My vote: [X] ...that we ought to lure them away and then confront Jack and Molly. [X][Finale] Just stick to the facts and let Molly and Jack decide their fates. (favored by Lulu and Rosalyn)
[X] ...that we ought to lure them away and then confront Jack and Molly. [X][Finale] Just stick to the facts and let Molly and Jack decide their fates. (favored by Lulu and Rosalyn)
Audience is there to listen, not to participate. I still favor the plan where we don't let them interfere.
[x] ...that we ought to lure them away and then confront Jack and Molly.
[x][Finale] Just stick to the facts and let Molly and Jack decide their fates. (favored by Lulu and Rosalyn)
[X] ...that we ought to lure them away and then confront Jack and Molly.
[X][Finale] Just stick to the facts and let Molly and Jack decide their fates. (favored by Lulu and Rosalyn)
Winning vote: [X] ...that we ought to lure them away and then confront Jack and Molly.
[X][Finale] Just stick to the facts and let Molly and Jack decide their fates. (favored by Lulu and Rosalyn)
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (21)
Almost all the pieces are in place for Lulu's plan. Jack is still paralyzed with fear from my presence (or rather, my continued absence) and has yet to flee the scene. Molly is now in the hands of my capable niece, and she's on her way here. Both Lulu the wrathful wraith and Lulu the cold corpse are also approaching. And here we have a captive audience – while most of the students, teachers, and staff have departed, quite a few have stuck around. I notice Florence and Henry among them.
Oh, and I'm here too for what it's worth.
The main hangup now is just the presence of the guards. They're still wandering around, in search for Red and I. There's quite a number of them, not that it's helped at all. We've been able to avoid them so far by ducking around and hiding behind convenient cover, but once we make ourselves known they'll stop us for sure. So, Sarah suggests that we lead them away, leaving only the smaller crowd behind. But how do to that...?
I turn to Red.
Me: Do you have any ideas on how to distract them? Maybe you can use your magic?
She briefly turns to look at me with her glowing blood-red eyes before turning them away again. Not sure why; it's not that bright.
Red: Perhaps I can... but perhaps I should simply be the distraction. I'll run and lure them away. You and the others can then approach Jack. Oh, but perhaps you shouldn't let your face be seen... here, have these.
She then hands me two red rose petal masks. I look them over and they seem normal, but I suppose that doesn't stop them from being magic.
Me: So, Sarah and I should wear these? You only gave me two.
Red: That is correct. Lulu will not need one.
...well, yes, she does need to reveal herself for this whole thing to work, I suppose...
Me: Alright. Should only be a few minutes more.
And so it is.
I get another text from Sarah once she finds Lulu's bones and starts heading my way. Not long later, she lets me know that guards are wandering around near her. At once, Red makes her move, dashing into the clearing. She's noticed not long later and draws in attention, just as planned. And soon afterwards...
Molly: You too, huh...
Lulu: Thanks for waiting!
Sarah: Are you ready, uncle?
...a magical trio make their way to my side. Sarah and Lulu walk up together, with Sarah's vines carrying Molly and Lulu holding dearly a bundle of dusty bones. Both Sarah and Molly are in their Magical Girl outfits, while Lulu remains in her casual hoodie and jeans. The air is thick with the two sweet scents, one dry and powdery and the other like balsam and mint. So, Violet's and Aster's incenses had to be combined together, huh?
Me: I am. Red's providing a cover for us.
Molly & Lulu: Who?
Me: Ahhh... don't worry about it.
Molly: Oh no... there's even more of you?
Lulu: That's right...! You should have thought twice before killing me...
Molly: How was I supposed to know about all of this...?
Lulu: You should have known... that killing people is wrong...!
Molly: But you did it too...
Lulu: And that was for my revenge... which will soon be complete. It's over, Molly...
She the points dramatically at the captive ice pseudo-princess.
Lulu: ...I'm going to expose you and Jack to everyone...!
And all the color drains out of Molly's face. She starts trying to struggle out of Sarah's vines, but finds herself wrapped up tight like a little Christmas present. She's not getting out of this, no way.
Molly: No way! Y-you-can't! Sarah, you just said you were going to bury her!
Sarah: And that's the truth. We're going to bury her bones after this is over. This part is to put her spirit at ease. Now let's get this over with, shall we?
Molly: Y-you...! I ought to...!?
Sarah: Oh, and I'll be taking this.
Molly: H-hey!
Sarah removes the tiara from Molly's head, stashing it away, and at once the girl's attire transforms from her magical dress to her school uniform.
Molly: G-give me that back! You can't take it! It belongs to...!
She cuts herself off before she can give something vital away, mouth clamped shut. Too bad, I would have liked to know who gave it to her. Maybe I'll get lucky and be able to ask her later...
In the silence, I hand Sarah one of the red rose masks.
Me: Ah, here, take this. Red said that you and I should wear it. Not sure how useful it'll be for me, but it ought to keep you from being recognized.
Sarah glances at it and shrugs, but then says that it's worth a shot, so we both cover our faces and get going, Lulu loyally and happily following behind.
Molly: Both of you...! You're going to regret this! I'll make sure of it!
Somehow, I doubt that. What can Molly do now? She's back to being an ordinary girl, and soon all of us will be out of her life for good.
There's screaming in the distance from the guards and another set of alarms have gone off. The crowd is getting smaller. But Jack's still there, cradling his phone in his hands like it's his lifeline. If he's expecting Molly to call back, then he's in for quite the surprise.
It takes a bit for anyone in the crowd to notice us, given the general uproar. But once we're noticed...
Unknown #1: W-what the...!? What is that?
Unknown #2: ...hey, that's Molly Knight in those vines, right?
Unknown #3: Is that... Lulu Drake? Just where has she been?
Unknown #4: ...hey, Jack, are you okay? You look pale...
...their attention is solely fixed on us, though more specifically on Molly and Lulu. I can't tell if Florence of Henry recognize me, as they're more concerned with keeping the crowd calm. They don't so much as glance at me. Jack's eyes are wide and he's alternating gazes with a similarly panicked Molly and smugly pleased Lulu. His gaze also smoothly slid off me when he looked my way, so it looks like the masks work after all. I'll have to thank Mary later.
The three guards who did stick around are too confused to act, and mainly stick around the other bystanders. Their batons are out, but limp by their sides. The confused chatter goes silent as Lulu shouts at the crowd.
Lulu: ATTENTION! All of you... play close attention!
They're all mesmerized by her sparkling orange eyes... the eyes of a dragon!
Some chatter in the background, wondering what's up with her eyes. Lulu ignores them. I decide against calling in Rosalyn to join in this moment as Lulu continues, pointing accusing fingers at Jack and Molly.
Lulu: These two students of yours... are cold-blooded killers!
She then holds out in front of her the old and withered skeleton of a young girl. The crowd can't even suspect yet who it must belong to, yet they're looking at it with a mixture of concern and disgust.
It'll only get worse when they learn the truth.
Lulu: These bones belong to their victim... I found them in the school.
Perhaps Florence understands the truth now, as he's suddenly gone pale and brought a hand to his mouth.
But the rest of the crowd is confused, and voices their confusion in a choir of questions. What victim? What is she talking about? Aren't they the victims? Wasn't somebody out for their blood, attacking them? And for that matter, where has she been? Was she attacked too and ended up missing? Then how did she end up here? And...?
Lulu: BE QUIET!!!
The crowd flinches almost as one, and does so.
Lulu lets out a sigh, tinged with flames. More panicked whispers follow, but nothing more than that. They must be aware by now that they're observing something far beyond the ordinary, something they can't have even dreamt of before this moment. Yet no one has run away or picked up their phone. I briefly wonder if it's because of the sweet scents in the air before Lulu continues.
Lulu: I want you all... to be quiet and listen to me...
Lulu must feel stuck. By exposing Molly and Jack, she's also exposing herself. But I suppose she has no choice but to go through with it now that she's made it this far.
The only way out is through.
But I believe in her, and I hope she does too.
Lulu: Yes... these two were also attacked. That was my doing... The deaths of Charles Lawson... Darby Raleigh... Jeremy Lecuyer... and Mitchell Black... were also all my handiwork. I have come here to expose both myself and two others... none other than Molly Knight and Jack Dunbar!
That gets stunned gasps and exclamations. Lulu ignores them and keeps going, as Jack and Molly have yet to speak up.
Lulu: For you see... those deaths... were my revenge! Do you see these bones...?
All nods, several affirmations, a few questions. Some shiver and tremble, some back away.
Molly tries to place the blame solely on Lulu...
Molly: Lulu, poor Lulu! If even they did bully you, there was no need to go so far! Surely, the administration could have helped you.
...but it backfires, as now the crowd is surprised. Bullying? Is that what caused all of this? Many can't believe that those kids would do such a thing... but a few do, mostly teachers and staff. And that's enough to keep the rest listening.
Someone asks if the bones belong to someone close to Lulu.
Instead of answering, Lulu gestures for Sarah to let Molly go and for Jack to come forward. Sarah's surprised, but does so, and an equally surprised Molly goes along with it. She doesn't even make a move for her tiara. Jack is more hesitant but a flame-tinged growl from Lulu gets him to move. The three of them now face the crowd.
Lulu: Tell them who's bones these are. Admit it!
Molly: H-huh!? There's no way they'll believe it!
Jack: T-that's right! You've got no proof of anything!
Lulu: My proof... will be your words! You cannot lie here... you must know that by now. So speak! If you do not... then I will.
Jack remains unnerved, but Molly seems to have regained some of hers. Maybe Aster's fragrance isn't as strong as she thought...
Molly: Ha! You can speak all you want! It doesn't matter! You're already... well, like this! You've even confessed! Guards, guards, come and take her away!
And maybe it's stronger than I thought, as the guards make no such moves. They're not just paralyzed by fear, there's also confusion, concern, and curiosity swimming in their three sets of eyes.
Molly: What are you waiting for!? Who do you think pays your salaries!? Get over here, now!
To my surprise, Lulu nods in agreement. She must be up to something...
Lulu: Yes, take us all away...! All three of us are guilty... we must be judged accordingly.
Jack: H-hold on, not me! It was all Molly's fault! I just did what she wanted!
Molly's head nearly snaps off the way she turns to glare at Jack.
Ah. That was it. Lulu's grin says it all.
Molly: My fault!? You gave me the idea! And you gave me access to your 'special room'!
Jack: You did not need to-!? Ah, um, there's... uh, what she means is...
Molly: What I mean is that you're not dropping this all on me, asshole!
Jack: And why not!? Sure, I helped, but you started it! Your boyfriend said to ignore her; maybe you should have listened!
Molly: And let her walk all over me!? No way!
Lulu: I was doing no such thing...
Molly then rounds on Lulu.
Molly: Ha! Of course, you'd say that now! Trying to make yourself sound blameless! You're the one who didn't listen when I told you to get in your rightful place!
Lulu: Only I decide where my rightful place is... not you, Molly. My grades don't affect you.
Molly: Grrrr... It does when I need to be better than you! So I couldn't let you just walk away! That was why I... I...
Lulu: Go on... say it!
Molly: That was why I killed you! Because I couldn't stand the fact that you were better than me at everything!
She then goes pale and slams her hands over her mouth.
The crowd has been stunned into silence. Horror and disbelief are mixed together. Dead? Lulu? But she's right there! Can it really be true?
The three guards must have heard enough, because they finally move in.
Guard A: Alright, I don't know what exactly is going on, but we're going to need you three to...!?
Molly: No way! I'm not going with you!
She then sprints off in a panic!
Jack: H-hey, wait for... gah!? Hang on!
Jack's unable to follow, tripping over his own feet instead.
But Lulu...
Lulu: No! I won't let you get away...!
...sprints off as well, leaving her bones behind.
We ought to follow her.
(Choose one.) [] In fact, we're only concerned with Molly and Lulu now. Jack's been neutralized. Sarah and I run off before anyone realizes we've left.
[] Perhaps someone should stay behind to explain things a bit further, and get some information from Jack and promise to aid us later.
-[] I'll tail Molly and Lulu, and hope that Red will catch up with me. (She will.)
-[] I'll stay here. Sarah shouldn't have any problems recapturing Molly.
[] ...hey, aren't the others over that way? Have them help out... well, just Mary, since Aster and Violet will need to keep Rosalyn safe. [] Leave Molly to her fate. No. While I do trust Lulu, I'd rather make sure that we bring back Molly alive.
QM Note: I'd like to close the vote in roughly two days from when this was posted. Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on the vote or update. You may write-in things you'd like to say to Jack or demand from him if you stick around. Note that involving Mary here will confirm to Viticulture that she's involved, as opposed to them merely suspecting it.
[X] Perhaps someone should stay behind to explain things a bit further, and get some information from Jack and promise to aid us later.
-[X] I'll stay here. Sarah shouldn't have any problems recapturing Molly.
Thought about leaving Sarah here and was wondering if Lulu vs Molly finale would end up differently without her moderating influence. But... nah, let's give our niece a chance to direct things her way if she can handle it.
[x] Perhaps someone should stay behind to explain things a bit further, and get some information from Jack and promise to aid us later.
-[x] I'll stay here. Sarah shouldn't have any problems recapturing Molly.
Yeah, Ken seems to be the one who's on standby for these kinds of things since he's well... ordinary.
My vote: [X] Perhaps someone should stay behind to explain things a bit further, and get some information from Jack and promise to aid us later.
-[X] I'll stay here. Sarah shouldn't have any problems recapturing Molly.
Scheduled vote count started by Solarstream on May 21, 2024 at 7:26 PM, finished with 5 posts and 3 votes.
[X] Perhaps someone should stay behind to explain things a bit further, and get some information from Jack and promise to aid us later. -[X] I'll stay here. Sarah shouldn't have any problems recapturing Molly.
Winning vote: [X] Perhaps someone should stay behind to explain things a bit further, and get some information from Jack and promise to aid us later.
-[X] I'll stay here. Sarah shouldn't have any problems recapturing Molly.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (22)
Well, one of us ought to follow Molly and Lulu. I briefly think about tailing them myself, but no. I ought to hand this over to my niece, who's already taken her first steps forward. Thankfully, I manage to stop myself before I call her by her real name.
Me: Magical Girl Passionflower, will you...
She gets it at once.
Sarah: ...bring them back here? Of course. Should only be a few minutes. Here, hold on to these for me.
She hands me the two low-burning incense sticks before she departs. My magical niece does not run; she almost glides across the ground, leaving behind only a sweet scent in the air. No one follows her. Jack and the three guards are all now focused on me, while the crowd is split. The spell Lulu had over them, so they've started talking amongst themselves – some doubting, some believing – while others have promptly pulled out their phones and starting making calls and sending texts. They start to leave.
As long as some walk away believing in Lulu, this will all be worth it.
It'll be even more worth it if I can get something out of Jack.
The guards all come up to me with a cuffed young man in tow, and they each have their own reactions.
Guard A: Okay... you... mind explaining what that was all about?
Guard B: Magical Girl Passionflower? You mean like in those shows my daughter likes?
Guard C: No, there's got to be some trick to it! Start talking, now.
They don't seem to know who I am or recognize me, so I better keep it that way.
Me: You can call me...
[][Identity] (write in a fake name or alias here)
[][Identity] Leave this up to the QM, to be decided later.
Me: ...and as for that, well it was Lulu's idea.
Guard C: And you went along with it!?
Me: Of course. You know, this path was chosen after we talked her down from just killing these two.
Jack shudders.
Jack: oh thank god...
We ignore him.
Guard C: Ha! Fat chance she could have done it! These two have had private security covering their houses for the past few days. There's no way a little girl like her would have gotten past them.
Me: Hm, well maybe if she was an ordinary little girl, you'd have a point. But she's not.
Guard C: As if! I bet that...
He doesn't finish, getting cut off by his companion.
Guard A: So... that faint whisp of flames I saw... was that an illusion or something?
I ponder how best to proceed. I could tell them everything I know... which isn't much, but enough of a revelation to likely floor them. Magic and miracles are real, but they're being used by those with ill intent just as much as by those who wish to bring good fortune. But it's not like I want anything from them, nor do I want them more involved in this. So, I'll keep it basic.
Me: That was no illusion. Those flames Lulu made were real.
The third guard rolls his eyes, the second guard looks around as if searching for a camera, and the first guard shivers.
Guard A: Then what, she's a ghost?
I nod.
Guard A: ...we can't arrest a ghost. Can't take her words as testimony either. Although, we do have two confessions directly from the mouths of the culprits.
Me: I'm sure if you talk to certain staff and teachers, you'll find evidence of the bullying. We also have her bones here. Her mom doesn't know about all this, so I'm counting on you all to contact her.
Guard A: Oh, we can do that, no problem.
Guard C: Doesn't know, huh? What kind of rogue agent are you?
Guard B: Man, consider all this, these two are gonna be expelled for sure, huh?
Jack's eyes go wide.
Jack: WHAT!? You can't be serious!
Guard C: I'm afraid so. I don't believe in this Magical Girl nonsense, but I do believe in admissions of guilt, and you both just made big ones. You should be glad that you're not getting hit harder.
Lulu'd sure love to punish them more, I bet. Jack knows it too, as he gulps and nods in agreement.
Me: Well, if you don't mind... I have a few questions for Jack. Mainly because I doubt Molly will answer them.
The lad gives me a skeptical look.
Jack: Huh? What's in it for me? You just got me in a lot of trouble!
Hmm, he's right. I need a good angle for this. Well, if my niece is willing to go along with it, I do have one option. We – meaning, my niece – can offer him protection in case he gets involved in another incident like this. Though, it'll only work if I can convince him that there exists a real threat to him. Maybe Viticulture? It'd be easier if I knew anything about them, but maybe I can bluff my way out of this.
Me: You'll be in more trouble when Viticulture finds out that you and Molly lost her magic tiara.
The three guards all give me blank stares and one even asks what I mean by that, but I ignore them.
Me: Luckily for you, they're also our enemies.
Jack: ...well, you're right that those grannies would be mad. That tiara is a Knight family heirloom. But can't you just give it back? Lulu has what she wants now.
Me: And leave it in Molly's hands? No way. We're destroying it.
Jack shrugs.
Jack: Do what you want. It's got nothing to do with me from here on.
I doubt it. He already knows about magic and about them. But he doesn't seem convinced that they're a danger to him. Maybe that's true and they protect their own. But maybe it's not and he's bluffing. The incense is still lit, so he can't lie, but that doesn't mean that he's forced to say what I want either.
Maybe I should offer him something too? But what?
[][Jack] Hmm... actually, no, there's nothing I'd want to give him, and he's already given me some useful information. I'll just give him a way to contact my niece later and say that if he's ever in trouble, then he should reach out to her. (Select 0 questions below to ask.)
[][Jack] Okay, he must not understand the danger he might be in. I haven't grasped the full depths either, but I know enough to convince him to take this more seriously. That way, he can help us help him... or something like that, anyway. (Select 2 questions below to ask.)
[][Jack] Maybe this isn't a good angle. Luckily, I can take another approach. I'm a home teacher, and while I can't offer him my own services, I can pass him on to other people who will gladly take his family's money for a proper education. (Select 4 questions below to ask.)
[][Questions] How much do you know about Viticulture? (Counts as 2 questions)
[][Questions] Why did you even agree to help Molly?
[][Questions] Who told you about magic in the first place?
[][Questions] What exactly did you two do to Lulu?
[][Questions] (write-in)
QM Note: Next update ends the scene at the school and continues wrapping up this route. As for the vote, I should have realized earlier that Jack would be uncooperative, and so I'll let you all decide if you actually want him to remain involved or not.
Alright, here's my vote. Don't know if this will be finished, but it should be enough. Also, the nickname is short and bland but easy enough to remember.
Edit: Well, here's my attempt at a flashy title for Ken.
Edit 2: Considering the fact that flowers seem to play a huge part in the magic of this setting. I guess I chose this for his flashy name.
Edit 3: Well, here's the last edit. Thanks Solarstream!
My vote:
[x] [][Identity] (The Flower Lover's Friend, The Friend for short)
[x] [][Jack] Maybe this isn't a good angle. Luckily, I can take another approach. I'm a home teacher, and while I can't offer him my own services, I can pass him on to other people who will gladly take his family's money for a proper education. (Select 4 questions below to ask.)
[x] [][Questions] (Know if the magic can be used by boys?)
[x] [][Questions] Why did you even agree to help Molly?
[x] [][Questions] What exactly did you two do to Lulu?
[x] [][Questions] (How are you sure you're protected from magic? For all you know, someone may have altered your mind and you never realize it.)
i don't anticipate there being much to vote on before this route ends, so probably the next few updates will lack them until it's time to switch to the next route
Got distracted, sorry. These notification posts are a good way to attract attention.
Wouldn't want to lift a finger for Jack. Give him the idea of what might happen to him, and if he isn't impressed, that's his luck.
[x][Jack] Okay, he must not understand the danger he might be in. I haven't grasped the full depths either, but I know enough to convince him to take this more seriously. That way, he can help us help him... or something like that, anyway. (Select 2 questions below to ask.)
[x][Questions] How much do you know about Viticulture? (Counts as 2 questions)
No preference as to our alias.
[x][Identity] Leave this up to the QM, to be decided later.
