Sword of Queen's Faith

[Kkutlord]

[X] Prove you really are a Magical Girl

Samson might be kind of aloof, but you definitely trust him. So, you end mentally answering Burattino very positively.

''"Yeah, he's my big brother! He doesn't hide anything from me, and I'd be a lot worse off without him. So come on up, Samson will like you! Well, he certainly won't hate you at least."''

Done addressing Burattino, you refocus on your brother to see him focusing on your right hand. Pulling your hand up, you quietly squeak "Huh" upon making out a glimpse of the Bracelet this away.

Speaking of which, you're really not sure how to detransform or modify your outfit. Could probably just pull the Mana Bracelet off, assuming it isn't semi-permanently fused to you like an Omnitrix.

That... Doesn't sound pleasant, cutting off your arm. Maybe modifying your outfit is as simple as thinking about it?

Still, before you can really try Samson sighs bored, flopping back on the couch. "Knew you're not the 'real' deal, where's your animal mascot-" Emerging from beneath the floor, Burattino doesn't even look at your brother before perching on your shoulders.

You can clearly see Samson blink a few times, and Burattino himself glances at Samson with slight suspicion. Then Samson breaks this silence first, his tone much the same as always.

"I have no idea how Gerald managed it, but impressive. Still, who's the secret fan now of Princess Liliana?"

That confuses you, though less so upon seeing Burattino's expression change into one of heavy embarrassment.

S-still, he seriously can't tell you're being serious? Groaning slightly annoyed, you hold Burattino up to him much to his displeasure and speak.

"Look at him, really look at him! I'm not being coy or subtle, I'm blatantly revealing to you I'm a magical girl! I found this thing called a Mana Bracelet in the chest downstairs, and then he showed up trying to explain things, a-and I'm pretty sure dad must know because mom's stuff was there too and-"

Samson's eyes widen, and he glances at Burattino analytically before speaking more subdued & seriously than normal. "Mom, mom was a magical girl then? Fighting evil monsters, that's how she died didn't she?"

Your heart hurts hearing those words, and then Burattino answers. "Yes, she was the previous Pawn Magician. I'm not certain how your father retrieved the Mana Bracelet, but Fiona died protecting you. She was a good Magical Girl, and I'm sorry for your loss."
"Dead? But, Gerald never..."
... You're not really sure what to say. Before you can force yourself to say anything, there's a knocking at the front door.

Burattino's ears twitch towards it as if listening to something, whereas Samson looks... Upset or angry isn't quite right, but he definitely seems negatively affected by this revelation.

[] Answer the door.

[] Try and comfort Samson.

[] Ask Burattino questions.
-[] What exactly happened to her?
-[] How to detransform or modify the outfit?
-[] Do strong emotions call in Kachemetc?
-[] Do we have special status as a Magical Girl's children?
-[] Is Angel Princess Liliana a Magical Girl too?

[] Write-In (no particular word limit but be sensible)

 

[Nevill]

[x] Try and comfort Samson.

We aren't going to die on him, honest!

 

[veekie]

[x] Try and comfort Samson.

 

[Kkutlord]

[X] Try and Comfort Samson

There's so many questions you want to ask, like how to use your standard abilities or who else is a magical girl. Yet... Things kind of escalated there with no warning, and it is very disconcerting to see your brother upset.

You really don't know what to say, but magical girls do this all the time so... Taking a deep breath, you rub your right arm anxiously before speaking empathically.

"I'm sorry, for upsetting you..." Samson focuses on you, an analytical look in his eyes. "I don't know mom like you did, so I couldn't say anything particularly profound..." That seems to annoy him some, to which you clear your throat.

"S-Still, I wanna do her proud as a magical girl, helping people and stopping monsters. I really don't understand how things are for you, so I'm sorry I couldn't do more..."

Hanging your head a little, you can't help but wonder... Was it your fault mom- Startling with a jolt as Samson puts a hand on your left shoulder, he looks at you really seriously before speaking slightly more serious than normal.

"Don't ever give up or lose that Mana Bracelet, alright? Keep it, embrace it, that's the best way you can help me... Faith, you got that?"

Looking at him for a few seconds, you finally nod in agreement- And then there's at knocking at the door again. Samson sighs, before walking over to the front door. Though as you stalk along, you can see that Burattino is really thinking something through.

Nonetheless, before Samson can open the door Burattino poses himself over your head as he whispers to you. "Unless I tell you, pretend I'm a stuffed animal."

Thus before you can even ask him why, the door swings open to reveal a young woman about Samson's age. She seems vaguely Italian, but the dyed...? Probably dyed purple hair throws you off, and the fact she's fidgetting seems really strange. Hmm...

Samson finally clears his throat to get her attention, and she looks about a bit wildly between both of you. Fidgetting with her silvery glasses, Samson sighs before asking slightly annoyed. "Do either of us know you?"

That causes her to squeak a little, and for a second you could swear sparks flashed around her gloved right hand. Swallowing nervously, the other woman stills herself before answering very awkwardly. "Um, a f-friend dared me to come out here. S-she wanted me to stop messing around and prove my feelings..."

[] Address the strange girl
-[] You're a magical girl right?
-[] This lug? You could do better
-[] Pretty sure this is stalking or something

[] Address Samson
-[] Big bro the ladykiller? Pfft
-[] ... Did you already know about magical girls?
-[] Should we tell dad we know?

[] Address Burattino
-[] Why are you hiding anyways?
-[] So is Strength Knight her?
-[] Any reason you've been upfront so far?

[] Ignore this, go be a magical girl

[] Write-In (no particular word limit but be reasonable)

Sorry this took so long, I was hoping for more picked options so I would have more to work with.

 

[Nevill]

[x] Address Samson
-[x] Big bro the ladykiller? Pfft

[x] Address the strange girl
-[x] Don't mind me, do continue.

[x] Observe

 

[veekie]

[x] Address Samson
-[x] Big bro the ladykiller? Pfft

[x] Address the strange girl
-[x] Don't mind me, do continue.

[x] Observe

 

[Kkutlord]

[X] Samson: Big bro the ladykiller? Pfft
[X] Strange Girl: Don't mind me, do continue
[X] Observe

You try holding back cracklingly snickers, but seriously? Looking at Samson with a snarky expression, you can't help yourself. "Big bro the ladykiller? Pfft..." You really do try to keep yourself from outright cackling like a maniac, because...

Because that would hardly be appropriate given what he just learned. Gah, you really sincerely hope that wasn't just a huge mistake.

Composing yourself finally, Samson's brief gaze seems pretty normal. Right, that totally-not-a-magical-girl... You call out to her calmly after clearing your throat. "Don't mind me, do continue."

Folding your hands behind you, the stranger watches you for a few moments. Coming to the conclusion you have no intention of moving, she looks back at Samson. Brushing some of her hair from her face, with the ungloved hand, she asks uncertainly.

"L-ladykiller?" Samson glances back at you with more obvious annoyance before rubbing his forehead briefly. Turning back to her, Samson finally answers. "Our dad spoils her too much, so she's like a little sociopath." "I agree, she thinks that's her body... Disgusting brat."

You "Hmph" at that, but not much else so you can properly focus. The other girl looks at you before giving Samson a sympathetic look, stating calmly herself. "I have someone kind of like that too, her grandmother doting on her so much she's pretty upset over not getting an inheritance."

Samson clearing his throat, the strange girl looks embarrassed as realization crosses her face. "Oh right! I'm Agata Adreana, I've seen you around on campus. We've never actually interacted before, so this is pretty awkward for me."

Hmm... Not actually naming the college? Not sure which is more suspicious... Still, Samson seems to pick up on that too, least that's what you've always associated his casual grunts with.

Nonetheless you're somewhat surprised he's continuing to talk to her. "I'm Samson Long, in case you didn't already know. I could swear I've seen someone like you around. Why don't you come inside, if Faithy is okay with that?"

That seems to surprise Agata some, and you can see her gloved hand oddly relaxing. Samson starts walking off though, and he calls back "Don't be mean to her Redux, alright? I'm just gonna get changed."

Wait, he never seriously calls you- Oh... Looking at Agata to see her smiling pleasantly but nervously, she doesn't say anything. That is, until you both hear a door noticeably closing shut.

"So, Faith Long right? What do you know about magical girls? I'm Pawn Moon, and along with Pawn Priestess we've been looking to meet others like us. I would like to introduce you to her, if that's alright?"

Well that's... Awfully weird and convenient, having two other magical girls already know about you. Guess there's no reason Burattino wouldn't tell- '"She isn't Pawn Moon, she just wants to take your Mana Bracelet. By force, if necessary..."'

... Yeah you've been a magical girl for a third of an hour, why did you even think things would take longer than that? "I won't go away!"

[] Address Agata
-[] Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?
-[] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
-[] How'd you figure out my location?
-[] Pawn Moon huh? What can you do?
-[] I know you're lying, what do you really want?

[] Address Burattino
-[] Then why does her hair seem real?
-[] How does she know about me?
-[] Wait, is my dad involved in some black ops meguca experiments?
-[] Who are the nearest magical girls?
-[] Are Pawn Moon and Priestess even real Mana Bracelets?

[] Close the door

[] Strike first with, whatever you can do

[] Write-In (no particular word limit but be sensible)

Minor spoilers: Burattino and Samson definitely spoke to each other, which is a reason why Samson calmly left.

 

[Nevill]

[x] Address Agata
-[x] Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?
-[x] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
-[x] If she wants to say anything, let her, but admit to nothing!

Edit:
[X] Address Burattino
-[X] Then why does her hair seem real?
-[X] How does she know about me?
-[X] Wait, is my dad involved in some black ops meguca experiments?

 

[Lizard Knight]

...the moon, the tarot card of ilussions
I mean, she could have goon for a less obvious fake identity like pawn temperance or pawn hanged man...
The fact burratino spoke to samson probaly means they are both expecting a foight...
Lets not dissapoint.
(For my vote, the devil is the card of ignorance pretty much, to my understanding.)

[x] Address Agata
-[x] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
-[x] Also, the moon - tarot of illusion. Subtle. What, couldn't have gone for pawn devil as a partner while you were at it?
[x] Strike first with, whatever you can do
[x] Address Burattino
-[x] How does she know about me?

 

[veekie]

[X] Address Agata
-[X] Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?
-[X] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
[X] Address Burattino
-[X] Then why does her hair seem real?
-[X] How does she know about me?
-[X] Wait, is my dad involved in some black ops meguca experiments?

 

[Nevill]

Do we address Buratino mentally? Asking just in case.

Maybe if we agree to meet 'Pawn Priestess' later she'd be satisfied enough to leave.

 

[Kkutlord]

In this case yes, as Faith realizes saying those things out loud wouldn't be the best. For other scenarios though, it really depends on what's happening- So once she meets another magical girl under calm conditions she's likely to default to publicly asking. Basically, if she has reason to be cautious she defaults to telepathy.

Regarding Agata and 'Pawn Priestess' they're likely to make several appearances throughout. Their complete motivations I won't say yet, but Burattino is correct that they want Faith's Mana Bracelet. Agata certainly wasn't looking for a fight however, which is a main reason for her nervousness. Still, should a fight start I do have to say she can handle herself.

Adhoc vote count started by Kkutlord on Dec 13, 2017 at 9:53 AM, finished with 37 posts and 3 votes.

• ---

  1 people have voted

  [x] Address Agata
  -[x] Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?
  -[x] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
  -[x] If she wants to say anything, let her, but admit to nothing!

  • Nevill

  1 people have voted

  [x] Address Agata
  -[x] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
  -[x] Also, the moon - tarot of illusion. Subtle. What, couldn't have gone for pawn devil as a partner while you were at it?
  [x] Strike first with, whatever you can do
  [x] Address Burattino
  -[x] How does she know about me?

  • Lizard Knight

  1 people have voted

  [x] Address Agata
  -[x] Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?
  -[x] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
  [x] Address Burattino
  -[X] Then why does her hair seem real?
  -[x] How does she know about me?
  -[X] Wait, is my dad involved in some black ops meguca experiments?

  • veekie

 

[Kkutlord]

[X] Agata
-[X] Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?
-[X] I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker.
[X] Burattino
-[X] Then why does her hair seem real?
-[X] How does she know about me?
-[X] Wait, is my dad involved in some black ops meguca experiments?

Okay, so, she clearly knows about Mana Bracelets but the way she's been acting... Was she even expecting you? Eyeing her over, she seems kind of hopeful and anxious. Hmm... Might as bluff or something, if you're gonna fight you'd like to understand her intentions.

Nestling your fists into your side, slightly tilting your head forward and to the right, you give your best clever little sister look before 'calling her out'. "Oh, trying to win over the little sister huh?"

That causes her to stutter a little, her expression and failure to properly vocalize pretty much screaming 'you got it all wrong'. Huh, guess she's not much of a mastermind? Still, you got one more trick...

Giving her a disapproving look and even pointing at her with your right hand, you perform a splendid bit of acting. "I'm only into henshin and mecha, you faker." That definitely solidifies her confusion and anguish. Really though, you think she would of-

Hold on, if she's not a magical girl how was she planning on taking your bracelet? Glancing back at her purple hair, you decide to address Burattino. '"Why does her hair seem real then?"'

Feeling Burattino shift a bit, you notice a little surprise in his tone as he answers. '"That's because her grandmother is the Pawn Moon of World War II. Specifically, she has purple hair because Alma's transformation gave her blue hair whilst her grandfather is a red head."'

That... Makes no biological sense... '"Of course it doesn't, magic is ridiculous nonsense. If it actually made sense I would just fight the Kachemetc myself, and thus I wouldn't need Almas who make freaking Agatas."'

Okay, that was weird... Still, now you definitely know she's not a hopeless idiot. The next question, however, is how does she even know about you? Was your mom really famous or something?

Burattino, for his part, seems over his brief outburst as he chirps. '"I don't know the specifics, but the group she belongs to has been harassing anyone they can find who know about magic. The second previous Justice Rook encountered Fiona many times, though made no particular vows like the current Strength Knight's mother did."'

Huh, mom was friends with two other magical girls? Wonder what kind of adventures she- Your dad, he clearly must know about magical girls. Burattino already said your dad was the one who retrieved the bracelet, so nobody but him should of even known it was here. Unless...

'"Wait, is my dad involved in some black ops meguca experiments?"' You can feel Burattino's right arm-leg-whatever slip from your head. Agata, for her part, seems to have composed herself as you wait for Burattino's response. The magical fox limply slides himself over your right shoulder, hiding his face from Agata before finally responding with clear discomfort and disgust.

'"Yes, he works for your government. They've been trying to artificially replicate magical girls ever since World War II ended, and to that end your great-grandmother willingly assisted them. Thus, it is entirely possible they discovered your father's connections after raiding information and equipment."'

... Wow, you're learning a lot today. So, so many questions now. Still, first things first, what to do with Agata? She's probably not as powerful as you, but regardless how she got her information you have no idea how much she actually knows. Probably much more experienced and skilled, which could-

"Wait, I think I understand now... That's Burattino right? He's being very unresponsive, but I've seen him act like that to the... Religious nutjob." Focusing on Agata and catching a brief glimpse of discomfort, the magical granddaughter reaches out to Burattino with her gloved hand.

It has an almost organic texture now that you see it so closely, with golden lines almost like circuitry. "Why has he taken such an interest in you? You are new right?"

[] Address Agata
-[] No, her name is Ventus Vulpine and she's my birthday present.
-[] Seriously, you're being super weird in a bad way.
-[] Back off, I've already killed two Kachemetc you know.
-[] Look, this has been a whirlwind half hour of world changing revelations, okay?

[] Address Burattino
-[] Did she get anything else from her grandmother?
-[] Do you know if she has any strange equipment?
-[] Religious nutjob? Just how many of us have they harassed?
-[] Have you taken special interest regarding me?
-[] Why are we the lovechild of Daybreak Illusion and Chess?

[] Back away from Agata.

[] Fight Agata, she won't hurt you or Burattino.

[] Write-In (no particular word limit but be sensible)

I would of posted a lot sooner, but I didn't notice Nevill's post was edited. Regarding this update, I generally go for whatever options have the most. That said, I couldn't really draw a lot out of just "I'm into henshin and mecha" and "How does she know me". Anyways, I'm pretty happy to finally confirm Magi (Grand)Children are a thing in-story. Their presence will definitely be significant to the story, and they're one of my many ways of adding complexity to it.

 

[veekie]

[X] Address Agata
-[X] Seriously, you're being super weird in a bad way.
[X] Back away from Agata.
[X] Address Burattino
-[X] Did she get anything else from her grandmother?
-[X] Do you know if she has any strange equipment?

 

[Nevill]

[X] Address Agata
-[X] Seriously, you're being super weird in a bad way.
[X] Back away from Agata.
[X] Address Burattino
-[X] Did she get anything else from her grandmother?
-[X] Do you know if she has any strange equipment?

 

[Kkutlord]

[X] Agata
-[X] Seriously, you're being super weird in a bad way.
[X] Back away from Agata.
[X] Burattino
-[X] Did she get anything else from her grandmother?
-[X] Do you know if she has any strange equipment?

She definitely seems interested in getting you to admit you know, but... Ultimately you don't want to fight her, yet admitting you do know would probably mean she won't leave. So, facing Agata, you tell her with feigned anxiousness and discomfort "Seriously, you're being super weird in a bad way."

Backing away from her after saying that, Agata's hand falls short of Burattino. Studying Agata's expression though... She seems to be trying to suppress her frustration. You, you might end up fighting anyways. Okay, okay, just ask Burattino about her capabilities.

'"Did she get anything else from her grandmother? Maybe you know if she has any strange equipment?"' Burattino shifts a bit again, which you're starting to think is his surprise at your insight. Geez, be kind of depressing actually if correct...

Still, Burattino sounds sort of serious as he answers. '"She would have fifteen percent of Alma's raw power, which thankfully means no Pawn Ascension or Storia Da Incubo. Still, that leaves her with Alma's spectral chains, ability to project illusory copies, and power to swap places with any imitation. Of course, with only eighteen inches she's not really a threat compared to your ten foot radius."'

Wow, seriously? Still, the chains sound most problematic, so- '"Regarding what Magi Gear she has, I don't have some conceptual magic sense you know. Still, whatever she has is most like just clothing and anything small enough to not stick out. The glove she's wearing is very common though, being able to fire electrical blasts. That should have a range of five feet, assuming it isn't an outdated version."'

Okay, much worse than you were thinking. Gotta stay eighteen inches away at all times, but five feet would be a lot harder... And, of course, she could have any number of additional abilities bestowed by her-

Wait, Magi Gear? Why would the government use such an anime term for something so serious? Is that just what Burattino calls it or is it some apt description of what it is? If the latter, figuring it out might just help dealing with an aggressive Agata.

Speaking of whom, you notice her fists are clenched and her body is shaking. Her head is facing downwards, but her upset tone makes it clear to you. "I was wrong, you're not special... He just prefers some nobody who knew nothing, instead of me... Instead of Aki."

Agata then shows her face, and oh gracious does she look mad. "Burattino, you arrogant doll! Condemn my grandmother all you want, but I refuse to let you continue forsaking Aki any longer! Pawn Magician, Strength Knight, I will claim one today so get used to us as your new Magical Girls!"

You can clearly feel Burattino's body stiffen at her declaration, and as electricity starts cackling from her right hand Burattino all but screeches within your mind. '"Stop her, she can't hurt my Ivy."'

[] Evade her attack
[] Try blocking with Pyrokinesis
[] Teleport away
[] Tank it, continue denying

[] Draw her attention away from home

[] Fight back
-[] How

[] Get Samson to help, he has powers too right?
"Are you insane, no!"
[] Agata
-[] We don't have to fight
-[] Just wait for a Kachemetc, then we can all be Magi
-[] My mother died protecting us, so this Mana Bracelet is all I have

[] Burattino
-[] Why exactly the term Magi Gear?
-[] What happened between you and Alma?
-[] How come she called you a doll?
-[] Did you intentionally avoid giving them Mana Bracelets?
-[] Where is Ivy right now?

[] Write-In (no particular word limit but be sensible)

 

[Nevill]

[x] Draw her attention away from home
-[x] Keep evading

[x] Burattino
-[x] Who is Aki and why does she think it's your fault?
-[x] Where is Ivy right now?
-[x] Would now be a good time to meet Strength Knight?

I don't really know if Ivy and SK are one person, but it does not make much sense for a newbie MG to protect our senior.

 

[veekie]

[x] Draw her attention away from home
-[x] Keep evading
[X] Agata
-[X] My mother died protecting us, so this Mana Bracelet is all I have
[x] Burattino
-[x] Who is Aki and why does she think it's your fault?
-[x] Where is Ivy right now?
-[x] Would now be a good time to meet Strength Knight?

 

[Kkutlord]

[X] Draw her attention away from home
-[X] Keep evading
[X] Burattino
-[X] Who is Aki and why does she think it's your fault?
-[X] Where is Ivy right now?
-[X] Would now be a good time to meet Strength Knight?

First things first, you need to get Agata away. Even if Samson has powers too, he would have to get in her range and you hardly want to endanger him. Thus with a simple teleport past her, you pivot to face her and perform a taunt- Stuck out tongue, pulled down eye, pretty classic stuff.

Once Agata turns around to face you again, you had to hastily teleport to avoid taking that blast of lightning head on. Once you exit whatever place you when teleporting, you end up tripping over a branch and catching yourself with teleportation. Upon coming back again, Agata already closed the distance.

Disappearing and reappearing behind her, you veer off to the right. You need to figure out a lot, and fast. Personally you'd like to tell her your mom died protecting you, but you also doubt she'll believe you if said spontaneously. So, let's figure her and Aki out then.

'"Burattino, who is Aki? Why does she think it's your fault she doesn't have a Mana Bracelet?"' In the rush of things, you only just now realize Burattino is still clinging to you. That's another ques- Did Agata just jump off of thin air!? Geez, that's how she closed in!

Burattino, however, manages to remain very calm even though you can tell he's very distressed. '"The granddaughter of another World War II era Magical Girl, three guesses as to who. She drew up on stories of Magical Girls, real and fictional, so being ignored in favor of a fangirl? Easier to blame me, as if I even intentionally recruit people. Where are you headed anyways?"'

That, is a very good question as you can't keep this up forever. Could always take this underneath the bridge of the neighborhood, or maneuver for maximum public attention & keep her there. Though... His Ivy? You wonder...

'"Where is Ivy right now? Maybe I could meet Strength Knight now, seems a good time to establish I'm friendly?"' Feeling Burattino's telltale shifting, your suspicions are- Ice wall! Evading with your power and slamming into the bridge's railing, you glance back to see Agata closing in again. Seriously, her boots host the super speed windy thing right?

Seeing Burattino fly away from you and facing down Agata, she comes to a halt before hearing Burattino inside your head. '"She's at the convention center, signing autographs for her fans. Iv- Liliana hasn't had any combat training, so I want to say no... But her Divinity Staff lets her influence people. You could likely reach her in half an hour with your teleportation."'

Well, whatever you're going to do, it seems like Agata is quickly coming to a decision of her own. Sigh, this is only your first day, don't want to imagine how much worse it'll get...

[] Take this under the bridge, nice sand and river to work with
[] Move to a more public area
-[] Keep her there
[] Head to the convention center
[] Do this right here, right now

[] Burattino
-[] You leave who gets a Mana Bracelet to chance?
-[] So Aki got snubbed, but what about Agata?
-[] You want to help me fight?
-[] Wanna give me a crash course on my powers?

[] Agata
-[] That's a lot of sweet gear you got, did you thank my dad as you stole it?
-[] Did Burattino also tell you there's a Kachemetc incoming?
-[] I get how unfair it is, but this is my heritage.
-[] We both want to be special, yeah? Then let me meet everyone, I want to be friends.

[] Write-In (no particular word limit but be reasonable)

 

[Nevill]

Hm. Go over/under the bridge, lure/dump her in the river to possibly cool her head?

 

[veekie]

[X] Take this under the bridge, nice sand and river to work with
[X] Burattino
-[X] Wanna give me a crash course on my powers?
[X] Agata
-[X] Did Burattino also tell you there's a Kachemetc incoming?

 

[Nevill]

Sure. But if she isn't backing down, she is taking a bath.

[X] Take this under the bridge, nice sand and river to work with
[X] Burattino
-[X] Wanna give me a crash course on my powers?
[X] Agata
-[X] Did Burattino also tell you there's a Kachemetc incoming?