[X] M-maybe try to get answers?
-[X] "Wait, hold on, who's Lady Veronica and what makes me important to her!? No one'd believe me even if I got on the roofs with a loudspeaker!"
[X] M-maybe try to get answers?
-[X] "Wait, hold on, who's Lady Veronica and what makes me important to her!? No one'd believe me even if I got on the roofs with a loudspeaker!"
Your gut reaction is just to freak out, because holy crap a supervillain broke into your home intending to kidnap you!! Ah, s-should you call out for help? No, nobody would help!
W-what about the police? S-surely there's magic police screening this stuff? Gah, that obviously can't be true! M-maybe try fighting back? Wait, you don't even have powers, he'll just un-exist anything you threw at him!
Gah, you're completely normal, why would he even want to kidnap you!? Wait, ah, w-what did he say? H-he came to investigate, and that some lady- wait, wait...
Noticing as he starts frowning, you panicky speak up "Wait, hold on, who's Lady Veronica and what makes me important to her!? No one'd believe me even if I got on the roofs with a loudspeaker!"
H-he actually seems surprised by your question? Though he keeps one knife pointed at you, he brings up his other hand to rub at his temple. Hold on, is he wearing some kind of knife-glove?
"You truly know nothing about our world? Guess you really weren't alluding to the Servants of Humanity just then... You, personally? You aren't special, Miss Kit."
... He's a supervillain, so w-why does that still hurt? The villainous gentleman sighing, he lets his free hand drop, and... his expression looks more like pity, like...
You don't like that kind of pity... "I'll be short and simple, Miss Kit. Lady Veronica is a high ranking member of the... 'Cult of Eldon', and we're always in need of more numbers. With our unfortunately lax standards, having you would make Lady Veronica very happy."
O-of course, you're not even wanted for you, just what having you provides others... Then, suddenly, a beam of energy latches onto your left hand. Eyes widening as you instinctively try to get free, you can hear 'Mister Nudey' stepping closer.
"Look, can't afford to waste anytime, alright? We'll make it up to you later, for now we have to go. Only a matter of time until the Servants locate you, wiping your memories or forcing you to join them instead."
Gaze turning to him fearfully, you watch as his left knife-glove shifts into a small gauntlet. Strange arcs of electricity crackling off it, y-you've never felt your heart beat so hard in your chest.
Watching as he gets closer and closer, his left hand reaching for your face, y-you hate that you're freezing up. You don't want to be press-ganged into some magic criminal organization!
Heart beating louder and louder as his left hand nearly reaches your face, instinctively you close your eyes. Yet... yet you're sick and tired of people mistreating you!
This apartment, this life, might be crap- but it is so much better than the orphanage! You... you refuse to go back into such an environment! Suddenly, without thinking, you snap out your right hand-
And suddenly everything feels more, before suddenly smashing your back against your fridge. Blinking your eyes and clutching your head, it-it hurts for some reason.
Looking forward with some effort, 'Mister Nudey' seems to have stumbled backwards himself. Suddenly though, a familiar voice calls out "Oh hey, Kittan, sorry for intruding but I never got- wait, what!?"
Watching as Mister Cresting suddenly teleports between you and 'Mister Nudey', you suddenly shiver as you feel a gust of cold wind. Wait, huh? Looking past Mister Cresting, your eyes widen.
There, just behind 'Mister Nudey', is some kind of portal leading to a snowy field. You can barely make it out, but there's some buildings in the distance? 'Mister Nudey' seems barely able to stand now...
Then, as Mister Cresting suddenly slides through the air, right hand extended he cries out "School bully, say hi to the disciplinary committee!" His hand slamming into the chest of 'Mister Nudey', the man is sent flying through the portal.
Hearing 'Mister Nudey' let out a winded yet frantic "What? No!!", you even see him desperately yet sluggishly try to leap through the portal- only for it to disappear before he could cross it.
For a moment, Mister Cresting just stands there. The moment you hear him sigh, the blue-haired hero turns to you. He seems... really unhappy, before forcing himself to smile cheerfully.
You don't think he saw you notice that, since he approaches with that cheery expression. Watching as he holds a hand out to you, even his voice sounds cheerful- like this is normal.
"Here, let me help you up Kittan. I know it was, uh, rude to teleport in but! I realized I should of checked here first for Mister Nudey, so luckily I was rude huh? Terribly sorry about that, by the way."
-- What do you do? (multiple actions allowed)
[] You feel... surprisingly okay, physically.
-[] Still, a helping hand up is nice.
[] "I, I really need an explanation by now."
-[] "Just who exactly is 'Mister Nudey'?"
-[] "What's the Cult of Eldon?"
-[] "The Servants of Humanity, are they the good guys?"
-[] Write-In
[] "Mister Cresting, uh..."
-[] "How am I suppose to stay safe?"
-[] "Is there a way for me to learn more?"
-[] "I, I don't... want to be alone here..."
-[] Action Write-In
A/N: So yeah, that's mostly it for Episode 1, with the next update being the 'finisher' scene for a show. Overall, it was always about setting up the basic premise: Samson the goofy but secretly serious superhero, and Kittan the excitable & friendly tailor who is secretly unhappy.
Regarding 'Mister Nudey'... He's actually the protagonist of his own story. Though for many spoiler-ific reasons, his motive to just straight-up kidnap Kittan makes more sense when you know all the details like I do.
I'll elaborate more about the Servants of Humanity and the Cult of Eldon, with an Informational, even if not voted for. They're kind of super important to the setting, with the Servants being Pro-Masquerade and Eldon being Anti-Masquerade.
[X] "Cult of Eidlon is Mister Nudey's team, they're the bad guys, you're on the Servant's team, and you are the good guys, do I have that right?"
COMPETENCE!
And while he's distracted by that we can conveniently forget about that moment of reaching for power.
[X] You feel... surprisingly okay, physically.
-[X] Still, a helping hand up is nice.
[X] "I, I really need an explanation by now."
-[x] "Just who exactly is 'Mister Nudey'?"
-[x] "What's the Cult of Eldon?"
[X] "Mister Cresting, uh..."
-[x] "How am I suppose to stay safe?"
Okay, I won't pretend it is a big secret, especially since it is pretty obvious: Yes, Kittan has "hidden power", though she won't realize until the ending of Episode 2. Well, assuming things go as planned, anyways. Episode 3 will be about her trying to learn magic, whereas Episode 4 would be further reinforcing the whole "okay there's definitely something weird about me" thing that the previous three Episodes establish.
Episode 5? More of a breather Episode, and probably the most lighthearted of them all. Overall, Kittan learning about herself and embracing herself is pretty much her character storyline.
Samson's character storyline... That'll only start getting proper hints when we reach Episode 6. For now, he's just meant to be seen as someone who is kind-of "playing" hero despite actually being one.
Thus the pretending he isn't bothered by his mistake in overlooking Kittan's house, or why he tends to get theatrical. I'll also say he's intended to be a humorous instance of "Suspiciously Specific Denial", the idea being he's over-the-top enough he comes off as deliberately joking.
So I'll probably give this until about, 4 or 6 before updating. Plenty of time for a tiebreaker, and gives me plenty of time to start playing Kingdom Hearts 3 Critical Mode.
I will say there's a three day timeskip between Episode 1 and 2. Samson is planned to be briefly playable for Episode 2, though I'm thinking that should be an optional choice. Some additional time to sort out the Episode 2 half of the update is another reason I'm giving so much time.
A/N: RNG says... 87, so veekie's vote wins. Thus, our story is soon to properly begin.
----
Looking at Mister Cresting's offered hand, the pain your head is in fades as you focus. Now that you think about it... you oddly feel fine, physically at least. Could probably get up on your own...
Yet you take his hand anyways, getting help is nice after all. The fact he's even gentle and careful, does a lot to calm you down. Oh sure, you'll probably be more worried later, but...
For the first time in your life, someone honestly cares about helping. Though, given the whirlwind of events that has happened in such a short time... You really do need some answers.
Though you're a bit fidgety, you manage to mostly compose yourself. "I, I really need an explanation by now. Like... Just who exactly is 'Mister Nudey'? He also mentioned... What's the Cult of Eldon?"
You kind of wanted to blurt out what you think is going on, of the Cult of Eldon being the bad guys and Mister Cresting working with the Servants of Humanity.
Yet judging by the surprised and then thoughtful expression on his face, y-you're glad you didn't overwhelm him with so many things to address. Watching as he sits down, you blink in confusion.
Wait... is he sitting down on thin air? Oh wow, he's basically immune to falling! Would let you keep stuff off the floor, and you wouldn't have to lean over or get up when working!
Breaking from your thoughts as he fake coughs to get your attention, he... has glasses now? Overall he's giving the impression of some educator, what with his crossed right leg and his fingers pushing up those blue-white glasses.
"Well, Miss Christian, the Cult of Eldon is a complex and ancient entity. However, there's really only one thing you need to know: they're obsessed with breaking the masquerade of this world."
... Masquerade? What does that- wait, the world is hosting one big masquerade party? The fact Mister Cresting smiles proudly at you is a little embarrassing, but guess you were pretty obvious with your expression.
"Magic, superscience, aliens, other realities- all things that exist, yet kept secret from public humanity. People like Mister Nudey are convinced that the public can responsibly handle such knowledge. But..."
Watching as Mister Cresting stands up, and holding his hands out before him- two little doll-like figures are made, one substantially smaller than the other. The bigger one giving the small one a... a bazooka(?), Mister Cresting's educator-like tone becomes more amused.
"That's like giving a child a bazooka. Might be fun to watch, but no way that is ending well. Best case, the child can't figure it out and think it is fake. Worst case, none of the adults know how to actually handle such a weird and unusual situation. Guns, sure, but bazookas are just too out there."
... You're unsure what just happened. Was he waiting for a chance to use that metaphor? He definitely didn't come up with that on the spot. Though as he dismisses his strange little puppet show, he resumes his sitting pose again.
"As for Mister Nudey himself... he's hardly my arch-nemesis, but he's clearly a true believer. Unsure why though, besides his Gift of Unlife Prevention, he's an ordinary human."
R-really? You... definitely don't understand why 'Mister Nudey' would work with the bad guys then. Unless... they forced him to join, like he was going to do to you...
Trying not to shake as you reflect on your fresh attempted kidnapping, Mister Cresting stands on the ground as he looks at you with concern. You... you couldn't protect yourself...
Doing your best not to cry, your pain and worry just leaks into your voice instead. "Mister Cresting, uh... How am I suppose to stay safe? I-I'm just a normal person, a-and I don't want to g-get kidnapped..."
Nervously rubbing your hands together and your breathing starting to speed up, you're trying not to break down but... Flinching as you feel a hand touch your shoulders, you c-calm down upon realizing it is just Mister Cresting.
The blue-haired hero, though... As he looks you in the eyes and gives a little smile... y-you see sympathy in his eyes. Then, with a gentle voice, he answers- not once looking away from you.
"It'll be difficult, but I'll help you. Visiting regularly, helping you learn, and arranging a way for you to protect yourself. My fault he even came after you, so I'd be a lousy hero ignoring someone I hurt."
Looking at those eyes, you can tell... he's completely sincere. Finally, you can't stop yourself from crying and hugging him tightly. Barely paying attention to anything as you just break down, despite the fact you're crying...
Y-you're also happy, to finally have someone who respects you. Y-you hope you aren't embarrassing yourself, but Mister Cresting rubs your back reassuringly.
----
3 Days Later
Beep-beep-beep-be click! Struggling a bit to smack your phone, you yawn. Staying up all night was pretty stupid, but you... yawn, had to finish the client's outfit. Didn't hurt it intrigued you so much.
Getting up from your bed and poking around in your closet, you're unsure what to wear. Still, you're wearing pyjama clothes instead of a nightgown, so it isn't like Samson will see anything.
Oh, right, can't wear your earmuffs though... Well, not your bedtime one anyways. Pulling out a pair stylized to look like wings and with a connecting band that blends into your hair, this is it.
Sliding the winged earmuffs on and picking up your phone, it is still a little difficult not freaking out to see it say you overslept. Honestly, still hard to believe all of this is real.
Regardless, having a self-proclaimed 'space elemental' as a partner has done wonders for your career. Granted, only been three days so far, and you're still just making them normally...
Nonetheless, being able to go literally anywhere and instantaneously? So much money and time saved, not to mention being able to get better and exotic materials. Now if only you could work up the courage to actually make that qipao you've designed...
Sending a quick text to Samson to say you're awake, the moment you hit send- "Oh Lucy, I'm home!~" Rolling your eyes at his melodious words, you pop your head out from your room.
Seeing the smiling hero standing out in your living room, you try to hold back a smile upon spotting the food. Another great benefit about a teleporting superhero for a business partner?
Free food. Giving a little wave with your left hand, you shout out "Alright, just let me shower and get changed, okay?" Watching as he salutes you and cries out a simple "Yes ma'am!"
Honestly, you're pretty sure he deliberately acts like a goofball... Anyways, you got another delivery to make today, so time to act professional and dress it too.
-- What do you wear?
[] Blue & White, for that vaguely 'holy' look.
[] Red & Black, to give off an impression of strength.
[] Green & Pink, looking cute and friendly is fun.
[] Any specific look? (Kittan always wears pants to conceal her legs and a dress over it)
-- Who was the client again?
[] Jason Logan Roswell, first-time client who ordered a dress for his little sister.
[] Ashley Board, she's a regular client making requests for her father and older sisters.
[] Noire Blanc, bit of an odd girl but you'll admit (to no one) you like her fashion choices.
-- What did Samson teach you about these last two days again? (pick two)
[] He elaborated upon Gifts, mystical abilities people can be born with.
[] He explained about Nomi, a natural phenomenon where magical items are made from people imprinting on them.
[] He told you about the Soul, which is apparently real and extremely important.
[] He shared what he knew of Magic, how technically anyone could learn it and do anything.
[] He confirmed the existence of Supernatural Beings, like vampires and succubi among others.
A/N: I'll be putting up an Informational elaborating more about the Cult of Eldon and Servants of Humanity later. Similarly, I'll put up an Informational for whatever two above choices are picked.
As for Kittan hugging a then-stranger Samson, she was really just trying to cope. Nearly got abducted, and he's literally the first person to sincerely treat her nicely while going through shit. Honestly, I'd end up doing much the same in her position...
Adhoc vote count started by Kkutlord on Apr 26, 2019 at 12:05 PM, finished with 37 posts and 2 votes.
[X] Green & Pink, looking cute and friendly is fun.
[X] Jason Logan Roswell, first-time client who ordered a dress for his little sister.
[X] He explained about Nomi, a natural phenomenon where magical items are made from people imprinting on them.
[X] He told you about the Soul, which is apparently real and extremely important.
[X] Green & Pink, looking cute and friendly is fun.
[X] Jason Logan Roswell, first-time client who ordered a dress for his little sister.
[X] He explained about Nomi, a natural phenomenon where magical items are made from people imprinting on them.
[X] He told you about the Soul, which is apparently real and extremely important.
Back before the creation of magic, there existed a group of Gifted and Ordinary Humans: The Order of Mana. Their primary goal was to leverage the power of Gifts, to benefit all of humanity.
However, once they succeeded in using Gifts to create Magic, a schism began to form in the Order: those who believed Magic would be humanity's undoing, and those who saw it as humanity's ascension.
Eventually the Order fractured into a civil war, the two halves fighting desperately for the future and salvation of humanity. Ultimately the proto-Servants won, and established regulation for the use of magic.
In time this simple moderation grew more and more strict, common knowledge turning to legends- until finally, the public considered it nothing more than "rumors" and "children's stories".
The world was effectively split into two: the public world of humanity's majority, and a "shadow" world where mages & supernatural beings operate. Though they often intersect, the Public World is kept from knowing and the "Shadow" World kept from controlling them.
The Servants of Humanity toe the line, being the ones to maintain the masquerade. In their eyes, there are simply too many bad and reckless humans to allow the masquerade's collapse- this belief reinforced time and again when they bear witness to some atrocity done in the name of power.
However, they are possessed of wisdom and kindness. While the fantastical population may not make themselves known, they are otherwise without restriction. Still, between orphans, Gifted, and the love that can blossom between "worlds"...
There are many instances of fantastical children slipping through the cracks, growing up without guidance or support for their powers. Such individuals are prime recruits for the Cult of Eldon.
----
Where the Servants seek to regulate, the Cult of Eldon seek to "liberate". Believing that humanity could learn to responsibly wield Magic and other fantastical elements, they are strongly opposed to the masquerade's existence.
However, having lost that civil war so long ago, the Cult of Eldon has always had difficulty maintaining its power and presence. In their desperation to make the world a better place, they unwittingly make it worse.
When most people think of the Cult of Eldon, they imagine unrepentant terrorists and psychopaths. This is due to their laxer standards than the Servants, so desperate are they for numbers and whatever advantage they can manage.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Cult of Eldon in actuality is comprised of numerous smaller groups, rather than one cohesive whole with sub-divisions like the Servants.
It is extremely common to encounter one member who is a shameless monster, only to then immediately encounter someone with decency and standards.
There are therefore two types of Eldon members: those wanting a "free pass" to embrace the madness inside themselves, and those who sincerely believe it would be better removing the masquerade enforced by the Servants.
Of course, even the true believers tend to have issues, stemming from not only the monsters they have to keep in-check but also the superior might the Servants can bring against them.
----
In the end though, neither group is perfect, each with their monsters and heroes. The two groups will likely never defeat the other, no matter how much research they conduct or experiments they run in creating superweapons.
While the Servants have superior influence and control, Eldon always have new members willing to join their cause. The only hope they have of peace is reaching a compromise, but both are too stubborn that they are right.
I'll probably give this until tomorrow before updating, since the choices for Client and Knowledge Learned are actually pretty important. Knowledge Learned especially, as all five were specifically chosen.
Gifts and Supernatural Beings to provide speculation as to the nature of Kittan's abilities. Magic and the Soul because of Kittan's desire to supernaturally augment her craft. Thus, providing fodder for you the audience to concoct experiments and ideas.
Finally Nomi, because supernatural homemade items would be something to excite Kittan. She's very much the type to shamelessly indulge in Mundane Utility, something she actually has in common with Samson- though they go about it in different ways.
Regarding Client... Really, the idea is for all her (shown) Clients to be a Main Character in their own story. Of the three choices, they would each have radically different scenes- each with a different effect on Samson and Kittan.
How important the decision is overall, I'll keep secret. I will say at least two of these Clients will make reappearances in this Quest later on, during major sequences. So picking them now would affect these future events.
[X] Green & Pink, looking cute and friendly is fun.
[X] Jason Logan Roswell, first-time client who ordered a dress for his little sister.
[X] He explained about Nomi, a natural phenomenon where magical items are made from people imprinting on them.
[X] He told you about the Soul, which is apparently real and extremely important.
Hmm... since you're delivering a dress for your client's little sister, might as well wear something cute yourself. Green pants, pink dress, what else...? Oh! Fishing out a pink choker, a green mini-jacket, and pink socks...
With that settled, you hop into the shower and start washing away. Though, as you bathe yourself, a thought comes to your mind: Nomi. After a little more elaboration on Eldon and some about the Servants, it was the first thing Samson explained to you.
The idea undoubtedly intrigued you, once you grasped the possibilities. Mean, having a magical sewing machine that can sew clothes without your direct involvement would be amazing for one.
Though the fact they're caused by people imprinting on items, resulted in you learning the Soul is undeniably real. Hoo boy, that was definitely weird for you to discover...
Still, as you stop showering and begin drying up... You want to create Nomi, but that'll require understanding your own soul and carefully influencing your chosen items. Maybe you should ask about Magic soon, that'll make it easier... right?
Fully clothed and heading out to the living room, Samson initially doesn't notice you. He seems to have a habit of letting himself lazily drift in a contained area, like he's in zero-gravity.
Though whether he's aware or it is just coincidence, whenever you approach he'll drift in such a way he sees you and- "Oh hey, just being one with the universe itself, how you doing?"
Yeah, that amused smile on his face... honestly you're not sure if that's just a gag or his way of politely complaining. Never got cable installed, and you don't particularly like racking up an internet bill.
Rolling your eyes and brushing back a lock of hair, you head towards your shoes. "Nearly ready to go, is the food still good?" Sliding on a pair of green shoes, you hold back a flinch as Samson appears behind you.
Still, you readily take the double hash-brown egg muffin. Digging into it rather shamelessly, you don't notice Samson disappear. His reappearance, however?
Right in front of you, packaged blue-and-pink dress floating by his side. Crumpling the food wrapper and gently throwing it underhand, Samson just clicks his fingers- making it disappear.
Oh geez, you're getting all kinds of lazy aren't you? Samson, though, just smiles without a care in the world as he holds out his right hand. "Shall we be off, She Who Weaves Threads?"
That so better not become your superhero name, but... giving a small smile and accepting his hand, you answer politely sweet. "Yes, oh 'Elemental of Space'."
----
Finally arriving at Mister Roswell's house after a few minutes of bypassing cameras, you ring the doorbell. Turning to Samson as hands the dress to you, he promptly holds his hands behind his head.
Hearing an excited shout and a more concerned one, the door finally opens. Looking up at you is a little girl with pink hair and blue eyes, followed by a man in his twenties with black hair and blue eyes.
The girl smiles up at you, and excitedly declares "Hello!~" Then, she gets this confused look, before asking uncertainly "Wait... have we met? Big bro, do I know her?"
Blinking in surprise at this, you turn to Mister Roswell. He lets out a sigh, and smiles calmly at his sister. "No Hanna, this is the first time. Miss Christian there made you a dress, see?"
Holding out the dress for little Hanna to see, she smiles excitedly as she jumps up and down happily. Though as you try to pass it to Mister Roswell, his sister snatches it from you.
Watching as she holds it tightly and sways about, Mister Roswell starts gently tugging on the dress. "Hanna, that isn't... your blanket is inside, remember?"
That causes the girl to stop, and Mister Roswell then manages to take the dress with no resistance. Huh, she looks confused again... Suddenly, Samson speaks up, looking casually curious.
"So, she has memory issues, right? Mean, must be easier to just let her believe whatever, instead of trying to remind her right?" That... is weirdly insightful...
Mister Roswell looks troubled by Samson's guesses, whereas Hanna... seems oblivious to what just happened. Okay, ah, how do you salvage these kind of-
"I don't really want to talk about it... Thank you, Miss Christian, for making the dress. Hanna, say goodbye." The pink-haired girl blinking confused for a few seconds, she quickly waves excitedly.
"Bye Cristy! Bye Blue-haired guy!" With that, Mister Roswell closes the door. Uh... turning towards Samson and throwing your hands up, you hiss a little.
"Dude, what was that about?" Samson blinks and looks at you innocently, even gesturing at himself innocently. Oh come on, he knows you knows...
"What was what? I just figured, if you can't remember things, why not just do new things? Once your memories are gone, the person you were is gone too. Though I suppose trying to preserve who you are is an admirable goal."
Honestly, he can weird at times... What should you do now? You get that Samson is still trying to sort stuff out, but you can at least work on your career in the meantime.
-- What do you do? (multiple actions allowed)
[] Plug into free wi-fi with your laptop.
-[] Check your client list, maybe there's a new request?
-[] Surely there must be online communities for magic people.
-[] Write-In
[] Try asking Samson some questions.
-[] Is there any particular reason for his opinion of memory loss?
-[] He said he's a space elemental, but how did he... happen?
-[] Write-In
[] Shift to Samson Cresting's perspective.
[] Write-In
A/N: Sorry for the crappy update, didn't want to delay things but I'm also doubting myself.
[X] Plug into free wi-fi with your laptop.
-[X] Check your client list, maybe there's a new request?
[X] Try asking Samson some questions.
-[X] Is there any particular reason for his opinion of memory loss?
-[X] He said he's a space elemental, but how did he... happen?
[X] Plug into free wi-fi with your laptop.
-[X] Check your client list, maybe there's a new request?
[X] Try asking Samson some questions.
-[X] Is there any particular reason for his opinion of memory loss?
-[X] He said he's a space elemental, but how did he... happen?