren't really looking at her, but at you. Though at this point you didn't care much, simply enjoying 'talking' with her.

Again you find how oddly effective this method is for quietly passing information.

Lunch was over at this point. The bagels eaten and the coffee drunk. She slipped a piece of paper to you when you were done, and on it revealed a phone number. Hah! 'getting a woman's phone number', what a classic.

"I wish I could use this to call you," you smile sheepishly "but I don't really have a phone right now."

She looks surprised. And why wouldn't she be? It was strange to not have a phone in this day and age. At least, if this day and age is 'modern' like you're assuming.

Mimi sighs and silently chuckles, before giving you a curious look. And a mischievous smile forms on her face and an expectant look in her eyes, almost as if she'd said "I've told you about me, now tell me about you."

[2/2]

>"There isn't much to tell..." Try to avoid the conversation entirely. Or if it came to it, you could just generalize and stretch the truth.
>"Sorry, that's a bit of an uncomfortable topic for me." You didn't want to talk with her about how you didn't know of your past, not with people staring.
>"Can we go somewhere else? I'm sure you know this place better than I do, we can keep talking there." You'll reveal to her about your amnesia, but you wanted to do so more privately.
>Write-in.

>>6172068
>Elect to believe her. No reason not to, especially considering you've had weird encounters yourself.
>>6172072
>"Can we go somewhere else? I'm sure you know this place better than I do, we can keep talking there." You'll reveal to her about your amnesia, but you wanted to do so more privately.

>>6172068
>Elect to believe her. No reason not to, especially considering you've had weird encounters yourself.

>>6172072
>"Can we go somewhere else? I'm sure you know this place better than I do, we can keep talking there." You'll reveal to her about your amnesia, but you wanted to do so more privately.
She's getting bored? let's go for a drive, somewhere fun. Tell her a bit about our tale while we go.

What do we know about ourself? We like to drive, ideally fast. We're sociable, and naturally curious. We are open to occult and magical thinking. We can fight.

>>6172093
>>6172136
>Believe And Begone

Writing.

"Can we go somewhere else? I'm sure you know this place better than I do, we can keep talking there."

She nods her head, no hesitation in either her action or expression. You believe she understands your reasoning. You smile at each other.

You offered to go take someplace else, or to just drive around. For a moment she pondered this, and you feared you might've overstepped her comfort zone. But she nods, and gives a quick thumbs up. Perhaps she merely considered where to go?

Both of you got up. Looking about, you notice that the eyes that had been staring at you were mostly not paying attention anymore. However, you notice someone else entering. A large, bearded lumberjack of a man, he spoke with a philosophical air.

Before exiting you, feeling somewhat bad about how much money she might've used, offered to pay for the meal. But she silently clarified that it was free for her. "It's only fair, since you bought that sandwich for me!" It's as if she'd said that. Yet the food was half-eaten.

"Oh? I thought we exchanged for that beforehand?" you inquired with a grin. Though she seemed to appreciate the consideration you had for her.

With a smile she rolled her eyes and lightly punched your shoulder. "You know what I mean!"

A part of you once more marveled that there was none else that took the time to understand her. Save for the other mimes, of course. In fact, it wouldn't surprise you if they already did have some sort of secret communications. Though that might be far fetched to consider. But on the chance there was one, you wished to seek it out.

Her steps, as usual, were rather light, oscillating between a skip and a walk. It was clear she had a near mastery over flexibility and agility--the methods she used, however, all carried a bubbly and prankster like quality to them.

She pauses before she gets in the taxi and traces a finger over the scratch on its side. You feel a slight twinge of annoyance, but you quickly dispel the sentiment.

"A couple of teenagers bumped into this by accident" you explained. A part of you began to wonder if you should seek them out, or would that be too petty? "I've been meaning to fix it up."

She continued to stare at it, then looked at you with curiosity. You began to feel ashamed of not cleaning it up before coming here. Yet you were overthinking it. Mimi isn't the type to care about such things. It was something to consider, nonetheless.

The mime looked at you and offered to help out, but you insisted on handling it yourself.

As you drove her around, she pointed in seemingly random directions.

"You'll have to slow down a little" you said like an idiot "I'll probably forget about it when I get to driving" the last part of the sentence reminded you of why you were doing this to begin with.

[1/3]

>>6173578
Mimi smiles innocently and looks at you expectantly.

"Right," you clear your throat "I believe we shouldn't beat around the bush. The truth is..."

And you tell her what you knew of your past. Or rather the lack thereof. She listens patiently, as you piece together the qualities of your life in a way that makes sense.

You hope you are not making a mistake now.

There was a red light. She looked at you intently. After a few seconds of silence she pats your shoulder reassuringly.

And then, in her eyes you see an open question. "Do you want to know who you were?"

"You mean you can restore my memories?" you ask seriously. Now it's your turn to look at her intently.

Mimi raises her hands in and, for the first time since you've met her, looks flustered. "I can't do something cool like that. I didn't meant to imply that! Sorry!

"That's alright," you chuckle "that would've been too easy, anyway."

But that made you wonder... Did you actually want your memories back? Life was, despite its twists and turns, pretty good so far.

>No. You were happy with how things were. You'd focus on the future, without opening any potential pandora's boxes.
>Yes. Your curiosity gave flavor to your wants. And it was a melancholy thing to simply forget about one's past.
>You'd wait until you had a better understanding and context of what was going on. Deciding on something now was unwise.
>Write-in.

Again she had an apologetic expression on her face.

After the mime gave you some more directions, you happened to pass by the park. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on whom you ask), it was completely closed off. Not even the parking lot was open.

"Mimi?" you said. She stared at it with some melancholy, but seemed to snap out of it. She pointed in another direction with a smile on her face.

Perhaps she wouldn't mind if you sped up, would she?

And so you do so, agonizing merely a bit above the speed limit.

Eventually you both end up by the port--the East Commercial Line.

"That was fun!" Mimi's face was ecstatic. You think this might be someone you'd like to keep around. If only she weren't so sentimental about certain things. That was an awful thought to have. You couldn't blame her for anything she felt, and you hoped she wasn't bottling anything up.

"I'm glad you're having a good time" you said. She gave you a thumbs up.

You both got out and went to walk by a pier. It was windy, but oddly warm outside. Especially when compared to the recent weather. The afternoon was clearly showing itself, draping the sky in orange colors. You both were having some ice cream; another small miracle was finding that same van you saw in front of the carnival. Though, unlike before, the ice cream man with the soda jerk hat didn't seem to have much to say, not even when you inquired about how business was doing--merely nodding and wishing you two a nice day.

[2/3]

>>6173583
She pantomimed about your dreams once more, wondering if they had anything to do with your missing memories, and if said dreams caused the memory loss or if was merely an empty correlation.

"I wouldn't worry so much if I was you" you said, recalling Jeremy. He apparently had these sorts of dream for a while now and didn't seem worse for wear "besides, if you ever forget who you are, I'll remind you" a bold claim to make. But for some reason the words just flow out of your mouth.

She scratches her head with a sheepish thanks, and takes another bite of her ice cream. From her reaction, she seems to have gotten a slight brain freeze. With further charades she changed the conversation, this time implying you should talk with those that already knew about your condition.

"It's pretty funny" you said to Mimi "you're actually the first one I've shared this with."

She stared at you for a moment with an inscrutable expression, then looked away from you. You're on the verge of saying something, but then she turns back around with a flourish--cheeks slightly flushed, you almost mistake it as her makeup, with lips bearing a smile, as she lifted her beret and bowed. "It is certainly an honor!" It was as if she'd said this.

Though her mannerisms remained lighthearted, she appeared to be legitimately touched for some reason.

Just then, the wind seemed to pick up. Her hat flew from her hands, and would've likely been lost to the sea had you not snatched it midair.

"Your hat, madame" you presented it to her, putting on airs. She smiled in thanks, returned the gesture and gracefully took it from you after the wind stopped. Your eyes met, and at that moment you feel...

>Like she's starting to mean quite a bit to you, and you suspect she felt the same for you. It might be too early to call it love, but there was definitely an undeniable bond forming between the both of you.
>Happy to have made a friend like her. You don't think you want to progress this relationship any further than that, but being close buddies was still nice.
>As if you ultimately were another passerby that looked at this mime for entertainment. It might sound cruel, but you could be content with keeping your distance.
>Write-in.

You both return to the vehicle. This might be a good time to either wrap this up or go to another place. You thought about the alcohol you had in the car with you, not finding the right moment to offer it.

[3/3]

>Invite her somewhere else. (Hotel Oasis? Dan's Bar and Grill? Or let her pick another place she knew?)
>Perhaps go to the library? If you recalled correctly, some of the Noirs should be there.
>Take her back to her home, and go back to yours when you're done. It was early, but you could get some sleep to make up for waking early.
>Write-in.

>>6173583
>Yes. Your curiosity gave flavor to your wants. And it was a melancholy thing to simply forget about one's past.
Might help to understand what's going on around us, and why.

>>6173590
>Like she's starting to mean quite a bit to you, and you suspect she felt the same for you. It might be too early to call it love, but there was definitely an undeniable bond forming between the both of you.
It was a good date.

>Invite her somewhere else. (Hotel Oasis? Dan's Bar and Grill? Or let her pick another place she knew?)
Let her pick. We already ate, and it's a bit early to invite her to our motel room... Let her establish the evening's tone and direction.

>>6173583
>You'd wait until you had a better understanding and context of what was going on. Deciding on something now was unwise.
>>6173590
>Like she's starting to mean quite a bit to you, and you suspect she felt the same for you. It might be too early to call it love, but there was definitely an undeniable bond forming between the both of you.
Doc, I got a case of firstgirlitis and it’s bad.
>Invite her somewhere else.
Her call.

>>6173801
Technically, either the dream woman, the receptionist, or even The Lady are firstgirl. We held out for Mime Time.

>>6173814
Yeah, but the mime was the first girl we had the explicit option to pursue.

>>6173878
Also the best, desu.

>>6173993
Preach.

>>6173704
>>6173801
>Closer And Somewhere Else

>>6173704
>Following Missing Memories

>>6173801
>Better Understanding

I'll start writing and rolling between these two in a few hours or so.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>6174687
>1 Memories
>2 Wait

Rolling and writing.

Sorry for taking so long anons, but I've been having some technical difficulties, being busy, feeling tired and slightly under the weather. Hopefully I can get back to writing either today or tomorrow.
Again, sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for you guys' patience!

>>6175791
Thanks for keeping us updated, QM. See you soon, when you feel better!

To another place.

You and Mimi are on the road again, going this way and that with the taxi. You'd asked her about any places that would be to her liking, and (after some overly dramatic thought) she agreed, pantomining that there was someplace nice she knew.

Her directions are sporadic and often nonsensical, backtracking and going in circles. It gave you the suspicion that she was just playing around.

As you were about to make yet another illegal u-turn, Mimi suddenly and very energetically pointed at a building.

"Is that our next stop?" you asked. She nodded, and you felt some relief at this aimless wandering coming to an end. Now you finally could go ont the next step. But there was still the question of where this was exactly. You were familiar with the area, but none of your rides ever requested to be dropped off here.

Filled with curiosity, you decided to look at what this place was before parking. There were some red signs telling you to not enter.

"I don't think I'm allowed to drive there" you said as you drove over to said areas.

Mimi merely shrugged. "This place has been abandoned for a while, nobody really cares if you come here or not." It was as though she said. Then she smiled puckishly--and that was when you realized that you'd been going around in a circle.

"I'm guessing you like the feeling of driving?" you asked.

Mimi simply shrugged again. You had the sense that she was probably messing around, at least until she she 'said' the following: "It's more like you like it. But I'm not against it." Well, that was oddly sweet.

After finding a place to park, you both wandered around the rather large looking area. Surprisingly she didn't go into the building, pantomiming that "It was just around the corner! Don't worry, it's pretty in the sunset!"

You were about to ask what exactly she was talking about, when you came across a frozen lake. It shimmered brightly, reflecting the rays of light beautifully. You were in wonder, seeing something like this hidden in the middle of a city.
A part of you couldn't believe it was cold enough for ice to form, though logically it made sense. You suspected Mimi was familiar enough with the place to know when the weather was right for this to happen.

As your mouth was agape, Mimi seemed to be searching for something. She got up, crossed her arms, and huffed in annoyance. "I had some ice skates I hid here, but they're gone now. I bet one of those greaser punks from earlier took them..."

You felt conflicted. On one hand you felt relief over not having the choice of skating, yet on the other hand it might've been an interesting (and perhaps even fun) activity to do.

[1/4]

>>6176524
As for who these 'greaser punks' were, you imagined it probably had something to do with the people that were in front of the pinball machine the day of the carnival. Well, there was only one person fitting the description of 'greaser' back then. You aren't sure if he was part of the 'Trucker Gang' or the acted on his own. Who knows, perhaps he had some sort of connection, or he merely wanted to be part of the 'real' 'greasers'.

"Nevertheless, the scenery is still nice" you said as you continued to gaze at the distance. A small memory flickered in your thoughts, but try as you might you couldn't make much more of it. As this peaceful moment extended, you recalled your decision of waiting and watching before you decided to pursue your memories or not. A part of you is certain you've made the right choice, for caution in these matters is crucial if you didn't want to do irreversible harm to yourself and those around you.

The mime beside you smiled, proud of herself despite not being able to give you the offer of skating.

You, distracted, tripped and fell on your face from a bit if ice.

Mimi, however, got up and extended her hand. You think she wants you to follow her. You take it, and indeed she guides you to what looked like a small restaurant hidden between an alleyway and a building.

It was humble looking, though there were a few other customers. Dingo's, also known as Dan's, was a high class establishment when compared to this place. Behind the counter an elderly man, similar to the janitor from Moonlight's Cafe, yet his beard was far more presentable.

You took a seat, and Mimi took one next to you. The stools used were similar to the ones at Dingo's, yet that is where the similarities ended. This restaurant was open-air, had pots and pans hanging from the ceiling, and generally looked like it'd suffered it's share against the elements. At least nothing looked dirty. It was about as large as a stall in the carnival, and not much taller. Though there were some chairs and tables close by, a few people making use by quietly eating on them.

"The accordion girl" said the old looking man. Looking at him closer, you noticed he had a rather unkind expression perpetually plastered on his face. Mimi waved her hand "ya've brought someone? That's peh-culiar; yer not the type t'be popular with anyone."

She blew a raspberry in response, the chef harrumphing at her insult.

"Hi," you said, and were about to stretch your hand for a handshake "my name is-"

"Can ya play?" he interrupted.

"An instrument?" he nodded "no?" you thought about it "I don't think so?"

"Hm" he left abruptly, getting some plated with food on them and giving them to some other customers.

"He might be old and grumpy," Mimi 'spoke' a clarification through charades "But all the food is good, trust me on this."

[2/4]

>>6176526
"I wouldn't be shocked. This day has been full of surprises already" you said. You turned to look at her directly "I didn't know you could play the accordion" you were impressed.

She smiles bashfully and scratches the back of her head, but then lifts up her beret with a flourish.

Playing the according really did fit her, and not just because she's a mime.

After a bit more chatting with Mimi (again it was more like you talked while she made strange movements), you learnt that she apparently knew about this place, and the frozen lake by extension, from overhearing a conversation while she was working at Moonlight's Cafe. She'd been practicing the accordion for around a decade, so she was rather good at it. Usually she'd play in the park every once in a while. As for how the old man knew she played an instrument, Mimi said he merely assumed it since she was a mime at first, but then she came here with it to show off.
Two bowls of some sort of pasta with soup are abruptly placed in front of you and Mimi.

"First time's free" said the man "If ya could'a played somethin', I'd be more inclined t'give you discounts and free meals like with Harpo over there" he pointed to Mimi, who had already begun enthusiastically digging in her meal. He sighed and shook his head.

You decided to give your own bowl a taste. It was good. At least, that's the best way to describe it. Soon you're also wolfing down the food, and you could swear you also heard the chef sigh again. After you were done, you felt like you'd ate a full course meal. To say that it was filling was an understatement. Even though it looked like ramen, everything about it was cooked to perfection; this chef must be a master at his craft. You wondered what he was doing in a run-down alleyway like this. You looked at Mimi, and after she gave you a face that said "Told you this was good!" she shrugged in response to your silent question.

However asking him yourself didn't net you much response other than disparaging grunts and a "what's it t'ya?" before leaving to the other customers.

Mimi put a hand on your shoulder in consolation "Don't bother. He never talks about himself."

Soon the subject went from this meal, your taxi, her home, the strange dreams, and wrapped around back to food. Eventually you were sharing some experiences at a bar you often visited for breakfast, and she revealed that Moonlight's Cafe was open at almost every hour of every day of the week and how that lead to shenanigans. This place, called 'The Old Sailor' for some reason, was only open from dusk until ten in the night. The owner was eccentric enough to not open at all if the clouds blocked out the sunset that day.

"Will that be all?" the chef said "I can make somthin' else for ye both. No promises I'll give ye what ya want. Also nothin' insane."

You were honestly feeling very full.

"May I have a menu?" you requested.

"No" he responded simply.

[3/4]

>>6176529
Mimi looked at you apologetically.

You thought about what you'd say...

>"What do you mean by 'nothing insane'?"
>"Can I take something to go?" Look at Mimi and see if she has any recommendations.
>"I think I'm fine. That spaghetti soup thing was amazing and filling."
>Write-in.

"Are ye both sticking around fer beer?"

"You sell alcohol?" you inquired.

"Yeah" he responded.

"You do?" judging from Mimi's expression, she seemed surprised. If the old man noticed her, he ignored her.

"Only fer first time customers an' couples. An' I'll believe ye both are the latter once I see a marriage certificate, so don't try t'pull a fast one" he said. Mimi pouted, likely wondering why she was never offered it the first time she was here. "Only got one type, an' it's not the best, so don't go complaining. Unless ya bring yer own, that is. I'll give ye some free glasses if the quality's good."

[4/4]

>"We'll, I'll have some of it." Most of the food has been good, perhaps he was exaggerating about it's bad quality? You could always share it with Mimi if it was indeed good.
>"I actually did bring my own, called Irish Blue." You'll reveal. You wondered if he'd actually just give away drinking glasses for free.
>"I'll pass, thank you." You don't feel like drinking tonight. You'll offer some drinks to Mimi some other time.
>Write-in.

>>6176532
>"Can I take something to go?" Look at Mimi and see if she has any recommendations.
>"We'll, I'll have some of it." Most of the food has been good, perhaps he was exaggerating about it's bad quality? You could always share it with Mimi if it was indeed good.

>>6176532
>"Can I take something to go?" Look at Mimi and see if she has any recommendations.
>"I actually did bring my own, called Irish Blue." You'll reveal. You wondered if he'd actually just give away drinking glasses for free.
Now's the moment.

>>6176537
>>6176665
>Take It To Go

>>6176537
>Have Some

>>6176665
>Brought Your Own

Will start rolling between these two and writing in an hour.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6177628
>1 Have Drink
>2 Irish Blue

Writing.

---

"Can I take something to go?"

"What'll it be?" he asks, taking out a piece of paper.

You almost request a menu once more. But then you turn to Mimi for assistance, the mime in turn looking at the chef.

"Toasted honey scones." She pantomimes, then gives you a thumbs up.

"Hm, alright. Also t'go?" he asked. Mimi nods, somewhat surprised. Could he understand her too?

"I'll have what she's having" you respond, testing your theory.

"Two fried rices mixed with pork and clams it is" he jots down immediately, not listening to any further corrections or complaints from either of you.

What a difficult fellow.

---

"We'll, I'll have some of it."

"Ya will?" he looks at you questioningly "or ya both will?"

"Does it matter?" you ask. If he was offering, why couldn't you share it with whom you pleased? Albeit, doing so may be discourteous.

"Matters none, I 'spose" he frowns, despite having made a huge deal about couples not getting anything just a few minutes earlier. Then he gives you a slip of paper "here's what ya owe."

You look at the small receipt, and as you take out your card from your wallet he asks if he looks like someone from The Crown. You almost think he's talking about a royal family, until you recall once again that it was the name of a restaurant.

A part of you wonders what that place was like, and what would happen if you decided not to pay. Nothing positive for the latter, you imagine.

Thankfully you have cash and you were able to pay in full. You insisted to cover Mimi's bill too, in order to make up for how she gave you bagels and coffee. Although it wasn't that much to pay, considering you were a first customer and Mimi had discounts.

Looking at the coins and small grey slips of paper money made you feel odd. You could've sworn that money looked... greener. Yet these simply had numbers on them with no other discernible features. Almost familiar, but at the same time not truly. You hadn't really considered looking at the money itself until now, always taking it for granted. You look at your card again had a simple four digit number (1746) with nothing else on it. Not even a name.

Mimi gazes at you, making you realize you must've been staring off into space again.

The still unknown old man gives you a mug with some sort of clear liquid in it.

"It's called Red Irishman" he grunted "don't tell me I didn't warn ya."

You take a sip. At first, it doesn't taste that bad. But it appears like this was merely a slow reaction, as the very flat sort of alcohol entered your body. It made your mouth simultaneously feel cold and hot. It was bitter, sweet, and sour. Though the combination was odd, it wasn't that which bothered you the most. In fact, it was somewhat difficult to point what exactly that made you not like it. A slight headache spread through your head, yet you easily ignored it. You held a cough.

[1/3]

>>6178149
"Told ya" said the man.

"Is it really that bad?" Mimi seemed to question silently. She then motioned wanting to try it. While a foolish sentiment, you could understand the curiosity behind it.

"I don't think you'd-" you coughed into your arm before you could finish that sentence. When you looked back up, you saw Mimi drink the mug's entire contents in a few gulps.

After a few seconds of silence, she scrunches up her face and starts coughing. You feel a bit bad for her. Yet the face, making an expression you won't forget anytime soon, is almost worth it.

"Don't blame me fer this" the man behind the counter scoffs. He presents two bags to you both. You food items, you imagine.

"What's even the point of having a drink like this?" you ask, feeling a little heated "you said it wasn't the best, not that it was horrible."

"I've told everyone what I've told ya, never sayin' it was good or mediocre. Hrg," he spits out the last word "if somethin's good, make it be the best. But if ya can't make good, then what's the point of tryin'?" this is the most you've heard him speak. The chef seems to have a very specific philosophy when it concerned food "but customers keep on wantin' some sorta drink" he continues "so I keep the Red Irishman around. Their fault if they don't like it."

"The 'Red Irishman'," you repeat "does it have any relation to a drink called the 'Irish Blue'?" you inquire.

He looks rather surprised by that.

"Where did you learn that name?" he asks you.

"From a bar. Why?" you ask in return. If he wanted to be difficult, you could be difficult in return.

He merely grunts and says mumbles something about a 'captain rolling in his grave'. He leaves without even saying goodbye.

You turn to Mimi, who at this point is holding a hand against her head. She gets up, goes a little ways away, and proceeds to throw up in a trashcan. You try to help her however you currently can, feeling worried about her.

[2/3]

>>6178150
While you seemed to hold your alcohol pretty well, at least from the little you had, just a mug seemed to leave the mime with a migraine. Or maybe it was just the alcohol itself, considering it was terrible tasting and made you want to cough your lungs out.

Mimi takes a step forward, then another--comically larger than the first--before she falls flat on her face. After trying to help her up, she pantomimes something about 'funny stars in the sky' and other nonsense. You feel relieved, somehow.

A part of you just wanted to go home. Life was difficult--have you not both gone through worse? This was why it is good to have an order to things. Indeed, said order can be utilized to prepare for such adversities as this. As minimal as they are. You shook your head, trying to keep your thought calm and in order.

Not exactly the picturesque end scene of a romantic date, is it?

Or that's what you would've thought, but Mimi seemed for the most part to have recovered from whatever rut she was in--her feelings in a much better place, although taking a slightly sillier turn.

You both make your way to the lake. Though sobered up, at least in appearance, it becomes apparent that she's at least somewhat tired--if the small yawns she makes are anything to go by.

You could commiserate.

[3/3]

>Just stay here. Though the sun had set, you and Mimi could at least feel some peace by watching this frozen body of water glisten.
>Take Mimi back to her home. Now was a good time to end the day off. Then you'll go back to your hotel room.
>Take her to someplace else? (Where? If no place is picked, you'll just drive around aimlessly before going to a random place you'd been too before)
>Write-in.

>>6178152
>Just stay here. Though the sun had set, you and Mimi could at least feel some peace by watching this frozen body of water glisten.

>>6178152
>Just stay here. Though the sun had set, you and Mimi could at least feel some peace by watching this frozen body of water glisten.
I had a good time or enjoyed reading about it at least and this date idea of hers was really fun. We should tell her that, thank her, and ask if she wants to do this again sometime.

>>6178155
>>6178162
>Peaceful Stay

Writing.

Look at the shimmering lake as the moon rises.

The wind was getting stronger. The temperature was getting colder. And the night was getting darker. Nevertheless, you were glad to have been here.

With how much time had passed, you found yourself thinking both about the future and all the things you've encountered. Though you might've fancied you'd bloomed in strength and grown stout, the truth was that this remained a learning experience.

And perhaps, you thought, you might bring a certain nearly-mute girl along for the ride.

It was strange, almost doubly so when you thought about it; the night's sharp chill should've been felt by you right now due to the elements picking up their whims. Yet strangely enough you felt warm. A part of you feared that you might be the first stage of catching some sort of cold, or maybe the alcohol you drank was starting to affect you, but those thoughts were in the back of your head.

Again, the lake glistened, this time in a wave like motion thanks to a cloud passing over the moon's beams of light. It was a shame Mimi wasn't able to find her skates, if they were hers to begin with as you are assuming.
And as if to rub salt upon said shame, you saw three people skating on the ice: Going in circles, ambiguously moving around. Likely some sort of game.
You considered if they had anything to do with the skates that were missing. But them you looked to your left and right, feeling like someone was watching you, before finally turning to look at Mimi

From the moonlight, you could see Mimi's face more clearly. There was a natural paleness to it, and eyes that conveyed an almost indiscernible wonder, as you came to discover that she was the only one staring at you.

"Thank you, Mimi" you said to her, breaking the precious silence "I was having a good time, this idea of yours was really fun. Want to do it again sometime?"

She looked happy to hear that and cheerfully nods her head in response. You think she's in high spirits at the prospect of finally finding someone she could be close to.

Mimi pantomimes a bit more to you, and you even respond back with some less-than-impressive charades of your own. Though obviously not as skilled as she was, you couldn't help but imagine that you'd be good at it with some more time and practice. You think about further ways to communicate with her if speaking was so uncomfortable to the mime: Writing on paper was your first thought, but perhaps sign language could work as well. Albeit Mimi didn't seem to know it when you asked her about it, being somewhat stubborn about the ideas and silently replying that: "I wouldn't be a good mime if I couldn't convey my thoughts without pantomiming."

[1/2]

>>6180193
Soon after, almost like she wanted to playfully prove a point, she seemed in the the verge of speaking--not pantomiming, mind you, but actually talking by using her apparently weak voice--when suddenly you felt like something was wrong. A familiar, yet unfortunate feeling.

The moon grows brighter. The people on the frozen lake come to a complete and unnatural stop, as if they too were frozen. The wind dies down completely, yet the temperature seems to grow colder.

You feel annoyed at this. And couldn't help but worry about the increasing frequency of these attacks.

Mimi looks around in confusion, but then seems to spot some strange figures emerging from the abandoned building's entrance. Curiously, she doesn't seem particularly afraid, but is instead, well, curious.

Although that fear turns to apprehension when they start to move unnaturally--seemingly growing stronger in the moonlight.

There's only two of them, all grouped up in the same place. You aren't that far away from the taxi.

[2/2]

>"Let's go. It's starting to get cold out here." Pretend that nothing is wrong.
>"Mimi, we need to go. I'll explain in the taxi." You hope she keeps an open mind for what you're about to tell her.
>"Looks like there's something I need to take care of." Feeling bold, you decide to roll up your sleeves and engage them. [Chooses Stance: Offensive]

>>6180194
>"Mimi, we need to go. I'll explain in the taxi." You hope she keeps an open mind for what you're about to tell her.

>>6180194
>"Mimi, we need to go. I'll explain in the taxi." You hope she keeps an open mind for what you're about to tell her.
Maybe get her take on what she saw, or thinks she saw, before we launch into rambling about shadow-beings.

>>6180217
>>6180248
>Taxi Talk

Writing.

"Mimi, we need to go. I'll explain in the taxi."

You say to her. Thankfully she can sense your urgency, and doesn't complain when following as you fast-walk to the vehicle.

Looking back at the creatures will do you no good, but you do so anyway. They, unlike the gym counterparts, seemed to be less frantic and desperate to attack you. Instead it appeared as though they were waiting and watching the frozen lake for something to happen...

When you get the car on the road you feel like flooring it, but keep calm as you drive on.

It's cold inside the vehicle. You turn the heat on and silently try to find the best path. Many new roads divide and merge into the one you're on, making things seem sort of labyrinthine--understandably confusing Mimi. Though you knew what was going on, having seen a similar occurrence when with Jeremy at the gym.

Although due to your skills in driving, you feel like you're able to exit any further darkness and return to the world you're familiar with.

After seeing that you were safely away, you try to figure out how to break it down to Mimi.

She looks at you, the patience as she's waiting for an explanation clear as the daylight.

"Before I go into this" you say, really tempted to go on a polemic about the sinewy and amorphous beings you've seen recently "I wanted to ask you, what did you think you saw back there?"

This take the mime for a loop, she oscillates between finding a word to describe it through pantomimicry, and finding nothing truly substantial. She was likely trying to make sense of it in her own mind.

Until she finally realizes a way to do so: "People without outlines, dark smoke coming out of their bodies. One walking like a B-movie monster and the other being all jittery."

You're surprised she was able to identify this much from that far away.

And so you explain to her the things you've seen. Going into much detail and trying your best to emphasize what they've been doing. She asks why you're the only one targeted, and you reply saying you don't know.

A few seconds of silence passed, stretching on almost naturally. But you didn't want things to end there.

You glanced at her through the rear view mirror and found her pouting face staring at you.

Mimi was mad, but not for any reason you expected: Because you didn't tell her about this beforehand.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me about this!" Was what her silent look told you.

"I mean, we did just meet each other a few days ago..."

"That's no excuse!" She pouts even further and gives what you think was supposed to be a stink-eye. "No more hiding stuff like this, alright?

"But I'm surprised you so easily believed me" you say, feeling great relief for some reason. Where you really that worried about this?

[1/2]

>>6181228
"After seeing all of those weird roads, how couldn't I?" she huffs "And like I've said, crazy stuff has happened to me too."

You can't help but smile again.

"As for hiding stuff further, I can't promise anything," you say, but before she has a chance to angrily pantomime something in response you clarify "before you say anything, just consider: What if there's something that might be a memetic hazard? Or an ancient curse? How about a strange threat from beyond the stars?" she looks at you strangely "look, I'm just being cautious" you say. Although these might be a unfounded fears, you've been taking enough precautions to subconsciously worry about things like that.

You catch a determined look she gives you.

"How about this: If you help me find out about why those guys kidnapped me all those years ago, I'll help you with the shadow demon things. Deal?" She extends her hand when you stop at a red light.

>"Deal." Shake it. It would be nice to have a partner.
>"Thank you for the offer, but I'll pass." You don't want to involve her in this and you don't want to get involved in her stuff. No reason you two couldn't still be close without having these things overlap, right?

Eventually as you're both riding, you go to your destination...

[2/2]

>Dan's Bar and Grill. It was night, so the place was doubtlessly active at this point.
>Moonlight's Cafe. You'd drop Mimi off here and go back to your own hotel room, ideally to get some rest.
>Hotel Oasis. You wanted to show her around the place--if she was allowed to go there, at least. You forget what the rules were concerning guests.
>Write-in. (Someplace else? Just driving around?)

>>6181239
>"Deal." Shake it. It would be nice to have a partner.
>Dan's Bar and Grill. It was night, so the place was doubtlessly active at this point.

>>6181239
>"Deal." Shake it. It would be nice to have a partner.
>Moonlight's Cafe. You'd drop Mimi off here and go back to your own hotel room, ideally to get some rest.
Kind of puts a damper on the date...

>>6181239
>>"Deal." Shake it. It would be nice to have a partner.
>>Dan's Bar and Grill. It was night, so the place was doubtlessly active at this point.
>>6181267
I say we gotta end it on a high note.

QM? All well?

>>6182888
Still alive! Sorry for taking so long. I've been having to help another family member and go on more errands than I'd like, basically leaving me with no time to write for the last few days.

I'll try to update later on today.

>6181251
>6181267
>6181303
>Mute Deal

>>6181267
>Moonlight Mission

>>6181251
>>6181303
>Bar Grill Thrill

Writing. Might take some time, but I'll try to finish it by today.

You drove to Dingo's.

"I know a pretty nice place" you began to say "we could go there for a bit. It's apparently pretty active when it goes dark."

"Apparently? You mean you haven't been there at night?" Your now close companion practically said.

"Not yet" you confessed "I've been having breakfasts there for most of my time as an amnesiac. They haven't really disappointed me, however I'd say their lunches are better."

"You're a pretty good food critic." Mimi noticed.

"I must have a palate for it."

The rest of the ride goes well enough and without any other important events or conversations occurring, as much as any conversation was even possible with a committed mute as could be had with your eyes on the road. Save for the fact that you both talked about how everything had gone back to normal, if this even was normal--allowed for small ideas to be flung around concerning what to do after this.

You snuggled your taxi between one of the scant parking spaces at Dan's Bar and Grill. Trucks, economical looking cars, and even some offroad vehicles squeezed in the area.

Just as you'd expected, the restaurant was active.

There are many people coming and going; the drunkard from before stumbled around comically. Other people, some his companions, accompanied him were clearly in various different levels of inebriation.

The pinball machine at the front was gone. From what you recalled, it might be in the middle of getting some repairs. You felt somewhat sad that the opportunity to share this with her wasn't available, you were curious as to how she'd fare playing.

Mimi seemed amused by the controlled chaos. She glanced at you and smirked, as if saying "Are you sure you haven't come here at this hour before?"

"I am. At least as far as I'm aware" you said, likewise looking around at everyone and everything "I'm not sure what you're implying with that."

"Nothing, it's just that this," she twirled around "Doesn't seem to fit you very much."

She might have a point. She might not. However, you this place was rather nice once you got used to it "I guess we'll just have to see. These sorts of things don't really bother me" recalling the day of the great fire. Yet that was a larger festivity, lacking in both size and form. Unfortunately this current night didn't compare to the jubilation of that moment. In fact, it looked more like an attempt to forget and move on from the incident. You don't know what to think about that.

Before realizing it you were inside the restaurant. Not much fanfare was given to you or Mimi. You couldn't find many familiar faces, most of the Blue Collar Workers being absent, for better or worse.

However there were members of the 'Trucker Gang'; acting with coarse merriment. You noticed a few members missing from their ranks.

[1/2]

>>6184516
Besides that, there were many miscellaneous people dotted around here and there with wanton care. The remaining Blue Collars spread out and mingled with said peoples.

While it could be considered a moderate amount of activity by most, the bar was nearing its full swing. Ryan, the bartender, was giving drinks left and right, pausing to answer questions or to clean a glass. You notice two conveniently empty bar-stools next to each other.

You saw the waiter and the waitress move around, the skill they usually had in waitering fully seen but hardly acknowledged. To your surprise Mimi didn't seem particularly impressed.

There was a small list of food to purchase. Once again the selection of sustenance had changed according to the time of day, this time being a dinner menu:

--Menu
-Chicken Stew
-Tomato And Pasta Soup
-Spaghetti
-Rice Stir-Fry
-Falafel
-Lemon Garlic Fish Pasta
-Fish Burger
-Grilled Salmon
-Soda

-- Alcohol
-Bar's Daily Recommendation: The Bloody Mary Special

There was also a certain string of words that informally clarified the bar's capabilities at the bottom: If You Want A Certain Type Of Drink, Just Ask. We Probably Have It

Well that was good to know.

Buy food?

>No. You'd ask Mimi if she wanted anything, but you were personally feeling quite full and already had some food to go.
>Yes. (Here or to go?) (Write-in)

Buy alcohol?

>No. You'd already had enough when it came to drinking for today.
>Sure. (The Bloody Mary Special? Something else?)

Eventually you and Mimi decided to...

[2/2]

>Sit by the bar. It'd be nice to talk with Ryan and hear what the word was, especially with one an inquisitive Mimi around.
>Go around to talk with the Blue Collar Workers, as dispersed as they were.
>Join the Truckers in their merriment.
>Write-in.

Once again, sorry for taking so long!
Unfortunately I can't promise that I'll have a better schedule anytime soon, but I'll take any opportunity I can get in order to write and update more often.

>>6184517
>Yes. (Here or to go?) (Write-in)
Lemon Garlic Fish Pasta sounds delicious.
>Sure. (The Bloody Mary Special? Something else?)
The Bloody Mary Special.
>Sit by the bar. It'd be nice to talk with Ryan and hear what the word was, especially with one an inquisitive Mimi around.

>>6184532
+1 if we're hungry enough. Sub in a basket of fries for the pasta if we're still stuffed.

>>6184517

>>6184520
Don't stress it. You're consistent, have a cool concept and good writing, and you're not a flake. What more can a player ask?

>>6184532
>>6184726
>Bloody Mary And The Lemon Fish Pasta Bar

Writing.

>>6184727
Thank you anon for the encouraging words!
I've already committed to seeing this quest through to the end and to becoming a better writer in the process. Again, I'd like to thank you guys for sticking around.

>>6185327
Out of curiosity, how much longer do you figure the quest is? A couple more threads? Longer?

Sorry about the time it's taking me. I might have the update out by tomorrow, but I can't promise anything.

>>6186273
If I can go back to making an update a day, probably two more threads. Maybe four if the pace I have now stays. But I wouldn't be too surprised if it ends up lasting for more than that. I initially thought this was going to be a one-shot, hah.

>>6186599
You should shill a little in the QTG. I think the quest deserved a bit more attention.

>>6186604
Thank you for the compliment!
I appreciate the consideration, but I'm sort of ambivalent over the idea. While seeing anons vote and generally participate in the quest makes me happy, and I wouldn't complain about more people coming in, I'm not bothered by only having one-to-three voters.
Also I haven't really heard many positive things about the QTG, though I do realize it's necessary to use if you want to remind people about your quest/give news about the quest's status when you aren't running it/attract voters.

That said, me shilling in the QTG might not be out of the question if I need a few extra rolls, a tiebreak in an important vote, or something similar. But even then I can't promise I'll end up posting there.

The convenience of the empty bar seats was not something you would pass up.

You decided to approach the almost full bar counter, mime in tow.

"Johan! Good to see ye!" a very jolly Ryan said as he saw two more customers approach and sit down on the free barstools "and ye brought the lassie! How can I help ye both this night?"

"Good to see you too" you said "I'll have some Lemon Garlic Fish Pasta and a Bloody Mary."

"Keen choices, aye" he wrote them down, then turned to Mimi "what'll the lass have?"

"I'll have the same." Mimi practically said. "But with a soda instead of the Bloody Mary. I don't know if I could handle another drink tonight."

"I can imagine" you responded to her "it was pretty surprising to see you bounce back so quickly afterwards."

"It'll be funny to think back to." She mused.

Ryan cleared his throat "I didnae want to disrupt these doings, but I still needed that grub order from ye, lass."

You convey Mimi's request to him, much to her gratitude.

The three of you continue to speak. Ryan already knew about your 'date' with the mime girl, and said as much.

Soon a soda can, the fizzy liquid doubtlessly inside, was placed in front of Mimi thanks to the quick work of the waitress. The bartender provided a glass, but the mime gave no heed. After breaking open the top with a satisfying snap, she gulped the whole thing without a second thought.

As she did that little stunt, Ryan informed you that Justin had just left but Adam was still here. You almost forgot that those two were some leads about Joseph Quinous, and you tell the silent woman more about it. However, after that you and Mimi ended up naturally taking the talk, or charade in Mimi's case, towards the subject of alcohol.

"Aye," said Ryan "I've been in the know about drinkin' spirits for a while now" he smiles at you both "I hope ye both were able to taste the Irish Blue. It's a good drink, that one."

"Unfortunately we haven't" you confessed "there wasn't really had much of anything tonight, though Mimi here-"

Just then Mimi poked your arm, then pantomimed to you about the Red Irishman; motioning that it was fine if you shared it but requesting that you didn't tell him about how she drank an entire cup of the stuff.

"What I mean is, we did come across something called the Red Irishman. Any relation to that?"

"Ye did?" Ryan asked. He furrowed his brows as the name was said "aye, I recall that name. But that's nae an alcohol, lad. It's treated both like a joke and a legend. Since it's like naethin', and everythin' at the same time" he looked if there was anyone else that needed his help, then continued "it takes time and skill to make it like liquor. Did ye taste it? Where'd ye hear it from?"

As you were about to respond, a phone rings. You can just barely tell it's there, with the crowd drowning out ringing noise from beneath the bar's counter. Ryan picks it up.

[1/3]

When the call was done, Ryan Barnaby cleared his throat and addressed those by the bar's stools that cared to listen "Dingo wants me to go and fix some things in the basement. Cole, Collie," he stopped the waiter and the waitress, as they both seemed to be currently free "both of you keep the fort, aye?" Ryan glanced at Mimi then looked at you, giving you a wink "I wish ye two the best. I'll be back in a few minutes."

And with that, he left.

You and Mimi would've been lulled into quiet again if not because of the activity of the restaurant. You glanced at her, noting how she played around with the now empty soda can. You didn't know if it was the environment, but there was always something that was happening. A contrast to the nearly beauteous silence from that small unnamed restaurant Mimi took you to.

Said woman suddenly pokes your arm with her finger again, getting your attention.

"This was pretty fun." She smiled impishly, and began messing with you about how it seemed like you were conspiring with him to get together with you. You elect not to comment.

"The bartender guy seems like he has tons of regrets." She says suddenly. Mimi clears her throat like she's about to actually talk, but ends up doing charades again. "I couldn't sense any malice from him. But he obviously knows more than he lets on."

"He did tell me he used got into trouble with the E.V.L at some point," you reveal, much to Mimi's interest "and was close enough to the carnival to know that the charity's leaders had some screws loose."

You both end up discussing more about that. Mimi had a unique perspective to add to the mix, being able to evade their strongmanning her into joining them. She wasn't particularly intimidated, but from all her stories most of the E.V.L seemed to be rather callous and defensive about their existence as a 'charity'. The conversation went back to Ryan again. She easily deduced he was an ex-sailor, not hard considering his tattoo and the man's general way of speaking. Mimi conveyed that she imagined him as the captain of some commercial vessel. You told him about some of his history, and how that particular conversation happened after he gave you a bottle of the Irish Blue as a gift for you to share with her.

"What do you think of him?" Her face inquired.

>"From what I can see, he's a pretty cool guy." Even if you weren't that close to him, he's an acquaintance you were on good terms with.
>"He's fine, I guess." You couldn't say much positive or negative. He was a bartender doing his job, nothing more.
>"I don't trust him." While you didn't have anything concrete, you didn't think he was a good person and didn't like how he would clam up sometimes.
>Write-in.

[2/3]

>>6189102
Finally, the food is brought by Collie. She gives you both plates of fish pasta, with you additionally getting a Bloody Mary. The latter, with a mixture of spicy and savory flavors defined by the taste of tomato. It went down well. The pasta, while certainly delicious, was only halfway consumed by you; not being able to truly enjoy it due to your stomach's protests about being too full. Mimi was able to eat her entire meal and then some, asking if she could have the rest of yours. You obliged, not wanting to see such a delicious meal go to waste. Such a small frame being able to hold so much food was rather funny. You fear she may come to regret consuming so much in so little time.

It seemed like Ryan's absence allowed for the people to become bolder, with shouts becoming popular. Neither Cole nor Collie seemed like the people to stop much from happening, and they remained true to such assumption. Ryan's strength and tall frame were not mere decorations, for it felt like his very being kept the chaos at bay.

Some members of the 'Trucker Gang' were particularly strong offenders in the merrymaking, joined in by some others scattered amongst the restaurant.

The place was really starting to remind you of a tavern now, with the singing and the laughter and the drinks spilling around all over the place. You glanced at the two waiter siblings once more, this time giving them a close glance. They appeared used to this. Perhaps this was normal at around the current hour of the night?

The entire thing, however, seemed to have developed an almost hopeless bent to it. Merely the gathering of hopeless drunks that wallow in the pull of fate. A toast to the wallflowers, more like. Once again, you weren't sure how to feel about it. Well, at least Mimi didn't seem particularly bothered, moreso relishing on how good the food was.

You look at the clock. It's been more than thirty minutes since Ryan's departure.

[3/3]

>Stay here and wait patiently with Mimi for Ryan. The night was still young, wasn't it? (How will you answer his questions if he comes back?)
>Just leave. It was awfully rude, but the rowdiness of the people here was beginning to get to you for a reason you couldn't explain.
>Go to Ryan. Be proactive and see what's up, considering this was more than 'a few minutes'.
>Write-in.

>>6189102
>"From what I can see, he's a pretty cool guy." Even if you weren't that close to him, he's an acquaintance you were on good terms with.
>>6189107
>Go to Ryan. Be proactive and see what's up, considering this was more than 'a few minutes'.

>more than a week after the last update
I've been more fatigued than usual as of recent. Still, I can't stress my apologies enough. I'll try to get back to the writing flow, hopefully with quicker updates, but I can't promise anything.

>>6189102
>"From what I can see, he's a pretty cool guy." Even if you weren't that close to him, he's an acquaintance you were on good terms with.
He's got a sordid past, but I don't get bad vibes from the man he is today. I like the cut of his jib.

>>6189107
>Go to Ryan. Be proactive and see what's up, considering this was more than 'a few minutes'.
Could be shadow-demons.

>>6189131
An apology's unnecessary. You're doing this for free. I'm just grateful for that. Take care of yourself first and foremost.

>>6189128
>>6189151
>Positive Bartender Proactive

Writing.

>>6189151
Thank you, anon. I'll try to.

>>6192254
Welcome back! Feeling any better?

>>6192256
For the most part. Thank you for asking, anon.

----

You're sick of waiting. You'll go to him instead.

It was decided, in your mind and wishes, thoughts making you suddenly stand. However the act made you feel somewhat 'fuzzy'-- for lack of a better term. Sudden worries about seeing any of those annoying shadows here plagued you. However, you knew this wasn't that, at least not yet. In fact, it was orthostatic hypotension.

How do I know that term? You thought to yourself. It was strange ponder about in such a moment--such a vague medical lingo being in your vocabulary. Perhaps you could connect better with your past with such a subconscious thought? Or was it something entirely new, brought to you by your strange dreams?

Well, it did not matter. You'd wait and watch where this all went, neither pursuing nor avoiding your memories.

You shook your head.

"Johan? Are you alright?" Mimi's stare conveyed. She had paused herself mid-bite, making a rather memorable face in the process.

"I'm fine. I think." you responded to her silent inquiry "I just wanted to stretch my legs, then I felt something like vertigo, probably from all the food I ate" not exactly a lie.

And then you approached her again, and in a lower tone said "I'm going to look for Ryan. I'm worried he might be in trouble. Want to come with?"

"Give me a minute." Mimi began to wolf down her food at mach speed. "Done!" She sighed happily and gave you a thumbs up. "Alright, lead the way!"

And so you did. Sort of. It mostly consisted of attempting to mix in between the crowds, away from the the siblings' line of sight, and towards the places where you thought Ryan had gone.

Mimi, for her part, followed close behind you. You didn't feel any type of worry over her getting lost, considering that she seemed to be well detailed when it came to that. Unless it was to mess around and play a joke, something that was a very real possibility.

Yet that was neither here nor there, even as you went about avoiding the cliques around here. You thought that perhaps there could be an opportunity for better communication with them. Whether it was merely cheering along, starting a fight, or buying free drinks, who knew? But as tempting as such a thought might've been, now you, curious about what had happened, wished to end your patience by your own hands. A commendable thought, yet also one born of caution, lest something worse came about.

With some effort you're able to find and sneak into the staff's room. Yet this particular one was less than a room, it was more of an exit that led to the back of the restaurant. You recall seeing Dingo go to this area when you'd first come here. And you thought how it would've been easier to just go outside and come here from there, emulating his path towards the back.

[1/3]

>>6193264
With the night nearly being pitch black, navigation was more of a chore than you thought. Realizing that, you prepare to wait for your eyes adjust to the dark. Mimi, however takes out a small phone, and uses it as a light.

You both identify some noise that emanated from a door on the ground. It was wooden and had a lock on it.

"Well, I guess that's that" you said "no point in-"

Mimi was quick to push and pull on it, using a bobby pin to unlock it. You blinked a few times.

"Hey, you were the one that was so impatient." She smiled innocently.

"While it's true that I'm still concerned for the bartender," you conceded "forgive me for not being knowledgeable about breaking and entering" however, something told you that wasn't entirely true, you couldn't say why, though "not that I remember, at least" you clarified.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just go." Mimi gave you an impish look and jumped right in, with you following soon after.

The area wasn't completely what you'd expect. A completely light entrance was marred by the darkness that gradually overwhelmed as you and your companion marched on. The further you went the more bizarre it felt, with road signs and maps of strange places you'd never heard or seen of before. Mimi seemed unnerved as well, not doing her usual antics, especially considering that her phone didn't work anymore.

Needless to say, this stunk of those shadowy 'things' you had come across the last few days. You told Mimi as much, and she seemed to take your words to heart.

Eventually you're able to feel out the area, eyes adjusting the exiguous light down here.

To your surprise, you find on the floor a nearly unconscious Jeremiah Dingo. He's still wearing that ten-gallon hat.

"Howdy, there" says he "I saw you moseyin' around before, didn't I?" so, he remembered you? Well, he did say he always knew a customer's face. He looks towards the mime "the girl is new."

"Hey there, sir" you said, and stopped yourself from saying 'how are you doing?' or something equally as superfluous "that would be Mimi. Mimi," you turned to her "this is Jeremiah Dingo, the owner of Dan's Bar and Grill."

"Pleasure t' meet ya, ma'am. Ah wish it'd be under better circumstances" he tipped his hat, momentarily revealing a bandage wrapped around his head.

Mimi just waved awkwardly.

"Do you know what's going on here, sir?" you asked.

"Well shoot, son, Ah know aroun' as much as ya do. I was talkin' with Mr. Barnaby one minute, then some o' the devil's spawns pops out from t' walls. The Captain put up a fight, but there was a whole swarm chasin' him before we knew it. He was ready to hold 'em off, but got pushed back further down the hall. Then everything went dark for a spell, Ah met a woman in a wheat field. And now Ah'm here, feelin' mighty hungry for some reason" as if to accentuate that point, his stomach growled.

[2/3]

>>6193266
A thought popped into your head. You didn't know if it was a good one, considering the circumstances, but it was a thought nonetheless.

You still had that wrapped jerky bar he gave you. Offering it to him now might be able to alleviate his hunger, perhaps. Though you didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

>Sure, give him the jerky. He was hungry, was he not? And you still had so much food.
>No, you'd keep it. He did give it to you as a gift, did he not?
>Write-in.

You don't know what to say to his story. It felt like too much information to process at once.

Mimi tugged your arm and looked at you. "Whatever we do, we need to do it fast." Her eyes told you.

That went without saying.

>You and Mimi would try to quickly hide Dingo, then you'd go further to seek out an help out Ryan before anything happened to him.
>You and Mimi would escape as you carried the restaurant's owner. After hearing his story, surely there'd be more people willing to help find the bartender out, right?
>You and Mimi would split up. One of you would take Dingo up to the surface, while the other would look for Ryan. (Who goes where?)

And I'll take some 4d20 for any action you take, Bo2.

Rolled 3, 18, 15, 17 = 53 (4d20)

>>6193267
>Sure, give him the jerky. He was hungry, was he not? And you still had so much food.
>You and Mimi would try to quickly hide Dingo, then you'd go further to seek out an help out Ryan before anything happened to him.

Rolled 16, 15, 11, 19 = 61 (4d20)

>>6193267
>Sure, give him the jerky. He was hungry, was he not? And you still had so much food.
>You and Mimi would split up. One of you would take Dingo up to the surface, while the other would look for Ryan. (Who goes where?)
Mimi can get him out, and Johan can look for Ryan.

Busy week, QM?

>>6193275
>>6193299
>Jerky Cycle

>>6193275
>Bartender Breakout

>>6193299
>Split The Party

I'll probably have time to roll and write today, but again no promises.

>>6196279
Yes, unfortunately.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>6196317
>1 Both To Ryan
>2 Split Help

Writing. Hopefully will finish soon.

>>6196860
Thanks for the update! Sorry to hear about your unfortunate week.

Split the effort.

And so you decided to split the effort between the two of you.

Quickly, you thought, yes, it must be quick.

The old cowboy took a bite out of the jerky, chuckling to himself about something. He seemed in livelier spirits.

"Mimi, we need to split the effort" immediately her facial expression saw to protest. But after realizing that it was likely for either Dingo or Ryan to expire if there's not enough time, she came to understand.

She wished you luck, and you wished her luck likewise. With one last look at each other, you two went your separate ways.

Is it truly wise to do this? Maybe, maybe not. Who knew? No, you were certain this was the correct course of action.

And so, you went into the dark.

Further on, you find a strange form. You think it is the bartender. He's trying to fix some pipes and electric generators in the distance. Looking like there isn't a care in the world.

Behind you a wall emerges, and then divides into various different passageways.

Various beings of shadow that rise from the ground and the walls, keeping their distance. Yet Ryan seems to not notice.

You are still a ways away from him. But you get closer.

Strange forms that seems to flicker in and out of your perifeal view emerge.

You are getting closer. But there is still more to go.

Like stars, there are many differing lights that seem to be just out of view. You try to grab a few, but they blink away as you reach out to them.

You are right about there. And you find that Ryan wasn't there at all, but a shadow. It tried to jump you, but you were just barely ready.

You could see another shadow. Yet this seemed like a mockery of the others you'd seen before, with its form clearly corporeal. And unlike the others, it did not hurt to see.

[1/2]

>>6197454
And the fight begins as you try to attack. For that is what you had mostly done before.

Joining you, was the blanket. Or rather, a man under a blanket. It was a black color, with stars and galaxies sewed on it's form. The man punched with wild abandon. A true terror on the battle, yet merely a facsimile (if you could even call it that) of the ghost it was mimicking.

The thing disappeared with a shriek. Leaving the room normal again.

From under the dark mantle emerged the bartender: Captain Ryan Barnaby.

You have a million questions for him, but he motions you to keep quiet. You aren't sure of what else to do but comply. Considering the situation, that might be the wisest course of action. No kidding. Perhaps it would be best to turn back. What, and merely give up right before the finish line? No, you won't let this happen.

"Ryan," you whispered "what-"

"Shh!" said he, looking around "they can hear us, lad. And they can sense light."

Many more thoughts invaded your mind. You wanted to ask his thoughts about this, or what he believed was the best way forwards. Even telling him about Mimi and Dingo getting out of here, and how you could meet up with them again.

But soon you came to realize that there was more darkness than you'd seen before. Indeed, it was a black so dark that even darkness itself was consumed and fizzled away. Even looking at it hurt.

You could see, or rather, sense, a fog of shadow approaching.

Slowly creeping up.

By this point, you were under the mantle along with Ryan. You didn't dare to say another word.

And, after what felt like an eternity, the darkness left.

Cautiously, you and Ryan exited and looked around.

"Alright, lad. Tell me what ye know."

You do so, with hardly a second thought. Explaining what you'd done to get here, how you got here, finding Dingo, splitting up, and finally encountering the bartender.

Ryan listened intently.

[2/3]

"Aye, I suppose I should thank ye fer coming by" he said, more stoic than you might expect from getting backup he was probably just thinking about how to get out of this situation "We cannae speak much now, but I can answer one or two questions ye may seek and that I may know."

If you were to ask, you had to do so quickly.

>What exactly is the mass of darkness?
>Where did you get the mantle?
>How are you so calm right now?
>How much do you know about this?
>Write-in.

And there was the issue of where you'd both go, and what you'd both do.

[3/3]

--Choose a stance:

>You will boldly tear through any future shadows you'd find, quickly returning to the outside. Offensive This will take a high DC of 19-20.
>You'd both move cautiously, looking around every corner and hiding under the mantle. Defensive This will take a low DC of 8 or abode.
>A steady pace would be wiser, you think. Reactive to what was around you, instead of being defined by it. Flexible This will take a medium DC of 12 or above.

And I'll take some 2d20 for any action you take, Bo2.

The other rolls effects will be seen in an update or two.

>>6197454
>[1/2]
meant to be [1/3]

Rolled 5, 19 = 24 (2d20)

>>6197456
>How much do you know about this?
>You'd both move cautiously, looking around every corner and hiding under the mantle. Defensive This will take a low DC of 8 or abode.

>>6197456
>How are you so calm right now?
>What exactly is the mass of darkness?

>You'd both move cautiously, looking around every corner and hiding under the mantle.

Rolled 19, 13 = 32 (2d20)

>>6197458
Oh woops, and the roll.

>>6197642
>>6197681
>Questions And Caution

Writing. Might take a while.

>>6199555
Looking forward to it!

>>6199868
Thank you!

----

You two agreed that caution was the way forward.

And with this in mind, you adopt a defensive stance.

Beneath the mantle, you saw a small splattering of stars emerge and disappear.

Yes, you think you've had enough for your curiosity to demand answers. You glance at Ryan, then dare to ask the muscular bartender some inquiries. Beginning with the one that plagued you the most.

"How are you so calm right now?" you frowned. It isn't everyday when rooms would stretch like shadows, twisting into strange corridors and haunted by fog-like creatures.

"Lad," Ryan sighed out "when ye 'ave lived a life as I did, naethin' feels strange. 'specially when ye make a home at sea for months on end, or when ye've fought off bands of people; ye always must keep a cool head, aye."

A sailor's life, then. Perhaps he had seen oddities in his time in the ocean? It wouldn't surprise you.

"So, I'm guessing you know a little about this sort of thing?" you tentatively probed how much he would be willing to share

"Aye. I know what ye'd expect from an old salt. I'd got my fill of these things from similar places" he chuckled "ye think this brings grief? Seeing an entire ocean become mad with color and form, with the demons spilling out of the water like faucets."

"That does sound worse than this" you responded. You tried, but your mind couldn't really imagine it "and I guess it explains how you know about it. It was when you worked for the E.V.L, right?" you were making an assumption here, yet he did say (though somewhat implicitly) he had a falling out with them after he was a captain. That would imply that he, in fact, was working under or with them at some point.

"It was then, aye. But ye're wrong, lad" he looked at you with seriousness "I didnae work for them."

"But you said you did a brief stint for them?"

"Not accordin' to them, at least" he sighed "I was trustin' an old salt to follow through, I was. And he didn't. I was an 'intern', even as these creatures tried to pluck my eyes out. And I'm not talkin' about the shadows, though they tried it too" he scoffed "Probably for the best I was 'let go', aye."

[1/3]

>>6201075
"Since you know about these shadows" you think they were called 'Strangers'. But you weren't really sure if that was truly their name or merely a code the Knife and the Jack used to describe them "I was wondering: What exactly is this mass of shadow? If you know, I mean."

"As a whole or separated?"

"Both?" was there a difference?

"Well, lad, as a whole I've heard them be called a 'Parade'. Ye saw one of those not a few minutes ago. They corrupt anything they touch" he rubs his eyes "but separate, they've been called 'Strangers'. And I dinnae why they act like that, they just do."

"That does coincide with what I've heard..."

"And it looks to me like ye know more about them too, lad" both he and the mermaid on his shoulder seem to look at you, amused "especially since ye aren't screamin' around. Ye're almost as calm as I am."

"Yeah, a little" no point in denying it "I imagine this isn't the worst reaction you've come across?"

"Aye, that would be right" he chuckled.

A small moment of silence passes, and soon you consider getting more clarity on what he meant "Do you know more about them?"

"About what? Those nightmare things?" he queries back to you. You nod "sorry, lad. Like I said, I dinae know much. But they aren't natural, that I bet me bones on."

You think about asking him more questions, or in getting some other answers, but a sudden wrongness approaches. It makes your spine feel chills, and your senses seem to go into overdrive. A small temptation to simply barge out and flee is quickly squashed. Instead, you and Ryan move in tandem, perfectly cautious yet making progress. The orderly sync you two are in is not broken.

And just as it came by, it went away. Ryan motions and silently mouthed to slowly leave the strange mantle and drag it behind. You understand it perfectly, even seeing parts of the plan he likely didn't consider conveying.

So, you two slowly walk out. Showing as little emotion as possible, you both drag the mantle behind each other. It was more of a blanket than any article of clothing, being large enough to cover everyone that came under it. And yet, it seemed to never drag on the floor, always perfectly connected to it. You find that it maintained a constant 'swim' of stars, the sewn decorations moving in a predictable direction.

You weren't sure if it's the nature of the place cause it to happen or if this was simply the way the blanket was made.

Either way, you moved on, keeping perfect pace with Ryan.

But it wasn't too far since you both were able to encounter more moving things. Yet these--unlike the shadows from earlier--had forms that were easily understandable, if abstract.

[2/3]

>>6201077
There were many sustenance leftovers that spread across this way and that; cans that dripped down from the ceiling, broken musical instruments stitched together like frankensteinian monsters, drawers and tables that mechanically walked on with their wooden legs, a neverending stream of confetti that melted like snow when touching the ground. And rather unnerving dolls, both broken and whole, of which they were prodigious in amount and quality.

Colors and scents and chaotic music swirled around, making you feel nauseous.

'Parade' indeed.

And then another creature emerged in the distance, its flickering and smog-like shape a clear tell that it was yet another 'Stranger'. This one, however, was larger than the rest. Its body was composed by the colors of the hallway behind you, merged together in a maddening fashion.

You and Ryan did not approach it, obviously. Instead you went alongside the bartender doubled back to find another route.

The creature seemed to slowly lumber towards the both of you, many arms slowly stretching towards you both. As such, in perfect unison, you and Ryan entered the blanket once more.

The place turned out to be labyrinthine, with doorways and hallways leading to twists and turns. The place would change more than once as you were both moving from it. Especially when coming back from a dead end.

Yet with methodical action the place was soon scoured, and soon enough you went back to where you came from. The creature from earlier was nowhere to be found.

And so, after what felt like an eternity, you both find what is certainly the exit.

After passing through a familiar hallway, the place were Dingo had been, you found a large wooden door on the ceiling divided this place and the outside.

You guided the way, opening it and finally leaving the place alongside Ryan.

The place was much better illuminated than before, granting you sight. Curiously, the blanket you and Ryan brought didn't seem to be around.

A homely woman was outside, taking rather loudly about something to some police officers and medical people.

Mimi was there, leaning against a wall and looking somewhat ill. She turned to you and smiled weakly.

You approached her first.

"Hey Johan. I think something I ate didn't sit well."

"Yeah, you don't look the best" you chuckled "but are you sure it's the quality instead of the amount you ate?"

She blew a raspberry at you, seemingly getting energy and in better spirits.

[3/4]

>>6201078
You were about to respond, but a sudden bout of exhaustion threatened to overwhelm you.

"Seems like Mrs. Tennessee is out. That can't be good" Ryan sighed before glancing back at you "I can handle the rest, lad" Ryan patted you on the shoulder "ye look like the nights of rest ye had forgotten just punched ye in the gut."

That was a rather apt description for your current feelings and mindset.

You glanced to see what Mimi thought. She gave you a thumbs up, pantomiming that Dingo was inside still. You're not sure why you didn't ask about that first. After inquiring to her what she wanted to do, she gifted you a shrug of her shoulders.

[4/4]

>"Thank you, Ryan." Take his offer, and take Mimi with you. This has been a long and difficult night.
>"It's fine, I want to see this through." And you're curious as to what the police were doing here and what the woman wanted.
>"I'd actually like to speak to Dingo." You wanted to see the man and how he was doing.
>Write-in.

After a few revisions of this and some real life things I had to do, I was able to eek this out. Thank you all for bearing with me!

>>6201083
>"I'd actually like to speak to Dingo." You wanted to see the man and how he was doing.

>>6201083
>"Thank you, Ryan." Take his offer, and take Mimi with you. This has been a long and difficult night.
We can touch base with Dingo tomorrow, probably... We need some rest, and Mimi ought to get home if she doesn't want to come back to our place...

>>6201100
>Speak With The Boss

>>6201177
>Take The Out

Will start rolling and writing in a few hours.
Seeing how my schedule is, I think I'll end the thread with the next update.

>>6204449
>spoiler
Fair enough... When do you figure we'll pick back up?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>6204457
Probably somewhere between the fifth to the seventh of March. If there's any changes to that I'll speak about it in the QTG, but I'm hoping I can begin to write even before the fifth.

>>6204449
>1 Dingo
>2 Takeout

Will hopefully start writing soon.

>>6204523
Right on, looking forward to it! And, of course, to this final update.

"Thank you, Ryan."

You really do mean it, despite the offer almost doesn't fully registering in you for a few seconds.

Ryan smiles, pats you on the shoulder again.

"Aye, I wish ye more luck than an old salt" said he.

The words 'Luck? What for?' are on the tip of your tongue, but him glancing at Mimi tells you what he's implying.

An opportunity presents itself here, no? This Ryan fellow seems to be a latent wingman.

It's best to take things slowly. Why rush in and ruin a perfectly good relationship?

Attempts or denials, it is best to simply decided on one matter and continue at it. To drag one's feet upon the throes of indecision is madness.

And yet despite the sudden pressure you still couldn't bring yourself to feel nervous. Mimi was, at the very least, a close friend. Perhaps not as familiar as you were with the Noirs--you'd still not talked about the corpse you found with them--but it was still something you were beginning to cherish.

Stifling another yawn, you were on the way out to the restaurant's parking lot long before you fully realized it. From what you could hear, it seemed like this 'Mrs. Tennessee' was engaged in a sort of shouting match with herself as the only participant. You had a strange feeling of missing out on something important, but wasn't life already filled with those? You were more interested in seeing how that old cowboy was holding up.

Pulling open the taxi's door, you get the distinct feeling that you're missing something. Or rather, someone.

And as that thought began to manifest into further pondering, another distinct feeling intensified: This time of someone looking at the back of your head. Chancing a glance, you look back to see the professional mime staring at you.

"Mademoiselle," you went to the other side and opened the door for her "your carriage."

"Thank you, my good sir." Mimi bowed theatrically and promptly flopped down to ride shotgun.

Moments of weary silence ooze on like molasses, feeling symbolic to the speed in which your taxi lurched forwards. Mimi was still staring at you. "So, what gives?" Was the expression she communicated. "Are we calling it a day?"

"That depends" you almost yawn out, trying your best to keep yourself awake "is there anywhere else you want to go?"

"Not really." She silently replied, putting an arm around herself, but then suddenly got a grin on her face. "Hey, let's drink that alcohol that bartender guy gave you."

[1/4]

>>6205387
"Maybe when I'm not in the middle of driving" you replied "I'm surprised you'd want to drink some more, especially considering that terrible drink you decided to down" you say, immediately regretting missing this opportunity that was handed to you. But you could always correct that course of action with a few words.

"You're not gonna let me live that one down, huh?"

"Maybe" you chuckled. You were starting to feel very familiar with her, almost as if you'd known her for years. Maybe you were just too tired to think properly "but I don't think I'd go out often for a drink."

"I didn't think so." She is strangely pensive for a few moments. "You've been experiencing nightmares and tons of weirdness recently, right? Some people would drink to deal with it."

"I never really felt the need" you likely weren't some sort of drunk before you'd lost your memories.

"Not even when a cute girl is right next to you?" Mimi gave you a smirk.

"Ah, so I'm assuming you want to go to a bar?" you guessed "or maybe to my place? I think there's a small recreational area where we can drink" to be completely honest you weren't sure what the rules were about bringing alcohol to a hotel room.

"Inviting a girl to your hotel room on the first date?" She smiles, a humorous glint in her eyes. "That's pretty forward, don't you think?" Mimi 'said', fluttering her eyelashes before going into that silent laugh of hers "Let's give this a little more time before we take the next step, alright?"

"You know I wasn't-" you stop yourself, trying your best not to fall for her bait. Obviously you wouldn't rush things. Especially when the connection between you two was budding. Mimi giggled in that silent way of hers once more.

Soon banter and laughter and voiced thoughts about the future, the past, and the present were all shared. And it continued onward, with discussions going this way and that about pantomiming, driving, and restaurant hopping. You see her smile, and return it happily.

And then it stopped. Unceremoniously, at that.

You were in front of her place of residence, which also doubled as her part-time job.

After exchanging goodbyes with Mimi, she got out. But after taking a few steps, she suddenly turned back and silently asked you to open the car's window. Curious, you obliged.

She stood there for a few seconds, trying to muster something up. And right before you were about to ask what was wrong, she spoke.

[2/4]

>>6205389
"Thank you," a very small and quiet voice said. Shy and demure, her tone was an almost perfect contrast to her smug and confident face. Though she'd already told you about this, it remained surprising, considering how animated, bubbly, and impish her personality was.

And another surprise followed after that-- with Mimi approaching you and giving you a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for everything." She repeated. Stepping back again, she gave a flourish and a bow. And you swear there is a faint hint of natural redness spreading across her face. You almost mistake it for her makeup. "This was fun. I'm looking forward to next time."

"I'll look forward to it too." You wished to say, but instead remained in perfect silence.

And with that she entered the Moonlight. Glancing into the cafe's window, you saw her gently kicking a small wall. A small mechanical noise was heard and a ladder fell down, clearly leading to the attic. With clear experience she climbed upwards to her room.

Feeling like you'd just snapped yourself from a trance, you find that you'd began to drive. The hotel was close by. It felt like it took forever to park, though paradoxically you felt like things were moving too quickly. You feared some foreign creature interfering with reality, though this was likely your worries intertwined with how tired you're feeling as you go in and out of sleep. After a quick glance at the cameras and double-checking everything in the vehicle, you walk to the hotel.

A part of you thanks your own good fortune, feeling happy that you didn't suffer from any car accidents in recent memory. In fact, you're feeling pretty happy in general.

Greeting the receptionist, you find your happiness is unreciprocated. Not paying that much mind, you asked her about what the status was when concerning spirits (the drink, not ghosts or any paranormal madness you've been experiencing) and bringing over friends or family.

She responded to your inquiries with nods and one-word answers; and in this way you came to find out that the place was surprisingly pretty lax when concerning alcohol. However she did recommend, going as far as to use a 'corporate disclaimer' for this, that you try out the 'pure refreshing beverages of Hotel Oasis, finding that little paradise in the desert' instead. As for bringing in guests, she reiterated what she'd said before and requested that you have any potential guests go through procedures (which only really included making her know that they were here).

You thanked her for your time, obtaining in response a fake smile and some corporate slogan you're too tired to pay attention to.

And soon you're in your room. You put the food away in the refrigerator, then head to your bed after a quick change of clothes.

[3/3]

>>6205391
A feeling of falling quickly overtakes you, dragging you down into a slumber. Thoughts mingle and mix, bringing about new memories and teasing old ones like different tastes of food and drink.

Some bitter, some sour, a few that were sweet, others had spice, even a savory one or two.

Your rush, if you could call it that, was slowly fading away. However, something else emerged.

You find yourself in a familiar place.

[4/4]

Thank you for reading the fifth installment of One Life.

It'll return between the fifth and the seventh of March. Hope to see you guys then!

Archive link for this thread:
http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6169408/

>>6205394
Thanks for running, QM! Mimi a cute, and the mystery is approaching cirtical mass, methinks.

>>6205394
Thanks for continuing to run this, QM. See you soon.