>"You ain't worth shit for ransom either."
I AM NOW FAR MORE WORRIED ABOUT KAARI.

I'd say Norbert. He knows a decent amount about what's going on and may have a better idea of what to expect. He's the most beat up of the three of you and pussyd out of danger when you could've used his help but he did just show he'll at least do something when it gets dire. I also feel like Alinnen's been through enough tonight. Though I would suggest muzzling the dogs mouth back up after after you're done grilling her so she can't continue trying to pit you guys against eachother. Maybe tell alinnen that they can all sort this out when the bands reunited everyone's out of mortal peril.

Gurl you should know better now, you can't be walking empty handed in here. Get some protection.

>>1033611
Bring Norb

1/3 Buckwheat 2022/05/26(Thu)17:51 No. 1033709 ID: 15a025
File 165361270509.png - (5.23KB , 800x600 , 84.png )

>I'd say Norbert. He knows a decent amount about what's going on and may have a better idea of what to expect.
>Alinnen's been through enough tonight. Though I would suggest muzzling the dogs mouth back up after after you're done grilling her so she can't continue trying to pit you guys against eachother.

Yeah, with the shape he's in as well, it'd probably be best to keep my eyes on him. Allinen can probably take care of herself for now. I don't think I can trust she'd help Norb if something happened.

2/3 Buckwheat 2022/05/26(Thu)17:53 No. 1033711 ID: 15a025
File 165361279665.png - (7.51KB , 800x600 , 85.png )

I head back inside to the freezer-

Norbert: "Shit, I thought you were leaving us for a moment."

Dog: "Shame you didn't, could have enjoyed watching the soap op-ghmf!"

I find another towel and wrap it around her mouth.
Lana: "You can watch it alone, on mute then."

Norbert: "What's the plan now?"

Lana: "Norb, you're going to come with me. You know more about what's going than I do. Allinen, I want you to stay in the break room for now and relax."

Allinen: "Why are you making me stay here alone?"

Lana: "You made it pretty clear you don't want to be involved in this-"

Allinen: "And you think he does?"

I hold back from snapping at her, I'm not sure I'm going to get through to her right now.

Lana: "We don't have time to argue here. Can you at least stay and keep watch on this dog?"

Allinen: "Yeah, alright."

>Gurl you should know better now, you can't be walking empty handed in here. Get some protection.
That's a good point. I can't leave Allinen un-armed either though.

Lana: "Allinen, I'm going to leave the knife with you in case something happens."

Norbert: "What about us Lana?"

Lana: "Let's see..."

Dog girl had a knife. Wonder what the goat dude had? I check his coat and find he's also got a knife. There's also a few set of keys-
Lana: "Oh you little shit..."

So that's who stole the freezer keys.

3/3 Buckwheat 2022/05/26(Thu)17:53 No. 1033712 ID: 15a025
File 165361282547.png - (5.95KB , 800x600 , 86.png )

I take Norb and we go back out to the break room. I'm just about ready here to check the concert hall and front stage. Few things to decide first though,

1. Do I look for another weapon? Like, a real weapon. Lots of busted chairs and chair legs to grab on the way, but I'm talking knives or other sharp objects.

2. If not, which one of us should take the knife?

Waste no time. Knife goes to you, Norb gets whatever you guys passively find on the way. If it's a bludgeon of some kind, preferably metal and even more preferably weighty at the end.

>>1033712
I dont know whats going on in the quest, but kick Dog for good meassure. Look for a weapon. Who here knows how to properly use a knife?

1/2 Buckwheat 2022/05/31(Tue)04:53 No. 1034093 ID: 15a025
File 165399800454.png - (7.02KB , 800x600 , 87.png )

>Waste no time. Knife goes to you, Norb gets whatever you guys passively find on the way.
We make our way out of the break room and into the disaster zone left in the bar area.

Lana: "Can't waste much time. Norb, think you can grab a chair leg or something? I don't want you un-armed here."

Norbert: "Yeah, gotta get a leg up on these jerks in case things get heated."

2/2 Buckwheat 2022/05/31(Tue)04:54 No. 1034094 ID: 15a025
File 165399807915.png - (5.07KB , 800x600 , 88.png )

As we enter the concert hall, I have to look away as the stage lights burn my eyes. I wince and feel around for the seats and take cover.
Norbert: "You hear that sound?"

Lana: "What so-"

Norbert: "Shh..."

I try to focus for a moment. I can hear some kind of bubbly sound? It's slow and kinda faint-

???: "Gmphgmhgg!

There's a splashing sound now as well?! Shit, are they drowning someone! I can hear another voice on stage as well,

???: "Getting a little tired of doing this here, you better start coughing up info instead of water!"

I hear the other coughing and gasping.

???: "You got ten seconds, what's it going to be!"

???: "I-I...all I did was wait on her tonight! I told you, I don't know anything else-"

I almost scream out her name when I hear her voice. I cover my mouth and try stay level headed, but that fucker is torturing my girl! I gotta get up on stage quickly, but how?

Hol up gurl. didn't they cut the power? That's why it's been so dark isn't it? How they got them stage lights shining on ya.

Quietly. Gotta try and prevent them from having an instant hostage, but don't let that stop you from pouncing if you think they're about to kill her. Peek in so you can see how many there are and if they've set anything up.

All the interrogation going on is starting to make me think Dente either bounced or hid somehow.

1/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/06(Mon)16:41 No. 1034499 ID: 15a025
File 165455891497.png - (5.05KB , 800x600 , 89.png )

>Hol up gurl. didn't they cut the power?

I...I never did try turning the lights on tonight...fuck. Could be a portable generator, or they only shut off certain fuses? I should probably worry about it later...

>All the interrogation going on is starting to make me think Dente either bounced or hid somehow.
I wish I could remember more from last night, but I'm drawing a blank with her. Did I even see her at all last night?

>Quietly. Gotta try and prevent them from having an instant hostage, but don't let that stop you from pouncing if you think they're about to kill her.

I try to take some deep breathes. I don't want to think about screwing up or her getting held hostage, but it's something I have to plan ahead for here.

2/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/06(Mon)16:43 No. 1034500 ID: 15a025
File 165455902788.png - (6.63KB , 800x600 , 90.png )

>Peek in so you can see how many there are and if they've set anything up.
I wince, it's very hard to see with the stage lights shining in my face. Looks like two figures up on stage. Kaari's up there for sure. Other figure must be the dude torturing her? I hear more water-y sounds as I watch.

???: "I already know you waited on her!"

Kaari: "Ggmhmf!"

???: "Where is she!"

I hear her re-emerge and start coughing again.

Kaari: "I-I don't. I don't know! She-she got. She got pretty durnk-"

???: "Where is she damn it!"

Kaari: "Sh-she went to-to the ca-ca-car!"

???: "Their car ain't here!"

I hear another loud splash, and Kaari panicking for air.

Ugh, I think I've seen enough to handle this. I gotta put a stop to all this!

3/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/06(Mon)16:44 No. 1034501 ID: 15a025
File 165455905064.png - (5.10KB , 800x600 , 91.png )

I think my best option is to walk and crawl behind the chairs, and hope I can blindside him. I motion for Norb to follow behind quietly.

4/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/06(Mon)16:44 No. 1034502 ID: 15a025
File 165455907164.png - (4.94KB , 800x600 , 92.png )

I'm lucky and manage to sneak my way to the corner of the stage without being noticed. He's still up there torturing her.

Ah fuck, what's the plan now though? My hearts pounding and I can't screw up. I'm so damn close here. I-I have to do something! I gotta get up there, but what if he's got knife? Shit, what if it's a gun? He could hold her hostage against me, and- then what? He could just kill her and run even!

H-how am I going to save her?

Less freaking out and more stopping this dude.

You pounce! It's two against one and a gun is alot less useful than you'd think in close quarters. Turn that fear to adrenaline and charge and tackle him to get him away from Kaari while he's distracted to open up while Norb comes in after to help. Give this guy no time to react.

Pounce while he is distracted with the torture. Also, it's likely you can take off his mask to make him choke.

Check above the stage. Is there scaffolding? See if there is anyone up there, if not try to get behind and then above the stage. There must be something useful up there.

Be careful if there is someone up top, they could alert the guy on stage.

1/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/21(Tue)16:50 No. 1035630 ID: 15a025
File 165585544157.png - (4.90KB , 800x600 , 93.png )

>Check above the stage. Is there scaffolding? See if there is anyone up there
There is scaffolding, it's supposed to have the stage lights up there.

>You pounce! It's two against one and a gun is alot less useful than you'd think in close quarters.
>Pounce while he is distracted with the torture.
>Turn that fear to adrenaline and charge and tackle him to get him away from Kaari while he's distracted to open up while Norb comes in after to help. Give this guy no time to react.

I flex my claws out and start getting worked up. I have to get the jump on this dude-

2/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/21(Tue)16:51 No. 1035631 ID: 15a025
File 165585546330.png - (7.33KB , 800x800 , 94.png )

Kaari: "Gmpphhfp!!"

Alright nope! It's time to bounce this asshole outta here! I squeeze the knife tight and leap up on stage. I go berserk and leap at the dude snarling!

3/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/21(Tue)16:51 No. 1035632 ID: 15a025
File 165585547959.png - (7.32KB , 800x600 , 95.png )

Fox: "Shit!"

He hears me coming and manages to grab my arm and keep the knife away, but that doesn't stop me from clawing his arms with the other.

4/4 Buckwheat 2022/06/21(Tue)16:51 No. 1035633 ID: 15a025
File 165585549969.png - (8.70KB , 800x800 , 96.png )

His grip loosens and I try to stab him, but he manages to shove back and side step out of the way. He brandishes a knife and hunches down a bit. His legs seem spread out evenly as he slowly weaves the knife around.

Something about his stance and movements sends a chill down my spine. I get the feeling this ain't just some thug off the streets...

Yeah fighting him directly is a recipe for getting murdered. Never have a knife fight; the most likely outcome is that both people die, the winner just dies later. You're going to have to be clever.

Maybe you can lure him into a bad situation? Trick him into stabbing a speaker and getting electrocuted? Trip him up and collapse a speaker onto him?

Neither was that last guy. Hopefully Norb can help in some way.

Maybe you can talk this guy out of torturing your girlfriend and let her go. You won't be backing down, and even if he's better than you, like >>1035636 said, not even the winner is gonna come out of this alright.

>>1035633
You've got a size and numbers advantage but he's clearly an experience bladesmen. Kick your left leg and spin that stage light in his eyes and shout for Norb to rush him while he's stunned! If everything goes well you'll have time to knock over that barrel before Kaari drowns in it!

After that its a hard guess where this fight goes next but if you can find something to secure a reach advantage that might just be your best bet! A microphone pole or anything just to keep him at bay until you and norbert can wear him down and tire him out.

kicking the light to shine in his eyes seems like a good idea, try to get him to rush you so you can dodge around and shove him off the stage.

If that happens, free her and BOOK IT.

1/3 Buckwheat 2022/07/02(Sat)21:28 No. 1036878 ID: 15a025
File 165682251750.png - (7.34KB , 800x600 , 97.png )

>fighting him directly is a recipe for getting murdered. Never have a knife fight; the most likely outcome is that both people die, the winner just dies later.
That's a pretty bleak outlook, but the blunt truth.

>Maybe you can talk this guy out of torturing your girlfriend and let her go.
Lana: "Don't supposed you'd let Kaari go in exchange for something?"
I just get the silent treatment...
Lana: "Shit... Come on, you can have all the cash in the-"

Fox: "Already taken."

Well shit, there goes my only bargaining chip. I don't think I've got anything else I could offer this dude.

2/3 Buckwheat 2022/07/02(Sat)21:29 No. 1036879 ID: 15a025
File 165682255382.png - (7.08KB , 800x600 , 98.png )

>Kick your left leg and spin that stage light in his eyes and shout for Norb to rush him while he's stunned!
>kicking the light to shine in his eyes seems like a good idea

I only got one shot at this then. I try to copy his stance a bit and slowly back up towards the light.

Fox: "What's wrong cat? Not used to being the one to get scratched?!"

He takes the bait and starts coming for me! The light's just barely close enough and I manage to turn it around with my boots!

Fox: "Augh!"

>shout for Norb to rush him while he's stunned! If everything goes well you'll have time to knock over that barrel before Kaari drowns in it!
Lana: "Get up here and get him, quick!"

3/3 Buckwheat 2022/07/02(Sat)21:29 No. 1036880 ID: 15a025
File 165682257159.png - (7.46KB , 800x600 , 99.png )

I put my focus on getting Kaari free and rush around behind him. I hear Norb climb on stage as I lift her head out of the barrel. Once she's out I knock the barrel over, hoping it either hits the fox or slips his footing up a bit.

>free her and BOOK IT.
I have no idea where to run off with her, and Norb. Everything is boarded up pretty well. If we're going to get out the bar safely, we have to keep up the pressure on this dude and take him out.
>You may suggest actions for both Norb and Lana.

Can you lift the empty barrel? You could bash him with it. Better range than a knife, though you'll have to be careful not to get hit while recovering from a swing.
Then again, using the swing to bait him into lunging at you might potentially allow you to get his knife into a speaker, and thus him electrocuted.

It sounds almost comical, but maybe try and pants him while he's distracted? Every advantage needs to be pressed here and disabling his legs will help.

Norb had been told to deliver bonk and so shall.

>>1036880
Lana, suplex him!

Norb, follow up with the people's elbow!

>>1036880
Lana, suplex him!

Norb, follow up with the people's elbow!

>>1036890
>>1037007
>>1036882
All good ideas, but on their own there's worries.
Suplexing means he can stab us with that knife.
Pantsing means it would be hard for hime to move, but he can still fight.
Hitting him with the bucket might take too much time and give him an opportunity to react.

Instead, let's do all three in a way. Tackle his legs and try to throw him over you onto the bucket, hopefully he should hit his head on it and he should be hit on the back of the head where the mask can't cushion him.
Norb can come up and whack the knife out of his hand and take it, disarming the fox and arming Norb.

1/4 Buckwheat 2022/07/06(Wed)15:29 No. 1037216 ID: 15a025
File 165714654718.png - (8.26KB , 800x600 , 100.png )

>Norb had been told to deliver bonk and so he shall.

Norb comes at the fox with his chair leg and smacks'em in the face with it.

2/4 Buckwheat 2022/07/06(Wed)15:29 No. 1037217 ID: 15a025
File 165714659024.png - (7.91KB , 800x600 , 101.png )

>Tackle his legs and try to throw him over you onto the bucket
>Lana, suplex him!

While he's distracted with Norb, I try to rush in for a leg tackle! I knock the fucker over and try to pick him up for a suplex . I grit my teeth as my leg flares in pain as I slowly lift the dude up. He is not having it and blindly thrusts his knife every which way.

3/4 Buckwheat 2022/07/06(Wed)15:30 No. 1037218 ID: 15a025
File 165714663999.png - (7.58KB , 800x800 , 102.png )

I wince as I strain my leg to keep going, and let out a roar of pain and anger as suplex this dude over my shoulders.

The barrel rings as he lands-

4/4 Buckwheat 2022/07/06(Wed)15:31 No. 1037219 ID: 15a025
File 165714667282.png - (7.76KB , 800x600 , 103.png )

*Crack*

I scream in pain again! The stage floor gives in, and my leg drops with it. I try to pull it out, but it's stuck!

>>1037219
Well that will at least delay him. Ask Norb to free your sister while you work at breaking the wood to free your leg.

>>1037220
This

Come on gurl, you slammed dunked that dude through the floor. You can pull yo self out. Have Norb check on your girlfriend, but no heroic smoochen.

1/2 Buckwheat 2022/07/10(Sun)19:20 No. 1037676 ID: 15a025
File 165750605236.png - (6.69KB , 800x600 , 104.png )

>Well that will at least delay him.
The only one bouncing back up from this is me. No one should be able to get back up after a slam like that.

>You can pull yo self out. Have Norb check on your girlfriend, but no heroic smoochen.
I hiss and strain trying to get my leg out as Norb comes over to me
Lana: "Never mind me, go help Kaari! Grab that knife and cut the ropes."
I wiggle a bit more but just can't get it out! Ugh, it might just be easier to try tearing the plank off instead. I try clawing and pulling on the board.
Lana: "Damn, just bust- ow!"

Norb: "You okay?"

Lana: "Sorta. Board I had to bust off cut my leg."

2/2 Buckwheat 2022/07/10(Sun)19:24 No. 1037677 ID: 15a025
File 165750629488.png - (6.91KB , 800x600 , 105.png )

I've got more import things to worry about though. I gotta make sure Kaari's okay! I chuck the board aside and pull myself up from the hole-
Lana: "Augh!"

Norb's head snaps around to look back at me.

Norb: "You sure you're- that's a lot of blood!"

Lana: "It's just a scratch, don't worry."

I try to get closer, but my right leg stings at even with the lightest movement.

I look down and oh shit! Both my legs are bleeding now!

>>1037677
God damn. More first aid? Well, if it's a LOT of blood you might want to use a bit of rope as a tourniquet, just to lessen the blood flow enough that it clots properly. Definitely a temporary solution; you want to bandage it up and take off the tourniquet eventually.

Is there anyone else to rescue? I feel like there might be one other victim, in the basement... and one other thug?

Girl, you are not invincible. You're awesome though. But you need to be willing to admit how badly you're messed up. Ask for some help. You don't gotta do everything on your own, as nice as it would be if you could.

1/2 Buckwheat 2022/07/13(Wed)19:24 No. 1038057 ID: 15a025
File 165776547494.png - (6.94KB , 800x600 , 106.png )

>More first aid? Well, if it's a LOT of blood you might want to use a bit of rope as a tourniquet, just to lessen the blood flow enough that it clots properly.
I take a better look and wince. My stab wound from earlier got cut open. Other leg got sliced open too.

Lana: "Give me the ropes when you cut them, I'm going to try and use them as a tourniquet."

Norb: "Uh, sure. Whatever that is?"

He flings some rope over to me and I get to tying it off.
Lana: "Hopefully this'll slow down the bleeding enough till I find more towels to wrap it with."

Norb cuts the last rope from the chair, and Kaari's arms flop to the ground.
Lana: "Hey Kaari? Kaari you okay?"

She doesn't respond! Norb gives her a few pats on the back and she starts coughing up more water.

Kaari: "Eugh...egm.."

Norb: "Easy...let's get you back up nice and slow here."

He gets her resting up against the chair for now.

Norb: "Think she's going to be okay!"

2/2 Buckwheat 2022/07/13(Wed)19:25 No. 1038058 ID: 15a025
File 165776553369.png - (7.27KB , 800x600 , 107.png )

>Is there anyone else to rescue?
We still gotta find Syvaa and then a way out of this hell hole. I try to stand back up, but my legs aren't having it.
Lana: "Ugh! Come on..."

Norb shoots me a concerned look as I claw the floor in frustration

>Girl, you are not invincible. You're awesome though. But you need to be willing to admit how badly you're messed up. Ask for some help.
I let out a sigh of defeat.
Lana: "Norb, can you help me back up here?"

Norb: "Think your legs are trying to tell you rest up a bit. Why don't you stay here for a bit while I try to find some towels and rags to bandage those up with?"

Lana: "Well, it's not like I can get up and look myself right now anyway. Thanks for offering."

>Choose a character to follow-
>A: Follow Norb to look for first aid
>B: Follow Lana and spend time with Kaari
>C: [Risky] Change of plans, follow Lana to look for first aid herself?
>D :Write in a different plan of action? (If choosing D, please specify the character you'd like to follow/"control")

B. Aughta be heartwarming. Lana deserves some positivity.

But you gotta do something about that guy first, he's not gonna stay knocked out forever.

B

B
Get close to Kaari and rub her back. Hopefully it will wake her up. If so, ask how she is feeling and what happened before you got there if she remembers.
If not, ask her what y'all want to do once you get outta there and patched up. Keep it light if she starts panicking.

D. follow "Syvaa" and assess current situation.

1/3 Buckwheat 2022/07/19(Tue)09:25 No. 1038582 ID: 15a025
File 165824792913.png - (6.91KB , 800x600 , 108.png )

>B
Lana: "Can you move Kaari over here before you go?"

Norb: "Yeah, sure thing."

I get that good chill down my back as we hug each other, finally reunited after everything. I get lost just trying to comfort and help her relax.

>you gotta do something about that guy first, he's not gonna stay knocked out forever.
Ugh fuck. Man, there's no way I'm getting in and out of that hole like this. I don't think that dude is getting out of the hole either. Wonder if there's a way I could patch up the hole so he can't get out, just in case?

2/3 Buckwheat 2022/07/19(Tue)09:26 No. 1038583 ID: 15a025
File 165824801830.png - (6.04KB , 800x600 , 109.png )

>Get close to Kaari and rub her back. Hopefully it will wake her up
I start giving her a neck rub, and even massage her ears a little. She always liked a nice ear rub-
Kaari: "Mhmmm...ow!"

Lana: "Sorry!"

She turns her head up and looks at me.
Kaari: "Lana?"

I ruffle the fur on her head a bit.
Lana: "Glad you're coming too. [small]I was really worried about you tonight."

She tilts her head to the side and starts sharking it.
Kaari: "Eugh! Stupid ears!"

Lana: "You got water stuck in your ears still?"

Kaari: "Lana, I can barely hear you. I think some water's stuck in my ears."
She keeps at it, shaking her head harder and patting the other side of it now.
Kaari: "This stupid ringing and ear pain is going to drive me up a wall! Lana, is anything coming out?"

Lana: "Whoa, easy! You're either gonna hurt yourself or get whiplash at this rate!"

She groans and sinks back into me.

>ask how she is feeling and what happened before you got there if she remembers.
Lana: "Other than that, how are you feeling?"

Kaari: "I feel safer now that you're with me."
She holds onto my arm and gives a good lil squeeze.

Lana: "Are you okay though?"

Kaari: "Are who okay? The band?"

I try to speak a little more loudly.
Lana: "Are you okay Kaari."

Kaari: "Very sore and my ears are ringing loudly!"

3/3 Buckwheat 2022/07/19(Tue)09:27 No. 1038584 ID: 15a025
File 165824805482.png - (7.28KB , 800x800 , 110.png )

Lana: "Do you remember much before any of this happened tonight?"

Kaari: "It was awful. You went to the freezer to grab more drinks and never came back. The band members passed out a little later and these two scary masked dudes were after us."
She starts tearing up into my chest,

Kaari: "I kept call out for you and y-you never came."

Hug back. Tell her you're here now.

Hug her back.
Say "I'm sorry, I'm here now."
You've been very composed so far but the stress must be getting to you by now, nobody can hold back their emotions forever.
Point is, you're here with Kaari now at a brief moment of respite, now is the appropriate time to cry.
Start sobbing.

The door was locked. You were probably thinking someone was gonna realize it and come get you. Or you just passed out. You can't remember after all.

Regardless, give your bunny a hug.

1/2 Buckwheat 2022/07/20(Wed)17:04 No. 1038744 ID: 15a025
File 165836189519.png - (7.59KB , 800x800 , 111.png )

>Hug back. Tell her you're here now.
>The door was locked. You were probably thinking someone was gonna realize it and come get you. Or you just passed out. You can't remember after all.
I wrap my arms around her and hug her back.

Lana: "I don't know what happened. I only just remember waking up locked in the freezer."
>Say "I'm sorry, I'm here now." You've been very composed so far but the stress must be getting to you by now, nobody can hold back their emotions forever.
I squish her tighter,
Lana: "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, but I'm here for you now!"

Kaari: "I-I was so scared and w-worried you were hurt Lana!"

Lana: "All I could think about tonight was finding and making sure you were safe!"

2/2 Buckwheat 2022/07/20(Wed)17:12 No. 1038745 ID: 15a025
File 165836236053.png - (7.08KB , 800x600 , 112.png )

Norb: "Oh shit, sorry I was taking so long! Hang on I'm coming with some more towels!"

I see him try to hurry over, but he slows down gasping just as fast. His got towels and another bottle of alcohol. I let go of Kaari and wipe some of the tears off my face.

Lana: "I'm not crying in pain, just a little emotional reunion here."

I eyeball the alcohol again.
Lana: "Ugh, man my legs too hung over and pain for a second round of alcohol. Rather this than risk an infection though."

I sink my claws in the floor and snarl in pain as he cleans my legs and patches them up.

Once I'm patched up, I try to get off the ground and stand. It still hurts a ton, but I'm able to get up with a little help from Kaari. Once I'm back on my feet, I stare down into the hole.

Norb: "No! Don't even fucking tell me he's moving around down there!"

Lana: "I don't know if he's conscious down there or not, but we gotta do something to make sure he ain't climbing out."

Norb: "Don't even think of going down in that hole! What if he's just waiting down there for us to get him, and he stabs us in the dark there!"

Lana: "I mean, it's not that dark."

I gotta make a decision now though. Is one of us going down the hole and stabbing this dude?
With Norb and Kaari to help me out, I can probably safely get in and out to take care of him. It's my job here to keep everyone safe after all.

We could find a something to cover up or block the hole as well? He boarded us up in here, gotta be tools laying around for us to do the same, right?

No need to go down there. Have the more healthy party members drag one of those big speakers over and drop it on him. Even if he doesn't die from that, he'll have too many broken bones to be a threat.

>>1038746
Yeah half-life physics object that guy to death.

Squidhem like a bug!!

Yeah, drop the stereo on him!
Splat!

1/6 Buckwheat 2022/07/28(Thu)18:09 No. 1039459 ID: 15a025
File 165905695528.png - (7.14KB , 800x600 , 113.png )

>Have the more healthy party members drag one of those big speakers over and drop it on him. Even if he doesn't die from that, he'll have too many broken bones to be a threat.
>Yeah, drop the stereo on him!
>Splat!
Lana: "Okay. How about instead of climbing down there, why don't take one of the speakers and drop it down on him?"
He just stares at me blankly for a moment.
Lana: "Well? Got any better ideas Norb?"

Norb: "No it's just... Man I already stabbed and killed a dude tonight! Now I gotta crush a guy to death?!"

Lana: "Are...are you serious right now? This asshole almost fucking drowned my girlfriend! I can barely stand up, and he's held your band hostage and tortured you tonight. You seriously want to show him sympathy?"

I keep digging into the floor, trying to keep myself from snarling at him.

Kaari: "Lana-"

Lana: "You think if he gets arrested, he'll just rot in jail? You owe this guy what, fifty grand! Dude's probably got the capital to either break out or bribe his way out and come straight back to you for more!"
I grunt and try to force myself back up.
Lana: "Never mind, it's job to handle this anway-"

Norb: "No! No, I see where you're coming from here."
He lets out a sigh and stares at the speaker.
Norb: "I gotta make sure he can't come back to hurt the band anymore. I have to make things right somehow."

Lana: "If you're serious about making things right, then this is about as good of a start as it gets Norb."
I throw my paws up at him,
Lana: "Other than that, you need to sit down and have a talk with the others."

2/6 Buckwheat 2022/07/28(Thu)18:10 No. 1039460 ID: 15a025
File 165905703035.png - (6.92KB , 800x600 , 114.png )

Kaari helps me move out of his way, and we watch as the giant speaker tumbles into the hole. There's a loud crash as the speaker busts into pieces. All kinds of bits and pieces can be heard rolling on the ground after the impact.

3/6 Buckwheat 2022/07/28(Thu)18:11 No. 1039461 ID: 15a025
File 165905706741.png - (7.02KB , 800x600 , 115.png )

Norb: "Hopefully Syvaa's still around to talk with."

Lana: "Well, there's only one place left to look for her. Let's go check the backstage dressing room."

I struggle and grunt trying to get back up on legs.
Lana: "Ergh, Damn it!"
I slam my fist in frustration, making another small hole.

Kaari: "Lana, stop! You're just going to hurt yourself even more!"

She reaches down and offers me her paw.

Kaari: "Come on, let me help you get back up."

Lana: "Yeah, you're right. Thanks."

4/6 Buckwheat 2022/07/28(Thu)18:11 No. 1039462 ID: 15a025
File 165905710127.png - (7.16KB , 800x800 , 116.png )

I grab on and she helps pull me up. She gives me a concerned look once I'm back on my legs.
Lana: "Something wrong?"

Kaari: "Are you sure you okay Lana? You seem-you seem really tense."

Lana: "I'm doing a lot better knowing you're alright Kaari."

5/6 Buckwheat 2022/07/28(Thu)18:13 No. 1039463 ID: 15a025
File 165905720515.png - (7.47KB , 800x800 , 117.png )

She winces a bit and shows me her paw-

Lana: "Oh shit..."

There's familiar shaped claw marks and a little bit of blood leaking out...

Lana: "Kaari... I'm so sorry-"

She reaches up and rubs my head.

Kaari: "Just remember, I'm here for you too Lana. I can help out if you need me."

I start tearing up a bit. I can't believe I fucked up and did something like that to her...

6/6 Buckwheat 2022/07/28(Thu)18:13 No. 1039464 ID: 15a025
File 165905723168.png - (7.84KB , 800x600 , 118.png )

We head off to the back stage room in silence. When we walk, we find someone tied a chair.
Norb: "Syvaa!"

He sprints over and starts trying to untie her.

Norb: "Shoot, these on tied tight. Syvaa, are you okay?"

She opens her mouth to speak, but starts coughing and hacks out some weird flakes of powder or something?

Has she been drugged?

Girl, you need to chill! You ain't helping anyone out acting like that.

Go make sure norbs friend is okay.

>>1039464
Check her mouth to make sure she’s not choking on any plastic bags or anything else.

Also someone should really go make sure Allinen is still ok and to get her back in the group. With Lana injured, we’ll need Allinen in the group to help if we get into any more fights.

>>1039464
Time to Heimlich!

Buckwheat 2022/08/01(Mon)17:40 No. 1039753 ID: 15a025
File 165940085784.png - (7.84KB , 800x600 , 119.png )

>Girl, you need to chill! You ain't helping anyone out acting like that.
Hopefully keeping my claws sheathed will help with that...

>Check her mouth to make sure she’s not choking on any plastic bags or anything else.
Lana: "Norb, is she breathing? Make sure she isn't choking."

She starts coughing again, coughing up more flakes of something
>Time to Heimlich!
He doesn't respond. Instead he starts to hit her on the back of the chest. She continues to hack up more weird flakes, it sounds like a dry cough. After a bit, her head droops and I can hear her panting heavily while she tries to say something?

Syvaa: "Wa'r...waar...

Norb: "War?"

>Has she been drugged?
Not sure, I'm not really an expert on sniffing out drugs or identifying any symptoms. We do have these little drug test chips to drop in a drink to find out if something's in it, but it doesn't look like there's shot glasses or bottles laying around.

>someone should really go make sure Allinen is still ok and to get her back in the group. With Lana injured, we’ll need Allinen in the group to help if we get into any more fights.
That's also true. We need to group back together here and figure a way out. Someone should stay here to help out Syvaa, but I'm sure one of us could go check on Allinen?

>>1039753
"Wa'r" Water, she needs water, make sure she gets it!

Sounds like she needs water, Norb or Karri will need to go back to melt ice. Do you still not trust the tap water?

See about getting her some water, yeah.

1/2 [Animated] Buckwheat 2022/08/04(Thu)18:43 No. 1040097 ID: 15a025
File 165966382229.gif - (36.08KB , 800x600 , 120.gif )

>she needs water, make sure she gets it!
>Sounds like she needs water, Norb or Karri will need to go back to melt ice. Do you still not trust the tap water?
>See about getting her some water, yeah.
Lana: "She's probably trying to ask for water?"

Norb: "Ah! Yeah, makes more since. Could one of you grab her a glass?"

Kaari: "A glass of what?"

Lana: "Water."

Kaari: "I...I could go grab some?"

Lana: "A..are you sure?"

I hear a soft thumping and look down, she's tapping her foot nervously.
Kaari: "I hope you're not thinking of grabbing it yourself. You can barely even walk or stand!"

I hate that she's right. I'm worried about sending her alone though. I can't really send Norb here either, he seems pretty focused on helping Syvaa. I let out sigh. We're gonna have to split up again. At least this time, it's on our own terms.

Lana: "Alright, I'll leave it up to you then. You'll have to melt some ice in a cup, something ain't right with the sink water. While you're in the freezer, could you bring Allinen along as well?"

Kaari: "I'll try to be back soon Lana. If there's enough ice left, do you want some for your legs?"

Lana: "Yeah, that'd be cool! Just be careful, and give us a holler if anything's wrong!"

She gives a small smile and heads out.

2/2 Buckwheat 2022/08/04(Thu)18:44 No. 1040098 ID: 15a025
File 165966384685.png - (6.79KB , 800x600 , 121.png )

Norb: "Lana, why don't you sit down on that sofa till she comes back?"

Lana: "I-ugh, I guess. Just make sure I don't fall asleep, that thing is so comfy."
I take a load off and sink right in. It's so soft and got that warm smokey smell baked into it-

No! I gotta stay focused here. I feel like we should be pretty much in the clear here, maybe now's a good time to start thinking of a way to get out of this place, or find where the hell our cellphones are to call for help.

A tool to escape, or our cellphones could be anywhere. I guess the first place to check would be here, like in the lockers, the drawers...
Are you sure you don't want to take a nap?

>>1040098
You need to sit and rest gurl. Do it for the bunny. Ask Norb to rummage around for something.

1/2 Buckwheat 2022/08/10(Wed)17:08 No. 1040529 ID: 15a025
File 166017650197.png - (6.78KB , 800x600 , 122.png )

>A tool to escape, or our cellphones could be anywhere. I guess the first place to check would be here, like in the lockers, the drawers...
>You need to sit and rest gurl. Do it for the bunny. Ask Norb to rummage around for something.

Lana: "We gotta start looking for our phones or something to rip those boards out."
I hear Norb grunt while he claws away at the rope, when it suddenly snaps

Norb: "Finally! Yeah, maybe when we re-group here we can start."

Lana: "Do you mind checking the lockers and drawers?"

Norb: "Yeah, long as you promise to sit still and take it easy."

>Are you sure you don't want to take a nap?
If I try to rest now, I'm probably going be out for hours... [small]

2/3 Buckwheat 2022/08/10(Wed)17:08 No. 1040530 ID: 15a025
File 166017651347.png - (3.16KB , 800x600 , 123.png )

...

3/3 Buckwheat 2022/08/10(Wed)17:10 No. 1040531 ID: 15a025
File 166017663822.png - (7.88KB , 800x600 , 124.png )

Lana: "AH shit! COLD!"
I snap back up on the sofa. Something ice cold brushed up my leg.

Kaari: "Woah! S-sorry Lana. You were nodding when I ask if you were awake."

Lana: "How long have I been out for?"

Everyone just shrugs at me..
Lana: "Oh...right.

Kaari: "Do you wanna try the ice pack again Lana?"

Lana: "Yeah, sorry I passed out on ya there."
She rests the ice pack on leg again, and I flinch as the ice sends a chill through my whole body. It's certainly helping numb the pain though. Kaari's got a really concerned look on her face.
Lana: "You doing okay yourself?"

Kaari: "Just...I wasn't ready to see what was in the break room."

Oh shit! I didn't give her a heads up about that bloody mess.

Kaari: "I wanna go home Lana."

I give her a pat on the shoulder.
Lana: "Hopefully we're in the home stretch here. I promise I'm getting us out of here, and we're going to have our lil movie date when I'm all patched up."
I look around the rest of the room and see Syvaa chugging water and Allinen holding a hammer.
Lana: "Any luck with tearing off those boards?"

Allinen: "No? We just got back. Gotta take care of everyone here first."

Lana: "That hammer was all you could find Norb?"

Norb: "Well... I did find Dente's cell phone, just not in working order."
He points to the smashed up remains of her phone.

Lana: "Damn it!"
Maaan! This probably means my phone's in pieces too. assholes... I'm barely getting by as it is now, there's no-way I can squeeze out the savings for a replacement.

Lana: "There's no other tools around we could use to pry those boards off?"

Norb: "Only thing that was in my tool bag."

Well, this leaves me two choices
Rip and tear now, or rest and search elsewhere for something else to use?

If time is no longer of the essence, it would be better to pace yourselves. Try and find or just improvise a prybar maybe?

We could probably use the hammer to break the wood off the door, or the back of the hammer to pull the nails off

>>1040531
Lets rip out these boards and get outdoors to a payphone or to flag down some traffic before this gets any worse.

1/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)13:59 No. 1041708 ID: 15a025
File 166137476586.png - (7.82KB , 800x600 , 125.png )

>If time is no longer of the essence, it would be better to pace yourselves. Try and find or just improvise a prybar maybe?
>We could probably use the hammer to break the wood off the door, or the back of the hammer to pull the nails off
The hammer's a good start. It might be hard to rip the nails out, but we can look for a better prybar at the same time.

Lana: "Alright, it might take a bit to work those boards off with the hammer, but we can work with it still. Allinen, do you mind trying to rip those boards out?"

Allinen: "You don't need ask me twice. I'm ripping them boards off and we're getting out of here."

2/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)14:00 No. 1041709 ID: 15a025
File 166137483508.png - (7.49KB , 800x600 , 126.png )

She hurries off with the hammer.
Lana: "Alright while she's hammering away at that, we should look for a better prybar."

Norb: "Well, there is something we might be able to use. I'm not sure if it's too heavy though."

Kaari gives me a pat on the shoulder,
Kaari: "I'm sure Lana can handle whatever it is!"

Norb: "Yeah, but with how her legs are though, that's going to make it a lot harder on her."

Lana: "Well spit it out Norb! Can't really tell if you don't tell us."

Norb: "We could take apart the scaffolding and use one of the cross bars as a pry bar."

Kaari: "Scaffolding?"

Lana: "The big metal ladders with boards in the middle."

Kaari: "Oh!"

>rip out these boards and get outdoors to a payphone or to flag down some traffic before this gets any worse.
Lana: "If my legs were fine, it'd be no problem. I don't think I can carry it alone like this."
I look towards Kaari.
Lana: "If only a charming rabbit would lend me her muscle ..."

Kaari: "Pfft! Well, I dunno Lana. You might have to settle for tired and soggy."

I ruffle her head a bit.

Lana: "Well, I'd always appreciate her help, any time."

She helps me back up and we head back to the stage.

3/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)14:01 No. 1041710 ID: 15a025
File 166137489253.png - (7.79KB , 800x600 , 127.png )

Doesn't take long to grab the crossbar. The scaffolding was already taken apart and put away. The bar's kinda heavy, but we manage to make it to the front door with it.

Norb: "How's it coming along?"

Allinen: "It's a pain in the ass, but I got one board off."

Kaari: "Maybe this will work better?"

Her eyes light up when she sees us coming with the huge cross bar.

Allinen: "Now we're talking!"

4/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)14:02 No. 1041711 ID: 15a025
File 166137493380.png - (7.04KB , 800x600 , 128.png )

Kaari helps me lift the bar up and slide behind one of the boards.

Lana: "Alright, here goes nothing!"

The two of us push and pull the bar, rocking it between the boards. We pant and grunt as the board squeaks its way loose.

Lana: "Eugh, alright. That one's loose enough. Let's slide down to the next one."

Kaari starts huffing as we lower it down to the next board and we repeat the process through the left side.

Kaari: "I-don't know if I keep it up Lahna. My arms are getting sore."

Lana: "My legs are killing me too, but we can't stop now. We just gotta pry'em off the other side now though and we're free!"

5/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)14:03 No. 1041712 ID: 15a025
File 166137500615.png - (8.90KB , 800x800 , 129.png )

Allinen: "Go sit with Norb and rest up then, bartender. I'll pick up the slack and handle the rest."

She lifts up the cross bar and gives my arms a short break. Kaari walks back and sits down with the others.

Lana: "Time to get the fuck out of here!"

I tense up and together we push and pull against the board. It squeaks and bends but just won't give in and snap off!

Allinen: "Damn it just bust off already!"

Lana: "Just focus more on keeping the bar up! I g-got this!"

I don't know how much more I can stand up like this though, but I gotta tough it out here. With it getting looser, I manage to wedge the bar in deeper, and with a little more work that board snaps right off and clacks onto the ground.

Allinen: "YES!!!"

Lana: "Two more to go and we're out."

Allinen starts really getting into it, and starts shoving the bar into the next board.

Lana: "Hey! Easy there with this thing!"

I'm feeling more fired up now myself though. I try to keep up a little with her and soon, those boards are flying off the door! One by one they squeak and snap right off. I wince bit as shitty little splinters whizz by my face.

6/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)14:05 No. 1041713 ID: 15a025
File 166137512495.png - (7.65KB , 800x600 , 130.png )

Finally with the last board off, I let out a sigh of relief and open the door.

Lana: "Alright, everyone out. Party's over."

We all funnel outside and shield our eyes as the sun slowly rises outside

Allinen: "Don't think it ever started to begin with."

Norb: "Oh yeah, fun and games all night. Man, what are we doing now? Should we start shouting nine-one-one or something?"

I look and see her quickly dig through her pockets.

Allinen: "Where's the closet phone booth? I'll go call for an ambulance. Less attention we draw the better."

Lana: "Right around the corner."

Eugh...I really need to sit down. Guess all that adrenaline is running out on me.

Kaari: "Hey are you alright Lana!?"

7/7 Buckwheat 2022/08/24(Wed)14:07 No. 1041714 ID: 15a025
File 166137527603.png - (8.51KB , 800x800 , 131.png )

I park myself on the curb before my legs give in. I tap my paw on the ground next to me.
Lana: "Come on, have a seat with me."

Kaari: "Sure."

She wraps her arm around me as she plops down on the curb.

Lana: "That was easily the worst night I've ever worked."

She pulls me in a little closer.

Kaari: "Same here Lana. I-I can't imagine making it through without you though. Thanks for being here to help us all out."

I wrap my arm around her,
Lana: "I'd do it any time for you Kaari."

She lets out a pained sigh.

Lana: "Hey, let's try and cheer up a little now. That was a painful night, but we're out and help is coming. Let's sit and enjoy this beautiful morning for a moment."

Kaari: "Beautiful morning?"

She gives me an odd look.

Lana: "Yeah. Not very often I get to watch the sunrise with someone special."

Kaari: "Huh? Oh yeah! That is a pretty sight!"

I start purring a bit. The warmth of the sun shining down on us feels so good! Probably doesn't help I spent good chunk of time in a freezer.

Lana: "I could almost fall asleep like this..."

I close my eyes a bit and feel a soft paw going over my head. I hear her let out a little giggle.

Kaari: "Better rest up then. I'm going to hold you to that date you promised me..."

The End.

I'd like to give a special thanks to everyone who's helped through out the course of the quest and given me wonderful advice on how to improve.

And of course, a very special thanks to everyone who stuck through the whole quest till the end. I hope you all had fun and enjoyed the quest.

>>1041715
Really solid quest Buckwheat, absolute joy to read :)

Yaaaay!!!