The Legacy: Fruit of the Shadowflower (Original Horror) (contains Magical Girls)

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and, vote closed~!
Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Aug 12, 2024 at 4:27 PM, finished with 5 posts and 4 votes.
  • [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
    [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.
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Solarstream said:
and, vote closed~!
Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Aug 12, 2024 at 4:27 PM, finished with 5 posts and 4 votes.
  • [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
    [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.
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We saw the orange text and "unlocked because of Lulu's route" and dived at it, didn't we?

Wonder how that pattern of voting will change as the routes get completed…
 
White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (5)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning 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.

    White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (5)​

    A sharp thought pierced my mind while we were deciding where to move the kids, but once I voiced it, I realized that it made sense. We could ask Charlotte Drake for help. She, unlike the rest of us, won't be suspected of being involved in any Magical Girl situations, having been left entirely unaware of what truly happened with her daughter. Furthermore, she's on the opposite side of town from us, in a place that Viticulture won't think to look. Sure, the Dwarfpeak neighborhood is next to Alletown, but it's to the north, the opposite direction of where Rosie fled. The only real question is whether or not the lady would be willing to help, but Mrs. Drake didn't strike me as something who would turn away a child in need.

    Mary, having met Mrs. Drake only once before, had gained a positive impression of her, and had no issue calling her in for help. Although, she noted that it'd be better not to tell her too much.

    Mary: After all, then she might realize what happened to Lulu. And who knows how she'd react?

    ...I wasn't sure what exactly she could do, but agreed that it was better to involve her as minimally as possible. So, Mary also agreed to have one of her allies watch over the Drake house. And once Mary was in, Sarah had no choice but to go along with it, despite her objections towards involving Mrs. Drake in this scenario.

    Sarah: Alright, alright... I suppose it'll be better for us too. If Viticulture goes on the attack, the kids will be safe far from here. Uncle, will you be going with them?

    I... well, I suppose that I could. It's not like I'll be any use against people who can spread poison or shoot electricity. But, me being absent may be suspicious. So, maybe I ought to stick around here...

    [][Location] I'll go ahead and hide out in Dwarfpeak with the kids
    [][Location] No, I'll stay here at my home with Mary and Sarah

    I could make a decision right now, but I opt to wait until after we've had a chance to talk to Chrys, and say as much to her.

    She sighs.

    Sarah: Very well... but I'll make my own stance clear. You should get out of here and let us handle Viticulture.

    Mary chuckles.

    Mary: Well, there's one thing the two of us can agree on! Now then how about you go and make that call, Kenny? I'll watch the kids while you do it!

    Sarah: Then... since Chrys is coming here, I'll go get some of Violet's incense.

    I blink.

    Oh, right.

    We're about to tell him something unbelievable. That truthful scent ought to reassure him that we mean what we say. Magical Girls are real, and because of that, a little girl is in serious danger.

    Me: Yeah, go get it. We'll be here.

    And with that, the three of us split up, with me heading back to my bedroom. The hustle and bustle of this house, a novelty for me, is soft background noise up here. A perfect place for a call.

    Chrys picks up after my third ring.

    Chrys: Ah, hello? This is Ken, right?

    Me: Yeah, it's me. Is this a good time?

    Chrys: Uh, certainly, is something the matter? You sound tense.

    Do I? Well, I shouldn't be surprised. I'm about to drag him into my world, and he doesn't even know.

    Me: Well, don't mind that. Work is just stressing me out.

    That's one way to put it, I guess.

    Chrys: Oh, that's too bad. Hey, you know, we could go play tennis again if that'll help. I'm just out grocery shopping and could head there after–.

    I cut him off.

    Me: No, I... there's no need for that.

    This is not convincing. I need to change tracks!

    Me: Anyway, how have you been? It's been a while since tennis.

    Chrys: Oh. Okay, well... I've been doing fine. Not much has changed for me since... oh, Anthe, it's... yeah, this is Ken... hold on, I'll ask. Hey, Anthe wants to know when Mary wants to have another match.

    Me: Uhhh...

    Well, I hope Mary didn't forget about that, because I did.

    Me: ...I don't know, I'll have to ask her. But you're both doing well?

    Chrys: Oh yeah; work is just keeping us busy as usual. You know.

    I do, though not the specifics. He's a part-time accountant and part-time personal trainer while she does something in finance, not sure what exactly. I remember him being good with numbers, even tutoring other students back in high school. Looks like it runs in the family.

    Me: Same here, same here.

    Chrys: You're homeschooling the Calderon kids, right?

    Me: Yeah. Thankfully, the lady of the house developed everything for me, so I just have to teach it. But this stuff is intense! She's pulled things right out of a university curriculum; got them learning electro-magnetic physics and ancient Greek philosophy like that's normal for kids their age.

    Chrys: Damn. Well, she just wants to give them a leg up, I guess. It's a competitive world out there...

    Me: Sure is. Hell, I've been learning a lot too, especially since she's also got me teaching about our own history. You know, stuff we never learned in school.

    Chrys: Though for you, that's only half the story, right?

    Me: True. Maybe I ought to make some suggestions to the curriculum. I doubt Juno will mind her kids getting more educated.

    Chrys: Yeah. None of that's about you though.

    He's attentive. Normally, that's a good thing, but here...

    Me: I don't have much going on outside work these days. Wouldn't even know about things going on in the world if not for the news. Speaking of, you hear about that incident in Alletown?

    Chrys: The break-in? Yeah, of course. But what about it? It's not like we really know anything other than the fact that it happened. Huh?

    I hear chatter in the back. He must be talking to Anthe again.

    Me: Is something the matter?

    Chrys: No, no, it's... I heard from some security guards on duty elsewhere about women in odd dresses running around town. But that's got nothing to do with an art theft.

    Well...

    Me: Actually, it might. But I shouldn't talk about that on the phone. Can you come over?

    Chrys: ...

    He's silent for a few moments.

    Chrys: Ken, what is this?

    Me: It's not a prank if that's what you're worried about.

    Chrys: I wasn't. You were never that kind of guy, always so serious. Are you in trouble?

    Am I?

    Me: Not yet.

    But I could be.

    Me: I want your advice. But for it to be helpful, I need to tell you something private.

    He sighs over the phone and starts talking to his sister.

    Moments later...

    Chrys: Alright, we're both coming over.

    ...I get my confirmation, and let him go with a thanks.

    Hmm, guests are coming over. And I have guests already here. How long has it been since that happened? Years, at least. Do I have anything for them to eat. I better go check...

    [] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
    -[] Morning means breakfast, so eggs and pancakes for everyone.
    -[] I started making my own pizzas in college, so I go with that.
    -[] Looks like I have everything I need to bake a few cakes.
    [] Turns out I don't, so now I need to go shopping!
    -[] (write-in what you'd like to see Ken try and cook)

    QM Note: Chrys and Anthe will arrive next update and all that discussion will either be contained in one long update or split between two smaller ones.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Solarstream said:
    She, unlike the rest of us, won't be suspected of being involved in any Magical Girl situations, having been left entirely unaware of what truly happened with her daughter. Furthermore, she's on the opposite side of town from us, in a place that Viticulture won't think to look. Sure, the Dwarfpeak neighborhood is next to Alletown, but it's to the north, the opposite direction of where Rosie fled. The only real question is whether or not the lady would be willing to help, but Mrs. Drake didn't strike me as something who would turn away a child in need.
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    Makes sense. Big brain.

    Definitely better than me, who voted because that's what everyone else was doing. :V
    Solarstream said:
    Mary: After all, then she might realize what happened to Lulu. And who knows how she'd react?

    ...I wasn't sure what exactly she could do, but agreed that it was better to involve her as minimally as possible. So, Mary also agreed to have one of her allies watch over the Drake house. And once Mary was in, Sarah had no choice but to go along with it, despite her objections towards involving Mrs. Drake in this scenario.
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    Yeah, Mrs. Drake finding that out would probably break her heart. And then reforge it. And then break it into even tinier pieces.
    Solarstream said:
    I... well, I suppose that I could. It's not like I'll be any use against people who can spread poison or shoot electricity. But, me being absent may be suspicious. So, maybe I ought to stick around here...

    [][Location] I'll go ahead and hide out in Dwarfpeak with the kids
    [][Location] No, I'll stay here at my home with Mary and Sarah

    I could make a decision right now, but I opt to wait until after we've had a chance to talk to Chrys, and say as much to her.
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    A cancelled vote. How interesting.
    Solarstream said:
    You should get out of here and let us handle Viticulture.

    Mary chuckles.

    Mary: Well, there's one thing the two of us can agree on! Now then how about you go and make that call, Kenny? I'll watch the kids while you do it!

    Sarah: Then... since Chrys is coming here, I'll go get some of Violet's incense.

    I blink.

    Oh, right.

    We're about to tell him something unbelievable. That truthful scent ought to reassure him that we mean what we say. Magical Girls are real, and because of that, a little girl is in serious danger.
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    Yikes. I have a feeling from that last phrase that this arc's gonna hurt me personally.
    Solarstream said:
    Me: Well, don't mind that. Work is just stressing me out.

    That's one way to put it, I guess.

    Chrys: Oh, that's too bad. Hey, you know, we could go play tennis again if that'll help. I'm just out grocery shopping and could head there after–.

    I cut him off.

    Me: No, I... there's no need for that.

    This is not convincing. I need to change tracks!
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    Awkward…
    Solarstream said:
    Me: Yeah. Thankfully, the lady of the house developed everything for me, so I just have to teach it. But this stuff is intense! She's pulled things right out of a university curriculum; got them learning electro-magnetic physics and ancient Greek philosophy like that's normal for kids their age.
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    Dude, if I had to learn that at that age, I'd die. Yikes.
    Solarstream said:
    Chrys: No, no, it's... I heard from some security guards on duty elsewhere about women in odd dresses running around town. But that's got nothing to do with an art theft.

    Well...

    Me: Actually, it might. But I shouldn't talk about that on the phone. Can you come over?

    Chrys: ...

    He's silent for a few moments.

    Chrys: Ken, what is this?

    Me: It's not a prank if that's what you're worried about.

    Chrys: I wasn't. You were never that kind of guy, always so serious. Are you in trouble?

    Am I?

    Me: Not yet.

    But I could be.

    Me: I want your advice. But for it to be helpful, I need to tell you something private.

    He sighs over the phone and starts talking to his sister.
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    Ken, that sounds way too vague. You've gotta level up your communication skills, buddy.

    As for breakfast, there's only really one thing to start with.

    [X] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
    -[X] Morning means breakfast, so eggs and pancakes for everyone.

    Hopefully, we can have some bacon as well.
     
    Pizza always seems like comfort food for hanging out with friends.

    My vote:
    [X] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
    -[X] I started making my own pizzas in college, so I go with that.
     
    Solarstream said:
    Mary: After all, then she might realize what happened to Lulu. And who knows how she'd react?
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    Given that Vitriculture are at partial fault for what happened to her daughter, and are courting her murderer, I'd say it might give her some motivation back she is currently missing from her life.

    I will take the argument that it might be easier for an uninvolved to hide a girl-shaped McGuffin from a magical conspiracy, but were it not for that I'd probably tell her. That's if we are making her involved in the first place, which isn't something I was enthusiastic about.

    [x] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
    -[x] Morning means breakfast, so eggs and pancakes for everyone.

    Keep the cooking session short, Ken, this isn't a gourmet story.
     
    MrKermie said:
    Yeah, Mrs. Drake finding that out would probably break her heart. And then reforge it. And then break it into even tinier pieces.
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    Nevill said:
    Given that Vitriculture are at partial fault for what happened to her daughter, and are courting her murderer, I'd say it might give her some motivation back she is currently missing from her life.
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    Well, you're both right. Mrs. Drake, if she were to learn the truth, wouldn't take it well. But one has to wonder if she should or if she wouldn't be justified in some retaliation.

    I'll also note that she cannot currently become a Magical Woman, which does not necessarily exclude her from gaining magical abilities another way.
     
    [X] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
    -[X] I started making my own pizzas in college, so I go with that.
     
    Vote closed!
    Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Aug 19, 2024 at 10:27 PM, finished with 7 posts and 5 votes.
    • [X] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
      -[X] Morning means breakfast, so eggs and pancakes for everyone.
      [X] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
      -[X] I started making my own pizzas in college, so I go with that.
    Click to expand...
     
    White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (6)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X] Turns out I do, so I get right to cooking!
    -[X] Morning means breakfast, so eggs and pancakes for everyone.

    White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (6)​

    ...alright, breakfast it is! And I'll go ahead and make a big batch so that everyone has plenty to eat!

    Me: Hey! Mary, Rosie, Olive, I'm making breakfast! We have company coming over soon, so make sure you're ready!

    I can hear chatter in the background ignite into a frenzy once I make that announcement. Looks like Mary's usual M.O. of keeping things close to the chest slightly have backfired on her. Olive is astounded that we'd invite people over with her and Rosie here. Rosie on the other hand either doesn't mind or doesn't understand what that means, as she's silent throughout this whole exchange. Eventually, Mary is able to talk Rosie down and they get back to choosing a game to play, soft music humming all the while.

    As for me, it's time to cook. I have everything I need...

    Eggs. Flour. Milk. Butter. Baking powder. Sugar. Salt.

    Mix together the dry ingredients, then add in the wet ones one by one, stirring until incorporated.

    Heat up the frying pan, grease it, then scoop the batter and cook each pancake for a few minutes.

    When was the last time I did this? Have I ever... no, it's happened before, while in college, though the context was entirely different. Late night study sessions and "study sessions" turned into morning feasts.

    But those days are gone.

    And now I have these new days... days that I hope won't end in death or devastation.

    It's happened once, but this time, maybe we can avoid that fate.

    ...ah, I better focus on cooking these pancakes rather than getting lost in thought. And I'll have to scramble a whole lot of eggs afterwards too...

    This will take a while.

    (And as he cooks, let's see what the others are doing...)
    ​
    Mary, Olive, and Rosie
    Olive: I still can't believe you just invited some random guy over like that...

    Mary, cradling her controller in one hand, rolls her eyes.

    Mary: They're not random. I told you, I met Chrys and his sister Anthe last week. And Ken knew the guy pretty well, so I've no reason to doubt him.

    Olive rolls her eyes back.

    Olive: Well, I do! Especially if this guy really used to be a cop! He probably talks to his old buddies all the time. There's so much that we can't tell him.

    Mary: Of course. I had no plans on bringing up your family situation at all. If you don't want to go back to them, I won't send you back.

    Olive: Ha! Like they even care that I left... Rosie?

    Rosie, splayed out on the floor like Olive, turns back to look over at Mary, who's folded up her legs in front of her chest and is almost curled up in a ball.

    Rosie: Are you okay, Miss Mary...?

    Mary blinks.

    Mary: Huh? Y-yeah, I'm fine, why do you ask?

    She frowns.

    Mary: If anything, I ought to ask if you're okay. Ken's place is a lot nicer than that dungeon or whatever Louise trapped you in, right?

    Rosie positively vibrates, nodding vigorously and clapping her hands.

    Rosie: Yes, yes! I like it a lot here! The lights are soft and the birds are happy, So, you should be happy too!

    Mary: I... well, I'd like it if I was too, but...

    Olive, having turned her head back at Mary, gives her a curious look.

    Olive: But what...? Should we not have come here?

    Mary: NO!

    The two kids flinch, startled.

    Mary: Ah, um... what I mean is... it's complicated for me, okay. This place is Ken's family home. It could have been my home too if things were different.

    Rosie tilts her head, while Olive beckons Mary to continue, so the woman leans in and whispers.

    Mary: ...okay, look, you can't tell Ken this, got it? His mom was a Magical Girl and saved me from Viticulture. And she ended up paying the ultimate price for it... because of me...

    Olive's eyes go wide, but Rosie... she untilts her head and looks Mary dead on in her eyes.

    Rosie: Umm... but I don't think she'd want you to be sad here... so, smile please!

    Mary: It's not like I want to be sad either! But...

    But Rosie's eyes stay pleading, so all Mary can do is relent and unfold herself.

    Mary: ...well, I guess I can try. Now pick a character already! Haven't played Brawl in ages.

    Rosie & Olive: Okay!

    And with that decided, the three got into their game and a genuine smile started to grow on Mary's face as they played together, something Mary hadn't done in years...
    Sarah, Aster, and Violet
    Sarah: So, that's what's happened since Mary and I went by Uncle's house. Can you help me out, Violet?

    Giant robots clash on the TV in the background as Aster and Violet, Sarah's two roommates, have turned their attention fully on her. Unlike them, she's maintained her dangerous life of being a Magical Girl in Alemonowa. Granted, that's mostly because Sarah, blessed by a divine force with holy strength, can fight on her own. Aster and Violet would need some clever workarounds or technology to fight themselves.

    So, they've given up on that, content to be on the sidelines and act as support.

    Besides, this lets them live their own lives in peace, a peace that's only broken when Sarah gets involved in another incident.

    Violet, who was leaning on her girlfriend, gets up while Aster pauses the program.

    Violet: Of course! ...but are you okay with this?

    Sarah scrunches up her face.

    Sarah: Ugh... even if I'm not okay with it, it's going to happen anyway. Uncle seems to think this man Chrys can be trusted with the full truth, and Mary doesn't care either way about getting others involved as long as she gets to strike back at Viticulture.

    Violet: ...

    Violet then walks away, shaking her head, leaving Aster to continue the conversation.

    Aster: ...speaking of, do you have any idea what they wanted with that child? You said she had an odd aura about her...

    Sarah shakes her head, her expression remaining hard in the face of Aster's softness.

    Sarah: No, but it can't have been good. Not if what's happened with Iris and Lulu are any indications of how they act.

    Aster: Sarah... what happened with Iris wasn't...

    Eyes flashing purple, Sarah cuts her off.

    Sarah: ...my fault? No, of course not. But... it is my responsibility as a Magical Girl to make sure that no one else dies to Viticulture. I was too late for the two of them, but I can still save Rosie, I know it!

    Aster takes a moment to consider her sparkling roommate before replying. Sarah's aura is warm and sweet around her. There's no hesitation in her eyes, even though they lack the fierce killing gaze that Mary sometimes has. Her heart is pure, and that'll be her key to victory.

    So, what else can she do but cheer her friend on?

    Aster: ...I know it too! You and Mary can do it together!

    Only then does Sarah deflate, getting a light chuckle out of Aster.

    Sarah: Ah right... I have to make sure she doesn't go on a killing spree either. You know, Mary will attack anyone associated with Viticulture, young or old. But those younger girls... maybe we can talk them out of it. Well, as long as they're not all like Molly...

    Aster: Then... oh, wait here a moment. I'll give you something useful too!

    And as she departed, Violet returned with incense.

    Violet: Here you go. This ought to help with convincing that Chrys guy of the truthfulness of your words. ...I think it's a bad idea to bring him in at all, but at this point, you may as well make the best of it.

    Sarah nods. That was her plan as well.

    Aster would come back not long later, and both let Sarah go with their blessings. But even with the blessings of her friends and her God, Sarah still felt like she needed something more to achieve her total victory... and she'd need to find it soon.
    Chrys and Anthe
    It's a short car ride from the Sunshine Park neighborhood to the South Hills, and Chrys hopped in his black sedan only a few minutes after dropping his call with Ken. He still had no idea what the man was getting at, but his sister, who had invited herself to the conversation, was pestering him about it anyway.

    Anthe: So, bro, what do you think?

    Chrys: What do I think of...?

    Chrys quickly spares a glance at his sister while keeping his eyes on the road. Not much traffic today, but it was always better to drive carefully. Not just because he didn't want a ticket, of course. No, it was better to keep an observant eye out. Otherwise, you might miss something that was in plain sight due to a single moment of inattentiveness.

    But it didn't mean that he should ignore her, even if he really wanted to...

    Anthe: Of Ken's call! Come on, pay attention! He's got to be in on that break-in, right? That or he saw something he wasn't supposed to.

    Chrys: We don't yet know what was stolen.

    Which was quite odd, given that art museums usually keep detailed inventories of their stock, but now wasn't the time to bring that up.

    Chrys: Also, he definitely would have been noticed if he was on the scene.

    Anthe shrugged.

    Anthe: Hey, I doubt it. He has a face that just... looks like a face, you know. Not much distinctive about him. Normally that'd be pretty bad for him, but it's to his benefit here!

    Chrys: That doesn't matter since the culprits were on camera.

    Anthe: He might have been in the getaway car! There's no footage of that, after all!

    Chrys: Ughh...

    His dear sister seemed insistent that Ken was confessing to some major crime. But there was no way he could believe that. The Ken he remembered didn't seem the type who could fall into a life of crime. Sure, he mostly kept to himself unless someone went out of their way to drag him into their social circle, but it also kept him out of trouble. And there was plenty of that to be found back at South Hills High (and plenty still to be found nowadays...). Surely his time away from the city hadn't changed him that much?

    What Chrys found more suspicious was the sudden cutoff of the footage and lack of footage from other cameras. He doubted that other cameras didn't exist, so the footage was being suppressed. But for what reason?

    Chrys: Look, there's no way he was there, okay? Drop it.

    He didn't like that way that his sister was suddenly looking at him.

    Anthe: Ohhhh? You seem awfully defensive.

    Chrys rolled his eyes.

    Chrys: I'd be like this for anyone.

    Anthe: Hehehe... yeah, okay bro. ...Anyway, I bet Mary was there too! Maybe they're a duo of phantom thieves!

    Chrys: I think you read too much manga. By the way, we're here.

    Anthe blinked.

    Sure enough, there's Ken's house, right next to what he assumes is Mary's, both surrounded by empty lots. Strange how they're still vacant after so many years; this has been a prime area for densification.

    Anthe: Alright, let's do it then. Let's hear their confession!

    Chrys: There's no confess... hey, wait up!

    But Anthe had dashed for the door, leaving Chrys to catch up behind her.


    Preparing everything takes so long that while I'm still cooking, there's a knock on the door.

    Anthe: Hey, it's us! Can we come in? Oh, the door's unlocked!

    ...well, I didn't tell him not to bring her along, so... is that fine? It could be. Depends on if she can also keep things quiet. Also, did I really leave the door unlocked? What am I even doing...? I swear I locked up after my niece left, but maybe not? The keys are in my pocket, so...

    Regardless, Anthe, followed by Chrys, make their way into my home.

    Anthe: Hello~!

    Chrys: Hey, sis, hold on!

    I can't see them from where I am since a wall is in the way, so I have to shout.

    Me: No, it's fine, you can come in! Just leave your shoes by the door!

    Anthe: Where... oh, I see!

    Chrys: Anthe, please, don't just barge in...

    I can however, see Mary, Olive, and Rosie, and the first two of them have jolted up in a panic, while Rosie seemed unfazed or maybe confused. Regardless, they abandoned their game and rushed over to me.

    Olive: Mister Ken, I thought you just invited one guy!

    Me: ...well, I did but... he then invited his sister.

    I shrug. Nothing I could have done about that!

    Olive: Ughh... fine, whatever...

    But from her scowl I can tell that it's not actually fine.

    Mary: Oh, also, when will your niece get back...? We need her for this.

    That's the bigger issue. Without that incense, Chrys will probably just dismiss our story.

    Me: I don't know, but she's probably on the way. We'll have to stall.

    (Choose one. Feel free to add further details if you'd like.)
    [] I can go and distract the two if you can finish cooking, Mary.
    -[] Chat about whatever comes to mind.
    -[] Chat about something specific: (write-in)
    [] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
    -[] Chat about whatever comes to mind.
    -[] Chat about something specific: (write-in)
    [] On the other hand, maybe we should get started now.
    -[] That said, we'll save the bombshells for when Sarah gets back.
    -[] And we may as well go all in and drop all pretenses.


    QM Note: Back from travelling so here's an update. Again, vote is open for a week unless a decisive lead appears.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
    -[X] That said, we'll save the bombshells for when Sarah gets back.

    What can I say? This is another great chapter. Lovely.
     
    Solarstream said:
    Mary: ...okay, look, you can't tell Ken this, got it? His mom was a Magical Girl and saved me from Viticulture. And she ended up paying the ultimate price for it... because of me...
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    What a bombshell! So, that's why...
    Solarstream said:
    Aster: Sarah... what happened with Iris wasn't...

    Eyes flashing purple, Sarah cuts her off.

    Sarah: ...my fault? No, of course not. But... it is my responsibility as a Magical Girl to make sure that no one else dies to Viticulture. I was too late for the two of them, but I can still save Rosie, I know it!
    Click to expand...
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    Confirmation that Iris died because of Viticulture.
    Solarstream said:
    Mary: Ah right... I have to make sure she doesn't go on a killing spree either. You know, Mary will attack anyone associated with Viticulture, young or old. But those younger girls... maybe we can talk them out of it. Well, as long as they're not all like Molly...
    Click to expand...
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    That's supposed to be Sarah. Though, it'll be pretty funny if Mary suddenly starts talking about herself like that in third person.
    Solarstream said:
    -[] Char about something specific: (write-in)
    Click to expand...
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    Chat, not Char.

    My vote:
    [X] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
    -[X] Chat about everyone's favourite food and flowers.
     
    And vote closed!
    Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on Sep 1, 2024 at 5:58 PM, finished with 5 posts and 3 votes.
    • [X] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
      -[X] That said, we'll save the bombshells for when Sarah gets back.
      [X] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
      -[X] Chat about everyone's favourite food and flowers.
    Click to expand...
     
    Missed by a hair. Would've voted to keep the girls out anyway. The guests expect us and Mary, so us and Mary will they get.

    The reveal was way overdue. I think the bigger reveal was that Iris Calderon was one of our students, and also supposedly a magical girl. Also dead. There were references to this sprinkled here and there, but an entire route was named after her, so I expected "Mrs. Calderon's daughter" from the opening post to be someone else. Will there be anyone left alive of the primary colors/flowers by the end of the quest? 🤐

    By the way, we are on Rose's route right now, yes? I remember it winning the vote. The flower's color is... white? Doesn't bode well for Rosie, considering the record so far!
     
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    By the way, I should mention that I interpreted the currently winning vote as a mix of these:
    [] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
    -[] Chat about whatever comes to mind.
    [] On the other hand, maybe we should get started now.
    -[] That said, we'll save the bombshells for when Sarah gets back.

    So, light chatter into heavier topics.

    Nevill said:
    Will there be anyone left alive of the primary colors/flowers by the end of the quest? 🤐
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Rosie is meant to survive her route. Poppy may or may not. Daisy is a special case. And Iris is... also special, you'll see when you get to her route.

    Nevill said:
    By the way, we are on Rose's route right now, yes? I remember it winning the vote. The flower's color is... white? Doesn't bode well for Rosie, considering the record so far!
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    And yes, this is the white rose route. It's an flower of innocence heavenly grace, so surely nothing bad will happen, right?
     
    White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (7)
  • Threadmarks
    • Winning vote:
    [X] Mary and I will go have a chat while Olive stays with Rosie.
    -[X] That said, we'll save the bombshells for when Sarah gets back.

    White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~ (7)​

    Me: I have a plan. Mary, you come with me and we'll keep Chrys and Anthe busy until Sarah gets back. Olive, you stay here with Rosie. The food's done, so all that's left is to set the table. Ah, I can handle that though.

    Olive, maybe feeling a bit cheeky, sticks her tongue out at me before retreating back to the living room.

    Olive: Yeah, you'd better! Come on, Rosie.

    Rosie: But I wanna help...

    Mary chuckles.

    Mary: Oh, there's no need for that. You're a guest here~! Let us adults take care of you kids.

    Rosie tilts her head for a few moments before announcing her agreement and making her way to Olive's side. Huh, wonder what that's all about? I know Mary and I would have been eager not to have to do housework, and it looks live Olive is the same way.

    Anthe: Hey, who you talking to over there?

    Can't make anything out of it, though, so I just file it away for later.

    Chrys: I'm sure he just has more company over.

    Me: That I do.

    Mary and I are out of the kitchen, past the dining room, and in... well, I'm not sure what this room is supposed to be for, but I keep the family shrine and some family photos (notably also including Mary) here. It also used to hold the Christmas tree a long time ago. Maybe that makes it a second living room? Regardless, I'm now face to face with the duo of Chrys Stevens and Anthe Stevens. Chrys is a big and bulky man, with his curly hair circling above his head in a simple afro. Meanwhile, the muscular Anthe keeps her hair in long braids with pastel rainbow beads. The twins arrived in nearly matching attire, clad in black jeans and a white shirt with a single symbol on them – a not-equal sign for her and an equal sign for him.

    Me: Welcome to my home. Follow me...

    This is no place for guests. It's a memorial to my family, one that I don't have the heart to move out of sight. So, I lead them towards the living room. Mary, getting what I'm about to do at once, grabs my wrist to stop me.

    Mary: Kenny, wait! Your niece isn't back yet!

    Anthe and Chrys give her and me confused looks. I just shake my head.

    Me: So what? There's no harm introducing them to the kids while we wait.

    Chrys: The... kids...?

    Anthe blinks, and then her eyes go wide in shock as she shouts.

    Anthe: You two have kids!?

    Mary pales and violently shakes her head.

    Mary: Absolutely not! No way, no way, no way!

    I de-confirm it too.

    Me: They're just guests. But I would like some advice from you regarding them, Chrys. Ah, the details will have to wait until my niece Sarah gets back though... Come to think of it, it'd be rude to start eating while she's away... let me call her real quick...

    Anthe: ...so, are they her kids?

    Mary shuts down that idea too while I get an update from Sarah. It'll be a bit more time before she gets back, but she does have the incense in tow, so it'll be worth the wait.

    I'll put on some tea then. She'll appreciate it too.

    Me: Now then, follow me...

    This time, the group follows me to the living room, where Olive is ready with a glare and Rosie is sitting still like a perfect little angel. I can't help but notice both Chrys and Anthe stare at Rosie briefly, almost like they recognize her, before realizing what they're doing and snapping out of it, turning to me instead.

    Me: These two are Olive and Rosie.

    I say, pointing to the two of them in turn.

    Olive: Hmph! Nice to meet ya I guess...

    Rosie: Hi Mister! Hi Miss!

    Me: They're our special guests. But more on that later. Let's let them get back to their game, shall we?

    Mary grumbles about how it was her game too, prompting Anthe to steer her (and only her) back towards the TV for a match. Meanwhile, Chrys follows me into the kitchen. Conveniently enough, everything I need for tea is all in one place so I start getting it out and ask Chrys an important question.

    Me: What kind of teas do you and Anthe like?

    Chrys: ...huh? Oh, right, uh...

    I turn back to look at him, and it's as if he's just woken up from a nap. What's up with him?

    Chrys: I'll take whatever. Anthe normally drinks coffee, but you don't have that here?

    Me: Nah. Only Mom liked coffee; Dad and I always hated it. Chai is close enough, right?

    Chrys: She drowns the bitterness in milk and sugar anyway, so it ought to be. If not... well she did invite herself over, so she's got to take what she can get.

    She didn't hear any of that, of course, as she's in a heated shouting match with Mary over their game. At least someone's having fun...

    ...why don't I try to do that, too?

    Chrys: Sorry about dragging her here, I...

    I cut him off.

    Me: Don't worry about it. Actually, maybe she'll be able to help in her own way.

    Rosie's cheers are proof enough of that.

    Me: Speaking of help, can you go in the fridge and hand me the milk? I'll make chai lattes for everyone.

    Chrys: Oh, sure!

    I then take the time to ask him if he's much a gamer, and it turns out he's a fan of racing games. I'm not but I listen to him ramble about his favorites, the Stardust Overdrive series, while I get the drinks ready. And by the time I'm done with that and with setting the table...

    Sarah: Uncle, you forgot to lock the door again!

    ...my niece has returned.

    Me: I didn't forget! That was just for you! Now lock up for me, will ya!?

    She shouts her agreement as I hear the door lock and the living room's control panel beep.

    Chrys: Oh? Home security?

    Me: Mom's idea. She built it herself, actually.

    Chrys blinks. What, is that unusual? It's not like she trusted a security company with keeping us safe.

    Not that it helped her in the end.

    Okay, none of that now.

    Chrys is, naturally, curious about how exactly she did that, but I can't give a better answer than 'very carefully' because I don't know any of the details. It was kinda her secret project. There's probably a manual somewhere in the office room though.

    That conversation ends once my niece enters the living room.

    Sarah: Huh!? Who are you!?

    ...oh, right.

    Mary: She is Anthe Stevens, and one of our guests.

    Sarah: One of...!?

    She turns and looks right into the kitchen, directly at me.

    Sarah: Ah, so that's Chrys Stevens. ... wait, but then, why are you here!?

    She then points right at Anthe, who rolls her eyes.

    Anthe: As if I wouldn't be here! Not when my new friend here is hiding something spicy from me!

    Anthe then leans on Mary, who might appreciate it, but mostly just turns a bit red and clams up. In the end, I have to step in and break things up, apologizing for not mentioning the extra guest earlier and then inviting everyone to the dining room.

    Breakfast is ready.

    Sarah: Oh, does anyone mind if I light up some incense? It's the scent of violets.

    Mary and I are of course fine with this – it was part of the plan, after all – and thankfully, no one has any issues with it. There's some confusion from Chrys and Anthe, but Sarah just says it's habit from her side of the family and they buy the excuse. The instant Sarah lights it up, Olive and Rosie perk up and glance at the three of us, and a nod from Mary gets them to relax.

    All of us then take turns serving ourselves (and little Rosie) heaping plates of syrup-laden pancakes and scrambled eggs and pile around the dining room table. The first part of breakfast is light and filled with compliments for the chef (that I humbly accept) before we get to the meat of the discussion after a question from Chrys.

    Chrys: So, Olive, how did you meet Ken and Mary?

    Olive: Well...

    She glances at Mary, who nods. It's time.

    Olive: I actually didn't meet Ken until last night. Rosie and I sheltered here from the storm... and from our pursuers.

    Chrys blinks and Anthe perks up.

    Chrys: ...your pursuers?

    Olive: That's right. We came here to escape from some bad people.

    Chrys: Oh dear. Not your parents, I hope.

    Olive: No, but they're not reliable either. I'm talking about... well, you saw the news about the Alletown Art Museum, right?

    At that point, Anthe leaps out of her seat, pointing dramatically at a stunned Mary.

    Anthe: Ah ha! I knew it!

    Mary: H-huh!? Knew what!?

    Anthe: You're a phantom thief, aren't you!? What did you steal from the art museum!?

    Oh good, she's on the wrong track. Mary must realize that too, since she relaxes at once.

    Mary: Hahaha, oh you have quite the imagination, Anthe! But no, this was a one-time thing. As for what I stole, it'd be more accurate to ask who I stole. She's one of our little guests. Right, Rosie?

    Rosie nods, and Chrys and Anthe look back and forth between her and Mary, growing only more confused in their expressions. I can't blame them, since I'm missing some context too.

    So, let's give them some.

    (What point should be emphasized as Mary, Olive, and Sarah recount their battle against Viticulture? This is what Chrys and Anthe, mostly Chrys, will be focusing on. Choose one.)
    [] Hostile Magical Girls are searching the city for Rosie... can you help us track them? We've seen them.
    [] We don't know anything about Rosie's family... let's see if we can find them. Do you have any ideas?
    [] Rosie was kept in the Alletown Art Museum and is staying here for now, but needs something permanent.
    [] (something else...? write-in)

    QM Note: Votes can be combined via the write-in, but this will limit Chrys' ability to help out on any particular thing. I'll keep this vote open for a few days.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • I'll be voting later, but another sweet chapter! I like the new characters— Anthe in particular is pretty cool.
     
    It's best if Rosie's safety is prioritized over anything else.

    My vote:
    [X] Rosie was kept in the Alletown Art Museum and is staying here for now, but needs something permanent.
     
    [X] Rosie was kept in the Alletown Art Museum and is staying here for now, but needs something permanent.
     
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