Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Oct 14, 2024 at 11:46 AM, finished with 7 posts and 3 votes.
[x] Cover the essentials, and add in further details (select as you like below) -[x] Lulu came back as a ghost briefly and I had to help her pass on -[x] My childhood friend and my niece are also Magical Girls fighting Viticulture, and they rescued Rosie --[x] Also, I think my mom was a Magical Girl, but I don't actually know that since she died when I was in high school (no idea what Dad was doing)
Winning vote: [X] Cover the essentials, and add in further details (select as you like below)
-[X] Lulu came back as a ghost briefly and I had to help her pass on
-[X] My childhood friend and my niece are also Magical Girls fighting Viticulture, and they rescued Rosie
--[X] Also, I think my mom was a Magical Girl, but I don't actually know that since she died when I was in high school (no idea what Dad was doing)
White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (11)
Dinner was delicious.
Sliced ham, potato salad, buttered broccoli, cornbread, and chocolate chip cookies for the kids. I didn't have dessert, but Mrs. Drake did offer to put on some tea for me now that said kids (and a contented Goldie) are in another room watching the TV. And now that we're alone, time to fill her in.
Me: I can't thank you enough for agreeing to this by the way. You're a real life-saver!
She lets out a weary sigh from the kitchen.
Charlotte: If only...
I flinch. Maybe I should have used a different turn of phrase.
Me: Ah, uh... what I meant is-.
Charlotte: I know what you meant.
She then walks over and join me in the living room with a steaming mug of honeyed chamomile tea for me and a glass lightly filled with whiskey for her. The scents are soothing and sharp, and make me briefly wish my niece didn't take Violet's gift with her. They do need it just in case they ran into someone willing to cooperate, though...
I can only rely on my own word to convince Mrs. Drake of the truth. Hopefully that's enough...
Charlotte: But I still don't know what she meant back then. So, give me some answers.
Right. Rosie's little outburst. It turned out to be just what we needed.
Me: Then I'll start there. You remember Molly Knight.
I don't ask a question because I don't need an answer. The way her face hardens in hate as she leans forward in her rocking chair tells me enough.
Charlotte: You know her mother called me?
I sure didn't.
Me: Oh?
She takes a long sip of her hot tea.
Charlotte: Tried to blame me and my dear Lulu for ruining her daughter's life. Can you imagine? Not even trying to pretend that either of them felt guilty over what happened. She told me if I ever tried to retaliate against her family, I'll wish I was as dead as my 'good-for-nothing fool' daughter. She'd bury me herself, hahaha.
...that was not a happy laugh.
Charlotte: I'll never forget either of them.
Of all the nights to have a clear sky! I would have appreciated a lightning strike right then and there. Would have explained the sudden feeling I got of the air suddenly growing hot enough to burn, just like a wrathful dragon's breath...!
Me: ...I wouldn't either. And you won't be pleased to hear that there's more women like little Molly and her mom in town. They call themselves Viticulture.
Her hateful gaze turns into a confused frown. I sip from my own mug as she speaks.
Charlotte: You're right, I'm not. But I've never heard of any group like that before. They a bunch of rich punks? It's an odd name.
Me: An odd name for an odd group of people. Their interests lie in magic.
And there's the blank look I was expecting.
Charlotte: ...magic? Like stage magicians? Or are they some cult?
Me: Probbbbably the second one.
Charlotte: Explains why they can't let bygones be bygones. Alright, what do they want?
Me: That...
I lean back on the couch. I don't actually know the answer to that one!
Me: Well, Rosie was important enough to them to keep locked up in the Alletown Art Museum. So-.
She cuts me off yet again, surprise flashing like a lightning bolt on her face.
Charlotte: That was you!?
I shake my head.
Charlotte: Then whoooo...?
Me: it might be hard to believe but... the rescue operation was done by none other than my niece Sarah Kennedy and my friend Mary Raffles. You've met them both.
She blinks, confused.
Charlotte: Really, them? Maybe Mary's got the temperament for it, but Sarah's way too straightlaced for a break-in.
I chuckle.
Me: Under other circumstances, yeah, she'd never do it. But this time was a special occasion.
One to be repeated, since they've returned.
Me: Mary found out about Rosie from a trusted source, and once Sarah learned about her, there was no way she'd refuse to save the kid. And to be clear, only Rosie was trapped in there; Olive volunteered to help keep an eye on her. ...to be honest, I also wish she'd gone home to her parents, but my hands are tied here.
Charlotte: I... don't understand why? Surely, you could just tell her to go home, right?
Me: Hmph! Even if I did, she wouldn't listen. Besides, she and Mary shot down the idea of turning to her parents for help anyway. Don't know why.
Mrs. Drake considers my words for a moment before bringing things back on topic.
Charlotte: So... wait, if Rosie was in the Alletown Art Museum, then did the Museum Director know-?
Me: -about Rosie? Yes. She's even one of Viticulture's leaders.
Mrs. Drake raises an eyebrow at that.
Charlotte: Oh? Any other civic leaders involved in this cult? She's friends with the City's Mayor, right? And she's probably on her neighborhood association's board of directors? ... well, I don't know that for sure, I'm just guessing. Don't know if you've met either of them, but my friends Mr. Aiden O'Keefe and Mrs. Marge Baker are on the local board here in Dwarfpeak.
I blink.
Me: I... no, I didn't know any of that. Don't know who else is involved in Viticulture either. Mary's been keeping a tight hold on the details.
She takes a big sip from her glass and breathes out a warm sigh.
Charlotte: Hmm, should have figured. She was friendly and all, but pretty closed off the one time I did talk to her. Alright, so what do you know?
Me: Only a few things beyond what I've already said. But firstly, I think you might be missing some context. When I said they were interested in magic, I meant it. Real magic.
She nods.
Charlotte: Yeah, they're weirdoes who believe in hocus pocus bullshit. We covered that.
A take a big sip from my mug and then set it down.
Charlotte: ...you're not about to tell me you believe in magic too, are you?
Me: I don't believe in it; I've seen it. You remember that broadcast of the break-in footage?
Mrs. Drake nods slowly, confused, before mentioning that she has the ability to replay it. I ask her to do so and watch the footage carefully. Mary's in a slim black outfit, maybe a bodysuit, and Sarah's in something similar though in her distinctive purple and with some of her magical frills. Both are cloaked in the red rose masks, of course, and Charlotte complains of the footage being blurry.
Me: It's not blurry to me.
Charlotte: ...huh?
Me: Actually, if you could get me some paper...
Neither of us are much for art, but that doesn't matter. I just ask her to draw what she sees. And the difference is revealing. I get somewhat close to the truth, while she only sees indistinct shapes. It's only after seeing my drawing and looking at the footage again...
Charlotte: That's... oh, what!?
...can she see what I see. Though their faces are still concealed, of course.
Charlotte: So, that's Mary in black and Sarah in purple, huh? Actually, Sarah's outfit reminds me of something. I think some of the characters in that Fairy Knights of Sylvia show Lulu loved had similar outfits.
Me: Well, it's the same type of magic, so that makes sense.
She blinks.
Charlotte: Huh?
Me: Yes, they're Magical Girls. Well, Magical Women due to being adults, but same principle.
Charlotte: Oh my... Lulu would have loved to know that they're real...
Me: Ah, well, about that...
She turns to face me, eyes wide.
Charlotte: Did she know? ...was she involved in all this and kept it from me?
Me: ...
I'm going to break her heart, but not in the way she expects.
Me: ...Mary, Sarah, and I were instrumental in helping her spirit pass on after she passed. She didn't know until after it was too late.
She's confused at first.
Charlotte: Spirit... a ghost? My little girl?
Then wrathful, as if burning with dragon's fire.
Charlotte: Molly must have done that to her.
Before relaxing yet again. (And so do I, with her not knowing.)
Charlotte: So, that was why you suddenly showed up here. ...Then, I suppose I should thank you, after all.
Me: I...
What can I say in response to that? She's thanking me, but really what did I do? I stopped Lulu from becoming a killer, but in the end she's still dead with no way of returning to her life.
Me: ...don't deserve it, but I'll accept it anyway.
Charlotte: Huh? For what? Her death wasn't your fault. And if what you say is true, you did her quite a favor.
Me: If...?
Ah, right, I suppose I am asking her to believe in quite a lot all at once.
Me: ...right. I'll ask Mary and Sarah to fill you in when they get a chance. You'll see that it's all real.
Charlotte: Thanks, Ken. And tell them to come here so I can thank them in person.
Me: Okay, I think that's everything... well, everything related to you anyway.
Charlotte: ...huh?
She gives me a confused look.
Charlotte: Is there more?
Me: There just might be.
My mind flashes back to that day. The floor was painted red.
Me: I think... Sarah wasn't my only relative who was a Magical Girl.
My parents were entwined so gently, as if they hadn't both bled out.
Charlotte: Wasn't...? What do you... oh.
The day was calm and chilly, sun flying high in the sky.
Me: There was another one before her, according to Viticulture.
Mom had been sick for a while, but didn't want to see a doctor.
Me: My mom...
Maybe it was because none of them could help her.
Me: ...she was also a Magical Girl. Before she died.
By the time anyone knew what had happened, it was too late.
Me: Granted, I don't know how exactly she was involved in all this. But...
Dad had stayed home that day to be with her, and left this world alongside her.
Me: ...she was their enemy too.
Mrs. Drake says exactly what's on my mind.
Charlotte: So, they took her out too? But what about your dad?
I shake my head. He's dead too.
Charlotte: That's awful. Ken...
Me: I'm past it now.
...and I hope that's true...
Me: I'd rather nothing like that happen again. I wish there was something more I could do...
Mrs. Drake rolls her eyes at me and gets up.
Charlotte: You're doing enough just letting Sarah and Mary clean house.
Me: I know that but... I hate just sitting here uselessly.
Charlotte: Hey now, I don't think there's anything in watching over these kids. Just for that, you have to stay here too. Come here, I got a sleeping bag for you. You're on the couch, Ken!
Me: I... oh fine. I won't turn down a free roof over my head.
She leads me to her room and has me wait outside, emerging later with a sleeping bag for me and a deck of cards for us both
Charlotte: Now then, you ever play Gin Rummy? No, well, I'll show you how. It's like this...
...and so, we play cards into the night, ending my confession with an offer from her (and her volunteered friends) to aid in any investigations I might do into Viticulture on my own. We non-Magical people need to keep out of danger of course, but we can still help out in our own ways. But I can give her an answer later.
For now, I just want to rest.
It ends up getting interrupted anyway.
QM Note: No vote this time! I am cutting things off here and will return later (probably next week / early November) with the next part. Additionally, you can now spend time looking into Ken's family heirlooms. Perhaps you'll find something interesting.
Charlotte: Tried to blame me and my dear Lulu for ruining her daughter's life. Can you imagine? Not even trying to pretend that either of them felt guilty over what happened. She told me if I ever tried to retaliate against her family, I'll wish I was as dead as my 'good-for-nothing fool' daughter. She'd bury me herself, hahaha.
Yikes, so Ken's Mom was sick with an incurable disease for a while, and Viticulture just decided to kill her to speed up her death. Ever her own husband was killed as a victim due to accompanying her. And judging by what Ken described, it looks like he was the one who first found their corpses...
heads up, this one isn't threadmarked =w=;;
is there anything that can be done to fix this, or would it be a good idea to put "next chapter" at the end of 3, and "previous" at the start of 5?
Turns out it unfolds – not enough to be a true bed, but enough that I have plenty of space when I eventually get to sleep. I'm comfortable, and my dreams are peaceful, though I don't remember a single second of them. They fade from me as a white light gradually fades in and a soft voice calls out to me.
???: Mister Ken... Mister Ken... wake up Mister Ken...
The bright light outshines everything and casts my pleasant dreams into darkness... as well as the rest of the world... the world into which I awaken...
And inside this real realm that I've awoken into...
Me: Hmmm...?
...the source of the glowing light is almost in my face-!!
The shining... from a faint humanoid outline... ...!?
???: Mister Ken!!
This spectral figure... there's only one possible conclusion!
The words escape from my mouth before my good sense has time to shut me up.
Me: AHHHHHH!? A G-G-GHOST!?
I flop and fumble and fall off the couch.
Me: Ow! Agh...
The bright white light then suddenly dims down to the point where it's no longer nearly blinding me.
Rosie: ...!? M-mister Ken!? Are you okay!?
And the supposed ghost reveals herself to be none other than a horrified Rosie. Don't know why she's the one scared; the little girl nearly gave me a heart attack...!
Me: Yeah, just... give me a second... what did you even come over here for, Rosie...?
She doesn't answer, instead helping me up. The world answers for her.
My phone starts ringing, just in time for Olive, Mrs. Drake, and Goldie to barge in and see me in disarray.
Charlotte: What the heeeeeeck? What are you doing on the floor, Ken?
Olive: Rosie!? Are you okay!? What happened!? You were suddenly gone and-!
Rosie cuts her off, declaring that she's okay and that I need to answer my phone. Yeah, I know, I'm getting on it... oh, it's my niece! At... 2 A.M.!?
This has to be huge!
I pick up.
Me: Sarah, what happened!?
Sarah: Uncle!? You're still at Mrs. Drake's place, right!? Everything's okay there!?
Me: Yes, of course! Heeeeeeeck, I should be asking if you're okay. Where are you? And...
In the background behind the call, I hear both the distant sounds of a sleeping city at night and the closer sounds of Mary arguing with someone who's voice I don't recognize. Someone who's voice is also somewhat muffled, like they've been gagged.
Me: ...who's that other girl in the background? I thought this was just you and Mary.
A bitter laugh rings out from the other side as everyone else crowds in around me, even Mrs. Drake.
Sarah: I'm sure Mary would've liked that... that girl you're hearing is Rina Rossi.
Me: Huh?
That name... yeah, she mentioned someone with that name before!
Me: Then, you captured her!?
Sarah: That's right.
Me: She was in the Museum, then? But why?
Sarah: Guard duty. Now she's with us on the run. The museum is in the southern part of Alletown, so we headed north. Night now, we're camped out on a rooftop not far from the border with Dwarfpeak. Had to get away from the place once the alarms started going off. To keep it short, we found that lab, examined it as best we could, and then smashed it up.
Me: Ahh... that bad, huh?
Sarah: Human experiments bad, yeah.
Me: HUMAN EXPERIMENTS!?
I can't keep my voice down for that one. Charlotte's eyes go so wide they almost bulge out of their sockets, and Olive looks about the same. Only Rosie seems unsurprised, shivering slightly while Goldie lets out concerned barks. This is... is this what my mom was fighting against!? Did she know!? Is that why she was fighting against them!? And...
My mind is struck by lightning.
Mary...?
I shake my head. No, not now. I need to focus. Ask her later.
Me: Details. What did you get?
My niece than gives me the basics in short. Louise Blauglas and Lily Helyblanc (that name sounds familiar for some reason...) have been at this for decades – having granted themselves magical power, they then would then awaken it in others, whether voluntarily or forcefully. They've achieved a certain level of success, as evidenced by themselves and their followers. However, it's not enough, hence using the daughters of their own members on occasion as test subjects to determine if the ability can be passed on to children or not.
Results? Inconclusive!
Sarah: But we're not letting something so unnatural continue, regardless of the fact that it doesn't work.
I glance briefly at Rosie, who's eyes are still glowing softly in the otherwise dark living room.
Me: Good call. But they'll probably just rebuild if they're left alone.
Sarah: I... don't think they'll be leaving us alone, ehehe...
I nod.
Me: Right, you have Rina as a hostage.
Sarah: She's not a-!
She shuts herself up as sirens wail in the distance. No way they can hear her, but best to play it safe I suppose.
Me: If you think of another word for her, I'm all ears. But Rina is your captive, whether you like it or not. Now then, where are you going? You can't bring her here, so...
Sarah: I don't... I don't know... right now I just want to hide out somewhere. I'd be easier without Rina around, but we can't let her go and doing what Mary wanted is out of the question... and we can't go to Mary's place either! Uncle, they sent someone to her house! Check the news!
Me: Huh?
That's a surprise. I pull myself away from the pone briefly.
Me: Hey, Mrs. Drake, can you turn on the TV real quick?
Charlotte: S-sure...?
Confused, she complies. It all makes sense only moments later.
Newscaster: ...so far, police suspect that this second break-in at the Alletown Art Museum is connected to the first one, potentially the work a group of art thieves, probing the security before they make their move. ...this just in, we have received an update regarding the mysterious explosion in the South Hills. This blurry camera footage of a suspicious car driving away from the scene of the explosion has just been obtained from a nearby neighbor...
I recognize the car by its license plate. It's her! Akane came back for some reason...
No, I know the reason. This was an attempt on Mary's life! It had to be!
Olive: ... what the heck is going on...? Mister Ken, you look like you've seen a ghost!
I'm not seeing a ghost amidst the disturbed flowers in Mary's garden and that's a problem.
...I hope she's just hiding.
Sarah: Uncle...?
Right, I'm on the phone.
Me: Yeah, I see it. But they don't know to look here, so we ought to be safe. Maybe you can bring her here after all...
Sarah: I could but... uncle, are you sure?
Not in the slightest.
Me: It's not like you can stay where you are.
But she has a point – bringing Rina here may not be the smartest idea.
Me: Hmmm, I'll call Chrys and -.
-screeee...-
...
Me: ...what was that?
The commotion in the background has stopped too. Looks like we all heard it.
-screeee... screeee... screeee...-
The sound repeats, getting louder and multiplying; it's something like glass scraping on metal or concrete. It came through and Goldie is whining, being comforted by Rosie.
Mary then shouts in the back.
Mary: It's those statues! She had more in reserve! Get moving now!
Rina: H-hey, let me go-!?
Mary: Not on your life!
Sarah: Mary, wait! Uncle, I'll call you back!
Me: Hold on-!
But it's too late, she's hung up. Not good... just what the hell kind of mess has she gotten into?
Me: I have to go!
Olive and Mrs. Drake are stunned, while Rosie nods in approval and Goldie lets out a little bark.
Charlotte: Are you sure? I heard that... noise... and I told you before, there's nothing wrong with you staying here.
And while Mrs. Drake is concerned, Olive is more enraged.
Olive: That's right! You promised to keep Rosie safe! Don't run off now!
Me: I'm only running to our companions. And Rosie will stay safe, as long as she stays here. Right, Rosie?
Rosie: Yes, Mister Ken!
Me: Exactly. Now then-!?
Olive rushes in front of me before I can head out.
Olive: Hold on, you're not going anywhere without me!
Me: Yes, I am. You need to stay here with Rosie. Unlike me, you have magic power.
Olive: And that's why I need to go with you! You're defenseless on your own!
...she has a point. I won't be much help in a fight between Magical Girls. But, even if that's true, I don't want to just sit back and let Sarah and Mary handle everything. There has to be something I can do!
Me: I'll figure it out on the way there. Don't worry about me.
She worries all the while as I layer up and head out the door. And in the end...
[][Olive] ...I'm able to talk her down, so she's staying here.
[][Olive] ...she ignores me and forcefully tags along.
(By the way, is Ken armed?) [][Arms] No weapons. I won't need them, since I'm not a fighter. I'll keep away from any battles.
[][Arms] Mrs. Drake has offered me a handgun. No idea if it'll be useful, but... it wouldn't hurt.
[][Arms] Turns out some of Olive's birds are little thieves, and so I get offered a baseball bat . (requires Olive to tag along)
(Also, does Ken call in Chrys?) [][Backup?] Yes.
[][Backup?] No.
QM Note: Note that Red is watching over Rosalyn at the moment. Chrys will be armed with a gun and taser if called in.
Well, I suppose Ken can ask Chrys for help, while Olive stays behind to protect Rosie. Also, it seems like Rosie has some special power herself. The fact that she knows about what happen to Lulu, as well as showing herself as a bright light to Ken is pretty apparent of her powers.
My Vote:
[X][Olive] ...I'm able to talk her down, so she's staying here.
[X][Arms] Mrs. Drake has offered me a handgun. No idea if it'll be useful, but... it wouldn't hurt.
[X][Backup?] Yes.
Newscaster: ...so far, police suspect that this second break-in at the Alletown Art Museum is connected to the first one, potentially the work a group of art thieves, probing the security before they make their move. ...this just in, we have received an update regarding the mysterious explosion in the South Hills. This blurry camera footage of a suspicious car driving away from the scene of the explosion has just been obtained from a nearby neighbor...
I recognize the car by its license plate. It's her! Akane came back for some reason...
No, I know the reason. This was an attempt on Mary's life! It had to be!
And the plot thickens. I bet Ken must wish that he could be back cooking for the kids right now.
As for my vote…
[X][Olive] ...I'm able to talk her down, so she's staying here.
[X][Arms] Mrs. Drake has offered me a handgun. No idea if it'll be useful, but... it wouldn't hurt.
[X][Backup?] Yes.
I'm gonna need to reread soon, ngl. I've lost track of some of the plot points, and that's no good.
[x][Olive] ...I'm able to talk her down, so she's staying here.
[x][Arms] No weapons. I won't need them, since I'm not a fighter. I'll keep away from any battles.
[x][Backup?] Yes.
Don't bring a gun to a magefight.
I am wondering if we can't do something perfectly mundane that contributes to the Viticulture downfall. Let magical girls use their magic tricks, adults have other things to work with.
