Wouldn't it be a better idea to go on the tezakian side of the westernmost Diuban checkpoint? You know, split the difference between those two lines? Also, remind him that you have ALL the cards and he might want to be a little more forthcoming if he doesn't want the deed to end up in pieces and the diamond to end up at the bottom of the river... or, you know, for all three (himself included) to end up in the hands of Diubanian soldiers.

>>221909
surely we can't do something so risky based on a good feeling. nope, can't be done. Refuse to go anywhere except the Tezakian checkpoint, that should make him more willing to give up some info about his "feeling"

... Why was Deylin running AWAY from the capitol to begin with?

He can't have been in close pursuit when running away through the checkpoints, he was on foot while his pursuer was on lizard. I can't think of any other reason he would have ran away from where he wanted to go and through a risky area. This is bugging me far too much to ignore.

Other questions to ask afterwards if not answered by his response to that: Where is the prime minister, in the capitol? Also still curious where the mine is, but at the moment I guess that's a smaller concern.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/25(Wed)17:04 No. 222225 ID: 6547ec
File 128278108036.png - (76.17KB , 700x500 , 114.png )

>>221910
>>221913
"You're going to have to give me a reason before we do something so risky."

"Well, I kind of know the patrols, and..."

"Mmhmm. Got anything better?"

"You shouldn't keep secrets from us," Dilia says. "After all, we're not obligated to help you at all."

"I know that, but I...can't you just trust me on this one?"

Slinkoboy 2010/08/25(Wed)17:05 No. 222226 ID: 6547ec
File 128278110392.png - (86.31KB , 700x500 , 115.png )

>>222028
"You can go that way if you want, but unless you give us the truth, we're heading towards the Tezakian checkpoint with or without you."

"...All right, you've got me. I have some friends helping me out. They got me past the border the first time, and they're set up to get me back in. They've prepared another distraction that will let us enter unnoticed, but only if we head between those two Diuban checkpoints."

>>221954
"I'm not sure I trust your 'friends' not to attempt to rob and/or kill us. We'll take the safer route, then when we're clear you'll be able to meet with them and do whatever you want."

"...Fine," Deylin grunts.

They walk silently as the temperature continues to drop. Before long, Susan struggles to walk and changes places with Dilia. A couple of hours later, they decide to go ahead and make camp and wait for daybreak.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/25(Wed)17:05 No. 222227 ID: 6547ec
File 128278111740.png - (111.19KB , 700x500 , 116.png )

"Still awake, I see," Deylin says.

"It's too cold to sleep," Shela replies.

"You could snuggle up with her. For warmth." Deylin points to Dilia.

"That'd be kind of...awkward."

"I suppose you could sleep next to me if you want."

"I wouldn't give Dilia the satisfaction."

Deylin lets out a short laugh. "Fair enough."

>>222050
"So, why were you running south of the capitol anyway? Wouldn't it have been wiser to head north, straight to the prime minister?"

"There's no way I would have made it up there on my own. The police were expecting me to go that way. I had to throw them off by heading south. If I go around, I should be able to sneak by while they search for me in the desert."

"I see."

"...You know, we can still veer north and meet my friends."

"Playing this safe will only add half a day to your trip. I'm sorry, but my mind's made up."

"I see. I'm sorry you feel that way..."

can't we just have Jiniki dive into this guy's brain and figure out what is and isn't true or something?

Give her the satisfaction! You know you have a thing for dangerous men who happen to be warm blooded.

There's always Mr Lizard.

>>222353
Mr Lizard is awesome, but is, unfortunately, a cold-blooded reptile.

Continue chatting, but watch out. I can't remember the last time someone said "I'm sorry you feel that way" without immediately and violently trying to make you feel much worse.

He doesn't seem like the violently double-crossing an unarmed woman-bug-thing that saved his life type. That being said, if he did, he'd probably just abscond with yo ride.

Not a terrible loss. If he does try anything, I'd advise against getting in his way so as not to find out what he's capable of (not worth getting hurt over a lizard). That is, unless you've been hiding your latent combat prowess from us this whole time.

>>222227

Put him at ease and try to get him to see things your way. Your daughter is traveling with you after all, and taking her into some cloak-and-dagger gambit isn't exactly something a loving parent would do... unless they were really high on majicka or something.

This way, he won't think you're in some contest of wills with him, and will be less likely to try something, and more likely to trust your motives... hopefully.

Also, steal Dilia's blanket. She has fur, and mammal blood. That's like, triple heating, and all you have is a... shawl kind of thing? The hell are you wearing? Anyway, take that blanket.

>>222388

But that's not just Dilia's blanket, Jini's under there, too. Clearly we must suffer to keep lil'bug warm.

>>222466

Well damn. So no blanket then. I guess you just need to chill next to the big, fluffy warm guy then.

>>222388

Blankets only help if you're warm blooded. ಠ_ಠ

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)03:15 No. 222638 ID: 6547ec
File 12829041417.png - (61.69KB , 700x500 , 117.png )

>>222354
Susan reaches discreetly into her backpack for the Uhiki'sha. "You're not thinking of attacking a cold, defenseless Klis-khar, are you?"

"What gives you that idea?"

"People usually don't say 'I'm sorry to hear that' without the intent to attack."

"I see. I'm obviously annoyed by your stubbornness, but I'm not about to attack someone who saved my life."

>>222388
"It's not that I'm all that worried about myself, you know. My daughter is pretty much all I have left. I couldn't go on without her; I have to play it safe for her sake."

"...Ah," he says, sounding less annoyed. "I guess I can't blame you," he says as he removes his coat, presumably to use as a blanket. "I don't want a child getting hurt because of me. I guess I really have no choice, huh. "

"Thank you."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)03:15 No. 222639 ID: 6547ec
File 128290415350.png - (52.97KB , 700x500 , 118.png )

>Also, steal Dilia's blanket.
>But that's not just Dilia's blanket, Jini's under there, too. Clearly we must suffer to keep lil'bug warm.

Shela's so cold she can barely move, but Jiniki's tiny smile makes her feel a little warmer. She'll leave them alone.

>>222546
>>222266
It's so cold...

"Is that offer still open?" Shela asks. "To share your warmth, I mean."

"I wish you wouldn't phrase it that way, but yes."

Dilia's words must be bothering him still.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)03:16 No. 222640 ID: 6547ec
File 128290416871.png - (81.58KB , 700x500 , 119.png )

Shela fails to stand up, and instead crawls over to Deylin. She joins him under his coat, and rests her head on her backpack.

"Ah! You're freezing!" he says in surprise.

"Yes, I know that."

"Um, do you want me to like, hug you until you're warm?"

"I'm fine. Really."

"All right. Good night." He says and faces away from her.

Shela struggles to stay awake. Deylin's body heat is so nice. So comforting.

So warm...

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)03:16 No. 222641 ID: 6547ec
File 128290418082.png - (102.35KB , 700x500 , 120.png )

...!

Almost morning. Shela sits up with a start.

It's gone.

It's gone.

SON OF A BITCH!

His tracks are still there. We can follow him. Wake everyone up; this is no time to run off alone.

You listen to the suggestion that he'd attack when it's obvious he wouldn't but ignore my suggestion that he will jack yo ride? I fail to pity you.

Follow tracks.

Well, shit.

Wake Jini up; tell her to contact Sekani and get him to send some of the Tezakian ex-suicide-squad our way. With their flight, they should be able to theoretically travel faster than even the Diuban on the lizard.

He kidnapped Mr Lizard! Shit just got real.

Okay, let's see.
The most likely scenario is that he took the gem, the deed, and maybe the lizard, and decided to take the risk of the path he suggested himself.

...

Is there any reason we have to follow him? Other than the lizard? I'm honestly inclined to just check our inventory for anything important he took, and if everything's there, move on to our own destination. Or more likely, check on Dilia and see what she wants to do, now that there's not much reason left for her to be here.

actually this could be a serious problem. How much water is left? and how much longer is travel going to take without the lizard?

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)18:37 No. 222747 ID: 6547ec
File 128295946969.png - (63.06KB , 700x500 , 121.png )

>>222648
This is unbelievable!

>>222669
It was cold. Shela wasn't thinking straight. That stupid bird and his friends kept bragging about how they could befriend anyone. It got to her. Made her think she could trust people.

>>222707
They must go after him! He has the necklace! She... she can't just let him have it! She won't allow this insult to her!

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)18:43 No. 222754 ID: 6547ec
File 128295981922.png - (99.73KB , 700x500 , 122.png )

>>222676
Argh! Nobody insults Ishiji! Nobody!

>>222655
Yes! The tracks! She will hunt him down and make him pay! If she still had majicka, she could...

She wishes she wasn't so powerless.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)18:43 No. 222755 ID: 6547ec
File 128295983072.png - (22.42KB , 700x500 , 123.png )

Ishiji checks her backpack. He took some of their RATIONS and WATER CONTAINERS, leaving them enough for a couple days of travel if they ration it out. Maybe longer if they let themselves go a little hungry and thirsty.


He didn't take anything else... Strange.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/27(Fri)18:44 No. 222756 ID: 6547ec
File 128295984460.png - (75.44KB , 700x500 , 124.png )

>>222675
"Jiniki, wake up."

"Mmm? What is it?"

"HE TOOK-- He took our necklace and the lizard. You must tell Sekani to send a Tezakian out. Maybe they can get to him faster than we can."

Jiniki spends a few moments communicating with Sekani. With her majicka restored, it looks like she can still contact them even at this range.

"Um, he says he'll take care of it. He's super fast and the other birdies are only kinda super fast."

"Okay. Good. Dilia, I guess you can choose to go back home if you want, since the situation has...changed."

"I could," she responds. "I'd probably need a couple of rations and a water container to make the trip back on foot, though."

Giving Dilia the supplies to return home with leave them with precious little. At the same time, having her here will speed up the rate that they consume supplies.

"I'll do whatever you think is best," she says.

...

He took the necklace?

He stole a locket bearing the picture of a mother and daughter.

From the mother.

That bastard's going down.

Keep her with you for now, she can always go back later when you get more supplies.

He WANTS you to chase him. If he wanted to get away and not be followed he would've taken some of your supplies so that you'd have to go back to the oasis.

Plus he took your necklace, a thing that is not useful to him. He wants to piss you off, Shela. Don't fall for it. Don't run straight into a trap... or whatever he has planned.

Also... you're not Ishiji anymore, remember? You're not even powerless. You have the strength of your friends, and clarity of mind. Can't count on brute force for everything anyway.

yeah, taking something that would be worthless to him but valuable to you smells of trap.

But we can't just let him have it... Follow him, but be prepared.

>>222756
He definitely wants us to follow him, but if it's a trap, I doubt that he's counting on us bringing a magician along and calling in air support. Bring Dilia along too, we could use the help, and having her in the party could if we're gonna start heading towards Diuban territory. I don't suppose she brought a gun with her? or anything useful? and hey, you aren't powerless, you're a leader, your power lies in your friends and followers, now go forth and exact vengeance.

Deeply resent yourself for having the admirable self-control to refuse something which would have made you both immune to last night's cold and able to do something about this guy now.

Then pack things up and get following the tracks. Rations on filling, pace on strenuous. More supplies can be air-lifted by the birds if you really need them, but you've got to get moving.

Go cautiously and wait for Sekani. The Diuban probably won't be expecting aerial reconnaisance.

>>222814
>Deeply resent yourself for having the admirable self-control to refuse something which would have made you both immune to last night's cold and able to do something about this guy now.

Wait... what? I don't get it. What could she have done that she didn't do? Kill him or something?

Anyhow...

>>222756

Calm down before you do anything else Shela. He stole a necklace - you tried to destroy civilization and take over the world. Try to keep things in perspective yeah?

Anyhow, it's not like he murdered you in your sleep or anything, so whatever his reasons for wanting you to follow him don't include killing you or anything. My guess, is he wants you to follow him so that he can use you as a decoy or scapegoat maybe? Or maybe some sort of weird gambit involving you rescuing him or something? Or forcing you guys to become his unwilling escort?

Oh jeez, he knows about Jiniki's majicka doesn't he? He saw her levitate that thing out of the water, among other things... and he didn't seem particularly bothered by the fact.

What the hell is going on? O_o

>>222912

I was referring to her outright refusal to take the ice majicka earlier. It would have likely rendered her immune to the chill of the night, and she wouldn't have let her guard down so far. Also, you do not fuck with people who can hurlthrow giant icicles at or through you.

Then again, the transformation process tends to leave one surprisingly turned on, so we'd have had another awkward problem to deal with that night.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/29(Sun)14:25 No. 223360 ID: 6547ec
File 128311713758.png - (81.53KB , 700x500 , 125.png )

>>222792
"...It might be best if you come with us for now. We should have enough supplies to at least get out of the desert. If all goes well, you'll be able to ride back on that Lizard."

"R-right."

"Hmm. Jiniki, ask Sekani to meet with us once he's scouted ahead. It will probably be safer if we all work as a team, I think."

"Okey-Dokey."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/29(Sun)14:25 No. 223361 ID: 6547ec
File 128311715579.png - (45.61KB , 700x500 , 126.png )

>>222757
Damn right he is! They are going to catch up to him, take back Ishiji's necklace, and ensure that he is given a swift...

Slinkoboy 2010/08/29(Sun)14:27 No. 223363 ID: 6547ec
File 128311725775.png - (45.67KB , 700x500 , 127.png )

>>222766
...s...stern talking to. Killing him would make her no better than the monster she used to be.

It's hard not to be angry. The only things that keep her going are Jiniki and the memory of a better time that the locket contains.

Can she even call any of the others her friend? Kaness and Rishik, probably. What about the bird? How does he even feel about her?

He and the others did everything they could to save her in the end. Why? The only answer she got was the bird going 'It was the right thing to do! peep peep I'm a bird!'

Was Shela wrong to leave them? For the first time, she feels some regret about choosing to start a life alone with her daughter. Taking Jiniki away from her first friends... Is this really the right thing to do?

She'll have to think about this later. For now, they need to get that necklace back. They... they must.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/29(Sun)14:30 No. 223364 ID: 6547ec
File 128311740680.png - (160.49KB , 700x500 , 128.png )

>>222830
>>222814
>>222767
Of course-- the Tezakians could probably fly out some supplies from Zalika. Well, now they know how Dilia's getting back home.

They travel for about an hour. The sun is making its way up and the temperature is nice. They try to enjoy it while it lasts.

Sekani flies towards them and lands. "Hey guys~"

"Hi mister birdie~"

"What'd you find out?" Shela asks.

"Something's definitely up. I saw a good 3 or 4 guards wielding those weird dart guns. I wasn't sure if any of them were the guy who took your necklace, but I didn't see any of them wearing it? They're looking this way, so I think they're expecting us. They didn't think to look up, though~"

"Nobody ever does," Shela says. "If they shot at us, could you stop them with majicka, Jini?"

"Um I don't know if I'm fast enough to do that."

"Okay... how's your majicka doing? Would you be all right using it?"

"I think so!"

Slinkoboy 2010/08/29(Sun)14:30 No. 223365 ID: 6547ec
File 128311744776.png - (41.41KB , 700x500 , 129.png )

The bird gives a little more detail about what he saw. This is the rough layout as far as Shela can picture it. Deylin may be hiding off to the side if he intends to use them as a diversion, but it's hard to know for sure.

With the bird's help, they have a few more options available to them. What's the plan of attack?

Would Sekani be able to distract them long enough that Jiniki could get in range to steal their guns with majicka? I highly doubt that they'd be able to hit him.

Methinks we're to be the distraction for Deylin's return. That seems to be the most sensible reason why Deylin would get us to follow him.

Perhaps a better idea would be, how can we best alert the gaurds of Deylin.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/30(Mon)19:15 No. 223820 ID: 6547ec
File 128322095451.png - (65.26KB , 700x500 , 130.png )

>>223404
Sekani flies past them! They shoot at him, but he easily dodges their shots.

He may be on her side now, but Shela still feels a little frustration at how quickly he flies. It's just so unfair.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/30(Mon)19:16 No. 223822 ID: 6547ec
File 128322097371.png - (59.11KB , 700x500 , 131.png )

As he zooms past, Jiniki has an easy time taking the guns from the distracted guards.

>>223461
"Look around you!" Shela shouts to the guards. "We're a distraction! Someone's trying to sneak past!"

"That's quite alright," a familiar voice says.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/30(Mon)19:16 No. 223823 ID: 6547ec
File 128322101649.png - (76.54KB , 700x500 , 132.png )

"I must thank you for disarming them for me," Deylin says.

"M-minister Seneiri!" One of the guards shouts. Y-you're under arrest!"

"Afraid not, boys." He halts the lizard and looks at Shela. "Sorry to deceive you guys, but I couldn't take any chances. You have my thanks. Oh, and you can visit me anytime once I've made a name for myself. I'll make it all up to you-- promise!"

Slinkoboy 2010/08/30(Mon)19:18 No. 223825 ID: 6547ec
File 128322111765.png - (67.94KB , 700x500 , 133.png )

He throws the necklace at Shela's feet and begins to ride off.

This is such an insult. Shela doesn't want to let him get away with this, but the only person who can catch up to him is the bird. Relying on him leaves a bad taste in her mouth.

"I know what I am now! I'm a majickal pretty ninja princess~! What should I do with all these guns, mommy?"

Rearming them probably isn't a good idea. If shela doesn't run after Deylin, she'll have to think of the best way to explain to the guards what just happened.

>>223825
You don't want to rely on the person who could actually do this because... why?

Slinkoboy 2010/08/30(Mon)19:44 No. 223846 ID: 6547ec
File 128322269884.png - (35.84KB , 700x500 , 134.png )

>>223826
It... It's complicated.

He's just... too nice. Too likable. If this were somebody's story, they'd be accused of making him their self-insert.

"I see him! With one hit of my firepunch I can have him down in seconds. Just give the word. Or, um, ask Jiniki to give the word. Since you can't."

Shela decides that if it's the best thing to do, she'll let him handle it.

just stop him, you'll take care of the rest once you catch up.

>>223846
Just let him do it, and for the guns, it would be nice if Dilia had a weapon right now, you too if you can use one.

No.

You know why? Because this is a learning experience. You won't always have the bird there. You won't want to rely on your daughter and aside from that, you are supposed to be the example.

Have the bird stop him, speak your piece, then let it be.

>>223846
Dont hurt the guy, but get the lizard back. See how well he does back on foot again.

>>223846
We stop him, yell at him, then leave. Also, he needs to tell us the story straight this time. No way are we just gonna let him go without knowing what's up.

>>223846
Whatever else you do, get the lizard back. :v

However, let's not be stupid - if he somehow threatens us go ahead and knock him out.

...I think him keeping the lizard might work out for the best, honestly. He might actually need it to get away.

Slinkoboy 2010/08/31(Tue)19:52 No. 224282 ID: 6547ec
File 128330954159.png - (159.20KB , 700x500 , 135.png )

>>223847
>>223853
>>223900
With confirmation, Sekani catches up to him.

"What the-- what the hell are you!?" Deylin asks out of surprise.

"Hey there. I think you should stop trying to run away."

"Get away from me! Shoo, bird! Shoo!"

Slinkoboy 2010/08/31(Tue)19:53 No. 224283 ID: 6547ec
File 128330959462.png - (172.03KB , 700x500 , 136.png )

"No, really. You better stop or else I might explode right next to you~"

"What the fuck!? All right! Fine! Don't explode! I'm stopping!"

Slinkoboy 2010/08/31(Tue)19:54 No. 224284 ID: 6547ec
File 128330967574.png - (93.60KB , 700x500 , 137.png )

"I stopped him for you~" the bird says happily.

"I should have known he was working for you."

"Don't you try anything!" Shela shouts, holding up one of the Diuban Rifles. "I have a gun and I'm almost fairly certain I could figure out how to use it if you gave me a minute!"

"Okay, you've got me. I probably should have known you'd have some kind of mutated on-fire Tezakian on your side."

"Yes, you really should have seen that coming. Now tell us the truth. Why do you need that mine so badly? Why is the government after you?"

"All right, fine."

Slinkoboy 2010/08/31(Tue)19:56 No. 224286 ID: 6547ec
File 128330980282.png - (95.67KB , 700x500 , 138.png )

"My family aren't farmers, we're members of the church. It took some doing, but we eventually got enough money to obtain a mine. With it, we hoped to make the money required to begin a major campaign to get the right people elected. People who care about the land.

However, the government stopped our plans by citing an ancient law. Members of the Church aren't allowed to own land for the sake of profit. They demanded the deed and we didn't have the power to fight them, so I took the deed and ran.

We need that mine if we're even to begin getting the money together. I know I haven't been totally honest with you, but you have to believe me. I just want to preserve our sacred land!"

Shela motions for Deylin to get off the lizard as he talks. Euch-- it licked her!

"It's sooooo cuuuute~" Jiniki sings.

"Frankly, at this point I don't really care," Shela says. "You can pretty much go do whatever you want."

"I appreciate that. Um, if I can ask one more small favor, would you mind distracting the guards so I can get away? I can't outrun them without the Lizard. I swear I'll repay you one day."

>>224286
whatever, I guess. We'll probably have to deal with them before we go anywhere anyway.

By the way, what makes Deylin so sure he can make it to the prime minister? Wouldn't he be somewhere towards the center of the capitol of a nation that he's now a wanted criminal in?

>>224284

Jiniki, ask Sekani why he isn't wearing his awesome pants.

Shela, go ahead and let him go, not because you want his help in the future, but because he's seen a lot of majicka use by now, and you really need people in the world who are tolerant of the stuff. I'd say try to win over the guards, but using majicka against them, and then taking their guns... not to mention what might happen if they ever learn about the one we sent to Tayza. So yeah, unless we plan on clean slating this and taking them all out, we need at least one friendly out of this mess.

Wait, go ahead and ask for that favor now. Get him to preach about peace and junk. Maybe this could indirectly influence the anti-war efforts you're going about.

Oh, and don't feel bad about not being Sekani. He pees himself when he gets scared, and gets stuck in windows due to his huge butt. You only do one of those.

>>224286
Actually you might want to let him keep the Lizard in case there's more guards he has to get away from later.

Whisper SECRET INSTRUCTIONS to Mister Lizard, then allow Deylin to take him.

Nah, keep the lizard. Dilia has to get back somehow.

Suggestion 2010/09/01(Wed)22:39 No. 224855 ID: 6547ec
File 128340595397.png - (67.12KB , 700x500 , 139.png )

>>224335
"Okay, mister lizard. When the time is right, execute Order 66."

It doesn't seem to understand. Or perhaps it knows all too well the importance of keeping this plan secret.

Suggestion 2010/09/01(Wed)22:39 No. 224856 ID: 6547ec
File 128340597866.png - (106.61KB , 700x500 , 140.png )

>>224303
"What makes you sure you can even get to the prime minister?" Shela asks.

"Don't worry about me. It's still early enough that most of the police don't know I have a warrent. Besides, I have a lot of friends on my side. They'll ensure I make it safely to him."

>>224325
>>224306
"All right. I guess you need this guy more than we do. Go ahead and take him."

"What, really? After what I did to you?"

"Yes, but Listen to me. This bird, and my daughter, are ki-jaara."

"We're also called majibeasts!" Sekani interrupts.

Shela explains to Deylin about majibeasts, majicka, and the goals of Zalika.

"I see," he says after a moment. "I don't fully understand, but you have my word. I will do everything I can to help you guys out."

He nods at them, then quickly remounts the lizard and rides off.

Suggestion 2010/09/01(Wed)22:39 No. 224857 ID: 6547ec
File 128340599885.png - (86.33KB , 700x500 , 141.png )

>>224529
Shela discovers a slight problem with what she just did.

>Jiniki, ask Sekani why he isn't wearing his awesome pants.
"Where are your pants, mister birdie? You seemed super happy to get them!"

"They're being washed. A clean bird is a happy bird~"

>Oh, and don't feel bad about not being Sekani. He pees himself when he gets scared, and gets stuck in windows due to his huge butt. You only do one of those.
Ha, ha. Shela's heard enough about her well-endowed abdomen for one day.

"So, bird." Shela says.

"Sekani." He corrects.

"Sekani. Would you mind accompanying Dilia back home? She's going to need some extra supplies anyway and you'll be in a position to call for some."

"I dunno," Dilia says. "That might be...awkward."

"Why?" Shela asks.

"Well, we were... I mean, I..."

"Don't worry, it'll be fun~" Sekani says cheerfully.

"Um... All right," Dilia replies shyly.

Suggestion 2010/09/01(Wed)22:40 No. 224858 ID: 6547ec
File 128340601475.png - (89.80KB , 700x500 , 142.png )

Shela heads back to deal with the guards.

"Just what were you trying to do!?" the skinnier male asks. "Don't think we'll let you get away with this just because we're unarmed!"

"I dunno," the larger male says. "That weird insect took our guns with its mind, and that bird caught fire. I don't think we're paid enough for this."

"Don't be such a wimp! We can take them!"

"I'm pretty sure we can't."

It would be incredibly easy to overpower the guards, but Shela would prefer a more...diplomatic resolution to this.

Shela: Offer to return their weapons.
Jiniki: Crush the more fragile bits of this gun. Throw the remains back.
Shela: Ask if they're sure there's no peaceful way around this.

Laugh maniacally and DESTROY THEM!

Oh wait, no, that's a terrible idea. You really don't have a good excuse. Take the darts out of the guns and then return them. Explain that you understand you broke their law but that you did what you felt was necessary under the circumstances. They did just fire at your bird for basically no raisin.

>>224858
How about, uh...

"Okay we're gonna give you your guns back, and then we're gonna, um, go, and none of us will ever mention this again."

Or something.

>>224951
Yes, they attacked us first. Why did they even do that? It's like they knew we were coming and then decided to open fire without trying to talk to us.

>>224951

This. Also, make a slight show of reassuring Jiniki. Let the Big Tough Guy know that he's threatening a mother and daughter.

And if that fails, have Jiniki pants them or something. Diubans get all weird about nudity, and they probably won't want to fight. Plus, by that point, the truth of what happened may be sufficiently embarrassing for them to keep the story to themselves... or at least embellish to the point where it would be easy to disprove.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/03(Fri)18:16 No. 225491 ID: 6547ec
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>>224960
"Excuse me, but you attacked us first." Shela says.

"What? That weird mutant Tezakian flew at us at insane speed! We weren't sure he wasn't hostile!"

"You still shot at him," Shela replies.

"Come on, be fair. We were using tranq darts. They would have just made him fall asleep."

"And we simply removed your weapons so you'd stop shooting at us. You'll notice you're all unharmed. You'll also notice we're not moving to attack you."

Slinkoboy 2010/09/03(Fri)18:16 No. 225493 ID: 6547ec
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>>225027
"I'm just a mother who's traveling with her daughter. I didn't want to get caught up in all of this."

The female objects. "But you let Minister Seneiri get past us! You were clearly helping him."

"I had no choice. He stole something precious and I had to get it back. He...took off immediately after, and we lost track of him before we could stop him."

>>224952
Shela continues, "We'll return your guns. We just want to continue our journey and we'll leave you be."

The thinner male speaks up. "We can't just let you go!"

"I think we should," the larger male responds. "This isn't worth losing our lives over."

They argue for a few minutes, but eventually decide that they'll let Shela and her gang go with a warning.

"Um, do I give these back now, mommy?"

"Yes..."

>>224951
"...But take the darts out first just in case."

"Okay~"

Slinkoboy 2010/09/03(Fri)18:21 No. 225496 ID: 6547ec
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"Well, I guess this is where we part ways," Shela says.

"You know..." Sekani smiles a bit. "You can come back with us if you want."

"I couldn't. All I've done is cause you guys pain and sadness. The only way to make things better is to disappear and help people under a new identity."

"I think you're wrong," Sekani says. "You helped an entire camp of Tezakians avoid marching to their doom. You sent them to us, doubling our numbers. You've already helped us a lot."

"They gave me a second chance," Dilia adds. "I think they'd be willing to give you a second chance, too. You want to start a new life, and that's kind of what we're doing, too."

When everyone decided to turn that place into their base of operations, shela assumed her presence would only create animosity. Was she wrong? Is Zalika really the best place for her to be? What about her daughter?

"J-Jini, what do you think?" She finally asks.

"Um, I really want to be with my new friends cause they make me happy, but we walked a super long time to get over here and our home might be dusty um but um this is kind of hard so I'll just go where you go."

Shela wanted to start a new life with Jiniki, to have her be around her own people, to make friends and be happy. She also wanted to be away from that facility. There are so many painful memories there.

She couldn't possibly go back...could she?

Sure you can go back. After you return to your homeland. Not only to find your people and let Jiniki meet others of her own kind, but my gut feeling is that something going on up there that you want to know about. Tell him this is something you must do, but ask him if you'll still be welcome should the opportunity come in the future for you to return to Zalika?

>>225496

You've spent so much time worrying about being accepted yourself that you've forgotten one of the most important things: these people both love and accept Jiniki for who she is. What will happen if you walk into kliss-khar territory with Jiniki? So far you've been able to explain things away because you've come across individuals who don't know a lot about your species. Jiniki will instantly be spotted as some kind of mutant when you rejoin with your own people.

One thing to wonder is... do you remember what you told your nation's scientists back when you tried to send them that Majicka data? What will happen if they find out you've brought a live magicka user with you? Do you even know anything about the current government or politics of your nation? The current Queen, if there is even one there? And what would happen if someone figured out who you were? Would the new rulers take kindly to the old queen suddenly returning?

Jiniki should go back with her friends. You know this. She won't fit in with normal bug people.

The truth is, you took Jiniki away because *you* felt like you wouldn't be happy there. You felt uncomfortable and you wanted to be around your own people, because they'd sure make you feel better than hanging around all the people you hurt. Then you projected those desires onto your daughter - assuming that she needs to go back to her people to live a full life. That's what *you* want. That's not what she wants. She wants to go back. She just loves you too much to ask you to do what she wants in this case.

DO THE RIGHT THING.

Besides, even though that Sekani is a goody two-shoes, his almost single-minded and naive drive to "do the right thing" is a good role model for Jiniki. And it's kinda hot.

...

JUST KIDDING. ;D

...

But really, maybe he likes big abdomens...

>>225496
Well, it would be a shame to just turn around now after having come so far out, so at least go see the state of things, but keep in mind that you have allies in Zalika, and that Jiniki's own people is ki-jaara as much as klis-khar now.

Those guys are real good with second chances, too. Dilia tried to kill Amiel more than once, and now they get along very well. Very, very well.

>>225660

Oh yeah, the rest of the Klis-khar are probably still gung-ho about Majicka.

>>225496

Don't go back to your lands until you know what kind of reception you'd get. Seriously, your kind have like zero empathy. Dead babies in jars and the like. Even if they don't do anything to Jiniki, the response of at least some of them would likely be to reclaim the facility, and the research.

Before that happens, you need more people there to defend the place if necessary.

On the other hand, if you're at the facility, you'll be tempted to juice up on fresh, delicious Majicka again. That sweet, sweet power - you could practically do anything, just by thinking it. Honestly, who would mess with you or your daughter when STOP THAT! STOP THINKING ABOUT MAJICKA RIGHT NOW!

Honestly, what's the matter with you? Bad Shela. Bad.

>>225496
You could go back. You know they'll let you return any time. But first, you need to see. You need to know what's happened to your homeland. And you should probably try and find out what happened with that semi-mysterious majicka-research communication that was partially sent. They may have enough to start developing the program again.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:21 No. 226306 ID: 6547ec
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>>225505
"I really should see how our home is doing. A-and Jiniki should see her kind. Would I be welcome if we came back later?"

"Of course~" Sekani replies.

>>225866
Sekani-- was that his name? His offer caught her completely off-guard, but she has to find out what's going on with her people. If they've rediscovered majicka, things could be very bad.

Yes, going home is the best option.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:22 No. 226307 ID: 6547ec
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>>225671
After so many years, the ki-jaara have become more of a family than her own people ever were. She doesn't even remember her late king's face anymore.

Jiniki deserves to see her own kind, but maybe...

>You've spent so much time worrying about being accepted yourself that you've forgotten one of the most important things: these people both love and accept Jiniki for who she is. What will happen if you walk into kliss-khar territory with Jiniki? So far you've been able to explain things away because you've come across individuals who don't know a lot about your species. Jiniki will instantly be spotted as some kind of mutant when you rejoin with your own people.

N-no. Shela can hide Jiniki. Just... Just like back then. It'll...work out. Somehow.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:22 No. 226308 ID: 6547ec
File 128367494621.png - (109.72KB , 700x500 , 148.png )

>One thing to wonder is... do you remember what you told your nation's scientists back when you tried to send them that Majicka data? What will happen if they find out you've brought a live magicka user with you? Do you even know anything about the current government or politics of your nation? The current Queen, if there is even one there? And what would happen if someone figured out who you were? Would the new rulers take kindly to the old queen suddenly returning?

Nobody would recognize her. They could just stay in hiding. They wouldn't see Jiniki's majicka. They...she could...

>Jiniki should go back with her friends. You know this. She won't fit in with normal bug people.

Shela just...

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:22 No. 226309 ID: 6547ec
File 128367496455.png - (112.36KB , 700x500 , 149.png )

>The truth is, you took Jiniki away because *you* felt like you wouldn't be happy there. You felt uncomfortable and you wanted to be around your own people, because they'd sure make you feel better than hanging around all the people you hurt. Then you projected those desires onto your daughter - assuming that she needs to go back to her people to live a full life. That's what *you* want. That's not what she wants. She wants to go back. She just loves you too much to ask you to do what she wants in this case.

...She just wants her family back.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:23 No. 226310 ID: 6547ec
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"Jiniki, go ahead and return to Zalika with the others."

"What?

"I need to see what's become of our homeland, but I can't bring you with me. It was selfish of me to think I could."

"What? No! I want to come so it's not selfish at all!"

"You'd only be in danger. If they saw your majicka and captured you, I wouldn't know what I'd do."

"I-I'll be fine! I'm a ninja!"

"I wanted you to be around your own kind, to feel normal and accepted, but you already are. The people at Zalika love you. They are your family as much as I am."

"But-- But I want you, too!"

"Don't worry. I'll come back. I promise. Then we can all live together."

"But I don't want you to go."

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:23 No. 226311 ID: 6547ec
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Jiniki buries her head in Shela's thorax.

"It's only for a little while, I promise," Shela says, her voice cracking a little. "Once I come back I swear I'll never leave you again."

Jiniki doesn't say anything as they embrace each other. Shela had only just gotten her daughter back, and having to leave her so soon is incredibly painful. But if the Klis-khar have majicka, they could be a threat to the entire world. She has to find out for sure.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:23 No. 226312 ID: 6547ec
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Sekani and Dilia let them hug silently until finally Shela manages to let Jiniki go.

"I'll see you soon, Jini. I promise," Shela says. "I love you so very much."

"I love you to. Please come back soon okay and then we can all be a super happy family together."

"Yeah."

Jiniki and the others begin walking off. Shela has taken enough supplies to make it the rest of the way, while they'll call in for additional food and water from Zalika.

The hardest part of the journey is now over.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:23 No. 226313 ID: 6547ec
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Jiniki is the only thing Shela has left in the world. Even if it's just for a while, she's completely alone now. This realization is almost too much to bear.

And yet, the hole in her heart actually feels a little smaller now. She dares to hope that the others could forgive her, maybe even accept her as part of their family.

Even the gods who had forsaken her all these years seemed to be pointing her forward, telling her everything will be fine.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:24 No. 226314 ID: 6547ec
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Maybe she's not so alone after all.

In the end, Sekani and the gods not only saved her from majicka, they gave her a reason to live.

Slinkoboy 2010/09/05(Sun)01:24 No. 226315 ID: 6547ec
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...Thank you.

You're welcome, Shela.

so sad and heartwarming at the same time!

GOOD LUCK, SHELA! :D

And hey, the gods liked you enough that you even got your name in the quest title in the end. Yay!

Let's just hope DAT ABDOMEN is enough to get you through Klis-Khar territory. ;3

Also, OMG THE FIRST QUEST I'VE BEEN IN THAT'S COMPLETED WOOOOOOOOOO. I feel like my cherry's been popped. Thanks Slinko, you perv. :C