>>3494009
Here we go again.

Welcome back, Rock.

>>3494009
It's time for the beginning of the end

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Time: February 6th, 1993, 12:23 AM, Midnight

Location: Yorknew City, Danster's Mile [

A convoy of 3 black, high class sedans with blacked out windows travel down a countryside road, the wide cityscapes and high rises you've come to know as home far, far away.

The further down this long road you travel, the further your chance of escaping and surviving this encounter becomes. All around, you peer long fields of green grass, soon, tall trees, with leaves freshly grown after hiding to escape the winter breeze shine in the heavy moonlight.

By all accounts, it's a view that would take a person's breath away, but to you, all you can are beautiful mirages, hiding a path to hell carved by the devil himself.

"Tell me. How does it feel" and as if on cue, he speaks. In that, low,giddy and slow voice, laced with arrogance that you just hate.

"......" You keep your hands to your sides, your mouth shut and your eyes straight as you ignore him.

"To sit next someone you despise I mean? How does it feel to sit beside your greatest enemy hm?" he asks again, clarifying.

"......" you answer with the only thing you want to give him. Nothing.

"I imagine it must be gut-wrenching. To sit beside someone you hate more than anyone else in the world, nothing more than a seat separating you and yet you can do nothing to them." He continues despite your lack of response.

You shoot a glance to the two men at the front of the car, even from behind the seats, you can see the small protrusion of a pistol handle, primed and ready to fire the second something contentious were to occur.

"I can see you're not in a chatty mood. I get that, all your friends were brutally massacred by me just a few hours ago and your life as you knew is officially over and that's my fault. I get it, I really do." He says in a voice that could be more sarcastic if he was biting into an apple while wearing a shit-eating grin.

"But come now, the least you can do is answer me. Tell me, how do you feel right now? Angry? Sad? Glad that maybe you'll have a chance to die with them?" He questions.

What will you say?

>Boy you must love the sound of your own voice huh?

>Say nothing.

>>3494013
>>Boy you must love the sound of your own voice huh?

>>3494022

>You put the Mono in monologue.

>Writing.

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You show him a grin as you speak, "Man you're the first guy I've ever met that could hold an entire conversation with himself and not feel like a narcissistic asshole. You must really love the sound of your own voice huh?"

He laughs, "Oh whoa, despite all your friends dying terribly just a second ago, you still have so much snark left in you huh? Most people end up breaking down crying afterwards, but either you're strong enough or heartless enough that you can still make that face! Either way I'm impressed!" He counters.

"Say whatever the hell you want. Like you just said, you killed everyone I love, so what do I have to care for anymore? I'll insult you all day and night if I want, it's not like you can even kill me right?"

He nods, "That's right. That's the undeniable truth. Thanks to my promise with dear Zeena, I can't take your life. That much is certain." He concedes.

But then he wags his finger, "However, in that little splurge of truth, there was a terrible lie mixed in." He notices.

"Huh?" you groan out.

"Firstly, you said, you killed everyone I love, so what do I have to care for? did you not?" He says in a demeaning rendition of your voice.

You shoot a glare at him, (God everything about this fucking prick pisses me off...) you think, refusing to give him the pleasure of knowing how much you detest him.

"Yeah? So what? That's true isn't it? Everyone in Carpe Diem is dead except those traitors Fernand and Zeena and I sure as hell don't give a shit about either of them." You spit.

He looks confused for a moment, but quickly smiles, "Oh Derrick, we both know that's a lie We both know you still have plenty to lose. Don't act like the people of Carpe Diem were all you had." He counters.

You feel a shiver of worry looking at that evil smile, "What do you mean by that?" you ask, even though you can already guess the answer.

"Who knows?" He answers. You knew it was coming, but it still ignites the fear in you as he continues.

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He taps on the window pane behind him, "Besides, it's not even that all of Carpe diem is dead. You're still here and your childhood friend and mentor are still there aren't they? Are you saying you don't care about them? How mean." He asks.

You give him a confused look, "What a retarded question. Obviously they're exempt because you can't kill them either, just like you can't with me." you counter.

He nods, "exactly right. Once again you speak truth to power my good friend." He agrees.

You smirk at him, "What? Does that piss you off? Having a problem you can't stab, steal or scarpe off like usually? Must really get on your nerves that you can't do a damn thing to us huh?" you taunt.

He shakes his head, "No.No.No. Actually it's the complete opposite. I'm happy I can't just kill you. Because if I could, I would've stabbed you well before this conversation even began."

"Yeah too bad about that huh?" you taunt again.

"No really I'm happy for this situation. For this simple talk with you has brought me so many realizations. First of which, do you know why I ask you that question earlier? The one about how it feels to sit next to someone you hate?" He asks.

You shrug your shoulders, "I hardly even know why you're talking to me right now at all. I thought someone like me would be beneath someone as grand and tall like you, well maybe not tall, considering you're shorter than me." you berate.

"I thought so myself before I started talking you. But now that we exchange words that we're the same in many regards." He answers.

You laugh, "Sorry, how am I anything like you? last I checked, I wasn't a self-aggrandizing dickhole with an ego so massive it doubles my BMI." you counter.

"Well we aren't the same personality-wise, that's for sure. For one, I can hold a conversation with someone without raging like a chimpanzee every 2 sentences." He agrees.

"But I think on a more fundamental level, a more emotional level, you and me share quite a few similarities." He states.

"I gotta say no to that one. Sorry if I can't sympathize but I just ain't a mass-murdering sociopath like you." you counter.

That's when, in a motion so quick that you barely even realized he's moved, he puts a foot up on the seat and moves his face in-front of yours, "Are you sure about that? Are you sure there's never been a time where you've killed someone in cold blood and didn't feel the slightest bit of hesitation or remorse?" he asks.

It's then that the face of the first man you killed all those months ago pops into your mind, he was begging on his knees, pleading for his life with tears running down his face and you shot him. Sure you hesitated at first, but it didn't take long before your resolve steeled itself and you pulled that trigger without feeling a thing.

That dark resolve has followed you ever since, you've lost track of the number of men you've killed by this point and even now, you still think nothing of what you've done. You don't regret for even a second.

"Well? Did that get your noggin jogging? Tell me, are we really as different as you say?" he asks.

What will you say?

>I am nothing like you, stop deluding yourself

>Say nothing.

>>3494096
>The difference between me and you is that I feel some level of sadness when somebody has to die. As opposed to you who revels in it

>>3494101
It's then that the face of the first man you killed all those months ago pops into your mind, he was begging on his knees, pleading for his life with tears running down his face and you shot him. Sure you hesitated at first, but it didn't take long before your resolve steeled itself and you pulled that trigger without feeling a thing.

I mean that's a lie though. Derek just admitted to himself he didn't really feel anything.

So,

>>3494096
"Yeah well, It was something I got used to. Once you start down that path, you just aren't the same anymore. Do you think I like It? I'll tell you now, killing Isn't my brand of fun but let me tell you. I *will* do whatever I need to do to keep going. And for the record, unlike you I don't like stepping on people.

>>3494114
>That dark resolve has followed you ever since, you've lost track of the number of men you've killed by this point and even now, you still think nothing of what you've done. You don't regret for even a second.

Forgot to include this, fucked up my greentext. Oops. Still, Derek Isn't a bad guy, but he Isn't beat up about killing people, at all. Even a little.

>>3494101
>>3494114

Since these two posts are write-ins, I'll choose which ever one gets supported by another player.

>Waiting...

>>3494114
>Derek just admitted to himself he didn't really feel anything.
He doesn't feel regret for what he did but we've seen many times that he still thinks that the loss of human life is a shame and doesn't celebrate it like that guy does

>>3494101
Also support

Just cause you have to kill people doesn't mean you should celebrate it

>>3494207
Yeah of course It's a shame, but when It came down to It we felt no remorse doing It ourselves.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying Derek's a monster, he's not, but saying we feel sadness about killing people Isn't just lying to him, but deluding ourselves.

Say that It's unfortunate, but don't say we ourselves feel sad. Rebuke him without lying, that's what I'm doing. I'm not going to have Derek be delusional or a liar.

>>3494231
Feeling remorse and feeling sad are too different extremes. He obviously felt sad, not a sad as he should've been yes, but sad nonetheless

>>3494101
>>3494218
>>3494231

While there's still some contention about it, the first write-in has support, so that's what I'm going with.

>I don't revel in death like you.

>Writing.

You grit your teeth in rage, "Don't even try this we aren't so different you and I bullshit. Unlike you, even if I killed people and didn't regret it, I still felt sad that I had to do it. I'm not like you who just revels like a madman in it." you counter.

He laughs, "Is that so? A good point, but who said you had to kill those men?" he asks.

"Who said? Are you joking? Those men killed left and right, robbed people of everything. Of course I had to do it, even if it was violent, someone had to bring it to an end. Someone had to bring justice!" you counter.

He laughs at the top of his lungs, "What's so damn funny?" you ask.

"Sorry, I was just so impressed, that almost didn't sound like horseshit." he insults.

"The fuck?" you question.

He leans his face in even closer, your faces are almost pressing as he speaks, "Justice, huh? Listen. Anyone can mask their actions under the idea of Justice." He begins.

"Oh! I do what I do for the people! For the good of the city! As long as it saves someone else's life, I can murder and destroy as many people I deem necessary to suffer! All for the greater good! All for Justice!" he counters.

"Have you ever once considered that seeing the world that way could be harmful? that looking at everything in terms of it's net good to the world could cause even more suffering then there was already?" he asks.

"The fuck are you on about? Maybe, Why are you asking?" you ask.

"I'm asking because when you start measuring the good of your work by the number of people it helps vs the number of people it destroys, you start to forget that the people you destroyed might of had the right to justice themselves no?" He asks.

"What are you even rambling about? Of course what I did was right! You sayin the fucking mafia deserves Justice? What kind of garbage are you spewing!?" you counter.

"Tsk,Tsk see what I mean? When you start dictating which group is more deserving of Justice than the other, you start seeing the world in navie and harmful ways. Do you really believe this an issue of the Just people of Yorknew vs the evil mafia men?" he questions.

"In what way are you not evil?" you questions.

"A good question! But you know what a better one would be? If I, the nefarious monster that I am, had never done the easy recruitment tactic that is forcing good, decent people to do my bidding?" He asks.

His words put a strange fear in you, "What do you mean?" you ask.

"Oh it's simple really. How do you think my family grows so large so quickly? Do you believe that there are that many people who would join a terrible organization like the mafia so freely?" He asks.

"..." you go quiet.

"Of course not! So I decided to force some people to join by threatening their families or lives if they didn't join." he answers.

A painful feeling, like bile pilling up in your stomach rises, "Wait, you don't mean...that those men I killed..."

"Yes I do Derrick. While a good portion of my forces joined of their own free-will, those grunts you slaughtered, those evil, evil men. They were all innocent men who I forced into joining me. No different from the upstanding people of Yorknew you so adamantly killed them to save." he answers.


"No...No...." you can't believe what you're hearing.

"They were nothing more than guards, most of them never even so much as shot a gun before, let alone killed or robbed anyone. And you murdered them, you murdered innocent people. Without a feeling of remorse, without a thought to the contrary." He states.

Please!Please! I have a daughter! I didn't mean to do this!, the pain filled wails of your first kill come back to you, (Could it have been...that he wasn't lying? If that's the case...I...) you realize the gravity of your actions.

He smiles that pure evil smile, "See? Now do you get it? Anyone can say what they do is right. But it takes a naive fool to not only think what they do is right, but that gives them the moral authority to say everyone else is wrong." He postulates.

"It's like a disease, this thing you call Justice." He states.

You shake your head, "You're full of shit! You're just making that up!" you deny.

"Oh come now Derrick. You know I speak the truth, because I know, deep down, you knew what you were doing was wrong. But you continued anyway, why? Because you wanted to feel righteous, to feel like the hero Yorknew needed but didn't deserve. And trust me Yorknew didn't deserve you alright. They didn't deserve a plague like you." he counters.

"You know how many kids come to my doorstep, begging to join the family, because they want revenge? Because they want Justice?" He asks you.

What will you say?

>It's a lie, it has to be a lie!

>Oh god, what have I done?

>Remain silent.

>>3494449
>Remain silent.

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>>3494449
>>Remain silent.
W-we aren't justice?
Nice to see you back rock-sama.

>>3494449
"Fuck you. If I'm a plague for killing them, you're a plague for leading them to the slaughter. I'm the reaper, and you're the supplier. I tried to do the right thing, and all I did was keep the ball I tried to stop rolling along. You know what though, I'll tell you one thing. I don't know when, but I'll kill you for this, and smash you and your organization to pieces. For everyone's lives I tore to pieces I'll make sure If It. Fuck justice, If we're both responsible, then we'll *both* pay our dues. That's an oath from me to you, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

>>3494449
>No there was nothing righteous about killing, and if there was another way that was feasible? I’d have used it. Their deaths are on me, but also on you. You’re even more twisted than I thought, and it’s clear carpe dorm was wrong, cutting the head of the snake is still more important than burning a body.

>>3494478
Sure I'll support

Since all votes are tied again, next vote breaks it.

>Waiting...

"Fuck you. If I'm a plague for killing them, you're a plague for leading them to the slaughter. I'm the reaper, and you're the supplier. I tried to do the right thing, and all I did was keep the ball I tried to stop rolling along. You know what though, I'll tell you one thing. I don't know when, but I'll kill you for this, and smash you and your organization to pieces. For everyone's lives I tore to pieces I'll make sure If It. Fuck justice, If we're both responsible, then we'll *both* pay our dues. That's an oath from me to you, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

>>3494599

>Vengeance-filled write-in.

>Writing.

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You grit your teeth, hard as you glare at him, "Fuck you. If I'm a plague for killing them, you're a plague for leading them to the slaughter." you counter.

He giggles, "I'm a plague?" he asks.

"Damn right you are, you can detest and despise me, but if I'm the reaper then you're the supplier." You answer.

"I won't say I'm not a plague, I most certainly am, it's just that I'm honest about it, unlike you." He counters.

"Yeah whatever and unlike you at least I tried to do the right thing. It took everything I had to keep this ball from rolling right into the mud and shit, but it's clear that didn't work." You admit.

"But you know what though? I'll tell you one thing. I don't know when, but I'll kill you for this, and smash you and your organization to pieces. For every life I've tore to pieces, I'll make sure yours is one of them. Fuck justice, If we're both responsible, then we'll both pay our dues. That's an oath from me to you, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" You shout.

He laughs uproariously as he moves away from your face, "Amazing! I've had more violent threats thrown my way than I count, but yours is the first to be so fun and Devoid of moral depth. Truly, you're a riot!"

"Say whatever the hell you like, I just want you to know if someone has to suffer, I'm going to make damn sure it's you." you promise.

He narrows his eyes at you, "The truly funniest part about all this, is I can see myself saying the exact same thing you just did. it was kind of like looking in a mirror." He giggles.

"Go fuck yourself. Why are you even talking to me anyway? Did you just want to see me suffer?" you ask.

"That too, but I just felt it would be boring to have a silent ride to our destination. And I must say, you are an excellent conversation partner." He compliments.

"...." you don't respond.

"Now, the questions you should be asking asking questions are: Where are we going? and Why are you taking us there?" He proposes as the car comes to a sudden stop.

"Well they're both questions you don't need to bother asking now. Because we're here and I'm going to tell you precisely why I took you all so far away from the city." He says as he exits the car.

Panic and anxiety seep like poison into the deepest reaches of your heart, crashing together much like Thunder and lighting a storm brews in your soul.

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Time: January 20, 2000. 9:02 PM, Nighttime

Location: Zenermac Sea, ?? miles out from the Coast of Kukan'yu, Sand Sail And Sun Cruise

CRSACHHHH! Goes the flash of lighting and thunder, the raging roars of the storm make the ship you ride on rock and shake like a frightened child.

“Damn it all…” you groan as you have to bring your hand up to cover your face, protecting your eyes from The brilliant flashes of white light and crashing sea waters blinds you for a moment.

(What a terrible day to be out at sea, those twins are truly cruel beyond measure. They’ve practically thrown us into monsoon, without even so much as informing us…) you think as you and your partner walk along the side of the cruise ship, your impromptu arena and possible burial ground as you search a way inside the massive cruise liner.

“What a joke.” Says the gray-haired, golden-eyed youth in behind of you, his ear to ear grin somehow the brightest yet also the darkest thing in this storm.

“Whatever could you mean?” you ask, politeness laces your voice but disgust runs through your mind as you already know what the answer is.

“This land. This competition...this fight, they’re all jokes of the highest order wouldn’t you agree?” He asks back.

“Hahhh..” you sigh.

Your name is Volt Jaeger, Masterful fighter, extra-ordinary thinker and Special agent of S.I.S.F.

You and your assigned partner Adolf Ubermen now waddle and fight your way across the side of a cruise ship stuck in the middle of sea during a raging Monsoon.

Before you begin the battle in earnest, you’re looking for a way inside the ship so you don’t get knocked into the waters before the fight even begins.

(Oh by Asio’s tired eyes, why must I deal with this inane neophyte's jibbbir-jabber again? I swear it’s every minute with him…) you grumble internally.

But even so, you put on a welcoming smile as you answer, “No, I wouldn’t, in-fact, I’d say our current predicament is anything but funny.” You counter as you gesture out to the raging seas, black waters hungry for unfortunate souls to get cast into it

“Oh come now. You know what I mean, we’ll both brave this storm and come out fine. We’re in no real danger.” He argues.

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SWISHHHH!Goes a particularly nasty wave, you have to cover your face again as your both bathed in foul smelling sea-water.

Even so, you don’t lose your smile as you laugh, “I wouldn’t be too sure about that…”

Adolf spits out some water as he speaks, “Oh come now Volt, You’re far too negative, don’t let a little splash of water get you down!” He laughs.

You hold out your dripping sleeve, “I wouldn’t call this A little.” you counter.

“A mere soaked uniform is nothing to worry about dear partner, I’m sure any lasting stains will come right out.” he states.

You smile cracks a little, (Oh yes, the rancid reek of ocean water comes right out after a good wash. What a tragedy, this was my favorite uniform as well…)

“And besides, I’m not talking about our state of affairs, but rather this so called ‘Exam’s’ standard of difficult being so pathetically low that it can only be described as laughable.” He states.

You spot a light coming from ajar door coming on just ahead, as you get near it, you take the rapier in hand and jab it between the crack of the door as you force it open.

You and Adolf both walk inside a beautiful hallway, lit-up by electrical lights that amazingly still manage to function despite the storm, a velvet, red carpet sucks up the water off both your bodies as you wipe off.

You speak, “You think so? I’ve found these Exams to be sufficiently challenging. I have great respect for anyone who’s made it this far and even those who didn’t make it all. But at least had the courage to try.” you state as you begin to trek down the hall.

He laughs uproariously, “Challenging? Oh come now Volt, I know how much you love to flatter fools, but this is going to far!” he counters.

“First they send us down that boring mountain hike, as if mere frost could bring us to our knees. Then they sic starved weak beasts on us, which I think was merely them hoisting off their busy work on us and that ‘mystery’ they gave us made me feel like I was solving a block puzzle.” he brags.

“And then finally, this excuse for a fight! They acknowledge our blatant superiority over the rest of the idiotic finalists, so as to make things fair, they have to eliminate one of us so we don’t dominate too much! It’s all so laughable, I can feel my gut tearing itself to pieces!” He nearly topples over from laughter.

After a short walk, you push through a pair of swing doors to find yourself in a massive dining hall, tables laden with white cloth and adorned with clean plates and filled wine glasses. A stage presides at the back where a band would typical play as the guest enjoyed a good meal on a relaxing night.

>>3494658
"I won't say I'm not a plague, I most certainly am, it's just that I'm honest about it, unlike you."

Fuck you Daniel. Part of the whole point of that write In was to acknowledge that we did wrong by furthering a vicious cycle, but that we're going to make amends by stopping that cycle, ideally by lopping the heads of the snake making this cycle a reality no matter how many snakes we have to take down. Here he just has the gall to ignore It and mock us for thinking we, what, haven't realized what we did wrong? To hell with getting civilians caught In the crossfire, we'll go back and do things with some precision.

Of course, I could be getting ahead of myself. For all I know, this guy dies by the end of the flashback.

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You walk up to one of these tables and take the white cloth in your hand, on closer examination, you’re pleased to find designs stitched into them, birds dancing in the skies as the sun beams down unto them.

You can’t help but feel soothed as you take in the beautiful tapestry of this ship, “Well Volt? Surely you agree? You needn’t humor me, we’re both Owls here, it’s okay to be honest. Don’t these westerners just make you want to die laughing?” he asks again

And just like that your improving mood goes foul once more, “Just us owls huh…?” You say as you continue to examine the art of the cloth, but it fails to subdue the building frustration within you.

(I hate humoring this jingoist clown. Hired by the agency to give us some patriot poster boy to please the fools in the government. We don’t even respect the government's legitimacy, let alone pledge loyalty to it…) you think.

(Oh how I wish I could be honest with this mumbling propaganda mouthpiece. This must be the first time I’ve felt bad about being dishonest in years...Wait a moment…Who says I have to humor him anyhow?) you realize.

(I believe the mission briefing was that as long as one of us obtains the license, the mission is a success. Nowhere did it say that both of us have to succeed...or that both of us have to return with it…) That’s when an idea hits you, your smile returns as you speak.

“Sorry my friend. But I must disagree.” you answer.

His amused face turns to one of surprise, “Hm? Whatever could you mean?” he asks.

You let the cloth drop and hang once more as you speak, “Superiority. You speak the word, but you know not it’s meaning. Superiority is supremacy. Supremacy is the objective state of being better than all others regardless of circumstance or context. To hold no weakness of any kind.” You explain.

“Well is that not true of us? Us Owls are supreme, we stand above all other lifeforms. We are without weakness, there is nothing we can accomplish. No feat we cannot complete!” He counters.

You lay a hand on the table and begin to circle around it, “Perhaps. However, I’m sorry to tell you this my tautology loving friend, but we are not nearly as superior as you may posture us to be.” you counter.

His face turns sour, “What was that?” he questions.

“Oh, by we I don’t mean all owls. I mean us. The pair of individuals known as Volt Jaeger and Adolf Ubermen. I know you just hate thinking in terms of individuals. But humor me here.” you start.

You reach the opposite end of the table and look at Adolf with a smile as you speak , “We, as individuals, do not possess the strength and majesty as all those who came before us. We are not the collective power of all Owls, we are but offspring of their legacy and we are far from great, in fact, I’d say we’re quite pathetic in comparison to such greatness.”

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You can see a vein spring up on his face, “Pathetic? You dare call the legacy of our glorious nation pathetic!? I should draw and quarter you for such insolence! You dare insult our countrymen like this!?”

You shake your head, “No, no, no you blubbering fool. I’m not calling our country pathetic, I’m calling you pathetic. I wouldn’t insult our country, but you Mr.Ubermen. I will, for you are a fool.”

“A fool? How am I a fool!?” he questions.

“Why ask? Is the answer not obvious? You constantly go on and on about superiority yet you are far from it.” you answer.

He laughs belligerently, “Of I go on and on about it! I am an Owl! I am born superior! It is my birthright! You are the fool for denying that Volt!” he counter.

You cackle at that, “Is that what you tell yourself to allow you to sleep at night? Superiority isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you earn. It's something you fight tooth and nail to reach. And you my friend, aren’t a very good fighter.” you counter.

His hands shake with rage “Is there some reason you’re trying to enrage me Volt? I had taken you for an ally, a partner. We are meant to work together, so why anger me like this?” he asks.

You narrow your eyes, “Because I don’t work well with deluded fools.” you answer.

He can’t believe his ears, “Deluded fool?” he asks as if he’s been slapped in the face.

“Let me wake you from your nice dream. We are not supreme. We have weakness and we have betters. I am sure even among the finalists you mocked, there are people who strength far exceeds your own.” you state.

You look down and brush the table gently as you speak, moving your gloved hands across the various birds before blocking out the sun, “My weakness is that I can’t bring myself to work inconsolable fools…”

Tring! Sounds the slide of a pistol, primed and ready to fire.

You look up with a smile as you see Adolf aiming his pistol at you, grimace on his face, “Your weakness is getting your ego checked.” you point out.

“Take that back. Take it back now and I will consider letting you live.” he demands.

“Sorry to say, but once the truth has been spoken, it’s a little hard to take back.”You pull back from the table and raise your rapier.

“The only truth here is that you’ve just sealed your fate fool, I hope you’re happy, for you’ve just given your own obituary.” he threatens.

You level the fencing sword at him, taking a glass of wine and admiring it’s crimson beauty as you answer, “I’m sorry to tell you this friend. But no matter how many times you call a falsehood the truth, it remains a falsehood.”

“It will become the truth the moment I pull this trigger! In a few moments, this place will become your tomb!” He exclaims as she squeezes the trigger.

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You shake your head, “Oh no no no, This place will not be my tomb-”

CREAKKKK! It’s then that a violent creaking sound rings through the massive dining hall, the sound of metal straining, in this case against the tonnes of water that bash against it outside.

https://youtu.be/qO6LWQhvzRw

The force of these crashes causes the boat to tilt, Adolf’s aim gets thrown off as he grabs a table to stop himself from toppling over.

The wine in the glass spills unto the white cloth, staining it blood red, “-Though, it could very well become your tomb.” you threaten.

“Damn you!” He shouts as he begins firing.

BANG! BANG! BANG! Ring the his rounds as they fly through the air towards you, they are surprisingly accurate despite the boat being tilted at a nearly 90 degree angle.

CHIP!CRACK!CRUNCH! But even so, you’re more than prepared to defend as you take a hand to the table and flip it up, using it as a shield to block the bullets.

The ship goes corrects itself a moment later, Adolf continues to fire, hoping his bullets will pierce through your wooden shield.

A feeble hope and a worthless plan, the bullets don’t even come close to reaching you, leaving you the chance to jab your rapier into the wooden table and charge forward with it like a battering ram.

“What!?” Is all Adolf can scream as you close and kick the table off your blade, crushing him with the heavy wood.

You then hop on top table and prepare to drive your rapier through the table and into his heart.

Ting! But a moment before you’re capable stabbing down, a high-pitched tinging noise hits your ears, the familiar sound of a grenade pin being pulled.

You jump away as you see a grenade roll out from under the table.

BOOOOOOOM! A shock-wave blasts out, destroying the table and scarring the beautiful carpet black with burn marks.

You land like a cat from your long jump as you look over to see Adolf stand up, the half-red, half-white cloth draped over him as he throws it off.

You snicker, “Well, well, it seems you can use that brain of yours for more than bragging after-all.”

He pulls up a belt of grenades as he points his pistol at you, “Surely you didn’t think all I brought with was a meager pistol and my beaming smile correct?” he asks.

You laugh “Well what do you know? The pony knows more than one trick after-all.” you taunt.

“Laugh as loud as you like. The only joke here is that you honestly believe you have a chance of defeating me with nothing but a sword.” He counters.

You shake your head as you level the blade at him again, “Slight misconception friend. It’s not that I only have a sword to kill you with, it’s that I only need a sword to end you. Anything else would just be overkill.”

File: 6th Fight (Volt Vs Aldof).jpg (1.48 MB, 1786x998)

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He smiles, “Overkill?” he asks as he pulls open his jacket.

Click-clack! Goes 4 pistols as they drop to the ground, you look up from them to see a a series of sub-machine guns, grenades, rifles and even a grenade launcher stashed in his slacks.

“Overkill is the word a coward uses when they’re too afraid to confirm a kill. Unlike you, I have an arsenal large enough to kill you 10 times over.” He brags.

“Oh, so the pony’s a pack mule now. How quaint.” you comment, unimpressed.

Your lack of reaction gets on his nerves, He pulls the grenade launcher from it’s spot and aims it at you, “Let’s see how long that brave face last after I’ve shaved half of it off.” he taunts.

You lower yourself into a combat stance, “That’s quite the collection knick-knacks there, they’ll make a nice burden for you to carry to Abgrund.”

POMPF Rings the soft ejection of the grenade, the explosive discharge flying right at you.

But instead of dodging away, you dash right at it, maneuvering yourself at rabbit-like speed between the aisles of the tables.

BOOOOOM! Within the few mircoseconds between the grenades launch and detonation, you clear the distance between you and Adolf, avoiding the blast entirely as you ready your rapier to impale him.

He levels his pistol at you as you come to a clash.

File: BeanBuddy (At night).jpg (22 KB, 852x480)

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Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 9:45 PM. Nighttime

Location: Renpiri Region, Sunnyside City, BeanBuddy Cafe

https://youtu.be/n08b1ptdnYM

An explosion booms through the surround sound speakers, soon the sound of gunfire rings out as the two continue to clash and combat on the boat.

“Boy, they’re really going at it huh?” Bradford says as he takes a shot of white rum, neat.

“You can say that again, looks like those two weren’t all talk after-all.” you agree as you watch the fight from a stool at the cafe-counter.

“Well hopefully they’ll be 50% talk after one of them offs the other. I have a enough flies buzzing at my ears already, it’d be nice if I could get rid of even one of them.” Vanilla says as she sips a Bloody Mary.

“Keeping talking shit like that and you’ll be the only one dropping dead Cyclops, your fight is coming up soon you know.” Peachnia plays with her baseball bat as she speaks.

“Oh look, there’s one now.” Vanilla taunts.

Peachnia sneers at her as Flourette speaks, “I’m more surprised at sheer number of weapons Mr.Ubermen was carrying. He has such a perfect posture that I’d never imagine he was carrying such heavy weight on him this entire time. How frighteningly deceptive.”

“Deception is anything but surprising coming from an owl. What I’m more interested in is the other one, an owl that specializes in sword techniques is as rare as it terrifying.” Noell questions as he holds his head in his hand and watches the battle intently.

“My thoughts exactly your majesty. The Siquaian school of sword-fighting is one of the smallest and weakest because they were one of the only nations to choose ranged combat over close-range. His skill in sword-fighting is...unnatural.” Dainary adds as she haphazardly repairs broken spear, roping up the split ends of the pole-arms with a tightened bandage.

“You’re right, just where did he learn how to fight like that?” Noell asks.

Dillion sighs, “I’m sorry, could you all keep it down? Some of us are trying to focus on our own business.” He says as he waves a book in the air, it’s title reads The Master & Margarita

Dainary points her spear at him, it’s massive length crossing the distance between the two as she speaks, “Dare you repeat that knave? Are you saying the words of your nonsensical literature holds more importance then the words of royalty?” she questions.

File: Henry Dillion04.jpg (291 KB, 500x707)

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“Excuse me? Is this some-kind of threat?” Dillion asks.

“It is a warning for now. Show such disregard for the prince’s words twice and I shall show the same disregard for your life.” she threatens.

“Uh-huh.” Dillion stares unamused at the sharp spear-tip pointed at him, he then raises his thick book up and slaps it against the top of the spear.

Clatter! The top of the spear breaks off and falls against the ground like a broom from that light tap.

Dainary looks broken-hearted, “No, my precious Dragon’s tooth…” She groans as she moves to pick up the broken half.

Dillion opens his book again as he speaks, “It’s not that I disregard your words, it’s that they make as much sense to the rest of us as a madman spewing gibberish. So ask you, please let the rest of us enjoy our peace.” he asks.

“You break my spear, my symbol of my sworn duty and you expect me to give you peace?” Daniary asks.

“That glorified pointy stick was broken long before I touched it. And if you bring some peace for my sake, at least do it sleeping beauty’s, over there will you?” He says as he points over to the sleeping Etheline, who’s tossing and turning on a nice couch she was given to rest in.

“Grrrr…” Dainary growls as she gives up her anger and returns to trying to repair her weapons.

Dillion smiles, “Thank you, now I can finally catch up some reading.”

Reynauld laughs, “Ya would be the kind of man that reads a damn book instead watchin’ a good fight. It’s a wonder how a sissy nerd like you even made it this far.” He taunts.

Dillion’s smile fades, “I could say the same of you. Aren’t your legs tired from all the running Coward-boy?” He asks.

Reynauld reaches down for his revolver, “You hankering to taste dirt today boah?” He threatens.

Dillion turns a page, “Your threats have all the weight of a hot air balloon with none of the entertainment value. If you’re going to shoot me, please go ahead, you would be releasing me from the curse of having to deal with you all.”

Reynauld laughs, “Now that’s I a favor I’m happy to oblige.”

PHEWWWWWWW! Rings a eardrum grating whistle.

All eyes fall on the twins, Ami pulls a whistle from her mouth as she speaks, “Hey now! We already have a good fight on-going over there, is it too much to ask of you all to keep things calm here?” She asks.

File: Sheldon and Ami09.jpg (196 KB, 704x400)

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“When you’re dealing with a bunch of blood-thirsty Neanderthals. Yes, yes it is.” Dillion comments.

“Hey now rich kid, you’ll be tussling with those Neanderthals soon enough, so I’d try and play nice while you can, because they won’t be playing around with you soon enough.” Sheldon counters.

“Good, for I won’t be playing any games with them as well.” He declares.

“Oh come now Mr.Henry, we needn’t be so hostile. Despite all the bloodlust, no one has died yet! That’s something to be celebrated.” Arztz counters as he examines and plays around with various medicines and chemicals from his pouch.

“Key word there being yet. Don’t jinx it Casper.” You state.

“Oh sorry, you’re right, we know not whether the future holds beautiful hope or bloody despair for us. I truly wish for the former, however-” Arztz smiles as he stares at a particular nasty-looking concoction, it’s toxicity blatant at just a glance,

“-If the latter were to come to pass, I wouldn’t mind using the chance to test some new chemicals on whatever monster dare take a life in this peaceful place…”

“This place anything but peaceful with 13th son like you around.” Brovoski counters with a terrified look on his face.

“Well, as creepy as he is about it, that doesn’t make his words any less truthful!” Ami agrees.

“Despite all the intense battles, not a one of you has dropped dead. And while that’s all well and good, but we’re long overdue for some dead-bodies to start piling up!” Sheldon states.

“Boy, is it just me, or does it sound like you’re hoping for some of us to bite the bullet?” Bradford asks.

“Well, we did the local morgue that they’d be getting a nice shipment soon, it’d be a shame to disappoint them.” Ami answers.

“That better be a joke.” you state.

“But of course my Blonde friend! Do you really think we’d hope for your demise after staying with you for so long, that’s preposterous!” Sheldon shouts as he flashes the air with his hand.

That’s when a paper files from his back-pocket, it unfurls as it hits the ground, revealing itself to be a half-finished mortician's report, your name and all your personal details filled out about it, all expect for cause of death which has the words To be named in it's place.

“....” you glare silently at them as Ami picks up the paper in a panic.

“Listen, the point is, enjoy the company you have while you have it. Just telling you this now, as hard as we’ve tried in the past to prevent, the final test of the Exam always ends up with at least 1 or 2 people dying terribly.” Sheldon explains.

“It’s something like a curse, we just can’t get have some nice fights without people getting too rowdy with it.” Ami adds.

“Maybe you if you didn’t just let people pass for killing their opponent, it would happen less…” Arztz comments.

After that little speech, everyone goes back to their business and chats among themselves as the fight continues.

“Treasure the moment huh….” you repeat to yourself.

(I guess it would be a good idea to maybe use this time to chat rather than fight, lord knows we’ve had more than enough fights already.) you think as you decide who to chat too.

Who will you chat with?

>Bradford, Vanilla and Peachnia

>Noell, Flourette and Dainary

>Dillion, Reynauld, Brovoski and Arztz

>Etheline and Landon


“We already tried that, people end up killing each other anyway, so we just decided to let it happen with a few strings attached.” Sheldon explains.

“So treasure this moment while all of you are still here, give or take a few hours and that might not be true.” Ami finishes.

>>3494797
>>Etheline and Landon
Maybe ask Landon what happened during that large section of his fight that wasn't recorded?

>>3494797
>>Etheline and Landon
They're probably the one group we can have a conversation with and not get a headache afterward

>>3494839
>>3494871

>Sweet and Spicy

>Writing.

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(Well if I'm gonna hang with anyone, best be someone I can stand...which is no one, except Etheline...and Landon, maybe.) you realize.

(With that in mind, if I had to make a choice between the two...) you get up and head over to where Etheline lies down.

You look down at Etheline's sleeping face, her eyes tightly shut as she lightly twists and turns.

(Now, how can I get her to wake up without really bothering her?) you wonder as you reach a hand down to her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Touching girls while they sleep is a crime you know." Landon's voice suddenly interjects.

"Wha-" You turn around to face him, only to realize he's not there.

"Up here." he calls.

You look up to see him, covered from head to toe in ropes like a butterfly in a cocoon, suspended in the air by a single rope that has him shifting a little like a pendulum.

"Hi there~" He greets as you nearly fall over from seeing him.

"Holy shit! When'd you get up there!?" you ask.

"What do you mean? I've been stuck up here since I got back." he states.

"What? Who put there and Why?" you ask.

"You didn't see?" he asks.

"I was using the bathroom when you got back. I was kinda wondering why I hadn't heard a sex joke in over an hour." you state.

"Oh well, as I'm sure you saw before the camera footage was cut off, I had a small...accident with a pair of very delicious-tasting panties." He admits.

"Oh yeah, that was like the last thing we got to see before all the cameras shut down, there was a huge uproar." you remember.

"Yes, so when I got back, naturally, all the women had some strong opinions about my underwear tasting escapade, all of which were By God you're the creepiest man in the universe, please drop dead, or at least, that's what Vanilla told me." He explains.

"Yeah I can see that." you nod.

"And since all the the women in the room were in agreement with Vanilla, they decided that for the protection of their safety and purity, they had to string me up to the roof where I couldn't touch anyone." He finishes.

"Uh-huh..." you nod, slower this time.

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"I must say, the women here are of the finest variety, we are extremely fortunate to be in their presence." Landon praises.

"I'm surprised you can say that when you're literally hanging from the roof because of them..." you state.

"That's precisely what makes them so great! Such strength! Such grace! Such excellent looks of disgust and hate!" He compliments.

"The speed by which they gathered rope and tied it around me without a second's hesitation, oh I just love dominant women! I've never been tied up by a group of women that angry in my life!" He declares.

"You've been tied up by less angry women?" you ask.

"Well, less angry, more aroused. But once things get crazy enough, the difference becomes non-existent!" He exclaims.

"Oh god, please stop talking..." you beg.

"Hmmmm?" That's when a soft, groaning voice flows out.

"Can you guys please keep it down...I'm trying to sleep..." A groggy Etheline asks.

"Sorry dearest, I didn't mean to wake you." Landon apologizes.

"Huh? Mr.Landon where are-" It's then she looks up and notices him, "AHHHHHHHH! LANDON'S BECOME A PUPA!" She screams.

"I guess you were asleep when he got back too." You realize.

Etheline than looks up to you, who's hanging your head over her, "AHHHHHHH!" She screams again, going red in the cheeks.

"Why do you keep screaming?" you ask.

"U-Uh, sorry! I didn't mean to scream, I just didn't expect to see you!" She apologizes.

"Well sorry for waking you and having to subject to looking at the Pupa up there." you apologize.

"You both can keep calling me that unappealing name, but I'll only take it as a compliment. To be a Pupa just means I'm mere moments from bursting out my shell a beautiful butterfly." Landon counters.

"Nah, I think you're the rare kind of Pupa that reverts back into larva after metamorphsis..." you

"Well putting my stages of evolution behind us. Why did you come over here anyway, Derrick? I was enjoying the peaceful sight of Etheline's face before you arrived."

"Please stop saying such creepy stuff Mr.Landon..." Etheline begs.

"Ah, well, I just wanted to know..." you trail off.

What will you ask?

>Landon, What happened after the camera went off during your fight?

>Etheline, how are you holding up after that fight with Howard?

>Now that both of you are Hunters, what are you going to do after this is all over?

>Hey Landon, mind teaching me how fight more like you?

>Etheline, I’ve got this project I want you to work on…

>So, can I expect both of you to come to the aftermath party?

[You get a maximum of 3 questions.]

>>3494972
>Etheline, how are you holding up after that fight with Howard?
>Landon, What happened after the camera went off during your fight?
>Now that both of you are Hunters, what are you going to do after this is all over?
They already know about the after party, everyone's invited

>>3494972
>>Landon, What happened after the camera went off during your fight?
>>Etheline, how are you holding up after that fight with Howard?
>>Now that both of you are Hunters, what are you going to do after this is all over?

>>3494997
>>3495010

>Is Etheline okay? What happens now that they're both Hunters? And Did Landon ever get rid of those Panties? And Find out, in the next post of Hunter x Hunter Quest...

>Writing.

File: Derrick Holums30.png (1.16 MB, 1600x900)

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"Landon, after the cameras went out, what happened with the fight?" You ask.

"Oh, you didn't hear about that either? That bathroom break of yours must've been really long." He asks.

"Yeah, had to empty out all the alcohol I drank." you confess.

"Well everything went about as you'd expect. With the help of that security system, I managed to shoot down Sophinia from that helicopter and escape mostly uninjured, not counting the assault rifle rounds anyway." He explains.

"You shot down a helicopter? Well that would explain how injured Sophinia was after the fight was over..." you realize.

Landon looks away, "Yes, a real tragedy that, I doubt she'll ever walk straight again. But then again, if she was messing with me, she should've expected as much to happen. If I wasn't because of a helicopter crash, It'd be from a bedroom one."

"You don't sound too remorseful...Well I never liked her either so whatever." you drop the issue.

"Exactly. I thought Sophie was the right woman for me, but clearly that relationship was never going to work out. I actually got along better with a computer program than her." Landon explains.

"Oh, now that you bring that up, whatever happened to that thing, what was it's name? Rina?" you question.

"Risa and unfortunately, she was lost in the middle of combat, I could do nothing to bring her back." He answers.

"Oh, that sucks, but whatever, it was just a computer program, so I'm sure someone can just re-program it or something." You wave off.

It took the collective power of a team of over 300,000 master programmers just to get my program out of infancy stages. I'd like to see you go up to there faces and tell them 'just do it again' when you've never written a line of code in your life you yellow-haired monkey A cold feminime voice counters.

"Huh? Who just called me a monkey?" you ask.

Landon panics,"Cough! Cough! Whoa! How'd my voice get that high all of a sudden!? I didn't know I could do that!" He says.

"Wait, you were the one that called me a monkey?" you shoot him a glare.

"Uhhhh, I was-just doing my best Vanilla impression! What do you think, accurate right!?" he asks.

You nod your head, "Well, I do feel like Vanilla would call me a monkey, but that voice was far too robotic, sounded like some text-to-speech program. You should work on it." you critique.

Conclusion. With your primate brain, I imagine you cannot even operate a text-to-speech program, so you have no right to criticize. The voice insults again.

"Huh!?" you blurt out angrily.

"Oh man, I really don't know how I keep pulling it off! Hey! Don't you have anything to ask of Etheline!?" He questions.

"Oh right, Etheline, how are you holding?" you ask.

She's a little surprised when you switch to her, "Oh, I'm fine..." she answers.

"Are you?" you ask as you bring your face closer to hers.

"Ah!" She whimpers out.

"You still have a few bruises on your face...Plus everytime I look at you, you get a bit redder than before. You sure you're alright?" you ask.

"He's got you there deary, why are you so red in the face?" Landon asks with a smile.

"I-Im fine! I just a have got a fever from exerting myself too much in the fight! Yep, that's all!" She answers.

"Really?" you say as you reach out a hand and put it to her forehead and press your head against it, pulling your face right next to hers.

"Ah! What are you doing!?" She screams.

"I'm checking your temperature. And you're right, you're burning up! You really need rest." you conclude.

Landon laughs, "You're exactly right, why don't you tuck her in? I'm sure she'd love it."

Etheline looks ready to explode, "Be quiet Mr.Landon! Okay! Okay! I get it!, so can you-can you please, move away now..." She begs.

"Oh sorry." you say as you pull away.

She breathes a sigh of relief as you speak, "I can tell how hard you worked in that fight. It sucks that you had to fight against that psycho, it must've been so horrifying, that guy sometimes even scare me a little." you state.

She looks down at her hands, thoughtfulness in her expression, "Yeah...But in a way, I'm really glad we fought." She disagrees.

"Now why would say that?" you ask.

"Because we both learned something from each other." She answers

"Well, you way more than him I presume, considering he's still trying to kill your dad." you counter.

She scratches the back of her head, "Yeah...But even so, he came here thinking he had no other option but to hurt innocent people to make ends meet. That ends could justify the means. But by the end of the fight, he spared me." She explains.

"Well...Who's to say he didn't just do that cause he felt like he'd get too much heat from killing the a CEO's daughter?" you propose.

"Well, yeah...but, it felt like he wasn't at the point he'd care about stuff like that anymore. I got a clear look in his eyes, this revenge thing, it's...all he has left." She counter.

"I don't think he's doing all these cruel things because he's a bad person, I think he's doing them because he doesn't think he can do good anymore. He kept calling himself a disgusting monster, it felt more like he hated himself than me..." She explains.

You shake your head, "That doesn't excuse the fact he nearly blew you up, I don't know, 50 times?"

"Yeah, I mean...well, I guess you're right." She agrees.

"You look you wanna say something." you assess.

She looks perplexed, "I don't know how to say it, I know I can't just say he's really a good person deep down, but at the same time, it'd feel...wrong to say he's just an angry old man." She states.

"Well, you fought him, only you can really understand what you saw out there. I won't act like I know what you're feeling." You state.

"Yeah..." She agrees.

"Besides, I get the feeling we haven't seen the last of that tin-can. Maybe you can get your feelings across better the next time you see him. This time as a Hunter." You encourage.

She smiles again, "Yeah, right!"

"Speaking of which, how are you going to use that new license of yours deary?" Landon asks.

"Oh, well actually, that's a bit of a secret for now..." She answers.

"Oh come now, haven't we been together long enough to share a few secrets between each other?" He asks.

"Huh? We have?" Etheline asks.

"Oh...so my feelings were purely one-sided then..." Landon says, slipping into depression.

That tears at Etheline's heart-strings, "Don't pout so much...fine, since I trust the both of you, I'll tell you a little bit." She concedes.

"Really!?" Landon's eyes twinkle.

"You're like a selfish kid...oh whatever. I plan to use the money to start my own company." She answers.

"Your own company? Like the one your Dad has?" you ask.

"Kinda...If I'm going to stop my Dad from enacting his plans, I can't do it while still working under him. It's unfortunate, but the only way to stop a financial giant is with financial power. I'll use the money I get from the license to do just that." She explains.

"Daughter fighting Father in a war of economics to stop said Father from possibly destroying the world...Almost sounds like a Modern day Greek Epic." Landon admires.

"Let's hope it's one with all the death and incest taken out of it." you counter.

"So what kind of company is it, what exactly are you planning to do?" Landon asks.

"I can't tell you any of that, sorry. Just telling you I plan to start one may have honestly been too much..." She confesses.

"Well fine, I won't push the issue." Landon agrees.

"Hey, since Etheline was honest, how about you share something too?" you ask.

"Excuse me?" He questions.

"I mean, tell us, what are you going to do with the license?" you ask.

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He laughs in exasperation, "Well, that's just the thing, my reason's a bit of a secret too..." He answers.

You give him a disappointed look, "Oh so Etheline has to give her reason out but you get to keep yours? I see how it is." you pressure.

He sighs, "You can be rather heavy-handed when you want huh? Well fine, I'll share a bit too." He agrees.

"I plan on taking it back home and investing it in a pet project I have with some friends." he answers.

"Really? You know I never asked, where are you from?" You ask.

"Oh? Didn't I ever tell you? I'm from Ochima, I'm Dalamian." He answers.

"Dalam? You mean the same place Dainary comes from?" you ask.

"Yes, the land of Dragons and Dance, that's why I'm such a red-head." He explains.

"You two are nothing alike so I'd never guess...so what's this project about anyway?" you ask.

"Sorry, can't tell you." He answers.

"Whoa, when you said a bit you weren't kidding." You complain.

"Jeez, how much could you want? You can be rather insatiable huh~" He teases.

You cringe a little, "Well I mean, Working on a pet project could mean anything. Is it so wrong to ask for a bit more than that?"

"Trust me, that little bit I've told you was already too much. Anymore than that and I'll be betraying my friend's trust and they get very unhappy when that happens." He explains.

"What happens if they become unhappy? They'd knock you off the project or something?" you ask.

"Best case scenario, they'd never talk to me again and act like they'd never known me. Worst, you'll find my body floating down the nearest river." He answers.

That disturbs you, "Those are some hardcore friends man..."

"We're leading a very hardcore project. A single failure will mean death for all of us, so it's understandable if they take some drastic measures to make it succeed."

"Right..." you drop the subject.

BOOOOOOM!

Your talk is cut-off by the sudden roar of another resounding explosion from the speakers, this one more violent and weighty than any other before it.

“Whoa! It seems we’re entering match point now good applicants!” Sheldon screams in excitement as he brings your attention back over to the monitor.

“What the hell?” you ask as you see the battle has devolved into a terrifying climax.

The two fighters have made their way from the lavish dining hall into the lowest floors of the cruise ship in the course of their clashes, you can see the lasting battle damage on both of them.

Volt has been riddled with bullets all over, his arms and parts of legs drip with blood as he pants from a mix of pain and bloodloss.

Adolf is no better, if not even worse for wear, he’s been dotted like matrix paper with puncture wounds, he clutches his abdomen as blood soaks into his undershirt, he holds his grenade launcher up, but weakly and unsteadily and considering he seems to have lost his secondary firearm, it seems that he’s all but run out of extra guns to pull out now.

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But their injuries are far from the worse thing about their situation, it seems all the explosions and bullets, paired with the storm outside have brought the ship to its last legs.

Large holes open and up and begin to flood the hallway they stand in with waters reaching up to their ankles, it’s clear the ship is mere minutes away from sinking to the bottom of the cold black sea, with them on-board.

“I must applaud...Your tenacity braggart. You almost bite as hard as you bark.” You hear Volt taunt through the speaker.

“Oh give it a rest already would you, I’m sure we can both telling you’re putting a brave face right now.” In-spite of the clear pain in his voice, Adolf smiles triumphantly.

“....” Adolf says nothing back, he wouldn’t admit it, but it’s clear from one glance he isn’t nearly as spry as he was in the beginning, he’s half-hunched over from the pain and could use more than a hearty dose of stamina at the moment.

“You gave me quite a run-around. But just as nature decrees, swift as the hare may be, the wolf’s maw is always swifter. This is simply natural selection at work, don’t hate me, hate the process.” He declares.

Volt smiles, “The only thing I hate is the fact that you can still talk so much even with all those gut wounds. I guess I should’ve pierced your tongue if I wanted some peace and quiet.” He taunts.

Adolf grimaces for a moment before smiling again, “Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of peace and quiet in the Abgrund. Goodbye, partner.”

Those were Adolf’s sealing words as he fires his final shot from his grenade, flying the explosive payload right at Volt’s head.

Within the tight corridors of the lower decks, there’s no room to dodge, and Volt clearly lacks the stamina to run away, time seems to stretch to it’s slowest moments, it truly seems like the end for Volt.

That is with a final burst of energy he dashes forward and does the unthinkable.

He uses his rapier to stab the grenade.

BOOOOOOOOOM! A massive blast bellows out and the screen goes black.

“Huh? Huh!?” Ami blurts out in surprise.

“Hey yo what the hell!? We were just getting to the good part!” Bradford shouts out in frustration.

Sheldon fiddles and taps the remote to the TV, “I’m sorry good applicants, it seems we’ve lost the footage…” He informs.

“A-fucking-gain? Jesus Christ, you two shit-fer-brains are a lot of things, but I guess technicians ain’t one of them huh?!” Peachnia complains.

“It can’t be helped, it seems that blast destroyed the cameras in the area, we have no sound reception and there are no other cameras that have a clear view of the fight.” Ami explains.

“Meaning, that now all we can do is wait until the result is decided?” Dillion guesses.

“Unfortunately, yes. All we can do is send the rescue vehicles and hope the battle has ended by the time they arrive.” Sheldon confirms.

“Oh my god, another goddamn Cop out!? I swear, you two are cop-out kings! Always promising but never delivering! If I wanted my cock-teased this hard, I’d head to the local strip club!” Bradford Berates.

“Oh give us a break, it’s not like we shut the screen off on purpose! Blame the explosion-happy psychopaths who keep bringing grenades to sword-fights!” Ami counters.

“Give you a break? Give us a break! If you’re going to make us fight to the death, the least you can do is properly record the damn things!” Vanilla joins in.

The two them continue to chew the twins out over the mishap, you’re stuck gawking at the screen.

(Was that real…? Or did my eyes just play tricks on me?) you ask yourself in confusion.

In those final moment between the blast and the cut-off, you could’ve sworn you’d seen a some sort of book appear in Volt’s hand.

It all happened so quickly that you feel like it was just an illusion, but not only did you see what looked a book, you also saw the distinct glow of a mystical shroud of energy.

(Was that...Nen?) you question.

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Cough! Cough![/b] Goes Adolf as he fans away the smoke that's engulfed the area.

The hallway has gone dark with half the lights being blown off, the entire hallway was overcast with an eerie darkness.

This darkness invited flood, as a massive hole, opened up from that blast, pours water in like a faucet, flooding the hallway to near thigh-height.

And within those growing waters, Volt’s body lays underneath the water, his entire body submerged. Blood rising up from below, but no bubbles, no sign of breath, no sign of life.

Adolf smirks, “Oh what’s this? It’s so quiet all of a sudden. I wonder what’s wrong? ” He laughs as he walks up to Volt’s body.

He looks down at him, “You were a fool to challenge me. This could’ve ended in a friendly bout, but you just had to test my temper.” He wags his finger at him.

“As you can now surely tell, I’m not a man to be trifled with. Too bad you learned your lesson a few minutes too late. However, I am not with kindness...” He reaches down.

“I’ll do you the honor of giving you a burial back home. You don’t deserve to rot here at the bottom of the sea, well, what’s left of you anyway.” He laughs.

“I didn’t want to do this, I really didn’t. But this what happens to creatures that know not there place on the foodchain.” He taunts as he submerges his hand and grabs his collar.

SHING

“Huh?” Adolf whispers out as a trail of blood runs from his mouth to his chin.

He looks down to see Volt’s Rapier, lodged in his stomach, pushed so deep it comes out the other end of his back.

“What…?” He didn’t see the blade because his arm had covered it mid-grab, not quite understanding what’s happening, he falls to his knees and Volt rises to his feet.

“Ahhhhh…” Giving a relieved sigh as he flashes the water from his hair, blade still deep within Adolf's abdomen as he looks down at him.

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https://youtu.be/9MI4RXIogiI

“You know, the water’s surprisingly nice and refreshing once you get past the smell. I’d like to relax in it a bit longer, but I guess I have to deal with you first and foremost.” He says with a smile.

“You...You aren’t dead?” Adolf asks.

“No. But you are.” He says as he pulls the blade from his stomach, letting a stream of his blood flow out of him like he popped a hole in a water bottle.

“But...How? I hit you head on...I had killed you…” he says as he feels the life drain from him.

Drops of blood fall from Volt’s blade as he answers, “The one who doesn’t know his place on the foodchain is you dear Adolf. You think I led you to these bottom floors by chance? That you’d actually out-played me?”

“....Huh?” That’s when Adolf notices that Volt isn’t nearly as hurt as he was mere moments ago,
“You...you were faking...your injuries?” he asks.

“Oh? Yes, these wounds are no better than scratches to me. Surface level damage, however, they certainly look painful don’t they? I mean they tricked you into thinking you actually managed to wound me, so they must be convincing.” he asks.

“You had been acting...orchestrating this whole thing…?” he asks as he holds his head down in shame.

“Yes, unfortunately Adolf, this whole fight was just a show. One I had written up long in advance, you were my puppet the whole time, you just had yet to realize it.” Volt traces his rapier on the nape of Adolfs neck.

“I’ve been your plaything...the entire...time…” The sound of his heartbreak is palpable in his voice.

Volt moves his rapier up, below his chin and pulls head up with it, “Now don’t be too sad. Acting is a Siquaian specialty. If anything you should be proud, I’m just showing pride in our homeland by using my skills in deception to the fullest.” He answers

“....” Adolf is stunned silent.

“You were a puppet yes, but you were excellent one! You did your lines and played your act to perfection, everything went exactly to my direction with such accuracy I must praise your acting skill, you’re even better than I am!” He compliments.

“Stop...Please...Stop…”He begs as his voice becomes strained.

“I used you to make an entertaining show right until the end. So, I ask you, my dear puppet...Did you enjoy the show as much as I did?” He asks.

Tears fall from Adolf’s face, he feels the end approaching, “I...I just wanted to be asset to my country...I just wanted to do a service to a people that would make them proud…” he explains.

Volt places a finger to Adolf’s lips, “Hush now...No tears, there are no pride in tears. To die a hero’s death is die strong, proud and standing on both feet.” He lulls, soothing Adolf.

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SHING! That’s when he buries his sword into His throat, piercing it swiftly and precisely.

Adolf cannot even do so much as gasp, his lips quiver and open in an attempt to take in air, but his windpipe has been destroyed, torn apart in a single stab.

“It’s too bad you’re not the hero of this show. You’re just an extra. An annoying side character.” He declares as he stares into Adolf’s dying eyes.

“Your death is not a proud one, it’s pitiful. It’s not strong, it’s pathetic. And you have no right to stand on two feet when you’ve done nothing to earn the right! Terrible mob characters like you deserve to die while groveling on your knees!” He berates as he burrows the blade even deeper inside his throat, much rougher and violently this time.

“Your service will go unnoticed and you're death wasted! Your existence wasted. It’s laughable really, you’ll die an extra’s death! A mere background character dying a pointless off-screen death! No dignity! No Honor!” He taunts.

“You won’t even get your wish to be buried back home! This plot of mine doesn’t have time to include such a useless filler scene! So you’re going to find your grave at the bottom of the sea. Alone and without a single person caring for or remembering you!” Volt utterly shatters the tiny remains of his pride.

Those words are the final ones he hears, he finally stops moving a few seconds later, a look of absolute hopelessness and despair in his eyes.

You revel in his pain for a moment before you kick his body off your sword, letting the water sweep up his corpse.

You swish away his blood by slashing at the air, “And so ends your story. A terrible side plot for a terrible character. I’ve done this amazing world a favor by writing you off.” You say as you turn away, letting the flooding room wash his body into the ocean.

“Oh glory, and you got blood on my precious suit. Truly an annoyance to the very end…” Volt says as he removes his bloody, wet jacket, slings it over his shoulder and walks away.

"The hero's work is never done..." He laughs as he ascends from the flooding floor.

And that where we're stopping for the night. We restart tomorrow, at 2:00 PM EST.

I would start 12, but I have some appointments in the morning, so you'll have to bear with me.

I hope everything's been enjoyable so far, goodnight.

>>3495218
Hmm? Adolf seems to be quick to use a lot of literary terms such as "Mob" or "background character". This paired with the fact that he materializes a book gives a vague idea of what his power could be based around. Maybe he can see into the future of manipulate fate in the form of a story? I don't know. Based on his page on the character list he also seems to directly reference Jesus. If I had to guess the name of his power it would probably be "Word of God" or something along those lines as it references both Christianity and literature. Or I could be completely wrong and look like an idiot

I apologize for the phone posting. But these morning arrangements of mine are taking a lot longer than expected.

I should return in 2 or so hours, till then, have fun shit posting or something, give me your best reaction images.

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>>3496216
It's okay Rock-sama, we'll be waiting
Always waiting

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>>3496216
This is a personal favorite of mine

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>>3496247

>That text spoiler

Funny, I'm trying my best to move this finale along as quickly as possible considering I'm working on a limited time schedule.

I'm hoping this will take 3 days at most, I'm expecting it to possibly take 5. But no matter what, I'm bringing this first season to a close in this episode.

>>3496262

Nice O face

Saved

Here is my personal favorite, never before posted.

>Writing...

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“The fuck are you sitting round for? Get the hell out.” Demands the tall, gruff man with a half-shaven 5 o’clock shadow.

“Sorry, I don’t feel like moving right now. Kinda sleepy since it’s way past my bedtime.” you smirk, you know this will just get you more trouble, but you want to piss these guys off as much as you can.

You can feel your attempt is successful as The man roughly grabs your arm, “Well sorry, you either move now, or I put your ass to bed myself.” He says as he drags you out of the car.

After being roughly pulled out from the sedan, you look around and see a small carshop, it's lights the only one for miles out.

Time: February 6th, 1993, 1:33 AM

Location: Yorknew City, Top Xpeed Carshop

Inside the small garage, a half-finished, shoddy car repair job is left to the open air and rain to rust and decay. Much like all the other stacks of cars piled around the shop, making it hard to breathe in the strong diesel stink.

"The hell is this place? A junkyard?" You hear the voice of Austin as you look over and see him being held by a brutish guard as he examines the place.

"Nah, more than likely a chop-shop, considering the company that brought us here." Rickard suggests as well exits from the vehicle, he has two men on him, one to keep each hand down.

Xander Claps, "A good eye veteran. This is indeed one of our many fine business ventures. A nice quaint little car-shop we bought and put under our brand name, Top Xpeed!" He explains.

Austin laughs, "Whoa, that name almost sucks as much ass as you do." He insults.

That's when the guard at his back elbows him in the back of the head, "Hey! Watch your fucking mouth around the boss!" He shouts.

You're about to shout something at him, but Xander hushes him, "Now, now Unben. What did I tell you about violent outbursts like that? Did I look offended enough that you needed to hit him?" he asks.

He shakes his head, "No, of course not. Sorry boss." He apologizes.

"You should be saying that to me you fucking asshole..." Austin groans as he brings his head back up.

"Now, now let's be fair. Unben shouldn't have hit you, but maybe if you kept your mouth shut, no one would think of shutting it for you." He suggests.

"...." Austin says nothing back, he simply glares.

"See, so you can listen. Though I have to agree, a name like Top Xpeed is a tad tacky. Maybe it really does suck ass?" He wonders.

He shrugs his shoulder, "Well whatever, rebranding can wait until after we're done with our business here. Come on inside."

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He then enters the shop through the unclean, shoddy glass door with a welcome mat that you think has a piece of dog excrement stuck on it.

"Not like we have a damn choice..." Austin complains as you all follow him inside.

Ding-Dang Rings the knock off welcome chimes, off-tune and built either too long or too wide to work properly.

As you enter, you see Xander standing at the counter with a man behind it who has a belly that looks like he's drank his way through every brewery in the south and hasn't seen a shower since the last rainstorm.

Hit sits in a cheap metal folding chair, one that buckles and threatens to collapse under his weight as he balances on its two back legs and props his stubby legs up on the counter.

“Oh Nicky, you haven’t fallen asleep on me right?” Xander asks as he taps the man’s greasy jeans.

“Huh…? Just who in the fuck is waking me up? Ya wanna taste buck-shot faggot?” The man slurs drunkenly with a thick southern accent.

“I had a good dinner at home, so no thanks.” Despite the insults, Xander is totally unphased,

“Huh? That voice...aw shit! Boss!?” The man wakes up from his stupor as he realizes who he’s talking to.


He makes peace signs at him, “The one and only! Sorry to barge in on you Nicky.”

The man tucks his beer belly into his plaid shirt and tight jeans pants as he speaks, "’Sucse my rudeness boss! Didn’t mean to threaten ya like that! I’m real sorry!”

Xander smiles, “Thanks, but no need to be so apologetic. I’m suddenly breaking in after hours, so you’re understandable upset.”

“That’s no excuse boss! I called ya little faggot and even threatened to fill ya with lead! You just have to forgive me!” he begs.

He puts his hands up in exasperation, “Okay okay, you’re forgiven. I don’t mind the insult, I know you didn’t mean it.”

You give him a perplexed look, (Jesus Christ, he’s polite and nice it’s almost like he didn’t just get back from slaughtering a group of well over 100 people in cold blood.) you note.

He looks back over to you all with a smile, “Besides, I think our friends here have tasted enough lead for the night.”

(The way he can switch from kind-hearted patriarch to mass-murder-loving madman on a dime is fucking terrifying…) you realize.

The man eyes all three of you up and down, “Ah! These them, Special guests you had me prepare fer?”

"Indeed, I should probably introduce you all.” Xander states.

He gestures between the man and your group, “Okay you three, our friend here was christened with the name Redd Nicholas, or as he likes to be called, Red Nick.” He introduces.

“How ya doing ya’ll? Having a good evening?” he asks of you all.

You smile wryly, “Yeah, our night has just been fan-fucking-tastic.”

Xander wags his fingers, “Now now, no need to be rude, Red Nick here will be your friend for the duration of your stay here. Believe it or not, he’s actually a physician and surgeon, not to mention an excellent tattoo artist!” He explains.

Austin gives him a side-way glance, “Uh, are you fucking with us? The walking moonshine keg here knows medicine?” he asks.

“Hey now, that there sounds a little prejudice. You think just cause i’m from the country, that mean I don’t got no brains? Well, I’d expect nuthin less from a damn city boah, too rich and elite to know how the real world works.”

“Well sorry if I can’t believe you’re a doctor when you don’t even know what irony is, plus for someone who knows medicine, you look anything but healthy.” Austin counters.

“Hey now, just cause I make people healthy don’t mean I have to be healthy myself! Plus while I may be a healing man, I ain’t exactly certified enough to be called no doctor.” He explains.

“Not even certified...yeah, he’s fucking with us.” Austin shakes his head.

“Well who in sam hill says you need certification to be a good doctor? Listen, friend, I learned everything I know from my pap and he weren’t no college graduate or nuthin. And with the skills he gave me, I’ve saved more lives than I can count.” He counters.

“That almost sounds impressive, but something tells me you can’t count higher than 10.” Austin insults.

Nick smiles, “You got yerselves a couple a smartasses huh? I can see why ya brought’em here.” He says to Xander.

He laughs, “Well yes, do you want their names as well?” he asks.

“That depends, you giving these ones tombstones? Or should I go with the usual unmarked grave.” He asks.

“.....” A dark silence takes the room at his question.

Xander shakes his head, “No, no, we’re not killing these ones. No need for the grave...well, not yet anyway.”


“Oh, you’ll be requiring ma other services then?” Nick asks.

“Yes, I want to keep these ones around for a bit longer than usual. They’ll need to last at least a week this time.” Xander answers.

“Exactly what kind of services are you talking about?” Rickard finally speaks up, catching everyone’s eyes.

“Just what the hell have dragged all the way out here for? We already know you aren’t going to kill us, so just what are you playing at?” He asks.

Xander smiles deviously, “So impatient, don’t worry. You’re about to learn exactly why I brought you here. Nicky.”

“Yes boss?”

“Be a dear and open up the V.I.P Section for me will you?” He requests.

Nick looks excited, “Right away Boss.”

He hauls his massive self from his chair and fishes for a ring of keys under the counter.

"Ah! There you are you slippery shit." He curses as he finds the ring and turns around and bends over as he goes to unlock what seems to be a metal hatch behind him.

"Eugh..." Austin groans and rightfully so, as when he bends over, you get a heaping helping of his ass crack from behind.

"Goddamnit, can you at least turn me around Uoigo Boingo or whatever your name is?" Austin asks to no avail as he ignores him completely.

You'd like to ask the same thing, but you know you'll have the same luck, instead, you notice that while his butt cleavage is on full display, you also see a revolver hidden at the back of his pants.

You make a mental note of that as hr unlocks this hatch and moves aside to let Xander and you all to come and see what's beneath it.

"What the hell is this?" You question as he sees a rusty old ladder leading deep underground.

"Thank you for your help Nicky, I hope our intrusion doesn't ruin business for you." Xander says as he gets down and grabs unto the ladder.

"Ah hell, don't mean a thang. I don't got a single damn customer out here anyways. That truck you see out there is just mine that broke down the other day, been trying to fix the old thang, but I'mma need at least a week for her to work again." He explains.

"Really? Now that's terrible to hear. I'll make sure to send some money and men to help you speed things up. You always treat us so well even when we come uninvited." Xander offers.

"Right back at you bossman, you're the only thing keeping this business alive, what with you bringing guests like them along all the time." Nick states.

"And you're always willing to keep them in your home despite all the noise and even clean up after us when we're done, how could I not be thankful by bringing you as many guests as I can!" He exclaims.

A disgusting smile is painted across Nick’s face, "Course not, little noise and mess never bothered me anyways. 'Sides, not like you can hear em scream too well from down there." He laughs.

He laughs at that, "Right you are my good compairot, now then. Let's both get back to work..." Xander says as he descends into the dark hole below.

"Right bossman. You heard him fuckers, get a move on!" Redd Nick shouts at you as you're released from your handcuffs and pushed toward the ladder with guns at your back.

Austin looks down into the dark depths of the area below the hatch, it goes quite deep, he can’t even see the bottom, no matter how hard he stares at it.

“Get a fucking move on you shit kid.” Unben says as he pushes Austin again, nearly sending him falling into the hole.

“Whoa! Watch it asshole! Just what the hell’s down there anyway!? What are you bastards doing with us!?” He questions.

Unben pushes his head down, “Do I look like I’m in the mood for any fucking back-chat kid? Get the fuck moving before I have to push your ass down there!” He demands.

“......” Austin looks over to you, a look of resolution in his eyes as he opens and closes his mouth at you.

“Huh?” you whisper out as you don’t hear anything, but you understand that he’s trying to get you to read his lips.

This is a trick Rickard taught you in case you ever needed to communicate without speaking, in front of the enemy, you’re not too good at it, but you manage understand enough words to get the message.

Distraction With Rickard Escape.

Your eyes go wide as you realize what he’s planning, you attempt to mime words back at him to get him to stop, but it’s already too late.

Unben grabs Austin’s hair and pulls him back, “Hey you fucking retard, didn’t you hear me? Get the fuck down there!” He shouts.

“Oh fuck off dick-bat! I’m tired of your horse-shit!” Austin shouts back.

“What was that!?” he shouts as he pulls him closer, nearly tearing off his scalp in the process.

It’s then that Austin pushes two fingers into his eyes and breaks free from his grip, “Get fucked asshole!” Austin shouts as he tackles him to the ground and starts wrestling with him.

“You brat!” Unben shouts as he attempts to restrain him again.

One of the guards behind Rickard laughs, “Oh man, just gonna let that kid bully you Benny?” He asks.

The guard behind you laughs, “Man you look like a fucking pussy right now!”

“Shut the fuck up! I’ll quiet this brat down in a sec!” He complains.

“This brat is going to bite your head off if you try and hit me again!” Austin counters.

Everyone in the room laughs as Unben attempts to settle Austin, (Shit...Austin you idiot, you’re just going to make things worse for yourself like this…Why the hell is the only time you decide to get off your ass it’s to save mine?) You ask yourself.

(Damn it, I can’t be thinking about this, what do I do? Austin’s given me this chance, but if I screw this up, it won’t just be Austin’s ass that gets burned cause of it...)

What will you do?

>Try and Break free.

>Just wait for everything to settle down.

>>3496735
>>Try and Break free.
Don't waste our bro's sacrifice

>>3496783

>https://youtu.be/WUOtCLOXgm8

>Writing.

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You lean over to Rickard and speak, “Hey Ricky, shouldn’t we use this chance to run? We won’t get a chance like this twice… You whisper to him, your voice masked by the uproarious laughter and whooping.

“I know, this is Austin’s plan right? Good to know you two haven’t lost your fighting spirits. And that’s Colonel Rickard you disrespectful brat.” He answers.

“Who gives a damn? Look, I’ll knock out the guy behind me and distract the other two while you get his gun and take the rest out, that good with you?”

“As good as we’re gonna get in this situation. On 3 then. 1...2…” He looks back and readies himself as he’s about to finish his countdown.

“Don’t even try it City boah.” That’s when Nick’s voice cuts you off.

Everyone stops laughing and focuses on you both as he says that, “I heard you 3 think you’re a couple a badass’s er sumthin. If you’re gonna try and make a break fer it, don’t even try it.” He counters.

“Shit, you were planning on breaking out brat?” The guy behind you realizes and grabs you from behind, locking your arm.

“Grrr…” you groan as pain runs through your arm, (Shit, that bastards got good ears…) you shoot a glare at him.

“Don’t give me that look, I just saved yer ass.” He starts.

“Huh?” you blurt out.

“You think these idiots are all the boss has got to in terms of manpower? Nah, these lackies are just here to distract ya, give you the feeling you can escape, but the second you try to, the boss will call up his elite guard and by that point yer really fucked.” He explains.

“Hey man, who the hell are you calling a lackey?” One of the guards asks.

“Sorry friend, but it’s true, in comparison to the bad motherfuckers the Boss has back home, you’re nuthin special. Be honest, the boss has them on standby to go chasing after any run-aways don’t he?” Nick asks.

“Keep calling me an idiot and I’ll shoot your ass. But yeah, you’re right, boss said the big boys were to kill any runners on sight, they’re still patrolling the city as we speak and unlike us, they haven’t been told that you guys are off-limits.” He answers.

“Shit…” you complain as you begin to grasp the situation, he’s talking about the guys who attacked you back at the party.

(Those guys moved and fought like SWAT members, not even Rickard could take on too many of them…)

“See what I mean? Those guys have been been killing people longer than you’ve been breathing boah. The boss trusts those men to guard his mansion and his life and even after non-stop attacks from every other mafia in the state, not one of them has managed to take either.” He explains

“....” you say nothing in return.

THWACK! A dull, blunt thudding sound turns your attention to Austin again, who’s now face down on the ground while Unben holds his pistol in a reverse grip.

“Jesus fucking Christ kid, learn when the fuck to give up. If you get a headache from this later, you better not blame me…” Unben pants as he hauls Austin up on his shoulder and heads down the ladder.

“Goddamn this gonna be cramped thanks to you…” He complains as he descends below.

“Well there goes your friend, ain’t you gonna follow him?” The guy restraining your arm pushes you forward.

“Fuck…” you complain as you realize there’s no other way, you step down and head down the ladder, Rickard following soon after.

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>A long climb later…

Drip….drip….drip….drip… A grating soft drip of water falls from the stalactites above.

They slap against the half-rusted metal of the grate platforms at your feet, you stand in what looks like a cave, but mixed with metals which carve a path towards a light ahead, at the end of the tunnel.

You’re forced to walk through that tunnel and once on the other side, you see a strange prison, a circular jail with cells occupying almost every part of the cave walls, except for the 3 dark hallways that the platform you stand on splits off into.

As you walk towards the center of the grating, you notice a shining overhead light, like a ray of sent straight from heaven itself to brighten this dark corner of the earth.

Looking up, you see a grated hole above, the moon hangs high above, beaming light through the small hole you presume was opened up so even a little fresh air can get in.

Or perhaps so the foul smell that burns your nose as you walk forward can get out, for the deeper you head into this prison, the thicker the smell of blood gets.

(Jesus, what the fuck is terrible scent?) you wonder as you track the source awful scent to be coming from directly below you.

Below you is simply a pit, a dark, deep pit that looks as if it stretches to the very core of the earth, or maybe even deeper down.

While you can see nothing below, perhaps it’s the feeling of vertigo or the tenseness of the situation, but you feel this terrifying, stirring feeling in your stomach grow the longer you stare at the hole...

“Ah, you’ve arrived.” Your attention is re-focused at the center of the grating, just ahead of you.

Standing there, in this viscera-scented hell, basking in the moonlight is Xander, who seems to feel right at home in the place.

He notices your approach and grins, “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting.” He says to the entire group, however his eyes are locked with yours, he wanted to see your reaction most of all.

“.....” you say nothing, simply glare back at him.

“Sorry boss, this brat here acted up and I was forced to take drastic measures with him.” Unben says as he taps the unconscious Austin’s back.

“I figured as much, these 3 certainly wouldn’t have given me so much trouble for so long if they were willing to just roll over and let things happen to them. I expected resistance and must applaud your efforts.” He claps in delight.

(Goddamn what a douche…) you think.

“But, as expected, resistance was futile. Now I must welcome you to my special little holding area.” He says as he flashes a hand to the prison.

“This place is a Bunker from the days of the Bergosse war, built in case the war ever came back on home shores, but since things never got that bad, it was re-purposed half-way through the war to become a POW holding site, or in less technical terms, an underground prison. I like to call it The Pit of despair” He explains.

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You laugh, “Whoa, Austin was right, you do suck ass at naming things.”

He laughs back, “You may just be right, but this place’s name matters not, all that matters now is what we’re doing here.” He counters.

“Now, I hold no hatred for the U.S.Y, in-fact, I’m something of a patriot, God bless Yorbia." He puts his hand to his heart.

"But even I have to say what we did down here was terrible, it wasn’t simply some holding place for captured prisoners, it was also an interrogation site.” he continues.

“People, innocent, good people were put through the worst kinds of hell so the military any kind of information, no matter how small or irrelevant. And, well, let’s just say, there was a lot of hell and very little information.” He finishes.

(That explains why this place looks so old and rusted over...well, I’m guessing all of that dried red and brown stuff is rust...) you realize.

Xander pulls his hand back and looks to you, “But the history of this place is of no real importance to you all is it? All that matters that right now, this fine relic of history is mine now and I’m using for a much more righteous purpose. The punishment of disgusting monsters.” He states.

You laugh, “Yeah, because everything you do is righteous. You’re definitely not among the disgusting monsters you hate so much.” you counter.

“It takes one to know one friend. Besides, the people I’ve taken down here are those who’ve committed deeds most unforgivable. Rapists, pedophiles, thieves, organ traffickers, sex slave traders, robbers…” He lists.

He glares at you, “And worst of all, murderers.”

“....You can look at me like that all day, but aren’t you a murderer yourself?” you ask.

“No actually. I’m not.” He answers.

“Really? You’re not a murderer?” you ask, disbelief clear in your voice.

“Yes, for to be a murderer is to take lives of humans. I’ve never killed a human before.” He answers as he clenches his fist with a look of violent anger on his face.

“I’ve only ever killed demons, unsightly, disgusting beings that wear human skin but hold no human heart. Monsters that destroy life without a second thought and make others suffer for pleasure and satisfaction.” He explains.

“Such things can’t be called humans, so no, I’ve never killed a human in my life. I love humans after-all.” He states.

“You act lot like the demons you hate so much. Aren’t you just as much of a monster as anyone you’ve killed?” you counter.

“I can’t dispute that, but know this, to kill a monster is to be a monster. And while I’d hate to hurt a human, I aspire to be the monster that leaves every monster quaking and shivering with fear. I am the demon that makes over demons wish they were human.” He explains with a dark smile.

(He’s completely off his fucking rocker…) You realize.

He clenches his fist, “Well, that’s enough chatting about morality, how about we get down to business now?” As he points down the path a large cell at the end of the path

“How about we move somewhere a little more comfortable? All this standing around must be getting tiresome.” He states.

“Right boss.” All the guards say as they drag you towards the cell furthest back.

CLUNK! The metallic thudding of the cell door closing behind you really starts to make the trapping feeling of this place sink in.

You look at the walls, the room is completely empty, no bed, no windows, the only thing that looks like a toilet in the room appears to be a bucket in the corner right out of eyeshot.

Aside from that, the only thing that adorns the dark, tight, empty room is sets of chains attached to the wall, more resembling a medieval dungeon than a modern prison cell.

Before anything else, Austin is carried over to the wall, set down against it, before Unben takes the rusty, but sturdy chains and clamps him into them.

The other guards do the same to you and Rickard, your arms feel like they’re being squeezed extra-tight, almost to the point of blood flow being cut off from them, the cutting feeling of rust against them is also extremely unpleasant.

But most unpleasant of all is the smirk on Xander’s face as he looks down on all 3 of you, satisfied.

“Now isn’t that much more comfortable than standing? I hope it is, because you 3 will be spending a long time sitting there until I say otherwise.” He explains.

“So what’s the plan here? Just lock us up? Forever? Keep us underground so we can never see the light day again or something?” Rickard questions.

Xander shakes his head, “Of course not, that’s by far the most boring thing I could do. Besides, if I just left you here, give you 3 weeks, maybe a month tops and you’ll break out and be a thorn in my side again.” He explains.

He crouches down and speaks, “No, we’re going to have some fun. I was told not to kill you, but that’s it, that’s the only part of the deal I have to abide by. Otherwise I’m free to do whatever I want with you all.”

“Are you going to torture us?” Rickard asks.

He laughs, “Torture you? You make it sound so barbaric...no, I’m going to break you.” He answers.

He clenches his fist, “I’m going to spend these next few days completely destroying your spirits. I’ll kill your hearts, break your souls, leaving only the body, an empty, husk waiting for death. I shall show you fates far worse than simply dying.” he promises.

“.....” Rickard Goes quiet.

He unclenches his fist, “Oh come now, no reaction? No Oh you’ll never break us you dastardly monster! or All our dead friends will come and save us!. Those are usually everyone’s go too’s in this situation.”

“I won’t give you a damn thing to feed off you sadistic rat. Just do whatever the hell you want and screw off.” Rickard answers.

Xander smiles, “So hearty...so strong...so...Unbreakable."

"That’s what you are Rickard Biterad. An unbreakable man. Like the concept of Fortitude made manifest. No physical injury can break you. No mental torture can destroy you.” He compliments.

“I admire that, if things were a little I’d ask you to join my side. But since I can’t do that, I want to show my appreciation for you strength some other way….Oh! I know!” A lightblub flashes on in his head.

“How about a challenge? One I just know you’ll be able to conquer.” He proposes.

“Fuck off. I won’t play your game.” Rickard answers.

He wags his finger, “Ah, ah, Ah! I never said game, the time for games is over. This is a challenge, one that if you conquer, I’ll happily grant you freedom, all of you that is.” He explains.

Rickard looks up, “What’d you say?” he asks.

Xander smiles, “Now I’ve got your interests? Good, I want to test just how fortitudinous you really are.”

He puts up 3 fingers, “3 days. Endure 3 days of torture without ever making a sound. Not a peep, not even a small grunt or whimper. Accomplish this and I’ll let all 3 of you walk away free and forget all of your previous transgressions.”

Gasps reverb throughout the room, “Boss! What are you thinking!?” One man shouts.

“Complete freedom? You’re just letting them go!?” Another one shouts.

“....” you can’t believe your ears, a glimmer of hope has shown itself to you, (Is he serious? Will he really just let us go…?) you wonder.

Unben rushes up to Xander side and speaks, “B-Boss are you sure!? After everything these shit-bags did!? You can’t just-”

Xander puts up a hand, “Trust me Unben. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

“....” He and the rest of the men shut up just like that.

He turns back to Rickard, “Well? Do we have a deal?” He asks.

“.....”Rickard is silent

What will you say?

>Don’t do it Ricky, it has to be some kind of trap.

>Ricky, I know you’re tough enough to survive anything he does, do it.

>Remain silent.

>>3496939
>I have no doubt he'll be good on his word, he's just going to make it so you winning is as bad if not worse than you losing. He's going to stab us with Morton's fork, so that any choice we make just breaks us that much more. He wants to be the Devil, his deals are not worth taking.


Irc he's probably going to go after the little girl and torture her, the only way to save her being the dad speaking up.

>>3496967

I'm going to guess this is a more calm and rational version of:

>Don't do it

And go with it.

>Writing...

You glare at Xander as you speak up, “Don’t do it Ricky. It has to be some sort of trap, he’d never give us a chance like this, so freely.” You counter.

He smiles at you, "Ohhh? And what proof do you have of that?" He asks.

"Well, even if you do stick by your word, there's no way you would let us out of here without sticking it to us somehow." you start.

"I don't know how, but you'll twist this in some way to make us suffer even if we do get our freedom. There's no way you'd get us a way out so easily." You counter.

He laughs, "An apt guess.However, does it really matter whether I have a trick up my sleeve or not?" He asks.

"Yeah,I think it does." You answer.

"Well you think so, but in this situation, if you're willing to acknowledge that my deal has the chance to let you go free, than you have no choice but to take it." He explains.

"Why?" you ask.

He narrows his eyes at you and smiles, "For the alternative is becoming my playthings until I become bored of you." He answers.

"....." You go quiet.

"And just because you think so doesn't mean your friend's feel the same. Isn't that right, Rickard?" He asks.


“.....” Rickard remains indecisive.

“Ricky…I'm telling you don't...” you groan out.

"And I'm telling you do." Xander counters.

He bites his lip, “Shit...Fine. I’ll do it.” He agrees.

“Ricky!” you shout.

Xander’s smile goes from ear to ear, “Perfect. Why don’t we get started right away then! The clock starts now.”

Xander spins his hand around in the air, all the men around him then free Rickard from his Chains and haul him upwards.

“Take him to Section A brothers. Don’t go easy on him, really test that will of his alright?” He says as the men haul Rickard out of the cell.

He then looks back to you with a smile, “Well would you look at that Derrick. Your situations not nearly as hopeless as you thought. I’ll leave you and your boyfriend here alone while I play with Ricky.” He taunts.

“You better keep your promise! I won’t forgive you if you’re just fucking with us!” you counter.

“I doubt you’d forgive me even did just let you go. But don’t worry, I’m a man of my word, as long as he doesn’t make a sound, you’ll all be let free to go. I won’t turn around and trick you, or betray your trust.” He explains as he turns around walks out of here.

Just before he leaves, he looks back to you with a smile, “Nick will be bringing you food later. I hope you enjoy your stay here in this fine abode of ours, we’re always happy for more guests.” He says as he exits the room.

(...More guests?) you’re left questioning as your first day in this hell comes to an end.

Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 10:32 PM. Nighttime

Location: Renpiri Region, Sunnyside City, BeanBuddy Cafe

https://youtu.be/6p6PcFFUm5I

“I’m truly sorry, I could nothing to save him…” Volt says with a broken-hearted look on his face.

“....” The whole room is silent in receiving the news that it’s finally happened, the first death, the first casualty of the final test of the Hunter Exam.

“Told you guys it was on it’s way!” Ami breaks the silence with a gloat.

“Holy fucking shit you sadistic bitch. We haven’t even had a moment of silence for the bastard yet and you’re already cracking jokes!”

“Well sorry my loud friend, but we don’t have a moment to be silent. It’s onto the next battle! Hopefully this one will be death free!” Sheldon say as he brandishes his laptop.

“Good god, the man’s body hasn’t even gotten cold yet and we’re going to keep fighting.” Vanilla complains.

“Why are you acting so hurt? I thought you wanted one of them to drop dead.” Peachnia asks.

“You’re damn right I did, mainly cause I thought that meant we’d get an hour’s break or something but it’s only made the fight’s come faster.” Vanilla states.

Peachnia looks a little disturbed, “Damn, you’re a cold bitch. But then again, I guess no one really cared for the bastard anyhow, so whatever.”

“Even if nobody liked him, just brushing his death off like nothing is cruel!” Etheline counters.

She turns to Volt, “Um, Mr.Jaeger correct?” She asks.

He smiles, “You can just call me Volt.” he answers.

“Okay, Volt, how did it uh...happen? If you don’t mind me asking.” She questions.

“Excuse me?” He asks back.

“Ah! Well, in the final bit of footage we have, most us were sure that you were the one that got hurt or worse and now we’re learning that it was actually Adolf, it’s just strange is all…” she asks.

He cranes his head at her, “Do you believe I had something to do with it?” he asks.

She shakes her hands rapidly, “What!? No, I’d never say that, I know that he was your friend, so there’s no way you’d kill him or something! It’s just that well, it’s confusing and you must have seen what happened so…” She trails off.

File: Volt Jaeger04.png (581 KB, 1024x575)

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Volt laughs, “Don’t be so tense, the suspicion natural. I’d be asking the same question in your position.” He soothes.

He looks down with a forlorn look in his eye, “It pains me to re-collect, but in those final moments, I managed to dodge his grenade, but the ensuing damage to the ship was too great.” He explains.
“He was...swept away by the tide, it all happened so quickly, I didn’t even have time to try and help him…” He explains.

Etheline looks distraught, “That’s..that’s so terrible...I’m sorry sorry, I never should have asked…” She regrets.

“....” You can’t help but listen to the whole talk from here, your thoughts brewing due to his words,

(Is that really what happened? I mean, it’s possible but...That book I saw, it’s still bothering me...) you think.

(Plus, there’s just this feeling in my gut when I hear him talk, it’s the same one I had when I talked to Nicholas back at city hall…) you remember.

What will you do?

>Call him out

>Remain silent.

>>3497059
>>Call him out
He's the most suspicious fucker ever

>>3497059
>>Call him out

>>3497123

>#Voltexposed, #Friendmurderer, #Itwasjustaprankbro, #loljkthatguydesveredit.

>Writing.

File: Noell Cromwell36.jpg (33 KB, 736x544)

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“Hey, uh, Volt right?” You call out to him.

“Hm? Yes?” he asks.

“Are you being 100% honest right now?” you ask.

He gives you a confused look, “Excuse me?” he asks back.

“That story you just told, did it really happen just like that? There was nothing else that went on?” you ask.

“What else could have went on exactly? What are you implying?” He asks.

“I’m not implying anything, I’m just asking because your story feels like it’s lacking a few details.” you counter.

“And how exactly would you know that? Were you there? Did you witness anything?” he asks.

That puts you off, “Well…”

(I can’t exactly bring up the book, no one else saw it, I’m not even sure if I saw it and even if it was there, he’d probably just deny it...) you realize.

“No, but he’s right to question you.” Noell cuts-in.

Three of you look over to him who has a scowl painted on his face as he listens in, “Tell me Owl, is that really how things transpired? You were fast enough to dodge an almost point-blank explosion, but slow enough not to save someone who was being swept away by the tides?” He questions.

He shrugs his shoulders, “Fortune favors the brave and dooms the reckless. I might have been able to save him if I really rushed, but then I might also have been eaten by the rushing tides as well. I really couldn’t do anything.” He answers.

Noell gives a scrutinizing look, “For someone who’s grieving over a friend who just died, you’re rather nonchalant and composed, almost like it has nothing to do with you.” He counters.

“I know how I may look prince, but know this, we Owls believe tears over the death of a comrade is meaningless, they do nothing to change the reality of the situation, so instead, we fight forward and forge a path in their name. Our grief be silent, so it must be our actions that speak for us.” He explains.

Noell shakes his head, “Excellent speech, your postulation skills are far from lacking, but your sense of empathy could you a little work. I don’t believe for a second that your grief is real, silent or not.” He counters.

Volt holds his hand out in exasperation, “Just what will get you to believe me? Must I break down and weep before you? Would that satisfy your suspicion?” he asks.

“You could fall into a sobbing, sniveling mess and I would be no closer to to believing you, An Acting is an Owl’s specialty after-all, every tear you’d shed would be done in jest and I am not in the mood to be joked with.” He answers.

He sighs, “I’m sorry, but I think that’s just your prejudice speaking, if even crying won’t satisfy you, what will?” he asks.

“The truth.” Noell answers.

“I’ve already given you the truth, you just refuse to accept it.” He counters.

“Sorry, but I doubt much of anything you say is the truth.” He argues.

The tension between the two is beginning to boil over, noticing this, Etheline butts in, “Uh, Noell I know things seem a little rocky with Volt’s story and we’re all on edge after Adolf’s death but even so…”

“Even so what? What do you want?” Noell asks with a tinge of anger.

Etheline is little frightened, “E-Even so, we can’t start fighting over it, I don’t know why you’re so doubtful, but I’m sure Volt is hurting the most out of all of his here! Not only did his friend just die, but he had to personally witness it too!” She explains.

“Something tells me he had a personal hand in it too.” Noell accuses.

Volt’s eyes narrow, “Well now, that’s a massive claim you’ve made there oh so casually young prince, I assume you have evidence to back it up?” He asks.

“Unfortunately not. All footage of the event has been wiped and the only account of the death we have is from you. Both things that very conveniently work out to mean you can craft any narrative you want about our late friend’s demise.” He answers.

“Nice conjecture, but it lacks substance. If I’m the only verifiable witness, than only my word has weight in the matter. No one can say I’m lying or absenting details, If anything, it is you who is spreading lies and slander about me.” Volt counters.

Before Noell has a chance to respond, Dainary hefts up her spear again, this time tied up much more strongly as she speaks, “Watch your word knave before I start watching them for you.” She threatens.

Volt stares at the speak tip, “I ask that you remove this from my face. Now.” He orders.

“I take no orders from you.” She counters.

“Young prince? Can you not see your subordinate is threatening an innocent man?” Volt asks of Noell.

“No, I see nothing of the sort, after all, the man before me is anything but innocent.” Noell counters.

“Young prince…” Volt is clearly getting frustrated.

“Owl, surely you know the unsanctioned killing of a partner in a duel is an act punishable by death back home correct? This may be foreign soil, but my judicial powers as prince extend universally.” He explains.

“Young prince, I ask that you please stop here while this can all just be brushed off as a bad joke. Would you have me beg for mercy?” He asks.

“Why not? I imagine your partner Adolf had to do much the same before you killed him.” Noell answers.

“.....” Volt goes silent as the spear inches closer to his face.

(This is getting dicey, I should probably do something…)

What will you do?

>Go over and grab the spear.

>Tell Noell to just give it up

>Let it sort itself out.

>>3497186
>I Assume that the twins have the entire thing up to feed loss on playback, yes? There's something I want to double check, I think I saw something that MIGHT illuminate the situation. I could be wrong however. To that point I'd be willing to pay the twins for the trouble of going over the footage.

>>3497204
as an explanation, something about this stinks, and stinks a lot, but we can use the playback to bring things into question or clear him. play the peacemaker, but have your self ready just in case things turn violent.

>>3497204
This. If he honestly thinks he's innocent then there shouldn't be a problem

I'm assuming the book had to be conjured, right? Meaning that everybody can see it, even non-Nen users

>>3497204
>>3497209

I'm willing to write this up, but just as a pre-caution, I'm going to inform you that if you go with something like this, you might have to reveal the fact that you have Nen to some people, because the only portion of the video that Derrick can see that everyone else can't is the book Volt had.

That something everyone willing to risk?

>>3497223
Let's keep that trump card. How about we just tell Noell to back down

>>3497209
>>3497222

Should I take it you two are willing to take the risk?

>>3497223
Is it not Conjured? Everyone should be able to see it in that case

Then I'll just tell Noelle to drop it, we don't need anymore bloodshed

>>3497229
>>3497259

>Just back down for now.

>Writing.

File: Volt Jaeger03.png (686 KB, 1000x1396)

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(Things are getting tense, but I can't say I'm not with them. That book I saw...there's no way it was any ordinary book.) you realize.

(But, did anyone else see it? If they did, why didn't they speak up? If I'm right...) you look over to Landon who's fallen asleep in his rope cocoon, then to Vanilla who's playing with her drink as she watches all this unfold.

(Those two should also be Nen users right? That means they also saw it yet said nothing, why is that?) you wonder.

(Is because there's no point in bringing it up? Or would that be revealing too much? Damn it! No matter how I look at it, I don't know enough about Nen to even realize what he did, or catch him on it without revealing I know it myself...) you realize.

"If you don't confess to your crimes now, your punishment will be a slow and painful one." Daniary threatens.

"The only slow and painful thing here is your brain. I have done nothing wrong, you can't prove anything." He states.

"Are you sure of that? If memory serves right, I think I saw something strange in that recording." Noell states.

"Something strange?" Volt questions.

"I believe it was a book of some kind...brown and had all kinds of engravings on it." Noell states.

(So Noell saw it too! Does that mean I can bring it up?) you wonder.

"I saw you grasping that book just before the footage cut-off, mind explaining that?" he asks.

He gives him a side-ways glance, "A book...Yes, I very well may have had such a thing on me. But what does it matter?" he asks.

"Huh?" Noell blurts out.

"I was carrying that book for reading in my coat and since I was cornered, I used it in a last-ditch effort plan to block my face before the blast could hit me head on." He explains.

"You used a book as a shield? Really?" Noell says, clearly in disbelief.

He shrugs, "Well clearly it worked didn't it? My face remains perfectly clear. Once again, once the camera footage was cut-off, no one but me could tell you what happened. So you'll just have to take my word on this."

(Shit...even if I bring up the book, he can spin up bullshit and we have to take it. He was the only witness to his own crimes, so there's no way to catch him in a lie when only he knows the truth.) you realize.

"Words so idiotic I find them hard to even listen to. You're telling me to take them?" He asks.

"Yes. For there are no others to take are there?" he asks back.

Noell narrows his eyes at him, "...Where is this book now? Can you produce it?" he asks.

He shakes his head, "I cannot. It was lost in the blast, A shame, it was such a good read as well..." he complains.

"....." Noell goes quiet.

"Shall I take his head Prince?" Dainary asks.

"Hmmm..." Noell quietly considers.

"Leave it Noell." You finally speak.

He looks over to you, "I know how you feel, but there's nothing we can do. Just...leave it." you ask.

"...Release him." Noell orders of Dainary.

File: Noell Cromwell31.png (375 KB, 600x600)

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She lowers her spear, "A wise choice my prince." he says with a bow.

"Fortune favors you Owl." Noell states.

"Yes. She is an oh so kind mistress of mine." He says as he walks away.

Noell glares dagger at him as he walks away, he then turns to face you, "Why'd you aid him? Do you believe in his innocence?" He asks of you.

"Hell no. He's 100% guilty." You answer.

"So why didn't you aid me?" he asks.

"We can't prove anything yet. As far as everyone is concerned he's innocent. And you can't kill an innocent man." You answer.

"You say that but he killed an innocent man himself." He counters.

"Yes young master. But if you can't prove his guilty, taking his head may prove a national incident." Flourette chimes in.

Noell looks to her, "He's S.I.S.F, he has privileges equal to that of a international diplomat. If we were to execute him publicly, we might just have a war on our hands." She explains.

Noell grits his teeth, "This is precisely why I can't stand politics. I see a man gulity of murder stand before me and because of his standing, I'm obligated to nod and shake the hands he just used to take life. What trash..."

>What will you say?

>Don't worry, Justice will come soon enough, we'll make sure of it.

>Just calm down for now, nothing we can do.

>Remain silent.

>>3497308
>That's all the more reason why you got to be the next king. Never forget that

>>3497308
>>Don't worry, Justice will come soon enough, we'll make sure of it.

>>3497317
>>3497337

>Become King and his head's yours.

>Writing.

File: 7th Fight (Vanilla VS Pea(...).jpg (665 KB, 1280x720)

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"Well that's what you're fighting for the throne to change right? Just make sure you put assholes like that in their place when you take the seat." You soothe.

Dainary nods, "The westerner speaks sense your majesty. He may escape now, but we will surely have his head in due time." She assures.

Noell calms down a little, but still looks belligerent, "Yes but it's still over 2 months before I'll even have a chance to to take my proper place and I'll be competing against lying, back-stabbing scum like that for the throne." he complains.

"Again your majesty, we can do nothing about it, so just drop the issue." Flourette reminds.

"Nothing publicly, but perhaps if I lure him in a secluded spot and did it privately, it wouldn't be such a major incident..." He threatens.

"Nope, that's not allowed either." The twins interject suddenly.

"You were both listening in?" Noell asks.

"We see everything, We hear everything. We are everything." They answers.

"No wonder why everything's so terrible." He insults.

“Come on now, how many times do we have to remind you, any and all conflicts are kept inside the arena, any outside fighting can lead to disqualification.” Sheldon shakes his head.

“That’s true for everyone, but what of me? Me and the Owl are both Hunters now, so surely we can fight if we wish.” Noell counters.

“Yes. Though two things to note, while fights to the death between hunters aren’t prohibited, they are heavily frowned upon and in some cases are grounds to lose your license, so don’t attack go attacking someone over something you can’t prove.” Ami explains.

“Secondly, if you must kill each other, at least wait until we’re done making everyone else kill each other first! We’re kinda on the clock here!” Sheldon demands.

“...Tch!” Noell reluctantly leans back and gives up.

“Thank you my edgy friend.” Ami states.

“Yes, calm down, smell some flowers, enjoy the atmosphere...In the meanwhile, we're going to have another deathmatch!” Sheldon taps a button on his laptop, causing the roulette to spin again.

“Onto Round 7! Strap in boys and girls!” Ami exclaims.

The roulette quickly comes to a halt, must be much faster to decide results as they’re are less than 10 choices to pick from anymore.

“Ahhhhhhhh fuck!” Vanilla and Pecahnia say in unison as they see their faces pop up on the screen.

“Thaaaaaats right friends! Our next showdown is between the two extra mean and spicy ladies! Now is the time to find out which of these two is the meanest girl in the whole Exam!” Sheldon announces.

File: Peachnia Adamns02.jpg (108 KB, 777x1029)

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“But first! Let’s introduce these two fine femme fatales! On the left! We have Vanilla ‘Psycho Cyclops’ Clayton!” She calls out.

You see a twitch in Vanilla’s good eye, “I’ll show you psycho alright you fuckers. Call me that again and I won’t be the only cyclops here!” She threatens.

“As you can see, her tendency to violence makes her one of the deadliest and scariest girls in all of the Exam! Born during the war-time period of Bergosse, her home has been the battlefield ever since she could recite her ABC’s! She’s an expert in every form of firearm, due in part to the fact that she happens to make and distribute them for a living” Ami explains.

Bradford looks perturbed, “Holy hell, you’re a arms dealer?” He asks of Vanilla.

“Up,up, I don’t go by arms dealer, seedy titles like that are bad for business, I prefer the title Illegal Firearm Marketing Specialist.” She answers.

“You can call yourself whatever fancy title you like, I don’t give a damn! You sell boomsticks for a living!?” He questions.

“Yeah, you got a problem with that? Want a boomstick for yourself?” she asks.

“....What kind you selling?” Bradford asks.

“Hey you two! Save the back-alley deals for when you’re an actual back alley! Instead of that let’s talk about a lady who does most of her deals in a back-alley! And has probably broken her fair-share of knee-caps in them as well!” Sheldon points to Peachnia.

“This bad girl goes by Peachnia Big B Bozo Adamns!” He introduces.

“Oh hahaha. More goddamn clown jokes, the only fucking clowns here are all you assholes who keep making them!” She insults.

“What’s the B stand for?” Vanilla questions.

“Well, I’d tell you, but I like to keeps things family-friendly, but let’s just the both of you are huge B’s!” He answers.

“Huge bees!? Where!? I’m allergic!” Bradford shouts.

Everyone ignores him as Sheldon continues, “She’s the leader of her own gang! A rag-tag bunch of misfits and degenerates that go by the terrifying name...uhhhh...what was it again?” Sheldon loses track of his speech.

“Are you fucking joking? You don’t even remember my gang’s name? We’re goddamn infamous!” Pecahnia complains.

“No! I remember! It’s uhhhh...Insane Clown Posse?” He guesses.

SMASH! The wood where Sheldon was just standing cracks open as a baseball bat creates a gaping hole in the floor.

“Not even close you dumb motherfucker!! It’s Big League Bangers!!! We’re one of the most feared, violent gangs in Yorbia!! What kind of dumbass name even is Insane Clown Posse!?” She counters.

“Well, in my opinion, it’s more catchy and way more fitting than Big league whatever. With all that clown make-up you’ve got on, I’m surprised you don’t lead some carnie troupe called Clown World or something. ” Sheldon appears from behind her back and counters.

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“You piece of shit, wanna say that again?” She asks.

“Not particularly.” He points to the hole in the floor she’s made, “But I will say that you’re paying for that.” He smiles.

WHOOOSH! Peachnia swings at air as she tries to take his head off with a large bat swing.

“You’re dead meat asshole!” She screams as she begins to chase a laughing Sheldon across the room.

Ami takes the mic, “Her extreme proclivity to a violent rage is only matched by her will to act on it! Unlike her highly versatile opponent, Peachy there only knows how to use one tool! Her bat and she knows it well!”

“This club-swinging psycho brings that stick with her everywhere! Fist-fights! Knife-fights! She’s even sleeps with thing at night like a teddy bear!” Sheldon flashes a picture of Peachnia’s drooling face as she snuggles with the baseball bat.

Pecahnia blushes, “H-How in the hell did take that picture! I swear I’ll ice your ass!” Pecahnia’s swings become much more wild as Sheldon dodges each one with ease.

Ami rushes over to the laptop from before, she braces right behind it, “But the real question is, how will our clown princess of crime fare in a gun-fight against a master gun artist!?” She shouts.

Sheldon continues to dodge away until he reaches the table, he then does a backward’s flip, spring his legs outwards as he flies over the laptop.

“Let’s find out!” He shouts as he slams the enter key and the areas start cycling on the screen.

Once again, the results come almost instantly, as the image of a sunken structure come into view, underwater wreckage, soaking in the deepest, darkest, blackets regions of the sea.

Everyone, even the rampaging Peachnia stop to examine it, “What’s that creepy-ass looking place? A pile of floating scarp metal” Vanilla asks.

Sheldon emerges from behind the table, “Disrespectful way of looking at it, but not incorrect. This undersea wreckage is all that remains of an submarine that was lost at sea for 6 months.” He starts.

“That is, until found a few weeks ago in this state. As you can see, a terrible disaster befell it. Killing all her crew members and dooming her to the bottom of the ocean.” Ami explains.

“A submarine? Is it really? It’s a little hard to tell what is since it’s broken apart, who could’ve done damage like that too it? ” you ask.

“Not who my blonde friend. What is the right question to be asking.” Sheldon corrects.

“The disaster that befell this unfortunate vessel was a natural one. On a deep-sea scouting mission, she went a bit too deep into particularly deadly magic beast’s territory and was torn apart from the inside out. Left as nothing more than a giant, floating metal coffin.” Ami explains.

“And this underwater tomb will be your next battleground friends. Don’t worry about flooding, we cleared the place for use combat use, well, for the most part.” Sheldon states.

“Now wait a damn second. What’s the catch? There’s no way that place is just some empty sub, what’d you do to it?” Vanilla asks.

They both shake their heads, “We’ve done nothing but clear the place of water, anything else you encounter down there-” Ami hits the enter key again, bringing up another image on the screen.

“Is just one of nature's many terrible gifts.” They say in unison as you all pull back in repulsion as you see some of digusting beast come up on screen.

“Jesus Christ...we’re going to be fighting with a freak like that in there with us?” Peachnia cringes in fear.

They laugh, “Good luck.” They say as the two get shipped off to battle.

And that's where I'm stopping for tonight!

Making steady progress, my dream of finishing this within a somewhat timely manner draws ever closer...

Also, in case it, bothers anyone, I apologize for how text heavy this thread is. As I previously stated last thread, this was not meant to be the season finale, but due to time constraints, I can't give every fight in the tourament the amount of detail and attention as I have the others.

But even so, I'm trying my best to deliver the most important details of each fight instead of skipping right over them, many of these character were literal who's (Including a character's who's name is literally who) but I hope to show that each of them have at least, some level of depth and importance to the story.

I wouldn't include if they didn't have at least, some kind of purpose after-all.

Anyway, goodnight for now...

>>3497426
No, you're fine. I don't mind the text walls all that much, you make them entertaining enough so that it doesn't feel like a slog to read.

Deepest apologies anons, I'll be running late again today, as I said previously, my life is a hectic mess right now and it was hard even finding these few days to run properly, interruptions like these are unfortunately going to be regular.

So if you'll bare with me, I should be back in 3 or so hours (Hopefully).

I'll post as soon as I return, so please wait...(warmly).

>>3497934
Do you think you'll be able to complete everything in time at this rate? We have 3 fights to go before we get to Derrick's and quite a bit more backstory I assume

>>3498414

Not absolutely everything all at once, but I'm confident I can get the important parts out within the next two days at least.

I may just end up splitting this episode in 2 parts though, but in the case that happens, won't take me more than 3 days to ready myself.

Anyway...

>Continuing...

Time: February 7th, 1993, [Time of Day Unknown]

Location: Yorknew City, The Pit of Despair

Thwack…. A quiet thudding sound reverbs through the halls of your prison, too heavy to be a drop of water, but too quiet to be the crashing of a large object.

Your eyes open up from that sound, (What? Again? Jesus Christ why won’t that noise stop already?) you get fed up as this is 8th time you’ve been woken up in 3 hours by that annoying sound.

It comes frequently and at random, sometimes one after the other with minute gaps, sometimes they come one hour on the hour, one time earlier, it even sounded like multiple of them were dropping, at least 10 all at once.

(I can’t sleep with that noise in my ears, I haven’t rested for almost 2 days now, shit…) your eyes flutter, bags forming under your eyes from the tiredness.

Rnggg…, You attempt to rub your sleepy eyes, but then you’re reminded that your arms are currently chained to the wall and a wave of frustration almost makes you scream.

“Nnnnghhh...What the fuck?” That’s when suddenly, a voice rings out from beside you.

“Huh!?” A little jumpy from your lack of sleep, you freak out a bit as you look over to see a very confused Austin scanning the room he’s locked in.

“Derrick? Huh? The fuck is this-” He tries to pull his hands down and meets the same fate as you, his chains ring out eerily in otherwise silent background.

You quickly calm down and speak, “Don’t bother fighting. We’ve been captured, chained up to this wall. We can’t get out.” you explain.

“Huh? Oh...well shit.” Austin understands and gives up.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself, we’re in it deep this time man…” you agree.

“....Where’s Rickard?” He asks as he realizes he’s gone.

“That part is a bit more complicated…” you trail off as you explain.

“Shit, so he went off to get tortured in our place? That’s fucked, super fucked.” Austin says as you finish.

“Once again, took the words right out of my mouth. Shit’s desperate right now and you know what desperate times call for.” You state.

“Desperate dumbasses doing desperate things?” Austin guesses.

“Well that and desperate measures but sure.” You grant.

“Well I can’t fucking stand for it. I mean, I can’t stand general dragonsbreath, I wish could bitch slap him some of the time, but even so, torture is just too far man, he doesn’t deserve that. He’s got Dennie to care for…” Austin complains.

“Yeah, I wonder how she’s doing right now, God she must be so worried.” you realize.

“Dude, if even I’m worried about him, you can bet Dennie must be a mess. She lives for her Dad man, this is too much…” He states.

“That’s true...but, but if he actually manages to out-last the torture, there’s a good chance that psycho will let us go.” You explain.

“Do you really believe that man? You think someone who would lock us up in a place called The Pit of Despair would just let us go? Hell, you think Rickard’s got the stomach to handle what he’ll put out?” Austin questions.

What will you say?

>I’m certain, Rickard’s never failed us.

>I don’t know, but I need some hope now man…

>You’re right, we’re fucked aren’t we?

>>3498495
>>I’m certain, Rickard’s never failed us.
Rickard's strong, he should be able to last if Xander doesn't try anything funny

Which he absolutely will...

>>3498514

>Rickard won't fail, he'll pull through...

>Writing...

You smile, "You're always such a downer man, Rickard won't fail us, he's been through hell before and it didn't break him then." you counter.

“Even so, I wonder if Rickard will be able to handle this? He’s strong but...Xander, he looks like the kind of guy who’s used to breaking strong men.” He counters.

“As strong as Rickard? I doubt it.” you counter.

“Yeah but...but just in case, don’t get your hopes up too much.” He states.

“.....” your both silent for a while after that.

“You know...Derrick...uh…” That is, until Austin speaks up again, a strange look in his eyes.

“What is it man?” you ask.

“Well, let’s just say, Rickard ends up failing us, just a hypothetical.” He proposes.

“I'm not too into this hypothetical, but go ahead.” you allow.

“If Rickard can’t handle the heat and that psycho comes back and one of us has to go get tortured in his place...make sure it’s me.” He states.

“....What?” you ask.

“Don’t make me repeat myself man, I said, if it comes down to it and one of us has to get off’d I want you throw me under the bus.” He repeats.

“Wha-Dude...why?” you ask.

“You're asking why? Well...I mean, unlike me, you’ve got someone waiting for you out there.” He answers.

“No man, don’t say, please don’t say that.” You beg, just the thought it tears at your heart.

“Sorry man, the truth is harsh but it’s reality. My fuck-head brother doesn’t give two shits if I drop dead, so my only family was the guys at Carpe-diem and they’re…all gone.” You can hear a crack in his voice.

“So-So, if someone’s gotta get fucked over, I’d rather it be me then you. You’ve got your Mom and all your brothers, you can’t die on them man.” He explains.

(Mom...) you remember your mother's beautiful face, you wonder how she's doing at the moment.

“I want you to promise me. Promise me that if someone has to be take that it will be me.” He asks.

“....” you go quiet.

“Do you understand? Will you do it?” He asks.

What will you say.

>I can’t promise that man, you mean too much to me…

>Alright, I really don’t want too, but I promise.

>Remain silent.

>>3498596
>You think nobody would care if you died? That's bullshit, I would care!
>That's why we gotta both make it out of here. Together

>>3498669
I'll support this. Giving up all hope now will make our survival even less likely

>>3498669
>>3498675

>Nobody would care? That's not true, I'm right here!

>Writing...

You grit your teeth as you speak, "That's bullshit..." you groan out.

"What?" he asks.

"What you're saying is bullshit!" you shout.

"W-What?" Austin is caught off-guard.

"No one would care? That's bullshit! Obviously I care!" You counter.

"I-I know, but, if one of us has to take the fall-"

"Don't talk like that!" you cut him off.

"Don't even think about shit like Which one of us has be sacrificed? cause the answer is neither! Neither of us deserves to get thrown under the bus. So don't even bother asking!" you counter.

"I'm just saying in case! If things go awry, one of us will have to suffer, so it might as well be me-"

You turn to him jingling your chains to cut him off, "And I'm trying to tell you there's no point in thinking about that case! If worst comes to worst, we bust out of here, together! No man left behind, that's the end of it!" you counter.

"The end of it? Really?" He asks.

"Goddamn right it is! No matter what, we both get out of here and that's it!" you counter.

"That's stupid!" Austin counters, getting angry himself.

"That's stupid and unrealistic! Derrick, are you sure you weren't the one sleeping this whole time!? Because if you can't tell, the reality is we're fucked!" he counters.

"That's not true-"

"It is! We're literally tied to a wall waiting to get tortured! How the hell will we bust out of here!?" He asks.

"...I...I don't know yet!" you answer.

"See, you don't even have a goddamn plan! Stop dreaming and smell the Roses already! There's no way out of here, so at the very least..." He trails off.

He looks away, "...At the very least...I want to make sure if one of us has to suffer...It has to be me...Because I care for you too goddamn it!" He shouts as a few tears fall from his face.

"...." That leaves you stunned silent.

"My whole life, you're the one true friend I've ever had...I never had anyone...Not my brother, not my Father...but you, you're all I fucking have left!" He shouts.

"...." you can't bring yourself to speak.

"So please, don't run away from the truth just because it sucks. Just answer me..." he pleads.

"Will you? Or won't you?" He asks.

What will you say?

>I won't.

>I will.

>>3498731
Fuck, this is a tough one

>>I will.
We've got a family to take care of but Austin better not go full suicidal on us!

>>3498731
>>I will.
RIP Austin. The death flags are strong with this one

>>3498768
>>3498781

>If one of us has to take the fall...

>Writing...

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"....."

"Derrick! Answer me!" He demands.

"Goddamn it! Fine! If the worst comes I'll...I'll let you take the fall..." you promise.

He smiles,"That's right, that's the right answer..." He comforts.

You shake your head, “Look man, let’s not talk about dark shit like this, alright? We’re just saying this shit cause we’re bored and we have nothing to do.”

“Really? Call me a pessimist and I’ll tell you I’m a realist. And I say realistically the chance of Rickard holding out is slim. No matter how badass he is, he’s just a man…” He counters.

“Well there’s nothing we can do anyhow but wait, this the first day of his torture, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens…”

“Don’t ya worry, ya won’t have to wait long.” The thick southern drawl you heard from yesterday comes from outside your cell as you see Red Nick standing outside your cell.

“Oh great. You again.” Austin complains.

“Oh come now, I thought ya'd be happier to have a new person to talk too, 2’s a couple but 3’s a party!” he jokes.

“Sorry, I don’t feel much like partying.” Austin counters.

“Now don’t say that, I brought ya present n’ everythang…” The cell door opens as Nick comes inside the cell, lugging along with him a CRT Tv on a wheeled stand.

“A shitty old Tv? Whoa, I’m so grateful.” Austin complains.

“Yeah go figure you damn city folk think you’re too good fer a nice old fashioned CR boobtube, but there’s always an upside to ‘pericating the machines of old.” He says as he plugs the tv into a nearby outlet that looks to have been recently installed into the wall.

At first there’s just static, crunchy, incoherent white noise to a mess of uncoordinated pixels bouncing around the screen, “Fer example, you can find yourself old stations that don’t broadcast on fancy new flatscreens…” he says as he grabs the dial on the tv and twist it around.

He switches channels again and again on the tv, until one station finally yields bounty, “You can even find old cancelled broadcasts, the kind that get taken down for not being industry standard” He laughs.

The screen bounces up and down for a second before settling in and a transparent black bar continuously scrolls across the screen as a broadcast appears on it.

“What the fuck!?” You and Austin shout as you notice what the show is.

What you see is a giant pot, or a cauldron to be more specific, underneath the cauldron lies a massive, roaring fire that heats up the metal cauldron to a searing red.

Within the cauldron is a full-pot of bubbling oil, filled so high it nearly splashes over the edges, heated hot enough that a single drop of the liquid could leave 2nd-degree burns, one that could permanently scar the skin.

And hosisted directly above this Death Cauldron, hangs a stern-faced Rickard, held up by his arms over the boiling pot like a choice lobster, his boots just inches away from the bubbly oil.

“Ricky!? What-What the fuck is this!?” You shout.

“Now hold on partner, just give it a sec, boss is about to explain.” Nick says as he lays atop the TV screen, watching your reactions with delight.

“Hello? Hello? Is this thing filming properly? The red light means go, right? No don’t actually go right, I mean, it means continue right? No don’t continue going right you idiot-” Xander’s voices comes from low-quality, hard to hear speakers as he appears on camera, wondering if the show is broadcasting.

“Xander…” you spit his name out like a toxic insult.

He sighs as he deals with a subordinate behind the camera, “Oh man, Hearno, I swear, sometimes you do these things on purpose just to anger me and I don’t very much appreciate it. Well whatever, I’ll just assume those two demons are watching this.” He says as he appears in front of the camera.

He jumps out from the side of the camera with a smile on his face and an apron draped over his shoulders with the words Shoot the cook imprinted on it.

“Hello precious viewers and welcome to….” He trails off as a generic drum roll plays in the background.

Cooking with Xander! he shouts out as he throws his arms out in flourish.

“This fucker, this really is a game to him…” Austin says with growing rage.

“Alright, today on our show, we have an excellent catch, a freshly caught Carp from the Carpe-diem gang! Rickard Biterad!” He introduces.

“Whoa, the torture start already, because that pun almost made me cringe in pain.” Rickard jabs from behind him.

He wags his finger at him, “Ah! Ah! Ingredients shouldn’t be talking! If you speak again, I’ll assume you gave up on the challenge and punish the other two.”

“.....” Rickard goes dead quiet after that.

“Good. Now as I was saying, this sassy little ingredient is a fresh catch, so fresh in fact that it’s still alive! Oh my!” He fakes surprise at this realization.

“By god how many emmies has he won? He must have a good truckloads worth with acting skill like that.” Austin insults.

“Shut it, it’s getting to the good part!” Nick shooshes.

Xander regains his smile, “But don’t worry folks, if you’ve been a long-time fan of the show, you know we’re more than used to preparing live ingredients, you might even say we’re experts at it.”

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He points to the cauldron, “As you can see, we have our boiling pot ready for the Carp.”

He walks up to the pot, he pulls out a carrot and begins to slice it up with a kitchen knife, dropping the diced up pieces in the pot.

The pieces burn upon contact with the oil, frying them singed and black and shrinking them to shriveled vegetable mulch in a matter of seconds.

“A nice 300+ degree bath of oil to instantly cook our subject to perfection. We don’t skimp on our equipment here, this style of cooking was devised back in the earliest days Japonese history, it was often used in the capital punishment of thieves.” He explains.

Steam rises up from the pot, causing Rickard to sweat as he looks down, “And considering you’re a thief of not only my money, but also the lives of my men, There is no better way for you to feel the weight of your sins, then burning them into your flesh.” He reasons.

“That fucking lunatic, they attacked first, so we have nothing to be guilty about!” Austin shouts.

“....” you’re reluctant to agree, after everything you heard on the car ride over.

“Well, we don’t want to keep our viewers at home waiting now do we? Let’s get cooking…” Xander points to some people off-screen.

That’s when Rickard begins to get lower, it’s a slow, very slow process as he get low enough for the tip of his boots to touch the surface of the oil, after doing so, he’s pulled back up again, with the two tips burned off, the leather shriveling up and falling off from the heat.

“Did I scare you there? Feel like backing out? This could be your last chance to save yourself a world of pain, just so you know, we won’t stop till we reach at least your waist.” He warns.

“....” Rickard says nothing back.

“Should I take that as a go ahead? You’re fine with that?” He asks again.

“....” Rickard says nothing back.

Xander smiles, “Okay then, let’s begin.” He points down as they start in earnest.

SHIZZZZZZZZZZ You can see Rickard tense up as the slow lowering begins again, this time going beyond the tips of his boots and reaching his feet in earnest, the oil sizzles and cooks, eating it’s way through the leather and hitting the flesh underneath.

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“....” The pain must be excruciating, but Rickard barely even flinches.

“Holy shit...he’s actually taking it.” Austin says, astonished.

“As expected of Fortitude incarnate, this much isn’t anything special is it? Well let’s test how far we can go…” He says as he points down again.

Rickard tenses again as he’s dipped even deeper into the oil, going knee deep into the burning, magma-like liquid.

“.....” He flinches a little, but still isn’t even close to screaming out.

“Holy fucking shit, he’s-he’s actually taking this! He might, he might actually manage this man!” You can see Austin’s hope returning to him.

“Yeah...Yeah! If this can’t even break him, there’s nothing that bastard can do that will!” you add, catching Austin’s infectious optimism.

Xander looks amazed, “You really are amazing...Most men, even the stronger ones, give up the moment we hit the ankles, but we’re moving past the knees now and I haven’t even seen so much as a flicker of despair in your eyes.” He admires.

“....” Rickard says nothing, but the grin on his face as he looks down on Xander is enough to tell him exactly how he’s feeling.

The anger on Xander’s face is palpable for just a moment before he smiles again, he points down again, as Rickard is lower to thigh-deep level, still not screaming.

“He can do this! I know he can do this! Oh god please, let him get through this!” Austin starts to pray as he gets closer and closer to waist deep-level, still not breaking.

(I knew Rickard was made out tough shit, but goddamn, calling him a man of steel right now would be an understatement. He’s like pure, unbreakable brass now, not even heat can destroy him.) You watch with bedazzled eyes,

The oil reaches his hips and still no scream is let out, a few more inches till waist height.

Xander nods his head, “I can see now, you aren’t just unbreakable, I’d go as far to say you’re out-right invincible to physical pain. It doesn't matter what I subject you too, you’ll just grin and bear it till you get out of here.”

“He’s starting to realize he’s fucked up! Hell yeah, now he’s in a corner!” Austin cheers.

“Yeah man, we might just get out of-” You’re about to join the cheering, till you look up and see a disgusting grin painted across Nick’s face.

(Huh? Why’s he smiling like that?) you wonder.

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The same kind of smile reaches Xander’s face as he speaks, “Yes, it’s clear that physical pain will not break you. But what of Emotional pain?” He asks as he grabs a remote from a subordinate off-screen.

“Huh? What’s that?” Austin asks as he sees the remote.

Xander plays with the remote as he speaks, “While on the ride here, Derrick told me that torturing you all was pointless, as none of you have anything left. And while that maybe true of one of you…”

Then a flatscreen TV comes creeping down from the roof above and with a truly sadistic smile, Xander speaks, “But it’s certainly not true for you is it Mr.Biterad? You definitely Still have something left.” He hits the button on the remote.

The flatscreen beams to life and on it, you all see something that leaves you slack-jawed, “H-Hello..who’s there?”

You see Dennie, strapped to a wooden chair, blind-folded inside a dark room.

“Baby girl…?” Rickard finally speaks, his voice caught between horror and disbelief.

Xander giggles, “Look there, you still have something to lose now don’t you?” He asks.

“What is this…? What’s going on? What have you done!?” Rickard asks, rage growing in his voice.

“What your looking at is live footage being taken from a secret site of ours, much like this one. Where we’re keeping a few people of interests for later use.” He answers.

That catches your attention, (People of interests? What does he mean by that? Just who...has he captured so far…?) The possible thoughts that run through your mind terrify you enough that you shut down that train of thought immediately.

“As for what’s happening now...well, just watch a little longer and the answer should become obvious.” He explains as he reaches out to one of his men again.

The man off-screen hands him an already connected phone, he puts it up to his ear and speaks, “Go ahead Fred.”

“Understood boss~” You hear a sing-song voice come from the flatscreen, then a, broad-shouldered, tall man, dressed in a white suit and wearing a hockey mask comes unto screen.

“Alright now precious~ Can you hear me?” He asks of Dennie.

“Y-Yes.” She answers.

“Good, now my name Fredrick the Hangman~ But since that name is a bit too scare, how about you call me uncle Freddy?” He introduces.

“....” Dennie shivers quietly in response.

“Now why are you so quiet? Didn’t you say you can hear?” He gets behind her and puts a creeping hand to her shoulder, causing her to jump.

“I said, call me Uncle Freddy.” He orders in threatening tone.

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“Y-Yes! I hear you, Uncle Freddy!” She complies.

Rickard begins to swish around, struggling against the rope as rage and fear builds in him, “Get your fucking hands off her! What is this!? This can’t be real!” He shouts.

“Hear that Fred? Our friend here says he doesn’t believe this is real. How about you prove him wrong.” Xander orders.

Fred nods as he hears the order and speaks in his sing-song voice again, “Alright sweetie~ What’s your name, age and favorite number?” He asks.

“.... “ She goes quiet again.

SMACK! A violent slap rings out, Fred delivers a hard smack against the back of her head.

“Answer me. Name. Age and number.” He says much more concisely as Dennie recoils from the pain.

She hyperventilates as she answers, “Dennie Bit-Biterad, 10 Yrs, And uh,uh, f-four.” She answers.

Rickard looks on with a look of unending terror, “What!? No, no, no! What is this, you fucking bastard! I thought you promised no one else would get hurt!”

“Hm? What do you mean?” He asks without turning back to him.

“Don’t you play dumb! When I agreed to this, you said no one else would have to suffer! That’d you only torture me! Leave her the hell out of this!” He explains.

“What are you talking? I promised no such thing. All I promised was that I wouldn’t touch the two back outside in exchange for you taking their place. I’m abiding by my promise, I’m torturing you in order to break you, by any means necessary.” He counters.

Dennie begins to cry, “Hey M-Mister, why are you doing this? W-Why are you hurting me?” she asks.

“I don’t wanna hurt you sweetie~ It’s just that your dear old Dad’s watching and I’m under strict orders to make you suffer to make him suffer~” He answers.

Dennie’s crying stops, “Huh? Daddy’s watching?” She asks.

“Yes, he’s the reason your sitting here right. He killed a lot of our friends~ So now he’s being punished for it.” He answers.

“That can’t be true! You’re lying! Daddy would never kill anyone! He’s a hero, a super-cool hero who just wants to protect everyone! He’s a good guy unlike you!” She shouts.

Xander hoots in an impressed voice, “Well now, here I thought she was just some whiny brat. But when it comes to talking about you Ricky, she’s just as tough as her dear old Dad.”

He looks back to Rickard with a smile, “Tell me Ricky, did you never tell your little girl about the kind of man you really are? What you really do with big bad guys like me?” He asks.

“No! No! Of course not! She’s just a child, she could never understand goddamn it…” Rickard begins to cry.

“Well what do you know? The man of steel has a kyponite after-all. You can endure any physical pain, but moment you aim for the heart, that steel exterior melts to paste.” He taunts.

>>3498821
>He jumps out from the side of the camera with a smile on his face and an apron draped over his shoulders with the words Shoot the cook imprinted on it.
>“Hello precious viewers and welcome to….” He trails off as a generic drum roll plays in the background.
>Cooking with Xander! he shouts out as he throws his arms out in flourish.
Ok, he may be doing some pretty fucked up shit but at least he can make it fun

“Yes! I don’t care how weak I look, that my girl, she means everything to me! She’s just a child, how can you do this!?” Rickard asks in a sobbing voice.

“A child? No, that's a demon spawn.” Xander counters.

“Huh?” Rickard blurts out.

Xander finally turns around, and you see in his eyes, a coldness, a chilling, evil coldness that could freese over hell itself as he speaks, “She’s not a child, she’s a demon wearing the skin of a child. Her tears, her cries, her pain, all illusions, all lies.” He counters.

“.....” Rickard is shocked quiet, the fear is clear on his face.

“I hate liars. I hate those who would obscure the Truth of humanity. So no. I care not for the spawn of demons and I care even less for lying demons.” The look in his eyes is fanatical, he isn’t just saying the words to frighten, he really means it.

“Jesus fucking Christ...His brain’s more fried than a egg.” Austin whispers out in fear.


Xander closes his cold eyes and puts on a beaming smile, “Anyway, on with the show!” he says as he points back to the screen.

Fred reaches into his coat pocket, “Now Dennie, what did you say you’re favorite number was again?” He asks.

“Uh...four.” She repeats.

“And why is that one your favorite?” he asks.

“Because...it's the number of times Daddy says he loves me when I hug him.” Dennie smiles.

“Aww~ You really love your Daddy don’t you?” He says as he pulls something from his coat pocket.

She nods her head, “My Dad is super strong and so cool, he’s so scaring-looking yet all he does help people, he saves people. He’s just like the heroes in all my cartoons.” She explains.

“Baby Girl…” Rickard smiles.

“I’m so proud to be his favorite little magical girl. I want to be just like him, a hero of justice that always saves the day. Someone that makes other people want to help others and become heroes too. That’s why I love my dad so much…” Her tears begin to drop once again, but in-spite of that, she’s smiling.

“That’s why, even though it’s so scary, even though it hurts so much. I won’t give up! I won’t cry, because Daddy wouldn’t cry either! He would never give up! He’ll take any punishment you give him, bust out, save me and beat all your guys butts!” She exclaims.

“Baby...Baby! Daddy loves you too, he’s just the same about you!” Rickard shouts out longingly to her.

“Hmm~ Bust out and beat all our butts huh? That might just happen actually. I hear your Daddy is a hard man to kill~” He nods.

Click…

“Huh?” A small fearful gasp escapes Rickard’s mouth as he sees something black pressed up against Dennie’s skull.

“He may just take any punishment, survive any attack and beat all our butts right to the grave, but you wanna the one thing he can’t do?”

He leans in next to Dennie’s ear and whispers, “Save you. Cause you’re going to die here~” He sings.

“What…?” Dennie whispers, not really understanding what’s happening.

But you, Austin and Rickard do and you can feel the fear taking you as you realize what’s about to happen, “No, he can’t be serious? Wait, that’s, that’s just...no. Please no…” Begs Austin.

“That’s too much, she’s just a goddamn kid you fucking psychos!” you shout out.

But worst of all is Rickard, who is now thrashing about and kicking despite being waist deep in the oil, he moves so much that he splashes oil all over the room and even rocks the cauldron around a bit.

Xander dodges a large splash of oil, “Whoa there! Be careful, you might cause a terrible accident!” He warns.

“AHHHHHH! NO! NO! DON’T! I’M BEGGING YOU DON’T!” But Rickard isn’t listening, his parental instincts have taken over, he’s abandoned his sense of physical pain with his daughter’s well-being on the line, there’s only one thing that matters to him now.

“Well now! You scream nicely when you’re panicked. So should I take that as admission you’ve given up? That I’ve broken the man of steel?” He asks.

“YES! YES! I DON’T CARE ABOUT ESCAPING ANYMORE, JUST SPARE HER! I GIVE UP! JUST PLEASE DON’T DO IT!” He cries out.

“Well, if you say so, I would have to call off your daughter’s execution, butttt, that’s not really just your decision to make is it?” He counters.

“Should I take the shot boss? I’m ready anytime~” Fred asks as his finger dances on the trigger.

“NO! NO! DON’T! WHO ELSE COULD MAKE THE CHOICE!? I GIVE UP! SO END IT!” He asks.

“Hold off a sec Fred.” He orders as he looks back to Rickard.

“Well, this doesn’t just affect you, it also affects those two back in the cell. Do you not care that they’ll be put through hell too?” He asks.

He shakes his head as the emotional turmoil tears him to pieces, “Boys, boys I love you, but, but my daughter comes first, she hasn’t done anything to deserve this, please understand! I can’t let her die!” He explains to you.

“My god this is, this is so damn terrible…” Austin says as he looks into Rickard’s desperate eyes, pain transferring via osmosis.

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” He says as he takes out another phone, looks down and speaks into it.

“What of you two?” It’s then his once low voice, resounds loudly through a pair of speakers you didn’t know were in the room.

You look up to notice they blend into the rooms dark grey walls, alongside what looks like a camera, “I can see everything you two. I must say, your looks of despair are delectable.” He compliments.

“Shut your fucking mouth you psycho! Drop dead!” Austin curses.

“Now isn’t that just rude, I’m about to give you a nice gift as well.” He complains.

“A gift?” you question.

“Yes. The gift of freedom. As I’m sure you’ve watched so far, Rickard has given up and failed the challenge, but since it’s unfair to you two that he screws you all over to save one little girl, I want you to make the choice.” He explains.

“Do you give up as well?” he asks.

“What?” Austin blurts out.

“Well Rickard may have given up, but doesn’t mean you have. If you say you don’t give up, Rickard’s torture continues and of course the little girl dies. But I'm willing to extend the challenge to the two of you as well!” He explains.

“We’d have to go through that and Dennie would die? You think that’s a good deal? Stick it up your ass!” Austin shouts.

“Woah, you drive a hard bargain, how about this? If you manage to last even one day, I’ll let you go free. That must sweeten the pot right?” He proposes.

“Just one day…?” you question.

“No! No! If you agree my girl dies! Please, don’t! I’m begging you, Please give-”

“Let’s ignore him for a minute.” Xander twists the camera away from Rickard and focuses it just on his evil smile.

“This is exclusively your choice boys. I’d be quick with it if I were you, Fred doesn’t like to wait when he’s on the job. Give up and become my playthings? Or don’t? A little girl will die, but you might just get freedom.” He explains.

“Not even a choice! Get fucked! I give up!” Austin answers.

“So quick~ I didn’t know you had such resolve Austin. And what of you Derrick?” He asks.

“Huh?” you blurt out.

“If even one of you objects, I’ll issue the challenge. So tell me Derrick, which do you value more? Your freedom? Or Your friends?” He asks.

“Don’t even bother asking! His answers the same as mine! Ain’t that right man!?” He asks of you.

“....” you go quiet.

“Derrick? What’s wrong?” He asks.

“Well Derrick? Which is it?” Xander questions.

What will you do?

>Give up and let Dennie live.

>Take the challenge and let Dennie die.

[This is a major choice, I shall wait until a unanimous decision is made.]

>Give up and let Dennie live.

>>3498871
Take the challenge. He's gonna kill her no matter what

>>3498871
>>Give up and let Dennie live.
Don't involve innocents, she did nothing to deserve this. If we do take the challenge, he's just going to make it even worse

>>3498871
Also you're going to wait until it's unanimous? That seems a bit unlikely

>>3498914

When I say this is a major choice, I mean this is a [Decide the course of the story and possibly the ending] kind of choice, if I just called it right away, you'd have no time to weigh on the possible consequences.

Though I don't have too much time. So I guess I'll give this 20 more minutes. If nothing changes, I shall call.

>>3498871
>I will only give up if Dennie, lives, stays in good health and is placed as far away from you and your organization as possible, because otherwise you're just going to break her like you did Rickard, or worse.

>>3498876
>>3498884
>>3498912
>>3498948

>Let Dennie live.

>The choice is made.

>Writing...

"...I'll give up if you guarantee her safety." you propose.

"Derrick..." Austin gives you a relieved look.

Xander laughs, "Do you really think you're in a position to bargain here? Why should I have to guarantee anything?" he asks.

"Because if you don't, then I might just give up living." you answer.

"Excuse me?"

You smile, "You may have taken my hands, but I could always just bite my tongue." you explain.

"....." He goes quiet.

"If you're going to kill a child or force me to be your plaything, I think the choice might just drive me to suicide. Wouldn't it suck to break your promise over this?" you ask.

He smiles, "...You can be quite manipulative can't you?"

"Only when I'm dealing with megalo-maniacial assholes." you answer.

"Fine then. I shall guarantee her safety. Should I take it you give up then?" He asks.

You sigh, "Yep, I give up."

"I see..." He says with a beaming smile.

He switches to the phone connected to Fred, "Jig's up Fred. Let the girl go, find her somewhere safe to keep her for the time being. I'll decide what to do with her from there." He explains.

"Awwww~ I don't get to kill her..." Fred looks extremely disappointed as he drops the gun.

"Yes, yes Fred, I know I promised you some bodies today, but unfortunately hers isn't one of them. Set her free." He explains.

"Fine~" He answers as he lifts up the chair Dennie's in and takes it off-screen.

"Oh god...Oh god thank you...Thank you so so much..." Rickard cries in relief.

Xander looks back to him, "You raised those boys well. So selfless, so kind..."

"Too bad that means now there's no way for anyone of you to get out of here. You're all my toys now. And I'm going to have some excellent fun with you all." He says with an evil smile.

“hahhhh.....” Rickard breathes a sigh of Relief as he finally relaxes.

Austin and you relax as well, “Well shit, that’s a relief. I guess now we’re going to be staying here a while longer, maybe for the rest of our lives…how ever long those last. ”

“Don’t be like that man, you’re too damn pessimistic. If they won’t let us go, all we have to do is bust out and make a run for it. This isn’t the end for us.” You counter.

“I’m not a pessimistic, I’m a realist. And realistically speaking, the chances escaping are about as high of our chances of surviving.” Austin counters.

“You say that, but Rickard didn’t die did he? As long as we’ve got him, escape is never impossible.” you state.

“You boys sure bout that?” Nick asks, bring your attention Back on the TV screen.

“Alright boys, pull him up! He’s been taking that oil bath for a bit too long now, we need to treat his burns!” Xander orders.

Men scramable towards Rickard’s rope, pulling him up slowly.

You feel relief as Rickard’s hoisted up from that boiling pot of death, that is, until you notice something odd about the rope.

A small part of it is tearing.

SNAP! DUNK!

In a moment so quick you don’t even process it until it’s already happened. Rickard’s entire body falls into the cauldron of super-heated cooking oil.

“Ohhhh no.” Xander cringes out.

“Huh…?” you whisper out as you watch Rickard thrash around in the oil like a drowning sailor being taken by the sea’s waves.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-AHHHHH-AHHH!” He screams, his voice quickly becoming hoarse as burning oil floods his throat and literal fry his vocal chords.

“R-RICKY! NO!” Austin screams as he comes to his senses.

“Kill the fire! Knock the cauldron over! Hurry, he won’t survive much longer!” Xander orders as his men gather with heat-resistant gloves and begin to push the cauldron over.

PSHHHHWAAA! The oil comes flooding out alongside Rickard, he quickly falls off screen, but in the split instant you could see his body, a shock of absolute horror runs through you.

In that single instant, you saw a man with flesh charred bright red, his skin peeling off like old wall-paper, twisting into itself as it contracts from the heat, permanently disfiguring him in a way so horrible it would make you throw up to go over the details again.

What you saw there could barely be described as human.

Xander covers his nose and comes back on screen as the smell of roasting human flesh encompasses the room.

“Well yeesh. That’s why I kept telling him not to thrash around too much. An accident was bound to happen, those ropes were so old after-all...” He says with a smile.

That’s when you figure it out, “That absolute piece of shit...he meant for this to happen. He knew seeing Dennie in shackles would drive Rickard wild and he...Fuck!” You scream in anger.

Xander comes right up to the camera and smiles as he speaks, “Well demons, welcome to your first day in hell. Your stay here might just be a very short one. So I hope you’re as happy to have me as I am you. Toodles~” He says as screen go dark.

Then Nick starts picking his TV set up and heading out, “That’s why I told ya not to get yer hopes up. The boss always makes a spectacle of the first day.” He shakes his head.

You growl at him like a feral dog, “Fuck off! Just die you fucking loser! Get the fuck out of my face!” You shout.

That catches him off guard, “ ‘Kay then. Message taken, I’m off to fix up yer friend there, though you won’t be seeing him for a while. Not with burns like that.” He laughs.

“Didn’t you just fucking hear me!? Get the hell out of here!” You shout.

“Don’t need to tell me twice. Goodnight, you got a long week ahead ya’ll.” He says as he exits the cell and heads out into the darkness.

“FUCK!” Your shackles clink and clank as your anger threatens to rip the chains off the wall behind you.

“Derrick…” Austin calls.

“Don’t you tell me to calm the hell down! You saw that shit didn’t-” Your rage induced tirrade is stopped when you look over to Austin eyes.

And see the intense bloodlust in them.

He looks over to you with a face you’ve never seen him make, one filled with so much toxic anger and hate that you’d swear you really were looking in the eyes of a demon.

“Derrick, forget escaping. We’re killing them. Every last one of these bastards. We can’t leave till we drag every last motherfucker here to the grave. Are you with me?” He asks.

“....” The words are so out-of-character for Austin, it’s like you’re talking to a whole different person.

“Are you with me!?” This time is much less a question and more a confirmation, he’ll go through with this no matter what, he just wants to know if you’re helping or not.

What will you say?

>Yeah, I’m right with you.

>We need to focus on escaping first.

>>3498984
>No, No we escape, we heal, we plan, THEN we kill them all, starting with Xander. These men who work for him? He'll replace them within the week. HE is the one that needs to be removed.

>>3498991
This. We were wrong trying to kill his forces before, he'll just involve more innocents. If we kill the head, the body comes crashing down

>>3498991
>>3499004

>Xander Must Die Mode.

>Writing.

"First off, we need to escape." you start.

"Escape!? After what these shitheads did!? Fuck that! We have to kill them ALL for this!" He counters.

"You didn't let me finish. I'm with you there, but we need to escape first, ready ourselves and most importantly. We need to kill Xander." You explain.

"Before anyone else, he has to die. He's the root of all this evil, he's the real monster here." you realize.

"I don't give a shit who I kill at this point! They all have to pay for what they've done!" He shouts before looking over to you.

"But if you want to off Xander first, I'm right here with you man, we'll make that fucking snake suffer!" He shouts.

You nod, "Damn right we will."

"I’ll make them fucking pay...I swear it. I fucking swear it!” Austin’s fist clench white white with rage.

“I’ll fucking kill them...I’ll fucking kill’em!” His shouts of rage and despair rage on well into the night before you both head to sleep.

And that's where I'm stopping for tonight.

Thanks to the earlier interruption, I didn't get as far as I hoped, but we're still making good time, with this, we're roughly 50% through the episode now.

Goodnight for now anons.

>>3499022
Thanks for running

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“I’ll fucking kill you skank!” Peachnia screams as she takes a wild swing at Vanilla who dodges out of the way of her violent strike.

The bat embeds itself inside a wide dent in the old, rusted metal walls, (Jesus H Christ, a swing like that might actually take my fucking head off if I’m not careful) Vanilla thinks as Peachnia struggles for a second to pull her bat from the wall.

“You’re real quick on your feet-” Peachnia compliments as she wretches the bat from the wall, “-But being quick don’t mean shit with a broken kneecap, so how about you start fighting back now?” She asks as she primes herself up for another swing.

“....” She keeps creeping away, without saying a word.

“Why the hell aren’t you saying nothing!? Think you can win without even throwing a punch or something!?” She asks.

A good question, for the whole duration of the nearly hour long fight, Vanilla has done nothing but dodge attacks, never once even trying to attack.

“Well bitch!?” Peachnia asks as she points her bat at her.

Vanilla smirks, “What if I said that’s exactly my plan?” she asks back.

“Than you’d have to be the dumbest bitch I’d ever met.” She answers.

“Well you can believe that….” Vanilla looks behind her, in the flickering lights, she see’s something lurk in the shadows before disappearing.

“But trust me, I’m sure I can end this fight without so much as lifting a finger.” She explains.

Pecahnia glares at her as she tightens the grip on her bat, “Well you won’t even be able to lift a finger after I’m done with your ass!” She threatens as she rushes in again.

File: Derrick Holums15.jpg (15 KB, 236x324)

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Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 11:23 PM. Nighttime

Location: Renpiri Region, Sunnyside City, BeanBuddy Cafe

https://youtu.be/pCFtN7nRxFU

(Jeez, her temper kinda reminds me of Bradford, you know, if he was less violent shotgun manic, more bloodthirsty clown woman…) you think as you watch the fight unfold.

Vanilla dodges a swing that comes dangerously close to her head, panting as her stamina begins to fail her.

(She’s also got the stamina of a workhorse and about as much kick, meanwhile, while Vanilla’s no slouch, she’s a bit thin when it comes to the muscle department, in a straight up physical fight she’s bound to lose…) you realize.

(But that’s what her knives are for, the explosive power behind those things should even out the fight, but she has yet to even brandish a weapon, what’s she planning?) you wonder.

You sigh, (Man, I wish I had someone to bounce ideas off with, but…) You look back to rest of the cafe, an unnatural quietness permeates it, after that whole debacle with Volt and the now deceased Adolf, much of the livelyness from before has died off.

While no one really knew or cared for Adolf, it doesn’t change the fact that someone they had talked too mere hours ago died in the middle of a battle they themselves will have to participate in.

(Needless to say, emotional strife or not, it doesn’t negate the feeling of mortality that everyone kinda forgot they had during the early parts of the test.) you realize.

(Everyone’s either broken off to chat quietly with someone else or rather just be left alone. The room’s so dead it might as well be a graveyard, hell we have a corpse to throw in it and everything.) you think.

You turn back to the counter and take up a glass of half-drank water and finish it in a single gulp, (So for now, It’s just me and my thoughts…)

“Hey, need a re-fill?” A voice asks, must be the cafe barista, you assume.

“Nah, I was just drinking this to distract myself more than anything.” you answer.

“Well if you’re looking to drown your sorrows, you should know better than anyone else you should drinking a glass of booze, not water, right?” The voice points out.

“....” you stare at the glass for a moment, somewhat baffled that the barista just mixed that up on the spot.

“What? Not a fan of Rum?” He asks.

“Huh? No...it’s just that drank my bladder’s full earlier and trust me, it more than paid the price already-wait.” you suddenly realize something.

(When did I tell him my name?)

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You then look around a bit to notice the real barista is actually on the other side of the lane, chatting with Arztz who seems to be interested in his mixing technique.

(Wait, who was I just-) it’s then that notice that on your left, someone’s sitting beside you.

It’s then you notice, that sitting beside you is a tall, grungy man, must be in his late 30’s to early 40’s, wearing a thick, long black jacket and smiling at you with his half-shaven jaw.

“I guess that’s a yes then.” He says as he takes his Rum ‘n cola back.

You resist recoiling in surprise, (How’d he get on my right without me noticing him? It’s almost like he has no presence…)

He chuckles at your surprised face, “Didn’t think you’d see me here did you? Been a while huh?” He states.

“....” you’re left silent.

(I have no idea who this is, goddamn it. I hate when this happens, there’s nothing more awkward than when someone knows your name and face, but you have no idea when you learned theirs…) you think.

He looks a little perplexed, “I know I surprised you and all, but I didn’t leave you too speechless right? Come on, you remember me right?” He asks.

“....” you start sweating bullets.

>Roll 1d100 to remember this strange man.

>DC: 80

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3500046

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>3500046
>Kiritsugu
Oh no

>>3500068
Probably Austin

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>3500068
>Austin
>Alive
Anon...

>>3500095
Meant for >>3500077

>>3500097
Xander can't kill him, and him being a dead eyed assassin with a fucked sense of justice matches him pretty well.

>>3500050
>>3500068
>>3500095

>Rolled 74

>It's on the tip of my tongue...

>>3500077
>>3500101

I admire your plot prediction powers anon, but no, this is someone less...familiar.

>writing...

>>3500101
So do you think Rickard is alive too?

>>3500101
I have a feeling he's gonna end up dead even if Xander promises he won't kill him. That guy is basically Saw

>>3500119
Nah, he's pretty much dead already, he's pretty much third degree burns inside and out, even a healing nen specialist would have issues saving him.


>>3500117
have we met them in quest before?

File: Literalili Whu07.jpg (21 KB, 444x250)

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You try your hardest to remember this guy’s face, looking back on every encounter you’ve had in this adventure so far, throughout your entire life…

(Nope, still no idea.) you realize.

“W-Who…?” you don’t even want to risk the embarrassment of guessing, so you reluctantly ask him for his identity again.

He looks overjoyed, “Oh so you did remember! It’s good to know you have such a great memory.” He praises.

(Huh…? Wait, could this be…) it’s then you figure it out.

“Literalli Whu?” you guess.

“Right on, that’s my name.” He says with a smile.

“Ah….” you nod your head, (You're one of the guys no one even realizes exist.) you think.

“Sorry it took me so long to talk to you again. I was busy chatting with my new buddy Watts and you seemed real busy with talking with that cocoon guy on the roof.” He apologize.

(It’s alright, I honestly forgot you were even in here, so let’s call it even) Is what you want to say.

“Yeah man, life’s just so busy is all. Sorry we never had the chance…” Is what you actually say.

“You got that right, we had so many chances too…” He regrets.

“So many chances?” you question.

“What, you didn’t realize it? I’ve been trying to talk to you since the day you got on the airship to the test.” He answers.

“...Huh?” you blurt out.

“I saw you eating breakfast with that Raven-haired girl while checking out that map…” He trails off.

>Many Many episodes ago…

a small and mischievous laugh can be heard ringing throughout the dining hall as a man talks to himself, "What a beautiful friendship... they've forged a bond deeper than most good friends by walking the path of hell together.” Whu praises.

“Ahhhhh, nothing warms my heart like a good happy story." he pulls out his phone and opens a map to the Dolle region of Kukan'yu.

>Back to present.

“You saw us while we were planning that? I thought I was being watched by somebody, but I just couldn’t notice them…” you answer.

I was planning on helping you out and joining you during your little adventure. But after I snapped that picture, I quickly realized that there’s no way I can understand those gibberish drawings…” He complains.

(You weren’t the only one, it took Rea’s super-human brains to decipher those hieroglyphs.) you sympathize.

>>3500170
>Nah, he's pretty much dead already, he's pretty much third degree burns inside and out, even a healing nen specialist would have issues saving him.
So then why do you think Austin is safe?

>have we met them in quest before?
Prob not, I think we'd remember. Unless if it's someone irrelevant like Officer Darby

>>3500173
>“Literalli Whu?” you guess.
Oh. Ohhhh

>>3500173
>“What, you didn’t realize it? I’ve been trying to talk to you since the day you got on the airship to the test.” He answers.
>“...Huh?” you blurt out.
>“I saw you eating breakfast with that Raven-haired girl while checking out that map…” He trails off.
Kek

>>3500173
… is watts going to be mr. REJOICE?


>>3500185
Because I am betting he's going to be one of the ones we have to put down.

>>3500185

>Someone irrelevant like Officer Darby

>Irrelevant

Any and all characters made have some greater purpose anon, don't think for a second I haven't found some way to integrate him back into the story.

He just hasn't returned...yet.

>Still writing...

>>3500191
>Because I am betting he's going to be one of the ones we have to put down.
Wow anon... Who hurt you?

>>3500199
Because this is Hunter X hunter, I do not expect all those who painted us black to be enemies, at least not at the time we knew them. Also I fully expect after that outburst of not caring who he kills for him to have become a mad dog if he survived til now.

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>>3500197
>Any and all characters made have some greater purpose

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>>3500199
>>3500191
Well, we already ruined a major person from our past, it wouldn't surprise me if we did it again
>inb4 Radiohead man turns out to be Rickard, and all that rubbish about etheline's father was cleverly disguised acting
Pretty unlikely, but it'd be cool regardless

>>3500210
Xander's almost certainly one
Glasses/Moon medicines guy IS one.
I can't honestly think of anyone else, so you might be right. NUCLEAR Austin when?

“So I kinda just had to give up and figure out a normal route to the moonlight forest, where I also tried to meet you. I saw while you were running away with the pink-haired girl and eye-path chick.” He explains.

“You were there for that?” you ask.

“Yeah, I was hiding in some nearby bushes.” He explains.

>Slightly less episodes than before...

you waste no time as you prepare for the coming threat, as you grab your bow, you speak to Etheline in quick and concise voice, "Which way are they coming from?" you ask as you notch your bow with an arrow.

Your words break her from her trance and she continues to press at her screen rapidly as she speaks quickly, "They've surrounded us on all sides, the first is coming in from…wait, this reading..." She goes quiet again as she reads her screen.

Is that a person…? She whispers to herself.

You tense up a notch for every second she spends reading her screen, eventually you speak up again with more urgency in your voice, "Which way is it!" you say, louder than last time.

>back to present.

“That’s why she was taking so long to read the screen?” you ask.

“Yep, again, I was planning on jumping out to help you, but then some of those grabdons ambushed me and I was forced to fight a flock of those bastards…” He explains.

(Well there was like 20 of them, wouldn’t be surprising someone else got caught by them...) you think.

“Jeez, how’d we keep just missing each other, you were so close to meeting me so many times.” you state.

“But we did meet.” He counters.

“What? When?” you ask.

>Still many many episodes ago…

A random man from in the crowd standing next to you raises his hand, Ami acknowledges him, "How will we get food? You can't expect us not to eat for two weeks right?" He asks.

>Back to present.

“That guy was me.” He explains.

(That complete random guy who I didn’t even think was worth describing!? That was you!?) you scream internally.

“I was planning on talking to you to discuss which path we should go down. But then you just decided to chase after that one crazy guy in the forest and there was no way I was going in that deathtrap.” He laughs to himself.

(I thought the same thing, till I chased after that dumbass to stop himself from getting killed...why the hell did I do that again?) you question of yourself.

“There was also a time when we just missed each other at Damon’s house, or that time I saw you driving away after the 3rd test, or that other time...or that other time…” He lists off numerous instances in which you were literally a face turn away from meeting.

“Uh-huh…” All you can do is nod as he goes on.

“Anyway, nevermind all that, we finally got the chance to see each other, I’m happy to see how far you’ve come Derrick.” He smiles.

What will you say?

>Right...that’s cool, but why you talking to me right now?

>Can you remind me where we first met again? I’m a little blurry on the details.

>Just let him carry the conversation.

>>3500359
>>Just let him carry the conversation.
We did want someone to chat with. He seems like he's got a lot to say

>>3500359
>>Just let him carry the conversation.
I feel like this is the start of a beautiful friendship

>>3500423
>>3500430

>Just keep talking friend...

>Writing.

“So man, mind what you came over here to talk about?” you ask.

"I just wanted to tell you how much of an inspiration you were to me. Thanks to the words you told me when we first met, I made it this far..." He says with a smile.

"What? When we first met?" you question.

“What? You don’t remember?” He asks.

“Uhh….” You can’t answer.

He puts his head against the counter and buries his head, “Oh...Damn, meeting you was such an inspiration to me and you don’t even remember..." He says with a saddened look in his eyes.

"Ummm, wait, I just need a sec to remember..." you have no idea what he's talking about.

"Well whatever, I’m extremely forgettable, so it’s not your fault...I just need to stop being so boring…” He says as he slips into depression.

“N-No. I’m just a little blurry on the details, so just give me the specifics again, it has been a while you know?” You can’t bare to watch him like that, so you stretch the truth a bit.

He pulls his head up, “Oh, really? Right, it has been almost 6 months now and it was a quick meeting after-all, so no wonder you don’t fully remember it.” He nods.

“So how’d it go down?” you ask.

“Well, this was back when you were striking a deal with those construction workers. The one you made to get the flight and equipment money for this exam.” He starts.

(Oh, he means the architecture deal I struck up cause I was low on money, that was just a few months before the test…) you remember that.

“So it was nice night at the drowned sorrow…” He trails off as he explains.

File: Drowned Sorrow.png (300 KB, 640x480)

300 KB PNG

>Quick flashback.

https://youtu.be/HPiZoND209U

An recording of an old jazz concert plays throughout the dusty walls of the bar. Patrons exit and arrive at random in and out from the, old, seedy building, some because they’re heading out for the night while they still have some coherency left in them.

Others stumble and tumble their way out to find the nearest empty ally to projectile vomit the last 10 drinks they had out in the streets. Let’s say the latter group is much more numerous than the former.

As for you, you just sit at the bar, head down and beaten by life, drunk on sadness and rum as you groan to yourself.

“Ahhh, I can’t believe I got rejected from job interview because the employer forgot to call my number...again!” you cry.

“Hey, no tears on the bar, you’ll ruin the wood.” The bartender complains as he wipes the place down.

“Barkeep...you’re my only friend, you’re the only guy who listens to my troubles…” you weep.

The bartender looks over to you, “Uh, Who are you again?” he asks.

“....Just get me another drink.” you can’t even bring yourself to complain.

“Coming right up.” He says as he goes to mix.

“Oh god, I’m going to spend the rest of my life as a complete background character…?” He asks in woe.

“So it’s a deal then?” Derrick asks as the group of burly men look around indeicsively.

“Huh…?” you hum out in confusion.

“Only if you can really write-up those designs kid, those rumors about you being a professional architect weren’t bullshit right?” One man asks, clearly the foreman of the group.

“Don’t worry guys, I’ve already got the first draft written up…” He explains.

“Damn...Look at that kid, so young, yet already foraging a path to the future....Why can’t I be like him?” you ask yourself.