fine, then give her a hug. just lean over and hug real fast.

You know, not using sharpened weapons goes a long way toward not killing people, without changing the rules of engagement too much.

I think Sai may have a point, even if she hasn't articulated it fully. Consider that in a fight with an enemy, it is very unlikely they are not fighting to kill. If you train only attacking as if there is no killing intent, something inevitably will be lost.

Anyways, ask if there is anything you can do for her, if not, take your leave and thank her for the fight. Plus, resist the urge to rub the ears, despite how cute they are.

If we have time, we should go say hello to Gene, tell him how well Sonata did, and talk about magic (since he owes you an explanation for his Coffin-magic thing from when you fought him).

>>292255
Put a hand on her shoulder and look her in the eyes.
"Ah, then I hope I didn't insult you by holding back; I really care about you a lot.

You're wrong, though. Killing is easy; the mark of a strong fighter is defeating their opponent unharmed. If you train yourself only to kill then you end up with poor control and fewer choices. It makes you weak."

Smile warmly at her
"I'm not interested in weak girls. Shall I help you get stronger?"

>>292255
Ugh, she's going about this all wrong! Stupid philosophy... well, rather than talk about being nice let's try this angle:

"At the very least you should realize it's actually harder to fight nonlethally. If you can fight and win with only poking with a blunt stick, you'll be all the more dangerous with your real spear. Any kind of self restraint will be the same, you'll grow stronger under them and be more dangerous when you put them away. You could try wearing weights and using heavy poles to practice moves in, it'll help you swing harder, jump higher and generally be more able to take a hit when your speed eventually fails you."

>>292269

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)16:01 No. 292280 ID: d43062
File 130161250252.png - (82.79KB , 800x800 , 463.png )

"You're wrong, though. Killing is easy; the mark of a strong fighter is defeating their opponent unharmed. If you train yourself only to kill then you end up with poor control and fewer choices. It makes you weak."

"Is that so? Maybe you should make my training regime. In fact why don't you go back in time and tell my father this so that way I won't waste 12 years of my life training this way. Or maybe we can go play with some sticks padded with fluff and feathers."

"I... Uhm.."

"Get out of here, I'm going to change."

Artemis leaves the room.

I think I pissed her off...

get a stick the same size as her spear but with a blunt head. she can go all out with it and instead of stabbing people to death she just breaks bones. is a middle ground.

>>292280
>I'm ALWAYS in control
Hey Art you might want to see about dealing with this thing NOW

As for Saisai: This one is all our fault, don't worry about it. She'll calm down eventually.

>>292284
no no. she is mad cause she thinks we are making fun of her. we need to show we are serious about this. the blunted spear will let her go as all out as she wants and instead of risking killing everyone she fights she just risks breaking bones. which are a LOT easier to fix. and the thing still counts as a REAL weapon.

>>292280
"Your father is a fool that doesn't see you for the amazing person you are! I want to get stronger together with you, so we can be a better match!"

Pause, then say this a bit more quietly
"You're not the only one that needs to show their family they matter..."

Don't question it, just do it.

>>292294
I'm not sure I approve of unquestioning obedience, even if I disapprove of our wielder's decisions at times.

Also, if he father trained her that way for 12 years... One, how can he possible be annoyed she wanted to do this when she got older? and Two, that gotta do something to her mind.

>>292295
I'm not asking for unquestioning obedience, I'm asking him to take my words on faith for now since if he asks the time for it will pass and this is a bit much to explain.

The first? Her father doesn't see her as a person, he sees her as property. He doesn't care what she does as long as she does what he says and gets him what he wants.
The second? Yea, it's done horrible things to her mind. She has self-esteem issues all over the place and hides them behind a shoddy mask of aloofness.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)16:39 No. 292302 ID: d43062
File 130161478441.png - (67.28KB , 800x800 , 464.png )

>>292284
Who's always in control? what?

>>292295
She said that huh? Was he training her just because? Maybe a leftover habit from his own life in the Knights? I know if I had a kid I'd train them in magic even if they never wanted to pursue it. I wish I could ask her..

>>292294
That sounds way too flirty. I'd rather not risk upsetting her anymore..

The door to Saisai's room opens slightly. She looks at Artemis through the crack.

"Hey.. Sorry about that. I know what you meant. Maybe tomorrow we can train again. I'll use a spear shaft."

"Uhm, okay."

"Tomorrow after a mission or whatever. I'll see you then."

She closes the door.

Mood swings. Well, at least now we can train a little easier.

>>292302
Remember that mysterious voice we mentioned earlier? When we used Shadow Shield it seized control, and now it's gloating about how it's taken over. Not sure what's causing it or how bad the situation really is, but we should probably err on the side of caution and go see a professional.

If its any consolation, it claims to be joking now.

It is slightly concerning, but I would say we need to avoid the Shadow Shield if possible. I think some of the changes are manifesting faster now.

Either way, Good Job Artemis. I do believe we never actually said that.

As for looking into it, I suppose... but whose going to know anything about such a situation? Crazy librarian girl who knows all the books seems the closest to my best guess. or maybe an expert on Dragons?

>>292302
OF COURSE it was flirty! You've been doing a LOT of flirting with her!

You noticed how her ear twitched, right? How she blushed after you said the show was worth the cover charge? How quickly she calmed down and made amends for her outburst?
She likes you, you goof.

Completely aside from that? Flirting really, really helps her.
You saw what kind of scum her father is. He doesn't give a damn about her beyond what he can from selling her. She's spent her entire life being treated like property; constantly seeking his approval in vain, because he doesn't think you should compliment 'property'.
She has poor self-esteem and a shaky self-image. She doesn't even hide it well, you're just thick as a brick. That's not even going into the shame that results from having to cover up body parts out of fear of discovery.

Flirting with her sends her messages like "You are physically attractive and the sort of person I like to be around." in a way that just saying it or trying to talk her up doesn't; it goes beyond words into the realm of actions, which are far more powerful and convincing.

She's also feeling isolated, which would have been helped by knowing that you have a similar need to prove yourself because of your family.

She's also afraid of being weak, and is prone to doubting herself.

There are other factors, but these are the major ones. Recent events have made everything worse, which is one of the reasons why we're pushing like this.

Do you understand why we're suggesting the way we are? What our motivations are?
Are you going to help us help Saisai?

>>292309
Oh, also, she likes men with a good goal in life, and you're aiming high.

>>292309
He's got the right idea. Just keep it to a minimum in front of others though, the good feelings can be easily overshadowed by extreme embarrassment.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)17:59 No. 292323 ID: d43062
File 130161955217.png - (105.85KB , 549x460 , 465.png )

>>292304
>>292306

Yeah we should get this checked out soon...

>>292309
I don't mind helping Saisai but I really don't want to send the wrong message.. I mean if she falls in love with me..

Anyway I have the rest of the day to myself, what should I do?

I can visit anyone I want to right now or just go shopping with my payment. Maybe study a bit before I call it a night.

I would say Morgan, as I believe its been a few days, or Gene if you feel you have been around too many females recently.

>I mean if she falls in love with me..
then you love her right back. get a heart with so much love in it you can love three women, each more passionately then any other guy does with his one girl.

>>292323
Oh, you're not interested in girls? Well, then what type of guy are you looking for?

Head to Morgan's first, and tell her you were asked to get a potion that "Ensures the regularity of a woman's cycle". Pay for that, then spend some time with her.
After that head for the Academy and see if somebody there can see what's up with that hair. Sonata would be a good choice, since she dabbles in everything and would at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Actually, go learn the Ice and Sleep spells. Ice is absurdly useful, and Sleep is a great way of ending a fight without bloodshed.

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)18:41 No. 292347 ID: d43062
File 130162210116.png - (97.67KB , 800x800 , 466.png )

>>292329
What!? No no no I like girls just not like multiple ones at the same time! Speaking of which please change me back!

>>292324
Morgan's it is. It has been a while.

Artemis heads over to Morgan's shop. She jumps up when she sees him.

"Artemis! I mean... I was wondering when you'd come back."

"Hey Morgan. Sorry about that, I've been busy lately."

Also a potion that -what-?

>>292347
We didn't change you.

>>292347
[Change Gender]
Tell her you were asked to pick up a potion that "Ensures the regularity of a woman's cycle". She'll know what that means. If she didn't then she would have gone out of business.

You haven't been gone that long. She saw you only 1-2 days ago.
Chat with her for awhile. See how well her research is going, and if she needs any help that won't get you killed again.

well too late then art. you already have several girls who have fallen for you HARD.

>>292350
Artemis should be flirting now, not buying up feminine helpers. Worry about buying things after chatting with her for like an hour, seeing how she's been, and discovering if her guilt over killing you is sufficient to get into her pa- I mean, if she needs reassurance that you love her anyway.

>>292347
Apologize for not finding the time, but it really has been one thing after another. Ask if she has time to chat and stuff about your new status and her new market.

And uh... maybe we should discuss hypothetical potions at a later time...

>>292353
>feminine helpers
That has nothing to do with it. This is applied biology here.

>>292355
>maybe we should discuss hypothetical potions at a later time.

This is kinda time-sensitive. We need to get this to Saisai relatively soon.

Arty, we can't choose a girl for you. We can only help those girls like you more.

That's your department. We can suggest all we like, but you're the one who needs to fall in love for it to work.

Think. Choose. Then let us know.

We promise you: Whoever you choose, we will help you win her heart.

Just make up your trangender mind already >:|

Artemis 2011/03/31(Thu)19:22 No. 292363 ID: d43062
File 130162452483.png - (88.77KB , 800x800 , 467.png )

Well I gotta agree.. I don't think Saisai would need such a thing and we did just get out of an intense fight..

Anyway.
Artemis explains his new position and the increased responsibilities that came with it. Morgan nods.

"So how is everything here?"

"Uhm.. It's been quiet. My work on the Feather of Life is coming along well... I..."

"?"

[i]"Well I was wondering if maybe you wanted to spend some time with me today... I made some food... It's up to you of course.. I understand you must be busy."

well, do you? she is basically asking you out on date. you can't have it both ways with her. you accept she thinks you like her back. you decline and she will think you don't like her like that. if you really don't like her then your options are break her heart now or later.

If you can, do so.

Also, [change gender to male] if it hasn't gone through. He did ask us to do it.

>>292363
Up to you, Arty.

>>292363
I would agree to a nice lunch, personally.

>>292363
As far as I can tell you actually like Morgan romantically significantly more than you do any of the other women in your life, so you might as well pursue the matter. Unless you've suddenly decided to be faithful to Mimi, which I find highly unlikely given your past attitudes.

Do whatever.

You aren't busy, no crisis right now, mission is over, duel concluded and your demonic relations are on the mend. Yeah right now is a good time for relaxing with a friend.

Of course if you go looking for another problem to solve I'm sure one will pop up.

>>292363
...
"Ensures the regularity of a woman's cycle" is a discreet way of saying "Something to make sure she doesn't get pregnant".
Saisai would be too humiliated to get it herself, but you have no such problem.

You can spend some time with Morgan. Nothing wrong with that.

Artemis 2011/04/03(Sun)13:17 No. 293548 ID: 654ecc
File 130186187468.png - (116.75KB , 800x800 , 468.png )

>>292388
Wh-what? Guardian I do like Mimi but I don't like her like her...
Anyway I can't turn Morgan down, plus I'm actually rather hungry.

"I'd love to."

Morgan puts a closed sign up on the shop and brings out a box with food.

"Here Artemis.."

She pushes a portion to him. He smiles and takes a bite.

O_o

Oh... oh dear. Is it that bad? I fear she may have been dealing with alchemy so long she's too used to weird and nasty things not phasing her. I'm not sure what to do here, you don't want to hurt her feelings but lying and saying you like - that will just get even more of it down your throat. Maybe say something like "Hmm that's different, what's in this?" if you can somehow give constructive criticism without hurting her feelings, great. If you DO hurt her feelings... well try to explain my first point I guess.

In any case try to steer things into taking her out to dinner instead.

>>293548
>Guardian I do like Mimi but I don't like her like her...
Precisely my point. You're not very well going to stop being romantic with other ladies given that attitude. There are a fair number of men who would take sleeping with a woman seriously enough to stop other romances because of it; you're obviously not one of them. Like father like son, I'd say. You'll have smokin' hot elven girls falling for you in no time, too.

>O_o
Traditionally, one swallows and pretends that it's good. However, given that this is Morgan and it might be actual poison or something accidentally, you might want to ask her what it is and confirm that it's actually just really terrible normal food before proceeding to eat more.

what they said, let her down easy about the food.

Hmm. Did she cook this food or did she buy it? If she cooked it, you should show appreciation somehow that she would want to give you something that she made herself. Don't discount her affection for you.

I would however warn that BLATANTLY LYING about the quality of the food could go either way. So would offering to help teach her how to cook.

Artemis 2011/04/04(Mon)11:47 No. 293803 ID: 654ecc
File 130194284709.png - (119.41KB , 800x800 , 469.png )

>>293553
No no you're taking this all wrong I do think it's serious but... I mean I had to or she'd be killed..

>>293571
"Uhm... Did you cook this?"

"Yes.. I live alone so I always need to cook for myself. Do you like it?"

"It's.... Unique."

And spicy.. It's burning my tongue

... you are bleeding. i think it's melting your tongue off. i suggest you stop eating that and use heal on yourself before it gets too far to not be considered minor. then explain you think her years of alchemy have made her chemically resistant so she needs something stronger then normal for it to taste spicy to her.

End of Chapter 6 Artemis 2011/04/04(Mon)12:01 No. 293808 ID: 654ecc
File 130194369778.png - (9.04KB , 800x800 , 470.png )

"!? Oh god Artemis you're bleeding!"

"I am?"

"Yes!"

Artemis wobbles a bit

"Uhm... I feel a little light h-"

He collapses

"Artemis!!"

Morgan seems to get him killed a lot.

>>293808
The fact that the mystery voice is displeased is greatly comforting to me.

>>293825
But she's adorable!