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File 145169272586.png - (155.74KB , 700x600 , 79.png )
691136 No. 691136 ID: 8679fe

ch 1: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/663996.html
int 1: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/676703.html

So far this is shaping up to be a pretty shitty day.
666 posts omitted. Last 50 shown. Expand all images
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No. 711382 ID: 34dbe0
File 145889157885.png - (135.78KB , 700x600 , 195.png )
711382

Her voice dies as she looks across the table, and suddenly her face is contorting. "Mama." One of the Dobermen next to her raises his hand, aiming for her shoulder, but she swats him away viciously, and he immediately shrinks back. "Mama. Why are they here." She takes a shaky step forward, and the Dobermen twitch nervously, apparently unsure of whether to try to stop her or not. "Why are those rabbits here?"
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No. 711383 ID: 34dbe0
File 145889160132.png - (291.09KB , 700x600 , 196.png )
711383

Jolene sighs, pressing two fingers to her temple. "Babygirl, I told you I was having people over for business, and -"

"They killed Johnny!" The girl's voice rockets up into a hysterical key. "My Johnny, Mama, they killed him and you knew that! They did it today! Why would you bring them here? Why -"

Jolene looks only mildly exasperated. "Oh, Sloane, don't be dramatic. I'll get you a new one."

"I don't want anyone else! I want Johnny!" She whips her head around, eyes jumping feverishly over the Sukebun members' faces. "You. You fucking murderers. I'll kill you." She laughs, and for the first time she really looks like her mother. "I'll kill you! That'll even the score, won't it?"
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No. 711384 ID: 34dbe0
File 145889161361.png - (168.06KB , 700x600 , 197.png )
711384

"SLOANE."

I could swear that dust settles from the rafters. Everyone stops dead in their tracks, including the girl. Jolene is standing, her hand flat against the table. Sloane slowly turns her head.

"We've talked about this so many, many times," says Jolene slowly. Sloane's ears are drooping. "When does a lady threaten violence?"

Sloane doesn't answer.

"Mama asked you a question, babygirl. When does a lady threaten violence?"

"When she can carry it out," Sloane finally mumbles. "But, Mama, I can -"

"And when does a lady start a fight?" Jolene interrupts firmly.

Sloane's lip is quivering. She twists her fists in the crisp material of her skirt.

"Sloane."

"... When she knows she can win."

"That's right." Jolene's voice drops in volume, but doesn't soften, every word still dropping into place with heavy purpose as she points at us. "Look across the table. Five Sukebun, all armed; a woman whose morals are only hypothetical; and an honest-to-goodness demon." She lets her hand fall to rest on her hip, plastic eyes burning. "Do you honestly think you could win this fight, Sloane?"

Her daughter looks absolutely miserable. "No, Mama."

"So don't ever let me catch you starting a fight you can't win. Ever again." Now Jolene finally sighs and relaxes. "I'm sorry, baby. I hate to yell at you. But this is exactly why we talk about these things." She turns back to us, laughing lightly. "I'm so sorry about that. Teenagers."
>>
No. 711386 ID: bb78f2

It's understandable. It's a traumatic event, one I responsible for. Had I killed Ne when I had the chance, her boyfriend would have been alive.

My apologies, Sloane.
>>
No. 711388 ID: c180f3

igi igi. lets just bee cool
really its nice to meet you
(personally i dig the look)
>>
No. 711390 ID: c180f3

>>711388
i dont know how to delete shit or fuckin read so im just gonna add we should leave soon
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No. 711392 ID: f6da7a

>>711390
we can't leave until we have dessert!!!

laugh nervously and try to change the subject, ask sloane about school
>>
No. 711393 ID: 8ce2b4

I'm sorry for your loss. It would be a pleasure to meet you, but not under these circumstances.

God dont bring up Ne with how protective Jolene obviously is That could do us in
>>
No. 711397 ID: 0b6b9f

This might be a good time to start leaving.and sloane is probably gonna be dangerous to deal with if she has any of her moms temper (which seems like she does) so keep the buns in sight until ur in the clear
>>
No. 711398 ID: 0c1243

"It's okay. Being an intimidating murderer takes practice, she'll get there."
>>
No. 711407 ID: ef24f0

this may be far fetched and probably not something to say in front of sloane but jolene seems to have orchestrated a lot of this. she would have known that the sukebun would go after ne, right? so did she send her daughters boyfriend on purpose to get him killed??
>>
No. 711410 ID: b1b975

>>711397
Leaving right after meeting her daughter and being presented with a threat that just makes us jump a little would be a total affront to Jolene. Showing that we view her as less of a threat than her daughter.

We should stay for dessert and try to be pleasant with Sloane if she shows any interest in interaction, but don't force it.
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No. 711411 ID: 5edb49

Nah Sloane should definitely not be considered more of a threat than her mother, but perhaps it would be a good idea to offer leaving earlier if just for politeness's sake
>>
No. 711415 ID: 14b288

um. awkward
>>
No. 711432 ID: 345897

>don't start a fight you can't win
too bad johnny didn't get that memo
>>
No. 711436 ID: 2c8ccb

Offer to bring his skull over for a funeral. Haha only kidding Do Not mention that we know where his bits ended up....

Also don't leave already, that wouldn't be polite given that we did technically cause this. Apologies will mean jack shit, maybe just tell Jolene that you're impressed with how well she has raised her daughter and greet Sloane as if your party didn't kill her bf. Maybe something along the lines of appreciating that she is honest, reassure her she doesn't have to be polite to you all if she doesn't feel it.

I also entirely agree that Jolene seems to be behind getting that mutt killed. There's no way she would have that kind of oversight, she either sent him to die or didn't care enough to stop him going there. Don't mention that in front of Sloane though, we do not want to make them think we are trying to drive a wedge between them. It seems they have a good relationship, they would probably appreciate it if we show we respect what they have together.
>>
No. 711461 ID: c7f326

i kinda wanna ally with Sloane rn, even if it means betraying Jolene. I liked Jolene, but after seeing that patronizing interaction with her daughter... idk. But I'm not sure if I see a way to get an alliance with Sloane atm.

Don't agree with what Jolene just said... though actually I'm not sure saying anything in this instance would be appropriate.
>>
No. 711491 ID: f4584c

w...would it make her feel better if you told her what happened to the sukebun who killed him?
>>
No. 711513 ID: 39247f

perhaps inform her that the specific member was punished, and that the sukebun did not approve of the action. perhaps even add in that you are sorry for her loss for good measure- but this might set her off further. tread carefully.
>>
No. 711520 ID: 90508d

She's already very upset, don't risk offending her and escallating the situation by jumping right into talking about the sitiation she is upset about. Especially assuming we can somehow magicaly make her feel better by revieling info.
You can thank her for joining you for dinner and introduce youreself and your 'friends', if you really need to say something.
>>
No. 711554 ID: ba9e25

sloane clearly is NOT having a good day: caution is the best route!! jolene clearly loves her daughter and is trying ot do what's best; if the opportunity arises it might be nice to let jolene know that you agree sloane should be kept out it (brownie points just in case)

also tell cain to please for the love of heck to have some water i am Feeling the Pressure
>>
No. 711560 ID: dd758d

holy SHIT. well, that's one hell of an entrance. making nice with her will be hard, but you should at least try: she might hate rabies as much as you! isn't that lovely?
>>
No. 711563 ID: 9a8314

I dont think the sukebun would take lowry casually sharing innermost secrets well. Lets not talk about it at all.
>>
No. 711572 ID: 1cebc8

In some ways, she's mimicking her mother's personality, but flawed in a good way. Her rage and fear seem genuine, not products of greed and frustration.

If Nanako ever meets her, she should probably bring that ear piece as a peace treaty. But for now try to defuse the honest puppy.

I wonder if Jolene is insane enough to lend her daughter to Lowry as insurance for this plan. Actually, that's pretty stupid what was I thinking... right?
>>
No. 711573 ID: 3adcf8

She's grieving. There's nothing to say or do to take her pain away or give her a reason to like us. Just try to be respectful of her pain and avoid escalating the situation. Maybe ask if she needs the Sukebun to leave as a show of trust if your feeling confident.
>>
No. 711656 ID: f36501

Complement Jolene on excellent parenting and applicable life lessons, and Sloane on her chutzpah.

Girls gonna be a force to be reckoned with.
>>
No. 711789 ID: 7ea33e

jolene really seems to care about her daughter, so im... really not against helping her tbh.
i agree with some of the people above, it sounds like we can probably have the sukebun leave if it's bothering her? if only to show good faith to jolene. we're probably due to bounce soon anyways though, unless there's anything else?
i think we should help her-- we have everything to gain, and in the end being on the good side of the leader of the junkyard sounds pretty good. i just wish there was a way to smooth things over between them and the sukebun.
>>
No. 711880 ID: 6ee077

ask the bunnies if it's okay to tell sloane that johnny's death wasn't authorized and that the person who did it was punished! at the very least, deferring to them about it will probably help our relationship with them.
>>
No. 711910 ID: 36c187

>>711880
that might mean were valuing the junkyard over the sukebun, so lets just stfu about the punishment
not to mention nothing we could do could actually ease her pain, he died hours ago.
>>
No. 712004 ID: f90455

Don't talk about nana or punishment. It's not our place. sada is here, she will say something if she wants to.
>>
No. 715803 ID: 8897a8

I agree, we shouldn't talk about nanako's punishment or anything about Johnny's death. It could only escalate the situation further, bc I doubt she'd be impressed. She'd probably feel mocked or belittled that the death of her bf was treated like a discipline problem.
Just say that you're sorry for her loss and what she's going through, and yeah, probably leave soonish.

(obv don't say this in front of Jolene but I like how honest and straightforward Sloane is)
>>
No. 716011 ID: 9f0151

>>715803
leaving shows Intimidation and we are Not Scared tho
>>
No. 716095 ID: 737d5c

>>711384
Welp, Jolene might be a remorseless and wicked criminal person, but she is fit to train a goddamn future monarch in politics.

Tell her that there's something admirable in her approach to life. Not exactly commendable, but certainly admirable. Do try to imply that you somewhat sympathise with Sloane's situation on the basic level of things.
>>
No. 717374 ID: 34dbe0
File 146092995522.png - (98.59KB , 700x600 , 198.png )
717374

I'm struggling to think of something better to say than "sorry" or "that sucks" or "man, really wish I had killed Ne when I had the chance because then maybe your boyfriend would probably still be alive" and completely drawing a blank. I'm about to spit out the comparatively least shitty of those options ("sorry for your loss," or something) when Sada stands up again.

I'm a hair's breadth away from grabbing Cain and telling him to stop her, but when I look over again I see that this time she isn't reaching for her weapon. She's bowing.

"The actions taken against that man today were the independent actions of one of our members. It was unsanctioned and unacceptable." She's speaking with her head down, voice quiet and calm. "She has been punished in full. On the behalf of my Oyabun, and our organization at large, I extend our profound regret."
>>
No. 717375 ID: 34dbe0
File 146092997827.png - (140.23KB , 700x600 , 199.png )
717375

Sloane considers her for a moment, the snarling creases in her muzzle slowly softening. "Is she dead?"

Sada straightens up. She tucks a strand of hair out of her face. Her eyes are flat. "She has been punished," she repeats.

"Hmmm ..." Sloane presses a finger to her cheek and then flops down into a chair beside her mother. "Okay then! I guess that'll have to do for now, huh?" She leans back and fluffs her skirt absent-mindedly, looking back over at Jolene. "Especially since Mama promised to get me a new one. Right, Mama?"

Jolene sits back down, extending her glass to receive another refill. "Just five seconds ago you were saying you didn't want one."

"I changed my mind! You said, Mama, you said. And a lady always keeps her word, right?"

Jolene snorts fondly. "Turning my own lessons on me. Well, yes, that she does." She takes a sip of her drink and gestures back towards me. "Now that you've calmed down, I can introduce you properly. This is Miss Lowry Lewis. She's going to be helping kill your future stepdaddy."
>>
No. 717376 ID: 1cebc8

Prepare for explosion.
>>
No. 717377 ID: 34dbe0
File 146093000187.png - (137.58KB , 700x600 , 200.png )
717377

A dog from the outer hallway brings Sloane a shirley temple. She stirs it slowly as she tilts her head to look at her mother. "That man," she says slowly, "is not my daddy. And he never will be." She takes a thoughtful sip, eyes wandering back to me. "But I guess either way, that makes Ms. Lewis my new friend, right?"

She smiles. "Much obliged, Ms. Lewis. I hope we can get along from now on."

"Uh. Yeah. Nice to meet you," I say. I scratch the back of my neck. "Where is Rabies, anyway?"

"Oh, you know. Out." Jolene makes a noise that's either affectionate or derisive, and I find myself wondering how far apart the two are for her. "Running about with his little friends, playing at gang warfare. It's getting close to his curfew, though. He'll likely be back shortly." Jolene pauses, then levels her gaze at me. "You're welcome to leave before he returns, if you like."
>>
No. 717383 ID: 1cebc8

>>717377
"YES."

Except don't. Stay around and start setting up escape routes and hidden surveillance cameras. Leave when you have enough preparation to stage a raid in the future.

Tell Sloane that the only way that you will agree to attempt an assassination on Rabies, the man who pummeled a combat instructor (Sweat) so hard into the next year that his mouth was enslaved to a combination of William Shakespeare and M.C. Escher, tore the eyes out of your two friends and filled them with madness (which is probably why the girl responsible for Johnny's murder probably lost her ^&*( upon smelling someone marked with Rabies' scent, use this point to SELL the deal), and tormented you into submission for most of that year,

is if you get an opportunity to @#$% her mother up. Her call on what to do with mama dearest.

If she barks at you to leave her mother alive, then agree to help her anyway and just leave it. This is your one chance to turn her against her mother, so show her a good time and let her rage against Chidori for a few minutes (don't let them tear each other apart though).
>>
No. 717384 ID: 9f0151

"sounds good. wouldnt wanna ruin the surprise, him?"
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No. 717386 ID: e791c0

It probably is best that Lowry and Friends be gone before Rabies returns. I doubt an encounter would end well.
Besides, we don't want to spoil the big surprise now, would we?
>>
No. 717387 ID: aeb94b

Do you want to avoid him though? Hes an asshole and deserves to die but maybe he might know something?
>>
No. 717402 ID: b4c14d

it'd be best to leave before rabies arrives. that weird feeling you've been getting will probably only get worse if you know he's in the vicinity, and it's also a matter of not quite knowing what you'd do if you saw him.

best to leave now while you're on good terms with everyone and make this exchange as non-inflammatory as possible.
>>
No. 717408 ID: 15a025

Yeah...we should probably leave before he gets here.
>>
No. 717411 ID: 737d5c

Leave. Who knows what meeting Rabies might stir up inside you.

"Well, I would hate having this pleasant evening ruined by ancient history. Thank you for the invite and let's keep in touch, Jolene."
>>
No. 717860 ID: d2398d

Stay. Let a little fight start, you still need that blood.
>>
No. 717902 ID: 69f709

It's a good time to go.
>>
No. 718794 ID: 34dbe0
File 146152676497.png - (126.94KB , 700x600 , 201.png )
718794

I wasn't expecting to get an out this quickly, and I grasp i gratefully. "I'd hate to ruin the surprise," I chuckle dryly. I stand, hands flat against the table, and the Sukebun follow suit. Cain has started to fall asleep at the table, and I grab the back of his shirt collar and shake him awake, pulling him to his feet. "Thank you for the invite, Jolene. Let's keep in touch."

"Oh, let's," Jolene says - she's practically purring - and her daughter inclines her head at me, the picture of demure charm.

"It was so nice to meet you, Ms. Lewis," she says. I nod.

"Yeah. You too. Catch you later."
>>
No. 718795 ID: 34dbe0
File 146152685892.png - (127.04KB , 700x600 , 202.png )
718795

Dogs escort us to the door. I hear the sandy shake of steady rain just outside the big double doors, echoing off the high roof, and I'm glad we drove. The dogs don't speak when they close the door behind us. Even with the sun down, the sky is still red.

Far away, stretching into the haze, I can hear the city groaning and creaking, buildings folding, streets shuffling. We shouldn't stay in the open too long, but I need to take a second to breathe, and I do, the damp air sticking to my throat.

"That .... went so much better than I thought it would," I finally say. My voice isn't shaking, but I feel like it should be. I'm still holding Cain's collar, and I shake him a little. "Didn't even matter that this one was getting drunk, haha. I could've come alone."

"No, you couldn't have." Sada's answer is sharp and immediate, and my vague laughter dies in my throat. I let Cain go and turn to face her. "You heard her in there. She doesn't start fights she can't win. But we have no idea what she would've done if the odds were tipped in her favor." She's pulled her mask back up over her face. "Don't get complacent, Lewis."

"I'm not," I mumble, but she's already started towards the car, impervious to the weather.
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No. 718796 ID: 34dbe0
File 146152691051.png - (96.17KB , 700x600 , 203.png )
718796

"It's also 'cause you did well," adds a voice at my side. I turn and struggle for a name. Ruri?

"I didn't even have to do anything," I protest.

"What, you didn't notice?" We're walking towards the car and it feels like Cain and I are the only ones bothered by the rain. "You charmed her. She liked you. You gave her what she wanted. Things could've gone a lot different if you hadn't."

I shove my hands into my pockets and duck my head to get into the back seat. "Dunno how I did that when I don't even know what she wants in the first place."

"She told you, straight up," Ruri (?) laughs. "She wants a good story. You make a good 'reluctant hero,' Lowry."

I'm sandwiched between her and the window, and the cool glass feels good against my forehead. I'm suddenly so tired. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

We pull out the chainlink gate. I watch the skyline change as we pick up speed down the road. Ruri thinks. Finally, she says, "No - not in the fuckin' least."
>>
No. 718800 ID: 34dbe0

interlude 2: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/718797.html
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