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File 158335977730.png - (138.71KB , 800x800 , 222.png )
957925 No. 957925 ID: 5fc3a0

>"You think you're in control?"
"I never said that, Pillet!"
>"Then you'd better get in control so that you can."
Expand all images
>>
No. 957926 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158335983184.png - (245.43KB , 800x800 , 223.png )
957926

"Agh fuck it fell! Pillet why I gotta play jenga with energy?"
>"Because you suck at controlling it. If I had a tenth of your power I'd kick your tiny ass."
"You mean you could kick my ass?"
>"I mean that I would! Your power was meant for me!"
"Too bad, I own over 90% of all the energy. No one can get more than a tenth of my power."
>"Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts."

I practice my telekinesis to set the tower back up again, and Pillet pulls her phone out.

>"A private chatroom?"
>>
No. 957928 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158335997927.png - (118.22KB , 800x800 , 224.png )
957928

I peer onto her phone. She's connected to a chat with 2 other people. 'Pillet', 'Phantom Mask', and 'Anonymous1759'. After a moment, messages start getting sent.

Anonymous1759: I have Phantom's missing key.
Anonymous1759: <Image Embed>
Anonymous1759: I'm beginning a long term auction. The entry fee is 10 full crates of food. Each time you bid, you must deliver at least 10 more crates, and each person must wait 24 hours before making another bid. This will continue until one of you fails to bid. Then I will surrender the key to the winner.
Phantom Mask: Prove this photo isn't an edit. Write B@Q-B8B onto a piece of paper, put it next to the key, and take several pictures at different angles. Upload the album.


He follows directions. It looks like the real thing.

>"Looks like this is happening, Delli."

Anonymous1759: Get your 10 crates of food ready, and I will have further details on when and where to deliver them.
>>
No. 957930 ID: 0fae41

So, what stops you from letting the other person 'win' the auction then taking the key from them? The fate of the city is worth more than a few dozen food crates. Even if it is a real key, this 'auction' has got to be a trick.
>>
No. 957932 ID: 094652

>>957930
Agreed, just find a way to put a bomb in one of the food crates and mount a raid. No sense bidding on an auction with no credibility from a guy who can't prove he even saw the key.
>>
No. 957934 ID: 584c5c

Think of the jenga! Restrain yourself from acting rashly.
>>
No. 957935 ID: b1b4f3

>>957928
...hmm. Considering how valuable that key is, the "auction" will probably continue for a long time, as each participant will take more and more drastic measures to gather food to bid with. At some point, whoever's running the auction will have sole possession over most of the food supply of the city.

...do you need to eat? This could cause a famine. If you don't need to eat... how much can you eat in a day? Could the auctioneer just eat all of it to gain power and eventually rival yours?

Well may as well gather food for one day's worth of food while we decide how to handle this in the long term. If we're trying to win the auction the smart thing to do is immediately seize or destroy every food production or storage facility we can get to. Depending on how fast the food production is, we could just go after the storage facilities.
>>
No. 957937 ID: b07f1c

Technically all the food in the city should belong to you so, this seems kinda easy. I mean, we can just bid anything we want, and once we win the auction, we simply procure the amount that we bid.

A few questions that I'd ask is, is the entry fee something that you pay even if you don't win? Similarly, are the 10 crates per bid considered a fee that has to be paid either way as well?
>>
No. 957938 ID: e2f5cc

Why not just like... Put a gps tracker within the food in the crates with a slightly more obvious tracker on one of the crates itself, then whenever it stops/all the trackers stop responding you go over and beat the shit out of the people there, worst case you get information.
>>
No. 957939 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158336268783.png - (123.46KB , 800x800 , 225.png )
957939

We don't need to eat, but since it gets power...

"How much can a person eat in a day?"
>"Not 20 crates, I'll tell you that. But if this is a group? Then maybe, yeah, and their leader can kill the others if they want it all on one person."
"So this is all a ploy for power..."
>"Damn, you're right, I thought this was for charity! No shit. It'll take a longass time to rival your powe, but it's going to be a pain if we have 50 mid-powered guys hassling our rank and file."
"We could just let Phantom win, then take the key from her."
>"Haha, no. I don't know who this anonymous guy is, but I bet Phantom is way better at hiding a key. Shit, my guys haven't even been able to find a lot of her farms, and those are bigger than keys."
"How hard is a farm to find?"
>"Underground farms exist, you know."
"Right. Still, we should have way more food output, right?!"
>"I'm sure we do, but I'm betting Phantom can easily do 10 crates a day. I bet she has a ton stockpiled for emergency, too."
"And I don't suppose if we lose the auction, we get our entry fee back?"
>"Haha, no, this guys trying to gouge both of us in a bid war. And he can try it too, because keys are a buyer's market."
"Right. Okay. Let's stick a bomb in a crate then."
>"Or a tracker. That's worth a shot. Hey, speaking of Phantom, she sent me a private message. She wants to know if we're going to play along."
>>
No. 957940 ID: 465a14

What kind of countermeasures are possible to stop you from spying on the delivery and figuring out whose lackeys are arranging transport?
>>
No. 957941 ID: b1b4f3

>>957939
Ask her if she also realized this is a ploy for power. Tell her you have no interest in fueling another rival, and you're sure she doesn't either. Tell her she should try to find the auctioneer in her own way, and so will you.
>>
No. 957942 ID: b07f1c

I guess. Ask Phantom what's her plan. Other than bidding. And if she'd be interested in working together with you to scam the seller.
>>
No. 957943 ID: e2f5cc

Just say "Yeah" for now but still obviously go through with our plan. Just because Phantom seemed alright doesn't mean it's worth risking... What is this key for again? Lifting the magic fog around this place? Well in any case a little bit of subterfuge is nothing that can't be talked over afterwards.
>>
No. 957944 ID: a9af05

>>957939
You know what this means, right? You've gotta get good at controlling your energy.
>>
No. 957945 ID: 48ce40

Maybe you can get more food by selling, like, power favours? Exchange IOUs that say "good for one (1) feat of power, so long as it's not something that hurts anyone or is for asshole purposes or anything like that".

Anyway, whatever you go with will probably require at least looking like you're playing along.
>>
No. 957946 ID: 891b91

>She wants to know if we're going to play along.
Haha hell no. But we'll tell her yes. But she'll know we're lying. But we'll know she knows and she'll know we know she knows.
>>
No. 957949 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158336716287.png - (150.69KB , 800x800 , 226.png )
957949

I go back to controlling my energy. I don't think Pillet was bluffing when she said she could beat me with only 10% of my raw power.

Pillet dials someone.

>"Pillet?" asks Phantom. Apparently Pillet has her on speed dial.
>"Yeah it's me, hey. I've got you on speaker. Delli's here."
>"Oh. Hi, Delli."
"Hi, Phantom."
>"Okay stop smooching." says Pillet.
"Did you also realize this is a ploy for power, Phantom?"
>"Yesss?"
"Okay nevermind. Pillet said you were asking if we were going to play along with this auction, and yeah I will. This person did find the key and I do want to get it, and I don't care about food anymore."
>"I don't believe you."
"Wow okay you're right. You're enough rivalry for me. I mean we should at least pretend to play along at first. Can we find this guy?"
>"Maybe."
"What's maybe?"
>"What it is, is that I'm not telling you. I agree that we should at least play along to begin with and prepare our crates of food, but I'm not going to be strung along for weeks."
"I figured if I were serious about this, I'd just wildly outbid you beyond what you could deliver."
>"Maybe he's hoping that'll happen. Maybe after we put in our fees, he's going to drop additional 'rules' on us. With 10 crates needed for each bid, he might remove any sort of minimum bid, but make a maximum bid."
"That'd be fucked up!"
>"Yeah don't give him ideas, Phantom!"
>"You guys are in a secure spot, right?"
"We are. You have a plan?"
>"Simple trackers with the food, to begin with."
"We were going to do the same."
>"Good. We can push back, because there's no other group that can pay what we can pay, and they clearly want to get as much as they can from this. Then again, they are reckless."
"How so?"
>"You're still planning on opening the fog chamber with the keys, right? And removing the fog?"
"Yeah I guess so."
>"And it's generally accepted that the fog is what makes us immortal. So they're willing to remove their own immortality, and ours, just for some food."
"Say, what's stopping me from spying on the delivery?"
>"Not much at first, and they'll assume you will at first. Their countermeasures will be more about making sure you can't secretly follow wherever the goods go. I'm willing to work together, as they're going to try to take advantage of the idea that we're at each others throats. We might even be best off pretending we're trying to undermine each other."
>"Haha, pretending." says Pillet.
>>
No. 957950 ID: 86eb65

How does the internet even work here?

And remind me why we have not killed every person in town then razed it to the ground and shoved all the re spawns into concentration camps? Sure its not polite but neither are the idiots who want to keep everyone trapped in limbo with them forever.

How many keys are we down? Just this one or are there more? (has been a bit.)

If you do not participate in some fashion they might just continue the auction and stop sending you info about it. So we should do something about it probably.

Send yourself in one of the food boxes? All hidden under the sweet sweet chocolate? Then you bust out and save the day.

Also keep practicing you idiot or you will not be top dog for long. Age and treachery beat youth and vigor any day.
>>
No. 957952 ID: b07f1c

Ask Phantom if that means your date (or whatever chill session you had planned) with her tomorrow is canceled.
>>
No. 957953 ID: 86eb65

One nice thing about having all this power is getting to practice with it. This mess could take years if that key keeps getting lost. So practice every moment while you are doing other stuff.

As for the mystery auction people they would give you the key if they wanted the haze gone. And they would give it to Phantom if they just wanted there lives.

Whoever has it wants power. Either by getting food from you or by luring you into a trap and stealing yours. Your girlfriend made the power you have. Someone else could figure out a way to steal it or kill you.

I already voted for you to hide in the food and let yourself get delivered to there mystery location. Everyone else should have pretty tiny powers right now so for a bit you are superman.
>>
No. 957958 ID: b1b4f3

>>957949
Well if we're gonna pretend, may as well be convincing. Ask Phantom what she's willing to sacrifice to keep the auctioneer from suspecting that you're working together. Or mostly working together, anyway. Kindof.
You'll go wreck havoc on whatever she gives you, then you can throw in like 50 crates which seems reasonable for a big opening bid where your opponent is crippled.
Wait, won't it be basically impossible for the auctioneer to hide the way they're transporting the food? If you bid enough all at once he's gonna need to bring in a lot of trucks or make multiple trips, which will either leave lots of tracks or be easy to follow.
>>
No. 957962 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158337272626.png - (121.92KB , 800x800 , 227.png )
957962

"So what're you willing to sacrifice to keep them from thinking we're working together?"
>"We'll sacrifice our planned hangout until further notice."
"Damn. Okay."
>"Well, I'll be in contact." Phantom hangs up.

I get back to practicing this jenga thing.

"How's the internet work, Pillet?"
>"What? Like in general? Do I look like I know?"
"Hm. I assume there's like, some floating satellite up there, or one of those radio towers or something. Hey what happens if I raze the whole town?"
>"Then I hope you like sleeping on rubble. At least there wouldn't be as many bastards hunting down the keys."
"Yeah, but then we'd need to be immortal in order to spend the eternity it'd take for just you and me to find a single key in the rubblestack. And I don't want to do that anyway."

I can feel the three other keys in my pocket. The other gang leaders didn't break theirs, so it's only Phantom's that's missing.

"Okay, I'm going to leave the details to you since I'm not a people person."

Not like Pillet is any better at being a people person, but she likes doing it.
>>
No. 957963 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158337275106.png - (171.37KB , 800x800 , 228.png )
957963

Sure enough, the next day, Pillet gets a private message from the anonymous dealer where and when to deliver the crates. I guess he's giving us and Phantom separate dropoffs. We're told only one person is allowed to deliver the goods, underneath some underpass at night that just screams shady deals. After the deal is made, we'll be allowed to make our opening bids.

Pillet has one of her weird rebel people do the delivery after all the crates are packed up. She didn't tell me all of her plans, but I know that the boxes are picked up by several people!

They're moved to a different truck and driven off to a new location, and then taken off that truck.
>>
No. 957964 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158337276227.png - (175.47KB , 800x800 , 229.png )
957964

Then someone opens up my box, moves the food, and finds me.

>"... Uhhhhh. Right, er, looks like I found some contraband."
"Huh?"
>"The boss said we should expect contraband, so that's what we're lookin' for here. I sure didn't expect the contraband would be you, so that's gonna give me some weird nightmares tonight. So er... I think we're gonna have to wait for you to get out and fly away so we can continue working, that'd be great."
>>
No. 957965 ID: 86eb65

Yeah but now I can just hover over you for days. Watching all the time. When you go to pee I will be there. When you sleep I will be there. Just watching and judging.

Eventually you will have to take me to your boss. So why not we get this over with and bring them to me so we can chat?

Munch on chocolate bar and hand him one.
>>
No. 957966 ID: 48ce40

"Would you believe I just happened to fall in? Anyway obviously I'm going to need to fill the space that my body'd been taking up, aren't I?... Got any spare food on you?"
>>
No. 957967 ID: 4044a9

Reach out ever so slowly and place a tracker on his forehead. Then silently float away.
>>
No. 957968 ID: 695467

"It was worth a shot at least."
>>
No. 957971 ID: 448e94

You know Phantom is in the Box next to me right?
>>
No. 957972 ID: e2f5cc

>>957967
While hilarious, That is unfortunately a very bad tactical decision, as then they'll know what they're looking for, and since it's unlikely these people are opening up the food to find the trackers we (hopefully) placed in them, but they might start being more through if we give them trouble. But all the same if we just float above them menacingly they'll probably be more reckless! Keep >>957965 in mind for if/when it's required, just don't threaten them immediately.
>>
No. 957973 ID: 91ee5f

>>957964
>that's gonna give me some weird nightmares tonight
“Oh yeah? Well you’re gonna give me some weird nightmares! Because holy shit, I thought you were gonna eat me! Do you know how scary you are?! With your mouth and all those sharp teeth in them! Damn!”
>>
No. 957974 ID: 015bf2

>>957964
It seemed marginally clever-er than the expected trackers (you say, pretending not to have included trackers).

Because if he doesn’t put this crate back together and say he disposed of the contraband, you know his face now and there’s an eternity’s worth of sleepless night surprises you can throw at him from here on if he doesn’t.
>>
No. 957975 ID: cdabe3

“I’m not wearing pants.”
>>
No. 957984 ID: 10c408

"Sorry buddy, this is no longer a case of contraband and weird nightmares. It's a stick up!

Point your finger gun at him and get the others lined up against a wall before you take a picture of them for later identification.
>>
No. 957989 ID: b1b4f3

Yeah let's gather some information on them. Also check out the trucks.
You will eventually have to leave so that they can continue with the delivery, of course. Fly off, make note of the location, see if there's any way to follow without being noticed, like hide in clouds or something.
>>
No. 957991 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158340284684.png - (193.11KB , 800x800 , 230.png )
957991

"Yeah well your toothy face is going to give me nightmares!"
>"Do you really need to be mean?"
"No I meant it in like a flattering, you're kind of scary look, not a - look nevermind! This was worth a shot but you found me! I'll just hover over you from now on, watching you have nightmares about me! Until you show me your boss."

He turns to the side.

>"Hey Boss!"
>"Yeah? You find something?"
>"Delli's in here!"
>"What do you mea - oh shit."
"You're the boss?"
>"I'm not the boss, if you get me, I'm just in charge of these guys. So - everyone stop what you're doing until Delli leaves! Delli, any other contraband you want to talk about?"
"Phantom's in the box next to me."

The searcher next to me shakes her head.

>"Nice try." says this boss. "Whatever it was you were trying, anyway. Whatever. Please get out of the box and leave."
"I'm not wearing any pants."
>"We're all adults here, aren't we? Come on out."
>>
No. 957992 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158340286590.png - (263.66KB , 800x800 , 231.png )
957992

"Way to call my bluff." I say, shimmying around a bit before getting out of the box.
>"Huh, you really aren't. Start searching that box again, Kulton." says the boss, and the toothy guy starts looking at the crate I was in.
>"I found his pants in here!" Kulton says. I think he just took them off. Also there's empty wrappers in here, I think he's been eating some of this stuff."

I get my phone out and raise my finger. I'd slap a tracker on one of their foreheads, but I didn't think to bring my own trackers for this.

"Everyone get on the wall so I can take your pictures, before I start blowing people up!"

They look at their boss for confirmation.

>"No!" he says. "That's enough. The boss said to forgive you for pulling something like this on the first delivery, but not if you push us around. Get out of here, or else I'm going to pull out my phone and report that you failed to deliver."
>>
No. 957993 ID: 10c408

"You guys take all the fun out of being an unkillable jackass."

Fly away, be pretty obvious about. Leave your pants behind because who cares.

Start calling pillet and tell her your part of the plan didn't work out
>>
No. 957994 ID: cdabe3

>>957993
this
>>
No. 957995 ID: 60d648

Shoot him and take his phone!
Then interrogate the lackeys and finish what you were saying you were gonna do.
>>
No. 957996 ID: f13cd5

"Come on, just one group selfie before I go! It'll be fun!"
Your pants are done for, there's no getting them back.
>>
No. 957997 ID: 4286b4

Well, if we failed to deliver, it would probably mean that we're out of the game and that Phantom wins. And we can't have that. I'd also assume that if the real boss doesn't get a response from these guys in time, that he would presume they're dead and that we failed.

It looks like we'll need to find another way to find their boss and the key. To begin with, I doubt these food crates will ever come anywhere near the boss or their prized possession, so hmm.

That said, you should totally kidnap that cute girl in the middle back there before leaving.
>>
No. 957998 ID: 86eb65

"Dang it you guys are being way to reasonable about this. Not being a murderous sociopath is probably working against me."

"What happens if I blow up all the food and neither of us end up delivering?"

Before you leave make sure to very carefully float over to the main guy and teabag him before leaving. Just slow zeppelin of junk making a beeline to his dome.
>>
No. 957999 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158341424977.png - (180.07KB , 800x800 , 232.png )
957999

"Well there goes the fun in being an unkillable jackass."
>"This might be news to you, but it's it's not so fun being the bottom line!"
"Yeah, I know. Hey what happens if I blow up all the food?"
>"... failure to delivery for sure."
"I mean Phantom's delivery, too."

They shuffle their feet around."

>"You're giving us knowledge above our paygrade." The boss is looking like he's getting impatient, too.

I float out the window. Pretty sure even if I took this guy's phone, someone else would report the failure. There's no cloud cover or anything, so I doubt I can get away with tailing them.
>>
No. 958000 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158341428689.png - (91.93KB , 800x800 , 233.png )
958000

I call Pillet.

"Hey Pillet."
>"Hey."
"My hiding in the boxes didn't work."
>"Never coulda seen it coming. The tracker's moving. Did you find anything out when they found you out?"
"Not really. Their trucks had their license plates removed, they didn't say who their boss was, and so on."
>"Wow, nothing? Head on back, then, we'll just wait. Maybe Phantom's feeling generous with information."
>>
No. 958001 ID: 86eb65

If its dark out they cant see you following the trucks if you stay up high. Worst case you get a bit lost and have to fly back home.

Keep practicing power stuff. (Can people sense that? Can you do stealthy things with powers?)
>>
No. 958002 ID: 4286b4

I still think that kidnapping one of them would've been a good idea since it would allow us to question them and learn more about their boss or about their agenda. Actually, maybe if you did it right now, without them noticing it, they might think the person simply went awol.
>>
No. 958003 ID: 48ce40

They have to have lights on to drive if it's as dark as this, right? Just float high above the streets and see if you can see trucks moving and to where. If you don't see anything, that's confirmation at least that they're not using the roads and must have some other route.
>>
No. 958004 ID: 10c408

Honestly, there's no reason why you can't tail these trucks the old fashioned way. You just need a pair of binoculars so you can tail the rebel funkie making the next drop off and then the trucks. From above the city, as high as you can go without the fog kicking you back into town.
>>
No. 958015 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158342346613.png - (280.08KB , 800x800 , 234.png )
958015

"Hold on, maybe I can follow them." I look down. "Nevermind they just through a tunnel. Annnd it's the Spaghetti Tunnel, named for its unnavigable roads. Maybe if I follow them..."
>"You think they forgot to have any sentries there to make sure they weren't followed?"
"Mayyybe. Mayyyybe not. Ugh, they might have someone who can sense power too, I don't know."
>"If you can't even suppress your own power, get back here and work on that!"
"I've been trying, but suppressing the most power anyone's ever had in history has proven difficult, Pillet!"
>"Try more than anyone in history has ever tried, then!"
"You're being kind of a bitch right now!"
>"If you don't think you're up to the task, lemme kill you! Come back to base unless you think you can get literally a single piece of information from a single person in that group!"

Maybe I should've kidnapped one of them, but they all stuck together and I'm pretty sure the boss would've said 'failure to delivery' as he loved saying. If I follow them, it'll be risky. Well, worst case is that they don't play along and then Phantom gets the key I guess, but then I just have to find the key anyway!
>>
No. 958018 ID: b07f1c

Retire and go back, grandpa.
>>
No. 958021 ID: 86eb65

You can go all super hero and stick yourself to the bottom of a truck near them. Then quietly sneak along and what the fuck where did all these trucks come from?

Did they just exist here before people came? Have you all been here so long it all got reinvented? How big is the town?

Anyways if you can't sneak after them get back home and prep for the next mission.

1. Get trackers.
2. Find out if you can use your powers for more than basic stuff.
3. Practice power use.
4. Let Pillet come up with a nice plan if she is so smart.
5. Be nice to your girlfriend you doof.
6. Get map of spaghetti mess for future trips.
7. Explore said interchange.
8. Accidentally get into a fight over said intersection and collapse the entire fucking thing so the next shipment can not sneak around down there.
9. Use your powers to burrow around all over a hundred feet under town to find hidden area's
10. Fly straight up for a hour.
>>
No. 958024 ID: 8d23f0

>>958015
ask pillet if there is a power for scrying if you try hard enough
>>
No. 958028 ID: e2f5cc

...Wait a second, I just thought of two very important questions. The first and less immediately pressing one is: How hasn't overpopulation utterly fucked (heh) over this town? I mean, when you're immortal I imagine sex becomes more and more appealing as you run out of other things to do, and since more children mean more people that will grow up to make more children, it seems like things would get out of hand very fast.

The second and far more important matter is: Why don't we just give Pillet all our power? Not to put you down or anything Delli, but I think even you can admit she's far more qualified for it and if she asked you to do something you'd do it with minimal questioning, so why not cut out the middle man and be able to brag about having the most powerful girlfriend in the world and also not have to deal with that responsibility yourself. This all comes at the cost of... Being dead for a month? Since it's not like Pillet would get rid of the haze with you dead. And if you're worried about her only wanting you for your power or whatever, do remember that she was your sorta kinda maybe girlfriend even when you were just a random goon.

And now for two far less meaningful questions: One, what species even is Pillet? Two, have you put out for her?
>>
No. 958041 ID: b1b4f3

There's always tomorrow.
>>
No. 958045 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158344429879.png - (150.90KB , 800x800 , 235.png )
958045

I guess I'll explore the interchange later. Or get a map or something.

I float back to base.

"Is there a power for scrying?"
>"For what?"
"Like... magic crystal ball, viewing... them."
>"Never heard of anyone with that ability, nope. So how many people were there, when you were found?"
"I guess about 6 or 7?"
>"Hmm, and they had a bigger boss? Let's see... I put a tracker in each of the ten boxes. One of them just showed up again. The rest must still be underground." She gestures at her computer, where there's a blip on her map. "You can check it out, but I've got a guy nearby otherwise."
"If you're so smart, how about you come up with a plan?"
>"We put a bounty on information leading to these guys. They can't all be loyal, and I'm sure a lot of the people you spoke with wanted some of that food for themselves. If I had your power, I'd be flying around underground right now to see what I stumble on. You can probably fly through ground like most people could fly through air, too bad you're one lazy goat."
>>
No. 958046 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158344431532.png - (107.47KB , 800x800 , 236.png )
958046

>"Yeah well, you're one lazy... what are you anyway?"
"Who cares."

I guess I could fly around to see what I find. I know flying upwards will just get me to the fog, and it'll spit me back out in a random spot, but downwards might have cool ruins or something I don't know. She is right though and I feel like every moment I spend not blowing something up or threatening to blow something up is squandering the power.

Maybe she should have it. I mean, she probably would treat me well. And we weren't dating or anything before I got her powercluster, but she always seemed welcoming to me. It's a miracle I remembered her number, because I don't remember her well before I got this power. I'm struggling to remember, and I vaguely remember a time when there were there were less people. Less towering buildings. Even less vehicles, and the vehicles that did exists were practically just 4 wheels on a box powered by energy batteries, because people weren't as good at making materials from their own energy.

So, I think she'd treat me alright even if I went back to square one. It is true that she's more competent than me with using power, so she could make better use of it.

But on the other hand... that's kind of scary. Her bigger plan is to remove immortality. Maybe it's still me on my power high, but I don't know if I'm on board with that anymore.
>>
No. 958048 ID: 7ebbf9

What's the point of immortality if it means staying here? Get digging!
>>
No. 958049 ID: e6604f

This is why you should, for the time being, focus on staying alive and staying powered up. Remember how the gangs were assholes to everyone? Literally by not doing anything you're passively improving the lives of everyone else here. And making all the high functioning big-plan lunatics cool their freaking jets and start having dialogue with each other about this has been a pretty good start. Just remember, "immortality" might be nice now, but at some point it's going to be a living hell, either when overpopulation ruins things or the landscape becomes so completely destroyed over time that it's impossible to build back from. You don't have to end it now, but you should plan that sometime in the future it'll have to happen just for the sake of escaping when it comes time.
>>
No. 958051 ID: b1b4f3

>>958046
Go dig around underground and find cool shit.
>>
No. 958053 ID: e2f5cc

Well giving ultimate power to someone else is kind of a big decision, and it's not one you really make on the spot. Good thing digging around gives you a lot of time to think! Try looking around where the trackers last dissappeared and see if there's anything there first, just to have an idea on what to do.
>>
No. 958054 ID: 86eb65

Dude you have been here in a funk so long that a civilization has grown up around you. Are you actually happy or just not miserable?

Regardless its your power until its not and if you get all the keys you will be the one to decide anyways.

So go explore for sweet ruins!

Slap your bitch's butt before you go.
>>
No. 958055 ID: 7bcd27

Pillet has been here so long her species went extinct in the outside world. Heck you have been here since forever.

Just get the keys and decide later. And go ruin hunting cause that sounds like learning sweet mysteries about this place.
>>
No. 958056 ID: b07f1c

If the key was destroyed and you had to wait it out, it might make sense to let yourself get killed by Pillet. But until then, it would hinder the current situation.

Tell her that violence isn't going to get us the key here. We'll need to be more overt.

I also think that the chance their boss having direct contact with anyone in their group is low. At least if they were smart. If I was them, I'd only communicate with their own group through electronic means.

Ask Pillet if she knows any radio technicians or hackers that might be able to trace signals or devices in the city.
>>
No. 958057 ID: ea0a7b

Immortal life is meaningless though. Emotions, experiences, even loved ones; all of it means nothing without mortality. Death is an important part of that cycle, to deny it is to deny life. You’re not living, you’re just sort of existing. Haze town is nothing but an endless purgatory.

Pillet is right, breaking out should be your goal. And maybe she does deserve your powers, but that’s a big decision and shouldn’t be made too quickly. For now, see what you can find underground. But try not to wreck too much shit on your way.
>>
No. 958058 ID: 10c408

Just go back to jenga, Delli. But maybe try it with a big stack of furniture pieces to see if it's a bit easier than focusing on a very small set of jenga blocks.
>>
No. 958059 ID: c2f1f6

You have to keep her honest. She'll do anything to achieve her goals, which is dangerous. The fact that you haven't been using your power to break sit and hurt people is a good thing.

Try flying underground, without causing earthquakes if you please.
>>
No. 958060 ID: 48ce40

Look, to be frank man, the reason a lot more people aren't on your case is because they don't really see you as a threat. Everyone knows you're kind of a goof by now and that's probably relazing to them. Give the power to someone who everyone things is smarter and more ambitious and people will be a lot more stressed and willing to try more desperate things.

No offense, like. This is public perception.
>>
No. 958066 ID: afdebc

>If you don't think you're up to the task, lemme kill you!
How much of your time in the bedroom is her half-playing half-totally-serious doing stuff that could result in your death?

>>958046
If you went back to square one, you probably wouldn't be able to pseudo-flirt with phantom anymore. No reason to talk to you if you're a scrub, and she'd probably resent you passing the power back to Pillet, since she's more of a direct threat / harder to deal with, than you.

>>"This might be news to you, but it's it's not so fun being the bottom line!"
>"Yeah, I know.
Honestly, this is your best reason for holding onto these powers. You still remember what it's like to be a powerless guy on the bottom, which gives you a perspective more in common than any of the powered types. So long as the jerk with powers has perspective, the situation has improved somewhat.

>just fly through solid ground looking for a hidden base
If you did that, wouldn't that just cause collapses and stuff above ground? You're not a geologist, you don't know what dirt and rock not to break.

...if whoever is doing this understands your level of power, it's probably not an obvious underground base. Or anything that would look out of place if you started blowing shit up. I bet they took the stuff underground as cover, and wherever they're holed up, it blends in, like a normal warehouse or shop or something. A grocery store or something would kind of be a perfect place to hide all these food deliveries.
>>
No. 958107 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158349991911.png - (209.66KB , 800x800 , 237.png )
958107

"You know what, Pillet, flying around underground doesn't seem a half bad idea. While I'm down there, do we have any hackers or whatever to figure out who the boss is? Or that anonymous guy from the chatroom?"
>"That's mostly Phantom's bag, but I can go heckle the communication tower, they might keep records on who connected to what."

She gets up and I slap her butt.

>"Har har get to doing something, dork."
"Yeah yeah."

I'll hang onto my power now anyway, even if Pillet obviously wants it. At least she hasn't tried to kill me in my sleep or during sex. Yet.
>>
No. 958108 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158349993422.png - (208.24KB , 800x800 , 238.png )
958108

I fly underground and I only make my tunnel as wide as myself so that I don't cause earthquakes.

I'm mostly just finding the same kind of old town ruins that were around when I met Pillet. They go pretty deep, and I can go deeper still. I run into the fog a few times and get spat back out into town, but I go back down again. I figure if there's anything good down here, it'll be on the border of the fog.
>>
No. 958109 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158349994698.png - (189.45KB , 800x800 , 239.png )
958109

Oh! This time I crashed into something weird.

Huh, I think this was Phantom's gang logo decades ago.
>>
No. 958110 ID: 86eb65

Carefully inspect it and clear out a wider area before considering breaking it.

Is this stone and you were flying thru earth before? Or is it some weird haze town mystery stone/metal that can still bruise your snoot even with all the power you have.

Was that half rip in the "tape?" there before or did you just cause it by running into it?

Long story short see if you can burrow around it to get a feel for its size and location and how anyone would have gotten in here in the first place. If you can find its entrance and sneak in that way we can avoid messing it up on the off hand chance you want to use it for cool stuff later. No use ruining a nice secret base really.
>>
No. 958111 ID: 4286b4

Try to open the way in a way that doesn't cause a cave-in to whatever space is behind there.
>>
No. 958112 ID: 8d23f0

>>958109
well it says not to break and phantom probably knows whats in there so just go stright up and call phantom instead of jinxing it.
>>
No. 958113 ID: c2f1f6

Take a picture of that 'do not break tape' that's almost broken, see what either Phantom or Pillet have to think about it once you get phone signal again. It might scare their pants off which would be funny. DON'T break it, it's probably a booby trap for exactly what you're doing.
>>
No. 958118 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158350675879.png - (198.08KB , 800x800 , 240.png )
958118

This surface feels like some kind of artificial material. I didn't hurt myself flying into it, but it's so much tougher than the earth and rock I've been going through, that I rammed straight into it and got my snout dirty. I still put a crack in it and messed up the tape, so I can definitely break through it easily enough. It's probably not the food auctioneer's base I'm after. Come to think of it, they're probably delivering to a grocery store or something.

I circle around it a little bit. It's covered in this tape, and I think it's a sphere. Then I find a hatch.

Now, I could call Phantom or Pillet and see what they make of this weird thing, but I don't get reception down here. I'd have to fly all the way back up, and that could take entire minutes. And the hatch is right here.
>>
No. 958120 ID: 465a14

Pfff, caution, patience, fuck all of that nonsense, go right ahead.
>>
No. 958121 ID: 86eb65

Burrow around the area a little bit more before opening things. If this room does not have a tunnel attached to it or the ruins of one, then its some sort of long term storage that only a high powered person could access.

Once you check for entrances to the surface go ahead and open the door. You know you don't have the self control to wait.
>>
No. 958122 ID: e2f5cc

Think, yon gote! What if this is some sort of trap and you get merked so some other shmuck with less moral fiber than you gets all your power? Pillet will be pissed and you wont have super powers to save yourself with!

Call Pillet, be smart! A couple minutes up and back is a lot shorter than however long Pillet will keep you dead!
>>
No. 958123 ID: b07f1c

Pillet would say open it, Phantom would say get away from it.

You also can't fly away because there's a chance you wouldn't be able to find your way back with all the convoluted tunnels that you made.

Anyway, I think this may be the same energy growth chamber that Pillet used to grow the energy which you stole in the beginning.

Open up the kinder surprise. By spinning that wheel mind you.
>>
No. 958125 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158350847458.png - (209.44KB , 800x800 , 241.png )
958125

I know I don't have the self control to wait. Especially since I don't know if I could find my way back here easily. I open up the hatch.

>"Hello. Were you the one causing the tremors outside?"
"Uh yeah."
>"Okay. You must be new. Where is your mask?"
"I'm Delli. I'm not a mask wearer."
>"Oh."

>"Please leave."
"No."
>"What do you want, then?"
"What is this place?"
>"A library."
>>
No. 958127 ID: fa2754

>>958125
A library open only to Phantom's people? Ask if you can check out a book. Walk around anyways.
>>
No. 958129 ID: e2f5cc

>>958125
"Why is this place however many hundreds of feet below ground? Why are you all wearing masks? What does that sign behind you saying "Olley" mean?"

Of course if he starts giving you shit just flex your power.
>>
No. 958130 ID: 465a14

Eat the books. This will let you gain their power.
>>
No. 958131 ID: b07f1c

Tell them that you'd like to read Dynastic Towers by Van Quela.

Also, ask them how do they live down here. Do they get any visitors?
>>
No. 958132 ID: dbd72b

Let's keep things close to the vest, at first. What's stored here? What can they do to stop you? If they hesitate, do as you please. If they say "nothing"? Be careful. Phantom likes to play spy games, and the other gang leaders probably weren't really her friends.
>>
No. 958133 ID: 48ce40

"Why did it say "do not break" outside, and uhhh is it a problem there's kind of a crack-slash-dent in the side of this place now? Also how long have you been in here if you don't know who I am, I'm not being snotty or anything like I genuinely figured all you folks would know by now."
>>
No. 958134 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158351012962.png - (134.39KB , 800x800 , 242.png )
958134

"What do you guys do down here? Also how?"
>"We read and research. We don't eat or get visitors often, but we're all recluses down here, so it's okay. We also tend to the books, and the library. For instance, we'll be doing repairs on the outside since it sounds as though you may have hollowed out our surroundings some."
"Yeah I may've cracked the side when I ran into it. Why'd the outside say do not break, anyway?"
>"Many of the bookshelves reach to the wall. You'd be risking damaging or destroying lots of knowledge if you broke in. On behalf of our work and the authors whose work only exists here, thank you for not forcing your way in."
"Why's this so hidden anyway?"
>"Many books hold dangerous knowledge, some of which Phantom's rivals would not want. Or at least, that's how it was when this library was made."

>Eat books to gain their power
Maaaan if only it worked that way...

"Can I check out a book?"

She types, then I hear an instant message chime a moment later.

>"That may depend on the book."
"How about Dynastic Towers?"
>"Hmm... all of our copies are checked out, currently. Phantom says she could give you a copy herself, but she also questions if you have better things to do right now."
>>
No. 958135 ID: 465a14

No, indulging curiosity is the noblest pursuit of mankind. Also f*rries. What're the masks for?
>>
No. 958136 ID: e2f5cc

>>958134
"...Probably." But still take a quick walk/fly around to see if anything catches your eye.
>>
No. 958140 ID: b07f1c

Tell her to ask Phantom if she'd be ok with you sexing this nerd.

Other than that, check if there's any books on the short history of this city, or any books that teach on effective use of one's power.
>>
No. 958145 ID: fa2754

>>958134
You can pick up that book next time you meet phantom face-to-face. A book on how to train your power control would be appreciated. Let's get that and bounce. Let Pillet know about this pace.
>>
No. 958146 ID: 86eb65

So did you and the others here write all the books yourselves?

And what sort of knowledge would be considered dangerous?

Take a short tour of the library. It's good that this place exists. If it was not so secret it likely it would have gotten blown up at some point.

Let the librarian know you will keep there secret. Find out how to get back here properly though.
>>
No. 958149 ID: ad934e

I mean yes, but you've probably never seen a library this cool before. C'mon, at least ask when their hours are.
>>
No. 958151 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158351534436.png - (140.22KB , 800x800 , 243.png )
958151

"What sort of books are considered dangerous?"
>"I wouldn't know, I keep away from those."
"Well while you've got Phantom on the line, can you ask her if it's okay with me hitting on this nerd?"
>"What ner - Oh!"

Haha I got her riled up.

>"No I - that isn't appropriate. I've heard you were dating Pillet?"
"Yeah whatever she's probably cheating on me right now anyway. Why're you wearing that mask anyway?"
>"Phantom's gang is an entire team. We wear masks to remind us that our identities as individuals aren't as important as our part of the gang."
"So how come it's known as Phantom's Gang?"
>"Because the public misunderstood out name. We were the Gang of Phantoms, plural, not Phantom's Gang. That is most likely how Phantom lost her original name, too."
"Huh, okay. Well tell Phantom no, I really don't have anything better to do than indulge my curiosity."
>>
No. 958152 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158351535576.png - (230.13KB , 800x800 , 244.png )
958152

I float around and check out the books. There's a lot of people here on computers, typing up with a book in front of them. They might be digitizing books here for posterity, and that makes sense because I'm finding a lot of books that either look like they're going to explode into an atmospheric hazard if I touch them, or like they're more useful as an isolated petri dish of bacteria than as some kind of knowledge bank.
>>
No. 958153 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158351538962.png - (221.85KB , 800x800 , 245.png )
958153

While I'm looking, another one of Phantom's goons come running at me - oh that is Phantom. She must've flew here as soon as she could.

>"What are you doing here? Is it just because it's hidden that it appeals to you as some kind of forbidden fruit?"
"... Yeah?"
>"Ugh, it's just a library, like a personal project, it's not nearly as rivetting as it must be in your head."
"But look at all these books. I just found that this whole section is entirely devoted to book about training one's energy!"
>"There's a whole section of books like this in public libraries. Better ones, too, improved upon the books you see here!"
"Oh. Are there books on the history of the city?"
>"Yes, also in public libraries, like Dynastic Towers. That one takes the best of many books on the history of the town and distills it into a thorough outlook of our history, and even manages to make it sound like a story rather than a boring timeline of names and dates."
"You seem really uncomfortable with me here, you know."
>"This is a project I started in a past life, and you, a bomb, just rolled into the middle of it! Of course I'm nervous! How did you even find this place?"
"I just sort of dug down."
>"You did not come straight down."
"Well no I was curving around all over the place searching for cool stuff."
>"Cool stuff?! Like a library?"
"Forbidden secret library. We've been over this."
>"It's Olley's Memorial Library, Delli! You decided it was forbidden on your own!"
"I'm pretty sure the front desk secretary decided that."

That mask is not hiding her flustered face at all.
>>
No. 958155 ID: 465a14

Bully her into submission as you demand to know her innermost secrets.
>>
No. 958156 ID: 8d23f0

>>958153
get phantom to show you her favorite romance novel
>>
No. 958158 ID: 86eb65

Phantom you know I am not a crazy power mad idiot by now. I am not going to wreck your personal library or hurt anyone here or tell anyone about it.

Cept Pillet maybe? But now would be the time to bribe me if you want it totally secret.

Ask her how to get in the proper way in the future and show you around. It is a very nice little project she has here.

(If you make her give you a tour you can tell if she has secret stuff hidden here by watching her flustered levels as you move around the building.)
>>
No. 958159 ID: 86eb65

Oh wait ask who Olley is and why this is a memorial to them.
>>
No. 958160 ID: fa2754

>>958153
Remind her that blushing looks real good on her. Ask if she brought a copy of dynastic towers with her. She said herself that you have better things to be doing so if she wants to expedite this process she should have brought a copy for you. This place seems more like a preservation project than a library, honestly.
>>
No. 958161 ID: 48ce40

Maybe this is where she keeps her fanfiction.
>>
No. 958162 ID: e2f5cc

>[Pillet] is probably cheating on me right now
Oof. You sure your relationship is healthy? Or is sleeping around just kind of a side effect of being immortal?

Anyways yes bully the Phantom but not too much since you do want to keep her at least more or less on your good side.
>>
No. 958163 ID: 91ee5f

>>958153
Ask if she’s got any books on the keys and the fog? There’s gotta be a reason someone designed an off switch for the whole immortality thing.
>>
No. 958164 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158351899380.png - (143.09KB , 800x800 , 246.png )
958164

"What makes you think I'm going to wreck your personal library?"
>"Nothing, but nothing makes me think you won't either."
"Well I won't. So who's Olley?"
>"I don't know, no one remembers."
"So..."
>"Yes, it's ironic, I know."
"How about a tour. You can show me your favorite romance novel!"
>"I don't have high opinions of that stuff."
"Hm."
>"But if you insist... fine, a tour, but don't we have more important things to do? The auction is still going on, and our anonymous contact of course got riled up that we tried to follow him."
"Huh? I've been letting Pillet deal with that..."
>"Well all of your trackers were found, and a couple of my spies were spotted."
"Right, did you find anything about them?"
>"Not really. He chose Pillet the first to up the bid, so she did just before I left for here."
"Oh, okay."
>"You sound oddly disinterested in the keys."
"They aren't going anywhere, Pillet's on the job probably and right now I'm in your cool library."
>"Thanks."
"Huh?"
>"For calling it... nevermind."
"Blushing looks good on you, you know."
>"I am not blushing!"
"Mhm."
>>
No. 958166 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158351907629.png - (160.48KB , 800x800 , 247.png )
958166

>"Are you... are you hitting on me? Aren't you and Pillet dating?"
"Yeah and if I slept with another girl she'd pat me on the back and say good going! Yeah but like I told your secretary, she's probably cheating on me right now anyway so it's okay."
>"Gods, she is such a bad influence... or were you always like this? I'm going to ignore why in town you would tell your secretary that, but is your relationship with Pillet at all healthy?"
"You care?"
>"I'm... conflicted, about it."
"Well rest assured that I'm not dating Pillet for my health, Phantom! I can't think of anything about that girl that's healthy."
>"No kidding... but then... really, are you okay with that, if she does it? Or is it just because she'd be okay with you doing it?"
"Whenever I think about who she's cheating on me with, my mental image is her and Soletta and that's pretty hot."
>"That's enough, I'm sorry I cared! I don't mind a quick tour I guess, but I've never given one before. It's just historical books."
"Seems like a preservation project."
>"It's that, too."
"I'd like to see books on the keys and the fog."
>"That's dangerous knowledge, Delli, for you. Because I don't think you're a scholar, you're going to read a little bit of the books for awhile, get bored, and leave with only a little knowledge on the topic but with all the power to experiment with it."
"And that's dangerous how?"
>"It's dangerous in the same way that it's dangerous to try to make explosives with only a little bit of knowledge on how to make them. It's safer to know either as much as possible, or nothing at all. That's especially true on this topic, where there's so much misinformation."
>>
No. 958167 ID: 465a14

Study her hips and titties then.
>>
No. 958168 ID: 86eb65

"Well you had better point me in the right direction then!"

"So how long have you been in Haze Town?" (don't mention just yet that you might be old enough to have been here since day one.)

"Honestly Phantom if you want me to not use the keys you should teach me as much as possible so I can make a educated choice on the matter."

Chat with her and find out what sort of neat research she has done on things.
>>
No. 958195 ID: fa2754

>>958168
It's a fair point to see if either of you have the time and patience to learn more about her stance about the keys.
>>
No. 958200 ID: b07f1c

Tell her that you got her to guard you from misinformation and that if there would be anyone who you'd trust to be able to give you a proper synopsis of things, it would be her. Besides, her spying endeavors are on pause right now and this place looks cozy (and private) enough for you to put her on your lap and rub her ears while she reads you stuff.
>>
No. 958203 ID: b1b4f3

>>958166
Ask her if there's any cool forbidden knowledge that wouldn't be dangerous in your hands.
>>
No. 958204 ID: ad934e

That's true. But hey, when you get all the keys you're going to want to be a friggin' consummate expert in this stuff. Maybe ask to see her favorites, and ask if any of her employees would be willing to at least write a review or something of the most important parts and biggest misconceptions.
>>
No. 958206 ID: c2f1f6

Could you quickly reassess how completely irresponsible you think I am? I'm already plenty dangerous on my own and I haven't wrecked anything. Not even your secret forbidden library!

I'm thinking that's not the whole truth though, if a figurative botched chemistry experiment went off in my face it'd be good for you 'cause I'd be dead and my power would become untethered!
>>
No. 958207 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158352749103.png - (242.86KB , 800x800 , 248.png )
958207

"How long've you been in Haze Town?"
>"At least 5 lifetimes plus this one. It's too blurry beyond that."
"Wow, uh, that's some kind of memory record."
>"It's not, if you have the resources to help you remember each time. I wish I could remember farther, still. How far back do you remember?"
"One. I think. Maybe more but they blur together? I never thought much about my own rebirths."
>"Hm. If you die repeatedly in a single lifetime, it does make it more difficult, so that makes sense. And you are death prone."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Phantom pauses for a second when I say that.
>"I found out that just before you got Pillet's power cluster, you picked a fight at the vending machine. It's not a stretch in logic to think that people who pick fights like that are death prone, right? Just how many times have you died since you were born?"
"You know what that's enough on that! That was past me, new me is a powerhouse! One that's hardly blown anything up since I blew you up! Maybe it's time to reassess how irresponsible I am?"
>"... I'll try."
"Okay, then point me in the right direction to learn about keys. If you want me to not use the keys, you should teach me as much as possible, unless you don't think the educated choice is the right choice?"
>"I think you'd be better off learning how to be good manager, since you have the effective power to be in charge."
"I left Pillet in charge of that."
>"That's incredibly irresponsible. Is there really nothing else you want to study? You must find the study of at least one topic enjoyable. I can help you with just about anything."
"Maybe if there's other forbidden knowledge, that's less dangerous!"
>"Such as?"
"Such as your hips and tits!"
>"Oh my god."
"And you sure can help with that!" I wink.
>"Fine. If it distracts you from half-assedly studying keys... follow me."

I think she's joking, but she actually turns around and walks. I play along, but there's no joking as she leads me to some dark, forgotten corners of the library, and the worse the lighting gets the sleazier I start feeling.

"Phantom, you know I wasn't serious? You don't have to - "
>"Here."
>>
No. 958208 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158352751507.png - (225.14KB , 800x800 , 249.png )
958208

She hands a book to me.

>"This is an anatomy book. It's not much, but it should tell you want you want to know."

Even with her mask she can't keep a straight face, because she fucks up and lets out a snrk.

"... you god damned sassy little rabbit, you got me."
>"Ha, ha. Really, take it. It's not an anatomy book, I was joking. It's a list of hypothesis on what the keys could be and where they came from."
"Just hypothesese?"
>"It'll give you a good idea about how little is really known about them and how many guesses exist. It's an okay foundation for what to expect in your studies, if you're serious about this."
"What else you got?"
>"Right now, you'll have to take more by force. When you're done with that book, I'll quiz you on it. If you pass, I'll give you more options for new books, and quizzes on those will unlock more. Oh, and Dynastic Towers will be extra credit. We can make a little game of it. Is that okay?"
>>
No. 958209 ID: 465a14

Bite it, Delli. How do you know that isn't how it works? You haven't checked since you became the big strong guy. And goats can eat anything.
>>
No. 958210 ID: e2f5cc

Well, not with that mask still on, lookin' like it was made out of a paper plate.

But yeah, might as well play along. It will help build up rapport with her, and as much as I'd love to perform strip quiz you are actually here to learn things, and you can surely bargain for a date if you get everything right.
>>
No. 958211 ID: 86eb65

"Yeah that sounds fun actually. And will be a good way to grade my attention span."

"Honestly though from what you are telling me all these books are just people pondering on what they keys do via study right? So no hard answers just lots of thoughts?"

"Also what prize do I get if I pass your quiz?" Then give her a half suggestive leer.

Tell her your earliest memory of Haze town and see if she has any idea how long ago that was in comparison to her.
>>
No. 958212 ID: ad934e

This is literally exactly what you want.

Also being a manager sounds kind of good but like, the cool manager that just makes sure people don't murder each other while everyone does what they're good at. Look, you're new at this, they all know you are. But now that you're here, you might at least try to be a little better at it. Whatever "it" is.
>>
No. 958216 ID: b07f1c

Tell her you didn't really use to get much opportunity to read in your current life so... it seems more interesting than blowing stuff up at this point.

Also, does that mean you can't borrow her ears while you read? It would help you concentrate!
>>
No. 958219 ID: 8d23f0

>>958208
"so your saying I should take you by force then Phantom?" if she can gotcha you you can gotcha her right back
>>
No. 958221 ID: b1b4f3

>>958208
Sure.
>>
No. 958222 ID: c2f1f6

Playing games and taking by force, damn and I was supposed to be the flirty one. I will concede and take up your threats of a good time. Do I need a library card?
>>
No. 958223 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158353141705.png - (136.53KB , 800x800 , 250.png )
958223

"So I should take you by force then, huh?"
>"I'm afraid every time you say something like that, because I'm afraid that one of these days, it won't be a joke."
"Eesh. Yeah, I'll play along with the book game thing. Do I get any other prizes for passing your quiz?"
>"The more you show restraint for me, the easier it'll be to reassess you. So whether or not it's a prize depends on how much you care about my esteem."

>Are you sure you can't eat books for their power
>Bite it
>Goats can eat anything
>>
No. 958224 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158353148715.png - (169.70KB , 800x800 , 251.png )
958224

>"Just so you know, that book is the original version hand written by the author himself, over two centuries ago after lifetimes of study. My esteem for you is building slowly, but it is building, and your teeth are half a centimeter away from losing all of it."
>>
No. 958225 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158353155191.png - (125.51KB , 800x800 , 252.png )
958225

I pull the book back out.

"Okay okay. This is by far the most disgusting tasting paper I've ever had anyway. Hey, I'm curious how far back I can remember and the most distant memory I I have was hanging out at an unpopulated vending machine."
>"An unpopular vending machine?"
"Yeah I can't remember the name of it, but it only served really shitty coffee and artificial food, neither of which gave energy. So no one really cared, but me and some pals hang around it. I remember it being really cold, and I might've been playing hookey or something? I guess that's not much to go off of, now that I said it."
>"It's not, but I think I know those. It served coffee at a temperature so high that you had to wait like half an hour before you could even drink it?"
"Yeah!"
>"Right. They disappeared about thirty years ago, when Splicer made artificially supplied vending machines illegal. But, they were around for a long time, so if you don't remember anything else, then all we can say is that you remember at least thirty years back."
"Oh, okay. That's not far at all, huh. So I guess that's it. Should I get a library card or something?"
>"No, I'll have books taken back and delivered to you directly. Is there anything else you want while you're here?"
"Can I rub your ears again?"
>"I have things to do."
>>
No. 958227 ID: ad934e

Maybe apologize about the "by force" comment. You're (1) used to being completely pathetic so that isn't really anything people could take seriously, and (2) used to pillet, who is pillet, and you probably don't need to elaborate on that re: bad influences
>>
No. 958228 ID: b07f1c

Oh well. Tell her that you'd want to check the section on energy because you'd like to find out if there's any way to use your energy to learn faster. Unless she knows it's not possible, in which case you're ok with leaving.

It was nice seeing her cute self again.
>>
No. 958229 ID: 8d23f0

>>958225
but are they more important then the pride and accomplishment of having wonderful ears? its not like I am here to distract you while Pillet raids all the energy or something crazy like that
>>
No. 958230 ID: e2f5cc

"But do you have better things to do?"
>>
No. 958231 ID: c2f1f6

fffine, only because that by force comment is still fresh. Are you operating any other underground facilities I ought to know about?
>>
No. 958232 ID: cdabe3

>>958227
Yeah, maybe apologize

Also, thirty years? is that okay? are we okay?
>>
No. 958238 ID: 86eb65

"What is the proper way to come down here? I do not want to be leaving tunnels everywhere or accidentally damaging your library."

"Also what is your advice for dealing with the key bandits? I know either one of us want the other to have it but we are also not going to let them get strong on months of our food stores. I am going to attempt to be as subtle as possible but push come to shove things are likely to get blown up."

"You know while I do like Pillet I am not her. I don't know what will happen if I use all the keys but maybe its better than living in a fog where 30 years passed like a day. "

"But life could be good here if people like me did not have to live in a haze and be killed on the drop of the hat because someone tried to steal there food."

Head on out and either loop around a bit looking for more secrets or head back home to read.
>>
No. 958241 ID: e7848c

That is not a direct no.. regardless, let's head out for now. Thank her for humoring you.
>>
No. 958243 ID: afdebc

Phantom is a cute librarian nerd!

>aren't you dating Pillet
She didn't object when we hit on Phantom right in front of her. As I recall, she egged it on.

>book on management
>leaving it to Pillet is bad
Haze town was pretty shitty under the gangs, and while Pillet has talent for... being a rebel leader, she really hasn't shown a talent for making life not suck for people. If you want life to not suck for the non-super-powered people, like you used to be, maybe that would be a good thing to read?

You don't have to be a master bureaucrat to learn how to avoid some obvious mistakes, at least.

>>"I have things to do."
Ears and things, and rubbing them is a thing to do!

Yeah, okay. Sorry for busting into your library. Was hoping to stumble across our blackmailer's secret base, didn't think I would stumble across one of yours.
...actually, come to think of it, you and the gangs probably have a lot more secret bases than our mystery person, if I just search randomly.
>>
No. 958244 ID: b1b4f3

Hmm, maybe she can give you an area to search?
>>
No. 958245 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158353945503.png - (149.98KB , 800x800 , 253.png )
958245

"Are they better things, beyond the the pride and accomplishment from having great ears?"
>"Thank you, but yes, I strive for things better than my ears."
"And it's not like I'm distracting you from Pillet raiding everyone for their energy!"
>"Why did you need to distract her?"
"Huh? Wait has she actually been doing that?"
>"Yes?! Who do you think she is? I haven't complained because it's not like she's going around maiming random civilians on the street, but she's been picking off a lot of smaller gangs. Every day I hope she bites off more than she can chew gets killed."
"Damn, that's my girlfriend you're talking about."
>"And even if you're not Pillet, her amount of influence right now is alarming."
"If you say so. Oh before I forget, I'm looking for books on how to control my own energy."
>"Hrm..... Try 'You and Yourself'. You don't need my library for that, you can find it in the main town."
"Did you hesitate to tell me even that?"
>"Yes. I'm giving you advice on how to get stronger despite how we're enemies. You do remember that, can you?"
"I forget it while hanging out with you. Hey, how do I get to this place properly anyway?"
>"... I... I'll tell you if you study well. Until then, I'm just going to deliver your books to you."
"Hah okay well sorry for busting into your library. Apparently if I search randomly, I'll be finding all sorts of gang leader hideouts. So do I need to study well to get your advice on dealing with the key bandits?"
>"I'm not giving you advice on that. What part of 'we're enemies' don't you get?"

She takes my wrist and leads me away. I'd crack a joke, and it's not like she gave me a 'no' on rubbing the ears, but...
>>
No. 958246 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158353946736.png - (184.93KB , 800x800 , 254.png )
958246

"Uh, hey, sorry about the bad jokes. I'm used to being so pathetically weak that no one can take me seriously. Definitely not used to power."
>"But now you are in power, and your perspective I and the other original gang leaders lost means you should know better. You know what it's like to have someone extraordinarily more powerful than you make demands. You know how little it matter whether or not they're joking, because they get to hurt you based than the impression you left on them. You know how worthless your own feelings are when you're too powerless to stand up for them."
"... You know, this is the second time today I've felt bad for this crap, but you know how to drill it home."
>"I'm relieved you have the conscience needed to feel bad about it, and I hope that for as long as possible, it stays that way. I don't dare hope it'll last forever. I believe your power is going to change you for the worse. You certainly don't take your position seriously."
"Hey, that's not fair - "
>"Don't you dare tell me you take your position seriously until you put on some pants.

She led me to a hatch, and she opens it now.

>"This leads directly into the fog. After you, please."
>>
No. 958250 ID: b1b4f3

Wait a minute, you didn't leave the keys in your pants pocket did you?

>into the fog
Do you really need to leave that way? You can just go out the way you came in.
...would you lose the keys if you went into the fog?
>>
No. 958252 ID: b07f1c

Oh, oops! Cover your groin. Ask her why she didn't warn you sooner!

Thank her for her time, and off you go. And get that "You and Yourself" book on the way back to Pillet from some library.
>>
No. 958253 ID: c2f1f6

Something gives me the impression she won't follow you at all.

Alright then, here's a question- if everybody comes back from death anyway, what's there to take seriously? Life goes on no matter what disasters befall us, but here not even individuals are lost. If I die, someone else will gain my power and to 90% of people that will mean no difference at all.

Fall over backward into the hatch while blowing a kiss. You don't even need to wait for a response if you don't want to hear it!
>>
No. 958255 ID: 86eb65

Check for secret murder blender.

Ask how you should come back in the future. Sure she will be delivering books but you do not want to keep cracking the walls with your nose.
>>
No. 958256 ID: ad934e

Point taken. Try to pay better attention to your phrasing. And definitely remember the power corrupts thing, it's absolutely not just a saying.

She isn't being totally fair to you. After all, if you hadn't pushed for it, she probably wouldn't have come out on Valentine's day. But she seems to tend towards being scared as hell of everything, be it being weak despite enormous sprawling gang resources, losing immortality, or other stuff, so it's probably good if you tell her you'll lay off and try to pay more attention to other people's perceptions of you.
>>
No. 958257 ID: ad934e

Also maybe tell her to call you out if you start to act excessively like a dick. Or if she's afraid to, tell pillet to do it since she definitely won't hesitate to talk shit to you.
>>
No. 958258 ID: 0fae41

As chummy as we might be acting, it's worth getting a second opinion on where that hatch leads. Ladies first!
>>
No. 958262 ID: afdebc

>>958250
It's fine, I think? He ran into the fog a few times here. >>958108 It just warps you back.

>Pillet killing gangs
Hmm. Maybe you should talk to her about that. Which gangs is she picking off, and why? Do they deserve it?

>I believe your power is going to change you for the worse.
Did you think it changed you for the worse, when you were in power?
>>
No. 958272 ID: 10c408

"As your enemy who holds most of the power in this town, I'd argue that my increasingly destructive boredom and immortality is precisely why the fog must go."

Down the hatch, Delli.
>>
No. 958281 ID: a9af05

>>958246
You really should find out what exactly you can do with your powers.
>>
No. 958347 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158360392503.png - (147.05KB , 800x800 , 255.png )
958347

I check to make sure I was at least wearing my boxers. No one's called me out on not wearing pants since I took them off. My keys are still safely tucked in under my shirt, too.

"What's there to take seriously when we don't die?"
>"Because it still takes effort to live well! I thought you'd know this."
"As the enemy that holds almost all the power in town, maybe my destructive boredom and immortality is a reason why the fog's got to go."

I look down. It is just fog, there's no secret murder blender, not like that'd be much of a threat now.

"Oh, uh, one more question. Did power change you for the worse, do you think?"
>"Of course it did, but it's not like I was a hero to begin with. That was Splicer."
"... Splicer? That asshole that messed with me and tried to bribe me with food to give up or something?"
>"I'd say one and the same, but he used to be the closest thing this town had to a people's hero. He's changed the most. Then again, when he confronted you, he spent so long not killing you that he must still have a soft heart."
"Oh?"
>"That's a tale for another time. Please go."
"Ladies first?"

She pauses.

>"Ladies first." She gestures at me to go in.
"That's the spirit. Call me out if I'm being a dick, okay?"

I fall backwards through it.
>>
No. 958348 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158360397121.png - (179.00KB , 800x800 , 256.png )
958348

Once I pick up the book she recommended, I get back to base.

>"You were gone for awhile! Find something cool?" asks Pillet.
"Phantom's secret library."
>"Oh shit, I started doubting that it existed. You know how to get there?"
"Kind of? Phantom said she'd tell me how to get there after after 'studying well'. Uh I'll tell you later. Have you been going around beating up gangs, Pillet?"
>"Hell yeah! Before you get all conscientious objector on me, they're basically a buncha upstart dicks trying to fill in a power vacuum that doesn't exist."
"Cool. So find anything out the auctioneers, Pillet?"
>"Not yet!"
"Not so easy, huh?"
>"Shut your mouth, I did capture someone. There was one tracker that got visible, and it's because someone was a traitor. They grabbed a huge backpack full of candy from the crate and fled, and it just so happened they grabbed one with the tracker in it. So we stole it all back and kidnapped him, but now he wants a huge price to spill the beans on who's behind this."
>>
No. 958350 ID: 86eb65

Yeah sure lets go take a look at him. If his info is solid we can drown him in food.
>>
No. 958353 ID: b07f1c

I thought Phantom said that they removed all the trackers.

>him
Eh. Is he cute?
>>
No. 958354 ID: 8d23f0

>>958348
give him 2 crates of food or an energy blast to the face. next time he respawns you can just pick him up and offer the same deal
>>
No. 958358 ID: 214cda

Flat out ask her if she'd be mad with you sexing up Phantom if you got the chance.
>>
No. 958359 ID: 015bf2

>>958348
Could be a secondary extortion racket. Pay ‘em off and put better-hidden trackers on the second payoff. Tell Phantom’s people, too, get some spies on this guy when they abscond with their prize. If they’re legit, we get to know more about our key kidnapper, if they’re not, we take the food back and put this guy in house arrest with only a bunch of really hard puzzles for entertainment. If they start solving ‘em all with no trouble we know they’re s mastermind type. Or a puzzle addict.
>>
No. 958361 ID: 91ee5f

>>958348
Phantom said that this power is gonna change me for the worse. Do you think I’m gonna turn into an asshole?
>>
No. 958366 ID: b1b4f3

>>958348
Hey ask her how much sex she's been having while you're away. You wanna hear some details.
>>
No. 958369 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158361037038.png - (81.67KB , 800x800 , 257.png )
958369

"Okay let me go meet this guy."
>"Sure." She leads me to an elevator. We're high up, and apparently he's all the way down at the subground levels.
"Phantom told me they removed all the trackers."
>"One on accident apparently! So getting chummy with Phantom, are you?"
"Yeah uh... I think we could've been friends at least if we weren't in such a weird rivalry."
>"Nice. Too bad she's such a scheming little thing. Be sure she's not manipulating you, yeah?"
"I don't think she is. You know, I think she's scared. Of everything."
>"Yeah. The higher the tower, the longer the fall, and that girl's got a fear of heights. You made her fall badly, but left her high enough to be able to fall again."
"Yeahhh about high towers, she told me this power's going to change me for the worse. Do you think I'm going to turn into an asshole?"
>"Yeah, probably."
"Oh... you, too, huh."
>"Yeah, that's part of why I want your power. I'm immune to turning bad, because I already am the biggest bitch in town. You, though, you're at your best as a mid-level, captain level fighter."

I just realized this could've gone faster if I just jumped out the window.

>"Don't be so down about it. I'm shielding you from the worst of it by doing your grunt work for you, so stay light hearted."
"I still don't know what exactly is going to turn me into an asshole."
>"I wouldn't know, but I bet some of it's because no one likes the guy at the top. Everyone looks at you scornfully, and because you still give a shit, that'll weigh on you over time. Maybe Phantom fell hard enough that she can be liked again. You know, this might be a transformative time for her, so be nice to her."
"Yeah but I mean it's not like I'm gonna bang her."
>"Haha I didn't say anything about banging her, you nerd. There something you wanna tell me?"
"No, I just blurted it out because I'm a perverted fuck. I doubt she'd sleep with me even if I wanted. Wait would you even be mad if I did?"
>"Fuck no man, live it up while you're alive."
"Have you been having sex?"
>"Soletta's the secretary, what do you think? Shit, do you even remember who I am?"
>>
No. 958370 ID: e2f5cc

>>958369
"A rebel leader, right? Something along those lines at least."

And while I can't blame Pillet for tapping Soletta's ass the least she could do is invite us. Or like, record it.
>>
No. 958371 ID: b1b4f3

>>958369
Tell her you need a detailed report.
>>
No. 958372 ID: 8d23f0

>>958369
"69 nice" soon."the host of game night?"
>>
No. 958373 ID: b07f1c

I guess we could call this an open relationship.

Did you bring your book with you? You should read it while sitting in the room with the prisoner. Just to make him nervous haha.
>>
No. 958374 ID: fa2754

>>958369
One hell of a firecracker.
>>
No. 958375 ID: c2f1f6

I don't remember a bunch of stuff apparently, but I always suspected.
>>
No. 958379 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158361595820.png - (120.10KB , 800x800 , 258.png )
958379

"I don't remember a lot of things, apparently. Some kind of intense firecracker that's never gone out."
>"You're goddamn right."
"Do me a favor and record it."
>"I do, nerd. Sometimes. Enough times. Whatever. Check your email."
"I guess we could call it an open relationship."
>"The second it's not, we're going to have to have one of those serious talks couples have or whatever."

I start reading You and Yourself the rest of the way. Pillet shows me to a holding cell with the guy inside.

>"Oh, you're finally here."
"Yeah. For your information, I'll either offer two crates of food or a blast to the face."
>"'Scuse me? You sayin' my information ain't worth shit? Don't treat me like some schmuck that thinks that two crates of food is a fortune, because I know for a real fact that for you, supplying two crates to know who's behind this is nothin'. Get serious."
>>
No. 958381 ID: 0fae41

Really? All it took to get you to betray them before was a backpack full of snickers.
Two food crates, or we include you in the next ante.
>>
No. 958382 ID: 8d23f0

>>958379
how much do you think is reasonable then? for that matter how much do you think I have. prepare for blasting.
>>
No. 958383 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158361677469.png - (128.00KB , 800x800 , 259.png )
958383

"So you'd betray your guys for a backpack full of chocolate bars, but now you're acting like you're above two crates?"
>"That's right."
"How much are you asking?"
>"Now we're talking. 8 crates of food. 4 right away plus some cash so I can rent a truck to carry it off. Then I'll tell you what you wanna know, then you drop off the rest of the crates for me."
>>
No. 958385 ID: b07f1c

How would we know that what you're gonna tell us is true?
>>
No. 958386 ID: 48ce40

This guy doesn't expect any threats you make to have any backing, obviously. Sort of a good thing for the city if you have all the power and no-one fears you, but, eeeh, it's getting in your way right now.
>>
No. 958387 ID: c2f1f6

...He'd betray his guys for a backpack of chocolate bars, and he expects us to give him food and money BEFORE he gives the information? You know what, just let him sit there until he understands his negotiating position. You're not impatient enough to ask Pillet to cut his nutsack yet.
>>
No. 958388 ID: 015bf2

>Phantom getting some love from the people back after her fall.
From what you saw in the secret library, she might've never lost it, at least from nerd-members of her gang - and she was real overly protective of the place. Might've been her sanity spot.

Still, 's fair she gets a fair shake back. We're the ones being the villains, anyway. A crude and caprine-ious overlord and his beloved hench-Moriarty-ess... or somesuch.

>Remember who I am?
Weeeellll... you think, but your memory is shot as all hell, so, y'know, maybe you don't as well as you think you do? The oldest, foggiest memory you've got is hanging at an artificial vending machine that served cold non-empowering coffee. Like, about, maybe, 1x life ago? Thirty years back, at least?

Which, uh... how long have you actually known each other? How much does Pillet remember? Phantom says she can recall about five lifetimes and that's with a fair amount of help and prep.

See, crap like that is why the immortality business has to go - you're not even functionally immortal if the years just drag by and you forget everything! Plus the whole the way things are set up letting a goof being in charge because they accidentally too powerful'd. You're still on board, is what you're saying.

Say, Pillet. Is remembering a ton something that's providing you extra incentive to keep fighting? Is it the fact that you forget the reasons why you started doing something why all the power eventually gets to your head?

... like, how did Splicer 'turn bad'? Way Phantom was talking, he was a folk hero at some point. People change, you get that, but, like, it shouldn't be impossible for someone to have and stick with principles.

If anything, Pillet's HELLA sticking to her principles, and has been for a long while.
>>
No. 958389 ID: 8d23f0

>>958383
go back to discuss with pillet and ask her why she thought 8 crates was unreasonable. Counter offer to work for you under Pillet +2 crates and once the key is found 6 more, that way he doesn't need the truck or to risk getting mobbed by random people on hte street for the crates or Phantom's gang abducting him
>>
No. 958390 ID: afdebc

>>958383
Give him a (non-fatal) blast to the face, then agree.

When he complains, point out he now knows you keep your promises.
>>
No. 958391 ID: e2f5cc

No. you'll give him 4 crates and some money on the spot for the info or you'll just have to come in there and personally rip off his hands and feet then cauterizing the stumps so they wont heal up. And if he gets the bright idea to off himself to respawn, well, it's not like he'll have the chance with the people watching him, and if you so happen to catch wind of this, well, his eyes and ears will be next.

Good thing is though, the worst thing you'll have to do is remove a hand, since he'll talk easily. Might even be able to get away with "doing things slow" and just breaking some fingers.

Also, this is 110% a play from Phantom to see how quickly you'll abuse your power, so while you need to show you aren't completely just going to fuck around with your power, but also not give Phantom a reason to distrust you.
>>
No. 958392 ID: ac10e5

"You are vastly overestimating my attention span. Let's just go with 5 and the truck and we never see each other again. You aren't the only guy I need to deal with right now."
>>
No. 958393 ID: 015bf2

>>958383
Ah. Haggling. Raising stakes. You can play this game.

He can have 8 crates, which he can access here whenever he wants. You'll be his candy bank, and you'll allow a max withdrawal of half a crate per week, meaning he comes here and fetches 'em. If he's gonna 'tray his group, he 'trays 'em good and proper, alright?

Or he can have 2 crates, some cash and a promise to get Pillet off his ass. She hunts gangs who get too overpowered, so if he runs off with 8 crates and makes a gang, she'll hunt his ass down for the joy of it.

A 2 crate gang, though? Probably alright. You're literally having his best interests in mind here.
>>
No. 958394 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158361947981.png - (190.31KB , 800x800 , 260.png )
958394

"How do we know you won't be lying?"
>"I was in the group so I already know shit, that girl knows it, and I already betrayed them anyway just by leaving so why would I lie?"
"Maybe I'll just leave you in there until you understand your own position in bargaining."
>"Yeah, and when I get bored and you're still jerking me around, I'll blow myself up!"

Oh yeah, unless there's a way to totally block anyone's energy, they can just off themselves. Torture can't even be used as a bluff. And that's what it'd be. I don't even think Pillet would torture people.

>"I know you want my information more than you're letting on!"

Hm, then again, I'm starting to realize I don't know Pillet well at all. I feel like I've known her for a long time, and I probably have, but I just can't remember any details before the power cluster incident.

>"Why're you gawking at me, huh?"
"Oh, sorry, zoned out. Anyway I keep my promises."
>"Huh?"

I open the door, because I mentioned he either gets 2 crates or a blast to the face.

>"Where the hell are your pan - "

I give him the blast.
>>
No. 958395 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158361949258.png - (154.12KB , 800x800 , 261.png )
958395

For a second I thought I forgot what a 'non-lethal' blast was and killed him, but he's fine.

>"Fuck! Ugh, fine, two crates! It's Finnigin."
"What?" Oh that worked better than expected.
>"Finnigin! I work for Finnigin!"

Pillet taps me.

>"Gang leader? Spikes on the back of his head? Looks pissed off constantly? Kinda like this guy actually. Seems like Fishface is trying to climb back up his tower."
"Oh yeah that guy."
>"How bad have you forgotten things, damn?"
"No that's just because I never cared about him."
>"Hey!" Our prisoner speaks up again. "Can I get some bandages to go with those crates? I still want rental money too."
>>
No. 958396 ID: 465a14

Yeah sure.
>>
No. 958397 ID: 8d23f0

>>958395
well the thing about abusing power is you easily start abusing others so helping the people you hurt in the path to getting what you want is important. give him what he wants except the rental.
>>
No. 958398 ID: c2f1f6

Oh would it kill you to say please?
>>
No. 958399 ID: cdabe3

>>958397
This
>>
No. 958400 ID: afdebc

>Can I get some bandages to go with those crates? I still want rental money too.
Yeah, no prob. Go make some friends you won't feel like betraying over candy.

>"How bad have you forgotten things, damn?"
Dunno. Do you remember how we met?
>>
No. 958401 ID: 48ce40

"I did say 2 crates OR a blast, but I guess I'm generous."
>>
No. 958404 ID: b07f1c

Ok but, how would a little bit of food help him obtain this goal? Also, doesn't he know what happens if gives us the key?
>>
No. 958407 ID: b1b4f3

>>958395
Stop being a jerkass to this guy and give him a decent reward.
>>
No. 958410 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158362142327.png - (165.18KB , 800x800 , 262.png )
958410

"Okay whatever. Pillet get him his stuff."
>"Okay guy, 4th level basement, tell 'em Pillet sent you."
"Hey what do you even want the food for anyway?"
>"So that I don't halfta be at the bottom of the food chain all the time!" he says, which makes sense, and he runs off.

I turn to Pillet.

"So where were we?"
>"I know a couple secret hideouts of Finn's, but if he's got half a brain he's picked up and moved out of those. And he's got about half a brain, so it's a coin toss."
"Hey here's an odd question. Do you remember how we met?"
>"You were a farmer. I was a raider. We fought a lot, haha. Remember anything about that?"
"... not even a little. Does not even sound familiar."
>>
No. 958411 ID: ac10e5

Man it's just truck rental money, give it to the guy. And yeah, bandages are good.
>>
No. 958413 ID: ac10e5

Dude, try to think up how to farm. Farming things. Tools you'd use, things you'd want to do at what times, how different plants do things. Is there even any farming knowledge there whatsoever?

Still, it's Pillet. She's been a real help and also your GF. Even if she's lying her ass off it's not like you're going to just turncoat on her.
>>
No. 958414 ID: afdebc

>>958410
Try to remember if you know anything about being a farmer. Do you think you could keep any plants alive if you had to?
>>
No. 958416 ID: b1b4f3

>>958410
Ask Pillet how long ago that was, and how many times she thinks you've died since then.
>>
No. 958421 ID: e7848c

Delli, horny goat weed farmer extraordinaire. That's your forgotten legacy.
>>
No. 958427 ID: b07f1c

Everyone seems to have better memory than you. Fighting Pillet... Phantom was right, you really are death-prone lol

Eh, does that mean you have to go out and check these hideouts? Can't Pillet's lackeys do it? I'd prefer reading these books first.
>>
No. 958430 ID: 015bf2

>>958410
Heh, sounds like you'd resent the crap out of her for that - unless it ended up being one of those neat rivalries where she stole and you chased and a good ol' time was had by all from the break from serf-like boredom.

Or not. Perhaps better for her that you don't remember. Still sucks you can't, but them's the breaks in this rum ol' world. Sounds like it was a ways back, though. She can remember far?

You should probably go clear Finn's old hideyholes from the bucket list and put Pillet on figuring out where he might've gone with all half of his brain.
>>
No. 958439 ID: 86eb65

Don't be to huge a dick to the guy you just blasted. A bit of slapping around is ok but if you start doing that to much woops there you go being a evil dick.

All he wanted was not to be like you before you got stronk. Remember the little people Delli cause if you get got you will be one of them again.

So give him a bit extra.

Then ask Pillet what you farmed.
>>
No. 958441 ID: a9af05

>>958410
If Finn is so desperate to get back on top that he's shoveling all this food in his mouth, the only thing he'll end up doing is making himself fat. Unless he's been burning off energy to keep himself thin, which is what Pillet did on Valentine's when she was eating a bunch of chocolate.

If he's been burning off energy like that, then it would be pretty noticeable if he's been shooting off into the sky. So since we haven't seen energy blasts randomly flying into the sky, it's safe to say that he's hiding underground somewhere.
>>
No. 958442 ID: a9af05

>>958439
>Give him extra.
Only if he gives us a location on where to look. If he doesn't have a location, then he doesn't get any extra.
>>
No. 958446 ID: e2f5cc

Delli, My man. You do realize that what Pillet means by "We fought a lot" is "I killed you a bunch" and more than likely gave you her number as some sort of disrespect. And you absolutely know her well enough not to give her the benefit of the doubt on that sort of thing.

And to go a step further, has she done anything even remotely romantic towards you? Sex doesn't count what with the casualness she treats it, and her basically deciding your relationship is open without the serious talk such a thing should require also is a decent bit concerning, no matter if you were ultimately okay with it. (Even though you didn't 100% seem to be, at least not with how it came up.)
>>
No. 958448 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158363394804.png - (103.98KB , 800x800 , 263.png )
958448

"Hmmm."
>"What?"
"I'm trying to think of how to farm. Farming things. See if there's any memory about it still in me."
>"And? Think you could keep plants alive?"
"I could... water... them? Yeah no it's gone. Didn't I resent you for raiding my crops? Did you just end up killing me a lot?"
>"Are you kidding? You chased us off, you were scary as fuck! We had numbers though so we still could hit you, but we also let you regrow and thrive enough to keep going. The other farms are the ones who burned down your horny goat weed and completely ruined your business before taking over your land."
"... I did not grow horny goat weed."
>"How would you know with your fucked up memory!" She's laughing, but she has a point. She's probably lying about that, but I don't think she'd lie about the whole thing in general. "Hey, when's your last memory of me?"
"The last memory that I can actually remember the details of? Uh, when I called you after I got your power cluster?"
>"Wait, just last month?! How'd you even remember my number or even just to call me?"
"You were saved on my phone. And I remember you telling me to give you a call if I was in trouble, but hell if I remember when or where you told me that."
>"Haha, well I'm glad I managed to keep that number."

She looks at me a little weird.

>"You kept blowing yourself up, didn't you?"
"Huh?"
>"You cut contact with me. You said you had enough of this town and were retiring. The only 'escape' you can get is dying and spending a month in the fog, and there's people who spend all their time there. I didn't think you'd be the sort, I just thought you were just chilling underground and retiring from fighting. But if your memory is so bad... Delli, you can recover memories from one death, if you give it time to heal. But if you die over and over again, one after the other... Fuck. I didn't know."
"Funnily enough, I don't remember any of that. But you might just be right. It sounds right. The last time I woke up, I felt like I was forgetting something. I thought it was just something I meant to do right before dying and couldn't remember what it was, buuuut now that I'm thinking about it..."
>>
No. 958450 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158363416754.png - (91.55KB , 800x800 , 264.png )
958450

"I think I forgot to blow myself up again. I wandered around on autopilot for so long that I just sort of assumed I always lived like that. Maybe it was only a few years ago, but it felt like minutes and decades at the same time. I left some of my stuff at a death bank though, and got my phone back from there. Shit. I gave myself amnesia, huh. I wonder why I remember an old vending machine from 30 years ago."
>"... Wait hahaha that old shitty coffee maker? You remember that?"
"Yeah? You were there?"
>"Hell yeah I was there. We're together a lot. That's why I always let you leave me without a fight, because we've always come back together no matter what. Maybe when we have more time to ass around, we can check out memory lane and see if you remember more."
"Yeah. Hey uh, how long ago was I a farmer?"
>"Don't you want to go check out those hideouts of Finn?"
"Don't we have people to do that for us?"
>"Yeah but I'm changing the subject because I'm not telling you how far back I remember."
"Whhhyyy?"
>"Don't wanna."
>>
No. 958451 ID: afdebc

>Are you kidding? You chased us off, you were scary as fuck!
Weird to think of yourself as scary. Well, at least before you became an accidental god, now of course you're scary.

>>"Don't wanna."
Fine. It's rude to ask a lady her age, and since we're all stupid-immortal, asking how far back your memories go is about as close as we can get.

Go hunting for gangster bases.

...and see if you can use your superpowers and riches to order an old shitty vending machine on whatever part of your internet sells old retro stuff for way too much.
>>
No. 958452 ID: 48ce40

"Man, we were just getting into what felt like a sort of solemn realization of what living under the fog's been doing to us and it was all tender and junk. Kind of. Almost. Oh well."
>>
No. 958453 ID: 015bf2

>>958450
Arright. You’ll just trust her on this one. Let’s go get Finn.
>>
No. 958454 ID: c2f1f6

Chickeeeen. Fine, let's see what traps he's left for us. but QUIETLY. Pillet is no doubt watching our movements, if she puts two and two together she'll know what's up as well.
>>
No. 958456 ID: e7848c

>>958450
Seems like a good time to be concerned but your apathy levels are threatening to rise. Ask if you should stop pushing the subject. Though curiosity is demanding you ask if you two ever dated before.
>>
No. 958457 ID: e2f5cc

Hmm. We've gone past the point of red flags into... Whatever red flags usually warn about.

Here's a few retellings of what Pillet just said, this time reading between the lines a bit:

>>"Didn't you raid my shit?"

>"No! You, one random and suicidal goat, scared us, one of the biggest factions in town, away! Those other random jackasses though? They fucked your shit right up, the land-grabbing whores! Sure is convenient you can't remember anything to the contrary!"

>>"Wait, you were there with me by that random coffee machine 30 years ago?"

>"Obviously! We go way back, and I can always remember our good times together and that's why I'm okay with you always leaving me, because you always forget about why you did, so we'd always end up get back together! What, you want to know why you always left me? ...Don't wanna tell you."

And if you need a reminder of at least one time Pillet fucked you over, recall a month ago when you first got back in contact with her, you said something along the lines of "You killed me 12 years ago to make the power cluster!" with a rather clear implication you didn't exactly consent to being another part of the super sayian macguffin.
>>
No. 958458 ID: 86eb65

Worried the answer would worry me?

Well unless you know a way of recovering memories just consider me a whole new person. If we do end up together a lot this is your chance to swoop me up.

Honestly if I was that miserable its a good thing I forgot.
>>
No. 958460 ID: b1b4f3

>>958450
>gave myself amnesia
Hmm... isn't that pretty close to dying and being reborn? I wonder if you could use this to achieve Pillet's goal without lifting the fog? Spawncamp people until they got amnesia, so that life feels more interesting again and the town livens up a bit.
>>
No. 958462 ID: 015bf2

>>958457
No need for paranoia re: memory fakey bull. Delli said vending machine, did not mention it was a coffee maker, but Pillet even specified it was a crappy one.

>>958460
Grim, would require an organization to be responsible for it, and doesn't even seem to work 100%. Some asshole could also hide and take over once everyone else who knows stuff has forgotten how to, y'know, create power clusters or whatnot.
>>
No. 958463 ID: b1b4f3

>>958462
It could be done in stages, there are libraries to preserve knowledge, and if some guy tries to hide and come out later as some kind of weird razputin we can just kill them?
>>
No. 958464 ID: 10c408

>>958460
The town would basically be destroyed by all the fighting involved in this, no matter if Delli had help or not.
>>
No. 958474 ID: 91ee5f

>>958450
We could check out the hideouts, but as soon as we hit one, Finn will be alerted and go into hiding again. So unless we have a way to either hit all of them at once or figure out which specific hideout to hit, we can’t go after Finn.

I kinda like this >>958442 idea. We offer to give that guy extra crates of food if he gives us a location to start our search.
>>
No. 958489 ID: b07f1c

Ask her if you're her son.

Go read books.
>>
No. 958498 ID: 2b3343

Poking around a bunch of potentiality hideouts sounds like a job for spies, not the strongest man in the city. Time to delegate like a boss.

You've got books to read and powers to practice.
>>
No. 958499 ID: 10c408

Just go read some books and practice bigger-than-standard-set Jenga.
>>
No. 958503 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158367307742.png - (85.25KB , 800x800 , 265.png )
958503

"Well that was almost a tender, solemn realization of what the fog's been doing to us. Almost. Sort of."
>"We've had enough solemn realization!"
"Okay. Unless you know of a way to recover my memories, then, you can consider me a new person - "
>"No."
"No?"
>"Amnesia isn't death. People own their past even if they forget it." I guess to her, then, there's no amnesia based solutions to immortality.
"If that's how you feel, well uh... wait can we get a location from that guy that just went up the elevator before us?"
>"Oh, yeah."

Pillet makes a call, but no luck. He didn't know any locations, only Finnigan's name.

"So wait, if we get together a lot, does that mean I leave you a lot?"
>"Only if a couple times a century is a 'lot'."
"Why do I leave?"
>"Sometimes you just wanna chill for awhile, and I'm not into that!"
"Then I come back because...?"
>"Because you had your break, and wanted to fight again."
"Somehow I think there's more to it than that."
>"Yes, Delli, summing it up in two sentences might be generalizing centuries of off and on dating. So how about Finn's bases, huh?"
"Sounds like a job for spies. And help. I've got energy training to do, and books to read."
>"Okay, nerd, I'll look into Finn's stuff."
"Hey we're not something weird like mother and son right?"
>"No, goddamn, I'd have told you that by now."
>>
No. 958504 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158367308507.png - (152.06KB , 800x800 , 266.png )
958504

It's not like I stopped having questions for Pillet, but the elevator stopped and she got off, while my study room is higher up.

I study, but it's hard to focus. My lack of memory is making my relationship with Pillet feel a little bit more one-sided than I thought it was.
>>
No. 958505 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158367310041.png - (144.39KB , 800x800 , 267.png )
958505

I end up looking to see if there's a sale for that old coffee machine, but I end up looking at catalogues for retro and historic stuff I don't know about. I'd probably do it all evening too, but I hear a knock at the door.

>"Come in."

Soletta shows up.

>"Hi, Delli?"
"Yeah?"
>"Status report. Pillet's spies got found and killed in Finnigan's hideouts. Pillet ran after them, but by the time she got to those hideouts, any gangs had already packed up and moved. She's running after them while the trail's was as hot as possible, but right now she's mostly just sending her guys to start rounding up ex-Finnigan gang members and drilling them for information."
>>
No. 958506 ID: b07f1c

That sucks. I guess we'll need to go then. Ask her where you should go and proceed to go there.

Learned anything from the books?
>>
No. 958507 ID: cdabe3

>>958506
Do this while trying not to stare at her tits.

Also, I thought pillet said she was farmer before, too?
>>>921238

I wonder why she also fought us...
>>
No. 958510 ID: cdabe3

>>>/questarch/921238
>>
No. 958512 ID: c2f1f6

Time for an object lesson. Go out there and save your girl's butt. If it's gone loud, you can do loud.
>>
No. 958516 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158368214099.png - (131.86KB , 800x800 , 268.png )
958516

"Guess I gotta go. Where should I be going?"
>"Here, I'll show you on a nearby map. I'm sorry I interrupted you."
"No I'm just reading this energy control book and it's saying nothing but basic stuff like 'find your core' and 'meditate' and whatever."
>"Oh, they all say that. Okay, go to this building, dig straight down, then..." She gives me directions. It's pretty far underground. I hope Pillet's okay. Aside from her general well being, I have questions for her and I don't want to have to wait a whole month for answers! Especially if she dies too quick and starts losing memories, to, since -
>"And then bust through the wall you find."
"Er, shit, I zoned out. Say that again."
>"Which part?"
"All of it!"
>"... From the top, then."
>>
No. 958517 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158368217609.png - (246.39KB , 800x800 , 269.png )
958517

Somehow, I focus for long enough to learn the directions and to bust through those walls.
>>
No. 958518 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158368219192.png - (291.12KB , 800x800 , 270.png )
958518

>"Who the - ?! More of them?!"
>"... No! It's Delli! We're okay, it's Delli!"

Pillet's not here.
>>
No. 958519 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158368221918.png - (237.35KB , 800x800 , 271.png )
958519

Those guys in the back have gang tattoos on them. Must be Finnigan's.

>"Damn, almost cleaned up!" One of them yells. "You two go back and give the evac order! Me and the rest'll hold 'em off!"
>>
No. 958520 ID: 48ce40

Ha ha, "hold 'em off" he says. Knock out "those two" and then bowling ball the rest of the pins. Gotta look for your girlfriend.
>>
No. 958521 ID: afdebc

>>958505
Well, that sucks. Do we have a compensation package for guys working for us who get blown up? It's not death, but maybe we should offer something to make up for the month of lost time, possible amnesia, and resetting their power level.

>Soletta
Hey, we don't have a relationship going back centuries I've forgotten, right?

>>958519
Just shoot everyone with a blast just strong enough to embedded them in craters in the wall. Good luck holding anyone off it you can't move because you're being hugged by rock!
>>
No. 958522 ID: e2f5cc

For a plan of attack, just gat everyone except the two behind the one barking orders. The spotless one looks like a coward, so he'll probably break easy, but the scaly one might have better information.
>>
No. 958524 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158368410758.png - (233.74KB , 800x800 , 272.png )
958524

"Hold 'em off?" From behind him, I knock out one and blast the other into the wall. "Where's Pillet?"
>"... Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you."
>"She went under the north overpass! We've been trying to hold off Finn's gang from pursuing her!"
>>
No. 958525 ID: 136ff0

Yeah just push everyone away and go straight for the goal. They're just a distraction.
>>
No. 958527 ID: 015bf2

"'kay. Grab a few of these who might know something, then retreat. Don't kill 'em unless they try fighting back. If they wanna blow themselves up that's fine, but losing memories sucks."

Blast every tattooed guy in the room, non-lethally (ish). Pause at the last guy and ask him a question.

"Wait, do the tattoos last or do you re-apply 'em every time?"

Then head for the overpass.
>>
No. 958528 ID: 48ce40

Take out all the opponents here before you go, for your pals, it's good manners.
>>
No. 958531 ID: 891b91

>>958525
This, but... you know what? You're practically all-powerful. Grab the most important-looking person from Finn's bunch and drag them along with you, just for shits and giggles. They might be useful as a hostage or maybe as a makeshift projectile. Make it clear to them that the latter option is growing more appealing to you by the minute.
>>
No. 958533 ID: b07f1c

Take their pants. Surely one of them should fit you.
>>
No. 958540 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158369115706.png - (184.57KB , 800x800 , 273.png )
958540

I blow up all the tattoo bearers, probably non-lethally. I stop at the person I blasted into the wall, and I pull his face out.

"I got a question for you."

"Do you guys need to re-apply that tattoo every time you resurrect?"
>"Y...yes?"
"Neat. What size pants you wear?"
>"38-30?"
"Too big, dang."
>>
No. 958541 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158369116335.png - (270.58KB , 800x800 , 274.png )
958541

I carry him with me to the overpass. Maybe I can make a hostage out of him.

The overpass here is a big portion of Spaghetti Tunnel. This time I can follow it, because of the trail of destruction I see.

Maybe I should have some kind of severance package for people who die while on the job, for missed months, and... no, if I got fat paychecks for dying on the job, I'd have all sorts of 'accidents'.
>>
No. 958543 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158369132361.png - (304.36KB , 800x800 , 275.png )
958543

The trail leads me to a building with a hole put in it, so I go in. Pillet's here!

"Pillet! Are you okay?"
>"Honestly? Fuckin' embarrassed. I overstepped, and this fatass must've been chugging food non-stop."
>"Basically, yeah." Finnigan shows me his grip on her. "I might not be as fast as I used to be, but I'm thinking I'm quick enough to kill your girlfriend if you take another step closer."
"... I don't suppose you care about this guy's life?"
>"He one of mine? Either way don't care, no. So here your choice. If you think I'm wrong and wanna chance it, then try to off me before I can off your girl. Or you don't play that risk, you let me go, and you get my promise that once I get a bit of distance from ya, I let Pillet go."
>>
No. 958544 ID: 86eb65

"What you think Pillet?"

Toss the guy at them to distract the big guy as you say this.

Then zoom around his side fast using the body as visual cover so you can get next to him or behind him to take him out.
>>
No. 958545 ID: 8d23f0

>>958543
ask pillet if phantom showed up since a mask is on the floor.
also if she is cool with being dead for a month while you take him hostage?
>>
No. 958548 ID: b07f1c

You have an awful track record with calling people's bluffs, so for now just chill.

Ask Pillet if this guy ever kept his promises before.
>>
No. 958550 ID: 48ce40

Really not sure what your promise is worth, there bud. Seems win/win for you to get me to go and then just kill her anyway. No offense.

Time to test out that fancy power control practice. Pull that guy lying behind him into him to make an opening before you gun at him full force.
>>
No. 958553 ID: afdebc

I don't really want to be bored for a month so yeah, get out of here. You bought yourself another round in the key blackmail game.

Also, I'm doing this this where I actually keep my promises, so if you wanna just drop her and go, you're fine.

If Pillet really disagrees, she can just blow herself up.
>>
No. 958554 ID: 015bf2

>>958548
>Bad luck calling bluffs
"Huh, yeah. Guess I do care enough to let your fat ass go. Unless she wants to blow herself up. Anyway, before you go, let's talk like civil people. Ask him questions while I can threaten him with casual murder if he casually murders you, Pillet. Like, where's the key, and was it even the real one?"
>>
No. 958558 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158369414925.png - (173.13KB , 800x800 , 276.png )
958558

Hmm... I could try fancy, efficient power control. I've been practicing that stuff for a whole, like... 8 hours or something? That's probably not enough to make a difference.

"You mind dying, Pillet?"
>"You think you can find that key without me? The answer to that is my answer to you."

On second thought, I won't be too hasty on calling that bluff.

"Kinda seems win/win for you to backstab me, or rather Pillet, once you get distance."
>"It ain't. I got a reputation. Not such a good one for making nice deals, but a stellar one for keeping them."
"Pillet? Is that at all true?"
>"He's an asshole, but yeah. I don't think he'd fuck up any trust he could get with you, especially not when all he'd gain by breaking his promise is my weak energy."
"Okay well just in case this goes bad, I wanna ask you and him some questions. Like, was that key real?"
>"If I was gonna do an auction with a fake key, I woulda done it weeks ago." says Finnigan.
"Where is it now?"
>"Gettin' moved, and no, I ain't telling you where."
"Oh, by the way, is Phantom here?"
>"Yeah." Pillet answers that. "Phantom did a raid, that's half why I rushed in like this. Heh, Finn, you're weirdly talkative. Are you buying time to get the key as far from here as possible?"
>"Could be, but I'm thinking I don't need to. Key's far enough away by now, and I'm just tryin' to save my own ass."
"Wait a second, why do I have to follow your promise? Can't I promise I'll let you go, if you let Pillet go?"
>"Yeah, 'bout that. After both you and Phantom responded to my little auction with trackers, spies and raids, I might have a few trust issues with ya. So no, I'm not gonna work that way."
>>
No. 958562 ID: 86eb65

Blah blah this is boring.

Shoot his head off while he is distracted talking.
>>
No. 958563 ID: b07f1c

Tell him that, ok. But you're keeping this guy here, because he looks like his brother or something, and you'll release him after you know Pillet is safe.

Ask him why he needs all the food for. But don't ask him too many questions, so he doesn't accidentally get any smart ideas.
>>
No. 958564 ID: 8d23f0

>>958558
to be fair he should have know this would happen cause he likely would have done the same thing, its not like you promised not to do so.
>>
No. 958568 ID: fa2754

Tell him you're just going to keep following him until he lets her go. Might as well just let her go now so he can walk freely.
>>
No. 958570 ID: 64913a

>>958563
I agree.

let's not try to get Pillet killed... yet.
>>
No. 958571 ID: 48ce40

Ok, here: how about you take some more of his guys? They're not worth that much to him, sure, but in numbers, maybe that would be enough to feel a little security? Just until he lets Pillet off. Then maybe you can re-build a little trust yourself, but letting them go.
>>
No. 958573 ID: afdebc

>>958558
Hey come on, trying to suborn the auction was the whole point!

But yeah, fair enough. Get your butt out of here, I'll trust you to let Pillet go, if you don't, this gets uglier, blah blah blah blah. You score a point for getting away this round or however gang competition is supposed to work.
>>
No. 958574 ID: c2f1f6

Oh be honest what did you expect.
>>
No. 958575 ID: b1b4f3

>>958558
I mean, killing him is not very constructive anyway. Just let him go so you can get Pillet back. Make note of what direction he goes and try to follow him after Pillet is released.
>>
No. 958590 ID: 015bf2

So, wait, if we upheld our end of the bargain and kept bidding, you'd actually sell the key to us if we were the highest bidder, despite everything we want to do? Because, it really seemed like you were gonna extort us until you became powerful enough to fuck me up so us getting the key wouldn't even matter.

Anyway.

If you mess with and hurt Pillet, I'll let her kill me once she respawns, so there.
>>
No. 958591 ID: 015bf2

Oh, and how many lifetimes back do you typically remember?
>>
No. 958613 ID: 91ee5f

>>958558
“Listen buddy, I’m gonna give you two options.

Option 1: You kill Pillet, then I kill you. And when Pillet respawns, I’ll let her kill me and she’ll have all of my power.

Option 2: You let Pillet go right now and I’ll let you leave.

If you want my advice, I’d pick Option 2 if I were you. I know you said you had trust issues with me, but I’m pretty sure you can trust me when I say if I gave Pillet my power, you wouldn’t like what she’d do with it. She won’t goof around like I do, she’d be constantly hunting you down.”
>>
No. 958632 ID: 10c408

"You are quite possibly the worst. I'm gonna go a few blocks that way and wait. If Pillet doesn't show up in the next ten minutes I'm going to make sure you regret crossing me."

Walk off, you don't have the precision to surprise laser snipe his face right off.
>>
No. 958633 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158375208101.png - (138.08KB , 800x800 , 277.png )
958633

"Did you really think we weren't going to suborn the auction?"
>"Nah, I thought you two would. But just cause I expect it doesn't mean I respect it."
"Alright, fine, I'll let you go, but if you make a fool out of me and make me regret this, I'm going to let Pillet kill me and use my power. So don't mess around with me or her! Also I'm keeping this guy until Pillet's back!"
>"Suits me."

I still kind of want to blow him up in his fish face, but he didn't lose concentration once during our conversation! He can keep eating his food to regain his power base I guess for now.

He moves to another room and around a corner. Then I hear someone call out to him.

>"Boss! We ran, but, Phantom intercepted us! She got the key!"
>"You're fuckin' with me!"
>"Sorry, boss..."
>>
No. 958634 ID: afdebc

>if you make a fool out of me and make me regret this, I'm going to let Pillet kill me and use my power
Great job, you just gave Pillet motive to blow herself up and blame it on him as soon as you aren't looking.

>Phantom
Well, try to find her.
>>
No. 958635 ID: fa2754

>>958633
This very well could be a ploy to get you off their tail. Start walking up to them. Slowly. We want to hear what they say next, not announce our breaking the deal.
>>
No. 958636 ID: 10c408

Dial phantom, now.

Also let your hostage go and tell him to get lost.
>>
No. 958639 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158375680241.png - (137.07KB , 800x800 , 278.png )
958639

I chance a look around the corner, but Finn kept on moving forward and I don't see them anymore, so I step out and dial Phantom.

... ... ...

>"Hi, th-- is Ph--tom." Damn, reception's crap.
"Hi, Pha - "
>"... You've r----ed my aut---tic m--sage mach--e. Ple-- leave a message after t-- b---. Beep."
"Hi uh, It's Delli. Call me back. Or I'm gonna keep on calling you."

I'd run blindly after Phantom, but I'd be just as likely to blindly stumble into Finn and mess up the whole deal.
>>
No. 958640 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158375684531.png - (265.87KB , 800x800 , 279.png )
958640

Oh, Pillet's running out! I let my hostage go.

"You made it!"
>"Haha, Finn was true to his word after all."
"Yeah that too but also I just realized that by saying I'd give you the power if Finn messed with you, I gave you the chance to blow yourself up and blame it on Finn."
>"Delli, Delli..." She laughs, and puts her hand on my shoulder. "I was so close to doing exactly that. You made it so goddamn tempting. But, no. I don't want to trick the power out of you."
"So... what now? Could that've just been a ploy to throw us off?"
>"Finn isn't a fast enough thinker to pull that off. I hate to say it, but Phantom's got the lead on us. The only position we're in to pursue is for you to start digging underground and randomly stumble on whatever group is carrying the key. I'm still losing guys out there, so I'm going to regroup back to base.
>>
No. 958641 ID: 86eb65

Time to practice digging I guess.
>>
No. 958643 ID: 5f3f48

Random digging seems like a bad plan. Better than doing nothing, but still bad.

Did that book cover anything like... sensing other sources of power?

Maybe we could do Sonar pulses or something. Smack the earth with power then go for hollow sounding places. But there are probably a lot of those.

If Phantom has the key, she's probably not headed for the library, since you know where it is, and a fight would just wreck it.
>>
No. 958644 ID: fb3c3e

Ok so, here's the plan. We don't tell Phantom that we know she has the key. We act as if Finnigan still has it and that the auction is still ongoing. While doing that, we keep reading books and stuff and try to get close to her and get her respect. That way, we will appear the most genuine in our efforts to build a better relationship with her, and she won't get the perception that we're doing it just to get the key.
>>
No. 958645 ID: 10c408

Respectfully disagree with Pillet. If you manage to stumble into anyone, you are just as likely to blow them apart or cause a cave in or goodness knows what else, and that's just going to break the key or leave it stuck somewhere underground.

And in the meantime... The rebels are getting pasted by overly fed thugs with aspirations of gangdom. That is a problem you can nip in the bud right now without worry for collateral damage.

All you need is an address.
>>
No. 958647 ID: 297592

It's gonna get out that phantom got the key. You probably couldn't keep up lying that you don't know Jack about it for long. Also you already called her. Still, this isn't the worst thing that could possibly happen, just keep on trying to build up with her and read the books. You've already shown you at least want to try to not be an ass so hopefully that'll help?
>>
No. 958648 ID: 1eebb8

Random digging seems to be way to random.

So with how things are going I think we have 3 main options.


1. Scorched earth campaign. You kill Phantom. You destroy her library. You kill everyone everywhere and blow everything up. Leaving only your building intact you reduce Hazetown to a pile of rubble and then reduce that pile of rubble to ash. Then you keep doing it. Every day you just do loops of the area blowing everything up. Keep everyone in the haze until they forget who they are and what keys are. It will take years and years. But eventually someone will bring you the key because you are the only one with food to trade for it and they can't remember what it was for anyways.

2. Polite Status quo. You continue to fight Phantom for the key. But you keep things polite. No wrecking her library or messing with normal people's lives. You work with Pillet to improve her gang and maybe years down the road things pay off and you end up with the keys.

3. Seduce Phantom. Convince Pillet to give it a shot and you both focus on reading and power control. Pillet and you can still go out fighting to keep the peace and keep any gang leaders from messing things up to badly. Read up on all the theories of what the keys are and slowly convince Phantom that using them is preferable to the endless power struggle. Give her a chance to convince you of her ideals. But focus on improving your power usage and learning more about the haze.


I would vote for option 3. Status quo means endless wandering around fighting idiots and lets be honest you are not the sort to get your kicks from beating people up. And Scorched earth is a last resort if the others fail.
>>
No. 958649 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158376750831.png - (169.54KB , 800x800 , 280.png )
958649

"I bet the key's not at her library."
>"So by process of elimination, that leaves the rest of everywhere."
"... I might destroy the key if I fly through the ground too hard at people."
>"That'd be pretty bad, but that's only third worst case scenario."
"What's second?"
>"Phantom having it."
"... What's first?"
>"You losing any of your three keys."

Pillet flies off, grabs a megaphone to order a retreat. I follow her around to make sure they're able to, and also to make sure Pillet isn't picked off. She's got her usual vigor, but I can tell she's pretty badly beat up.
>>
No. 958650 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158376752127.png - (83.82KB , 800x800 , 281.png )
958650

What to do... I don't have the heart to turn around and threaten Phantom with blowing up her library and everything she owns and the whole town while I'm at it until someone gives me the key. Hell, I don't even know if Pillet would do that. We could try to hunt down Phantom's hiding spot as usual, and who knows how long that'll take. Not like I'm in a hurry, but...

I think I can discuss it with Phantom. That was kind of the original plan anyway.

My phone rings.

"Hello?"
>"Hi. It's Phantom. You called me."
>>
No. 958651 ID: 465a14

>>958650
sup
>>
No. 958652 ID: 86eb65

So the idiot who got the key lost it to your guys apparently. I am not particularly in the mood for a running chase thing so figured I would call you up and ask you for it.

I figured rather than slap fight for it for the next however long we could sit down like adults and I could avoid flying around blowing crap up all day.
>>
No. 958653 ID: e2f5cc

>>958652
While that's a bold move that I do like, should probably ask her why she didn't originally pick up, since you called a bit ago, right? No need to immediately give out big info like that right out the gate.
>>
No. 958655 ID: b07f1c

Let out a sigh of relief. Tell her that Pillet did a raid on Finnigan but she got captured and you had to rescue her. Ask her if she's alright, because you saw some of her own people down here and you were worried that she got hurt.
Also mention that, Finnigan got away with the key, and that he'll probably be more careful from now on so another chance like this seems unlikely. So it looks like the auction's probably going to continue and, well, that you'll be heading back to read her books. But that you're glad that she's safe.

You should let Pillet in on the plan to get Phantom's trust.
>>
No. 958656 ID: 5f3f48

>>958650
Hey.

So I hear you have your key back? That or Finn's guys are good at bluffing.
>>
No. 958659 ID: fa2754

Invite her to another spa day. These past few days have been stressful. She can pick the place this time. We can talk like adults.
>>
No. 958660 ID: 015bf2

"'sup. Heard you got the key back, congrats, or too bad, etc.

When is the first quiz? I'm still up for it despite refreshed enemy-hood, but I haven't gotten started well on the reading yet. Also been thinking about maybe another spa day, but it might feel weird right now.

Finnigan's been chugging food like there's no tomorrow, by the way, so there's a weensy chance he'll actually come after you to get the key back. If he does, well, you got my number and he almost took down Pillet so I owe him a bit of petty, petty revenge even if I won't get the key.

Hey. On the note of old gang bosses, do you know what happened to any of 'em? Thought I might go talk to some of 'em at some point. People weren't really in a super talky mood last time."
>>
No. 958663 ID: 297592

To be honest you're happier that she has it than some random guy. Anyway glad she's ok. Not sure if you would actually want to use them but have you asked about memory retrieval techniques
>>
No. 958673 ID: b1b4f3

>>958650
Hmm, the reception is a lot better now.
I bet you could find where she put it by finding out where the reception is bad.

Anyway ask her where she's at right now. Now that all this is over you can go back to the hangouts you planned.
>>
No. 958674 ID: 297592

Give the option of a place that isn't a spa if she'd prefer that. Like a......... chocolate factory
>>
No. 958675 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158378259382.png - (89.98KB , 800x800 , 282.png )
958675

Oh good the reception's better. Maybe there's some clue in where the key is based on where the reception is bad?... No the reception is bad anywhere underground that doesn't specifically have equipment to relay signals back up over ground.

"Why didn't you pick up earlier?"
>"I'm not your secretary. Did you mean to call Soletta?"
"Oh no that's okay. I hear Finnigan got the key."
>"Yes, it was him who auctioned it, did Pillet not tell you? "
"Er wait - Finn said he lost it."
>"Yes, there's no point in me hiding it. I have it now. Are you going to begin bargaining for it?"
"I - wait, are you in the market?"
>"No."
"Okay I didn't think so."

...
>>
No. 958676 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158378260205.png - (172.92KB , 800x800 , 283.png )
958676

>"So what did you call me for?"
"Wow sorry it feels like I forgot how to talk. Uh - are you okay? I saw some of your guys got hurt."
>"I'm fine. They'll be back. Do me a favor and coup de grace anyone in pain."
"Okay. So I just... wanted to hang out. Still. I'd like to talk to you still! I mean, I should probably talk to all the gang leaders since apparently them dying once didn't just make them go away. But for us, there's a quiz but also that spa day. Or something else if you want."

There's a long silence. Why do I feel like I'm in middle school hitting on my first crush? I don't remember middle school! I'm not even trying to hit on her, I'm trying to settle this key thing like adults.

>"I already have plans with friends, tonight. I'm already going to be late to it because of getting the key."
"Oh. Can I come?"
>"I'd prefer you didn't. I want to watch a movie and relax with my friends. It's going to be tough on the mood if my rival of untold power that wants to remove our longetivity is just... there."
"Oh. Yeah I guess that makes sense!"
>"Spa day still sounds nice. Tomorrow evening, if you're free. It should take you at least a week before you're ready for the quiz."
>>
No. 958677 ID: 465a14

>>958676
ur doin it deli ur bein the boy

I'm sure nothing is suspicious here and we should just while away the time until that.
>>
No. 958678 ID: cdabe3

spa day is a great idea

also, even if she's our frenemy, it's probably safer for her to have the key than some random schmuck who clearly can't pull decent security. it might be time to start hooking up with some of the old gang leaders
>>
No. 958679 ID: b07f1c

That came out all wrong lol

So she's got the upper hand now. Something tells me that she's gonna be the one doing the ear-rubbing next time.

Go clean up the place, helping the Phantom's guys and cleaning up Finnigan's. Then fly back with Pillet and go do your reading. Yeah, lots of reading. You don't wanna fail that quiz haha.
>>
No. 958680 ID: 86eb65

Wow you did that all wrong yet it worked out somehow.

Go study for your test.
>>
No. 958681 ID: 015bf2

>>958676
"Alright. I'm good for quiz in a week and spa for the morrow."

Eh, this could've gone worse. Hindsight, you should've blasted in here like a cannonball rather than leave it to Pillet and her peeps, but eh, you might've messed it up differently if you did. Phantom's still chat-up-able and Pillet's alive, so chalk it all up as a kinda-win.

Wander about mercy-killin' peeps who need it and shooing away those who don't, while thinking about what to do next. There's a few ideas for what you can do that isn't aimlessly searching for where Phantom's got the key.

1 -Go to a public library and borrow Dynastic Towers, then get your quiz scholarship of both it and that other book properly started. Good way to spend an evening, but you may not be in the mood for it.

2 - Hit up some of those other gang bosses to chat up about the past, their memories and what their plans are/were, not necessarily friendly like, but not necessarily antagonistic either. Very curious about Splicer transformation from folk hero to gang boss.

3 - Try to find an old artificial coffee machine on sale somewhere to see if it can get your old memory jogging again.
>>
No. 958682 ID: fa2754

>>958676
Agree to it. Thank her for still hearing you out. You have to go though, there's some activity behind you.
>>
No. 958683 ID: 015bf2

>>958682
Oh yeah.

4 - Check out who's getting blow'd up / blow'ding up.
>>
No. 958684 ID: b1b4f3

>>958676
Who's getting blown up over there?
>>
No. 958696 ID: 297592

Just say thanks, sounds like she's throwing you a bone. Definitely study study until tomorrow night though. And hey, someone giving you permission to Mercy kill people, definitely do it (if they seem chill with that), more power is never bad.
>>
No. 958724 ID: c2f1f6

Uhhhh something just exploded. I'll see you tomorrow evening.

And don't be nervous, it's like Pillet said, this isn't the end. You only have to win once. Phantom won't gloat or avoid you, she'll keep the opportunity to have your ear.
>>
No. 958762 ID: 48ce40

Man, you sure you and Pillet don't just want to maybe end things because your social lives suck? Tell your girl that Phantom is having a social night with friends and now you're jealous and you want one.

A friend.
>>
No. 958774 ID: 1ed92d

>>958676
You're doing well. Mention that you really do want to talk about your past, then say your goodbyes and hang up.

It's important to give others breathing room and remember to concentrate on their emotions.
>>
No. 958861 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158393489840.png - (174.59KB , 800x800 , 284.png )
958861

"Alright, spa tomorrow, quiz in a week! I'll - "
>"Attention idiots!" Pillet puts the megaphone right behind me.
>"What?" asks Phantom.
"I said - "
>"Stop blowing each other up and go home, the gang war's over!"
"I said spa tomorrow quiz in a week - Pillet keep it down! I'll talk to you later, Phantom!" Maybe I can ask Phantom if she knows where to get old vending machines.

That last bit of people fighting seemed to happen because some people just wanted to get some aggression out by throwing cars off bridges. They fly off.

"And uh..." I talk again to Phantom. "I'm glad you're okay."

I hang up, and Pillet faces me with the megaphone.

>"~Someone's~got~a~girrrrlfriiiiend~!"
"It's you!"
>"And I'm going to fuck your brains out tonight!"
"Not on the megaphone Pillet!"
>>
No. 958862 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158393492162.png - (201.78KB , 800x800 , 285.png )
958862

Pillet and I go back to base. I start reading Dynastic Towers.

"Why're you using the jenga tower now?"
>"Finn kicked my ass way harder than he had any business to."
"Didn't he have more energy?"
>"So what? That's not an excuse. For all I know all the gang leaders can kick my ass now!"
"Right, I was sort of thinking maybe I should talk to them? Splicer and... who was that other guy?"
>"Crook. Both of 'em are in hiding, but if you really want to talk to them I can reach out."
"Yeah... maybe. Maybe not. Phantom was going out with friends. I figured I could use those."
>"What, friends?"
"I... guess so. I have you around to talk to, and Soletta's pretty calming, but outside of that, my social life sucks!"
>"Getting a little lonesome at the top? Do you even have time anyway? I saw that key lore book you were reading, and if Phantom's going to quiz you on that, you don't have much time to faff."
>>
No. 958863 ID: 86eb65

"I want to try and get that key without becoming a monster. Is pretty much that simple."

"I have no idea if any of this key lore is worth anything but it can't hurt. Phantom is pretty set in her ideals so maybe if I can see where she is coming from and offer my own thoughts on the matter we can convince her that making the attempt is better than sitting here forever not knowing."

"These stupid keys could end up doing nothing or anything once we finally get to using them. If there is any evidence one way or another its probably in these books."

"You know if you really wanted to train you should multitask during jenga."

Then waggle your crotch at her and get back to reading.
>>
No. 958864 ID: 4286b4

Well, you did use to die a lot, so studying back then wouldn't have made much sense. But now you don't have any such excuse to evade it anymore.

Tell Pillet that if she's got time to tease you, she can tease your dik. Maybe she'd find it more of a challenge than the Jenga tower.
>>
No. 958865 ID: a9af05

>>958862
>if Phantom's going to quiz you on that, you don't have much time to faff.
So does that mean that you're not going to fuck my brains out tonight?
>>
No. 958866 ID: a9acbe

>>958862
Two words: Study Group.
>>
No. 958867 ID: fa2754

Welcome to college life then. Try to get a chapter done each day. Take breaks. Practice Jenga with Pillet. Relax with Soletta and Pillet when possible. Repeat.
>>
No. 958868 ID: 2b3343

You can socialize and study at the same time, you just need to find some nerds.
>>
No. 958874 ID: b1b4f3

>>958862
Awww mannnnn...
>>
No. 958876 ID: ee7423

Time to get out your highlighter!
>>
No. 958877 ID: c2f1f6

Okay in any other circumstances socializing would just be fucking about, but we could use the allies, or just to keep tabs on people. If I've got to be the boss guy in charge I think that's where my priorities ought to be. We can wait a week to start so I can secure access to the library I guess.
>>
No. 958878 ID: a9af05

>>958876
If you plan on using that on the book then don't! Phantom already told us that it was the original, so we'd better not piss her off by marking it with a highlighter!
>>
No. 958881 ID: 8d23f0

>>958862
breaking upo stufy sessions with more memorable things helps retain the information. and why am I even studying all this if I just lock myself away and do nothing anyway.
>>
No. 958883 ID: afdebc

>"Didn't he have more energy?"
>>"So what? That's not an excuse.
Yeah, in theory, people with less energy can win fights against someone with more, if they use it better.

Granted, you probably don't have to worry about that personally with the current power gap between you and whoever has second place.

>"Getting a little lonesome at the top? Do you even have time anyway? I saw that key lore book you were reading, and if Phantom's going to quiz you on that, you don't have much time to faff."
Shrug. Well okay, maybe not this minute. But in general, it would probably be a good idea to try and make my life healthier. If I got to a place where I was blowing myself up on purpose, I don't really want to end up in that kind of headspace again.
>>
No. 958894 ID: 86eb65

Wait can you convince Pillet to practice energy control by giving you ghost blowjobs/handjobs?

Also would that even be a good idea.
>>
No. 959014 ID: 15a025

Hit the books Delli. Maybe you can also practice energy control at the same time? Try holding the book up with energy while reading it.
>>
No. 959016 ID: a2aa36

No experimenting on her nice first edition book. That is important to her and would be a dick move to damage it.
>>
No. 959686 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158516400065.png - (165.31KB , 800x800 , 286.png )
959686

"What if... I studied with others?"
>"Yeah I guess. Know anyone?"
"That would want to study with me? No not really..."
>"You can just order Soletta to do it."
"No! I don't want to order anyone to do it. There's got to be people who'd want to help..."
>"Just ask Phantom. Apparently she has a whole army of nerds down there! I'm sure she could spare a few."
"That's a good idea. For now I could use a buddy, and that buddy can practice energy control while distracted with other stuff!" I waggle my crotch at her.
>"... huh? Ohh. You've got to practice your pickup lines, buddy."
"It worked, didn't it?"
>"Yeah, yeah."

She pulls down my pants and I don't learn a thing from this book during the following events.
>>
No. 959687 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158516401122.png - (195.24KB , 800x800 , 287.png )
959687

Since I'm seeing Phantom in the evening the very next day, I study alone for the time. She texts me with the address.

>"You didn't say you were, but just in case, please don't bring Pillet."
"I was planning on coming alone."
>"Okay. 7 PM?"
"Sure."

I approach the spa at the same time she does. There's other mask wearers, and I think this spa is owned by phantom.

"Hey."
>"Hi. I'll meet you inside, past the changing rooms."
>>
No. 959688 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158516404985.png - (280.23KB , 800x800 , 288.png )
959688

I get changed, make sure Pillet's belt with the keys inside is still snugly locked around me, and head out. It seems like it's half spa, half garden.

Phantom's already in the pool.
>>
No. 959689 ID: 465a14

CANNONBALL
>>
No. 959690 ID: fa2754

>>959688
I think the term is an 'onsen'. Typically, you enter the water naked. She's still clothed through so keep your shorts on.
>>
No. 959691 ID: fa2754

>>959689
Do not
>>
No. 959693 ID: b1b4f3

Hm, how come everyone's masks are different though? Phantom said they were there as a symbolic thing, to represent the idea that the individual is less important than the group, but if individuals can be identified via their custom masks doesn't that interfere with that idea?

Bring up the topic of studying energy control with someone from her group. Maybe even her? Right here, right now?
Don't even bother talking about the key, it's pointless to bring it up, aside from simply going "hey you know I'm gonna look for your key right"
>>
No. 959694 ID: a9af05

>>959688
>make sure Pillet's belt with the keys inside is still snugly locked around me
Good, you're bringing the keys with you into the pool. At least you didn't do something dumb like leave them with your clothes in the changing room.

>>959689
As fun as that would be, no don't do that.

>>959693
Do this.
>>
No. 959695 ID: b07f1c

Enter the water and get really shy after realizing that she's got the upper hand now and that she can demand that you do anything in exchange for not breaking the key again. Say really fast that you hope she doesn't force you to wear the bikini like the one you were reading on the v-day.

Other than that, you can also tell her what a good boy you've been with studying. And ask her what movie she watched with her friends.
>>
No. 959696 ID: c2f1f6

Something must be bugging her, she got the key and she's still as dour as ever. Maybe she knows you only have to win once. She won't distance herself from you though, she won't give up the opportunity to have your ear.

If you are going to jump like an absolute imbecile, use your power to gently float into a sitting position in the water.
>>
No. 959697 ID: 10c408

>>959696
Phantom's entire motivation regarding the keys is that *everyone* gets a vote in the decision regarding their usage, not just a select group like the rebels or the former gangs.
>>
No. 959698 ID: 86eb65

Did you shower before pool time? Got to keep the spa clean.

Go find a spot next to her.
>>
No. 959700 ID: b1b4f3

>>959697
Everyone, huh?
What about the people that keep blowing themselves up and spending most of their lives in the fog, gradually losing all their memories? How do we count their votes...?

That's something to bring up with Phantom, probably.
>>
No. 959707 ID: 015bf2

It's just the two of you, so keep spa time as relaxed as you can make it, despite how you're going to be broaching serious topics. Slip into the pool like a mere mortal rather than the CANNONBALL GOD OF FUN TIMES.

CGoFT can come out at parties when there are more people to mess with, after all. Anyway, what to say...? Maybe start off with a relatively innocent side topic. Like this place, and property laws.

"Hi, uh, Phantom. Nice place. Between this, movie nights and the library, I'm starting to think culture's kind of your thing. I mean, it's nice to see someone doing a bit more with their power than just... ruling, I guess. How do you gang lords get to 'own' property anyway? Do you just show up and say it's yours and put some people on it, or...?"

Segue into talking about memories, by way of your old farm.

"I had a farm once, not that I remember. Got taken over by some other farmer asshats who resented my quality horny goat weed, at least according to Pillet. Say, did I ever appear on your radar? Ex-farmer, working with Pillet, I feel as if I might've been a bit more than your regular mook, at least at one point. I don't know. Maybe I just got killed too many times in the past."

While you talk, try to multi-task and use your powers to make small water sculptures. Or, well, basic shapes, since that's probably all you can do. Squares, triangles and spheres.
>>
No. 959711 ID: 365ffb

Check out the garden first, it's going to be a bit awkward staring at it when you're already dripping wet.

Also for the love of everything don't go full on with the serious talk immediately. You've got lots to talk about with regards to problems with immortality and your various standings and threats and your previous suicide seeking but you could really just lighten up for a bit first, it's kind of an important step towards de-escalation.
>>
No. 959720 ID: 1ed92d

>>959688
Sit in the hot-tub and explain your memory loss to her.
>>
No. 959755 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158525225748.png - (138.78KB , 800x800 , 289.png )
959755

>Cannonball
>>
No. 959756 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158525226506.png - (215.49KB , 800x800 , 290.png )
959756

I don't cannonball. Is this what being mature is like? I kind of hate it.

"This place is fancy. I had to shower beforehand and everything."
>"Is there any public pool in town that doesn't require showering?"
"Come to think of it I guess not. What's with all the plants?"
>"It's a place to get away from civilization for a short period. It helps to be surrounded by natural growth instead of constructed rectangles."

That's the answer to that and now I keep talking just to avoid the awkward silence.

"So what movie did you see?"
>"Saw Sabre. It was martial arts, but it was trying to be stupid and bad."
"Was it any good?"
>"It was stupid and bad in a stupid and bad way. I don't recommend it unless you like intentionally bad movies."
"Oh well, hey something I was wondering, I was told the masks were there to... something about showing the individuals weren't as important as being part of the gang, right? But they're all unique, so if individuals are still distinguishable, doesn't that get in the way?"
>"No. The gang doesn't make them sacrifice who they are as individuals. Wearing the mask is like being on the job, wearing it is offtime where they can be themselves, even if there are rules they have to follow while maskless. Other leaders have said it's a messy system, but it makes sense once you get used to it. There is more detail in my gang orientation."
"Orientation."
>"New members have to pass tests and show competence. It's not difficult, but I don't just throw masks at people for free. I don't mind talking casually to you, but we're just dancing around the business in the room."
>>
No. 959757 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158525228946.png - (187.63KB , 800x800 , 291.png )
959757

"Right uh, well if you want to talk about that... When we first fought, we talked about having a vote, right? We could do that. Except I don't know how to make sure we get everyone's vote, like apparently people who keep themselves dead."
>"How you get their votes is up to you. It should be possible, and it isn't a problem if the vote takes months to complete."
"Yeah I guess. Even I think I spent a moment to realize I was alive again before dying. Oh it turns out I wiped my memory clean since I did that for awhile."
>"I'm sorry."
"It's fine, I stopped. Apparently I used to be a farmer?"
>"Unless you had a small secret underground farm, that must have been a long time ago. Farming is, or was, highly monitored, and there are no records of you in modern day farming."
"Pillet made it sound like a long time ago. She didn't even tell me how far back she could remember!"
>"I wouldn't know, she's never been candid with me, but her persistence is unparalleled. For as far back as I can remember, she's existed, and she has never changed."
"Maybe I'll press her on that later. Anyway, vote, then?"
>>
No. 959758 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158525230877.png - (160.54KB , 800x800 , 292.png )
959758

>"You can run a vote if you want, but a vote alone isn't enough to convince me, but let's say that you win by a tiny margin of 51%. What right does 51% of the population have to kill the other 49% that don't want to die? Does 66% have more of a right to kill the 33%? 95 to 5? 10,000 to 1? Where do you draw that line?"
>>
No. 959759 ID: 465a14

Say that you could turn the question around and ask about the right to freedom. It's a good question, but everything has to move on eventually. Everything has to end. This isn't moving on or ending, just languishing.
>>
No. 959760 ID: 1ed92d

>>959758
Point out that the 49% does not have a right to force the 51% to persist against their will. Forcing them to live forever and ever is tantamount to torture as well, as you yourself have experienced.

Besides, there's scarce evidence of what exactly will happen when the fog vanishes.
>>
No. 959761 ID: fa2754

>>959758
Turn that around on her. She just admitted there's already people who are choosing psudo-death over eternal life.
>>
No. 959763 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158525519893.png - (164.86KB , 800x800 , 293.png )
959763

"What right does the 49% have to make the 51% persist against their will?"
>"None! And that makes my point stand even stronger. A vote doesn't work, because neither side has the right."
"There's hardly evidence of all that happening when the fog vanishes anyway."
>"That's just all the more reason not to remove it then. It's gambling everything. I know things may not seem great, but they could be so much worse. More than they could be better. Death isn't the right way. Everyone in town has all the time they need to find something they want out of life and pursue it. For starters, what do you want?"

I kinda want to go nuts and wreck up stuff, but I can't because then I'll wreck up all stuff.
>>
No. 959764 ID: 465a14

A better choice.
>>
No. 959765 ID: fa2754

>>959763
Being someone who has lived on both the extremes of the power scale, You want the power scale gone. Freedom to leave this town. To persue whatever you want without fear of someone taking what you've earned and becoming all the stronger for it. Maybe see Pillet calm down for once.
>>
No. 959766 ID: e2f5cc

>>959764
This, but if Phantom doesn't accept that, well, you've been too busy forgetting everything or being a demigod to really think on what you want! Other than Pillet's ass, anyway. You'll have time to think about other goals when this is all said and done.
>>
No. 959767 ID: b07f1c

To rail a bunny.

Also, tell her that in all this time, you didn't have enough time to find out what you wanted. Something about dying all the time. And even if you did find that one thing, it would only take a few deaths to forget it all. So that argument doesn't exactly apply to everyone.

If only there was a way to take control of the globe. Perhaps the answer to this question lies inside the dome chamber itself.
>>
No. 959768 ID: 86eb65

I want to move forward. The Haze might keep us alive but is very much a prison.

Even if we could make a utopia in here we will never be able to leave or escape the haze. And with how things work here I find it highly unlikely for any utopia to stick for long.

We could spend a million years in here being afraid of what might happen if the keys are used. But they might just open a door.

I will admit to not getting horribly far in your book. But it all seems like some sort of test to me. And I would rather be standing with a trusted group by my side when I open that door than to do it alone.
>>
No. 959769 ID: 10c408

Point out the obvious flaw in her logic that by ignoring the results and collective will of the majority, the minority vote is effectively tyranny unless the results are completely unanimous.
>>
No. 959770 ID: b1b4f3

>>959763
Well tell her exactly that, then.
>>
No. 959772 ID: 567477

The urge to wreck up stuff is probably a symptom of an underlying desire: the desire to matter, to make a mark, to have consequence. That was probably what you were trying to do back in those old farming days, that's why you got so mad when people messed it up. Basically, right now... anything you do will be undone. No matter how much good you do it'll eventually decay, and no matter how bad you do it'll eventually get fixed. If you can't make a true long term impact on anything, then how can anything you do matter to anyone, including yourself? Hell, your past self might have deliberately tried to erase your memory, just because it'd be something permanent.

You know? It's like... being immortal wouldn't be so bad if you were at least living in a world you could have an impact on. It's Jenga, man, jenga's the metaphor for your life. It's fun to play a few times, but eventually you realize that, hey, if the tower falls it'll just get built again. And you're being forced to play jenga and only jenga for eternity.
>>
No. 959773 ID: 365ffb

Apparently you would have rather died than continue living in your previous circumstances, and you were apparently a badass then. What you want is to never be helplessly pushed around again, but you also want to not go evil or have anyone else get the massive upper hand and do the same. Also you want to hang out, enjoy nice things, and bang whoever's up for that.

But here's one thing to think about--Phantom literally wanted this and was in charge. Difficulties of leading aside, the town did <i>not</i> turn into the utopia of everyone self-actualizing, it just sucked eggs for anyone who wasn't powerful. There's always the potential for someone to twist things around, just like what you did. What could you do to stop that? Kill literally everyone and have 100% of the power, then completely burn every food source in existence and somehow never go bad? That wouldn't even do it because then people could just kill each other to get strong, and everything would just be worse off as a memory-destroying bloodbath.
>>
No. 959775 ID: c2f1f6

First off, I don't think things for most people are as good as you remember.

It's not unreasonable to want a vote when the alternative is a dictatorship crossed with warlord states of whoever holds the most energy. And that means the only way things can get worse is if I make them worse. That's not a threat by the way, you're the one who's first worried about the corruption absolute power brings. I don't want to smash everything or make a dictatorship for 'the good of the masses' or whatever, but apparently sooner or later I might not be the same person I am today. So, what we're really gambling on, is whether your prediction that my power will change me for the worse is prophetic.

So, I guess I can only tell you what I don't want.

Hey, if you wouldn't have been convinced by a vote, why did you offer it as a solution, anyway?
>>
No. 959776 ID: e63147

>>959759
For starters, are we sure we should be talking in absolutes, in terms of completely removing the mist or not doing it at all?
Would it be possible to merely open a breach in it to escape? A breach in mist would be temporary by its very nature.
>>
No. 959777 ID: b1b4f3

If it's possible to let only those who want to leave the fog do so, then... that would be the best solution.
I feel like the only way to find out is to actually open the door, though.
>>
No. 959780 ID: a2d2ad

Eh, no idea. I’ll probably try fishing like you suggested that one time but I feel like every place would be fished dry. Other than that i have no idea.
>>
No. 959786 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158527041866.png - (184.50KB , 800x800 , 294.png )
959786

...
...
>"Are you there?"
"Yeah just thinking a lot of thoughts. What I want are options! Like making it so only those who want to leave the fog can! If a vote's not good though then why'd you suggest it?"
>"You suggested it while fighting, and I didn't think about it until after I resurrected. And of course having people have the individual option of leaving the fog or not is best, but all signs point to all or nothing."
"Right well I want to do something! It's not like life was great while you four were doing stuff!"
>"It was an improvement! I know it wasn't great for everyone, but it used to be much worse! Do you have any idea what real wars here are like? I shouldn't have to explain it!"
"Even if it's better, even if it gets better than this, this place is still a prison. I want to move forward! How about the removal of the power scale?"
>"That's impossible. You have the position to seriously reduce the amount of power, but there will always be people more powerful than others, and they're going to use it. Even if you removed all energy usage somehow, there's social standing, martial ability, power in numbers, on and on. You can't remove it all. Removing the power will just revert the town, and it'll be a step backwards. Can you answer what you want in more detail? What exactly is 'moving forward'?"
"I dunno, I wanna wreck stuff! Maybe it's because I want to leave a mark. I can destroy stuff, but it'll just get rebuilt! And if I built stuff, it'll just get wrecked by someone! None of it matters, and I gotta do more than just... fish! Even if I haven't fished. Yet. I will but - I want to leave a mark!"
>"And that's supposed to change if we're mortal?"
"Not as easily, maybe!"
>"Marks don't last forever. At least if you live, you can keep remaking that mark. That's why I've maintained my position for this long as a gang leader. As long as what I do is mostly beneficial, I'll keep doing it. I don't want to die and not even be able to see what happens."
>>
No. 959787 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158527042719.png - (144.50KB , 800x800 , 295.png )
959787

I don't feel like we're getting anywhere on discussing this.

"Hey this is off topic, but did you know me? Apparently I fought alongside Pillet a bunch about 10 years ago before I started dying a bunch."
>"A decade... Crook or Splice might. Pillet was fighting against them most of all at that time, and I heard about a goat that was going around causing mayhem for Crook in particular. That might have been you, but even if it was, I only had vague, impartial reports to go off of."
"Crook, huh. Splice didn't seem to recognize me when I last saw him."
>"It's been a decade, plus, he probably never saw you face to face, since you would've done hit and run tactics."
>>
No. 959788 ID: b1b4f3

Hmm. Maybe the best mark you can leave/maintain is to keep improving the power structure. Power will always be there, so help it serve the lesser man. Charitable organizations and such.
Law enforcement, even.
>>
No. 959789 ID: b07f1c

Lay on the side of the spa looking away from her.

Ask her if it's possible that there exists an exit to this place. A secret passage through the fog. Does she know of anyone ever going permanently missing?
>>
No. 959791 ID: 10c408

Shove your head in the water, make sure she isn't trying to get the rest of the keys.

If she isn't then tell her that you already had more than enough sex with pillet last night that you aren't feeling it.
>>
No. 959795 ID: 91ee5f

>>959787
Even though you guys are talking, just make sure you don’t let your guard down. She might try to snatch the other keys off your belt!
>>
No. 959811 ID: 015bf2

>>959786
Hmm. You can respect her reasons for wanting to keep things going... but you think it’s important to still question what is up with this place. Like... why are the keys even a thing? Why even leave it an option? It’s... like there’s an emergency exit, stays locked until enough people, leaders or whatever - I.e. the guys or gals who had the keys - decide to unlock it - like it exists so it was left as an option - but then they don’t ever do it or use it even though they could and maybe should, because they died too many times and got scared because they forgot what the keys were really for. Whoever set this whole thing off... would they be okay with the arch of Haze Town? Longest memory keeper that you know of very much ISN’T.
>>
No. 959816 ID: 1ed92d

>>959787
Point out that this place doesn't completely negate entropy. It just keeps things mostly static.

Also, just be honest, one of the main issues with this town is that you can't get AWAY. You're stuck here, in the same town, with the same people, forever. And ever. There's no way out but sitting in the fog forever in a state of quasi-death.
>>
No. 959898 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158537837847.png - (148.61KB , 800x800 , 296.png )
959898

I slam my head below the water!

She's not stealing my keys or anything. That would be impressive, because this belt was given to my by Pillet for this exact reason. It vibrates like mad when energy damages it. Sort of like when Pillet welded it around me. So there's no way to take it off without cutting it off, and the keys aren't even in pockets. They're inside the belt.

Pillet doesn't even let me take it off when I shower. She says I'll forget to put it back on correctly! I obeyed her though because she's probably right.

It's still nice to know Phantom doesn't look like she's trying, and it's not like I'm the only one messing around with the water.
>>
No. 959899 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158537839553.png - (166.54KB , 800x800 , 297.png )
959899

I swim back up, which mostly means that I stand back up.

>"Did you find what you were looking for down there?"
"All I saw was chlorine... And another point of conversation! What if there is an exit to the place? Has anyone ever just gone missing, permanently?"
>"It's hard to tell, because there's plenty of people who just go missing. You, for instance, if you kept doing just awhile longer, you may have forgotten your own name and looked too different to be recognized by others. Even me, I don't believe I've died in fast succession like fog dwellers, but I've forgotten my own name, or why I know I had a name before Phantom."
"So this place doesn't stop entropy."
>"No, it certainly doesn't, but that's why it's better in peacetime. You can leave notes for yourself so that even if you forget things, a past you wrote it down."

She lets out a sigh.

>"I think all we can agree on is that we should study fog and the chamber more, but that could be enough for now. I can arrange more researchers on those books, and if you want, there are various research labs that, with resources and protection you can supply, would love to study that."
"Why do they need protection?"
>"There's cults around fog, you know, that don't like them doing that. They're not that strong, but it's a consideration."
"Oh."
>"You can be involved too as a researcher if you keep interest in the keys, but I hope you'll still read the book I've given you."
"I don't get bored that fast!"
>"You and Pillet have a lot of resources devoted to finding the key. Both of you also know that you only need to find all of the keys once to get your way, so you're the side that can afford patience and breaks. Can I ask that you divert your resources from searching for my key, and instead we spend the foreseeable future working together to find an optimal solution that fits both of our wants?"
"I take it we don't know why the keys even exist."
>"Correct, no records exist of a time before keys."
>>
No. 959901 ID: b1b4f3

>>959899
Hmm, yeah. Information about the keys is good, and like she said you can play the long game if you stick with Pillet's goal.
If Pillet objects when you tell her about it, then tell her she needs to give you some information about her past in exchange for giving up this deal. Like about what happened to you just before you started blowing yourself up.
>>
No. 959902 ID: a2d2ad

i can ask her to not look as hard but I doubt she’ll do it. Wouldn’t it be better to study the thing the fog unlocks to understand how to manipulate it or is that too impossible a situation that we just don’t even bother speculating it?
>>
No. 959905 ID: f57349

Given that the fog was set up somehow in the first place, would it be possible to shut it down and then restart it later, after everyone who wants to leave the affected area has done so?
>>
No. 959906 ID: 365ffb

It's not like there's that much point in trying to get Phantom's key anyway without doing the fog research. Maybe there's no way to anticipate what effects using the keys could have, but do you <i>really</i> want to go using them without making sure of that first? Picture yourself standing in front of the big door for like 45 minutes next to an increasingly pissed-off Pillet. Better to at least try to figure this stuff out first.

Besides, maybe this will help her chill out a bit more.
>>
No. 959910 ID: 86eb65

That is why I am here. Would much rather open the door with several good friends by my side.

That being said if I am going to divert resources you will need to prove you have the key. The news of you getting it could be a tricky trick.
>>
No. 959929 ID: 1ed92d

>>959899
It is important to acquire as much information as exists about the keys and the fog. For all we know the universe was simply created this way by a divine being for the purpose of studying our responses. Still, as long as it's not simply a delaying tactic and there is more to be learned.
>>
No. 959930 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158542560811.png - (108.81KB , 800x800 , 298.png )
959930

"I have no problems with stopping the search, but I'm not too sure Pillet would agree."

Wow, I saw an honest flinch at the name Pillet. She's been sounding so dejected too, come to think of it! Moreso than usual.

"But I'll definitely do key research still! Look at that chamber, it's not natural at all, it's artificial and that can be made, so maybe we can learn how it's made and remake it after people who want to leave, leave. I've gotta know more about the keys anyway, and it's best I don't have all the keys until then anyway. If I did suddenly get the key now and refused to use it, Pillet would start getting pissed."
>"Pillet, Pillet... she gets such a large say in all of this, and has no position to be!"
"I like her. She makes me feel like doing things, and I like that feeling." I'm going to demand information from her if she objects anyway.
>"... As long as you research, I'll consider it a positive."
"Yeah as long as we make some progress and it doesn't just feel like a delaying tactic to hide the key, I'm cool with it. You do have the key, right? Can you prove it?"
>"Yes, I'll show you the key, as long as you don't expect to see it in person."
>>
No. 959931 ID: b1b4f3

>>959930
Sure.
Ask if she's alright. Is something bothering her?
>>
No. 959932 ID: e2f5cc

If the pictures have undeniable proof they were taken recently/not photoshopped, then yeah that should be okay.
>>
No. 959933 ID: 86eb65

You don't like me being with Pillet do you?

Or maybe it's not that. Worried she is a bad influence?

Not like I remember much of her. My history is pretty much a blank slate. Am hoping she is sincere cause if she is manipulating me with my non existent past then that is pretty awful.
>>
No. 959934 ID: a0dfd2

>>959930

Have we ever asked .... WHY phantom doesn't like pillet / being around her?
>>
No. 959935 ID: c2f1f6

You know, you seem knowledgeable on the history of- I don't know whether to call it 'outside' or just 'before'. But you speak with such familiarity it makes me think you remember- or even had something to do with- the creation of this place and the time before it, rather than just being particularly well studied. I mean, it's a little strange that the natural laws of this place suit you so perfectly. And you've got a certain zeal to you, like this is somehow personal, but I can't put together how.
>>
No. 959936 ID: 86eb65

Oh yeah and if you want to say something say it. I am a old amnesiac and can not take hints.
>>
No. 959938 ID: b07f1c

Tell her that rubing her ears instead of seeing her key also works.
>>
No. 959945 ID: 10c408

>>959934
It's increasingly obvious that Pillet's not exactly a good person. She's not the worst, but she ain't exactly good either.
>>
No. 959952 ID: d186fc

So, uhh, i have a theory about this, and it may be a bit long, but there isn't a dis thread for Haze Town...
>>
No. 959965 ID: 7ac7e7

>>959945
Pillet’s had to fight her whole life, multiple lives, for a distant goal that seems practically impossible.

Imagine spending the sum of numerous lifetimes trapped against your will, fighting a loosing battle against impossibly strong beings, dying uncountable times in a war for a better life. There’s no room for nice people in War, there’s no room for weak wills. Pillet has been in the shit, longer than anyone. She’s seen the truth of life on the streets, and decided she wants to fight for something better.

Phantom sits at the top, away from the reality of life in Haze Town. When was the last time she had to struggle and scrape for a fucking candy bar from a vending machine? She admitted herself that she can’t remember a time before she was the leader of a powerful gang. That’s what the people at the top get to do, they get to form ideals and morals and then impose them on their underlings, ignorant to the true cost.

I like Phantom, I think she believes in what she’s preaching. But I just can’t see that she understands what it’s like for the actual people of Haze Town. I don’t think she has the right to criticize Pillet from her high chair.
>>
No. 959970 ID: 15a025

Yeah sure. Just send us a pic of you holding the key sometime later.
>>
No. 960000 ID: fa2754

>>959930
Admit you are an awkward person, in an awkward meeting, awkwardly asking if she's alright and that she can speak freely.
>>
No. 960013 ID: 365ffb

>>959965
Not to mention she probably has some of the best memory techniques out there if she dies. Most people don't even get any.

Pillet pretty much said it herself, phantom is too high up and now she's terrified of falling. But she doesn't really have a good idea of what it's like to be a regular person anymore.

Still, hopefully she can relax and stop being so scared of what's normal. I advocate being super chill all the time and researching a lot.
>>
No. 960016 ID: 015bf2

A picture is fine. She's got her bargaining chip and while you could, you're not about to rock the boat.

What's gotten to her though? You've only started meeting recently, but you'd say she seems a bit... down? Somehow, if it was possible, LESS chill than during the first meeting?

Mm. Alright, how about this? You don't want to increase the load on her concern-o-meter sooooo you'll just have to try to negotiate a truce with Pillet for her. A month or so, at least, of no direct key hunting, just to let the power struggle between big gangs settle a little bit more and for you to go around and have a chat with gang leaders, former and current, maybe finish reading Dynastic Towers, answer a few quizzes, and figure out how to set up and defend the research teams.

Not to pry, but is the history between Pillet and Phantom outright bad? You don't need details, just need to know if there's anything Pillet's done that she considers unforgivable OTHER than the whole trying to un-haze Haze Town. Clearly, yeah, there's a serious rift there, but you really wonder if there anything else going on, because the animosity seems to mostly flow in one direction.
>>
No. 960017 ID: 015bf2

>>960016
Actually, that's way too much. Give up something in return. Like, I don't know. A song.

Pillet would probably accept a truce if I say I traded it for a song.
>>
No. 960193 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158568717499.png - (166.02KB , 800x800 , 299.png )
960193

"That's fine, as long as it's obvious it was taken recently and not shopped or anything. So you've talked about the history about this place's past, and you sound like you remember or even had something to do with the creation of town."
>"No, I've just studied history a lot. If I spoke like I knew... it's just me reciting what I've learned."
"I'll make a truce with Pillet for a month or something, but you two have a bad history together, like, beyond her trying to unhaze the town?"
>"I... don't know. The way she speaks to me like she knows me better than I do, yet says so many words without saying anything about her motives or how she's persisted so long through the years... and now she's gotten so close to her goals. The only way things could be worse is if she had your power. Why do you ask?"
"You seem kinda down."

She pauses.

>"You're right. I thought I'd be happier getting the key, but I'm not. People just don't seem to care. I mentioned I knew history, and I'm sure that we came to this town to avoid death and tragedy. But, if that's true, our motives don't show anymore. There were barely any communal efforts find and hide the key from you. I've spent all this effort finding the key and trying to save the town, but the public is responding mostly with apathy. It kind of hurts, and I'm doubting things I've thought and said, regarding why we came to this town, and what the public thinks."
"Uh, yeah, all your lifetimes at the top probably didn't do you any favors for understanding what it's like for the average dude at the bottom."
>"It's not like I haven't tried. I've even gone incognito to get jobs at the bottom. Maybe that wasn't enough."
"Yeah not really, I would've had a totally different outlook on my job if I knew I could blow up my boss, raid a vending machine, and go back to a mansion. Pillet's been fighting for multiple lives against you guys. Imagine spending lifetimes trapped in the town, fighting against impossibly strong people!"
>"I've fought lifetimes to make things better, if not perfect. If I've been so wrong about people this whole time, and I've spent those lifetimes making things worse... then maybe I can't imagine what Pillet's gone through, but I think I can imagine something comparable.

>Offer her ear rubs
On one hand she absolutely looks like she could use them, on the other hand I'm absolutely not sure if this is the time.
>>
No. 960194 ID: 465a14

Offer it anyway tho.
>>
No. 960195 ID: b1b4f3

>>960193
...starting to wonder if this place was built as a prison to contain Pillet specifically. Is she the only person who has never lost their memories? Or... maybe she built it as a sanctuary, then eventually she decided it wasn't worth keeping?

Hmm. Also Phantom's dismay over the apathy of the populace is pretty similar to Pillet's motivations.
Ask her if she'd like to conduct a survey instead of a vote. Find out what people want, not necessarily about the fog, but rather about their lives here. What do they desire? What's fun, what isn't fun? What would make them less apathetic?
>>
No. 960196 ID: e2f5cc

Yeah, offer rubs. Worst case she says no but also knows you care enough to offer. Either way though, a decision doesn't have to be made right away.
>>
No. 960197 ID: cdabe3

>>960194
Be sure to say you know it’s probably not the best time, but she looks like she needs them.
>>
No. 960201 ID: b07f1c

I'm pretty sure the people care. It's just hard for them to voice their opinions given that doing so could get their heads blasted off. In the end, even if made people happy, there will always be those wanting to leave, *coughpilletcough*, ultimately resulting in conflict.

Anyway, I think that agreeing to work together and improving the research into the dome chamber should be good enough for now. Also, being in the spa, we should be relaxing right now. Want some ear rubs?
>>
No. 960203 ID: 10c408

>>960195
Any place suitable to be considered livable, no matter how spartan or extravagant, posh or ramshackle, stocked or barren, is functionally no different than prison if you can't leave.
>>
No. 960206 ID: c2f1f6

>I'm absolutely not sure if this is the time
It can probably wait.

While you've been fighting lifetimes to make things better, so has everyone else been fighting for themselves. Almost all of them are still at the bottom. I don't think that fact reflects on you, it's the way this place is.
>>
No. 960207 ID: 10c408

Mention that as someone who did live on the bottom, you've only seen two major changes to everyday life in this place.

The first is Pillet's power cluster plan and the second is when you subjected yourself to the fog enough times to forget everything and quite possibly become an entirely new person.

And of those two, only one of them is going to stick.
>>
No. 960208 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158569871583.png - (111.72KB , 800x800 , 300.png )
960208

I wonder if this was a prison to contain Pillet, since she seems to remember everything. I'll put that down on the list of crazy conspiracy theories that exist, because there sure are plenty of those.

"Wanna do a survey, and figure out what people want? Not even about the fog I mean, but lives in general?"
>"I've done that. That was why I thought I knew what they wanted. You can look at the results if you want, they're not really private anymore. But their attitudes now, their desires and motivations, it doesn't line up at all! I don't think it was a badly run survey, so I'm starting to think that the public just doesn't know what they want, or what motivates them, or so on."
"Maybe they thought the wrong answer would get their head blown off."
>"Uuuughh, maybe... that might not have changed, but you can do a survey on your own if you want. Maybe you're in a better place for it, now that I think about it."
"Yeah I guess I might be, I'm pretty sure no one thinks I'm a tyrant yet! You know, I've only known of two changes to my everyday life, and one was when I went through the fog enough times to get total amnesia, or when Pillet's power cluster hit me. And only one of those things is something that'll stick."
>"Which one?"
"... The, uh... fog removing memories? Thought it was obvious."
>"Pillet is persistent. This is not the first time she's tried it, but now that she's succeeded with it, she'll never take it off the list of plans to enact to destroy this town."
"Yeah I guess not. Just remember she thinks of the town as a prison! No matter how luxurious or ramshackle it is, it's a prison if you can't leave."
>"I knowww."
"Want a - okay I know this is out of left field and this might not be the time but I really want to offer, want an ear rub? Totally up to you."
>"I - "

>"... Gh... God damnit. Yes."
>>
No. 960209 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158569872307.png - (147.77KB , 800x800 , 301.png )
960209

Huh. Weird response, but she doesn't even let me respond because she ducks under the water and swims up to me, so I rub at them. Fluffy as ever. It's sure a nice change of pace from this heavy conversation.

...

She sure can hold her breath a long time.
>>
No. 960214 ID: 10c408

Keep rubbing with one hand, make sure she isn't rifling through your pockets for the keys with the other.
>>
No. 960218 ID: 9bd3d2

I imagine being submerged in warm water, while having your ears rubbed gently, would be immensely relaxing. I probably wouldn’t be in any hurry to resurface either. Just let it happen for a minute, she’ll come up when she needs to.
>>
No. 960219 ID: a9af05

>>960209
Make sure she's not trying to get the keys.
>>
No. 960220 ID: 015bf2

Let the moment run. Give her ears a good, long work-over. Quietly wish you had some chill music, jazz maybe, playing in the background. Maybe hum a few bars of a half-remembered song.

If you're all that curious, you could just look down. Water shouldn't be that opaque. And can people even die of oxygen starvation here? Maybe Phantom's got a workaround, even so.

If she goes limp you should definitely pull her out.
>>
No. 960221 ID: fa2754

>>960209
Duck your head under and make sure she's not crying underwater
>>
No. 960223 ID: b07f1c

You'd probably feel if she was doing anything weird down there. Not to mention the belt protection.

But even if she got the keys... hmm. Is there actually any difference if she's got one key or all the keys? Because if she did have all the keys, she could, in theory, open the dome chamber and do stuff there. Wouldn't that benefit us? Might be worth asking her what she would do if she had all the keys.
>>
No. 960225 ID: 86eb65

Make sure you get the bases good. Some scratching to.
>>
No. 960228 ID: b1b4f3

>>960209
Keys are secure in the belt, don't worry about it.
Pull her out of the water though, to make sure she's not drowning or something. Powers though, she's probably using powers. Offer to move somewhere more comfortable.
>>
No. 960230 ID: a0dfd2

>>960209

Slow down a bit and ask if she wants you to keep going. You know, to be certain she's doing okay.
>>
No. 960233 ID: e2f5cc

Do a quick check to make sure that bubbles are coming up around her mouth. Also, what was Phantom's tone of voice when she accepted the ear rubs? Like, was she more resigned, indignant, or just more bashful?
>>
No. 960234 ID: cdabe3

>>960230
This
>>
No. 960235 ID: eb4a6c

>>960209
Try not to think too hard about what she could do with that talent. Focus on giving the best ear rub you can.
>>
No. 960237 ID: 567477

I mean, her ears are up there, man. You can just ask.
>>
No. 960238 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158570552680.png - (162.36KB , 800x800 , 302.png )
960238

I'm preeeetty sure she's not trying to nab all the keys while she's down there. I'm sure she's thinking about it, I mean, probably, maybe. I know I would.

>Is there actually any difference if she's got one key or all the keys?
Two differences, for one thing, Pillet and I had would have to find four keys, not one. Secondly, Pillet would be pissed. So there's not really any benefit to Phantom having more keys, it just gives her more insurance.

"Hey Phantom uh should I keep going?" Wait, she's underwater, she can't hear me. I tug at her ear, and she swims forward, headbutts me, and slaps her ears on my chest. Pretty sure that's a keep going, since if she passed out then she'd be limp and all that. She probably has special fancy energy techniques to like, breath underwater or something I don't know.

I hum a little tune since no one's listening,

>Look underwater to make sure she's not stealing your keys
I can kinda see underwater, it's a little tinted so I can't make out details but her hands aren't messing around. I 100% don't want to ruin the mood by getting all up in her face thinking she's a dastardly gang leader to use ear rubs as a ruse to steal my keys, but I use one hand to make sure my belt is there still anyway at least.

>Look underwater to make sure she's not crying
If she's actually crying down there then I'm 200% sure I don't want to get all up in her face if she doesn't want to be seen! Except now there's mystery about it because she sure hasn't been in a good mood.

I could rub these ears all day, and it's so easy since they're at the top and -

... Wait a minute she can hear me!
>>
No. 960239 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158570560030.png - (145.82KB , 800x800 , 303.png )
960239

And I've been humming like an absolute nerd right in her ear!

And that's embarrasing! And I don't even know how long it is to rub ears for! I should've told her that I like Pillet because I can rub her ears and smack her butt and do all kinds of stuff and if she goes 'what're you doing you goober' I can go 'I do what I want bitch' and it's all good!

.... this is nice too but I didn't actually expect this much.

>What was her tone when she accepted? Resigned, indignant, or just more bashful?
.... yes.

"Just uh let me know if you want me to stop and all."

Another small headbutt. Maybe I am going to do this all day.
>>
No. 960241 ID: 1ed92d

>>960239
You asked, you offered, and she accepted. Prepare to rub ears all day. Just remember to use telekinesis to check your phone regularly. Every hour or so.
>>
No. 960242 ID: 465a14

>>960239
demand earrubs in return.
>>
No. 960244 ID: 91ee5f

>>960239
Try not to think about how close her face is to your crotch.

Try not to get a boner and smack her right in the face with it.

Completely fail to not get a boner and totally smack her in the face with it!
>>
No. 960245 ID: 86eb65

You in for the long haul buddy. Make sure you get a good area coverage of the whole ear. No focusing on one spot and missing any.

Try to find one of those spots. The sort that have her all twitchy and gurgling.
>>
No. 960246 ID: d186fc

>>960239
What if, and I know this is a crazy idea, but what if you only think you like Pillet because you are supposed to like her (also lust)? Do you really actually like her for who she is? Lately it has seemed like you and Phantom have been clicking a lot more than you and Pillet ever did.
>>
No. 960247 ID: fa2754

Settle in. Rub them ears. Ask if she's comfortable, offer a position change.
>>
No. 960248 ID: e2f5cc

The blush has been deployed. The ship is now in the dock, I repeat, the ship is now in the dock.

Hasten it's departure by humming some more, if Phantom wanted you to stop she would've said something earlier. Also, don't compare her to Pillet you goober. At least if you want to continue this blessed life as an ear masseuse.
>>
No. 960249 ID: b1b4f3

>>960239
Rub them ears, for as long as she wants. Try giving some attention to the base too.
>>
No. 960251 ID: 78c316

Yes, Delli, it is a distinct possibility that you will be there all day. No, Delli, there is nowhere better to be. It’s either ear-rubs or back to morally ambiguous politics. Of all the hard choices you’re going to have to make, this isn’t one of them.
>>
No. 960252 ID: c2f1f6

>And that's embarrassing!
Good thing she's embarrassed too, so you can be sure it will never leave this room.

anyway get comfortable dork, it's time for the consequences of your actions. Oh what a terrible fate you have invited, but you must resign yourself to the floof.

It sounds like your relationship with Pillet isn't very deep. You should take her on a date or something, actually spend time together that isn't gang related.
>>
No. 960253 ID: 214cda

Girls love it when you softly hum in their ears, you nerd. Especially if you're rubbing them at the time. You're in a good place right now.
>>
No. 960265 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158571460236.png - (173.29KB , 800x800 , 304.png )
960265

>what if you only think you like Pillet because you are supposed to like her (also lust)
>don't compare her to Pillet
>it sounds like your relationship with Pillet isn't very deep
I hope Phantom doesn't surprise me with any girlfriendy questions like 'what are you thinking about' cause thinking about nothing but Pillet while I rub Phantom's ears I know isn't something I want to admit to.

Uhhh hm maybe I should set up a date with Pillet though but maybe I should stop thinking about her and focus on Phantom's fluffy ears. Which isn't a good reason to date someone either but uh, I'm not dating Phantom so that's okay? It's this or back to politics that there doesn't seem to be a right answer to so... guess I'm rubbing. Tips to the base. May as well be thorough. Part of the inner edge of her left ear makes it twitch a whole bunch so that's kinda funny.

>Hum some more
Not even on my death bed!

I've gotta focus! Ears. Phantom.

>Try not to get a boner

...

God damn it!
>>
No. 960266 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158571461355.png - (176.85KB , 800x800 , 305.png )
960266

I cross my legs and shuffle around and stuff. She doesn't move so I must've done a perfect job.

I manage to stop thinking about Pillet for like 4 seconds, but then her ringtone starts going off on my phone. She's calling.
>>
No. 960267 ID: 465a14

She knows you've got a boner. You have to distract her quick. Take advantage of the part of her left ear that makes her twitch, it's the best implementation for plan boner distraction. Also check out your phone to make it seem like your attention isn't on your dick.
>>
No. 960268 ID: fa2754

Tap out. Tell her you'll be right back.
>>
No. 960269 ID: 10c408

Tap out and get the phone.

Double check your pockets.
>>
No. 960270 ID: e2f5cc

Well, force pull that phone on over and see what's up, it'll take some serious shit to pull you away from these ear rubs though. But also don't tell Pillet that you're cheating on her by rubbing someone else's ears.
>>
No. 960273 ID: b1b4f3

>>960266
Grab the phone with your MAGIC POWERS so you don't interrupt ear time.
>>
No. 960274 ID: 91ee5f

>>960270
It’s not really cheating on her, when Pillet herself said that she doesn’t care. She said, “Live it up while you're alive.” so I’m pretty sure she’d be ok with this. Hell, she’d probably want to join us.
>>
No. 960276 ID: ac2125

Take the call with Pillet, but don't mention that you're with Phantom. You could say you're busy studying for Phantom's quiz as a way to cut the conversation short and keep rubbing dem ears.
>>
No. 960278 ID: 10c408

>>960276
...She was literally right there when we made plans with Phantom. Even without hearing phantom's half of the phone conversation it's not rocket science to put two and two together.
>>
No. 960282 ID: 1ed92d

>>960266
Telekinesis is your friend.
>>
No. 960283 ID: 214cda

Don't you dare answer that phone. Focus on the bunny.
>>
No. 960284 ID: 015bf2

Is your phone real sturdy and waterproof? If not, don’t grab it with your power unless you’re sure you’ve figured out a way to do so safely. Like... maybe you can grab the table it’s on and lift it over, rather than just the phone.

If you’re not confident your choice is to wait it out, or to rise and go get it. The former may be bad if Pillet needs your help all of a sudden. The latter will also interrupt the moment you’re having with Phantom, which... will be sad if this is just a status update. Seems like you’ve got a somewhat relaxing thing going on here and I bet Phantom doesn’t say ‘fuck it, I DO want ear rubs’ that often.

Then again, you could try to make it a part of the moment.

“Uh. Can you... grab that for me? I’m not confident in not crushing it aaand I kinda don’t want to stop.”

(I bet the whole point of going underwater is that she’s hiding her face so you can’t see her expression as you rub her ears. Probably because she’s a mega prude and showing that she just outright enjoys something is mega embarrassing for her.)
>>
No. 960285 ID: 9481c2

Answer phone with mind powers, speak softly so as not to bother Phantom.
>>
No. 960296 ID: cdabe3

Don’t you dare tap out

Or grab your phone and then go back to rubbing ears
>>
No. 960298 ID: eb4a6c

The phone ringing is probably not great for her relaxation, since she can hear it and all. Also, if you don't answer, chances are Pillet blows up the spa or something.

Grabbing the phone with telekinesis without exploding it shouldn't be too hard, right? But keep up the ear massages with at least one hand.
>>
No. 960299 ID: b07f1c

Answer the phone by saying that they've reached an invalid number.
>>
No. 960347 ID: 470289

Magic it over and press the speaker button.
>>
No. 960358 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158576015599.png - (152.45KB , 800x800 , 306.png )
960358

I might not have *great* control over my energy, but I can at least throw the phone to myself! I distract Phantom with the weak spots I've found on her ears.

"Sorry Phantom I need to take this, I'll keep it quick!" I grab the phone. I'm n sure if I know where the speaker button is, and I'm less sure if I want to press it. "Hi?"
>"Hey!" There's explosions and yelling over the phone. "Where the hell are you?!" Pillet yells at me.
"With Phantom like I said! What's going on?!"
>"Hell! Woresch kicked the ass right off of Laquerig!"
"... Who?!"
>"I'm at a tournament! How's your date with Phantom going?!"
"It - fine. It's not a date, Pillet."
>"What?!"
"I said it's not a date! I'm just r - we're talking and stuff!"
>"Put her on!"
"Why?!"
>"Because I want to talk to her, why else would I want her on the phone?!"
"No! I mean she's kind of indisposed at the moment!"
>"How's she indisposed?!"
"She's got a case of not liking you!"
>"Wow! Okay just tell her I said hi then!"
"Okay! I'm going to hang up now!"
>"Okay, see ya!"
"Bye!"

"Sorry."
>>
No. 960359 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158576016369.png - (148.15KB , 800x800 , 307.png )
960359

"Okay how are you breathing?"

Her ear flicks to the side. Oh, she made a straw out of energy or something. Neat. I go back to rubbing.
>>
No. 960360 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158576017964.png - (103.03KB , 1000x500 , 308.png )
960360

After half an hour or the entire night or something, she pulls back and resurfaces. Nothing's said.
>>
No. 960362 ID: 465a14

If she can suck with energy, consider what else she can suck with.
>>
No. 960363 ID: cdabe3

... does she need a hug?
>>
No. 960365 ID: fa2754

Hope that was at least peaceful for you, Phantom.
>>
No. 960366 ID: e2f5cc

"...You good?" And when she inevitably gets evasive about her feelings, push a little. She looks about ready to jump off a bridge.
>>
No. 960367 ID: 015bf2

That was nice. Her ears really are soft.
>>
No. 960369 ID: 91ee5f

>>960360
Pillet says hi.
>>
No. 960371 ID: 214cda

>>960363
She probably does.
>>
No. 960372 ID: 1ed92d

>>960360
...She seems a little sad.
>>
No. 960374 ID: c2f1f6

It might just be the water but you don't look any less down.
>>
No. 960376 ID: eb4a6c

Dang, sorry to her she doesn't seem like she's feeling better.
>>
No. 960377 ID: 86eb65

Look at what you did. You said it was not a date and now she is all sad.
>>
No. 960378 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158576503247.png - (92.28KB , 800x800 , 309.png )
960378

... "Pillet says hi."
>"If I say hi back, is she going to think that's an excuse to act like we're friends?"
"I doubt she'll act much different."
>"Then tell her hi back."
"Sure. I still like your ears. Fluffy as ever."
>"Thanks."
"So uh... are you good?"
>"I think so."
"Want a hug to go with that?"

I thinking something way more indecent, but those indecent things are basically intrusive thoughts now.

"Because either the water's making your face droop, or you look you need one."
>"I've already let this improper affection go on longer than it should've. I shouldn't let this kind of inappropriateness happen between a gang leader to an usurper."
"Th-"
>"But I'm considering retiring."
"Oh. Oh, uh, when you say 'retire'..."
>"Quitting, and passing on the gang's resources to someone besides myself. Now that I've stalled things for you... I can't see a point in my continued leadership. I might be of better use rereading all of my sources on the keys, just to see if I've missed something."
>>
No. 960382 ID: 86eb65

Soooo if you want to date me you don't have to make things that complicated.

It's not like I am over here trying to seduce you for the key. I mean I sort of am but was planning on it being a long term get you to trust me and find out more info and then we all work together instead of fighting.

Maybe stay as the gang leader and help reread things with me? Up to you though.
>>
No. 960385 ID: 567477

Hmm. That library was hers, right? The people working there seemed... pretty into it, so it'd be nice for them to keep going. And while you're a guy who erased his own memories, you're also a guy who's into people having options, so preserving stuff so people can learn about the past is something you'd approve of too, right? But it probably wouldn't be that hard to maintain that stuff.
>>
No. 960386 ID: e2f5cc

Before she does anything hasty, ask why she doesn't see a point in being a gang leader anymore, and what exactly she'd plan on doing afterwards anyway? Besides, ear rubs are a lot less "improper" if you think of them as being between friends rather than leader and usurper.

Also, Delli, keep your dick in line by remembering that going from friends to lovers is the best shit and that coming on too strong now will probably prevent that route, if you choose to go down it.
>>
No. 960387 ID: b07f1c

Tell her that she would have to let someone kill her if she did that. And dying because of you would make you feel terrible. She shouldn't do it. Also, because that would mean she would be gone for a month.
>>
No. 960393 ID: 1ed92d

>>960378
Aw. She's got depression because she thinks her attempt to improve society was a failure.
>>
No. 960402 ID: fa2754

There shouldn't be guilt about physical affection like hugs when shared between friends. Can we be that? Friends? Putting our resources and beliefs aside, we can find some peace between us. If it comes down to it, you'll have all the time for your preservation project. Maybe more engaged tutoring on the keys.
>>
No. 960406 ID: c2f1f6

I think you've got the right idea, buuut retiring might be a bit much. Maybe call it a vacation and see if you want to come back after a while.
>>
No. 960423 ID: 10c408

Look her dead in the eye and ask her if there's any book she knows of that happens to deal with psychology since in less than ten seconds she's utterly convinced you that she needs a shrink.
>>
No. 960443 ID: eb4a6c

The fact she cares is a pretty big point in favor of her continued leadership. But there's probably other people who care too. She knows better than we do what her options and their consequences are.

Definitely seems like a good leader to us though.
>>
No. 960445 ID: 015bf2

>>960443
Yeah. At the same time, she seems owed a chance to choose something different and change things up a bit, if that’s what she wants.

Gang leader ever retired before? Any contingencies she needs to handle? Successor in mind? Uh - not that you’re asking who that is. She might want to let them be anonymous to prevent the kind of flagrant fraternization that seems to come so easily to you.
>>
No. 960458 ID: 214cda

Or just maybe take a few days off to chill out instead of actually retiring or whatever. She seems stressed. Take a few days to clear her head and relax. Maybe enjoy some intimacy, if she wants. Not alot of people she'd let touch those ears, i'm sure.
>>
No. 960493 ID: 365ffb

Honestly... she was the one who said all that stuff about people finding their true callings with their lives. There's something in that. If she wants to try something else, she has the right to it. Besides, it really does seem like she could use a break from this, and she's freaking bonkers good at research and really might be important in that role. Hopefully just like... maybe pick a successor that's still someone you can talk to about all this. Like soletta.

Probably not soletta who knows what criteria this has But still hopefully that makes some amount of sense?
>>
No. 960508 ID: a2d2ad

>Now that I've stalled things for you...
She best not have done what i think she’s done. Ask her to elaborate what she meant by this.
>>
No. 960509 ID: 015bf2

>>960508
I wouldn't read too much into it. She's already stalled things for Delli by getting a key and putting it somewhere he probably won't easily find it, so it's probably just a reference to that.
>>
No. 960570 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158587517122.png - (117.78KB , 800x800 , 310.png )
960570

"You don't need to do anything hasty. Besides, it doesn't have to be affection between usurper and gang leader. It can be between friends, right?"
>"We could, but it's hard to just act like we're not usurper and gang leader."
"If you want to date me, you don't have to make things so complicated!"

I look at her face and I feel like my joke fell into the void and will never return.

"Uh, my point's that I don't know why you've gotta retire. I mean you can if you want, but..."
>"It's not a hasty decision, I didn't just decide that now. I've set my gang up so that I could have a successor eventually. Normally I would have to get killed by my successor to get my power, but now that my power's been removed by you, I don't even need to die."
"Well that's good, but it kinda seems like you could help me study as a gang leader just fine?"
>"Not as much. My gang isn't a gang of scholars, and they didn't sign up to read books. Much of my time running the gang is spent with different tasks."
"What were you even planning originally after you got the key?"
>"To keep finding them or grab them off you. To regain some territory and maybe start some businesses ourselves again, after they got taken over. My resources and manpower are scattered. Things are complicated. Even if what I did was right, I'm doubting myself and I'm tired."
"Huhhhh, well... you know yourself best, or at least better than me. I just hope who you pass it onto is someone I can talk to. Like Soletta."
>"It won't be Soletta, but they'll know diplomacy."
>>
No. 960571 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158587518064.png - (99.79KB , 800x800 , 311.png )
960571

"By the way you said you stalled things, you just meant that you found the key before me, right?"
>"That's right."
"Okay."

...

>"Please keep an eye on what Pillet is doing. The four gangs lost a lot of territory and rank and file when you killed the leaders, because the public decided they didn't want to pay taxes anymore. How do you pay civil employees to repair buildings and roads?"
"That's a pretty good question. I think Pillet's been dealing with all that."
>"I haven't seen Pillet do anything but make sure the gangs stay down and unable to recollect themselves in public. I think she's completely trying to snuff us out."
"Er, I think she pays them directly with food, through the farms?"
>"That's something, but it gets more complicated. Please keep an eye on what Pillet's doing. Her and her gang of rebels know how to fight a town, not to run it."
"Seems like it's worked so far!"
>"It's not something that gets broken instantly so fast! Just... keep an eye on her, or try to find someone who knows how to run things, if you don't want to be involved as anything but a weapon for those that do."
>>
No. 960573 ID: 465a14

Come to think of it, how far can you rely on Pillet, anyway? She seems like she's more obsessed than competent.
>>
No. 960577 ID: cdabe3

You know, if she doesn’t want to be a gang leader anymore, we could hire her to do some civil engineering. She seems pretty invested in that...
>>
No. 960578 ID: 86eb65

Welp it sounds like I need to hire you to run things then.

Honestly I know that Pillet and I are probably horrible managers. But somehow I ended up like this.

I would prefer to make friends and all team up to find out who made the keys and where they come from. But that all hinges on the idea that we will use the keys at some point.

Long story short if you want the world here to stay stable you should really be helping me.

As for Pillet? I am not sure if I need to do anything about her. People survived and made things work before the gangs did there thing. It will survive after. If we are all here forever and its such a wonderful existence than I am sure it will all work out in a few millennia.

Barely a breath to a immortal after all.
>>
No. 960580 ID: 567477

Well, Pillet ideally doesn't really want to stick around long enough to have to take care of everything. I dunno, do you think she's adapted to this whole "hard to make an impact" thing by being, uh, "loud"? People's memories are probably one of the longer-lasting ways to feel like you have consequence, though obviously it still doesn't last forever. Well, apart from that, she might feel that if she "settles in" for the long haul of keeping things running, it's sort of like she's giving up on getting out. Or, more practically, it might make her followers, who presumably agree with her desire to get out, doubt her commitment? To maintain loyalty, she has to keep looking like she's doing her best to work toward that goal. She's probably at least partially focused on stamping out the other gangs as a distraction, so the people behind you don't have time to stop and thing "hey this is taking a while".
>>
No. 960582 ID: fa2754

>>960571
What would she do in retirement?
>>
No. 960586 ID: e2f5cc

Well, you're looking at someone who knows how to run things right now!
>>
No. 960596 ID: 015bf2

Lean back and consider things. You could try getting involved in the administration of Haze Town, but from what you know of the gang leaders it’s a bit of a dead end and might get you bored out of your gourd and going power mad waaaay faster than your current chill dude lifestyle.

So what do? Who do you choose to help run ‘your’ town (town only being yours on premise of you being able to flatten anyone who doesn’t agree)? Phantom’s out, given her intention to retire to get her research on.

>Recruit Gang Leaders
Well, you were planning to talk to the other gang leaders anyway for info on Haze town history, your past history and the keys, so maybe use it as an opportunity for recruitment into a ‘civil administration’.

Pros: They know how to run stuff already. They’ve got name recognition, so it’d be easier to maintain status quo.
Cons: They way they run stuff is varying levels of crappy and they probably want to kill you.

>Recruit Someone Else
Maybe introducing fresh perspectives would be good as well. There’s people who aren’t so combat focused out there, but who may be leveler heads and better planners than the gang leaders, which would likely help with the research goals. The only question would be how do you find and recruit them? It’s not like you can just go advertise “Who actually wants to keep society from collapsing” job interviews.... uh. Can you? ... you probably can.

>Ask Phantom for advice on who to recruit, what qualities to look for.
Oh yeah, obvious solution right there. She’s got less skin in the game as a non-gang leader and her knowledge and intel’s pretty good. Not that you have to heed everything she says, but she’s probably built up a common sense for these things.

You probably also want to get Pillet’s perspective. As much as Phantom’s saying she’s suspicious etc., I just can’t find it wise to ignore the person with what must be the broadest perspective. And yeah, sure, she’s probably not gonna care if she isn’t already, but still.

And you probably shouldn’t forget your goal is to get that key, sooner than later. It’s just that you’re okay with figuring more about Haze Town’s past before you ramp up efforts to ask for it from Phantom or her gang.
>>
No. 960605 ID: b1b4f3

>>960571
She's got a point. You need to find a governor, or verify that Pillet is good at being one (I really doubt she is).
Hmmmm... who could we find that's got an interest in being a governor and has some experience with leading, plus won't be easily manipulated by Pillet...? WHO INDEEEEEED

Tell Phantom she's hired.
>>
No. 960633 ID: b07f1c

>Normally I would have to get killed by my successor to get my power, but now that my power's been removed by you, I don't even need to die.
That doesn't make much sense. The strength of a gang entirely depends on the strength of the leader. Otherwise all the rival gangs could wipe your gang out without fear and take all of its power.

Anyway, agree to follow Pillet's actions more closely and try to control her a bit more. Is there anything else that she wanted?
>>
No. 960634 ID: 10c408

>>960633
And yet all the major gangs are seemingly still alive and active despite Delli killing most of them in the very first chapter.

Almost like there's something OTHER than raw power metric keeping them together.
>>
No. 960677 ID: f57349

Offer to hire Phantom as an administrator as soon as she formally quits running a gang and divests herself of related assets. Deal is, you use your powers to rebuild infrastructure or otherwise help out according to whatever plan she composes, but if you catch her doing anything seriously unethical, after that you'll only give her ear rubs when she specifically asks, instead of just proactively offering when she seems to need them. Based on recent behavior that ought to be a sufficiently harsh penalty to make her think twice, without being so cruel that actually enforcing it would turn you into a monster.
>>
No. 960681 ID: c2f1f6

I'll do my best but... Look, if you're not satisfied with your own performance in improving this place, don't expect me to do much better. I'm convinced it doesn't reflect poorly on your efforts, but on the nature of this place. Or maybe life in general. I guess you can do everything right and still fail anywhere.
>>
No. 960702 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158598191652.png - (146.22KB , 800x800 , 312.png )
960702

"What I'm hearing here is that I should hire you, because even if you doubt yourself, I can't think of better options."
>"Thank you, but I have many, many hangups about working closely with Pillet."
"Even if it's to help me keep an eye on her? I see your point about her competency, I mean, I think she might know a thing or two about management, but I can't imagine she'd like doing it like she's settling down."
>"I..."

I usually have a tougher time reading people, but she blatantly looks like she's having an internal battle of wits.

>"No. I'll recommend some managers if you want, but you don't have infinite patience with the fog research. I want to get answers for us before it runs out, otherwise I'll just be trying to manage things a little longer before it all goes away. So let me focus myself on research."
"Okay. I'll try to rein in Pillet a little if she gets too intense about stuff."
>"I'll get back to you in a couple of days. I think that's enough to conclude our meeting. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about tonight?"
>>
No. 960703 ID: 015bf2

>recommendations.
Yeah, you’d appreciate that.

>Anything else.
Mm... seeing as you might get in touch with other gang leaders, what are they like? You don’t really know them except for having fought them. She’s had s working relationship with most of them.

You’re still on for quiz night. You’re not a great student though so... study tips?
>>
No. 960704 ID: b1b4f3

Yeah let's ask about the other gang leaders. Pillet is trying to suppress them but I feel like that won't work in the long run. Power vacuum and all that. Instead what we should be doing is trying to get them to work for us in some capacity, to make a unified government.
>>
No. 960705 ID: 1ed92d

>>960702
Recommendations are appreciated, especially since much of the status quo is fine, you were mainly about ending the eternal state of this fog-shrouded world and stopping the abuses of power.
>>
No. 960709 ID: b07f1c

>Is there anything else
Talk? No. But I wouldn't mind brushing your ears with a towel.

(Also we've been in this spa for half the quest now)
>>
No. 960749 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158603657445.png - (148.37KB , 800x800 , 313.png )
960749

"Uh maybe some advance notice about what the other gang leaders are like? If I'm going to work with them at all, since I don't know if Pillet's going to be able to really make them totally irrelevant."
>"The only one I don't believe you've spoken to is Crook. He's a narcissist who thinks he knows best. He'll only work with you if he thinks he'll come out on top, but maybe he isn't in a position to do that as well as before."
"I hope so. Not sure I want to meet him, honestly!"
>"You can meet his right hand man. The one you thought was cute."
"Man that fact really got around, huh. Okay well your recommendations will help, because I do want to avoid abuses of power as best I can, so uh, with that, I think we're about done here! Talking wise anyway. Want me to help you dry off your ears?"
>"You seem to like them, a lot."
"I do, a lot!"

She swims up to me and rubs mine, so now this is getting kinda intimate.

>"Hm. Receiving them rubbed is nicer after all. It just feels like an ear."
"More like rubbing yours is better. This just feels kinda plain. I mean it's not bad but... seems like you got more out of it than me."
>"I should stop before Pillet thinks to spy on me. What was that earlier, a tournament, she said?"
"Yeah, she's probably in like 5 fight clubs and hops between tournaments like people barhop."
>"A lot do, now that she made them legal."
>>
No. 960750 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158603658224.png - (218.02KB , 800x800 , 314.png )
960750

We get out, and she moves to the girls-only zone before I get the chance to dry off her ears. We meet up again in the lobby.

"So, meet you on quiz day?"
>"I'll invite you to research places in a couple of days, if you want."
"I do. Talk to you then, then?"
>"Yes. Goodnight, Delli."
"Uh, yeah, Goodnight."
>>
No. 960751 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158603659119.png - (159.10KB , 800x800 , 315.png )
960751

Feels like I've got crap to do, but maybe I should take Pillet on a proper date and see how that feels.
>>
No. 960753 ID: 86eb65

Yeah I think that would be good. Maybe put some pants on. Get dressed all fancy even.
>>
No. 960756 ID: e2f5cc

Going on a date with Pillet is probably the best way to get some answers out of her but is also definitely the best way to get into a fight, so just keep that in mind.
>>
No. 960757 ID: b1b4f3

>>960751
That's some strange window design on those buildings.

If you're gonna take Pillet on a date then those tournaments sound like a cool thing to take her to. She can't be tired of them already. Also you might learn a few things by watching people fight. Creative uses of energy and all that.
>>
No. 960760 ID: b07f1c

Go study. Or sleep. Until Pillet gets back.
>>
No. 960761 ID: c2f1f6

Ohhh my god SHES SO FLOOFY.

That sounds like a good idea- you're not doing any other kinds of networking this late at night. Then you can study all day tomorrow in between calling in potential lieutenants or whatever to meet with you. Remember; you're in charge. You don't go looking for people, make them come to YOU.
>>
No. 960764 ID: e7848c

>>960751
Don't get lost in the noise
>>
No. 960768 ID: a197b1

Ayep, Pillet date time. Maybe, if you could rein in your power, you two could spar bare-knuckle and she could teach you unarmed technique in a hot, sweaty training session. Then maybe you could practice some ‘grappling’.

Those buildings, is that what it looks like when you reconstruct stuff using power?
>>
No. 960769 ID: 8938cb

Take the rest of the night to absorb what Phantom revealed to you, either by studying or sleeping. Take Pillet on a date tomorrow to make it more proper.
>>
No. 960773 ID: 10c408

Uh, delli. where'd your belt go?
>>
No. 960779 ID: 15a025

>>960769
This sounds like a good plan. Relax for the rest of the night and study. Then tomorrow you can surprise Pillet with a date.
>>
No. 960961 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158620384869.png - (102.23KB , 800x800 , 316.png )
960961

>That's some strange window design on those buildings.
Stuff gets blown up a lot, and instead of replacing everything with the same ol' designs over and over again, it's common to get a little weird with designs.

>Those buildings, is that what it looks like when you reconstruct stuff using power?
That depends on the person, not whether or not power was used.

>Where's your belt?
Under my towel.

I fly back to base and get some sleep.
>>
No. 960966 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158620401666.png - (201.30KB , 800x800 , 317.png )
960966

The next day, I stare at the key book until my brain is full. After that, I find Pillet.

>Maybe, if you could rein in your power, you two could spar bare-knuckle
That's still a pretty high bar for me. I'm making progress, but it's like trying to fit a car in a shoebox.

"Hey."
>"Sup?"
"I'm taking you on a date."
>"What's the occasion?"
"I feel like it!"
>"That's good enough for me, but if you're taking me on a date, you're the one who chooses where we're going."
"I'm still weighing the options. Are you tired of fight tournaments yet?"
>"Hell no I'm not."

So that's an option, or one of those real stereotypical candlelit romantic places where they serve me 4 bites of food and each one costs 20 dollars plus a five dollar tip for each time I make eye contact with my waiter.
>>
No. 960967 ID: 2a0a29

Consider monster trucks or races.
>>
No. 960972 ID: 465a14

The date is simultaneously fighting and fucking until you improve your control.
>>
No. 960973 ID: e2f5cc

A stereotypical candlelit dinner place but try and see how much shit you two can get away with while also not being asked to leave or tone it down.

If it seems like you'd able to say that you own the place without the staff saying anything just keep going to shittier and shittier places until the people working grow enough balls to have a limit, but also still take some of your shit.

Also tell Pillet to wear/obtain/"obtain" a nice dress because she'd look hot as fuck in one
>>
No. 960981 ID: b07f1c

The one-month-later date. Kill Pillet.

This is because I predict that you will eventually have to fight her. And when you do, you will die.
>>
No. 960984 ID: 86eb65

Hmm you should make a arcade for you and your crew to power practice.

Anyways date. How about suspect ethnic food that is still the best in town and is in a tiny hole in the wall somewhere.

Then after go watch a show or event. Something not fighting. Although monster trucks is fun.
>>
No. 961003 ID: a9af05

>>960967
That sounds good.

>>960981
>Kill Pillet
No.
>>
No. 961007 ID: c2f1f6

You're thinking too fancy. Think more like a place that does nice steaks or Italian or something. Man if you could remember anything, that would really help you decide on some ideas.

If there are no monster trucks, a demolition derby is acceptable.
>>
No. 961009 ID: 567477

Do the superman flying date thing. And hey maybe you don't have the best fine control but probably you can just hold a big hunk of stuff up high in the sky, right? You could do that and have a picnic on top of it, looking down over the city. If you feel confident you can even move it around so you can both look down at things.

Make sure to dress casual if you do that so you don't look like you're lording it over the city.
>>
No. 961022 ID: 015bf2

For food and drink, how about instead of trying anything fancy you go primal instead? A place where you can get served simple meat, fruits and vegs grilled. Stuff you guys would've been eating/stealing way back when you were farmer and raider, just for the sheer 'stalgia factor.

Well, nostalgia from her side. You don't remember (you'd need a coffee vending machine to get in that mood), but you just wanna test out how it felt back in the day. There's got to be some restaurant that panders to an 'olden day' or 'primitive' vibe, right?

If you go with a fight tournament for entertainment, if you participate and not just spectate, you gotta make it interesting. Make it more like tag for you. You put something on your body - like a ribbon - and if the opponent can get it, or even just destroy it - they win. But if you manage to defend and not lose the ribbon within a certain time, they lose. Obviously you're not allowed to directly attack them either.
>>
No. 961111 ID: 365ffb

Nuts to fancy, take her on a dive that you'll both enjoy. Slum it, have a blast.

Do not actually blast anyone.

But maybe like burgers or something, unless 'dive dates' are all that you've been doing in which case maybe a deli or something. You know. For added pun value.
>>
No. 961605 ID: 15a025

Going to some race or demolition derby could be fun. Just leave the destruction to the "pros" if you do go.
>>
No. 961816 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158681461174.png - (113.78KB , 800x800 , 318.png )
961816

>A stereotypical candlelit dinner place but try and see how much shit you two can get away with while also not being asked to leave or tone it down.
That would sound way more fun if my face wasn't plastered around town with the caption 'don't fuck around with this guy or you will die'.

"Okay here's the plan. We go to some hole in the wall place that's ran by cooks who've never used a cookbook and only serve unidentified edibles, maybe with an arcade or something, followed by a monster truck rally. Or demolition derby. Or something like that."
>"Is there 'something like that' scheduled today?"
"Hell I don't know, but if there's not then there will be!"
>"That's my guy."
>>
No. 961817 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158681462001.png - (266.21KB , 1000x800 , 319.png )
961817

We fly to some side shack looking place just off a farm and sit down inside, where the menus get rushed to us.
>>
No. 961820 ID: 465a14

Well, what do the menus say?
>>
No. 961822 ID: b1b4f3

Order something that looks totally inedible, you goat you.
>>
No. 961823 ID: b07f1c

Tell Pillet that it's nice taking things slowly like this. Segue into asking her to slow down her assaults on the gangs due to the anarchy it's causing in the town, exacerbated by her poor city management.

Can also ask her about her experience with the tournaments she's been attending.
>>
No. 961825 ID: e7848c

>>961817
So how many mundane harmless little things can you ask without bothering her too much? Like her favorite food.
>>
No. 961826 ID: b07f1c

>>961823
Actually, save this talk for later and enjoy some romance first.

Ask her if she sees anything she likes.
>>
No. 961829 ID: 86eb65

Order one of everything.
>>
No. 961834 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158681839148.png - (113.35KB , 800x800 , 320.png )
961834

"See anything you like?"
>"I see a lot of things this place could screw up if they're not careful. This place is ambitious as hell, so it's either gonna be great or it's gonna be awful."
"I might get 'The Wiggle'."
>"The one hidden in the corner like a footnote, no picture, with a note saying that few have finished it?"
"That's right?"
>"You can be a brave man sometimes."
"What is it?"
>"Or a stupid man, one or the other. I don't know, I've never had it."
"Well I'm going to get it! Now tell me about the tournaments you've been going to."
>"A buncha fakers. I'm pretty sure half the participants in half the tournaments were there to throw the matches. I only found like 3 of them that had people actually fight!"
"Should I join?"
>Nah. You wouldn't gain anything for joining anyway, not when you can use overwhelming power. I doubt they'd want you anyway."
"Huh. I wasn't that interested until the idea that I'm not allowed."
>"Hahah, that's why you're a rebel at heart. Well if you need to fight on closer to equal ground, that's what video games are for, unless you want to help find the key."
"Er, right, about that... I agreed with Phantom to have a truce for awhile. I want to set up research teams for the keys and do our best to figure out what they're about before using them."
>"You don't believe me when I say they'll remove the fog?"
"I don't want to believe, I want to know."
>"Fine. I'm patient. Just don't twiddle your thumbs over the books forever."
>>
No. 961835 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158681840562.png - (162.78KB , 800x800 , 321.png )
961835

The waiter comes back.

>"What may I get for you two?"
"One of everything."
>"A fine choice, but there is only so much room on your table for much at once. May I ask what to start you with?"
"The Wiggle."
>"Alright, and you, miss?"
>"Salad Mountain."

He leaves, and Pillet looks at me weird.

>"One of everything? Really?"
"I panicked."
>>
No. 961841 ID: e2f5cc

Sit in awkward silence while stewing on your impulse ordering of everything on the menu until Pillet decides to have mercy and break the silence.
>>
No. 961842 ID: b1b4f3

>>961835
Well you CAN tell the waiter to cancel the everything. They couldn't have started cooking it all at once, but will probably make you pay for whatever they already used ingredients on. Which means you should just tell them to finish whatever they've started.

Ask Pillet how she knows what the keys will do.
>>
No. 961846 ID: b07f1c

>Fine. I'm patient
[x] Doubt

Salad? Ask Pillet if she's on a diet.

Video games? What are those?

Ask the waiter if they know anyone named Muschio.
>>
No. 961847 ID: 86eb65

It will be a long date then. Got to keep my fighting trim after all.

So yeah have a truce with Phantom. Her lack of public support shook her up hard and now she is wondering if not using the keys is the right idea.

She is also scared to death we will ruin the nice society she has been working on building for years. So could we be reasonable yet still paranoid battle ready?

We work to get her and the public on the side of discovering what the keys do. It sounds more fun than me sitting with you on one knee on a throne of skulls.

Although that is the final plan if it all goes wrong.
>>
No. 961849 ID: 015bf2

>>961841
Or just talk 'bout stuff, big and small. Like one does on a date.

Like... she got any hobbies, new or old? Or, oooh, did she ever build a mega secret hideout like Phantom's and, better yet, are the ruins of it still out there somewhere?
>>
No. 961854 ID: a9af05

>>961835
Declare that you'll eat it all and leave a generous tip.
>>
No. 961856 ID: e7848c

No one's patience is eternal. You already waited on me long enough for me to forget.
>>
No. 961866 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683568169.png - (82.89KB , 800x800 , 322.png )
961866

The waiter leaves a couple glasses of water for us after taking an order of a beer for me and lemonade for Pillet.

As for patience? She doesn't act like she has patience.

>Sit in awkward silence while stewing on your impulse ordering of everything on the menu until Pillet decides to have mercy and break the silence.
>>
No. 961867 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683569897.png - (113.01KB , 800x800 , 323.png )
961867

....
>>
No. 961868 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683571258.png - (91.01KB , 800x800 , 324.png )
961868

....
....
>>
No. 961869 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683572942.png - (115.19KB , 800x800 , 325.png )
961869

....
....
....
>>
No. 961870 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683579199.png - (87.25KB , 800x800 , 326.png )
961870

Wait a minute I'm waiting on Pillet's mercy?

"No one's patience is eternal, Pillet!"
>"Haha, I can tell. Was that a staring contest?"
"No it - not important and yes okay I have no patience at all but you..."
>"Mine isn't eternal either. I won't wait forever on you, Delli, but I'll wait... I don't know, a few months? It depends, but if you show me constant progress, even if it's little, I'm okay. I got plenty of stuff in town to keep me busy. Did Phantom sweettalk you into this?"
"It wasn't hard, I kind of wanted it. She seemed pretty down about not getting the public support she expected."
>"She dismissed how the public saw her. As a gang leader, a tyrant. And you know what, I don't even blame her. If she looked at her own reputation head on, she would've quit a longass time ago. Or had a breakdown first."
>>
No. 961871 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683585335.png - (142.84KB , 800x800 , 327.png )
961871

"Also, salad mountain? Are you on a diet or something?"
>"With the right dressing, it's as good as chocolate, and I won't take any guff from anyone who orders the wiggles. You should try it, and I guess you will since you got one of everything."
"And I'll have it all, too! I may as well since I know I won't be at the top forever."
>"Not with that attitude."
"I don't have it in me. I don't even have any secret mega hideouts like Phantom. I could, but the thought didn't even occur to me until now. You ever have one of those?"
>"Not in a long time. I was always a fan of decentralized systems."
"But... you did?"
>"Sort of. It was never anything with a big neon sign with my name on it, but it was stuff like a hotel, or a casino, or things like that, and inside of that I'd have my operations."
"Hm, really! Any ruins of it?"
>"Nah, it was all either looted of anything of interest, or just got taken over and became actual hotels or casinos or whatever it was. That or some other shady business used it as a front. Eventually I'd get found out and we'd have powerhouses running up my ass, so I stopped trying for centralized crap. A big fortress of fuckoff sounds pretty cool now that my boyfriend's at the top though."
"What, want to make a throne of skulls for me to sit on, and you can sit on my knee?"
>"That sounds badass, but it'd be more badass if you didn't say it all incredulously!"
"It's a little stereotypical! Also it sounds kind of... uncomfortable."
>"Practical or cool, you get to choose one."
"I've been in the mood for practical. Give me a throne of pillows!"
>"As you command."
"I was joking! I'll be too busy anyway, I kinda want to be productive too and study keys. For instance, how do you know what the keys will do?"
>"You don't trust me?"
"Not when you're not telling me something you've got no reason to hide!"
>"Oh you, I've got no problem at all sharing that answer, but it always leads to more questions, and those questions always get more and more personal."
>>
No. 961872 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158683586303.png - (89.54KB , 800x800 , 328.png )
961872

"So what if they do? Can't you tell me personal stuff?"
>"It never goes well."
"Yeah that makes it very hard to trust you."

She sips.

>"Mmhm, so be it. Do your research, I'll wait for you to agree that it's by far the most likely possibility."
"How're you so sure?"
>"You've done it before. We've done it before."
"You've studied it before?"
>"Well, helped you along with it."
"Really? You don't seem eager to help me this time around."
>"It doesn't work well, when you've lost trust in me. And really, I'm fine with it. I understand why."
>>
No. 961874 ID: b1b4f3

>>961872
Ah, you found another tidbit of your past.
Ask Pillet what she thinks your reasons are for not trusting her completely.
>>
No. 961876 ID: e2f5cc

That's probably because you insist on being cryptic even when giving me at least a hint towards what we studied or even your damn reason to why you think the keys will get us out of here.

It's pretty hard to keep siding with you when you keep trying to be difficult. I've figured out more about what we're actually fighting for in two days with Phantom than in [insert the amount of time you've been doing this here] with you.

And I'm not even going to get into the implications behind "Things always going poorly when I open up to you".

You might not need to go quite this in at this exact moment, but the general points in mind Delli.
>>
No. 961879 ID: e7848c

>>961872
Can we ask how many times we've done the same song and dance? This point that you're standing at right now?
>>
No. 961880 ID: 015bf2

Honest? I see no reason to doubt Pillet on this. Sure she’s got her mystery act, but it’s consistent. And she’s telling you you’re consistent, too, at least when you know what’s up.

Stop digging. Except into your dishes.
>>
No. 961881 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158684312325.png - (134.81KB , 800x800 , 329.png )
961881

"Yeah? Why do you think I don't trust you?"
>"Because I've been cryptic, and I haven't helped by teasing you with little hints at most."
"Right! You're being difficult! Phantom was more informative than you've been! And if things go poorly when you open up to me, that doesn't sound like I'd like the secrets you're keeping now! I'm getting frustrated here."
>"Never said I was easy."

Now I sip.

"How many times have we done this song and dance? Right now?"
>"It's always a little different. I'd go insane if I didn't learn to appreciate the little changes. But you getting frustrated with me? It's common. While on a date like this? Rarely, but sure, it's a good time for it. All while you're so much stronger than me? This is the first, and it's enough to make the whole thing seem new enough."
"Even when you're being consistent, it's frustrating not being on even ground."
>"You do best when you live in the now. The past is lost. Sure, I can remember what happened, but practically speaking, I may as well have made it alllll up. Does it matter you were a farmer, or that I used to have fronts for hideouts? It's interesting, sure, but I don't think so."
"'Cept you could learn from all of it."
>"Right now, honestly? It'd be easier to get along if I didn't know shit. If we both had amnesia in common and could go off on big adventures to find out our past and uncover unbelievable secrets about ourselves and the town or whatever. Like you said, we lack even ground there. Okay, look. There's an arcade machine over there we can fuck with while we wait for the food, or there's a head full of secrets up here." She taps her head. "Let me put it plainly. We're on a date, and we can either use it to have fun, or we can use it to discuss tough subjects and figure out where we're going. But if we try to do both, we're going to do a poor job at both, so choose one."
>>
No. 961882 ID: 0fae41

Let's get to know our date better. Secrets time.
>>
No. 961883 ID: eb4a6c

Secrets sounds more decisively unfun than the arcade sounds fun, so logically secrets conforms best to the parameters laid out for us here.

Secrets it is.
>>
No. 961884 ID: b1b4f3

>>961881
...uh. She just admitted that you've forgotten multiple times. Which means you've found a reason to forget, multiple times. Very worrying.

Anyway, you told her the stuff Phantom wanted you to tell her. Time for date stuff. Arcade machine it is.
>>
No. 961885 ID: 015bf2

Have some fun, you nerd. You set Phantom to dig into secrets of the past. Give her a chance to do that before you short circuit the process.
>>
No. 961886 ID: 8de5f3

We are trying to have a date and a fun time, leave the secrets alone. Show her a fun time.
>>
No. 961887 ID: 1524a1

Just chill for a little while. It’s been a good day so far, no need to sully that. Go play at the arcade machine. You can pry all the nasty secrets out of Pillet later, and besides that she makes a good point: can’t change the past, at a certain point it’s really just morbid curiosity driving one’s pursuit of history.

I wonder if they have a Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater pachinko machine.
>>
No. 961888 ID: c2f1f6

Awlright, here's an idea. I get three guesses, if I strike out, I drop it and we show that arcade cabinet who's boss. You in?
>>
No. 961890 ID: fa2754

>>961881
Sorry Pillet. The pursuit of knowledge is a luxury only the ones at the top could afford, you know. Maybe that's why Phantom was so into it.

But you're not like the ones who were at the top. Find a game with co-op. Get a high score and set your name to "Dillet"
>>
No. 961905 ID: 567477

Date time is for fun.
>>
No. 961906 ID: 86eb65

I vote fun.

Lets be honest Delli. If they keys do not have a manual somewhere that someone found long ago then no one knows what they do and never will until they are used. But the most likely explanation is that they open a door. A door designed so that one person could not easily do it alone. (assuming the keys are spread out.)

Pillet is sure it is a way out because if the keys do anything else then there is no hope for escape.

So go have fun and ask about boring secrets later.
>>
No. 961919 ID: 91ee5f

>>961881
Just have fun.
>>
No. 961923 ID: a9af05

>>961881
Let's just have fun already.
>>
No. 961924 ID: b07f1c

Ask her what have the two of you done on previous dates, and which parts did she like.
>>
No. 961932 ID: d186fc

>>961884
Tbh it almost makes you seem like a pet rather than an actual person, what with her leading you around in circles. Be it for her own sick enjoyment or because of her own insecurities, from our end it is effectively the same thing. We may have vastly more raw power than her, but she has let it slip here that she remembers so much that she is almost borderline omniscient simply because she has lived through, and remembers, so many possible orders of events (sort of like the mentats from Dune except in their case they only mentally simulate all of the possible outcomes rather than living them).

What if she did kill herself to the point of forgetting everything? Wouldn't that be effectively dying and starting over yet without forcing mortality onto everyone else?
>>
No. 961968 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158691411515.png - (111.05KB , 800x800 , 330.png )
961968

>Wouldn't her killing herself to remove her memory be effectively dying and starting over?
I recall her mentioning that she doesn't believe amnesia is death.

"What if I got three guesses then we have fun?"
>"Nope. No edging into one but trying the other. That defeats the purpose."
"Then stand up and let's do that arcade."
>>
No. 961969 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158691413444.png - (162.39KB , 800x800 , 331.png )
961969

I get the waiter to give us a few tokens to play. I called it an 'arcade' but it's just 2 machines they have for people to pass the time. One's single player, so we go to the second, co-op beatemup. I get knocked out on stage 2, but Pillet finishes it.

Then the next stage.

Then I revive, die, and she finishes stage 4.

>"Tap start and B to revive." She says.
"You've played this before?" I tap it, and even though it didn't say I could, it works.
>"Mmhm. We had this cabinet in the rebel base, so we all got real good at it. Bad luck, because I know it would've been better if we were both new at this one."
"Wait a second, did I steal one of your lives?"
>"Yeah, it's cool."

Somehow she beats the coop mode basically solo, despite how I spend the rest of the game using all of her extra lives to get combo'd into a fine, pixellated mist. She beats the last boss by crouching in a certain spot on the ground, and punching the boss, making him jump up and over her to the other side where she gets up, turns around, and punches again, and repeats the whole process throughout the boss's entire health bar.

>"When you two are ready!" I hear the waiter call out. "I've got your food on the table. I'll work on a good compliment to that dish next, Delli, sir!"

Pillet got us the high score, and she puts in 'Dillet' even though my D has no business up there.
>>
No. 961970 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158691421929.gif - (107.45KB , 1000x800 , 332.gif )
961970

Oh, the 'wiggle' is apparently just spaghetti.

Then again, looking at it...

>"What's wrong, Delli? Giving up before you even started with one of everything?"
>>
No. 961972 ID: 465a14

>Pillet got us the high score, and she puts in 'Dillet' even though my D has no business up there.
Your D has every business up in Pillet. Now eat your Wiggle like a good gote.
>>
No. 961975 ID: 567477

Ah, gagh. Suck it down, man, the wiggling will help your digestion, and you're going to need it!
>>
No. 961977 ID: 86eb65

Eat the crap out of that animated noodle mess.
>>
No. 961978 ID: cdabe3

Just remember: you wanted this.
>>
No. 961979 ID: c2f1f6

Be honest Pillet, how much of our relationship is me being an idiot and you being an idiot enabler?

now EAT THE WIGGLE, you are at the TOP of the foodchain! You may be crap at videogames, but you can EAT ANYTHING! Go where no other goat has gone before! remember to use your fork
>>
No. 961984 ID: b1b4f3

>>961970
That's no normal spaghetti. Ask how it moves on its own. But only after eating the entire bowl, because sometimes it's better to not know until it's too late.
Though actually you shouldn't give a crap.
>>
No. 961986 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158691830648.gif - (94.89KB , 800x800 , 333.gif )
961986

"How's it moving?"
>"You've never seen energy infused food? The cook slams some energy in there. It's safe, in case you're worried. You digest it just fine, and get a little temporary energy boost, not like it'll matter for you."
"And it... moves because of that."
>"It's a fancy trick, and hard to pull off without making the food explode or something."

Yeah... Even if this was made to be a bomb going off in my stomach, I just have too much energy in me to get damaged by weak bombs, even if it goes off in my gut.

I eat it, and I look away, and just imagine I'm the one moving it around in my mouth, and it's not moving. And that I have newly discovered muscles in my stomach that make it move around in there rather than them still squirming about as it goes down. It should stop. I can absorb that energy fast as hell but... the wiggles...
>>
No. 961987 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158691832231.png - (167.69KB , 800x800 , 334.png )
961987

"Pillet, I've got to ask, am I just being an idiot all the time, and you're an idiot enabler?"
>"Delli, Delli..."

She goes down on the salad.
>>
No. 961988 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158691834242.png - (126.91KB , 800x800 , 335.png )
961988

>"Wehh boff ihiohs."
>>
No. 961989 ID: fa2754

>>961988
At least she has something in semblance to grace! Own it, dude! Don't back out! Swallow!
>>
No. 961990 ID: b1b4f3

>>961988
but why
Alright, that deserves a laugh at least.
>>
No. 961992 ID: 214cda

I love her.
>>
No. 961995 ID: 465a14

Bring the rest on!
>>
No. 961996 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158692202395.png - (127.46KB , 800x800 , 336.png )
961996

Pf, I swallow.

"Was there a reason to do that other than try to get me to choke on my food?"

She swallows the whole thing in in one go, and I am glad she's wearing that turtleneck because I do not need to see her neck right now.

>"Cause' I'm hungry, Delli!"
"Somewhere in your memory you've got to have learned how to savor your food!"
>"What's better, one good bite than 20 boring baby bites!
"One of those options doesn't leave your jaw covered in dressing!"
>"That's just flavoring for the next food!"
"That's disgusting, Pillet!"

That's what she said but she's already napkining herself.

>"You just learned to savor it because you were poor and had to act like one candy bar was a three course meal. That's changed, so start noticing how that bowl is right about the same size as your snout."
"Are you daring me to down this thing in one go?"
>"Double daring you."
>>
No. 961998 ID: b1b4f3

DO IT
>>
No. 962001 ID: e2f5cc

Only if you agree to put your muzzle somewhere better later!

Like a book, to help us research! And then on Delli's dick
>>
No. 962002 ID: cdabe3

SNARF IT DOWN
>>
No. 962003 ID: 86eb65

Nom the bowl.
>>
No. 962004 ID: 9e3bd6

Lets not. As a power move.
>>
No. 962006 ID: 695467

Look, if you're both idiots, let's see who can out-idiot the other. So what I'm saying is DO IT!
>>
No. 962007 ID: 91ee5f

>>961996
Do it!
>>
No. 962009 ID: c2f1f6

I see what you see in her, Delli.

Thump your chest, take a breath, scarf it all down.
>>
No. 962010 ID: fa2754

>>961996
Despite all of Phantom's apprehensions, you know you and Pillet have been intertwined for a long time. This is just to help you rediscover why. Scarf it, goat boy.
>>
No. 962015 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158693447246.png - (120.44KB , 800x800 , 337.png )
962015

There's probably a power move somewhere in the idea of not doing this, but we both know I can't spin it from being a coward's move.

I chug the bowl and for a second I swear the spaghetti's going to eat me.
>>
No. 962016 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158693448379.gif - (58.30KB , 800x800 , 338.gif )
962016

Is this even spaghetti?! No! It's regret! Pasta tentacles powered by pure hubris, bathed in the sauce of my own folly!
>>
No. 962017 ID: b1b4f3

>>962016
Can you blast the inside of your mouth with some weak energy to silence the wiggling?
>>
No. 962018 ID: cdabe3

No, he must bathe in the regret! Consume the noodles, consume their power!
>>
No. 962019 ID: 28db16

Never let anyone tell you you aren’t poetic, Delli.
>>
No. 962022 ID: c2d219

Now chew and swallow. Optionally waggle your eyebrows at Pillet as you do.
>>
No. 962024 ID: b07f1c

Your mouth and this pasta just weren't meant to be.

Use your newly obtained pasta-telekinetic powers to propel this pasta out the nearest window.
>>
No. 962027 ID: fa2754

>>962016
You know, some horny goat weed seasoning would have made this go a lot smoother. Or more fun. Hard to say. Pillet would know. Here's a proposition for her; take us to do something that we have never done before in any of our previous cycles/dates. Something new for both of us
>>
No. 962028 ID: 015bf2

>>962016
You have made choices. Terrible terrible choices.
>>
No. 962030 ID: dbd72b

Food dares are a sacred date tradition. You can choke and make whatever faces you want, but those wigglers need to get to your stomach.
By any means necessary.
>>
No. 962031 ID: 86eb65

Chew like your life depends on it!
>>
No. 962032 ID: 91ee5f

>>962016
No going back now! Swallow it!
>>
No. 962035 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158696269662.png - (103.15KB , 800x800 , 339.png )
962035

There's too much to chew!

Maybe if I use an energy blast through my throat to -

>"Energy blasts are for giving up. Overcome it with your own will!" Pillet says, apparently now able to read my mind.
>>
No. 962036 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158696271198.png - (267.80KB , 800x800 , 340.png )
962036

I try. I wish I could say I succeeded because of sheer willpower to force the wiggles down.

Instead, I succeeded because of how massively uncool it would be to spew it all back out into the bowl.
>>
No. 962037 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158696272758.png - (162.43KB , 800x800 , 341.png )
962037

>"Haha, good job, you okay? You look like you're ready to faint."
"Just gotta... catch my breath..."
>"Take your time, you have a second before the next course."
"And I'm going to eat it like a civilized adult!"

Hmm.

"Hey, is there something we haven't done? Together, I mean, for as far back as you can remember."
>"That's a tough question. We've done a lot. Dates, arcades, demolition derby monster truck rallies... You seriously don't have to try to make this unique for me, but if you want to, you're going to have to help me out with ideas."
>>
No. 962039 ID: 465a14

Flamethrower racing.
>>
No. 962040 ID: 465a14

No wait, I know. Motorcycle chainsaw jousting.
>>
No. 962042 ID: 015bf2

>>962037
Hm. Maybe you can come up with something fun that utilizes her vast memory and your vast ignorance.

As in her vast memory is used to cure your vast ignorance in an amusing way for (mostly) the both of you. Your reaction to the Wiggler did at least get a snicker out of her (even if it seems she’s seen that particular reaction before).

So, is there anything in particular she’d like to see you experience first hand, with no forewarning, that she hasn’t before? Because - and you’re already regretting this - you’ll take on any challenge she’s got.
>>
No. 962047 ID: e2f5cc

Could you two get effectively disguised somehow and see what you can get away with while seeming like regular bums? Or is your power too much to be contained.
>>
No. 962055 ID: 86eb65

Dance competition. We wear disguises and enter.

And we have to make up the dances on the spot.
>>
No. 962062 ID: 214cda

Phantom Dating Competition.
>>
No. 962084 ID: 567477

Said it before and I'll say it again: superman date. Something that involves all that power you got. Without being like, massively destructive, of course.
>>
No. 962198 ID: a0dfd2

>>962037

What about simple things? Just a nice walk, through some nature.

Kind of like what Phantom was saying -- be around natural growth, rather than a bunch of artificial rectangles.

Could be good to chill on the edge of town for a bit (and who knows, run around like pretend hooligans (even if we're actually secretly real ones)).
>>
No. 962212 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158708119821.png - (114.37KB , 800x800 , 342.png )
962212

"Flamethrower racing? Motorcycle chainsaw jousting?"
>"We've messed with flamethrowers and jousting on motorcycles, and done chainsaw races I think that one time."
"Chainsaw races?"
>"You remove the safety on the chainsaw so that they *stay* on, so then you rev them up, set them on the ground and watch them go! Or trip and fly at the spectators. Anyway, we haven't done all that, but close enough things, so try again."
"Phantom dating competition?"
>"Now that's new. You serious?"
"No I like Phantom, I'm not going to force her on a mock-date with you, let alone a real one!"
>"Ha, it'd be less of a competition than you joining a fight tournament at full power anyway."
"Dance competition but in disguise?"
>"A disguise is new, but don't you hate dancing?"
"Do I?"
>"You did. Always froze up even when no one knew you. No idea what to do!"
"How hard can it be? You just move to the music!"
>"Haha, tell yourself that."
"Hmmmm, fine, fine. Disguised as random bums?"
>"And then what, live the shit life?"
>>
No. 962214 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158708124678.png - (117.41KB , 800x800 , 343.png )
962214

The second dish comes so I keep talking between normal bites.

"Man, just shooting all my ideas down."
>"Nah, I'm not shooting them down, I just think you're throwing out ideas for new things instead of ideas that you'd enjoy."
"You don't think I'd enjoy motorcycle chainsaw jousting?"
>"Not as much as being in a demolition derby or driving monster trucks around a course."
"Let me see, then... okay, fine, you've done it all, but there's plenty I haven't or have totally forgotten about, so how about you live vicariously through me and have me do something you'd want to see me experience for the first time?"
>"Have you been in a demolition derby before?"
"I wasn't even planning on participating in that, just watching."
>"You'd enjoy it."
"But would you?"
>"Yeah. Living vicariously through you... I'm not sure that's needed, but that's getting the right idea. Hey, come to think of it, I don't think I was clear before. About when you left the rebels. I've always let you go, but this time, I shouldn't have done it. I mean, not like I should've forced you to be in the rebels, but I shouldn't have let you take yourself to a bad place. Not without making sure I could check up on you. So if you can live it up for awhile now that you're back, that'll mean more to me than trying to come up with some weird ideas that I can do just because I technically haven't done it before."
"I want you to also enjoy what we do."
>"You're overthinking it. I like you. I could sit here and stare at you for the next two hours in complete fuckin' silence and have a great time. So just keep up what you're doing."

Then I'm split between following her advice to drive and wreck some cars and monster trucks, or to just have a more chill date involving flying around town and seeing the cool stuff the town has to offer. Simple things, just at a faster pace. Maybe other things that are put at the edge of the fog.
>>
No. 962215 ID: 465a14

Sit and stare at her in complete silence for the next two hours.
>>
No. 962216 ID: b1b4f3

>>962214
WRECK SHIT
>>
No. 962217 ID: 567477

Well, gee, Delli, what DO you want? To be frank, you don't actually seem like you'd enjoy the destruction derby kind of stuff so much. You can see stuff get wrecked whenever you like. Things like that, and things like the wiggles and the ordering everything on the menu and all that "wo-ho how craaAazy kapow" stuff is seeming more like stuff you feel... obligated to do? Like you've been dared or something. And it doesn't seem to actually give you much satisfaction, at least not lately.

Why not do something nice? If not flying around the city, something creative, or... something. Dig out a cavern underground, leave a big chunk of stone in the middle, and carve it into a statue of Pillet reclining in a pose, try to capture her beauty. Or just skip the power use and go buy a canvas and paints. Something like that.
>>
No. 962218 ID: 91ee5f

>>962214
While you could do those things, you’ve still gotta finish all the food you ordered.
>>
No. 962227 ID: 86eb65

Go do the demo derby with her. Share a car and she can yell out targets for you to ram.

Co-op it up.
>>
No. 962233 ID: 470289

Simple things, fast pace
>>
No. 962235 ID: 015bf2

>How hard can dancing be?
Indeed! Now that you can move faster'n people can blink you'd have to have a hell of a stage fright to not be able to pull off something.

>shouldn't have let you take yourself to a bad place.
You... actually really appreciate the sentiment.

>like you
And that one.

>>962227
Co-op derby mode sounds right. Vicarious living doesn't have to be the only way you two can have fun together, but Pillet is all on board on the idea and taking a cue from her is a good start.

Plus, this'll probably be hella stress relief.
>>
No. 962240 ID: e2f5cc

Guys.

Dance Sparty.

Think about it, a competition involving two paired individuals fighting while also having to move in rhythm to everything from a symphony to hardbass in order to prove that they've got more style than the other guy to the three judges and the fans, since whoever gets the loudest cheer influences the victor as well, meaning you don't technically even need to win the fight if you crush your opponent in everything but the final blow.
>>
No. 962286 ID: a0dfd2

>>962214

What about simple and slow? I mean, how often have we HONESTLY just hung out with Pillet and made a legitimate date of things -- and done so without there being some overtures of fighting the system, stopping the mobs, or finding the keys in the process?

Kind of like that bit with Phantom earlier, and rubbing her ears in contented silence.

Let's just walk around a little, enjoy what's left of the day, and ... you know, live it up a bit, now that we're back. Because I think, more than anything, that's what Pillet is asking for.

Not some clever activity, but to spend time with someone she genuinely cares about and to -- big maybe here -- make up for what she did in letting you leave the last time.
>>
No. 962300 ID: a9af05

>>962214
Why not try a normal date? Just hang out with each other. There's no need to do any sort of over the top stuff.
>>
No. 962305 ID: b07f1c

Chill date. Go watch a movie.
>>
No. 962339 ID: c2f1f6

Man, it's bugging me you know what I'd enjoy more that I would, but I have to pick. Uhhh let's try the demo derby.
>>
No. 962356 ID: d186fc

just chill
>>
No. 962453 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158724841025.png - (230.94KB , 800x800 , 344.png )
962453

"Let's keep it simple. I don't think I'd enjoy a demo derby as much as you think."
>"Why not?"
"If I had to guess, playing bumper cars to mess each other up feels hollow when I could just blow up every car and the whole stadium with a sneeze."
>"You've got to lear how to enjoy holding back, because at this rate, you're going to have a tough time enjoying anything. Or not, if you can keep it simple."
"Yeah. Let's hang out at I don't know, some satellite up high or something, or make a cavern or something."
>"Ooh, I haven't had a chance to check out the apocalypse beam cannon."
"They dismantled it pretty quick after I took over, so now it's just a floating satellite. But it is a floating satellie, and we can hang out on the underside of it to overlook the city."
>"Then let's head on up, once you finish the entire menu worth of food!"
"You're not going to believe this, but I may have overestimated my ability to eat every single item on the menu."
>"No way."
"I know."

Pillet makes a call.

>"Soletta, hey. Delli and I are going to need backup, at this restaurant we went to. Yeah. We can't possibly defeat all this food. Bring your friends. Seriously though, behave your butts and pay the bill. Okay Delli let's get outta here."
>>
No. 962454 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158724842052.png - (178.32KB , 800x800 , 345.png )
962454

We fly on up and find a catwalk running along the bottom to sit on. It's still mid-day, but at this elevation, it looks like night. We don't say anything at first, but I can tell her mind is wandering.

"What're you thinking about?"
>"Oh, you know, the stuff we agreed not to talk about the moment we played that arcade game."
"Ah, sorry I asked."
>>
No. 962457 ID: b1b4f3

>>962454
Use your energy powers to draw a penis on the underside of the satellite.
>>
No. 962461 ID: e2f5cc

Take a look around and try to see the edge of town/wherever the haze gets too thick to exist in, then consider why your parents named you, an herbivorous(?) goat, after a place where people get lunch meat.
>>
No. 962462 ID: e7848c

>>962454
Have you ever considered laying down next to each other and just listening to each other breathe for a little bit?
>>
No. 962464 ID: 465a14

Join the mile-high club!
>>
No. 962467 ID: 567477

Really should have tried bringing a canvas and paint set to try portray her captivating visage or suchlike. Now all you can do is talk about your feelings. Talk about your feelings! Or like just take a break from all your plans and goals and doubts and stuff and just be a pair of normal people.
>>
No. 962468 ID: a0dfd2

>>962454

Wanna break in and pretend we're renegade teens here to draw graffiti on stuff?

Then, I dunno, we could totally make out somewhere.
>>
No. 962471 ID: 015bf2

Nice view. Relaxing place. Lie down and put your head in Pillet's lap.

"I'll just chill for a bit."
>>
No. 962472 ID: 86eb65

So is this thing like stuck to the roof or something? Seems awfully low for space.

Also who built it? The more I learn about Haze Town the more confused I get.
>>
No. 962483 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158725568997.png - (244.98KB , 800x800 , 346.png )
962483

>Should have tried bringing a canvas and paint set to try portray her captivating visage or suchlike
All I'd captivate is my disastrous lack of talent.

>"What're you doing?"
"Just keeping up my practice of energy control."
>"Cool."
>>
No. 962484 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158725569789.png - (177.06KB , 800x800 , 347.png )
962484

She lays next to me after I finish carving a dick into the bottom of the hull.

>"Thinking about dicks, huh."
"Only the most mature of activities from me, while I remember how my D got into the highscore even though it was all you."
>"And I'm glad you noticed that. You going to try to get your D in Pillet again?"
"We can wait. Or at least I can."
>"We can."
"Good. Until then, I'll just keep acting like a renegade teen."


She throws an energy blast up.
>>
No. 962486 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158725572169.png - (185.50KB , 800x800 , 348.png )
962486

That single blast explodes, and it leaves behind a full carving with more detail than what my carefully traced energy laser did.

"What the hell."
>"Party tricks that I've way too much time working on. Forgetting about the basics and working on shit like this is why I lost to Finn of all people."
"Nevermind that, is that how big you think your boobs are?"
>"Oh sorry, were we trying to make lifesize copies of ourselves? Because if so then that sure as isn't your dick to the side there."
"You don't know that. Maybe my dick is proportionate to my energy levels and I've just been holding back on you!"
>"If it is, prove it. Right now. Show me full sized Delli."
"Pillet, a lot of people worked hard on this orbital death cannon of the apocalypse, like, uh... Crook?"
>"Joint project from all four gang leaders, powered by neutral forces to keep it up in the air. The little spokes you see coming off the bottom absorb loose energy to help it along."
"Right, whatever, my point is that a lot of hard work went into this, and because I'm a nice guy, I'm not going to drop it out of the sky by swinging my massive skyscraper of a boner around."
>"Yeah, okay, let me know when you feel like it. Until then, you'll just have to keep using your nice average-sized guy."
>>
No. 962487 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158725573928.png - (303.70KB , 800x800 , 349.png )
962487

I get up on Pillet's lap.

>"Also, It's apocalypse beam-cannon, if you give a shit. Not orbital. It's not 'orbiting' anything."
"Don't care, last time it fired it didn't 'apocalypse' anything either so if it's going to have a faker name, it may as well be cool."
>"How the hell do you know what orbiting means anyway?"
"Uh, like when you have floating orbs of energy going around you? Sort of like that except instead of that, this thing orbits around town."
>"Floats, Delli. It wouldn't orbit town."
"Floating death cannon doesn't sound right. It's figurative anyway, don't you know what orbit means?"
>"Better than you do! I thought you meant orbit in outer space around town, like... nevermind."
"It'd either crash into the ground or get lost in the fog, wouldn't it?"
>"Yeah.... yeah, it would."
>>
No. 962490 ID: 567477

>All I'd captivate is my disastrous lack of talent.

Have you tried drawing since you had amnesia? Maybe you're actually good at it. Even if not though the point is the gesture of it. Now talk about your feelings. FEELINGS.
>>
No. 962494 ID: 777f82

Man people in this town have spent a lot of time and effort on some stupid shit.

So do you want to blow this thing up?
>>
No. 962496 ID: b1b4f3

>>962487
Hmm, come to think of it, it's weird you remember astronomy. I guess your amnesia was selective.
Ask Pillet why didn't forget science stuff. You know enough to know that cellphone service without infrastructure is kindof weird, and so is internet.

Hmm, if ambient energy can be used to keep something floating like this, I bet it's also used to generate electricity.
Hmm... get lost in the fog... how far out has the fog been explored? Does it disintegrate any non-living matter that enters it? How fast...?

You should write P+D with a heart. Just like a rebellious teenager.
>>
No. 962497 ID: 91ee5f

>>962487
Has Pillet ever been inside the satellite? We could go inside and see if there’s anything worth taking and/or breaking in there.

>>962494
>So do you want to blow this thing up?
Let’s not. The falling debris would kill a lot of people.
>>
No. 962498 ID: e2f5cc

First talk about feelings a little then explore the doomsday device
>>
No. 962504 ID: e7848c

>>962487
Thoughts of joining the Mile high club and putting the D in Doomsday rising. We should see if we can aim this thing to land outside the haze.
>>
No. 962508 ID: ea75a5

“If this thing is just casually draining ambient power then couldn’t you siphon the battery for a bit of it? Or would someone else already have had that idea?”
>>962496
>write P+D with a heart
This is silly and exactly what we should do.
>>
No. 962509 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158726007395.png - (129.32KB , 800x800 , 350.png )
962509

"Hm. Feel like I should talk about my feelings in this position."
>"Yeah? What're you feeling?"
"Apparently that I should talk about my feelings? Otherwise, that this is cool. I don't even feel like blowing this whole satellite up."
>"There a reason why not?"
"Just, doesn't feel like there's a point to it. It's not really sticking it to the man anymore. It'd just be me being a dick and dropping the debris on a lot of the public. Even if the explosion would be cool."
>"You're right, but so much for acting like a rebel teen."
"Yeah yeah, remind me to write P+D somewhere on this thing before we leave. Okay something's bugging me, does orbital mean something else? You trailed off there."
>"Does the term astronomy mean anything to you?"
"Uh, no. What's that?"
>"Old science, very old, totally useless now. Which is why I was surprised you knew the term orbital, 'cause I forgot it could just mean rotating around anything."
"Like how electrons orbit around atoms?"
>"Yeah! Like that, exactly. I thought you were calling the town the atom and the satellite the electron."
"But we're on a flat plane."
>"And that's why orbital is a dumb name for this thing. Wanna go inside? I'm curious."
"Sure, but hold your hopes back. I made a visit before, and since the gang's power output was much less, a lot of public raiders got the idea to loot the place. So the gangs looted it, first. It might only still be up in the air since the alternative is throwing it in the fog, and I guess floatation devices are tough to remake, so a skeleton crew keeps it up for when it's needed again."

If it did go into the fog, it'd be lost. Things like the keys are an exception, but other material just vanishes entirely. The record for an artificial signal going inside is only about 40 feet past where a person would be absorbed into the fog. I think material may be spat back out as plain rock eventually, otherwise we'd have ran into physical entropy by now.
>>
No. 962510 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158726008434.png - (143.09KB , 1200x600 , 351.png )
962510

>Siphon the battery for a bit of energy
If I know how to do that, and did, then this thing might come crashing down.

Pillet and I climb up a ladder inside. She peers inside some rooms, they look like old laboratories. The electricity, probably also generated by raw energy, is also off, so only the hallway is dimly lit.

>"Spooky stuff, here. Even had a fight going on?"
"Haha, yeah, the lights were still on when I was here. Maybe random raiders did come to pillage it after all. No bodies though, so whatever crew is left must have cared enough to clean up a little."

We walk on, peering into empty laboraties with broken or missing supercomputers and other equipment. I wasn't in this spot, and this looks more like a research lab than a doomsday weapon. We're silent, and if I want to break the silence with talking about my feelings, I'll need a moment to talk about what feelings those would be. Now's a good time, since Pillet's actually been listening to me.
>>
No. 962513 ID: c2f1f6

What purpose would a doomsday weapon even have in the fog? And why would all 4 gangs agree to make it then? Either solely the threat of it hanging over people's heads, or for some other purpouse. Keep investigating.

Do you know about this astronomy stuff because you read about it, or do you remember?
>>
No. 962515 ID: b1b4f3

>>962510
Well, you like Pillet, but she's definitely got the advantage in the relationship due to having done the relationship more than you have. It's also unfair to her because she has to retread the same ground and you're probably gonna say some of the same stuff to her that you said the other times, and ask her the same questions about herself.
It also makes you feel special, since she's had enough time to get to know most of the people in the city. You're somehow the one she likes the most, and it's not because you've got power. Actually, the power makes the relationship a bit harder because it makes you feel paranoid. If she had the power it'd make getting the keys easier, wouldn't it? Or maybe it wouldn't. Maybe it's better that you have the power, and people fear you more than her. Maybe she prefers it this way.
You also feel a sense of dread because if you got so depressed you wanted to blow yourself up repeatedly, it might happen again. Does Pillet know why it happened last time?
>>
No. 962518 ID: e2f5cc

Ehh, exploring an abandoned doomsday device sounds like way more fun than discussing emotions and that lame stuff, so just keep that idea in your back pocket for when you're no longer doing something cool.
>>
No. 962520 ID: 567477

Having power is something that causes feelings to talk about. Like, there's a whole... willingness issue to things, now. If you ask someone something, are you requesting, or ordering? How well can you trust anyone to treat you how they'd really treat you? With Pillet, you knew here before, and also she's the sort of person who seems like she'd act the same no matter what (though she does come off as having a lot she's not saying...), but great as she is, you can't live off interaction with one person. It'd end up feeling more like you're being... minded, or something.

Besides that, something to talk about might be your amnesia. Like, in this city, you've got to reach the point of sort of knowing everyone, right? Just vauge acquaintance for most people, but even then with all that time and moving around there has to be a ton of people you do actually get to know. So, now, how many people are there that remember you, who maybe were your pals before, who you up and forgot about? Losing your memory kinda sucks but also deliberately losing your memory of people is kind of an asshole thing to do. You could say sorry for doing that asshole thing to Pillet, and thanks to her for putting up with it. And then wonder about how many people you've inadvertently snubbed from them knowing you but you not knowing them, people who maybe you owed a nod or a word to when you met them and you didn't. And does she know any of them? What other friends and lovers and such have you had?

How much can people trust you, now? How much can you trust yourself?

Plenty to talk about.
>>
No. 962521 ID: 91ee5f

>>962510
Back when you first got these powers and Pillet got killed, when you met her in the fog, you asked her if both of you could have kids. Ask Pillet if she was serious back when she said, “If you don't fuck this up, sure.”?

After all, you did fail to get all of the keys, so you’re pretty sure that counts as fucking up.
>>
No. 962522 ID: e7848c

>>962510
Maybe when all this is over, we can learn more about us? Our relationship?
>>
No. 962523 ID: 015bf2

>What are your feelings?
Seems appropriate to primarily discuss your feelings about Pillet when on a date.

So... where to begin? Well. You like her. Obviously. She's an old friend, even if you hardly remember. Plus, she's confident, pretty and pretty cool while at the same time being all the right levels of chill. You hella respect her drive and will to get shit done. While you don't take her opinion as gospel, you think she gets a lot of things right, including that Haze town is stuck in a rut and that the fog is probably due to go. That's something you still feel - you just want to give Phantom a chance to come around to the idea.

On that note you feel it's a shame that some people seems to get very put off by Pillet, like Phantom does. Half her reluctance to go along with the key plan may be purely misgivings towards Pillet. (What's up with that, by the way?)

Pillet also gets major kudos for being this patient despite you delaying the key hunt. That she's been okay with you fooling around and having fun has been a bit of a major weight of your back.

Meanwhile, you're somewhat uncertain what to make of the way she's keeping stuff from you while still hinting at things, like knowing with some certainty what you'd probably enjoy. It's a bit odd and unfair at times (but then, you know damn well life ain't fair, especially to anyone who isn't you right now), but it's nowhere near to put you off her other good qualities.

You suspect that she's doing it for a good reason, either because her weird memory gives her a broader perspective on how you'll react badly to some facts, or because something's clearly different about her and she just can't pass that information on for Reasons relating to the fog.
>>
No. 962526 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158726947509.png - (128.20KB , 800x800 , 352.png )
962526

"Why'd they even make this doomsday weapon anyway?"
>"To make sure that rebels like me couldn't operate out in the open, or to blow up powerful people like you! Didn't work, as I hope you remember."
"Yeah yeah."
>"Ceeept, I never heard about all this research they were doing. Maybe they used a doomsday weapon as a coverup for their research."
"How bad would the research have to be?!"
>"Haha it's just an idea, but a floating bigass thing like this? May as well fill it out with other amenities. Hell ask Phantom, she probably knows some details."
"Later, when I'm less dating her archenemy. For now, I see all this paper..."

In one of those labs, there's an overturned cabinet with some papers. I read them over. Something about sound? Wavelength? Something about noise cancellation, trying to completely nullify noise somehow.

"I'm starting to wonder how many people I forgot. When I left, how many friends did I have? Lovers? I must've had lovers besides you."
>"Lovers? Not when you left, and a long time before that. You had trouble with commitment anyway. Don't worry, you never cheated on anyone that I know of, if you're worried about that, just had trouble envisioning anything past the girlfriend stage."
"And friends?"
>"Sure, you had a few buddies. But people come and go. Friends aren't always around forever. Don't beat yourself up for that."
"What about you and me? Don't I keep coming back to you?"
>"That's abnormal, and I need to learn to stop taking it for granted."
>>
No. 962527 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158726948326.png - (176.53KB , 800x800 , 353.png )
962527

Pillet puts an orb of light in the middle of the room so we can look stuff over more easily.

"I just wonder why I left you last time in the first place. I'd like to avoid it. Know anything about why I did?"
>"Not really, not like that. If it happens again, just do me a favor and talk to me about it first. If you believe nothing else from me, believe that I'll let you go, but I'll want a way to make sure you're okay afterwards this time."
"Yeah. I will. Sorry I went and forgot about you."
>"You did worse to yourself than you did to me, so apologize to yourself first. Shit, are we sure there's a skeleton crew? I can't even sense anyone nearby."
"That's fine, I guess. I haven't had a regular conversation with the public in awhile. Can't even ask anyone to do anything without it feeling like I'm ordering them to. Then there's all the people who're trying to get close to me for the power. Hell, a lot of people have come up acting like my friend, and I don't know if they are and I forgot them, or if they're just trying to fool me."
>"Join some online chats and games. No one knows who you are in those. Then if you want to meet them face to face, you'll have a good idea what they thought of you beforehand."
"And if it breaks whatever online friendship I had?"
>"Then you won't be any worse off than before, and if it bugs you that much, it's worth a shot. There's other ways, but it's not like I've been in your position either."
"Right, well thanks for being around for me."
>>
No. 962528 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158726955243.png - (186.40KB , 800x800 , 354.png )
962528

She hugs me from behind. It distracts me, but I'm not finding any secret, doom bringing hell rituals down here anyway.

>"I'll be around for as long as you can stand me."
"Hey, I mentioned if we could have kids, and you said 'if I don't fuck this up, sure'. Were you serious about that?"
>"Were you?"
"I asked first."
>"Hah, well, I was kind of serious, but I was also succinct to a fault. I'd like kids someday, but not in the fog. And even after the fog is lifted, I'll have to survive for awhile."
"Why's that such a concern?"
>"Because I'm the poster kid for lifting the fog, and a lot of people will be pissed. They'd love to kill me afterwards, when it sticks. Poetic justice or something. And a fucked up portion of that portion of the population would want to go after my kids, too. Plus, there's whatever life outside of the fog is like. Are there others? Would they accept us? We don't know. It's a huge risk. I'll want to make sure I can handle getting saddled with kids, first. So, now you answer. Were you serious?"
"Okay it was kind of a passion of the moment decision, but yeah, I think so. No rush, though."
>"Close enough to the same page then."
"Maybe when this is over, we can figure out more about ourselves?"
>"If there's anything left to figure out. Anything else you want to get off your brain?"
"Just... I like you too. Thanks for being patient since I put off looking for the keys, I sorta thought your get-shit-done might turn on me then."
>"I do, but sometimes the slow way isn't a bad way!"
"I think my only uncertainty about you is that you've been keeping stuff from me while hinting at things. I mean life ain't fair and all that, but geez, no one likes being left in the dark. Oh, shit, we were supposed to not talk about that stuff, huh."
>"Yeah, I've been trying to stop hinting at shit, sometimes even successfully! Obviously you aren't aware of the successes, since it means I didn't say anything. Anyway, we can put that subject back in the black box for now, but I want to tell you that the only way I'm sharing stuff openly with you is if... well, a couple things, but it all boils down to me needing to trust you fully. And I can only trust you if you trust me. It has to be mutual."
"It's kind of hard to trust you fully when you hide stuff like that!"
>"So to trust me, I have to share stuff openly, but to share stuff openly, I have to trust you, and to trust you, you need to trust me... great. Something in that loop's got to bend. I'll take a look at the easy road first and ask if there's anything I can do to help you trust me that isn't me telling you the biggest secrets I've got."
>>
No. 962529 ID: e2f5cc

Well, first you could say why it is you can't divulge your deep dark secrets, and if you'd told me about them before? And uh, kinda unrelatedly, maybe try talking to Phantom to at least see each other as more than "That bitch". It'd be a good way to show you trust me enough to at least try this, and I'm pretty sure I can get Phantom to agree as well, since either making amends or reaffirming her hate for you will probably get her out of the slump she's in.
>>
No. 962530 ID: b1b4f3

>>962528
I can think of something: trying, earnestly, to make friends with Phantom.
>>
No. 962531 ID: 91ee5f

>>962530
This.
>>
No. 962532 ID: 86eb65

This is doing a lot actually. Everybody has secrets and I trust you have your reasons.

Wanna go fly around and take in the sights?
>>
No. 962533 ID: 015bf2

>>962528
Squeeze her hand. Tell her that she’s not doing badly on the trust front, so if she wants to keep her secrets she can.

Bleh, you should consider getting a safe word to invoke for breaking out of accidental serious convos.
>>
No. 962534 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158727505251.png - (128.42KB , 800x800 , 355.png )
962534

"I guess maybe I trust you a little bit that you have a reason to keep your secrets." I hold her hand.
>"Thanks." She laughs. "At this rate, my worst fear will be that when I do tell you them, they'll be underwhelming after all the secrecy."
"Maybe we need a safeword to get out of accidentally serious conversations. But since we didn't, I'll ask you... maybe, it would help, if you tried to get to know Phantom? Like, trying honestly and earnestly to become friends with her."
>"Remember that she's the one who seems to hate my guts. Sure I don't think highly of her, but hate? No."
"But you're willing to try and make friends with her?"
>"Sure I am, but how do I 'try' that? If I act like myself, I doubt she'd like my winning personality, and if I act different to pander to her, is that really gonna earn your trust? But if you just want me to meet her on even ground, face to face, and hear her out? I can do that, if you can convince Phantom to do that. Is that what you want?"
>>
No. 962535 ID: b1b4f3

It's a start, and maybe you can find enough common ground after that to talk more without it being fake.
>>
No. 962536 ID: c2f1f6

Sounds about right. She's a better judge of character that I am, and if you two can get over your professional differences now that she's retired, I think that would be a good thing. I'll also need your opinion if Phantom is honoring her end of the ceasefire/research agreement we made, or using the time for some other reason.
>>
No. 962545 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158727959892.png - (109.35KB , 800x800 , 356.png )
962545

"That's at least a start. If nothing else maybe I'll learn more about why she's got that amount of hate for you. I'll convince her after the date."

We look over some more of the labs, but at some point while Pillet rummages through old science drawers, I sit down in some dank looking corner that looks like it's a doorless closet. Pillet comes over and squeezes into it with me.

>"What're you doing over here? Dietary studies of eating dirt not interesting you here?"
"All very fascinating, except I'm starting to think we're not going to stumble on some secret bioweapon. Or even just a group of squatters, I'd take that, but whatever I like this spot. I might have a thing for dank, run down buildings that look like they haven't been used in fifty years. It's weirdly cozy."
>"The shitty lighting helps."

We put our arms around each other all disgustingly lovey-dovey-like. I can feel her heartbeat, too. That'd be on the list of weird sweet things, but it's surprisingly fast. She looks relaxed though so I don't know. We do nothing but listen to each other breathe, and the only thing that's more teeth rottingly sweet than that is realizing that I'm actually enjoying it enough to not want to move or say anything for the time.
>>
No. 962547 ID: cdabe3

Ooh, is it cuddle time~?
>>
No. 962549 ID: 470289

Feel free to relax then, maybe fall asleep.
>>
No. 962550 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158728231693.png - (69.22KB , 800x800 , 357.png )
962550

So I guess it's cuddle time. I stay here. I think Pillet fell asleep on me.

My phone rings, and I realize I fell asleep too. It's Phantom.
>>
No. 962551 ID: 465a14

say sup as suppishly as you can
>>
No. 962552 ID: 470289

facetime her.
>>
No. 962556 ID: b1b4f3

>>962550
Ask Phantom what time it is.
>>
No. 962560 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158728338793.png - (62.10KB , 800x800 , 358.png )
962560

I'd like to show her my current situation, but the tech of camera video isn't there so I've got to speak normally.

"Sup." I try to say without waking Pillet.
>"Hi, Delli? I've gotten reports that you and Pillet were on the apocalypse beam cannon. Is that true?"
"Yes?" I say in more of a whisper. "Uh, what time is it?"
>"5 o' clock." Must be 5 in the evening. "Why? Why are you on the cannon, I mean?"
"Does it matter?"
>"Not to me, but somehow people got wind that we've been amicable. I've been pushed to approach you about it, if you don't mind telling me. Or why you're whispering. I want to tell the others that I gave this an honest attempt, so I won't tell you to just hang up if you don't want to answer."

She definitely doesn't sound like she wanted to call me. I'm definitely going to learn how to hide my energy signature, if I can't even check out the empty cannon without people getting antsy.
>>
No. 962561 ID: 470289

"Felt like coming up here on a whim, so I did. No real thought behind it."
>>
No. 962563 ID: b1b4f3

>>962560
Tell her you thought it'd be a cool place to hang out, and it kindof is. What's the big deal? It's abandoned, and also you could probably do more damage on your own than it could.
Also tell her that Pillet's agreed to meet her and clear the air. She's taking a nap by the way, that's why you're whispering.

Maybe you should nudge her awake though, the gangs could have sent someone here and getting ambushed while napping wouldn't be great.
>>
No. 962564 ID: fa2754

>>962560
Tell her you're being 100% honest when you say the only reason you came up here was to feel like something akin to a rebel teen again. Tell someone to look up and find the art you two left.
>>
No. 962565 ID: 10c408

Say two words and then hang up. "text messages."

Then give her a brief rundown and if anyone has some kind of problem with you visiting the defunct cannon and not really doing much more than reading they can eat your entire ass.
>>
No. 962571 ID: 91ee5f

>>962560
We’re just looking around up here. Pillet fell asleep, that’s why I’m whispering.

Also if you look carefully enough, you can see some artwork that me and Pillet drew on the outside. Which is literally the only bad thing we’ve done while up here. Other than that, we’ve been looking for anything interesting, but all we’ve found are scientific papers on the dietary studies of eating dirt.

No, I’m not making that up.
>>
No. 962576 ID: 294396

Tell her the truth, that you’re just fucking around with Pillet. But that’s not the kind of answer her friends are going to want. So tell her to tell them that you’re surveying the satellite, and checking it’s integrity to ensure it won’t come crashing down.
>>
No. 962584 ID: 015bf2

>>962560
“Two reasons. One, quiet relaxing time with Pillet talking about feelings and trust and stuff. Two, I thought there was more to the cannon than that ridiculous misnomer so I felt like exploring. Did you know they did experiments up here?”

Sigh softly.

“If people are worried I’mma blow this thing from the sky, tell them I said I won’t ‘cuz - and please quote - that’s dumb. Where’s the maintenance crew, by the way? We haven’t seen anyone.”
>>
No. 962585 ID: 1ed92d

Say you felt like seeing what the world looks like from up here and that you might build an apartment on a satellite some day. It's really relaxing.
>>
No. 962587 ID: ea75a5

Pillet and I went on a date and it seemed like a cool place to hang out. As for why I’m whispering you just woke me up and she’s still asleep next to me. Is that everything you wanted to know?
>>
No. 962595 ID: 86eb65

Text her.

Went on a date with Pillet. Felt like exploring. Talked about feelings and junk. You know they did sound experiments and junk up here?
>>
No. 962596 ID: 567477

"Oon a date. Place seemed good, quiet hangout spot. Cuddle time right now. Shh."

I wonder if saying Pillet is asleep is actually a good idea, people might want to take advantage of it. The animosity from Phantom to Pillet is a good excuse for them to not talk to each other, so you can just leave it unsaid that she's snoozing.
>>
No. 962605 ID: b07f1c

Tell her you're studying. What are you studying? Beam cannons.

Also ask her if she knows anything about any experiments involving sound or other types of waves.
>>
No. 962613 ID: c2f1f6

Hmm, makes me wonder why they're worried. More to this place than meets the eye?
>>
No. 962614 ID: a9af05

>>962560
Is there a reason people want to know why we're up here? Are they worried that we're gonna find some big secret they were trying to hide?
>>
No. 962620 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158731982795.png - (72.06KB , 800x800 , 359.png )
962620

"Text message."

I hang up, and start texting.

"I felt like being a rebel teen, and took Pillet on a a date trespassing on places. What does it matter if I'm going to abandoned stations? I haven't even seen anyone here."
>"There are lots of people who are invested in your activity, no matter how minor."
"They think I'm going to find some big labratory secret? All I've found is stuff on eating dirt and similar."
>"I doubt it, I was told all the experiments that were worth continuing were moved elsewhere. Sorry to bother you. I'll tell them you and Pillet are just being yourselves, and this is what you two do. Thank you for responding."
"Yeah. By the way would you be willing to meet Pillet to talk things over?"
>"Talk what over?"
"Uh nothing in particular, just to clear the air, I guess?"
>"I'm retiring, or at least I'm trying to. What's the point in trying to clear the air?"
>>
No. 962622 ID: e2f5cc

Well for one, it shows that you're taking retiring seriously by letting bygones be bygones with a high-profile enemy of yours, and it would tie up another loose end.

Actually, have you ever even properly talked with Pillet? I'm sure you'd prefer to have her as someone you at worst dislike and prefer not to talk to over some ex-enemy you only don't like because you feel you still shouldn't.
>>
No. 962625 ID: 91ee5f

>>962620
If you're retiring, then you wouldn't be a gang leader anymore. That would mean that you and Pillet wouldn't really have a reason to be enemies, so you guys can try to be friends now.
>>
No. 962627 ID: fa2754

>>962620
You can't claim to know a lot, but you can say closure seems like it'd be kind of great. Burying the hatchet and such.
>>
No. 962630 ID: b1b4f3

>>962620
Because you like her, and you really like Pillet, and you'd like both of them to get along better.
>>
No. 962631 ID: c2f1f6

Because Pillet's willing to be a bigger person and put the past behind and if you weren't, everything I know would be a lie.
>>
No. 962632 ID: 86eb65

What you going to do when you retire?

Cause I still want to hang out. Are in the early stages of trying to make friends so that is what you do.

Your new job is monitoring the crazy overlord for the panicky public and you know it.
>>
No. 962633 ID: a0dfd2

>>962620

... I guess, jeez, may as well be blunt, right? We've got to trust Pillet, but we also need to trust Phantom, if we're going to hear our her side of it honestly, too.

So lead with that: we don't really want to change minds, so much as be able to understand viewpoints and why the fog matters so much to them both. Knowing that, and letting them talk through it together, would not only go a long way for our trust in them, but for their trust in one another.

And besides, we kind of like Phantom, too. She's nice and has tolerated a lot of our dumb shit, so it feels kinda bad that she can't be comfortable with Pillet.

It isn't to say that she SHOULD, though; just that maybe we've all given things a few too many lifetimes to fester, without really talking openly.

But maybe that's because amnesia makes it easier to reflect on things, when you're trying to relearn it all.
>>
No. 962638 ID: 015bf2

You're in a fence-mending mood. Assuming they're willing to even try having a chat, that is! Is having such a strong dislike for Pillet - if not Pillet's goals - worth keeping now that she's retired/retiring?

By the way, not that you mind answering Phantom, but she can definitely tell her gang you said they should set up a dedicated liaison for stuff like this. Besides, isn't Soletta still technically spying for them? Pretty sure you gave her a solid impression you and Pillet were just hangin' and goofin' together.

[Wonder, idly, if there is extra concern due to the key possibly being kept somewhere around here. Put that thought away since, well, key truce.]
>>
No. 962649 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158733715597.png - (110.55KB , 800x800 , 360.png )
962649

"Burying the hatchet, showing your retiring by not holding old grudges? Have you ever even had a proper conversation with her?"
>"Did she agree to this?"
"She has, yes."
>"Let me ask why us getting along matters to you?"
"I guess I'm in a mending mood. And you two are the majority of my friends, and it kinda sucks having the majority of my friends hate each other."
>"Fine. As long as I'm allowed to leave at any time."
"That's all I ask, thanks Phantom. Anyway couldn't Soletta have been called? Pretty sure she knew Pillet and I were up to something."
>"I did, but she didn't know why you were going to the cannon."
"Oh. Okay. Anyway let me know when you want to hang out between whatever you're doing in retirement."
>"Are you going to be present when Pillet and I meet?"

>>
No. 962650 ID: e2f5cc

Do you want me to be? I mean, I'd want to be there since I was the one to initiate all this, but if you'd prefer me not to be present I guess I don't really have to be.
>>
No. 962651 ID: e7848c

>>962649
If you need me to help mediate then sure. Or we can get Solleta.
>>
No. 962653 ID: 86eb65

Up to you?

I only want to push so hard. If you two end up being too different that is ok. But I at least want to give civil discourse a shot. And that means getting everyone at least willing to talk to each other.
>>
No. 962654 ID: c2f1f6

I think that would be for the best, yes. If you'd rather have girl talk without me that's fine too.
>>
No. 962655 ID: 015bf2

Yeah. You'd want to be nearby to add your two cents or mediate if need be. It's negotiable, though.
>>
No. 962656 ID: 91ee5f

>>962655
This
>>
No. 962658 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158734095913.png - (72.52KB , 800x800 , 361.png )
962658

"If you want me to be."
>"If you're not there, the two of us may speak our minds more freely. It's more likely to go poorly, but it will also be more authentic."
"I'll go with. Then, if that goes well, a second meeting could happen without me meddling with authenticity."
>"Ok. Tomorrow night?"
"Sounds fine."


I guess that's that. Now it's just back to me and sleeping Pillet, who I managed to not wake up. Come to think of it, I don't think she's been sleeping much at all lately, so she might just be out for a long time.
>>
No. 962659 ID: 465a14

>>962658
Doodle on her face.
>>
No. 962660 ID: 567477

Just enjoy the snuggles, man.
>>
No. 962661 ID: 86eb65

Snuggle in harder and nap. Silence your phone though.
>>
No. 962663 ID: e7848c

>>962658
Tell her you love her. You know you mean it. Get some sleep yourself, goat man.
>>
No. 962664 ID: b1b4f3

Sleep with your face under her shirt.
>>
No. 962666 ID: 7fecba

>>962659
Absolutely. A nice handlebar and monocle to help with her commanding presence. Just be sure to do so very gently, let her sleep.
>>
No. 962670 ID: fb820f

It seems like she's used to sleeping on you. I guess that says something about your past.

Let her sleep. And you should go back to sleep as well. You can't say you're not cozy enough heh.
>>
No. 962671 ID: 91ee5f

>>962658
Use her boobs as pillows.
>>
No. 962684 ID: 4cd3ad

>>962663
>>962671
Excellent ideas
>>
No. 962705 ID: 365ffb

Take a nap too.
>>
No. 962706 ID: 1ed92d

>>962658
Nap with her.
>>
No. 962723 ID: 567477

I dunno, people know you're here. Maybe you should be Pillet's bodyguard for her snoozetime.
>>
No. 962729 ID: a0dfd2

>>962658

That face. It is tooth-meltingly sweet.

Realize that this is maybe what you and Pillet have been missing all along -- just living like normal people for once.

Now plot how to get one of these funky broom-closet things into your place so you two can cuddle on the regular.
>>
No. 962804 ID: 015bf2

>out for a long time
As long as it's in the range of hours not days, stay in a comfortable snuggle, guard your big sleepy date and/or practice power control while you're awake. You can't stay here forever, but you can make it last a little longer. Guess she hasn't had many opportunities to take a break if she's this tuckered, huh?

That said, if you get uncomfortable, you can always try to gently princess carry her to a place with an actual bed. I guess you'd want to be there for when she wakes, though.
>>
No. 962850 ID: eb4a6c

Can you take a selfie with that phone? Having a serene sleeping face pic of Pillet would be hilarious.
>>
No. 963102 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158759664131.png - (95.13KB , 800x800 , 362.png )
963102

All these labs and I don't remember seeing a single sharpie or anything to draw on Pillet's face. I can't laser penmarks on her her. I could singe her fur but that's probably a liiiittle mean even between the two of us. Oh, well, I take a selfie of me and her face.

Man at first I was kind of disappointed she didn't wear a neat dress or something for the date, but this sweater's soft as hell so I don't blame her. Wonder if I can fit in there. Normally, yeah. Without waking her up, no. My horns make the logistics of this hard. Ah well.

I climb over into her lap and lay against her. Her neck bends over and her face droops in front of mine. Well, if it's uncomfortable for her, she's sure sleeping right through it. It's a good place to sleep, and I don't think we're going to get ambushed easily here.

"Love you."
>>
No. 963103 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158759665097.png - (102.57KB , 800x800 , 363.png )
963103

I think I nod off for a bit. Apparently it's long enough for Pillet to wake up, because once I wake up again, I'm in an actual bed in some other dark alcove overlooking the town. I think that might be it for the date, because the more I think about it, the more Pillet badly needed to catch up on sleep. Oh, well, nothing stopping us from having another time later.
>>
No. 963107 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158759667514.png - (220.20KB , 800x800 , 364.png )
963107

We wake up early the next morning and head back to base. Pillet starts bossing her rebels around again while I practice and study my stuff. We sometimes cross paths to get all grossly lovey on each other. I still get a noogie or two.
>>
No. 963108 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158759668891.png - (201.81KB , 800x800 , 365.png )
963108

The whole day blows by fast. Before I know it, it's time for Phantom and Pillet to meet. Phantom has us show up in a cave near the edge of town. I get a little paranoid, but I can't imagine Phantom ambushing us for whatever reason. I also can't imagine an effective ambush, so long as I don't let Pillet get taken hostage again.

We follow Phantom's directions over there. 'Subloop A-6', which is some old nomenclature.
>>
No. 963109 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158759673217.png - (201.73KB , 800x800 , 366.png )
963109

Phantom's standing with a couple of her people under a streetlight I'm surprised is even on. They make it look like we're making an overtly shady drug deal.

>"Yo, Phantom." says Pillet. "We're meeting at the old outer ring highway? Why's that?"
>"It's neutral ground. It means nothing to me, and as far as I'm aware, to you."
>"Sure."
>>
No. 963110 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158759674170.png - (53.87KB , 800x400 , 367.png )
963110

.... Good conversation.
>>
No. 963114 ID: 465a14

Ask if they want to see a picture of Pillet with doodles on her face.
>>
No. 963115 ID: 86eb65

Look around for something you can use as table and chairs and loudly drag them over under the light. If they are trying some moody atmosphere shit lets ruin it in embarrassing fashion.

Then set on down and have everyone join you. This is not a shady drug deal this is a informal meeting to clear the air.
>>
No. 963122 ID: fb820f

Take off your clothes and only wear boxers.

Then warn them that if they don't start walking to each other and shake hands, your boxers are coming off as well.
>>
No. 963126 ID: 91ee5f

>>963110
(Sarcastically) “Well, this friendship is off to a great start.”

(Seriously) “I sure hope we’re not going to be talking to each other at this distance this entire time! Come on, let’s get closer so we can talk like normal people!”
>>
No. 963130 ID: a0dfd2

>>963110

So, uh ... what if we kind of pretend we haven't met? Well, they haven't.

You know, exchange names, talk through things or something. "Start over," so to say. I mean, that's the whole point of this, right?

To give Pillet and Phantom a chance to kind of do just that?
>>
No. 963133 ID: 015bf2

>>963110
“...this is silly and we’re coming up to you.”

Walk up to Phantom’s light, taking Pillet by the hand. Sit down on the asphalt. Swear you’ll bring pillows next time.

“Ahem... let’s get started. Pillet, please just listen for a bit. Phantom, I know Pillet and you probably have plenty of history, but where does the animosity come from? Can you tell us why you feel so strongly about her?”
>>
No. 963135 ID: 91ee5f

>>963126
On an unrelated note, Delli have you been getting taller? I swear you’re taller. You’re almost eye level with Pillet now!
>>
No. 963139 ID: 567477

Do something lovably awkward, to unify them.
>>
No. 963141 ID: b1b4f3

>>963110
Alright let's get this started: Phantom, why do you hate Pillet.
>>
No. 963221 ID: eb4a6c

Dang, that guy has a really cool mask. Feel kinda underdressed.
>>
No. 963222 ID: b1b4f3

Wait how come Phantom is still wearing a mask despite being retired? Is it not official yet? Or... force of habit?
>>
No. 963224 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158763139585.png - (197.45KB , 800x800 , 368.png )
963224

We walk up closer to them. Phantom waves off her people, and they hang off to the side.

Pillet stops a bit short of where the streetlight lights up the road.
>"Delli, seat me."
>>
No. 963225 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158763141774.png - (142.50KB , 800x800 , 369.png )
963225

Ground goes up, rears go down, and I turn to Phantom.

"Still wearing a mask? I thought you were retiring."
>"It doesn't feel right without it."
"Want to join us, Phantom? I can probably make a chair."
>"I'll stand."
"Ohhhkay. So what if you two try to meet again for the first time?"
>"Ha, that's an idea." says Pillet. "Nice to meet you, Phantom, I'm Pillet, who you've never met before."
>>
No. 963227 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158763163535.png - (74.41KB , 800x800 , 370.png )
963227

>"No." Phantom says. "I'm not playing pretend."
"Why not, can you tell me where some of this hate comes from? Like, with specifics this time."
>"Do you wonder the same, Pillet?"
>"I can take a few guesses, but you may as well just tell it to me."
>"Fine. Here's one. Many of my old friends were frequently hunted by you and your bandits. They didn't want to live that life, so they left. In other words, you've costed me some dear friends over the years."
>"Pretty sure I could say the same 'cause of you." Pillet says maybe a little bit more pointedly than I'd like.
>"I'm not asking you to be my friend. It's not even just store fronts, headquarters, and friendships. You've destroyed museums, cultural accomplishments and irreplacable material under my care. You've fought or undermined me at every turn.."
>"Did you expect me to sit by and watch tyrants stomp around town putting people under their boots just to avoid collateral damage?"
>"Half the 'boots' people were under were only made because of your actions! Do you think I had fun doing pat-downs from out of sector visitors, or raid the homes of rebel suspects, or - or any of that stuff? For every false arrest or unjust house raid, there was a skyscraper saved from being blown out of the skyline! I'll be the first to admit that us gang leaders weren't geniuses of utopian civil design, but you forced our hand in making the tyranny twice as bad, because the alternative was me sitting by and watching rebellions stomp around town putting people under rubble!"
>>
No. 963231 ID: fb820f

Well, both of them have a point. On one hand, Pillet made the collateral damage worse. On the other, it had to be done to give people a voice that they're dissatisfied with the gangs. What to do?

Tell them to put themselves in each others' shoes. What would they have done? And what would they learn?
>>
No. 963234 ID: dbd72b

Kinda chafing under how authoritarian that comment is, but listen to how Pillet responds first. This mostly needs to happen between them
>>
No. 963237 ID: 015bf2

You can't undo that level of resentment easily. Even if no-one's ever truly died, things have gotten irreversibly lost in the process and the sting of that is felt. But... you can share the blame. Thank Phantom for her input. Ask her if she feels the same way about you. Because you know, abstractly, that you must've caused some of all of that bull too. Yet you're not the one getting the face-full of blame. Despite being, y'know, the one currently calling shots and leaning into listening to Pillet.

As a never-give-up ringleader Pillet's more responsible, sure, but she's hardly been the only one fighting for her beliefs in shitty ways. Even if you've forgotten most of the shitty things you've done it's not like they probably didn't happen and not like Pillet brainwashed you to do them. That's not her style. You did them for whatever reasons you had.

So what's the big difference between you and Pillet other than lost marbles?

"I think... Pillet's become a symbol to you. The ur-ringleader, the anarchist, the organizer of every punk 'freedom fighter' or nasty terrorist attack. 'Pillet's at it again' probably used to be water cooler talk, right? You blame her as a - or THE - root cause of your troubles, and, yeah, that's even kind of fair, but it's not the whole story.

I want to point out there's a Pillet past that who went through some of the same bullshit you did, just from a different angle. Capable of making tough or awful or even bad decisions, sure, but not without sentiment or regret. And at this point who in a leadership role hasn't made a shitty call? That's why I want you to engage with more than just the symbol."

Rise up and gently tap Phantom's mask, then turn to face Pillet.

"And that goes both ways. We can sit here picking grudges and figuring out which of you had more of a right and less of a desire to hurt others, but had to do it anyway because reasons, and I guess that's... something, at least? But you have an opportunity here to talk shop, pick topics that might genuinely interest you to know more about, or could even potentially be productive. Get a look at the other side of the fence. Compare notes about that time where nothing went as it should've for anyone and question why and if, say, collateral damage could've been better avoided even if you are diametrically opposed. Compare perspective of things that happened in your living memory. Talk trash about people who deserve it, like yours truly, for bein' such a sappy dumbass to want you two to, however briefly, get along."
>>
No. 963238 ID: 86eb65

Sorry to interupt Phantom but that sort of sounds like nasty dictator talk.

"You lot don't know what is best for you so we are going to force you to live like we want! How dare you desire a different type of life than us!"

But is sort of hard to avoid when everyone is stuck in a fishbowl together for all eternity.
>>
No. 963241 ID: 567477

Sounds like you were sorta both making each other worse. Which is another good reason why we should be here, huh? Have either of you tried... de-escalation, before now?
>>
No. 963244 ID: a0dfd2

>>963227

Miiiight be a good time to play "impartial mediator."

By that, I mean: point out that what it sounds like is two opposing forces perpetually escalating their responses.

Pillet rose up and starting causing havoc because, you guessed it, having an appreciable amount of energy lets you do some crazy shit. Which sometimes you stop thinking about, until you've been on the bottom for as long as you can remember, and really recognize what kind of gulf exists in that level of power.

Phantom and the others, comparatively, reacted with heightened security, but ... well, went overboard when it was clear things weren't working. The raids alone were probably what terrified more people than needed, and gave the gangs such a bad reputation, helping to perpetuate Pillet and her team's actions.

This isn't to say that Phantom is wrong. From the perspective of a hapless, helpless civilian, having even weak power users rampaging around is terrifying. But it's easy to see WHY Pillet's actions seemed justified, if tyrannical actions only got more intrusive and harmful -- and, as Phantom said, only made things worse.

So perhaps what needs to be understood is:

1. An unbalanced power dynamic resulted in enmity against those in power.

2. Uncontrolled collateral damage resulted not in the liberation of the people, but more tyranny.

3. The elimination of the gang leaders after the power cluster incident reset the balance of power (largely), but cannot undo the damage done.

Considering that the gang leaders are basically gone (aside from Finn being a butt), what if we diverted some of our resources and people to restoration? Help fix things up that got wrecked and really win the people.
>>
No. 963245 ID: 015bf2

>>963238
>How dare you desire a different type of life than us?
I mean... that's both sides here?

Phantom believes using the keys risks everything that's been built and achieved up 'till now in exchange for a very uncertain - and limited - future. Pillet believes things are kind of shit and will not improve in the long run, so using the keys is the only way to make something change for the better.

And unless we can dig into the history of the keys and why they even exists there's no way to prove either of them right without just using the keys.
>>
No. 963247 ID: ea75a5

Yeah I have no idea how to respond to that, let’s just stay quiet and let Pillet answer on her own.
>>
No. 963268 ID: 0beee8

We've sure got a response to that, but remember, we're being impartial. Just say that Pillet isn't asking to be friends, that's all you- you're pretty sure Pillet's as skeptical about this as Phantom. Then see what Pillet has to say, just don't let her bait Phantom out.
>>
No. 963270 ID: b1b4f3

>>963227
Isn't that how rebellion always works though? Rebels start breaking stuff to fight against those in power, and in response, those in power crack down. Did that really have anything to do with Pillet as a person?
>>
No. 963286 ID: f3f534

>>963227
Alright, now that we're talking about it, let's see if there's a way both of you can bury the hatchet.

No, burying the hatchet in each other's skulls doesn't count.
>>
No. 963294 ID: 2a6d28

Keep in mind that Phantom is clearly uncomfortable in this situation- shes brought backup, kept her mask on, remained standing, and you're seated next to Pillet making you physically on her side. If you instantly jump down Phantoms throat, it'll confirm in Phantoms mind that you're biased against her and this is a waste of her time. Besides, Pillet can probably respond much better than you could, no offense.
>>
No. 963435 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158775950573.png - (96.79KB , 800x800 , 371.png )
963435

That was a pretty authoritarian response! And I almost say as much, but I don't, since I'm trying to be the neutral mediator or whatever on this. Maybe since it probably already looks like I'm taking Pillet's side since I'm literally sitting at her side.

>"That's pretty authoritarian of you." Oh thank goodness, Pillet said it for me.
>"I know! When I wasn't, my reward for being nice and lax for the public was having wedges and nails driven into the openings that caused."
>"And what about what the people wanted?"
>"They wanted protection from you and your rebels! They were happy to see those raids and checks, at least until it was done on them instead of their neighbors, but... urgh, I'm digressing. I don't think you know me, because you only saw what I did, not the context or reasoning behind it."
>"Haha, sounds like the same for me, again."
>"You always preached openly, unlike me. Your views and motivations were made clear, not mine." Phantom says, and I think I'll interject here.
"Welllll, uh... Phantom, it kinda seems like you see Pillet as a symbol more than a person anyway. Like, all that propoganda and preaching was about her life as a rebel, but you haven't gotten to know her as a person behind all that."
>"Is there a person behind that?" Phantom faces Pillet when she asks that.
>"You've got me there, I'm pretty into what I do."
"Look, as someone with amnesia and zero idea about politics, it just sounds like these are two sides that had to escalate stuff to stop each other. Pillet's in a new position, Phantom's retiring from leading gangs, how about looking at each other past their affiliations? Like, discussing yourselves as people, not symbols. Interests and the like."
>>
No. 963437 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158775952080.png - (100.95KB , 800x800 , 372.png )
963437

They look at each other blankly.

"Like uh, Pillet, you didn't protest at Phantom asking if there was a person behind the rebel, but I know there is! Tell her about what you like doing that isn't fighting the system."
>"Fighting regular people! You ever go to fighting tourneys?"
>"I know martial arts, but I never liked tournaments much. Do you read any books for fun, Pillet?"
>"For fun, nope. You ever go grab your friends and run out the door and find something to do without a plan?"
>"Not really. Do you ever stay alone with your own thoughts?"

There's a pause.

>"I'm starting to think we might not have anything in common." Pillet leaned in a little towards me, and I think she was speaking to both of us.
>>
No. 963439 ID: e2f5cc

Well, both of you only went over things anyone could assume you do from a glance, so what's a weird thing that either of you had wanted to try but maybe never got the time for, like a sport or gardening, something like that.

If neither of you have a hobby or something that fits the bill, then that's an entirely different problem, and you might just have to settle your differences with a dance-sparring session.
>>
No. 963440 ID: b1b4f3

>>963437
Yeah? What about research? I'm sure Phantom would love to pick Pillet's brain, and possibly the other way around if it turns out there were some blind spots in Pillet's approach.
>>
No. 963441 ID: 86eb65

I am a amnesiac superpowered overlord who used to be a angry farmer apparently. We just spent the day cuddling in a abandoned death star Pillet. Phantom got stuck with the job and has begun the transformation into surly facist.

Just saying that life is strange and the thing we have in common is that we are all in charge for some stupid reason.

We might have all started out as completely different people but I am pretty sure that if we want a good ending we need to be able to work together.
>>
No. 963442 ID: 015bf2

On the surface, yeah. But you both have hidden depths, so let's try the tangential!

Phantom, you like relaxing with movies with friends, right? What kind? Action movies? Would you consider watching the antics of Pillet's tourney circuit as something that might be interesting?

Pillet, you've spent way long learning weird power tricks. Anything that could be considered, well... cultural? Artsy? You also know stuff. Remember anything cool it would interest Phantom to know?

(if they deny both, pull out your trump card)

"Well, then the only thing I can think of is I've pretty much confirmed you both like semi-intimate cuddling. Not that I'm asking you to... well. Uh. Hold hands."
>>
No. 963443 ID: fb820f

I bet Soletta could solve this problem! If only she was here hehe.
>>
No. 963447 ID: 567477

"Well, you both seem to like me. Well enough. I volunteer to be an awkwardness sacrifice. I'll cover my ears and turn away so I'm not being an egotist and you can both gossip about me for a minute, how's that for a bonding exercise?"
>>
No. 963448 ID: e7848c

>>963437
You two are so on guard you might as well be boxing each other. If that's the case, why don't we just make it formal? Let's get some MMA gloves on and wrestle it out or something. No powers, just your physical body.
>>
No. 963470 ID: a0dfd2

>>963437

>"I'm starting to think we might not have anything in common."

Personality wise? Yeah, definitely not.

But as individuals and leaders? Absolutely. They're both very passionate about what they do, in their own different ways, and believe in their causes very strongly. Oooooonly we're trying to look past that, so ...

Oh! Oh! They both seemed to like soaking in a pool or tub!
>>
No. 963493 ID: ed763f

Other than your mutual belief the ends justify the means? Maybe not. I can tell you're both really eager to measure the viewpoints of others as well.

Look, I know I roped you both into this and you probably have no faith in this and are probably just humoring me, but... what does it mean if reconciliation isn't possible? No matter what you want for the fog, you two will be coexisting for the rest of your lives. Even if you don't have anything in common, are you going to keep holding a grudge after you don't have to keep fighting each other? If Pillet's energy hording plan had worked, the dynamic you two had going would have switched a hundred eighty degrees like that. Now you have a unique opportunity. Maybe you can be free of the past without... Doing what I did.
>>
No. 963494 ID: 10c408

>>963493
Seconding this.
>>
No. 963497 ID: ed763f

>>963493
Addendum: You both believed, or believe, in something other than your own personal power. Unlike, say, Finnigan. Or I'm willing to bet in my ignorance, almost any other gangboss. You're both damn far from saints but you're not vicious, spiteful bastards either. I don't think you'd have done the things you did if you thought you didn't have to. So if any two people could reconcile, it's you two. And I feel like it's a waste to not at least really try.
>>
No. 963595 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784085228.png - (120.24KB , 800x800 , 373.png )
963595

"Dunno, we all got in charge, so we've got to have something in common! I mean for as long as the fog doesn't lift, we're going to have to co-exist one way or the other. Are you two going to keep holding a grudge after you don't have to keep fighting each other?"
>"Huh?" Pillet asks. "Who's holding a grudge, me?"
>"I might. I'm not going to try to get revenge or fight Pillet or anything like that, but I'm unable to stop bad feelings bubble up whenever I see Pillet. If dropping the grudge means having to become friends with her, I'd rather live with a grudge and not have anything to do with her. And I still don't see the problem with that. It's a big enough town for us to avoid each other, since I'm retiring."
"So uh, no chance of fighting each other and becoming friends through your fists or anything like that?"

Pillet looks happy for that idea. Phantom looks so aghast that I wonder if I've ever come up with a worse idea, and that's pretty impressive, both because I've had some pretty bad ideas and because Phantom still has her mask on.

"Gossip about me behind my back? Some hobby neither of you have tried but always wanted to? Pillet, any of your parlor tricks lend themselves well to culture? Or Phantom, if you like action movies, then spectating some of Pillet's tournaments? Research, pick each other's brains? Hell, just soak in a hottub for awhile, I know you both like that."

All of that, and all I get are lukewarm, silent responses!

"I know for a fact both of you like semi-intimate cuddling! I mean I can't imagine you two holding hands, but there's something in common!"

Pillet laughs a bit of that, but it dies off as she looks over at Phantom.
>>
No. 963597 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784086141.png - (227.34KB , 1200x800 , 374.png )
963597

She's walking away.
>>
No. 963599 ID: e2f5cc

Unless you pull a miracle out of your ass, it seems like Phantom's made up her mind. Trying to force anything more will probably just piss her off, though saying something like "We can still hang out, if you want." might be good.
>>
No. 963605 ID: 567477

Well, might as well say thanks for trying. At the very least you can all say you did try, and that's something.
>>
No. 963606 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784306514.png - (132.14KB , 800x800 , 375.png )
963606

"Ah, er.... thanks for trying! We can still hang out if you want, Phantom! Later I mean!"
>"As long as you don't expect any intimacy."

Shit, maybe I should've just had Soletta do this. Even if she didn't do any better, at least I wouldn't have had to been the one to mess this up.
>>
No. 963609 ID: 015bf2

Apologize before she leaves earshot. Tell Pillet it’s fine, you broke confidence there before you realized how bad that would feel for someone as private as Pillet. You went into this on a faint hope, but it was probably too fast, too soon and with not enough of a plan.

Beat yourself up over it then move on, cuz’ there’s plenty of ways to make amends, if not friends.
>>
No. 963610 ID: 86eb65

That is up to you as always.

Will get a hold of your for book study club later. Maybe we can meet at a better spot than this next time.
>>
No. 963612 ID: 465a14

It probably matters that you came and did this yourself. Tell her that you enjoy her company as a friend enough already without Pillet's jokes.
>>
No. 963613 ID: e2f5cc

>>963606
Well, this was your idea so you should bear the consequences. And as for the intimacy comment... Yeah, you were just grasping for anything and your mouth moved faster than your brain.
>>
No. 963617 ID: fa2754

>>963606
Never expected, always appreciated
>>
No. 963620 ID: 365ffb

The only thing they have in common is fervent commitment to their ideals. Phantom loves archiving, museums, preserving cultural history. She created a vast, elaborate empire based on that. Pillet never, ever stopped, despite dying repeatedly and forged a rebel group that somehow didn't collapse.
>>
No. 963622 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784414363.png - (119.34KB , 800x800 , 376.png )
963622

"Sorry! It's always up to you anyway!"

There's a bit more to say but at some point it just becomes too weird to keep shouting louder and louder as Phantom leaves earshot, so I turn back to Pillet.

>"You okay?"
"Guess I started grasping for anything there and went a little far."
>"Haha, yeah."

>"Damn, you're beating yourself up over it that bad? Don't fret, you might've slipped up, but it's not like you've terrorized her for years. She'll give you the chance to make up."
"Guess I'm wondering what I could've done better. I honestly thought you two could get along."
>"If there was a right way to do this, I sure as hell don't know what it was. So what now?"
>>
No. 963623 ID: 015bf2

Readin', trainin' and/or talking awkwardly at other gang and ex-gang leaders and not just Phantom.
>>
No. 963626 ID: e2f5cc

"My dick says sex, but everything else says sleep. How about we meet half-way and cuddle some more?"
>>
No. 963627 ID: 86eb65

Eh it will take time.

Wanna go fuck someplace fun?
>>
No. 963639 ID: ed763f

Fuck it, let's go drink.
>>
No. 963641 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784600568.png - (83.66KB , 800x800 , 377.png )
963641

"The usual stuff I guess, maybe throw in some talks with other gang leaders. I don't want to plan now. Let's go get drunk and fuck."
>>
No. 963642 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784601590.png - (176.16KB , 800x800 , 378.png )
963642

The next day, I get a notice that Splicer's coming up our home tower.

>"Delli."
"Splicer?"
>"Got a message from Soletta. She said you wanted to talk to me."
"That's right."
>"Then get my name right and call my Splice, dumbass. What's up?"
>>
No. 963643 ID: 86eb65

I cant remember shit. Wanna go get food and tell me tales of the old days?
>>
No. 963644 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784670569.png - (122.62KB , 800x800 , 379.png )
963644

"I'm an amnesiac. Want to get some food and tell me tales of the old days so that I know what's going on?"

He looks more like a random bum that just walked in, not a gang leader. He stands in the door frame and gives me this weird walleyed stare.

>"You seriously don't have one fucking thing better to do than squat on all the energy in town and invite random ass fucks like me out to breakfast, do you."
>>
No. 963646 ID: 465a14

Apparently not.
>>
No. 963647 ID: 86eb65

You want me rampaging for the key and fucking up half the town?

Arnt we supposed to know each other from way back? Or is your memory shot as well?

Either way lets get food and hang out.
>>
No. 963648 ID: e2f5cc

>>963644
"I'm in the eccentric phase of power."
>>
No. 963649 ID: ed763f

Oh I ABSOLUTELY have better things to do- no offense, I'm sure you're wonderful company and all that. I'm just that irresponsible.
>>
No. 963650 ID: b1b4f3

>>963644
Well there's research and training but that doesn't take up all of your time. Is there a problem?
>>
No. 963652 ID: dce46f

Right now all I have to do is study, and it helps to take a break every once and awhile. So yeah I basically don't have anything better to do.
>>
No. 963653 ID: f56a2b

When you've got all the energy in the town, there's nothing better to do. Get your Waffle House shoes on Splice, we're getting some hashbrowns scattered-smothered-and-covered!
>>
No. 963654 ID: fb820f

Tell him that you have no clue how to run a town and neither does Pillet so, you're offering him autonomy of a part of the town.
>>
No. 963655 ID: fa2754

>>963644
Knowledge is power, but unlike Phantom, I won't sit on it.
>>
No. 963657 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158784802076.png - (100.44KB , 800x800 , 380.png )
963657

"Maybe not. Maybe. I don't know, that's for responsible people, but the only other thing I can think of is rampaging for the key and destroying the town in the process. Don't we know each other from way back?"
>"Even if we did, that's a real generous way of puttin' it. You spent time wrecking my shit a little bit. As opposed to a lot bit a month back. I don't know. If it was you, you've changed. The previous guy, whether or not he became you, wouldn't tell me he didn't have shit to do."
"What would he do?"
>"... ya know, that's a good question. I didn't think about what he'd do if he actually succeeded toppling the system, and maybe he didn't know, either."
"Yeah maybe, but now he, er, I, want to see the town right, and neither Pillet or I have any idea how. So I'm tempted to just give autonomy to some leaders or get their advice or something."
>"So you blew us the fuck up just to give it all back because you didn't know what to do with the prize. Yeah, actually, I'm starting to think you are that little bastard. Too bad I don't want it back."
"Huh? You don't want to be a gang leader or just... regular town leader anymore?"
>"Fuck it. Thankless shit. Think I'll join Phantom. Not actually join her, but like, retire I mean. Or just... eh, if you wanna give me autonomy, just give me, I dunno, a street block or two. Something cozy."
>>
No. 963658 ID: 86eb65

Sure. Give me what I want and I will help you get a nice place of your own.

So lets go get lunch and chat.
>>
No. 963659 ID: 015bf2

>No better thing to do.
"I'm aimless enough to deserve that. But, also, the alternative is escalating the hunt up to and including leveling everything y'all built so that I might one day dig a key out of the rubble. So, here I sit. Kinda hoping some more knowledge can be dug outta the past."

Say you're wondering about the keys. Does he remember how he picked up his, who taught him about 'em? For that matter, now that he lost, what does he think about your and Pillet's plan to pop the snow globe? Resigned, hard opposition or...?

Mention you were also curious on how Splice apparently used to be a bit of a folk hero - at least according to Phantom. How'd that happen? Your memory's shot so you ain't got a whole lotta context to the entire gang structure or history. Oh, and did he ever see or fight you before, y'know, you got hit with the power cluster?

You'd also welcome his opinion on Pillet, Phantom and the other gang leaders, since if you're not doing the whole levelling everything thing apparently he's had a couple of good-sounding reform ideas. Like banning non-power-granting coffee makers. Whatever happened to all of those, by the way? Dumped in a landfill somewhere?
>>
No. 963660 ID: 465a14

Sounds good, if he's willing to fill you in on the stuff you forgot about personal and non-personal histories giving him a chunk of space is fine.
>>
No. 963662 ID: ed763f

I tell ya what, figure it out yourself and I nor Pillet will wreck your shit, not even a little bit for old time's sake. Speaking of, can you remember any particulars that I might forget I remembered?

Though I'm glad you're not planning on pulling a Finnigan, I'd be lying if I wasn't curious why not.
>>
No. 963663 ID: 365ffb

Man. Those guys might have had all the power and wealth, but imagine how much goddamn social pressure they must've been under all this time. Even if they were fucking it up a lot enough that 'corrupt' and 'overburdened/inept' are kind of hard to distinguish. Must be kind of a relief for those who can see it clearly and get the fuck out of that ratrace.

Anyway, sure, why not? Just care for the people living in that block and don't mess with them too bad.

Ask him about when you disappeared. If there was anything that... happened around that time that could have caused you to... want to obliterate yourself. Up to you whether you actually tell him you were basically-suicidal or not, but he might get the idea from listening to the question anyway.
>>
No. 963664 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158785030152.png - (165.91KB , 800x800 , 381.png )
963664

"Well now that we're talking, let's have something to eat."
>"Fine, but I'm not paying."
"Neither am I."
>"... What's that supposed to mean."
"Means the restaurant doesn't charge me."
>"Good."

We make our way to one of the basement restaurants with a rotating food supply.

"How'd you get your key anyway?"
>"Phantom gave it to me."
"Huh? Really?"
>"She was the biggest advocate of having 4 equally powered factions. Dunno where the others got their keys from."
"And your thoughts on our idea to remove the fog?"
>"Overwhelming apathy. Go for it."
"Cool I... think. Is that why you're not pulling a Finnigan?"
>"Basically, yeah."
"Phantom said you were a folk hero?"
>"Huh? Oh, like, decades back some people called me that. I just thought what I did was right. Always have. Just got harder the more power I had. Ironic."
"Did we ever fight?"
>"Not directly. Here. We had a mug shot of who we think you were. Not even sure how my guys got you to agree with that, but we blue you up shortly after."
>>
No. 963665 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158785031518.png - (113.80KB , 800x800 , 382.png )
963665

He pulls his phone out.

"Fola? Who?"
>"Well if it was labeled Delli then I wouldn't be wondering if he really was you, yeah?"
"Why'd Pillet know I was Delli then?"
>"How the hell'd I know? Maybe Delli's an older name. Maybe Fola's a fake name."
"Well my past Fola self looks like a cool fellow. Why'd you guys take my shirt?"
>"Why th'hell're you assuming you weren't just flying around like a shirtless little fuck?"
"Huh. Wait, are those measurements? Why do I line up at 5'1?"
>"Because if he was you, then you were 5'1" back then."
"Shorter..."
>"A real bastard of a gremlin."
>>
No. 963666 ID: ed763f

That's not you, the eyes are all wrong. Even if your horns got shorter somehow, you can't change your irises. Or retinas. Eye parts.
>>
No. 963667 ID: b1b4f3

>>963665
Different eyes and horns too. Do people usually change appearance like that?
>>
No. 963668 ID: 567477

Not only shorter, but longer horns and broader shoulders. The shoulders could be muscle, and maybe your horns start short and grow the longer you're alive, but adding that together? And the height? It's not like you got stretched or something. If this guy is you then something funny happened, and my personal guess would be that this isn't you.
>>
No. 963669 ID: 91ee5f

>>963664
Order a pizza or 2. Wait, Splice is a pretty big guy. Better order 3 pizzas.

>>963665
If that's you, then you looked pretty cool back then. Unlike now, where you just look kinda ok.
>>
No. 963670 ID: 86eb65

That is a bit of a stretch. Its a goat guy yeah but is nothing like me really?

Do people change that much? Could this just be another goat guy living in town?

Regardless if I was a horrible little gremlin or not is a cool picture. Can I get a copy of this picture for Pillet?
>>
No. 963671 ID: 015bf2

>Blew up, only to give back the prize
Town's nice, but that wasn't the prize, so... *raspberries*

>Give street block or two
There's a place in his territory with a rooftop pool and somewhat less of his beer than there used to be you can cluster that around. Or he can pop into semi-neutral ground and you'll upkeep him until he gets a stable thing going. If he wants to brawl for fun or something, he could try joining Pillet's tourney circuit.

>His gang
They gonna be a problem? Succession okay with decent second-in-commands, or is he gifting you a power vacuum to deal with or ignore?

>Phantom, handed 'em out, argued for splitting the keys.
"Was she a big name back then? Kinda sounds like she sponsored you."

>Fola
"Shit, pretty big diff from the me of today. Mind if I get a copy?"

>>963666
>>963668
Wasn't it said that small changes tend to accrue over time as you die? If this IS Delli, then he REALLY did a number on himself.
>>
No. 963672 ID: 465a14

>>963666
Goats can actually do that, they can just change whether their irises are vertical or horizontal, it's freaky.
>>
No. 963673 ID: 465a14

Also I forgot to post this with the rest, but I'm mildly concerned that besides possible death changes, Delli/Folza may just have been younger back then and he's taller because now he's all grown up.
>>
No. 963675 ID: fb820f

Damn, you actually looked much sexier back then. You should try looking more like him haha. And yes, you need to get a copy of this photo so that you can show it around. And to ask Phantom to check for any record on Fola.

Anyway, tell him that he can become a hero again. In the couple of blocks he's gonna run I suppose. You can also give him your phone number and tell him to call you if something comes up.
>>
No. 963680 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158785365658.png - (127.28KB , 800x800 , 383.png )
963680

"I dunno, are you sure it was me? The pupils are vertical."
>"Yeah? So were Soletta's. And for the last fuckin' time, I don't know. Just sayin' this is the closest match I've got. Go show this to Pillet, she'd know."
>"Oh right, yeah."

I start sending it to Pillet to ask.

"So was Phantom a big name? Sounds like she sponsored you."
>"With the key? Naw. She just recognized my position and thought me worthy. It was less like sponsoring, more like... giving me on official seal of recognition. But yeah she was a big name, then. Not as big as she was a month back but still."
"Oh. Well, I'll sponsor you being a big hero again and give you that skyscraper with the pool on top that used to be yours."
>"The condo? Eh yeah I can work with that."
"Don't sound too excited to get stuff handed back to you or anything. Am I gonna have to worry about power vacuums if you abandon your old gang?"
>"Not much of anything to abandon anyway. Just remnants."

Pillet responds back.

>"Yeah that was you."

>"Anyway." Splicer talks again. "The police squad of my gang might know more about Fola's shenanigans, but don't expect them to be cooperative."
>>
No. 963683 ID: e2f5cc

I mean... They do know who I am right? Are your police squads so petty they'll die to inconvenience me?

Text back to Pillet asking why you looked like a gremlin that lived under a bridge to steal peoples shorts.
>>
No. 963687 ID: b1b4f3

It's fine, if they don't cooperate then you'll just threaten to break their stuff. With a minor matter such as this they'll give in.
>>
No. 963691 ID: 567477

Send Pillet a message back how you got those jacked shoulders/arms and extra hornage.
>>
No. 963694 ID: e7848c

>>963680
This hole just keeps getting weirder. Can't splice just order them to cooperate?
>>
No. 963695 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158785544296.png - (139.36KB , 800x800 , 384.png )
963695

I keep texting Pillet while I talk.
"Why'd I look like a little gremlin? A cooler looking one but apparently a short one stealing other people's shorts."
>"Let me answer both of those questions at once. You kept facetanking energy blasts, so your clothes would blow off constantly. I think they cleaned you up a bit for that mugshot."
"How'd I get my shoulders so jacked and all that extra hornage?"
>"You worked out to help make up for a lack of energy. Hell, you hung out at the gym so much that all things considered, you were still pretty damn scrawny."


"Huh, Pillet says that was me. Are they that petty that they'd risk getting blown up by me just to be inconvenient?" I ask Splicer.
>"Yeah. They aren't swayed by power, that's why they're good cops. Or at least effective ones."
"And you can't order them to just... obey me?"
>"Naw. They were never really all that loyal, but they kept the peace and basically did want I wanted even if it wasn't what I ordered. I guess I can go with, if you want. Not like I have anything better goin' on."
>>
No. 963697 ID: b1b4f3

>>963695
Yeah that could help, maybe.
Note to self: work out more.
>>
No. 963698 ID: ed763f

I mean, if you feel like it.
>>
No. 963699 ID: e2f5cc

So if you work out, you get horny. Good to know.

Anyways yeah let him tag along but message Pillet what your plan is in case you manage to get yourself arrested somehow.
>>
No. 963700 ID: 86eb65

Oh god did I grow up? Was this young crazy me and I am a old surly man now?

Yeah why don't we go meet them. Can work on convincing them once we get there. After food of course.
>>
No. 963701 ID: 465a14

time to act like buddy cop cliches are real
>>
No. 963702 ID: fb820f

Finish your lunch and go visit those cops then.

Altho I don't see a point in all of this digging into our own past. It's not like we were anyone special. Altho if we were really determined to find out, then we should show this picture to every single person in this town to find out if anyone remembered anything. But even then, I highly doubt we'd discover anything.
>>
No. 963710 ID: 91ee5f

>>963695
Finish food.

I honestly don’t see the point of asking around. We already told Pillet that we wouldn’t ask about our past because of how it kept making us leave her.
>>
No. 963711 ID: 015bf2

Pillet return message: "Ah well, taller now. Tradeoffs! Name change strange, or did I just give a fake to the cops?"

>Police Squad visit
Sure, you're game for an attempt at memory lane. And if they're good, independent cops... well, you'd like to see how they operate. A bit of uncooperative-ness should be par for course given all the social upheaval you've caused.

>Splice convo
Since they used to know each other back in the day, does he know anyone Phantom used to be friends with, but left her sphere? Now that she's retiring... you think she might want to get back in touch with some of those people. Or at least have the option to.

Oh, and anything else he wants off his chest? Other than that you get his name right.
>>
No. 963715 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158786019950.png - (155.57KB , 800x800 , 385.png )
963715

I wonder if that was young me, but no, no way. From how Pillet was talking about us farming or whatever, I'm not that young. I keep asking her stuff, and apparently Fola was a fake name I used as a crime persona.

"Sure come on with, but what's the plan if I get myself arrested?"
>"... Man I can't tell if you're joking or just dumb."
"Joking, sheesh! While we go, is there anything else you want off your chest?""
>"What do you mean anything 'else', I didn't ask to have a face to face. Speaking of that though, this other goat really was you, huh? Most people don't change much if at all with a single death."
"I was a.... fogger? Someone who stayed in the fog for years."
>"A fog deather, some called' em. I'd say I wish you woulda stayed that way, but that's shitty even for me."

I follow his lead and fly off. I forgot the police even existed, they were basically just a particular team of gang enforcers, depending on what part of town they were in.

>"Splice, what are you doing here?" Someone in the building asks, then she looks at me. "Mother-
>>
No. 963716 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158786020940.png - (195.75KB , 800x800 , 386.png )
963716

-fucker! What are you doing here?" She asks the same thing except way meaner.
>>
No. 963717 ID: 465a14

Fucking your mother, if you're to be trusted. Which way is she?
>>
No. 963718 ID: 86eb65

I do what I want. But mostly confused amnesiac rambling.
>>
No. 963719 ID: e2f5cc

>>963717 A good line, but probably not what we should start off with if we're trying to be diplomatic.

Probably just being even headed and telling her what you want to know is a good way to begin, maybe with why she reacted so harshly too, since she'd have to know a lot about "Fola" and modern you to connect those dots.
>>
No. 963720 ID: 91ee5f

>>963716
“Hey, I recognize you! You’re the lady with the minigun! I never did get your name last time we met.”
>>
No. 963723 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158786159696.png - (134.24KB , 800x800 , 387.png )
963723

Fucking your mother and doing what I want! That's what I want to say, but neither of those things are really true.

"What's with the harsh reaction - wait a second, are you the lady with the minigun? I never got your name!"
>"Like you tried! Not that I woulda given it then, and I don't care to give it now. What do you want?"
"I want to look up a fellow by the name of 'Fola', and see what there is to see!"
>"Yeah? What do you want to know?"
"The kind of guy he was, the things he did, I don't think he was anything special, but..."
>"Just some random criminal? Fuck that asshole, I didn't like him either so sure, I'll give up what I know on him if you tell me why you care."
>"Fola became a fog deather and became this asshole." Splicer blurts out. She looks back at me and studies me.
>"Haha, what a downgrade. Makes me feel a little better. Not sure what you want to know, you were one of Pillet's back then too. Ran around wrecking people's shit. We caught you a couple times, but you'd come back."

Come to think of it, I'm not really sure if there was a point to all this. I knew I wasn't all that special.
>>
No. 963724 ID: ed763f

The idea is to try and find something to spark your memory, or the beginnings of a timeline so you can try to figure out where you were when.
>>
No. 963725 ID: 567477

Cause it'd just be nice for you to know? Track down other connections? Reassure yourself that everything everyone's been telling you is trustworthy? Those sorts of things.
>>
No. 963726 ID: b1b4f3

>>963723
Honestly the most important thing you can find out from your past is why you became a fog deather.
Also, maybe, your motivations for being a rebel. Was it just because of Pillet's influence? Or did you have your own reasons?
>>
No. 963728 ID: 86eb65

Just trying to reminice about a past that no longer exists. And introduce myself.
>>
No. 963729 ID: e7848c

>>963723
Shoot, why not look into some other people if they have records of it. And if she's willing. They got anything about old Pillet?
>>
No. 963731 ID: b1b4f3

OH, and ask who else you hung out with back then. Maybe you can find another old friend, or at least someone that knows more about the old you?
>>
No. 963732 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158786477270.png - (98.30KB , 800x800 , 388.png )
963732

"I guess I also want to know why I became a fog... deather? Fogger. I'm going to call them foggers."
>"Whatever. I don't know that, you never told us anything."
"How about Pillet?"
>"Even less! Now go in the back and ask for Kessel. He'll show you the files."
"Cool, thanks!"
>"Alright." says Splice. "Thanks for the pizza and pancakes and stuff. I'm gonna head out."
"Alright, thanks Splice."

I talk to Kessel and he does whatever police do nearby while I peruse the files.

I learn a huge amount of nothing. Not even enough to feel vaguely reminiscient about. I suppose though that in learning nothing, I can get a little more confidence that there aren't any dark secrets about my past that have been kept from me. I did do a jewelry store heist though. Says here I made what must have been dozens of hours of preparation, just to trip the very first alarm laser. Apparently I wasn't even caught that time.

I make note of a few names I apparently had connections with, then I get a text. It's Phantom asking if we're still on tonight. Oh, hell, it's dark already!
>>
No. 963734 ID: 567477

Better book it, buddy.
>>
No. 963735 ID: f56a2b

It's not nice to keep a lady waiting.
>>
No. 963736 ID: e2f5cc

If she's game you are, but do bring up the potential awkwardness after yesterday night.
>>
No. 963737 ID: e7848c

>>963732
Fly, you fool. Get your mental apologies going and then throw them out the window as soon as you see her because no amount of apologizing is wanted. Just promise that you'll try and do better by her.
>>
No. 963738 ID: 465a14

sure
>>
No. 963739 ID: 86eb65

Fly your ass over there quick!
>>
No. 963740 ID: 015bf2

>Why do this?
Even if you were just some random schlub, you had drive and a cause to believe in (and abandon) back then and recapturing a small memory from that period wouldn't be the worst. Pillet seemed to think not all of your memories were lost.

Plus it got you socializing outside your comfort zone and learning that the inertia of society (and the police) is still going strong.

Make a mental note to check into fogger statistics at some point.

>Evening
Message you got distracted. You're still on if she's still on.
>>
No. 963749 ID: 365ffb

Definitely still on, sorry, you were looking up things about your past.
>>
No. 963750 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158786849281.png - (212.20KB , 800x800 , 389.png )
963750

>"Right, yeah! Where did we decide anyway?"

She texts me an address and I fly there right away without holding much back for speed.

"Sorry I'm late!" She turns to see me. Well, her face does, but her back stays towards me.
>"It's fine." It looks like this is a library. Not her library, but there's a bunch of books in here.
"What I'm really sorry for is running my mouth the other night. You, uh, are a private person, and I forgot about that."
>"You seem to understand, so apology accepted, this time. However, I want to make sure we're absolutely clear and repeat it. Physical intimacy for me is a highly personal thing that I rarely engage in, and when I do, it's with very select individuals. It has absolutely no business being brought up in front of any anyone else, and certainly not as a topic to get me to connect with someone I dislike as much as Pillet." I start to speak, but she plows right into the next sentence. "But I made a poor assumption that you had the same values as myself, and that is why I accepted your apology and not take it even worse than I did. But now that you know, if we ever have physical contact again, don't ever do something like that again. Furthermore, I'll also apologize for wasting your time. All of ours, for that matter. You convinced me to meet Pillet, but I should not have agreed. I cannot be friends with her for its own sake."
"I just wan - "
>"If you're about to try to convince me again, please don't. Maybe in several weeks Pillet won't be as sore a point for me, and I'll give her a better chance then. "
"R... right."
>"I'll apologize a third time if you weren't trying to convince me, then. Is there anything on this subject you want to clear with me first, or should we get started?"
>>
No. 963751 ID: e2f5cc

Can't think of too much else, so lets get reading.
>>
No. 963753 ID: dce46f

You're a good person Phantom, thanks for your help. Lets get to work.
>>
No. 963754 ID: 91ee5f

>>963750
I was gonna try and convince you, but then you said to give you several weeks, so now I don’t need to convince you.

Let’s get started.
>>
No. 963756 ID: e7848c

>>963750
Only that you show some amazing patience. Thanks for continuing to give me a chance to learn and .. be a better person.
>>
No. 963759 ID: 015bf2

She covered the bases, made her point and we've said sorry multiple times. Let's begin.
>>
No. 963761 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158787336531.png - (129.84KB , 800x800 , 390.png )
963761

"No need to apologize, I was about to. If you do in several weeks, though, I don't need to."
>"If. If I do. That was not a promise."
"Right, then uh, let's get started. And thanks for all your patience. You're good."

She shows me upstairs, where there's a small pile of books and pages and pamphlets and things.

>"All of these are recreations of various subjects I used when I was raising in social status. There are various materials on keys, here, but also historical books and simple civic studies. Some of the information in this pile influenced many of my policies and decisions, but it's been so long since I've read any of them, that I hardly even remember the titles. It might be good for you, but it's also for me. Watching you struggle with your amnesia made me think that I should I should reinforce what made me... me. I don't remember everything I've done, and many decisions I made I don't remember all the details of why, and this might help prop up those gaps a bit. Since your studies have such an overlap, I thought it was convenient."

We study mostly in silence at first, but we trade various little snippets we think are of interest to one another.
>>
No. 963762 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158787337424.png - (104.88KB , 800x800 , 391.png )
963762

I find one book that focuses on possible relations of keys and energy. The author seems to think they're related somehow.

>"Be careful with that one. Remember that things being in a book does not mean that they are true and well founded. It means the author could buy pen and paper."
"'Be careful'?"
>"That's one of the ones that's just hypothesis after hypothesis. A book of ideas, but try to find evidence for them before taking stock of them."

It's divided by short chapters. Keys as an energy source, it says. Town has increased energy and no clear source, therefore may be a battery to the outside world, or harvested after a certain point. Or town is a prison, and keys were entrusted to secret wardens. Memory loss intentionally designed to avoid people being able to use some wild abilities. Abilities like outright weather control, blocking other people's own ability to use energy, immortality, transfer of power without needing to die either by direct transfer or, er - 'energy clusters'.

"Hey, it predicted the ability to use energy clusters."
>"I'm sure if you filled a long lasting book of that size with nothing but predictions you made up right now, then you'd have people hundreds of years from now talking about all the things you predicted. So, yes, I'm sure you can find other examples of accidental truths in there."
>>
No. 963763 ID: 465a14

Well, is there anything systematic about it? Any patterns or principles it adheres to that have proven accurate so far?
>>
No. 963764 ID: b1b4f3

>>963762
She's totally right. Famous "prophets" throughout history are merely those that spit out enough predictions that they got a couple dozen right out of pure chance.

This book isn't useless though. It contains possibilities you may not have thought of. Every hypothesis deserves to be tested, no matter how bizarre. Maybe there are a few you can test yourself?

Wait, why is immortality listed there? Everyone's already immortal.
>>
No. 963770 ID: 15a025

Read more into immortality and ask what that's all about? The fog just spits us back out when we die.
>>
No. 963791 ID: ed763f

You underestimate my ability to consistently make exactly the wrong decisions. Anyway, hypotheses are meant to be broken; even if he's right it just might be gonzo science.

Hm, has anybody hypothesized this place is a simulation?
>>
No. 963805 ID: 365ffb

It's not a bad starting point to get your brain thinking of possibilities. Just, y'know, actually read the other books too to try and figure out more.
>>
No. 963806 ID: f56a2b

Even if they don't turn out to be real, these would be some serious powers if you succeeded in developing them. Just the ideas alone are dangerous, seems like the point of it.
>>
No. 963823 ID: 86eb65

Ask her if there are any books written by a proper scientist type. Doing actual experiments and notating things properly with control groups.

Cause anything else is just someone thinking up random ideas.
>>
No. 963826 ID: 5877dc

>Or town is a prison
Joke that maybe you and her could be one of the town's creators, who accidentally died and forgot what they were.

Anyway, it's also possible that certain things are only possible when you have enough energy. So even if someone tried to do something and failed, it doesn't necessarily mean that you, as you are, wouldn't be able to do it.

Weather control... fog...
If the fog is a result of energy usage, then perhaps with enough energy, one could manipulate it, or even pass through it by exerting enough counter pressure. Sounds like something worth trying.
Or turn your energy into a waveform, where if the waveform's frequency matched that of a fog, you'd be able to pass unnoticed.

When passing notes, accidentally pass her the picture of old you.
>>
No. 963846 ID: a0dfd2

>>963762

What if it's not wrong, though? Just not right.

Say the keys don't lift the fog, but control the source of everything, and the fog is just a part of it all. Energy use, the fact no one can leave, the fact anyone who dies eventually comes back, the memory loss after rapid and successive deaths, the possible physical changes with repeat deaths ...

Maybe there's a connection after all, and it's not what we think. Kind of why there's a huge floating doom-cannon up in the sky that used to be a research station.

Oh -- and another thought: the fog extends underground and is likely approximately spherical. If so, is the chamber where the keys go the center? It's worth a thought, since the city was built on top of the old ruins, but it wouldn't make sense for the chamber to move. Know that might give better insight into the relationship between the keys, the fog, and whatever is in there.
>>
No. 964191 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158812289896.png - (182.95KB , 800x800 , 392.png )
964191

"Any works by actual scientists?"
>"Yes, the more reliable works I've recommended. To be fair to the author that you're reading, he apparently had access to a key to experiment on, and he did speak with experts in various fields of study rather than just making things up based on his own presumptions."

So I ask, but I'm still curious about these wild ideas. I flip over to the section on immortality. We do age, it's just that we resurrect after that kind of death too, as adults no less.

This author says by shaping energy into a static form that doesn't dissipate, you can make a backup of yourself to absorb it again later. This can be as simple as plain energy to act as a booster after death, or lifeforce to simply, and I quote, 'undergo a metamorphosis of refreshment not just physically, but in spirit, memory intellect depending on the quality therin'. It sounds fantastical but I know it's possible to make energy stores, Pillet's done it, and we are able to turn energy into raw material, so there's that.

It talks about how this could be a simulation. It's about 5 pages that ends with 'in the end, there's no way to know that we aren't in a simulation in a simulation in a simulation'... he repeats 'in a simulation' for almost the entire 5th page, before the next chapter.

>Is there anything systematic about it?
No, but he keeps mentioning 'techniques lost to time' throughout the book.

As for weather control, it's even more vague. It's a tough read so I take a small break.

>Accidentally pass her the picture of old you.
"Wanna see a photo of old me that Splice had?"
>"Okay." I show it. "Hmm. I'm no help, there. You look familiar, but only because I had passing knowledge about Pillet's minions."
"Oh, just wanted to show you how much cooler I looked back then."
>"Yes, 'cool' in the sort of way that you also looked like a hoodlum out to ruin people's day. I don't think it was a better look."
>>
No. 964193 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158812297205.png - (150.06KB , 800x800 , 393.png )
964193

I go back to the book. It drops the topic of weather 'control' and starts going on about how the fog is a 'meta-labyrinth'. How anyone will get lost if they go in a straight line, but if they zigzag correctly, they can go farther in. Except the farther they go, the more specific their movements have to be without getting lost, and it gets exponentially more difficult until you're doing big songs and dances just to get another arm's length deeper.

It talks about interesting rumors of locations lost to time, including directions to some of them! That's interesting, and this book has my attention! I keep reading now.

"However, I was slain at this point by a hostile individual and many of my notes were burned. I no longer have directions to points beyond a hundred feet. This, more than anything, tells me I am onto something. I will pursue this topic, even if it places me in great peril."

....

And then he moves onto the next chapter, which is about that time people tried to blow up the chamber that all the keys are supposed to be put in. All they found out, besides that it's near indestructible, is that it floats in midair when the surrounding material is blown up. Which is true, but I still wish there were cool directions to more secret libraries.
>>
No. 964194 ID: 86eb65

Well you could get to where he was in the fog and then explore slowly on your own. And once the powerful person living in the secret area noticed you they would attack and you could fight them off.

And once they attacked you would know you had found there secret hidey hole in the fog. Think of all the secrets!

Let Phantom know of this excellent idea.

Oh could you get back memories by doing that duplicate with energy and then eat it thing? Or is it far to late for that? Wait maybe you already did it once and that is why you look so different?

Maybe you are the clones Delli!
>>
No. 964196 ID: 015bf2

>>964194
Or it could be one of the fog cult people just taking offense. They sound like the sort who’d practice navigating the meta-labyrinth AND want to keep the secrets of navigating it.

Pillet probably knows a trick or two about navigating it too, since she found you back then. It’s possible she also knows the trick to making a backup - and that she hides it in the fog. But that’s just speculation at this point, and the truth, as she said earlier, may be less fantastic and more underwhelming.

Frankly, exploring the fog is something that sounds like it’d require, well... patience and science-y rigor. While you probably couldn’t get beat up by some angry fog mook, you need help to get there and one wrong move might put you off track.

Ask Phantom about the meta-labyrinth path. Anyone ever retrace this guy’s steps?
>>
No. 964197 ID: 91ee5f

>>964191
>"Yes, 'cool' in the sort of way that you also looked like a hoodlum out to ruin people's day. I don't think it was a better look."
“Well I think it’s a cool look, since I just look like some old guy right now. ……aw fuck, now I feel old.”

>>964193
>the chamber that all the keys are supposed to be put in.
Is the chamber in the exact center of the fog? Since you’re super strong, if you could move the chamber, do you think the fog would also move in order to keep the chamber in the center? Ask Phantom what she thinks about that? Tell her yes, you know it’s a dumb thing to think about.

>>964194
>And once the powerful person living in the secret area noticed you they would attack and you could fight them off.
What do we do if the secret fog person is even more powerful than Delli is right now? I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s a possibility that could happen.

And then Delli might get killed, lose all his power, and go back to being powerless again.
>>
No. 964227 ID: b1b4f3

>>964193
Who wrote this book? You should try to find them. Mapping the fog is a BIG FUCKING DEAL now. You just might be able to do it, and defend yourself against the assailant.
>>
No. 964228 ID: be9b9d

>>964196
Honestly, as much as we may want to like Pillet, she has a huge advantage over us and could be much more powerful than she lets on. She is a huge unknown, unfortunately, and that makes her dangerous. Maybe we should confide in Phantom about this.

>>964197
Clearly what we need is a scouter.
>>
No. 964233 ID: 91ee5f

>>964228
>more powerful than she lets on.
She has better energy control than Delli. Having better energy control doesn’t make her stronger than him. Also, I don’t think she’s going to be anywhere near as strong as Delli is anytime soon.

>Clearly what we need is a scouter.
The only thing that’s going to do is explode in someone’s face when they look at Delli’s power level.

Or it’ll just infuriate a midget with spiky hair, make him scream “It’s over 9000!”, and then crush the scouter in his hand.
>>
No. 964234 ID: b1b4f3

Well if Delli wants to be super careful he could go and harvest power from his rivals. A pre-exploration culling.
>>
No. 964235 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158814369099.png - (125.90KB , 800x800 , 394.png )
964235

>Could you get back memories by doing that duplicate with energy and then eat it thing?
If I were about a thousand times better at energy control, I don't see why not! What sounds easier is making my own energy cluster so that if I did die, I could collect it and not have to start from zero. For that, I only need to be maybe a hundred times better than I am now.

"Hey, odd question Phantom, what if I tried moving the fog chamber?"
>"It moves back to its original place, like a magnet. If you moved it at full power... I don't know. Either nothing would happen, or you could do some bad damage. Please don't do it just to see what happens."
"Like your library? Speaking of that, this author talked about the fog being like a meta-labyrinth."
>"Yes, it's like that. The library isn't deep within the fog, but it's far enough that you had to have zigzagged towards it, and gotten a lucky path that worked."
"Other places exist, too. This author talks about destinations, then got killed by some fog person."
>"Hm? Show me."
>>
No. 964236 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158814372795.png - (96.09KB , 800x800 , 395.png )
964236

>"He doesn't say anything about a 'fog person'."

I re-read that section.

With the help of the newland foundation, I have found directions to locations lost to fog and time. However, I was slain at this point by a hostile individual.... And the rest about losing the notes and all that.

"I got excited and may have read it way too fast. He talked about giving directions, and then didn't! Then got killed!"
>"Yes. He hardly manages to say anything explicitly. Nothing about what notes he lost. It might not have even had anything to do with his fog exploration."
"Dangit. Can we find him?"
>"No. Many have tried, I suspect he's just another face in the crowd now.
"Dang. I was kind of looking forward to find more forbidden areas."
>"The author may not help, but if you're that interested in deep fog, I know of a couple of locations."
"You do, and didn't mention anything before?"
>"They're not secret libraries or orbital bases. They're nearly empty ruins from centuries, maybe millennia ago, mostly of interest to archaeologists."
>>
No. 964237 ID: 695467

I wonder if there's any sort of pattern to the paths you have to take to get to fog locations? If there is one, or maybe they all the paths start similarly before diverging, etc, then maybe the fog can be mapped out so to speak?

I'm not sure what the use of it would be, but we're kind of grasping at straws trying to understand the fog anyway, so might as well try.
>>
No. 964238 ID: b1b4f3

>>964236
Huh... places in the fog that aren't subject to its decaying influence? Shouldn't there be some object in the very middle of them that keeps the fog back?
Let's go check one out.
>>
No. 964257 ID: 5877dc

Locations lost to the fog. Would that mean that the place inside the fog is shrinking? Is this place then really eternal?

You suck at energy control, sure, but perhaps if you could give energy to someone that's really good at controlling it, maybe they could return it to you as the so-called lifeforce

What's a "newland foundation"?
>>
No. 964261 ID: 015bf2

>>964257
>Shrinking.
That, or people have had the idea before to put important locations where they're not so easy to get at.

Any books on the nature of these ruins? Also, what was this 'newland foundation'?
>>
No. 964263 ID: 86eb65

Yes! Go explore secret ruins!
>>
No. 964269 ID: 015bf2

>>964236
Say, there were books on civic studies. Anything on fog deathers? Like statistics, spikes and lows, etc.

Heck, for that matter how far back does historical records go?
>>
No. 964270 ID: 015bf2

>>964269
Reliable historical records, anyway.
>>
No. 964283 ID: be9b9d

>>964233
I didn't mean straight up actual power, ofc Delli is more powerful in that regard. What I meant is possible energy caches she may have left along with a possibly vast knowledge of energy manipulation and fog navigation. Ofc, this is just a possibility, but who is to say how much she knows.

For the scouter, i was envisioning a device to be used by Delli on any people we may meet in the fog.
>>
No. 964287 ID: a0dfd2

>>964236

... weird question, but is the fog wall shrinking, or expanding?

I'd imagine it's the former, since there's no other way for abandoned locations to exist unless they were within the boundaries of the fog once it settled / came into existence.

Which still makes me wonder whether there isn't a means through after all, if these routes are fairly static.

Maybe this researcher guy finally found one of those paths, and can't get back to publish his book.
>>
No. 964321 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818924214.png - (154.39KB , 800x800 , 396.png )
964321

"Hell yeah secret ruins!"
>"Okay, we'll leave the books. Follow me."

We head out. I may revisit that book. It mentioned devices that are able to read someone's overall energy levels. If I had one, it'd be convenient. At least until Pillet smashes it and tells me to learn how to do it innately instead of using crutches like that.
>>
No. 964322 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818929027.png - (151.53KB , 800x800 , 397.png )
964322

We stop off at one of Phantom's places where she picks some stuff up, then we fly to the edge of town. There's a conspicuous looking light here next to a big hole in the wall looking out into the fog. Phantom takes a look at my hand, then back up to me.

>"There's a few places we could go, but I've never personally been to this one. Please follow closely, the fog gets very thick out there. See this arrow? We base the directions starting here, in the direction it points. This may take a few tries. If we get lost in the fog, regroup here and we'll try again."
"Okay. By the way, is the fog wall shrinking?"
>"All historical signs point to no, it's consistent. The reliable ones, anyway."
"How do places exist in the fog, then?"
>"There are natural gaps of tunnels and bubbles in the fog. It doesn't always follow euclidean geometry. Here, let's go, you'll see for yourself."
>>
No. 964323 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818931484.png - (111.30KB , 800x800 , 398.png )
964323

She takes a piece of paper out, and a big compass and math tools I forget the name of.

>"Step one. Curve, tangential to starting position, 30 foot radius, tilt 20 degrees up, for 28.26' feet."
"What."
>"Follow me. Curves are difficult, so there's a guiding light at the end of it. Step two is a straight line, so there won't be another light at the end. Any errors we make from here on out will compound on each other." Phantom breaks out a protractor with a built in level bubble thing. "Step two. Tilt 34 degrees up, 58 degrees right. Move forward 42 feet. Take this end of the tape measure, hold still while I move forward and measure out 42 feet. Once I tug twice, follow the tape measure to catch up with me. Focus on the farthest point of the tape you can see, to help keep yourself aligned correctly."

Phantom goes forward, I get the tug per her directions, and manage to catch up with her.

>"Good. It's like this the rest of the way. Eventually our movements must be extremely precise, but they become shorter and shorter, so in a way it becomes easier. Step three. 12 degrees down, ..."

Geez, I wonder if this is going to take awhile.
>>
No. 964325 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818938382.png - (185.83KB , 800x800 , 399.png )
964325

2 hours later

Oh my god.

>"There is no step 68, we're here. First try, too. Are you okay?"
"I sought to learn of fog, but now math is all that I know."
>"Ha." She waves towards this clearing. The fog got thick like she said it would back there, but now there's just this open bubble that's as clear as the city. In the middle is a sufficiently decrepid looking building.
"What's keeping the fog from covering this area?"
>"As far as we can tell, it just doesn't. It's just a natural gap in the fog. Seeing this, actually, makes me re-wonder if the key chamber really keeps the fog at bay, or if the town is just an especially big, perfectly circular bubble in the fog. The material this building is made out of it unknown, but neither it nor anything inside seems to have any fog related function. And like the town, it has soil at the bottom, but if you dig through the bottom, you hit the fog."
"Is it supposed to be cold as hell in here?"
>"Usually, yes, the farther you get from town the colder it typically gets. I'm sorry, I forgot about that, we should have brought jackets. Oh, well, let's go inside."
>>
No. 964326 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818942651.png - (155.59KB , 800x800 , 400.png )
964326

"So is this supposed to be a preserved ruin or something? Looks a little lived in."
>"I think the archaeologists that came here considered that to be part of the history, as this place has been discovered every now and then by wanderers."
"How? With a path like we took, it seems hard to stumble on."
>"There are several ways to get here, the path we took was just the simplest one discovered and made available to me. So... discovery must have been incredibly unlikely, but some people make a habit of wandering in fog for kicks."
>>
No. 964327 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818944084.png - (152.92KB , 800x800 , 401.png )
964327

"Man, this place makes me feel weird. I was wondering, how far back to historical records go back for, anyway? Reliable ones, anyway."
>"That's difficult, because it depends entirely on what you count as 'reliable'. Known history makes a very gradual slide into myth. I suppose two to 4 centuries, depending on the topic. Dynastic towers covers from about three centuries ago, but has some stories from near a thousand years ago that are probably true."

...

>"Delli?"
>>
No. 964328 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158818952422.gif - (251.55KB , 1200x800 , 402.gif )
964328

"Coffee machine."
>"Hm? Oh! You mentioned a coffee machine. Someone dragged one of them all the way here?"
"Nostalgia. Damn, a lot of it. This isn't just one of the vending machines, Phantom. There were people here. I was here."
>"What? Why?"
"I don't remember. It's all at the tip of my brain, but I can't place any specifics, except... Pillet. She was here, too."
>"That.... lines up with my notes. They didn't know Pillet specifically was here, but it's a perfect hiding spot until we discovered it."
>>
No. 964329 ID: 695467

Acquire coffee, see if that jogs your memory some more
>>
No. 964330 ID: e2f5cc

>>964328
You seeing things Delli? Or is your imagination just going wild? Either way though, unless you remember some secret about the coffee machine it's time to explore around with fervor!
>>
No. 964331 ID: b1b4f3

>>964328
Oh my god.
What if YOU wrote that fucking book. Then you went fog-death because some jackass burned all your notes- burned your life's work.

Immediately text Pillet, telling her you found your coffee machine. Ask her if she knows any other gaps in the fog.

Look around some more. See if you can remember anything. Maybe... buy a coffee from the machine? The taste and smell might bring things back.
>>
No. 964332 ID: 86eb65

Go look over the coffee machine. Can you remember your favorite order?

Got to explore this place and figure out what you got up to in here.
>>
No. 964334 ID: 5877dc

If you were here before then maybe you'd be able to reach other places purely through instinct.

Also, maybe this place is just a waypoint.

I wonder what would happen if you stepped into the fog out here. Would you be returned to these ruins or back to the town? If it's the town then... maybe the purpose of that dome is to retrieve people from the fog. And if this retrieval was turned off, instead of people being pulled back into the town, they would be pulled somewhere else.
>>
No. 964335 ID: 015bf2

>>964328
What's that on top of the machine?
>>
No. 964337 ID: a9af05

>>964329
>>964331
>>964335
All of these.
>>
No. 964344 ID: ed763f

Acquire coffee, stand where you stood.
>>
No. 964355 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158820049516.png - (237.07KB , 1200x800 , 403.png )
964355

"So if we fell in the fog, we'd go back to town, not get spat out here?"
>"That's right."

>What's on top of the machine?
I think that's the battery. It must still function, since the machine is lit up.

>What if you wrote that book, then went fog-death because your life's work was burned?
I don't think so. I only started living in the fog a decade ago, and the book was written a long, long time ago.

>Seeing things?
Remembering things. Sort of.

I order a cup of coffee. Somehow, this thing still works. I stand where I stood, and almost sip it. I don't, because this thing serves the coffee so hot that if it were just plain water, it'd be boiling. It does keep me warm though, and maybe that's why I got it before.

"Wait a minute, am I drinking 30 year old coffee?"
>"No. It's a fabricator, and as long as the battery has energy, it can create material."
"Wow. That's technology."
>"Yes, fabricators are difficult to make. Something's not right. You told me this vending machine was unpopular."
"Uhh... not sure I'd trust my memory on that. I think what I really meant was that my and my buds thought it was kinda crap."
>"That lines up better. Across town, it was popular. Artificial food like this doesn't taste as good as the real thing, but it was made affordable and fresh. The cup you're using, though. That's 30 years old."
"Er - actually, any bacteria has been boiled away now. Let's explore while thing thing cools down."
>>
No. 964356 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158820053419.png - (126.78KB , 800x800 , 404.png )
964356

Walking around and taking a closer look at this place, I have some vague sensations come back, but nothing really settles like concrete.

"You know, I don't think we were doing anything important. Pillet, I, and some others just hung around while some other people did some business or plotting or something that we didn't care about or didn't think was important. I've got a feeling we just hung around here regularly, because we didn't have much better to do. We didn't worry or fret about much.

I get my phone out to text Pillet.

"Ah. There's no reception."
>"That's right. We never put relays in this area. Were you trying to call Pillet?"
"I could've been trying to call anyone, Phantom! .... but yeah I wanted to let Pillet know I found this machine."
>"I would think she'd remember this. But she didn't mention this place to you?"
"Uh... I miiiight have forgotten to mention to her that I was actively trying to find it. It's not like we were doing anything special down here anyway, I don't think."
>"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken that accusatory tone."
>>
No. 964357 ID: e2f5cc

What are you apologizing for? It's not exactly some awful thing, not wanting the guy you're hanging out with to blow you off for another one of his friends that you hate.
>>
No. 964358 ID: 695467

Eh, no worries. It's a reasonable concern after forgetting and re-remembering things so many times. Just hoping something here jogs your memory some more.

So if the machine was kinda crap to you, but is popular around town, maybe you and your buds used to drink proper coffee, or at least remembered drinking it? What else is around here?
>>
No. 964359 ID: 86eb65

"It's ok you two were at each others throats for years apparently. I am not expecting you to become friends or even learn to tolerate each other. But I would rather have both of you helping me so it would be handy."

Anyways what was this place designed like? Is it something somebody built here and is all self contained and shaped to fit the fog gap?

And what sort of building/complex is it? Someone put in machines and tech and pipes in the walls. Was it just a appartment complex or are there special facilities?

Got poke around and find neat junk.
>>
No. 964360 ID: b1b4f3

>>964356
Tell her it's okay. It may not seem like it from her point of view, but your relationship with Pillet isn't totally solid yet. There's still a bit of mistrust on both sides, so she's not telling you all her secrets.

Hmm, how about we do this a little smarter and cuter? Once you get back to town, ask Pillet if she knows where the coffee machine is. If she remembers it but doesn't know how the route, you can surprise her with it! If she still remembers how to get there and tells you without you having to tell her first, then you know she wouldn't have hidden it from you. Either way, maybe she remembers more places like this that you can visit, as annoying as it is to go this deep in the fog. Is it even possible to get any deeper? The complexity skyrocketed near the end!
>>
No. 964361 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158820456759.png - (138.40KB , 800x800 , 405.png )
964361

"No worries, uh, it's not really even worth apologizing for. I get it. We don't even 100% trust each other yet even if we really like one another. So what kind of place is this? It looks like some ancient masonry from a low tech population, but then it's got all these pipes in the walls and lights that still work and everything."

She shuffles through the notes she got.

>"This one's probably over one or two thousand years old. It might have been a data storage area, or just vault. That sort of thing is easy to assume simply because of where we are. Aside from some windows and archways, the building itself seems utilitarian, and not made for long term housing."
"Could it have been a waypoint?"
>"It's rather lofty for a waypoint. Plus, you saw how dense the last twenty steps or so became. It only gets worse. If this is a halfway point, the next place would take hundreds and hundreds of steps, with every little error compounding more and more. That's what I say, but..." She looks out the window. "Obviously, plenty of people have randomly stumbled on this place. If I wanted a place that was effectively undiscoverable, then maybe hundreds of steps are needed. It's a possibility, but there's no direct evidence here that this was a waypoint."

I finally sip the coffee. It truly is terrible. That might just be because I've been spoiled these last couple of months. Before that... I could've gone for this.

As for this place, that seems about all it's got. The neatest junk here was the coffee machine. Anything else that was neat is long gone.

Maybe when I get back into cell phone range, I can get a little cute about bringing this up with Pillet and directly ask her if she knows where the vending machine is.
>>
No. 964374 ID: a0dfd2

>>964361

Above all else, thank Phantom for showing us this. It might not be much, but it does mean we remembered *something* right, after all, and it's a lot more than we had.

Can we ask Phantom for a copy of the way here? On a strict "I only want to show it to Pillet and try to jog a few more memories" kind of thing.

Since honestly, that's the only thing I can think of as a reason to come back -- trying to remember more and understanding why.

(Or, you know, a second date. Come back, sip some godawful coffee, putter around some place we used to go.)
>>
No. 964375 ID: e2f5cc

Yeah, not too much else to do here. You could be dangerously cheeky and say you and Phantom went on a date at the old coffee machine at Pillet once you get back in phone range.
>>
No. 964376 ID: 86eb65

Yeah lofty for a waypoint but why not build to the limits if you find a nice empty spot? Waypoints only need to be small if the land is limited.

And we are immortals. A guy with a notebook and time could spend years having fun just getting as far as he could. And if he found a nice spot?

Look over the ruins but not with Phantoms eyes. Use your shifty gremlin goat eyes. Look for odd corners and layouts from above. See if there is anything that could literally be pointing at clues. Use shitty video game logic.

Then go see the next spot on the list! This is fun and you already got some hints of memory. The big secret is what made you go fog death it up. Either you did it to yourself or someone forced it on you.

If you did it yourself is good to know so you can hold a funeral for that dude. If not? Well secrets need to be found.
>>
No. 964377 ID: 5877dc

If you're gonna return, that means you'll just be stepping into the fog. In that case, you could see if using your full power can delay that from happening.
>>
No. 964388 ID: be9b9d

>>964374
Idk if we should tell Pillet about this. I mean,
a: it might make us lose points with Phantom if we share everything we do and know with Pillet

b: she probably already knows about this and will not be willing to give us any meaningful info that we dont already know

c: she may begin to view the scope of our investigation as dangerous to her secrets and try to hinder or dissuade us.

Despite our power, I feel it is naive to think that we are invincible to all others. Even if Pillet only has a small fraction of our power, she is much more skilled, and is probably smarter than she lets on. An elephant may be more powerful but tiny humans still managed to snare them. At the same time, I dont think we should assume that Pillet is hostile, I just think we should tread carefully since she has a lot of influence over us.
>>
No. 964397 ID: 015bf2

Well, thank her for bringing you. As you mentioned earlier, this machine is the source of one of your few past memories. You guess this was a hiding spot for Pillet and her gang at one point and you brought the machine on account of the cold.

Once you get back in the fog pour one out for your old self (so you don’t have to finish it off). Challenge Phantom to do a no-doubt fruitless deep dive and log it as a bust before calling it a day. Brought all this fog movement equipment out here, might as well log a negative.
>>
No. 964400 ID: 91ee5f

>>964361
Why don’t you take a picture of the vending machine and show it to Pillet?
>>
No. 964401 ID: 015bf2

...thought. Would it be possible to use, say, coffee as a liquid medium to test the viability of a forward-moving fog path? It’s not doable further back, the distances are too great, fog too thick, but as the distances narrow shouldn’t it be possible to effectively toss things in directions and judge whether/when it vanishes or not?

Meaning it actually gets easier to navigate the further out you are. If you have patience and a big supply of something.
>>
No. 964412 ID: 797ec5

>>964401
Expanding on this, would it be possible, hypothetically, to create an optical device sensitive enough to light that it could detect greater or lesser reflectivity in the particulate in the air, thereby finding areas of lower density fog?
Allowing one to navigate through.
>>
No. 964679 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158846539192.png - (181.35KB , 800x800 , 406.png )
964679

I use my goat eyes to get the whole place one more thorough look, but I don't see anything else.

"Hey, Phantom, do you mind if I show this vending machine to Pillet?"
>"No. Why would I mind?"
"I don't want to make it look like I'm documenting all our time together and sharing it all with Pillet."
>"Oh. This is personal for you, I would not mind.... but thank you for considering that."
"While I'm on the topic, is it a problem if Pillet shows up here?"
>"... I'd rather she didn't. She might just make a mess of the place." She looks at some litter in the corner. "Moreso than she already has."
"Say no more. Want to keep hitting up these places?"

She brings out a multi page paper, whos entire margine is "Step :" copied and pasted the whole way down.

>"Do you?"
"If I said yes?"
>"Then let's go."
"Cool. Let's randomly take a stab at the fog?"
>"Okay."
>>
No. 964681 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158846546822.png - (123.23KB , 800x800 , 407.png )
964681

Phantom flies into the fog and disappears. I look into the fog, and think first.

>Would it be possible to use, say, coffee as a liquid medium to test the viability of a forward-moving fog path [by throwing liquid forward and seeing if it disappears]?
That's a great idea, me. Too bad inanimate materials last just a biiit longer than living things, so they disappear into the fog before they get absorbed by it. I bet huge teams of people could comprise of one or two observers that send a line of mooks into the fog to do some quick trial and error.

>Is it possible to create an optical device sensitive enough to light that it could detect greater or lesser reflectivity in the particulate in the air?
Probably! Except I'm not sure that the tunnels we went through are less dense than the areas of fog that absorbs us. Things get a little non-physics-compliant, like the whole non-euclidian geometry Phantom mentioned.

Both of those ideas, though.... energy. If I fired a whole mess of energy balls all over the place, would it work? Worth a shot.

I charge up. I may not have much energy control, but I can probably manage some buckshot.
>>
No. 964685 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158846571226.png - (224.90KB , 800x800 , 408.png )
964685

It goes in. It all disappears. I can't maintain all those orbs at once, so they're left to fly off and get absorbed.
>>
No. 964687 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158846575307.png - (129.33KB , 800x800 , 409.png )
964687

I can manage to actively control and maintain one. I push a single one in. It stays there.

... Damn, I'm waving it all around, but it's still remaining? I can't even see it past a point, and even though I'm focusing on it, I can't actually tell if it's still in there or not, until I bring it back.

I test it on the tunnel we came through. It works the exact same way as the fog that I get lost in, so it looks like maintaining energy keeps them from getting lost? Maybe if I could make static energy, that is, an orb of energy that remains even if I stop concentrating on it? Maybe it'll be different then. That's way beyond my current skill level, though. Definitely not beyond my own power, so if I trained myself and really did get good at energy control, maybe I'd be onto something here.

Centuries of fog researchers and navigators probably thought of things like this, though, and I don't hear any legends of people navigating through it freely.

It sure would be funny though if in five minutes I came up with one weird trick to navigate it.
>>
No. 964688 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158846576714.png - (76.38KB , 1200x800 , 410.png )
964688

The skill needed for my idea isn't happening in five minutes, so I fly in the fog at max power just to see if that changes anything. It doesn't, I get lost, meet up with phantom, and go to the next place step by step.

I took a picture of the vending machine to show Pillet, but I'll wait until I'm doing exploring places to show her. If I show her.

We touch down in an open looking platform.

"Doesn't look like much."
>"We think it was a plaza. That ring over there may once have been a fountain. Goodness knows the manpower or piping needed to get enough water over here just for a decoration."

It took 3 hours to get to this place just to take 3 seconds to see everything there is to see. No secret memories of mine get unlocked.
>>
No. 964689 ID: 1ed92d

>>964688
A shame, but it's worth it to see such an odd relic.
>>
No. 964690 ID: b1b4f3

>>964688
Well obviously it was from before the fog, and the fog ate all the surrounding terrain. ...or it's not supposed to be here at all, and these ruins got put into the fog area by mistake?
What broke apart the structure, anyway? There's no rain, no wind, no plant matter.

Wait, why don't they know if it was a fountain? You should be able to dig into the ground around it to see if there's a piping system.
>>
No. 964691 ID: 567477

What does the edge of the space look like? The sides of the platform. Is it broken off, or eroded? Same for the edges of the ruin stuff. Also, test how high it goes, shoot up some energy balls there. Did you tell Phantom about your idea?

Also... if you were going to do anything no-one else was able to try, it would be to do with the amount of power you have, right? Any records of anyone managing to gather up as much power as you do right now? So you could try think of things to do with that.
>>
No. 964693 ID: 86eb65

So a thought. Did people actually build this here or did it get pulled here from somewhere else?

Or was this here to begin with and whatever causes or caused the fog just sort of ate up everything around it?

Go check the fountain and see if the pipes go somewhere you could get to or just end at fog.
>>
No. 964695 ID: e2f5cc

Phantom brings up a good point, you should look under the rubble/ground for how they got water out here, might be a clue towards navigating the fog.

Speaking of the fog though, what exactly happens if you get lost in it? Do you just turn back up in the town? If so, how did you wipe your memory by staying in there for however long?
>>
No. 964697 ID: 015bf2

Interesting alone for the fact that it was made, like this, out here. Perhaps it didn't use to be in a pocket, but something booted it out here - or the path was different, easier back in the day. Has anyone ever logged a fog path changing or becoming 'lost' or is it really 100% static?

Or perhaps it was used for a cultural purpose. There are people who think the fog is special and act a bit cult-y, right? Perhaps some faction of them had a bit of oomph back in the day and made this place for, y'dunno, friendship rites or somethin'.

Or maybe you're thinking about it wrong. Maybe someone was just really good at makin' stuff, and they got here and made stuff for a one-off thing before they left, and so it wasn't that big of a deal.

It's a pretty small plaza too, come to think of it. If it was intended for a crowd... it wasn't a huge crowd.

...how many does Phantom think there was to begin with? Like, founders of Haze Town. Could it have been a really small number?
>>
No. 964698 ID: a0dfd2

>>964687

.... but what if you wrapped yourself in energy, using it as a continuous shield / energy-suit kind of thing to essentially make YOU never actually interact with the fog?

>>964688

Ask Phantom how far we are from town, or in relation to the weird hobo-dive we were in before. I'm sure others have mapped it out, but it'd be neat to get a good sense of where we are, and just how far people have explored beyond town.

That, and poke around a bit. Might as well see if there's any neat, I dunno, tile work or something around the fountain.
>>
No. 964739 ID: 567477

Huh. Thought: maybe the keys aren't necessary to lift the fog? Like, the energy must come from somewhere. People get it from food, but the food gets it from... what? There's no sun, so it must be the fog, right? So maybe, if everyone just sucked up enough power and didn't die, just chilled out, the fog would eventually dissipate on its own. Sort of like a test for if people can just keep it cool while they have the power to kill each other instantly on a whim.

Though, hmm. If that was the case, probably more energy would get lost during death, to make more energy return to the fog when people are killing each other.

Alternative: if the fog is a dome, and stays the same thickness for some reason, then if it loses mass then the bubble inside has to get smaller. I feel like these ruins here, no way someone could lug all this stuff out here. So maybe over ages and ages the fog has moved in? Maybe as power grows and the fog dome shrinks it slowly covers over things? Until eventually everyone, or the majority of people, get lost in the fog and it sucks the power back out and everything resets. Maybe if you died without being killed, the same thing would happen. Not that you want to do that, but it'll presumably happen eventually.

Anyway, uuhh, thought for interesting Phantom with: if energy only goes down when someone dies of not being killed, or getting lost in the fog presumably, and we assume that happens at a reasonably steady rate, then tracking the growth of all the energy power over the whole population should point at a "zero energy" point in the past, which would presumably when this whole thing started? Therefore allowing a rough guess at how long this all has been the state of affairs?
>>
No. 964744 ID: f57349

Have there been any attempts to systematically map the fog and find subtler mathematical patterns in the shape of it?
>>
No. 964806 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158853170016.png - (61.79KB , 800x800 , 411.png )
964806

"What broke this thing anyway? I don't think rain comes here, it's not windy, no plants that I can see..."
>"It does rain."

Always was a weird phenomenon, rain. People still try to figure it out fully, but like many unanswered questions, the answers to the gaps are 'it's the fog doing it'.

I look over the side. Nothing but dirt the whole way down.

"Think this place was always here, and then the fog moved in?"
>"It's not impossible, but... there's dirt at the bottom, here, to support structures. Not in the tunnels. The tunnels are always empty."
"And the tunnels are always static? 100%?"
>"They never move."
"Oh. So what happens if this spire thing tips over into the fog down there?"
>"Maybe it'll be lost. There are some bubbles that are completely empty, and perhaps because of that."

I'm realizing that Phantom doesn't know everything about everything. She doesn't sound sure about her answers.

I share what ideas I had and tried with energy, tunnels, and fog. Most of my ideas are confirmed to either not work, be easier said than done, and either way have already been tried. Fog doesn't seem to care about high power, as far as Phantom knows. She does encourage me to keep thinking about this kind of thing, though.
>>
No. 964807 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158853170835.png - (127.29KB , 800x800 , 412.png )
964807

I look at the fountain again. There's some loose tiles and rubbles around it, but I take a look into the pipes. There were none on the side of the cliff, but there's clearly some going in.

>"So uh, 'might' be a fountain? What else would have piping coming up into a basin?"
"It could have been a brewery, for all we know."

I drop a small light orb down in there. It rolls off to the side and I can't see anything.

"Uh... has anyone gone down into the piping?"
>"Let me check the notes. Hm. 'Small cameras were pushed in through the piping system to a max depth of 8'. No significant points of interest were found due to caveins or cracked piping blocking further progress.'"
"And they didn't just... dig?"
>"I guess not."
"Why don't we?"
>"I don't even feel right standing on it. The other place had litter and was clearly lived in, but this... feels like a real ancient archaeological site I shouldn't be putting my footprints on."

That's the most positive take I've ever heard for a lump of dirt capped with rotting tiles.

Either I dig and mess up the place, or I don't.
>>
No. 964809 ID: e2f5cc

Well, can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and I'm sure there are hundreds of places just like this if folks put in the time to find them, so dig away. Just try and be respectful by not destroying things you don't need to.
>>
No. 964811 ID: fa2754

>>964697
Don't dig. At least not while Phantom is here.
>>
No. 964812 ID: b1b4f3

>>964807
If this was an archaeological site of any importance, people would be carefully digging at it. That's what you DO with those places, you slowly move the dirt out of the way so you can get the full picture.
Phantom has more control than you, encourage her to try digging up the pipes with you so she can avoid breaking things.
Gotta see where it goes. Nobody has yet. This is NEW. Even if the pipes just go down and end at the bottom of the dirt column. Though honestly, it would be strange if they did. Why have pipes go straight down into the dirt like that?
>>
No. 964814 ID: 015bf2

>Dig
Well... why not? In time it will vanish anyway. Isn't it better to do it proper and get a record of it?

But you may not be the best to do it. For one you'd have no idea how to interpret an archaeological record or consider what the meaning of everything. Or have the skill or patience to do it cleanly and neatly - you could end up destroying evidence. For another, if it's done carefully, it can more or less be put it back together and still be a weird little tourist attraction for special interest nerds like Phantom (and you now, you guess).

So, not worth it... unless there's, like, something real fuckin' obvious, like a time capsule with instructions to 'never open the snow globe, dude I'm serious, and these are the reasons why' in there you won't get much from digging into it other than a more ruined ruin.
>>
No. 964815 ID: 015bf2

Actually, a thought.

If you can sense your power even when it's out of sight, maybe you could send it into the pipes and just bump along to sort-of map them? That way you could see if there are any bigger openings or hollows down there.
>>
No. 964816 ID: 5877dc

Why not just climb down the spire at its side while you keep touching it? As long as you're touching something, it should, in theory, be impossible for you to get lost.
>>
No. 964817 ID: 86eb65

"Real ancient archalogical sites get all the dirt carefully swept away so people can marvel at the past. Am not suggesting we chop it up with energy beams. But carefully excavating things might find us hidden knowledge."
>>
No. 964840 ID: 1ed92d

>>964807
Explain that, if it IS an ancient relic of a lost age, we should probably bring some archaeologists here to carefully disassemble it and catalogue it. Maybe build a museum.
>>
No. 964856 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158856231010.png - (142.14KB , 800x800 , 413.png )
964856

"This is new, Phantom. Don't important archaeological sites have a bunch of people slowly moving the dirt away?"
>"Yes, but... whoever found this one, didn't seem to think it was worth doing that."
"And who's that 'whoever'?"
>"... Someone who probably should have done a proper dig. We're not even that far in, only... 10% farther than the previous spot, albiet through a more inefficient path. I doubt the pipes were shoved eight feet into the ground to pipe up dirt. Hmmm.... many of my own researchers have experience doing this sort of thing. I'll send them in."
>>
No. 964857 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158856231836.png - (24.22KB , 800x800 , 414.png )
964857

I crawl down the side of the spire. Sure enough, like all other land, eventually the fog gets so thick that I get blinded, and the dirt I clung onto feels like it unravels in my own grasp. I stay afloat by use of energy, but then after a moment, get spat back out into town.
>>
No. 964858 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158856236253.png - (166.18KB , 800x800 , 415.png )
964858

I meet back at the bookstore. It takes me a little bit to find the place again, and by the time I do, Phantom's already back there and has sent a team of people to the spire. We study the books we left behind until pretty late at night.

"Welp, my brain's full."
>"It's not, you just think it is." So says Phantom, scholar extreme.
"You saying I should pull an all nighter?"
>"No, no, this is a good time to wind down. I enjoyed it."
"Cool, well I'll - "

Her phone pings, and she reaches for it.

"See you later this week?"
>"Hang on, they found something."
"Already?"
>"Apparently. It's an inscription on a tablet, made out of an old material we no longer know how to make. It's written in an old language - older than we've seen before?! They'll need the right people and time to try to figure anything out about what it says, but there are some drawings on the tablets."
"Lemme see."
>>
No. 964859 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158856238663.png - (204.36KB , 800x800 , 416.png )
964859

>"Here. They took a picture of each tablet they found."

First is all text. Second is also all text. Third tablet has some high up drawing of people tilling farms and stuff all old like, 'cept there's a big ol' fancy building in back. Next few tablets have a few portraits of people. A few cool buildings. Doesn't really look like any recognizable part of town. The seventh and last tablet has some people high up looking down on a mob, and in the center is a lone figure.

"Hm. Doesn't that kinda look like Pillet?"
>"It's a stylized carving, Delli."
"Stylized like Pillet. Long neck. Big ol' meathands. Even has the head tuft."
>"This is all written in old language that predates all records I know of. I know Pillet's been persistent, but even if she's that old, there's no way she looks exactly like she did that long ago."
"Just happens to have a prominent historical figure who looks like present Pillet."
>"We happened to stumble on a huge find after just looking for mere hours. An ancient tablet predating all known records. Written in an older form of our language than we've ever seen. With more information on it than any archaeologist could ever hope to attain."

There's a sound that comes out of Phantom's throat that I can only describe as gagging on her own frustrations.

>"Of course Pillet is featured in it."
>>
No. 964860 ID: 567477

Send a message telling Pillet she's archeology famous.

... One of those figures higher up has horns. And ears. Like yours.
>>
No. 964861 ID: 86eb65

"We are all immortals Phantom. Even without dying memories get fuzzy. And I knew Pillet and possibly I had the chance to be older than most.

"I wonder what sort of newspaper clipping this is? Looks like something big went down."
>>
No. 964862 ID: 465a14

where's yours
>>
No. 964864 ID: 91ee5f

>>964859
Think you could convince Phantom to send you a copy this picture to your phone? Since she’s not going to want to go near Pillet, that means you’re going to need to be the one to show this to her.

Although, you might be getting close to revealing that info Pillet said always made you leave her when you found out about it.
>>
No. 964867 ID: b1b4f3

>>964859
Don't immediately send this to Pillet. You better ask Phantom if she thinks it's a good idea at all. She could get pissed and try to find it and destroy it, even if it's not implicating her as a bad person.
Personally I think this implies the "prison" theory is correct, and Pillet was the head of the mob that got imprisoned. Since then she has been very careful not to lose her memory, which is why she looks the same. I bet only those who die too frequently (and lose memories) change appearance drastically.

However, this could still be misinterpreting what's on the tablet...
How about this: tell Pillet you helped Phantom find something new out in the fog, will she be mad if you don't tell her what it is until it's examined thoroughly?
>>
No. 964868 ID: b1b4f3

...haha what if Pillet can straight up read this shit.
>>
No. 964870 ID: 015bf2

Clay tablets. Neat. The first ones'll probably be older than the latter ones by years or decades. Could be a written record of the development of Haze Town civilization from scratch, what with literally showing the establishment of farms and stuff as something significant.

Heck, you can even see art making it into the record over time as someone clearly learned how to do it right in the later tablets.

... man. Farms, then conflict. This must be the era when you first met Pillet. Betcha those guys on the pedestal Pillet's railing against were the winners of the power race once farms gave people food to grow stronger with over time.

>>964859
Poor Phantom. Look on the bright side. Only the LAST tablet has obvious mention of her! The first few could be boring, but intriguing trivia or vital information on the foundation of Haze Town or something, all Pillet-free.

And it's not just Pillet. You think you can recognize Finnigan too. Sure, spikes ain't webbed, but that's pretty accountable for with body changes - and as a leader you typically age up and die less, so changes would be less probable, too.

How long's the guy been around as a gang leader? Could he literally be a holdover from some ancient power structure?

... and does Phantom want to pursue the linguistic mystery the proper way?

You're hella intrigued but in no direct rush, and you imagine she's keen to nerd out over translating it and have friends who would like to do the same.
>>
No. 964872 ID: 015bf2

>>964860
>Horns and ears, could be you.
Well... Pillet did say she used to raid Delli's farm back in the day.

And if this was back in the day when farms were new on the scene and provided the first sources of power boost... and the farmers seized control or established privilege for themselves once it became obvious they were getting way more powerful than anyone else... then it's not unlikely that Delli himself was a top dog that could've been standing on that pedestal, before losing his farm to politics and power struggles.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Honestly more interested in what the early tablets say than the latter ones, now.
>>
No. 964877 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158857101301.png - (106.00KB , 800x800 , 417.png )
964877

"Oh shit I'm there too. I wonder if that's Finnigan there?"
>"I... that is, it would not be the most astounding discovery we've made today. I may as well be there too. It's not like we were always in power, but it isn't impossible we occasionally are, so why not?"
"You can focus on the first five Pillet-less tablets though, I'm sure you want to get to work on decoding that!"
>"I'm not the best at it, but I will have people do it immediately, yes."
"As for me and the 6th Pillet page, I wonder what she'd think about that!.... Wait, should I even tell her about it?"
>"Why wouldn't you?"
"I dunno, she's been cagey about her past. She might fly off the handly and destroy everything."
>"That did not occur to me. At all. That's awful. If she's keeping secrets like this from you - the whole town, for that matter - please, wait until our team is done searching that bubble thoroughly before you tell her?"
"I uh, guess so. Maybe have the team hurry it along?"
>"I'll put more people on it and be sure to take pictures and document everything as they find it."
"Thanks. Haha, what if Pillet can read this script?"
>"Then I'd try to work with her. Maybe. If she's keeping secrets from you, it might not be worth it."
"Here I have an idea, let me call her up."
>>
No. 964878 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158857105139.png - (112.15KB , 800x800 , 418.png )
964878

"Hey, Pillet!"
>"There you are, bookworm. What's up?"
"If I found a fantastical secret that involved you, would you be mad if I kept it from you?"
>"Only if it turns out you lied and don't have a fantastical secret but said you did just to try and get an answer from me."
"So... you wouldn't be mad?"
>"I'd call you a teasing bitch, but nah I wouldn't be a mad hypocrit. You gonna tell me what it is or are you being a teasy bitch?"
>>
No. 964881 ID: dce46f

Sorry, nope. Thanks for forgiving me in advance. I love you, goodbye!
>>
No. 964882 ID: b1b4f3

>>964878
Ok, tell her you'll tell her what it is once the archaeologists are done researching it. It'll be cooler that way anyway.

...I feel like Pillet isn't the kind of person to fly off the handle.
>>
No. 964883 ID: b1b4f3

OH, did you tell her about the vending machine yet? Tell her about the vending machine!
>>
No. 964884 ID: fa2754

>>964878
Not in this sense. Found some old tablets. Can you read old stuff?
>>
No. 964886 ID: 2f857b

Tell Phantom to give you a copy of those tablet pictures. You honestly don’t think Pillet would destroy them for the sake of her secret, but having you hold onto a copy would make it a good deal safer.

>>964878
One, you went on a fog dive, found the coffee machine place and managed to get a vague half-remembering feel going. So that was special.

Two, you also found something that has Phantom begrudgingly willing to maybe work with Pillet, which may be the biggest miracle of all. But it seems pretty blatantly to involve her past.

Did she ever read Ancient Haze Town? Clay tablets, seems set early day. Like, back when you had a farm early? She’s prominently featured in one. Center stage and everything, doing what she does best, from the look of things, leading a mob and railing against a bunch a bigwigs.
>>
No. 964896 ID: 5877dc

Tell Pillet that you're not lying, but it's rare to get to tease her, so you're choosing to use this savory chance to be a bitch. And hang up on her.

>her people
>more people
Tell Phantom that you thought she left her gang heh.

I'm not sure if she looks sad, or just mind blown, but her expression sure looks funny.

Tell her that she can let her feelings flow, you won't judge her if she takes it out on you. Nerdrage is a thing.

You can go back to studying until her people do their thing.
>>
No. 964904 ID: 86eb65

I so rarely get to be a tease so I have to tease you a bit dear.

So will go back to learning this amazing secret. You were right to not say much about it I think. This is the sort of stuff that a person needs to see for themselves. If you had just told me about it there would not be as much of a impact.

Will take you out for coffee later and tease the crap out of you before I spill the goods.
>>
No. 964910 ID: a0dfd2

>>964878

Simple: "I don't know what it is yet."

And then, after just a long enough pause, tell her you ALSO found that old coffee vending machine. It still tastes like burnt ass.
>>
No. 964911 ID: ea75a5

Phantom and I kind of found an ancient tablet with writing in a forgotten language, a drawing of you and maybe me and a whole bunch of other mysteries surrounding it. Is this one of those situations where I should hold off on learning about it for now or would you be willing to help figure it out.
Also I found the coffee machine, I felt like that was an important discovery too.
>>
No. 964914 ID: 567477

"Well, tell you what, I'll make sure I have a fantastical secret, then, because right now I might or might not. I wouldn't want to accidentally not have a fantastical secret after all, if that's what'd piss you off. Which I suppose means being a little bit of a teasy bitch for a little while, yeah. I'll try resolve that as soon as possible, though."

Also maybe you should reassure Phantom that you were mostly just joking about Pillet's reaction. It's more something your own paranoid brain has been jabbing you with than being supported by reality.
>>
No. 964915 ID: d186fc

Voting for not telling Pillet.
>>
No. 964916 ID: 86eb65

I mean if she did go evil rampage on us we can easily stop her.

I think she is keeping secrets because they are just "I remember way way back and its so complex and convuluted none of you would belive me anyways and it does not matter anymore cause everyone but me forgot."
>>
No. 964938 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158861794208.png - (101.37KB , 800x800 , 419.png )
964938

"Naw, gonna savor this one. Thanks in advance for forgiving me, see you later, love you."
>"Love you too you teasy bitch."

I hang up.

"Her flying off the handle about it was a paranoid thought. I mean, if she did, I could just kill her."

Phantom grunts.

"You know you can spill your feelings with me if you want, Phantom. I don't mind."
>"Eh? Oh, no, my mind's just scattered now. Anyways... let's do it again sometime."
"Oh yeah, you said you enjoyed it."
>"I did, but also, you apparently have a knack for finding things in the fog. It might have been high luck, but I'd like to see if that runs out. Anyways, it's gotten late. I may help the research team. I may be passing on the whole gang, but the research team is its own management project."
"Alright. Goodnight, Phantom. Oh can I get a copy of that photo?"
>"Of course. Goodnight, Delli."
>>
No. 964941 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158861803362.png - (160.12KB , 800x800 , 420.png )
964941

I return to base.

>"Hello there, love."
"Dear."
>"Hiding stuff?"
"Yeah. I tell you what though, I did find that old vending machine."
>"Oh? I'm surprised any still existed. Where was it? Wait, who fucking cares about boiling ass water, does that have anything to do with the secret? I swear to god Delli if that's the big secret I'm going to actually kill you no joke."
>>
No. 964943 ID: 86eb65

"You get tough enough yet? Or am I going to end up spanking you?"

"Anyways I found it right were it got left. Is not the secret though. Gonna hold on to that one for a bit cause this is more fun than I thought."
>>
No. 964944 ID: fa2754

Boring old words and old an unflattering picture, really. But I welcome you to challenge me. Would love to see who bends over who. Say that with as much ~~~~~ as possible
>>
No. 964946 ID: e2f5cc

Is she sweating a little? God damn, you best savor this moment and milk it for all it's worth, since you're not gonna get another one like it. That, and the longer you hold off on this the more wild the inevitable hatefuck will be.
>>
No. 964947 ID: b1b4f3

>>964941
Huh, she thinks she can kill you? ...maybe you should go blow up that guy who beat her, without letting him fight back. Consolidate power a little more.
Anyway tell her you're surprised she doesn't remember. The vending machine is still there, in the ruins, in the fog, where you used to hang out. You can show her; it's not a secure location or anything.
>>
No. 964948 ID: a0dfd2

>>964941

Again, let's tell her we really don't know what it is ... though since she's so interested, let her know that it's "some really old, dusty stone tablets."

Besides, no one can read them yet, so big deal, right? Just some rocks with funny wiggles and pictures on them.
>>
No. 964950 ID: 5877dc

This may be an opportunity to get Pillet to blurt out something that she normally wouldn't. To tell us something that we don't actually know.

So if we're ambiguous enough with our revelation, we may learn something important.

>>964943 Yes, I think this would be ambiguous enough.

"To think that that you were hiding from me. Even Phantom almost lost her mind from the shock, and you know how hard that is to do. Now I see why you didn't want to tell me anything about our past.", and then try to get her to "admit" what she did. Whatever she did heh.

But if she doesn't budge, then I suppose we'll eventually have to tell her that it's something that happened a millennia or more ago, and if she's still clueless then, just tell her about the tablet. And that you don't actually know what's on the tablet and you were just messing with her. Well, at least until the tablet gets translated.
>>
No. 964951 ID: 567477

>>964950
Don't do that, being all pretendy about the secret as a ruse to get her to spill beans is the specific thing she said she'd be mad about. No being manipulative with Pillet. Delli is an honest goat. Mostly because he can't be bothered but still.

Delli, tell her you admire how she can keep a good look going for so long.
>>
No. 964954 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158862493146.gif - (37.10KB , 800x800 , 421.gif )
964954

"The vending machine though, you don't remember that? In the fog?"
>"Fog - oh! That place out of town? That place got compromised a long time ago. I figured it'd have been blown up by now."
"Hah, no, it's right where we left it. Anyhow, 'kill me no joke' is the best joke I've heard today. Are you tough enough for to kill me now? I'd like to see you try and just so we can see what happens."
>"Your energy blast will probably be so widespread you'll destroy the whole town and miss me!"
"That's be a shame, since I'd destroy the big secret of mine I'm hiding."
>"Gimme a hint about what's so big about it!"
"That's hard, 'cause I don't know for sure what it's about. It's something old, with funny pictures and wiggles. Maybe it has the secrets to why you won't tell me about our past!"
>"Yeah good luck with that. Now I'm starting to think you're just bluffing."
"Nah okay that last part was a stretch but I am impressed with how you kept such a good look going for so long."
>".... tell me what the fuckin' secret is Delli!"
"Make me, if you think you can handle it, because you definitely you can't seem to handle having a secret kept away from you!"
>"Yeah? And I don't think you can handle keeping a secret from me either!"
"I don't know, Pillet, this one's really fun to dangle over your head just out of reach."
>"Maybe I'll keep waving all my secrets at you then, huh? And I've got way more secrets than you."
"There's a whole ocean of stuff I don't know, Pillet, but you're in a desert! And I've got a nice, thick pitcher filled with a smoothie. So which of us is going to bend over first?"
>"Oh you're just loving making me squirm for this, aren't you? Want to bargain, then? I'll let things slip just a little bit if you tell me what you want to know."
>>
No. 964958 ID: 567477

Forget actually finding out anything about the actual secrets Pillet's been keeping, this is too much fun. And time-limited, since her spies will probably find out about it anyway, so you've got to enjoy it while it lasts. Also, if you try get anything beyond just fun out of her, she might be mad when she finds out how little you actually know about this "secret", so might as well keep it light-hearted. Get some fun out of this, that's all!
>>
No. 964959 ID: dce46f

Revel in being smug for a bit, but maybe let her know its not too huge a deal... yet anyways. She owes you something with like a medium level of secret juiciness in exchange for this.
>>
No. 964961 ID: ed763f

It's too late Pillet, this power has corrupted me faster than all the energy in town possibly could and now I have become cruel and arbitrary. I will create great monuments dedicated to the one and only secret you don't know I know!

Naw I don't want to big it up TOO much. Plus I just KNOW you'll get yours back once I squeal. Tell you what, I'll hint at a secret and you can hint at a secret. (If she says yes, show her the squiggle text without the picture and see if she can read it.)
>>
No. 964963 ID: 015bf2

>>964954
>good looks
>Tell me!
Oh man.

The reserve body thing could be possible. She’s worried you stumbled across it. Good grief, if that’s true we’re causing her some major existential angst right now. Might want to lay off somewhat.

Tell her that it’s probably not as bad as she thinks. That worth anything in trade? Like, uh, let’s see... were you really just a farmer, or like also some kind of power-hungry goober? A tidbit of past can’t be too bad to share, right? She’s pretty much the only one who can even talk about how the first farms brought on a power disparity that jerk-ass mooks took advantage over to lord it over others... right?
>>
No. 964966 ID: 5877dc

Which other places outside town does she know about?
>>
No. 964967 ID: b1b4f3

>>964954
A little bit? Well, minor things would be: what other places did you hang out at? The vending machine let you remember a little, and you'd like to remember more.
>>
No. 964971 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158863264255.png - (104.02KB , 800x800 , 422.png )
964971

"I don't know, maybe I'm overhyping my own secret now! Might not be that big. Like I said, I don't know. But I am curious about things like, was I always a farmer, or was I ever a power hungry goober? Do you know other places out of town? Did I used to have other hangout spots?"
>"Hmm... okay, I'll tell you a little. You used to have other hangout spots, obviously. The ones in town are gone. Out of town... maybe... maybe there is one spot that hasn't changed. And no, you were always about chasing power, but you never had an iron fisted deathgrip on the power you had, so no one would call you power hungry in the usual tyrannical sense."
"I had some nostalgic feelings about that vending machine. Maybe if you showed me this other place, something'll come up?"
>"Maybe, yeah! Don't hope too hard. It was a couple hundred years ago. What'd you remember from the vending machine anyway?"
"Not much. It was just a feeling I got from it."
>"Haha, that's probably better than the details. Not like the details were bad, it would just spoil the magic of old nostalgia is all. So what've you got for me?"
"... I dunno Pillet, I was just rattling off things I might want to know about, I didn't mean for you to answer right away! I need to find out how big this secret of mine is first."
>"Aw, fuck, I got tricked!"
"You barely even told me anything!"
>"Haha, you're right."
"Okay here's another idea. I'll give you a little peek of part of this secret of mine, and you tell me a good hint back in return. If my secret doesn't pan out, I won't press you on your hint!"
>"Deal."
>>
No. 964972 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158863270028.png - (128.25KB , 800x800 , 423.png )
964972

I zoom in on the tablet to show some of the script of the tablet, without any of the picture or anything like that, and show her.

>"What am I looking at? All zoomed in and pixellated..."
"Ancient writing?"
>"What? This is gibberish."
"... Really?"
>"Ye- Wait. Waiit a second no! You're right, that is old text, but what ancient dickweed grabs a chisel and stone tablet just to write down lost knowledge in cursive? So that's your hint, huh?"
"Yeah. What's it say?"
>"That's it."
"What?"
>"That's it. That's my hint."
>>
No. 964973 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158863272952.png - (145.15KB , 800x800 , 424.png )
964973

She puts a finger over the phone and pushes it down, making eye contact with me.

"The hint I'm giving you is that I remember how to read this."
>>
No. 964977 ID: 1ed92d

>>964973
Aw heck, she's the one totally persistent thing in this world. She might literally be the intentional Satanic/Messianic Archetype intended to eternally oppose the status quo and destroy this world.

....Also it seems like Destiny itself is preventing her from succeeding, given how close she came to just destroying the entire world recently.
>>
No. 964979 ID: b1b4f3

>>964973
DAMN PILLET YOU OOOOOOLD
>>
No. 964980 ID: 465a14

Cradle robber smh
>>
No. 964985 ID: 91ee5f

>>964973
“You sure I can’t get you to tell me anymore? What if I threatened to tickle you until you told me something?”

Even if she doesn’t go for that, she admitted that she knows how to read it, which possibly means she was around when this language was invented.
>>
No. 964987 ID: e2f5cc

divert attention by making fun of how old Pillet is
>>
No. 964990 ID: 5877dc

Tell her that you get hard when she looks at you that way.

So unless she wants fuck, or take you to that one spot that hasn't changed, you're going out again to find out what the texts say.
>>
No. 964992 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158863654069.png - (127.65KB , 800x800 , 425.png )
964992

"Daaamn Pillet you OOOLD!"
>"Haha what wow you're really going there telling a lady her age, huh!"
"Lady more like cradle robber, even tryin' to do your sinful deeds right now with the way you're looking at me!"
>"Hey just because you forget shit all the time doesn't mean you're not old as fuck, too!"
"So what are ya, then, some messianic archetype to eternally oppose the status quo?"
>>
No. 964993 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158863654855.png - (121.49KB , 800x800 , 426.png )
964993

>"Ohh, now you want the real secrets, huh? But you didn't show me what you had, 'cause I can tell you one thing, that snippet didn't say anything cool. You're going to have to do better than that to get me to bend."
"Yeah, maybe I'll torture it outta your mouth! I bet you couldn't last 30 seconds getting tickled!"
>"Delli you know you're way more ticklish than I am, you're bringing a toothpick to a knife fight. In fact, you're giving me ideas on how to extract the information out of you!"
"Oh, yeah? I think you're bluffing, what can your power level of 'recently deceased' do with me?"
>"Haha, I guess those are just more secrets I've got to myself."
"How about that one spot I used to hang out then, is that a secret?"
>"Nah, what, you want to carry this conversation on over there? It'll take like 5 hours to get there and that's a buzzkill of a momentum stopper."
"Momentum to what?"
>"Figuring out why that tablet exists. It's not like it said anything fantastical but I'm goddamn antsy to figure out how in the world it survived, and where!"
>>
No. 964994 ID: fa2754

>>964973
Honestly, if you two weren't probably the same age, she would absolutely be a cougar. Sabertooth even, and not some kind of fox.

Regardless, that's a good hint. How can it be proven though?
>>
No. 964995 ID: 015bf2

>>964973
Heckin’ yeah, that’s a pretty good hint to go with the other hints. Man, she really been holding out! Still, that’s pretty cool... and this could be good.

Phantom said she might consider talking to you again if you gave her a leg up translating this stuff, although it’s definitely a “for the greater good/nerd” type sacrifice. Still, if you do and, presumably, not mock her nerd interest or rub the fact you keep secrets in her face it could be a chance to open up dialogue again. You have the distinct impression that Phantom’s romanticizing the past a bit... or, well, maybe more the hunt for the past and truths lost to time. If she has reason to believe you’re not deliberately out to bury the past, only certain personal secrets, she’d probably warm up and interview the hell out of you as a primary source. It makes sense - if she can hold a grudge over destroying the past, helping restore pieces of it should be a redeeming factor. Plus, it’s not like Pillet’s ever destroyed genuine history just for the sake of it, yeah?
>>
No. 964996 ID: 567477

Damn, Pillet, Phantom is the one all about secret libraries and research and preserving the past and stuff, and but you know how to read this and she has no idea? I thought you were a fighter, you should be reincarnating all over the place, how is it you remember this stuff?

Ok, if you promise to tell us what these say, we'll show you the picture that came with it. Helping reconstruct the language would help get Phantom to chill out, anyway, so come on. For all we know there'll be stuff in this language writing in the key chamber or something, and you were all for research relating to the keys and the fog, right?
>>
No. 964997 ID: fa2754

>>964994
Oop, late.

It was were people didn't bother to push boundaries, Pillet. How's that?
>>
No. 964999 ID: b1b4f3

>>964993
It'd REALLY piss Phantom off if you told Pillet where the digsite is. She'd definitely go over there and interfere in the dig-- even if she was earnestly trying to help they wouldn't appreciate it.
But you can tell her that it was in some old ruin Phantom showed you that, for some reason, didn't get examined very well. You were curious about it so Phantom asked her old organization to look into it, and they found this stuff. You don't know the specifics of why it was preserved or where in the ruin they found it.

Hmm, how about this: tell Pillet if she wants to know more specifics she can ask Phantom. (I wonder how Phantom will react to having something Pillet wants?)
>>
No. 965000 ID: a0dfd2

>>964993

... omg, Pillet, don't tell me you're the ancient dickweed who wrote the whole thing in cursive!
>>
No. 965001 ID: 567477

Also: Gosh she sweatin'

Gotta tell you Pillet, I love you and all but you going "oh man I immediately have to find out where this is and how it managed to escape getting mysteriously destroyed" is sounding pretty sus girl this ain't sounding like just archeological curiosity

At the same time you're sounding pretty lighthearted and messing around still instead of getting too serious so I'm thinking maybe we're on the track of not so much big secrets but maybe something... embarrassing??
>>
No. 965003 ID: 5877dc

Heh, so Pillet's been destroying archeological stuff intentionally.

Tell her that you'll tell her all about these texts - oops did you forgot to tell her there's more than one? - once you have them translated.
>>
No. 965004 ID: 015bf2

>>964993
Ho boy, so not only did she know what it said, but she knows what specific tablet it is... but not where it ended up and how it survived? Nice - it’s a proper mystery for all concerned then! You only know where it was found, but... it was actually Phantom’s nerds who brought it to light. Apparently someone had flushed it down some drainage?

And you can let slip something else - that wasn’t the only tablet found. It seemed to be part of a larger set. And since she knows it... any juicy secrets trapped within that impenetrable jumble of ancient verbiage?

Like, seriously, she should probably tell you if it’s a game breaker, cuz’ right now Phantom’s people are all over it, copies are being spread, biggest archeological find of the century, etc. At this point volunteering information miiight be better for establishing trust. ‘Course she’d be robbing people of the fun of tinkering with translating and such.
>>
No. 965009 ID: 015bf2

>>965004
Actually no, didn’t seem like she knew the specific tablet, that’s me reading too much into it.
>>
No. 965017 ID: e2f5cc

Oh no, we've gotten through the gf phase of our murder gf, so now Lago's going straight for the murder part! Murder of history, anyways.

But seriously, she's sweating. Pillet, the eternal rebel with probably thousands of years worth of practice for her poker face, is sweating. Do not tell her where you found this or how. In fact, Pillet is probably lying by saying that there's nothing interesting on the tablet, so just drop the conversation as diplomatically as you can and then text Phantom that Pillet both knows what the tablets say and she says it's "written in old language (not an old language, just old language) but in cursive.
>>
No. 965019 ID: 86eb65

You sweatin girl. You were sweatin at the start and then you got all cool for a sec when you thought it was nothing. But now you sweatin.

I think I should clam my little goat mouth shut and see how long you last before you vibrate apart.
>>
No. 965020 ID: 91ee5f

>>964993
If it doesn't say anything special, then why are you nervously sweating? Does it actually say something that you don't want to tell me?
>>
No. 965021 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158863958526.png - (177.19KB , 800x800 , 427.png )
965021

"Well I'm not saying where it was, that'd really piss Phantom off - oh wait before I forget, Phantom said she'd be willing to work with you if you knew how to read this stuff. Heck, go ask her yourself to help out if you want, I'm sure she'd love owning something you wanted! Maybe she'll make you grovel just for the chance to see the tablet!"
>"Yeah, she'd probably make me get on my hands and knees just to see a picture of it! Maybe I'll do it, too, if you don't squeal!"
"You're not giving me much incentive to spill it! You're a pretty sus girl right now, going on about you having to find out where the tablet is right now so you can figure out how it managed to escape getting mysteriously destroyed!"
>"Oh, you and your dumb ass think I'm trying to destroy history? People in charge do that perfectly fine on their own! No, no, let Phantom grab everything of value from that place, then show me where it was!"
"If you say so! You sound less serious-desperate though which makes me think that we're onto something embarrassing?"
>"Now that'd be a laugh, someone writing in ancient cursive just to talk shit about embarrasing things ol' Pillet had happen!"
"Could it be.... you're the ancient dickweed that wrote in cursive?"

She wraps her shoulder around me.

>"Don't you dare accuse me of writing in cursive ever again! Now, you didn't answer, did you want to hang out again in that centuries old spot, or should I ignore you and call up Phantom so we can all nerd out and probe each other for secrets?"
"I don't knowww, would you show me even if I said I wasn't gonna talk, just because I like watching that poker face of yours sweat? Are you sure it doesn't say anything interesting?"
>"Fine, you got me. It told me something interesting. It told me that Delli's a little teasing bitch! Hell yeah I'd take you out in the fog even if you didn't talk, just so I can see you try and pretend you suddenly don't care about all my secrets anymore. So what'll it be, we going, or we staying in town?"
>>
No. 965022 ID: 5877dc

Tell her that you're feeling very adventurous right now, so sure.
>>
No. 965023 ID: ed763f

It's a good thing there's more tablets, huh. Adventure it is.
>>
No. 965024 ID: e2f5cc

Retain your sus levels, but also go adventure.
>>
No. 965025 ID: 86eb65

I would go adventuring with you any day.
>>
No. 965027 ID: 567477

Hey, Soletta's with Phantom, so she probably knows all about this too by now, right? You can't keep this prime Pillet tormenting to yourself.
>>
No. 965029 ID: fa2754

>>965021
Seeing you probe Phantom would be kinda hot but I suppose that's more Soletta's field.

Lemme explore your nooks and crannies, Pillet~
>>
No. 965031 ID: b1b4f3

>>965021
I wanna see the fog place.
Once you're there, I think it might be good to show her the full tablet picture that you have, and ask her how she kept her memory and form for so long, when nobody else has managed it. It's *possible* someone could overhear if you asked her in the room you're currently in.
>>
No. 965032 ID: 015bf2

>>965021
Haha, why not both? Grab Phantom AND explore a fog spot, she seemed to find that fun and interesting, plus seeing Pillet want something badly enough to squirm over it is pretty dang novel!

It’ll be a great icebreaker after the last time, back when they had nothing in common and no good reason to talk. Now there’s at least one reason and they both want answers the other can give.

Unless Pillet wants that fog spot kept secret, for reasons, in which case you accept her solo invitation to a battle of wits, secrets and rampant nostalgic memories!
>>
No. 965036 ID: 567477

>>965032
Probably would want to wait a little while before asking Phantom out again, she just got done one so she'd be tired of it. Plus, I don't think Phantom likes intrusion into her personal/quiet time, which is when she seems most in the mood to hang out with Delli.
>>
No. 965037 ID: 91ee5f

>>965029
This!

>>965031
This.

>>965032
No, let’s not drag Phantom with us. She’s not ready to be near Pillet yet.
>>
No. 965042 ID: a0dfd2

>>965021

Gosh ... if I didn't know better, I'd almost say Pillet is both really worried and has some kind of weird thing about us knowing something she doesn't?

Like, girl, we've seen you in massive brawls and you've not worked up that much of a sweat!

(If she's worried we're about to stumble onto something that we aren't supposed to know that'll make us run off again ... why not just get it over now so it's not as big a thing later -- and THIS time, we can talk through it properly.)

But hey, whatever, we're down for either. Or we could just cuddle again, keep talking about things, and rot our teeth out with how mushy we are.
>>
No. 965049 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158864739467.png - (195.34KB , 800x800 , 428.png )
965049

"That'd be kinda hot but let's explore your nook and crannies."

I'll give Phantom some room instead of inviting her to come with, so Pillet and I fly together to a point similar looking to the starting point to the vending machine. Unlike Phantom, though...

"I uh, notice you don't have anything."
>"What am I supposed to have?"
"Phantom had a big bag of notes with directions and math tools and stuff to carefully line out the whole tunnel step by step without losing our way."
>"Hahaha what a fuckin' nerd!"

She puts an energy light on her back. It seems to stick there, and when she moves, it leaves a trail.

>"Just follow my lead, this thing'll leave light behind me for a few minutes, and leave a trail for you in case you fall behind."
"That is a fancy as hell parlor trick."
>"Sure is. This point on my back is the point I focus on. When you get too deep, the 'tunnel' is hardly as wide as a forearm. As long as you have a body part in the tunnel you won't get absorbed by it, so just keep flying through my light trail."
>>
No. 965050 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158864740123.png - (156.25KB , 800x800 , 429.png )
965050

Then she flies into the fog.

At full speed, into a curve. I see the end of the curve, and she doesn't even stop and realign herself. She just bounces like a pinball straight to the side!
>>
No. 965051 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158864741151.png - (101.77KB , 800x800 , 430.png )
965051

I'm fast still, so I don't actually fall behind, but I still hang by a bit behind her just because she keeps flipping directions suddenly. The light trail is only visible from so close up too, so even though I could fly way way faster than I'm going, I'm limited by my reaction speed. We're going several times faster than Phantom and I were going.

... And she said it was a 5 hour trip? At this speed?
>>
No. 965052 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158864744662.png - (188.57KB , 800x800 , 431.png )
965052

And it is. Just about after 5 hours, we get there. What's surprising is that I didn't even feel like we were looping around in circles like I was with the latter end of Phantom's paths. This one got slower and more jagged, but I still feel like it was almost all forward progress, even if it definitely felt like a deliberate set of straight lines.

>"Good. It's still here. Run down and some plants have grown, but here."

It's about the same size as the spire bubble. Maybe a bit bigger, but this place is built all the way to the fog barrier, marked by a fence.

"I used to hang out here?"
>"Sure did. It used to belong to an old couple. Well, 'belong', but they took care of it and maintained it, so basically it was theirs. You, me, and a few others sometimes hung around just to get away from the town. It was a bit of a vacation, since it took awhile to get here."
"What happened to the couple?"
>"We stopped hanging around after awhile. Eventually, when we came back, they were gone. They were old, so it wasn't a surprise. I think they got what they wanted out of the place anyway, so I didn't try to hunt them down again to bring them back."

As far as nostalgic places go... I don't feel a thing. No detectable memory in my head is stirred, this time.
>>
No. 965054 ID: 86eb65

Go look things over. Peek around the house and sit at the fountain and smell the plants in the garden.

If you are going to learn anything from this trip it is that Pillet has a very good memory. And that you better not skip your energy control practice.
>>
No. 965055 ID: 465a14

Might as well let her know of that.
>>
No. 965057 ID: b1b4f3

>>965052
Pillet how the hell did you get so good at traversing the fog? And why was the path so STRAIGHT?! ...wait, "tunnel"... the paths found by trial and error are all super complicated at the end because they can't see what way the tunnel is zagging but have to stay adjacent to it, which means you guess which way it's going and it may seem like it's the right way until you go too far away from the tunnel and get lost. Yet, people still count those "wrong way" paths as part of the route. Like bouncing around inside a pipe. If you can see the tunnel, you can follow it exactly, and not have nearly as bad a route. More importantly, you can traverse it extremely quickly. That implies Pillet can see the tunnel. That implies she can see ALL the tunnels, and has explored the fog in its entirety, or at least as far out she was willing to go without getting sick of it.

Go in the house!

Also... a fountain. That was in the other set of ruins that had a tablet. Damn, if we had reception we could ask where the tablet was in relation to the fountain... This place is also not nearly as ruined as the other spot. Once you're done poking around, show Pillet the full tablet, ask your questions, then ask her if she wants to try some amateur archaeology and dig in the dirt to see if you two can find something like what Phantom found. Or she could bring Phantom's archaeology team out here? I doubt they'll be able to record the route with the speed she traverses it.
>>
No. 965058 ID: ed763f

>>965042
I think that's exactly it. Death is an inconvenience, unless you do it to yourself ad infinitum which I don't think Pillet wants us to do again, hence the concern over secrets.

When she says 'visit', does she mean a nice social call maybe with drinks, or...? Do some exploring before you try the real archeology.
>>
No. 965059 ID: 91ee5f

>>965052
>no memories
Maybe there’s something inside the house that could trigger something?

>fountain
That looks kinda like it could be the same type of fountain you and Phantom found. Only, you know, more intact. This might even be what the other fountain is supposed to look like.

……you know, if Phantom’s team found tablets at that other fountain, what are the odds of there being more tablets here at this fountain?
>>
No. 965060 ID: 91ee5f

>>965057
>Once you're done poking around, show Pillet the full tablet, ask your questions, then ask her if she wants to try some amateur archaeology and dig in the dirt to see if you two can find something like what Phantom found.
Definitely do this!
>>
No. 965067 ID: fa2754

>>965052
Another fountain. Still a mystery how to get plumbing all the way out here. Land, explore, ponder how much of a hooligan you two were back then.
>>
No. 965074 ID: 567477

You probably weren't flying before, Delli. Land and act like you're some scrub punk for a bit. Look around.
>>
No. 965078 ID: 015bf2

>bring them back
The way she phrased that makes it sound like she brought the couple out here in the first place, so they could live in peace for a while. Makes sense that not a lot of people would be able to get this far out.

Have a look about. Pillet’s been at this for a while. And you’ve been with her for much of it. Surely if you hung about for weeks on end here there’s a memory or two. Ask Pillet, what did you use to do while hanging around these places? Just... train? Play games? Plan your next moves?

Ask her about when this was. Long before the coffee machine hangout? Ruins are pretty intact.

Tell her that there were seven tablets in total and she was drawn on the last one in a kind of cool, Pillet-y way doing a very Pillet thing. Finnigan and you may have been on it as well. Phantom’s people found them in the plumbing of a fountain... maybe kind of like the one over there? You had a feeling so you suggested Phantom look into it.

And it turns out getting archeologists to go over everything with a fine comb nets you surprises.
>>
No. 965080 ID: 4033f7

>>965042
We need to find this secret. We should message Phantom about this along with Pillet's super sus reaction that basically confirms she either has something of massive importance (at least to her) hidden in the fog or has deep dark secrets we could find out there. We also need to tell Phantom about the outward-branching tunnels and how they work along with the fact that Pillet either has an unfathomably accurate memory so as to navigate, or can somehow see or sense the tunnels.
>>
No. 965105 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158866205102.png - (127.70KB , 800x800 , 432.png )
965105

I get a closer look at Pillet again, finally. She's still just a little on edge, but she's not sweating like she was before. I guess the fog cooled her off. Well, 5 hours of navigating it cooled her off.

"How the heck'd you get so good at traversing the fog?"
>"I have a trick! Not some trick to see the tunnels, or even just locating valid paths or anything like that. Buuut, I do have a trick to follow a discovered set of steps consistently, without needing to use physical tools like Phantom apparently did, and once you have enough practice at it like I have, you can fly as fast through the steps as I did."
"And that trick is?"

She instantly smiles a pillet-y smile and I regret asking.

>"That costs one full picture of that tablet, nerd!"
"Hold on I want to look around!"

I wonder if there's any tablets here, too, based on how it has a fountain. I'll do some archaeology once I finish regular exploring. I wish I asked Phantom for advice, but I'm way out of reception range to do it now.
>>
No. 965106 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158866205984.png - (193.23KB , 800x800 , 433.png )
965106

I land so I can walk around like a scrub punk and enter the house. It's much more.... rotten. The wood is rotted, sheets are all ripped up and stuff. It's not as dusty as I would've thought, but I guess there isn't much around to make dust.

"Yeah I'm just not getting any nostalgia here."
>"Centuries, Delli. It was hundreds of years ago, and usually just napping and letting time go by. Who knows how many days at a time, it's hard to tell down here. I'm amazed you even remembered as far back as the vending machine. Have a look around if you like, I'm going to check out how nasty the fountain water is."

So she says, but there isn't even much more to see in here. The second floor is totally busted. I shouldn't be surprised, like Pillet said. Even the vending machine hardly felt real, but rather like a dream of a fabricated era.

I'm about ready to show Pillet the full picture of the tablet now. I haven't mentioned that there were seven tablets. Maybe I can keep holding onto my smugness and keep that from her until after I show her the full picture of the seventh tablet, if I really want to draw out my teasing for as long as possible.
>>
No. 965107 ID: 465a14

Look around for SECRET COMPARTMENTS or something.
>>
No. 965108 ID: fa2754

>>965106
whatever you do, bargain one full picture for a kiss. A real good one too. Like no whammy with some tongue.

Horny goat aside, maybe strike a deal of one full picture of a tablet for each area she guides a Phantom team to.
>>
No. 965109 ID: b1b4f3

>>965105
>can repeat steps consistently
That doesn't explain how she got those steps to begin with. It should be basically impossible to get out this far without a super complex path, based on what Phantom told us. Unless... the error introduced by doing it without the trick is what causes the complexity to go up so fast? Like, the fog can tell you're not following the path perfectly and starts closing in, reducing the available paths you have? Or maybe there's something to Pillet's trick that she doesn't realize makes the path simpler... Regardless it can't possibly be as simple as Pillet makes it out to be.

>>965106
What's the alternative? Tell her before showing her the tablet? You probably should, since by reading the whole thing she'll figure out there's more.
>>
No. 965111 ID: 365ffb

A kiss is pretty dang low a bargain to show the tablet. The secrets to navigating the fog seem *way* more interesting to you though.

One full tablet for that awesome trick because wow is it good.
>>
No. 965112 ID: d7906d

>>965108
>>965110
Bargain. The trick to navigating the fog, and one really good kiss in exchange for one whole tablet. Just one, the first one without a picture.
>>
No. 965113 ID: ea75a5

Peek over at her every now and then when she’s near the fountain, since a fountain was where we found the tablets before, there might be tablets here too.
>>
No. 965128 ID: 86eb65

Rummage through there stuff!

And check under the welcome flagstone.

As for tablets drag it out as long as possible. Get her navigations secrets and a kiss for one tablet picture and don't mention the rest until after.
>>
No. 965132 ID: 91ee5f

>>965106
You can show her the full tablet. Just don’t mention there’s multiple tablets until after she shows you her trick. Otherwise, she might raise her price to include all of the tablets!

>>965109
>What's the alternative? Tell her before showing her the tablet? You probably should, since by reading the whole thing she'll figure out there's more.
Even if she does figure out there’s more, we can just tell her that she said she wanted one full picture of that tablet, as in the one we showed her a partial picture of.
>>
No. 965147 ID: a0dfd2

>>965105
>>965106

First get Pillet to confirm whether this trick is something we could do now, at present, and not some super cool energy manipulation technique that turns it into fog-lidar or something.

Because that'd be pretty mean of her to give us a cool thing we can't use in exchange for our secret.
>>
No. 965150 ID: 015bf2

Poke at stuff in house, then go talk to Pillet about the specifics of your deal. Actually, maybe lie/sit down and chill by the fountain, besides Pillet? Seems like something old you would've done.

You don't need to trade this tablet for a snog - or anything really - this was mostly about teasing (and remember, first one's free~). Besides, you'd only have need for, y'know, things you could really actually use, like how to create a body double or something. Fog exploring is cool, but unless there are other places out here of interest you don't know if it's all that compelling a trade.

Granted, betcha Phantom would be super interested in a fog-exploring method, so you guess you could trade it on to her for, oh you don't know, backrub privileges like the horny goat weed grower you are?
>>
No. 965163 ID: 4033f7

>>965106
What exactly causes rotting? Also, I'd suggest clamming up about the other tablets entirely rather than continuing to be smug. For now.
>>
No. 965168 ID: ed763f

She's probably going to read to the end of the tablet and figure there's more to whatever's being written, so don't expect to keep that secret for long. Instead of being corrupted by the smug, think of the at max 7 secrets or favors or whatever you want from Pillet.

...Wait, if you found the tablets near a fountain, should you keep an eye on Pillet, wh said she is going to be near the fountain?
>>
No. 965178 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158871165244.png - (165.59KB , 800x800 , 434.png )
965178

>What exactly causes rotting?
Bacteria or microbitises or other science stuff I dunno if I ever went to school I probably played hookey.

I poke around to see any secret compartments. I don't find any at a quick walkthrough of a house, but I do see a framed photo.

That must be the couple.
>>
No. 965179 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158871166322.png - (113.76KB , 800x800 , 435.png )
965179

I wander back out to Pillet. She's not doing anything nefarious like trying to dig frantically to get any hidden tablets before I do. What she is doing is poking a finger in the water that looks like it's congealed into more of a solid than a liquid.

"How'd you even find this place, if you don't have a trick for that?"
>"I didn't. The couples showed me the place."
"Oh, I was thinking that maybe you showed them here."
>"Nah. We were guests, here, they didn't share everything they knew and we didn't impose."
"So that navigation trick... you made it sound simple."
>"It is - well, okay. You need great energy control and knowledge. That prerequisite isn't simple, but the trick itself is easy enough."
"Can I do it?"
>"You can't even make static energy, dork. Once you can do that, the trick is more or less attainable. Come back when you can."
"Damn. I was hoping for a trick that I could use. Like a body double."
>"A body doub- haha what, I don't even know how to do that, my man."
"Geez, bargaining's tough. Maybe I'll just give the picture to you for a kiss."
>"Geez right back at you, I'll at least let me tell you the nav trick even if you can't do it yet. Now lemme see that picture before we kiss so I don't spend the whole kiss thinking about that tablet!"
"Fine but wash your finger first, that's nasty."
>>
No. 965180 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158871167392.png - (120.03KB , 800x800 , 436.png )
965180

After she explodes the water outwards off her finger, she skims around the text, reading. Her expression changes a bit, but I can't even describe how.

>"I remember what this is, now. These guys I'm facing, on the top row?"
"Am I one of them?"
>"Assholes, every last one of them."
"Soooo, yes?"
>"Haha, no. You're not here. No one you know is."
"You sure that one's not me?"
>"You killed him, Delli. And the rest of them. No one's been permanently killed, but what you did to these guys... you sure as hell came the closest to a permanent kill."
"But I wasn't important enough to show up on here, apparently."
>"You might have. There's more tablets. You found an amazingly old tablet, Delli, and of all the ones to find, of all the ones that could've survived... it was just a series of tablets bitching about raiders and trying to rally people against them. That's all."
"Think Phantom'll believe you?"
>"If I guide her through the language, her linguists will be quick to find out if I'm bullshitting."
>>
No. 965181 ID: 465a14

neat, you're a serial killer, now become a serial groper and kiss Pillet
>>
No. 965187 ID: e2f5cc

Well, I can assume we were just as huge of a punk as Fola was, all the way back then. But we're a different, far more weenie-like person now.

Acquire smooches and then tell her about the rest of the tablets, though only once she tells us why she was sweating so hard before.
>>
No. 965188 ID: 567477

Ok, Pillet, we're seeing the downsides of all this mystery in action, here, because the way you said "came closest to a permanent kill" is spooking me up that it could still be Delli because Delli in a sense has "come close to a permanent kill" of himself via amnesia, so you could be speaking artfully that that guy was Delli but you don't consider him and current Delli to be the same "person". I don't really think that's it, partly because you seem more of a straight talker than that, but it's definitely occurring as a possibility.

Anyway, someone seemed to think this was important enough to write down in a form that would last a long long time. Got any tips on how you keep yourself looking good for so long? You seem to be full of life hacks.
>>
No. 965191 ID: ed763f

Permanent kill. Congrats, you've found something I DON'T want to know.

Well those tablets were found around a fountain just like this one, so, up for some archeology? It's like grave robbing but... hmm, what is the difference between the two?
>>
No. 965192 ID: b1b4f3

>>965178
Huh, looks like genderswapped versions of you and Pillet.

>>965180
Yeah she's right, it's basically impossible to give a false translation if the language sample is of a decent size, and you've got a pretty big sample here. So if she wants to help with it that'll be neat. If she wants to REALLY help the archaeologists she could lead them to more deep-fog locations. Like this one. Could be something here, just a feeling.

If noone led the old couple here... they got here on their own? Or were they here when the fog was created, and it was actually a destructive event?

>damn near close to permanent kill
She can't mean getting amnesia like you did. Did you somehow manage to make them brain-dead without killing them, then seal them away somewhere so they couldn't blow themselves up or respawn? Well, eventually they'd die of old age even if they were put on life support, so that's not permanent, but I guess that's what she could have meant anyway.
>>
No. 965194 ID: 4033f7

>>965178
Tbh, those two look similar enough that it could totally be a genderbent version of you two (not that it is, just saying the similarities are there).
>>
No. 965201 ID: a9af05

>>965180
"You sure your memory is working right? Because I'd need the power I have now in order to do what you said I did back then. Are you trying to tell me that I used to be super powerful back then?"
>>
No. 965213 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158872283175.png - (112.01KB , 800x800 , 437.png )
965213

"What about me permakilling myself by giving myself amnesia?"
>"This was a little different."
"Cool, I don't think I want to know. Although wouldn't I need to have the kind of energy I only have now?"
>"No, blowing up someone at max energy now is just overkill, they wouldn't somehow be double dead. Anyway, it wasn't something you could do normally, not now, not ever. They had a metaphorical gun of their own design, and you turned it around on them."
"Cryptic. So if this tablet was so mundane, why was it written on stone tablets instead of, I don't know, a pamphlet?"
>"Because he thought people were idiots that would believe anything as long as it was written on a stone tablet. And now, in the far flung future, it's still working."
"I'm going to shut your face now."

I grab her for that kiss I haven't been getting.
>>
No. 965214 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158872283912.png - (123.46KB , 800x800 , 438.png )
965214

After a proper makeout session, we end up on the ground.

"Yeah, there were more tablets. Maybe if you show Phantom other fog areas, more photos will be shown. By the way, that couple that was here? They looked like a genderbent version of us."
>"Wait, you remember them?"
"No, this place is doing nothing for memories. I saw a picture of them."
>".... I remember how the guy looked. How fat do you think I am, Delli?!"
"I dunno, he seemed kinda bulky! A real beefy guy!"
>"Okay so how beefy do you think I am?!"
"I could fall asleep on you right now, you big beef pillow. So why were you sweating before?"
>"Because I thought everything from that era has been destroyed by now. It hasn't, which makes me wonder what else is around! Also, I realized it was naive of me to think everything was destroyed, so that realization that I've been naive shook me up! Usually I'm ready for news like that."
"No kidding, you looked like you were sweating less than losing to Finnigan."
>"Hah, well, it was more that he beat the sweat right off me."
>>
No. 965216 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158872285958.png - (158.87KB , 800x800 , 439.png )
965216

>"Want to hear the nav trick now?"
"Sure."
>"I said I didn't use physical tools. I did use a nav bubble for myself made out of static energy. Inside that static energy was more static energy, which stored data, mostly directions, including a compass to help me figure out the exact starting location. I expanded the bubble to cover myself, which you might not've noticed since you can't sense energy, and fired off the directions. It then expels all the energy I put into it. Of course it was complex to make, a lot of math, and for each use I need to measure myself and adjust the total output accordingly. My big, beefy self this time meant I needed to put in a whole lot more energy before we left."
"Where in the world are you storing it?"

She reaches up and looks like she's pulling a cobweb of energy off her cheek, then it arranges itself into a bubble.

>"Storing it like that is a totally different trick, and optional. I could keep it in a bag if I wanted."
"Pillet these aren't tricks, this is just goddamn magic!"
>"Haha, no, Delli, it's more like computer science. You make computer chips out of energy. It gets stupidly complicated, but...."

She looks away for a second.

>"... but anyone can do it."
>>
No. 965217 ID: b1b4f3

>>965216
"Teach me."
>>
No. 965218 ID: 86eb65

Things got bad didn't they? Back in the past. And you are worried that more bad remnants might exist?

I would love to learn your energy trick if you would teach me. I have a feeling it will be useful.
>>
No. 965223 ID: 567477

Anyone can but somehow I bet there aren't many besides you who's got it down by this point. You remember a lot of stuff everyone else seems to have forgotten, Pillet.
>>
No. 965224 ID: 91ee5f

>>965216
>She reaches up and looks like she's pulling a cobweb of energy off her cheek
Ask if she’s sure she’s not storing that energy in her boobs? You’ll motorboat her to find it!

But, seriously, ask her if she can teach you how to do that navigation trick.
>>
No. 965225 ID: 567477

She essentially already said he wouldn't be able to learn it unless he got better at energy control. Get kissy instead. Become the new hidden farm couple! Well, maybe not, but Pillet's looking like she has something on her mind, so focus on the romance for now.
>>
No. 965226 ID: fa2754

>>965213
Should have known you was trouble from the first kiss. Her eyes were wide open. Why were they open? 🎶

In all seriousness, remark that she seems like she's thinking about something. Perhaps said as you're smooching her collarbone.
>>
No. 965227 ID: 015bf2

>>96521
>anyone
...maybe with A LOT of training.

There’s a reason she ain’t told people, though, yeah? Not just because it gives her a huge advantage. But because some asshats ended up abusing the tools and creating weird superweapons to use against others.

... that you somehow helped stop. Sheez, the past got serious quick.

Anyway, tell and show Pillet the find details. There were seven tablets in all and it was hidden in the drain of the remains of a fountain in a pocket area that looked like some kind of square. Sucks that it’s just anti-raider propaganda, though. Ugh, wonder how Phantom will take it.

... she’s sure that one figure over there isn’t Finnigan, by the way?
>>
No. 965232 ID: ed763f

Is that look another realization you've been naive?
>>
No. 965236 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158872992277.png - (115.83KB , 800x800 , 440.png )
965236

"There were 7 tablets, by the way. Wonder if Phantom will be disappointed it's just about raiders. Are you sure that guy wasn't Finnigan?"
>"100% positive."
"You're thinking something. Are you worried bad remnants of the past still exist? Or being more naive?"
>"Thoughts of what else might be out there. But it may be fine, it's still incredibly unlikely there's actually bad stuff."
"Yeah, and I doubt anyone has these skills down like you."
>"Yeah, I doubt it, too. Memory entropy keeps people from being able to go too far. Maybe you should practice energy control, just in case there really is someone nasty out there that might come out of the fog."
"I'll get good at energy control then, and when I do, teach me the fancy stuff!"
>"... No."
"What? Why'd you even tell me, then?" Fuck it, I go down to kiss her collarbone. Maybe motorboat her depending on her answer.
>"Because I'm a dumbass who lets myself talk too much with you! But I'm also a selfish bitch of a dumbass! So I'm keeping those skills to myself!"
"Is it also 'cause they can be abused?"
>"Yeah."
>>
No. 965237 ID: 86eb65

Does memory entropy work on you? Or does your trick and others help you avoid that?

I am wondering if you don't want to tell me much about my past because you like the new me and want me to be all innocent Delli.

Before I go all power mad and worse than death people. Just locking up strangers in the phantom zone left and right.

Continue snuggling.
>>
No. 965238 ID: e2f5cc

First ask why she seems to by implying you'd abuse the nav trick/those assorted skills, then if she's willing to barter both for lessons on how to better control energy and an answer as to how she can remember so far back. When she asks what you have to barter with start up the motorboat.
>>
No. 965239 ID: b1b4f3

>>965236
Ask her if you abused them.
>>
No. 965242 ID: 015bf2

>>965236
Legit concern, then. You’re okay with it, people go dumb with power, you should know and you trust that she’s got cause. Goal’s to get outta here anyway... and you have no idea how much might change once you open that globe.

Hug ‘er and consider how tough it’s got to have been keeping doing this for literal ages.

You know... for all she was mocking Phantom for doing fog exploration the hard way it’s at least a “safe” way of doing it that doesn’t require that kind of power finesse. If Pillet wants to show others these kinds of routes and do fog exploring she’ll have to brush up on the mundane techniques.

... she sure she shouldn’t get your power, though? Like... yeah, it’d suck to die and lose a few more marbles, but it’s not like you’ve that many right now and if Pillet gets the power she wouldn’t be at risk from some ancient douche coming out of the fog and being all “ha-ha, the reckoning has coooome, filthy raider Pillet!” while everyone goes “who’s this dumbo?” before he wows them with ancient knowledge and teaches them stupid ways to get everyone hurt.

... probably would’ve happened long ago, but still. If someone discovers some ancient scrap of knowledge that can, say, scramble her memories that’d just suuuuck and you’d want her powerful enough to resist that.
>>
No. 965243 ID: 91ee5f

>>965236
Do the motorboat. You know you want to.
>>
No. 965245 ID: fa2754

>>965236
Is she protecting herself or others with that mentality? Nuzzle that chest.
>>
No. 965246 ID: ed763f

That's probably fair. I've gone full extortionist lording those tablets over you, haven't I?
>>
No. 965247 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158873322128.png - (151.39KB , 800x800 , 441.png )
965247

"So are you doing it to protect others, or yourself?"
>"At first I convinced myself it was for others, but when it became clear no one was getting anywhere with entropy, and I still didn't give up my memories, it was entirely for myself."
"And you have tricks to avoid memory entropy?"
>"Yep."
"And you think I'd abuse them? Wait, have I abused them?"
>"No, you never had them and so never had the chance. Would you if you did? Don't know. It's not a chance I'm taking."
"Want to keep me as innocent Delli, huh!"
>"Heh, calling yourself innocent."
"True, I did extort as much as I could with those tablets! And I'm not done, either. I want to barter on getting lessons from you for good energy control, and an answer to why you're immune to the entropy, if not how to become immune."
>"I've been willing to teach you energy control, at least the basics. The rest? What are you putting down on the table? You'll have to do better than anti-raider propaganda."

I shift down and motorboat her.
>>
No. 965248 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158873323827.png - (177.64KB , 800x800 , 442.png )
965248

She lets me ruffle her fur and laughs, but then grabs me and rolls around to get on top.

>"Cute, Delli. But not cute enough. The only thing you have to offer me is that power cluster that landed on you. Unless you let me kill you, you've got nothing that'll buy those secrets from me."
>>
No. 965249 ID: 86eb65

Yeah but that is a bit creepy and probably not a polite thing to ask for.

But if you do I might give it to you.
>>
No. 965250 ID: 365ffb

That's fair to be honest, though she really might need to share some details at some point. If you can do all that stuff with just energy acting as a computer chip... that definitely seems like the kind of thing that could cause <i>all of this</i> magic reality stuff you observe in your daily life.
>>
No. 965251 ID: 567477

Wow getting really kinky now Pillet, phew. Too bad, not into it. Not right now, anyway. Got to at least try getting good energy control so we can see what this level of energy can do from the driver's seat, cause when's this level of energy going to come around again? Besides, you said Delli was always a power climber. If you have the energy the only one he'll have to gun for is you, and that's not a happy situation. Not for anyone else, either, I think.

Work on how much the rest of the city trusts you, Pillet, then we'll talk about maybe passing this along. As for secrets... well, maybe we don't have anything right now, but we didn't have the tablets yesterday. Who knows what'll come up?
>>
No. 965252 ID: e2f5cc

How about no. We randomly got the power cluster fair and square, so it's ours! Besides, I don't think this is the most fitting place to discuss such things
>>
No. 965253 ID: 567477

Anyway speaking of things coming up, Pillet try figure out how to use energy to make your dick bigger. Maybe you'll unlock the secret to memory perpetuation yourself, who knows!! Probably not through dick energy, but maybe. Maybe.
>>
No. 965254 ID: a0dfd2

>>965248

Legitimate question: why not?

Secondary and far more legitimate question: what would she do with that kind of power?
>>
No. 965255 ID: b1b4f3

>>965248
For now. You'll just go out with Phantom again and find more tablets. Then you'll see how much more she can sweat!
>>
No. 965256 ID: fa2754

>>965248
The urge to let her femme fatale you is rising along with other things.

It's crazy how much she knows about this world. Lens creedence to the fact that she wants out. Or rather, to get back to how things were before. She gave us some time earlier, but the matter time it would take for us to learn everything she knows would likely be way beyond her patience.

Which brings us back to letting her have the power that she worked to get. Frankly, I'm on the side of letting her have it. I just really hope she won't fly off the handle with it.

Ask her to at least give you one really good night here before you wake up next month coming out of the fog, and you won't come back to just ruins.
>>
No. 965257 ID: 015bf2

Girrrrl.

All you had to do was ask.

Do you want to be powerful? Heck yeah. Do you need it? Nah. Not if someone’s got your back. Not if this whole place is gonna be changing soon because someone “selfishly” made it their mission to get it done. Secrets are cool and all, but that’s not why you’d trade.

‘Cuz she “selfishly” could’ve just given up on that and lived out like a billion lives however she wanted, even if only out in the margins like here. Instead she scrapped for, what, thousands of years now? Kept old abuses from happening. Even if regular abuse kept happening she’s changed the direction of Haze Town through persistence. Would someone like Phantom ever even have become a gang leader if she hadn’t been around poking at the system every now and again?

You kinda wish whatever weird immortality experiment this was had ended up somewhere better, but you’re willing to explore whatever’s beyond it. And if her getting that power helps - you’ve been wary of abusing it - then... yeah.

It’s that or you gotta convince way more people that their best interests align with the selfish desires of one Pillet, Primordial Queen of Drama. You’re not sure you’re that persuasive!
>>
No. 965259 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158873657853.png - (148.55KB , 800x800 , 443.png )
965259

"That's a weird impolite thing to ask for Pillet!"
>"I'm not asking, I'm telling you the price."
"I don't know if I'm feeling that! Maybe there's some part of me willing to sacrifice my power back to you, but maybe I should just go back out hunting with Phantom for secrets to get you flustered again? Or... wait, you're kind of squeezing my arms, are you?"
>"Yeah? When even just a part of you is considering giving me back my power cluster... that's got my undivided attention, Delli!"
"'Your' power cluster? It landed on me fair and square."
>"No, Delli, that was just life! It was not fair or square! But it landed on you and it could have been so much worse, so I've kept my bitching about it in check."
"What would you even do with that power?"
>"Get the key, duh. I agreed to a truce, but you know what? If Phantom got over me, I'd help her with her search for more tablets or whatever! But if we didn't find anything, the second the truce expired, I'd search the hell out of the town for that key."
"Maybe if you had more trust of the town... kind of feels like the power I got is the whole town's power, and I'd betray the whole town just letting you have it here and now. This isn't really the best place to discuss it anyway!"
>"Next to a stagnant fountain in a rotting resting area, well outside of the town's ability to intrude on us? The fog claustrophobically surrounding us? I can't think of a better place than this."
"Haha, kind of a crummy place to die. I'm not saying I will, but if I did I'd want to make the most of the night! And some promise that I won't come back to ruins next month."
>"You wouldn't even need to ask on either count. If I wanted this place to be in ruins, I'd have let people in charge do that just fine. And like I said, I'll honor the truce and help Phantom. I don't expect to find anything, but you've already proven it's possible."
>>
No. 965264 ID: 465a14

Well, probably best to think about what your priorities are instead of making an impulsive decision with most of the ecosystem's energy, but it's something to consider.
>>
No. 965269 ID: 86eb65

If the stuff with Phantom works we get the key and maybe make a friend. If not? Well I am getting that damn key one way or another.

I am enjoying my one time claim to fame. Might be my last chance depending on what sort of world exists after the keys are used.

Do you have any idea where we will end up?
>>
No. 965271 ID: 91ee5f

>>965259
And now your dick is poking her because her being on top of you is turning you on so much right now!

>give me the power!
If you give up the power to her, then you’ll just end up becoming a powerless nobody again. You don’t want to be like that. You’re also afraid that you’ll forget everything again, which is something you really don’t want to happen.

If she’s that desperate, can’t she use the same method that Finnigan was using earlier?

>she’s sweating again
Is she getting nervous? Or are you turning her on?
>>
No. 965272 ID: 567477

Look, Delli, I think if you give up the power, you'll be back to wanting it again soon after. You've been giving the town a vacation from the drama, and it'd be good to give them some more time, 'cause they haven't relaxed enough to start using it yet. Or, like... without the power struggle dramas, maybe the last thing anyone was paying attention to to mark SOME sort of events happening, after a while people will start feeling the timelessness more and start coming around. There's no rush.

Also, seriously, you coming out to the decaying ghost house of some sweet old couple who are gone where apparently you had memories that are now gone and now your more-immortal-than-anyone-else girlfriend is all "oh things would be so much easier and faster if you let me murder you" IS kind of fuckin' creepy, man, objectively, especially with her perched on top of you like that. That bit about "some part of you being willing having my undivided attention" kinda makes it sound like there's nothing else that would draw her attention more, you know? It's just phrasing, but it's unsettling. Don't you think so? Especially when she's just spent most of the time here building up "oh Delli let me just incidentally reveal how I'm wiser and more skilled than everyone else and aren't I the person who knows best, really"?

I'd say it's time you were going back to the city, man.
>>
No. 965274 ID: bead18

Let her kill you, she's insanely more skilled than you and knows what's going on.
>>
No. 965276 ID: e2f5cc

No matter how you go about things, do not agree to this now. Give yourself some time to think about what exactly giving your power to Pillet would entail. Don't get peer pressured young (in psyche) goat!
>>
No. 965277 ID: b1b4f3

>>965259
Wait a second, I just realized. If Pillet made herself immune to memory entropy, that means she remembers everything since she got here... wouldn't you get really fucking tired of getting stuck in the same city? Ask Pillet if she really wants to lift the fog for everyone else's sake. She's keeping her advanced techniques secret for selfish reasons, so I feel like those selfish reasons could also apply to lifting the fog.
>>
No. 965281 ID: a0dfd2

>>965259
Pillet, you're getting worked up again.

Maybe now really isn't the best time for this.

If anything, the fact that we're leveraging this kind of stuff — making deals for secrets — it's … it feels kind of bad.

Getting the key, lifting the fog — yeah, we know about that. It's all she ever says. But we don't know what that means, nor do we even know why we practically committed suicide (or as near as one can get). Hell, we barely remembered her, and still don't fully recall things.

What's our biggest memory? A vending machine and hanging out?

This is centuries — hundreds of years we've known Pillet. That's a lot of stuff for her to hold over us, like these tricks and techniques. And sure, it's not fair — that's life, as she pointed out — but it doesn't inspire confidence, either.

So why do you really want this, Pillet, and why can't you tell us? What is it that's so terrible to know?
>>
No. 965282 ID: ed763f

It's kind of pointless to get techniques if you sacrifice the power to use them really effectively.

Also she's sweating all suspicious again.
>>
No. 965283 ID: fa2754

>>965259
It's hers if she can lead Phantom's teams to every bubble she knows about in the fog. Translation services too. She implied it, but the promise of letting you come back before she clears the fog would be appreciated.
>>
No. 965284 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158873962181.png - (171.22KB , 800x800 , 444.png )
965284

"Won't it be pointless to learn this stuff if I don't have power."
>"By the time you learn it, you'll have eaten so much food you'll have more than enough power."
"Welll, Pillet..."
>"Yesss?"
"I hope you don't think I'm going to decide on the outcome of the entire city's ecosystem of energy based on an impulsive decision I make right now! Do you?"
>"You are impulsive. You already know what there is to know, so what'll it be, Delli?!"
"I haven't gotten my fill of being a strong important goat man yet. I'm not ready to go back to being nobody!"
>"But you won't be! You'll have me. I'll give you some great food, you'll be stronger than most anyone fast, and I know you have the talent to use energy well if you train anyway."
"How come you're so nervous, anyway?"
>"Nervous? I'm antsy because you're being a teasing bitch again, more than ever! Not giving me a yes or no!"
"Haha I thouhgt you were patient."
>"I've been patient for as long as these tablets were written, Delli! Yes I've been a little bit on edge lately and you haven't been helping with all your... well, your help, but also you being maybe yes maybe no about giving me the energy cluster's power!"
"But there isn't a rush, is there?"
>"No, and if this all falls through then I'll keep trying, but before this, I only knew the finish line existed! But now, I can see it! That's new! And now you're dangling your power just out of arms reach, with your 'no rush' lack of impulsive thinking! This is way harsher teasing than the tablet!"
"This is my last chance to be on top!" I say, on the bottom. "If you remember everything, and were stuck in a small town like this for that long... has it driven you nuts, Pillet? Are you sure it's in the best interest for the town, or is it just so you can leave?"
>"Those aren't things I can give satisfying answers to, Delli, not as things are! But as empty as you might think it sounds, no, it's not just for selfish reasons."

I look over to the side where that ghost house is looking pretty damn spooky.

"This seriously isn't the best place."
>"We're not done talking. Name another place that you think is better, if you don't like this spot."
>>
No. 965286 ID: e2f5cc

Back at base, once I've had time to think.
>>
No. 965287 ID: 465a14

Fuck it, sure.
>>
No. 965288 ID: 015bf2

>>965259
You can think of a better place to do this, though. In town, with witnesses, having told your intentions, so people can tell she didn’t just somehow manage to just geek you.

‘Cuz at least then people get to blame you for being a dumbass instead of deciding on Pillet bein’ all sneaky and evil for at least a month before you get back to set the record straight. And sure, it gives them a chance to complain and change your mind, but is that so bad? She gets to listen to their reasoning as well and can counter it. You’re already disposed to be on her side.

You’re predisposed to let the truce time out and see where you get with Phantom before deciding, even if that feels a bit wishy-washy. Though... the reason you wanted to have Phantom poke about was in case she stumbled across the truths of Haze Town and the snow globe. If Pillet could just tell you, that... might shortcut the process a bit.

>>965277
Pillet’s probably is selfishly motivated, but A) who isn’t and B) we kinda agree with that selfish desire.

Also we could just ask. Is one of the reasosn she’s so keen on overturning things because she’s basically tired of eternity? Or is there more to it?
>>
No. 965290 ID: 567477

The place is a problem but not as much a problem as how you're acting, Pillet. This is kind of a big deal and this is getting really uncomfortable and all those ha-ha jokes about how much you can be trusted are feeling less funny by the moment. There's, like, a serious imbalance of power here, you know? Like the literal power is all in one person's hands but you know that's not going to get used, while here you are with all the answers and all the secrets and you're literally looking to get all the keys to the kingdom for yourself. What do you even want the power for that Delli can't do if you need it done? Like, seriously, what, even? Specifically? Examples?

We want to trust you, Pillet, but like... you literally said yourself the reason you don't want to say anything is because of the reaction it gets, so what could it be that wouldn't also be a reason to not go along with this?
>>
No. 965291 ID: b1b4f3

>>965284
Before you do, you need to know one thing. Why did you fog-death yourself?
>>
No. 965292 ID: ed763f

You could have let Finn blast you and got the energy that way. But why change gears from that now? Are you worried there's some secret hidden somewhere that will make me back out or start a downward spiral again? Is 'somewhere' inside the static energy I got?

It almost certainly makes me a bad person that I'd choose power over wisdom or the truth or whatever, but yeah, at least for now that's what I'll do. I don't know why the energy found me but it did, so I'll stick with the hand I've got. Also this feels so much like making a deal with the devil a simile doesn't cut it.
>>
No. 965295 ID: 015bf2

>>965288
Response was to last last post, but is pretty spot on.

Only thing to add might be a bit more certainty. Like, if Phantom’s made no real progress on truth-hunting by the end of the truce, you’re okay with letting Pillet have the power. She’d be a great deal more surgical in her hunt for the key than you could be anyway, and stepping up the hunt would be the logical next step once the truce expires. You weren’t planning on just continuing sitting and goofing around, right? Fun as it might’ve been.
>>
No. 965296 ID: 91ee5f

>>965284
Since she’s got the best memory of everyone in town, ask her how these places end up in the fog. Is the fog barrier slowly shrinking or something?
>>
No. 965302 ID: 015bf2

>>965288
Oh, just to clarify, the actual act doesn’t have to happen in town. Wouldn’t want a killsteal, yeah?
>>
No. 965308 ID: 1ed92d

>>965284
Was all that relationship, friendliness and joking about just a ploy, a way to get Delli vulnerable and willing to consider something like this?

Taking advantage of your friends like this is enough to ruin even the oldest and deepest relationship, Pillet.
>>
No. 965319 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158874764575.png - (118.48KB , 800x800 , 445.png )
965319

"Let me think about it. In town. And not just us two. We can hold a whole panel with a lot of people voicing their concerns and stuff. I'm predisposed to be on your side here, but people should get a vote. The kill can be in a place like this, not in town, but for the discussion, it's got to be in the town. Hell, Pillet. I hold all the raw power, but it somehow feels like you hold the real power."
>"Grass is always greener on the other side, huh."
"... Would you exchange all your knowledge, for all my power?"
>"Shit, nevermind. You got me."
"Okay, back when Finn got you. You said you could've tricked the power out of me. Why didn't you?"
>"I know I'm not a good person. But I don't want to be that bad, either. As badly as I want the power you have... I don't want to burn up a relationship with you for it."
"Yeah, look, I want to trust you. There's still parts of me that just want to ask you a few favors, then hand the power and the keys to the kingdom over. But you keep joking about how you can be trusted and all that, and it can get kind of tiring, like you're making light of actual concerns. And, you know, you won't tell us things because of the reaction it gets. I've gone over why those 'things' sound like reasons not to go along with your plans."

She frowns.
>>
No. 965320 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158874765597.png - (172.41KB , 800x800 , 446.png )
965320

Then she rolls back off me and lays on her back.

>"For a little while tonight, we were dancing around the serious topics jokingly. You teasing with the tablets. Me getting excited for new stuff and progress. Things like that. That was fun. I figured it wouldn't have lasted forever, but I must have missed the mood shift."
"Yeah. I'm starting to think you're worried we're going to find some secret that'll make me back out."
>"Not likely."
"I also want to know why I became a fog dweller. Deather. Whatever it's called."
>"I like dweller, personally. But there's probably no secret about that. It seemed like you had enough and needed a reboot, and that was all there was to it. I remember everything I've experienced, but I'm not omnipresent, and so I'm not omniscient. If there was more to it, I don't know it."
"Yeah okay... tell me something. I'm on your side. If you need something done that needs huge power, I can do it. So why do you want the power for yourself? What would you do, that I can't or wouldn't do myself? Give me examples."
>"... be on top."
"Huh?"
>".... I acted like there could be some grand reason, but there isn't. I wanted to be on top for once, Delli. Like you did. When you even entertained the thought of giving it to me, I pushed, and I fucked up doing it. I'm sorry. You've been good to me. Letting me stuff my face with food and all that. The important thing is that when we leave town, no one has the power to kill you or me permanently. Other than that, it doesn't matter which of us has the power. Keep it. I'll try not to ask for it again."
>>
No. 965321 ID: b1b4f3

>>965320
Tell her not to feel bad. That desire is what she wants to give back to everyone in the city. She should have it too. She should be able to keep asking.
How about this: she can keep asking you for it. And each time, you'll give her a different reason why you won't give it up. (secretly plan for them to all be ridiculous reasons.) In fact... there was a way to make power clusters right? To transfer energy without dying? How about if you ever repeat an answer, or run out of reasons (and you'll keep a list of ones you used), you have to give her some of your power.
>>
No. 965327 ID: ea75a5

Alright fine you can have the power since it means way more to you than I realised, sorry about not trusting you as much as I said I would’ve. I’m not gonna give it to you right now since if i’m gonna be gone for a month I wanna finish the stuff I got planned but once that’s done with then we can get this whole thing sorted out.
Also I wanna cake when I get back. Promise me the cake and I’ll promise you your power.
>>
No. 965328 ID: fa2754

It must be so frustrating. Have all her work fall into the hands of someone like you. Who has no sense of direction and hesitates at.. a lot. Sorry Pillet. Hate to be the last step you have to climb. Just know that it is the last step. Does she trust you to take her to the end, though?
>>
No. 965330 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158875160883.png - (125.12KB , 800x800 , 447.png )
965330

"You don't have to stop asking, Pillet. Having desire is a luxury around here, you know, and it must kind of suck to have your boyfriend be the last step to everything you ever wanted. So close, but I'm just indecisive and hesitant about everything."
>"Heh. I didn't even think about it that way."
"Do you trust me to bring you to the end?"
>"Almost as much as trusting myself to."
"Well, keep asking for the power now and then, just try not to be so intense about it, yeah? I'll just come up with new reasons why I won't give it, at least not until I do. Hell, you made a cluster, didn't you? Couldn't I give you just some of my power?"
>"Not anytime soon. It took me ages just to figure out my crude way that needed to kill people to store their power. Putting out portions of one's own power that others could absorb.... one of the people in the top row of the tablet had that technique. It's forgotten."
"Before I forget to ask, tell me something. Is the fog shrinking or anything?"
>"No."
"Were places like these always here?"
>"If you mean the bubbles, yes. The construction was done from scratch, carrying materials through the tunnels one load at a time. Must've taken years."
"Well... since I'm not giving you my power now, maybe that's it for now. When and if I do give you the power, I'm going to make you sign a long list of promises. Helping Phantom's research. Giving me a big cake on my return. Other things I'm sure I can think of on time."
>"Mmm... helping Phantom's research sounds tough. She'd have to want my help."
"Heh, yeah."
>"Think it's time to go back to town, then? Hasn't sounded like you want to spend the night here."
>>
No. 965331 ID: 470289

Might as well, yeah.

Was thinking you could probably do like, a yearly power rotation thing if need be, but that's probably best not to bring up right now.
>>
No. 965334 ID: 015bf2

Unless she wants to dig through the fountain grunge and dirt for incredibly-rare stone tablets... yeah. This place is falling apart, and any of your old memories here must've have gone with the old couple.
>>
No. 965338 ID: fa2754

>>965330
Promise that you'll be there at the end, beside her. Offer your hand and walk into the fog together.
>>
No. 965339 ID: eb4a6c

I feel like if Phantom knew Pillet was actually a huge COMP SCIENCE NERD PERSON, her opinion would be different.

She see's Pillet as a reckless implacable force of disruption and turmoil instead of a secretive lore-keeping nerd wizard lady. Kinda feels like the second one is what Phantom wants to be. It'd be kind of fun to shift her opinion from grouchy fearful disrespect of Pillet to grouchy fearful envy of Pillet.
>>
No. 965347 ID: 1ed92d

>>965330
Dunno. Spending the night here might be nice. Perhaps just stick some glowing lights over your heads and pretend that it's stars.
>>
No. 965355 ID: 86eb65

This place could make a neat little private den if we wanted to fix it up. Are the original couple that built it and that we hung out with still themselves?

Cause if we wanted I bet you could load me down with a entire building worth of crap to bring out here.

Staying out here one night might be fun. And I bet dissapearing like this will have Phantom and her old circle panicking.
>>
No. 965359 ID: 5877dc

Ask her if the fact that the power cluster landed on you, was that really a coincidence?
>>
No. 965362 ID: 848751

Yeah, unless you want to sleep in the fountain?
>>
No. 965369 ID: 567477

I know this place was supposed to be nostalgic, but it's ended up being kinda sad. It's like a representation of the whole town, in a way. Someone a long time ago put a lot of effort into making it a nice place to get away from it all and live in peace together, but now the people who were just happy to be together are gone, and what they built is just... decaying.

... Another serious question, just to get it out of the way now, while we're already down. It's not really a good thought, but I figure knowing it's on the mind is something that should be out there. Maybe help show how and why these things about memory and secrets are causing problems.

Pillet, you've said you two always get together again eventually. Out of all those times you can remember, in many of them does Delli come back just because he forgot the reason he left in the first place?
>>
No. 965370 ID: a0dfd2

>>965330

>The important thing is that when we leave town, no one has the power to kill you or me permanently.
But do we even know if everything will still be the same? That we'll still have power at all, once the fog is lifted?

Sure, it's probably not the direct source of it all, but does anyone even remember what things were like when we all first got here? The only thing it did can't possibly be JUST granting us immortality in exchange for our memories.

Not that it means no, but ... has Pillet considered what would happen if we do use the keys and lift the fog, and suddenly everyone's just some sad powerless mortal schmuck? A hundred thousand angry mortal schmucks seem pretty powerful against two more.

>Hasn't sounded like you want to spend the night here.
I mean, if you like moldy sheets and a rotting bed, then sure, but that seems a bit much. Not to mention a photo of a couple who look distressingly like a genderbent version of us and keeps making it seem like we're maybe possibly in a Reaver quest.
>>
No. 965372 ID: ed763f

I know you have memories of this place, but to me it could be a monument to everything I've forgot.

Phantom might be better at rationalizing her actions as 'the greater good' or whatever, but you both believe in something other than your own power, so you don't have to be like matter and anti-matter. Worst case scenario is, she doesn't appreciate your help translating the tablets and you don't get to see a repeat performance of the reaction she had to seeing your mug on an ancient artifact.
>>
No. 965388 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158878598290.png - (108.07KB , 800x800 , 448.png )
965388

"Yeah, unless you want to sleep in the fountain."
>"Har."
"Maybe if this place was fixed up a bit more. I wonder if Phantom would panic if we suddenly disappeared. You know, she might like you better if she noticed you're a huge computer science nerd."
>"That or I'll ruin computer science for her forever."
"Maybe. You should've seen her face when we uncovered that ancient tablet, just for her to see your mug on it."
>"Damn, I did miss out."
"Seriously though I don't think she's that petty! Okay, here's another serious question. You say we always get back together. How often do I come back just because I forget why I left?"
>"I think that's a weird way to think about it. People get tired of any hobby or job or whatever, need a break, then come back. It's not like they had to swear off their activity for eternity to leave it for a little while. Likewise, sometimes you get tired of fighting, need a break, and I think you'd come back even if you remembered it all in full."
"Kind of a vague, fuzzy answer, there..."
>"It was a vague, fuzzy question. There were a couple times, though, where you got fed up with me keeping too many secrets."
"Yeah? Maybe you should tell me secrets to change it up, then."
>"Let me think about that."
>"Right, well for now, I've been spoiled on soft beds, not rotten ones next to genderbent versions of ourselves, so I don't think I could sleep here."

Pillet mutters something about how I slept in a dusty closet just fine. She flicks a dozen or two energy shots up, and leaves them shining at the fog's ceiling.
>>
No. 965389 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158878601071.png - (116.90KB , 1200x800 , 449.png )
965389

"What're you doing, Pillet?"
>"Just wanting to pretend I'm seeing stars with my own eyes."
"Stars?"
>"... just some more old concepts. Actually, I do have an example for what I'd do with your power. Show you all what a real night sky is like. I'm low on batteries, so that right there is just pathetic."

Maybe I could do that for her, sometime, if it's just throwing up a bunch of lights in the sky.

"Hey, Pillet. Was that power cluster landing on me really a coincidence?"
>"The power cluster was probably magnetized towards people who had put power in it. Since the cluster was fired away from where most rebels were, an outlier like you was given a better chance on top of that. So you lucked out, but mostly because of the preceding circumstances, not that it landed on you specifically."
"Huh. So I think I asked this before, but if the fog was lifted, do we keep our power?"
>"If I had to bet, yes. But I don't know. There is one point in time where I lost my memories. Before that, there were still people - let's call them the top row - that knew what was going on. But they also lied and misled people. What was truth and what was lies... I don't know."
"Unless we want to dig for secrets. This place had a fountain too, so I kind of wondered..."
>"I'll show you the way back here later if you really want, but there isn't any ancient tradition of hiding time boxes under fountains."
"Alright. Let's get outta here."
>>
No. 965390 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158878605394.png - (182.17KB , 800x800 , 450.png )
965390

We hold hands and wander off into the fog, then Pillet makes it back after about 15 minutes. It's gotten pretty late, and I could use some sleep.

>"Long time no see."
"Real nostalgic. Uh, you kind of look on edge."
>"I had a thought on my way back. I need to check something out."
"Sure. I can help."
>"On my own, Delli."
"Caaaan you tell me where?"
>"Not exactly. I'll tell you it's an old.... database. Out of town. Thinking about how you found that tablet made me think I might have missed something. I searched it top to bottom, but that was a long time ago and I'm not sure how good of a job I did in hindsight. It's going to take me awhile. I may be gone for a few weeks. Before I go, I'll leave some directions to a bunch of fog bubbles so you and Phantom can spend time searching them up, plus a word for word translation of those tablets. Will you be okay with that?"
>>
No. 965392 ID: e2f5cc

Well, could you at least say what you'll be searching for, and why it might take a few weeks?
>>
No. 965393 ID: fa2754

As long as she promises to come back and kick your butt at arcade games again.
>>
No. 965394 ID: 86eb65

Oh man Phantom would be pissed if she knew you had a secret archive way out in the fog. I will avoid telling her.

What sort of info are you looking for? In the best terms you can tell me without ruining your precious secrets?

Long story short is there a death ray somewhere that you are trying to keep hidden and if I run into it during my explorations what should I do with it and what might it look like.
>>
No. 965396 ID: 0cd962

Can I come? I would never remember the trip so could not go back and I would keep quiet about it to Phantom.

It might make a good open up with secrets thing. As this might be our last go around before the keys get used.
>>
No. 965397 ID: e8cafe

Say that's fine, also thank her as it's actually giving us a lot.
>>
No. 965398 ID: 5877dc

Say bye to granny. Tell her you hope she comes back young and rejuvenated and that hopefully she doesn't turn into a murder girlfriend.
>>
No. 965400 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158878893760.png - (134.24KB , 800x800 , 451.png )
965400

"Man, Phantom would be pissed if I told her you had a secret archive."
>"Please don't."
"I won't, but what're you looking for in that place?
>"Data."
"Wellll, if may be okay if you promise to come back and beat me at arcade games. Why will it take so long?"
>"It's a big place, it's in ruins, and the trip through the fog takes over a week."
"God damn. Seriously, can I come? I won't tell anyone, and it'd go a long way to open up with the secrets."
>"It would, wouldn't it."

She puts her hand on me.

>"And I believe you. But... you mentioned Phantom was nervous about you being in her library? Well, this database is the my version of that. You could ruin me. I don't believe you would. But just the thought that you could? I don't I have the nerve for that. Besides, you have plenty of things to do with Phantom."
"... Okay, okay. Just, might be the last shot I have to see a place like that before we use the keys."
>"If you ever give me your power before we use the keys, ask to see it again. The answer may change."
"Okay, bye old lady. Don't turn into a murder girlfriend when you come back."
>"Haha, I won't. Anything else you want before I go?"
>>
No. 965401 ID: 5877dc

Handholding.
>>
No. 965402 ID: e8cafe

HUG
>>
No. 965403 ID: e2f5cc

Smooch, hug, and try to fit in some handholding too
>>
No. 965405 ID: 465a14

some good ol fashioned blideo blames on top of the touchy feely might be nice
>>
No. 965406 ID: dce46f

Just a quick hug, and a promise you'll be back.
>>
No. 965407 ID: ed763f

Smooch her, but leave her wanting more. Say you promise you'll hold things together the best of your ability.
>>
No. 965409 ID: 015bf2

>Anything else you want before I go?
"Insist you grab a backpack of chocolate, cuz' you know you love it so."

Hug her, give her a cheeky chin peck, then shove her off like you're all 'aw geez now it's getting so sappy it's awkward'.
>>
No. 965411 ID: 86eb65

Just stay for the night and snuggle.
>>
No. 965412 ID: 567477

Would probably be a good idea for her to tell you any stuff to take care of while she was gone. Feed the plants water the dog sort of things.
>>
No. 965413 ID: fa2754

>>965400
Forgiveness for ruining the earlier mood. Promise of letting you make it up to her.
>>
No. 965415 ID: b1b4f3

>>965400
Yeah, how about some sweet sweet lovin' to tide you over while you're stuck with Phantom who won't do anything like that. Oh wait, there's Poletta if you need some release...
>>
No. 965417 ID: a0dfd2

>>965400

Sappy moment. Time for a hug.

Then whisper at her while you hold each other, "I like it when you tell the truth."
>>
No. 965419 ID: 214cda

A hug. In bed.

And some CHOCOLATE.
>>
No. 965431 ID: 567477

Oh, yeah, there's the other tablets. And anything else we might find in the meantime. Anything Pillet wants to say in advance of whatever devastating reveals could pop up? Any obvious potential misunderstandings to counter?

She could also probably get a head start on that relationship building with Phantom, AND countering any possible conspiracy theories, by just jotting down a quick phrase book for that language for Phantom's researchers to get started with.
>>
No. 965433 ID: 1ed92d

>>965400
A hug would be nice.
>>
No. 965447 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881206392.png - (102.38KB , 800x800 , 452.png )
965447

"Hug!"

And so it happens. There's some smooching too.

"And I'll do my best not to let things fall apart here."
>"Just leave Soletta in charge. Hell, make her the mayor."
"Why not. Promise me you'll be back?"
>"Like I'd stay in a place like that for long. I promise."
"Grab yourself a pack of chocolate then."
>"Haha, already planning on it."
"Any big things we might find you might want to make a note of?"
>"I didn't even expect a tablet. I couldn't imagine, so no, I'll come back to explain myself if you do."

We play a little bit of video games until I fall asleep on her.
>>
No. 965448 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881207313.png - (153.30KB , 800x800 , 453.png )
965448

I wake up with no memory of being put to bed. Pillet's gone. There's a full transcript of the tablets, directions for fog destinations, and a note that reads 'love you'.

Phantom meets me so I can give her the goods. She seems vaguely elated about the delivery and confused that Pillet's left for weeks, but we get to studying after she drops off the transcript to her team for review. Phantom doesn't seem disappointed at all that it was just about the raiders. She wasn't expecting a convenient record of everything about life back then, and just having written text was a huge find.

I also have Soletta start lending Phantom some manpower, although Phantom is clear that they won't be put in positions of much power out of fear of spies. Soletta agrees that it's reasonable, including herself in list of possible spies.
>>
No. 965449 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881208489.png - (183.07KB , 800x800 , 454.png )
965449

A week goes by. I start thinking of Pillet's made it to her destination yet.

I keep up my basic energy training. Phantom manages to get some instructor that's apparently a badass or something in energy control. I'm not sure he is, I didn't ask him for a demonstration to prove it since he had Phantom's approval. He basically tells me to do random tricks for hours.

But I find out that it's actually really good practice, because his face constantly looks like he's watching me do everything wrong in life. So I think about what I'm doing wrong, and I do it better, and his expression gets slightly less hyper-judgement on me so I know I'm doing better. Then he moves me onto another trick and it starts over.

So I'm basically just paying this guy to stare at me while I practice and it's doing wonders.
>>
No. 965450 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881209755.png - (153.84KB , 800x800 , 455.png )
965450

During the second week, we start making more discoveries. They aren't as distant as the tablets, but still have well earned spots in the best museums. Phantom's team starts guessing that the tablets themselves were from nearly 5000 years ago, though cautioning that the estimate is extremely rough.

Then Phantom gives me a call, and summons me to see something.

"Hey, Phan - er, what happened?"
>"There was a cult in one of Pillet's fog destinations. Sorry, I haven't bothered cleaning up much yet."
"Oh... you alright?"
>"I lost several of the research team that came with me. I would've called you, but it was an ambush. Anyways, that's not why I called you. The research team is there now with some fighters to do a dig, but we found some carvings they had in their wall."

She shows me a big printout of the picture she took.
>>
No. 965451 ID: 465a14

cool we're postapoc

it's probably fine there can't be infinite asteroids, all this already happened and is now over forever
>>
No. 965452 ID: b1b4f3

>>965450
...
fuck.

Pillet must know about this, surely? Yet she still wants to lift the fog. That means either the lands beyond the city are not as ruined as the carvings imply, or... she thinks the outside world can still be lived in, despite the destruction. Come to think of it, that second possibility is quite likely. After a long period of time, nature reclaims and heals the land, and the fog has been here for over five hundred years. Also we can just fuckin' make raw materials in preparation for moving out into the world, and there's no way the meteor shower is still going on.

Oh, ask Phantom how the hell Pillet could have possibly gotten such vastly superior methods for traversing the fog. The trick she shared with you doesn't explain it fully.
>>
No. 965453 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881303698.png - (129.91KB , 800x800 , 456.png )
965453

>"Postapoc!"
"I guess so."
>"There can't be infinite asteroids though. So we're probably fine to leave town if we want. If Pillet wants to leave town, and she does know about this, she must think it's not unsalvageable. Heck, we can make raw materials."
"Maybe so."
>"You sound unsure."
"Something's odd about it. I was under the impression we made came to this town to avoid tragedy, and this would line up with that, but... some of the previous carvings made it look like we made this town from scratch. If we had the tech to make something like this town... did we really need to lock ourselves in here? Could we not have made an anti-asteroid field in a fraction of the effort?"

>Ask Phantom how the hell Pillet could have possibly gotten such vastly superior methods for traversing the fog
I haven't actually told Phantom about that... I'm not sure if Pillet wanted me sharing that.
>>
No. 965455 ID: 465a14

Let's not mention it for now. Besides, different lines of tech development/knowledge aren't 1:1 congruent, just because you know how to do one thing doesn't mean you know how to do another. I can see the fog and stuff as being a flawed attempt at immortality. But it's a bit weird, and this is just one fragment of a single perspective on whatever happened. Probably best to keep looking.
>>
No. 965457 ID: b1b4f3

I'm talking about the fog destinations Pillet gave her. The directions to them would be suspiciously easy to follow; ask about that. Don't tell her about the trick that Pillet showed you, though you can say that she shared *A* trick.

>anti-asteroid field
Maybe we didn't have time to make a specific countermeasure, and the fog was something people already had in place. Like an escape pod. You have those in case something goes wrong that you didn't expect, not for any specific emergency. A catch-all.
>>
No. 965458 ID: 86eb65

From the vague hints I got from Pillet the higher ups might have not had the best intentions. And they might have gotten a very bad end indeed.

She seemed rather worried that there might have been some sort of info or tech or something she missed still lying about. And I get the feeling whatever that stuff was, it might be dangerous.

If this is a emergency life bubble that our society made forever ago lots of bad stuff happened after it went up. So much so that only one or two people remember much of anything about it due to memory loss.
>>
No. 965459 ID: e2f5cc

Well, I doubt there would be a way to undo the fog if the people who built the town thought that things would be fucked forever outside of it, and we've proooobably been in here for long enough for things to less apocalyptic, so this is probably just a glimpse of what came before rather than a warning of what awaits us.

Probably.
>>
No. 965460 ID: 567477

Can't help but notice how spooky that... moon? Looks. There's another moon, so maybe that big shadowed one is actually the planet, and WE'RE on a moon? The way it has a black outline like that is like some sorta... reverse eclipse or something. Or maybe a stylistic representation of it "going dark"? Hope it's nothing to do with all this black stuff apparently underneath. Is that on the actual carving or is it like, something else, like the image being charred or something?

... Well, we don't know how much the people who made this knew. Maybe by the point this was made, the memory had already become distorted. And who knows how suddenly whoever started all this needed to start it? If it was to protect against something, maybe it was rushed. Maybe they had to repurpose something that was designed for a different goal.
>>
No. 965461 ID: 86eb65

You know what this means right?

That we need to turn our thinking around. We should not be fighting over the key and continuing life as is. We should be prepping the town for survival on the outside. A ruined world to explore now that enough "generations" have been sustained inside the fog.

Pillet strongly implied that we would not loose our powers after we left. The fog might be more of a safety nest that was supposed to keep us all safe. But then human nature kicked in and bad guys did things and fighting and centuries of memory loss happened.
>>
No. 965462 ID: ed763f

You don't understand because no matter how authoritarian you might be, you still don't lust for power for it's own sake. A person who'd make a place like this? Might. Or maybe they decided they wanted to be safe from all disasters forever.

Any idea how old those carvings are? Or if they're even legitimate or just some cult nonsense?
>>
No. 965463 ID: 567477

Current main worry: the outside of the dome isn't habitable and all the like, oxygen dissipates when we open it up. Worth investigating.

What about this cult, though? What's up with them?
>>
No. 965464 ID: 91ee5f

>>965453
>I haven't actually told Phantom about that...I'm not sure if Pillet wanted me sharing that.
Just to be on the safe side, let’s not tell Phantom about Pillet’s trick.
>>
No. 965466 ID: 015bf2

>>965453
... maybe the apocalypse was inside the fog? Something could’ve gone real wrong-bad and sent chunks is material hurtling through the fog to wipe the slate - killing people over and over, reducing structures and memories to sorry states except for that central pillar place (what IS that... people just huddling together in a pile?).

You’d have to wait for carbon dating, but if this carving beats out or matches the raider tablets... perhaps that’s why the historical record is so wiped.

Hrm. How would modern-day Haze Town protect itself against rocks hurtling from the ether? You got something like shield or repelling powers?
>>
No. 965467 ID: 4033f7

>>965463
Seriously. A large enough impact could toss the entire atmosphere into space.

>>965453
Interesting possibility: we didn't have the tech to make the fog. Instead, we digitized ourselves and we are all inside a giant quantum computer of some sort. This would keep the laws of physics from being broken, allow for the possibility that we are now on a lifeless rock, explain the respawning, and the fog border. As for why we didn't have better tech to start with, well maybe we did, but it was all glassed. If we have been here this long, it is totally believable that it could have all crumbled to dust and been rebuilt.

--

Lets try and capture some cult members alive and interrogate them (preferably as nonviolently as possible). Go for some of the guys that look like they are in charge.
>>
No. 965472 ID: 91ee5f

>>965467
>we digitized ourselves and we are all inside a giant quantum computer of some sort.
Wouldn’t the computer have also been destroyed along with everything else?

>Lets try and capture some cult members alive and interrogate them
That’s gonna be difficult, since if they really don’t want to talk, they can just blow themselves up!
>>
No. 965473 ID: ed763f

...or it's an attack. We may be looking at a record of some kind of attack, maybe even extraterestrial, through the eyes of a centuries-old neo-tribal post-apocalyptic cult thing. And that's as kooky as my speculation will get.
>>
No. 965475 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881741559.png - (85.85KB , 800x800 , 457.png )
965475

I won't tell Phantom. As for Pillet's directions that she gave Phantom, those were pretty normal to follow. A standard assortment of curves and lines with paired lengths, not necessarily in an efficient line.

"Tech isn't all congruent, is it? How do we know we could've made an anti-asteroid field? Heck, this might've already been in place as an escape pod."
>"Maybe you're right. The atmosphere could've been knocked away too, and maybe opening the town will release all the air too fast to replenish." She nerds out to herself.
"You know, Pillet didn't sound like the founders had the best of intentions."
>"What did she tell you?"
"Painfully little, but she seemed worried there might be advanced tech out there that could be abused. You know, that circle there looks kind of spooky."
>"That might be a moon - ah, think of a moon like the orbital cannon we have, except on a grander scale, and not artificial. The carving of it looks intentionally odd, we ruled out rot or something that made it accidentally weird. Maybe that's part of why I've got some reservations about assuming this was all made just to avoid some falling rocks. Or it's irrelevant. Come on. There's another major thing we found."

She leads me away.

"Any idea how old this stuff is?"
>"The researchers who looked at the tablets from before have a very rough estimate of over five thousand years old.
"Damn. Carbon dating?"
>"No. The tablets were made out of a material that makes carbon dating more unreliable than usual."
"I wonder if the meteors were inside the fog, and that grey in the middle is something else."
>"Can't rule it out, hm."
"Alien attack."
>"Can't rule it out."
>>
No. 965476 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158881742379.png - (180.84KB , 800x800 , 458.png )
965476

Phantom leads me over to another printout.

>"It lines up, about the founders I mean. They are not painted in a positive light with everyone's best interests, here."
"Oh, that does look like the top row of the tablet. Also Pillet's up there with them. I'm sure you noticed."
>"I thought all of this might have just been the ramblings of a cult, but seeing her visage on that is like seal of authenticity at this point."
"Hah. What's the cult about anyway?"
>"It was Pillet's spot, but we'll try to figure things out while she's done. We're trying to capture them alive, but the ones I fought were not... they fought as though they lacked intelligence. We can't automatically assume they were right about everything, including the meteors. They could be wrong, or it could be just be a metaphor for a disaster that was harder to visualize. Anyways, this printout describes the founders. We're working on a translation, but there's some visual aid."
"Does it say what Pillet's is?"
>"We're working on that. But below the text here, there were some visuals that looked like after the town was made, she made copies of people's brains - or minds - and put them in containers to be absorbed later. If she can do that with herself, it would explain her persistence."
>>
No. 965478 ID: 465a14

Well that's sure something, ain't it. Any way of tracking this or whatnot?
>>
No. 965479 ID: 91ee5f

>>965476
“Is that me sitting next to Pillet?”
>>
No. 965480 ID: 86eb65

Yeah one of the books you lent me had some stuff on that. Storing your own mind to reinforce it.

You know one of the biggest things she said when we were talking was just a random line in the middle. I think it was so scary because she threw it out as a offhand remark. Like saying you had lunch that day.

She said that the people up on the platform on the tablet were assholes. And that I turned there loaded gun back on them and they are all now far worse than dead because of it.

She was a bit cryptic.
>>
No. 965481 ID: e2f5cc

Hmm. Obviously that's important information but I don't think we can do much with it right now. Hey wait, one of the founders, the one to the right of Pillet, looks just like you! Is there a Phantom look-alike too?
>>
No. 965482 ID: 567477

She, specifically her, did that? That's impressive. Hey, that one there could be you with longer hair. Or the person your masks could be based off, anyway. Anyway hope you have your dudes making copies of this stuff to leave around in secret spots in case something happens to these ones.

This is kind of nice, seeing all this history. Wasn't so lost as we thought.
>>
No. 965483 ID: b1b4f3

>>965476
>lacked intelligence
A thought occurred to me. How did they stay out there? People die of old age, and everyone respawns in the city. The old couple would still be in that spot we last visited, otherwise. To remain isolated like that, they would all have to be able to go back into the fog basically immediately upon resurrection, and travel the same route through the fog, without any notes to assist them. Wouldn't memory entropy prevent that? That implies there's someone in the city whose entire purpose is to keep the directions to their sanctuary safe. Or they do a rotation, I guess. Whoever most recently resurrects has to stay in the city and guard the notes so they aren't forgotten.
Unless... these guys had some way of changing their respawn location? So they all respawn there? Most importantly, that would explain their loss of intelligence, because staying isolated out there for that long would put a toll on their minds. We could find out in 30 days I suppose... but Pillet will be back by then, and will be upset about some of her deepest secrets being uncovered. I mean, this has got to be one of the things she didn't want to be let out- that she was part of the group that became so bad they got dealt what was the closest to death we can get here. ...at least the first series of tablets proved that she split with the group before the end?
That *is* what the tablets say, right? Actually, if they do say that, wouldn't that help her reputation, rather than hurt it?
Ask Phantom what she thinks of Pillet now.

...do we know whose minds got copied? Oh, I wonder if she copied yours, Delli?
>>
No. 965484 ID: 567477

Also that thing about copies sounds kind of ominous, but if it had been used like that there'd be multiple versions of the same people running around, right? Maybe they only back up one person's memories and have to be used by the same person they came from.
>>
No. 965485 ID: 695467

Is it me or do each of those founders look vaguely similar to some of us? Pillet, Delli, Phantom, and the rest of the gang leaders?
>>
No. 965486 ID: 015bf2

‘Nother theory: our special awesome powers caused or put us in that mess. We locked ourselves up to get a grip on them / prevent abuse. Did not work out.

>Pillet can preserve memories cat out of the bag
... Pillet mentioned having seen stars to you, once. You think... no, you know she has memories from before Haze Town, but she did admit to having lost some, too. If she’s keeping mum on the truth - or whatever scattered fragments of it she retains - can Phantom think of a reason? And not just ‘mwahaha, I is evil tease’, please. There’s got to be a pretty good - even if personal and selfish - reason to keep that shit on tight lock for so long.

She did share this location and must’ve known these murals were there originally (though she might not have had faith it was preserved). What’s she trying to tell us in her roundabout-ass way here, by showing us this? Does she want us to come to our own conclusions, or...?

You mean, one of the other things she told you was that the people in charge were typically great at destroying things all on their own, no intervention from her necessary. Felt like there was an element of old resentment to that.

Also, there’s always the possibility this is a slanted historical view just like the raider tablets. Someone did make it and try to tell something with it, after all, and people have their biases.
>>
No. 965488 ID: 015bf2

>>965479
>>965485
Pillet mentioned earlier that none of the a-class assholes from the previous tablet, some or all of which repeat here, were Delli. In fact she was kind of clear that something Delli did to a superweapon of theirs majorly backfired on them and fucked ‘em up.

... oooh. Could they be the strangely ‘unintelligent’ fog cult members? Does appearances potentially match up with body drift?
>>
No. 965494 ID: 86eb65

"Oh wait these are the guys I did that thing to. That is why they are like this. They had a gun that messed up people and I turned it on them."
>>
No. 965497 ID: 3b7e08

Pillet has her own secrets and we shouldn't pry too much. She can never open up fully because the stakes are to high.

She has fought her war forever. If she trusts you and is betrayed she could lose it all.

You have to earn her trust.
>>
No. 965498 ID: ed763f

By persistence do you mean dogged determination, or aversion to changing?

A Mindrip. Speaking of dangerous technology, I think we're getting close to learning what Pillet meant when she says we close-to-permakilled those guys. Any inklings what the others did?
>>
No. 965500 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158882022670.png - (124.53KB , 800x800 , 459.png )
965500

"Persistence by never changing or forgetting, I assume. Hey, is that me there - no wait I saw that one on the top row of the tablet, and Pillet told me that one was definitely not me. If the tablets came later though, I guess Pillet did break off of this group."
>"... yes. She did. That part isn't as surprising that for awhile, she was part of the system."
"Any idea what the others did?"
>"One of them looks like they divided souls. Another could navigate the fog freely, or just efficiently."

A lot of those founders look vaguely similar, but... maybe I'm just selecting patterns that are coincidental. Phantom makes some texts on her phone, and I wait till she takes a break.

"How'd that cult even stay out there?"
>"Yet another mystery."
"Any of them look like these founders?"
>"Hm... no. Not really."
"Apparently I fucked up the founders bad, but Pillet didn't say how. Just cryptic shit about 'turning their gun back on them'. I wonder a lot about what she said actually, she's got some explaining to do."
>"You say that like that's new. Wait. Delli. Did Pillet explain to you where she went? Any detail or hint or cryptic talks at all?"
>>
No. 965501 ID: 465a14

yea but i don't get the feeling she wanted me blabbing, sup
>>
No. 965502 ID: e2f5cc

Yeah, but she didn't want me to say anything. Though depending on why you bring this up I may be willing to talk.
>>
No. 965504 ID: 91ee5f

>>965500
“No, she didn’t say where she was going. She only told me that it’ll take her an entire week of flying at full speed to get wherever she’s going. The only thing she said was that when you and I found those tablets, it made her think that maybe she overlooked something at the place she was going. So now she’s hoping she’ll also find some hidden tablets or something at the place she went to.”
>>
No. 965505 ID: b1b4f3

>>965500
Tell Phantom that you can't tell her.

At this point it's fairly obvious Pillet's database is in the former base of the founders. She's the last person that knows where it is.
...I think the "gun" could erase a person's personality and memories completely. It would also wind up changing their form, which is why none of the other founders are recognizable.
>>
No. 965506 ID: ed763f

Eh, you could explain she told you and also told you not to tell Pillet but might as well just say 'no'. Alternatively you could say 'yes' and refuse to elaborate. Or even 'can neither confirm nor deny'! What does splitting souls entail?
>>
No. 965507 ID: 567477

A couple of things, but not really cryptic or anything. Basically said she wanted to take a second look at something she'd visited before because now all this stuff is being uncovered she thinks she didn't look closely enough. I guess she also said "like I'd stay in a place like that for long", which hints that it's somewhere she doesn't like for some reason.

There's more she said that you could pick over, but really Phantom, not being mean or anything but I think your attitude to Pillet at this point would nudge you to trying to see things that probably aren't there.
>>
No. 965508 ID: 86eb65

Vague stuff I am not going to talk about. Her private buisness stays hers for now.

That tablet got her sweating Phantom. She was scared. And I did not tell her we found a disk or a databank. Just a carved stone article. So whatever it is that scared her so bad can be shown in simple pictures and words.
>>
No. 965516 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158882175532.png - (139.72KB , 800x800 , 460.png )
965516

"Uh, I don't think she wanted me saying anything. I'm going to respect that, because she got a weird sort of nervousness I've never seen out of her when I found the tablet. If I had to guess, she went to the founder's homebase?"
>"I don't think so. Look, they're printing out what I was just alerted to. It has something to do with soul splitting."

We stand in front of Phantom's hugeass printer as it slightly spits out a high quality looking picture.

"With how you feel about Pillet, Phantom, I'm afraid you might see patterns that are unfair to Pillet."
>"She gave us fog destinations and seemed to do an earnest job translating the tablets. That helped, really. I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, because maybe she had a good reason for all this rebellion. Her leading us to this unprecedented find helps, too. Here, look."

Enough of the print is out for her to start pointing around.

>"The soul divider, here... the copied souls are put together with Pillet's external memories. There's a little map here. It's like they kept Pillet's mind copies in external containers, and stored them in a location far away into the fog. If I'm reading it right, this is a bank of all of the founder's minds."
>>
No. 965517 ID: 465a14

mmmmm probably not let Pillet kill us then that doesn't seem like such a hot idea
>>
No. 965518 ID: 015bf2

>>965500
She detailed, but one of the details was “for the love of snogs do not tell anyone”, sorry. If she goes missing or something for months you’ll reconsider, but it’s not like you know the path she took anyway.

Hrm. What else to share instead... ah, Pillet mentioned there was a “top row” of people who were communicating with her - and presumably her coworkers, unless they were her coworkers but it sounded like she was referencing people a bit more in charge of this entire mess rather than stuck in it - who were more up to date on everything... but that they lied about things, so what they told her couldn’t be trusted.

Maybe there was an outside world to keep in touch with for a while, before the town got closed up.
>>
No. 965519 ID: e2f5cc

So... Sorry, but what exactly does this mean? I'm pretty sure I'm missing something but this just feels like more important information that we can't do much with yet.
>>
No. 965520 ID: 86eb65

So she is going out there and getting her info from the source? Reading the old memory backups they had before I lobotimized them or something?

That would be a good way of storing info here long term. Man I am curious to see what sort of horribly embarassing and dangerous thing she is searching there memories for.

I really hope its juicy stuff I can tease her about. Even if she does end up being a gender bent clone of one of the evil founders or something.
>>
No. 965521 ID: 567477

Ooh. Hey, remember that moment when Pillet trailed off and went "anyone can do it" about a trick of hers? Maybe it occurred to her that these founder guys' powers weren't locked to each of them alone. Negative thought: She's going to try learn all these other powers. More positive thought: If the spot she's going to is some sort of prison where these founder guys got locked away because, well, you'd think people like this would have stuck around and we haven't seen anyone even like them, and maybe imprisoning them is the thing Delli did so that seems pretty likely... maybe she's worried they've been teaching each other? Or something?

Also maybe the reason she's been so antsy about the fog is because these founder people got imprisoned and she's been feeling bad about after so long but she can't let them out while the fog's here.
>>
No. 965522 ID: 015bf2

>>965516
>founder memory bank
>start sweating
Welp. Are those coordinates to it? How far away would you say it is for someone to travel?

Also... hrm. It kind of sound like they were producing extra versions of people? Using themselves. Why?

Also, is that why Haze Town has many of these common ‘types’, like goats and rabbits, because everyone got made from the same original stock?

Sheeeez that’s heavy if so, because it implies the people inside town - or at least not all of them - uh, didn’t exactly get brought in from outside. They were duplicated into existence. Though technically, if they were the same person to start with, you could still say they came from outside. Eh.

Pillet’s rebellion is making more sense, either way. Mural crowd had superpowers and were using them to, what, create their own servant caste? She must’ve objected, in the end.
>>
No. 965524 ID: 86eb65

>>965522

Oh man our genderbent friends could have been our genderbent clones!
>>
No. 965526 ID: b1b4f3

>>965516
Neat. Please say this doesn't include directions to get there. Nobody should have access to those memories but Pillet. Nobody else can be trusted, all evidence points to Pillet being an outlier that is somehow able to resist using the ancient technology for evil.
>>
No. 965527 ID: fa2754

>>965516
One can only wonder what the founders wanted out of haze town. What did they do that caused the tipping point for Pillet to pull away from them and rebel for the rest of time? Are these guys just as immortal as she is?

Dangerous questions all of these.
>>
No. 965530 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158882462635.png - (109.10KB , 800x800 , 461.png )
965530

"So she might be going out there getting info straight from the source, huh? Oh, dang, bad thought, what if those founders, or top row of the tablet - same people actually - what if they're trapped in that memory bank? Any coordinates?"
>"No, just an indication it's far."
"What if we're all duplicates or something off some original stock of a servant caste?"
>"That's quite an assumption. But, if I can sound like a broken record, we can't rule it out. Hold on, someone found some coverage on Pillet's rebellion. It failed, apparently."
>>
No. 965531 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158882469785.png - (130.18KB , 800x800 , 462.png )
965531

One of the researchers comes up to Phantom, notices me, and pulls her aside to whisper and show her a new printout.
>>
No. 965532 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158882478874.png - (102.53KB , 800x800 , 463.png )
965532

Phantom comes back. She doesn't look that happy about it.

"That one private?"
>"Not exactly, but, uh... One of the founders could block energy use. After Pillet's rebellion failed, she was put on a wheel. The blocker prevented her from blowing herself up. It, uhhh, it was just a carving, but it looked bad. I don't think you need to see it. But after that, some goat, which could absolutely be you, leads a rebellion to rescue her and bring down the founders. That one's still coming through to get printed."

She checks her phone.

>"There's obviously a lot of details we haven't been seeing, but that's about the gist of what the available carvings show. We'll be doing a proper dig from here on, and assorting what we found."
"Uh... am I missing something or is this just more important information we can't do anything with?"
>"... No, it - it's just a big find. I - sorry, I brought you immediately here since I thought you might've been interested in this as we uncover it. And to include you. You don't have to stay if you don't want to. We'll figure out what we can." Aw shit she actually sounds a little hurt.
>>
No. 965534 ID: cdabe3

We're interested! Sorry if we sound like we're not, we're just trying to see if there's anything immediately important or critical to what's going on, or anything we can shed light on; we'd like to actively help if possible.

Also, as painful as it might be, we should probably look at those images of Pillet being... wheeled or whatever.
>>
No. 965536 ID: fa2754

>>965532
Apologize. This is distressing for you. You're learning but it's hard to watch this unfold. Pillet has secrets she's been protecting you and herself from. Anxiousness is part of learning these secrets.
>>
No. 965537 ID: b1b4f3

>>965532
Warn Phantom that you already know how your revolution ended, and you hope she doesn't think less of you for what you did to them. Though, maybe they deserved it. You don't know.

Also, you're a goat of action, so while new archaeological finds are pretty neat you're hoping one of them shows you something you can act on.
...did you make Soletta mayor yet?
>>
No. 965538 ID: 015bf2

>>965532
Look, you’ll happily sit in for this, and all of it has been hugely interesting - history of Pillet and Haze Town stuff - but nothing critical has been discovered about the keys, snow globe and the outside yet, which are primary concerns of yours. And, well, your use is kinda limited. You’re not the most rigorously intellectual - as evidenced by crazy-ass theories being the first thing you toss out. If they still want you here for your limited input, though, you’re game.

And... you do want to see the other mural. Memories, even unpleasant ones, might get jimmied. Pillet never said you outright went and rescued her. Just that you stopped the mural guys. Maybe there was more to the story... but you guess if you were her knight in grungy farmer’s clothes that explains her soft spot for you.

... Phantom’s no third wheel, by the way. You do have a genuine interest in her, even if, apparently, you’ve been in Pillet’s corner since the dawn of time. If anything it’s been fun seeing her this animated. You like it when people got a bit of drive to them.
>>
No. 965541 ID: 567477

Don't apologize! Didn't mean this stuff wasn't interesting, just wondering if there was something you were looking for from us, like you're waiting for some click of a conclusion in the goat brain up here, or a plan of action or something. There's nothing else we'd rather be doing, at least right now!
>>
No. 965546 ID: ed763f

Nno, it's fine. It's just... This has been raising far more questions than answers; the questions I'm no help with and the answers we do get are... pretty ugly. I can go without seeing what I did immediately after the revolution as well by the way, if they carved any pictures of that.
>>
No. 965557 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158883459740.png - (201.65KB , 800x800 , 464.png )
965557

"No no no don't apologize, I just figured you didn't bring me for my stunning intellect, so I was kinda hoping there was something I could act on, or uh, have less ugly answers that don't bring as many questions. By the way, I do know how the revolution ended, Pillet said I came the closest to permakill anyone's gotten to, with what I did with the founders."

Phantom makes some texts.

>Did you make Soletta mayor yet?
I have.

>"We don't see to have any carvings that give any details for what you did."
"Maybe that's okay. Anyways, I'm glad I came even if it was just to see you all animated for this. Uh... I think I want to see the mural, even if it's not good."

She hesitates, but shows me.

"The fuck. I was starting to get the impression the founders were some high tech ancient thing, not like medieval barbaric shit."
>>
No. 965558 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158883474473.png - (137.89KB , 800x800 , 465.png )
965558

She puts it away, and I sit around and wait for a lot of the text to get translated.

Phantom makes a few texts around me, before turning to actually talk to me.

>"Okay, this one might be of interest. The keys were supposed to be held by four of the founders, and only to be opened if they agreed to leave. We don't know what the criteria would be for leaving, but it seems like there were never plans to leave. We were to stay here forever because of what lays outside. You know what space is?"
"Yeah after Pillet dropped some terms on me I bugged her to tell me about it."
>"Good. My point is, do you remember how you said aliens?"
"Yeeees?"
>"Aliens. Or creatures from elsewhere. Something, something drove us in here. For a bit, I was starting to agree with letting you have the key. But, even if the founders were awful, the writings of this cult indicate they had good reason to lock the town."
>>
No. 965559 ID: fa2754

>>965558
Who's to say they're still out there? It's been.. millennia.
>>
No. 965561 ID: 470289

Well absolutely worst case scenario if we did leave and everything was super bad we could just lock ourselves back inside? The Founders did it once, so it's probably feasible. Could maybe do tests and research on if we can make another... fog space, i guess, in here so we know we can do it.

I mean time isn't really a big issue, right?
>>
No. 965562 ID: 706014

Caution is advisable I think, we can’t just take everything this cult says at face value. It could just be the rambling of a madman for all we know. But then again, even the most outlandish fabrications have a bit of truth at their heart, and I think there’s quite a bit of truth here.
>>
No. 965563 ID: b1b4f3

>>965558
Shit. Pillet knows this, though. Right? And she told you that she strongly desires you and her living together in safety.
I don't understand anymore. She's going to have to explain when she gets back, that's her only option now.

...maybe it's power. Due to the nature of this place, the total power level is steadily increasing. Everyone is eating food and getting stronger. There is no lost power because when people die their power gets sent to someone else. Maybe the plan was that eventually, the total amount of power in the town would be high enough that we could beat the aliens. It's possible Pillet thinks the total power level is high enough already, but... what about the average joe? Maybe she plans on giving out a significant portion of her power to everyone, so that everyone has a fighting chance against the invaders. Delli hanging onto his power is actually a serious detriment to the plan, but Pillet might be settling for being the last two people alive...? That would have worked, if Delli didn't know the fate he was leaving the rest in. Could be that was why she was keeping him in the dark, so that he didn't have to feel like he *had to* give up his power for the good of everyone, and trust Pillet to share it? Despite practically explicitly saying she wouldn't, because she wanted to be on top? Or maybe that excuse wasn't the full story- she wanted to be on top in order to be able to fight the aliens?

Hmm, that mural... I guess the aliens were bombarding the planet with artificial meteors, and that weird-looking moon is actually a GIGANTIC space station. (that's no moon...)
>>
No. 965565 ID: 015bf2

>>965558
Oooh. That was no moon. Attack satellite. Or satellites?

So what’s the writings say? Are we under the ever-baleful glare of a hostile galactic civilization? You don’t think they’d gotten tired after a few thousands years?
>>
No. 965567 ID: fa2754

Also
>>965557
Never mention this wheel to Pillet. It deserves to be left in the past. God, what a horrible thing..
>>
No. 965568 ID: 1ed92d

>>965558
Well, the Founders are, unfortunately, no longer present in the same mind they were previously, so there's no salvaging the truth.
>>
No. 965573 ID: 015bf2

>>965557
The fuck indeed. Let's hope that memory hole of hers involved this bit.

>>965568
Possible founder memory remnants must be among what Pillet is checking up on right now. She might just be making double sure she got 'em all. The jerks.

One thing to share was that she'd said there'd been lyin' going on from the 'top row' and it wasn't clear to her what the truth of the outside world was exactly. She had some confidence things'd be fine, though. Like 'they can't kill us' fine, which - now that you think about it - might not have been referencing people from within Haze Town.

She also commented on some guy writing things down on stone to make it seem more legit having worked before, but whether that was a comment to stuff like anti-raider stone tablets in general or to something more specific you can't say. It just seems awful convenient that someone corrals - and/or creates - people into Haze Town and that there's such a powerful reason to never try to leave. Was the horrid cataclysm a fib, or an excuse, to prop up something else? Apparently SOMETHING was being hid from the masses and even top-line personnel like Pillet.

Whatever she's doing, you're hoping she'd bringing back more evidence for her side of the story.
>>
No. 965591 ID: 86eb65

I am not so sure we should trust all of the words of the founders after looking at that mess. A nebulous alien threat could have been exaggerated to control people and make them fear escape.

It would let the founders live in luxury forever with a ton of slaves in there private bubble. While there might be aliens and danger we have been in here for thousands of lifetimes. Is likely any direct threat is long past.

Honestly all this mess sort of makes me trust Pillet's judgement more. She was certain we would be ok once we left. That the power we now had would remain and keep us safe. And that while things would be different that life would go on and no one would be killing us.

But this is all great Stuff! Working together we have managed to find out more info in the past few weeks than anyone has in centuries. Thank you for all your help Phantom. You and your team are amazing!

(Start trying to convince her that the proper way to deal with any dangers is to rally the people. Get energy training and food out so that once the bubble goes down we can act as a semi united front to deal with whatever we find out there.)
>>
No. 965597 ID: 4033f7

>>965558
Isn't it odd how we seem to throw around the correct terms for things without fully comprehending what we are saying (referring to the aliens thing)? It is almost like our subconscious knows.

--

It is definitely a good idea to investigate all we can to the point where we know, with absolute certainty what is out there before we even consider lifting the fog. Of course we shouldn't just abandon the thought due to possibilities, but it does show how cautious we should be in doing so so as to prevent a disaster.

--

If we entered the fog at some point in the past, could we reenter it if we ever need it in the future? Seems stupid to make a lifeboat of this caliber only to make it a one time thing.

--

>>965565
In the mural, the large, foreboding looking body does look rather smooth and uniform compared to the smaller one next to it.
>>
No. 965598 ID: a0dfd2

>>965558

>But, even if the founders were awful, the writings of this cult indicate they had good reason to lock the town.
Oh ... shit.

It wasn't ever about the TOWN that Pillet was concerned, it was everything outside it!

That's probably why we kept getting fed up. It wasn't about the broken status quo or the fucked up gang wars or anything like that -- it was knowing that, eventually, our reward was an apocalyptic wasteland and a half-dead city.

That what we were fighting for would put us into an even bigger, more insurmountable battle ...!

Small wonder we chose oblivion, to forget it all. Who wouldn't, if that were a permanent reminder of everything we were trying to do?

But, moreover, it explains why Pillet wants our power so badly, and why it's expressly to ensure "no one has the power to kill you or me permanently."

She wasn't referring to the townspeople then, but to whatever lays outside. Energy, power, all of this -- it's always been there. But that? That hasn't.

And she desperately needs enough power and knowledge to fight it, because she alone KNOWS it, except for that one death we just saw.

>So she might be going out there getting info straight from the source, huh?
Which ... certainly supports that, doesn't it? Or if the founders are in there, perhaps ... perhaps she's earnestly willing to make the exchange we asked for: all of her knowledge for all of our power.

If there's a backup of US in there ... or even the combined knowledge of all of the founders -- isn't that a fair trade, for the near-total majority of all the power available to the town?
>>
No. 965607 ID: 567477

Ok, one, it's been thousands of years. If there were aliens, they've probably left by now, or if they're still around maybe they've settled down and chilled out. Second, Pillet is apparently the only one of the founders left and she thinks we should leave.

Third, most important, us being "driven" here proves we didn't really want to be here. Before now the assumption was we came here just because being immortal is nice and we need to be here to be immortal. Now we know that we came here because we were forced to come here for protection from what was outside. Our original selves had this place available but chose not to use it until they had no choice. Which implies that they knew something about it sucks.

Pillet seemed to think our energy powers would still exist after the fog. Who's to say our immortality wouldn't, either? Maybe we naturally respawn/reincarnate anyway, and all the fog does is bounce us back in here instead of letting us go elsewhere?
>>
No. 965619 ID: 015bf2

>>965607
There's some kind of automated function inherent to the fog - such as the respawn that wipes memories and changes your body slightly for every death. If that function goes away or changes once we unlock the snow globe is a legit concern. Pillet saying we'll be okay is based on her word alone so far - and while Delli trusts her, the people she's fought against for a long time will understandably have a harder time of it.

Still... here's a thought.

Is the fog set to deliberately debuff us?

Bodies and memories are energy. If you get blow'd up the fog somehow stores the information of who you used to be and brings that energy back into a cohesive form over the course of a month - and leaves them close-to-almost like the one it used to be, but at a puny minimum power cap. Isn't it weird the fog does this all day long without input, just imperfectly, but not so imperfectly as to not leave functional beings instead of monsters or madmen?

What if that function, once set up, was tweakable? Did someone 'set' these particular settings once upon a time? Could things be different - but was chosen not to be?

Because from what you're figuring out here the Founders COULD bypass these limitations by employing exotic techniques only they had the skill to perform. And if the fog was the product of a civilization trying to preserve itself, why make it be so much less than it was possible for it to be?

Maybe it was tech that was poorly understood and took time to figure out... but that, too, jives poorly against how high-tech and advanced in skill the founders were. There are people who spend multiple lives training stuff and they still don't run a candle to some of the things that've been attributed to the founders here.

So again, why the debuff?
>>
No. 965620 ID: ed763f

You know, something tells me that a permanent crisis to secure permanent emergency power isn't a new trick.

Uh, not that I'm saying your fight against Pillet had ulterior motives. I know you didn't want that. But, the situation must have changed out there, just as is has in here.
>>
No. 965628 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158887179018.png - (105.09KB , 800x800 , 466.png )
965628

"After millenia, wouldn't they get tired of, I dunno, pointing guns at us?"
>"Yes, it might all be nothing. Maybe they'd be peacable now. But it's a gamble for... shedding immortality. "
"Hmmmm, Pillet and I considered kids, and she told me she wanted the outside to be safe. She didn't mention anything about roaming aliens on space station moons, she was just afraid that our fellow townsfolk would get pissed at her, kill her, and maybe go after me and the kids. In fact she very explicitly said that she didn't know what outsiders would exist, if they'd be welcoming or what."
>"You're telling me that Pillet might not have been entirely forthcoming?"
"Okay yes fair, Phantom, maybe she wasn't! But if we open up the town, can't we just lock the town again?"
>"If the chamber has that functionality? Great. If it doesn't? No, we can't."
"I mean we've got time, don't we? Can't we find out?"
>"It would take generations at best. Some of the ancient material, like the tablets, are made out of a material we can't figure out. Between that and these founder's abilities, it feels like we might have gone backwards in tech. You'd be a new person by the time we figured out the tech to relock the town ourselves."
"Okay, well what I'm hearing here is that maybe we didn't come to this town because we wanted to, but because we had to."
>>
No. 965629 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158887180390.png - (113.20KB , 800x800 , 467.png )
965629

>"That's possible."
"Hell, maybe if our energy stays, so does our immortality."
>"That's not something I'd like to presume, not without good evidence."

I start thinking of various ideas. And thinking of things Pillet's said before, and this stuff mostly backs up her judgement, I think.

Phantom looks like she's thinking too, but she breaks the silence first.

>"We've got to do a formal dig to find any other physical things, and spend some time to digest what we have found."
"Yeah, really good find Phantom, thanks for your help."
>"I might thank Pillet for her directions, too. I wish that she would've helped years ago, but... I don't want to discourage people from helping just because they helped late. Speaking of Pillet, we might need to wait for her to return to help corroborate all of this."
>>
No. 965630 ID: e2f5cc

Yeah, that's probably for the best. Gives us all time to think on and all this and maybe even find more clues too. Let's give her say, a month before we start worrying. Pillet did say she'd be gone a while.
>>
No. 965633 ID: 2e1db2

Are we going to tell the town?

One way or another they need to know and get a vote. No point in hiding in safety if society devolves.

Pillet wants out. I want everyone out and society intact.

For now we wait but start prepping for a release of knowledge to the public.
>>
No. 965634 ID: a0dfd2

>>965629

Guess the only question left is: anything to help with in the meantime?
>>
No. 965635 ID: fa2754

>>965629
Not sure she's ready to bring all this stuff back into the light. Don't worry about it, Phantom. We're slowly working things out with her in private. Thanks for everything.
>>
No. 965637 ID: ed763f

Backwards in tech sounds about right. We've gone through basically a warlord period and our knowledge base decreases with each passing day. Or at least it has been for centuries until now. That said, Pillet apparently does remember this far back, and she thinks outside is the place to be. And I perfectly understand if you don't trust her, but I do. Cults are bad at predicting apocalypses and good at controlling people.

Hmm, is there any possibility the founders included a secret way to see outside the fog? Who was it who could traverse it more freely? Just to keep tabs on things? That could answer all our questions.
>>
No. 965638 ID: 015bf2

>>965629
Yep. She said it'd take at least several weeks, so the timeline's pretty fluid.

You'll be practicin' power finesse and drownin' in book-learnin', probably. Maybe hang around here and help out? Go around town with Soletta, see what folks think about all of this? It's being released for public consumption, right? Do guard duty against fog cult attacks, maybe. You want to feel productive or useful.

Then there's chillin', where you got quiz night as an option. But Phantom might be busy with all these finds and expeditions, in which case no worries. You'd like to stay in touch and updates on the finds are appreciated, though. Regular meetups, at least?

Also, hey, so what's Phantom think of you handing Pillet your power?
>>
No. 965642 ID: 86eb65

Pillet gave us the directions to all of this. She is putting most of her cards on the table. We need to be ready for when she comes back.

So keep on training and preparing while she is gone. Phantoms people can get all the data prepared for a public release with your new cute mayor.

Your job is to train and train and train. You are the big gun. If anything happens to Pillet or one of her worries comes true you are the one who will have to fight to keep everyone else safe.
>>
No. 965645 ID: b1b4f3

>>965629
Do we tell the town? If so, do we do it before or after Pillet comes back?
>>
No. 965646 ID: a9af05

>>965645
I don't think we should tell anyone yet. Let's wait until we've got more info.
>>
No. 965656 ID: 86eb65

>>965646

Don't tell anyone yet but prep to tell them. We got to get all our knowledge in a row written down so we can explain things to everyone.

We want to sell the argument for leaving.

"Everyone can stay here forever and keep existing. But everyone seems to be tired with the endless haze. Or we can leave and have a new possibly dangerous world to explore and rebuild."

We have a whole town to get on our side regardless of what Pillet brings back. When she comes back we should have everything ready to go.
>>
No. 965661 ID: 1ed92d

>>965629
Pillet will be gone for a comparatively brief time, and is now utterly beyond our reach. For the moment we should continue our research.
>>
No. 965662 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158889048632.gif - (64.00KB , 800x800 , 468.gif )
965662

"Sure. Let's give her like... a month. Then see if she even wants to bring this stuff in the light. You know, it is a bit telling that of all the founders, the last one remaining, Pillet, wants out."
>"This is no longer the founder's town. Pillet herself, and you, made sure that they would not be calling the shots."
"Touche, but Pillet's opinion is pretty important. Did any of the founders have the ability to see outside the fog? Like the guy who could traverse it?"
>"I haven't seen anything like that."
"Oh. Are we going to tell the town about what we have found?"
>"I'd like to, but only after we've found and reviewed everything we can, especially if Pillet has more. I don't want a lazy presentation."
"Right. Can we do show the information as an argument to leave?"
>"I don't want to do that. I want to do it with minimal bias. Give people the chance to think for themselves, please. We can make our arguments as a followup. And I'm not sold entirely on giving you the key, understand that."
"Okay, well... can't do much about that now. While we wait for Pillet, can we have regular meetups?"
>"Sure."
"And uh, any way I can make myself useful?"
>"If you're going to keep the power, and we have to fight our way out of town to get onto the planet, maybe you should focus on training for it."
"Yeahhh, how do you feel about giving my power to Pillet?"

>[Animated]
>>
No. 965663 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158889049767.png - (72.32KB , 800x800 , 469.png )
965663

>"I'd rather have you fight."
>>
No. 965664 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158889051037.png - (129.71KB , 800x800 , 470.png )
965664

A month passes, and I spend most of it training under the judgement mentor.
>>
No. 965665 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158889053364.png - (195.94KB , 800x800 , 471.png )
965665

Surprisingly little additional information was found. That cult didn't bury any secret tablets or anything, and they made what was easily findable clear enough that our first impressions basically held up with time. Although more relics are found, it's largely stuff from just centuries ago.

During one of Phantom's meetups with me, where we discuss some details of the keys to reference them to what little additional info we know about them, Pillet walks through the door.

>"I'm back!"
"Pillet! No one told us you were back!"
>"That's cause Soletta sounded busy. You working her hard or something?"
"Yeah I guess so."
>"She told me you guys found some stuff."
>>
No. 965666 ID: 465a14

>>965665
Yep! Did you?
>>
No. 965667 ID: e2f5cc

Yup. Ask what, if anything, she found before giving her the deets
>>
No. 965668 ID: 86eb65

Yeah all the stuff you wanted us to find.

How did your trip go? Did you scan your creepy memory banks and find out the info you needed?
>>
No. 965669 ID: 1ed92d

>>965665
Ask her how the Fog Monsters and Ancient Long Lost Founder Ghosts and Mysterious Fog Ninja Clans were.
>>
No. 965670 ID: 015bf2

>>965662
Full-body shudder. Man, Pillet what did you DO to the poor girl?

>>965664
Judgementor. I love this guy now.

>>965665
Hey. Good to see you.

What do you want to go over first? The reason we’re apparently trapped here or the many reveals on the founders and how they fell? Including, uh, the highly personal revelations.

Also, how’d it go on your end?
>>
No. 965673 ID: ed763f

We found a cult. Did you find stuff?

...Iunno if I like that emphasis combined with that look she's got going.
>>
No. 965675 ID: a9af05

>>965665
Yeah, we did. What about you?

Did you end up getting into a fight? Your clothes are all torn up.
>>
No. 965677 ID: 015bf2

>>965673
It’s her eyebrows and facial shape. Pillet could probably make tawdry tongue-twisters seem ominous.

...log that thought for later verification.
>>
No. 965678 ID: b1b4f3

>>965665
Boy did we. Weird near-brainless cult, post-apocalyptic revelation, sympathetic backstory... Wanna see, then fill in the blanks?
>>
No. 965679 ID: 567477

Yeah but first off how are you? You look like you went through some rough stuff. Also paranoia check tell us something only the real Pillet would know.
>>
No. 965680 ID: a0dfd2

>>965665

What about you, Pillet? Things go well?

I mean, you're looking kind of beat up again.
>>
No. 965683 ID: fa2754

"Some real big pictures. Prevailing theories. Dark rituals. Aliens?" Motions for someone to bring them out. Ask Pillet if she found what she was looking for.
>>
No. 965684 ID: fa2754

>>965683
Also do *not* show that pain wheel. Not unless directly asked.

"Missed ya, Pillet."
>>
No. 965685 ID: 91ee5f

>>965665
Show Pillet how much you missed her by sweeping her off her feet and into your arms, while giving her a big kiss!
>>
No. 965687 ID: 5877dc

The stuff wasn't exactly hard to find. It's just that no one had been looking for it before.

Is there any explanation why such old stuff was found only in these locations, and no one ever found anything like it before in town or any other locations?

You should get in between Pillet and Phantom. It's likely that Phantom is still going to have a strong reaction to Pillet, so you should act like you're in charge.
>>
No. 965689 ID: 10c408

"We found some highly unpleasant past history that could use some corroboration from you. Why do you look like you've got murder on the brain?"
>>
No. 965692 ID: 3c6138

“You look ready to kill something. Rough month?”
>>
No. 965725 ID: 9e3bd6

>>965665
I dont like that emphasis, or that look...

I am probably being paranoid, but get ready to be a shield in case shit hits the fan.
>>
No. 965755 ID: eb4a6c

Not really super topical, but I just remembered how Pillet said she first met Delli when she and some bandits tried banditing him, and he was a scary badass that made them run away. She's also described the founders as bandits. So original Delli maybe stood up to all of the founders and was a match for them, even before the rescue Pillet event? Neat.

Back when we got reunited in this life, Pillet also said "Ten years, soon after we parted ways and I became the leader, I've been building up power in a barrel!" when talking about the power cluster. It's a little unclear, but the grammar suggests that Delli leaving and Pillet becoming leader were the same event.

Anyway, not actually on-subject.
>>
No. 965796 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897693542.png - (128.89KB , 800x800 , 472.png )
965796

I get up to meet her. I hesitate to pick her up off her feet and kiss her, 'cause she looks pissed.

"Yeah! Dark rituals. Aliens. Cults. You get into a fight or something? Fog monsters? Fog clans?"
>"Nothing but myself, but I look pretty damn good for someone digging through rubble."
"Hah, well I missed you. Did you find anything, and why does it look like you're ready to punch me?"
>>
No. 965797 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897694936.png - (74.77KB , 800x800 , 473.png )
965797

She looks pretty angry all the time when her face is down like that. She answers me by tilting her head back up to show her mouth smiling, and moves on.

>"Missed you too. I did find something, but nothing as solid as I'd like."

She looks over at some of the stacks of printed pictures.

"Yeah, we found a cult that had all kinds of information on the founders!"
>"Wha? Which fog destination?"
>"Number 54." says Phantom. Pillet thinks for a moment as Phantom continues. "Despite attempts to talk to or capture them, they either were killed or blew themselves up."
>"It's been a long time since I was last there. I didn't realize a cult sprung up. I'm even more surprised there was a cult that lasted long! So these are some of them, huh?"
>>
No. 965798 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897696088.png - (190.38KB , 800x800 , 474.png )
965798

She passes by a bunch and flips through -

>"Wait, Pillet, hand on a sec -!" She's going to see herself on the wheel!

>"... I leave for a month and you guys start printing out torture porn of me to share amongst yourselves, huh?"
"I - what - no that - "

Phantom gets out of her chair to pick up a stack of printouts.

>"Can you act serious ever? That isn't something to joke about!"
>"Eesh." Pillet answers. "It wasn't as bad as it looked. The boiling stuff here was some kind of drug. The setup wasn't about maximum pain, it was to make me delirious in a way that made me say or do anything they wanted without thinking."
>"Can we please change the subject? There are other topics!"
>"Fine, fine."
>>
No. 965799 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897697506.png - (125.49KB , 800x800 , 475.png )
965799

Pillet looks over the printouts and we share what we found.

>"Yeah, this all basically seems right. Hell with it. Yeah, the place I went to was a memory bank. No, unlike this hypothesis here, the founders aren't there, they're random souls in town that have no bearing on who they once were. But I was searching for any of their memories that might've been missed in the rubble."
"And.... aliens?"
>"If not exactly aliens, close enough to may as well be. The founders and me have pre-town memories, and nearly all of them involve us sticking our heads under the dirt and never going outside. But there was one I found that was aware of things. It's a fuzzy. It wasn't a memory made for me, so I experienced a crude rendition of it, like I imagined it up. But it should be accurate enough."
>>
No. 965800 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897698506.png - (129.50KB , 800x800 , 476.png )
965800

>"We knew an invasion was coming. Our leaders thought they were hostile and going to eliminate us. It seemed serious. Our leaders raised armies to repel the invasion force, but we took advantage of the fear and vague knowledge that our chances were bad. So we made the town, putting ourselves in charge. We didn't even need to hide how shitty we were being. People still showed up. We entered before the invading force came, so we never knew how that went. And that's the making of town."

Pillet looks at the meteor printout.

>"Maybe they're still there. Maybe they're not. But we could get massacred the second we open up the town gates."
>>
No. 965801 ID: 86eb65

Well you built the place so how do we peek out and check?

And how long have we been in here? Does time move the same outside?

Do the keys just open up the control panel for the place or just the exit? Does it open a door or turn off the fog?

Come on woman details!
>>
No. 965802 ID: 86eb65

Oh also do we get powers from the fog or does our species just naturaly get superpowers from food?
>>
No. 965804 ID: 5877dc

So this is a town for deserters?
Does any of this info alter any of your plans in regards to exiting this town?

Btw, was there any info on what the invaders looked like? Did they happen to have large hands, feet, and ears?
>>
No. 965805 ID: 470289

Hey why dont you wear your sunglasses anymore?
>>
No. 965806 ID: b1b4f3

>>965800
Yet you still want to lift the fog? You think life here is that bad you're willing to take the risk?

Damn, we need a REAL risk analysis but we don't even know how the battle went vs the world's armies! That leaves the complete range of possibility- we might have won and the world is a paradise, or we might have lost and the aliens are waiting with something to instantly kill everyone. Wait, does that mean the picture of meteors falling was completely made up? Except for the moon/spaceship thing I guess...

If only we could send a drone or something up through the top of the fog to get some information. Even a single image of the outside world. It can't go on forever in EVERY direction, right? Does she even know how the fog works?
>>
No. 965807 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897879951.png - (74.70KB , 800x800 , 477.png )
965807

"Hey Pillet why don't you wear your sunglasses anymore?"
>"Next time you go to a dank place with bad light in the middle of a fog bubble, put on some sunglasses and figure it out yourself."
"I mean in general it's be - "
>"Delli." Phantom interrupts me. "If you don't have real questions, let me talk."
"Okay okay, Pillet, do we get powers from the fog or just eating food?"
>"Just eating food works. The fog ties us here, and it does have energy elements, but we shouldn't lose our energy. Or let me rephrase that, we definitely won't lose our ability to use and gain energy, but there might be a possibility we lose a chunk, or all of it and come out of town as though we just respawned. Don't know."
>"Hold it." Phantom says. "You still want to use the keys even knowing we might just die immediately?!"
>"Yeah." Pillet answers.
"Hey were those meteors fake?"
>"No clue, but might've been asteroid missiles or some shit to soften up our defenses. Either way, shit from space, rain down, destruction, sounds accurate enough for what I know."
"Do we know what the invaders look like?"
>"No."
"So how do we peek out and check?"
>>
No. 965808 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158897881446.png - (117.02KB , 800x800 , 478.png )
965808

>"If you ask 'how do we' and ask anything complex like looking out of town, closing the town up again if it's bad out there, or anything regarding what all the other founders could do, the answer is, we don't do it. The memories of those abilities, techniques, knowledge, et cetera, are gone. Immortality included, which is why we'll be mortal on the outside. We did have immortals before the town was built, but good luck convincing any of them to make you that way. Unless you want to spend millenia refiguring it out in here, and that is how long it would take us, none of the old techniques are happening. To give you an idea of how complex that stuff is, I guarantee you that whoever won the war on the outside is have made attempts to bust open the town. Obviously they haven't succeeded."
"Yeah well, how long've we been here?"
>"Bit over four thousand years."
"Okay, do the keys just open up the control panel for the place or just the exit? Does it open a door or turn off the fog?"
>"I don't know that, Delli!"

Erf, she sounds weirdly annoyed with me.
>>
No. 965810 ID: 567477

Well, let's think of the options here. If they were the type of aliens to just barrel over us and get murdering without negotiation or thought or whatever, then they probably didn't stick around and just moved on once they got what they came for. The scenario where they're still out there waiting is one in which the aliens are smart, reasonably fond of peace as well as war, and forward-thinking, enough to have settled down, in which case they're thinkers and we could convince them to not kill us, especially if we didn't fight back originally. Thousands of years is a long time, and if they're not immortal like we are then chances are more likely that they'd forget stuff.

The fact they haven't gotten into the fog in all this time, even after thousands of years of having presumably more resources to do research and development with than we do, supports the idea that they just left at some point.

Interesting you now say "town gates" instead of just "the fog". Opening the town gates implies something less all-or-nothing than we've been thinking of lifting the fog. Do you remember the state of energy powers and immortality before/without the fog? Presumably the aliens had some form of permakilling us, to be a threat like this, but was permadeath just standard before the fog or a more complex thing? Are we really organic creatures or are we, like, weird magical creations made of fog particles or whatever? Also, you say before the town you just "stuck your head in the ground and never went outside", but what did you do, inside?

Oh yeah, you called the town "that pocket". Are there other "pockets"? Like, are there other big places in the fog? Anything like that?
>>
No. 965811 ID: 567477

Whoops too late. Well, some of that still applies, forget what was covered. If we had immortals before the fog, did the aliens have some way to kill them?
>>
No. 965813 ID: 5877dc

Technically, we aren't in a hurry. And if it's so dangerous outside then... why don't we power up until we're ready? Wouldn't it be a good idea to reach the absolute peak of power before exiting? You know, better safe than sorry?
>>
No. 965814 ID: ed763f

I think that's the first time I've heard her say that she doesn't know something. She's been intentionally vague before, but she's never not had answers, even if she didn't share them. I think she's having a crisis of faith. You can let that revelation breathe.

So there's no reasonable intelligence we can gather or preparations we can make other than speculation of the events of the last 5000 years outside?
>>
No. 965815 ID: b1b4f3

>>965808
Of course she doesn't know that. If she knew that, she would be telling people and trying to prove it, not trying to convince people on philosophical grounds or forcing them. That was a stupid question to ask and you should apologize.

If we can't scout at all... then... honestly I think the winning strategy is to cultivate power and learn as much advanced energy technique as we can, so that the population of the town is as prepared as possible for a fight before opening the gates. Yes, if it takes another four thousand years so be it. The most important part of this plan is preserving that information. Pillet is going to have to help directly with that, since she's the only person who CAN preserve information at this time. She holds the key to true power. Though... at some point people may start discovering the really awful abilities that the founders were mostly-killed to stop... Maybe that's why she hasn't spread the knowledge-proection trick. On the other hand, if we keep the division of power balanced, wouldn't that be a self-solving problem? Alternatively, we could form a group of trustworthy individuals, all with enough power between eachother that if one of them goes corrupt they can be fought to remove them from power. Or just form a system of justice that punishes people by removing them from the memory-preservation system?

Anyway, let Phantom have a turn.
>>
No. 965821 ID: 567477

Strategies along the lines of "wait and gather power" or "wait and develop knowledge/abilities" will probably be answered with "we tried that before and eventually people were assholes and the whole thing collapsed, and it will again", probably multiple times, so keep that in mind. A lot of Pillet's mindset/impatience probably comes from remembering how many times things have picked up and then eventually fallen.
>>
No. 965829 ID: 015bf2

Put a hand on her shoulder.

"Okay... I get that you were just one of many back then, and many of these things probably weren't your specialty and that it was four fuckin' thousand years ago. And that it's probably my fault a lot of that knowledge is gone-gone. And that you've gone through these questions a million times in your head and that I really should just trust you'd say it if you knew anything more relevant, what with you answering ten of my questions before even asking."

Smile roguishly.

"Whatever, girl. Get that I'm still with you whole hog on the busting out and no, I'm not okay with us spending thousands more years rediscovering the lost secrets of immortality or some bull - sorry Phantom - cuz' that'll only end up with some dumbass like me - or literally me - coming along and wiping all progress out again centuries down the line cuz' they forgot how important it was or got tired of it all or something.

Nor are we gonna spend enough time that people can build themselves up to the level where we have a civil war over whether we'll do it or not, or some bullshit. That's a nope. People ain't even got their heart that in it - again, sorry Phantom, but true - so it'd just be the most invested wrecking everything for everyone.

But... we still need to ask questions and hear honest answers, Pillet. I can trust you, but Phantom and her gang, they ain't ever known you as somethin' other than a terror. Just bear with and let us ask. Heck, let her ask. She's probably got a few better ones than me lined up. Not that I'm quite done, but... eh, you just cut us off if you get fed up, okay?"

>Questions.
So the town wasn't hidden or anything - it was just super-secret-high-tech that even alien invaders wouldn't know how to deal with. Sounds like society was a bit sucky even before the aliens invaded.

Hey... the old society sounds kind of sucky. How do we know the aliens weren't good guys?
>>
No. 965832 ID: 5877dc

>>965813
And on the topic of powering up, why not make another power cluster or a dozen? Blend some souls and stuff? Being at the top it should be safe to do it now, and it shouldn't take too long, as she said in the past, with the growth being exponential.
>>
No. 965835 ID: 86eb65

So if you don't know that what did you do as a founder?
>>
No. 965844 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158898228082.png - (136.50KB , 800x800 , 479.png )
965844

"Sorry, dumb question, forget I asked." So I say, but this girl doesn't forget that easily, and she doesn't soften her expression. "I'm a little happy, to be honest, there's finally something you just admit you don't... know." She does not look happy that I let that out so I move on fast. "What'd you do before town, if not ever go outside?"
>"People like us, with techniques like those, we were tools. We were sharpened to perfect our abilities, and used day in and day out. There wasn't time for going outside. And I didn't know better. So I made memories for immortals so they'd never forget. I was pulled in as a founder since I was one of the few toolbags that could make memory backups, so that's what I kept doing."
"Would immortals have been killed in the invasion?"
>"Probably. Respawn tech also exists, but that can get destroyed. Same as here. For all I know, if the chamber is opened then the fog will get lifted but the fog might remain to respawn us. Of course that's nice if only some of us instantly die, but if we all get killed by the invaders, they can find the chamber. And I've got a damn good feeling that the key chamber isn't nearly as destructible from the inside."
"Right, well what kind of killer aliens would stick around for four thousand years just to kill the last fort on the planet?"
>"Patient killer aliens."
"Speaking of patience, why don't we power up before leaving? Not like ages or anything, just a decade? Maybe make power clusters?"
>"That's not likely to make a difference, but a few years is fine. You're right though, not longer than a decade. Too much chance it all goes down the shitter. But a few years is fine.
"Oh other question, old society seemed like it sucked. How do we know the aliens weren't good guys?"
>"There was, and I have, a lot of confidence that the aliens committed to genociding a planet might not be good guys."
"Har. Phantom, you must have questions."
>>
No. 965845 ID: 465a14

neat
>>
No. 965846 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158898233197.png - (98.41KB , 800x800 , 480.png )
965846

>"I do. Pillet. You can make memories for others, right? Why haven't you kept backups for Delli?"
>"Because I like Delli, and immortals suck."
"... So uh... you let me forget everything as I died?"
>"I let you live. And it hurts watching, like it might hurt you to hear that. But, I'm not giving you backups. I'm not turning you into one of them - or me."
>>
No. 965847 ID: 465a14

so why're you you
>>
No. 965849 ID: 86eb65

Am not going to complain to much about losing my memories. Just that picture of the gremlin me is probably worth it.

What is so bad about immortal memories?
>>
No. 965850 ID: b1b4f3

>>965846
Pillet, I'm going to say something very important right now. You don't suck. You are selfish, and secretive, and violent, but you are also compassionate, principled, and brave. You are why the founders were overthrown, even if I was the one who finished the job. It takes one person to lead a revolution, you were that person.

...also uh, it kindof makes sense to let someone wipe their own memories. If that's what they wanted.
What also makes sense is keeping partial backups. The knowledge that allows advancement in technique and technology. Kindof like books, but for things that take too long to teach?
>>
No. 965853 ID: 5877dc

Well, we're mortal now and the next time we die is probably going to be the last time. Are you sure there is no particular memory that you'd want to give me?

Also, are we good enough to do any of the energy tricks Pillet showed us before yet?
>>
No. 965858 ID: ed763f

That sounds like there'll be a time when you die and Pillet doesn't, or maybe can't, but I'd really not like to discuss that.

I appreciate your willingness to make hard decisions even if you don't like the answers. That said, are you reconsidering lifting the fog?
>>
No. 965862 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158898398084.png - (123.16KB , 800x800 , 481.png )
965862

>Also, are we good enough to do any of the energy tricks Pillet showed us before yet?
I can kind of sense energy and I feel I'm making good progress with being able to have persisting energy not dissipate after I stop concentrating on them.

"Pillet, if you're implying you suck, don't. You're selfish, catty and violent, but you're also compassionate, principled, and brave." I would also like to thank Phantom for keeping her poker face on as I say that stuff. "You're still lifting the fog I assume. What is bad about immortal memories, though?"
>"You assume right, and immortal memories, in here? Same as plain immortality really. Not for the better. Not like I've experimented well enough with that, I admit."
"Well whatever, if we use the keys then the next time we die will be the last. So uh, what might've made some sense is partial backups. Like, for knowledge and stuff. Which I say even if maybe I'm at fault for a lot of that knowledge being totally gone."

She snaps her hand up and grabs my shoulder now. It's not reassuring, and she looks like she might laugh or scream for a second before calming herself.

>"Every single time I go back there. I'm reminded of that time some dumbass goat found out his girlfriend was tied up for a little while on a wheel, got pissed, somehow travelled to the memory bank and remained pissed enough the entire trip that he blew up every single memory and soul backup of the founders, including the backups of every advanced technique they had, thus making me completely unable to answer half the questions that have been thrown at me today by that same goat."

She takes a deep breath.

>"But it was sweet of you to do that on my behalf, and you did take down the whole establishment in one blow. So... sorry if I've been a little... mad at you. Thanks for understanding about not making backups for you."
>>
No. 965863 ID: a0dfd2

>>965846

Pillet makes a fair point; remembering everything, and I do mean everything -- every moment of every day for the entire eternity of your life -- is far more of a curse.

Imagine what it must be like for her, knowing what she has and how hopeless so much of it has been, of how much was lost and will never, ever be recovered.

Imagine how Phantom would be if she knew such secrets and could never reveal them, because nobody could ever reasonably believe them. She'd sound like one of those books you found, with a bunch of ludicrous hypotheses about magical powers.

... the same kinds of powers Pillet has.

So maybe, just maybe she did the right thing. Losing who we were was a blow, but it means we get to live things through for the first time, something which Pillet never will.

So maybe ... maybe it's not so bad.
>>
No. 965864 ID: 695467

I wonder if Pillet is implying that the backup process is painful, or that Pillet thins remembering everything, the way things have gone etc, without forgetting makes for an unfulfilling existence?
>>
No. 965865 ID: 5877dc

Smile and tell her you love her too.
>>
No. 965866 ID: eb4a6c

Considering the fact Delli already committed to wiping his memories in a past life, it seems pretty unlikely that him becoming one of "them" is a real risk. Wasn't it Pillet who said people's underlying personalities didn't change, that they were the same people even with no memories?

Her stances are contradictory, she's jumping at shadows because she's scared. And she's been doing it for a long ass time.
>>
No. 965867 ID: ed763f

Yeah that kind of long-term thinking does sound like me. Did I reset myself because I basically caused a new dark age?
>>
No. 965869 ID: b1b4f3

>>965862
Oops.
>>
No. 965870 ID: cdabe3

Oh.

Oh dear.

Big oof.
>>
No. 965871 ID: 86eb65

Oh man I have some big ass shoes to fill. Previous me was impressive.

Also sorry about all of that.

But you knoowwwwww. If that angry little goat had been kept in the loop a bit better maybeeee he would not have fucked up all your cool stuff?
>>
No. 965872 ID: 695467

You had no idea past you did that, definitely an oops.
>>
No. 965873 ID: 567477

"I guess I don't like people being... pinned to anything. Metaphorically or otherwise. Sorry for... well, for the questions frustration, anyway. I'd say sorry for blowing them up but I feel like if I had my memories I'd say I wasn't. I will say sorry for not cleaning up the rubble so you don't have to dig through it yourself, though."
>>
No. 965874 ID: 470289

The sunglasses thing is still bothering me, did I break them at some point? I can grab you new ones.
>>
No. 965876 ID: ed763f

>>965871
I think if we try passing the buck on her, she'll actually try and pull Delli's head off like a wine cork.
>>
No. 965877 ID: fa2754

>>965862
And yet she still sticks around and waits for you every time you're gone. That's dedication. You know you're going to marry this vaguely fox woman, right?
>>
No. 965888 ID: b1b4f3

Wait, I have the perfect response: "I don't remember doing that at all!"
>>
No. 965891 ID: 9e3bd6

Idea: if power may not last, why not try to make other means of having power, like say that massive fuckoff superweapon satellite that is sitting in the sky? We can still arm and armor ourselves to the absolute teeth before we go out.

>>965874
Lets not say this right now. This is probably the worst time to talk about that. We could ask later once everyone calms down though.
>>
No. 965898 ID: 015bf2

Yeah. Saw that one coming.

Just shut up, stay mum for a bit and mull things over. Think about what actually might help out in this situation. Pillet's frustrated because of a fruitless search and here you are, bothering her for answers she can't give without the memory copies oldie you denied her.

What turns this around?

Well, offering answers, for one.

Point out that the raider tablets got found with careful searching by Phantom's gang of wonder-nerds. Maybe she should let 'em at what's left of the compound? Not that you don't think she haven't gone over the area with a fine comb a hundred times over, but...

The hope she had just makes sense. She was working together with paranoid, coward assholes who'd have backups for their backups as a final lifeline - who hid extra-durable stone tablets down drains just so someone could find them and taint her future image.

And ol' Delli must've just been nice and pissed off, leveling everything in sight. However thorough you were, since the founders made stuff real durable, maybe something survived, but slagged or buried in a way that made it look like just random detritus. But unless she's sorted through every single piece of rock and rubble, she'd never know.

's her choice and place. If she didn't want you there, you can imagine she doesn't want Phantom's people anywhere near. Frankly, you yourself don't want people having even a minuscule chance of getting the power negation technique, if for no other reason than to never have a repeat of 'the wheel'. But... she's done this several times now and come up nil. If it's there, she needs help to find it. If it's not there, it'll just be another fun excursion for team archaeology.

Like, seriously, they really enjoy sorting through rocks. If anyone could salvage the ghost of a miracle from that place, you think it'd be the professional dirt-botherers.
>>
No. 965915 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158900318966.png - (91.66KB , 800x800 , 482.png )
965915

"I love you too, but I don't remember doing that at all!" Her grip tightens. "Oof, I can make bad jokes too. I didn't think about the fact I might've blown it up, but I'm honestly not even surprised now that I've heard it. Anyway you think backing up my memories would turn me into 'one of them'? I'm not so sure."
>"It's not a chance I was or am willing to take."
"I did commit to wiping memories in a past life anyway, didn't I?"
>"I guess you did."
"And didn't you say people's underlying personalities didn't change?"
>"That was a simplification. People can shape themselves around life experiences. Different experiences, different shape. I'm not sure how you'd be if you lived a thousand years of watching everyone around you slowly forget most of what made them, them."
"Is that why you're... you?"
>"Maybe. I have no memories of my early life. The founders removed my own memories when I rebelled, save of course for memories on how to backup memories. That backup contained my life of studying that particular topic, but other memories got mixed in, so when I used that backup, I at least remembered more than nothing about life outside of town. But other than that bit... I forgot a lot. Shit happened."
"Yeah, hmmm... mayyybe if this mad old goat was kept in the loop better?"
>"Oh but you were. I told you so much. I even let you have directions to the memory bank! And then you followed them and destroyed everything. Which mayyyybe is why I was so reluctant to bring you there this time."
"Again, oof. Well... if you trust me again someday, maybe you can trust Phantom's crew on a later day, and they're real good at digging through mass rubble."
>"If we had all four keys and we were definitely going to open it... I wouldn't need the place anymore. But that's definitely not soon, seems like."
"Seems like. So I started some kind of dark age... is that why I reset myself?"
>>
No. 965916 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158900320173.png - (93.67KB , 800x800 , 483.png )
965916

Great, now that I see the lack of sunglasses on Pillet, I want to get her a new pair, but for now I focus up because she's got a lot to say.

>"No, I don't think you ever felt bad about fucking all that up even once. I don't even know if the full ramifications of what you did ever occurred before you forgot all about it, but whatever. That's why I said you killed off those founders harder than anyone has - it's not that they ended up any more dead than anyone else, but they had so far to fall. You destroyed tens of thousands of years worth of lives in that one act.
>"Afterwards, you wandered off and become a farmer. I set out to find you and hunt you down, which involved raiding the farms. I did find you, and that's what I called our "first" meeting. Sorry if that wasn't totally honest, but I didn't remember our time in the first rebellion, and you rescuing me and all that felt a little more... eh, awkward, than a meeting. Not like it was less awkward this time, 'cause... I approached you knowing there was a history between us you remembered, and you let me hang out at your house. I stole the directions to the memory bank and ran off with it. That was kinda fucked of me and I seriously still feel bad remembering that. But even after getting what memories back I could from the bank, it's not like I had anywhere to be, so I just sorta kept raiding. And those are the earliest coherent memories of mine that were worth a damn.
>"I'm sorry if all that was confusing, I wasn't even expecting to retell you the whole story. And I skimmed over the details since. Shit happened, and this is where we're at now."
>>
No. 965917 ID: 465a14

sunglasses... what if gunglasses
>>
No. 965918 ID: b1b4f3

>>965916
Huh, Pillet's memories of you were erased? That must've been why you just left after rescuing her.
And now, Pillet's on the other side of things. Maybe that was part of why you erased yours... because you felt it was unfair to have more memories of Pillet than she had of you? Eh, maybe not. That doesn't seem like something that would bother you in the long term. It was probably existential fatigue or something.

Tell Pillet if the issue is watching everyone around you forget things, then... you can just forget things too? Like I said last post, only the important, strategically/tactically valuable memories need to be preserved in this situation, you don't need to remember everything. ...wait, she said memories can be read by someone who didn't store them. Can she store and then share advanced energy techniques with you? With everyone? Like, the ones suited for combat but not super dangerous ones that could turn the town to rubble or whatever. It wouldn't be perfect, but it would help, right?
>>
No. 965919 ID: 695467

God damn, past your sounds like one angry goat, Delli. Just what did the founders do to make you believe you needed to wipe every trace of them from this world, damn the consequences?
>>
No. 965920 ID: e2f5cc

If you could more or less forgive me for sending our entire society into a dark age, I don't find it hard to look past your heinous crimes of being a bit of a dick however long ago and not telling me things in case I flip out and ruin things even more.

While Pillet definitely could've explained a bit better as why she was so secretive, but that's a conversation for another time.
>>
No. 965921 ID: 015bf2

"What, you feel bad about that? Eeeesh... don't think you did much wrong at all! For one, I was the one who broke trust by using those instructions first. And at the time you were probably confused as hell and wanting straight answers. Can sympathize.

Can also sympathize with... being annoyed at losing all of that. Heck, I'm annoyed at old me. But I think my heart might've been in the right place?

I might've been more in line with Phantom's thinking at the time. I mean, if we were gonna stay here anyway cuz' of aliens, why bother keeping any of the founders and their knowledge intact when they were clearly just gonna use it to do bad shit to us? Might as well burn it all down and hope for the best. Or something. Maybe I just wasn't thinking clearly. Maybe it was revenge for your lost memories... actually, yeah. That'd fit, too.

One question, though. How'd they mess with your memories if you were the designated memory meddler? ... oh wait. They probably used your memories to do it, huh."
>>
No. 965922 ID: fa2754

And that's why you two will spend the rest of your lives doing right by each other. However long it may be. Forgive us one day, Pillet?
>>
No. 965923 ID: 6d9569

“We’re both fucked up. We’ve both done bad shit, shit that we regret. Hell, I regretted it enough to wipe my own memory. But we’re both still here, and we have a chance, at life beyond the eternal cycle of the fog. We have a chance to do right.”

Honestly, the fact that the memories of the founders were destroyed is a good thing. How can you ever be free of the sins of your forebears if you purposefully keep them fresh in your mind? It doesn’t do anything but perpetuate pain and suffering that happened a thousand years ago, ancient hate and wrath carried eternally. I’m glad those memories were destroyed, the same way Pillet is glad she didn’t back up Delli’s memories.
>>
No. 965934 ID: 86eb65

Man we had to do a long complicated dance to get back to the start didn't we?

Give her a big hug.

I am glad it turned out as well as it did. A semi fresh start for the both of us.

Now we just need to get Phantom on board with the idea of leaving and rebuilding society and maybe fighting aliens.
>>
No. 965947 ID: ed763f

One question I've got. If the founders are dead, is it really fair to say I'm the same person what did all those things? I'm not trying to dodge responsibility for breaking things, I'm more wondering what that means for, uh, us?

...we don't have to talk about that here if you don't want.
>>
No. 965951 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158904073370.png - (80.12KB , 800x800 , 484.png )
965951

"Sounds like I was pretty angry back then."
>"Not too much, actually, just when you found me after trying to rescue me for so long."
"So... how'd they mess with your memories if you were the designated memory handler?"
>"A few of us had access to the memory bank, and the memories were in external containers. Maybe I'll show you the setup if I ever invite you to the memory bank, but it's a little weird to explain in person."
"Oh, right, you said memories can be read by someone who didn't store them?"
>"Yeah, I also said badly, like when I absorbed a founder's memory, it was like I dreamed it up. If you absorbed my memory on making memory backups, you'd have a damn good headstart over others on doing the same, but still nowhere near good enough to do anything with it."
"What if you made memories of someone who did a ton of energy training? That'd be a nice headstart for people who could use it."
>"I don't like it. Doesn't work that easy. You've been doing some energy training the last month right? Let's say we used that as a headstart. If I made a memory out of that, it'd be contamina - bad word. Uh... it'd include memories of you hanging out with phantom, sucking at video games, eating food, and other stuff you've done the last month. People would, to a fuzzy degree, get those life experiences. A bit of your own experiences and outlooks would be put into others. The only reason the lost founder techniques could be isolated is because, for a time, that's all we did. There were nearly no life experiences around the pursuit of our purpose. That's the only reason why we could, in good faith, bottle up a memory and call it 'immortality technique' and not 'life of immortal man, year 60xx through 7xxx or whatever. The labels were encrypted but whatever. Maybe it's why you blew up everything, you couldn't distinguish what memories were which, only which sections were devoted to which person."
>>
No. 965952 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158904074769.png - (121.27KB , 800x800 , 485.png )
965952

"If you can forgive me for blowing it all up, I can forgive you for hiding all this stuff from me for... why did you hide this stuff from me?"
>"Don't misunderstand! I have forgiven you. Unless forgiveness to you means I'm not allowed to get annoyed at all the missing information I can't tell you about now."
"You seemed pretty angry at me a minute ago." Still, that's a relief that my actions way back then aren't getting held against me now.
>"Aha, sorry. It's hard not to take it out on you a little bit, but I know I shouldn't. It was a long time ago, and it might have been for the best given the circumstances. There's a lot I don't know because of it, and for what I do know... I hid, yes, until now, because I did not expect you to take it well. Especially the part about how we might all die the second we open the town anyway. But look at you, not even batting an eye! Your chillness about the whole thing is making me feel dumb for hiding stuff."

I think I'd have something to say there but I lose my train of thought, so instead I give her a hug I've been holding out.
>>
No. 965953 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158904077901.png - (134.64KB , 800x800 , 486.png )
965953

>"Thanks for sticking around for me every time for so long."

Oh that turned this into a kiss.

Hm. Gunglasses. Maybe we should make more guns in case we do lose our energy when we remove the fog.
>>
No. 965954 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158904080504.png - (99.01KB , 800x800 , 487.png )
965954

Ah heck we're kissing right in front of Phantom! Maybe that should've waited.

>"Phantom!" Pillet calls out to her. "You're unexpectedly chill about all of this too, is there something else you guys know I don't?"
>"No." says Phantom. "And I am not that 'chill' about it. I'm silently making a very, very long list of concerns and gripes in my head. I am going to send it to you later, along with a list of things I want corroborated with you. If you wish to have the key, I recommend addressing them."
"Yeah, I want to get you on board with all of this."
>"... I've been thinking and reaffirming my thoughts about it. The key is bigger than me. You mentioned something about a town panel, right? We can have the town vote. We'll keep searching hard for new information and making information available for the town. We'll have debates and so on for awhile, and try to communicate our intents with fog dwellers. Then, in a few years, we'll have everyone vote. If at least... I'll have a number later, but tentatively at least 60% of people are in favor of opening the town, then I'll surrender the key even if I'm not personally convinced. Is that line of thinking agreeable?"
>>
No. 965955 ID: 465a14

sounds cool
>>
No. 965956 ID: 86eb65

Keep kissing and mumble out "Sounds good."
>>
No. 965958 ID: e2f5cc

Yeah, 60% is a good number to start off at, but if like 50% of people really really want to leave while the other half isn't nearly as spirited in wanting to stay, or even vice versa, we'll definitely have to have another talk about things.

And uh, sorry about making out in front of you. I sorta want to ask if she's jealous but that feels like a bit of a dick move right now so we should save the Phantom bullying for later.
>>
No. 965959 ID: ed763f

Sounds about right, time to prepare is the one luxury we have. We'll have do do some thinking about the voting; You want to prevent voter intimidation, but if you lean into that even a little zealously YOU'LL be intimidating people. We need to get it right and may only have one shot.

Fog dwellers... Delli, do you feel like paying it forward and pulling some other people out of the fog?
>>
No. 965962 ID: a0dfd2

>>965954

Make that number higher, but nothing outrageous. There's good reason people would want to stay, and we can appreciate that far more, now, knowing what's out there.

So that means we're going to have to work even harder to convince people not only that it's the right thing to do, but that they'll stand a chance at all. (And that might require restructuring society completely so that everyone has a better knowledge of energy -- and perhaps removing the gangs and creating proper administration)
>>
No. 965966 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158904939602.png - (82.73KB , 800x800 , 488.png )
965966

"Sounds cool." I say, halfway kissing still. I'll bully Phantom later by asking if she's jealous. "We can make that number higher, but nothing too outrageous!"
>"Hey," says Pillet, "Who's side are you on?"
"I just want to make sure it's fair, and I mean there's fair reason to want to stay in here! Specially with aliens out there that might kill us!"
>"S'part of why I hid info, damnit."
"No, bad! If we leave we're going to be as well informed as possible! I'm going to be a neutral party to make sure there's no complaints about the results. Is there a way I can help with getting fog dwellers to vote?"
>"If you get real good at sensing energy signatures, there's little bursts whenever people come back. You can fly over to them and try to talk to them. I'll help find people who can station themselves to do the same."
>"If I have your blessing, Delli." Phantom interjects. "I'd like to set up the television network stations to broadcast this. Both the data we've found, and the vote proposal. I'd like Soletta to be the one on TV since she's set up as mayor."
>>
No. 965969 ID: 465a14

Still seems fine! Time to practice signature sensing with the judgmentor.
>>
No. 965970 ID: e2f5cc

Yeah, if Soletta doesn't mind. Though I will want me and Pillet to be there just to make sure things are fair and the facts are straight.
>>
No. 965971 ID: 86eb65

If it's ok with Pillet. This is her big secret stuff after all.
>>
No. 965972 ID: 015bf2

>>965954
Sounds fair. Slight majority rule supporting the decision would make you feel better about doing it. Ergh, though you don't want this whole thing to turn into a popularity contest (it might) and -really- don’t want a civil gang war situation out of it and people disrupting the vote to contest legitimacy. How’s Phantom think Crook and Finnigan is gonna deal with these news? They’re the only big names left and Pillet has been stepping on any new wannabe bullies, so as far as organized opposition to a fair vote goes they’re the only ones that come to mind.

Oh, and you’ll have to figure out a fair and hard-to-mess with voting system. How good and thorough is the current citizen census?

On the upside, now that you’re making this public people will have the chance to prep for it, and that could be pretty unifying. Some could brush up on non-power tech and techniques, in case we lose it and have to rehab a ruined world, others could sign up for, like, front line/exploration duty, and come up with ways to deal with other foreseeable but unlikely disasters (such as that ‘no oxygen’ thing she mused on earlier).

And if the vote’s no... nothing says you can’t survey why and see if it’s a matter of people being comfortable with the status quo or having a fear of the unknown, then address concerns better before having a new vote.

You won’t keep doing that forever, but this is as much getting the town used to the idea and starting to prep towards it as giving them a fair say in the decision.

That said, it’s not an easy issue to vote on. Like, how long we prep before opening could enter the debate, with some people probably wanting decades of prep. The actual thing to vote over should be planned to be specific and clear, like “on this date, we open the snow globe, go inside and turn off the fog, and whatever preparations made will have to do because there’s no way to properly prepare for every possible scenario without making changes to society that are at least as major as what turning off the fog would do”.
>>
No. 965973 ID: ed763f

Sounds good, are there any eventualities we need to prepare for first?
>>
No. 965976 ID: 015bf2

>>965966
The network sounds like a good idea, but we should definitely lean towards dispensing just the facts... which you guess isn’t an issue with her. No, you’re on board, just be wary of the popularity contest thing.

And you don’t think you should be on there, representing your views. At least not forcefully. Everything you do and say would be scrutinized - is scrutinized - and if you blab the wrong thing in a debate or just in general people might decide you’re not a neutral arbiter, but the guy holding a gun to their head. And really, the degree to which you’re neutral is definitely nowhere close to fully, so as much as you’d want to be maybe that was a bad term and an indication of the way your fat mouth could get you in trouble.
>>
No. 965979 ID: 9e3bd6

>>965966
Lets, ah, lets do a rerecord of it. Using this as is is kind of candid.


...how are you filming right now, anyway?
>>
No. 965980 ID: 9e3bd6

To prepare for an opening, lets try to form a cohesive military force in case we find a welcoming party on the outside.
>>
No. 965981 ID: 015bf2

>>965976
Like, you hope people really are fed up and disillusioned with the current system, because neither you nor Pillet have much in the way of public relations chops... that you know of. You’ll just have to deal.

Blowing yourself up and removing the power from the equation to show your sincerity could be an idea, but it seems bad to let the one potential powerhouse this place has not be that for the opening. Plus, Pillet’d strangle you, which, kinky, but more hardcore of a relationship than you’re up to right now. And yeah, you could pass of the power to Pillet, but... somehow you’ve got the impression that one condition of Phantom helping out with all of this is that not happening. And your opinion’d still carry weight as Pillet’s easily manipulable fogger boyfriend.

>recording this.
...wait. She’s been...

Uh. Every time? Even...?
>>
No. 965985 ID: 015bf2

>Phantom is way into the truth and leaving records.
>It makes a lot of sense to get yourself recorded during private meetings - maybe even 24/7 - so you can later prove the sincerity of your actions to your cohorts or naysayers.

...

>Phantom would never ask anything of her subordinates that she'd not do herself.
>Soletta had sex with you because she wanted it. The precedent for doing something intimate was there.

...

>Ear rubs
>The first time you went out of public sight with Pillet, people panicked and had her call you. She sounded deeply uncomfortable.
Oh you have wronged this poor woman. With her own petard, but still!

>Humming in the spa like an idiot
>Every time you've acted like a doof
And she's wronged you!

Assume sucking on sour wrigglers expression. Note that the surveillance state is bull, and if it wasn't for the fact that THIS ONE TIME it will actually be proof solid of the sincerity of your actions, you'd... aagh, can't even say what you'd do now cuz' people could read into it! Being a public figure succccks.
>>
No. 965986 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158906179903.png - (109.77KB , 800x800 , 489.png )
965986

"When you say broadcast 'this', you mean..." I motion to me hugging Pillet. "You've been recording this?"
>".... That's diff - this is recorded yes but - don't make that face let me explain because you've completely mistook what I said! I meant I wanted to broadcast the data, and these ideas about the vote, with Soletta presenting the compiled data in a professional and coherent manner! Not us just talking about it candidly here - I would not reroute and reconstruct the entire layout of our our telecommunication network just to show the town a video of you two snogging one another!"
"Haha is that okay with you, Pillet?"
>"Showing us snogging or - ahaha sorry Phantom, yeah as long as I get a say in what exactly Soletta says on TV, the idea's cool with me."
>"I expected as much you would want a say." says Phantom. "You two, Delli. Soletta will have a script, and we'll review it in advance."
"Cool, that'll help me stay neutral even though sometimes I can't resist opening my big mouth. Yeah, like I want it clear that if we vote yes, there's going to be years of prep in advance, not just opening town the day after the vote. And there's maybe other eventualities we need to prepare for?"
>"Yes, there are going to be many details on a wide range of topics to consider, and the amount will only increase once the entire population is brought in to think about it."
"How are people like Crook and Finnigan going to take it?"
>"Does it matter?" asks Pillet. "Let 'em vote. If they disrupt the peace, blow 'em up."
>"Pillet, that will make it look like Delli is blowing up people who disagree. There are going to be politics. It's not going to be pretty. I'll make recommendations to minimize it, but it's not going to be perfect."
"And a good voting system! That avoids populary contests!"
>"Splice and I have experimented with voting systems before. We can bring that out. We can spend the time before the vote getting a proper census, too. Again, that will need many details reviewed."
>>
No. 965987 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158906183558.png - (150.42KB , 800x800 , 490.png )
965987

Pillet give Phantom a funny look.

>"Didn't you retire?"
>"Technically I'm not the leader of the mask gang, so yes, I did. Now I'm a researcher. I'm quickly turning into a civil advisor, apparently."
>"Have you been teaching Soletta about it?"
>"Somewhat. I'm telling her to take advantage of the fact that her job is relatively new, and she can ease into the position before taking on the whole town worth of duties. She's not as knowledgable as I'd like for someone in her position, but she's a quick enough learner. More importantly, she's good with talking to people and being between the rebels and me, an ex gang leader, has made her background look more well rounded to the public. So.... when I first heard Soletta was mayor, I thought Delli was just throwing a nearby friend onto the job without any thought put into it."
"Well uh you weren't wrong."
>"I didn't think so, but I also thought about it further, and realized there just weren't many good agreeable candidates, and hardly any arguably better than. She was a good choice even if the reasons for choosing her were, ehh, circumstantial and lacking. Alright. That's enough of that. Pillet, I'm sending you the lists I mentioned. Delli, you're welcome to say, but I can't think of anything I need you for"
"Then I'm off! To train energy and think about raising an army if we win the vote."
>"If we win the vote, but training the public will have no harm beforehand. Thank you for your help with all of this."
"Haha thank Pillet for finally opening up!"
>"Thhh..."
>>
No. 965989 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158906190562.png - (80.07KB , 800x800 , 491.png )
965989

>"Thank...s. Pillet."
>"You're welcome, Phantom!"
>>
No. 965990 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158906196134.png - (139.98KB , 800x800 , 492.png )
965990

That about closes it out, so it's back to practicing with Judgementor as Phantom and others figures out the details.

Pillet realizes just how effective it is and sometimes joins in. Other than that, she gets busy rebranding the rebels as a military, and hopefully trains them as one too.
>>
No. 965991 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158906206192.png - (244.04KB , 800x800 , 493.png )
965991

One week later, we've agreed on the script for Soletta to read. It took so long that we barely got it in time for the broadcast, in fact the final script is so fresh off the printer that Soletta was just handed the paper copy with no time to make actual cue cards for the broadcast. Various participants show up in person to view the live showing, including Pillet, Phantom, and myself. Phantom's even started working with Pillet in person, and that's some big progress! Today though, she seems to try extra hard to keep her distance from Pillet. Either she wants to keep up appearances, or she doesn't like seeing Pillet with the sunglasses I got her today. Pillet with sunglasses might bring back a new bad array of memories.

We get the thumbs up that everything's ready, Soletta gets in place, and the broadcast goes live.

>"Hello everyone, This is Mayor Soletta, speaking live at the mayor's tower. If you're seeing or hearing this, that means that we successfully connected your local television and slash or loudspeaker to the network! If you're not hearing this, then that means you're not hearing this anyway." Phantom cringes, as despite her best efforts, Soletta wanted to say that so much. "The reason I'm interrupting your regularly scheduled broadcast is to address the matter of the fog, and a possible escape from town. Some of you might be wondering... if we lift the fog, will we die? And the answer is yes! Definitely. But, immediately? Hopefully not! But eventually definitely yes, but apparently it's not a done deal, and we're - "
>>
No. 965992 ID: 5fc3a0
File 158906219091.png - (136.00KB , 800x800 , 494.png )
965992

"Soletta! Stick to the script!"
>"Oops, I'm being told to stick to the script, which says that in two years we're going to hold a vote. There are arguments for both sides. Over the next two years, we're going to hold debates, hand out information about what we know, hold town panels, and all that good stuff. We want a well educated voter base, so I'm going to start reviewing recent finds on the founding of our town. I recommend paying attention, because it will be on the test."


There's not going to be a test, but Pillet wanted to throw that in so much. Soletta, for one second, makes eye contact with Phantom as she physically drops the script.

>"At this point, you may have a rising sensation of dread as you ask yourself, 'does that intimidatingly thick looking book have anything to do with what you're going to cover?' Why yes. Yes it does. If you just changed the channel, your feeling of dread has now realized its maximum potential as you now realize that I'm on every single channel. Strap in, citizen, because your favorite show is cancelled."
>>
No. 965995 ID: 015bf2

Ah, nothing like a captive audience.

(Good thread, thank you very much for running it!)
>>
No. 965997 ID: 5877dc

>next two years
I'd wait longer than that to read the next part.
>>
No. 965998 ID: ed763f

Poor, Poor Phantom.
>>
No. 966004 ID: 91ee5f

>>965992
Pillet is gonna go deaf if she shoots her gunglasses!

Also, Pillet in a suit is pretty sexy. Don’t you think so, Delli? Go make out with her once the broadcast is done!
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