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734610 No. 734610 ID: fba208

Chapter 2: The Chapter Where Shit Finally Happens


Chapter 1 - http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/722585.html
Discussion Thread - http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/99721.html
343 posts omitted. Last 100 shown. Expand all images
>>
No. 875126 ID: 830fb7

>>875120
and if that doesn't work start throwing books at him.
>>
No. 875127 ID: ffa7ee

I forgot to put my username in my previous post.

Oh, since you guys are probably gonna fight, I'll just do this. *clears Throat*


HEAVEN OR HELL! DUEL 1! LET'S ROCK!!


Anyways, 3 bucks on Ryuu.
>>
No. 875147 ID: 9876c4

Kick him in the jimmy?
>>
No. 875216 ID: 69d4b9

When in doubt, resort to absurdism to buy time. Demand that he prove he's not hiding any illicit tools in his pants, since he's putting restrictions on what sorts of tools are acceptable for this fight.

While you dicker with him about that, you'll be buying time for your allies to wrap up and dishonorably help you gang up on this twit.
>>
No. 875245 ID: 75f586

How good ARE you in close combat?
Like you’ve got the book and gun but do you know how to box?
Given this guy’s sense of honor, you might be able to take him-I could see him purposefully not using his tail if you meet him in honorable combat as he desires.
Not a GREAT idea but I can’t think of a good trick we can use to buy us more than a few seconds of waiting time.
>>
No. 876960 ID: d2aae1
File 152278049008.png - (168.75KB , 1500x1500 , 101.png )
876960

>>874914

>>875245
>How good ARE you in close combat?
>Like you’ve got the book and gun but do you know how to box?
>Given this guy’s sense of honor, you might be able to take him-I could see him purposefully not using his tail if you meet him in honorable combat as he desires.

I have absolutely no skill in close quarters combat. At all. I have no hope beating this guy in a fist fight.

>>875120
>Well I've got one good idea left. Tell him that he's being more dishonorable than you are, considering he's beating up on an opponent much weaker than him, not able to fight back.

>If that doesn't work, yer screwed. Sorry.


Hmmm... If I changed my argument slightly... That could work.

Plan C! Skip the props, and go straight into the bluff.

Slowly rising, I quickly hash out some words in my head. Ryuu keeps his eyes locked on me, watching my hands for any other tools I might take out. He doesn't approach, giving me the time I need to organize my thoughts.

Ann "F-For all your talk about honor, you've broken so many different rules in this duel."

Ryuu "Wh-What!? Just what are you talking about."

He took the bait. Alright, let's sell this!

Ann "You challenged me, but you attacked first. It's customary to offer the challenged party the first strike."

Ryuu "R-Really? It is? But you shot at me with a firearm!"

Ann "You didn't set the boundaries for the duel, such as the allowance of weapons or Energia. All's fair unless otherwise stated."

Ryuu "P-Preposterous! I have taken part in numerous duels, and have read the official guidebook on the topic. None of these supposed rules you've mentioned were written even once!"

Ann "Oh, well... Y-You wouldn't find those rules in one of your rule books. They're human rules."

Ryuu "Ah ha! We're not on the first Tier. The rules you've just stated hold no merit here!"

Ann "Well..." You're losing him, Ann! Say something!

Ann "Tell me, how old are you?"

Ryuu "How old am I? Would you prefer the answer in 'years'?"

Ann "If you can."

Ryuu "I am currently 26.32 years of age."

Ann "Well, I'm only sixteen. N-Normally, unless otherwise agreed upon, duels follow the rules of the younger party's homeland. Aren't you familiar with Earth's rules?"

Ryuu "I-I have not..."

He's cracking. Finish him!

Ryuu "W-W-Wait! If the age rule is one of your Tier 1 rules-"

Ann "Sorry, but it isn't. The "Youth Advantage" is one of Towne's official guidelines for duels. This castle lies on Towne soil, and has not been certified as an embassy for any other Tier. Therefore, you've broken the rules of the city we're in!"

Ryuu "AaaaaaAAAHHH!!!"

His defeated scream is like music to my ears. Looks like the bluff worked.
>>
No. 876961 ID: d2aae1
File 152278056423.png - (196.63KB , 1500x1500 , 102.png )
876961

>>876960

Ryuu "Tengan! I've made a horrible mistake! What should I do?!"

He shouts towards the guard wearing sunglasses, who hastily pins Gina to the ground with a massive hand.

Tengan "Hoshi, this better not be another one of your honor freakouts. I'm a little busy!"

Ryuu "You don't understand! I broke all of the rules!..."

He's distracted. I have a few minutes to think.

Janny "Anything I can do to help?"

Ann "Uhh... Depends. What's your Energia?"

Janny "I can rotate small items 180 degrees, but I have to flip my hat around before I can do it again."

That's a... That's a weird one. Can I do anything with that?"

Ann "What's your range?"

Janny "One and a half meters."

Okay, less helpful then I was hoping for. Unless...

Ann "Can you reverse velocity?"

Janny "Y-Yeah!"
>>
No. 876964 ID: d2aae1
File 152278088403.png - (131.71KB , 1500x1500 , 103.png )
876964

>>876961


I peer past Tailman, and see my gun close to the wall behind him. I note everything I can about it.

I fired two blunts, so the next four shots should be:
-Gust
-Oil
-Oil
-Fire

It's facing away from Ryuu and I, but it's about 5 meters away from us. If I ran for it, Ryuu would definitely see me. Even in his current state, I don't think he'd be willing to let that slide. Maybe I could send Janny? At her height, she may not register to him. Then again, I think there's a better way to use her power than that...

Gina will definitely be able to handle her opponent, but I can't tell how Logan's doing. He's certainly against the black-skinned guard, but I can't get a good view of them. Between Sunglasses' hands and Gina's blasts of fire, it's difficult to see the other side of the room. I'll just have to hope that he's handling himself well.

...We need to wrap things up here fast. We don't have the time for all this back and forth. Every second we waste here, is another second B-Team is in danger. If we want to help them, we can't stay here.

This plan had better work...
>>
No. 879343 ID: ffa7ee

So after weeks of thinking, I can't think of a good plan. So just yell LEEROY JENKINS as loud as you can, or something like that and just run around shooting randomly.
>>
No. 879624 ID: d2aae1
File 152419955971.gif - (3.11MB , 1200x1200 , 104.gif )
879624

>>876964

>>879343
>So after weeks of thinking, I can't think of a good plan. So just yell LEEROY JENKINS as loud as you can, or something like that and just run around shooting randomly.


Well, I'd need to get my gun back before I could do anything like that. Also, that's not a good plan. I'll stick with my own.

I whisper the details of my idea to Janny, who nods in affirmation. Assuming she can pull her part off without a hitch, then I can focus on executing my own role properly.

Deep breaths, Ann. This will work. This will work, or we are fucked.


PHASE 1: GET THE GUN

With the best precision I can muster, I summon my book directly over my revolver's trigger. Whether or not this will work, I cannot say.

Regardless, I prepare myself to catch it. Once that gust shot fires, I'm going to have to snatch my revolver right out of the air.
>>
No. 879625 ID: d2aae1
File 152419957887.gif - (698.01KB , 1200x1200 , 105.gif )
879625

>>879624
>>
No. 879626 ID: 094652

*Drumroll*
>>
No. 879635 ID: 9876c4

You're brilliant, Ann.

I sometimes forget that, but it's true.
>>
No. 879647 ID: 75f586

...I’m officially dumb.
You can control the position of where you summon your book. In the duel with lizard you might have been able to bop him on the head or intercept his tail-swings.
>>
No. 882890 ID: d2aae1
File 152563682101.gif - (946.12KB , 1200x1200 , 106.gif )
882890

>>879625


The sudden blast of air snaps Ryuu out of his panic.

Ryuu "What the-"

After spinning around to find the origin of the sound, the revolver whizzes right past Ryuu.

I try to follow its path with my hand, so that I can catch it.

It gets closer and closer, until finally...
>>
No. 882891 ID: d2aae1
File 152563702249.gif - (366.70KB , 1200x1200 , 107.gif )
882891

>>882890


BWAP!

With the dexterity of a drunk sloth, my outstretched hand doesn't even touch the weapon. The gun painfully collides with my face.

I catch it before it falls to the ground, but the moment is irreversibly ruined.

What matters is that I have the revolver. Now we can move on to-


PHASE 2: RELOAD

Those oil shots aren't going to do much for me right now. I need at least one blunt for my plan.

My hand dives into my right pouch, and pulls out a small handful of shots. When I find a splash of red among them, I drop the rest.

Ryuu "What did you... Were you lying to me!?"

Ann "Of course not. I was just-"

Tengan "Ryuu! Stop listening to the enemy!"

Ryuu "Grr... I apologize, but I cannot accept the rules you presented on word alone. Until I am able to confirm your claims myself, I must assume that they are false. Therefore..."

I finish loading right as he begins rushing towards me.

Ryuu "I shall not permit you to use weapons in this duel!"

With the fighter coming increasingly close, I fire directly towards him.
>>
No. 882943 ID: 830fb7

Say something like “wait, isn’t it only honorable to have both party’s know of the of the rules of engagement in a duel becouse what would happen if I was not knowledgeable about a certain rule and broke it would that not invalidate your so sorely sort after honour duel. Plus invalidating the customs of the other partisapents world for an advantage only to ones self is in itself dishonourable would you deny me my right to having an honourable battle and throw away your honour for no reason.”
>>
No. 882962 ID: 9876c4

Empty the cylinder in his direction. fast as you can.

They might not all help, but every projectile is a chance for a turnaround.
Do your best Bob Munden impression (or your world's equivalent)
>>
No. 884260 ID: ffa7ee

Alright, spawn the book in front of him, and try to stun him.

Then, shoot him with everything you've got.
>>
No. 884606 ID: d2aae1
File 152648533958.png - (157.74KB , 1500x1500 , 108.png )
884606

>>882891

>>882962
>Empty the cylinder in his direction. fast as you can.

>They might not all help, but every projectile is a chance for a turnaround.

>>884260
>Alright, spawn the book in front of him, and try to stun him.

>Then, shoot him with everything you've got.


There's no need for me to do anything like that. With this one blunt shot...
>>
No. 884607 ID: d2aae1
File 152648541911.gif - (741.90KB , 1200x1200 , 109.gif )
884607

>>884606


...I'll turn the tables on him.


PHASE 3: AIM FOR JANNY
>>
No. 884615 ID: ffa7ee

>>884607
I'm gonna be a bit pessimistic here, but I can see so many ways this could go wrong.

For example, are you sure the blunt bullet will incapacitate him? Even if he doesn't dodge with those reflexes of his, I remember the last time a blunt bullet was fired at the back of someones head resulted in you getting knocked out.

Now that I think about it, bullets are approximately twice the speed of sound; meaning this Ryuu guy could see the bullet coming, and dodge it, all before the gunshot could even be heard. FUCK.
>>
No. 885764 ID: d2aae1
File 152711508481.gif - (506.32KB , 1200x1200 , 110.gif )
885764

>>884607

>>884615
>I'm gonna be a bit pessimistic here, but I can see so many ways this could go wrong.

For example, are you sure the blunt bullet will incapacitate him? Even if he doesn't dodge with those reflexes of his, I remember the last time a blunt bullet was fired at the back of someones head resulted in you getting knocked out.


I don't think he'll be incapacitated by the impact. The shot will probably lose quite a bit of speed before it hits him, so it's rather unlikely. I don't need him to be incapacitated (although that would save me a step), I just need a distraction.

The blunt shot immediately switches momentum in front of Janny. It didn't pause, and she didn't make any sort of sudden movement. It simply reached her hands, and began moving towards Ryuu.

His combat senses betray him, as it hits him right in the cranium.

Ryuu "Guh! Wh- a rebound!?"

I'm moving from the moment his head ducks down. There isn't much space between us, but I quickly position myself appropriately...

...and then I jump.
>>
No. 885765 ID: d2aae1
File 152711530442.png - (173.54KB , 1500x1500 , 111.png )
885765

>>885764


Ann "Gotcha!"

This is the riskiest part of the plan, and the most important to get right.


FINAL PHASE: PIN THE TAIL

At my shout, he opens his eyes. His pupils shrink, and his tail spring to life. It was clear that he didn't intend to get tackled, and was about to swat me away with his tail.

Instead, I grab his tail with my free hand, and hold it tightly against his body.

Under normal circumstances, I'm rather certain he would have been able to overpower my arm. In this case, however, I'd caught him completely by surprise. He doesn't have enough time to try and get me off, before I collide with him. The collision knocks us both to the floor, with me on top of him. I don't let go of his tail until our momentum halts. It doesn't feel great on my hand, but it's better than being whacked by his extra limb.
>>
No. 885860 ID: 160d22

Good, now keep him there. Preferably in an unconscious state.
>>
No. 885954 ID: 094652

BEGIN inappropriate tailfapping and WEIRD. HIM. OUT.
>>
No. 886176 ID: 69d4b9

>>885765
According to his culture, you've just made him your wife. Congratulations.
>>
No. 886874 ID: d2aae1
File 152765844078.gif - (672.76KB , 1200x1200 , 112.gif )
886874

>>885765

>>885954
>BEGIN inappropriate tailfa-


No.

Before Ryuu can move, I aim for his head. The threat is clear. I can feel him shifting under me, likely trying to untuck his tail from underneath both of our weights. I move my gun closer to him, and state a command.

Ann "Concede."

He's silent for a moment, before nodding his head.

Ryuu "Very well. I concede this duel to you... Um..."

Ann "What now?"

Ryuu "Urk! I apologize profusely, but I failed to ask your name before we began. Yet another mistake on my end. I am deeply sorry for the poor first impression I must have made for my kingdom!"

Ann "Oh, no, that's... It's fine. My name is Ann. Ann Pepper." I'm starting to feel bad for tricking this guy. It's way too easy.

Ryuu "R-Right. Thank you. I, Ryuu Hoshi, concede victory to you, Ann Pepper. You may remove yourself from my chest. I will not lash out at you further."

Carefully, watching for any sudden movements, I crawl off of his chest. We both rise from the floor, and he holds up his hands in a sign of surrender.

Tengan "Ryuu, what the hell! Did you let that kid win?"

Ryuu turns towards his ally to speak.

Ryuu "I apologize, Tengan, but I was outmaneuvered. I have surrendered victory, and will wait by the sidelines until this battle is over."

Tengan "Seriously!"

Turning back, Ryuu addresses me.

Ryuu "I shall wait patiently by the staircase to see the results of my this encounter. Afterwards, I will either assist my allies in escorting your party to a confinement room, or assist them to the medical room."

Ann "Alright. You're not... You won't stop me if I try to help my friends, saying that I shouldn't interfere with their own duels. Right?"

Ryuu "Hmph! While I hold my own opinions on proper battle etiquette, I cannot deny that my allies hold a looser definition. Do as you will."

He marches off towards the staircase, where he silently observes the room. I don't think we'll have to worry about him for now.

Janny "Ann!"

The smaller woman runs up to me, still grinning widely.

Janny "That was great! Excellent! A third adjective!"

Ann "Thanks. Nice work on your end. It's too early to celebrate though. There are still two other guar-"

Gina "AHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Tengan "EEEEEEEK!"
>>
No. 886911 ID: ffa7ee

>>886874

Heheh. Tengan screams like a little girl.

You have gas bullets in there, right? Shoot em at Tengan, it'll take him down much quicker with all the fire Gina's making. He'd be burnt to a crisp, like fried chicken.
>>
No. 888768 ID: d2aae1
File 152892179083.png - (163.41KB , 1500x1500 , 113.png )
888768

>>886874


Gina "What's wrong!? Can't stand a bit of HEAT!?"

Tengan "St-stay back!"

Gina "Go ahead! Slap me away again!"

Tengan "..."

Gina "Even if you make them big, they're still just your hands. That means, I can still burn 'em."

Tengan "Don't come any closer!"

Gina "Hope you enjoyed tossing me around this room. Looks like it's my turn."

Gina marches closer to him, the fire surrounding her following her movements. In seconds, the guard would be scalded if he didn't mov-

Tengan "Forget it! I surrender! I'm not melting for the royal pain-in-the-ass!"

Gina "..."

Ann "..."

Janny "..."

Hoshi "...Hmph. Absolutely no honor..."

Gina "..Seriously?"

Tengan "Yeeeaah, I'm gonna say yes. Don't get me wrong; I'd give my life for the queen, but her nephew isn't worth a papercut."

Gina "But... But that's not okay. I was supposed to be burning you now. After getting knocked around like that, I really needed to be burning someone right now."

Tengan "And I'm giving you free reign to make that someone Prattford. Are you saying that's not good enough?"

Gina "It's not that it isn't good enough, it's that it was supposed to be you too..."

Tengan "Hoshi's already lost, so all I've gotta do is call off Xavier. Then, you and your posse can pass."

Gina "Ann this isn't right, right? I'm supposed to get to hurt him now. Tell me I'm not crazy."

Ann "Well... We should really be focused on Prattford, so-"

Gina "Right, shut up. Logan, I'm not crazy, ri-"

Logan "AAAAAAAAAA!"

I wasn't paying attention before, but the screech dragged my eyes towards the opposite side of the room. I was just in time to witness...


Logan's uppercut flew quickly, and dragged the man into the air by his chin. He almost hit the ceiling, before crashing back into the ground.

There was, a noteworthy period where nobody spoke. Soon, when the man indicated that he was still alive, conversation seemed to come back to us.

Tengan "Jeez! I was just about to tell him we were quitting. You didn't have to go and break his jaw."

Logan "Wh-Wh-What?"

Tengan "Xavier, you alright?"

He doesn't so much as answer, as he does groan in pain.

Tengan "Eh, he's taken worse. Still, pretty ruthless attack kid."

Logan "Huh? B-B-B-B-But I- He- Uh..."

Gina "Logan, it's fine. It's handy's fault for not stopping things earlier. Which is all the more reason-"

Ann "Gina, We don't have time for this! We need to get a move on." I gather up the bullets I'd dropped earlier, and dump them into my bag.

Janny "I'll go check on Mr. Sleepyhead. You guys go on without me."

Wendy "Um, r-right."

Logan "Wait, then, w-w-we won?"

Ann "Yes, now move!"

Gina "Grrr... Damnit! I'm coming back for shades when this is all done!"

Tengan "Hoshi, grab Xavier. We're falling back to the medical room. Afterwards, I might look into transferring to another Tier."

Gina "Pussy!"
>>
No. 888833 ID: 3cd01b

We need to have a talk about your violent tendencies, Gina.
>>
No. 888839 ID: 9876c4

Gina, someone needs to sit you down by a campfire, and tell you a little story about Target Fixation.

...Not It.
>>
No. 888854 ID: 69d4b9

>>888768
Ann this is why I was telling you mercy's for people who know what they're doing. You're all green at this. Maybe you'll pull it off anyway and not kill the next band of goons you get intercepted by, but it'll be equal parts dumb luck and willful action.
>>
No. 889500 ID: d2aae1
File 152951326541.gif - (2.14MB , 1200x1200 , 114.gif )
889500

>>888768

>>888833
>We need to have a talk about your violent tendencies, Gina.

>>888839
>Gina, someone needs to sit you down by a campfire, and tell you a little story about Target Fixation.

>...Not It.


Oh, piss off! If he'd made you into a human racquetball, you'd wanna knock his lights out too.

The door we need to reach is only a short distance away. Ann reloads her gun as we run, while Wendy watches our rear. Problems arise as soon as we arrive.

Ann "Where's the support team? Alan, Akane, and Orson are supposed to be watching this door."

Wendy "I lost track of them with their attack team. Most likely... they went in after them."

Ann "You were reading their minds, right? Did you catch anything about what they were doing before they stopped giving signals?"

Wendy "No. I can't watch all of the teams at once. I had to cycle through them, one at a time. I only saw B-Team on the way to this door. By the time I got back to them..."

Gina "Then we don't have any time to waste. Let's go kick this prince's ass!"

Ann "Wendy, you should stay behind us."

Wendy "R-Right... I'm not suited for combat."

I pull open the door, ready for whatever waits on the other-

...
>>
No. 889726 ID: 094652

>>889500
Gang, you're stunned! Get to cover and rationalize whatever you just saw!
>>
No. 889802 ID: 9876c4

For real. Come up with the best explanation for what happened.

One for the books.
>>
No. 891315 ID: d2aae1
File 153083166749.png - (178.77KB , 1500x1500 , 115.png )
891315

>>889726
>Gang, you're stunned! Get to cover and rationalize whatever you just saw!

Gina "..."

Ann "..."

Logan "..."

Prattford "Hello there. I was wondering if more people would be coming by. I suppose this is an organized infiltration then? That, or I've severely overestimated my guards."

He speaks casually, like he doesn't have a care in the world.

Prattford "Hang on a minute... That's right! You're the girls from the market!"

He claps his hands together happily.

Prattford "Wonderful! I was absolutely correct in judging you as criminals. I'm so glad you've gifted me yet another chance to punish you. No interruptions from cloud boy this time. You'll face the full extent of your crimes."

Gina "..."

I want to say something in response, but...

Prattford "Oh? Nothing to say? Could it be... Do you know these people?"
>>
No. 891316 ID: d2aae1
File 153083169650.png - (133.10KB , 1500x1500 , 116.png )
891316

>>891315

Prattford "These fools came by a short while ago. They actually tried to arrest me! Can you believe it?"

Gina "..."
>>
No. 891317 ID: d2aae1
File 153083172755.png - (138.21KB , 1500x1500 , 117.png )
891317

>>891316

Prattford "Naturally, I didn't comply."

Gina "..."
>>
No. 891318 ID: d2aae1
File 153083182572.png - (194.61KB , 1500x1500 , 118.png )
891318

>>891317

Prattford "If you can believe it, they attacked me! It was... honestly quite pathetic. Still, I don't think you can blame me for this. After all..."

Prattford "Assaulting me is tantamount to suicide."

I say nothing. There's nothing to say.

I act.
>>
No. 891374 ID: 094652

>I act
Okay, but be smart about it.

Can you channel your rage to set the ground on lava or something?
>>
No. 891375 ID: 10c408

Can you set him, throne and all, on fire? that might be the best opener you'll get.
>>
No. 891397 ID: 69d4b9

We're gonna kill him right? Right?

You have to leverage your numbers advantage. Be rentlentless as a group. Give him the hotfoot while Logan yells at him. Ann might shoot him with one of her gimmick rounds or something, but don't count on it actually doing more than distracting. He'll know how to put up a water barrier to slow a bullet. The point is to overwhelm his defenses and not give him a chance to properly attack.

So do it! Take down this sick filth!
>>
No. 892569 ID: d2aae1
File 153149759154.png - (240.05KB , 1500x1500 , 119.png )
892569

>>891318

>>891374
>Okay, but be smart about it.

>Can you channel your rage to set the ground on lava or something?


I can't do that.


>>891397
>We're gonna kill him right? Right?


I fucking wish.


>>891375
>Can you set him, throne and all, on fire? that might be the best opener you'll get.


This guy gets it.

I coat myself in fire, and blast towards him as fast as I can. I
won't give him the chance to make another tidal wave. I aim a
flaming punch squarely for his jaw.

Prattford falls through his throne.

-!

Prattford "Heh. How predictable."
>>
No. 892570 ID: d2aae1
File 153149777842.png - (153.64KB , 1500x1500 , 120.png )
892570

>>892569


The fucking throne was made out of water! Dyed water! He must
have been using his power to hold it up this whole time.

The damn chair springs to life, crashing me into the floor, and-
fuck. Fuck fuck fucking shit! The exact scenario I wanted to
avoid occurs, and I'm lying on the floor unable to breathe.

Prattford "Honestly, I don't know how you made it past the guards.
Even with an Energia like yours, they should really know how to
handle someone as obvious as you. Perhaps I've been paying them too much. A few salary cuts should-"

Logan "Hey!"

Prattford "GAH- OOF!"
>>
No. 892736 ID: 9876c4

Yessss

Gawwing and Oofling is how we win.
>>
No. 892738 ID: 094652

Hey, is the castle made of water?

BOIL
>>
No. 893756 ID: d2aae1
File 153204983519.png - (155.95KB , 1500x1500 , 121.png )
893756

>>892570


I hit him while he's rambling, and I honestly don't understand how that worked. This suit isn't quiet at all. He must have been really absorbed in that monologue.

The water around Gina dissipates, and I quickly pull her to her feet.

Gina "Th-Thanks-"

I quickly pull her back, as the spilled water tries to latch onto her legs. Turning left, I see that Prattford had made a full recovery.

Prattford "What a pathetic punch. All strength, but no accuracy."

I was positive I'd gotten him, but I could see his crown warped into itself on the ground. I must have thrown that hit too high. He probably only fell over because my arm bumped him mid-swing. He wasn't even phased-

Wait, no, his legs are shaking like maracas. That definitely scared him.

I take an intimidating step forward.

Prattford "S-Stay back!"

He throws his hand out, and a massive wave knocks me back. Gina throws a blast of flame towards him, but he creates a liquid shield to protect himself.

Prattford's on the defensive. We'll need to find some way to break through his shields if we want to beat him.
>>
No. 893768 ID: 69d4b9

Just destroy the ceiling. He can't stop you, and Gina, and Ann's gun, and a quarter ton of masonry can he?
>>
No. 893771 ID: 2a13fa

We'll probably need an attack from multiple angles, and with a lot of force behind it. Ann could summon her book directly in Prattford's face right before the attack to distract/blind him, or above his head to bonk him. Gina could keep him on the defensive by spamming fireballs his way.
>>
No. 893870 ID: 5b93d3

>>893756
Logan, have you heard of the concept of an Aerospike? A projection in front of an object moving quickly through a fluid creases a shockwave that pushes the fluid out of the way of the body behind it. It allows non-streamlined objects to travel though the air at higher speeds in the 'bubble' of air created behind.
Next time Pratford tries to send a wall of water at you, try throwing the fastest punch you can at it.
>>
No. 896364 ID: d2aae1
File 153369924540.png - (326.21KB , 1500x1500 , 122.png )
896364

>>893756

>>893768
>Just destroy the ceiling. He can't stop you, and Gina, and Ann's gun, and a quarter ton of masonry can he?


A few issues with that plan. First off, while I did leave a small crater in a wall, bringing down the ceiling is probably asking too much of this suit. Secondly, Gina, Ann, and I would probably get crushed with Prattford. Thirdly, that's not even counting in the fact that he could shield himself with water, potentially catching large chunks of debris. So... I don't think that's a great plan. Sorry.


>>893771
>We'll probably need an attack from multiple angles, and with a lot of force behind it. Ann could summon her book directly in Prattford's face right before the attack to distract/blind him, or above his head to bonk him. Gina could keep him on the defensive by spamming fireballs his way.


I agree, that's the best way to approach. I just need to figure out how I should help...


>>893870
>Logan, have you heard of the concept of an Aerospike? A projection in front of an object moving quickly through a fluid creases a shockwave that pushes the fluid out of the way of the body behind it. It allows non-streamlined objects to travel though the air at higher speeds in the 'bubble' of air created behind.
>Next time Pratford tries to send a wall of water at you, try throwing the fastest punch you can at it.


Hmm... I have heard of aerospikes before, but only offhandedly. If you think it will work, then I guess I could try.

I rush towards him. He sees me coming, and puts up a wall of water between us. The red liquid that was once his throne seemed to be losing its dye. Before he can use it to knock me back, I send an open palmed punch right through it.

...

I stand there with my arm shoved into his water wall, and question if something was supposed to happen. The water begins crawling up my arm, as I struggle to pull it out.

Gina shoves me away, and blasts away the approaching water. Prattford pulls it back, shielding himself.

Gina "Logan, fall back!"

I'm about to respond, when Ann drags me back. She whispers into my ear.

Ann "Head to the door, and shout for people to come. "B-Team found Prattford." They'll start coming."

Oh! Reinforcements, right. You nod to Ann, and run to the entrance. You take a deep breath in preparation.

Ann "Gina! Wendy! Brace yourselves!"

Gina "Huh? Oh, shit!"

Wendy "R-Right."

Prattford "What? What are you doi-"

Logan "B-TEAM FOUND PRATTFORD!!! PLEASE COME HERE!!!"

Prattford "Grah!"
>>
No. 896365 ID: 094652

So are you going to scream at him until he goes deaf? Or just puts up a water shield around himself? And then the sound waves in water rupture his vital organs?

Whatever you do, make sure your reinforcements are on YOUR side.
>>
No. 896631 ID: 9876c4

>>896365
That's actually not a bad plan, even if all it does is buy us time.

Gina, hit him with a curtain of fire. Logan find a tube and scream into the water shield. Ann's book would work to some extent.
>>
No. 897502 ID: 094652

>Doppelganger Card
Well OBVIOUSLY you should use it on Sir Prickett here as a disguise, so you can order the remaining guards to stand down while you take the prince to a safe, dry, and BURNING place for interrogation.
>>
No. 899262 ID: 2a13fa

If the doppelganger card works on people, would it theoretically be possible to use it to turn prattford into someone else? I'm not sure whether the effect is visual or physical or how much so; if the latter to the point where it grants similar properties (such as powers), it would be an easy win to turn Prattford into, say, Ann.

If that's not an option, if you could fire a blunt and a gust immediately after, you could get a super high velocity shot that he might not be able to react to. However, you'd probably need him distracted and not focusing on you, or he'd know you're firing at him. You'd also need very good aim; a headshot would be optimal.
>>
No. 900224 ID: d2aae1
File 153596003642.png - (161.00KB , 1500x1500 , 123.png )
900224

I'm an idiot, and deleted these posts by mistake. Oops.

>>896364

>>896365
>So are you going to scream at him until he goes deaf? Or just puts up a water shield around himself? And then the sound waves in water rupture his vital organs?

>Whatever you do, make sure your reinforcements are on YOUR side.


I made sure not to say what room we were in, so only the people who were there for the planning session should be coming.

I turn to look at Prattford, and see him holding off Gina still. He's not covering himself in water, but I can see him keeping an eye on Ann and I. I think he's anticipating more shouts from me, and more shots from Ann. For Gina's sake, I'll refrain while she's close to him.

As for Ann... She's just standing there. She's watching from a distance, and keeping a hand on her gun. Knowing her, she's probably thinking.

Wendy is trying to wake up one of the kids from B-Team. She sees me watching her, and waves me towards her. I run up, and see what she needs.

Wendy "Could you try to get Cory up? Akane won't wake, and I'm scared that Orson... P-Please take a look at him."

I nod, and slowly start shaking the child. He quietly groans, but doesn't wake up at all. I try shaking him slightly harder, to no success.

His pulse was steady, so he wasn't dead, thankfully. That would be tragic. But, he isn't waking up...

I take a deep breath. I can't scream too loudly this close to him, or I might damage his hearing. I need to hit just the right volume.

Logan "Cory! Wake up!"

A few seconds pass. With a pained groan, his eyes stare into mine.

Cory "...What? What happened?"

Logan "A-Support and C-Support are here t-to help. Others t-t-too, soon."

Cory "A and... C. Prattford." He turns his head, and watches Gina blast a powerful wave into thousands of droplets. He turns a bit farther, and sees-

Cory "A-Akane!"

He tries to get up, but winces when he tries to stand. I examine his leg, but I don't see any signs of a break. He may have sprained it, however. He fumbles about for the deck box hanging from his neck, and only then notices the card in his hand. He reads it, and sighs in relief.

Cory "I cast Mending on Simon The Rabbit."

The card dissolves into a green aura. It wraps itself around the girl's rabbit, causing Wendy to back away. The aura replaces stuffing, sews the plush's tears, and even cleans the collected dirt off of it. After a short show, the green glow vanishes. Akane shoots up moments afterwards. She gasps for air, as though she was previously choking.

Wendy "Akane, are you alright? Take deep breaths."

Cory "What else is here...?" He picks up the other two cards off the floor. After a short examination, he shows one of them to me.
>>
No. 900226 ID: d2aae1
File 153596019322.png - (205.96KB , 1500x1500 , 124.png )
900226

>>900224


The text on it reads Doppelganger, and an image depicts a young boy changing his veggies into cupcakes.

Logan "...?"

Cory "It's for you. I'm taking sis and Simon home, but you can have this."

I take the card from him, and examine it. There isn't any other explanatory text, but the effect should be obvious. Cory still explains, helpfully.

Cory "Um... You need two things, and that lets you make the first thing like the second. But, it doesn't work on everything. Oh, and they have to be around the same size, or it doesn't work."
>>
No. 900227 ID: d2aae1
File 153596022423.png - (237.62KB , 1500x1500 , 125.png )
900227

>>900226


Cory slowly limps to his sister, and pokes her in the back. She turns to see him, and he shows her a card.

Akane "Huh? But, shouldn't we stay to help beat up Prince?"

Cory "No, I don't think so. Orson and Robot died, and I think Alan left already, so we should go too, and I'm the leader, so what I say goes."

Akane "Aww, but I liked Orson. He was happy and colorful and nice."

Cory "Yep. Now he's mostly blue."

Akane "That is a nice color though."

Cory "Come on. I cast Portal or me and Akane. Take us home."

A purple aura spins around the children, eventually blocking them from sight. When it clears, neither of them are in the room.

Wendy moves on to helping Orson, while I-

Ann "Alright, I have an idea."

..go help Ann with whatever her plan is.
>>
No. 900228 ID: d2aae1
File 153596027846.png - (244.00KB , 1500x1500 , 126.png )
900228

>>900227

>>897502
>Well OBVIOUSLY you should use it on Sir Prickett here as a disguise, so you can order the remaining guards to stand down while you take the prince to a safe, dry, and BURNING place for interrogation.


...I think I'll just give it to Ann. Not that your plan is bad, but... it's not exactly good... I mean, the guards haven't been an issue at all, we don't have anything Prattford sized on hand, and we haven't had much luck apprehending Prattford so far. I'll just... give it to Ann. She can make better use of it.

I run over to her, and she starts speaking before I can offer her the card.

Ann "Logan, I need you to distract Prattford for a moment. Approach from the left, and act like you're going to shout. Don't actually scream though. I'm going to give Gina a clean shot at this guy. You're going to be without air for up to a minute though, so take a deep breath when he sees you."

I nod my head. Even without all of the fine details, I know that I can trust Ann. Whatever her plan is, she's confident in it.

Gina dodges to the right, almost getting caught up in a wave. As Prattford is launching his water towards her, I take the opportunity to rush forward.

Our eyes meet. As he holds his left hand defensively, protecting himself from Gina's assault, I take in a large breath.

His pupils dilate in fear, as he uses his right hand to lock my head in a watery cage. I shut my mouth, and try to hold my breath for as long as I can. The water feels like it's strangling me. It hurts.

I hear Gina shout something, but it's quickly interrupted by a loud piercing BANG!

...

I fire at Prattford.

With his hands at both sides, holding off my friends, I have a clean shot on him.

The next few seconds feel like they play out in slow-motion. Prattford turns to see me fire.

He takes a glance at Logan, and drops him to try and block the shot. Had I fired a normal bullet, he probably would not have had the time to do this. However, that risked killing him. Highly immoral for one thing, and also one of our worst options. A blunt on the other hand would have just been caught in his water veil. It looks like I made the right choice.

The contents of my shot splash against his water wall. One of three things would happen next, all dependent on how his Energia works. Either the oil will float inside of the water, before eventually falling out like the dye did; the oil will surface on either Prattford or Gina's side of the shield, or it will completely pass through.

It turns out to be the latter, as the oil pierces straight through his water shield. The oil splashes into Prattford's face. He screams, as he drops his water to wipe the oil off, having been blinded by it. Logan drops to the ground, and the shield between him and Gina lowers. She grins devilishly.

She reels back her full-body flames, and throws one fire filled punch right into his face. He gets launched back into the wall, and a small fire starts on his head. He screams like a girl, and quickly puts himself out. Gina doesn't give him any downtime, as she barrels straight into him. She wrestles him to the ground successfully.

Gina "Ha! Fuck reinforcements, this guy's a wimp!"

Prattford "..."

Ann "Prattford, do you surrender? More people are on the way, and we already have you down. If you try to fight back-"

Prattford "You'll kill me?"

Gina "Yeah. So reel your ego in and call it quits while you can." She ignites her fist threateningly.

Prattford "Heh... Such an empty threat. I already know that you can't."

I stay silent, not wanting to confirm his suspicion by responding.

Prattford "...Meanwhile, I have no such limitations."

Gina is thrown into the air by a geyser of water, as Prattford stands back up. Shoot! He must have charged that up on the side opposite Logan and I, as I didn't see water collecting at all.

Logan runs over to catch Gina, only to get launched into the wall.

Prattford "No more forgiveness! I may be a humble and benevolent prince, but I can only pardon so much. I hereby order the execution of everyone involved with this assault!"

I step back, intimidated, and fire another oil shot, with a fire very quickly after. Instead of putting up a shield, he uses a wave of water under his feet to swerve around it. He reaches me, and grabs me by the neck of my shirt.

Prattford "Going up!" He raises us both into the air, before dropping me. I fall for a few seconds, before landing in Logan's arms. I can hear his soft voice gasping for breath behind me. He jumps to the side, me still in his arms, as Gina blasts forth in full flame armor, and jumps to match Prattford's height. I don't see what happens, but I see her hit the ground.

Ann "Logan! Split-up!"

I run away from Gina, while Logan whisks her up, and away from an incoming wave. Prattford can't focus on both of us, so I'm momentarily safe. All that's left in my chamber are two blunts and a gust. I need to use one of my dispensers, and I need a plan. Now.
>>
No. 900229 ID: d2aae1
File 153596033629.png - (244.05KB , 1500x1500 , 127.png )
900229

>>900228

>>899262
>If the doppelganger card works on people, would it theoretically be possible to use it to turn prattford into someone else? I'm not sure whether the effect is visual or physical or how much so; if the latter to the point where it grants similar properties (such as powers), it would be an easy win to turn Prattford into, say, Ann.

>If that's not an option, if you could fire a blunt and a gust immediately after, you could get a super high velocity shot that he might not be able to react to. However, you'd probably need him distracted and not focusing on you, or he'd know you're firing at him. You'd also need very good aim; a headshot would be optimal.


I don't have the full context for that, but I think I understand the premise. If we could turn Prattford into me, he wouldn't have his overpowered water abilities. If it changed his personality too though, that would be equivalent to killing him. Unless it was just temporary. If you're asking though, that means Logan didn't get a thorough description, right? If we don't know for sure, let's keep that as a plan b. Depending on how it functions, we may hit a bad ending to this mission by using it.

I skip reloading, and adjust my chamber to the second blunt. While Prattford's still focused on Logan and Gina, I fire twice. The gust knocks the gun out of my hand, but the blunt shot behaves as intended. The wind carries my shot at seemingly mach speed, right to the back of Prattford's head. It almost knocks him off of his liquid tower.

Prattford "G-GAH! YOU!"

He touches his head, and I see a red liquid on his hand. Looks like I drew blood. He glares up at me. I have his attention.

Prattford let's himself fall into his water, and begins spinning it around him. I run over to grab my gun, as he reaches what seems to be his maximum momentum. His figure is barely visible in the rushing water.

The twirling tower blasts towards me. I try to run, but he homes in on me. A mass of water pounds into my side. It feels like getting hit by a car. My left arm takes the brunt of it, and I hear a distinct snap. I'm blown away, colliding with the wall behind me, to the left from the entrance.

The feeling is... hard to describe. Still, I made a decent effort.

Ann "AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! OW ow owie! Hnnnngg, hnnnnnnnnnnnggbwuh hhuh hoo..."

...Actually, that's a perfect description. Blinding pain resulting in sobs.

Gina "Ann! Shit, hold on, I've got this!"

I don't exactly see what happens next, as I do hear Gina get launched into the wall beside me. She lands less awkwardly, seemingly better.

Gina "...Okay... don't... got it."
>>
No. 900230 ID: d2aae1
File 153596036539.png - (167.89KB , 1500x1500 , 128.png )
900230

>>900229


When I get a better look at Gina, frost decorates her back, and she's visibly shivering. In other words, she overdid it.

Gina "...One more shot..."

Ann "You'll freeze! Rest for a bit."

Using only my right arm, I load my revolver with my rearmost dispenser. Two oils and a fire are inserted into the chamber.

I fire the oils beside her, and light it with the fire, keeping my distance of course. Using only one hand to shoot is incredibly painful, and I can feel my arm try to leave its socket. I'm not going to be very useful for the rest of this combat I think. Gina lays in the blaze, and I can see the frost melting. She should be fine after a few minutes. Meanwhile...

I turn just in time to see Prattford barreling towards us. I react by holding up my gun, but all that's in it is a blunt. I fire it anyways, and as expected, it gets caught up in his self-made whirlpool.

With quick reactions, I just barely manage to jump out of the way in time. He revs up another assault quickly, leaving me with no time to respond. Logan jumps in front of me, and blocked the blow with his powerful su-

Okay, that was clearly the intent. What actually happened was that we both got launched back. Logan from getting hit, and me when Logan crashed into me. I stand up, not wanting to leave myself open to a water prison.

Ann "Logan, did you get a card from that Cory?"

He nods.

Ann "If you don't have a plan for it, let me have it."

He hands it over, with zero complaints.

Prattford appears momentarily dazed from running into Logan. Possibly because he hit the metal of his suit. This gives me time to reload, and strategize. I have 5 dispensers, two pouches, and a doppelganger card left. Unless otherwise stated, we should assume that Prattford can't be affected by the card, lest we end up in the previously mentioned near-worst case scenario. I need a way to stop his assault.

That last hit to the head drew blood, so it clearly hurt. If we could get one more really good shot there, we may be able to knock him out. Something to keep in mind.
>>
No. 900232 ID: d2aae1

(Well, everything should be better now. Thank you for playing Bokkun accidentally fucks up once more. Tune in next time, where Bokkun erases an entire fucking server.)
>>
No. 900241 ID: 094652

Important question: is there anything in the room that literally attracts bullets? Because that's the first thing I'd turn Prat into.

Your doppelganger card might be capable of copying your special bullets onto the regular ones. Try it out and fire.
>>
No. 900681 ID: e3de4b

I have a couple ideas.

Idea 1) Shoot some of those Shock Electricity Bullets at Pratford if you got any. This'll shock him, regardless of his Whirlpool. It could kill him though.

2) Just sit there and pick a god and pray.
>>
No. 902464 ID: e74ac8
File 153741935428.png - (286.67KB , 1500x1500 , 129.png )
902464

>>900230
>>900241
>Important question: is there anything in the room that literally attracts bullets? Because that's the first thing I'd turn Prat into.

>Your doppelganger card might be capable of copying your special bullets onto the regular ones. Try it out and fire.


We're short on magnets sadly. Also, I'm not short on piercing shots. I'm just limited in how much I can use them, since I can't use lethal options.


>>900681
>I have a couple ideas.

>Idea 1) Shoot some of those Shock Electricity Bullets at Pratford if you got any. This'll shock him, regardless of his Whirlpool. It could kill him though.

>2) Just sit there and pick a god and pray.


I load up the dispenser on my front left leg. Two shocks and a piercing enter my gun. Prattford charges at Logan, as the smaller boy attempts to throw a punch.

I raise my arm to fire a new shot, when my shoulder registers a formal complaint with my body. Namely: "Hey! Pull that shit again, and I'm quitting!" I tense up, remembering the pain from the previous shots. My hesitation allows the collision to happen. Logan's punch collides with Prattford's water...

Instead of getting launched into the wall, Logan is simply pushed back a good distance. He's holding his stomach, which tells me that Prattford still managed to land an impact on him, despite his punch.

Prattford, meanwhile, is barely phased. He takes no time to recover, and rushes towards me. Even though I'm holding the gun, I don't feel confident enough to fire it. Instead, I try to slip by and get to Logan. I just barely manage to sidestep him, and make it to Logan. Before he can speak, I quickly hold my gun out towards him.

Ann "Logan, I can't shoot. I need you to take this shot for me. It's a shock in the chamber."

Logan "A-A-Are you alr-"

Ann "Hit the deck!"

I shove Logan to the ground with my good arm, as Prattford passes over us. I see him making a turn in the air, and quickly turn back to Logan.

Ann "Here!"

Without letting him respond, I push my weapon into his hand. He takes it, holds it in both hands, and fires at the approaching prince. An electrical plug fires out of the revolver, rapidly approaching the prince...

...And then misses.

We both jump away in panic, as we're almost caught in a rush of water.

Ann "Logan!"

Logan "S-S-Sorry! I-I didn't p-p-practice aiming this."

Right... I'm only halfway-acceptable because I was practicing all week to get my aim right. He hands me the gun back.

Ann "I-I need a minute to think."

Logan nods, and runs straight at Prattford. I crouch down, and try to process everything.

Okay, okay... What do we need to do to win this fight? Well, we could hold him off long enough for another team to come by, but given how things are currently going... Unreliable.

We need to incapacitate him somehow. If Logan could land a clean shot maybe, no water in the way. Gina could probably place a good enough hit too, but she's still recovering. Maybe my blunt could do it if I hit him in the head again, and the shock could potentially take advantage of his shield. And Wendy... What the heck has Wendy been doing?
>>
No. 902465 ID: e74ac8
File 153741944551.gif - (275.42KB , 1200x1200 , 130.gif )
902465

>>902464


I look over, and see her lying next to Orson, trying not to move...

Ann "..."

Wendy "..."

Ann "..."

That's disappointing. I get that she doesn't have a weapon or anything, but... Wow. Really gonna leave this to the teenagers?

Oh, she's giving me an apologetic look now. Right, mind reader.
>>
No. 902467 ID: e74ac8
File 153741949623.png - (325.36KB , 1500x1500 , 131.png )
902467

>>902465


Okay. Logan can't land a hit, and Gina can't burn him right now. Landing a shock is probably the best option I have. However... If I fire and miss, that's it. It'll just be Logan, Wendy, and Gina whenever she can recover. If I'm gonna do this, I have to make sure I can land this shot.

Think... Think...

...

The Doppelganger Card.

I turn to Wendy, and lay out my plan in my head. She looks at me, and slowly nods.

If we can do this right, I think... No! I'm sure we'll beat Prattford. We'll end it in one shot.
>>
No. 902492 ID: e3de4b

I'm guessing you're gonna try to use the doppelganger card on Logan's Super-powered Exoskeleton, right? If you are, give the copy to Wendy. Mind reading isn't gonna majorly benefit us in this fight in any conceivable way, so without that Exoskeleton, Wendy's pretty much dead weight.

Oh right, Wendy can hear us. Sorry Wendy.
>>
No. 902505 ID: 9876c4

Waitaminute, can't wendy read Prattford's mind and find out what he's (currently) worried about?
Seems like the use of the card should be contingent on that.
>>
No. 903784 ID: e74ac8
File 153811316247.png - (265.05KB , 1500x1500 , 132.png )
903784

>>902492

>I'm guessing you're gonna try to use the doppelganger card on Logan's Super-powered Exoskeleton, right? If you are, give the copy to Wendy. Mind reading isn't gonna majorly benefit us in this fight in any conceivable way, so without that Exoskeleton, Wendy's pretty much dead weight.

>Oh right, Wendy can hear us. Sorry Wendy.


I- Huh... Yeah, that could work. I was just going to copy my gun, and do something similar to what worked on Tail Guy, but...

Hmm, I would need something about as big as Logan.

Wendy "Window."

Ann "Hmm?"

Wendy points at one of the large windows in the room. It was certainly big enough...

I run to Logan, as he swerves away from a wet collision, and motion him towards the windows. He walks, over, and I hold out the card.

Ann "How do I use this?"

Logan "J-Just say, "I c-c-cast Doppelganger on X." O-Or wait, since there are t-two objects..."

I see Prattford approaching, and act quickly.

Ann "I cast Doppelganger on The Window. Copy Logan's Exo-Suit."

The card lights up, and dissolves into a green mist. The mist envelops Logan's suit for a moment, before moving towards the window. It begins to-

-Crash into me. That's what Prattford does. Forgot about him for a moment there.

I land on my stomach, and can feel my whole body aching for a moment. Then... it stops. Not just the pain, but everything. I escape from the world, and am plunged into the darkness.

...

...

Logan "A-Ann!"

She isn't getting up. Sh-She isn't getting up!

Prattford pauses his assault to let out a hearty laugh.

Prattford "That's one down, and-", he turns to see Gina, lying in a small fire. He shoots a stream of high pressure water towards it, and extinguishes it. She's left lying in a puddle, shivering.

Prattford "-let's call that two. All that's left is..." He smiles in my direction. I take a step back, feeling threatened.

??? "Not quite!"

Suddenly, the door shoots open. The prince and I both turn our attention to see the rest of A-Team, Janny and the other guy, standing in the doorway. I never caught his name, but I think Janny called him Mr. Sleepyhead.

As Prattford is distracted, Wendy creeps towards me...

Mr. Sleepyhead "Thanks for holding him off. We'll take it from here. Take this! Roulette!"

The man throws a bunch of dice on the ground. They roll around, before coming to a complete stop. A one, a four, a six, a five, and a two.

Mr. Sleepyhead "Aw crapbaskets!"

Janny "Ooh, not a single double. Unlucky."

The dice shoot off towards Mr. Sleepyhead, crashing into his forehead. He clonks over moments later.

Janny "...Well, I'm still here!"

Prattford "Wonderful. Then I will take you out once I'm finished with hi- hmm?"

By my side, Wendy stands defensively, wearing the copy of my suit. She keeps her eyes on Prattford, as she quietly speaks to me.

Wendy "I'm sorry about before. I should have been helping, but I left it all to you three. This time, you can rely on me. Not the other way around."

Logan "Th-Thank you."

Janny "Three on one, no way we'll lose!"

You decide against informing Janny that it had been three on one for a majority of the fight.
>>
No. 903865 ID: e3de4b

Okay Logan, whatever you do, don't die or get knocked out. If you do, I'm fairly certain we'd have no way of helping anyone. Now Janny is able to rotate small items 1 and a half meters away from her, by 180 degrees. So she probably can't rotate Pratford, unfortunately.

So here's my plan: Scream very loudly to try and stun him, he might try to drown you again to stop you, but if he does that, use that to your advantage and have Wendy and Janny go to town on him. If he keeps barreling towards you, then dodge, and go back to step one. It's got the highest success rate of all the plans I can think of, but it's also the riskiest.
>>
No. 907264 ID: e74ac8
File 153975736932.png - (256.35KB , 1500x1500 , 133.png )
907264

>>903784

>>903865
>Okay Logan, whatever you do, don't die or get knocked out. If you do, I'm fairly certain we'd have no way of helping anyone. Now Janny is able to rotate small items 1 and a half meters away from her, by 180 degrees. So she probably can't rotate Pratford, unfortunately.

>So here's my plan: Scream very loudly to try and stun him, he might try to drown you again to stop you, but if he does that, use that to your advantage and have Wendy and Janny go to town on him. If he keeps barreling towards you, then dodge, and go back to step one. It's got the highest success rate of all the plans I can think of, but it's also the riskiest.


I take a deep breath and let out a booming shout. Wendy covers her ears in advance, likely reading the idea as you presented it. Prattford was less prepared, and is late to bring his hands up. I charge forward, continuing to scream.

Prattford "N-Not gonna work!"

He shoots out a hand to command his water, tripping me onto the floor. My voice dies in my throat, as my head is submerged into one of his water spheres. I can feel Wendy run past me on my right.

I'm quickly released, and look up to see Wendy and Janny holding their own against Prattford. Janny is trying to knock him off his feet, as Wendy is throwing out a flurry of punches. Prattford is holding his own against them well, frustratingly enough. I stand up and run behind him, ready to push even more pressure onto him. Before I can close the gap between us, he yanks Janny into the air mid-punch and throws her in front of Wendy.

Wendy halts her assault, so as not to punch her companion. Prattford quickly builds a tower to stand on, causing me to punch into water. He sinks into it moments later.

Wendy "Duck!"

I duck without hesitation, just as Prattford shoots out of his tower. He begins spiraling water around himself again, wildly rushing through the air.

This is perfect. If I just shout now, he'll-

Wendy "It won't work."

Logan "Wh-What?"

Wendy "He isn't actually submerged in it this time. He left a gap between the water and himself. He's being cautious of you."

Logan "C-Crud."

The prince charges at us at full speed. Last time, I couldn't hold him back at all. Maybe with Wendy I could, but I'm not sure. If I'm going to do it, I need to decide now!

Stop him with Wendy and risk getting severely injured if we fail, or Dodge, and find a weakness to exploit?
>>
No. 907269 ID: 094652

He expects you to dodge! Risk it with Wendy!
>>
No. 907289 ID: e3de4b

Yeah, hitting him with full force seems like the best option. Depending on how wide the gap between Prattford and the water is, the water might be thinner and easier to get through. I think. I don't science good.

Now, Can you regulate all power of one of those exosuits to one limb? If so, I recommend both of you regulate all power to one arm, and punch him full force. Now that could potentially break em, so if you're concerned about that, just have Wendy do so. I don't think that the doppelganger card is permanent, so you wouldn't lose anything you wouldn't already. And if it is permanent, you could use the broken remains of it to upgrade your current one. This is all assuming, of course, that you can do that in the first place. If not, a normal punch from both of you would do nicely.

I can't really think of other ideas. Sorry.
>>
No. 907492 ID: 9876c4

He stuttered the first time. Clearly he's worried about something.

Wendy, are you sure you can't figure out what that is?
>>
No. 910582 ID: a664e3
File 154214490806.png - (624.33KB , 2000x1500 , 134.png )
910582

>>907264

>>907289
>Yeah, hitting him with full force seems like the best option. Depending on how wide the gap between Prattford and the water is, the water might be thinner and easier to get through. I think. I don't science good.

>Now, Can you regulate all power of one of those exosuits to one limb? If so, I recommend both of you regulate all power to one arm, and punch him full force. Now that could potentially break em, so if you're concerned about that, just have Wendy do so. I don't think that the doppelganger card is permanent, so you wouldn't lose anything you wouldn't already. And if it is permanent, you could use the broken remains of it to upgrade your current one. This is all assuming, of course, that you can do that in the first place. If not, a normal punch from both of you would do nicely.

>I can't really think of other ideas. Sorry.

>>907269
>He expects you to dodge! Risk it with Wendy!


I can't regulate my power like that, but I'll hold my ground anyways!

Wendy, you can read my thoughts. We need to do this together, or else we'll just get blown away.

I strengthen my stance. One leg in front, the other behind. Wendy positions herself similarly. We pull back our arms, waiting for the right timing.

Prattford doesn't alter his course at all. If anything, it feels like he speeds up.

This is it. If we can't get him here, we really won't be able to beat him. Our only other option will be to stall until someone else arrives to help.

This has to work! Everyone went along with this plan, so we need to make it work. If he beats us and escapes, then everyone in Towne, everyone who treated us with kindness and support would...

The moment arrives.

It only lasts an instant, but that singular instance stretches on for those involved.

Wendy and I launch our arms forward, building up as much force as we can. With open palms, we throw all of the force we can straight into the center of his water drill.

Gallons of water splash away, and our hands pass through. My own collides with something solid. The spiraling water slows at our counter, but I don't stop, pressing forward with everything I have.

Suddenly, it all stops. The water halts in mid-air, as Prattford is shot out the other end of his bubble. He soars through the room like a bullet, before crashing into the stone wall behind him. Ungracefully, he falls to the floor moments later.

There's a pause between Wendy and I, as we watch him carefully from a distance. The water's normal gravity returns, causing it to splash down against the ground. Wendy and I both share a look of hopeful uncertainty.

My legs feel like jelly as I walk towards him. Each step carries an expectation that he'll stand back up and start drowning me once again. He doesn't move as I get within arms reach. Carefully, I flip him onto his back...

Prince Gregory Prattford, the man who almost drowned us, was unconscious. Alive, but not awake.

Logan "H-He's- W-W-W-We knocked h-h-him-"

Janny "WE DID IT!"

I nearly pass out due to sheer joy. It was over. We beat him-

Wendy "We need to restrain him! Kaiji brought rope; Janny, please hurry and get them."

Janny "Yes mam!"

Wendy "Logan, alert everyone that Prattford is down. His guards are far less disciplined than the Queen's, and will likely disperse once they hear that they're leader's down."

Logan "Y-Yes mam!"

Right! It isn't over just yet, it's too early to celebrate. First, we need to get him out of here. I run towards the doors we entered from and take a deep breath.

Logan "PRATTFORD IS DOWN!!! HE IS UNCONSCIOUS IN B-TEAM'S SECTOR!!!"

My voice echoes throughout the room for a moment, before dying down. Now that Prattford is out, I turn my attention to my friends. I start with Gina, as she's the closest. She's shivering against the wall, drenched from Prattford's dousing of the fire.

Logan "G-Gina, are you alright?"

Gina "F-F-Fine. W-W-We got him. R-Right?"

I nod in response.

Gina "G-Good. C-C-Can I g-g-get a blanket?"

I scan the room for something that I can drape over her. When I see Ann still lying where Prattford attacked her, I grimace.

Logan "S-Sorry. I have to check something."

Gina "C-Cool. D-D-Do what you gotta do."

I run towards Ann, the metal of my exo-suit crashing loudly against the ground. I immediately lay a hand on her to make sure she's...

...She's alive. I breathe a sigh of relief, as I feel her body move from her breaths. She isn't visibly injured, but I'm pretty sure she hurt her arm, and that last hit also might have hurt her. You'll request that she be given medical attention when the others arrive.

Just a short distance off from her is her gun. Remembering Gina's request, I inspect it. No Fire Shots. I turn back to Ann.

I lift up her shirt EXACTLY AS MUCH AS IS NECESSARY AND NOT A MILLIMETER MORE to access her pouches, and dig around them until I can pull a few shots out. Returning to Gina, I fire them right at her. It's easier to aim at an unmoving target, and the flames engulf her.

Gina "Aaahhhhhhh... Thanks dude. And great job takin' out Pratthole."

Logan "Th-Thank you."

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps can be heard from the doorway. I turn towards it, and take a moment to think. Guards, or allies? Which is it? Wendy looks tense, so maybe she's having the same internal debate. Should I prepare an ambush?
>>
No. 910698 ID: 887a2a

...Huh. I didn’t expect that to actually work.

Now, if I were a diabolical evil mastermind like The Queen, I would send somebody with Pratford (most likely somebody stronger than him) to keep tabs on him, because this is Pratford we’re talking about, he’s a bit of an idiot. Although if that hypothetical somebody does exist, they probably would’ve interviened by now; instead of just showing up now, unless Pratford being overthrown would benefit the queen in some way, but the chances of that are kinda slim honestly. Therefore, I say hold off on making any combat plans or ambushes, but keep your guard up.
>>
No. 910727 ID: 2a13fa

Don't release your guard, but don't set up an ambush.
>>
No. 912948 ID: a664e3
File 154390937040.png - (209.62KB , 1500x1500 , 135.png )
912948

>>910582

>>910698
>...Huh. I didn’t expect that to actually work.

>Now, if I were a diabolical evil mastermind like The Queen, I would send somebody with Pratford (most likely somebody stronger than him) to keep tabs on him, because this is Pratford we’re talking about, he’s a bit of an idiot. Although if that hypothetical somebody does exist, they probably would’ve interviened by now; instead of just showing up now, unless Pratford being overthrown would benefit the queen in some way, but the chances of that are kinda slim honestly. Therefore, I say hold off on making any combat plans or ambushes, but keep your guard up.

>>910727
>Don't release your guard, but don't set up an ambush.


Right, I shouldn't let my guard down. I won't shout the moment they enter, but I'll be ready for whatever comes in.

The footsteps get louder and louder. I get close to the door, ready to hold back anyone that may enter.

Wendy "Oh no."

I turn to Wendy to see what she's worried about. She's nearly quaking in her shoes as she stares at the door.

Wendy "Logan, it's not one of Prattford's guards. It's just... him."

Before I get a chance to respond, the door is kicked open. I stare into a green and red flannel shirt, stained red.

Looking up, the creepy lumberjack man from the tavern stares down at me. The red liquid spilled all over his body doesn't seem to faze him at all.
>>
No. 912949 ID: a664e3
File 154390972777.png - (100.85KB , 1500x1500 , 136.png )
912949

>>912948


Logan "........."

I slowly back away, internally praying that he doesn't kill me. I know it isn't nice to judge people by appearances, but he terrifies me.

Wendy "Hello there... Um... H-Hey! Alan! Jink! You're back there too, right?"

Axe "..."

He reaches behind him, and lifts two people over his shoulder with only his right hand. He sets them in front of me. One's a blonde guy in a vest, who seems pretty jumpy. The other is an elvish looking girl, who's arms are bruised. Neither of them seem particularly thrilled about being lifted like luggage, but neither verbalizes a complaint to the scary man with an axe.

Wendy "You're okay, that's wonderful."

Alan "H-Hey, were you telling the truth? Is Prattford really-"

Jink "He's over there."

Jink points at the restrained prince, in a highly unenthused fashion. Alan stares at him, before laughing loudly.

Alan "Ha! Looks like you showed him. That guy's a friggin' joke, losin' to some kids, rotato, and pencil pusher. Prince of jack shit this guy is."

Jink "Sorry, we had to retreat after Robert went down. Alan was inconsolable."

Alan "That's not how I remember it."

Wendy "Actually-"

Alan "ANYWAYS! I should go check on Robert, make sure his memory stones didn't get too damaged."

He walks off towards the robot, leaving Jink in front of me.

Jink "...The young ones aren't here."

Logan "Th-They're okay."

Jink "Good... Orson is still dead, I see."

I look back to the now blue skinned man. Wendy wasn't able to get him up.

Jink "What about your partners?"

Logan "A-A-Ann and Gina are f-f-fine."

Jink "Okay... Are we waiting for the others?"

Wendy "We need Marvin for a clean transport to a cell. We don't want to risk taking him outside, since he could wake up, or we could be seen by some of his other guards."

Jink "I see... Look out, we're being watched."

She points towards the removed window. I look back and see a figure standing in it.

Wait... haven't I seen them somewhere before?

??? "Huh. The newbies actually nailed Prattford. Can't say it's totally unexpected, but you kids certainly caught me off guard."

They stare down at us from their elevated position. I can make out their mop of brown hair and blue hood in the pale green light of the moon.
>>
No. 912990 ID: 9876c4

At least he's on our side.
>>
No. 913787 ID: cbb663

Oh shoot it’s the teleporting person. Now we don’t know if we’re gonna have to fight them, but considering how their power works, you should try to fight at a long distance if push comes to shove. Yeah, no long plans this time.
>>
No. 914125 ID: a664e3
File 154491950637.png - (171.07KB , 1500x1500 , 137.png )
914125

>>912949


That person... I don't know them well, but they know me. They were the stranger who asked about my power, and sent me home after my fight with Wilson.


>>913787
>Oh shoot it’s the teleporting person. Now we don’t know if we’re gonna have to fight them, but considering how their power works, you should try to fight at a long distance if push comes to shove. Yeah, no long plans this time.


R-Right. I need to be careful with them. If they're on Prattford's side, and they can teleport, then we need to keep them away from him.

Logan "Wh-Who are you?"

Stranger "Same as before. Just a passing stranger."

Wendy "No, they aren't... I don't know them, but I know that they only showed up after Prattford did. They have something to do with him."

Stranger "...Well, that's enough chatting I guess."

Enough chatting? They only said one thing though.

Stranger "I'm only here because I heard a lot of shouting, saw someone launch the tower, and noticed that this window was missing. A bit too much to ignore, even for someone like me."

Wendy "Wait, the tower?"

Stranger "Whatever that thing is called." They shrug disinterestedly.

Stranger "I'm just here for Prattford. I'd probably be fired if I left him here to get arrested."

Crud. That was the one thing I didn't want to hear.

Before they could say another word, my feet are moving. I power forward towards the restrained Prattford. The loud clamor of metal from my suit drowned out everything else. Right as I'm about ten feet away from him...

Suddenly, they're crouched in front of me, too close for me to stop. I try to pull back, but I'm too late. They keep themselves low, and I end up tripping over them. I crash to the ground just in front of Prattford, just close enough that I can see their legs pop in right in front of me.

Stranger "Alright, let's get you home, Pratt. Your mom's missed you, you know." They pull them up on their shoulder, standing him up on his feet.

As I'm standing up to stop them, an earthquake shakes the whole castle. At least, that's what it felt like, but a quick glance backwards reveals something even more horrifying.

The scary lumberjack man was rushing forward with his axe in hand. The ground shook with each step, as he pulled the axe behind his head.

Stanger "Not fast enough."

The man swung his axe down.
>>
No. 914126 ID: a664e3
File 154492010354.png - (331.86KB , 1500x1500 , 138.png )
914126

>>914125


It hit the stone floor.

Stranger "Sorry, but it's over."

The voice came from behind. I turn around, and see them standing there with Prattford. Not wasting time, I start sprinting towards their new location. Instead of fleeing, the person begins speaking.

Stranger "Orson died in battle, R0-B3RT's shell was knocked into disrepair, and Kaiji was knocked unconscious, most likely from his own Energia from the looks of thing. Prattford was taken down by the combined efforts of Annabelle Pepper, Gina Cortez, Logan Faust, Wendy Dean, Janny Fee. Axe, Alan Cola, and Jink Stance were present upon my arrival, but were not present when the final blow was dealt."

When I wind up a punch, they grab Prattford's hand again. They appear further away, closer to Ann. I correct my direction and keep running, but I can feel myself running out of breath. I haven't been very physically active in the past, and the previous fight has me drained.

Stranger "This is the report that I will hand in to the Queen. With Prattford returned mostly uninjured, I would imagine..."

They point at Wendy, who hadn't moved since this person had shown up. She's staying close to Alan and Jink, protectively.

Stranger "You and Janny will be grouped in with the rest of Towne as a threat to watch closely, but not take immediate action against. As for you three..."

They look at me, as I get closer and closer to them. I'm almost there, but it's just too far. I can't stop them from grabbing Prattford's hand, and they've made it back to the window by the time I reach the wall. I pant for breath, as I can't

Stranger "You're lucky that I'm here to get Prattford out. You and your friends will be labelled as persons of interest, but nothing more for the moment. If Prattford was arrested, there'd probably be a bounty placed on your heads. If he had died..."

They look away, and wave the topic away dismissively.

Stranger "Well, if I were you, I'd try to keep my head low moving forward. Try not to get any more negative attention. You feel me?"

Logan "I-I d-d-don't-"

Stranger "Eh, forget it. Just thought I'd give you some idea of the future. I've said all I had. Later."

And just like that, they grab Prattford's hand once more, and disappear.

...They were gone... Just like that, they'd stolen our victory...

Maybe it was because I'd exerted myself more than I expected, or maybe it was stress. Either way, the world went dark.

I passed out.

...
>>
No. 914603 ID: 5b4508

Interesting... Teleporting Stranger seems to be working for The Queen either just to get paid, or The Queen has something Tele (that’s what I’m calling them until we learn their name) wants. We could use this in the future.
>>
No. 915930 ID: a664e3
File 154641519333.png - (164.15KB , 1500x1500 , 139.png )
915930

>>914126


Ann "..."
>>
No. 915931 ID: a664e3
File 154641524428.png - (259.18KB , 1500x1500 , 140.png )
915931

>>915930


The door opens, and I'm greeted by the sight of my friends. Seeing me, their faces light up.

Gina "Ann, yo-"

Logan "You're awake!"

Logan excitedly runs towards me, forcing me into a bear hug.

Ann "GAH! Arm! Arm arm arm!"

Gina "Hnn, Log-Logan, give her some space, kay?

He quickly releases, and the blinding pain from moments ago fade away. He whimpers, and tears roll down his face. How long was I asleep that this is how he's reacting?

Gina "Glad to see you're awake... How you f-f-fffaaahchhooo!"

She wipes her nose on her sleeve with clear exhaustion.

Gina "...How you feelin'?"

Ann "I'm fine. My arm doesn't really hurt, and my eye is basically entirely healed now. Do you know who gave me the cast?"

Gina "No idea... Logan?"

Logan signs something to Gina, which she slowly nods along with.

Gina "The scrawny pale kid in mittens... bandaged up all of our small bumps... Some other doctor came in for your arm."

Ann "...How are you two feeling?"

Gina "Eh, I'm coo-ah-ah-ahchoo! Just a little sick... Can't flame up and relax, cuz of all the wood here."

Logan gives a thumbs up, which I take as him saying "I'm okay". He then signs more words to Gina.

Gina "Oh... That mayor, Trekky-"

Ann "Trekker, you mean?"

Gina "Whatever... She wanted to see you when... you woke up."

Ann "She wants to see me? Why?"

Gina "Somethin' about whether or not we-ah-achoo! Whether we're going to Tier Three or nah... The jerks guarding it left with Pratthole."

Ann "Oh..."

Gina "Obviously, we gotta go... right?"

Ann "Should we?"

Gina "Eh?"

Ann "I don't know... I'm not really in a position to get into any more fights without two working arms."

Gina "Huh? Who else do we gotta fight?"

Ann "No clue, and that's the other problem. Aside from a vague idea of 'helping in the fight against the Queen', we don't have any sort of plan or goal. It was less noticable when Prattford was around, because it was really obvious how we'd be supporting the cause by dethroning him. Without him, we don't have a clear line of progression."

Gina "...Yeah, you're right. What are we supposed to do now?"

Logan "We c-could g-g-go to the human stronghold on T-T-Tier Three."

Gina "Huh?"

Ann "The what?"

Logan "I h-heard one of the other p-people mention wanting to visit"

Ann "Well, if we could figure out where it was, that wouldn't be such a bad idea. Whoever is in charge there would probably have the best idea of how we could help."

Gina "I picked up a fe-fe-faaaaahchoo! A few fucking books! Fuck! This cold is killing me!"

Ann "Oh yeah, you went to the library."

Gina "Lost the encyclopedia... but I still have the books about Tier Three at the hotel... I'm going to die, Ann, this is it for me."

She walks past me, and lays down on the bed that I'd been sleeping on.

Ann "I'll look those over later. Thanks Gina."

Gina "No prob... *snore*"

Annnnnd she was out.

Ann "So, Mayor Trekker wanted to see me? Do you know where she is, Logan?"

He nods.

Ann "If you aren't busy, would you mind coming with?"

He nods again. He opens his mouth to say something, before visibly thinking it over a few times.

Logan "Mayor downstairs."

Ann "She's here? Now?"

Nod number three. He opens the door for me, and leads the way.

If I had to guess, she wants to thank me for helping in the fight against Prattford. After all, my friends woke up before me, so she probably already had a chance to talk to them. If she's asking about whether or not we'll be going up a Tier specifically, then she may be planning to support us in some way if we do. This is most likely just her going above and beyond to be polite.

Still, I'm going to be talking to Towne's Mayor. Even if it's just for thanks, maybe I should prepare a few questions of my own. Maybe... if I want to be really shrewd, I could make a few small requests.

...When did I get in the habit of framing my own thoughts in a way indirectly asks the Voices to submit their own responses?
>>
No. 915954 ID: 244335

Why not try checking your book? Something could have changed.

And now that I think about it, the mayor might know something about us voices, most likely not, but it never hurts try.
>>
No. 916031 ID: 1fda2b

>>915931
Her position as mayor, past and present, means that she likely knows a good deal more about the Queen and related matters than most others around here, and ideally, she'll be less friggen cryptic about it than some other people have been. On a related note, I believe that the prince was said to be the Queen's nephew, but Asshole McTeleporter mentioned his mom missing him, which would be something to ask about.

>...When did I get in the habit of framing my own thoughts in a way indirectly asks the Voices to submit their own responses?
Whenever you mentally got into the habit of thinking of us as people with their own potential opinions and questions, rather than just spooky ghost noises in your head.
>>
No. 918139 ID: a664e3
File 154779633791.png - (291.07KB , 1500x1500 , 141.png )
918139

>>915931


The tavern is a lot rowdier than it was yesterday. People are playing games, drinking probably non-alcoholic drinks, and having loud conversations. I don't remember all of them being in the tavern earlier, so I'd assume the celebrations went further than those involved in the raid.

One person waves me over, a woman I hadn't seen before. Logan takes a seat at her table, making it clear that she was the mayor in question.

Trekker "Hi there. You must be Ann, right?""

Ann "What was that?"

Trekker "What?"

Ann "What!?"

Trekker "It's too loud in here!"

Ann "I can't hear what you're saying!?"

Logan "She said it's too loud!"

Ann "Yeah! It Is!"

Trekker "Maybe we should head somewhere else to talk!?"

Ann "What!?"

...

Trekker "Sorry about that. I thought that the celebration would have calmed down by the time you woke up."

We'd left the tavern, and arrived in front of her office building. Alongside Logan and I, she invited another woman to follow with. I didn't know her, but I definitely remember seeing that round helmet among the raid group.

Trekker "Ahhhh~ It feels nice to be here. I could spend weeks just sitting at this desk, resorting all of the building permits again."

She pulls out chairs for Logan and I, motioning for us to sit. The other woman chooses to stand off to the side, and just watch for a while.

Trekker "Sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet, have I? My name is Trekker Eryll. It's nice to meet you both."

She offers me a handshake, with her left hand.

I extend my only functioning arm, and she quickly realizes her mistake. She tries to adjust course, and curls her fingers in for a fistbump. At the last possible moment, I manage to get my hand into a fist. With a perfectly executed fistbump, we are able to avoid an awkward situation due to her mistake.

Ann "My name is Ann Pepper. It's nice to meet you too." I choose not to mention the previous three seconds, sparing her the humiliation.

Trekker "Did your friends explain why I wished to speak to you?"

Ann "They only mentioned that you wanted to know if we were going to Tier Three."

Trekker "And?"

Ann "...I'm not entirely sure."

Trekker "That's understandable. I'm sure you didn't expect to receive a major injury so soon after arriving. On that note... I would like to issue you an official apology, on behalf of all of Towne."

Ann "An... apology? You don't need to do that, you didn't do anything wrong."

Trekker "No. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to provide a safe haven, and we involved you in a fight you had no way to be prepared for. On top of all of this, you were put in a head to head fight with Prattford himself after members of our own Tier were unable to defeat him. While you chose to assist us of your own will, we shouldn't have put you in that situation in the first place."

She gives us a small bow, before continuing.

Trekker "Despite the poor situation we placed you in, you did more than we could have ever asked from you. You fought Prattford and chased him out of this Tier."

Ann "Wait, we did?"

Trekker "Didn't Logan tell you? Prattford was knocked unconscious by him, and was escorted to his home Tier by an agent of his."

Ann "Wow. But, wait, even if our goal was to make him flee, shouldn't we have kept him here for an official surrender? Maybe get him to sign something promising not to come back?"

Logan "We c-couldn't."

Trekker "Unfortunately, we weren't able to keep Prattford here for such things. His imprisonment was intercepted by an agent with some form of teleportation Energia."

...Why do I feel a wave of "I told you so" on the horizon from the Voices.

Ann "I see..."

Trekker "The reason I wanted to speak with you, was to show my- no- everyone's appreciation. Your actions haven't gone unnoticed, and we want to do everything we can to pay you back."

She pulls out a few pieces of paper.

Trekker "Before I get into this, do you have any questions?"


>>915954
>Why not try checking your book? Something could have changed.

>And now that I think about it, the mayor might know something about us voices, most likely not, but it never hurts try.


Ann "Do you know anything about... voices?"

Trekker "...Like, speaking voices?"

Ann "No, or, kind of? It's just that, ever since the day my friends and I went through the Gate, I've been hearing voices in my head."

Trekker "Um... I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about that. Are they... friendly?"

Ann "Well, yeah, kind of. They mostly just ask questions, and give advice."

Trekker "Well, that's... that's good."

...


>>916031
>Her position as mayor, past and present, means that she likely knows a good deal more about the Queen and related matters than most others around here, and ideally, she'll be less friggen cryptic about it than some other people have been. On a related note, I believe that the prince was said to be the Queen's nephew, but Asshole McTeleporter mentioned his mom missing him, which would be something to ask about.


Ann "Oh, do you think you could explain the Witch Queen situation? Do you have any idea why they're planning to wipe out humanity, and why people are just going along with that?"

Trekker "I don't know."

Ann "Cool. Cool... Really?"

Trekker "Sorry, but I really don't know much about the Queen's motivations. Nobody does, not even her own soldiers. They just go along with it because they trust her judgement."

Hmm... This feels like it's going to be important to figure out soon.

Trekker "Um, if you'll allow me, I'd like to offer you and your friends something."

Ann "Really? What's that?"

She places a piece of paper in front of me. It looked like a passport for the woman who'd just been silently watching our talk.

Trekker "Steph here has volunteered to be your guide for Tier Three, if you intend to head up."

Steph "That's right! I know the place pretty darn well, and have been dying for an excuse to head up and visit some old pals."

Ann "Old pals? Are you from Tier Three then?"

Steph "What? No way! I'm from Earth, just like you. My friends have got a secret hangout spot there for humans and a few others really involved in the fight against the Queen."

Trekker "Steph knows the more about Tier Three better most other humans in Towne. Not only that, but she has connections with some of the leaders of the human resistance force found in that Tier, and will be able to put in a good word for you. Not that you'll need it admittedly, as I'm sure your reputations will precede you."

Ann "That would be very helpful! Thank you!"

Trekker "Adding on to that, we've had quite a few other volunteers. You've made a lot of friends, and a lot of them want to help you in some way. If you're interested, I'm sure that one or two of these other citizens would be willing to come with you."

She hands me a stack of papers, and I'm floored by just how many there are. It looked like everyone I've ever met was there.

Ann "All of them volunteered?"

Trekker "Every last one of them. Say the name, and they'll happily pack their bags to join you."

As I look over all of the pages, I mentally brace myself for the inevitable suggestions. The very much appreciated suggestions, because I only actually know like six or seven of these people.
>>
No. 918153 ID: 094652

Actually, you lost me like two days ago. Everything got so complicated that I spaced out.

Just pick a saboteur (someone who debuffs or distracts enemies and deals damage to bunkers and enemy formations), a healer, and a diplomat/survivalist.
>>
No. 918215 ID: 7ec08e

Who to pick?...Well I’m going to assume a choice of the roster for this raid. I’m thinking that Alice person-big dog girl that was guarding danger vision guy might be good if we need more melee power. Who else...
Pretty sure that lightning guy Logan was sparring with earlier is partnered to someone else...
Well, my problem is quite a few of these people we didn’t truly find out what they could do.
>>
No. 918352 ID: 9876c4

This is a small town, and we don't want to destabilize it's economy. Anyone that's needed here should stay.

3 that jump out at me.
Pink haired elf- I want to meet her
R0-B3RT-, +/- mechanic synthetic lifeform has many advantages
Axe- Terrifying, but his strength and durability are without equal.

Maybe post the roster again?
>>
No. 919069 ID: a664e3
File 154850311309.png - (242.21KB , 1500x1500 , 142.png )
919069

>>918139

>>918352
>This is a small town, and we don't want to destabilize it's economy. Anyone that's needed here should stay.

>3 that jump out at me.
>Pink haired elf- I want to meet her
>R0-B3RT-, +/- mechanic synthetic lifeform has many advantages
>Axe- Terrifying, but his strength and durability are without equal.

>Maybe post the roster again?


AXE!? You want me to bring him? You even admitted that he was terrifying, and you can't even physically interact with him! I nearly died with fear at the sight of him, I can't take him with us!

Alright, to be fair, maybe you know something that I don't. Strength and durability is definitely something our group could use. A second opinion might be needed here.

I pull out the page with his face on it, and hold it up to Logan. The moment his eyes latch onto the photo, he throws his hands over his mouth in panic.

Yeah, that's gonna be a solid "No" then. I put his paper face down on the desk.

As for R0-B3RT, I can't find anyone with that name in these papers. Using my powers of detecting the obvious, R0-B3RT is obviously that broken robot we found in Prattford's room. He looked pretty beat up, so he may not be physically capable of helping.

I do find the elf girl in question though. Her name is Jink Stance, and her energia is listed as Psychokinesis - Can move objects with her mind. She could definitely be helpful. I'll put her as a solid "Maybe".


>>918153
>Actually, you lost me like two days ago. Everything got so complicated that I spaced out.

>Just pick a saboteur (someone who debuffs or distracts enemies and deals damage to bunkers and enemy formations), a healer, and a diplomat/survivalist.


There isn't going to be a healer. At least, not in a convenient sense. If there was, I probably wouldn't have a cast on this broken arm. Still, I give a cursory search just to be certain, and I'm sadly proven right. The closest I can find is Ori Tori, whose power is titled Extra Lives - Has 32 extra lives, which she can use on herself or others. Her paper is stapled to another one, that being Kaito Tori. It's easy enough to understand. They're a two-for-one deal.

As for the other stuff... Maybe I should just list these all out? Sorry, this will take a minute...

Bandi Slip: Mystery Bag - Can pull random items out of his bag
Vincent Russels: Unbreakable - Can withstand any amoung to force
Gene Fox: Expansion - Can increase the size of any part of his body
Joel Mirai: Bad End - Can see futures involving death
-(Joel's Pet) Alice: Humanish - Has humanlike qualities, despite being a dog
Janny Fee: Flip - Can rotate small items 180 degrees
Rufus The Third: Subtitles - He and anyone he's with will see subtitles whenever people speak, or whenever sounds occur within hearing range of him
Kristen Pikki: Accentify - Can force others to speak in any accent she's familiar with
Kollin Wip: Energetic Energia - Randomly sets off others' Energia
Janet Frostbyte: Chilled Touch - Lowers the temperature of items she's in contact with
Holland Amber: Blind Invisibility - Is invisible while his eyes are closed
Dinkle Layman: Inquiry Area - Whenever he asks a question, he and the person asked are plane shifted until an answer is provided
Wilson Dreygat: Lightning Rod - Can absorb and let out electricity in a number of ways
-(Wilson's Wife) Quinn Dreygat: Magnetic Field - Has a constant weak magnetic field, which can be temporarily transfered through touch
Wendy Deen: Mind Reader - Can hear the thoughts of others, unless permission to do so is explicitly denied
Amelia Mellodine: Unprecedented Abnormalities - Unexplainable events tend to take place with greater frequency when within proximity to Amelia
Georgia Stance: Kind Of Stretchy - Georgia can stretch her arms and legs out 48 inches between each limb
Carl Shrink: Jumble - Can see three sentences ahead in conversations, and rearrange the words that a future speaker is about to say
Freddy Wick: Spatial Lock - Targeted items become locked into position until someone says the word "Move" while touching the item
Cory Visions: Deck of Many Things - Receives 5 random cards every day, each with different effects.
-(Cory's Sister) Akane Visions: Simon - Akane's health is tied to her plush rabbit, and said rabbit will protect her whenever she is in danger
Jink Stance: Psychokinesis - Can move objects with her mind
Miguel Ricardio: Repeated Reposition - Can transfer an object or individual to another location, and force them back there twice within 5 hours of the original move
Ori Tori: Extra Lives - Has 32 extra lives, which she can use on herself or others
-(Ori's Husband) Kaito Tori: Third One's The Charm - Every third punch he throws will hit his target with 100% accuracy
Benji Frostbyte: Staff Extension - Carries a staff which can be lengthened or shortened at will
Arrietty Sato: Miniscule - Is 7 inches tall
Marina Taddet: 2D - Can only be seen from the front or back
Hannah Harley: Bollocks To That - If Hannah will win a conflict of any sort, she can skip the conclusion to the present
__________: Radio Jammer - Can't be observed by outside sources
Gabby Gabber: Rumor Mill - Can share false information among a large group of people
Shin Sakuma: Breeze - Can create a gentle breeze with his mind
Trevor Trevor: Handle Candle - Can heat the handle of tools, doors, or other equipment to burning hot temperatures
Joseph Wicket: Golden Ticket - Has a ticket that can be traded for anything the trading partner owns but doesn't value, and returns to Joseph's possession after a day
Itou Kaiji: High Roller - Has a set of dice that will attack either Kaiji or his opponent depending on how he rolls
Bob Erics: Similarity Scatter - Can make like objects scatter wildly into different directions
Phillip Baxner: Youth - Physical age locked at seven
Alexander Dore: Animorph - Can alter her limbs into those of animals, but no two limbs may be from the same beast
Horace Gaines: Just As Planned - If Horace can correctly predict others' actions, he becomes empowered
James James: Spotlight - Can shoot incredibly bright lights out of his mouth
Yurizuki: Uplifting Cough - Whenever he coughs, anyone within 30 yards will be forced to hover an inch above the ground for a few seconds
Samantha Ripper: Headcount - Samantha will be fully aware of the number of people within a certain distance to her
Trixie Flicker: Catlike - Trixie has many feline features

Phew! That was a lot. Still, listing it out like this makes it easier to compare options. In fact, I think I'm starting to find a few that I like...
>>
No. 919073 ID: 9876c4

I commend the added effort of filling an entire town with folks. I hope they're as fun to create as they are to read about.
Re:Toris Extra lives and magic punches are not as useful as they could be. Think about a fight with a bear. If It killed you once, it can clearly do so again, and punching it once or twice isn't going to help much.

The Visions kids have power to spare, though. But I'm not sure if they want to leave everything to go on a dangerous mission.
>>
No. 919076 ID: 094652

Diplomat:
>Joseph Wicket: Golden Ticket
We're going to a castle ruled by a tyrant witch queen. The path there will be filled with nobles who don't give two @#$%s about certain replaceable property, which we can trade and sell for funds.
Survivalist:
>Joel Mirai: Bad End
Adventures are dangerous and instant-death scenarios are a common occurrence. Having someone who can prevent this is a must.
Saboteur:
>Trixie Flicker: Catlike
KITTY!
>>
No. 920326 ID: f9634e

So many choices...

The Vision siblings did help a bunch in the fight with Pratford, albeit indirectly... I say take em along.

I also think Joel and/or Wendy would be a good pick, could help in planning.
>>
No. 922418 ID: a664e3
File 155063011493.png - (306.75KB , 1500x1500 , 143.png )
922418

>>919069
>>919073
>Re:Toris Extra lives and magic punches are not as useful as they could be. Think about a fight with a bear. If It killed you once, it can clearly do so again, and punching it once or twice isn't going to help much.

>The Visions kids have power to spare, though. But I'm not sure if they want to leave everything to go on a dangerous mission.


Hmm, good point. Having an on-hand revival probably wouldn't be as helpful as it sounds, especially since it's clearly limited.

As for the Visions kids, their names are here. That means they must have volunteered to come. Cory's power was really helpful back in the castle, but I'm not so sure about Akane. Actually, I'm not so sure about bringing children in general. That might be a bit hypocritical to say, considering the fact that I'm only 16, but they seem especially young. Still, they were a part of the castle plan, and they were really helpful. Hmm...

Ann "Could you tell me more about these two?" I hand the the stapled papers of Cory and Akane. She looks them over.

Trekker "Cory and Akane? Somehow, I had a feeling you'd be interested in them."

Steph "She's lying. Back in the bar, she said you would almost definitely pick Wendy, Wilson, and Quinn. If she'd had a few drinks, I could have gotten her to bet on it."

Trekker "Ignore her, she's deluded. Now, if you're going to bring these two, then you have to take care of them. They're still young, so don't ask too much of them."

Ann "Of course. I was actually worried that they might be too young. Is it really okay to take them?"

Trekker "Marvin gave the okay earlier when they signed up. He's basically their guardian, so he has final on what they're allowed to do."

Ann "I see."

Trekker "Hmm... I don't have a list of all of Cory's cards, so you'll have to ask him about that. Most of them are good, but a few are bad I think. It comes down to luck of the draw. As for Akane, Simon is pretty strong, but make sure you bring sewing supplies to take care of him."

Ann "Got it. Logan, what do you think?"

Trekker hands him the papers, and he looks over the pages. After just a few seconds, he hands them back. In lieu of words, he offers a thumbs up of approval.

Ann "Alright then. If it's okay, then I think we should bring them with us."

Trekker "Great. Will it just be them, or is there anyone else you'd like to bring?"


>>919076
>Diplomat:
>Joseph Wicket: Golden Ticket
>We're going to a castle ruled by a tyrant witch queen. The path there will be filled with nobles who don't give two @#$%s about certain replaceable property, which we can trade and sell for funds.
>Survivalist:
>Joel Mirai: Bad End
>Adventures are dangerous and instant-death scenarios are a common occurrence. Having someone who can prevent this is a must.
>Saboteur:
>Trixie Flicker: Catlike
>KITTY!


Taking all three, plus the dog tied to Joel, might be too much. Not only might it be impolite, it may also just be too many. A few people with good powers that can work together well would be more effective than a lot of people who don't. At least for now.

Out of those three, the most useful one is obvious. Looking at his page, something itches at the back of my mind, but I can't tell what.

Ann "I was also considering these two, if it's okay with you, Logan." I show him the papers, and he's quick to approve just after reading the Energia. I push them forward to Trekker.

Trekker "Ah! Joel and Alice, such a lovel-"

Steph "Alright! That's an awesome choice, you won't regret it!"
>>
No. 922419 ID: a664e3
File 155063015134.png - (234.66KB , 1500x1500 , 144.png )
922419

>>922418


Steph "Joel's really great, Alice too. And we'll be heading to the human base, so we'll get to see Clive and Rodney again too. It'll be a near-full reunion."

Ann "Uh, great? He's a friend of yours?" Thinking back, they were on the same team. Perhaps it was for a similar reason as why Logan, Gina, and I were together. Because we were close friends already, and could work together well.

Steph "We're practically besties."

Steph's excitement was clear in her voice and animated motions, but her strange helmet prevented me from truly reading her expressions. It was a weird accessory, but drawing attention to it would be rude. After all, what if she's sensitive about it?

Trekker "Steph, since you're closest to Joel, could you let him know that he's been requested?"

Steph "No prob, I'll pop by right now."

Without another word, she sped out the door.

Trekker "Marvin can get the kids ready by tomorrow. Um, when do you plan on leaving?"

Ann "U-Um, maybe... A few days? Gina has a cold, so we should wait for that to pass. I'd prefer my arm to heal before anything, but that would probably take too long. Besides, we might be able to find someone who can heal it faster in Tier Three."

Trekker "I see... The base won't be too far away from the Gate, but we'll still give you a few supplies, just in case something happens. The scendere gate is a little far from the scalata, so you will be committing to being on Tier Three for at least a few days. Do you understand?"

Ann "Yes, I do." Logan nods his head.

Trekker "In that case, best of luck on your travels."
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