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File 162683068804.png - (139.40KB , 1000x900 , p0.png )
1006058 No. 1006058 ID: eedbeb

You can’t do anything about anything and you have to keep going.

This quest is a sequel to https://questden.org/wiki/You_Died Many of the characters from You Died will appear in You Lived, which should update at least once a day with a longer post.
Expand all images
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No. 1006059 ID: eedbeb
File 162683071207.png - (133.96KB , 1000x900 , p1.png )
1006059

Your name is Vlad Noctus and thanks to the universe’s tremendous sense of humor, you are a werewolf.

You're lying on your unmade bed in your tiny apartment that you share with your much more fortunate roommate Chef. He's currently at the gym doing his Friday personal trainer session while you stew amidst your blankets like a useless pile of garbage. A mostly empty flask rests on your dresser and the fading winter light reflects off the glass into your sensitive eyes.
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No. 1006060 ID: eedbeb
File 162683074349.png - (157.52KB , 1000x900 , p2.png )
1006060

With a groan, you heave yourself to your feet, and examine the dregs of anti-transformation potion. There's a persistent itch under your fur that a gulp of potion will soothe, but then you won’t have any left. Since your transformation in public a couple months ago, you've been stuck with an ankle bracelet in case you go feral again.
>>
No. 1006062 ID: eedbeb
File 162683084088.png - (133.48KB , 1000x900 , p3.png )
1006062

It's a pain in the ass to get more potion. You have a job on weekend nights, but a prescription bottle costs about 500 bones and you also need to buy food and pay rent. There's exactly one black market source of potions and magic healing that hasn't been shut down by the mob or regulators in the pockets of Big Magic and she’s a massive bastard.

You chew your lip. The last time you tried to get a potion from Jadis Inc., the apocalypse happened, so you're understandably hesitant.
>>
No. 1006063 ID: 465a14

What's the apocalypse going to do, happen again? Go to the pharmacy.
>>
No. 1006064 ID: 0fae41

I hear that Jadis's new enforcer is a big softie now. Maybe this time you can make her feel bad about beating you up and get some pity potions.
>>
No. 1006065 ID: 96c896

Go talk to Jadis. Maybe you can work out something long-term so you can escape poverty.
>>
No. 1006066 ID: 10211b

Know any werewolf anonymous groups you can go to, or look up? Might be a good way to get some advice, vent your frustrations, and get comfort from other werewolves

Anyway, you're above asking for help this soon from Jadis. Dont go to her yet. But theres no other way around it, you need a better paying job, one that is a 5 day a week job instead of a weekend job. Let's go job searching. Maybe find something that can benefit your werewolf disability, like becoming a bouncer at a club or bar, or becoming someone's bodyguard, or a security guard... though I assume it is illegal to become a wolf on the job... unless... you join a gang? No, you're not that desperate... yet.

Yeah, take what is left of the potion, and start job hunting
>>
No. 1006094 ID: ce39da

Question; do normal venting methods help with transformative urges, or does channeling that aggression, even productively, only make things worse? Maybe you can hit Chef up, both for rent leniency and maybe to get you an outlet for those bestial macho urges? There's nothing wrong with asking for help when your own efforts aren't enough.

For now, though, it's time to buckle down ask for help from a much shiftier person. You're off to see a witch! Do down that remaining potion, though; the last thing you want is to blow up in front of her people again. I'm sure being in close proximity to the apocalypse has sobered her up to the point where she'll actually listen to your complaints re; getting stiffed if you do so calmly and without bite-related violence.

(Plus, you're pretty sure you just caught her guys at a bad time that time, looking back, and you should have known better than to assume they'd have any cash on hand or say in the matter.)
>>
No. 1006095 ID: 109d6b

We were told Jadis doesnt do potions anymore. We'll need to get our money back from her if she isnt getting us the potion we already paid for.
>>
No. 1006109 ID: eedbeb
File 162691504729.png - (189.22KB , 1000x900 , p4.png )
1006109

>Get a better paying job, like being a bouncer
Funny thought, you’re actually already a bouncer at The Deez, a local club/bar. Not the fun beefy enforcer kind though, the kind that sits on a hard stool and checks people’s IDs with a flashlight. You make 20 bones an hour and have to deal with reckless drunk people.

Yeah, maybe you should search for another part time job. You don’t have a college degree but you’re reliable, if grumpy. Warehouse duty or maybe food service would be easily available.

>Werewolves Anonymous
You were bitten as a teenager and never got around to attending the local support groups, content to get out your energy by running around with your gang of punk friends, shoplifting and trespassing into cool abandoned buildings.

There’s a group that meets down the street from your apartment, actually. It’s not the nice side of town so there’ll probably be some shifty characters but maybe someone will have some potion they can lend you or an open ear to listen to your troubles. There’s a meeting this evening, and you can make it before you have to go to work.

>Chef
Your roommate isn’t made of money, though he’s in a lot better financial shape than you are with his job as a nurse. You’d feel like a dick if you asked him for a loan that you’d probably never be able to pay back.
>>
No. 1006110 ID: eedbeb
File 162691506229.png - (116.68KB , 1000x900 , p5.png )
1006110

>Jadis
For now, Jadis is your best bet. Body told you the witch wasn’t doing potions anymore, but according to the fancy new website, they’re available in limited stock. The zombie is helpful, if creepy, and you fish out your phone to give her a call.

You hesitate with your finger on the screen. Hopefully that tall cat lady you bit is okay and not mad at you for her cursed existence.

“Jadis Magical Cures and Surgery, this is Body, may I ask who’s calling?” Body wheezes from over the speaker.

You clear your throat. “It’s Vlad. You still owe me an anti-transformation potion.”

“Ah yes. Right.” There’s a muffled ‘oh god oh shit I forgot vlad when I was calculating the order’ and then a polite cough. “Luckily our dutiful intern has been working hard on his potion making skills and we have a range of heavily discounted products available for pick up.”
>>
No. 1006111 ID: eedbeb
File 162691507755.png - (200.62KB , 1000x900 , p6.png )
1006111

“I don’t want some junk, I want prescription quality.” you growl. “Give me a good potion or give me a refund.”

“We can certainly do a refund of the 50 bone payment you made er, before the apocalypse.” Body says. “I can wire you the money if you have the BoneMe app or I can arrange a physical drop-off.”

You chew your lip. You’d really like a potion and despite the sketchiness of ‘heavily discounted’, you’re curious what the zombie means.

“What’s wrong with the cheap potions?” you ask.

“Well we’re not really sure since no one wants to test them.” Body says in a rush. “Jadis gave the batch a 50% success, 40% unknown effect, and 10% fatality estimate. Said the whole pot should be in a museum, really, with how long Cookie spent sweating over the cauldron. If you promise not to sue or tell anyone you got ‘em from us you can have ‘em for free.”
>>
No. 1006112 ID: 0fae41

Well if you just have one out of that batch and throw away the rest your odds have a 50% chance of being good. Where should you pick them up?
>>
No. 1006113 ID: 96c896

>>1006111
10% fatality is absurdly high and absolutely not fit for consumption by anyone, considering it's a treatment for a non-fatal condition. Unless they're suicidal, maybe?
Ask when they're likely to have a batch with a lower chance of death. Like, 1% at most, and even that's pretty high considering how often you have to use it.

Take the faulty potions, then dispose of them. Wait, how do you safely dispose of potions? Do you have to worry about contaminating the soil, or the water supply?
The 50 bones will have to do.

Anyway, go to the WA meeting, see if anyone can lend you enough potion to get by for now. Then continue going to WA meetings afterwards.
>>
No. 1006114 ID: ce39da

"Look, I'm desperate, but not Russian Roulette desperate. 10% odds of fucking dying would be kind of a deal-breaker unless you got a contingency to help undo that, got it? If I'm doing a clinical trial for you, I sure as hell don't want you cutting any corners. We do this legit if you want me to do it at all."

Good to know they'll be back in business eventually, either way.

You got enough potion to last you through tonight, right? If they're willing to monitor you and help dodge that 10%, you should tell them, you'll consider it.

Take the refund in the meantime either way.

How much over-the-counter potion can you afford to budget before it becomes unsustainable? Establish the timeframe we have to work with before making any hard moves.
>>
No. 1006115 ID: e51896

We're no gambling bat. Just take the refund for now and say you'll sleep on that potion testing offer and let her know another time, and go to the WA group later (we'll take the rest of the potion we have before we leave)
>>
No. 1006186 ID: eedbeb
File 162699698325.png - (129.63KB , 1000x900 , p7.png )
1006186

"A one in ten chance of dying? Are you crazy?" you gasp. You're no witch but that seems like a terrible success rate for a potion to treat a chronic, non-fatal disease. "You should get rid of that stuff, pour it down the drain."

"We don't want it getting in the water supply." Body says. "Cookie fainted when he finally gave up on the spell, so there's like, a ton of energy in tied up in the solution. We dyed it green and put skull stickers on all the bottles. If you don't want it, that's fine. Sorry we don't have good stuff at the moment, Jadis has been busy with a lot of gynecology stuff, you know, with human babies being a thing."

You heard about the human reintroduction when the President got on national TV and gave a very vague description of the post-apocalypse situation. Not like you were planning on having kids anyway but people like Chef are upset about it cause of the panic it’s caused in the medical industry, scams and magic methods for getting a confirmed animal children popping up all over.

"I want the refund for sure. I can send my BoneMe details." you say. "And I'll take one potion. Not that I'm going to test it or anything, but in case I need it for an emergency."

"Okay. I can drop it off tomorrow morning at your place, or anywhere you'd like. If you do drink it, I can pay you to tell me what it did." the zombie says.

"No pressure." she adds, when you splutter in response.
>>
No. 1006187 ID: eedbeb
File 162699699425.png - (114.05KB , 1000x900 , p8.png )
1006187

You hang up, pop the cork on your potion flask, and suck down the last remnants of potion. You instantly feel calmer, less frustrated. The empty bottle goes in your drawer of finished flasks and you stand to get some food before you go to the WA meeting.

While you're chewing through a mouthful of peanut butter, your phone dings to notify that you got a new deposit. You check your account and see that you have 84 bones in your account, with 48 (after the fee) recently added by xAnimeLord65x. That's enough to buy the smallest amount of potion available at the pharmacy, which will only last you three days, and if you do that you'll be eating nothing but beans and rice until your next paycheck comes in.

Plenty to complain about at the meeting. You send Chef a text telling him where you're going, grab a coat and then head onto the street.
>>
No. 1006188 ID: eedbeb
File 162699703007.png - (190.13KB , 1000x900 , p9.png )
1006188

The walks haven't been shoveled in front of your apartment and you trudge through the grimy snow with your head down. The meeting is at a local youth center, far enough that you should probably take the bus, but you walk instead and your feet are freezing by the time you arrive.

There's a bird receptionist at the front desk who nods as you push through the glass doors and wipe your feet on the front rug. You enter the room that's been set up with a ring of folding chairs and a table of light refreshments, nose crinkled at the smell of the three other attendees.

Closest to you is an old homeless toad. He’s bundled in layers and a shopping cart full of garbage is parked in the corner.

A golden retriever who looks like she belongs in high school is glancing over the refreshments while a lean ferret stares at you.
>>
No. 1006190 ID: ce39da

"Uh, hi, I'm new."

Just grab some refreshments and take a seat. Maybe offer some extra to the others - the dog wants, the frog needs, methinks. Generally, you're supposed to let the group leader, well, take the lead on the conversation, including introductions.

You just took some potion, so at least you don't have to worry too much about pack dynamic instincts forming here, right?

BTW, how confident are you with voluntary shifting (assuming that's even a thing you can do)? I'm asking in case things take a turn at one of these meetings or you become well-off enough to get a membership at Chet's gym.
>>
No. 1006192 ID: e51896

Play it by ear. Judging by the golden retriever staring at the refreshments and not taking any probably means it isnt time for snacks yet. So leave it alone.

Sit down, and introduce yourself as the new guy.
>>
No. 1006201 ID: ce1268

Vlad: hi, I'm Vlad, and I am a werewolf...
Everyone (deadpan): hi Vlad...

Seriously tho, introduce yourself.
>>
No. 1006233 ID: eedbeb
File 162709230680.png - (139.06KB , 1000x900 , p10.png )
1006233

“Uh, hi. I’m new.” you say. “Is there like a group leader or someone I should talk to…?”

The ferret responds, his voice surprisingly deep. “She should be here soon, the snow must be giving her trouble.”

The toad doesn’t acknowledge your presence and you awkwardly sidle up to the dog at the refreshments table. There are chips and baby carrots with ranch and you fill a small plate with everything.

“This young woman is new too.” the ferret says. The dog shoots him a dirty look and sits on the other side of the frog.

The atmosphere isn’t exactly tense, but when the other werewolves notice your ankle bracelet there’s definitely a shift.

“How’d you get that?” the dog asks, pointing at your leg. “Did you bite someone?”

“Um.” you say. “Maybe we should wait for the meeting to talk about that?”
>>
No. 1006234 ID: eedbeb
File 162709232294.png - (130.96KB , 1000x900 , p11.png )
1006234

The dog grunts and the group lapses into awkward silence. Your ears prick up when you hear the youth center doors open and a friendly female voice talking to the receptionist. A cat with a posh coat bustles into the room and the ferret raises a hand in greeting.

“Sorry I’m late.” the woman says, shedding her gloves and shaking the fresh snow from her ears. She can’t be much older than the retriever, but her demeanor and height give you the impression of maturity. “Oh wow! Two new members today. I’ll have you introduce yourselves in a moment, I’m Polly and I’m a werewolf.”

The cat hangs her coat neatly behind her chair and takes out a pencil and pad of paper, presumably to take notes.

“Would you like to go first?” she asks you kindly. “Tell us your name and any details you’re comfortable sharing in your introduction.”

You swallow a mouthful of chips and clear your throat with a forced cough. “Hi. I’m Vlad Noctus, 27, got bit when I was 13 so it’s been a while. I have trouble getting anti-transformation potion so any advice on that would be appreciated.”

Polly nods and smiles. You’re caught between feeling patronized and shy.
>>
No. 1006235 ID: eedbeb
File 162709233956.png - (124.27KB , 1000x900 , p12.png )
1006235

“How about our other guest?” Polly says.

“I’m Daisy. Your sister killed my dad.” the dog says flatly.

“Ah.” Polly stays composed despite the accusation. “I’m not trying to make light of your loss, but I’m afraid this is a meeting for werewolves only, so if you wait outside the room I’m happy to talk to you once we’re done.”

“Oh I’m a werewolf.” Daisy snarls. Her fur is starting to fluff into a jagged mass, an early shift sign. “I got turned so I could take revenge.”

You’re missing something here—no wait, Polly’s a cat. Not to stereotype but that’s really all the explanation you need.

Tensions are rising. The toad is still sleeping or pretending to and the ferret is gnawing his nails. What do you do to resolve the situation?
>>
No. 1006236 ID: 031458

Killing people won't bring your sister back, dumbass.
>>
No. 1006237 ID: afe7de

I'm already under probation could you not do this here, please, I just want some help and to get on with my life, not to get caught up in this and have another mark on my record

you say as you munch on some carrots, watching as a pretty gross scene probably ensues.
>>
No. 1006239 ID: 094652

"Daisy, as much as I'd love to tear these mob bastards apart alongside you, it's only going to get more people in the obituaries. With us at the top of the list.

Since you rich parasites are only good for magical science, I'd like to address the elephant in the room: how the @#$% is our culture going to change now that we know our Creator is on the moon and she eats and/or reincarnates every-furry's souls upon death? Also, how do we react to the inevitable wave of (literally soulless) human werewolves in two decades?"
>>
No. 1006241 ID: 96c896

>>1006235
"Well why don't you go kill her sister then?"
>>
No. 1006243 ID: ce39da

"Nope." Punch her in the snout to establish dominance - your ankle bracelet won't get mad as long as you don't shift to do it, right? (What's she gonna do? Double infect you? Try to kill you in the same room as at least one other werewolf she's antagonized?) "Not happening. I came here to get help for the life-destroying condition you decided to get voluntarily. I just took the last of my potion today, but you have no idea how royally pissed you're making me anyway with this bullshit!"
>>
No. 1006245 ID: 367433

I'd like to see Vlad as a character who tries not to get involved in bs like this unless he's forced to. Like we're playing as a background character to the main characters. I dont think anything he says or does will cool this situation.

Instead of trying to stop it, Vlad could quickly interrupt to mention how a witch name Jadis has not been giving him his medicine he paid for, and recently was offered a potion with a 10% chance rate to kill him.

(He does not know Jadis is Polly's sister, which might stop Daisy in her tracks to give Vlad an interesting response, maybe giving Polly a chance to escape or something?)
>>
No. 1006277 ID: eedbeb
File 162715424550.png - (140.38KB , 1000x900 , p13.png )
1006277

You know what, this isn’t any of your business and it’s not your job to deal with teenagers who make abominably poor decisions. The swig of potion you just had is making you supremely chill because otherwise you’d be telling Daisy she’s a dumbass for picking fights and getting herself turned for petty revenge.

“Could you not do this here?” you say, to the room at large. “I’ don’t need more trouble in my life.”

Everyone ignores you. Typical.

Daisy sheds her jacket and finishes mutating into her wolf form, extra fur bursting from her skin as the soul tied to her body fuels the transformation. You know from experience that it hurts like a bitch and disables whatever passive ability the animal would usually have in exchange for enhanced speed and jaw strength.

The memory of when you leapt off a roof after school sophomore year and broke your foot make you wince. Fall damage is a pain when you’re used to gliding.
>>
No. 1006278 ID: eedbeb
File 162715425866.png - (171.40KB , 1000x900 , p14.png )
1006278

Polly assumes a trained fighting stance and meets Daisy with a high kick to the snout. The dog yelps and tries to bite the offending foot, but Polly snaps her leg back and kicks her again in the side of the head.

“Daisy, please try to calm down. I’m very sorry for your loss but you’re not in a position where attacking me is feasible.” the cat says.

The dog howls with rage and lunges at Polly, knocking chairs over with a crash when the cat leaps out of the way. If it were you, you would have backed off by now. Werewolves didn’t survive into the modern era by being aggressive. They were opportunistic biters and the scary transformation was mostly for intimidation.

“Who’s her sister?” you mutter to the ferret as Polly keeps kicking the crap out of Daisy.

“Jadis Lewis.” the ferret visibly shudders. “Polly’s a nice girl but that family is bad news.”

Ew, you can’t believe you thought Polly was okay. What’s she doing at a support group for the lower class? You feel a lot less comfortable complaining about the bad potion business when the guilty party’s sister is here.
>>
No. 1006279 ID: eedbeb
File 162715429041.png - (133.71KB , 1000x900 , p15.png )
1006279

Poor Daisy is bleeding from her nose and a torn lip. She pushes herself to her feet and keeps growling at Polly, who is waiting a measured distance away.

“I’d like to use our appointed time for the meeting. Leave, or I’ll be forced to use further violence.” Polly points to the door.

Daisy hesitates, then scampers for the exit, tail between her legs. You hear the receptionist gasp as she leaves the building.

Polly sits and picks her notebook and pen off the ground. “I’m sorry for the interruption, everyone.” she says. “Shall we get back to the meeting?”
>>
No. 1006280 ID: 96c896

>>1006279
One thing first, what's with her and her sister?
>>
No. 1006295 ID: e51896

I kind of wanna go outside to Daisy and try to convince her to wait outside until Polly is ready to talk to her after the meeting.

Otherwise, since Vlad is now nervous to talk about his potion problems, he could instead just not bring up Jadis and her buddies names when he vents his frustrations, and/or ask for advice on getting potions or a decent paying job to afford potions when most employers wont hire a werewolf.
>>
No. 1006300 ID: ce39da

"Well, it looks like I made the right choice chugging the last of my potion today instead of rationing it. Pretty sure I would have blown up just then otherwise, and I don't need that right now. But seriously, where does that bitch get off destroying her life like that on purpose?"

...

"But anyway, I guess some people still need to introduce themselves?"
>>
No. 1006301 ID: 094652

>>1006278
"Oh. Right. The Lewis Family. I thought she looked familiar. Jadis and Body are assholes. I guess Polly is their Face, so they spoiled her sweet."

Go talk to Daisy. Tell her you think Jadis is a life-ruining sociopath as well, but if she dies then the ensuing potion shortage will cause more death and destruction. Her revenge was poorly thought out; if she really wants to make a difference, she'd have to steal all of Jadis' werewolf curing research while offing her and find a way to mass-distribute it.
>>
No. 1006305 ID: eedbeb
File 162717672599.png - (152.05KB , 1000x900 , p16.png )
1006305

“Can you explain what that was about first?” you ask. “She said something about Jadis killing her dad?”

Polly feigns a cough to buy time, and wipes her bloody knuckles sheepishly with a napkin. “Since you’ve heard of my sister you can understand why that wouldn’t be terribly out of character. Judging by Daisy’s age it was probably several years ago, so I’m not sure exactly who her father was. Jadis is doing much better now, for anyone concerned.”

You think back to the newspaper articles and hushed gossip you’ve collected over the years. Jadis’ crimes include dissection, amputation, creating automatons out of corpses, general creepiness, and torture. And that was all before she was 18.

“She’s still bad at running a business.” you mutter. “You defended yourself well, that was pretty poorly thought out on Daisy’s part.”

The cat shrugs. “Not reasonable, but I’d say it was righteous. I hope I can talk to her after this.”
>>
No. 1006306 ID: eedbeb
File 162717675090.png - (133.77KB , 1000x900 , p17.png )
1006306

“I’ll take her coat and go find her.” you say. It’s such a good idea that you start edging towards the door. “It’s cold out, hopefully she’s still close, and I can try to help her make better decisions.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Polly says cheerfully.

You tuck the white jacket under your arm and head into the snowstorm. Fresh paw prints and drops of blood lead you a couple blocks away, to the cover of a bus station. Daisy is hunched on the bench, back to normal. You feel a pang of envy. The newly infected have a much easier time with free transformation.

“Hey. Here’s your coat.” You toss it beside her. “Don’t try to kill people like that, you can’t do magic and you don’t have a gun.”

Daisy sniffs and raises her bruised, tearstained face. “Do you know where I can get a gun?”

“What? No, I mean, don’t try to kill people in general, even if they deserve it.”
>>
No. 1006308 ID: eedbeb
File 162717680394.png - (190.80KB , 1000x900 , p18.png )
1006308

You flounder around the edge of the small shelter, not wanting to get too close to the teenager.

“I’m sorry life sucks.” you finally say.

“Yeah.”

Daisy starts crying again and you stare at the falling snowflakes until she’s back to hiccups and wet coughs. It’s pretty dark, but you can see fine with the help of your sensitive eyes and a distant streetlight. You’ll have to get ready for your job soon.

“Can you help me?” she whispers.

“Do what? Kill Jadis? She’s kind of an important person and I need potions from her. I also have a lot of my own problems.” You gesture to your fine jewelry.

“My dad had a group of wolves he was trying to organize, to take on the mob. I have a lot of their names, can you help me find them?”
>>
No. 1006310 ID: afe7de

You feel bad about her situsation, but no, you don’t want to help her fight the mob. What’s in it for you anyway, a slight reprieve, maybe a little money. It’s not a long term solution, and -points to your ankle monitor- is definitely something that could be tracked and traced back to you.

No, you can offer comfort and support during the early phases of transition but you have little to no motivation to fight otherwise you would have when Jadis didn’t pay you the first time.
>>
No. 1006312 ID: 96c896

>>1006308
After the both of you find them, then what? Try to bite them too? You'll help her get closure, but only if it doesn't involve more attempted murder.
>>
No. 1006317 ID: e51896

Tell her the harsh reality: let her know that even if you decide to find wolves, it isn't going to make her life any better, even if she achieves revenge against the mob, because... well...

she made the life changing decision to become a werewolf. And she cannot go back to her old life anymore...

and you're really concerned about that because the fate of becoming a werewolf is not something you would wish on your worst enemies. as an example, let her know of the 14 years of being a werewolf, the discrimination people had against you, the friends and family you hurt, and opportunities you lost, the fact that you can't feel regular emotions like anger like a regular person can without hulking out, the fear others have of you preventing you from having normal relationships.

If she complains that you don't know what you're talking about, let her know that if you didn't know, you would not have sacrificed your time at the WA to learn how to deal with your potion and bone situation to talk to her, you had longer experience as a werewolf than she.

Ask as a request to at the very least, give the WA a try for maybe a month before deciding to kill or form mobs. It won't fix our issues, but it could maybe bring some solace, and Polly said she'd be willing to lend an ear regarding what Jadis had done to her, and in extension yourself.
>>
No. 1006318 ID: 031458

I aint gonna help a kid kill herself.

The mob is ingrained within society.
A crack team of mercenaries might do some damage, but it won't change anything.
Except that you'll all be dead.

...Need help with anything not insane?
>>
No. 1006320 ID: ce39da

“Dunno what you’re expecting to accomplish here. I think we’ve both experienced first hand that werewolf might alone ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that’s not even considering all the scary magic bullshit these mob witches can do with a thought, much less the even spookier folks Jadis in particular’s been hanging with. Shit, I even heard a rumor recently that she’s added a literal god to her entourage.”

“So no, your plan sounds incredibly short-sighted and doomed to failure. And what did Dolly do to you, anyway? I don’t remember her being very involved in the family business?”

“Sorry, it’s just... I’m just mad, okay? Or about as mad as I can be all zonked out on the last of my anti-transformation juice. That you’d do this to yourself; being turned isn’t something I’d wish on my worst enemy. The werewolf curse has destroyed lives and homes, so to know that there’s someone willing to bring more into the world on purpose is just... Who was it? If I ever meet him, I’ve got an ass-kicking with his name on it.”
>>
No. 1006321 ID: 094652

"Vengeance is sweet, but I don't need to tell you that diabetes is a thing.

Your father took on the mob because they're parasites of the highest caliber. Thing is, he had a plan to keep them from coming back. Do you know what that plan is? Can you succeed?

And then there's the fact that since he's dead, the Moon thingy ate his soul or something. So he's not watching you avenge him."
>>
No. 1006322 ID: 53560f

Look, i’m not gonna pretend I’m an expert on what to do here but you tried to kill someone at a help group meeting. Attempted murder at a meeting where people are trying to deal with their problems in a healthy way.

What i’m trying to say but failing terribly is you should maybe try to find a healthier way to deal with this than murder.
She’s willing to talk to you if you wanna go back which from what I know of her family basically means you struck gold in finding possibly the only member of that family who might not be batshit.
>>
No. 1006342 ID: 87a628

Be sure to let her know that you're not saykng she made a mistake to become a werewolf willingly, but her choosing to become one is going to have a lot of huge consequences down the line that she needs to consider from this point on, especially now as she is reaching adulthood.
>>
No. 1006349 ID: eedbeb
File 162723973864.png - (119.65KB , 1000x900 , p19.png )
1006349

You give an enormous sigh and try to sort out your thoughts before you answer. Maybe you’re already too jaded to deal with this kind of thing. You definitely don’t think murder solves any problems, but you sympathize with rebelling against the corrupt forces in power.

The kid’s probably been traumatized by losing her dad and is getting used to being a werewolf without a good or understanding support system. You decide to offer her some honest advice.

“Look, you can do whatever you want with your life, but I don’t want to get involved anything suicidal. I think you’re smart to go after the only mob family member who wouldn’t kill you for threatening them, and you’ll figure out a way to get closure eventually, hopefully through something healthier than revenge.”

Daisy reaches for her coat and half-heartedly shrugs it on. She doesn’t say anything.
>>
No. 1006350 ID: eedbeb
File 162723975155.png - (110.07KB , 1000x900 , p20.png )
1006350

“Becoming a werewolf is going to have huge consequences for the rest of your life, so if you need someone to talk about it, I’m here.” you say. “And that WA meeting seemed okay, Polly wants to talk things over with you and I bet you could play up the pity card to get some free potions out of her.”

Daisy snorts. “Yeah, I bet she’d just be thrilled to see me again.”

You kick a tuft of snow. “She’s a bleeding heart rich person with a brain. She knows her sister is fucked up.”

You turn to face Daisy. “Speaking of fucked up, who’s the asshole who turned you?”

The dog bristles and doesn’t meet your eyes. “None of your business.”

“Whoever it is, don’t trust them. Report them to the police if you can.”
>>
No. 1006351 ID: eedbeb
File 162723976280.png - (141.97KB , 1000x900 , p21.png )
1006351

Daisy jumps to her feet and growls deep in her throat. You feel yourself start to curl your lip instinctively. “Shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” she says.

“You think I don’t? Being a werewolf is serious! Anyone who would do that to a kid is evil, even if you asked them to.”

Whew, you’re getting worked up. You take several deep breaths to calm yourself. “Just—I don’t know. I’ll see you again if you go back to the meetings, otherwise I don’t want to get involved.”

You turn and walk away into the brittle evening. Daisy doesn’t follow and you start heading for The Deez. You can get there early and help set up the bar, see who’s working tonight and commiserate about the customer service experience.

It’s cold enough that you cram your ears into your hood and put your hands in your pockets. You’re halfway to the club when your phone buzzes.

You squint at the bright screen. It’s from your coworker Jordan. The message is in all caps.

GOD IS COMING TO THE DEEZ TONIGHT!!!!!! D:
>>
No. 1006353 ID: 96c896

>>1006351
Oh shit oh fuck you gotta get everything perfect
>>
No. 1006355 ID: e51896

WTF!?!

Respond with "but y tho?"
>>
No. 1006366 ID: eedbeb
File 162725537656.png - (119.82KB , 1000x900 , p22.png )
1006366

You slide to a stop and gape at your phone. You thought that God had left like the news said. You’d felt a yawning emptiness when you managed to get into the country for a safe transformation last month, the feeling that your creator was gone, the moon winking at you blankly instead of shining like an old friend.

what??? she’s back??? why would she come to the club?

Jordan messages you back instantly.

no not God god the slutty one that likes humans

And you’re crushed again. You’ve seen the articles about this other god, the same species of space-faring hive mind who for some reason liked to roleplay as a hairless ape instead of being useful.
>>
No. 1006367 ID: e51896

Respond saying "the question still stands"

well, at least we're only a bouncer so we won't have to worry about seeing the other god too much... right?

eh, better up your pace a little bit so we can get there early enough to help set up
>>
No. 1006368 ID: f177db

Text "So many religious questions < booz, sx, and awkward"
>>
No. 1006377 ID: eedbeb
File 162726454301.png - (168.60KB , 1000x900 , p23.png )
1006377

You call Jordan. You have too many wordy questions to justify texting.
“How did you find out?” you demand before the frog can say hi.

“The boss got an email half an hour ago, apologizing for the impending paparazzi. This could be the biggest night of my life, I heard he tips really well.” Jordan chirps. “And I’m also totally freaking out so I thought I’d warn you since you’ll be the manning the door.”

“I’m on my way there. But why is he coming to The Deez? We’re just a shitty club with even worse bathrooms. Our drinks aren’t cheap enough to make up for it.”

Jordan exhales into the speaker. “Sometimes you gotta be trashy.”

You have a million questions about religion and the nature of animal life and being a werewolf, but you get the sneaking suspicion that your role as a bouncer does not include interrogating the guests. It’s really a rare opportunity though, and you’d hate to let it pass by.

You finish the call and put your cold fingers in your pocket. How do you prepare for Saul’s arrival?
>>
No. 1006379 ID: e51896

Saul likes getting drunk, right? Better get ready by letting Jordan know to get some stronger high quality alcohol ready for him, at least what is within the Deez budget. Maybe suggest a discount on drinks tonight since we have a VIP tonight? That might be asking too much though but worth a try. Also clean the bathrooms.

Interrogating guests as a bouncer might be a bad idea, but theres nothing said about the chance of having a guest come up to talk to us instead. maybe there is some way we can be interesting enough to have Saul take time to notice us and start a conversation with us instead of the other way around...

With that in mind, Didnt Saul once said once that one would have to be drunker than him to talk him into doing stuff? That might be one way of getting him to talk to us... though getting drunk on the job might be bad as we could pass out... though I think it depends on how well Vlad could hold his alcohol amd what he could afford with his refund (which is why i suggested the discount on drinks). hmm... how much can Vlad drink before the chances of passing out happens? For reference, it took Evelyn 5 drinks before she gets a 50% chance of passing out.
>>
No. 1006381 ID: 96c896

>>1006377
What can you do? You're manning the door. Besides, if Saul wants a trashy experience it's not like you wanna clean up the place or wear a suit.
>>
No. 1006390 ID: c77fe0

Is there a way you can prepare yourself to hold back more crazies than usual other than just mentally bracing yourself?

“Hey, is there any way I could get some backup at the door? I think we’re gonna get way more crazies than usual, and I don’t mean the nice and amicable kind.”
>>
No. 1006415 ID: eedbeb
File 162734535590.png - (190.74KB , 1000x900 , p24.png )
1006415

The club is always understaffed, and you think you’ll need moral support for the task ahead. With a slight pang of guilt, you text Chef and ask if he can come keep you company. The goat has a front loaded week so it’s not like he’ll be tired for work the next day, but still, you’re basically wasting his Friday night.

You finally reach the squat, square building. Cigarette butts line the windowless walls as Gastro, the usual DJ, hurriedly shovels the walks. You nod to him and duck inside.

Jordan waves you over to the bar and you help her prep lime slices, simple syrup, paper umbrellas, mint, and clean glasses. She moves with frantic twitches as she wipes down the taps and lugs a fresh keg of cheap beer out of the back.

“Want to do a shot with me?” you ask.

“Okay, just one.” Jordan pours herself tequila and gives you some Foreverclear. It burns your dry throat and you drink a second before chasing the sting with cranberry juice.

It’s 15 minutes to opening when Chef pokes his head through the door. You just gave the bathrooms a half-hearted mopping and refilled all the toilet paper dispensers, and he waves to get your attention.
>>
No. 1006416 ID: eedbeb
File 162734536739.png - (122.39KB , 1000x900 , p25.png )
1006416

You join him outside. Snow is still falling, but the pressure changed and it’s warm enough that the flakes don’t stick to the recently uncovered gum stains.

“Thanks for coming.” you grunt.

“Thanks for inviting me.” Chef replies. “I’m not going to miss out a chance to ask god why he’s committing slow genocide.”

Ah that’s right. Chef is a bit more involved with things than you are, and people across the political spectrum have been pissed about the human thing, for different reasons. At least Chef is worried about the humans’ fate, instead of trying to stamp them out in denial.

“Good luck with that. Wait, is that them?”
>>
No. 1006417 ID: eedbeb
File 162734537878.png - (191.80KB , 1000x900 , p26.png )
1006417

A shiny new car pulls over a few buildings away, headlights blinding you for a second. You hear doors slam and then the vehicle peels away as the following horde arrives. Two figures start their approach.

Saul is talking to the woman you bit all that time ago. He’s prancing forward with a huge smile, twirling a hot pink feather boa around his shoulders while she strides forward in a long coat and skimpy underthings. A crowd of journalists and fans are trailing them from a distance.

The important thing here is that god is FRIENDS with the cat whose life you ruined. What are the chances of these things happening? At some point the pile of terrible coincidences feels like the world is out to get you.

You clutch your chest with mortification and fall against the grimy black brick painted wall. Chef gives you a concerned look over his crossed arms.

“You good man? Do you feel like you’re going to transform?”

“I’m fine.” you splutter. The pair of doom is advancing on you, the cat pulling an ID out of a fold in space while Sault points excitedly at the scrotum hanging from the neon sign.

“It’s you.” the cat says, voice low and somewhat hoarse. Her flat eyes widen with surprise.

You take her ID and quickly scan the name. Evelyn Shade, recently 32.

“Uh, yeah. I’m sorry about biting you that time, if you have to report me I understand but I really can’t afford it right now.” you say.

“Huh? Oh, I didn’t have a soul when you bit me, so—“

“Evelyn.” Saul tugs on the cat’s sleeve. “Look at this goat guy, Evelyn. He’s hot.”
>>
No. 1006423 ID: 031458

So... What?
Souls?
The fuck?
Yeah you know what.
Fuck it. Free pass. Take what you can get.

But of course if it's not one fire, it's another.
God's about to make his first impression of the night... With freaken' Chef of all people...
>>
No. 1006424 ID: 667fa6

>Lycanthropy requires souls
You're screwed.

Stare at the ID while you make idle chatter.

"... Body was doing something with the latest batch of experimental potions this morning. You two still a thing?"

"So... is Jadis still an asshole? Like, say she died next month for... reasons. Open-Parenthesis Opening Dialogue Tree Close-Parenthesis."
>>
No. 1006426 ID: c77fe0

“Oh, um... Good for you? Did... Did you get better?” Fuck, that’s a dumb question.

Whisper: “Chef, be cool. The literal god here is prolly looking for a break from all the questions.”

Not that you aren’t curious, too; you don’t think you ever caught what the reason was for ‘humans coming back’ being necessary, or why your capital-G God had to go. Did it have something to do with souls? You do recall that the soul-yeeting apocalypse was Her fault somehow, but your magicless ass never really ‘got’ what her motive was.
>>
No. 1006428 ID: 1620be

If things get tense, let Chef know that Evelyn beat the snot out of you... while in werewolf form and should probably cool off.

Hopefully it wont come to that.
>>
No. 1006431 ID: 96c896

Introduce them to Chef!
>>
No. 1006436 ID: fcf088

Okay, your normal policy is probably not to let guests hit on staff, right? You feel brave enough to say so to god?
>>
No. 1006439 ID: 97a962

>>1006431
This. Introducing chef is polite.
>>
No. 1006481 ID: eedbeb
File 162742786076.png - (183.07KB , 1000x900 , p27.png )
1006481

Chef stiffens next to you and curls his lip with disdain. You quickly hand back Evelyn's ID, not totally understanding what the cat said about her soul, but relieved that she isn't infected.

"Uh, everyone this is my roommate Chef, Chef this is Evelyn and god." you say. "Please don't fight or like, hit on each other without permission."

"I don't want to fight or flirt yet, I want to hang out! The groupies back there are no fun, always trying to corner me and get my take on ethical dilemmas." protests Saul.

Evelyn pats Saul on the shoulder. "Let me do the talking."

"Yes yes, the most powerful, generous wingwoman." Saul says. He's practically quivering with excitement as the two tall, buff animals face each other with squared shoulders and a hint of teeth. You think god has a type.

"Sorry about him." Evelyn says, jerking a thumb at Saul then extending the same hand to the goat. "He's still working on his first impressions."

Chef takes her paw and you notice they both grip very tightly. "That's a good band." he grunts, pointing to Evelyn's chest.

"Oh yeah, people don't usually recognize d'nip cause they're old." Evelyn holds out the sides of her coat so you can see 'DEATHNIP' more clearly across her top.

"I listened to them a lot when I was young, after they split up."

"Ha, fun fact they split cause my dad quit playing the bass to stay home and take care of me."

Chef's jaw drops. "What? No way, your dad was the bassist? You're practically a celebrity."
>>
No. 1006482 ID: eedbeb
File 162742789423.png - (176.67KB , 1000x900 , p28.png )
1006482

While Evelyn and Chef start gushing about ancient rock bands that you've never heard of nor care about, you give an apologetic look to the crowd waiting in line and get blinded by a camera flash for your trouble. Great, now you're going to be on the cover of a gossip magazine tomorrow and teenagers on social media will be finding reasons that you're problematic. You don't know how Evelyn puts up with the press if she hangs out with Saul all the time.

"I can start letting people in over here." you say, herding Chef and co. away from the door and waving journalists to the other side. Jordan needs customers or she'll get anxious and nothing makes
Gastro more depressed than an empty dance floor.

To your surprise, Saul drifts away from Evelyn to stand next to you while you check ages and greet the confused regulars who haven't seen The Deez this busy ever and are worried their precious garbage will be gentrified.
>>
No. 1006483 ID: eedbeb
File 162742791692.png - (144.02KB , 1000x900 , p29.png )
1006483

Once you've taken a solid chunk out of the waiting animals, you turn to Saul. He's wearing a frankly inappropriate shirt and is about your height, if you don't count your ears.

"Before you ask, no, because I'm lazy." he says.

"What?"

"Weren't you going to ask me to fix poverty and violence? Solve world hunger? Let God come back? No. Because I don't want to. I don't interfere."

That stumps you for a moment. Saul sounds surprisingly bitter.

"Would you be mad if Jadis died?" you blurt out.

Saul turns his head to check if Evelyn is still distracted. "Talented witch despite the eye. Lovely girlfriend. Would be a shame but I wouldn't be terribly upset. Some people are dangerous." he says quietly.
>>
No. 1006486 ID: 96c896

>>1006483
Hm. Can werewolves infect humans? Not sure if Saul is bothered by werewolves being around since they're closer to the other God's power than normal.
I guess if they did bother him, he would've already started curing them. So, no chance of getting one from him then. Unless he's open to negotiation? Like, you could reimburse him for his time?
>>
No. 1006489 ID: e799e4

"Hey, can you snap your fingers and cure my lycanthropy, I'll tel you some gossip about Greatest Of All Time over there. Also, drinks."
>>
No. 1006493 ID: 1f309b

Tell him you can understand him not wanting to interfere, you're also someone who tries not to get into trouble, but *point at the device on your leg* trouble finds you instead.

Saul won't help us with our werewolf problem because as he said, he's too lazy. Probably don't bother him about it, he's just here for fun. If he becomes friends with us though, he might consider it later, so lets just chill with him.

Instead, As far as Jadis goes, mention how you met a highschooler at a werewolf anonymous meeting where Jadis' sister holds, who threw her life away to become a werewolf to get revenge on Jadis for killing her father or something (polly's okay btw). Mention you did your best to get her life back on track and not do something stupid like that since, y'know, Jadis is the only person who can get us potions to keep us from transforming to werefolf, though you're not sure if it worked or not and hope she doesn't hurt anyone and ruin her life further.

We can probably ask for more details on what Evelyn meant by not turning into a werewolf due to not having a soul. Does that mean we need a new soul to replace the one we have to not be a werewolf anymore or something? How can we do something like that?
>>
No. 1006495 ID: 9d5fd0

I don't think it's very worthwhile trying to get something out of their godhood. They don't really seem into it and are probably tired of requests and everything by now. Best just to let them enjoy themselves at least.
"I guess you would get a lot of people like me, if not most. What kind of things would you rather talk about instead?"
>>
No. 1006497 ID: e51896

>>1006495
Pretty much this
>>
No. 1006499 ID: c77fe0

“I’m not gonna be ‘that guy’ and ask you to cure my lycanthropy with a thought - wouldn’t be fair to all the others - but maybe someone who knew my god has some insights on how to... I dunno, cope with it? Maybe even work with it so it isn’t working against me all the time? I’m about to hit a dry-spell with my potions.”
>>
No. 1006568 ID: eedbeb
File 162751316186.png - (151.54KB , 1000x900 , p30.png )
1006568

It almost sounds like Saul is afraid of Jadis, which is absurd and completely understandable. The music is beating on the painted brick walls and you stall with a few more IDs to gather your thoughts.

You're sure Saul could cure your lycanthropy, but won't if you ask. It feels a bit slimy but maybe you can hang with him tonight to build some cred. Find out how you can deal with your curse through secret special magic techniques.

In the interest of your plan and fire safety, you shoo away the rest of the crowd, who grumble mutinously but disperse around the edges of the building to snap more pictures. If your boss gets mad at you for turning away customers, you'll threaten to call the fire marshal on him. Chef and Evelyn are exchanging numbers and Saul gives them a wistful look.

"I met a high schooler earlier today who got turned so she could attack Jadis' sister." you say casually. "I told her to get her shit together cause Jadis is trying to help werewolves, mostly, with potions and stuff."

"Eh, yeah, not the best idea. I mean, if you're gonna take her out a bite would make it a lot easier but monsters aren't the best form for the job. Low equilibrium energy."
>>
No. 1006571 ID: eedbeb
File 162751317271.png - (145.21KB , 1000x900 , p31.png )
1006571

Evelyn's ear twitches and she turns to frown at Saul. "Are you brainstorming ways to kill Jadis?"

"The people need all the help they can get." he says somberly. "Also when are we actually going in there? I want colorful booze."

"What do you mean low energy?" you interrupt.

"You coming?" Evelyn asks Chef. "Drinks on us, no pressure though."

Chef hesitates and nervously meets your eye.

"I need to help Jordan at the bar." you say, desperate to stay relevant. "I'll serve you guys, special treatment."

"Really? What a pal." Saul says with a light slap on your back.

The disappointed spectators seem eager to sneak towards the door once you open it for Saul and co. and follow them inside.

Jordan bolsters your alibi by practically shoving a tray of glasses into your hands, wide eyes frantic. You wince at the deafening music and pull a pair of earplugs out of your jacket pocket.

"There’re too many orders! I can't keep track of everyone." she shouts above the noise.

"Did they not smuggle in their own booze or pregame or something?" Smuggle is a strong word since the club never checks pocket spaces. Then again most of the usual clientele couldn't afford them.

"No! I don't know what's wrong with these people!"
>>
No. 1006574 ID: eedbeb
File 162751318853.png - (175.13KB , 1000x900 , p32.png )
1006574

You keep an eye on Saul, who's commandeered a table near the back and is fending off wild journalists. You find owners for your tray of drinks, then grab several bottles of liquor and fill a pitcher with beer.

"I'm gonna get some stuff started for god." you pant. "Switch with me when you need a break."

You push through the crowd and Evelyn stands to lift a lizard out of the way so you can put the tray down and start pouring drinks.

"Thanks bro, to answer your question monsters have less free energy in their souls cause it's tied up in their abilities or wasted in the confusion." Saul says, with a swig of cheap beer. "Jadis has done some research on it, more after she figured out how we actually work."

He jabs a warning finger at Chef. "This is somewhat dangerous information so don't get any ideas Mr. Handsome Access to dying people.

"I-what? I just do basic healing spells." Chef protests.
>>
No. 1006580 ID: afe7de

so the reason people turn into werewolves when bitten after a while is because it's syphoned enough energy to force a transformation, but it takes more and more energy each time the longer you are one, so you're running out of energy and the potions keep filling up the energy?

It'd be nice to find a way to permanantly fix that energy shortage so the transformations were more uh concious and you could live a normal life. Too bad you don't know magic or anyway to fix the problem on your own. Maybe get hit by lightning to give energy to your soul?

Continue to talk about random things
>>
No. 1006586 ID: 031458

>>1006574
Nah, this bleeding heart wouldn't ever so something like that.
Hell, He was about to accuse you of genocide!
>>
No. 1006587 ID: 094652

So what about the souls that currently exist? Are they just going to keep reincarnating, or do they die out because Moon isn't here to stabilize them, or are they going to dissipate into entropy as curses run them out?

Because the one thing you really want to ask Saul is about matters of artificially constructing an afterlife. Technically that's not interfering with the physical world.
>>
No. 1006589 ID: ac162e

Lets keep the rest of the questions brief and to the point, I'm worried about Jordan and her anxiety with everything going on, so we should focus more on helping the frog and her customers soon.
>>
No. 1006597 ID: e799e4

"Chef here doesn't like harmful magic as you can see from the Saint Peter cross he always wears.
He got really bummed out that animal people didn't get created by Jesus."

>>1006587
I think the souls will just fly back to wherever the godess went off to and rejoin her body or something.
And there will be no more werewolves if people have no souls to infect with lycanthropy.
>>
No. 1006696 ID: eedbeb
File 162759817377.png - (137.33KB , 1000x900 , p33.png )
1006696

"Chef would never do something like that." you snap. "He's trying to save people, not use them."

Saul looks taken aback. "Oh. Sorry. I'm too paranoid sometimes. Talking to politicians about national security does that to a guy. Let's stick to gossip."

Evelyn takes a pull out of a flask she extracted from her discarded coat. "You got rum and Choke?"

You soak a glass with a generous splash of rum then crack the tab on a red can and pour the simple ingredients together.

"So are you still friends with Body?" you ask, handing her the drink.

"Yeah, we hang out after work a lot. She's been busy doing all the business stuff for Jadis, she's basically her manager and secretary. I take her out to do fun activities since she doesn't have much life experience. We watch movies and go to concerts and stay up late."

You don't mention the deadly potion Body is bringing you tomorrow. You don't ask how Evelyn got a surrogate soul, despite your curiosity. Instead you pour drinks as fast as Saul can consume them, which means you're out of booze in about ten minutes.
>>
No. 1006697 ID: eedbeb
File 162759818820.png - (138.20KB , 1000x900 , p34.png )
1006697

"I'm going to swap with my coworker." you say, packing the tray with used glasses. Chef sips his weak beer and shrugs off his leather jacket. You can practically see Saul's eyes pop like a cartoon character's.

"That cute frog girl? Great." says Saul cheerfully. He's flushed and leans against Evelyn's fuzzy shoulder.

While you push through the crowd, you wonder why Saul would be worried about Chef's work in the hospital. You suppose that since monsters have low energy, the dying people could be used as soul batteries. That's a bit twisted for your taste. You'll stick to potions to keep yourself in check, even if they're expensive.

If animals are eventually replaced by humans, which will take more generations than you have the brainpower to calculate given the 1:1 conception ratio, that means that there won't be any more werewolves. No more magic either. Honestly you're fine with that. Magic causes trouble.

Jordan is surrounded by empty bottles, her hands shaking and tears pricking the corners of her eyes.

"Let me take over." you say and reach for her notepad of orders. You can see the deterioration of Jordan's neat shorthand as the list spans several pages.

"I don't think we even have enough stock for all these." Jordan rubs the back of her head. "People have been waiting a long time, they're going to get mad."

"That's why I'm going to stand here and you're going to go over there." you say firmly. "I'm used to yelling at impatient customers."
>>
No. 1006698 ID: eedbeb
File 162759820979.png - (142.95KB , 1000x900 , p35.png )
1006698

You scramble to mix drinks while Jordan blows her nose and disappears into the suspiciously packed crowd. People have probably been coming in because there's no one to stop them at the door, which admittedly is your fault.

"No new orders." you say firmly to a hound who's trying to get your attention.

"You were the guy talking to Saul." the dog observes. "What did he say?"

"Just small talk."

"Sure." The dog leans against the counter. He's older, with some grey hair on his muzzle. You catch him craning his neck to eye your ankle bracelet.
>>
No. 1006700 ID: ce39da

"I'm on an anti-transformation dose right now, don't worry. It's getting really hard to get my hands on the stuff recently, though; ended up snapping at someone who stiffed me on them. Bite didn't take, though, thank god. Any questions, or can I proceed with the drink mixing?"
>>
No. 1006703 ID: 96c896

>>1006698
"Take a picture, it'll last longer."
>>
No. 1006707 ID: eedbeb
File 162760901490.png - (139.68KB , 1000x900 , p36.png )
1006707

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” you snark. “And don’t worry, I took my potion today.”

The dog’s focus bores into you in a vaguely unsettling way. “Where do you get your supplies?”

“I’d love to chit chat on a normal night, but as you can tell I’m busy.” you pointedly turn to focus on the fruity cocktail you’re crafting.

You watch the dog out of the corner of your eye. He’s hunched across the counter and covered part of his face. It looks like he’s concentrating or really needs to take a shit, which would be unfortunate given the toilet situation.
>>
No. 1006708 ID: e799e4

Time to serve some drinks...with style!
Whip out your coolest cocktail making moves!
>>
No. 1006712 ID: 96c896

>>1006707
Probably a werewolf who ran out of potion. Better confirm that. It won't do to have a sudden transformation in the middle of the club.
I guess you could tell him you know of a really shitty alternative, if he's willing to risk a 10% chance of death.
>>
No. 1006722 ID: ee370b

Yeah, I'm getting signs that this dude is a werewolf, and he is concentrating not to transform.

We're a bouncer though, we should probably try to get him outside so he doesn't ruin the party. So what if customers get mad for not getting drinks? it's better they are mad than to have them hurt. Get him some water too.

When your both outside we could probably tell him about the WA that Polly is in charge of, or something.
>>
No. 1006733 ID: 53560f

Okay, I know I said no chitchat but are you doing okay over there?
>>
No. 1006739 ID: ce39da

"... Okay, I take it back. Is something wrong? Sorry for misinterpreting your intent there."

He's probably not used to there being this much meat and noise compacted here. If you do end up escorting him outside, try to ask Jordan to get back to the bar if you see her; explain that it's a magical medical emergency.
>>
No. 1006748 ID: eedbeb
File 162765545441.png - (152.71KB , 1000x900 , p37.png )
1006748

You feel vague unease in your gut. Animals have good instincts in general but it’s been proven that werewolves have a slight edge in sensing danger. You stop in the middle of your top 10 beginner bartending flair moves that you learned from a video a couple weeks ago. Is the guy about to transform into a werewolf? That would be catastrophic in the packed club, multiple people could be bit and there might be a panic stampede.

You put down the bottles.

“Sir? Are you okay? I’m sorry if I misinterpreted your intent, do you need any help? The sound in here can be overwhelming.”

His fur isn’t spiking, which is a good sign, but he doesn’t respond. You slowly approach and reach to tap him on the shoulder.

The hound seizes your paw with a painfully sturdy grip and you see that the right side of his face is a mess of eyes. He’s not a werewolf, he’s a witch who’s been casting a spell.
>>
No. 1006749 ID: e51896

Well, I'm glad we saved Jordan by sending her the other way

"D-DUDE, what do you want with me? If you want a drink that badly, I'll fix you one... or is this about Daisy? I told her I didn't want to get involved and just want to get my lycanthropy treated! And you're in a public spot, people CAN see what you're doing!"
>>
No. 1006753 ID: e799e4

Punch him in the eyes so he can't cast his spell. I bet he wanted to put a hex on Saul or something.
Ask for help around the bar to restrain him, too.
>>
No. 1006756 ID: 9a2966

Instinctively reel back and throw a drink in their face with your free hand.

All those eyes and strong alcohol will do great things, I'm sure.
>>
No. 1006774 ID: ce39da

Throw that half-finished drink in his face; failing that, your fist will make do.
>>
No. 1006776 ID: eedbeb
File 162767239290.png - (193.76KB , 1000x900 , p38.png )
1006776

Searing rage pushes through your fatigue and medicated calm and you reach for the nearest full glass and chuck the contents at the dog’s face.

Casting spells in public isn’t exactly illegal, but the general consensus is that if a witch is making eyes at you for no reason you’re allowed to beat the shit out of them until they stop.

You follow up the alcohol with a fist into the dog’s shut eye. This gets him to finally let go of your left wrist with a grunt with pain. Other people around the bar notice the fight and whip out their cameras, but the hound has already shut off his magic and starts pushing towards the exit.

You’re shaking. The dog had maybe 20 seconds before you interrupted him, which is plenty of time for a simple spell. Your skin crawls and now you’re paranoid that every sensation in your body is some magic side-effect.
>>
No. 1006777 ID: 96c896

>>1006776
Only one way to be sure, go ask for help from... there aren't any other known witches in the bar, are they?
Guess you gotta go ask Saul to tell you what just happened.
>>
No. 1006780 ID: ce39da

> Seering rage.
That's probably what he was doing. He didn't start casting until after he spotted your anklet. A catastrophic transformation panic cascade was exactly what he was aiming for - probably a distraction for something else if he didn't know about your condition before coming in here.

While everyone's attention is still on you: "The guy was casting magic at me, FYI."

Take a moment to calm down, and if it's not working, GTFO before the inevitable happens. Channel that rage towards chasing down and dragging that asshole outside if you have to direct it at something.
>>
No. 1006781 ID: 094652

Immediately shout "Citizen's Arrest! No casting unauthorized magic while a god is present!"
>>
No. 1006794 ID: e799e4

"Someone stop that dawg!" say while pointing your finger at him Naruto style.
>>
No. 1006812 ID: 60d729

Text Chef, tell him what happened. Maybe he'll let Saul and the others know what happened and they can help.
>>
No. 1006819 ID: eedbeb
File 162770277064.png - (114.72KB , 1000x900 , p39.png )
1006819

“That guy was doing magic on me!” you yell to the spectators who nod with understanding at your violent behavior and make no move to stop the dog. You growl with frustration and vault yourself over the bar to shove through the useless crowd. You’d like to get yourself checked as soon as possible, by Saul, preferably, but you want to stop the culprit first.

A few people complain as you push past them, you even catch a comment that there’s no one at the bar to make drinks before you feel cold air on your face and catch the door before it swings closed.

The dog runs into the dark, slushy night. You hesitate at The Deez entrance.

Do you:
-Chase after the dog, leaving your duties and friends behind. You’ll get a guaranteed info drop and learn what spell was cast on you
-Stay
>>
No. 1006822 ID: afe7de

Stay, get yourself checked by Saul, you dont want to beg, but you just got magicked because you were talking to Saul. That or ask him if theres someone who can check you?
>>
No. 1006831 ID: e51896

Stay, text message Jordan and Chef and let them know what happened. Tell them you'll be at the counter serving drinks. They'll probably let Saul know and get you some help.

Then get back to serving drinks and hope they'll come help with your situation. Let them know about Daisy and wonder if she had something to do with this if they show up

(groan if they suggest getting looked at by Jadis, but accept it)
>>
No. 1006832 ID: 96c896

Chase him. Worst case scenario is you got your potion nullified which means you're no longer safe to work.
>>
No. 1006836 ID: 4916f1

"YEAH, YOU BETTER RUN, YOU SON OF A WITCH!"
>>
No. 1006838 ID: e51896

>>1006831
To add to my suggestion, quickly snap a pic of him on your phone before you head back so we can get more info later from someone who might know him.
>>
No. 1006855 ID: e799e4

Maybe telling Saul that someone was trying to bewitch you for speaking to him would be a good idea.
>>
No. 1006857 ID: ce39da

You don't want this fucker to get away with this - if he cast the spell you think he did, you aren't fit anymore to work in a crowded public space, anyway, and causing a panic in there would have been exactly what he wanted.

However, you did interrupt his spell the moment you caught him casting magic, so it's not like he got to finish what he was doing to you. Do take a moment to calm down, then head back inside, officially tap Jordan back in, and ask Saul to help you out with something that probably concerns him in some way.
>>
No. 1006872 ID: eedbeb
File 162777057202.png - (188.00KB , 1000x900 , p40.png )
1006872

>Stay

You convince yourself that you probably interrupted the spell before the dog could finish and duck back into the club to catch your breath. You pull out your phone and send a quick message to Chef about the incident. There wasn’t time to snap a photo, but animals are easy to identify by species.

The bar is dripping from the spilled drink and you mope up the mess before salvaging your half-finished creations. Bartending keeps you busy for the next hour. You take a break and mix yourself a mojito for some much needed refreshment.

The air in the club is musty from the combined fumes of a hundred strangers, few of whom should be actually drunk though you’ve been pouring shots for the persistent and disgruntled journalists who’ve stayed away from the dance floor.

A tight group of spectators has blocked your view of Saul and company, but judging by the cheers, everything is going well.
>>
No. 1006873 ID: eedbeb
File 162777058152.png - (152.97KB , 1000x900 , p41.png )
1006873

Chef finally emerges, flanked by flashing cameras, horns streaked with lip gloss and trailed by a giggling, half naked Saul.

“I finally got him to come check on you.” Chef huffs, nudging Saul towards the counter.

“Whaaaat, did someone try to cast a spelly welly on the bat?” Saul teases. “You should, you should, talk to a witch you trust cause I’m busy with the—“ he gestures vaguely at the alcohol. “—fine selection Jordan brought us.”

“Has this happened before, to like Evelyn or something?” you ask. You’re disappointed but not surprised that Saul isn’t helping.

“Yeah, I mean, they’d be dumb to do it when I’m there but she’s had people come up to her at her work. Jadis cleans her soul out once and a while, it’s usually dumb spy spells, snooping y’know.”

You groan. Trustworthy witches are usually all doctors and you can’t afford a visit. And that means you have even more things you need from Jadis.
>>
No. 1006874 ID: eedbeb
File 162777059938.png - (159.71KB , 1000x900 , p42.png )
1006874

Jordan comes back to get new supplies after Chef and Saul retreat and thanks you profusely for your help. It looks like she’s had a few more drinks and is enjoying herself and you smile and keep working, even though you’re getting tired.

People start to leave around 1:00 am and Gastro cuts the music soon after. The crocodile heaves an enormous yawn and helps you herd the remaining guests onto the street so you can wrangle Saul, who is still playacting drunkenness.

“Thanks for the fun time.” Evelyn says, shrugging her jacket back on.

“Yeah, we should come back here sometime!” Saul gives a flirtatious wave to Jordan, who’s pocketing a roll of bones.

Chef looks exhausted, but waits for you to close the building before walking home. You’re grateful for the gesture, the witch run-in made you nervous to be out late alone.

“You okay?” you ask, ears back under you’re hood. You’re worried the goat didn’t have the best time, hyperactive gods aren’t his usual scene.

Chef exhales puff of warm vapor. “It was fine. Evelyn’s cool. We might get dinner sometime.”

The apartment is warm. Benefits of living on the second highest floor. You leave your jacket on a chair in the kitchen and let Chef use the bathroom first. What do you do before bed?
>>
No. 1006875 ID: 094652

Demand a favor from Jadis; this curse happened because you helped her 'friends', and they already have a low opinion of her. If she grifts you, they might cut her out of their lives entirely.

Set up a recording on your phone to note any curse changes that happen overnight.
>>
No. 1006877 ID: ce39da

Call Jadis/Body and say you'll pick up the risky potion tomorrow yourself after all, and you want them to determine what a witch cast on you last night while you're at it.

"There's a chance what that punk tried to do to me has something to do with the fact that Saul was at the bar I work at last night, in case that piques your interest any."
>>
No. 1006880 ID: 96c896

Uh, do you actually trust Jadis enough to believe what she tells you?
>>
No. 1006887 ID: e51896

Lets just look at our budget right now, after our refund, and our payment from the Deez, can we afford a visit to Jadis? Maybe we can persuade a discount.

For now, talk to Chef about what happened. Ask if it was right of us to focus more on the customers and our friends over our health after getting hexed, and what he suggests we should do, like if we should see Jadis with our low budget.
>>
No. 1006888 ID: e51896

Lets just look at our budget right now, after our refund, and our payment from the Deez, can we afford a visit to Jadis? Maybe we can persuade a discount.

For now, talk to Chef about what happened. Ask if it was right of us to focus more on the customers and our friends over our health after getting hexed, and what he suggests we should do, like if we should see Jadis with our low budget.
>>
No. 1006911 ID: 15a025

Wonder if we swig that risky potion if we can get Jadis to check us over. Blame anything that happened on the potion.
>>
No. 1006915 ID: eedbeb
File 162778780399.png - (160.88KB , 1000x900 , p43.png )
1006915

>Call Jadis

You consider your funds, which are still at a flat 84 bones. Payday isn’t until next Wednesday and Saul certainly wasn’t tucking any stacks of coins into your pocket. All bar payments are sent to the club’s BoneMe account so you can’t embezzle funds, though you’d like to.

Chef emerges from the bathroom and you scroll through your contacts to find Jadis’ number. You’re definitely blocked, but you give it a try anyway.

“Jadis Magical Cures and Surgery, this is Body. Though all customers are valued this isn’t really the best time—” answers a familiar undead voice.

“I’ll come to pick up the potion tomorrow morning at your place, also how much does it cost for Jadis to examine me for foreign magic?” you ask.

“Ah, Vlad, well—“ there’s a massive crash and a frustrated, unintelligible scream. “—Jadis is actually very interested in the effects of the potion, so you’ll get a free inspection if you drink it on site.”

You’re not sure you want to do that, but you’ll keep it in mind. “Is everything okay over there?”

“Er, it’s a mild interpersonal disagreement. When Kibble gets mad things get messy. Anyway, see you soon.” says Body and abruptly hangs up.

That was weird. What do you dream about?
-God
-god
-Other (suggest)
>>
No. 1006918 ID: e51896

You dream of Duck... for some strange reason (maybe has to do with the hex)

or the werewolf that bit you long ago.
>>
No. 1006919 ID: 52c064

God
>>
No. 1006921 ID: ce39da

God. If dreams are all you have left of Her, then fuck, you’d better get something akin to answers about why She thought werewolves were a good idea before She dips for good.
>>
No. 1006922 ID: 15a025

God.
>>
No. 1006923 ID: 094652

You dream of Evelyn imploding.
>>
No. 1006934 ID: e799e4

You dream of xAnimeLord65x and your shady source of e-money.
>>
No. 1006935 ID: eedbeb
File 162784000840.png - (110.78KB , 1000x900 , p44.png )
1006935

You’re trying to remember how to make an old-fashioned. You can’t find the muddler and the bottles don’t have labels. It’s unfair you have to help at the bar when you’re not even a real bartender, you just learn stuff online and practice on slow nights. Where’s Jordan?

Evelyn is waiting for the drink. She grinds her teeth with frustration.

“I don’t know how long I can do this.” she says. “I’m just a normal person, I want to be left alone.”

Someone is standing behind you, hot breath on your neck. They growl. You never found out who they were, you were on a quick errand for your mom at the corner store and got knocked to the ground before you were bit.

Body is there too, rubbing her head and staring at her phone.

“They’ve never had a fight like this, Jadis needs to chill before she does something stupid. I can’t believe she was making Kibble keep Duck this whole time.”

You have no idea who or what she’s talking about.

“You want to watch Baruto later?” Evelyn asks.

“Naw. It’s starting to get too real.”

And then—
>>
No. 1006936 ID: eedbeb
File 162784001814.png - (51.40KB , 1000x900 , p45.png )
1006936

You’re wearing sunglasses and looking into an enormous light. The sunglasses must be some fancy rich person pedigree because your normally delicate eyes are roving over the swirls in the round surface. Your skin facing the light is hot, but your back is freezing cold.

Somehow that’s a good thing? The longer you stay gazing into the star the more you feel refreshed and recharged. You’re tired from being trapped behind the bar for so long and you want to stretch your limbs.

Dust and pebbles settle on your surface to be separated into useful materials. You’d like to slice into the star to get some fresher ingredients but you’re still not at full strength.

Once you’re feeling better…well, who knows? You haven’t thought about what you want to do with your life outside of just surviving for so long.
>>
No. 1006937 ID: eedbeb
File 162784002662.png - (134.94KB , 1000x900 , p46.png )
1006937

A headache greats you in the morning, which is unfair, you didn’t even drink that much. You curl tighter into your nest of blankets and fail to go back to sleep. You have to piss so you roll yourself out of bed and slink to the bathroom.

Chef’s door is open and you can see his room is empty. Strewn with band posters and a bit messy, but homey compared to your barren quarters.

It’s almost 10 am and you need to get moving so you can meet Body on the other side of town. Your stomach growls and you’re itching again.

What do you eat for breakfast? How do you travel across the city? You can spend your money, but you’ll feel bad if you use too much. Increased comfort will help quell your transformation urges.
>>
No. 1006938 ID: 3de023

Chef is probably working and cant drive us. Can we call Jordan to drive us? We helped her out in a pickle, and was even happy in the end, maybe she is willing to return the favor? We can talk about fun stuff on the way.

For breakfast, just some cereal
>>
No. 1006943 ID: e799e4

You can use your wings!!! :D
>>
No. 1006961 ID: afe7de

There's a bagel that was left out this morning and some tuna in a can, you kind of mash em together and eat that. As for transport, you get on a bus but dont pay. You avoid eye contact with the driver, they know you do this sometimes when you're down on your luck
>>
No. 1006998 ID: eedbeb
File 162791910911.png - (123.82KB , 1000x900 , p47.png )
1006998

You find a bagel on the kitchen counter, a rare treat left by Chef. You feel bad when he gives you food but today you need all the support you can get. The bagel’s a little stale, but mixed with some old tuna in the fridge it’s an above average breakfast, which helps quell the anxiety swirling in your stomach.

Jadis is scary. Her friends and god think she’s scary. She wants you to drink an experimental potion and study you afterwards.

You gulp, pull on your jacket, and leave your apartment. Time to put yourself in harm’s way.

>Use your wings

Sadly, you don’t have wings. You could conceivably get to the roof of the highest building in town and glide to Body using your innate ability, but you don’t think security would let you do that.
>Get a ride

Jordan owes you a massive solid for helping last night. Okay, well technically she shouldn’t even have needed your help because the boss should have gotten more people to come in since he knew there was going to be a massive crowd but still. The frog has an old, used car and hopefully she’s awake.

You turn right back around and wait inside once Jordan confirms she can drive you. Waiting makes the anxiety worse. It doesn’t take heightened danger sense to realize this is a risky situation.
>>
No. 1006999 ID: eedbeb
File 162791911850.png - (147.36KB , 1000x900 , p48.png )
1006999

Jordan drops you off at the curb with reassurances that she’ll call the police if you go missing, and you send Body a message saying that you’ve arrived. Despite being on the nicer side of town, this apartment building seems shabby. Isn’t Jadis rich? She should be able to afford a better place.

The front door slams open and you jump a good half meter in the air, fur puffing out of your coat. Jadis is in the doorway and she seems pissed, teeth gritted and fists clenched. Body trails behind, in the middle of a reedy sentence.

“—she’s not gonna take any contracts against you, give her time to cool off and maybe apologize for things.”

One of the witch’s beady eyes is heavily scarred and you try not to stare as she ignores Body and rounds on you.

“I’m a busy lady, buster, so let’s get to the point. Body told me you’re a werewolf and you’re interested in trying Cookie’s potion, and I have some theories on what might happen that I want verified.” Jadis grumbles. She pulls an ominous bottle of green liquid from the thin air by her pants pocket. True to Body’s words, it’s marked with a cartoon sticker skull.

You take it and watch the potion slosh around the glass. It might be your imagination but it seems more viscous than normal.

“What are you waiting for?” Jadis says impatiently. “Drink it.”

Do you:
-Drink the potion (50% normal effect, 40% random, 10% something very interesting happens)
-Refuse (you better back this up)
>>
No. 1007000 ID: ce39da

"You'll step in to help if it looks like that 10% chance of death Body mentioned is gonna happen, right?"

If she at all responds in the affirmative, do it.
>>
No. 1007002 ID: 7924dc

Dont say anything in risk of wasting her time and angering her further

Quickly drink the potion in fear
>>
No. 1007006 ID: 1f9805

This might be the last thing you ever do. If you want to get something off your chest, now is the time.
>>
No. 1007013 ID: 96c896

>>1006999
No guts no glory. Gotta drink it, just ask her to save you if the potion tries to kill you.
>>
No. 1007015 ID: eedbeb
File 162793520860.png - (148.51KB , 1000x900 , p49.png )
1007015

>Drink the potion

“Okay, um, you’ll help me if something goes wrong, right? I don’t want to die from this.”

“Yeah, whatever, just take a sip.” Jadis snaps.

You unscrew the cheap plastic lid, shut your eyes tight, and take a quick gulp. The lukewarm liquid tastes like tap water. You swallow.

A familiar sensation of calm and stability travels from your chest to the rest of your body. The potion worked as intended. No, even better than that, it feels more potent than what you’re used to.

Jadis and Body are staring at you, waiting for something to happen.

“It works.” you say.

“God DAMMIT.” Jadis turns around and stomps back into the apartment complex.
>>
No. 1007016 ID: eedbeb
File 162793525124.png - (162.92KB , 1000x900 , p50.png )
1007016

“Cookie will be really happy to hear that his potion was good.” Body stammers to break the resounding silence. “Uh, sorry Jadis left before she could check you for spells, you can have that bottle and I’ll send you 50 more bones for testing it.”

The sudden relief you’re feeling is almost euphoric. With this potion you’ll be set for a month and more money is just the cherry on top.

Body seems to be in no hurry to leave. She taps her fingers together and glances at you while you stand in your contented stupor.
>>
No. 1007019 ID: 96c896

>>1007016
Ask her how many bottles there are of this and how long they'll keep. If they all do the same thing and don't individually have a chance to backfire, then that means you can buy some in advance and also tell other werewolves in need about it.
>>
No. 1007020 ID: abb12d

I'd tell her about our dream, but she seems to have anxiety, something you know too well. Maybe we should ask if she wants to take a relaxing walk in the park or something to cool off and not worry about talking about whats happening.

Maybe once she is much more calm after or during the walk, we can tell her about our dream.
>>
No. 1007021 ID: ce39da

"Er... Is something wrong?"

Come to think of it, why's Jadis so displeased if she was teaching Cookie to make exactly this potion? Did she have a "fun" theory about a possible side-effect that Cookie might have produced?

If Body's staring for the obvious reason ("How long are you gonna just stand there?"), you should request that you stay a little longer, just in case there are any delayed effects. Plus, you'd still like that examination.
>>
No. 1007022 ID: 031458

Welp.
My schedule just cleared up, and I'm in a good mood to boot.

Body, you look like the kind of person that needs help with something.
How may I be of service?
>>
No. 1007027 ID: 58acf3

"For what it's worth, thanks for helping me out of that situation."
>>
No. 1007044 ID: e799e4

Read Body language, hug Body.
>>
No. 1007055 ID: eedbeb
File 162795479868.png - (119.95KB , 1000x900 , p51.png )
1007055

You’ve effectively solved your short term money problem. Potions get weaker over time, but since these ones are so strong you can work through Body’s stock over the course of the year.

You can practically smell the reek of drama coming off of Body. The combination of yesterday’s hot action and your dream give you the sense that pressure is building within the ragtag group of cats.

Getting involved means trouble, but you can’t help but feel sorry for the dejected zombie. Though up close you don’t see her stitches anymore and her skin seems clearer.

“Thanks for helping with that. Do you want to go for a walk?” you ask impulsively. “It looks like you could use someone to talk to.”

Body sighs. “Yeah that’d be nice. Sorry again that Jadis didn’t stick around to check you.”

“No problem. Well, small problem but I’m happy to get my wins where I can. Do you want to get a jacket or something?”

Body starts ambling across the street without answering and you slip slightly as you hurry to follow her.
>>
No. 1007056 ID: eedbeb
File 162795480804.png - (158.43KB , 1000x900 , p52.png )
1007056

Body leads you to a quaint snow-covered park with a playground and small frozen pond.

“Okay,” she finally says on your second rotation of the pond. “So like, let me fill you in on some stuff…”

It takes several more rotations for you to absorb the sheer lunacy, the extreme unfairness of Jadis and Kibble’s power levels.

“Kibble can’t be physically harmed?!” you shriek.

“Er, Jadis has spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to do that in case she goes rogue but by normal sane people, yeah. And she’s holding onto this angel, which is also indestructible and can mind control any of us, and Jadis was being an ass and taking apart fetuses in their office despite Kibble telling her to stop and Jadis has also been saying really freaky things about mass animal sacrifice so I think Kibble finally snapped and told her off—“

Sure you talked to god yesterday but at least Saul does a good job of appearing unthreatening.

“—Nothing gets Jadis more sensitive than being yelled at and she started threatening Kibble and then they had this huge screaming fight last night.” Body shudders at the memory. “Kibble left the apartment and Jadis is super paranoid that she’ll get hired by someone to do their dirty work instead of ours.”
>>
No. 1007063 ID: 96c896

>>1007056
Sounds like Kibble needs a friend. Someone who won't just try to use her, and will listen to her moral objections. She got anyone like that?
>>
No. 1007071 ID: afe7de

Have any of you tried, I dunno, just being her friend? Not using her to do dirty work? Sounds like she could use someone who isn’t heaven bent on keeping them under their thumb?
>>
No. 1007075 ID: e51896

Tell body maybe she should go find Kibble, like, right now, and talk to her. She doesn't have to take sides and agree with her, but it'd be good if she at least took some time to listen to her and let her vent,

kind of like how we take time to listen to Chef after one of his bad days, he appreciates us listening even if we can't do anything to help him or agree with him
>>
No. 1007076 ID: 4d5afe

Talk about how you Wonder what result Jadis wanted from the potion. She seemed upset that we survived and the potion worked better than expected. Is she jealous Cookie managed to make a better potion than her?
>>
No. 1007091 ID: 094652

Jadis is clearly losing her marbles.

Suggest that Evelyn (and Saul, duh) keep a close eye on Jadis while Body and whoever else in their party consoles Kibble.

And insist that they take a long look at why they keep this toxic friend around.
>>
No. 1007098 ID: 87d0ba

Sounds like you need a neutral third party to help sorry this out.
Hey, I'm one of those!
I'll need both sides of the story. From them, preferably. Jadis seems like she needs a moment. Can you find Kibble?
>>
No. 1007116 ID: eedbeb
File 162803136230.png - (186.41KB , 1000x900 , p53.png )
1007116

"Go find Kibble and try to talk to her. She needs a friend she can trust who isn't trying to use her for her power." you advise. "If you want a neutral party I can go with you but I'm probably not going to know what to say or how to help."

Body shrugs helplessly. "I would, but I don't know where she is. I called her parents and they don't know either, honestly they haven't seen Kibble much since her accident ages ago. Besides the people who hire her for hits, I don't think she talks to anyone besides us regularly."

"Get, uh, Evelyn and Saul to help you. Or I can ask around if anyone's seen a terrifying mouth monster."

Body tucks her fingers into her armpits, the cold getting through her short fur. "If you could do that, I'd appreciate it. Saul won't do shit and Evelyn gets bothered enough already. I'm on Kibble's side for this but I'm too close to Jadis for her to totally trust me."

The glowering witch had smelled like blood and bile. Tension had stood out in her thin muscles under her generic t-shirt and she had glared at you with poorly disguised suspicion.
>>
No. 1007117 ID: eedbeb
File 162803137160.png - (162.54KB , 1000x900 , p54.png )
1007117

"Why do you stick with Jadis? She seems like the stereotypical mad scientist who's a jerk and toxic too." you say.

"She is. I thought she was getting better but a few weeks ago she said she found some big magic secret to do with the human baby thing and it's been making her crazy. Says everyone's out to get her."

"Yeah, she wasn't even happy when that potion worked." The witch's actions have been troubling you. "What did she want to happen, do you know? Is she jealous that Cookie made a better potion than her?"

"No, she wanted it to do something dramatic because her sister's a werewolf and between everything else she's been trying to find a cure." Body bites her lip with her odd flat teeth and hunches in on herself like a deflated beanbag. "Anyway. Yeah."

Several people pass through the park while you and Body talk, mostly older folk out for a walk despite the weather. You tune them out, which means you don't notice when a familiar dog in a light jacket runs up beside you until Daisy tugs your sleeve with her paw.
>>
No. 1007118 ID: eedbeb
File 162803138168.png - (219.38KB , 1000x900 , p55.png )
1007118

"Hey Vlad!"

You stiffen and let out an undignified yelp. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?" you hiss. You jerk your arm free and glance at Body, who seems to be melting further into a defeated heap in the snow.

"Jadis lives close by." she says cryptically. "Are you trying to get her too?"

"I told you yesterday, no!"

"Because I heard her scary guard isn't there and I was thinking that it'd be the best time to bite her." Daisy wags her tail and seems to notice Body, who regains some life at Daisy's words.

"Does everyone already know? Jeez." Body sighs.

"Who's that?" Daisy says, nose wrinkled with distaste.

"A fool. Not to be a traitor but infecting Jadis isn't a terrible idea. M'name's Body." The cat sluggishly extends her hand. Daisy takes it briefly, wincing at the cold touch.

Apparently, you are too popular with women and must juggle Body and Daisy's goals while staying out of trouble. Good thing you don't have a day job.
>>
No. 1007119 ID: 3ed3c3

I wouldn't suggest attacking Jadis right now. She's on edge and alert, and is likely to splash anyone she doesn't recognize with something vile and caustic.
>>
No. 1007120 ID: ce39da

"Y'know, I really don't get what the big deal about biting people is. Yeah, it diffuses your magic, and some people can be dangerous with their magic, but is it really something worth risking your life over? Kibble, nothing. I heard Jadis herself barely needs more than a second of staring to turn a guy into chunky salsa."
>>
No. 1007121 ID: 96c896

If Jadis is trying to find a werewolf cure, isn't biting her like, hugely counterproductive? If anything we should be trying to help her. I mean, she's not doing it out of the goodness of her own heart obviously. She just wants to cure her sister. After that she'll probably charge an arm and a leg for the cure, but it being available at all is a huge victory for werewolfkind. Not sure how you feel about the human babies getting dissected for research, considering you're not exactly a human.

Also she's right, you know. People are out to get her. Like this bitch. And presumably a bunch of mafia rivals.
...if the witch at the bar put spy magic on you, he now knows that Jadis is vulnerable. That could be bad, depending on who he is. Ask Body to call Jadis and tell her she should go somewhere safe.
...wait, what if Daisy sent that witch to the bar to put spy magic on you? That could be how she found you. Confront her.
>>
No. 1007123 ID: 89e85a

Umm... pet Body in her deflated state.

"Ummm... with the way Jadis is acting in her enraged state right now, she's probably going to go full werewolf and go on a rampage which might hurt you and everyone in town, get arrested, and then I wont get my cure or potions... then again, maybe biting her might give her incentive to focus on a cure more than her human fetus magic? Nevermind..."

"Body, maybe you should go find Polly and have her talk to Jadis, maybe Polly can try to get Jadis to get her priorities straight..."

"Daisy, who told you about Jadis' body guard running away? I got hexed by a hound witch, so it wasn't me, was it?
>>
No. 1007164 ID: e799e4

What if Body convinces Jadis to tell the big secret of the human babies?

Oh, and.......uh...where does Jadis keep getting human fetuses from?
>>
No. 1007213 ID: eedbeb
File 162812633978.png - (131.26KB , 1000x900 , p56.png )
1007213

"We are not biting Jadis." you say firmly.

"Well, maybe you're not but I want to." Daisy mutters.

Who are you working for Daisy?" you say, voice stern. The dog breaks eye contact and crosses her arms.

"No one. I'm just trying to avenge my dad."

"Bullshit." You puff your chest and loom over the girl to assert your role as the senior werewolf. "Someone bit you, told you Kibble was gone, and then told you I was here. Yesterday a foxhound put a spell on me, and I bet it was some kind of tracking hex. Are you working with him?"

"I deserve suffering." Body drones.

Daisy plays with her sleeve and shifts from one foot to the other. You keep your face serious, which is hard when Body is leaning on you for support.

"It's for the government intelligence agency." she finally says. "At first I was suspicious of them but they're trying to stop Jadis from hurting more people, they know she was involved with the apocalypse and since Saul doesn't do anything they think she could be trying something big. The hound, Max, is one of the undercover witches stationed here to help."

"Don't you think," you say "it's a little dubious for the government to be using a teenager to take on a witch who can turn you into chunky salsa in seconds? Why do they think she's planning something?"

"Because she's dangerous and crazy and there's no one to stop her, duh!"
>>
No. 1007214 ID: eedbeb
File 162812635394.png - (130.92KB , 1000x900 , p57.png )
1007214

You turn to Body. "Has she told you the big secret?"

"If she had it wouldn't be a secret anymore. It's something to do with what controls the animal versus human conception rates though, because she was doing a bunch of abortions when she started freaking out."

You shudder. That's where the fetuses have been coming from.

You have learned about the three relevant parties in the current conflict: the GIA, Kibble, and Jadis herself. Each needs attention to stall or change their plans. You are not meant to solve everyone's problems and an indirect approach may be more effective than a direct confrontation. Body will be a helpful ally for whatever you decide to do, while Daisy will attempt sabotage if you work against the government or with Jadis.

You're first action is to try to calm Jadis and figure out her deal. The witch is certainly right that people are out to get her, so you feel some sympathy, though it's no excuse for being a jerk. It occurs to you that Polly is a mature, kind, and intelligent woman who Jadis cares about and would be the perfect candidate to hold an intervention.
>>
No. 1007215 ID: eedbeb
File 162812636304.png - (145.68KB , 1000x900 , p58.png )
1007215

"Body, do you know where Polly is? We should tell her about the situation, I don't think Jadis wants to listen to you or a stranger like me." You gently push Body upright and the zombie's spine seems to fuse back together.

"Hm, she's still in college so she could be on campus though she'll have a guard. She might be at home where she'll have bonkers security and she does a lot of werewolf volunteering stuff by herself around town."

"Call her."

"I don't have her number."

"You have Jadis' phone." you remind her.

"I get forwarded the calls from Jadis' old number." Body corrects. "We'll have to find Polly in person."

How do you find Polly? Which location do you search first?
>>
No. 1007216 ID: eedbeb
File 162812637206.png - (113.80KB , 1000x900 , p59.png )
1007216

You are playing a fun little game. You are not in any danger, but everyone else sure is!

THE RULES:

-You have three days

-You can take two major actions per day. Each action can only affect one of the three relevant parties (Kibble, Jadis, the GIA).

-Major actions are made up of smaller events that are chance dependent. After each quest update the rolls and their outcomes will be listed in the discussion thread for transparency purposes.

-Out of the parties who you don’t affect each day, one will be randomly chosen to do a BAD thing. Some BAD things are worse than others.

-At the end of the third day, every party you haven’t addressed with two successful actions will do a VERY BAD thing. Some VERY BAD things are worse than others (cough Jadis cough).

-You are meant to fail some major actions. Unless you are extremely lucky, there should be at least one VERY BAD thing happening at the climax.
>>
No. 1007219 ID: 1f53e8

Find Kibble and convince her to find Polly together so that you can all make Jadis be not crazy.
>>
No. 1007227 ID: 96c896

Er, do we have any clue where Kibble is though?
I say let's look for Polly at her college. If she's not there, we can still ask someone there to call her for us, right? I don't think there's any chance of us convincing the guards at her home to let us in or call her for us, if she's not there.

>one very bad thing happening at the climax
Hmm, if we get Jadis and Kibble under control, the GIA should in theory back off if they're just trying to stop Jadis from doing something bad, so that implies either there's a rogue agent involved or the GIA want to kidnap Jadis to steal her research. Or I guess they could just not find out Jadis has stopped until they're already taking action. We will, after all, be working within a span of days.
>>
No. 1007234 ID: 031458
1007234

If we placate Jadis and the GIA, All parties should be able to handle whatever fire Kibble brings. She's scary and knows some big players, but the other two factions effectively represent the entire government.
>>
No. 1007238 ID: 53560f

We frankly have no idea what every party is actually trying to achieve so let’s try and rob the one that’s most likely to have intel on the other two (and probably themselves).
I.E. try to steal intel from the GIA so we can more effectively figure out what we’re actually doing. While we’re at it we can probably alter or leave misleading info.
>>
No. 1007239 ID: 96c896

>>1007234
Uh, how? Kibble can't be harmed, and the thing inside her can act extremely quickly to attack in whatever way she sees fit.
>>
No. 1007241 ID: a4f4d6

>>1007239
She's still just one person. Jadis surely has a method of trapping or subduing her. Just because she can't be hurt doesn't mean she can't be stopped.

The real danger with her are the mercenaries and underground connections she surely has access to. Jadis' family has plenty of would be rivals.

Jadis knows the apocalypse better than anyone. If she's going crazy trying to find some solution, it's probably just that important. If we find out what Jadis is trying to do, we could try to get the government on her side-or prevent her from doing something rash.

In any case, Kibble will only act against Jadis, meanwhile the government might have some hidden motive, and Jadis is too dangerous to leave alone. As far as Vlad is concerned, Kibble is probably the only party we don't need to mess with in terms of self preservation.
>>
No. 1007261 ID: ce39da

Alright, so, first things first, our friendly gamemaster Saul seems to have hinted that regardless of who else we focus on, JADIS should be our priority before anything else (but also that we prolly shouldn't focus on a single party per day if we don't want to leave the BAD THING solely up to chance... but then, it's not like we know for sure what either Kibble or the GIA are want to do right now; we may as well leave it to chance until we have enough intel to make an informed decision on that front).

For now, let's LOOK FOR POLLY AT UNIVERSITY. Even if she happens to be at home, the increased security there isn't as likely to let us get a word in; shoot for the more optimistic outcome, I say!

... Actually, do check if the Werewolves anonymous group is meeting tonight, first. If they are, you should be able to catch her afterward pretty easily. If that's the case, spend your first timeslot CONFRONTING THE GIA with your concerns instead. You're in contact with someone who can lead you right to them. Hopefully, they'd be willing to explain some of what they actually know of the situation (even if it's solely to sell you on the gravity of this situation) while hearing out your objections regarding hiring (and turning) a freaking teenager who Jadis doesn't even know, how assaulting her sister is supposed to help anything, and whether they're also keeping tabs on the Kibble situation (seeing as that in of itself might end up getting out of hand if nobody's keeping a careful eye on it).
>>
No. 1007282 ID: eedbeb
File 162820410206.png - (122.63KB , 1000x900 , p60.png )
1007282

You are aware of a looming sense of doom, a vague mental discomfort that normally you'd attribute to werewolf urges, which shouldn't be affecting you at all right now because of the green potion. You take a moment to put together a rough plan.

There's a connection between Kibble and Jadis, and the GIA and Jadis, but you're not sure what, if anything, the GIA wants with Kibble. They can't control her, you hope, so their interest with the monstrous cat is probably based on her relationship with Jadis. Since you know the most about Jadis and her situation, you still think you should calm her down with Polly's help first and then use whatever leads you get on Kibble and the GIA to find them next.

"Alright." you say. "Let’s go to the university to talk to Polly. Daisy, you're coming with us so we can learn more about the GIA."

"Or you can wait outside the apartment. I bought Jadis groceries this week so it'll only be a month before she's forced to leave." Body says cheerfully.

The dog stares at Body, mouth twisting like she can't tell if the zombie is making a joke. "I'll come to gather intel about Jadis." she finally says.

"Great, I learned how to drive so we can take Cookie's old car." Body does an abrupt turn and tromps across the park towards to the apartment building. You scramble to follow her, Daisy in tow. Just a fun errand with some pals across the city, fresh air and exercise, much better than your usual days spent languishing in front of the computer, wasting the hours away. Haha! Just great!
>>
No. 1007283 ID: eedbeb
File 162820411418.png - (129.56KB , 1000x900 , p61.png )
1007283

You wonder if there's something wrong with you, before you come face to face with a beaten up old compact car with a massive brown stain on the backseat.

"Shotgun." Daisy says instantly and lunges for the front passenger door.

Body slides into the frigid car and yawns before reaching into her pocket space for keys. You've been holding the green potion in your coat pocket and you feel a twinge of envy that does not override your fear of the mysterious stain.

"Don't worry about that, it's from when I got exploded by Saul emerging from my chest." Body adds unhelpfully.

You might be imagining things but you think you can smell the dried Bodily fluids on the seats. You change tactics and go to the other side of the car, where the stain hasn't completely covered the seat and buckle yourself in.
>>
No. 1007284 ID: eedbeb
File 162820413211.png - (177.79KB , 1000x900 , p62.png )
1007284

Body drives like a grandmother which gives you plenty of time to admire the idyllic, snow covered college grounds and buildings that slowly come into view. The school is part modern architecture part comforting red brick and tall windows, with expensive looking flourishes lining the roofs and doorways. Signs and announcement spells litter the walls along the wide walks where harried students rushed from dining hall to classes. The place is an upper middle class liberal arts college poster child.

Body parks in a visitor lot and you eagerly leave the tainted car.

"Let's start asking people if they've seen Polly." Body suggests. "Or what class she should be in or whatever. People should know this stuff cause she's kind of a minor celebrity."

You let Body take the lead in confronting the students since you feel out of place and the zombie seems to have a bumbling charm that makes people take pity on her.

Sure enough, everyone seems to have heard of Polly, but no one's seen her today. A few seniors lead you to one of Polly's professors who teaches languages, a grey parrot who admits, after Body's roadkilled puppy eyes bore through his head for a solid minute, that Polly had emailed him to say that she was missing class on family business.

"So she's at home?" you say to Body.

"Yup. We can try to drive past the gate and stuff but her parents don't like me. Unless you have a good idea I don't think we have a great chance of getting in."
>>
No. 1007285 ID: ce39da

Do check if there's a werewolves anonymous meeting tonight - you can EASILY approach her afterward if she's still running it.

If not, though, and Body's serious about the house being impenetrable, then we might as well ask Daisy to TAKE YOU TO THE GIA OPERATIVES working the case. You want another perspective on what the heck's going on... and want to deliver a few choice words about turning and recruiting a fricking teen who neither of the POIs even know, whose idea it was to have her attack Jadis's sister (because that can't have helped the situation), and what, if anything, they're gonna do about the potentially separate Kibble situation.
>>
No. 1007294 ID: 9cd3ea

lol "Bodily fluids".

Ask around for Polly's phone number so we can call her and convince her to help us with the monster cat....and also with Kibble.
>>
No. 1007295 ID: 5c3c5f

Well, then you and her parents are going to make amends right now, go to the front gate and bond with them... they are technically your grandparents after all!
>>
No. 1007333 ID: eedbeb
File 162826856195.png - (153.21KB , 1000x900 , p63.png )
1007333

“You and her parents are going to make amends right now.” you say heartily, clapping Body on the back.

“I’m not sure that’s how it works.”

You double down. “They’ll have to listen to their granddaughter, especially if we tell them what’s going on.”

Daisy makes a face. “Granddaughter?”

Body groans and addresses the professor. “Can you just give us Polly’s number? Or her email?”

“Student confidentiality is very important—“ The parrot relents after Body stares mournfully into his eyes. “Okay, here.”

Body enters the number in her phone and tries to call Polly a few times. When Polly doesn’t pick up, Body sends her a text message instead. You wish you’d known about Jadis’ problems yesterday so you could talk to Polly at the Werewolves Anonymous meeting, but there won’t be another until Tuesday.
>>
No. 1007334 ID: eedbeb
File 162826858948.png - (185.50KB , 1000x900 , p64.png )
1007334

Sure enough, you’re stopped at the first gate in an absolutely absurd neighborhood. Houses with at least four stories, perfect lawns lined with buried flower beds and trimmed hedges topped with snow, you gape, extremely conscious of the blood stained car intruding into this utopia.

Body leans out of the window and exchanges words with the guard in a low drawl. The pigeon ducks inside and returns with a laptop showing an unfamiliar cat.

“Sup Body.” she says. She pronounces the word like bo-dee.

“Oh.” Body gulps. “Mrs. Lewis, is Polly home? Jadis is having a mental breakdown again and needs someone she respects to talk to her.”

Mrs. Lewis peers at the camera. “Is that Easton’s kid behind you? I remember him telling us when she was born. Shame he got bit. Sorry, Polly’s busy with Clive, something’s up with her, said she had a weird dream last night.”
>>
No. 1007336 ID: e77658

Say you had a weird dream last night too, something about a large light, and Evelyn and Body, and a werewolf and stuff. Maybe our dreams were similar if he'd like to let us talk to them about it and figure things out.
>>
No. 1007337 ID: 9cd3ea

Body: "Jadis told me she found out something scary about how the human babies are being born and now she's planning to cause another apocalypse. Can you PLEASE get Polly to help us. What if this time we all go extinct? What if marijuana goes extinct?
>>
No. 1007341 ID: 96c896

Tell her you had a weird dream too.
>>
No. 1007352 ID: eedbeb
File 162829910394.png - (193.06KB , 1000x900 , p65.png )
1007352

You unbuckle yourself and stick your head into frame. “I had a weird dream last night too, it was about, uh—“

That’s right, you heard Body talking to Evelyn about Jadis. Something that really happened, you’re pretty sure. You didn’t really understand the second part of the dream with the big light, but remembering a dream is unusual enough for you. Clairvoyance is possible with advanced magic, but you can’t do magic.

“I saw things that I think were really happening.” you finish lamely.

The pigeon rotates the laptop so Mrs. Lewis can see you. “Hey bat, you a vampire or something?” the cat asks.

“What? No, I’m a werewolf like Polly.” You did have a great-great-great grandmother who was a vampire before someone accidentally knocked her over while dusting.

“Hm.” Mrs. Lewis dips her head to scribble something you can’t see. “I’ll pass on the message to P, but don’t expect her to visit Jadis tonight, she’s real busy. Finals y’know.”
>>
No. 1007353 ID: eedbeb
File 162829911237.png - (195.70KB , 1000x900 , p66.png )
1007353

“Okay, but Jadis could do something really bad if she’s alone so if Polly can’t go soon someone should at least check on her.” Body pleads.

“Preaching to the choir, Bode. I’d love to, but she hasn’t told the old man and me to leave her alone for two years without backing it up with some interesting threats.” Mrs. Lewis sighs and her cheeky grin flickers.

“Oh. Yeah.” Body slumps back into the driver’s seat. “That’s all from me, we can go if you want us to.”

“You knew my dad?”

You’d almost forgotten Daisy was here. The dog leans across Body to glare defiantly at the camera.

“Yeah sure, Easton was a bro until he stopped being one. Good times while they were good.”

“You know Jadis killed him, right?” Daisy growls.

“If ya wanna get technical, it was her pal who did it. Speaking of, Kibs was spotted hopping around her old school. Wonder who’s getting executed.”

You were unsuccessful for your first task but gained important information. You can stay and try to get more out of Mrs. Lewis, interrogate Daisy, and/or plan your next task.
>>
No. 1007354 ID: 9cd3ea

Multi-tasking it is!

Ask Body to pick Kibble up, or at least try to calm her down.
Meanwhile, we are going to encourage a nice conversation between Daisy and Mrs. Lewis with Vlad as mediator.
>>
No. 1007359 ID: 96c896

Why don't we go talk to Kibble? Daisy has a bone to pick with her (and would benefit from hearing the full story-- Jadis didn't really ask her to do it, Kibble decided she wanted to), Kibble is less likely to instantly gib her and Daisy has no chance of harming her whatsoever.
>>
No. 1007387 ID: eedbeb
File 162838372034.png - (139.14KB , 1000x900 , p67.png )
1007387

“Let’s go to Kibble.” you suggest. It sounds like Daisy’s dad and the mob have history, and you wonder whether Kibble killed him on their orders or Jadis’.

“Bye kids, don’t get in trouble!” Mrs. Lewis says before the guard walks away, taking the laptop back to the cozy security hut.
>>
No. 1007388 ID: eedbeb
File 162838372985.png - (170.25KB , 1000x900 , p68.png )
1007388

Body turns the car around and retraces the winding path out of the bougie area while Daisy simmers in the front seat. You wonder if she knew about her father’s shady dealings.

There’s a black car idling on the corner that you remember seeing in the college parking lot before you left. Daisy tellingly avoids looking and you fail to see the driver through the tinted windows.
>>
No. 1007389 ID: eedbeb
File 162838373755.png - (158.12KB , 1000x900 , p69.png )
1007389

The magic university is even more of a contradiction than Polly’s school, to the point where it’s jarring to observe. A massive crane overshadows a half built monolith of concrete and steel, with a sign proclaiming it to be the future Deity Research Center. The smaller buildings surrounding it are positively medieval, cracked, gothic little structures with arches and spires.

Coming over the hill from a distance, you see another strange structure on the grounds. A pillar, rising from a patch of snow between naked trees, that seems to be swaying in the light wind. Body parks illegally on one of the internal streets, as close to the pillar as possible, and leads you and Daisy towards the strange tower. There are no students walking around, not a sign of life anywhere except for the gradually more visible mound of flesh rising from the ground.

When you reach the base, a mouth with teeth the size of your skull twists towards you and roars.

“Ey Kibble you good?” Body shouts, paw cupped around her mouth, once your ears stop ringing.

You don’t hear a reply above the wind and Kibble, held up by the mass of her monster, stares down at you with wide, pale eyes.  
>>
No. 1007390 ID: afe7de

how in over your head are you? Very. You're just a pretty regular person and this is probably very terrifying. Have a breakdown for a moment before someone slaps you to your senses and do something reasonable like climb up to talk to kibble, that's reasonable right?
>>
No. 1007392 ID: e51896

Fly up there so you can meet at eye level. Ask if Kibble wants to grab a beer or coffee or tea or something... youre treating you guess.

>>1007390

panic attack too. Good thing you took a potion.
>>
No. 1007393 ID: 094652

>Research department dedicated to studying a perverted laid-back, a genocidal secluded hermit, and dozens of other screwed up gods
Sounds legit.

>What do
Get the beast's attention with a Sexy Dance
>>
No. 1007396 ID: 2d57a3

Vlad cannot fly, Poltergeist, only glide.

Ask Body to help you climb up and try to... calm down Kibble?

I honestly don't know what's happening. Is she going berserk? Did she swallow a kaiju? Something else?
>>
No. 1007397 ID: 15a025

Guess we're gonna have to climb Mount Kibble, and hope we don't get turned into kibble and bits.
>>
No. 1007399 ID: 96c896

Do not get any closer. Tell her you want to stop Jadis too, but you're scared. Scared of both of them right now actually.
>>
No. 1007401 ID: e51896

>>1007396
Well then, go up on a high building, and glide towards her and crash into her.

Nevermind

climb the Kibble after your panic attack.
>>
No. 1007406 ID: 2e008f

We can also try to convince Kibble to just take a job at The Deez instead of sticking with Jadis or joining the GIA
>>
No. 1007407 ID: afe7de

>>1007390
Edit of previous post:

how in over your head are you? Very. You're just a pretty regular person and this is probably very terrifying. Have a breakdown for a moment before someone slaps you to your senses and do something reasonable.

Like leave. You're not a super hero, you can't really do much, this is going to be a conflict that escalates with someone whose a literal demigod, a witch with insane powers, and a government agency which would probably kill you if you were genuinely helping either side.

What if you just... left, went back to work at the deez. It's not like sticking with these guys will solve the fact that you're broke, too broke for food, too broke for most things. Realize, in this moment, that even if you do this, even if you, what, save the world?

Body's really not into everything thats happening obveously, Kibble probably just wants to be left alone, and Daisy is just forcing her way near you because you're the only person whose actually doing anything and you already established you dont want to help her kill Jadis which is still her goal.

I think that vlad should say or do something like that and then maybe another character try to convince him otherwise, or give him motivation to wanna do it, not trying to end the quest early or anything, but like. We're a normal person in way over their heads and from how things sound by the end of the day he won't be able to eat still because he's broke.
>>
No. 1007411 ID: e6a906

>>1007407
Yeah, agreed. I'll change my vote too. Lets just, like, bounce outta here get our head straight. They did cast a hex on Vlad, so we'd probably just make things worse.

We can maybe convince Kibble that this whole thing with Jadis and the GIA is stupid and just like, request she takes a neutral route and finds a normal job like at the deez and just chill, just so she doesnt take either Jadis or the GIA's side.

But otherwise, why are we getting involved? We could just go home. Ask Body this exact same question and ask if she would like to just find a new purpose in life considering she isnt really a zombo anymore
>>
No. 1007431 ID: ce39da

If having a panic attack at this sight will get Kibble to realize how this looks from the outside, go ahead and do it. If not, we can always try and... talk to her.

"Hey, uh, Kibble. That's your name, right? Hi, I'm Vlad. I'm uh... I'm not sure if we've ever met before today, but I am aware that Jadis is up to something bad, but I'm not... 100% sure if this is the right answer to that? Um... Can... Can you come down here so we can talk?"
>>
No. 1007433 ID: eedbeb
File 162844644489.png - (165.56KB , 1000x900 , p70.png )
1007433

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and ask what you’re capable of dealing with for the day and you can say for certain that it is not fucking this. You are drawing a line in the sand right now, and even if you have to walk home in the cold you’re turning around and leaving.

You give a jaunty spin on one leg and start walking in the opposite direction from what is clearly your doom.

“Kibble you gotta come down so we can talk!” Body says. “Uh, Vlad, where are you going?”

“Look at that!” you shriek, pointing wildly at the mouth that’s drifting after you. “What am I supposed to do, climb up there and talk to her? She EATS people. She could EAT me. I don’t know what you’re used to but this is way over my head!”

Body strokes her chin. “You know, Kibble was the second person I really met after Jadis so I guess my standards are kind of skewed.”

“Exactly! I’m going to the car.”
>>
No. 1007434 ID: eedbeb
File 162844645469.png - (182.07KB , 1000x900 , p71.png )
1007434

You make it a few more steps before you’re tackled from behind by Daisy. She takes you by surprise and you hit the snow with a grunt before scrabbling for purchase in the ice to push yourself to your knees.

“What are you doing?” you snarl.

“You can’t leave.” Daisy pants. “Until I get some answers.”

You let out a panicked laugh. “I think it’s pretty clear. Your dad got ate. Or smashed. Or otherwise obliterated by forces beyond anyone’s control except for god and Kibble. I’m going to piss myself from fear unless I get as far away from here as possible.”

Daisy smashes a fistful of snow into your face. You sputter, throw her off your shoulders, and shake the slush out of your eyes.

“What was that for—“

The dog follows up with a soft packed snowball into your cheek and uses a running start to push you over again. The potion bottle digs into your hip and you seize Daisy’s sleeve with your teeth and topple her into the drift. The dog is feisty, but lean and it’s not hard to toss her around.
>>
No. 1007435 ID: eedbeb
File 162844647653.png - (126.98KB , 1000x900 , p72.png )
1007435

You stuff a handful of snow down Daisy’s jacket as revenge and almost make it to your feet before she tangles herself between your legs and you fall.

There’s a rough noise almost like a low cough from above your head. You freeze and turn to the sky to see the wide mouth. Is it…laughing?

Daisy takes advantage of the distraction to put snow down your coat collar and you howl with rage. The mouth chuckles as you tussle with Daisy until you’re both cry-laughing, extremities cold and something like joy in your heart.

“Who are these clowns?” Kibble says in a dry, soft voice.

“Two werewolves I ran into.” Body replies eagerly. “Kibble, I-I wanted to tell you I’m on your side. Jadis is acting nuts and you’re right to distance yourself from her. If you need any help or advice I’ll try my best.”

The enormous monster coils itself part way back into the hole in the tall cat’s side as she lowers herself to the ground. She has a somber face and shows no sign of discomfort in the cold.

“I don’t know what to do.” she admits. “I’m scared of Jadis. I still have the angel, I was thinking of releasing it but that would probably cause a lot of problems.”

“Yes, do not let Duck go unless we can make sure it leaves earth.” Body says.
>>
No. 1007436 ID: 2d57a3

Ask Kibble why she was all gigantic a few moments ago and if she would like to help in convincing Jadis to be not crazy.

Be sure to interrupt yourself mid-question to throw a snowball at Daisy before continuing like nothing happened.
>>
No. 1007438 ID: ce39da

"Okay, so, Kibble won't release the... Angel? Do I have that right? Probably not a good thing, so I guess it's good that we got through to you here. There's probably way more productive ways of trying to stop Jadis than... that."

"And I do want to help, at least regarding that; I'm getting like this instinct that whatever she's planning is... bad. Like, unbelievably bad. I really don't know how to begin getting through to her, though - I'm just a guy!"

Maybe after you're done addressing her, turn on Daisy and ask why the hell she's so vehement about needing you here. Can't she confront her dad's possible killer perfectly fine on her own? It's not like having an extra body here will improve her odds of survival. The way she's seemingly attached herself to you by the hip like... some... lost puppy...

... Oh. Oh fuck. This is one of those pack dynamic things you heard about, isn't it? Is she literally becoming dependent on you to be her "alpha?" Fuuuuuck, this will get annoying fast if we don't try to nip this in the bud. Or at least make it clear that she needs to respect our wants and needs if we're going to be doing this.
>>
No. 1007439 ID: e51896

Tell Kibble maybe she should just like, maybe cut ties with Jadis and take on a new purpose in life that doesn't involve getting involved with Jadis, or the GIA in any way... ask if she and Body is worried about duck, why not let Duck chill at our apartment in secret until there is some way to release them off earth without Jadis knowing? we're like, the last person Jadis would expect hiding duck from her. Plus, you're not to keen on keeping someone against their will like Jadis was doing.

in fact, can we see duck? Ask if they'd like to be roommates in our apartment? Chef is a cool guy who you're sure can help Duck out.

But as a person who is neutral in all this, recommend Kibble about finding other job opportunities out there, like working at The Deez. We can sometimes get some pretty rowdy cutsomers and her toughness can help you kick those assholes out or something, and we think she'd make good friends with Jordan.
>>
No. 1007440 ID: 96c896

>>1007435
Why would Duck *not* leave? It serves God, and God is not here. It's not like it gives a crap about mortals, for good or for ill. Hell, since it's the last remnant of the conflict between gods, maybe Saul would be willing to deal with it.
>>
No. 1007442 ID: 031458

Ok so like.
What does Jadis want to do, and what is Jadis Actually doing?
>>
No. 1007444 ID: eedbeb
File 162846745343.png - (139.08KB , 1000x900 , p73.png )
1007444

That’s the second time Body’s mentioned this Duck fellow, who’s apparently that mind controlling angel or something? Body’s rambling in the park was difficult to parse, and there’s just so much you don’t understand. The zombie explained earlier that Kibble’s power comes from absorbing part of the Saul’s built in security system that stops witches from exploding the planet, but forgot to mention that said security system was the size of a small building.

“Okay, so like—“ you throw a snowball at Daisy because that’s when she’d LEAST EXPECT IT. “If you’re scared of Jadis, why don’t you leave? Start over in a new city or even a new country? Also, do you know what she’s trying to do?”

Kibble considers you for a moment. Apparently you pass the test of visual trustworthiness because she takes a step closer.

“There was a procedure put in place to control whether conception results in a human or animal. Jadis confided in me that since God has left our solar system, the net soul on earth will slowly decrease over time as the populations shift, with power being used to run the procedure until it becomes unnecessary.”

Kibble’s eyes harden. “There is a flaw. If there’s a rapid influx of free souls into the system, it becomes oversaturated. The power could be conceivably tapped. I won’t leave until I’m sure someone else could stop Jadis in the case of an emergency.”
>>
No. 1007445 ID: eedbeb
File 162846747473.png - (163.28KB , 1000x900 , p74.png )
1007445

“Oh dear.” says Body. “Does that mean—“

The sound of a gunshot crashes through your ears at the same time Kibble’s face shatters like a glass bauble. The tall cat whips out her giant mouth, unperturbed by her missing head.

You can tell the shot came from the half-finished Deity Research building. It’s definitely a GIA agent.

Kibble comes to a similar conclusion, but instead of sticking around to fight, the mouth buries itself in the ground and pushes Kibble into the air. The cat uses the long neck like a single, enormous leg and rapidly propels herself between the other buildings and out of sight.

You succeeded in your task to talk to Kibble, but had positively rotten luck getting her to stick around. It’s now early evening (you’re hungry) and you need to start thinking about work. You can continue to gather information but your actions don’t count towards any goals until tomorrow.
>>
No. 1007446 ID: e51896

"Can I go home now?"

Maybe invite them to your place. I don't think Body wants to go back to Jadis right now.
>>
No. 1007447 ID: afe7de

I need to like... make money to eat and pay rent. so uh can you drop me off at the deez or something.
>>
No. 1007449 ID: 96c896

Why did the GIA attack Kibble? Does Daisy know?

Go get some goddamn food.
>>
No. 1007455 ID: ce39da

"Okay, so what the hell." Time to grill Daisy. "First of all, why'd your guy take the shot when we were just talking? Was there something we weren't supposed to know?"

"And secondly, not that it didn't work out, but why did you stop me from leaving? Is my presence somehow vital to your mission, or is there another reason you've attached yourself to me like some kind of... lost... puppy... Wait, no, this isn't a pack dynamic thing, is it? Fuuuuuuuuck..."
>>
No. 1007462 ID: 2d57a3

Okay, so Jadis is planning on causing a massacre in order to oversature the Part of Herself the Godess Left Behind and exploit her as a free source of magic.

Meanwhile, the GIA is manipulating everyone (and shooting them, and turning them into werewolves) for reasons unknown.

...Why don't we outsource this to Evelyn and Saul? They probably know what to do. They are strong and stuff.
Yeah, it'll be fine.
>>
No. 1007502 ID: eedbeb
File 162852349466.png - (149.48KB , 1000x900 , p75.png )
1007502

You ask Body to drop you off at The Deez. There are several cheap restaurants on the same block and you’ll be able to eat dinner with the help of your bonus bones from potion testing before going to work. Hopefully Saul isn’t coming tonight, though you have some choice words for him about his stubborn pacifism if he does show.

“Thanks for the ride today, I had er, fun.” you say before you dismount. “Will you be okay tonight? Do you need a place to stay?”

“I should be alright, I can stay with Evelyn if Jadis doesn’t let me back into the apartment.” Body says.

“Yeah speaking of that, can Evelyn do something about all this?”

Body stares at you. “What do you want her to do? She doesn’t have special powers and Saul would be pissed if she got hurt.”

“Forget I asked.” you mutter.

You’re considering what to eat when you realize Daisy got out of the car too and is waiting expectantly.
>>
No. 1007503 ID: eedbeb
File 162852350431.png - (135.25KB , 1000x900 , p76.png )
1007503

“Okay, so what the hell was that with the sniper? Why’d the GIA shoot Kibble?” you say.

“I dunno. She’s a big scary threat, they probably wanted to see if they could kill her.” Daisy says.

“Don’t they know she’s invincible? Also, why are you following me?” your tone is a touch hysterical. You did not sign up for babysitting duty.

Wait a second. You’ve been giving Daisy sensible advice, romping with her in the snow, and showing at least some concern for her general well-being. Fuck, she’s probably accepted you as part of her pack. You need to nip this in the bud or you’re going to have even more trouble shaking her off in the future.

“It’s part of my job to stick with you.” she says proudly. “You have connections to Jadis and god so you’re an important person.”

“I’m not.” You start walking towards a sandwich shop, Daisy on your heels. “I’m really not.”

You open your mouth to ask if Daisy’s hungry and snap it shut before wordlessly using your phone to order a meatball sandwich. The woman behind the counter assembles it while you warm up and check your other messages.

Jordan: Saul told me he’s coming again, but not telling people so we don’t die this time.
Jordan: I’m getting ready extra early, let me know when you’re coming over.

>>
No. 1007504 ID: eedbeb
File 162852352738.png - (165.18KB , 1000x900 , p77.png )
1007504

“I have to go to my job at a bar tonight.” you sternly tell Daisy through a mouth full of bread and meat. “You can’t come. You’re not even 18.”

Daisy frowns over her ham and cheese that she ordered herself. “Yeah, I should go home or my mom gets really annoyed. And I have to report to Max and Rancid.”

“Wow, Rancid, sounds like a swell guy.” you interject. “That the werewolf?”

Daisy grumbles a vague string of affirmative words. “You can meet him tomorrow, if you want. Give me your number.”

Curiosity gets the better of you and you pass Daisy your phone. She enters her number and you text her a short greeting.
>>
No. 1007505 ID: e51896

Text Jordan thanking her for the ride, and while you're at it. Tell her that you're personally going to keep your encounters with Saul to a minimum since you've got some kind of a tracking hex on you, and you'd rather not have witches bother our best customer... but if things get hectic, you'll make an exception.

Ask if Daisy wants a sip of your potion, reiterating the dangers of being a werewolf and should start looking to get that taken care of. It's NOT as cool as she thinks.
>>
No. 1007508 ID: e51896

Oh yeah, we should probably ask Daisy for a picture of Rachid and Max, just tell her that you need it so you'll know what they look like whenever you want to talk to them.
>>
No. 1007509 ID: ce39da

If you're gonna be part of her pack, you're sure as hell not gonna be the submissive one in this relationship. Resolve that if you're tussling again, you're gonna win decisively.

Wait, no, bad thoughts.

So the gameplan tonight is that you're gonna stay outside this time and make absolute sure the wrong people don't get in. Keep a special eye out for obvious paparazzi, that hound witch (probably Max), and whoever this "Rancid" guy is.
>>
No. 1007533 ID: eedbeb
File 162854644035.png - (144.79KB , 1000x900 , p78.png )
1007533

You finish your food and offer Daisy a swig of the extra strong potion before you go to work.

“Bleugh, no, that looks like poison.” Daisy makes a face.

“They just did that so people wouldn’t drink it by accident, I tested it and it’s really good. I don’t think I could transform if I wanted to.” you explain.

“I definitely don’t want to drink it then. I like transforming.”

Her carefree attitude is frustrating. You try to hand her the flask again. “Don’t transform too much, it makes things harder in the future.”

She bats your hand away and you feel a jolt of rage. You’re just trying to help her and she won’t even listen. You’re the leader, she should follow your guidance—

Okay, whoa, bad thoughts. You pocket the potion and take a deep breath. “So what kind of animal is Rancid?”

“Raccoon. Kinda short. I gotta go, bye!”
>>
No. 1007534 ID: eedbeb
File 162854644923.png - (173.96KB , 1000x900 , p79.png )
1007534

The Deez is in severe need of a deep clean and a refurbished interior but all you can give the worn building is a quick sweep and mop before continuing your barback duties to support Jordan. The frog is less anxious today and you steer the conversation to her life so you don’t have to talk about the insanity of your day.

When it’s time to take you position as bouncer, you resolve to stay outside the entire night to make absolutely sure the wrong people don’t get in. You’re especially wary of Max the hound and Rancid.

Saul arrives like clockwork at opening, with an unfamiliar cat in tow. You bristle at the sight of cat’ activated magic eye.

“Vlad!” Saul slaps you on the back like you’re an old friend. It hurts. “Chef didn’t make it tonight? Shame, anyway this is Cookie, his eyes are stuck like that, he’s not actually doing magic.”

“That’s good. Wait, you’re the one who made my potion.” you show Cookie your flask and his enormous eye widens.

“Yeah, I’m really glad it worked!” the cat says. He hands you his ID with a weak smile and you try to return it with something genuine.

Saul leans over. He’s wearing a skirt and black top that shows off clavicle. “Hey, uh, so how’s it going? Y’know, with the killing Jadis operation.” he asks, voice lowered so Cookie won’t hear.
>>
No. 1007538 ID: 96c896

>>1007534
Yeah, well, you found out why he wants her dead. And now the GIA does too, probably, which means the information he was trying to suppress can no longer be suppressed.

Did he change his mind about checking what magic that witch used on you? How good of a spy spell is it?
>>
No. 1007540 ID: ce39da

"Never said I was doing that, I don't even know where that was coming from last night, but I'm starting to think she needs to be stopped in some way. I tried to get Polly to stage an intervention but don't know what came of it."

"So, how is your day going?"
>>
No. 1007546 ID: 9a3cf4

"Not even sure, dude. Not sure if I wanna be involved though, yet I keep getting pushed back in... hey Cookie, you should, like, start a business with these potions, you'd save a lot of people and werewolves and become a hero if you sold them at reasonable prices, a lot of werewolves have low income and could use the help getting potions.
>>
No. 1007547 ID: 2d57a3

We found out she wants to kill a bunch of people to overload the soul-recycling part of herself your girlfriend left behind so she can exploit it for fun and profit.
Oh, and the GIA is tracking me and Daisy with spells.

...And that dress makes you look needy.
>>
No. 1007549 ID: eedbeb
File 162856568068.png - (120.53KB , 1000x900 , p80.png )
1007549

“We found out her deal, Kibble told us what she’s planning with the soul-recycling thing.” you grunt. You’re not terribly enthused about the Jadis situation and it’s stressful to have god asking you about it. “I’m not even sure if I’m going to be involved, though someone needs to stop her.”

“Us? Who’s us?”

“Body and the retriever kid I mentioned yesterday, who’s working for the GIA by the way, so the government probably wants Jadis dead too.” you say.

“Ah.” Saul taps his upper lip with a finger and doesn’t elaborate.

You’re frustrated that Saul is acting all mysterious and godly when he could just reach in and stop the problem himself. Code against interference phooey, there’s the entire animal race on the line.

“So how was your day?” you ask pointedly.

“Nothing much, woke up, banged, dodged the journalist that was camping on my hook-up’s balcony, grabbed Cookie for a night of entertainment, dressed like a hottie etc.”
>>
No. 1007550 ID: eedbeb
File 162856569050.png - (119.21KB , 1000x900 , p81.png )
1007550

“That outfit makes you look needy.” you say. The moment the words leave your lips you regret your entire existence.

Saul bares his teeth in a smile. “So glad you noticed. I AM needy. You got a problem?”

“Yeah I do. Why don’t you do something about this? At least take the tracking spell off me or, I don’t know, talk to Kibble since she’s kind of part of you anyway. Cookie’s helped me more today than you have and he’s never met me before!”

“Uh.” says Cookie. Ah, that last part came out pretty loud.

Saul snaps his teeth, huffs, and drags Cookie into the club without another word. You watch the door swing closed then kick the old snow at your feet. You’re still fed up.
>>
No. 1007551 ID: d9ed44

Eh, text our real friend Chef, ask how things going with him. Hopefully the GIA isnt bothering him too. Would suck if they held him hostage or something for our involvement. Otherwise, we can just tell him about how we scored the best potion ever!

Oh yeah, pay attention to customers
>>
No. 1007555 ID: 2d57a3

Let's text xAnimeLord65x and talk about our day.
>>
No. 1007561 ID: 094652

Never meet your gods.

Study the Diety Research Building.
>>
No. 1007574 ID: ce39da

Starting to get a little feisty there - do you need to take a hit of your stuff (even just a fingertip's worth)?

Other than that, it's time to watch the line. Keep an eye out for "secret agents" - you definitely have a few choice words you want to have with each of them.
>>
No. 1007602 ID: eedbeb
File 162863595404.png - (207.13KB , 1000x900 , p82.png )
1007602

You spend the next hour burying your anger and mortification by being a very scary bouncer. Maybe a third of the number of people show up as did yesterday, still a super successful night by usual Deez standards, and you don't see any suspicious characters. Well, any suspicious characters who look like they have jobs.

Once people stop trickling in, you take a sip of your potion to help calm your nerves. Unfortunately, this means your regret at yelling at Saul can take over as the dominant emotion. You're not scared of being smote by lightning, but Evelyn might punch you for being a jerk.

Stuffy professors and grad students are going to have to study your rudeness at the Deity Research Center. You smirk at your little joke. The idea of some esteemed scholar of magical history writing a 40 page report on your conversation is insane and therefore almost inevitable. Maybe they'd build a whole wing dedicated to Saul's hook-ups, or have a statue of Evelyn in her DEATHNIP top.

Whatever the witches end up doing, it seems like an awful waste of university funds to study a perverted, flamboyant, laid-back brat.
>>
No. 1007603 ID: eedbeb
File 162863596631.png - (133.66KB , 1000x900 , p83.png )
1007603

Though if people are studying god and God, won't someone find out about soul recycling bug too? Word is probably already spreading since you don't trust Daisy not to blab. How hard would it be for any power hungry witch to get the same idea as Jadis?

This is going to be a long term problem, isn't it? You groan and reach for your phone, ignoring the animals who've come outside to smoke. Gastro is playing a chiller mix tonight, and the beat rattles your teeth instead of your skull.

You text xAnimeLord65x aka Body thanks for her help today and the newest bone payment. She doesn't reply and after putzing around a bit on the internet looking at forum posts, you call Chef. If you commiserate about Saul together it'll make you feel better.

"Vlad." Chef's voice is tight and low.

"Hey man, I wanted to say hi before you went to bed." you say.

"I can't talk to you. I'm giving my phone to the guy here." the goat says.
>>
No. 1007604 ID: eedbeb
File 162863598654.png - (161.68KB , 1000x900 , p84.png )
1007604

There's a background exchange of gruff words, and you wonder what Chef's doing this late and who he's with when—

"Hello Mr. Noctus, my name is Rancid. Unfortunate that we have to talk this way, but it's come to our attention that you're a person of some interest and steps have been taken to mitigate the threat you pose."

The raccoon sounds formal, buttery smooth, and extremely annoying. The GIA seriously kidnapped Chef to get at you which is an abominable waste of taxpayer dollars to rival the Deity Research Center's construction. You scratch at your forehead with a claw and try to assemble your words.

"You shouldn't have bit Daisy. That’s just fuck up, man. Also what are you even worried about? I'm trying to stop Jadis too and I don't have any special powers." you say wearily.

"You had a dream last night. I did as well. Monsters across the world are...adjusting to recent changes.
Someone with access to clairvoyance with your connections is dangerous to the safety of our country. I'm asking you stop consorting with Saul or Body Lewis, for your friend's safety."

"Done. Great. Let Chef go."

"We will hold onto him until the danger has passed. You can ask for updates whenever you'd like, but do not try to free him." Rancid says calmly.
>>
No. 1007605 ID: 0fae41

Well great, now we have to figure out where Chef's being held.
>>
No. 1007606 ID: afe7de

You've got a literal tail on me both magical and physical, have kidnapped my roommate and should have the info that I want LITERALLY NOTHING to do with any of this.

WHY do you even think I'm a person of interest?!?! I'm just a guy who works as a bouncer at a bar with no money?!?!

I just want to make enough money to afford potions?!?! What even-

the call disconnects

You're frustrated and go and vent to your boss, leaving the front open. maybe think about options? Apparently everything you do is significant even if its literally walking around, so avoiding doing something important is impossible, why not try moving with purpose and see if anything different happens? Like actively trying to sabotage the GIA because if they've messed with you twice, there's bound to be a third.

You may have pissed off Saul, but cookie is still there too, maybe there's something you can do in this situation to give yourself a leg up. God's God, he doesen't want to interfere, but that doesen't mean you can't try to manipulate him to tweak things since he did show emotions. Maybe there's an angle you're not seeing that is uniquely you?
>>
No. 1007607 ID: 96c896

>>1007602
Wasn't the potion supposed to last longer than that? Don't abuse your medication.

>>1007604
Tell him Saul is useless and Body wants to stop Jadis too. So isn't he forcing you to, you know, stop doing what they already want you to do? He's not making sense.
>>
No. 1007608 ID: 2d57a3

WAIT! Let's work together! Jadis is trying to do something REALLY fucked up to the part of the departed god that recycles souls.
We can stop her by cooperating. Please, why would I be a threat?!
>>
No. 1007609 ID: ce39da

"... You know what?
No.
Body's actually trying to stop Jadis, too, so telling me to stop talking to her doesn't make any sense. Unless 'stopping Jadis' isn't what you're really after, and look here, the other items on that list of possible goals ain't looking too hot from a moral standpoint."

You're mad, but it's a tranquil fury compared to what it would have been before taking that potion hit; you're the one in control of the situation.

"That you're even holding him means that bringing me in ain't on the table for some reason. So listen here. If your mission really is the safety of the people, then you're not gonna touch a hair on Chef's head, period. And if you do... then I'm right, and I'm just down a roommate."

Do the "hang up on him" power move before he can, no matter what you say.
>>
No. 1007610 ID: ce39da

Oh, and do interrupt him whenever he tries to level a response at you. Don't let him get a word in.

You're the one who's in an advantageous position, not them - they would've just arrested you and be done with it otherwise. Make sure Rancid knows it.
>>
No. 1007616 ID: 208562

Hm, if shit starts to hit the fan, we might have to not drink our potion to protect ourself from danger.

Tell them to at least stop having daisy follow you around because she's just dragging you into potentially running into body or saul.

He didnt say anything about interacting with Kibble. Kibble seems the be the middle ground in all this. If anyone, she might be the one we have to help most if it comes to it.
>>
No. 1007622 ID: eedbeb
File 162865443298.png - (113.38KB , 1000x900 , p85.png )
1007622

You can’t fucking believe it. This morning you thought all your problems were over, like you’d forgotten the universe thinks it’s hilarious when you suffer. You feel a brief craving for potion that makes you shudder. The stuff is strong enough that you’re becoming dependent.

At first consideration the GIA’s decision doesn’t make sense. You should have the same goal: stopping Jadis. Saul even supports killing the witch to avoid a calamity and he’s a pushover.

Unless…that’s not what exactly what they aiming for. Judging by Rancid’s abysmal standards of morality, if the government really wanted Jadis dead they could use some missiles to level her city block. Daisy was sent to attack Polly first, which didn’t make any sense at the time. Now you think it was to draw Jadis out of hiding.

You absentmindedly hang up and drop your phone in your pocket. There’s nothing you can say to this guy. The least you can do is pretend to stay in control of the situation. You can’t talk to Body, you don’t want to talk to Saul. Maybe you can convince Kibble to eat some GIA agents or find out where Chef is with your apparent dream powers.

What you’d really love is to get this stupid tracking spell off your ass. Then Daisy won’t be dogging you all over town when you leave your apartment tomorrow.
>>
No. 1007623 ID: eedbeb
File 162865444012.png - (132.02KB , 1000x900 , p86.png )
1007623

By the time Cookie and Saul leave, it’s ten minutes to closing and you’re keeping yourself upright with cold rage. You grab Cookie while pointedly ignoring Saul, and the witch manages to undo Max’s spell, or at least, in his words, jumble the signal up enough with random garbage that it stops working.

Jordan sees something in your face and stays silent while you help organize the bar. In the corner, Gastro packs sound equipment with a tired, but happy grin. At least someone had a good night.

You plod home, daring the shadows to reveal some fresh horror. Nothing leaps out at you to eat your face and you return to the empty apartment.

They won’t hurt Chef, you’ll make sure of it, but they sure as hell would. The guilt is painful, acid in your throat.

You don’t remember your dreams.
>>
No. 1007624 ID: eedbeb
File 162865445080.png - (166.63KB , 1000x900 , p87.png )
1007624

Something wet hits your face. You grimace but keep your eyes shut. The roof must be leaking again. Your finger comes away vaguely slimy.

You hear a tiny hiccup and a sniffle and your thoughts coagulate like old glue. You crack open an eye.

Saul is crouched over you, face full of snot and tears.

“WHAT THE FUCK?“

Saul sobs and buries his face in your chest. He weighs a ton and you gag from the odd pressure. “They took her! They took Evelyn!”

You try to push Saul away and he lets himself roll off the mattress to wail on the floor.
“I-I went to her place this morning to bring her a croissant but she wasn’t there and B-Body said these scary people kidnapped her!”

“Dude, I—“ You remember the threat from Rancid. “I’m not supposed to be near you! Get out of here!”

Saul, naturally, doesn’t move. “Noooooo not Evelyn, I loooooooove heeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrr.”

“THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!”

“I can’t! I sealed away the power in this body after the apocalypse and I made myself forget the condition that lets me use it!” Saul howls. “I can’t do anything! I’ve been lying to everyone! I’m useless!”

It’s a new day and you can begin work on your two major tasks.
>>
No. 1007627 ID: 96c896

>>1007624
That means the GIA know he's powerless now too. Kidnapping Evelyn was a method to find out the limits on Saul's non-interference policy. If I had to guess, he probably can't get his power back unless his plan to bring back humans is in immediate danger.

Hmm, they know Kibble is strong and Saul is weak. They're probably going to try to talk to Kibble now, somehow. That or push Daisy into a blind attack.

...Jadis is at the core of this. If we can get her to stop, or kill her if absolutely necessary, then it'll all be over. Ask Saul if he's still invincible. Is it safe for him to talk to Jadis directly?

We can either try that, or find Kibble before the GIA do and get her to talk to Jadis. Maybe try a two-pronged attack and take Daisy on a ride somewhere to distract the GIA so they don't notice someone else approaching Jadis/Kibble before it's too late.
>>
No. 1007628 ID: e51896

How did you even find where I live?!? let me guess, that potion is also a tracking thing for you guys? Or did Cookie put a hex on me too?

Look, if it's the GIA, they kidnapped my roommate too, and told me they'd release him if I didn't talk to you or Body. It's probably the same with Evelyn, give her cell a call and maybe they'll give you instructions on how to let her go... though you'll be revealing you don't have powers to them

better idea: maybe find Kibble or something, Kibble has duck who can mind read or mind control or something? maybe that water fowl can look in your mind and try to help you remember the condition to use your powers while I stay home and wait for this to blow over... aaaaand you're gonna drag me out of bed to help you find her, aren't you?
>>
No. 1007629 ID: 094652

Slap Saul So Strongly Soon Seven Slinking Soldiers Shall Shoot Sauntering Solid Strength

"OH MY CAPITAL G NOT YOU, you're completely useless! Oh wait, you're not. Go mess up social media with anti-government propaganda! That's what you're good at, isn't it?!"
>>
No. 1007631 ID: 2d57a3

I guess Saul should go and tell Cookie and Kibble about his problem.
Maybe Cookie's witchy powers can unlock his memory.

As for Vlad, he should talk to Daisy annd sort things out with the GIA.
>>
No. 1007635 ID: 53560f

“Saul, you are literally impossible to ignore and people hang on to your every word to know the slightest detail about whether or not you will ever actually do anything.
Go somewhere public, start announcing that you are about to make a declaration. Once you have enough people with cameras and news crews, announce what the GIA is doing kidnapping Chef and Evelyn and promise hellfire if they don’t undo it within a couple hours. If anyone asks why you aren’t just using your god bullshit to get them back just say you want to see if they are willing to correct their mistakes.”

It’s a bluff, but they may not know that and after the first apocalypse I reckon that people will at least make it difficult for the GIA to do anything under public hysteria and threat of a second apocalypse.
>>
No. 1007637 ID: 96c896

Wait a minute. Since Saul was powerless all this time, that stuff he's been saying at the bar wasn't just idle talk about Jadis being dangerous. He's wanted to kill her all this time, but couldn't.

Seems like everyone's sick of her shit. We need to communicate this to her, that she needs to stop not just for the good of everyone else, but for her own good.
>>
No. 1007638 ID: 094652

>>1007635
Say that using god powers is like trying to feed an ant hill by dropping ten tons of plastic-wrapped food with a forklift.

After all, it created all of you. Genocidally.
>>
No. 1007653 ID: ce39da

They’ll only hold them until “the crisis is over?” Fine, then let’s end this crisis.

“Alright, come on, Saul; let’s get some concealing clothes on you. We’re going to Jadis.”

Plan to have some impetus ready: “Yeah, I’d like to talk about some possible side-effects of the potion, and also, this Saul guy wants to talk to you about something.”
>>
No. 1007694 ID: eedbeb
File 162873340984.png - (143.25KB , 1000x900 , p88.png )
1007694

“You’re not useless.” you say firmly. You resist the urge to slap him across the face. “Also how did you get in here? How do you know where I live?”

“Oh...I asked your friend Jordan, and then I, I punched out your lock.” Saul says morosely.

“See, you have super strength and you’re really tough and you have a bunch of friends slash associates who’d do whatever you say because they think you’re important. You’re not useless. The GIA got Chef last night too and when I called him they told me they wouldn’t hurt him unless I kept messing with you and Body.” you explain.

Saul sniffs and pushes himself to his knees. “Evelyn’s okay then? Should I call her?”

“I don’t know if we should reveal that you don’t have powers. Let’s try to get some back up first. Either you can tell your groupies to call their representatives and complain about the GIA or you can try to find Kibble. But first I want to deal with Jadis.” you say.

“Yes.” Saul wipes a stray tear out of his eye and gives you a watery smile. “I was afraid you’d say that.”
>>
No. 1007695 ID: eedbeb
File 162873341858.png - (130.04KB , 1000x900 , p89.png )
1007695

You plan your confrontation with Jadis with all the intensity of a military campaign. First you rustle through your spare clothes to find a suitable disguise for Saul, who supplies a pair of fake pointed ears and feigns interest in your threadbare collection.

Eventually you put one of Chef’s coats together with a torn pair of pants that combined with Saul’s fake ears make him look like a homeless...something.

“I can’t be seen with you. I’m going to take the bus, meet me inside the apartment building in a hour.” you insist. You pray that Daisy isn’t waiting at the entrance, she’d sniff you out instantly.

“Jadis probably has some wards set up.” Saul says. “They won’t hurt me but I’ll call ahead to Margot to make sure you can get through.”

“Who’s Margot?”

“Jadis’ girlfriend, Cookie’s older sister. She’s a figurative angel so I think she’d want Jadis to not kill everyone.”
>>
No. 1007696 ID: eedbeb
File 162873342839.png - (171.16KB , 1000x900 , p90.png )
1007696

The bus routes are limited on the weekend, so you have to make several creative transfers to get to the witch’s apartment. You don’t see Daisy or Saul, and you’re so relieved that you collide with Polly in the lobby.

“Sorry!” she says as you pick yourself up off the floor. Girl’s got muscles. “Oh, it’s you, er, I forgot your name.”

“Vlad. What are you doing here?”

She gives you a skeptical look. “I came to see my sister. My parents said that a bat and Body told them to tell me it was an emergency. Was it you?”

“It was, actually. Shit’s going down. I just came to talk to her myself. Is it alright if we go together? There’s one more person coming too.”

You spell out the word ‘god’ in the air in case there’s some surveillance spell watching you.

“I see.” Polly frowns. “My sister can be a bit defensive so she’s never wanted me to meet him.”

On cue, a disheveled figure hurries into the building, hood pulled over his head. He gives you a thumbs up and ogles Polly for a second before jerking his head towards the stairs.
>>
No. 1007697 ID: eedbeb
File 162873343709.png - (166.55KB , 1000x900 , p91.png )
1007697

Saul knocks politely at the door for a good minute before drawing his fist back and clobbering the deadbolt. Wood splinters fly and you hear Polly swear under her breath.

“Hey!” Saul shouts through the doorway. “Anyone home?”

There’s no response. The air inside the apartment is simultaneously cold and stuffy. Saul steps forward and a grid of light scans him from head to toe. You smell burning fabric and all of his clothes fall off.
“Margot warned me about that one.” he says. “It should be out of juice now?”

“Jadis!” Polly calls from the hallway. “It’s me, your sister, are you alright?”

The furthest door you can see slams open and a heap of viscera slides out. It shakes for a moment and then splits to reveal a gore soaked Jadis who promptly falls on her face.

You watch as the cat heaves an enormous yawn and wipes the mess out of her eyes. “I’m busy Polly, I’ll talk to you in a couple days. Got a big thing I’m working on.”

She blinks at you and Saul and the annoyance you’re familiar with grips her face. “What?” she says defensively.
>>
No. 1007698 ID: 96c896

>>1007697
Jadis are you trying to steal Saul's power? Stop it.
>>
No. 1007701 ID: e70793

Sweet mercy, what are you doing with those human fetuses?!

That's it, we are taking you out of here. We know your plan to use the soul-recycling piece of herself that god left behind for fun and profit and you can't do that. You will make your girlfriend cry.
>>
No. 1007706 ID: 8ac31d

Tell her Polly needs a cure for her werewolf problem and should take priority over... whatever the fuck shes doing. Family is important

Youll also be her lab rat again on her next werewolf potion

Also, GIA tried to kill Kibble, kidnapped Evelyn and my roommate. Thought youd like to know.
>>
No. 1007707 ID: 8ac31d

Also, explain to Polly, and everyone about the dream you and Polly had, and what you heard the GIA say about it over the phone
>>
No. 1007715 ID: b73e1f

Get queezy from the sight of the blood, try not to barf.
>>
No. 1007719 ID: 3135e3

>>1007697
Jadis, whatever you're doing, it's making the whole world collapse upon you. There's something you're missing.
Tell us what's goin on. Maybe we can help.
>>
No. 1007753 ID: eedbeb
File 162878417663.png - (168.67KB , 1000x900 , p92.png )
1007753

The sight of the mass of organs leaking blood onto the floor makes you queasy and you lean against the wall for support and take a few deep breaths. You glance at Polly and Saul, who don’t seem particularly bothered by Jadis’ dramatic entrance. Saul is also very naked.

You remember what Body said about Jadis not liking being yelled at, and you keep your tone meek.

“Jadis, uh, are you trying to use the soul-recycling mechanism for something bad?” you ask. You don’t know if it’s the blood but her eye doesn’t look damaged anymore.

“I’m trying to fix it, so you lot need to chill. I patched the leakage bug last night and I just need a little more time to figure out how to encrypt the storage system so people can’t use it.”

“Dad thought there was a reason I had my dream. Apparently monsters are getting more powers all over the world.” Polly says.

“So you figured out how to tap in, then?” Saul interrupts. He takes a threatening step forward and a white arrow shoots out of the wall to his left and bounces off his head.
>>
No. 1007754 ID: eedbeb
File 162878418903.png - (172.29KB , 1000x900 , p93.png )
1007754

“Yeah, but I’m not abusing it. Do you really think I want to mess things up that badly? Sure I’ve been skimming a bit of power to get the spells working but I’m helping! I’m doing what I need too or this’ll be a problem until people decide they want fleshy, hairless, weak little humans for kids!”

“They’re not that weak.” Saul mutters.

“Anyway, I’m doing great and everything is for a good reason. Go away before you set off more traps.”

“Body mentioned you were going to sacrifice people.” you say weakly.

“I will if I need extra power. What, like a thousand people dying is totally worth it in the long run. If I get done early, I can nab a werewolf to try to cure while I have the extra juice.” Jadis explains without hesitation.

“Jadis I don’t want that.” Polly pleads. “Don’t hurt other people to help me.”

“I’m not going to test stuff on you, so I have to test it on someone.” Jadis shoots back.

“I can volunteer.” you say suddenly. Everyone stares at you. “I’m a werewolf, and this could help a lot of people.”

“Great. Come back tonight.” The lump of flesh flares outwards and you flinch. It engulfs Jadis but you can still hear her muffled voice. “Go bother Evelyn, Saul.”

“Yeah speaking of that, the government kidnapped Evelyn and my friend.” you say.

The meatball starts crawling back into the room. “Yeah? They do that. Margot’s here so she’s safe and once they realize I shut things down they should leave.”
>>
No. 1007756 ID: ce39da

"Er... And you're just assuming that's what the GIA wants? They've ordered a few things that almost look like they're trying to provoke you into doing something... other than that."

"Er, one more thing; you said monsters like me are gonna get more powerful? Is this because our souls are using the exploit on our behalf - the one you're trying to patch? Is there anything in particular me and Polly should watch out for?"
>>
No. 1007763 ID: 031458

Seems she's cool so long as you're part of the project.
Uh... Is there any way to like... Prevent those 1000 deaths or at least determine who dies?

Like, what if we gathered a thousand cancer patients or death row inmates outside?
>>
No. 1007764 ID: 96c896

Is there any way we can be sure she's telling the truth and isn't going to abuse the power? Or worse, are we sure she's not going to make a mistake and cause a huge disaster?
>>
No. 1007777 ID: 3f5c39

Whisper to saul to call Margot to see if she is good.
>>
No. 1007784 ID: 094652

Slap Jadis.
"Does the mafia really delude its members into believing they're some kind of superior, chosen species that doesn't need to explain their actions to anybody?
Stop pretending you know the exact consequences and explain the situation in detail."
>>
No. 1007788 ID: e70793

I vote for getting Jadis to unlock Saul's memories (or Cookie, as maybe letting Jadis know Saul is currently poweless might be a bad idea) so we know how to unlock his power and he can encrypt the....

Soul-Recycler?
Soulmonger?
Soul-utionizer?
We need a name for this thing.

Anyway, unlocking Saul's memory so he can encrypt the Soul-Repurposer himself.
>>
No. 1007790 ID: 3ed3c3

>>1007754
Can we just lob some dynamite at her and call it a day?
>>
No. 1007808 ID: eedbeb
File 162882587492.png - (106.13KB , 1000x900 , p94.png )
1007808

>Doubt

You don’t leave the building, even after Jadis retreats and slams her door with finality. Saul joins you and Polly in the hallway, activating the clothes-and-probably-flesh-destroyer-spell on the way back from the small apartment entrance.

“So who thinks Jadis is way over her head?” Saul asks. “I give her a solid 7/10 on the gone mad with power scale and she’s in the denial stage.”

Polly shrugs helplessly. “This isn’t the worst I’ve seen. If she needed back up she’d call my dad.”

“She’s still defending herself.” you say slowly. “I bet that meat shield is stronger than it looks, strong enough to withstand explosions, and it probably confuses any spells cast her way. She might not be scared of the GIA, but Kibble would be able to take her out.”

You turn to Saul. “Could you fix the Recycler if you had your powers back? Can a witch unlock your memory of how to do it?”

“Spells don’t work on me, I’m like written in a different language. If I was full strength I could do a lot more than debug some hasty code.”
>>
No. 1007809 ID: eedbeb
File 162882588496.png - (161.55KB , 1000x900 , p95.png )
1007809

“And I assume when Jadis kills people she doesn’t discriminate?” you ask at large.

Polly answers. “No, she’ll avoid people she cares about and aim for people who are already sick or dying when she can. I think.”

Saul sighs. “I don’t know what Margot sees in that girl.”

The three of you share a moment of grim silence before Saul puts a hand on your shoulder. “At least you have a chance to talk to her again, if you don’t chicken out on letting the mad scientist mess with you.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure she knows what the GIA really wants. From what I’ve gathered they know she’s dangerous but they don’t want her dead.” Come to think of it, the government might want to seize control of the Recycler for themselves.

You’ve succeeded with your first task of the day. Saul’s disguise was destroyed so it’ll be risky to join him on outdoor activities. You can take a break to call Chef, have Saul call Evelyn, contact Daisy, other, etc. before you decide to address the GIA or try to find Kibble.
>>
No. 1007810 ID: 96c896

>>1007809
Call Chef. You're not in any prohibited area.

After that Vlad should try finding Kibble again. Without Saul. Speaking of which he needs a new disguise. If the GIA sees him walk out of the building they saw Vlad go into, then Chef is going to have a bad time. Saul should also not call Evelyn until you two are separated (and after he's away from Jadis too) because they can track his phone to see where he's calling from.
>>
No. 1007811 ID: e51896

Go our seperate ways away from Saul, he's too naked. remind him we cant be seen together, but ask if Duck that Kibble has can retrieve his memories since spells wont work. Maybe we can find Kibble tomorrow and get duck to help Saul if so. Tell him to try to call Evelyn after you leave, but dont mention us.

After you two seperate, call Daisy, we're going to the GIA and sort things out to get Chef back.

I wanna even things out. Do a Jadis task twice (completed), do a Kibble task twice (one left) do a GIA twice (none yet) Daisy might help us with Chef.
>>
No. 1007818 ID: e70793

Saul, you are like 30 million years old, you had time to visit half the galaxy. Do people in other planets have these problems?
>>
No. 1007832 ID: eedbeb
File 162887878778.png - (167.25KB , 1000x900 , p96.png )
1007832

The current status of tasks is:
Jadis: 1 successful, 1 failed (you can attempt another Jadis task tomorrow)
Kibble: 1 successful
GIA: None attempted

You’d like to deal with the GIA, but you think securing Kibble’s firepower is more important with the threat of Jadis looming. First you’re going to call Chef and make sure the goat is okay.

“Okay buddy.” You tentatively remove Saul’s hand from your shoulder and keep your eyes level. “You need to get a new disguise or try to leave without being spotted. I’ll stay here, call Chef, and try to figure out where Kibble is.”

“Let’s exchange numbers so we can meet back up later. I’m going to spread bad vibes about the government.” Saul says.

You hesitate, but there’s no way the GIA could know you have Saul’s number, right? While Saul is typing his digits into your phone you wonder what the god has seen in his long existence.

“Do other planets have these problems?” you ask him when he hands you back your phone.

“I mean, most intelligent species have issues and egomaniacs and murder, but they don’t usually have super powers to back it up.” the god says.

Polly and Saul depart and you take the stairs to a random story to talk to Chef.
>>
No. 1007833 ID: eedbeb
File 162887879756.png - (151.95KB , 1000x900 , p97.png )
1007833

Rancid answers. “Hello Mr. Noctus. I’m afraid we’ll have to keep our conversation short since our agents are dealing with some difficulties at the moment.”

“That’s fine. How’s Chef? Are you feeding him and stuff? He likes whole grains and grub protein shakes.”

“We’ve provided him with take-out and added a blanket and pillow to his holding cell. He’s spent most of his time talking with our other prisoner or sleeping.” Rancid says blandly.

“Can I talk to him?”

“No.”

What a downer. You decide to take a different approach. The GIA is after Kibble, and if they kidnapped Chef and Evelyn you wouldn’t be surprised if they went after Kibble’s parents.

“What’s giving you trouble? I might be able to help if you’re trying to talk to Kibble, she thinks I’m a clown.” you say.

Rancid is silent for a moment and you’ve almost given up when—“

“Why not? The girl is guarding her childhood home with extreme ferocity. I’ll send a car to pick you up at your location, at your disclosure, since you’ve jammed Max’s spell.”
>>
No. 1007835 ID: ce39da

> No.
... Chef isn't okay, is he?

And this galaxy brain just admitted that his agents are tied up at the moment.

Rescuing Chef and Evelynne might be feasible now. You sure as hell don't trust these GIA fucks with them... and you're pretty confident that Evelyn knows how to unlock Saul's powers.

I get the feeling that something terrible is going to happen no matter what we do, so long as our resident god's hands are tied.

The only question is where to go, and I think Daisy should be just out of the loop enough (and gullible and submissive enough) that we can rope her into leading us right to them.
>>
No. 1007845 ID: 96c896

>>1007833
Ask who the other prisoner is. (to act like you haven't met with Saul)
Also what's that blood?
>>
No. 1007848 ID: e70793

There is blood on the floor.
Crap, we didn't get to really know chef.

"I'm going to try to help for the sake of peace, but if you did sometinng to Chef, you are gonna pay."
>>
No. 1007853 ID: eedbeb
File 162890345749.png - (176.32KB , 1000x900 , p98.png )
1007853

You have a bad feeling in your gut about your friend. “Sure, I’ll let you know in a few minutes. Why can’t I talk to Chef?”

“You know too much. And I believe you would try to find out where he’s being held.” Rancid says flatly.

“Ok, so he’s not injured or anything? I’m just worried, no one’s ever done a hostage situation on me before.” you add hastily.

“Mr. Noctus, I assure you that if we hurt your friend I would tell you all the details and send you pictures of the severed fingers.” Rancid deadpans. Or at least you hope it’s a joke. It’s probably not a joke.

“Great.” you say heartily. “Glad to hear he’s doing well. Who’s the other prisoner?”

“Confidential information. Send your location when you’re comfortable.”

Rancid ends the call first this time and you hurry away from the apartment building to a hopefully less suspicious street a few blocks away. You share the address with Chef’s number and less than 15 minutes later a black car similar to the one you saw yesterday pulls up to the curb.

Daisy flings open the back door. “Hi Vlad! Watch out for the blood on the seat, we just drove Johnston to the hospital after Kibble bit her arm off.”

You clamber into your second besmirched car is as many days. The driver is hidden behind a solid partition and you can’t even tell what animal they are.

How do you approach Kibble? You have Daisy to help you with any heartfelt pleas or hijinks and the car will drop you off a safe distance away.
>>
No. 1007858 ID: d9fbcd

On the way, talk about your friend being kidnapped by the GIA, then talk to Daisy about your hard life as a werewolf and the experiences you suffered through because of it in another attempt to get her to take her werewolf situation seriously.

Have Daisy help us, if only to get her to trust us in the end.
You just walk up to Kibble and say "sup? Wanna hang?"

I wonder if we should ask about duck, if it could help someone very very powerful remember something... though we know Kibble wants to release duck.

Basically, kind of want to get duck to try to get Saul to remember how to get his powers back, and then find a way to get duck the fuck outta here... though that might tip the GIA off if Daisy is with us that we spoke with Saul... eh, lets bring her anyway, it'll probably make things easier of the two clowns are here to make Kibble more comfortable talking to us.

We should mention our dream, and about how monsters are getting stronger.
>>
No. 1007864 ID: afe7de

>>1007853

Casually ask if she's getting stronger yet and if she doesen't know just dismiss the line of inquiry. I like the idea of during the car ride having vlad try to keep dissuading her from being a werewolf or morphing a lot. It seems in character, but maybe have Daisy say something like as long as I complete my goal it doesent really matter, maybe vlad gets upset and mentions there's a life AFTER jadis you know and that's when the car stops. I defer to other people for how to handle kibble tho.
>>
No. 1007922 ID: eedbeb
File 162898152693.png - (147.47KB , 1000x900 , p99.png )
1007922

“Hi Daisy.” you sigh. The blood is fresh and you feel it rubbing into your thigh fur as you fasten your seatbelt and warm your fingers in the comfortable heat of the car.

“Do anything cool last night? My mom yelled at me and said I was grounded but I snuck out this morning anyway and I got to have chocolate donuts and coffee while Max tried to get a tank into town.”

“Wow.”

Daisy punches you in the side. “What’s wrong? You sound grumpier than usual.”

“I’m sitting in someone’s arm blood. I have to deal with you when you treat this like a game. I told you before, you have to think about your future.” You lean your head back so your ears aren’t squished against the ceiling.

“And I say screw you old man. This is probably the biggest thing that’s ever going to happen in my life! It’s like a big adventure in a book. Why shouldn’t I give it my all?”

Youthful idealism mixed with rage and a helping of retriever optimism cannot be defeated. You fish around for a way to change the topic.
>>
No. 1007924 ID: eedbeb
File 162898153643.png - (144.54KB , 1000x900 , p100.png )
1007924

“Have you been having weird dreams?” you ask. “Apparently monsters are getting extra powers.”

Daisy tilts her head to the side. “No, but I’ve been hearing old people talking in my head. Rancid said its soul echoes from dead people. There’s a kitsune who’s part of the division sent here who grew another tail and I saw in Rancid’s notes that vampires are waking up. More powers are good, though, right?”

“Maybe, it probably won’t last that long though, Ja—someone’s trying to stop it. Anyway, what’s the plan here? We just walk up to Kibble and ask her if she wants to chill with us while the GIA kidnaps her parents?” you say.

“I dunno, we’re like the last resort cause Kibble’s maimed or killed too many agents. We can ask her very nicely to not eat us and tell her that we’re not going to attack anymore.”
>>
No. 1007925 ID: eedbeb
File 162898154538.png - (144.60KB , 1000x900 , p101.png )
1007925

The car drops you off on a suburban street just as you hear the sound of tearing metal and the roof of the tank crashes into someone’s lawn, carving a sharp gouge in the frozen dirt. The anonymous driver leaves, tires screeching as they accelerate as far from the danger as possible.

You walk towards the commotion, careful of any more falling debris. The air stinks of exhaust and you pass a discarded machine gun on the sidewalk.

Kibble is wrapped around her parent’s house in a defensive position. It takes you a moment to see the end of the massive throat, Kibble’s shell body has been shot and shattered so many times it’s more jagged void than cat.

Besides the wreckage of the tank, there aren’t any other living animals around. You avoid the red splatters and loose organs that lead you to the edge of the property.

“Hello Kibble, it’s us, uh, Body’s pals from yesterday. You good?”

Kibble spits out a sheet of metal and rams her giant mouth into the dirt a few meters away from you and Daisy. You feel the ground shake and you almost lose your balance.

“Hey!” Daisy puts her paws to her mouth. “The GIA’s done trying to mess with you, so you can calm down.”

The crack in space swoops your direction and you flinch. When you stare into it, you can see a distant figure sitting in the emptiness. Weird, it almost looks like Saul.
>>
No. 1007926 ID: e51896

Well, it looks like it wants you to sit with it sooo... I guess do that?
>>
No. 1007927 ID: afe7de

>>1007925

You're running on instinct now, no voices around you can be heard, you think you hear Daisy yelling, but the thing inside Kibble is looking at you, and you it. You take steps forward, and then a run, and then you collide with it and idk something happens? something existensial?

maybe it turned out to be a hallucination?
>>
No. 1007936 ID: 96c896

>>1007925
Tell her she looks awful. Does she heal from that, eventually? Is there a way you can help her?

...the GIA doesn't deserve to stay in power. They had no justified reason to do all this. Look at Daisy. Tell her to look around at all this death here. The GIA threw people at an invincible foe out of a lust for power. Does she seriously still have any loyalty for them?
>>
No. 1007941 ID: e51896

Talk a bit about duck. Ask what if Duck can be used to help a deity of some sort remember how to get their powers back and fix some things if magic spells can't help remember. But also ask if there is anything you can do to help release duck off this crazy planet. Maybe if Kibble is stuck dealing with the GIA, we can at least try to do something to release duck for her so she can focus on her home while you focus on Duck...
>>
No. 1007942 ID: e70793

Ah, it's one of those Wardens in the sky that eat witches that try to mess to hard with reality. It must be the Warden the Warden-Mouth mixed with Kibble's body comes from.

Of course, Vlad has never seen a Warden, so how do I adress this without metagaming?

Ummm.... Thank Kibble for the information on the Soul-Recycler. Tell her Jadis is planning to tap on its power to encrypt it and keep people from abusing it, but she is willing commit a massacre to do so if she can't find another way soon.

After try to have Vlad or Daisy reach out towards the figure in the image.
>>
No. 1008003 ID: eedbeb
File 162906496172.png - (158.64KB , 1000x900 , p102.png )
1008003

You feel inexplicably drawn to the vague figure when it raises its head and meets your eye. It looks lonely, sitting in the gap in Kibble’s chest with only the long tendril of the mouth’s neck for company. You step forward, hypnotized and hand outstretched, and Daisy socks you in the gut.

You fall to your knees with a splutter and choke on your breath as you diaphragm seizes. The random bits of flesh next to your head don’t help you calm down at all.

“What was that for?” you gasp once you can draw air into your lungs.

“You were going to touch a lady without her permission.” Daisy huffs. “My mom said that’s very rude.”

It takes you a moment to realize that Daisy was trying to protect you and you shake your head to clear the strange sensation.

The giant mouth works its jaw for a few seconds and then a deep, lisping voice crawls into your ears.

“Guh away.”
>>
No. 1008004 ID: eedbeb
File 162906496977.png - (177.33KB , 1000x900 , p103.png )
1008004

“Kibble, are you okay with your body like that? Is there any way I can help?” you ask.

The mouth clacks its teeth together in irritation. “Nuh. Will regenerate. Guh away. Nah your ‘roblem.”

“Um, okay, we’ll leave in a second but I wanted to update you on the situation. Thanks for your tip about the Soul-Recycler thing, Jadis says she’s trying to keep other people from abusing it but she’s also threatening to seal it with any means necessary. Besides that, I was wondering if we could use Duck to help Saul unlock his memories?”

The outline of Kibble hunches her shoulders and shakes her head before surveying the wreckage around her childhood home. The crack in space droops even more.

“Nuh Dugh. Really ’ad. Guh away. Las’ warning.”

You can’t tell if Kibble is saying ‘sad’ or ‘mad’ but it’s clear the former cat didn’t enjoy causing the evident pain and destruction.

“Yeah.” You turn to Daisy for an educational moment. “This is what the GIA did! They threw lives at Kibble for no reason, just because they wanted power. I know you’re like, a crazy teenager with bad judgement, but you can see that that’s awful!”
>>
No. 1008005 ID: eedbeb
File 162906498361.png - (122.57KB , 1000x900 , p104.png )
1008005

Daisy opens her mouth to retort, but to your surprise, swallows her words with a wince. She gnaws her lip and tears start to well out of her eyes. You finally got through to her.

The giant mouth sighs and then starts heading for you and Daisy at a threatening speed. You take this as your cue to leave and sprint away from the house until Kibble is completely out of sight.

You failed the task since Kibble didn’t let you talk to her for long, but convinced Daisy that the GIA is bad. There’s time to relax before you go to Jadis for experimentation (if you decide to do so, of course). Daisy is now loyal to you and can be used for reconnaissance or errands at her own risk.
>>
No. 1008011 ID: 3f5c39

Give her your potion to keep. If the GIA wants power, they're probably going to use her as a weapon with her werewolf powers since monsters are going to become stronger. You'd rather sacrifice your potion to her and have her resist having the GIA have her go through transforming her into a werewolf and into danger than have Daisy suffer... plus youre going to be risking your life as a labrat for Jadis tonight anyway.

If we can pour half the bottle in another container for her to keep, then great, but would it be enough for her to resist with what the GIA might do with her? Maybe just give her the whole potion...
>>
No. 1008036 ID: ce39da

If Daisy's changed allegiances, maybe it's time to ask if she knows what the GIA's really planning. And if she doesn't know, she's in a position where she can find out.

Do try to offer her a dose of potion again, though, and if she tries to refuse again: "Look, I get it. Once you get over the initial shock, being a werewolf... can be exciting. Especially in a situation like this where, admittedly, our powers may be allowed to shine better than they would in polite society. But normal life ain't something you can just opt-out of, and if you indulge the beast too much, normal life's gonna be something you'll struggle to function in." Show her the anklet. "Fun fact; you get this if you bite someone without making an appointment out of it. Do you know what happens if you flip out in public again when you're wearing this?"

"They put you down, Daisy."
>>
No. 1008042 ID: 53560f

“Daisy, I’m sorry that this is what it took for you to realise this isn’t the adventure you hoped, maybe after this is all over I can introduce you to Saul. He seems to like excitement and maybe hanging out with him would be fun.
Tonight I’m gonna visit Jadis to help her develop her cure for lycanthropy, You can come with if you like and ask her questions while she experiments on me. You can get an idea of the bigger picture from the witch herself, just be aware she is slightly insane and I’m not sure she’s slept in the past few days.”
Also we should make sure Daisy doesn’t have a tracking spell on her.
>>
No. 1008055 ID: e51896

Go to a foodcourt and get Daisy some food to cheer her up.
>>
No. 1008057 ID: e9efca

It would be extremely helpful if Daisy could find out what the GIA is trying to achieve here.
>>
No. 1008067 ID: eedbeb
File 162914506782.png - (96.19KB , 1000x900 , p105.png )
1008067

Daisy doesn’t cry while you search your phone for a nearby place to get some food. There’s a large shopping mall a couple miles south and you start heading there.

“I’ve been really stupid, haven’t I?” the retriever sighs.

“Yes. I’m going to get us dinner and then I’ll call my friend to take us to my place. I have the anti-transformation potion there which you can have to help you stay calm and then Jordan can drive you home.” You feel the weight of your security anklet and the discomfort of the metal against your skin. “Try to ghost the GIA, if you can, but do whatever you need to stay safe. I can introduce you to some good people, and you should keep going to WA meetings.”

Daisy groans. “Sure, whatever, you don’t have to lecture me.”

You switch the subject to funny internet videos and games Daisy might have played until you reach the mall. The food court is reasonably full, and you order burgers and fries.
>>
No. 1008068 ID: eedbeb
File 162914507928.png - (150.65KB , 1000x900 , p106.png )
1008068

You’re sitting peacefully at your bright blue painted table, waiting for your food and avoiding Daisy’s eye when an older dog walks up to you.

“Daisy. What are you doing here? Why haven’t you answered your phone? Rancid sent me to come get you.”

It’s Max, the unobtrusive witch that cast the tracking spell on you at the bar. Daisy must have a spell on her too. The hound gives you a cautious frown as you half rise from your cheap plastic seat, ready to punch him at the first sign of extra eyes.

“Me and Vlad are getting dinner.” Daisy mutters.

“I don’t want you to be captured or harmed. We’re approaching a delicate stage of the operation and we need all of the help you can give us.”

Daisy squirms in her seat and keeps her gaze averted. This is a tough situation for her since you don’t think the GIA would be thrilled to learn that she wants to back out.

“We already ordered man, it’s been a rough day, we’ll be done in half an hour, you can talk to her and then she needs to go home.” you say.

Max hesitates before pulling a chair from a nearby table to sit with you. He taps his grey claws on the greasy metal table and stares at you in silence.
>>
No. 1008069 ID: eedbeb
File 162914510835.png - (164.20KB , 1000x900 , p107.png )
1008069

Okay, well if Max is going to barge into your rehabilitation session with Daisy, you’re going to get some answers out of him. You want to find out the GIA’s motivation because it’s pretty hard to weigh the morality of this stuff without context.

“So.” You lean forward with your arms folded on the table. “Jadis is using the Soul Recycler for her dark bidding but you aren’t really trying to kill her despite pretending to. What’s going on?”

“Don’t say that so loud.” Max hisses, soft ears flat against his head.

“You scared of someone hearing?” You pointedly look around at the families and friends enjoying a warm meal in the food court. “Should have thought about that before you sent a tank into a residential neighborhood.”

“Alright just, lower your voice please.” Max says. He hunches his shoulders and starts to furiously whisper.

“Do you know how quickly our scientists found out about the Recycler? Practically a week after the post-apocalypse announcement, long before Jadis had any inkling about what was going on. But just as we’re figuring out how to utilize the excess power, she swoops in and gets further in a day than we did in a month! Now she’s practically hacked the entire thing, if we tried to kill her it would make everything worse.” Max lets out a soft snarl. “And she told the Warden surrogate about it too so even if we do stop Jadis and keep working to unlock the Recycler for secure use, we have to worry about Kibble as well.

The dog takes a deep breath. “This is a matter of extreme consequence that a collection of twenty year olds is not equipped to handle. Mrs. Lewis has been shown in the past to make poor decisions and she’s dealing with catastrophic amounts of power by herself. We’re doing everything that the government and our leaders deem necessary.”
>>
No. 1008073 ID: 96c896

>>1008069
Yeah well they're approaching it from the wrong angle. If what they're worried about is Jadis making the wrong choice, then you convince her to make the right one. She's too valuable to kill, obviously, and too volatile to force the issue. So negotiate. That's what governments are supposed to do, not throw bodies at a problem until it goes away.
>>
No. 1008080 ID: b47718

>>1008073
Pretty much this. Say that as a matter of fact, you are going to see her tonight and you can schedule an appointment with her to negotiate with the GIA, dince She is going to owe us BIG.
>>
No. 1008081 ID: 3ed3c3

Your leaders are too disconnected from the reality of the situation. Force has not and will not work, and is more than likely to make it all worse.
What you are dealing with are emotionally unstable and ill-adjusted children with powers from beyond the pale. There is no situation here where you barge in, take control, and suddenly everything is find and dandy.
You people seriously need to drop the macho, tough guy garbage and approach them like they're people and not some enemy to be defeated.
>>
No. 1008093 ID: f8fa51

Okay, so they're not just amoral, they're dumb as bricks too. Good to know they're incompetent as well as evil.
>>
No. 1008100 ID: eedbeb
File 162916373593.png - (187.17KB , 1000x900 , p108.png )
1008100

“You leaders are approaching this totally wrong.” you say. “Negotiate with Kibble and Jadis, don’t try to throw bodies at the problem until it goes away.” You want to call Max some mean words but you’re trying to be polite for Daisy’s sake.

Speaking of, the retriever slides out of her chair to get the food, leaving you to face Max.

Max winces. “I’ll admit our handling of Kibble today was wrong, but we really thought we were making progress when we heard that our sniper drove her away yesterday. Jadis, however, cannot be reasoned with. Completely self-absorbed. We attempted to reach out to her earlier this week to no avail.”

Your skepticism must be showing on your face because Max forces a weak smile and twiddles his thumbs.

“You must think we’re the bad guys after we put a spell on you and kidnapped your friend.” he says.

“Oh no,” you say sarcastically. “I’m thrilled that the big, tough, secret forces have barged in and tried to fix everything as incompetently as possible.”
>>
No. 1008101 ID: eedbeb
File 162916374441.png - (137.26KB , 1000x900 , p109.png )
1008101

Daisy returns with paper sacks of fragrant grease and you dig into the food while avoiding Max’s sad smile. Once you’ve demolished most of your burger you slump back in your chair and reach for your cup of water.

“I don’t think Jadis is as bad as you say. She’s impatient and kind of warped but I think you should still try talking to her.” You’re not sure mentioning your possible appointment tonight is a good idea but you power ahead. “I might be meeting with her tonight, and I can pass along that you guys want to talk things out tomorrow.”

“We can’t meet at her apartment. There are more wards there than I’ve cast in a lifetime.” Max says immediately.

“I’ll come up with some neutral place and I can tell Rancid the details.” You coat a fry in pink sauce and pop it in your mouth. “Ok?”

Max unlaces his fingers. “If I can check you for mind-altering spells beforehand, you have a deal.”

Once you and Daisy finish eating, you accept Max’s offer of a ride back downtown.

Do you go to Jadis for potentially risky experimentation? If not, please suggest a leisure activity for the evening.
>>
No. 1008102 ID: ce39da

Jadis, baby. Let's get fucked up so that thousands of others don't have to! I think that's how it works, anyway. Maybe talk to her about the whole "possibly gonna kill alls of the peoples" situation, maybe mention how this might be something we could actually convince Saul to lift a goddamn finger for.
>>
No. 1008104 ID: f3d9ed

Stop at your home first, have Daisy hold on to the potion in case things go badly so at least she can be safe, then head to Jadis to face the music
>>
No. 1008107 ID: 96c896

>Do you go to Jadis for potentially risky experimentation?
Did we ever imply otherwise?
>>
No. 1008116 ID: 031458

Yes, yes we are.
Remember, Saul stepped in all those traps on purpose. Approach with the exact same steps you took last time, being mindful of where Saul stepped.
>>
No. 1008145 ID: eedbeb
File 162921432088.png - (186.19KB , 1000x900 , p110.png )
1008145

You remember to stop by your place to grab the potion for Daisy. The dogs wait in the car while you charge up the stairs and through your damaged door to grab the flask of green liquid on your dresser. When you return to the black government car, Max gives the skull marked bottle a hesitant look and Daisy takes a swig immediately.

Max drops you off in front of the familiar disheveled apartment in the nice neighborhood and you begin your climb to the door of doom. You find it open, waiting for you, and you stall at the entryway, wondering if the traps have been disabled.

“Get in here!” Jadis shouts from her room. “Don’t worry I’ve keyed things to not kill you.”

On that reassuring note you walk through the cramped hallway, across the dusty living room, and go through Jadis’ door.
>>
No. 1008146 ID: eedbeb
File 162921433516.png - (121.33KB , 1000x900 , p111.png )
1008146

You enter a room that’s much larger than physically possible given the constraints of the building, several stories tall with walls made of a vague light gray material.

Magic. A space within a space. A much larger version of the commercial pocket space that costs more than you make in half a year.

Jadis is standing in the center of the square floor, wearing a hazmat suit made out of flesh with a clear faceplate. The suit is connected with a series of umbilical cords to the meat ball that’s sitting in the corner. The witch’s eyes are stretched into diamonds.

In the opposite corner, a cat in sweatpants and wearing a bow on her head is gaming at a desktop. This must be Margot, Jadis’ girlfriend and Cookie’s sister. She turns to wave at you then goes back to her game.
>>
No. 1008147 ID: eedbeb
File 162921434919.png - (145.35KB , 1000x900 , p112.png )
1008147

“Hi.” you say cautiously.

“Vlad, welcome.” Jadis holds out her hands like an evil overlord standing in front of a crowd of supporters. The cat is clearly having a great time. “I’ll tell you the plan before we get started, but honestly this is going to be a lot of guess and check. If you’re in too much pain I can deaden your nerves but your feedback is important so that’s a last resort.”

“Um. Okay.”

Jadis flicks her hand and a glowing line graph appears midair. “You can imagine monsters as the product of a chemical reaction. The normal soul is stable, for the most part, but with the right stimulus it’ll react and change energy levels, usually dropping but there are some monsters, like dragons, who are actually at a higher level.”

Jadis draws a new line with her finger. “I’m basically going to overload you with energy and see how your soul responds. It’ll probably take a few tries and I’ll let you adjust before I do it again.”

Please suggest monsters that Vlad can turn into along with a traditional or non-traditional interpretation of their powers. The more OP the monster is, the less likely the transformation will happen.

(For example, vampires in this setting have an unconscious ability that changes their internal passage of time. If they’re not careful, they’ll stop in place and become effectively dormant as years pass in what they perceive as seconds.)
>>
No. 1008148 ID: a9d0e1

Reverse werewolf! Vlad's primary form is his werewolf form that he can now control while his bat form is his weakened other form that he cant control.

Tell Jadis the GIA is willing to negotiate things peacefully now and you'd like to schedule a meeting with the 2 of them so that the GIA can stop attacking Kibble, and her.

You'll even be mediator at the negotiation.
>>
No. 1008149 ID: e799e4

Let's give Jadis a call so she can come to our house to play that super new Witch-Doctor Simulator game and do experiments.
>>
No. 1008150 ID: fd4d13

A Boitata, traditionally a fiery serpent that lives in a river; which uses the light from its eyes to lure people astray in the woods where it consumes the light from their eyes.

Power: eyespots - vlad gains spots on his body in an irregular pattern. He can see from them, but its really disorienting
>>
No. 1008151 ID: 031458

Diva - A conscious, purified soul not bound to any one body. Is instead capable of freely inhabiting bodies and objects as vessels. Requires no sustenance to maintain cohesion, but can consume magical energy and souls to grow stronger, gain abilities, and reproduce. Vessels can be cohabitated by multiple Diva.
>>
No. 1008152 ID: 6c227a

A kappa, slowing dramatically or even freezing in place unless its head/hair is wet. Different liquids may result in varied effects.
>>
No. 1008153 ID: 3ed3c3

>>1008147
Grootslang - A truly massive serpent with a frilled hood, a long, prehensile tongue, and tusk-like fangs.
>>
No. 1008154 ID: 094652

Nue - A hybrid between a centaur, mermaid, tengu, and a dash of Slenderman.
>>
No. 1008155 ID: e799e4

>>1008149
Curses, the quest updated while I was catching up.

Before anything else, let's not to throw up while asking what that flesh suit is made out of.

As for the creature:
Chonchon
You have the power of growing batwings on the sides of your head and detach it from your body, allowing it to fly and cast spells.
>>
No. 1008157 ID: ce39da

Redcap - Soaking blood into your fur (really just the easiest medium for absorbing other people's soul energy) gives a significant temporary boost to speed and strength, but uh... it's enough of a rush that it's really easy to get addicted.
>>
No. 1008162 ID: 96c896

>>1008147
Ask why Margot isn't wearing a suit. And not appearing to be helping at all.

>monsters
Shadow, a creature of living darkness. Can go invisible in the dark, but feels pain from bright light.
Sphinx. Has a kind of gatekeeper power, where they can prevent anyone from crossing a threshold unless they correctly answer a riddle. Useful for security, as the riddle doesn't have to be sensible.
Blink Dog. Can teleport, has an intuitive sense of their surroundings within teleport range so they can teleport safely.
>>
No. 1008163 ID: e3bf62

Male NORTHERN SERGAL - Has the ability to sense and communicate with spirits of nature. Also has extraordinary libido.
>>
No. 1008166 ID: f8fa51

>>1008162
For sphinx, I think the riddle should be a mental compulsion on the sphinx's part rather than a limitation on their magic. They just really need to ask you a riddle, okay? That's completely normal, and they can stop any time they want. No, they don't have a problem.
>>
No. 1008176 ID: eedbeb
File 162924385318.gif - (229.01KB , 1000x900 , p113.gif )
1008176

Jadis points her finger at you and you flinch.

“Are you doing it?” you ask nervously.

“What? No, you’ll know when I zap you. Take off your jacket. I assume you can’t remove the cuff.”

You toss your coat to the side and kick your right foot ruefully against the floor.

“What if you set it off?” you ask.

Jadis squints at your leg. “It’s only keyed to a werewolf transformation, so you should be fine. Anyway.” The witch raises her hand encased in wet, living flesh and a burst of white lightning leaps toward you.

The magic doesn’t hurt, but it feels like ants crawling under your skin and you spasm around wildly until you feel a familiar transformation take hold.
>>
No. 1008177 ID: eedbeb
File 162924386034.png - (131.80KB , 1000x900 , p114.png )
1008177

“Aw rats.” Jadis says.

You look down at your paws. Instead of your usual werewolf form that matches your normal fur color, you’re a pure, blinding white. And also still a werewolf. At least you don’t feel any urge to bite or attack. In fact, you’re perfectly calm except for a lingering tingle under your skin.

You open your mouth to speak and a squeaky half-growled ‘ah’ comes out.
>>
No. 1008178 ID: eedbeb
File 162924387241.png - (96.50KB , 1000x900 , p115.png )
1008178

Your ankle bracelet has popped free and is flashing red in alarm. Jadis summons it into her hand and dissolves it into dust.

“Okay, let’s try again.” Jadis says. “No idea why that happened.”

All existing monsters suggestions will be retained for the next attempt (and you can keep suggesting monsters). Going forward, you will have three more attempts before you’re locked in, though you can stop at any point if you get a desirable transformation.
>>
No. 1008181 ID: ce39da

Wheel of transformation, turn turn turn!
>>
No. 1008182 ID: 67181a

A human, because man is the REAL monster
>>
No. 1008183 ID: 031458

You know despite the shape I feel oddly... Normal.
Anyway, ready when you are.
>>
No. 1008184 ID: 9ca8dc

Hold up, if youre some kond of anti-werewolf, can you un-werewolf people by biting them? Jadis can see all of your energy and such, what does she think would happen?
And also no longer have the problems of being a werewolf this could be cool to stay as
If youre a werewolf cure
>>
No. 1008185 ID: f8fa51

Go again. We don't want to be stuck in a shape we can't talk in.
>>
No. 1008186 ID: 9ca8dc

>>1008184

And dont have the aggresion problems normally associated with werewolfism it could be dope af to stay
>>
No. 1008187 ID: 0fae41

Gremlin - Can turn invisible and set up unfortunate mishaps waiting to happen. Don't feed after midnight.
Gashadokuro - Huge skeleton nobody seems to notice.
Jabberwock - if our dice luck is so incredibly singular, why not throw that in the pile? Shoots fire from its eyes, fearsome fangs and claws that go snicker-snack.
>>
No. 1008198 ID: 23716b

I think we can stick with this one. Stop.
>>
No. 1008199 ID: 031458

Ancient (Antlantean/Amazonian/Giant/Prime)- Elder form of human lost to time and history. The body utilizes the soul to boost all physical abilities by an insane degree. Ageless. Generates soul energy through is massive and frankly financially unsustainable metabolism.
>>
No. 1008206 ID: f2ef62

Stick figure: you're easier to draw
>>
No. 1008208 ID: e799e4

If we can turn back to normal at will, self-aware werewolf would actually be super beneficial.
>>
No. 1008209 ID: 055ebd

Godling: like a god but lesser in most aspects.

Wisp: a spirit of light that kind of just floats about wherever it likes unbound by petty things like gravity.

Changeling: can alter form and voice to match any bipedal person sized creature, cannot copy powers but can copy basic racial attributes (such as bat gliding or chameleon colour changing).

Newborn angel: a young angel with room to grow.
>>
No. 1008210 ID: 96c896

>>1008177
Oh hey I just realized, this is the werewolf cure. Turn into something else that's less of a problem!

More monsters:
Phoenix, sortof. A bird humanoid with vibrant plumage, immune to fire and in fact heals when at high temperature. Body temperature increases as overall health decreases. Perhaps both parts of the power weaken with age?
Basilisk, a lizard with a petrification(paralysis?) gaze that can be turned on or off at will. The petrification wears off after a while, and statues are very difficult to damage.
Mimic, base appearance is a pale hairless humanoid. Power is to copy people and objects, and there is a psychological urge to do so. The accuracy of the copy can be questionable at times. (maybe the inaccuracy can be controlled with practice, allowing partial shapeshifting or perfect copies?)
>>
No. 1008211 ID: 96c896

>>1008208
This appears to be reverse werewolf, and bat form has the urge to bite. So it's not useful at all.
>>
No. 1008214 ID: 96c896

I feel like we should have *some* chance at a dragon result, so:

Feathered Dragon. Powers: flight, breath weapon, and either a reasonable size or an inherent ability to control one's own size.
>>
No. 1008219 ID: c8f715

Pseudodragon- Tiny, mirthful, cute, ageless, venomous. *Breaths Elemental Weapon cutely*
>>
No. 1008220 ID: eedbeb
File 162929763919.png - (132.13KB , 1000x900 , p116.png )
1008220

“Wait a second.” you warble. It’s hard to talk when you have twice as much tongue as usual. “I don’t feel aggressive or angry. This is kind of nice actually.”

Jadis takes a few steps forward to get a better angle to stare into your soul. “Hm, you’re super stable right now. I’m going to need a big surge to get you to change again. Can you shift back to normal?”

You stand up, shake, and try to focus on things like opposable thumbs and bipedalism. To your surprise, you quickly shift back into normal, dark furred bat form.

The restlessness hits you hard, a mixture of anxiety and paranoia. Jadis is pointing at you again. If you ran towards her could you bite before she stopped you? No, the meat suit is in the way. There’s that girl in the corner though, but she’s too far away.

The high ceilinged room is still closed enough that it makes you claustrophobic. You’re about to ask for a short break when Jadis zaps you again.
>>
No. 1008221 ID: eedbeb
File 162929764837.png - (118.56KB , 1000x900 , p117.png )
1008221

>Kappa

This surge of power leaves an iron taste on your tongue and instead of thrashing you hunch over the ground and wait for the sensation to pass. After what seems like forever, the fur on your head poofs out into a lose mane and you feel dizzy.

Water, you need water. Your skin is so dry.

You keel over onto your newly webbed paws and stay there until you feel the splash of some mysterious warm liquid on your face.

“I can’t believe it, I put like ten souls worth into you and you turn into a measly kappa?” Jadis sounds discouraged. “At this point it’s just wasteful.”

You identify the unknown liquid as saliva after a careful texture test. You definitely don’t want to stay as a kappa.

“Can we try again?” you croak.

All existing monster suggestions will be retained. You have two attempts remaining.
>>
No. 1008222 ID: 4c80df

Reroll
>>
No. 1008224 ID: 031458

Let's GOOoooooo
>>
No. 1008227 ID: eedbeb
File 162930650764.png - (162.56KB , 1000x900 , p118.png )
1008227

>Stick Figure

Jadis hits you with fives arcs of evil overlord lightning bright enough to illuminate the grey walls.

“Hey, go easy over there.” Margot shouts absently. You’re too busy screaming your lungs out to make any smart comments.

When the torture stops, you lay on the ground and let tears leak out of your eyes. Your limbs feel like jelly.

“Whoa, this is something new.” Jadis says. You hear the pad of her feet, the slosh of the meatball, and the cat is standing over you.

You raise a hand feebly and see that your wrist is about as thick as a pencil. It doesn’t feel any different, but it’s uncanny to observe.

“Congrats, you have an internal space warping field confined to your body.” says Jadis. “Reminds me of—an acquaintance. Can you affect it at all?”

You concentrate and watch as your forearm returns to approximately normal width, though you’re not sure you can eyeball what the normal width was.

Do you stay with this transformation? You’ll be stuck if you take your last reroll.
>>
No. 1008228 ID: 031458

HaHAAAAA Fuck it. We knew what we were getting into.

SPIN
THE
WHEEL!
>>
No. 1008235 ID: 96c896

Hold up, this might be good. It's in the "op" section of the roll table.

Does it feel inconvenient at all? Do you think you can do cool things with it? Like, try going thinner instead of thicker. Or thicker than normal, maybe?
>>
No. 1008237 ID: 61440f

>>1008235
Seconding this; being able to warp ourself bigger or smaller at will could be pretty useful if there aren't any side effects.
>>
No. 1008238 ID: d65d58

Well, since we can control it back to normal, then yeah, lets keep it.
>>
No. 1008239 ID: 031458

All I'm sayin is it's a little.
Horrific.
Op maybe but. You know... Eughh.
>>
No. 1008256 ID: eedbeb
File 162933228867.png - (174.48KB , 1000x900 , p119.png )
1008256

You slowly wobble to your feet. If you don’t pay attention to your peripherals, you can pretend nothing is different. Jadis tries to poke your chest with a blunt finger and your chest bends out of the way. It’s extremely unsettling, especially because you didn’t try to move.

“This is good stuff.” Jadis says. “At least there’s a positive correlation being power usage and results from what I can assume from three measly data points. Even though you aren’t cured it’s still promising.”

“Let’s stop then.” you say quickly. You don’t know if you can handle another excruciating shock without having a breakdown, which would be embarrassing.

You take a moment to collect yourself and you remember your deal with Max about the meeting with the GIA tomorrow.

Jadis is still trying to prod at you, but your limbs keep dodging her hand. You back away. “Hey, uh, the GIA wants to negotiate things peacefully. Tomorrow, if that’s okay.”

“Hm? Oh, they’re panicking cause I’m way ahead of them. I guess I can see what they want, since I’m going to be locking things down anyway. They can’t match me at this point.” Jadis says.

“So you’ll meet with them? That’s great!” You’re surprised Jadis didn’t refuse. “I’m going to pick a place and arrange everything, how does tomorrow morning at 9:00 sound?”

“Sure. I’ll locate and meet you wherever.”

“Great.” you say again, backing out of the artificial room. “Sounds good. Awesome.”
>>
No. 1008257 ID: eedbeb
File 162933229971.png - (120.43KB , 1000x900 , p120.png )
1008257

You have decided to stay as a Stick Figure, which is a single broad base space power that has several side effects:

-Everything except for your hands, feet, and head can constrict to a thin cylinder. You have to focus to appear normal, though anti-transformation potion will help.

-The space field is working to keep you alive, and your body now operates on cartoon physics. You cannot be hurt by most physical trauma (this is a surprise tool that will help you later depending on the VERY BAD THINGS). You are harder to target by spells, but still vulnerable to magic.

-You are not stronger or faster. Your body does not change, it just takes up less space. This is mostly a defensive/stealth power though you’ll be very effective in a fight because of your evasiveness.

-This power has negative mental effects since it’s visually horrific. You will be single forever.

-You are no longer a werewolf.
>>
No. 1008258 ID: eedbeb
File 162933230867.png - (130.72KB , 1000x900 , p121.png )
1008258

You splurge on a ride back home. While you’re in the back of the driver’s car, you hide your thin arms in your jacket and focus as hard as you can on keeping your legs normal so you don’t get noticed.

You’re exhausted by the time you get to your apartment only to discover someone’s taken advantage of your door’s missing lock to steal your computer and most of Chef’s belongings.

After some useless calls to your landlord you give up, shove a chair under the doorknob, and go to bed. Your concerns are honestly a lot bigger than a burglar right now.

What do you dream about?
>>
No. 1008260 ID: afe7de

you dream about the other forms, your anti-werewolf form in particular and its like on the tip of your tongue, you were it once, you could almost reach out and-
>>
No. 1008263 ID: f8fa51

You had a significant other, once. Dream about them, and what happened to them.
>>
No. 1008265 ID: 96c896

>>1008257
>single forever
You sure? People wanna fuck Slenderman.
Well if you're miserable with it you could always ask for another go.

>>1008258
Dream about the burglar who made off with your stuff. Wanna bet it's the GIA? They took some of Chef's stuff to him, and stole your computer to snoop.
>>
No. 1008267 ID: 055551

Dream of duck
>>
No. 1008274 ID: eedbeb
File 162934567586.png - (121.79KB , 1000x900 , p122.png )
1008274

You’re with your puma ex-girlfriend from high school, drinking sodas while your feet swing from the edge of the school bleachers. On the field, a shady looking ground squirrel is furtively shoving the contents of Chef’s closet into a duffel bag. You recognize him as your neighbor three doors away.

“I don’t want to do long distance.” she says.

“Oh, okay.” you say. “I thought you were going to college here though.”

“I’m moving on. You’re going nowhere.” she says.

“Ouch.” You watch a bright white werewolf sitting on the bench a few rows below. His head cranes to meet your eye and he thumps his tail against the metal.

You get up and try to reach him. The werewolf looks so wise and peaceful, but when you get close enough to reach him, he bends away.

“I’ll be watching out for you.” he says in your voice.

You step onto the grass and feel snow instead. The air smells like blood and burnt rubber.
>>
No. 1008275 ID: eedbeb
File 162934569278.png - (159.75KB , 1000x900 , p123.png )
1008275

This is a true image, you’re pretty sure. Kibble is fully reformed, standing in front of her parents’ house in the snow, mouth poking out of her side, a white lump in her single hand. You can hear them talking in your head.

She is too far away, I cannot reach her. I don’t have the power to travel at tenable speeds through space.

“You have to leave.” Kibble says. “I don’t trust Jadis to destroy you and I know you’ll get into trouble, whether you mean to or not.”

I would have nothing better to do.

“Then I can’t let you go.”

Yes, such a surprise. Duck says, voice heavy with sarcasm. I suppose we’re doomed to spend eternity together. At least you’re a masterful conversationalist.

“Eternity.” Kibbles whispers. She stares through you, into the dark edges of your dream and the pair fall silent.

From the corner of your vision, you see a short figure start walking towards you.

“Mr. Noctus.” says Rancid. The raccoon is wearing a sweater and slacks. His eyes are empty. “Would you mind stepping away for a quick conversation?”

The dream sharpens to almost real life clarity and you blink in the fresh light of a magical bulb suspended above a plain table. You’re in an interrogation room.

And you’re handcuffed to a chair.
>>
No. 1008277 ID: afe7de

>>1008275
This is a dream, you’ve got cartoon physics on your side. It’s a shame you can’t shrink your hands. But it is a dream. So maybe here you can. So so and then hurt rancid, don’t listen to him, you’ve been very reasonable and now he won’t leave you alone in your dreams when you even set up a meeting with Jadis, it’s time to let loose a little.
>>
No. 1008278 ID: 2cfe3d

"Fine, but i gotta be a mediator at 9am for Max and Jadis and put an end to the worst three days of my life... well, 2nd to worst..."
>>
No. 1008281 ID: 96c896

>>1008275
Eh, the handcuffs are symbolic. You could just wake up, after all.
Tell him this doesn't feel like a friendly chat. What does he want? Did he steal your computer?
>>
No. 1008289 ID: e51896

"seriously, though, why did you bite her? she had her whole life ahead of her, and you bit her. Are you intending on only treating her as your weapon and not treating her like a person?
>>
No. 1008295 ID: 031458

You are now sitting on the chair backwards in the cool way. Your arms are folded stop it so you can lean comfortably, even though you are technically still handcuffed to it. It's like you turned it around, but you didn't, this is how it just is.

"Sup, guy?"
>>
No. 1008296 ID: e51896

>>1008295
Do this.
>>
No. 1008319 ID: eedbeb
File 162939341610.png - (161.28KB , 1000x900 , p124.png )
1008319

Restraints? No problem. You’re in a dream, you can do whatever you want and if things get dangerous you can wake up. At least, you hope. Everything feels weirdly real here, the cold metal against your wrists, the sturdy wood chair against your back. You try to constrict your limbs and pull free, but nothing happens.

Rancid approaches from the blurry wall on stage left and hops to sit on the edge of the table, facing you. You take in the unobtrusive animal. He’s roughly Max’s age, neat trimmed fur with delicate paws. You’d very much like to shove him off that table and leave, but settle for a battle of wits.

“What’s up dude? I have to be there for your people and Jadis at 9:00 am so this better not take too long.” you sneer.

“It won’t as long as you cooperate.” Rancid says.

“You already have my friend hostage, I don’t know why you’re bothering to threaten me more.” you say.

Rancid cocks his head. “You’re quite funny. I’m not here on behalf of the GIA, though I am trying to act in the country’s interests and my own. Even if you succeed to convince Max that Jadis is not malevolent, my higher ups are still planning to have me attack her tomorrow night, which will most certainly end in my death and fuel her paranoia.”
>>
No. 1008320 ID: eedbeb
File 162939342464.png - (143.19KB , 1000x900 , p125.png )
1008320

You glare at the raccoon. “Tell that to someone who cares. It’s what you get for treating Daisy like a weapon instead of a person with her whole life ahead of her.”
“Yes, I suppose you could see it that way.” Rancid scoots off the table and takes your right hand in both of his own. His small paws are viciously strong, and he easily pulls your pointer finger upright.

You watch, alarmed, as he starts pushing the digit backwards. This isn’t real, how could he—

Rancid stops on the cusp of snapping your finger. “Since you have such useful connections, I would very much like if you used them to convince the government to cease this operation. Perhaps after the meeting tomorrow you could arrange a follow-up.”

“And if you don’t.” Rancid snaps your joint absently and you shriek. “I will have to take an afternoon nap.”

Rancid is asking you to focus both of your tasks tomorrow on the GIA. The mediation task has a good chance of succeeding for Jadis as well, but this way you’re locked out of addressing Kibble’s problems, guaranteeing her VERY BAD THING.
>>
No. 1008331 ID: e799e4

Go stick-figure to get out of those cuffs, then go to town on Rancid's face.
>>
No. 1008332 ID: ce39da

"That was NOT necessary! You're making it real tempting to say no and deny you the satisfaction!"

"... But I'll consider it. I'm convinced both you guys and Kibble are about to do something VERY BAD, and I'm not gonna be able to stop both at this rate."

If you succeed with Jadis and the GIA, then it just comes down to a choice between stopping Kibble and stopping the GIA. Either way, our first task is clear. We'll decide when it's time to decide, and we'll hopefully have an even better picture of what VERY BAD THINGS are on the table than what we already just got.
>>
No. 1008334 ID: 96c896

>guaranteeing Kibble's very bad thing
Uh, I thought we already got two successes with her?

>>1008320
He's supposed to start the torture *after* you refuse...
Anyway tell him if he wants to live so badly he can just leave the GIA. Or are they keeping his family hostage too?

When it comes down to it, you have no objections to setting up a second meeting. It's not like you'll have to be there, so there's no time investment and you can go try one last time to make sure Kibble isn't going to do anything drastic.
>>
No. 1008339 ID: 3ed3c3

>>1008320
Fuck it.
Maul him.
>>
No. 1008344 ID: 755453

>>1008332
Support
>>
No. 1008346 ID: 031458

Meh. This sucks but you LITTERALLY just experienced WAY worse.

Give no promises, but leave the option on the table.
Be frustratingly nonchalant.
>>
No. 1008350 ID: eedbeb
File 162941153880.png - (137.14KB , 1000x900 , p126.png )
1008350

The current status of tasks is:

Jadis: 1 successful, 1 failed
Kibble: 1 successful, 1 failed
GIA: None attempted

You have two task attempts left for tomorrow.

“That was NOT necessary!” you say, voice an octave higher than normal. Your finger isn’t broken in real life, you’re pretty sure, but the phantom pain is real. That said, being soul electrocuted by Jadis had hurt much worse, and she was supposed to be helping you.

You still can’t access your powers in this weird dream state and you suck in an imaginary breath before adopting a nonchalant tone.

“So you need me.” you remark. “I don’t know man, I’ll think about it but I’m more worried about Kibble than your sorry ass. Torture isn’t how you make friends.”

“Goodness, was this supposed to be torture?” Rancid asks. “You should have told me, I would have brought my tools.”

“Can’t you just, I don’t know, desert your post if they’re going to send you on a suicide mission?” you ask. Rancid twists your injured finger and you trail away into a wet squeak. “No? Okay…”
>>
No. 1008351 ID: eedbeb
File 162941154836.png - (178.20KB , 1000x900 , p127.png )
1008351

You try to stay calm and think which is difficult when you feel Rancid’s grip on your pinky finger.

“I’ll set up the second meeting after the first one.” you say in a rush. Privately, you think you’ll decide between the GIA and Kibble when the time comes, though you don’t relish the idea of another dream attack if you pick Kibble.

“Good. Invite your friend Saul.” Rancid finally lets go of your hand and takes a step away.

“Do I have to be there too?”

“Given your knowledge of the situation despite my best efforts, yes.”

You sigh. This sucks, which is in accordance with the new standard. The dream room is starting to dissolve at the edges and Rancid sniffs the air.

“I have more reconnaissance I need to do. I’m glad we could keep this short, Vlad, I’ll see you soon.” The raccoon turns and walks away. Grey smudges steal the metal away from the handcuffs and you fling yourself out of the rapidly disappearing chair.

You wake up clutching your finger, which throbs with dull pain but is intact. A quick glance at your phone shows its 7:32 am. You need to eat something and then pick a neutral location for the first task.

Do you choose:
-The Deez
-The park by Jadis’ apartment
-Magic university
-Normal university
-Other

Each location will have associated relevant character encounters.
>>
No. 1008353 ID: 987d45

>>1008351
Frog boss is cool so Deez, also swear vengeance internally that if you get the chance to really hurt rancid, dream or otherwise, that you’ll do so. He keeps pushing your buttons, but he doesent know what you can do in reality, and if you catch him in reality…
>>
No. 1008354 ID: 987d45

I’m tempted to suggest not listening to him and having you deal with soul torture for a night, he’ll die the next day anyway if he attacks Jadis, maybe even warn them?
>>
No. 1008355 ID: ce39da

You're not gonna dismiss the possibility that the GIA knows this upcoming mission is a death sentence; that riling up Jadis is exactly what they want, and that Rancid isn't exactly well-liked in the workplace.

And honestly? Screw that guy. But Jadis getting riled up after peace talks is bad. Also, they might ask him to bring Daisy, and that would be turbo-bad.

Still, you'll cross that bridge when you get to it. For now...

> Set the Place
The Deez would be a "what the fuck" move from our employer and coworkers' perspectives. The park needs no permission to loiter and hold tense discussions, but both parties might feel vulnerable.

A private space, then, but one that requires no permission: How about Your Apartment? It's not like Chef currently lives here, and your neighbor three doors down is looking after your belongings, eh? (Do make a note to confront them after the meeting, though, maybe while some feds are still present.)
>>
No. 1008361 ID: 96c896

>>1008351
I don't think the GIA should be anywhere near The Deez if we can help it.
Magic University is the place where they'd have the least sway. If they try anything there's a bunch of witches around to slap their shit.

Also you should totally just straight up betray Rancid. Tell the GIA about the deal he attempted to make. They'll fire him or worse.
>>
No. 1008368 ID: 1e2817

Our apartment.
Dont invite Saul, thats a trap. I think they're using Saul.
>>
No. 1008371 ID: f8fa51

You have a very poor chance of preventing a Very Bad Thing from happening with the GIA. Better to focus your efforts on Jadis and Kibble.
>>
No. 1008374 ID: e51896

Why not the werewolf anonymous building? Should be empty. And yeah, i agree, no Saul.

Maybe we can contact Body and Daisy to find Kibble and talk to her for us while we deal with negotiations? Tell them our dream?
>>
No. 1008420 ID: eedbeb
File 162949267308.png - (170.36KB , 1000x900 , p128.png )
1008420

After a lukewarm and very confusing shower you have a bowl of cereal crumbs and stale milk and tap out texts to everyone important to distract yourself from your somewhat traumatizing dream experience. Fuck Rancid, the guy’s a goddam sadist and you’re going to do your best to screw him over, even if you have to endure more torment.

You: Hey Body can you check on Kibble
You: Have a feeling she’s not doing good, needs a friend

Body: Okay! Who is this?

You: it’s Vlad. Also GIA is planning to attack Jadis tonight, I’m going to warn her

Body: Okay!


You run your spoon through the brown sludge at the bottom of the chipped bowl and switch to your message history with Jordan.

You: I feel like shit also do you think I should use The Deez for a life or death meeting

It takes a while for a response, at first you wonder if Jordan’s sleeping in on this chilly Monday morning, but then your phone buzzes.

Jordan: Are you okay??? Also no way what the fuck the deez is trash

You: Things are crazy right now and my apartment got broken into yesterday
You: Also no one will ever love me


Jordan texts you numerous reassurances that just because you’re a broke werewolf, there’s someone for everyone and to not give up and that she can help you file a theft report. You start to feel a little better, but you still need to choose a place to meet.
>>
No. 1008421 ID: eedbeb
File 162949268649.png - (153.53KB , 1000x900 , p129.png )
1008421

>Your Apartment

You don’t feel like going outside ever again, and everything valuable has already been stolen, so even if a fight breaks out you’re fine with volunteering your place for the GIA Jadis meeting. It’ll scare the shit out of your landlord, at least.

You: Things are going to get dangerous today, don’t go out or do anything with the GIA

Daisy: I’m at school and also I’m super mega ultra grounded so don’t worry


With a sigh you finally scroll through your contacts to select Chef’s number.

You: First meeting is at my place

Rancid: Expect us shortly


You grit your teeth. You’re tempted to blab about Rancid’s betrayal to the other agents. Max seems decent now that you’ve gotten to know him, you doubt he has a high opinion of his coworker.
>>
No. 1008422 ID: eedbeb
File 162949269458.png - (181.61KB , 1000x900 , p130.png )
1008422

Restless anxiety drives you to pace back and forth in the small kitchen. You don’t bother to clean up, nothing could redeem the derelict space and you also don’t care.

At 8:57 you hear a rap of knuckles on your door. You lunge for the chair propped again the handle and see three animals standing in the hallway.

Rancid and Max are wearing their trademark sweaters. The dog has heavy shadows under his eye, but the raccoon seems as put together as ever no doubt because of his healthy night of sleep. The third animal is an average sized tree squirrel with three bushy fox tails waving under her coat. A kitsune.

“This place is a bit shit, eh?” she says cheerfully. “Can we come in?”

She gets a full view of your new stick figure proportion body. “Gosh, you’re looking peaky.”

“What did you do?” Max asks, horrified.
>>
No. 1008426 ID: f99917

When Jadis gets here, lay some ground rules. The GIA will go first on their debate laying fown their concerns and arguments. After which, Jadis will be allowed time to give her counter arguments. After that, Jadis will give her concerns and arguments, and then the GIA will give their counter arguments. After that, we will negotiate a deal where both parties can see eye to eye, like maybe even some way for Jadis to work with the GIA to make better experiments together.

However, make it clear you want NO INTERRUPTIONS during the arguments and counter arguments. If anyone interrupts, you will bang a hammer on the table to keep order like a judge's gavel.
>>
No. 1008427 ID: 96c896

>>1008422
Tell them you decided not to be a werewolf anymore.

>>1008426
Sounds good.
>>
No. 1008430 ID: afe7de

>>1008426
Yeah im actually down for this. Its our place, you want things to actually PROGRESS and not just end up in a shouting match. You doubt itll be a problem, but will put your foot down.

Dont answer their mentioning of what you look like now, you're probably still not in a good mood.
>>
No. 1008439 ID: eedbeb
File 162951195027.png - (174.16KB , 1000x900 , p131.png )
1008439

“I decided not to be a werewolf anymore.” you say with a glare at Rancid.

Max unfurls his extra eyes to stare at you in disbelief and you resist the urge to punch him. “Does it hurt?”

“No. Everything’s normal just space distorted. Who’s this squirrel?”

The kitsune reaches out her hand. “I’m Lori, grandma on me mum’s side was a fox and I got the monster gene. Nasty surprise at the academy when I started shooting concussive spheres out of my—”

“Lori’s officially here for some extra firepower.” Max explains hastily. “Though it’s really because she’s nicer than either of us.”

You take her paw and shake before leading the GIA reps a whole three meters to the kitchen.

“I don’t have chairs, so like…” you gesture at the counters. “Lean. Get water if you want.”

The four of you jump when you hear a slapping sound, as if someone was walking up the stairs with wet socks.

“I don’t see anyone coming.” Max says softly. His magical eyes are darting in all directions.

Plapf

Plapf
>>
No. 1008440 ID: eedbeb
File 162951196921.png - (198.16KB , 1000x900 , p132.png )
1008440

A red, dry hand reaches around the corner and a muscle and tendon covered thing pokes its head into the apartment. Its eyes have no lids and tears are pooling in its sockets to keep the organs moist. There are strange protrusions on either side of its head and it bares rows of flat teeth at you.

“This the party?” it croaks. “It’s me, Jadis, by the way. I wasn’t about to show up here in person but at least I’m here in the flesh, eh?”

“Heh.” says Rancid.

The meat puppet staggers toward you before adopting a casual lean against the fridge.

“It’s rude to stare.” she says.

You gape at her.

“I thought this was time sensitive? Can we get started or something?”

“Uh huh. Right. You tear your eyes away from the naked creature and find your tongue. “So ground rules, the GIA people will go first and list their concerns and desires, no interrupting, and then Jadis can do the same, and then we can take turns for counter arguments and hopefully negotiate a deal.”
>>
No. 1008441 ID: eedbeb
File 162951197966.png - (93.96KB , 1000x900 , p133.png )
1008441

“I’ll go first.” Max says. The hound kneads his forehead. “I suppose my main concern is that Jadis is working alone. When dealing with experimental magic it’s common sense to have a skilled spotter to check for spell flaws. I’m worried that one wrong move would lead to catastrophe. My request is that Jadis starts working with me or another qualified witch.”

Max finishes and Rancid steps forward with a small cough. “In my experience, power is intoxicating. I’m worried Jadis will not relinquish her control once she’s done sealing the Recycler from outsiders. I would like verification from a higher power such as Saul or the experienced spotter.”

“Yeah.” Lori chimes in. “Also all the politicians who’ve been briefed about this think you’re nuts so we’re afraid things are going to escalate if we don’t settle stuff here.”

The human corpse stands silent for a moment after the GIA finishes.

“You guys tried to kill me, I don’t trust your spotters for shit.” Jadis says. “If I wanted to do super evil stuff I would have done it already. Also, leave all my friends and acquaintances alone.”

Vlad isn’t doing too much here, so feel free to suggest counter arguments and compromises spoken by the other characters.
>>
No. 1008446 ID: 96c896

Vlad why are you naked, couldn't you wear a sheet or something

The GIA should suggest that Jadis find some other witch to help. Someone from the University? Jadis should respond by saying he needs one that can't be pressured by the GIA too easily. Someone his family knows, maybe. Getting Saul's help is... troublesome, since the GIA took Evelyn. Now that the GIA kidnapped her, it's impossible for Saul to be neutral. If they release her then Saul could have a grudge and the GIA won't trust him, if they don't then Jadis can't trust him.
Assuming the GIA's motives really are about keeping Jadis from abusing the power, then I guess the main point of negotiation is getting a spotter that both sides agree on.
Jadis doesn't seem to be asking for much. The GIA backing off in exchange for a spotter both parties can trust? That doesn't seem difficult.
>>
No. 1008447 ID: 3ed3c3

>>1008441
If not a GIA operative, then a neutral third party. Someone with the appropriate skills and knowledge that isn't aligned to either Jadis or the GIA.
>>
No. 1008449 ID: afe7de

>>1008446
Actually I would argue that now that Saul hates both the GIA and Jadis he would make for the perfect spotter because he doesent have ties to either and that you could probably get his help if the GIA releases the hostages. He would listen to you which helped get this all started and work towards some sort of neutrality from that perspective even if he’s biased at least it’s someone Jadis would begrudgingly trust. Anyone from the Gia wouldn’t be trusted by Jadis and vice versa. Plus it’s real easy to bribe someone either way from magic U. Sauls the only true neutral one there who could be even close to what you want I think. That or a mage from Jadis’s family who the Gia would know would act in everyone’s best interest and would make Jadis uncomfortable which is a win win in their book and that Jadis could also begrudgingly live with as a spotter.
>>
No. 1008452 ID: 53560f

It may be ideal for the GIA to organise a long term mutually beneficial arrangement in exchange for the products of some of Jadis’ research. People are less likely to threaten the status quo when they directly benefit from it or even come to rely on it.

For example, the lycanthropy cure research can obviously be valuable if it reaches a stage where the resulting magical affliction can be chosen from a list of desirable outcomes.
Also it would ease tensions and reduce Vlad’s bias if the GIA’s prisoners were to be released unconditionally
>>
No. 1008453 ID: f8fa51

Saul is good as a relatively neutral party here. He could act as the spotter.
>>
No. 1008454 ID: db9e3c

The thing im worried about was didn't Saul want Jadis dead? Also Rancid suspiciously wanted us to bring Saul here, like he managed to manipulate him to his side maybe.
>>
No. 1008460 ID: e51896

GIA can probably bring up as evidence Vlad's current form. Sure, she discovered a cure for lycanthropy, but at the cost of Vlad's appearance. It still isn't perfect, and her getting results by just throwing things on the wall to see what sticks, especially on a person instead of a lab rat is very dangerous, like what if she accidentally made Vlad a ferocious uncontrollable monster that had to be put down? the GIA believes that maybe if she allows some witches from the GIA to work together with her, maybe they can help perfect her projects and safely, like maybe that cure for Lycanthropy and other inventions that can help civilization.

Not to mention she was going to pick up a random werewolf off the streets if Vlad didn't volunteer...

As for Jadis not wanting them to be her spotter, they can mention the reason why they attacked her in the first place was that her monster Kibble killed Daisy's father, that was probably the reason why they started retaliating against Jadis, especially since, well, her father is a mob boss. They were more focused on taking down her father than her If anything. Kibble's attack was more why they were attacking Jadis in the first place, more than for her research.

In fact, what were the circumstances that made Kibble kill daisy's father? Was that Jadis' orders, or someone else, or Kibble herself? My bet it was probably Jadis' father who did that. If Jadis can admit that it wasn't her who ordered Kibble to kill Daisy's father, then maybe that can help build bridges between the GIA and Jadis (at least the good members of the GIA, not someone like Rachid) and Jadis can be pardoned of her crimes.

(If I remember correctly from You Died, it was Jadis' father who requested Kibble to kill Daisy's father, Jadis wasn't into it, but Kibble really wanted to do it anyway)
>>
No. 1008475 ID: c9d7db

Jadis:
I'm not against observation on principal, but what I'm doing isn't exactly standard witchery. It's the bleeding edge. I mean no disrespect, but frankly it would take me months to get you up to speed enough that you could even tell what you were looking at. I don't have that kind of time.
You know that.

So why don't you cut the crap and tell me who you're really working for:
A Congressional bean counter whos demanding "oversight" for votes?
Or an "Interested Party" working with the GIA that wants in on this Project?
I know you can't say much, but I want to be done with this as much as you do. I can offer solutions To one or the other. Not both.
>>
No. 1008481 ID: e799e4

I think this might be a good time to tell Lori and Max that Rancid threatened to dream-torture us if we don't convince the GIA to not send him to kill Jadis if things don't go well.
>>
No. 1008484 ID: 1ba450

>>1008481
Probably not when Rancid is here.

Maybe the GIA should say that Jadis needs to take responsibilities for her actions for playing a part in killing Daisy's father? Sure she might not have been directly involved but she did help Kibble prepare, making her an accomplice. Maybe they can agree to stop attacking her, but she needs to do community service, one which involves experimenting like she has been doing, but under the eyes and support of the GIA.
>>
No. 1008490 ID: eedbeb
File 162957392202.png - (140.37KB , 1000x900 , p134.png )
1008490

Max gestures at you, the hint of a snarl on his jowls. “If you aren’t doing evil magic, explain Vlad’s form. You did this, didn’t you?”

“I asked her to, we were working on a werewolf cure.” you interrupt.

“Fine, but this is exactly what I’m talking about. I don’t know exactly what you did but you could have permanently damaged Vlad’s mind and body, or created an unstoppable force like Kibble.”

“Yes.” Jadis says without any hesitation. “And you guys want this power for yourselves so you can do much worse behind closed doors.”

“Yeah, like what Rancid did to me last night.” you say. “He used his new werewolf mind powers to torture me and threatened more if I don’t settle things with the GIA.”

Lori smacks her hand on the counter. “Don’t be a git, Rancid.”

“I am a git.” the raccoon says mildly.

“Ask nicely, say please and all that.” the squirrel insists.

Rancid shrugs. “I have found violence to be a much more effective motivator. I believe neither side here has the moral high ground and a practical solution is more important than bringing up old grievances.”

“He said it was last night you prat!”
>>
No. 1008491 ID: eedbeb
File 162957393885.png - (117.28KB , 1000x900 , p135.png )
1008491

The Jadis puppet sighs. “Okay, I admit I’m not confident about the last part of my seal spell. I’ll accept a neutral third party spotter for that part only because everything else is too bleeding edge for you people to understand and explaining would be a waste of time.”

“There’s no such thing as a neutral spotter.” Max says instantly.

“Oh, I have a brilliant idea.” Lori says. “We can have a spotter for the spotter.”

Jadis frowns, then nods. “Whoever the spotter is for me needs to be someone I trust, like my mom or dad, and then a GIA person can spot them, and then Saul can spot the GIA person assuming you let Evelyn go.”

“In return, you need to apologize for your past actions and agree to inform us of any future research projects.” Max says.

Jadis throws up her hands. “Fine on the research but name one GIA person I’ve wronged.”

“Daisy Bud.” Max snaps. “The details are complicated but Kibble was acting under your instructions when she killed Eaton Bud, Daisy’s father.”
>>
No. 1008492 ID: eedbeb
File 162957395478.png - (149.01KB , 1000x900 , p136.png )
1008492

“Huh.” Jadis seems surprised. “That was a while ago. She’s still mad?”

Max groans into his paws. “This is what I was telling you at the mall, no sense of empathy.” he says to you. “Also, can you put on some clothes? You’re hideous.”

“Jeez, I’ll say sorry even though it wasn’t really my fault. Come over this evening, I’ll let you in and I’ll invite Saul and my mom.” Jadis says.

“Sounds great.” Lori beams.

The task was a success for both the GIA and Jadis. The witch will no longer do her VERY BAD THING since she has supervision. It’s time to decide whether to help Kibble or continue to work with the GIA for your last task. Rancid will be trying to sabotage you (which will worsen the odds) if you go to Kibble.
>>
No. 1008495 ID: 8bd904

Maybe we dont have to go to Kibble in person, we sent Body to her. So maybe if we do a Kibble task, can we, like, have Body do a video call with Kibble and have us talk to her? it was mentioned Vlad doesnt want to go outside ever again after all...

or maybe just have Body tell Kibble to come over to our apartment,

or better yet, have Body tell her to come with us to the Invitation Jadis gave while we pretend to do a GIA task, but have it secretly be a Kibble task whem she comes over. Tell Body the negotiation between Jadis and GIA and things are looking better and would like to clear things up with her. If she shows up to see us, Let her know the situation and what Racid is planning with killing Jadis while we figure out her duck problem and about Daisy's father

Im not totally locked into any of these ideas, and want to see what other suggestors think
>>
No. 1008496 ID: eedbeb

>>1008495
to clarify, you do have to go to kibble in person for her task. you are not meant to be able to do two tasks in one
>>
No. 1008498 ID: 031458

Let's do Kibble, but let's see if we can't sneak to the meeting.
He knows where we'll be going, but he's a mind games kind of guy. If we keep our phone off, and use our sick figure powers to avoid detection, he won't be able to fuck with us.
If he calls us and we pick up the phone, or if he finds us or manages to communicate with us at all, he WILL hurt Chef.
Luckely, he's with the government. Not the mob. Chef won't be killed on principal.
>>
No. 1008499 ID: e51896

Whatever we do, make sure we put on some clothing to hide our stick figure body to not freak out civilians on our way to our destination.
>>
No. 1008500 ID: e51896

Anyway, I kinda wanna do the unpopular choice and do the GIA task to at least make sure Rachid don't try to kill Jadis, though that would make Kibble do her very bad thing. Really Rachid is the problem, not all members of the GIA itself.

Maybe having Body there with Kibble and having the GIA and Jadis work together to calm Kibble and duck might work if Kibble does the very bad thing.
>>
No. 1008513 ID: e799e4

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?
>>
No. 1008514 ID: e799e4

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?
>>
No. 1008515 ID: e799e4

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?
>>
No. 1008517 ID: e799e4

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?
>>
No. 1008519 ID: e799e4

Why don't we ask Lori to keep tabs on Rancid so that we can work unimpeded?
>>
No. 1008522 ID: 96c896

>>1008492
If Rancid's a problem, get him fired. Take Lori aside and tell her that Rancid spilled the beans about them trying to kill Jadis later even if the negotiations went well.

Or, yknow, we could ask Kibble to kill him. Or kill him ourselves. Stickman beats Werewolf for sure.

For Kibble, straight up tell her the GIA is winding her up on purpose. If she wants to go after the government that's her decision, but honestly you'd prefer it if she simply prevented the GIA from trying to kill Jadis tonight. She is, apparently, legitimately trying to do good, because she agreed to a bunch of supervision. If the GIA tries to kill her, she might go back on the deal, and we cannot risk Jadis failing. If she fails, anyone could take the power of the Recycler for their own ends.
>>
No. 1008523 ID: 96c896

>>1008491
>Saul can spot the GIA person
Wait, this won't work. Saul has no powers. Cookie will have to do it. Unless Saul can still see spells and stuff?
>>
No. 1008524 ID: e51896

>>1008523
Unless maybe Duck can help. If he can mind control or mind read, he can probably help Saul remember how to regain his powers if we ask Kibble's help...
>>
No. 1008525 ID: 15a025

Let's go to Kibble. Try and at least put on a shirt or something to hide out stick figure body a bit.
>>
No. 1008527 ID: eedbeb
File 162960392888.png - (151.42KB , 1000x900 , p137.png )
1008527

The human vessel stumbles away, and by the sound of it, falls down the stairs, while the GIA confer amongst themselves before moving for the door. Rancid gives you his usual blank stare and taps his phone to remind you to set the second meeting. You flip him off.

The raccoon shrugs. “Your funeral.”

“Oh come on!” you complain, addressing Lori in particular. “Can’t you stop him when he tries to dream stab me?”

Lori bites her lip and Max silently shakes his head at her. “Sorry Vlad. Rancid has clearance to do what he considers necessary.”

And you’re left in your empty apartment. You check your phone.

Body: Kibble is at her parents’ house, they’re very worried about her.
Body: I’m driving there
Body: She is sad in a way I don’t understand, please help.
Body: ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

>>
No. 1008528 ID: eedbeb
File 162960394497.png - (211.40KB , 1000x900 , p138.png )
1008528

You: I’m heading there now, hold on

You throw on your spare pants, having lost the other pair to Saul yesterday. With your familiar jacket covering your arms and chest, you head for the bus stop. It’ll take a while to get to Kibble’s neighborhood from the city, but you have to try.

On the first bus, you remember that Saul won’t be a good spotter because he can’t see spells. It’s a worrisome thought, and you resolve to warn Jadis.

The pain starts while you’re on the second bus, a lance of fire across your chest. You clutch your jacket and lean against your faded blue seat with a gasp. The pain doesn’t stop, and you start to feel a numbness in your fingers as you sink your claws into the fabric.

By the time you reach your stop, you can barely walk without some fresh agony searing your muscles. You’ve lost sensation in your right hand and Rancid is getting started on your left.

You stagger past rows of comfortable houses, snow swirling around your burning ears. One of your eyes goes fuzzy as you round the corner to Kibble’s house.

Body is sitting with the lean cat in the snow, patting her on the back while Kibble rocks back and forth. The zombie waves to you frantically and you use the last of your strength to fall at her feet.

“Vlad! Man, are you okay?” Body says.

“I-I’m fine.” you gasp. “How’s Kibble?”

“I don’t want to be alive anymore.” Kibble mutters.

You are an expert in this field. What do you say to Kibble to console her? Keep in mind what you’ve learned about her situation.
>>
No. 1008529 ID: 96c896

>>1008528
How the hell is Rancid doing this without being asleep? Or did he knock himself out with a sedative?

>her situation
Uh, we know Jadis was kindof stringing her along about Duck, and not listening to her objections regarding unethical research. We know the GIA was attacking her and/or her family.

Tell her you've had thoughts like those too. Tell her you want to help her, because she deserves to be happy. Also that you probably know what's making her upset, but it might make her feel better to say it out loud, tell you all about it. You'll just lay here, and quietly listen while writhing in agony. Hey uh, does either of them know if you die in your sleep you die in real life?
>>
No. 1008531 ID: fd4d13

>>1008528

Think it might help to show kibble that you've also got a fucked up spatial anomaly body?
>>
No. 1008534 ID: 15a025

Let's try to relate with Kibble here and show off how our body is also kinda messed up now.
>>
No. 1008535 ID: e51896

Kibble was worried about Jadis potentially going mad with power with those over saturation of souls, and also potentially hurting duck. We managed to fix that issue with the GIA, her mother, and Saul watching her, we need to let Kibble know this.

"Neither do I Kibble, like you said, I'm a clown, and clown live a miserable existence... with me, I lived as a werewolf half my life with no hope of a future, fear of every day I'd become a wolf and bite someone ruining their life, and no money to help me, people ripping me off, or robbing me, nobody to love me in my current form... and yet, I have to keep going, I have to keep living, because if I stop, I'll never find out if I'll ever get a win in life, and that win will be all the more satisfying after everything I went through...

"And If I can't ever be happy, then at least I have knowledge that despite my misery, I can at least help others or at least help make other people happy... Such as Helping my coworker in a tight spot at work when I didn't need to, helping the other clown give up revenge, getting her to take her Lycanthropy seriously by sacrificing my own potion to her, and helping Jadis progress in experimenting in finding a cure for Lycanthropy causing... my current appearance at a cost so she can help cure her sister... but I'm not a werewolf anymore..."

"And most importantly, I helped you... You told me you wanted to find a sure way that Jadis can be stopped before you can leave, and despite my miserable existence, my suffering, I somehow got the GIA, Jadis' mother, and Saul to watch over Jadis so she doesn't go mad with power with those souls or hurt anyone ever again like you were worrying, just for you... Duck will be safe now."

"And I came here to tell you this with the risk of Rancid, a GIA member who is like the only person in the organization still wanting to kill Jadis tonight, most likely probably terminates me too for helping you instead of helping him. Yet, I need to keep moving. I need to know my existence made some difference even if it's full of misery! Even yours! With the last bit of strength I have."

...

"Things are getting blurry..."
>>
No. 1008542 ID: 96c896

...I wonder if that white werewolf from your dream can protect you from Rancid?

Also tell Body to contact Cookie to tell him Jadis will need his help tonight, to serve as Saul's eyes.
>>
No. 1008543 ID: 53560f

Sit with her “Yeah, I can understand that feeling, maybe it’ll help to tell me about it. It has something to do with Duck right?”
>>
No. 1008551 ID: eedbeb
File 162964987238.png - (108.50KB , 1000x900 , p139.png )
1008551

“D-do you want to talk about it?” you ask.

Kibble sighs. “I’m used to not talking.”

You give Kibble another moment to explain, but when she doesn’t you take it as permission to speak.

“F-first I wanted to tell you that Jadis is an asshole.”

“Yeah.”

“B-but, I don’t think she’s gone mad with power, at least with the Recycler. She’s letting her mom and Saul watch her now so she doesn’t fuck up. I managed to convince her that she needed help, and if I can change her mind I think you still have a chance to domesticate Duck.”

Kibble shrugs.
>>
No. 1008552 ID: eedbeb
File 162964988862.png - (129.92KB , 1000x900 , p140.png )
1008552

You drag yourself into a kneeling position and unzip your coat to show Kibble your anomalous body. To her credit, Kibble doesn’t recoil or avert her eyes.

“I d-don’t know what it’s like to have your powers Kibble, but I got screwed up s-space distorted limbs last night. I might be stronger, but most of life isn’t fighting.” You shed your jacket and show her your shivering arms and chest. “I’ve lived in poverty for most of my adult life, every day is constant stress about whether I’ll have enough to survive and it feels like one more bad thing is the end of the world, but I’m still here.”

“This might be a mean thing to say since you’ve had a hard time, but I’m glad I’m not alone.” Kibble says with a small smile.

“Kibble.” Body puts her hand on the cat’s bony shoulder. “Let’s get away from Jadis for a while. We can travel, see the world. I bet Evelyn can come with us and show us all sorts of cool new things.”

“Once I’m sure everyone is safe.” Kibble says.

“G-great. That’s great.” you say with a shaky thumbs up. The snow is cold against your face.

You faint.
>>
No. 1008553 ID: eedbeb
File 162964989797.png - (155.60KB , 1000x900 , p141.png )
1008553

The white werewolf is standing over you, growling at Rancid, who’s holding a scalpel with clear liquid dripping off the tip. The raccoon backs away into the depths of the dream world and you’re left in a featureless grey expanse.

You curl into a ball and the werewolf lies by your side, his flank warm and comforting against your back.

“You did well, rest now.” he says to you.

“No.” you croak. “I have to stop the GIA, I have to…”

Your vision flickers and you see the damage Rancid did to your soul. The wolf nudges you to make you stop staring.

You’ve successfully completed two Kibble tasks and the cat will no longer unleash her Tim into this dimension in desperation. You’re currently unconscious and will stay that way for some time as you recover from Rancid’s attack. By the time you wake up, Jadis will have finished her Recycler seal spell and the GIA will have done their VERY BAD THING.

The wolf can show you anyone’s POV or answer questions via clairvoyance powers while you wait.
>>
No. 1008555 ID: e51896

How's Jordan? You kind of want to focus on a friend and not stress about anything anymore, plus she is someone who played the least amount of involvement in this situation. You helped her, and she is like, the only person who helped you through everything. You just want to wach someone who you think is living the normal life you wanted that you can live vicariously through.
>>
No. 1008558 ID: a2048b

Yeah, lets see the chaos unfold through the eyes of someone who had nothing to do with this. Jordan.
>>
No. 1008562 ID: afe7de

What if you watched someone completely unrelated to the situation, maybe like the town mayor or something. See how they’re handling this. That or pull a watchman use your Clairvoyance to tell some news reporter dude your story in the hopes that if you die and this gets covered up at least someone will know what happened. At least the world will know the truth about the situation.

Oh and yeah watch Jordan for a bit too. I wanna see frog friend again.
>>
No. 1008564 ID: eedbeb
File 162966063309.png - (254.56KB , 1000x900 , p143.png )
1008564

>Jordan

You wonder how your frog friend is doing. There’s a blur and you’re looking at Jordan at her day job as a produce stocker at her local grocery store. Watching her stack melons and smile at passing shoppers helps you calm down.

“Jordan.” you croak.

She doesn’t show any sign of hearing you. You stay for a while in the clean shop but gradually grow restless. Who do you observe next?
>>
No. 1008571 ID: 031458

Margot.
Whatever is happening must finally have her attention.
>>
No. 1008572 ID: 96c896

Did you manage to say anything about Saul not being able to see magic?

See what God's doing.
>>
No. 1008573 ID: e799e4

How are Evelyn and Chef holding up?
What horror is the GIA planning?
>>
No. 1008575 ID: 96c896

Oooh oooh spy on the person who stole your stuff. And also whoever currently has your stuff.
>>
No. 1008578 ID: eedbeb
File 162966893206.png - (157.94KB , 1000x900 , p144.png )
1008578

>Margot

“Hey girl.”

Margot turns around to smile at Jadis, who ducks in for a kiss.

The witch is in her normal body, even wearing clothes instead of human meat. She sighs and buries her face in her girlfriends shoulder.

“I’m tired.” Jadis admits.

“But you’re almost done, right?”

“Yeah.” Jadis heaves a long sigh. “Yeah, I hope so.”
>>
No. 1008579 ID: eedbeb
File 162966893895.png - (49.71KB , 1000x900 , p145.png )
1008579

>God

A vast stretch of space, a pale blob rotating around a blinding star. The nearby planets are being devoured from the outside in by white specks.

You hear singing in your head, an ethereal chorus of joy, of hunger being sated, of a machine with a quadrillion parts working in harmony.

She’s happy, and that’s all you want for her.
>>
No. 1008580 ID: eedbeb
File 162966895049.png - (139.45KB , 1000x900 , p146.png )
1008580

>Thief

On a whim, you switch views to the ground squirrel who took your computer. He has it hooked up to his desktop and from what you can tell he’s running a factory reset. Chef’s clothes are scattered on the floor.
>>
No. 1008581 ID: eedbeb
File 162966895817.png - (153.98KB , 1000x900 , p147.png )
1008581

>Chef

Chef is in a small, concrete cell. Your friend’s hair is greasy after two days in captivity. He’s glaring at Lori the squirrel, whose tails are twirling nervously behind her.

“We’ll let you out soon, I just need to blast, uh, someone.” she says.

“Is Vlad okay?” Chef asks.

“Er, your bloke seemed fine this morning and as far as I know he’s still alive.”

“That’s not at all reassuring.” Chef grumbles. Lori leaves and Chef stews in silence.

Who do you observe next?
>>
No. 1008582 ID: e51896

I wanna save Daisy for last.

Polly.
>>
No. 1008585 ID: 96c896

I wanna spy on and thus distract Rancid at a crucial moment.
>>
No. 1008587 ID: 031458

Gia Very Bad Operation Lead
>>
No. 1008588 ID: f8fa51

Hmm. Rancid might be one of the few people we can actually interact with. Sure, let's try it.

Although this is risky. He's also one of the few people who might actually harm us while we're spying on him.
>>
No. 1008590 ID: ce39da

Rancid, but you're not here to spy.

You're here for payback.

Your main body can't move, but that's fine; you have a semi-lucid wolf friend here.

And Rancid's already proven that one can take soul damage to severe levels.

Don't hold back like he did, though.
>>
No. 1008595 ID: eedbeb
File 162968187189.png - (150.92KB , 1000x900 , p148.png )
1008595

>Rancid

“He is still here, but I will not bring you to him. You are too fragile, he’ll kill you.” the wolf says sadly.

“I need to delay him, or he’ll attack Jadis.” You try to get to your knees and crawl but the wolf steps in front of you.

“You should not challenge him, not today or for many days.” says the wolf. “He is more experienced than you in this space. The GIA had access to the Recycler and learned how to focus the monster effects early.”

Your body aches and you collapse on the ground.
>>
No. 1008596 ID: eedbeb
File 162968189286.png - (183.25KB , 1000x900 , p149.png )
1008596

>Max

“Show me the GIA then. What are they planning?”

You’re in the artificial room in Jadis’ apartment. Mrs. Lewis is helping her daughter to her feet. The cat is sweaty and pale, clutching her chest in a familiar motion.

“What’s wrong? Is it the spell?” Mrs. Lewis asks sharply.

“No, it’s done. I just, it really hurts.”

Max has his magic eyes open. Saul notices too late.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

Several things happen at once.

Saul tackles Max to the ground and the door burst open to reveal Lori with a fourth tail lashing behind her and some sort of energy ball charging between her paws. Jadis shoves her mom away as Lori flings the concussive force towards her. You watch as it hurtles through the air.

The wolf stops the vision the moment before impact.
>>
No. 1008597 ID: eedbeb
File 162968190284.png - (141.97KB , 1000x900 , p150.png )
1008597

>Polly

You try to bring the dream back to Jadis, but instead the world spins and you arrive in some posh restaurant.

“Hold on, I’m getting a call.” Polly says.

Daisy, who’s sitting with her over the remains of fancy dinner, nods and takes out her own phone to text.

“Hi Mom, how’d it go?” Polly asks.

Daisy’s ears perk up when Polly stands, pushing her chair to the floor and rattling the table. “Oh God no. Oh my God. That’s horrible. Are you in danger too?”

The cat covers the phone. “I have to go. Family emergency.” she tells Daisy before running out of the building, leaving a confused waiter in her wake.

You feel Polly’s anguish, strong enough to overwhelm your already weak mental form.

“I’ll see you soon.” the wolf whispers. You feel him draw away as you fall into a dreamless sleep.
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No. 1008598 ID: eedbeb
File 162968191733.png - (59.42KB , 1000x900 , p151.png )
1008598

Thanks for reading.
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No. 1008603 ID: e51896

Thanks for another engaging quest, Tippler. Vlad was such a great character to follow.
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No. 1008608 ID: 8483cf

Congrats on bringing this one home! Loved it!
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No. 1008609 ID: afe7de

ya did good tippler, well done.
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No. 1008618 ID: e799e4

It was a great adventure full of tension and throws of the die. Real fun!
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