Oh Christ, let the world's suffering flow through me,
transforming the darkness into holy light.
Through you, joy will bloom from sorrowful soil,
so let my soul awake, grant me your might!
It's pretty clear from this that Sarah is (protestant?) Christian. Because of that, I'm curious about the other cast's beliefs/religion. What are they?
I've reread this quest, and I have to say I love the music choices. Please keep inserting them into the updates!
It's pretty clear from this that Sarah is (protestant?) Christian. Because of that, I'm curious about the other cast's beliefs/religion. What are they?
As for religion, you're right on for Sarah. Ken, Mary, Aster, and Violet are all atheists. Most of the other cast members are one or the other as well.
Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Jul 12, 2024 at 7:07 PM, finished with 5 posts and 3 votes.
[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.
Winning 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.
White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (2)
I do have that novel I've been putting off... I've been so busy with work and usually when I come home I just plop myself down on the couch and zone out to the TV. Well, not tonight! I'm gonna get it out and get back to reading!
But first, dinner.
While I'm not going to watch TV all night, I do have it on while I eat. Mostly for background noise. This place gets too quiet otherwise. Sometimes I think about selling and leaving for another neighborhood, but every time I do, a little voice starts whispering in my mind telling me that I shouldn't. Maybe I ought to stop listening to it, but I haven't yet, so here I am.
I'm not listening to the TV either. I have some show on, but it's part of a series and I'm tuning in well into its run, so I have no idea what's going on. But at least it's a simple action series so it doesn't demand much from me.
It's easy to switch off in the end.
With a yawn, I get up, clean up, and then head over to the home control panel in the living room.
Me: Alright, what do I want to listen to while I read...?
This whole home is wired. Mom installed it long ago and made sure to teach me how to use the smart home operating system. Granted, it's not that hard. It operates all by touch and type, and she custom-designed each program with a blend of functionality and ease of use. I scroll through the options and head the Radio program. Though it's called that, I'm not just limited to whatever happens to be playing. The speakers installed throughout the walls will play whatever I select from a near infinite variety.
Me: I don't want lyrics distracting me, so how about something ambient... ah, there we go.
...and hear a thunderclap in the distance. Hopefully, Sarah and Mary don't get caught up in a storm...
...well, I can't do anything for them by fruitlessly worrying. I'm here if they need me.
(I push away thoughts trying to tell me that I'm not needed.)
I then sink into the couch, book in hand. Ah, yes... the latest 'Clearwater Chronicles' mystery by K. Vann, that'll do. They're all set in town and Mom was a fan, got me into them. Haven't touched this one in months and didn't get that far in it, so I just go right back to the beginning and try again. This one's called The Missing Key, and it's a locked-room mystery. Clara Clearwater, the main character and an amateur detective, was called in to figure out who killed a wealthy and prominent man through seemingly impossible means. The man had many enemies, both inside and outside his bloodline, each one with both a motive and an alibi. Looks like when I last put the book down, Clara had been investigating the staff in his estate (because of course he had both) and learned about the titular key in question, though not its significance if any.
Regardless, back to the beginning for me!
.
.
.
Over an hour in, the rain choir brings its song to my doorstep. I flop up from my cozy spot and step to the window, taking a glance outside. Sky's black and ominous with a green tint, and the rain is pouring heavily on the street. Some birds have even taken shelter under the window awning, chirping and flying away when I approach. Hope Sarah and Mary are alright out there... actually...
Nope. I walk to the other side of the house, where I have a clear view of Mary's home. Lights off, no one's home.
No calls, no texts, no news. That's good, right?
I can only hope so as I go back to reading.
Now then, where was I...?
...leaned forward in her seat, a notepad in her hands. Clara's smile was friendly, her eyes were sharp, and her voice came out as a soft whisper. "Oh, you don't need to worry about a thing, Raye. I won't tell anyone else that you told me about what you overheard. Your secret's safe with me."
It wasn't just about confidentiality for Clara. Any clue, no matter how seemingly trivial, might be the key to breaking open a case. Why, a stray remark from Mr. Blue in her last case had been the key to pinning the break-in at the Alletown Art Museum on him! Nothing could be said here that was too insignificant for her, not at this early stage of the investigation.
The young girl must have known that as well She rocked in her seat, glancing guiltily back and forth between the closed mahogany door and Clara's pale green eyes. Think and think, as much as she liked, but not too long. If someone walked by and knocked on the door, perhaps a relative or one of the many maids, she might retreat from speaking her truth.
-KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!-
...wait, hold on, what?
-KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!-
I shut the book and got up again. A visitor at this hour and in this weather? Who could it possibly be? The porch means they have a brief respite from the rain, so I can afford to check the door camera first. Also Mom's idea, one for the front and one for the back. Alright, let me shut the music off and switch programs to...!?
Why are there two girls at my doorstep!?
Even swaddled in coats, I can tell that they're both on the smaller side. They're both black like me, with the older one a shade darker and the younger one a shade lighter. Their heads are uncovered (in this weather???) and the older girl has got a few green streaks in her black hair and slight green glow in one of her otherwise brown eyes. And the younger girl has almost chalk white streaks in her wavy black hair.
W-who are...?
-KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!-
Ah, I'd better go let them in first! They must be soaked!
The instant I open the door, the two sopping wet girls almost fall inside, and the green-eyed girl slams the door shut before I can say anything.
???: Quick, Mister Ken, you have to hide us!
How does she...?
Her eyes are wide and wild while her younger counterpart exudes exhaustion.
...I can just ask her.
Me: Did Sarah and Mary send you here? What happened?
She nods while the younger girl perks up.
???: No, Rosie, Mary and Sarah aren't here. But they'll come when they can, okay?
The little girl gives a shy smile.
Rosie: Okay, Olive.
Olive then turns back to me.
Olive: Mary told us to hide in her place, but we can't get in. It's locked!
I blink.
Me: Ah! I can fix that. I know where the spare key is. But... is that a good idea? You'd be alone there.
Olive: Well, she said... said... saaaaaa-choo!
She sneezes and shudders. Rosie looks just as cold.
Me: There's no way I can let you two go back out like that. Take those coats off; I'll go get blankets for you. And do it quick!
I walk off before Olive can talk me to her course of action, and come back two old blankets out of a storage closet. Guess they were good for something after all. I usher them towards the couch, and while Rosie is quite happy to take a seat and dives onto it, Olive hesitates.
Olive: I told you, we need to hide!
Me: Then hide here. No one's going to know to look for you here. If Viticulture's after you, they don't know that I'm involved in all of this. You're safe here.
I even hold in all the questions I want to ask these two tired kids. I can save them for my niece and friend.
Olive glances over at a window and... huh, are those the same birds from earlier? But she doesn't seem concerned, so I leave that be.
Me: If being seen is an issue, you can both hide upstairs.
Olive: ...OK. Rosie, you heard that? Oh, here, let me help you...
She then goes over and attends to a now half-asleep Rosie. I direct them to a safe spot – my parent's old office, the one upper room with no view. Don't know why my parents wanted it that way, but I won't complain now. Olive says that Sarah and Mary promised to come back for them, so I promise to keep a look out and tell her to get some rest too.
Naturally, I block out all the windows and then get back to my reading, but with no music and one eye on the cameras.
Sure enough, about a half hour later, I see someone drive up and start going around to the houses. At this point, it's late enough that they're not getting a lot of responses. If I turn the lights off now, I can pretend to be asleep and simply not answer. But if I do, maybe I can fish for information, as long as I don't make it too obvious that's what I'm doing.
The figure is slowly making their way ug up the hill, stopping at each house one by one. So, I have a bit of time to decide and prepare.
(If you vote to talk, feel free to suggest or write-in what you'd like to say.) [] Pretend everyone's asleep. Turn all the lights off and go silent.
-[] And actually go to sleep, since it's been quite a long day.
-[] But keep awake and aware, just in case something happens.
[] You're up, so be up and respond. Maybe you'll learn something.
-[] It's a risk, but you could show your face to this person.
-[] No, stay inside and figure out if you can talk from here.
QM Note: I need to finish up my entry for Mon Jam, so this will be on hold until I get that done. As such, I'll leave the vote open for a good while. We'll see how next week goes.
Alright, right now. I'm indecisive about what to vote for. But I know one thing that should be done.
My vote:
[X] Grab the spare key before doing anything else. If it's outdoors, though. Make sure that you only take it a few hours after you no longer view the figure.
[] Pretend everyone's asleep. Turn all the lights off and go silent.
-[] But keep awake and aware, just in case something happens.
[] You're up, so be up and respond. Maybe you'll learn something.
-[] No, stay inside and figure out if you can talk from here.
[X] Grab the spare key before doing anything else. If it's outdoors, though. Make sure that you only take it a few hours after you no longer view the figure.
[X] Pretend everyone's asleep. Turn all the lights off and go silent.
-[X] But keep awake and aware, just in case something happens.
I'm willing to bet a hundred on the fact that those birds are mind controlled by Viticulture (bad) or controlled by one of the girls (good). Mysterious birds don't just appear like that without reason.
also, that mystery figure is 99% with Viticulture. We shouldn't go outside, but staying asleep is a no go.
[X] Grab the spare key before doing anything else. If it's outdoors, though. Make sure that you only take it a few hours after you no longer view the figure.
[X] Pretend everyone's asleep. Turn all the lights off and go silent.
-[X] But keep awake and aware, just in case something happens.
Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Jul 19, 2024 at 10:21 AM, finished with 4 posts and 3 votes.
[X] Grab the spare key before doing anything else. If it's outdoors, though. Make sure that you only take it a few hours after you no longer view the figure.
We're on a new route now. Originally, they were going to be independent, but I think it makes more sense for a quest to have them all in one continuous throughline.
Winning vote: [X] Grab the spare key before doing anything else. If it's outdoors, though. Make sure that you only take it a few hours after you no longer view the figure. (QM Note: I'm errataing this to half an hour)
[X] Pretend everyone's asleep. Turn all the lights off and go silent.
-[X] But keep awake and aware, just in case something happens.
White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (3)
Alright, I got a plan ready to go.
No amount of information is worth exposing myself to whoever this mystery person is, even if they're not a member of Viticulture. The risk of it backfiring on me is too high. Best case scenario they simply use me as a pawn in this Magical Girl battle. Worst case scenario... well, I'd rather not think about that. I'm shutting the lights off and pretending to go to sleep. They'll still be on the way by the time I'm done.
Goodnight world. I'm out.
That's how it'll look and that's just how I like it.
There's another security panel upstairs in the hallway, so I camp out by it and watch to see if the mystery guest strolls by my door. Sure enough, they – or rather, she – are on the way, having parked outside. The porch is lit by electric lights, so I get a glance of her face despite her best efforts to cloak herself beneath her thick black coat. She's pretty tall, almost my height, with saturated red hair, light brown eyes, and a bit of a tan to her. Before she stopped at the door, she gave the tree in my front yard a curious glance. But what was she looking at? It's just a normal oak tree as far as I'm aware...
I get no answer and wasn't expecting one anyway.
What I do get and expect is a knock on the door.
???: Hello...? Anyone home...?
Looks like the sound's coming through fine, but I'm not responding. What will she do...?
She knocks again and asks once more if anyone is home before backing up.
???: This place... it's the Kennedy house, right? There's something off about it. Well, if the Raffles house is next door, then that's not so surprising. But the son isn't magic, right? That's what Louise said. So where could it be coming from?
...what on Earth could she mean by that? I'm not magic, but someone else in my family was?
My eyes go wide and my blood runs cold.
Were my parents involved in all of this long ago!?
Only my desire to keep myself hidden away stops me from running to the door. As for the girl, she knocks once, twice, and thrice more before giving up and walking away, giving the oak tree one last glance. This paranoia has to be over the birds, right? Even I noticed something up with them. Looks like they're on our side.
???: May as well try the Raffles house...
Leaving her car parked, she then walks over to Mary's house. Tch! That's no good. If she finds the key herself, she might steal it and break in, whether now or later. But I can't stop her from here. All I can do is angle the view so that I can see her barge in. Strangely, I have a clear view of Mary's place from these security cameras.
Then again... maybe it's not so strange after all. Not if my parents knew something I didn't. They were the ones who introduced Mary to me, after all.
What is strange is what happens when this mystery woman tries to walk through Mary's flower garden.
Turns out that she's not alone!
I can't hear what's being said from here, but I can see the intent. Out from between the flowers has suddenly emerged an elongated and soaked entity, startling the would-be burglar. From the darkness I can only see a silhouette adorned with a spiky crown and long flowing hair. The rain falls upon this being and through it. I imagine for a moment that it might be a ghastly figure haunting Mary before the mystery woman shocks me.
Well, to be more accurate, a quick bolt of red lighting blasts out of her fingers and shocks the (potential) ghost.
And a loud gasp must have emerged from my mouth, as a half-asleep Olive has emerged from her slumber and lumbered over to me, flailing her way to awakeness.
Olive: Wuzzz happning, Mistah Keeeeeee...?
She cuts herself off with a yawn. I don't think it's working.
Me: Nothing...? I think...?
I glance back at the screen. The supposed spook was unaffected by the attack, so now the assailant has chosen to retreat. Said ghost then disappears from view just as suddenly as it appeared.
Me: You can go back to sleep. Everything's fine here.
Olive: Yuh shurrr...?
I nod, and usher her back to her temporary room.
...it then occurs to me that she and Rosie both came here with just the clothes on their backs. Is this all that they have? We'll have to do something about that in the morning. And I do mean 'we'; if Mary is saddling me with these kids, then she has to help out with them too.
But I can worry about that later.
For now, back to the screen. The mystery girl is driving off and I can get a brief glance of her license plate number, mentally jotting it down, and then actually writing it down. No idea if it'll be useful, but it's better to remember useless details than forget important ones.
Speaking of important things... I need to go get that key. It's still storming outside, but that's fine. I can handle some rain, right? After waiting for about half an hour just to make sure the mystery woman isn't coming back, I adorn myself in a thick black raincoat, grab a wide umbrella, and make my way to the front door.
Me: Olive, I'll be back. I'm getting that key for you and Rosie.
No response. I lock up as I leave, just to be safe.
The instant I get outside, I realize why no one was bothering with umbrellas. Despite the rain crashing down around me, the wind is so fierce that it can't even open it. And Mary and Sarah are out there in this weather. I hope they've taken shelter by now...
So should I. Let's make this quick. The key ought to be...!?
???: Kentarou Kennedy... why are you here...?
It's the ghost...!?
She, translucent yet water-logged, flashed in front of me like a bolt of lightning. The spikes and crown were both composed of her pale white hair that cascades down around her over her ash gray robes. Her hair is filled with the same spiky six-petaled white flowers that adorn her garb. Despite the raging storm, she gives off a soothing sweet scent. Her pale face is uncovered, but I don't recognize her at all. The only things familiar about her are those red eyes, so much like Mary's and Red's.
Those eyes are giving me an expectant soft gaze.
Right, I should answer.
Me: I came here for the spare key. To make sure people like the woman you just saw can't get their hands on it.
Her gaze is impassive. I can't tell what she's thinking at all.
Ghost Girl: Ah, I see... but, my lady asked me to refuse entry to anyone...
There's a hint of sadness in her words. Her lady... Mary has her out here in this storm?
Me: I don't need to enter; I just want the key in a safe place.
I shiver and that makes her perk up.
Ghost Girl: Very well... I shall return with it. Wait here...
She glides across the ground and out of sight, returning minutes later with it in hand.
Ghost Girl: Go back inside now... you'll get sick...
Me: Thank you, Miss...?
She tilts her head slightly.
Demi: You may call me Demi...
I nod.
Me: Thanks, Demi. You ought to take shelter too.
Her gaze remains impassive.
Demi: No need to worry for me... This garden is my shelter... I shall be well... goodbye...
But before I can ask what she meant by that, I blink and she's out of sight.
I shiver again.
Thunder blasts in the distance.
I'd better get to shelter too.
(In the morning, Mary and Sarah will arrive and Ken will to talk with them about Olive and Rosie. What should he bring up from what he saw tonight?) [] Everything, including Demi (Sarah will certainly appreciate this; Mary will not)
[] Just the mystery woman (Mary will certainly appreciate this; Sarah will not)
[] Nothing, as nothing happened (Neutral on both accounts, though risky on its own)
[] (write-in another approach or add more details as desired)
QM Note: Decided to split the next morning scene to its own update, which will be the next one.
Sure enough, they – or rather, she – are on the way, having parked outside. The porch is lit by electric lights, so I get a glance of her face despite her best efforts to cloak herself beneath her thick black coat
???: This place... it's the Kennedy house, right? There's something off about it. Well, if the Raffles house is next door, then that's not so surprising. But the son isn't magic, right? That's what Louise said. So where could it be coming from?
I already have some notes for the next update, but not much time to write, so I'll keep the vote open a bit longer. Specifically, the vote will close at this time:
Huh, I didn't suspect we'd keep mum about it. Usually protagonists of these stories spill all the beans because 'honesty is the best policy' or something. I'd like to see a story where it isn't, or at least, is not pursued.
If not that, I'd favor Mary. Her secrets are hers to keep.
The implication of 'son isn't magic' is that this is different with the daughter. Of course, seeing how this is a magical girl story. Did Sarah mention any familial traits or relics; did it come up before? Don't think it did, but it's something Ken should have suspected after discovering that he's been orbiting magical circles for years. Makes a lot more sense if someone close to him was a magical girl herself.
What do we know of Ken's siblings, if anything? It looks like the power is hereditary and could be transfered from mother to daughter?
[x] Nothing, as nothing happened (Neutral on both accounts, though risky on its own)
Do we have a relationship progress bar to keep track of somewhere?
Sarah mention any familial traits or relics; did it come up before? Don't think it did, but it's something Ken should have suspected after discovering that he's been orbiting magical circles for years. Makes a lot more sense if someone close to him was a magical girl herself.
Ken's an only child; Sarah's from another branch of the family tree but they refer to each other as uncle and niece.
...I ought to spend a bit of time outlining Ken's family. I'll fit in with the next update before Sarah and Mary show up, so I guess I'll put it there.
Winning vote: [X] Nothing, as nothing happened (Neutral on both accounts, though risky on its own)
White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (4)
My sleep was restful, and full of dreams where I sailed above storms. I advanced masked, journeying to an unknown location, not reaching it before I awoke.
When I take a look out my window after waking up, I see cloudy skies streaked with hints of sunlight above soaked soil. I also see no signs that Mary ever returned home, but that doesn't mean anything on its own. After I snagged her spare key, I returned home and pretty much collapsed in my bed. At least nothing strange happened in my sleep...
So, naturally, the message my niece sent me telling me that she and Mary ended the night resting at her place went unread. Sent super early in the morning too, where could they have been all night? Looks like I'll get my answer soon; they plan on heading over later in the morning.
With a yawn, I get up to start the day. I can hear chatter and excitement in the distance – sounds like the TV's on and the kids are up. I text my niece back to let her know that we're all safe here and that I want a full explanation on why these two kids had to run all the way here by themselves before I head downstairs.
Me: Good morning you two! You sleep well?
Rosie perks up first, followed by Olive. Both are watching brightly animated cartoon colors moving across the screen. Don't recognize the show.
Olive & Rosie: Good morning, Mister Ken!
Olive: The lightning woke up Rosie a few times. I helped her relax though. You didn't notice anything, did you?
Me: ...no?
I'm confused.
Me: Was I supposed to?
Olive quickly shakes her head. So, there was something to notice huh? I'll hold that for later.
I glance between Olive and Rosie again. Both have dried off, but they still look and smell damp. And those streaks in their hair... there's no way they're dyed. What sorts of magic might they be able to wield?
Rosie: Mister Ken, is something the matter...?
Yes.
Me: No.
But this scenario isn't their fault, so now's not the time to complain.
Me: Are those the only clothes you two have?
They both nod.
Me: Well, that's no good. I can't just leave you both in those damp outfits. Go take a bath, and let me see if I have anything you can wear...
But when I go to search, I don't have any of my old clothes anymore.
Me: Tch. Guess I'm going shopping.
A thought then occurs to me.
Me: Or...
I call my niece. It takes a bit for her to pick up.
Sarah: Hello!? Uncle, is everything okay over there!?
...I ought to quell her panic.
Me: Mostly. The girls need new clothes. I don't have anything for them. Can you and Mary come over sooner?
Sarah: Oh! Right, yes. We'll be there soon.
She then hangs up. Well, what next?
I leave out comically oversized pajamas for the kids (they'll have to do for now) and put their clothes in the dryer, but not before removing Olive's wallet and leaving it out for her. Now then... well, this isn't the time for reading. What else is on TV...?
How about I check the news?
Sure enough, clicking over a few channels gives me a scoop. There's been a break-in at the Alletown Art Museum! The building actually reminds me a bit of Diamondwood High School, though it's not quite a castle and has a blue tint to all the windows. It's also swarming with cops and swallowed up in CAUTION tape. Apparently, it's either not clear what was stolen or the museum staff don't want to discuss it on camera, but they do have the two culprits on camera shortly before the security feed went out.
I recognize them as once as my niece and friend, each one masked by red rose petals.
...which makes it odd that the reporter described the footage as blurry. Wonder what that's about?
The reporter on the scene goes around interviewing cops and staff, none of whom have much to say. And the Museum Director, Louise Blauglas, said nothing to the cameras. The wrathful gaze of her deep blue eyes spoke for her.
I shuddered.
Me: ...so, she's a Magical Girl as well? I know the woman who stopped by yesterday was.
Hold it, does that mean the Alletown Art Museum is actually a Viticulture front!?
Mary must have learned that somehow.
I'll have to ask about it when she arrives...
About half an hour later, I get a knock at the door, and it's none other than Mary and Sarah with a big bag filled to the brim with girl's clothes. I already told Rosie and Olive that the duo was coming, and they both rush to the door well ahead of me.
Olive: Mary, there you are! We...!?
Mary cuts her off.
Mary: Back inside, now. Both of you. Quickly!
She then almost shoves them back in my house while also dragging Sarah inside, and then slams the door behind her. Uncharacteristically, Mary's in the same overalls and T-shirt getup as my niece, though her shirt is blood red while Sarah is in her usual purple. They both leave their shoes by the door as Mary continues talking (down) to Olive and Rosie.
Mary: It's good that you both got here safely, but you need to stay out of sight. We can't let any of those Viticulture people find you, got it? We don't know where they could be, so keep yourselves hidden!
Both Rosie and Olive nod in agreement, though Olive rolls her eyes as she does so while Rosie is laser-focused on Mary.
Mary then comes close to me, a smile wide on her face.
Mary: Oh, Kenny, hello~! Good to see you're well. Everything was fine yesterday, right? Nothing much happened, I hope? Sarah and I tried to keep them busy, but you never know... no one came to bother you in the night, right?
Hm... well, no one bothered me, per se, so I shake my head no. Demi was the only one bothered, though I don't think she minded too much since Viticulture's agent chose to run away rather than fight. And that agent was surely bothered by what she saw... hopefully she doesn't come back to investigate further.
Mary sighs in relief and slumps onto the couch.
Mary: Good, good, means our plan worked!
Sarah: Excuse you? Our plan? You were the one who wanted to have these kids run here in the cold rain instead of having me escort them! You're lucky that... that... thaaaaaaachoo~!
My niece cuts herself off with a sneeze and sniffle, and then glares at Mary. Oh dear. Looks like working together hasn't helped them get closer to each other at all...
Her glare only intensifies when Mary wags a finger at her.
Mary: Now now, Sarah, I knew all along that they'd get here safely once we made an opening for them. And, frankly, we wouldn't have anything to worry about now if you'd have let me kill Louise...
Sarah: Hmph! You were in no position to do that, and you know it! If anything, you both would have...!?
I cut my niece off, as I'm the only one who seems to have remembered that we're in mixed company.
Me: Should we really be talking about something like that in front of the kids...?
Both Sarah and Mary turn to me, expressions blank, before they realize what I'm getting at.
Mary: Ah, well... maybe not.
Sarah: Speaking of, Olive, Rosie, here are your new clothes. I don't know your sizes, so I got you a lot of options. And I do mean me, Mary refused to join in.
Mary: I'm trying to stay under the radar, like you suggested...
Mary then grumbles under her breath while Sarah spills out the clothes on the living room floor, all for the taking. We leave Olive and Rosie to play dress-up and then actually get dressed, moving upstairs to the home office for a private discussion. The downstairs windows are all shut and blinded, so no worries about someone peeking in and getting the wrong idea (or the right idea for that matter...). There's only one office chair, so I shove it to the side and we all take seats on the floor.
Me: Alright, what's the deal with these kids? You break them both out of the Alletown Art Museum? It's on the news, you know.
They both flinch, startled, eyes wide.
Mary: But how!? Those masks should have covered us up!
Me: The footage is blurry according to the newscaster, but I could see it fine. Your faces were still covered if that's what you were worried about. But why were you there in the first place?
Sarah gestures to Mary.
Sarah: She said Viticulture was hiding something in there and wanted to check it out. Didn't tell me said 'thing' was a little girl.
Mary shrugs.
Mary: I got a tip from someone on the inside about little Rosie and just had to free her from their grasp. Can you blame me?
Sarah: No, but I'd like to know just what they were planning with her. She looks normal other than those streaks in her hair. I can't sense anything odd about her either. But she must have been important since three Viticulture warriors came out to face us. You probably saw Louise Blauglas on TV, uncle?
I nod.
Sarah: She was one of them. She had a pale young girl as her assistant. Didn't catch her name, but she breathed out poison as her power, so we had to retreat.
Mary: I think she's Rina? The other girl, the red-haired one, she's Akane.
Sarah: Right, right... then Akane's the one who ran off and tailed Olive and Rosie. Looks like they lost her well before finding you. Good on them. Though they shouldn't have been in that position...!
Mary rolls her eyes.
Mary: What, do you think we could've fought effectively while having to defend those two? Better to get them out of the way. Especially when you're inexperienced and I'm out of practice.
Sarah looks ready to protest, so Mary naturally ignores her and turns back to me, resulting in my niece seething in silence instead. Mary, please...
Mary: Anyway, Olive's a kid who volunteered to help out with Rosie.
Me: ...and her parents know where she is?
Mary shrugs.
Me: ...
I sigh. More headaches to come.
Me: Okay, well, we can just send her home now, right? Did Akane see her? If not, she ought to be safe.
Mary and Sarah answer at the same time that they're pretty sure she did. Okay, so she has to bunker up too. For their safety, we better keep them together in a secure location.
Which is not my house!
Me: Alright, where are they going from here?
Mary gives me a blank look.
Mary: Going...? Ah, um...
Only now does she turn to my niece for support.
She doesn't get any.
Sarah: Mary, you weren't planning on leaving these kids here, were you? What if Viticulture comes around to look for them? For that matter, what if they come here to track you down?
Me: I don't mind sheltering them for a while, but they're going to need somewhere permanent to stay. Somewhere safe and far from Viticulture's reach.
Don't know where that place is, but it has to exist, right?
...right???
Mary: Alright, alright... although, I don't know where else they could go. That's why I brought them here. Do you two have any ideas?
Me: Hmmm...
Well, I have an aunt on my dad's side and an uncle on my mom's side. But I haven't talked to Aunt Tisha or Uncle Hanzo since my parents died, and I have no way to contact them. For that matter, Sarah's parents, distant relatives of mine, definitely won't take in the kids without question. We might have other relatives, but even if I could reach them, there's no guarantee they'll help...
Sarah: They could stay at my place, but that'll only delay the problem.
An idea suddenly strikes me.
Me: I can contact Chrys. He's a former cop; he might know who we can contact for help with a runaway kid. I'll just have to phrase things so to not let him know too much about how she ended up here.
Sarah: That's... well, first, was Rosie mentioned on the news, Uncle Ken?
I shake my head no.
Mary: I suppose Louise doesn't want the entire world knowing about her private affairs.
Sarah: Then, go ahead and make that call. Sounds like we have time to spare in moving the kids out of the way if we want. But we still need to decide where they're going.
And after deliberating a bit further, we decide...
(Choose one.) [][Move?] To leave the kids here for now, and try to draw Viticulture elsewhere [][Move?] To move the kids over to Sarah's place, since that ought to be safe [][Move?] To move the kids over to Mary's place Soundly rejected by all three of us [][Move?] To ask the Calderon family for help Soundly rejected by Sarah and I [][Move?] To ask Olive's family for help Soundly rejected by mary [][Move?] To ask... Charlotte Drake for help? (It certainly would be unexpected...) (available due to finishing Lulu's route)
...and as for contacting Chrys...
(Select up to 3 sub-votes) [][Call?] I can put this off until we've actually moved the kids somewhere... -[][Call?] ...and seriously, what's the deal with that Olive girl? -[][Call?] ...and we ought to make a plan for Viticulture attacking. -[][Call?] ...so let's make sure that Rosie is actually doing fine. -[][Call?] (write-in) [][Call?] I'll call him now and ask... -[][Call?] ...if he's heard the news about the Alletown Museum? -[][Call?] ...how he's doing, since it's been a while? -[][Call?] ...what I should do if I run into a runaway child? -[][Call?] ...if he can come over, since I don't want to talk over the phone. -[][Call?] ...(write-in)
QM Note: Again, vote will be open for a week unless there's an early and clear consensus.
...I ought to spend a bit of time outlining Ken's family. I'll fit in with the next update before Sarah and Mary show up, so I guess I'll put it there.
Yes, please make those. We (including me) will greatly appreciate it!
My vote:
[X][Move?] To ask... Charlotte Drake for help? (It certainly would be unexpected...)
[X][Call?] I'll call him now and ask...
-[X][Call?] ...how he's doing, since it's been a while?
-[X][Call?] ...if he's heard the news about the Alletown Museum?
-[X][Call?] ...if he can come over, since I don't want to talk over the phone.
[X][Move?] To ask... Charlotte Drake for help? (It certainly would be unexpected...)
[X][Call?] I'll call him now and ask...
-[X][Call?] ...how he's doing, since it's been a while?
-[X][Call?] ...if he's heard the news about the Alletown Museum?
-[X][Call?] ...if he can come over, since I don't want to talk over the phone.
[X][Move?] To ask... Charlotte Drake for help? (It certainly would be unexpected...)
[X][Call?] I'll call him now and ask...
-[X][Call?] ...how he's doing, since it's been a while?
-[X][Call?] ...if he's heard the news about the Alletown Museum?
-[X][Call?] ...if he can come over, since I don't want to talk over the phone.
[x][Move?] To move the kids over to Sarah's place, since that ought to be safe
One can hide something or someone magic where magic is abundant.
[x][Call?] I can put this off until we've actually moved the kids somewhere...
-[x][Call?] ...and seriously, what's the deal with that Olive girl?
-[x][Call?] ...so let's make sure that Rosie is actually doing fine.
I am wondering why Olive volunteered, just like that.
