Also, even if the absolute worstTM happens and the ice cream cart leaves (in early afternoon. For some reason.), we can always pick some up from a store or actual ice cream shop once we leave. Bonus, even, since we'll have some for when Shield Daughter wakes up later.
All I'm saying, I guess, is that there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to introduce Sabrina to the wonders of frozen desserts. Absolutely none.
(He said, hoping to at least briefly distract the author from the rapidly approaching, inevitable plot interrupt.)
[X] Take note of anything that stands out, but today is for peace and quiet.
[X] The area by the water fountain seems relaxing, even has an ice cream cart not far off.
[X] Take note of anything that stands out, but today is for peace and quiet.
[X] The area by the water fountain seems relaxing, even has an ice cream cart not far off.
A/N: Surprised more people didn't want the ice cream. Regarding the late update... mainly me avoiding "all work and no play".
----
Hmm... you know how it could be considered 'tempting fate', but surely you could put off whatever this is? Sure the Amirose Vault was barely intact, but its 'battery' was damaged to begin with.
Plus, if there really is another magical being loose, there's not much you could do if they were hostile. Mean, presumably they would have to be at least smart and skilled if they've lasted this long.
Still, if Sabrina can already sense something, then they likely noticed Sabrina as well. So might as well have her keep an 'eye' out, better safe than sorry and all that...
"Take note of anything that stands out, but today is for peace and quiet. Besides, if it is another vault, it'll probably be intact and aggressive right from the start."
Nodding her head and cheerfully shouting "Right!", her face nonetheless seems a little conflicted before shaking it off. Yeah, if you had to 'guess', she probably is worried about whatever artifacts might be in there.
Hmm, that does remind you... sure Sabrina called it a 'Forsaken Vault', but surely they could of managed better latches? The golems are clearly tough and there's the, sense of wrongness from the shield's room.
Yet, removing them both was way too easy. Are they meant to be locked away, or is it... more like an armory? Argh, then there's Sabrina saying the golems are suppose to prevent artifacts from becoming like her.
Researching this is going to be really annoying... oh, yeah, should settle on somewhere for the four of you to go. Sure, mostly to avoid passersby overhearing, but you can only sit on a tiny stone column for so long.
Glancing over the park, two areas immediately stand out to you: the first playground, and the water fountain. You're rather tempted to go over by the water fountain, since there's an ice cream cart.
However, you kind of want Sabrina to try interacting with other kids, and that would be easier done over by the playground. Besides, she should have some fun that isn't, uh... murdering magic robots and absorbing their maybe-souls.
Fortunately, Faith and Fuji finally arrive. Huh, Faith's red suit is definitely new... even has gold accents. Kind of surprised though, given the primary white scheme of Fuji's dress with those pink accents...
Wait, where is...? Looking past Faith and Fuji, you can spot Fuji noticing you. Faith, however, is smiling all cheerfully as she approaches Sabrina waving. Hopping off the stone column and going over to Fuji, you don't need to speak to ask her.
"Samson brought us, yes, but he already left. Busy watching Leo today, you know how it is." Crossing your arms and frowning a little, you let out a sigh before resuming a more neutral expression.
"Still think she should of been named Leona... Well, if it is alright with you, mind if we head over to the first playground? Figured, maybe Sabrina will like climbing about?"
Speaking of... you can see Faith filling Sabrina's head with lies. Specifically... "Then, with the almighty Ultima Weapon, I finished him off with a piercing beam to unlock the bonds of his very existence!"
Heading back over to your awestruck and supernatural daughter, you can hear Fuji sigh softly behind you before following along. Walking between Faith and Sabrina, you lightly glare at your sister.
You don't have to do anything else, as Fuji taps Faith on the shoulder. Guiding Sabrina over to the playground, you notice her glancing back behind her. Right, how to explain...?
Sitting down on a nearby bench once you reach the playground area, you look back to see Faith and Fuji not far off. Still... turning back to the patiently waiting Sabrina, might as well make this quick.
"Okay, so, what she was telling you... she personally didn't do the things described, more just... guided from afar the people who did." Going by the fact Sabrina still looks amazed, that probably didn't dissuade her.
Faith plopping down to your left and Fuji neatly sitting down on your right, fittingly enough, then there's Sabrina standing in front of you three. Hmm, should you Sabrina to go play or-
"Okay, so, now that we're all gathered~" Ah, right, Faith... you did suggest she share what she found out. Taking note as Sabrina sits down with her feet touching, it dawns on you she might need a wardrobe.
"First things first, there wasn't a lot to find online about the Níłchʼi. Like, it apparently means Spirit, so point in favor there." Wait, was that just a basic google search?
Looking a bit defensive for a moment, Faith then clears her throat before slouching. "A-anyways, most of what came up for Níłchʼi was general myth stuff. The specific tribe itself seems to have got wiped out, or at least their descendants haven't said anything."
That, isn't particularly informative... Looking over at Sabrina, something does seem to be bothering her in that 'know something but can't recall what' kind of way.
Focusing back on Faith after she huffs, you hold up your hands slightly in apology. "Look, I'm sorry, but is there something more? I know you and Fuji wouldn't have made a big deal if there was little to say."
Crossing her arms and looking away, you rub your neck a bit awkwardly. P-probably could of did that better... oh, wait, no Faith is smiling smugly now. Though you're a little surprised Fuji hasn't commented yet...
"Well, big bro, there's not much confirmed yeah... mostly just speculations from uninformed people or amateurs. However, apparently our local museum has an expert on them. Mister Cornelius Hawking, for one, seems quite certain that the various Níłchʼi relics were highly prized by their people."
Huh, that's actually a little surprising... "Now, before you ask 'in what way', the website doesn't explain a lot. However, he does have some social media accounts he updates with his personal opinions and whatnot. According to him, the Níłchʼi were an all-female tribe for one. Not really sure how that worked... though I can guess."
First Faith and then you look towards Sabrina, who seems innocently confused by your reactions. Finally, Fuji speaks up after all this time. "Then it seems we should meet with Mister Hawking some time in the future. Perhaps he knows more than he shares online?"
Faith clicking her fingers and pointing excitedly at Fuji, you can just hear the cheer before she even speaks. "Exactly! If I was more awake earlier, I would of even suggested going to the museum! Maybe even, ya know, heroically borrow some of the relics!"
Sighing, you briefly lay your face against your hand. Focusing back on Faith, you clearly don't need to say anything for her to understand. "Oi, come on, heroes almost always have to collect things the NPCs don't realize are important!"
"If you're going to be like that, technically speaking you'd still be an NPC since you don't have the special traits associated with a party member. You're a SEES member without a Persona, a Spectrobes master without Spectrobes, a-"
Running her fingers through her hair, Faith looks annoyed as she interrupts you. "Argh, I know that! Besides, that last one doesn't even count, Rallen is-"
"You know what I meant!" "Yeah but Sabrina wouldn't!" "Her knowledge base is completely weird-" "Doesn't mean she knows some obscure game!" "Oh yeah, why were you trying to-"
"Father!" Turning towards Sabrina to find her standing up, you carefully study her. W-were you upsetting her? You really shouldn't have gotten worked up then...
"Can I go over there?" Heh? Looking to where Sabrina is pointing, just one of those uh... climbing cage things. Hmm, guess you're not that surprised there isn't many people this early.
Wait, that girl sitting on the top... is she looking over here? Looking to your left, and then your right you spot some teenager looking over at the climbing cage. Ah, must be her older brother or something.
Returning to looking at Sabrina, she clearly seems eager to try it out. Could probably get Faith to tag along, honestly she probably wants to play too. Argh, just hope Faith doesn't challenge her to a run...
-- What do you do? (multiple actions allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[] You can, but Faith should tag along.
[] Will you be able to wait a little longer?
[] Write-In
[] What to discuss now?
-[] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
-[] Some about magic itself, why artifact daughters are a thing.
-[] Write-In
[] Write-In
A/N: I initially meant to do something regarding "Alexandria" (shield daughter), but this update was three hours already. Regarding Cornelius Hawking, there's a bit there I want to save until he's encountered. I will confirm he's meant to be the 'same' Cornelius, just with a different backstory since he isn't the protagonist.
[X] You can, but Faith should tag along.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
The "Fateful Meeting" the chapter is named after hasn't yet occurred. I would of went with "A Destined Encounter" or similar, but that would be implying a much more linear outcome.
Really, ''tis the problem of naming a character after a commonly used word, makes titles seem like they're referencing a specific character.
Though, I'll admit I have no issue with the title being interpreted to reference Faith & Fuji. Really, "A Fateful Meeting" is a little non-indicative, since "Alexandra" would qualify as well.
Regarding Cornelius Hawking / the museum, it actually would be an option to head over there. Could always go in Chapter 3, but Vault stuff would be an alternate option.
Maybe look around for other characters? I'll admit there'll be a lot of improvisation, since I haven't planned on Eric visiting any of his cousins yet.
Adhoc vote count started by Kkutlord on Dec 12, 2018 at 10:09 AM, finished with 137 posts and 5 votes.
[X] You can, but Faith should tag along.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright? And no magic.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
-[X] Some about magic itself, why artifact daughters are a thing.
Adhoc vote count started by Kkutlord on Dec 14, 2018 at 2:02 AM, finished with 139 posts and 5 votes.
[X] You can, but Faith should tag along.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright? And no magic.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
-[X] Some about magic itself, why artifact daughters are a thing.
Adhoc vote count started by Kkutlord on Dec 14, 2018 at 4:15 PM, finished with 139 posts and 5 votes.
[X] You can, but Faith should tag along.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright? And no magic.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
-[X] Some about magic itself, why artifact daughters are a thing.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright? And no magic.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
Let's keep both our confidants in the know, to avoid a telephone situation. And I don't know how secretive Sabrina naturally is with her magic powers, but I'd rather keep it quiet until we go to the authorities with it, so that we avoid looking dissentious. The last thing we need is the MIB coming to the misguided idea that we're out to destroy not!America.
[X] Okay, but don't stray from here alright?
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
-[X] Some about magic itself, why artifact daughters are a thing.
[X] You can, but Faith should tag along.
[X] What to discuss now?
-[X] Explain the dangers of the vault, golem and all.
-[X] Talk about your observations, of the vault's apparent purpose.
So, are we going to let Faith get an AD too? She obviously wants one, and if we bring back an artifact intact instead of broken, we can give it to her to break. On the other hand, the more Artifacts we have, the more PHENOMENAL COSMIC LOLI POWER we have.
So, are we going to let Faith get an AD too? She obviously wants one, and if we bring back an artifact intact instead of broken, we can give it to her to break. On the other hand, the more Artifacts we have, the more PHENOMENAL COSMIC LOLI POWER we have.
I mean, for me it's less the power and more focusing on getting our feet under us before we do anything else. We still have to get to know future Shield Daughter, figure out how this magic system even works (and if we have the potential to use it later on), train ourselves up so the travesty that was our first Vault attempt won't repeat with the actually dangerous ones... we're obviously going to rescue more of the artifacts, but that can wait until we know enough to plan things out.
You see no particular reason to say no, still... you don't want to get distracted and lose track of her. So Faith can tag along, Fuji can just fill her in later anyways.
"You can, but Faith should tag along." Jumping to her feet and excitedly shouting "Yes!", Faith stops herself as she looks at you. Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, only a few moments later she shrugs her shoulders with an "Eh".
Not exactly like you could call her stupid after all, so that's hardly surprising. Sabrina's response, however, is definitely confusing: "Oh, she's aunt Faith?"
Wait, did you never clarify who was who beforehand? Glancing over at Fuji, she definitely seems to be reflecting. Faith, though, just takes it in stride. "Yeah, that's me, no harm done kiddo."
Now Sabrina looking confused, you quickly speak up reassuringly "Don't worry about it, just go play alright?" Your silver haired daughter nodding at you, Faith is the one who ends up taking the lead as the two head over to the climbing cage.
Letting out a sigh, it feels... kind of weird letting Sabrina walk off from you. Still, there are things you need to discuss, if you're going to keep your sisters safe and have them help you.
"So, first thing first... the golems. There's a lot I don't know about them, but so long as their core remains intact they can keep fighting. So just removing it won't stop them."
Turning to focus on Fuji, you wince slightly at her angry concern, like she wants to slap you for being so stupid. Still, rather than physical punish you, she lets out a sigh.
"This is... because you don't want to 'be' nothing, isn't it?" Clenching your fists, right to the point huh? Hmm... this might of started because of your desperation for excitement, but now you know magic is real? Ignoring it would just be more painful...
"Perhaps, but ignoring it all won't accomplish anything. Speaking of, the golems don't seem able to leave the vaults, which is rather reassuring given I have no means of sealing the entrance again."
Seeing Fuji frown slightly, she simply gestures for you to continue. "Well... they seem able to spawn from just about anywhere when triggered, and though we never gave them the chance they can apparently restore themselves. Their core is so study, I don't think we could break them via conventional means."
It does bother you to see Fuji look unhappy with you. Mean, she's always been the one you could talk to, and now... "So, the golems are clearly highly dangerous, yet they can't leave... what have you found out about the purpose behind the vaults?"
Oh, really? Alright... "Well, there definitely seemed to be a theme regarding the artifacts, only the arrows and glove-gauntlets seemed partially except. Though, I'm unsure if it is suppose to be an armory or a vault for 'forsaking' the artifacts..."
That seems to get her attention, Fuji's expression not doing a good job of hiding her intrigue. "What exactly are you implying? Was, do you think magic wasn't suppose to be forgotten?"
… You're not willing to make any hard statements yet, but... "Something definitely seems strange. Not counting the golems, the artifacts were surprisingly easy to remove. Plus there seemed to be no repercussion for removing the, uh, 'minor' artifacts. It definitely seemed like more was meant to be stored there, and..."
Blue hair, white skin, curled in sleeping wait- Clenching your forehead, you snap back to focus as Fuji clasps your shoulder. "Eric, are you alright? What just happened?"
You... that was her, wasn't it? But why did...? "I'm, not overly sure. Though, regarding the vault... it seems like the artifacts were suppose to be prevented from becoming people. I'll need to find an intact vault to get more answers, though..."
Fuji taking her hand off you, she definitely seems concerned. Still, what else could you do? The vaults would be the easiest places to learn more, or wait... maybe that was because of you avoiding giving an answer about your headache?
Glancing over to Sabrina, she seems to be chatting animatedly with the other girl. Huh... then there's Faith, apparently just listening. Hmm, maybe you should of made sure Sabrina wouldn't talk about magic?
Eh, nobody is gonna take a kid seriously anyways... Hmph, guess being nobody has its uses. Still, what could Sabrina possibly be talking about? Faith not getting involved isn't very reassuring, so...
Oh? Watching Faith and Sabrina descend as the other girl waves after them, Sabrina in particular seems rather happy. Making their way back to you both, you can't help noticing the smile on Faith's face.
"Alright Faith, why are you so smug?" That just causes her smile to get bigger, before responding. "You mean besides proving I can handle kids and thus totally deserve an artifact girl of my own?"
Sighing a little, you already regret it before even speaking. "Yeah...?" Faith taps Sabrina on the shoulder, smiling encouragingly as Sabrina looks up to her.
"Alright, tell papa Eric all about your new friend!" Nodding at Faith and then smiling at you, Sabrina really does seem happy. "Well, she isn't much older than me, but she adores her father too! I was surprised to find her though, to think others like me are already out and about!"
Wait, what? Glancing back at Faith to see her still smiling, and then at Fuji who seems surprised by this news, you're left to think. Did she really encounter someone else's artifact daughter? That, that was definitely not something you were expecting...
-- What do you do? (multiple actions allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] You mean she's an artifact daughter?
[] Who exactly is this other girl?
[] What were you talking about?
[] Write-In
Adhoc vote count started by Kkutlord on Dec 16, 2018 at 12:22 PM, finished with 144 posts and 4 votes.
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce her new friend. Properly. Who she is, what she was, what she's like.
[X] Ask the girl to point out her parent. Maybe you can exchange notes?
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce us to her new friend.
-[X] Before that, though, clarify whether she meant an artifact daughter or just someone else's daughter.
[X] After a quick introduction, head on home. If you're getting visions of what the Shield will look like now, it's likely she's close to manifesting, and you'd rather that not happen in public.
-[X] Invite Faith and Fuji over, if possible.
-[X] If you get any sort of warning on the road, pull over and try to find somewhere private to wait it out. A parking lot, some trees, etc. You don't know what would happen if she appears in (or, god forbid, outside) a moving vehicle, and you shouldn't just count on it being safe.
--[X] If you're sure there's time, grab a tub of ice cream on the way home (You could also send one of your sisters, if they come along). Assuming everything goes well, you can throw a little party. Probably shouldn't let the Shield's first food be dessert, but you can always prepare for tonight.
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce us to her new friend.
-[X] Before that, though, clarify whether she meant an artifact daughter or just someone else's daughter. Is this girl the source of the magical signature she detected?
[X] After a quick introduction, head on home. If you're getting visions of what the Shield will look like now, it's likely she's close to manifesting, and you'd rather that not happen in public.
-[X] Invite Faith and Fuji over, if possible.
-[X] If you get any sort of warning on the road, pull over and try to find somewhere private to wait it out. A parking lot, some trees, etc. You don't know what would happen if she appears in (or, god forbid, outside) a moving vehicle, and you shouldn't just count on it being safe.
--[X] If you're sure there's time, grab a tub of ice cream on the way home (You could also send one of your sisters, if they come along). Assuming everything goes well, you can throw a little party. Probably shouldn't let the Shield's first food be dessert, but you can always prepare for tonight.
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce her new friend. Properly. Who she is, what she was, what she's like.
[X] Ask the girl to point out her parent. Maybe you can exchange notes?
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce us to her new friend.
-[X] Before that, though, clarify whether she meant an artifact daughter or just someone else's daughter. Is this girl the source of the magical signature she detected?
[X] After a quick introduction, head on home. If you're getting visions of what the Shield will look like now, it's likely she's close to manifesting, and you'd rather that not happen in public.
-[X] Invite Faith and Fuji over, if possible.
-[X] If you get any sort of warning on the road, pull over and try to find somewhere private to wait it out. A parking lot, some trees, etc. You don't know what would happen if she appears in (or, god forbid, outside) a moving vehicle, and you shouldn't just count on it being safe.
--[X] If you're sure there's time, grab a tub of ice cream on the way home (You could also send one of your sisters, if they come along). Assuming everything goes well, you can throw a little party. Probably shouldn't let the Shield's first food be dessert, but you can always prepare for tonight.
This might be suspicious, but we should still make sure to support Sabrina making friends. We can deal with any complications later, but if we discourage her now her social circle may end up just being her family, and that's not the healthiest.
Also we need to get home. Like, now.
edited with Karnewarrior's suggestion, so at least two people have the same vote.
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce us to her new friend.
-[X] Before that, though, clarify whether she meant an artifact daughter or just someone else's daughter. Is this girl the source of the magical signature she detected?
[X] After a quick introduction, head on home. If you're getting visions of what the Shield will look like now, it's likely she's close to manifesting, and you'd rather that not happen in public.
-[X] Invite Faith and Fuji over, if possible.
-[X] If you get any sort of warning on the road, pull over and try to find somewhere private to wait it out. A parking lot, some trees, etc. You don't know what would happen if she appears in (or, god forbid, outside) a moving vehicle, and you shouldn't just count on it being safe.
--[X] If you're sure there's time, grab a tub of ice cream on the way home (You could also send one of your sisters, if they come along). Assuming everything goes well, you can throw a little party. Probably shouldn't let the Shield's first food be dessert, but you can always prepare for tonight.
Modified. Sabrina might not know that normal children don't have magic.
There's currently no winning vote, so I'm definitely waiting for that. Not much else to say, though I would say in-universe Shield Daughter is still a while off.
[X] Ask Sabrina to introduce her new friend. Properly. Who she is, what she was, what she's like.
[X] Ask the girl to point out her parent. Maybe you can exchange notes?
