I dont have any big concerns or questions. I was hoping to see more votes as well, I feel a little self-conscious being the only one to vote on a quest, but ultimately I try to trust the whole "only provide options you're willing to write" in things like this / that a bad ending isnt the end
I dont have any big concerns or questions. I was hoping to see more votes as well, I feel a little self-conscious being the only one to vote on a quest, but ultimately I try to trust the whole "only provide options you're willing to write" in things like this / that a bad ending isnt the end
I ultimately figured it was probably more like, poor timing of when various people became inactive or irl stuff yknow?
it's generally a safer assumption than "oh god does this update suck" yknow?
I also know some people wait til the last day, and oops window closes.
To be honest, for quests like these, I usually would want some discussion to happen.
But due to being in an original setting. You can't just make a discussion based on pre-existing knowledge. You need to actually think things through to get the optimal outcome out of the situation.
That's why this quest is less popular than say, Puella Magi Altera Factio. In that quest, conflict has not really set in yet. While in this quest, ramifications occur with how Molly and Jack are handled, not to mention how the ending of this route can affect the others.
So yeah, I should probably be the one who makes discussions happen.
@Solarstream, I have suggestions. How about you make information about Kentarou's IC knowledge like characters he met during the quest? That way, the readers don't need to reread the quest if they want to get that juicy lore. It's also good if you make a progress chart just like what actual VNs usually do. Tracking down the progress of Kentarou's decisions and how an IC-friendly list of what Kentarou knew was affected by his decisions.
@Solarstream, I have suggestions. How about you make information about Jack's IC knowledge like characters he met during the quest? That way, the readers don't need to reread the quest if they want to get that juicy lore. It's also good if you make a progress chart just like what actual VNs usually do. Tracking down the progress of Jack's decisions and how an IC-friendly list of what Jack knew was affected by his decisions.
While this is true, I do wonder if it would help if we tried to put together a recap of information.
Stuff like the dramatis personnae, who is involved with who
it makes me feel a bit like doing a reread of the whole quest so far and trying to put together a character web
At 18+ updates, I do think a recap update wouldn't be the worst idea.
Also eeee we're 6 months out from a year of Fruit of the Shadowflower!! Which means we're 6 months into this quest!
One morning, Kentarou (Ken) Kennedy stopped to appreciate his childhood friend and neighbor Mary Raffles' flower garden....
A new bouquet of entwined futures bloomed from that moment...
Lulu Drake / Orange Lily, Flower of Hatred
Day 1, Friday (Parts 1-6):
Mary invited Ken over, and Ken selected the Orange Lily for her garden
Ken learned the symbolism of the Orange Lily
Ken decided to investigate the recent disappearances and murders of Diamondwood High School (DHS) students, including one Lulu Drake, a girl that he would have taught
Ken and his niece Sarah Kennedy visited Diamondwood High School and were given a tour and information by Florence, one of the teachers and Ken's acquaintance from high school
Ken and Sarah learned that Lulu was being bullied by several of the missing/dead students, with one of the ringleaders having been Jack Dunbar
Florence connected Rosalyn O'Keefe, one of Lulu's friends, with Ken and Sarah
A mysterious stranger with orange lizard-like eyes stalked a nervous Sarah and a confused Ken, and was chased away by a DHS student
Sarah convinced Ken not to chase down the two girls, and the two turned in for the night
Day 2, Saturday (Parts 6-12):
Ken went to meet with Sarah for an explanation
Sarah revealed the existence of magic to Ken
Ken convinced Sarah to continue helping with the investigation
Sarah gave Ken a mojo (prayer pouch) for protection
Sarah suspected that the dragon girl was none other than Lulu, and that she was also behind the deaths and disappearances
Ken and Sarah checked on and interviewed Charlotte Drake, Lulu's mom
Charlotte revealed that the school had not supported her and that Molly Knight was the other main bully
Rosalyn contacted Ken and met up with him and Sarah
Sarah revealed the existence of magic to Rosalyn
Lulu revealed herself as the dragon girl to Ken, Sarah, and Rosalyn
Molly was revealed as Lulu's pursuer and chased Lulu away to fight her
Molly and Sarah revealed themselves as Magical Girls
An Early End was observed: Molly killed Ken, and was then killed by Lulu
Molly was chased away by Lulu and Sarah while Ken hid Rosalyn away
Violet revealed her magical ability, a lie-absorbing scent
Lulu revealed that she was killed by Molly and Jack after being kidnapped and locked up in DHS
Lulu revealed that someone brought her back to life (Rosalyn had also seen this person)
Lulu confirmed that she was attacking the other students, being out for revenge
Lulu revealed that her soul is possessing her stuffed dragon plush Lily and that she'll pass on after her vengeance is completed
Ken tried to talk Lulu out of it... she remained committed to vengeance, but seemed willing to change her approach...
Sarah, who opposed Lulu, committed to taking away Molly's magic tiara and forcing Molly and Jack to confess their crimes
The group committed to returning Lulu's body to her mom and giving her a proper burial
Day 3, Sunday (Parts 12-17):
Ken had a thematic dream
Ken remembered that he can play the piano pretty well
Ken got Mary to admit that she was the one who revived Lulu after mentioning her and Molly
Ken and Mary went to Sunshine Park together
Ken filled Mary in on the investigation and was advised to let her destroy the tiara
Mary revealed the existence of Viticulture, her enemies, to Ken
Mary promised to help with Lulu, but only if Lulu approves of the plan
Ken saw a weird dog named Sapphire and it talked with Mary...!?
Ken and Mary spent the rest of the day together having fun in Sunshine Park
Ken decided not to reconnect with Chrys Stevens, another old friend from high school
Ken decides that he wants to know everything, even if Mary doesn't want that for him
Ken brought Mary to meet Sarah, Aster, Violet, and Lulu
Aster revealed her magical ability, a kindness-promoting scent
Mary revealed that she harnessed Lulu's rage and hatred as a transformative power
Lulu committed to exposing Molly and Jack to the world, and then killing them afterwards if they refuse to acknowledge what they've done
The group agreed with Lulu's request to find her body first once night falls on Monday
Sarah and Lulu decided to search together while Ken interrogated Jack with Florence present and the rest (Mary, Violet, and Aster) agreed to watch over Rosalyn
Aster, Mary, Sarah, and Violet all realized they had a common enemy in Viticulture and had a private discussion without Ken present... and Ken decided to leave them be for now
Day 4, Monday (Parts 17-24):
Ken returned to Diamondwood High School in order to interrogate Jack, leaving Sarah and Lulu to sneak in and search for Lulu's body
Using Violet's floral incense, Ken was able to get Jack to confess to being involved in Lulu's disappearance
Jack realized that Ken had access to magic and ran off
Ken requested backup from Mary before trying to track down Jack with Florence and Henry (another teacher)
Jack pulled the alarm as he retreated, forcing everyone out of the school and Lulu into her plush form
Ken was chased down by security guards sent by Jack and then saved by the masked 'Red', Mary's backup
Red knocked out the guards and then she and Ken retreated to the school grounds
Molly realized that something was amiss and cut the power, then demanded that Lulu face her
Ken and Red remained hidden while Sarah tracked down Molly and had her reveal the location of Lulu's body
Red gave Ken magic masks to conceal his and Sarah's faces before leaving to distract the guards
Lulu and Sarah arrived with a captive Molly and Sarah took away her tiara
Lulu, supported by Ken and Sarah, exposed Molly and Jack to a curious audience
In the end, Molly admitted to killing Lulu, and then attempted to run away and escape consequences
Lulu and Sarah chased after Molly while Ken (as The Floriagrapher) interrogated Jack some more, learning that Viticulture is led by White Lily and Blue Cornflower and has around 10 members
Lulu and Molly fought, but Molly lost and was dragged back to face consequences
Molly and Jack were taken away by three friendly guards, but not before Molly swore vengeance on Sarah
Lulu began to fade away, so Lulu, Ken, and Srah regrouped with Rosalyn, Mary, Aster, and Violet
Lulu said her goodbyes to Sarah and Rosalyn in a secluded park and asked Sarah to watch over Rosalyn, Molly, and Jack and for Rosalyn her to say goodbye to her mom for her before vanishing
Mary destroyed the Knight family tiara in front of everyone using her monstrous magic before departing, followed by Ken
Ken filled Mary in on what happened at Diamondwood while the others stayed with Rosalyn
Days 5-8, Tuesday to Friday (Part 25; End):
News of what happened at Diamondwood High School hit the press
Molly and Jack were expelled and Principal Dunbar stepped down
Charlotte recused herself from the public eye
Rosalyn began having odd dreams due to Lulu's plushie, and Ken advised her to return it to Charlotte while also explaining how she got it
Sarah and Mary started working together in earnest to investigate Viticulture
I'm pretty happy with this, and I'm normally reading, but I've quickly learned how easy it is to be an invisible reader. You're doing great! One of the only two quests I actively follow right now.
Honestly, I forget how important commenting is until I post my own updates and look at the yawning void and remember "Oh yeah, I should tell the other writers I'm reading I appreciate their work.
This is me doing that. It's fun, exciting, engaging.
Do you have a favorite part you've written so far?
On phone and on a train right now; can't write much.
One thing I noticed about your quests is that they have complex structure and meaningful choices. Now, most writers claim the choices they offer have substantial impact on the way the story goes, but here it is also true of choices you wouldn't normally suspect of mattering much. There are even some that carry over to next routes.
Unfortunately, it is rare that one can tell what influence a choice would have on the story in any given moment. The mechanism that allows the players to guide the narrative is not transparent most of the time. Which is... fine, I suppose? Especially in this format where you know there will be more routes to tackle the mystery, and that you aren't supposed to get everything on first try.
But that also leads to an experimental mindset. I pick options more or less at random, so long as they develop the story. I am not working for the best ending; I want to get to an ending to understand the gears that make it all turn. I don't have a preference for most of the choices on offer.
And that leads to there being little to discuss.
Brb, need to copy the vote from the previous page, and there is barely any reception here.
[x] I then suggest having Lulu swap to her plush form and letting Sarah continue on, which the two are quite happy to do. [x] We need to find Jack... but take out the guards before we look.
This spreads us a little thin, as Molly likely pulled the alarm to avoid facing Sarah and Lulu. They will play into her trap. On the other hand, we are in the final chapters. It's time we forced a confrontation.
[x] I then suggest having Lulu swap to her plush form and letting Sarah continue on, which the two are quite happy to do. [x] We need to find Jack... but take out the guards before we look.
One thing I noticed about your quests is that they have complex structure and meaningful choices. Now, most writers claim the choices they offer have substantial impact on the way the story goes, but here it is also true of choices you wouldn't normally suspect of mattering much. There are even some that carry over to next routes.
Unfortunately, it is rare that one can tell what influence a choice would have on the story in any given moment. The mechanism that allows the players to guide the narrative is not transparent most of the time. Which is... fine, I suppose? Especially in this format where you know there will be more routes to tackle the mystery, and that you aren't supposed to get everything on first try.
But that also leads to an experimental mindset. I pick options more or less at random, so long as they develop the story. I am not working for the best ending; I want to get to an ending to understand the gears that make it all turn. I don't have a preference for most of the choices on offer.
Ah, I see. I try to avoid having clearly best options for narrative quests unless there's a reason that actively choosing it would be important. But I could definitely try and add context for options that'll lead to more intentional voting.
Honestly, I forget how important commenting is until I post my own updates and look at the yawning void and remember "Oh yeah, I should tell the other writers I'm reading I appreciate their work.
yuuuup my mood exactly.
when I started getting back to the idea of writing fic years ago I quickly realized just how important it could be to other people to do liveblog style reactions, beyond just going "here is what you could change from my subjective perspective"
yuuuup my mood exactly.
when I started getting back to the idea of writing fic years ago I quickly realized just how important it could be to other people to do liveblog style reactions, beyond just going "here is what you could change from my subjective perspective"
Winning vote: [X] I then suggest having Lulu swap to her plush form and letting Sarah continue on, which the two are quite happy to do.
[X] We need to find Jack... but take out the guards before we look.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (19)
Me: Hey, miss, what's your name!?
I quickly walk up to my mysterious savior while the two guards slowly approach, one with cuffs in hand for us both and the other with a baton at the ready. I need something to refer to her by while we make our escape. There's no way I can allow us to get arrested here, not while Sarah still has to deal with Molly and Jack is still on the loose. I can trust Sarah to handle herself, though it's not like she has much of a choice in this situation. Her only possible support is either Mary, who she doesn't fully trust, or this unknown woman.
Speaking of, she keeps me behind her so that I can't see her face. But at least she answers my question.
Red: You may call me Red for now. Kentarou, where are we going?
Me: We need to go find Jack. He's gone outside somewhere.
Guard #1: Huh!? You're not going anywhere, pal!
He brandishes his cuffs and makes ready to put them on Red.
Me: Red, can you handle them?
Red: Of course.
Me: ...and leave them alive?
Red: ...if you wish.
I don't like that hesitation, but I guess I have to take it.
Guard #2: 'Handle' us? And what exactly do you mean by...!?
He cuts himself off as she rushes him!
Guard #2: Gah!? Bob, help me out!
Guard #1: Hold on Jim, I need a sec!
For a second, I think that she's about to tackle him, and Jim must have thought the same thing, as he steps back and swings his baton down at her. But that's what she wanted. In one swift motion, she crashes her left hand into his right, knocks his baton out of his grasp, snatches it up with her free hand, and then strikes him with it! Bob doesn't escape either – he's just barely in range to get bowled over by Jim as he goes down.
Guards: Agh!?
She then, for good measure, hits them both. This time in the stomach, and hard!
Alright, they'll be in too much pain to pursue us, so let's get out of here!
Me: Follow me, Red!
I then run off and she follows behind, leaving the two downed guards behind.
This time, I can catch a glimpse of her rosy face – she's masked in petaled red, and her eyes are the same bloody shade. I have no idea why she didn't want me to see this – I don't recognize her eyes at all. Did I really know her before? Or am I mixing her up with someone else I've lost contact with. It's not like there's a lack of people like that...
No, I can't worry about that now. Where's Jack!?
By now it's full dark, so the school is fully lit up. Red and I are dashing down an exterior hallway bright under electric torchlights. The bells, bells, bells are still ringing, ringing, ringing. They're still loud but I've managed to tune them out and Red seems unfazed by them. I've entirely lost Jack's trail, but our best hope is to dash outside and take a look around.
The instant I do so, I immediately have to grab Red's hand and drag her behind a cluster of trees and out of sight from more guards.
We're still and silent.
The moments pass as they chat.
Guard #3: You both heard that?
Guard #4: Yeah, they're nearby.
Guard #5: Let's check inside first.
They dash inside the school.
I breathe out a sigh of relief, but it's short-lived. More sounds of crashing glass echo in the distance.
And suddenly the world grows dark as all the lights go out at once!
I hear shouts of confusion and concern before flashlights click on. I almost reach for my phone and do the same, but stop just in time. Wouldn't do to give away my location now of all times. Strangely, the alarm is still going off despite the power outage – it must have a backup somewhere. I wait for the guards and their lights to get completely out of sight before peeking out.
Me: Looks like the coast is clear...
And in the distance by the main gate, where more flashlights are on, there's a big crowd. Jack is among them, as are Florence, Henry, and many guards, three of whom are accompanying him specifically. The rest are casually looking around, expecting that I'll have to come to them to escape the school grounds.
Me: ...but we have a new problem. Take a look.
Red's eyes shimmer faintly, so she only takes a quick look before shutting her eyes.
Red: I see... Kentarou, I could also subdue those guards.
I gave her a look.
Me: All of them?
She nods. Well, that's good to know. But then... what exactly do I want to do here? I found Jack, but now what? The whole point of this was to expose him and Molly, but without Lulu's body... is there something else we can do here? There's a crowd, so I could denounce him before them, but will they believe me? ...no, not without Rosalyn there as well. Between Mary and Red, she'll be safe, and that's not accounting for Sarah's return and Lulu's recovery.
Speaking of, there's a sudden buzzing from my pocket once more.
I pick up the phone and there's my niece again. Someone's screaming in the background. It's Molly!
I tune that out and focus on what's important. We speak in soft whispers as best we can, despite the blaring bells.
Me: Sounds like you found her.
Sarah: No, she found me. She's been looking for Lulu. I'll be quite a shock to her system Uncle, I'll have her lead me to Lulu's body. But are you still in the building?
Me: We're outside. The guards chased us out.
Sarah: ...who's we???
Me: Mary called in backup for me.
Sarah: Oh, so the mystery woman is real after all? That's good to know. Anyway, what happened to Jack and where can I find you?
Me: Jack ran outside too. As for where we are...
I poke my head out from behind the tree cover... and promptly remember that I don't actually know my way around the school. I hope my vague impressions are good enough. We're outside the main building and Jack is in the distance hanging by the main gate. Red and I will have to sneak our way around the guards and past a few towers to reach him, but reach him we can. The main issues will be dealing with said guards and then confronting the kid himself.
Sarah: Understood. Alright, uncle, I'm going. We'll bring Lulu's body to you. Where will you be?
And after I give her my answer...
(Choose your approach, and thus who will confront Jack and Molly.) [] Red and I will stay hidden on campus and wait for Sarah to return. It's the safest approach since Jack isn't going anywhere at the moment.
[] Red and I will instead regroup with the others, and wait for Sarah to arrive with Lulu and Molly. Then we'll all confront Jack together.
[] Red and I will emerge from hiding and make a scene, drawing in the guards so Red can take them out. Sarah and Lulu will handle Jack.
[] (perhaps there is another approach?)
...I hang up and let her go with a wish of good luck.
QM Note: I would like to close this vote at the following time –
.
I don't want to give Jack time to pull anything. The school all but belongs to him.
There is value in confronting everyone as a group, but the presence of human guards on the scene can potentially make a mess of things. They won't look idly at our intervention, and assaulting them on school grounds makes us look bad, a bunch of violent troublemakers. This might make it harder to get a confession out of Jack.
Besides, I'd rather avoid resorting to magic in front of witnesses, and a large confrontation might prove... chaotic.
I am for splitting the enemy and defeating them in detail while the rest of us corner Jack. With no one to hide behind, and the evidence of his misdeeds thrust in his face (and a little truth serum from Sarah) he is bound to crack.
[x] Red and I will emerge from hiding and make a scene, drawing in the guards so Red can take them out. Sarah and Lulu will handle Jack.
Winning vote: [X] Red and I will stay hidden on campus and wait for Sarah to return. It's the safest approach since Jack isn't going anywhere at the moment.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (20)
The moments slip by into minutes.
Red and I keep hidden. There's plenty that we could do, but every action carries with it a risk. Doing nothing is the path of safety. That's why I've been doing it for so long in my own life the two of us are going to stay put and wait for Sarah to arrive with Molly in tow. I have the utmost faith in my niece to deliver. With bells still ringing, she'll be on her own, but she'll be enough.
Actually, on that note...
Me: Red, would you go and support Sarah if she needed it?
Red: ...I would not. I was directed to stay by your side, Kentarou.
Huh, I thought Mary and Sarah were working together now? Or maybe they're still working things out. I try to convince Red that I'll be fine without her, but she's having none of it. That actually ends up working in her favor only a few moments later. Two guards come by, and I have to direct her around them to avoid blowing our cover. We move from behind trees to around the corner of a nearby building. Thankfully, these towers are all squares.
I try the door. Locked! Badges only.
Me: Tch! Looks like we'll just have to keep moving around...
Red nods in understanding and offers me her hand.
She's cold to the touch.
Red: Understood. Please lead me, Kentarou.
We spend the next few minutes like this, darting and dashing just out of sight of the searchers, but always with our own target in view. Jack must be supremely confident that he'll come out on top.
We won't let that happen!
...though, I'm not doing too much at this point. Sarah's handling the last part.
All I can do for now is wait.
(And as he waits, let's see how the others are faring...)
Mary's POV
Me: All we can do for now is wait.
Rosalyn: You're certain? There's nothing else you can do?
I nod. It's a lie, of course, but they don't need to know that. Not when I'm still trying to lay low. Besides, my other dolls lack any combat ability, so they're better off staying away. Thankfully, Rosalyn, Aster, and Violet all take me at my word. I should be thankful to be around such trusting girls...
...and I am~! If only Sarah was so trusting... but no matter. I'll bring her to my side later, somehow.
Since we're all here hiding behind some trees and waiting for good news, I'll say something to reassure Rosalyn anyway.
Me: Besides, I trust in Lulu and Sarah to see this through. The two of them are more than enough to take down the White Camellia Shadowflower.
After all, I was long ago, and I was never the best at fighting. Not like that woman.
Rosalyn: Well, if you're sure, Mary, then... okay!
Her sparkling green eyes settled in a determined gaze. That's something I like to see!
Rosalyn: You're right! They'll definitely come back with Molly in tow!
Aster: And hopefully with Jack as well!
Violet: Though that crowd will be an issue...
Me: Ah, they don't matter. They don't care about us.
Indeed. The four of us aren't hiding that far away from campus, but none of these guards or cops are paying us any mind. It's not even my doing; they're genuinely focused on apprehending Kenny. There's got to be dozens of cops here. Gross. I'd bet any amount of money that a bunch of them are on Viticulture's pay roll as well. I hate having rich enemies...
Violet: Well, it's not like they know we're here. But I'm worried about something else... do you think Viticulture will send in reinforcements for Molly and Jack?
I shake my head with a smirk on my face. I'd laugh, but – stealth.
Me: Not as long as they don't realize I'm here. I don't even think they know that Sarah's here.
Aster: Then, as long as they think Lulu's on her own, they think Molly's enough? Are the White Camillia's abilities really so fearsome? You didn't sound impressed last night...
Rosalyn: Huh? Mary, have you fought against Molly before?
Me: No, but I've fought one of her relatives. Beat her too.
I elect not to mention that I also killed her.
Me: Her magic is a straightforward weapon developed by a straightforward person. With that frost-covered tiara on her head, she can transform herself into an ice-cold killer. She'll be able to cloak herself in an ice-armor and form frost-covered weapons. The last wielder only made a shield and sword combo with it, but... the power of magic is only limited by one's personality and imagination. It should be capable of far more.
Violet: Hmmm... so then, that's why you want to destroy it?
Me: Of course. Viticulture can't be allowed to use it anymore.
Aster: Ummm... but if it's really so powerful, why not take it?
Me: ...
I ought to just dismiss the idea, but... it is quite tempting to use Viticulture's own powers against them. Then again, who would I even give that power to? I don't need it, and neither do the rest of our group. Rosalyn's an option, but Lulu would be upset. Sapphire would reject it out of hand, and I like my dolls how they are. I suppose there is one option, but whether or not she'd take it is another question. She and her sister also have a grievance against Viticulture, after all.
Ah, but I should answer. I'm getting curious stares.
Me: Because I'd rather deny it to anyone, and not just out of spite. For all we know, it'll warp your mind and make you follow their orders.
Rosalyn: ...do you think Molly is like that? Just following orders?
Yet again, I would laugh, but – stealth.
Me: Oh no, not at all. I think her harassment was all natural. And naturally, she'll get what's coming to her. You'll see~!
Only Rosalyn seems satisfied by that. Violet and Aster seem unsettled by my nonchalance. But there's no reason to hold back against the killers in Viticulture.
Not when they would go all out against you.
Sarah's POV
-GONG! GONG! GONG!-
The sound of these ringing bells as an all-out assault on my ears. I could go the rest of my life without ever having to hear bells outside of a church or a concert ever again. I look down at Lulu, snug in my little purse. I can't tell how she's doing in her plush form – she can't speak and her eyes sparkle with the same fire as ever. But given that she hasn't switched out of this even with Molly crashing around nearby, the noise must hurt her terribly.
-CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!-
And speaking of noise...
Molly: WHERE ARE YOU, LULU!? COME OUT, YOU COWARD!
...Molly's been stomping her away around the school, convinced that Lulu's around somewhere. I have no idea why or how she came to this conclusion, but I'm more than happy to prove her right. Lulu is here, but she's not fighting alone anymore.
I'm on her side now.
Granted, we don't always see eye to eye but...
...here and now, that doesn't matter.
What matters is ensnaring Molly.
I take a deep breath and step out of this supply closet. The door creaks as I shut it. Molly either doesn't hear it or doesn't care. I walk beneath her, slow enough not to be heard and fast enough to keep pace. As I do so I pray. I beseech the heavens for the power that I need – the power of holy magic!
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!
The air shimmers around me as purple fabric ripples into being. My new dress fits me oh so well. Christ's purple light flows through me, glowing softly upon my hard surroundings. Molly can't ignore me now, not when I'm no longer bothering to hide myself.
But even as she suddenly stops and shouts...
Molly: YOU'RE HERE TOO!? WHERE-!?
...it's too late for her.
After all, I don't need to fight fair.
Molly: -AAAAAAAAAAA-!?
I don't even need to fight at all.
I was given three gifts, only one of which I call upon here. My vines, covered with Holy Thorns, extend from my dress, and crash into the ceiling. I could be surgical about it, but there's no need. Instead, I command the vines to thrash apart the ceiling. While the outside is all metal and glass, the inside is much less durable. I tear the panels apart, and Molly comes crashing down.
I catch her before she slams her head into the floor, and roll her up into a bundle. Too careful to break her, but not careful enough to stop a stray thorn from stinging her.
Me: I'm here. And so are you. Now then, how about you take us to where you left Lulu's body?
She tries to struggle out, but trying to escape only ensnares her further.
Molly: Ow!? Agh! Let me go, now!
The air around us grows cold. Is she trying to freeze the vines and then break out? Her sword and shield have shattered into small pieces, but she must be able to make another pair. That or someone else did it for her, as Lulu melted her old weapons down into puddles. Or maybe she can make any ice shape she wants?
In any case, I'd better put a stop to that.
Me: Molly.
She ignores me and continues her struggle. So, I start walking. If I don't, I'll never find my way.
Me: If you won't talk, then I guess I'll just have to carry you around until I find the right place. It's not like there's any reason to hurry. Justice will come for you, whether you like it or not.
That gets her attention. She glares at me and the icy aura around her starts to fade away. So, she needs to concentrate to use her power.
Molly: Justice!? I don't want anything to do with your idea of justice, you wannabe murderer!
Me: I'm not here to kill you.
Her green eyes go wide – but not with surprise, it's rage instead.
Molly: LIAR! As if I'd believe that when you're working with her!
She's glaring straight at Lulu as she continues to struggle. I'm sure Lulu has plenty of things she'd like to say in response – about how Molly is right to fear for her life, about how if Molly wanted to live then she shouldn't have become a killer herself, about how death is what Molly deserves. But Lulu's been silenced, and those aren't things that I would say.
Me: I am working with her. But it's because I want to put her to rest. I also want you to stop this. So, if you don't mind telling me where Lulu is so I can bury her...
But she doesn't mind, and spits out her rejection.
Molly: No way! This was over until she started it again! I'll never do anything for her! Not after how she humiliated me!
Oh?
Me: She humiliated you, huh?
She vigorously nods, temporarily ceasing her struggles. Makes it easier on me. Lulu doesn't react at all as Molly continues.
Molly: That's right! I was just minding my own business, but she was always trying to upstage me for no reason! And to make matters worse, she always succeeded, whether in or out of the classroom. So, I tried to take her down a peg, but that didn't stop her at all. If anything, she worked harder to outshine me.
I cut her off.
Me: Take her down a peg?
Molly: Yeah, I had a little chat with her about her place here, but she didn't listen. I had the boys talk to her too, but again – no change. What else was I supposed to do? I can't let her walk around thinking she's better than me!
I doubt she'd think about you at all if you weren't constantly harassing her, Molly.
Me: So why not let her leave? If talking was all you did, then it'd be fine to let her go.
Molly then clams up. I appreciate the silence, but I could use some direction...
Hmm... maybe...
Molly: ...what are you doing?
I ignore her and focus. If Mary used magic to bring Lulu back, then maybe I can sense her out. There might be a faint trace of bitterness lingering in the air. Of course, I'll have to distinguish between Lulu's rage and Molly's hatred. Molly's will be much stronger...
...but not so strong to overpower Lulu.
Molly: You're not going to find her body, you know. It's probably just a pile of dust by now.
Me: So, you did leave her in the school, then.
Molly: It's not like I needed to move her. I have special access to secret chambers. You'll never find the right one without my ID.
I stop in place and turn to look Molly directly in the eyes. She doesn't flinch. The incessant bells are still clanging along, ringing through my body. Oh, I wish I could silence them! And I wish I could get the truth from Molly... and that's a wish I can grant myself. With a special gift, of course – incense sticks from Violet and Aster. I blink as I pull them out of my bag and they're suddenly lit.
Thanks Lulu. This one's for you.
Me: Then give me your ID and tell me where to go.
Molly looks confused, but can't help herself.
Molly: I'll never tell you that she's in the donjon at the top of the North Tower-!? W-what!?
Her eyes go wide again, in horror and shock.
Molly: ...oh, that's what Jack was talking about!
And then the realization sets in.
Molly: ...uhhh, I don't suppose you'd be willing to keep this a secret after you bury Lulu's corpse, hahaha...?
I smile at her, and she only grows more terrified.
As she ought to. I might not be out to kill her, but that doesn't mean I'll hold back against her.
Not when she wouldn't do the same for Lulu.
The minutes pass and my phone suddenly rings. It's Sarah once again. She cuts right to the chase.
Sarah: I have her. We're on our way to get Lulu. Where are you again?
I tell her my location.
Sarah: Got it – we'll head straight there. Are the guards still around?
Me: Yeah, we hid instead of taking them out. Should we fight them?
Sarah: I think...
(May write-in additional details as desired, including dealing with other bystanders / involving the others.) [] ...that we can leave them be. They're part of the audience.
[] ...that we ought to lure them away and then confront Jack and Molly.
[] ...that we should take Jack and Molly out of here.
[] ...that we might want to (write-in)
Here, we're in agreement, so I hang up and stay put.
It's only a matter of time now.
(And as for that confrontation...) [][Finale] Just stick to the facts and let Molly and Jack decide their fates. (favored by Lulu and Rosalyn)
[][Finale] There's no point in holding back. Be as confrontational as possible. (favored by Mary)
[][Finale] There's no point in going overboard. Be firm, but given them an out. (favored by Sarah)
[][Finale] Perhaps you have your own idea...
QM Note: Choosing options favored by Mary and Sarah inclines one towards you and the other away from you for future events. Lulu and Rosalyn is the neutral approach here.
