Author Topic: Perfect/Butler Quest, Part II: What it Means to Protect  (Read 108339 times)

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #210 on: October 24, 2011, 11:22:56 AM »
> Deep breath.
> Look her in the eyes.
> "Natalie...  Natalie died."

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #211 on: October 26, 2011, 03:49:17 PM »
>She stares at you, completely shocked. Tears form. Yours, and hers. You realize that you never did say it to yourself.
>She shivers and looks down. "...w-wha...what a-am I supposed to say to that...d-did...did you?"
>You nod, not knowing what else to do. You can't lie.
>"How...w-why?"
>What can you do but tell everything?
>...

>It's a long explanation. She doesn't believe you at first, but as you continue...yeah. A demonstration proves useful.
>Wordlessly, she leans into you. She collapses against your chest and sobs uncontrollably, her entire body quivering.
>You begin to tear up yourself. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..."
>"No, no, i-it's not your fault, don't b-blame yourself..." she whispers out. She doesn't blame you, she understands, she...
>Your supressed sorrow flows out as Lily's own breaks down your facade.

>You sniffle, exhausted and emotionally spent. You're leaning on your couch, and Lily has cried herself to sleep on top of you.
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #212 on: October 26, 2011, 08:35:00 PM »
> Take a deep breath to calm ourselves a bit more and look around the room.
> Are Dayna and Luna around?
> What time is it?

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #213 on: October 26, 2011, 09:40:19 PM »
> Take a deep breath to calm ourselves a bit more and look around the room.
> Are Dayna and Luna around?
> What time is it?

>It's empty, save for the two of you. Lily sleeps peacefully, though she shivers, as if cold, regularly.
>The setting sun paints the room in vivid oranges and reds which cast deep shadows across the walls and floors. It's pretty late.
>The front door opens slowly. Dayna walks in carefully, followed by a less careful Luna. Dayna sees your tear streaked face and smiles. "Showed Luna around. You okay?"
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #214 on: October 26, 2011, 10:19:02 PM »
> Sigh, grinning.
> "Yeah.  I think we got most of it out of our systems."

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #215 on: October 27, 2011, 05:50:02 AM »
> Sigh, grinning.
> "Yeah.  I think we got most of it out of our systems."

>Her smile widens ever so slightly; though it's small by anyone else's standards, for Dayna it's absolutely huge.
>You gently set Lily aside and get up from the couch. A quick text to Lily's parents explains the situation. As you take the groceries from Luna, who regards you with a neutral expression, you take stock of what's been going on. What's just happened.

>Lily knows everything, now. Luna is most likely staying with you as well. The meeting with the other Hunters is so close. You'll have to account for Natalie's death, amongst other things.
>The night's stew simmers slowly. Potatoes, meat, and other vegetables. A ding resonates from the rice cooker.
>You hear someone tie your other apron around themself, then begin to wash the vegetables you set aside for a salad. Looking to the side, you find Lily, still red eyed but smiling.
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #216 on: October 27, 2011, 10:37:48 AM »
> "Hey.  You feeling better now?"

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #217 on: October 31, 2011, 02:35:55 AM »
> "Hey.  You feeling better now?"

>She smiles, despite puffy red eyes. "P-pretty much."
>A comfortable silence follows, with you working the stew and her garnishing the salad. Luna joins you at some point, watching the stew as you go through the spice rack. Dayna sets the table out of her own accord.
>Dinner ensues. The four of you peacefully partake in the meal; you didn't screw it up this time, thankfully.
>It's almost distractingly normal.

>Lily pipes up, breaking the silence. "Um...'k-kenzie?"
>You 'hmm?' in questioning as you start drinking some water.
>"...I-I want in."
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #218 on: October 31, 2011, 11:23:57 AM »
> ...
> WHAT!?
> Try not to cough on your water.

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

  • The problem is, you're a friend that likes to talk!
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  • ...well, I am too!
Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #219 on: October 31, 2011, 06:03:07 PM »
> ...
> WHAT!?
> Try not to cough on your water.

>She stammers and sort of retreats on herself. If it wasn't such an outrageous thought, it'd be pretty cute in Lily's shy way. "I-I mean!...you always p-put yourself into d-danger...and e-even if I c-can't fight, I want to...I want to...I..."
>After a deep breath, she looks up at you with more conviction than you've ever seen in her. "I don't want to just stand by the side and watch. I-it's...it's a little selfish...but please..."
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #220 on: October 31, 2011, 08:08:19 PM »
> "I-I see..."
> Sigh.
> "You know, I honestly think you should give this more thought.  I mean, you just found out about this today!  I just think you should take a couple days to think it through more thoroughly...  to make sure this is really what you want."

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

  • The problem is, you're a friend that likes to talk!
  • *
  • ...well, I am too!
Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #221 on: November 01, 2011, 05:17:16 AM »
> "I-I see..."
> Sigh.
> "You know, I honestly think you should give this more thought.  I mean, you just found out about this today!  I just think you should take a couple days to think it through more thoroughly...  to make sure this is really what you want."

>She nods furiously, surprising you even further. "I-I know that! I k-know that this is just a s-split second decision...t-that I'm just selfishly putting myself in the way, but even so, I...I...!"
>The tears start up again. "I don't want...I-I don't want to sit around, n-not knowing anything, not d-doing anything."

>You freeze.

>You feel the warm embrace of exhaustion take over...your knees begin to give out from exertion...
>...but it feels like you've forgotten something...
>...Blonde hair...and a glimpse of cold steel...?

> "Natalie...?"
> Pass out.


> "Hey...  Uh was there a girl before a passed out?"

>"Please tell me about the caves! What was there? What happened there?"

> Focus on the goal ahead.  We absolutely
have to save Natalie.


>...echoes of the past, resonating inside your mind. Lily's words...
>You set your cup down, then walk around the table. Lily looks up at you, not understanding for a moment, then freezes as you embrace her.
>"...I know. I know you don't. Neither did I. Hell, I did, and look at what happened?" you whisper out, chuckling bitterly at the end. You put space between the two of you and stare at Lily in the eyes. "Are you...are you sure this is what you want?"
>She stays silent for a moment, then nods slowly.

>Lily's convictions have brought her closer to you. Even if her life is threatened now...she won't abandon you. Not when she's already lost Natalie.
>Despite disagreeing with her decision, you feel...much closer.
>Relationship value up! (6/10)
>Lily Relationship value up! (4/7)

>With that out of the way, there's not much else to do. You know you can't sway Lily from this, now. She'll do whatever it takes, so might as well make it as safe as possible for her.
>Dayna surprises you with a suggestion; drown the week's sorrows in ice cream and the original Star Wars trilogy. Despite not knowing how in hell she knows about Star Wars, you and Lily laugh and agree heartily with the idea. You two could use the picker upper.

>Lily decides to stay the night, after the movies. You're thankful you indulged yourself once, with that massive bed of yours, since the girls are sharing it. And you're also glad you got a really comfy couch.
>You do your best to ignore the giggles and other suspicious noises coming from your room.
>what kind of harem is more interested in each other than the harem master?! You banish the thoughts. Inappropriate! They're friends!
>School starts again tomorrow. Normal life, as normal as it can be, will ensue. And come Saturday...who knows what will happen.

>...

>Monday arrives. Lessons pass as expected. Dayna and Luna explore the city more. The teachers try to get an explanation for Natalie out of you, but your lips are as tight as a vice, your expression unreadable. More than once, you cause a distraction so that you can time stop out of an awkward situation.
>Lunch...ha. Time to study, you guess. You don't have much of an appetite.
>Subject?
« Last Edit: November 01, 2011, 05:21:18 AM by thatSalad »
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #222 on: November 01, 2011, 10:38:40 AM »
> Lets study up on whatever our weakest subject is.

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

  • The problem is, you're a friend that likes to talk!
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  • ...well, I am too!
Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #223 on: November 03, 2011, 03:40:24 AM »
> Lets study up on whatever our weakest subject is.

>Joy to the world. World history, that is. Fun for everyone, that stuff is. A case study on German military innovations and subsequent failures during World War 2? How...odd.
>You remember the various video games dedicated to Nazi hijinx during the time. Supernatural, magical, divine, anything. All to get an edge. You wonder offhandedly if any of it was true.
>Maybe you should ask...ah. Damn.

>...
>Academics Value +1 (6/10)
>History (2/7)

>You wave to Lily as school ends. Just a few more days until the meeting...you can hardly wait. The anticipation is killing you.
>Wait, no, that's the knife coming for your kidney.
>You flick out your own and deflect the attack effortlessly, then violently lash out with your foot. It finds purchase in something at least (a stomach, you think). You feel your attacker hop away with a grunt of pain.
>Maybe taking a back alley shortcut was a bad idea. Sigh.

>He's...kinda stupid looking. Ominous cloak and hood, long dagger, and pointy leather boots. You can't see his face, but you can tell that under that voluminous clothing is either a runt of an adult, a giant of a kid, or a teenager. You're angling for the third.
>"What do you want?" you droll out, really too tired to muster up any sort of emotion.
>"Your life," answers a male, pubescent sounding voice. Your hunch was right.
>Of course.
>One hand stays in your pocket. The other lazily flicks your knife around. You could end this in a second, or really no seconds at all, if you want to. But you're curious.
>"Why, I wonder?" you muse to yourself. The assassin circles you like a hunter, an action which you mirror out of boredom.
>"Demon sympathizers shouldn't ask questions!" comes the snap as he menacingly waves his knife at you. In your eyes, with what you've had to deal with, it's really more like a puppy wagging a stick at you.
>Ho? How...cliche. Hot headed idiot in a normally intelligent group of hunters decides to take matters into his own hand. Why so, you wonder? Parents killed, little sister to protect, childhood girlfriend got killed? It's all so...repetitive. So stupid. You've really had enough of this idiocy.

>You want this idiot to just disappear.

>Your rain of blows beats into the young hunter like the fist of an angry god. He's launched backwards by the attack and lands in a crumpled heap.
>"You're a thousand years too early to even try. Come back when you have a good reason for attacking me."

>...

>Back home, you collapse on the couch. Nothing of note until Saturday.
>You could wait the week out, investigate a bit into the hunters, prepare for what might be a fight, or any other thing you can think of.
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #224 on: November 03, 2011, 10:37:33 AM »
> It'd be nice to know a bit more about the Hunters, so do a little investigating, but not enough to raise suspicions.  We don't want them becoming hostile towards us.

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

  • The problem is, you're a friend that likes to talk!
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  • ...well, I am too!
Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #225 on: November 03, 2011, 06:50:32 PM »
> It'd be nice to know a bit more about the Hunters, so do a little investigating, but not enough to raise suspicions.  We don't want them becoming hostile towards us.

>Good a plan as any. You open up the PDF that Natalie gave you a while back and reread the thing, long as it might be.
>You can't help but think that they might already be hostile though, if that hotshot from before was any indication.
>...
>Hmm. Interesting level of information. There are dossiers on more common species of nonhumans, tactics to be used, suggested weaponry, recommended squad counts; all fairly normal, modern things. Their weapon choice is pretty archaic, though, but functional.
>Hunters generally have some sort of supernatural power, on level with Natalie's terrakinesis. In fact, hers was actually very potent. Offhandedly, you wonder why she lied to you way back when about having only improved physical capabilities. Maybe it's a secretive thing?
>With you power...you could probably take on any of them one on one. They're only human.

>It seems that allowing a nonhuman to live for longer than necessary after passing the border is a punishable offense, but that law was generally applied to less intelligent beings, like little harmless critters that a softer Hunter might keep as a pet. You're not sure if they are using that law in particular, however; generally they just kill the refugee, without a hearing. If they're giving you one, they either realize how odd the situation is or they're not using that law.
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #226 on: November 03, 2011, 09:03:26 PM »
> Keep trying to glean info from the PDF.
> If nothing else really pops up, try preparing a bit for Saturday.

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

  • The problem is, you're a friend that likes to talk!
  • *
  • ...well, I am too!
Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #227 on: November 07, 2011, 02:30:16 AM »
> Keep trying to glean info from the PDF.
> If nothing else really pops up, try preparing a bit for Saturday.

>You suck it in like a sponge. Battle tactics, weapon loadouts, known powers, politics...gah, it's a lot to take in. And not much is really useful to you unless you're looking for a fight.
>You decide to prep a bit.
>The combat knife McHarl gave you back then, two more back up knives, and twenty throwing knives. Natalie's vest...you consider strapping it on, when the time comes. She always did promise you one, and if you were going into a fight she wouldn't want you vulnerable.
>She was always caring like that.

>....

>Saturday arrives. You spend the day just hanging out with Lily, Dayna, and Luna. It's comfortingly normal.
>Night approaches. Dayna and Luna lurk around silently, as usual. You sit on your couch, bent over with elbows on your knees and chin cradled on your laced fingers, staring at Natalie's vest and sword, which rest on your table.
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #228 on: November 07, 2011, 12:26:57 PM »
> We should probably get going.  Don't wanna keep them waiting.
> Grab everything we need and head out.

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #229 on: November 08, 2011, 08:34:54 PM »
and again I say: aggghhh, why didn't I discover this sooner!? :3

> Equip vest. Can't be too careful.

Amraphenson

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #230 on: November 10, 2011, 03:48:14 AM »
>You slide on Natalie's vest. It's strangely comfortable, and warm despite the cold weather. You get the feeling of a presence wrapped around you, in some way...
>Dayna and Luna fall into your shadow with practiced ease. You're almost used to it...almost.
>As you step out of the apartment, as quietly as possible to as to not wake up anyone, you're immediately struck by the sight in front of you.
>In the parking lot is the Captain...and Lily. Who smiles nervously, though you see a hint of something more...naughty.
>The Captain notices your incredulous look and shrugs. "Dunno how, kid. Somehow, somehow, the little lady here pulled strings."
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #231 on: November 10, 2011, 11:39:14 AM »
> "Huh...  Alright then, lets get going."

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #232 on: November 10, 2011, 11:27:03 PM »
((I Just want to say this is really really good.))
I have...a terrible need...shall I say the word?...of religion. Then I go out at night and paint the stars.

Amraphenson

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #233 on: November 13, 2011, 11:30:05 AM »
> "Huh...  Alright then, lets get going."

>You all file into the Captain's ride, you taking shotgun while the girls all hole up in the back. The monstrosity of a vehicle fires up surprisingly quietly, and in moments you're off.
>Lily starts talking with Dayna and Luna as though you weren't all about to possibly endanger your lives. To your surprise, so does McHarl.
>"So. School treating ya alright, Mac?"
>You stay silent for a while, not knowing how to answer. "Uh, yeah. Pretty much."
>He spots your expression and chuckles a bit. "Light up. I got some buddies tailing us; if anything goes down, we'll be alright kid."
>You nod, thankful for his foresight. "Right."

...

>The park looms in front of you. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice McHarl hand signalling off to the distance.
>He turns to you. "Your call, Mac. Should I have my squad set up a perimeter, in case things get messy?"
>It would be a good idea, but you're not quite sure that they'd be the first. And things would rapidly grow awkward if the Hunters had already done so themselves, if not violent.
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #234 on: November 13, 2011, 01:01:14 PM »
I am leaning towards no.
If this is a trap, we want to flee.
I have...a terrible need...shall I say the word?...of religion. Then I go out at night and paint the stars.

Hanzo K.

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #235 on: November 13, 2011, 01:02:51 PM »
Agreed, a smart fighter knows when to cut and run.
Essence RO
Eiji Komatsu L1xx/6x CritsinX | Ryoshima Nanbu L7x/4x Crafting Blacksmith

Arbitrary Gaming~!
Youkai Quest: Unknown Adventure

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #236 on: November 13, 2011, 03:24:15 PM »
> "Nah, if things get messy we'll just get out of there.  Don't want to make things worse, you know?"

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Amraphenson

  • The problem is, you're a friend that likes to talk!
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  • ...well, I am too!
Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #237 on: November 16, 2011, 04:04:32 AM »
> "Nah, if things get messy we'll just get out of there.  Don't want to make things worse, you know?"

>You shake your head and say as much. McHarl nods and flashes more hand gestures. You sense more movement off in the distance.
>You've really come a long way, if you can do that kinda thing.
>Has it really been that long...?

>...

>You're early, actually. McHarl stands near Lily, rifle ready in front of him, while Dayna and Luna stand near you. It's slightly unsettling, just sitting here waiting for your 'friends' to show up.
>Then it happens. McHarl tenses, as does Luna, Dayna, and you. Lily follows soon after, sensing something was wrong by looking at you four even if she couldn't feel it herself.
>They glide out from behind trees like wraiths, ethereal and effervescent.
>No...it's a farce. They're just trying to intimidate you. See how you react. The nonhuman members of your group remain wary, but it seems McHarl senses this as well. And he's not impressed, by the looks of things.
>"If you're done with da theatrics, I'd like to get this done 'n over with," he calls out, uncaring of the whole 'atmosphere'. Your lips twitch into a smile as you see the Hunters look amongst themselves, obviously confused that their whole act wasn't working.

>Then you feel it. The real deal. A palpable wave of killing intent, not directed at you but still there. It's on an entirely different level from what you're used to, something even...no...greater than when you let loose versus that flesh abomination, even. "You caught us!" comes the voice, completely out of sync with the aura of bloodthirst. It's cheery and lively, serving to amplify the whole effect, somehow.
>He's huge. You don't know how he got there, but standing right in front of you is the source of this...absurdity. A beast of a man, six and a half feet tall. Cropped beard, buzzcut. Blue eyes that glint like stars. Built like a bear. Two massive claymores, like Natalie's but exaggerated even further, strapped to his back. Countless more in their scabbards, all resting in some kind of harness strapped to the small of his back. He's armed to the teeth, dangerous, and he's smiling like an ignorant idiot.

>"Now then, would you happen to be the young man who killed my apprentice?"
Sugoiiii~
[23:02] <~Iced> You have sown the seeds of your own destruction Amra.
[23:20] <Stuffman> enjoy your personally crafted hell Amra

Kasu

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Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #238 on: November 16, 2011, 12:32:02 PM »
> Don't back down.  Even if he's a giant we can't seem intimidated.
> Answer him.

Apparently, Thomas the Tank Engine isn't one to take crap from anyone.

Re: Perfect Butler Quest, Part I: What it Means to be Human
« Reply #239 on: November 16, 2011, 05:28:57 PM »
"yes"
I have...a terrible need...shall I say the word?...of religion. Then I go out at night and paint the stars.