Confringentur, Mk.2; a Madoka Magica / Fate/Stay Night crossover

[Enetious]

[X] Talk
-[X] telepathically to Archer
--[X] for any after-cooking culinary tips, like seasoning and presentation
-[X] to Kyouko
--[X] About Rider. She doesn't know much about him, and hasn't seen him around much. Ask her if he's doing something.
[X] What do you do after you've eaten? (write-in)
-[X] Go along with whatever the others are going to do, if anything else. Snuggle with Madoka.

Homura's got a direct phone line to the best chef in Mitakihara, she might as well take advantage of it.

 

[WanderingTwix]

[X] Talk
-[X] telepathically to Archer
--[X] for any after-cooking culinary tips, like seasoning and presentation
-[X] to Kyouko
--[X] About Rider. She doesn't know much about him, and hasn't seen him around much. Ask her if he's doing something.
[X] What do you do after you've eaten? (write-in)
-[X] Go along with whatever the others are going to do, if anything else. Snuggle with Madoka.

 

[itrytofight]

[X] Talk
-[X] telepathically to Archer
--[X] for any after-cooking culinary tips, like seasoning and presentation
-[X] to Kyouko
--[X] About Rider. She doesn't know much about him, and hasn't seen him around much. Ask her if he's doing something.
[X] What do you do after you've eaten? (write-in)
-[X] Go along with whatever the others are going to do, if anything else. Snuggle with Madoka.

 

[SVS]

[X] Talk
-[X] telepathically to Archer
--[X] for any after-cooking culinary tips, like seasoning and presentation
-[X] to Kyouko
--[X] About Rider. She doesn't know much about him, and hasn't seen him around much. Ask her if he's doing something.
[X] What do you do after you've eaten? (write-in)
-[X] Go along with whatever the others are going to do, if anything else. Snuggle with Madoka.
​

---

With Madoka's help, you arrange places for five, though with Tomoe-san having already lain most of the seating arrangements out beforehand, the task mostly consists of setting your plated patties accordingly. But as you do, a thought occurs, a way in which you might be able to spice things up a little. "Archer, after you've cooked something, what sort of extra steps do you take?"

"What, you mean like for presentation?"

"Yes. Your meals always come out looking just as good as they taste, so I was wondering if you had any specific tips you might be able to impart."

"While I'm sure there are certain rules to be followed regarding certain meals, et cetera, that some super-fancy place might feel compelled to follow, I generally just follow the "rule" that you want to arrange things in a way that both looks appetizing and that retains the integrity of each individual component."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, say you've got something that's really messy and has a lot of juices. Generally, I'd avoid putting that into contact with something that wants to remain dry, unless the purpose is to sop up the juices. If you tell me what you've made, I can perhaps give you more specific pointers about how to serve it."

"Madoka and I made hamburg steak."

"Doing a little after school cooking with your sweetheart? I understand. In that case, if you've made vegetables I'd arrange them so that they aren't touching the patty, so that they don't get coated in grease and beef fat. However, if you've made mashed potatoes, feel free to put those as close to the patty as you'd like. The fat and grease will make a delicious gravy for the potatoes."

"Tomoe-san made salads and scalloped potatoes."

"I'd keep them separate, then. I'm assuming she's got a dressing of some sort to pair with the salads, and the potatoes have their own sauce so you don't need to give them any additional gravy."

"And, what about additional seasonings?"

"Don't bother. If you did the onions and spices just right, it shouldn't need anything more than a little bit of whatever is leftover in the fry pan for gravy."

"While I have you, Archer, do you have anything else to report about McRemitz-san's movements?"

"Not much, actually. As soon as she left Mikuni's mansion, she made a beeline for the library. I've been keeping watch, but I have no idea what she could be looking for at a muggle library, so I can't say for how much longer she might stay put."

[ ] "Continue to stay put and report back to me if anything changes."
[ ] "Pull out if nothing changes and meet me at Tomoe-san's apartment."

Armed with Archer's information, you set to work doing absolutely nothing else to your patties. Already thick and dripping with the leftovers from the fry pan, you see little need to ladle out any additional gravy.

Sayaka, Tomoe-san, and Kyouko file out from the kitchen and take their seats at the table, with Kyouko in particular eying the spread with a greedy expression. She reaches for her chopsticks intent on taking the first bite, but Tomoe-san stops her. "I just want to say thank you to all of you," she says, with a smile that threatens to unleash a deluge from her eyes. "It means so much to me that you would all come and make my home feel that much livelier. I... I've missed this feeling so much. Especially you, Sakura-san. I... Thank you, for being a part of my life again."

Tearfully, Tomoe-san leans over to give Kyouko a hug, and this time Kyouko makes no protests, even as the blonde's embrace lingers for longer than she feels comfortable with. Instead, a reluctant hand finds its way to Tomoe-san's backside.

The old friends break their embrace, and with a rousing "Let's eat!" everyone digs in. "You really outdid yourself, Homura," Sayaka says, wolfing down her meal with a fervor usually reserved for someone else. "This tastes almost exactly like the hamburg steak that Archer made for us the first night we all visited your place, doesn't it?" Madoka nods, enthusiastically enjoying her own meal. "In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd even go so far as to say that he was the one who made this. Has he been secretly teaching you his magic?"

Well, yes, but not in that way.

You finish chewing and swallow, allowing the blend of familiar flavours to send your taste buds into overdrive. "Actually, I just followed the recipe in Tomoe-san's book."

"Which book did you use, Akemi-san?"

"Today's Menu for the Entire Family."

"Oh, I love that one!" Tomoe-san says, and a ponderous look takes over her face as she chews her own patty. "You know, I never noticed it before, but Miki-san is right. The recipes in that book really do taste as good as anything Archer makes." You and Tomoe-san both look to Kyouko, long expecting her to have made some ruckus or another over the quality of the food. Instead, she shovels everything into her mouth, silent but for the sounds of chewing and the occasional delighted moaning.

"I had meant to ask you earlier, but do you know where Rider is?"

"I dunno. He said he'd try ta stay outta our hair an' just let us enjoy ourselves tonight, so he's probably up on th' roof with Caster. Why? Ya need him?"

"I'm just curious, really. I don't know much about him compared to Archer or Caster, and I thought it might be a good idea to learn what he's capable of."

"Well, I'm ashamed ta admit it, but th' first thing I learned about Rider izzat he's better'n me with both his spear and his legs. I don't like it, really; makes me feel inadequate, but I guess it's sumthin' I gotta put up with as long as he's here."

"What makes him better? What sort of things is he able to do?"

"Everything, ta be honest. He's faster, stronger, taller, he's got more muscle mass, an' he can hit harder than I can. An' yet, he doesn't seem ta think less'a me fer bein' weaker. I don't get it- Th' guy's like a million dudes strapped together, has a ride that goes faster than fuckin' lightning, an' yet he's totally fine with lettin' a little girl like me tell'em what ta do."

"Do you know who he is? Maybe there's a clue behind his acceptance of you hidden in his identity."

"Sorry Spooky, but it's never mattered enough ta me ta ask who he is. Ta me, all he's gotta be is Rider."
​

---

Kyouko rubs her stomach with a look of contentment on her face as the five of you finish eating. After the main course, Sayaka and Kyouko proudly brought out dessert, a pie with a blueberry-raspberry filling. It too, was delicious and - based on the choice of fruits used for the filling, given Kyouko's nickname for Sayaka - your hope is that hostilities between the two either have or are in the process of mellowing out significantly. The Puella Magi Holy Quintet... That was what Tomoe-san called us in those timelines when we all worked together...

You're so glad that the Madoka and Sayaka of this timeline haven't fallen down that path yet.

Tomoe-san pours a fresh cup of tea for you and Madoka, as Sayaka looks around the apartment with a bored expression on her face. "Sakura-san, perhaps you could show Miki-san your room?" asks Tomoe-san. Kyouko shrugs. Sayaka shrugs. The two get up and head up the stairs to the second floor of the Tomoe maisonette, with Kyouko unconsciously leaning on Sayaka for walking support despite her earlier claims of self-ambulance.

As Blue and Red depart, Pink scoots as close to you as possible and affectionately leans into you, and Yellow looks on with a melancholy smile. "it's so lovely that the two of you were able to find happiness in each other," she says. "I hope Sakura-san and Miki-san are able to find their own happiness one day as well." You say nothing at Tomoe-san's unspoken insinuation. Despite the many times you discounted her, you have to remember that she's sharper than she looks. You're sure she can see it too.

"What about you, Tomoe-san?" Madoka asks. "Don't you want to find someone who can make you happy?"

Tomoe-san stares into her tea, that melancholy smile never once budging from her lips. "I'd love to find someone, Kaname-san, but... The kind of life that I lead... It isn't very conductive to meeting boys or romance. I don't want to risk getting my hopes up, only to let down my significant other when my... Lifestyle responsibilities, are forced to take priority over our relationship."

She looks up at the two of you, adding "In fact, I'm very worried for the two of you, actually. You're both such a perfect match for each other, and I... I'd hate to see the consequences of Akemi-san's life cause your relationship to take a turn for the worse."

"I will not let that happen." Your words come like cold steel, and your eyes narrow as your mind swims with the memories of the past. Instinctively, your arms wrap around Madoka in a protective embrace. "I refuse to allow any part of my life to cause Madoka to come to harm."

A commotion comes from the second floor, quickly followed by a fuming Sayaka as she stomps down the stairs. "I think I'm going to head out," she says, much to the dismay of Madoka and Tomoe-san as they look on.

Do you
[ ] Encourage Madoka to go home with Sayaka; it'll be safer if they go together than if they go separately.
[ ] let Sayaka go home on her own; right now, she looks like she needs to be by herself for awhile
[ ] Other (write-in)

Regardless of your decision, [ ] What needs to be discussed tonight? (write-in in detail)​

 

[Enetious]

[X] "Continue to stay put and report back to me if anything changes."
[X] Telepathically inform Madoka that she and Mami will more than likely be discussing Magical Girl business, and if she wants to stay and participate or help try and placate Sayaka. Tell her either way, she'll inform Madoka of what they've discussed at a later time if she wants.
[X] Quickly check the author of the cookbook just in case
[X] Start up discussions on what kind of team-building exercises they can do with Oriko and Kirika, and how to try and subtly rehabilitate them during said exercises. Invite Kyoko to the discussion if Mami okays it.
-[X] Perhaps, as far as team-building exercises go, they could all go hunt some Witches, or perhaps they could be something more mundane to garner a better working relationship like a culinary workshop, or karaoke or something like that.
-[X] After they clear things up with that, ask Mami when they would all be able to get together and coordinate to take out Assassin before she kills too many innocent people. They will come up with a sufficient strategy when they're all together. Depending on how long it'll be before grouping up to strategize, include Oriko and Kirika if they would have already been participating in the mentioned team-building exercises and Future Mami okays them for the task.

 

[WanderingTwix]

... kyubey wouldn't try to recruit sayaka now while she's pouty, would he? Should we account for that? @Enetious

 

[SVS]

[X] Start up discussions on what kind of team-building exercises they can do with Oriko and Kirika, and how to try and subtly rehabilitate them during said exercises. Invite Kyoko to the discussion if Mami okays it.

Click to shrink...

If you or anybody else had any specific exercises you wanted to see included, feel free to add them to the discussion.

... kyubey wouldn't try to recruit sayaka now while she's pouty, would he? Should we account for that? @Enetious

Click to shrink...

Problem is, we don't know why she's pouty, so we can't say how or if there's an angle for Kyubey to approach her without knowing what's up.

 

[itrytofight]

[X] "Continue to stay put and report back to me if anything changes."
[X] Telepathically inform Madoka that she and Mami will more than likely be discussing Magical Girl business, and if she wants to stay and participate or help try and placate Sayaka. Tell her either way, she'll inform Madoka of what they've discussed at a later time if she wants.
[X] Quickly check the author of the cookbook just in case
[X] Start up discussions on what kind of team-building exercises they can do with Oriko and Kirika, and how to try and subtly rehabilitate them during said exercises. Invite Kyoko to the discussion if Mami okays it.
-[X] Perhaps, as far as team-building exercises go, they could all go hunt some Witches, or perhaps they could be something more mundane to garner a better working relationship like a culinary workshop, or karaoke or something like that. -[X] After they clear things up with that, ask Mami when they would all be able to get together and coordinate to take out Assassin before she kills too many innocent people. They will come up with a sufficient strategy when they're all together. Depending on how long it'll be before grouping up to strategize, include Oriko and Kirika if they would have already been participating in the mentioned team-building exercises and Future Mami okays them for the task.

 

[WanderingTwix]

[X] "Continue to stay put and report back to me if anything changes."
[X] Telepathically inform Madoka that she and Mami will more than likely be discussing Magical Girl business, and if she wants to stay and participate or help try and placate Sayaka. Tell her either way, she'll inform Madoka of what they've discussed at a later time if she wants.
[X] Quickly check the author of the cookbook just in case
[X] Start up discussions on what kind of team-building exercises they can do with Oriko and Kirika, and how to try and subtly rehabilitate them during said exercises. Invite Kyoko to the discussion if Mami okays it.
-[X] Perhaps, as far as team-building exercises go, they could all go hunt some Witches, or perhaps they could be something more mundane to garner a better working relationship like a culinary workshop, or karaoke or something like that.
-[X] After they clear things up with that, ask Mami when they would all be able to get together and coordinate to take out Assassin before she kills too many innocent people. They will come up with a sufficient strategy when they're all together. Depending on how long it'll be before grouping up to strategize, include Oriko and Kirika if they would have already been participating in the mentioned team-building exercises and Future Mami okays them for the task.

 

[SVS]

[X] Enetious
​

---

"I think I'm going to head out," Sayaka says, only moments after having come down the stairs in a state of agitation. Madoka and Tomoe-san look on with dismay written on their faces. You can tell immediately that trying to placate Sayaka into staying is going to go nowhere, especially if the cause of her agitation is who you expect it to be.

"Are you sure you want to leave now, Sayaka-chan?" Madoka asks, breaking away from you as she stands to confront her friend. "If something's bothering you, you can tell us, and we'll all try to make you feel better."

"That's okay, Madoka, I..." Sayaka's hands clench into fists, trembling for a few seconds before she takes several deep breaths and her hands relax. "Hitomi's right, you know. I should have gone home and focused on my studies rather than come here."

This wouldn't be the first time that Sayaka has been dishonest with herself about her true feelings, and you can tell that Madoka sees it just as easily as you can. However, unlike you, Madoka still looks like she wants to convince Sayaka to stay. "Madoka, Tomoe-san and I are going to be discussing some important business later tonight. You are free to stay if you wish to participate, but right now I think Sayaka could use a friend to keep her company on the way home."

"Right; I understand, Homura-chan." "In that case, I'll go with you, Sayaka-chan."

"Really Madoka, you don't have to leave on my account. Stay here and have a good time with your girlfriend-" Sayaka punctuates her use of the word "girlfriend" with a kissy face directed at you and Madoka "-but don't feel like you have to go home just because I am."

Madoka shakes her head; she's not budging on the matter. "if Sayaka-chan is right about what Hitomi-chan said, then I should be going too."

Sayaka sighs, accepting Madoka's resolution as the two head out the door together. Tousling the shorter girls' head, she says "You're too good for a girl like me, Madoka. Never change, you hear me?"

Shortly after the pair leave, you head into the kitchen to check up on a certain hunch you've had since dinner. Reaching for Today's Menu for the Entire Family, you flip to the back of the book, staring at the author blurb written on the inside of the dust jacket. "The author, Matou Sakura, who currently resides in her hometown of Fuyuki, Japan based the recipes found within on the real-life culinary masterpieces of one of her closest friends, described by the author as "a source of constant inspiration for me". Matou, a graduate of..."

Included with the blurb is a picture of the author, a smiling woman in her mid-twenties with deep violet hair and kind eyes coloured to match, but there's another thought in your mind as your eyes focus on the author's name a second time. Matou... That had been the name of Rider's master during Archer's War, hadn't it?

You put the book back as you hear Kyouko shuffling down the stairs and make your way back to the living room, arriving just in time to hear Tomoe-san ask "Just what happened between you and Miki-san to cause her to leave so suddenly?"

"I don't know!" Kyouko responds. "One second, she's askin' me how I'd been doin' since gettin' outta th' hospital, an' next thing I know she's gettin' all pissy an' I ain't got a single clue why."

"Could you have perhaps said something that offended her?"

"That's just it! I don't know!"

Tomoe-san sighs, hanging her head in defeat. "Well, now that it's just the three of us, shall we get down to business?" That's a sentiment you can get behind.

"Right..." Kyouko frowns as she takes her seat. "You said earlier we'd be talkin' about those two. Can't we just kill'em an' be done with it? That way, we don't gotta be discussin' what ta do with'em all th' damn time, an' we each get a share'a their territory an' Seeds."

"Sakura-san, we are not going to kill them, not after they surrendered to us." Tomoe-san shoots Kyouko a displeased glare. "Besides, with Walpurgisnacht less than a month away, we'll need all the help we can get. Our personal feelings don't matter in the face of that reality, so if we can rehabilitate Mikuni-san and Kure-san and turn them into productive allies our efforts will be worth it."

You nod along with Tomoe-san's sentiments. "Personally, I find the idea of working alongside them repulsive, but I agree with Tomoe-san. Walpurgisnact will require as many hands on-deck as we can manage. Hence why I have asked Tomoe-san to try her hand at coming up with exercises that the five of us might be able to do to increase our ability to work as a team."

"To be honest, Akemi-san, while I did have a few ideas, it wasn't easy. I wanted to think of things that all five of us could do, but Kure-san's... Condition, left me at odds regarding potential combat exercises. Actually, most of what I had planned largely involved us just getting to know one another better."

Kyouko snickers at Tomoe-san's mention of Kure Kirika. "Yeah, tell me about it. Say, Spooky, you've seen them since that day, right? How's that psycho bitch holdin' up since Archer blew her legs off?"

"Sakura-san, there's no need to be rude."

"Kure Kirika is confined to a wheelchair, and Mikuni Oriko reports that she is miserable." While you may feel no reason to sympathize with Kure Kirika's condition, you see little reason to be antagonistic about it, and your gaze is enough to silence Kyouko's subdued laughter. "I am unsure how much longer it will take before her legs are completely regrown, so any combat exercises we attempt will have to take her condition into consideration for the time being. That being said, I think you made the right call in restricting your focus towards improving their social cohesion in our group."

"Thank you, Akemi-san. I had been thinking that we'd start with an informal sit-down, and then we'd go out and work on getting used to one another in a safe environment. Karaoke had been my first thought, but after tonight I'm thinking that another shot at group cooking might be just as successful."

"Lemme get this straight- You wanna either let those bitches into yer kitchen an' trust'em enough not ta poison us, or ya want us ta go out singin' with'em? What's next? Ya wanna invite'em over fer tea an' cake while you try an' pretend they ain't crazies?"

Tomoe-san nods. "Yes. If we're going to be working with them in a professional capacity, we'll have to learn to put aside our initial impressions and trust them eventually. If we can't bring ourselves to trust them, how can we possibly expect them to work with us as allies?"

"Do they even want ta be our allies? Or are you an' Spooky just forcin' this on'em 'cuz you've got th' upper hand in negotiations?"

"I have spoken with Mikuni Oriko, and she has shown a desire to turn over a new leaf and be helpful to our cause," is the answer you give to Kyouko. Though, now that you have spoken, a thought occurs now that you had not considered before. Given her - admittedly quite unsettling - willingness to cooperate with your demands, you hadn't given a second thought to the idea that Mikuni Oriko wanted to be your ally. But, is that something she wants because she believes it to be for the best? Or is she merely going along with what's in front of her in order to continue protecting Kure Kirika?

Or does she still have some plan up her sleeve? Why, after everything else she's done, should you believe that Mikuni Oriko has turned over a new leaf only now?

"Additionally, Tomoe-san, when do you think would be an optimal time for the five of us to talk about dealing with Assassin? Ideally, I'd like to have her taken care of as quickly as possible, and I believe that having more hands at our disposal will increase our odds of victory over her."

"Right now." Kyouko's fist hits the table, and it's clear that she's struggling - and failing- to contain her anger. "That's my condition fer goin' along with this shit. Either we come up with a plan ta kill that bitch now, or I go an' do it myself. I've been waitin' long enough; I ain't waitin' any longer."

Do you
[ ] Agree with Kyouko's demands
-[ ] Call Mikuni Oriko over for her own input
-[ ] Discuss a plan right now without Mikuni Oriko
--[ ] What plan do you suggest? (write-in)
[ ] Refuse Kyouko's demands
-[ ] and let her go hunt Assassin on her own
-[ ] and try to talk her out of going it alone
--[ ] What do you say to her (write-in)
[ ] Other (write-in)
?​

 

[Nawaf]

[X] Agree with Kyouko's demands
-[X] Call Mikuni Oriko over for her own input

Since it's literally impossible to gather info on Assassin, waiting will only raise her kill count.
Finals tomorrow so leaving the write-in.

 

[Enetious]

[X] Plan Witch Hunt
-[X] Agree with Kyouko's demands
--[X] Call Mikuni Oriko over for her own input
---[X] Firstly, they have to locate the Servant. Have Mami invite Caster back down and see if they can't try and find some sort of synergy between Mikuni and Caster's respective precognition in order to find optimal places to search for the missing Witch/Servant hybrid. Either recall Archer or telepathically communicate the plan to him, regardless he is to meet them on location wherever they try and search for Assassin at. From what she can gather from their prior encounters with Assassin, their main priority should be locking Assassin down in a singular location, to prevent her from fleeing whenever she inevitably gets overwhelmed, so ask Archer if his Noble Phantasm can do anything to lock her down or do something about her Labyrinth (clarify that she'd like to know what his Noble Phantasm does for future reference if possible). If he replies with a negative, offer the plan of either asking Caster if he has any Mystic Codes that could lock her down somehow, or to post a Servant or two outside of the Labyrinth, ready to engage when Assassin begins to flee. Priority Servants that are to enter the Labyrinth initially are to be Rider, Caster, and potentially Berserker if Kirika lends him out to Oriko and he's under control. Under no circumstances are any Puella Magi or female Servants to engage Assassin while in her Labyrinth, or if it is night and she is using her The Mist Noble Phantasm, as she would then be able to ignore all defenses and instantly kill said female. Waiting outside the Labyrinth ready to strike would be the Puella Magi, Lancer, and Archer with his class abilities to track her. All Servants going into the Labyrinth are to be prepared to immediately engage and follow a fleeing target, as to prevent confusion caused by Assassin's Information Erasure skill.

 

[SVS]

ask Archer if his Reality Marble can overtake Assassin's facsimile of a Labyrinth and entrap her within it.

Click to shrink...

I don't know by how much this changes your plan, but Homura doesn't know that Unlimited Blade Works is a Reality Marble. She doesn't know anything about it, aside from its name and the fact that Archer was hiding its existence from her.

 

[Enetious]

I don't know by how much this changes your plan, but Homura doesn't know that Unlimited Blade Works is a Reality Marble. She doesn't know anything about it, aside from its name and the fact that Archer was hiding its existence from her.

Click to shrink...

Hm, really? Could've sworn that Archer mentioned that to Homura, but it must've been in name only. Anyways, modified the vote accordingly.

 

[SVS]

Hm, really? Could've sworn that Archer mentioned that to Homura, but it must've been in name only. Anyways, modified the vote accordingly.

Click to shrink...

As far as I can tell, this post contains the only mention of Unlimited Blade Works at any point in the past 18 days.

 

[itrytofight]

[X] Enetious

If they win against Assassin, there should be no hurdles on our way to defeat Walpurgisnacht.

Well, keyword being "should". Kyubie is still out there eyeing Madoka's potential and the moonlit world is just beginning to find out about the Puella Magi.

If the Mage's Association's actions to Chaldea after Part 1 of Fate Grand Order and the Kyubie race's experiment's in Rebellion are any indication, the real threat to our heroes lay after Whataburger's destructive defeat, if not before.

 

[SVS]

A preemptive apology to everyone who's been waiting for the next post. Other concerns have left me feeling drained, and when I'm not feeling drained the creative juices just haven't been flowing. I'll try to put something out tomorrow, but if I'm unable to then it's unlikely that anything will be posted until Wednesday. I know it's a pretty big departure from my usual update pace, but that's just how things have been for me.

If possible I'll try to make it up to you guys the week after this coming week.​

 

[Enetious]

A preemptive apology to everyone who's been waiting for the next post. Other concerns have left me feeling drained, and when I'm not feeling drained the creative juices just haven't been flowing. I'll try to put something out tomorrow, but if I'm unable to then it's unlikely that anything will be posted until Wednesday. I know it's a pretty big departure from my usual update pace, but that's just how things have been for me.

If possible I'll try to make it up to you guys the week after this coming week.​

Click to shrink...

It's not a problem at all! The fact that you've been able to bring us an update nearly daily for such a long time was incredibly impressive in of itself, so waiting a few more days isn't an issue whatsoever. Just keep pumping out updates for this quest at a rate you're comfortable with, and I don't think you'll have to make anything up to us at all.

 

[jcdenton]

A preemptive apology to everyone who's been waiting for the next post. Other concerns have left me feeling drained, and when I'm not feeling drained the creative juices just haven't been flowing. I'll try to put something out tomorrow, but if I'm unable to then it's unlikely that anything will be posted until Wednesday. I know it's a pretty big departure from my usual update pace, but that's just how things have been for me.

If possible I'll try to make it up to you guys the week after this coming week.​

Click to shrink...

No problemo. Your real-life stuff should always be first priority.

 

[SVS]

[X] Enetious
​

---

"Right now. That's my condition fer goin' along with this shit," Kyouko says, slamming her fist down on the table. "Either we come up with a plan ta kill that bitch now, or I go an' do it myself. I've been waitin' long enough; I ain't waitin' any longer."

You and Tomoe-san look to one another, hoping that there might be some way to talk Kyouko down from her anger. You can see no such hope in Tomoe-san's eyes, and if her silence is any indication she can see no such hope in yours. You sigh, seeing no alternative but to give in to her demands, as rash and childish as they may be. "Very well. If that is what it will take for you to cooperate, then we shall discuss a plan to defeat Assassin tonight."

Your thoughts reach out to touch the fourth member of your unsteady union. "Something urgent has come up, and your presence is required at Tomoe-san's apartment."

"I'm terribly sorry, Akemi-san, but you've caught me at a rather bad time. I'm in the middle of dinner. Can it wait?"

"Unfortunately, it cannot. Sakura Kyouko has decided that she will only go along with Tomoe-san and I if we come up with a plan to deal with Assassin immediately."

"Why? While I agree that Assassin needs to be dealt with, I was under the impression that our objective was to foster better team cohesion before attempting to tackle larger threats. Has something changed?"

"No. Sakura Kyouko holds a grudge against Assassin for their murder of Chitose Yuma, and short of her injuries getting in her way, dealing with Assassin has always been her primary concern."

"... I see. Am I allowed to say that it gladdens me that her death was not by my hand?"

[] "Yes."
[] "No."

"... I suppose there's no way around it, then. If this is meant to be a team effort, then I shall do my best to lend you my assistance."

Even if Mikuni Oriko were to take the train, it would still be a wait of some time before she arrived, additionally so if she decided to bring Kure Kirika with her. But as you try to figure out how long Kyouko will need to wait before you can begin, you feel your phone vibrating. Reaching for it, you read <Call from: Mikuni Oriko> prominently displayed. "Excuse me," you say, puzzling over what Mikuni Oriko has to say that couldn't be said telepathically.

"Put me on speaker," she says as you pick up, finally understanding. You place your phone down on the table, and tap the button that controls the sound settings. "Can everyone hear me?"

"Yes, Mikuni-san, we can hear you," Tomoe-san responds, glancing to you with a confused look, searching your face for answers. "But, perhaps you can tell us why you have called?"

"Akemi-san informed me that Sakura-san wanted to discuss a plan for Assassin immediately, and asked if I could lend my own input."

"Oriko~o, no phones at the dinner table! You pro~omised!"

"I'm sorry, dearest, but this is important. ... I apologize; as I informed Akemi-san, you caught me in the middle of dinner."

"Oh!" Tomoe-san looks somewhat guilty, even though you know she has no fault in any of this. "Please, Mikuni-san, go back to dinner if you wish. The three of us can handle things on our own."

"No, it's fine. Akemi-san was right to contact me, if you're planning on fighting Assassin."​

"I understand, Mikuni-san. Now, if we could get down to business. There must be some reason Akemi-san reached out to you and asked you to participate in this discussion."

"I have seen Assassin fight, and I know what to expect from her when we go into combat."

"But, Akemi-san said that Assassin can erase the memories of whoever they fight. How were you able to retain your memories?"

"I watched through Lancer's eyes when I sent her into battle against Assassin. I'm not entirely sure why, but doing so has allowed me to retain my memories of what I saw, even if Lancer was not so lucky."

"Our first challenge is going to be just locating the entrance to Assassin's labyrinth," you say. With the randomness at which Assassin moves, you can see no easy way to accomplish this task. "Are you absolutely sure that you cannot locate Assassin using your magic?"

"I am. I have tried, but every time I try all I get back is static."

You look to Tomoe-san. "What if Caster were to support you? Do you think it might be possible to find her with the both of you looking at the same time?"

"I'm not sure. It's possible, but didn't Archer say that Caster had the same problem as myself in trying to locate Assassin? What makes you think that we could do it combined when we can't do it separately?"

"Perhaps together, you might find a... A sort of overlap, where your abilities can see something that his can't, or vice-versa."

"I suppose it's worth a try. I had actually been hoping I could speak to Caster regarding my own precognition magic, so having the chance to work with him might do me some good."

As Tomoe-san and Mikuni Oriko speak among themselves regarding Caster and the means at your block's disposal for locating Assassin, you turn to your own servant to try and work out what comes after locating Assassin. Mikuni Oriko described Assassin as a very mobile combatant, meaning that keeping her pinned down and unable to run will be a critical element to victory. "Archer, I have a question for you regarding your Noble Phantasm."

"Forgive me, master, but that's a conversation I had actually been hoping to avoid having."

"Relax, I'm not interested in hearing why you attempted to conceal it from me at the moment. Right now, I just need to know if, whatever it is, it is something you could use to keep Assassin from escaping in the event we engage her in combat."

"... It's possible, but to be honest I'm not really sure how it would interact with the mechanics of Assassin's labyrinth. It might work, but it could just as easily be completely ineffective within the confines of her labyrinth."

The name, Unlimited Blade Works, implies to you something having to do with Archer's penchant for using swords, particularly as ranged weapons. Is it a means to create or modify a substantial number of weapons at one time? You can see how that could be useful in keeping an enemy pinned down, but you fail to see how Assassin's labyrinth could render that ability ineffective, when no other labyrinth you've encountered has ever prevented a puella magi from Projecting their own weapons. "Perhaps if you told me what it was, I might be able to figure out how it would interact with a witch's labyrinth. And, having that information for future usage would be beneficial in further combat planning."

"You'll really have to forgive me, master, but with everything I've seen of the way the puella magi system works, that's a conversation that should be saved for another day." Your suspicions are raised by this statement. What does that even mean? Is there something about Archer's Noble Phantasm that he believes
[ ] might have a negative impact on a puella magi
[ ] the Incubator might find useful for its purposes
[ ] might be detrimental to fighting a witch
[ ] Other (write-in)

"At any rate, I'd actually suggest asking Caster for help with this one. I can't say for sure, but he's probably got some trinket stashed away inside Babylon that might do the trick."
​

---

"... Additionally, if the statements made by Akemi-san and Archer are correct regarding Assassin's potential Noble Phantasm, neither Lancer, nor any of us should be sent in for direct combat against Assassin. However, in the event that Assassin attempts to flee her labyrinth, we should still remain nearby and be ready to intercept her." You come back from your conversation to Mikuni Oriko elaborating to Tomoe-san and Kyouko the information about Assassin you relayed to her from Archer at your meeting two days ago.

"Fuck that!" Kyouko spits her words with anger- And actual spittle; you'll have to wipe your phone off after this conversation. "You wanna tell me that I gotta just sit back an' let myself be th' reserve while someone else goes in fer th' kill? Fuck that, I'm puttin' myself on th' front lines. I'll make that bitch pay if it's th' last thing I do!"

"Sakura-san, please, be reasonable!" Tomoe-san pleads, trying to restrain her enraged and struggling roommate. "I understand how greatly Assassin has wronged you, but none of us want you to go to your death trying to avenge Chitose-san."

Kyouko tears herself free of Tomoe-san's restraining embrace, and storms off up to her room with balled fists trembling. "I hope I didn't say anything to offend her."

"No, Mikuni-san, you aren't at fault here. Sakura-san is just... Poorly coping with the loss of Chitose-san."

"Akemi-san informed me of the situation. I know it means little coming from me, but I am truly sorry for her loss."

Tomoe-san is taken aback, but once the shock clears from her face, all that remains is a slight but sad smile. "I'll make sure Sakura-san knows, Mikuni-san."

After a moment's beat in which the three of you return to focus, you speak up. "In regards to your suggestion, Mikuni Oriko, might I also suggest keeping Archer among our reserves? That way, should Assassin manage to slip past all our other lines, he can still track her effectively."

"That's an excellent idea, Akemi-san. But, are you sure that Rider and Caster will be enough to handle Assassin on their own without support from Archer?"

"What about Berserker?" you ask. "Assuming you can keep him under control and prevent him from attacking Rider or Caster, would Kure Kirika be willing to lend you her servant?"

"I'll do you one better," you hear a scuffle on the other end of the line, presuming it to be Kure Kirika repositioning herself to better speak into the phone. "Even if you manage to find her, you'll still need a way to actually draw out Assassin, right? Convince her that you're worth her time. I'll serve as the decoy. A poor, defenseless maiden like me? She won't be able to resist coming out for a snack."

"Dearest, we both know that none of those words describe you."

"Yeah, but it's not like Assassin knows that. She'll see a cripple in a wheelchair leaking mana, and that's when I'll sic Berserker on her. You won't even need Rider or Caster at that point."

"Are you sure you're willing to volunteer yourself, Kure-san?" Despite knowing firsthand her intense cruelty and sadism, Tomoe-san still sounds reluctant to send Kure Kirika to be the bait to draw in Assassin. "That's a dangerous task you're volunteering for."

"Well, it's not like there's anything else I can do. Until my legs finish growing back, I'm not much better than a paperweight made of meat."

"Even still, Rider and Caster should also be present in case Assassin is able to overwhelm Berserker; or more likely, forcibly expels him from her labyrinth." You look to Tomoe-san, considering Archer's suggestion. "Particularly Caster. He may have something at his disposal able to keep Assassin in place as we finish her off."

"I'll speak with Caster about that, then," Tomoe-san responds. "When do you think we should begin making preparations to go searching for Assassin?"

[ ] Right now
[ ] Once our unit cohesion is improved
[ ] Other (write-in)

You give your answer to Tomoe-san, but now something sounds off. Rather, the lack of something sounds off. After returning to her room in a fuming mess, you could occasionally still hear the sounds of Kyouko's tantrum. But now, you hear no sound coming from upstairs. Tomoe-san doesn't hear it, either.

Do you
[ ] Go upstairs and investigate
-[ ] What do you do if Kyouko is still present? (write-in)
-[ ] What do you do if Kyouko has left? (write-in)
[ ] Assume the worst and go searching for Kyouko
-[ ] Where do you go to search? (write-in)
[ ] Assume the best and continue your discussion
-[ ] What still needs to be discussed? (write-in)
[ ] Other (write-in)
?​

 

[SVS]

I'm not happy with how this turned out. It feels like it's all over the place, and I'm not sure how to tighten the focus any. I actually had to cut about 600 or so words from what had been the original draft because they just didn't go anywhere and I didn't feel like they were serving their intended purpose.

A lot of votable material in this one, so be careful.

 

[xThomas2]

[X] "Yes."
[X] the Incubator might find useful for its purposes
[X] Right now
[X] Assume the worst and go searching for Kyouko
- [X] Outside

 

[Enetious]

[X] "Yes."
[X] the Incubator might find useful for its purposes
[X] Right now
[X] Go upstairs and investigate
-[X] What do you do if Kyouko is still present?
--[X] Cordially invite Kyoko back to the discussions below, and press that if she were to engage Assassin, she'd essentially be the easiest and most vulnerable target due to Assassin's effectively Anti-Magical Girl Noble Phantasm, and that if she truly wishes to avenge Yuma then she should be doing her best to ensure that Assassin dies, rather than seeking an adrenaline high while walking to her own death.
-[X] What do you do if Kyouko has left?
--[X] Organize a search party in locating and retrieving Kyoko. First ask Caster for info about her whereabouts, then Oriko if necessary, then, regardless of what info they obtain, have Archer quickly make his way here in order to intercept Kyoko, if all of the Magical Girls and Servants present haven't already done so. If they get no info on Kyoko's whereabouts, branch out from Mami's apartment towards places Assassin has been known to be at and keep in constant contact with one another.

*sobs in vote*
Welp, Kyoko be jumping the gun, so that's terrible, though not surprising. Regardless, putting off this particular Witch Hunt, after we've had Kyoko waiting all this time, can only hurt us, so best to get over this now before Kyoko inevitably Rambo's Assassin at another point in the future.

 

[WanderingTwix]

[X] "Yes."
[X] the Incubator might find useful for its purposes
[X] Right now
[X] Go upstairs and investigate
-[X] What do you do if Kyouko is still present?
--[X] Cordially invite Kyoko back to the discussions below, and press that if she were to engage Assassin, she'd essentially be the easiest and most vulnerable target due to Assassin's effectively Anti-Magical Girl Noble Phantasm, and that if she truly wishes to avenge Yuma then she should be doing her best to ensure that Assassin dies, rather than seeking an adrenaline high while walking to her own death.
-[X] What do you do if Kyouko has left?
--[X] Organize a search party in locating and retrieving Kyoko. First ask Caster for info about her whereabouts, then Oriko if necessary, then, regardless of what info they obtain, have Archer quickly make his way here in order to intercept Kyoko, if all of the Magical Girls and Servants present haven't already done so. If they get no info on Kyoko's whereabouts, branch out from Mami's apartment towards places Assassin has been known to be at and keep in constant contact with one another.

 

[itrytofight]

[X] Enetious

I really hope that Sakura hasn't ditched the group to fight Lolijack, here's hoping that Achilles is with her if she did.