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Magical Girl Shining Birthright: Apocalypse of Echoing Abyss

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Okay, so I fully recognize this is about some kind of magical girl business, but I'm amused by the idea that Maria is just so incensed by having her outing interrupted that she jumps straight to murder in retaliation. In her defense, it was just getting interesting. The conversation had a good vibe.

That being said, the moment seems gone and being mean to a little girl likely won't get it back. Which means it's time to bite the plot hook. Given the mascot complications that have been mentioned before, I kind of want to take the opportunity to build a good rapport with the girl before her mascot can run interference.

That just leaves the question of how to handle Yult. Something tells me we shouldn't go completely open with her, but then shutting her out feels kinda unfair.

All things being said, I do think I lean towards investgating, but with less of a confrontational vibe.

Also, as a little addendum to the world building, I am sightly amused by going all red with Maria, only to see that vampires are apparently just a thing in setting. It does make me wonder where exactly they stand on the undead scale and turning other people.
Plus, I'm still trying to decide if a cube world is more or less ridiculous than a flat earth.
 
[lol] This is Revi-chan.
[lol] Agree: "If of all people you want me to help, then sure. Don't complain about consequences, though."

Now I'll sleep and then think properly.
 
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First, I'm in favor of agreeing.
For the sake of story, I'm in favor of creeping our new friend out of her mind in a way that doesn't give any weapon against us.
I also want to rope Yult into it so she didn't feel left out.
 
Slynthen Advance said:
Ah." You reply, accepting the revelation with an air of nonchalance.
It pokes and prods at your curiosity, demanding satisfaction.
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Slynthen Advance said:
[X] This could be a problem. Deflect, deflect, deflect, and find a secluded spot to take this child aside and demand answers.
[X] Gregorious Paths Demand Knowledge. Take It. Take It Now.
[X] Maybe you can dispose of the body if you're quick about it.
[X] Gregorious Paths Demand Knowledge. Take It. Take It Now.
[X] Later, perhaps. You're kindof in the middle of something right now.
[X] Gregorious Paths Demand Knowledge. Take It. Take It Now.
[X] Maybe this is entirely innocent, and she's just looking for a lost toy. A stuffed animal, perhaps?
[X] Confused internal screeching.
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Well, I just found the invisitext on a second look. Good on GP for pushing for more character interaction. We're going to make so many friends with their help.
permeakra said:
First, I'm in favor of agreeing.
For the sake of story, I'm in favor of creeping our new friend out of her mind in a way that doesn't give any weapon against us.
I also want to rope Yult into it so she didn't feel left out.
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So what you're saying is that we should bond over kidnapping this girl?

Okay, maybe that'd be a bit much. Honestly, with GP screaming in our mind for knowledge, I kind of want to pull the "tell me about yourself in exchange" card again. It's somewhat fair compensation for her interrupting Yult's story, but at that point I'm starting to wonder if we should get a sign saying "Will Work for your Backstory."

Though I wonder what creepy angle you want to hit exactly. Being way too friendly with somebody you don't know, or more something along the lines of leaning into the more horrory occult angle for the sake of it?
 
Edgedancer said:
So what you're saying is that we should bond over kidnapping this girl?
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Oh, no. The girl ASKED for help in finding something. Something that is connected to her. I hope, our companion can trace the link if allowed to partially manifest.
Edgedancer said:
Though I wonder what creepy angle you want to hit exactly.
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"Welll... I can help, but I would need to give you a good, attentive look. It might be unnerving, so you'll need to think happy thoughts for a bit. Does it sound good?"
....
"Fine, fine. Yult, could you please not look our way for a bit? It's kinda an intimate moment"
There are shard of black floating around you.
There are eyes looking out of the shards. The eyes are not yours, but you see through them regardless.
You see bonds and bonds and bonds. You discard most of them immidiately to avoid migraine, for it is not your eyes and you brain melts from seeing so much.
You see a bond of power going from the girl. There others, but weaker. This one is also a contract, not dissimilar to yours. You can follow it. You catch the girl before she falls down.
"Yult, I would like to make a small detour. It should take ten minutes or so. Are you OK with it?"
You are actively rejecting thoughts about what your contractor could see. He doesn't really get how mortals work and isn't keen on sharing what he knows most of the time, so it should be fine.
 
[X] Of course you're going to help a fellow magical girl! Just maybe that can be your little secret while Yult is still around and you should stick to learning more about her as a person for now, because you want to know all about her.
-[X] Also, it's not nice to ignore Yult.

Well, it's been two days. Time to be the eldritch big sis magical girl. How hard can it be to gain a random middle schooler's trust?

...how good is Yult as a wingwoman?
 
Yeah, let's go for it!

[X] Of course you're going to help a fellow magical girl! Just maybe that can be your little secret while Yult is still around and you should stick to learning more about her as a person for now, because you want to know all about her.
-[X] Also, it's not nice to ignore Yult.
 
[X] Of course you're going to help a fellow magical girl! Just maybe that can be your little secret while Yult is still around and you should stick to learning more about her as a person for now, because you want to know all about her.
-[X] Also, it's not nice to ignore Yult.
 
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  • Voting
    • Scheduled vote count started by Slynthen Advance on Jun 3, 2024 at 1:12 PM, finished with 6 posts and 3 votes.
    • [X] Of course you're going to help a fellow magical girl! Just maybe that can be your little secret while Yult is still around and you should stick to learning more about her as a person for now, because you want to know all about her.
      -[X] Also, it's not nice to ignore Yult.
    Click to expand...
     
  • Voting
    • Secondary Vote: Priorities
  • Voting
    • So; first thing's first: I am incredibly sorry for disappearing after the last chapter and the following vote; windows shat itself, and I was only barely able to save my instillation. Luckily nothing important to the story was lost, but it took me like a week to save everything.

    In other news; I have a few ideas on how to progress, but I need to know what you want to prioritize in the coming chapter, because it's entirely possible that the goals, as outlined, are mutually exclusive. I'll provide a loose outline, but I won't restrict anyone to what I've created.
    This Vote will last for 36 hours, starting at midnight EST.
    [X] You came out for Yult, you're going to keep her at the top of your priorities for now.
    -[X] Come clean, things are quickly spiraling out of control.
    -[X] If it comes down to it, you'll tell Yult about everything, but that's a secret for emergencies only.
    -[X] Yeah, if Yult gets informed, then so be it, but you're not saying anything.
    -[X] No, you're going to silence any and all talk of Magic. That's dangerous information to be getting around willy-nilly.
    --[X] How do you handle what you do or don't tell Yult?

    [X] Prioritize the middle-schooler. If things are that bad already, they're likely to quickly become unmanageable, and this is kindof an emergency, if this girl is just coming out and begging like this, right in front of an obvious civilian.
    -[X] As above, so below.

    [X] Write-in
     
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  • Voting
    • [X] Prioritize the middle-schooler. If things are that bad already, they're likely to quickly become unmanageable, and this is kindof an emergency, if this girl is just coming out and begging like this, right in front of an obvious civilian.
    -[X] Don't go out of your way to spill the truth, but also answer honestly if the middle-schooler says something that makes Yult start to ask questions. However, do give Yult full disclosure if things are starting to look like you'd be putting her in active danger by keeping secrets.

    Not too secretive, but also not handing out knowledge about immediately, that sounds about right to me. Meanwhile, my gut wants to stick with Yult, but then ignoring the need of a child that potentially need urgent help feel worse.

    A shame to hear about your computer troubles, glad to have you back though.
     
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    [X] Prioritize the middle-schooler. If things are that bad already, they're likely to quickly become unmanageable, and this is kindof an emergency, if this girl is just coming out and begging like this, right in front of an obvious civilian.
    -[X] Don't go out of your way to spill the truth, but also answer honestly if the middle-schooler says something that makes Yult start to ask questions. However, do give Yult full disclosure if things are starting to look like you'd be putting her in active danger by keeping secrets.
     
    [X] Prioritize the middle-schooler. If things are that bad already, they're likely to quickly become unmanageable, and this is kindof an emergency, if this girl is just coming out and begging like this, right in front of an obvious civilian.
    -[X] Don't go out of your way to spill the truth, but also answer honestly if the middle-schooler says something that makes Yult start to ask questions. However, do give Yult full disclosure if things are starting to look like you'd be putting her in active danger by keeping secrets.
     
    Vote closed
  • Voting
    • Scheduled vote count started by Slynthen Advance on Jun 18, 2024 at 1:01 PM, finished with 4 posts and 3 votes.
    • [X] Prioritize the middle-schooler. If things are that bad already, they're likely to quickly become unmanageable, and this is kindof an emergency, if this girl is just coming out and begging like this, right in front of an obvious civilian.
      -[X] Don't go out of your way to spill the truth, but also answer honestly if the middle-schooler says something that makes Yult start to ask questions. However, do give Yult full disclosure if things are starting to look like you'd be putting her in active danger by keeping secrets.
    Click to expand...
     
  • Voting
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    Prologue 1-5: Park Activities
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    • So; further explanation on why this took so long; 1) minor writer's block, got through it pretty quick. 2) Major sunburn made it hurt to move my fingers, still recovering, unfortunately. But, here it is! I'll try to make the next one longer to make up for it, though.

    The world narrows, a funnel of tension and uncertainty. You glance between Yult and the girl, Selune, weighing the scales of responsibility and empathy. The city, even its more benign parts, is no place for a child to wander alone in search of a missing Mascot. Annoyance flickers, but you extinguish it, resolving to assist this wayward magical girl. An apologetic look to Yult earns a headshake of amused resignation.

    A pressure, insistent and unrelenting, pulses behind your eyes, compelling you to speak. "So, what's this Mascot of yours look like?"

    Selune's gasp of delight is almost audible. She bows—bows—before answering with fervor. "He's about this tall," she gestures, hands a little apart, not much higher than her chin from her collarbone. "White with grey spots, big green eyes. Looks like a cross between a bear and a rabbit, and stands upright like a person!" Her voice crescendos, leaving your ears ringing slightly.

    Yult, ever the epitome of grace under pressure, arches an eyebrow. "Like a person, hm?" Her tone is dry, a desert of skepticism.

    Selune blanches, bowing again. "I'm sorry!"

    Yult shuffles, discomfort evident. You step in, a silent promise to prevent this scene from escalating. "Stand up," you grumble, rubbing your eyes, resisting the urge to interrogate the peculiar bowing. "We're not in an Age of Presence; you don't have to bow."

    Selune straightens, confusion and mild embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Sorry."

    You shake your head, huffing. "Whatever." Taking a breath, you scan the surroundings, half-hoping the Mascot might miraculously appear. "Two things, then. One: I'm Maria, that's Yult, and who might you be?"

    Another blush, deeper this time, mingled with confusion. "I'm Selune," she answers, her voice small.

    "Good to meet you, Selune," you respond. Glancing at Yult, you offer her a chance to speak, but she shakes her head, letting you continue. "Second: do you remember where he was last?"

    Selune nods, a look of determination crossing her face. "Well, he was with me when I banished the demon earlier," she says, and your heart screeches to a halt before lurching back into a frantic rhythm. "So, in the alley behind the… I think the sign said it was a Balkmart?"

    A wheeze of terror escapes your throat as Yult gives the middle-schooler a pointed look, her primary eyes narrowing. "You banished a demon?" The words hang in the air, heavy and ominous.

    Selune nods, seemingly unfazed by the weight of her statement. "Yes, he was very persistent. But Mr. Fluffles helped a lot!" She says it with the nonchalance of discussing a mundane school project, oblivious to the gravity.

    You exchange a glance with Yult, the unspoken communication clear: this situation just escalated. You had to stop yourself from smacking the child. Surely, there is a reasonable explanation for such an assault.

    Hopefully, one that doesn't require you to visit your father's workplace.

    You gather yourself, steeling your resolve. "Alright, Selune. Let's find Mr. Fluffles." The name feels odd on your tongue, but you push past it. "And maybe avoid any more demon encounters today."

    Selune nods eagerly, and you lead the way, Yult following with a mixture of wariness and caution. The path ahead is uncertain, but you can't shake the feeling that this encounter is just the beginning of something far more intricate. As you walk, the city around you feels both familiar and alien, a tapestry of shadows and light, of secrets waiting to be unearthed.

    The hunt for the Mascot begins, but in the back of your mind, the question lingers: What else will you discover along the way?

    Voting will begin tomorrow at noon, EST. It will last for 36 hours. Please remember that only your most recent vote will be counted upon tally.

    [X] You know what? No. Straight to the precinct, it is. They'll be able to help find the Mascot, ideally, and an assault on a person needs to be investigated. Why does nobody ever just call the police?

    [X] Just head to the alley, hopefully find the Mascot, and skedaddle. You can work out the meaningless details later.

    [X] Maybe you should try further exploring the park, first. Bear-Rabbits like nature, right?

    [X] Things are already going off the rails; screw secrecy, this little girl needs help, and your own Mascot is getting all vibrate-y, so why not introduce the eldritch abomination?

    [X] Write-in

    (-)[X] Ask some more questions.
    (-)-[X] How did you lose your Mascot?
    (-)-[X] Can you give us any more details on what he looks like?
    (-)-[X] Where did you come from?
    (-)-[X] Where did you go?
    (-)-[J] Does the name Cotton Eye Joe mean anything to you?
    (-)-[X] Write-in
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Just head to the alley, hopefully find the Mascot, and skedaddle. You can work out the meaningless details later.
    -[X] Ask some more questions.
    --[X] How did you lose your Mascot?
    --[X] Can you give us any more details on what he looks like?
     
    [X] Just head to the alley, hopefully find the Mascot, and skedaddle. You can work out the meaningless details later.
    -[X] Ask some more questions.
    --[X] How did you lose your Mascot?
    --[X] Can you give us any more details on what he looks like?

    Nice for this to continue, even if it isn't much. I am incredibly tempted to push the eldritch abomination button, but that probably would be a bit too much gass right out of the gate.
     
    [X] Just head to the alley, hopefully find the Mascot, and skedaddle. You can work out the meaningless details later.
    -[X] Ask some more questions.
    --[X] How did you lose your Mascot?
    --[X] Can you give us any more details on what he looks like?
     
    [X] Just head to the alley, hopefully find the Mascot, and skedaddle. You can work out the meaningless details later.
    -[X] Ask some more questions.
    --[X] How did you lose your Mascot?
    --[X] Can you give us any more details on what he looks like?
     
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