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Magical Girl Quest - The Fire That Burns

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I really do think we should take the Gaia offer, but only because I don't think that we can reasonably work towards a resolution to this conflict while one side has us on a leash named 'Una'.

Once we have our agency back, I think we should stay as involved as possible and try to bring a peaceful resolution out of this.

I mean... All things considered, what are the odds that Annabelle and Karen have ever actually talked to each other? Or even made any diplomatic attempts before moving straight to murder?

I think that getting those two at least discussing shit with each other would be a damn good start.
 
Man I can't help but feel like Karen is screwing the fuck up.

Like. ..I think I see why she did what she did. ..but ugh.

Okay. Yeah, cabin in no where.

Then we start planning to take over the world. Which is never a happy thing.
 
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[X] Accept her offer
Number of voters: 17

Vote locked.

Shrine Maiden Route is now available again.

I'm going to go make a late breakfast and a cup of tea, then I'll start on this chapter.
 
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Spectral Waltz said:
I mean... All things considered, what are the odds that Annabelle and Karen have ever actually talked to each other? Or even made any diplomatic attempts before moving straight to murder?
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Presumably, if they ever did this in the past, it didn't work out. As evidenced by Karen's casual assumption of superiority and assassination of their leadership.

The Counter Force, at least, is willing to negotiate, as evidenced by their diplomatic entreaties to Cerys. In regards to Karen, I imagine they're rather twice-shy after being burned once. Never mind that we just learned that expecting Karen to keep to any agreements she makes when they no longer benefit her is pointless.
 
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    • You close your eyes, shifting your head slightly so that you can lean against Mother Gaia. She doesn't dispute you practically laying on her, starting to idly play with your hair as she... giggles very quietly? You resist the urge to look up at her, but you get the feeling she knows about your bemusement and is just ignoring it.

    You also get the feeling that she already knew the answer to her own question before she asked it. You try to be a little mad at her for it, but the feeling doesn't come; that comfortable warmth just easily soothes your frayed nerves. "Mmmm." She leans back a little, letting you tilt your head up to look at her. "Where are we?" You turn your eyes back down, the seemingly endless stretch of grass gently rolls downwards, forests and rocky mountains surrounding you.

    Gaia smiles down at you, running her fingers through your hair once more before pushing you up into a sitting position before hopping to her feet. You join her a second later, brushing stray pieces of grass off of your legs as you stand.

    Now that you are actually standing, you can see much further, the misty forest surrounding you isn't infinite, in the distance you can see the ocean. You try to stretch your sense around you, and while you feel a lot of living things, you don't get a good idea of where you are. Gaia sends you an amused glance, beckoning you closer with a wave. When you stop next to her, she hold out her arms in a carrying motion and pouts at you. "You... want to carry me?" She shakes her head, blue-green hair flying wildly as her pout grows stronger.

    [Carry me.] You look at her in disbelief, but she doesn't move, waiting for you to pick her up.

    What is my life. You stoop a little with a sigh, trying your best to ignore her little whoop of joy as you stretch out your arms. She practically throws herself at you and you have to brace yourself to stop from falling over. "Oof." You grunt a little as you lift off the ground to keep yourself from falling off of the fairly steep decline. Your passenger immediately starts making little awed noises as you rise further and further into the air. Like this, she's almost... cute. You blush a tiny bit when she glances back to you with a knowing look, before turning back to looking at everything. Fucking- She interrupts you with a flick to your ear, making you squeak and nearly drop her. Fu- She looks at you, her disappointed look burrowing into your brain. Bloody mindreaders.

    Satisfied with your language, she turns back to the sky, smiling down at the mountainous area you were just sitting atop. "You never answered my question." She looks at you, nodding after a moment.

    Go to the ocean, there. She points a slender finger and you glance over, there was nothing particularly of note, but you kick off of a sword and dive downwards. Exhilarated shouts follow your progress, strange animals and creatures of all kinds looking up at you as you dive. She answers your unasked question before you have the chance. [I've never flown before, not like this.] You look down at her a little doubtfully, surely she has some way of flying? These bodies are fragile, I can't use them too roughly. You tighten your grip at her words, slowing down a little as you stabilise your flight.

    She pouts a little as you bring your dive back to safer levels and you feel the ghost of her hand on your back, gently prodding you to go faster. Her cheeks puff outwards at your silent refusal, but she doesn't hide her smile as you slowly float to a stop just above the ocean. [Turn around.] You spin on the spot, wondering how this was supposed to answer your questions. All that is back there is the island-



    You gape, the giant head looming over you. It's face cracks, two stony eyelids opening, boulders torn off as they part for the first time in centuries.

    You look at the head, then to Gaia, then back to the head. whatwhatwhatwhatwhat

    Gaia finally fails at holding back her laughter, the sound of the wind blowing and a gentle tinkling gently caressing your ears as she folds over in your hands. Did you? Your cheeks puff as you look down at her, contemplating dropping her for just a moment. The thought is enough for her laughter to trail off, a slight redness pinking her cheeks as she gasps for breath. It's not funny. She smiles slightly at you, not saying anything. Not. You try your best to maintain your annoyance, but when she reaches a hand up to ruffle your hair it all drains away. Alright, it was kind of funny.

    This is where you will stay. She looks fondly at the giant.. turtle? [Nothing will find you here.] She gives you a moment to process that before nudging you forwards towards the face. How she did that while in your arms, you'll never know. You wander close, stopping just a few metres away. From here, you are well aware of how big this thing's mouth is, it could easily fit an entire house inside with room to spare. Please be friendly don't eat me I'm not tasty. You repeat your mantra as you extend a hand, gently resting it against it's face.

    It's warm. Even though it feels like a mix of rough leather and stone, it's skin is still warm to touch. [She.] You glance down at Gaia. [She is a she.] Oh. She is warm to touch, letting out a deep noise as she pushes her face into your hand gently, barely even pushing your hand back. She's just a big softy, aren't you dear? A deep hum as Gaia runs her fingers across a patch of skin, the turtle's eyelids fluttering slightly as Gaia scratches a spot. See? She just wants some tender love and care. Gaia smiles softly at her, the sight of it aimed elsewhere making something ugly roil in your chest.

    Mother looks back to you, pulling her hand back as you start floating upwards again. She smiles at you, poking you in the cheek with a warm laugh. [So possessive.] She leans closer, hugging you as you set yourself on the lip of the turtles shell. [Good, you are mine.] She snuggles against you, your positions a complete reversal to just five minutes earlier. [Oh, I have so many ideas!] You look down, she is positively beaming. [We can go for walks while you tell me about your day, I can finally show you good Anime, your taste is atrocious.] You don't know why, but you feel like you should feel offended by her statement. [Ah! I can introduce you to my D&D group, oh they will just love your sister.] She trails off, humming happily as she leans against you.

    You try your best to resist, but you can't stop yourself from thinking. This is Gaia? She huffs slightly at your words, digging a finger into your most ticklish spot in just the right place. You just about resist the urge to throw her off of your lap as you try to twist away from her. She stops after a moment, looking awfully smug. [I know all of your weakspots, I made them.] You only have a moment to process the thought before she's nudging you to your feet. [Up, up, fly back to the hill. I want to show you your new home.] You comply without really thinking, the thought turning over in your head as you fly upwards. What did she mean, she made me? Well, I mean, she is Gaia. But...

    She prods you, a finger drawing your eyes downwards. There, nestled between the trees, sits a little wooden house on the slope.


    You slowly float down in silence, setting Gaia down on her feet as yours touch the front porch, the wood making a solid thunk as you set down.

    You look at the door, the curtains on the inside of the window obscuring your view through them as you brush a bit of moss off of the wood. The door is unlocked, making a quiet squeaking noise as it swings open and you step through.

    The inside is... cozy. There is a large fabric armchair by the fireplace, wood already stocked next to it and a small amount sitting in the base fireplace itself. Opposite, there is a long, poofy sofa resting against the wall and facing the fireplace, the window to it's left. A painting of a forest, a fairy captured mid-flight in it's journey sitting on the wall above it. Atop the mantle itself rests a pendulum clock together with several wooden carvings of animals, some you've never seen before.

    On the other side of the room lies the kitchen, a row of weathered wood counters with an oven, sink, microwave and kettle. Just a little to the side of it is the dinner table, six chairs on the rectangular piece. You look back to the kitchen, one of the windows is set over the sink, the brown curtains letting just a little light stream in from underneath them.

    You hear Gaia enter behind you and look back, seeing her struggle with a light switch for a moment. The bulb flicks on, a soft orange glow illuminating the house as she closes the door and takes off her shoes; setting them in a small wicker basket and padding onto the soft carpet. Ah. You look down at your own feet, sheepishly depositing your shoes in the box as you step off of the beige carpet. When you look back up, Gaia is watching you a little anxiously, fiddling with her fingers as she taps one of her feet on the ground. You are not allowed to be awkwardly adorable, I forbid it. She smiles at you, waiting for your approval.

    Instead, you let out a long hum, slowly walking up the incredibly steep stairs and looking at the upper floor. There are three rooms, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Surprisingly, the bathroom looks pretty ordinary, clean white tiles, a bath, sink and toilet with a towel rack fill the space. The bedrooms are more familiar, double beds taking the middle of the room with chestadraws on either side, a wardrobe in the corner by the window, the rest of the room not having enough height to fit them as the room slants.

    The beds are already made, a soft floral pattern covering the quilt and pillow. You sit down on the bed, mentally claiming this room as yours as Gaia pokes her head around the door, trying her best to look like she isn't waiting for your approval. Cute. "You made all of this for me?" She nods. "This is..." You can't keep teasing her, not when you are so touched. "Amazing, this is just perfect." You lean forwards as she steps closer, gently grabbing her by the waist and hugging her stomach. "Thank you."

    You feel her fingers gently start stroking your hair and you smile, pulling her back with you as you lie on the bed, her light form landing on top of you with a soft woosh. She shifts to the side, letting you lead your head against her shoulder as you think.

    It doesn't take long for your thoughts to turn to where you had just been, why you were currently lying on a bed who knows where with the personification of the planet. You have no doubt that you can get your sister out, if you have the chance to get away from Karen, you just need a minute and you can tear your way to the surface. But it was other thoughts that bothered you. Why did you save me? What will you have me do now?

    She obviously pick up on your thoughts, humming gently as she plays with your hair, running a gentle finger along your ear. The sudden pleasurable shocks make you flinch as they rush down your spine, a simple smile curving onto her face. Not fair. Her smile grows a little larger as she answers your questions. [I saved you because you are mine and that woman tried to make you hers. I left you alone beforehand as a learning experience. And for your other question, I have a great many things to do and never enough hands with which to do them.] She stops stroking your hair, letting you pull yourself together for a moment. [Your first mission will be to finally get this war started properly.]

    "Mmm. You want this to happen?" Despite your lazy tone, you are trying your best to be serious, but it's just so comfortable.

    [Of course, they don't have long before the rest of the universe takes notice and they are too weak right now.] She scoots over slightly, letting your head fall onto her soft pillows. [Harsh times breed strength, and I have full intentions of forging them into a proper sword and shield.] A sharp smile pulls across her face as she rests her chin atop your head. [And you my dear, will be the hammer against my anvil. A dozen million dead for the strength to stand against the universe and bite back? Well worth it.]

    "Won't they make themselves weaker by infighting?" You get the feeling you should probably care more in saying that, but you are really only playing devil's advocate here.

    She shakes her head, rubbing her chin against your scalp. [They are weak, divided. Humans can never put aside their differences unless there is something they must work together against, and it will be too late if they are allowed to grow lazy in peace.] You remember the demon you had fought, as you were now it would be a cakewalk. [That was barely a thing worth noting, a disposable footsoldier.] You see that soldier, then you see his double, again and again and again until there are so many that they line the ground like grass. There is a sudden flash, the dark red's being replaced by glowing white; angels floating in the sky as legions of pointed eared soldiers clad in plate take their place.

    [Our enemies are strong and have much experience in the ways of war.] You feel it a little, the actual power of Gaia, hovering in the back of your mind. [But even they are nothing compared to our true enemies.] You see a planet, glowing with life and songs of magic. Suddenly it just explodes, the planet cracking into a million pieces as you see a shadow pass over it. [They claim themselves to be gods, but they are nothing more than leeches, preying on the weak.]

    "And humanity needs to fight them?"

    She chuckles, hugging you a little tighter. [No, and so long as humanity is strong they never will. They are cowards by nature, they've never built or nurtured anything in their existence; they hunger for the power those better than them possess.] You see the hordes of demons and angels again, joined together in a massive battle, the shadow of something else hanging off in the distance. [These will be your opponents, they will come.]

    "And this is why you want this war? To make people ready for their attack?"

    [Yes, people will die, hatred will be fostered. But in the end, they will be ready to turn their gathered might against the invaders.] She sighs, though you feel that it is more for your benefit than hers. [It is not the kindest method, but they will be strong enough to hate each other, rather than weak enough to be dead.]

    You nod at her words, not really finding the emotions to care. "So long as my sister is safe, I will do as you ask." She smiles softly down at you, and you feel your heart rest at ease. Everything will be fine now.

    [Bring your people outside the Clocktower, you just need to think of escape, and I shall bring you.]

    You blink and you are back in your seat, Karen looking at you with intense eyes as you slump backwards, tilting your head down. You take a moment to breath, before looking up at her. "You have me trapped. I have no choice but to work for you." You don't let her speak, standing up and turning towards the door, not letting her see or hear the dark smirk on your face. "I'm going back to my room, call me if you need me for a mission." You step out of the room, nearly colliding with Morgan as you close the door behind you.

    She tries to say something, but you just shake your head. "Follow me." You set off for your room, the personnel on base apparently detecting your darkly amused mood as they scatter clear of you. When you move to open the door, it already swings open, an armoured limb the first thing you see. Daiyu stands there guarding the door, once she sees it's you she moves back, letting you through before closing the door behind you.

    You walk through the room, the two of them following you as you set yourself down on the sofa, taking Una from Cuifen's lap and setting her on yours with a bright smile. She looks up at you, happy grin stretching across her face as she hugs you tightly. You hug her back, breathing in her scent before leaning back and looking around the room. "Daiyu." She stands to attention at your tone, armour clacking as she moves. "We're leaving." She nods at your words, quickly stepping forwards to collect her sister and make way for her room.

    You hear Cuifen start asking questions, but you have faith that Daiyu can either convince her or manhandle her to come along regardless. You smile down at your sister, who is looking up at you somewhat confused. "Be a dear and grab our packs?" She hesitates for a second before nodding, sliding off of your lap and moving into your room. The sudden silence that prevails throughout the room that was just moments earlier full is damning. Morgan steps forwards, a confused look on her face as she opens her mouth to question you.

    You don't give her the chance, quickly moving from your seat to holding her wrist. Keep her from telling anyone, the doors are sound proof so she'd either have to get out or use a button in here. You step back, pulling her into the middle of an empty space, she doesn't really resist, but you are completely aware that she was the person teaching you hand to hand to begin with. You crank your reinforcement up to the max and manifest your armour, staring her down.

    "Cerys, what are you doing!?!" You don't answer her question, looking down at her vulnerable form in your grip before tightening your grip.

    "What I have to."

    "What do you mean?" She calms herself down, apparently well aware that if you had wanted to hurt her, she'd already be a new layer of paint.

    "Cerys, the fuck are you doing?" Sabina steps out of the kitchen, holding a plate of cookies and a glass of milk, a little smudge of chocolate on her cheek. "Keep that shit in the bedroom, please."

    [] {Morgan} Say nothing, continue holding her until you go
    [] {Morgan} Say nothing, continue holding her and drag her along with you
    [] {Morgan} As Gaia Wills
    [] {Morgan} Write In...

    [] {Sabina} Say nothing, tell her to come with you
    [] {Sabina} Karen betrayed us, it's time to leave, come with me
    [] {Sabina} I am going where the battle is thickest, follow me
    [] {Sabina} Write In...

    [] {Escape Plan} Walk out the front door
    [] {Escape Plan} Run out the front door
    [] {Escape Plan} Blow a hole in the ceiling and fly out
    [] {Escape Plan} Write In...
     
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    • Something tells me that the best appeal to Sabina is to offer her a better fight, but maybe that's just me.

    Also kinda like blasting out, but that means having to race against being caught on the way out. On the other hand, trying to walk or run out the front door is...iffy.
     
    Akritedes said:
    Something tells me that the best appeal to Sabina is to offer her a better fight, but maybe that's just me.

    Also kinda like blasting out, but that means having to race against being caught on the way out. On the other hand, trying to walk or run out the front door is...iffy.
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    I agree with Sabrina but who says we can blast our way out even if we try? Gaia asked for us to be outside for the get away meaning the clocktower is well shielded from her and probably mundane magical attacks as well, this is Karen we're talking about. I don't know if we can break through in time before Karen gets here.
     
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    MilitaryAaa said:
    I agree with Sabrina but who says we can blast our way out even if we try? Gaia asked for us to be outside for the get away meaning the clocktower is well shielded from her and probably mundane magical attacks as well, this is Karen we're talking about. I don't know if we can break through in time before Karen gets here.
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    ...apply Juggernaut Wave to the ceiling. It takes five seconds or something like that.
     
    Can I ask how how long it would take to run out the back door, I'm kinda leaning towards just blowing a hole in the ceiling but that seems a bit extreme.
     
    The choice about Morgan is not an easy one.

    I do believe she truly sees Cerys as a friend. And she adores Una.
    She told Cerys about the False Vow, and did not tell Karen about it.
    She sadly also loves her manipulative adoptive mother.
    And has taken on her "magic is superior" philosophy.

    And ultimately Cerys prioritizes Una.
    Also we likely will be attacking Clocktower forces in the future, which would be hard on her.

    [] {Morgan} You are a friend. You love Karen as a mother and trust her. I honestly do not know whom you'd choose if push came to shove. I protect my sisters. Farewell.
    [X] {Morgan} As Gaia Wills

    [X] {Sabina} Karen betrayed us and it's time for me to leave; it's up to you if you want to stay or come with me, but I would like to have you


    [X] {Escape Plan} Blow a hole in the ceiling and fly out
    Icecold1039 said:
    Can I ask how how long it would take to run out the back door, I'm kinda leaning towards just blowing a hole in the ceiling but that seems a bit extreme.
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    Cerys does not do subtle :D
     
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    I am personally wary of blowing a hole in the ceiling. I mean using Juggernaut Wave in the middle of London just seems, unwise. Civilians standing above us and all.
     
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