Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
Prototypes are inventory items, and can be found there. A repair prototype had not been made yet.
Renascence: A Homura Quest
- Thread starter Higure
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy Mystery
- Location
- Somewhere
@Cubbyhb1, might I ask what made you decide to switch votes? It helps the rest of us when considering our own votes.
@Macros and @Wzd_JA, since you two are currently voting for my Plan London Madness I inquire to how you two would feel if I replace the Home Action of exploring the palace with performing some social with Agravain to increase his Social Link. Making such a change will create some difficult balancing of the use of Madness and Sanity management. If the events of last update are any indication, Akemi Madness will activate when socializing with Agravain whether it is included in the vote or not. Without sacrificing a use of AM anywhere else in the vote that creates 5 uses of AM, giving us -25 Sanity without any other modifiers Higure's system throws at us during the update.
I do not wish to throw out using the Madness when we social with Arthur because it gives us +10 to our social rolls. Nor do I wish to remove it from our Creative Action for the +10 to Development rolls from Madness of Creation. I could potentially remove the Madness from our investigation of Big Ben, as it does not appear to offer any benefit there outside of flavor. Another possibility is removing it from our Development training as it's unknown if Madness of Creation will activate there or not. Actually, yeah, if I do edit and remove an Akemi Madness action I'd probably remove it from our Development training as I can easily see MoC not activating there and the Madness' inclusion was more for experimenting to if that would happen and to include enough activations of AM to get a negative modifier to Sanity without using them in the open where it could potentially become problematic to our relationships.
So, basically the options I was thinking was...
1: Not editing the vote at all. This lowers us to 457 Sanity before other unseen modifiers.
2: Removing investigating Buckingham Palace from our Home Actions and replacing it with Social Agravain using Akemi Madness, likely including the presence of Kyouko and Kallen to get some more social with them as well. This lowers us to 432 Sanity before other unseen modifiers.
3: Same as 2, but also removing the Akemi Madness included in training Development. This gives us the same Sanity as option 1.
All of these options puts us in a location where I'm comfortable on our Sanity. Immediate future votes when it comes to Akemi Madness usage would be more focused on minimizing changes or combating the hidden unexpected changes that push us back over 470 or down below 420. Maybe leveraging the bonuses to rolls if our Sanity stays around 445.
@Macros and @Wzd_JA, since you two are currently voting for my Plan London Madness I inquire to how you two would feel if I replace the Home Action of exploring the palace with performing some social with Agravain to increase his Social Link. Making such a change will create some difficult balancing of the use of Madness and Sanity management. If the events of last update are any indication, Akemi Madness will activate when socializing with Agravain whether it is included in the vote or not. Without sacrificing a use of AM anywhere else in the vote that creates 5 uses of AM, giving us -25 Sanity without any other modifiers Higure's system throws at us during the update.
I do not wish to throw out using the Madness when we social with Arthur because it gives us +10 to our social rolls. Nor do I wish to remove it from our Creative Action for the +10 to Development rolls from Madness of Creation. I could potentially remove the Madness from our investigation of Big Ben, as it does not appear to offer any benefit there outside of flavor. Another possibility is removing it from our Development training as it's unknown if Madness of Creation will activate there or not. Actually, yeah, if I do edit and remove an Akemi Madness action I'd probably remove it from our Development training as I can easily see MoC not activating there and the Madness' inclusion was more for experimenting to if that would happen and to include enough activations of AM to get a negative modifier to Sanity without using them in the open where it could potentially become problematic to our relationships.
So, basically the options I was thinking was...
1: Not editing the vote at all. This lowers us to 457 Sanity before other unseen modifiers.
2: Removing investigating Buckingham Palace from our Home Actions and replacing it with Social Agravain using Akemi Madness, likely including the presence of Kyouko and Kallen to get some more social with them as well. This lowers us to 432 Sanity before other unseen modifiers.
3: Same as 2, but also removing the Akemi Madness included in training Development. This gives us the same Sanity as option 1.
All of these options puts us in a location where I'm comfortable on our Sanity. Immediate future votes when it comes to Akemi Madness usage would be more focused on minimizing changes or combating the hidden unexpected changes that push us back over 470 or down below 420. Maybe leveraging the bonuses to rolls if our Sanity stays around 445.
1: (4 (Akemi Madness) * 20) - (7 (No AM) * 5) = 80 - 35 = 45 Bloodheat > 20 (sleep) + 20 (first sleep) + 20 (sleep) - 20 (refusing to sleep) - 20 (refusing to sleep) = 40 + 20 - 40 = 60 - 40 = 20 - 45 (Bloodheat) = -25
Sanity: 482/1000 - 25 = Sanity: 457/1000
2: (5 (Akemi Madness) * 20) - (6 (No AM) * 5) = 100 - 30 = 70 Bloodheat > 20 (sleep) + 20 (first sleep) + 20 (sleep) - 20 (refusing to sleep) - 20 (refusing to sleep) = 40 + 20 - 40 = 60 - 40 = 20 - 70 (Bloodheat) = -50
Sanity: 482/1000 - 50 = Sanity: 432/1000
3: Same as 1 due to adding an Akemi Madness in one action but removing it in another.
Sanity: 482/1000 - 25 = Sanity: 457/1000
2: (5 (Akemi Madness) * 20) - (6 (No AM) * 5) = 100 - 30 = 70 Bloodheat > 20 (sleep) + 20 (first sleep) + 20 (sleep) - 20 (refusing to sleep) - 20 (refusing to sleep) = 40 + 20 - 40 = 60 - 40 = 20 - 70 (Bloodheat) = -50
Sanity: 482/1000 - 50 = Sanity: 432/1000
3: Same as 1 due to adding an Akemi Madness in one action but removing it in another.
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Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Hmm. I feel like it'd be a waste to drop Buckingham Palace when we're halfway there. If you want to include Agravain, I think I'd be more willing to delay investigating Arthur until the next turn? Since she's also the target of our Social and Mission action, I'd feel less like we'd miss out.
- Location
- Somewhere
Hm... I'm not against doing that. But personally I just do not see the relevance in investigating the Palace, and to a lesser extent Big Ben, when it is a location we are going to be visiting at most once for like three to four days each loop, on the other end of the world from Mitakihara. Unless there is some big power up that we can stack by visiting there each loop, we can afford to put off those investigations until later loops as the benefits of these investigations are likely to be one offs, a bit of knowledge about how the different worlds are pushing up against each other or some random artifact we can put in our inventory and have each loop, or unlocking our potential in something or other.
Meanwhile, learning about Arthur in character will color how Homura approaches the King in this and future loops. The Homumind will be more willing to accept her offers of help without being suspicious if Akemi knows Arthur is the genuine article and honest in her offers. I dunno if I'm articulating it well enough, but it just feels like investigating Arthur opens more doors to Homura than investigating the palace. Investigating Big Ben gets a little more work out of it than the Palace due to CLOCKS and the potential knowledge Homura can gain and then apply to her family's shop.
TL;DR I feel there's more long term benefit from investigating and befriending people that could potentially come to Mitakihara, our base of operations, than places that are far away from it. I do see your point about being a bit Arthur heavy, and thus am willing to change to sacrificing investigation of Arthur instead of investigating the palace if my own points weren't sufficient to change your mind.
Meanwhile, learning about Arthur in character will color how Homura approaches the King in this and future loops. The Homumind will be more willing to accept her offers of help without being suspicious if Akemi knows Arthur is the genuine article and honest in her offers. I dunno if I'm articulating it well enough, but it just feels like investigating Arthur opens more doors to Homura than investigating the palace. Investigating Big Ben gets a little more work out of it than the Palace due to CLOCKS and the potential knowledge Homura can gain and then apply to her family's shop.
TL;DR I feel there's more long term benefit from investigating and befriending people that could potentially come to Mitakihara, our base of operations, than places that are far away from it. I do see your point about being a bit Arthur heavy, and thus am willing to change to sacrificing investigation of Arthur instead of investigating the palace if my own points weren't sufficient to change your mind.
- Pronouns
- They/Them/Their
... I just noticed that the Tally isn't correctly reading my latest plan. I'm not sure why it's messed up though? I guess it could be because the colon in the Plan name, but there doesn't seem to be a consistent pattern of what it's missing between the Tally and the proper plan.
- Location
- Somewhere
We had a similar issue with the last vote, though coupled with randomly assigning where the various lines went. Basically Higure is going to need to pay attention to the name of the winning plan and then go back through the posts to find what that plan actually looks like to ensure it comes out right. At least until the tally program can correctly read the plans.
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
That's actually kind of the point. It's here, we're unlikely to interact much with it in a couple of days, and we have no idea what's it about. It is entirely possible that it turns out to not be worth the exploration, but we've also been told that exploring the less travelled roads could yield unexpected results. Back in Mitakihara, we haven't really gotten to that - probably because there are a million things to do and the places to explore aren't going anywhere - but here we are with a time limit in place. Hence trying to see what's in the mystery box before it goes away.
At least that's how I feel.
Thebigpieman
I've got this, I think.
- Location
- United States
Have you tried not interspacing parts of your actual vote with non-vote texting and instead keep it as a singular block?
Also I should vote...
[X] Plan London Madness
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Kell of Snow
Verified TinTin enjoyer
- Location
- New York
Wouldn't it be ironic if Homura, the supposed descendant of a mischievous whimsical half dream-demon, was the reality check for the same individual who was first tutored by said half-demon? Where one was an enabler to action, the other becomes a voice of reason?
Could be wrong on Merlin, haven't caught up with my Aurthurian studies recently.
Could be wrong on Merlin, haven't caught up with my Aurthurian studies recently.
- Location
- Somewhere
My point was that by making connections with Arthur, we'd likely end up coming back each loop just to gain some help. However your own arguments are also valid regardless. So...
[X] Plan London Madness
[Investigative Actions: 2]
[ ] Big Ben (91/100)
-[ ] with Kallen
-[ ] Using Akemi Madness
[ ] Detective Agency (0/100)
-[ ] with Kyouko
[Social Actions: 1]
[ ] King Arthur (89/100)
-[ ] with Kyouko
-[ ] Using Akemi Madness
[Home Actions: 2]
[ ] Social: Agravain
-[ ] With Kallen
-[ ] With Kyouko
-[ ] Using Akemi Madness
[ ] Investigation: Buckingham Palace (152/300)
-[ ] with Kallen
[Mission Actions: 1]
[ ] Meet with King Arthur
-[ ] with Kyouko
[Creative Actions: 1]
[ ] Spell Development (Development Roll Required)
-[ ] Prototype: Accel
--[ ]using Akemi Madness
[Training Actions: 1]
[ ] Train a Skill
-[ ] Development
[Sleep Actions: 4]
[ ] Sleep (Gain 20 + Modifiers Sanity)
[ ] Sleep (Gain 20 + Modifiers Sanity)
[ ] Investigative action
-[ ] Galahad
--[ ] with Kyouko
[ ] Train a Skill
-[ ] Medical Expertise
Here's the edited Plan London Madness. I switched out investigating Arthur to social with Agravain. I have Kallen and Kyouko there to act as reality checks for Lelouch and Homura, but given last time all four were together I'm not really sure they'll succeed. I'm also wondering if perhaps that's a bit too much dragging the two around with Homura since one of them is with Homura for every Action that isn't spent sleeping, training or developing a spell.
Oh, I also removed the Akemi Madness from our development training as it's likely to not do anything and this way we keep the same number of AM uses as the original version of the plan.
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- Pronouns
- They/Them/Their
Ironically, I started doing it because Spi.Guyver was doing it. I'm just now noticing that Spi never actually X's any of the boxes in his vote beyond the top level one, which is probably why his plans never show anything beyond the top level in the Vote Plan. But since you mention it, I'll try not interspersing it with non-vote text next voting cycle.
Edit: I just removed all the non-vote text that was interspersed through my plan for this vote, and it still didn't register correctly in the tally. What I have noticed is that it only seems to count each sub-option the first time it appears; Requests for Kyouko or Kallen, or activations of Akemi Madness outright don't show up after the first instance of them in my vote.
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NanayaMode
(Verified Unverifiable)
- Location
- Out of my mind
[X] Plan London Madness
- Location
- New Jersey
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Still catching up so I'm not really sure whats going on yet. Whatever you think works best sounds good to me
- Location
- Gainful Employment
- Pronouns
- He/They
I just read through all the post-most-recent-revival thread, and I have two new blues.
The repaired Yamato cannot be brought back in time in our inventory without harming her.
This is because I'm pretty sure there's a Red somewhere that we can't put things with souls in our inventory, which presumably applies to Kanmasu.
Any spell that doesn't name a weapon in it's description can be cast regardless of the form our MG weapon is taking.
This is just me making sure we can use Accel while wielding Heartstopper.
The repaired Yamato cannot be brought back in time in our inventory without harming her.
This is because I'm pretty sure there's a Red somewhere that we can't put things with souls in our inventory, which presumably applies to Kanmasu.
Any spell that doesn't name a weapon in it's description can be cast regardless of the form our MG weapon is taking.
This is just me making sure we can use Accel while wielding Heartstopper.
Kell of Snow
Verified TinTin enjoyer
- Location
- New York
I think the key phrase here is going to be "in our inventory", maybe Yamato's spirit will loop back around along with ours when we reset the clock, like Arcana!Kyouko and who knows how many other entities that remember our looping.
- Location
- Gainful Employment
- Pronouns
- He/They
I almost posted this without "in our inventory," then realized that question was too vague.
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
Edit: Okay, no update. Sorry. This weekend was a mess.
Some time after the update, probably. Blues are not my priority on writing days.
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- Location
- Somewhere
So, while we're on a bit of downtime in the quest waiting for Higure to post the update, I want to go over a bit about a short-term goal I have for when we get back to Mitakihara.
I suddenly realized while thinking of goals such as upping Sayaka's Social Link for hopefully finding a way to keep her current self in future loops, by turning her into a Memento Magica or Arcana Magica, when I realized something. The two are probably not the same thing or if they are it changed slightly between when the tarot card side was introduced. And if they are not the same we know very little about what an Arcana Magica is or what it does.
Thus, my short term goals when we get back to Mitakihara is to spend a little bit of time with Yuma and to investigate just what the Arcana Magica are. Preferably the former as a Social Action and the latter an Investigative one. I want to social Yuma mostly to get an idea of just what she remembers if anything about the previous loops. And I want it separate from investigating the Arcana so that doesn't end up influencing what information we end up getting from Yuma.
If I'm right and Arcana Magica are somehow different from Memento Magica then we're going to want to determine which we want more and how, if possible, the two types work together.
I suddenly realized while thinking of goals such as upping Sayaka's Social Link for hopefully finding a way to keep her current self in future loops, by turning her into a Memento Magica or Arcana Magica, when I realized something. The two are probably not the same thing or if they are it changed slightly between when the tarot card side was introduced. And if they are not the same we know very little about what an Arcana Magica is or what it does.
These quotes above show that when we picked up Yuma and we got the meta message of the Wheel of Fortune had been returned, Yuma appeared to regain memories of previous loops, referring to Homura as Senpai and talking about how Homura's and Oriko's natures haven't changed, in spite of the fact in this loop, she appears to have never met them yet.
This quote shows that Momento Kyouko also has memories of loops from before the one where she became really close with Homura. Recall that when we first met Igor in the Velvet Room, Momento Kyouko received her own Tarot Card, though I forget what it was. And if she had memories of Homura's earlier loops before then, she gave no indications of it.
Thus, my short term goals when we get back to Mitakihara is to spend a little bit of time with Yuma and to investigate just what the Arcana Magica are. Preferably the former as a Social Action and the latter an Investigative one. I want to social Yuma mostly to get an idea of just what she remembers if anything about the previous loops. And I want it separate from investigating the Arcana so that doesn't end up influencing what information we end up getting from Yuma.
If I'm right and Arcana Magica are somehow different from Memento Magica then we're going to want to determine which we want more and how, if possible, the two types work together.
- Pronouns
- They/Them/Their
We also have at least one Mission lined up for us back in Mitakihara, courtesy of the training with Clocksmithing: Attempt to Repair The Akemi Workshop Clocktower. While we know that the DC is 54 or higher, if rolling Clocksmithing+20, Homura will be throwing a +37 at it. We can also possibly slot in more Clocksmithing training before we return, since it's still one of (if not the most) efficient Skills for us to train currently with a +100 from Memories Of Jii-San, and then doubling the results of all training rolls with Clocksmithing from Clocksmithing Prodigy, and having a book as well.
Even by rolling a natural 1 (ignoring critical fail mechanics) gives Homura 151x2=302 Progress, for a guaranteed additional three levels of Clocksmithing from a single training action.
Development and Medical Expertise are both more important for the long term though. I imagine that we'll get some benefits out of repairing the clocktower, beyond just Homura apparently reuniting with her family's cat.
Even by rolling a natural 1 (ignoring critical fail mechanics) gives Homura 151x2=302 Progress, for a guaranteed additional three levels of Clocksmithing from a single training action.
Development and Medical Expertise are both more important for the long term though. I imagine that we'll get some benefits out of repairing the clocktower, beyond just Homura apparently reuniting with her family's cat.
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Probably should wait to see what will await us in Mitakihara once we get back. But investigating Yuma and Arcana certainly seems promising. It'll also be interesting to see what we can get from the Akemi Madness trail, but all things in due time.
As for the Tower, that's another mystery box, but probably a worthwhile one. One thing is certain, we're certainly not lacking for options.
As for the Tower, that's another mystery box, but probably a worthwhile one. One thing is certain, we're certainly not lacking for options.
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
"No, I should just write several major emotional moments of great scale and import in one update. That will just take one weekend. No, I shouldn't take steps to prevent that from occurring and space it out."
I overscoped here, and IRL won't leave me alone. Currently still writing. I doubt I finish by 3, so I'm going to post a teaser segment here to help tide ya'll over and keep the thread active while I work on finishing everything.
I know it's not a ton, but I hope it's enjoyable, at least.
----------
Investigation Action: Detective Agency with Kyouko
"So, what can I do for you, Akemi-san?" The gentleman before me is an anachronism--his clothing, his speech, and his mannerisms. There's something about him which seems profoundly wrong in the current moment, yet he seems entirely at ease with it.
"I was hired to look into you, Mr. Holmes." You explain, glancing around the room at his possessions--mostly antiques, but clearly in use. Selected in imitation of the fictional detective, perhaps, but perhaps selected by a man far out of his time and place, seeking some shred of comfort.
"You're having fun with this."
"They were excellent books." You explain to your Kyouko as your eyes alight upon a smart phone lying on what you assume to be his desk--not the newest model, but not an old one either.
You blink for a moment, reconsidering. No, that one is now quite outdated. It has been for several loops. You will one day find whomever has been Wishing for technological progress every loop, and have a word with them for keeping you constantly out of date.
"I picked it up on sale--the newest models all seem to want some sort of implant, and are near certainly used as tools for espionage by certain parties unknown. I fortunately was able to find someone with the skills to remove and alter the functionality of that one." Sherlock explains, unbidden, "You're trying your hand at observation--I approve, though you must cultivate the practice of perpetual observation, rather than allowing yourself to fall into the habit of mere sight."
"Seventeen steps." This timeline's Kyouko says from the chair at your right.
Sherlock chuckles, gesturing towards her briefly with his pipe, "Eighteen, actually. My old residence does not seem to exist, unfortunately. You've read Sir Doyle's books, then?"
Kyouko blushes at that, turning her gaze aside a bit, "I mean, yeah, who hasn't? Still, not sure you're the real thing. You'd have to be a time traveler--" She pauses for a moment, brow furrowing, then shakes her head, "At minimum, I mean. Sherlock Holmes was fictional, so you'd have to come from another universe too, or something."
"A time traveler, you say?" His eyes glance to you, "Yes, I suppose that is one way to think of it. I am curious who would hire two Night Children to investigate me, however." He takes a long drag from his pipe, but keeps his gaze steadily upon you, as if trying to pick you apart with his eyes.
"Night Children?" You ask, suspecting you know what he means. Next to you, even you can make out Kyouko's flinch. Little hope he hasn't made a deduction from that.
"It's what we called girls like you, back where I came from. If I came from anywhere, at least. Young woman who walked rooftops as shadows in the night, clad in strange clothing and armed to the teeth with anachronistic weapons of war. Law enforcement was strictly forbidden from investigating your kind, with many ominous rumblings every time it was brought up." He frowns heavily, looking you up and down, "I, of course, chose to investigate anyway, and quickly determined that you were a supernatural matter, and quite invested in affair of import well beyond common crime. It was not until I found myself brought into an investigation that touched upon your affairs, however, that I learned the truth of the matter--that you are mere children, enslaved via contract and put to the work of violence by an unknown party that goes by many names. That you are each a match for a hundred armed men, that you are likely the origin of many myths, and that you only rarely survive to reach your age of majority."
"What the--" Kyouko starts, and you stop her with a hand upon her arm, before she can offend his sensibilities.
He smiles slightly, "Thank you for your consideration for an old man, Akemi-san, but I have heard far worse in my many investigations. I do worry for our youth, though. Indulgence is one thing, but being ill-mannered is a dangerous thing, should one wish to succeed in life." He heaves a sigh, "Regardless, you show all the signs of being Night Children. You carry yourselves too lightly, as if your bodies weigh nothing. You show the habits of soldiers--a tendency to check every door in a room upon entry, for example, and a tension in your bodies not commonly found in children. Furthermore, and most importantly, you both wear the same type of ring, which you both protect with your motions in a way that normal people protect their throats and eyes. Finally, and most importantly of all, you are children at all, claiming to have been hired to investigate me, and showing no signs of deceit--I believe that rather speaks for itself."
You slowly nod, "I suppose it to does. We are commonly called Magical Girls in the modern era, and sometimes Puella Magi--an old term popularized in ancient times that has proven useful for linguistic reasons."
His eyebrows rise, "Ah, you're more open about this sort of thing than my last contact of your persuasion. Could I inquire about your employer?"
You grimace, straightening in your seat, "He has a habit of meddling with the minds of those who know too much, so I'm not certain I should explain too thoroughly. I will say that he's not actually the devil, and that the work we do is generally for the everyone's good, even if it's his fault it's needed."
He frowns at that, looking profoundly distubed, "Hmm…I see, I believe I have something of an idea, then. I will refrain from asking further, for the moment. Were you sent to determine if I had cottoned onto his machinations?"
You shake your head, "No, just to verify the nature of your existence. I believe we know enough at this point."
"Still can't believe we're helping the little bastard." Kyouko grumbles from beside you, "He doesn't deserve it."
You glance towards her, "We're going to need what he's offering. Besides, he's providing his information in the process."
"Yeah, yeah. I still don't like it. Sorry if this brings trouble down on you, Holmes." She looks to the world's greatest detective briefly before casting her eyes down to her feet.
Sherlock taps the arm of his chair, glancing out the window, "As do I. Nevertheless, this meeting was quite important for us." He pauses, "Sakura-san, could you excuse us for a few moments? There's something very personal I must ask your dear friend."
You begin to belay his request, then hesitate, contemplating all of the things he might have deduced in this meeting.
"It's fine, Ribbons. I know you've got your secrets. Gonna need to talk to you about some of that later, but this is fine--I trust you. I'll wait outside for a bit." Kyouko stands, giving you a steady looks. Not happy--quite the opposite--but also not angry. Frustrated, maybe.
You give her a nod, "Thank you."
She returns the motion, and departs.
Holmes turns to you, "Apologies for that, but it is a very private matter, Akemi-san. I had not expected to see a woman such as you walk through my door at any point. May I ask your age?"
"13." You answer, out of habit.
"For how long? You make dear Watson look like a young child that has never seen combat. Your expression when seeing my phone--delayed surprise, as if not realizing the device was badly outdated--was also telling. Then there's the matter of your demeanor with me. Your friend, while clearly experienced in your field, reacts as a young girl her age should. You do not act like a human being. Your expressions are artificial to the trained eye--a way of expressing yourself, not an honest reaction--and the very faint genuine emotions that slip through are all misplaced--I put you ill at ease because I can read you, but your friends words at her departure seemed to illicit only a hint of exhaustion. As if this is routine, to you."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Holmes." You do your best to give him nothing, distancing yourself from your body to suppress involuntary responses.
"Now that's interesting. Regardless, may we please cease the posturing? I enjoy a game of cat and mouse, after a fashion, but we do not have time for such things. There is no guarantee I survive the week, and you may require my expertise." He stands, and walks to the window to close the curtains, presumably to hide the pair of you from prying eyes--or to put you at ease.
He's right, though. He knows already, and you might gain something from his perspective.
"I do not know. Centuries, at least. I try not to think about it." The world seems to lurch at that thought, as a flood of memories--memories of countless Madokas and Kyoukos and Sayakas and Mamis dying in front of you over and over and over and over and over--
A jolt of pain pulls you from your thoughts and, looking up, you see Sherlock standing over you, hand still raised from slapping you. He grimaces, sitting back down, "Apologies, it seemed necessary, as you had taken leave of your senses."
You nod, "Yes, thank you. Therapy is not an option at this interval, you see. Quite dangerous, for our kind. Anyways, yes, I am very old."
"As I suspected, though the degree boggles the mind. You are insane, I take it?" He asks, as if asking about the weather, as he takes up his pipe again.
You nod, "Often. I have had a rather nice period of lucidity the last few days, but it probably won't last. I've learned to cope."
There's a long pause, "You're searching for a solution, then? Determination, restraint, obsession, insanity--you have a goal, and have not achieved it, so you seek a solution."
You nod, "Yes." There's little else to say.
"Well, I will be happy to consult, but, if I may offer a suggestion?" He takes a card from the table next to him, and offers it to you--his business card, "You should instead study under me for a time. I am certain you are busy, but it seems to me that you will require such expertise often. Obviously, I cannot be persistently available, with my investigations, but I would be happy to bring you along and help you develop your skills in observation and deduction, so that you might find the solution you're looking for."
You feel your eyes widen slightly at that, "Why? You do not take students, as I recall."
His eyebrows rise, "Well, it is the end of the world, is it not? Even I might make an exception, for such a reason."
You stand, looking down at the card, "I will consider your offer, Mr. Holmes, but I must take some time to measure it. Thank you for your time."
He nods solemnly, "I understand, Akemi-san. I really do. Go and rest--we can discuss this further another day."
I overscoped here, and IRL won't leave me alone. Currently still writing. I doubt I finish by 3, so I'm going to post a teaser segment here to help tide ya'll over and keep the thread active while I work on finishing everything.
I know it's not a ton, but I hope it's enjoyable, at least.
----------
Investigation Action: Detective Agency with Kyouko
"So, what can I do for you, Akemi-san?" The gentleman before me is an anachronism--his clothing, his speech, and his mannerisms. There's something about him which seems profoundly wrong in the current moment, yet he seems entirely at ease with it.
"I was hired to look into you, Mr. Holmes." You explain, glancing around the room at his possessions--mostly antiques, but clearly in use. Selected in imitation of the fictional detective, perhaps, but perhaps selected by a man far out of his time and place, seeking some shred of comfort.
"You're having fun with this."
"They were excellent books." You explain to your Kyouko as your eyes alight upon a smart phone lying on what you assume to be his desk--not the newest model, but not an old one either.
You blink for a moment, reconsidering. No, that one is now quite outdated. It has been for several loops. You will one day find whomever has been Wishing for technological progress every loop, and have a word with them for keeping you constantly out of date.
"I picked it up on sale--the newest models all seem to want some sort of implant, and are near certainly used as tools for espionage by certain parties unknown. I fortunately was able to find someone with the skills to remove and alter the functionality of that one." Sherlock explains, unbidden, "You're trying your hand at observation--I approve, though you must cultivate the practice of perpetual observation, rather than allowing yourself to fall into the habit of mere sight."
"Seventeen steps." This timeline's Kyouko says from the chair at your right.
Sherlock chuckles, gesturing towards her briefly with his pipe, "Eighteen, actually. My old residence does not seem to exist, unfortunately. You've read Sir Doyle's books, then?"
Kyouko blushes at that, turning her gaze aside a bit, "I mean, yeah, who hasn't? Still, not sure you're the real thing. You'd have to be a time traveler--" She pauses for a moment, brow furrowing, then shakes her head, "At minimum, I mean. Sherlock Holmes was fictional, so you'd have to come from another universe too, or something."
"A time traveler, you say?" His eyes glance to you, "Yes, I suppose that is one way to think of it. I am curious who would hire two Night Children to investigate me, however." He takes a long drag from his pipe, but keeps his gaze steadily upon you, as if trying to pick you apart with his eyes.
"Night Children?" You ask, suspecting you know what he means. Next to you, even you can make out Kyouko's flinch. Little hope he hasn't made a deduction from that.
"It's what we called girls like you, back where I came from. If I came from anywhere, at least. Young woman who walked rooftops as shadows in the night, clad in strange clothing and armed to the teeth with anachronistic weapons of war. Law enforcement was strictly forbidden from investigating your kind, with many ominous rumblings every time it was brought up." He frowns heavily, looking you up and down, "I, of course, chose to investigate anyway, and quickly determined that you were a supernatural matter, and quite invested in affair of import well beyond common crime. It was not until I found myself brought into an investigation that touched upon your affairs, however, that I learned the truth of the matter--that you are mere children, enslaved via contract and put to the work of violence by an unknown party that goes by many names. That you are each a match for a hundred armed men, that you are likely the origin of many myths, and that you only rarely survive to reach your age of majority."
"What the--" Kyouko starts, and you stop her with a hand upon her arm, before she can offend his sensibilities.
He smiles slightly, "Thank you for your consideration for an old man, Akemi-san, but I have heard far worse in my many investigations. I do worry for our youth, though. Indulgence is one thing, but being ill-mannered is a dangerous thing, should one wish to succeed in life." He heaves a sigh, "Regardless, you show all the signs of being Night Children. You carry yourselves too lightly, as if your bodies weigh nothing. You show the habits of soldiers--a tendency to check every door in a room upon entry, for example, and a tension in your bodies not commonly found in children. Furthermore, and most importantly, you both wear the same type of ring, which you both protect with your motions in a way that normal people protect their throats and eyes. Finally, and most importantly of all, you are children at all, claiming to have been hired to investigate me, and showing no signs of deceit--I believe that rather speaks for itself."
You slowly nod, "I suppose it to does. We are commonly called Magical Girls in the modern era, and sometimes Puella Magi--an old term popularized in ancient times that has proven useful for linguistic reasons."
His eyebrows rise, "Ah, you're more open about this sort of thing than my last contact of your persuasion. Could I inquire about your employer?"
You grimace, straightening in your seat, "He has a habit of meddling with the minds of those who know too much, so I'm not certain I should explain too thoroughly. I will say that he's not actually the devil, and that the work we do is generally for the everyone's good, even if it's his fault it's needed."
He frowns at that, looking profoundly distubed, "Hmm…I see, I believe I have something of an idea, then. I will refrain from asking further, for the moment. Were you sent to determine if I had cottoned onto his machinations?"
You shake your head, "No, just to verify the nature of your existence. I believe we know enough at this point."
"Still can't believe we're helping the little bastard." Kyouko grumbles from beside you, "He doesn't deserve it."
You glance towards her, "We're going to need what he's offering. Besides, he's providing his information in the process."
"Yeah, yeah. I still don't like it. Sorry if this brings trouble down on you, Holmes." She looks to the world's greatest detective briefly before casting her eyes down to her feet.
Sherlock taps the arm of his chair, glancing out the window, "As do I. Nevertheless, this meeting was quite important for us." He pauses, "Sakura-san, could you excuse us for a few moments? There's something very personal I must ask your dear friend."
You begin to belay his request, then hesitate, contemplating all of the things he might have deduced in this meeting.
"It's fine, Ribbons. I know you've got your secrets. Gonna need to talk to you about some of that later, but this is fine--I trust you. I'll wait outside for a bit." Kyouko stands, giving you a steady looks. Not happy--quite the opposite--but also not angry. Frustrated, maybe.
You give her a nod, "Thank you."
She returns the motion, and departs.
Holmes turns to you, "Apologies for that, but it is a very private matter, Akemi-san. I had not expected to see a woman such as you walk through my door at any point. May I ask your age?"
"13." You answer, out of habit.
"For how long? You make dear Watson look like a young child that has never seen combat. Your expression when seeing my phone--delayed surprise, as if not realizing the device was badly outdated--was also telling. Then there's the matter of your demeanor with me. Your friend, while clearly experienced in your field, reacts as a young girl her age should. You do not act like a human being. Your expressions are artificial to the trained eye--a way of expressing yourself, not an honest reaction--and the very faint genuine emotions that slip through are all misplaced--I put you ill at ease because I can read you, but your friends words at her departure seemed to illicit only a hint of exhaustion. As if this is routine, to you."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Holmes." You do your best to give him nothing, distancing yourself from your body to suppress involuntary responses.
"Now that's interesting. Regardless, may we please cease the posturing? I enjoy a game of cat and mouse, after a fashion, but we do not have time for such things. There is no guarantee I survive the week, and you may require my expertise." He stands, and walks to the window to close the curtains, presumably to hide the pair of you from prying eyes--or to put you at ease.
He's right, though. He knows already, and you might gain something from his perspective.
"I do not know. Centuries, at least. I try not to think about it." The world seems to lurch at that thought, as a flood of memories--memories of countless Madokas and Kyoukos and Sayakas and Mamis dying in front of you over and over and over and over and over--
A jolt of pain pulls you from your thoughts and, looking up, you see Sherlock standing over you, hand still raised from slapping you. He grimaces, sitting back down, "Apologies, it seemed necessary, as you had taken leave of your senses."
You nod, "Yes, thank you. Therapy is not an option at this interval, you see. Quite dangerous, for our kind. Anyways, yes, I am very old."
"As I suspected, though the degree boggles the mind. You are insane, I take it?" He asks, as if asking about the weather, as he takes up his pipe again.
You nod, "Often. I have had a rather nice period of lucidity the last few days, but it probably won't last. I've learned to cope."
There's a long pause, "You're searching for a solution, then? Determination, restraint, obsession, insanity--you have a goal, and have not achieved it, so you seek a solution."
You nod, "Yes." There's little else to say.
"Well, I will be happy to consult, but, if I may offer a suggestion?" He takes a card from the table next to him, and offers it to you--his business card, "You should instead study under me for a time. I am certain you are busy, but it seems to me that you will require such expertise often. Obviously, I cannot be persistently available, with my investigations, but I would be happy to bring you along and help you develop your skills in observation and deduction, so that you might find the solution you're looking for."
You feel your eyes widen slightly at that, "Why? You do not take students, as I recall."
His eyebrows rise, "Well, it is the end of the world, is it not? Even I might make an exception, for such a reason."
You stand, looking down at the card, "I will consider your offer, Mr. Holmes, but I must take some time to measure it. Thank you for your time."
He nods solemnly, "I understand, Akemi-san. I really do. Go and rest--we can discuss this further another day."
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