Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I'm glad the reminder helped! I'll keep doing them.
The Legacy: Fruit of the Shadowflower (Original Horror) (contains Magical Girls)
- Thread starter Solarstream
- Start date
- Original Mature Mystery Horror
- Location
- Oregon
- Pronouns
- Any/All/Allowed
I'd meant to keep up with things, but I've had progressively more trouble with the last couple months staying on top of my forum notifications. 151 notifs presently... I'd forgotten we're at the resolution of things as well, and oops'd my butt into a depressive episode
I dont recall if it was said prior, but I'm glad to see the actual name. betting it was something I'd missed reading the prior segment with her on the bus, but I love the different flower symbolism bits.
I do like this, but I think I'm gonna have to put fowards
[X][Identity] (The Floriagrapher)
due to the whole language of flowers bit that crops up through symbolism here
otherwise fine with "[][Identity] Leave this up to the QM, to be decided later."
I will say, I think the X's are meant to go in the empty brackets (and possibly also using dashes to show they're part of a plan)
I dont know if "can magic be used by boys" is a question we should ask him. The others feel viable.
I worry mentioning "Im a home teacher" would reveal more of our identity than we want (I may have missed it, did the mask get taken off at any point?)
I'm gonna go with
[x][Jack] Okay, he must not understand the danger he might be in. I haven't grasped the full depths either, but I know enough to convince him to take this more seriously. That way, he can help us help him... or something like that, anyway. (Select 2 questions below to ask.)
[x][Questions] How much do you know about Viticulture? (Counts as 2 questions)
Just because it's a solid middle ground that furthers the worldbuilding we'll get from a source that isn't just one of the magical girls
this does tell us about Viticulture tho, them being a matriarchal group maybe? likely older magi
- Location
- Indonesia
Well...
My vote:
[X] Meridian
My vote:
[X] Meridian
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
closing the vote a little early. i'm gonna get to outlining and writing, and hope to have an update ready later next week (earlier if I can).
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
oh, and I forgot to answer this... no, the mask is still on, and he'll be mostly forgotten in the wake of Red's attacks and the resolution of this incident.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (23)
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Winning vote:
[X][Identity] (The Floriagrapher)
[x][Jack] Okay, he must not understand the danger he might be in. I haven't grasped the full depths either, but I know enough to convince him to take this more seriously. That way, he can help us help him... or something like that, anyway. (Select 2 questions below to ask.)
[X][Questions] How much do you know about Viticulture? (Counts as 2 questions)
[X][Identity] (The Floriagrapher)
[x][Jack] Okay, he must not understand the danger he might be in. I haven't grasped the full depths either, but I know enough to convince him to take this more seriously. That way, he can help us help him... or something like that, anyway. (Select 2 questions below to ask.)
[X][Questions] How much do you know about Viticulture? (Counts as 2 questions)
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (23)
-FLASHBACK-
Me: You can call me...
...I pause to think for a moment. What should they call me? My own name is out of the question, and I'm not a Magical Girl, so a name like that is also no good. But maybe I can think of a related name? We have Aster and Violet... and then there's my niece's passionflowers... not sure how Mary relates to this yet, but there's a definite floral theme. But I'm on the outside, looking inside. I'm only an observer. So...
Me: ...The Floriagrapher...
...I can use that. I don't know if Floriagrapher is a real word, but it's not the like guards know either. I doubt they'd even care about that. The three of them just nod along, while Jack rolls his eyes.
Me: ...and as for that, well it was Lulu's idea.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
To be honest, all that I want from Jack is information. If he never wants to interact with me or my niece ever again after this, that's perfectly fine by me. He's made a terrible first impression. But I can't let him walk away thinking that this whole thing had nothing to do with him, when he's been instrumental in it happening at all. Without his support and encouragement, maybe Molly wouldn't have...
...well, maybe she would've. She's volatile. I have to wonder if she got that from anywhere...
But I cut that train of thought short. I need to stay focused. This isn't be the end. Not as long as Viticulture is still active. So, I ought to see if Jack knows anything about them. And given how fearful he's been of threats to himself...
Me: It's got nothing to do with you? How can you say that when Molly's your friend? I know she's the one who saved you from Lulu before...
The guards and Jack all give me confused blinks, but I ignore them.
Me: ...and I know that things like this will keep happening as long as the ones who gave her powers are still active. And you know full well you won't be able to defend yourself if something like this happens again. Is that what you want? To end up like your friends?
Jack shivers again, but tries to stand his ground.
Jack: The only threat to me was Lulu, and now that she's appeased, she'll leave me alone.
His eyes widen a bit.
Jack: ...she is going to leave me alone now, right?
Me: Perhaps. If you behave.
He pales, gulping loudly.
Me: But I wasn't talking about her. Viticulture is the real danger. I suspect this isn't the first murder they're involved with, and I know they don't have any problems endangering random people. None of us are safe while they're still active, not even you and Molly.
Jack: ...really? You think?
I nod, hoping he's convinced.
Jack: Well, I don't know...
Oh, come on!
Jack: ...but I guess it doesn't hurt to have a backup plan. You and your pal Magical Girl Passionflower want to know something about them?
Me: Yes. As much as you can tell us.
I see one of the guards pulling out a small notepad. Looks like they're interested too.
Jack: Well, I don't know too much. They're a secretive bunch. Supposedly been around for decades, though Molly only joined up a few years back.
Me: Decades? They're that old?
Jack: They like to keep to themselves and stay in the shadows. Personally, if I had magic powers, I'd be showing them off all the time. But no, they'd rather spend all their time doing research or whatever. Didn't tell me on what, but apparently the two in charge were pretty excited about it. Molly only referred to them as White Lily and Blue Cornflower.
Me: There's two in charge... and how many others?
Jack thinks it over for a moment before guessing an even ten. If he's not that close, then I guess he wouldn't know for sure. I don't know if he's counting Molly in that ten either. But he does confirm that Molly's aunt, Josephine Knight, was a member and died long before Molly was born. I ask how, and he says it was probably from a monster attack or something. Isn't that what Magical Girls normally fight?
Maybe, but this isn't a normal situation.
Me: Yeah, that's a good point. Thanks for this – I won't forget it.
And him not knowing for sure worries me.
It doesn't worry one of the guards though, as he promptly agrees and brings up that show his daughter likes. It's called Super Lunar Guardians and, apparently, they had a big movie come out ("Galaxia, I think the name was....") pretty recently. One of his companions asks what happens in the movie, and he regales us intrigued guys (except a contemptuous Jack) with a plot synopsis of both the movie and the show so far, wrapping up just in time for company to arrive.
Sarah: Here they are.
Said company being my masked niece, attended by Lulu and Molly, both wrapped up in her vines. Lulu's bruised and Molly's burned, looking the worse of the two for wear. Looks like they got into a fight and Lulu held herself back from finishing Molly off.
Good for her.
Lulu: Take her away... please...
But not before trying to get in the last word.
Molly: This isn't over! You haven't seen the last of me, Passionflower! I'll make sure you regret ever crossing my path!!
To be honest, I'm pretty sure we all already do. But it's too late for that now. We have to move forward.
And one of us has to move on...
Lulu: Finally... it's over... now, I can...!?
...as Lulu's started growing transparent...!?
All three of us stare in shock as Lulu's hands and feet have started to fade away into the night. But so soon!? Why now!? Is it...
Lulu: I... I avenged myself, so... I have to go...!?
She's vanishing bit by bit...! Her arms and legs have no started to fade from view...
Glancing in the direction of where we left Rosalyn and the others behind, she starts to run and we loyally follow behind her. I have no idea where Red is now, so hopefully she's able to flee on her own. We don't have time to go back and look for her. We came here to support Lulu and we'll do it until the end.
Lulu: Not yet...! I can't leave yet... not before I say goodbye...!
Sarah: ...Lulu...
She flinches. Not sure if she has anything more she wants to say, I speak up.
Me: I don't know if we'll get to your mom in time, but we can at least make it to Rosalyn. I told the guards to contact her, so she'll know the truth and bury you soon enough.
Lulu: Mama... I'm so sorry...
She starts to cry as we depart from Diamondwood High School for hopefully the last time.
QM Note: No vote this time, so I'll also get going on the next part.
- Location
- Indonesia
I hope Lulu makes it in time...
- Location
- Oregon
- Pronouns
- Any/All/Allowed
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (24)
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (24)
Sarah, Lulu and I meet the group of Rosalyn, Aster, Violet, and Mary far down the street from where we entered Diamondwood High School. The commotion we caused drove them away, I suppose. Well, we promised to keep Rosalyn out of this, and we delivered. Looks like they're on their way somewhere.
Lulu's shout draws in Rosalyn's attention, and then everyone else's.
Lulu: Rosalyn...!!
Their expressions transform, all at once. Violet and Aster are filled with the same shock we felt, and Rosalyn has her face further twisted by grief. Mary's less fazed than the rest, and her brief moment of surprise turns into... did I see that right? Disappointment? Regardless, it's brief, and turns into small sadness with a bit of bitterness. I know at once who that's aimed at.
Rosalyn: LULU!?
Rosalyn runs to embrace her best friend, and the rest of us surround them. Since we're out and about again, Sarah's reverted back to casual attire, and we're both maskless. That said, we're still a pretty conspicuous group. Is there somewhere we can...?
Ah!
There's a park nearby, and no one's there. Perfect!
Me: This way, everyone!
I start walking, and the rest follow once they see where I'm headed. It's dark out but there's a few lampposts lit. The skies overhead are clear and filled with stars. It's too peaceful for a moment like this. Lulu's fading away, dispersing like a vapor into the air, leaving behind only the stuffed dragon she'd been possessing to walk this world once more.
Rosalyn: Lulu!? What's going on!? Are you leaving us!?
She hugs her friend tighter, sobbing loudly and shaking.
Lulu can't hug her back, but she still gives her warmth.
Lulu: Yes... I am... I'm sorry, Rosalyn...
Rosalyn: NO! I DON'T WANT YOU TO GO!
But there's nothing she can do about it. Nothing any of us can do.
Not even the one who brought Lulu back can help her now.
Sarah: What's going on here? I thought we had to give her a proper burial first!
Yes, that was the plan. But we made that plan before bringing Mary in...
Mary: Huh? Did I say that? Because I'm pretty sure I didn't. What I did say is that I used the hate and rage on her heart to anchor her to that stuffed animal. Now that it's been addressed with I assume her victory, she has no reason to stay. I suggest you say your good-byes while you can.
She says it so dispassionately... is she trying to anger my niece? Because it works and Sarah stomps off to go be by Lulu's and Rosalyn's sides, leaving me, Aster, and Violet behind with Mary. For her part, she turns away rather than continue to witness the ongoing scene.
I don't.
Sarah: Lulu, I... I wish I'd found you sooner.
Lulu, reduced now to half a torso, a neck, and a head, blinks at her, confused.
Lulu: And why is that...?
Sarah: Maybe then... I could have understood you a little better. And maybe things would have gone better. You... well, in any case, some lives would have been saved.
My niece holds up the Knight family tiara in her hands.
Sarah: And don't worry, we'll make sure Molly never gets her hands on this again.
Lulu nods.
Lulu: You'd better... and watch over Rosalyn too, okay...?
Rosalyn: Lulu...
Sarah nods.
Sarah: Of course. I'll keep an eye out for Molly and Jack too. Make sure they're not a threat to anyone else ever again.
Lulu smiles and lightens up the night.
Lulu: I'm glad...
Rosalyn hesitates for a moment before she speaks up.
Rosalyn: Lulu... should we...
Lulu, knowing what she's asking about, cuts her off.
Lulu: Tell my mom about this...? No...
Rosalyn: R-really?
Down to just a head now, Lulu nods.
Lulu: I don't want to hurt her... she's been through enough... I don't want her to know what I became...
Rosalyn: Became? Lulu, you didn't... you... you're not a monster!
Sarah: ...that's right.
Both Rosalyn and Lulu turn to my niece, Rosalyn pleased and Lulu confused.
Sarah: Even with everything you did, you're not a monster. You're a precious little girl... you...
She falls to her knees as well.
Sarah: You shouldn't have...
And she can't finish her sentence. But Lulu gets the intent, and turns back to Rosalyn with a somber smile on her face.
Lulu: Rosalyn... please... tell my mama...
...and her last words are a whisper in the wind as she fully fades away...
...that I love her...
...and I'm sorry...
...this is goodbye...
Rosalyn, now cradling Lulu's stuffed dragon, collapses in on herself.
Rosalyn: aaaAAA WHY CAN'T YOU TELL HER YOURSELF!? LULU!!
She cries to an uncaring sky.
Sarah's by her side at once, as are Aster and Violet. I, with tears in my eyes, would join her too, but...
...one of us is holding back.
Me: ...Mary?
For a brief moment, it looks like she might cry too, but maybe I imagined it. Maybe I only saw what I wanted to see. She blinks a few times, shakes herself, and rights herself rock steady.
Mary: Oh, don't mind me. In fact, I believe I ought to be going.
Only now does she approach the crying crowd, seemingly unmoved. She reaches out a hand to my niece, and waits for her to notice the inquiry. She did want that tiara, and Sarah's conveniently holding it in her hands.
Sarah glares at my friend with tears rimming her eyes.
Sarah: Seriously? You want to do this now? Why?
Mary rolls her eyes. Not exactly helping her case here.
Mary: Why not? It'd rather have it destroyed sooner than later. Unless you want to hold on it for some reason...?
Sarah: ...
Sarah, still glaring at Mary, throws the damned thing at her.
Sarah: There. Are you happy n-!?
And Mary, without any hesitation, crushes it.
Not in her hands, no.
Black writhing tendrils, laced with her blood, unfold from her skin and squeeze the icy implement tightly until it disintegrates into so much dust. Her hands and arms then return to normal as if nothing happened. Not even a drop of blood fell upon the grass.
Mary tilts her head, claps once, and half-smiles at my niece.
Mary: Indeed, I am happy~. And I'll be going now~. I do need to recover my assistant, after all~.
Sarah: Y-yeah... you do that...
With no hesitation, Mary takes that as her cue to leave, acting as if she's uncaring to Rosalyn's cries.
Me: ...
But that doesn't seem right to me.
Me: Sarah, do you and the others mind staying with Rosalyn?
Sarah: Yeah, we can, but... are you sure you want to be alone with her?
I gave my niece a measured look.
Me: Sarah, I've been alone with my friend before. If she wanted to hurt me, she's had plenty of chances.
Sarah hesitates, and then asks if I remembered by protective charm. Reassuring her that I did, I hurry to catch up to my friend. She's in no rush, and even slows and stops once she hears me approaching.
Mary: Kenny, are you joining me? I'm flattered~! But what's the occasion?
I cut straight to the chase.
Me: Mary, are you trying to antagonize my niece? I thought you two had a talk.
She sighs.
Mary: Oh, Kenny... the fact that we had a talk doesn't mean that we see eye to eye. We only agreed on dealing with Viticulture together. Honestly, I'm not sure we'll ever be closer than that. We're just too different.
Naturally, when I ask her to elaborate on that, she refuses to answer. What happened to honesty?
I sigh.
Me: Well... that's fine. It's not like you need to be friends to work together.
She doesn't respond to that, letting her silence in the whispering winds speak for itself.
Me: Ah. You don't want to work together...
She finishes the thought, and it's as I expected.
Mary: ...but I don't want her going off on her own either. I'm surprised I didn't notice her earlier, to be honest. I thought I was on top of things. Hope I'm not missing anything else... I heard her promise, and I plan to keep an eye on those brats from Viticulture as well. And the same for Rosalyn.
There's a rustling in the trees, and suddenly Red is by her side.
Mary: My assistant will handle that, won't you?
She nods.
Mary: Good. Now then, go follow Rosalyn tonight, and then report to me in the morning. You know, her mother called her out of nowhere, demanding to know where she was?
I blink as Red departs.
Me: Oh? Is that why you were walking away from Diamondwood?
Mary: Naturally. Rosalyn would have barged in once the cops showed up if not for that. Not that I would have let that happen, of course! But we all wanted to keep close. I take it my assistant was helpful?
I nod. Yeah, Red was a good ally to have on hand.
Mary... smiles? smirks?
Mary: Oh? Well, I'll be sure to let 'Red' know that's what you think. Mind filling me in on what happened?
Me: Yeah, it starts with me interrogating Jack and him figuring out that the incense burners were magic...
And then I spend the rest of our trip back home filling her in on what exactly happened between Jack, Molly, and Lulu. Mary's surprised that Lulu agreed to spare Molly in the end, but I'm not sure why. A killer isn't what she wanted to become; it's what she was transformed into, and that's all due to Mary. She also doesn't seem to care about all the others who saw glimpses of the magical side of life, claiming they'll all forget the specifics and dismiss it as trickery. They'll even forget that Sarah and I were there.
At least for my sake, I hope so.
Because while Lulu's involvement in the chaotic world of Magical Girls is over, mine is just beginning.
QM Note: Again, no vote here. Vote for next route at the end of the next update.
- Location
- Indonesia
This is so bittersweet... Also, at this point, Mary is definitely Anti-something. Hopefully an Anti-Hero.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (25; Complete End)
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (25; Complete End)
Tuesday morning brought with it heavy rain and a breaking news story: a scandal at Diamondwood High School! A top student and the principal's grandson implicated in the disappearance of a fellow student! Yes, either they couldn't bring themselves to use the word murder even with evidence in plain sight, or the administrators were able to somewhat mislead the press. But in any case, Lulu got what she wanted, for while the full details weren't there, the names were. Molly Knight and Jack Dunbar had been exposed.
What a way to be introduced to the public eye!
And I noticed accompanying that story another one: Principal Dunbar had stepped down. I don't know who his replacement is, nor where he's going. I briefly wondered if this was part of a deal that kept the kids away from jail before dismissing it. There was something more important to consider.
But, as I scrolled through the endless news feed, I found no statements from her.
Charlotte Drake had recused herself from the public eye.
Can't say I blame her.
She spent weeks hoping against all odds that her daughter as alive – a hope that my niece and I must only have inflamed with our visit – only for her to turn up dead after all, reduced to dusty bones. The perpetrators aren't seeing much in the way of justice, either. Hopefully, they're offering her something in her trying times.
...I probably shouldn't have hope for that, though...
She'll have to rely on her family and friends, same as she already was. There's a hope she'll be able to rely on.
I accept that and then go on with my day, and then the next day, and so on until Friday. Despite all that had happened, not much changed with my daily life. Juno either didn't notice any change in me or as choosing not to pry, and I was able to pull myself together and not affect her kids at all. And if Mary and Sarah had started to track don Viticulture, neither of them had mentioned it to me.
Here I was, a normal man, being asked to return to a normal life after a brief encounter with what lay beyond the normal. But how could I? Unlike certain others, I could never forget what I had seen or dismiss it as trickery or illusion. About the only signs that anything had changed was a surprise text from Rosalyn in the middle of week. Turns out she still had Lulu's stuffed dragon plushie on her, and she wanted to know what she should do with it, especially since she's been having odd dreams lately...
I gave her the only real advice I could...
[][Rosalyn] She should absolutely return the plushie to Mrs. Drake.
-[][Rosalyn] And that's all. Just return it and let things lie.
-[][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
[][Rosalyn] She should keep it. It's a precious reminder of their bond.
-[][Rosalyn] And if she's concerned, she should contact my niece.
-[][Rosalyn] And I can get Mary to make sure that it's safe for her.
...and then let her be. She needs to get back to her own normality, as do I.
But my normal isn't the same as it was before, nor do I want it to stay that way. Not when there's danger lurking. So, once the school day ends on Friday, and it's time to leave the Calderon home, I decide to...
[][Ken] ...do nothing, not just yet. I can still wait for Sarah and Mary to come to me.
-[][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
-[][Ken] So, I wandered around the city. (Proceeds to Daisy's route, with a charming and perhaps familiar man running into Ken at night...)
[][Ken] ...go try and track down that white dog... in the morning. (Proceeds to Iris' route, with odd sightings and a disturbed grave found overnight...)
[][Ken] ...go try and track down the mystery red-haired woman. (Proceeds to Poppy's route, with her being quite happy to meet Ken that night...)
QM Note: And it's time to select the next route!
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I'll keep this vote open for at least a week unless there's a sudden and decisive surge in activity.
- Location
- Indonesia
Alright, I think my route selection is the most natural here. I'm debating on whether to choose Rose's or Poppy's route. Since Iris seems like the route to pursue before the true final route, so...
My vote:
[X][Rosalyn] She should absolutely return the plushie to Mrs. Drake.
-[X][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
-[X][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
My vote:
[X][Rosalyn] She should absolutely return the plushie to Mrs. Drake.
-[X][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
-[X][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
Kermie
We’re So Cooked(?)
- Location
- Somewhere On The Planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
[X][Rosalyn] She should absolutely return the plushie to Mrs. Drake.
-[X][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
-[X][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
Finally caught up to this quest! Great stuff.
-[X][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
-[X][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
Finally caught up to this quest! Great stuff.
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I decided to write a short interlude, so I'll keep the vote open until I post it (which I hope to be mid-week).
Thanks!
Thanks!
~Interlude (The Knight of Viticulture 1)~
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
~Interlude (The Knight of Viticulture 1)~
As far as Molly Knight was concerned, her life was over, just the same as if Lulu Drake had truly gotten sweet revenge and dragged her down to a hot grave.
At first, it seemed like nothing would come of it after her parents had complained to the principal. There was no way that a star pupil like her could be thrown out of such a prestigious school due to some hearsay and rumors, right? Especially not when the star of the accusations as still nowhere to be seen. And sure, she and Lulu had fought before, but escalating to kidnapping or worse? Surely not.
And yet...
Her parents had a conversation with (now former) Principal Dunbar, and that was that.
She was done.
She'd been expelled, never allowed to set foot at the school she'd worked so hard to enter ever again.
It might not have been so bad if she'd had someone to commiserate with, but that wasn't to be either! Her so-called friends had either abandoned her either long ago – whether it was from going to a different high school or drifting away while attending high school – or just now, having the gall to be surprised and upset over what she did. As if they didn't already know!
(Unbeknownst to Molly, while some suspected, none of her female supposed friends knew.)
As for Jack, well, both his parents and hers agreed to cut them off from each other. Apparently, he was a bad influence... and he must have been told that she was the bad influence. And her boyfriend, who tried (and failed) to be her voice of reason? Well, maybe he was trying to reach out to her or maybe he wasn't, but she had no way of knowing. Her parents had taken away her phone and banished her to her room for the foreseeable future. She was stuck here until they figured out what to do with her.
She'd been here for days now and was bored out of her mind...!
No phone...
No internet...
No books or TV...
Nothing. Her parents had even refused to eat with her, leaving her food at the door.
She was being treated like a prisoner in her own home!
About the only things she could do were stargaze (Dad must have overruled Mom to let her keep her telescope) and take a pencil to her notebook, letting it all out (and Mom must have overruled Dad here). But even these things had gotten boring. She'd even become desensitized to that sketch of herself being dismembered by an orange dragon she'd drawn after a bad nightmare. After all, there was nothing further to be concerned about. Nothing would come of it. Lulu had to be gone now.
(Well, she assumes she drew it, anyway... she woke up on Tuesday and it was in her diary.)
No Lulu should have meant no problems, but to Molly it seemed that she was being treated as a problem.
The appearance of two surprise guests Friday morning made that crystal clear to her.
Said guests brought an initially welcome intrusion into her new daily routine of boredom when they barged in while arguing with her mother. Two voices, one youthful like hers and the other older like Grandma's, headed straight for her room as her mom tried to talk them out of approaching her. And, well, maybe under other circumstances, Molly might have sided with her mom, but not now. So, she opened the door wide to see what the big deal was, despite the fact that she was still in her pretty pink pajamas.
Mom: Molly! Get back in your room now!
But her Mom was promptly brushed aside by the younger guest, a pale-skinned girl (almost as white as milk) with gray eyes and light yellow hair almost falling down to the floor. Despite her apparent age (and height, she couldn't have been much taller than Molly), she was wearing the white and silver suit of... Diamondwood High School!?
Molly: Ohmigod! Have you come to take me back!? Did the Principal change his mind!? It's about time!
The girl laughed, a warm smile lighting up her face...
Mystery Girl: Hahaha~! Oh my~! Absolutely not~!
...before crushing Molly's hopes as casually as she might have crushed a small bug on the pavement.
Molly wanted to scream about how unfair this all was and demand to know why this girl had even shown up in that outfit. But, before she could, the girl's companion spoke up. She was an older woman, taller than her mom, with a tan to her skin, eyes sparkling blue, and hair shiny black with a blue tint at the edges by her neck. Dyed? Unlike her companion, she was in simple midnight blue pants and a white button-up dress shirt. There was a logo on it for the Alletown Art Museum.
Mystery Woman: This is why I told you not to wear that outfit, Lily... now she's confused. We are here because of that incident at Diamondwood, girl, but not to take you back.
'Lily' pouted at her companion.
Lily: Boooo... let me have my fun, Louise!
'Louise' rolled her eyes and shook her head.
Louise: You can have as much fun you want later, Miss Principal.
Wait, what did she just-?
Louise: For now, we should stay focused. Girl, I am Louise Blauglas, and this is my partner Lily Helyblanc. And you have wronged us quite deeply by losing your aunt's tiara, so you're going to have to... make up for it.
...oh.
Molly: Did you really had to tell these two about that, Mom?
Molly leaned over into her door, swinging it fully into the hallway, and let out a beleaguered, dramatic sigh. A sigh that belonged on the stage instead of being wasted on an audience of three.
Molly: Ughhhhhh... look, that wasn't my fault. I was jumped! I want auntie's tiara back too, but there's no way that's happening. I don't even know where it could be. ...although, what do you care anyway? That thing's ours.
Lily: It's only yours because we let your family keep it, idiot. That's what your Aunt Josephine wanted. ...at least, I assume so. We'll never know since she was murdered and all~!
Molly was too shocked by that last statement to react to being called stupid.
Molly: M-murdered!?
Lily sneered, as amused as ever despite the grim subject matter.
Lily: That's right~! And that tiara's got to be in her killer's hands by now~!
Molly: Her killer... wait, hold on. The woman who jumped me didn't seem that old...
At that, both Lily and Louise blinked in surprise.
Louise: Hmm... so, Mary has a new accomplice, then? I don't suppose she gave you a name?
Molly shook her head, though she did remember to mention that the girl called herself Magical Girl Passionflower.
Louise: Hmm... no, don't recognize it. Regardless, we'll have you provide a sketch for us and then we'll track her down. And that 'we' includes you, girl. Get dressed and let's get going.
Molly: H-huh!? You can't...
Lily: We can and are~! Louise here is your new homeschool teacher, so consider this a part of your new curriculum~! Or, are you not interested in getting back what's rightfully yours after all, you fool~?
Molly glared at Lily. Who was this girl anyway? Who did she think she was, calling the one and only Molly Knight names!?
...and why did her normally fierce and proud mother look so defeated by the mere presence of her and her companion???
Molly: ...
Molly shook her head. No, this was fine. Great even! Yeah! She wanted out of this house anyway.
These two thought she was a problem? Well, she'd correct that train of thought and introduce them to the truth. That she's the solution. There's nothing Molly Knight can't do or get away with! Not if she has enough power on her side. And if she can't use her dearly departed aunt's magic, well...
Molly: I don't just want that tiara back.
And once again, Lily and Louise gave her surprised glances. But Louise's expression quickly soured.
Louise: ...well, I'm not paying you for this. Not when you owe us. Girl, you need to learn a lesson of...
And Lily's expression returned to genuine amusement.
Lily: Louise, hey, hey, hold on. I think she wants to be like us and that Passionflower girl she mentioned. Hahaha~! I wonder if a big dummy like you even has the potential~!
Molly was so incensed that the information about the two of them being Magical Girls wouldn't register until much later.
Molly: Why you... I do too! I can so become a Magical Girl! I'll prove it to you! What do I need to do!?
Molly didn't flinch when Lily's grin grew wide with malice.
(That's what she told herself, but in truth fear and doubt had begun to enter her mind.)
Lily: If you want your own flower, you'll have to awaken to it. Either you'll succeed, or you'll die. Either's fine with me, to be honest~! But if you're serious, then do what Louise said. And hurry up!
She then pranced away and down the stairs, followed by her partner.
And Molly's mom must have wanted to say something, anything, to talk Molly out of it.
But...
Mom: M-molly!?
...the door was slammed in her face.
And so too was her heart shut.
It would re-awaken later, deep in the darkness, but not as one as her mother would recognize.
(She ignored a voice inside her that told her to stop before, and now she's doing it again...)
QM Note: I'll close the vote within the next 24 hours. Lily Helyblanc plays a role in Iris' route, while Louise Blauglas plays a role in Rose's route. And if both survive those encounters, they'll be back for the ending.
Vote will close within 24 hours
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Specifically at this time:
- Location
- Indonesia
Well, I guess we get a glimpse of the Viticulture family. Is it even possible to redeem Molly anymore?
Kermie
We’re So Cooked(?)
- Location
- Somewhere On The Planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
Breaking news: Rich Person discovers consequences. The rest is shocking!
Also, I'm not gonna lie, having both a route, a plushie, and a person named lily is kinda confusing, but it makes sense if you think of it as "Lily the Plushie" and "Lily from Viticulture."
Oh, and edit:
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Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yeah, I'm gonna keep them as distinct as possible.
Also, vote closed~!
Also also, I'll update the Route Log sometime soon.
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White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (1)
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Winning vote:
[X][Rosalyn] She should absolutely return the plushie to Mrs. Drake.
-[X][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
[X][Ken] ...do nothing, not just yet. I can still wait for Sarah and Mary to come to me.
-[X][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
[X][Rosalyn] She should absolutely return the plushie to Mrs. Drake.
-[X][Rosalyn] And she should tell Mrs. Drake how she got it.
[X][Ken] ...do nothing, not just yet. I can still wait for Sarah and Mary to come to me.
-[X][Ken] In fact, I just go straight home. (Proceeds to Rose's route, with a mystery guest at Ken's house arriving suddenly during the night...)
White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (1)
...act by not acting, as my Mom might have said. Sure, I want to be more involved in these affairs of Magical Girls, but it's not like I can force myself into them. I wouldn't want to, anyway. It's dangerous out there, and not just for me. ...though I am mainly concerned for myself. As long as Mary and Sarah actually work together, the two of them should be okay not matter what comes. I can't say the same for myself as a powerless man.
And speaking of the two of them...
Me: Psst! Hey!
Sarah: ...hm?
My niece perks up from the video she's watching on her phone. Silent since we're on the bus back to our side of the city. Guess she forgot her headphones at home. The bus is fairly crowded, so I have to whisper to make sure no one overhears.
Me: Any news regarding Molly?
She grimaces. That's can't be good.
Sarah: Mary says that she's been spotted with people she suspects are Viticulture members. But we haven't gotten close enough to confirm for ourselves. I'm helping her... 'gather information' tonight.
I can almost hear the quotes around that last bit. I know there's more to what she's saying, but I can't do much to help and don't want to pry further while in public. So, I just ask that she fill me in later, a request that she actually agrees to fulfill! Granted, it's only if Mary also approves, but still! Progress!
I enter my home with a small smile on my face after that.
Me: I'm home.
Old habits die hard. Even though I'm the only one who lives here now, I say it every single time I come back. I leave my shoes by the door, switch into thin slippers, and work my way deeper inside my den. I'll be eating leftovers again – pizza, a staple. I consider grabbing a beer as well before deciding to stick to water and herbal tea only tonight. Just in case I need to be sober.
It's unlikely, but you never know in times like these.
I head up the stairs to my bedroom, only to briefly drop off my school supplies and dress down to a white T-shirt and black slacks before heading back downstairs. I pretty much only go in there to sleep, spending most of my time whenever I actually am home either in the kitchen or living room. And as I head back downstairs to do just that, I go ahead and decide what I'll be doing for the night.
(What will Ken be doing alongside/after dinner? You'll have more opportunities to engage with your choice later on. Choose one. You may add more specific details at your leisure)
[][Hobby] Naturally, I kept my dad's huge widescreen TV, so I usually tune in to something until I fall asleep.
-[][Hobby] I'll just see what's on TV.
-[][Hobby] I'm in the mood for... (specify a genre)
[][Hobby] I'll wait until after I finish eating to get back to that mystery novel I've been putting off, since I want to focus on it.
[][Hobby] I have a bunch of crochet projects I've been waiting to start, so I'll take some time to get cracking at one of them.
[][Hobby] Perhaps I'll do something else...? (write-in)
QM Note: I thought this update would be longer, but I decided to hold off the plot interruption for the next part so that I could actually write something for Ken's hobby first. I'll probably close the vote Monday night unless something comes up.
Kermie
We’re So Cooked(?)
- Location
- Somewhere On The Planet
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
[X][Hobby] I'll wait until after I finish eating to get back to that mystery novel I've been putting off, since I want to focus on it.
We're a teacher/tutor. It makes sense for us to like books and be academic. Besides, just watching TV seems so boring.
We're a teacher/tutor. It makes sense for us to like books and be academic. Besides, just watching TV seems so boring.
- Location
- Indonesia
Okay, that makes sense. Reading is a good way to increase someone's knowledge after all.
My vote:
[X][Hobby] I'll wait until after I finish eating to get back to that mystery novel I've been putting off, since I want to focus on it.
My vote:
[X][Hobby] I'll wait until after I finish eating to get back to that mystery novel I've been putting off, since I want to focus on it.
Solarstream
It's all in the cards
- Location
- Zombie World
- Pronouns
- He/Him
route log updated!
still gonna close the vote tomorrow
still gonna close the vote tomorrow