3/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/16(Sat)19:05 No. 926080 ID: 15a025
File 155278833662.png - (5.15KB , 800x600 , 63.png )

We make our way back to church and head up to Relina's room.

Relina: "Now that we're somewhere I don't have to worry about 'sleeping with the fishes' do you think you can fill me here? Why does a mafia want guy want you dead?"

Roxie: "Can I have my thoughts to myself for a moment? I want to talk to my guide spirits about all this."

Relina: "I...alright."

I assume she's disconnected, or whatever? Either that or she's good at keeping a blank mind.


Alright, I'm really not sure if I should confess everything to her or just partially fill her in. I'm a little worried if I tell her, it might end up in me having to leave the church and lose my protection. Or something worse happening? I guess I don't know what the church would do if they found out about me.

I could really use your guidance on this, spirits.

>>926080
You can tell her most of the story without worry I think. Just say you were delivering a package, but the guy was killed by cultists who then trapped you in the warehouse, so you killed one of the cultists while trying to escape. The cultists got pissy and proceeded to try to frame you for the murder of the guy they killed, who turned out to be a member of the mafia.

If she asks you what was in the package, tell her couriers are never told what the contents are. This will at most paint you as legally grey and the church shouldn't throw you out. It's not like you work directly for the mafia, after all, and your employer wasn't supposed to be dealing in any dangerous items.

...hmm. You were given a light enchantment stone for the delivery mission but... why? We now know it's not very effective against normal people. Wouldn't literally any other element have been better?

>>926080
RELINA, THERE'S A SPIDER ON YOUR TAIL!!!

If that doesn't get a reaction out of her, then she really did disconnect from us. Or she's very good at pretending.

>>926082
Yeah, pretty much this.

>You were given a light enchantment stone for the delivery mission
Not true.

Blitz, who is another guy from the church, gave us to Roxie because he said he had a feeling that Roxie was going to need us.

>>926080
So, what exactly did you guys do with the wolverine guy? If you didn’t take him to the cops, where did you take him?

>>926082
Yeah, do this.

>>926080
We either tell her nothing or we induct her.

>>926104
No, don’t induct her into the mafia!

>>926146
induct her into the mansion group, not the mafia.

>>926228
Isn’t everyone in the mansion in the mafia?

1/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/21(Thu)18:45 No. 926740 ID: 15a025
File 155321910398.png - (5.10KB , 800x600 , 64.png )

>what exactly did you guys do with the wolverine guy? If you didn’t take him to the cops, where did you take him?
We left him at the bar. I assume the bartender is going to hand him over to Slick or one of the other big shots in the mafia.

>You can tell her most of the story without worry I think. Just say you were delivering a package, but the guy was killed by cultists who then trapped you in the warehouse, so you killed one of the cultists while trying to escape. The cultists got pissy and proceeded to try to frame you for the murder of the guy they killed, who turned out to be a member of the mafia.
Roxie: "The other night I was delivering a package. When I got to the warehouse we were supposed to meet at, I found him dead on the floor. Soon after I heard something slam shut, only to find I was locked in. While looking around for a way to escape, I ran into the cult and found they were behind all of this. I managed to kill one of them on my way out. Once I escaped and got into town, I heard the guy they killed was with the mafia. Then I heard they're framing me for the murder."

Relina: "What were you delivering that could possibly warrant all of that?"

>If she asks you what was in the package, tell her couriers are never told what the contents are.
Roxie: "I don't know what it was. Couriers aren't told what they're delivering. I just got a box with the directions."

Relina: [small]"I'm sorry Roxie."[/i]

Roxie: "For what? You didn't do anything?"

Relina: "That whole time we were at the bar I kept thinking you were in the mafia or some criminal on the run. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that."

I feel like I'd remember hearing something like that? Unless some of her thoughts weren't sent over. It doesn't matter too much, she wouldn't be far off from the truth.

Relina: "-but I'm also sorry you have to go through all of this. I really hope your friend at the bar is able to get it sorted out for you."

Roxie: "Heh, don't hope for that. As soon as this all gets cleared up, I'm going to have to head out and start doing deliveries again."

Relina: "Well, you're always welcome and encouraged to come to church."

Roxie: "Yeah, maybe if I ever get the chance I can drag Candy down here with me."

Relina: "That'd be wonderf-oh! Speaking of deliveries, we still need to report to Lantern Lumein with the jar of chimera remains!"

2/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/21(Thu)18:45 No. 926741 ID: 15a025
File 155321912384.png - (5.67KB , 800x600 , 65.png )

Back out to the cold, Relina brings me over to the church. Someone's inside talking with Lumein.

???: "I'll end this briefly. I expect better out of you Lantern Lumein. This city has the highest chimera sightings and reports of curses in the entire district. I can pardon your poor performance seeing how the church has opened only a few weeks ago. I expect to see better results next inspection."

3/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/21(Thu)18:45 No. 926742 ID: 15a025
File 155321913763.png - (5.30KB , 800x600 , 66.png )

The strange cat promptly leaves afterwards, leaving Lumein by her podium thing.

>>926742
Whisper to Relina that you guess the church and the mafia arent so different.

>>926779
I don't think that's a fair comparison...

>>926742
Yeah, this city's got some big problems brewing. We need to get to the bottom of it. I wonder how much the church would pay you for working for them full time?

>>926742
Hopefully showing Lumein the chimera remains will cheer her up a little.

>>926779
No, don’t say that. That’s completely untrue.

>>926792
>payment for full time?
That’s assuming Roxie wants to continue doing this. But it is something to consider, since it seems to be nicer than running packages all over town.

1/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/26(Tue)19:41 No. 927460 ID: 15a025
File 155365448733.png - (5.32KB , 800x600 , 67.png )

>Isn’t everyone in the mansion in the mafia?
No. We just do business with the mafia sometimes. Well, as far as I know at least.

>I wonder how much the church would pay you for working for them full time?
>That’s assuming Roxie wants to continue doing this. But it is something to consider, since it seems to be nicer than running packages all over town.
I don't think the church can pay more than what I make right now. It's debatably a riskier job delivering stuff, but I'm making more than enough to pay the bills. I'm not even sure I can really quit my job right now either. I'm the only one who can go out and do this stuff.

>Whisper to Relina that you guess the church and the mafia aren't so different.
Roxie: "Since when does a church have to pass evaluations? This guy the god father or something?"

Relina: "No that was- did you just compare him to a mob boss?"

Roxie: "Sorry. But really, what was that all about?

Relina: "That was our Lantern Watcher."

Roxie: "Your who?"

Relina: "Oh, right. Well, to keep it simple, he's in charge of guiding all the Lanterns in the district and making sure everything's okay. He's like Lantern Lumein's boss.

>Hopefully showing Lumein the chimera remains will cheer her up a little.
Roxie: "Well come on, let's go show her our souvenir bar prize."

2/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/26(Tue)19:43 No. 927464 ID: 15a025
File 155365463710.png - (5.03KB , 800x600 , 68.png )

We walk up to the podium with the chimera ashes for Lumein.
Relina: "We're back!"

Lumein: "I see. A job done well I hope?"
She doesn't sound too hopeful.

Relina: "We got some chimera remains for the next send off!"

She sets the jar down on the podium thing. That gets her to change her tone a bit.

Lumein: "Ah, good! Learn anything on your first outing Roxie?"

Roxie: "Plenty."

Relina: "Roxie did most of the work on this one. She needed a few nudges to get things done though."

Lumein: "Keep up with your training then. I may need your assistance again in a few days. The police department might need our help with an investigation they're doing."

Relina: "Oh my! What's going on?"

Lumein: "I don't have the details, other than it involves the cult."

Relina: "You can count on us if something happens then!"

Lumein: "I'm glad to hear. Now rest easy, you've had a busy day so far."

3/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/26(Tue)19:45 No. 927465 ID: 15a025
File 155365470858.png - (4.83KB , 800x600 , 69.png )

The rest of the day goes by pretty quickly. Relina takes me back to her room and have something to eat. Afterwards, I get a chance to shower up and take this heavy robe off. Before I know it, I'm getting ready to call it a night.

Relina: "Despite our little adventure at the bar, I had a good time hanging out with you today Roxie."

Roxie: "Yeah, I guess I had a good time kicking your butt practicing magic today. Not sure I'd say a trip to the bar without any drinks-"

Relina: "Roxie!"

Roxie: "Oh fine. There's ways to have fun at bar without drinking. Otherwise I'd never offer to drive.

Relina: "Alright good night Roxie."

She shuts off the lights and we crawl into bed. Goodnight you goofy ghosts.

End of volume -

4/3 Buckwheat 2019/03/26(Tue)19:45 No. 927466 ID: 15a025
File 155365475665.png - (4.79KB , 800x600 , 70.png )

I'm woken up to someone knocking on the door. Relina must be a heavy sleeper because she doesn't get up at all.
Roxie: "Guess I'll get it."

By the time I'm up and answer the door, they're gone. There's a letter on the floor though. As I pick it up, I'm surprised it's addressed to me? Who the hell's sending me letters at this time of night? What time is it anyway, one?

I open it to see it's from the bartender.

Telegram to Roxie, from Slick.
Pick up your damn phone!
Assuming your hiding out of cell range at this point so I'm trusting our bartender friend here to deliver this instead. Your ass, my bar, our business. You know which one. Bring a friend if you want. I've got all night, but don't keep me waiting. I don't trust no-shows.

>>927466
Guess we're going out. Leave a note for Relina. Unless you think you can bring her?
It'd be nice to have a second light mage in case the cult is keeping tabs on Slick...

>>927466
zzzzzz

Huh?! What’s going on?!

Augh, Roxie, why did you wake us up so early?

>>927468
Sounds like a plan.

Tell relina that if you arent back to tell candy youve likely either been kidnapped or killed.

Buckwheat 2019/03/27(Wed)15:31 No. 927570 ID: 15a025
File 155372587778.png - (4.82KB , 800x600 , 71.png )

>Guess we're going out. Leave a note for Relina. Unless you think you can bring her?
>Tell Relina that if you aren't back to tell candy you've likely either been kidnapped or killed.
I'm not sure if I should make her come with me for this. Given how un-comfortable she seemed at the bar earlier, I don't think she could keep her cool around Slick.

>It'd be nice to have a second light mage in case the cult is keeping tabs on Slick.
There's Blitz if I can find and wake him up. He knows a little more about my situation than Relina, but I'm not sure how he'd handle the situation.

I guess there's Lumein too if I really feel like pushing my luck? Maybe she'll be understanding enough to help me out? Or give me an earful afterwards.

I don't mind going alone either. It might even be better not to drag them into all of this.

If you think it's fine then sure let's go alone.

>>927570
At least leave a note to let Relina know that you've gone to a meeting, so that she doesn't panic when she doesn't see you in bed.

And then write when you think you'll be back and if you're not back by then, something might have happened.

>>927936
Or if you're not back, you might be at the mansion where Candy is. Specifically tell her where the mansion is and that Candy is there, that way if something does happen to you and Relina comes looking for you, she and Candy can help each other come look for you.

1/2 Buckwheat 2019/03/31(Sun)11:56 No. 928094 ID: 15a025
File 155405857757.png - (4.67KB , 800x600 , 72.png )

>If you think it's fine then sure let's go alone.
>leave a note to let Relina know that you've gone to a meeting, so that she doesn't panic when she doesn't see you in bed.
>write when you think you'll be back and if you're not back by then, something might have happened.

Alright. I think I should be back before Relina wakes up. Just in case I'm not, I leave her a short note explaining what's going on.

2/2 Buckwheat 2019/03/31(Sun)11:57 No. 928095 ID: 15a025
File 155405867157.png - (5.46KB , 800x600 , 73.png )

It's a long walk out in the cold, but I guess this is what I get for leaving my scooter at home. Least it's helping me wake up and stay alert.

I let out a sigh of relief when I get into the bar to warm up. It doesn't last long when I see the cold look on Slicks face though.
Slick: "How nice of you to finally join us Roxie. I was starting to think you might not show up."

Roxie: "Not exactly the best hour to try and get a hold of someone."

Slick: "Would be if someone knew how to answer their phone. That's beside the point though. You came all the way down here, so why don't you make yourself comfortable and take a seat."

As I make my way over to the table and sit down he light's up a cigar. As a sit down he blows a puff of smoke at me.
Slick: "So first of all, I've had a chat with a small friend of ours."

I cough out a reply.
Roxie: "And how did that go?"

My heart just about skips a beat when I see him pull out his gun. Shit, what did that little runt tell him! He casually draws it towards the middle of the table and just drops it, making a loud click as it hits the surface. Then he moves the barrel away from both of us. Before I can think about what his plan is, he continues on.

Slick:"Things are a lot more interesting now. Turns out Snowshoes might have been playing double agent. According to our small friend, he's been selling enchantments to this cult behind our backs. Then he's been stealing them back and hiding them somewhere else."

I look down at the gun again for a moment.
Roxie: "What's that have to do with me?"

Slick: "You're quite the interesting person right now. It's not every day you run into someone with light magic. Well, someone like you with light magic that is."

>>928095
Oh, let me guess: he wants you to fight the cult on the mafia's behalf.

>>928095
>”You're quite the interesting person right now. It's not every day you run into someone with light magic. Well, someone like you with light magic that is."
I wonder what he’s getting at here? He might be trying to imply that it was awfully convenient for you to have light magic when the cult showed up, like you knew they were coming ahead of time.

(image fix) Buckwheat 2019/04/02(Tue)20:25 No. 928485 ID: 15a025
File 155426192801.png - (5.52KB , 800x600 , 74.png )

>wonder what he’s getting at here? He might be trying to imply that it was awfully convenient for you to have light magic when the cult showed up, like you knew they were coming ahead of time.
Roxie: "Are you trying to say I knew the cult was going to be there last night?"

Slick: "Not quite, but since you brought it up,"

He spins the gun towards me.
Slick: "Care to elaborate on that?"


Roxie: "I told you. All I knew was to meet Snowshoes at the warehouse, then give him his package. That's it. I didn't even know what was inside the package."

Slick: "Yeah, and since when have you brought anything more dangerous than a pocket knife along for protection. You might not have known what was up, but I sure as hell know Sugar knew something!"

I flinch as he moves his paw, just about expecting him to shoot. He doesn't though, he's just pulling his cigar out to puff more smoke.

When he resumes talking, his tone sounds more depressed and calm.

Slick: "I know she's run into these freaks before. At least I hear her sister and Marsh have been picking away at them. Just- the first thing I want to know here is what the hell is going on between the two of you."

I know Candy saved Tulip from the cult the other day. I didn't know Marsh was involved though? Or did they try pulling something like earlier on her? Does she have enchantments too? As for me, they know what I'm delivering and want more than just some free samples. They went all the way to try and kidnap my friend and use her as ransom or something for some.
Wait, I might be able use that? At least as reason for why I'm carrying around a light enchantment.

Between you and sugar? ...I don't even understand the question. She's your boss? And you're kindof pissed at her now since it's basically her fault you're in this shitty situation?

We didn't hear the whole conversation that led to you getting the necklace and light enchantment, so I can't tell if just giving him the truth would work. But yeah, the cult went after Tulip so you can just say that Candy may have expected the cult to go after you too regardless of what you were carrying, thus the extra protection.

>>928485
>I know Candy saved Tulip from the cult the other day. I didn't know Marsh was involved though? Or did they try pulling something like earlier on her?
He might be referring to an earlier event that you don’t know about, where both Candy and Marsh ran into the cult. This event probably took place before Candy and Relina saved Tulip.

>>928488
>But yeah, the cult went after Tulip so you can just say that Candy may have expected the cult to go after you too regardless of what you were carrying, thus the extra protection.
Yeah, tell him this.

>>928488
This.

1/2 Buckwheat 2019/04/04(Thu)12:42 No. 928662 ID: 15a025
File 155440694492.png - (4.42KB , 800x600 , 75.png )

>He might be referring to an earlier event that you don’t know about, where both Candy and Marsh ran into the cult. This event probably took place before Candy and Relina saved Tulip.
He could be. I probably shouldn't make assumptions about what happened yet either. I'll have to ask Marsh and Candy about it next time I see them.

>Between you and sugar? ...I don't even understand the question. She's your boss? And you're kindof pissed at her now since it's basically her fault you're in this shitty situation?
Roxie: "Between...me and Sugar? I don't really get your question. Of course I'm mad at her right now. I'm in this shitty situation right now all thanks to her."

Slick: "I meant why is the cult going after all of you, or why are you going after the cult?"
>We didn't hear the whole conversation that led to you getting the necklace and light enchantment, so I can't tell if just giving him the truth would work. But yeah, the cult went after Tulip so you can just say that Candy may have expected the cult to go after you too regardless of what you were carrying, thus the extra protection.
Roxie: "I have a few guesses as to why the cult is after all us. A few days ago they tried to hold a friend of mine ransom for... some certain special candy we sell? I wasn't there when it happened. I heard Candy and a girl from the church managed to kill the cultist behind it. She also mentioned the cult's looking to kidnap me since I'm Sugar's 'distributor'. I've been carrying around my light enchantment since then."

He lets out a little chuckle.

Slick: "Sorry, you just keep talking like someone else is listening in on us. Anyway..."

He spins the gun around so it's not pointing at me again.

Slick: "So, these bums are pretty much the next gang looking to take over the town. They don't seem to be fuckin around either. If they're after the kind of enchantments like I hear, we need to call and double down on getting some ourselves."

He stops and looks like he's thinking for awhile.

Slick: "We're not gonna be able to get armed soon enough to chase after some info though. Damn.

2/2 Buckwheat 2019/04/04(Thu)12:43 No. 928663 ID: 15a025
File 155440698112.png - (5.83KB , 800x600 , 76.png )

Slick: "For a second here, I didn't think we'd need it. Hey Bartender! Bring out my suitcase!"

Quickly, the bartender comes over with a suitcase.
Roxie: "What's this all about now?"

Slick: "Inside this suitcase is the bounty I put on your head. Five grand."

I think I know where this is going.

Roxie: "Let me guess-"

Slick: "Don't spoil the fun now. I've got some other sources saying the fuzz is going to be doing a sting operation somewhere on the cult. Apparently they got lead on where one of their meeting spots are. I don't care how you do it or how you get there. I want you to go and investigate tell me everything you can. Maybe get a little bonus if you bring back some souvenirs."

>>928662
>the mafia wants some stones
Well what do you know? Sugar has some apparently. You should tell her about her new buyer. Though if I were her, I'd sell them mostly light enchantment stones, or other things that won't give them too much power against the police after this is all over.

>>928663
Tell him that sounds difficult. You'll give it a shot, but you might not be able to do it. Ask what kind of information he's looking for.
I mean, you don't have any contacts in the police department, so I'm not sure how you'd be able to find out where it's going down.

One thing's worrying me... Almost every question Slick has asked has to do with the cult, instead of Snowshoes, and now he's asking you to get info on a sting operation before it goes down?

Also why ARE you acting like someone's listening? You know we can't exactly tell the police about your criminal activity right?

>>928662
Tell him he would probably be better off investing in assault rifles and other sorts of conventional weapons. Enchantments are a lot hotter and don't negate bullets.

>>928663
Guess we need to chat with Candy.

>>928664
>Give it a shot, but might not be able to do it.
This.

>Stop acting like someone else is listening.
I agree.

>>928668
>Need to chat with Candy
Why? How can she help us with this? Also, she's not going to be much help if her leg is still injured from her daring rescue of Tulip.

We're the only ones that know about Candy working with the police, nobody else knows. Please don't try to metagame like that.

>>928677
I'm not trying to metagame. I could have sworn she said something about getting involved with the police to some degree.

>>928677
>>928681
Not too sure if I'm being too meta now myself, but you might be thinking of Lumien from a few panels ago: >>927464

Sorry for the weird OOC post.

1/2 Buckwheat 2019/04/06(Sat)17:23 No. 928890 ID: 15a025
File 155459659431.png - (4.57KB , 800x600 , 77.png )

>Sugar has some apparently. You should tell her about her new buyer. Though if I were her, I'd sell them mostly light enchantment stones, or other things that won't give them too much power against the police after this is all over. Enchantments are a lot hotter and don't negate bullets.
>Tell him he would probably be better off investing in assault rifles and other sorts of conventional weapons.
Roxie: "I don't know Slick. You might be better off just grabbing more guns."

Slick: "From a business stand point, maybe. Easier to sell them than enchantments, but bullets don't kill monsters from hell."

Roxie: "Well, good luck with that."

Slick: "What, Sugar's all tapped out? Come on, I know she's got to have more! Have her dig through for what we need."

Roxie: "Call her afterwards, you know I'm just the courier. I don't know what she has!"

Slick: "Alright, get that attitude of yours on the rocks, Rox. Let's get back to my offer here."

>Almost every question Slick has asked has to do with the cult, instead of Snowshoes, and now he's asking you to get info on a sting operation before it goes down?
Roxie: "About that. So far, you haven't really asked much about Snowshoes and more about that cult. Now you want me to get info about a sting operation before it even happens?"

Slick: "Yeah. I know Snowshoes was dealing with these guys behind my back. It might be a little late now, but I wanna try and find out if he was really was a traitor, or if he just bit off a little more than he could chew?"

>You'll give it a shot, but you might not be able to do it. Ask what kind of information he's looking for.
Roxie: "I can't make any promises, but I'll try and give it a shot. What kind of information are you looking for?"

Slick: "Most important info is anything about Snowshoes. You manage to even just find the guy who really did it, perhaps we can talk about a bonus then. Names and faces are next. Try and learn their ranks too. Be nice to find out who's leading all this, but I know that's probably a long shot. Probably more valuable than that would be how they're getting their enchantments. Are they just stealing them from somewhere, or is someone else dealing? If it's the latter situation, find out who."

Roxie: "Alright. Guess the only other problem I have is, where is this place?"

He hands me a envelope.

Slick: "Details and directions inside. Here's my number too. Just don't be calling me up for stupid shit."

2/2 Buckwheat 2019/04/06(Sat)17:23 No. 928891 ID: 15a025
File 155459661214.png - (5.75KB , 800x600 , 78.png )

He snuffs out his cigar as he gets up.

Slick: "Alright, you sure know how to keep things interesting around here Roxie. How about we wrap this up and call it a night? Unless you feel like sticking around for a few drinks?"

>>928891
Strongly consider having a few drinks.

>>928893
Consider, yes. But should she actually get a few drinks?

>>928891
Don't stick around for drinks. He might be attempting to loosen your lips by getting you a little tipsy.

You might be better off using this time to prepare for what he's asked you to do.

Tired and drunk doesn't mix well. Thank him for the offer and go back to bed.

Oh yeah, and while his sources just said somewhere, do they have anything else on it?

>>928998
It’s probably written in that envelope he gave to Roxie.

1/2 Buckwheat 2019/04/08(Mon)09:34 No. 929076 ID: 15a025
File 155474128743.png - (5.83KB , 800x600 , 79.png )

>Strongly consider having a few drinks.
Ha, the only thing I need to strongly consider is what I'll-

>Consider, yes. But should she actually get a few drinks?
>Don't stick around for drinks. He might be attempting to loosen your lips by getting you a little tipsy.
>You might be better off using this time to prepare for what he's asked you to do.
>Tired and drunk doesn't mix well. Thank him for the offer and go back to bed.
What I won't be ordering I guess. As much as I could go for a few drinks to unwind, this probably isn't the place or time to do so. Relina probably wouldn't be too happy if came back to the church more than a little buzzed either.

Roxie: "I'll pass on the drinks. It's late, and feel like getting up early to investigate a little."

Slick: "Like I said, keeping it interesting. I'll expect you to keep in touch."

>Oh yeah, and while his sources just said somewhere, do they have anything else on it?
Roxie: "Oh, one last thing before I head out. Your sources said somewhere, but do they have anything else on it?"

Slick: "Also like I said, details are in the envelope. Not sure how helpful it's all gonna be. Hearing things from underground fighting ring to some spot for summoning monsters."

Roxie: "Alright, goodnight."

With that, I take my leave and head back to the church.

2/2 Buckwheat 2019/04/08(Mon)09:35 No. 929077 ID: 15a025
File 155474130497.png - (4.51KB , 800x600 , 80.png )

It's about a little after two-thirty by the time I make it back and I'm beat. Given how far the walk from her to the bar is, it's probably a good idea I decided to pass on drinks. Not sure I could even get a taxi at this hour. I flop into bed and call it night, hoping I won't have to get up too early. Thanks for helping me get out trouble again today, holy spirits.

End of Volume 7