Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: FinnKaenbyou on May 24, 2011, 08:45:17 PM
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>You are Sango Tororetsu, high-schooler from the middle of nowhere.
>You live on Gensoushima, a small island just on the brink of Japanese oceans. While not exactly sizable, the island has kept up with modern technology and trends - well, give or take six months on the latter.
>Unfortunately, this also means they've kept up to date with Japan's rigorous education regime. Every week you get algebra and literature and science thrown at you, and it all sort of goes over your head. You don't really have any dream career to follow, and frankly most of the stuff they're trying to teach you here seems just about pointless.
>If there's one thing you've been interested in, it's the ocean - well, in your defense, you've been surrounded by it all your life. The one hobby you follow avidly is competitive swimming - despite being a year younger than your competitors you're the undisputed champion of the school team, and there's been talk of the school paying out to send you to national competitions. When you aren't swimming competitively, you're swimming for fun - snorkelling off the coast, sometimes daring to go a little further out to sea.
>It's been over a year now since you moved properly into the dorms of Gensoushima High, and you've made a couple of friends in your time here - the loud-mouthed cat-lover Rin Kaenbyou, and idiot savant Utsuho Reiuji. You're scheduled to meet them tonight after school has ended.
>Which brings us to right now, in your Literary Appreciation class at the end of the school day, with Professor Knowledge glaring at you quite severely.
>"Well, Miss Tororetsu. I hope you had your fun with your little prank, because I certainly wasn't laughing."
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> Phwee in your defense! Phweeing solves everything!
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>Try to remember what exactly we did before denying something we didn't do
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>Call shenanigans upon Okuu, jump to ocean
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OMG! A SANGO QUEST! KANJOLPH... I mean, I am all over this!
>What exactly did we do? What Yono said.
>Do we tend to get caught when doing pranks?
>What Chaore said. :V
[Stop beating me to it you lot. >< ]
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> Phwee in your defense! Phweeing solves everything!
> The professor seems slightly amused by your verbal tic, but no less angry.
>Try to remember what exactly we did before denying something we didn't do
>You aren't aware of having done anything, honestly.
>Call shenanigans upon Okuu, jump to ocean
>Jumping into the ocean from the centre of the island would be one hell of an achievement.
>"Reiuji didn't put you up to this," the professor says plainly. "She's not the sort, and we both know that."
>The professor reaches into her desk, pulling out an essay. Your name is written on it.
>"One word, Tororetsu? That's all you could offer for your description of yourself?"
>You look down at your own essay. It reads...what was it you wrote again?
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> Sexy. Clearly.
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OMG! A SANGO QUEST! KANJOLPH... I mean, I am all over this!
this
rou i love you so much more now
>Umm... What does it say? 'Phwee'?
>or sexy phwee
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>or sexy phwee
>phwexy
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>It reads:
"I am phewxy Sango; undisputed champion swimmer and..."
>Yeah, we must have been really hyper when we wrote this. Look how awesome we sound. :3
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>phwexy
>"Seriously, Tororetsu. It isn't even a real word. I can take a guess at what the second half entails, but the first half is a bit of a mystery. Would you mind explaining?"
>It'd almost sound innocent if she wasn't talking with so much murderous intent...
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>Realize you can fly.
>Get naked with a tropical feeling.
>This is a horribly obscure joke.
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>"It's Phwee! Why do you have to ask what Phwee means? It's obvious."
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>"It is a mystery"
> ~('.')~
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>Realize you can fly.
>You jump, hoping to fly through the ceiling and escape. No luck.
>Get naked with a tropical feeling.
>This is a horribly obscure joke.
>Parser only accepts pop culture references it's familiar with. Meme not found. :[
>"It is a mystery"
> ~('.')~
>Professor Knowledge clings to her temples.
"I swear. If it wasn't for the gym department loving you so much, I'd be making you repeat the year."
She slides the essay over.
"I want a rewritten essay by the end of the week. And before you try to be clever again, I want 400 words as a bare minimum. Real words this time."
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>But Phwee is a real word? This teacher dare mock us?
killher Do the assignment, cant be too hard right?
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>She wants real? I'll show you real.
>Mental note: Rewrite realultimatepower.net, Sango Label
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>But Phwee is a real word? This teacher dare mock us? killher Do the assignment, cant be too hard right?
>Do it right now? Rin and Utsuho are waiting on you outside, and this might take you an hour or two...
>She wants real? I'll show you real.
>Mental note: Rewrite realultimatepower.net, Sango Label
>One day, phwexy will be the word on EVERYONE'S lips! Then it will be YOU doing the laughing.
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>Go to meet friends
>DYNAMIC ENTRY via ULTIMATE GESPENST KICK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OcwkRpuHuA)
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>Smile and nod. You obviously have no intention of ever rewriting this.
>VIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LAS OUTSIDE
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>What assignment were we supposed to be doing again? The one that involves talking to our Bestest Buddies right?
>No, Enter with a DYNAMIC ENTRY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDOZ_hyu7Lo)
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>Mental note: Essay must be composed of nothing but cut and pasted Queen lyrics.
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>Smile and nod. You obviously have no intention of ever rewriting this.
>Mental note: Essay must be composed of nothing but cut and pasted Queen lyrics.
>Professor Knowledge is sure to appreciate how you're a poor boy girl from a poor family, and your life should be spared from the monstrosity that is state education.
>VIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LAS OUTSIDE
>You can scrape by this class, probably. What use is there in books, anyway?
>You're more than happy to get the hell out of this class, and start on the trip down to the front entrance.
>DYNAMIC ENTRY via ULTIMATE GESPENST KICK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OcwkRpuHuA)
>Your attempt to kick down the school's front door doesn't do much to help the janitor's opinion of you. It also leaves you with a really sore foot, and you're stumbling as you make your way outside.
>Rin Kaenbyou is looking at you the moment you step out, attracted by the sound of something hitting the front door really really hard. Such a shame it's an automatic door.
>"Sango, you realise this is doing nothing to help your case, right? Teach is already mad that you aren't doing work. Damaging school property's probably gonna be the last straw."
>At this point she whispers in your ear. "If you do it on camera, anyway."
>Utsuho Reiuji is leaning next to a nearby fence, presumably off in her own little world. This is just about her normal state - unless you expressly give her something to pay attention to, she's not going to be looking at you. You only know her at all because you share a dorm room with her and Rin.
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>Foreshadowing: Make out with Rin!
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>Greet Utsuho, like the nice dolphin you are!
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>Wink flirtingly at Utsuho!
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>Suddenly wonder why you're hitting on everyone all of the sudden. Decide it must be true love.
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>Foreshadowing: Make out with Rin!
>You move in for the kiss, and Rin proceeds to jam you in a headlock.
"Oh, no, ya don't! I fell for your mouth-to-mouth shtick once already, and fool me twice, shame on me!"
Utsuho...does not notice. Damn. What is WITH that girl?
>Greet Utsuho, like the nice dolphin you are!
>Wink flirtingly at Utsuho!
>"H-Hello, Utsuho..."
You gurgle out a hello in the middle of being throttled, trying to pass along a wink as well. Utsuho mutters in return.
"...Hi."
She doesn't seem to acknowledge the wink.
>Suddenly wonder why you're hitting on everyone all of the sudden. Decide it must be true love.
>Definitely! Not hormones. Those are icky.
>Eventually Rin lets you go, keeping you at a safe distance.
"Jeez, you're a lively one," she says, running a hand through her long red hair. "If you weren't head of the swim team, I wouldn't have asked for your help with this."
Rin has an interest in the ocean too, though hers is purely business. In short, she wants her small army of cats to be able to dine on fresh fish for dinner, but that's impossible on a student's allowance. The solution she's devised is to go on a little swimming expedition with you once every few days to catch something good. Utsuho comes along with you when you do it, but as usual sort of doesn't pay attention - she can't swim, so it's understandable.
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>Utsuho: Wear giant boots
>Rin: Indian thriller time!
>Sango: Get spear, fish like a bro
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>Utsuho: Wear giant boots
>Rin: Indian thriller time!
>Utsuho ignores your suggestion. Rin reminds you that Michael Jackson's been dead for over a year now. You feel old.
(Note: Utsuho and Rin are NPCs)
>Sango: Get spear, fish like a bro
>Spears are hard to fit in your bag. You'd have to look around the shoreline for something long and sharp. You have a net packed with you if you can't find anything, along with your snorkelling gear (because seriously, why would you waste all that space on books?)
>"Alright, onto tonight's mission." Rin perks up a little, pulling out a badly drawn map from her bag. You recognise it as Gensoushima, and there's a large X on the northern coastline.
"We've checked out most of the coastline in the last few weeks, but there's one spot we've never been brave enough to swim before - the spot just behind the Moriya shrine."
Panic settings go off in your head, and for good reason - you know the Moriya family incredibly well, and they've always told kids not to swim in the area beneath the shrine. It's at the top of a cliff, and falling rocks from the dangling cliff have caused plenty of casualties in the last few decades.
Fishing boats avoid it for the same reason, though. So there'd be a lot of fresh fish for you to work with. Indeed, Rin looks pretty eager about going ahead with it - it'd take something pretty big to stop her.
"So, Sango? You ready to bring home some big catches?"
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>Sounds kind of risky :<
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>Inform Rin that you intend to search for the treasure that is obviously hidden somewhere on the seabed, and the fish are just an added bonus.
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>Suddenly pause and let rational thinking get in the way.
>"I uh... Rin, isn't this a bit much for some fish...?"
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>Where's the nearest bit of shore to the proposed diving spot that isn't full of deadly cliffs?
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>Add climbing gear to inventory
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>"yesyesyes a thousand times YESSSSS"
>danger is our middle name. Sango "Danger" Quest.
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>Sounds kind of risky :<
>Suddenly pause and let rational thinking get in the way.
>"I uh... Rin, isn't this a bit much for some fish...?"
>"What's gonna go wrong? A few rocks falling from above? The old grandma Kanako doesn't know what she's talking about. And we're good at this, remember? We'll be fine."
>"yesyesyes a thousand times YESSSSS"
>danger is our middle name. Sango "Danger" Quest.
>One day you will actually change your name to Sango Danger Tororetsu. You'll probably spend the next 50 years regretting it.
>Orin smirks. "Good! Just what I wanted to hear. C'mon, Okuu, let's go."
Okuu nods, and Orin takes her by the hand to pull her along with you. You're at the centre of the island right now, so it'll take maybe 20 minutes to walk to the coast at a brisk pace.
>Where's the nearest bit of shore to the proposed diving spot that isn't full of deadly cliffs?
>There's a beach a few minutes walk from the cliff. You've used it before, though for the other side of the coastline.
>Inform Rin that you intend to search for the treasure that is obviously hidden somewhere on the seabed, and the fish are just an added bonus.
>Rin laughs.
"You say that every time we go for a dive, and you've never come across anything. I'm not sure if you're serious, or just pulling my leg."
>Add climbing gear to inventory
>Climbing gear costs money. You're a student. Not happening. :[
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>Brace yourself! Today is the day we shall find the treasure, phwee~!
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>Haven't you ever heard the phrase "rocks fall, everyone dies"?
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>"Oh, we'll find it one day!"
>How long would it take to swim from the safe shore to our intended diving spot?
>How good is Rin's swimming endurance? Ours?
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>Brace yourself! Today is the day we shall find the treasure, phwee~!
>IT WILL HAPPEN YOU SWEAR
>Haven't you ever heard the phrase "rocks fall, everyone dies"?
>Orin tilts her head in confusion. She must not be into tabletop.
>"Oh, we'll find it one day!"
>How long would it take to swim from the safe shore to our intended diving spot?
>How good is Rin's swimming endurance? Ours?
>"I'd better get a good cut, then."
>It's five minutes at walking pace, so maybe three or four minutes at your swimming pace. Closer to five at Orin's.
>You've managed five-mile swims in the pool, so you'll have no problem. Orin does a bit of track, and she's been training herself pretty avidly for these events. She's never shown signs of fatigue before, so she'll probably be fine.
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>GETCHA
GUNSFINS ON! Time to find those delicous fishys~
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>Head out for the safe beach, for now.
>How has Okuu helped out in previous trips? Spotter/lifeguard?
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>Head out for the safe beach, for now.
>How has Okuu helped out in previous trips? Spotter/lifeguard?
>You arrive at the small beach after a little walk. It's still daylight, and you've got a few hours of time before things get really dark.
>Utsuho comes along wearing an innertube and generally not doing much in the way of swimming. She glances over at you every few minutes to make sure neither of you has drowned.
>GETCHA GUNSFINS ON! Time to find those delicous fishys~
>You eagerly start taking off your school uniform, revealing the frilly dark-blue one-piece you wear underneath. It's just common sense, isn't it? Means you don't need to change into it.
>For some reason, Rin and Utsuho don't see the genius of your ways, and take turns hiding behind a large set of rocks to change. They're both in bikinis - Rin's green, and Utsuho's black.
>You and Orin get started putting on your gear. Meanwhile, Utsuho's busy blowing up her innertube so she isn't left entirely alone when you two go to work. You set out a box for your prize catches, which Utsuho will be carrying along with her.
"Big box. Gonna be hard to fill," Orin says, looking at it while she straps a fin on. "Think you can pull it off, and still find your precious treasure?"
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>Ogle Utsuho shamelessly. >.>
>"I'll find the treasure, and use it to pay for me and Utsuho's wedding! Just you watch, phwee~!"
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>Ogle Utsuho shamelessly. >.>
>Develop innertube fetish.
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>Ogle Utsuho shamelessly. >.>
>"I'll find the treasure, and use it to pay for me and Utsuho's wedding! Just you watch, phwee~!"
>You are, as usual, completely ignored.
>"That girl's already married, I'm pretty sure. To her goddamn books, anyway."
When you said Utsuho was an idiot savant, you meant it. She reads up intently on physics, but every other subject of knowledge is irrelevant to her.
>Develop innertube fetish.
>Developing a fetish for a piece of plastic is very difficult. It'd be easier to develop a fetish for Utsuho wearing an innertube, but you don't even have time for that right now - you've changed into your gear, and you're doing your warmup stretches to fend off a cramp.
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>We shall impress Utsuho with our impressive knowledge of physics!
>... Once we actually know anything about physics. Maybe its a good idea to study?
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>Clearly we must become a living avatar of Physics to seduce our true love.
>Make sure the others stretch too! Well, at least Rin.
>Review the plan for the trip.
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>Ogle the others shamelessly as they stretch. Especially Utsuho.
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I wager that after a while, this thread will die and/or have significantly less participants.
>Continue doing the warmup stretches.
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>We shall impress Utsuho with our impressive knowledge of physics!
>... Once we actually know anything about physics. Maybe its a good idea to study?
>To catch up with Utsuho? You're probably already too late.
>Clearly we must become a living avatar of Physics to seduce our true love.
>Make sure the others stretch too! Well, at least Rin.
>Review the plan for the trip.
>You are a master of fluid dynamics! Sort of.
>"Fine, whatever." Rin does her exercises, complaining about how long they take and how she could've caught half a dozen mackerel already.
>The plan is for the pair of you to hang near the surface, looking for large schools of fish beneath you. When you see a school, you dive down and try to catch as many as possible, then surface to hand your catch in to Utsuho.
[In gameplay terms, you'll need to keep check on your OP, or Oxygen Points. Underwater it costs OP to do more or less anything. If you surface, you recover your OP; if you hit 0, you'll start to drown unless someone's nearby to offer you help.]
I wager that after a while, this thread will die and/or have significantly less participants.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
>Ogle the others shamelessly as they stretch. Especially Utsuho.
>Rin shoots you a death glare. Utsuho looks to you for a moment, but only because she thinks you're about to talk to her.
>With the stretches complete, you and Rin begin the trip to your diving spot. She's helping Utsuho out with the innertube, though, so she'll take a while. Will you wait for Rin and Utsuho, or go on ahead by yourself?
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I wager that after a while, this thread will die and/or have significantly less participants.
>Break the fourth wall and frag the unbeliever! >.<
>Wait for our beloved. We can't go on without her, after all.
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>So Utsuho is clueless? Then we just have to be more blatant!
>"Hey Okuu, do you like penguins?"
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>Wait for our beloved. We can't go on without her, after all.
>You wait for Utsuho and Rin to catch up. Disappointingly, Utsuho doesn't so much as look in your direction.
>So Utsuho is clueless? Then we just have to be more blatant!
>"Hey Okuu, do you like penguins?"
>She glances at you, puzzled.
"Penguins are stupid. They're birds that can't fly. Isn't that what birds are meant to do?"
Orin seems annoyed by your choice to talk to Utsuho, but she starts to look for schools regardless. You can see the tip of her snorkel popping above the water, though you also hear some angry growlings coming from that direction...
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Oh my~, looks like a kitty's jealous~
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>"But they do fly! Underwater. Which is better, because that's where the fish are. All that flies in the air are a bunch of bugs and 747s."
>Sage nod.
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Oh my~, looks like a kitty's jealous~
>Jealous of you stealing Utsuho, or of Utsuho stealing you? You're not sure, but either way she tugs at your leg to get your attention as she passes by.
>"But they do fly! Underwater. Which is better, because that's where the fish are. All that flies in the air are a bunch of bugs and 747s."
>Sage nod.
>Utsuho's mouth opens, and a long 'ohhhhh' comes out. She seems to honestly be thinking the point over, nodding to herself.
>Rin pops her head out of the water.
"There's a big school down there! Pretty deep, but I think I can handle it. Don't mind me, feel free to talk to your darling Okuu for a little longer."
She dives down into the water properly this time.
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>"Okay, thanks for the go ahead!"
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>"Okay, thanks for the go ahead!"
>Utsuho doesn't seem to understand what's going on. "Darling...?"
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Wow, Rin is pretty salty. Pun intended. :V
>You should probably join Rin before she drags you down by force.
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>You should probably join Rin before she drags you down by force.
>Offering Utsuho a fond farewell, you catch your breath and dive down into the sea.
OP: 80/80
>You find Rin practically on the sea-bed, glaring into a nearby cave. She points inside, presumably to say that's where her school fled.
Her cheeks look a little puffed up. You took your time getting down here, so you don't know how much longer she can hold...
OP: 60/80
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>Enter the cave recklessly, pointing up so that Rin will go to the surface.
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>THAR BE TREASURE IN THAT THERE CAVERN!
>Search for the treasure whlst you're down there!
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>Enter the cave recklessly, pointing up so that Rin will go to the surface.
>Rin glares at you, ready to object, until she lets out a loud, unintentional gurgle. At that point she becomes much more willing to surface, swimming up to be reunited with her darling(?) Okuu.
>THAR BE TREASURE IN THAT THERE CAVERN!
>Search for the treasure whlst you're down there!
>Arrr, now be the time tae look fer that treasure! Ye be well intae the cavern's maw when-
?!
From nowhere, the ground begins to shake, and you have to stop yourself from being knocked into the cavern walls. Rocks start to give way, and you hear loud splashes from above...looking back, you see the entrance to the cavern's been blocked!
OP: 45/80
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>POWERS OF TELEPATHY, CONVENIENTLY AWAKEN! Instruct a passing whale to unblock the cave for you!
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>POWERS OF TELEPATHY, CONVENIENTLY AWAKEN! Instruct a passing whale to unblock the cave for you!
>You CHANNEL YOUR TELEPATHIC POWERS in an attempt to bring a whale to your aid!
...No luck. Dammit. That would've worked on TV.
OP: 40/80
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>Punch rocks until you form an air bubble!
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>Can we even see now?
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>God dammit mother fucker LOOK FOR SOME FORM OF AIR.
>Look up. Is there a ceiling or something you can get to? If so, FUCKING GET TO IT MAN
>inb4badendbecauseofthat5wastedOP
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>Punch rocks until you form an air bubble!
>You punch boulders! Unfortunately this does not work because you are not Chris Redfield (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xuXkVzBdJQ). These things are pretty damn solid...
>Can we even see now?
>Yes, in fact, which would imply there's a light source further in.
>God dammit mother fucker LOOK FOR SOME FORM OF AIR.
>Look up. Is there a ceiling or something you can get to? If so, FUCKING GET TO IT MAN
>Not here. Maybe further in?
OP: 25/80
You're starting to feel a little short of breath...
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>Go, Sango! Go towards the light! No, not that light, the other light! The light that actually exists!
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>SWIM FOR YOUR MOTHERFUCKING LIFE
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>Go, Sango! Go towards the light! No, not that light, the other light! The light that actually exists!
>Not like you have much choice in the matter, is it? You swim deeper in, hoping there'll be some sort of air pocket around here.
>SWIM FOR YOUR MOTHERFUCKING LIFE
OP: 10/80
Oh crap.
OP: 5/80
Crap crap crap crap crap
OP: 2/80
CRAP CRAP CRAwait is that a place to surface?
OP: 80/80
Oh thank god.
>It turns out the cavern isn't fully submerged, and you're panting as you rise above the surface. You haul yourself up into a room within the cavern, glad to be on dry-ish land.
>There's a light in here...? An electric one? No, that can't be right, there's no way to get power down here. But it's floating on the ceiling, and there's no power socket...maybe it's on a battery?
>Right across from it is a large stone wall with inscriptions in a language that you're certain isn't Japanese. There are pictures, too - pictures of an ocean, and of dolphins leaping in and out of it...strange.
>Concerningly, there's no other signs of exit. You've still got your net, unused, and you passed by the school of fish Orin was chasing after in your panicked search for an air pocket. Maybe you should sit around and wait for someone to rescue you...
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>Examinate drawing.
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>Examine the mysterious floating light.
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>Shake off some of that water.
>What does the cavern look like? Rock, dirt, sand; does this look like a natural cavern?
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>Examinate drawing.
>It's quite well done, now that you look at it properly. The smaller dolphins almost merge to form a larger one, and they leap out of the water in unity. It's strange, though - the small dolphins seem happy, but the larger dolphin looks pretty mad.
>The text circles the large dolphin. It's not in your language, and you can't even tell what language it IS from all the dust. This thing hasn't been cleaned in a loooooong time.
>Examine the mysterious floating light.
>It's too high for you to actually touch it, but as you put your hand close you don't feel any actual warmth from the light. You can't look at it straight on - too bright - but it runs for perhaps a foot of length.
>Shake off some of that water.
>What does the cavern look like? Rock, dirt, sand; does this look like a natural cavern?
>The frills caught a lot of water, and you spray it around the floor as you shake.
>It probably wasn't formed naturally. The indents in the walls are too regular, too artificial for that. The rock is a dull shade of red, but the wall is closer to blue, like it had been added afterwards.
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>Is this the Dolphinus Fusion Dance?
>Check the corners for any cracks or anything else of interest; being added later probably means slip-ups!
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>Is this the Dolphinus Fusion Dance?
>Check the corners for any cracks or anything else of interest; being added later probably means slip-ups!
>Somehow, you heavily doubt it.
>You touch at the corner of the wall...and it hums, letting off a faint glow. Stepping back out of instinct, you find the entire wall glowing a light shade of blue...the larger dolphin is looking at you - really looking, you swear. You know it's a rock, but that look can't be fake.
You have no idea what's going on. Maybe you're still in shock? Hell, maybe you're dreaming. The wall looks like it wants you to say something...you feel strange even thinking that to yourself.
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>"Uh.....hi?"
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>Dolphin noises.
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>"PHWWEEEEEE! MAGIC WALL MONSTER AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
>Leap into the water Sango! FLEE FOR YOUR LIIIIFEEEEE
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>"Uh.....hi?"
>No response.
>"PHWWEEEEEE! MAGIC WALL MONSTER AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
>Leap into the water Sango! FLEE FOR YOUR LIIIIFEEEEE
>Yes, leap into the water and back to the wall of solid rock. Excellent plan.
>Dolphin noises.
>You somehow doubt your throat can pull off a good dolphin impression. And what if you say something explicit?
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>Move. Does the dolphin seem to be following us?
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>"Phwee?"
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>Move. Does the dolphin seem to be following us?
>Disturbingly, yes. It's definitely following you as you walk around. It wasn't doing that before you touched the wall...
>"Phwee?"
>That strange verbal tic of yours doesn't have any more luck.
>The characters beneath the dolphin symbol begin to glow...you still can't make them out for the dust.
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>Try wiping the dust off the characters.
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>Nervous wave
>Well we arent very nice guests. Intruding on its home, waking it up, and then running away. We should be more polite!
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> Are there any other paintings around?
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>Nervous wave
>Waving isn't the answer either...
> Are there any other paintings around?
>Not unless they're really well hidden.
>Try wiping the dust off the characters.
>You brush away the dust, revealing a script that you don't recall seeing or hearing about.
And yet, somehow, at some inner level...you know it.
The words come slowly, gradually, in rhythm. You translate them in your own tongue, because you cannot speak the tongue it was meant for.
"My sleeping daughter lies within,
For ages parted from her kin.
To ye who reads this ancient sign,
Be gentle to this child of mine."
The wall shudders, and splits in two the moment you finish the verse! There's a small tunnel running through the wall now...
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>Wat
>Follow the tunnel. What's the worst that could happen?
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>Tread carefully now. We dont know whats at the end of this hallway after all.
>For all we know this "daughter" is really a giant enemy crab looking to crack our skulls open like a walnut! Oh dear that wouldn't be fun.
five bucks says this gets to thread 3 by the end of the week because come on we all love sango.
Btw will rou-tan be in this story?
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>I don't suppose we have any way to leave a note for any other intrepid explorers that might stumble on this cavern?
>Flash back to EcoQuest
>Was there enough dust elsewhere on the wall to conceal other paintings/pictures?
-
>Follow the tunnel. What's the worst that could happen?
>Tread carefully now. We dont know whats at the end of this hallway after all.
>You walk into the tunnel. The light still reaches into here, and it opens up into a small room at the end of the hall. A staircase is in front of you, and at the top of it is a small bed. A girl seems to be sleeping inside it - or at least, that's what it looks like from here at the bottom of the stairs.
>I don't suppose we have any way to leave a note for any other intrepid explorers that might stumble on this cavern?
>Was there enough dust elsewhere on the wall to conceal other paintings/pictures?
>Unless you plan to tear off a frill and leave it on the ground, no.
>Not really. You saw the dolphin picture pretty clearly...
-
>"Helloooooo? There was a painting and a dolphin and a poem or something about a daughter, Do you know where she is Miss?"
yes I am making sango derpy what aboot it
-
>"Helloooooo? There was a painting and a dolphin and a poem or something about a daughter, Do you know where she is Miss?"
> Yeah, no.
-
>"Helloooooo? There was a painting and a dolphin and a poem or something about a daughter, Do you know where she is Miss?"
yes I am making sango derpy what aboot it
>You don't want to wake her! If she's asleep, you'll just get her grouchy when she wakes up.
-
>F that noise.
>Touch her forehead lightly!
-
>F that noise.
>Touch her forehead lightly!
>Try not to do it to hard though, we dont wanna be mean to someone who may or may not be grumpy when she wakes up.
-
>Approach and get a better look at whoever it is. Keep a safe distance: We're dealing with magic here, aren't we?
-
>F that noise.
>Touch her forehead lightly!
>You climb the stairs, standing right in front of the bed. The girl sitting here seems totally asleep...her blue hair runs long, like it's been left to grow for a while. She's wearing perfectly clean white robes - you thought they were bedsheets from down below, but there aren't any. A necklace hangs around her neck, with a beautiful blue gem in its centre. A dolphin insignia is in the middle of the gem, a darker shade of blue.
>You lightly tap the girl on the forehead, checking for warmth...and her eyes shoot open!
"...Ah."
She's looking towards you curiously. She looks about twelve, maybe thirteen.
"Is it time now? I thought it was gonna take a little longer."
She sits up, and the first thing you notice is a strange slit on the bottom of the bed.
Then you see the fin on the girl's back that is clearly meant to fill this slit.
"We need to hurry then. If you've arrived, that means things are about to get really bad..."
-
>"Wait bad? You mean 'the teacher says I have to do double homeworka and detention' bad?!"
-
>Ask the girl for her name, and what she's doing here.
-
>Boggle vacantly at these shenanigans.
>"Is... is that a fin?"
-
>"Wait bad? You mean 'the teacher says I have to do double homeworka and detention' bad?!"
>"Did you come here alone? If you have any friends outside, they might be in a lotta trouble right now."
>Boggle vacantly at these shenanigans.
>"Is... is that a fin?"
>You are suddenly very, very lost.
>The girl blinks.
"Of course. What were you expecting? Wasn't the wall a clue?"
>Ask the girl for her name, and what she's doing here.
>The girl starts to take her necklace off.
"There's no time. I'll explain later. You need to put this on right now."
>The necklace shimmers as she holds it in front of you. Her light blue eyes stare into yours, totally serious...
-
>"Um.... is this going to hurt?"
>At least reach out for it anyway...
-
>God dammit I am so confused but as we always have done things before, lets go with the flow.
>Take the necklace.
-
>"Um.... is this going to hurt?"
>At least reach out for it anyway...
>"No idea. It doesn't react to me. You, on the other hand..."
You take the necklace, grabbing it. It...doesn't feel very unusual right now. Just like a regular necklace, actually.
...Wait, is the dolphin in the gem moving?!
-
>
this is just like one of my japanese anime~ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCw7bcHxUGQ)
>"Umm... Wh- What's the dolphin doing? How is it moving whatishappeningohgodthisisweirdPHWEEEEEEEEEEEE"
-
>"Umm... Wh- What's the dolphin doing? How is it moving whatishappeningohgodthisisweirdPHWEEEEEEEEEEEE"
>The girl glares.
"I said already, there's no time! Put the necklace on!"
-
>This seems awfully important. Put the necklace on!
-
>GET YO SERIOUS ON
-
>This seems awfully important. Put the necklace on!
>You put on the necklace, still eyeing the moving dolphin inside the gem. It scares you a little, but you manage not to throw it off and panic.
>The girl with the fin puts her hands on your shoulders, focusing. A bright light emerges beneath you, and you can see the beginnings of a magical circle enveloping the pair of you.
"Let it be known among the Seven Seas that I, Harami Umio, choose this girl to be my champion!"
>The necklace begins to glow in response, and the little dolphin looks like it can't get any more excited. You see it leaping out of the gem and towards your chest - and it just falls into. As it splashes into your skin, ripples of light stretch forth across your entire body. You're ready for it to hurt, but it's soothing, relaxing...almost natural.
From somewhere in the distance, there's another shaking. The cavern starts collapsing, and water pours in from the corridor. You don't feel it - you are enveloped in the light, feeling safe and warm...but somehow different.
>At last, the lights fade. You are underwater again, and there's no sign of an air pocket anywhere nearby.
OP: 2500/2500
>So why don't you care that much?
[Gonna have to leave for now. It's 3am. ;_;]
-
>Dolphin noises.
-
>Something's...different. Did that light do something to you?
-
>I feel much better down here then usual. Maybe that dolphin gave me SUPER AWESOME DOLPHIN POWERS?!
>PHWEE. PHWEE IN JOOOOY
>Buuuut dont forget to find a way out and get to your two lovers. Or one lover.
-
>I feel much better down here then usual. Maybe that dolphin gave me SUPER AWESOME DOLPHIN POWERS?!
>PHWEE. PHWEE IN JOOOOY
>Buuuut dont forget to find a way out and get to your two lovers. Or one lover.
>Not this.
-
>Dolphin noises.
>You're doing this.
>How are you doing this
(-15 OP)
>Something's...different. Did that light do something to you?
>You look down on yourself to find out.
>What are you wearing!? You swear this wasn't the swimsuit you wore when you came in. It's close, but...frillier? The frills on the bottom are now a few inches long, like the bottom hem of a dress. A large dolphin insignia is stitched onto the chest area, with a blue light shining from its eye.
>You're wearing gloves now, long white ones that run well past your elbows. Bubble emblems run their length, glowing faintly.
>Your fins have changed as well. They're made of the same fabric as the gloves, running up to your knees, but as you give them a little kick you find they work as well as they always did - if not better. They look...retractable, almost, like you could pull them back and walk normally in them.
>The mask is gone, but you don't seem to need it - you can see through the water perfectly fine. There's something at your waist - reaching and pulling it up, you find a whistle roughly the same size as your snorkel was.
>There's something else different here, but you can't quite place it...you look around, but nothing else you can see seems strange. Besides your distinct lack of drowning, at least.
(-20 OP)
>The girl (Harami, did she say her name was?) is floating besides you, nodding in approval.
"How do you feel?"
The words come out of her mouth clearly, even though there's a bubble or two to go along with them. How is she talking to you? Why is she talking to you? What's going on?!
OP: 2450/2500
-
>Don't freak out.
>Don't freak out!
>DON'T FREAK OUT!
>DON'T FREAK OUT!
>DON'T FREAK OUT!!
>"Bwuh?"
-
>Don't freak out.
>Don't freak out!
>DON'T FREAK OUT!
>DON'T FREAK OUT!
>DON'T FREAK OUT!!
>"Bwuh?"
>You do not freak out.
>You do not freak out!
>YOU DO NOT FREAK OUT!
>YOU DO NOT FREAK OUT!
>YOU DO NOT FREAK OUT!!
(-5 OP)
>You stutter something, still not quite able to produce full sentences. Strangely, the word sounds clear in the water, though you're sure it used up a little air.
(-5 OP)
>Harami blinks, waving a hand in front of your face.
"I've never heard of a 'bwuh'. Is that a new word?"
-
>Okay freak out a bit.
-
> "Wh-what... what is going on?!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqH5WmUJV18)
-
>Okay freak out a bit.
>"Eeeeeeeeeeeh?!"
(-20 OP)
Now Harami is looking very puzzled.
"What language are you speaking? I don't recognise any of these words."
> "Wh-what... what is going on?!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqH5WmUJV18)
>Harami nods. At least she understands these words now.
"You've become my guardian. Let me see if..."
She swims behind you, grabbing at something. You feel her hands grab at your back - no, not your back. Something attached TO your back. It's a smooth surface, almost like...a fin...
>"Impressive. I wasn't expecting a full transformation. Now let's move - we don't have long."
(-25 OP)
OP: 2400/2500
-
>Swim towards the entrance, if we know where is that now.
>Find rock wall, use ultrasound to bring down
-
>It's like Ecco the dolphin!
-
>Is that a fin wtf why do you have a fin aaaaaaaaaa
-
>Follow the girls instructions. She knows what she's doing.
>I hope.
-
>I'm riding on a dolphin, doin' flips and shit
-
>Pop a fucking wheelie.
-
>Is that a fin wtf why do you have a fin aaaaaaaaaa
>You freak out a little more. Harami frowns.
"Look, I'll explain everything later. Hurry up!"
>I'm riding on a dolphin, doin' flips and shit
>What? Next you'll be telling me your hand is a dolphin. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igXhh9JSmpI)
>Pop a fucking wheelie.
>You examine yourself again. No wheels. Not happening.
>Follow the girls instructions. She knows what she's doing.
>I hope.
>Swim towards the entrance, if we know where is that now.
>Find rock wall, use ultrasound to bring down
>It's not hard to retrace your steps back to the caved-in wall. There's not much chance to get lost in a one-way tunnel.
>It's like Ecco the dolphin!
>"Phwee!"
You attempt to impersonate one of Sega's least appreciated protagonists, sending out a wave of ultrasound to destroy the rocks.
No luck. Apparently, you just have regular ultrasound.
>Harami pokes at your side, at your whistle. Snorkel? Snistle? Whirkel? You'll come up with a cool name for it some other time.
"Point that at it, and blow."
OP: 2325/2500
-
>Use the whistle and play a totally sweet song
-
> Left up right, left up right. Or maybe Up left right Up left right?
>God dammit this isnt Zelda just point that whistle and BLOW. Maybe its a blowdart tube or something, only with bombs.
-
>Use the whistle and play a totally sweet song
>You blow into the whistle. No bubbles come out, but you hear a gradual "Phweeeeeeee...".
Looking at the whistle properly, you see a few symbols on it - two small buttons labeled RELEASE and AUTOMATIC, and a gauge running along its length.
After a few hard puffs, the gauge is roughly half full. Nothing's happening, though. When you move your lips away, bubbles pop out from your end and the gauge starts to lower again. You have to give it another puff to bring it back to 50%.
OP: 2250/2500
-
>Inbetween puffs "What is this?"
-
>Inbetween puffs "What is this?"
>"I'm not sure," Harami responds. "Guardians typically get a weapon that suits them. That your weapon used to be a snorkel perhaps says a lot about you as a person."
>The gauge is more or less full now.
OP: 2200/2500
-
Which one was it on again? Automatic or release? Either way:
>Flip the switch pinkySango!
-
>pres automatic butan
-
>pres automatic butan
>The whistle lets out a stream of tiny bubbles, slamming into the rocks with impressive speed, but not much force.
>New Ability: Bubble Bullet [Automatic] - Fire a stream of small but fast bullets. 5 OP / Shot
>The AUTOMATIC switch is now pushed in. Trying to puff just releases more small bubbles now, and they have no real effect on the cavein.
OP: 2200/2500
-
>"Well, this mode... blows." 8)
>Release Mode, full steam ahead!
-
>"Well, this mode... blows." 8)
>Release Mode, full steam ahead!
>Harami glares at you. "Is that the level of human comedy? No wonder your kind is always so unhappy."
>The Release button does not stick down, and doesn't have any obvious effect. Maybe if you charged it first?
OP: 2175/2500
-
>Charge shot... NOW!
>Blow into the thing. Get it up to about 80%+ and press the release button.
-
>Charge shot... NOW!
>Blow into the thing. Get it up to about 80%+ and press the release button.
>You disable Automatic mode, and give the thing a few more puffs. Getting it about 80% full, you press the Release button - and another small bullet pops out the front of your whistle, but this one rapidly grows in size while maintaining the same speed! It rams into the wall, and to your own amazement the rocks crumple to the side, revealing a path outwards to the surface!
>New Ability: Bubble Bullet [Charged] - A fast attack that does more damage and impact the longer it's charged. 10~100 OP
>Harami nods, impressed.
"Good work. Now, let's be quick. If the other Nations have been made aware of my awakening, they could already be on the attack..."
She swims out ahead of you. You see her looking up, then turning back with a solemn glare.
"...Did you come here with two other humans?"
OP: 2075/2500
-
>"Yeah, why? And what nations? America's not going to invade, is it?"
-
>"Yeah, why? And what nations? America's not going to invade, is it?"
>"Unless your friends are sharkproof, they're very likely to die right now."
Harami sighs at the second question.
"There's no time. You need to get up there and help them before it's too late!"
OP: 2060/2500
-
>Book it as fast as you can underwater! GOGOGOGGO SAVE OUR LOVES
-
>Book it as fast as you can underwater!
>You burst towards the surface, and immediately you can see what Harami was talking about. There are sharks in the water, circling around two swimmers in the water. Well, 'swimmers' is a generous approximation - one is swimming, the other is holding on for dear life. A punctured innertube is floating off into the distance. You're close enough that you can hear them talking.
"Don't let go, Okuu. I'm begging you, don't let go."
Rin is struggling to keep herself above the surface now that she has to support Utsuho's weight as well. She almost goes under once or twice, but pulls herself back up quickly. Her endurance can only last so long, though...
>There are three sharks circling the pair, enticed by their struggling. They haven't started to attack yet, but once the girls go underwater all bets are off.
You don't have much time!
OP: 2050/2500
-
> Charge up to 80% and get a close shot in at one of the sharks.
-
> Charge up to 80% and get a close shot in at one of the sharks.
>You puff for dear life, swimming up towards the sharks at full speed. You don't realise it for a moment, but you're actually performing a dolphin kick out of instinct now...that's concerning, but it's faster than your usual swimming, so.
>*RELEASE*
>You fire the shot, and it rams the shark right in the underbelly. You see it fly upwards out of the water for at least twenty feet, splashing down and looking much less lively. Needless to say, you now have the attention of its companions.
>Rin's now outright underwater, still managing to breathe through her snorkel. She's lifting Utsuho a little higher above the water, making the non-swimmer the priority. She isn't even looking to see that the sharks aren't threatening her anymore.
>You have two sharks charging at you. It'll take you at least ten seconds to charge up a good shot, and they'll reach you in less than that!
OP: 1950/2500
-
>
HEAVY MASHEEN GUN Let's see how effective our automatic bullets are on a shark, while they're still some distance away.
-
>HEAVY MASHEEN GUN Let's see how effective our automatic bullets are on a shark, while they're still some distance away.
>You activate Automatic mode, firing pellets at the shark. You catch it in the face, and it flinches slightly, but it's still coming at you at almost full speed and its partner looks similarly unfazed!
OP: 1920/2500
-
>Turn and run!
>And hope we can charge up while doing so.
-
>Turn and run!
>And hope we can charge up while doing so.
>Turning around, you can barely outspeed these sharks. You gain a bit of ground on them, and meanwhile you're puffing for dear life. >_<
>How far do you want to charge? You know 80% is enough, and that'll take maybe 10 seconds.
>SELECT CHARGE AMOUNT:
-
>Get to 30% at the least. 80% knocked that shark right out of the water, right? A little less should be fine then.
-
>Sixty percent. We don't want to risk and underkill, given we're only going to have one chance good chance.
>If we think we can get away with it, go up to 100%.
-
>Sixty percent. We don't want to risk and underkill, given we're only going to have one chance good chance.
>If we think we can get away with it, go up to 100%.
>You puff and puff until you can puff no more. You twirl around on the spot, pressing RELEASE, and the bullet reaches its full size within a second. It's as least as large as you, and sends the shark sailing off into the distance. Its partner is still chasing after you, unfazed!
>Now you're looking backwards, you realise swimming away may have been a bad idea - Rin's exhausted herself, and she and Utsuho have sank beneath the water! She's still trying to lift them both to the surface, but she doesn't have it in her any more...!
OP: 1820/2500
-
>Forget the Shark, Get those two some air and to safety! If possible, Try to blow some air into the flutethingy again.
-
>Forget the Shark, Get those two some air and to safety! If possible, Try to blow some air into the flutethingy again.
>How do you forget the shark?! It's right in front of you, and it's going to attack if you try to dash past it. Among other things, you can't kill momentum that quickly. If you want to get around it, you'll have to circle around!
>You can definitely get some charging done, at least.
>SELECT CHARGE LEVEL:
-
> Get to 50% and blast that jerk.
> Rush to help our friends!
-
Ehhh, Iunno. Maybe 40%? It's your call guys.
or 50% :V
edit: apparently purvis = all of you in my mind
>Get to 40~50% blast the jerk
>SAFE ORU FRAINDS
-
> Get to 50% and blast that jerk.
> Rush to help our friends!
>You take five seconds to bring your shot to half power, and release it upon the third shark. It's knocked back, reeling hard, and hangs limp in the water!
>You don't have time to stop and celebrate your victory, because Rin and Utsuho in a hell of a lot of trouble! With all your running away, though, it's a long trip to the pair, and you aren't sure if you're going to make it! Rin is losing air fast, and you don't think you can make it before she starts taking in water-
"Mgggbl!?"
Thankfully, you aren't the only one looking out for her safety. Utsuho grabs her head tightly, and pushes her lips against Rin's! Rin is blushing deeply, while Utsuho looks as emotionless as ever. The stream of bubbles coming out from both of them is weak, but it keeps them going for long enough that they're still around when you arrive!
>You see Rin turn to you, and her eyes widen. She must have thought you died in the cave-in...
"Mh...mmmmh..."
She groans, still trying to kick, but her legs just won't listen to her anymore. She's sinking, and even pooling her air with Utsuho will only last her a little longer...
>Harami's coming up from underneath. How long is she going to take, though...?
OP: 1750/2500
-
> Grab Rin and try to drag her to the surface. She's in the most trouble right now!
-
> Grab Rin and try to drag her to the surface. She's in the most trouble right now!
>Rin refuses to let go of Utsuho, and it's slow work bringing them both up. Maybe too slow. You can keep pushing, but it's a hard call whether you'll get them to the surface in time!
-
>SWIM HARDER
-
>"LET GO SO I CAN GET YOU BOTH UP, DAMMIT!"
-
>"LET GO SO I CAN GET YOU BOTH UP, DAMMIT!"
>Rin shakes her head, tears in her eyes. Utsuho's in as much danger as her right now, and she's not letting her go!
>SWIM HARDER
>You're just not getting enough headway...dammit!
>The last few bubbles Rin and Utsuho were sharing drift away. You see Rin's grip growing tenser for a moment, her eyes widening, before she goes limp in your arms...
>"You're not fast enough!"
Harami finally catches up, giving you the boost you need to reach the surface. Utsuho gasps, spluttering for air, still holding onto Rin...who's looking dully upwards, eyes glazed over.
Harami grimaces.
"You don't have much time. I don't know human anatomy very well, but I assume inhaling water is as bad for you as it is for me."
-
>SAVE THE CAT WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR
>Ponder if we could have used Release Mode for a speed boost.
-
>Did we bother to learn CPR?
-
We are learning/using above-water jump acrobatics at first possible opportunity because if we're going to be dolphin-girl we're going to fucking fight like one
[21:55] <E-Nazrin> Damnit Rou
[21:56] <E-Nazrin> I've spent the last few minutes fantasizing about the much better solution in Sango Quest of doing a massive above-water backflip over the sharks
>Get some air in our own lungs once Rin's safe, too!
>To Harumi, "Hold them off!"
>Where are the sharks right now?
-
>SAVE THE CAT WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR
>Ponder if we could have used Release Mode for a speed boost.
>There is no cat here! There is a Rin, though.
>Releasing for momentum might have worked, but so would have cutting the middle man and offering air yourself. :V
>Did we bother to learn CPR?
>Yes, but she still has a pulse for now...
>You try to follow Utsuho's example, holding onto Rin's face and pulling her closer. You lock lips with her, pushing air into her chest, silently praying for her to come back.
!?
From nowhere, a great power begins to envelop you. Something warm, something powerful rises up inside you, travelling from you through to Rin. You see her body take on a faint glow for a moment, before fading back to normal.
Her eyes shoot open as she gasps for breath.
"Haaaaaanyaaaah!"
>New Ability: Breath of Life - Revive a recently drowned target with mouth-to-mouth. Must be performed above water, otherwise they'll immediately breathe and drown again. 500 OP
>Rin clings to you for dear life, clearly scared out of her wits.
"Sango, what's happening?! There's rocks, and sharks, and Utsuho was in trouble and I tried to help her and you have a fin and you just gave me mouth to mouth again and-aaaaaaaah!"
She's just about incoherent right now. Harami is holding onto Utsuho, who looks breathless but otherwise alright. If anything, her focus seems to be on the punctured innertube floating into the distance...
"I was hoping not to get more people involved," Harami says, looking at your two friends, "but I suppose it can't be avoided. Where do you live?"
OP: 1225/2500 (!?)
-
>Remember how to breathe.
-
>Swim over to join Harumi, and see how Okuu is doing.
-
>Calm Rin down before she flips out and hurts herself.
-
>Be sure to take Rin with us, of course. No use just leaving her to float out in the sea.
>Look down, how're those sharks doing?
-
>Get some air in our own lungs once Rin's safe, too!
>Where are the sharks now?
>How easy would it be to retrieve Okuu's innertube? If it'd be easy, go grab it. No need to make her sadder than she is already!
>"We live on the island, but I wanna know more first!"
-
>Remember how to breathe.
>You are breathing, but you don't actually feel like you have any more air than usual...strange.
>Calm Rin down before she flips out and hurts herself.
>You give Rin a hug to calm her down. She lowers her level of panic to a mild sniffle.
"Y-You'd better tell me what's going on. And who's your new friend...?"
>Swim over to join Harami, and see how Okuu is doing.
>You still hold onto Rin as you swim over. She's probably still not fit to keep herself afloat.
>Utsuho turns to you as you approach her. Her eyes widen, and immediately she breaks into a deluge of questions.
"Sango, what are you wearing? Where'd your old swimsuit go? What's that on your back? Why are you holding a whistle? What did you do to Orin?"
She doesn't sound shocked so much as interested. You aren't sure if you've ever heard Utsuho say so much at once.
>Look down, how're those sharks doing?
>Two of them are beneath the water, floating upside down and drifting along. They don't look set to get up any time soon.
>The third was the one you hit with a full-charge shot. You have a strange feeling it's not going to be in a better condition than its allies.
>How easy would it be to retrieve Okuu's innertube? If it'd be easy, go grab it. No need to make her sadder than she is already!
>"We live on the island, but I wanna know more first!"
>It's been drifting off for a couple of minutes now, and it's well out to sea. Holding onto Rin as you are, it'd probably be too hard.
>Harami sighs. "I'll give you the short version for now. The 13th War of the Waters has begun, your waters have become the Battlefield, and I've elected you as the Champion of Odonto. As a result, every minute we spend here is a minute we risk Selachi sending reinforcements to attack us again. These waters aren't safe any more, as your island will soon find out."
-
>...
>Wait what.
-
>"...So America is invading?"
-
>...
>Wait what.
>You are lost. Again.
>"...So America is invading?"
>"Not America," Harami says. "Selachi. The Nation of Sharks? Jeez, do you humans know anything about your aquatic geography?"
She grits her teeth, carrying Utsuho and swimming towards the shore.
"Just get out of the water already."
-
>Head for shore!
>Why that stupid jerk get to carry Okuu, anyways?
-
>Head for shore!
>Why that stupid jerk get to carry Okuu, anyways?
>Damn you and your desire to save Rin's life!
>You make it back to the shoreline where you took off before. There are a few towels sitting around for you to dry yourselves, but a problem comes up. This swimsuit of yours doesn't really come off...you look to Harami for an explanation while drying yourself off. (You note that she doesn't bother with one.)
"You have to dismiss the magic. The command is something personal, something with meaning to the speaker. I can't tell you what your incantation is - just say something that feels right."
-
"You have to dismiss the magic. The command is something personal, something with meaning to the speaker. I can't tell you what your incantation is - just say something that feels right."
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> *phweeeeeeeeee*
-
>Dolphin noises.
-
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> *phweeeeeeeeee*
>Dolphin noises.
>Not really working. You're gonna have to go for something a little less...ambiguous. And probably in a human tongue, while you're at it.
-
>"Dolphin noises."
>If that fails, "Um... freak in?"
-
>"Something something style, something something grace, get this dolphin suit out of my face!"
-
>"Dolphin noises."
>If that fails, "Um... freak in?"
>Harami is glaring at you, even when she doesn't know the attempted pop culture reference.
In fact, you're Japanese. Do YOU know the attempted pop culture reference?
>"Something something style, something something grace, get this dolphin suit out of my face!"
>"Something Something" is apparently not a magic word.
-
>"
PENGUINS!"
>"I wonder if the password lets me have spaces or question marks? Ummm, 'I like to cut class for swimming!'"
-
>"PENGUINS!"
>"I wonder if the password lets me have spaces or question marks? Ummm, 'I like to cut class for swimming!'"
>"Not that sort of personal."
Harami is staring again. Apparently your lack of academic ability has not won her over.
-
>Phwee at Harami. "I don't know anything about this war or whatever magic stuff you're doing! I don't know if anything feels right right now!"
>"Unless 'Hey Okuu, Orin, let's have a threesome, maybe it'll inspire me' counts?"
>Sigh.
>Mutter an inexplicable phrase of frustration! "Gange reefed..."
-
>Phwee at Harami. "I don't know anything about this war or whatever magic stuff you're doing! I don't know if anything feels right right now!"
>"Unless 'Hey Okuu, Orin, let's have a threesome, maybe it'll inspire me' counts?"
>Sigh.
>Mutter an inexplicable phrase of frustration! "Gange reefed..."
>"You'll think of something."
>Somehow, even though you didn't actually think that, you're STILL getting a glare from Orin. Strange.
>You end up muttering something under your breath, not even thinking about it.
"Ganges Reefed...?"
The dolphin insignia on your chest glows, leaping outwards again. Your body flashes, and in a moment you're back to your old human form. The dolphin shrinks, landing inside the gem on your necklace where it had been before. The gem seems...duller now, a little emptier.
>"Whooooa." Rin is staring at you, blinking rapidly. She turns to Harami. "Teach me how to do that. It looks awesome."
"One Champion per Nation," Harami responds. "I've already offered this girl most of my power. This..."
She suddenly realises something rather important has been forgotten.
"...I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
-
"...I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
> phweeeeeee
> er i mean
> 35.
-
>"Charles Barkley."
>"Um, Sango Tororetsu. And yours was, uh... Harami? What was your last name, again?"
-
>"Charles Barkley."
>Shut up and phwee.
(On a side note, this game is making me want to catch up on Amanchu.
-
> phweeeeeee
> er i mean
> 35.
>You are not a number! You are a phwee woman!
>"Charles Barkley."
>"Um, Sango Tororetsu. And yours was, uh... Harami? What was your last name, again?"
>Harami bows to you.
"Harami Umio, princess of Odonto. The pleasure is all mine."
>After a few minutes, you've managed to pack away your swimming gear and change back into your school uniforms. The sun is setting now - you'd better get back to the dorms.
That said, though...you have a slight issue in the case of Harami. The dorm might be willing to accept you taking in guests, but that fin on her back will inevitably call attention. It's coming right through the back of the robes she's wearing, too...
-
> Watch as horrible joke misses its mark.
> Poke the fin a few times.
-
>"Can you hide that? It'd draw a lot of attention..."
>Check out the pendant again. Is that dolphin gem getting any brighter again?
>"And what's the deal with that War of the Waters, anyway? I haven't heard of that... or a nation of sharks."
-
> Watch as horrible joke misses its mark.
> Poke the fin a few times.
>I got the joke. Then I salvaged it.
>Harami turns towards you, glaring for a moment, before her eyes widen.
"Ah, yes. The fin. Can't really explain that away...I'm afraid my own form is something I have no power over, not now that I've given the necklace to you. Is there any way you can sneak me in without being seen? Or find something for me to cloak myself with?"
>Check out the pendant again. Is that dolphin gem getting any brighter again?
>"And what's the deal with that War of the Waters, anyway? I haven't heard of that... or a nation of sharks."
>The pendant is slowly getting brighter. At this rate, it'll probably take a few hours to reach its former brightness.
>"The War of the Waters is exactly what it sounds like - the Seven Nations of the Seas resolving their differences in a fight 'til death or yield. I'll give you the full details when we're somewhere out of sight...this beach doesn't have a coastguard, does it?"
-
>DOES this beach have a coastguard?
>"You can change your form?... Let me guess, you're actually a dolphin."
>Laugh nervously.
>Do we have an extra towel Harami could wear to cover the fin?
We could pass her off as hunchbacked, maybe. And found while we were at sea (technically not a lie). Especially if we can get a backpack under there to fill out around the fin. As for keeping her hidden after that... claim she's recovering from hypothermia in our room?
Well, either that or just DOLPHIN FORM her ass with more magicks.
-
>DOES this beach have a coastguard?
>"You can change your form?... Let me guess, you're actually a dolphin."
>Laugh nervously.
>Do we have an extra towel Harami could wear to cover the fin?
We could pass her off as hunchbacked, maybe. And found while we were at sea (technically not a lie). Especially if we can get a backpack under there to fill out around the fin. As for keeping her hidden after that... claim she's recovering from hypothermia in our room?
Well, either that or just DOLPHIN FORM her ass with more magicks.
>Not that you're aware of.
>"Your grasp of the obvious is truly astounding, Sango. How proud must your pod be of you?"
>Yeah you are now laughing really nervously.
>Yes, but a towel hanging on your back might look weird."
>"...A backpack?"
Utsuho thinks to herself to a moment, clicking her fingers. She takes off her own backpack, undoing a zip on the back and putting it on Harami. There's just enough room for Harami's fin to fit inside, but she starts stumbling from the weight.
"What is in this thing?" Harami asks.
"Textbooks," Utsuho responds, in a matter-of-factly tone that even Harami would struggle to replicate. "University level physics. Something to read between classes."
...You have never met anyone like Utsuho, and you severely doubt you ever will.
"Well, it'll do," Harami says, panting a little under the weight. "Lead the way."
>There are a couple of paths to the dorm from here. One leads through a densely populated shopping district, and the other's a quieter but shadier area of town. Where to?
-
>Shopping district. Because it's crowded and it's good when there's crowds.
-
>How bad would the crowds be in the shopping district right now? How about in an hour or two, if we can spare that long?
>How shady is the shady area? Have we passed through there safely enough at this time of day in the past?
>Which route would be faster, if either?
Crowd means more chances for someone to knock Harami around and expose her disguise or let her make some suspicious cultural screwup in public. It's a matter of social safety vs. physical safety.
-
>How bad would the crowds be in the shopping district right now? How about in an hour or two, if we can spare that long?
>How shady is the shady area? Have we passed through there safely enough at this time of day in the past?
>Which route would be faster, if either?
Crowd means more chances for someone to knock Harami around and expose her disguise or let her make some suspicious cultural screwup in public. It's a matter of social safety vs. physical safety.
>Everything's starting to close, so there'll be lots of customers in for the end-day rush. Should be deserted in an hour, but what are you going to do while you wait?
>You've been through before and things have been fine, but you aren't sure how some of the locals might react to Harami.
>Shopping district is the fastest route.
-
Should be deserted in an hour, but what are you going to do while you wait?
>Make out?
>"There's no coastguard, Harami, and the fastest way home will be crowded for an hour or so. Are you sure we can't talk about this here?"
-
>Make out?
>"There's no coastguard, Harami, and the fastest way home will be crowded for an hour or so. Are you sure we can't talk about this here?"
>Harami looks out to the sea. She sighs, sitting down.
"Very well, then. Since the three of you are now involved, I suppose it's only fair for me to explain this to all of you."
>"You humans seem to be unaware of the worlds that exist beneath you. The seas have been teeming with life for billions of years, and much of that time was spent in conflict. Fighting to eat, fighting to live.
Unbeknownst to you, we at one point evolved beyond that. We obtained power, the sort that humanity has never been able to obtain. Magic, Sango. We found magic, and with it we turned from fighting pods to a full-blown civilisation. We were the first - Odonto, the Nation of the Dolphins.
But others followed. Selachi, the Nation of Sharks; Anguilli, the Nation of Eels; Meduso, the Nation of Jellyfish. The three were united in one belief - that Odonto was weak, and needed to be stripped of power. They thought less of us because we were foreign - no gills, forced to live in air-tight domes at the bottom of the ocean. Yet none would seek to attack outright, lest the oceans run red with blood in a full-blown war.
Selachi proposed a solution. Each Nation would send a member of their nobility to a human island, and there they would select a human Champion to fight for them. The battle would continue until all but one Nation had yielded or had their Champion killed in battle, and the winner would be considered the ruling power of the Seven Seas.
That was the first War of the Waters.
It has grown since then. Smaller countries have joined, hoping to make their mark, bringing the total to seven Nations. Odonto has grown tired of this bloodshed, but there is little we can do to stop it. For as long as our nation breathes, we will be discriminated against, and the Wars will continue. This is the only way we can stop the oceans - and indeed the world - from falling apart around us."
-
>"The world? Killed in battle?!"
>Phwee!
-
>"Bu....but why did you choose me? What was with that glowy creepy dolphin wall painting covering the tunnel to your room? Why did I understand what was written on it?"
-
>The fate of the waterworld rests on our shoulders, huh.
>Ask if there's gonna be any support from Odonto.
-
>"The world? Killed in battle?!
>Phwee!
>"Of course, we don't support the killing," Harami continues. "Odonto has always aimed to make opponents surrender rather than kill them outright. Other nations, though, are less accepting. Selachi sees the war as a bloodsport, for example, where life and death are just a game.
I can give you a few guides as to what will happen. First, the island will be blocked off from civilisation. Dolphins, sharks, eels, everything that should be in these waters will appear and block everything going in or out. Most likely your internet will be brought down in short order. The Nations don't approve of human intervention outside of the Champions, you see, and again they're likely to kill people if they don't approve.
The Royals will be on the island, in roughly human form like myself. Some like Selachi will make their declarations of battle fair - most Champions are powerless outside the water, and I assume you're one of them. Others, like Meduso, will seek to catch you off guard and kill you in your sleep. One thing is for certain - they will all be targeting the Champion of Odonto."
>The fate of the waterworld rests on our shoulders, huh.
>Ask if there's gonna be any support from Odonto.
>"Most likely, we'll be claiming this shore for ourselves," Harami says. "Perhaps we can find an old master or two who can teach you how to properly manipulate your...weapon."
She's having trouble taking your whistle seriously. It needs a cool name, you decide.
>"Bu....but why did you choose me? What was with that glowy creepy dolphin wall painting covering the tunnel to your room? Why did I understand what was written on it?"
>"I was in that room because Odonto wanted the wars to end. They figured that if the princess was missing, there could be no war, but they knew eventually someone would stumble upon me and the war would begin again. The other Nations were already here, ready to fight the moment I woke up, so I couldn't waste time. I had to elect a Champion, and you were the first option I had.
As for the entrance...I have no idea. It was my father's work, I think, and he never explained it to me."
>Harami frowns.
"I'm sorry, Sango. It's not a burden I'd wish up you willingly, but you have potential. Your magical prowess is impressive for a beginner, and with some training I feel you have an excellent chance of defending yourse-"
"Cut that crap!" Rin yells, cutting Harami off. "No way am I letting Sango take on all this crap by herself! I don't care if you say that you gave her all your power or whatever it is, there's gotta be something I can do-"
"Do you think your friend would appreciate you getting yourself in trouble again?" Harami asks. Rin freezes, and Harami turns to you.
"Well, Sango? Would you let your friend step into this battlefield now, or give her a chance to be safe?"
Rin glares at you, looking resolute. You can see a flame of determination in her eyes.
-
>Resolution means nothing while she can barely swim like this. NIGGA SAID DENIED
-
>NO INTERNET?! The only solution now is seppuku!
>"Why haven't humans been involved in the previous Wars? For that matter, why don't we know about these underwater Nations at all?"
-
>They were involved silly! The second question is still valid though
-
>Resolution means nothing while she can barely swim like this. NIGGA SAID DENIED
>""T-That's not a problem! I mean, I was carrying Okuu as well, and...the dolphin made you stronger, right? So she can make me stronger too!"
>Rin looks desperate. If you don't give her a straight no, she's probably not going to give up on this...
>"Why haven't humans been involved in the previous Wars? For that matter, why don't we know about these underwater Nations at all?"
>"They have," says Harami, "though we've generally done our best to keep our secrets to ourselves. When the war ends, we leave the area without a trace - no-one believes the crazy tales of sharks and dolphins swarming around islands to block off ships. The Guardians are made aware of that, and in the end no-one makes an attempt to tell their insane stories. If any deaths should occur, they're passed off as freak accidents. In the end, humanity's both able to act as a neutral party and stay completely in the dark.
And let's put it this way - if your civilisation were to find out about the Seven Nations, what do you think they would do? Act nice and try to be friendly, or pillage them for everything they have? We're well aware of mankind's poor track record when it comes to unity and alliegance, so we're taking no risks."
-
>Ask Harami to prove Rin she can't make her stronger.
-
>Ask Harami to prove Rin she can't make her stronger.
>"I cannot give you anywhere near as much power as I gave your friend," Harami says to Rin, without much sign of opinion in either direction. "I can give you enough strength to defend yourself, but you will still be useless against a Champion."
"That's fine by me!" Rin replies. "I wanna help out, that's all. Somehow. Any way I can! You saved my life, Sango, and I wanna make it up to you!"
-
Oh, ass.
>"Then stay safe. I wouldn't stand if you got killed by my fault."
-
Oh, ass.
>"Then stay safe. I wouldn't stand if you got killed by my fault."
>"But...but..."
Rin tries to come up with something else to say, but she's got nothing. Eventually she gives up, hanging her head and sighing.
"...Fine. But you'd better not die out there, y'hear me?"
Harami nods, seemingly glad the discussion is over.
"Is there anything else you'd like me to explain, or should we start the trip back to your home now?"
-
>How has Okuu taken all of this?
-
>How has Okuu taken all of this?
>You don't honestly see much reaction from Utsuho. She's listening in, nodding every so often and looking very interested, but she never raises a question and she definitely never asks to try and join in. She looks happy, but not excited, so to say.
-
>"Anything you want to ask Utsuho?"
>By the way, Do we ever call her Okuu, or just by her actual name?
-
>"So, um, what are the other three nations?"
-
>"Anything you want to ask Utsuho?"
>By the way, Do we ever call her Okuu, or just by her actual name?
>"Huh? Oh, not really."
>Okuu is Rin's nickname for her. Rin also insists that you call her Orin, but that just seems like an extra syllable for no reason. Okuu, at least, is a shortening.
>"So, um, what are the other three nations?"
>"The three smaller nations only began to take part in the last few wars. They have a small influence at best, but they're equally intent on taking Odonto out. They are Lophii, the Nation of the Anglerfish; Characi, the Nation of Pirahnas; and Gaviali, the Nation of Crocodiles. If you want my personal opinion, Characi is our first immediate threat - they're the smallest of the nations and therefore the most intent on proving themselves. Gaviali will probably give us a wide berth to begin with - fellow air-breathers, and prone to much of the discrimination Odonto receives, but when they turn their eyes to us we'd best be careful."
-
>"Are there any other nations? Like whales or sea snakes or catfish? Ones that aren't really involved?"
-
>"Are there any other nations? Like whales or sea snakes or catfish? Ones that aren't really involved?"
Harami glares at you.
"You're starting to get into information that isn't relevant to the task ahead of you...but I'll say that there are indeed other, smaller nations. The seven I've mentioned are the largest in the Seven Seas, and thus have earned the right to take part in the War of the Waters. We're unlikely to see intervention from other nations, but it can't be ruled out for sure."
-
>"Well, I just thought it'd be mean if catfish didn't get to have one too, geez..."
>"Um, are they all, you know...smart? Like you?"
-
>"Well, I just thought it'd be mean if catfish didn't get to have one too, geez..."
>"Um, are they all, you know...smart? Like you?"
>"Seconded," Rin adds.
>"The Seven Nations are all capable of human intelligence, and the Royals who will be travelling around this island will be of good intellect. They will pass for humans, if eccentric ones, assuming they keep their telltale signs hidden - fins, for example."
Harami grimaces as she looks at the backpack.
"Should two Royals find one another, there will be either a promise of battle or a retreat from one side. If they're cornered, they have no choice but to accept. When the agreement is made to fight both sides must honour the meeting - anyone arriving late or not at all is considered a loser by default, and is eliminated from the War."
-
>So eels are able to be intelligent...oh god, have we eaten eel before?
-
>So eels are able to be intelligent...oh god, have we eaten eel before?
>"Before you panic, I'll inform you that the intelligent races keep to the ocean depths well out of sight when the wars are not occuring," Harami says, seeing the concern rise on your face. "You haven't eaten anything that was truly sentient...well, unless you've been eating dolphin meat. But you haven't, have you?"
You shake your head violently. The idea alone makes you shiver.
"Good," Harami says. "If you'd answered 'yes' to that, this relationship would have become very awkward."
-
>"...I think I'm going to lay off the eel anyways."
>"So, the war ends when all the others are either down, or give up, right? And I can't miss a challenge, or I'll be considered the loser? Are there any other rules? And...is there prize money or something?"
Edit: In before Orin declares that for every eel we don't eat, she'll eat three.
-
>"...I think I'm going to lay off the eel anyways."
>"So, the war ends when all the others are either down, or give up, right? And I can't miss a challenge, or I'll be considered the loser? Are there any other rules? And...is there prize money or something?"
>Your diet could probably go without that slithery stuff, anyway.
>"The war ends when only one Champion is alive and willing to fight. If you're formally challenged and don't arrive, you lose. Beyond that, there are no real rules.
The winner of the war will become the governing body of the Seven Seas until the next War. As for you, I'm certain I can arrange for a financial sum to aid you in any way necessary. Equipment, information, a new place to live - we should be able to replicate your nation's money, and use it to buy whatever is needed. Anything not spent we will offer you as a reward for your efforts."
-
>"Neat! When it comes to challenges, can I say no? Like, if someone challenged me at 3 AM when I'm normally asleep? Or tried to give me one while I was sick or something?"
>How good are we in a scrap, anyways?
-
>"Neat! When it comes to challenges, can I say no? Like, if someone challenged me at 3 AM when I'm normally asleep? Or tried to give me one while I was sick or something?"
>How good are we in a scrap, anyways?
>"You are allowed one refusal of a challenge for the entirety of the War. After that, whoever challenged you cannot ask again until they have challenged another Royal.
As for unfitting situations, you cannot challenge someone at a location and time they cannot hope to meet. However, if you are unable to escape the target, you must either accept or use your single refusal. Refusing several challenges will lead to unpleasant consequences from all six nations when discovered, so don't try to be too clever.
I would simply suggest locking your doors, keeping yourself protected, and staying in shape. Winning by default is a keen tactic of some Nations - in particular, Anguilli is quite fond of slithering their way to a victory by technicality."
-
>"Okay. And I guess you don't know who the other champions are, right?"
-
>"Okay. And I guess you don't know who the other champions are, right?"
>"I haven't the faintest, and frankly I have no way of telling. I can detect a Royal given enough time and focus, but the Champions are typically a mystery until battle begins. They usually hang close to their superior, though - though no-one will admit it, it's not been unheard of for Royals to target other Royals. If the crime cannot be blamed on any Nation in particular, no countermeasures can be taken. It's the perfect setting for regicide."
-
>"Oh! Can a challenge get called due to rain! ...Err, you know what I mean. Because something else came up in between?"
-
>"Oh! Can a challenge get called due to rain! ...Err, you know what I mean. Because something else came up in between?"
>"No. The war is the utmost priority to any and all involved. If you're unable to keep to date, you aren't worthy of winning. Fortunately, you can't be challenged by two different Nations at once. We know that, because after the 9th War they had to invent the rule - Lophii tried to be clever and trick five Nations into double-booking. Would have worked, too, if the last nation hadn't been Selachi. They didn't take well to the game being compromised, and...you can probably figure out the rest yourself."
-
> "The Selachi sound like the scariest out of all the nations..."
-
>Look toward Team O
>"You guys have any questions?"
-
>Look toward Team O
>"You guys have any questions?"
>Rin raises a hand.
"Question. Is there any chance these guys might attack us? Me and Okuu, that is."
"It's 'Okuu and I', for one," Harami says, apparently better versed in the language than a native speaker. "And I can't say for certain. Again, it's the sort of underhanded trick only one of the more devious nations would consider - the Anguilli would take hostages to make sure people went ahead with their challenges. The Meduso might go to that level if necessary, but they're more the sort to kill the Champion in their sleep. So yes, I'd keep your doors and windows locked to be safe."
>Rin now looks really concerned.
"Y-You mean these people might come for me and Okuu?!"
"Okuu and I."
"You know what I meant! If that's the case, I think we need to be able to look after ourselves!"
"And I've already told you it's useless," Harami says, looking frustrated. "Only a Champion can hope to match another Champion in battle. I don't have enough magical power left to bestow that level of strength on another person. If they came for you, you'd be defenseless no matter what power I offered you."
Rin slumps to the floor, defeated.
"But...that's not fair..."
-
>"Um, are they going to have guns? Or tasers"
>Are guns illegal here?
-
> "The Selachi sound like the scariest out of all the nations..."
> "Frankly, they are. The Manou family is at the same time one of the most esteemed and one of the most feared bloodlines in the Seven Seas. They can change from polite to pulverising with the drop of a hat, so I'd be careful."
>"Um, are they going to have guns? Or tasers"
>Are guns illegal here?
>"Worry not - no nation of the Seas will resort to human weaponry. That wouldn't be a true test of a nation's strength, after all. Champions may use firearms if they wish, but I doubt this island has them freely available for one. They're also unlikely to harm a Champion in their transformed state, so all you'd have to worry about is a Champion shooting you before the battle, and again that's highly unlikely."
-
>Nod.
>"Hey, you said you can't give Orin and Okuu much fighting abilities, but...can you make it so they won't drown easily? That kind of seems like the next big danger."
-
>First, while still discussing weaponry:
>Gesture to the O-team
>"And the humans?"
-
>First, while still discussing weaponry:
>Gesture to the O-team
>"And the humans?"
>Harami blinks.
"...Well, if they affiliate to a given nation then I suppose it'd be fine, but I don't know where you expect to find that sort of weaponry."
>Nod.
>"Hey, you said you can't give Orin and Okuu much fighting abilities, but...can you make it so they won't drown easily? That kind of seems like the next big danger."
>Harami puts a hand to her chin.
"Hmm...well, again, they won't be able to last anywhere near as long as you. In fact, you've probably noticed that you still aren't at your full capacity for air. That's because a lot of your air is coming from the gem on your necklace, and it takes a long time to recharge - six hours or so. You yourself can perhaps stay underwater for seven or eight minutes now, and that's the limit on what I can offer your companions."
<Breakdown: Of the 2500 OP you currently have, only 500 of it consists of your own breath. The remaining 2000 is based on power stored in the gem you've been given, and this doesn't refill immediately. Your breath is only used when the gem runs out of power. The 500 base OP recovers when surfacing, but the gem OP does not.>
>Harami tilts her head.
"Why do you think they would need it? I thought we had agreed they would be staying out of the war."
-
>Ask if we have further abilities, or if we can create them.
-
>Ask if we have further abilities, or if we can create them.
>"You have some dormant power that we can hopefully have the old masters unlock. They probably won't be ready until tomorrow, but we should see them first thing in the morning.
For more abilities, I'd suggest collecting the artifacts of defeated Champions. These contain magical power that can be passed on to you, further increasing your strength."
-
<Gameplay Breakdown - I'll let you come up with skills at the time, and add them as long as they're within reason/have suitable OP costs. Collecting artifacts from fallen champions will allow you to create more powerful/plentiful skills.>
-
>Ponder, maybe ask: Would it be a good idea if we took on the offensive and searched for weaker champions?
-
You can make real quotes, Zenga. I believe in you! ;_;
>"Well, just because they're staying out doesn't mean it's going to leave them alone. Especially since you said there were sneaky peoples who would kidnap and stuff."
-
>Ponder, maybe ask: Would it be a good idea if we took on the offensive and searched for weaker champions?
>"That's a good idea, but again Champions are hard to find," Harami says. "Your best tactic is to listen in for stories about unusual characters appearing in Gensoushima. Find the Royal, make the challenge, defeat the Champion.
You might need to get some experience and training before you take on one of the three larger Nations. With any luck, Characi will be too blatantly obvious for us to ignore."
>"Well, just because they're staying out doesn't mean it's going to leave them alone. Especially since you said there were sneaky peoples who would kidnap and stuff."
>"Hmm...true. I suppose it's the least I can offer them in terms of protection."
Harami beckons Utsuho and Rin over. When they approach she closes her mind, looking contemplative, and points an arm in Rin's direction.
"Potential Release!"
A circle opens beneath the pair - not as intense as the one from your transformation earlier, but still bright. You can see Rin shimmering slightly, little white sparks flying out from her.
Rin is wincing, ready for something painful to happen - and opens her eyes to realise it's already over.
"Huh? What'd you do? I don't feel any different..."
"I've given your lungs a little boost," Harami says. "Your respiratory system is rather wasteful - you don't take in all the oxygen you inhale. I've just taught your body how to make the most of its air. Hold your breath if you don't believe me."
Rin immediately tests this theory, taking a deep breath and holding it. Meanwhile Harami starts to perform the same ritual on Utsuho, who's looking off into space - maybe trying to consider the science behind Harami's work?
Five minutes later, after Harami's long since taken care of Utsuho, Rin's still holding on. You can tell she wants to say something - knowing Rin, probably something family unfriendly - but she's too busy holding her breath to actually do so.
At the seven-minute point you start seeing the first signs of trouble. Her cheeks start to puff up, and you can make out a few muffled groans. She manages another thirty seconds before finally giving up, letting it out and catching her breath.
"Heh, haah...wait until...the next time we go fishing, Sango. We're gonna make up for this lousy turnout, no problem."
>Considering Rin has already drowned and nearly been eaten by a shark today, you have to wonder why fishing is so high on her list of priorities.
-
>Revenge against the ocean, clearly.
>Smile. "Thanks, Harami. That makes me feel a bit better. So, what should we do now?"
-
>Smile. "Thanks, Harami. That makes me feel a bit better. So, what should we do now?"
>"I think we should return to your resting place for now. You've had a long day, and by tomorrow Gensoushima will be the battlefield of an unseen war. You had best rest now so we can see the masters first thing in the morning and teach you a few tricks."
-
>Where do we stay, anyways? And where does Team O stay?
-
>Where do we stay, anyways? And where does Team O stay?
>The three of you share a dorm room at Gensoushima High's Girls Dorms. It's within a few minutes walk of the school, which is at the dead centre of the island.
-
>"Okay, let's head back."
>Dormward!
>"Um, how do you both feel, after...well, drowning?"
-
>"Okay, let's head back."
>Dormward!
>"Um, how do you both feel, after...well, drowning?"
>You make the journey through the now practically abandoned shopping district. There are a few restaurants still open, all with price tags far too high for students like you. :<
> Rin frowns. "I don't remember much, honestly. I ran out of air, I started panicking...and then I blacked out. Next thing I remember you're, um, bringing me back."
She blushes at that point, looking away, but turns back with that same fire in her eyes.
"I'll be fine! It was a one-off. I'd been swimming for ages, and I was scouring the bottom looking for you, and then I had to hold Okuu, and...it won't happen again, I promise! Especially now that your dolphin friend's given me that power up."
Utsuho is twiddling her thumbs.
"...Yeah. Water's really not my thing anyway," she says. "I'm probably not gonna be much help..."
-
>"Okuu, we'll make water your thing! There's a whole world of fluid dynamics down there that's just waiting for you to get intimate with!"
-
>"Okuu, we'll make water your thing! There's a whole world of fluid dynamics down there that's just waiting for you to get intimate with!"
>"I think it's a little late for me to learn to swim. Although..."
She looks away, off in her own little world again. You're not sure when she's coming back - if she's coming back at all.
>You arrive at the dorm, where the caretaker is starting to look a little nervous. When she sees you and your friends arriving, she looks relieved.
"Oh, good, it's you three," Hong Meiling says, wiping her brow. "I know you three go on those little diving trips after school, so when you didn't show up I was worried...hey, wait. Who's this girl here?"
Harami is silent, looking towards you. Better come up with a good explanation...
-
>Crap crap crap need a good cover story...
>"She's a bum we picked up. We're gonna pay her in sandwiches for cleaning up our room! Don't let it slip."
>Wink.
-
>Crap crap crap need a good cover story...
>"She's a bum we picked up. We're gonna pay her in sandwiches for cleaning up our room! Don't let it slip."
>Wink.
>No. Then Meiling get'd defensive about us bringing a hobo into the dorms with god knows what.
>Instead explain she's an old family friend, and she wanted to visit us for a while.
-
>Crap crap crap need a good cover story...
>"She's a bum we picked up. We're gonna pay her in sandwiches for cleaning up our room! Don't let it slip."
>Wink.
>"I...I don't even know what that's a euphemism for."
>No. Then Meiling get'd defensive about us bringing a hobo into the dorms with god knows what.
>Instead explain she's an old family friend, and she wanted to visit us for a while.
>Meiling glares.
"An old friend, huh? How'd you meet, exactly? And how come I've never seen her before? It's not like Gensoushima's a big island, after all."
-
>"Distant relatives. Something happened, so she came here I guess. She's always wanted to see this place, so it kinda works out in the end, right?"
please oh god dont tell me the island has no interaction with any part of the world and isnt like the Mother 3 island
-
>"Distant relatives. Something happened, so she came here I guess. She's always wanted to see this place, so it kinda works out in the end, right?"
>"Something? That's descriptive."
Meiling is now looking seriously unimpressed with your story. You'd better fix it, fast...
-
>"She, erm, doesnt really like talking about it..."
-
>"She, erm, doesnt really like talking about it..."
>"Doesn't like talking about it? What do you me-"
"My parents are splitting up," Harami says, interrupting. Her voice trails, and you can see the first sign of tears in her eyes. "They're always shouting at each other, and I don't want to be in the house when they're so angry, and Daddy is really scary when he drinks, and-"
Her voice cracks, and she starts crying for real. Meiling looks shocked, then guilty, then apologetic.
"Ah, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Just go in! I'll talk to the school and make sure you guys get the okay!"
Harami looks up, rubbing at her eyes. "T-Thank you, gate lady." The four of you walk in to the dorm area together, starting the trip to your room.
> "OK, that was scarily good," Rin says after you're out of earshot from Meiling.
"Thank you," Harami replies. "When I wasn't busy on all that regal duty, I always had a penchant for theatre. Besides, how can I hope to win this war if I can't say that I'm a human while keeping a straight face?"
>You make it to your dorm room, opening the door to the usual sound of meowing. Half a dozen cats of different colours are lying around the floor, all of them turning to Rin the moment she steps in. She bows towards them, murmuring in apology.
"S-Sorry, guys...something came up, so I couldn't catch you any fish today. You'll have to settle for cat food..."
You don't speak to them like Rin does, but the moaning of the cats doesn't need to be translated.
-
>the poor kitties ;_;
>"What else do you do for a hobby anyways Harami?"
-
>the poor kitties ;_;
>"What else do you do for a hobby anyways Harami?"
>"Odonto promotes the arts in general - art, song, dance. I would have had more time to act were it not for my duties as a Royal...and my subsequent sealing."
Harami glares as she looks away, muttering. Meanwhile, Rin is attempting to gather her cats around one large bowl to feed them all at once, and Utsuho has gone off to the kitchen to whip up a quick dinner for all four of you.
"Curry and rice sound fine for everyone?"
You've eaten it every day for the last week, but it's cheap. That's what really matters.
-
>"It'll do!"
-
>"It'll do!"
>"That wasn't really a question, but whatever."
>Harami is looking around your dorm, examining all these strange human contraptions. "Your race has achieved a great deal with technology, given your lack of magical prowess. I'm impressed, actually."
She proceeds to entertain herself for the next thirty seconds flipping the light switch in the bathroom.
-
>"Just... ah, try not to break anything..."
>ohmygodsheissoadorable>/////////<
-
>Does Okuu make decent curry, at least?
-
>"Just... ah, try not to break anything..."
>"I don't get it. I push the button and-so fast! No incantations, no magic expenditure, nothing! And what's this thing you have over the bathtub? What happens if I turn i-wha?! Water?! And it's warm! This is amazing, Sango! How much did this place cost to build?!"
>Does Okuu make decent curry, at least?
>Like everything else she does, Okuu has cooking down to an exact science. She makes the most of a lousy set of ingredients, and manages to produce something that's not just edible but actually tasty. It'll take her about twenty minutes to actually make the meal.
-
>"Well, Technology has advanced pretty far... What was the newest thing when you were awake?"
>Think about what she would be impressed by... Maybe your Playcube360?
-
>"Well, Technology has advanced pretty far... What was the newest thing when you were awake?"
>Think about what she would be impressed by... Maybe your Playcube360?
>"I was only asleep for a few years, but...I never learned how vast and plentiful your technology was! Water from a tap, light from a button - are you sure that your civilisation hasn't discovered magic and just not told you about it?"
>You don't have a PlayCube360, sadly. You had one at one point, but it's been sent off after it got the Red Circles of Identity Theft. You were really proud of your time trials on Wave Racer, too.
-
>"Nope, It's all run by electricity. You know, the stuff that hurts a lot when you touch it. Oh and dont stick your fingers in any sockets"
>Show her the TV.
-
>"Nope, It's all run by electricity. You know, the stuff that hurts a lot when you touch it. Oh and dont stick your fingers in any sockets"
>Show her the TV.
>Harami tilts her head. "I can think of plenty of things that hurt a lot when I touch them, but this 'elecktrisitee' isn't one of them." She heeds the advice about sockets, though.
>You lead Harami towards the television, sitting her down on the couch. She's confused, not sure what you're trying to show her - until you turn on the television, and she practically leaps out of her seat.
"Aaah! Why is there a person inside that box?!"
>The local news is playing - a short showing, given that Gensoushima usually has little in the way of news. There's a story involving strange shadows in the water being reported by fishermen, but the reporter goes out of his way to suggest that Mr. Ibuki was probably drunk again. His daughter's stories of 'jellyfish THIIIIIS big' are passed off as ridiculous.
-
oh shit suika's getting a cameo awww yeaaar
>"They arent actually in the box, its moreso like... a moving picture, so to speak. There's this thing called a 'video camera' that captures motion and sound. It's hard to explain really. Though humankind really has gotten far."
>"Oh, you know the flute thingy? Yeah, well, the army/military have something like that, only lethal and takes no time at all to charge."
-
>"They arent actually in the box, its moreso like... a moving picture, so to speak. There's this thing called a 'video camera' that captures motion and sound. It's hard to explain really. Though humankind really has gotten far."
>"Oh, you know the flute thingy? Yeah, well, the army/military have something like that, only lethal and takes no time at all to charge."
>Harami nods along nervously, half-understanding what you're getting at.
>"I know how your firearms work," she says in response to the second point. "I had the necessities of your technology explained to me - the firearms, the internet and the other forms of communication that will be going down shortly. The things that would have a direct impact on the war, in short. These other inventions, though..."
-
>"If other nations get armies of sharks and huuuuge jellyfishes, do we have an army of dolphins? :]"
-
>To Utsuho, later: "So what do we need to build us a Railgun?"
-
>"If other nations get armies of sharks and huuuuge jellyfishes, do we have an army of dolphins? :]"
>"Yes, though they're to remain neutral in the war. The armies don't do much in the way of fighting - that's the entire reason we have this war - but they serve to block the island from the outside world. Typically it's through nudging and the occasional reefed ship, but the rowdier nations have been known to attack trespassers. Either way, transport to and from Gensoushima is about to be put on hold."
>To Utsuho, later: "So what do we need to build us a Railgun?"
>"A lot more electricity than we can expect the campus to give us."
It's here you start noticing Utsuho has been looking off into the distance with a little more thought than usual. She's actually pondering something rather than spacing out...you aren't sure what, but it's a little concerning.
>Dinner is served, and the four of you come together around a dinner table to eat. Harami eyes her dinner curiously, eventually finding the bravery to take a bite.
"Hyu-!"
You see a moment of pain rise to her face as the heat of the curry hits her, and for the rest of dinner she's clinging rather desperately to her glass of water.
>"So," Rin says as she's offering her leftovers to the cats. "You want me and Okuu to say you weren't feeling well tomorrow?"
"Okuu and I," Harami says from across the table.
Oh, right. Tomorrow is a school day, isn't it? With all this talk of wars and dolphins and magic you almost forgot. Oh, that beautiful, blissful ignorance.
-
>"P-Phwee?! I almost forgot! Ahh... You just do what you need to Rin, i've gotta get my mind straight."
-
>"Well, it's not like there's much else for me to do, is there?" Rin doesn't try to hide her frustrations at that point, leaving her plate on the floor for the cats to finish. She heads over to the sink to help Utsuho with the washing up. As you and Harami head back into the living room, you hear the start of a conversation.
"So, Okuu, about that thing you were working on..."
>It's getting dark, and you're actually pretty tired by now. Harami looks into the bedroom, noting there are only three single beds and that none of them has a fin-slit she can use.
"So where exactly can I sleep?"
-
>Do you have a futon or a sleeping bag or something?
>"You don't HAVE to sleep on your back, right?"
-
>Do you have a futon or a sleeping bag or something?
>"You don't HAVE to sleep on your back, right?"
>You don't really have sleepovers or anything, so that's not an option.
>"I don't have to, no. I can sleep on my side if need be, but then the fin takes up extra space."
-
>"I could ask Rin to share a bunk with someone..."
-
>"I could ask Rin to share a bunk with someone..."
>"That could work. You'd better go ask her if you want to try that."
-
>Isn't Harami a guest? Why should she have to share a bed?
>Discuss the sleeping situation with Rin and Okuu.
-
>Isn't Harami a guest? Why should she have to share a bed?
>Discuss the sleeping situation with Rin and Okuu.
>"Huh. The little dolphin needs a bed?"
Rin sinks deep into thought, crossing her legs as if in a deep meditation. Utsuho breaks her out of it.
"We could share, Orin."
"Nyaah?!"
Rin's face turns bright red at that, and she tries to stutter out a response.
"B-But Okuu, how close would that make us? We could just fill up the bathtub and let Harami sleep in that, right?"
"What's wrong with sleeping next to a friend? It's not like it's anything dirty. And Harami still needs to breathe, you know."
Rin's face crumples up, and she looks to you. She's gone outright beetroot by now.
"C'mon, Sango! Tell Okuu that sharing a bed is a bad idea!"
-
>"What exactly is wrong with this again"
-
>"What exactly is wrong with this again"
>"I-It's two girls! Really close to each other! Isn't that a bad thing?!"
-
>"Then I'll share my bed with Okuu."
-
>"What!? You think I'll let you share with her after THAT display earlier!?"
Utsuho turns to Rin, tilting her head. "Unyu? What display?"
"Just...fine, I'll share with her, alright?!"
Rin tugs Utsuho away to get changed, keeping her well away from you. It's now you have to ask yourself - how much did you really mean with those ogling glares of yours? Did you step too far?
-
>We were just joking... right?
>"Um... s-sorry for all the trouble Harami."
-
>We were just joking... right?
>"Um... s-sorry for all the trouble Harami."
>Right, but Rin seems to have taken it the wrong way. Maybe you should lay off the jokes now.
>"Don't apologise. If anything I should be apologising to you for making you go to all that trouble."
>The rest of the evening pans out mostly uneventfully. Are there any questions you want to ask Harami tonight before the war begins in earnest tomorrow?
-
>Only one.
>"Harami... What will happen to us three if you happen to die?"
-
>Only one.
>"Harami... What will happen to us three if you happen to die?"
>Harami ponders the thought, and sighs.
"Well, first of all, you'll lose your powers. A Champion is meaningless without someone to protect. I assume your breathing will return to normal as well - not right away, but perhaps fading gradually over the course of a few months. But if - and remember, that's an if - I die, the other Nations will likely lose interest in you three. You'll no longer be a threat, and they'll focus their efforts on other Nations."
-
> Hm... well, we're tired girls, and tired girls need rest.
> Change, brush teeth, crawl in bed, gnight.
-
> Hm... well, we're tired girls, and tired girls need rest.
> Change, brush teeth, crawl in bed, gnight.
>Eventually, you run out of questions. It's been a long day, and you're more than willing to get some shuteye. Who knows? Maybe when you wake up it'll turn out that this whole thing was just a crazy dream of yours. It'd certainly make a lot more sense than the alternative.
----
13TH WAR OF THE WATERS
BATTLEFIELD: GENSOUSHIMA
FIRST DAY
----
> You dream of a world of nothing but water. You drift around, letting out the odd bubble now and then, but your mind is blank.
Words jump into your head, in voices you vaguely remember.
Get yourself some rest, Sango. You've got a big future ahead of ya.
Who cares about a little homework? What's school compared to that huge ocean out there?
Fairy tales are good for you, Sango. When you grow up there'll be folks who say to stop believing, but don't give a damn about them.
That voice...it's familiar, but you can't quite place it-
----
> You jolt awake, gripping at the bedsheets. A dream? A nightmare? You're not sure.
"Are you alright?"
Harami, much to your surprise, is both real and waiting at your bedside. She's still wearing the white robes from before, but that's mainly because you don't have any clothes her size to offer her. Maybe you should buy her something else to wear. Something baggy, so the fin isn't an issue...
>Rin and Utsuho are still asleep, lying next to each other. At some point in the night Rin must have snatched away the covers, leaving Utsuho sleeping in the cold.
>"One of your human dreams, I assume? I hope it wasn't anything too unpleasant."
-
>"A... long lost dream I guess. Not bad, but weird."
>What time is it? I really hope we didnt wake up at 2am, that'd just be Phweeing annoying.
-
>"A... long lost dream I guess. Not bad, but weird."
>What time is it? I really hope we didnt wake up at 2am, that'd just be Phweeing annoying.
>"Alright. Good to see your subconscious isn't beating you up over this, at least."
>It's early morning - six or seven, maybe. The sun's just starting to rise. Harami heads into the kitchen, presumably in an effort to make herself some breakfast.
-
>Get out quickly! She might somehow cause a nuclear explosion with the toaster!
>"Hey, Harami, dont touch anything, I'm on my way. Dont want you to get hurt and all"
better safe then sorry :V
also rou could you not update until theres another person "voting" as well? I kinda feel bad for hogging the story to myself when I've already got Youkai Quest for that
-
>What do we have to eat?
-
>Get out quickly! She might somehow cause a nuclear explosion with the toaster!
>"Hey, Harami, dont touch anything, I'm on my way. Dont want you to get hurt and all"
>Harami is not stupid enough to mess with technology she doesn't understand, but you catch her looking at the oven with deep contemplation.
>What do we have to eat?
>You usually stop by a store to grab a sandwich or something on the way into school. Then again, you usually aren't up this early, and nothing will be open. You've got some bread and butter lying around - a little stale - and some of the leftover rice and curry from last night's dinner you could throw into the microwave.
-
> First thing's first... let's see if we can find some clothes she can fit in.
-
> First thing's first... let's see if we can find some clothes she can fit in.
>It's probably too early for the stores to be open. You rummage around the dorm, but you can't find anything that isn't about three sizes too large for her.
"We can deal with that after you've had your meeting with the masters," Harami says, unfazed. "For now, let's just focus on getting something to eat."
-
> "Unless you want some more of that curry, we'll have to go to a convenience store to get breakfast."
> Do we have an old backpack we can just cut a hole into for her fin?
-
> "Unless you want some more of that curry, we'll have to go to a convenience store to get breakfast."
> Do we have an old backpack we can just cut a hole into for her fin?
>Harami flinches at the sound of the word 'curry'. "Uh...yes, certainly. I recall seeing one of those stores on the way back from the beach, so we can pass it as we go."
>Conveniently, yes - an old backpack with a cartoon frog that you used in middle school but never had the heart to throw out. It's a little heart-breaking having to cut a slit into it for Harami's fin, but necessity is the mother of heartbreak.
"This one's empty," Harami states as she puts it on. "I was worried I'd have to break my back on that Okuu girl's textbooks again."
>Rin and Utsuho are still asleep as you finish getting changed. Harami suggests you repeat last night's performance and wear your swimsuit under your clothes - you'll have to change on short notice, after all. You tell her that's what you were planning to do anyway. The look of straight confusion on her face is so priceless you wish you could take a photo of it to show the others later.
>You leave a short note explaining your departure to the sleeping pair before you and Harami leave the dorm. It's still pretty much the crack of dawn, and you're one of the few people out on the streets as you make your way into the convenience store.
"Morning, Sango." shopkeeper Morichika says as he sees you enter. "You usually aren't awake at this hour. What can I get you and your little..." He looks at Harami, unable to recall her face. "...friend?"
-
>Nod. "Friend. Just looking for some breakfast."
>Once this is over, we shall have to find a seamstress type, our backpack can be repaired! ;_;
-
>Nod. "Friend. Just looking for some breakfast."
>Once this is over, we shall have to find a seamstress type, our backpack can be repaired! ;_;
>"Ah, alright. The usual?"
Morichika pulls out two plastic-packed sandwiches from behind the counter. You fork over the money, offer your thanks, and begin the trip to the coast.
Harami struggles for a while to open her pack. "Why must you humans insist on locking your food away?" Eventually you have to open it for her, and she's silent as she munches down her breakfast. She looks a little disappointed with it - probably doesn't match the level of high-cuisine she enjoyed as royalty.
>Don't worry, Mister Ribbit. We'll save you! Someday.
>You think you hear something as you make your way towards the coast. Clicks, whistles...phweeing?
"Ah, so they've already arrived. Excellent."
You're not quite sure what to think as you catch sight of the coast over a small hill - and see dozens of dolphins in the water, either playing or routinely patrolling the waters. In the distance you can make out a cargo ship going exactly nowhere as another small army of dolphins surrounds it.
You're impressed and terrified in equal measure.
>Harami steps out onto the beach, and a dolphin rises out of the water to meet her. He takes on a human(ish) form the moment he steps out of the water, wearing trailing blue robes and adjusting his glasses.
"Princess! I see you have survived your first day in this wretched place."
He looks to you, pushing his nose upwards with a snort. Harami bites her lip, motioning to him to be silent.
"Apologies for that, Sango. This is my advisor. In your tongue, his name would be...Shujinko, I believe."
Shujinko falls to his knees in front of you, bowing. His fin is larger than Harami's but such is to be expected.
"Greetings, honourable champion of Odonto! Know that you have become affiliated with a power much greater than humans will ever accomplish in your lifetime."
He sounds smug, fixing his robes as he rises back to his feet. Harami rubs at her temples.
"...Yes. As you may have gathered by now, Shujinko here is not very fond of humanity. He thinks that your lack of knowledge about magic makes you...what's the word you use, Shujinko? Medieval?"
"Primordial, ma'am."
"Ah, yes. That's the one. Though I still believe you don't give them enough credit. They have these things called light switches..."
Harami breaks into a rant about how astounding your household appliances are. Shujinko pulls a well-practiced 'act like I'm listening' expression.
-
> What a jerk. :<
> "So I take it this is the army you mentioned? It's... actually kind of terrifying."
-
>Yeah, come back and talk when you've figured out how to split the atom, bitch. >=[
-
>Yeah, come back and talk when you've figured out how to split the atom, bitch. >=[
>And come back when you can microwave a Hot Pocket >:|
-
> What a jerk. :<
> "So I take it this is the army you mentioned? It's... actually kind of terrifying."
> You give him a glare. He returns it. You guys are going to get on just great.
>"This is nothing," Shujinko says. "Selachi has fortified the southern coasts. Your public beaches? Well, let's say they're unlikely to see much use from here on. The Gaviali have taken the docks - always cunning, those crocodiles - and they've shut down all forms of entry and exit. Characi is, as we expected, trying to put its fingers in as many pies as possible and failing on every front. No sign of the Royal yet, but we'll keep looking. Lophii hasn't claimed a spot yet, but we've already received requests for a truce."
He frowns. "Nothing on Anguilli or Meduso. That's typical, though - they're always the hardest nations to pin down."
>"Anyway," Shujinko says, occasionally looking down in disgust at his feet. "I assume you are here to ensure your Champion receives her proper training." He glares at you again, standing on the beach in your casual wear. "Do you intend to swim in that? I thought you humans had already grasped the concept of aerodynamics."
-
>Yeah, come back and talk when you've figured out how to split the atom, bitch. >=[
>You wonder what this guy would think of Utsuho. Probably nothing good.
-
So, are we going to put up with this, or give him a proper ration of shit? Because I do like my shit rationing.
-
Should be interesting to see. Don't make it too smart, though: she might be based on a dolphin, but Sango's intelligence is questionable :V
-
>
"Heshin a go-go baby!" Transform into your swimsuit
>"We have, I just have it under my clothes right now. You know, in case I need to quickly change and stuff."
Should be interesting to see. Don't make it too smart, though: she might be based on a dolphin, but Sango's intelligence is questionable :V
>liek omg lets go shoppin1!
-
>"Wow, you're really full of yourself regarding humans, even though you kinda need us to keep you from getting beaten by sharks and jellyfish and stuff! That must be really embarrassing, huh? I mean, like, you even have to make yourself look like us!"
-
>"Heshin a go-go baby!" Transform into your swimsuit
>"We have, I just have it under my clothes right now. You know, in case I need to quickly change and stuff."
>Shujinko raises an eyebrow as you demonstrate the point, stripping down to your swimsuit.
"I assume that was the Princess's idea," he says, without bothering to listen to your response.
>"Wow, you're really full of yourself regarding humans, even though you kinda need us to keep you from getting beaten by sharks and jellyfish and stuff! That must be really embarrassing, huh? I mean, like, you even have to make yourself look like us!"
>You hit a nerve there. Shujinko's hand grasps at his glasses.
"Listen, child. Were it not for the fact that Selachi worked your race into the deal as a neutral party, I'd be having none of this 'opposable thumb' nonsense. You are lucky we leave you humans to yourselves given the damage you have done and continue to do to the oceans. Frankly, if it were anyone other than Odonto in power, the first order of business would be to wipe mankind off the map entirely-"
"That's enough, Shujinko," Harami says, glaring down her advisor. "I will not have you speak to my Champion in that tone."
Shujinko grits his teeth and bows. "...My apologies, Princess. My emotions must have got the better of me."
>"Anyway, you'd best be heading into the water. You should have an activation phrase for your powers, in the same was 'Ganges Reefed' deactivates them...you should find that out first, actually."
-
Note that he didn't apologize to us. Should we press?
-
Note that he didn't apologize to us. Should we press?
Unless we can convince him that he sucks, then no.
>"Well...any tips on the activation phrase?"
-
Unless we can convince him that he sucks, then no.
>"Well...any tips on the activation phrase?"
>"Other than that it's probably similar to your deactivation phrase? Not really."
-
>Hopefully its Phwee. I love Phwee. It's so Phwexy.
-
>"Err...Ganges Reefed?"
-
> "Ranges Geefed?"
-
>"HENSHIN!"
-
>Put this after any and all attempts to find the activation word. If all of this fails: "Phwee..."
-
>"Gamzee Wreath?"
-
>Dolphin noises.
>"Orthodontist?"
-
>"Err...Ganges Reefed?"
> "Ranges Geefed?"
>"HENSHIN!"
>"Gamzee Wreath?"
>Dolphin noises.
>"Orthodontist?"
>Put this after any and all attempts to find the activation word. If all of this fails: "Phwee..."
>Shujinko's expression grows more and more critical with every failed attempt at an incantation. By the time you get to 'Orthodontist' he's just plain confused.
"...Look. Let me spell it out for you. You dismiss the spell with Ganges Reefed, correct? The Ganges is a species of dolphin, and 'reefed' means going ashore. If I ask you to come up with something in that syntax meaning going out to sea, is there any chance you'll give me anything worthwhile?!"
You are torn between cutting the crap to find a real incantation and trolling Shujinko further with words that make no sense.
-
Yeah, doing dumb shit to piss off Shujinko is definitely going to be a high point.
>Snicker
>"I dunno. Will you? Because you've pretty much done nothing but insult me and my people and didn't apologize. You must be really insecure about not being able to do anything, huh?"
>"Anyways, Ganges Afloat ought to do it."
-
>"Anyways, Ganges Afloat ought to do it."
>Before this
>"Fu-sion-HA!"
>okay yeah lets be serious now :V
-
>"Fu-sion-HA!"
>Shujinko looks ready to explode. "Who are you even fusing with?!"
>Snicker
>"I dunno. Will you? Because you've pretty much done nothing but insult me and my people and didn't apologize. You must be really insecure about not being able to do anything, huh?"
>"Anyways, Ganges Afloat ought to do it."
>"Phweheheh," you giggle.
>"Or perhaps you're insecure in the presence of a race far beyond your comprehension," Shujinko responds without missing a beat. "Not that I would ever imply as such. That would be impolite, after all."
Political talk. Harami glares at him, but she can't really do much else.
> "Ganges Afloat!"
> A familiar warm light engulfs your body. You feel the gloves and boots wrapping around your arms and legs, the flapping of your frills on your legs, and your trusty whistle at your side. The gem on your chest shines as the light fades, and you give Shujinko a pose. For a moment, he's actually impressed, but then his bias kicks back in.
"Ahem. Your potential is interesting, at least. Your outfit is ridiculous, though. And a whistle...? How do you expect to win a war with THAT? I'm not sure how our masters can make anything of a weapon like that."
-
>Show him a small portion of the whistle's power. In the face.
-
>Show him a small portion of the whistle's power. In the face.
>You point the whistle and blow at him.
Nothing happens.
"Ah, you mean you don't realise that your powers are useless on the surface? Honestly, you don't seem to know anything."
Harami frowns. Admittedly, she DID say this to you in passing...
>"So what is that? The Whistle of Wisdom? Because if so, I'd suggest you spend the next hour or so puffing from it."
-
>Make a mental note to kick his ass one day.
>Attempt to charge the whistle, see if you can above ground.
-
>Make a mental note to kick his ass one day.
>Attempt to charge the whistle, see if you can above ground.
>You hope he's one of those corrupt advisors, just so that after he's defected you get to kick his ass.
>You attempt to charge the whistle, but the gauge doesn't so much as move. Sadness.
-
So now we need a name for our magic whistle!
Clearly it needs to be a play on "blowhole" so we can taunt Shuji with it giving better blowjobs than his gay ass ever will because dolphins
-
Let's called it a "blowhole". Because you know, We blow into a hole. It's super catchy I know :V
ummmm we could call it the "Flute of the Waters" or something. Or Fluffy.
-
Let's called it a "blowhole". Because you know, We blow into a hole. It's super catchy I know :V
ummmm we could call it the "Flute of the Waters" or something. Or Fluffy.
>"Pfft, really?" Shujinko can't stop himself from sniggering. "I didn't realise you humans were as inventive as you were educated. So much for that redeeming quality..."
-
>Note to self, Train the back of our hand somehow. This bitch needs it.
Anyone got a good name though? Minishark?
-
>Note to self: Get Taser.
-
>Note to self, Train the back of our hand somehow. This bitch needs it.
Anyone got a good name though? Minishark?
>Any excuse will do.
>Considering the sharks are your enemies, this may be a bad idea.
>Note to self: Get Taser.
>You can end the whole war in one sweep! With a strong enough taser, anyway.
-
> Oh, we'll just come up with a name later.
> "Let's just get to the training, 'kay? I'll show you what this thing can really do underwater!"
> He won't be laughing when we blast his ass out of the water!
-
> Oh, we'll just come up with a name later.
> "Let's just get to the training, 'kay? I'll show you what this thing can really do underwater!"
> He won't be laughing when we blast his ass out of the water!
> Something will come to you. Some day.
> "Good to see you're willing to actually get to training. Work ethic, I guess?"
> You leap forward into the water, with dozens of dolphins circling around you.
OP: 2500/2500
> From the mass of dolphins swarming around, one comes out and takes form. It turns into a young woman in a freely flowing china dress, bowing towards you with the utmost respect.
"Greetings! Me is named Twelve Fin Slaps! I special fighting master sent to help you become great Guardian! Me not speak your language good, but no dolphin know fighting better than me!"
You have enough potential to acquire 3 attacks and/or skills in addition to your bubble bullets and the Breath of Life. Make suggestions, and I will give viable OP costs. When three options are clearly the most popular, they will be acquired. Further skills can be attained by collecting the artifacts of defeated champions.
-
>Underwater dash!
-
>"Are you sure your name isn't Shampoo"
>"Will the other Champions have the same underwater limitations as me? I mean, dolphins have to breathe air, but I think the other nations just stay underwater...?"
>"And given that, would they lose power by ending up out of the water while transformed?"
>CHAOS DUNK: 5000 OP
>!NEO NEW YORK CHAOS DUNK ADVISORY WARNING! A MEASURED 19.7 MEGAJOULE OF NEGATIVE BBALL PROTONS HAVE BEEN DETECTED. A CHAOS DUNK IS IMMINENT. FIND UNDERGROUND SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT A TEST.
>Underwater dash, especially if it means above-water jumping acrobatics.
>Echolocative soundwave; headaches for everyone!
>If other Champions are harmed or limited by going above water, entrapping air bubble to lock them away.
-
>Underwater dash!
>"So, you want speed? Me can give you that!"
Twelve Fin Slaps (that's pretty long...does she need a nickname?) looks to the crowd and yells.
"Hey! Me need some space here! Break up so me can have some room!"
The words are interspersed with squeaks that are probably so profane that you don't want to hear a translation. Good thing Harami's still on the surface...
The dolphins comply, giving her several dozen feet to move in all directions. The master bows, suddenly the epitome of politeness again.
"Thank you."
Twelve Fin Slaps puts her arms to her sides, closing her eyes for a moment. She pulls them open in an instant, and she dashes to the side in an instant with ridiculous speed!
"That fast enough? It called Blinking Tide! Easy to learn - at least, from good master like me!"
>"Are you sure your name isn't Shampoo"
>"Will the other Champions have the same underwater limitations as me? I mean, dolphins have to breathe air, but I think the other nations just stay underwater...?"
>"And given that, would they lose power by ending up out of the water while transformed?"
>"We have magic powered by air, yes? Other nations use water as basis, so they no need air. But their champions not good in air as result! You fine outside of water, but they not able to breathe!"
Twelve Fin Slaps pretends to choke, just in case she didn't get the point across.
>Echolocative soundwave; headaches for everyone!
>If other Champions are harmed or limited by going above water, entrapping air bubble to lock them away.
>"Echoloca...why you use big words for painful echo? You humans always need sound clever! Me have attack for you, though - it called Dolphin Roar! All creatures in water nearby hit by big sound! Use much air, though."
>"Hm..." Twelve Fins Slaps thinks for a minute about the second attack. "I could let you fire bubble that trap opponent, but it be quite slow. Would not work if opponent not distracted or held down. It be difficult technique to make bubble strong enough to hold Champion inside, too. Still, if you have weapon that use bubbles, I see what I can do."
Ability: Blinking Tide - Shift through water at almost impossible speeds, travelling up to fifty feet in the space of a second. 50 OP/charge
Ability: Dolphin Roar - Soundwave capable of stunning weaker enemies, and forcing stronger opponents to flinch. 125 OP
"So, what you have to work with?" Twelve Fin Slaps asks. "You use sword? Axe? Shiny magic coming from hands?"
-
> "Er... I have this."
> Show her the whistle.
-
>"Hey, maybe it a big bubble is too much, maybe little ones to get around their gills and stuff?"
-
>Note to self: We're getting a ranged mundane weapon to snipe from above water when we get the opportunity.
-
>"Hey, maybe it a big bubble is too much, maybe little ones to get around their gills and stuff?"
>"Small bubble be too weak. Enemy just pop it with hand before they pass out. Big bubble work good as finishing move, I think!"
>Now that you think about it, you have that Breath of Life ability...maybe it works the other way around. You could use the bubble to knock out your opponent, then take them to the surface and revive them after they've been defeated...
>Note to self: We're getting a ranged mundane weapon to snipe from above water when we get the opportunity.
>What sort of mundane weapon? A firearm? You'd have to do some digging to find one of those on Gensoushima.
> "Er... I have this."
> Show her the whistle.
> Twelve Fins Slaps takes the whistle off your hands. She examines it curiously, lifting it up and looking from every direction.
"What this weapon do? It has no sharp edges. Not heavy enough to hit person with. Not even any spikes on it! How you call this a weapon?"
She hands it back to you. "You show me what it do. Hit me with full power!"
-
>Finny wants to be hit with full power? Well, let's take 'er literally then and use a 100% Charged Bubble!
>Hey, she asked for it.
>"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."
-
>"Gimme a sec to charge it up."
>After we show her/him/it, Can we ask it if there's any way to reduce how long it takes to charge, or reduce the amount of OP used or something?
-
>"Why you puffing into whistle like that? What you try to do-"
>You hit full power, press release, and send a full-power bubble straight into the face of Twelve Fin Slaps. She's sent flying back into the wall of dolphins, which breaks apart as she approaches...and then stops herself in the water, wincing as she looks up to you with a new level of respect.
"That was great shot! You may have silly weapon, but it hit for good damage!"
She swims back towards you, rubbing at a mark on her face. She's grinning wildly as she does so.
"So...this weapon let you turn bubbles into weapons? There plenty of ways I could go with this. We have trap bubble we talk about earlier, or I teach you how to turn bubbles into real weapon, like sword or axe! You have ideas you want me to look in?"
>After we show her, Can we ask it if there's any way to reduce how long it takes to charge, or reduce the amount of OP used or something?
>"Hmmm...me not able to reduce air needed, but me can teach you to puff faster! Then attacks take less time to power up!"
Ability: Hyperventilation - Faster breathing, allowing you to charge moves faster. [Passive]
-
>"Would these weapons vanish above water?"
-
>"Would these weapons vanish above water?"
>"They made of bubbles. Of course they not work in air."
-
>"If I learn how to puff faster, about how much faster would it go? Say it takes 10 seconds for me to get to near-full power, would it take 5 if you taught me how to puff faster?"
So guys, Here's what I'm thinking so far: Hyperventilation (depending how much time it cuts), the dash (in case something happens like with Rin), and a space I'm not so sure about yet.
edit forgot to mention that
>"What else can you teach us?"
-
>"If I learn how to puff faster, about how much faster would it go? Say it takes 10 seconds for me to get to near-full power, would it take 5 if you taught me how to puff faster?"
>"Five maybe too much. I thinking more like..." Twelve Fin Slaps counts on her fingers to keep track of herself. "...seven."
>"What else can you teach us?"
>"Me could be here all day with that! You throw me ideas, and I tell you if they work or not!"
-
Hmm, well hyperventilation seems pretty good, but I'll wait for the rest of the guys to choose.
>"Just so you know, I didnt show you both my shot-types yet, I've got an 'automatic' one"
>Show 'em said shot type.
>"Anyway I can make it stronger?"
-
Hmm, well hyperventilation seems pretty good, but I'll wait for the rest of the guys to choose.
>"Just so you know, I didnt show you both my shot-types yet, I've got an 'automatic' one"
>Show 'em said shot type.
>"Anyway I can make it stronger?"
>Twelve Fin Slaps has a much easier time with the automatic fire attacks. She only blocks the attacks going for her eyes, while ignoring the rest.
"This shot type need no charge, yes? It not very good in grand scale of things. Can take out little fishes, but not much else. Don't think me can help you much with this - would need to start tweaking at whistle, and bad things happen if I break it."
She looks away, acting innocent. She's probably talking from experience here...
-
>"Airdashing!"
-
>"Airdashing!"
>"...Oooooh."
Twelve Fin Slaps widens her eyes, and puts a hand to her chin. She nods to herself, then looks upwards into the sky.
"Let me try something."
She brings herself upright, at a right angle to the surface, and closes her eyes again. You see her tap her feet together before she bursts upwards into the air, making an impressive splash on the way out. She returns a few seconds later, dashing back into the water with impressive speed.
"Yeah, me think Blinking Tide can be tweaked a little for that! Can't move so far as in water, though.
Ability Updated.
Blinking Tide:
- (Water) Cross fifty feet in the space of 1 second. 50 OP/charge
- (Air) Cross twenty feet in the space of 1 second. 60 OP/charge
-
>We definitely want that, if only for evasion purposes.
-
>"How about something of a quick close range attack, like making a jet of air in a short burst, like a spear of air to use at our opponents gills?"
-
>"How about something of a quick close range attack, like making a jet of air in a short burst, like a spear of air to use at our opponents gills?"
>Twelve Fin Slaps ponders.
"Making jet hard, but me can do this."
She takes the flute from you for a moment, and puffs it up with one breath. Releasing it, the bubbles don't come out as they should - instead they come together to form a transparent but brilliantly sharp edge. Twelve Fin Slaps swings it around to make the point - it lets out a trail of bubbles, and the edge wears away after a few swipes.
"This will do? Swing it at fish and his gills no like, but swing it into his chest and he like it even less!"
Ability: Bubble Blade - Turn your whistle into a close-range melee weapon. can be used both for straight damage and to choke a water-breathing opponent. Must be recast after 5 swings. - Requires 30% Whistle Charge
-
So guys, What do you think? Unless there's some sort of godly "Bubble Armour" ability, we should get Hyperventilation, Bubble Blade, And the dash. Right?
>"Is there any sort of weapon I can turn it into other then just a sword?"
-
>"Is there any sort of weapon I can turn it into other then just a sword?"
>"Hm...me have a few ideas for you to work with..."
Abilities:
Bubble Sword - A full-blown sword for melee combat. Better range than Bubble Blade. Lasts 12 swings until recharge. - Needs 65% Whistle Charge
Bubble Whip - Another whistle extension with the longest range of all. Doesn't do direct damage, but leaves large bubble streams that leave water-breathers struggling. Lasts 8 swings until recharge. - Needs 80% Whistle Charge
-
I'm leaning towards hyperventilation, bubble whip, and the dash right now but just in case...
> "Is there some kind of bubble armor that we could make as well with the flute?"
-
I'm leaning towards hyperventilation, bubble whip, and the dash right now but just in case...
> "Is there some kind of bubble armor that we could make as well with the flute?"
> Twelve Fin Slaps frowns.
"Me not very good with defense, sorry. You want good advice for defense? No get hit."
-
Rou, Just to clarify, Do we get the whip AND the sword, along with two other things, or just one.
I'm going to say Hyperventilation, the Dash, and both weapons. If not both, Then the Sword. We'll need close range in case, right?
-
Close range really doesn't matter when all of your attacks come from the whistle. The rapid fire shoud be enough to make someone who's close back off. Also, of the sword and the whip, the whip sounds more fun and interesting.
-
Rou, Just to clarify, Do we get the whip AND the sword, along with two other things, or just one.
I'm going to say Hyperventilation, the Dash, and both weapons. If not both, Then the Sword. We'll need close range in case, right?
The three weapons - the Blade, the Sword, and the Whip - are all separate upgrades.
-
Well, you should probably start putting the abilities to a vote, so that Rou can keep this moving. The three abilities that get the most votes are the ones that Sango learns. I'll go ahead and put down some votes, so that there's a format to follow.
> Learn Blinking Tide.
> Learn Hyperventilate.
> Learn Cool Bubble Whip.
-
I'll put my input then.
> Learn Blinking Tide
> Learn Hyperventilate
> Learn Bubble :sword!:
-
You know, for once, I'm not going to pick a sword.
> Learn Blinking Tide. for great speed-ticks
> Learn Hyperventilate. for great quick-time
> Learn Bubble Whip. for great justice!
XD
-
>Learn Blinking Tide
>Learn Hyperventilate
>Learn Bubble Whip
-
OK, since there's a majority for three options in particular and I want to get things moving, I'm gonna hurry up and move things on.
-----
> First and foremost, you really like the look of that dash move. Twelve Fin Slaps runs you through it step by step. Thankfully there are only three steps - look in direction you want to move, imagine yourself flying there, and tap your feet together.
New Ability: Blinking Tide
> You need to work on your charge times, you think. Twelve Fin Slaps teaches you how to better call upon your air, filling up your whistle much fast than usual.
New Ability: Hyperventilate
> For all the awesome your whistle is currently capable of, you think it could use some more versatility. The whip sounds useful - it has range, but it also has some interesting abilities. You can't hurt with it, but holding someone in place with it could be useful, and it seems like the easiest way to take enemies out without killing them - block the gills, make them pass out, then bring them back to the surface for the Breath of Life.
Also, it looks pretty damn cool. That helps.
New Ability: Bubble Whip
> "You fast student!" Twelve Fin Slaps says, impressed. "Though you look like you run out of magic for now."
You're not sure how she figured this out, until you look down and see the dolphin's eye on your chest has dimmed. It must be a sign of how much untapped power you have left, or something like that.
> You offer the master your thanks as your training session ends. You've been here for a couple of hours now, and the dolphins who had surrounded you before are now spreading out to guard the coast.
"No problem!" Twelve Fin Slaps says, saluting. "You make sure to come back when you beat down Champions! Me will come up with new ideas for you and your cute whistle!"
Cute is really not the impression you wanted to give across, but whatever. You return to the surface.
>"Oh, hello again," Shujinko says, sitting on the beach and writing what's probably poetry into the sand. "What did the river dolphin teach you? I assume those boots of yours don't have laces, so she didn't have to teach you how to tie them."
Harami is at his side, glaring him down again before turning to you. "That was fast. I thought you had the look of a quick learner about you. So, what're you capable of now?"
-
>Learn Blinking Tide
>Learn Hyperventilate
>Learn Bubble Whip
Seconding this.
-
>SHOW HIM YO MOVES
-
>SHOW HIM YO MOVES
>You give him a taste of your Blinking Tide technique, tapping your feet together and shifting from several feet away to right behind him. You nudge his glasses off into the sand, and the look of sheer horror on his face is totally worth it.
"W-Well! At least you have a trick or two. You might be able to fluke your way to victory, if we're lucky."
>Harami is impressed in a more genuine sense, nodding towards you.
"You already seem a lot more powerful than you were before. Perhaps we can walk around the streets safely now. Take the fight to the enemy, as you put it."
She looks backwards, towards her backpack. "Though we should try to do something about my...appearance, first. Shujinko gave me more than enough of your currency to purchase some clothes, so could you direct me to a local store?"
-
god dammit rou you ninja'd me.
>"Sure, Let's go."
>Whisper to Shujinko "I'll finish showing you what I can do later~"
>eval grin
-
>Figure out how to work Blinking Tide into a bitchin' flamenco.
>Consider shopping locals that aren't too pricy. And hopefully not too crowded at this hour.
-
>"Sure, Let's go."
>Whisper to Shujinko "I'll finish showing you what I can do later~"
>evil grin
>Shujinko seems slightly disturbed, but maintains his composure for the most part. "Perhaps by that point you'll have found a weapon more dignified than that damned whistle."
He walks casually back into the water, dipping beneath the surface and re-emerging as a dolphin.
>"Ganges Reefed!"
You return to your normal form, drying yourself off and changing back into your ordinary clothes. Harami is keen to take your hand as you walk back into town together.
"I must apologise for Shujinko's behaviour. He is an excellent advisor, but his personality has even some of Odonto's finest shaking their heads."
>Figure out how to work Blinking Tide into a bitchin' flamenco.
>Consider shopping locals that aren't too pricy. And hopefully not too crowded at this hour.
>You'll get back to this when you figure out how to flamenco without ground to stand on.
>There are a few clothing stores in close proximity to you right now. You've got Kageyama's, who specialise in long exotic dresses at undercut prices, Fujiwara's, who are into more practical clothing (especially jackets, hoodies and trenchcoats), and if all else fails there's the Yakumo Multimart, Gensoushima's chain of the biggest supermarket in Japan. That might be crowded at this hour, though.
(Your personal favourite store, Kawashiro's Dive Shop and Swimsuit Emporium, is presumably not a viable option at this point.)
-
>"He seems to have some real problems."
>Hit up Fujiwara's. We need Harami to blend in, and low key stuff is the way.
-
>"He seems to have some real problems."
>Hit up Fujiwara's. We need Harami to blend in, and low key stuff is the way.
>"He is egotistical, I will admit. I am ashamed of him, but the fact remains that no-one in Odonto could hope to take his place. I will have to deal with him.
>Fujiwara's is about five minutes walking distance from the coast. As you enter the musty store, filled with the smell of dust and the strumming of some guitar song you've never heard of, you see Harami's face turn a little pale.
"...I suppose it's about time I gave up something for the cause, isn't it?" she says, glaring without much love at the jackets and coats running along the lines of clotheshangers. The shopkeeper comes up to you (the only customers in the store) and gives the usual salesman rant, tightening her suspenders to look official.
"Mornin', ladies. Welcome to Fujiwara's, where our clothes will keep you warmer than a phoenix on your lap. Now, as a warning, I can't take any payments by card right now - the electronic transfer system is acting up. Apparently that's happening all over Gensoushima right now, so there's not much I can do about it. Now, cold hard cash..."
>What are you looking to have Harami wear? She doesn't seem to have any personal preferences, disliking all the outfits equally.
-
>Look around for something that fits the current weather. Are there at least any designs that she likes?
-
>About how much do we have, and how much are the different sorts of clothes available?
>Would we be able to say anything to Harami without anyone else hearing?
-
>Look around for something that fits the current weather. Are there at least any designs that she likes?
>You're well into spring now, so you look at the lighter jackets. You find some hooded jackets that aren't likely to make the poor girl melt, with appropriately kiddy designs. They don't seem to offer any big trenchcoats or anything for kids Harami's age.
>Harami examines some of the patterns. By the time she's looked at the third dolphin-design, she glares at you. She probably wants something less blatantly aquatic so she doesn't give herself away.
>About how much do we have, and how much are the different sorts of clothes available?
>Would we be able to say anything to Harami without anyone else hearing?
>Harami has enough money from Shujinko to make payment more or less a non-issue. If you want it, you can have it.
>If you walk into a distant corner of the store, you should be able to talk to Harami without the shopkeeper hearing you.
-
>Well, at least she understands that much... though our own interests would make us stand out normally anyway, wouldn't they? Damnit.
>What other sorts of patterns or decorations are there? Keep an eye out for anything that would vaguely hint at one of the other factions, to help throw things into confusion.
-
>Well, at least she understands that much... though our own interests would make us stand out normally anyway, wouldn't they? Damnit.
>What other sorts of patterns or decorations are there? Keep an eye out for anything that would vaguely hint at one of the other factions, to help throw things into confusion.
>You're pretty sure the swimsuit is covered from all angles. At least, you hope so.
>There are a few jackets, presumably for young boys, featuring a crocodile walking around with a human-skin purse.
>There's a hoodie with a man in a wetsuit on it, with a shark-tooth necklace.
>You giggle slightly at the sight of a jacket portaying a jellyfish holding up a sword and shield, with the caption "PORTUGESE MAN O' WAR".
>Fujiwara must have taken the credit crunch pretty harshly. There's a jacket here showing a businessman with a light coming out of his forehead, luring in some innocent holding a bag of money.
>Is that...memorabilia from the old Lamprey Stand? You didn't even know they had jackets. That place used to be all the rage until the health committee came down on the owner for lying about nutritional values.
>Finally, there's a pirahna munching at a massive wad of meat, with the caption "ONE STEP AT A TIME".
-
>Get the piranha one, cause nothing else is as true, if you got yourself a big honking elephant steak, you eat it, one bite at a time :B
-
Mokou has a strange sense of taste. :S
>MANLY JELLYFISH SHIRT
-
I say go for the lamprey stand, because yes. Although...
>What do we know about/think of the lamprey stand, and/or its owner?
>Being a regularly seagoing swimmer at school is enough of a reason for us to be worth investigating as soon as someone thinks to ask around the school. Sooner or later, someone will...
-
I say go for the lamprey stand, because yes. Although...
>What do we know about/think of the lamprey stand, and/or its owner?
>Being a regularly seagoing swimmer at school is enough of a reason for us to be worth investigating as soon as someone thinks to ask around the school. Sooner or later, someone will...
>You're aware that the stand was run by a woman named Mystia Lorelei. A good woman, for the most part, though a bit too willing to twist the truth for financial gain. Her food was great, but she bragged a little too much about how it could bring back sight to the partially blind. (For the record, it couldn't.)
>Good point. By that logic, though, it's possible that other members of the swim team will have been approached to be made Champions. They'll be looking for people who are at home in the water, after all, and unlike Harami the other Royals have time to choose whoever they want...
-
>Who else is on the swim team, and who are the best?
>Do we have any close friends on the swim team, as in people that wouldn't "attack" us even in this war?
-
>One more thing, Are surfers and scuba divers fairly common on Gensoushima?
The guy in the wetsuit has me suspicious....Sharktooth Necklace? Wetsuit? Just put 2 and 2 together.
-
>Who else is on the swim team, and who are the best?
>Do we have any close friends on the swim team, as in people that wouldn't "attack" us even in this war?
>You are, of course, the strongest competitor on the team. The girls' team consists of maybe two dozen students, and you know most of them by name and face.
>You're only acquaintances with most of the team, but you're relatively friendly with a few of the girls. There's the Komeiji sisters, who couldn't be further apart - Satori got into the hobby to get her mind off of her schoolwork, and as one of the highest scoring students in the school it was probably for good reasons. Koishi decided to join immediately after watching The Little Mermaid, which says more than enough about her personality.
Then there's Shou and Nazrin, or as they're better known around school The Tiger and The Mouse. Nazrin was bullied pretty relentlessly at the start of high school, and after Shou stepped in to help her the pair have been inseparable. It's not clear whether Nazrin talked Shou into joining the team or the other way around. Either way, Nazrin's by far the better swimmer of the two.
>"That's dangerous thinking," Harami says. "We can't be sure if the other Nations will be as friendly to their Champions as Odonto has been to you. We accept that we are intruding on your time, on your business - other Nations see your race as tools to be exploited as necessary. You may not be able to trust even your closest friends."
>One more thing, Are surfers and scuba divers fairly common on Gensoushima?
The guy in the wetsuit has me suspicious....Sharktooth Necklace? Wetsuit? Just put 2 and 2 together.
>Diving's a popular pastime from the middle-classes and beyond. You yourself had always been planning to give it a try, but the student finance issue left it more or less consistently out of reach. Kawashiro's Dive Shop and Swimsuit Emporium serves as a one-stop shop for everyone from the first-time freediver to the aged diving veterans.
>You somehow doubt the Selachi Royal would willingly pose for a design like this.
-
> "Anything look good, Harami? Hey, this jacket's probably rare, the place closed down not too long ago."
-
She needs a monster truck related design. If anything would impress a dolphin, it's monster trucks.
-
She needs a monster truck related design. If anything would impress a dolphin, it's monster trucks.
Even if the words of my retired Drafting teacher may be right, Purvis knows how to do things better :V
-
She needs a monster truck related design. If anything would impress a dolphin, it's monster trucks.
Or prismatic mechanical horned equines.
-
Or prismatic mechanical horned equines.
Now you're just proposing we mix water and caesium. AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME WE DID THAT!
-
Now you're just proposing we mix water and caesium. AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME WE DID THAT!
Don't remind me ;_;
-
> "Anything look good, Harami? Hey, this jacket's probably rare, the place closed down not too long ago."
>Harami looks at it without interest, blinking. "Still not exactly noble, is it? If you think it'll work as a disguise, I'll take it, but don't expect me to enjoy it."
She needs a monster truck related design. If anything would impress a dolphin, it's monster trucks.
>Cars are something you actually don't see much of on Gensoushima. The island is too small for a car to really be worth the effort, and they're only owned by the extremely rich.
Harami is unimpressed by the monster truck jackets. "How much exhaust much that thing produce?"
-
>"Well, anything that looks regal in the least will raise suspicion, so you don't have many options."
-
> Also pick out some pants or a skirt to go with the jacket, and a shirt as well.
> Does Harami seem to take interest in anything in this place?
-
>"Well, anything that looks regal in the least will raise suspicion, so you don't have many options."
>Harami sighs. "Fine. I'll take it."
> Also pick out some pants or a skirt to go with the jacket, and a shirt as well.
> Does Harami seem to take interest in anything in this place?
>You take the jacket to the counter, and buy some shirts and pants to go along with them. You more or less pick shirts at random. There aren't exactly many skirts available in this store, and it's probably better to get this all done in one sitting.
>The best reaction she offers to any piece of clothing in here is a neutral glare.
>"Thanks for yer service. Come again whenever you feel like a new set of threads."
The shopkeeper bifs you farewell, and you step out into the mid-morning sun.
You hear a pair of grumbling stomachs - Harami's, and your own. You could probably get something to eat about now - there are a few restaurants nearby, and Harami should be able to afford a good meal or two no problem. But you're lugging around this bag of clothes with you - should you head back to the dorm and let Harami change first?
-
> Let's go ahead and put the question to Harami.
> "Hey, Harami, do you want to change first, or eat? Might be a bit safer to get changed, but if you're really hungry..."
> Where's some delicious fish places?
-
> Let's go ahead and put the question to Harami.
> "Hey, Harami, do you want to change first, or eat? Might be a bit safer to get changed, but if you're really hungry..."
> Where's some delicious fish places?
>"I'd rather eat now, frankly. The longer I can wait until I have to put that on, the better."
>Harami tugs at her robes. She's really fond of those, isn't she...?
>For local restaurants, you've got Miyako's Mouthwatering Menagerie, which prides itself on serving even the most obscure and dangerous fish in the region, and the White Rock, which is meant to be a much more family-friendly place - but has apparently become the headquarters of a small gang of thugs.
-
> Yeah... let's go to Miyako's.
> "Those clothes are good for running around and staying under the radar, but... there is a place that sells pretty nice dresses..."
-
> Yeah... let's go to Miyako's.
> "Those clothes are good for running around and staying under the radar, but... there is a place that sells pretty nice dresses..."
>Hold off on this for a sec.
>"Harami, Do you ever want to eat something that isnt some form of fish?"
> It cant be too bad to let her try something new, after all. List of any actually eatery's aside from the ones you listed?
-
>Is there somewhere that would sell a cheap bathrobe for Harami to wear around the house? That'd match her preferred clothing style, fanciness aside, even if it's not appropriate for public wear.
-
>Hold off on this for a sec.
>"Harami, Do you ever want to eat something that isnt some form of fish?"
> It cant be too bad to let her try something new, after all. List of any actually eatery's aside from the ones you listed?
>Harami frowns. "But fish are so yummy, and tasty, and..." She's acting pretty childish all of a sudden.
>There's a MikoBurger nearby if you want something cheap and simple. For more refined tastes there's the Scarlet Soiree, an upper-class restaurant you'd dream of being able to afford.
>Is there somewhere that would sell a cheap bathrobe for Harami to wear around the house? That'd match her preferred clothing style, fanciness aside, even if it's not appropriate for public wear.
>Pretty sure you could get one at the Yakumo Multimart.
-
>"Oh come on miss princess, You can try a different course of meal everyone once in a while."
>Do we have enough money for the Scarlet place? By 'we', I mean the man we are going to beat the crap out of later.
-
>"And seafood is also exactly what the other Royals would expect you to eat, isn't it?"
>Would the fancy place also sell a selection of seafood? We could allow her SOME of that, especially if it's on her dollar...
-
> Though, if we want to eat at the fancy place, we'd probably need to look the part...
> Also, we'd need to keep an eye out for parole officers looking for young magical girl maidens playing hooky from school with transforming dolphin princesses.
-
>"And seafood is also exactly what the other Royals would expect you to eat, isn't it?"
>Would the fancy place also sell a selection of seafood? We could allow her SOME of that, especially if it's on her dollar...
>"Well, yes, but they'll be doing exactly the same! A-And you're the one who wanted to take initiative, right?!"
Evidently, it takes a lot to separate a dolphin from her fishies.
>You'd get caviar, but that's about it.
> Though, if we want to eat at the fancy place, we'd probably need to look the part...
> Also, we'd need to keep an eye out for parole officers looking for young magical girl maidens playing hooky from school with transforming dolphin princesses.
>That's admittedly an excellent point. You two aren't exactly in your finest dinner wear. You could buy yourself a pair of dresses from Kageyama's...if they're ornate enough, you'll be practically unrecognisable. [No-one you know would ever expect to see you wearing more clothes rather than less of them.]
-
>"Now now. You're among humans. You should be relishing this chance to taste our culture and see all the neat little differences! Let's get some burgers."
-
>Invite Harami to eat some veggies, too! Such healthy treats can't be found underwater after all.
-
>Invite Harami to eat some veggies, too! Such healthy treats can't be found underwater after all.
> Wait, we're trying to find veggies at MikoBurger? :|
> Sigh. "Come on, just try it. If you don't like it, I promise to take you to a really nice fish place for dinner. Okay?"
-
>"Now now. You're among humans. You should be relishing this chance to taste our culture and see all the neat little differences! Let's get some burgers."
>"Relish. I see what you did there."
> Wait, we're trying to find veggies at MikoBurger? :|
> Sigh. "Come on, just try it. If you don't like it, I promise to take you to a really nice fish place for dinner. Okay?"
>Harami sighs, but begrudgingly accepts. "I'll be holding you to that, I think."
>Invite Harami to eat some veggies, too! Such healthy treats can't be found underwater after all.
>"I dunno, kelp and seaweed went down fine enough for me."
>MikoBurger is the same fast-food chain it's always been. The place reeks of grease, but the burgers are pretty damn tasty. You aren't sure what goes into them, but it's probably better not to ask. From a booth in the corner, you hear the sound of another customer chomping away at their meal without remorse.
A young woman in the official restaurant uniform - a red vest and skirt with white sleeves - comes up to the counter to serve you. She fires out words like a machine gun.
"Good morning welcome to the Mikoburger home of the purest and finest meat the world's ever seen what can I get for you?"
-
Awesome Harami's never going to trust us ever again.
> Let's start off small for Harami. "I'll take the #1 combo, and she'll the kids' MikoMiko Burger Meal."
-
>How much do WE eat seafood? We need to act natural to avoid suspicion ourselves...
>Are there any fish filet items or the like on the menu?
Even better compromise would be to get an order of that to share! In addition to the other stuff, of course. It's an unexpected selection of food 'quality' for a Royal, even if it's still technically seafood-based. Still, it's a potential risk...
Though maybe we can bully her into at least trying the other stuff before resorting to the fish food.
-
I thought the idea was to bully her into trying other stuff in the first place, and MikoBurger was the one that was cheaper and didn't require us to get fancier outfits, which would then have Harami questioning us about why we didn't go to that place in the first place and then she'd look at us all >:< like and then we'd be sad at first then realize how cute she looks like that then we'd be HNNNGH and then die and the game would end.
-
To be fair, we could also skip pointing out the fish filet menu item until after Harami throws a fit; assuming she doesn't end up accepting the burgers as acceptable, at least.
-
I thought the idea was to bully her into trying other stuff in the first place, and MikoBurger was the one that was cheaper and didn't require us to get fancier outfits, which would then have Harami questioning us about why we didn't go to that place in the first place and then she'd look at us all >:< like and then we'd be sad at first then realize how cute she looks like that then we'd be HNNNGH and then die and the game would end.
[dammit how'd you predict the 'so moe i could die' ending now i have to come up with something else :<]
>How much do WE eat seafood? We need to act natural to avoid suspicion ourselves...
>Are there any fish filet items or the like on the menu?
Even better compromise would be to get an order of that to share! In addition to the other stuff, of course. It's an unexpected selection of food 'quality' for a Royal, even if it's still technically seafood-based. Still, it's a potential risk...
>You're smart enough to keep a well-balanced diet when you can afford it, so no-one'll be expecting you to ravage the fishmarkets.
>You can get Harami some fish sticks as part of the kids' meal. Hopefully that'll be enough to keep her from stamping out the place in a huff.
Awesome Harami's never going to trust us ever again.
> Let's start off small for Harami. "I'll take the #1 combo, and she'll the kids' MikoMiko Burger Meal."
She accidentally the whole kids' Burger Meal?
>"Number one combo and a kids' Mikomiko Burger Meal that'll be 850 yen please."
Harami slips you a note, and you place it on the table. It's a 1000 yen bill - or at least a good enough imitation that the attendant is fooled.
"OK here's your 150 change go find a seat can I get a number one combo and a kids' Mikomiko Burger Meal?"
She calls out to the cooking staff behind her, who promptly get to work. Harami walks off to find a table for you both to sit at, and a few minutes later you sit beside her with two bags in your hand. You offer her the kids' meal, and promptly start working your way into yours.
>Harami pulls out the burger in her own bag. She seems thankful that it's smaller than yours. She sniffs at it once or twice, struck by a wave of smells she doesn't recognise, and pouts as she looks up at you.
"Are you sure these are edible? Maybe I have a different physiology from you, and..."
-
>"You'll love it."
>Grin.
>"Then you can get your advisor hooked on it and make him feel even more conflicted and guilty about things."
-
>"You'll love it."
>"Because surely... I'm lovin' it."
-
BARAPPAPPAPPAAAAAAA
>Pick up a fry...and EAT IT
-
>"You'll love it."
>Grin.
>"Then you can get your advisor hooked on it and make him feel even more conflicted and guilty about things."
>"I don't think Shujinko would so much as look at one of these burgers, let alone eat it."
Harami's statement serves to frighten herself.
>"Because surely... I'm lovin' it."
>Someone's ringtone goes off in the background. Badabapabaaaa~
>Pick up a fry...and EAT IT
>You grin as you bite into the fry, trying to win over Harami's favour. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFSI4mdFvoQ&feature=related) It doesn't seem to work - though she doesn't make her awkwardness obvious, she edges her chair backwards a little.
>Harami's worked through several of the fish sticks, but she hasn't found the courage to start on the burger yet. You can barely hear her eat over the sound of that customer in the booth, even though he's several tables behind you.
-
> Start on our own burger.
-
> Start on our own burger.
>It's gone a little cold now, but it's still edible. You make an effort to exaggerate your smile as you eat at it, hoping that'll convince Harami that it's not poisonous.
It's a slow and gradual move, but eventually she picks up the burger, pulls it towards her lips, and gives it a tiny nibble. You see her wincing, ready to be ill.
She relaxes. "Hm. Edible." She starts eating at the rest of it - not at a ravenous pace, but decent enough that you only have to wait a few minutes for her to finish.
"So," she says as she wipes her face with the napkin like it's a handkerchief. "Where now?"
-
"Hm. Edible."
>so where's pesco's cameo? :derp:
>What place do we know thats good for after a meal, Like a park or something?
-
>"Have you ever been on a date? Because babe, even without the prehensile part, you fine."
>Whose ringtone was that?
>Do we have any idea what that guy in the other booth was talking about?
>Remember, if we can overhear him, then others can probably overhear us. At least be vague about fight planning in public!
>"Well, we could probably pick up some more supplies for the event you're running."
>Surely there's at least somewhere to pick up a baseball bat...
>We also need some explanation for Harami wearing that backpack all the time. Maybe give her something for self-defense in there, too.
-
You could also go back to the dorms and change. Just saying.
-
>so where's pesco's cameo? :derp:
>What place do we know thats good for after a meal, Like a park or something?
>That's a bit of a vague phrasing. There's not enough room for a park in Gensoushima - the best you've got is probably the aquarium.
>"Have you ever been on a date? Because babe, even without the prehensile part, you fine."
>Whose ringtone was that?
>Do we have any idea what that guy in the other booth was talking about?
>Remember, if we can overhear him, then others can probably overhear us. At least be vague about fight planning in public!
>"Well, we could probably pick up some more supplies for the event you're running."
>Surely there's at least somewhere to pick up a baseball bat...
>We also need some explanation for Harami wearing that backpack all the time. Maybe give her something for self-defense in there, too.
>You feel dirty for chatting up a twelve year old girl.
>It was the ringtone of the woman behind you, a single mother desperately trying to get her kid to eat his goddamn meal rather than painting the walls with it.
>He's the only voice other than Harami's you can hear in the restaurant, mainly because it's so goddamn loud. You see other customers glaring in the booth's direction as he yells "THAT WAS GREAT, GET ME ANOTHER!" every two minutes.
>Harami sees you've started the double talk, and joins in.
"I think I could use some safety gear, in case things go wrong." She doesn't go into specifics - mainly because she isn't sure of them - but a melee weapon is probably always a good idea.
You could also go back to the dorms and change. Just saying.
>That you could! Will you?
-
> "Why don't we head back to the dorm so you can change?"
> Hm... we need to get a swimsuit for Harami. She really can't swim around in these new clothes like she can in that dress of hers...
-
> "Why don't we head back to the dorm so you can change?"
> Hm... we need to get a swimsuit for Harami. She really can't swim around in these new clothes like she can in that dress of hers...
>Harami groans. "Do we have to? Surely we can go walking for a little longer before I have to put on...that." She glares at the bag of clothes you bought her...
>The dorm's between the Kawashiro DSaSE and where you are now, so you may as well head to the dorm on the way over if you're going to get her a swimsuit.
-
> "Hm... well... all right, we can go ahead and walk around, I guess."
> Is there a circuit we can take that will take us to interesting sights, avoid the dorms and possible parol officers, and take us to Kawashiro's? If there is, take her along that way.
-
> "Hm... well... all right, we can go ahead and walk around, I guess."
> Is there a circuit we can take that will take us to interesting sights, avoid the dorms and possible parol officers, and take us to Kawashiro's? If there is, take her along that way.
>Frankly, the dorms are probably the worst place to be right now. If the school is on the lookout for runaway students, that's the obvious first stop.
The path around heads past the White Rock, the old arcade and the aquarium before reaching Kawashiro's. Shouldn't lead to any issues with the school, though.
-
> Let's go that way. The aquarium... actually, it wouldn't be a bad idea to go there. We might get a little intel...?
> Play tour guide for Harami.
-
> Let's go that way. The aquarium... actually, it wouldn't be a bad idea to go there. We might get a little intel...?
> Play tour guide for Harami.
>"And on your left, you'll see the old arcade where every cabinet's at least five years old!"
Arcades were never your thing, but Okuu's something of a fanatic. Apparently the games are her main way of unwinding when she isn't studying in some shape or form, though you've never seen her down here.
>Harami nods with every landmark or building you point out. She doesn't seem interested as much as she's considering the strategic value of these buildings.
>Passing the White Rock, you can hear the sound of an argument coming from inside.
-
>Try to eavesdrop on it, but at the smallest sign of danger, abscond.
-
>Try to eavesdrop on it, but at the smallest sign of danger, abscond.
>There are several voices. One is older than the rest, and seems to be the only one not shouting.
"I've had it up to here with you and your friends, frankly. I want you out of my establishment, and I want you to stay out-"
"Shut it, granny!" one of the younger voices yells out. "We can hang out wherever the hell we want, and we're not gonna let some grandma boss us around!"
"I-I'll call your school! Tell your parents!"
"Like you'd have the guts," another of the voices calls out. "Go on! Do it! I dare ya!"
>"Your kind doesn't seem to respect its elders," Harami mutters to you.
-
>"Eh, some don't. Everybody has their punks and their people with no hope. Wouldn't surprise me if there's dolphins like that, too."
>Observe the troublemakers, so we can properly avoid them in the future.
-
> "Like certain jerk advisors."
> Imagine that certain jerk advisor as a street tough.
-
>"Eh, some don't. Everybody has their punks and their people with no hope. Wouldn't surprise me if there's dolphins like that, too."
>Observe the troublemakers, so we can properly avoid them in the future.
>Harami frowns, but doesn't object to the point.
>They're a band of four kids. Middle schoolers? Fifteen, sixteen at a push. They seem to be leading behind the one in short blue hair, the one handing out most of the threats to old lady Whiterock.
> "Like certain jerk advisors."
> Imagine that certain jerk advisor as a street tough.
>Harami now makes a deliberate point of not responding.
>"If you havin' girl problems I feel bad for you son,
I got 99 problems but the humes ain't one!"
Note to self. Never let this line of thought cross your mind ever again.
-
> Is there a payphone around here we could call the cops with?
-
>Alternatively, do you have a cell phone?
-
> Is there a payphone around here we could call the cops with?
>Alternatively, do you have a cell phone?
>You've got a cellphone on you right now. There's a payphone on the other side of the street, but it's labelled as being out of order.
>You pull out your cellphone to call the police, but there's no signal. That's strange - normally there are towers and antennae on Gensoushima so that the system works, but...
"It looks like the shut-down has already taken place," Harami says grimly. "I presume the Anguilli Royal has infiltrated your communication systems. Well, I suppose this is better than finding out at the last minute..."
-
>Go check that pay phone real quick.
-
>Go check that pay phone real quick.
>It isn't receiving. Apparently the physical lines are down as well...
-
> "Wait, so even stuff inside the island doesn't work? So what if there's a fire, or a robbery? That means that no one can call the police?!"
-
> "Wait, so even stuff inside the island doesn't work? So what if there's a fire, or a robbery? That means that no one can call the police?!"
> "Too much risk of police forces getting involved, most likely. I doubt you have a force large enough to engage in a full-island lockdown, and you're hardly in a position to call for backup."
Harami frowns. "It's unpleasant, I know, and it's another reason for us to have this war ended as soon as possible."
-
>How confident do we feel about our ability to hand out some serious fisticuffs?
-
>How confident do we feel about our ability to hand out some serious fisticuffs?
>You're in pretty good shape, and Rin gave you a few pointers on self-defense. The main concern is that you aren't sure whether she got these moves from a trained practitioner or from some shady kung-fu movie. They involve a little too much karate-chopping to be genuine, you think...
-
>"Hey harami, ever wanted to get in a fist fight?"
-
>Give her a toothy grin as we say this.
-
>"Hey harami, ever wanted to get in a fist fight?"
>Give her a toothy grin as we say this.
>Harami glares at you.
"Is this your idea of keeping a low profile? How will you be able to fight in the war if you get beaten senseless here?"
-
>"Well, you are right on that... besides, the proper way to deal with such people is to have the people who can have a serious effect on them work, that is, their authorities, like parents or the justice."
-
>"Well, you are right on that... besides, the proper way to deal with such people is to have the people who can have a serious effect on them work, that is, their authorities, like parents or the justice."
>Harami nods in agreement for the most part, but stops short at the end.
"...The justice? Who is the justice?"
-
>I am The Justice
>Do we have any prior fisticuffs experience, aside from what Rin showed us?
-
>I am The Justice
>Do we have any prior fisticuffs experience, aside from what Rin showed us?
>You've never been in a real fight, per se. At least, not one that didn't involve blowing bubbles to knock out sharks.
-
>Perhaps we should get some life experience on the mooks before we go up against other "Champions."
I sure hope someone else wants to chime in, or I'm gonna steer a fight scene alone. :V
-
I sure hope someone else wants to chime in, or I'm gonna steer a fight scene alone. :V
Hell no!
>Mash that DPM+FP
-
>Perhaps we should get some life experience on the mooks before we go up against other "Champions."
Hell no!
>Mash that DPM+FP
>You KNOW this move. Rin told you all about it. Without thinking about it for a moment longer, you charge towards the gang!
"Hey, what are you-"
You can't hear the rest of Harami's statement, because you're already well into the building. You catch the blue-haired one off guard, giving her a good shot in the jaw.
"Kouchouken!" [Rising Tide Fist]
Rin insisted this move channeled the rage of the waters, turning the fury of the storm into one hell of a hit. Whether that's true or not, it works damn well as an uppercut, and Blue Hair falls to the floor pretty fast.
>"The hell-?!"
One of Blue's three cohorts yells out as she looks to you, and the trio are now raising their fists for a fight. One of the blondes looks like she knows what she's doing, the other blonde just seems to be copying her movements, and the one with black hair is starting to eye the exit...
-
> "Hmph, maybe you girls should run back home to your mommies? You really don't wanna be here when the police show up, you know."
Roll Bluff!
-
> "Hmph, maybe you girls should run back home to your mommies? You really don't wanna be here when the police show up, you know." Roll Bluff!
<Roukan> @dice 1d20
<@Keine-tan> Roukan: 5
>"What police? The phones are busted, remember? Where are they gonna come from!?"
The second-in command comes in with a right hook!
-
> Crap, she saw through us! Well, a Kouchouken should take care of her! Knock her out like we did that first one!
-
>Handle the hook first. Lift your left elbow to block, and then use an attack to counter!
-
>Handle the hook first. Lift your left elbow to block, and then use an attack to counter!
>The hook collides with your arm! You flinch a little as the impact connects, but you're otherwise fine.
HP: 49/50
> Crap, she saw through us! Well, a Kouchouken should take care of her! Knock her out like we did that first one!
> With your free right arm, you punish the blonde while she's recovering from the first attack!
"Ghk-!"
She lets out another grunt before falling to the floor. By now, Blue is starting to rise to her feet, but she's stumbling around.
"Boss, are you alright?!"
The other blonde and the black-haired girl tend to their boss, who's glaring at you while rubbing at her chin.
"Dammit, you got a lucky shot! You know who you're messing wi-OW that hurts!"
She flinches, wrapping an arm around the black-haired girl. They start stumbling out, as the ditzy blonde moves to help the unconscious one.
"Don't think you're gonna get away with this, girl! The Fairies don't take kindly to intruders on our turf! You might've won this battle, but we're gonna win the waJEEEEZ that stings!"
The four thugs stumble out...and the entire restaurant is focused on you. Old Lady Whiterock steps out from behind the counter, dazzled.
"I...thank you. Those girls have been waltzing in here for weeks now, demanding I give them a table to sit at even when they refuse to order anything. I'd call their parents, but the last time I tried that I was told that I wasn't giving their children what they deserved...it's a shame it had to come to this, but I'm grateful you cleared them out. How'd you like a meal on the house?"
-
>There are none before me, there are none behind me. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V1AEvN8VZs)
>Ask if she'll hold the meal for us, as we have just eaten!
-
>Ask if she'll hold the meal for us, as we have just eaten!
>"Ah, I see...well, certainly! Feel free to come back any time, and I'll be sure to whip up something good for you! Any friends you happen to bring along are welcome, as well!"
There's a small round of applause from the patrons.
-
>Curtsy! In a shy way as well, we're first-time heroes!
-
>Curtsy! In a shy way as well, we're first-time heroes!
>You bow, blushing slightly as you receive more clapping. You're vaguely aware that Harami is staring at you now from the entrance, and she doesn't look very impressed.
-
>Wave, and go to rejoin Harami.
>"That went alright, I think."
>Gingerly test our nose for hurtiness.
-
>Wave, and go to rejoin Harami.
>"That went alright, I think."
>Gingerly test our nose for hurtiness.
>Harami does not respond, and waits until you're clear of the restaurant before offering a reply.
>"...Good job in there, but don't think you can play the everyday hero now. You aren't any stronger than usual in this form. Don't throw away the war for the sake of the battle."
>You poke at your nose. There is no hurtiness! Excellent.
>With that little detour, you've fallen behind a bit on your schedule. You can still make it to the aquarium before it closes for lunch if you hurry, or you can head straight to Kawashiro's.
-
Should we hit up the aquarium? I dunno if Harami would be...well...down with that. Might be like visiting a slave auction.
-
Should we hit up the aquarium? I dunno if Harami would be...well...down with that. Might be like visiting a slave auction.
>"They aren't the same," Harami says as you ask for her opinion. "Creatures like myself, and the nation of Odonto - we've become something far beyond our former kin. We're similar in appearance and almost nothing else. I understand you keep dolphins here, but you look after them with love and care - that's more than the open sea would ever offer them, so if anything we should thank you."
She looks up towards you with a smile. "Although we're mad that you keep fish like salmon and mackerel to yourselves. They're something of an Odonto delicacy, you see..."
-
> "Heh, well, they're so delicious!" Swing over to the aquarium.
-
Should we hit up the aquarium? I dunno if Harami would be...well...down with that. Might be like visiting a slave auction.
More like a live food emporium, unless there's a dolphin locked away in there. She's already eaten fish without hesitation.
Now, the other Royals may be less understanding...
-
> "Heh, well, they're so delicious!" Swing over to the aquarium.
>You take a trip to the Gensoushima Blue Ocean Aquarium, where fish of every colour swim around tantalisingly out of reach. You swear you see Harami drool as she walks past some of the tanks, murmuring something like 'they won't miss just one'.
It's coming up to noon now, so the daily show will be on. They have a trainer working with some of the dolphins the aquarium has to offer, and it's free entry for anyone. You could work around it to stop Harami from seeing if you wanted, or you could have her head straight in and hope the human race does nothing to embarrass you.
-
>She should know about it, but whether she wants to see it should be her choice.
>"Um... there's a free dolphin show coming up soon, but I'm not sure you'd like to see it. Some of it might seem a little... silly."
>Is there anyone within earshot of our conversation? Actually, how crowded is the aquarium for the most part?
-
>She should know about it, but whether she wants to see it should be her choice.
>"Um... there's a free dolphin show coming up soon, but I'm not sure you'd like to see it. Some of it might seem a little... silly."
>Is there anyone within earshot of our conversation? Actually, how crowded is the aquarium for the most part?
>Harami turns to you, tilting her head.
"Silly? I'm not sure what you mean by that. You're just watching them feed the animals, right?"
>The aquarium has a decent turnout, but you should be able to find an empty room easy enough if you have to.
-
>"Er... no. They do, you know, tricks and all."
-
>If she doesn't object, let's just go watch some dolphins. It'll be like watching trained monkeys for her!
-
>"Er... no. They do, you know, tricks and all."
>Harami just stares. She clearly has no idea what you're talking about here.
>If she doesn't object, let's just go watch some dolphins. It'll be like watching trained monkeys for her!
>You find a few seats near the front of the stand. For the few minutes until the curtain rises, Harami is squirming around. You're not sure if she's curious or nervous. It becomes clear when the curtain is lifted, revealing a pool filled with maybe half a dozen dolphins - one of whom leaps a good five feet out of the water, performing a spin on the way down.
Harami's jaw hits the floor. She stares on in sheer shock as a trainer comes out from the side and talks the dolphins into leaping through hoops, balancing balls on their noses, and - the crowd love this one - playing games with their own air bubbles. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCf7SNUb-Q&feature=feedf)
"...It's like teaching an animal how to dance."
She won't admit it, but Harami certainly sounds impressed.
-
> Relax since Harami isn't offended by the whole thing after all.
> "Humans like to train lots of animals, like monkeys, dogs, birds... Rin tries to do it with her cats, but they mostly run the show there."
-
"...It's like teaching an animal how to dance."
>"In some cases, we do that too."
-
> Relax since Harami isn't offended by the whole thing after all.
> "Humans like to train lots of animals, like monkeys, dogs, birds... Rin tries to do it with her cats, but they mostly run the show there."
>"Phwee...>_<"
>"I noticed. Your friend would do better if she wasn't so similar to the creatures she's trying to feed - so impulsive and curious at one moment, then lazy and carefree the next. Honestly, are you certain she isn't a cat?"
>"In some cases, we do that too."
>Silence.
"...You are a strange race."
>The show ends, and there's a small round of applause as the curtain falls again. One or two people seem to be hanging around in the back of the audience, though you aren't sure what for.
-
> Keep an eye on them: they might be agents of the other kingdoms.
> Start making our way to the exit.
-
>Were these people within earshot during the show?
>Some of our comments were a little... sloppy.
-
> Keep an eye on them: they might be agents of the other kingdoms.
> Start making our way to the exit.
>You catch one of them looking at you on the way out. You can't make out much of them - they're dressed in a jumpsuit, with a cap and visor to cover their eyes. From this distance you can't even be sure about their gender, but what's for certain is that they're paying attention to you in particular.
>Were these people within earshot during the show?
>Some of our comments were a little... sloppy.
>They were at the back of the audience, from what you recall. They probably wouldn't have heard you above the crowd. If they'd seen you before, though...
-
> Wander through the aquarium again, trying to see if they follow us.
-
> Wander through the aquarium again, trying to see if they follow us.
>They do not, though you see a few other jumpsuit-wearing employees giving you a bit of a glare...
-
>What's their problem?
>Make our way out.
-
>What's their problem?
>Make our way out.
>You feel a few more glares in your direction on the way out, but no-one stops you as you exit. Harami waits until you're well clear of the building before she speaks.
"...So. I get the feeling we shouldn't head in there again unless we're looking for a fight, if you know what I mean."
-
> "Were those guys part of the other nations?"
> Start heading to Kawashiro's, checking over our shoulder every now and then.
-
> "Were those guys part of the other nations?"
> Start heading to Kawashiro's, checking over our shoulder every now and then.
>"Almost definitely. From the general MO, I'd assume Anguilli. They're typically the sort content with waiting around until the best time to strike. The last thing we want to do is take the fight to them while you're still a beginner. Get a few fights under your belt first."
>No-one's following you for the rest of the journey, much to your relief. You make it to Kawashiro's Dive Shop and Swimsuit Emporium with no further incidents.
>The store's the same lightshow it's always been. Harami winces a little at the sign, and keeps her head down as she enters the building proper. The store is split into two distinct segments - the hardcore dive shop to the left, and the less interested and/or cheaper swimsuit racks to the right. You opt for the right, looking for swimsuits around Harami's size. There's dozens of patterns to choose from here, and thankfully no need to choose from an incriminating animal motif this time. Anything you'd want, you'll find here, and in Harami's size.
"I'd rather not delve into your human 'bikini' nonsense," she says, a bit too critically. "I'll wear anything besides that, as long as you can cut a hole in the back of it."
-
> "That's good, 'cause I don't care much for bikinis, either. Let Rin have that, it's one pieces all the way!"
> Hee hee... we're going to have fun with this! Start picking out and showing Harami different styles and colors: frills, sleek, sky's the limit! If we can find ones that are low cut in the back, then good!
-
>And Okuu, of course.
>Try not to get something too expensive, though. And while she's trying it on, let's sidle over to the hardcore diver's stuff. Might be something useful.
-
> "That's good, 'cause I don't care much for bikinis, either. Let Rin have that, it's one pieces all the way!"
> Hee hee... we're going to have fun with this! Start picking out and showing Harami different styles and colors: frills, sleek, sky's the limit! If we can find ones that are low cut in the back, then good!
>You find plenty with an opening already in the back for Harami to wear. Of these there are two that aren't horribly overpriced - a white number with frills and a moon on it, and a pink swimsuit with a picture of a mermaid.
>And Okuu, of course.
>Try not to get something too expensive, though. And while she's trying it on, let's sidle over to the hardcore diver's stuff. Might be something useful.
>You leave Harami to rummage around herself for a moment, examining the other side of the store. Most of this is what you'd expect - scuba gear, fins, diving masks, snorkels and so on. You can probably get Harami to buy some of these if you feel the need, but you CAN sort of hold your breath for half an hour now.
There are underwater flashlights. Might help if things get dark, admittedly. And a contraption called a Spare Air, which is apparently meant to offer a few quick breaths of air in a little bottle. Handy for emergencies, maybe?
If there's anything else you're looking for, you'll need to go look for it in particular. This place is pretty large.
-
Well, I don't know much about what's available for underwater things, but I think the only things we might need is an underwater flashlight, and maybe a knife (not really for combat, more for cutting things up like ropes or something). We already have a "spare air" ability.
> Look at what sort of knives they have available. Maybe something small that we can tie around our arm or thigh.
-
Well, I don't know much about what's available for underwater things, but I think the only things we might need is an underwater flashlight, and maybe a knife (not really for combat, more for cutting things up like ropes or something). We already have a "spare air" ability.
The spare air option wouldn't be there if Rou didnt think we're gunna need it sooner or later. I say we get the flashlight and the knife, if possible the spare air.
-
Not necessarily, Kips. It might just be there because it'd be logical for it to be there.
That said, unless it's heavy or something, having a recharge or three would be a good idea just in case. We might need it for someone else.
-
At this point, looking for a miniature harpoon gun would probably be a little too suspicious, as much as I'd love to cheat the system.
-
> Look at what sort of knives they have available. Maybe something small that we can tie around our arm or thigh.
>You find a mean-looking serrated knife for sale that'd probably cut through any rope - any most muscles, too. The only problem is that Japan's got pretty strict knife laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation#Japan) - if it's longer than 6 inches, you need a permit to have it. Unsurprisingly, a high schooler like you does not have a knife permit.
>There are some smaller knives that you can get away with using, though. Good for cutting rope and such, but too short to be much of an offensive threat.
That said, unless it's heavy or something, having a recharge or three would be a good idea just in case. We might need it for someone else.
>You can hold it in your hand without much trouble.
>Harami emerges from the aisle on the right, holding the white swimsuit from earlier. Apparently she chose for herself while you were away.
"Unless you have any objections, I'll be taking this one."
-
> "To be honest, I was kind of hoping you'd pick that one, it's the cuter one! Anyways... I figured that there might be some things that'll be useful."
> Show her the Spare Air, the underwater light, and one of the dive knives and explain what they do.
-
> "To be honest, I was kind of hoping you'd pick that one, it's the cuter one! Anyways... I figured that there might be some things that'll be useful."
> Show her the Spare Air, the underwater light, and one of the dive knives and explain what they do.
>She blushes slightly. "It's purely functional, before you get any ideas. And mermaids are a silly concept you humans came up with centuries ago."
> It takes you a few minutes to get the idea of the Spare Air into Harami's head. The thought of so much air in that little bottle confuses her. She furrows her brow after she understands.
"...Hm. That could have its side effects...while you could certainly use it for another breath or three underwater, I can't imagine that your new body would be able to handle compressed air well if you used it too quickly. In fact, I think it'd have a good chance if killing you if you were overdependent on it."
[NOTE on Spare Air Usage:
If you take slow breaths from the device you will slowly recover to 500 OP, but you will be hindered in battle while you use it.
If you take the whole breath at once, you will instantly recover to 500 OP, but take 5 HP damage.]
"It will still work as advertised for humans, of course. Your two friends will have to use it slowly, now that you've had me cast that magic on them, but everyone else should be fine."
>She has no such qualms with the rest of the equipment, fortunately.
-
> Let's go ahead and take these to the counter, then, unless something catches Harami's attention.
-
> Let's go ahead and take these to the counter, then, unless something catches Harami's attention.
> Nitori Kawashiro runs the counter herself, and as you bring a little basket of goodies to the counter she turns to you with a beaming smile. You're something of a regular around here, so she knows your face. She's wearing a one-piece of her own at the counter - either as part of an elaborate marketing plot, or because she's taken her interests a little too far. You'd rather not know which.
"Sango! Good to see you again. See you've got a Spare Air there - thinking of moving up to some real diving now?" She frowns. "Though, those things are pretty expensive. You sure you can afford one'a these? Actually...this is all pretty costly stuff..." She looks towards you uncertainly.
-
>"I got a patron, you see."
>Wink.
-
She's wearing a one-piece of her own at the counter - either as part of an elaborate marketing plot, or because she's taken her interests a little too far. You'd rather not know which.
> Obviously it's because she's an intelligent young woman, ahead of her time!
-
>"I got a patron, you see."
>Wink.
>Nitori stares at you for a few seconds.
"Ooooookay..."
She then looks to Harami, who's still holding the white swimsuit she picked out for herself. She takes it first, putting it through the checkout.
"Yeah, I hope your 'patron' pays you in cash, because the credit card system's still down. I tried sending them an email to ask when this stuff'd be working again, but guess what? The net's down, too! Guess that's what happens when you live in the middle of nowhere, right?"
-
> "Ah ha ha... uh, yeah, no kidding. Everywhere we've been has had the same problem..."
-
> "Ah ha ha... uh, yeah, no kidding. Everywhere we've been has had the same problem..."
> "I know! This is an outrage, I swear! I'm set to sue the internet for damages."
You aren't sure how serious Nitori is being when she's making that statement. As you may have guessed from the fact she's tending to customers in a swimsuit, she's always had a screw or twelve loose. She'd been doing it in full-blown diving gear to start with, though she's stopped doing that for the sake of her spine.
>"Anyway! That's 26,000 Yen."
Harami slips you a few notes, and you pay off the cost with ease. Nitori's eyes widen, and she double-checks the notes for authenticity.
"...Wow. Mind passing on this patron of yours to me? This sorta money would never hurt, y'know..."
-
>"Heh, you wish."
>Ponder if either of our roomies are significant internet users whilst we depart.
-
>"Heh, you wish."
>Ponder if either of our roomies are significant internet users whilst we depart.
>"Aw." Nitori pouts like a child.
>Utsuho seems to spend a lot of time in her room - she might be hit hard by this. Rin only goes online to post pictures of her kitties on Facebook.
>"So," Harami says as you step out of the store with another bag of goods. "Where now?"
-
> "Hm... we could probably sneak back into the dorms for now, so we can drop this stuff off, and you get changed."
> Time?
-
> "Hm... we could probably sneak back into the dorms for now, so we can drop this stuff off, and you get changed."
> Time?
> About 12:30. People will be heading back to dorms for lunch now, so you can probably get away with it.
-
> Okay, we'll head back! Just blend in, nothing to see here...
> Though, we should probably try to avoid some of our classmates that know us better, like our swimbuddies.
-
> Okay, we'll head back! Just blend in, nothing to see here...
> Though, we should probably try to avoid some of our classmates that know us better, like our swimbuddies.
> You keep a wide berth of your classmates for now...though you remember there's a club meeting today after school. You never miss those, and it might look bad if you start now...
>When you get to the dorm you find Rin and Utsuho already here, with Utsuho in a bit of a foul mood.
"It's okay, Okuu...the dolphin girl said this was gonna happen, remembe-oh, Sango! Guess you managed to not get yourself killed today."
-
> "So you found out about the internet, huh? Anyone hunting for me at school?"
> Dump the bags on our bed. "Hey, Harami, you wanna get changed now?"
-
>"If you're bored, Okuu, you could always come with us later."
-
> "So you found out about the internet, huh? Anyone hunting for me at school?"
> Dump the bags on our bed. "Hey, Harami, you wanna get changed now?"
> "Think Shou was looking for you. Said she wanted help for something..."
> Harami sighs. "We're not heading out again right away, are we? I can stay out of that damn outfit for a little longer." She hauls off the backpack now that she doesn't need it any more, and you swear you see her fin wave around a little as it's exposed to the open air again.
>"If you're bored, Okuu, you could always come with us later."
>"I've got plenty of other things I can do. Just mad that I can't get to my chat now...they'd have wanted to hear about what I'm working on."
She sighs, sitting in the corner.
-
>"I wanna hear what you've been working on. Guess we're not in a hurry to go."
-
> What do we have planned for the rest of the day? And did we ever give an excuse why we were skipping school?
-
>"I wanna hear what you've been working on. Guess we're not in a hurry to go."
>"It's secret," she says in an instant.
> What do we have planned for the rest of the day? And did we ever give an excuse why we were skipping school?
>Nothing besides the swim team meetup. Rin told the school that you were sick today, so you could say you've managed to recover...but that won't work for more than one day.
-
> Jump on Utsuho's back with a hug. "Aw, come on! Let me in on it! I won't tell, promise!"
-
> Jump on Utsuho's back with a hug. "Aw, come on! Let me in on it! I won't tell, promise!"
> Utsuho groans as you grab at her. "Unyuuuuu~! I got made to promise I wouldn't tell you, so it'd be a surprise when I finished it..."
Rin is glaring at you as you manhandle Utsuho again. She doesn't seem to be happy with you touching Utsuho at all, in fact...
-
>"Oh fine. But you now you got me all curious! How long's it gonna take, huh? Is it expensive?"
-
>"Awww, and who made you keep it a secret from me, of all people?"
>If it's one of the other Royals trying to make her an unwitting double agent...
-
>"Oh fine. But you now you got me all curious! How long's it gonna take, huh? Is it expensive?"
>"Pretty costly, yeah. But I've got a friend helping me with it."
>"Awww, and who made you keep it a secret from me, of all people?"
>If it's one of the other Royals trying to make her an unwitting double agent...
>"You think she'll let me tell you that? And before you get any ideas, I've been working on this for months. Unless these fishy people can plan that far ahead, I think you're fine."
-
>"Well, you're still welcome to come along if you want to, it'd be great to have you along!"
>What was our cover story for Sango being here?
-
>What was our cover story for Harami being here?
Fixed.
-
Fuck dyslexic I'm you. >=[
-
Fuck dyslexic I'm you. >=[
I am thou, and thou art I...
Though, now that we're talking, what's up with that first command, '>"Well, you're still welcome to come along if you want to, it'd be great to have you along!"'
? I didn't really understand it...
-
>"Well, you're still welcome to come along if you want to, it'd be great to have you along!"
>What was our cover story for Harami being here?
>Utsuho stares blankly at you. "I'll pass."
>You told Meiling that Harami was an old family friend who's living with you to avoid her parents while they settle their divorce. Well, to be more precise, Harami said that, and she certainly seems like she can act the part.
-
> Rest head on Utusho's head. "Awwwwright... you can have your little secret. Knowing you, though, it'll be pretty cool!"
> "So, Harami, what should we do? I mean, I can easily skip outta school until practice, so if we need to do recon, I'm all up for it!"
So, what are your guys' intentions with Utsuho? Are you planning on pursuing something with her? Are you just being overly friendly? Are you trying for a harem ending?
-
> Rest head on Utusho's head. "Awwwwright... you can have your little secret. Knowing you, though, it'll be pretty cool!"
> "So, Harami, what should we do? I mean, I can easily skip outta school until practice, so if we need to do recon, I'm all up for it!"
So, what are your guys' intentions with Utsuho? Are you planning on pursuing something with her? Are you just being overly friendly? Are you trying for a harem ending?
>Utsuho seems unperturbed by how close you are, actually. She only seems frustrated that you're pressing into her secrets...
>"Scouting seems like a good idea. I'd suggest not approaching the aquarium for now - Anguilli has it covered, and we don't want to fight unprepared. Is there anywhere else you feel might be a good place to investigate?"
-
Harem ending? Read back a bit, she was the original target.
>What other major areas are there around the island?
>How much of the island is still wild, if any?
-
>What parts of the island have the most electronical equipment? With all it down, There might be a house or two another Champion is hiding in.
-
Why would places with electronics = opposing champion?
-
Because that's the last place anyone would look, right in the dead center of all electronics? At least the way the way I saw it. Besides, No hurt in at least asking about it, right?
-
Yeah, but it's sort of like saying "No one will look in McDonald's!" or "No one will look in Accounting Accounting Offices with no less than 50 employees and no greater than 75!". It's technically true? But so random it's not really worth considering at this stage.
-
Harem ending? Read back a bit, she was the original target.
>What other major areas are there around the island?
>How much of the island is still wild, if any?
>Other large areas? There's the industrial district - you pretty much never go there normally, because it's nothing but business and construction and they don't even have a goddamn swimming pool for you to play in.
There's also what is jokingly referred to as the Pious District, namely because it contains pretty much all of Gensoushima's religious facilities. This mainly consists of the three shrines of Hakurei, Moriya and Myouren, all competing for faith [and, though they'd never say it publically, coin].
>For the most part the wildest this island got was the coastline - which given the current intake of sharks, dolphins, eels and other unnatural animals for the climate is pretty wild. There's a small forest in the eastern corner of the island, if you recall. They had a nice river, but too many sharp turns and too much slamming into walls.
-
>"Do you think any of them would have claimed the river?"
-
>"Do you think any of them would have claimed the river?"
>"Hm...I doubt most of the nations would feel comfortable taking a river as a base. If it's anyone, it'll be the Characi - the pirahnas are usually small enough that size isn't an issue." You catch a hint of mockery in Harami's voice.
-
>Nod.
>"You think they would be good to start with? Or should we avoid them for now?"
-
>Nod.
>"You think they would be good to start with? Or should we avoid them for now?"
>"If you want my honest opinion? Better them than any of the other five."
-
> "Hm... so we should probably check out the river, then. Hey, do you think any of the groups might be interested in the industrial district?"
-
> "Hm... so we should probably check out the river, then. Hey, do you think any of the groups might be interested in the industrial district?"
>"Industrial...that's difficult. If there's a dock, Gaviali has probably seized it. They've romanticised your concept of organised crime, so they're drawn to places like that. For business, you're probably looking at Lophii - they like being around money, just because it gives them a chance to flex their lying muscles.
We were lucky to find Anguilli - we can't expect that to happen again with Meduso. Selachi is the hardest, because their Royal never stays in one place for long - they're always on the hunt, looking for another nation to challenge."
-
> "Hm..."Let go of Utsuho, and return to that bag of goods. Start separating the clothes and swimsuit from the tools that we got.
> "So we know the eel people are at the aquarium, and the crocodile people are at the docks most likely, and the pirhana are probably at the river... but the jellyfish, anglerfish, and shark people we don't know yet... this is going to be pretty rough, huh?"
> Start taking the gear out of the packaging and inspect it. How can we hold the light and spare air? Will we need bags for them?
> Is there anybody we know we could ask for help? Even if it's not to help fight them or anything, but at least give us a head's up if they hear anything strange?
-
> "Hm..."Let go of Utsuho, and return to that bag of goods. Start separating the clothes and swimsuit from the tools that we got.
> "So we know the eel people are at the aquarium, and the crocodile people are at the docks most likely, and the pirhana are probably at the river... but the jellyfish, anglerfish, and shark people we don't know yet... this is going to be pretty rough, huh?"
> Start taking the gear out of the packaging and inspect it. How can we hold the light and spare air? Will we need bags for them?
> Is there anybody we know we could ask for help? Even if it's not to help fight them or anything, but at least give us a head's up if they hear anything strange?
>Utsuho goes back to sulking. Harami takes her pile of clothes and pulls them away, reluctantly changing into the clothes you bought her.
>"War is typically rough, Sango. I assumed that was obvious," she says as she leaves.
>The best you could do is strapping them to your thighs, and then hiding them underneath a skirt. Should be enough for you to walk around without them being noticed.
>The closest friends you have outside your dorm are from the swim team - the Komeijis, and the pair of Shou and Nazrin.
-
> Do we know what the Komeijis and Shouzrin do on their spare time? Obviously we're not going to ask them to help us fight a war, but maybe they'll hear something...
> Hike up our skirt and strap the knife, air, and light to our leg, to see how it'll look.
-
> Do we know what the Komeijis and Shouzrin do on their spare time? Obviously we're not going to ask them to help us fight a war, but maybe they'll hear something...
> Hike up our skirt and strap the knife, air, and light to our leg, to see how it'll look.
>You don't see much of the Komeijis. They're usually holed up at home when they aren't at school or at a club.
Nazrin works at the temple that took her in as a young girl. The Myouren temple, you think it's called. Shou usually heads over there to help out when she doesn't have anything else on.
>As long as no-one's looking right up your skirt, they won't see this. Of course, if anyone did that while you WEREN'T trying to hide something, you'd still beat them senseless.
-
> "Hm... all right, I should be set... Hey, Rin, if you see Shou before school ends, tell her that I'm still feeling a bit sick, but I should be there for practice!"
> Wait for Harami to finish getting ready, then slip out of the dorms.
> "So... do you think I can take on those pirhana guys now?"
-
> "Hm... all right, I should be set... Hey, Rin, if you see Shou before school ends, tell her that I'm still feeling a bit sick, but I should be there for practice!"
> Wait for Harami to finish getting ready, then slip out of the dorms.
> "So... do you think I can take on those pirhana guys now?"
>"Already planning on it. Nothing makes you miss a session, huh...?"
>Harami changes fully into her new outfit, stepping back out into Gensoushima's fresh air. She blushes, hanging her head both for anonymity and maintaining her pride.
>"I think you have a good chance, if nothing else. Remember, we'll need to find their Royal if we wish to properly challenge them and remove them from the war. I doubt he would sit around and let the war happen around him, too...he'll be around the island, looking for other Royals. I'd suggest...some sort of eatery? Pirahnas have ravenous appetites, after all."
-
> What's Harami's wardrobe look like?
> "Hm... maybe that place where we broke up those thugs? Would he want cheap stuff, or fine dining?"
-
> What's Harami's wardrobe look like?
> "Hm... maybe that place where we broke up those thugs? Would he want cheap stuff, or fine dining?"
>She's wearing the jacket from Mystia's, with a white shirt and long jeans beneath it. She wanted a skirt, but Fujiwara's didn't sell any.
>"Cheap. Pirahnas don't care for taste, they just care about volume."
-
> "So... back to MikoBurger, then?"
-
>Who else was there at Mikoburger when we last visited?
>"Do you think the Royal might have been there already?"
-
> "So... back to MikoBurger, then?"
>"That seems like the obvious spot, yes."
>Who else was there at Mikoburger when we last visited?
>"Do you think the Royal might have been there already?"
>Come to think of it...wasn't there a guy in one of the booths (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,9600.msg646476.html#msg646476) guzzling down all the food he could get his hands on?
"...It's disturbingly possible that we may have walked right past him."
Harami rubs a palm into her face, muttering.
>You take the trek back to Mikoburger, entering the restaurant as the lunchtime rush dies down. You hear a familiar munching noise coming from one of the booths.
-
> Whisper: "I dunno about you, but that sounds like our guy."
> Edge around to get a better look.
-
> Whisper: "I dunno about you, but that sounds like our guy."
> Edge around to get a better look.
>You see a surprisingly slim man taking an entire booth for himself, guzzling away at four full family meals at once. His hair is his most promiment feature - a Mohican, pale green fading to white at the lower edges. He's wearing a long raincoat hiding the rest of his features, but you can see webbing between his fingers as he grabs at his lunch.
>He doesn't seem to be paying you the slightest bit of attention, actually. He's too busy eating. Harami gives you a nod: this is DEFINITELY your guy.
-
>
Punch in his snout to establish dominance
> "So, what do we do, then? Slap him with a glove? Send him a challenge letter? Punch him in the nose?"
-
>Ponder if we could give him something poisonous.
-
>Ponder if we could give him something poisonous.
>"From what I know about his digestive system, I'm not sure if he even can be poisoned."
> "So, what do we do, then? Slap him with a glove? Send him a challenge letter? Punch him in the nose?"
>"Allow me. Stand in front of the booth in case he tries to leave, but I assume he'll be willing to accept regardless."
You follow Harami's orders, blocking the man's exit as Harami sits across from him.
"Good afternoon, Serras."
The man jerks his head up, cheeks still bulging with food.
"Eh? Wuffis...? Oo the 'ell are you?"
He takes a second to swallow his food as Harami answers.
"I'm surprised you don't recognise me, Serras. Am I not the girl you're meant to be out there looking for?"
Serras's eyes widen for a moment in confusion, but you see the realisation slide onto his face.
"...Well, if it isn't the long-lost princess of the dolphins. Course, you just fell into my trap. I was sorta waiting for you guys to show up. Yeah. Totally."
He's a bad liar. Hell, his hair seems to waver around as he speaks, he's that bad. Harami is unimpressed.
"Regardless, we've started discussion. That gives us the right to decide the time and location. Assuming you accept, of course."
Serras grins. "Heh. Like Characi would ever turn down a fight. You're gonna get what you deserve for underestimating us, air-breather."
Harami turns to you.
"Well, Sango? Where, and when?"
-
>Two people enter, one leaves, The Thunderdome
Though to be serious, there's the beach where our dolphin comrades are, and the pool at the school which we could pull probably at night or something, not the river mostly likely cause we'd be giving them a home field advantage.
-
Personally, I say we challenge him as far away from any kind of water as possible.
Also, let's sit down and make goodnice with the guy. Learn how things go down in Piranhatown and such.
-
Personally, I say we challenge him as far away from any kind of water as possible.
Where we have absolutely no power? It'll have to be underwater, but might as well make it somewhere where we have the advantage: the cove where we first met Harami should do, since we're familiar with the place. The other option would be the school swimming pool, but that might be too small for us.
EDIT: Thinking about it a little bit more, both options are good: we can challenge them to the cove RIGHT NOW, so the champions will be scrambling, but the cove is pretty big and has lots of hiding spaces. The pool is smaller, has nowhere to hide, and we can easily jump in and out of it, but we'll have to wait until night to do it, giving their champions time to organize.
-
We can have all the power in the world, all we need is a good lead pipe. This guy, on the other hand, is literally a fish outta water. Has he even adapted in the change of air pressure yet? Let alone the changes in water resistance vs wind resistance and suchforth. Unless the dude's got nukebeams or some such, a good lead pipe ought to take him out. Imagine what's going to happen when he gets proper winded.
-
Purvis, I think you missed something here: the champions are all humans. We challenge them out of water? Okay, now they'll try to beat us up with a lead pipe too, and what are the chances that their champions are high school girls and not twenty five year old dock workers?
Plus, Sango is a natural in water, and loves water: why would she want to pick the fights on land when she has awesome water powers?
-
This dude's almost certainly not a human, though. He's been here all day stuffing himself. And given becoming a champion didn't give us a penchant for tearing the fins off of sunfish to watch them die or gang rape, it's probably not an aspect of championhood. And given the dude uses airbreather as an insult... what makes us sure he's a human again?
Edit: Also, how many dolphins have turned into humans now?
-
... Purvis? The guy we're talking to is their Royal.
-
...Well fuck me.
-
Don't mind if I do~♥
Anyways, what do you think now that that's cleared up?
-
Bring some cupcakes for afterward <3
I like the Cove RIGHT NOW. We're as ready as we're ever going to be, and they'll have no time to engineer anything. We know exactly how to get there, and they might not. And it would give him very little time to arrange for surprises.
-
And we also know the dangers of falling rocks, as well, and they might not. Good idea.
> "Okay, then, tough guy, we'll do it at the cove behind the Moriya Shrine in... hm, twenty minutes."
-
>Can we get there in 20?
-
> If we can't, then give a time that WOULD be feasible for us to get there without sprinting like a motherfucker.
Also, Purvis...
Yeah, but it's sort of like saying "No one will look in McDonald's!"
:V
-
> Be sure to bring cupcakes laced with potassium cyanide.
> Is anyone else in the restaurant looking at us oddly?
-
And we also know the dangers of falling rocks, as well, and they might not. Good idea.
> "Okay, then, tough guy, we'll do it at the cove behind the Moriya Shrine in... hm, twenty minutes."
>Serras seems surprised by your haste.
"Uh, don't know if I can do it THAT fast. I mean, I need to get hold of my human...and then I need them to tell me where this Moreeah shrine is. Fourty-five minutes."
>You can make it there from here in fifteen minutes or so with no real rush. If Serras has to go Champion-hunting, though, he could indeed take a good while longer. And the rules do say that you've got to make the meeting physically possible for both candidates...
-
Fourty-five minutes is reasonable, and it's not like they'll be able to get any sort of battle plan going in that amount of time. That said, we can afford to screw with him... :3
> "Hmph, I'll give you thirty minutes. The island ain't that big, so you shouldn't have any problems grabbing your guy and getting there. Unless, what I've heard about you guys being a bunch of punks is true..."
-
>Don't sass the guy. We don't need him being revengeful after the fact. Just be tough.
-
> "Hmph, I'll give you thirty minutes. The island ain't that big, so you shouldn't have any problems grabbing your guy and getting there. Unless, what I've heard about you guys being a bunch of punks is true..."
> "Don't screw with me! You think Selachi will be impressed if they find out you've been trying to press me into a fight I can't make? 45 minutes, or nothing!"
Serras growls, but it's clear you're getting to him.
> Is anyone else in the restaurant looking at us oddly?
>There's still a crowd around from lunch, and their murmuring sort of drowns you out. You're ignored - if anything, people are glad that Serras's deafening guzzling noises have stopped.
-
> Wave a hand dismissively. "Fine, fine, you can have your fourty-five minutes: don't want you to go crying to Selachi about how the big mean dolphins are being bullies."
We've been told by Harami that the pirhanas have pretty big egos for kind of a pathetic group, so it should be easy to put him off balance by sassing him. I'm hoping that he might spill something if we get him upset enough.
-
> Wave a hand dismissively. "Fine, fine, you can have your fourty-five minutes: don't want you to go crying to Selachi about how the big mean dolphins are being bullies."
We've been told by Harami that the pirhanas have pretty big egos for kind of a pathetic group, so it should be easy to put him off balance by sassing him. I'm hoping that he might spill something if we get him upset enough.
>"Don't you gimme that crap! When I dump those girls on you, you're gonna wish you were-"
Serras stops, putting a hand over his mouth.
"...Uh. Fourty-five minutes. Moreeah shrine. Got it."
He bolts out the door, looking ready to meet his lunch again...
>Harami glares. "Did you hear what I heard?"
-
>"He said girls, right? Like...more than one? Is that allowed?"
-
> Smug look.
> "Still, I got him to give up that info. Chalk one up for Sango Tororetsu, Ace Detective!"
-
>"He said girls, right? Like...more than one? Is that allowed?"
>"Normally, no. Each Royal is supposed to have a single artifact containing most of their power, which they give to their main Champion. If he divided the power equally between several Champions, though..."
> Smug look.
> "Still, I got him to give up that info. Chalk one up for Sango Tororetsu, Ace Detective (http://www.box.net/shared/6zp13xloyu)!"
> "True. Now, do you have any ideas for how we can make the most of that knowledge?"
Harami stands up, making to leave for the cove.
-
> Follow Harami. "Um..."
> Review abilities. Would any of them be effective against multiple enemies?
> Consider the cove. What sort of hiding spots are there? Are there any locations we could funnel multiple enemies into?
-
> Follow Harami. "Um..."
> Review abilities. Would any of them be effective against multiple enemies?
> Consider the cove. What sort of hiding spots are there? Are there any locations we could funnel multiple enemies into?
> The whip has some nice range on it, and if you give it a good swing you should be able to catch several opponents in a bubble barrier. That will only stun them, though - to actually knock them out you'd either need to focus the whip on one target until they pass out, or just hit them until they're unconscious.
> From what you remember, it's a straight tunnel both ways. There isn't much in the way of hiding spots down there...
-
> "Well, if they're about as smart as that Sara guy is, then it'd be pretty easy to lead them on into my whip. Just gotta keep them from crowding me, and I'm good, right? Hey, if he has a bunch of guys using one artifact, that makes them weaker, right?"
> Is there anything in the cove we could alter to our advantage, to possibly create a chokepoint? Or maybe somewhere we could trap one or two of their people for a while?
-
> "Well, if they're about as smart as that Sara guy is, then it'd be pretty easy to lead them on into my whip. Just gotta keep them from crowding me, and I'm good, right? Hey, if he has a bunch of guys using one artifact, that makes them weaker, right?"
> Is there anything in the cove we could alter to our advantage, to possibly create a chokepoint? Or maybe somewhere we could trap one or two of their people for a while?
>"Correct. He intends to win through numbers rather than brute strength. There were rumours that Characi was planning a battle strategem along these lines, but I wasn't expecting them to be true."
>You could cause another rockslide with a well-aimed shot from your bubble whistle. That'd keep some of them stuck inside the cavern for a while.
-
> "Well, I bet I can run circles around them. Really, I'm kind of worried that if I knock one of them out, or make them 'drown' on bubbles, I'll have a rough time saving them afterwards."
> Keep heading to the cove.
-
> "Well, I bet I can run circles around them. Really, I'm kind of worried that if I knock one of them out, or make them 'drown' on bubbles, I'll have a rough time saving them afterwards."
> Keep heading to the cove.
>Harami frowns.
"Ah...that could be an issue, yes. If they're sharing one source of power, though, it's possible they'll all revert back into their human forms at once - so at the very least, knocking one of them out won't lead to drowning. In terms of finishing them off with the whip...you could make them pass out, but don't hold them for long enough that they stop breathing. If they stay in fish form, they won't be in any danger until the fight is over, and then you'll have plenty of time to bring them to the surface."
>You arrive at the cove. Everyone's favourite racist steps out of the water.
"Welcome back, Princess. I'm hoping you aren't here to tell me your Champion needs another explanation on the War of the Waters."
Harami glares at her advisor.
"Actually, Shujinko, we're here because we have already lured an opposing nation into battle - with a good deal of help from my Champion, I'll have you know. I'd appreciate if you put a stopper on your bias - at least while Sango is around."
Shujinko's face goes pure white, and he shuffles his glasses while he looks away. "V-Very well, ma'am."
>Harami undresses, revealing her swimsuit underneath. A trick she learned from you, it seems. She casually walks into the water and under the waves.
-
> Smirk at Shujinko, and toss off our outfit as well.
> "Hm..." Will the gear we bought stay with us when we transform? Let's test it... "Ganges Afloat!"
> When we're done transforming, get an idea on how our capacity's doing: we were training for a while today, we don't want to ruin it...
-
> Smirk at Shujinko, and toss off our outfit as well.
> "Hm..." Will the gear we bought stay with us when we transform? Let's test it... "Ganges Afloat!"
> When we're done transforming, get an idea on how our capacity's doing: we were training for a while today, we don't want to ruin it...
>Shujinko does not respond, but he also refuses to make eye contact.
>After performing another transformation, you examing your equipment. It's still there, but it's now a little stylised for your outfit - to be more precise, there are now dolphin motifs running across all of them. Even the knife is now an adorable plastic piece of phweeing goodness, though its edge looks as sharp as it always was.
>OP: 2500/2500
You figure you're at full capacity right now.
-
> "Ganges Reefed!" Let's save our energy for the fight.
> Swim into the cove, and dive down. Time to do a bit of recon...
-
> "Ganges Reefed!" Let's save our energy for the fight.
> Swim into the cove, and dive down. Time to do a bit of recon...
>You give the area surrounding the cove a good examination while you have the time. You find some interesting points:
- A wall covered with unsteady rocks, that look like they'd collapse on anyone underneath with so much as a poke
- A patch of seaweed that clings to your leg as you swim past it - it takes you at least ten seconds even to cut through it with your knife
- The cavern, of course, looking ready for another rockslide
- A small series of tunnels, leading to a dead-end
- A hanging rock that provides good shade for you to hide under if necessary
>You have about 15 minutes to make any preparations you want to before the fight, including changing the environment around you.
-
All right, strategy time. First, we know that there's at least two enemies that are weaker than us. We can also assume that, since they're with Serras, they're probably not that bright. So:
- A wall covered with unsteady rocks, that look like they'd collapse on anyone underneath with so much as a poke We can knock this down with the auto form of our Bubble Buster, so we can get them to chase us, and randomly fire up when they're underneath.
- A patch of seaweed that clings to your leg as you swim past it - it takes you at least ten seconds even to cut through it with your knife We should see if we can move this, possible in those tunnels, if they loop in on themselves.
- The cavern, of course, looking ready for another rockslide. This one's easy: dart in, getting them to chase us in, and then use our water dash to get out past them, and try to trap some of them inside. We should do this one early on.
- A small series of tunnels, leading to a dead-end Recon to see if there's multiple paths that lead back out, or if they all dead end.
- A hanging rock that provides good shade for you to hide under if necessary. Hiding spot, plus it would be good for us to be aware of them using it as a hiding spot.
Also, I highly recommend that we call Serras a different name each time.
That said...
> How does Harami look in her swimsuit? We haven't actually seen her try it on, and we don't know how it fits with that fin...
> Recon those tunnels: can we dive through one tunnel and come out another?
> Can we move the seaweed into the tunnels?
-
> How does Harami look in her swimsuit? We haven't actually seen her try it on, and we don't know how it fits with that fin...
> Recon those tunnels: can we dive through one tunnel and come out another?
> Can we move the seaweed into the tunnels?
> You catch a shot of Harami during your inspection. She fits the swimsuit well, and her fin comes out the hole in the back almost too well. She's...how do you put it...cute? Adorable? You're trying to come up with a word that isn't too emotional here.
> The tunnels are linked, yes. The route's a little confusing, and it's possible to get lost, but you've taken the time to learn the paths in and out.
> You can indeed! It'll take a few minutes to do, but you can plant a patch of this stuff anywhere you want. (Only one handful, though - any more and your hands will get too sticky.)
-
The rockslides may be a bad idea, for moral and legal reasons.
-
Yeah, that's true. Still, keeping that idea in there. I'd rather not do the tunnel collapse, to be honest, though I like the idea of leading them in there and making a cloud of air bubbles with our whip, so they can choke on it a bit.
Though, that just made me think of something:
> Do we feel significantly tougher in our transformed state, like we can take hits better?
> And also, we believe that feeling that we have about Harami is "we want to kidnap her!", or something similar?
-
> Do we feel significantly tougher in our transformed state, like we can take hits better?
> And also, we believe that feeling that we have about Harami is "we want to kidnap her!", or something similar?
> You do, actually! Strong enough that you could handle petty things like human bullets. [You still have 50 HP, but it takes a lot more to hurt you.]
> You have a sudden urge to take her home. Yes, that sounds sufficiently non-emotional.
> So where exactly do you want to place this seaweed in the tunnels?
-
> Put the seaweed anywhere in the tunnels right before it crosses paths with another tunnel that leads out, and has enough space for us to squeeze by without getting caught ourselves.
-
> Put the seaweed anywhere in the tunnels right before it crosses paths with another tunnel that leads out, and has enough space for us to squeeze by without getting caught ourselves.
>You dump it just after a sharp turn in the tunnel. You can just about slip around it without getting caught, but anyone who swims head-first into it will be stuck for a long while.
>You've got about five minutes until the appointed time. Any other plans?
-
Anybody have any ideas? Mostly, I think it'll be mostly us just running circles around these tools.
-
>Go find Harami or hiiiim and tell that about what you did and changed.
We wouldn't want them to come up and accidently trigger one of the traps, right? Actually, We want hiiim to, but oh well.
-
Why do we need to tell them? They're not fighting.
-
We're going to be facing multiple people. Multiple people can take multiple areas. In the offchance the two need to fight or flight, They should at least know their surroundings.
Also, As a side note;
>Can Royals attack champions and vice-versa?
-
>Go find Harami or hiiiim and tell that about what you did and changed.
We wouldn't want them to come up and accidently trigger one of the traps, right? Actually, We want hiiim to, but oh well.
>"Well, thank you for the warning, but I thought you were aware that no-one contestants bar the Champions were to take part in these fights."
Shujinko doesn't even try to hide his smugness as he says this.
Also, As a side note;
>Can Royals attack champions and vice-versa?
>No. It's you versus whoever the Characi are bringing along.
>The appointed hour arrives, and Serras arrives on the cove.
"Damn, you picked a lousy place. Coulda chosen somewhere a little closer to the beaten path, y'know?"
A small gang walks behind him. From this distance they seem awfully familiar...and then it all hits home when you hear the boss shout in your direction.
"Hey, you're the bitch that caught me with a cheap shot this morning!"
-
> "Of course..."
> Probably should've seen that coming.
-
> "Well, at least this'll be easy..."
Bah, nevermind.
-
> "Of course..."
> Probably should've seen that coming.
>Serras grins as he sees you groaning.
"Not bad, huh? Ran across 'em makin' a fuss in some restaurant a couple'a days back. They tell me they're the strongest gang 'round these parts, so who am I to argue?"
>The gang's leader walks up to you, still rubbing at her chin.
"So what's the deal, fish-face? Do I get to pound her into the ground no-"
"Prince Serras," Shujinko interrupts, indignant. "I'd keep a leash on your human. No combat until both sides are good and ready, remember? Selachi won't approve of such brazen ignorance of the laws of war."
Serras flinches, then growls, but finally turns to the gang leader.
"Cirno, get in the goddamn water. The rest of you, get in there as well. I want you to make mincemead of this dolphin kid, you hear?!"
Cirno nods, turning to her gang.
"Sunny, Star, Luna, I'm counting on you three. Let's get some goddamn payback."
The four fairies walk casually into the water without so much as changing out of their clothes. You make out four lights beneath the surface. Serras walks down to join them, equally unfazed by the prospect of getting his clothes wet.
>Harami looks towards you, uncertain.
"Can I count on you here, Sango?"
-
>"You mean I get to beat them up again? This is great!"
>Grin, thumbs up. "I got this. Just need to make sure to keep my guard up."
-
[OK, this will sound bad, but this game is turning out to be a much bigger time-drainer than I'd previously imagined. This is why I brought Cyborg Quest to an early end - when I get too deep into these things my brain starts seeping out of my ears. x_x
For the time being, I'm stepping out, but thankfully Sect has offered to jump in GM-wise. Thanks again for that, Sect! o/
Might take a while to start things back up, though, while I get my successor up to speed on my plans for the game. Sorry again for all the inconvenience. blame shujinko, it's probably his fault somehow]
-
[Press START to Resume (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jhl9pJB-2Ak)]
>"You mean I get to beat them up again? This is great!"
>Grin, thumbs up. "I got this. Just need to make sure to keep my guard up."
> Serras isn't quite underneath the water yet, so he hears you, and whips his body around to look at you in astonishment. "Eh?! Whaddya talkin' 'bout?!"
Harami ignores him, slowly nodding in response to your enthuthiastic reply. "Just... be careful, all right? It's not going to be the same as last time, so they might pose a threat to you."
"Hey, pay attention! What tha hell?!"
-
>"I know, I know. They probably got some gnarly powers and stuff, too. Oh...how do we start? Is there a whistle or something?"
-
>"I know, I know. They probably got some gnarly powers and stuff, too. Oh...how do we start? Is there a whistle or something?"
> Shujinko clears his throat. "It is simply the matter of both royals declaring that the duel has begun. Now, if you'll stop wasting everyone's precious time..."
Serras snarls, red with anger from being ignored, and dives into the water after his champions. Harami waits quietly for you to dive in.
-
> Give Shujinko the obligatory glare.
> Dive into the water.
-
> Give Shujinko the obligatory glare.
> Dive into the water.
> Unfortunately, you've glared at Shujinko so many times today that he's developed an immunity to it.
> You dive into the water, Harami and Shujinko following after, and make your way to where the four pint-sized thugs are floating in the middle of the cove, ten feet beneath the surface of the water. All four are wearing a similar getup: tight, black, knee length shorts, blue-silver leather vests zipped up to their necks, and black fingerless gloves. In addition, you can immediately spot some physical changes to each of the girls: each of them now have three slits on each side of their neck, opening and closing periodically, and their fingers and toes end in nasty looking black claws.
Serras is talking to them quietly as the three of you approach, though none of the girls seem to be paying attention to him: the black haired girl and the blonde with the curled hair seem to be looking around the cove in awe, while the blue haired girl (Cirno) and the girl with the pigtails are glaring right at you.
"Hey, you! You won't be able to pull that Tekken crap out here! You'll see what happens when we get serious!" Cirno says, then grins, revealing rows of sharp, needle-like teeth. Behind her, Serras is fuming about being ignored by his own people.
> OP: 480/500
> Harami glances at you. "Feel free to transform, Sango, then we can begin." The dolphin princess is looking a bit anxious, but is hiding it well under her usual calm expression.
-
Oh now you're trying to bait me.
>Skill list!
-
>Skill list!
> Champion Transformation - Transform into a combat capable form. "Ganges Afloat" transforms, and "Ganges Reefed" reverts.
> Bubble Bullet [Automatic] - Fire a stream of small but fast bullets. 5 OP / Shot
> Bubble Bullet [Charged] - A fast attack that does more damage and impact the longer it's charged. 10~100 OP
> Bubble Whip - Another whistle extension with the longest range of all. Doesn't do direct damage, but leaves large bubble streams that leave water-breathers struggling. Lasts 8 swings until recharge. - Needs 80% Whistle Charge
> Blinking Tide:
- (Water) Cross fifty feet in the space of 1 second. 50 OP/charge
- (Air) Cross twenty feet in the space of 1 second. 60 OP/charge
> Breath of Life - Revive a recently drowned target with mouth-to-mouth. Must be performed above water, otherwise they'll immediately breathe and drown again. It can also be used on waterbreathers that "drown" on air. 500 OP
> Hyperventilation - Faster breathing, allowing you to charge moves faster. [Passive]
> _
-
>"Tekken sucks!"
>Make a bring it on gesture, and say: "Ganges afloat!"
-
>"Tekken sucks!"
>Make a bring it on gesture, and say: "Ganges afloat!"
> "Wait why do you say your own game su-" the response is cut off by the light of your transformation, which catches the other two Fairies' attention. When the light fades, there is a beat before Cirno bursts out laughing. "Ha! That's your outfit?! It looks like something some crybaby kid wears!" The two blondes join in laughing, but the black haired girl...
> "Oooh, wow~, that's pretty! Hey, Cirno, why don't we have outfits like-" she squeaks as the second in command cuffs her with an annoyed look. "S-Sunny! What was that for?"
> "Stop making us look bad, Star! These outfits are awesome, they're, like, punk! Right, Luna?" she turns to the other blonde, who is studying her shorts contemplatively.
> "Hm... maybe a skirt wouldn't be too bad..." Cirno and Sunny look ready to tear into Luna, when Serras finally loses his patience.
> "All of ya, shaddup!"
> Harami carefully hides the slight smile that developed during the exchange. "It seems we're all ready, Serras. Now, I, Harami Umio, and my champion, are ready to-"
> "Yeah, yeah. Girls, rip that dolphin to shreds!" Serras interrupts with a sneer. Cirno and Sunny grin as they swim at you with Luna close behind, leaving Star momentarily puzzled before catching up to the program.
> The duel against Characi has begun!
> HP 49/50
> OP 2450/2500
-
>"Don't lie, you know you like this outfit."
>BGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23FDTP92muA)
>Check your surroundings Where are the girls, tunnels, and other landmarks in relation to us?
-
>BGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23FDTP92muA)
>Stop the music! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGpKNX7ZkM)
>How fast do they seem to be oncoming? Faster than we are?
-
>"Don't lie, you know you like this outfit."
>BGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23FDTP92muA)
>Stop the music! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFGpKNX7ZkM)
>How fast do they seem to be oncoming? Faster than we are?
> You make a quip and wonder what kind of music would be appropriate for this kind of fight, but then you realize that the girls are actually quite fast, faster than you, and they're nearly on top of you!
>Check your surroundings Where are the girls, tunnels, and other landmarks in relation to us?
> The girls are directly in front of you, less than a few feet away.
> You recall the various locations you scouted:
- A wall covered with unsteady rocks, that look like they'd collapse on anyone underneath with so much as a poke, to your left.
- The cavern, of course, looking ready for another rockslide, directly behind the girls.
- A small series of tunnels, leading to a dead-end, and where you placed a seaweed trap, behind the girls, to the left.
- A hanging rock that provides good shade for you to hide under if necessary, to your right.
-
>Give them the bubble whip, as they come at us, and blinking tide behind them as far as we can if this doesn't slow them down.
-
>Give them the bubble whip, as they come at us, and blinking tide behind them as far as we can if this doesn't slow them down.
> You bring out your whistle and try to summon your whip, only to remember that you need to charge your whistle with air first! This momentary distraction costs you, as Cirno reaches you and slashes you with her claws along your midriff!
> 47/50
> Before she can grab hold of you, or any of the others can catch up to you, you sprint past them instantaneously, sending them tumbling in the water. You are now halfway to entrance of the tunnel.
> 2397/2500
> Cirno is the first to recover. "Hah! First blood!" Bolstered by the strike, the fairies start swimming your way at great speeds!
-
>It wasn't charged? Weird.
>Move back, and charge things up until we can get the whip out.
-
>It wasn't charged? Weird.
>Move back, and charge things up until we can get the whip out.
> You recall (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,9600.msg640064.html#msg640064) that to keep the whistle charged, you have to continually blow into the whistle: the whistle will slowly leak air when you do not.
> You puff air into the whistle, noticing how much more quickly you can fill up the gauge than when you first got it. That training Twelve Fin Slaps gave really helped!
> It's only a matter of seconds before the gauge is now at 80%, and the Fairies are closing in, around twenty-five feet away. Now that you're not panicking, you notice that, while they are faster than you, it's not by a huge difference: they'll certainly beat you in a race, but not by a humongous marigin.
> 2313/2500
-
>What's the range on the whip, roughly?
>Let them get a couple feet within that range, and let them have it.
-
> The Bubble Whip is effective up to ten feet, but you can hit immobile things or idiots with it at twelve.
> You wait for some of the fairies to get closer to you... and strike! You summon the whip, a long, sinuous mass of bubbles, and lash out at the girl in front, Star, striking her straight in the gills! She immediately reacts to it, eyes wide, nearly popping out, and grabs at her throat. She stops swimming under her own power, but her momentum continues to take her forward, past you.
> The other fairies stop immediately, astonished by the attack. "S-Star!"
> Cirno and Sunny are just outside of your whip's range. Luna is six feet away from you. Star is drifting somewhere behind you, gasping.
> 2310/2500
> Whistle Charge = 70%
-
>Strike at Luna, and move to the side, away from the Piranha Sisters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZkWL-XvO0U).
-
>Strike at Luna, and move to the side, away from the Piranha Sisters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZkWL-XvO0U).
> As you bring your arm back, Luna realizes the predicament she's in, and starts to retreat. It's no use, you catch her along the gills as well. You can't help but wince: it looks painful as all heck.
> You keep your eyes on Cirno and Sunny as you swim to the side, closer to where that overhang is. Sunny looks properly intimidated by the pain that her friends are in, but Cirno looks furious. Cirno starts to swim towards you, eye on that whip of yours.
> 2307/2500
> Whistle Charge= 60%
-
>Can we use the shots and keep the whip intact?
>If so, give Cirno a charged shot to the face.
>Where can we move to, and what's there?
-
>Can we use the shots and keep the whip intact?
>Where can we move to, and what's there?
> You cannot: you can easily drop the whip and use the rest of the charge to shoot Cirno, but you'll have to recharge the whistle again.
> There are various areas of note:
- A wall covered with unsteady rocks, that look like they'd collapse on anyone underneath with so much as a poke, on the other side of the cove from you, behind Cirno, Sunny, and Luna.
- The cavern where you met Harami, looking ready for another rockslide, behind the recovering Star.
- A small series of tunnels, leading to a dead-end, and where you placed a seaweed trap, behind the girls: you'll have to go in between all four girls.
- A hanging rock that provides good shade for you to hide under if necessary, behind you.
- There is plenty of space to move and fight here.
-
>Give Cirno a charged shot, and dart away. Try to put some space between us and the Piranha Sisters. Charge up the whistle whilst doing so.
-
>Give Cirno a charged shot, and dart away. Try to put some space between us and the Piranha Sisters. Charge up the whistle whilst doing so.
> You drop the bubble whip, the collection of bubbles dispersing and popping away, and point the whistle at Cirno. The pirhana champion was anticipating you to use your whip, judging by how she flings up an arm to protect her gills, and is thus surprised when a charged bubble slams into her, sending her careening through the water, nearly breaching the surface. You then start swimming away, pursued by Sunny and the recovered Star. You start blowing air into the whistle.
> How much do you charge the whistle?
> 2302/2500
> Whistle Charge = 0%
-
>Charge it until Sunny and Star within three or so yards of us, then turn, break out the whip, and ruin their day with it.
-
>Charge it until Sunny and Star within three or so yards of us, then turn, break out the whip, and ruin their day with it.
> You huff and puff into the whistle, then spin around to whip the girls.
> That's when things start to go wrong.
> Your whip is already extending, racing out towards Sunny when you notice a glow emanating from underneath Star's leather vest. Star's speed, already pretty fast, doubles, closing the distance between you and her in just a few moments. It's not instantaneous like your own technique, but it's enough for her to crash into you, messing up your aim on Sunny. You still tag her, but the hit is glancing, and Sunny only winces a bit.
> Star's mouth opens, revealing a mouth full of needle-like teeth, and she bites deeply into your shoulder.
> 44/50
> 2215/2500
> Whistle Charge = 70%
-
>If we have the presence of mind, despite being chewed on, give Star some automatic bubble bullets to the soft bits,, then Sunny in general, then Blinking tide away where Star is dislodged or not.
>Should we not have the presence of mind for that, blinking tide away.
>If THAT's too much for us, punch Star in the eye.
-
>If we have the presence of mind, despite being chewed on, give Star some automatic bubble bullets to the soft bits,, then Sunny in general, then Blinking tide away where Star is dislodged or not.
>Should we not have the presence of mind for that, blinking tide away.
>If THAT's too much for us, punch Star in the eye.
> Owowowow get her off!
> You use the Blinking Tide technique towards the beach to try to shake off Star: unfortunately, she comes along with you for the ride, tearing into you more!
> 41/50
> Then you punch her in the eye. That surprises her enough that she lets go.
> 2160/2500
> Whistle Charge: 65% (Bubble Whip Form)
-
>Whip her like she forgot the safety word!
>And be ready for the others to come up on us, blink away again if they do the speedy thing. Otherwise, whip them too. If we run out the whip, blink.
-
>Whip her like she forgot the safety word!
>And be ready for the others to come up on us, blink away again if they do the speedy thing. Otherwise, whip them too. If we run out the whip, blink.
> Crack! You catch her across the gills, and she cries out. "Ah! I'm sorry!"
> Crack! You get her again, along the other set of gills. She's trying to protect herself, curling up in a ball and sobbing. "I'm sorry, I -hic- I'm sorry, please s-stop...!"
> Crack! You catch her one last time, and with a gasp her eyes roll up in the back of her skull, and she goes limp. Her gills are weakly flapping.
> "Star!" You hear a shout, and see three angry, pissed off champions, swimming after you with immense speed! "Monster!" Before Sunny can grab hold of you, you dart away, now back in the middle of the cove. The three girls are forced to slow down: it seems that their ability only works in straight lines...
> 2100/2500
> Whistle Charge= 35% (Bubble Whip Form)
-
>Move toward the strangleweed. Recharge whistle.
-
>Move toward the strangleweed. Recharge whistle.
> You allow the bubble whip to dissapate once more, and dive to the tunnels. The three girls are in hot pursuit, and fast: by the time you slip into the tunnel leading to your seaweed trap, they've nearly caught up to you.
>As you swim through the tunnel, you can hear Cirno barking orders: "Luna, you're with me! We're gonna get that jerk and break that stupid whistle of hers! No one does that to Star and gets away with it! Sunny, wait out here, just in case she comes back!"
> "Roger!"
> "Okay!"
> 2025/2500
> Whistle Charge: 100%
-
>Do we think we can get to the strangleweed before they get to us?
>If we can, keep them having to shuck and jive to keep up with us, to mess with speedy bits.
-
>Do we think we can get to the strangleweed before they get to us?
> Easily! You spent time before the fight memorizing the route to get to the seaweed trap, so you can easily stay ahead of the girls. In fact, there's a good chance that Cirno and Luna will get lost before catching up to you.
>If we can, keep them having to shuck and jive to keep up with us, to mess with speedy bits.
> What?
-
>Move to and fro to mess up their speed dashes, if those have to be in a straight line. =[
-
>Move to and fro to mess up their speed dashes, if those have to be in a straight line. =[
> You're already in the tunnels, and they twist enough that their speed dashes won't be an issue.
-
>Well then, get to that Chokeweed!
-
>Well then, get to that Chokeweed!
> You continue down the tunnels, until you get to the sharp turn where you hid the seaweed trap. Carefully, you swim past the weeds: even then, it brushes against your leg. Fortunately, you manage to get past the trap with no issues.
> In the tunnel, you listen to Sunny and Cirno swim around and yell: apparantly, Cirno got turned around somewhere, and is lost. You can definitely hear Sunny approaching, though...
> 2005/2500
> Whistle Charge: 90%
-
>Charge it up proper, let her come. Put the murderweed between us and her, but not in a blatant manner.
>Can we hear Luna at all? Or feel anything in the water motion that would suggest she is about?
-
>Charge it up proper, let her come. Put the murderweed between us and her, but not in a blatant manner.
>Can we hear Luna at all? Or feel anything in the water motion that would suggest she is about?
> You top off the whistle.
> Sunny is outside of the tunnels, last you know, and that was Luna you heard approaching. Sorry for the confusion.
> In any case, you hear Luna get closer and closer, and feel slight movements in the water coming from around the corner. She's just about to turn the corner...!
> 1990/2500
-
>Feign a gasp!
>Be ready to catch her with a charge shot if the gropeweed doesn't do what we expect. And be ready to hit her with automatics if it does.
-
>Feign a gasp!
>Be ready to catch her with a charge shot if the gropeweed doesn't do what we expect. And be ready to hit her with automatics if it does.
> Time to try out your acting chops!
> "Gasp!"
> "Eh! Hey, Cirno, I found heAH!" Luna bolts around the corner, and gets thoroughly tangled up in the mess of seaweed. "Help, it's got me! I'm too pure to-"
> You point your whistle at the struggling girl, and unleash the entire charge using the automatic setting. It doesn't work quite as well as you expected: the shot group is random and the whistle nearly jerks itself out of your hand, so some of the shots don't even land on Luna. Still, enough land on her, and she's now pretty heavily bruised from the automatic bubble fire.
> "Owowowow! Cirno, help!" she cries as she starts tearing at the seaweed with her claws and teeth. You think you can hear Cirno shout back, but it's hard to hear over Luna and her struggling.
> 1988/2500
> Whistle Charge= 0%
-
>Recharge to full, or 50% if we hear Cirno coming. Give her a whippin'.
>Can we hear or feel Sunny anywhere?
-
>Our machine-gun bubbles suck. :(
>Give her a good charged shot (as charged as we can get within say, 3-5 seconds) while moving away. No need to stay in the same place with Cirno still chasing, and with the possibility of being able to ambush Sunny.
-
The Whip's been proven to work on Star, let's go with that.
-
>Recharge to full, or 50% if we hear Cirno coming. Give her a whippin'.
>Can we hear or feel Sunny anywhere?
>Our machine-gun bubbles suck. :(
>Give her a good charged shot (as charged as we can get within say, 3-5 seconds) while moving away. No need to stay in the same place with Cirno still chasing, and with the possibility of being able to ambush Sunny.
> You puff on the whistle, charging it up to about 50%. Luna hasn't torn her way out of the seaweed yet, and you think it'll still be a while before Cirno makes it your way. As for Sunny, you don't know.
> You don't think you have enough room in the tunnel for the whip to be effective, not unless you want to wrap it around Luna's neck yourself.
> And yeah, automatic mode blows. :( It seems to be most effective when you don't have time to charge, or if you're shooting at a bunch of things grouped together.
> So, you fire a charged shot right into Luna's gut. The disgusting "hrk!" sound she makes, and the pained and surprised expression makes you wince, and she goes limp. You're sure she's out cold, though still breathing just fine.
> 1933/2500
> Whistle Charge 0%
-
>Recharge whistle.
>Listen and feel for oncomers.
>If we don't hear anyone coming, untangle Luna and let her float away. Be wary of ambush during this time.
>Is there any good play to lay in wait and plan an ambush here?
>What's the way to the nearest air source?
-
>Recharge whistle.
>Listen and feel for oncomers.
>If we don't hear anyone coming, untangle Luna and let her float away. Be wary of ambush during this time.
>Is there any good play to lay in wait and plan an ambush here?
>What's the way to the nearest air source?
> You charge your whistle to its max while listening around. You definitely hear Cirno on her way, and you guess that she's not lost any more: she'll be here in about five to ten seconds.
> You could possibly wait here for Cirno to turn around the corner, but Luna would block a good shot. Maybe if you went and hid in one of the other tunnels, but you could be waiting for a while, and while Cirno can breathe water, you can't.
> And speaking of breathing, you think about where you could get a breath of air. The obvious place would be outside, and you could also go back to the chamber where you found Harami. Both of those, of course, require you to exit the tunnels, likely running into Sunny. Still, you know that getting fresh air won't do you any good at this point: you're still running on the stored air from your gem.
> 1828/2500
> Whistle Charge= 100%
-
>Could we feasibly back into a tunnel, hide, and keep an eye on this place?
>If we moved into a tunnel, and attacked into here, would there be enough room for the whip?
Three plans
A. Tactical retreat, maybe beat Sunny's shit down.
B. Hide and Snipe as suggested above
C. Hunt Cirno down, and catch her off guard.
I think I am leaning toward C, but it'd be bad to waste a good ambush.
-
>Could we feasibly back into a tunnel, hide, and keep an eye on this place?
>If we moved into a tunnel, and attacked into here, would there be enough room for the whip?
> It's certainly possible: there's another tunnel nearby that you can hide in, though you won't be able to see much and still remain hidden.
> You won't have enough room to effectively use your whip on their gills, though it possible you might be able to grab onto a limb, or even leave a field of air bubbles: the main problem you're having is that you don't have enough room for your arm to fully extend.
-
>Can we determine where Cirno is?
-
>Can we determine where Cirno is?
> Cirno is coming up the tunnel behind Luna's unconcious body: she should come around the corner to see Luna in about five to ten seconds.
-
>Move forward. The second we see her, give her a charged shot right in the face. Or anywhere else.
>Should this not be enough to stop her, blinking behind her and escape.
-
>Move forward. The second we see her, give her a charged shot right in the face. Or anywhere else.
>Should this not be enough to stop her, blinking behind her and escape.
> You keep the whistle ready and wait. About six seconds later, you hear Cirno calling out "Hey, Luna! Where are you?!" before you see her turn round the corner and see you pointing the whistle right at her. You fire.
> There is a mass of water and air churned like crazy from the charged bubble shot hitting the wall, and your sight is impaired for a moment by the mess. When your vision clears, you don't see Cirno, though you hear her panting from behind the corner. Looks like she managed to react quickly enough and pull herself out of the way of the shot.
> You use Blinking Tide to move past the seaweed and the corner, and find yourself right next to a shaken Cirno. She barely has time to blink before you're racing down the tunnel to the tunnel entrances. It's not long before she's giving chase, hot on your heels. "Get back here, you coward! Fight fair!"
> 1770/2500
> Whistle Charge= 0%
-
>Charge up, and lead her on a merry chase.
>Once we have a full charge, assess the situation and the surroundings.
-
>Charge up, and lead her on a merry chase.
>Once we have a full charge, assess the situation and the surroundings.
> Unfortunately, while you know the tunnels a bit better than she does, she's close enough that she can continue following you, spitting insults all the while. The winding nature of the tunnels prevent her from using her full speed to catch up, but that keeps you from being able to effectively use your own speed technique. You could try to dive into some side tunnels, but you're sure that you'd get lost yourself, or end up in a dead end. You could also head to the entrance of the tunnels, but you know that Sunny's lying in wait for you there.
> 1665/2500
> Whistle Charge= 100%
-
>Swim, swim...Whirl around and give her a full charge right in the face; letting our forward momentum carry us on.
>But, if she reacts by starting to dodge, wait a second and aim so she dodges into it.
>If this doesn't stop her, and she still closes in, prepare that most vile of underwater techniques: The splayed-hand Stooge-Style eye poke!
-
>Swim, swim...Whirl around and give her a full charge right in the face; letting our forward momentum carry us on.
>But, if she reacts by starting to dodge, wait a second and aim so she dodges into it.
>If this doesn't stop her, and she still closes in, prepare that most vile of underwater techniques: The splayed-hand Stooge-Style eye poke!
> You swim, and swim, and swim... then whirl around, ready to blast! Cirno's gotten pretty wise to your tactics, and is already dodging out of the way, though you do manage to anticipate where she's swimming, and fire!
> You hit just behind Cirno, and the torrent of air and water sends her careening into the side of the tunnel, dazing her and cutting her head open against the rocks. You're just about to cry out in victory when your momentum carries you headfirst into the wall.
> 40/50
> You blink away stars, only to find that Cirno had already recovered, and is grabbing you by the front of your swimsuit. Her eyes are unfocused, blood is floating away from a wound on her forehead, and she looks bruised and exhausted, but she looks furious. "This is for Star, and Luna!" she shouts, ready to punch you in the face.
> Well, you aren't having any of that, so you poke her in the eyes. "Agh, ow!" she shouts, releasing you and covering her eyeballs.
> 1655/2500
> Whistle Charge= 0%
-
>Knee to the gut might be a good follow-up (especially since we're swimming and our legs are free!) while her hands are protecting her face. If we pull it off and send her hands away from her head, a punch to the side of her head ought to finish the job easily.
-
A knee to the gut wouldn't be too effective, given the water resistance, and punches would be worse. This is why eye gouges and stuff are the best.
Now, what would be a workable idea would be putting her in a headlock. That'd cut off her teeth, but there may be a flaw in this plan.
>Before acting, does Cirno have claws? Or talons on her feet?
-
>Before acting, does Cirno have claws? Or talons on her feet?
> She does indeed have claws or talons, very noticable since said claws punctured holes along the collar of your outfit.
>Knee to the gut might be a good follow-up (especially since we're swimming and our legs are free!) while her hands are protecting her face. If we pull it off and send her hands away from her head, a punch to the side of her head ought to finish the job easily.
> Normally, you don't think that kicking or punching would be terribly effective underwater, but judging by how weak Cirno looks, you decide to take the chance. You grab at Cirno's hands and pull her forward as you knee her in the gut. Her mouth flops open like a fish, and her arms lose their strength. A blow to the side of her head finishes her off, and now she's just as unconcious as her friends. Only Sunny remains in the game.
> 1652/2500
-
>Brawlin' er'ryday
>We're still in good condition, but we don't know exactly how Sunny may be ambushing us. Perhaps we should advance with caution?
-
>Brawlin' er'ryday
>We're still in good condition, but we don't know exactly how Sunny may be ambushing us. Perhaps we should advance with caution?
> At this rate you might be the next Ryu or something. Man... it's exhausting.
> You feel like you're doing good, but you don't know what kind of trap Sunny has for you. So, you leave Cirno floating there, and creep to the entrance of the tunnels. Peeking out, you see... Sunny swimming back and forth, looking impatient and worried. Looks like she's distracted...
> 1645/2500
-
>Charge up.
I think we can probably get away with a straight brawl, if she's go no allies. The whip took out Star pretty fast, and we have enough air to blink for awhile.
-
>Charge up.
> You blow air into the whistle, trying to avoid notice. Sunny seems to be getting more and more impatient by the moment, glancing between the tunnels you hiding in and the beach, where you left Star.
> 1540/2500
> Whistle Charge: 100%
-
>How close to her could we blink?
-
>How close to her could we blink?
> At this range, you could get really close to her, though it'll require more practice before you could stop exactly where you want to go. Still, if it's a surprise attack you want, you could pull it off easily.
-
So, do we be noble and give her a chance to surrender? Or do we just pop in and whip the shit out of her? I'm leaning toward the former, as it can quickly lead to the latter.
Edit!
>"Hey, Sunny. I took out your friends. You're alone now. Wanna give up?"
-
>If she blitzes us, give her the whip.
-
>"Hey, Sunny. I took out your friends. You're alone now. Wanna give up?"
> Sunny whips around to you at the sound of your voice. "Y-you beat Cirno and Luna?" A couple of expressions flash across her face, before settling on anger. "No way! Cirno'd have my hide if she heard I gave up! I'll take you down, right now!" She starts swimming at you, quick as lightning!
>If she blitzes us, give her the whip.
> You summon the whip and crack it at her. You've used it so many times that Sunny anticipates the attack, blocking most of the bubbles with her shoulder, though she still gags on a couple bubbles. It's not enough to force her to break off, and she tackles you back into the tunnels, the two of you bouncing off the walls. Her claws scratch your arms a bit, but it's mostly the bruising from hitting the walls that hurt.
> 38/50
> 1535/2500
> Whistle Charge: 90%
> The two of you are now back in the tunnels, the momentum from Sunny's charge actually taking you through a few twists. During the confusion you dropped the Bubble Whip, though you still have your whistle. There's not much room for you to use your Blinking Dash, though you could use it to get past Sunny in two different directions: deeper into the tunnels and back towards the entrance. Sunny is within arm's length of you, and has already recovered, though short of breath and a bit banged up.
-
>What do you mean get PAST Sunny?
>Blinking Dash right into her!
-
>Actually, if we're close enough to get her without much trouble, just blast her with a charged shot. We're at 90%, right?
-
>No no. We're going to do this with style.
>Summon the whip.
>Blink behind Sunny.
>Whip her good.
>Presuming it connects, and we don't look like a fool for boasting. "Did I say you could call me "you"? I sure didn't! There's only one thing a lowlife like you gets to call me, and that's Queen!"
-
>Perhaps add, "Then your hide will be MINE" in there at some point.
-
>No no. We're going to do this with style.
>Summon the whip.
>Blink behind Sunny.
>Whip her good.
>Presuming it connects, and we don't look like a fool for boasting. "Did I say you could call me "you"? I sure didn't! There's only one thing a lowlife like you gets to call me, and that's Queen!"
>Perhaps add, "Then your hide will be MINE" in there at some point.
> You briefly fantasize about doing this, before realizing that it's kind of creepy, you can't really use the whip in these tunnels anyways, and ohgodSunny'stryingtoripoffyourface.
>Actually, if we're close enough to get her without much trouble, just blast her with a charged shot. We're at 90%, right?
> It's a matter of speed: will you get your whistle aimed in time, or will Sunny tear into you first? Time almost seems to be crawling through molasses as you raise your whistle and Sunny bares her claws and teeth. Her claws are less than an inch away from your face, and you trigger the attack even though you're not sure if it's lined up...!!!
> BOOM
> You blink slowly as the water settles down. There is a veil of bubbles in front of you, hiding the rest of the tunnel from your view. Your heart is pumping loudly, and you wonder if you managed to hit Sunny. Slowly, way too slowly, the maelstrom calms...
> ... In front of you, further down the tunnel, Sunny is floating limply. Her back is to you, her face hidden from view.
> 1533/2500
> Whistle Charge= 0%
>What do you mean get PAST Sunny?
>Blinking Dash right into her!
> That would've been kind of cool to do, if you hadn't had a freakin' bubblezooka ready to go. Maybe next time...
-
>"God, how boring."
>...
>Rob Sunny.
-
>And see whether she needs a Breath of Life.
>Where are the others?
-
>"God, how boring."
>...
>Rob Sunny.
> You say one final taunt. Honestly, they barely put up a fight: it's not like they scratched you up, bit you in the shoulder, chased you through the tunnels, wrestled with you, or tackled you into walls, making your heart jump multiple times or forced you to use up nearly half of your air.
> ... Okay, maybe it was tougher than you thought it would be.
> You swim up to Sunny, and check on her. Yep, she's out cold. You can't really find anything in her pockets, mostly because her outfit doesn't even have pockets. Looks like there might be something underneath that leather vest of hers, though...
>And see whether she needs a Breath of Life.
>Where are the others?
> She's breathing just fine: you'd only need to use a Breath of Life on someone who's drowning or drowned, and you didn't hit Sunny enough with your Bubble Whip to really worry about that, you think.
> As for the others, Cirno should be up this tunnel a little ways, and Luna is still in that seaweed trap you set up. Star should still be floating near the beach, you think.
> 1525/2500
-
>No, just the end was boring.
>Check under that vest while we haul her outside.
-
>I hope that thing under her vest isn-
>PHWEEE?! It's THIS?!
-
>Search specifically for their power sources!
-
>No, just the end was boring.
>Check under that vest while we haul her outside.
> You pull Sunny along with you as you swim for the exit, and undo the top part of her vest. You can already see the start of a bruise forming on what you can see of her chest: she's definitely going to be sore in the morning.
> More importantly, you find a pendant: it's a black stone, probably obsidian, with gold etchings on it. The etchings seem to make some sort of shape, but the lines run off the edge of the pendant. Judging by the etchings and the grooves on the pendant, you think it's part of a set.
>Search specifically for their power sources!
> You saw something glowing underneath Star's jacket when she started swimming faster: if she has a similar pendant, then it's likely that this is their artifact, just like the dolphin gem is yours.
> You are now at the entrance of the tunnels. Looking around, you can see Serras, Shujinko, and Harami in the middle of the cove, looking in your direction, though they don't seem to have spotted you yet.
-
>Bah, useless punks. Can't let us have a cool victory and can't explode into coins when they're beaten. No wonder some people argue for perpetual imprisonment...
>Drag Sunny along and head for the surface. Might as well report in.
-
>Bah, useless punks. Can't let us have a cool victory and can't explode into coins when they're beaten. No wonder some people argue for perpetual imprisonment...
>Drag Sunny along and head for the surface. Might as well report in.
> Oh no, Utsuho's RPGs lied to you. What ever shall you do.
> You drag Sunny along with you towards the royals and the jackass steward. Harami is the first to notice you, and her face smoothes to its usual impassiveness: she probably doesn't think you noticed her worried expression.
> As you approach, you can hear Serras griping. "I'm just saying that Star kid's useless compared to the other three! She's a wimp, she's soft! That Cirno 'n Sunny, those are the real threats! They'll tear that girl to-"
> Shujinko notices you and interrupts Serras blandly. "Ah, I see that the 'real threat' is back already. Where are the other two?" Serras whips around to gawk at you and Sunny's unconcious form. The sputtering and the wild gyrations of his hair are a real sight to see. Harami swims around you, looking at the injuries you've taken from the fight.
-
>"They're in the cove, knocked out."
>Keep Sunny a bit submerged. Don't need her to asphyxiate on us.
-
>"They're in the cove, knocked out."
>Keep Sunny a bit submerged. Don't need her to asphyxiate on us.
> They're all about ten feet underwater, so there's no worries of Sunny asphyxiating.
> "What?!" Serras roared. "Whaleshit! Those bitches told me they were the best around!"
> Shujinko smirks as he pushes up his glasses. "Well then, I suppose the failing isn't with them, but where they got their power, hm?" Serras turns an interesting shade of red, then purple, and proceeds to spit insults at the smirking Odonto steward.
> Beside you, Harami waves for several dolphins, and points them to the tunnels where you left Luna and Cirno. Weird, you didn't even see the dolphins when you arrived... "This must be their artifact," Harami notes, looking at the pendant. "It's probably broken into four pieces: we cannot claim the artifact until all four pieces are together, probably for the Champions' own safety." Harami looks back at you, looking at your wounded shoulder. "Are... are you all right?"
-
>"...I don't wanna go back to being human right now..."
-
>"...I don't wanna go back to being human right now..."
> Harami gives you a sympathetic look. "I can understand that, but you'll have to eventually, so that you can rest and recover. Those wounds that you received have at least closed, and you should recover overnight. But... we don't have any healers here: those with the capability of becoming healers are rare, and they are strictly forbidden to leave Odonto waters." Harami considers for a moment, pulling your outfit a little bit away from the bite wound on your shoulder so she can examine it, then nods. "When you're ready to transform back, I can help with the pain and the appearance of the wounds: it should help hide it somewhat, though if they look too closely..."
> Both of you look up at the arrival of two women with fins on their backs, dressed in flowing blue robes, carrying with them Luna and Cirno. They both look about the same that you left them, though you can see bruises rapidly forming. The sight of all of his champions unconcious brings Serras's tirade towards Shujinko to a screeching halt. The pale and mortified expression is priceless. Harami merely nods at the sight. "Thank you. I'll collect, ah, Star, was it?" The princess then races to the beach where Star is still drifting.
> Serras bolts in the opposite direction, to the sea. "Ah, you don't want your humans back?" Shujinko calls after him mockingly.
> "Screw them!" the Characi royal spits out over his shoulder. "They're worthless to me!"
> Shujinko sighs as the royal vanishes into the sea. "Such a shame, now we need to find out what to do with this garbage."
-
>Human life? GARBAGE?! Grit our teeth in pure rage.
>"We'll look after them. For now. And dont you EVER say anyones worth nothing, got that?"
I swear to god if this dude wasnt Haramis lapdog he would be dead by our hands.
-
>Human life? GARBAGE?! Grit our teeth in pure rage.
>"We'll look after them. For now. And dont you EVER say anyones worth nothing, got that?"
> Shujinko arches an eyebrow at you. "They're human byproducts dumped in the ocean, waiting for us to deal with it as usual. Just what do you suggest we call them other than 'garbage'? Also, you've become rather protective of them, considering that not just a few minutes ago you were beating them senseless, especially that poor girl you whipped into submission."
> "... Sango..."
> Another dolphin swims behind you and transforms. It's Twelve Fin Slaps, and she demonstrates that by jovially slapping you on the shoulder (owowthathurts!). "Don't mind Mister Uptight! Celebrate! You win! You did... what's the word...?" She thinks for a moment. "Ah, 'okay'. Still need more training!"
-
>"Just a minute, please."
>Give Shujinko a look. Firm voice. "You. Shore. Now. And be on your knees when you're there."
-
>"Just a minute, please."
>Give Shujinko a look. Firm voice. "You. Shore. Now. And be on your knees when you're there."
> Shujinko looks surprised at the look and tone of voice, but glares back, pushing up his glasses. "Why? For telling the truth of the matter? Pointing out your own hypocrisy, your own human bloodlust?"
> "Sango..."
> Twelve Fin Slaps is starting to look nervous, and edges her way in between you and Shujinko. "Ai ya ya, long day, short nerves! Champion needs rest, training tomorrow, right?"
-
I say we press on and kick that little pricks ass. After all, It's much better relief then just sitting back like Twelve wants us to do: It also is a good stress relief!
-
Oh, we're not kicking his ass. Physically. We're going to humiliate him.
>"If you wanna talk about hypocrisy, we can talk. But you sure as hell aren't getting to the shore like I just said to. Which given I just risked my life for you, and got my shoulder torn open for you... Now get going!"
-
>"If you wanna talk about hypocrisy, we can talk. But you sure as hell aren't getting to the shore like I just said to. Which given I just risked my life for you, and got my shoulder torn open for you... Now get going!"
> "If you think that I'm going to take any lip from you, Champion or no..."
> "No fighting! Calm down or-"
> "Sango!"
> Everyone in the cove, you, Shujinko, Twelve, the other dolphins, turns to look at Harami after her shout. She's some distance away holding onto Star, staring at you with wide eyes. "She's... she's not breathing."
-
>Breathe of life get it ready HURRY GOD DAMMIT
>Glare at Shujinko while you're charging. You're going to get him back. Ungrateful son of a phwee.
-
>Before we breath of life, make sure she's not gilled up.
-
>Breathe of life get it ready HURRY GOD DAMMIT
>Glare at Shujinko while you're charging. You're going to get him back. Ungrateful son of a phwee.
>Before we breath of life, make sure she's not gilled up.
> You shoot a glare at Shujinko as you rush to Harami's side. He'll get his due, you know it. Shujinko glares back, but Twelve swims in front of him and starts rapidly conversing with him in a language you don't understand.
> You reach Harami, and see Star up close for the first time since you knocked her unconcious. Her skin is paler, and her gills are still and unmoving. "H-her heartbeat's still there, but it's really weak..." Harami explains, unable to keep the stutter out of her voice.
> You swim down and almost press your lips against Star's, when you remember that she still has gills. "I-it shouldn't be a problem, I think. It should let her start breathing water just like it let Rin breathe air again..."
-
> Go ahead with it. It's supposed to work on waterbreathers that "drown" on air, and I'm assuming there's no need to go above water for a waterbreather.
-
> Go ahead with it. It's supposed to work on waterbreathers that "drown" on air, and I'm assuming there's no need to go above water for a waterbreather.
> Harami said it should work, so let's try it...!
> Steeling up your nerves, you lock lips with her, breath air into her, and will that power to appear again. Almost instantly, that warm, powerful feeling envelops you, and enters Star. Star's body jerk's in the water, and you grab onto her to keep her still as you continue pushing the rejuvenating air into her. You're starting to feel short of breath... you've must've used the last of the stored air...
> After long seconds, Star isn't struggling in your grip, and you realize that you've had your eyes shut the entire time. You open up your eyes to see Star staring at you, wide-eyed. Her gills are flapping readily and regularly and her skin isn't the sickly pale color it was before. In fact, her face seems to be growing more and more pink...
> ... Ah. You're still liplocked with the girl.
-
>"P-PHWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?!"
>get off her this is so totally wrong
-
>"P-PHWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?!"
>get off her this is so totally wrong
> Harami and the dolphins in the area wince as you manage to produce a really high pitched squeak, and swim away from the girl. Star, for her part, stays where she is, floating rigidly and not moving an inch. Maybe she thinks you won't notice she's there if she doesn't move...
> Harami sighs in relief. "Thank goodness you're all right. Do... do you hurt anywhere?" Star stays frozen for a little while longer, before realizing that Harami's speaking to her.
> "N-not really..." she whispers, red faced and still rigid. Her eyes glance around. "Um... did we win?"
> Harami shakes her head. "No, Odonto won the duel against Characi. Your friends are over there," Harami says, pointing to where the three Fairies are floating under dolphin guard.
> "Oh..." Star seems rather disappointed.
-
>"You did okay. No hard feelings?"
>What's boss Serras up to?
-
>"You did okay. No hard feelings?"
>What's boss Serras up to?
> Star nervously strokes her gills. "Um... s-sure... no hard feelings..."
> Serras left, heading straight for the sea out of the cove.
> Twelve Fin Slaps arrives, pulling along the other three girls behind her. "Little girl fine? Good good! Here other girls!" Harami nods to the martial artist in thanks.
> "Good, we take care of the rest. Star, was it? Do you have a pendant?"
> "Huh? Oh, um, yeah..." the girl reaches into the neck of her vest and pulls out a pendant, similar to the one you found on Sunny. Harami holds out a hand, and, after some hesitation, takes off the pendant and gives it to Harami. Twelve already has the other pendants, and hands them over to Harami, who begins to put them together. "Um..." Star nervously starts, "where's Serras?"
> "He... left," Harami replies, snapping the pendants together. The combined pendants glow momentarily in Harami's hands, then grow dark again, much to the princess's satisfaction. "He wasn't pleased with the outcome of the duel. There, we should be ready." She hands you the completed pendant.
-
>Take it.
>"Do you think he's going to be back? And what do I do with this?"
-
>Take it.
>"Do you think he's going to be back? And what do I do with this?"
> You take the pendant. Now that it's been combined, you can see that it's a large, smooth stone, with the image of a stylized pirhana, with massive fangs, done in a gold tracing. It's of remarkable quality, really.
> "I don't think he'll be back: the Chiraci, from what I've heard, have fragile egos, so they will most likely withdraw entirely from the island. Still, I wouldn't go near their 'base', wherever it might be..." Harami gives Star a questioning look. The little girl blinks back innocently, forcing Harami to sigh. "Where was Characi's base?" Star mouth opens in a little "o".
> "Oh, um, that river. There's a bunch of little fishies there, with big teeth. But that's where Serras was whenever he wasn't eating."
> Harami nods. "As we suspected. I would avoid that area for the time being, in case the Characi decide that they want revenge. But we've gone off topic, haven't we?"
> "To claim another Nation's artifact, you need to hold it against your own artifact, in your case, the gem embedded in the eye of the dolphin image on your chest. Then, you say 'I, the champion of the Odonto, claim victory over the champion of Characi', and the artifact's powers will be absorbed by your own."
-
> "Okay then..."
> Hold the Characi pendant to our own artifact.
> "I, the champion of the Odonto, claim victory over the champion of Characi."
-
> "Okay then..."
> Hold the Characi pendant to our own artifact.
> "I, the champion of the Odonto, claim victory over the champion of Characi."
> You bring the artifact to your own artifact, the dull blue gem embedded in your outfit, and repeat the words Harami told you. The two artifacts glow brightly, and then you and the four fairies glow as well, making Star wince. After a moment, the lights stutter, and then fade.
> ... Nothing seems different. Harami blinks in confusion, then gives a small glare at Star. "You resisted, didn't you?"
> "Um, um... maybe?" Star answers, flinching away from Harami. Harami sighs.
> "So that's why the opponent is typically unconcious... If you try to take the artifact without dealing with the other champion, then that champion can prevent the artifact from being claimed. Try again, and don't resist this time, Star." Star is still wincing, and nods quickly, eager to please you and Harami.
-
>"One more time, then."
>Keep holding it.
>"I, the champion of the Odonto, claim victory over the champion of Characi."
-
>"One more time, then."
>Keep holding it.
>"I, the champion of the Odonto, claim victory over the champion of Characi."
> You say the words again, and the light springs up once more around you, the Fairies, and the two artifacts. Star has her eyes shut tightly, concentrating hard on something. After a little while, the Characi artifact dissolves, as though it was absorbed into your gem; the gem gleams, and you feel a new power welling up in you.
> The glow around Star and the others vanish, leaving them in the outfits that they had entered the water, and without claws, fangs, or, as Star quickly finds out to her surprise, gills. Star quickly scrambles for the surface of the cove, gasping for air. The other three, unconcious former champions are quickly brought to the surface by Twelve.
> Harami swims closer to you, with a slight smile on her face. "Congratulations Sango, on your first victory."
-
>"Thanks. Um, what now?"
-
>"Thanks. Um, what now?"
> "For now, rest and recuperate. I believe that Twelve Fin Slaps will want to work with you tomorrow." Harami swims up to the beach, where Twelve dragged the three unconcious girls onto the shore. Star is sitting next to the girls quietly, knees drawn to her chest and soaking wet in her street clothes.
-
>"Right, okay... Um, what were the rules about challenging someone after they just did a challenge?"
>Head for shore.
-
>"Right, okay... Um, what were the rules about challenging someone after they just did a challenge?"
>Head for shore.
>"There aren't any, honestly. I'd suggest keeping a low profile until your wounds have healed, at the very least."
>Star's eyes follow you as you step onto the beach, but she doesn't say a word. She's still blushing...
-
>We ought to check those wounds...
>Do that.
-
>We ought to check those wounds...
>Do that.
> Now that the adrenaline's wearing off, you're starting to actually feel those hits you took during the fight. Your head's a bit achey...
> You check yourself the best you can, though without a mirror you're a bit limited. Still, you can see that you've taken a slash to your belly, that vicious bite on your shoulder (that's going to leave a mark!), and you have a few scrapes on your arms. You feel at the back of your head and back as well: it hurts to touch certain areas, you probably hit the walls of the tunnel pretty hard. You think that you're going to be black and blue in those areas in the morning.
-
>Note for the future, get extra first-aid stuff and get some painkillers
>Give Star a look, not a mean or intimidating look, just give her a simple look.
-
>Note for the future, get extra first-aid stuff and get some painkillers
>Give Star a look, not a mean or intimidating look, just give her a simple look.
> Looks like you'll be a frequent buyer at Eientei Drugs for the foreseeable future...
> You look over at Star, who flinches at your attention, and hides her face in her knees and arms. It doesn't stop you from noticing that her neck is red like a beet. The huddled position she's in and the soaked clothing make her seem smaller than she usually is, and, now that you're thinking of it, she's already pretty small for a middleschooler anyways.
-
>Walk over to Star! Something's troubling our honorable rival.
-
>Walk over to Star! Something's troubling our honorable rival.
> You walk over so you can stand over Star, who squeaks and remains turtled, peeking over her arm to look at you, then to her friends, still out cold, then back to you rapidly.
> Harami joins you, glancing curiously at Star. "If you're ready, I can cast that spell on you. It should help with the pain a bit, and then you can let go of your own magic."
-
>"Yeah, please. And maybe get them too, if you can?"
>Look at Star. "What's the matter?"
-
>"Yeah, please. And maybe get them too, if you can?"
>Look at Star. "What's the matter?"
> Harami nods. "Good idea. It should make them easier to deal with if they aren't in pain for the next few days." The dolphin princess holds a hand in your direction and closes her eyes. "Anesthesia." Your skin gains a pearlescent sheen, and disappears The pains that you had felt are instantly muted, and your wounds look significantly better than before: the scrapes on your arms have nearly disappeared, the cut on your abdomen has been reduced to a thin pink line, and the bite marks on your shoulder are closed, though still noticeable. Harami nods in approval, and begins on the unconscious girls.
> You then focus your attention on Star. She gulps, but looks up at you, still red-faced. "U-um... i-it's just..." She hesitates a bit more, then finally a dam seems to break. "I-I'm sorry! We just met today, and you're older than me, and we were fighting each other and I bit you and so I really don't know why you did that and I thought that I would do it with a boy first so you doing it to me..." She seems to run out of steam and courage and hides her face again. She's nearly steaming with embarrassment.
-
>Shrug
>"Eh. If that's what you think about being punched in the eye then beaten with the bubbly equivalent of a length of hose..."
>Weirdo.
>Let's get to shore proper, and reef this business.
-
>Shrug
>"Eh. If that's what you think about being punched in the eye then beaten with the bubbly equivalent of a length of hose..."
>Weirdo.
>Let's get to shore proper, and reef this business.
> "U-um, what?"
> Man, what a weird kid.
> You say the magic words, and now you're back in your normal swimsuit, with the equipment on your leg looking normal again. Thankfully, none of the battle damage to your outfit carried over to your swimsuit, though some of the teethmarks are visible. You'd have to be real close to notice, though,so it shouldn't be a problem.
> Harami has finished doing the painkiller spell on the three unconcious girls. "Would you like me to cast a spell to soothe wounds?" Star shakes her head. "That's goo-" Harami falters a bit, and she rubs her eye. "That's good. When your friends wake up, remind them to not say a word about this... conflict."
-
>"And keep away from the river. Serras might be there, and he's probably in a lousy mood."
-
>"And keep away from the river. Serras might be there, and he's probably in a lousy mood."
> "R-right..." It doesn't look like Star's going to leave until her friends are awake, and they'll probably be out for a while longer.
-
>Can't blame her for that. Oh well, we've proven we can take out at least 4 twelve year olds at once. Booyah! (http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/a-realistic-assessment-of-how-many-12-year-olds-i-could-beat-up-before-they-overtook-me)
>Time to head home. Or at least get away from here.
-
>Can't blame her for that. Oh well, we've proven we can take out at least 4 twelve year olds at once. Booyah! (http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/a-realistic-assessment-of-how-many-12-year-olds-i-could-beat-up-before-they-overtook-me)
>Time to head home. Or at least get away from here.
> Of course, you didn't let them form a circle around you first.
> You and Harami put on your discarded clothes (Harami more relucantly) and make your way away from the cove, leaving behind Star and her friends and Twelve, who waves goodbye before diving into the water. You make your way up the hill leading to civilization. Harami is trudging along, a little tired looking but quickly regaining strength.
> Harami turns her head towards you as you walk by a tangle of bushes and trees. "Are you going to go to that school of yours, or are you going back-" she cuts herself off, staring at, no, past you with a confused look. Before you can ask her what's wrong, you hear the bushes rustle and OWOWOW SOMETHING'S ON YOUR BACK.
-
>AH CRAP GET IT OFF GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!
-
>Judu-flip it over your shoulder!
-
>AH CRAP GET IT OFF GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!
> You flip the frickity frick out trying to shake the monkey or whatever it was that jumped on your back, but it's just giggling and ow there's an arm pressing into the bite wound! Harami, meanwhile, is watching with a bewildered expression.>Judu-flip it over your shoulder!
> All right, enough's enough! You use a judu-flip!
> ... Unfortunately, neither are you that well trained as a fighter, nor does the Judu-style actually exist. Trying to throw the thing over your shoulder results in you overbalancing, and rolling head over heels. So, now you're on your back staring at the blue sky, you're pretty sore, you're pretty embarrassed, and the only good thing that seems to have came out of that is that your attacker is now underneath you. Who the heck jumped on you anyways?
> "Owowow... Sango-chan, you're heavy~"
> Oh. It's your mother.
-
> ...
> What.
> Get off of Mom.
-
> ...
> What.
> Well, "foster mother", more exactly. Suwako Moriya is some sort of entrepenuer who owns a couple of businesses off of the island, and spends a lot of time goofing around (pretty embarrassing for a woman in her thirties) whenever she's not on business trips. She also owns and lives at the Moriya Shrine and the property it sits on, though she doesn't do any ceremonies; that duty is left to the head priestess, Kanako Yasaka. She adopted you and another girl when you were too young to remember, and you spent nearly your entire childhood at the Moriya Shrine.
> Get off of Mom.
> You roll off Suwako (you haven't called her Mom for a year or two) and climb to your feet, Suwako following soon after. She is a tiny woman, barely taller than Harami, dressed in a purple skirt and a white button up top. Really, if it weren't for the fact that her face was beginning to show wrinkles around her eyes, you'd think she was a middle or high school student.
> "My, Sango-chan, that's no way to greet me after so long," she remarks as she picks up a wide brimmed straw hat off the ground and dusts it off. "You never come by anymore, so when I saw you coming up I just had to greet you!"
-
>"Well, I've been busy with school and stuff..."
-
>"Well, I've been busy with school and stuff..."
> Suwako seems amused by this response. "Oh ho, so Sango-chan is finally cracking into those books? You're probably too busy playing in the water to do math or write papers for your professor, right?" She then arches an eyebrow at Harami, who have been watching you two in curiosity. "Oh? Now who is your friend here?"
> Harami blinks in surprise, but regains her composure quickly. "Oh, I'm Harami, a distant cousin of Sango's. She offered to take me in because my parents are... are splitting up..." Harami breaks out those impressive acting skills you saw from her last night: her lip is trembling, and you can see the start of tears. "A-and when she heard how mean my mother and father were, she told me to come straight here...!"
> Another eyebrow rises, and Suwako turns to look at you. "'Distant cousin', eh?"
-
Should I come up with something properly silly?
-
Should I come up with something properly silly?
That is the only way. :3
-
>Wave a hand at Harami. "This is my mom. We have to tell her the truth."
>"She's actually a bum I picked up off the streets a couple days ago. See, there was this car that ran a red light, and she dived out and pushed me out of the way. And I felt really bad for her, so I snuck her into the dorm and got her cleaned up and stuff. Trying to pass her off as a student and give her a good place to sleep until she can get her life back together."
-
>Wave a hand at Harami. "This is my mom. We have to tell her the truth."
>"She's actually a bum I picked up off the streets a couple days ago. See, there was this car that ran a red light, and she dived out and pushed me out of the way. And I felt really bad for her, so I snuck her into the dorm and got her cleaned up and stuff. Trying to pass her off as a student and give her a good place to sleep until she can get her life back together."
> Harami is surprised. "Y-your mom?" She seems rather embarassed that she tried to pull that line on your own relative, and hangs her head.
> Not as embarassed as she is when you spin your own story about her being a homeless vagrant: her chin is tucked into her chest, and her hair is covering her face. Suwako is looking between you and her during your wild tale, her expression shifting from amusement to surprise, then to pity. When you finish, she exclaims, "Oh, you poor thing!" She then wraps the surprised Harami into a hug, pulling the princess's head into her chest: it looks uncomfortable, since Harami's nearly as tall as Suwako, so she's forced to lean forward, arms waving wildly. "A poor cute girl like you living on the streets? We can't have that! That's a good girl, Sango-chan, following my example! Though, you should've talked to me or Kanako, we would've done something to help! In fact..." Suwako taps her chin, ignorant to Harami's discomfort. "Yeah! We can get, ah, Harami-chan, was it?, set up in school! Then her rooming with you and your friends won't be an issue, and we can work on getting paperwork set up, I'm sure they won't mind us fostering another girl, though with all the network and phone problems we've been having..."
> It looks like Suwako's taking this pretty seriously, in her own way.
-
>"Well, uh, it'll only be for a couple weeks, at most."
-
>"Well, uh, it'll only be for a couple weeks, at most."
> Suwako narrows her eyes at you. "You mean you're going to kick a poor orphan out on the streets when you're done with her? I raised you better than that, Sango-chan!"
> Harami coughs into Suwako's chest. "Ah... I'm not an orphan, and what she means is that I'm going home then. Um... I wasn't lying when I said my parents were divorcing, and I ran away from home and stowed away on a ship heading here. Then all of the weird stuff started happening, and Sango saved me..."
> Suwako blinks, and lets go of Harami, much to her relief. "Oh, so that's what's going on... Sango-chan, you shouldn't've lead me on like that!" She sounds a bit disappointed. "Still, it wouldn't be a bad idea for Harami-chan to go to school with you for the time being, if only so Miss Hong will stay off your back. And I can vouch for you two if anyone questions it!" she adds with a wink. "Or, you can come back to the shrine and stay there, if it's too crowded at your room. We'd be happy to have you back!"
-
>"Yeah, like I said, just until she gets back on her feet. But thanks, I'll be sure to do that. So what've you been up to, with the outages and such?"
-
>"Yeah, like I said, just until she gets back on her feet. But thanks, I'll be sure to do that. So what've you been up to, with the outages and such?"
> Suwako plops the straw hat on her head and stretches her arms. "Ah, not much~, just lazing around the place. Got back to the island a few days ago, so nothing should really come up for the next week or so, and I bet the phone problems'll be dealt with by then. Kanako's as cool as a cucumber as always, since she doesn't even bother with the internet anyways, but Sanae's already getting on edge, the silly girl," she giggles.
-
>Walk along.
>"Yeah, Okuu's pretty irked, too. Messed up some project she was working on."
>What do we know of Sanae?
-
>Walk along.
>"Yeah, Okuu's pretty irked, too. Messed up some project she was working on."
> You start walking along the path, and Suwako skips along beside you, with Harami following more sedately. It's an interesting sight, seeing the older woman act childish and the child princess act like an adult.
> "Oh, Utsuho-chan? Hm... well, she's a smart girl, why don't you tell her to stop being a hikikomori and work on something, stop wasting time on the internet? No use in complaining when she could get hands-on on whatever project she has in mind." She gives you a flat stare. "And don't even think about getting 'hands-on' with her, you're too young to be thinking about that kind of thing."
> Harami blinks in confusion. "'Hands-on'?" Suwako grins and shakes a finger at her.
> "And you're definitely too young for that, Harami-chan."
>What do we know of Sanae?
> You've known Sanae your entire childhood, what with her being your "sister". To put it bluntly, the two of you loathe each other, and you have as far back as you recall. Sanae is treated as the school's idol: pretty, stylish, popular with everyone, top of the class, and everyone adores her. You yourself are kind of popular, but that's mostly because of your status as the school's champion swimmer: most other things, especially classwork, you're pretty far behind Sanae, and she lets you know it, constantly.
> Sanae is half of the reason why you moved into the school dorms in the first place: nowadays the two of you can't talk without her starting an argument or trying to show off to Suwako or Kanako about how much "better" she is than you.
-
>Sounds like someone who needs regular doses of mollusks in her bed~
>"You're so mean..."
-
>Sounds like someone who needs regular doses of mollusks in her bed~
>"You're so mean..."
> You've done it before in middle school: Sanae's retribution was so horrific that you can't remember anything from that specific week. That, and for some reason you keep associating mint gum with jellyfish.
> Suwako giggles. "I gotta keep you in check, Sango-chan: who knows what kind of a heart breaker you'll be for the girls if I don't!" Beside you, Harami's brows are furrowed, and she seems to be mumbling to herself in befuddlement.
> The three of you soon arrive at the top of the hill, where the trail connects to the stone path that leads from the town to the steps of the shrine. You can see the torii from here, freshly painted and standing tall.
> "Well, I'd invite Harami-chan to the shrine for a snack, but I don't think Kanako'd be very happy to know that you're playing hooky right now. So, how 'bout you two stop by for dinner, at least, maybe even stay until Harami-chan can go back home?" Suwako sounds pretty hopeful.
-
>"Naw, they need me at the dorms. Might come up, though. Mind if I bring the gang along? I'll call ahead an-...oh right. Uh..."
>Glance to Harami. "Think they'd be interested in dinner?"
-
>"Naw, they need me at the dorms. Might come up, though. Mind if I bring the gang along? I'll call ahead an-...oh right. Uh..."
>Glance to Harami. "Think they'd be interested in dinner?"
> Harami glances back at you. "Ah... I don't know, they're your friends..." she replies distractedly.
> Suwako looks disappointed at the rejection, but brightens up when you say that you'll consider dinner. "I don't think we'll mind. Rin-chan and Utsuho-chan, right? They haven't been around in a long time either. I'm sure Kanako and Sanae won't mind eating with you four, either. Heh... what should we make... ah, I just remembered that I got some mahi-mahi from the harbor the other day; that should do nicely!"
> Harami's attention is immediately grabbed. "Eh? Mahi-mahi?!" You swear that her mouth is watering...
-
>"Okay, I'll drag them along. What time?"
-
>"Okay, I'll drag them along. What time?"
> "Hm... well, you have practice today, right? How about around six?"
-
>"Yeah, that'll be fine! I'll be sure to drag them up there. And since I have Harami, I'll only have to put one of them in a headlock!"
-
>"Yeah, that'll be fine! I'll be sure to drag them up there. And since I have Harami, I'll only have to put one of them in a headlock!"
>Before this, Check to see if it would interrupt anything in our schedule.
-
>Before this, Check to see if it would interrupt anything in our schedule.
> Swim practice usually runs about two hours, two and a half if people are motivated, so you usually get out at around five-thirty to six in the afternoon. It shouldn't be a problem, really.
>"Yeah, that'll be fine! I'll be sure to drag them up there. And since I have Harami, I'll only have to put one of them in a headlock!"
> Harami stares at you. "... You can't be serious."
> Suwako laughs. "Oh man, just imagining Harami-chan trying to put Utsuho-chan in a headlock... hee hee~. Why don't you two start heading back? It's nearly the end of school for today."
-
>"Alright. Be up there in a few hours!"
>Continue on toward school. Ponder how the communications blackout must have affected things there.
-
>"Alright. Be up there in a few hours!"
>Continue on toward school. Ponder how the communications blackout must have affected things there.
> Suwako waves goodbye as you and Harami head towards school.
> Hm... that's a good question. Obviously school hadn't been cancelled, but maybe it will while the blackout and blockade's going on!
> ... Nah. There's no way you'd be that lucky, or the principal that sensible.
> "Sango." Harami looks at you while the two of you walk down the stone path. Ahead of you is the outskirts of town. "That was... your mother? You never mentioned her before... and she doesn't look anything like you."
-
>"Oh, I'm adopted. Have a sister too, who's a royal pain in the butt. I'm pretty sure the jellyfish or something will try to make her champion once they figure out who I am."
-
>"Oh, I'm adopted. Have a sister too, who's a royal pain in the butt. I'm pretty sure the jellyfish or something will try to make her champion once they figure out who I am."
> "A sister..." Harami has a far away expression for a little bit, before shaking it off. "Are you certain that your sister will want to fight against you? The Meduso nation likely won't recruit her, but there's a possibility the Anguili or the Lophii might take advantage of that. In fact... the Meduso may try to use your family against you, in other ways... Who exactly is in your family?"
-
>Aside from Suwako and Buttcheese, who else do we have?
>"I wouldn't put it against them. Maybe I'll luck out and someone else would chomp her up first, in that case."
-
>"I'd... be more worried about Orin and Utsuho being used against us."
>Maybe we should pick up the pace.
-
>Aside from Suwako and Buttcheese, who else do we have?
>"I wouldn't put it against them. Maybe I'll luck out and someone else would chomp her up first, in that case."
> Aside from those two, the only other person you could really call family is Kanako Yasaka, the head priestess at the Moriya Shrine. Suwako is your and Sanae's legal guardian, but the three of you live, or lived, in your case, in the shrine with Kanako, who had been living there since before you were born. You're... not quite sure of the relationship between Kanako and Suwako: they seem to get along well enough, from what you have noticed, but they're an odd couple, and you have no clue how they started rooming together or even met.
> As for what sort of relationship you have with Kanako... she's a bit distant, you guess, but a pretty stable and constant figure in your life. Suwako went on business trips often, especially more recently now that you can take care of yourself, so whenever she was away Kanako would step in to take care of you and Sanae. During those times Kanako was strict, making sure you did your chores or studied instead of letting you play, in comparison to Suwako who would let you do whatever and slack off on your schoolwork. It isn't like Kanako dislikes you, though: she always offers good advice the few times you go to her, and she's never really been cruel to you or anything, even if it seems like she likes Sanae more than you.
> You offer your opinions about what they can do with Sanae, and Harami frowns. "It's not very kind to say that about your own sister... Surely you care for her safety?" Her tone doesn't have a chiding tone to it; instead, she sounds sad, almost melancholy.
>"I'd... be more worried about Orin and Utsuho being used against us."
>Maybe we should pick up the pace.
> "They're just in as much danger as your family, possibly even more since they are aware of the war. Plus, I don't think they're content with staying on the sidelines..."
> You could pick up the pace, though it's not like you're very far from the school.
-
>"Well, I guess it's not like they can be tricked into being champions, at least. Sanae, or Buttcheese as she ought to be known, is dumb enough to do it. And she's a pain, trust me. A good beating wouldn't be wasted on her."
-
>"Well, I guess it's not like they can be tricked into being champions, at least. Sanae, or Buttcheese as she ought to be known, is dumb enough to do it. And she's a pain, trust me. A good beating wouldn't be wasted on her."
> "If that's what you think..." Harami doesn't seem very comfortable with your opinions of Sanae.
> The two of you are nearing the school. It looks like classes are nearly over.
-
>"Trust me, there's a reason why I moved into the dorm, and it's not for the food."
>Linger a bit, let classes get out, and blend into the crowd.
-
>"Trust me, there's a reason why I moved into the dorm, and it's not for the food."
>Linger a bit, let classes get out, and blend into the crowd.
> Harami doesn't respond.
> The two of you linger around, until you can hear the chimes announcing the end of the school day. Students begin exiting the school: little elementary school kids in casual clothing, and middle and high school students in uniforms. You and Harami slip in easily, though Harami does get a few curious looks. The pool is on the other side of the school, and the locker room is next to it. You'll have to either go around the outside of the school, or through the inside to get there.
-
>Go around, but don't stray from the crowds.
-
>Go around, but don't stray from the crowds.
> You can't really stay in the crowds by going around the outside of the school: everyone's leaving, after all. However, you and Harami managed to float through groups headed to soccer and baseball practice. You soon find yourself outside of the pool: the pool and the surrounding walkway is elevated above everything else by about three feet, and surrounded by a tall fence. There is a door set in the chain link fence, but it's usually locked, to force people to enter through the dressing room. Fortunately, as a perk of being the captain and star of the swim team, you have a key to that door.
> No one's in the pool yet: everyone is probably inside the dressing room now, and you don't expect the team's "advisor", Miss Houjuu, to arrive until after practice has started, if at all.
-
>What do we know about the team? And it's advisor?
-
>What do we know about the team? And it's advisor?
> Before, the swim team was really more of a club, where girls would hang out and mess around. Then, you came, and whipped the team to shape. Now, the team is better than the boy's team, though their captain, Kiyoshi Mizuno, can outswim all of them except for you. Of course, a lot of the girls left, saying that "swimming wasn't fun" or "you're working us too hard!", but you don't need slackers like them in the team. The team is comprised mostly of high school girls, though there are a few middle school girls here.
> Miss Nue Houjuu is the school's drama instructor (oddly enough, the school actually has a drama class, instead of a club). She's young and pretty, but kind of a jerk. She doesn't really help with running the swim team, though she stays out of your way, so you don't mind so much: she didn't have much of a choice when she became the advisor for the team, and usually skips out on practices, or sitting in the shade working on... something. You didn't really pay much attention. In any case, she's the newest teacher at the school: this is her first year here, so you don't really know much about her.
-
>She'll be crushed in good time.
>Get things set up for the team. When's the next big meet? Who're we crushing next?
-
>She'll be crushed in good time.
> Uh... who?
>Get things set up for the team. When's the next big meet? Who're we crushing next?
> You start pulling out the lane markers out of the storage room, while Harami looks around curiously. "Hm, so this is one of your swimming pools..." She kneels down to look at the skimmer filter. "More of your human ingenuity?"
> Your team doesn't get to go to very many meets, what with how remote your island is, and they're usually meets with multiple schools participating. Your next meet isn't for about two months, but it's always good to keep in practice!
-
>"Yep. That's how we get junk that's floating in the pool out without getting wet."
>Fail to think to warn her the water's chlorinated.
-
>"Yep. That's how we get junk that's floating in the pool out without getting wet."
> "I see..." Harami is looking at it curiously, probably trying to divine how it works.
> The door to the locker room slams open, and you hear the rapid pitter patter of feet slapping the concrete. "Cannon ball!" a girl screams out, before barrelling into the water, splashing water high into the air, and onto Harami, who blinks in surprise. More girls begin filing out of the locker room, the younger, smaller girls in navy blue school swimsuits, and the older girls in blue racing swimsuits, red stripes running up their sides. In the lead was a small, thin girl with lavender hair, who could easily pass for a middle schooler if it weren't for the racing swimsuit she wore. Satori Komeiji has an exasperated look on her face as she watches her sister, the pale-haired Koishi, surface while laughing.
> "Koishi... oh, Sango. I didn't see you in class today."
-
>"Yeah, I had a thing."
>How do we usually run this thing?
-
>"Yeah, I had a thing."
>How do we usually run this thing?
> "A... thing." Satori gives you a flat stare, her eyes boring into your own. It's rather creepy: whenever she does this it feels like she's trying to read your mind. Her eyes flick over to Harami, who is being accosted by curious members of the swim team, lead by Koishi, then back to you questioningly.
> When you first took over the reigns of the team you basically whipped them into shape, making them swim laps for hours on in, and toughened them up. Now that they're whipped into shape and the slackers left, you've let up on them some, but you still work them hard hard with drills.
-
>"A thing. Now into the pool, you."
>"All of you, in get in there! I want a second off your times even if I have to keep you here til midnight!"
-
>"A thing. Now into the pool, you."
>"All of you, in get in there! I want a second off your times even if I have to keep you here til midnight!"
> Satori rolls her eyes, and begins her stretching. The other girls respond to your shouting with faux reluctance, and begin on their stretching.
> After everyone is stretched out, they begin swimming drills, while Harami watches with interest from a chair. It's around now that you notice that Shou and Nazrin haven't arrived yet: they're about five minutes late.
-
>"Hey, Anyone of you know where Shou and Naz went?"
simple solutions are always the best :V
-
>"Hey, Anyone of you know where Shou and Naz went?"
> "I saw them in the classroom when school ended," one of the girls answered.
> "Mouse is probably just trying to find something Tiger lost. Again." There's a series of giggles at that.
> Satori looks up as she forces a swim cap on a struggling Koishi. "It's not the first time those two've been late, they'll be here soon."
-
>"They'll get theirs."
>Does that happen often?
-
>"They'll get theirs."
>Does that happen often?
> Satori frowns at you as Koishi frees herself and splashes off. "Don't chase those two away as well."
> It doesn't happen as often as the girls like to joke, but the two of them do sometimes appear to the practices late. The two of them are also some of the hardest working in the club, so you haven't been as hard on them as you have for any of the others.
-
>"Don't worry, they probably won't drown very much."
>Get to the business of running this dictatorship.
-
>"Don't worry, they probably won't drown very much."
>Get to the business of running this dictatorship.
> Satori stares at you, before silently beginning the exercises.
> You stand at the edge of the pool barking corrections and orders at the swimmers, since you haven't changed out of your clothes yet. You don't need to correct the majority of the swimmers very much: they're well practiced and trained, and everyone is motivated, even the middle school girls. Well, except Koishi: she's still goofing around, albeit not as much as usual. She eventually does the exercises, though not until you had to yell at her for trying to perform synchronized swimming stunts.
> It's not long before you hear the door to the dressing room open. Looking over, you see two girls in racing swimsuits come out. It's Nazrin and Shou: Nazrin is leading the way, tucking her hair into her swimcap with her usual scowl, and Shou is trailing behind, with a troubled expression on her face. "Hey, Sango..." Shou greets you awkwardly as Nazrin quietly begins her stretches. "Um... sorry we're late. I had Nazrin try to help me find my goggles..."
> "The dope left them in her desk," Nazrin adds darkly, not looking at you as she bends to reach her toes and missing the grimace that appears on Shou's face. "Even after I asked her if she'd already checked there."
-
>"Well then, Shou. You get to swim a couple laps with Nazrin on your back. Hop to it!"
-
>"No big problem, so long as you make it up with all you got today!"
>"i think i found your missing panties shou
-
>"Well then, Shou. You get to swim a couple laps with Nazrin on your back. Hop to it!"
> Shou gapes, and opens her mouth to protest. "But what would th-"
> "Why don't you keep your stupid crap to yourself, Tororetsu?"
> Everything screeches to a halt as everyone, even Koishi, turns to look at Nazrin in varying degrees of shock. The tiny girl ignores the stares as she straightens from her stretch and walks to an empty lane. She pulls her goggles over her eyes, and dives in, arms cutting sharply into the water and feet paddling fiercely. Shou watches her, shame clearly written over her face.
-
>Shake head.
>"Grow a sense of humor, Nazrin."
>Look to Shou. "Anyways, get in there."
-
>Shake head.
>"Grow a sense of humor, Nazrin."
>Look to Shou. "Anyways, get in there."
> You shake your head. Can't anyone take a joke? Nazrin doesn't hear your comment, she's busy swimming laps, though Shou shoots you a sharp look.
> Soon, everyone is following your instructions, going through exercises. The exceptions are Koishi, who occasionally messes around, and Nazrin, who is continually doing lap after furious lap, ignoring everyone. In return, everyone else is giving her lane a wide berth.
> A half hour into the practice, the locker room door opens again, revealing the team's "advisor", Miss Houjuu, a thin, pretty woman with pale skin and dark hair wearing a black dress and a slight scowl. She begins to make her way to her usual hideout, a lawn chair underneath a shaded lawn chair, with her huge tote bag hanging on her shoulder, when she notices Harami. After pausing for a few moments, she makes her way to you. "Tororetsu. I didn't think you were pulling anyone else into the club." She looks you up and down. "I also didn't expect to see you still outside the pool."
-
>"I'm taking it easy today. I banged up my shoulder a little with a dumb fall, and I don't wanna strain it trying to show off."
>Continue to oversee this mess. And observe how Harami is taking the whole process.
-
>"I'm taking it easy today. I banged up my shoulder a little with a dumb fall, and I don't wanna strain it trying to show off."
>Continue to oversee this mess. And observe how Harami is taking the whole process.
> Miss Houjuu shrugs. "Eh, whatever, as long as you don't get hurt while I'm here. Also..." she glances in Harami's direction, who is looking at the two of you talk, "tell your friend she needs to get a better fashion sense." With that said, she walks to her seat, and proceeds to ignore everyone in favor of pulling things out of her bag, like she does every time she comes to practice.
> Training is going well: everyone is working hard, and you do note improvements in most of everyone's times and forms. Harami was watching in interest for a while, but seems to be getting somewhat bored, fidgeting every now and then.
-
>Quietly to Harami: "Too bad you can't jump in there and show 'em how it's done, eh?"
-
>Quietly to Harami: "Too bad you can't jump in there and show 'em how it's done, eh?"
> Harami looks away with a blush at being caught. "It would be foolish, and break my cover..."
> One of the girls sees you talking with Harami, and waves. "Hey, captain! Why don't you and your cousin jump in?"
> "Yeah, there's probably a suit her size in the locker room," one of the other girls added.
> "If Harami-chan's anything like the captain, she's probably wearing a swimsuit right now!" A third remarks, causing most of the team to giggle loudly. Harami's blush grows hotter.
-
>"Naw, I made a promise to mom I wouldn't force her into it... Otherwise I would have already pushed her in."
-
>"Naw, I made a promise to mom I wouldn't force her into it... Otherwise I would have already pushed her in."
> You hear a chorus of disappointed groans, and the girls get back to their drills.
> An hour and a half into practice, Nazrin pulls herself out of the pool, and sits against the fence surrounding the swimming area. She looks exhausted. Shou glances at her every now and then, but doesn't approach her.
-
>"Good work, Nazrin. You're going to be our star at this rate!"
>Who could we trust to watch over the swim team while we're occupied with dealing with the whole war thing?
-
>"Good work, Nazrin. You're going to be our star at this rate!"
>Who could we trust to watch over the swim team while we're occupied with dealing with the whole war thing?
> Nazrin grunts, then climbs to her feet. "I'm going home early," she says as she takes off her swim cap, revealing her grey hair, and heads for the locker room.
> You suspect that none of the girls will keep the team practicing as hard as you think they should. If you're just looking for someone to keep things in order, Satori might work, or one of the other older girls. Not Shou, since she can be flaky at times, and definitely not Koishi.
-
>"Alright, keep up the good work!"
>Presuming no misfortunes, let things continue on until about the time club activities normally come to an end.
-
>"Alright, keep up the good work!"
>Presuming no misfortunes, let things continue on until about the time club activities normally come to an end.
> Nazrin gives you a half hearted wave as she enters the locker room.
> The practice comes to a close: all of the girls are tired, and Miss Houjuu had already left. All in all, a good practice.
-
>"Good work, all of you. Anyways, before you all head off, a bit of news. I'm gonna be busy for the next week or two. Personal stuff. Satori, can I trust you to keep an eye on things for me?"
-
>"Good work, all of you. Anyways, before you all head off, a bit of news. I'm gonna be busy for the next week or two. Personal stuff. Satori, can I trust you to keep an eye on things for me?"
> The girls aren't as disappointed as you hoped they would be. Satori hesitates, then nods. "I don't mind..."
-
>Those ungrateful jerks. We'll trade them to the jellyfish for their delicious jellyfish butter! >=[
>Have we any symbols of our authority to pass over? A whistle or summat? If so, hand it to Satori.
>"That's good, I couldn't think of anyone better to take over while i'm gone. Just keep things in shape, and don't let nobody give you any guff. If they do...um...have Koishi bite them or something."
-
>Those ungrateful jerks. We'll trade them to the jellyfish for their delicious jellyfish butter! >=[
> You'll show them! ... Do jellyfish even make butter? If they did, it'd probably taste like mint gum.
> ... You feel a bit queasy.
>Have we any symbols of our authority to pass over? A whistle or summat? If so, hand it to Satori.
>"That's good, I couldn't think of anyone better to take over while i'm gone. Just keep things in shape, and don't let nobody give you any guff. "
> You lift Harami up from underneath her arms and hand her to Satori. She promptly screams "OMOCHIKAERI!" and runs off with the dolphin princess under her arm.
> You don't really have a symbol of authority, unless your commanding presence and superior ability counts.
> Satori nods, a little nervous. "All right, that shouldn't be a problem."
> "If they do...um...have Koishi bite them or something."
> Koishi immediately salutes. "Aye aye, il mio capitano!"
> Satori gives you a flat look. "Please don't encourage her, Sango."
-
>Briefly ponder what the fight would have been like if Koishi was the piranha champion.
-
>Glance to Koishi. "Only on Satori's orders, you."
>Give Satori a firm pat on the shoulder. "You'll do just fine."
>"Alright, that's it! Let's head home. Do some exercises before bed to keep fit!"
-
>Briefly ponder what the fight would have been like if Koishi was the piranha champion.
> You briefly ponder how a fight against a Koishi piranha champion would have gone...
> ... You suppress a shudder.
>Glance to Koishi. "Only on Satori's orders, you."
>Give Satori a firm pat on the shoulder. "You'll do just fine."
>"Alright, that's it! Let's head home. Do some exercises before bed to keep fit!"
> "Right!" Koishi replies with enthuthiasm. You wish she would have the same sort of motivation towards following your commands in the pool...
> At your leave, all of the girls scatter for the locker room, chattering loudly. The only ones who remain are Satori and Shou, who is standing off to the side awkwardly. "I hope you're not getting yourself in any trouble, Sango, for your own sake and your cousin's. Your reputation with the teachers is bad enough as it is, skipping school isn't going to help."
-
>Which one's speaking.
>"I wouldn't do it lightly, but it's kind of a big deal. I don't want to get into too many details, but you know me. I mean, school's pretty useless and stuff and I'd rather be someplace else, but it's not like I'd just skip out for no reason. Don't worry, I'll make it all up."
-
>Which one's speaking.
>"I wouldn't do it lightly, but it's kind of a big deal. I don't want to get into too many details, but you know me. I mean, school's pretty useless and stuff and I'd rather be someplace else, but it's not like I'd just skip out for no reason. Don't worry, I'll make it all up."
> Satori's speaking.
> Satori continues giving you her trademark flat stare. "I do know you, and that's why I'm worried. And school isn't useless, so long as you put the time in..." Satori sighs. "Never mind. I should get going: my pets and Koishi aren't going to feed themselves, and you have your own burden to worry about," she says, glancing over your shoulder. "Also, I suspect Shou would like to speak to you. Good evening." With that, she begins to head towards the locker room.
> Shou sees that you're free, and opens her mouth to speak when Satori calls out from over her shoulder, a slight smile on her face. "By the way, it's good that you're calling Miss Moriya 'mom' again: I think she'd like that." With that said, she disappears into the locker room.
-
>Best to butter Suwako up if we're going to be doing a lot of dumb things.
>"Don't worry, Satori. It's all under control. And thanks for the concern."
>Glance toward Shou.
-
>Best to butter Suwako up if we're going to be doing a lot of dumb things.
>"Don't worry, Satori. It's all under control. And thanks for the concern."
>Glance toward Shou.
> You figure you might as well set up a safety net, though you think that Suwako would be behind you anyways: she's always supported you growing up, though it did get to a point where her attention on you was grating on your nerves.
> Satori has already entered the locker room, so she doesn't hear your remark.
> Shou has taken off her swimcap, running her fingers through her hair, crudely bleached, but her natural black color showing at the roots and sometimes streaking through like tiger stripes. Her posture is nervous and awkward, pretty much standard for her nowadays, which is honestly a lot better than a few years ago when she was one of the island's top delinquents. "Uh, well... I've been kinda wondering... have you seen Naz around? Uh, doing stuff or talking to guys?"
-
>Have we?
>Presuming not: Shake head.
-
>Have we?
>Presuming not: Shake head.
> Nope. You shake your head, and Shou looks a bit more anxious. "Right, right, you don't really hang out with Nazrin much, do you? I mean, she doesn't really hang out with a lot of people, but it's a small place, you know, and someone would've seen her hanging out with a guy, right? Not that that's bad, really, if she got a boyfriend I'm okay with that, but I wish she would've told me and no one will tell me anything even when I ask Hijiri and..."
> She's starting to ramble...
-
>Hand on shoulder action!
>"Hey, what makes you think she's up to something?"
>Yeah, she's up to something.
-
>Hand on shoulder action!
>"Hey, what makes you think she's up to something?"
>Yeah, she's up to something.
> You put your hand on Shou's shoulder, in an effort to calm her down. You have to reach up a bit, though: she's a few inches taller than you, impressive considering that you're considered tall for a Japanese teenage girl, yourself.
> Shou almost instinctively slaps your hand away, but stops, and tries to relax. "Well, not really up to something, she's not a troublemaker or anything. But... she's been real quiet the last few days, and she's been begging off on hanging out for a while. I tried asking Hiji-, erm, Master Hijiri if she was busy with temple duties, but she said that Nazrin hadn't really been at the temple much, except for meals and bed." Shou shifts uncomfortably. "Um... I tried asking her about it when I 'lost' my goggles, but... well..."
> It's possible that Nazrin's up to something, though it's a bit odd and out of character. She and Shou are thick as thieves, so her deliberately leaving Shou out of the loop is peculiar.
-
>"I haven't heard anything. Go find her, and ask again. And, um, I'll be in touch if I can."
>We do know where to find these jokers normally, right?
-
>"I haven't heard anything. Go find her, and ask again. And, um, I'll be in touch if I can."
>We do know where to find these jokers normally, right?
> Shou grimaces. "I'd like to see you try, you haven't seen her really mad... thanks, anyways..." Shou slumps off to the locker room.
> Probably the Myouren Temple: Nazrin has been living there for the last few years, after she was orphaned, and Shou has been hanging around there a lot recently.
-
>Schlep off toward the dorms, after Harami's ready to go.
>"Sorry if you were kind of bored through all that; but it had to be done. And, we pretty much agree that Nazrin has to be working for one of them, right?"
-
>Schlep off toward the dorms, after Harami's ready to go.
>"Sorry if you were kind of bored through all that; but it had to be done. And, we pretty much agree that Nazrin has to be working for one of them, right?"
> You turn around to apologize to Harami, only to see that she's fallen asleep in the chair she was watching the practice from. Her arms are folded over one of the arms, and her head is resting on top of them as she snores lightly. She looks very vulnerable, and you're reminded that, for all of her maturity and intelligence, she's also a young girl.
-
>Give her a shake.
>"C'mon, we need to round up the others."
-
>Give her a shake.
>"C'mon, we need to round up the others."
> You shake her by the shoulder, jolting her out of her sleep. "Phw-what? Huh?" She blinks groggily, while looking around. "Oh, your practice is over?"
> She climbs out of the chair and stretches, wincing a bit. "Rounding up what?" She still sounds like she's half asleep.
-
>"For supper, remember? So, you didn't hear Shou asking about Nazrin, huh?"
-
>"For supper, remember? So, you didn't hear Shou asking about Nazrin, huh?"
> At the mention of supper, Harami perks up. "Are we still going to your mother's house for dinner? And, ah, which ones were 'Shou' and 'Nazrin'?"
-
>"The angry one who was swimming really well today is Nazrin, and the one with the stripey hair is Shou."
>"You were paying attention to Nazrin, right?"
-
>"The angry one who was swimming really well today is Nazrin, and the one with the stripey hair is Shou."
>"You were paying attention to Nazrin, right?"
> "Ah... everyone had those caps on their heads, so I only saw the hair of a few of them, but I remember 'Nazrin', now. Was that tall girl that came with her Shou?"
> She frowns in thought. "Judging by how everyone was reacting to her today, may I assume that's not how she normally acts?"
-
>"Nope. And she's been running off, Shou's asked me about it. And she's swimming pretty well. So, she's someone's champion."
-
>"At least, that's as far as I can tell."
-
I dunno, I'd say Sango's not bright enough to question the assumption just yet. A smarter character would definitely couch her thoughts, but Sango?
-
>"Nope. And she's been running off, Shou's asked me about it. And she's swimming pretty well. So, she's someone's champion."
>"At least, that's as far as I can tell."
> Harami frowns. "If you're sure... and if she's been acting like this since today, then... It's very likely that she may have been recruited, and possibly explicitly to target you. She's your friend, after all."
-
>"Also, I've kinda been thinking. Are all the champions going to be coming for just me? Or, is it like Battle Royale and we're all just trying to come out on top?"
-
>"Also, I've kinda been thinking. Are all the champions going to be coming for just me? Or, is it like Battle Royale and we're all just trying to come out on top?"
> "Typically, all of the nations fight each other, going after whomever they think they can easily defeat, or settle grudges. However, the nation that holds dominion over the seas at that time tend to be early targets... and the Odonto nation has held dominion for quite some time now," Harami says with a grimace.
-
>"Okay, so, getting other nations' amulets means more power, right? So, wouldn't it be best to hit as many of them as we can right now, before they beat up each other and get stronger? Since, if we get a bunch earlier, they'd have a way harder time later. Like, if I could get three of them, there'd only be two left, and even if I didn't get any more, I'd still be way ahead, right?"
-
>"Okay, so, getting other nations' amulets means more power, right? So, wouldn't it be best to hit as many of them as we can right now, before they beat up each other and get stronger? Since, if we get a bunch earlier, they'd have a way harder time later. Like, if I could get three of them, there'd only be two left, and even if I didn't get any more, I'd still be way ahead, right?"
> "That's true, defeating more of their champions would give you greater strength, but not all champions are equal in strength. An infirm champion will likely not have compensation for their weakness, and I've read that some humans are just more naturally suited for the magic of a champion than others." Harami's frown deepens. "And you still need to watch for your own health: trying to fight as many champions as you can quickly might be dangerous, and you could leave yourself open for injury or even..." Harami cuts herself off, looking away towards the falling sun.
-
>Nod.
>"Yeah, but is that worse than not doing it, and letting someone else get a bunch of amulets?"
-
>Nod.
>"Yeah, but is that worse than not doing it, and letting someone else get a bunch of amulets?"
> "That's..." Harami looks conflicted, then nods. "That's true."
> Harami then looks at the sun. "Ah... so were we going to go to your mother's house?"
-
>Nod.
>"Once we swing by the dorms and get the others."
>To the dorms!
>"But I'm thinking, tonight, we should probably try to hunt down Nazrin. It counts if we challenge the champion rather than the king, right?"
-
>Nod.
>"Once we swing by the dorms and get the others."
>To the dorms!
>"But I'm thinking, tonight, we should probably try to hunt down Nazrin. It counts if we challenge the champion rather than the king, right?"
> "Then we should do so, and quickly." You think you detect a tone of urgency in her voice...
> The two of you head towards the dorms. By the time you find Rin and Utsuho, though, you'll need to hurry if you want to make it to the shrine on time.
> Harami shakes her head. "The challenge must be issued to the royal by a royal, though the champions need not be present. As for finding Nazrin tonight, it's not a bad idea, but if you're unable to get her to tell you where her sponsor is, then all it would do is let them know that we know that she's a champion. Also, I would strongly advise that you not schedule the duel tonight: you still need to recuperate from the fight today."
-
>Hustle toward the dorms.
>"We'll see. I might have a plan that'll work out, depending on what she can do. You think it'd be legal to challenge someone to fight in the swimming pool?"
-
>Hustle toward the dorms.
>"We'll see. I might have a plan that'll work out, depending on what she can do. You think it'd be legal to challenge someone to fight in the swimming pool?"
> You pick up the pace, though Harami is nearly jogging to keep up with you.
> "The swimming pool?" Harami looks puzzled. "It shouldn't be, but I'm not sure how that would be an advantage for you... It's small, after all."
-
>"I can get out, then whack 'em with the pool skimmer or something. Or, if it's someone small, grab 'em and drag 'em out. If they're stuck with gills, it'd be pretty bad for them..."
>Frown.
>"Or I could put a bucket of hot sauce or something in the pool after things start. Not like I'd be breathing that water. But then I'd have to figure out how to explain it to the school..."
-
>"I can get out, then whack 'em with the pool skimmer or something. Or, if it's someone small, grab 'em and drag 'em out. If they're stuck with gills, it'd be pretty bad for them..."
>Frown.
>"Or I could put a bucket of hot sauce or something in the pool after things start. Not like I'd be breathing that water. But then I'd have to figure out how to explain it to the school..."
> Harami stares at you in disbelief. "You're... quite ruthless... I'm not sure whether to be thankful that you're Odonto's champion and not anyone else's, or afraid."
> The two of you are now in front of the dorms. Meiling is sweeping the deck in front of the doors, and waves at the two of you as you approach. "Hey Sango, Sango's cousin. Feeling better? I heard you were sick all day."
-
>"Well, I'm supposed to win, right? And it doesn't do any good to give them any chances if they're the bad guys, right? Not like we started it either..."
>Wave to Meiling. "Kinda. I think the air helped out! But, I'm gonna go visit Mom and see what she's got to say. You know how she knows all those crazy little things about weird stuff like that."
>Head inside and toward the dorm.
-
>Wave to Meiling. "Kinda. I think the air helped out! But, I'm gonna go visit Mom and see what she's got to say. You know how she knows all those crazy little things about weird stuff like that."
>Head inside and toward the dorm.
> Meiling blinks. "Uh, okay! Good luck at school tomorrow!"
> The two of you head into the dorm, and make your way through the hallways. You can hear some snippets of sound in the hallway, but it's mostly, and surprisingly, quiet.
>"Well, I'm supposed to win, right? And it doesn't do any good to give them any chances if they're the bad guys, right? Not like we started it either..."
> Harami hesitantly nods. "And it's for Odonto's sake, too..."
> The two of you are now in front of the room you share with Rin and Utsuho. You can hear their voices behind the door, but it's too muffled to understand.
-
>Open the door!
-
>Open the door!
> You open the door to your room. Rin is feeding her horde of cats some generic brand feed in the kitchen while talking to Utsuho, who is out of view in your shared bedroom. "Why not just ask her, she's real good friend with-" Rin stops when she sees you and Harami enter. "Oh, hey Sango. How did playing hooky go? Didn't run into any trouble, did you?"
-
>Head inside and close the door once Harami enters. "Found the Piranha champions and beat them up. Nazrin's another champion, so she'll probably be next on the list. Also, mom invited us all up to the shrine for dinner!"
-
>Head inside and close the door once Harami enters. "Found the Piranha champions and beat them up."
> You and Harami enter the room, and you report your success. Rin's eyes are as wide as dinner plates. "Wait, what?!"
>"Nazrin's another champion, so she'll probably be next on the list."
> Rin's brows furrow. "Wait, what?"
>"Also, mom invited us all up to the shrine for dinner!"
> "... Wait. What?" Rin asks flatly.
-
>"The Piranha guy, Serras, he got a much of middleschool punks to be his champions. So I knocked them around. Went mostly okay. And yeah, Nazrin's been acting real weird and also swimming pretty well. I think she's with the eels, probably. Sounds like a good fit. And yeah, ran into mom earlier today. She's making dinner for all of us! I would have called ahead, but, you know..."
>Shrug.
-
>"The Piranha guy, Serras, he got a much of middleschool punks to be his champions. So I knocked them around. Went mostly okay. And yeah, Nazrin's been acting real weird and also swimming pretty well. I think she's with the eels, probably. Sounds like a good fit. And yeah, ran into mom earlier today. She's making dinner for all of us! I would have called ahead, but, you know..."
>Shrug.
> Rin rubs her temples, as though she's trying to fight off a headache. "Ugh... okay, so first? Why the heck didn't you tell us that you were getting into a fight?! Second, are you sure that Mouse's joined up with one of those guys? Don't mind me, but she doesn't really strike me as prime material for a fighting tournament, Shou seems more likely, to be honest. And third... um... dinner at Miss Moriya's place? I didn't know you guys were getting along again. And..." Rin shifts uncomfortably. "Is Sanae going to be there?"
-
>"Well, there wasn't time. We had to get them before they were ready. And the phones and junk aren't working, so that was out. And I dunno, Nazrin probably got some weird powers, too. And yeah, we've always gotten along, except for Buttcheese. But we have her outnumbered, so who cares about her?"
>Call into the other room: "Hey Okuu! Dinner at the shrine!"
-
>"Well, there wasn't time. We had to get them before they were ready. And the phones and junk aren't working, so that was out. And I dunno, Nazrin probably got some weird powers, too. And yeah, we've always gotten along, except for Buttcheese. But we have her outnumbered, so who cares about her?"
>Call into the other room: "Hey Okuu! Dinner at the shrine!"
> Rin's mouth twists into a grimace. "Well, yeah, that's true... and you know this champion stuff better than I but... ugh, do we have to go?"
> You call out to Utsuho. "Huh? Dinner? I'm still working." Rin's eyes brighten.
> "Yeah, Okuu's working on her project, so she can't come. So, no reason for me to come, either, sorry." Rin doesn't seem all that apologetic...
-
>"You can take a break, right Okuu? Not like you've had much else to do today."
-
>"You can take a break, right Okuu? Not like you've had much else to do today."
> You hear Utsuho pause in her typing momentarily. "But I'm not finished..." You hear Utsuho growl in frustration as papers are shuffled around. "It's not working right, I need get it working tonight."
> Rin shrugs. "You know how she is, she gets so focused on something that she won't put it down. I'll make me and Utsuho something to eat, so go enjoy yourselves."
-
>"But...Mom's making enough for all of you. And I told her you'd come..."
-
>"But...Mom's making enough for all of you. And I told her you'd come..."
> "She said she has mahi-mahi," Harami pipes in. You can almost see Rin's defiance crack.
> Utsuho rolls into view on her chair. She has a frown on her face. "I still need to finish this..." she mutters.
-
>"Are you so pressed for time you can't come have some mahi-mahi? It'll just be a bit."
-
>"Are you so pressed for time you can't come have some mahi-mahi? It'll just be a bit."
> Utsuho spins around in her chair, looking at the ceiling. "... Okay. I guess. Gimme a sec." Utsuho then rolls back out of sight, and you hear the clacking of a keyboard again.
> Rin sighs. "Jeez, now she decides to be social..." she grumbles almost inaudibly, before glancing at the two of you. "You aren't going to get changed or something? You guys look pretty rough. You stink, too," she says after sniffing. "Seriously, when was the last time you took a bath?"
> "I don't smell anything wrong," Harami complains with an offended tone.
> "Well, come on," Rin replies, "you live in the ocean, you wouldn't notice the seawater smell."
-
>"I'll get a shower after we get back, we're already going to have to hustle to get there. But some new clothes wouldn't hurt."
>Assuming Rin doesn't bite us, go get changed.
-
>"I'll get a shower after we get back, we're already going to have to hustle to get there. But some new clothes wouldn't hurt."
>Assuming Rin doesn't bite us, go get changed.
> "I guess that's better than nothing," Rin shrugs.
> You move into the bedroom, past Utsuho who's shutting off her computer and change clothes, though you keep your swimsuit on. Unless you want to put away the spare air and dive knife, which are still strapped to your thigh, you'll have to wear another skirted outfit.
> No matter what you decide to change into, by the time you're done, Rin, Utsuho, and Harami have all moved out of the dorm room.
-
>Go for a skirt, we might have to deal with Nazrin or something.
>Once we're done, head out and get ready to leave. "Anything much happen here while we were gone?"
-
>Go for a skirt, we might have to deal with Nazrin or something.
>Once we're done, head out and get ready to leave. "Anything much happen here while we were gone?"
> You decide to put on a skirt and top combo, in case a fight breaks out.
> You head out of the dorm room, where the three of them are waiting in the hallway. "-with some difficulty at the beginning, but she proved herself..." Harami is saying to Rin, before she looks up at you exiting the room. "Ah, you're ready?"
> The four of you make your way out of the dorms while chatting. "Well, not much," Rin shrugs as you pass through the front doors, Meiling not present. "A couple of people were flipping out about the cell phones and internet being shut down, but they said that classes were going to continue anyways. What about you? Harami told us a bit, but what happened with you today?"
-
>"Well, we found the Piranha king. He was scarfing it up at Miko Burger
Shot, and we challenged his champions at that cove were we found Harami. They were a bunch of middle school punks, already had to knock sense into one of them earlier today while they were cause problems at a store we walked by. They weren't too bad, but I made a couple of dumb mistakes and one of them clamped on my shoulder real good. After that, the Piranha king skulked off. Which is kinda sad, I figured we could have a burger together or something, maybe see if he's really that bad. Just seemed like a simple kind of guy, you know?"
>"Oh, and I met Harami's advisor, and I'm probably going to bite him or something. He's the worst."
-
>"Also, this dolphin master named Twelve Fin Slaps taught me some really neat techniques."
-
>"Well, we found the Piranha king. He was scarfing it up at Miko Burger Shot, and we challenged his champions at that cove were we found Harami. They were a bunch of middle school punks, already had to knock sense into one of them earlier today while they were cause problems at a store we walked by. They weren't too bad, but I made a couple of dumb mistakes and one of them clamped on my shoulder real good. After that, the Piranha king skulked off. Which is kinda sad, I figured we could have a burger together or something, maybe see if he's really that bad. Just seemed like a simple kind of guy, you know?"
> Rin and Utsuho listen to your story, nodding at the appropriate times (well, Rin does, Utsuho just kind of looks at you while you speak), and Rin speaks up. "That doesn't sound too rough at all, actually..." Harami glances in your direction, but says nothing.
>"Oh, and I met Harami's advisor, and I'm probably going to bite him or something. He's the worst."
> Harami frowns. "He has his prejudices and you two don't get along, but that's hardly any reason to threaten violence against him."
> Rin snorts. "Trust me, you'll find out how Sango acts towards people that annoy her real soon. What'd this guy do to you, anyways?"
>"Also, this dolphin master named Twelve Fin Slaps taught me some really neat techniques."
> "Sounds like a weird kung fu master. Maybe you can show me..." Rin ponders... "Wait! Don't change the subject!"
-
>"Oh, he's real big on how humans are the worst and are totally inferior to dolphins and is really good at making me almost forget how nice Harami and Twelve Fin Slaps and the others have been. After I beat the Piranha Champions, even. So he's also a total ingrate."
-
>"Oh, he's real big on how humans are the worst and are totally inferior to dolphins and is really good at making me almost forget how nice Harami and Twelve Fin Slaps and the others have been. After I beat the Piranha Champions, even. So he's also a total ingrate."
> Rin whistles. "Yeah, sounds like the kind of guy you'd hate. Why would anyone have someone like that here?"
> Harami has a neutral expression as she answers. "Shujinko is a trusted advisor to my father, and a great asset. But as to why he specifically was sent here... I don't know. But I'm sure that he's not as bad as Sango is saying," she adds, giving you a questioning look.
> Rin shrugs. "Maybe... hey, you said 'champions', right? As in plural? How come you couldn't have made me and Okuu champions, too?" Utsuho, who had started tuning everyone out when you had started on Shujinko, looks up at her name being mentioned.
> "Sango had already made the pact by that time," Harami answers, "and even if you two were there with her, it would make all of you weaker than Sango alone."
-
>"Yeah. Those four were pretty wussy. And I'm not exaggerating Shujinku at all, he really is a big turd. But Harami says he's really good at his job, so I guess there's that. "
-
>"Yeah. Those four were pretty wussy. And I'm not exaggerating Shujinku at all, he really is a big turd. But Harami says he's really good at his job, so I guess there's that. "
> Rin hums tonelessly. "Izzat right... probably better, I guess. Well, at least we can do that breath holding stuff." Utsuho begins mumbling something to herself under her breath.
> "If you want, I can have a word with Shujinko. If the conflict between the two of you cannot be resolved, I can even move to have him replaced," Harami suggests.
-
>"No, he'll probably just do something dumb to get even."
>Try to pick up what Utsuho is muttering.
-
>"No, he'll probably just do something dumb to get even."
>Try to pick up what Utsuho is muttering.
> "Shujinko is a professional, and loyal to the throne. He won't do anything to undermine my authority," Harami replies.
> You try to listen in on what Utsuho is muttering. "-won't need to worry about breathing, less weight and bulk for tank. Should ask her about using air to help movements, maybe she'll..."
> "Hey," Rin says, jolting you out of your eavesdropping, "we're almost there." The four of you are back at the path leading to the cove and the shrine. The torii can be seen clearly in the light of the sunset.
-
>"Yeah, but he probably thinks the same thing about you, and wouldn't think it'd include him tossing out."
>Approach dat shrine!
-
>"Yeah, but he probably thinks the same thing about you, and wouldn't think it'd include him tossing out."
>Approach dat shrine!
> Harami puzzles over what you said for a moment, before her brows furrow in worry. "Y-you're not suggesting that he's trying to abuse his position?"
> The four of you begin treking up the stone stairs to the shrine. You reach the top, to see a pleasant looking shrine, the grounds of which are very well maintained. Behind the shrine is a small, traditional house, with lights streaming from the windows. It's very quiet here, with only the distant splashing of waves breaking the silence.
-
>Be wary of familial ambushes. Cease speaking if one seems imminent.
>"Naw. Just he's one of those people who's so full of themselves they can't imagine ever being called out as wrong. So when you do, it'll be a huge insult and you'll be an insolent child and all that. He thinks he's invincible. I mean, he hasn't even thought for a moment I'd just quit. Not that I would, but he's just acting like I'd do all this no matter what because he said so."
-
>Be wary of familial ambushes. Cease speaking if one seems imminent.
>"Naw. Just he's one of those people who's so full of themselves they can't imagine ever being called out as wrong. So when you do, it'll be a huge insult and you'll be an insolent child and all that. He thinks he's invincible. I mean, he hasn't even thought for a moment I'd just quit. Not that I would, but he's just acting like I'd do all this no matter what because he said so."
> You keep an eye out for any lurking family members as you approach your home.
> "... I hope you're just exaggerating..." Harami says quietly.
> "So he's like all those jerks that flame my chatrooms?" Utsuho says, totally serenely. "They're assholes, but they can't walk the walk to match their talk. Doesn't make them any less annoying - they need to stop calling me 'Stark', it sounds nothing like Yatagarasu."
> Ahead, you can see a tall figure leaning against the doorway. You can't see who it is, since the light behind her doesn't illuminate her features, but it's no trouble to identify it as Kanako. She doesn't seem to be looking in your direction, but just kind of staring into the night.
-
>"Yeah, pretty much."
>Wave! "Hey, sorry if we're late!"
-
>"Yeah, pretty much."
>Wave! "Hey, sorry if we're late!"
> Harami nods slowly, though she still has a troubled look on her face.
> You wave and call out to Kanako, who looks over in your direction. "Ah, Sango. It's no trouble, Suwako and Sanae are just finishing up." She straightens up from her lean and walks up to your group. A nearby lantern illuminates her, revealing a woman in her thirties, wearing a white and blue hakama. She's a pretty big woman: she's at least a head taller than you and Rin, and even Utsuho's height doesn't quite match hers yet. Poor Harami is dwarfed by her.
> "How are you doing, Sango? You don't come by often enough to visit." She then looks at Harami, and smirks. "And I don't believe I've met your 'cousin' yet," she adds with humor in her tone.
-
>"It'd be weird if you did. And I hoped you guys saved us some! And yeah, This is Harami. We'll be helping her out for awhile."
-
>"It'd be weird if you did. And I hoped you guys saved us some! And yeah, This is Harami. We'll be helping her out for awhile."
> "Don't worry, they haven't even served it yet." Kanako turns fully to Harami. "I am Kanako Yasaka, the priestess of this shrine. I hope you enjoy your stay on the island."
> Harami straightens up, with her hands in front of her. "I am Harami Umio. Thank you for your hospitality." The two of them stand there for a while, before Kanako raises an eyebrow. Harami jerks in realization, and bows quickly to Kanako, who returns it with an amused smirk. When Harami straightens, you can see she's a bit red.
> Rin bows to Kanako as well. "Hi, Miss Kanako! It's been a while." Kanako nods to her.
> "Ah, Miss Kaenbyou, welcome." Kanako then turns to Utsuho, who has been looking around the dark, and the smirk softens into a small smile. "Utsuho, how have you been doing? You haven't been by in a while, either." Utsuho turns to Kanako.
> "Um, okay I guess. Just doing stuff. Nothing's been bothering me, so I didn't need to come." Utsuho responds.
> "That doesn't mean that you shouldn't stop by once in a while," Kanako replies, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's get into the house for now."
-
>Walk inside.
>"How've things been around here?"
-
>Walk inside.
>"How've things been around here?"
> You lead the way inside, Harami sticking close to you and the others walking more sedately. The entryway is the same as usual: a small cubby to put shoes in, and a hallway stretching down, with doorways leading to a living room, another living room with a TV, the kitchen, the bathing room, and a stairway leading upstairs to the bedrooms.
> "It's been nice, and really quiet. Thank goodness for that." Rin tries unsuccessfully to cover her snorts of laughter. Kanako ignores her, and continues. "We got several visitors after all of the telephones and internet went down: they're going to hold a council meeting tomorrow to discuss it, and myself and your mother were invited to attend."
> Ahead, you see a girl with light brown hair, wearing a white shirt and skirt combo, digging through the storage closet across from the kitchen. "Mother, are you sure you packed them in here?" You know who this is.
-
>Patience, Sango. Be as the serpent, not as the badger. Let them make the first strike. Then be like badger.
>Kick off shoes.
>"Whacha looking for?"
-
>Patience, Sango. Be as the serpent, not as the badger. Let them make the first strike. Then be like badger.
>Kick off shoes.
>"Whacha looking for?"
> You will be as a snake, poised carefully ready to strike, and then you'll become the badger, ruthlessly defending and attacking until you transmogrify into a red panda who will kind of laze around cutely. But then you'll turn into a pelican! and eat some delicious fish and yeah you kind of lost track of the metaphor.
> You kick off your shoes, depositing somewhere in the vicinity of the cubby holes, and step out of the way of everyone else.
> You ask Sanae what she's looking for, and you see her shoulders tense. "Just... just looking for fresh washrags, the ones we have are ratty. You didn't move everything around last time you were here, did you? Everything's out of place in this closet." Her tone is very terse and sounds restrained.
-
>Oh my, she's trying to bait us.
>"Naw, I don't mess around with the closets. Here, let me help."
>Go to assist, let's see how she takes it~
-
>Oh my, she's trying to bait us.
>"Naw, I don't mess around with the closets. Here, let me help."
>Go to assist, let's see how she takes it~
> You're too wily to get caught in her traps!
> Sanae shifts in front of the closet, keeping you from getting inside. 'No, I have this, thank you. Go do something else," she snaps at you.
> "Look in the basket at the bottom," Kanako says as she squeezes by the both of you, heading for the stair case. Sanae looks, and triumphantly pulls out several washrags.
> "Thank you, Miss Kanako!" Sanae says, before retreating into the kitchen. "Mother, I found them!"
> "Ah, good, good... hey, did I hear Sango come in?"
-
>Teehee. Suck it, Buttcheese.
>"Hi, Maw!"
-
>Teehee. Suck it, Buttcheese.
>"Hi, Maw!"
> Smug smug smug~
> Suwako sticks her head out of the kitchen, wearing a yellow apron with cartoon frogs dancing on it. "Sango! Welcome back! Why don't you and your friends head to the table? We're almost ready to serve everything." She begins taking off her apron, and glances back at Sanae, who has disappeared into the kitchen. "Can you go ahead and put some of those dishes in the sink? We'll clean after we eat."
> "Yes, Mother," Sanae replies with a cheery sing-song tone.
-
>She better do that washing. >=[
>Head for the table. "This way, Harami!"
>Be sure to claim a seat next to Utsuho.
-
>She better do that washing. >=[
>Head for the table. "This way, Harami!"
>Be sure to claim a seat next to Utsuho.
> Sanae had better do that washing!
> You lead the other girls to the living room that connects to the kitchen, where a low table with plates and cushions already set out. You claim a spot right next to Utsuho, who had plopped down in the center of one of the long sides; glancing around her, you can see Rin claim Utsuho's other side, and she gives you a bit of a stinkeye. Harami almost sits at the head of the table, but hesitates, before moving around to a place directly opposite of you.
> A few moments later, Suwako comes out carrying a humongous covered dish, larger than herself; you can smell the delicious arouma of the mahi-mahi coming from it. She gives you and Utsuho a look as she sets down the dish, the plates clattering a bit, and pouts. "Aw, I wanted to sit next to Sango-chan..."
-
>"It's better this way, I have sharp elbows and bad self control when there's tasty things around."
>Wait for things to be properly served.
-
>"It's better this way, I have sharp elbows and bad self control when there's tasty things around."
>Wait for things to be properly served.
> Suwako chortles at that. "I feel sorry for Utsuho-chan, then! Looks like Rin-chan's just the same as well!"
> Rin grins sheepishly as Utsuho wriggles backwards a bit, out of range of your elbows. "Well, Miss Suwako's mahi-mahi is delicious!"
> Sanae comes in with more covered trays of food, smaller than the one Suwako dragged in, and a pitcher of tea. "Definitely, and I helped out with it, too. How are you doing, Rin? It's been a while since you and Utsuho have been here." Rin chuckles awkwardly as Sanae sets down the food and sits next to Harami. "Oh, so you're the girl that Rin and Utsuho are taking care of? I'm Sanae, it's nice to meet you."
> Harami drags her eyes away from the dish hiding the fish, and nods to Sanae. "It's a pleasure. I'm Harami."
-
>Grin at Okuu as she scoots away.
>Observe interactions between Sanae and Harami.
-
>Grin at Okuu as she scoots away.
>Observe interactions between Sanae and Harami.
> Utsuho blinks at you owlishly when you grin at her. "I don't want to be elbowed," she answers matter of factly.
> All of you are waiting for Kanako to return, and while you're waiting, you watch Sanae and Harami interact.
> "So, you're from outside Gensoushima?" Sanae asks as she's pouring some iced tea for Harami, and then herself.
> "Ah, yes. My family was having problems, and, well... I came here." A soft frown comes across Sanae's face.
> "That's so sad... and by yourself? It's a good thing that you're in the dorms with Rin and Utsuho, the island's safe, but it's not somewhere you should live in the streets."
> Harami frowns a bit. "But... Sango's there, too." A scowl appears on Sanae's face.
> "Trust me, you'll want to stick with the others before her."
-
>Grin. "Yeah, it's just funny you think I would, Utsuho."
>Upon listening to Sanae: Looks like it's go time.
>"It's just because Sanae doesn't want anyone getting in between us. She was heartbroken when I moved out."
-
>Grin. "Yeah, it's just funny you think I would, Utsuho."
>Upon listening to Sanae: Looks like it's go time.
>"It's just because Sanae doesn't want anyone getting in between us. She was heartbroken when I moved out."
> Utsuho smiles back, weakly and uncertainly.
> Oh yeah, let's do this! You remark about how Sanae was so distraught when you moved out, and Sanae flinches backwards as though physically hit, and even reddens. Then, a smirk crosses her face, and she leans forward towards you. "Oh, don't worry, Sango-chan~, I won't get your way. Oh, not that it matters. Just how long have you been at Utsuho, again?" Utsuho is looking between you and Sanae, looking confused as to why she was mentioned. Harami is looking just as befuddled, and Rin has her face in her hands. Suwako, on the other hand, is waving her hands at the both of you.
> "Now now, girls, settle down. Kanako'll be here soon, and we can eat," she chuckles.
-
>Is this it, poking fun at our significantly more advanced love life?
>Give Sanae a wink with whatever eye that Suwako won't see. And a half grin.
>Wait for Kanako to manifest.
-
>Is this it, poking fun at our significantly more advanced love life?
>Give Sanae a wink with whatever eye that Suwako won't see. And a half grin.
>Wait for Kanako to manifest.
> Hah, what a maroon, trying to poke fun at your love life when you haven't reached first base with the girl you have a crush on while she's the most popular girl in school and can probably get a boyfriend in a blink of an eye...
> ... This is kind of sad.
> You aim a wink and a smirk at Sanae, keeping it hidden from Suwako. Sanae's brows furrow, as though trying to figure out just what you were trying to get across to her, but she shakes her head and continues making small talk with Harami.
> It's only a few minutes later (though, for you, it felt like hours of being tortured by the aroma of the fish) when Kanako arrives. She had changed out of her hakama, and into a red and black shirt/skirt combo made out of some light material. Suwako stands up and points childishly at her. "You're late!"
> "Sorry, sorry," Kanako says as she sits at the head of the table across from Suwako. "Is everyone ready to eat?"
-
>Well yeah she could. But we have standards.
>"Been looking forward to it all afternoon! It smells wonderful!"
>Let serving occur, then dig in!
-
>Well yeah she could. But we have standards.
>"Been looking forward to it all afternoon! It smells wonderful!"
>Let serving occur, then dig in!
> Damn right you do.
> "Hee hee~, dig in!"
> Covers are removed, revealing a fine spread: buttered asparagus, fresh baked Hawaiian bread, garlic mashed potatoes, and, of course, the Mahi-Mahi, served with tomato bits and spices and you're really not sure what else; Suwako's cuisine is mostly foreign, non Japanese. You attack the food, and a cascade of sensations overwhelm you. It is sooo delicious. You can see Rin attacking the fish with just as much gusto, and Harami, while keeping impeccable table manners, is annihilating her own portions. Kanako and Sanae are both eating much slower than you three, but seem to be enjoying the meal, and Suwako alternates between eating large portions neatly and cracking jokes or commenting. Utsuho is eating the slowest, skipping the asparagus and the potatoes and going for the bread and fish.
-
>Can we tell what is slowing Utsuho up? Is she distracted, unsteady with her hands? Does she at least seem to be enjoying it?
>Slow down after the initial barrage for now. No need to rush through if Utsuho isn't.
>"So, how've things been around here lately?"
-
>Can we tell what is slowing Utsuho up? Is she distracted, unsteady with her hands? Does she at least seem to be enjoying it?
>Slow down after the initial barrage for now. No need to rush through if Utsuho isn't.
>"So, how've things been around here lately?"
> She just seems to be eating slowly, though she does pause every now and then as though lost in thought. You like to think you can read Utsuho, and you feel as though she's enjoying the meal.
> You slow down on your chowing down: might as well savor the meal, as well as keep pace with Utsuho.
> Suwako shrugs. "Nothing much since when you asked earlier. Just been real quiet without you here. Hey, you sure you don't want to move back in? Your room hasn't been touched since you left!" Sanae looks like she bit into something sour.
-
>"Oh, I've love to."
>Keep a discrete eye on Sanae's reaction.
>"But, I have so many things to keep track of there that it's best I stay there. Besides, the dorm peoples would miss me so much. But, thanks for keeping my room together. That really makes me happy!"
>"So, Sanae, what've you been up to?"
-
>"Oh, I've love to."
>Keep a discrete eye on Sanae's reaction.
> When you say that you'd love to come back and live at the shrine, you watch as Sanae jerks and drops her fork onto her plate with a loud clatter, garnering her a look from Harami.
>"But, I have so many things to keep track of there that it's best I stay there. Besides, the dorm peoples would miss me so much. But, thanks for keeping my room together. That really makes me happy!"
>"So, Sanae, what've you been up to?"
> When you finish the pronouncement, Sanae gives you a dark look, and picks her fork up from where she dropped it. Suwako has a disappointed expression, and Rin is just shaking her head.
> Sanae gives you a suspicious look when you ask her what she's been up to. "Why are you so interested?"
-
>"Why wouldn't I be interested? You're my sister, after all."
>Kyahahahahaha!
-
>"Why wouldn't I be interested? You're my sister, after all."
>Kyahahahahaha!
> Sanae's looks at you with confusion and suspicion, and her face is getting a little red. Man, you're really on a roll, Rin looks like she's trying to hold back a smile, and even Utsuho is looking at Sanae curiously :3. Unfortunately, she regains her composure, picking at her food. "Nothing much, really, just helping out around here, making it onto the honor roll, doing some work for the Student Council, playing softball. You know, not getting into trouble with the teachers or being 'sick' all day. Oh, Mother, did you know that the coach is thinking about putting me as the starting pitcher when we go play on the mainland?"
> "Hmm, that's really good, Sanae, congratulations," Suwako replies, making Sanae bask in the praise. "Hey, Sango-chan, how's the swim team going for you? You're gonna win nationals this year, right?" Suwako asks; you can see Sanae's expression dip.
-
>"We'll win or drown trying. How's the pitching going, Sis?"
-
>"We'll win or drown trying. How's the pitching going, Sis?"
> Suwako grins. "That's my girl!"
> Sanae's looking even more disgruntled, poking at her food. "Why so interested in me all of a sudden? You moved out, so stay out of my business."
-
>Kihihihihihihihi!
>Without looking around blatantly, can we see any reaction out of Suwako or Kanako?
>Frown, try to look a little surprised. "Well, I guess it would be mean to pry, huh? I was just wondering and all."
-
After Purvis...
>"I mean, you ARE my sister after all."
>How is Harami doing next to Sanae?
-
>Kihihihihihihihi!
>Without looking around blatantly, can we see any reaction out of Suwako or Kanako?
>Frown, try to look a little surprised. "Well, I guess it would be mean to pry, huh? I was just wondering and all."
>"I mean, you ARE my sister after all."
>How is Harami doing next to Sanae?
> Mwahahaha~
> You glance at Suwako and Kanako: Suwako is grinning as usual, eating her food, but Kanako has a frown on her face, and is looking more at you than Sanae.
> You frown and affect a surprised look, saying that you were just wondering since she's your sister. Sanae glowers, face still pink, and stabs at the remains of her food. She doesn't seem to have a response.
> Harami is looking back and forth between you and Sanae, but she doesn't seem uncomfortable or alarmed: she seems more intrigued than anything.
-
>Ah well, back to dining. No need to push this any further right now.
-
>Plus, no one can spoil this tasty food!
>Once we've finished...
>"So, how do you rate the cooking of the shrine, Harami?"
-
>Ah well, back to dining. No need to push this any further right now.
>Plus, no one can spoil this tasty food!
>Once we've finished...
>"So, how do you rate the cooking of the shrine, Harami?"
> You resume eating, enjoying the taste of the food. Sanae finishes quickly and excuses herself from the table. Everyone else soon eats their fill: little Harami looks extremely content, almost like she wants to fall back and relax. Utsuho didn't eat all of her food, though at least she finished off the fish.
> You ask Harami how she liked the food, and she gives Suwako a smile, probably the widest and most sincere one you've seen from her. "It was very delicious, Miss Moriya. I've never had fish prepared like that before." Suwako chortles, and hops around the table to give Harami a hug.
> "That's so sweet of you, Harami-chan! Man, I wish I can just keep you here so I can listen to you praise me all the time!"
> "Ease up on her, Suwako," Kanako murmurs as she sips some tea, "you're embarassing the poor girl." Harami does look rather red and uncomfortable at the familiarity that Suwako's treating her with. Suwako responds to the other adult by sticking her tongue out at her, prompting a sigh from the shrine priestess. "It's getting closer to curfew, you four should probably head back to the dorms."
-
>"Yeah, probably, with curfew and all."
>Stand up, and gather up some plates for the dishwashing.
-
>Giggle at Suwako's hugging time first; because seeing Harami so flustered is cute.
The, adding on to Purvis's line...
>"It's a bit of a shame though; I have missed this place."
-
>Giggle at Suwako's hugging time first; because seeing Harami so flustered is cute.
> The sight of the stoic and serious dolphin princess looking so out of her element is adorable. You giggle, and Harami shoots an embarassed glare at you.
>"Yeah, probably, with curfew and all."
>Stand up, and gather up some plates for the dishwashing.
>"It's a bit of a shame though; I have missed this place."
> You stand up and gather up the plates from dinner: most everyone has cleared off their plates, save for Harami, who only munched on a little bit of the asparagus, and Utsuho, who left the vegetables and potatoes untouched.
> Suwako seems happy about you saying that you missed the place. "Well if you really missed living here, then-"
> "Suwako," Kanako interrupts, shooting her a stern look. Suwako backs off with a sigh. "Don't worry about doing dishes, Sango. You and your friends should head off so you can rest for school tomorrow. They won't be cancelling it just because of the current events."
-
>"Hopefully they'll push some papers back, not like anyone can get any research done."
>Put them dishes up, and make our way out.
-
>"Hopefully they'll push some papers back, not like anyone can get any research done."
>Put them dishes up, and make our way out.
> Kanako shakes her head mournfully. "Have you already forgotten about libraries?"
> You put the dishes in the sink, and head to the front door, Harami, Rin, Utsuho, and Suwako following. While you're putting on your shoes, Suwako gives you and Harami, much to her embarassment, affectionate hugs. "Walk to the dorms safely!"
-
>Blush and squirm. "Ahh, Quiddit..."
>"See ya some other time!"
>Head back, with a certian spring in our step. Suck it, Buttcheese.
-
>Whilst we're walking back...
>"So, how was that for you then?"
>Grin a little before the next line...
>"It's quite something seeing you react like that. Was it the hugging?"
-
>Blush and squirm. "Ahh, Quiddit..."
>"See ya some other time!"
>Head back, with a certian spring in our step. Suck it, Buttcheese.
> You blush and squirm against Suwako's hugs, before giving your goodbyes. "Be careful!"
> You feel like dancing back to the dorms. Ha ha, you got Sanae good.
>Whilst we're walking back...
>"So, how was that for you then?"
>Grin a little before the next line...
>"It's quite something seeing you react like that. Was it the hugging?"
> Harami turns away from you: it's hard to tell in the darkness, but you're sure she's blushing. "It... was fine. The food was delicious and your family interesting, if... overly affectionate. Your sister... well, the way you interacted with her..." she looks at you slightly disapprovingly, but then Rin cuts in with a snicker.
> "That was great! Sanae looked confused the entire time! Man, she was so red..." The red head snickers.
> "It was quieter than usual," Utsuho notes.
> "Oh, right. Much less yelling and screaming between the two of you. Thanks for not baiting her like you usually do, Sango." Harami looks at Rin in surprise.
-
>"Y'see, it's like Judo. You be all nice and stuff and just let them take the first shot, then all of a sudden it's 'Oh crap I just grabbed your fist and now you're flying into the wall, don't you feel stupid?' I figured Buttcheese would be dumb enough to fall for it."
>Grin. Proceed back to them dorms.
-
>"Y'see, it's like Judo. You be all nice and stuff and just let them take the first shot, then all of a sudden it's 'Oh crap I just grabbed your fist and now you're flying into the wall, don't you feel stupid?' I figured Buttcheese would be dumb enough to fall for it."
>Grin. Proceed back to them dorms.
> "But you don't throw people into walls in Judo," Utsuho complains. "You throw them into the ground."
> Rin grins back at you. "Anyways, I don't have anything against her, but it was funny to see." Harami frowns at the both of you.
> "How could you say that? She's your sister, you two should get along!"
> "Hey," Rin counters with a shrug, "those two have always been like that since I've known them. Oil and water, you know?"
-
>"When you're awesome, Okuu, you toss 'em into walls."
>Nod in agreement with Rin. "Yeah, Sanae's always been a butt."
-
>"When you're awesome, Okuu, you toss 'em into walls."
>Nod in agreement with Rin. "Yeah, Sanae's always been a butt."
> Utsuho's face scrunches up, trying to make sense of that.
> Harami doesn't seem to be pleased with you. "But... she's your sister! Surely you could find some sort of common ground, or..." She trails off, looking agitated.
> The four of you can see the lights of the dormitory up ahead.
-
>Give Utsuho a pat on the shoulder.
>"She is my sister. I mean, it's not like I'd knock her out and ship her to Malaysia...probably, but we just don't get along at all."
>To the dorms!
-
>Wonder why Harami cares about you and your sister's relationship so much.